KR20200106044A - An absorbent body comprising an X-shaped reduced absorption site and an absorbent article comprising the same - Google Patents

Abstract

An absorbent body comprising a reduced absorption site is disclosed. The reduced absorption site may have less absorbent material than adjacent portions of the absorber. The reduced absorption site may comprise a posterior branching region comprising a first arm and a second arm. The reduced absorption site may include an anterior bifurcation site having a third arm and a fourth arm. The reduced absorption region may also include an intermediate region disposed between the posterior branch region and the anterior branch region.

Description

An absorbent body comprising an X-shaped reduced absorption site and an absorbent article comprising the same

The present disclosure relates to an absorber. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to absorbent bodies for use in absorbent articles.

The primary function of personal hygiene absorbent articles is to absorb and retain body exudates such as urine, secretions, blood, menstruation, as well as the desired additional properties that allow less exudate from the absorbent article to leak out and make the wearer of the absorbent article feel dry. By preventing leakage of exudate from the absorbent article, the absorbent article is intended to prevent body exudates from soiling or contaminating the wearer's or caregiver's clothing or other articles such as bedding that may come into contact with the wearer.

However, the bulkyness of absorbent wet and dry absorbent articles can be a problem for the wearer. Wearing absorbent articles, especially for absorbent articles in which the absorbent body has expanded due to body exudate retention, infants, children and adults may feel uncomfortable standing, sitting, and moving. This is especially the case for infants and children who wear diapers and diaper panties with absorbents that may exceed their natural crotch width (~3 cm).

Efforts to reduce this crotch bulk included narrower pads, thinner pads, and more flexible pads. However, all three of these designs have subsequent limitations, including possible leakage and other negative effects on the overall absorbent capacity. If the absorber is narrowed too close to its natural crotch width, the absorbent capacity of the absorber can be greatly reduced. Additionally, thinner and/or more flexible pads may also reduce absorbent capacity or increase material and/or manufacturing costs due to advanced technology materials used to offset the reduction in materials used. Increasing costs such as these can place limits on commercialization.

Therefore, there is a need for an improvement on an absorber that can increase flexibility and/or movement.

In one embodiment, the absorber may include a lateral axis and a longitudinal axis. The absorbent body may comprise an absorbent material. The absorbent body may also include a front distal edge and a rear distal edge. The rear distal edge can be opposite the front distal edge. The longitudinal axis can extend through the front and rear end edges. The absorber may also include a pair of longitudinal side edges. The absorbent body may further include a reduced absorption site having less absorbent material than an adjacent portion of the absorber. The reduced absorption site may comprise a posterior branching region comprising a first arm and a second arm. The first arm can include a first proximal end and a first distal end. The second arm can include a second proximal end and a second distal end. The first arm can be on a first side of the longitudinal axis and the second arm can be on a second side of the longitudinal axis. The first arm and the second arm have a lateral distance between the first proximal end of the first arm and the second proximal end of the second arm between the first distal end of the first arm and the second distal end of the second arm. It can be configured to be smaller than the lateral distance. The reduced absorption site may also include an anterior branch site comprising a third arm and a fourth arm. The third arm can include a third proximal end and a third distal end. The fourth arm can include a fourth proximal end and a fourth distal end. The third arm can be on the first side of the longitudinal axis and the fourth arm can be on the second side of the longitudinal axis. The third and fourth arms have a lateral distance between the third proximal end of the third arm and the fourth proximal end of the fourth arm between the third distal end of the third arm and the fourth distal end of the fourth arm. It can be configured to be smaller than the lateral distance. The reduced absorption region may further include an intermediate region disposed between the posterior branch region and the anterior branch region. The middle portion may connect the posterior branch to the anterior branch.

In another embodiment, the absorbent article may include a lateral axis and a longitudinal axis. The absorbent body may comprise an absorbent material. The absorbent body may also include a front distal edge and a rear distal edge. The rear distal edge can be opposite the front distal edge. The longitudinal axis can extend through the front and rear end edges. The absorber may also include a pair of longitudinal side edges. The absorbent body may further include a reduced absorption site having less absorbent material than an adjacent portion of the absorber. The reduced absorption site may comprise a posterior branching region comprising a first arm and a second arm. The first arm can include a first proximal end and a first distal end. The second arm can include a second proximal end and a second distal end. The first arm can be on a first side of the longitudinal axis and the second arm can be on a second side of the longitudinal axis. The first arm and the second arm have a lateral distance between the first proximal end of the first arm and the second proximal end of the second arm between the first distal end of the first arm and the second distal end of the second arm. It can be configured to be smaller than the lateral distance. The reduced absorption site may also include an anterior branch site comprising a third arm and a fourth arm. The third arm can include a third proximal end and a third distal end. The fourth arm can include a fourth proximal end and a fourth distal end. The third arm can be on the first side of the longitudinal axis and the fourth arm can be on the second side of the longitudinal axis. The third and fourth arms have a lateral distance between the third proximal end of the third arm and the fourth proximal end of the fourth arm between the third distal end of the third arm and the fourth distal end of the fourth arm. It can be configured to be smaller than the lateral distance. The rear branch and the front branch may be connected.

In yet another embodiment, the absorbent article may include a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis. The absorbent article may also include a bodyside liner, an outer cover, and an absorbent body. The absorbent body may comprise an absorbent material and may be disposed between the bodyside liner and the outer cover. The absorbent body may comprise a front distal edge and a rear distal edge. The rear distal edge can be opposite the front distal edge. The longitudinal axis can extend through the front and rear end edges. The absorber may also include a pair of longitudinal side edges. The absorbent body may further include a reduced absorption site having less absorbent material than an adjacent portion of the absorber. The reduced absorption site may comprise a posterior branching region comprising a first arm and a second arm. The first arm can include a first proximal end and a first distal end. The second arm can include a second proximal end and a second distal end. The first arm can be on a first side of the longitudinal axis and the second arm can be on a second side of the longitudinal axis. The first arm and the second arm have a lateral distance between the first proximal end of the first arm and the second proximal end of the second arm between the first distal end of the first arm and the second distal end of the second arm. It can be configured to be smaller than the lateral distance. The reduced absorption site may also include an anterior branch site comprising a third arm and a fourth arm. The third arm can include a third proximal end and a third distal end. The fourth arm can include a fourth proximal end and a fourth distal end. The third arm can be on the first side of the longitudinal axis and the fourth arm can be on the second side of the longitudinal axis. The third and fourth arms have a lateral distance between the third proximal end of the third arm and the fourth proximal end of the fourth arm between the third distal end of the third arm and the fourth distal end of the fourth arm. It can be configured to be smaller than the lateral distance. The reduced absorbent region can be configured such that a lateral axis of the absorbent article extends through at least a portion of the reduced absorbent region.

The disclosure sufficiently feasible for those skilled in the art is described in more detail in the remainder of the specification to which the accompanying drawings are referenced.
1 is a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an absorbent article, such as a diaper, in an engaged state.
FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the absorbent article of FIG. 1 in an unfolded, laid flat, and unfastened state.
3 is a top plan view of the absorber of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
3A is a detailed view of a portion of the reduced absorption site in the absorbent body from FIG. 3.
4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 2.
4A is a cross-section similar to that of FIG. 4, but includes an alternative embodiment of an absorber comprising two layers.
5 is a top plan view of an alternative absorbent body.
6 is a top plan view of another alternative absorbent body.
7 is a top plan view of another alternative absorbent body.
Repeated use of reference characters in the specification and drawings is intended to indicate the same or similar features or elements of the invention.

In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates generally to an absorbent article 10 having an absorbent body 34 that includes a reduced absorbent region 70, 170, 270, 370. Reduced absorbent areas 70, 170, 270, 370 allow for increased flexibility and/or movement relative to absorbent body 34 as the wearer moves in absorbent article 10, and thus more flexible and comfortable. An absorbent article 10 can be provided. Each example is for illustration and is not intended to limit the present invention. For example, features illustrated or described as part of an embodiment or drawing may still be used with respect to another embodiment or drawing to make a further embodiment. The present disclosure is intended to cover such modifications and variations. In addition, features described below with respect to the reduced absorption region 70 of FIGS. 1 to 4A are, unless otherwise stated herein, the reduced absorption region of FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 of alternative embodiments ( 170, 270, 370) respectively.

When introducing elements of the present disclosure or preferred embodiment(s) of the present disclosure, the phrase "a", "an", "the", "the" means that one or more of the elements are present. will be. The terms "comprising", "having" and "having" are inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Many modifications and variations of the present disclosure may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the above-described exemplary embodiments should not be used as limiting the scope of the present invention.

Justice:

The term "absorbent article" is used herein as an article capable of absorbing and containing a variety of liquid, solid, or semi-solid exudates discharged from the body by being placed against or placed in close proximity to the body of the wearer. Means. Such absorbent articles, as described herein, are not washed for reuse or otherwise restored, but are discarded after a limited period of use. The present disclosure is intended to cover diapers, menstrual pads or underpants, incontinence products, medical apparel, surgical pads including, but not limited to, diaper pants, training pants, children's pants, swimming pants, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. And feminine hygiene products, including, but not limited to, bandages, and other personal hygiene or health apparel, and the like, as applicable to a variety of disposable absorbent articles.

