JPH07501244A - Absorbent products with non-woven perforated film cover sheets - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] ABSORBENT PRODUCTS HAVING NON-WOVEN APERATURE FILM COVER SHEET FIELD OF INVENTION The present invention relates to absorbent products such as diapers, incontinence products, sanitary napkins, etc. Ru. More specifically, the present invention provides absorbent fabrics having a non-woven perforated film cover sheet. Regarding products.

Background of the invention Any form or form formed to absorb body fluids Types of absorbent products are of course well known. Current types of absorbent products are diapers, for incontinence Including products and sanitary napkins.

The main use problems experienced with known absorbent products are e.g. excrement that contaminates clothing products that come into contact with absorbent products, such as clothing and bedding. It's a leak. The amount of leakage experienced by the wearer is the rate at which liquid enters the absorbent core It can be reduced by improving. Therefore, the liquid quickly tops the The absorbent product contained in the absorbent core is absorbed by the liquid into the absorbent core. Less leakage than absorbent products that can flow through the topsheet before absorbing experience the exit. Therefore, reducing run-off can reduce the This reduces the amount of leakage experienced.

Another use problem associated with absorbent products is dryness of the skin contacting surface. one Generally, the drier the skin-contacting surface, the more comfortable the absorbent product will be. disposable diaper There are several patents relating to the reduction of surface moisture in structures.

Published to Anczurowski on March 23, 1976. No. 3,945,386, filed June 29, 1976 and 1976, respectively. U.S. Patent No. 3,96 issued to Karami on November 30, 1976. 5.906 and 3,994.299 between the topsheet and the absorbent core. A diaper structure having an inserted perforated thermoplastic film is taught. 1982 U.S. Patent No. 4,324,247 issued to Azlz on April 13th describe results in both effluent liquid reduction and surface moisture reduction for absorbent products. Ru.

Yet another issue associated with absorbent products is the feel of the skin contact surface. . A problem with the use of molded films is the plasticity associated with such films. There are some consumers who do not like the texture. Improving the skin feel of absorbent product surfaces Much effort has been devoted to One effort is Butterworth. rth) et al., US Pat. No. 3,967,623. Ba The Turworth patent describes a perforated thermoplastic web with a fibrous or suede-like integral exterior surface. The present invention relates to an absorbent pad having a top sheet comprising:

However, the products mentioned in most of the above references reduce surface runoff and reduce wetting. All three desirable properties of improved revet characteristics and improved feel Not ideal in obtaining combinations. The product described in the Aziz patent is Although it works fairly well, research continues into improved cover sheets.

Therefore, less surface spillage properties, improved surface drying properties and improved flexibility To provide an absorbent product with a good combination of soft, low plastic feel. This is the object of the present invention.

Other objects of the invention may be obtained from the following description of embodiments of the invention and the appended claims. More details will be revealed.

Summary of the invention ``The present invention is applicable to non-woven perforated films such as diapers, incontinence products, sanitary napkins, etc. The present invention relates to an absorbent product having a cover sheet.

In its basic form, an absorbent product has a liquid-permeable cover sheet (or top sheet). a liquid-impermeable backsheet bonded to the topsheet; includes an absorbent core located between the backsheets. The topsheet is a non-woven material (preferably In other words, it consists of a non-woven fabric) and a perforated plastic film. Perforated plastic flap The film preferably has a large number of tapered tubules. The tubule allows the film to absorb liquid. Allows liquid to flow from the topsheet to the absorbent core, preventing liquid from flowing in the opposite direction. to prevent at least the film, preferably both the nonwoven and the film Treatment with an activator to enhance permeability through the topsheet.

The resulting absorbent product exhibits reduced surface runoff and improved surface drying properties as well as improved feel. It is believed to have a good combination of all three desirable properties for improvement.

Brief description of the drawing FIG. 1 is a simplified perspective view of the absorbent product of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3--3 in FIG.

FIG. 4 is an end view of a nonwoven fabric that includes a portion of the topsheet of an absorbent product.

Figure 5 is an end view of a perforated plastic film containing other components of the topsheet. .

6-8 are end views of alternative embodiments of fully assembled topsheets.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of one manufacturing process for a cover sheet for an absorbent product.

Description of preferred embodiments 1. Absorbent products The present invention relates to absorbent products such as diapers, incontinence products, sanitary napkins, etc. do. More specifically, the present invention provides an absorbent material having a non-woven perforated film cover sheet. Regarding the product.

