KR20010014405A - Absorbent article with multi-layered extensible wings - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention discloses an absorbent article having wings (or side flaps) for wearing in undergarments, such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, incontinence devices. The absorbent article typically has a liquid permeable topsheet, a liquid impermeable backsheet bonded to the topsheet, and an absorbent core located between the topsheet and the backsheet. In one embodiment, the flap consists of an extension of the top sheet and the back sheet. The extension of the top sheet and back sheet is provided with an extensible portion thereof. At least a portion of the stretchable portion of the topsheet and backsheet is located inside the longitudinal side edge of the absorbent core of the absorbent article.

Description

ABSORBENT ARTICLE WITH MULTI-LAYERED EXTENSIBLE WINGS}

Absorbent products such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, incontinence pads are designed to absorb and retain liquids and other secretions secreted from the body and to prevent contamination of the body and clothing. Sanitary napkins are a form of absorbent product worn by women and are usually located between the wearer's legs, adjacent to the perineal part of the body.

Typically, most of the disposable absorbent articles of the type described above are of an unstretched material. That is, the material (and the product itself) is not drawn from the force normally applied when worn.

As the absorbent product is not stretchable, such products have many serious drawbacks. One of the most serious disadvantages is that the wearer cannot be as comfortable as possible. The wearer can conceptually recognize the difference between a product that is stretched to fit its movement and body and a product that cannot be stretched. Since a conventional sanitary napkin cannot be stretched or move with the wearer's undergarment, the sanitary napkin moves in the undergarment. Providing extensibility to the sanitary napkin allows the sanitary napkin to deform and remain in place in accordance with the wearer's undergarment.

Some patent publications disclose absorbent articles having various components that are extensible. These efforts were made to Schwartz, US Pat. No. 2,701,567 to Smith, US Pat. No. 3,570,493 to Olsson, US Pat. No. 3,653,382 to Easley et al. U. S. Patent No. 3,717, 150, U. S. Patent 4,013, 816 to Sabee et al., U. S. Patent 4,041, 949 to Kozak, U. S. Patent 4,166, 464 to Kopman, Hall. US Pat. No. 4,533,357 to US Pat. No. 4,573,991 to Pieniak et al., US Pat. No. 4,578,070 to Holtman, US Pat. 4,596,570, US Pat. No. 4,655,760 to Morman et al., US Pat. No. 4,731,066 to Korpman, US Pat. No. 4,847,134 to Farenkrug et al., Farenkuruk et al. U.S. Patent 4,891,258, U.S. Patent 4,965,122 to Morman, U.S. Patent 4,992,324 to Dube, U.S. Patent 5,011,480 to Groensens et al., Morris, et al. It is described in European Patent Application No. 0 450 541 A2, published in the name of.

Some of the documents listed above also disclose absorbent articles having one or more extensible components. More recently, various embodiments of absorbent articles, such as sanitary napkins consisting solely of stretchable components to adapt to the movement of the wearer and his undergarment, have been described in March 1997 under the name "Stretchable Absorbent Articles." 18, US Pat. No. 5,611,790 to Osborn et al. In addition, improved materials are being developed for use in absorbent products.

For example, US Pat. No. 5,518,801 to Chappell et al., Dated May 21, 1996, entitled "Web Materials Exhibiting Elastic-Like Behavior," provides elastic-like behavior. Web materials exhibiting behavior and absorbent products incorporating such materials are disclosed. U.S. Patent No. 5,560,878, issued to Dragoo et al. On October 1, 1996, entitled "Method and Apparatus for Making Stretchable Absorbent Articles" An absorbent material is disclosed. PCT Publication No. WO 95/20931, published under the name "Absorbent Articles" on August 10, 1995 in the name of Osborne et al., Is an improvement for keeping the product in contact with the wearer's body. A stretchable absorbent article having a mechanism. Nevertheless, research for improved modification of absorbent products and absorbent cores continues.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an absorbent article, such as an improved sanitary napkin, which is extensible, more preferably elastically extensible.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin that is elastically stretchable in multiple directions.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an extensible absorbent with an improved mechanism to avoid some of the problems which adversely affect the general highly flexible absorbent articles, such as the undesirable tendency of the end region of the absorbent article to fold over the remainder. To provide a product.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an absorbent article that has a stretchability in a diagonal direction that accepts the force exerted on the article when the article walks or moves to a similar extent when the article is attached to the undergarment of the wearer.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved absorbent core for stretchable absorbent articles.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an absorbent article having a side flap or wing having a stretchable portion to relieve the stress applied to the sanitary napkin when the flap wraps around the side edge of the wearer's undergarment.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an extensible absorbent article having an improved type of extensible crimp seal that combines the extensible components of the absorbent article while still making it extensible.

The above and other objects of the present invention will become more apparent with reference to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention provides absorbent articles that are extensible in multiple directions and preferably elastically stretchable, such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, incontinence devices, and which are worn in undergarments.

Multi-directional stretchable absorbent articles include one longitudinal centerline, one transverse centerline, a pair of longitudinal side edges, a pair of end edges, a first end region, a second end region, a first and a second It has an intermediate region existing between the terminal regions. An absorbent article that is extensible in multiple directions preferably has a main body comprising two or more regions capable of stretching in different directions, at least one of which, preferably two or more, for a force of about 500 g or less Elongation is 25%. The main body portion of the absorbent article which can be stretched in multiple directions is preferably a liquid permeable top sheet which can be stretched in multiple directions, a liquid impermeable backsheet which can be stretched in multiple directions, at least partly coupled to the periphery of the top sheet, It includes an absorbent core capable of stretching in multiple directions located between the sheet and the backsheet.

In one preferred embodiment, the main body portion of the absorbent article capable of stretching in multiple directions has an intermediate region capable of preferential stretching in the transverse direction. The first and second terminal regions preferably each have three stretchable regions, namely a first stretchable region, a second stretchable region, and a third stretchable region. The first extensible region in the distal region is disposed along at least a portion of the longitudinal centerline adjacent to one of the distal edges of the main body portion. The first stretchable region is preferentially stretchable in the transverse direction. The second extensible region is disposed laterally outward of at least a portion of the first extensible region relative to one side of the first extensible region and extends to one of the longitudinal side edges of the absorbent article. The second extensible region is capable of stretching in one direction between the longitudinal and transverse directions. The third extensible region is disposed laterally outward of at least a portion of the first extensible region relative to the other side of the first extensible region. The third extensible region extends to the remaining longitudinal side edges of the absorbent article and is capable of stretching in one direction between the longitudinal and transverse directions.

In this or other embodiments, the absorbent article capable of stretching in multiple directions has side flaps or wings extending laterally outward beyond the longitudinal side edges of the main body portion of the absorbent article. The side flap has an improved form of stretchable portion therein to relieve the stress exerted on the flap as it wraps around the side edge of the wearer's undergarment. More specifically, the side flap is integral with the main body and is extensible in the region located inside the edge of the absorbent core of the absorbent article. The scope of the present invention includes the use of the flaps described herein in conventional non-extension absorbent articles.

In addition, the components forming the stretchable absorbent article are preferably held together by the use of new liquid impermeable sutures having a sinusoidal pattern that allows the components to elastically stretch.

Brief description of the drawings

1 is a plan view of a sanitary napkin according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view along line 2-2 of FIG. 1 passing through a corner region of one of the flaps of the sanitary napkin. FIG.

3 is a side cross-sectional view along line 3-3 of FIG. 1 passing through the central portion of one of the flaps;

4 is a rear view of the sanitary napkin of FIG. 1 with the deformable network region omitted from the backsheet for simplicity.

5 is a simplified diagram of a sanitary napkin after stretching.

6 is a schematic side view of a flexible and stretchable sanitary napkin showing some of the problems with sanitary napkins without the improved features of the present invention.

7 is a plan view of a preferred compound sanitary napkin according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the composite sanitary napkin according to lines 8-8 of FIG. 7, illustrating the top and back sheets without wrinkles for simplicity.

The present invention relates to absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, incontinence devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to absorbent articles of the type described above which are extensible, preferably elastically extensible in multiple directions.

1-4 illustrate preferred embodiments of the disposable absorbent article of the present invention. The present invention relates to absorbent articles to be worn in undergarments, such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, incontinence devices, and the like.

As used herein, the term "absorbent product" refers to a product that absorbs and blocks body secretions. More specifically, the term refers to a product located with or near the wearer's body to absorb and retain various secretions secreted from the body. The term "absorbent product" includes sanitary napkins, panty liners, incontinence pads (and other products worn on the crotch portion of the undergarment).

The term "disposable" refers to a product which is intended to be discarded after a single use, preferably to be recycled, composted or otherwise discarded in an environmentally friendly manner. (Ie they are not intended to be washed, repaired or reused as absorbent products.) In the preferred embodiment shown, the absorbent article is a sanitary napkin indicated at 20.

The term "physiological zone" as used herein refers to a product that is worn adjacent to the vulva of women in the intent to absorb and contain various secretions (ie blood, menstrual blood, urine) secreted from the body. However, the present invention is not limited to the specific types or forms shown in the drawings.

