RU2393831C2 - Absorbent product - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: medicine.

SUBSTANCE: invention refers to medicine, particularly to an absorbent product chosen from an incontinence protective device, a sanitary towel, and containing a perforated liquid-permeable top sheet turned to the user when used, and a liquid-impermeable bottom sheet turned from the user when used; the longitudinal edges similar to a textile material are located from both longitudinal sides of the top sheet, and the edges similar to the textile material are perforated. In addition, the edges similar to the textile material carry the moisture formed on the interface between the edges similar to the textile material and the user's skin; besides the perforations ensures certain intake, i.e. the liquid can be moved to an absorbing structure of the product.

EFFECT: higher absorbability of the product.

30 cl, 2 tbl, 3 ex, 7 dwg

Description

Technical field

The invention relates to an absorbent article, in particular to a protective device used for incontinence, a sanitary napkin or panty liner, comprising (containing) a liquid-permeable top sheet with openings facing the carrier; a liquid-impervious back sheet facing away from the carrier, and an absorbent structure located between the top sheet and the back sheet, and possibly a liquid distribution layer between the top sheet and the absorbent structure, the top sheet and the back sheet being hermetically connected together on the periphery of the product, as a result of which an edge tight connection is formed, and at the same time, edges extending in the longitudinal direction similar to textile material are located on both longitudinal sides of the top sheet.

Technical background

The problem that often occurs when using conventional absorbent articles is that the outer longitudinal parts of the article can rub against the skin of the wearer, causing it to rub, for example, on the upper inner side of the thighs. This causes discomfort to the media. It is known that in order to avoid this problem, the longitudinal edges of the top sheet are coated with a soft material, such as a nonwoven. See, for example, documents WO93 / 09744, WO93 / 12745, EP-A-1016396 and EP-A-523683. Soft longitudinal edges are sometimes referred to as “textile edges” or “textile-like edges”.

Since textile edges cover parts of the top sheet, they must have some properties so that there is no negative change in the properties of the product. In addition, textile edges can provide additional properties to the product, if desired.

The main property of textile edges is that they are skin-friendly. That is, it is necessary that they consist of soft material. Nonwoven fabric is often used. In addition, since textile edges cover portions of the top sheet, textile edges may have the advantage of preventing re-wetting of the top sheet after absorption of the liquid. To provide this advantage, it is important that the textile edges do not allow fluid to pass from the inside of these edges to the side facing the carrier. In addition, since the absorbent structure of the absorbent article often contains ultra-high absorbency polymer granules that are small in size, textile edges can prevent polymer granules from the ultra-high absorbency from falling out of the article. In addition, it is desirable that the textile edges have the ability to fit snugly against the body of the carrier. This can be achieved as a result of a competent choice of material.

To achieve the desired effects discussed above, a conventional non-perforated textile edge based on soft material is often used (see, for example, EP-A-523683). However, in this case, there are some disadvantages and some problems. First of all, it is difficult to use the capacity of the entire absorbent structure, since it is possible for liquid to enter the product only in the central part of the product (i.e., the part not covered by textile edges extending in the longitudinal direction). Thus, it is necessary that the absorbent structure has an increased size or has excess capacity relative to the size of the product, or it is necessary to provide for the availability of very effective means for receiving the absorbed liquid. This creates a problem especially when it is desirable to create a small product, that is, a product which, due to its small size, is economical in terms of using the material, comfortable for the user and convenient for the user to manipulate it.

An additional problem associated with a conventional textile edge is that it usually fits snugly against the skin of the wearer. Therefore, any moisture that forms between the textile edge and the skin of the wearer will not be removed. Thus, the result will be discomfort for the medium.

The purpose of the invention is to develop an absorbent product having textile edges, in which the above problems will be solved.

Summary of the invention

This goal can be achieved by means of an absorbent product in accordance with paragraph 1 of the claims, in which the edges similar to textile material contain holes. As a result of this, the edges similar to the textile material will have the ability to ensure the movement of moisture that forms on the contact surface between the edges similar to the textile material and the skin of the carrier. In addition, the holes allow some reception, that is, the liquid can be moved into the absorbent structure of the product.

In a preferred embodiment, the ratio of the diameter of the openings of the top sheet to the diameter of the openings of the textile-like edges is at least 1, preferably at least 2. As a result, the openings of the textile-like edges of the edges are small enough to not allow granules polymer with ultra-high absorption capacity to fall out of the product. In another preferred embodiment, the ratio of the cross-sectional area of the top sheet to the cross-sectional area of the textile-like edges is at least 2. As a result, the ability to move liquids will be “concentrated” in the area in which it is most needed, that is, in the central part of the top sheet. In addition, it is also preferable that the material of the top sheet contains perforations that are located between the holes of the top sheet and have a diameter in the range of 0.05 to 1 mm, preferably in the range of 0.1 to 0.4 mm.

