MXPA05013581A - Fluid management article having body-faceable protrusions - Google Patents

Abstract

A fluid-management article, such as a sanitary napkin, comprises a body-faceable, liquid-pervious cover having a top surface, a garment-faceable, liquid-impervious barrier, and an absorbent system intermediate the cover and the barrier. The fluid-management article comprises a plurality of fluid-guiding channels that surround a plurality of isolated protrusions. The channels and the protrusions are formed through the top surface of the cover of the fluid management article. The protrusions have an apex that extends a height greater than about 0.5 millimeters (mm) above at least a portion of the plurality of channels. The protrusions have a number density greater than about 0.15 protrusions/cm2.

Description

ARTICLE FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF FLUIDS THAT HAVE GUIDANCE ORIENTED TO THE BODY CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED REQUESTS This patent application is related to the patent application entitled "Thin sanitary towel with protuberances", with proxy number CAN-5001, filed concurrently on June 12, 2003, commonly assigned, and incorporated as a reference in its entirety .

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to absorbent articles, and more particularly to absorbent articles having protuberances which are adapted to be oriented and to be located, during use, in close proximity or in contact with the body of the user of the article.

ANTECEDENTS OF THE TECHNIQUE Disposable absorbent articles comprising absorbent materials, and which are commercially available, are disclosed in the literature. Typical disposable absorbent articles include a body-oriented layer cover that is designed to keep the body dry, an absorbent system that holds and generally contains the bulk of any discharge from the body (eg, blood, menstruation, urine, etc.). , and a liquid impervious barrier layer that prevents any discharge from the body from leaving the absorbent article. Sanitary napkins, which are a type of disposable absorbent article, are used by women in an intimate garment, adjacent to the pudendal region, and are intended to absorb and contain various exudates that are discharged from the body (eg blood, menstruation , urine, and the like), and that are intended to be discarded after a single use (for example, they are not intended to be washed or reused). Unfortunately, typical disposable absorbent articles, such as sanitary napkins, are limited in their ability to quickly absorb liquid discharges. In particular, it is difficult for typical absorbent articles to rapidly absorb these discharges and prevent these discharges from being released from the article again, due to the stresses exerted on the article from the body, etc. Accordingly, there is a need for a sanitary napkin that overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION An article for fluid handling, such as a sanitary napkin, comprises a liquid-permeable cover, which is oriented towards the body and which has an upper surface, a liquid impervious barrier is oriented towards the garment, an intermediate absorbent system between the cover and the barrier. The fluid handling article comprises a plurality of fluid guiding channels surrounding a plurality of isolated protuberances. Channels and protuberances are formed through the upper surface of the article cover for fluid handling. The protuberances have a vertex that extends to a height of more than about 0.5 millimeters (mm) above at least a portion of the plurality of channels. The protrusions have a density number that is more than about 0.15 protuberances / cm2. According to another aspect of the invention, a method for forming an article for fluid handling comprises providing a liquid-permeable cover that faces the body and has a top surface, a liquid impermeable barrier that is oriented towards the garment, and an absorbent system. The absorbent system is located intermediate between the liquid-permeable cover that faces the body and the liquid-impermeable barrier that is oriented towards the garment. A plurality of fluid guide channels are formed. The fluid guide channels define between them a plurality of isolated protuberances. The plurality of fluid guide channels and the plurality of isolated protuberances are formed through the upper surface of the cover layer. Each of the protuberances has a vertex that extends to a height that is more than about 0.5 mm above the plurality of channels.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A more particular description of the invention summarized above can be obtained by reference to the embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. However, it should be noted that the attached drawings illustrate only the typical embodiments of the invention, and therefore should not be considered as limiting their scope, since the invention can admit other equally effective modalities. Figure 1a is a plan view of a sanitary napkin which is consistent with the embodiments of the invention described herein; Figure 1b is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of the sanitary napkin of the present invention; Figure 2 is a fragmentary top perspective view of the sanitary napkin of Figure 1a; Figure 3 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of the sanitary napkin of Figure 1a taken along line 2-2 of Figure 1a; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a protuberance of the sanitary napkin of Figure 1a; Figure 5 is a fragmented approach and cross-sectional view of Figure 3, showing additional features thereof; Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a net being driven between two rollers, consistent with the embodiments of the invention described herein; Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view in approach of the rollers of Figure 6; Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view in approach of the view of the network of Figure 7, depicting the network being deformed by said rollers; and Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of an optical measurement system that can be used to characterize the articles for fluid handling of the present invention. To facilitate understanding, identical reference elements were used whenever possible to designate the identical elements that are common to the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to disposable absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, pantyhose, incontinence absorbent products, and other disposable absorbent articles that are used close to the wearer's body. As used herein, the term "sanitary napkin" refers to an article that is worn by women in an undergarment adjacent to the pudenda region, and that is intended to absorb and contain various exudates that are discharged from the body ( for example, blood, menstruation, urine, and the like) and that is intended to be discarded after a single use (for example, it is not intended to be washed or restored for use). Panti-protectors are generally similar to sanitary napkins, except that these normally have a lower capacity to absorb fluids and are generally used to control non-menstrual discharges. Both sanitary and panty-protective pads are normally attached or secured to the wearer's undergarments and are located between the undergarment and the pudenda region of the wearer. Adult incontinence articles, diapers and interlabial devices are other disposable absorbent articles which are designed to handle various body exudates and which may benefit from the embodiments of the invention described herein.

A specific implementation of a sanitary napkin 1 according to the embodiments of the invention described herein is illustrated in Figure 1a. The sanitary napkin 1 has an engraved outline 2, which, when seen from above, as can be seen in figure 1a, defines the spatial contours of the sanitary napkin 1. The engraved outline 2 generally includes a first side edge 9 which extends longitudinally, a second lateral edge 10 extending longitudinally, which is opposite the first lateral edge 9 extending longitudinally, a first end 11 extending transversely, and a second end 12 extending transversely. The sanitary napkin 1 is characterized in that it has an imaginary central line 5 extending longitudinally and an imaginary central line 7 extending transversely which is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal line 5 extending longitudinally (the longitudinal line 5 extending longitudinally and the central line 7 that extend transversely appear in a vanished form in Figure 1 A). The sanitary napkin 1 has a main leather 3. In one embodiment of the invention, the engraved contour 2 is substantially symmetrical about the longitudinally extending centreline 5. The wings 13, 14 are optionally attached to the main body 3 and extend laterally outwardly thereof (i.e., away from the longitudinally extending centerline 5). The wings 13, 14 extend to respective distant edges 17, 18.

