CN1097450C - Absorbent article having improved integrity and acquisition - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a moisture absorption article of sanitary towels, underpants pads, adult incontinence devices, etc. The moisture absorption article is provided with components connected together to improve integrity, and is provided with an unconnected window on one side facing bodies to improve collection performance. The moisture absorption article comprises a top sheet, wherein the top sheet is integrated to a lower liquid pervious or moisture absorbent layer in multiple independent connection regions. The moisture absorption article is provided with the unconnected window basically having no connection region; the window is surrounded by the parts of the moisture absorption article comprising the connection regions.

Description

Absorbent article with improved integrity and acquisition

                      

The present invention relates to absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, adult incontinence devices and the like, and more particularly, the present invention relates to absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins having improved integrity and having an unattached window to improve acquisition performance.

Background technique

Absorbent articles of various styles and configurations are known, of course, for absorbing body fluids such as menses, urine and feces. Absorbent articles typically have multiple layers of material which generally include, from top to bottom, a liquid permeable layer, an absorbent layer and a liquid impermeable layer. Additional layers may also be sandwiched between any of the layers. These additional layers serve various purposes.

The layers of the absorbent article are generally held together around their perimeter by some conventional means such as adhesives, crimping, fusing or other known means. Absorbent articles can have (and in many cases preferably have) a liquid-tight connection around their periphery. This connection does not affect the function of the absorbent article. However, it is also often desirable to join the plies face-to-face. The face-to-face joining of such layers poses technical problems, especially when it is desired to join the upper liquid-permeable layer to the absorbent layer. The methods used to join the layers at the periphery cannot usually be used because the joining at the periphery would impede the flow of liquid to the absorbent layer.

In order to solve the above problems, many efforts have been made, including the use of hot melt adhesives and other non-water-based adhesives. These adhesives rarely dissolve when in contact with body fluids. Other attempts have been to apply the adhesive layer very thinly or in special patterns so as to minimize the flow of liquid to the underlying ply. US Patent 4,573,986 issued March 4, 1986 to Minetola discloses a preferred manner of applying the adhesive. Although the adhesive application method disclosed in the Minetola et al. patent is excellent, research continues to improve the method of securing the surface of the absorbent product layer.

The reason for the investigation into ways to improve the fixation of these ply surfaces is that in many cases the adhesive works adequately initially but eventually loses its functionality, causing the liquid permeable layer to detach. This problem is particularly evident when the absorbent article is used for an extended period of time. This problem is often exacerbated when the liquid permeable layer is an apertured plastic film. Apertured plastic films made in accordance with patents owned by the assignee of the present invention work well, but problems arise when they separate from the underlying layer. The plastic films are so thin that they tend to migrate into creases on the wearer's body (such as the space between the wearer's buttocks) when they become unattached. This can be extremely uncomfortable and irritating. In some cases, the liquid permeable layer sticks to the wearer's skin due to the plastic content of the film. The adhesive forces the attached surface of the film against the wearer's body, which makes it possible for the liquid-permeable layer to adhere to the wearer's skin.

Separation of the apertured film from the absorbent layer may also cause exudates to flow along the longitudinal axis out of the top of the absorbent article. In addition, if the film is no longer in contact with the underlying absorbent layer used to wick the waste, the waste will not always pass through the film. This is particularly the case when airfelt batts are used as thick pads for the absorbent core. Absorbent cores of such thick pads tend to collapse and bunch (or laterally gather) in the center of the product when first wetted. This gathering and separation of the formed film removes the portion of the liner adjacent its longitudinal edges from the underlying absorbent material, thereby increasing the potential for exudates to run or leak from the top of the product along the longitudinal edges.

Absorbent products described in several patents optionally hold the plies together for a variety of purposes. Such efforts are described in: U.S. Patents 3,965,906 and 4,184,902 to Karami; U.S. Patent 4,391,861 to Butterworth et al; U.S. Patent 4,397,644 to Matthews et al; U.S. Patent 4,475,911 to Gellert; US Patent 4,726,976; US Patent 4,752,349 to Gebel; US Patent 4,753,840 to Van Gompel; US Patent 4,823,783 to Willhite, Jr. et al; US Patent 4,844,965 to Foxman and US Patent 4,908,026 to Sukiennik et al. However, most of these patents do not disclose welding an apertured formed film to the top of a liquid permeable or absorbent material such as a nonwoven. These patents also do not disclose an absorbent article having a window on the body facing side to enhance acquisition performance.

In summary, there is a need for an absorbent article having improved connectivity between its layers, particularly the uppermost liquid-permeable layer.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an absorbent article with a connection between the layers, especially the uppermost liquid-permeable layer, which is sufficient to maintain the connection even during prolonged use and which enables better control to prevent undesired buildup.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an absorbent article in which the liquid permeable layer is joined in such a way as not to interfere with the acquisition of liquid into the absorbent layer.

These and other objects of the present invention will be more clearly demonstrated by the following description of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Contents of the invention

According to the present invention, absorbent articles such as diapers, sanitary napkins, panty liners, adult incontinence devices, etc. have attachment regions to enhance integrity and provide an unattached window on the body facing side to enhance acquisition performance.

The present invention provides an absorbent article having a body facing side having an attachment region and an unattached window, wherein a portion of said absorbent article is located beneath said attachment region and said unattached window, said absorbent The article comprises: a liquid-permeable topsheet defining said body-facing side of said absorbent article; a liquid-impermeable backsheet connected to said topsheet; and a lower liquid-permeable layer having a thickness, said lower layer a layer positioned between said topsheet and said backsheet, said lower layer comprising an absorbent core, wherein said topsheet is welded to said lower layer at a plurality of discrete attachment zones located within said attachment region , and said unattached window on said body-facing side has no attachment area and is surrounded by said attachment area such that the portion of said absorbent article located beneath said unattached window is less than all portions of said absorbent article located beneath said attachment area. part of the absorbent article to more easily acquire liquid.

The absorbent article is preferably a sanitary napkin comprising a liquid pervious topsheet such as an apertured thermoplastic film, a liquid impermeable backsheet directly or indirectly associated with the topsheet, an absorbent core and at least one acquisition member. At least one absorbent core is positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet. The acquisition member preferably comprises at least one layer of material, such as a fibrous nonwoven web. The acquisition component can either be a separate component located between the topsheet and the absorbent core, or it can form part of the topsheet or part of the absorbent core. The topsheet and the acquisition component are disposed in face-to-face relationship with each other, and the corresponding face of the topsheet is secured to the corresponding face of the acquisition component at discrete attachment regions. The discontinuous bonded regions are preferably formed by fusion bonds. The attachment regions are preferably spaced apart from one another substantially over the entire body facing surface of the sanitary napkin except for the unattached windows in the fluid receiving zone. The topsheet and backsheet to which the acquisition member is attached are preferably attached along at least a portion of the periphery of the sanitary napkin.