As used herein, the term “absorbent product” refers to a product that absorbs and contains body exudates. Taste. More specifically, the term refers to the absorption of various exudates released by the body. means a product that is placed against or near the body of the wearer, including Ru. The term “absorbent products” refers to diapers, incontinence products, sanitary napkins, panties, etc. liners and other products used to absorb body exudates; intended to include goods. The term “disposable” refers to something that is used once and then discarded. Preferably recycled, composted or otherwise environmentally friendly means a product that is intended to be disposed of in the manner in which it is disposed of.

(i.e., these products cannot be washed or otherwise repaired, or combined with absorbent products. It is not intended to be reused. ) The term "diaper" refers to a diaper that is pulled in between the wearer's lower legs and around the waist. a garment commonly worn by infants and incontinent persons, secured by nt). A suitable “ "Diapers" was published on January 31, 1967 by Duncan et al. U.S. Patent (Reissue) No. 26.152; January 1975 to Nonyl (Buell) U.S. Patent No. 3,860,003 issued on the 14th: Weissman (Velss U.S. Pat. No. 4,610,678 issued September 9, 1986 to US patent number 4,673.40 issued on January 16, 1987 to Wiseman et al. No. 2; US patent issued to Lavson on September 22, 1987 No. 4,695.278; U.S. Patent issued November 3, 1987 to Nonyl No. 4,704.115; May 1989 to Almany et al. U.S. Patent No. 4,834,735 issued on the 3rd; U.S. Patent No. 4,888.23 issued December 19, 1989 to No. 1; and U.S. Patent No. 4°909 issued March 20, 1990 to Aziz et al. ．． No. 803.

The term “incontinence product” refers to products worn by adults or those who are incontinent. Pads, undergarments (pads can be used as belts, etc.) (maintained in place by suspension systems), absorbent product inserts, absorbent Product capacity booster, freef, head means pad etc. A suitable Incontinence products were introduced in March 1981 by Strickland et al. US Pat. No. 4,253,461 issued on the 3rd, US Pat. Nos. 4,597,760 and 4,597.761; U.S. Pat. No. 4,70, supra. No. 4,909.802 issued to Ahr et al. No.; US special issue published October 23, 1990 in Glpson et al. No. 4,964.860: and Noel et al. and Feist, respectively. (Pelst) et al., U.S. Patent Application No. 07, filed January 3, 1991. No. 07/637,090 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/637.571. .

The term "hygienic napkin" refers to various exudates released by the body (e.g. blood adjacent to the vulva, intended to absorb and contain (menstrual secretions and urine) Refers to products worn by gender. be provided with a cover sheet as described herein; A suitable sanitary napkin that can be used for U.S. Patent No. 4,285.343, issued August 25; Van Chilburg (Van Tllburg) on May 20, 1986 and August 1987, respectively. U.S. Patent No. 4,589.876 and U.S. Patent No. 4,687, issued on the 27th. No. 478; April 17 and 1, 1990, respectively, to Osborn et al. U.S. Patent Nos. 4,917.697 and 5.00, issued April 16, 1991. No. 7.906; Ospawn August 21, 1990 and April 2, 1991 respectively. U.S. Patent Nos. 4,950,264 and 5°009.653, issued on the 3rd; Filed on October 29, 1990 under the names of Vlsscher, et al. No. 07/605,583.

The term “panty liner” is commonly used by women during their menstrual period. , meaning an absorbent product that is less bulky than a sanitary napkin. Cover mentioned here A suitable panty liner, which can be equipped with a sheet, was made available to Ospawn in 1988. U.S. Patent No. 4,73 entitled "Pantyliner" issued on April 19, 2013. No. 8.676.

All patents and patent applications (and issued pursuant to them) mentioned throughout this patent application. patents and corresponding issued foreign patent applications) and publications are hereby incorporated by reference. , which is hereby incorporated by reference. However, the relevant material here as a reference There is no admission that the patent teaches or discloses the present invention. Also here that the commercially available materials or products mentioned teach or disclose the invention; Also, it is not acceptable in terms of expression.

Figure 1 shows a simplified absorbent diaper that can represent the diaper before being put on the wearer. Item 1o is shown. However, the present invention does not apply to absorbent products of the particular type or shape shown in the drawings. It should be understood that this is not limited to products. As shown in Figure 2, such absorption The sexual product 10 basically consists of a top sheet 12, a back sheet 14 and an absorbent core 16. including.

