RU2574965C2 - Absorbent product containing stimulant composite - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: medicine.

SUBSTANCE: present invention refers to absorbent products containing a stimulant material. The stimulant material is partially attached to a pressure-sensitive adhesive to form a stimulant mix. The stimulant mix containing or not a pressure-sensitive adhesive may be provided between two substrates to form a stimulant composite. If the stimulant composite contains the pressure-sensitive adhesive, the adhesive occurs to have pieces free from substantial amounts of the stimulant material. Arranging the areas containing the stimulant mix appropriately in relation to the areas containing the pressure-sensitive adhesive makes it possible to generate a pattern of stimulant mix distribution. This pattern may generate stimulating action, which has at least identical effectiveness as presented by absolute content of the stimulant mix in the stimulant composite, or higher effectiveness.

EFFECT: stimulant composite may be sliced in the form of variously shaped pieces, which may be introduced into absorbent products for personal hygiene.

19 cl, 1 tbl, 16 dwg

Description

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

The present invention relates to absorbent articles that contain a stimulating material. In particular, the invention relates to an absorbent article, such as underpants for teaching a child to use the toilet, which, in contact with the fluid, provides the individual who is wearing the article with a distinct sensation of impact.

To date, absorbent products have already been created, for example, briefs for teaching a child to use the toilet, the designs of which include stimulating material, for example, particles that change the temperature, which provide a noticeable temperature change during urination (exposure to fluid ejection). This was done so that the child could recognize the moment of urination. Obviously, such recognition can be an important stage in accustoming a child to the toilet.

Currently, the stimulating material in powder form is introduced into a co-molded material and cut into parts (compresses or bundles) intended for placement in absorbent products. The stimulant material is enclosed within a co-moldable structure. Jointly formed fibers are poorly bonded to the stimulating material, as a result of which when the jointly formed web is cut into parts, the stimulating material falls outside the edges of the part, resulting in losses of the stimulating material of about 25 to about 30 percent.

In addition to taking into account the existing losses of stimulating material, it should be taken into account that due to poor fixation of the stimulating material, the joint-formed structure cannot hold more than approximately 300 g / m ^{2 of} stimulating material without significant losses. This means that creating a sense of impact cannot be enhanced by increasing the amount of stimulating material.

To enhance the perception of impact and solve the problems associated with the loss of stimulating material due to its poor fixation, a multilayer stimulating material was created in which the stimulating material is fixed to the substrates with an adhesive (adhesive) compound so that the stimulating material completely covers the substrate ( basis). Between several layers of the substrate are several layers of stimulating materials. Generally, in a multilayer structure is observed efficiency enabling bonding materials, wherein the maximum addition amounts of such materials can be increased from 300 g / m ² to about 1000 g / m ^2. When laminating, more than 99% of stimulating materials can be enclosed in a multilayer structure. At the same time, there is practically no loss or unproductive expenditure of the stimulating material, both during use and when cutting parts from the fabric of the stimulating multilayer material.

Despite the fact that the adhesive fixing of the stimulating material successfully prevents the loss of the stimulating material under the conditions of the production and conversion methods, it was found that the stimulating material is washed out of the part of the part that is directly exposed to the ejection of liquid. The migration of stimulating materials with a direct effect on the part of the outbursts of liquid reduces the effectiveness of stimulation. Stimulating material often moves to those areas of the absorbent product that do not come into contact with the skin of the user (the individual on whom the product is worn). It has been shown that as a result of such movement, only less than about 50% of the stimulating composite material is available to create a certain sensation for the user of the product. Adding stimulating material to the laminated material to compensate for the material being washed out would lead to a sharp increase in production costs.

Thus, there is a need to obtain a part containing such a stimulating material that can create a more distinct sensation of impact (for example, cooling, heating, tingling and / or pressure). Additionally, there is a need to obtain a part containing stimulating material in which the stimulating material is concentrated in a predetermined area relative to the “target zone” in which the liquid is ejected. In addition, there is a need to obtain a stimulating composite material, the transformation of which into parts results in negligible loss of stimulating material. In general, there is a need to obtain a part having all the useful properties of the multilayer structure described above, but containing a reduced amount of stimulating material.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the absorbent article is made from a variety of components, one of which is a stimulating composite material placed between the top sheet and the absorbent core. The stimulating composite material is obtained from a stimulating mixture that contains a stimulating material partially fixed to the fibers of a pressure sensitive adhesive. The stimulating mixture and the corresponding amount of pressure-sensitive adhesive fibers are arranged in a predetermined pattern (pattern) and are enclosed between the body facing the substrate and the clothing facing the substrate, forming a stimulating composite material. The stimulating composite material is located between the body-facing substrate and the clothing-facing substrate.

The design of the absorbent article further includes a bottom sheet, an absorbent inner part and a top sheet. The absorbent inner part is located between the upper sheet and the lower sheet, and the stimulating composite material is located between the absorbent inner part and the upper sheet.

In another aspect, the stimulating composite material comprises a stimulating mixture obtained from a stimulating material that is mainly partially attached to the fibers of a hot-melt pressure-sensitive adhesive. A stimulant mixture is placed between the body-facing substrate and the clothing-facing substrate.

In an additional aspect, a method for producing a stimulating composite material includes, without limitation, the following steps. The garment-facing substrate is transported to a precipitation system, where the precipitation system includes a particle feeder, a first adhesive applicator and a second adhesive applicator, each of which is located on the side of the particle feeder at a predetermined angle. The first glue applicator is located upstream of the particle feeder (i.e., before the device), and the second glue applicator is located downstream of the particle feeder (i.e., after the device). The terms “upstream” and “downstream” are given relative to the machine direction (the direction of movement of the web in the machine). The stimulating material is sent from the particle feeder, and the fibers of the hot-melt pressure-sensitive adhesive are sent from the first and second glue applicators. To obtain a stimulating mixture, the stimulating material and the adhesive fibers obtained by melt from the melt are mixed. Then the stimulating mixture is placed on the clothing-facing substrate. In another aspect, additional steps may include positioning the body-facing substrate on the stimulus mixture and applying pressure to the resulting stimulus composite.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF GRAPHIC MATERIALS

The materials of the patent or application contain at least one graphic material made in color. Copies of the publication of this patent or application containing color graphic material (materials) will be provided by the Agency upon request and after payment of the corresponding fee.

Although the claims are appended to the description, in which the subject of the invention is partially described and precisely claimed, the invention should become more clear after reading the proposed description, accompanied by graphic materials. In the accompanying graphic materials, the same numerical designations refer to similar elements, which may be identical or not identical in some of the above embodiments. Some of the images can be simplified by excluding selected elements in order to more clearly show other elements. Such exclusions of elements in a series of images do not necessarily indicate the presence or absence of specific elements in any of the possible embodiments, unless specifically indicated in the corresponding written description. All images on graphic materials are not necessarily to scale.

Figure 1 presents a view in section of one example of the implementation of the stimulating composite material according to the present invention.

Figure 2 presents a top view in partial section of a stimulating composite material, which schematically shows a stimulating mixture according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line 3-3 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2.

Figure 4 presents one example of a method for producing a stimulating composite material according to the present invention.

5 (A-F) schematically shows examples of arrangement patterns of a stimulus mixture according to the present invention.

Figure 6 is partially a perspective view of one embodiment of a particle feeding apparatus according to the present invention.

Fig. 6A is a perspective view of another embodiment of a device for supplying a powder material that includes only one channel.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a particle feeder showing the possible use of panels to separate a particle feeder and a nozzle with channels.

On Fig schematically shows a top view of one of the embodiments of the present invention, which shows the production of a stimulating composite material containing a circuit obtained from a stimulating mixture.

Figure 9 presents a side view of one example of the implementation of shorts for teaching a child to the toilet, fastened on one side and unfastened on the opposite side.

Figure 10 is a representative, partially cutaway, top view of the panties for teaching a child to the toilet, shown in Fig. 9, in an unbuttoned and stretched plane view so that the surface of the panties for accustoming the child to the toilet and a stimulating composite material are visible.

11 depicts a feminine sanitary napkin comprising one embodiment of a stimulating composite material according to the present invention.

12 is a perspective view of a thickness gauge used to determine thickness.

On Fig-15 presents a series of thermographic images, which show the cooling area, appearing after exposure of the liquid to the target area of the part from the stimulating composite material.

On Fig presents an axonometric image in front of a mannequin for testing, on which are worn panties for accustoming the child to the toilet, prepared for registration of thermographic images.

Definitions

It should be noted that the terms “includes,” “including,” and other derivatives of the root of the term “include,” as used herein, are terms containing boundary values that establish the presence of any of the indicated features, elements, integers, steps, or components, and which do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, integers, steps, components or their groups.

In general, the term “absorbent article” refers to devices that can absorb and retain fluids (liquids). For example, absorbent personal care products include devices that are placed close to or in contact with the skin (body) to absorb and hold various fluids released by the body.

The term “attach (fasten)” and its derivatives refers to the bonding, gluing, joining, joining, stitching with each other or the like joining two elements. Two elements are considered attached to each other if they are connected to each other directly or indirectly, for example, when each of them is directly connected to intermediate elements. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the context of the present invention, all stimulating materials are attached directly, without intermediate elements, to the adhesives (adhesives) discussed herein.

The term “co-moldable” refers to a mixture of meltblown fibers and absorbent fibers, for example cellulosic fibers, that can be obtained by air molding the aerodynamically formed polymer material while simultaneously blowing the suspended fibers in the air to a mass of aerodynamically formed fibers . Jointly formed material may also include other materials, for example, stimulating materials. Aerodynamically produced fibers and absorbent fibers are collected on a forming surface, which, for example, is a perforated conveyor belt. The forming surface may include a gas permeable material placed on the forming surface. Examples of co-molding processes are discussed in US Pat. No. 4,100,324 to Anderson et al .; US 4,587,154, Hotchkiss et al .; US 4,604,313, McFarland et al .; US 4,655,757 to McFarland et al .; US 4,724,114, McFarland et al .; US 4,100,324, Anderson et al. and in British patent GB 2151272, Minto et al.

