MXPA06007746A - Low profile absorbent pantiliner - Google Patents

Abstract

A disposable absorbent liner for use in a crotch portion of underwear. The liner includes a cover layer having a top surface and an opposite bottom surface and comprising a mixture of hydrophilic microfibers and hydrophobic microfibers. A quantity of hydrophilic microfibers and hydrophobic microfibers are located at the top surface and a larger quantity of hydrophobic microfibers are located at the top surface than are a quantity of hydrophilic microfibers located at the top surface based on a total weight of the mixture of microfibers in the cover layer. The liner also includes a removable backing layer, and a liquid impermeable baffle layer having a top surface and an opposite bottom surface with the baffle layer being disposed between the cover layer and the backing layer. The absorbent liner has a low profile and a particular Absorbent Capacity and/or Absorbent Intake Rate.

Description

LOWER PROFILE ABSORBENT PANEL LINING BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to products for personal hygiene, more particularly to liners made to protect the wearer's underwear from staining. Liners are used as a class of absorbent articles (for example, more often referred to as panty liners for female use) designed to absorb small amounts of body fluids. There are feminine sanitary pads or pads that are smaller and more compact than conventional pads. These products are designed to be flexible and soft and to protect the wearer's underwear from staining. The liners can be shaped as an elongated oval and cover the underwear of the wearer's perineal area, for example, the crotch portion of the underwear. Alternatively, the most modern designs for underwear, particularly women's panties known as "angas" or "rope" panties or "child's breeches", are not suitable for use with the elongated oval lining, but the same protection It is still desired of the lining and particularly since these more modern styles generally have less underwear in the crotch region than traditional underwear.

Although various types of liners exist in the art, there is still a need for a lining product that can be worn by a wearer frequently to protect underwear and which still provides adequate protection and reliable absorption of small amounts of liners. fluid to help keep the user feeling dry, and advantageously through a range of designs of liners which correspond to the most modern types of underwear used. This will allow the consumer to cover their needs every day between periodic times when larger amounts of fluid absorption are necessary, and to keep it always feeling fresh. Applicants have surprisingly invented such an absorbent liner as discussed hereinafter.

SYNTHESIS OF THE INVENTION Various definitions used throughout the description and clauses are provided first followed by a description of the various aspects of the invention.

Definitions As used herein, "disposable" means being disposed of after a single use and not intended to be washed and reused.

As used herein, "layer" means a mass of fibers or material having sufficient joined integrity between the fibers or material in order to maintain an essentially coherent sheet when the sheet is used for its intended purpose.

As used herein, "hydrophilic" means fibers or fiber surfaces that have been wetted by aqueous liquids in contact with the fibers. The degree of wetting of the fibers can be described in terms of contact angles and the surface tensions of the liquids and materials involved. Equipment and techniques suitable for measuring wetting of particular fiber materials or blends of fiber materials may be provided by the Cahn SFA-222 Surface Force Analyzer System. When measured with this system, fibers having contact angles of less than 90 degrees are designated "wettable", for example, hydrophilic, and fibers having contact angles greater than 90 degrees are "non-humidifying", eg, hydrophobic .

As used herein, "hydrophobic" means fibers or fiber surfaces that are not hydrophilic.

As used herein the term "non-woven" means a layer of material having a structure of individual fibers or threads which are interleaved together, but not in an identifiable manner as in a woven fabric so constructed.

The nonwoven materials or layers have been formed from many processes such as, for example, meltblowing processes, spinning bonding processes and the carded and bonded tissue processes. The basis weight of the non-woven material is usually expressed in ounces of material per square yard (osy) or grams per square meter (gsm) and useful fiber diameters are usually expressed in microns (for example, note that to convert from ounces per square yard to grams per square meter, multiply ounces per square yard by 33.91) .

As used herein the term "microfibers" means small diameter fibers having an average diameter no greater than about 75 microns, for example, having an average diameter of from about 0.5 microns to about 50 microns, or more particularly, in microfibers that can have an average diameter of from about 2 microns to around 40 microns. Another frequently used expression of fiber diameter is denier, which is defined as grams per 9000 meters of fiber and can be calculated as fiber diameter in square microns, multiplied by the density in grams / cubic centimeter, multiplied by 0.00707. A lower denier indicates a finer fiber and a higher denier indicates a heavier or thicker fiber. For example, the diameter of a given polypropylene fiber as of 15 microns can be converted to denier by squaring, multiplying the result by .89 grams per cubic centimeter multiplying by .00707. Therefore, a polypropylene fiber of 15 'microns has a denier of about 1.42 (152x0.89x.00707 = 1.415). Outside the United States, the unit of measurement is most commonly "tex" which is defined as grams per kilometer of fiber. Tex can be calculated as denier / 9.

As used herein, the term "low profile" means the thickness of the disposable absorbent liner, or component thereof as applicable, determined according to the Thickness measurement in the Test Methods given below, and includes Thickness in the range from about 1 millimeter (mm) to greater than 0 millimeters.

As used herein, the term "machine direction (MD)" means the direction of travel of the forming surface on which the fibers are deposited during the formation of a nonwoven fibrous layer or material.

As used herein, the term "cross machine direction (CD)" means the direction which is essentially perpendicular to the machine direction and in the machine direction plane defined above.

"Carded and bonded" refers to the material or layers that are made of short fibers which are sent through a combing or carding unit, which separates or breaks and aligns the short fibers in the machine direction to form a fibrous nonwoven layer oriented generally in the machine direction. This material can be joined together to form a nonwoven layer by methods including, without limitation, mechanical bonding such as needle piercing, hydroentanglement and stitch bonding.

