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WO2001015648A1 - Vessie tridimensionnelle prenant la forme du corps pour article absorbant - Google Patents

Vessie tridimensionnelle prenant la forme du corps pour article absorbant Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2001015648A1
WO2001015648A1 PCT/US2000/023241 US0023241W WO0115648A1 WO 2001015648 A1 WO2001015648 A1 WO 2001015648A1 US 0023241 W US0023241 W US 0023241W WO 0115648 A1 WO0115648 A1 WO 0115648A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
accordance
absorbent article
fluid
filled chamber
layer
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US2000/023241
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Joseph Dipalma
Alexander M. Schmidt-Foerst
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Kimberly Clark Worldwide Inc
Kimberly Clark Corp
Original Assignee
Kimberly Clark Worldwide Inc
Kimberly Clark Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US09/387,726 external-priority patent/US6524292B1/en
Priority claimed from US09/387,725 external-priority patent/US6610038B1/en
Priority claimed from US09/388,210 external-priority patent/US6428522B1/en
Priority claimed from US09/388,212 external-priority patent/US6695828B1/en
Priority to MXPA02001685A priority Critical patent/MXPA02001685A/es
Priority to BR0013683-2A priority patent/BR0013683A/pt
Priority to KR1020027002553A priority patent/KR20020059379A/ko
Priority to DE10084955T priority patent/DE10084955T1/de
Application filed by Kimberly Clark Worldwide Inc, Kimberly Clark Corp filed Critical Kimberly Clark Worldwide Inc
Priority to AU69333/00A priority patent/AU6933300A/en
Priority to GB0205801A priority patent/GB2369578B/en
Publication of WO2001015648A1 publication Critical patent/WO2001015648A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/45—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the shape
    • A61F13/47—Sanitary towels, incontinence pads or napkins
    • A61F13/472—Sanitary towels, incontinence pads or napkins specially adapted for female use
    • A61F13/47218—Sanitary towels, incontinence pads or napkins specially adapted for female use with a raised crotch region, e.g. hump
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/45—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the shape
    • A61F13/47—Sanitary towels, incontinence pads or napkins
    • A61F13/4702—Sanitary towels, incontinence pads or napkins having a reinforcing member
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/45—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the shape
    • A61F13/47—Sanitary towels, incontinence pads or napkins
    • A61F13/472—Sanitary towels, incontinence pads or napkins specially adapted for female use
    • A61F13/47236—Sanitary towels, incontinence pads or napkins specially adapted for female use characterised by an unusual contour
    • A61F13/47245—Sanitary towels, incontinence pads or napkins specially adapted for female use characterised by an unusual contour with asymmetry around the x or y axis
    • A61F13/47254—Sanitary towels, incontinence pads or napkins specially adapted for female use characterised by an unusual contour with asymmetry around the x or y axis with a tanga shape
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/45—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the shape
    • A61F13/47—Sanitary towels, incontinence pads or napkins
    • A61F13/472—Sanitary towels, incontinence pads or napkins specially adapted for female use
    • A61F13/47263—Sanitary towels, incontinence pads or napkins specially adapted for female use with activating means, e.g. elastic, heat or chemical activatable means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/45—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the shape
    • A61F13/47—Sanitary towels, incontinence pads or napkins
    • A61F13/472—Sanitary towels, incontinence pads or napkins specially adapted for female use
    • A61F13/47272—Sanitary towels, incontinence pads or napkins specially adapted for female use with a longitudinal raised end, e.g. cup-shaped gluteal groove
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/84—Accessories, not otherwise provided for, for absorbent pads

