WO1996023474A1 - Article absorbant pourvu d'un element de fractionnement - Google Patents

Article absorbant pourvu d'un element de fractionnement Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1996023474A1
WO1996023474A1 PCT/US1996/001255 US9601255W WO9623474A1 WO 1996023474 A1 WO1996023474 A1 WO 1996023474A1 US 9601255 W US9601255 W US 9601255W WO 9623474 A1 WO9623474 A1 WO 9623474A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
absorbent article
component
body exudates
acquisition component
exudates
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1996/001255
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
John Lee Hammons
James Cameron Horney
Original Assignee
The Procter & Gamble Company
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by The Procter & Gamble Company filed Critical The Procter & Gamble Company
Priority to AU49100/96A priority Critical patent/AU4910096A/en
Publication of WO1996023474A1 publication Critical patent/WO1996023474A1/fr

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/53—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium
    • A61F13/534—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium having an inhomogeneous composition through the thickness of the pad
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/45—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the shape
    • A61F13/49—Absorbent articles specially adapted to be worn around the waist, e.g. diapers
    • A61F13/495—Absorbent articles specially adapted to be worn around the waist, e.g. diapers with faecal cavity
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/51—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the outer layers
    • A61F13/511—Topsheet, i.e. the permeable cover or layer facing the skin
    • A61F13/512—Topsheet, i.e. the permeable cover or layer facing the skin characterised by its apertures, e.g. perforations
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/15203—Properties of the article, e.g. stiffness or absorbency
    • A61F2013/15284—Properties of the article, e.g. stiffness or absorbency characterized by quantifiable properties
    • A61F2013/15487—Capillary properties, e.g. wicking
    • A61F2013/15495—Capillary properties, e.g. wicking pore dimension
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/51—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the outer layers
    • A61F2013/51059—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the outer layers being sprayed with chemicals
    • A61F2013/51066—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the outer layers being sprayed with chemicals for rendering the surface hydrophilic
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/53—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium
    • A61F2013/530437—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium having a part with elevated absorption means
    • A61F2013/530452—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium having a part with elevated absorption means having chemically-stiffened fibres
    • A61F2013/530459—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium having a part with elevated absorption means having chemically-stiffened fibres being curled
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/53—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium
    • A61F2013/530437—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium having a part with elevated absorption means
    • A61F2013/530452—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium having a part with elevated absorption means having chemically-stiffened fibres
    • A61F2013/530467—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium having a part with elevated absorption means having chemically-stiffened fibres being twisted
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/53—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium
    • A61F2013/530802—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium characterized by the foam or sponge other than superabsorbent
    • A61F2013/53081—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium characterized by the foam or sponge other than superabsorbent with special pore dimension or arrangement
    • A61F2013/530817—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium characterized by the foam or sponge other than superabsorbent with special pore dimension or arrangement being open cells

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to an absorbent article for storing body exudates and more specifically to an absorbent structure that acquires and stores body exudates.
  • Disposable absorbent articles for acquisition and storage of body exudates are well known in the prior art and have been provided for many uses in various configurations.
  • Typical examples include disposable diapers or incontinence pads which are intended to absorb and retain urine and feces; wound dressings (e.g. bandages) which are intended to absorb and retain blood; and catamenial pads which are intended to absorb and retain menstrual and other vaginal discharges, and prevent body and clothing soiling.
  • the disposable absorbent article absorbs and retains body exudates, thereby preventing the exudates from soiling or otherwise contaminating the area (e.g. the clothes or the wearer) around the body exudates discharge.
  • disposable absorbent articles have the same basic structure: an absorbent structure, which is encased between a topsheet, which is in contact with the wearer, and a backsheet.
  • the prior art teaches numerous variations of these elements, with each variation being directed to improving one or more specific characteristics of the absorbent article.