As used herein, the "WVTR" of a material is the water vapor transmission rate, which gives an indication of how comfortable a material can be to be used based on the breathing ability of the material. The Water Vapor Transmission Rate is measured according to the ASTM Standard Test Method for Water Steam Transmission of Materials, Designation E-96-80.

In response to the difficulties discussed and the problems encountered in the art, a new lining has been invented which is a low profile or very thin absorbent article for each daily use which provides a light absorbency protection without sacrificing comfort. The low profile can be important because consumers for daily use want to feel as little as possible a foreign object between their body and their underwear which tends to compromise their sensitivity of freedom. When comfort was assessed, a key sensory cue from consumers is that they want to keep their skin feeling dry. Therefore, an absorbent product of the invention which can easily move fluid or moisture from the body (for example, caused by sweat, vaginal discharge, loss of light urine, or the like out of direct contact with the skin, connotes a feeling of freshness to the user. The purpose and features of the present invention will be established and will be apparent from the description that follows, as will be learned from the practice of the invention. The additional features of the invention will be realized and achieved by the product and the process particularly pointed out in the previous description and clauses of the same as well as the attached drawings.

In one aspect, the invention provides a disposable absorbent liner for use in a crotch portion of underwear. The liner includes a cover layer having a top surface and an opposite bottom surface and comprising a mixture of hydrophilic microfibers and hydrophobic microfibers. A number of hydrophilic microfibers and hydrophobic microfibers are located on the upper surface and a greater amount of hydrophobic microfibers are located on the upper surface than is in a quantity of hydrophilic microfibers located on the upper surface based on the total weight of the microfibers. the mixture of microfibers in the cover layer. The liner also includes a removable backing layer, and a liquid impermeable separator layer having a top surface and an opposite bottom surface with the separator layer being placed between the cover layer and the backing layer. The absorbent liner has a low profile and an absorbent capacity in a range of about 2 grams to about 10 grams.

In another aspect, the invention provides a disposable absorbent liner for use in a crotch portion of underwear. The liner includes a cover layer having an upper surface and an opposite lower surface and comprising a mixture of hydrophobic microfibers and hydrophilic microfibers. A number of hydrophilic microfibers and hydrophobic microfibers are located on the upper surface and a large amount of hydrophobic microfibers are located on the upper surface of what is in a quantity of hydrophilic microfibers located on the upper surface based on the total amount of the microfiber mixture in the cover layer. The liner also includes a removable backing layer, and a liquid impermeable separation layer having an upper surface and an opposite lower surface with the separator layer being placed between the cover layer and the backing layer. The absorbent liner has a low profile and an absorption rate of less than about 30 seconds.

In yet another aspect, the invention provides a disposable absorbent liner for use in the crotch portion of underwear. The liner includes a cover layer that has an upper surface and a surface lower opposite and comprising a mixture of hydrophilic microfibers and hydrophobic microfibers. A number of hydrophilic microfibers and hydrophobic microfibers are located on the upper surface and a larger amount of hydrophobic microfibers are located on the upper surface than is in a quantity of hydrophilic microfibers located on the upper surface based on the total weight of the microfibers. the mixture of microfibers in the cover layer. The liner also includes a removable backing layer and a liquid impermeable separator layer having a top surface and an opposite bottom surface with the stripper layer being positioned between the top layer and the backing layer. The absorbent liner has a low profile and an absorbent capacity in the range of about 2 grams to about 10 grams and an Absorbent Take Rate of less than about 30 seconds.

In still other aspects, the invention provides various configurations and optional features for the layers as well as unique density characteristics not available in existing liners.

Various treatments can be applied to the cover layer to improve fluid transfer, even when treatments only to improve fluid transfer can be advantageously excluded to save manufacturing costs and / or generally provide a material more easily skin friendly, improve the environment close to the user's skin or to really improve the health of the user's skin.

It is understood that both the above general description and the detailed description that follows are exemplary and are intended to provide a further explanation of the claimed invention. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated and constitute a part of that description, are included to illustrate and provide further understanding of the disposable absorbent liners of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The drawings are merely representative and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. Similar parts shown in the drawings refer to the same reference numerals.

Figure 1 is a drawing of a liner 1 of the invention having an hourglass shape. The liner has a single engraving line 2 which corresponds approximately to the shape of a strip pant, which is used to fold the lining and which defines three separate areas of the lining; the central area 3 and the lateral areas 4 and 5. The lateral areas can be folded under the panties along the Bending lines (engraving) when used with a panty of strips or other kinds of more modern panties.

Figure 2 is an enlarged cross-section of the liner of Figure 1, taken along line 2-2, and wherein the relative proportional thickness of each layer of the liner to the other layers is shown but each dimension of exact thickness layer is not shown like this.

Figure 3 is a microscopic photograph of a top surface portion of a cover layer of an absorbent liner of the invention, taken under a low angle reflected light and a 12X magnification, and wherein the machine direction of the Cover layer corresponds to the top background direction and vice versa of the photograph.

