DE202017006014U1 - Absorbent article with pockets - Google Patents

Abstract

An absorbent article comprising: a front waist region (5); a rear waist region (6); a crotch region (7) extending between the front waist region and the rear waist region; a front waist edge (10); a rear waist edge (12) longitudinally opposite the front waist edge; a first side edge (3); a second side edge (4) which faces the first side edge in the lateral direction; a longitudinal axis (80) extending from a midpoint of the front waist edge to a midpoint of the rear waist edge; a transverse axis (90) extending from a midpoint of the first side edge to a midpoint of the second side edge; a liquid pervious topsheet (24); a liquid-impermeable backsheet (25); a pair of barrier leg cuffs (34) extending at least partially between the front waist edge and the rear waist edge on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis, each barrier leg cuff comprising: a proximal edge (64) joined to the topsheet or the backsheet; and a free end edge (66); and an absorbent core (28) at least partially disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet and comprising a core wrap surrounding an absorbent material, the core wrap comprising a top (16) and a bottom (16 '), the absorbent being superabsorbent. Polymer, wherein the absorbent material comprises at least one channel (26) substantially free of the superabsorbent polymers and oriented at least partially in the longitudinal direction thereof, and wherein the absorbent core comprises a pocket (29) substantially free of the superabsorbents Polymer, and wherein a portion of the pocket extends along a portion of the longitudinal axis.

Description

TERRITORY

The present disclosure is generally directed to personal care absorbent articles such as baby diapers, training pants, adult incontinence products, and / or sanitary napkins. The absorbent articles may each comprise channels and / or pockets.

BACKGROUND

Personal care absorbent articles, such as infant disposable diapers, toddlers' exercise pants, adult incontinence garments, and / or sanitary napkins, are designed to absorb and retain body exudates, particularly large quantities of urine or menstrual fluid. These absorbent articles comprise a plurality of layers providing different functions, among other layers, for example, a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet.

The function of the absorbent core is to absorb and retain the waste for an extended period of time, such as overnight, in a diaper, to minimize rewet to keep the wearer dry, and to avoid contamination of clothing or bedding. The majority of absorbent articles currently available on the market comprise as absorbent material a mixture of crushed wood pulp with superabsorbent polymers (SAP) in powder form, also referred to as absorption gelling materials (AGM). Absorbent articles having a core consisting essentially of SAP as absorbent material (so-called "airfelt-free" cores) have also been proposed, but are less common than conventional mixed cores.

Some absorbent articles may typically include leg cuffs that provide retention of fluids and other body exudates. Leg cuffs may also be referred to as leg bands, side braces, barrier cuffs, or elastic cuffs. Typically, each leg cuff comprises one or more elastic cords or elements included in the diaper chassis, for example, between the topsheet and the backsheet in the region of the leg openings to provide an effective seal during use of the absorbent article. These elasticized elements, which are substantially planar with the base unit of the absorbent article, are referred to herein as sealing cuffs. It is also common for the leg cuffs to include raised elasticized brims, referred to herein as barrier leg cuffs, which enhance the retention of fluid in the leg-torso joint areas.

Absorbent articles generally have high absorbency and the absorbent core can expand to several times its weight and volume. These increases can cause the absorbent articles to sag in the crotch area when saturated with liquid, thereby allowing the barrier leg cuffs to partially lose contact with the wearer's skin. This can lead to a loss of functionality of the barrier leg cuffs with the increased possibility of leakage.

Although various solutions to this problem have been proposed, the art may benefit from additional channel and / or pocket configurations that enhance the anti-seize property of absorbent articles.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, the present disclosure is directed in part to an absorbent article having a front waist edge or a front edge, a back waist edge or a back edge opposite the front waist edge in the longitudinal direction, a first side edge, a second side edge, the first side edge lateral direction, a longitudinal axis extending from a midpoint of the front waist edge to a midpoint of the waist edge, and a transverse axis extending from a midpoint of the first side edge to a midpoint of the second side edge may include. Absorbent article may also include a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impermeable backsheet, and a pair of barrier leg cuffs extending at least partially between the front waist edge and the back waist edge on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis. Each barrier leg cuff may include a proximal edge joined to the topsheet or backsheet and a free end edge. The absorbent article may also include an absorbent core disposed at least partially between the topsheet and the backsheet, and may include a core wrap that includes an absorbent material. The absorbent material may comprise at least 80% by weight of the absorbent material of superabsorbent polymers. The absorbent core may include a first channel that is substantially free of the superabsorbent polymers and is at least partially aligned in the longitudinal direction of the article. The absorbent core may comprise a second channel which is substantially free of the superabsorbent polymers and at least partially aligned in the longitudinal direction of the article. The first and the second channel each have lateral widths taken parallel to the transverse axis. The absorbent core may comprise a pocket that is substantially free of the superabsorbent and that has a portion on the longitudinal axis. The bag has lateral widths taken parallel to the transverse axis. A profile of the sum of the lateral of the first and second channels and the lateral widths of the pocket over a longitudinal length of at least 50 mm, taken along the longitudinal axis, may comprise two separate, substantially constant sections. Other embodiments are also within the scope of the present disclosure, including sanitary napkin embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other features and advantages of the present disclosure and the manner in which they will be obtained will become more apparent, and the disclosure itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of non-limiting embodiments of the disclosure in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

1 Figure 10 is a plan view of an absorbent article with some partially removed layers in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure;

2 one at line 2-2 of 1 4 is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent article according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure;

3 a view of the absorbent article from 2 in which the absorbent article is loaded with liquid according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure;

4 Figure 4 is a plan view of another absorbent article with some partially removed layers in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure;

5 one at line 5-5 of 4 4 is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent article according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure;

6 a plan view of an absorbent core of the absorbent article of 4 with some partially removed layers according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure;

7 one at line 7-7 of 6 4 is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent core according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure;

8th one at line 8-8 of 6 4 is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent core according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure;

9 Figure 11 is a plan view of an absorbent core for an absorbent article according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure;

10 a profile of the sum of the lateral widths of two channels of 9 shown graphically opposite the longitudinal length of the channels, within the enclosed area is "EA" according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure;

11 a profile of the sum of the lateral widths of sections of the channels of 1 graphically plotted against the longitudinal length of the channels, between lines A and B of FIG 1 according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure;

12 Figure 11 is a plan view of an absorbent core for an absorbent article according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure;

13 a profile of the sum of the lateral widths of sections of the channels and the pocket of 12 , plotted against the longitudinal length of the channels between lines C and D of FIG 12 according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure;

14 - 21 Top views of absorbent cores for absorbent articles according to various non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure; and

22 4 is a plan view of an absorbent article that is a demi-band with some cut away layers in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in order to provide a general understanding of the principles disclosed herein of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the absorbent articles having channel configurations and To impart methods for their preparation. One or more examples of these non-limiting embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the absorbent articles with channel configurations and methods of manufacture described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting embodiments thereof, and that the scope of the various non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure is defined solely by the claims. The features illustrated or described in connection with a non-limiting embodiment may be combined with the features of other non-limiting embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

introduction

As used herein, the term "absorbent article" or "absorbent article" refers to disposable devices such as infant, child or adult diapers, training pants, sanitary napkins, and the like that are applied against or near the wearer's body to remove the various of them To absorb and retain body excreta. Typically, these articles comprise a topsheet, a backsheet, an absorbent core, optionally a containment system (which may consist of one or more layers) and typically other components, the absorbent core normally being at least partially sandwiched between the backsheet and the containment system or the topsheet and the underlayer is arranged. The absorbent articles of the present disclosure are further illustrated in the following description and in the form of a glued diaper. Nothing in this description is, however, to be considered as limiting the scope of the claims. Thus, the present disclosure applies to any suitable form of absorbent article (e.g., exercise pants, adult incontinence products, sanitary napkins).

A "nonwoven web" as used herein means a finished sheet, web or web made of directionally or randomly oriented fibers bonded together by friction and / or cohesion and / or adhesion, excluding paper and woven products knitted, tufted, stitched or taped together, or sewn by wet milling, whether sewn or not. The fibers may be of natural or synthetic origin and may be staple or continuous filaments or formed in situ. Commercially available fibers may have diameters ranging from less than about 0.001 mm to greater than about 0.2 mm, and may be in various forms, such as short fibers (known as staple or cut fibers), continuous single fibers (filaments or monofilaments). , untwisted bundles of continuous filaments (tow) and twisted bundles of continuous filaments (thread). Nonwoven webs can be formed by many methods such as meltblowing, spunbonding, solvent spinning, electrospinning, carding and air laying. The basis weight of the nonwoven webs is usually expressed in grams per square meter (g / m ² ).

The term "connected" or "bonded" or "attached" as used herein includes configurations in which one element is attached directly to another element by attaching the element directly to the other element and configurations in which one member is attached indirectly to another member by attaching the member to an intermediate member (s) attached to the other member (s).

General description of the absorbent article

An exemplary absorbent article according to the present disclosure in the form of an infant diaper 20 is in 1 - 3 shown. 1 is a plan view of the exemplary diaper 20 in a flat laid condition with portions of the structure cut away to accommodate the construction of the diaper 20 to show more clearly. This diaper 20 is shown for illustrative purposes only, as the present disclosure may be used to make a wide variety of diapers or other absorbent articles.

The absorbent article may be a liquid pervious topsheet 24 , a liquid-impermeable backsheet 25 , an absorbent core 28 that at least partially between the upper class 24 and the lower class 25 is arranged, and Sperrbeinbündchen 34 include. The absorbent article can also be a Receiving Distribution System ("ADS"). 50 comprising, in the illustrated example, a distribution layer 54 and a recording layer 52 which will be described in more detail below. The absorbent article may also include elasticized gasketing cuffs 32 which are connected to the base unit of the absorbent article, typically through the topsheet and / or backsheet, and are substantially level with the base unit of the diaper.

The figures also show conventional glued diaper components, such as a fastening system, the adhesive tabs 42 includes, the attached to the rear edge of the article and with an impact zone 44 interact at the front of the article. The absorbent article may also include other conventional elements that are not shown, such as a rear waist elastic feature, a front waist elastic feature, a transverse barrier cuff, and / or a lotion applique.

The absorbent article 20 includes a front waist edge 10 , a back waist edge 12 in the longitudinal direction of the front waist edge 10 is opposite, a first margin 3 and a second margin 4 in the lateral direction the first margin 3 is opposite. The front waist edge 10 For example, the edge of the article intended to be positioned toward the front of the user when worn is the back waist edge 12 is the opposite edge. The absorbent article may have a longitudinal axis 80 extending from the lateral center of the front waist edge 10 to a lateral center of the rear waist edge 12 extends the article and the article in two substantially symmetrical halves relative to the longitudinal axis 80 divided, with the article laid flat and from above as in 1 is looked at. The absorbent article may also have a transverse axis 90 from the longitudinal center of the first side edge 3 to the longitudinal center of the second 4 runs. The length L of the article may be along the longitudinal axis 80 from the front waist edge 10 to the rear waist edge 12 be measured. The width of the article can be along the transverse axis 90 from the first margin 3 to the second margin 4 be measured. The article may include a crotch point C, which is defined herein as the point located on the longitudinal axis at a distance of two-fifths (2/5) of L, from the leading edge 10 of the article 20 , is arranged. The article can have a front waist area 5 , a back waist area 6 and a step area 7 include. The front waist region, the back waist region and the crotch region each determine 1/3 of the longitudinal length of the absorbent article.

