WO2007111539A1

WO2007111539A1 - Reshapeable absorbent article

Info

Publication number: WO2007111539A1
Application number: PCT/SE2006/000372
Authority: WO
Inventors: Åsa LINDSTRÖM
Original assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
Current assignee: Essity Hygiene and Health AB
Priority date: 2006-03-27
Filing date: 2006-03-27
Publication date: 2007-10-04
Anticipated expiration: 2008-09-27

Abstract

An absorbent article with a longitudinal extension and a transverse extension in one plane and a thickness perpendicular to the plane and comprising an absorption body (4) with a first surface and a second surface, a liquid-barrier layer (3) being arranged over the second surface, The absorption body (4) comprises two parts (14, 15) separated from one another in the plane, and in that the article is stretchable from a first stable position, in which the parts (14, 15) of the absorption body (4) are in contact with one another, to a second stable position, in which the parts (14, 15) of the absorption body (4) are situated at a minimum mutual distance in the plane of at least 1 mm and preferably at least 2.5 mm.

Description

RESHAPEABLE ABSORBENT ARTICLE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention concerns an absorbent article with a longitudinal extension and a transverse extension in one plane and a thickness perpendicular to the plane and comprising an absorption body with a first surface and a second surface, a liquid-barrier layer being arranged over the second surface of the absorption body.

BACKGROUND ART

A problem which occurs with absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, pantyliners and incontinence protectors which are worn inside the user's underpants is that the absorbent article does not always fit the underpants. A particular problem arises in the case of conventionally formed absorbent articles if the user wears a so-called thong, as has become more and more common. A thong is an underpant with an extremely narrow rear part. Users who choose to wear thongs often do this for aesthetic reasons, in order to avoid panty lines being seen under trousers or a skirt worn on top of the thong. Naturally, it would then be unfortunate if the user's sanitary napkin, pantyliner or incontinence protector had such a form and size that it projected outside the edges of the panties. In addition, projecting parts of an absorbent article tend to fold or wrinkle, which is perceived as unpleasant and uncomfortable and also has a negative effect on the ability of the article to receive and absorb body fluid.

In order to meet the wishes of users who want to wear thongs, absorbent articles with a form that is specially adapted for such panties have been produced. However, one problem is that it is not unusual that the same user would wish to use different types of underpants on different occasions. Naturally, it is troublesome for the user to have to buy and store absorbent articles formed for different types of underpants. Thus, there is a need for an absorbent article for use in a pair of underpants, which article can be adapted to the form of the underpants.

An absorbent article the size of which can be changed by stretching in one or several directions is previously known from WO 2005/067845. Even though such an article offers a certain possibility to adjust the form to the user's underpants, no adaptation is possible in those cases where the desired shape adjustment would involve a reduction in size. Thus, it is not possible to reshape the article described in WO 2005/067845 so that it would fit, for example, a thong.

A particular type of absorbent article for use in a pair of underpants is those that are provided with attachment flaps, known as wings, projecting from the side edges. When the article is to be used, it is placed in the crotch portion of the underpants and the wings are folded around the leg edges of the underpants and attached on the outside of the underpants, either to the material of the pants or to each other. Such wings contribute to keeping the absorbent article safely in place in the underpants and provide increased leakage security by protecting the leg edges of the underpants and by means of the improved attachment.

Certain users are not at all appreciative of wings on the absorbent article, as the wings can be seen on the outside of the underpants and because the wings can be perceived as troublesome to handle and to apply in the correct way. Other users consider that the advantages of the wings outweigh the disadvantages and always use articles provided with wings.

A further category of user is those who think that wings are good, particularly on occasions when the flow of fluid is heavier, but prefer absorbent articles without wings on occasions when the expected amounts of fluid are not so great or when the need for discretion is extra great. These users are thus forced to buy two variations of absorbent article in order to meet their needs.

In the light of the different needs that exist on different occasions and the different wishes of users of absorbent articles, there is consequently a need for an absorbent article which can satisfy both those who want wings on the article and those who want an article without wings.

DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

In accordance with the invention, an absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin, an incontinence protector or a pantyliner, of the type mentioned in the introduction, has now been achieved, which article essentially solves the problems connected with previously known articles of this type. Absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, incontinence protectors and pantyliners are formed to be worn in a pair of ordinary underpants, beachwear, or the like and are usually provided with some type of attachment arrangement for attaching the article in the crotch of the pants. Unlike diapers and similar articles which surround the torso, such articles have a considerably smaller size in relation to the user's body and extend during use generally only a small distance forwards and backwards from the crotch portion of the underpants.

An article produced in accordance with the invention is chiefly characterised in that the absorption body comprises two parts separated from one another in the plane, and in that the article is stretchable from a first stable position, in which the parts of the absorption body are in contact with one another, to a second stable position, in which the parts of the absorption body are situated at a minimum mutual distance in the plane of at least 1 mm and preferably at least 2.5 mm. A stable position is intended in this context to mean a position which is maintained when the article is not subjected to external forces, such as stretching.