In addition, the connection of the top sheet and the acquisition part is believed to achieve the aforementioned purpose. The face-to-face fusion of the topsheet to the acquisition components keeps these components connected over extended periods of use. This permanent attachment also facilitates the absorption of liquid into the underlying layer by maintaining contact between the underlying absorbent layer and the apertured film topsheet. The unconnected window structure makes it possible to not prevent liquid from being adopted into the underlying ply.

Description of drawings

Figure 1 is a top plan view of a sanitary napkin in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a transverse sectional view of the sanitary napkin shown in Fig. 1 taken along line 2-2.

Fig. 3 is a transverse cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of Fig. 1 through a central portion of a flap.

Detailed ways

The present invention relates to absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, incontinence devices, etc. worn on underwear, having attached components for improved integrity and an unattached window on the body-facing side thereof for improved integrity. Acquisition performance.

Figure 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the sanitary napkin 20 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the sanitary napkin 20 preferably includes an absorbent means (or "body portion") 22 and two optional wings 24. As shown in FIG. The sanitary napkin 20 has two surfaces: a body facing surface or "body side" 20A and a garment side 20B. Figure 1 shows the sanitary napkin 20 as viewed from its body side. When the sanitary napkin 20 is worn, the body side 20A will be worn adjacent to the wearer's body and the garment side 20B will be placed adjacent to the wearer's underpants.

The sanitary napkin 20 has two centerlines: a major longitudinal centerline L and a major transverse centerline T. The term "longitudinal" as used herein refers to a line, axis or direction in the plane of the sanitary napkin 20 that is substantially perpendicular to the plane that divides the standing wearer's body into left and right parts when the sanitary napkin 20 is worn. aligned (eg substantially parallel). The terms "transverse" and "horizontal" are used herein interchangeably to refer to a line, axis or direction in the plane of the sanitary napkin 20 that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

The main body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin 20 shown in FIG. 1 is the portion of the sanitary napkin that does not include the flaps 24 . The body portion 22 has two spaced apart longitudinal sides 26, two spaced apart transverse or end sides (or “ends”) 28 which together form a perimeter 30 of the body portion. The body portion 22 also has two end regions, indicated as a first end region 32 and a second end region 34 . Central region 36 is located between end regions 32 and 34 . The end regions 32 and 34 extend longitudinally outwardly from the sides of the central region 36 about 1/8 to about 1/3 of the length of the main body portion. The center portion of the sanitary napkin is described in detail in U.S. Patent 4,690,680 issued September 1, 1987 to Higgins. region and the characteristics of the two terminal regions. The sanitary napkin 20 has a central longitudinal region 16 extending along at least a portion of its length along a major longitudinal axis L and longitudinal side regions 18 extending transversely outwardly from the central longitudinal region 16 .

The main body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin 20 can be of any thickness, including relatively thick, medium, relatively thin, or even very thin (or "ultra-thin"). The "ultra thin" sanitary napkins 20 disclosed in US Patents 4,950,264 and 5,009,653 to Osborn preferably have a thickness of less than 3 millimeters. The embodiment of the sanitary napkin 20 shown in the drawings will serve as an example of an ultra-thin sanitary napkin. The main body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin 20 can also be relatively soft so as to be comfortable for the wearer. It should be understood, however, that the sanitary napkin shown is merely an example and that the present invention is not limited to absorbent articles of the type having the configuration shown in the drawings.

Figure 2 shows the individual components of the main body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin 20 of the present invention. The main body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin preferably comprises at least four main components, which include a liquid-permeable topsheet 38, a liquid-impermeable backsheet 40, an absorbent core 42 positioned between the topsheet 38 and the backsheet 40, and at least one acquisition component. 44. The acquisition component 44 may be a separate component positioned between the topsheet 38 and the absorbent core 42, or be part of the composite topsheet or part of the absorbent core 42. The components of the sanitary napkin 20 may be made of any suitable material and may be joined in the manner described herein.

The topsheet 38 is a liquid permeable member that allows liquids, such as menses and/or urine, to easily pass through its thickness. The topsheet 38 is preferably compliant, soft feeling, and as non-irritating to the wearer's skin as possible. A suitable topsheet 38 can be made from a wide range of materials, such as woven or nonwoven materials; polymeric materials such as apertured formed thermoplastic films, apertured plastic films and hydroreformed thermoplastic films; apertured foams ; Reticulated foam; Reticulated thermoplastic film and thermoplastic scrim, etc. Suitable woven and nonwoven materials may comprise at least some natural fibers such as wood or cotton fibers, synthetic fibers such as polymeric fibers such as polyester, polypropylene or polyethylene fibers, or a blend of natural and synthetic fibers.

Preferred types of topsheets include apertured formed films. The reason why the topsheet is preferably an apertured formed film is that they are permeable to body exudates and, if apertured properly, can reduce liquid rewet and rewet the wearer's skin so that the surface of the formed film in contact with the body remains dry, Thereby reducing body contamination and making the wearer feel more comfortable. Suitable formed films are described in U.S. Patent 3,929,135, issued December 30, 1975 to Thompson, entitled "Absorbtive Structures Having Tapered Capillaries"; U.S. Patent 4,324,246 for "Article Having A Stain Resistant Topsheet"; U.S. Patent 4,342,314 for "ResilientPlastic Web Exhibiting Fiber-Like Properties" issued August 3, 1982 to Radel et al.; issued July 31, 1984 to Ahr et al. U.S. Patent 4,463,045 entitled "Macroscopically ExpandedThree-Dimensional Plastic Web Exhibiting Non-Glossy Visible Surface andCloth-Like Tactile Impression"; granted to Palurmbo on October 25, 1988, entitled "Covering Structure for and Absorbent Products Sanducts Hygienic U.S. Patent 4,780,352 for Absorbent Product Having Such A Covering"; U.S. Patent 5,006,394, granted to Baird on April 9, 1991, entitled "Multilayer Polymeric Film"; Fluid Transport Webs Exhibitiong Surface Energy Gradients" U.S. Patent Application 08/442,935 (PCT Publication No. WO96/00548, published January 11, 1996).

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the body side of the topsheet 38 is hydrophilic so that liquid can be more easily transported through the topsheet, thereby reducing menstrual fluid from flowing into the absorbent core to be absorbed by the absorbent core, but outflow. Top sheet possible. The body side of the topsheet 38 may be rendered hydrophilic by treating it with a surfactant. US Patent 4,950,254 to Osborn discloses a suitable method of treating a topsheet with a surfactant.

In a preferred embodiment, the topsheet 38 is an apertured formed film made according to U.S. Patent 4,342,314 to Radel et al. and U.S. Patent 4,463,045 to Ahr et al. Sanitary napkins sold in OH are called DRIWEAVE topsheets. The apertured film is preferably product No. X-5652 from Tredegar Film Products of TerreHaute, IN. In this preferred embodiment, the resin used to form the apertured film preferably has a surfactant incorporated therein.