As used herein, the term “disposable” is used to describe absorbent articles not intended to be washed or otherwise restored or reused as an absorbent article after a single use.

The terms “located on”, “located along”, “located with” or “located in a direction” and their variants mean that one element can be a separate structure attached to another element or placed together with another element or placed near another element .

The terms “elastic”, “elasticized”, “elasticity”, “elastomeric” and their derivatives refer to the property of a material or composite material, due to which the material tends to take its original size and shape after the removal of the force that caused the deformation. Preferably, the elongation of the elastic material or the elastic composite material can be at least 50 percent of its length at rest, and after removing the applied force, the size of the material is restored to at least 40 percent of its elongation.

The term “extendible” refers to a material or composite material that can stretch or deform without breaking, but essentially does not return to its original size and shape after the release of the force that caused the stretching or deformation (i.e., its recovery is less than 40 percent ) Preferably, the elongation of the extendible material or the extendible composite material may be at least 50 percent of its length at rest.

The term "fiber" refers to a continuous or discrete element having a large ratio of length to diameter or width. Thus, the fiber may be a fiber, thread, braid or any other element or a combination of such elements.

The term “sanitary / medical absorbent articles” includes a variety of professional and consumer health care products, non-limiting examples of which include thermal or cold therapy products, medical absorbent articles of clothing, underlay mats and the like.

The term "hydrophilic" refers to materials that are wetted by aqueous fluids in contact with these materials. The degree of wetting of the materials, in turn, can be described using the contact angles and surface tension of the contacting liquids and materials. Equipment and techniques suitable for determining the wettability of certain fibrous materials or mixtures of fibrous materials may include a Cahn SFA-222 Surface Force Analyzer System or a substantially equivalent system. When measured using such a system, materials forming edge contact angles of less than 90 degrees are considered “wettable” or hydrophilic, and materials forming edge contact angles of more than 90 degrees are considered “non-wettable” or hydrophobic.

The term “exposure surface” refers to a body surface that is first in contact with a fluid outlet.

The term “meltblown fibers” (meltblown fibers) refers to fibers formed by extruding molten thermoplastic material through a plurality of small, usually round capillaries of an extrusion head in the form of molten filaments or fibers, in converging high-speed flows of gas (for example, air), usually heated, which pull the fibers from the molten thermoplastic material, reducing their diameter. Examples of methods for producing aerodynamically from a melt are discussed in various patents and publications, which include NRL Report 4364, "Manufacture of Super-Fine Organic Fibers", V.A. Wendt, E.L. Boone, C.D. Fluharty; NRL Report 5265, "An Improved Device For the Formation of Super-Fine Thermoplastic Fibers," K.D. Lawrence, R.T. Lukas, J.A. Young US patent 3849241, Butin et al., and US patent 5350624, Georger et al., the contents of each of which are incorporated into this description by reference.

The terms “non-woven” and “non-woven fabric” refer to materials and webs made of materials including a structure of individual fibers or threads that are intertwined with each other, but the type of this weave is different from the identified type of weave of knitted (woven) fabric. The terms “fiber” and “thread” are used interchangeably herein. Non-woven materials or webs are obtained in a variety of ways, for example, aerodynamic methods from a melt, spunbond methods from a polymer melt, dry air molding methods, wet molding methods, and methods for producing a bonded carded web.

In the context of the present invention, the term “absorbent personal care products” includes, without limitation, absorbent articles such as diapers, diapers, panties, panties for teaching a child to use a toilet, absorbent underwear, absorbent panties for a child and other disposable articles of clothing; feminine hygiene products, which include pads used during menstruation, panties used during menstruation, daily sanitary pads, sanitary pads, pads placed in the floor gap; adult hygiene products, including pads, for example, pads inserted into a bra, incontinence products and pads used for incontinence.

In the context of the present invention, the term “part” means a part cut from the web of the stimulating composite material 110 during conversion (conversion) (both on the general production line of the absorbent product and on a separate production line).

The terms "spunbond molten polymer (spunbond") and "spunbond molten polymer" mean fibers obtained by extruding plumes of molten thermoplastic material through a plurality of small, typically round capillaries of a spinneret, and then rapidly decreasing diameter of extruded fibers.

The term “target zone” means a portion of a part to which fluid is directed.

Unless otherwise specified, the terms "mass%", "mass%" or their derivatives used in the present description refer to the mass of dry matter.

The above terms may be further defined in the rest of the description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, the unique structure of the stimulating composite material has a certain effect on the user after at least one exposure to the fluid. A unique structure is obtained due to the partial attachment of the stimulating material to the fibers of the adhesive during the aerodynamic method of obtaining from the melt, which reduces or prevents the precipitation of the stimulating material from the stimulating composite material during its transformation into parts and when used by consumers. In addition, since the target fluid exposure zone can be determined, stimulant material can be placed in the most sought after areas of the part. In some cases, it may be desirable to evenly distribute the stimulating material over the entire surface of the part located in close proximity to the surface facing the body, covering an area outside the target area. However, in most cases, it is desirable that the stimulating material partially covers the area of the part located in close proximity to the surface facing the body.

Preferably, to reduce or completely eliminate the loss of stimulating material, partially covered areas are located at a distance from parts of the part that are directly affected by the release of fluid. Additionally, such a configuration can provide the same or more distinct sensations compared to uniform overlapping. Thus, the present invention not only allows you to enhance the stimulating effect related to the target area, but also allows you to reduce the cost of manufacturing / conversion through the use of significantly smaller amounts of expensive stimulating material.

The improved material according to the invention (hereinafter referred to as the “stimulating composite material”) is suitable for use in disposable absorbent personal care products and sanitary / medical disposable absorbent articles. An absorbent article according to the present invention may include an absorbent core and a top sheet and / or bottom sheet. The absorbent core is located between the top sheet and the bottom sheet. The stimulating composite material includes a garment-facing substrate to which the stimulating material and an adhesive are attached. In a most preferred embodiment, the stimulating composite material comprises a body facing porous substrate located on the body surface of the stimulating mixture.

Stimulating Composite Material

Figure 1 presents one of the preferred embodiments, in which the stimulating composite material 110 contains four primary components: the stimulating material 150, an adhesive 152 and two substrates 154 and 155 (a body-facing substrate and a clothing-facing substrate, respectively). The stimulating material 150 is bonded to the melt adhesive 152 by an aerodynamic melt preparation method to obtain a stimulating mixture 156. The stimulating material 156 and the adhesive 152 are sandwiched between two substrates 154, 155 to obtain a stimulating composite material 110 (although it does not have to include the substrate 154, i.e. substrate facing the body). Each of these components is discussed below.

The purpose of the stimulating material 150 is to create a noticeable sensation for the user during and / or after the release of the fluid. The sensation may be a perceptible change in temperature, a tingling sensation, pressure, or any sensation that may be felt by an individual who is wearing an article receiving an ejection of liquid.

The stimulant material 150 may have almost any acceptable shape, but preferably it is in a solid state. For stimulant materials, the term “solid” may include particles, flakes, fibers, agglomerates, granules, powders, spheres, crushed materials or similar materials, and combinations thereof. The solids can be of any desired shape, for example, cubic, rod-shaped, polygonal, spherical or hemispherical, round or semi-circular, containing corners, irregular shape and similar shapes.

The disposable absorbent article 20 (shown in FIGS. 9 and 10) may include a stimulating composite material 110 molded into a part of a desired shape. Inside the stimulating composite material 110 is an adhesive 152 and a stimulating material (s) 150 that dissolves in an aqueous liquid. Such a stimulating material (s) 150 is partially connected to an adhesive 152. The solubility of the stimulating materials 150 is preferably from about 0.1 to about 6 grams of material per gram of water (g / g), for example from about 0.1 g / g to about 3 g / g

Obviously, the stimulating composite material 110 according to the present invention can be described in terms of the total (mass) content of the stimulating material 150. For example, in some aspects, the stimulating composite material 110 may contain from about 0.5 to 20 grams of stimulating material 150 or from about 1 up to 15 grams of stimulating material, or from about 1 to 10 grams of stimulating material.

In some aspects, the particle size distribution of the stimulating material 150 located in the stimulating composite material 110 can be determined. It should be understood that in those aspects in which the stimulating material is in the form of particles, the invention may include particles, the sizes of which are determined according to the section Determination of size particles ranging from less than about 90 microns (including nanoparticles) to more than about 710 microns.

In general, stimulant material 150 produces a response in contact with an aqueous solution, for example, urine, menstrual blood or other physiological aqueous secretions, producing a stimulating effect, for example, absorption or release of heat, pressure, tingling sensations, and similar sensations. In general, the mechanism for creating such an effect is determined by dissolving the stimulating material 150 in an aqueous solution or by reacting the material 150 in an aqueous solution. For example, the stimulating material 150 may contain particles having a significant energy difference between the dissolved and crystalline state, so that when it comes into contact with a liquid into the environment, energy is released or absorbed from the environment in the form of heat. The selection of the particular stimulant material 150 and the determination of its amount used should partially depend on the desired stimulatory effect.

In some aspects, the stimulant material 150, according to various aspects of the present invention, may include a temperature change agent (hereinafter referred to as a “temperature changing agent”) in contact with an aqueous liquid that is placed in indirect contact with the skin of the user. The contact is "mediated" because one or more layers may be between the stimulating composite material and the skin. In some aspects, the change in temperature may be caused by the absorption or release of heat felt by the individual on whom the product is worn. As a result of the absorption of heat by a temperature-changing agent (also referred to as a “cooling agent”), the individual on whom the product is worn feels cooling, and when heat is released by a temperature-changing agent (also referred to as a “warming agent”), an individual on whom donned product, feels heat. For additional information on the mechanism of perceived temperature changes, see published patent application US 2004/0254549, Olson et al., The contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. In the described embodiments, in order to facilitate processing, cooling agents or warming agents can be used in powder form. To illustrate: in those aspects in which the stimulating material 150 is a temperature-changing agent, the stimulating composite 110 when exposed to an aqueous liquid preferably creates a temperature change (i.e., cooling, heating, or both cooling and heating) of at least at least about 2 ° C, for example at least about 5 ° C or at least about 10 ° C, or from 3 ° C to 15 ° C.