An example of a non-stable position is the stretched position in an elastically stretchable material which is stretched out from a resting position to a stretched position. Such a material partially or completely regains its resting position as soon as the stretching ceases and is therefore not suitable for use when an article is to be reshaped in accordance with the invention.

A user can choose to use the article when it is in the first stable position, which typically is the position in which the article is delivered to the user. Alternatively, if the user considers that the form and function of the first position is not optimal for the use in question, the user can choose to stretch out the article to the second position. In the second position, the article can be reshaped by folding away one or several parts of the absorption body in order to give it a new plane form. It is essential to the invention that the parts of the absorption body in the second stable position are separated from each other in such a way that fluid cannot be led between the parts. Due to the fact that transfer of fluid between the parts is prevented in this way, fluid is prevented from being transferred to parts of the article that have been folded away. As such folded parts are in direct contact with the user's underpants and/or the user's skin, soiling of skin and clothes is thus avoided. In order to keep the article in the reshaped position with one or several parts folded away, the article can be provided with some type of connection means. A connection means of this type can be in the form of self-adhesive glue, hook- and-loop surfaces or the like. In general, it is not necessary to arrange a particular connection means on the article; a conventional fastening means for fastening of the article in the user's underpants can also be used as a connection means.

According to the simplest form of the invention, it is conceivable to form the article with only two separable parts. The parts can be separable in the longitudinal direction, a longitudinal side part being able to be stretched out and folded away from a main part. Alternatively, the article can be divided in the transverse direction, for example in order to achieve stretching out and folding away of an end part. An embodiment like this can be used, for example, if it is desirable to reduce the length of a thong napkin by removing a part of the rear portion. However, it is generally preferable that the absorption body comprises at least two side parts symmetrically arranged on either side of a central portion. The parts of the absorption body can be separated from each other along straight dividing lines or along curved dividing lines, or combinations of straight and curved dividing lines. In the first stable position, the parts contained in the absorption body can have edge lines that are completely congruent, so that the parts lie in contact with each other along the whole of the parts of the edges which are facing each other. Alternatively, the parts can be arranged so that only short sections of the edge lines of the parts coincide.

The parts of the absorption body can consist of one or several layers and the parts can be formed from the same or different materials and can have different material composition. In the simplest form, the absorption body is constituted by a piece of material was in one piece from the beginning and which has been clipped or cut into two or more parts. More complicated absorption bodies can be constructed of parts each of which comprises one or several layers with the same or different material composition. For example, it can be suitable that a central part of the absorption body comprises more material layers or absorption material with greater absorption capacity than surrounding parts of the absorption body.

According to one embodiment which makes the article particularly suitable for reshaping to fit into a thong, the absorption body's central portion has a triangular or modified triangular form in the longitudinal direction and has two end portions, one of the end portions having a greatest width that it is at least 3 times the greatest width of the second end portion. It is also possible to form the absorption body with more than three parts. An example of such an absorption body is an absorption body with a central longitudinal portion with two longitudinal side parts on either side of the central portion. Another example of an absorption body with more than three parts is an essentially rhombic central absorption portion surrounded by four corner-like parts. In an embodiment of this type the user can modify the form of the article by stretching out and folding away all four corner parts and ending up with a little rhombus-shaped article. Alternatively, the user can choose to only stretch out and fold away the corner parts at one of the end portions of the article. The resulting article then obtains a form with a broader and a narrower end part, which is suitable during use of a thong.

As has been mentioned previously, the central portion of the absorption body can have greater absorption capacity per surface unit than the side parts. In general, this means that the side parts are thinner and more flexible than the central portion and can thus more easily be folded away in a discreet and comfortable way. At the same time, the absorbent article has sufficient absorption capacity in the area that is expected to receive and absorb the bulk of the body fluid excreted to the article. This embodiment is particularly advantageous when the article is intended to be adapted from fitting into a conventional underpant to being suitable for use in a thong. The side parts that are stretched out and folded away at the rear portion of the article should then be as thin and flexible as possible in order to avoid the rear portion being made thick and stiff by the overlapping folded material layers.

One way to achieve increased absorption capacity in the central portion of the absorption body is if the absorption body has greater basis weight than the side parts. Other ways can be through the choice of absorption material, for example by the central part comprising superabsorbent material.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the absorbent article has a front portion and a rear portion, the front portion having greater absorption capacity than the rear portion. A liquid-permeable surface layer can be arranged over the first surface of the absorption body. In order to facilitate stretching of the article from the first stable position to the second stable position, it is suitable that the surface layer is adapted so that it does not hinder the reshaping of the article. The surface layer can be separated in the same way as the absorption body. It is also possible to form the surface layer from a permanently stretchable material. The liquid-permeable surface layer can be permanently stretchable in its entirety or only within the stretching areas coinciding with the dividing lines between the parts of the absorption body. Such stretching areas can comprise perforations, intermittent slits, folds, embossing or material that has been made permanently stretchable in other ways. The expression permanently stretchable material is intended to denote a material that can be stretched out from a first position to a second position and that essentially retains its stretched-out dimension when the stretching forces cease. A permanently stretchable material should be so elastic that it retains at least 80% of the length in the stretching direction when the stretching forces cease.