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a personal care absorbent article such as a diaper, incontinence garment and feminine care product such as sanitary napkins and panty liners. More particularly, this invention relates to personal care absorbent articles comprising a resilient fluid-filled chamber, also herein referred to as a bladder insert, which conforms while retaining much of its volume in order to generate intimate contact between the absorbent article and the wearer for improved intake of bodily discharges. This invention also relates to a method for increasing conformability of personal care absorbent articles to the body of the wearer and for enhancing the fluid intake and distribution of such articles.
  • the resilient fluid-filled chamber allows the pressure to be equalized across the absorbent article surface, adapting to the dynamics of the wearer's activity. For example, as the person is seated, the pressure imparted against the seat is transferred to other portions to help press the absorbent article against the body.
  • the resilient fluid-filled chamber can then be used to trigger a body-fitting mechanism.
  • the mechanical properties of the bladder insert are characterized by very high resiliency in dry and wet conditions. These resilient properties, which are mainly dependent on the pressure in the chambers and the two-dimensional arrangement of the chambers, minimize pad deformation when in use. In addition, the resilient inserts insure excellent body conformance by allowing the material to mold reversibly into the various shapes of a multitude of use conditions.
  • the bladder can be used as a means for enhancing intake and distribution of bodily discharges.
  • an absorbent article comprising a multi-layer material having a front section, a back section and an intermediate section connecting the front section and the back section.
  • the multi-layer material comprises a top sheet, a back sheet and an absorbent layer disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet.
  • At least one three-dimensional resilient fluid-filled chamber is disposed between at least a portion of the absorbent layer and the back sheet.
  • the three-dimensional resilient fluid-filled chamber, or bladder insert is a sealed compartment between a generally upper and a generally lower layer of material which is impermeable to its contents.
  • the fluid impermeable material is a material selected from a group consisting of thermoplastics, elastomers, polyurethane films, coated papers and combinations thereof.
  • the fluid impermeable material comprises polyethylene and/or polypropylene.
  • the at least one resilient fluid-filled chamber is in operable communication with at least one body-fitting mechanism disposed between at least a portion of the absorbent layer and the back sheet.
  • peristaltic elements are applied to the bladder insert.
  • Such peristaltic elements are generally in the form of surface modifications applied to the outer surfaces of the bladder insert which work in conjunction with the bladder pressure to distribute fluid by means of peristalsis.
  • the method for enhancing the fluid intake and distribution of the absorbent article in accordance with this invention comprises the step of inserting at least one resilient fluid- filled chamber into the absorbent article in the absorbent layer or between at least a portion of the absorbent layer and the backsheet.
  • Suitable fluids for use in the resilient fluid-filled chamber include water, air, gelatins, hydrogels, colloids, suspensions and combinations thereof.
  • the fluid-filled chamber of this invention lends itself to a plethora of embodiments and, thus, applications.
  • Fig. 1 is a plan view of an absorbent article comprising a bladder insert in accordance with one embodiment of this invention
  • FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent article of Fig. 1 taken along the line 11-11;
  • Fig. 3 is a plan view of a bladder having blowing means for inflating the bladder insert in accordance with one embodiment of this invention
  • Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the bladder insert shown in Fig. 3 taken along the line IV-TV;
  • Figs. 5A and 5B are plan views of a bladder insert in accordance with one embodiment of this invention
  • Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the bladder insert of Fig. 5A taken along the line VI- VI;
  • Fig. 7 is a plan view of a multi-chamber bladder insert in accordance with one embodiment of this invention.
  • Figs. 8A and 8B are cross-sectional views of the bladder insert of Fig. 7 taken along the line Vm-VHI;
  • Figs. 9A, 9B and 9C are plan views of various embodiments of a multi- chamber bladder insert in accordance with this invention;
  • Figs. 10A and 10B are plan views of an absorbent article having a bladder insert
  • Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent article of Fig. 10A in accordance with one embodiment of this invention taken along the line XI-XI;
  • Figs. 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 13A and 13B are plan views of bladder inserts in accordance with this invention comprising internal baffles;
  • Fig. 14 is a plan view of a bladder insert in accordance with one embodiment of this invention.
  • Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the bladder insert of Fig. 14 taken along the line XV-XV;
  • Fig. 16 is a plan view of a bladder insert having an open center area in accordance with one embodiment of this invention