  • a catamenial product e.g. a sanitary napkin, a pantiliner or a tampon
  • a catamenial product is distinguishable from other types of absorbent articles in that its materials must absorb, distribute, store, and retain vaginal discharges (e.g. menstrual and other vaginal discharges), which are distinguishable from other types of discharged body exudates, such as urine, which is typically absorbed by a diaper.
  • Urine is characterized as a Newtonian fluid and has a relatively constant viscosity.
  • a vaginal discharge is a complex and heterogeneous suspension that is characterized as a non-Newtonian fluid (e.g., a fluid that generally does not maintain a constant viscosity throughout and does not follow typical flow patterns because of the high solid content).
  • a non-Newtonian fluid e.g., a fluid that generally does not maintain a constant viscosity throughout and does not follow typical flow patterns because of the high solid content.
  • menstrual discharges typically comprise a non-solid or fluid portion, having water, and a solid portion having various elements, such as body tissue fragments, protein aggregates, lipids etc., each of which contribute to the non-Newtonian fluid characteristic.
  • the composition of menstrual discharge varies from woman to woman, and even from day to day with an individual woman.
  • absorbent articles in the prior art with storage components that are interposed between a backsheet and an acquisition component.
  • the acquisition component of these articles typically is a material configured so that it quickly absorbs and wicks exudates away from the wearer and topsheet, and toward and into the storage component.
  • Such articles also are configured so that exudates do not flow back toward the wearer reducing the possibility of "rewetting". This provides comfort for the wearer of the article since the skin of the wearer remains relatively dry.
  • the storage component is a material provided in absorbent articles to absorb exudates from the absorbent component, and that can store and redistribute the absorbed exudates.
  • Another material with enhanced storage capacity is a superabsorbing hydrogel material dispersed in fiber matrix which has storage capacity for artificial menstrual fluid from about 8 to about 16 times greater than its own weight, and from about 25 to about 30 times it own weight for urine. Also, the material has a storage capacity from about 2 to about 3 times greater than fiber materials.
  • superabsorbing polymers dispersed in a fiber matrix were not as viable in catamenial products since the solid portion in vaginal discharge can plate the outer surface of superabsorber particles, which reduces their capacity to absorb and store the discharge.
  • This problem is not unique to polymeric foam materials or superabsorbing hydrogel material in a sheet form or dispersed in fiber matrix, and can exist with any absorbent material having a high concentration of small pores or openings. Examples of such materials include other foams, superabsorbers, sheeted superabsorbers, dense fiber materials and the like.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide an absorbent structure having improved protection against soiling in the area around the area of exudate discharge.
  • the present invention comprises an absorbent article for the management of body exudates having, in combination, a storage component and an acquisition component
  • the storage component is for storing the fluid portion of body exudates.
  • the acquisition component interposed between the source of body exudates and the storage component, is for filtering and storing the solid portion of the exudates.
  • the acquisition component has a plurality of pores in the size range of red blood cells, suspended solids, and other body exudates which traps the solid portion of the body exudate and allows the fluid portion to continue flowing through the acquisition component and into the storage component.
  • the acquisition component can include curled cellulosic fibers being mechanically altered from an unrefined state to a refined state
  • the storage component can include either a flexible hydrophilic polymeric foam material or a superabsorbing hydrogel material disposed in a fiber matrix.
  • the absorbent article comprises a topsheet or can comprise a topsheet and a backsheet.
  • Fig. 1 is a cutaway elevated perspective view of an exemplary absorbent article made in accordance with the present invention
  • Fig. 2a is a cross sectional view of the absorbent article of Fig. 1 taken along line 2-2 thereof;
  • Fig. 3 is a cross sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention formed with flexible side panels.
  • the term "absorbent article” refers to articles which absorb and contain body exudates. More specifically, the term refers to articles which are placed against or in close proximity to the body of the wearer to absorb and retain various exudates, including those discharged from the body. It should be understood, however, that the present invention is also applicable for use in other disposable "absorbent articles” such as pantiliners, diapers, incontinence pads, bandages, wound dressings, bed pads, tampons and the like.