The upper class 24 , the lower class 25 , the absorbent core 28 and the other article components may be assembled in a variety of configurations, particularly, for example, by gluing or heat embossing. Exemplary diaper configurations are generally in US⎕Pat. No. 3,860,003 . US⎕Pat. No. 5,221,274 . US⎕Pat. No. 5,554,145 . US⎕Pat. No. 5,569,234 . US⎕Pat. No. 5,580,411 and US⎕Pat. No. 6,004,306 described. The absorbent article may be thin. The thickness at the crotch point C or in the crotch area 7 of the article may be, for example, from 4.0 mm to 12.0 mm, or alternatively from 6.0 mm to 10.0 mm.

The absorbent core 28 may comprise an absorbent material comprising at least 80% by weight, at least 90% by weight, at least 95% by weight, or at least 99% by weight of superabsorbent polymers, and a core wrap including the superabsorbent polymers. The core wrap may typically be two materials, substrates or nonwoven materials 16 and 16 ' for the top and bottom of the core. The core may include one or more channels that are in 1 as the four channels 26 . 26 ' and 27 . 27 ' are shown.

These and other components of the articles will now be discussed in more detail.

top layer

The upper class 24 is the part of the absorbent article which is in direct contact with the skin of the wearer. The upper class 24 can with the lower class 25 the core 28 and / or any other layers, as known to those skilled in the art. Usually the upper class 24 and the lower class 25 in some places at or near the edge area of the article) are directly connected to each other and are indirectly connected to each other in other places, by connecting directly with one or more other elements of the article 20 are connected.

The upper class 24 can be compliant, soft-feeling and non-irritating to the wearer's skin. Furthermore, at least a part of the upper layer 24 permeable to liquids so that liquids can easily penetrate through their thickness. A suitable topsheet may be of a wide variety of materials, such as porous foams; crosslinked foams; opened plastic films; or woven or nonwoven materials made of natural fibers (eg, wood or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers or filaments (eg, polyester or polypropylene fibers), or blends thereof, or a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. If the upper class 24 Fibers, the fibers may be spunbonded, carded, wet laid, meltblown, hydroentangled or otherwise processed, as is known in the art, especially spunbond PP nonwoven. A suitable topsheet comprising a web of staple length polypropylene fibers is manufactured by Veratec, Inc., a division of International Paper Company of Walpole, MA, under the designation P-8.

Suitable top layers of formed film are also known in US Pat. No. 3,929,135 . US Pat. No. 4,324,246 . US Pat. No. 4,342,314 . US Pat. No. 4,463,045 and US Pat. No. 5,006,394 described. Other suitable upper layers 30 can according to US Pat. No. 4,609,518 and 4,629,643 issued to Curro et al. Such molded films are available from The Procter & Gamble Company of Cincinnati, Ohio as "DRI-WEAVE" and from Tredegar Corporation of Richmond, VA as "CLIFF-T".

Any section of the upper class 24 may be coated with a lotion as known in the art. Examples of suitable lotions include those in US Pat. No. 5,607,760 . US Pat. No. 5,609,587 . US Pat. No. 5,643,588 . US Pat. No. 5,968,025 and US Pat. No. 6,716,441 are described. The upper class 24 may also include or be treated with antibacterial agents, with some examples in the PCT publication WO95 / 24173 are disclosed. Furthermore, the upper class 24 , the lower class 25 or any portion of the topsheet or backsheet may be embossed and / or dulled to provide a more cloth-like appearance.

The upper class 24 may include one or more openings to facilitate the passage of exudates, such as urine and / or faeces (solid, semi-solid, or liquid) through them. The size of at least the primary opening is important to achieve the desired garbage encapsulation performance. If the primary opening is too small, the debris may not permeate through the opening, either due to poor alignment of the waste source and opening position or due to fecal masses having a larger diameter than the opening. If the opening is too large, the area of the skin can become enlarged, which can be contaminated by "rewet" from the article. Typically, the total area of the openings on the surface of a diaper may have an area between about 10 cm ² and about 50 cm ^2, or between about 15 cm ² and 35 cm ² . Examples of apertured topsheets are in US⎕Pat. No. 6632504 , transmitted on BBA NONWOVENS SIMPSONVILLE, revealed. WO2011 / 163582 also discloses a suitable colored topsheet having a basis weight of 12 to 18 g / m ² and comprising a plurality of bonded points.

Each of the bonded dots has a surface area of 2 mm ² to 5 mm ^2, and the total surface area of the plurality of bonded dots is 10 to 25% of the total area of the topsheet.

Typical diaper topsheets have a basis weight of from about 10 to about 21 gsm, or from about 12 to about 18 gsm, however, other basis weights are within the scope of the present disclosure.

underclass

The lower class 25 is generally the section of the article 20 adjacent to the garment surface of the absorbent core 28 and prevents or at least inhibits the exudates absorbed and retained therein from contaminating articles such as bedding and underwear. The lower class 25 is usually impermeable to liquids (eg urine) or substantially impermeable. For example, the backsheet may be or include a thin plastic film, such as a thermoplastic film having a thickness of about 0.012 mm to about 0.051 mm. Exemplary underlayer films include those manufactured by Tredegar Corporation of Richmond, VA and sold under the trade designation CPC2 film. Other suitable backsheet materials may include breathable materials that allow vapors from the diaper 20 escape while passing exudates through the lower layer 25 continues to be prevented or at least inhibited. Exemplary breathable materials may include materials such as woven webs, nonwoven webs, composite materials such as film-coated nonwoven webs, microporous films such as manufactured by Mitsui Toatsu Co., Japan under the designation ESPOIR NO, and manufactured by Tredegar Corporation, Richmond, VA and sold under the designation EXAIRE, and monolithic films, such as those manufactured by Clopay Corporation, OH, under the designation HYTREL blend P18-3097.

The lower class 25 can with the upper class 24 , the absorbent core 28 and / or any other element of the diaper 20 be connected by any known in the art attachment method. Suitable attachment methods are described above with respect to methods of bonding the topsheet 24 with other elements of the article 20 described. For example, the attachment methods may include the use of a uniform continuous adhesive layer, a patterned adhesive layer, or an array of separate adhesive lines, spirals, or spots. Suitable attachment methods include an open pattern network of adhesive filaments, as in US⎕Pat. No. 4,573,986 disclosed. Other suitable attachment methods include the use of multiple lines of adhesive filament that are swirled into a spiral pattern, as illustrated by the devices and methods disclosed in U.S. Pat US⎕Pat. No. 3,911,173 . US⎕Pat. No. 4,785,996 and US⎕Pat. No. 4,842,666 are shown. Adhesives that have been found to be satisfactory are available from HB Fuller Company of St. Paul, Minn., USA and marketed under HL-1620 and HL 1358-XZP. Alternatively, the attachment methods may include the application of thermal bonds, pressure bonds, ultrasonic bonds, dynamic mechanical bonds, or any other suitable attachment methods, or combinations of these attachment methods, as known to those skilled in the art.

absorbent core

As used herein, the term "absorbent core" refers to the single component of the article that has the highest absorbency and comprises an absorbent material and a core wrap that includes the absorbent material. The term "absorbent core" does not include the acquisition distribution system or the acquisition distribution layer or any other component of the article that is not either an integral part of the core wrap or disposed within the core wrap. The core may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of a core wrap, absorbent material as defined below, and adhesive included in the core wrap.

The absorbent core 28 The present disclosure may include an absorbent material having a high amount of superabsorbent polymers (herein abbreviated as "SAP") encased in a core wrap. The SAP content may be 70% -100% or at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99% or 100%, based on the weight of the absorbent material contained in the core wrap. The core wrap is not considered absorbent material for the purpose of evaluating the percentage of SAP in the absorbent core.

By "absorbent material" is meant a material having absorbency or fluid retention properties, such as SAP, cellulosic fibers and synthetic fibers. Usually, adhesives used in the production of absorbent cores do not have absorbency and are not considered absorbent material. The SAP content may be higher than 80%, for example at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 99% and even up to and including 100% of the weight of the absorbent material contained in the core wrap. This provides a relatively thin core compared to the conventional core, which typically comprises between 40-40-60% SAP and a high content of cellulosic fibers. The absorption material may in particular comprise less than 15% by weight or less than 10% by weight of natural or synthetic fibers, less than 5% by weight, less than 3% by weight, less than 2% by weight, less than 1% by weight or may be substantially free of natural and / or synthetic fibers. The absorbent material may advantageously comprise little or no airfelt (cellulose) -irfelt (cellulose) fibers, in particular the absorbent core, based on the weight of the absorbent core, may be less than 15%, 10%, 5%, 3%, 2%. , 1% airfelt (cellulose) fibers, or even may be substantially free of cellulosic fibers.

The exemplary absorbent core 28 of the absorbent article of 4 - 5 is in 6 - 8th shown isolated. The absorbent core can be a front side 280 , a back 282 and two long sides 284 . 286 which the front 280 and the back 282 connect, include. The absorbent core may also include a generally planar top and a generally planar bottom. The front 280 the core is the side of the core that faces the front waist edge 10 the absorbent article should be arranged. The core 28 can be a longitudinal axis 80 ' have substantially the longitudinal axis 80 of the article corresponds, as in 1 seen from above in a level view. In one embodiment, the absorbent material may be distributed in the direction of the front side in a higher amount than in the direction of the back side, since in certain articles on the front side a higher absorbency may be required. In one embodiment, the front and back of the core may be shorter than the longitudinal sides of the core. The core wrap can be through two nonwoven materials, substrates, laminates, or other materials 16 . 16 ' be formed, which may be at least partially sealed along the sides of the absorbent core. The core wrap can be at least partially along its front 280 , Back side 282 and two long sides 284 . 286 be sealed so that essentially no absorbent material emerges from the wrapping of the absorbent core. The first material, substrate or fleece 16 may at least partially the second material, substrate or nonwoven 16 ' surrounded to form the core wrap as in 7 illustrated. The first material 16 can be a section of the second material 16 ' near the first and second margins 284 and 286 surround.

The absorbent core of the present disclosure may include, for example, adhesive to assist immobilization of the SAPs within the core wrap and / or to ensure the integrity of the core wrap, particularly where the core wrap is comprised of two or more substrates. The core wrap may extend over a larger area than is absolutely necessary for retaining the absorbent material therein.

Cores with a relatively high amount of SAP and different core executions are in US⎕Pat. No. 5,599,335 (Goldman), EP 1,447,066 (Busam) WO 95/11652 (Dancer), US⎕Pat. Veröffentlichungsar. 2008 / 0312622A1 (Hundorf) and WO 2012/052172 (Van Malderen).