  • Figs. 17A, 17B, 17C and 17D are cross-sectional views of the bladder insert of Fig. 16 taken along the line XVTL-XV1I alone or in combination with other elements of an absorbent article in accordance with this invention
  • Fig. 18 is a plan view of a bladder insert for an absorbent article in accordance with one embodiment of this invention
  • Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the bladder insert of Fig. 18 taken along the line XLX-XLX;
  • Fig. 20 is a plan view of a bladder insert for an absorbent article in accordance with one embodiment of this invention.
  • Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the bladder insert of Fig. 20 taken along the line XXI-XXI;
  • Fig. 22 is a plan view of a bladder insert for an absorbent article in accordance with one embodiment of this invention.
  • Fig. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the bladder insert of Fig. 22 taken along the line XXm-XXUI;
  • Figs. 24, 25, 26 and 27 are cross-sectional views of a bladder insert for absorbent articles in accordance with this invention having peristaltic elements;
  • Figs. 28A and 28 B are diagrammatic views of a valve arrangement for inflation of bladder inserts in accordance with one embodiment of this invention;
  • Fig. 29 is a diagrammatic view of an inflation device for inflation of a bladder insert in accordance with one embodiment of this invention
  • Fig. 30 is a side view of a bladder insert comprising materials having dissimilar elasticities in accordance with one embodiment of this invention
  • Fig. 31 is a plan view of a bladder insert comprising materials having dissimilar elasticities in accordance with one embodiment of this invention.
  • Fig. 32 is a plan view of a bladder insert comprising materials having dissimilar elasticities in accordance with one embodiment of this invention.
  • Fig. 33 is a plan view of a bladder insert comprising materials having dissimilar elasticities in accordance with one embodiment of this invention.
  • Fig. 34 is a cross-sectional view of the bladder insert of Fig. 33 taken along the line XXXTV-XXXTV;
  • Fig. 35 is a cross-sectional view of the bladder insert of Fig. 33 taken along the line XXXV-XXXV;
  • Fig. 36 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a bladder insert comprising a body-fitting mechanism in accordance with one embodiment of this invention.
  • Fig. 37 is a plan view of the bladder insert of Fig. 36;
  • Fig. 38 is a schematic side view of a process element of a process for making a bladder insert in accordance with one embodiment of this invention;
  • Fig. 39 is a perspective view of a vacuum section of an apparatus for vacuum forming of a bladder insert in accordance with this invention.
  • Fig. 40 is a radial cross-sectional view of the vacuum section shown in Fig. 39;
  • Fig. 41 is a plan view of a bladder insert produced by a vacuum forming process in accordance with one embodiment of this invention.
  • Figs. 42A, 42B, 42C and 42D are cross-sectional views of embodiments of the bladder insert of Fig. 41 taken along the line XL ⁇ -XLIT, and Fig. 43 is a graphic representation of the dynamic pressures applied to feminine care articles in use. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
  • the invention disclosed herein is a method and apparatus for enhancing the fluid intake and distribution and increasing the conformability of an absorbent article such as a diaper, incontinence garment or sanitary pad or napkin in response to the body of the wearer so as to generate intimate contact between the absorbent article and the wearer for improved intake and management of bodily discharges.
  • an absorbent article comprising a fluid permeable topsheet, a fluid impermeable backsheet and an absorbent material disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet
  • conformability of the absorbent article is increased and fluid intake and distribution is enhanced in accordance with the method of this invention by inserting at least one resilient fluid-filled chamber, also herein referred to as a bladder insert.
  • Insertion of the bladder insert allows pressure to be equalized across the absorbent article surface, adapting to the dynamics of the wearer's activity. For example, for a seated person wearing an absorbent article in accordance with this invention, the pressure imparted against the seat of the article is transferred to other portions of the bladder insert to aid in pressing the absorbent article against the wearer's body.
  • the apparatus of this invention is an absorbent article such as a diaper, incontinence garment or sanitary pad or napkin comprising a resilient fluid-filled chamber (bladder insert) which conforms in response to the body of the wearer while retaining much of its volume in order to generate intimate contact between the absorbent article and the wearer for improved intake and management of bodily discharges.
  • a resilient fluid-filled chamber blade insert
  • the mechanical properties of the bladder insert are characterized by very high resiliency in dry and wet conditions. These resiliency properties, which are mainly dependent on the pressure in the fluid-filled chamber(s) forming the bladder insert and the two-dimensional arrangement of the chamber(s), minimize deformation of the absorbent article. In addition, the resiliency of the bladder insert ensures good body conformance by allowing the material of the bladder insert and, thus, the absorbent article to mold reversibly into the various shapes of a multitude of use conditions.
