MXPA00006474A - Extensible absorbent article including folded layers adjacent the absorbent core - Google Patents

Abstract

An absorbent article includes an absorbent pad and an extensible outer cover. The absorbent pad comprises an absorbent core surrounded by a first folded layer and optionally a second folded barrier layer. Folds of the first and second folded layers unfold and thereby open when an extensible bodyside liner and/or outer cover of the absorbent article are extended. The folds, when opened, extend the respective folded layers in a respective cross-direction or longitudinal direction. Extension of the folds of the first and second folded layers prevents tearing of the absorbent pad and damage to, or release of superabsorbent material from the absorbent pad during extension of the absorbent article. The folds can comprise T-folds, C-folds, pleated arrangements, corrugations, or the like.

Description

EXTENSIBLE ABSORBENT ARTICLE THAT INCLUDES FOLDED LAYERS ADJACENT TO THE ABSORBENT NUCLEUS FIELD OF THE INVENTION Absorbent articles are well known, for example, diapers for children, training underpants incontinence products for adults and the like. Said absorbent articles have had a great acceptance given their ability to receive and absorb body exudates. There are already large or small quantities and, in general, they include an absorbent core.

In typical absorbent articles, an absorbent cushion has an absorbent core contained within first and second thin papers. The absorbent pad is located between an outer shell and a shell on the body side.

This invention relates to extensible absorbent article improvements for use in the reception and absorption of body exudates. The general cover generally comprises an expandable material in at least one direction. An adhesive was generally applied to a first inner surface of the outer cover. The first and second layers, arranged on opposite sides of the absorbent core, are secured to each other out of the absorbent core. Both the first and second layers comprise improved structures by which the first and second layers can, in collaboration with the extension of the outer cover, be unfolded or opened, so that the absorbent bearing does not tear and, consequently, does not Release the absorbent materials when the absorbent article is extended.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In general, absorbent articles should fit comfortably to the body of the wearer. Conventional absorbent articles include an absorbent cushion having an absorbent core contained in a wrapper comprising a first wire cloth of cover or a second cloth of metal thread of the body, or both.

However, in conventional structures, generally, the outer cover is adhesively secured to the wire cloth of the absorbent bearing. In such embodiments, as the cover extends in the transverse direction, the outer bearing extends in the same direction. In such embodiments, the force applied to extend the outer cover, and hence the absorbent bearing, may tear or otherwise damage the wire cloth of the absorbent bearing. Since the absorbent cushion is generally a closed envelope, namely an absorbent core enclosed within the combination of an outer cover metal thread and a lining metallic thread fabric on the side of the body, which tears the absorbent cushion, to Knowing either the fabric of metallic threads of outer cover or fabric of metallic threads of lining on the side of the body can release super absorbent particles and other absorbent core materials in contact with the body of the wearer. Such materials can irritate the skin of the wearer of the garments and said release indicates a failure in the proper performance of the absorbent article. Therefore, it is very desirable to find a way to prevent ripping or other structural failure of the absorbent bearing in the absorbent articles using an extendable outer cover and a lining to the body of the extensible body.

SYNTHESIS OF THE DESCRIPTION In the present invention, an absorbent article includes an absorbent core having an outer perimeter, a folded layer of material that includes at least one fold and that has a first surface arranged in surface-to-surface ratio with a second surface of the layer. folded, and or adhesive pattern disposed at least in part between the folded cap and the outer cover, mounting the adhesive pattern l folded layer on the outer cover, so that, in response to the extension of the outer cover, the The folded layer can be extended with the outer cover by the fold opening, without breaking the folded layer or otherwise releasing super absorbent material from the absorbent core.

In some embodiments, the double comprises a first fold, including the folded layer or second fold separated from the first fold towards the width of the absorbent article. A first strip of adhesive can be disposed between the folds, such that the length of the outer cover causes the extension of the bending layer and both folds.

In many embodiments, the folded layer substantially comprises a fabric material of non-extensible metal yarns.

In some embodiments, the fold of the bent layer comprises a corrugation. The bent layer may include a multiplicity of corrugations that provide the extension of the folded layer in the transverse direction. Substantially the entire surface can be covered in a pattern of corrugations.

In some embodiments, the folds the bent layer may comprise T-bends and in other embodiments, the folds comprise C-bends.

In some embodiments, the adhesive pattern includes at least one strip of adhesive that extends along the absorbent article, and secures the outer cover to the folded layer at an unfolded portion of the folded layer.

In some embodiments, a second pull of adhesive, disposed between the outer cover and the folded cap, extends the length of the absorbent article and secures the outer cover to the folded layer at a second bent portion of the folded layer. The first and second adhesive strips can effectively extend the entire length of the absorbent article and thus help seal the ends of the body side forr and the outer cover to the front and rear ends of the absorbent article.

In many embodiments, the absorbent article includes a body-side liner having a surface that comes into contact with the body and opposite the surface mounted surface-to-surface relationship for at least a portion of the outer cover.

In some embodiments, the absorbent article includes a second layer of brooming material bent between the second side of the absorbent core and the body side forum.

In some embodiments, the second bent barrier cap is adhesively secured to the first cap bent outwardly from the perimeter of the absorbent core.

In some embodiments, the first bent cap and the second bent barrier layer comprise both thin, non-extensible papers.

In some embodiments, the body side lining is extendable in at least the transverse direction.

In some embodiments, the body side liner, the outer cover, and the first and second bent layers are all extensible in the transverse direction during placement of the absorbent article in a carrier, the extension of the layers bent in the folds they prevent the first bent layer or the second bent barrier layer from tearing during the extension of the absorbent article, and thus the release of the superabsorbent material from the absorbent cushion is prevented.