In some aspects, the stimulating material 150 may include a temperature-changing agent, which is a cooling agent, which may include substances that absorb heat when dissolved under the influence of a fluid. For example, polyols, for example, xylitol particles, can be selected as cooling agents that create a cooling sensation, since when dissolved in an aqueous liquid, xylitol particles absorb heat. Alternatively, other suitable polyols, for example, sorbitol or erythritol, may be selected to create a cooling sensation. In other aspects, various combinations of the above stimulating materials 150 may be used.

Suitable polyols can be provided by Roquette America, Inc., located in Keokuk, Iowa, USA, under the trade name XYLISORB (xylitol) or NEOSORB (sorbitol). In general, the manufacturer can supply such polyols in the form of particles, the sizes of which are, for example, 90 microns, 300 microns, 500 microns, 1000 microns or more.

Other suitable dissolving heat absorbing materials 150 include salt hydrates, for example, sodium acetate (H ₂ O), sodium carbonate (H ₂ O), sodium sulfate (H ₂ O), sodium thiosulfate (H ₂ O) and phosphate sodium (H ₂ O); anhydrous salts, for example, ammonium nitrate, potassium nitrate, ammonium chloride, potassium chloride and sodium nitrate; organic compounds, for example, urea and similar compounds or combinations thereof.

In some aspects, the stimulating material 150 may include a temperature-changing agent, which is a heating agent, which may include substances that release heat when dissolved by the fluid. Examples of materials that release heat upon dissolution include manganese chloride, aluminum chloride, aluminum sulfate, potassium aluminum sulfate, and the like, or combinations thereof. In some aspects, the warming agent may also include substances that release heat upon swelling.

Stimulating material 150 may also include ortho esters or ketals, for example, menton ketals obtained by the reaction of menton with alcohols containing from 1 to 8 carbon atoms, or polyols containing from 2 to 8 carbon atoms, and all their structural and optical isomers. Particular suitable menthol ketals include menthol-glycerol ketal and propylene glycol mentone ketal. Other suitable ketals are disclosed in US Pat. No. 5,348,750, Greenberg, and US Pat. No. 5,266,592 by Grub et al., The contents of which are incorporated herein.

The selection of a particular temperature-changing agent and the determination of the amount of this agent used should be based in part on the desired temperature change value. For example, in some aspects, the total amount of stimulating material 150 present in the stimulating composite material 110, expressed as surface density (the so-called "base mass"), can be from about 40 g / m ² to about 3000 g / m ² , for example from about 100 g / m ² to about 2000 g / m ² or from about 300 g / m ² to about 1000 g / m ² .

In addition, as noted above, in some aspects, the surface temperature change upon wetting of the disposable absorbent article 20 (Figs. 9 and 10) is preferably from about 2 ° C to about 20 ° C. To achieve this result, the temperature-modifying substance and its amount used must be selected so that the possible total change in energy is from about 3 to about 30 calories per square centimeter (cal / cm ² ), that is, it can create a possible total release an energy of about 3 to about 30 cal / cm ² , or a possible total energy absorption of about 3 to about 30 cal / cm ² , for example, from about 6 to about 24 cal / cm ² or about 12 to about 18 cal / cm ² .

Temperature-changing agents that absorb or release heat upon contact with an aqueous solution preferably have a heat of dissolution, hydration, or reaction that is greater than about 30 cal / g or less than about -30 cal / g. The heat of dissolution, hydration, or reaction is preferably from about 30 up to about 90 cal / g or from about -30 to about -90 cal / g, for example, from about 30 to about 70 cal / g or from about -30 to about -70 cal / g, for example, for xylitol it is -32 cal / g, and for urea it is -60 cal / g.

In some cases, it may be desirable for the stimulating composite material 110 to not only transmit a signal to the user that there is a surge of fluid. Indeed, it may be desirable for the stimulating composite material 110 to further benefit the user. For example, in addition to transmitting a signal to the user about the presence of a release of fluid, the stimulating device can also create a pH buffer for the skin, ensure the health of the woman’s vagina, control the smell, include coating materials that ensure the skin is healthy or even deliver medications.

Additionally, it may be desirable to use more than one stimulating material. For example, the first stimulating material may cause a change in temperature / sensation during the first discharge of fluid, and the second stimulating material may cause a change in temperature / sensation during the second discharge of fluid, since the second stimulating material is located in a different area. Alternatively, two (or more) stimulant materials may be mixed with each other. In one aspect, the first stimulating material causes a temperature change upon a first fluid ejection. A physical or chemical reaction involving a second stimulating material (for example, due to a different solubility) requires more than one release, after which this material creates a tingling sensation. The scope of the present invention also includes other combinations of stimulant materials.

In some aspects, the detail of the stimulating composite material 110 can be designed so that it can expand or contract, resizing, and thus create a corresponding sensation to the individual on whom the product is worn. Elements of this type, resizing, are discussed in more detail in US Pat. The pressure modifying agent, which is a material that changes the size, includes materials that quickly change at least one of the dimensions when exposed to an aqueous solution. The resizing is preferably either an expansion of at least about 2 times the size of the dry material, or compression to less than about half (1/2) the size of the dry material. For example, the sizing material may have a height in the wet state that is at least about 2 times its height in the dry state, for example, at least about 5 times with advanced features. The height in the z-direction 3 of the sizing material contained in the stimulating composite material 110 is such that the size change is noticeable to the individual wearing the absorbent article 20. In other aspects, the size of the stimulating composite material 110 in the x-direction 1 and / or y-direction 2 may additionally or alternatively remain constant, increase or decrease when exposed to an aqueous solution. Suitable materials that may be added to the sizing material include expandable foams, superabsorbent materials, or the like.

In some aspects, the pressure modifying agent releases a gas, such as carbon dioxide. Gas-emitting materials of this type are discussed in more detail in US Pat. The release of gas when wetted by urine, complex fluids or other physiological secretions may be accompanied by sound, smell, tingling sensation or pressure on the user's body.

In some aspects, the stimulating composite 110 may optionally include a surfactant. In some aspects, the gas-generating materials can interact with the surfactant to form a foam that puts pressure on the wearer's body. Thus, the surfactant component can serve as a blowing agent. For example, when a gas, such as carbon dioxide, is released, the gas interacts with the surfactant to form a bubble-filled foam. The release of bubbles leads to swelling of the product, which leads to pressure on the skin of the individual on which the product is worn, and warns the individual about the release of liquid.

The choice of surfactant used is not critical, provided that it does not substantially irritate the skin upon contact with the body and does not adversely affect the effectiveness of the stimulating material 150. Many different surfactants are suitable for use in the present invention. For example, suitable surfactants include anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, cationic surfactants, and combinations thereof. Examples of suitable anionic surfactants include alkyl benzenesulfonates, alkyl sulfates, alkyl ether sulfates, sulfosuccinates and combinations thereof. Examples of suitable nonionic surfactants include ethoxylated alcohols, fatty acid alkanolamides, ethoxylated alkanolamides, amine oxides, and combinations thereof. Examples of suitable amphoteric surfactants include alkyl betaines, amidobetaines, and combinations thereof. Examples of suitable cationic surfactants include alkylammonium halides. In some aspects, the stimulating composite material 110 may contain from about 0.1 grams to about 15 grams of surfactant.

In other aspects, the pressure modifying agent in the form of a gas generating material may include a water-soluble effervescent (gas-disintegrating) solid material. Such a water soluble effervescent solid typically includes cells containing compressed gas. Upon contact of a solid material, including cells containing compressed gas, with urine or other physiological secretions, the solid material begins to dissolve, and the compressed gas is released from the cells when the solid material dissolves. In some aspects, such a gas may interact with an optionally present surfactant to form a bubble containing foam, whereby the article 20 adheres more closely or puts pressure on the wearer's skin.

In this aspect, the soluble effervescent solid material may include a sugar type compound, for example, a monosaccharide, disaccharide or polysaccharide, into which a gas has been introduced that is substantially non-reactive with the human skin. Gases suitable for incorporation into solid material include, for example, carbon dioxide, air, nitrogen, argon, helium, other substantially inert gases, and combinations thereof. Specific examples of saccharides that can be used in accordance with the present invention include glucose, fructose, sucrose, lactose, maltose, dextrin, cyclodextrin, and the like, or combinations thereof. Also, in accordance with this aspect of the present invention, a mixture of sucrose and corn syrup (containing glucose, maltose and dextrin) can be used to produce the effervescent gas containing gas. Other examples of compounds in whose cells compressed gas can be enclosed include, for example, water-soluble compounds, for example, salts, halides of alkali and alkaline earth metals. Particular salts suitable for practicing the present invention include, for example, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, potassium bromide, lithium chloride, cesium chloride and the like. In some aspects, the diameter of the compressed gas containing cells is from about 5 micrometers to about 100 micrometers.

In order for a substantially non-reactive gas to be introduced into the soluble solid material cells to form an effervescent material suitable for use in accordance with the present invention, the starting material, for example sugar, is first heated in a small amount of water until the material is dissolved. After dissolving the material, water is evaporated, obtaining the material in a molten state. Then, the molten material is gasified by introducing a suitable gas, for example carbon dioxide, at a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure, in a sealed vessel containing the molten material. During gasification, the molten material is mixed to ensure close contact between the molten material and the gas. For introducing gas into the molten material, a pressure of, for example, from about 50 psi (gauge or gauge pressure) (340 kPa) to about 1000 psi (gauge or gauge pressure) (6890 kPa) can be applied. After the introduction of gas, the molten material is left to solidify in an airtight vessel, eventually obtaining an effervescent material. A suitable procedure for the preparation of a gas-containing solid material is described in US Pat. No. 4,289,794 to Kleiner et al., The contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in part that is consistent with the present invention. Using the above procedure, effervescent solid materials can be obtained containing cells filled with compressed gas under pressure from about 50 psi (gauge or pressure gauge) (340 kPa) to about 900 psi (gauge or gauge) pressure) (6200 kPa), from which trapped gas is released when exposed to urine, complex fluids or other physiological secretions.

