阅读说明：本技术 具有改善的贴合性的一次性卫生物品 (Disposable hygiene article with improved fit ) 是由 C·汉松 H·斯文松 S·埃克斯泰特 A·巴格尔-舍贝克 于 2017-06-09 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种一次性卫生物品(1),其具有带有第一区域(12)的芯,其在物品的前部(2)中或前部(2)与裆部(3)之间的过渡部(5)处具有其横向(x)上的最窄宽度(M)。而且,吸收芯(6)包括高密度第一区域(12)和低密度第二区域(24),且第一区域(12)在前部(2)中或前部(2)与裆部(3)之间的过渡部(5)处具有其横向(x)上的最窄宽度(M),此外在裆部(3)中吸收芯(6)包括至少一个压缩线,该至少一个压缩线形成基本倒置的V形,该倒置的V形包括第一支脚(51)、第二支脚(52)和共同的前尖端(52),并且其中前尖端(52)位于中心线上,并具有与将物品(1)分为前部(2)和裆部(3)的假想前分割线(230)接触的假想接触点(a<Sub>50</Sub>),第一支脚和第二支脚(51,53)以30-120°的相互角度(ɑ<Sub>1</Sub>)向芯后缘(57)分叉,其中所述支脚(51,53)延伸直到相应的第一和第二第一区域边缘线(22,23)或者芯边缘线(8,9),另外,第二区域(24)的平均密度比第一区域(12)的平均密度至少低20％,优选地至少低30％,最优选地至少低50％。(The invention relates to a disposable sanitary article (1) having a core with a first region (12) having its narrowest width (M) in the transverse direction (x) of the article, in the front portion (2) or at the transition (5) between the front portion (2) and the crotch portion (3). Furthermore, the absorbent core (6) comprises a high density first area (12) and a low density second area (24), and the first area (12) has its narrowest width (M) in the transverse direction (x) in the front portion (2) or at the transition (5) between the front portion (2) and the crotch portion (3), and further that the absorbent core (6) comprises at least one compression line in the crotch portion (3), which forms a substantially inverted V-shape comprising a first leg (51), a second leg (52) and a common front tip (52), and wherein the front tip (52) is located on a centre line and has an imaginary contact point (a) with an imaginary front dividing line (230) dividing the article (1) into the front portion (2) and the crotch portion (3) 50 ) The first and second legs (51, 53) being at a mutual angle (a) of 30-120 DEG 1 ) Towards coreThe trailing edge (57) is bifurcated, wherein the legs (51, 53) extend up to the respective first and second first region edge lines (22, 23) or core edge lines (8, 9), and further wherein the average density of the second region (24) is at least 20% lower, preferably at least 30% lower, most preferably at least 50% lower than the average density of the first region (12).)

1. A disposable sanitary article (1), such as a sanitary napkin, a pad, an incontinence pad or a diaper, whereby said article has a transverse direction (x), a longitudinal direction (y) and a longitudinal centre line (A) dividing the article into two mutually symmetrical and mirror image portions (I) and (II), whereby said article (1) has a front portion (2), a crotch portion (3) and a back portion (4), and said article (1) comprises a liquid permeable topsheet (30), a liquid impermeable backsheet (31) and an absorbent core (6) arranged between the topsheet (30) and the backsheet (31), and optionally a liquid acquisition sheet (36) arranged between the topsheet (30) and the core (6), wherebyThe outer contour of the absorbent core (6) is defined by mirrored first and second core edge lines (8, 9), and the absorbent core (6) is delimited by a core front edge (7) in the front portion (2) and a core rear edge (57) in the rear portion (4), whereby the absorbent core (6) comprises a first region (12) extending across the crotch portion (3) from a first region front edge (67) in the front portion (2) to the rear portion (4) in the longitudinal direction (y) of the article (1), and wherein the outer contour of the first region (12) is defined by mirrored first and second first region edge lines (22, 23), and whereby said first region (12) comprises a head portion (13) and two leg portions (15, 16), the two leg portions extend symmetrically about a centre line (A) and in the longitudinal direction (y) of the article (1), from a common leg starting point (a) in the crotch portion (3).₀) Starts and branches off, extends across a part of the crotch portion (3) towards individual leg ends (17, 18) in the rear portion (4), whereby a distance (a) in the transverse direction (x) between facing sides (19, 20) of the respective legs (15, 16)_x) Varies in the longitudinal direction (y), whereby the maximum distance (a) in the transverse direction (x) between facing sides (19, 20) of the respective leg parts (15, 16)₁) Is located in the crotch portion (3) at a position in the longitudinal direction (y) corresponding to the position of the crotch point (21), whereby said facing sides (19, 20) of the respective leg portions (15, 16) converge rearwardly in the longitudinal direction (y) such that said distance (a)_x) From the maximum distance (a)₁) Reduced to a minimum distance (a)₂) Whereby said absorbent core (6) further comprises a second area (24) at least partly surrounded by said first area (12) and extending between said leg portions (15, 16) in the transverse direction (x) and from a leg portion origin (a) in said crotch portion (3) in the longitudinal direction (y)₀) An end point (a) extending into the rear portion (4)₁) The method is characterized in that the method comprises the following steps of,

-the first region (12) has its narrowest width (M) in the transverse direction (x) at the location of a transition (5) within the front portion (2) or between the front portion (2) and the crotch portion (3),

-the absorbent core (6) comprises at least one compression line in the crotch portion (3), said at least one compression line forming a substantially inverted V-shape comprising a first leg (51), a second leg (53) and a common front tip (52), and wherein the front tip (52) is located on the centre line, andhas an imaginary contact point (a) which is in contact with an imaginary front dividing line (230) dividing the article (1) into a front part (2) and a crotch part (3)₅₀) The first and second legs (51, 53) being at a mutual angle (a) of 30-120 DEG₁) Diverge towards the core rear edge (57), wherein the legs (51, 53) extend up to the respective first and second first region edge lines (22, 23) or core edge lines (8, 9), and wherein

-the average density of the second region (24) is at least 20% lower than the average density of the first region (12), preferably at least 30% lower, most preferably at least 50% lower.

2. The disposable hygiene article (1) according to claim 1, wherein the absorbent core (6) comprises a first back compression line (61) and a second back compression line (63) in the crotch portion (3), wherein these lines (61, 63) diverge from each other in a direction towards the core front edge (7), and each line (61, 63) has a divergence angle (a) of 15-60 ° with respect to the extension of the centerline (a)₂，ɑ₃) Wherein the lines (61, 63) have an extension up to the respective first and second first region edge lines (22, 23) and/or the respective first and second core edge lines (8, 9).

3. The disposable sanitary article (1) according to claim 2, wherein said first and second rear compression lines (61; 63) are spaced apart from each other in the transverse direction (x) so that there is no common rear tip (62).

4. The disposable sanitary article (1) according to claim 2, wherein the first and second back compression lines (61; 63) form a V-shape comprising a common back tip (62), wherein the lines (61; 63) intersect at the back tip (62), the tip (62) having an imaginary contact point (a) contacting an imaginary back split line (340) dividing the article (1) into the crotch portion (3) and the back portion (4)₈₀)。

5. The disposable sanitary article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said compression lines (51, 53; 61, 63) are obtained by groove compressing said core (6) and optionally acquisition sheet and/or topsheet from the topsheet (30) side or backsheet (31) side of the article (1) with high pressure compression.

6. The disposable sanitary article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said second region (24) comprises a central region (25) extending symmetrically about said centerline (A) and being longer in the longitudinal direction (y) than in the transverse direction (x), and a rear section (38) extending longitudinally and symmetrically about the centerline (A) and being in contact with the central region (25) and being delimited by the facing sides (19, 20) of the respective foot portions (15, 16).

7. The disposable sanitary article (1) according to claim 6, wherein said central area (25) is comprised at a foot starting point (a)₀) And the central region end point (a)_e) Along said centre line (a), a weakened compression line (250).

8. The disposable sanitary article (1) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the maximum width (a) of the central area (25)₁) 10-50mm and 50-110mm in length, and the minimum width (a) of the rear section (38) delimited by the facing sides (19, 20) of the respective foot portion (15, 16)₂) 5-30mm in length and 30-110mm in length.

9. The disposable sanitary article (1) according to any one of claims 6-8, wherein the central region (25) extends in the thickness direction (D) of the article such that the central region (25) protrudes outwardly from the plane of the first region (12).

10. The disposable sanitary article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the average density of the absorbent material of the first zone (12) is 150-220kg/m³Preferably 160-210kg/m³And the average density of the absorbent material of the second zone (24) is 70-150kg/m³Preferably 80 to 130kg/m³。

11. The disposable hygiene article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a higher average density of the absorbent material is obtained by compressing and/or providing the first area (12) with an embossing pattern (40) covering at least a part of the first area (12), and wherein the second area (24) is free of the embossing pattern (40).

12. The disposable sanitary article (1) according to claim 11, wherein the first area (12) is compressed more than the second area (24) and the first area (12) is stiffer than the second area (24).

13. The disposable sanitary article according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the embossing pattern (40) comprises individual dots (15') placed in a predetermined pattern.

14. The disposable sanitary article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a liquid acquisition sheet (36) located between the topsheet (30) and the absorbent core (6).

15. The disposable sanitary article (1) according to claim 14, wherein said liquid acquisition sheet (36) consists of an airlaid nonwoven having a grammage of 50-100 gsm.

16. The disposable sanitary article (1) according to claim 14, wherein the liquid acquisition sheet (36) consists of a spunlace nonwoven having a grammage of 30-90 gsm.

