MXPA96006415A - Absorbent article that has a trenz impregnation structure - Google Patents

Abstract

An absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin, is provided. The sanitary napkin of the present invention has a braided impregnation structure, substantially not absorbing

Description

ABSORBENT ARTICLE THAT HAS A BRAIDED IMPREGNATION STRUCTURE FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to absorbent articles, especially catamenial articles such as sanitary napkins. More particularly, this invention is directed to a sanitary napkin having a braided impregnation structure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A wide variety of structures for disposable absorbent articles, which are used to collect body fluids, are known in the art. Commercial absorbent articles include diapers, adult incontinence products, catamenials and bandages. Disposable products of this type comprise components for receiving, absorbing and retaining fluids. Typically, such articles include a liquid permeable top sheet, an absorbent core and a liquid impervious backsheet. One of the main objects to develop absorbent articles, is to use the full capacity of the absorbent article. In general, products of the type described above typically distribute liquids deposited on the topsheet in a circular pattern. Since such structures generally have a length exceeding their width, this results in the liquids reaching the side edges of the absorbent article before the end regions of the absorbent article are fully utilized. When the liquids reach the longitudinal side edges of the absorbent article, this increases the possibility of spillage of the sides of the product, despite the absorbent capacity in the end regions of the absorbent article. In the past, a number of efforts were made to direct the flow of exudates in an attempt to further utilize the absorbent capacity of an absorbent article. A number of these efforts have used absorbent means or densification of absorbent media. Some of these efforts are described in the U.S. patent. 4,678,453, ^ issued on July 7, 1987, to Holtman, and the patent for E.U.A. 4,624,666, issued on November 25, 1986 to DeRossett and others. However, absorbent articles that use absorbent means to direct the flow of the exudate, are typically subject to the disadvantage that the absorbent means will tend to become saturated, which interferes with their liquid handling capabilities. The improved distribution and utilization of the absorption capacity of menstruation and other body exudates in thin sanitary napkins, which have capacities large enough to handle medium to high menstrual flows, is described in the U.S. Patents. 4,950,264 and 5,009,653, issued to Osborn, on August 21, 1990 and April 23, 1991, respectively. The distribution of exudates in the sanitary napkins described in these references is achieved at least in part by using a "rubbing acquisition sheet" that distributes the exudates more evenly over an underlying absorbent core. Still other sanitary napkins have been developed, which use fibers having intrafiber capillary channels, particularly on their outer surfaces to carry liquids. Examples of such sanitary napkins are described in the International Publication of the PCT Nos. WO 93/01779 to WO 93/01783 and WO 93/02251, all these _, ". Publications incorporated herein by reference. Several of these publications describe sanitary napkins using capillary channel fibers that can be arranged in the form of a tufted bun (or "bun"). The sanitary napkins described in these international patent publications work absolutely well. However, capillary channel fibers can be very expensive to be used in disposable absorbent articles. Therefore, the search for alternative sanitary napkins continues.

Other types of absorbent structures are still known in the art. For example, the patent of E.U.A. 4,361,151, issued to Fitzgerald, describes a tampon formed of braided wicks of absorbent material. The braided structure in the Fitzgerald tampon is hydrophilic and serves as the main absorbent component of the buffer. However, Fitzgerald's patent does not describe a sanitary napkin or structure to improve utilization of the full capacity of a sanitary napkin. Thus, there is a need for a sanitary napkin having an alternative type of fluid distribution mechanism for directing liquids to better utilize the full capacity of the sanitary napkin, and particularly one that does not use an absorbent mechanism for dispensing liquids. Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide disposable absorbent articles having an improved mechanism for distributing the exudates through the absorbent core of the article. It is another object of the present invention to provide absorbent articles that have a mechanism for distributing exudates from the body that will become saturated or interfere with its liquid distribution capacity. It is another object of the present invention to provide absorbent articles having the above characteristics, which are easy and less expensive to manufacture. These and other objects of the present invention will be more readily apparent upon reference to the following description and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides an absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin, having a braided impregnation structure. The sanitary napkin has one side towards the body, one side towards the garment, a longitudinal centerline, and a transverse center line. The sanitary napkin comprises a liquid-permeable upper sheet, a liquid-impermeable backing sheet bonded to the topsheet, a core 'Absorbent, and at least one braided impregnation structure placed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The braided impregnation structure is preferably substantially non-absorbent (ie, does not absorb and permanently retain liquids) and transports liquids along its length and drains said liquids towards the absorbent core.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Since the specification concludes with the claims particularly pointing out and clearly claiming the subject, which is considered as the formation of the present invention, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from the following description, which is taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a plan view (partially cut away) of a preferred sanitary napkin, according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a cross-section of the sanitary napkin shown in Figure 1 taken along line 2-2. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken from an angle similar to that of Figure 2, showing a sanitary napkin having braided impregnation structures, in an alternative arrangement. Figure 4 is a perspective view of a portion of a conventional braided structure. Figure 5 is a perspective view of a portion of a braided, flat structure. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a braided impregnation structure that. It has a transversal configuration of "Figure of 8".