With reference to figure 1a, and to fig. 2, the sanitary napkin 1 includes a plurality of fluid guiding channels 21, the fluid guiding channels 21 define between them a plurality of protuberances 23. The fluid guiding channels 21 and the protuberances 23 are formed through an upper surface 81 of the sanitary napkin 1. When the sanitary napkin 1 is being worn by a wearer, the protrusions 23 are located next (or in contact with) and oriented towards the wearer's body. It should be noted that the terms "above", "top", "bottom", "bottom", etc. (they are used in this specification to denote relative positions between various characteristics of the sanitary napkin 1, particularly when the sanitary napkin 1 is placed on a flat surface and is oriented such that the protrusions 23 project above the channels 21. The protrusions 23 are insulated, insulated means that each individual protrusion 23 is completely surrounded by at least one of the plurality of cabales 21. The channels 21 that completely surround each protrusion 23 are generally regions that have a lower height, which may have a compression higher or higher density than the protrusion 21 which it surrounds The channels 21 surrounding each protrusion 23 may be disconnected from the neighboring torus channels 221 (as can be seen in Figure 1b) Alternatively, the plurality of channels 21 are connected in such a way as to form a continuous network defining at least two adjacent protuberances 23 and interconnecting the protuberances 23 (as can be seen in Figure 1a). In this latter embodiment of the invention, if one imagines the channels 21 as channels filled with water, starting from any of the channels 21 and moving along one or the other paths through the plurality of channels 21, one it can reach the contour 35 (shown in FIG. 3) of any of the protrusions 23. The protrusions 23 extend above the plurality of channels 21. In particular, each protrusion 23 extends from above at least one of the protuberances 23. portion of the channels 21 surrounding the protuberance 23. In the embodiment of the invention described in Figure 1a, the plurality of protrusions 23 extends in an outer contour 28 separating a continuous region 27 from the protuberances 23 and the channels 21, of an outer region 326 that is generally free of the protuberances 23 and of the fluid guide channels 21 that were described above. The continuous region 27 preferably extends through a central portion of the sanitary napkin 1. The continuous region 27 can be separated from the engraved contour 2 of the sanitary napkin 1, by a distance 22 that is on the scale of approximately 5 mm to approximately 20 mm. In one embodiment of the invention, the continuous region 27 generally provides a region of the sanitary napkin 1 having a high overall flexibility. The outer region 36 can provide a region with a high relative lateral stiffness. By centrally locating the continuous region 27, the sanitary napkin 1 is able to flexibly follow the outline of the wearer's body. (In such a way that the protuberances are close to or in contact with the body of a user of the sanitary napkin 1 during use), while the outer region 36 provides sufficient strength and stability to the sanitary napkin 1. An area projected from the protrusions 23 (ie, the sum of the area of each protrusion within the continuous region 27 as projected onto a two-dimensional surface, such as that shown in Figure 1A) is larger than a projected area of the channels 21 (ie, the sum of the area of each channel within the continuous region 27 as projected onto a two-dimensional surface, such as can be seen in Figure 1A). in a preferred embodiment of the invention, a ratio of the projected area of the protrusions 23 to the projected area of the channels 21 is less than 10. In another preferred embodiment, the ratio is on the scale of about 3 to about 7. The ratios of more than 10 are less preferable since the channels 21 occupy a too small portion of the projected area of the sanitary napkin 1 relative to the protuberances 23, thereby reducing the penetration time of the fluids in the sanitary napkin 1. The channels 21 may have a uniform length or varied. The plurality of channels 21 may also include a perimeter channel 39 that forms the outer contour 28 of the continuous region 27 of the plurality of protuberances 23. The plurality of channels 21 and the plurality of protuberances 23 may have various orientations. In one embodiment of the invention, the plurality of channels 21 are oriented obliquely with respect to the central line 5 oriented longitudinally. The continuous region 27 preferably extends through the longitudinally extending center line 5, such that the protuberances 23 and the channels 21 exist on both sides of the longitudinally extending center line 5. In addition, the continuous region 27 can extend through the central line 7 which extends transversely. The continuous region 27 may comprise a pattern that is repeated two-dimensionally of channels 21 and protuberances 23. The repeated pattern may be characterized by having a unit cell 29 (the contours of the exemplary unit cell 29 are shown with a faded line in FIG. 29). ). The unit cell 29, when projected in two dimensions, generates the continuous region 27 of protuberances 23. In the embodiment of the invention described in FIGS. 1A and 2, the unit cell 29 comprises a broad rectangular protrusion 31, a narrow one. rectangular protrusion 32, a channel 33 separating the protrusion 31 from the protrusion 32, and additional channels (or portions of channels) 34 (shown in Figure 2) surrounding the protuberances 31, 32. Although Figure 2 shows the protuberances 23 with upper surfaces 24 that are even and continuous, upper surface 24 may include protrusions, valleys or depressions, or may also exhibit substantial tortuosity. However, the shapes of the protuberances 23 are not important and can be diamond-shaped, square-shaped, circular, triangular, among other shapes. Furthermore, although Figure 1A describes linear channels 21 surrounding each protuberance 23, other shapes (eg, arched, circular, etc.) are also contemplated. Additionally, the unit cell 29 need not comprise two protuberances 23 (i.e., the pattern can include any number of protuberances 23 to generate the continuous region 279. Figure 3 represents a fragmented cross-sectional view in the sanitary napkin 1. The figure 3 shows the protuberances 23 and channels 21 formed through the upper surface 81 of the sanitary napkin 1, as well as a two-dimensional representation of the unitary cell 29 that can be used to generate the continuous region 27 of the protuberances 23 and the channels 21. It also shows the upper contours 35 of the protuberances 23, as well as a lower surface 45 of the channels 21. In addition, Figure 3 also shows the contours of the continuous region 27 (the continuous region 27 has a double grating in the figure 3) The protuberances 23 have a vertex 47 extending above a reference point 51. The reference point 51 is generally in form immediately outside the continuous region 27. The reference point 51 is within a reference plane 49, which defines the uppermost surface of a portion of the sanitary napkin 1, which is outside the region. continuous 27 of the protuberances 23 and channels 21. In one embodiment of the invention, the lower surface 45 of the channels 21 is below the reference point 51, or, alternatively, the lower surface 45 is below the reference plane 49. The channels 21 are generally configured in such a way that the lower surface 45 is flat or concave (i.e., when the sanitary napkin 1 is placed in a plane, the lower surface 45 does not continuously slope down). In this way, the channels 31 are able to guide the fluids through the sanitary napkin. It is preferable that the lower surface 45 of the channels 21 be substantially flat and even. However, in one embodiment of the invention, the channels 21 have a corrugated surface which can be created by perforating or engraving the channels 21 in one or more layers of the material of the sanitary napkin 1. Preferably, within the region continuous 27, a lowermost point 37 on the surface at the lower surface 45 of the channels 21 is the lowermost surface within the continuous region 27 (i.e., in this embodiment, there are no depressions within the continuous region 27 that is it lies below the lowest point 37 of the lower surface 45 of the channels 21). In other words, the unit cell 29 does not include, in this example, a depression below the lowermost surface 45 of the channels 21. The sanitary napkin 1 has a gauge 26 which is the thickness of the sanitary napkin 1 measured in an area outside of the continuous region 27. If the continuous region 27 extends through the entire main body 3 of the sanitary napkin 1, the gauge 26 is the thickness of the sanitary napkin 1 averaged through the main body 3. The 26 gauge is measured when the sanitary napkin 1 is in a relaxed non-compressed state, secured to prevent curling of the edge (eg, using weights of 907.1847 grams across the edges 9, 10 and the ends 11, 12 to flatten the sanitary napkin 1), with the peeled release paper removed, and measured in a region encompassing all layers of the sanitary napkin material 1. The 26 gauge can be selected based on the desired technical properties for the sanitary pad 1 (for example, absorbency) or based on consumer preference. In one embodiment of the invention, the gauge 26 is less than about 5 mm. In another preferred embodiment the gauge 26 is less than about 3.5 mm. The protuberances 23 have a variable shape. In one embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 4, the protuberances 23 have a table-like shape. In other words, the protuberances 23 have a substantially flat or slightly rounded upper portion 59 (providing comfort to the wearer of the sanitary napkin 1) and a rounded edge 57 substantially inclined to facilitate the flow of body fluid towards the lower surface 45 of the channels 21. The apex 47 of the protuberances 23 extends at a height 25 above at least a portion of the lower surface 45 of the channels 21 which is more than about 0.5 mm. The inventors found that this distance is generally sufficient to maintain a space between the lower surface 45 (not shown in Figure 1a) of the channels 21 and a surface of the wearer's body. In another embodiment, the height 25 is on a scale of about 0.5 mm to about the 26 gauge of the sanitary napkin 1. In another embodiment, the height 25 is on the scale of about 0.75 mm to about 1.5 mm. In another embodiment of the invention, the protuberances 23 have an individual width 55 that is more than about 2 mm. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the protuberances 23 have an individual width 55 which is selected based, for example, on a dimension of a body orifice (eg, an average vaginal opening dimension for a sanitary napkin) on the The sanitary napkin 1 is placed therein. For example, the individual width 55 of the protuberances 23 can be less than about 70 mm (70 mm is less than a typical distance between an anterior vaginal wall and a posterior vaginal wall of an average user a sanitary towel). In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the individual width 55 of the protuberances 23 is between about 2 mm and about 35 mm. Although the individual width 55 is illustrated in FIG. 4 as the linear extension of the protrusion 23 in one dimension, the width 55 of the protrusion 23 is calculated as a projected area of the protrusion 23 divided by a length of the protrusion, wherein the length is the greatest the distance between any two points on the protrusion. For a detailed description of a suitable method for determining the width of a protrusion, the reader should refer to the patent application "Thin Sanitary Napkin Having Protrusions", incorporated by reference and previously registered under the CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED REQUESTS. To provide sufficient guidance to the fluid, the protuberances 23 have a number density greater than about 0.15 protrusions per cm2. The same embodiment of the invention, the protuberances 23 have a number density greater than about 0.25 protuberances per cm2 to about 25 protuberances with cm2. In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the protuberances 23 have a density in number between about one protrusion per cm 2 to about 4 protrusions per cm 2. The number density of protuberances is calculated by taking the number of protuberances 23 and dividing this number by the projected side of the protuberances.; that is, the area of the protrusions projected onto the reference plane 49, which is shown in Figure 3. Although the continuous region 27 is generally flexible when bent, the individual protuberances 23 of the sanitary napkin 1 are generally resistant to deformation substantial compression forces that are typically present during use, for example from about 0.70 to about 1.40 kg./cm2 for a sanitary napkin. As such, the protrusions 23 have sufficient elasticity, even when wet, to maintain a separation between the lower surface 45 of the channels 21 and surfaces of the carrier body that may be in contact with the protrusions 23. Additionally, the protrusions 23 they can be substantially non-elastic when subjected to compression forces that are typical of those encountered during use. In one embodiment of the invention, the sanitary napkin 1 has a stiffness, as measured by the MODIFIED CIRCULAR FLEX, measured within the continuous region 27, which is greater than about 300 grams. In a preferred embodiment, the stiffness, as measured by the modified circular flexure, is greater than about 400 grams. The rigidity of the protuberances 23 again helps to maintain the separation between the lower surface 45 of the channels 21 and surfaces of the carrier body that may be in contact with the protuberances 23.