The term “acquisition layer” is used herein to slow and diffuse the body's discharge or surge of liquid exudate and subsequently release the body's liquid exudate into other layers or layers of the absorbent article. It refers to a layer that can be accommodated and temporarily retained.

The terms "bonded" or "coupled" herein mean bonding, bonding, connecting, attaching, and the like of two elements. Two elements will be considered bonded or joined together when they are directly bonded to each other or indirectly bonded to each other, such as when each is directly bonded to intermediate elements. Bonding or bonding of one element to another may occur through continuous or intermittent bonding.

“Carded web” refers herein to a web comprising natural or synthetic major length fibers that are typically less than about 100 mm in fiber length. The pile of short fibers can be subjected to an opening process to separate the fibers, and these fibers are then separated and cobbed, aligned in the machine direction, and then carding the fibers stacked on a moving wire for further processing. ) Process. Such webs generally undergo some type of bonding process, such as thermal bonding using heat and/or pressure. Alternatively or instead, the fibers may be subjected to an adhesion process of bonding the fibers together using a powder adhesive or the like. The carded web may also undergo fluid entanglement, such as hydroentangling, to further entangle the fibers to improve the integrity of the carded web. Carded webs, once bonded, typically have a machine direction strength greater than the cross machine direction strength, due to fiber alignment in the machine direction.

The term "film", as used herein, refers to a thermoplastic film made using an extrusion and/or forming process, such as a cast film or blown film extrusion process. The term includes films that do not transfer fluid, including barrier films, filled films, breathable films, oriented films, as well as perforated films, slit films, and other porous films that constitute liquid transfer films, It is not limited to these examples.

The term “gsm” refers herein to grams per square meter.

The term "hydrophilic" refers herein to a fiber or surface of a fiber that is wetted by an aqueous liquid in contact with the fiber. Accordingly, the degree of wetting of the material can be described in terms of the contact angle and surface tension of the associated liquid and material. Suitable equipment and techniques for measuring the wettability of certain fibrous materials or mixtures of fibrous materials can be provided by the Cahn SFA-222 Surface Force Analyzer System or a substantially equivalent system. When measured with this system, fibers with a contact angle of less than 90 are designated as “wettable” or hydrophilic, and fibers with a contact angle greater than 90 are designated as “non-wetting” or hydrophobic.

The term "liquid impermeable" refers herein to a layer in which a liquid exudate of the body, such as urine, does not pass through the layer or stack in a direction generally perpendicular to the plane of the layer or stack at the point of liquid contact under normal use conditions. Or it refers to a multilayer laminate.

The term “liquid permeable” refers herein to any material that is not liquid impermeable.

The term “meltblown” refers herein to a molten thread or filament, which refers to a thermoplastic material melted through a plurality of fine generally circular die capillaries, which may be the microfiber diameter, reducing its diameter. Fibers formed by extruding a filament of molten thermoplastic into a stream of converging high-speed heating gas (eg, air) that thins the filaments of a molten thermoplastic material. The meltblown fibers are then carried by a high velocity gas stream and piled up on the collecting surface to form a randomly dispersed meltblown fiber web. Such a process is disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 3,849,241 to Butin et al., which is incorporated herein by reference. Meltblown fibers are microfibers, which may be continuous or discontinuous, generally less than about 0.6 denier, and may be sticky and self-bonding when laminated on a collecting surface.

The term “nonwoven” refers herein to a material and web of materials formed without the aid of a weaving or knitting process. The material and web of materials may have a structure of individual fibers, filaments, or yarns (collectively referred to as “fibers”) that are interlayable, but not in an identifiable manner as in a knitted fabric. The nonwoven material or web may be formed from many processes, such as a melt blown process, a spunbonding process, and a carded web process, but is not limited to these examples.

The term "flexible" herein refers to a material that is compliant and readily follows the approximate shape and contour of the wearer's body.

The term "spunbond" herein refers to small diameter fibers formed by extruding molten thermoplastic as filaments from a plurality of microcapillaries of a spinnerette having a circular or other configuration, followed by extrusion The diameter of the resulting filaments is rapidly reduced by conventional processes such as eductive drawing, for example, U.S. Patent No. 4,340,563 to Appel et al., U.S. Patent No. 3,692,618 to Dorschner et al., and U.S. Pat. Patents 3,802,817, Kinney's 3,338,992 and 3,341,394, Hartman's 3,502,763, Peterson's 3,502,538, and Dobo et al. in U.S. Patent 3,542,615, each of which The entirety is incorporated herein by reference. Spunbond fibers are generally continuous and often have an average denier greater than about 0.3, and in one embodiment, have a denier of about 0.6, 5, 10 to about 15, 20, 40. Spunbond fibers are generally not sticky when deposited on the collecting surface.

The term "superabsorbent" is used herein to absorb at least about 15 times its weight and in one embodiment at least about 30 times its weight in an aqueous solution containing 0.9 weight percent sodium chloride, under most suitable conditions. It refers to a water-swellable water-insoluble organic or inorganic material. Superabsorbent materials can be natural, synthetic, and modified natural polymers and materials. In addition, the superabsorbent material may be an inorganic material such as silica gel or an organic compound such as a crosslinked polymer.

The term "thermoplastic" refers herein to a material that can be molded upon exposure to heat and that upon cooling substantially returns to a non-softened state.

The term “user” or “carer” herein refers to an absorbent article, such as, but not limited to, diapers, diaper briefs, training pants, children's briefs, incontinence products, or other absorbent articles around the wearer of one of these absorbent articles. It means the person who wears what does not. The user and the wearer are one and may be the same person.

Absorbent supplies:

1 and 2, a non-limiting example of an absorbent article 10, such as a diaper, is shown. Other embodiments of absorbent articles may include training pants, children's pants, adult incontinence clothing, and feminine hygiene products. The embodiments and examples described herein can generally be applied to absorbent articles manufactured in a product longitudinal direction, hereinafter referred to as machine direction manufacturing of a product, but those of ordinary skill in the art may refer to the information in this disclosure. It should be noted that, without departing from the spirit and scope, it can be applied to absorbent articles manufactured in the latitude direction of products, hereinafter referred to as cross-direction manufacturing of products.

The absorbent article 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 may include a chassis 11. The absorbent article 10 is disposed between the front waist area 12, the rear waist area 14, and the front waist area 12 and the rear waist area 14 and includes front and rear waist areas 12, 14. It may include a crotch region 16 interconnecting each. The front waist region 12 may be referred to as a front end region, the rear waist region 14 may be referred to as a rear end region, and the crotch region 16 may be referred to as a middle region.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the absorbent article 10 includes a pair of longitudinal side edges 18, 20, and a pair of opposing, respectively designated front waist edges 22 and rear waist edges 24. May have waist edges. The front waist region 12 can be adjacent to the front waist edge 22 and the rear waist region 14 can be adjacent to the rear waist edge 24. The longitudinal side edges 18 and 20 may extend from the front waist edge 22 to the rear waist edge 24. The longitudinal side edges 18 and 20 may extend in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction 30 with respect to the entire length of the edges, such as in the case of the absorbent article 10 shown in FIG. 2. In other embodiments, the longitudinal side edges 18 and 20 may be curved between the front waist edge 22 and the rear waist edge 24.

The front waist region 12 may comprise a portion of the absorbent article 10 that is at least partially located in front of the wearer when worn, while the rear waist region 14 is at least partially behind the wearer when worn. It may include a portion of the absorbent article 10 located. The crotch region 16 of the absorbent article 10 may include a portion of the absorbent article 10 that is positioned between the wearer's legs when worn, and may partially cover the lower body of the wearer. The waist edges 22 and 24 of the absorbent article 10 are configured to surround the waist of the wearer and together define a central waist opening 23 (as labeled in FIG. 1) relative to the waist of the wearer. Portions of the longitudinal side edges 18, 20 within the crotch region 16 may generally define leg openings for the wearer's leg when the absorbent article 10 is worn.

The absorbent article 10 can include an outer cover 26 and a bodyside liner 28. The outer cover 26 and the body side liner 28 may form part of the chassis 11. In one embodiment, the bodyside liner 28 may be bonded to the outer cover 26 in a superimposed relationship by any suitable means such as adhesive, ultrasonic bonding, thermal bonding, pressure bonding, or other conventional techniques. However, it is not limited to examples of such means. The outer cover 26 can define a length in the longitudinal direction 30 and a width in the lateral direction 32, which, in the illustrated embodiment, can match the length and width of the absorbent article 10. have. As shown in FIG. 2, the absorbent article 10 can have a longitudinal axis 29 extending longitudinally 30 and a lateral axis 31 extending laterally 32.