In another embodiment, the absorbent article comprises an extendable outer shell, a body side forr mounted in surface-to-surface relationship in at least a portion of a first inner surface of the outer shell, an absorbent bearing disposed between the lining on the body side and the outer cover, the absorbent bearing comprising an absorbent core having an outer perimeter, a first side, and a second opposite side including the absorbent pad a first folded layer of material disposed between the first side of the absorbent core the outer cover, and a second layer of folded sweeping material disposed between the second absorbent article side the body side liner, and an adhesive pattern disposed between (i) the outer cover and the first folded layer and (ii) the lining of the body side and the second bent layer accommodates the extension of one of the respective bent layers e combination with the corresponding adhered extension of the outer cover and the lining of the body side.

In some embodiments, the adhesive pattern is disposed between the body-side liner and the second bent layer, such that the extension of the outer shell and the body-side lining may extend the first bent layer and the second layer. folded layer inside the absorbent article.

In some embodiments, the adhesive pattern includes an adhesive matrix extending in the longitudinal direction to opposite sides of the body-side lining surface, outwardly from an absorbent cushion perimeter.

In some embodiments the adhesive pattern includes an adhesive matrix extending in the longitudinal direction to opposite sides of the first inner surface of the outer cover, outwardly from a perimeter of the absorbent pad.

In some embodiments, an adhesive strip extending in the longitudinal direction between the outer cover and the first bent layer helps to maintain the alignment of the absorbent bearing in the absorbent article.

In some embodiments, the body side skin and the outer skin are extensible at least in the transverse direction, and the first bent layer and the second bent barrier layer each have at least one fold that extends substantially to all along absorbent article in the longitudinal direction.

In some embodiments, the body side liner, the outer cover, and the first and second folded layers all extend in the transverse direction during placement of the absorbent article in a carrier, enabling the extension of the folded layers to unfold the respective folds of the first bent layer and the second layer.

In some embodiments, the adhesive pattern comprises swirl matrices of laterally spaced adhesive, disposed along the outer cover, outwardly from the absorbent article.

In another embodiment of the invention, an absorbent bearing for use in an absorbent article comprises an absorbent article having an outer perimeter, a first folded layer of material having at least one fold disposed on a first side of the absorbent article, and a second bent barrier layer having at least one fold and being disposed on a second side of the absorbent article, the first bent layer and the second bent barrier layer extending beyond the perimeter of the absorbent article, and securing the adhesive the first layer bent to the second barrier layer bent out from the perimeter of the absorbent article.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIGURE 1 shows a top view of a first embodiment of absorbent articles of the invention.

FIGURE 2 shows a cross section of absorbent article taken on line 2-2 of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 3 shows a cross section of a second embodiment of the absorbent articles of the invention with a first and second layers, including folds and C.

FIGURE 4 shows a cross section of a third embodiment of an absorbent bearing of the invention wherein the folds include corrugations.

FIGURE 5 shows a top view of an interior surface of an outer cover to which an adhesive has been applied.

The invention is not limited in its application by the details of construction and the arrangement of the elements specified in the following description or in the illustration of the drawings. The invention can have other forms of realization or be practiced or carried out in various ways. In addition, it is understood that the terminology and phraseology used in this document are for descriptive and illustrative purposes and should be considered as limiting. The same numerals are used to indicate equal elements. The drawings have fine illustrative and are not drawn, necessarily, to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATED REALIZATION FORMS The various embodiments of the present invention will be described in connection with their use in absorbent articles, but it should be understood that the possible uses of the structures of the present invention are not limited to the context of the absorbent articles.

As used herein and the claims that follow, the phrase "absorbent article includes diapers, training underpants, adult incontinent articles, similar feminine hygiene products." Generally, such articles receive or store or both. , urine or fecal matter, or both, and has another significant absorbing function.

As used herein and the claims that follow, the term "folds" includes T-bends, C-bends, corrugation folds arrays, or other physically deposed elements that may extend outward, by virtue of the change in It forms structural arrangement, rather than the extension of elastic materials, with respect to its original relaxed configurations.

FIGURE 1 is a plan view of an absorbent article 8 of one embodiment of the present invention, in its non-contracted state (ie, all the agglomeration and contraction induced by the elastic). The absorbent article 8, shown in FIGURE 1, includes a front portion 10 having a leading end 12, a posterior portion 14 having a trailing end 16, a crotch portion 18 between the leading portion 10 and the back portion 14. Fastening tabs 20, 22 are secured to and extend outwardly from the opposite sides of the body-side liner 24 that is located in the back portion 14. The extendable outer cover 26 (shown in FIGURE 2) is in the relationship of surface to surface with body side liner 24. Leg elastics 28 provide retractable, generally longitudinal, extension capacity and support crotch portion 18. Container flaps 30, 32 are typically secured to the body side liner 24 The absorbent bearing 28 (shown in FIGURE 2) can have an hourglass shape and is disposed between the body side liner 24 and the outer shell 26 FIGURE 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view taken at 2-2 of FIGURE 1. The body side liner 24 the outer cover 26 are separated from each other for purposes of illustration. In a finished product, the body side liner 24 and the outer cover 26 are secured to each other by adhesive 66.

The absorbent pad 38 is located between the body side liner 24 and the outer cover 26. The absorbent pad 38 includes a first bent layer 40 and a second bent barrier layer 42, in combination with an absorbent core 44. An adhesive 46 it ensures the first bent layer 4 and the second barrier layer bent 42 together. Thus, the first bent layer 40 and the second bent barrier layer 42 surround the absorbent core 44 and thus form the absorbent bearing 38 The first bent layer 40 includes a first inner surface 48 and a second opposing outer surface 50. D likewise, the second bent barrier layer 42 includes a first inner surface 52 and a second outer opposing surface 54. The absorbent bearing 38 receives and retains exudate passing through the liner on the body side 24. The adhesive 46 secures a portion of the first surface 48 of the first bent layer 40 to the first surface 52 of the second bent barrier layer 42 around an outer perimeter of the absorbent core 44.

The body-side liner 24 has a first body facing surface 58 and a second opposing surface 60. The outer cover 26 includes a first outer surface 62 and a second inner surface 64. One adhesive layer 66 is disposed on the outside. second inner surface 6 of the outer cover 26 and secures the outer cover to the second surface 60 of the body side liner 24.