Construction of fluid handling article Referring to Figure 5, the sanitary napkin 1 comprises a fluid-permeable cover layer 101, a liquid impervious barrier layer 105 and an intermediate absorbent system 103 between the fluid-permeable cover layer 101 and the barrier layer impermeable to liquid 105.

As previously described, the sanitary napkin 1 comprises the plurality of fluid guiding channels 21. The fluid guiding channels 21 define therebetween the plurality of protuberances 23. The cover layer 101 has a top surface forming the upper surface 81 of the sanitary napkin 1. The cover layer 1 is liquid permeable and generally adaptable, with a soft and non-irritating feel to the wearer's skin. It can be made from any of the conventional materials for this type of use. The cover layer 101 generally functions to transport the fluid away from the wearer of the sanitary napkin 1 into the sanitary napkin 1. In this way, the fluid and moisture are removed so that they do not come into contact with the wearer, making thus to the dry and comfortable carrier. Non-limiting examples of suitable materials that can be used as the cover layer 101 are woven and non-woven fabrics formed from polyester, polypropylene, nylon and / or rayon fibers or the topsheet can be a thermoplastic film with openings and formed films . The cover layer 101 may optionally be treated with surfactant to manipulate its hydrophobic / hydrophilic character to facilitate optimal fluid transport properties. The fibers or other materials that make up the barrier layer 101 should not collapse or lose their elasticity when subjected to a body fluid. The cover layer 101 can be formed from, for example, polypropylene staple fibers or other suitable materials. The fibers can be oriented by a carding process and thermally bonded by embossing. The grammage of the cover layer 101 may be in the range of about 10 grams per square meter (gsm) to about 30 gsm. The barrier layer 105 is impervious to liquids and thus avoids body fluid that may be present at the interface between the absorbent system 103 and the barrier layer 105 to stain the wearer's clothes.

Suitable materials to be incorporated within the barrier layer 105 include, for example, embossed or non-embossed polyethylene films, microporous films and laminated fabric, among other materials. The absorbent system 103 provides the means to absorb body fluid. Body fluid that moves in or "down" from the cover layer 101 is transported to the absorbent system 103 which retains the bulk of the fluid until the sanitary napkin 1 is discarded. The absorbent system 103 preferably comprises two separate layers, a transfer or acquisition layer 107 and an absorbent core 109. The transfer layer 107 and the absorbent core 109 can be discrete layers or can be joined together. The transfer layer 107 is optional and, if present, is generally placed directly below the cover layer 101, and the transfer layer 107 comes into direct contact with the absorbent core 109. The transfer layer 107 provides the means to receive body fluid from the fluid-permeable cover layer 101 and maintain it until the absorbent core 109 has the opportunity to absorb it. The transfer layer 107 is preferably denser than the fluid-permeable cover layer 101 and has a larger proportion of pores smaller than the latter. These attributes allow the transfer layer 107 to contain the body fluid and keep it away from the outer side of the fluid-permeable cover layer 101, thereby preventing the fluid from rewetting the fluid-permeable cover layer 101 and its surface.

However, the transfer layer 107 is preferably not so dense as to prevent passage of the fluid through the transfer layer 107 and into the underlying absorbent core 109. The transfer layer 107 may comprise various materials, including for example, cellulose fibers such as wood pulp, single component or bicomponent fibers including thermoplastic materials (such as polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, etc.) in fiber or other forms, rayon, organic binders (such as vinyl copolymers, acrylics and / or other monomers that can be coated on thermoplastic fibers or otherwise incorporated into the transfer layer 107) among other materials known in the art. The transfer layer 107 can, for example, have a grammage on a scale of about 40 grams per square meter (gsm) to about 120 gms, a thickness on a scale of about 0.5 mm to about 4 mm, a density on a scale of about 0.03 g / cc to about 0.15 g / cc. For embodiments in which the protuberances 23 and channels 21 are formed through the transfer layer 107 it is preferred that the transfer layer 107 has a melt processable or thermoplastic component such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester and the like. The transfer layer 107 may be moldable or compressible or otherwise assist in maintaining the definition of the plurality of protuberances 23 and the plurality of channels 21 during the use of the sanitary napkin 1.