17. The disposable hygiene article (1) according to claim 14, wherein the liquid acquisition sheet (36) consists of a high loft fibrous material having a grammage of 30-90 gsm.

18. The disposable sanitary article (1) according to any of the preceding claims 14-17, wherein the liquid acquisition sheet (36) has a greater extension than the core (6) in both the transversal (x) and longitudinal (y) extension of the core (6) and is in contact with the core (6).

19. The disposable hygiene article (1) according to claim 18, wherein the liquid acquisition sheet (36) consists of a high loft fibrous material and wherein the first region (12) of the core is embossed while the edge region (26) of the liquid acquisition sheet (36) is free of an embossing pattern and/or compression.

20. The disposable sanitary article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the narrowest width (M) in the transverse direction (x) in the front portion (2) is from 15 to 45 mm.

21. The disposable sanitary article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said second region (24) covers from 10% to 50% of the total area of the core (6).

22. The disposable sanitary article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the position of the narrowest width (M) is at a distance of 0-10mm from the front tip (52) in the longitudinal direction (y).

23. The disposable sanitary article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said common front tip (52) is located 40-80mm from said crotch point (21).

24. Method for manufacturing a disposable article (1) according to any of claims 1-23, comprising the steps of:

-feeding a liquid permeable topsheet material layer, a liquid impermeable backsheet material layer and an absorbent material layer arranged to be positioned between the topsheet material layer and the backsheet material layer, and optionally an acquisition material layer arranged to be positioned between the topsheet material layer and the absorbent material layer;

-forming the first area (12) and the second area (24) of the core (6) by compressing the first area (12) more than the second area (24) and/or by embossing the embossing pattern (40) to a section providing the first area (12) within the core (6) and providing a further step of forming compression lines of a substantially inverted V-shape and optionally further compression lines by high pressure compression from the topsheet (30) side or the backsheet (31) side of the core (6),

-optionally, providing a starting point (a) along the centre line (a)₀) And the central region end point (a)_e) A weakened compression line (250) extending therebetween.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to disposable hygiene articles, such as sanitary napkins, liners, incontinence pads or diapers, which are designed such that they take a specific form when in use to provide improved fit and leakage-proof safety. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a disposable sanitary article.

Background

Disposable hygiene articles need to have good absorption properties, comfort and to provide leakage safety and good fit to the user. Various designs and methods have been employed in sanitary articles to make them conform well to the contours of the user's body and not dislodge during use. For example, in applicant's own prior application WO2008/004961a1, an absorbent article having improved fit has been shown. The absorbent article comprises an absorbent core comprising a first region having two legs extending across at least a part of the crotch portion in the longitudinal direction of the article towards the ends of the individual legs in the rear portion. The legs are symmetrically arranged about a longitudinal centre line and the distance between facing sides of the respective legs in the transverse direction varies in the longitudinal direction. The maximum distance is located in the crotch portion, and the position in the longitudinal direction corresponds to the position of the crotch point. The facing sides of the respective legs converge rearwardly in the longitudinal direction such that the distance decreases from the maximum distance to a minimum distance in the rear portion. The absorbent core further comprises a second region surrounding said first region and extending between said first region and the periphery of said article. The average density of the absorbent core in the second region is lower than the average density in the first region. By this design, improved leakage security is obtained with good fit and correct and reliable placement of the article. However, despite efforts to improve the fit of articles, there is still a desire to further improve the fit of articles and how the articles conform to the body of the user. Furthermore, there is a need for a simple method of manufacturing such products on existing equipment.

Disclosure of Invention

It has been found that despite the prior art solutions for disposable sanitary articles, there is still a need to improve the fit of the article, in particular how the article conforms to the body of the user. There is a need for better control of how the article bends and fits the body, especially in the case of a crotch portion comprising the central region of the article. It is important to obtain a good and close fit to the body in the front, crotch and back parts of the article. It is also important that existing equipment can be used to manufacture articles with minimal modification.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide a disposable hygiene article having improved article fit and an improved way of conforming the article to the body of the user. It is an object to provide a body conforming article in an improved way in at least the front and crotch portions of the article.

In addition, it is an object of the present invention to provide a disposable absorbent sanitary article with improved comfort, while the absorbency of the article is satisfactory. The disposable hygiene article may be a sanitary napkin, a pad, an incontinence pad or a diaper.

Further, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide a disposable sanitary article which can be easily manufactured in existing equipment with minimal modification.

The above objects are achieved by the disposable sanitary article of the present disclosure as defined in the appended claims.

The present invention therefore relates to a disposable sanitary article, such as a sanitary napkin, a pad, an incontinence pad or a diaper, said article having a transverse direction, a longitudinal direction and a longitudinal centre line dividing the article into two mirror image parts which are symmetrical to each other. The article has a front portion, a crotch portion and a back portion. The article comprises a liquid permeable topsheet, a liquid impermeable backsheet, an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, and optionally a liquid acquisition sheet disposed between the topsheet and the core. The outer contour of the absorbent core is defined by mirrored first and second core edge lines, and the core is bounded by a core front edge in the front portion and a core rear edge in the rear portion. The absorbent core comprises a first region extending in the longitudinal direction of the article from a first region front edge in the front portion to the back portion across the crotch portion. The outer contour of the first region is defined by mirrored first and second first region edge lines, said first region comprising a head portion and two leg portions extending symmetrically about said centre line and in the longitudinal direction of the article, starting from a common leg portion origin in the crotch portion and diverging, extending across a part of the crotch portion towards individual leg portion ends in the rear portion. The distance in the transverse direction between the facing sides of the respective leg portions varies in the longitudinal direction, whereby the maximum distance in the transverse direction between the facing sides of the respective leg portions is located in the crotch portion at a position corresponding to the crotch point position in the longitudinal direction. The facing sides of the respective leg portions converge longitudinally rearwardly such that the distance decreases from the maximum distance to a minimum distance. The absorbent core further comprises a second region at least partially enclosed by the first region and extending laterally between the leg portions and longitudinally from a leg portion origin in the crotch portion to an end point in the rear portion. The first region has its narrowest width in the transverse direction in the front portion or at the transition between the front portion and the crotch portion. The absorbent core comprises at least one compression line in the crotch portion, the at least one compression line forming a substantially inverted V-shape comprising a first leg, a second leg and a common front tip. The front tip is located on the center line a and has an imaginary contact point with an imaginary front dividing line dividing the article into a front portion and a crotch portion. The first leg and the second leg diverge at a mutual angle of 30-120 deg. towards the rear edge of the core. The legs extend up to respective first and second first region edge lines or core edge lines. Furthermore, the average density of the second region is at least 20% lower, preferably at least 30% lower, most preferably at least 50% lower than the average density of the first region. The fit of the article is improved in the front and crotch portions of the article by having a higher density and thus a stiffer front compression line in the first region, which improves the lateral and diagonal bending of the front portion of the article towards the body of the user during use. Also, the article will remain in place during use in an improved manner.

The absorbent core may comprise a first back compression line and a second back compression line in the crotch portion, wherein these lines diverge from each other in a direction towards the front edge of the core. Each line may have a bifurcation angle of 15-60 deg. with respect to the extension of the centerline. The line may have an extension up to the respective first and second first region edge lines and/or the respective first and second core edge lines. The rear compression lines also promote lateral bending of the rear portion of the article during use, thus further improving the fit of the product in the crotch and rear portions of the article.

The front and rear compression lines are straight or substantially straight lines produced by a groove or line compression tool having a straight shape. However, in products, there may be slight variations due to the nature of the compressible material used in the absorbent article.

The first and second back compression lines may be laterally spaced from each other so that there is no common back tip. In this way, for example, the rear section of the article may remain intact.

According to another variant, the first and second back-compression lines may form a V-shape comprising a common back tip at which the lines (i.e. the first and second back-compression lines) intersect. The rear tip suitably has an imaginary contact point with an imaginary rear dividing line dividing the article into a crotch portion and a rear portion. In this way the product will bend more effectively in the area outside the central area of the second area.

The compression lines may be obtained by compressing the core and optionally the acquisition sheet and/or topsheet from the topsheet side or the backsheet side of the article with high pressure compression to groove or line compression. In this way all plies are embossed to further improve the bending properties of the article during use. Optionally, the backsheet is not compressed.

The second region includes a central region extending symmetrically about the center line and having an extension in the longitudinal direction longer than an extension in the lateral direction. The second region also includes a rear section extending longitudinally and symmetrically about the centerline and in contact with the central region. The central region and the rear section are defined by facing sides of respective leg portions. Thus, the central region may provide at least a portion of the wetted area of the article. Thus, the central region may provide at least a portion of the wetted area of the article.

The central region may include a weakened compression line extending along the centerline between the foot portion endpoint and the central region endpoint. In this way, longitudinal bending of the central region towards the genitals of the user during use may be further facilitated.

The maximum width of the central region may be 10-50mm and the length may be 50-110 mm. In this way, the liquid absorption properties in the wet area of the article can be improved. The minimum width of the rear section, defined by the facing sides of the respective leg portions, may be 5-30mm and the length may be 30-110 mm. In this way, the fit of the rear section to the user's body may be improved.

The central region may extend in the thickness direction of the article such that it projects outwardly from the plane of the first region. In this way, a raised portion is provided which can be brought into contact with the genitals of the user in an easy manner during use.

The average density of the absorbent material in the first region may be 150-220kg/m³Preferably 160-210kg/m³. The average density of the absorbent material of the second zone may be in the range of 70-150kg/m³Preferably 80 to 130kg/m³. How the density is measured as referred to herein will be described later in the detailed description. The lower density region allows liquid to enter the core quickly, while the higher density provides better liquid distribution and also allows liquid to be absorbed in a repeated manner. Therefore, better utilization can be achievedThe entire capacity of the core is used. The low density region also allows the acquisition layer to be omitted from the article.