In order to prevent the user from unintentionally damaging or pulling the article apart when reshaping it from the first stable position to the second stable position, it can be suitable that the article cannot be extended or stretched out more than that the parts of the absorption body in the second position have a minimum mutual distance in the plane that does not exceed 20 mm and preferably does not exceed 15 mm or 10 mm. The maximum gap between the separated parts can be different at different parts of the dividing lines between the parts. It can be especially desirable to be able to extend the article to different extents at different parts when the dividing lines are curved.

It can thus be suitable that the article comprises means for limiting the stretchability. Such a means can be some form of physical blocking means, such as a rigid material strip, thread, a material fold or the like which leads to the stretch resistance increasing discreetly at a certain predetermined extension. Alternatively, the stretching can result in the stretched material changing colour or opacity and thus signalling to the user when sufficient stretching has been reached.

The article's stretchability is preferably obtained by the liquid barrier layer being stretchable. For this purpose, a stretch zone can be arranged in the liquid barrier layer and the parts of the absorption body can be arranged on the liquid barrier layer in such a way that the parts of the absorption body have edge parts situated in the stretch zone.

In order to achieve stretchability so that the article can be stretched out and the parts of the absorption body can be moved apart, the liquid barrier layer can be plastically stretchable at least within the stretch zone. It is also possible that the entire liquid barrier layer consists of a plastically stretchable material. An example of such a material is Parafilm® from Pechiney Plastic Packaging, Inc. Menasha, Wl, USA.

Another way to make the liquid barrier layer stretchable is by arranging a fold of surplus material in the stretch zone.

In order to attach the article inside the user's underpants, an attachment means is suitably arranged on the liquid barrier layer. The attachment means can be of any type known for the purpose. A preferred attachment means is one or several glue surfaces. The attachment means can advantageously be arranged so that it can be used, alternatively, to attach together a reshaped article in a folded condition. It can be suitable that parts of the liquid barrier layer that are intended to be stretched out when the article is reshaped from the first stable condition to the second stable condition are free from attachment means.

Before use of the article, the attachment means is suitably covered with a releasable protective layer. The protective layer can be divided or dividable so that the different parts cover parts of the attachment means located on different parts of the article, suitably coinciding with the division of the absorption body. The protective layer can advantageously consist of some material, for example paper, plastic film or nonwoven, which is less stretchable than the areas of the article that are arranged to be stretched out when the article is reshaped. The parts of the protective layer can thus be used as gripping surfaces when the article is stretched. This is advantageous both because the user does not need to hold the attachment means and thus risk getting their fingers stuck or damaging the attachment means when reshaping the article, and because the protective layer limits the stretching in those parts of the article that are not to be stretched out, i.e. those parts which coincide with the parts of the absorption body.

It can be advantageous to arrange the protective layer so that it can be removed in one piece, for example if the reshaping options are not being used. This can be achieved by the protective layer being held together by easily broken attachments, perforated within the stretching zones, or the like. Naturally, it is also possible to use, in the conventional way, a protective layer that is always removed in one piece, for example in the form of a single package which also serves as a protective layer before the article is used.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the embodiments shown in the attached drawings, in which

Fig. 1 shows a sanitary napkin in accordance with a first embodiment in a first stable position seen from the side which is intended to face towards the user during use,

Fig. 2 shows the sanitary napkin in Fig. 1 seen from the side which is intended to face away from the user during use,

Fig. 3 shows a cross-section along the line III - III through the sanitary napkin in Fig. 1 , Fig. 4 shows the sanitary napkin in Fig. 1 after stretching to a second stable position,

Fig. 5 shows a cross-section along the line V - V through the sanitary napkin in Fig. 4,

Fig. 6 shows the sanitary napkin in Figs 4 and 5 reshaped by folding, seen from the side that is intended to face towards the user during use

Fig. 7 shows a sanitary napkin in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention,

Fig. 8 shows the sanitary napkin in Fig. 7 after stretching to a second stable position,

Fig. 9 shows a sanitary napkin in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention,

Fig. 10 shows the sanitary napkin in Fig. 9 in a reshaped state,

Fig. 11 shows the sanitary napkin in Fig. 9 in an alternative reshaped state,

Fig. 12 shows a sanitary napkin in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the invention,

Fig. 13 shows a blocking means for limiting the stretching of an absorbent article

Fig. 14 shows a sanitary napkin in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the invention,

Fig. 15 shows the sanitary napkin in Fig. 14 in stretched-out position

Fig. 16 shows a cross-section along the line XVI - XVI through the sanitary napkin in Fig. 14 Fig.17 shows a cross-section along the line XVII - XVII through the sanitary napkin in Fig. 15,

Fig. 18 shows a sanitary napkin in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the invention,