The sanitary napkin 20 has two surfaces, that is, the surface in contact with the body or the "body surface" 20A and the garment surface 20B. Sanitary napkin 20 is shown in FIG. 1 such that its body surface 20A is visible. Body surface 20A is intended to be worn adjacent to the wearer's body. The garment surface 20B is intended to be positioned adjacent to the wearer's undergarment when the sanitary napkin is worn.

The sanitary napkin 20 has two center lines, namely the main longitudinal center line L and the transverse center line T. As used herein, the term " longitudinal " generally refers to (i.e. substantially parallel to) a vertical plane that divides the wearer's body into a left half and a right half when the sanitary napkin 20 is worn. It refers to a line, axis or direction in the plane of the sanitary napkin 20. As used herein, the terms "lateral" or "lateral" are interchangeable and refer to a line, axis, or direction in the plane of the sanitary napkin 20 that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

As shown in FIG. 1, sanitary napkin 20 preferably includes a main body portion 22 and two flaps 24. 1 shows that the main body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin 20 forms part of the sanitary napkin without the flap 24. The main body portion 22 has two longitudinal edges 26 spaced apart and two transverse or distal edges 28 spaced apart, which together form the periphery 30 of the main body portion. The main body portion 22 has four corners 27 where the longitudinal edges 26 and the distal edges 28 gather. Main body portion 22 also has two distal regions, denoted as first distal region 32 and second distal region 34. The middle region 36 is located between the distal regions 32 and 34. The distal regions 32 and 34 extend longitudinally outward from the edge of the intermediate region 36 at about 1/8 to 1/3 or more of the main body length. A detailed description of the nature of the sanitary napkin's middle region and the two terminal regions is described in US Pat. No. 4,690,680 to Higgins, dated September 1, 1987.

The main body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin 20 can be any thickness, including relatively thick, medium thickness, relatively thin, even very thin (ultra thin). Features of “ultra-thin” sanitary napkins that are generally non-extensionable are described in US Pat. Nos. 4,950,264 and 5,009,653 to Osborn. The embodiment of the sanitary napkin 20 shown in FIGS. 1-3 represents one example of an ultra thin sanitary napkin having a caliper of about 4 millimeters. In addition, the main body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin 20 is preferably relatively flexible so that the wearer feels comfortable.

The sanitary napkin 20 shown in the figure is capable of stretching in multiple directions, preferably stretching is possible, and more preferably elastically stretching. As used herein, the term "tensile" refers to a product that can stretch in one or more of two dimensions in the X-Y plane. The X-Y plane is generally parallel to both sides of the sanitary napkin 20. The term "extension" includes products that are extensible and elastically extensible. As used herein, the term "stretchable" refers to a product that is stretchable and provides resistance to stretching when stretching force is applied to the product.

The terms "elastic stretch" or "elastic stretch" are intended to be synonymous. These terms are illustrated by a simplified schematic of the sanitary napkin in FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 5, the sanitary napkin 20 may extend to the stretched length L _S and the stretched width W _S. As used herein, the term "elastic stretch" or "elastic stretch" refers to a dimension in which a sanitary napkin is not extended or stretched (or "original" dimension, "L _u " when the stretching force indicated by "F" is removed). "And" W _u "). However, sanitary napkin 20 need not be reduced to a dimension that has not always been stretched. As shown in FIG. 5, the reduced sizes L _R and W _R between the unstretched dimensions L _u and W _u and the extended (or stretched) sizes L _S and W _S may be reduced.

2 shows the individual components of the main body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin 20 of the present invention. The main body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin preferably comprises at least three main components. Such components include a liquid permeable topsheet 38 and a liquid impermeable backsheet 40, and an absorbent core 42 positioned between the topsheet 38 and the backsheet 40. Liquid permeable topsheets and liquid impermeable backsheets, absorbent cores include many suitable materials that enable stretching as described below, or base materials suitable to be modified as specified herein to impart extensibility. Include them.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the base material of the liquid permeable topsheet 38 comprises a perforated molded film. Suitable molding films include U.S. Patent No. 3,929,135 to Thomson, Dec. 30, 1975, U. S. Patent No. 4,324,245, Mullen et al., Apr. 13, 1982, Aug. 3, 1982. US Patent 4,342,314 to Radel et al., US Patent No. 4,463,045 to Ahr et al. On July 31, 1984, to Bard on April 9, 1991. US Pat. No. 5,006,394. One particularly preferred base material for the topsheet 38 includes a molded film as described in one or more of the above patents, and Cincinnati, Ohio as a topsheet under the trade name “DRI-WEAVE”. Commercialized by Procter & Gamble. The base material of the topsheet 38 preferably has a hydrophilic surfactant incorporated therein during manufacture. The base material of the topsheet 38 is modified to be extensible in multiple directions as discussed in more detail below.

The absorbent core 42 includes various absorbent materials suitable for being stretchable or for modifying the absorbent material to be extensible. For example, materials suitable for use as the absorbent core 42 include knit materials or nonwovens modified to be extensible in multiple directions. As used herein, "multi-direction" stretchable refers to stretchability in two or more directions in the X-Y plane. (If necessary, it should be understood that the materials described herein for use in the absorbent core 42 may optionally be used as the absorbent core in other types of disposable absorbent articles, such as disposable diapers.)

One suitable nonwoven that is elastically extensible in multiple directions is a blend of 50/50 of polymer fibers such as polyester fibers and fibrous superabsorbent polymers (or absorbent gelling materials) that form hydrogels. One suitable fibrous, absorbent gelling material is commercially available from Camelot Superabsorbents, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The nonwoven is preferably embossed in the pattern described in US Pat. No. 4,781,710 to Megison et al. The embossed nonwoven is then heated to a temperature just prior to the glass transition temperature of the polyester (about 280 [deg.] F. (38 [deg.] C.)) and is designated "Post-Treatment of Nonwoven Webs." And solidified laterally, as described in U.S. Pat.No. 5,244,482 to University of Tennessee, issued September 14, 1993 to Hassenboehler, Jr., et al.

The nonwoven web is then preferably cooled to about 200 ° F. (93 ° C.) and mechanically compressed to provide extensibility in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Suitable methods for mechanically compressing nonwoven webs are described in US Pat. No. 3,260,778, issued to Walton on July 12, 1966, US Pat. No. 3,426,405, issued to Walton on February 11, 1969, 1992. US Patent No. 5,117,540 to Walton et al. On June 2. After the entire process, about 200 g / in (about 80 g / cm) or less, preferably about 100 g / in (about 40 g / cm) or less, more preferably about 25 g / in to 100 g / in (about 10 g / cm to About 40 g / cm), and most preferably about 60 g / in (about 24 g / cm) for the machine direction (the fabric unwinds from the roll during the manufacturing of the sanitary napkin) and the direction across the machine direction (unwinding direction) Non-woven absorbent core material is made which can be stretched by up to about 25% in both directions).

In the embodiment shown in the figures, the absorbent core 42 preferably comprises a knitted material that is elastically extensible in all directions. As used herein, the term "in all directions" refers to extensibility in all directions within the X-Y plane. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the absorbent core 42 is a laminate of two or more materials. Preferably, the absorbent core 42 comprises a layer of knitted nylon material, knitted polyester material, 20/1 knitted acrylic material stitched together by embroidery to provide a jacquard quilted pattern to the laminate. It includes a three story structure. This material is known as product number B7112 and is purchased from Print Amtex Inc. of Burlington, North Carolina. Flint materials have a basis weight of 24 mg / cm 2, an absorption capacity of at least about 5 g of water per gram of fabric, and a caliper of about 2 mm. A simple test to determine the dose of these materials is described in the test method section below.

The absorbent core 42 (ie, flint material) preferably has an elongation of 5% for a force of less than about 20 g / in (about 8 g / cm) in the forward direction for a particular force; Elongation of 10% for forces up to about 35 g / in (about 14 g / cm); For forces up to about 200 g / in (about 80 g / cm), preferably for forces up to about 100 g / in (about 40 g / cm), more preferably up to about 85 g / in (about 33 g / cm) Elongation of 25% for the force of; It has an elongation of 50% for forces up to about 225 g / in (about 90 g / cm). All forces specified herein are measured with strips of absorbent material 1 inch (2.54 cm) wide as described in the test method section below. For simplicity, omnidirectional extensibility is measured using strips cut in the longitudinal, transverse, and 45 ° diagonal directions.

Absorbent core 42 (ie, flint material) preferably has a high degree of flexibility and drape. Flint materials include Taber Stiffness of about 0.11 to 0.12 g cm measured on flint materials only using the test described in US Pat. No. 5,009,653 to Osborn; Bending stiffness of about 26 mg cm / cm; Has a bending resistance of about 14 to 15 g. The flint material has a face that has an "inflated" appearance and another face that is relatively flat. The flint material is located in sanitary napkin 20 either side of which is adjacent to topsheet 38. Since the absorbent core material is inherently extensible in all directions, no modification is necessary.

In some cases, it is desirable to provide additional absorbent capacity to the flint material for use as the absorbent core 42. This can be done in some non-limiting way. In one embodiment, additional webs or strips of extensible material may be bonded to the bottom surface of the flint material. In this embodiment, the web or strip of further extensible material may have a surface (ie, its inner surface) whose surface is positioned adjacent to the flint material provided with the absorbent gelling material. Thus, additional webs or strips “capture” or retain the absorbent gelling material adjacent the bottom surface of the flint material.