  • An absorbent article 10 in accordance with one embodiment of this invention as shown in Figs. 1 and 2 comprises a multi-layer material having a front section 11, a back section 13 and an intermediate section 12 connecting said front section 11 and said back section 13, said multi-layer material comprising a topsheet 14, a backsheet 15 and an absorbent layer 16 disposed between said topsheet 14 and said backsheet 15, and at least one fluid-filled chamber or bladder insert 17 disposed between at least a portion of said absorbent layer 16 and said backsheet 15.
  • Bladder insert 17, as shown in Figs. 4 and 6 is a sealed compartment 19 between a generally upper material layer 18 and a generally lower material 20, which material is impermeable to its contents.
  • the bladder insert material may be a coated structure or a polymer film.
  • Materials suitable for formation of the bladder insert 17 preferably are selected from the group consisting of polyurethane films, thermoplastics, elastomers, coated papers and combinations thereof. Polyethylene or polypropylene may be used; however, an elastic material such as polyurethane is preferred due to its ability to conform to the body of the wearer and retain its volume for good anatomical fit.
  • the outer surface of the bladder insert may be coated with a material, for example a surfactant for enhancing fluid distribution.
  • Fluids for filling the bladder insert may be liquids, gels or gases.
  • Liquid fill materials have the benefit of low compressibility; gels have the benefit of a slow rate of conformability; and gases, for example air, have the benefit of being low in cost.
  • gases for example air, have the benefit of being low in cost.
  • Suitable materials with which to fill the bladder inserts are selected from the group consisting of water, air, gelatins, hydrogels, colloids, suspensions and combinations thereof.
  • bladder insert 17 may be made of a single material formed by blowing through fluid inlet 27 much like a toy balloon is inflated.
  • bladder insert 17 is formed by folding a single piece of bladder material onto itself along folded edge 28 and then sealingly bonding the folded bladder material along the remaining three sides, forming bonds 29.
  • bladder insert 17 is formed by two pieces of bladder material which are generally coextensive and peripherally, sealingly bonded to each other, forming a peripheral seal. Sealing or bonding in accordance with the embodiments shown in Figs. 5A and 5B can be accomplished by any suitable method known to those skilled in the art. Preferred sealing or bonding methods include heat sealing, ultrasonic bonding, thermal bonding, and the use of adhesives.
  • Fig. 7 is a plan view of a bladder insert in accordance with one embodiment of this invention wherein at least one face of the bladder insert comprises at least one pleat
  • one face of the bladder insert is pleated and the other face is a rigid flat structure 31 resulting in a more controlled surface shape.
  • both faces of bladder insert 17 are pleated.
  • Pleats may be formed by passing the bladder insert over a series of heated parallel wires, rollers or plates resulting in bonding of the two materials of the bladder insert to each other and formation of a plurality of individual resilient fluid-filled chambers within the bladder insert.
  • bladder insert 17 may have a variety of shapes depending upon the absorbent article design requirements.
  • bladder insert 17 is square or rectangular in shape.
  • bladder insert is oval in shape (Fig. 9A).
  • bladder insert 17 has an hourglass shape (Fig. 9B).
  • bladder insert 17 may have an asymmetrical shape, such as the pear shape shown in Fig. 9C, to match body features.
  • Bladder insert 17 may be a variety of sizes depending upon the absorbent article in which it is employed. For example, it may occupy the full area of the absorbent product such as in the case of a regular maxipad.
  • bladder insert 17 may be shorter and/or narrower than the absorbent article to minimize the thickness at the sides and ends of the article.
  • bladder insert 17 may be disposed around the perimeter of the absorbent article, such as in the case of a diaper, to provide sealing against the body to prevent leakage off the article.
  • the seals may be continuous or at different intervals along the perimeter of the absorbent article.
  • multiple bladder inserts may be employed at several areas around the article.
  • Fig. 13 A separate bladder inserts 17 may be disposed along each side of the absorbent article.
  • each individual bladder insert employed in the absorbent article may have a different pressure.
  • they may be interconnected to one another as shown in Fig. 13B.
  • bladder insert 17 is constructed of one or more materials added into the absorbent structure. As shown in Fig.
  • bladder insert 17 is laminated bonded to an existing polymer outer baffle 34.
  • Fig. 14 is a plan view of a body-conforming bladder insert having an oval shape with a narrowed center portion.
  • this body-conforming bladder insert comprises a plurality of pleats 30 on both faces of the bladder insert and the chambers 51, 52 are of different cross-sectional areas.
  • bladder insert 17 is also in an oval shape with a narrowed center portion, but unlike the bladder insert of Fig. 15, the center region 53 is open.