In yet another preferred embodiment, a liquid distribution layer is provided between the top sheet and the absorbent structure, wherein the liquid distribution layer is preferably in the form of a high volume layer, the liquid distribution layer extending to the periphery of the article so that it forms part of the edge seal. As a result, the edges of the product will become stiff, which may contribute to comfort for the wearer and the functioning of the product. In addition, the fluid that has been transported through the top sheet can be distributed to the sides of the product so that most of the absorbent structure will come into direct contact with the fluid, i.e. most of the absorbency will be used. In addition, the risk of precipitation of polymer granules with ultra-high absorption capacity from the product is further reduced. In addition, due to the presence of the material of the spreading liquid of the layer in the sealed edge joint, other means of tight sealing, such as ultrasonic welding, can be provided, since the material of the spreading liquid of the layer can contain weldable fibers, for example, a high-volume layer contains synthetic fibers that can be welded. As a result of this, the strength of the sealed joint can also be increased. Another advantage may be that the configuration of the weld on the surface of the textile edges or top sheet can be made more clear.

Thus, in a further embodiment, the edge tight joint is at least partially formed by spot welding, such as ultrasonic spot welding. As a result of this, better contact between the material of the top sheet and the absorbent structure is achieved, since welding also includes the operation of mechanical compression of the material in the spot welds (see Fig. 1, which shows the main drawing showing a comparison of the traditional solution with the solution of the present invention ) Compression of the material can also be achieved by some other method of tight connection, including mechanical compression, but if the material is hermetically connected, for example, using glue (without mechanical compression), the material can be bonded too weakly, which will not allow good contact between the top sheet material and the absorbent structure. As a result of better contact between the material of the top sheet and the absorbent structure, more efficient absorption is achieved. It is particularly desirable that the ratio of the thickness (T) of the central part of the product to the thickness (t) of the edge sealed joint is at least 3. As a result, good contact between the absorbent structure and the material of the top sheet is achieved. In addition, by using roll material (instead of mat-molded material) for the liquid distribution layer or for the absorbent core, which can be compressed by its “nature” (since it is usually in the form of a roll), additional compression can be ensured and hence improved contact.

Accordingly, the absorbent article in accordance with the invention will have a central part (when viewed from the front side of the article) containing an absorbent core + liquid distribution layer + top sheet, which has a higher height compared to the side edges of the article. To ensure fluid inlet at the edges, which is as best as possible, the material of the edges (similar to the textile material of the edges of the nonwoven material) should have the best possible contact with the central part having a higher height. In accordance with the invention, this is achieved by forming a large slope in the material near the upper edge of the central part having a higher height. Thus, the attachment points of the lateral nonwoven fabric should be as close as possible to the lower edge of the central portion having a higher height.

In addition, through the use of ultrasonic welding to seal the edges, the spot welds will have hydrophobic properties. When using conventional welding, the entire edge (edge) will acquire hydrophobic properties (since a continuous weld is formed). Therefore, fluid will not be allowed to enter through a regular continuous weld, and there is a risk of leakage if the product carrier has a main fluid outlet, for example, in the form of urine, that is, if the received amount of fluid is so large that the material of the top sheet and textile edges are not can "cope" with all the fluid. This is a problem especially if the article in question is small in size. The severity of this problem is reduced if only discrete spot welds are hydrophobic, since the area between the spot welds will have the ability to move fluid.

In addition, in a preferred embodiment, the product has a length in the longitudinal direction, which is in the range of 13 to 22 cm, preferably less than 15 cm, and width in the lateral direction, at the smallest point of the crotch, which is in the range of 4 to 6 5 cm, preferably less than 5 cm.

One important feature of the invention is that the product according to the invention has a large absorption capacity relative to its size. To achieve this advantage, the product must have some properties.

First of all, fluid inlet materials (top sheet + fluid distribution layer) must be able to receive a relatively large volume of fluid. This is achieved by using a topsheet material having funnel-shaped three-dimensional holes, and by providing a bulk material, such as a high-volume layer, under the topsheet. The three-dimensional structure of the perforated material, together with a high-volume layer, creates a large free volume (void volume), which can provide quick fluid intake. The funnel-shaped openings will also “catch” the liquid at the initial stage, so that it will not leak out of the surface. The film of the material of the top sheet can also be pre-perforated to form small holes (also called perforations), so that the liquid can also be partially absorbed into the zones between the large holes.

Secondly, the materials providing the inlet must be able to retain the liquid that was absorbed by the product during use. This is achieved by using a film of the material of the upper sheet as a barrier to re-wetting, that is, in order to impede the return of fluid to the skin of the carrier. The super absorbent polymer present in the absorbent core, of course, also makes a major contribution to the retention of absorbed liquid in the article. The three-dimensional structure of the top sheet and the liquid distribution layer, preferably the high volume layer, also makes the distance between the wearer's skin and the core of the article longer, so that the article feels drier.

In addition, as a third point, it should be noted that the materials providing the intake must provide a dry surface to create comfort for the wearer. This is achieved by combining the material of the top sheet and the liquid distribution layer, preferably a high volume layer, by ultrasonic welding. As a result of this, proper drainage of the liquid from the material of the top sheet and the liquid distribution layer can be ensured.