In some aspects, the pressure modifying agent containing the gas generating material comprises at least one acid and at least one base. Upon wetting, the acid and base react with each other to form a gas, which may be, for example, gaseous carbon dioxide. The choice of the specific type of gas generated by the gas emitting system is not critical, provided that the gas produced does not substantially affect the skin of the individual on whom the product is worn.

In some aspects, the stimulating material 150 may be a gas generating material that includes a polymeric acid and a complementary base that enter into an acid-base reaction. Suitable acidic polymers should be readily soluble in water or wettable with water. Non-limiting examples of suitable polymeric acids include polyacrylic acids, polystyrene phosphoric acids, and the like. In some aspects, the polymeric acid may be a "bidentate" acid or a higher order acid. By the term "bidentate or higher order" is meant a polymeric acid containing more than one acid group in the smallest polymer component. This is easily understood from a comparison of ascorbic acid with tartronic acid (two acid groups) and citric acid (three acid groups). In some aspects, the polymeric acids may be dendrimers or similar structures in which the surface and the inside of the dendrimer are fully functionalized with acid groups.

Other non-limiting examples of suitable acids include acetic acid, lactic acid, amino acid, ascorbic acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (ETDU, English EDTA), tartronic acid, polyacrylic acid, maleic acid, phosphonic acid, maleic acid and similar acids. Additional suitable materials, for example, those mentioned in the application US 12/646763, filed December 23, 2009, are included in the present description.

Adhesives (adhesives)

Materials that are suitable thermoplastic adhesives include adhesives exhibiting adhesive properties upon transition from a molten to a solid state. In some aspects, the adhesive composition is preferably a hot melt pressure sensitive adhesive 152. Such an adhesive typically contains one or more cohesive strength polymers, for example, aliphatic polyolefins, such as a copolymer of ethylene and propylene, polyamides, mixtures of polyesters and / or polyethers ; copolymers of ethylene and vinyl acetate; block copolymers of styrene and butadiene or styrene and isoprene; and similar substances.

For example, hot-melt pressure-sensitive adhesive 152 may contain from about 15 to about 50% by weight, polymer, or polymers providing cohesive strength; from about 30 to about 65% by weight of a gummy polymer or other tackifying agent or agents; from more than zero to about 30% by weight of a plasticizer or other viscosity modifier; and optionally less than about 1% of the mass, stabilizer or other additives. It should be understood that it is possible to use other hot-melt adhesive compositions comprising various mass contents of these components. The scope of the present invention also includes the use of adhesive compositions, which can be either hydrophilic or hydrophobic.

Examples of suitable materials include hydrophobic and hydrophilic hot-melt polymers, for example, supplied by National Starch and Chemical Co. (located in Bridgewater, New Jersey, USA), for example, 34-5610, 34-447A, 70-3998 and 33-2058; supplied by Bostik-Findley (located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA), for example, HX 4207-01, HX 2773-01, H2525A, H2800, H9574; and supplied by N.V. Fuller Adhesives (located in Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA), e.g., HL8151-XZP. Other adhesives are further described in patent publication US 2005/0096623, Sawyer et al., The contents of which are incorporated into this description by reference in that part that is consistent with the present invention.

The use of alternative adhesives is also included within the scope of the present invention. Examples of alternative adhesives include polyethylene oxide (PEO); polyethylene glycol (PEG); polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH); starch derivatives, for example starch ethers, carboxymethyl starch, cationic starch, hydroxyalkyl starch and the like, for example, hydroxyethyl starch, hydroxypropyl starch and hydroxybutyl starch; cellulose derivatives, for example, cellulose ethers, hydroxyalkyl cellulose, for example, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, methyl propyl cellulose,

carboxymethyl cellulose and the like; polyacrylic acid; polyvinyl methyl ether; carrageenin; water soluble alkyd polymers or the like; ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) and combinations thereof. In addition, thermoplastic adhesive fibers, for example, thermoplastic bonding fibers, can be used.

The surface density of each of the thermoplastic adhesives 152 obtained by the aerodynamic method from the melt can be from about 1 g / m ² to about 150 g / m ² , for example, from about 20 g / m ² to about 100 g / m ² . In other aspects, the total amount of thermoplastic adhesive in the thermoplastic adhesive 152 obtained by the aerodynamic method from the melt may be from about 2 to 15 wt.%, From the total weight of all the stimulating material in the stimulating mixture 156.

Substrates

The stimulating composite material 110 shown in FIG. 2 according to one aspect of the present invention is a multilayer material comprising substrates 154 and 155 and a stimulating mixture 156. The substrates 154 and 155 are made from materials that can be at least partially or completely permeable to liquids . Suitable liquid permeable materials include layers of sanitary paper; non-woven materials, for example, meltblown, co-molded, spunbond materials, spunbond-meltblown-spunbond materials (English spunbond-meltblown-spunbond, abbreviated SMS), bonded carded webs (English bonded-carded-web , abbreviated BCW), woven fabrics; perforated films; layers of foam; HYDROKNIT material (non-woven material supplied by Kimberly Clark Corporation located in Neenah, Wisconsin, USA), dry-formed material, cotton fabric and the like.

Preferably, each of the substrates 154 and 155 has a surface density of from about 10 g / m ² to about 100 g / m ² , for example, from about 10 g / m ² to about 80 g / m ² or from about 10 g / m ² to about 50 g / m ² . Substrates 154 and 155 can be obtained from identical or different materials.

Physical Characteristics of Stimulating Composite Material

The stimulating composite material 110 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 may have a transverse direction (a direction perpendicular to the movement of the material during processing) or an "x-direction" and a machine direction (a direction parallel to the movement of the material during processing) or a "y-direction", which, if the material is in a state unfolded on a plane, together define a plane, hereinafter referred to as the “xy plane”. The stimulating composite material 110 shown in FIG. 2 also has a z-direction perpendicular to the x-y plane. The stimulating composite material 110 has a body-facing surface 187 intended to be used when located near the body of the individual on which the product is worn (i.e., a body-facing surface), and a clothing-facing surface 188, facing when used from the body of the individual, on which is wearing the product.

In one aspect, a liquid-permeable mesh of melt-blown hot melt pressure sensitive adhesive 152 used according to the present invention (described above) allows liquid to penetrate the stimulating composite material 110 (if the substrates 154 and 155 are also made from porous materials) . In some aspects, the porosity of the substrates 154 and 155 can be increased by perforating the stimulating composite material 110 with the side of the body 187 facing the opposite side of the clothing side 188, for example, using a needle punching machine (see Figure 4, optional assembly 133 for getting holes). Non-limiting examples of methods for perforating materials include piercing with a needle, an air stream, and the like.

Figure 5 (A-F) shows that the details of the stimulating composite material 110 may have any desired shape. For example, they may have a rectangular shape, a triangular shape, a circular shape, an oval shape, a strongly elongated oval shape, an l-shaped shape, a general hourglass shape, a T-shape, and the like. In some aspects, the stimulating composite material 110 may not have a specific defined shape, but may have a random shape. Thus, depending on the requirements, the area in at least the x-y plane may be different.

As can be seen from Figs. 1 and 3, the stimulating composite material 110 also has a thickness of 153 in the z-direction. The thickness 153 of the stimulating composite material 110 may be variable, since not only the pressure sensitive adhesive 152 obtained by the aerodynamic method from the melt is applied to the surface of the stimulating composite material 110, but there are also other areas additionally containing the stimulating materials described herein. Sites containing stimulating materials are shown as elevations 113, and sections containing only pressure-sensitive adhesive 152 are shown as depressions 115. Thus, the maximum thickness 153 of the stimulating composite material 110 (determined on the elevated section 113), measured as described in the Determination of Thickness section, is from about 0.2 mm to 10 mm, for example, from about 0.25 mm to 5 mm or from about 0.5 mm to 3 mm. If there are secondary elevations 113, then the thickness 153 ′ of the secondary elevations 113 can be measured using a thickness gauge.

Scheme

According to the invention, it is possible to implement pre-compiled functional schemes and / or aesthetic schemes defined by elevated areas of stimulating mixtures 156 (if their thickness is sufficient to be distinguishable). In any case, it is possible to use pre-compiled layouts of the stimulating mixture 15, with which the same stimulating effect can be achieved as when using a smaller amount of stimulating material 150. Additionally, to divert the discharge (s) of the liquid from the target zone in order to create sensations at a distance from the target zone, circuits defining a predetermined fluid ejection path can be used.

The surface area determined by the x-y plane of the side of the body side of the component of the stimulating composite material 110 includes a target area into which fluids enter after ejection. The first stimulating material 150 may be suitably positioned relative to the target area. The second stimulating material may be located in the second region relative to the target zone and the first stimulating material. These separate zones provide the opportunity to create a sensation not only after one discharge of the fluid, but also after the second release. Typically, a first fluid ejection acts on the first target zone, and a second fluid ejection acts on the second target zone, whose area exceeds the area of the first target zone.