The chassis 11 may include an absorber 34. The absorbent body 34 may be disposed between the outer cover 26 and the body-side liner 28. The absorbent body 34 may, in one embodiment, have a pair of longitudinal side edges 36, 38, which may each form portions of the longitudinal side edges 18, 20 of the absorbent article 10. have. The absorbent body 34 is, in one embodiment, the first distal edge 40 opposite the second distal edge 42, which may form portions of the waist edges 22, 24, respectively, of the absorbent article 10. ) Can each have. In some embodiments, the first distal edge 40 may be in the front waist region 12 and may be referred to as the front distal edge 40 of the absorbent body 34. In some embodiments, the second distal edge 42 may be in the posterior waist region 14 and may be referred to as the rear distal edge 42 of the absorbent body 34. In one embodiment, the absorbent body 34 may have a length and width equal to or less than the length and width of the absorbent article 10. Body side liner 28, outer cover 26 and absorbent body 34 may form part of absorbent assembly 44. The absorbent assembly 44 may also include a fluid transfer layer 46 (shown in Figure 4) and a fluid acquisition layer 48 (shown in Figure 4) between the bodyside liner 28 and the absorbent body 34. . In some embodiments, the acquisition layer 48 may be between the bodyside liner 28 and the fluid transfer layer 46 when the fluid transfer layer 46 is present, as is known in the art. The absorbent assembly 44 may also include a spacer layer (not shown) disposed between the absorbent body 34 and the outer cover 26, as is known in the art. The absorbent assembly 44 may include other components in some embodiments. It is contemplated that some embodiments may not include a fluid transfer layer 46, and/or an acquisition layer 48, and/or a spacer layer.

The absorbent article 10 may be configured to contain and/or absorb liquid, solid, and semi-solid body exudates that are expelled from the wearer. In some embodiments, a pair of anti-leak flaps 50, 52 may be configured to provide a barrier to lateral flow of body exudate. In some embodiments, the absorbent article 10 may include a lumbar anti-leak member 54. The anti-waist member 54 may be disposed in the rear waist region 14 of the absorbent article 10. Although not shown herein, it is contemplated that the lumbar anti-leakage member 54 may additionally or alternatively be disposed in the front waist region 12 of the absorbent article 10.

The absorbent article 10 may further include leg elastic members 60, 62, as known to those skilled in the art. Leg elastic members 60, 62 may be attached to outer cover 26 and/or bodyside liner 28 along opposite longitudinal side edges 18, 20, and absorbent article 10 It can be located in the crotch area 16 of the. The leg elastic members 60, 62 may be parallel to the longitudinal axis 29, as shown in FIG. 2, or may be curved as known in the art. The leg elastic members 60 and 62 may provide an elastic leg cuff.

Further details of each of these elements of the absorbent article 10 described herein can be found below with reference to FIGS. 1-7.

Outer cover:

The outer cover 26 and/or portions thereof may be breathable and/or liquid impermeable. The outer cover 26 and/or portions thereof may be elastic, stretchable or non-stretchable. The outer cover 26 is a single layer, multiple layers, laminate, spunbond fabric, melt blown fabric, elastic netting, microporous web, bonded-carded web, or elastomer or polymer. It may consist of a foam provided by the material. In one embodiment, for example, the outer cover 26 may be made of a microporous polymer film such as polyethylene or polypropylene.

In one embodiment, the outer cover 26 may be a single layer of a liquid impermeable material, such as a polymer film. In one embodiment, the outer cover 26 is suitably stretchable in at least the lateral direction 32 of the absorbent articles 10, 410, and more suitably, may be elastic. In one embodiment, the outer cover 26 is stretchable in both the lateral direction 32 and the longitudinal direction 30 and, more suitably, may be elastic. In one embodiment, the outer cover 26 may be a multilayer laminate in which at least one of the multilayers has liquid impermeability. In some embodiments, the outer cover 26 is a two-layer, comprising an outer layer 26a and an inner layer 26b (respectively shown in FIG. 4) which may be bonded together by a laminate adhesive. It can be a structure. Suitable laminate adhesives may be applied continuously or intermittently as beads, sprays, parallel swirls, etc., but the inner layer may be applied by other bonding methods, including, but not limited to, ultrasonic bonding, thermal bonding, pressure bonding, and the like. It should be understood that it can be bonded to the outer layer.

The outer layer 26a of the outer cover 26 may be of any suitable material, and may generally be one that provides a garment-like texture or appearance to the wearer. An example of such a material may be a 100% polypropylene bonded-carded web with a diamond bond pattern commercially available from Sandler A.G., Germany, such as 30 gsm Sawabond 4185® or equivalent. An example of another material suitable for use as the outer layer 26a of the outer cover 26 may be a 20 gsm spunbond polypropylene nonwoven web. The outer layer 26a may also be composed of the same materials as the bodyside liner 28 may be configured as described herein.

The liquid impermeable inner layer 26b of the outer cover 26 (or the liquid impermeable outer cover 26 if the outer cover 26 is of a single layer configuration) is vapor permeable (ie, "breathable") or vapor impermeable. It can be permeable. The liquid impermeable inner layer 26b (or the liquid impermeable outer cover 26 when the outer cover 26 is of a single-layer configuration) may be made of a thin plastic film. The liquid impermeable inner layer 26b (or the liquid impermeable outer cover 26 in which the outer cover 26 is of a single-layer configuration) is provided by the leakage of body liquid exudate from the absorbent article 10 and the wearer and caregiver. In addition, it can prevent wet items such as bed sheets and clothing.

In some embodiments where the outer cover 26 is of a single layer construction, it may be embossed and/or a matte finish to provide a more clothing-like texture or appearance. The outer cover 26 allows gas to escape from the absorbent article 10 while preventing liquid from passing through the absorbent article. Suitable liquid impermeable vapor permeable materials can be made of a microporous polymer film or nonwoven material that is coated or otherwise treated to impart a desired level of liquid impermeability.

Absorber:

The absorbent body 34 is generally compressible, conformable, and flexible, and may be suitably configured to absorb and retain the body's liquid secretions without irritation to the wearer's skin. The absorber 34 may have various sizes and shapes (eg, rectangular, trapezoidal, T-shaped, I-shaped, hourglass shape, etc.) and made of various materials. The size and absorption capacity of the absorbent body 34 should be compatible with the size of the intended wearer (infant to adult) and the liquid loading imparted by the intended use of the absorbent article 10. The absorbent body 34 may have a length and width that may be less than or equal to the length and width of the absorbent article 10. The absorber 34 may have a longitudinal axis 35 and a lateral axis 37. In some embodiments, the longitudinal axis 35 of the absorbent body 34 may be collinear with the longitudinal axis 29 of the absorbent article 10, as shown in FIG. 2. In some embodiments, the lateral axis 37 of the absorbent body 34 may also be collinear with the lateral axis 31 of the absorbent article 10, as shown in FIG. 2. However, the longitudinal axis 35 and/or the lateral axis 37 of the absorbent body 34 is collinear with each longitudinal axis 29 and/or the lateral axis 31 of the absorbent article 10. It is considered not necessary to be (or even parallel). The longitudinal axis 35 of the absorber 34 may extend through the front end edge 40 of the absorber 34 and the rear end edge 42 of the absorber 34.

The absorber 34 may include an absorbent material. In one embodiment, the absorber 34 is hydrophilic fibers, cellulose fibers (e.g., wood pulp fibers), natural fibers, synthetic fibers, woven or nonwoven sheets, scrim knitted or other stabilizing structures, superabsorbent materials, binder materials , Surfactants, selected hydrophobic and hydrophilic materials, pigments, lotions, odor control agents, and the like, as well as web materials of combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the absorber 34 may be a matrix of cellulose fluff and a superabsorbent material. In one embodiment, absorber 34 may be composed of a single layer of materials, and in an alternative example, may be composed of two or more layers of materials (as described in connection with FIG. 4A below). .

Various types of wettable hydrophilic fibers can be used in the absorbent body 34. Examples of suitable fibers include natural fibers, cellulose fibers, synthetic fibers composed of cellulose or cellulose derivatives, such as rayon fibers; Inorganic fibers consisting essentially of wettable substances, such as glass fibers; Synthetic fibers consisting essentially of wettable thermoplastic polymers, for example certain polyester or polyamide fibers, or synthetic fibers consisting of non-wetting thermoplastic polymers, for example polyolefin fibers which are hydrophilized by suitable means. Fibers are, for example, treated with surfactants, by treatment with silica, by treatment with a material that is not easily removed from the fiber while having an appropriate hydrophilic portion, or during or after the formation of the fiber. It can be hydrophilized by wrapping it with a hydrophilic polymer. Suitable superabsorbent materials can be selected from natural, synthetic and modified natural polymers and materials. The superabsorbent material can be an inorganic material such as silica gel, or an organic compound such as a crosslinked polymer. In one embodiment, the absorber 34 may be free of superabsorbent material.

If a spacer layer is present, the absorber 34 may be disposed on the spacer layer and overlaid over the outer cover 26. The spacer layer can be bonded to the outer cover 26 by, for example, an adhesive. In some embodiments, the spacer layer may not be present and the absorbent body 34 may be in direct contact with the outer cover 26 and may be directly bonded to the outer cover 26. However, it is to be understood that the absorbent body 34 may or may not contact the outer cover 26 and may be within the scope of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the outer cover 26 may consist of a single layer, and the absorber 34 may contact a single layer of the outer cover 26. In some embodiments, at least a portion of a layer, such as, but not limited to, a fluid transfer layer 46 and/or a spacer layer may be located between the absorber 34 and the outer cover 26. The absorber 34 may be bonded to the fluid transfer layer 46 and/or the spacer layer.

As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the absorbent body 34 may include a reduced absorption portion 70. The reduced absorption portion 70 may include less absorbent material than the adjacent portion 71 of the absorber 34. In some embodiments, the reduced absorption portion 70 may include a posterior branch portion 72 and an anterior branch portion 74. In preferred embodiments, the reduced absorption region 70 may also include an intermediate region 76. The intermediate portion 76 may be disposed between the rear branch portion 72 and the front branch portion 74. In some embodiments, the reduced absorption site 70 may be configured in a “X-shaped” shape, as generally demonstrated in further discussion below.