The absorbent core 109, placed below the optional transfer layer 107 has a large capacity for absorbing liquids and may be able to maintain the definition of the plurality of protuberances 23 and the plurality of channels 21 during the use of the sanitary napkin 1 Examples of material that can be used in the construction of absorbent core 109 include, for example, cellulosic fibers (preferably wood pulp, but cotton, flax and swamp moss are also acceptable), synthetic fibers, superabsorbent polymers (SAP) or fibers. superabsorbents, as well as organic binders or other materials described above as suitable for incorporation into the transfer layer 107, and other materials known in the art for making absorbent core materials. The relative proportion of these materials can vary to achieve sufficient absorbency, compressibility and processability. In a non-restrictive example, the absorbent core 109 comprises from about 40% by weight to about 95% by weight of cellulosic fibers, and from about 5% by weight to about 60% by weight of superabsorbent polymer. The absorbent core 109 can include any superabsorbent polymer (SAP). For the purposes of the present invention, the term "superabsorbent polymers" (or "SAP") refers to materials that are capable of absorbing and retaining at least about 10 times a weight in body fluids under a pressure of 0.03 kg / cm2. The superabsorbent polymer particles of the invention can be inorganic or organic entangled hydrophilic polymers, such as polyvinyl alcohols, polyethylene oxides, entangled starches, guar gum, xanthan gum and other materials known in the art of manufacturing absorbent articles. The absorbent core 109 may be bonded with resin or thermally bonded and calendered flat or embossed to achieve proper strength. The density of the absorbent core 109 is preferably on a scale of about 0.08 g / cc to about 0.60 g / cc, and more preferably on a scale of about 0.20 g / cc and about 0.40 g / cc. The basis weight of the absorbent core 109 is preferably on a scale of about 100 gsm to about 350 gsm, and more preferably between about 150 gsm and about 250 gsm. Although the various layers of material (shell, absorbent system, barrier) are described as separate layers, it is within the scope of the invention that one or more of these layers can be formed or integrated together and in fact may not be layers of material discrete, but rather a unitary layer that has multiple functional properties. Referring now to Figure 5, the protuberances 23 and the channels 21 of the sanitary napkin 1 are formed through the upper surface 81 (i.e., the top surface of the cover layer 101). By saying "form through the upper surface of the cover layer" is meant that if one followed the upper surface 81 of the sanitary napkin 1 (i.e., the upper surface of the cover layer 101), one would observe the undulations of the protrusions 23 and channels 21. In other words, the cover layer 101 is not loosely dropped onto layers of underlying material to mask or hide the protuberances 23 and channels 21 to the extent that the protuberances 23 and channels 21 lose definition. The protuberances 23 and channels 21 preferably extend into additional material layers of the sanitary napkin 1, as described below. In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 5, the protuberances 23 and channels 21 are formed through the cover layer 101, the transfer layer 107 and the absorbent core 109. By saying "form through", the transfer layer 107 and the absorbent core 109, is meant that if one were to follow an upper surface 131 of the transfer layer 107, one would find a plurality of protrusions and channels that correspond, form in register or align with the protuberances 23 and channels 21 in the upper surface 81 of the cover layer 101. As such, the cover layer 101 fits justly over the transfer layer 107 and the upper surface 131 of the transfer layer 107 generally follows the contours in the upper surface 81 of the transfer layer 101 without appreciable macroscopic voids present between the two layers. Similarly, an upper surface 135 of the absorbent core 109 follows the contour of the upper surface 131 of the transfer layer 107. Although it is preferred that the protuberances 23 and the channels 21 are formed through the transfer layer 107 and through of the absorbent core 109, this is not required. For example, the protuberances can be formed by only one of these layers and / or formed by, for example, an insert (not shown in the figures) that does not have an absorbent functionality and that is placed between the cover layer 101 and the barrier layer 105. The shape of the protuberances and channels that are present on the upper surfaces 131, 135 of the transfer layer 107 and absorbent core 109 respectively may differ from the corresponding protuberances 23 and channels 21 in the upper surface 81 of the cover layer 101. Similarly, the protuberances on the upper surfaces 131, 135 of the transfer layer 107 and the absorbent core 109 respectively, may be more or less pronounced than the corresponding protuberances 23 and channels 21 on the upper surface 81 of the cover layer 101. Although it is contemplated that the plurality of protuberances 23 and the plurality of channels 21 may be formed through of the barrier layer 105, it is preferred that it not be so. In this preferred embodiment, the portions 117 of the absorbent system 103 are detached from the barrier layer 105 and portions 137 come into contact with the barrier layer 105. The portions 117 of the absorbent system 103 that detach from the barrier layer 105 may have a density that is less than a density of the portions 137 that come into contact with the barrier layer 105. In this embodiment of the invention, a plurality of voids 121 are present between the barrier layer 105 and the release portions 117 of the absorbent system 103. As such, a plurality of recesses 123 is present on the underside of absorbent system 103. This plurality of recesses 123 is generally aligned or in register with the plurality of protuberances 23. Referring again to Figure 1a, the The absorbent system 103 may be confined to a laterally central region of the sanitary napkin 1. Alternatively, the absorbent system 103 may extend laterally inside the wing 13. As shown in figures 1 and 2, the cover layer 101 and the barrier layer 105 are joined in a seam 40 (also commonly referred to as a flange seal) around the entire periphery of the sanitary napkin 1. The purpose of this seam 40 is to join the layer cover 101, barrier layer 105 and absorbent system 103 of sanitary napkin 1 in a unitary structure. The seam 40 may be formed by any means commonly used in the art for this purpose such as gumming, folding or heat sealing. The seam 40 is illustrated as extending completely around the periphery of the towel 1. Additional clamping of the layers 101, 103, 107, 109 can be achieved by laminating one or more of these layers together.Method for Making the Article for Fluid Handling The fluid handling article of the present invention as the sanitary napkin 1 can be made using several processes, such as an embossing process in which one or more layers of sanitary napkin material 1 are subjected to mechanical and thermal energy to form the protuberances 23 and channels 21.