Fig. 19 shows the sanitary napkin in Fig. 18 in a first reshaped position, and

Fig. 20 shows the sanitary napkin in Fig. 18 in a second reshaped position.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The sanitary napkin 1 shown in Figs 1-6 has a mainly conventional construction and thus comprises a liquid-permeable surface layer 2, a liquid barrier layer 3 and an absorption body 4 enclosed between the surface layer 2 and the barrier layer 3. The liquid-permeable surface layer 2 and the liquid barrier layer 3 have, in the position shown in Fig. 1, essentially the same form as the absorption body 4, but extend in the plane of the sanitary napkin 1 a distance beyond the edges of the absorbent body and are mutually joined in an edge seal 5 around the entire periphery of the absorption body 4. An edge seal of this type can be achieved, for example, by gluing, sewing, welding with heat or ultrasound, or mechanically, for example by compression or embossing.

The liquid-permeable surface layer 2 can consist of any material suitable for the purpose. Examples of commonly used liquid-permeable surface materials are various types of thin nonwoven materials, perforated plastic films, net materials, liquid-permeable foam materials, or the like. Laminates of two or more material layers are also common. It is suitable that the liquid-permeable surface layer 2 has low liquid distribution ability and no, or essentially no, absorption capacity. For this reason, the materials used in liquid-permeable surface layers are often basically hydrophobic materials that have been treated with surface active means to make them wettable. Accordingly, various polymer materials, such as polythene, polypropylene, polyester, or the like are often used. Surface materials consisting of hydrophobic polymer materials treated with wetting means have good liquid-permeability, low rewetting and low liquid distribution.

The liquid-permeable surface layer 2 can be constructed of two or more different materials in order to obtain different functions in the surface layer. For example, it is common to arrange a liquid-transporting layer inside a liquid-acquisition layer. It is also known to arrange different types of material on different parts of the surface of the sanitary napkin that faces towards the user during use. Accordingly, a material with good acquisition ability can advantageously be arranged at the part of the sanitary napkin which is expected to be wetted first by the bulk of the body fluid, while parts of the surface layer that are primarily intended to constitute contact surfaces with the user's body are provided with a material that has been optimised with regard to softness and gentleness against the skin. If the absorption body 4 consists of material which itself has sufficient cohesion ability, for example an absorbent foam material, or a bound fibre material, the liquid-permeable surface layer 2 can be dispensed with.

The liquid barrier layer 3 suitably consists of a liquid-impermeable material, or a material with good ability to resist liquid penetration. Particularly advantageous materials include thin plastic films, liquid-impermeable nonwoven materials, or materials that have been coated with liquid- impermeable material such as wax, resin, glue, or the like. It is also possible to use liquid-impermeable material laminates. It is often an advantage if the liquid barrier layer 3 is breathable, i.e. allows gas and water vapour to pass through the layer.

The liquid barrier layer 3 is arranged so as to be able to stretch out from a first dimension to a second dimension in at least one stretching direction. The stretchability of the liquid barrier layer 3 can have been obtained by the layer having a particular stretch zone within which the liquid barrier layer has been treated to allow stretching. This treatment can be, for example, a fold, corrugation or a thinning of the material which reduces the stretch resistance in the material. It is also possible to choose a material that is plastically reshapeable, for example a plastically deformable plastic film. The liquid barrier layer 3 should be permanently stretchable, which means that it should essentially remain in the stretched out position after stretching, even when the stretching forces cease. However, a certain resilience or contraction, can be permitted, but this should not exceed 20% and preferably not 10% of the extended length in the direction of stretching.

In order to simply illustrate the invention, Figs 1- 6 show a liquid-permeable surface layer 2 which is completely divided along dividing lines 17, 18 arranged within those areas of the sanitary napkin that are intended to be able to be stretched out.

In the position shown in Figs 1-3, the sanitary napkin 1 is essentially hourglass formed with broader end portions 6, 7 and a narrower crotch portion 8 situated between the end portions. Furthermore, the sanitary napkin has a central line 9 extending in the longitudinal direction, two side edges 10, 11 extending in the longitudinal direction and curved inwards towards the central line, and two rounded end edges 12, 13 extending essentially in the transverse direction. In this position, the sanitary napkin has a form that is well suited to fit into a pair of normal underpants.

In the embodiment shown in Figs 4 and 5, the absorption body 4 is constructed of a central portion 14 enclosed by two side parts 15, 16. As can be seen in Fig. 1 , the parts 14-16 are arranged symmetrically along the central line 9. The central portion 14 is essentially triangular, with a first, greater width at one end edge 12 and a second narrower width at the opposite end edge 13. The parts of the absorption body 14, 15, 16 are completely separated along dividing lines 17, 18, which are slightly curved inwards. The curving of the parts is intended to give the sanitary napkin optimal fit to the leg bands of a thong, after reshaping of the sanitary napkin in accordance with the invention. The liquid-permeable surface layer 2 is also divided along the dividing lines 17, 18. A simplified variation of the sanitary napkin can, of course, be made with completely straight dividing lines. It is also possible to form the absorption body with dividing lines that have a different curve than that shown, or with dividing lines where different parts of the dividing lines have different curvature, or completely straight parts.