The first region is suitably more compressed than the second region, and the first region is harder than the second region. Thus, a higher average density of the absorbent material is obtained in the first area in at least a part of the first area than in the second area. In this way, the bending properties of the article can be controlled in an improved manner. A higher average density of the absorbent material may be obtained by compressing and/or providing the first area with an embossing pattern covering at least a part of the first area, and wherein the second area is free of the embossing pattern. With this trial, an article can be easily manufactured while hardness characteristics can be controlled in a desired manner. The embossing pattern may comprise individual dots placed in a predetermined pattern. In this way, an aesthetically pleasing product may also be provided.

The disposable hygiene article may further comprise a liquid acquisition sheet located between the topsheet and the core. In this way, liquid dispensing characteristics may be improved. The fluid acquisition sheet may have a grammage of 50 to 100gsm (g/m)³) An air-laid nonwoven fabric. Alternatively, the liquid acquisition sheet may be composed of a spunlace nonwoven having a grammage of 30-90 gsm. Further, the liquid acquisition sheet may be comprised of a high loft fibrous material having a grammage of 30-90 gsm. Different materials may provide different properties, for example by using air-laying or hydroentangling, which may provide a thin product, while with high loft, a more lofty product may be provided.

The liquid acquisition sheet may have a greater extension than the core in both the transverse and longitudinal extension of the core and be positioned in contact with the core. In this way, an article with high comfort may be provided. Furthermore, since the liquid acquisition sheet covers and in this way conceals the edges of the core which may not be flat, the visual appearance of the article may be improved.

According to one variant, the liquid acquisition sheet may be composed of a fibrous material of high loft. The first region of the core may be embossed and the edge region of the liquid acquisition sheet may be free of the embossing pattern and/or compression. In this way, an article with soft sides can be provided.

The narrowest width in the front portion is suitably 15 to 45mm in the transverse direction. In this way, the article can be anchored between the user's tendons forming part of the muscle group originating inside the pelvic diaphragm and connected along the thighs. Anchoring can thus take place in an optimal manner.

The second region may cover 10-50% of the total area of the core. In this way, a soft area may be provided, while bending of the article may be controlled.

The position of the narrowest width of the core may be 0-10mm longitudinally from the forward tip. In this way, the front portion may be provided with improved bending properties. The front tip can be kept at a distance of 40-80mm from the crotch point and thus ensure that the wet area does not bend during use and thereby negatively affect the absorption properties.

The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing the above-mentioned disposable article, comprising the steps of:

-feeding a liquid permeable topsheet material layer, a liquid impermeable backsheet material layer and an absorbent material layer arranged to be positioned between the topsheet material layer and the backsheet material layer, and optionally an acquisition material layer arranged to be positioned between the topsheet material layer and the absorbent material layer:

-forming the first and second areas of the core by compressing the first area more than the second area, and/or by performing the step of embossing the embossing pattern to a section providing the first area within the core, and providing a further step of forming compression lines of a substantially inverted V-shape and optionally further compression lines by high pressure compression from the topsheet side or the backsheet side of the core,

-optionally, providing a weakened compression line extending along the centre line between the starting point and the end point of the central region.

Further objects, features and advantages of the present disposable hygiene article and the method for manufacturing the same are described in the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Drawings

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a plan view of an exemplary disposable hygiene article according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a plan view of another exemplary disposable hygiene article according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a plan view of yet another exemplary disposable hygiene article according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a first region and a second region in a disposable hygiene article according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 shows a side view of the disposable hygiene article of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a plan view of another exemplary disposable hygiene article according to the present disclosure;

fig. 7 schematically illustrates an article according to the present disclosure when a bending force is applied to the article in use, i.e. during use.

Detailed Description

The disposable hygiene article of the present disclosure is an absorbent article for personal hygiene and may be, for example, a sanitary napkin, a pad, an incontinence pad or a diaper. Such articles are commonly used for collecting and storing bodily exudates, such as urine, faeces or menstrual fluid. The absorbent article is disposable, which means that it is intended to be used only once and discarded thereafter, rather than being cleaned and reused. The absorbent article may suitably be a sanitary towel and the design of the article is particularly suitable for sanitary towels.

A plan view of an embodiment of a disposable sanitary article 1 according to the present disclosure, which is a sanitary napkin, is shown in each of fig. 1 to 4 and 6. As shown, all embodiments of the disposable hygiene article 1 of the present disclosure have a transverse direction x, a longitudinal direction y and a longitudinal centerline a. The article may be divided into mirrored first and second longitudinal portions I and II, wherein the longitudinal portions are symmetrical in shape. The term "symmetrical about the longitudinal centre line a" means herein that each point on a first longitudinal portion I on a first side of the longitudinal centre line a in the article has a corresponding point on a second longitudinal portion II on the other side of the longitudinal centre line a in the article; the two points are related to each other by reflection in a plane located on the longitudinal centre line a. For example, a portion of the first region 12 located on one side of the longitudinal centerline A is thus a mirror image of a portion of the first region 12 located on the other side of the longitudinal centerline A.

The total length of the article 1 in the longitudinal direction is the length b, which is the sum of the lengths of the front portion length b1, the crotch portion length b2 and the rear portion length b3 and amounts to 100% of the length of the article. The article 1 further has a front portion 2, a crotch portion 3 and a rear portion 4 arranged in the longitudinal direction of the article, and a transition 5 between the front portion 2 and the crotch portion 3. The article comprises an absorbent core 6.

In use, the front portion 2 of the article 1 is intended to at least partially cover the pubic region of a female wearer. The front portion 2 is delimited by a front transverse edge 27 of the article 1. Furthermore, the front portion 2 extends a length b1 in the longitudinal direction along the article 1. In a sanitary towel of the type shown, the length b1 of the front portion 2 in the longitudinal direction is 10-50%, more preferably 10-40%, most preferably 15-25% of the total length b of the article 1. The length may for example be between 30-70mm, for example between 40-60 mm.

The crotch portion 3 of the article 1 is adjacent to the front portion 2 in the longitudinal direction. In use, the crotch portion 3 is positioned between the legs of a user and covers the genital area of a female user. In a sanitary towel of the type shown, the length b2 of the crotch portion 3 in the longitudinal direction is 25-60%, more preferably 30-55%, most preferably 30-50% of the total length b of the article. Typically, the length b2 of the crotch portion 3 in the longitudinal direction y is between 60-150mm, such as between 80-120 mm. The transition 5 between the front portion 2 and the crotch portion 3 is the boundary area between the front portion 2 and the crotch portion 3.

The rear portion 4 is located at the opposite end of the article 1 to the front portion 2 and is adjacent to the crotch portion 3 in the longitudinal direction. In use, the rear portion 4 extends towards the rear of the user. The rear portion 4 is defined by the rear transverse edge 47 of the article 1 and extends a length b3 in the longitudinal direction along the article 1 and is longitudinally spaced from the central region 25 of the absorbent core 6. In a sanitary towel of the type shown, the length b3 of the rear portion 4 in the longitudinal direction is 15-40%, more preferably 20-35%, most preferably 20-30% of the total length b of the article 1. The length b3 may be, for example, from 60 to 100mm, for example, between 70-90 mm.

The disposable hygiene article of the present disclosure comprises an absorbent core, which is indicated in the figures with reference numeral 6. An "absorbent core" is the absorbent structure of an article that acquires and stores bodily fluids. The absorbent core may be of any conventional type. Examples of common absorbent materials are cellulosic fluff pulp, tissue paper, superabsorbent polymers (so-called superabsorbents), absorbent foam materials, absorbent nonwoven materials and the like. It is common to combine cellulosic fluff pulp with superabsorbent polymers in an absorbent core. Superabsorbent polymers are water-swellable, water-insoluble organic or inorganic materials capable of absorbing at least about 20 times their own weight of an aqueous solution containing 0.9% by weight of sodium chloride. Organic materials suitable for use as superabsorbent materials can include natural materials such as polysaccharides, polypeptides and the like, as well as synthetic materials such as synthetic hydrogel polymers. Such hydrogel polymers include, for example, alkali metal salts of polyacrylic acid, polyacrylamide, polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylate, polyacrylamide, polyvinylpyridine, and the like. Other suitable polymers include hydrolyzed acrylonitrile grafted starch, acrylic acid grafted starch, and isobutylene maleic anhydride copolymers and mixtures thereof. The hydrogel polymer is preferably lightly crosslinked to render the material substantially water insoluble. Preferred superabsorbent materials are further surface crosslinked such that the outer surface or shell of the superabsorbent particle, fiber, flake, sphere, etc. has a higher crosslink density than the inner portion of the superabsorbent. The superabsorbent materials may be in any form suitable for use in absorbent composites including particles, fibers, flakes, spheres, and the like. High absorption capacity is provided by using a large amount of superabsorbent material. Thin absorbent cores, such as are common in sanitary napkins, baby diapers and incontinence guards, typically comprise a compressed, mixed or layered structure of cellulosic fluff pulp and superabsorbent polymers. The size and absorbent capacity of the absorbent core may be varied to suit different product types, such as sanitary napkins or pantiliners for adult incontinent persons.