According to one aspect of the invention, a method for making a fluid handling article such as sanitary napkin 1 comprises providing a body-facing liquid-permeable cover layer having an upper surface, a liquid impervious barrier layer. oriented towards the garment and an absorbent system. The absorbent system is positioned intermediate between the liquid-permeable cover facing the body and the liquid-impervious barrier facing the garment. A plurality of channels for guiding fluid, the channels for guiding fluid defining between them a plurality of protuberances, is formed through the upper surface of the cover layer. The protuberances have an apex that extends a height that is greater than about 0.5 mm above at least a portion of the plurality of channels. The absorbent system may be positioned intermediate the liquid permeable layer facing the body and the liquid impermeable barrier facing the garment prior to forming the channels and protuberances through the upper surface of the cover layer. Alternatively, the absorbent system can be positioned intermediate between the liquid-permeable cover facing the body and the liquid-impervious barrier facing the garment after forming the channels and protuberances through the upper surface of the cover layer. According to another aspect of the invention, a method for making an article for handling fluid such as the sanitary napkin 1 comprises forming a plurality of channels for guiding fluid, the guiding channels defining between them a plurality of protuberances, wherein the plurality of channels for guiding fluid and the plurality of protuberances are formed through the upper surface of the cover layer. The formation includes pushing a first layer of material between two rollers, wherein one of the rollers includes a plurality of projections and the other roller includes a plurality of depressions in register with the projections of the first roller having, and wherein the first layer material is selected from the group consisting of the liquid permeable cover facing the body of the absorbent system, a mechanical insert and combinations thereof. Referring to Figures 1, 5 and 6, in an exemplary method congruent with embodiments of the present invention, the absorbent core 109 and the transfer layer 107 can be formed by cutting corresponding bands of material in predetermined sizes and shapes, placing the core absorbent cut 109 and transfer layer 107 in contact with each other and carry absorbent core 107 and transfer layer 107 to a conveyor. A band of material can then be provided which will eventually be cut to create the cover layer 101 so that the band of cover material comes into contact with the transfer layer 107, forming a band between layers 501, as shown in Figure 6. This inter-layer web 101 is then pushed between a rotary die roller 503 and a rotary anvil roller 505 that is separate from the die roll 503. Die roll 503 has a surface 507 with a pattern of projections 509 (i.e. , male tool elements) that extend from a generally flat surface. The anvil roller 505 has a surface 523 that can be substantially flat in its entirety. However, in a preferred embodiment, the surface 523 of the anvil roller 505 includes a series of depressions 521 (female tool elements) that are designed to be aligned with the die roller projections 509 503. As the web 501 is pushed between the die roll 503 and the anvil roll 505, the band 501 is subjected to periodic compression / shear forces. The web 501 is thus deformed and a pattern of protuberances 23 and channels 21 is formed in the web 501. The protuberances 23 and channels 21 have dimensions that relate to those of the projections 509 and the depressions 521 in the die roller 503 and the anvil roller 505 respectively. Figure 7 shows a close view of rollers 503, 505 of Figure 6. Die roll 503 and anvil roll 505 are separated by a tool space 525 that is preferably kept within a narrow scale throughout of the processing of the web 501. The tool space 525 can be maintained (within a few hundredths of a millimeter) around a target that can be between about 0.2 mm to about 0.3 mm. The projections 509 of the die roll 503 have a projection height 527 that is selected based on the desired heights 25 of the protuberances 23. The projection height 527 can, for example, be between about 1 mm and about 3 mm . The projections 509 may be rounded to form rounded protrusions 23 (i.e. in the form of a table), providing a pleasant sensory experience for the user, but this is not necessary. In one embodiment of the invention, the projections 509 have an individual radius 531 which may be between about 0.25 mm and about 1 mm. The depressions 521 have a depth 529. An upper clearance 541 separates the projections 509 from a bottom of the depressions 521, so that the sum of the projection height 527 plus the upper clearance 541 equals the tool space 525 plus the depth of depression 529. The upper clearance 541 may be greater than the size 26 of the sanitary napkin 1. When having depths of depression 521 that meet these criteria, the compression of the sanitary napkin 1 in the regions forming the wings 23 is relatively low. This facilitates the formation of protuberances 23 with reasonably large heights 25 and, as such, fluid handling articles with better absorbency properties. A lateral clearance 533 is present between the projections 509 and the depressions 521. The lateral clearance 533 is substantially smaller than the caliber 26 of the sanitary napkin 1. As such, the maximum compression is between the projection 509 and the flat surfaces 535, not directly below the 509 projection. The lateral clearance 533 may be on a scale of about 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm. In addition, the die roll 503 has an inclination diameter 511 which is preferably approximately equal to an inclination diameter 513 of the anvil roll 505. The depressions 521 are separated by flat surfaces 535 having a flat surface width 537. The width The flat surface 537 is generally selected based on the desired pattern imparted to the sanitary napkin 1, and, in particular, the width 56 of the channels 21. The flat surface width may be, for example, between about 1 mm and approximately 2 mm. The flat surfaces have an angle 539 which is generally selected to facilitate the removal of debris that may accumulate during the processing of the die roll 503. The angle may be between about 0 degrees and about 15 degrees. The projections 509 and the depressions 521 each are maintained at a surface temperature which improves the capacity of the mesh 501 to maintain the pattern of protuberances 23 and channels 21 as well as to allow the 501 mesh to accept the pattern at a time for printing of a line that is relatively fast. The surface temperature may be on a scale of about 100 degrees Celsius to about 200 degrees Celsius, and may be high enough to promote localized melting and melting of various materials comprising 501 mesh. Projections 509 and depressions 521 may maintained at surface temperatures that are approximately equal or substantially different. The die roll 503 and the anvil roll 505 are preferably constructed of durable materials that are capable of being heated to a temperature greater than about 200 ° C. The die roll 503 and the anvil roll 505 may comprise, for example, stainless steel, elastomeric materials, or other materials known in the etching art of materials used in the manufacture of absorbent articles. The mesh 501 is advanced between the rollers 503, 505, at a surface speed that can be about 5% to about 25% higher at a speed related to the rollers 503, 505. This is typically necessary in order to generate protuberances 23 with a height greater than about 0.5 mm. Stated in other words, the compression and deformation related to the mesh 501 generally require more material consumption than for the processing that does not impart substantial height to the mesh 501. The mesh 501 includes a material that is capable of being deformed in a durable manner, is to say, capable of retaining a pattern imparted to the mesh 501 by the projections 509 and depressions 501. The mesh 501 comprises one or more materials having sufficient stiffness, molding ability, and / or compressive strength such that the 501 mesh It can accept a pattern such as of the structured rollers 503, 505 thus forming the protrusions 23 and the channels 2, 1 and the sanitary napkin 1 retains this pattern throughout the period during which the sanitary napkin 1 is used. Preferred embodiment of the invention, the mesh 501 includes at least a portion of the absorbent system 103. The absorbent system 103 may comprise an absorbent core 10 9 and a transfer layer 107, or the mesh 501 may comprise only the absorbent core 109. The mesh 501 may further comprise the cover layer 101. Although it is preferred that the mesh 501 does not include the barrier layer 105 (the method may damaging the barrier layer 105), it is contemplated to include the barrier layer 105 in the mesh 501. The mesh 501 is pushed between the die roller 503 and the anvil roller 505 and the plurality of protuberances and channels are formed through the absorbent system 103 as well as other layers of material that may be included in the mesh 501. As shown in Figure 8, the sanitary napkin 1 is subjected to high compression forces in a region 801 which generally encompasses the channels 21. As such, the 801 regions are highly densified. The regions 803 (generally encompassing the protuberances 23) are subjected to only minimal compression since the depth of depression 529 is generally greater than the sum of the 26th caliber of the sanitary napkin 1 plus the projection height 527. As such, the regions 803 are relatively undensified and spongy. The regions 805 (generally encompassing the edge 57 of the protuberances 23) are subjected to moderate shear and compression from the process since the size 26 of the sanitary napkin 1 is less than the lateral slack 533. As such, the 805 regions are densified partially. Hereinafter, the method of manufacturing the sanitary napkin 1 is completed using process steps known in the art of sanitary napkin manufacture. For example, for the embodiment of the invention where the mesh 501 excludes the barrier layer 105 the barrier layer 105 can be brought into contact with the absorbent system 103 and adhered thereto using an adhesive of suitable construction to form a bond. In one embodiment of the invention, the barrier layer 105 adheres to the portions 137 of the absorbent system 103 and not to the detached portions 123 of the barrier layer 105 (as shown in Figure 5). Release paper and placement adhesive can be applied to the barrier layer 105 using methods known in the art of sanitary napkin manufacturing. The printing limit 2 can be formed by, for example, forming the flange seal 40 using hot stamping rolls and using a die roll having cutting blades in order to cut the desired shape into several layers of material comprising the sanitary towel 1.