In addition, as a fourth point, it should be noted that the materials providing the inlet must be soft and airy for the convenience of the carrier. This is achieved due to the fact that the material for the edges, such as textiles, is made in the form of a soft non-woven material to ensure good comfort, and due to the fact that it contains perforations so that it is more “airy” and provides a good intake.

Thus, the invention is further directed to an absorbent article, the article having at least one of the following characteristics (in accordance with the experimental results shown in the Examples section): (i) the intake time for the first inlet is 5 ml of synthetic urine, which is less than 6 seconds, preferably equal to or less than 5 seconds, and / or a reception time for the second inlet of 5 ml of synthetic urine, which is less than 8 seconds, preferably equal to or less than 4 seconds; (ii) the DORUP value (retention) for a dose of 7 ml of synthetic urine, comprising less than 1 g, preferably less than 0.5 g and more preferably equal to or less than 0.2 g; or (iii) a Rothwell value (absorption capacity) of more than 45 g, preferably more than 55 g.

Brief Description of the Drawings

FIG. 1 shows a panty liner according to the invention for use in everyday life, having an asymmetric shape according to the invention, containing openings similar to textile material.

Figure 2 shows another panty liner according to the invention, comprising textile-like edges with holes.

Figure 3 shows various layers of an absorbent article of the invention.

4 is a main drawing comparing a conventional solution (61) with a solution of the present invention (60) with respect to the contact between the top sheet and the absorbent structure.

Figures 5-7 show experimental diagrams related to the Examples section of the invention.

Definitions

By “absorbent article” is meant a product such as an incontinence protector, a sanitary towel and a panty liner for everyday use.

By “open area (throughput section)” is meant the percentage of the surface area of the material, which falls on perforations or holes.

By "longitudinal" direction or "machine direction" (the direction of movement of the product in the machine) is meant the direction along the length of the absorbent product, that is, from the rear end to the front end of the product (or vice versa), and by the "lateral" direction or "transverse direction" is understood the direction from the lateral edge to the lateral edge of the product, that is, the width of the product.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Figures 1 and 2 show absorbent articles according to the invention in the form of a panty liner (10) for panties and a panty liner (30). As you can see, the products are provided with a top sheet (11, 33) with holes. At the longitudinal edges of the top sheet, edges (12, 32) similar to a textile material are provided, wherein said edges similar to textile material are made with holes (15, 34). In addition, textile-like edges can be provided with an embossed relief to provide additional functionality or for structural purposes. At the periphery of the product, you can see the boundary tight joint (weld) (13, 31), which hermetically closes the various layers of the product. In a preferred embodiment, the edge tight joint comprises a pattern of individual spot welds, for example, formed by ultrasonic welding.

In Fig.3 you can see the main schematic drawing of the various layers of the product (50). Starting from the top layer (intended to be placed closest to the wearer's skin when used), we can see edges similar to textile material (51), which are located at the longitudinal edges of the top sheet (52). The textile-like edges can be attached to the top sheet by attaching the textile-like edges by embossing, by ultrasonic welding, by using an adhesive such as hot-melt adhesive, or a combination of fixing means. A possible liquid distribution layer (53) may be located under the top sheet. In a preferred embodiment, the liquid distribution layer is a high volume layer. Under the liquid distribution layer or directly below the top sheet (in the case when there is no liquid distribution layer), there is an absorbent structure (54). For example, the absorbent structure is an extrusion-bonded core formed by pneumatic laying containing polymers with ultra-high absorption capacity. In order to provide the high absorption capacity that is required for a small sized article of this type, in a preferred embodiment, the absorption structure contains about 50-60% polymers with ultra-high absorption capacity. A back sheet (55) is provided under the absorbent structure. For example, the back sheet is a plastic film. Preferably, the plastic film is breathable. On the outside of the back sheet, there is removable paper that is attached to the back sheet, for example, by means of adhesive strips or by any other conventional means. You can also see the edge tight connection (56), connecting, for example, by means of ultrasonic welding, edges similar to textile material, a liquid distributing layer and a back sheet at the longitudinal edges. Reference numeral 57 refers to funnel-shaped openings in accordance with a preferred embodiment.

Figure 4 shows the principles on the basis of which the effect of ultrasonic welding according to the invention is created. This drawing should be interpreted only schematically. As can be seen in FIG. 4 (the figure should be interpreted in order to clarify the principles), the solution in accordance with the invention (60) provides a more specific contact between the top sheet and the absorbent structure. Therefore, the absorbent structure and the liquid distribution layer are clearly defined. In the usual solution (61), the top sheet will not be so close to the absorbing structure and to the liquid distribution layer as in the solution of the present invention that it will affect the absorption and rewet properties as discussed above.

The present invention is mainly directed to absorbent articles, such as an incontinence guard, sanitary napkin or panty liner. Each product contains a back part, a front part and a crotch part located between them.