Underlying the topsheet 38 is an acquisition component (or "acquisition layer") 44 . "Ply" or "web" as used herein includes, but is not limited to, individual unfolded plies, folded plies, strips of material, loose or connected fibers, multiple plies or laminates, or other such materials the mix of. These two terms are not limited to referring to only a single unfolded ply or layer of material. The acquisition member 44 creates a space under the topsheet 38 to increase the ability of the sanitary napkin to pull liquid through the topsheet 38. In the preferred embodiment described herein, the acquisition member 44 is preferably resilient to lateral compressive forces in order to increase the ability of the sanitary napkin 20 to resist packing.

The collection member 44 should be liquid permeable. The acquisition member 44 is also preferably compliant, soft-feeling, and non-irritating to the user's skin. Acquisition member 44 has a body-facing face (or side) and a garment-facing face. Acquisition member 44 may have any suitable size and shape. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the acquisition member 44 is racetrack shaped, with slightly concave sides, the same as the portion of the topsheet 38 that covers the main body member 22 of the sanitary napkin 20. However, the acquisition member 44 is preferably no larger than the topsheet 38 in size.

Acquisition member 44 can be made of any suitable material as long as it can achieve the above-mentioned purpose of fusing topsheet 38 thereon. For example, acquisition member 44 may comprise a woven or nonwoven material. The fibers or other components of these materials may be synthetic, or part synthetic and part natural. Suitable synthetic materials include polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon, rayon, cellulose acetate. Suitable natural fibers include cotton, cellulose or other natural fibers. Acquisition member 44 may also include, at least in part, crosslinked cellulosic fibers. Acquisition member 44, if nonwoven, can be made by a variety of different processes, including (but not limited to): air spinning, wet laying, meltblowing, spunbonding, carding, thermal bonding, through-air bonding, Powder bonding, latex bonding, solvent bonding, spunlacing and combinations of these processes.

In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the acquisition member 44 preferably comprises two laminates of nonwoven material. The upper layer (or "second topsheet") 46 of the laminate is preferably a 19 g/square yard (22.5 g/square meter) spunbond polypropylene nonwoven material, as obtained from Fiberweb, North America of Washougal, WA 065MLPV60U (or "P-9") product number. The lower layer (or "third topsheet") 48 of the laminate is preferably a multipoint bonded airlaid nonwoven material thermally bonded using powder bonding and latex bonding. In a preferred embodiment, this multipoint bonded airlaid nonwoven material comprises about 77% cellulose fibers, about 20% powder binder and about 3% latex binder (1.5% sprayed on each side of the web) , with a basis weight of approximately 50 grams per square yard (approximately 60 grams per square meter). (Unless in special cases, the percentages herein refer to the weight ratio.) This multipoint bonded air-spun nonwoven material is preferably No. 90830X312 product obtained from Merfin Hygienic Products, Ltd. of Delta, British Columbia, Canada. The two nonwoven layers are preferably laminated together by depositing the multipoint bonded airlaid material onto the spunbond polypropylene nonwoven material. Spunbond materials are used as process aids or carrier webs in the process of forming such laminates.

In alternative embodiments, the spunbond polypropylene nonwoven material may have a greater or lesser basis weight, or may be replaced by an air-spun tissue, a wet-laid tissue, or any of the materials described above. If wetlaid tissue is used instead of polypropylene nonwoven, the lamination direction is preferably reversed so that in the final product, the multi-point bonded airlaid nonwoven is on top of the wetlaid tissue layer. In the case of thicker sanitary napkins any of the acquisition elements described above may be used. Additionally, in a preferred thicker sanitary napkin embodiment, a low density latex bonded airlaid material can be used for the entire acquisition component (ie, no tertiary topsheet is required). A low density latex bonded air-spun material suitable for this purpose is product No. FG41 3MHB available from Walkisoft, USA of Mt. Holly, NC, having a basis weight of about 80 grams per square meter.

The topsheet 38 is generally described herein as being fused to the acquisition component 44 . This is done for simplicity of description. (It is easier to discuss one preferred embodiment than to describe all possible embodiments similarly.) The topsheet 38 may be fused to one or more underlying components. In its broadest sense, the topsheet 38 comprises a first component fused to an underlying second component. The second component may be a separate component. Alternatively, the second component may be part of another component, such as being part of the topsheet, part of the absorbent core or part of the other component. In other alternative embodiments, acquisition component 44 may be omitted entirely. In embodiments where the acquisition component is an integral layer of the absorbent core 42 or is omitted entirely, the topsheet 38 may be considered fused to a portion of the absorbent core 42. In embodiments without the acquisition component 44, the absorbent core 42 may comprise at least some type of fiber, preferably a synthetic fiber, to which the topsheet 38 may be fusion bonded. Sufficient amounts of these fibers are preferably located near the body side of the absorbent core 42 to facilitate melting. Alternatively, if the absorbent core (or other underlying component) includes a powdered adhesive, the topsheet 38 can fuse the powdered adhesive in the absorbent core 42 (or such underlying component).

In the preferred embodiment shown in the drawings, the acquisition member 44 is preferably attached to the apertured film topsheet 38 by fusion bonding the surface of the apertured film 38 to the acquisition member, nonwoven laminate. These components are joined at their surface areas to form the "attachment area" 50 of the bodyside 20A of the sanitary napkin 20 .

The topsheet 38 and the nonwoven laminate are preferably joined together at a plurality of discrete areas of attachment (or "joint points") 52. (However, it is within the scope of the present invention that one or more connection points 52 contact each other so that they are not separated or separated.) The connection regions are preferably separated and distributed throughout the sanitary napkin 20 except where it receives liquid. The entire body surface 20A except for the portion of the zone forming the unattached window 54 .

The discontinuous connection region preferably includes a fused connection point 52 . Fusion can be achieved using heat and/or pressure bonding, ultrasonic bonding, dynamic mechanical bonding, and the like. Pressure can be applied in any suitable manner, such as moving the parts to be joined between counting rotating rollers, placing the material on the base and then forcing the platen down onto the material, applying vacuum pressure, etc. Suitable means for fusing the topsheet 38 to the acquisition member 44 are disclosed in at least some of the following patents: U.S. Patent 4,430,148 to Schaefer; U.S. Patent 4,515,595 to Kievit et al; U.S. Patent 4,531,999 to Persson et al; Patents 4,710,189 and 4,808,252; U.S. Patent 4,823,783 to Willhite, Jr. et al; U.S. Patents 4,854,984 and 4,919,756 to Ball et al; The application was published on June 24, 1993 as PCT Publication WO 93/11725.