  • the term "disposable absorbent article” refers to articles which are intended to absorb and contain exudates, such as those discharged from the body (e.g., blood, vaginal discharges, urine, and the like), and further, which articles are intended to be discarded after a single use. (e.g., they are not intended to be laundered or otherwise restored and then reused).
  • a catamenial pad e.g., a sanitary napkin or pantiliner
  • a catamenial pad is a disposable absorbent article worn by females external to the urogenital region and which is intended to absorb and contain menstrual fluids and other vaginal discharges.
  • solid portion of the body exudate refers to particles having an effective radii of greater than about 5 ⁇ m.
  • the absorbent article 10 has two surfaces, a body facing surface 10a and a garment facing surface 10b.
  • the body facing surface 10a is intended to be worn adjacent to the body of the wearer whereas the garment facing surface 10b is on the opposite side of article 10 and is intended to be placed adjacent to the undergarment of the wearer when the article 10 is worn.
  • the sanitary napkin should not be bulky to wear and should be sized and configured to fit under clothing to be less noticeable.
  • napkins can be of any thinness, and would generally have a thinness (i.e., caliper) of less than about 10mm, with some having a thinness of less than about 7mm.
  • the surface area of the body facing surface 10a should be at least about 100cm 2 to prevent discharged exudates from missing the absorbent article 10 and soiling clothing or the body of the wearer.
  • the absorbent article 10 should also preferably be relatively flexible so that it readily conforms to the crotch area of the undergarment of the wearer and the anatomy of the wearer, and that it is comfortable to the wearer.
  • the absorbent article 10 can include a fluid permeable topsheet 12, a backsheet 14 (or “barrier means"), and an absorbent structure 20 which includes an acquisition component 22 in close proximity to the topsheet 12 and a storage component 24 interposed between the backsheet 14 and the acquisition component 22.
  • the outer surface of backsheet 14 can double as the garment facing surface 10b, and can be in close proximity to the user's undergarment.
  • the outer surface of topsheet 12 can double as the body facing surface 10a, and is placed in close proximity to the users body when the absorbent article 10 is used.
  • the topsheet 12 and backsheet 14 are preferably affixed to each other in any manner and any configuration as is known in the industry. Typical examples include using glue, crimping or heat seals which extend around the periphery of both topsheet 12 and backsheet 14. In a preferred manner and configuration of affixing the topsheet 12 and backsheet 14 together, both are manufactured having a shape similar to, but generally larger than, the absorbent structure 20, as seen best in Fig. 1. Thus, the topsheet 12 and backsheet 14 generally have a portion extending outward from the edges (e.g., the lateral and longitudinal edges) of the absorbent structure 20, thereby forming a narrow and flexible border 16 which encircles the absorbent structure 20.
  • the configuration of the structure 20 should cover the greatest possible area in the crotch portion of a wearer's undergarment, and suitable examples of the shape of the absorbent article 10 include a rectangular shape, a dog-bone shape, an hourglass shape, a sinusoidal shape, or an elongated pear shape.
  • the absorbent article 10 of the present invention can also be provided with any optional additional components that are known in the art, and may include side panels, an adhesive fastening element or a removable cover strip or release liner.
  • the absorbent article 10 may be provided with flexible side panels 40, that can be folded around the crotch portion of the wearers panties, as disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,589,876, to Van Tilburg, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
  • the fastening component 30 serves to attach the absorbent article 10 to the undergarment of the wearer, and the removable release liner 32 covers the adhesive element 34 in order to keep the adhesive element 34 from drying out or sticking to a surface other than the crotch portion of the undergarment prior to use
  • a fastening component 30 comprises an adhesive element 34 provided on the outer surface of backsheet 14 and a release liner 32.
  • release liner 32 for the adhesive element 34 is removed and the adhesive element 34 secures the absorbent article 10 directly to the undergarment of the wearer.
  • absorbent article 10 such as catamenial pads, are placed in the crotch portion of an undergarment.
  • Other fastening components can be used, including belts, clips and other devices known in the art.