The product may have an hourglass shape (the rear part and the front part being essentially the same in width in the transverse direction, and the crotch part is less wide than the front or back part), or it may have an asymmetric shape, or it may have any other form that is suitable for products of this type. By asymmetry, it can be understood that the product is the least wide in the crotch part of the product (when measured in the transverse direction), and it is wider in the front than in the back (when measured in the widest place, respectively, of the rear and front parts in the transverse direction). For example, the width of the crotch part of the product can be from 4 to 7 cm, in particular from 4.5 to 5 cm, for example, approximately 4.7 cm. The width at the widest point of the front part can be from 5 to 8 cm, in particular from 6 to 7 cm, for example, approximately 6.5 cm. The width at the widest point of the rear can be from 4.5 to 6.5 cm, in particular from 5 to 6 cm, for example, 5.3 cm.

In one preferred embodiment, the article of the invention is a panty liner for everyday use having a length in the range of 13 to 22 cm, preferably approximately 15.2 cm, and a width in the crotch of the product in the range of 4 to 6 cm, preferably approximately 4.7 cm. The material of the top sheet is a three-dimensional pre-perforated film which is provided with additional holes, the number of which As a rule, it is 7-9 holes per row. At the edges of the top sheet there is provided a textile-like edge with holes, which consists of a non-woven material. A high volume layer is included as a liquid distribution layer. In addition, the absorbent core is provided in the form of a roll material containing approximately 40-60% polymer with ultra-high absorbency. The edges of the product, including the liquid distribution layer, are hermetically connected by ultrasonic welding. The product further comprises a back sheet facing away from the carrier.

In another preferred embodiment, the article relates to a panty liner containing carded non-woven material as a top sheet material. At the edges of the top sheet there is provided a textile-like (textile) edge with holes, which consists of a non-woven material. The liquid distribution layer consists of a pneumatic stacked material, and the absorbent core contains cellulose (pulp) and a polymer with ultra-high absorption capacity. The edges of the product, including the liquid distribution layer, are hermetically connected by ultrasonic welding. The product further comprises a back sheet facing away from the carrier.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a sanitary napkin comprising holes with a topsheet material. At the edges of the top sheet there is provided a textile-like edge with holes, which consists of a non-woven material. In addition, the sanitary napkin comprises a liquid distribution layer and an absorbent core. The edges of the product, including the liquid distribution layer, are hermetically connected by ultrasonic welding. The product further comprises a back sheet facing away from the carrier.

In another preferred embodiment, the invention relates to an incontinence article or to an incontinence guard comprising a liquid permeable topsheet facing the carrier during use, optionally a liquid spreading layer underneath the topsheet, an absorbent core and liquid impervious back sheet facing away from the media. Typically, the absorbent core contains a compressed mixed or multilayer structure of crushed fluff pulp and ultra-high absorbency polymers, however, additional or other combinations of materials similar to those disclosed below are possible. In addition, instead of performing a single layer absorbent core, the absorbent core may comprise two or more separate layers.

The shape of the articles of the invention may be an hourglass shape (i.e., the articles are less wide in the central part compared to the front and back parts that have the same width). In addition, the products of the invention may have an asymmetric shape, wherein the product will be less wide in the central part compared to the front and back parts, and the back part will be less wide than the front part. Other forms are also quite possible for products according to the invention.

The textile-like edges are preferably formed by a soft, skin-friendly material, such as a non-woven material, so that any friction against the wearer's skin is reduced as much as possible. By “soft” is meant that the material is perceived by the consumer as soft. For example, the material of the textile-like edges may be a carded non-woven material. In addition, textile-like edges contain holes.

Holes of textile-like edges can be formed by mechanical punching (for example, using a roller with heated or cold pins). Water jets or vacuum + heating or a combination of these methods can also be used for punching.

Edges similar to textile material can be made of polypropylene, carded, thermally bonded hydrophilic non-woven (fibrous) material. In addition, non-woven material of a spunbond production method, non-woven material bonded by passing air through it, non-woven material obtained by the action of liquid jets (hydro-entangling), non-woven material obtained by an aerodynamic method from a melt, or a combination of these materials can be used. If a combination is used, a mixture of fibers from different polymers may exist, but each fiber can also consist of different polymers (for example: bicomponent fibers of polypropylene / polyethylene or a copolymer of polypropylene and polyethylene). The non-woven material of a textile-like edge material may also have a certain percentage of natural fibers, such as cellulosic or viscose. The nonwoven material may be hydrophilic, permanently hydrophilic or hydrophobic. Non-woven material may have a density of from 7 to 50 g / m ² .

In addition, the material at the edges of the textile material may be a plastic film made of polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, PLA, starch or any other thermoplastic polymer, or a mixture or copolymer of said polymers.

The material may also be a laminate of nonwoven material and film. A similar laminate can be formed by bonding the non-woven material and the film by using heat, by using glue, by mechanical bonding or by extruding the film on a non-woven material, or by a combination of these methods.

Edges similar to textile material preferably have hole sizes in the range of 0.8 to 1.2 mm, preferably about 1 mm in the transverse direction (lateral direction) and in the range of 1.2 to 1.8 mm, preferably about 1.5 mm in the machine direction (longitudinal direction). However, the size (diameter) of the holes may vary from about 0.2 to 6 mm.