Figure 4 is a microscopic photograph of a portion of that portion of the upper surface seen in Figure 3, taken under a low angle reflected light and at a 32X magnification.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The absorbent liners of the present invention provide improved comfort, protection and absorbency in the liner product because they have a combination of properties, eg, a capacity relatively high absorbent and / or a relatively high density and / or a relatively high take-up rate, while maintaining a desired level of thickness or profile and flexibility that were not previously available in the liners. The feel and performance of a lining is frequently characterized by one or more of the following attributes of the materials that comprise them: thickness, flexibility, texture, softness, absorbency and barrier properties. In the preparation of a liner that has a comfortable soft and dry feel and is still reasonably absorbent, it is important to balance the properties of the liner and its layers, eg, low profile, Density, flexibility, Absorbent Rate and Absorbent Capacity. However, it is a difficult task because these properties can be interdependent, for example, changing one property can adversely affect another property (and the overall feel and performance of the liner). Typically, when the thickness or profile is decreased, the absorbency is decreased (in terms of rate and / or capacity). In a different but equally corresponding way, typically when the basis weight is increased then the thickness is increased and the flexibility is decreased. Even in a different but equally corresponding way, typically when the density is increased, the absorbency (in terms of rate and / or capacity) is decreased. Therefore, when a property is varied, to improve comfort / sensation and absorbency, careful attention must be paid to the results obtained to avoid resulting product that has less general properties than desirable.

In light of these difficulties, through experimentation, the inventors still discovered that certain properties to selectively isolate and vary to obtain a more comfortable and dry feel for the lining than was previously possible. In the present invention, the inventors have discovered that the thickness can be maintained at a low profile and the absorbency can be increased while still maintaining a desirable flexibility. By way of example, and without limitation, the absorbent liners of the invention may have properties and their ranges such as, for example, a low profile, an absorbent capacity (as determined in the Test Methods section below) in the range of about 2 grams to about 10 grams and an Absorbent Take Rate (as determined in the Test Methods section given here below) of less than 30 seconds. Alternatively or additionally, the absorbent liners of the invention may have properties and their ranges as such, eg, Peak-to-Valley Depth (as determined in the Test Methods section given below) of about 0.1 millimeters to about 0.5 millimeters and a Peak-to-Peak Separation (as determined in the Test Methods section given below) of between about 0.5 millimeters and about 3 millimeters.

Referring to the Figures, and to Figures 1 and 2 for discussion now, there is shown a disposable absorbent liner 1 for use in a crotch portion of a underwear. The liner 1 includes a cover layer 6 having a top surface and an opposite bottom surface. The cover layer includes a mixture of hydrophilic microfibers and hydrophobic microfibers, wherein a quantity of the hydrophilic microfibers and the hydrophobic microfibers is located on the upper surface but a larger amount of hydrophobic microfibers are located on the upper surface than the surface. amount of hydrophilic microfibers located on the upper surface based on the total weight of the microfiber mixture in the cover layer. In this aspect, for example, excellent results have been found in the low profile, absorbent capacity and absorption rate for a disposable absorbent liner when the hydrophilic microfibers comprise more than 65% and up to 80% of the microfibers based on the weight total of the microfiber mixture in the cover layer and the hydrophilic microfibers comprise the remainder of the microfiber mixture in the cover layer.

Without wishing to be limited to a particular theory of operation, it is believed that the particular distribution of these two types of fibers in the cover layer contributes to the absorbency of the layer, namely the face side to the wearer of the cover layer (the upper surface of the layer of cover) having a higher percentage of hydrophobic microfibers than the side facing the underwear (the bottom surface of the cover layer) helps the side facing the wearer to remain relatively dry or a relatively dry feeling for the wearer , without the need for a highly hydrophobic surface that could impair fluid or fluid intake. That is, the cover layer can advantageously have a gradient in the z-direction in the microfiber composition, so that the face side of the wearer of the cover layer is more hydrophobic than the side facing the underwear. of the cover layer, while high Absorbent Take Rates are still maintained for the lining product. The relatively hydrophobic top surface of the cover layer in fluid communication with the more hydrophilic bottom surface of the cover layer helps the top surface to feel dry for the user while still providing effective means for further transmission easy liquid of the body inside the part of the cover layer and therefore taking advantage of the full absorbent capacity of the cover layer. Stated slightly differently, the gradient structure of the liner of the invention can transmit the fluid or liquid to a higher percentage of hydrophilic microfibers with a relatively small impairment to the Absorbent Take Rate and thus also improve the absorbent capacity through the liquid handling defined within the microfiber mixture hydrophobic and hydrophilic, for example and advantageously an integral matrix of the microfiber mixture.

As another way to consider such features of the invention, the absorbent liner has a low profile and an absorbent capacity in the range of about 2 grams to about 10 grams. Advantageously, and in order to increase the advantage, the liner may have an Absorbent Capacity in the range of about 3 grams to about 9 grams or from about 4 grams to about 8 grams and the combinations of either ends of the given ranges here . Alternatively, or additionally, the absorbent liner has a low profile and an Absorbent Intake Rate of less than about 30 seconds. Advantageously, and in order to increase the advantage, the liner may have an Absorbent Take Rate of less than about 20 seconds or less than about 10 seconds. Still alternatively, or additionally, the absorbent liner may have a density greater than about 0.2 grams per cubic centimeter. Advantageously, and in order to increase the advantage, the liner may have a density greater than about 0.225 grams per cubic centimeter or more than about 0.25 grams per cubic centimeter.