In a preferred embodiment of this embodiment, the extensible material is an air-bonded nonwoven fabric composed of bicomponent fibers made under the trade name HAVIX S2146 by Harviks Corporation of Gifusi, Japan. And a rectangular strip about 2 in (about 5 cm) wide and about 6.25 in (about 16 cm) long. The Harbics material has some degree of extensibility in one direction, and preferably the direction is the width direction. The Harviks material may preferably be mechanically compressed to have longitudinal extensibility, as described with respect to stretchable nonwovens in the multiple directions discussed above. The absorbent gelling material is preferably a Nalco 1180 absorbent gelling material purchased from Nalco Chemical Company, Naperville, Illinois and Ronza, Inc. of Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Applied to Harviks materials as a mixture of PEGOSPERSE surfactants purchased from. These components are mixed at a ratio of about 1 g of surfactant per 10 g of absorbent gel material. Preferably, about 0.3 g to 0.4 g of the mixture is used in the strip of Harbics material.

The strip of Harviks material may be bonded to the bottom surface of the flint material in any suitable manner. Preferably, the Harviks material is stretched and bonded to the bottom surface of the flint material by an adhesive, such as Adhesive No. 2031, manufactured by Findley Adhesive Company, Waowa, Wisconsin. If additional fixation is needed, a double-sided adhesive tape can be placed around the perimeter of the Harviks material to attach to the flint material. The use of such additional web material with absorbent gelling material preferably nearly doubles the total absorbent capacity of sanitary napkin 20 from about 12 g to about 23 g. Absorbent capacity is preferably measured according to the test described in US Pat. No. 5,009,653 to Osborn.

In other embodiments, the absorbent core 42 may be provided with additional capacity in other ways. For example, instead of adding strip material to the bottom surface of the absorbent core as described above, an absorbent gelling material is added on the surface of one or more layers of the absorbent core (such as one of the other layers of flint material). . Alternatively, one or more layers of the absorbent core may comprise at least partially fibrous, absorbent gel material.

The backsheet 40 can be any suitable liquid impermeable material, including a base material that can be stretchable or can be modified as specified herein to provide extensibility thereto. Preferably, the base material of backsheet 40 is a polyethylene film having a thickness from about 0.012 mm (0.5 mil) to 0.015 mm (2.0 mil). Exemplary polyethylene films are manufactured by Clopay Corporation, Cincinnati, Ohio under the trade names P18-0401 and microflex 1401. Backsheet 40 is embossed and / or quenched to provide a more textile-like appearance. In addition, the backsheet 40 exhausts gas from the absorbent core 42 (ie, the backsheet 40 is breathable), but still prevents secretions from penetrating the backsheet. In a preferred embodiment, when the base material of the backsheet 40 is made, it is corona discharged to help attach the same intended portions as in the topsheet. Methods for corona discharge treatment of film materials are described in US Pat. Nos. 4,351,784, 4,456,570, 4,535,020 to Thomas et al. The base material of the backsheet 40 is modified to enable stretching in multiple directions as discussed in more detail below.

The topsheet 38, backsheet 40, and absorbent core 42 are assembled in various forms known in the art (including stacked or "sandwich" and wrapped or "tube"). 1-4 show a preferred embodiment of the sanitary napkin 20 in which the top sheet 38 and the back sheet 40 are assembled into a sandwich structure having a length and width of dimensions typically larger than the length and width of the absorbent core 42. To show. Top sheet 38 and back sheet 40 extend beyond the edge of absorbent core 42 to form a portion of periphery 30. The top sheet 38 is preferably coupled to the body facing surface of the absorbent core 42. Topsheet 38 may be coupled to absorbent core 42 by any suitable method known in the art for this purpose, such as by open adhesive. The backsheet 40 need not be coupled to the absorbent core 42, nor in the embodiment shown as being preferred. Some of the topsheet 38 and backsheet 40 extending beyond the edge of the absorbent core 42 to form the periphery 30 are preferably joined together as will be described in more detail below.

The topsheet 38 is coupled to the absorbent core 42 by a uniform continuous layer of adhesive, a patterned layer of adhesive, or a series of individual lines, spirals or dots of the adhesive. One adhesive known to be satisfactory for this purpose is manufactured by the Findley Adhesive Company, Wawawato, WI as adhesive number 2031. The adhesive is preferably open as disclosed in US Pat. No. 4,573,986, issued to Minetola et al. On March 4, 1986 under the name "Waste-Containment Garment." Applied to network adhesive filaments. Other examples of open network adhesive filaments comprising several lines of spirally wound adhesive filaments are described in US Pat. No. 3,911,173 to Sprague, Jr., issued October 7, 1975; US Patent No. 4,785,996 to Ziecker et al. On November 22, 1978; Illustrated by the apparatus and methods shown in US Pat. No. 4,842,666 to Werenicz, dated June 27, 1989. Alternatively, the components of the sanitary napkin may be joined by hot bonding, pressure bonding, ultrasonic bonding, dynamic mechanical bonding or any other suitable attachment means or combination of such attachment means as known in the art.

The sanitary napkin whole or region may extend in several directions. The multidirectional stretchable absorbent article preferably comprises regions that can extend in two or more different directions, at least one of which preferably has two elongations of 25% for a force of about 500 g or less. It has a main body. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4, the intermediate region 36 of the sanitary napkin 20 may typically extend transversely. This is usually the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, if the sanitary napkin 20 has a flap 24, the extensibility of the intermediate region 36 can extend to the flap 24. The middle region 36 extends laterally to complement the flap 24 folded around the curved side edges of the wearer's undergarment.

As used herein, the term "normally transverse" (or usually in another direction) means that the major component of the stretchable has a specific orientation. But elongation does not always have to occur exactly in the specified direction. Thus, when it is usually known to be stretchable in the transverse direction, the extensibility need not be exactly parallel to the main transverse centerline of the sanitary napkin. However, preferably the stretchability is more oriented in the transverse direction than in the longitudinal direction.

The first and second terminal regions 32 and 34 of the sanitary napkin 20 shown in each of FIGS. 1 to 4 preferably comprise three stretchable regions, respectively. The three stretchable regions include a first stretchable region 44, a second stretchable region 46, and a third stretchable region 48. Although not required in other embodiments, in the embodiments shown in the figures, the stretchable region in the first end region 32 of the sanitary napkin 20 is symmetrical with each same region in the second end region 34. To achieve.

The first stretchable region 44 of the distal regions 32 and 34 is preferably disposed along at least a portion of the longitudinal center line L of the sanitary napkin 20. A portion of the first stretchable region 44 is preferably located adjacent to one of the distal regions 28 of the main body portion 22. Preferably, the first extensible region 44 is a pie shaped region that is typically concentrated about a longitudinal centerline. The first stretchable region 44 preferably has one tip or tip 50 present along the longitudinal center line L. Preferably, the tip 50 continues to extend substantially to the distal edge 52 of the middle region 36. In the embodiment shown in the figure, the first extensible region 44 is preferably preferentially stretched in the transverse direction (as shown by the arrow). This allows the first region 44 to be stretched along with the wearer's panties, in particular at the buttocks of the wearer. The first and second distal regions 32 and 34 preferably have the same extensibility so that the wearer can wear either end of the sanitary napkin 20 behind the crotch of his panties.

The second extensible region 46 is disposed laterally outward at least equal to the first extensible region 44. The second extensible region 46 is located on one side of the first extensible region 44. The second stretchable region 46 preferably extends to one of the longitudinal side edges of the main body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin 20. As shown in the figure, if the sanitary napkin 20 has a flap 24, this stretchable region may extend beyond the longitudinal side edge 26 of the main body portion and even up to the side flap 24. . In the embodiment shown in the figure, the portion of the second extensible region 46 which intersects over the main body portion 22 is preferably in the form of an approximately equilateral triangle.

In the embodiment shown in the figure, the second extensible region 46 may extend in one direction between the longitudinal and transverse directions. Preferably, in this embodiment, the second extensible region 46 has an angle between the longitudinal center line L and about 45 ° to 55 °, more preferably about 48 °, as shown in FIG. It can be stretched in the direction with the primary vector component forming A). The opening of the angle A is rotated so that the angle faces the transverse centerline T of the sanitary napkin 20. As long as angle A is less than 90 °, it has "inwardly-orinted" extensibility, to extensibility with primary vector components oriented inward with respect to transverse centerline (T). This may be contrasted with regions having “outward-orinted” extensibility with primary vector components arranged away from the transverse centerline. If the extensibility is perpendicular to the arrow shown in region 46, there will be outwardly oriented extensibility. The terms "inwardly oriented" and "outwardly oriented" refer to the direction of extensibility rather than the direction in which the area is pulled back or the direction shown by the head of each arrow in FIG.

The third extensible region 48 is preferably disposed outwardly of at least a portion of the first extensible region 44 relative to the other side of the first extensible region 44. The third stretchable region 48 preferably extends to one of the longitudinal side edges 26 of the main body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin 20. The third stretchable region 48 also extends to the side flap 24. The third stretchable region 48 overlying the main body portion 22 also has a substantially equilateral triangle shape. In the embodiment shown in the figure, the third extensible region 48 is capable of stretching in one direction between the longitudinal and transverse directions. Preferably, in this embodiment, the third extensible region 48 defines a primary vector component that forms an angle between about 45 ° and 55 °, more preferably about 48 ° with respect to the longitudinal center line L. It has extensibility oriented inward in the direction of having. In the preferred embodiment shown in the figure, the second and third stretchable regions 46 and 48 are symmetrically disposed with respect to the remaining side of the first stretchable region 44.