The holes of the edges similar to textile material, as a rule, have an oval shape, slightly elongated in the machine direction (direction of movement [of the product] in the machine). However, the holes may be rounded / round and / or oval both in the machine direction and in the transverse direction. The density of the holes on the edges similar to textile material is usually in the range from 4 to 250 per 1 cm ² preferably from 50 to 120 per 1 cm ² . In addition, the openings of the textile-like edges can be arranged in the form of one or more longitudinal or transverse rows, or they can be arranged in the form of a row extending in the longitudinal direction. In addition, the holes can have various sizes and shapes. They can also be concentrated (located in zones) in one or more zones of the textile-like edge material, for example, close to the crotch zone or to the place of the expected wetting so that to fulfill their function the holes are concentrated in places where this is especially desirable.

The open area [passage area] of textile-like edges is in the range of 2 to 50%, more preferably in the range of 5 to 20%.

A liquid-permeable topsheet is preferably formed from a material exhibiting properties such as dryness and softness when using an absorbent article, since this sheet is located near the body of the carrier. It is desirable that the sheet has a soft and textile-like surface that remains dry even after repeated wetting. The top sheet may consist, for example, of a non-woven material with a soft and smooth surface, for example, such as a non-woven spunbond material formed from polypropylene fibers. To maintain the surface closest to the skin of the wearer, a dry hydrophobic non-woven material can be used that has holes so that holes form in the material, and these holes are larger than the cavities between the fibers of the material. Thus, the fluid can be directed downward through the perforations in the top sheet into the downstream absorbent core. Other examples of topsheet material may be, for example, perforated plastic films, for example, such as perforated plastic film. The top sheet can be attached to the back sheet below it and to the absorbent core, for example, by means of glue, ultrasonic welding or by means of thermal bonding of any type. Preferably, the topsheet is a nonwoven fabric with holes having a hole density of 3-15, preferably 6-12 and more preferably 7-9 holes per cm ² .

In a preferred embodiment, the topsheet further comprises small perforations that are located in the material that surrounds the holes of the topsheet, to further increase fluid inlet abilities and improve receiving properties. Typically, the perforations of the top sheet have a density in the range of 20 to 500, preferably 70 to 250, and more preferably 120 to 170 perforations per cm ² .

It is desirable that the thickness of the material of the top sheet be as large as possible, since a large value of the thickness has a positive effect on the reception. However, in order not to adversely affect the softness of the material, balance must be ensured, and thus it has been shown that a thickness value in the range of 1.3 to 1.7 mm, preferably approximately 1.5 mm is sufficient.

In addition, the material of the top sheet may be a three-dimensional laminate of non-woven material and plastic film. The nonwoven material may be a carded, thermally bonded, hydrophilic material formed from 100% polypropylene. The plastic film may be hydrophilic, pre-perforated (with small holes) and may be formed from a mixture of polyethylene and polypropylene.

In addition, a portion of the material of the top sheet formed from the nonwoven material may be a nonwoven fabric of a spunbond production method, a nonwoven fabric bonded by passing air through it, a nonwoven fabric obtained by the action of liquid jets (hydro-entangling), a nonwoven fabric obtained by melt aerodynamically, or combination of these materials. The starting material may be polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyester (PET), polyamide (PA), or a combination of these materials. If there is a combination, a mixture of fibers from different polymers can take place, but each fiber can also contain different polymers (for example, bicomponent fibers of polypropylene / polyethylene or a copolymer of polypropylene and polyethylene). The non-woven material of a textile-like edge material may also have a certain percentage of natural fibers, such as cellulosic or viscose. The nonwoven material may be hydrophilic, permanently hydrophilic or hydrophobic. Non-woven material may have a density in the range from 7 to 50 g / m ² .

The plastic film may also be made of polyethylene or polypropylene, polyester, PLA, starch (or any other thermoplastic polymer), or a mixture or copolymer of said polymers.

The perforated top sheet may also be formed of a single layer material, such as a nonwoven material or film (similar to those described above).

The top sheet may have holes from 1.6 to 3.2 mm in the machine direction (in the longitudinal direction) and from 0.9 to 2.3 mm in the transverse direction (in the lateral direction). The size (diameter) of the holes may be from 0.1 to 6.0 mm.

The holes of the top sheet may have an oval shape, slightly elongated in the machine direction. The holes can be round / round or oval in the machine direction or in the transverse direction.

The open area (flow area) of the top sheet may be in the range from 2 to 60%, preferably from 5 to 30%, more preferably from 10 to 20%, most preferably about 14%.