The absorbent material may be a continuous layer that is present within the core wrap. In other embodiments, the absorbent material may consist of individual pockets or strips of absorbent material trapped in the core wrap. In the first case, the absorbent material can be obtained, for example, by applying a single continuous layer of absorbent material. The continuous layer of absorbent material, particularly of SAP, may also be obtained by combining two absorption layers with discontinuous application pattern of absorbent material, the resulting layer being distributed substantially continuously over the polymer particle absorbent material region, as disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Pub. 2008 / 0312622A1 (Hundorf). The absorbent core 28 may comprise a first absorption layer and a second absorption layer. The first absorption layer may be the first material 16 and a first layer 61 of absorbent material, which may be 100% or less SAP. The second absorption layer may be the second material 16 ' and a second layer 62 of absorbent material, which may also be 100% or less SAP. The absorbent core 28 can also be a fibrous thermoplastic adhesive material 51 Include, each layer of absorbent material 61 . 62 at least partially with their respective material 16 or 16 ' combines. This is an example in 7 ⎕ 8th , in which the first and second SAP layers were applied to their respective substrates as transversal strips or "landing areas" of the same width as the desired absorbent material deposition region before being combined. The strips may comprise a different amount of absorbent material (SAP) to provide a profiled basis weight along the longitudinal axis of the core 80 provide. The first material 16 and the second material 16 ' can make the core wrap.

The fibrous thermoplastic adhesive material 51 can be at least partially with the absorbent material 61 . 62 in contact with the impact areas and at least partially with the materials 16 and 16 ' in contact in the connection areas. This gives the fiber layer of thermoplastic adhesive material 51 10, which is substantially a two-dimensional structure of relatively small thickness per se in the dimension in the length and width directions, has a substantially three-dimensional structure. Thereby, the fibrous thermoplastic adhesive material may provide voids to immobilize the absorbent material in the impact area and thereby immobilize this absorbent material, which may be 100% or less SAP.

The thermoplastic adhesive material 51 may in its entirety a single thermoplastic polymer or a mixture of thermoplastic polymers with a through the ASTM method D⎕36⎕95, "Ring and Ball" , and / or the thermoplastic adhesive material may be a hot melt adhesive comprising at least one thermoplastic polymer in combination with other thermoplastic diluents such as bonding resins, plasticizers, and additives such as antioxidants.

The thermoplastic adhesive used for the fibrous layer may have elastomeric properties such that the fiber formed on the SAP layer is stretchable as the SAPs swell. Exemplary elastomeric hot melt adhesives include thermoplastic elastomers such as ethylene vinyl acetates, polyurethanes, hard component polyolefin blends (generally a crystalline polyolefin such as polypropylene or polyethylene), and a soft component (such as ethylene-propylene rubber); Copolyesters such as poly (ethylene terephthalate-co and thermoplastic elastomeric block copolymers having thermoplastic endblocks and rubbery midblocks referred to as A⎕B⎕A⎕blockcopolymers: blends of structurally different homopolymers or copolymers, for example a blend of polyethylene or polystyrene blends of a thermoplastic elastomer and a low molecular weight resin modifier, e.g., a mixture of a styrene-styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer with polystyrene, and the elastomeric, hot-melt, pressure-sensitive adhesives described herein Elastomeric hot melt adhesives of these Types are in US⎕Pat. No. 4,731,066 , issued to Korpman on March 15, 1988, described in more detail.

The thermoplastic adhesive material can be applied as fibers. The fibers may have an average thickness of about 1 to about 50 microns, or about 1 to about 35 microns, and an average length of about 5 mm to about 50 mm, or about 5 mm to about 30 mm, in particular, every 0.1 micron Steps within the ranges given above and all ranges formed therein or thereby. To the adhesion of the thermoplastic adhesive material to the materials 16 or 16 ' or at one any other layer, in particular any other non-woven layers to improve, such layers can be pretreated with an auxiliary adhesive. The fibers adhere to one another to form a fibrous layer, which may also be described as a grid.

Superabsorbent Polymer (SAP)

"Superabsorbent Polymers" ("SAP") as used herein refers to absorbent materials which are cross-linked polymeric materials that are at least 10 times their weight in an aqueous 0.9% saline solution as measured by the centrifuge retention capacity test (CRC). Test, EDANA method WSP 241.2-05E). The SAP used may have a CRC greater than 20 g / g, greater than 24 g / g, from 20 to 50 g / g, from 20 to 40 g / g or from 24 to 30 g / g, in particular all 0.1 g / g increments within the ranges given above and all ranges formed therein or thereby. The SAP useful with the present disclosure may comprise a variety of water-insoluble but water-swellable polymers capable of absorbing large quantities of liquids.

The superabsorbent polymer may be in powder form so that it is flowable when dry. Polymeric particle absorbent materials may consist of poly (meth) acrylic acid-poly (meth) acrylic acid polymers. However, a starch-based polymer particle absorbent material such as polyacrylamide copolymer, ethylene-ethylene-maleic anhydride copolymer, crosslinked carboxymethyl cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, crosslinked polyethylene oxide and polyacrylonitrile-grafted copolymer can also be used. The superabsorbent polymer may be polyacrylates and polyacrylic acid polymers that are internally and / or surface-crosslinked. Suitable materials are, for example, in the PCT patent application numbers WO 07/047598 . WO 07/046052 . WO 2009/155265 and WO 2009/155264 described. In some embodiments, suitable superabsorbent polymer particles may be prepared by well-known methods of preparation, such as in U.S. Pat WO 2006/083584 described, can be obtained. The superabsorbent polymers may be internally crosslinked, that is, the polymerization is conducted in the presence of compounds having two or more polymerizable groups which can be radically copolymerized to the polymer network.

Suitable crosslinkers include, for example, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, diethylene glycol diacrylate, allyl methacrylate, trimethylolpropane triacrylate, triallylamine, tetraallyloxyethane, as in EPOA 530 438 described, di- and triacrylates, as in EPOA 547 847 . EP-A 559 476 . EPOA 632,068 . WO 93/21237 . WO 03/104299 . WO 03/104300 . WO 03/104301 and in DEA 103 31 450 described, mixed acrylates containing in addition to acrylate groups further ethylenically unsaturated groups, as in DE-A 103 31 456 and DE-A 103 55 401 or crosslinker mixtures, such as in DEA 195 43 368 . DE 196 196 46 484 . WO 90/15830 and WO 02/32962 described, as well as in WO 2009/155265 described crosslinkers. The superabsorbent polymer particles may be externally surface crosslinked or postcrosslinked. Convenient postcrosslinkers include compounds containing two or more groups capable of forming covalent bonds with the carboxylate groups of the polymers. Suitable compounds include, for example, alkoxysilyl compounds, polyaziridines, polyamines, polyamidoamines, di- or polyglycidyl compounds, as in EPOA 083 022 . EPOA 543,303 and EP-A 937 736 described, polyols, as in DE-C 33 14 019 described, cyclic carbonates, as in DEA 40 20 780 described 2⎕Oxazolidon and its derivatives, such as N⎕ (2-hydroxyethyl) -2-oxazolidone, as in DEA 198 07 502 described, bis- and poly-2-oxazolidone, as in DE-A 198 07 992 described, 2⎕Oxotetrahydro-1,3-oxazine and its derivatives, as in DE-A 198 54 573 described, N⎕Acyl-2-oxazolidone, as in DE-A 198 54 574 described, cyclic ureas, as in DE-A 102 04 937 described bicyclic amide acetals, as in DE-A 103 34 584 described oxetane and cyclic ureas, as in EP 1 199 327 and morpholine-2,3-dione and its derivatives as described in U.S. Pat WO 03/031482 described.

In some embodiments, the SAPs can be formed from polyacrylic acid polymers or polyacrylate polymers, for example, having a degree of neutralization of 60% to 90%, or of about 75%, for example, with sodium counterions.

The SAPs useful for the present disclosure can be in many forms. The term "particles" or "particles" refers to granules, fibers, flakes, spheres, powders, platelets and other shapes and forms known to those skilled in the art of superabsorbent polymer particles. In some embodiments, the SAP⎕ particles may be in the form of fibers, ie, elongated acicular superabsorbent polymer particles. In these embodiments, the superabsorbent polymer particles may have a small dimension (ie diameter of the fiber) of less than about 1 mm, typically less than about 500 μm or less than 250 μm up to 50 μm, in particular every 1 μm. Steps within the ranges given above and all ranges formed therein or by them may be cited. The Length of the fibers may be about 3 mm to about 100 mm, wherein in particular all 1 mm steps within the above range and all the areas formed therein or by it are mentioned. The fibers may also be in the form of a long filament which may be woven.

SAP can be spherical shape-like particles. In contrast to fibers, "spherical-like particles" have a longest and a smallest dimension with a particle ratio of longest to smallest particle size in the range of 1⎕5, where a value of 1 would correspond to a perfectly spherical particle and 5 a certain deviation from such a spherical particle would allow. The superabsorbent polymer particles may have a particle size of less than 850 .mu.m, from 50 to 850 .mu.m, from 100 to 710 .mu.m or from 150 to 650 .mu.m, in particular all 1 .mu.m steps within the ranges indicated above and all formed therein or therethrough Ranges as measured according to the EDANA method WSP 220.2-05. The relatively small particle size SAPs can help to increase the surface area of the absorbent material in contact with liquid effluents, and therefore promote rapid absorption of liquid effluents.

The SAP may have particle sizes in the range from 45 μm to 4000 μm, more precisely a particle size distribution in the range from 45 μm to about 2000 μm or from about 100 μm to about 1000, 850 or 600 μm, in particular all 1 μm-1 μm Steps within the ranges given above and all ranges formed therein or by them may be cited. The particle size distribution of a material in powder form can be determined, for example, by means of dry sieve analysis (EDANA 420.02 "Particle Size Distribution").

In some embodiments herein, the superabsorbent material may be in the form of particles having a weight average particle size of up to 2 mm, between 50 microns and 2 mm or up to 1 mm, or of 100 μm, 200 μm, 300 μm, 400 μm, 500 μm, 1000 μm, 800 μm or 700 μm are present; as for example by the example in EPOA0 691 133 can be measured. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the superabsorbent polymer material is in the form of particles wherein at least 80% by weight of particles having a size between 50 μm and 1200 μm and a weight average particle size are between any of the above range combinations. In addition or in another embodiment of the present disclosure, the particles may be substantially spherical. In yet another or additional embodiment of the present disclosure, the superabsorbent polymeric material may have a relatively narrow range of particle sizes, e.g. For example, the majority (eg at least 80% by weight, at least 90% by weight, at least 95% by weight or even at least 99% by weight) of the particles have a particle size between 50 μm and 1000 μm 100 .mu.m and 800 .mu.m or between 200 .mu.m and 600 .mu.m, wherein in particular all 1 .mu.m steps within the above-mentioned ranges and all areas formed therein or thereby are cited.

The surface of the SAP may be coated, for example with a cationic polymer. Certain cationic polymers may include polyamine or polyimine materials. In some embodiments, the SAPs may be modified with chitosan materials such as those known in the art US⎕Pat. No. 7,537,832 B2 are disclosed, coated. In some other embodiments, the SAP mixed bed ion exchange absorbent polymers such as those described in U.S. Pat WO 99/34841 and WO 99/34842 disclosed.