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 1. General Characteristics of the Absorbing Article. A preferred embodiment of the disposable absorbent article of the present invention is a sanitary napkin 20, shown in Figures 1 and 2. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to sanitary napkins having the specific configurations shown in the drawings. The present invention can also be applied to other pads for feminine or catamenial hygiene, such as pantiliners, or other absorbent articles such as diapers, incotinence pads, and the like. The sanitary napkin 20, shown in Figures 1 and 2, has two surfaces, a surface that is in contact with the body or "body surface" 20A and a skin surface 20B. The sanitary napkin 20 is shown in Figure 1, as seen from its body surface 20A. The body surface 20A is intended to be used adjacent to the user's body, while the garment surface 20B (shown in FIG.

Figure 2) is on the opposite side and is intended to be placed adjacent to the wearer's underwear, when sanitary napkin 20 is used. Sanitary napkin 20 has two centerlines, a longitudinal centerline, L, and a transverse line, T The term "longitudinal", as used herein, refers to a line, axis or direction in the plane of the sanitary napkin 20, which is generally aligned with (e.g., approximately parallel to) a vertical plane , which divides a user standing in left and right body halves, when the sanitary napkin 20 is used. The terms "transverse" or "lateral", as used herein, are interchangeable, and refer to a line, axis, or direction, which lies within the plane of the sanitary napkin 20, which is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Figure 1 also shows that the sanitary napkin 20 has a periphery 26, which is defined by the outer edges of the sanitary napkin 20, in which the longitudinal edges (or "side edges") are designated with 22 and the end edges (or "ends") are designated 24. The sanitary napkin has two end regions, which are designated as the first end region 28 and the second end region.

The end region 30. A central region 32 is disposed between the end regions 28 and 30. The end regions 28 and 30 extend outward from the edges of the central region 32 approximately 1/8 to approximately 1/3. of the length of the sanitary napkin. In the patent of E.U.A. 4,690,680, issued to Higgins el lo. September 1987, there is a detailed description of the central region 32 and the two end regions 28 and 30.

The sanitary napkin 20 preferably comprises a liquid-permeable topsheet 38, a liquid-impermeable backsheet 40 attached to the topsheet 38, an absorbent core 42 positioned between the topsheet 38 and the backsheet 40, and one or more braided impregnation structures 44. The sanitary napkin 20 can also be provided with one or more additional layers or components. These may include an impregnation layer or secondary topsheet. The impregnation layer or secondary topsheet can be either an integral part of the topsheet or a separate component, placed between the topsheet and the absorbent core. The sanitary napkin 20 may also include at least one panty fastener, such as panty adhesive strips 50 (shown in Figures 2 and 3). An optional release paper 52 can cover the adhesive strips 50. The release paper 52 is so that the adhesives 50 do not stick to the surfaces, or otherwise to the crotch portion of the underwear before using the sanitary napkin 20. These individual components of the sanitary napkin will now be described in greater detail. 2. Individual Components of the Sanitary Towel A. The Upper Sheet The upper sheet 38, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, is the component, which is intended to be oriented towards and be in contact with the user's body, and which initially receives the body discharges. The topsheet 38 is permeable to liquid and should be flexible and non-irritating to the skin. As used herein, the term "flexible" refers to materials that are condescending and readily conform to body configuration or respond by easily deforming "in the presence of external forces." Top sheet 38 must exhibit good penetration characteristics. and under rewetting, allowing the body discharges to quickly penetrate the thickness of the topsheet 38 and move towards the absorbent core 42 but not flow back through the topsheet 38 towards the wearer's skin.

