阅读说明：本技术 具有改善贴合性的一次性卫生物品 (Disposable sanitary article with improved fit ) 是由 V·拉德内 J·索尔 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,该第一区域(12)在前部(2)中或在前部(2)与裆部(3)之间的过渡(5)的位置处具有其在横向方向(x)上的最窄宽度(M)。此外,吸收芯(6)包括高密度的第一区域(12)和低密度的第二区域(24)并且第一区域(12)在前部(2)中或在前部(2)与裆部(3)之间的过渡(5)的位置处具有其在横向方向(x)上的最窄宽度(M)。此外,吸收芯(6)在裆部(3)中包括第一后压缩线(61)和第二后压缩线(63),其中所述线(61；63)在朝向芯前边缘(7)的方向上相互发散。并且线(61；63)中的每条相对于中心线(A)的延伸具有15-60°的发散角(α<Sub>2</Sub>；α<Sub>3</Sub>),其中线(61；63)具有直至相应的第一和第二第一区域边缘线(22；23)和/或相应的第一和第二芯边缘线(8,9)的延伸范围。此外,第二区域(24)具有比第一区域(12)的平均密度低至少20％、优选地低至少30％并且最优选地低至少50％的平均密度。(The invention relates to a disposable sanitary article (1) having a core with a first region (12), which first region (12) has its narrowest width (M) in the transverse direction (x) in the front portion (2) or at the location of the transition (5) between the front portion (2) and the crotch portion (3). Furthermore, the absorbent core (6) comprises a first region (12) of high density and a second region (24) of low density and the first region (12) has its narrowest width (M) in the transverse direction (x) in the front portion (2) or at the location of the transition (5) between the front portion (2) and the crotch portion (3). Furthermore, the absorbent core (6) comprises a first rear compression line (61) and a second rear compression line (63) in the crotch portion (3), wherein said lines (61; 63) diverge from each other in a direction towards the core front edge (7). And each of the lines (61; 63) has a divergence angle (alpha) of 15-60 DEG with respect to the extension of the centre line (A) 2 ；α 3 ) Wherein the line (61; 63) has a first edge region extending up to the respective first and second first region edge lines (22; 23) and/or respective first and secondExtension of the core edge lines (8, 9). Furthermore, the second region (24) has an average density which is at least 20%, preferably at least 30% and 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 panty liner, an incontinence pad or a diaper, wherein said article has a transverse direction (x), a longitudinal direction (y) and a longitudinal centre line (A) dividing said article into two mutually symmetrical and mirror image parts (I) and (II), wherein 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), an absorbent core (6) arranged between said topsheet (30) and said backsheet (31), and optionally a liquid acquisition sheet (36) arranged between said topsheet (30) and said backsheet core (6), wherein the outer contour of said absorbent core (6) is defined by mirror image first and second core edge lines (8; 9), and the 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), wherein the absorbent core (6) comprises a first area (12), which first area (12) extends in the longitudinal direction (y) of the article (1) from a first area front edge (67) in the front portion (2) across the crotch portion (3) to the back portion (4), and wherein the outer contour of the first region (12) is defined by mirrored first and second first region edge lines (22, 23), and wherein the first region (12) comprises a head portion (13) and two leg portions (15, 16), the leg portions (15, 16) extend symmetrically about the centre line (A) and in the longitudinal direction (y) of the article (1), from a common leg-portion starting point (a) in the crotch portion (3).₀) Begin to diverge and extend across a portion of the crotch portion (3) towards separate leg ends (17, 18) in the back portion (4), wherein a distance (a) in the transverse direction (x) between facing sides (19, 20) of the respective leg portions (15, 16)_x) Varies in the longitudinal direction (y), wherein a maximum distance (a) in the transverse direction (x) between facing sides (19, 20) of the respective leg portion (15, 16)₁) In the crotch portion (3), is positioned at a position in the longitudinal direction (y) corresponding to the position of a crotch point (21), wherein facing sides (19, 20) of the respective leg portions (15, 16) converge backwards in the longitudinal direction (y) such that the leg portions converge backwardsDistance (a)_x) From the maximum distance (a)₁) Reduced to a minimum distance (a)₂) Wherein the absorbent core (6) further comprises a second area (24), which second area (24) is at least partly surrounded by the first area (12) and extends between the leg portions (15, 16) in the transverse direction (x) and from a leg portion origin (a) in the crotch portion (3) in the length direction (y)₀) An end point (a) extending into the rear portion (4)_l) The method is characterized in that:

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

-the absorbent core (6) comprises a first back compression line (61) and a second back compression line (63) in the crotch region (3), wherein the lines (61; 63) diverge from each other in a direction towards the core front edge (7) and each of the lines (61; 63) has an extension with respect to the centre line (A) having a divergence angle (a) of 15-60 °₂；α₃) Wherein the wire (61; 63) has a first edge region extending up to the respective first and second first region edge lines (22; 23) and/or the extension of the respective first and second core edge lines (8, 9); and wherein:

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

2. The disposable sanitary article (1) according to claim 1, wherein said first and second rear compression lines (61; 63) are spaced from each other in said transverse direction (x) and thereby do not have a common rear tip (62).

3. The disposable sanitary article (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first and second back compression lines (61; 63) form a V-shape comprising a common back tip (62) where the lines (61; 63) meet, the tip (62) having an imaginary contact point (a) with an imaginary back dividing line (340)₈₀) The imaginary posterior divisionA line (340) divides the article (1) into the crotch portion (3) and the rear portion (4).