Sanitary napkin 20 is different from many prior absorbent products in that it preferably has an overall stretchability in a diagonal direction. As used herein, "diagonal" typically means from one corner 27 of the main body portion to a side corner 27 opposite the longitudinal and transverse centerlines. This is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the preferential direction of overall stretchability of the main body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin 20 is preferably oriented in a direction forming an angle B with the longitudinal center line L. As shown in FIG. The angle B is greater than 0 ° and less than 45 °, preferably between about 15 ° and 30 °, and in the embodiment shown in the figure, preferably about 20 °.

It should be noted that the sanitary napkin 20 is preferably stretchable in both diagonal directions flowing between the four corners of the main body portion 22. Thus, the sanitary napkin 20 is not only oriented at the angle B shown in FIG. 5 (the angle turns counterclockwise with respect to the longitudinal center line L), but also with respect to the longitudinal center line L. It also has an extensible primary component oriented at an angle similar to the direction.

The degree of extensibility that sanitary napkin 20 has is also important. The sanitary napkin 20 shown in the figure preferably has an elongation of 5% for longitudinal elongation, i.e., about 200 g or less of force, to the following extent for a particular force along the longitudinal center line L; Elongation of 10% for forces of up to 550 g; Elongation of 15% for a force of 900 g or less; It has an elongation of 25% for forces up to 1,600g. Sanitary napkin 20 is preferably elastically stretchable in the longitudinal direction. Sanitary napkin 20 may have a slight (up to about 10%) distortion after extending in the longitudinal direction.

The sanitary napkin 20 shown in the figure preferably has transverse stretchability in the middle region 36 of the main body portion 22 measured along the transverse centerline T, with the following degrees for a particular force: Extensibility of: 5% elongation for forces up to about 75 g; Elongation of 10% for forces up to 150 g; Elongation of 15% for forces of up to 250 g; Elongation of 25% for forces up to 400 g. The sanitary napkin 20 shown in the figure preferably has lateral stretch in the distal regions 32 and 34 of the main body portion 22 measured parallel to the transverse centerline to the same extent for approximately the same force. Sanitary napkin 20 is preferably elastically transverse to the middle region 36 and distal regions 32 and 34. Sanitary napkin 20 may have a slight (up to about 10%) distortion after it extends transversely in this area.

The sanitary napkin 20 shown in the figure preferably has an elongation in the diagonal direction as follows for a specific force, that is, an elongation of 5% for a force of about 200 g or less; Elongation of 10% for forces up to 500 g; Elongation of 15% for a force of 850 g or less; It has an elongation of 25% for forces up to 1500g. All forces specified herein were measured using a 1 inch (2.54 cm) wide clamp as described in the test method section below. The sanitary napkin 20 is preferably elastically stretched in the diagonal direction. Sanitary napkin 20 may have a slight (up to about 10%) distortion after extending in the diagonal direction.

In all cases of the stretch direction discussed above, the sanitary napkin 20 preferably does not have very high extensibility for a low degree of force, making it difficult to place it in the same position within the wearer's undergarment. Preferably, the sanitary napkin 20 may not be stretched by more than about 10% for a force of about 50 g or less in each direction in which stretchability is specified above. However, the absorbent article of the present invention is limited to an absorbent article having extensibility to the extent described herein, unless otherwise specified in the appended claims, such that stretchability other than that specified herein is desired. It should not be known.

Stretching in the diagonal direction is possible due to the directions of stretchability of the various regions of the topsheet 38 and the backsheet 42 and the omnidirectional extensibility of the preferred absorbent core 42 described herein. Overall diagonal stretch provides several benefits to sanitary napkin 20. The diagonal stretch helps the sanitary napkin 20 to comply with the diagonal stretching of the wearer's panties associated with walking or similar movement. Overall diagonal extensibility relieves the tension on the sanitary napkin (ie, the "winding" of the distal region) causing the undesirable tendency of the distal edge of the sanitary napkin to fold over the rest of the main body portion 22. And the loss of the cover range of the undergarment of the wearer to prevent the problem of contaminating the undergarment). While not wishing to be bound by any particular theory, the reduction in end-winding appears to be at least in part due to the fact that the sanitary napkin 20 can better comply with the diagonal stretching described above. In addition, by designing a sanitary napkin that has a greater stretch in the diagonal direction than the longitudinal direction, the sanitary napkin provides greater rigidity along the longitudinal centerline (than the sanitary napkin having the greatest stretch in the longitudinal direction), and also wraps around the distal edge. Will tend to decrease.

The stretchability of the sanitary napkin 20 and its various regions can be provided in any suitable way. In the embodiment shown in the figure, extensibility is provided by forming an extensible network in the intended portions of the topsheet 38 and backsheet 40 of the sanitary napkin 20. The stretchable network structure is formed by a process referred to herein, such as forming the base material of the top sheet and the back sheet in the stretchable elastic film (or “SELFing” of the base material of the top sheet and the back sheet). A suitable process for forming an extensible network into topsheet 38 and backsheet 40 is termed "Web Materials Exhibiting Elastic-Like Behavior" dated May 21, 1996. US Pat. No. 5,518,801 to Chappell et al.

As shown in FIG. 1, the top sheet 38 and the back sheet 40 preferably have several stretchable network regions formed therein. One stretchable network region is formed in the middle region 36 of the main body portion 22, and one stretchable network region is three stretchable regions in the distal regions 32 and 34 of the sanitary napkin 20. It is formed in each of the areas. The other extensible networked regions all comprise a portion of a single basic topsheet or backsheet material, preferably in the form of a region formed therein. In this embodiment, both topsheet 38 and backsheet 40 are formed therein (although in FIG. 4 a stretchable network is not shown on backsheet 40 for a simplified illustration of the adhesive pattern thereon). It has the same stretchable network area. Preferably, the stretchable network structures in the top sheet 38 and the back sheet 40 are aligned directly in line with each other.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, each of the stretchable networks includes at least two visually distinct regions, namely first and second network regions 64 and 66. Preferably, each of the stretchable networks includes several first and second network regions 64 and 66. In the preferred embodiment shown, the first network area 64 is substantially planar. Second network area 66 preferably includes a number of variations in the form of raised ribbed elements 74.

In addition, the characteristics of the first and second network regions 64 and 66 are characterized by the length of each region (or the first and the first and second) measured with respect to the surface of these regions while the stretchable network is not tensioned. It may also be expressed in terms of "surface-path length" of the second network area. The second network area 66 has a surface-path length that is longer than the surface-path length of the first network area 64. When a stretching force is applied to the stretchable network, the first region will undergo molecular level deformation while the ribbed element 74 will experience a flattened and elongated geometric deformation. This causes the stretchable network area to exhibit elastic-like behavior in the direction of the arrow when it is stretched and subsequently stretched. General features of the stretchable network region are described in more detail in US Pat. No. 5,518,801 to Chappell et al.

The stretchable network is formed by compressing or casting the base material between the pair of shaped plates by separately providing the base material for the top sheet and the back sheet between the rolls of the mesh form. The stretchable network is formed in several steps from the assembly of the components of the sanitary napkin 20 shown in the figures. Stretchable networks are formed of components of a sanitary napkin before they are joined together to form a sanitary napkin. Alternatively, the stretchable network can be formed of a fully assembled sanitary napkin. Preferably, in the embodiment shown in the figure, the stretchable network is formed of the top sheet 38 and the back sheet 40 before being joined together to squeeze the absorbent core 42 therebetween. The absorbent core 42 is preferably extensible in multiple directions, as described above, so it is not necessary to have, but may have, an extensible network formed therein. Preferably, in the embodiment shown in the figure, the absorbent core 42 does not have an extensible network formed therein.

A portion of the top sheet 38 and back sheet 40 extending beyond the edge of the absorbent core 42 forms a flange 76. Some of the topsheet 38 and backsheet 40 may be joined in any manner that does not interfere with the stretchability of the sanitary napkin. Preferably, in the illustrated embodiment, the topsheet 38 and the backsheet 40 are substantially extended to the entire portion of the adhesive sheet and the topsheet 38 and extend beyond the edge of the absorbent core 42. The backsheet 40 is joined using a crimp seal 78 to add force to the distal edge 28 of the main body portion 22, which is densified by pressurization or warming and pressurization. Suitable stretchable adhesives are the Fuller adhesive 2352 from The H.B. Fuller Company, Barneys Heights, Minnesota. Preferably, a small amount of adhesive is attached to the edge of the absorbent core 42 to hold the absorbent core 42 in place.