Referring to Figures 3-4, another feature that is believed to contribute to the improved functionality of the liner, and particularly to that of the cover layer is now discussed. Particularly, the Microfibers on the upper surface of the cover layer 6 formed into peaks in the elongated Machine Direction 16 and valleys 18 spaced apart from each other in the Cross Direction of the cover layer. Without being limited to a particular theory of operation, it is believed that the orientation of the fiber in the Machine Direction is useful to distribute the fluid in the longitudinal direction of the liner, resulting in a more efficient use of the cover layer and that more of the available pore volume will be filled during the transmission since the fluid reaches a shore or periphery of the lining (for example, and assuming that a liquid source is applied centrally to the liner, which is more often the case in actual use) when the transmission region is elongated in the Machine Direction, as opposed to a less oriented structure resulting in a more circular transmission region. In addition, the peaks and valleys defined in the Transverse Direction can provide large surface pores that facilitate fluid collection, relative to a structure with a finer characteristic pore size on the tissue surface. Advantageously, and in order to increase the advantage, the cover layer can have a peak-to-valley depth of the peaks and valleys in the elongated Machine Direction of between about 0.1 millimeters and about 0.5 millimeters or around of 0.2 millimeters and about 0.4 millimeters. Advantageously, in combination or alternatively, and in order to increase the advantage, the cover layer may have a peak-to-peak separation of the peaks in the direction of the Machine elongated with respect to the Transverse Direction of between about 0.5 millimeters and about 3 millimeters; between about 0.5 millimeters and about 2.5 millimeters, or between about 0.5 millimeters and about 2 millimeters.

Such a cover layer may be advantageous for light menstrual use or to deliver the medications as well. The most sophisticated types of cover layers can incorporate lotion or medication treatments to improve the environment near the skin or to actually improve the health of the skin. Such treatments include aloe, vitamin E, baking soda and other preparations as known or can be developed by those skilled in the art.

The hydrophilic microfibers and the hydrophobic microfibers can be either synthetic fibers or natural fibers, provided they have the desired wettability or non-wettability, and the cover can be formed as a carded and bonded layer. Synthetic fibers include those made of polyolefins, polyamides, polyesters, rayon, acrylics, super absorbers, LYOCELL®, regenerated cellulose and any other suitable synthetic fibers known to those skilled in the art. Many polyolefins are available for the production of fibers, for example polyethylenes such as ASPU ® 6811A linear low density polyethylene from Dow Chemical, LLDPE 2553 and high polyethylene. density 25355 and 12350 are such suitable polymers. The polyethylenes have melt flow rates, respectively, of about 26, 40, 25 and 12. Fiber-forming polypropylenes include ESCORENE®PD 3445 polypropylene from Exxon Chemical Company and Montell Chemical Company PF304. Other polyolefins are also available.

Natural fibers include wool, cotton, linen, hemp and wood pulp. Wood pulps include the standard softwood class such as CR-1654 (from US Alliance Pulp Mills, of Coosa, Alabama). The pulp can be modified in order to improve the inherent characteristics of the fibers and their processing. The curling can be imparted to the fibers, for example by conventional means. Curling can be imparted to the fibers, for example by methods that include chemical treatment or mechanical twisting. Curling is typically imparted before cross-linking or pacing. The pulps can be made stiff by the use of crosslinking agents such as formaldehyde or its derivatives, glutaraldehyde, epichlorohydrin, methylated compounds such as urea or urea derivatives, dialdehydes such as maleic anhydride, non-methylated urea derivatives, citric acid or other polycarboxylic acids. Some of these agents are less preferable than others due to environmental and health concerns. The pulp can also be stiffened by the use of heat or caustic treatments such as mercerization. Examples of these types of fibers include NHB416 which are fibers of southern soft wood pulp chemically interlaced which improve the wet modulus, available from Weyerhaeuser Corporation of Tacoma, Wichitta. Other useful pulps are the disunited pulp (NF405) and the unbound pulp (NB416) also from Weyerhaeuser. The HPZ3 from Buckeye Technologies, Inc. of Memphis, Tenn. Has a chemical treatment that settles in a kink and twist, in addition to imparting added dry and wet stiffness and fiber elasticity. Another suitable pulp is Buckeye HP2 and yet another is the IP Supersoft from International Paper Corporation. Suitable rayon fibers are fibers from Merge 18453 1.5 denier from Acordis Cellulose Fibers Incorporated of Axis, Alabama.

Again referring to Figure 2, the liner also includes a removable backing layer 14 and a liquid impermeable separating layer 12 having a top surface and an opposite bottom surface with the stripper layer being placed between the top layer and the top layer. backup. The upper surface of the separator layer may be secured to the bottom surface of the cover or may have other layers or materials therebetween as taught herein. Alternatively or additionally, the backing layer can be removably secured to the bottom surface of the separator layer or can be any other layer or layers or materials therebetween as taught herein.

The separating layer is impermeable to the liquid in order to prevent soiling of the wearer's clothes or underwear. The impermeable separating layer is preferably made of a thin film and is generally made of plastic even when other materials may be used. Non-woven layers, films or non-woven fabrics coated with film or films can be used as the separator as well. Suitable film compositions for the separator include a polyethylene film which may have an initial thickness of from about 0.012 millimeters to about 0.12 millimeters. The separating layer may optionally be composed of a microporous "breathability" material permeable to vapor or gas that is permeable to vapors or gas but essentially impermeable to liquid. The ability to breathe can be imparted to the polymer films by, for example, using fillers in the film polymer formulation, extruding the filler / polymer formulation into a film and then stretching the film sufficiently to create voids around the films. filler particles, thereby making the film breathable. Generally, the more filling is used and the higher the degree of stretching, the greater the degree of ability to breathe. Other thermoplastic materials suitable as other olefins, nylons, polyesters or copolymers of, for example, polyethylene and polypropylene may also be used.

