WO1991018573A1 - Sanitary napkin having soft edges - Google Patents
Sanitary napkin having soft edges Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO1991018573A1 WO1991018573A1 PCT/US1991/003457 US9103457W WO9118573A1 WO 1991018573 A1 WO1991018573 A1 WO 1991018573A1 US 9103457 W US9103457 W US 9103457W WO 9118573 A1 WO9118573 A1 WO 9118573A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- sanitary napkin
- topsheet
- backsheet
- absorbent core
- edges
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
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- 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
- A61F13/51—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 outer layers
- A61F13/515—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 outer layers characterised by the interconnection of the topsheet and the backsheet
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- 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
-
- 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
- A61F13/15203—Properties of the article, e.g. stiffness or absorbency
- A61F2013/15284—Properties of the article, e.g. stiffness or absorbency characterized by quantifiable properties
- A61F2013/15365—Dimensions
Definitions
- This invention is directed to disposable absorbent articles worn to assist in the collection of bodily discharges, more particularly to sanitary napkins for the collection of menstrual
- sanitary napkins which collect menstrual fluids and other vaginal discharges and protect against soiling of the wearer's -- clothing and bedding are well known in the art. It has long been an object of sanitary napkins to readily intercept menses upon discharge from the wearer.
- sanitary napkins all have the same basic structure: a liquid pervious user-contacting topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet which prevents the escape ° of bodily discharges from the sanitary napkin, and an intermediate absorbent core, encased between the topsheet and backsheet, which absorbs bodily discharges.
- topsheet and backsheet are extended beyond the periphery of the absorbent core and sealed together to fully
- the napkin's peripheral backsheet/topsheet seal provides effective containment of discharged bodily fluids, the seal can also produce hard edges which cause discomfort to the wearer.
- the hard edges are particularly noticeable along the back end of the napkin (i.e., the edge of the napkin which comes into contact with the buttocks), with the discomfort being even more pronounced in thin, flexible, body conforming sanitary napkins.
- Contemporary sanitary napkins have long had a means, typically pressure sensitive adhesive, for affixing the sanitary napkin to the undergarment of the wearer and maintaining the sanitary napkin in the proper position to intercept the discharged menses.
- the undergarment may not, in fact, move in concert with the body of the wearer. Specifically, the crotch of the undergarment of the wearer may not remain in constant registration with and position relative to the vaginal opening. Also, as the wearer spreads her legs, walks, sits, etc., the sanitary napkin may not flex and twist with the undergarment, further allowing the sanitary napkin to shift from the desired position and registration.
- the hard edges of the sanitary napkin can cause considerable discomfort to the wearer as the sanitary napkin moves about and its edges press against the wearer's sensitive skin during use. It has now been discovered that softer, more flexible edges can be obtained by locating the topsheet/backsheet seal inboard fro* the sanitary napkin's outer edges.
- the inset seal results in a sanitary napkin having non-bonded topsheet and/or backsheet material forming the outer edges of the sanitary napkin. This non-bonded material provides softer, more flexible edges compared to the relatively harsh edges found on conventional sanitary napkins wherein the backsheet and topsheet are sealed along the napkin's outer peripheral edges.
- U.S. Patent 3,881,490 discloses a sanitary napkin in which the absorbent material in the core terminates at the peripheral edges of the napkin without being sealed in an enclosing wrapper.
- the resulting sanitary napkin while providing comfortable soft edges for the user, suffers from the drawbacks of dusting of the short wood pulp fluff fibers from the unsealed edge areas as well as unsatisfactory leakage containment for medium to high menstrual flows.
- Patent 4,518,451 Luceri et al., issued May 21, 1985, discloses a C-folded sanitary napkin possessing soft longitudinal edges.
- the C-folded napkins do not conform particularly well to the perinea! area of the female body and are thus less comfortable than napkins that are more body-contoured.
- the sanitary napkin will still possess relatively hard, uncomfortable transverse edges.
- the present invention comprises a sanitary napkin having a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet, and an absorbent core encased between the topsheet and the backsheet.
- the topsheet and backsheet are peripherally joined outboard of the absorbent core along a seam, the seam being spaced inboard of a transverse edge of the topsheet and/or the backsheet at least about 1.0 mm.
- the topsheet/backsheet seam is preferably formed by crimping or heat sealing the materials together.
- the inset transverse seam results in unbonded topsheet/backsheet material forming one of the transverse end edges of the napkin.
- the sanitary napkin has a thin, flexible border encircling the absorbent core, the border extending from about 0.3 cm to about 2.0 cm outward from the absorbent core
- the border is comprised of the portion of the topsheet and backsheet which extend beyond the periphery of the absorbent core.