The absorbent core may include one or more types of SAP.

For most absorbent articles, liquid leaks from a wearer occur predominantly in the front half of the article, especially a diaper. The front half of the article (as defined by the area between the front edge and a transverse line that is at a distance of half of L from the front waist edge 10 or the back waist edge 12 may be located) may therefore comprise most of the absorbency of the core. Thus, at least 60% of the SAP or at least 65%, 70%, 75% or 85% of the SAP may be present in the front half of the absorbent article, with the remaining SAP being located in the back half of the absorbent article. In other embodiments, the SAP⎕ distribution may be uniform throughout the core or have other suitable distributions.

The total amount of SAP present in the absorbent core may also vary depending on the expected user. Newborn nappies may require less SAP than infant, child or adult incontinence diapers. The amount of SAP in the core may be about 5 to 60 g, or from 5 to 50 g, with particular reference to all 0.1⎕ increments within the stated ranges and all ranges formed therein or therethrough. The average SAP⎕ area weight within the (or "at least one," if multiple exists) deposition region 8th the SAP can at least 50, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 or more by weight g / m ^2. In the the absorbent material deposition region 8th existing areas of the channels (eg 27 . 27 ' ) are derived from the absorbent material deposition region to calculate this average basis weight.

core wrap

The core wrap may be made from a single substrate, material or nonwoven folded about the absorbent material, or may comprise two (or more) substrates, materials or nonwoven webs secured together. Usual fixings are the so-called C-wrap and / or the sandwich wrapping. In a C wrap, such as in 2 and 7 illustrated, the longitudinal and / or transverse edges of one of the substrates are folded over the other substrate to brims to. form. These brims are then bonded to the outer surface of the other substrate, usually by gluing.

The core wrap may be formed by any materials suitable for receiving and retaining the absorbent material. Conventional substrate materials used in the manufacture of conventional cores, in particular paper, pulps, films, woven or nonwoven fabrics or laminates or composites of any of these, may be used. The core wrap may be formed by a nonwoven web such as a carded nonwoven, spunbond ("S") or meltblown nonwoven ("M") and laminates of any of these. For example, staple fiber polypropylene non-woven materials may be suitable, particularly those having an SMS or SMMS or SSMMS structure of the laminate web and having a basis weight range of about 5 g / m ² to about 15 g / m ^2. Suitable materials are in US⎕Pat. No. 7,744,576 . US⎕Pat. Pub. 2011 / 0268932A1 . US⎕Pat. Pub. 2011 / 0319848A1 and US⎕Pat. Pub. 2011 / 0250413A1 disclosed. Non-woven synthetic fiber materials such as PE, PET and / or PP can also be used.

If the core wrapping is a first substrate, fleece or material 16 and a second substrate, nonwoven or material 16 ' may be made of the same kind of material, made of different materials or one of the substrates may be treated differently than the other to provide it with different properties. Because the polymers used to make nonwoven webs are inherently hydrophobic, they can be coated with hydrophilic coatings when placed on the liquid receiving side of the absorbent core. It may be advantageous for the top of the core wrap, ie the side closer to the carrier in the absorbent article, to be more hydrophilic than the bottom of the core wrap. One possible way to make nonwovens having permanently hydrophilic coatings is to apply a hydrophilic monomer and a radical polymerization initiator to the nonwoven fabric and to perform polymerization that is activated by UV light, resulting in monomer being chemically bonded to the surface of the nonwoven fabric , An alternative possible way to make nonwovens with permanently hydrophilic coatings is to coat the nonwoven fabric with hydrophilic nanoparticles, such as hydrophilic nanoparticles. In WO 02/064877 described.

In some embodiments, permanently hydrophilic nonwoven fabrics are also useful. The surface tension, as in US Pat. No. 7,744,576 (Busam et al.) Can be used to measure how long a certain degree of hydrophilicity is achieved. A fluid passage as described in US Pat. can be used to measure the degree of hydrophilicity. The first and / or second substrate may have a surface tension of at least 55, at least 60, or at least 65 mN / m when wetted with saline solution. The substrate may also have a liquid passage time of less than 5 seconds for a fifth burst of liquid. These values can be measured using the test methods described in No. 7,744,576B2 : "Determination of the surface tension" and "Determination of the passage".

The hydrophilicity and wettability are usually defined in terms of the contact angle and the passage time of the liquids, for example by a nonwoven fabric. This is detailed in the publication of American Chemical Society entitled "Contact Angle, Wettability, and Adhesion," edited by Robert F. Gould (copyright 1964) , discussed. A substrate having a lower contact angle between the water and the surface of the substrate may be termed more hydrophilic than another.

The substrates can also be permeable to air. Films useful herein may therefore include micropores. The substrate may have an air permeability of 40 or 50 to 300 or 200 m ³ / (m ² × min) as determined by EDANA method 140-1-99 (125 Pa, 38.3 cm ² ). The core wrap material may alternatively have lower air permeability, e.g. B. not be permeable to air, for example, to facilitate handling on a moving, vacuum-comprehensive surface.

The core wrap may be at least partially along all sides of the absorbent core be sealed so that essentially no absorbent material exits the core. By "substantially no absorbent material" is meant that less than 5 wt%, less than 2 wt%, less than 1 wt%, or about 0 wt% absorbent material exits the core wrap. The term "caulking" should be understood in a broad sense. The seal along the entire periphery of the core wrap need not be continuous, but may be discontinuous along part or all of it, such as formed by a series of seal points spaced along a line. A seal can be formed by gluing and / or thermal bonding.

If the core wrap by two substrates 16 . 16 ' Four gaskets can be used to seal the absorbent material 60 within the core wrap. For example, a first substrate 16 on one side of the core (the top as shown in the figures) and extending around the longitudinal edges of the core to at least partially wrap around the opposite underside of the core. The second substrate 16 ' can be between the covered brims of the first substrate 16 and the absorbent material 60 available. The brims of the first substrate 16 can with the second substrate 16 ' glued to create a strong seal. This so-called C-wrap construction can provide advantages over a sandwich seal, such as improved resistance to bursting in a wet loaded condition. The front and back of the core wrap may then also be sealed to each other by adhering the first substrate and the second substrate to provide complete encapsulation of the absorbent over the entire periphery of the core. For the front and back of the core, the first and second substrates may extend in a substantially planar direction and be joined together, forming a so-called sandwich construction for these edges. In so-called sandwich construction, the first and second substrates may also extend outwardly on all sides of the core and be sealed flat or substantially flat along the entire periphery of the core or portions thereof, typically by gluing and / or bonding heat / pressure bonding. In one embodiment, neither the first nor the second substrate need to be molded so that they can be cut rectangular for ease of manufacture, but other shapes are within the scope of the present disclosure.

The core wrap may also be formed by a single substrate which, as in a package wrap, can encase the absorbent material and seal along the front and back of the core and a longitudinal seal.

SAP deposition region

The absorbent material deposition region 8th can be defined by the peripheral edge of the layer, that of the absorbent material 60 inside the core wrap is formed, seen from the top of the absorbent core. The absorbent material deposition region 8th may have various shapes, particularly a so-called "dogbone" or "hourglass" shape, which shows a taper along its width toward the central or "crotch" area of the core. In this way, the absorbent material deposition region 8th have a relatively narrow width in a region of the core which is intended to be arranged in the crotch region of the absorbent article, as in 1 illustrated. This can provide better comfort. The absorbent material deposition region 8th Thus, at its narrowest point (measured in the transverse direction), it may have a width that is less than about 100 mm, 90 mm, 80 mm, 70 mm, 60 mm, or even less than about 50 mm. This narrowest width may also be at least 5 mm or at least 10 mm smaller than the width of the deposition region at its greatest point in the front and / or rear region of the deposition region 8th , The absorbent material deposition region 8th may also be generally rectangular, such as in 4 ⎕ 6 however, other depositional regions, such as a "T", "Y", "hourglass" or "dogbone" shape, are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

The basis weight (amount per unit area) of the SAP can also be along the deposition region 8th be varied to produce a profiled distribution of absorbent material, in particular SAP, in the longitudinal direction, in the transverse direction or in both directions of the core. Thus, the basis weight of the absorbent material may vary along the longitudinal axis of the core as well as along or along an axis parallel to one of these axes. Thus, the basis weight of SAP in relatively high basis weight regions may be at least 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% or 50% higher than in a relatively low basis weight region. In one embodiment, this may be in the absorbent material deposition region 8th SAP present at the height of crotch C compared to another region of the absorbent material absorbent material deposition region 8th have more SAP per unit area.

The absorbent material may be deposited using known techniques, which may allow relatively precise deposition of SAP at a relatively high speed. In particular, the SAP printing technology, as in US⎕Pat. Pub. 2008/0312617 and US⎕Pat. Pub. 2010 / 0051166A1 (both to Hundorf et al.). This technique uses a pressure roller to apply SAP to a substrate disposed on a grid of a carrier, which may include a plurality of transverse bars that extend substantially parallel to each other and are spaced apart to form channels that intervene extend the plurality of transverse bars. This technology enables extremely fast and accurate deposition of SAP on a substrate. For example, the channels of the absorbent core may be formed by modifying the pattern of the grid and the receiving drums so that no SAP is applied in areas corresponding to the channels. EPC application number 11169396.6 discloses this modification in more detail.

channels

The absorbent material deposition region 8th can have at least one channel 26 at least partially in the longitudinal direction of the article 80 is aligned (ie has a longitudinal vector component). Other channels may be at least partially aligned in the transverse direction (ie having a lateral vector component) or in any other direction. Im uses the plural form "channels" meaning "at least one channel". Channels can be one on the longitudinal axis 80 of the article projected length L 'which is at least 10% of the length L of the article. The channels can be formed in different ways. For example, the channels may be through zones within the absorbent material deposition region 8th may be formed, which may be substantially free of or free of absorbent material, in particular SAP. Additionally or alternatively, the channel (s) may also be connected by continuously or discontinuously bonding the top of the core wrap to the underside of the core wrap through the absorbent material absorbent material deposition region 8th be formed. The channels may be continuous, but it is also contemplated that the channels may be intermittent. The recording distribution system or the recording distribution layer 50 or another layer of the article may also include channels that may or may not correspond to the channels of the absorbent core.

In some embodiments, the channels may be longitudinally at least at the same height as the crotch point C or the transverse axis 60 in the absorbent article, as in 1 with the two longitudinal channels 26 . 26 ' is shown. The channels can also be from the crotch area 7 extend out or can be in the front waist area 5 and / or in the back waist area 6 of the article.

The absorbent core 28 may also comprise more than two channels, for example at least 3, at least 4, at least 5 or at least 6 or more. Shorter channels may also be present, for example in the back waist region 6 or in the front waist area 5 of the core, as through the pair of channels 27 . 27 ' in 1 shown towards the front of the article. The channels may include one or more pairs of channels that are relative to the longitudinal axis 80 are arranged symmetrically or otherwise arranged.

The channels may be particularly useful in the absorbent core if the absorbent material deposition region is rectangular, as the channels can improve the flexibility of the core to such an extent that there is less advantage in using a non-rectangular (shaped) core. Of course, channels may also be present in a layer of SAP with a shaped deposition region.