4. The disposable sanitary article (1) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the absorbent core (6) comprises at least one compression line in the crotch portion (3) forming a substantially upside down V-shape comprising a first leg (51) and a second leg (53) and a common front tip (52), and wherein the front tip (52) is positioned on the centre line and has an imaginary contact point (a) with an imaginary front dividing line (230)₅₀) Said imaginary front dividing line (230) dividing said article (1) into said front portion (2) and said crotch portion (3), said first and second leg portions (51; 53) at a mutual angle (alpha) of 30-120 DEG₁) Diverges towards the core rear edge (57), wherein the legs (51; 53) extends up to the respective first and second first region edge lines (22; 23) or core edge lines (8, 9).

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

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

7. The disposable sanitary article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said second zone (24) comprises: a central region (25) extending symmetrically about the centre line (A) and having a longer extension in the longitudinal direction (y) than in the transverse direction (x); and a rear section (38) in contact with the central region (25) extending longitudinally and symmetrically about the centre line (a), and the central region (25) and the rear section (38) are bounded by facing sides (19, 20) of the respective leg portion (15, 16).

8. The disposable sanitary article (1) according to claim 7, wherein said central area (25) comprises a starting point (a) along said centre line (A)₀) And the central region end point (a)_e) A weakened compression line (250) extending therebetween.

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

10. The disposable sanitary article (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, 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).

11. The disposable sanitary article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first zone (12) has a thickness of 150-³Preferably 160-210kg/m³And the second region (24) has an average density of 70-150kg/m³Preferably 80-130kg/m³The average density of the absorbent material (b).

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

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

14. The disposable hygiene article according to claim 12, wherein the embossed pattern (40) comprises individual dots placed in a predetermined pattern.

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

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

17. The disposable hygiene article (1) according to claim 15, wherein the liquid acquisition sheet (36) consists of a spunlace nonwoven having a grammage of 30-90 gsm.

18. The disposable sanitary article (1) according to claim 15, wherein the liquid acquisition sheet (36) consists of a high loft fibrous material having a grammage of 30-90 gsm.

19. The disposable sanitary article (1) according to any of the preceding claims 15 to 18, wherein the liquid acquisition sheet (36) has a greater extension in both the transverse (x) and longitudinal (y) extension of the core (6) and is positioned in contact with the core (6).

20. The disposable hygiene article (1) according to claim 19, 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 embossed patterns and/or compression.

21. The disposable sanitary article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the narrowest width (M) in the transverse direction (x) of the first region (12) of the core (6) in the front portion (2) is from 15 to 45 mm.

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

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

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

-feeding a liquid permeable top sheet material layer, a liquid impermeable back sheet material layer and an absorbent material layer arranged between said top sheet material layer and said back sheet material layer, and optionally an acquisition material layer arranged between said top sheet material layer and said absorbent material layer;

-forming a first region (12) and a second region (24) of the core (6) by: a further step of providing a region of the first area (12) by compressing the first area (12) more than the second area (24) and/or by embossing an embossing pattern (40) into the core (6), and providing at least a first back-compression line (61) and a second back-compression line (63), wherein the lines (61; 63) diverge from each other in a direction towards the core front edge (7) and each of the lines (61; 63) has a divergence angle (α) of 15-60 ° with respect to the extension of the centre line (A)₂；α₃) Wherein the wire (61; 63) has a first edge region extending up to the respective first and second first region edge lines (22; 23) and/or the extension of the respective first and second core edge lines (8, 9), and providing optionally further front compression lines (51; 53) -each compression line is provided from the topsheet (30) or backsheet (31) side of the core (6) by means of high pressure compression;

-optionally, providing a weakening pressureA contraction line (250) at a starting point (a) along the center line (A)₀) And the central region end point (a)_e) Extending therebetween.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein the first region (12) is formed prior to the bonding of the backsheet to the absorbent core, topsheet and optionally liquid acquisition sheet of the article.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to disposable sanitary articles, such as sanitary napkins, pantiliners, incontinence pads or diapers, which are designed such that they take a specific form when in use to provide improved fit and safety against leakage. The invention also relates to a method for the manufacture of a disposable sanitary article.

Background

Disposable hygiene articles need to have good absorption properties, comfort and to provide the user with a feeling of leakage safety and good fit. Various designs and methods have been adopted in hygiene articles so that they can follow the contours of the user's body well and do not move out of position during use. For example, in applicant's own prior application WO2008/004961 a1, an absorbent article having improved fit has been shown. The absorbent article comprises an absorbent core comprising a first area with two legs extending in a longitudinal direction of the article across at least part of the crotch portion towards separate leg ends in the rear portion. The legs are arranged symmetrically about the longitudinal centre line and the distance between the facing sides of the respective legs in the transverse direction varies in the longitudinal direction. The maximum distance is located in the crotch portion at a position corresponding to the position of the crotch point in the longitudinal direction. 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 circumferential edge of the 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, an improved leakage safety and good fit and correct, secure placement of the article is obtained. However, despite efforts to improve the fit of articles, there is still a need 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 manufacturing method of such products in 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 and 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 conforms to the body, especially with respect to the rear portion of the article and the crotch portion including the central region. 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 for the manufacture of articles with minimal modification.