- the topsheet/backsheet seam is located inboard of the peripheral edge of the border at least about 1.0 mm. In other words, the outer
- peripheral edges of the sanitary napkin are comprised of unbonded topsheet/backsheet material and are therefore softer and more comfortable to the wearer.
- Figure 1 is a top plan view of a sanitary napkin, according
- Figure 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the sanitary napkin embodiment shown in Figure 1 taken along line 2-2 of Figure 1.
- Figure 3 is a transverse sectional view of the sanitary napkin embodiment shown in Figure 1 taken along line 3-3 of Figure 1.
- Figure 4 is a top plan view of an alternately preferred sanitary napkin embodiment of the present invention with portions
- Figure 5 is a top plan view of an alternately preferred sanitary napkin embodiment of the present invention.
- Figure 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of an alternatively preferred sanitary napkin embodiment of the present invention.
- Figure 7 is a transverse sectional view of an alternatively preferred sanitary napkin embodiment of the present invention taken along line 3-3 of Figure 1.
- the invention comprises a disposable absorbent article, particularly a sanitary napkin 20.
- sanitary napkin refers to an article which is worn by females adjacent to the pudendal region and which is intended to absorb and contain the various exudates which are discharged from the body (e.g., blood menses and urine) and which is intended to be discarded after a single use (i.e., it is not intended to be laundered or otherwise restored or reused).
- the term "pudendal” refers to the externally visible female genitalia.
- the sanitary napkin 20 has a generally centered longitudinal axis 14.
- longitudinal refers to an imaginary line, axis or direction of the sanitary napkin 20, which line, axis or direction is typically centered between the edges of the napkin 20 and is generally aligned with the vertical plane which bisects a standing wearer into left and right body halves.
- Tn* term “transverse” refers to an imaginary line, axis or direction generally orthogonal the longitudinal direction and within the plane of the sanitary napkin 20, and is generally sideways aligned relative to the wearer.
- the sanitary napkin 20 features a liquid pervious topsheet 22, a liquid impervious backsheet 24, and an absorbent core 26 intermediate the topsheet 22 and the backsheet 24.
- the topsheet 22 is joined to the backsheet 24 by attachment means as are well known in the sanitary napkin art.
- the attachment means may be, for example, crimping, heat sealing, hot melt adhesives, or ultrasonic bonding.
- the topsheet 22 and the backsheet 24 are manufactured having a shape similar to but generally larger than the absorbent core 26.
- the topsheet 22 extends outward from the longitudinal edges 30 and transverse edges 31 of absorbent core 26.
- the backsheet 24 extends outward from the longitudinal edges 30 and transverse edges 31 of absorbent core 26.
- the topsheet 22 and backsheet 24 are peripherally joined outboard of said absorbent core 26 along a
- Figures 1 illustrates a top plan view of a sanitary napkin 20 according to the present invention
- Figure 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the sanitary napkin 20 taken along line 2-2 of
- topsheet 22 has two longitudinal edges 28 and two transverse edges 29.
- backsheet 24 has two longitudinal edges 32 and two transverse edges 33.
- seam 34 is spaced inboard of at least one of said topsheet transverse edges 29 or one of said
- 20 backsheet transverse edges 33 at least about 1.0 mm, more preferably from about 1.5 mm to about 15.0 mm, and most preferably from about 2.0 mm to about 10.0 mm.
- the Inset transverse seam results in unbonded topsheet or backsheet material forming one of the napkin's transverse edges 39 as can best be seen in Figure 3.
- Figure 3 is a transverse sectional view of sanitary napkin
- the non-bonded material provides a softer, more comfortable edge than found in sanitary napkins wherein the topsheet/backsheet seam extends to the outer, rear transverse edge of the napkin.
- topsheet 22 and the backsheet 24 have length and width dimensions generally larger than the absorbent core 26 so that they extend beyond the edges 30 and 31 of the absorbent core 26 where they are peripherally joined outboard of said absorbent core 26 along seam 34.
- the extension of the topsheet 22 and the backsheet 24 beyond the absorbent core transverse edges 31 and the absorbent core longitudinal edges 30 form border 35 which encircles the absorbent core 26.
- the border has two transverse edges 51 and two longitudinal edges 52 which form the periphery 36 of sanitary napkin 20.
- border transverse edges 51 and longitudinal edges 52 will generally be the same as either the topsheet transverse edges 29 and longitudinal edges 28, and/or the backsheet transverse edges 33 and longitudinal edges 32, respectively, depending on the specific dimensions and geometry of the topsheet and backsheet.