  • FIGS 1 through 3 illustrate a topsheet 12 that overlies and is folded around other components of article 10, and also has a structure-facing side 12a and a body- facing side 12b, which also generally form a portion of the body surface 10a of the absorbent article 10.
  • body-facing side 12b of topsheet 12 is placed closest or next to the skin of the wearer adjacent to the body orifice (e.g., urogenital region) to receive body exudates.
  • Topsheet 12 should be pervious to exudates and comprise relatively hydrophobic materials in comparison with the other materials of the absorbent structure 20 so that exudates are permitted to rapidly penetrate and transfer therethrough toward the structure 20.
  • the material will preferably have no affinity for retaining body exudates in the area of contact between topsheet 12 and the skin of the wearer.
  • the material should also reduce the tendency of the absorbent article 10 to "re-wet" (e.g., allowing the exudates to flow back through the topsheet 12 to the wearer's skin) and should be flexible material (e.g., readily conforms to the body shape, compliant, or respond by easily deforming in the presence of external forces) that is non-irritating to the wearer's skin.
  • topsheet 12 should be clean in appearance and somewhat opaque to hide exudates stored in structure 20.
  • the topsheet 12 preferably also has a plurality of apertures to permit exudates deposited thereon to pass through to the structure 20. Such apertures may, but need not, also be present in any extension of the topsheet 12 may comprise a portion of the side panels 40. If apertured, the topsheet 12 should have from about 5% to about 60% open area, preferably about 25%, and should have a thinness from about 0.01 mm to about 0.05mm.
  • Suitable topsheets 12 can be made in part or completely of a number of different materials, such as, non-woven materials or perforated film comprising such materials as polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyolefin, rayon, or the like, or of natural fibers such as cottons, foams, or combinations thereof using any suitable process.
  • non-woven topsheet materials the fibers are typically bound together by a thermal binding process, or by a polymeric binder, such as polyacrolate, which is substantially porous and permits exudates to readily pass therethrough into the underlying absorbent structure 20.
  • a surfactant can also be added to the material used in topsheet 12 to render it more hydrophilic which enhances exudate penetration therethrough.
  • a surfactant reduces the exudate off flow (e.g., side soiling or end soiling) from the topsheet 12.
  • a suitable surfactant should be nonionic, should not irritate the skin of the wearer, and should be evenly spaced and completely distributed through the material at a distribution of about 0.0 lmg of surfactant per square centimeter of topsheet 12.
  • a suitable illustrative example of a surfactant usable with the present invention is sold by Glyco Chemical, Inc. of Greenwich, Connecticut, as Pegosperse 200.
  • Suitable illustrative examples of preferable topsheets 12 include topsheets made in accordance with the teachings of United States Patents 4,342,314, to Radel et al., and 4,463,045, to Ahr, et al. the disclosure of both patents which is hereby inco ⁇ orated herein by reference.
  • absorbent article 10 further comprises a backsheet 14 that assists in preventing the exudates from soiling articles which come into contact with the wearer, such as the panty or clothing of the wearer.
  • the backsheet 14 is superimposed and co-extensive on its core facing side 14a with at least a portion of the backing facing side 20b of structure 20.
  • backsheet 14 also has a garment-facing side 14b which is typically adjacent the garment of the wearer, and forms a portion of the garment side 10b of absorbent article 10.
  • the structure-facing side 14a can be distinguished from the garment-facing side 14b of backsheet 14 because the structure-facing side 14a is joined to the topsheet 12 and structure 20.
  • the backsheet 14 can be constructed from a thin, plastic film of flexible material which is substantially water impervious, and prevents collected discharged exudates from moving through and escaping from the absorbent article 10, and soiling the body or clothing of the wearer. Such materials may also be impervious to malodorous gases generated by body discharges, which, in turn, reduce the opportunity for discharge gases to escape and become noticeable to the wearer or others.