The fusion connection preferably includes a plurality of individual fusion connection points 52 arranged in a pattern. The connection points 52 can be arranged in various patterns. FIG. 1 shows a particularly preferred connection pattern. The individual connection points 52 constituting the pattern can be of any planar shape. For example, the connection point 52 may be in the shape of a straight line or a curve; in a geometric shape such as a circle, a square, a rectangle, a rhombus, etc., or an irregular shape. In this embodiment, fused junctions 52 comprise a plurality of circular junctions. The fused junctions 52 can be of any suitable size and distributed at a suitable density throughout the body surface 20A of the sanitary napkin. The diameter of the fusion junction 52 is preferably greater than about 1 mm, up to about 3 mm. In the sanitary napkin 20 shown in Figure 1, the fused junction 52 preferably has a diameter of about 1.5 millimeters. The area covered by the fusion joint 52 is preferably from about 5% to about 10% of the total area of the sanitary napkin 20, more preferably about 70%.

The circular attachment points 52 are arranged in a pattern and are preferably distributed over the entire body surface 20A of the sanitary napkin except for unattached windows in the liquid receiving zone of the sanitary napkin. The liquid receiving zone is that portion of the sanitary napkin that is located beneath the perineal area of the wearer. The unattached window area 54 is preferably at least equal to or larger than the wearer's perineal area. Preferably, the region is greater than about 1 cm in width across and greater than about 5 cm in length. However, the size of the unconnected window 54 is preferably not so large that the apertured film 38 is significantly separated from the contacting underlying acquisition member 44 in the area of the unconnected window due to the lack of connection. In the sanitary napkin 20 shown in Figure 1, the unattached window 54 is preferably centered with respect to the longitudinal and transverse centerlines. However, in other embodiments, particularly where the sanitary napkin is asymmetrically shaped about the transverse centerline, the unattached windows 54 may be offset forward or rearward relative to the transverse centerline.

In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the unjoined window 54 is defined by a plurality of fused joints 52 arranged in a closed geometric figure 56 configuration. The closed geometric figure 56 is formed by a plurality of fused connection points 52 arranged in a plurality of opposing concave curves around the unconnected windows 54 . The width or transverse dimension of the graphic is preferably about 0.75 inches (about 1.9 centimeters) at its narrowest point. The length or longitudinal dimension of the graphic is preferably about 2.5 inches (about 8.9 cm) as measured along the longitudinal centerline of the sanitary napkin 20.

The curve forming the closed geometric figure preferably includes a pair of longitudinal grooves 56A. The longitudinal grooves 56A preferably each include two rows of connection points, wherein the connection points 52 of adjacent rows are arranged side by side. These connection points 52 are preferably closely spaced so as to siphon liquid longitudinally and prevent excrement, especially menses, from flowing laterally so that menses will not be close to the longitudinal edges 26 of the sanitary napkin 20. The ends of the closed geometric figure surrounding unconnected windows 54 are preferably formed by curves 56B formed as pointed arches. The intersection points of the two arcs forming the pointed arch figure are distributed along the longitudinal centerline of the sanitary napkin. The curves 56B forming the pointed arch pattern also preferably include approximately two columns of junctions, but the junctions are not exactly juxtaposed.

Connection points 52 are also distributed on the longitudinal and lateral periphery of the closed geometric figure 56 . Fused connections should surround unbonded windows 54 . The fusion bond points 52 are preferably located at the first end region 32, the second end region 34 and the longitudinal side regions 18 of the sanitary napkin 20. As shown in FIG. The fused attachment points 52 outside of the unattached windows 54 are preferably distributed substantially throughout the body surface 20A of the sanitary napkin. These connection points 52 described later may also be arranged in a plurality of suitable patterns. It is best to join the points to form a "quilt pattern". More specifically, the connection points 52 are preferably arranged in a pattern comprising a plurality of circular connection points 52 arranged in a diamond pattern 57A. The connection points forming diamond pattern 57A preferably surround a plurality of connection points also forming pattern 57B. These closed figures 57B can be arranged into a modified (or rounded) rhombus or modified into an ellipse. In the vertical side area 18, due to the limitation of space, only a part of the rhombus pattern exists. For technical reasons, the attachment points 52 in the quilted pattern are preferably spaced apart longitudinally by a distance equal to the radius of the attachment points times the square root of three. They may be spaced at a suitable distance in the lateral direction.

Acquisition member 44 may also be at least partially attached to topsheet 38 using an adhesive. If an adhesive is used, the adhesive may be distributed throughout the interface between the topsheet 38 and the acquisition component 44 . Preferably, however, no adhesive is applied between the two components in the area of the unattached window 54 . Any suitable adhesive may be used for this purpose, preferably a wet strength adhesive. Wet strength adhesives retain their ability to bond in the presence of liquid. Suitable wet strength adhesives are described in US Patent 5,460,622, issued October 24, 1995 to Dragoo et al.

If adhesives are used, they should not interfere with the transfer of liquid from the topsheet to the underlying acquisition layer or other underlying layers. The adhesive can be applied in a uniform continuous layer, such as adhesive meltblown fibers or patterned layers, adhesive separated lines, spirals, or arrays of dots, etc. The adhesive attachment means preferably comprises an open pattern network of adhesive filaments as described in U.S. Patent 4,573,986 issued March 4, 1986 to Minetola et al. Open pattern network of fibrils obtained by spiraling some straight lines of adhesive filaments into a coiled pattern: U.S. Patent 3,911,173 issued to Sprague, Jr. on October 7, 1975; U.S. Patent to Ziecker et al. on November 22, 1978 Patent 4,785,996; and US Patent 4,842,666, issued June 27, 1989 to Werenicz.

Attaching the acquisition component 44 to nearly the entire surface of the bodyside 20A of the underside of the topsheet 38 has several advantages. The adhesion strength between these layers is improved relative to the adhesive attachment layers of existing commercially available ALWAYS ULTRA sanitary napkins. Due to the improved adhesion and elastic properties of the materials comprising the acquisition layer, the sanitary napkin 20 reduces undesired packing during use, thereby maximizing the area covering the wearer's panties (i.e., the "coverage area"). increased). Additionally, the unattached window 54 provides an unattached area within the fluid receiving zone for the body surface 20A of the sanitary napkin which eliminates any interference with fluid acquisition due to the presence of an attachment and allows the sanitary napkin to retain fluid. capacity to the maximum.

The absorbent core 42 is positioned beneath the acquisition component 44 . The absorbent core 42 can be any absorbent device capable of absorbing or retaining liquids, such as menses and/or urine. The absorbent core 42 has a body side, a garment side, side edges and end edges. The absorbent core 42 can be manufactured in a wide range of sizes and shapes (eg, rectangular, oval, hourglass, dumbbell, asymmetrical, etc.). In the preferred embodiment shown in the drawings, the absorbent core 42 is rectangular in shape and its dimensions are slightly smaller than the perimeter of the acquisition member 44 .