The absorbent article 10 has two surfaces, a body contacting surface (or "body surface") 10a and a garment surface 10b. and has. Body surface 10a is intended to be worn adjacent to the wearer's body. Ru. The garment side 10b of the absorbent product 10 (shown in FIG. 2) is the opposite side and the absorbent product 10 is intended to be placed adjacent to the wearer's underwear or clothing when worn. Illustrated.

The absorbent article 10 has two centerlines: a longitudinal centerline I and a transverse centerline t. and has. The terms “longitudinal” and “transverse” or “lateral” (for the latter two) (words are interchangeable) are U.S. Patent No. 5,0 issued to Ospawn III et al. No. 07,906 and is applicable to the absorbent products described herein.

FIG. 1 shows that the absorbent article 10 has two spaced apart longitudinal edges 18 and two spaced apart longitudinal edges 18. having spaced apart lateral or end edges (i.e., opposite ends) 20, which - together form the perimeter 22 of the absorbent product 10;

Next, the individual elements of absorbent product 10 will be considered in more detail.

Topsheet 12 is compliant and soft to the wearer's skin. It has a soft feel and is non-irritating. Additionally, the topsheet 12 is liquid permeable; Allows liquids to easily pass through its thickness. The top sheet 12 is the side facing the body or side 12a and the side or face 12b facing the garment, two longitudinal edges or side edges 12C and two end edges 12d. (The same pick-up is applied to other elements of the diaper 10. - Using a ring (nusberlng) system. i.e. facing the wearer's body The side of the element is named by the element number and the reference letter "a" and is attached to the wearer's underwear. Facing sides are named by the element number and the letter “b”, and side edges and end edges are named by the element number and the letter “b”. number and the reference letter "c" or "d", respectively. ) Topsheet 12 is comprised of two components, preferably a nonwoven material as fabric 24 and a third component. and a perforated plastic film 26. The side of the nonwoven fabric 24 facing the garment The surface 24b is preferably the body-facing surface 26a of the perforated plastic film 26. is maintained in close contact with, more preferably bound to. Top sheet 12 essentials The elementary parts are considered in more detail below.

Nonwoven fabric 24 is a nonwoven fabric that is permeable to liquids.

Suitable non-woven fabrics 24 include, for example, natural fibers (e.g. wood fibers or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers. (e.g. polyester, polypropylene) or combinations thereof. Manufactured from surrounding materials. The nonwoven fabric 24 is preferably polypropylene or polyester. polyethylene, polyvinyl alcohol, starch-based resin, polyurethane, plastic Manufactured from fibers selected from the group consisting of lullose and cellulose esters .

Clearly, there are many manufacturing techniques that can be used to manufacture nonwoven fabric 24. example For example, the nonwoven fabric 24 may be resin bonded, needle punched, Can be spunbond, carded, the latter can be thermally bonded, etched alr-through bonded and spunbond (unlaced) fabrics. A preferred nonwoven fabric 24 is thermally bonded polypropylene. It is cloth.

Nonwoven fabric 24 has a weight of about 1 to about 40 g/m2, preferably about 1 to about 23 g/m2. Should be lightweight.

In one embodiment, the nonwoven fabric 24 weighs about 18 to about 22 grams per square yard (about 21 to about 26 g/m2) and a load of approximately 200 Pascals. ~15 ml (about 0.13 to about 0.38 mm) thick, as shown in Figure 4. callper). Such a nonwoven fabric 24 can be applied in the long sleeve direction or in the device direction. at least about 400 g/cm and at least about 400 g/cm in the direction of the crossing device. Characterized by a minimum wet or normal tensile strength of about 55 g/cm2.

In other embodiments, nonwoven fabric 24 has a weight of about 8 to about 12 g/m2. This way Lightweight non-woven fabrics such as these are highly preferred. Using these (along with lightweight films), Composite topsheet 1 that is sufficiently thin and lightweight to behave as a single sheet material These non-woven fabrics are preferred because they can form the following. This thing is this. Advantages of eel topsheet being more flexible and using less raw material I will provide a.