Preferably, the topsheet 38 is not bulky, for , provide discretion to the user. The topsheet 38 should have a sanitary, clean appearance and be a bit opaque to hide body discharges collected in and absorbed by the absorbent core 42. A suitable top sheet 38 can be manufactured from a wide variety of materials such as woven and nonwoven materials; polymeric materials such as thermoplastic films formed with apertures, apertured plastic films, and hydroformed thermoplastic films; porous foams; cross-linked foams; crosslinked thermoplastic films; thermoplastic canvas; or mixed materials of any of the above types of materials. Suitable woven and nonwoven materials may comprise natural fibers (e.g., wood or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (e.g., polymer fibers such as polyester, polypropylene, or polyethylene fibers), or from a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. A preferred topsheet 38 comprises a film formed with openings. Films formed with openings are preferred for the topsheet, since they are permeable to body exudates, non-absorbent and if properly open they have a reduced tendency to allow liquids to pass through and rewet the user's skin. In this way, the surface of the formed film, which is in contact with the body, remains dry, thus reducing the staining of the body and creating a more comfortable feeling for the user. Suitable formed films are described in the U.S.A. 3,929,135 issued to Thompson on December 30, 1975; patent of E.U.A. 4,324,246 issued to Mullane et al. On April 13, 1982; patent of E.U.A. 4,342,314 issued to Radel et al. On August 3, 1982; patent of E.U.A. 4,463,045 issued to Ahr et al., July 31, 1984; patent of E.U.A. 4,629,643 issued to Curro et al. On December 16, 1986; and patent of E.U.A. 5,006,394 issued to Baird on April 9, 1991.

The preferred top sheet for the present invention is the formed film described in one or more of the above patents and sold as sanitary napkins by The Procter & Gamble Company as "DRI-WEAVE". In a preferred embodiment, the topsheet 38 is hydrophilic so that liquids will be transferred, through the topsheet 38, faster than if they were not hydrophilic. This will decrease the likelihood that body exudates will flow into the topsheet instead of being absorbed by the absorbent core. Said upper sheets (as well as fibrous upper sheets) can be made hydrophilic by treating them with surfactants. Suitable methods for applying surfactants are described in the U.S. Patents. 4,950,254 and 5,009,653 issued to Osborn.

B. The Absorbing Nucleus. (1) General The absorbent core 42 is an absorbent medium, which is capable of absorbing and retaining liquids such as vaginal fluids (e.g., menstruation), and other exudates from the body.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the absorbent core 42 has a body surface, a garment surface, side edges and end edges. The absorbent core 42 can be manufactured in a wide variety of sizes and shapes (e.g., rectangular, oval, hourglass, dog bone, asymmetric, etc.), and from a wide variety of materials liquid absorbers commonly used in sanitary napkins and other absorbent articles. Suitable materials for the absorbent core 42 include, but are not limited to: ground wood pulp, which is generally referred to as air felt; curled cellulose wadding; gauze including gauze wraps and gauze laminates; synthetic fibers, especially polymeric fibers, such as folded polyester fibers; blown polymers under fusion including coform; chemically hardened, modified or interlaced cellulosic fibers; fibers having intrafiber capillary channels, preferably on their outer surfaces (capillary channel fibers); peatbog; absorbent foams; absorbent sponges; polymeric gelling agents, hydrogel formers, superabsorbents; or any equivalent material, combinations or mixtures of these materials. Suitable interlaced cellulose fibers are described in greater detail in the U.S. patent. 5,217,445 issued to Young et al. On June 8, 1993. Suitable capillary channel fibers are described in U.S. Pat. 5,200,248 issued to Thompson et al. On April 6, 1993. Suitable foam materials are described in U.S. Pat. 5,147,345 issued to Young et al. On September 15, 1992 and in the patents of E.U.A. 5,260,345 and 5,268,224 issued to DesMarais et al. On November 9, 1993 and December 7, 1993, respectively. Polymeric gelling agents are particularly preferred absorbent materials for use in the absorbent core 42. Polymeric gelling agents are those materials, which, upon contact with fluids (ie, liquids) such as water or body fluids, they imbibe such fluids and in this way form hydrogels. In this manner, the fluid discharged to the absorbent core 42 can be acquired and maintained by the polymeric gelling agent, thereby providing the absorbent articles described herein with improved absorbent capacity and / or improved fluid retention performance. Suitable absorbent gelling materials are described in the U.S.A. Re. 32,649 issued April 19, 1988 to Brandt et al. And the US patent. 3,102,597 issued to Roe et al. On April 7, 1992. A suitable sheet of absorbent gelling materials and gauze may be purchased from Grain Processing Corporation of Muscatine, Iowa, under model No. L535. Several examples of absorbent structures, suitable for use as the absorbent core of the present invention, are described in: U.S. Pat. 4,578,068, entitled "Absorbent Lamínate Structure" ("Absorbent Laminating Structure"), issued to Kramer et al. On March 25, 1986; patent of E.U.A. 4,610,678, entitled "High-Density Absorbent Structures", issued to Weisman et al. On September 9, 1986; patent of E.U.A. 4,640,810, entitled "System for Producing an Airlaid Web" ("System for Producing an Air Laying Band"), issued to Laursen et al. On February 3, 1987; patent of E.U.A. 4,834,735 Intimated "High Density Absorbing Members Having Lower Density and Lower Basis Weight Acquisition Zones" ("Absorbing Members Having Lower Density and Lower Base Weight Acquisition Zones"), issued to Alemany et al. On May 30, 1989; US patents 4,950,264 and 5,009,653, entitled "Thin, Flexible Sanitary Napkin", issued to Osborn on August 21, 1990 and April 23, 1991; European Patent Application No. 0 198 683, published on October 22, 1986, in the name of Duenk and others; and in the ^ U.S. Patent Application. Series No. 07 / 810,774 and its continuation in part, series No. 07 / 944,764, both entitled "Absorbent Article Having Fused Layers" ("Absorbent Article Having Merged Layers"), filed in the name of Cree and others, on December 17, 1991 and September 14, 1992, respectively (PCT Patent Publication No. WO 93/11725), which, now, have been combined in the US Patent Application Series No. 08 / 239,084, filed on May 6, 1994.