The absorption body 4 suitably consists of one or several layers of an absorbent material, such as cellulose fluff pulp, absorbent bound fibre layers, tissue layers, absorbent foam, peat moss, or the like. The absorbent body 4 can also comprise superabsorbent polymers, i.e. polymers with the ability to absorb several times their own weight of fluid while forming a fluid-containing gel. Superabsorbents usually exist in the form of particles, flakes, fibres, granules, or the like. The superabsorbent material can be present on its own or together with other absorbent material. The parts of the absorption body 14, 15, 16 can consist of the same or different materials and can be built up of different numbers of layers.

For a sanitary napkin of the type shown in Figs 1-6, which is intended to be reshaped to fit into a thong, it can be advantageous to concentrate the amount of absorption material to the central portion, as the reshaping of the sanitary napkin involves the side parts being folded in towards the napkin's liquid barrier layer 3, thus increasing the thickness of the napkin at the folded-in parts. In order to obtain a napkin that is as comfortable and flexible as possible, it is desirable that the folded parts are as thin as possible. In addition, the central portion 14 of the sanitary napkin is the part that is expected to receive and absorb the bulk of the body fluid excreted to the napkin during use and that therefore also suitably has the greatest absorption capacity when the napkin is used in conventional underpants. In order to fasten the sanitary napkin in a pair of underpants, a fastening means 20 is arranged on the outside of the napkin's liquid barrier layer 3. The fastening means 20 is in the form of three longitudinal areas of self- adhesive glue arranged so that they do not extend over the dividing lines 17, 18 of the absorption body 4. Before use, the fastening means 20 is protected in the conventional way by being covered by a protective layer 21 of paper or plastic which has been treated with silicone or embossed in order to be easily removable from the glue when the sanitary napkin is to be used. As can be best seen from Fig. 2, the protective layer 21 is also divided into three parts 22, 23, 24 along two dividing lines 25, 26. In the shown example, the dividing lines 25, 26 in the protective layer 21 do not correspond with the dividing lines 17, 18 in the absorption body 4, but an alternative possibility exists to arrange the dividing lines in the same way in the protective layer as in the absorption body. However, it is particularly suitable that the protective layer is divided in such a way that it does not prevent the stretching out of the sanitary napkin even if it is not removed before the napkin is reshaped.

The glue can, of course, be arranged in other configurations suitable for the purpose. As self-adhesive glues are often elastic, it is suitable that the glue is not arranged over areas on the liquid barrier layer 3 that are intended to be stretched out during reshaping of the sanitary napkin.

It is also possible to use other types of fastening means, such as friction coating, press studs, hook-and-loop members, or the like. In addition, different types of fastening means can be combined with one another.

Conventional protective layers that are all in one piece can also be used, for example the type of protective layers which also constitute packaging for an absorbent article. This type of protective layer must generally be removed before the article is reshaped in accordance with the invention, unless the fastening means is arranged in such a way that it does not affect the possibility to stretch out the article even if the protective layer is left on. According to the invention, the sanitary napkin 1 shown in Figs 1-3 can be reshaped to fit into a thong. In order to achieve this reshaping, the napkin is stretched out to the configuration shown in Figs 4 and 5. As a result of the stretching, a gap 27 is formed along each of the dividing lines 17, 18 between the central portion 14 and the side parts 15, 16 of the absorption body 4. As the edges of the absorption body 14-16 are curved, it can be suitable to separate the parts to different degrees at the rear and front portions 6, 7 of the sanitary napkin, as is shown in Fig. 4. This facilitates smooth folding of the side parts 15, 16 in the later reshaping stage.

When the sanitary napkin has been stretched out to the position shown in Figs 4 and 5, the protective layer 21 is removed from the fastening means 20 and the side parts 15, 16 are folded in, as shown in Fig. 6. The fastening glue on the folded-in side parts 15, 16 then acts as a joining means and holds the napkin in the new folded-together configuration.

Due to the sanitary napkin being stretched out, the parts 14, 15, 16 of the absorption body 4 are moved apart, which means that the fluid communication between the parts is cut off. This is an advantage as it is extremely unsuitable that fluid that has been absorbed in the central portion 14 is transported over the folded-in side parts 15, 16. In order to ensure that fluid stays in the central portion 14, the gap 27 between the parts should be at least 1 mm, but preferably not greater than 20 mm and most preferably not greater than 15 mm, or 10 mm.

Figs 7 and 8 show a sanitary napkin 1 which can be reshaped from a first position without fastening wings to a second position with fastening wings 30. The sanitary napkin in Figs 7 and 8 has the same principal construction as the sanitary napkin shown in Figs 1-6 and corresponding components have therefore been allocated the same reference numerals.

In the first position, which is shown in Fig. 7, the sanitary napkin 1 has an oval form and the absorption body 4 is symmetrically divided in the longitudinal direction into a central portion 14 and two side parts 15, 16 along concavely curved dividing lines 17, 18.