The absorbent core 42 can be formed from a wide variety of liquid-absorbent materials commonly used in sanitary napkins and other absorbent articles. Examples of suitable absorbent materials include: comminuted wood pulp, commonly known as airfelt; creped cellulose wadding; meltblown polymers including coforms; chemically stiffened, modified or crosslinked cellulose fibers; such as crimped polyester Synthetic fibers of fibers; mud moss; tissue paper including tissue wraps or tissue laminates; absorbent foams; absorbent sponges; superabsorbent polymers; absorbent gelling materials or any equivalent material, or combinations, mixtures thereof wait. The construction and composition of the absorbent core can also be varied (for example, the absorbent core can have regions of various thicknesses (for example, thicker in the center when viewed in cross-section), hydrophilic gradients, superabsorbent gradients or regions of low density and low average base. reacquisition zone; or may include one or more layers or structures). The total absorbent capacity of the absorbent core should be consistent with the design load carrying capacity and future use of the sanitary napkin. In addition, the size and absorbent capacity of the absorbent core will vary with different uses, such as use in incontinence pads, pantiliners, regular sanitary napkins, or overnight sanitary napkins.

In the preferred embodiment shown in the drawings, the absorbent core 42 preferably comprises a multipoint bonded airlaid nonwoven material. In the preferred embodiment, the multipoint bonded airlaid nonwoven material comprises about 52% cellulose fibers, about 20% bicomponent fibers, about 25% superabsorbent hydrogel-forming material (or supermoisture gel forming material). Glue material) particles and about 3% latex binder. The absorbent core 42 preferably has a basis weight of about 125 grams per square yard (about 150 grams per square meter), including the absorbent gelling material particles. Preferably, the multi-point connection airlaid nonwoven absorbent core 42 employs deposited three strands of cellulose and bicomponent fiber streams, with absorbent gelling material particles 58 deposited into the final stream of fiber strands to form the base of the absorbent core. Part of the craft to make. Although the absorbent core 42 is shown in Figures 2 and 3 as a laminate, in a preferred embodiment the fibers are blended together to form a single web. Such multipoint bonded airlaid nonwovens are best obtained in forming rolls, such as Merfin Hygienic Products 915000X313.

In alternative embodiments, the multipoint bonded airlaid nonwoven used as the absorbent core may be bonded with other materials instead of latex (eg starch or PVA). In an alternative embodiment, the absorbent core may form a laminate, again preferably having a basis weight of about 150 grams per square meter. The laminate comprises two layers (or layers) of multipoint bonded airlaid nonwoven material with absorbent gelling material particles sandwiched between the layers. Suitable laminated absorbent core constructions are generally described in: U.S. Patents 4,950,264 and 5,009,653 to Osborn; U.S. Patent 5,460,623 to Emenaker et al; other suitable absorbent cores are described in: September 16, 1993 U.S. patent application 08/122,114 (PCT Publication No. WO95/07674, dated March 23, 1995) filed in the name of Hines et al.

In the case of thick sanitary napkins, the absorbent core 42 preferably comprises airfelt. US Patent 5,234,422 to Sneller et al. describes suitable absorbent cores for thick sanitary napkins. In a preferred embodiment, the topsheet 38, acquisition component 44 and absorbent core 42 may have embossed channels as shown in the Sneller et al. patent. If embossed channels are used, they are preferably located laterally outward of the longitudinal grooves 56A defining the sides of the unattached window 54 .

The backsheet 40 prevents exudates absorbed and retained in the absorbent core 42 from wetting articles that come into contact with the sanitary napkin 20, such as underpants, bed sheets, and undergarments. The backsheet 40 is preferably liquid resistant, and more preferably impermeable to liquids (eg, menses and/or urine, etc.). The backsheet 40 is preferably made of a flexible material. As used herein, the term "soft" means that the material is compliant and readily conforms to the general shape and contours of the human body. The backsheet 40 may comprise a woven or nonwoven material; a polymeric film such as a thermoplastic film of polyethylene or polypropylene; or a composite material such as a coated film nonwoven material. Preferably, the backsheet is a polyethylene film having a thickness of about 0.012 millimeter (0.5 mil) to about 0.051 millimeter (2.0 mil). The backsheet 40 can be embossed and/or matte finished to give it a more garment-like appearance. Additionally, the backsheet 40 may allow moisture vapor to escape from the absorbent core 42 (ie, be breathable) while resisting the passage of exudates through the backsheet 40. A suitable backsheet material is product number 18-1401 manufactured by Clopay Corporation of Cincinnati, Ohio. A suitable breathable backsheet material is an apertured film laminate as described in U.S. Patent 3,929,135 to Thompson, which is turned so that the smaller open ends of the tapered capillaries face the absorbent core 42 as described in U.S. Patent 4,777,073 to Exxon. Adhesive laminated to microporous film as described.

The topsheet 38, acquisition component 44, backsheet 40, and absorbent core 42 can be constructed in a variety of configurations known in the art (including layered or "sandwich" configurations and wrapping or "tubular" configurations). 1-3 illustrate a preferred embodiment of the sanitary napkin 20 assembled in a sandwich configuration. The length and width dimensions of the topsheet 38 and backsheet 40 are generally greater than the corresponding dimensions of the absorbent core 40 in FIGS. 1-3. The topsheet 38 and backsheet 40 extend beyond the sides of the absorbent core 42 to form portions of the perimeter 30 . The garment side of the topsheet 38 is preferably joined to the body side of the acquisition component 44 as described above. An acquisition component 44 can be attached to the absorbent core 42, if desired. If these components are connected, they may be connected in any of the ways described herein so that the topsheet 38 is connected to the acquisition component 44 . However, in the embodiment shown in the figures, the acquisition member 44 is not directly attached to the absorbent core 42. The backsheet 40 is preferably attached to the garment side of the absorbent core using an adhesive.

Portions of the topsheet 38 and backsheet 40 that extend beyond the boundaries of the absorbent core 42 and the acquisition member 44 are also preferably joined to each other. These portions of the topsheet 38 and backsheet 40 may be joined in any suitable manner known in the art. The term "attached" as used herein includes configurations in which one part is directly fixed to another part by attaching it to another part; it also includes attachment of parts to an intermediate part which in turn is attached to another part without being directly fixed to the other part; and includes a configuration in which a part is integral with the other part, ie a part is substantially a part of the other part. In the illustrated embodiment, these portions of the topsheet 38 and the backsheet 40 are preferably substantially joined by adhesives throughout the portion beyond the boundaries of the absorbent core 42 and applied to the main body portion by means of pressure or heat and pressure. The topsheet 38 and the end edges 28 of the increased density of the backsheet 40 are wrap-sealed.