The configuration and construction of the absorbent core 42 can be varied in different modalities. For example, the absorbent core may have: zones of variable gauge (e.g., the core can be profiled in order to be thicker in the center); hydrophilic gradients; superabsorbent gradients, or acquisition zones of lower density and lower average basis weight; or may comprise one or more layers or structures. The total absorbent capacity of the absorbent core 42 must, however, be compatible with the design load and intended use of the sanitary napkin 20.

In addition, the size and absorbent capacity of the absorbent core 42 can be varied to suit different uses such as incontinence pads, pantiliners, regular sanitary napkins, or nighttime sanitary napkins. (2) The Interlaced Cellulose Fiber Sheet Core. A particularly preferred absorbent core 42 is a sheet that is comprised of a layer of superabsorbent polymeric material (or absorbent gelling material) and one or more interlaced sheets or webs of cellulosic fibers. Preferably, the absorbent gelling material in said sheet structure is placed between the two layers of interwoven cellulosic fibers.

The layers of interwoven cellulosic fibers, in such embodiment, may comprise a single sheet that wraps a particle layer of absorbent gelling material. The sheet can be wrapped so that it appears to have an "e" configuration when viewed from the end. The sheet wrapped in this way forms an upper layer and a lower layer. In alternative embodiments, the sheet can be formed in many other ways, such as providing separate strips of interlaced cellulosic material (or other absorbent material or materials) for the different layers of the absorbent core sheet, instead of a single layer, or providing the sheet with additional layers.

C. The Backing Sheet The backing sheet 40 prevents the exudates absorbed and contained in the absorbent core 42 from wetting the articles that are in contact with the sanitary napkin , such as the panties, pajamas and underwear of the user. The backsheet 40 is impermeable to liquids (e.g., menstruation and / or urine). The backsheet 40 is preferably made from a thin film of plastic, although other flexible, liquid impervious materials can also be used.

The backsheet 40 may comprise a woven or non-woven material, polymeric films such as polyethylene or polypropylene thermoplastic films, or mixed materials such as a nonwoven material coated with a film. Preferably, the backsheet 40 is a polyethylene film having a thickness of about 0.012 mm to about 0.051 mm. Exemplary polyethylene films are manufactured by Clopay Corporation of Cincinnati, Ohio, under the designation of P18-0401 and by Tredegar Film Products of Terre Haute, Indiana, under the designation XP-39385. The backsheet 40 is preferably embossed and / or matte finish to provide a clothing type appearance. In addition, the backsheet 40 can allow vapors to escape from the absorbent core 42 (i.e., the backsheet 40 can be breathable), while still preventing the exudates from passing through the backsheet 40. use renewable or biodegradable backing sheets, e.g., such as panty protection devices of the type described herein.

D. The Braided Impregnation Structure Figures 1 and 2 show that the sanitary napkin comprises at least one braided impregnation component, such as a braided impregnation structure (or "braided structure") 44. The sanitary napkin 20 preferably comprises three braided, braided structures 44A, B and C, which are placed between the absorbent core 42 and the backsheet 40. The braided structures, shown in Figures 1 and 2 , have a tubular cross section and are stacked in a pyramid type arrangement. The braided structures 44 are preferably centered along the longitudinal centerline of the sanitary napkin. The term "braided structure", as used herein, refers to structures that are made by interweaving several strands of material 54. Preferably, braided structures, used in the present invention, comprise 3 or more strands, and typically approximately 5 strands. or 6 strands of material. The braid can be used to form a ribbon, cord, strip or string-type structure. In the present invention, the / strands of the material 54 that are braided to form the braided impregnation structures, preferably comprise a wick or tow composed of many individual fibers 56. The wicks or tows are each bent to form the strands 54 that will be incorporated in the braided structure 44 The wicks or tows may be composed of any suitable number of fibers and may be of any suitable size. In preferred embodiments, the individual fibers preferably have a denier per fiber of between about 1 and about 3, and the wicks > tow comprises several hundred individual fibers 56 (e.g., about 400 fibers) and has a total denier of between about 100 to about 2,500. The strands of the material 54, which form the braided structure (and, thus, the entire braided structure 44), can be either hydrophobic or hydrophilic. The hydrophobic materials are suitable for use in the braided impregnation structure 44, since liquids are transported through the spaces between the strands 54.