The liquid impervious back sheet consists of a flexible material, preferably a thin plastic film of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), a polyester or a suitable material of some other kind, such as a layer of hydrophobic non-woven material or a laminate of thin film and nonwoven fabric. These types of laminates are often used to produce a soft and textile-like back sheet surface. To obtain a more “airy” and more comfortable product, it is also possible to use breathable back sheets that prevent fluid from escaping from the absorbent article, but which allow moisture to be removed by ventilation. These breathable backsheets may consist of single layers of materials or of laminates, for example, polyethylene films obtained by blown extrusion, or molded polyethylene films that have been bonded by lamination, for example, with a layer of non-woven material of a spunbond production method or of non-woven material spunbond production method, meltblown nonwoven fabric and melt spunbond nonwoven fabric (SMS - spunbond-mel tblown-spunbond).

The absorbent structure is typically created by means of one or more layers of cellulose fibers, for example, fluff pulverized pulp. Other materials that can be used are, for example, absorbent non-woven material, foam, synthetic fiber materials or peat (peat moss). In addition to cellulosic fibers or other absorbent materials, the absorbent structure may also contain an ultrahigh absorbency material, the so-called superabsorbent (SAP - super absorbent polymers), which is a material in the form of fibers, particles, granules, films or the like, wherein the specified material has the ability to absorb fluid in an amount several times higher than the weight of the material with ultra-high absorption capacity. The ultra-high absorption material binds the fluid and forms a fluid-containing gel. In addition, the absorbent structure may contain binder components to provide form stabilization or the like. The absorbent structure may be chemically or physically processed to alter the absorbent properties. For example, it is possible to make an absorbing layer with compressed zones and / or compressed over the entire length of the layer (s) to control the flow of fluid in the absorbing body. In addition, you can enclose the absorbing (e) layer (s) in a shell of, for example, thin paper (tissue). For example, the absorbent structure is a pneumatic-bonded, extrusion-bonded structure containing 30-80%, preferably about 40-60%, more preferably 50-60%, of an ultra-high absorbency polymer.

Typically, the absorbent structure has an elongated shape in its longitudinal direction and may, for example, be substantially rectangular, T-shaped or have an hourglass shape. The hourglass-shaped absorbent body has a wider width in the front and rear parts than in the crotch part to ensure efficient absorption of the fluid at the same time, since the design helps the product to take on the shape of the wearer's body and fit to the wearer, resulting in a better fit around the legs. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the absorbent structure has substantially straight and parallel longitudinal edges. The rear and front edges are rounded to match the shape of the product. Preferably, the trailing and leading edges are rounded in the form of curves with at least three different radii.

In addition, the absorbent structure may be supplied in the form of a roll material, the material being generally provided with great compression, or the structure may be formed by means of pneumatic laying technology.

In yet another embodiment, the absorbent structure is provided with a capillary distribution layer, wherein said capillary distribution layer is for distributing a fluid towards the front of the absorbent structure. Moreover, the capillary spreading layer does not have to cover the entire absorbent structure, but preferably covers at least a part of the absorbent structure located in the front of the “shell”, more preferably a part located in the front and crotch parts of the “shell” ", And most preferably the entire absorbent structure.

The capillary spreading layer is formed of a moisture-permeable material, preferably thin paper or a hydrophilic non-woven material, and serves to spread a fluid, i.e. urine passing through a liquid-permeable top sheet, preferably towards the front of the diaper. The capillary propagation layer contains small capillaries directing the fluid to smaller capillaries due to capillary forces.

Additional liquid distribution layers may be used in the article of the invention, preferably between the absorbent structure and the top sheet. For example, additional properties enhancing layers may be used, such as a conveying layer or various types of layers or inserts of a fluid propagating material, so-called cotton pads or high volume layers. Typically, the liquid distribution layer is a layer of a porous, resilient, relatively thick material, for example, in the form of a fibrous high-volume layer, a fibrous web obtained by carding, material in the form of bundles or other type of bulk and elastic fibrous material, which has a great ability to instantly accept liquid and which can temporarily hold the liquid before it is absorbed by the absorbent core located beneath it. In addition, the liquid distribution layer may be in the form of a porous foam. In addition, it may consist of two or more layers of material. In a preferred embodiment, the liquid distribution layer extends to the lateral edges of the article, that is, it is substantially in the form of a top sheet or top sheet together with edges similar to textile material. In this way, advantages can be provided with respect to the distribution of liquids, hermetically sealed edges, etc., as discussed above. However, the liquid distributing layer can also be designed so that it does not extend into the edge tight joints. The transporting layer may be a layer obtained by pneumatic stacking, and it may contain a polymer with ultra-high absorption capacity.

In addition, the product according to the invention is provided with removable paper that covers the outside of the back sheet of the product. Removable paper is attached to the back sheet with adhesive strips.