FIGS. 5A-F show only a small sample of the possible shapes and patterns of the part formed by the stimulating mixture 156. According to one aspect, FIG. 5A shows an elongated part of the stimulating composite material 110, including two strips of the stimulating mixture 156 located along the length 111 details. These stripes are spaced relative to each other in the x-direction and are located on opposite sides of the part. In the central region 117, there is another pair of strips of stimulating material 150 located along the longitudinal axis of the part. These bands are spaced relative to each other in the y-direction. The resulting part is symmetrical about the x and y axes. According to another aspect, FIG. 5B depicts an oval shaped part of a stimulating composite material 110. There are four strips from the stimulating mixture 156 located at a distance from each other, lengthwise arranged (y-direction) parts located at a distance relative to each other in the x-direction. Preferably, the strips from the stimulating mixture 156 are symmetrically located in the y and y directions. According to another aspect, FIG. 5C shows a detail of a stimulating composite material 110 having a common V-shape. The part has two regions 117: the lower region 117A and the upper region 117B. The upper region 117B includes five bands of the stimulus mixture 156, and the lower region 117A includes four bands of the stimulus mixture 156. The part is symmetrical about the y axis (longitudinal axis). According to another aspect, FIG. 5D shows a rectangular piece of stimulating composite material 110 including a plurality of strips from the stimulating mixture 156. The strips from the stimulating mixture 156 are spaced relative to each other in both x and y directions. According to another aspect, FIG. 5E depicts a rectangular piece of stimulating composite material 110, including a circuit of a stimulating mixture 156, in which two longitudinal strips of the stimulating mixture 156 are spaced relative to each other in the y-direction, and four stripes of the stimulating mixture 156 are located between the longitudinal stripes forming a lattice. Finally, FIG. 5F shows another rectangular part of the stimulating composite material 110, including a circuit of the stimulating mixture 156, containing eight short strips of the stimulating mixture 156, four on opposite sides of the part, spaced apart as in x-, and in the y-directions, and four transverse strips of the stimulating mixture 156, located at a distance relative to each other in the y-direction, located between the short strips.

In other aspects (not shown), patterns obtained at specific locations of the stimulus mixture 156 include concentric rectangles, concentric ovals, concentric circles, wavy lines, cruciform patterns, stripes, and combinations thereof. In one aspect, the overall circuitry is symmetrical with respect to the machine direction (y-direction) of the absorbent article. In another aspect, the circuit is symmetrical about the transverse direction (x-direction).

As shown in FIG. 2, in another aspect, three bands oriented in the y-direction and spaced apart from each other in the x-direction are formed from the stimulus mixture 156. In the image, the material of the mixture 156 is shown in partial section. This strip has a width WA measured in the x-direction. The middle strip of blend material 156 has a width WB of less than WA. In some cases, it is preferred that the bandwidth of the mixture material 156 fluctuates. In addition, as can be seen from FIG. 3, the height of the outer, open strip of the mixture material 156 is 153 thick, while the middle strip of the smaller mixture material 156 has a smaller thickness 153 ′.

It should be noted that despite the fact that most of the presented schemes formed by the stimulating mixture 156 are symmetric in at least one direction of the x-y plane, their arrangement does not have to be symmetrical. Symmetry can be dictated by both aesthetic and functional considerations.

In one aspect, the stimulating mixture 156 covers from 10 to 90 percent of the surface area of the stimulating composite material 110, or from 20 to 60 percent of the surface area of the stimulating composite material 110, or from 40 to 50 percent of the surface area of the stimulating composite material 110.

In another aspect, the stimulus mixture 156 covers 20 to 100 percent of the surface area of the stimulus composite 110 or 20 to 40 percent of the surface area of the stimulus composite 110.

In another aspect, the pressure sensitive adhesive covers from 95 to 100 percent of the surface area of the stimulating composite material 110. The distance between regions containing the stimulating mixture 156 may be from about 0 to 25 mm or from about 5 to 15 mm or about 10 mm.

It should be noted that the areas in which the stimulating mixture 156 is located do not have clear boundaries, and small amounts of the stimulating material 150 can be between the regions containing significant amounts of the stimulating mixture 156. According to the number of the stimulating mixture 156, the amount of the stimulating material 150 is reduced to a small percentage in the areas of the hot-melt pressure-sensitive adhesive 152. In one aspect, in areas located between the areas of the stimulating mixture 156, there may be from about 0 to 10 percent of the stimulating material.

It should be noted that the adhesive 152 may not be substantially associated with any stimulating material 150. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the adhesive 152 is located between the strips of the stimulating mixture 156.

A method of obtaining a stimulating composite material

In general, the stimulant composite material 110 according to the present invention can be prepared according to any suitable method well known to those skilled in the art. In one aspect, the stimulation material 150 is partially bonded to the meltblown pressure sensitive adhesive 152 to form the stimulation mixture 156. The regions of the stimulation mixture 156 appear as elevated portions that are sufficiently thick to visually detect them facing body surface 187 (see Figure 3) of the stimulating composite material 110. After manufacturing in accordance with the method presented in Figure 4, the stimulating composite material 110, located in the form of a cloth, cut into parts of the desired shape, examples of which are discussed above and are shown in Fig.5A-F.

Figure 4 presents one example of a method of obtaining a stimulating composite material 110. The substrate 154 is placed on a support tape (not shown). The support of the support tape is one or more rolls (not shown) provided with a suitable drive (not shown) for moving the tape. The substrate 154 is passed under the device 121 for supplying a powdery material, having two devices 123A and 123B for applying (applicators) of the adhesive substance obtained by the aerodynamic method from the melt, which are located on the sides of the device 121 for feeding the powdery material. The application device 123A is located upstream of the device 121 for supplying powder material, and the device 123B for application is located downstream from the device 121 for supplying powder material.

As shown in FIG. 4, in one aspect, glue applicators 123A, B are located on the sides of the particle feeder 121 at predetermined angles 324 and 325, which are from about 35 ° to about 80 ° or from about 40 ° to about 60 °, or from about 45 ° to 50 °. Predefined angles do not have to be the same.

Preferably, the powder material feeding device 121 is a modified CHRISTY dry material metering machine, an unmodified portion of which can be supplied by Christy Machine Company of Freemont, Ohio, USA. A device 121 for supplying powder material and a device 123A, B for applying glue constitute a precipitating system 125.

During the operation of the installation, with the help of the deposition system 125, the stimulating material 150 (and / or any other useful additives) is deposited (applied) into the flow of adhesive fibers to obtain a stimulating mixture 156. The stimulating mixture 156 can completely cover the substrate 154, or can only cover areas substrates 154.

Preferably, a second substrate 155 is applied to the substrate 154. The stimulating composite material 110 is passed through the clamp rolls 131 and optionally a needle punching machine 133 (if the permeability of the substrates 154 and 155 is not high enough without perforation).

The obtained stimulating composite material contains three layers: a) the bottommost layer of the substrate 154, which is preferably a liquid-permeable non-woven material located on the garment side of the absorbent article 20, b) a middle layer of a pressure sensitive melt aerodynamically mixed adhesive 152 and stimulating material 150; and c) the top layer of the substrate 155, which is preferably a liquid-permeable nonwoven or other material, is located enny on the bodyside of the absorbent article 20.

Preferably, the ratio of the amount of the pressure sensitive adhesive 152 obtained from the melt by aerodynamic method to the amount of stimulating materials 150 mixed with it in the stimulating composite material 110 is approximately 15/85, or in another aspect approximately 10/90, or in another aspect approximately 5/95. Most preferably, the ratio of the amount obtained by the aerodynamic method from the melt pressure sensitive adhesive to the number of stimulating materials is approximately 2/98.

The canvas of the stimulating composite material 110 may be rewound and ultimately unwound to become parts of the stimulating composite material 110, some examples of which are shown in FIG. 5 or discussed herein.

4 and 6, a nozzle 300 with particle channels attached to the outlet end 302 of the device 121 for supplying particles is presented in the form of a "black box" to simplify the image. The nozzle 300 with particle channels includes a plurality of channels 306 from which the stimulating material 150 arrives. In the aerodynamic method for producing melt, as the stimulating material 150 arrives from each channel 306, the material immediately mixes with the fibers of the adhesive 152.

Referring to FIG. 8, it can be noted that, in one aspect, the stimulating composite material 156 can be produced using more than one deposition system 125, hereinafter referred to as deposition systems 125A and 125B. In this embodiment, the deposition system 125A is the system described above with respect to FIG. 4. Accordingly, the deposition system 125B is the system described above with reference to FIG. 4, except that the device 121 for supplying powder material has other nozzles 300 for supplying particles.

The nozzle 300 with particle channels may have channels 306 of the same shape and size as shown in FIG. 6, or they may vary in this regard. If each channel 306 has the same size and shape as the others, then the strips from the stimulating mixture 156 will be essentially the same size. If one of the channels 306 has a different size from the others, for example, a smaller width, then the strip of the stimulating mixture 156 will be smaller. One such example is shown in FIG. 3. The image shows the difference in the amount of the stimulating mixture 156 and the pressure sensitive adhesive 152 deposited on the substrate 154.

When considering the examples presented in Fig.6, 6A and 8, it can be noted that the nozzle 300 with channels for particles used in conjunction with the deposition system 125A includes two channels 306 located at a distance relative to each other in the x-direction. It can be noted that the obtained strips of stimulating material 156 are oriented in the y-direction (machine direction). 6A, a single channel 306 is depicted. The single channel 306 has a shape elongated in the x-direction (transverse direction). In this embodiment, the deposition system 125B, in which there is a single channel 306, operates in a pulsation mode in which the supply of stimulating material 150 is carried out only periodically. On the resulting web of stimulating composite material 110 there are continuous strips 160 of the stimulating mixture 156 along each side of the substrate 154. Between the strips 160 there are transverse strips 162. Together, the strips 160 and 162 form a lattice pattern.

In another embodiment shown in FIG. 7, there are baffles 304 separating a single hopper 122 (limited by a device 121 for supplying powder material provided with a nozzle 300 with particle channels) into two or more hoppers, for example, hoppers 122A, 122B and 122C . Different powder materials 150 may be supplied from each hopper. For example, in the hoppers 122A and 122C, there may be a powder material that cools when exposed to liquid. On average, hopper 122b may contain a powdery material that causes a tingling sensation when exposed to liquid. In general, various powdery materials can be placed in all bins 122, having a variety of stimulating effects on an individual wearing an absorbent article into which the stimulating composite material 110 is introduced.