It is therefore an object of the present disclosure to provide a disposable hygiene article having improved fit of the article and an improved way of conforming the article to the body of the user. It is an object to provide an article which conforms to the body in an improved way in the rear part of the article. It is also an object to provide a good fit in the front and crotch portions of the article.

Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a disposable and absorbent sanitary article having improved comfort, while the absorbency of the article is satisfactory. The disposable sanitary article may be a sanitary napkin, a pantiliner, an incontinence pad or a diaper.

Further, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide a disposable hygiene article which can be easily manufactured in existing devices with a minimum of modifications.

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

The invention thus relates to a disposable sanitary article, such as a sanitary napkin, a panty liner, an incontinence pad or a diaper, said article having a transverse direction, a longitudinal direction and a longitudinal centre line which divides the article into two mutually symmetrical and mirror-image parts. The article has a front portion, a crotch portion and a back portion. The article includes 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 back edge in the back portion. The absorbent core comprises a first region extending in the longitudinal direction of the article from the front edge of the first region in the front portion across the crotch portion to the back portion. The outer contour of the first region is defined by mirrored first and second first region edge lines. The first region comprises a head portion and two leg portions extending symmetrically about a centre line and in the longitudinal direction of the article, starting and diverging from a common leg portion origin in the crotch portion and extending across a portion of the crotch portion towards separate 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 positioned in the crotch portion at a position corresponding to the position of the crotch point in the longitudinal direction. The facing sides of the respective leg portions converge rearwardly in the longitudinal direction such that the distance decreases from the maximum distance to a minimum distance. The absorbent core further comprises a second region at least partially surrounded by the first region and extending in the transverse direction between the leg portions and in the longitudinal direction from a leg portion start 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 location of the transition between the front portion and the crotch portion. Furthermore, the absorbent core comprises 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 of said lines has a divergence angle of 15-60 ° with respect to the extension of the centre line. The lines have an extension up to the respective first and second first region edge lines and/or the respective first and second core edge lines. Furthermore, the second region has an average density that is at least 20%, preferably at least 30% and most preferably at least 50% lower than the average density of the first region. By having a higher density and thus higher stiffness in the first region while the rear compression lines promote lateral and diagonal bending of the rear portion of the article towards the body of the user during use, the fit of the product in the crotch and rear portions of the article is improved. Furthermore, the article will be held in its position during use in an improved manner.

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

The first and second back-compression lines may be spaced from each other in the transverse direction and thus have no common back tip. In this way, for example, the rear section of the article may be left 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) meet. 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 at a zone outside the central zone of the second zone.

The absorbent core may further comprise at least one compression line in the crotch portion, the compression line forming a substantially upside down V-shape comprising a first leg and a second leg and a common front tip. The front tip is suitably positioned on the centre line and has an imaginary contact point with an imaginary front dividing line dividing the article into a front part and a crotch part. The first leg and the second leg suitably diverge at a mutual angle of 30-120 ° towards the core rear edge, and the legs extend up to the respective first and second first region edge lines or core edge lines. The fit of the product in the crotch portion of the article and also in the front portion is further improved by having a higher density and thus higher stiffness in the first region while the front compression lines promote a lateral and diagonal bending of the front portion of the article towards the body of the user during use. Furthermore, the article will be held in its position during use in an improved manner.

The anterior tip may be 40-80mm from the crotch point. It is thus ensured that the wetting zone does not bend during use, whereby the absorption properties are not negatively affected.

The compression lines may be provided by compressing the core and optionally the liquid acquisition sheet and/or topsheet from the topsheet or backsheet side groove or line of the article with high pressure compression. In this way, all of the plies are embossed to further promote the curved nature of the article during use. Alternatively, the backsheet is not compressed.

The second region may include a central region extending symmetrically about the centerline and having a longer extension in the longitudinal direction than in the transverse direction, and a rear section extending longitudinally and symmetrically about the centerline is in contact with the central region. The central region and the posterior section are bounded by facing sides of the respective leg portions. Thus, the central region may provide at least a portion of the wet zone of the article.

The central region may include a weakened compression line extending along the centerline between the starting point and the central region endpoint. In this way, the bending of the central region longitudinally 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 50-110 mm. In this way, the liquid absorption properties in the wet zone of the article can be improved. The minimum width of the rear section bounded 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 the central region projects outwardly from the plane of the first region. In this way, a protrusion is provided which may be in contact with the genitals of the user in an easy manner during use.

The first zone may have a density of 150-220kg/m³Preferably 160-210kg/m³Absorbent materialAverage density of the material. The second region may have a density of 70-150kg/m³Preferably 80-130kg/m³The average density of the absorbent material (b). How the density is measured is described later in the detailed description referred to herein. How the density is measured is described later in the detailed description referred to herein. The lower density region provides for rapid ingress of liquid into the core, while the higher density provides for better liquid distribution and also allows for absorption of liquid in a repetitive manner. Thereby, the entire capacity of the core can be better utilized. The low density zone also makes it possible to omit the acquisition layer from the article.

The first region is suitably more compressed than the second region, and the first region is more rigid than the second region. Thereby, the first zone obtains a higher average density of absorbent material in at least a part of the first zone than in the second zone. In this way, the bending properties of the article can be controlled in a predetermined manner.