Crimp seal 78 should not interfere with the stretchability of the components of the sanitary napkin. Preferably, the stretchable portion of the sanitary napkin joined by the crimp suture 78 is capable of stretching to the sanitary napkin 20 to the extent specified above for a specific force (ie, transverse stretchability in the distal region). See). However, crimp seal 78 may allow components to extend in multiple directions. Thus, crimp seal 78 is considered to be an extensible crimp seal, although it may not provide any inherent extensibility if not used with the extensible component. Crimp seal 78 preferably comprises a liquid impermeable seal. Crimp suture 78 preferably includes a sinusoidal suture that at least a portion of either topsheet 38 or backsheet 40 is compressed and / or melted together. The crimp suture 78 shown in FIG. 1 is in a sinusoidal pattern that is generally aligned in a curved form. Other forms may be used, such as straight sinusoidal forms. While not being bound by any particular theory, the crimp suture 78 provides a sinusoidal wave form that provides the crimp suture 78 with a "slack" that can be stretched at least until it can be partially stretched. It is believed that the part of the sanitary napkin adjacent to it makes it possible to stretch.

Many different stretchable crimp sutures 78 are possible. For example, the crimp suture may be located around all or part of the periphery of the sanitary napkin including the distal edge of the flap (described below). In addition to the sinusoidal pattern, other suitable patterns may also be used that provide the desired "slack" including but not limited to the zig zag shape. Extensible crimp suture 78 may have various sinusoidal (or other) patterns in width, size, and frequency of the band. In addition, multiple sine waves (waves with other shapes) are arranged in a line adjacent to each other. These multiple crimp sutures are used to ensure that there are continuous wrinkles around the required portion of the periphery of the sanitary napkin after the process. For example, it is possible to cut across crimp sutures during the manufacturing process. This most often occurs when the web of the sanitary napkin is cut off individual sanitary napkins in the distal region by the final cutting operation (or by "final knife"). The multiple crimp seals prevent liquid from passing through the crimp seals 78 even if some of the crimp seals were cut during the manufacturing process.

In other embodiments, the crimp sutures on a continuous sinusoid may be joined in a discontinuous (or intermittent) bonding pattern. The discontinuous coupling pattern may be a discontinuous sine wave, or other suitable discontinuous pattern. The discontinuous pattern should be shaped so that if any part of the crimp seal is cut during the manufacturing process, the discontinuous pattern will create a twisted flow path to capture any liquid that will be wetted through the crimp seal. Can provide. This pattern also provides resilience of manufacture because it is not so important where the cut position of the final knife is placed over the pleats.

Stretch crimp suture 78 provides many advantages. The above advantages include, but are not limited to: The stretchable crimp suture 78, of course, forms an impermeable barrier to leakage of liquid from the distal end 28 of the sanitary napkin 20. Although it is continuous, it allows the components of the sanitary napkin to stretch. It was previously believed that discontinuous binding forms should be used so as not to compromise the extensibility of the components of the extensible absorbent product. The extensible crimp suture 78 also helps to prevent the undesirable tendency of the distal edge region of the sanitary napkin 20 to fold over the rest of the main body portion. Without being bound to any particular theory, the rest of the main body portion 22 and the flange 76 allow the flange 76 to crimp when the main crimp suture 78 is stretched. It is believed that this phenomenon occurs because it eliminates the difference in extensibility between.

The sanitary napkin 20 shown in FIGS. 1-4 also includes a pair of flaps 24 coupled to the main body portion 22. The flaps 24 extend laterally outwards beyond the longitudinal side edges of the main body 22 from the edges 24A of their bases to the distal edges (or “free ends”) 24B. The flap 24 extends outward from at least the middle region 36 of the main body portion 22. As shown in FIG. 1, each flap 24 is divided into a first half 54 and a second half 56 by a flap transverse centerline T1. The flap transverse centerline T1 may coincide with the main transverse centerline T of the sanitary napkin, but is not necessarily required. The flaps 24 are each coupled (or associated) to the main body 22 along the junction. This is a typical longitudinally oriented (or “longitudinal”) junction, such as the line of junction 68. As used herein, the term "junction point" (or "line of junction") refers to the region where flap 24 extends from or engages the main body portion 22.

The flap 24 may be coupled to the main body portion 22 in any suitable form. As used herein, the term "coupled" refers to a form in which one element is directly and firmly fastened to another element by fastening the element directly to the other element, i.e., by fastening the element to the intermediate element so that one element Direct adherence firmly; It includes a form in which one element becomes a component of another element, that is, one element is essentially part of another element. Preferably, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4, the flap 24 is a component of the main body portion 22 (ie, the flap 24 is the top sheet 38 and the back sheet 40). The entire extension of the < RTI ID = 0.0 >).

The topsheet 38 and the extensions of the backsheet 40, including the flap 24, are joined in any suitable manner. For example, the extensions of the topsheet 38 and backsheet 40 forming the flaps may be joined together with an adhesive in their entirety or any suitable portion to form the flaps. Preferably, the top sheet 38 and the extension of the backsheet 40, including the flap 24 (such as the portion forming the flange 76), have a continuous layer of stretchable adhesive, such as puller adhesive 2352. Are bonded over the entire interface.

Flap 24 may be in any suitable form. Suitable flaps include reexamination patent no. B1 4,589,876 to Van Tilburg under the name "Sanitary Napkin"; U.S. Patent No. 4,687,478 to Van Tilberg et al. On August 18, 1987, entitled "Shaped Sanitary Napkin With Flaps"; US Patent No. 5,389,094 to Lavash et al. On Feb. 14, 1995, entitled “Absorbent Article Having Flaps and Zones of Differential Extensibility”; International patent filed October 3, 1996, entitled "Absorbent Article Having Flaps With Step Configuration and Zones of Extensibility," under the name of Lash et al. It is described in the application PCT US 96/15957.

In a preferred embodiment, the sanitary napkin 20 has several improved features to relieve stresses applied to the main body portion 22 and the flap 24 when the flap 24 surrounds around the side edges of the wearer's undergarment. Has

One improved feature discussed above is that the middle region 36 of the main body portion 22 has side stretchability. This helps the flap 24 to fold around the bent side edge of the wearer's undergarment so that the intermediate region 36 extends. As shown in FIG. 1, the lateral stretch also preferably flaps beyond the longitudinal side edges 26 of the main body 22 from the middle region 36 of the main body 22 to the sides outward. Extends to 24). In the embodiment shown, this lateral stretchable region preferably ends in the region 70 surrounding the flap adhesive 82. The area surrounding the flap adhesive 70 is preferably stiffer than the rest of the flap 24 to assist in handling when the consumer uses the flap.

Another improved feature in the illustrated embodiment is that the flap extends the longitudinal side edge 42A of the absorbent core 42 of the sanitary napkin 20 even though the side flap 24 becomes a component of the main body portion 22. Has an extensible band 72 starting from a point located inward (ie, second and third extensible regions 46 and 48). For some reason it is desirable to have the stretchable region 72 located inward of the longitudinal side edge 42A of the absorbent core 42. First, by starting the extensibility into the longitudinal edge 42A of the absorbent core 42, the overall degree of extensibility that the flap 24 may have has all the extensibility located outside the sides of the absorbent core 42. It can increase significantly with respect to the flap. Secondly, when the extensibility is placed into the longitudinal edge 42A of the absorbent core 42, the extensibility can more effectively match the variety and size of the panties. The difficulty in providing extensibility located inside the edge of the absorbent core in a sanitary napkin comprised of flaps has been that the absorbent core is typically not bidirectionally stretchable and too thick to form an extensible network region therein. However, in the embodiment shown in the figure, this difficulty is due to the stretchable absorbent core 42 surrounded by the topsheet 38 and the backsheet 40, both of which have the intended stretchable area formed therein. And the top sheet 38 and the back sheet 40 are overcome.

The extensible portions of the topsheet 38 and the backsheet 40 are aligned at right angles to the stretchable network region of the topsheet 38 directly placed over the stretchable network region of the backsheet 40. The extensible portions of the topsheet 38 and backsheet 40 may be coupled to the absorbent core 42 and extend with the absorbent core. Alternatively, either or both of the top sheet 38 and the back sheet 40 may not be attached to the absorbent core 42 in the region. Preferably, at least the backsheet 40 is not attached to the absorbent core 42 in this region.

Another improved feature of the sanitary napkin 20 in the embodiment shown in the figure is the corner area of the portion adjacent the flap 24 and the main body 22 (second and third stretchable areas 46 and 48). Direction of extensibility primary vector component at 86. The corner region 86 of the flap occurs where the outer edge of the flap 24 intersects the longitudinal side edge 26 of the main body portion 22 when viewed from the front of the sanitary napkin. Corner area 86 includes not only this corner, but also the area surrounding the edge of flap 24 and an inwardly adjacent area. There is no need for sharp angles formed at the intersections of these edges or borders to indicate the same. A more detailed description of the corner area of a sanitary napkin with flaps is included in US Pat. No. 5,389,094 to Lavash et al. The corner region 86 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is located in the stretchable region 72 and the same region.

In various embodiments the direction of the extensible primary vector component in the corner region 86 is primarily in the transverse, longitudinal, or one direction between the transverse and longitudinal directions. In the preferred embodiment shown in the figure, the orientation of the extensible primary vector component in the corner region 86 is preferably the same as the orientation of the extensible adjacent region of the main body portion 22. The stretchable contiguous region will be one of the second or third stretchable regions 46 and 48. The two regions of extensibility are preferably symmetrical and the relative direction of the primary vector component relative to both corner regions 86 of each flap 24 is usually the same. The term "relative direction" refers to the angle created by the longitudinal center line (L) and the primary vector component. Thus, the relative direction of the extensible primary vector component of the corner region 86 is at angle A facing into the transverse centerline T of the sanitary napkin 20.