As shown in FIG. 3, the rear branch portion 72 may include a first arm 78 and a second arm 80. The first arm 78 may include a proximal end 78a and a distal end 78b. The second arm 80 may include a proximal end 80a and a distal end 80b. In a preferred embodiment, the distal end 78b of the first arm 78 and the distal end 80b of the second arm 80 may be rounded as shown in FIG. 3. However, it is contemplated that the distal ends 78b, 80b of the first and second arms 78, 80 may be configured in other ways without departing from the scope of the present invention. The first arm 78 may be on the first side 35a of the longitudinal axis 35 of the absorber 34. The second arm 80 may be on the second side 35b of the longitudinal axis 35 of the absorber 34. The first arm 78 and the second arm 80 have a lateral distance between the proximal end 78a of the first arm 78 and the proximal end 80a of the second arm 80. ) May be configured to be smaller than the lateral distance between the distal end 78b of the second arm 80 and the distal end 80b of the second arm 80 (the lateral distance is parallel to the lateral axis 37 of the absorber 34). Measured in the direction). That is, the first arm 78 and the second arm 80 are generally as the arms 78, 80 extend from their respective proximal ends 78a, 80a toward their respective distal ends 78b, 80b. Can be configured to branch from each other.

The front bifurcation 74 may include a third arm 82 and a fourth arm 84. The third arm 82 may include a proximal end 82a and a distal end 82b. The fourth arm 84 can include a proximal end 84a and a distal end 84b. In a preferred embodiment, the distal end 82b of the third arm 82 and the distal end 84b of the fourth arm 84 may be rounded as shown in FIG. 3. However, it is contemplated that the distal ends 82b, 84b of the third and fourth arms 82, 84 may be configured in other ways without departing from the scope of the present invention. The third arm 82 may be on the first side 35a of the longitudinal axis 35 of the absorber 34. The fourth arm 84 may be on the second side 35b of the longitudinal axis 35 of the absorber 34. The third arm 82 and the fourth arm 84 have a lateral distance between the proximal end 82a of the third arm 82 and the proximal end 84a of the fourth arm 84 is the third arm 82 ) May be configured to be smaller than the lateral distance between the distal end 82b of the fourth arm 84 and the distal end 84b of the fourth arm 84 (the lateral distance is parallel to the lateral axis 37 of the absorber 34). Measured in the direction). That is, the third arm 82 and the fourth arm 84 are generally as the arms 82, 84 extend from their respective proximal ends 82a, 84a toward their respective distal ends 82b, 84b. Can be configured to branch to each other.

The reduced absorption portion 70 may include a length (L) and a width (W). As shown in FIG. 2, the length L may be measured as the maximum dimension of the absorbent portion 70 reduced in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 35 of the absorber 34. The length (L) may vary depending on the size of the absorber 34, but in some embodiments, from about 50 mm to about 500 mm, more preferably from about 75 mm to about 400 mm, even more preferably from about 100 mm to about 350 mm. Can be in range. The width W may be measured as the maximum dimension of the absorbent portion 70 reduced in a direction parallel to the lateral axis 37 of the absorber 34. The width W may vary depending on the size of the absorber 34, but in some embodiments, the width W is about 20 mm to about 500 mm, more preferably about 25 mm to about 100 mm, even more preferably about It may be in the range of 30 mm to about 75 mm.

2 to 3, at least one of the first arm 78, the second arm 80, the third arm 82, and the fourth arm 84 is a linear section It can be configured to be molded as (s). The first arm 78 and the second arm 80 may diverge from each other as defined by an angle α formed between the first arm 78 and the second arm 80. In a preferred embodiment, the angle α may range from about 15° to about 90°, more preferably from about 20° to about 75°, more preferably from about 25° to about 60°. In a preferred embodiment, the angle α is less than 90°. The third arm 80 and fourth arm 84 can diverge from each other as defined by an angle β formed between the third arm 80 and fourth arm 84. In a preferred embodiment, the angle β may range from about 15° to about 90°, more preferably about 20° to about 75°, and more preferably about 25° to about 60°. In a preferred embodiment, the angle β is less than 90°. In some embodiments, the rear branch portion 72 may be configured to be a mirror image of the front branch portion 74 such that the angle α is substantially equal to the angle β. However, it is contemplated that the angle α may be different from the angle β in some embodiments.

The arms 78, 80, 82, 84 of the reduced absorption site 70 are measured in a two-dimensional plane defined by the longitudinal axis 35 and lateral axis 37 of the absorber 34 and they extend. It may have a thickness T, which is measured in a direction normal to a direction (the thickness T of the second arm 80 is shown in FIG. 3A). The thickness T may range from about 2 mm to about 50 mm, more preferably from about 5 mm to about 25 mm. The thickness T of each arm 78, 80, 82, 84 may be equal to each other, or the thickness T of one or more arms 78, 80, 82, 84 may be different. The thickness T of each arm 78, 80, 82, 84 may be constant along the length of each of its own arms 78, 80, 82, 84, or one or more arms 78, 80, 82 , 84) can be configured to have a thickness T that varies along its respective length.

In some embodiments, the rear branch portion 72 and the front branch portion 74 of the reduced absorption portion 70 may be connected to each other. 2 and 3, some embodiments may include an intermediate region 76. The intermediate portion 76 of the reduced absorption portion 70 of the absorber 34 may be disposed between the rear branch portion 72 and the front branch portion 74. In some embodiments, the intermediate portion 76 may connect the rear branch portion 72 and the front branch portion 74. When measured in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 35 of the absorber 34 (as shown in FIG. 2), the intermediate portion 76 may have a length LL of about 5 mm to about 200 mm. . In preferred embodiments where the absorbent body 34 is configured for an absorbent article 10 such as a diaper, the length LL of the intermediate region 76 is in the range of about 5 mm to about 50 mm, more preferably about 5 mm to about 20 mm. Can be in The intermediate region 76 may include a thickness (not labeled for clarity) that may be the same or different from the thickness T of one or more of the arms 78, 80, 82, 84 of the reduced absorption region 70. I can.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 to 3A, the rear branch portion 72 may include a rear curved portion 73. The rear curved portion 73 may connect the first arm 78 to the second arm 80. The rear curved portion 73 may be connected to the intermediate portion 76. The front branch portion 74 may include a front curved portion 75. The front curved portion 75 may connect the third arm 82 to the fourth arm 84. The front curved portion 75 may be connected to the intermediate portion 76. As shown in the detailed view of FIG. 3A, the rear curved portion 73 may be configured to include four inflection points 77 in its curvature. As shown in FIG. 3A, the four inflection points 77 shown along the axis 73x of the rear curved portion 73 are the rear curved portions 73 as the first arm 78 and the second arm 80. , And a shape that allows smooth connection of the intermediate portion 76 along their respective axes 78x, 80x, and 76x. The front curve portion 75 can also be configured in a similar manner to include four inflection points in its shape.

The reduced absorption portion 70 may be located within the absorbent body 34 at various locations. To refer to the case where the reduced absorption region 70 is disposed within the absorbent body 34, the reduced absorption region 70 is shown to have a lateral axis 79, as indicated in FIGS. 3 and 3A. have. In preferred embodiments, the reduced absorption site 70 has a reduced longitudinal distance between the front distal edge 44 and the lateral axis 79 of the reduced absorption site 70 with the rear distal edge 42. It should be located closer to the front end edge 44 of the absorbent body 34 than to the rear end edge 42 of the absorbent body 34 so that it is less than the longitudinal distance between the lateral axes 79 of the absorbent body 70. I can. The reduced absorption portion 70 is an absorbent body such that the lateral axis 79 of the reduced absorption portion 70 is disposed in front of the lateral axis 37 of the absorbent body 34 (as marked in FIGS. 3 and 3A). Can be placed within 34. In some embodiments, the lateral axis 79 of the reduced absorbent site 70 may be disposed in front of the lateral axis 31 of the absorbent article 10, such that the lateral direction of the reduced absorbent site 70 The axis 79 is located closer to the front waist edge 22 of the absorbent article 10 than to the rear waist edge 24 of the absorbent article 10. In some embodiments, the lateral axis 79 of the reduced absorbent region 70 is located in front of the lateral axis 37 of the absorbent body 34 and/or the lateral axis 31 of the absorbent article 10. However, the reduced absorbent region 70 may still be configured such that the lateral axis 31 of the absorbent article 10 extends through at least a portion of the reduced absorbent region 70 of the absorbent body 34.

Of course, the reduced lateral axis 79 of the reduced absorbent portion 70 is collinear with the lateral axis 37 of the absorbent body 34 and/or the lateral axis 31 of the absorbent article 10. It is also contemplated that the absorbent portion 70 may be disposed within the absorbent body 34. The reduced absorbent section 70 such that the lateral axis 79 of the reduced absorbent region 70 is located behind the lateral axis 37 of the absorbent body 34 and/or the lateral axis 31 of the absorbent article 10. It is also contemplated that) may be disposed within the absorber 34.