Preferably, the nozzle 300 with particle channels (including channels 306) and panels 304 are made of metal that does not react with a powdery substance passed through a particle feeder 121, such as stainless steel.

Referring again to FIGS. 5A-F, it can be noted that certain circuits formed by the stimulating mixture 156 are obtained using a different set of channels 306 and / or a plurality of precipitation systems 125. For example, the circuits shown in FIGS. 5A, C, E and F obtained using two precipitating systems 125 (Each of the precipitating systems 125 can be used in a different order than described). In particular, FIG. 5A shows a first deposition system 125, with which the strips 170 closest to the edges are applied. Using the second deposition system 125, the center strips 172 are pulsed so that the stimulation material 150 is not located in the central part of the stimulation composition material 110. As shown in FIG. 5C, three strips 174 are applied using the first deposition system 125, and five strips 176 are applied using the second deposition system 125, so that there is a distance between the groups of strips. The circuit shown in FIG. 5E has already been discussed above in the present description. Other schemes for applying the stimulating mixture 156 (for example, shown in Figs. 5B and 5D) can be obtained using only one precipitating system 125. In general, by combining the arrangement of channels 306, various sizes of channels 306, the possibility of pulsed introduction of stimulating material 150 into sensitive to pressure glue 152 and the use of more than one precipitation system 125, you can get a lot of different layouts of the stimulating mixture 156. Additionally, it should be noted that if the precipitation system 125 includes enough number of regulating devices, this may be enough for all designs presented in Figure 5 (A-F), or even more complex schemes.

Examples of absorbent products

For a better understanding of the present invention, attention should be paid to FIGS. 9 and 10, which depict briefs for teaching a child to use a toilet containing a stimulating composite material 110 according to the present invention. It should be understood that the present invention may also find application, not inconsistent with the principles of the present invention, in the preparation of various other disposable absorbent articles, non-limiting examples of which include the feminine pad shown in FIG. 11 or other personal care absorbent articles, sanitary / medical absorbent articles and similar products.

Various materials and methods for manufacturing underpants for teaching a child to use the toilet are discussed in US Pat. No. 6761711, Fletcher et al .; US 4,940,464 to Van Gompel et al .; US 5,766,389, Brandon et al., And US 6,645,190, Olson et al., The contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Figure 9 shows the panties 20 for accustoming the child to the toilet in a partially fastened state, and Figure 10 shows the panties 20 for accustoming the child to the toilet in the unfolded and unfastened state. The panties 20 for teaching the child to use the toilet have a longitudinal direction 1, passing, if the panties are in a worn condition, from the front of the pants to the back of the pants. The lateral direction 2 is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 1.

The panties 20 for teaching the child to the toilet have a front part 22, a rear part 24 and an inguinal part 26, which is longitudinally between and connected the front part and the rear part. The panties 20 also have an inner surface (i.e., a surface facing the body), which during use (i.e. when positioned relative to other components of the panties) should lie on the body of the individual on which the product is worn, and the outer surface (i.e. e. surface facing the garment), opposite to the inner surface. Underpants 20 for teaching the child to the toilet have two edges located on opposite sides, and two edges located on opposite front and rear sides.

The briefs 20 shown may include a frame 32, two sections 34 located on opposite sides of the front portion, laterally outwardly directed from the front portion 22, and two sections 734 located on opposite sides of the rear portion, laterally directed outwardly from the rear portion 24.

The frame 32 includes a bottom sheet 40 and a top sheet 42, which can be overlapped to the bottom sheet 40 using adhesives, ultrasonic bonding, thermal bonding, or other conventional techniques. The frame 32 may further include an absorbent core 44, for example, shown in FIG. 10, located between the bottom sheet 40 and the top sheet 42 and designed to absorb fluid physiological secretions of the individual on which the product is worn, and may further include a pair of holding valves 46, fixed to the top sheet 42 or absorbent inner part 44 and designed to prevent the flow of physiological secretions beyond the side edges of the product.

The bottom sheet 40, the top sheet 42 and the absorbent core 44 can be obtained from a variety of different materials known to those skilled in the art. For example, all three layers can be obtained from tensile and / or elastic tensile materials. Additionally, to control the extensibility of the product as a whole, the extensibility parameters of each layer can be different.

The bottom sheet 40, for example, may be gas permeable ("breathable") and / or impermeable to fluids. The bottom sheet 40 may be constructed from a single layer, multiple layers, multilayer materials, spunbond webs, meltblown films, elastic webs, microporous webs or bonded carded webs. The bottom sheet 40, for example, may be a single layer of fluid impervious material or, alternatively, may be a multilayer structure in which at least one of the layers is fluid impervious.

The bottom sheet 40 can be obtained from biaxially extensible and optionally biaxially elastic material. Elastic nonwoven laminate webs that can be used as the bottom sheet 40 include nonwoven webs joined to one or more webs of nonwoven webs or films suitable for weaving. Examples of elastomeric composites include stretched bonded multilayer materials (eng. Stretch bonded laminates, abbreviated SBL) and bonded, stretched bonded multilayer materials (eng. Neck bonded laminates, abbreviated NBL).

Examples of suitable nonwoven materials include spunbond-meltblown webs, spunbond-meltblown spunbond webs, spunbond webs or multilayer webs thereof in combination with films, or other non-woven webs. Elastomeric materials may include cast or blown films, meltblown webs or spunbond webs consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene or polyolefin elastomers, and combinations thereof. The elastomeric materials may contain REVAC elastomer (available from AtoFina Chemicals, Inc., located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA), HYTREL elastomeric polyester (supplied by Invista, located in Wichita, Kansas, USA), KRATON elastomer (supplied by Kraton Polymers, located in Houston, Texas, USA) or LYCRA elastomer strips (supplied by Invista) or similar materials, and combinations thereof. The bottom sheet 40 may contain materials that have been given elastomeric properties by machining, printing, heating or chemical treatment. For example, holes can be made in such materials, the materials can be creped, stretched with narrowing, activated by heat, embossed and micro-tensioned, and the materials can be films, webs and multilayer structures.

One example of a material suitable for producing a biaxially extensible bottom sheet 40 is a gas-permeable elastic film / nonwoven laminate, for example, as described in US Pat. No. 5,883,028, Morman et al., The contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in that part consistent with the present invention. Examples of reversibly biaxially extensible materials are discussed in US patents 5116662, Morman, and 5114781, Morman. Both of these patents describe composite elastic materials that can stretch in at least two directions.

The topsheet 42 is also sufficiently liquid permeable, which allows physiological liquid secretions to easily penetrate therethrough and enter the absorbent core 44. A variety of different sheet materials are suitable for the topsheet 42, for example, porous foams, cellular foams, polymer films with holes, woven and non-woven fabrics or a combination of any such materials. For example, the topsheet 42 may include a meltblown web, a spunbond web or a bonded carded web consisting of natural fibers, synthetic fibers, or a combination thereof. The topsheet 42 may be composed of a substantially hydrophobic material, and the hydrophobic material may optionally be treated with a surfactant or otherwise treated to impart the desired wettability and hydrophilicity to it.

The top sheet 42 may also be extensible and / or elastomerically extensible. Elastomeric materials suitable for manufacturing the topsheet 42 may include elastic strips, LYCRA elastic materials, injection molded or blown elastic films, non-woven elastic webs, meltblown or spunbond elastomeric webs, and combinations thereof. Examples of suitable elastomeric materials include KRATON elastomers, HYTREL elastomers, ESTANE elastomeric polyurethanes (available from Noveon, Cleveland, Ohio, USA) or REVA elastomeric materials. The topsheet 42 can also be made from extensible materials, for example, those described in US Pat. No. 6,552,245, Roessler et al., The contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The topsheet 42 can also be made from the biaxially extensible materials described in US Pat. No. 6,969,378, Vukos et al., The contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The article 20 may optionally further include a flow distribution layer that can be located near the absorbent core 44 and attached to various components of the article 20, for example, to the absorbent core 44 or top sheet 42 by methods known in the art, for example by glue. In general, a flow distribution layer makes it possible to quickly receive and distribute fluid flows or discharges that can quickly enter the absorbent structure of the article. The flow distribution layer can briefly hold the liquid and then release it into areas for storing or holding the absorbent core 44. Examples of suitable flow distribution layers are discussed in US Pat. Nos. 5,486,166 to Bishop et al .; US 5490846, Ellis et al .; and US 5820973, Dodge et al., the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The article 20 may further include an absorbent core 44. The absorbent core 44 may take many different forms. For example, it may have a 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional configuration and may have a rectangular shape, a triangular shape, an oval shape, a strongly elongated oval shape, an l-shaped shape, a general hourglass shape, a T-shape and the like. It is usually preferable if the absorbent core 44 in the inguinal region 26 is narrower than in the rear portion 24 or the front portion 22. The absorbent core 44 can be fixed to the absorbent article, for example, attached to the bottom sheet 40 and / or to the top sheet 42, for example, fastening means known in the art.

The absorbent interior 44 can be obtained by methods known in the art. Not limited to a specific preparation method, methods for producing an absorbent core such as the use of molding drum systems can be noted, see, for example, US Pat. Nos. 4,666,647, Enloe et al., US 4,761,258, Enloe, US 6630088, Venturino et al., And US 6330735, Hahn et al., The contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

In some preferred aspects, the absorbent core includes cellulosic fiber and / or synthetic fiber, for example, meltblown fiber. Thus, in some aspects, an aerodynamic melt production method can be used, for example, to form an absorbent core on a co-molding line. In some aspects, the absorbent core 44 has significant tensile properties. For example, the absorbent core 44 may include a fiber matrix that contains a functional amount of elastomeric polymer fibers. Other methods known in the art may include attaching superabsorbent polymer particles to an extensible film, using a nonwoven substrate with cuts or slit openings, and the like.