Alternatively, some of these strands 54 may be hydrophobic and some of the strands may be hydrophilic (in which case, the braided structure 44 could be partially hydrophobic and partially hydrophilic). The strands 54, which comprise the braided structure 44, can all be made from a single material, or can comprise different materials The fibers 56, comprising the strands 54, are preferably non-porous and hydrophobic, so that the strands 54 Liquids will not be absorbed into the interiors of the fibers The surfaces of the fibers 56 can be either hydrophobic or hydrophilic, preferably, however, so that the fibers, in the strands 54 forming the braided structures, easily move sufficient amounts of fibers. The surfaces of the fibers 56, which form the fibers 54 of the braided structure, are preferably either naturally hydrophilic or treated (such as by a surfactant) to make them hydrophilic. the braided structures 44 may comprise fibers 56 having capillary channels, which are wetted by liquids, such as blood and urine, which require them to be transported. Fibers 56, which comprise the strands, can be smooth or can have a texture (ie, they can have fibrils projecting from their surfaces) Fibers 56 can be made of materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, cotton, rayon, ORLON, or any other suitable natural or synthetic material In the preferred embodiments, the strands 54 comprise polypropylene fibers The fibers 56 and the strands 54, which comprise the braided structure 44, both are preferably arranged in a continuous mode between the ends of the braided structure 44. The fibers and strands of the braided structure 44 must be aligned close enough to form impregnation channels. The strands 54, which form the braided structure 44, can have any suitable cross-sectional shape. Suitable transverse shapes include, but are not limited to, circular, oval, square, flat, triangular, irregular, etc. The strands 54, which comprise the braided structure, may all have the same cross section, or may have different transverse shapes. The braided structure 44 has a length and a width. The length of the braided structure 44 may vary according to the needs and design of the product. The length of the braided structure 44 preferably ranges from about 2.5 cm to the length of the sanitary napkin (or other absorbent article). The radius of the braided structure 44 is the dimension, R, from the central axis, A, of the braided structure towards the side wall of the braided structure (i.e., 1/2 of the actual width, W, of the structure braided). The radius, R, of the braided structure 44 typically ranges from about 0.13 cm to about 2.5 cm, and preferably ranges from about 0.3 cm to about 1.3 cm. The actual width, W, of this form, preferably varies from "Approximately 0.6 cm to approximately 2.5 cm. If there is more than one braided structure, the individual braided structures may have the same size, or different sizes. The braided impregnation component 44 can be formed of an individual braided structure or multiple braided structures (e.g., multiple parallel braided structures, such as those shown in Figures 1-3). The braided structures used in the present invention can have many possible total configurations. These include, but are not limited to, conventional braided structures (such as those shown in Figure 4); braided structures having a total transverse configuration, generally circular, a flat circular or elliptical cross section; flat braided structures (shown in Figure 5: braided structures having a cross section in the shape of a "figure of 8" (shown in Figure 6); braided or other structures within braided structures; and tubular braided structures having a hole down the center (Figures 1-3). Flat braided structures include those that are initially formed as flat structures and those that are cut and open to flat structures. The braided structure 44 is preferably held in close contact with the sanitary napkin component "That deposits liquids on the braided structure. In addition, preferably at least the ends of the braided structure are kept in close contact with the absorbent core 42, in order to efficiently transfer liquids to the absorbent core 42. This can be achieved by a number of suitable mechanisms. These include, but are not limited to, maintaining the braided structure 44 in contact with adjacent components, such as the absorbent core, such as by tensile forces, or bonding these other components of the sanitary napkin by adhesives, and the like. A detailed description of adhesives suitable for this purpose and adhesive application configurations are found in the patent publications incorporated herein by reference. The braided impregnation structure 44 preferably operates as follows, when placed below the absorbent core. The liquid exudates will typically be deposited in a central region of the absorbent core 42. Some of the liquids deposited on the absorbent core 42 will be absorbed * by the core. Other liquids will pass through the absorbent core 42, where they will come into contact with the braided impregnation structure 44. These liquids will be transported by the braided impregnation structure 44 to portions of the absorbent core, which have additional capacity. The nuclei typically exhibit high suction forces, which They tend to extract the liquids from the braided structure 44 for final storage and this results in the liquids, distributed by the braided structure 44, being deposited to the absorbent core The absorbent core 42, in this way, serves as a reservoir for liquids, which are transferred from the braided structure 44. This at least partially "renews" the braided structure 44 for the next infusion of liquids.