Advantageously, even when it is absorbent, the absorbent liner of the invention does not include a core pon, such as conventional sanitary napkins or pads of personal care products designed to absorb larger amounts of liquid and secondarily to contain solids. Without a core, the invention can provide greater comfto a user with less awareness of the absorbent liner that is located between the wearer and her underwear. However, several other layers may be included in the absorbent liners of the invention provided that the desired characteristic or characteristics of the invention can still be obtained. Such other layers. they can be sprouting layers, and they can be located between the covering layer and the separating layer and designed, as the name suggests, to contain liquid surges so that the cover layer core can absorb the amount of liquid even more evenly with time. The distribution layers can also be included in the invention. The distribution layers can be located close to the cover layer and accept the liquid from the emergence layer and distribute it to other areas of the cover layer. In this way, rather than absorbing the liquid exclusively in the vicinity of the initial impact on the cover layer, more of the absorbent cover layer is used through the absorbent liner.

The adhesive (not shown) or other similar operating materials for securing the absorbent liner 1 to the underwear can be applied to at least a portion of the bottom surface of the separator layer 12 to hold the liner in place while which is in use. The adhesive can be applied in any effective pattern. The adhesive can, for example, be applied as a narrow strip down to the center, a wide strip covering the lining in a rectangular shape with a. width equal to the width of the lining at its narrowest point, or it can cover the entire lining backing. A narrower strip of the adhesive is advisable for incorporations with more capacity to breathe since the adhesive tends to diminish of the capacity to breathe. If the adhesive is applied as a narrow strip in the center area 3, the additional adhesive can be applied to the backing under the side areas 4 and 5 ..

A removable backing layer 14, for example paper capable of peeling or peeling, is applied to the adhesive on the bottom surface of the separating layer. The backing layer 14 is removed from the adhesive by the wearer prior to the application of the liner to the panties.

The present invention also includes a disposable and convertible absorbent liner that can be used with conventional underwear or with underwear or strip style panties. Lining 1, as shown in Figure 1, has a slightly "hourglass" shape. It has a single engraving line 2 corresponding approximately to the shape of a strip panty which is used to fold the lining and which defines three separate areas of the lining. The central area 3 is in absorbent service when the lining is applied to any style of panties. The periphery includes the side areas 4 and 5 which are in absorbent service when the liner is applied to conventional hourglass-shaped panties but which are folded under the panties along the fold lines (of engraving). when they are worn with a strip pant. It is also possible to have additional engraving lines for bending on either side of the single line shown in Figure 1, and the tension is directed to a pending request of the assignee of the present application entitled "LINING FOR DUAL USE PANTIES" and published on June 20, 2002 as WO 02/47596.

Example The cover layer was prepared from a first concentration of carded microfibers having a relatively homogeneous mixture of 80% polypropylene microfibers and 20% rayon microfibers (27 grams per square meter) being combined on a second concentration of carded microfibers having a relatively homogeneous mixture of 100% microfiber. rayon (grams per square meter). All microfibers in this example were 1.7 inches denier and 40 millimeters long, although other denier and fiber lengths can be used. Also, the microfibers were crimped as discussed herein, and the single component fibers even when the non-crimped and / or bicomponent fibers can be used. The microfiber concentrations are then supported on a perforated strip while these are subjected to a high pressure hydroentanglement process to form a bonded and bonded cover layer of 80 grams per square meter. A vacuum can be located below the perforated band so that excess fluid can be removed from the hydroentanglement layer. After the entanglement, the layer is transferred to a non-compressive drying operation. The cover layer keeps the skin dry or at least dry feeling, during use through the concentration of the hydrophobic fibers towards the side to the body of the cover layer. The basis weight of the cover layer of this example results in the hydrophobic fibers being about 30% of the total weight of the microfibres in the layer, leaving 70% of the hydrophilic microfibers.

The cover layer was then etched separately. Since the cover layer is so thin, the engraving gap is almost non-measurable, meaning that the patterned roller and the anvil roller are almost touching to provide a quality etching pattern. The separator layer and the cover layer are not etched together, because the separator layer is capable of cutting through the recorder to such small process separation. The fold lines consistent with WO 02/47596 were used to provide a dual notch for the regular and strip pants.

The flexibility in the Machine Direction (MD) and the flexibility in the transverse direction (CD) for the cover layer were not equal. The Machine Direction was less flexible than the Transverse Direction at a ratio that aids the engraved bending lines WO 02/47596. When the flexibilities in the Machine Direction and in the Cross Direction of the cover layer are equal, the fold lines WO 02/47596 may not bend easily due to the lack of directional stiffness in the material to orient the fold as length of the engraved line. A typical CD / MD is greater than 29%.

Next, a fragrance was applied to the bottom side of the cover layer. A pressurized tank supplied a constant pressure to an applicator. The aggregate was controlled by the stopwatch in the applicator. The spray application system used 100% wool felt to cushion the spray speed when the fragrance was atomized. When running the machine, the felt was saturated with fragrance, which then transferred the fragrance to the cover layer. The fragrance was an oil-based compound that was diluted 2: 1 in Isopropyl Myristate. The specific gravity was around 0.846 - 0.854 with a viscosity range of 4-5 mPas at 25 ° Celsius Natural extracts, such as lavender, chamomile, aloe vera and green tea constituted each degree of fragrance to provide a natural freshness to daily use.