  • Fig. 17B shows a cross-sectional view of the bladder insert of Fig. 16 wherein bladder material 54 spans across the center region 53.
  • additional materials are shown spanning the center region on one or both faces of bladder insert 17.
  • bladder insert 17 comprises a plurality of pleats 30, resulting in a bladder insert having a plurality of resilient fluid-filled chambers.
  • the chambers 45-50 may be independent of one another (Fig. 12D), or they may be interconnected as shown in Fig. 12C.
  • bladder insert 17 comprises at least one baffle 35 disposed within the bladder chamber.
  • Figs. 18-23 show embodiments of a bladder insert for use in absorbent articles, which bladder inserts are multi-dimensional structures.
  • Figs. 18-21 show embodiments in which the chambers resulting from pleating of the bladder insert have different elevations and/or different cross-sectional areas.
  • Figs. 22 and 23 show a bladder configuration in which only the center region 60 is elevated with respect to the surrounding chambers. Similar multi-dimensional bladder inserts in accordance with this invention are also shown in Figs. 41 and 42A-42D. In order to form such multi-dimensional bladder inserts, in additional to basic mechanical pleating, vacuum formation is employed.
  • Fig. 38 shows a process for forming a bladder insert employing vacuum formation.
  • a lower bladder material layer 71 and an upper bladder material layer 72 are conveyed into a nip 75 formed by drum 73 and vacuum/sealing drum 74.
  • air or another suitable fluid is injected by injector 79 into the nip between the layers.
  • sealing bars 77, 78 shown in Figs. 39 and 40, form a desired pattern of seals to generate a desired pattern of pleats and resilient fluid-filled chambers.
  • a vacuum is applied to the upper bladder material layer by vacuum/sealing drum 74 as the material passes beneath vacuum pull region 76.
  • bladder inserts having a variety of multidimensional characteristics can be formed.
  • one result of using a bladder insert in an absorbent article is improved conformance of the absorbent article to the body of the wearer for the purpose of providing intimate contact between the absorbent article and the wearer for improved intake and distribution of body exudates.
  • Such conformance depends upon a number of factors, not the least of which is the dimensional characteristics of the absorbent article relative to the physical characteristics, such as size and shape, of the wearer.
  • one embodiment of an absorbent article in accordance with this invention comprises means for customizing the article so as to provide a better fit for individual wearers.
  • the bladder inserts in addition to providing pressure against the body of the wearer, are configured to activate mechanical devices that may engage at continuous or incremental points.
  • the mechanical devices are generally constructed of semirigid or rigid materials and are positioned at specific locations within the absorbent article.
  • the critical absorbency intake position of feminine care pads is the central crotch region.
  • Figs. 36 and 37 are diagrammatic representations of an absorbent article comprising means for customizing the article in accordance with one embodiment of this invention particularly suitable for use in feminine care pads.
  • Such means comprises a mechanism for "pop-up" extensibility located in the central crotch region, for example a bellows-type structure 80 which, upon compression of bladder inserts 81, 82, forces a fluid, such as air, out of one or more bladder inserts 81, 82 in accordance with this invention disposed within the absorbent article and into the "pop-up" mechanism.
  • bladder inserts 81, 82 may be designed to draw outside air in.
  • the mechanism may be "locked” into place to provide continual body contact.
  • the inclusion of such a mechanism can save packaging/shipping space since the volume associated with conforming the absorbent article need not be activated until its end-use.
  • an absorbent article in accordance with one embodiment of this invention allows for the use of a separate device by incorporation of an appropriate valve arrangement into the absorbent article.
  • Figs. 28A and 28B show a valve arrangement suitable for use in absorbent articles of this invention in the form of a check valve system.
  • Check valve 90 is disposed within fluid intake conduit 91, which, in turn, is in fluid communication with at least one chamber of a bladder insert (not shown).
  • check valve 90 opens, as shown in Fig. 28B to permit the flow of fluid through fluid intake conduit 91 into the chamber.
  • the fluid pressure within the chamber has reached a desired level, the pressure within the chamber forces check valve 90 to move to a closed position as shown in Fig. 28A.
  • An alternative embodiment of a valve arrangement is shown in Fig. 29.
  • a center filling element 92 is concentrically disposed within fluid intake conduit 93, which, in turn, is in fluid communication with at least one chamber of the bladder insert of an absorbent article.
  • center filling element 92 which may be coated with an adhesive releasing material, that is a material which prevents the center filling element 92 from sticking to an adhesive, is removed and fluid intake conduit 93 is sealed by application of a compression force as indicated by arrows 94.
  • adhesive releasing material that is a material which prevents the center filling element 92 from sticking to an adhesive