In some embodiments, the reduced absorption site 70 may be free of absorbent material. That is, in these embodiments, the reduced absorption portion 70 may not have an absorbent material forming the adjacent portion 71 of the absorber 34. As shown in the cross-sectional image of FIG. 4, the reduced absorption portion 70 is due to the fact that the third arm 82 and the fourth arm 84 of the front branch portion 74 do not contain any absorbent material. Therefore, there may be no absorbent material.

However, in other embodiments, the reduced absorption portion 70 is less absorbent material than the adjacent portion 71 of the absorbent body 34, but it is contemplated that it may include some absorbent material. As an example, the absorber 34 may be formed of a single layer of an absorbent material, but may have less absorbent material in the absorbent portion 70 which is reduced to the adjacent portion 71 of the absorber 34. In some embodiments, such as the alternative embodiment shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 4A, the absorber 34 may include one or more layers (e.g., layers 34a, 34b), with reduced absorption sites. 70 is formed by removing the absorbent material at the location of the reduced absorption site 70 from one layer 34a (or initially forming that layer 34a without the absorbent material at the reduced absorption site 70). However, the absorbent material may be present above and/or below the reduced absorption site 70 in one or more adjacent layers of the absorber 34 (e.g., layer 34b below layer 34a). I can.

Various alternative embodiments of the configuration of reduced absorption sites 170, 270, 370 are shown in FIGS. 5-7. Unless otherwise stated, the reduced absorption sites 170, 270, 370 in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 are the same as those described above for the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 4A. Returning to FIG. 5, the reduced absorption portion 170 may be configured such that the rear branch portion 72 does not include the rear curved portion 73 and the front branch portion 74 does not include the front curved portion 75. have. In this embodiment, the first arm 78 and the second arm 80 of the rear branch portion are connected to each other and connect the intermediate portion 76. Similarly, the third arm 82 and the fourth arm 84 are connected to each other and connect the intermediate portion 76.

As shown in Fig. 6, the reduced absorption portion 270 of the absorbent body 34 has a first arm 78, a second arm 80, a third arm 82, and a fourth arm 84 arc-shaped. It is configured to be shaped as a section. This is compared to the reduced absorption sites 70, 170 described above when the first arm 78, second arm 80, third arm 82, and fourth arm 84 are configured as linear sections. To provide an alternative configuration.

The reduced absorption portion 370 of the absorber 34 of FIG. 7 may include an intermediate portion 76 that is separate from the rear branch portion 72 and the front branch portion 74 where the reduced absorption portion 370 is Shows. That is, the rear branch portion 72, the front branch portion 74, and the middle portion 76 are all separate components of the reduced absorption portion 70 of the absorbent body 34 of FIG. 7.

The absorbent article 10 helps to accentuate the reduced absorbent region 70, 170, 270, 370 and/or provides an indication that the reduced absorbent region 70 is present within the absorbent body 34 by the user and/or the wearer. It may include features to provide to. For example, the absorbent article 10 may include a graphic 86 visible from the exterior of the absorbent article 10 that conforms to the reduced absorbent areas 70, 170, 270, 370. As shown in FIG. 1, this graphic 86 may include a graphic printed on the outer cover 26, which is visible from the outside of the absorbent article 10. Graphics 86, which can be matched to reduced absorbent regions 70, 170, 270, 370, help provide the presence of reduced absorbent regions 70, 170, 270, 370 to the user and/or wearer. It may include a line section, a line, a star, and/or another shape, an alphanumeric character, or a shape such as an image. Such graphics 86 may also be configured to be visible when viewed from the interior of the absorbent article 10 (or when viewing the body-facing surface 55 of the bodyside liner 28). Additionally or alternatively, the absorbent article 10 may be printed, embossed, or printed such that the bodyside liner 28 exhibits the presence and shape of the reduced absorbent regions 70, 170, 270, 370 of the absorbent body 34. , Or otherwise may be configured to be marked. In another aspect, a portion of the absorbent material within the reduced absorption region 70, 170, 270, 370 or the other between the absorbent body 34 and the outer cover 26 at the reduced absorption region 70, 170, 270, 370 The material layer may be colored to help present to the user or wearer the presence and shape of the reduced absorbent regions 70, 170, 270, 370 within the absorbent article 10.

The reduced absorption areas 70, 170, 270, 370 are shaped to match the wearer's natural movement pattern, allowing for easier wrinkle formation or folding of the absorber 34, thereby providing additional flexibility of the absorber 34. I can. This advantage exists when the absorbent body 34 is dry, but is particularly noteworthy as the absorbent body 34 inhales the excrement of body exudate and the absorbent material in the absorbent body 34 expands to absorb the body exudate. The components of the reduced absorption area 70, 170, 270, 370 provide a wrinkle or guide to the absorbent body 34, and the absorbent body 34 is worn by the wearer, for example, running, walking, and/or crawling. It can be bent naturally according to the movement of the wearer while matching the axial rotation points of the movement patterns of.

The reduced absorption sites 70, 170, 270, 370 of the absorber 34 can provide the added benefit of improved body exudate penetration throughout the absorber 34, thereby providing improved efficiency of the absorber 34. have.

The reduced absorption regions 70, 170, 270, and 370 may be formed in various ways. For example, the reduced absorption portions 70, 170, 270, and 370 may be formed by forming the absorber 34 having the absorbent material 34 only in the adjacent portion 71 of the absorber 34. Alternatively, the reduced absorption sites 70, 170, 270, 370 are pressure-bonded or ultrasonically applied to the absorber 34 to reduce the absorbent material in the area of the reduced absorption sites 70, 170, 270, 370. It can be formed by bonding. Another method of forming the reduced absorption regions 70, 170, 270, 370 may be to remove the absorbent material in the region of the reduced absorption regions 70, 170, 270, 370 after the absorber 34 is formed. have. For example, the absorbent material may be mechanically cut off from the absorber 34, or after forming the absorber 34, the absorbent material may be removed using a slit process.

Body side liner:

The bodyside liner 28 of the absorbent article 10 can cover the absorbent body 34 and the outer cover 26 and can be configured to receive exudate excretion from the wearer and from liquid dirt held by the absorbent body 34. The wearer's skin can be isolated. The body-side liner 28 may form at least a part of the body-facing surface 19 of the chassis 11.

In various embodiments, the fluid transfer layer 46 may be positioned between the bodyside liner 28 and the absorbent body 34 (as shown in FIG. 4). In various embodiments, acquisition layer 48 may be positioned between bodyside liner 28 and absorbent body 34 or fluid transfer layer 46, if present (as shown in FIG. 4). In various embodiments, the bodyside liner 28 is bonded to the acquisition layer 48, or to the fluid transfer layer 46 when the acquisition layer 48 is not present, via an adhesive and/or by point fusion bonding. Can be. The point fusion bonding can be selected from ultrasonic, thermal, pressure bonding, and combinations thereof.

In one embodiment, the bodyside liner 28 is an absorbent body 34 and/or a fluid transfer layer 46, if present, and/or an acquisition layer 48, if present, and/or a spacer if present. It can extend beyond the layer to cover a portion of the outer cover 26 and is bonded to the outer cover by any method considered suitable, such as, for example, bonded by an adhesive, to the outer cover 26 and The absorbent body 34 may be substantially enclosed between the body-side liners 28. In some embodiments, the bodyside liner 28 and outer cover 26 may have the same dimensions in width and length. However, in some embodiments, bodyside liner 28 may be narrower than outer cover 26 and/or shorter than outer cover 26. In some embodiments, the length of the bodyside liner 28 can range from 50% to 100% of the length of the absorbent article 10 as measured in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 29. In some embodiments, the bodyside liner 28 may have a greater width than the outer cover 26. It is also contemplated that the bodyside liner 28 may not extend beyond the absorbent body 34 and/or may not be secured to the outer cover 26. In some embodiments, the bodyside liner 28 includes surrounding both the longitudinal edges 36, 38 and/or one or more of the distal edges 40, 42 of the absorbent body 34. , It may surround at least a part of the absorber 34. It is also contemplated that the bodyside liner 28 may be composed of one or more material portions.

The bodyside liner 28 can be of a different shape, including a rectangle, an hourglass, or any other shape. The body-side liner 28 is suitably flexible, feels soft, and may be non-irritating to the wearer's skin, and may be the same or less hydrophilic as the absorber 34 so that body exudates easily penetrate into the absorber 34 And provide a relatively dry surface to the wearer.

The body-side liner 28 is a synthetic fiber (e.g., polyester or polypropylene fiber), a natural fiber (e.g., wood or cotton fiber), a combination of natural and synthetic fibers, porous foam, reticulated foam , An apertured plastic film, and the like. Examples of suitable materials include rayon, wood, cotton, polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon, or other heat bondable fibers, polyolefins such as but not limited to copolymers of polypropylene and polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene, and poly Lactic acid, microperforated film webs, aliphatic esters such as net materials, and the like, as well as combinations thereof, but not limited thereto.