The higher average density of the absorbent material may be obtained by means of compressing and/or providing the first area with an embossed pattern covering at least a part of the first area, and wherein the second area is free of the embossed pattern. In this way, the article can be easily manufactured while the stiffness characteristics can be controlled in a desired manner.

The imprint pattern may include individual dots placed in a predetermined pattern. An aesthetically pleasing product may also be provided in this manner.

The disposable hygiene article may further comprise a liquid acquisition sheet positioned between the topsheet and the core. In this way, the liquid distribution characteristics can be improved. The liquid acquisition sheet may be comprised of an airlaid nonwoven having a grammage of 50-100gsm (grams per square meter). 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 provide different properties, for example by using air-laying or hydroentangling may provide thin products, while with high loft may provide more voluminous products.

The liquid acquisition sheet may have a greater extension 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 can be provided. Furthermore, the visual appearance of the article may be improved as the liquid acquisition sheet covers and in this way conceals the potentially uneven edges of the core.

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

The narrowest width of the first region of the core in the front portion in the transverse direction is suitably from 15 to 45 mm. In this way, the article may be anchored between the tendons of the user forming the part of the muscle group originating inside the pelvic diaphragm and having its attachments along the thighs. The 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 zone may be provided while bending of the article may be controlled.

The location of the minimum 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 anterior tip may be 40-80mm from the crotch point. It is thus ensured that the wetting zone does not bend during use, whereby the absorption properties are not negatively affected.

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

-feeding a layer of a liquid-permeable top sheet material, a layer of a liquid-impermeable back sheet material and a layer of an absorbent material arranged between the layer of top sheet material and the layer of back sheet material, and optionally a layer of an acquisition material arranged between the layer of top sheet material and the layer of absorbent material;

-forming the first and second regions of the core by: a further step of providing zones of the first areas by compressing the first areas more than the second areas and/or by embossing an embossing pattern into the core from the side of the topsheet layer, and providing first and second back-compression lines, wherein the lines diverge from each other in a direction towards the front edge of the core and each of the lines has a divergence angle of 15-60 ° with respect to the extension of the center, wherein the lines have an extension up to the respective first and second first area edge lines and/or the respective first and second core edge lines, and optionally further front-compression lines, each of which is provided from the topsheet or backsheet side of the core by means of high-pressure compression;

-optionally, providing a weakened compression line at the starting point a along the centre line₀And the central region endpoint a_eExtending therebetween.

In this method, the first zone may be formed prior to the joining of the backsheet to the absorbent core, the topsheet and optionally the liquid acquisition sheet of the article.

Further objects, features and advantages of the present disposable hygiene article and method for the manufacture of 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 example disposable hygiene article according to the present disclosure;

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

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

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a plan view of yet another example of a disposable hygiene article according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a plan view of yet another example of a disposable hygiene article according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a first region and a second region in a disposable hygiene article according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 shows a side view of the disposable hygiene article of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 schematically illustrates a plan view of a first area and a second area with highlighting of yet another example disposable hygiene article according to the present disclosure;

fig. 9 schematically illustrates an article according to the present disclosure when in use, i.e. when a bending force is applied to the article during use.

Detailed Description

The present disposable sanitary article is an absorbent article aimed at personal hygiene and may be, for example, a sanitary napkin, a panty liner, an incontinence pad or a diaper. Such articles are commonly used for the acquisition and storage of bodily discharges such as urine, feces, 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.

Each of fig. 1 to 6 and 8 shows a plan view of an embodiment of a disposable sanitary article 1 according to the present disclosure, the disposable sanitary article 1 being a sanitary napkin. All embodiments of the present disposable hygiene article 1 have a transverse direction x, a longitudinal direction y and a longitudinal centerline a as indicated. The article may be divided into mirrored first and second longitudinal portions I and II, wherein the longitudinal portions are symmetrical in shape. The expression "symmetrical with respect to 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; these two points are related to each other by reflection in a plane located on the longitudinal centerline a. For example, the portion of the first region 12 positioned on one side of the longitudinal centerline a is thus a mirror image of the portion of the first region 12 positioned 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 length b1 of the front portion, the length b2 of the crotch portion and the length b3 of the rear portion 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 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 front portion 2 has a length b1 in the longitudinal direction of between 10-50%, more preferably between 10-40%, most preferably between 15-25% of the total length b of the article 1. The length may be, for example, between 30-70mm, such as between 40-60 mm.

The crotch portion 3 of the article 1 is positioned 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 crotch portion 3 has a length b2 in the longitudinal direction which is between 25-60%, more preferably between 30-55%, most preferably between 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 a boundary region between the front portion 2 and the crotch portion 3.

The rear portion 4 is positioned at the opposite end of the article 1 to the front portion 2 and is positioned 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 rear portion 4 has a length b3 in the longitudinal direction of between 15-40%, more preferably between 20-35%, most preferably between 20-30% of the total length b of the article 1. The length b3 may be, for example, from 60 to 100mm, such as between 70-90 mm.

The disposable hygiene article of the present disclosure comprises an absorbent core, which is indicated with reference numeral 6 in the figures. 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 commonly occurring absorbent materials are cellulosic fluff pulp, tissue paper, superabsorbent polymers (so-called superabsorbents), absorbent foam materials, absorbent nonwoven materials or 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 (e.g., polysaccharides, polypeptides, and the like) as well as synthetic materials (e.g., synthetic hydrogel polymers). Such hydrogel polymers include, for example, alkali metal salts of polyacrylic acids, polyacrylamides, polyvinyl alcohols, polyacrylates, polyacrylamides, polyvinyl pyridines, 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. possesses 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. By the use of a large amount of superabsorbent material, a high absorption capacity is provided. Absorbent cores, which are common in for example sanitary napkins, baby diapers and incontinence guards, often 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.