The channels may extend substantially in the longitudinal direction, which means that each channel extends more in the longitudinal direction than in the transverse direction or at least twice as much in the longitudinal direction as in the transverse direction (measured after projection on the respective axis). In other embodiments, the channels may extend substantially laterally, which means that each channel extends more in the lateral direction than in the transverse direction or at least twice as much in the longitudinal direction as in the transverse direction (measured after projection on the respective axis).

The channels may be completely longitudinal and parallel to the longitudinal axis, or fully aligned in the transverse direction and parallel to the transverse axis, but also curved. In various embodiments, some or all of the channels, in particular those in the crotch area 7 existing channels, in the direction of the longitudinal axis 80 be concave, such as in 1 for the pair of channels 26 . 26 ' shown. The radius of curvature may usually be at least equal to the average transverse dimension of the absorption layer (and may be at least 1.5 times or at least 2.0 times that average transverse dimension); and also straight, but at an angle of (eg 5 °) up to 30 °, up to 20 °, up to 10 ° to a line parallel to the longitudinal axis. The radius of curvature may be constant for one channel or may vary along its length. This may also include channels with an angle therein, provided that the angle between two parts of a channel is at least 120 °, at least 150 °; and in each of these cases, provided that the longitudinal extent of the channel is greater than the transverse extent. The channels can also be branched. For example, one above the longitudinal axis in the crotch area 7 arranged central channel which extends to the rear waist edge 12 and / or to the front waist edge 10 branched out of the article.

In some embodiments, there is no channel associated with the longitudinal axis 80 of the article or the nucleus coincides. When considered symmetrical pairs relative to the longitudinal axis 80 are present, the channels can be spaced apart over their entire longitudinal dimension. The smallest intermediate distance may be for example at least 5 mm, at least 10 mm or at least 16 mm.

Further, to reduce the risk of liquid spills, the main longitudinal channels may not extend to one of the edges of the absorbent material deposition region 8th and therefore can be completely within the absorbent material deposition region 8th to be included in the core. The smallest distance between a channel and the nearest edge of the absorbent material deposition region 8th can be at least 5 mm.

The channels may have a width Wc along at least part of their length, for example, at least 2 mm, at least 3 mm, at least 4 mm up to, for example, 20 mm, 16 mm or 12 mm. The width of the channel may be constant over substantially the entire length of the channel or may vary along its length. When the channels pass through an absorbent material-free zone within the absorbent material-absorbent material deposition region 8th notwithstanding the possible presence of the core wrap within the channels, the width of the channels is considered to be the width of the non-material zone. If the channels are not formed by absorbent material-free zones, for example, primarily by binding the core wrap through the absorbent material zone, the width of the channels is the width of that bond.

At least some or all of the channels may be permanent channels, ie their integrity is at least partially maintained both in the dry state and in the wet state. Permanent channels can be obtained by providing one or more adhesive materials, such as the fibrous layer of adhesive material or a structural adhesive, which helps to bond a substrate to an absorbent material within the walls of the channel. Permanent channels may also be formed by connecting the top and bottom of the core wrap (eg, the first substrate 16 and the second substrate 16 ' ) and / or the upper class 24 with the lower class 25 be formed by the channels. Usually, an adhesive may be used to bond both sides of the core wrap or the topsheet and backsheet through the channels, but bonding is possible via other known methods such as press bonding, ultrasonic bonding, heat bonding, or a combination thereof. The core wrap or the upper class 24 and the lower class 25 may be continuously bound or intermittently bound along the channels. The channels may advantageously remain visible or at least through the topsheet and / or backsheet when the absorbent article is completely loaded with a liquid. This can be achieved by making the channels substantially free of SAP so that they do not swell and are sufficiently large that they do not close when wet. Further, bonding the core wrap to itself or the topsheet to the backsheet through the channels may be advantageous.

9 illustrates an exemplary absorbent core 28 of the present disclosure. This core 28 and the in 12 and 14 - 20 Cores illustrated in the absorbent articles of the present disclosure may have many or all of the features discussed herein. In various embodiments, profiles may be the sum of the lateral widths of one or more channels (plotted on the Y axis) relative to the longitudinal length across the longitudinal axis 80 ' (plotted on the x-axis) from sections of one of several channels. In other words, the sum of the lateral widths of the one or more channels may be over a particular longitudinal length across the longitudinal axis 80 ' of the one or more channels are graphed to create a profile.

To obtain data for such a profile, first the absorbent article or absorbent core should be placed on a light table or light source suitable for viewing the channels within the absorbent core. When the absorbent core is used, it should first be removed from the absorbent article by any suitable method. The wearer-side surface of the absorbent article or the absorbent core should be remote from the surface of the light table. The absorbent article or the absorbent core should be taped or other fasteners are attached to the illumination surface of the light table or the light source. Second, should be a longitudinal length along the longitudinal axis 80 or 80 ' (eg 5mm, 10mm, 15mm, 20mm, 50mm, 100mm) for measurement. A stiff or flexible tape measure, graduated in mm, should be used to determine the longitudinal length along the longitudinal axis 80 or 80 ' to eat. One point should be on the absorbent article or absorbent core at each end of the longitudinal length on the longitudinal axis 80 or placed. Next, draw a line through each point parallel to the transverse axis 90 ' is. This enclosed area "EA" between the lines the area to be measured. The enclosed area "EA" may be a portion of the longitudinal length of the absorbent article or absorbent core or the entire length of the absorbent article or absorbent core from the front waist edge 10 or from the front 280 to the rear waist edge 12 or to the back 282 be. In some cases, it may be desirable to profile a large longitudinal length of the absorbent article or absorbent core, while in other cases. may be desirable to profile a small longitudinal length. Once the longitudinal length to be used has been indicated on the absorbent article or absorbent core, the sum of the lateral widths within the trapped area parallel to the transverse axis should be measured every 5 mm along the longitudinal length using the tape measure. If only channel is present at a particular 5 mm step within the enclosed area "EA", only one width corresponds to the sum of the lateral widths of the channel at that particular step, while if more than one channel is present at a particular 5 mm step within the enclosed area "EA", the sum of the lateral widths at this step corresponds to the sum of these two or more lateral widths of the channel. These results should be plotted to create a profile or diagram with the sum of the lateral widths of the one or more channels plotted on the Y⎕ axis and the longitudinal length along the or X auf axis 80 ' where they were taken. The x-axis should be 5mm increments to every 5mm along the longitudinal axis 80 or 80 ' measurements of the lateral widths to be made. Depending on the sum of the lateral widths of the one or more channels, the Y-axis can be stepped in 2 mm increments or greater than 2 mm increments.

With reference to 9 by way of example, the trapped area "EA" between the two dashed lines at the end of the longitudinal length L 'of the one or more channels along the longitudinal axis 80 ' , In all embodiments of the absorbent core 28 corresponds to the longitudinal axis 80 ' the longitudinal axis 80 of the absorbent article, and the transverse axis 90 ' corresponds to the transverse axis 90 of the absorbent article. Measurements of lateral widths of channels 26 and are every 5 mm parallel to the transverse axis 90 ' performed. Every 5 mm step is in 9 marked as line "L". The first measurement is taken 5 mm into the enclosed area "EA" from the upper dashed line "TL". Although 9 not to scale, a profile of the sum would be in a direction parallel to the transverse axis 90 ' every 5 mm along the longitudinal axis 80 ' taken lateral widths in general like the sample profile of 10 appearance. The longitudinal length along the longitudinal axis 80 is plotted on the x-axis and the sum of the lateral widths is plotted on the y-axis. In this example, the sums of the lateral widths of the channels within the enclosed area (every 5 mm) are every 10 mm (5 mm per channel). Other sums of lateral widths of the channels are within the scope of the present disclosure. Exemplary totals of the lateral widths may be in the range of 5mm to 120mm, with particular reference to all 1mm increments within the specified range and all ranges formed therein or therethrough. The enclosed area may, for example, be at least 5 mm, at least 10 mm, at least 15 mm, at least 20 mm, at least 30 mm, at least 40 mm, at least 50 mm, at least 60 mm or at least 70 mm along the longitudinal axis 90 ' extend. The enclosed area may be smaller in sanitary napkins because their absorbent cores are generally smaller than diapers. Thus, the profile is off 9 constant or substantially constant as the sum of every 5 mm along the longitudinal axis 80 ' taken lateral widths of the channels 26 and 26 ' should have the same value. If only channel 26 in the enclosed area of 9 would be present, profile would also be constant or substantially constant, since the parallel to the transverse axis 90 ' measured lateral width of the channel 26 in this embodiment is constant or substantially constant along the longitudinal length L '. The second channel 26 ' Can on the first channel 26 opposite side of the longitudinal axis 80 ' be arranged. The profile of the second channel 26 ' may be over a longitudinal length, such as L 'from 9 Also, be constant or substantially constant, since the lateral width of the second channel 26 ' is constant or substantially constant over the longitudinal length L 'of the channel. In other embodiments, the lateral widths of each channel 26 and 26 ' , be constant along a longitudinal length or a portion thereof, substantially constant or variable. In other embodiments, a channel (e.g., channel 26 ) over its longitudinal length have constant or substantially constant lateral, while the other channel (eg channel 26 ' ) may have a varying lateral width over its longitudinal length. In the embodiment of 9 can the channel 26 and the channel 26 ' along the longitudinal axis 80 ' have the same longitudinal length. In other embodiments, the first and second or more channels may each have a different longitudinal length along the longitudinal axis 80 ' exhibit.

The foregoing is only an exemplary, non-limiting configuration thereof, such as the sum of the lateral widths over a particular longitudinal length along the longitudinal axis 80 ' can be measured. As discussed below, other profiles based on the configurations and / or orientations of the channels within the measured longitudinal length and / or trapped surface are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

Referring again to 9 can be a profile of the sum of the lateral widths of the channels 26 and 26 ' over a portion of the longitudinal length on a first side of the transverse axis 90 ' from a profile of the sum of the lateral widths of the channels 26 and 26 ' over another portion of the longitudinal length on a second side of the transverse axis 90 ' differ. In other embodiments, the profile may be the sum of the lateral widths of the channels 26 and 26 ' over a portion of the longitudinal length on the first side of the transverse axis 90 ' equal to or substantially equal to the profile of the sum of the lateral widths of the channels 26 and 26 ' over a portion of the longitudinal length on the second side of the transverse axis 90 ' be.

In an embodiment with reference to 1 can the absorbent core 28 at least three channels or four channels (eg 26 . 26 ' . 27 . 27 ' ). These channels may be free of or substantially free of (eg less than 10%, less than 5%, less than 3%, less than 2% or less than 1%) superabsorbent polymers and may be at least partially present in the Be aligned longitudinally and / or may be at least partially aligned in the transverse direction. In various embodiments, the longitudinal lengths of the channels 26 and 26 ' over the longitudinal axis 80 equal to, substantially equal to (eg within 2 mm or less of each other) or different and the longitudinal lengths of the channels 27 and 27 ' over the longitudinal axis 80 can be the same, essentially the same or different. The longitudinal length of the channels 26 and 26 ' may be greater than the longitudinal length of the channels 27 and 27 ' , The average lateral width over the longitudinal lengths of the channels 27 and 27 ' may be the same, essentially the same or different. Likewise, the average lateral width across the longitudinal lengths of the channels 26 and 26 ' be the same, essentially the same or different. The average lateral width of each of the channels 26 . 26 ' . 27 and 27 ' may be the same, essentially the same or different. This basic principle may apply to any channel configurations disclosed herein.