  • bladder insert 17 is constructed of materials having different elasticities to generate a desired curvature in the article.
  • Fig. 33 shows a plan view of a bladder insert 17 for an absorbent article in accordance with one embodiment of this invention employing materials of different elasticity.
  • Fig. 34 is a cross-sectional view of the bladder insert of Fig. 33 taken along the line XXX ⁇ V-XXX ⁇ V where the material of lower elasticity 100 is disposed on top of the material of higher elasticity 101 resulting in a longitudinal upward curvature of the bladder insert.
  • Fig. 35 is a cross-sectional view of the bladder insert of Fig. 33 taken along the line XXXV-XXXV where the material of lower elasticity 106 is disposed below the material of greater elasticity 107 resulting in an upwards directed side-to-side curvature.
  • Figs. 30, 31 and 32 show embodiments of a bladder insert of this invention wherein zones of materials having different elasticities are used to modify the properties in a localized region of the bladder insert.
  • the bladder insert 17 of Fig. 30 comprising upper material layer 96 and lower material layer 97 comprises a centrally disposed bulge 95 due to a centrally disposed patch of material in upper material layer 96 having a higher elasticity than the surrounding material.
  • Such a configuration is formed as shown in Fig. 31 where a patch 98 of a material having a given elasticity is joined by peripheral seals 99 to a material layer 103 having a lower elasticity than the patch material over an opening 104 formed by material layer 103.
  • the patch material which constitutes a dissimilar region 105 as shown in Fig. 32, will stretch above material layer 103 forming bulge 95 as shown in Fig. 30.
  • peristaltic elements are generally in the form of surface modifications applied to the outer surfaces of the bladder insert.
  • peristaltic elements work in conjunction with the bladder pressure to distribute fluid by means of peristalsis.
  • the key to the peristaltic element is the application of rhythmic pressures/forces in the direction of a finite fluid reservoir.
  • the forces needed to initiate fluid transport are created by using the dynamic forces which are applied to the absorbent articles by the human body and its motion.
  • dynamic pressures exerted to feminine care articles can alternate in a very regular way (See Fig. 43). This fact suggests that a pump-like mechanism in the center of the absorbent article can be used to improve the fluid distribution throughout the entire product.
  • Figs. 24-27 Various peristaltic elements in accordance with different embodiments of this invention are shown in Figs. 24-27. Fig.
  • FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of a multi-chamber bladder insert which forms grooves 55 in the base region of adjacent fluid-filled chambers 56.
  • Fig. 25 is a cross-sectional view of a multi-chamber bladder insert wherein the surfaces of the resilient fluid-filled chambers 56 form a plurality of microgrooves
  • Fig. 26 is a cross-sectional view of a multi -chamber bladder insert comprising a plurality of fibers or filaments 58 disposed on the surfaces of the resilient fluid-filled chambers.
  • Fig. 27 is a cross-sectional view of a multi-chamber bladder insert wherein a plurality of fibers 59 are disposed within grooves 55 in the base region of adjacent fluid-filled chambers 56.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Vascular Medicine (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Absorbent Articles And Supports Therefor (AREA)
  • Orthopedics, Nursing, And Contraception (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un article absorbant comportant un matériau multicouche. Ce matériau multicouche comprend une partie avant, une partie arrière et une partie intermédiaire rattachant la partie avant à la partie arrière. Le matériau multicouche comprend une couche supérieure, une couche inférieure et une couche absorbante disposée entre les couches supérieure et inférieure. Au moins une chambre élastique tridimensionnelle remplie de fluide est disposée dans la couche absorbante ou entre au moins une partie de la couche absorbante et de la couche inférieure. La chambre élastique en trois dimensions remplie de fluide, ou vessie, est un compartiment hermétique généralement entre une couche supérieure et une couche inférieure de matériau imperméable à son contenu. Parmi les fluides pouvant être utilisés dans cette chambre élastique remplie de fluide: l'eau, l'air, les gélatines, les hydrogels, les colloïdes, les suspensions ainsi que des combinaisons de ceux-ci.
PCT/US2000/023241 1999-08-31 2000-08-24 Vessie tridimensionnelle prenant la forme du corps pour article absorbant Ceased WO2001015648A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0205801A GB2369578B (en) 1999-08-31 2000-08-24 Three dimensional body-conforming bladder for an absorbent article
AU69333/00A AU6933300A (en) 1999-08-31 2000-08-24 Three dimensional body-conforming bladder for an absorbent article
MXPA02001685A MXPA02001685A (es) 1999-08-31 2000-08-24 Bolsa que se conforma al cuerpo tridimensional para un articulo absorbente.
DE10084955T DE10084955T1 (de) 1999-08-31 2000-08-24 Dreidimensionale körperangepasste Blase für einen Aufsaugeartikel
BR0013683-2A BR0013683A (pt) 1999-08-31 2000-08-24 Compartimento tridimensional de ajuste corporal para um artigo absorvente
KR1020027002553A KR20020059379A (ko) 1999-08-31 2000-08-24 흡수용품용 3차원 신체 순응성 블래더

