RU2801645C2 - Absorbent showing controlled deformation and longitudinal liquid distribution - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: absorbents.

SUBSTANCE: present invention relates to absorbents exhibiting controlled deformation and increased liquid uptake in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent. The absorbent has a transverse axis of symmetry and a longitudinal axis of symmetry, and a body-facing surface, wherein the body-facing surface comprises: a central section having i) a first transverse edge parallel to the transverse symmetry axis and a second transverse edge parallel to the transverse symmetry axis and located opposite the first transverse edge in the direction of the longitudinal axis of symmetry; and ii) a first longitudinal edge parallel to the longitudinal axis of symmetry and a second longitudinal edge parallel to the longitudinal axis of symmetry and located opposite the first longitudinal edge in the direction of the transverse axis of symmetry, wherein the central section comprises an embossed pattern comprising at least two channels extending in the longitudinal direction having corresponding ends and not connected to each other, except for their respective ends; the first longitudinal end section having a width and extending from the first transverse edge of the central section, along the longitudinal axis of symmetry from the central section, whereas the first longitudinal end section comprises the first set of channels forming the first longitudinal end embossed pattern having a width, whereas at least one of the channels in the first plurality of channels extends along the longitudinal axis of symmetry from the first transverse edge, and the first longitudinal end embossed pattern has a width of 50 to 90% of the width of the first longitudinal end section; a second longitudinal end section having a width extending from the second transverse edge of the central section along the longitudinal axis of symmetry and from the central section, whereas the second longitudinal end section comprises a second plurality of channels forming a second longitudinal end embossed pattern having a width, whereas at least one of the channels in the second set of channels extends along the longitudinal axis of symmetry from the second transverse edge, and the second longitudinal end embossing pattern has a width of 50 to 90% of the second longitudinal end section, and the embossed pattern of the central section is located in the longitudinal direction between the first and second set channels and interconnected with the first and second plurality of channels at the respective ends of at least two longitudinally extending channels of the embossed pattern of the central section; a central longitudinal zone passing in the longitudinal direction through the first and second transverse end sections and the central section, whereas the central longitudinal zone runs symmetrically to the longitudinal axis of symmetry and along it and comprises opposite longitudinally passing edges of the central longitudinal zone parallel to the longitudinal axis of symmetry defining the width W the central longitudinal zone from 5 to 20 mm, and the embossed pattern of the central section is located within the width W of the central longitudinal zone and does not go beyond it; the first transverse end section extending from the first longitudinal edge of the central section along the transverse axis of symmetry and from the central section, whereas the first transverse end section comprises at least one first longitudinally extending outer channel located at a distance of 5 to 26 mm from the nearest edges of the central longitudinal zone; and a second transverse end section extending from the second longitudinal edge of the central section along the transverse axis of symmetry and from the central part, whereas the second transverse end section comprises at least one second longitudinally extending outer channel located at a distance of 5 to 26 mm from the nearest edge of the central longitudinal zone, whereas the embossed pattern of the central section is fluidly interconnected with the embossed patterns of the first and second longitudinal end sections.

EFFECT: improved absorbing capability.

14 cl, 24 dwg, 1 tbl

Description

Cross-references to related application

This application claims the priority claimed in previously filed United States Provisional Application No. 62/057,621 dated September 30, 2014, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY TO WHICH THE INVENTION RELATES

The present invention relates generally to absorbent articles, and in particular to absorbent articles exhibiting controlled deformation and increased liquid uptake or distribution in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In order for absorbent articles, such as sanitary napkins, to effectively absorb large amounts of liquid during use, the liquid in them must be efficiently circulated through the capillaries through the absorbent structure of the absorbent article. In the absence of effective absorbent properties, liquid, such as menstrual fluid, may accumulate in some areas of the absorbent article. As a result, the full absorption capacity of the absorbent article is not utilized effectively.

In addition to effective absorbency, such absorbent articles must also absorb liquid quickly or very quickly.

Under such circumstances (namely, if the article exhibits effective absorption and rapid liquid absorption properties), the closer such an absorbent article is positioned to the body, the faster it will absorb liquid leaving the body.

Accordingly, the present inventors have recognized the need for absorbent articles that conveniently and efficiently absorb liquid in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article while deforming and convex for close proximity to the wearer's body (i.e., the perineal or vaginal region).

Thus, one aspect of the present invention is to provide an absorbent article that provides improved liquid absorption, and at the same time, after deformation, has a controlled deformation so that, as a result, the absorbent article takes on a convex shape with a frequency of at least 75% of such deformations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In some embodiments, the present invention relates to an absorbent article having a body-facing surface, the body-facing surface comprising:

embossed pattern

where the pattern is made to deform the product into a convex shape of deformation at a test deformation of at least 75% similar to the test deformation and create an average spot length to spot width ratio of at least 1.5 when tested and measured in accordance with the deformation/distribution testing method, described in the specification of this document.

In some embodiments, the present invention relates to an absorbent article having a body-facing surface, the body-facing surface comprising:

first embossed drawing; And

second embossed pattern

where the first and second drawings are made to deform the product into a convex shape of deformation at a test deformation of at least 75% similar to the test deformation and create a ratio of average spot length to spot width of at least 1.5 when tested and measured in accordance with the deformation testing method /distribution described in the specification of this document.

In some embodiments, the present invention relates to an absorbent article having a transversely extending centerline and a longitudinally extending centerline and a body-facing surface, the body-facing surface comprising:

a central portion having i) a first transverse edge parallel to the transverse center line and a second transverse edge parallel to the transverse center line and located opposite the first transverse edge in the direction of the transverse center line; and ii) a first longitudinal edge parallel to the longitudinally extending centerline and a second longitudinally directed edge parallel to the longitudinally extending centerline, and located opposite the first longitudinally directed edge in the direction of the transversely extending centerline, a central area containing an embossed pattern extending relative to and along the longitudinally extending central line;

the first longitudinal end section extending from the first transversely directed edge of the central section directed along the longitudinally extending center line from the central section, the first longitudinal end section containing the first plurality of channels, in which at least one of the channels of the first plurality of channels extends along the longitudinally extending central lines in the direction from the first transversely directed edge through from about 50% to about 90% of the first longitudinal end section;

a second longitudinal end section extending from a second transversely directed edge of the central section directed along a longitudinally extending center line from the central section, a second longitudinal end section containing a second set of channels, in which at least one of the channels in the second set of channels extends along a longitudinally extending a centerline from the second transverse edge through from about 50% to about 90% of the second longitudinal end portion; an embossed pattern of the central portion located in the longitudinal direction between and interconnected with the first and second plurality of channels;

a central longitudinal zone extending in the longitudinal direction through the first and second transverse end sections and a central section; a central longitudinal zone from about 5 mm to about 20 mm, in which the embossed pattern of the central section is located within and does not extend beyond the width W of the central longitudinal zone;

a first transverse end section extending from the first longitudinally directed edge of the central section along a transversely extending center line and from the central part, the first transverse end section containing at least one first longitudinally extending outer channel located at a distance of from about 5 mm to about 26 mm from the nearest edge of the central longitudinal zone; And

a second transverse end section extending from the second longitudinally directed edge of the central section along a transversely extending center line and from the central part, a second transverse end section containing at least one second longitudinally extending outer channel located at a distance of from about 5 mm to about 26 mm from the nearest edge of the central longitudinal zone,

wherein the channels of the embossed pattern of the central section are fluidly interconnected with the channels of the embossed patterns of the first and second longitudinal end sections.

where, upon test application of deforming forces and application of a liquid to the central portion of the article, as detailed in the deformation/distribution testing method described in the specification of this document, convex deformation is generated at a frequency of at least about 75% of the test applications and the article exhibits an average spot length ratio to a spot width of at least 1.5.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the figures.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of one embodiment of the embossed designs of the articles of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of one embodiment of the embossed designs of the articles of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of one embodiment of the embossed designs of the articles of the present invention.