In the preferred embodiments of the invention, the outer cover 26 and the lining of the body side 24 are extensible elements. Preferably, at least one of the elements is extensible in a flexible manner. The outer cover 26 is preferably extensible at least in the transverse direction "C". In said arrangement, the extension of the outer cover 26, if firmly secured to the absorbent cushion 28 in the entire b folded first layer 40, as in the prior art, applies force to the absorbent bearing 38.

Said force may cause the first bent layer 40 or the second bent barrier layer 42 to tear and thereby allow the superabsorbent material to escape from the absorbent cushion 38. Such release of the superabsorbent may cause discomfort to the wearer and is considered a failure of the absorber. product.

Therefore, in the invention, a pull of adhesive 68 is disposed in the longitudinal direction "L" approximately at the center of the second surface 64 of the outer cover 26, such that the adhesive secures the outer cover the first layer bent 40 between the first and second folds T 70, 72 of the first bent layer.

The adhesive strip 68 secures the outer cover 26 to the first folded layer 40 along the longitudinal direction thus allowing the extension of the outer cover in the transverse direction "C". The T-foldings 70, 72 of the first bent layer 40 do not come into contact with or are affected by any adhesive. Therefore, when the outer cover 26 of the absorbent article 8 extends the transverse direction "C", the folds 70, 72 open extend outwardly with the outer cover. Therefore, significant loading is applied to the absorbent bearing 38, and tearing of the layer 40 occurs, possibly releasing absorbent material from the bearing. The adhesive strip 68 also helps to maintain the alignment of the absorbent bearing 338 the absorbent article 8 by impeding the angular movement of the bearing with respect to the outer cover 26.

FIGURE 2 also illustrates the arrangement of the second bent layer 42. The second bent layer 42 includes first and second T-bends 74, 76. Preferably there is no belay between the bent second layer 42 and the body side liner 24. Without However, an adhesive strip (not shown) similar to the adhesive strip 68 may be extended along the center in the longitudinal direction, between the increase layer 78 and the absorbent bearing 38, as long as the adhesive pull does not come into contact with the T-bends 74, 76. E operation, the second bent layer, functions in a manner similar to, and in combination with, the first bent layer 40. Thus, according to the extendable outer cover 24 and the side lining of the body 26 is they extend in the transverse direction "C" the folds 74, 76 unfold and open. The folds at 70, 72 d of the first folded layer 40 also unfold and open. The opening of the T-bends 70, 72, 74, 76 prevents the accumulation of significant stress in the first and second bent caps 40, 42, tension which could tear either the layers 40 42 separately or both and thus release the material absorber of absorbent bearing 38.

FIGURE 2 also illustrates an augmentation layer 7 having a first surface 80 and a second surface 82. The first surface of the augmentation layer 80 is disposed in surface-to-surface ratio with the second surface 5 of the second bent layer 42. Since no adhesive is applied directly between the body side liner 24 and absorbent bearing 38, the body side liner has relatively free mobility with respect to the absorbent pad.

A strip of adhesive 84 disposed in the longitudinal direction "L" extends along the center of the side liner of the body 24. The adhesive 84 thus secures the lining of the body 24 to the second surface 82 of the augmentation layer. 7 along the longitudinal center line, thus securing the augmentation layer 78 at a site suitable for the body side liner 24, for use in the absorbent article 8. Having a longitudinal strip of adhesive 84 allows the lining of the body 24 to be free to extend outwardly. in the transverse direction "C" without considerable resistance of the increase cap 78, whereby, generally, the integrity of the augmentation layer is not threatened by said extension. Thus, the increase layer 78 is relatively free to move co with respect to the absorbent bearing 38.

The adhesive 84 preferably comprises a heat-melt adhesive extending in the longitudinal direction "L" along the center of the increase layer 78 as illustrated in FIGURE 2.

The fastening tabs 220, 22 may comprise the hooks of a eyelet and hook fastening system for securing the back portion 14 of the absorbent article 8 to the front portion 10. Other well-known fastening elements can be used to support the absorbent article 8 to the carrier. For example, a cohesive system, an adhesive fastening system, or the like, may be used as securing elements, with cooperating elements suitable in the front portion 10, as necessary, for supporting the absorbent article 8 to the carrier. An example of a fastening tab is shown in U.S. Patent Application Serial Number 421,640 filed April 13, 199 by Zehner et al. Which is entitled "Multi-Atatchment Fastening System" whose presentation is incorporated as a reference to this document in its entirety, to the extent that such presentation is consistent (not contradictory) with the subject presented in this document.

The fastening tabs 20, 22 can be permanently secured to the back portion 14 of the absorbent article 8 by, for example, ultrasonic bonding, adhesives, sewing or other conventional and known securing methods.

As representatively shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the body side liner 24 and the outer cover 26 are generally extended in common fashion and have length and width dimensions greater than the dimensions of the absorbent bearing 38. Thus, the lining on the body side 24 is generally placed on the entire surface of the outer cover 26, thus defining the periphery of the absorbent article 8. The absorbent bearing 28 is disposed between the outer cover 26 and the lining of the body side 24 inwards of The periphery of the absorbent article 8.

The body side liner 24 includes a first skin facing surface 58 that is flexible, soft to the touch and does not irritate the skin of the wearer. In addition, the body side liner 24 can be sufficiently porous to be permeable to aqueous liquids, allowing said liquid to penetrate and penetrate its thickness.

A suitable body side liner 24 can be manufactured from a wide selection of weft materials, for example, porous foams, cross-linked foams, apertured plastic films, natural woven and non-woven fibers, or both, synthetic fibers or a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. The body side liner 24 is typically used to help insulate the skin of the carrier from liquids retained in the absorbent pad 38. Various woven and non-woven fabrics can be used for the body side liner 24. For example, the lining on the body side 24 may be composed of a fused or nonwoven web made of polyolefin fibers fused together. The body side liner 24 can also be a composite of bonded and carded natural or synthetic fibers.