Applications Claiming Priority (8)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US09/388,212 1999-08-31
US09/387,726 US6524292B1 (en) 1999-08-31 1999-08-31 Three dimensional body-conforming bladder for an absorbent article
US09/387,725 1999-08-31
US09/387,726 1999-08-31
US09/388,212 US6695828B1 (en) 1999-08-31 1999-08-31 Method for enhancing fluid intake and distribution of an absorbent article
US09/388,210 1999-08-31
US09/388,210 US6428522B1 (en) 1999-08-31 1999-08-31 Absorbent article with body-conforming bladder having peristaltic elements
US09/387,725 US6610038B1 (en) 1999-08-31 1999-08-31 Body-conforming bladder insert for an absorbent article with a body-fitting mechanism

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2001015648A1 true WO2001015648A1 (fr) 2001-03-08

Family

ID=27503282

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2000/023241 Ceased WO2001015648A1 (fr) 1999-08-31 2000-08-24 Vessie tridimensionnelle prenant la forme du corps pour article absorbant

Country Status (9)

Country Link
KR (1) KR20020059379A (fr)
CN (1) CN1391455A (fr)
AR (1) AR025467A1 (fr)
AU (1) AU6933300A (fr)
BR (1) BR0013683A (fr)
DE (1) DE10084955T1 (fr)
GB (1) GB2369578B (fr)
MX (1) MXPA02001685A (fr)
WO (1) WO2001015648A1 (fr)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2001097739A1 (fr) * 2000-06-21 2001-12-27 The Procter & Gamble Company Article absorbant dote d'un soufflet pour la circulation d'air frais
US7842021B2 (en) 2006-06-14 2010-11-30 3M Innovative Properties Company Absorbent article with seal and method of manufacturing

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102016102481B4 (de) 2016-02-12 2022-07-07 Sanna von Klier Vliesstoff
WO2021163867A1 (fr) * 2020-02-18 2021-08-26 The Procter & Gamble Company Article absorbant comprenant un substrat tridimensionnel