Nonwoven fabric 24 preferably has a pattern of thermal bonding sites 34 . Preferred nonwoven fabric One type includes a carded heat de sotho bonded polypropylene web. cloth like this The thermal bonds in the fabric are preferably rectangular in shape in plan view. Bonding is preferable or arranged in staggered columns. Other preferred nonwoven fabrics is a spunbond polypropylene web with similarly placed thermal bonds. be. Still other preferred nonwoven fabrics 24 are those published by Megison et al. Cards embossed by the method described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,781,710 A treated polypropylene web. This nonwoven fabric 24 has a diamond shape in a plan view. It has an embossed part or a thermally bonded part which is shaped like a dome. This diamond-shaped knot In the diamond-shaped grid as shown in Figures 1 and 2 of the Madison et al. are placed at intervals. (However, it is not necessary for the embossing to reach the lower core.) stomach. ) The perforated plastic film 26 preferably includes the nonwoven fabric 24 and the absorbent core 16. placed between. As shown in FIG. 5, the perforated plastic film 26 is preferably Preferably, it has a plurality of tapered capillaries 40, each capillary having a base opening 38 and a tip opening. It is a three-dimensional structure having a diameter of 42. The distal opening 42 is preferably located within the absorbent core 16. in close contact with.

The perforated plastic film 26 is made of a liquid impermeable material, preferably a thermoplastic material. Manufactured. One suitable material is 0.001 to 0.002 inches (0.0025 0.0051 cm). perforated The thermoplastic material for use in making the plastic film 26 is generally polyester. Tyrene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, starch-based resin, polyvinyl alcohol The group consisting of polymers, polyurethanes, polycaprolactones and cellulose esters selected from.

The thermoplastic material used in the present invention preferably ranges from about 90 g/Cm to about 1.20 g /cm", with the most preferred density range being about 0.91 g/cm3 ~0.92 g/cm3. Typical melt index ranges for such materials is preferably from about 2 to about 100, and more preferably from about 4 to about 25. .

In one preferred embodiment, the thermoplastic material is No. 3,939.1:15, issued Dec. 30, 975, A large number of tapered shapes in the manner, size, shape and orientation (orlentatlon) A capillary 40 is provided. Other suitable perforated plastic films are Mulan U.S. Patent No. 4.324,4 issued April 13, 1982 to Iane) et al. No. 26; U.S. Patent No. 3, issued August 3, 1982 to Radel et al. No. 4,342.314; and U.S. Pat. It is disclosed in Patent No. 4,463,045. Perforated plastic film 26 can include other types of perforated plastic films that are not thermoplastic . The types of films used include film and non-woven fabric during the manufacture of the top sheet 12. It depends on the type of processing to which the element is exposed. The nonwoven fabric 24 and the film 26 are melted. When integrally molded into a composite structure, a thermoplastic film is used. other Suitable types of perforated films include, but are not limited to, hydroformed (h There is a hydro-for ed) film. Hydroformed film is below U.S. Patent: No. 4,609.5-18, issued to Curro et al. , No. 629.643, No. 4,695.422, No. 4,772,444, No. 4 , 778° 644 and 4,839.216, and Ouel As stated in U.S. Patent No. 4,637°819 issued to Ru.

The nonwoven fabric 24 and the perforated plastic film 26 are placed in face-to-face relationship.

These two elements may or may not be fixed. When fixing two elements, They can be fixed to each other by many different methods (or fixing means) or combinations of methods. I'm angry. Suitable methods for fixing two elements include, but are not limited to, adhesive. agents, fusion (including thermal and/or compression bonding), ultrasound and dynamic mechanical bonding. Ru.

The adhesive can be a uniform continuous layer, a patterned layer, or a separation line of adhesive, a spiral, It can be applied as an array of beads or spots. Adhesive bonding is preferred For more information, see the U.S. published on March 4, 1986 by Mlnetola et al. An open package of adhesive filaments as disclosed in National Patent No. 4.573.986 Turn network or Sprague, Jr. U.S. Patent No. 3,911,173, issued October 7, 1975; Cheeker No. 4.78 issued November 22, 1978 to (Zleker) et al. No. 5.996; and Werenicz, June 27, 1989. By the apparatus and method shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,842.666, issued in Several adhesive filaments twisted into a spiral pattern as illustrated an open pattern network of filaments containing. Heat/compression bonding available This method is described in U.S. Patent No. 8, issued August 8, 1989 to Ball et al. No. 4,854,984.

Alternatively, the nonwoven fabric 24 and the perforated plastic film 26 may be indirectly fixed. Can be done. For example, it may be placed between the nonwoven fabric 24 and the perforated plastic film 26. a thin layer of air felt (a1rf'alt) or a layer of hydrophobic material or these layers. These two elements can be fixed through. Preferably, such addition treatment of one or more layers with a surfactant (described in more detail below). sea urchin).

Alternatively, the nonwoven fabric 24 and the perforated plastic film 26 may be integrally molded into a composite structure. can do. As used herein, "composite", "composite structure 0" or "combination" The term refers to these cases where a portion of the nonwoven fabric 24 reaches into the film 26 or vice versa. means a relationship in which the elements of are connected as a whole. These elements are in a face-to-face relationship. It ceases to exist as a separate layer.