The body side liner 24 may be composed of a substantially hydrophobic and non-wettable material, the hydrophobic material being optionally treated with a surfactant or otherwise processed to impart a desired level of wettability or hydrophilicity.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the lining on the body side 24 is extensible, preferably extensible in a flexible manner, in at least one direction. "Flexibly extensible" can be defined as a material that substantially retracts to its original length or width by releasing an extension force. For example, a body-side lining that is 200% extensible with respect to its original length, which is retracted to 150% of its original length can be considered extensible in a flexible way since a return of 75% of the total amount of extension shows. flexibility.

Among other materials, the body side liner 24 may be a non-woven fabric, spun with fused polypropylene filaments. See U.S. Patent 5,226,992 issued to Morman et al., Incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, to the extent consistent with the presentation of the present document, to teach various materials that may be used to form the lining of the body side 24. The fabric may be creped or strangled, such that it is extensible in at least the longitudinal direction "L" and the transverse direction, or both.

The body side liner 24 may comprise a multiplicity of elements, layers or partial layers, corresponding to any of the materials presented herein, as well as others known in the art. The fabric can be treated with a selected amount of surfactant, for example, 0.28% Trition X-102 surfactant available from Rohm and Haas Corp. of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The surfactant can be applied through any conventional means, for example, spraying, printing, brushing and the like.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the body side liner 24 may comprise a stretch-bonded laminate having the proper elasticity and width to create surface contact between the absorbent article 8 and the body of a wearer. A stretch bonded laminate comprises at least one material composed of two layers in which one layer is a reunitable layer and the other is a stretchable layer. The layers are joined when the stretchable layer is in a stretched condition, such that, upon relaxing the composite material of bonded layers, the reunitable layer meets. The stretchable layer may be a film of stretchable material, for example a layer of styrene ethylene-butylene styrene copolymer or other elastomeric polymer, a variety of strands optionally separated from a stretchable material, eg, latex. Other similar materials can also be provided integral with or connected to the body liner 24. Such materials should not interfere with the smooth texture of the body side liner 24 against the skin of the wearer.

The body side liner 24 preferably has an extensibility of at least 200% in the transverse direction "C". In some embodiments of the body side liner 24 may additionally have similar extensibility in the longitudinal direction "L". In other embodiments, the lining on the body side 24 can be extendable only in the longitudinal direction "L".

The outer cover 26 preferably comprises a first material that extends over or into substantially the entire general area of the absorbent article 8 and is capable of being extended in at least the transverse direction "C". Such materials include loosely knitted fabrics, bonded and carded fabrics, non-woven fabrics of fused filaments and fused fabrics. A cast tram includes melted microfibers. The material may also have multiple layers, such as, for example, multiple layers of non-woven fabrics of fused filaments and melted cloth, or both. The material can be manufactured with polymers for example, polyolefins. Among the exemplary polyolefins are polypropylene, polyethylene, copolymers of ethylene propylene copolymers. See U.S. Patent 5,226,992 issued to Morman et al., Incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, to the extent that it is congruent (not contradictory), to teach various materials that may be used to form the cover exterior 26 A preferred material for the outer cover 26 may comprise an extensible film laminated to a nonwoven fabric material made with strands fused together.

Alternative constructions of the outer shell 26 may include a woven or woven fibrous web layer that has been constructed in whole or in part, or is treated to impart the desired levels of impermeability to the liquids, in selected regions thereof, for example adjacent regions. or close to the absorbent bearing 38. Optionally, in some embodiments, an additional outer cover layer may be placed on the outer cover 26.

The outer cover 26 can optionally be composed of microporous and breathable material, which allows the vapors to escape from the absorbent article while preventing the liquid exudates from passing through it. For example, a suitable microporous film is a material known as PMP-1, available from Mitsui Toatsu Chemicals, Inc., a company having offices in Tokyo, Japan, or the polyolefin film known as XKO-8044 and available from 3M Company. from Minneapolis, Minnesota.

In another embodiment of the invention, the outer cover 26 can be a non-woven fabric of fused polypropylene filaments. The fabric can be creped or strangled, such that it is extensible at least in the "L" or "C" direction or in both. The outer cover 26 may have an extensibility of at least 30% and preferably at least about 200% in the transverse direction "C". In some embodiments, the outer cover 26 may additionally have extensibility in the longitudinal direction "L".

Other materials having other advantageous features are also useful as an outer cover 26. For example, the outer cover 26 may comprise a laminate bonded by stretching. Methods for making such materials are known to those skilled in the art.

Preferably both the body side liner 24 and the outer cover 26 are extensible materials. At least either the body side liner 24 or the outer cover 26 are flexibly extensible, this is retractable to at least about 75% of the extension amount upon release of the extension force. In such embodiments, at least either the body side liner 2 or the outer cover 26 can return the absorbent article 8 to substantially its original size and shape upon release of the fastening tabs 20, 22 or any other limiter. In such a case, the element that is merely extensible (for example, if withdrawal forces) can follow the liner / cover retractable to the restoration size at the time of release. In other embodiments, both the body-side liner 24 and the outer cover can be extensible in a flexible manner and, therefore, can and assist each other to return the absorbent article 8 substantially to its former relaxed size and shape in the moment of releasing the fastening tabs 20, 22.

The elastics of the leg 28 can be formed from different materials that are connected to the outer cover 26 or the liner on the body side 24 or both. Suitable materials for forming the leg elastics include strands, LYCRA® tapes, or one or more layers of polymeric material, which can adhere to the absorbent article 8, thus forming the leg elastics 28, while being in a stretched or extended position. The leg elastics 2 provide limited extensibility of the absorbent article in the longitudinal direction "L", from and to a relaxed condition. Alternatively, the elastic leg forming material 28 can be connected, in a relaxed condition, to the absorbent article 8, while the article is folded, so that the constrictive forces of the elastic are imparted to at least the crotch portion 18 of absorbent article 8, when the leg elastic elongates along the absorbent article.