FIG. 4a-4e are plan views of various embodiments of the embossed patterns of the central and longitudinal end portions of the articles of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of one embodiment of the embossed designs of the articles of the present invention, illustrating the embossed portion 42.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the deformation and fluid distribution testing device 150, as well as panties 300 for placement on the device 150 prior to testing.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the deformation and fluid distribution test apparatus showing the location of the panty 300 and placement of the product on the placement device 20 in preparation prior to testing.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the strain testing and fluid distribution device 150 in use.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the strain test and fluid distribution device 150 in use along line 9-9 of FIG. 8 showing convex deformation in the form of displacement in the x, y direction of the plane shown in FIG. 8 up in the z direction.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an absorbent article forming a convex deformation along a longitudinally extending center line.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an absorbent article forming a convex deformation along a longitudinally extending center line.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of an absorbent article forming a convex deformation along a longitudinally extending center line.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of an absorbent article forming a convex deformation along a longitudinally extending center line.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of an absorbent article forming a convex deformation along a longitudinally extending center line.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of an absorbent article cupped along a longitudinally extending center line.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of an absorbent article cupped along a longitudinally extending center line.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of an absorbent article cupped along a longitudinally extending center line.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of an absorbent article cupped along a longitudinally extending center line.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of an absorbent article cupped along a longitudinally extending center line.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of an absorbent article forming a convex deformation to position the absorbent article closer to the wearer during use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Products in accordance with the present invention may contain, consist of, or primarily consist of the essential elements and limitations of the invention described in this document, as well as any additional or optional features, components or limitations of the invention described in this document.

As used herein, the term "comprising" (and all its grammatical variations) is used with the meaning of (and interchangeably with terms) that includes the terms "comprising" or "comprising" and not with the exclusive meaning of "comprising only from." As used herein, the terms "any" and "given" are considered to encompass both the singular and the plural.

All documents incorporated herein by reference are included only to the extent that they do not conflict with this specification.

All percentages, parts and ratios are based on the total weight of the article of the present invention, unless otherwise indicated.

In some embodiments, the invention disclosed herein may be practiced in the absence of any compound, component, or element (or group of compounds, components, or elements) that is not expressly disclosed herein.

As used herein, the term “controlled deformation” means deformation of an absorbent article that is controlled by the structure of the absorbent article, including any embossing and/or pattern characteristics, such that, when deforming forces (e.g. crotch area of the wearer) the absorbent article deforms and convex in a predictable manner so as to generally remain in contact with the crotch or vaginal area of the wearer.

As used herein, the term "convex shape" is a configuration, when visually inspected, of an absorbent article in which, when compressed using the device 150 used to perform the deformation/distribution testing described below, the central longitudinal zone 8 (as defined below in this document) rises in the vertical direction (in the positive direction of the vertical z-axis) along the longitudinally extending center line 1 relative to (i.e., to be above) the parts (301a, 302a) of the longitudinally extending parts (301, 302) that are located closer to the central longitudinal zone 8 (as shown in Fig. 10-14), where the longitudinally extending section 301 extends transversely from the edge of the longitudinally extending zone 8a along the entire length of the product, and the longitudinally extending section 302 extends transversely from the edge of the longitudinally extending zone 8b, along the entire length of the product in the direction opposite to the direction of the longitudinally extending section 301.

As used herein, the term "cup-shaped" is a configuration, when visually inspected, of an absorbent article in which, when compressed by the device 150 used to perform the deformation/distribution testing described below, the central longitudinal zone 8 (as defined hereinafter) document) is lowered vertically (in the negative direction of the vertical z-axis) along the longitudinally extending center line 1 relative to (i.e., so as to be below) the parts (301a, 302a) of the longitudinally extending parts (301, 302) that are located closer to the central longitudinal zone 8 (as shown in Fig. 15-19).

As used herein, the term "agglomeration" is a configuration, when visually inspected, of an absorbent article in which, when compressed using the device 150 used to perform the deformation/distribution testing described below, neither a convex nor a cup-like shape is formed.

As used herein, the term "visual inspection" or "visual inspection" means that a human observer can visually recognize the presence of the subject matter of the invention when viewed with the naked eye (excluding standard corrective lenses that are designed to compensate for myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism, or other vision correction) under illumination at least equal to that produced by a standard 75 watt white light incandescent lamp at a distance of approximately 0.25 meters.

Absorbent article

One embodiment of an absorbent article in accordance with the present invention is shown in FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the absorbent article, as shown in paragraph 20, has a length (measured as the longest length from the first transverse edge 15 to the second transverse edge 16) from about 170 mm to about 400 mm and a width (measured as the longest length from the first longitudinal edge 13 to the second longitudinal edge 14) from about 40 mm to about 80 mm. The outer portion 17 of the absorbent article 20 is the area in which the cover and barrier layers extend beyond the edges of the absorbent core and thus do not contain an absorbent core; section 17 is not measured as part of (or otherwise included in the measurement) the length, width and/or surface area of the absorbent article of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the absorbent article comprises a longitudinal center line 1, a transverse center line 2, a first longitudinal edge 13, a second longitudinal edge 14, a first transverse edge 15, a second transverse edge 16, a first longitudinal end portion 9, a second longitudinal end portion 10, a central a section 3 located between the first longitudinal end and the second longitudinal end sections 9 and 10 (the central section 3 contacting the first and second longitudinal end sections 9 and 10 on the first and second transversely directed edges 4 and 5 of the central section 3, respectively) and the central a longitudinal zone 8, which extends in the longitudinal direction from one end of the product, namely the first transverse edge 15, to the other end of the product, namely the second transverse edge 16 and has opposite edges 8a, 8b of the longitudinally extending zone, defining the width W of the central longitudinal zone from 5 (or about 5) mm to 20 (or about 20) mm, optionally from 10 (or about 10) mm to 18 (or about 18) mm and in which the longitudinal width W of the central zone is symmetrical about the longitudinally extending center line 1. The width W of the central longitudinal zone is the total width of b' and b", where b' and b" run opposite each other and at an equal distance from the longitudinal center line 1.

In some embodiments of the present invention (for example, in Fig. 1), the transverse center line 2 may be located at the same distance between the first transverse edge 15 and the second transverse edge 16. In other embodiments, the implementation of the absorbent product may be asymmetrical from front to back. so that the end that should be placed at the back of the vaginal opening (i.e. closer to the back of the user) may be longer than the end that should be placed in front of the vaginal opening (i.e. closer to the front of the user ). Examples of this type of product are Semper Livre Noturno Toque Suave com Abas from Johnson and Johnson, Brazil and Always ultrathin overnight from Proctor and Gamble, USA. In these products, the transverse center line intersects the center of the wings 200, or the area that should be located just above the vaginal opening.