The orientation of the extensible primary vector component in the corner region 86 provides some advantages. Extensibility is designed to relieve more effectively than many conventional attempts to relieve stress applied to flap 24 when flap 24 overlaps around the bent side edge of the wearer's undergarment. In particular, extensibility is caused by forces acting on both the main body portion 22 and the flap 24 of the sanitary napkin 20 when the flap 24 wraps around the bent side edge of the crotch portion of the wearer's undergarment. It is intended to solve the problems.

One problem that the orientation of extensibility described herein attempts to solve is referred to herein as wing or flap "pop off." This includes a flap adhesive 82 (described in more detail below), which secures the flap 24 around the undergarment by attaching the flap 24 to the bottom face or opposite flap of the wearer's undergarment. It is for. Tension is placed on the flap by folding the flap 24 around the side edge of the wearer's undergarment. This tension causes the flap adhesive 82 to lose engagement with the bottom flap or opposite flap of the wearer's undergarment and cause the flap to not attach or "pop off". One approach attempted to eliminate the pop off of the wing is to increase the strength of the flap adhesive 82. However, the increased strength of the flap adhesive 82 can cause other problems.

Another problem that the orientation of extensibility described herein attempts to solve is that the tension created by folding the flap 24 around the side edges of the wearer's undergarment also causes tension in the main body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin 20. It comes from the fact that it can be laid. This is particularly directed to highly flexible sanitary napkins, such as the extensible sanitary napkins described herein. The tension placed on the main body portion 22 by surrounding the flap 24 causes the distal regions 32 and 34 of the main body portion 22 to be separated from the adhesive and placed in the wearer's undergarment. This causes the distal region 28 of the main body portion 22 to be folded or rolled over the top of the other portion of the main body portion 22.

Another problem that appears in highly flexible sanitary napkins caused by tension created by folding flap 24 is shown in FIG. 6. 6 shows a highly flexible sanitary napkin 20. While it is known that sanitary napkin 20 has a flap, a sanitary napkin without a flap is shown in FIG. 6 for simplicity because the effect of tension on main body portion 22 is of primary concern. The tension created by folding the flap 24 as shown in FIG. 6 pulls one or both ends of the main body portion 22 into the transverse centerline and causes a portion of the main body portion 22 to be folded together. . The panty fastening adhesive on the garment facing surface 20B of the sanitary napkin allows the folded portion to be attached to the underlying portion of the main body portion 22. This is referred to herein as the "Z-fold" in the form of the main body.

The orientation of the extensible primary vector component in the corner region 86 substantially reduces or eliminates these problems. Most of these problems are known to be due to the tension acting between the distal region of the main body portion 22 and the portion of the flap 24 securely fastened by the flap adhesive 82. The direction of the extensible primary vector component in the corner region 86 is usually in a direction parallel to the tension line between these portions of the sanitary napkin. The extensibility reduces the tension between the distal region of the main body portion 22 and the portion of the flap 24 securely secured by the flap adhesive 82. Further, like the directions of the second and third stretchable regions, the stretchable direction of the corner regions 86 is oriented in the transverse center line T1. Some of the foregoing efforts have been directed towards orienting the stretchable portion of the flap in the same direction as the stretchability of the elastic of the wearer's panties. The stretchability provided in the sanitary napkins described herein intersects crosswise with the direction of the wearer's panty elastic, but rather is almost perpendicular to the direction of the panty elastic.

In the preferred embodiment shown in the figure, the corner region 86 and the second and third extensible regions 46 and 48 are preferably elastically stretchable due to the formation of the stretchable network region therein. It should also be noted. This is done without attaching traditional elastic strands to the material comprising this portion of the sanitary napkin. In addition, the less elongated band (first network area) does not tension over this area of the sanitary napkin in such a way as to fold the flap directly below the absorbent core.

The corner region 86 of the flap of the sanitary napkin 20, shown in the drawing with adjacent second and third extensible regions 46 and 48, is preferably as follows for a specific force, i. Elongation of 5% with respect to strength; Elongation of 10% for forces up to about 150 g; Elongation of 15% for forces of up to about 175 g; For a force of about 250 g or less, the elongation is 25% to extend in a direction parallel to the first network region 64 therein. In the embodiment shown, the second and third stretchable regions 46 and 48 adjacent the corner region 86 of the flap 24 are preferably elastically stretchable. The second and third stretchable regions 46 and 48 adjacent to the corner region 86 of the flap 24 shown in the figure may have a slight (up to about 10%) distortion after they are extended.

Many other embodiments of the flap 24 shown in the figure are possible. In a (less preferred) embodiment, the corner region of the flap 24 extends fully transversely, completely longitudinally, or outwardly in one direction between the transverse and longitudinal directions, rather than having the inwardly oriented extensibility described herein. Has a sex area. Also, in a less preferred embodiment, it is possible to remove less stretchable bands including the first region 64 of the stretchable network from the corner region 86 of the flap. In addition, the less stretchable band may be removed from other portions of the sanitary napkin including the main body portion 22. It is also within the scope of the present invention for the flaps described herein to be used for conventional non-extension absorbent articles.

The garment facing surface 20B of the sanitary napkin 20 may include, and preferably include, a fastener for attaching the sanitary napkin to the undergarment of the wearer. 1 shows an intermediate pad fastener 80 used to securely fix the main body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin to the crotch region of the undergarment. Any type of fasteners known in the art, such as adhesive fasteners and mechanical fasteners, are used like the intermediate pad fastener 80. Fasteners comprising an adhesive are known to fit this purpose well, and pressure sensitive adhesives are preferred.

The intermediate pad fastener 80 may be in any suitable form. Preferably, as shown in FIG. 4, the intermediate pad fastener 80 includes a longitudinally oriented region 80A of the adhesive having several "branches" 80B, 80C, 80D extending therefrom. Has the form Branches 80B, 80C, 80D lie in distal regions 32 and 34 of main body portion 22, preferably extending from longitudinal centerline L to peripheral portion 30 of main body portion 22. do. In each distal region, one of the branches 80B, 80C, 80D of the adhesive extends to each of the three extensible regions 44,46,48. Preferably, the branches 80B, 80C, 80D are oriented in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the direction of primary extensibility of each region. This has been found to firmly secure the sanitary napkin 20 to the undergarment of the wearer and to have the direction in which stretch is required. The adhesive can be used for the backsheet 40 in any suitable way. Preferably, in the illustrated embodiment, the adhesive comprising various regions and branches of the adhesive is an extensible hot melt adhesive such as Puller Adhesive 2238 purchased from H. B. Fuller Company, and is helical to provide some stretch. Used in form.

The outer surface of flap 24 adjacent the distal edge 24B of the flap preferably has a flap fastener, such as flap adhesive 82. Flap adhesive 82 is used to help flap 24 hold in place after being wrapped around the edge of the crotch portion of the panty. The flap adhesive 82 has any suitable size and is preferably between about 60% and 80% of the length of the distal portion 24B of the flap 24. Suitable adhesive fasteners are described in more detail in US Pat. No. 4,917,697. The flap 24 can be held in place by attaching the flap 24 to the undergarment or the opposite flap.

The fasteners used in the present invention, that is, the intermediate pad fastener 80 and the flap fastener 82 are not limited to the adhesive attaching means. Any type of fasteners used in the art is also used for this purpose. For example, sanitary napkin 20 is a mechanical fastener such as VELCRO hook material, or "Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive Fastener and Method of Making the Same," 1990. US Patent No. 4,946,527 to Batrell, dated Aug. 7, 2008, or entitled " Non-abrasive Skin Friendly Mechanical Fastening System " The fasteners described in U. S. Patent No. 5,392, 498, issued to Goulait et al., Were fixed to the undergarment of the wearer. However, for the sake of simplicity the fastener will be described in terms of adhesive fastening means.

The adhesive fixation means are each covered by removable release liners, intermediate pad release liners, and flap release liners, all of which are designated 84. The pressure sensitive adhesive should be covered with a release liner 84 to prevent the adhesive from sticking to the outer surface before use. Suitable release liners are described in US Pat. No. 4,917,697. In a preferred embodiment, the flap 24 is folded over the topsheet and the flap adhesive 82 is covered with one release paper. Instead of being covered with a release liner, the adhesive fixation means for this flap is provided on the detachable surface provided in the main body portion or any other portion of the sanitary napkin including the flap or a separate component attached to the main body portion or flap. Detachable attachment. For example, flap 24 may be folded up as described in US Pat. No. 5,281,209, issued to Osborn et al. On January 25, 1994. The sanitary napkin 20 is further provided with a particularly preferred release liner for use as a separate package to wrap the sanitary napkin, as described in US Pat. No. 4,556,146 to Swanson et al.

The sanitary napkin 20 is used by removing the release liner 84 and then placing the sanitary napkin 20 in the panties. The main body portion 22 has one end of the main body portion extending to the front portion of the panties and the other end extending to the rear portion and lies in the crotch portion of the panties. The backsheet 40 is placed in contact with the inner surface of the center of the crotch portion of the panties. The intermediate pad adhesive fastener 80 holds the main body portion 22 in place. The flap 24 is then folded around the side edges of the panties. Flap adhesive 82 allows the flap 24 to securely adhere to the bottom or opposite flap of the panty.