In embodiments where the outer cover 26 or the body side liner 24, or both, are formed with at least stretchable materials in the longitudinal direction "L", no leg elastics 28 need be provided for the article absorbent 8.

Separate and opposite right and left containment fins 30, 32 extend longitudinally along the absorbent article 8 into the respective lateral ends 34, 36 of the absorbent article. In the embodiments of FIGURES 1 and 2, the containment fins 30, 32 are typically secured to the body side liner 24. The dashed lines 56 indicate where all surfaces of the containment fins 30, 32 facing the body side liner 24 are secured to the liner. on the body side from the crotch portion 18. Inward from the dashed line 56, the containment flaps 30, 32 are secured to the body side liner 24 only at the inner ends thereof and, therefore, they can support or otherwise open to receive and contain the exudates.

Exemplary containment fins are specified in United States Patent 4,704,116 issued November 3, 1987 in favor of K. Enloe, the presentation of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, insofar as it is consistent ( not contradictory) with the present.

Waist elastics (not shown) extends generally around the waist of the absorbent article 8. The front waist elastics and the posterior waist elastics (not shown) generally comprise threads, tapes of one or more layers of polymeric material or elastomeric, or both, which may adhere or otherwise be mounted to the absorbent article 8, while the elastic is in a stretched condition. The waist elastics can comprise one or more strands of elastomeric material, preferably in a spatially separate and generally parallel arrangement.

In some embodiments comprising extendable outer cover 26 or expandable body side liner 24, waist elastics can be omitted. The lining of the extensible body side 24 and the extendable outer cover 26 can obviate the need for belt elastics while retaining the proper stretching function.

The absorbent bearing 38 can be manufactured in a wide variety of sizes and shapes (e.g., rectangular, trapezoidal, T-shaped, I-shaped, hourglass-shaped, etc.) and from a wide range of materials . The size and absorbent capacity of the absorbent bearing 38 must be compatible with the size of the intended carrier and the anticipated liquid load imparted by the intended use of the absorbent bearing.

The absorbent pad 38 contains the absorbent core 44 wrapped by the first bent layer 40 and the second bent barrier layer 42. The adhesive 46 preferably comprises cold adhesive applied to the first bent layer 40 or the second bent barrier layer 42, or both , at least outwardly of the outer perimeter of the absorbent core 44. Other known adhesives or joining techniques can be used in place of the cold adhesive to secure the first surface 48 of the first bent layer 40 to the first surface 52 of the second layer bent barrier 42.

The first bent layer 40 typically comprises a wired, low porosity, and a single layer or the like fabric of metallic yarns. Other materials may also function as a first bent layer 40, provided that appropriate poroside and other characteristics are present. The first bent layer 40 generally comprises substantially non-extensible material, for example a fabric with metallic threads.

The second bent barrier layer 42 typically comprises a fabric material with metallic threads. Thus, the second bent barrier layer 42 provides a barrier to the superabsorbent material migrating from the absorbent core 44 towards the body side liner 24. The second bent barrier layer 42 may comprise a non-extensible material.

Other materials having suitable characteristics can also be used for the first and second bent layers 40, 42. The first and second bent layers 40, 42 may further comprise multiple layers of various insured materials together.

As shown in FIGURE 2, the first and second layers 40, 42 may include T-bends 70, 72, 74, 76. Any number of folds from at least one, to a multiplicity of folds encompassing all surfaces of the layers may be used for the bent layers 40, 42 Although FIGURE 2 shows only two folds for each of the bent layers 40, 42, substantially the entire width of the respective bent layers may comprise folds. Thus, there must be no unfolded regions present, for example the region between the T-bends 70, 72 shown in FIGURE 2. However, the non-bent regions, in which the first second bent layers 40, 42 are not bent, are generally present in many embodiments of the folded layers.

Many types of folds can be used for the invention. For example, FIGURE 3 shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the invention which includes C-bends 86, 88 for the first bent layer 40 the C-bends 90, 92 for the second bent barrier layer 42.

In other embodiments, the folds for the first bent layer 40 or the second bent barrier layer 42 may comprise multiple folds spaced across the width of the absorbent article 8.

In most embodiments, the folds of the first bent layer 40 and the second bent barrier layer 42 open in the transverse direction "C" as illustrated in FIGURES 2 and 3. However, in the forms d embodiment having an outer cover 24 and a lining of the body 26 extendable in the longitudinal direction "L", the folds in the first and second respective layers 40, 4 can be opened in the longitudinal direction.

Other types of bends may include corrugations. As shown in the absorbent pad 38 of FIGURE 4, the first bent layer 40 and the second bent sweeping layer 42 each have a variety of corrugations extending substantially all along the absorbent article 8. Said corrugations allow for expansion of the respective bent layers, in combination with the body side liner 24 and the outer cover 26, in the transverse direction "C". The corrugations, in the cases in which they are used, preferably extend over substantially the entire area of the surface of the bent layers 40, 42.

In FIGURE 4, the adhesive 46 secures the corrugations of the first bent layer 40 to the corrugations of the second bent barrier layer 42 outward, around the perimeter of the absorbent core 44. Thus, the first bent layer 40, the second bent barrier layer 42, and absorbent core 44, in combination, form absorbent bearing 38.

In other embodiments, the corrugations may be formed in the first bent layer 40 and the second bent barrier cap 42 to allow expansion of the absorbent article 8 in the longitudinal direction "L".

The absorbent core 44 suitably comprises a matrix of hydrophilic fibers, for example a web of cellulosic pelus, preferably in combination with a material of great absorbency, commonly known as superabsorbent material. In a preferred embodiment, the absorbent core 44 comprises a mixture of superabsorbent hydrogel material and wood pulp fluff. Instead of the wood pulp fluff, molten polymer fibers or a combination of these and natural fibers can be used. The superabsorbent material can be mixed substantially homogeneously with hydrophilic fibers or it can be combined in another way within the absorbent core.