In some embodiments, the length of the first and second longitudinal end sections 9, 10 (as measured from the outer longitudinal edge of the first transverse edge 15 or the second transverse edge 16, respectively) ranges from about 30 mm to about 70 mm (or about 1/ 3 of the greatest length between the first transverse edge 15 and the second transverse edge 16). In some embodiments, the width of the first and second longitudinal end sections 9, 10 (measured as the greatest length from the first longitudinal edge 13 to the second longitudinal edge 14 within the respective lengths of the first or second longitudinal sections 9, 10) is in the range of about 30 mm to approximately 70 mm. In some embodiments, the length of the central region (measured as the length between the first and second longitudinal end portions 9, 10) ranges from about 55 mm to about 200 mm (about 1/3 to about ½ of the longest length between the first transverse edge 15 and the second transverse edge 16). In some embodiments, the width of the center portion 3 is the sum of the widths a' and a" extending oppositely from the longitudinal center line 1, where the widths a' and a", independently of each other, range from about 15 mm to about 35 mm. The width a' ends at the first longitudinal edge 6 of the central portion 3 and the width a" ends at the second longitudinal edge 7 of the central portion 3, as shown in FIG. 1.

First and second end embossed patterns

The absorbent article comprises first and second end embossings located opposite each other on the first and second longitudinal end portions, respectively, as shown in FIG. 2 in one embodiment by first and second end embossed patterns 21, 22 on the first and second longitudinal end portions 9, 10, respectively. Each of the first and second end embossed patterns 21, 22 of the first and second longitudinal end sections 9, 10, respectively, contains, independently of each other, the first and second plurality of channels 21a and 22a, respectively. In some embodiments, the first and second sets of channels 21a and 22a may either be branched, as shown in FIG. 1 and 4b (and portions of FIGS. 4a and 4d) or unbranched as shown in FIG. 4c (or parts of Figs. 4a and 4d). Since the first end embossing pattern 21 is located in the first longitudinal end portion 9 and the second end embossing pattern 22 is located in the second longitudinal end portion 10, the first set of channels 21a of the first end embossing pattern 21 is located at a distance from the second set of channels 22a of the second end embossing pattern 22 in longitudinal direction of the longitudinally extending center line 1. The first and second sets of channels 21a, 22a may be similar in design or pattern, or optionally may be different in design or pattern. In some embodiments, the channels forming each of the first and second plurality of channels 21a, 22a are mutually connected to each other directly or through other channels, including the channels of the central embossing pattern described herein in more detail below. The interconnection of the channels is intended to improve the distribution of the absorbed liquid throughout the product. Each of the first and second plurality of channels 21a and 22a comprises at least one longitudinally extending channel 21a' (first longitudinally extending channels) and 22a' (second longitudinally extending channels) in the first and second longitudinal end sections 9, 10, respectively, each longitudinally passing channel 21a' and 22a' of the first and second plurality of channels 21a and 22a, passing, independently of each other, in the direction along or relative to (or possibly overlapping or substantially overlapping) the longitudinally extending center line 1 through from about 50% to about 90%, optionally, from about 65% to about 90%, optionally, from, or about 70% to about 90% of the first and/or second longitudinal end portions 9, 10, respectively.

In some embodiments, the channels of the first and second plurality of channels 21a and 22a, including the longitudinally extending channels 21a' and/or 22a' of the first and second longitudinal end portions 9, 10, optionally comprise at least one (optionally at least 2, optionally at least 3, optionally at least 4) branch(s) 21a” (first branch(s) and/or 22a” (second branch(s) i)), respectively.In some embodiments, the longitudinal channels 21a' and/or 22a' of the first and second longitudinal end portions 9, 10 comprise at least one (optionally at least 2, optionally at least 3, optionally at least 4) branch(s) 21a” (first branch(s) and/or 22a” (second branch(s)), respectively, passing, independently of each other, from the longitudinally extending channels 21a' and/or 22a'.In some embodiments, one or more of the first(s) and/or second(s) branch(s) 21a", 22a" extend from longitudinally extending channels 21a' and/or 22a' in such a way that the other of the first(s) and/or second(s) branch(s) 21a", 22a" similarly extend opposite each other from and symmetrically or practically symmetrically (those. staggered or protruding) with such(s) first mentioned(s) branch(s) in relation to the other edge of the longitudinally extending channels 21a' and/or 22a', respectively. In some embodiments, the first and second sets of channels 21a and 22a, respectively, comprise, independently of each other, at least 2 (optionally at least 3, optionally at least 4) channels 21a and 22a, respectively.

Central embossed pattern

The absorbent article of the present invention further includes a central embossing pattern, as shown in one embodiment by the central embossing pattern 23. In some embodiments, the central embossing pattern 23 of the central portion 3 is longitudinally located between and mutually connected to the first and second plurality of channels 21a. and 22a in the first and second longitudinal end sections 9, 10. The central embossed pattern 23 is located in the central section 3 of the absorbent article 20, in which the central embossed pattern 23 is additionally located in the central longitudinal zone 8 and does not extend beyond the width W of the central longitudinal zone. In some embodiments, the central embossing pattern 23 is an embossed pattern or design extending from the first transverse edge 4 of the central portion 3 to the second transverse edge 5 of the central portion 3 and relatively (optionally symmetrical relative to) and in a direction substantially along the longitudinally extending center line 1. In some other embodiments, the central embossing pattern comprises at least two (optionally 2 to 12, optionally 2 to 8) longitudinally extending channels, each having respective ends as indicated by the longitudinally extending channels 25, 26. B In some embodiments, the longitudinal channels 25, 26 are not connected except at their respective ends. In some embodiments, the longitudinal channels 25, 26 are mutually connected to each other at other points than their respective ends. In some other embodiments, the longitudinally extending channels 25, 26 are mutually connected to each other in the direction (and optionally along or substantially along) the longitudinally extending center line at nodes 27 ₁ -27 _n , where n is 1 (optionally 2 or more, optionally 2 to 100, optionally 3 to 20), as shown in FIG. 2 and 4b so as to form repeating, successively or alternately (including in ascending and/or descending order), interconnected and longitudinally extending shapes, including but not limited to spherical shapes such as circles or ovals, as shown in FIG. 2 and 4, box-shaped (i.e., resembling a box in a rectangular shape) shapes as shown in FIG. 4b and 4d or irregular shapes such as shown in FIG. 4a. An example of increasing size shapes can be seen in FIG. 4e. In some embodiments, the longitudinal channels 25, 26 define at least one (optionally at least two, optionally at least three, optionally 2 to 30, optionally 3 to 6) substantially unembossed ( or uncompressed) region(s) 28, non-embossed region(s) 28 (see Fig. 3) located in the central longitudinal zone 8 and not extending beyond the width W of the central longitudinal zone. In some embodiments, the longitudinal channels 25 and 26 are symmetrically and equidistant from the longitudinal center line 1. The term "substantially unembossed" as used herein in relation to the area defined by the longitudinal channels means greater than about 55 % to about 100%, optionally, from about 75% to about 100% of the area is not embossed (or not compressed).