The sanitary napkin 20 shown in Figures 1-3 includes an optional pair of wings 24 attached to the main body portion 22 as described above. Flaps 24 extend laterally from proximal edges 60 thereof, beyond longitudinal sides 26 of body portion 22, to distal edges 62 (or "free ends") thereof. Flaps 24 extend outwardly from at least a central region 36 of body portion 22 . As shown in FIG. 1, each flap 24 is divided into a front half 64 and a rear half 66 by flap transverse centerline T1. The transverse centerline T1 of the wings may coincide with the main transverse centerline T of the sanitary napkin, but this is not required.

Flaps 24 may be attached to body portion 22 in any suitable manner. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, the flaps 24 are preferably integral with the main body portion 22 (that is, the flaps 24 are integral extensions of the topsheet 38 and the backsheet 40). In another alternative embodiment, the wings 24 may comprise a separate component connected to the main body portion 22 . Each flap 24 is attached to (or associated with) the main body portion 22 along a seam line. The seams are generally longitudinally oriented (or "longitudinal"), such as seamline 68 . The term "seam" (or "seamline") as used herein refers to the area where the flap 24 extends from or joins the body portion 22 . The seam line 68 in the embodiment shown in the figures may be considered to be defined by a concave region or a straight line.

Flaps 24 may have any suitable configuration. Suitable flaps are disclosed in the following patents: U.S. Reexamining Patent B1 4,589,876, issued April 27, 1993 to Van Tilburg, entitled "Sanitary Napkin"; Napkin With Flaps" U.S. Patent 4,687,478; February 14, 1995 to Lavash et al., U.S. Patent 5,389,094 entitled "Absorbent Article Having Flaps and Zones of Differential Extensibility"; September 24, 1996 to Weinberger et al. U.S. Patent 5,558,663 entitled "Absorbent Article Having Undergarment Covering Components With Zones of Extensibility"; International Patent Application entitled "Absorbent Article Having Flaps With Step Configuration and Zones of Extensibility" filed October 3, 1996 in the name of Lash et al. PCT/US96/15957.

The sanitary napkin shown in FIGS. 1-3 preferably has a deformed region forming a hinge region 70 between the main body portion 22 and at least a portion of the flaps 24 . The sanitary napkin 20 also preferably has at least one stretch zone 72 (or "differential stretch zone") for relieving stress on the flap 24 when the flap 24 is folded about the crotch region of the panty. These components will be described separately later.

In the sanitary napkin shown in Figures 1-3, the hinge region 70 includes a substantially longitudinally oriented mechanically deformed region. Hinge region 70 provides sanitary napkin 20 with an area of increased sanitary napkin softness, and flap 24 can bend or fold about the preferred bending axis created in this area. The hinged area 70 is preferably located along the area of the seam line 68 of the flap 24 and the main body portion 22 . The hinge region 70 may extend along the entire seam line 68 of the flap 24 to the body portion, or only a portion thereof. If the hinge region 70 is located along only a portion of the seam line 68, it is preferably located in the portion of the sanitary napkin surrounding and including the transverse centerline T1 of the flap. Hinge region 70 has a laterally innermost (or proximal) boundary 70A and an outermost (or distal) boundary 70B. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3 , at least the innermost boundary 70A of the hinge region 70 is preferably inwardly concave relative to the distal ends of the flaps 24 .

The hinged areas 70 can be formed in any suitable manner to provide increased softness in desired areas of the sanitary napkin. The hinge region 70 is preferably formed by mechanically deforming the desired area of the sanitary napkin. It has been discovered that a number of processes suitable for imparting stretch to areas of the sanitary napkin are particularly suitable for imparting increased softness to the areas of the sanitary napkin selected to be hinged regions. For example, the hinged regions 70 may be formed by a process known as pre-corrugating (or "ring rolling"), or by forming a deformable web in desired areas of the sanitary napkin. Suitable ring rolling processes are described in: U.S. Patent 4,107,364, issued August 15, 1978 to Sisson; U.S. Patent 5,143,679, issued September 1, 1992 to Gerald M. Weber et al; US Patent 5,156,793 to Kenneth B. Buell et al; US Patent 5,167,897 issued November 1, 1992 to Gerald M. Weber et al. The hinge region 70 shown in FIG. 1 is formed by forming a deformable mesh region along the seam line 68 of the flap 24 to the body portion 22 . US Patent 5,518,801 issued May 21, 1996 to Chappell et al. describes in detail the process of forming such deformable mesh regions and the resulting structure.

As used herein, the term "deformable mesh" refers to an interconnected and related set of regions which are extensible to a desired degree in a predetermined direction. The deformable mesh 74 includes at least two distinct, dissimilar regions: a first region 76 and a second region 78 . In the illustrated embodiment, the deformable mesh 74 includes a plurality of first regions 76 and a plurality of second regions 78 . As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the first region 76 is a substantially planar region. That is to say, the material within the first region 76 is in substantially the same condition before and after the deformation of the deformable mesh 74 . The second region 78 includes a plurality of continuous, interconnected ribbed deformations 80 extending alternately beyond the entire surface plane of the first region 76 .

The flap material 24 shown in FIG. 1 with the deformable mesh 74 formed thereon has a longitudinal centerline (or axis) 1 . In the sanitary napkin embodiment shown in Figure 1, the longitudinal centerline 1 of the deformable web 74 is rectilinear, generally transversely oriented. In the sanitary napkin 20 shown in Figure 1, the first region 76 is substantially linear, extending continuously in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 1 of the deformable web.

The hinged areas 70 are created by forming the deformable web 74 in desired areas of the sanitary napkin 20 . As used herein, the term "forming" refers to producing a desired structural or geometric deformation in a web material or laminate that maintains that shape when the web material or laminate is not subjected to any applied elongation or force. Structural or geometric deformation. Suitable methods of forming a deformable mesh in a mesh material include, but are not limited to, embossing using matching discs or rolls, thermal deformation, high pressure hydraulic deformation, and casting, among others.

The depth and amount of deformations 80 within the deformable web 74 can be varied to control the amount of force or elongation required to elongate the material within the hinge regions 70 of the sanitary napkin 20 . In one embodiment, deformation 80 may be formed using two rigid discs having the shape of meshing teeth. The outer dimensions of the toothed pattern covering the surface area of the disk are approximately 7.9" x 1.6" (20 cm x 4 cm) for each wing. On one face of each disc there is a series of teeth which are substantially triangular in cross-section with tapered points pointing toward a radial apex. In this embodiment, the teeth are preferably 3.175 mm in height and spaced evenly between the centerlines of the teeth at 0.075" (1.9 mm) apart. A series of slots are carved into the "toothed" side of one disc (Preferably three grooves in the case of the embodiment shown in Figure 1.) These grooves are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the evenly spaced teeth. These grooves correspond to undeformed areas of the base material.