PROCEDURE TO DETERMINE LAALTURAY AND THE WIDTH OF THE PROTUBERANCES The height and width of the protuberances can be determined using mechanical measurement systems known in the art, but for exact measurements it is preferred to use an optical measurement system. For example, a particular method that is able to accurately determine the height and width of the protuberances 23 involves the use of a digital tape protrusion technique, such as the PRIMOS optical 3D skin measuring system, commercially available from GFMesstechnik GmbH from Berlin, Germany. Although the PRIMOS optical 3D skin measurement system is generally used to take skin measurements in vivo, it can also be used to take 3D surface measurements of inanimate objects, such as items for fluid handling including sanitary napkins. Figure 9 is a schematic representation of the optical 3D measurement system 910 which is suitable for obtaining 3D surface measurements of the fluid handling article, such as the sanitary napkin 1 of the present invention. The optical 3D measurement system 910 includes an optical measuring head 912 having a light projector 914, a CCD recording camera 916 and a protrusion and shooting optics (not shown). The light projector 914 may be a digital micromirror projector such as a Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) which is available from Instruments of Houston, Texas. In operation, the light projector 914 projects a series of alternating black and white parallel ribbon patterns on the surface of the sanitary napkin, wherein each ribbon pattern has tapes of different widths. The minimal differences in elevation on the surface of the sanitary napkin 1 deform the parallel tapes, and it is these deformations that constitute a qualitative and quantitative representation of the surface profile of the sanitary napkin 1. The CCD 916 recording chamber acquires the photos of the distorted tape patterns and follows them to a processing unit 918, such as a personal computer, which is connected to the optical measurement head 912. The processing unit 918 is operative to push the light projector 914 and receive signals from the camera CCD register 916. The photos acquired by the CCD registration chamber 916 and received by the processing unit 918 are analyzed by the processing unit 918 in order to derive the surface measurements of the sanitary napkins that are measured. The processing unit 918 can employ a PRIMUS SOFT software, also commercially available from GFMesstechnik of Berlin, Germany, for the purpose of interpreting the data of the CCD 916 recording camera. A suitable procedure for obtaining height measurements using the measuring system in 3D PRIMOS 910 optics, is as follows. First, the optical 3D measuring system, the light projector 914, a CCD recording camera 916 and the processing unit 918 are driven and heated. Once hot, the "technical surface" setting is selected, which is the appropriate setting to obtain surface measurements of inanimate objects. The next step is to perform a calibration procedure. For example, in order to calibrate the PRIMOS 910 optical 3D measurement system, a calibration block having a trench of a certain vertical depth is placed in a leveling table under the optical measuring head 912 and the focus Light intensity of the equipment are adjusted. In order to adjust the light intensity, a light adjustment knob located in the camera is manually adjusted until a visual indicator in the form of a color-changing circle turns green. The green circle indicates that the light intensity was adjusted appropriately. The focus is adjusted by adjusting a red screen cross so that it is in alignment with a black cross. Once the light intensity and focus have been adjusted, the user presses the "measurement" button. The "measurement" button causes the PRIMUS SOFT program to generate a graduated color image of the reference block surface, which is displayed to a user on a display screen. The graduated color image shows the target surface in different colors depending on the different vertical heights of the surface. A profile line is drawn perpendicular to the trench of the reference block on the display screen using a mouse (mouse) or other suitable user interface. The PRIMUS software then generates a two-dimensional g of the surface profile of the reference block along the profile line. In order to determine the height of the trench, the mouse is clicked on the two-dimensional g in a location that represents the upper surface of the reference block. The mouse then clicks a second time on the two-dimensional g in a location that appears to be the bottom of the trench. The user then selects a vertical distance function from a toolbar or from a deployment menu. The vertical distance function provides the vertical distance between the two locations in the profile where you click with the mouse. The vertical distance is then compared with the reference distance indicated in the reference block. If the measured distance is within 1% of the distance indicated in the reference block, then the PRIMUS 910 optical 3D measurement system is calibrated. Once calibrated, the reference block is removed, and the sanitary napkin 1 is secured in a flattened manner in the table without layers of sanitary napkin material 1 removed. The sanitary napkin 1 is placed under the optical measuring head 912. The light intensity and the focus are adjusted one more time and the "metering" button is selected. The PRIMUS SOFT program generates a graduated color image of the sample to be measured. A profile line is then plotted on the graduated color image perpendicular to the region where the height measurement is to be taken. A two-dimensional g of the surface profile of the sample along the profile line is then generated. Once generated, the mouse is clicked on the two-dimensional profile at a location that is closer to an imaginary reference plane that is coincident with the lower surface 45 of the channel 21 (and parallel to the plane 49, described with reference to the figure 3) that is adjacent (ie, isolated) from the projection 23. Subsequently, the mouse is clicked a second time at a location where the two-dimensional g approaches the upper part of a protuberance. The user then selects the vertical distance function, which provides the vertical distance between the two locations in the profile where the mouse is clicked, which in the case of the present invention may be the height of the protrusion. The individual width 55 of the protrusions 23 is generally calculated as the projected area of the protrusion 23 divided by a length of the protrusion, wherein the length is the greatest distance between any of the two points on the protrusion, as measured using the Optical measurement system 910. For a description of a suitable method for determining the width of a protuberance, the reader addresses the patent application, "Thin Sanitary Napkin Having Body-Faceable Protrusions", which is incorporated by reference, as established previously. To facilitate obtaining accurate height and width measurements, the optical measurement head 912 can be used, for example, a 32 mm x 32 mm field of view, with a spatial resolution xy of 32 microns and a resolution of step z of 1 for the purpose of obtaining surface measurements of the sanitary napkin of the present invention. In addition, the turbidity point of each acquisition can, for example, have 1, 048,576 points (1024 x 1024).

PROCEDURE TO DETERMINE THE PENETRATION TIME The "penetration time" is defined as the time taken for the towel 1 to absorb a predetermined amount of a specific liquid in accordance with the test procedure described in detail below.The inventors have found that articles for fluid handling consistent with the embodiments of the invention described herein, provide useful low penetration times The apparatus required for the test includes a stopwatch with an accuracy of 0.1 seconds, a graduated glass cylinder of 10 ml capacity and having a diameter inner of approximately 12 mm, a quantity of synthetic menstrual fluid, and a plate with fluid penetration test orifice.The test plate is rectangular and made of polycarbonate and is 25.4 cm long by 7.6 cm wide by 1.27 cm thickness A concentric elliptical orifice is formed through the plate that has a major axis with a length of 3.8 cm and is paral elo to the length of the plate and a minor axis with width of 1.9 cm and that is parallel to the width of the plate. The apparatus further includes a flexible cushion for supporting the sanitary napkin 1 during the penetration time test and which acts to improve the contact between the plate and the cover layer 101. The buffer comprises a non-woven fabric of low density fusible fiber. (0.03 to 0.5 g / cm. Sup.3) measured at 0:24 kPa. The non-woven fabric is cut into sheets rectangular with dimensions 32 x 14 x 0.3 centimeters and the sheets are stacked until the pile reaches a free height of approximately 5 cm. The stack is then wrapped with a 0.1 mm thick layer of polyurethane elastomeric film such as BF Goodrich's Tuftane. The wrapping of the film is sealed on the back with a double transparent tape face to form a flexible cushion. This flexible shock absorber must respond to a load formation such as when using the Fraser Compressometer No. 255 equipped with a 12.7 cm diameter base, the thickness of the shock absorber will vary as follows: Thickness Applied pressure (after wrapping with film 0 pressure 42.0 mm 0.069 kPa 38.5 mm 0.207 kPa 31.0 mm 0.345 kPa 27.0 mm 0.483 kPa 24.0 mm The absorbent sanitary towel 1 (with any packaging removed), the test fluid, the orifice plate and the graduated cylinders are condition at a temperature 21 +/- 1 degree C. and relative humidity 50. +/-. 2% (RH) for a minimum of 8 hours before the test. If towel 1 is folded, the folds are removed as much as possible by flattening and if the towel 1 is curved, the side shirings are cut several times so that the sample can be flattened. The donated pre-sanitary sanitary napkin 1 is placed on the flexible cushion on a leveling surface, without removing the release paper and with the cover layer 101 facing upwards. The plate with a clean hole is placed in the sample, with the hole centered on the surface of the towel so that the major axis of the elliptical hole coincides with the longitudinal axis of the towel 1. If the towel 1 has at least one In a channel, the plate should be positioned so that at least one channel can lie within the hole or adjacent the edge of the hole. The graduated cylinder is then filled with 7 ml of synthetic menstrual test fluid. The proper synthetic menstrual fluid has a viscosity of 30 centipoise (cps). Keeping the graduated cylinder nozzle approximately 2.54 cm to 7.62 cm above the orifice plate, the test fluid is poured into the hole and the stopwatch starts when the fluid first touches the sample. The stopwatch stops when the cover layer 101 first appears through the upper surface of the fluid, despite where the cover layer 101 becomes visible within the hole. The time is measured at almost 0.1 seconds. The fluid should be poured into the orifice in a manner in which the orifice is kept as full as possible without overflowing on the face of the plate.

When performing the above method, it is important that the tests are carried out at a temperature of 21. +/-. C degrees and relative humidity of 50. +/-. 2%. It is also important that the samples, all the components of the apparatus and the test fluid are conditioned for a minimum of eight hours under the conditions specified above before the test. The orifice plate must be thoroughly cleaned between the test samples. Also, the test fluid container should not be left uncovered between the test of each sample since the evaporative effects will alter the fluid. It is important that the correct end point is used when timing the fluid penetration. If any of the above conditions are not met, the results of the test may be adversely affected. This test is performed on a minimum of 5 samples and an average value of the 5 samples is reported as the penetration time.