  • absorbent article 10 further comprises an absorbent structure 20 that absorbs and redistributes exudates for storage while maintaining comfort and non-irritation for the wearer's skin, and further prevents soiling of the wearer's undergarment, outer clothing, or skin.
  • the absorbent structure 20 should generally have a thin and narrow configuration, especially in the crotch area, so as to be comfortable, as discussed above, and should have an absorbent capacity depending on the intended use of the absorbent article while still remaining comfortable.
  • the structure 20 should be sized to register with the topsheet 12 and backsheet 14, and may be configured of any suitable shape, and preferably can be a rectangular shape, an elongated pear-shaped, a sinusoidal shape, a dog-bone shape, or an hourglass shape, as shown in Fig. 1.
  • the acquisition component 22 and storage component 24 are in fluid communication with each other, they may be interposed relative to one another in a wide variety of configurations.
  • it is desirable to employ minimal amounts of the components of the absorbent structure 20 e.g., the materials of the acquisition component 22 and the storage component 24
  • minimal amounts of the components of the absorbent structure 20 e.g., the materials of the acquisition component 22 and the storage component 24
  • the selection of materials and interaction of the particular configuration of the acquisition and storage components 22 and 24, respectively, utilized in absorbent structure 20 result in an especially efficient handling of exudates and, in turn, permits utilization of minimal amounts of materials in each of their respective components (e.g., 22 and 24).
  • the acquisition component 22 is preferably positioned in close proximity to topsheet 12 and interposed between topsheet 12 and storage component 24. Since the discharge of the body exudates (i.e., vaginal discharge) occur in a particular area, the acquisition component 22 should preferably encompass the urovaginal region for catamenial pads, so as to be effectively located to acquire and transport body exudates to other regions of the absorbent structure 20.
  • the acquisition component 22 has larger pore sizes relative to the pore sizes of the storage component 24 such that the acquisition component 22 can acquire body exudates and can also filter and retain (e.g., store) the solid portion of the exudates while transporting (e.g., wicking or partitioning) the remaining fluid portion of body exudates to the storage component 24 for redistribution and storage.
  • the acquisition component 22 should have a higher percentage of pore sizes larger than the range of pore sizes the storage component 24.
  • the acquisition component 22 will preferably comprise a material that fractionates or filters the solid portion from the fluid portion of the body exudates. More specifically, particles in menstrual discharges and other vaginal discharges having an effective radii of greater than about 5 ⁇ m are removed by fractionation or filtering and stored in the acquisition component 22. Optimally, this allows the fluid portion of the body exudates to be stored in the storage component 24.
  • the materials for use as acquisition component 22 should fractionate or filter the menstrual discharge as it moves or redistributes therethrough, and retains or stores the fractionated component therein. Large debris in the menstrual discharge, can become trapped or lodged in the larger capillaries (e.g., 45 to 150 ⁇ m radii) of the acquisition component 22.
  • the smaller capillaries e.g., 5 to 45 ⁇ m radii
  • these smaller capillaries trap and retain the smaller particles and debris in the exudates, and thereby “fractionate” which results in that portion being stored therein.
  • the body exudates move through the smaller pores, near complete separation of fluid and solid portions occurs, and "visual" fractionation results whereby the exudates change color appearances.
  • wicking of the exudates further enhances fractionation of exudates, as discussed above, which in turn further enhances the fluid portion of exudates partitioning to the material of the storage component 24.
  • the present invention provides an absorbent structure 20 which has an extended usage time by providing a more complete utilization of the absorbent structure 20 due to fractionation and storage of the solid portion of exudates in the acquisition component, which enhances exudate distribution in the fine capillary structure of the storage component 24.
  • curled fibers can have an average dry fiber twist count of at least about 4.5 twist nodes per milliliters, an average wet fiber twist count of at least about 3.0 twist nodes per milliliters, and at least about 0.5 twist nodes per milliliters less than the fiber twist count.
  • the average isopropyl alcohol retention value is less than about 30%, and, the average water retention value is between about 28% and about 50%.