Figures 6 and 7 show some possible embodiments of such composite structures. The illustrated fruit In embodiments, at least a portion of the fibers in nonwoven web 24 are thermoplastic film 26. embedded in part of. The relationship between the surfaces of each element varies with each implementation.

However, in both embodiments shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the garment-facing side 24 of the nonwoven material 24 b is located between the body-facing surface of the perforated film 26 and the garment-facing surface. child These are in contrast to the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, where the elements are separate layers in face-to-face relationship. It is. - Figure 6 shows that the body-facing sides 24a and 26a of the two elements are approximately in the same plane. An example of a composite structure is shown below. FIG. 7 shows that the body-facing side 24a of the nonwoven material 24 is Since it is above the side of the film 26 facing the body, it faces the body of the film 26. Side 26a shows a composite structure disposed between opposite sides of nonwoven fabric 24. The fruit shown in Figure 7 Embodiments provide greater flexibility throughout the body-facing surface 12H of the topsheet 12. This embodiment is considered more preferable of these two embodiments because it provides a nonwoven fabric 24 with Ru. This is in contrast to the embodiment shown in FIG. In the embodiment shown in FIG. Some of the fibers including the non-woven fabric 24 are attached to the surface 12a of the top sheet 12 facing the body. The spider is embedded in the film along at least a portion. These embedded parts are By design, nonwoven materials alone are not very flexible.

In other alternative embodiments, the film 26 is below only a portion of the area of the nonwoven 24. Topsheet 12 can be configured as follows. For example, film 26 Due to its small size, only the part of the absorbent product where liquid will adhere or be absorbed Cover. This could be the crotch area of the absorbent product or the urine “target area”. Ru.

Absorbent core 16 is disposed between topsheet 12 and backsheet 14. absorption The sexual core 16 provides a means of absorbing body exudates. Absorbent core 16 is absorbed It is not necessary to have an absorption capacity much greater than the total amount of exudate to be produced. absorbent core 16 is generally compressible, conformable, and non-irritating to the user's skin. be. This includes any materials used in the art for such purposes. I can do it. Examples include pulverized wood valves commonly called air felt, clay cellulose wadding, cross-linked cellulose fiber, absorbent foam, absorbent sponge, Synthetic stable fibers, polymer fibers, hydrogel-forming polymer gelling agents, peat moss, combinations thereof, or equivalents or equivalents including combinations of substances.

Suitable crosslinked cellulose fibers are described in Cook et al., December 19, 1989. No. 4,888,093 issued to Dean et al. U.S. Patent No. 4,822,543, issued April 18, 1999; No. 4,889, issued December 26, 1989. No. 595; U.S. Patent Nos. 4 and 8 issued December 26, 1989 to Schoggen et al. No. 89.596; published February 6, 1990 in Moole et al. Patent No. 4,898,642; and to Lash et al. June 1, 1990. No. 4,935,022, issued on the 9th.

Characteristics of absorbent cores 16 for specific types of absorbent products are hereby incorporated by reference. Related patents and materials cited in such materials as references; For further details, please refer to the patents and other materials disclosed herein, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. Disclosed. Other suitable absorbent core arrangements are known from Duenk et al. Published on October 22, 1986, and incorporated herein by reference. Patent Nos. 4,988,344 and 4,988.345, and European Patent Applications It is described in Publication No. 0198683. Absorbent products 10 are included as references It may also include additional layers or other elements as described in related patents. example For example, the absorbent product 10 includes a frame disposed between the topsheet 12 and the absorbent core 16. Including additional (acquj, 51tion) layers or patches of bridged cellulose fibers Can be done.

The backsheet 14 is impermeable to liquids, preferably a thin plastic film. Although other flexible liquid impermeable materials can be used. back Sheet 14 is a product in which the liquid contained in absorbent core 16 contacts absorbent product 10. prevent it from getting wet.

A thickness of about 0.001 to about 0.002 inches (0.0025 to 0.0051 cm) A polyethylene film having a satisfactory We are achieving results. The term “flexible” used here means: Adaptable, meaning a material that readily conforms to the general shape and contours of the human body.