In general, the core may be of unitary construction, whereby the manufacturing process may be simplified, for example. In the present context, the phrase "unitary construction" is intended to mean that the absorbent core is composed of substantially one type of material, which is substantially the same material, or a combination of two or more materials that are substantially the same, across the absorbent core. Variations in the density and concentration of the materials may occur, but these variations are limited to those that can be obtained without incorporating 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 portions of the core. However, the absorbent core of unitary construction does not comprise layers or laminates of different compositions. Similarly, variations in the density or concentration of the various components across the longitudinal, transverse, or thickness direction of the absorbent core are acceptable, but the core should not include zones or layers of different composition that are formed separately and subsequently joined together. An example of a method for the production of an absorbent core will be described below.

As shown in fig. 1 to 6 and fig. 8, 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 bounded in the front portion 2 by the core front edge 7 and in the rear portion 4 by the core rear edge 57. The outer contour defined by the core-side edges differs in each of the front portion 2, the crotch portion 3 and the rear portion 4.

The absorbent core 6 comprises a first region 12, which first region 12 is designed and arranged such that it is symmetrical 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 6, the first region 12 may have the same outer contour as the absorbent core 6. Alternatively, as shown in fig. 8, the core 6 has a greater extension in both the transverse direction x and the longitudinal direction y than the first region. In the embodiment shown in fig. 8, the first region back edge 37 is spaced from the core back edge 57, and correspondingly, the first region front edge 67 is spaced from the core front 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. 1-7, first zone edges 67, 37, 22, 23 correspond to core edges 7, 57, 8, and 9, respectively.

The first region 12 comprises a head portion 13 in the front portion 2 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 starting point a in the crotch portion 3₀Starting and extending across a part of the crotch portion 3 towards the separate leg ends 17, 18 in the back portion 4. The outer contour of the head 13 is defined by two substantially convex lines mirrored about the longitudinal centre line a. The convex lines converge to define a "neck" for the first region 12, i.e. to define a narrowest width M in the transverse direction x between the first and second first region edge lines 22, 23 for the first portion 12. The narrowest width M may be located atAt the location of the transition 5, the transition 5 is the area located between the front portion 2 and the crotch portion 3. Alternatively, the narrowest width M is located in the front part 2 and the transition 5 is located in the longitudinal direction at the narrowest width M and at the beginning a of the leg parts 15 and 16 of the core₀Between intersecting transverse lines.

As shown in the figures, the absorbent core 6 further comprises a second region 24. The leg portions 15 and 16 have facing sides 19, 20, which facing sides 19, 20 together with the first region rear edge 37 define the outer contour of the second region 24 of the core 6. The second region 24 includes a central region 25 and a rear section 38. A distance a exists between facing sides 19, 20 of the respective leg portions 15, 16 in the transverse direction x_x. Distance a_xVarying in the longitudinal direction y. The maximum distance a in the transverse direction x between the facing sides 19, 20 of the respective leg portions 15, 16₁In the crotch portion 3. This maximum distance is suitably positioned at a position corresponding to the position of the crotch point 21 in the longitudinal direction y. The "crotch point" is defined as the midpoint of the central region 25, which is located in the wet zone in the middle of the crotch portion 3 of the article. The wetting zone is the zone where the liquid is expected to initially impact the article. With regard to articles adapted to absorb blood (e.g., sanitary napkins), it has been found that the crotch point should be positioned at the point of contact with the vaginal orifice. The longitudinal distance between the transverse line at the transition 5 (which may correspond to the line drawn between the two points at which the first region 12 has its narrowest width M at the opposite edges of the core 6) and the crotch point is about 63mm when the user is seated, and about 67mm when the user is standing, from which an average distance of 65mm can be calculated. This distance is designated by the reference sign d in fig. 1 and 2_CPAnd (4) indicating. The wet zone can then be defined as a zone extending symmetrically from the crotch point 21 towards the edge of the article 1. For example, in the case of sanitary napkins, the wetting zone comprises the central region 25 and extends longitudinally from the crotch point 21 about 3-4cm towards the core front edge 7 and/or core back edge 57, respectively. Laterally, the wetting zone may extend from the side edge 8 to the side edge 9 of the core 6, but may be narrower. For example, the wetting zone may have an extension substantially corresponding to the extension of the central area 25. By providing a maximum width (i.e. maximum distance) between the leg portions 15, 16 of the central region 25 at the point of the crotch point 21) Improved liquid control in the wetting zone may be provided.

The facing sides 19, 20 of the respective leg portions 15, 16 converge rearwardly in the longitudinal direction y, such 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 in the transverse direction x between the leg portions 15, 16 and in the longitudinal direction y from a leg portion origin a in the crotch portion 3₀To a longitudinal end point a defining the extension of the leg portions 15, 16 in the rear portion 4₁. Starting point a of the support leg₀Positioned in the centre line a, so that a symmetrical leg shape can be provided in each longitudinal section I and II. The distance a in the transverse direction x between the facing sides 19, 20 of the respective leg portions 15, 16_xVarying in the longitudinal direction y. In this way, portions having different extensions in the transverse direction are provided to improve fit and absorption properties in the article. The facing sides 19, 20 of the respective leg portions 15, 16 converge rearwardly in the longitudinal direction y towards the article rear edge 47 of the article, such that said distance a_xFrom the maximum distance a₁Reduced to a minimum distance a₂. The minimum distance is preferably located outside the wet zone in the crotch portion and in the rear portion 4 of the article 1.