  • Preferred fibers have an average dry fiber curl factor of at least about 0.30, and more preferably at least about 0.50. It is to be understood that the refining process does not substantially affect these parameters because the process is carried out in a manner where there is little or no defibrillation of the original curled and twisted fibers. Rather, the original fibers are, in general, reduced in length, and on the average, have original lengths ranging approximately from about 1.6 mm to about 7 mm.
  • curled fibers are further refined using techniques disclosed in U.S. Patent 5,334,176 to Buenger et al., the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. At least about 20% of the resulting fibers, preferably at least about 50%, and more preferably from about 50% to about 90%, and most preferably at least about 90% of the refined fibers have an average length which is from about 10% to about 40% of the length of the original, unrefined curled fibers.
  • the unrefined fibers prepared by the process will have lengths in the range from about 1.6 millimeters to about 7 millimeters whereas after refining, the lengths of the refined curled cellulosic fibers will be in the average range from about 0.25 millimeters to about 1.55 millimeters, and have an average of about 0.1 grams to about 0J5 grams of refined fiber per cubic centimeter.
  • the refined wet laid cellulosic fiber may have about .05% kymene, by dry weight therein.
  • Another suitable material that will store the non-fluid portion of body exudates includes a mixture of hydrophilic cellulosic fibers and thermoplastic material which are bonded together into a thermally bonded matrix of the type disclosed in commonly assigned copending U.S. Patent application Serial No. 08/141, 156, filed October 21, 1993, in the names of Richards, et al., the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
  • Still another suitable material that will store the non-fluid portion of body exudates includes a mixture of hydrophilic cellulosic fibers, thermoplastic material, and eucalyptus fibers which are bonded together in a thermally bonded matrix of the type disclosed in common assigned, copending U.S. Patent Application, Serial No. , Case No. 5573 filed February 3, 1995, entitled "Fluid Distribution
  • the storage component 24 provides an area in and for the storage of fluid portion of the body exudates, and need not have an absorbent capacity much greater than the total amount of exudate to be absorbed.
  • the storage component 24 should have a significant pore volume range from about 5 ⁇ m to about 50 ⁇ m radii, preferably from about 8 ⁇ m to about 30 ⁇ m pore radii, to provide sufficient capillary suction for partitioning the fluid portion of the body exudates from acquisition component 22.
  • Suitable examples of materials useful as storage component 24 include a hydrophilic, flexible structure of interconnected open spaces, such as the hydrophilic foam structure disclosed in U.S. Patent 5,147,345 to Young, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference, or other polymeric foams.
  • Other suitable materials include a superabsorbent polymeric which absorbs fluid to form a hydrogel material, such as the type disclosed in U.S. Patent 5,217,445 to Young, et al., the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
  • the superabsorbent polymeric material can be dispersed in a fiber matrix (e.g., web or tissue) or can be by in a non- woven sheet.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment in which the acquisition component 22 comprises a first acquisition component 23a and a second fluid acquisition component 23b.
  • the first component 23 a is a separate acquisition-only layer that is interposed between the topsheet 12 and the second component 23b, and comprises a material having larger cell sizes and a lower surface area per volume relative to the second component 23 b.
  • first and second component 23 a and 23b create a capillary suction between the first and second components 23 a and 23 b, respectively, and allow for exudates to be more quickly and efficiently absorbed from topsheet 12, fractionated through acquisition component 22, and transported into the storage component 24.
  • Suitable materials useful as materials in acquisition component 23b have a uniformly distributed range of capillary pore volume such as having a radii from about 5 ⁇ m to about 150 ⁇ m, and preferably from about 5 ⁇ m to about 80 ⁇ m.
  • Suitable examples of first component 23 a include airfelt, nonwovens, air and wet formed cellulosic webs, and chemically stiffenent cellulose.
  • the absorbent article does not have to be constructed as a laminate and can be constructed as a tubed sanitary napkin or even as a tampon for internal body use whereby the fluid acquisition component of the present invention is wrapped around a suitable storage component.