In some embodiments, the longitudinal channels comprise longitudinal channel segments as shown by the longitudinal channel segments 25 ₁ , 25 ₂ and 25 ₃ (optionally up to 25 _n where n=30) and the corresponding longitudinal channel segments 26 ₁ , 26 ₂ and 26 ₃ (optionally up to 26 _n where n=30) as shown in FIG. 3. In some embodiments, the longitudinal channel segments 25 ₁ , 25 ₂ and 25 ₃ are located opposite the respective longitudinal channel segments 26 ₁ , 26 ₂ and 26 ₃ , respectively. The segments of the longitudinal channels 25 ₁ , 25 ₂ and 25 ₃ intersect the respective segments of the longitudinal channels 26 ₁ , 26 ₂ and 26 ₃ at nodes 27 ₁ -27 _n (optionally 2 or more, optionally from 2 to 100, optionally from 3 up to 20). In some embodiments, the longitudinal channel segments 25 ₁ , 25 ₂ , and 25 ₃ and the corresponding longitudinal channel segments 26 ₁ , 26 ₂ , and 26 ₃ are respectively symmetrically and equidistant relative to the longitudinal center line 1. In other embodiments, the implementation the longitudinal channel segments 25 ₁ , 25 ₂ and 25 ₃ and the corresponding segments of the longitudinal channel 26 ₁ , 26 ₂ and 26 ₃ are concave with respect to the longitudinal center line 1. In some embodiments, each of the longitudinal channel segments 25 ₁ , 25 ₂ and 25 ₃ and the corresponding longitudinal channel segments 26 ₁ , 26 ₂ and 26 ₃ have a length in the range of from about 3 cm to about 15 cm, optionally from about 4.5 cm to about 10 cm when measured along the path of the longitudinal channel segments between nodes 27. In some embodiments, each of the segments of the longitudinally extending channels 25 ₁ , 25 ₂ and 25 ₃ and 26 ₁ , 26 ₂ and 26 ₃ has a width in the range from about 1 mm to about 20 mm, optionally, from about 2 mm to approximately 10 mm. In some embodiments, each of the segments of the longitudinally extending channels 25 ₁ , 25 ₂ and 25 ₃ and 26 ₁ , 26 ₂ and 26 ₃ has a thickness in the range from about 1 mm to about 10 mm, optionally from about 2 mm to about 5 mm , as measured from the top surface of the absorbent article 20 on a longitudinally extending channel segment. In some embodiments, the length of the central embossed pattern is in the range of 55 mm to 200 mm (or about 33% to about 50% of the longest length from the first transverse edge 15 to the second transverse edge 16).

In other embodiments, the central embossing pattern 23 may take the form of the central embossed patterns 23a, 23b, 23c, 23d, and 23e, as shown in FIGS. 4a-4e, respectively.

In some embodiments, the central embossed pattern 23 is fluidly interconnected with the first and second end embossed patterns 21, 22, respectively (e.g., at the first transverse edge 4 and the second transverse edge 5, respectively, or alternatively at the intersection 29 the first transverse edge 4 and the longitudinally extending center line 1 and the intersection 30 of the second transverse edge 5 and the longitudinally extending center line 1, respectively). In certain embodiments, respective ends of the longitudinally extending channels are fluidly interconnected at first transverse edge 4 and second transverse edge 5 (or at intersections 29, 30) with at least one (optionally 2-10, optionally 3- 8, optionally 4-6) of a plurality of channels 21a and/or 22a, respectively, at least one (optionally 2-10, optionally 3-8, optionally 4-6) of the first and second longitudinally extending channels 21a' and/ or 22a' (that is, along the longitudinally extending center line 1), respectively, or (directly or indirectly) with at least one (optionally 2-10, optionally 3-8, optionally 4-6) of the first and second branches 21a ” and/or 22a” of the first and second final embossed pattern 21, 22, respectively. The fluidic intersection of the channels 25 and 26 at the first transverse edges 4, 5 (or at the intersections 29, 30) with the first and second end embossments 21, 22 at the first and second longitudinal end portions 9, 10, respectively, allows the absorbent product 20 effectively and simultaneously absorb liquid from the central portion 3 of the absorbent article 20 to the first and second longitudinal end portions 9 and 10, respectively. Thus, the entire absorbent capacity of the absorbent article 20 is used.

In some embodiments, the "channels" of the first and second end embossing patterns 21, 22, including the first and second sets of channels 21a, 22a, the first and second longitudinally extending channels 21a', 22a' of the first and second sets of channels 21a, 22a and the first and the second branches 21a", 22a" may, independently of each other, be in the form of straight channels or channels having an arcuate shape (or a combination of such shapes) and have a length in the range from about 2 cm to about 10 cm, optionally from about 5, 0 cm to approximately 8.0 cm, as measured from the end of such a "channel" to the nearest of: i) longitudinally extending channels 21a' or 22a', or ii) node 27 ₁ or end node 27 _n , respectively, along the path of such channel. In some embodiments, such "channels" have a width ranging from about 1 mm to about 10 mm, optionally from about 2 mm to about 4.0 mm. In some embodiments, the "channels" have a thickness of from about 0.5 mm to about 2.5 mm, optionally from about 1 mm to about 2 mm as measured from the top surface of the absorbent article 20 in such a channel. In some embodiments, the first and second longitudinal channels 21a', 22a' of the first and second end embossments 21, 22 do not extend beyond the central longitudinal zone 8. In some embodiments, the first and second branches 21a", 22a" extend beyond the central longitudinal zone 8.

The "channels" and "branches" of the first and second end embossments 21, 22 serve to convey liquid to the end portions 3, 4 of the absorbent article 20, so as to utilize the full absorbency of the article along its entire length.

External embossed pattern

The absorbent article of the present invention further includes an outer embossing pattern as shown in one embodiment by outer embossed pattern 24. In some embodiments, outer embossed pattern 24 comprises one or more (optionally two or more) first and one or more (optionally , two or more) second longitudinally extending channels 24a, 24b, respectively, one or more first and one or more second longitudinally extending outer channels 24a, 24b have an independent form and are located opposite each other and at least partially separated by a central longitudinal zone 8. Each longitudinally extending outer channel 24a or 24b extends longitudinally at least partially along each of the edges of the central longitudinal zone 8a and 8b and is located at a distance of from 5 (or about 5) mm to 26 (or about 26) mm, optionally 10 (or about 10) mm to 20 (or 20) mm from the nearest edge of the central longitudinal zone 8a or 8b. In some embodiments, the first and second longitudinal outer channels 24a, 24b may be the same or different in shape (or configuration). In some embodiments, one or more first longitudinal outer channels 24a are parallel to each other and, optionally, one or more second longitudinal outer channels 24b are parallel to each other.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the longitudinally extending outer channels 24a, 24b are substantially equal in length relative to the length of the central portion 3 shown in FIG. 1 and 2. Alternatively, the respective ends of each of the longitudinally extending outer channels 24a, 24b are flared so as to integrate the respective ends of the other longitudinally extending outer channels (through fluid) such that the outer embossed pattern 24 surrounds or substantially surrounds the central the embossed pattern and the first and second end embossed patterns, as shown in FIG. 3, 4a-4d, and 5. In some embodiments, the longitudinally extending outer channels 24a, 24b are deeply stitched or have a "dotted" pattern. In some embodiments, the longitudinal outer channels 24a, 24b are about 1 mm to about 10 mm wide and about 0.5 mm to about 2.5 mm thick, as measured from the top surface of the absorbent article 20 in the longitudinal outer channel 24a, 24b.

Without being limited by theory, it is believed that when a central embossing pattern, first and second end embossing patterns and outer embossing patterns are included in the absorbent product of the present invention, these embossed patterns interact in such a way that this results in an absorbent product 20 having an improved deformation frequency in convex shape. During use, the absorbent article will deform into a convex shape at a rate of from about 75%, optionally about 90%, or optionally 95%, to about 98%, optionally about 99%, or optionally about 100%, of such application-related deformations. (or simulated strain, as measured by the strain/distribution test described below), this results in a conforming and in close contact with the wearer's body of FIG. 12. These results in more convenient and efficient products.

In one of the embodiments of the invention, the central embossed pattern contains two longitudinally extending channels 25 and 26, each of which runs along the length of the central embossed pattern so as to only mutually connect at the first transversely directed edges 4, 5 (or at the intersections 29, 30). In one embodiment of the present invention, the longitudinal channels 25 and 26 are further interconnected at one or more nodes 27.