There are several advantages to using a braided impregnation structure. The braided structure 44 provides an acquisition / distribution structure with more well-defined impregnation channels compared to fiber blocks and non-woven webs currently used for the impregnation of liquids. The braided structure has well-defined capillaries between its strands. The braided structure also provides a total structure that has a more well-defined shape (ie, sides and ends with more well defined impregnation characteristics, since liquids are mainly impregnated towards the ends of the structure), so that it can be used to more accurately direct liquid exudates to any desired part of the sanitary napkin. The braided structure is advantageous in that it can carry liquids over the surface of the strands, or it can carry liquids between the strands. The ability of the braided structure to carry liquids between the strands allows the braided structure to function similarly to the capillary channel fibers with respect to the liquid impregnation properties of the braided structure. That is, the impregnation properties depend on the relatively fixed space between the strands, rather than some space that can be subjected to change under pressure, such as the capillary spaces between the fibers in a nonwoven fabric or fiber block. This allows easy and quick acquisition of liquids, and for the transportation of liquids under pressure, such as pressures associated with the user's body weight and other forces exerted on the sanitary napkin during use. In this way, since the impregnation structures, in the form of bands or fiber blocks, are capable of transporting volumes of liquids in the range of 0.01 to 0.045 cc / second, when they are not subjected to pressure, their capacity to Impregnation is dramatically reduced when placed under such pressures. The braided impregnation structure used in the present invention, on the other hand, may continue to transport such quantities of liquids (e.g., 0.033 grams / second), when it is under pressures as large as 0.0703 kg / cm2 (such as those applied by the body of an adult). The braided structure still provides other advantages for transporting liquids. The braided structure can transport liquids between similar materials, or it can transport liquids from one type of material to another. Furthermore, it is believed that the braided structures, described herein, are capable of transporting liquids having a viscosity scale. These braided structures are particularly suitable for transporting liquids from low to medium viscosity (such as liquids that have viscosities that vary from that of menstrual fluid to urine). It is also believed that braided structures will easily dehydrate to higher suction materials (upper capillary force), and will continue to drain liquids until almost all liquids have been moved through the spaces between the strands. A further advantage of the present invention is that the braided structures are generally relatively soft and flexible. In addition, the fibers formed into braided structures, and the braided structures formed by them, are relatively easy to make and also to handle and process (ie, manufacture to absorbent articles). Many alternative embodiments are possible for the sanitary napkin shown in Figures 1 and 2. The braided structure 44, as shown in Figure 1, can be oriented in the longitudinal and centered direction with - relationship to the transverse center line, T, of the sanitary napkin. However, in alternative embodiments, the braided structure 44 can be deviated from the transverse center line (i.e., placed forward or backward of the transverse center line). If the braided structure 44 is deviated from the transverse center line, it is preferably positioned so that it is at least partly in the central region 32 of the sanitary napkin 20. In still other embodiments, the braided structure 44 can be oriented in any direction. another direction necessary to move the liquids inside the sanitary napkin. The braided structure 44 can be, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, placed between the absorbent core 42 and the backsheet 40. In other alternative embodiments, the braided structure can be placed between the topsheet 38 and the absorbent core. 42, within the absorbent core, or partially within a component such as the core, and partially outside of said component. The braided structure is preferably placed on top of the absorbent core, when the absorbent core comprises a sheet. This is because the sheet structures by l? regular are less permeable to liquids in the Z direction (ie, through their thickness) than non-laminated structures, so unless the braided structure is on top of the core, liquids will present difficulty for achieve the braided impregnation structure, making it difficult for the braided structure to perform its impregnation function. When the braided structure 44 is placed on top of the core, the braided structure 44 can be placed in close contact with the body of the user. Even more advantageously, the braided structure 44 can be of such size and shape that (together with any overlapping components) it can be fixed at least partially within the space of the user's lips. This will allow it to easily intercept exudates left by the user's body. In other alternative embodiments, the braided structure 44 may also serve as a topsheet, or as a portion of the topsheet. In still other embodiments, the braided structure 44 can be used to store body exudates (in addition to, or in place of the separate absorbent core). The braided structures described herein are believed to be useful in liquid storage functions, since they are capable of storing up to about ten times their weight of body fluids, or more, as they move the liquids to the desired location of the body. storage. In this way, since the fibers 56 of the braided structure 44 are typically non-absorbent (ie, they do not absorb liquids towards their interiors), and although the braided structure typically transfers liquids to higher suction components, if the braided structure 44 is placed in an absorbent article, in which said upper suction components are not present, the braided structure 44 will store the body fluids. In yet other embodiments, the braided structure 44 may serve as the functions of more than one different component of the sanitary napkin.