The central region 25 is positioned in the crotch portion 3 and the rear section 38 is positioned in the rear portion 4 of the article 1. The first region is highlighted in stripes in fig. 6 and 8 and the second region 24 is surrounded by the first region 12 except in the region of the first region back 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. Second region 24 is at leg start point a along centerline A₀And end point a in the rear portion 4_lThe length extending therebetween may vary greatly depending on the size of the article, but may be, for example, from 80 to 220 mm. The rear section 38 may have a length varying from 30 to 110mm, for example. The central region 25 may have a length varying from, for example, 50 to 110 mm. The rear section 38 has a narrower width or extension in the transverse direction x than the central region 25 or at least a part of the central region 25. The rear section 38 may haveA lower average density of absorbent material than the central region 25. Also, the article has a lower stiffness in the rear section 38 than in the first region 12. Alternatively, 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.

Generally, the absorbent core has an asymmetric shape in longitudinal extension, but the first and second longitudinal portions are symmetric about the centre line a in transverse extension. The core may have different shapes, but the circumferential edge 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 positioned in the front or in the 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 and thereby 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 this way, the article is easily held in the correct position during use. Figure 9 shows how the product bends in use.

In general, as described above, the core has a unitary construction that is produced in a one-step process of a common core material. The first and second regions mean regions of the core having different properties (i.e. different densities) and these regions may be embossed and/or printed with different designs, and the first region is more rigid than the second region. In this way, the first and second regions may be distinguished by means of different physical properties and visually. By the different properties in the zones, the fit of the product may be improved and/or the positioning of the product, for example on the underwear of the user, may be facilitated.

Fig. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 show examples of embodiments of disposable hygiene articles according to the present disclosure. In the figures, a disposable sanitary article 1 is shown comprising a core 6 having a first region 12 and a second region 24 substantially as described above. 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.

According to the embodiment shown in fig. 1, 3 and 5, the first rear compression line 61 and the second rear compression line 63 form a substantially V-shaped compression line comprising a common rear tip 62 where the lines 61, 63 meet. The rear tip 62 has an imaginary contact point a with the imaginary rear dividing line 340₈₀The imaginary rear dividing line 340 divides the article 1 into the crotch portion 3 and the rear portion 4.

Fig. 2 and 4 illustrate another embodiment of a post-compression line according to the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the first and second back compression lines 61, 63 are spaced apart from each other in the transverse direction x and thus do not have a common back 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 front edge 7 and the first region front edge 67. These lines have imaginary contact points with an imaginary rear dividing line 340, which imaginary rear dividing line 340 divides the article 1 into the crotch portion 3 and the rear portion 4. The lines 61, 63 further promote lateral bending of the rear portion towards the user's body during use and thereby further improve fit and how the article conforms to the user's body.

In all embodiments, the back compression line is substantially straight. The extension of the first post-compression line 61 with respect to the centre line a has a divergence angle alpha of 15-60 deg., suitably 30-45 deg.₂. The extension of the second back-compression line 63 with respect to the centre line a has an angle alpha with respect to the centre line a₂Identical but mirrored divergence angle alpha₃And divergence angle alpha₃Also 15-60 deg., suitably 30-45 deg.. 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 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 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 region 12, the first and second post-compression lines may extend up to the respective first core edge line 8 and second core edge 9.

Such an embodiment is shown in fig. 3, 4 and 5: wherein the absorbent article comprises in the first region 12 a V-shape forming a substantial upside down shape comprising a first leg 51, a second leg 53 and a common front tip 52. The tip 52 is positioned on the centre line a and has an imaginary contact point with an imaginary line 230, which imaginary line 230 divides the article 1 into the front part 2 and the crotch part 3. The first leg 51 and the second leg 53 are directed towards the first zone rear edge 37 at a mutual angle α of from 30 to 120 °, suitably 45 ° to 100 °₁Diverge and extend 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 first leg end point a₁₀And the end point a of the second support leg₂₀An imaginary line drawn in between preferably extends in the transverse direction x. The common tip 52 having an imaginary point of contact with the imaginary front dividing line 230 is positioned in contact with or at a small distance near an imaginary transverse line indicating the narrowest width M of the first region 12. The distance may be from 0 to 10 mm. The positioning of the front cusps 52 in this manner facilitates lateral bending of the article along the front section line 230 in a coordinated manner. The front dividing line 230 corresponds to the transition 5, i.e. the zone dividing the article into the front and crotch portions.

In case the transition 5 or transition zone corresponds to a region of the first region 12 where the first region has the narrowest width M, the transition 5 between the transverse and longitudinal edges is 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 region 12 may alternatively have its 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 apex 52 and may thus be longitudinally spaced apart from the narrowest width M in the transverse direction x towards the core rear edge 57 of the first region 12, for example by 0-10 mm. In the transition zone, the transition between the transverse and longitudinal edges may be defined as the point on the edge of the core at which the curvature of the transverse edge of the core with respect to the transverse direction is greatest.