Citations (13)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3525055A (en) * 1969-07-08 1970-08-18 Rca Corp Temperature compensated crystal oscillator
US3713930A (en) * 1969-04-19 1973-01-30 T Levrini Process to form elements under pressure
US3812001A (en) * 1971-12-17 1974-05-21 Weyerhaeuser Co Cushioned absorbent pad
US4055180A (en) * 1976-04-23 1977-10-25 Colgate-Palmolive Company Absorbent article with retained hydrocolloid material
DE3512859A1 (de) * 1985-04-10 1986-10-30 Dieter 8000 München Oberhuber Windel fuer babys, kleinkinder und kranke
DE3517192A1 (de) * 1985-05-13 1986-11-13 Vereinigte Papierwerke Schickedanz & Co, 8500 Nürnberg Binde zur frauenhygiene oder inkontinenz
US5229186A (en) * 1991-07-08 1993-07-20 Tredegar Industries, Inc. Deep embossed plastic film
EP0738505A1 (fr) * 1995-04-11 1996-10-23 PANTEX S.r.l. Matériau laminé imperméable aux fluides et produits absorbants fabriqués avec un tel matériau
EP0779065A2 (fr) * 1995-12-15 1997-06-18 Johnson & Johnson Inc. Articles absorbantes à capacité le rétention améliorée, méthode et appareil de fabrication
US5643241A (en) * 1994-05-31 1997-07-01 The Procter & Gamble Company Disposable absorbent article having a pump and an inflatable component
US5728446A (en) * 1993-08-22 1998-03-17 Johnston; Raymond P. Liquid management film for absorbent articles
US5876393A (en) * 1993-06-23 1999-03-02 The Procter & Gamble Company Disposable absorbent article with selectively expandable or inflatable components
US5906879A (en) * 1997-04-30 1999-05-25 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Ultra resilient three-dimensional nonwoven fiber material and process for producing the same

Patent Citations (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3713930A (en) * 1969-04-19 1973-01-30 T Levrini Process to form elements under pressure
US3525055A (en) * 1969-07-08 1970-08-18 Rca Corp Temperature compensated crystal oscillator
US3812001A (en) * 1971-12-17 1974-05-21 Weyerhaeuser Co Cushioned absorbent pad
US4055180A (en) * 1976-04-23 1977-10-25 Colgate-Palmolive Company Absorbent article with retained hydrocolloid material
DE3512859A1 (de) * 1985-04-10 1986-10-30 Dieter 8000 München Oberhuber Windel fuer babys, kleinkinder und kranke
DE3517192A1 (de) * 1985-05-13 1986-11-13 Vereinigte Papierwerke Schickedanz & Co, 8500 Nürnberg Binde zur frauenhygiene oder inkontinenz
US5229186A (en) * 1991-07-08 1993-07-20 Tredegar Industries, Inc. Deep embossed plastic film
US5876393A (en) * 1993-06-23 1999-03-02 The Procter & Gamble Company Disposable absorbent article with selectively expandable or inflatable components
US5728446A (en) * 1993-08-22 1998-03-17 Johnston; Raymond P. Liquid management film for absorbent articles
US5643241A (en) * 1994-05-31 1997-07-01 The Procter & Gamble Company Disposable absorbent article having a pump and an inflatable component
EP0738505A1 (fr) * 1995-04-11 1996-10-23 PANTEX S.r.l. Matériau laminé imperméable aux fluides et produits absorbants fabriqués avec un tel matériau
EP0779065A2 (fr) * 1995-12-15 1997-06-18 Johnson & Johnson Inc. Articles absorbantes à capacité le rétention améliorée, méthode et appareil de fabrication
US5906879A (en) * 1997-04-30 1999-05-25 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Ultra resilient three-dimensional nonwoven fiber material and process for producing the same

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2001097739A1 (fr) * 2000-06-21 2001-12-27 The Procter & Gamble Company Article absorbant dote d'un soufflet pour la circulation d'air frais
US6450997B1 (en) 2000-06-21 2002-09-17 The Procter & Gamble Company Absorbent articles having a bellows for circulating fresh air
US7842021B2 (en) 2006-06-14 2010-11-30 3M Innovative Properties Company Absorbent article with seal and method of manufacturing

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
MXPA02001685A (es) 2002-07-30
BR0013683A (pt) 2003-01-28
DE10084955T1 (de) 2002-11-21
GB0205801D0 (en) 2002-04-24
AU6933300A (en) 2001-03-26
GB2369578A (en) 2002-06-05
KR20020059379A (ko) 2002-07-12
AR025467A1 (es) 2002-11-27
CN1391455A (zh) 2003-01-15
GB2369578B (en) 2004-11-17

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