In another embodiment of the invention, there are 4 mutually connected segments of longitudinally extending channels 25 ₁ and 25 ₂ and corresponding segments 26 ₁ and 26 ₂ , and the total length of the channels exceeds the length of the central embossed pattern. In one embodiment of the present invention, channels 25 ₁ and 25 ₂ and 26 ₁ and 26 ₂ are connected at nodes 27 _(1-n) .

In another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 5, the second (or center portion pattern) embossed pattern 40 has an outer embossed or compressed border 41 defining at least one (optionally at least two, optionally at least three, optionally from 2 to 30, optionally from 3 to 6) the region substantially having the embossed (or compressed region) 42, the embossed pattern 40, including the embossed region 42, is located in the central longitudinal region and does not extend beyond the width W of the central longitudinal region. In some embodiments, the area defined by the outer embossed (or compressed) border 41 is similar in size and shape to the pattern of the central embossed pattern 23 shown in FIG. 1. The term "substantially embossed" as used herein in relation to the area defined by the outer embossed (or compressed) border 41 means that more than about 55% to about 100%, optionally, from about 75% to about 100% of the area is embossed. .

The absorbent article may include a cover layer, a transition layer, a core, a barrier layer, and combinations thereof. The embossed patterns and channels are formed using conventional embossing techniques. It is understood that the embossing roller used in production must have the surface properties required to emboss the first, second and third patterns. Embossed patterns lead to the formation of zones of increased density. In one of the embodiments of the invention the Central region of the absorbent product includes from about 10% to about 50% areas of increased density.

The channels may be color-coded to give the consumer a visible color signal on the top surface of the absorbent article. The color signal can be realized by printing colored areas on the surface layer. The colored areas do not have to match the size, shape and location of the channels. The function of the colored areas is to provide the consumer with a color signal about the existence and function of the channels. The colored areas may alternatively be printed on the absorbent layer, provided that these colored areas are visible through the surface layer. Any methods known to those skilled in the art can be used to create the colored areas, such as printing, using colored fibers, or any other suitable methods.

Embossing

Absorbent articles in accordance with the invention have a thickness that can vary from about 2 mm to about 20 mm in an uncompressed state. If the absorbent article is compressed as a result of the applied embossed patterns described and used in the present invention, the thickness of the embossed area (or channels) can be measured using a Mitutoyo 547-516 thickness gauge or similar instrument. For absorbent articles having an uncompressed thickness greater than 4 mm, the compressed thickness, unless otherwise noted, may be from about 0.5 mm (highly compacted channel) to about 2.5 mm (lightly compacted channel). For absorbent articles having an uncompressed thickness of less than 4 mm, the compressed thickness may vary from about 0.25 mm to about 2.0 mm.

The absorbent article is embossed (or compressed) and the thickness is reduced by at least one layer, but optionally by or through several layers, or optionally by or through all layers of the absorbent article. In general, thicker materials will be subject to more thickness reduction. Accordingly, the layers that are actually embossed will, among other things, depend on the manufacturing process (eg what material is attached at the point of application of the embossing).

Embossing can be achieved using standard techniques such as thermal bonding, ultrasonic bonding and/or pressure. An example of a suitable process is thermal bonding, in which the layers are passed through two rolls of steel, one of which is engraved with a visual pattern and the other is flat. In some embodiments, one or both rolls are heated to a temperature suitable to at least partially melt one or more layers (typical range 90 to 170°C).

The embossing roll can be engraved using conventional techniques such as commercial equipment for most embossing designs, but it may be desirable to use acid etching or laser engraving to provide a more precise engraving, and thus a finer embossed design. It may be desirable for the embossed pattern to contain relatively fine embossing characteristics, much finer than embossed channels previously disclosed in the art, such as in US Patent No. 20040015145A1 to Miura et al. Subtle embossing characteristics can give a product a generally feminine and delicate look. The embossing tool must therefore be capable of high definition embossing, in particular with a resolution (minimum thickness of embossed lines) of less than about 0.75 mm, in particular, but not limited to, in the range of about 0.35 mm to approximately 0.60 mm. Embossing of this type is often presented as a plurality of lines, in which the product is embossed along the entire length of the lines. The second type of embossing that can be used is deep stitch embossing, in which a series of dots are embossed along a line pattern. This type of embossing imparts, or can impart, a stitched appearance, similar to sewn clothing and sewn fabric. An example of this type of embossing is used in Whisper Choice pads sold by Proctor and Gamble Healthcare ltd, India.

Without wishing to be bound by theory, the embossing (or embossing patterns) of the absorbent articles of the present invention interact to provide controlled deformation of the described article. This controlled deformation is achieved i) without the use of stretched elastic materials as described in Mavinkurve US Pat. 1-6 and in column 3, line 10 to column 4, line 3, and incorporated herein by reference; in addition to the foregoing, the remainder of US Patent No. 4,911,701 is also incorporated herein by reference; the flex-resistant deformer described in U.S. Patent No. 5,171,302 published by Buell, specific material descriptions of which are provided in FIGS. 1-27 and in column 5, line 55 to column 10, line 51, and incorporated herein by reference; in addition to the foregoing, the remainder of U.S. Patent No. 5,171,302 is also incorporated herein by reference or iii) other similar non-embossed warp-inducing materials described in U.S. Patent No. 7,601,144 published by Drevik, to which specific material descriptions are provided in column 2, lines 61 to column 3, line 67 and the description of which is incorporated herein by reference. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the implementation of the absorbent product of the present invention does not contain non-embossed materials or elements that cause deformation, which are not embossed or embossed patterns.

Surface layer

The cover layer may comprise a bulky loose nonwoven web material of relatively low density. The protective layer may consist of only one type of fiber, such as polyester or polypropylene, or may include a mixture of fibers of more than one type. The surface layer may be composed of bicomponent or conjugated fibers including a low melting point component and a high melting point component. The fibers may be selected from various natural and synthetic materials such as nylon, polyester, rayon (in combination with other fibres), cotton, acrylic, and the like, and combinations thereof. The top layer optionally has a mass per square meter in the range of about 10 g/m2 to 75 g/m2.

Bicomponent fibers may consist of a polyester layer and a polyethylene sheath. Appropriate bicomponent materials are included in the fusible nonwoven fabric. Examples of fusible fabrics are described in US Pat. No. 4,555,430 published by Mays, which is incorporated herein by reference. The use of fusible fabric makes it easier to attach the surface layer to the absorbent layer and/or barrier layer.

The surface layer optionally has a relatively high level of wettability, although the individual fibers that make up the surface layer may not be particularly hydrophilic. The surface material must also contain many relatively large pores. This is due to the fact that the cover layer is designed to quickly absorb the biological fluid and remove it from the body and from the point of entry of the fluid. Therefore, the transit time through the backsheet is a small fraction of the total time it takes an absorbent article to absorb a given amount of liquid (penetration time).

Preferably, the fibers of which the surface layer is made do not lose their physical properties when wet. In other words, they should not collapse or lose elasticity when exposed to water or fluid. The protective layer can be processed in such a way that the fluid easily passes through it. The backsheet is also designed to rapidly transfer fluid into the underlying layers of the absorbent article. Thus, the protective layer is preferably wettable, hydrophilic and porous. When the backing layer consists of synthetic hydrophobic fibers such as polyester or bicomponent fibers, it can be treated with a surfactant to give it the desired degree of wettability.