A variety of woven and nonwoven fabrics can be used for the bodyside liner 28. The bodyside liner 28 may include woven fabrics, nonwoven fabrics, polymer films, film-woven laminates, and the like, as well as combinations thereof. Examples of nonwoven fabrics may include spunbond fabrics, meltblown fabrics, coform fabrics, carded webs, bonded carded webs, bicomponent spunbond fabrics, spunlaces, and the like, as well as combinations thereof. The bodyside liner 28 need not be of a single layer construction, and thus may include more than one layer of fabric, film and/or web, as well as combinations thereof. For example, the bodyside liner 28 may include a support layer and a protruding layer that may be hydroentangled. Kirby, Scott S.C. It is the same as those disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 9,474,660 invented by et al., and may include hollow protrusions as shown in FIG. 8.

For example, the bodyside liner 28 may be composed of a meltblown or spunbond web of polyolefin fibers. Alternatively, the bodyside liner 28 may be a bonded carded web composed of natural and/or synthetic fibers. The bodyside liner 28 may be composed of a substantially hydrophobic material, and the hydrophobic material may optionally be treated with a surfactant, or otherwise treated to impart a desired level of wettability and hydrophilicity. The surfactant can be applied by any conventional means such as spraying, printing, brush coating, and the like. The surfactant may be applied to the entire bodyside liner 28, or may be selectively applied to specific areas of the bodyside liner 28.

In one embodiment, the bodyside liner 28 may be comprised of a non-woven bi-component web. The nonwoven two-component web may be a spunbonded two-component web, or a bonded carded two-component web. Examples of bicomponent short fibers include polyethylene/polypropylene bicomponent fibers. In this particular bicomponent fiber, polypropylene forms the core, and polyethylene forms the sheath of the fiber. Fibers with different orientations, such as multi-robe, side-by-side, end-to-end, can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. I can. In one embodiment, the bodyside liner 28 may be a spunbond substrate having a basis weight of about 10 or 12 to about 15 or 20 gsm. In one embodiment, the bodyside liner 28 may be a 12 gsm spunbond-meltblown-spunbond substrate with a 10% meltblown content applied between two spunbond layers.

While outer cover 26 and bodyside liner 28 may comprise an elastomeric material, it is contemplated that outer cover 26 and bodyside liner 28 may be comprised of materials that are generally non-elastomeric. . In one embodiment, the bodyside liner 28 may be elastic, and more suitably elastic. In one embodiment, the bodyside liner 28 may be suitably stretchable, more suitably elastic, at least in the lateral or circumferential direction of the absorbent article 10. In other aspects, the bodyside liner 28 may be elastic, more preferably elastic, in both lateral and longitudinal directions 32 and 30, respectively.

Leakproof flaps:

In one embodiment, absorbent article 10 may include a pair of leakproof flaps 50 and 52. The leak-proof flaps 50 and 52 may be formed separately from the absorbent chassis 11 and attached to the chassis 11 or may be integrally formed with the chassis 11. In some embodiments, the anti-leak flaps 50, 52 may be secured to the chassis 11 of the absorbent article 10 in a relationship generally parallel to each other laterally inwardly of the leg openings. It provides a barrier to the flow of exudate. One leakproof flap 50 may be on the first side of the longitudinal axis 29 and the other leakproof flap 52 may be on the second side of the longitudinal axis 29. In one embodiment, the anti-leak flaps 50 and 52 are generally from the front waist region 12 of the absorbent article 10 through the crotch region 16 to the rear waist region 14 of the absorbent article 10. It may extend in the longitudinal direction 30. In some embodiments, the leakproof flaps 50, 52 may extend in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 29 of the absorbent article 10, however, in other embodiments, the leakproof The flaps 50, 52 can be curved as known in the art.

In embodiments in which the anti-leak flaps 50 and 52 are coupled to the chassis 11, the anti-leak flaps 50 and 52 are the body side liner 28, the outer cover 26, as known in the art. , Or to another layer, such as a spacer layer, if present, with a barrier adhesive. Of course, the leak-proof flaps 50, 52 may be bonded to other components of the chassis 11 and may be bonded by any suitable means other than a barrier adhesive. For example, the leakproof flaps 50, 52 may be bonded to the bodyside liner 28, outer cover 26, or other layer by pressure bonding, thermal bonding, or ultrasonic bonding. The leakproof flaps 50 and 52 may be made of a fibrous material that may be similar to the material forming the bodyside liner 28. Other conventional materials such as polymeric films can also be used.

As shown in FIG. 4, the leak-proof flaps 50 and 52 may each include a base portion 64 and a protruding portion 66. The base portion 64 may be bonded to the chassis 11, for example to the bodyside liner 28 or outer cover 26 as described above. The base portion 64 may be bonded to other components of the chassis 11. The protruding portion 66 is a body-facing surface 19 of the chassis 11 (e.g., a body-side liner) at least in the crotch region 16 when the absorbent article 10 is in a relaxed configuration, as shown in FIG. 28) may be configured to extend away from the body-facing surface 55).

It is contemplated that the leakproof flaps 50 and 52 may have a variety of structures and shapes, and may be constructed by a variety of methods. For example, the anti-leak flaps 50 and 52 of FIGS. 2 and 4 show vertical anti-leak flaps 50 and 52 that can be secured in both the anterior and posterior waist regions 12 and 14 The protruding portion 66 of each of the leakproof flaps 50 and 52 at is tacked down to the bodyside liner 28 towards the longitudinal axis 29 of the absorbent article 10. However, the leak-proof flaps 50, 52 may be fixed, wherein the protruding portion 66 of each of the leak-proof flaps 50, 52 is described in US Pat. No. 5,895,382 to Robert L. Popp et al. As is known in the art, it is contemplated that it folds on its own and joins itself and the bodyside liner 28 in a "C-shaped" construction. As another alternative, as described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13/900,134 by Robert L. Popp et al, published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2014/0350504, the leakproof flaps 50, 52 are "T-shaped. It is considered to be able to be composed of a structure. This structure may also include a protruding portion 66 that can be secured in either or both of the anterior and posterior waist regions 12, 14. Of course, other structures of leakproof flaps 50, 52 could be used in absorbent article 10 and are still within the scope of the present invention.

The leakproof flaps 50, 52 may include one or more flap elastic members 68, such as the two flap elastic strands shown in FIG. 4. Suitable elastic materials for the flap elastic members 68 may include sheets, strands or ribbons of natural rubber, synthetic rubber, or thermoplastic elastomer materials. Of course, two elastic members 68 are shown on each of the leak-proof flaps 50 and 52, but the leak-proof flaps 50 and 52 have one or three or more elastic members 68. It is considered to be possible. Alternatively or additionally, the leakproof flaps 50, 52 may be made of a material exhibiting its own elastic properties.

As shown in FIG. 2, the flap elastic members 68 are made of an elastomeric material extending in the longitudinal direction from the protruding portion 66 of the leak-proof flaps 50 and 52 in a generally spaced apart relationship with each other. It can have two strands. While the flap elastic members 68 are in a condition capable of elastically contracting so that the contraction of the strands collects and shortens the protruding portions 66 of the leakage prevention flaps 50 and 52 in the longitudinal direction 30, the leakage prevention flap Can be within the fields 50 and 52. As a result, the elastic members 68 deflect the protruding portions 66 of the leakproof flaps 50, 52, so that when the absorbent article 10 is in a relaxed structure, in particular, the crotch of the absorbent article 10 In region 16, it may extend away from body facing surface 45 of absorbent assembly 44 in a generally upright orientation of leakproof flaps 50, 52. This upright orientation of the protruding portion 66 of the leakproof flap 50 and the protruding portion 66 of the leakproof flap 52 is shown in FIG. 4, wherein the absorbent article 10 is of a relaxed structure.

During manufacture of the leak-proof flaps 50 and 52, at least some of the elastic members 68 may be bonded to the leak-proof flaps 50 and 52 while the elastic members 68 are elongated. The elongation of the elastic members 68 may be, for example, about 110% to about 350%. In one embodiment, the elastic members 68 may be coated with an adhesive while being stretched to a specified length before attaching the elastic members 68 to the leakproof flaps 50 and 52. In this exemplary method of bonding the elastic members 68 to the anti-leak flaps 50, 52, some of the elastic members 68 that are not coated with an adhesive include the elastic members 68 and the absorbent article ( 10) will be cut during manufacture to form individual absorbent articles 10 and then retracted. As mentioned above, the relaxation of the elastic members 68 when the absorbent article 10 is in a relaxed state, as shown in FIG. 4, can cause the respective leakproof flaps 50, 52 to come together. And the protruding portion 66 of each of the leak-proof flaps 50, 52 is the body-facing surface 19 of the chassis 11 (e.g., the body-facing surface 45 of the absorbent assembly 44 or the body-side liner 28). ) Can be extended away from the body facing surface 55).