A peripheral tight joint [seam] is provided at the periphery of the product, with a width of approximately 0.5 cm, for fastening the top sheet, the back sheet, and possibly the liquid distributing sheet to each other. A sealed edge joint can be formed by gluing the layers together, by embossing, by heat welding, by ultrasonic welding, or by a combination of these methods. Ultrasonic welding is preferably used. In addition, a sealed connection can be made in the form of a continuous sealed connection or in the form of separate spot welds. Preferably, the sealed joint is formed in the form of spot welds, as this provides some advantages in terms of, for example, the hydrophobic nature of the spot welds, as discussed above. Typically, the spot welds are spaced apart from each other, approximately 0.1-0.5 mm, preferably approximately 0.2 mm. Ultrasonic welding equipment is used to perform ultrasonic welding. In the case when ultrasonic welding is performed, a pattern obtained by welding is formed, wherein said pattern obtained by welding may have a shape that is visually attractive and / or that has technical advantages, such as increased comfort for the wearer, or effects with respect to fluid distribution or increased softness and / or dryness.

To prevent leakage of fluid, the absorbent article from the side that faces the carrier can also be provided with internal fluid barriers that are attached to allow them to attach to the longitudinal edges. Preferably, the internal barriers are formed from a material substantially impervious to liquids, for example, such as a hydrophobic non-woven material or plastic film, and are formed as a longitudinal channel with a first edge connected to the absorbent article and a second free edge that is adapted to he was in close contact with the user's body when using an absorbent product. The second edge is provided with one or more elastic elements, preferably with an elastic thread, which pulls together the free edge in a tightened state, as a result of which an upwardly projecting barrier is formed. The inner barrier can be made in the form of a strip of one sheet, with the free edge bent down to cover the elastic element to prevent direct contact of the elastic thread with the user's body. Alternatively, the barrier may be formed of two connected layers, with the elastic thread attached to the edge of the free end between the two layers. In this case, the inner layer of the barrier may consist of an elongated portion of the top sheet, and the outer layer may consist of a material substantially impervious to liquids, or the inner and outer layers of the barrier may consist of a single strip of the same material that is bent around an elastic thread. In addition, the elastic elements may be provided in the form of foam, for example, in the form of a strip or thread, or the elastic elements may be provided in any other conventional manner.

Moreover, the product according to the invention can be provided with wings. In addition, products provided with layers other than those described herein are also included in the scope of the invention.

Examples

In all the attached examples, the properties of a product in the form of panty liners for everyday use were compared in accordance with one embodiment of the invention (referred to herein as “Tena”) and various conventional products in the form of panty liners for everyday use (see tables 1 and 2) in which data are given for the compared products). The products to be compared have structures that are similar to the Tena product. The Tena product has an asymmetric shape (see FIG. 1 for a basic drawing), the top sheet is a perforated laminate of non-woven material and a plastic film having a density of approximately 40 g / m ² , while the top sheet has holes, and also contains small perforations. In addition, the product contains edges similar to textile material, a high-volume layer of non-woven material (with a density of approximately 50 g / m ² ) as a liquid distribution layer, an absorbent core of cellulose fibers and a polymer with ultra-high absorption capacity (approximately 50-60% ) and breathable back sheet. A “Tena” product is a small panty liner for everyday use, and thus, the experimental values should be interpreted in relation to a small panty liner. However, since the results shown for the Tena product can be considered as obtained by using materials that provide quick inlet (a top sheet having large openings, similar to textile material of edges having openings, and an absorbent core having a large amount of polymer with ultra-high absorption capacity (approximately 50-60%)), it can be expected that similar results will be obtained for other types of products that are formed in a similar way based on those the same principles, but have a greater length, mass and / or thickness.

Table 1 Product Mass (g) Thickness (mm) Length (mm) Tena 3.4 2.9 152 Allways normal 2,8 2.9 150 Always Regular (USA) 3,1 2.6 230 Allways small 1.7 2,8 142 Libresse normal 2.9 2,8 150 Carefree Original 2,4 3,1 160 Kotex normal 2.1 2.6 152 Poise light liners 3.3 2.7 165 Allways extra large 3.9 3.0 177 Always Super Long (USA) 4.1 3,1 280 Carefree Maxi Large 3.0 3.0 180 Lindor active mini ultra 3.8 2,3 165 Libresse large 3.8 2.6 175

Example 1 - Reception

The properties providing reception (time of administration) were determined during testing (test method No.17-28-14) by exposing various products to the first inlet of 5 ml of synthetic urine followed by the second inlet of 5 ml of synthetic urine (0.9% NaCl solution in water) with an interval of 10 min. The results can be seen in figure 5, which shows that the product “Tena” provides significantly faster reception at the first inlet than almost all other products, except for the product Always pantiliners Long, and significantly faster reception at the second inlet than all others products. This shows that the design of the Tena product is highly capable of rapidly receiving fluids (which is important, fluids such as urine), thereby reducing the risk of any leakage.

Example 2 - DORUP (Hold)

Retention properties were determined by testing, by exposing various products to an inlet of 7 ml of liquid (synthetic urine) (see FIG. 6). For additional details regarding the experiment, DORUP (retention) should be referred to in US-B-6557398, which is incorporated herein by reference. As you can see, the Tena product is significantly drier than all products compared to it. This shows that the properties of the Tena product with respect to retention are better than those of the compared products.

Example 3 - Rothwell (Absorption Capacity)

The value of Rothwell (g) was determined by testing (Method ISO 11948-1) (see Fig.7). It has been shown that a Tena product has significantly greater absorption capacity than all panty liners compared to it.