In the second position, which is shown in Fig. 8, the sanitary napkin has been stretched out in the transverse direction, so that a gap 27 has arisen between the side parts 15, 16 and the central portion 14 such that the side parts 15, 16 form wings 30. When the sanitary napkin is used, it is placed in the crotch portion of the user's underpants, whereafter the wings 30 are folded round the leg edges of the underpants and fastened on the outside of the underpants with the aid of fastening means 20 on the wings.

The embodiment of the invention shown in Figs 9-11 can advantageously be use for panty liners. The panty liner 1 has the same main components as the previously described sanitary napkins but the absorption body 4 has the same plane shape as the liquid-permeable surface layer 2 and the liquid barrier layer 3 and extends out into the edge seal 5. In a panty liner, in which the total absorption capacity can be low and in which thinness and discretion are prioritised features, it can be especially suitable to form the absorption body 4 and the liquid-permeable surface layer 2 from one and the same material layer. Suitable combined surface layers and absorption layers of this type are absorbent nonwoven materials.

The absorption body 4 of the panty liner 1 is constructed of 5 parts, with a rhomboid central portion 14 and four corner parts 19 separated from the central portion along four dividing lines 17. A fastening means 20 in the form of a complete coating of glue is arranged on the liquid barrier layer 3.

During use of the panty liner, the user can choose to use the panty liner in the form shown in Fig. 9. Alternatively, the absorption body 4 can be divided by stretching out two of the corner parts 19 and then folding them as shown in Fig. 10. The panty liner then obtains a shape with a narrower end portion 7 which fits well in a thong. The folding-in of the corner parts 19 can be done either before the panty liner is applied in the underpants or afterwards, in which case the corner parts 19 are used as fastening wings which are folded round the edges of the pants.

A further alternative, if a very small and discreet protection is desired, is to stretch out and fold in all four corner parts 19 so that the panty liner obtains the form shown in Fig. 11.

Fig. 12 shows a simple embodiment which permits the shown sanitary napkin to be made narrower due to the absorbent body 4 having a broader main portion 14 and a narrower side part 15, which can be pulled out and folded away so that the sanitary napkin 1 in the modified state has the form of the main portion.

Fig. 13 shows a limiting means 31 for limiting the extension of the liquid barrier layer 3. In the shown example, the means is constituted by a rigid thread or band which is attached to the liquid barrier layer and which bridges the dividing line 17 between the parts 14, 15 of the absorbent body and which has a free length corresponding to the desired maximum distance between the portions of the absorbent bodies after stretching in the stretching direction, u. The limiting means 31 constitutes a physical block at which the pull resistance increases markedly so that the user is given a signal that the intended stretching of the article has been achieved.

Alternative ways of signalling to the user that the correct stretching has been achieved are by using material strips which break at a certain level of stretching, or material which changes colour or opacity at the correct stretching.

Figs. 14-17 show a sanitary towel 1 with a liquid-permeable surface layer 2 which is made permanently extensible within particular stretching zones 32, 33 within which the surface layer has been provided with intermittent slits 34. Alternatively, stretch zones of this kind can be achieved with perforations, embossing or corrugations which permit non-elastic stretching of the surface layer 2 within the stretching zones 32, 33. As in the earlier described embodiments, the sanitary napkin has a liquid barrier layer 3 which is permanently stretchable. The sanitary napkin 1 in Figs 14-17 is stretchable within areas corresponding to the stretch zones 32, 33 of the surface layer 2 due to material folds 35, 36 with surplus material being arranged in the stretch zones 32, 33.

The absorption body 4 of the sanitary napkin is arranged between the surface layer 2 and the liquid barrier layer 3 and is symmetrically divided into three portions 14, 15, 16 in the longitudinal direction along straight dividing lines 17, 18 in the same way as has been described in connection with the previously described embodiments.

An attachment means 20 is arranged in the form of longitudinal strands of glue on the material folds 35, 36 as can best be seen in Fig. 17. Fig. 17 also shows that the fastening means 20 is covered by a releasable protective layer 21 before use. In the shown embodiment the protective layer 21 is a material strip which covers both glue strands. In an embodiment of this type, the protective layer 21 must be removed from the attachment means 20 before the sanitary napkin can be stretched out. Alternatively, it is possible to provide the attachment means 20 with a protective layer that is divided or dividable in the longitudinal direction, or two narrower strips that are arranged only over the glue strands. These divided or dividable protective layers can, if desired, be removed after the sanitary napkin has been stretched out. The term dividable protective layer is here intended to mean a protective layer that is provided with some type of material weakness, such as a perforation or an embossment along which the protective layer easily breaks when it is subjected to pulling forces. In connection with the invention, it can be advantageous to use a protective layer which sits together at least in part and thus can be removed in one piece if desired but which can, alternatively, be separated, whereafter the parts can be removed separately.