  • the absorbent article does not have to be constructed as a laminate and can be constructed as a tubed sanitary napkin or even as a tampon for internal body use whereby the fluid acquisition component of the present invention is wrapped around a suitable storage component.

Abstract

On décrit un article absorbant, destiné à la répartition des exsudats corporels, et présentant une combinaison d'une structure d'acquisition et d'une structure de stockage. La structure d'acquisition, placée entre la source des exsudats corporels et la structure de stockage, présente un élément destiné à fractionner les exsudats corporels provenant de la source et à stocker la portion solide de ces exsudats. La structure d'acquisition présente une pluralité de pores dont les dimensions se situent dans la plage de celles des globules rouges, des solides en suspension et des autres exsudats corporels, ce qui permet d'emprisonner et de stocker la portion solide des exsudats corporels et de laisser continuer à s'écouler la portion fluide, à travers la structure d'acquisition et jusqu'à l'intérieur de la structure de stockage, laquelle est destinée à stocker la portion fluide des exsudats.
PCT/US1996/001255 1995-02-03 1996-01-26 Article absorbant pourvu d'un element de fractionnement WO1996023474A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU49100/96A AU4910096A (en) 1995-02-03 1996-01-26 Absorbent article with fractionation member

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US08/382,921 USH1657H (en) 1995-02-03 1995-02-03 Absorbent article with fractionation member
US08/382,921 1995-02-03

Publications (1)

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WO1996023474A1 true WO1996023474A1 (fr) 1996-08-08

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US (1) USH1657H (fr)
AU (1) AU4910096A (fr)
TW (1) TW302281B (fr)
WO (1) WO1996023474A1 (fr)
ZA (1) ZA96849B (fr)

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WO1998057609A1 (fr) 1997-06-16 1998-12-23 The Procter & Gamble Company Dispositif interlabial conçu pour absorber les divers constituants des menstrues
WO2003080136A1 (fr) 2002-03-27 2003-10-02 Sca Hygiene Products Ab Produit absorbant
JP2006340842A (ja) * 2005-06-08 2006-12-21 Kao Corp 吸収性物品
JP2006340841A (ja) * 2005-06-08 2006-12-21 Kao Corp 吸収性物品
EP1889589A1 (fr) * 2005-06-08 2008-02-20 Kao Corporation Article absorbant

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US5964689A (en) * 1996-08-30 1999-10-12 The Procter & Gamble Company Method of making an absorbent interlabial device with a central groove
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US20020177832A1 (en) * 2001-05-23 2002-11-28 Elena Fernandez-Kleinlein Adaptable absorbent articles
BR0105724B1 (pt) * 2001-11-26 2010-11-30 absorvente higiênico.
GB2421927B (en) * 2005-01-10 2010-06-09 Oday Abbosh Improvements in wipes
EP1922045B1 (fr) 2005-09-07 2012-11-07 Tyco Healthcare Group LP Pansement pour plaies autonome muni d'une micropompe
CA2624689A1 (fr) * 2005-10-05 2007-04-12 Sca Hygiene Products Ab Article absorbant comprenant un polymere contraphile
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DK3354293T3 (da) 2012-05-23 2020-02-17 Smith & Nephew Apparater til sårbehandling ved negativt tryk
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US10667955B2 (en) 2012-08-01 2020-06-02 Smith & Nephew Plc Wound dressing and method of treatment
EP3157484B1 (fr) 2014-06-18 2020-02-26 Smith & Nephew plc Pansement
GB2555584B (en) 2016-10-28 2020-05-27 Smith & Nephew Multi-layered wound dressing and method of manufacture
USD926974S1 (en) * 2019-03-01 2021-08-03 Lyv Life, Inc. Ultrathin absorbent bladder liner with absorbent pod
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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
TW302281B (fr) 1997-04-11
AU4910096A (en) 1996-08-21
ZA96849B (en) 1996-08-12
USH1657H (en) 1997-06-03

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