Typically, the core may be of unitary construction, whereby the manufacturing process may be simplified, for example. In this context, the phrase "unitary structure" is intended to mean that the absorbent core is composed of substantially one type of material, which is substantially the same material, or substantially the same combination of two or more materials throughout the absorbent core. The density and concentration of the material changes, but these changes are limited to those obtained without introducing regions that have been separately formed and then physically joined to each other. For example, when the absorbent core comprises a matrix of hydrophilic fibers and superabsorbent material as described above, the relative concentrations of superabsorbent material and fibers may differ in different parts of the core. However, the absorbent core of the unitary structure does not comprise layers or laminates of different compositions. Also, variations in the density or concentration of the various components in the longitudinal, transverse or thickness direction of the absorbent core are acceptable, but the core should not include regions or layers of different components that are formed separately and subsequently joined together. Examples of methods for manufacturing the absorbent core will be described below.

As shown in fig. 1 to 4 and 6, the outer contour of the absorbent core 6 is defined by mirrored first and second core edge lines 8, 9. The absorbent core 6 is delimited in the front portion 2 by a core front edge 7 and in the rear portion 4 by a core rear edge 57. The outer contour defined by the core side edges differs in each of the front, crotch and back portions 2, 3 and 4.

The absorbent core 6 comprises a first region 12, which first region 12 extends in the longitudinal direction y of the article 1 from the front edge 7 across the crotch portion 3 to the back portion 4. The first region 12 is designed and arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal centre line a of the article 1. This is important so that the article 1 is symmetrically located on the user's body when in use. As shown in fig. 1 to 4, the first region 12 may have the same outer contour as the absorbent core 6. Alternatively, as shown in fig. 6, the absorbent core 6 has a larger extension than the first area in both the transverse x and longitudinal y extension. In the embodiment shown in fig. 6, the first region trailing edge 37 is spaced from the core trailing edge 57, and correspondingly, the first region leading edge 67 is spaced from the core leading edge 7. Similarly, the core edge lines 8, 9 are spaced from the first zone edge lines 22, 23. In the embodiment shown in fig. 1-5, first zone edges 67, 37, 22, 23 correspond to core edges 7, 57, 8, and 9, respectively.

The first region 12 comprises in the front portion 2 a head portion 13 and two leg portions 15, 16, the two leg portions 15, 16 extending symmetrically about the centre line a and in the longitudinal direction y of the article 1, from a leg portion origin a in the crotch portion 3₀Starting and extending across a part of the crotch portion 3 towards the individual leg ends 17, 18 in the rear portion 4. The outer contour of the head 13 is defined by two mirror-image, generally convex lines relative to the longitudinal centerline a. The convex lines converge so as to define a "neck" of the first region 12, i.e. a narrowest width M of the first portion 12 in the transverse direction x is defined between the first and second first region edge lines 22, 23. The narrowest width M may be at the location of the transition 5, the transition 5 being the area between the front portion 2 and the crotch portion 3. Alternatively, the narrowest width M is located in the front portion 2, and the transition portion 5 is located longitudinally between the narrowest width M and the starting point a passing through the core leg portions 15 and 16₀Between the transverse lines of (a).

As shown, the absorbent core 6 also includes a second region 24. The leg parts 15 and 16 have facing sides 19, 20, which facing sides 19, 20 together with the first area rear edge 37 define the outer contour of the second area 24 of the core 6. The second region 24 includes a central region 25 and a rear section 38. The facing sides 19, 20 of the respective leg parts 15, 16 have a distance a in the transverse direction x between them_xThe distance a_xVarying in the longitudinal direction y. Whereby the maximum distance a in the transverse direction x between the facing sides 19, 20 of the respective leg parts 15, 16₁Is located in the crotch portion 3. This maximum distance is suitably located in the longitudinal direction y at a position corresponding to the position of the crotch point 21. The "crotch point" is defined as the midpoint of the central region 25, which is centrally located in the wet zone in the crotch portion 3 of the article. The wetted area is the area where the liquid initially strikes the article. With regard to articles adapted to absorb blood, such as sanitary napkins, it has been found that the crotch point should be located at the point of the vaginal orifice. The longitudinal distance between the transverse line at the point where the first region 12 has its narrowest width M and the crotch point is about 63mm when the user is sitting down and about 67mm when the user is standing up, from which an average distance of 65mm can be calculated. This distance is designated by the reference sign d in fig. 1_CPAnd (4) showing. The wet area can then be defined as an area extending symmetrically from the crotch point 21 towards the edges of the product. For example, in the case of a sanitary napkin, the wetted area includes the central region 25 and extends longitudinally about 3-4cm toward the rear edge and the front edge, respectively. Transversely, the wetted area may extend from the core side edge 8 to the core side edge 9 of the core 6, butMay be narrower. For example, the wetting zone may have an extension substantially corresponding to the extension of the central zone 25. By providing a maximum width, i.e. a maximum distance, between the foot portions 15, 16 in the central region 25 at the point of the crotch point 21, improved liquid control in the wet area may be provided.

The facing sides 19, 20 of the respective leg parts 15, 16 converge backwards in the longitudinal direction y, so that said distance a_xFrom the maximum distance a₁Reduced to a minimum distance a₂。

The second region 24 is at least partly surrounded by the first region 12 and extends between the leg parts 15, 16 in the transverse direction x and in the longitudinal direction y from a starting point a in the crotch part 3₀Extending to an end point a in the defined rear portion 4_l. Foot starting point a₀Located within the centre line a so that a symmetrical foot shape can be provided in each longitudinal part I and II. The distance a in the transverse direction x between the facing sides 19, 20 of the respective leg parts 15, 16_xVarying in the longitudinal direction y. In this way, portions with different extension in the transverse direction are provided to improve fit and absorption in the article. The facing sides 19, 20 of the respective foot portions 15, 16 converge rearwardly in the longitudinal direction y towards the rear edge 47 of the article, so that said distance a_xFrom the maximum distance a₁Reduced to a minimum distance a₂. The minimum distance is preferably located outside the wet area in the crotch portion and in the rear portion 4 of the article.

The central region 25 is located in the second region 24 in the crotch portion 3 and the rear section 38 is located in the rear portion 4 of the article 1. The first region is highlighted in fig. 4 and 6 by stripes and the second region 24 is surrounded by the first region 12 except for the region of the trailing edge 37 of the core 6. The second region 24 suitably covers 10-50%, for example 20-40%, of the total area of the core 6. At the starting point a of the leg part₀And end point a in the rear part 4₁The length of the second region 24 extending along the centre line a therebetween may vary greatly depending on the size of the article, but may for example be 80 to 220 mm. The length of the rear section 38 may vary, for example, between 30-110 mm. The length of the central area 25 may vary, for example, between 50-110 mm. The rear section 38 has a greater width or extension in the transverse direction x than in the centerAt least a portion of the region 25 or the central region 25 is narrow. The average density of the absorbent material of the rear section 38 may suitably be lower than the central region 25. The articles also have a lower stiffness in the rear section 38 than in the first region 12. Optionally, the central region 25 and the rear section 38 have substantially the same density. Thus, the stiffness of the central region 25 and the rear section 38 may also be substantially the same.

Typically, the absorbent core has an asymmetric shape over the longitudinal extension, but the first and second longitudinal portions are symmetric about the centre line a over the transverse extension. The core may have different shapes, but the periphery of the core defines a shape in which the head and at least one neck region (i.e. a region having a smaller width in the transverse direction) are located in the front or transition region of the core. In this way, the article can better conform to the shape of the body in the region where the front transitions into the crotch portion. In practice this means that the article can bend more easily in the transverse direction in the region of the neck. Thus, the front portion and the core head portion may be bent towards the user, whereby the front portion may better cover the pubic region of the wearer, while the crotch portion can be positioned close to the genital region of the female wearer. In addition, the article will better remain in its position during use. The neck region of the core may be the same as where the first region has its narrowest width, or may be spaced therefrom. Figure 7 shows how the product bends in use.

Generally, as described above, the core has a unitary structure made from conventional core materials in a single step. The first and second areas refer to areas of the core having different properties, i.e. different densities, and which may be embossed and/or printed in different designs, and the first area is harder than the second area. In this way, the first and second regions may be distinguished by different physical characteristics and visually, and by virtue of the different characteristics in the regions, the fit of the product may be improved and/or the positioning of the product on, for example, the user's undergarment may be facilitated.

As shown in fig. 1 to 3, the core 6 of the absorbent article 1 and its first region 12 comprise at least one compression line in the crotch portion 3, said compression line forming a substantial inversionComprises a first leg 51, a second leg 53 and a common front tip 52. The tip 52 is located on the centre line a and has an imaginary contact point with an imaginary line 230 dividing the article 1 into the front part 2 and the crotch part 3. The first and second legs 51 and 53 are angled with respect to each other at an angle alpha of 30-120 deg. towards the first region rear edge 37₁Bifurcations, suitably 45 ° to 100 °, and extends up to the respective first and second first region edge lines 22, 23. The first leg 51 has a first leg end point a on the first region edge line 22₁₀And the second leg 53 has a second leg end point a on the second first region edge line 23₂₀. Alternatively, the legs 51, 53 may extend up to the core edge lines 8 and 9. At the end points a of the first and second legs₁₀And a₂₀The imaginary line drawn in between preferably extends in the transverse direction x. The common tip 52, which has an imaginary contact point with the imaginary front dividing line 230, is positioned in contact with or at a small distance from an imaginary transverse line representing the narrowest width M of the first region 12. The distance may be 0 to 10 mm. The positioning of front tips 52 in this manner cooperatively promotes lateral bending of the article along front parting line 230. The front dividing line 230 corresponds to the transition 5, i.e. the area dividing the article into the front and crotch portions.