After removal of the protective layer 21 , the sanitary napkin 1 shown in Figs 14-17 can be used directly as it appears in Figs 14 and 16. Alternatively, it can be reshaped so that it obtains a greater or, alternatively, smaller width. In both types of reshaping, the napkin is first stretched out in the transverse direction from the position shown in Figs 14 and 16 to the position shown in Figs 15 and 17. During stretching, the material folds 35, 36 in the protective layer 3 are stretched out and the protective layer 3 becomes essentially flat. At the same time, the material in the liquid-permeable surface layer 2 is stretched within the stretch zones 32, 33 and obtains a net-like appearance around the slits 34. The parts 14-16 of the absorption body 4 are pulled apart so that gaps 27 are formed between the parts. In the position arrived at in this way, the user can choose to use the sanitary napkin 1 as it is and apply it in the underpants with the aid of the attachment means 20. Alternatively, the side portions 15, 16 can be used as attachment wings and folded along the dividing lines 17, 18 around the leg edges of the underpants. It can be suitable to provide the liquid barrier layer with attachment means on the side portions 15, 16 so that they can be attached to the outside of the underpants. Such attachment means can conventionally be hook-and-loop surfaces or attachment glue.

In the first variation of use of the reshaped sanitary napkin, in which all of the absorption parts 14-16 remain in the same plane, the gaps 27 extending along the dividing lines 17, 18 form channels in which liquid can be led in the longitudinal direction of the sanitary napkin. The channels also limit liquid dispersion in the transverse direction and thus reduce the risk of edge leakage. In the second variation of use, in which the side portions 15, 16 are used as wings, the gaps constitute effective liquid barrier means and cut off liquid transportation between the central absorption portion 14 and the side portions 15, 16.

A third variation of use of the stretched-out sanitary napkin in Figs 15 and 17 is also conceivable, i.e. that the side portions 15, 16 are folded away before the sanitary napkin is applied in a user's underpants. However, a variation of this type will lack a means of attachment in the underpants, as the attachment means 20 will be situated inside the folded-in side portions and consequently will not be accessible for attachment.

If attachment means for attachment in a pair of underpants is desired for such a variation of use, this can be arranged, for example, on the surface of the liquid barrier layer which is located between the longitudinal material folds 35, 36.

Figs 18-20 show a further sanitary napkin 1 with a liquid-permeable surface layer 2, a liquid barrier layer 3 and an absorption body 4 arranged between them.

In Fig. 18 the sanitary napkin is shown in a first stable position in which it is hour-glass shaped, with broader end portions 6, 7 and a narrower crotch portion 8 situated between the end portions. Furthermore, the sanitary napkin has a central line 9 extending in the longitudinal direction, two side edges 10, 11 extending in the longitudinal direction and curved in towards the central line, and two rounded end edges 12, 13 extending essentially in the transverse direction. In this position the sanitary napkin has a form that is well-suited to fit into a pair of normal underpants.

The absorption body 4 is constructed of a central part 14 surrounded by four side portions 15, 15'; 16, 16'. As is shown in Fig. 1 , the portions 14, 15, 15', 16 and 16' are symmetrically arranged along the central line 9 with a first inner pair of side portions 15, 16 closest to the central portion 14 and a second, outer pair of side portions 15', 16' outside the inner side portions 15, 16. The central portion 14 is essentially triangular, with a first, greater width at one end edge 12 and with a second lesser width at the opposite end edge 13. The portions of the absorption body 14, 15, 15', 16, 16' are completely separated along slanting inner dividing lines 17, 18 and outer dividing lines 17', 18'. The dividing lines are straight, but it is of course alternatively possible to use curved dividing lines in a corresponding way to that shown in Fig. 1. It is also possible to make one pair of dividing lines straight and the other curved. In the shown embodiment, the liquid-permeable surface layer 2 consists of a material that is permanently stretchable and therefore lacks dividing lines. Such a material can, for example, be a nonwoven material with a low tensile strength, in which the fibres are pulled apart when the material is stretched.

The sanitary napkin shown in Fig. 18 can be reshaped in two different ways. Fig. 19 shows a first reshaping alternative in which both the inner side portions 15, 16 and the outer side portions 15' 16' together are stretched away from the central portion 14 along the inner dividing lines 17, 18 so that a gap 27 is formed between the central portion 14 and each of the side portions 15, 16. After the stretched out side portions 15, 15': 16, 16' have been folded away, the reshaped sanitary napkin 1 has the same form as the central portion 14 and is suitable for use in a thong.

Fig. 20 shows how the sanitary napkin in Fig. 18 appears after stretching along the outer dividing lines 17' 18' so that a gap 27' is formed between the inner side portion 15, 16 and the outer side portion 15' 16' on either side of the central portion 14. In this reshaping alternative, the sanitary napkin becomes suitable for use in a pair of tanga briefs after folding away of the stretched out outer side portions 17', 18'.