Alternatively, the surface layer may be made from a large pore polymeric film. Due to this high porosity, the film performs the function of quickly transferring the biological fluid to the inner layers of the underlying absorbent layers. A suitable surface material of this type is available under the name STAYFREE Dry Max Ultrathin from McNeil-PPC, Inc.

The backing layer may be attached to the underlying absorbent layers and/or the barrier layer by adhesive and/or other suitable method known to those skilled in the art.

absorbent layer

The absorbent layer may consist of fibrous materials such as wood pulp, polyester, hydrocellulose fiber, flexible foam or the like, and combinations thereof. The absorbent layer may also further comprise a superabsorbent polymeric material (SAP). The absorbent layer may also contain thermoplastic fibers to stabilize the layer and maintain its structural integrity. The absorbent layer can be treated with a surfactant on one or both sides to increase its wettability, although typically the absorbent layer is relatively hydrophilic and may not need such treatment. The absorbent layer is optionally bonded on both sides to the adjacent layers, ie the backing layer and the underlying second absorbent layer or barrier layer.

In some implementations of the present invention, the absorbent layer may be a "transit" layer. Such a transition layer makes it possible to receive biological fluids from a surface layer permeable to them and retain them until the second absorbent layer can absorb them. The transit layer is optionally denser than the liquid-permeable surface layer and has more finer pores than the latter. These properties allow the transition layer to retain biological fluids and keep them away from the outside of the permeable surface layer, thereby preventing them from rewetting the permeable surface layer and its surface. However, the transition layer need not be so dense as to interfere with the passage of liquid into the underlying second absorbent layer.

If the first absorbent layer is provided as a transfer layer, it may contain various materials, for example, cellulose fibers, as in wood pulp, one-component or two-component fibers, including thermoplastic materials (for example, polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, and others) in the form of threads or in other form, viscose, organic binders (such as copolymers of vinyl, acrylic and/or other monomers that can be applied to thermoplastic filaments or otherwise incorporated into the transfer layer), and other materials known to those skilled in the art.

Second absorbent layer

The absorbent article of the present invention may comprise one or more absorbent layers. The second or additional absorbent layers may comprise a single layer of material or may comprise multiple layers. In some embodiments, implementation of the present invention, the second absorbent layer functions as the main absorbent part of the absorbent product. It is not necessary for such an absorbent body to have a high overall absorbency and to perform a liquid retention function from the moment the liquid enters through the transition layer. In addition, the main absorbent layer, optionally, must have a greater density than the transition layer.

In one embodiment, the second absorbent layer is a mixture of cellulose fibers and superabsorbent placed among them. Cellulosic fibers that can be used in the second absorbent layer are well known to those skilled in the art and include wood pulp, cotton, flax or peat moss. Optionally, wood pulp is used in the second absorbent layer. Cellulose can be obtained from mechanically or chemo-mechanically produced sulphite pulp, kraft pulp, pulp waste, processing with organic solvents, and the like. Both soft and hard woods can be used. Optionally, softwood pulp is used in the second absorbent layer. There is no need to treat cellulose fibers for this purpose with chemical disintegrating agents, crosslinking agents and similar chemicals. Some of the pulp may be chemically treated, as described in US Pat. No. 5,916,670 published by Tan et al., incorporated herein by reference, to increase the flexibility of the product. The elasticity of a material can also be improved by mechanically working the material or by softening it.

The second absorbent layer may comprise any superabsorbent polymer (SAP) that is well known in the industry. For purposes of the present invention, the term "superabsorbent polymer" (SAP) refers to materials that are capable of absorbing and retaining at least 10 times its own weight in body fluid at a pressure of 3 kPa (0.5 psi). The superabsorbent polymer particles in the present invention may be inorganic or organic cross-linked hydrophilic polymers such as polyvinyl alcohols, polyethylene oxides, cross-linked starches, guar gum, xanthan gum, and the like. The particles may be in the form of powder, grains, granules, or fibers. In some embodiments, the superabsorbent polymer particles were crosslinked polyacrylates, such as those available from Sumitomo Seika Chemicals Co., Ltd. (Osaka, Japan) under the number SA70N and products of Stockhausen Inc. In a specific example, the second absorbent layer consists of a material containing from 90% to about 40% cellulose fiber, from about 10% to about 60% SAP. The second absorbent layer may comprise material produced by air interleaving techniques well known in the art.

barrier layer

Below the first absorbent layer or the second absorbent layer is a barrier layer containing a liquid impermeable film material in order to prevent liquid trapped in the absorbent layer from flowing out of the absorbent article and soiling the wearer's undergarments. The barrier layer is optionally made of a polymeric film, although it may also be made of a liquid-impervious but air-permeable material, such as water-repellent treated non-woven or microporous films or foams.

The barrier layer may be air permeable, ie facilitate evaporation. Known materials for this purpose include non-woven materials and microporous films, the microporosity of which is achieved, in particular, by stretching the oriented film. Single or multiple layers of permeable films, fabrics, meltblown materials, and combinations thereof that create a tortuous fluid path and/or whose surface properties create a fluid surface that impedes fluid penetration can also be used to provide a breathable backsheet. .

The surface layer and the barrier layer optionally join at the edge regions so as to form an enclosed space or flange seal which encloses the absorbent layers. The connection can be obtained using adhesives, thermal bonding, ultrasonic welding, high frequency welding, mechanical corrugation, and the like, and combinations thereof.

A fixing adhesive may be applied to the garment-facing surface of the barrier layer to secure the absorbent article to the garment during use. The fixing adhesive layer can be closed prior to use with a removable piece of release paper.

The absorbent articles of the present invention may or may not include wings 200 (or, alternatively, cuffs or strips) to secure the absorbent article to the undergarment. Wings, which are also, among other things, called lapels or other terms, as well as their use in hygienic protective products, are described in US patent No. 4,687,478; US Pat. No. 4,589,876; U.S. Patent No. 4,900,320 and U.S. Patent No. 4,608,047 to Mattingly. The disclosures of each of these patents are incorporated herein by reference. As described in the above documents, the wings 200 are substantially flexible and are designed to fold over the hems of the undergarment so that the wings 200 are positioned between the hems of the undergarment.

In addition, any of the layers described above, optionally the cover and/or barrier layers, may be micro-embossed, printed, have a printed message to the consumer, and/or may be at least partially colored.

Strain/Distribution Testing

Deformation/distribution testing simulates how an absorbent article will deform and, at the same time, function with respect to fluid distribution under actual wearing conditions. The deformed shape of the absorbent article acts where the body fluid comes into contact with the absorbent article. Upon contact of a liquid with an absorbent article, the absorbent structure (and any embossing contained on the body facing surface) will influence the post-contact distribution. Ideally, liquid is concentrated along the longitudinal centerline of the absorbent article and as more liquid contacts the article, the liquid spreads primarily along the length of the absorbent article, maintaining a distance from the edges of the absorbent article. Absorbent articles as a result of this type of liquid contact and distribution provide the consumer with confidence that leakage will not occur.

The device 150 used in performing strain/distribution testing is shown in FIG. 6-8 and is a modified version of the device described in US Pat. No. 5,607,414 to Richards et al., which is incorporated herein by reference. The support blocks 10 have curved surfaces as shown in FIG. 6 with a radius of curvature of 92 mm. The longitudinal distance (along the x-axis) between the points 50a and 50b of the support blocks 10, as shown in FIG. 6 is 77 mm. At points 50a and 50b that touch the curved surfaces parallel to the horizontal plane. The edge 60 of the support blocks 10 has a width of 80 mm. The edge 70 of the support blocks 10 has a length of 105 mm. The edge 80 of the support blocks 10 has a height of 75 mm. The compression plates 30 have a length of 70 mm measured along the compression plates 30 in the direction from point 50a to point 50b (along the x-axis, parallel to the edge 70) and have a radius of 224 mm measured with respect to the vertical z'-axis depicted in FIG. 6. The compression plates are 34mm wide in the vertical z direction.