Leg elastics:

The leg elastic members 60, 62 are bonded generally laterally inward of the longitudinal side edges 18, 20 of the absorbent article 10, for example by means of a laminate adhesive, such that the outer cover ( 26) can be fixed. Leg elastic members 60, 62 may form an elasticized leg cuff that further aids in containing body exudates. In one embodiment, the leg elastic members 60, 62 are each leakproof between the inner and outer layers (not shown) of the outer cover 26 or between other layers of the absorbent article 10, e.g. Between the base portion 64 of the flaps 50, 52 and the body side liner 28, between the base portion 64 of each leak-proof flap 50, 52 and the outer cover 26, or between the body side liner ( 28) and the outer cover 26 may be disposed between. The leg elastic members 60 and 62 may be one or more elastic components close to each longitudinal side edge 18 and 20. For example, the leg elastic members 60 and 62 each include two elastic strands as shown herein in FIG. 2. A wide variety of elastic materials can be used for the leg elastic members 60, 62. Suitable elastic materials may include sheets, strands or ribbons of natural rubber, synthetic rubber, or thermoplastic elastomer materials. The elastic materials can be stretched and fixed to the substrate, can be fixed to the corrugated substrate, or can be elasticized or contracted after being fixed to the substrate, for example by application of heat, so that an elastic contractive force is imparted to the substrate. Additionally, it is contemplated that in some embodiments leg elastic members 60 and 62 may be attached to the chassis 11 after being formed with the leakproof flaps 50 and 52. Of course, leg elastic members 60 and 62 may be omitted from the absorbent article 10 without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Absence of lumbar leak prevention:

In an embodiment, the absorbent article 10 may have one or more anti-waist members 54. 1 and 2 show a preferred embodiment of a lumbar leak prevention member 54 on an absorbent article 10 such as a diaper, wherein the lumbar leak prevention member 54 may be disposed in the rear waist region 14. . In some embodiments, the lumbar leak prevention member 54 may be disposed in the front waist region 12. The waist leakage preventing member 54 may be disposed on the body facing surface 45 of the absorbent assembly 44. In some embodiments, for example in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lumbar leak prevention member 54 may be disposed on the body-facing surface 55 of the body-side liner 28. Additionally, in the absorbent article 410 in FIGS. 9 and 10, the lumbar anti-leakage member 54 may be disposed on the rear waist panel 15. The lumbar anti-leakage member 54 can be coupled to the chassis 11 so that a portion of the lumbar anti-leakage member 54 can move freely relative to the chassis 11 and form a pocket to help contain body exudates. have.

The waist leakage preventing member 54 may be made of various materials. In a preferred embodiment, the waist anti-leakage member 54 may be made of a spunbond-melt blown-spunbond ("SMS") material. However, the anti-waist member 54 includes, but is not limited to, spunbond-film-spunbond ("SFS"), bonded carded web ("BCW"), or any nonwoven material. It is considered that it can consist of. In some embodiments, the lumbar anti-leakage member 54 may be made of more than one of these exemplary materials, or a stack of other materials. In some embodiments, the lumbar leak prevention member 54 may be made of a liquid impermeable material. In some embodiments, the waist leak prevention member 54 may be made of a material coated with a hydrophobic coating. In some embodiments, the lumbar anti-leak member 54 may include an elastic material to provide the absorbent article 10 with additional fit and anti-leak properties. In such embodiments, suitable elastic materials may include, but are not limited to, sheets, strands or ribbons of natural rubber, synthetic rubber, or thermoplastic elastomer polymer. The elastic material can be stretched and bonded to the substrate, can be bonded to a corrugated substrate, or can be elasticized or contracted, for example by application of heat, after being bonded to the substrate, so that an elastic shrinking force is imparted to the substrate. However, it will be appreciated that the waist elastic member 54 may be omitted from the absorbent article without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Fastening system:

In one embodiment, the absorbent article 10 may include a fastening system. The fastening system may include one or more rear fasteners 91 and one or more front fasteners 92. The embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 shows an embodiment with one front fastening mechanism 92. Portions of the fastening system may be included in the front waist region 12, the rear waist region 14, or both waist regions.

The fastening system may be configured to secure the absorbent article 10 around the wearer's waist in a fastened state as shown in FIG. 1 and help keep the absorbent article 10 in place when in use. In one embodiment, the rear fastener 91 may comprise one or more materials bonded together to form a composite ear, as is known in the art. For example, the composite fastener may consist of an elastic component 94, a nonwoven carrier or hook base 96, and a fastening component 98, as labeled in FIG. 2.

Example

Example 1: An absorbent body comprising a lateral axis and a longitudinal axis, the absorber comprising: an absorbent material; Anterior distal edge; A rear distal edge, wherein the rear distal edge faces the front distal edge, and the longitudinal axis extends through the front distal edge and the rear distal edge; A pair of longitudinal side edges; And a reduced absorption portion having less absorbent material than an adjacent portion of the absorber, wherein the reduced absorption portion is a rear branch portion including a first arm and a second arm, wherein the first arm is a first proximal end. And a first distal end, wherein the second arm includes a second proximal end and a second distal end, wherein the first arm is on a first side of the longitudinal axis and the second arm is of the longitudinal axis. On a second side, wherein the first arm and the second arm have a lateral distance between the first proximal end of the first arm and the second proximal end of the second arm a first distal end of the first arm The posterior branching portion configured to be less than a lateral distance between the and the second distal end of the second arm; An anterior bifurcation site comprising a third arm and a fourth arm, the third arm comprising a third proximal end and a third distal end, the fourth arm comprising a fourth proximal end and a fourth distal end, , The third arm is on a first side of the longitudinal axis and the fourth arm is on a second side of the longitudinal axis, and the third arm and the fourth arm are at the third proximal end of the third arm and the The anterior bifurcation portion, configured such that a lateral distance between the fourth proximal end of the fourth arm is less than a lateral distance between the third distal end of the third arm and the fourth distal end of the fourth arm; And an intermediate portion disposed between the rear branching portion and the front branching portion and connecting the rear branching portion to the front branching portion.

Example 2: The absorbent body of Example 1, wherein the reduced absorption site is free of absorbent material.

Example 3: The absorber according to Example 1 or 2, wherein the rear branch portion further includes a rear curved portion, wherein the rear curved portion connects the first arm to the second arm and is connected to the intermediate portion. .

Example 4: The absorber according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the back curve portion comprises an axis comprising four inflection points.

Example 5: In any one of the preceding embodiments, the front branch portion further comprises a front curved portion, wherein the front curved portion connects the third arm to the fourth arm and connects to the middle portion Being, absorber.

Embodiment 6: The absorber according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the first arm, the second arm, the third arm, and the fourth arm are each configured to have a shape as a linear section.

Example 7: According to Example 6, the angle formed between the first arm and the second arm of the posterior branch is from about 20° to about 90°, wherein between the third arm and the fourth arm of the front branch The angle formed in the absorber is about 20° to about 90°.

Example 8: The absorbent body according to any one of the embodiments, wherein the longitudinal length of the intermediate portion is about 5 mm to about 200 mm.

Example 9: The absorbent body of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the absorbent body forms part of an absorbent article, wherein the absorbent article comprises a bodyside liner and an outer cover, wherein the absorbent body comprises the bodyside liner and the outer cover. The absorber disposed between the covers.

Example 10: The absorbent body of Example 9, wherein the lateral axis of the reduced absorbent site is disposed in front of the lateral axis of the absorbent article.

Example 11: The absorbent body of Examples 9 or 10, wherein the absorbent article comprises a graphic disposed on the outer cover, wherein at least a portion of the graphic is matched with the reduced absorbent portion of the absorber.

Example 12: An absorbent comprising a lateral axis and a longitudinal axis, wherein the absorber comprises an absorbent material; Anterior distal edge; A rear distal edge, wherein the rear distal edge faces the front distal edge, and the longitudinal axis extends through the front distal edge and the rear distal edge; A pair of longitudinal side edges; And a reduced absorption portion having less absorbent material than an adjacent portion of the absorber, wherein the reduced absorption portion is a rear branch portion including a first arm and a second arm, wherein the first arm is a first proximal end. And a first distal end, wherein the second arm includes a second proximal end and a second distal end, wherein the first arm is on a first side of the longitudinal axis and the second arm is of the longitudinal axis. On a second side, wherein the first arm and the second arm have a lateral distance between the first proximal end of the first arm and the second proximal end of the second arm a first distal end of the first arm The posterior branching portion configured to be less than a lateral distance between the and the second distal end of the second arm; And a third arm and a fourth arm, wherein the third arm includes a third proximal end and a third distal end, and the fourth arm includes a fourth proximal end and a fourth distal end. And the third arm is on a first side of the longitudinal axis and the fourth arm is on a second side of the longitudinal axis, and the third arm and the fourth arm are with a third proximal end of the third arm Wherein the anterior branch is configured such that the lateral distance between the fourth proximal end of the fourth arm is less than the lateral distance between the third distal end of the third arm and the fourth distal end of the fourth arm. Including; The rear branch portion and the front branch portion are connected to each other.

Example 13: In Example 12, the reduced absorption portion further comprises an intermediate portion disposed between the rear branching portion and the front branching portion, wherein the intermediate portion includes the rear branching portion to the front branching portion. Connecting, absorber.

Example 14: The absorbent body of Examples 12 or 13, wherein the reduced absorption site is free of absorbent material.

Example 15: The absorber according to Example 13 or 14, wherein the rear branch portion further includes a rear curved portion, wherein the rear curved portion connects the first arm to the second arm and is connected to the intermediate portion. .

Example 16: According to any one of Examples 13 to 15, the front branch portion further comprises a front curved portion, wherein the front curved portion connects the third arm to the fourth arm and connects to the middle portion. Being, absorber.

Example 17: The absorber according to any one of Examples 12 to 16, wherein the first arm, the second arm, the third arm, and the fourth arm are each configured to have a shape as a linear section.

Example 18: The absorbent body of any of Examples 12-17, wherein the absorbent body forms part of an absorbent article, wherein the absorbent article comprises a bodyside liner and an outer cover, wherein the absorbent body comprises the bodyside liner and the outer cover. The absorber disposed between the covers.