The backsheet 14 is overlaid on the garment-facing side 16b of the absorbent core 16 and is preferably or extend beyond its edges. The top sheet 12 faces the body of the absorbent core 16. It also extends beyond both edges of the core 16. Therefore, suck An accommodative core 16 is disposed between the topsheet 12 and the backsheet 14. Top The backsheet 12 and the backsheet 14 are bonded to each other, for example around their peripheries. let The top sheet 12 and the back sheet 14 may be bonded together using, for example, adhesive or crimping. heat sealing Alternatively, they can be bonded by any suitable method, such as by ultrasonic bonding.

The topsheet 12, backsheet 14 and absorbent core 16 are made of a particular type of absorbent material. Further information on how to assellbled for products Detailed explanations are given in the documents related herein by reference.

2. Manufacturing method of absorbent products A suitable manufacturing process for topsheet 12 is shown in FIG.

A version of this process, described below, is also based on Love's The name is Tredegar Film Products (Tredegar Flm Pr) The invention is described in a patent application filed on the same date as the present application.

The apparatus for manufacturing top sheets for absorbent products of the present invention is designated as 100. Device 100 includes a first source 102 and a second source 104. supply source (or “supply means”) ″) 102 and 104 feed material containing the elements of the topsheet into the system.

The nonwoven material is fed into the process at the point indicated by the letter A. 1st supply The source supplies the first material 24° used to make the nonwoven fabric 24. First material 24' are designated above as suitable for use in or as nonwoven fabric 24. It can be any of the specified materials.

Nonwoven materials can be supplied by any suitable source.

The first source 102 may be used for, but not limited to, introducing material into the lamination process. It can include any conventional means that can be used. The first supply source 102 is not limited to web or fabric making machines (e.g. conventional carding machines); system, spunbonding equipment); or system loose (spunbonding equipment); hopper for supplying a layer of loose) fibers.

In the process described, the first source holds the first material as a nonwoven web 24'. The supply roll 102 includes a supply roll 102.

Nonwoven web 24' is preferably a thin, flexible structure. fiber web Registered trademark Celestra (C) by Fiberweb Group ELESTl? A) and manufactured by HOLMESTRA .

The nonwoven web 24 is preferably treated with an effective amount of a surfactant or surfactant. Understand. The amount of surfactant on the surface of the nonwoven fabric is greater than when no surfactant is added. Gives polarity. Greater surface polarity results in greater wettability. A suitable surfactant is I CI Specialty Chemicals (1015 specialty Chemicals) Commercially available as ATMER 645 manufactured by Contains known products.

The nonwoven fabric 24 can be treated with a surfactant before or during its manufacture. can. For example, after the nonwoven fabric 24 is unwound from the supply roll 102 or as described herein. can be processed at other times during the download process. The surfactant is non-woven fabric. It can also be supplied to the surface. This is caused by, for example, badging (pads) by spraying. using known techniques, such as by the use of transfer rolls or transfer rolls. Therefore, it can be implemented. Alternatively (or additionally) a surfactant may be used, e.g. They can be introduced into non-woven fabrics, such as between or within the fibers of woven fabrics. Preferably, The nonwoven fabric is treated with a surfactant before being fed to the process of the invention.

The thermoplastic material is fed into the process at designated point B. Second supply source 10 4 supplies the second material 26 used for manufacturing the thermoplastic film 26 into the system. Ru.

The second material 26° is suitable for use in the production of thermoplastic film 26. It can be any of the materials specified above. The thermoplastic material is a suitable source 104 Powered by. Therefore, the second source is used to introduce the film into the process. This can be any conventional means. The second source 104 is limited to It is not an unwinding roll, a film manufacturing machine, or a film manufacturing machine. It can be a supply of resin pellets. of the process described In embodiments, the second source is a die 104 where the thermoplastic material is The thermoplastic material is extruded and flows out of the die 104.

The perforated plastic film 26 should also be treated with an effective amount of surfactant. interface Treatment of the film with an activator involves the liquid passing through the nonwoven material and the perforated film. collects at the interface between the film and then returns through the non-woven fabric to contact the wearer's skin. This is particularly effective in solving the problem of the prior art. In this way, surfactants Enhances permeability completely through the topsheet 12.

perforated plastic film 26 in the general manner specified above (for use on textile materials). treatment with a surfactant in any of the cases (not particularly limited to can. Preferably, a small amount of surfactant is added to the resin base for producing the film 26. Add to let. The surfactant can be added to a polyethylene resin pellet, for example It can be blended into olefin resin pellets. After treatment, surfactant chemistry additives exude onto the film surface.

Such leaching is due to the fact that the additive is insoluble in the polyolefin at room temperature. evening. During extrusion, the molten amorphous resin mass is rapidly cooled into a semi-crystalline web.