In case the transition 5 or transition region corresponds to the region of the first region 12 where the first region has the narrowest width M, the transition 5 between the transverse and longitudinal edges may be defined as the point on the edge of the first region where the curvature of the transverse edge of the first region with respect to the transverse direction is greatest. The first zone 12 optionally has a narrowest width M in the transverse direction x in the front portion 2. This means that the location of the transition 5 between the front portion 2 and the crotch portion 3 may be located at the point of the common cusp 52 and may thus be longitudinally spaced from the narrowest width M in the transverse direction x towards the core rear edge 57 of the first region 12, for example 0-10 mm. In the transition region, the transition between the transverse and longitudinal edges is defined as the point on the edge of the core at which the curvature of the transverse edge of the core is greatest in the transverse direction.

The longitudinal first region edges 22, 23 of the core may be substantially parallel in the crotch portion 3 and the back portion 4 or may diverge towards the rear edge of the article. The angle at which the longitudinal edges diverge with respect to the centre line a may suitably be 0-10 deg., preferably 0.5-2 deg..

The average density of the second region 24 in the absorbent core 6 is lower than the average density of the first region 12 in the absorbent core 6. Thus, the absorbent core 6 is stiffer in at least a portion or all of the first region 12 than in the second region 24 of the absorbent core 6. Generally, hardness refers to the degree to which a material deforms against an applied force. The absorbent article is subjected mainly to bending forces exerted by the user's body and clothing, while the harder parts of the core are more able to withstand the bending forces than the parts having a lower stiffness. By providing a centrally located and extending along the centre line a first region 12 of higher average density and therefore stiffer than the second region 24 of the core 6, the article can conform to the shape of the body, whilst the first region can better retain the original shape to provide robustness in retaining the shape of the article in use. Thus, the first region 12 may better withstand bending forces than the second region 24 having a lower stiffness. Thus, the risk of e.g. an article being deformed during use, and thus e.g. an article being moved, is minimized.

Furthermore, the absorbent article preferably comprises at least one rear compression line as shown in fig. 2 and 3. According to the embodiment shown in fig. 2 and 3, the core 6 comprises a first back-compression line 61 and a second back-compression line 63 in the lower part of the crotch portion 3, i.e. the part closest to the back portion 4.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 2, the first rear compression line 61 and the second rear compression line 63 are spaced apart from each other in the transverse direction x, so that there is no common rear tip. In the embodiment of fig. 2, the compression lines 61 and 63 start from the respective facing sides 19, 20 delimiting the rear section 38 and extend along the first region 12 of the core 6. The first and second back compression lines 61, 63 diverge from each other in a direction towards the core leading edge 7 and the first region leading edge 67. These lines suitably have an imaginary contact point with an imaginary rear dividing line 340 dividing the article 1 into the crotch portion 3 and the rear portion 4. The straight lines 61, 63 further promote the lateral bending of the rear portion towards the user's body during use and thus further improve the fit and how the article fits the user's body.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 3, the first and second back pressuresThe contraction lines 61, 63 form a substantially V-shaped compression line comprising a common rear tip 62, at which rear tip 62 the lines 61, 63 meet. The rear tip 62 has an imaginary contact point a contacting an imaginary rear dividing line 340 dividing the article 1 into the crotch part 3 and the rear part 4₈₀。

In both embodiments, the first post-compression lines 61 have an extension up to the respective first region edge line 22 and the second post-compression lines 63 have an extension up to the respective second first region edge line 23. The compression lines may also extend to the respective core edge lines 8, 9. The first rear compression line 61 is at the first rear contact point a₆₀Where it touches the first area edge line 22 and the second back compression line 63 is at the second back contact point a₇₀Where it touches the second first area edge line 23. If the core 6 has a larger extension than the first area 12, the first and second post-compression lines may extend up to the respective first and second core edge lines 8, 9.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 2 and 3, the first back compression line 61 is substantially straight and has an extension with respect to the centre line a having a bifurcation angle α of from 15-60 °, suitably 30-45 °₂. The second back compression line 63 is also straight and has an extension and an angle alpha with respect to the centre line a₂Identical but mirror image bifurcation angle alpha₃It is also 15-60 °, suitably 30-45 °. The first post-compression lines 61 have an extension up to the respective first region edge line 22 and the second post-compression lines 63 have an extension to the respective second first region edge line 23. The compression lines may also extend to the respective core edge lines 8, 9. The first rear compression line 61 is at the first rear contact point a₆₀Is in contact with the first area edge line 22 and the second rear compression line is at the second rear contact point a₇₀Where it touches the second first area edge line 23. If the core 6 has a larger extension than the first region 12, the first and second post-compression lines may extend to the respective first and second core edge lines 8, 9.

Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in fig. 2 and 3, the core 6 and its first region 12 also comprise an additional V-shaped front compression line comprising a third leg 71 and a fourth leg 73, the third leg 71 and the fourth leg 73The fourth legs 73 each extend from the common front tip 52 in each of the mirror image portions (I) and (II) toward the core leading edge 7 and the first region leading edge 67 and diverge. The third leg 71 and the fourth leg 73 are at a mutual angle alpha of 30-120 deg., suitably 45-100 deg.₄Bifurcate and extend as far as the respective first and second first region edge lines 22, 23 or the respective core edge lines 8, 9. The third leg 71 has a third leg end point a on the first region edge line 22₃₀The fourth leg 73 has a fourth leg end point a on the second first region edge line 23₄₀. At the third and fourth leg end points a₃₀And a₄₀Preferably extending in the transverse direction x. Thus, the legs 51, 53, 71 and 73 having the common tip 52 collectively form an X-shaped compression line. Preferably, the angle α₁And alpha₄Are equal but there may also be a small difference, so the difference is suitably 0-10 °. Alternatively, the embodiment of fig. 2 and 3 does not necessarily have to include an additional V-shaped front compression line with a third leg 71 and a fourth leg 73. Furthermore, it is also possible to add additional V-shaped front compression lines comprising a third leg 71 and a fourth leg 73 to the embodiment shown in fig. 1.

By substantially inverted V-shape or V-shape is meant that the shape is symmetrical with respect to the centre line a, or that the inverted V-shape or V-shape is slightly inclined with respect to the centre line a, for example due to manufacturing tolerances. The lines forming the V-shape are substantially straight, i.e. not curved. Thus, the respective legs in the respective longitudinal sections I and II may have different angles of inclination with respect to the centre line a. For example, when the inverted V-shape is symmetrical, the end point a₁₀And a₂₀The line in between is transverse and substantially not inclined with respect to the transverse direction x. In a similar manner, endpoint a₆₀And a₇₀And endpoint a₃₀And a₄₀The lines in between are transverse. However, there may be a smaller inclination, but the inclination of the line extending between the end points should be less than 5 °, i.e. 0-5 °, which means that at the end point a₁₀And a₂₀The inclination of the line in between with respect to the transverse extension x should be less than 5 deg.. Furthermore, the length of the individual legs in the respective longitudinal sections may be different. The difference in length is at most 10%. Example (b)For example, if the length of the legs in the first longitudinal section I is 40mm, the length of the legs in the second longitudinal section should be in the range of 36 to 44 mm.

The back and front compression lines 61, 63, 51, 53, 71 and 73 may be provided by grooving or line compressing the core 6 and optionally the liquid acquisition sheet 36 and/or topsheet by high pressure compression from the topsheet 30 side or the backsheet 31 side of the article. The backsheet of the article may remain unaffected so that the liquid impermeability of the backsheet is unaffected. The front compression line is located adjacent to or in contact with an imaginary transverse line indicating the narrowest width M of the core, and the location of the smallest width M is spaced from the common front tip 52 by 0-10mm in the longitudinal direction y. In this way, the lateral bending of the front portion 2 towards the user is further promoted, so that the bowl shape shown in fig. 7 is obtained.

The second region 24, which comprises a central region 25 extending symmetrically around the centre line a, has a longer extension in the longitudinal direction y than in the transverse direction x. Suitably, the central area 25 has the shape of an ellipse or a parallelogram, the edges of which are positioned along the centre line a, so that the central area 25 extends longitudinally and symmetrically with respect to the centre line a. The second portion 24 also includes a rear section 38 extending longitudinally and symmetrically about the centerline a. The rear section 38 is in contact with the central region 25 and may overlap the central region 25. Further, the rear section 38 is defined by the facing sides 19, 20 of the respective leg portions 15, 16 and the first area rear edge 37.

As shown in FIG. 3, the central region 25 may include a starting point a along the centerline A₀And the central region endpoint a_eWith a weakened compression line 250 extending therebetween. Such a weakened compression line 250 may be present in all embodiments of the present disclosure and is not limited to the one shown in fig. 2. Central region endpoint a_eIs the point corresponding to the point in the centerline a at which the shape defining the central region terminates or is just below the end point. In this way, a lower resistance to bending of the article against mechanical strength may be provided when forces from the user's thighs act on each side of the article in the central region 25. Thus, the central region is more easily curved along the centerline a toward the user's body. Therefore, the safety against leakage can be improvedFeeling is felt. The weakened compression lines 250 may be embossed from the side of the core facing the backsheet 31 whereby the central region 25 is curved towards the body of the user.

Absorbent articles according to the present disclosure may further comprise a liquid acquisition sheet which serves as a liquid distribution layer. The liquid acquisition sheet is positioned between the topsheet and the core and is suitably placed on top of the absorbent core. Figures 1 and 3 schematically show the layers of an article according to the invention. The liquid acquisition sheet is shown at 36. The liquid acquisition sheet is adapted to quickly receive and temporarily store discharged liquid before it is absorbed by the absorbent core. Such an acquisition distribution layer may be comprised of, for example, an airlaid nonwoven, a spunlace nonwoven, a high loft nonwoven, or a foam material. The nonwoven material may be hydrophilic. The hydrophilic material may be obtained by adding a surfactant.