In one embodiment, referring again to FIG 1 can be at least two of the three channels 26 . 26 ' . 27 and 27 ' at least partially in the longitudinal direction along the longitudinal axis 80 be aligned with the article. Each of the channels 26 . 26 ' . 27 and 27 ' can be parallel to the transverse axis 90 have taken lateral widths. With reference to 11 may be a profile of the sum of the lateral widths of the channels over a longitudinal length along the longitudinal axis 80 at least 5 mm, at least 10 mm, at least 15 mm, at least 20 mm, at least 25 mm, at least 30 mm, at least 35 mm, at least 40 mm, at least 45 mm, at least 50 mm or more, along the longitudinal axis 80 taken, have two "MP". The maximum values may be separated by a gap "G" of at least 1 mm, at least 3 mm, at least 5 mm, at least 10 mm, at least 15 mm, at least 20 mm or more of the longitudinal length of the longitudinal axis 80 extends. An example of such a profile is in 11 illustrated. The profile of 11 between the longitudinal length represented by lines A and B every 5 mm in the longitudinal length (represented by dots along the first side edge 3 ). Lines parallel to the transverse axis 90 and each passing through the points should be drawn on the absorbent article. The sum of the parallel to the transverse axis 90 taken lateral width of the channels should be measured on each line by means of tape measure. Although the maximums "MP" of 11 separated by a 5 mm⎕ gap "G", this gap could be less than 1 mm or more than 1 mm, for example 1⎕15 mm or 1⎕9 mm.

Referring again to 11 can the profile of the sum of the lateral widths of the channels 26 . 26 ' . 27 and or 27 ' over a longitudinal length of at least 20 mm, along the longitudinal axis 80 taken to be bimodal and have a section between the two modes, where the sum of the lateral widths of at least three of the channels 26 . 26 ' . 27 and 27 ' or all of the channels is zero. This section, where the sum of the lateral widths of at least three of the channels 26 . 26 ' . 27 and 27 ' or all of the channels is zero, is through the gap G in 11 characterized.

In another embodiment with reference to 12 can the absorbent core 28 the first channel 26 and the second channel 26 ' as described above, and one or more pockets 29 which are free of or substantially free of the superabsorbent polymers. As an example, the bag 29 a width dimension of 20 mm to 110 mm or less or more, such as 90 mm (across the transverse axis 90 ' ), and a length dimension of 30 mm to 00 mm or less or more, such as 50 mm (over the longitudinal axis 80 ' ), exhibit. The one or more bags 29 may have a section that is on the longitudinal axis 80 ' is arranged, and can be in the front waist area 5 , in the back waist area 6 and / or in the crotch area 7 be arranged. In another embodiment, a pocket may extend in two or more areas. Even though 9 . 12 and 14 ⎕ 20 only one absorbent core 28 show, will be understood that front waist area 5 , the back waist area 6 and the crotch area 7 generally correspond to such areas on the absorbent article as in 1 illustrated. A section of one or more bags 29 may not be on the longitudinal axis 80 ' arranged. In one embodiment, the one or more pockets 29 have a section on the transverse axis 90 ' is arranged. The pocket 29 points parallel to the transverse axis 90 ' measured lateral widths and parallel longitudinal axis 80 ' measured longitudinal lengths. A profile of the sum of the lateral widths of the first and second channels 26 and 26 ' and the lateral widths of the bag 29 over a longitudinal length of 50 mm, along the longitudinal axis 80 ' can have two separate, constant or substantially constant sections, as typically formed in FIG 13 illustrated. 13 is the sum of the lateral widths of the superabsorbent polymer-free or substantially superabsorbent polymer-free regions of the channels 26 and 26 ' and the bag 29 taken from line C to line D in 12 , The longitudinal length along the longitudinal axis 80 ' between lines C and D may be at least 50 mm or less or more. How out 13 As can be seen, the profile has two constant or substantially constant sections, which represent the sum of the lateral widths of the channels alone, and a section that is greater than the constant or substantially constant sections, which is the sum of the lateral widths of the channels 26 and 26 ' and the lateral widths of the bag 29 represents. The sum of the lateral widths of the first channel 26 , the second channel 26 ' and the bag 29 at point between the lines C and D may be, for example, in the range of about 20 mm to about 100 mm. The lateral widths should be every 5 mm along the long axis 80 ' , as discussed above, and measured between lines C and D. This may be a stool bag configured to restrain stool. In another embodiment with reference to 14 can the bag 29 ' at least partially in the front waist area 5 can be located and can be a urine pickup or retention bag. In yet another embodiment, as in 15 shown, the bag can 29 '' at least partly in the crotch area 7 and may be a urine inclusion or retention pouch and / or a bowel movement pouch. The pocket 29 '' may have longitudinal side edges, through the laterally inward sides of the channels 26 and 26 ' may be formed, or may have longitudinal side edges which are independent of the laterally inner side edges of the channels 26 and 26 ' be formed. The bags 29 . 29 ' or 29 '' can be parallel to the transverse axis 90 ' every 5 mm of the longitudinal axis 80 ' measured lateral widths in the range of 10 mm to 110 mm, to 100 mm or 30 mm to 95 mm, in particular all 1 mm steps within the above ranges and all the areas formed therein or by them are given.

In yet another embodiment, the in 16 can be shown, the absorbent core 28 the first channel 26 and / or the second channel 26 ' and a third channel 26 '' (sometimes referred to in the claims as a second channel, if any of the first and second channels 26 and 26 ' not mentioned). The third channel 26 '' may be free of or substantially free of superabsorbent polymers and may be in the back waist region 6 , in the crotch area 7 and / or in the front waist area 5 be arranged. The third channel 26 '' can be within 0-50 mm from the back waist edge 12 or the back 282 or within 0-50 mm from the front waist edge 10 or the front 280 be arranged. In particular, all 1 mm increments within the ranges given above are given herein including any ranges formed therein or by them. A sum of the lateral widths of the first channel 26 and the third channel 26 '' or the first channel 26 , the second channel 26 ' and the third channel 26 '' at a point along the longitudinal axis (for example, point E of FIG 16 ), which is 50 mm or 30 mm or 20 mm or 15 mm or 10 mm or 5 mm or 1 mm or less from the back 282 or the back waist edge 12 or the front 280 or the waist edge 10 is removed can be greater than zero. 17 illustrates an absorbent core 28 , the first channel 26 , a second channel 26 ' , a third channel 31 and a fourth channel 31 ' includes. Each of these channels can be optional. The sum of the lateral widths of the third channel 31 and the fourth channel 31 ' at a point along the longitudinal axis 80 ' (For example, point F of 17 ), which is 50 mm or 30 mm or 20 mm or 15 mm or 10 mm or 5 mm or 3 mm or 1 mm or from the back waist edge 12 , the back 282 , the front waist edge 10 or the front 280 is removed can be greater than zero.

In an embodiment with reference to 18 can be the first channel 26 and the second channel 26 ' each a first bent portion 33 in the front waist area 5 and a second bent portion 33 ' in the back waist area 6 exhibit. The bent sections 33 and 33 ' can be the longitudinal axis 80 ' to be facing. The first channel 26 and the second channel 26 ' can also have a third bent section 33 '' in the crotch area 7 or a non-bent section 33 '' in the crotch area 7 exhibit. The bent sections 33 '' or the sections 33 '' can also be the longitudinal axis 80 ' to be facing. tangent lines 35 the bent sections 33 can the longitudinal axis 80 ' cut to form the angle A1. The cutting angle A1 between the tangent lines 35 and the longitudinal axis 80 ' can range from 10 degrees to 80 degrees, 20 degrees to 75 degrees, 30 degrees to 60 degrees or 45 degrees. tangent lines 35 ' the bent sections 33 ' can the longitudinal axis 80 ' cut to form the angle A2. The intersection angle A2 between the tangent lines 35 ' and the longitudinal axis 80 ' can range from 10 degrees to 80 degrees, 20 degrees to 75 degrees, 30 degrees to 60 degrees or 45 degrees. tangent lines 35 '' the bent sections 33 '' can the longitudinal axis 80 ' cut to form the angle A3. The intersection angle A3 between the tangent lines 35 '' and the longitudinal axis 80 ' can range from 0.1 degrees to 35 degrees or 1 degrees to 20 degrees. In one embodiment, tangent lines may be from the unbent portions 33 '' in the crotch area 7 extend out. The tangent lines may not intersect the longitudinal axis 80 ' and can instead be in directions parallel to the longitudinal axis 80 ' extend. All 0.5 degree increments within the ranges indicated in this paragraph are cited herein, including any ranges formed therein or by them.

As in 18 can be seen, the first tangent line 35 from the first bent section 33 on a first side of the longitudinal axis 80 ' have a positive slope (height difference / horizontal distance) and the first tangent line 35 from the first bent section 33 on the second side of the longitudinal axis 80 ' may have a negative slope. The second tangent line 35 ' from the second section 33 ' on a first side of the longitudinal axis 80 ' may have a negative slope and the second tangent line 35 ' from the second bent section 33 ' on the second side of the longitudinal axis 80 ' may have a positive slope. The tangent lines 35 '' may also have a positive or a negative slope. The slopes of the various tangent lines may be different if the configuration of the channels is different.

Referring again to 18 The angles A1, A2 and A3 can be on a first side of the longitudinal axis 80 ' different, equal or substantially equal to the angles A1, A2 and A3 on a second side of the longitudinal axis 80 ' be. In one embodiment, angle A1 may be relative to angles on one side of the longitudinal axis 80 ' can be greater than the angles A1 and A3 and angle A1 can be greater than angle A3. In other embodiments, with respect to angles on one side of the longitudinal axis 80 ' Angle A1 and angle A1 should be equal or substantially equal, while angle A3 may be smaller than the angles A1 and A2. In still other embodiments, the angles may be on one side of the longitudinal axis 80 ' be the same or different.

The tangent lines 35 come from sections of bent sections 33 in the front waist area 5 , The tangent lines 35 ' come from sections of bent sections 33 ' in the back waist area 6 , The tangent lines 35 '' come from sections of bent sections 33 '' in the crotch area 7 ,

The longitudinal axis 80 or 80 ' can be drawn on an absorbent article or on the absorbent core by the centers of the first waist edge 10 or the first page 280 and the second waist edge 12 or the second page 282 get connected. The tangent lines can be drawn on the absorbent article or the absorbent core by means of a ruler. Several tangent lines can be on a curved section in the front waist area 5 , in the back waist area 6 and / or in the crotch area 7 to be drawn. The tangent lines should be drawn long enough around the longitudinal axis 80 or 80 ' to cut, unless they are parallel to the longitudinal axis 80 or 80 ' are arranged. A protractor, graduated in 1⎕Grad steps, can then be used to measure the angles (A1, A2 and A3) between the tangent lines and the longitudinal axis 80 or 80 ' to eat. If additional channels in the absorbent core 28 In addition, additional tangent lines can be drawn on these channels in the same or a similar way.