Claims (30)

1. An absorbent article selected from an incontinence protector, a sanitary napkin and a panty liner for everyday use, comprising a liquid permeable top sheet with openings facing the wearer during use and a liquid impermeable back sheet facing away from the carrier during use, while extending in the longitudinal direction, edges similar to textile material are located on both longitudinal sides of the top sheet characterized in that the edges similar to the textile material contain holes, while the holes of the edges similar to the textile material have a diameter in the range from 0.2 to 6 mm. 2. The absorbent product according to claim 1, in which the holes of the edges similar to the textile material have a diameter in the transverse direction of from 0.8 to 1.2 mm and a diameter in the machine direction of from 1.2 to 1.8 mm. 3. The absorbent product according to claim 1, in which the density of the holes on the edges similar to textile material is in the range from 4 to 250 holes per 1 cm ² . 4. The absorbent product according to claim 1, in which the density of the holes on the edges similar to textile material is in the range from 50 to 120 holes per 1 cm ² . 5. The absorbent product according to claim 1, in which the holes of the upper sheet have a diameter in the machine direction in the range from 1.6 to 2.4 mm and a diameter in the transverse direction in the range from 0.9 to 2.3 mm. 6. The absorbent product according to claim 1, in which the ratio of the diameter of the holes of the upper sheet to the diameter of the holes of the edges similar to the textile material is at least 1. 7. The absorbent product according to claim 1, in which the ratio of the diameter of the holes of the top sheet to the diameter of the holes of the edges similar to the textile material is at least 2. 8. The absorbent product according to claim 1, in which the density of the holes in the top sheet is in the range from 3 to 15 holes per 1 cm ² . 9. The absorbent product according to claim 1, in which the density of the holes in the top sheet is in the range from 6 to 12 holes per 1 cm ² . 10. The absorbent product according to claim 1, in which the density of the holes in the top sheet is in the range from 7 to 9 holes per 1 cm ² . 11. The absorbent product according to claim 1, in which the material of the upper sheet further comprises perforations that are located between the holes of the upper sheet and have a diameter in the range from 0.05 to 1 mm. 12. The absorbent product according to claim 1, in which the material of the upper sheet further comprises perforations that are located between the holes of the upper sheet and have a diameter in the range from 0.1 to 0.4 mm 13. The absorbent product according to claim 11 or 12, in which the density of the perforation holes in the top sheet is in the range from 30 to 500 perforations per 1 cm ² . 14. The absorbent product according to claim 11 or 12, in which the density of the perforations in the top sheet is in the range from 50 to 200 perforations per 1 cm ² . 15. The absorbent product according to claim 11 or 12, in which the density of the perforation holes in the top sheet is in the range from 70 to 120 perforations per 1 cm ² . 16. The absorbent product according to claim 1, in which the ratio of the area of the through section of the upper sheet to the area of the through section of the edges similar to the textile material is at least 2. 17. The absorbent product according to claim 1, in which the top sheet and the back sheet are sealed together at the periphery of the product, resulting in the formation of an edge tight connection, while the edge tight connection is at least partially formed by spot welding, such as ultrasonic spot welding. 18. The absorbent product according to 17, in which the spot welds have hydrophobic properties. 19. The absorbent article of claim 17 or 18, comprising a liquid distributing layer between the top sheet and the absorbent structure, wherein the liquid distributing layer extends to the periphery of the article so that it forms part of the edge sealed joint. 20. The absorbent product according to claim 19, in which the liquid distributing layer is made in the form of a bulk layer. 21. The absorbent product according to claim 1, in which the ratio of the thickness (T) of the Central part of the product to the thickness (t) of the edge sealed connection is at least 3. 22. The absorbent product according to claim 1, in which the product has a length in the longitudinal direction, which is in the range from 13 to 22 cm, and a width in the lateral direction in the least wide area of the crotch part, which is in the range from 4 to 6.5 cm. 23. The absorbent product according to claim 1, in which the product has a length in the longitudinal direction, which is less than 15 cm, and a width in the lateral direction in the least wide place of the crotch part, which is less than 5 cm 24. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the article has a reception time for the first inlet of 5 ml of synthetic urine that is less than 6 seconds and / or a reception time for the second inlet of 5 ml of synthetic urine that is less than 8 s. 25. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the article has a reception time for the first inlet of 5 ml of synthetic urine that is equal to or less than 5 s, and / or an intake time for the second inlet of 5 ml of synthetic urine that is equal to or less than 4 s. 26. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the article has a retention rate for a dose of 7 ml of synthetic urine that is less than 1 g. 27. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the article has a retention rate for a dose of 7 ml of synthetic urine that is less than 0.5 g. 28. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the article has a retention rate for a dose of 7 ml of synthetic urine that is equal to or less than 0.2 g. 29. The absorbent product according to claim 1, in which the product has an absorption capacity of more than 45 g. 30. The absorbent product according to claim 1, in which the product has an absorption capacity of more than 55 g.

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