- Encircling the absorbent core 26 gives the border 35 a shape retaining character. While the border 35 has a shape retaining character, in use it is thin, flexible, comfortable, and readily conforms to the shape of the vicinity surrounding the point of liquid discharge such as the pudendal region of the body.
- the border 35 provides improved protection against soiling of the vicinity surrounding the area of liquid discharge compared to the same sanitary napkin not having the border 35. Accordingly, the border 35 has a width sufficient to prevent discharged liquid which is not absorbed by the absorbent core 26 from soiling the garments, clothing, bedding, etc. which are in close proximity to the point of liquid discharge.
- the border of the sanitary napkin 20 has a width sufficient to assure that the sanitary napkin 20 covers the crotch area of the wearer's undergarments.
- the border 35 preferably extends outward from the transverse edges 31 and longitudinal edges 30 of absorbent core 26 a distance from about 0.3 cm to about 2.0 cm, more preferably from about 0.5 cm to about 1.5 cm, and most preferably about 1.0 cm.
- the border 35 may have a uniform width or may have a width which varies about the periphery 36 of sanitary napkin 20.
- seam 34 is spaced inboard of at least one of said border transverse edges 51 at least about 1.0 mm, more preferably from about 1.5 mm to about 15.0 mm, and most preferably from about 2.0 mm to about 10.0 mm.
- seam 34 is spaced inboard from the periphery 36 of said border 35 at least about 1.0 mm, more preferably from about 1.5 mm to about 15.0 mm, and most preferably from about 2.0 mm to about 10.0 mm.
- the inset peripheral seam results in a sanitary napkin having non-bonded topsheet and/or backsheet material forming the outer edges of the sanitary napkin.
- the non-bonded material provides softer, more flexible edges compared to the relatively harsh edges found on conventional sanitary napkins wherein the backsheet and topsheet are sealed along the napkin's outer peripheral edges.
- the border 35 extends from about 0.5 cm to about 1.5 cm outboard from said absorbent core and the seam 34 is spaced from about 2.0 mm to about 10.0 mm inboard from the periphery of said border.
- the topsheet 22 is the component of the garment which is oriented towards and contacts the body of the wearer and receives bodily discharges.
- the topsheet 22 is liquid pervious and should be flexible and nonirritating to the skin.
- the term "flexible” refers to materials which are compliant and readily conform to the shape of the body or respond by easily deforming in the presence of external forces.
- the topsheet 22 is not noisy, to provide discretion for the wearer.
- the topsheet 22 should be clean in appearance and somewhat opaque to hide the bodily discharges collected in and absorbed by the absorbent core 26.
- topsheet 22 should further exhibit good strikethrough and rewet characteristics, permitting bodily discharges to rapidly penetrate the topsheet 22 to the core 26, but not flow back through the topsheet 22 to the skin of the wearer.
- Suitable topsheets may be made from nonwoven materials and perforated polyolefinic films.
- the topsheet 22 has a plurality of apertures to permit liquids deposited thereon to pass through to the core 26.
- An apertured polyolefinic film topsheet 22 having from about 5 to about 60 percent open area, typically about 25 percent open area, and a thickness of about 0.15 to about 0.7 millimeters is suitable.
- the topsheet 22 may be sprayed with a surfactant to enhance fluid penetration to the core 26.
- the surfactant is typically nonionic and should be nonirritating to the skin.
- a surfactant distribution in an amount of about 0.01 milligrams per square centimeter of topsheet 22 area is suitable.
- a preferred surfactant for use in the present invention is Pegosperse 200 ML, sold by the Glyco Chemical, Inc. of Greenwich, Connecticut.
- a particularly suitable topsheet 22 may be made in accordance with U.S. Patent 4,342,314, Radel et al., issued August 3, 1982 and U.S. Patent 4,463,045, Ahr et al., issued July 31, 1984 which patents are incorporated herein by reference for the purpose of disclosing particularly preferred executions of liquid pervious topsheets.
- a liquid pervious topsheet 22 made of model X-3265 or model PI552 apertured formed film sold by Tredegar Industries,
- the backsheet 24 may be any flexible, liquid impervious or liquid resistant material, such as a polyolefinic film, and prevents discharges collected by and contained in the sanitary napkin 20, particularly discharges absorbed by the core 26, from escaping the sanitary napkin 20 and soiling the clothing and bedding of the wearer.
- the backsheet 24 is not noisy, to provide discretion for the wearer.
- the backsheet 24 may also be impervious to malodorous gases generated by absorbed bodily discharges, so that the ma odors do not escape and become noticed by the wearer.