After the application of the fragrance, the separating layer (40 grams per square meter) was laminated with a hot melt adhesive through any coating application with continuous groove or filament swirls. The separator layer was a film (for example, about 0.15 millimeters thick) impermeable to the passage of the liquid to keep the soiled materials away from the wearer's panties. The waterproof separator layer was a thin film made primarily of polyethylene, even though other polymers can be used for this film as well. The separating film was impermeable to liquid, but had the ability to breathe through the fillers embedded inside the polymer formulation. The separator film was extruded and then stretched in the Machine Direction. During this stretching process, the holes were created around the filler particles to make the film "breathe". The base weight range for the film was 30-50 grams per square meter.

After the cover layer and separating layer were laminated, the garment adhesive and a separating layer (eg, a strip of peel paper of about 0.06 millimeter) were adhered to the bottom side of the separating layer. The garment adhesive had high cohesion properties to the fabric materials with a low residue after removal. The garment adhesive was slit coated to the paper peel strip and then both the adhesive and the peel paper were laminated to the separator layer.

The product was then cut with a matrix in an hourglass shape to the dimensions of 150 millimeters long, 57 millimeters wide in the lobes (CD) and 44 millimeters wide in the center (CD). The lining product had a thickness of about .70 millimeters.

This product was produced in the hourglass shape of a liner as shown in Figure 1 so that it can be applied to a conventional pantyhose with this shape. It was found that this product was easily converted into use as a strip liner to fold the side areas down and wrap them around the pantyhose. The product of absorbent lining had: a low profile of 0.80 millimeters; a Base Weight of 200 grams per square meter; a Density of 0.25 grams per cubic centimeter; an Absorbent Capacity of 5.38 grams and an Absorbent Intake Rate of 8.5 seconds; all determined according to the Test Methods indicated below.

TEST METHODS The test as established here was carried out where the absorbent liner, or a part of it as applicable, samples conditioned 24 hours and tested under standard conditions TAPPI of 23 + Io Centigrade and 50 + 2% Relative Humidity . The test equipment discussed is an example and should be used to carry out the test, however, the alternate equipment that is equivalent in all aspects of material for the given test may also be used (but in the event of conflict between the test results said test results of the example equipment will control).

Thickness Measurement The "Thickness" of an absorbent liner or its layer or layers as applicable, of the invention was found using the Compression Tester model KES-FB-2 manufactured by Kato Tech Co., Limited of Japan. The thickness of a sample was found by a single cycle compression of the sample between two circular stainless steel pistons of an area of 2 square centimeters each. The compression speed is 20 microns / second. When the pressure reaches a level of 50 grams force / centimeter (gf / cm2) the upper piston retracts at the same speed of 20 microns per second and the recovery of the compressed material begins. The thickness is then taken during the compression of the sample at the pressure of 0.5 gf / cm2 when the pistons move towards one another first. This test is carried out on a sample of finished lining where the center of the test plunger is placed on the center of the sample liner (center point between its longitudinal ends and center point between its sides in the longitudinal direction). Five samples were tested in this manner and the thickness of the nearest one hundredth of a millimeter for each sample was added together and the total collective thickness was divided by 5, which therefore determined the thickness of the lining or its layer or layers as applicable, which is discussed here and set forth in the claims.

Absorbent Capacity Measurement The "Absorbent Capacity" of an absorbent liner of the invention is found used by loading a sample liner product with a salt water liquid (eg, distilled water at 0.9 +/- 0.005% salt water concentration) , allowing the sample to absorb the liquid and measuring the point at which the salt water liquid begins to drain off the sides or ends, whichever occurs first. A syringe of conventional average diameter with 60 mL of salt water liquid there was obtained. The sample liner is laid flat with the body side face up on a horizontal work surface large enough to support the specimen and provide at least an empty periphery work surface of 2.5 centimeters surrounding the sample. The sample is then uniformly insulted with the saltwater liquid in the Machine Direction (sample length) with a continuous sweeping motion. Special attention is paid to the uniform discharge with the salt water liquid. The flow of salt water liquid from the syringe is stopped when visual inspection indicates that salt water begins to seep from one side or end of the sample, whichever comes first. The absorbent capacity of the sample is the initial salt water liquid volume (in grams) in the syringe minus the final salt water liquid volume (in grams) left in the syringe once the salt water liquid flow from the syringe is stopped. A statistically significant number of samples (for example, 10) are tested in this way and the absorbent capacity for each sample is aggregated together and the collective total divided by ten, which therefore determines the average absorbent capacity (in grams) of the lining absorbent The average absorbent capacity is then multiplied by the result of dividing 75.2 square centimeters by the surface area (in square centimeters) of the upper surface of the sample liner (for example, by determining the average surface area of ten samples tested for the absorbent capacity), and this determines the absorbent capacity (in grams) of the absorbent liner which is discussed here and set forth in the claims.