Airlaid nonwovens can be made from fluff, wood pulp, in which case the fluff fibers are dispersed into a rapidly moving air stream and consolidated onto a moving screen by pressure and vacuum. The web may be bonded with a resin and/or a thermoplastic resin dispersed in the pulp. The web may be thermally bonded (by heat), latex bonded (by adhesive) or multiple bonds (a combination of thermal bonding and latex bonding) or mechanically bonded (high compression and temperature, by hydrogen bonding). The grammage of the airlaid nonwoven may suitably be from 50 to 100 gsm.

The high loft material is a nonwoven material and may be substantially free of absorbent fibers and superabsorbent material. The high loft nonwoven material may comprise thermoplastic polymer fibers and may be selected from, but is not limited to, polyesters, polyamides, and polyolefins such as Polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), and may be a mixture of any of these. High loft materials refer to low density, bulky fabrics compared to flat paper-like fabrics. High loft webs are characterized by relatively low density. This means that there is a relatively large amount of void space between the fibers. The high loft nonwoven fibrous layer of the present invention may generally have less than 0.200g/cc (200 kg/m)³) In particular in the range from 0.015g/cc to 0.150g/cc (15 kg/m)³To 150kg/m³) Range of (1)Especially 0.030g/cc to 0.100g/cc (30 to 100 kg/m)³) For example, 0.065g/cc (65 kg/m)³) Within the range of (1).

The average density can be calculated by dividing the basis weight of the high loft layer by the thickness measured at 0.5kPa pressure (see method details below). Typically, the high loft material has a thickness of greater than about 0.5 mm, for example greater than 1mm or suitably 1.5-2.0 mm, and a low solids content, typically less than 15% by volume. The high loft nonwoven layer may advantageously be a spunmelt nonwoven layer. Spunmelt is a generic term describing the manufacture of nonwoven webs directly from thermoplastic polymers. It comprises two processes and a combination of both: spun (also known as spunbond) nonwovens and meltblown nonwovens. In the spinning process, the polymer particles are melted and the molten polymer is extruded through a spinneret. The continuous filaments are cooled and deposited onto a conveyor to form a uniform web. Some residual temperatures may cause the filaments to adhere to each other, but this is not considered the primary method of adhesion. The advantage of the spinning process is to give the nonwoven more strength, but the flexibility of the raw material is more limited. Coextrusion of the second component is commonly used in several spinning processes to provide additional properties or bonding capability. In meltblown web formation, a low viscosity polymer is extruded into a high velocity gas stream as it exits the spinneret. This disperses the melt, causing it to solidify and spread into a fibrous web. The liquid acquisition sheet material may be a spunbond material and may be a spunbond-melt bond-spunbond (SMS) material. The high loft nonwoven layer may in particular have a thickness in the range of 0.30mm to 2.00mm, e.g. 1.0mm, measured at a pressure of 0.5kPa (according to the test method described further below). The grammage, i.e. basis weight, of the high loft material may be, for example, in the range of 15gsm to 500gsm, in particular in the range of 30gsm to 200gsm, such as 30-90gsm, such as 64 gsm.

According to another variation, the acquisition sheet is a spunlace (also known as spunbond) nonwoven material. Hydroentangled nonwoven products are obtained by a process of hydroentangling loose fibrous webs with high pressure by means of rows of water jets; this process entangles the fabric and interconnects the fibers. Hydroentangled nonwoven fibers or hydroentangling have several terms such as air jet, needle, water or hydro entangling, but the terms hydroentangling or hydroentangling are the most commonly used in the nonwoven industry. The raw material of the acquisition sheet may be polypropylene (PP), Polyethylene (PE), Polyester (PET), Polyamide (PA), cellulose fibers or combinations thereof, and different weights and compositions are possible, such as viscose, polyester, cotton, nylon and ultra-fine fibers, with viscose being the most common raw material. Thus, if a combination of different fibers is used, this may be a mixture of fibers from different polymers, although each fiber may also include a different polymer (e.g., a PP/PE bicomponent fiber or PP/PE copolymer). Where appropriate, the plastic film may consist of PE or PP, PET, PLA or amyl (or, for that matter, any other thermoplastic polymer) or a mixture or copolymer of the aforementioned polymers. Hydroentangled materials typically include polypropylene or polyethylene fibers, which provide the best comfort to the nonwoven material. Other suitable fibers for making the nonwoven material are, for example, natural fibers such as bamboo, cotton and linen. The grammage of the spunlace nonwoven material may typically be 40-90 gsm.

In accordance with the present disclosure, the liquid acquisition sheet 36 may have a greater extension in both the transverse direction x and the longitudinal direction y of the core 6, as shown in fig. 1-5. In this way it is possible to obtain a soft skirt area. This means that the core is completely covered by the liquid acquisition sheet. The leakage control can be improved, in particular in regions where the first region 12 has a narrow extension in the transverse direction x, for example in the region of the transition region 5, as will be explained in more detail below. Leakage control is achieved because the fluid acquisition sheet provides a quick access to trap fluid in the product. For example, at least a part of the menstrual fluid in the area outside the core is trapped, for example, so that this fluid does not therefore leak outside the sanitary article.

Fig. 6 shows another example of a disposable hygiene article according to the present disclosure. The article 1 comprises a core 6 having a compressed first region 12, the compressed first region 12 having a higher average density and hardness than the second region 24. The first region 12 at least partially surrounds the second region 24. The second region includes the central region 25 and the rear section 38. The core 6 has the same extension as the liquid acquisition sheet 36. The edge region 26 surrounds the first region 12 and is suitably less compressed than the first region 12. The edge region 26 may have substantially the same physical properties as the second region 24, i.e., density and hardness, for example. Alternatively, the density in the edge region 26 may be lower than the density in the central region 25 and/or the rear section 38.

As previously explained in connection with fig. 1 to 3, the first region 12 is comprised in the front portion 2, the crotch portion 3 and the back portion 4. The first region 12 comprises two leg parts 15, 16 extending in the longitudinal direction of the article 1, from a starting point a in the crotch part 3₀Extending across the rest of the crotch portion 3 towards the individual leg ends 17, 18 in the rear portion 4. Thus, the two leg parts 15, 16 extend across a substantial part of the crotch part 3 towards the individual leg ends 17, 18 and are symmetrically arranged with respect to the longitudinal centre line a of the article 1. Furthermore, each leg part 15, 16 has a side 19, 20, i.e. an edge, facing the other leg part 15, 16. The distance a in the transverse direction x of the absorbent article 1 between the facing sides 19, 20 of the respective leg parts 15, 16_xIn the crotch portion 3, along the longitudinal direction y of the article 1 and possibly also in the rear portion 4. That is, the edges, i.e., facing sides 19, 20, of the respective leg portions 15, 16 closest to the longitudinal centerline a are not parallel to the longitudinal centerline a. Thus, the distance a_xMaximum and minimum values are present in the longitudinal direction of the article 1. According to a variant, the distance a_xContinuously varying along the longitudinal direction of the article 1. Thus, as shown in fig. 1-4 and 6, the facing sides 19, 20 of the respective leg portions 15, 16 converge rearwardly in the longitudinal direction of the article 1, such that the distance a in the transverse direction x between the facing sides 19, 20 of the respective leg portions 15, 16 is_xMaximum distance a from the crotch part 3₁Reduced to the minimum distance a in the rear section 38₂. In other words, the facing sides 19, 20 of the respective leg portions 15, 16 are at the maximum distance a from₁At a minimum distance a from the longitudinal position to the rear part 4₂In a longitudinal position converging in the backward direction of the article 1. According to another variant shown in fig. 6, in the rear section 38, the facing sides 19, 20 may have a constant distance, suitably corresponding to the minimum distance a₂This means that the facing sides 19, 20 are parallel in the rear section 38. E.g. rear partMinimum distance a in segment 38₂May be 5-30mm, more preferably 10-20mm, most preferably 10-15 mm.

The facing sides 19, 20 of the respective leg portions 15, 16 also converge longitudinally forward such that the distance a between the facing sides 19, 20 of the respective leg portions 15, 16_xMaximum distance a from the crotch part 3₁To zero distance in the crotch portion 3. In other words, the facing sides 19, 20 of the respective leg portions 15, 16 are at the maximum distance a from₁At a longitudinal position to two opposite side 19, 20 at point a₀The longitudinal positions where they meet converge in the forward direction of the article 1. Thus, the two facing sides 19, 20 of each leg portion 15, 16 are joined in the crotch portion 3. The position where the two opposing side surfaces 19, 20 are joined is called the foot origin a₀. The facing sides 19, 20 of the two leg parts 15, 16 are joined in the crotch part 3, and the first region 12 does not comprise any leg part in the transition 5 or in the front part 2. In this way it can be ensured that the article conforms to the body of the user in an efficient manner.

Furthermore, the first region 12 has a width M in the transverse direction at the transition 5 between the front portion 2 and the crotch portion 3 or in the front portion 2. The width M is adapted to the distance between two specific tendons on both sides of the crotch of the wearer right in front of the groin. These tendons form part of the muscle group that originates on the inside of the pelvic diaphragm and attaches along the thighs. The muscle group includes adductor muscles, long adductor muscles, thin thigh muscles and large adductor muscles. It is well known that the distance between the two tendons is very similar for all people: about 25-45 mm. Studies have shown that 80% of all women have a size of 30-32mm between the tendons. The transition 5 between the front portion and the crotch portion is preferably located in the area between the two mentioned tendons in the intended use of the article 1.