The absorbent core 44 may further or alternatively include absorbent and / or superabsorbent material. Accordingly, the absorbent core 44 may include a certain amount of superabsorbent material and optionally fluffy material that are contained in a fiber matrix.

It should be understood that the composition of the absorbent core 44 is not limited to superabsorbent material and optionally fluffy material. In some aspects, the absorbent core 44 may include additional materials, for example surfactants, ion exchange polymer particles, humectants, softeners, perfumes, fluid modifiers, odor control additives, and the like, and combinations thereof. In addition, the absorbent core 44 may include foam.

Despite the fact that, for example, underpants have been described for teaching a child to use the toilet, it should be understood that the stimulant mixture according to the present invention can be used in other absorbent personal care products. For example, FIG. 11 shows an absorbent article 220 in the form of a feminine sanitary napkin, including an upper sheet 242, a lower sheet 240, an absorbent inner part 244, a flow distribution layer 246, and a release (release) strip 278. The absorbent article 220 further includes a separate stimulating composition material 110 located between the top sheet 242 and the flow distribution layer 246.

As shown in the images of the absorbent article, typically the stimulus composite 110 component has a rectangular shape. However, as noted above, the part may take many forms, non-limiting examples of which include the forms shown in FIG. 5.

In some aspects, the stimulating composite material 110 may be secured to an absorbent article, for example, attached to an absorbent interior, a flow distribution layer and / or top sheet, for example, using attachment means known in the art, for example, an ultrasonic joint, a joint under pressure, adhesive bonding, making holes, bonding when heated, flashing with a thread or strip, using spontaneous bonding or self-bonding or similar methods and their combination nations. In other aspects, the stimulating composite material can move freely within the article.

When considering Figure 10, it can be noted that, since the physical sensation created by the stimulating composite material 110 is noticeable to the individual on whom the product is worn, this individual is more likely to notice the moment following the ejection of liquid (and / or the moment of ejection). The stimulating composite material 110 can be located in the product 20 in any functional area, so that the user can feel the physical impact created by the stimulating composite material 110 after exposure to the ejection material of an aqueous liquid. For example, in some aspects, the stimulating composite material 110 may be located close to and in contact with the body-facing surface of the absorbent core 44. In other aspects, the stimulating composite material 110 may be located close to and in contact with the clothing-facing surface and / or facing body surface of the upper sheet 42. In other illustrative aspects, the stimulating composite material 110 may be located close to and in contact with the surface facing the body or facing one zhde surface, e.g., a flow distribution layer. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other configurations are also suitable for carrying out the invention.

In one embodiment, the size of the part from the stimulating composite material 110 can be selected so that the part can be placed between the holding valves 46. One reason for this arrangement is that the portion of the diaper that is exposed to the fluid can stretch, sometimes leaving retaining valves 46 in contact with the skin. In this case, one of the possible target zones are the edges of the part on which there is contact with the stimulating composite material 110 of the part. Additionally, the invention includes the use of separate strips (not shown) of the stimulating composite material 110 located in those areas of absorbent articles that remain in contact with the skin after exposure to a fluid.

EXAMPLE

This example presents a thermographic study of an absorbent article according to the present invention (see FIG. 10). The following Table 1 shows the investigated samples with different codes, each of which had a size of sample 3. Despite the fact that the size of the sample of the stimulating composite material for each test was relatively small, and each sample of the stimulating composite material was 8.4 cm × 10 , 2 cm (3.3 × 4 in.) Contained three or four xylitol strips obtained by randomly cutting from a larger sheet containing eight such strips, the codes of which are given in Table 1 below, different ca cooling between the control sample and samples with S codes B and D remains visible.

* Scheme 2 was obtained using eight channels, the distance between which was 16 mm, and the outlet was 12 × 16 mm.

** Scheme 3 was obtained using eight channels, the distance between which was 16 mm, and the outlet was 13 × 10 mm.

For example, FIG. 13 shows that the cooling efficiency of a code S sample is comparable to that of a control code C code. In each of the images, the darkest shade of 500 blue indicates a temperature of approximately 68 ° F (approximately 20 ° C). The yellow-orange portion (shown just above the blue portion) that has been exposed to fluid emissions is from target zone 502. The temperature in the target zone is approximately 86 ° F (approximately 30 ° C). With the exception of sample code S3 (which could be damaged), it can be noted that the control sample and the sample containing approximately 45% less xylitol than the control sample have approximately the same cooling efficiency.

From Fig. 14 it is seen that the cooling efficiency of the sample with Code B is close to the cooling efficiency of the control sample with Code C. Here it can also be noted that the cooling efficiency of the control sample and the sample containing approximately 40% less xylitol than the control sample is approximately the same .

On Fig shows the almost equal cooling efficiency of the sample with Code D and the control sample with Code C. Here it can also be noted that the cooling efficiency of the control sample and the sample containing approximately 25% less xylitol than the control sample is approximately the same.

It can be concluded that the effect of all samples in which the stimulating composite material is located in accordance with the schemes (samples with codes S, B, and D) is comparable to the action of a control sample. The location of the stimulating composite material in accordance with the schemes significantly reduces the amount of material used, which leads to a significant reduction in production costs.

Along with lower production costs, it can be noted that xylitol is being washed out of the yellow-orange target zone 502, into which the discharge of fluid is directed. Given this, it can be assumed that the most effective location schemes of the stimulating mixture 156 are those in which a significant amount of the stimulating material is absent in the target area of the part (It should be noted that the location of the areas to which the fluid emissions are directed may depend on the gender of the user). It can be concluded that the stimulating material is best placed in those areas of the part that lie outside the target zone 502, but which have contact with the skin after exposure to a fluid. For example, the areas of the part best suited to place the stimulus mixture 156 in them may be blue areas 500 shown in FIGS. 13-15.

Test methods

Unless otherwise indicated, all tests were performed at a temperature of 23 ± 2 ° C and a relative humidity of 50 ± 5%.

A. Study of thermographic images of a stimulating composite material

Samples of the stimulating composite material 110 for this study were obtained in accordance with the following steps:

(1) Passing a polypropylene carrier substrate 154 of spunbond-meltblown-spanbond (SMS) material having a surface density of 18 g / m ² (material supplied by Kimberly-Clark Corporation, located in Neenah, Wisconsin, USA), through a deposition system 125. (Control samples were obtained by machine and then sent to the precipitating system, while other samples were made manually).

(2) In the precipitation system 125, using the aerodynamic method of melt preparation at 160 ° C., the stimulating material 150 (xylitol) was mixed with adhesive fibers 152 (obtained by the aerodynamic method from the melt) to obtain the stimulating mixture 156. (Xylitol was a brand of xylitol 700 FD, supplied by Roquette America, Inc. located in Keokuk, Iowa, USA).

(3) A stimulant mixture 156 and optionally an adhesive 152 were applied to the surface of the substrate 154 in the form of strips oriented in the y-direction (machine direction). To prevent xylitol particles from entering into the region (s) of the adhesive 152, a vacuum conveyor 180 (or simply a vacuum source for hand-made samples) can be installed directly under the settling system 125 (see FIG. 4). The amount of stimulating material 150 in the stimulating mixture 156 ranged from about 300 g / m ² to 750 g / m ² .

(4) The location of the substrate 155 of sanitary paper with a density of 16 g / m ² on top of the stimulating mixture 156 and adhesive 152 to form a web of stimulating composite material 110. The substrate 155 consisted of 100% NB 416, bleached kraft pulp from soft wood of trees Southern breeds, supplied by Weyerhaeuser Co., located in Federal Way, Washington, USA.

(5) A pressure of 70 grams-force / cm ² (50 psi) was applied to the stimulating composite material 110 in the web of the stimulating composite material 110.

(6) To obtain a strip application scheme 156 of the stimulating mixture 156, a nozzle 300 having eight particle discharge channels 306 was attached to the outlet end 302 of the particle feeder (used the CHRISTY particle feeder). In nozzle 300, eight separate streams of stimulating material 150 were mixed with adhesive fibers 152 obtained from the melt aerodynamically, resulting in a stimulating mixture 156. The resulting eight strips of the stimulating mixture 156, separated by strips of adhesive 152, were oriented in the machine direction. These materials were applied to the surface of the substrate 154.

(7) The stimulant composite material 110 was cut into pieces measuring 8.38 cm × 10.16 cm (3.3 × 4 inches), which contained 3 or 4 strips of a stimulant mixture, and was placed in the absorbent article 20 shown in FIG. 10 described above. The difference between the parameters of samples containing 3 or 4 bands from the stimulating mixture was negligible.

The test was a controlled, randomized laboratory study in which absorbent pants 20 were exposed to physiological saline (see below). The purpose of the study was to establish the likelihood of migration of the stimulating material 150 under the influence of fluid emissions and to determine the cooling efficiency and temperature profiles of each material with a code.

In general, three samples of the same type of material for disposable underwear for teaching a child to use the toilet, size 2, brand HUGGIES, were examined on a size 2 mannequin heated to body temperature, i.e. 37 ° C (98.6 ° F). Accordingly, the exposure fluid, which is 0.9% physiological saline, was heated to body temperature, i.e. 37 ° C (98.6 ° F). 75 ml of 0.9% physiological saline were injected into each panties to teach the child to the toilet at a rate of 900 ml / min., In each sample, in the same target zone.

30 seconds after exposure to the fluid, a Mikron 7200V infrared imaging camera (supplied by Mikron Technology Inc. of Oakland, New Jersey, USA) obtained the thermographic images shown in FIGS. 13-15. These images allow you to build the temperature profiles of each sample at the same time.

Stages of the procedure:

1. The heat chamber is calibrated to receive 60 frames taken at a speed of 1 frame per second (frame / sec) and an emissivity of 0.98. Before starting the study, the chamber must be warmed up for at least two (2) hours. During the study, every thirty (30) minutes should be corrected for heterogeneity (Eng. Non Uniformity Correction, abbreviated NUC).

2. On the lining layer of each of the products at a distance of 100 mm from the top of the absorbent material, a mark is applied to indicate the target zone of exposure to the fluid.