Other embodiments of the absorbent articles described herein are also possible. For example, FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate embodiments of absorbent articles in the form of composite sanitary napkin 720. Composite sanitary napkin 720 includes a primary absorbent element (or “core tube”) 790 coupled to the body facing surface of secondary absorbent element (or “primary pad”) 792. Primary absorbent element 790 is preferably intended to absorb the vast body fluids released by the user. Base pad 792 serves primarily to prevent the user's garment from being discharged from primary absorbent element 790 or contaminated by absorbed fluid that accidentally passed through primary absorbent element 790.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, primary absorbent element 790 includes an absorbent structure, such as absorbent core 794, and an outer sheath 796 surrounding absorbent core 794. Outer cover 796 may include any of the materials described above as suitable for the topsheet of the embodiment shown in FIGS.

Absorbent core 794 may include any material suitable for absorbing or maintaining liquid (ie, menstrual blood and / or urine). Examples of suitable absorbent materials include pulverized wood pulp, commonly referred to as air felt; Creped cellulose cotton ball; Meltblown polymers including coforms; Chemically hardened, modified or crosslinked cellulose fibers; Synthetic fibers such as crimped polyester fibers; Peat moss; Tissue, including tissue wraps and tissue laminates; Absorbent foams; Absorbent sponges, superabsorbent polymers; Absorbent gelling materials; Or any equivalent material or combination of materials, or mixtures thereof. The shape and structure of the absorbent core may vary (ie, the absorbent core may be contoured to vary in caliper bands (ie, thicker in the center), hydrophilic gradients, superabsorbent gradients, or bands with lower density and lower basis weight). Or may include one or more layers or structures).

Primary absorbent element 790 includes an optional capture layer 798 shown in FIG. 9. The capture layer 798 is a separating element located between the outer sheath 796 and the absorbent core 794 or is a component of a composite outer sheath. The capture layer 798 is responsible for several functions, including uptake of secretions into the absorbent core 794 and / or improved retention of the absorbent material within the absorbent core.

The basic pad 792 of the composite sanitary napkin 720 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 preferably includes the sanitary napkin 20 shown in FIGS. Elements of the base pad 792 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 discussed above in connection with FIGS. 1-4 are indicated with 700 in front of the same reference numerals as used in FIGS. Primary absorbent element 790 need not be extensible but may be extensible. As shown in FIG. 7, in a preferred embodiment, the outer cover 796 of the primary absorbent element 790 includes the same material used for the topsheet 738 of the base pad. Preferably, after the outer sheath 796 wraps around the primary absorbent element 790, the stretchable region in the outer sheath 796 is top sheet 738 over the base pad 792 as shown in FIG. 7. Directly aligned with respect to the extensible region of.

Compound sanitary napkins (not described as stretchable herein) are described in US Pat. No. 4,425,130, entitled "Body Fitting Compound Sanitary Napkin," issued to DesMarais on January 10, 1984. As described in more detail in Courtesy Invention Registration H1614, published May 5, 1996, in the name of Mayer.

In other embodiments, components such as the topsheet and backsheet of the absorbent article described herein may be optionally replaced with any suitable (extensible) component described in the patents and patent applications cited herein by reference. have. For example, in one non-limiting example, the backsheet with stretchable network regions described herein can be replaced with a liquid impermeable stretchable adhesive film, if desired. In addition, the absorbent articles described herein may optionally have any of the features described in the patents and patent applications cited herein.

For example, other embodiments of sanitary napkin 20 are capable of stretching to the extent described in US Pat. No. 5,611,790 with respect to the force acting upon wearing the sanitary napkin in a pair of panties in the various directions specified herein. The sanitary napkin of the present invention is also any other feature of the sanitary napkin described in US Pat. No. 5,611,790, which includes a structure that provides a "strength barrier" to prevent any stretch beyond a substantial increase in the amount of force applied to the sanitary napkin. Has

In this or other embodiments, the absorbent article described herein may have any other suitable form of stretchable zone, or may be stretched in any other suitable direction. The absorbent articles described herein have a variety of areas that are stretched better or less than other areas for improved contact with the wearer's body or for other purposes. Some examples of absorbent articles having this area are described in the patents and patent applications cited herein. For example, sanitary napkins with differential stretchable regions are described in US Pat. No. 5,611,790 to Osborn et al. U.S. Patent Application No. 08 / 383,536 (P & G Case 5151R), filed Feb. 2, 1995 in Osborne et al., With an improved mechanism for keeping the sanitary napkin in contact with the wearer's body, 8, 1995 PCT Publication No. WO 95/20931, published January 10.

The absorbent articles described herein also have areas that are stiffer or more flexible than other areas for improved physical contact or other purposes. For example, FIG. 4 shows that sanitary napkin 20 has an optional curing agent 90. An optional curing agent 90 is provided along at least a portion of the periphery of the absorbent core 42, in particular along the longitudinal side edge 42A of the absorbent core 42. An optional curing agent may be located inside the complete perimeter of the absorbent core 42. However, preferably, as shown in FIG. 4, no optional curing agent 90 is present along the longitudinal center line L of the sanitary napkin 20.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the optional curing agent 90 is 60% polyester available from a fabric store known as PELLON ^R Craft-Bond material sold by Freudenbert Nonwovens. Contains 40% rayon. PELLON cured material preferably has a caliper of 0.35 mm, a bending resistance of about 33 g, and taber stiffness of about 0.85 g / cm. The pelon cured material may be located between any layers of sanitary napkin 20. The pelon cured material is preferably located directly below the absorbent core 42 and bonded to the bottom surface of the absorbent core by an adhesive such as puller adhesive 2031.

The optional hardener 90 shown in FIG. 4 reduces the undesirable clumping and reduces or eliminates the problem of the “end up” of the distal edge discussed above, the longitudinal side edge of the absorbent core and the distal end of the sanitary napkin 20. Additional degrees of cure are provided in regions 32 and 34. The optional hardener 90 will also provide increased "lift" in the zone that lies along the longitudinal centerline of the sanitary napkin for improved contact with the wearer's body. Without being bound by any particular theory, it is believed that the increased lift is due to the fact that all lifts are concentrated in the area along the longitudinal centerline between the inner edges of the hardener 90 due to the presence of the hardener 90. Stiffer areas in the outer periphery or side of the sanitary napkin can also help to hold the sanitary napkin firmly in the wearer's panties.

However, it is known that if non-extensible materials such as Pellon are used as the curing agent, the extensibility of the cured area of sanitary napkin 20 is reduced or eliminated. However, embodiments of the sanitary napkin 20 can still work effectively, especially when a gap is left between the curing agents 90 along the longitudinal center line L. This embodiment is extensible along the longitudinal centerline and in the diagonal direction as specified above. This embodiment also allows the first extensible region 44 in the distal regions 32 and 34 to extend laterally. If it is undesirable to impair the stretchability of the sanitary napkin, a curable material may be selected that has some degree of extensibility.

Further, in other embodiments, the absorbent core has no flap, preferably has a smaller span than a flap of conventional size, and does not need to be adjusted by the wearer when placed on the wearer's undergarment. It has an element covering it ("element for side wrap"). Absorbent articles having panty covering elements that naturally wrap the Sides of Panties, dated December 17, 1996. US Patent Nos. 5,584, 829 to Lavash et al .; September 17, 1993, entitled "Absorbent Articles Having Panty Covering Components Comprising Extensible Web Materials Which Exhibit Elastic-Like Behavior". US patent application Ser. No. 08 / 124,180, filed under the name of Mansfield et al .; And "Absorbent Articles Having Undergament Covering Components With Zones of Extensibility," issued to Weinberger et al. On September 24, 1996, under the name "Absorbent Articles Having Undergament Covering Components With Zones of Extensibility." Patent 5,558,663.

All patents and patent applications (and all patents granted therefrom as well as corresponding published foreign patent applications) and patents mentioned throughout this patent application are incorporated herein by reference. However, none of the documents cited herein by reference are obviously teaching or disclosing the present invention. In addition, it is not apparent that any of the commercially available materials or products described herein teach or disclose the present invention.

It is to be understood that all limits and ranges specified herein include all narrower ranges and limits and extents within the specified limits and ranges, and that narrower ranges and limits will be claimed even if not individually listed.

Test Methods

Unless otherwise indicated, all of the following tests are performed with samples conditioned by leaving samples at 50% relative humidity and 73 ° F (23 ° C) temperature for one to two hours prior to testing. The test should be performed under similar conditions.

Absorbent Capacity

The absorbent capacity of the absorbent material is determined as follows.

Prepare a 2 1/2 inch by 3 inch (6.4 cm by 7.6 cm) rectangular sample of absorbent material. The sample is weighed to almost 0.1 g. The sample is then submerged in a dish filled with distilled water so that it is completely submerged in distilled water, and the sample must not be bent or otherwise twisted or folded. The sample is immersed for 20 minutes. The sample is withdrawn from distilled water and suspended for 2 minutes to allow distilled water to exit the sample. The sample is then weighed to almost 0.1 g, minus the dry weight of the sample. The difference in g number is the absorption capacity of the sample. The absorbent capacity is then expressed as the ratio of the absorbent capacity to the dry weight of the sample in units of g / g.