The preferred substrate material is placed between two discs in a hydraulic press having a platen that is larger than the discs so that the pressure is evenly distributed. The discs are compressed so that the teeth are only partially engaged (or meshed). Preferably the discs are moved such that the teeth on opposing discs are pressed against each other by a distance of about 80% of the total engagement (points on the teeth touching in different ways) distance. Typically to accomplish this, when the base material comprises an apertured formed film laminate and a polyethylene backsheet material laminated together with an adhesive (as described in connection with the embodiment shown in Figures 1-3), The disk will be compressed under a load of about 25-70 psi. (about 1,750-4,900 grams per square centimeter). The forming web is then removed from between the trays. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1-3, the forming mesh material has an extensibility of about 75%.

The deformable mesh 74 includes alternating ridges and valleys that form multiple flexible axes of curvature for the flap 24 . This configuration also provides the hinge region 70 with some degree of stretch. The stretchability allows the portion of the flap 24 located in the hinge region 70 to extend slightly laterally, generally better folded around the curved sides of the crotch region of the wearer's panties. The advantage of providing the hinged area 70 by forming the deformable mesh area in the sanitary napkin is also realized when it is desired to provide more integrity in the deformed area. At this point the flap 24 is less likely to sag excessively at the hinge region 70 because the undeformed first zone or less elongated side band 76 of the deformable mesh will act as a "beam" so that the flap 24 The structure is more rigid, and the appearance is better.

The sanitary napkin also preferably has a stretch zone 72 which relieves stress developed in the flaps when the flaps are folded down under the wearer's undergarments. As used herein, "stretch zone" or "differential stretch zone" refers to that portion of the sanitary napkin 20 that is capable of extending (and preferably extending more than the surrounding portion of the sanitary napkin 20). The sanitary napkin 20 preferably has at least one stretch zone 72 for each wing, and more preferably has four stretch zones 72, one for each quarter of the sanitary napkin 20. Since the different zones of extensibility 72 are able to relieve stress in the wings, they are referred to herein as "stress relievers".

The stretch zone 72 may stretch in any desired direction, or in more than one direction, but preferably the stretch zone 72 extends outwardly primarily in a substantially transverse direction. This direction is basically the direction shown by the arrow in FIG. 1 . As used herein, "substantially transverse" means that the stretch has a transverse component. However, the overall extension need not be exactly parallel to the major transverse centerline of the sanitary napkin, however the extension is preferably oriented more transversely than longitudinally. Stretch zone 72 may comprise any structure capable of stretching in the transverse direction (or other desired direction). Suitable structures for stretch zones are described in detail in US Patent 5,389,094, issued February 14, 1995 to Lavash et al. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the stretch zone 72 may comprise either the ring-rolled region of the flap or a corrugated web without the less stretched sidebands. In both cases, stretch zone 72 preferably has a corrugated configuration with ridges 88 oriented substantially longitudinally so that stretch zone 72 will stretch primarily in the transverse direction.

Preferably, as shown in FIG. 1, the articulation zone 70 is continuous with the stretch zone 72 (that is, is in contact or is connected throughout the procedure without interruption). As such, the hinge zone 70 and preferably the ring rolling stretch zone 72 are part of a continuous compound deformation zone. As shown in FIG. 1, the hinge zone 70 gradually transitions to the portion of the sanitary napkin that includes the stretch zone 72. As shown in FIG. Thus, the compound deformed region comprises a continuous undulation with ridges oriented substantially longitudinally, with a plurality of barely stretched side bands 76 located in a central region adjacent to the transverse centerline T1 of the flap.

The garment side 20B of the sanitary napkin 20 may include (but preferably does include) fasteners for securing the sanitary napkin to the undergarments of the wearer. Figure 2 shows a central liner anchor 82 adapted to secure the main body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin to the crotch region of an undergarment. Any type of fastening means known in the art, such as adhesive fastening means, mechanical fastening means, etc., may be used. It has been found that fastening means comprising an adhesive, preferably a pressure sensitive adhesive, are preferred for this purpose. In the preferred embodiment, the central pad retainer 82 comprises a pair of longitudinally spaced adhesive strips or zones centered about the longitudinal centerline L. As shown in FIG.

Adjacent the distal ends 62 of the flaps 24 is preferably provided with flap adhesive 84 on the outer surface thereof. The flap adhesive 84 helps to maintain the flaps 24 in place after the flaps are wrapped around the edges of the crotch region of the shorts. Suitable adhesive fastening means are described in detail in US Patent 4,917,697. The flaps 24 can be held in place by securing them to the underpants or to the opposing flaps.

The fasteners employed in the present invention are not limited to adhesive fasteners, and any type of fastener known in the art for this purpose is suitable. For example, the sanitary napkin 20 may be secured to the wearer's panties by mechanical fasteners, such as VELCRO, or U.S. Patent 4,946,527, issued August 7, 1990 to Battrell, entitled "Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive Fastener and Method of Making the Same" Or the fasteners described in US Patent 5,392,498, issued February 28, 1995 to Goulait et al., entitled "Non-Abrasive Skin Friendly Mechanical Fastening System". However, for simplicity, the fasteners will be described as adhesive fasteners.

The adhesive fastening means are each covered by a removable release liner, wherein both the central pad release liner and the wing release liners are indicated at 86 . The pressure sensitive adhesive should be covered by a release liner 86 to prevent the adhesive from sticking to extraneous surfaces prior to use. A suitable release liner is described in US Patent 4,917,697. A particularly preferred release liner is described in US Patent 4,556,146 to Swanson et al., which is also used as an individual package for wrapped sanitary napkins.

The sanitary napkin 20 can have many embodiments. For example, the main body portion of the sanitary napkin may be configured as a compound sanitary napkin whose various components are joined together as described above to enhance integrity and acquisition performance. In P & G U.S. Patent 4,425,130, issued January 10, 1984 to DesMarais et al., entitled "Compound Sanitary Napkin", and published November 5, 1996 in the name of Mayer et al., entitled "Body Fitting Compound Sanitary Napkin "Invention registration H1614 in the United States has an overview of compound sanitary napkins. In order to form a compound sanitary napkin, the sanitary napkin described here can be used as a panty liner (or "base pad"), consisting of a top sheet (or "main menstrual pad"). Pad") wrapped tube of absorbent material can be placed on top of the sanitary napkin and fixed at the end. The fusion joints on the base pad are preferably distributed in the same manner as shown in the accompanying drawings. It is best to pass the extension of the topsheet material at the end of the tube End fusion is connected on the base pad and makes tube fixedly bonded on the sanitary napkin.In some preferred embodiments of this compound sanitary napkin, also the end of hygroscopic material tube is fixed with base pad.Can adopt any suitable fixing Means, such as the use of an adhesive to secure the tube of the compound sanitary napkin between its ends to the base pad.