- the backsheet 24 may be made of a soft clothlike material which is hydrophobic relative to the topsheet 22, e.g., a polyester or polyolefinic fiber backsheet 24 is suitable.
- a particularly preferred soft, clothlike backsheet 24 material is a laminate of a polyester nonwoven material lamina such as described in U.S. Patent 4,476,180, Wnuk, issued October 9, 1984, incorporated by reference herein.
- Nonwoven, hydro-entangled fiber fabric having a basis weight of about 37 grams per square meter is suitable.
- a suitable nonwoven fabric may be purchased from the International Paper Company, Veratec Nonwovens Group, of Walpole, Massachusetts, as zero strain fabric.
- the outwardly oriented face of the backsheet 24 may comprise a means for attaching the sanitary napkin 20 to the undergarment of the wearer.
- Preferred attaching means include mechanical fasteners or, more preferably, pressure sensitive adhesive 48.
- the pressure sensitive adhesive 48 is preferably applied to the outwardly oriented face of the backsheet 24 in two parallel strips, one said strip of adhesive disposed on each side of the longitudinal axis of the backsheet 24.
- the adhesive strips may be from about 5 to about 20 millimeters in width.
- the adhesive may be applied to the backsheet 24 in a generally centered rectangular patch covering from about 30 to about 70 percent of the area of the outwardly oriented face of the backsheet 24.
- pressure sensitive adhesive 48 longitudinally centered and disposed near the distal end of each flap 44 (shown in Figure 4).
- Suitable pressure sensitive adhesive 48 is supplied as 0.02 mil pass Century Adhesive A305-4 by Anchor Continental, Inc. 3 Sigma Division, of Covington, Ohio.
- the adhesive 48 is covered by release paper (not shown) to prevent contamination and undesired attaching prior to use.
- the absorbent core 26 is the means for collecting and containing bodily discharges, particularly menses, deposited thereon or which otherwise passes through the liquid permeable topsheet 22.
- the core 26 is the component of the sanitary napkin 20 which receives and retains the bodily discharges.
- the absorbent core 26 should be conformable and nonirritating to the skin.
- the core 26 may be rectangular or hourglass shaped.
- the core 26 preferably has two opposed faces, one oriented towards the backsheet 24 and one oriented towards the topsheet 22.
- the absorbent core 26 may be manufactured from a wide variety of liquid absorbent materials commonly used in disposable sanitary napkins, diapers, and other absorbent articles.
- suitable absorbent materials include comminuted wood pulp which is generally referred to as airfelt, creped cellulose wadding, layers of tissue paper, absorbent foams, absorbent sponges, synthetic staple fibers, polymeric fibers, hydrogel-forming polymer gelling agents, or any equivalent materials or combinations of materials.
- tissue paper made in accordance with U.S. Patent 4,191,609, Trokhan, issued March 4,
- tissue paper suitable for the sanitary napkin 20 described herein.
- Particularly preferred absorbent material are polymeric gelling agents.
- Polymeric gelling agents are those materials which, upon contact with fluids (i.e., liquids) such as water or body fluids,
- fluid discharged into the absorbent core 26 can be acquired and held by the polymeric gelling agent, thereby providing the articles herein with enhanced absorbent capacity and/or improved fluid retention performance.
- the polymeric gelling agent will generally comprise particles of a substantially water-insoluble, slightly cross-1Inked, partially neutralized, hydrogel-forming polymer material.
- Such polymer materials can be prepared from polymerizable, unsaturated, acid-containing monomers.
- Suitable unsaturated acidic monomers for use in preparing the polymeric gelling agents used in this invention include those listed in U.S. Patent 4,654,039, entitled “Hydrogel-Forming Polymer Compositions For Use In Absorbent Structures", which issued to Brandt, Goldman and Inglin on March 31, 1987, and which patent is incorporated herein by reference.
- Preferred monomers include acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, and 2-acrylamido-2-methyl propane sulfonic acid.
- Acrylic acid itself is especially preferred for preparation of the polymeric gelling agent material.
- the polymeric component formed from unsaturated, acid-containing monomers may be grafted onto other types of polymer moieties such as starch or cellulose.
- Polyacrylate grafted starch materials of this type are especially preferred for use herein.
- Preferred polymer gelling agents which can be prepared from conventional types of monomers include hydrolyzed acrylonitrile grafted starch, polyacrylate grafted starch, polycryl tes, aleic anhydride-based copolymers and combinations thereof. Especially preferred are the polyacrylates and polyacrylate grafted starch.