In order to facilitate stretching of the sanitary napkin in Fig.18, along the dividing lines intended by the user, it can be suitable to arrange a stretching barrier over the dividing lines. A stretching barrier can be achieved, for example, with a removable or tearable barrier means which is arranged over the dividing lines. This barrier means can be one or several non-elastic material strips, threads, or the like. It is also possible to use a protective layer for the napkin's attachment means as a barrier means. The barrier means is suitably arranged so that the user chooses to remove the barriers at the dividing lines where stretching is to take place, while remaining barrier means are left behind, at least until the sanitary napkin is stretched out in the desired way. The invention should not be considered to be limited by the described embodiments, a number of further variations and modifications being conceivable within the framework of the following patent claims. In particular, the various embodiments are of course suitable on different types of absorbent article, such as sanitary napkins, incontinence protectors and panty liners which are intended to be used inside a pair of underpants. Neither should the described forms of absorbent article be considered to be limited, further forms of course being conceivable.

Claims

1. An absorbent article with a longitudinal extension and a transverse extension in one plane and a thickness perpendicular to the plane and comprising an absorption body (4) with a first surface and a second surface, a liquid-barrier layer (3) being arranged over the second surface, characterized in that the absorption body (4) comprises two parts

(14, 15) separated from one another in the plane, and in that the article is stretchable from a first stable position, in which the parts (14, 15) of the absorption body (4) are in contact with one another, to a second stable position, in which the parts (14, 15) of the absorption body (4) are situated at a minimum mutual distance in the plane of at least 1 mm and preferably at least 2.5 mm.

2. An absorbent article in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the absorption body comprises two side parts (15, 16) symmetrically arranged on either side of a central portion (14).

3. An absorbent article in accordance with claim 2, characterized in that the parts (14, 15, 16) of the absorption body are separated from one another along straight dividing lines (17, 18).

4. An absorbent article in accordance with claim 2, characterized in that the parts of the absorption body are separated from one another along curved dividing lines (17, 18).

5. An absorbent article in accordance with any one of claims 2-4, characterized in that the central portion (14) of the absorption body (4) has a triangular or modified triangular form in the longitudinal direction and has two end portions, one of the end portions having a greatest width that it is at least 3 times the greatest width of the second end portion.

6. An absorbent article in accordance with any one of the previous claims, characterized in that the absorption body (4) comprises more than three parts (19).

7. An absorbent article in accordance with any one of claims 2-5, characterized in that the central portion (14) of the absorption body (4) has greater absorption capacity per surface unit than the side parts (15, 16).

8. An absorbent article in accordance with any one of claims 2-6, characterized in that the central portion (14) of the absorption body (4) has a greater basis weight than the side parts (15, 16).

9. An absorbent article in accordance with any one of the previous claims, cha racterized i n that the absorbent article has a front portion (6) and a rear portion (7), the front portion (6) having greater absorption capacity than the rear portion.

10. An absorbent article in accordance with any one of the previous claims, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that a liquid-permeable surface layer (2) is arranged over the first surface of the absorption body (4).

11. An absorbent article in accordance with claim 10, c h a ra ct e r i z e d i n that the liquid-permeable surface layer (2) is constituted by a permanently stretchable material.

12. An absorbent article in accordance with claim 10, ch a ra cte rize d i n that the liquid-permeable surface layer (2) has stretching areas (32, 33) coinciding with the dividing lines (17, 18) between the parts (14, 15, 16) of the absorption body (4).

13. An absorbent article in accordance with claim 12, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the stretching areas (35, 36) comprise perforations or intermittent slits (34).

14. An absorbent article in accordance with any one of the previous claims, characterized in that the parts (14, 15, 16) of the absorption body (4) in the second position have a minimum mutual distance in the plane that does not exceed 20 mm and preferably does not exceed 15 mm

15. An absorbent article in accordance with any one of the previous claims, cha racterized i n that the article comprises means (31) for limiting the stretchability of the article.

16. An absorbent article in accordance with claim 15, cha racte rized i n that the means (31) for limiting the stretchability indicates intended maximum extension by a discreet increase in stretch resistance at a predetermined extension

17. An absorbent article in accordance with claim 15, c h a r a ct e r i z e d i n that the means for limiting the stretchability indicates intended maximum extension by a change in colour or a change in opacity in the stretched material.

18. An absorbent article in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that a stretch zone is arranged in the liquid barrier layer and that the parts (14, 15, 16) of the absorption body (4) have edge parts situated in the stretch zone.

19. An absorbent article in accordance with claim 18, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the liquid barrier layer (3) is plastically stretchable at least within the stretch zone.

20. An absorbent article in accordance with claim 18, characterized in that the liquid barrier layer (3) has a fold (35, 36) of surplus material arranged in the stretch zone.

21. An absorbent article in accordance with claim 19, characterized in that the liquid barrier layer (3) consists of plastically stretchable material.

22. An absorbent article in accordance with any one of the previous claims, characterized in that an attachment means (20) is arranged on the liquid barrier layer (3).

23. An absorbent article in accordance with claim 22, characterized in that the attachment means (20) is covered with a releasable protective layer (21) and in that the protective layer (21) is divided or dividable.

24. An absorbent article in accordance with claim 23, c h a r a ct e r i z e d i n that the division of the protective layer (21) essentially corresponds with the division of the absorption body (4).