In an embodiment with reference to 19 For example, an absorbent core may be used in addition to the first and second channels discussed above 26 and 26 ' a channel or a bag 37 which is free from or substantially free of superabsorbent polymers. A section of the canal or bag 37 can be on the longitudinal axis 80 ' be arranged. The channel or the bag 37 can have a curved section 39 include, which of the page 284 or the second margin 4 facing, and another curved section 39 ' which of the page 282 or the first margin 3 is facing. An angle, A4, between a tangent line 41 ' (or 41 ) of the bent portion 39 ' (or 39 ) and the longitudinal axis 80 ' may be in the range of about 0.1 degrees to 40 degrees, 0.1 degrees to 20 degrees, 0.1 degrees to 15 degrees, 0.1 degrees to 10 degrees or 0.1 degrees to five degrees, in particular, all 0 , 1 degree increments within the ranges given above and all ranges formed therein or thereby. In one embodiment, the tangent line may be 41 (or 41 ' ) parallel to the longitudinal axis 80 ' extend and never the longitudinal axis 80 ' to cut. The channel or the bag 37 may be at least partially within the front waist region 5 , the back waist area 6 and / or the crotch area 7 be arranged.

In an embodiment with reference to 20 can be an absorbent core 28 in addition to the first and the second channel 26 and 26 ' a channel or a bag 43 with one on the longitudinal axis 80 ' arranged portion include. The channel or the bag 43 may have a longitudinal length in the range of 10 mm to 150 mm and a lateral width of 10 mm to about 150 mm, wherein in particular all 1 mm increments within the specified ranges and all areas formed therein or thereby are given. Other dimensions are also within the scope of the present disclosure. The channel or the bag 43 Can be in the front waist area 5 or in the back waist area 6 or be arranged in both. The channel or the bag 43 can have a curved section 45 which is the front 280 or the front waist edge 10 is facing, if the channel or the bag 43 in the front waist area 5 is arranged, and a bent section 45 which of the back 282 or the back waist area 12 is facing, if the channel or the bag 43 in the back waist area 6 is arranged. In some cases, the channel or bag 43 in the crotch area 7 extend. One of the curved section 45 can make an angle with the longitudinal axis 80 ' in the range of 70 degrees to 110 degrees, 80 degrees to 100 degrees, 85 degrees to 85 degrees, about 90 degrees or 90 degrees, in particular all 0.5 degree steps within the specified ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby become.

In an embodiment with reference to 21 can be an absorbent core 28 in addition to the first and second channels 26 and 26 ' a pocket 53 in the crotch area 7 and / or in the back waist area 6 and one or more channels 55 in the back waist area 6 and / or in the crotch area 7 include. In another embodiment, the bag 53 in the crotch area 7 and / or in the front waist area 5 lie and the one or more channels 55 can in the crotch area 7 and / or in the front waist area 5 lie. The pocket 53 and the one or more channels 55 can be fecal pockets or channels and / or urine collection pockets and / or channels. The channels 55 can generally move laterally across the transverse axis 90 ' extend. If appropriate, the various parameters discussed herein may be used for 21 be valid. For example, at least one or all of the channels 55 a tangent line 59 exhibit, extending from a bent section 57 extends from it. The one between the tangent line 59 and the longitudinal axis 80 ' formed angle may be, for example, 80 degrees to 100 degrees, about 90 degrees or 90 degrees.

Barrier leg cuffs

The absorbent article may be a pair of barrier leg cuffs 34 include. Each barrier leg cuff may be formed by a piece of material bonded to the article so as to extend upwardly from the interior surface of the article and provide improved retention of fluids and other body exudates at approximately the junction of the torso and the wearer's legs can. The barrier leg cuffs are through a proximal edge 64 limited, directly or indirectly, with the upper class 24 and / or the lower class 25 is connected, and a free end edge 66 which is intended to come into contact with the skin of the wearer and to form a seal. The barrier leg cuffs extend at least partially between the front waist edge 10 and the back waist edge 12 of the absorbent article on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis 80 and exist at least at the level of the crotch point (C) or crotch area. The barrier leg cuffs may be at the proximal edge 64 with the basic unit of the article through a binding 65 which can be made by gluing, hot melt bonding or a combination of other suitable bonding methods. The connection 65 on the edge 64 can be continuous or intermittent. The connection 65 , which is closest to the raised portion of the leg cuffs, bounds the proximal edge 64 the protruding portion of the leg cuffs.

The barrier leg cuffs can be made in one piece with the upper layer 24 or the lower class 25 may be formed or may be a separate material, which is connected to the basic unit of the article. The material of the barrier leg cuffs may extend over the entire length of the diapers, but may be with the topsheet 24 towards the front waist edge 10 and the back waist edge 12 the article should be "glued" so that in In these sections, the barrier leg cuff material is flush with the topsheet 24 remains.

Each barrier leg cuff 34 can have one, two or more elastic cords 35 near this free end edge 66 to provide a better seal.

In addition to the barrier leg cuffs 34 the article can seal cuffs 32 comprising, with the base unit of the absorbent article, in particular with the upper layer 24 and / or the lower class 25 , are connected and arranged outside the barrier leg cuffs. The sealing cuffs 32 can provide a better seal around the thighs of the wearer. Each seal leg cuff may include one, two or more elastic cords or elastic members in the base unit of the absorbent article between the topsheet 24 and the lower class 25 in the area of leg openings.

US⎕Pat. No. 3,860,003 describes a disposable diaper that provides a contractible leg opening with a side skirt and one or more elastic members to provide an elasticized leg cuff (a cuff). US⎕Pat. No: 4,808,178 and US⎕Pat. No. 4,909,803 , assigned to Aziz et al., describe disposable diapers with "standing" elasticized brims (barrier leg cuffs) which improve the restraint of the leg areas. US⎕Pat. No. 4,695,278 and US⎕Pat. No. 4,795,454 , issued to Lawson and to Dragon respectively, describe disposable diapers having dual cuffs, including gasketing cuffs and barrier leg cuffs. The entirety or a portion of the barrier leg and / or sealing cuffs may be treated with a lotion.

Recording distribution system

The absorbent articles of the present disclosure may include a receiving distribution layer or a receiving distribution system 50 (herein "ADS"). One function of the ADS is to quickly pick up the liquid and efficiently distribute it to the absorbent core. The ADS may comprise one, two or more layers that may form a one-piece layer or may remain as separate layers that may be secured together. In an embodiment, the ADS may comprise two layers: a distribution layer 54 and a recording layer 52 however, which is disposed between the absorbent core and the topsheet, the present disclosure is not limited to this embodiment.

The ADS may include SAP, as this may slow down the uptake and distribution of the fluid. Suitable ADSs are for example in WO 2000/59430 (Daley), WO 95/10996 (Richards), US⎕Pat. No. 5,700,254 (McDowall) and WO 02/067809 (Graef).

distribution layer

The spreading layer of the ADS may comprise at least 50% by weight of crosslinked cellulose fibers. The crosslinked cellulosic fibers may be crimped, twisted or curled, or a combination thereof, including crimped, twisted and curled. This type of material is in US⎕Pat. Pub. 2008/0312622 A1 (Hundorf). The crosslinked cellulosic fibers provide greater elasticity and thus higher resistance of the first absorbent layer to compression in the product package or under conditions of use, e.g. B. under the weight of a baby. This provides the core with higher void volume, higher permeability and liquid absorption, and thus reduced leakage and improved dryness.

Exemplary chemically crosslinked cellulosic fibers suitable for a distribution layer are disclosed in U.S. Pat US⎕Pat. No. 5,549,791 . US⎕Pat. No. 5,137,537 . WO 9534329 or US⎕Pat. Pub. 2007/118087 disclosed. Exemplary crosslinkers include polycarboxylic acids such as citric acid and / or polyacrylic acids such as acrylic and maleic copolymers.

The spreading layer comprising the crosslinked cellulose fibers of the present disclosure may comprise other fibers, but this layer may advantageously be at least 50% or 60% or 70% or 80% or 90% or even up to 100%, by weight of the layer, of crosslinked cellulose fibers (including the crosslinking agents). Examples of such a mixed layer of crosslinked cellulose fibers may comprise about 70% by weight of chemically crosslinked cellulose fibers, about 10% by weight of polyester (PET) fibers and about 20% by weight of untreated pulp fibers. In another example, the layer of crosslinked cellulosic fibers may comprise about 70% by weight chemically crosslinked cellulosic fibers, about 20% by weight lyocell fibers, and about 10% by weight PET fibers. In another example, the layer may comprise about 68% by weight chemically crosslinked cellulosic fibers, about 16% by weight untreated pulp fibers, and about 16% by weight. Include PET fibers. In another example, the layer of crosslinked cellulosic fibers may comprise about 90-100 wt.% Of chemically crosslinked cellulosic fibers.

The distribution layer 54 may be a material having a water retention of from 25 to 60 or from 30 to 45, measured as in US⎕Pat. No. 5,137,537 disclosed methods.

The spreading layer may usually have an average basis weight of from 30 to 400 g / m ² or from 100 to 300 g / m ² , in particular all 1.0 g / m ² ⎕ steps within the ranges indicated above and all areas formed therein or therefrom be cited. The density of the spreading layer may vary depending on the compression of the article, but may be between 0.03 to 0.15 g / cm ³ or 0.08 to 0.10 g / cm ³ , in particular, every 1.0 g / cm ³ ⎕ steps within the ranges given above and all ranges formed therein or by them, measured at 2.07 kPa (0.30 psi).

recording layer

The ads can have a recording layer 52 include. The recording layer can be between the distribution layer 54 and the upper class 24 be arranged. This may be or may comprise a nonwoven material, such as an SMS or SMMS material comprising a spunbond, a meltblown, and another spunbonded layer, or alternatively a chemically bonded carded web. The nonwoven material may be latex bonded. Exemplary upper acquisition layers 52 are in US⎕Pat. No. 7,786,341 disclosed. Carded resin bonded nonwoven fabrics may be used, particularly if the fibers used are solid, round or round, hollow PET staple fibers (50/50 or 40/60 blend of 6 denier and 9 denier.) An exemplary binder is Butadiene / styrene latex Nonwoven fabrics have the advantage that they can be produced outside the processing line and used as a roll of material and.

The recording layer 52 can be stabilized by a latex binder, for example a styrene-butadiene latex binder (SB latex).