As a regular crystal structure is formed, the amorphous mass decreases. Additive molecules form bonds. They are incompatible with the crystal structure and insoluble in the cooling amorphous region, so they Squeezed or transferred to the surface of the olefin.

The surfactant is the same product as above, commercially known as Atomer 645. I can do it. The amount of surfactant added is determined to move the desired fluid through the topsheet 12. (after the corona discharge treatment described below). world When using a surfactant-treated nonwoven fabric, the amount of surfactant is preferably The amount of surfactant is from 0.5 to about 1% by weight based on the material. Use untreated nonwoven fabric In some cases, from about 2% to about 5% by weight of surfactant based on the thermoplastic material should be used. Ru. It is believed that excess surfactant migrates into the nonwoven fabric.

Die 104 transfers the thermoplastic material as a hot film moving along a predetermined path. Supply plastic materials. Embodiments of the invention include a rotating cylindrical vacuum drum 126. Place it along a regular path. Moving the nonwoven web 24' past the coating roller 128 to bring it into contact with the hot film 26'. The nonwoven web 24' 26° along the side of the drum 126. Film 26' is The nonwoven web 24' is applied to the hot film 2 by vacuum lamination. 6° to form a composite web 12'.

By placing a perforated three-dimensional molded element or screen on the drum 126, A three-dimensional aperture is formed. As the film 26 moves along the drum, During the opening of the forming element the air pressure differential is sufficient to bend the film at 26°. given to part of the screen through. The differential pressure created in this way 26° of molding and breaking occurs to produce a three-dimensional opening. plastic fill A process that can be used to form three-dimensional apertures in a film is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,351,7. No. 84, No. 4,456.570 and No. 4.535.020. .

Composite web 12° passes between nip rollers 134 and 136 and passes through roller 138 and reaches the corona treatment roller 140. Chemically treated composite web 1 2° is more polar than the untreated web, but corona discharge treatment of web 12' is desired. Provides maximum wettability. Corona treatment roller 140 is typically made of, for example, epoxy or fluorine. Fluorinated polyethylene (FON), chlorinated polyethylene (HYPA-LON) or coated with a suitable dielectric material, such as polyester (MYLAR) . The electrode or corona par 142 is parallel to the corona treatment roller 140 and It is suspended approximately 16mm upward. Corona Par 142 has a transformer and a power supply for corona treatment 1 Energy is given from 44. The above corona discharge treatment is described in U.S. Patent No. 4,35 No. 1.784, No. 4,456,570, and No. 4,535.020. ing. This completes the formation of topsheet material 12.

The finished topsheet material 12 is continuously passed through a second tensidine roller 146. It reaches liter 148 and is cut there. Next, the topsheet material 12 is rolled The winder advances through rollers 150 and 152 to winder 154 .

In an alternative embodiment of the manufacturing process for topsheet 12, nonwoven material 24 and a The frame 26 can be secured in other ways. Typically, these other processes does not apply the nonwoven material 24° to the film until after the film has cooled. teenager One replacement process involves attaching nonwoven material 24 and film 26 together using an adhesive. They are joined together on both sides. The adhesive bonding process uses a suitable, commercially available adhesive. can be supplied by a standard adhesive dispensing device. Apply adhesive to appropriate process. It can be applied using a sprayer. For example, you can manufacture the elements separately and use pressure-sensitive adhesives. is applied in advance and then fixed in the next process. In other examples, non-woven materials 24 and film 26 in a process similar to that shown in FIG. The adhesive is applied as they pass through the nip between nip rollers 134 and 136. When compressed, these two elements can be compressed together and combined. Or, Such an adhesive bonding process can be performed without applying pressure. other fruit In embodiments, one of the rollers 134 or 136 is patterned and the other roller - is used as an anvil roller to move the two elements together in the presence of heat and/or pressure. Can be combined. In yet other embodiments, rollers 134 or 136 Commercially available ultrasonic welding devices can be used instead.

Absorbent product 10 has good run-through time and revet value. It is thought that it has. Bleeding time is the time for liquid to penetrate through the top sheet 12. It is a measure of the time required to complete the process. Liquid may flow over the surface of the topsheet 12. Rapid penetration (i.e., low bleed through) of the topsheet 12 to reduce the time) is important.

Bleed through can be measured using any suitable method.