3. The mannequin 550 (see FIG. 16) was prepared by dousing it with warm water until the mannequin reached a temperature of approximately 37.8 ° C (100 ° F).

4. The mannequin 550 was removed from under water, quickly dried and a product was put on the mannequin for conducting a random sampling study.

5. The mannequin 550 was placed in the desired position on the surface 85 cm below the lens of the thermographic camera. The camera was focused on the surface of the mannequin 550.

6. The pump tube 552 was placed at the bottom of the front of the panties to teach the child to the toilet 20 so that the tube opening was placed in the marked target area.

7. The collection of thermographic data began immediately after the start of exposure to the fluid. A total of 75 ml of a 0.9% saline solution was injected into the product at body temperature at a rate of 900 ml / min.

8. Thirty (30) seconds after completion of the exposure to the fluid, the briefs 20 for teaching the child to use the toilet were immediately removed from the mannequin 550 and placed in the unfolded state on the surface, continuing thermographic photography of the side of the lining layer of the briefs until a total of sixty (60) frames were taken.

9. For the study of the remaining samples, Steps 3-8 were repeated.

B. Determination of particle size

To determine the particle size distribution of a given sample, a set of vertically mounted sieves was used. Thus, for example, if a particle remains on a sieve with openings of 710 microns in size, then it is believed that the particle size exceeds 710 microns. If a particle passes through a sieve with openings of 710 microns in size, but remains on a sieve with openings of 500 microns in size, then it is believed that the particle size is from 500 to 710 microns. Additionally, if the particle passes through a sieve with openings of 500 microns in size, then it is believed that the particle size is less than 500 microns, etc.

The sieves were placed in decreasing order of hole sizes, so that the sieves with the largest holes were at the top of the packet, and the sieves with the smallest holes were at the bottom of the packet. Thus, all the stimulating material of the corresponding stimulating mixture could be weighed and placed on a sieve with the largest openings. Alternatively, if it was necessary to determine the particle size or particle size distribution of the stimulating material only in a specific part of the stimulating mixture, only the stimulating material of that part was weighed, which was then placed on a sieve with the largest openings. The set of sieves may include sieves that comply with the US standard, which are sieves with openings of 20 mesh (850 microns), 25 mesh (710 microns), 35 mesh (500 microns), 50 mesh (300 microns) and 170 mesh (90 microns) .

The sieve set was shaken for 10 minutes using a mechanical Ro-Tap sieve shaker, Model RX29, supplied by W.S. Tyler, Mentor, Ohio, or other similar shaking device, under standard research conditions. Upon completion of the shaking, the stimulating material remaining on each sieve was removed and its mass was determined and recorded. The percentage of particles remaining on each sieve was calculated by dividing the mass of particles remaining on each sieve by the initial mass of the sample.

C. Determination of thickness

The thickness of the selected part or part of the product was determined using a thickness gauge, for example, shown in Fig.12. The thickness gauge 2310 includes a granite base 2320 having a flat and smooth upper surface 2322 on which the pressure rod 2330 is located. A suitable granite base is the Starret Granite Base Model 653G (supplied by The LS Starrett Company, located in Athol, Massachusetts, USA), or equivalent base. One end 2342 of the pressure lever 2340 is fixed to the pressure rod 2330, and a digital indicator 2350 is fixed to the opposite end 2344 of the pressure lever 2340. A suitable indicator is the Mitutoyo ID-H 543 digital indicator (supplied by Mitutoyo America Corp., located in Aurora , Illinois, USA) or an equivalent indicator. Down from the indicator 2350 is directed plunger 2360, capable of moving in the vertical direction.

To carry out the determination, a block 2370 with a length of 50 mm and a width of 44 mm was placed on a granite base 2320. Block 2370 is made of acrylic polymer and has a flat and smooth at least lower surface 2372. The thickness and mass of block 2370 are selected so that the pressure on the sample provided by a 2310 thickness gauge was 0.69 kPa (0.1 psi). Then, the thickness gauge 2310 is carefully lowered so that the lower surface 2362 of the plunger 2360 is in direct contact with the upper surface 2374 of the block 2370 at the intersection of the longitudinal 1 and transverse 2 axes of symmetry of the block 2370, and the length of the plunger is reduced by approximately 50%. Then, the value on the digital display 2350 is reset to zero by pressing the zero button 2357. The digital display 2355 of the digital indicator 2350 should show "0.00 mm" or an equivalent value. Then, the thickness gauge 2310 is lifted and the block 2370 is removed. The test sample is placed on the upper surface 2322 of the granite base 2320, and the block 2370 is carefully placed on the upper surface of the test sample so that the block 2370 is essentially at the intersection of the longitudinal 1 and transverse 2 axes of symmetry of the sample. Then, the thickness gauge 2310 is again carefully lowered onto the block 2370 so that the lower surface 2362 of the plunger 2360 is in direct contact with the upper surface 2374 of the block 2370 at the intersection of the longitudinal 1 and transverse 2 axes of symmetry of the block 2370, and the length of the plunger is reduced by approximately 50%, creating pressure 0.69 kPa (0.1 psi). After 3 seconds, the 2355 digital display is recorded with an accuracy of 0.01 mm.

Although the invention has been described using preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate that changes may be made to the form and details of the invention without departing from the scope and not contradicting the principles of the invention.

The values and values given in the present description are not limited to the strictly mentioned numerical values. On the contrary, unless otherwise indicated, each of these quantities includes both the value itself and the functionally equivalent range surrounding this value. For example, unless otherwise indicated, a value represented by “40 mm” means “approximately 40 mm”.

All documents cited in the detailed description of the invention are included in the present description in that part, which is not contrary to the present invention, by reference; citing any document does not mean that this document is considered to be related to the prior art regarding the present invention. If any meaning or definition of a term given in this document is not consistent with any meaning or definition of a term given in a cited document, then the meaning or definition given in this document should be attributed to that term.

Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described herein, those skilled in the art will appreciate that changes and modifications may be made to these embodiments without departing from the scope and principles of the present invention. Thus, the appended claims include all changes and modifications without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims (19)

1. An absorbent product, including:
- a stimulating composite material containing a stimulating material partially connected to the fibers of a hot-melt pressure-sensitive adhesive to form a stimulating mixture;
a body-facing substrate and a clothing-facing substrate, the stimulating mixture and fibers of a hot-melt pressure sensitive adhesive located between the body-facing substrate and the clothing-facing substrate according to a predetermined pattern,
- top sheet
- bottom sheet and
- absorbent interior
moreover, the absorbent inner part is located between the upper sheet and the lower sheet, and the stimulating composite material is located between the absorbent inner part and the upper sheet. 2. The absorbent product according to claim 1, in which the ratio of the number of hot-melt pressure-sensitive adhesive to the amount of stimulating material in the stimulating mixture is 2/98. 3. The absorbent product according to claim 1, in which the ratio of the number of hot-melt pressure-sensitive adhesive to the amount of stimulating material in the stimulating mixture is 15/85. 4. The absorbent product according to claim 1, in which the predefined pattern includes strips oriented in the machine direction relative to the stimulating composite material. 5. The absorbent product according to claim 4, in which the strip is continuous or discontinuous. 6. The absorbent product according to claim 4, in which the predefined pattern includes strips that have a variable width, measured in the transverse machine direction, and / or a variable thickness. 7. The absorbent product according to claim 1, in which the stimulating material contains an agent that changes the pressure. 8. Stimulating composite material, including:
- a stimulating mixture containing a stimulating material, which is partially attached to the fibers of the hot-melt pressure-sensitive adhesive,
- the substrate facing the body and the substrate facing the clothing,
moreover, the stimulating mixture is located between the body facing the substrate and the clothing facing the substrate. 9. The stimulating composite material of claim 8, in which the fibers of the hot-melt pressure-sensitive adhesive are located at a distance from the stimulating mixture and are between the substrate facing the body and the clothing facing the substrate. 10. The stimulating composite material according to claim 9, in which a predefined pattern is formed of a stimulating mixture and fibers of a hot-melt pressure-sensitive adhesive. 11. The stimulating composite material according to claim 10, in which the predefined pattern includes alternating strips of a stimulating mixture and fibers of a hot-melt pressure sensitive adhesive, the strips being oriented in the machine direction relative to the stimulating composite material. 12. The stimulating composite material of claim 10, in which the scheme includes alternating strips of a stimulating mixture and fibers of a hot-melt pressure-sensitive adhesive, the strips being oriented in the transverse machine direction relative to the stimulating composite material. 13. The stimulating composite material according to item 12, in which a predefined pattern includes intermittent stripes. 14. The stimulating composite material of claim 10, in which the ratio of the number of hot-melt pressure sensitive adhesive to the amount of stimulating material in the stimulating mixture is 2/98. 15. The stimulating composite material of claim 10, in which the ratio of the number of hot-melt pressure sensitive adhesive to the amount of stimulating material in the stimulating mixture is 15/85. 16. The stimulating composite material of claim 10, in which the fibers of the hot-melt pressure-sensitive adhesive are adhesive fibers obtained from the melt aerodynamically. 17. A method of obtaining a stimulating composite material, comprising the following steps:
- transporting the clothing-facing substrate to a settling system including a particle feeder, a first glue applicator and a second glue applicator, each of which is located on the side of the particle feeder at a predetermined angle; wherein the first glue applicator is located upstream of the particle feeder, and the second glue applicator is located downstream of the particle feeder;
- the release of stimulating material from the device for feeding particles;
- the release of the fibers of the hot-melt pressure-sensitive adhesive from the first and second devices for applying glue and mixing the stimulating material and adhesive fibers to form a stimulating mixture; and
applying a stimulating mixture to the garment-facing substrate. 18. The method according to 17, further comprising the following steps:
- the location of the substrate facing the body on the stimulating mixture; and
- application of pressure to the stimulating composite material. 19. The method according to 17, in which the predefined angles are from 35 to 80 °.

Images