E. Assembling the Sanitary Towel and Sanitary Towel Components The sanitary towel components, such as the topsheet, the backsheet, the braided structure, the absorbent core, and any other components, can be assembled in a variety of well-known configurations (including "sandwich" configurations, "tube" configurations, and configurations that have lateral fins). The sanitary napkin configurations are preferably assembled in a "walled" configuration with the topsheet, the backsheet and the absorbent core, each comprising a layer, with the absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, and the braided structure is in contact with the absorbent core. The topsheet and the backsheet are preferably dimensioned so that their peripheries extend beyond the periphery of the absorbent core, and are sealed together by a perimeter seal 90. The components of the sanitary napkin 20 can be held together in any suitable way. The components of the sanitary napkin 20 can be secured together by adhesives, seams, links by heat and / or pressure, dynamic mechanical bonds, ultrasonic bonds, intermingling or entangling the fibers or other structural elements comprising the components of the sanitary napkin, such as by blowing under melting the fibers comprising one component over another component, or by any other means known in the art. Suitable means for joining the components of the sanitary napkin are described in the patent applications and publications incorporated herein by reference. The sanitary napkin 20 of the present invention is used by removing any release liner 52 and then placing the sanitary napkin 20 in a pantyhose, so that the adhesive 50 (or other fastener) comes into contact with the pantyhose and holds the sanitary napkin in its position inside the pant during use.

F. Optional Aspects and Alternative Types of Absorbent Articles Since the preferred modalities of - • The sanitary napkin of the present invention, numerous other sanitary napkins are described in the literature. These can also be provided with the braided impregnation structure of the present invention. Several of said sanitary napkins are described in the U.S. patent. 4,321,924, "Bordered Disposable Absorbent Article" ("Disposable Absorbent Article with Limits"), issued to Ahr on March 30, 1982; patent of E.U.A. 4,425,130, "Compound Sanitary Napkin" ("Compound Sanitary Towel"), issued to DesMarais on January 10, 1984; the aforementioned U.S. patent, 4,950,264 issued to Osborn on August 21, 1990, patent of E.U.A. 5,007,906, entitled "Decoupled Sanitary Napkin" ("Sanitary Towel Uncoupled"), issued to Osborn et al. On April 16, 1991, the aforementioned U.S. patent, ,009,653, issued to Osborn on April 23, 1991; patent of E.U.A. 5,308,346, entitled "Elasticized Sanitary Napkin" ("Elastic Sanitary Towel"), issued to Sneller and others May 3, 1994; and, the patent of E.U.A. 5,324,278, entitled "Sanitary Napkin Having Components Capable of Separation in Use" ("Sanitary Towel that Has Components Capable of Separating During Use"), issued to Visscher and others on June 28, 1994. In addition, the sanitary towel that has the structure of braided impregnation of the present invention may be made in accordance with the descriptions of the following US patent applications earrings, which were filed on July 23, 1992 (wherein the braided impregnation structure can be replaced by, or used in addition to the capillary channel fiber structures): patent application of E.U.A. Series No. 07 / 915,202, entitled "Curved, Shaped Absorbent Article "(" Curved, Configured Absorbent Article "), presented in the name of Theresa L. Johnson and others, (PCT Publication No. WO 93/01781); Patent Application of E.U.A. Series No. 07 / 915,285, entitled "Absorbent Article Having Resilient Center (" Absorbent Article having an Elastic Center "), filed in the name of Thomas W. Osborn et al. (PCT Publication No. WO 93/01782); US Patent No. 07 / 915,201, entitled "Absorbent Article Fastener Pattern", filed in the name of Robb E. Olsen et al. (PCT Publication No. WO 93/01783) ), and US Patent Application Serial No. 07 / 915,134, entitled "Method of Making Curved," "Shaped Absorbent Article" ("Method for Making a Curved, Configured Absorbent Article"), filed in the name of Letha M. Hiñes and others (PCT Publication No. WO 93/01784) The sanitary napkin 20 can also be provided with a pair of fins, each of which extends laterally along a lateral edge of the main body portion of the sanitary napkin. Sanitary pad A number of sanitary napkins are known that have adequate or adaptable fins - * for use with the sanitary napkin 20 of the present invention. Said fins are described in the patent of E.U.A. 4,285,343 entitled "Sanitary Napkin" ("Sanitary Towel") issued to McNair on August 25, 1981; patent of E.U.A. 4,589,876, entitled "Sanitary Napkin" ("Sanitary Towel"), issued to Van Tilburg on May 20, 1986; and the patent of E.U.A. 4,687,478, entitled "Shaped Sanitary Napkin With Flaps", issued to Van Tilburg on August 18, 1987. Some particularly preferred types of fins are described in the US patent. 5,281,209, entitled "Absorbent Article Having Tucked Flaps" ("Absorbent Article having Folded Fins"), issued to Osborn et al. On January 25, 1994, and in the U.S. Patent Application. Series No. 08 / 073,256, entitled "Absorbing Article Having Flaps and Zones of Differential Extensibility" ("Absorbing Article Having Fins and Differential Extensibility Zones"), filed in the name of Lavash et al. On June 4, 1993 (Publication "PCT" WO 93/06805, published April 15, 1993.) The sanitary napkin described herein may also be composed of one or more extendable components In a preferred embodiment, most or all of the components are extendable to provide a degree of extension capacity (of the order of 15% -40%) to the entire sanitary napkin.