Alternatively, the absorbent core 44 may comprise a laminate of fibrous webs and superabsorbent material or other suitable means for maintaining the superabsorbent material in a localized area.

The high-absorbency material of the absorbent core 44 can be selected from polymers and natural, synthetic and modified natural materials. The high-absorbency materials may be inorganic materials, for example, silica gels or organic compounds such as cross-linked polymers. The term "cross-linking" refers to any means for effectively converting water-soluble materials into substantially water insoluble but swellable, whereby there are available absorbent properties but the swellable material is substantially immobile after absorbing the water-based liquids. Such means include, for example, physical imbrication, crystalline domains, covalent bonds, complexes and ionic associations, hydrophilic associations, for example, hydrogen bonds, and hydrophobic associations or Van der aals forces.

The body side liner 24 is secured to the outer cover 26 around at least the perimeter of the absorbent bearing 38. Typically, said securing is provided by adhesive 66. As shown in FIGURE 5, the adhesive 66 may comprise dies laterally spaced from patterns of swirls of adhesive applied along the longitudinal direction "L" to opposite sides of the second surface 64 of the outer cover 26 outward from the intended location of the absorbent bearing 38. The adhesive 66 may also comprise adhesive patterns In swirling shape they overlap. As described above, the adhesive 66 secures the body side liner 24 and the outer cover 26 along the ends 34, 36. The adhesive pattern 66 can further secure at least part of the second surface 5. of the folded layer 40 of the outer cover 26 in the longitudinal sections thereof, as indicated in the cross-sectional view of FIGURE 2. The adhesive strip 68 may also comprise a swirling pattern as illustrated in FIG. 5.

In embodiments that do not include leg elastics adhesively secured to the outer cover 26, adhesive (not shown) may be applied to the leg openings adjacent to the outer cover that are in the crotch portion 18. Said adhesive may provide sealing sufficient to retain the absorbent cushion 38 of the absorbent article 8 and can prevent the superabsorbent material or other material from escaping from the article. Likewise, even in embodiments having leg elastics, adhesive (not shown) may be applied to the side ends 34, 36 of the absorbent article 8 to retain the absorbent materials between the body side liner 24 and the outer shell 26 As shown in FIGURE 3, the adhesive 66 can be arranged on the second surface 60 of the body side liner 24 in place of the outer cover 26 to the shape of the absorbent article 8. In said arrangement, the manufacturing steps of the article absorbent 8 are ideally reversed.

In instances where the body side liner 24 and the outer cover 26 are extensible both in the transverse direction "C" and in the longitudinal direction "L", the adhesive 66 may comprise other patterns that do not include solid strips of adhesive in the longitudinal direction. For example, the adhesive 66 could comprise an inclined pattern of adhesives or separate and unattached areas of adhesives applied by the intermittent operation of adhesive applicators or printing rollers. Said patterns prevent or limit the adhesive 66 from "blocking" the stretching of the outer cover 26 in the ling "L" or the transverse direction "C". As used herein, "blocking" means an adhesive or glue which prevents an extensible material from spreading the determined amount, since the adhesive creates a bond on at least one surface of the extensible material.

FIGURE 3 shows a strip of adhesive and additional strips of adhesive 94,96 spaced outwardly therefrom on the second inner surface 64 of the outer cover 26 and extending in the longitudinal direction "L". The adhesive strip 68 and the additional strips 94, 96 improve the extreme sealing of the ends of the body side liner 24 and the outer cover 26 at the front and rear ends 12, 16 of the absorbent articles 8, when the articles are separated from each other in the manufacturing process. Thus, although the adhesive strips 68, 94, 96 are optional, at least certain strips of adhesive are preferred.

The adhesive strips 94, 96 can not pass through the material of the bent layer 40. If the adhesive migrates through the bent layer 40 and secures the surface surface of the layer either in the folds at C 86, 88, Folds in C will not open or extend to protect the bent cap from rips. Therefore, in embodiments that have strips of adhesive 94, 96, as shown in FIGURE 3, a minimum of adhesive should be used to prevent the adhesive from penetrating the folded layer 40.

The arrangement shown in FIGURE 3 can be reversed by placing strips of adhesive 94, 96 adjacent to the forr on the body side 24, preferably spaced apart from the augmentation layer 78. Furthermore, although in FIGURE 3 s three strips of adhesive 68 are shown. , 94, 96, you can use any number of adhesive strips, as long as they do not significantly prevent the folds from opening out from the folded layers 40, 42.

Other adhesive patterns can be used, for example, intermittent strips of adhesive, instead of the continuous strip of adhesive 68, 94, 96.

The augmentation layer 78 is generally located between the second bent layer 42 and the body side liner 24. The augmentation layer 78 helps to spread the exudates over a substantial portion of the absorbent bearing 38. Thus, the augmentation layer 78 helps to the absorbent bearing 38 in absorbing a large sudden amount of urine or other body exudates. The first surface 80 of the augmentation layer 78 is in surface-to-surface contact with the second surface 54 of the second bent barrier layer 42 and the second surface 82 of the augmentation layer is in surface-to-surface contact with the second surface 60 of the side of the body 24.

The increase layer 78 may comprise the materials specified in the United States Patent.

Number 5,486,166 issued on January 23, 1996 in favor of C.

Ellis and D. Bishop, entitled "Fibrous Nonwoven Web Surge Layer for Personal Care Absorbent Articles an the Like "; and United States Patent Number 5,490,846 issued February 13, 1996 in favor of C. Ellis and R. Everett, entitled" Improved Surge Management Fibrous Nonwoben Web for Personal Care Absorbent Articles and the Like ", whose submissions are incorporated herein by reference, to the extent that the submissions are consistent (not inconsistent) with the information disclosed in this document. increase layer known in the art.