The width M of the first region, which has a higher density and is therefore stiffer than the second region, is preferably between 15mm and 45mm, more preferably between 25mm and 35 mm. If the width M exceeds about 35mm, the article 1 may be uncomfortable for most wearers. When said width M substantially corresponds to the distance between said tendons of the wearer, and with the article positioned with the transition portion between the tendons, it will be less likely that the article will move from its position.

The two side edges 22, 23 of the first zone in the front portion 3 diverge in the forward direction on the product starting from the transition 5. The angle between a line in the longitudinal direction of the article 1 and each side edge 22, 23 of the head 13 is denoted by a in figure 3. The angle alpha is measured at the position where the angle between a line in the longitudinal direction of the article 1 and each side edge 22, 23 is greatest. At large angles alpha, for example close to 90 deg., the side edges 22, 23 in the front portion 2 can scratch the groin and legs of the wearer and this can cause discomfort to the wearer. The smaller the angle a, the greater the risk of the article 1 sliding backwards between the legs of the wearer. In the case of angles a smaller than 30 deg., this risk is unacceptably high. An angle alpha of 40-70 deg. provides the best balance between secure positioning and comfort. An angle alpha of 45-65 deg. has been found to be particularly advantageous. In this way, the product is prevented from moving backwards between the legs of the wearer. This is a common problem in conventional sanitary napkins because the movement of the wearer's legs often moves the sanitary napkin rearward. Due to the stiffness of the core 6 in the first region 12 at the width region M, the core will not easily fold. If the width M exceeds 45mm, discomfort and scratching are likely to occur due to the higher hardness of the first region 12.

As described above, the second region 24 surrounded by the first region 12 is further constituted by the central region 25 and the rear section 38 extending between the facing sides 19, 20 of the leg portions 15, 16. The width of the rear section in the transverse direction x, in a direction orthogonal to said peripheral edge 7, is preferably such that>5mm, more preferably 5-20 mm. Preferably, the second region 24 has a lowest density that is at least 20% lower than the density of the first region 12, more preferably at least 30% lower and most preferably at least 50% lower. Further, the average density of each of the first region 12, the central region 25, and the rear section 38 may vary or be constant. The average density of the central region 25 and the rear section 38 may be the same or different, but each always has a lower average density than the first region. The second region may have a density up to 70% lower than the first region 12. For example, if the absorbent material of the core is fluff pulp, then the first isThe fluff pulp density in zone 12 is preferably 150-220kg/m³More preferably 160-220kg/m³And the average density of the fluff pulp in the second zone 24 is preferably 70-150kg/m³More preferably 80 to 130kg/m³. The exemplary density ranges of the first region 12 and the second region 24 imply that the first region 12 and the second region 24 have different hardnesses. If other absorbent materials than fluff pulp are used for the core 6, the same different stiffness of the first and second regions 12, 24 may be provided by other densities of the first and second regions 12, 24.

Suitably, the thickness of the central region 25 is greater than the thickness of the first region 12. However, in the case of a large core, i.e. a core extending longitudinally and transversely outside the first zone edge lines, the thickness of the core may be uniform. The density of the rear section 38 may be equal to or less than the density of the first region 12. Also, the thickness of the rear section 38 may be less than the thickness of the central region 25 or may be the same. The average density of each region can be calculated from the grammage and thickness of each region and is further described below.

Furthermore, if the absorbent material comprises superabsorbent polymers (SAP), the weight and volume of SAP is omitted when calculating the density of the first and second regions 12, 24 in the context of the present invention. This is due to the fact that SAP particles or granules have a higher average polymer density.

Material should be present in the lower average density regions 25, 38-the case where the average density of the lower density regions 25, 38 is zero is not included within the scope of the present invention.

Many methods for measuring the average density of an absorbent core or the average density of a sample have been described in the literature. In particular, the average density of the absorbent core sample can be measured according to the following steps:

the absorbent article has been carefully layered: any inner layer or backsheet is removed leaving only a unitary core.

-applying a pressure of 0.5kPa to the absorbent core by means of a platen which is smaller than the area of the sample of the absorbent core where the density is to be measured so as to place the platen in the area to be measured.

The thickness of the sample was measured under this pressure.

Cutting out the samples whose density is to be calculated from the core and calculating the surface weight (g/cm) of these samples from their mass/surface area²)。

-calculating the average density of these areas from the surface weight and thickness. The average density (kg/m) was calculated by dividing the surface weight by the thickness³)。

As shown in fig. 7, the geometric design of the first region 12 and the average density and hardness differences between the first and second regions 12, 24 facilitate the formation of a favorable three-dimensional form of the article 1 when in use. Fig. 4 schematically shows a region in an article. The advantageous three-dimensional form provides a very good anatomical adaptation of the article 1, i.e. provides a good fit of the article 1. In addition, stability of the fitted position of the article 1 on the wearer is provided. The stability of the article 1 is facilitated, for example, by the high average density of the first regions 12. The density difference may be obtained by compression. Alternatively or additionally, the density difference may be provided or facilitated by providing the first area with an embossing pattern. The embossed pattern is suitably visible from the topsheet side of the article. Preferably, the first area 12 comprises a discontinuous embossing pattern 40 covering said first area, wherein the second area 24 is free of the embossing pattern 40, as shown in fig. 2. The striped area 12 in fig. 4 and 6 does not show an embossing pattern; in contrast, the stripes represent only the embossed areas. Discontinuous means that the embossing pattern comprises dots of different shapes that do not touch each other. The shape of the embossed pattern may give a visual impression of a dotted line, a flower, a heart, etc. The dots may have any shape and include conventional shapes such as circles, squares, e.g. parallelograms, triangles. The size of a single dot may be, for example, from 0.01mm²Change to 4mm². The distance between the individual points, i.e. in any direction from the nearest neighboring point, may be, for example, 0.2 to 5 mm. By providing an embossing pattern, the first area in the core can be visualized. Particularly improved hardness and average density can be obtained when the compression and embossing are carried out in the same step.

In use, the transition 5 or transition region 5 of the absorbent article 1 is located between the two mentioned tendons. The transverse compression of the longitudinal edges 26 between the thighs of the user promotes the formation of the correct three-dimensional form of the article 1 due to the lower average density of the edge regions 26 comprising the acquisition panel. As shown in the embodiment of fig. 6, the edge region 26 also includes a core material because the core has substantially the same extent as the liquid acquisition material. According to another embodiment, the article does not comprise a liquid acquisition material, but comprises a large core 6 spanning the transverse and longitudinal extension of the first region 12, whereby the edge region 6 comprises the core covered by the topsheet 30 and the backsheet 31. In particular, the transverse compression of the longitudinal edges 26 of the core 6 between the tendons, such that the front portion 2 and the second region 24 of the article 1 are folded upwards towards the user, whereby the wet area is raised and thus brought closer to the body, may form a "bowl" formed by the upward sides in the center crotch portion, see fig. 7. This allows the article 1 to fit more tightly and more securely. The predetermined shape of the article 1 may also reduce the risk of the article 1 being folded in an undesired manner, for example forming channels that may cause leakage.

The central region 25 is suitably thicker and softer than the first region 12. The central region 25 provides a pre-formed raised portion, i.e. a pre-formed raised portion is provided. This is shown in fig. 5. In addition, due to the fact that the average density of the absorbent core 6 is lower in the second region 24 than in the first region 12, and due to the fact that the facing sides 19, 20 of the respective leg portions 15, 16 converge backwards in the longitudinal direction of the article 1, the absorbent article 1 is effectively folded in at least a part of the crotch portion 3 and the rear portion 4 along the longitudinal centre line a in use. Thereby, the pre-formed raised portion in the central area 25 is further enhanced in at least a part of the crotch portion 3 during use. The raised portion is intended to come into contact with the genitals of the wearer during use of the article 1. There may also be a raised portion provided in the rear section 38 having a thickness corresponding to the central region 25. Alternatively, the rear section 38 may be thinner than the central region 25. This may be achieved, for example, by providing less absorbent material in the rear section 38 than in the central region. Discharged body fluid can in this way be captured as soon as it leaves the body of the wearer and is immediately absorbed into the article instead of flowing over the surface of the article. The rear section 38 and optional raised portion are received in the gap between the user's hips. This reduces leakage from the rear of the article. More specifically, it provides a good protection against leakage through the gap between the buttocks, which type of leakage normally occurs during use of a conventional absorbent article when the user is sitting or lying.

Where the article comprises a liquid acquisition sheet 36, the liquid acquisition sheet 36 may comprise a slit 39 as shown in fig. 3, the slit 39 extending along the centerline a across at least a portion of the longitudinal extension of the second region 24. Note that although only slits 39 are shown in fig. 3, slits 39 may be present in all embodiments of the article according to the invention comprising at least one compression line. A slit refers to a narrow longitudinally extending cut through the acquisition layer material. The slit has a width in the transverse direction x corresponding to the edge of the cutting blade and may for example be 0.05mm to 1mm, but the width may be up to about 2 mm. By means of the slits, the second region 24 will be able to bend easily and thus conform more effectively to the shape of the body. In this way, the second region will be able to rise towards the body of the user when the legs of the user press against the side edges of the article. The slits thus help to position the product during use, whereby the safety, leakage control and comfort of the product can be further improved compared to prior art products on the market.