In addition to a first recording layer described above, an additional recording layer can additionally be used. For example, a tissue layer may be disposed between the first acquisition layer and the distribution layer. The tissue may have improved capillary distribution properties over the receiving layer described above. The tissue and the first recording layer can be the same size or different sizes. For example, the tissue layer in the absorbent article may extend farther back than the first acquisition layer. An example of hydrophilic fabric are 13⎕15 g / m ² high wet strength cellulose fibers from Havix.

fastening system

The absorbent article may include a fastening system. The fastening system can be used to provide lateral tensions around the periphery of the absorbent article to hold the absorbent article to the wearer, as is conventional for bonded diapers. This attachment system may not be necessary for exercise pants because the waist area of these items is already glued. The attachment system may include a fastener such as adhesive tape tabs, hook and loop fastener components, interlocking fasteners such as tabs and slots, buckles, buttons, snaps, and / or hermaphroditic attachment components, although any other suitable attachment mechanisms are also within the scope of the present disclosure. An impact zone 44 is usually on the garment-facing surface of the front waist area 5 provided so that the fastener can be releasably secured thereto. Some exemplary surface mount systems are in US⎕Pat. No. 3,848,594 . US⎕Pat. No. 4,662,875 . US⎕Pat. No. 4,846,815 . US⎕Pat. No. 4,894,060 . US⎕Pat. No. 4,946,527 . US⎕Pat. No. 5,151,092 and US⎕Pat. No. 5,221,274 disclosed. An exemplary positive fastening system is shown in FIG US⎕Pat. No. 6,432,098 disclosed. The fastening system also provides a mechanism for holding the article in a disposal configuration, as in FIG US⎕Pat. No. 4,963,140 issued to Robertson et al.

The fastening system can also include primary and secondary fastening systems, as in US⎕Pat. No. 4,699,622 disclosed to reduce a shift of overlapped portions or to improve the fit, as in US⎕Pat. No. 5,242,436 . US⎕Pat. No. 5,499,978 . US⎕Pat. No. 5,507,736 and US⎕Pat. No. 5,591,152 disclosed.

Front and rear wings

In one embodiment, the absorbent article may have front wings 46 and rear wings 40 include. The wings may be an integral part of the base unit, for example, the upper class 24 and / or the lower class 26 be formed as a side panel. As an alternative, the wings, as in 1 shown to be separate elements that are attached by gluing, heat embossing and / or pressure bonding. The rear wings 40 can be stretchable to attach the tabs 42 at the impact zone 44 to facilitate and the glued diapers to hold in place around the waist of the wearer. The rear wings 40 may also be elastic or stretchable to provide a more comfortable and snug fit by initially conforming the absorbent article to the wearer and maintaining that fit throughout the wear period well after the absorbent article has been loaded with exudates, as the elasticized wings permit that the sides of the absorbent article expand and contract.

Elastic waist feature

The absorbent article may also include at least one elastic waist feature (not shown) that allows for improved fit and containment. The elastic waist feature is generally intended to elastically expand and contract to dynamically conform to the wearer's waist. The elastic waist feature may extend at least longitudinally outwardly from at least one waist edge absorbent core 28 generally extend and form at least a portion of the end edge of the absorbent article. Disposable diapers can be constructed having two elastic waist features, one located at the front waist region and one at the rear waist region. The elastic waist feature may be constructed in a variety of different configurations, including those described in U.S. Pat US⎕Pat. No. 4,515,595 . US⎕Pat. No. 4,710,189 . No. 5,151,092 and US⎕Pat. No. 5,221,274 are described.

Relationships between the layers

Typically, adjacent layers and components may be joined together using conventional bonding techniques such as slot coating or spray coating all or part of the surface of the layer, heat bonding, pressure bonding or combinations thereof. This binding is not shown in the figures for the sake of clarity and readability (except for the bond between the raised member of the leg cuffs 65 and the upper class 24 ), but the bond between the layers of the article should be considered as existing, unless expressly excluded. Adhesives can be used to increase the adhesion of the various layers between the underlayer 25 and core transformation. The adhesive may be any suitable hot melt adhesive known in the art.

If a recording layer 52 is present, it may be desirable for this recording layer to be larger in length and / or transverse dimension than or at least as large as the distribution layer 54 is. Thus, the distribution layer 52 deposited on the receiving layer. This simplifies the handling, in particular if the receiving layer is a fleece that can be unrolled from a roll of stock material. The distribution layer may also be deposited directly on top of the absorbent core of the core wrap or other layer of the article. In addition, allows a recording layer 52 Larger than the distribution layer, glue the recording layer directly to the memory core (in the larger regions). This can provide increased area integrity and better fluid exchange.

The absorbent core and especially its absorbent material deposition region 8th may be at least as large and long as and at least partially larger and / or longer than the acquisition distribution system (ADS). This is because the absorbent material in the core can more effectively retain fluid and provide dryness benefits over a larger area than the ADS. The absorbent article may have a rectangular SAP layer and a non-rectangular (shaped) ADS. The absorbent article may also comprise a rectangular (non-formed) ADS and a rectangular layer of SAP.

Sanitary napkins features

In an embodiment with reference to 22 For example, the absorbent article may be a sanitary napkin 3010 be. The sanitary napkin 3010 can be a liquid-permeable top layer 3014 , a liquid impermeable or substantially liquid impermeable backsheet 3016 and an absorbent core 3018 include. The absorbent core 3018 may have some or all of the features described herein with respect to the absorbent cores 28 and, in some embodiments, may include a secondary topsheet instead of the receiving distribution system disclosed above. The sanitary napkin 3010 can also wings 3020 include, referring to the longitudinal axis 3080 the sanitary napkin 3010 extend to the outside. The sanitary napkin 3010 can also have a transverse axis 3090 include. The wings 3020 can with the upper class 3014 , the lower class 3016 and / or the absorbent core 3018 be connected. The sanitary napkin 3010 can also have a front edge 3022 , a trailing edge 3024 in the longitudinal direction of the front edge 3022 is opposite, a first margin 3026 and a second margin 3028 which is longitudinally the first side edge 3026 is opposite. The longitudinal axis 3080 may be from a midpoint of the leading edge 3022 to a center of the rear edge 3024 extend. The transverse axis 3090 can be from a midpoint of the first margin 3028 to a center of the second margin 3028 extend. The sanitary napkin 3010 may also be provided with additional features commonly found in sanitary napkins, as known in the art.

Method of making the article

The absorbent articles and sanitary napkins of the present disclosure can be made by any suitable method known in the art. In particular, the articles may be handmade or manufactured industrially at high speed.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein should not be construed as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values given. Instead, unless otherwise indicated, each of these dimensions is intended to mean both the indicated value and a functionally corresponding range surrounding this value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40mm" is intended to mean "about 40mm".

Each document cited herein, including any cross-referenced or related patent or cross-referenced or related application, is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of a document is not an admission that it is prior art in relation to any embodiment disclosed or claimed herein, or that alone or in combination with other reference or other references teaches, suggests, or discloses such embodiment. To the extent any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall also be authoritative.

While particular embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this disclosure.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

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Cited non-patent literature

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Claims (26)

An absorbent article comprising: a front waist region ( 5 ); a back waist area ( 6 ); a step area ( 7 ) extending between the front waist region and the rear waist region; a front waist edge ( 10 ); a rear waist edge ( 12 ) which is longitudinally opposed to the front waist edge; a first page margin ( 3 ); a second margin ( 4 ) which is opposite to the first side edge in the lateral direction; a longitudinal axis ( 80 ) extending from a midpoint of the front waist edge to a midpoint of the rear waist edge; a transverse axis ( 90 ) extending from a center of the first side edge to a center of the second side edge; a liquid-permeable upper layer ( 24 ); a liquid impermeable backsheet ( 25 ); a pair of barrier leg cuffs ( 34 ) extending at least partially between the front waist edge and the rear waist edge on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis, each barrier leg cuff comprising: a proximal edge (Fig. 64 ) connected to the topsheet or the backsheet; and a free end edge ( 66 ); and an absorbent core ( 28 ) disposed at least partially between the topsheet and the backsheet and comprising a core wrap surrounding an absorbent material, the core wrap being a top ( 16 ) and a bottom ( 16 ' ), wherein the absorption material comprises superabsorbent polymers, wherein the absorption material comprises at least one channel ( 26 ), which is substantially free of the superabsorbent polymers and at least partially aligned in the longitudinal direction of the, and wherein the absorbent core a pocket ( 29 ), which is substantially free of the superabsorbent polymers, and wherein a portion of the pocket extends along a portion of the longitudinal axis. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the absorbent material comprises a high amount of superabsorbent polymers based on the weight of the absorbent material. The absorbent article of claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the absorbent material comprises at least 70% by weight of the absorbent material contained in the core wrapper of superabsorbent polymers. The absorbent article of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the top of the core wrap comprises a first material and the underside of the core wrap comprises a second material and the first material or the second material forms a C wrap at least partially around the other material. An absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the pocket is at least partially disposed in the rear waist region. An absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the pocket is at least partially disposed in the crotch area. An absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the pocket is at least partially disposed in the front waist region. An absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a portion of the pocket is in the back waist region and is a fecal pouch. An absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a portion of the pocket is in the front waist region and a urine pocket ( 29 ' ). An absorbent article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pocket has transverse dimensions measured parallel to the transverse axis in the range of 20 mm to 70 mm. Absorbent article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the absorbent material comprises a second channel ( 26 ' . 27 . 27 ' ) which is substantially free of the superabsorbent polymers and at least partially aligned in the longitudinal direction of the article. Absorbent article according to claim 11, wherein the second channel is arranged on the same side of the longitudinal axis as the channel. The absorbent article of claim 11, wherein the second channel is disposed on a different side of the longitudinal axis than the channel. The absorbent article of claim 13, wherein the channel has transverse dimensions parallel to the transverse axis, the second channel having transverse dimensions parallel to the transverse axis, and wherein the pocket has transverse dimensions parallel to the transverse axis, and wherein a profile is the sum of the transverse dimensions of the channel, second channel, and Pocket over a longitudinal extent of at least 30 mm along the longitudinal axis has two substantially constant portions and a portion which is larger than the two substantially constant portions has. The absorbent article of claim 13, wherein the pocket has transverse dimensions parallel to the transverse axis, the channel having transverse dimensions parallel to the transverse axis, the second channel having transverse dimensions parallel to the transverse axis, and a profile of the sum of the transverse dimensions of the channel and the second channel and the transverse dimensions the pocket over the longitudinal extent of at least 50 mm along the longitudinal axis has two separate substantially constant sections. The absorbent article of claim 15, wherein the sum of the transverse dimensions of the channel, the second channel and the pocket at a point along the longitudinal axis is in the range of 20 mm to 100 mm. An absorbent article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the absorbent material comprises cellulosic fibers. An absorbent article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the thickness of the article at the crotch point (C) is from 4.0 mm to 12.0 mm. An absorbent article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the thickness of the article at the crotch point (C) is from 6.0 mm to 10.0 mm. Absorbent article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one channel is permanent. The absorbent article of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the top of the core wrap and the bottom of the core wrap are bonded together by at least a portion of the channel. The absorbent article of claim 21, wherein the top and bottom are bonded together by at least a portion of the channel by means of an adhesive. The absorbent article of claim 21, wherein the top and bottom are bonded together by at least a portion of the channel by pressure bonding. The absorbent article of claim 21, wherein the top and bottom are bonded together by at least a portion of the channel by ultrasonic bonding. The absorbent article of claim 21, wherein the top and bottom are bonded together by at least a portion of the channel by means of heat bonding. The absorbent article of claim 21, wherein the top and bottom are bonded together by at least a portion of the channel by adhesive and pressure bonding and / or heat sealing.

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