Optionally, a strip of adhesive (not shown) extending in the longitudinal direction "L" can be located between the surge layer 78 and the absorbent pad 38 in a similar manner to the adhesive strip 84. Said strip of adhesive prevents the The absorbent bearing 38 moves laterally a considerable distance, while allowing it to extend to the lining on the body side 24, at least in the transverse direction "C". Said arrangement ensures that the absorbent bearing 38 remains centered in the absorbent article 8.

In another embodiment of the invention, the adhesive strip 84 and any adhesive disposed between the increase layer 78 and the absorbent bearing 38 can be located at spaced intervals along the longitudinal direction "L".

For example, the adhesive strip 84 may comprise a broken line of adhesive sections intermittently sprayed an increase layer 78 or body side liner 24. Thus, for embodiments having both body side lining 24 and outer cover 26 and transverse direction "C" and longitudinal direction "L", the adhesive will not significantly block, nor will it prevent the extension of the liner from the body side in the longitudinal direction. Any adhesive between the surge layer 78 and the absorbent pad 38 may be applied in a similar manner.

The adhesive 84 may comprise heat-melt adhesive applied to the second surface 60 of the lining of the body 24, and the second surface 82 of the increase layer 78. Thus, the second surface 82 of the increase layer 78 s ensures by the heat-melt adhesive in surface-to-surface ratio d to the second surface 60 of the body-side liner 24.

In the preferred operation, the body side liner 24, the outer cover 26, the first and second bent layer 40, 42, are generally all extendable in the same direction. During the placement of the absorbent article 8 on the carrier 8, the lining on the body side 24 and the outer cover 26 extend, and the extension of the folded layers 40, 42 at the folds thereof, prevents ripping of any of the first or second bent layers, thus preventing the release of the superabsorbent material from the absorbent bearing 38. In some absorbent articles, all the elements may be extensible in the transverse direction "C". In other articles, all the elements can be extendable in the longitudinal direction "L".

Those skilled in the art will now appreciate that certain modifications to the invention presented in this document can be made with respect to the illustrated embodiments, without departing from the spirit of the invention. And although the invention has been described above with respect to the embodiments, it should be understood that the invention will adapt to numerous rearrangements, modifications, alterations, and that said rearrangements, modifications, alterations are intended to be within the scope of the appended claims.

To the extent that the claims that follow use means more language of function, it is not intended to include in this document, nor in the specification, anything that is not structurally equivalent to that shown in the embodiments presented in the specification.

Claims (36)

1. An absorbent article that includes a back portion having a trailing end, a front portion having a front end and a crotch portion connecting the back portion and the front portion, the absorbent article having a transverse direction extending through a width of the absorbent article and a longitudinal direction extending the length of the absorbent article through the front, crotch and back portions, the absorbent article comprising: (a) an absorbent core having an outer periphery, a first side and a second side; (b) a folded layer of material including at least one fold and having a first surface and a second opposing surface, the first surface of the folded layer adjacent to the first side of the absorbent core being disposed; (c) an extendable outer cover having a third opposing surface and fourth surface, the second surface of the folded layer being disposed in surface-to-surface relationship with the third surface of the outer cover; Y (d) a pattern of adhesive disposed at least in part between the folded layer and the outer cover. By mounting the adhesive pattern the folded layer of the outer cover, such that, in response to the extension of the outer cover, the folded layer can thereby extend through the opening of at least one fold, not tearing the folded layer or otherwise releasing superabsorbent material from the absorbent core.

2. An absorbent article, as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that it comprises at least one fold a first fold, the folded layer including a second fold separated from the first fold across the width of the absorbent article.

3. An absorbent article, as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the folded layer comprises a substantially non-extensible fabric material with metallic threads.

4. An absorbent article, as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that it comprises at least one fold of the folded layer a corrugation, the folded layer including a multiplicity of corrugations, the corrugations providing the extension of the folded layer in the direction transversal

5. An absorbent article, as claimed in clause 4, characterized in that substantially all the surface of the layer folded by a pattern of the corrugations is covered.

6. An absorbent article, as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that it comprises the fold of the folded layer by at least one T-fold.

7. An absorbent article, as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that it comprises the fold of the folded layer at least one fold in C.

8. An absorbent article, as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the adhesive pattern includes at least one strip of adhesive extending along the absorbent article, the adhesive strip being disposed between the outer cover and the folded layer, and securing the outer cover to the folded layer in an unfolded portion of the folded layer.

9. An absorbent article, as claimed in clause 8, characterized in that it includes at least one second strip of adhesive extending along the absorbent article, the second strip of adhesive being disposed between the outer cover and the folded layer , the second strip of adhesive securing the outer covering of the folded layer to a second unfolded portion of the folded layer.

10. An absorbent article, as claimed in clause 9, characterized in that the absorbent article additionally includes a body-side liner, the first and second adhesive strip effectively extending the entire length of the absorbent article, thus helping to seal the ends of the lining of the body side and the outer cover at the front and rear ends of the absorbent article.

11. An absorbent article, as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that it additionally includes the absorbent article a body-side liner having a fifth contact surface with the body and a sixth opposite surface, the sixth surface being assembled in relation from surface to surface with at least a portion of the third surface of the outer shell.

12. An absorbent article, as claimed in clause 11, characterized in that the folded layer comprises a folded first layer, the absorbent article additionally including a second folded barrier layer of deposed material between the second side of the absorbent core and the sixth surface of the absorbent core. lining of the body side.

13. An absorbent article, as claimed in clause 12, characterized in that the second barrier layer bent to the first layer bent out of the perimeter of the absorbent core is adhesively secured.

14. An absorbent article, as claimed in clause 12, characterized in that it comprises the first bent layer and the second bent barrier layer woven with non-extensible metal wire.

15. An absorbent article, as claimed in clause 11, characterized in that the lining on the body side is extendable at least in the transverse direction.

16. An absorbent article, as claimed in clause 12, characterized in that the body side lining, the outer cover and the first and second layers folded in the transverse direction are extensible, during the placement of the absorbent article in a carrier, the extension of the folded layers in the folds preventing the tearing of either the first folded layer or the second barrier layer bent during the extension of the absorbent article, and thus preventing the release of the superabsorbent material from the absorbent pad.