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 back 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 more rigid in at least a portion of the first region 12 or in the entire first region 12 than the second region 24 of the absorbent core 6. In general, stiffness means the degree to which a material resists deformation in response to an applied force. The absorbent article is primarily subjected to bending forces exerted by the body and clothing of the user and the stiffer parts of the core are better able to withstand the bending forces than parts with lower stiffness. By providing the first region 12 of the core 6, centrally located and extending along the centre line a, with a higher average density and thus more rigid than the second region 24, the article can conform to the shape of the body while the first region better retains the original shape and thus provides robustness of shape retention of the article during 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. shape deformation and thus e.g. movement 0.7 of the article during use is minimized.

Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in fig. 4 and 5, the core 6 and its first region 12 further 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 73 extending and diverging from the common front tip 52 in the respective mirrored sections (I) and (II) towards the core front edge 7 and the first region front edge 67, respectively. The third leg 71 and the fourth leg 73 are at a mutual angle alpha of 30-120 deg., suitably from 45 deg. to 100 deg.₄Diverge and extend up to the respective first and second first region edge lines 22, 23 or up to the respective core edge lines 8, 9. The third leg 71 has a third leg end point a on the first region edge line 22₃₀And the fourth leg 73 has a fourth leg end on the second first region edge line 23Point a₄₀. At the third leg end point a₃₀And the end point a of the fourth supporting leg₄₀The line extending in between preferably extends in the transverse direction x. Thus, the legs 51, 53, 71 and 73 with the common tip 52 together form an X-shaped compression line. Preferably, the angle α₁And alpha₄Equal, but slight differences are possible, and thus the difference is suitably 0-10 °. Alternatively, the embodiment of fig. 2 and 3 need not include an additional V-shaped front compression line comprising a third leg 71 and a fourth leg 73. Furthermore, it may be possible to add an additional V-shaped front compression line comprising a third leg 71 and a fourth leg 73 to the embodiment shown in fig. 1.

A substantially upside down V-shape or V-shape means that the shape is symmetrical with respect to the centre line a or that the upside down V-shape or V-shape is slightly inclined with respect to the centre line a (e.g. 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 shape of the V is symmetrical, the end point a₁₀And a₂₀The line in between is transverse and not substantially inclined with respect to the transverse direction x. In a similar manner, endpoint a₆₀And a₇₀And endpoint a₃₀And a₄₀The lines in between are transverse. However, slight inclinations are possible, but the inclination of the line extending between the end points should be less than 5 °, i.e. 0-5 °, meaning that the end point a₁₀And a₂₀The inclination of the line in between with respect to the transverse extension x should be less than 5 deg.. Also, the length of the respective legs in the respective longitudinal portions may be different. The difference in length should be at most 10%. 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 from 36 to 44 mm.

The back and front compression lines 61, 63, 51, 53, 71 and 73 may be provided by means of compressing the core 6 and optionally the liquid acquisition sheet 36 and/or topsheet from the topsheet 30 or backsheet 31 side groove or line of the article at high pressure. The backsheet of the article may remain unaffected and thus the liquid impermeability of the backsheet is unaffected. The front compression line is positioned in contact with or in the vicinity of an imaginary transverse line M indicating the narrowest width of the core, and the smallest width M is positioned 0-10mm from the common front tip 52 in the longitudinal direction y. In this way, a further facilitated lateral bending of the front portion 2 towards the user is obtained, and thereby a bowl-shaped formation as shown in fig. 9 is obtained.

The second region 24, which comprises a central region 25 extending symmetrically about the centre line a, has a longer extension in the longitudinal direction y than in the transverse direction x. Suitably, the central region 25 has an elliptical shape or a parallelogram shape with edges positioned along the centre line a, and thus the central region 25 extends longitudinally and symmetrically about the centre line a. The second portion 24 further 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. Furthermore, the rear section 38 is limited by the facing sides 19, 20 of the respective legs 15, 16 and the first area rear edge 37.

As shown in fig. 1, 2 and 4, 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 weakened compression lines 250 may be present in all embodiments of the present disclosure and are not limited to those shown in fig. 1, 2, and 4. Central region endpoint a_eIs the point in the centerline a at which the shape defining the central region terminates, or is located just below, that end point. In this way, a lower resistance to the mechanical strength of the curved article may be provided, i.e. when forces from the thighs of the user act on the sides of the article in the central area 25. Thus, the central region can be bent towards the user's body along the centre line a in an easier way. Therefore, the feeling of security against leakage can be improved. The weakened compression lines 250 may be embossed from the side of the core facing the back sheet 31 where the central region 25 is bent towards the body of the user.

The absorbent article according to the present disclosure may further comprise a liquid acquisition sheet serving 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. In fig. 1, the liquid acquisition sheet is shown with reference numeral 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 produced from fluff, wood pulp, and here the fluff fibers are dispersed into a rapidly moving air stream and consolidated onto a moving screen by means of 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 (with an adhesive) or multiple bonded (a combination of thermal 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.