Measurement of Absorbent Intake Rate The "Absorbent Intake Rate" of an absorbent liner of the invention was found by determining the time, at the closest one second, until a specified amount of salt water liquid (eg, distilled water at 0.9 +/- - 0.005% salt water concentration) is absorbed in a sample absorbent liner. The following equipment is used: a conventional syringe pump capable of delivering the flow rate of 1 mL / for 5 seconds. The capacity of at least 5 mL of syringe for the salt water liquid. A time measurement device, such as a digital timer, readable to one second or less, part of VWR Scientific Products number 62379-218, or equivalent. Sufficient salt water liquid. The sample is prepared as follows: remove the sample liner from the product bag or package, taking care not to stretch or flatten the product but leave it flat with the body face up on a horizontal work surface large enough to support the shows and provides at least an empty periphery work surface of 2.5 centimeters surrounding the sample. This test is carried out on a finished liner sample where the center of the test plunger is placed on the center of the sample liner (the center point between its longitudinal ends and the center point between its sides in the longitudinal direction). For the syringe pump, refer to the manufacturer's instruction manual for the key sequences used to program the syringe pump. Each product must receive a total of 1 mL of salt water liquid over the discharge period. Program the syringe pump to deliver 1 mL of a simulator at a rate of 1 mL / for 5 seconds. Start the delivery of the salt water liquid and stop the timer simultaneously. Manually monitor the progress of the salt water liquid. When the salt water liquid has been completely absorbed into the specimen (for example, there is no longer visibly resting liquid on the top between the holes in the fibers of the upper surface) stop the time measuring device. Record the time as close to the second as the Absorbent Take Rate. A statistically significant number of samples (for example, 10) are tested in this manner and the Absorbent Intake Rate for each sample is aggregated together and the collective total divided by ten, which then determines the Absorbent Intake Rate for the lining. absorbent which is discussed herein as set forth in the claims.

Base Weight Measurement The Base Weight (in grams per square meter, g / m2 or gsm) of an absorbent liner, or its components as applicable, is calculated by dividing the dry weight by area (in square meters) after the manufacture of the lining and before coating with any additive or treatment. A statistically significant number of samples (for example, ) are tested in this way and the basis weight for each measured sample is aggregated together and the collective total divided by the total number of measured samples, which therefore determines the base weight of the absorbent lining or its components as applicable. which was discussed here and set forth in the claims.

Density measurement The density of the absorbent liner or its applicable components is a "dry density" and is calculated as the Base Weight (in grams per square meter, g / m2 or gsm) divided by the thickness of the liner, or its applicable components, after of the manufacture and before the coating with any additive or treatment. A statistically significant number of samples (for example, 10) are tested in this way and the density for each measured sample is aggregated together and the collective total divided by the total number of measured samples, which therefore determines the density of the absorbent liner , or of its components as applicable, which is discussed herein and set forth in the claims.

Peak-to-Valley Depth Measurement The "Peak-to-Valley Depth" of an absorbent liner of the invention was found using the CADEYES moire-optical interferometry approach described in the US Pat.

United States of America No. 6,395,957, issued May 28, 2002 to Chen et al., but using a 5-millimeter field of view device instead of a 38-millimeter field-of-view device, as described above in J.D. Lindsay and L. Bieman, "Exploring Tissue Touch Properties with Moiré Interferometry", Non-Contact Three-dimensional Measurement Methods Procedures and Workbench Technologies, Society of Manufacturing Engineers, Dearborn, Michigan, March 4-5, 1997; and, in the work of J.D. Lindsay and L. Bieman, "Exploring Tissue Touch Properties with Moiré Interferometry," Procedures of the Papermakers Conference and Tappi Engineers: Training Unions for Better Papermaking, Nashville, Tennessee, October 6-9, 1997 , Tappi Press, Atlanta, Georgia, Volume 2, pages 979-992. A statistically significant number of samples (eg, 10) are tested in this manner and the peak-to-valley depth for each measured peak-to-valley is aggregated together and the collective total divided by the total number of peak measurements. -to-valley made, which determines the Peak-to-Valley Depth of the peaks in the elongated Machine Direction spaced apart from each other in the Transverse Direction of the cover layer of the absorbent liner, which is discussed here and is set forth in the appended claims.

Measurement of Peak-to-Valley Separation The "Peak-to-Valley Depth" of an absorbent liner of the invention was found using the CADEYES optical moiré interferometry approach described in U.S. Patent No. 6,395,957, issued May 28, 2002 to Chen and others, but using a 5-millimeter field-of-view device instead of a 38-millimeter field of view device as described further in JD Lindsay and L. Bieman, "Exploring Tissue Touch Properties with Moiré Interferometry," Procedures of Three-Dimensional Non-Contact Calibration Methods, and Technology Working Workshop, Society of Manufacturing Engineers, Dearborn, Michigan, March 4-5 , 1997; and, in J.D. Lindsay and L. Bieman, "Exploring Tissue Touch Properties with Moiré Interferometry", Procedures of the Paper Makers Conference and Tappi Engineering: Forming Unions for Better Papermaking, Nashville, Tennessee, October 6-9, 1997, Tappi Press, Atlanta, Georgia, Volume 2, pages 979-992. A statistically significant number of samples are tested in this way and the peak-to-peak separation for the adjacent measured peaks is aggregated and the collective total divided by the total number of adjacent peaks measured, which therefore determines the separation of the peaks. Peak-to-Peak of the MD peaks elongated with respect to the Transverse Direction for the cover layer of the absorbent liner, which is discussed here and set forth in the claims.

All publications, patents, and patent documents cited in the description are incorporated herein by reference, even when incorporated individually by reference. In the case of any inconsistencies, the present description, including any of the definitions given herein, shall prevail. Although the invention has been described in detail with respect to the specific aspects thereof, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, to achieve understanding of the foregoing, that alterations, variations, and equivalents of these aspects can easily be conceived which they fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention, which should be valued according to the appended claims.