- cross-linking serves to render the hydrogel-forming polymer gelling agents used in this invention substantially water-insoluble, and cross-linking thus in part determines the gel v ⁇ lune and extractable polymer characteristics of the hydrogels fbr ⁇ ed from the polymeric gelling agents employed.
- Suitable cross-Unking agents are well known in the art and include, for example, those described in greater detail in U.S. Patent 4,076,663, which patent issued to Masuda et al. on February 28, 1978, and which patent is incorporated herein by reference.
- Preferred cross-linking agents are the di- or polyesters of unsaturated mono- or polycarboxylic acids with polyols, the bisacrylamides and the di- or triallyl amines.
- Especially preferred cross-linking agents are N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide, trimethylol propane triacrylate and triallyl amlne.
- the cross-linking agent generally comprises from about 0.001 mole percent to 5.0 mole percent of the resulting hydrogel-forming polymer material. More preferably, the cross-linking agent will comprise from about 0.01 mole percent to 3.0 mole percent of the hydrogel-forming polymeric gelling agent used herein.
- the slightly cross-linked, hydrogel-forming polymeric gelling agents which may be used in the sanitary napkin of the present invention are generally employed in their partially neutralized form.
- such materials are considered partially neutralized when at least 25.0 mole percent, and preferably at least 50.0 mole percent of monomers used to form the polymer are carboxylic acid group-containing monomers which have been neutralized with a salt-forming cation.
- Suitable salt-forming cations include alkali metal, ammonium, substituted ammonium, and amines. This percentage of the total monomer utilized which are neutralized acid group-containing monomers is referred to herein as the "degree of neutralization.”
- the polymeric gelling agent materials used in the absorbent articles herein must have a relatively high capacity for imbibing fluids encountered in such articles.
- the absorbent capacity of these materials can be quantified by referencing the "gel volume" of the polymeric gelling agents which are to be selected for use in the present Invention.
- gel volume can be defined in terms of the amount of synthetic urine absorbed by any given polymeric gelling agent and is specified as grams of synthetic urine per gram of polymeric gelling agent.
- Gel volume in synthetic urine can be determined by forming a suspension of about 0.1-0.2 parts of dried polymeric gelling agent to be tested with about 20 parts of synthetic urine. This suspension is maintained at ambient temperature under gentle stirring for a time sufficient, e.g., about 1 hour, for swelling equilibrium to be attained.
- the gel volume of the polymeric gelling agent in grams of synthetic urine per gram of polymeric gelling agent is then calculated from the weight fraction of the polymeric gelling agent in the suspension and the ratio of the liquid volume excluded from the formed hydrogel to the total volume of the suspension.
- the gel volume of the gelling agents used in the absorbent core 34 herein will generally be at least about 20.0 grams of synthetic urine per gram of polymeric gelling agent. More preferably, the gel volume of the materials employed will range
- regions or zones of the core layers which have higher concentrations of gelling agent particles than do other regions or zones of the layers.
- the sanitary napkin 20 of the first sanitary napkin 20 is a preferred embodiment.
- present invention will have a hydrogel-forming polymeric gelling agent distributed throughout at least about 17.0 square centimeters of the napkin, more preferably throughout at least about 50.0 square centimeters of the napkin, and most preferably throughout at least about 100.0 square centimeters of the napkin.
- the hydrogel-forming polymeric gelling agent will be distributed in an amount of from about 0.001 grams per square centimeter to about 0.009 grams per square centimeter, more preferably of from about 0.003 grams per square centimeter to about 0.008 grams per square centimeter, and most preferably from
- the absorbent core 34 will contain fr ⁇ about 5.0% to about 85.0% by weight of hydrogel-forming polymeric gelling agent, more preferably from about 10.0% to about 70.0%, and most preferably from about 15.0% to about 55.0%.
- the absorbent core 26 is a laminate comprised of a layer of superabsorbent polymer material disposed between two layers of tissues.
- a suitable laminate is the superabsorbent laminate WATER-LOCK L-535 available from the Grain Processing Corporation of Muscatine, Iowa
- the WATER-LOCK L-535 has a hydrogel polymer loading of 0.005 grams per square centimeter, however, loadings of 0.001 - 0.009 grams per square centimeter have been found acceptable.
- the two tissue layers provide containment of the superabsorbent polymer material, improve lateral wieking of the absorbed exudates throughout the absorbent core 26 and provide a degree of absorbency.
- the core 26 need not have a total absorbent capacity much greater than the total amount of bodily discharges to be absorbed.
- the core 26 is preferably narrow and thin, to be comfortable to the wearer.