PROCEDURE TO DETERMINE RE-HUMAT A standard amount of test fluid is deposited on the surface of the sanitary napkin and allowed to absorb. The moistened area is then covered with an absorbent medium, placed under a specific pressure for a specific period and subsequently removed. The wetting potential of the towel is determined by measuring the amount of fluid absorbed by the absorbent medium placed in the wetted area. The apparatus includes a chronometer, capable of an accuracy of 1.0 seconds and a duration of 15 minutes; a balancer, minimum capacity of 50 grams and an accuracy of 0.01 g, a balancer, minimum capacity of 3 kg and accuracy of 0.1 g, a plate with a PLEXIGLÁS hole with a thickness of 1.27 cm, a PLEXIGLÁS support plate with a thickness of 1.27 cm; an accurate fluid assortment device (a disposable syringe, such as a BD 20 ce syringe or a Lancer 12 ce pipette, is preferred, but a graduated cylinder, appropriately measured for accurate measurement of 5cc of fluid is suitable; qualitative filter paper Whatman # 1 (46cm x 57cm, 100 sheets / pkg.), A wide-mouth plastic bottle with a lid, the diameter of the bottle: 3 cm or less with a capacity: 500 ml to 1000 ml in scale, paper towels; supply of water to clean the appliance, and a cutting board or steel rule die 7.62 cm x 10.16 cm The absorbent sanitary pad 1 (with any packaging removed), the test fluid, the PLEXIGLÁS plates, the dispensing device of fluid and filter paper are conditioned at a temperature of 21. +/- 1 degrees C, and relative humidity of 50. + -. 2% (RH) for a minimum of 8 hours before the test. fold the towel 1, the folds are removed as much as possible by flattening and if the towel a 1 is curved, the side shirings are cut several times so that the sample can be flattened. The preconditioned sanitary napkin 1 is placed on the leveling surface, without removing the release paper and with the cover layer 101 facing upwards.

The plate with a clean hole is placed in the sample, with the hole centered on the surface of the towel so that the major axis of the elliptical hole coincides with the longitudinal axis of the towel 1. If the towel 1 has at least one In a channel, the plate should be positioned so that at least one channel can lie within the hole or adjacent the edge of the hole. The fluid spout device is subsequently filled with 5 ml of synthetic menstrual test fluid. The proper synthetic menstrual fluid has a viscosity of 30 centipoise (cps). Hold the fluid spout approximately 2.54 to 7.62 cm above the orifice plate. The fluid must be filled in the hole in such a way that the hole is kept as full as possible without overflowing on the face of the plate. After the absorption is complete, start the stopwatch and remove the PLEXIGLÁS orifice plate. After 15 minutes have passed on the stopwatch, stack quickly over the moistened area, in the following order: 1. Pile (previously weighed) of 15 folds of Whatman # 1 filter paper of 7.62 cm x 10.16 cm (length of 10.16 cm coinciding with the longitudinal extension of the towel) 2. Plexiglas support plate (centered on the filter paper) 3. Plastic container of predetermined quantity of steel pellets (centered on the support plate PLEXIGLÁS). The weight of the pellet in grams should be approximately [2.92 kg / m2 x contact area in m2 x 1001.39 g / kg] minus [the combined weight of the filter paper, the support plate, the bottle and the lid]. Note, to calculate the contact area of the rectangular pads, area = 10.16 cm x width of towel. To calculate the contact area of the raised center or pads; saturate a piece of filter paper from 7. 62 cm x 10.16 cm with the test fluid. In the following order, place the wet filter paper, support plate of 7.62 cm x 10.16 cm and bottle with 3 kg. of steel balls on the center of the face of the towel. After 10 to 15 seconds have elapsed, remove all of the above from the towel. A stain, equivalent to the contact area of the filter paper with the towel, should appear on the towel face. Measure the area of the spot using the Planimax 25 Image Analyzer or trace the spot on a thin PLEXIGLÁS plate or transparent MYLAR sheet and measure the spot area with a planimeter. NOTE: use an average value for the weight of the filter paper stacks. Weigh the calculated amount of pellets, place in the plastic bottle and secure the lid. Immediately after placing the above components on the towel, start the stopwatch. When 3 minutes have passed on the stopwatch, remove the plastic container and support plate. Weigh and record the wet weight of the 15-fold filter paper stack at 0.01 g. Note that the orifice plate must be completely cleaned between the test samples. In addition, the test fluid container should not be left uncovered between the test of each sample since the evaporative effects will alter the fluid. It is also important that the correct end point is used when timing the fluid penetration. If any of the above conditions are not met, the test results may be adversely affected. This test is performed in a minimum of 5 samples and an average value of the 5 samples is reported as rewet.

Procedure to determine stiffness Peak bending stiffness is determined through a test that is modeled after the CIRCULAR FLEXION PROCEDURE ASTM D 4032-82, the procedure being considerably modified. Test specimens are conditioned by leaving them at an ambient temperature, that is, 21 ° C, +/- 0.1 ° C and 50%, +/- 2.0% relative humidity over a period of 2 hours. The piston speed is set to 50.0 cm per minute per full stroke length. A specimen is positioned so that the continuous region 27 of protuberances 23 and channels 21 are on the orifice platform below the plunger. The specimen-facing layer faces the plunger and the barrier layer of the specimen faces the platform. The zero indicator is checked and adjusted if necessary. The plunger is actuated. The specimen should be avoided during the test. The maximum force reading is recorded to the nearest gram. The previous steps are repeated until all the specimens have been tested. Otherwise, the method is performed as described in the patent of E.U.A. 5,009,653, issued to Procter & Gamble Company of Cincinnati, Ohio on April 23, 1991, which is incorporated herein by reference.

EXAMPLES EXAMPLE 1 A thin sanitary towel was constructed comprising a cover layer of 30 g / m2, a transfer layer of 100 g / m2 and an absorbent core of 208 g / m2 and a barrier layer. A plurality of channels and protuberances similar to those described in Figure 1a, were formed through the cover layer, the transfer layer, and the absorbent core, but not the barrier layer. The height of the protuberances was approximately 1 mm. The protrusions were alternating narrow and long rectangles, as described above with reference to Figure 1a and were present in a number density of approximately 2 protuberances per square centimeter. The sanitary napkin was tested in accordance with the test methods described above and found to have a penetration time of 24.5 seconds and a rewet value of 0.74 seconds.

EXAMPLE 2 A sanitary napkin comprising a cover layer of 30 g / m2 was built, a transfer layer of 110 g / m2 and an absorbent core of 208 g / m2 and a barrier layer. A plurality of channels and protuberances similar to those described in Figure 1a, were formed through the cover layer, the transfer layer and the absorbent core, but not the barrier layer. The height of the protuberances was approximately 2 mm. The protuberances were present in a density in number of approximately 2 protuberances per square centimeter. The sanitary napkin was tested according to the test methods described above and found to have a penetration time of 19.6 seconds and a rewet value of 0.64 seconds.Comparative 1 A sample of "Stay-Free Ultra Thin Maxi", commercially available from Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc. The sanitary napkin was tested in accordance with the test methods described above and found to have a penetration time of 29 seconds and a rewet value of 0.95 seconds.

METHOD FOR USING THE ARTICLE FOR FLUID MANAGEMENT The fluid handling article of the present invention is placed in proximity or in contact with the wearer's body, with the protuberances 21 positioned towards the body with respect to the wearer. For example, in the case of the sanitary napkin 1, the sanitary napkin 1 is placed in the crotch portion of an undergarment and placed in proximity with the wearer's perineal region in order to handle fluids emanating therefrom. . The sanitary napkin 1 can be secured to the undergarment of a wearer in order to remain close to the vaginal opening using placement adhesive. The protuberances 23 are generally capable of maintaining a separation between the lower surface 45 of the channels 21 and a surface of the wearer's body that can make contact with the protuberances 23 during use. The fluid emanating from the wearer is transmitted through the cover layer 101 and into the absorbent system 103 wherein the fluid is primarily housed until the absorbent article is subsequently discarded. Without intending to be limited to a specific theory or mechanism of action, it is considered that the sanitary napkin 1 of the present invention demonstrates a higher absorbency performance since the fluid that strikes the protuberances of the sanitary napkin 1 may be partially directed towards down to the absorbent and partially directed structure of the protrusions 23 towards the channels 21. This allows fluid, even relatively viscous fluid and fluid with high solids content to penetrate the sanitary napkin 1 and be quickly directed away from the wearer, thus improving the comfort of the user. Furthermore, it is considered that because the protuberances have a height that is higher than the protuberances of the prior art, the protrusions generally expel less fluid in a rewetting challenge, thus preventing product spillage and improving comfort. The improved rewet may be further reinforced for embodiments in which the sanitary napkin 1 has a partially densified region 805 associated with the protrusions, possibly because the partially densified 805 regions of the protuberances retain better fluid in a rewet challenge than the protuberances. made using the prior art methods. The fluid handling articles of the present invention are advantageous in that they are characterized by having a low penetration time required to absorb fluid, even viscous fluid such as blood and menstruation. In addition, the fluid that is absorbed by the article is maintained within the structure and is not released when the article is exposed to compression and other forms of mechanical deformation. In addition, the protuberances are generally soft and comfortable for the wearer. Although the foregoing refers to various embodiments of the invention, other modalities may be contemplated without departing from the basic scope thereof, and this scope is determined by the following claims:

Claims (38)

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS

1. - An article for fluid management, comprising: a liquid-permeable cover facing the body having a top surface; a liquid impervious barrier facing the garment; and an absorbent system between the cover and the barrier, wherein the fluid handling article comprises a plurality of channels for guiding fluid, wherein the channels for guiding fluid surround a plurality of isolated protuberances, wherein the channels and protuberances are formed through the upper surface of the cover, wherein the protuberances have an apex extending a height above at least a portion of the plurality of channels, and wherein the height is greater than about 0.5 millimeters (mm) ), and wherein the protuberances have a number density greater than about 0.15 protuberances / cm2.

2. The article for fluid handling according to claim 1, further characterized in that the protuberances and channels are formed through at least a portion of the absorbent system.

3. The article for fluid handling according to claim 1, further characterized in that the protuberances have a sufficient elasticity, when wet, to maintain a separation between the channels and a surface of the user's body, when the article stops. Fluid handling is used by a user.

4. The article for handling fluids according to claim 1, further characterized in that the protuberances and channels form a continuous region.

5. The article for fluid handling according to claim 4, further characterized in that the continuous region extends through a central line of the article, wherein the center line is selected from the group consisting of the center line that is extends longitudinally, the central line extending transversely and combinations thereof.

6. The article for handling fluids according to claim 1, further characterized in that the channels form a continuous interconnected network defining at least two adjacent protuberances.

7. The article for fluid handling according to claim 4, further characterized in that the absorbent article is limited by an engraved contour, and the continuous region is separated from the engraved contour.

8. The article for fluid handling according to claim 1, further characterized in that the channels are oblique with respect to the longitudinally extending center line.

9. - The article for fluid handling according to claim 1, further characterized in that a projected area of the protuberances and a projected area of the channels have a ratio between approximately 3 and 7.

10.- The article for fluid handling compliance with claim 4, further characterized in that the apex of each of the protuberances extends above a reference point outside the continuous region.

11. The article for fluid handling according to claim 4, further characterized in that the apex of the protuberances resides above a reference point outside the continuous region, and the channels have a lower surface that resides below the point. reference.

12. The fluid handling article according to claim 11, further characterized in that the lower surface of the channels is a lower surface within the continuous region.

13. The article for handling fluids according to claim 1, further characterized in that the projections have a plateau shape.

14. The article for fluid handling according to claim 1, further characterized in that the absorbent system comprises a plurality of recesses aligned with the protuberances formed on the surface of the cover.

15. - The article for fluid handling according to claim 1, further characterized in that the absorbent system includes an absorbent core and a transfer layer, wherein the transfer layer makes contact with the absorbent core, and wherein the transfer is in middle of the absorbent core and the cover layer.

16. The article for handling fluids according to claim 15, further characterized in that the protuberances are formed through the absorbent core and the transfer layer.

17. The article for fluid handling according to claim 1, further characterized in that the absorbent system includes portions that make contact with the barrier layer and portions that are detached from the barrier layer.

18. The article for handling fluids according to claim 1, further characterized in that the article for handling fluids has a caliper less than about 3.5 mm.

19. The article for handling fluids according to claim 1, further characterized in that the protuberances are not substantially elastic.

20. The article for fluid handling according to claim 1, further characterized in that the protuberances have an individual length of less than about 70 mm.

21. - The article for fluid handling according to claim 1, further characterized in that the protuberances have an individual length between about 2 mm and about 35 mm.

22. The article for handling fluids according to claim 1, further characterized in that the protuberances are present in a number density greater than about 0.15 protuberances per cm2.

23. The article for handling fluids according to claim 1, further characterized in that the protuberances are present in a number density between about 0.25 protuberances per cm2 and about 25 protuberances per cm2.

24. The article for fluid handling according to claim 1, further characterized in that the protuberances are present in a number density between approximately 1 protrusion per cm2 and approximately 4 protrusions per cm2.

25. The article for fluid handling according to claim 4, further characterized in that the article for fluid handling has a stiffness, measured within the continuous region, greater than about 300 grams.

26. The article for fluid handling according to claim 4, further characterized in that the article for fluid handling has a stiffness, measured within the continuous region, greater than about 400 grams.

27. - The article for fluid handling according to claim 1, further characterized in that the height of the apex above the channels is on a scale of about 0.75 mm and about 1.5 mm.

28. The article for fluid handling according to claim 1, further characterized in that the height of the apex above the channels is on a scale of approximately 0.5 mm and a caliber of the article.

29. An article for fluid management adapted to be used adjacent to a pudenda region of a user, the article comprising: a liquid-permeable cover facing the body having a top surface; a liquid impervious barrier facing the garment; and an absorbent system between the cover and the barrier, wherein the fluid handling article comprises a plurality of channels connected to guide fluid, wherein the channels for guiding fluid surround and therefore isolate a plurality of protuberances, wherein the channels and protrusions are formed through at least a portion of the absorbent system and towards the upper surface of the cover, wherein the protuberances have an apex extending a height greater than about 0.5 mm above at least one portion of a lower surface of the channels, and wherein the protuberances have a number density greater than about 0.15 protuberances / cm2.

30. - A method for forming an article for fluid handling, wherein the method comprises: providing a liquid-permeable cover facing the body having a top surface, a liquid impervious barrier facing the garment, and an absorbent system; placing the absorbent system between the liquid-permeable cover facing the body and the liquid-impermeable barrier facing the garment; forming a plurality of channels for guiding fluid, the channels for guiding fluid define therebetween a plurality of isolated protuberances, wherein the plurality of channels for guiding fluid and the plurality of isolated protuberances are formed through the upper surface of the layer of cover, wherein the protuberances each have an apex extending a height that is greater than about 0.5 mm above the plurality of channels.

31. The method according to claim 30, further characterized in that the height is between about 0.75 mm and about 1.5 mm.

32. The method according to claim 30, further characterized in that the plurality of channels for guiding fluid and the plurality of isolated protrusions are formed such that the apex of each of the protrusions resides above a reference point, and the channels have a lower surface that resides below the reference point.

33. - The method according to claim 30, further characterized in that said formation comprises durably deforming a first layer of material and placing the first layer of material in contact with a second layer of material.

34.- The method according to claim 33, further characterized in that the first layer of material is selected from the group consisting of the cover, the absorbent system, a mechanical insert and combinations thereof.

35. The method according to claim 33, further characterized in that the second layer of material is selected from the group consisting of the cover, the absorbent system, the barrier and combinations thereof.

36. The method according to claim 30, further characterized in that the first layer of material includes at least a portion of the absorbent layer and the second layer of material includes the barrier layer.

37. The method according to claim 33, further characterized in that said deformation durably comprises pushing the first layer of material between a plurality of rollers, wherein at least one of the rollers includes a plurality of projections to deform the first layer of material. 38.- The method according to claim 33, further characterized in that said deformation durably includes pushing a first layer of material between two rollers, wherein one of the rollers includes a plurality of projections and the other roller includes a plurality of projections. depressions in register with the projections of the first roller.