It is believed that improved retention between the topsheet and the acquisition member in the base pad is of particular advantage to compound sanitary napkins. Without being bound by any particular theory, it is believed that the increased anchorage reduces the likelihood that the topsheet will separate from the underlying components along the longitudinal side regions of the sanitary napkin. This is especially important for compound sanitary napkins having wings. The fusion bonds ensure that portions of the topsheet located in the longitudinal side regions of the base pad will not move into contact with the wearer's body. This will reduce the tendency of the menses to contaminate the longitudinal side areas so that the menses will enter the absorbent tube steadily and directly.

The connections described here have other advantages as well. For example, when the sanitary napkin has wings, the topsheet portion and the backsheet portion, where the joining surfaces constitute the wings of the sanitary napkin, are substantially free of adhesive between the topsheet and backsheet portions, thereby creating a " Glueless windows". Suitable sanitary napkins which may have glue-free windows are described in European Patent Application EP 0695542A1, published February 7, 1996 in the name of Cloes et al., entitled "Absorbent Article Having Undergarment Side Wrapping Elements". In this embodiment, however, the topsheet and backsheet are preferably joined to each other at least along the entire periphery of the flaps and at any extensible portion of the flaps.

An advantage of making a sanitary napkin with an adhesive-free window is the increased softness of the flaps in the area of the adhesive-free window. This is due to the fact that this portion of the flap is adhesive free and the topsheet and backsheet making up the flap are foldable independently of each other within the glue free window. But the main disadvantage of glueless windows is that the topsheet can tend to wave or form a "wrap" and separate from the backsheet, especially when it is folded around the sides of the wearer's panties. Without being bound by any particular theory, it is believed that the fastening improvements described herein will better keep the topsheet fastened to the underlying component, thereby reducing this build-up. In this embodiment, as well as other embodiments described herein, it is believed that improvements in the securement of the topsheet and underlying components will allow menses to be better absorbed and hidden (or "shielded") from view, thereby reducing The possibility of menstruation "running away" from the top film is eliminated.

When using the sanitary napkin 20 of the present invention, the release liner 86 is torn off, and the sanitary napkin 20 is placed in the underpants. The main body portion 22 is placed in the crotch region of the shorts, with one end of the main body portion 22 extending toward the front portion of the shorts and the other end extending toward the rear portion of the shorts. The backsheet 40 is placed in contact with the inner central portion of the crotch region of the shorts. The central pad adhesive retainer 82 maintains the main body portion 22 in its position. The distal portions of the flaps 24 are folded around the sides of the pant. Flap adhesive 84 secures the flaps 24 to the underside of the pant or to an opposing flap.

All patents, patent applications (and any patents and corresponding published foreign patent applications issued here) referred to herein, and the disclosures mentioned throughout said patent applications are hereby incorporated by reference into this application. It is apparent that any document cited herein by reference does not teach or disclose the present invention. It is also evident that no commercially available material or product described herein teaches or discloses this invention.

There are shown and described specific embodiments of the present invention. It is easy for those skilled in the art to make modifications and modifications to the present invention without departing from the spirit and essence of the present invention.

Claims (23)

1. an absorbent device that has towards the health face should have join domain and not be connected window towards the health mask, and the part of wherein said absorbent device is positioned at described join domain and is not connected under the window with described, and described absorbent device comprises:

But the top flat of the described transflective liquid towards the health face that limits described absorbent device;

The liquid-tight egative film that links to each other with described top flat; And

But have certain thickness lower floor transflective liquid synusia, described lower floor synusia is between described top flat and described egative film, and described lower floor synusia comprises absorbent article core,

Wherein said top flat is located welding on described lower floor synusia in a plurality of independently bonding pads that are positioned at described join domain, and be positioned at the described described window that do not connect on the health face and do not have the bonding pad, and surround by described join domain, be positioned at like this and describedly do not connect described absorbent device part below the window than the easier collection liquid of described absorbent device part that is positioned at below the described join domain.

2. absorbent device as claimed in claim 1 has longitudinal centre line, and the wherein said window that do not connect is with respect to described longitudinal centre line centering.

3. absorbent device as claimed in claim 2 has cross central line, and the wherein said window that do not connect is with respect to described cross central line centering.

4. absorbent device as claimed in claim 2 has cross central line, the wherein said position of window offset from center position with respect to cross central line that do not connect.

5. absorbent device as claimed in claim 1, the wherein said window that do not connect is surrounded by the closed geometric figure that a plurality of junction points form.

6. absorbent device as claimed in claim 5, wherein said junction point has circular planar form.

7. absorbent device as claimed in claim 6, the described junction point that wherein is arranged in closed geometric figure are arranged in a plurality of relative, inner concave curves.

8. absorbent device as claimed in claim 7, wherein said curve comprise a pair of vertically interior concave.

9. absorbent device as claimed in claim 8, the described junction point distance that wherein is arranged in described vertically concave is enough near, and described like this junction point has formed barrier to excremental horizontal mobility.

10. absorbent device as claimed in claim 6, wherein closed geometric figure has pair of end portions, and the geometric end of described closure is made of the curve that is arranged in the cusped arch figure, and each cusped arch figure comprises two crossing camber lines, and the intersection point that wherein constitutes two camber lines of cusped arch is positioned on the longitudinal centre line of absorbent device.

11. absorbent device as claimed in claim 1, the wherein said window that do not connect is surrounded by a plurality of separated junction points, and these junction points are arranged in the whole described quilting pattern towards the health face that covers described absorbent device.

12. absorbent device as claimed in claim 11, wherein said quilting pattern comprise a plurality of junction points that are arranged in diamond configuration.

13. absorbent device as claimed in claim 12, a plurality of junction points that wherein are arranged in circular configuration are positioned at the inside of a plurality of junction points that are arranged in diamond configuration.

14. absorbent device as claimed in claim 13, wherein said junction point pattern is a repeat patterns.

15. absorbent device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said junction point is heating and pressurization junction point.

16. absorbent device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said junction point are the ultrasound wave junction point.

17. absorbent device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said top flat comprises porose thermoplastic film.

18. absorbent device as claimed in claim 17, but the synusia of wherein said lower floor transflective liquid is spunbond polypropylene non-woven material.

19. absorbent device as claimed in claim 17, but the synusia of wherein said lower floor transflective liquid comprises that one deck multiple spot connects the air spinning non-woven material at least.

20. absorbent device as claimed in claim 17, wherein said lower floor synusia comprise that spunbond polypropylene non-woven material is connected air spinning non-woven material lamination with multiple spot.

21. absorbent device as claimed in claim 19, wherein said absorbent article core comprise that one deck multiple spot connects the air spinning non-woven material at least.

22. absorbent device as claimed in claim 17 connects the air spinning non-woven material but the synusia of wherein said lower floor transflective liquid is a latex.

23. absorbent device as claimed in claim 22, but also comprise air felt type absorbent article core between described transflective liquid layer and described egative film.

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