- the capacity of the core 26 should be at least about 2 grams of 0.9 percent saline solution. Suitable saline solution is sold by Travenol Laboratories of Deerfield, Illinois.
- the core 26 is preferably encased between the topsheet 22 and* backsheet 24 to prevent the absorbent material of the core 26 from shredding or becoming detached while the sanitary napkin 20 is worn and to ensure proper containment of bodily discharges.
- This arrangement also provides for a unitary assembly.
- the sanitary napkin 20 preferably has a caliper of less than about 4 millimeters and more preferably less than about 2.6 millimeters, as measured with a comparator gauge having an approximately 80.0 gram test weight and an approximately 10.0 gram comparator foot having a diameter of about 2.54 centimeters and a contact surface area of approximately 5.1 square centimeters.
- the sanitary napkin 20 of the present invention should have a topsheet 22 surface area of at least about 100 square centimeters to prevent discharged fluids from missing the target area.
- the core 26 is preferentially joined to the topsheet 22, and may be joined to the backsheet 24.
- the term "joined” refers to the condition where a first member or component is affixed, or connected, to a second member or component either directly; or indirectly, where the first member or component is affixed, or connected, to an intermediate member or component which in turn is affixed, or connected, to the second member or component.
- the joined relationship between the first member, or component, and the second member, or component is intended to remain for the life of the sanitary napkin 20.
- Joining is preferenti lly accomplished by adhesive bonding the core 26 to the topsheet 22 or the backsheet 24.
- the adhesive may be applied in any suitable spray pattern, such as a spiral, or in longitudinally oriented beads.
- the adhesive should be surfactant resistant and of low pressure sensitivity, so as not to stick to the skin of the wearer.
- the sanitary napkin 20 may further comprise a wet-laid tissue 50 positioned between the topsheet 22 and the absorbent core 26.
- the wet-laid tissue 50 is liquid permeable.
- a suitable wet-laid tissue 50 has a basis weight of about 15.8 grams per square meter and an air permeability of about 30.5 cubic meters per minute per square meter at a pressure differential of about 12.8 millimeters of water.
- the wet-laid tissue 50 maintains integrity in use when wetted.
- the wet-laid tissue 50 preferably has a wet tensile strength in the cross-direction of at least about 15.0 grams per centimeter. Suitable wet-laid tissues 50 and their manufacture are disclosed in U.S.
- the wet-laid tissue 50 way be associated with the topsheet 22 by attachment means as are well known in the art such as by spray-gluing or lines or spots of adhesive.
- the wet-laid tissue 50 serves a number of purposes.
- the tissue 50 serves to confine any loose superabsorbent polymer material between the tissue 50 and the topsheet 22 thereby preventing the superabsorbent material from coming in contact with the wearer's skin.
- the tissue 50 improves lateral wlcking of the absorbed exudates over the absorbent core 26 thereby providing a more even distribution of the exudates throughout the absorbent core 26.
- the tissue 50 provides some degree of absorbency and further inhibits exudates which have reached and been absorbed by the absorbent core 26 from rewetting the wearer's skin.
- the sanitary napkin 20 may also comprise flaps 44 (first shown in Figure 4) extending away from the longitudinal axis 14 and central portion of the sanitary napkin 20.
- flaps 44 first shown in Figure 4
- central portion refers to that part of the sanitary napkin 20 intermediate, particularly laterally intermediate, and defined by the proximal edges of the flaps 44.
- FIG. 4 is a top plan view of an alternatively preferred sanitary napkin embodiment of the present invention.
- the sanitary napkin 20 has two flaps 44, each of which are adjacent to and extend laterally away from a longitudinal edge 38 of the sanitary napkin 20.
- the flaps 44 may be comprised of an integral and contiguous extension of the topsheet 22, the backsheet 24, or a laminate of both.
- the flaps 44 may be made of a separate and independent piece of material joined to the longitudinal edge 38 of the sanitary napkin 20.
- the flaps 44 have a proximal end 45 which is typically coincident with the juncture of attachment to the longitudinal edge 38 of the sanitary napkin 20 or, the proximal edge may be joined to the sanitary napkin 20 at another location juxtaposed with the longitudinal edge 38.
- the flaps 44 extend laterally outwardly from the sanitary napkin 20 and terminate at a distal edge 46 which represents the point furthest from the longitudinal axis 34 of the sanitary napkin 20.
- the flaps 44 may be of any shape desired, with a particularly preferred shape being shown in Figure 4.
- the flaps 44 may also be made in accordance with the teachings of U.S. Patents 4,589,876, Van Tilburg issued May 20, 1986 and 4,687,478, Van Tilburg, issued August 18, 1987, which patents are incorporated herein by reference.