This extension capacity can provide a better fixation "And comfort during use. Extendable absorbent articles are described in the patent application of E.U.A. Series No. 07 / 915,133, entitled "Stretchable Absorbent Articles", filed in the name of Osborn et al., July 23, 1992 (PCT Publication No. WO 93/01785, published February 4, 1992). 1993. The terms "pantiprotector" or "protector" refers to absorbent articles that are less bulky than sanitary napkins, which are generally worn by women between their menstrual periods.The appropriate absorbent articles in the form of pantyhose, which can be provided with a braided impregnation structure are described in U.S. Patent 4,738,676 entitled "Pantiliner" ("Pantiprotectors") issued to Osborn on April 19, 1988. The term "incontinence article" refers to pads, underwear (pads). held in place by a suspension system of the same type, such as a band, or the like), inserts for absorbent articles, capacity enhancers for Absorbent articles, trusses, sleeping pads, and the like, regardless of whether they are used by adults or other incontinent persons. Suitable incontinence articles that can be provided with the braided impregnation structure distribution described herein are described in the U.S.A. 4, 253,461 issued to Strickland and others ^ -. March 3, 1981; US patents 4,597,760 and 4,597,761 issued to Buell; patent of E.U.A. 4,909,802 issued to Ahr et al .; patent of E.U.A. 4,964,860 issued to Gipson et al. On October 23, 1990; patent of E.U.A. 5,300,054 issued to Feist et al .; and patent of E.U.A. 5,304,161 issued to Noel and others. The term "diaper" refers to absorbent articles used by infants and incontinent persons, which are fastened around the wearer's waist. Suitable diapers that can be provided with the braided impregnation structure of the present invention are described in US Pat. 3,860,003 issued to Buell on January 14, 1975 and the patent of E.U.A. 5,151,092 issued to Buell et al. On September 29, 1992. Descriptions of all patents, patent applications (and any patents issued therefrom, as well as any foreign, published, corresponding patent applications), and publications mentioned Throughout this patent application, they are incorporated herein by reference. However, it is not expressly admitted that any of the documents incorporated herein by reference teach or describe the present invention. It is also not expressly not admitted that any of the commercially available materials or products, described herein, teach or describe the present invention. Since the particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to cover all of these changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.

Claims (10)

1. - A disposable absorbent article having a longitudinal centerline, two longitudinal side edges, and two transverse end edges, said absorbent article characterized in that it comprises a liquid-permeable top sheet, a liquid-impermeable backsheet attached to said top sheet, a absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, said absorbent article further characterized in that it comprises a braided impregnation structure positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, said braided impregnation structure having a pair of ends and being composed of strands comprising a plurality of substantially non-absorbent fibers, wherein the ends of said structure

^ Braided impregnation are in contact with the absorbent core. 2. The disposable absorbent article according to claim 1, further characterized in that said braided impregnation structure is hydrophilic.

3. - The disposable absorbent article according to claim 1, further characterized in that said braided impregnation structure is hydrophobic.

4. - The disposable absorbent article according to claim 1, further characterized in that the fibers comprising the strands of said braided structure comprise a hydrophilic material.

5. - The disposable absorbent article according to claim 1, further characterized in that the fibers comprising the strands of said braided structure comprise a hydrophobic material.

6. The disposable absorbent article according to claim 5, further characterized in that said fibers have hydrophilic surfaces.

7. - The disposable absorbent article according to claim 1, further characterized in that the fibers comprising said strands are textured.

8. - The disposable absorbent article according to claim 1, further characterized in that the fibers comprising said strands comprise capillary channel fibers.

9. - The disposable absorbent article according to claim 1, further characterized in that said braided impregnation structure is placed between the upper sheet and the absorbent core.

10. The disposable absorbent article according to claim 1, further characterized, wherein said braided impregnation structure is placed at least partially within said absorbent core.