The shorter the bleed through time, the better the bleed through characteristics of the top sheet 12. Ru. The wet return value is the amount of liquid flowing from the absorbent core 16 to the outer surface of the top sheet 12. It is a measure. A large amount of liquid (i.e., high rewetting) on the outer surface of the topsheet 12 values) are undesirable because they cause discomfort to the wearer of the disposable absorbent product. Sucking The rewet value of an astringent product can be measured using any suitable method.

Suitable methods for measuring bleed through and wetback are described in the US patent published in Aziz. No. 4,324,247. However, as stated in the Aziz patent Another variation of the test involves exposing the test sample to a pressure of about 1 ps i. Measure the return wetness value.

The topsheet of nonwoven fabric and surfactant-treated perforated film is made of a single plastic It has better aesthetic qualities than non-woven films and better functionality than non-woven fabrics alone. form a product with Non-woven fabrics form a skin-contact layer that is flexible and aesthetically pleasing. Ru. If the film layer is three-dimensional and has pores, the film layer will allow the fluid to pass through the film. to the absorbent core, providing a barrier against fluid leakage from the core. However, this is difficult with nonwoven fabric alone.

Although the invention has been described in connection with exemplary preferred embodiments, the scope of the invention Changes and modifications may be made in the embodiments described above without departing from the spirit. This will be easily understood by those skilled in the art.

Fig, 6 Fig, 8 International Search Report Rorrl “1(Q2/nQ2’)1OrT/lIC03/110 2 Khufu Continuation of front page (51) Int, C1,' Identification symbol Internal office reference number 829C44100 // B 29 K 105:04 B29L 7:00 9268-4F (81) Specified times EP (AT, BE, CH, DE.

DK, ES, FR, GB, GR, IE, IT, LU, MC, NL, SE), 0A (BF, BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, ML, MR, SN, TD, TG), AU, BB, BG, BR, CA, C3, F I, HU.

JP, KP, KR, LK, MG, MN, MW, No, PL, RO ,RU,SD l 829C67/22 (72) Inventor: Kirkpatrick, Sharon, Darlene 631 Oak Creek Drive, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States 3 (72) Inventor Ruthka, Robert, William Ohio, USA , 5530 Avenue Biscayne, Cincinnati. (72) Inventor: Askin, Robert, Nigene, The Second 640 Terrace View Drive, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. a nonwoven material and a perforated plastic film disposed together in face-to-face relationship; A liquid permeable topsheet for an absorbent product comprising: In order to enhance the total permeability of the film, the film is treated with a surfactant. The above-mentioned top sheet is characterized by: 2. the film comprises a thermoplastic resin material, and the surfactant comprises a thermoplastic resin material; The top sheet of claim 1, wherein the top sheet is mixed with a fatty material and incorporated into the film. 3. 3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the nonwoven material and the film are secured together. top sheet. 4. 4. The top of claim 3, wherein said nonwoven material and said film are adhesively bonded together. Pushito. 5. 4. The topsheet of claim 3, wherein said nonwoven material and said film are fused together. To. 6. The nonwoven fabric and the perforated film are integrally molded into a composite structure. The top sheet according to claim 1. 7. The topsheet of claim 1, wherein the nonwoven material is also treated with a surfactant. . 8. A method for manufacturing a liquid-permeable topsheet for absorbent products, comprising the steps of: : (a) forming a nonwoven web; (b) forming a perforated plastic film; (c) forming a porous plastic film; (d) treating the nonwoven web and the perforated film with an activating agent; a step of placing the person in charge; (e) securing the nonwoven web and the film together; The method characterized in that it comprises: 9. 9. The nonwoven web of claim 8, wherein the nonwoven web has a basis weight of about 1 to about 40 g/m2. A method, wherein steps (b) and (c) are the steps of: (i) forming a thermoplastic material; (ii) forming said thermoplastic material in its fusion; heating to a temperature above the point; (iii) incorporating a surfactant into the molten thermoplastic material; (iv) forming the mixture of molten thermoplastic material and surfactant into said perforated film; The process of (v) cooling the film. 10. 9. The nonwoven web has a basis weight of about 1 to about 40 g/m<2>. , wherein steps (b) and (c) are the following steps; (i) forming a thermoplastic material; (ii) forming said thermoplastic material in its fusion; heating to a temperature above the point; (iii) incorporating a surfactant into the molten thermoplastic material; (iv) forming the mixture of molten thermoplastic material and surfactant into said perforated film; process and including; Step (d) includes bonding the apertured fibres, to bond the nonwoven web to the hot apertured film. When the membrane is sufficiently hot, the nonwoven web and the perforated film are The method includes placing the holder in the holder.