The support blocks 10 are fixedly fixed on a support plate 90 having a thickness of 12 mm. Points 50a and 50b are located approximately 5 mm above the top surface of the base plate 90. The bottom surfaces of the compression plates 30 are in the same plane as the top surface of the base plate 90. The base plate is 90 mm long and 77 mm wide through the cut-out area 110 located between two support blocks.

The panty 300, as described below, is cut at each thigh section so that it can be laid horizontally as shown in FIG. 7. Strips of double adhesive tape 400 are placed on two test support blocks 10 at sites 100 (site 100 is depicted as the area between the dotted lines on the curved surfaces of the blocks 10 in FIG. 6). Adhesive type 400 - Tectape, code 633, supplied by Day, Brazil. Each of the sections of adhesive tape 100 has a width of 65 mm in the direction of the edge 60 and covers the entire curved surface of the support blocks in the direction perpendicular to the edge 60. The cut clothing is then placed on two supports so that the crotch forms a bridge between the support blocks 10, as shown in Fig. 7. The panty 300 is placed such that there is no significant tension in the fabric, but also no gap. The panties are also positioned so that there is no wrinkling or stretching of the garment in the areas containing the adhesive tape 100. In addition, the narrowest portion of the crotch portion is positioned centrally between the support blocks 10. In addition, each support block has a clip 120 to facilitate pulling back on the garment. down.

A test product sample is obtained by removing the absorbent product from the packaging and removing any other release paper from the product. The product sample is placed on the support blocks 10 such that the entire area of the centrally located adhesive of the product sample adheres to the panty 300. The product sample wings 200 (if present) are wrapped and attached to the back side of the panty (i.e., the side of the panty facing the device). It is very important to avoid deformation of the central portion 3 of the absorbent core of the product sample when placing it on the support and wrapping and gluing the wings 200 to the back of the panty. The wrapping of the wings 200 around the panty is done in such a way that each flap is wrapped as far as possible on the back of the panty 300 so that the panty is not bunched up or deformed. Finger pressure is applied to ensure that the winglet 200 is adhered to the back of the panty 300.

The compression plates 30 of the device 150 are located at an initial distance (or first position) of 65 mm from each other. The compression plates 30 are compressed (or moved) together at a rate of 15 mm/sec until they are separated from each other by 25 mm (or second position), the compression plates 30 are then pushed apart at a rate of 15 mm/sec until they are separated again from each other at a distance of 65 mm (first position). The 25 and 65 mm distances indicated are based on the closest points on the product facing the compression plates 20 and panty 300 when the product and panty are placed on the testing device. In a separate embodiment, the compression (or movement) of the compression plates 30 is performed by pneumatic cylinders; however, optionally, other compression mechanisms capable of providing the aforementioned compression and reverse movement can be used, such as servomotors. A control unit (130) may be installed on the apparatus to actuate the test and control test parameters (eg, number of test cycles and test cycle rate).

After three compressions, the product sample is held in a compressed (or deformed) state (i.e., not returned to its original position) and the deformation is visually inspected to determine the formation of a configuration of either a "convex shape", or a "cup shape", or a "cluster". If the part of the product sample compressed by the compression plates 30 rises vertically along the longitudinal center line of the product sample above (i.e., vertically above) any other peripheral part of the product sample in the direction of the vertical z-axis, then the resulting deformation is classified as "convex", as in Fig. 9-14. If, under the circumstances described above, a part of the product sample on its longitudinally extending center line is under (i.e., vertically below) any remaining peripheral part of the product sample (i.e., in the direction opposite to the bulge described above), the deformation classified as "cup-shaped". If the part of the product sample compressed by the compression plates 30 neither rises nor falls vertically along the longitudinal center line of the product sample so as to be above (or below) any other peripheral part of the product sample, positive or negative, as the case may be, in the direction of the vertical z-axis, the resulting strain is classified as "bunching".

The above procedure is repeated 10 times on separate test pieces of the article. The occurrence of "bulging", "cupping", or "clumping" is recorded at the end of each test procedure. Calculate the percentage of procedures that result in the deformation of the "convex shape". The articles of the present invention deform and "bulge" a deformation of at least about 75%, optionally at least about 80%, optionally at least about 85%, optionally at least about in 90%, optionally at least about 95% of such repeat procedures.

For each test article, after the test article has been deformed as described above, the article sample is held in a compressed (or deformed) state and the ability of the article sample to absorb and distribute liquid along the longitudinal center line of the article sample is evaluated as follows:

Synthetic menses are prepared according to the method disclosed in US Patent Publication No. 20070219520 issued to Miura et al., the publication of which is incorporated herein by reference. In accordance with the present description, the following mixture was used as a fluid in the test, simulating biological fluids: 49.5% sodium chloride solution 0.9% (VWR, Cat # VW 3257-7), 49.05% glycerol (Emery 917), 1% phenoxyethanol (Clariant Corporation Phenoxetol®) and 0.45% sodium chloride (Baker sodium chloride crystal No. 9624-05). Seven ml of the liquid to be tested (7 ml) was dropped 1 mm above the surface of the product onto the center of the product in its deformed state at a rate of 1 ml/min using a commercially available pump 140, see PUMP 11 ELITE supplied by Harvard Apparatus (Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania) used a 140a pipette with an internal lumen diameter of 1.5 mm, which was held vertically from the point of exit above the center of the product (i.e., a tip equal to a diameter of 1.5 mm) to drip the control synthetic menstrual fluid, as already described. After completion of the flow from the pipette, leave for an additional 5 minutes and then measure the spot on the product for the greatest length and width.

The panties used for this test consist of a woven cotton fabric with elasticated leg bands supplied by Marisa in Brazil (supplier code 29771). This type of panty fabric and construction is available in most regions. The crotch of panties at its narrowest point has a width of 60 to 70 mm. Some panties have a part with a double layer of fabric in the center. At a distance of 50 mm back and forth from the narrowest point, the width of the panties is between 70 and 80 mm.

From the above description, a person skilled in the art can understand the essential features of the present invention and, without deviating from the basic principles and scope of the present invention, will be able to make various changes and modifications. The illustrated or exemplary embodiments are not to be construed as limiting the various possible embodiments of the present invention.

EXAMPLES

Example I

The convex warp frequency and average spot length to width ratio of the absorbent article of the present invention as measured by the warp/distribution testing method described above.

Ten samples of the absorbent article were made using a 15 g/m2 polypropylene spunbond nonwoven fiber (Spunbond 15) supplied by Polystar, Brazil as the cover layer; cellulose down 415 g/m2 (class 4881) supplied by Georgia Pacific, USA as an absorbent layer; and 21 g/m2 polyethylene film (PE 21) supplied by Clopay, Brazil as a barrier layer. Embossed Pattern Fig. 3 was applied to parts of absorbent articles as described above with an embossing thickness of 2 mm to 3 mm as measured from the top surface of the absorbent article on the embossing. Absorbent article samples were tested for convex deformation and longitudinal liquid absorption using the deformation/distribution testing method described above. Intimus Gel Noturno pads (Kimberly Clark, Brazil - Comparative 1) and Semper Livre Tri-Protect pads (Johnson & Johnson do Brasil, Brazil - Comparative 2) were used as comparative examples. The results are shown in Table 1 below.