- the flaps 44 preferably have a means for attaching one surface of the flap 44 to the wearer's undergarment or to the other flap 44.
- the attachment means may be a mechanical fastener or, preferably, pressure sensitive adhesive 48. If pressure sensitive adhesive 48 1s selected, it should be disposed on the face of the flap 44 which is oriented away from the topsheet 22, so that when the flaps 28 are wrapped around the crotch portion of the wearer's undergarment the adhesive 48 will face the outside of the wearer's undergarment.
- Suitable pressure sensitive adhesive 48 is sold by the Anchor Continental, Inc., 3 Sigma Division of Covington, Ohio as 0.02 millimeter pass with Century Adhesive A305-4.
- sanitary napkin 20 has the same top plan form illustrated in Figure 1, but has the longitudinal sectional view taken along line 2-2 as illustrated in Figure 6, and the transverse sectional view taken along line 3-3 illustrated in Figure 7.
- sanitary napkin 20 is provided with an absorbent core 26, liquid impervious backsheet 24, and a liquid pervious cover material 56 enveloping the backsheet 24 and the absorbent core 26.
- the sanitary napkin in this alternative embodiment differs from the sanitary napkin embodiments previously described in that the liquid pervious cover material 56 (previously referred to as topsheet 22 ⁇ passes completely around the absorbent core 26, with the liquid impervious backsheet 24 being interposed between absorbent core 26 and bottom layer of cover material 56.
- Another possible embodiment includes one in which the absorbent core is essentially completely wrapped with topsheet before it is placed on a backsheet.
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)
Priority Applications (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
BR919106509A BR9106509A (pt) | 1990-06-04 | 1991-05-20 | Absorvente feminino |
JP91510627A JPH05507636A (ja) | 1990-06-04 | 1991-05-20 | 軟質の縁部を持つ衛生ナプキン |
CA002083376A CA2083376A1 (en) | 1990-06-04 | 1991-05-20 | Sanitary napkin having soft edges |
KR1019920703086A KR930700053A (ko) | 1990-06-04 | 1991-05-20 | 부드러운 가장자리를 가진 생리대 |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US53305290A | 1990-06-04 | 1990-06-04 | |
US533,052 | 1990-06-04 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO1991018573A1 true WO1991018573A1 (en) | 1991-12-12 |
Family
ID=24124266
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US1991/003457 WO1991018573A1 (en) | 1990-06-04 | 1991-05-20 | Sanitary napkin having soft edges |
Country Status (9)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0532600A1 (pt) |
JP (1) | JPH05507636A (pt) |
KR (1) | KR930700053A (pt) |
CN (1) | CN1056997A (pt) |
AU (1) | AU8087491A (pt) |
BR (1) | BR9106509A (pt) |
CA (1) | CA2083376A1 (pt) |
MX (1) | MX173333B (pt) |
WO (1) | WO1991018573A1 (pt) |
Cited By (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO1994027539A1 (en) * | 1993-05-21 | 1994-12-08 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Absorbent article having anti-wicking crimp seal |
WO1997001997A1 (en) * | 1995-06-30 | 1997-01-23 | Mcneil-Ppc, Inc. | Sanitary napkin with soft, pliable sides and relatively stiff ends |
US5626571A (en) * | 1995-11-30 | 1997-05-06 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Absorbent articles having soft, strong nonwoven component |
EP0895766A1 (en) * | 1997-08-05 | 1999-02-10 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Anatomically shaped disposable absorbent article with high lobe resiliency |
WO2000009056A1 (en) * | 1998-08-10 | 2000-02-24 | Yuhan-Kimberly Ltd. | Elastic-sided absorbent pad with soft, comfortable side panels |
US6436080B1 (en) | 1997-08-05 | 2002-08-20 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Anatomically shaped disposable absorbent article with high lobe resiliency |
WO2003057111A3 (en) * | 2001-12-31 | 2003-10-09 | Kimberly Clark Co | All direction stretchable multilayer diaper |
WO2016044196A1 (en) * | 2014-09-15 | 2016-03-24 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Adhesive striping with apertured films |
Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR2400887A1 (fr) * | 1977-08-22 | 1979-03-23 | Kimberly Clark Co | Serviette hygienique sans languette comportant des extremites scellees ultrasoniquement ayant une flexibilite et une douceur ameliorees |