Claims (20)

1. A disposable absorbent liner for use in a crotch portion of underwear comprising: a cover layer having a top surface and an opposing bottom surface and comprising a mixture of hydrophilic microfibers and hydrophobic microfibers wherein a quantity of the hydrophilic microfibers and the hydrophobic microfibers are located on the upper surface and a further amount Large hydrophobic microfibers are located on the upper surface than there is a quantity of hydrophilic microfibers located on the upper surface based on the total weight of the microfiber mixture in the cover layer; a removable backing layer; a liquid impermeable separating layer having an upper surface and an opposing bottom surface with the separating layer being positioned between the cover layer and the backing layer; Y, wherein the absorbent liner has a low profile and an absorbent capacity in the range of about 2 grams to about 10 grams.

2. A disposable absorbent liner for use in a crotch portion of a underwear comprising: a cover layer having an upper surface and an opposing bottom surface and comprising a mixture of hydrophilic microfibers and hydrophobic microfibers wherein a larger amount of hydrophobic microfibers is located on the upper surface than is in an amount of hydrophilic microfibers located on the upper surface based on the total weight of the microfiber mixture in the cover layer; a removable backing layer; a liquid impermeable separating layer having a top surface and an opposite bottom surface with the separator layer being positioned between the cover layer and the backing layer; Y wherein the absorbent liner has a low profile and an Absorbent Intake Rate of less than about 30 seconds.

3. A disposable absorbent liner for use in a crotch portion of a underwear comprising: a cover layer having an upper surface and an opposite lower surface and comprising a mixture of hydrophilic microfibers and hydrophobic microfibers wherein a larger amount of hydrophobic microfibers are located on the upper surface than are a quantity of localized hydrophilic microfibers in the upper surface based on the total weight of the microfiber mixture in the cover layer; a removable backing layer; a liquid impermeable separating layer having an upper surface and an opposite lower surface with the separating layer being positioned between the cover layer and the backing layer; Y, wherein the absorbent liner has a low profile and an Absorbent Capacity in the range of about 2 grams to about 10 grams and an Absorbent Intake Rate of less than about 30 seconds.

4. The absorbent liner as claimed in clauses 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the upper surface of the backing layer is removably secured to the bottom surface of the cover.

5. The absorbent liner as claimed in clauses 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the backing layer is removably secured to the bottom surface of the separator layer.

6. The absorbent liner as claimed in clauses 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the upper surface of the backing layer is secured to the bottom surface of the cover and the backing layer is removably secured to the bottom surface of the separator layer.

7. The absorbent liner as claimed in clauses 1 or 3, characterized in that the Absorbent Capacity is between about 3 grams and about 9 grams.

8. The absorbent liner as claimed in clause 7, characterized in that the Absorbent Capacity is between about 4 grams and about 8 grams.

9. The absorbent liner as claimed in clauses 2 or 3, characterized in that the Absorbent Take Rate is less than about 20 seconds.

10. The absorbent liner as claimed in clause 9, characterized in that the Absorbent Take Rate is less than about 10 seconds.

11. The absorbent liner as claimed in clauses 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the absorbent liner has a Density greater than about 0.2 grams per cubic centimeter.

12. The absorbent liner as claimed in clause 11, characterized in that the absorbent liner has a Density greater than about 0.225 grams per cubic centimeter.

13. The absorbent liner as claimed in clause 11, characterized in that the absorbent liner has a Density greater than about 0.25 grams per cubic centimeter.

14. The absorbent liner as claimed in clauses 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the liner comprises a periphery and at least one fold line defining a central area and two lateral areas, wherein the lining can be adjusted size by folding the lining along the fold line.

15. The absorbent liner as claimed in clauses 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the underwear fastening material is provided on at least a part of the bottom surface of the separating layer.

16. The absorbent liner as claimed in clauses 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the cover layer is an integral non-woven matrix of the microfiber blend.

17. The absorbent liner as claimed in clauses 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the microfibers on the upper surface of the cover layer are formed in peaks. in the direction of the Machine elongated and valleys spaced and separated from each other in the Transverse Direction.

18. The absorbent liner as claimed in clause 17, characterized in that the Depth of Peak-to-Valley peaks in the direction of the elongated Machine and of the valleys is between about 0.1 millimeters and about 0.5 millimeters, and preferably the Peak-to-Peak Separation of the peaks in the Direction of the Machine elongated in relation to the Transverse Direction is between about 0.5 millimeters and about 3 millimeters.

19. The absorbent liner as claimed in clause 17, characterized in that the Peak-to-Peak Separation of the peaks in the Machine Direction elongated with respect to the Transverse Direction is between about 0.5 millimeters and about 3 millimeters

20. The absorbent liner as claimed in clauses 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the hydrophilic microfibers comprise more than 65% and up to 80% microfibers based on the total weight of the microfiber mixture in the cover layer and the Hydrophilic microfibers comprise the remainder of the microfiber blend in the cover layer. RESU E A disposable absorbent liner for use in a crotch portion of underwear. The liner includes a cover layer having an upper surface and an opposing bottom surface and comprising a mixture of hydrophilic microfibers and hydrophobic microfibers. A number of hydrophilic microfibers and hydrophobic microfibers are located on the upper surface and a larger amount of hydrophobic microfibers are located on the upper surface than there is a quantity of hydrophilic microfibers located on the upper surface based on the total weight of the microfibers. the mixture of microfibers in the cover layer. The liner also includes a removable backing layer, and a liquid impermeable separator layer having an upper surface and an opposing bottom surface with the separator layer being positioned between the cover layer and the backing layer. The absorbent liner has a lower profile and a particular absorbent capacity and / or Absorbent Intake Rate.