Extensibility test

The following extensibility tests for absorbent materials and sanitary napkins (or other absorbent products) are available from Instron Model # 1122 Tensile Testing Machines or 44065 Newbury, P. EM purchased from EME Inc., Box 187, used a continuous elongation by a tensile test instrument, such as tensile tester model number 559A.

The test instrument is preferably provided with a computer having a liquid crystal display that reads the force exerted on the sample when the clamp is spaced apart from the original position of the reference sample and the clamp is at various distances from the original position.

Samples are handled carefully to avoid any stretching before performing the test. If the absorbent product is tested, the test is repeated with each sample taken from five separate products of the same type. If any sample is within the scope or limits of the claimed subject matter, the product is considered to be within the scope of the appended claims.

A. Absorbent extensibility-1 inch (2.5 cm) strip test

Sample for extensibility measurement

The sample is preferably taken from the web of absorbent material prior to becoming an absorbent article. If this is not possible, an absorbent sample can be obtained by carefully removing the absorbent material from the absorbent product. This is done by removing other parts of the absorbent product and care must be taken not to do anything else that will damage the absorbent material or harm its extensibility.

Samples were 1.0 from absorbent material using a JDC Precision Sample Cutter (Model # 1-12), available from Thing-Albert, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Obtained by cutting strips in in (2.54 cm) wide. As used herein, the term "absorbent material" refers to a material that is generally used as the primary absorbent element of a product, such as the absorbent core of the product. It also includes absorbents responsible for the wicking and storage functions.

Strips used as samples for the measurement of longitudinal elongation should be taken from a portion of the absorbent product centered on the longitudinal centerline of the absorbent product. The length of the strip is the total length of the portion of the absorbent article from which the sample is taken.

If the sample is taken from the web of absorbent material before the absorbent material becomes the absorbent product, then the "four" 1 inch fiber strips may be stretched to have their extensibility in the same direction as the sample is oriented in the assembled absorbent product Must be cut. Samples for measuring longitudinal extensibility are cut from the first sample of absorbent material. The sample for measuring lateral extensibility is cut from a second sample that is the same type of absorbent material (ie, the same material to product) as the first sample. As such, the sample for measuring the stretchability in the diagonal direction is cut from a third sample which is the same type of absorbent material or absorbent product (ie, the same material or product) as the first sample.

Strips used as samples to measure transverse extensibility are strips of 0.1 inch width cut from absorbent material flowing parallel to the transverse centerline of the absorbent article (or located in the absorbent article assembled to be parallel to the transverse centerline). to be. The strip used as a sample to measure transverse extensibility is cut into sections one inch wide of the absorbent material and flows parallel to the transverse centerline. The sample need not follow the transverse centerline.

The strips used as samples to measure diagonal stretchability are cut into 1 inch wide sections of absorbent material at (or positioned to) an angle of 45 ° with respect to the longitudinal centerline of the absorbent article.

Examination procedure

Place samples that are not reextended on the table. The length of the sample (the dimension of the sample perpendicular to the dimension of one inch wide) is measured to almost 0.1 inch (0.25 cm).

Secure each end of the sample with a tensile tester using a 1 inch (0.25 cm) wide clamp. The clamps of the tensile tester are set to be pulled in opposite directions with respect to each other (ie at an angle of 180 °). The sample is centered in the clamp and the holding pressure must be large enough to prevent the sample in the clamp from slipping (this applies to all extensibility test methods). The sample should be fixed so that the outermost edge (ie, free end) of the clamp is approximately 0.5 inches (about 1.3 cm) inward from the distal region of the absorbent material.

Adjust the gauge length of the tensile tester to the length of the absorbent material (as measured above) to reduce the length of the absorbent material fixed to each clamp (typically one inch). A gauge length of 2 inches (5 cm) was found to be suitable. Start stretching at a crosshead speed of 20 in / min (51 cm / min). When the sample reaches the gauge length, adjust the load cell of the tester to zero. Set the trigger point to start collecting data at 5 g of force.

If the force and extensibility are measured at the intended time, the test is complete. For the purposes of the appended claims, if the above procedure is followed, the force is the actual force read on the tester. The result is expressed in g / in or g / cm.

If the 1-inch strip of absorbent material is stretched to a specified degree for a particular force in the claims in three directions (ie, longitudinal, transversely along any cross section, 45 ° diagonal), the absorbent material is directed in all directions Will be considered extensible.

B. Methods for measuring extensibility of absorbent products or various parts thereof

This test is used to measure the extensibility of an absorbent product or its various areas. The test form used for this purpose is known as a "grab test". This involves securing a portion of the absorbent article in the clamp of the tensile tester and applying a tensile force to the entire or intended area of the absorbent article.

The sample used for this test is a complete absorbent product. Separate samples of the same type of absorbent article (ie, the same product) are used to measure the stretchability of the absorbent article or the other direction of the stretchability of other areas of the absorbent article.

The absorbent article may then comprise the longitudinal extension of the absorbent article; Transverse extensibility of the absorbent article (both along the transverse centerline and in the distal region of the absorbent article); Diagonal stretch of the absorbent article; Extensibility of this stretchable region of the flap and of the main body portion adjacent the flap; It can be tested to know the extensibility of the crimp suture.

In this test, a 1 inch (2.54 cm) wide clamp is used in the tester. If the absorbent product has areas with different stretch directions and it is necessary to measure the stretchability of the various areas, both clamps should be adjusted to fully place within the intended area. If this is not possible, try to keep the clamp as close as possible to what is completely within the intended area.

When testing the longitudinal elongation of an absorbent article, the clamp shall be centered on the longitudinal centerline of the absorbent article. When testing the transverse elongation of the intermediate region of the absorbent article, the clamp shall be centered on the transverse centerline. When testing the transverse stretchability of the distal end of the absorbent article, the clamp should be placed in the distal area so that the stretch is parallel to the transverse centerline. When testing the stretchability of the absorbent article diagonally, the clamp shall be positioned at the opposite corner of the main body part of the absorbent article such that the primary vector element of elongation passes the intersection of the longitudinal and transverse centerlines of the absorbent article.

When testing the extensibility between the corner area of the flap and the extensible adjacent area of the main body of the absorbent article, the clamps shall be aligned to achieve the appropriate angle A. One clamp is located on the flap and the other clamp is located on the stretchable region of the main body portion. When testing the extensibility of the crimp suture, the clamp should be centered in the crimp suture so that the stretch is directed in the direction of extensibility of the area containing the crimp suture.

The absorbent article should be secured such that the outermost edge of the clamp (ie the free end) is approximately 0.5 inches (about 1.3 cm) inward from the distal edge of the absorbent material in the various regions. However, if part of the area (such as one clamp in the corner area of the flap) is absent (or both clamps are in the area of the crimp seal), there is no need to fix the inner edge of the absorbent material.

Adjust the gauge length of the tensile tester to the length of the absorbent material so that the length of the absorbent material fixed to each clamp is smaller. Start stretching at a crosshead speed of 20 in / min (51 cm / min). Once the sample reaches the gauge length, zero the load cell of the test instrument.

Once the force and extensibility are measured at the intended time, the test is complete. The result is expressed in g.

While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (8)

A longitudinal centerline, a transverse centerline, a pair of longitudinal side edges, a pair of distal edges, a first distal region, a second distal region, and a central region between the first and second distal regions; A main body portion comprising a permeable topsheet, a liquid impermeable backsheet bonded to the topsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet and having a pair of longitudinal side edges; And A pair of flaps coupled to the main body in at least the central region of the main body and extending laterally outward beyond its longitudinal side edges, wherein the flap consists of an extension of the top sheet and an extension of the back sheet; Including, Provided that an extensible portion is provided in the extension portion of the top sheet and the back sheet, wherein at least a portion of the top portion and the extensible portion of the back sheet are located inside a longitudinal side edge of the absorbent core. Characterized by Absorbent product for wearing in the crotch of an under garment. The method of claim 1, An absorbent article in which the extensible portions of the topsheet and backsheet provide a differential stretch zone to the flap. The method according to claim 1 or 2, An absorbent article in which the stretchable portions of the top sheet and the back sheet are mainly stretchable in the transverse direction. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, An absorbent product in which the main stretching direction of the stretchable portion of the top sheet and the back sheet is angled with respect to the transverse direction. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, An absorbent article, wherein the stretchable portion of the topsheet and backsheet includes a region having a plurality of wrinkles. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The stretchable portions of the topsheet and backsheet include regions in which a deformable network is formed, wherein the deformable network has two or more visually distinct regions, wherein at least one of the regions is longer than other regions. An absorbent article having a path length, wherein the area having a longer surface-path length comprises at least one rib-shaped element, and the area having a shorter surface-path length is preferably substantially flat. The method of claim 6, Each flap comprising a flap fastener positioned thereon, wherein the substantially flat area of the deformable network is oriented in a direction extending between the distal region of the main body portion and the distal region of the flap fastener. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, An absorbent article in which the main body portion can be stretched from 10% to 50% in one or more directions under a force of 50g to 500g.