GB2098871A (en) * | 1981-05-26 | 1982-12-01 | Kimberly Clark Co | Sanitary napkins including non-woven thermoplastic filamentary microfibrous web |
US4701177A (en) * | 1986-01-13 | 1987-10-20 | Kimberly-Clark Corporation | Three-dimensional shaped feminine pad with narrow, absorbent center and winged edges |
EP0280998A1 (en) * | 1987-02-24 | 1988-09-07 | McNEIL-PPC, INC. | Method for manufacturing improved panty protectors |
EP0336578A1 (en) * | 1988-03-31 | 1989-10-11 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Thin, flexible sanitary napkin |
-
1991
- 1991-05-20 CA CA002083376A patent/CA2083376A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1991-05-20 WO PCT/US1991/003457 patent/WO1991018573A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1991-05-20 BR BR919106509A patent/BR9106509A/pt unknown
- 1991-05-20 KR KR1019920703086A patent/KR930700053A/ko not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1991-05-20 AU AU80874/91A patent/AU8087491A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1991-05-20 EP EP91910881A patent/EP0532600A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1991-05-20 JP JP91510627A patent/JPH05507636A/ja active Pending
- 1991-06-03 MX MX026063A patent/MX173333B/es unknown
- 1991-06-04 CN CN91103899A patent/CN1056997A/zh active Pending
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR2400887A1 (fr) * | 1977-08-22 | 1979-03-23 | Kimberly Clark Co | Serviette hygienique sans languette comportant des extremites scellees ultrasoniquement ayant une flexibilite et une douceur ameliorees |
GB2098871A (en) * | 1981-05-26 | 1982-12-01 | Kimberly Clark Co | Sanitary napkins including non-woven thermoplastic filamentary microfibrous web |
US4701177A (en) * | 1986-01-13 | 1987-10-20 | Kimberly-Clark Corporation | Three-dimensional shaped feminine pad with narrow, absorbent center and winged edges |
EP0280998A1 (en) * | 1987-02-24 | 1988-09-07 | McNEIL-PPC, INC. | Method for manufacturing improved panty protectors |
EP0336578A1 (en) * | 1988-03-31 | 1989-10-11 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Thin, flexible sanitary napkin |
Cited By (13)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO1994027539A1 (en) * | 1993-05-21 | 1994-12-08 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Absorbent article having anti-wicking crimp seal |
WO1997001997A1 (en) * | 1995-06-30 | 1997-01-23 | Mcneil-Ppc, Inc. | Sanitary napkin with soft, pliable sides and relatively stiff ends |
US5843267A (en) * | 1995-06-30 | 1998-12-01 | Mcneil-Ppc, Inc. | Sanitary napkin with soft, pliable sides and relatively stiff ends |
US5626571A (en) * | 1995-11-30 | 1997-05-06 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Absorbent articles having soft, strong nonwoven component |
US6436080B1 (en) | 1997-08-05 | 2002-08-20 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Anatomically shaped disposable absorbent article with high lobe resiliency |
EP0895766A1 (en) * | 1997-08-05 | 1999-02-10 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Anatomically shaped disposable absorbent article with high lobe resiliency |
WO1999007318A1 (en) * | 1997-08-05 | 1999-02-18 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Anatomically shaped disposable absorbent article with high lobe resiliency |
WO2000009056A1 (en) * | 1998-08-10 | 2000-02-24 | Yuhan-Kimberly Ltd. | Elastic-sided absorbent pad with soft, comfortable side panels |
GB2357978A (en) * | 1998-08-10 | 2001-07-11 | Yuhan Kimberly Ltd | Elastic-sided absorbent pad with soft,comfortable side panels |
US6635040B1 (en) | 1998-08-10 | 2003-10-21 | Yuhan-Kimberly Ltd. | Elastic sided absorbent pad with soft comfortable side panels |
KR100606321B1 (ko) * | 1998-08-10 | 2006-08-02 | 유한킴벌리 주식회사 | 부드럽고 안락한 측면 패널을 갖는 측면이 탄성화된 흡수패드 |
WO2003057111A3 (en) * | 2001-12-31 | 2003-10-09 | Kimberly Clark Co | All direction stretchable multilayer diaper |
WO2016044196A1 (en) * | 2014-09-15 | 2016-03-24 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Adhesive striping with apertured films |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
MX173333B (es) | 1994-02-16 |
BR9106509A (pt) | 1993-09-08 |
EP0532600A1 (en) | 1993-03-24 |
JPH05507636A (ja) | 1993-11-04 |
CA2083376A1 (en) | 1991-12-05 |
KR930700053A (ko) | 1993-03-13 |
CN1056997A (zh) | 1991-12-18 |
AU8087491A (en) | 1991-12-31 |
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