Table 1 Sample number of analyzed samples bulging frequency in % The ratio of the average length to the width of the spot Example 1 20 100 2.5 Comparative sample 1 20 0 2.3 Comparative sample 2 20 0 2.6

As can be seen from the above description and accompanying pictures, the absorbent articles of the present invention have a structure that gives the articles excellent capillary distribution properties and at the same time excellent absorbent properties as well as controlled deformation properties.

Claims (33)

1. An absorbent article having a transverse axis of symmetry and a longitudinal axis of symmetry, and a body-facing surface, wherein the body-facing surface comprises: a central portion having i) a first transverse edge parallel to the transverse axis of symmetry and a second transverse edge parallel to the transverse axis of symmetry and located opposite the first transverse edge in the direction of the longitudinal axis of symmetry; and ii) a first longitudinal edge parallel to the longitudinal axis of symmetry and a second longitudinal edge parallel to the longitudinal axis of symmetry and located opposite the first longitudinal edge in the direction of the transverse axis of symmetry, wherein the central section contains an embossed pattern containing at least two channels, extending in the longitudinal direction, having corresponding ends and not connected to each other, except for their respective ends; the first longitudinal end section, having a width and extending from the first transverse edge of the central section, along the longitudinal axis of symmetry from the central section, while the first longitudinal end section contains the first set of channels forming the first longitudinal end embossed pattern, having a width, moreover, at least , one of the channels in the first plurality of channels extends along the longitudinal axis of symmetry from the first transverse edge, and the first longitudinal end embossed pattern has a width of 50 to 90% of the width of the first longitudinal end portion; a second longitudinal end section having a width extending from the second transverse edge of the central section along the longitudinal axis of symmetry and from the central section, while the second longitudinal end section contains a second plurality of channels forming a second longitudinal end embossed pattern having a width, moreover, at least , one of the channels in the second set of channels extends along the longitudinal axis of symmetry from the second transverse edge, and the second longitudinal end embossing pattern has a width of 50 to 90% of the second longitudinal end section, and the embossed pattern of the central section is located in the longitudinal direction between the first and second set channels and interconnected with the first and second plurality of channels at the respective ends of at least two longitudinally extending channels of the embossed pattern of the Central section; a central longitudinal zone passing in the longitudinal direction through the first and second transverse end sections and the central section, while the central longitudinal zone runs symmetrically to the longitudinal axis of symmetry and along it and contains opposite longitudinally passing edges of the central longitudinal zone parallel to the longitudinal axis of symmetry, defining the width W the central longitudinal zone from 5 to 20 mm, and the embossed pattern of the central section is located within the width W of the central longitudinal zone and does not go beyond it; the first transverse end section extending from the first longitudinal edge of the central section along the transverse axis of symmetry and from the central section, while the first transverse end section contains at least one first longitudinally extending outer channel located at a distance of 5 to 26 mm from the nearest edges of the central longitudinal zone; And the second transverse end section extending from the second longitudinal edge of the central section along the transverse axis of symmetry and from the central part, while the second transverse end section contains at least one second longitudinally extending outer channel located at a distance of 5 to 26 mm from the nearest edges of the central longitudinal zone, wherein the embossed pattern of the central section is fluidly interconnected with the embossed patterns of the first and second longitudinal end sections. 2. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein at least one channel of the first plurality of channels extends at or along the longitudinal axis of symmetry through 65% to 90% of the first longitudinal end portion. 3. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein at least one channel of the second plurality of channels extends at or along the longitudinal axis of symmetry through 65% to 90% of the second longitudinal end portion. 4. The absorbent product according to claim 1, in which at least one channel of the first set of channels runs along the longitudinal axis of symmetry through from 65 to 90% of the first longitudinal end section and at least one channel of the second set of channels runs along the longitudinal axis of symmetry through from 65 to 90% of the second longitudinal end section. 5. The absorbent product according to claim 1, in which at least one channel of the first and second plurality of channels, respectively, contains at least one first branch(s) and/or at least one second branch(s), respectively. 6. The absorbent article according to claim 5, wherein at least one channel extending along the longitudinal axis of symmetry of the first and second plurality of channels, respectively, contains at least one first branch(s) and/or , at least one second branch(s), respectively. 7. The absorbent article according to claim 6, wherein at least one channel extending along the longitudinal axis of symmetry of the first and second plurality of channels, respectively, is located in the central longitudinal zone and does not extend beyond the width W of the central longitudinal zone. 8. The absorbent product according to claim 6, in which at least one first (s) branch(s) and / or at least one second (s) branch (s), respectively, is located (s) in the central longitudinal zone and extends beyond the width W of the central longitudinal zone. 9. The absorbent article according to claim 7, wherein the first branch(s) and/or second branch(s), respectively, of at least one channel extending along the longitudinal axis of symmetry of the first and second plurality of channels , respectively, is located(s) in the Central longitudinal zone and goes(s) beyond the width W of the Central longitudinal zone. 10. An absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the width W of the central longitudinal zone is between 10 and 18 mm. 11. An absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the first longitudinally extending outer channel is located at a distance of 10 to 20 mm from the nearest edge of the central longitudinal zone. 12. An absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the second longitudinally extending outer channel is located at a distance of 10 to 20 mm from the nearest edge of the central longitudinal zone. 13. The absorbent article of claim. 1, in which one or each of the first and second longitudinally extending outer channels passes and connects with the other longitudinally extending outer channel to unite their respective ends in fluid medium so that the outer embossed pattern surrounds the Central embossed pattern , as well as the first and second set of channels. 14. Absorbent article containing: longitudinal axis of symmetry; transverse axis of symmetry; a first longitudinal end portion having a first longitudinal end width; a second longitudinal end portion having a second longitudinal end width; a central part located between the first and second longitudinal end sections; body-facing surface comprising: a central longitudinal zone that extends from one end of the product to the second end of the product along and symmetrically to the longitudinal axis of symmetry, while the central longitudinal zone contains opposite longitudinally extending edges of the zone, defining the width W of the central longitudinal zone from 5 to 20 mm, and at the same time the width W the central longitudinal zone is symmetrical about the longitudinal axis of symmetry; first and second end embossing patterns, each of which is located on each of the first and second longitudinal end sections, respectively, while the first and second end embossing patterns contain, respectively and independently, the first and second sets of branched channels, while at least , one of the first and second plurality of branched channels extends longitudinally within and does not extend beyond the Central longitudinal zone through from 50 to 90% of the width of the first and second end sections, respectively; a central embossing pattern located inside the central longitudinal zone and not extending beyond the width W of the central longitudinal zone, while the central embossing pattern is located in the central area and contains at least two longitudinally extending channels having corresponding ends extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis symmetry for connection at their respective ends with the first and second plurality of branched channels, and the longitudinally extending channels are not connected to each other, except for their ends; And external embossed pattern containing at least two longitudinally extending external channels, while the longitudinally extending external channels are located opposite each other and at least partially separated by a central longitudinal zone, while each of the longitudinally extending external channels is located at a distance from 5 to 26 mm from the nearest edge of the central longitudinal zone; wherein the central embossed pattern is fluidly connected to the first and second end embossed patterns of the first and second longitudinal end portions to facilitate fluid flow longitudinally through the article; And the center embossing pattern, the first and second end embossing patterns, and the outer embossing pattern cooperating to facilitate the deformation of the article into a convex shape when the article is applied in the user's crotch region, while the body facing surface is aligned to contact with the user's body.

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