The slit 39 may be from a starting point a located in the centerline a in the rear portion 4 between the first region rear edge 37 and the core rear edge 57_startThe extension is started. The slits may extend all the way to the starting points a of the legs in the crotch part 3₀. Preferably, the slits do not extend to the front portion 2 of the article, as the front portion is preferably primarily curved along the transverse bending axis. In this way, the front part will have the largest extension in the lateral direction and can therefore cover the pubic region of the user.

By providing the slit 39 to extend at least partially along the length of the rear section 38, some folding in the rear section is substantially facilitated and the comfort of the sanitary article is improved. Thus, undesired twisting, bunching or folding of the article between the buttocks is also reduced. The folding of the rear section 38 in a controlled manner between the user's hips through the slits 39 also promotes a secure fit, as lateral and longitudinal movement of the article during wear is reduced. The different densities within at least a portion of the first and second regions cooperate with the slits 39 in the acquisition layer to give the article a form which more closely follows the contours of the wearer's body. More specifically, the article has a form that conforms to the labia during use. The side regions, i.e. the edge regions 26, comprising the acquisition layer may provide a soft edge to the article, thereby increasing comfort.

Furthermore, the absorbent article 1 can be firmly anchored in use, since the width M of the first region 12 substantially corresponds to the distance between two of said tendons on the wearer, and the two side edges 22, 23 of the head 13 of the first region 12 diverge in the longitudinal direction forward from the point of the narrowest width M, and wherein the point or transition 5 at the narrowest width M is located between the tendons and remains in this position. Thus, the front portion 2 of the article 1 is held in the region in front of said tendons, while the crotch portion 3 of the article 1 is effectively positioned correctly against the genitals of the wearer due to the slits 39 in the second region, so that the core material under the liquid acquisition sheet in the central region 25 can bulge upwards towards the body of the user when the legs of the user press the article from the side, thereby obtaining a better fit and thus comfort on the side of the article facing the body of the user. This helps to avoid problems associated with incorrect placement of the absorbent article 1 or movement of the article 1 during wear. In this way, the article 1 is prevented from moving backwards between the legs of the wearer. Even if the sanitary napkin is secured to the undergarment during use, this is a common problem in conventional sanitary napkins, as the wearer's leg movements often cause the sanitary napkin to move rearward.

In addition, the higher average density of the first region 12 means that it has a large liquid spreading capacity to quickly spread the bodily fluids received from the wearer onto the core 6. The higher average density of the first regions 12 in the head 13 also promotes stability, i.e. promotes that the head 13 remains protruding and inhibits wrinkle formation.

A suitable technique for making the absorbent cores of the present disclosure is mat forming by air-laying. In this process, a gas permeable mold is provided. The fibrous material is air-laid into the molds and the molds are filled to produce the absorbent core therein in a desired amount of fibrous material.

After the absorbent core 6 is manufactured, it may be pattern compressed, thereby manufacturing an absorbent core having regions of different densities. The compression may be performed using any known means. The average density of the fibrous material in the low-compressed or non-compressed absorbent core corresponds to the average density of the absorbent core in the region with the lower average density, i.e. the second region 24. The absorbent core outside these regions, i.e. in the first region 12, is then compressed, while in these regions the core remains uncompressed.

Thus, the first region of the core is more compressed than the second region. Alternatively or additionally, the first area is embossed to provide only a higher compression or to further increase the level of compression achieved by the compression. If compression and embossing are separate steps, the embossing step of the embossed pattern may be performed simultaneously with or subsequent to the compression of the zone providing the first area. The embossed pattern is suitably visible through the topsheet. The compression and embossing may be performed through the topsheet or backsheet side of the core.

The core may be compressed by the groove to provide a compression line comprising a weakened compression line. This is typically done from the backsheet side of the core, but depending on the process equipment, it may be done from the topsheet side of the core.

In the efficient mat forming process today, mat forming wheels are used, as described in US 4765780, SE9401542-7 and EP-a 2-1253231. The air-permeable molds are evenly spaced around the periphery of the slab forming wheel. The fibrous material (and any other material that may be desired) is fed from the factory through a blower and onto the mat-forming wheel through the mat-forming hood. More than one mat-forming hood may be present per forming wheel and the concentrations of the various components may vary in different hoods.

In an alternative to forming in a mat-forming wheel, the absorbent core of the invention may be manufactured by laying fibrous material (together with any other material that may be required) on a web having a profile that ultimately results in a density difference over different portions of the web material. The material may be prefabricated and rolled into rolls.

Alternatively, the absorbent core 6 may be manufactured by providing a breathable mould having a desired shape. The depth of the mold may vary depending on the amount of material required for each point. The fibrous material is air-laid into the mould and the mould is then filled. The amount of fibrous material at certain points will vary due to differences in the depth of the mold in the various regions. After the absorbent core is manufactured, the absorbent core is compressed in those regions corresponding to the first region 12 and the second region 24, so that a uniform thickness is obtained in those regions. Thus, after compression, the thickness of the central region 25 and/or the rear section 38 is greater than the thickness of the first region 12.

In this way, regions of different density can be established within the absorbent core 6. If desired, a mask or baffle may be introduced during the mat forming process such that the fiber lay-up is higher in the unmasked areas than in the masked areas. Alternatively, the mold may have a different pore density and/or pore size in different regions of the mold. Thus, the flow of the fibrous material will be different in different areas of the mould. This allows further control of the average density of the material.

As shown in fig. 1, the absorbent article 1 typically comprises, in addition to the absorbent core 6, a topsheet 30 and a backsheet 31. The topsheet 30 is in direct contact with the body of the wearer and therefore should be soft, comfortable and liquid permeable. The topsheet 30 may comprise a nonwoven material such as spunbond, meltblown, carded, hydroentangled, wetlaid, and the like. Suitable nonwoven materials may be composed of natural fibers (e.g., wood pulp or cotton fibers), manmade fibers (e.g., polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, viscose, etc.), or a mixture of natural and manmade fibers. The topsheet material may further be composed of tow fibers, which may be bonded to each other in ｃA bonding pattern as disclosed in, for example, EP- ｃA-1035818. Other examples of top sheet materials are porous foams, apertured plastic films, etc. Materials suitable for use as topsheet materials should be soft and non-irritating to the skin and be readily penetrated by body fluid, e.g. urine or menstrual fluid. The topsheet 30 may further differ in different parts of the absorbent article 1.

The backsheet 31 is in contact with the wearer's garments and is liquid impermeable. The backsheet 31 refers to the liquid impermeable material forming the outer cover of the absorbent article 1. The backsheet may comprise a thin plastic film such as a polyethylene or polypropylene film, a nonwoven material coated with a liquid impervious material, a hydrophobic nonwoven material which resists liquid penetration or a laminate of a plastic film and a nonwoven material. Other laminates suitable for use as the backsheet are laminates of nonwovens and high loft materials. The backsheet material may be breathable so as to allow vapour to escape from the absorbent core, while still preventing liquids from passing through the absorbent core. Examples of breathable backsheet materials are porous polymeric films, nonwoven laminates of spunbond and meltblown layers and laminates of porous polymeric films and nonwovens. Preferably, the backsheet 31 comprises a nonwoven material in at least its garment-facing surface.

In this manufacturing method, a liquid permeable topsheet material layer, a liquid impermeable backsheet material layer and an absorbent material layer are fed to a manufacturing apparatus. The core is arranged to be positioned between a layer of topsheet material and a layer of backsheet material. The acquisition material layer is arranged to be located between the topsheet material layer and the absorbent material layer. Slits 39 are formed on the acquisition layer material by a knife at predetermined intervals. The core is formed as described above.

The topsheet 30 and the backsheet 31 and the acquisition sheet 36 may each extend such that the edge portions are positioned outwardly of the absorbent core around the absorbent core 6. The topsheet and the backsheet and optionally the acquisition sheet may be joined to each other along the edge portions to form a cover around the absorbent core 6. The acquisition sheet 36 may have a smaller extension than the topsheet and backsheet. Suitably, at least the topsheet and the backsheet have substantially the same extension. The cover formed by the top sheet and the bottom sheet may extend laterally outwards to form flexible side flaps 32 or "wings" in the area of the crotch portion 3. The side flaps 32 are intended to be placed around the crotch portion over the wearer's undergarment. In addition, the side flaps 32 are suitably provided with an adhesive coating (not shown) on the backsheet 31, by means of which adhesive coating the flaps 32 can be attached around the crotch portion of the briefs.

However, even if the absorbent article 1 shown in fig. 1 and 2 includes the wings 32, in a modification of those embodiments, the absorbent article 1 may not include any wings.

Furthermore, in an alternative embodiment, the absorbent article 1 may comprise only the backsheet 31, i.e. no topsheet. In addition, the absorbent core 6 of the absorbent article may be wrapped in a single cover sheet, which may serve as both the inner layer and the backsheet.

The absorbent article 1 defined above may comprise any attachment means known in the art to allow fastening to the underwear of the wearer. Such means may include applying an adhesive coating or a friction coating to the garment-facing surface of the article. Furthermore, as mentioned above, the article 1 according to the invention may comprise an attachment flap ("wing") which extends in the transverse direction of the article 1 and is intended to be arranged around the crotch portion on the wearer's underwear. It is important, however, that the nature and placement of such attachment means does not significantly interfere with the function of the article 1 in use.

Although the above discussion has been exemplified by a sanitary napkin, the present invention can also be used with other absorbent articles such as diapers, incontinence pads or liners. For example, application of the present invention to diapers would provide similar benefits in terms of comfort, fit, and leakage prevention.

The invention is not to be considered as being limited by the foregoing description. Rather, the scope and limitation of the invention is defined by the appended claims.