Example 19: An absorbent article comprising a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis, the absorbent article comprising: a bodyside liner; Outer cover; And an absorbent body including an absorbent material disposed between the body-side liner and the outer cover, wherein the absorbent body includes a front end edge; A rear distal edge, the rear distal edge opposite the front distal edge; A pair of longitudinal side edges; And a reduced absorption portion having less absorbent material than an adjacent portion of the absorber, wherein the reduced absorption portion is a rear branch portion including a first arm and a second arm, wherein the first arm is a first proximal end. And a first distal end, wherein the second arm includes a second proximal end and a second distal end, wherein the first arm is on a first side of the longitudinal axis and the second arm is of the longitudinal axis. On a second side, wherein the first arm and the second arm have a lateral distance between the first proximal end of the first arm and the second proximal end of the second arm a first distal end of the first arm The posterior branching portion configured to be less than a lateral distance between the and the second distal end of the second arm; And an anterior bifurcation site comprising a third arm and a fourth arm, wherein the third arm includes a third proximal end and a third distal end, and the fourth arm includes a fourth proximal end and a fourth distal end. And the third arm is on a first side of the longitudinal axis and the fourth arm is on a second side of the longitudinal axis, and the third arm and the fourth arm are with a third proximal end of the third arm Wherein the anterior branch is configured such that the lateral distance between the fourth proximal end of the fourth arm is less than the lateral distance between the third distal end of the third arm and the fourth distal end of the fourth arm. Including; Wherein the reduced absorbent region is configured such that a lateral axis of the absorbent article extends through at least a portion of the reduced absorbent region.

Example 20: In Example 19, the reduced absorption portion further includes an intermediate portion disposed between the rear branch portion and the front branch portion, wherein the intermediate portion is one of the rear branch portion and the front branch portion. Absorbent article, separate from at least one.

All documents cited in the detailed description are incorporated herein by reference, in relevant parts; Any citation of the literature should not be construed as an admission that it is prior art to the present invention. To the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this specification contradicts any meaning or definition of a term in the document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to the term in this specification will apply.

While specific embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to cover all such changes and modifications that fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims (20)

An absorber comprising a lateral axis and a longitudinal axis, wherein the absorber
Absorbent material;
Anterior distal edge;
A rear distal edge, wherein the rear distal edge faces the front distal edge, and the longitudinal axis extends through the front distal edge and the rear distal edge;
A pair of longitudinal side edges; And
A reduced absorption site having less absorbent material than an adjacent portion of the absorber, wherein the reduced absorption site
A posterior branching site comprising a first arm and a second arm, the first arm comprising a first proximal end and a first distal end, the second arm comprising a second proximal end and a second distal end, , The first arm is on a first side of the longitudinal axis and the second arm is on a second side of the longitudinal axis, and the first arm and the second arm are with a first proximal end of the first arm The posterior branching portion configured such that a lateral distance between the second proximal end of the second arm is less than a lateral distance between the first distal end of the first arm and the second distal end of the second arm;
An anterior bifurcation site comprising a third arm and a fourth arm, the third arm comprising a third proximal end and a third distal end, the fourth arm comprising a fourth proximal end and a fourth distal end, , The third arm is on a first side of the longitudinal axis and the fourth arm is on a second side of the longitudinal axis, and the third arm and the fourth arm are the third proximal end of the third arm and the The anterior bifurcation portion, configured such that a lateral distance between the fourth proximal end of the fourth arm is less than a lateral distance between the third distal end of the third arm and the fourth distal end of the fourth arm; And
An absorbent body comprising the intermediate portion disposed between the rear branch portion and the front branch portion, and connects the rear branch portion to the front branch portion. The absorbent body of claim 1, wherein the reduced absorption site is free of absorbent material. The absorber according to claim 1, wherein the rear branching portion further comprises a rear curved portion, wherein the rear curved portion connects the first arm to the second arm and is connected to the intermediate portion. 4. The absorber according to claim 3, wherein the rear curved portion includes an axis including four inflection points. The absorbent according to claim 1, wherein the front branch portion further comprises a front curved portion, wherein the front curved portion connects the third arm to the fourth arm and is connected to the intermediate portion. The absorber according to claim 1, wherein the first arm, the second arm, the third arm, and the fourth arm are each configured to have a shape as a linear section. The method of claim 6, wherein the angle formed between the first arm and the second arm of the rear branch is about 20° to about 90°, wherein the angle formed between the third arm and the fourth arm of the front branch is An absorbent of about 20° to about 90°. The absorbent body of claim 1, wherein the intermediate portion has a length in the longitudinal direction of about 5 mm to about 200 mm. The absorbent body of claim 1, wherein the absorbent body forms part of an absorbent article, the absorbent article comprising a bodyside liner and an outer cover, the absorbent body being disposed between the bodyside liner and the outer cover. The absorbent body of claim 9, wherein the lateral axis of the reduced absorbent site is disposed in front of the lateral axis of the absorbent article. 10. The absorbent body of claim 9, wherein the absorbent article comprises a graphic disposed on the outer cover, wherein at least a portion of the graphic is matched with a reduced absorbent portion of the absorber. An absorber comprising a lateral axis and a longitudinal axis, wherein the absorber
Absorbent material;
Anterior distal edge;
A rear distal edge, wherein the rear distal edge faces the front distal edge, and the longitudinal axis extends through the front distal edge and the rear distal edge;
A pair of longitudinal side edges; And
A reduced absorption site having less absorbent material than an adjacent portion of the absorber, wherein the reduced absorption site
A posterior branching site comprising a first arm and a second arm, the first arm comprising a first proximal end and a first distal end, the second arm comprising a second proximal end and a second distal end, , The first arm is on a first side of the longitudinal axis and the second arm is on a second side of the longitudinal axis, and the first arm and the second arm are with a first proximal end of the first arm The posterior branching portion configured such that a lateral distance between the second proximal end of the second arm is less than a lateral distance between the first distal end of the first arm and the second distal end of the second arm; And
An anterior bifurcation site comprising a third arm and a fourth arm, the third arm comprising a third proximal end and a third distal end, the fourth arm comprising a fourth proximal end and a fourth distal end, , The third arm is on a first side of the longitudinal axis and the fourth arm is on a second side of the longitudinal axis, and the third arm and the fourth arm are at the third proximal end of the third arm and the A lateral distance between the fourth proximal end of the fourth arm being configured to be less than a lateral distance between the third distal end of the third arm and the fourth distal end of the fourth arm. and;
Wherein the rear branch portion and the front branch portion are connected. The absorber of claim 12, wherein the reduced absorption portion further comprises an intermediate portion disposed between the rear branch portion and the front branch portion, wherein the intermediate portion connects the rear branch portion to the front branch portion. . 13. The absorbent of claim 12, wherein the reduced absorption site is free of absorbent material. The absorbent according to claim 13, wherein the rear branching portion further comprises a rear curved portion, wherein the rear curved portion connects the first arm to the second arm and is connected to the intermediate portion. The absorber according to claim 13, wherein the front branching portion further comprises a front curved portion, wherein the front curved portion connects the third arm to the fourth arm and is connected to the intermediate portion. The absorber according to claim 12, wherein the first arm, the second arm, the third arm, and the fourth arm are each configured to have a shape as a linear section. 13. The absorbent body of claim 12, wherein the absorbent body forms part of an absorbent article, the absorbent article comprising a bodyside liner and an outer cover, the absorbent body being disposed between the bodyside liner and the outer cover. An absorbent article comprising a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis, the absorbent article
Body side liners;
Outer cover; And
And an absorbent body including an absorbent material disposed between the body-side liner and the outer cover, wherein the absorbent body
Anterior distal edge;
A rear distal edge, the rear distal edge opposite the front distal edge;
A pair of longitudinal side edges; And
A reduced absorption site having less absorbent material than an adjacent portion of the absorber, wherein the reduced absorption site
A posterior branching site comprising a first arm and a second arm, the first arm comprising a first proximal end and a first distal end, the second arm comprising a second proximal end and a second distal end, , The first arm is on a first side of the longitudinal axis and the second arm is on a second side of the longitudinal axis, and the first arm and the second arm are with a first proximal end of the first arm The posterior branching portion configured such that a lateral distance between the second proximal end of the second arm is less than a lateral distance between the first distal end of the first arm and the second distal end of the second arm; And
An anterior bifurcation site comprising a third arm and a fourth arm, the third arm comprising a third proximal end and a third distal end, the fourth arm comprising a fourth proximal end and a fourth distal end, , The third arm is on a first side of the longitudinal axis and the fourth arm is on a second side of the longitudinal axis, and the third arm and the fourth arm are the third proximal end of the third arm and the A lateral distance between the fourth proximal end of the fourth arm being configured to be less than a lateral distance between the third distal end of the third arm and the fourth distal end of the fourth arm. and;
Wherein the reduced absorbent region is configured such that a lateral axis of the absorbent article extends through at least a portion of the reduced absorbent region. The method of claim 19, wherein the reduced absorption portion further comprises an intermediate portion disposed between the rear branch portion and the front branch portion, wherein the intermediate portion is separated from at least one of the rear branch portion and the front branch portion. Personal, absorbent articles.

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