17. An absorbent article that includes a rear portion having a trailing end, a leading portion having a leading end and a crotch portion connecting the trailing portion and the leading portion, the absorbent article having a transverse direction extending through a width of the absorbent article and a longitudinal direction extending along the absorbent article through the front, crotch and back portions, the absorbent article comprising: (a) an extendable outer cover having a first inner surface and a second opposed outer surface; (b) a body side liner having a third contact surface and a fourth opposing surface, the fourth surface of the body side liner being mounted in surface to surface relationship in at least a portion of the first inner surface of the outer cover; 10 (c) an absorbent bearing disposed between the body side liner and the outer cover, the absorbent bearing comprising an absorbent core having an outer perimeter, a first side and a 15 second opposite side, the absorbent bearing including a first bent layer of material disposed between the first side of the absorbent core and the outer cover, and a second bent barrier layer of 20 material disposed between the second side of the absorbent core and the liner on the body side; Y (d) a pattern of adhesive disposed between (i) the 25 outer covering and the first bent layer and (ii) the lining of the body side and the second bent layer, the adhesive pattern being accommodated by the extension of the first second layer in combination with the extension of the outer covering and the forr of the side of the corresponding body.

18. An absorbent article, as claimed in clause 17, characterized in that the adhesive pattern is arranged between the outer cover and the first bent layer, such that the extension of the outer cover and the lining of the body side can extending the first bent layer and the second bent barrier layer within the absorbent article.

19. An absorbent article, as claimed in clause 18, characterized in that the adhesive pattern includes an adhesive matrix extending in the longitudinal direction to opposite sides of the first folded layer and the outer cover, outward from a perimeter of the absorbent bearing.

20. An absorbent article, as claimed in clause 17, characterized in that the adhesive pattern is arranged between the body-side liner and the second bent layer, such that the extension of the outer cover and the lining of the side of the body can extend the first folded layer and the second barrier layer folded into the absorbent article.

21. An absorbent article, as claimed in clause 20, characterized in that the adhesive pattern is extended in the longitudinal direction to opposite sides of the fourth surface of the body-side liner, away from a perimeter of the absorbent bearing.

22. An absorbent article, as claimed in clause 17, characterized in that it comprises the first layer bent at least one first and second folds.

23. An absorbent article, as claimed in clause 22, characterized in that the adhesive pattern includes at least one first strip of adhesive extending in the longitudinal direction and being disposed between the outer cover and the first folded layer.

24. An absorbent article, as claimed in clause 24, characterized in that said strip of adhesive helps to maintain the alignment of the absorbent bearing in the absorbent article.

25. An absorbent article, as claimed in clause 22, characterized in that the first strip of adhesive is disposed between the first and second folds in such a way that the extension of the outer cover in the transverse direction causes the extension of the first one. bent cap and the folds of it.

26. An absorbent article, as claimed in clause 17, characterized in that the lining of the body side comprises a lining of the body side flexibly.

27. An absorbent article, as claimed in clause 26, characterized in that the body side lining and the outer cover are extended in at least the transverse direction, the first layer being bent and the second barrier layer bent each at least one fold extending the entire length of the absorbent article in the longitudinal direction.

28. An absorbent article, as claimed in clause 27, characterized in that the body side liner, the outer cover, the first and second bent layers all extend in the transverse direction during the placement of the absorbent article in the carrier, the extension of the folded layers being enabled by the unfolding of the respective folds of the first second layers.

29. An absorbent article, as claimed in clause 17, characterized in that it comprises the pattern of adhesive matrices laterally spaced from swirls of adhesive disposed along the outer cover facing away from the absorbent core.

30. An absorbent bearing for use in an absorbent article, the absorbent bearing having a transverse direction extending across a width of the absorbent bearing and a longitudinal direction extending along the absorbent bearing, the absorbent bearing comprising: (a) an absorbent core having an outer perimeter, a first side and a second opposite side; (b) a first folded layer of material having at least one fold and being disposed on a first side of the absorbent core; (c) a second bent barrier layer having at least one fold and being disposed on the second side of the absorbent core, the first bent cap and the second barrier layer extending beyond the perimeter of the absorbent core; Y (d) an adhesive securing the first bent cap and the second barrier layer bent out from the perimeter of the absorbent core.

31. An absorbent bearing, as claimed in clause 30, characterized in that it comprises at least one bend of the first folded layer a first fold, the first folded layer including a second fold separated from the first fold through the width of the absorbent bearing .

32. An absorbent bearing, as claimed in clause 30, characterized in that it comprises at least one bend of the first bent layer a corrugation, the first bent layer including a multiplicity of corrugations that provide the extension of the first layer bent in the first layer. cross direction

33. An absorbent bearing, as claimed in clause 32, characterized in that substantially all the surface of the first layer is bent by a pattern of corrugations.

34. An absorbent bearing, as claimed in clause 30, characterized in that it comprises the fold of the first layer bent at least one T-fold.

35. An absorbent bearing, as claimed in clause 30, characterized in that it comprises the fold of the first layer bent at least one fold in C.

36. An absorbent bearing, as claimed in clause 30, characterized in that it comprises both the first bent layer and the second bent barrier layer woven with non-extensible metal wires. SUMMARY An absorbent article includes an absorbent cushion and an extendable outer cover. The absorbent cushion comprises an absorbent core surrounded by a first bent layer and optionally a second bent barrier layer. The folds of the first and second bent layers are unfolded and thus open when a liner is extended on the side of the body or outer shell, or both of them. The folds, upon opening, extend the respective bent layers in a respective longitudinal direction, transverse direction. The extension of the doublets of the first and second bent layers prevent the tearing of absorbent bearing and damage to, or release of, the absorbent material of the absorbent bearing, during the extension of absorbent article. The folds may comprise folds and C, folded arrangements, corrugations and the like.