High loft 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. By "high loft" is meant a low density, bulky fabric as compared to a flat, paper-like fabric. High loft webs are characterized by relatively low densities. This means that there is a relatively high amount of void space between the fibers. The high loft nonwoven fibrous layer of the present invention may typically have less than 0.200g/cc (200 kg/m)³) In particular from 0.015g/cc to 0.150g/cc (15 kg/m)³To 150kg/m³) In particular in the range from 0.030g/cc to 0.100g/cc (30 to 100 kg/m)³) In the range of (1), e.g., 0.065g/cc (65 kg/m)³)。

The average density can be calculated by dividing the basis weight of the high loft layer by its thickness measured at a pressure of 0.5kPa (see further process details below). Typically, the high loft material has a thickness of greater than about 0.5mm, for example greater than 1mm, or suitably 1.5 to 2.0mm, and a low solids content, typically less than 15% by volume. The high loft nonwoven layer may advantageously be a spunmelt nonwoven. Spunmelt is a generic term describing the manufacture of nonwoven webs directly from thermoplastic polymers. It comprises two processes and a combination of both: spunlaid (also known as spunbond) nonwovens and meltblown nonwovens. In the spunlaid 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 can cause the filaments to adhere to each other, but this cannot be considered as the primary method of bonding. Spunlaid processes have the advantage of imparting greater strength to the nonwoven, but the raw material is more limited in flexibility. Coextrusion of the second component is used in several spunlaid processes, usually 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 a spinneret. This disperses the melt, solidifies it and breaks it down into a fibrous web. The liquid acquisition sheet material can be of a spunbond material and can be a spunbond-melt bond-spunbond (SMS) material. The high loft nonwoven layer may in particular have a thickness in the range from 0.3mm to 2.00mm, for example 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 for example be in the range from 15gsm to 500gsm, in particular in the range from 30gsm to 200gsm, such as 30-90gsm, for example 64 gsm.

According to a further variation, the acquisition sheet is a spunlace (also known as spunbond) nonwoven material. Hydroentangled nonwoven products result from a process of entangling a web of loose fibers by means of rows of water jets under high pressure; this process entangles the fabric and interconnects the fibers. There are several terms for hydroentangling nonwoven fabrics or hydroentangling, such as jet entangling, needle punching, hydroentangling or hydroentangling, but the terms hydroentangling or hydroentangling are the most popular terms in the nonwoven industry. The raw material for the acquisition sheet may be polypropylene (PP), Polyethylene (PE) Polyester (PET), Polyamide (PA), cellulose fibers or combinations of these, and different weights and compositions are possible, such as viscose, polyester, cotton, nylon and microfibers, with viscose being the most commonly used 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). The plastic film may, where appropriate, 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 x and longitudinal y extension of the core 6, as shown in fig. 1-6. In this way it is possible to obtain a soft side edge area. This means that the core is completely covered by the liquid acquisition sheet. The leakage control can be improved, in particular in the region of the core 6 having a narrow extension in the transverse direction x, for example in the region of the transition 5, as will be explained in more detail below. Leakage control is obtained in that the liquid acquisition sheet is able to capture at least a part of, for example, menstrual fluid in a zone outside the core, whereby this fluid will thus not leak outside the sanitary article.

Fig. 7 illustrates another example of a disposable hygiene article shown in accordance with the present disclosure. The article 1 comprises a core 6, the core 6 having a compressed first region 12, the compressed first region 12 having a higher stiffness and density 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 stiffness, 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 6, the first area 12 is comprised in the front portion 2, the crotch portion 3 and the back portion 4. The first region 12 comprises a starting point a in the longitudinal direction y of the article 1 from the crotch portion 3₀Two leg portions 15, 16 initially extending across the rest of the crotch portion 3 towards separate leg ends 17, 18 in the back portion 4. Thus, the two leg portions 15, 16 extend across a substantial part of the crotch portion 3 towards the separate leg ends 17, 18 and are symmetrically arranged with respect to the longitudinal centre line a of the article 1. Furthermore, each leg portion 15, 16 has a side 19, 20, i.e. an edge, facing the other leg portion 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 portions 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 of the respective leg portions 15, 16 closest to the longitudinal centerline a (i.e., the facing sides 19, 20) are not parallel to the longitudinal centerline a. Thus, the distance a_xExhibiting maxima and minima along 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. 1-6 and 8, the facing sides 19, 20 of the respective leg portions 15, 16 converge rearwardly in the longitudinal direction of the article 1, such that a distance a in the transverse direction x between the facing sides 19, 20 of the respective leg portions 15, 16_xMaximum distance a from the crotch part 3₁Reduced to a 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 in the rearward direction of the article 1 from the longitudinal direction₁At a position converging to a minimum distance a in the longitudinal direction of the rear portion 4₂The position at which it is located. According to another variant shown in fig. 8, 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. For example, the minimum distance a in the rear section 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 are also in the longitudinal directionConverge upwardly and forwardly 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 3₁Reducing to zero distance in the crotch portion 3. In other words, the facing sides 19, 20 of the respective leg portions 15, 16 are at a maximum distance a in the forward direction of the article 1 from the longitudinal direction₁At a position where they converge to two opposite side surfaces 19, 20 in the longitudinal direction, at a point a₀At the location of the junction. Thus, both facing sides 19, 20 of the respective leg portions 15, 16 are joined in the crotch portion 3. The location where the two opposing side surfaces 19, 20 are joined is marked as the leg start point a₀. The facing sides 19, 20 of the two leg portions 15, 16 are joined in the crotch portion 3 and the first region 12 does not comprise any leg portions in the transition 5 or in the front portion 2. In this way it can be ensured that the article will conform to the user's body 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 of the wearer on both sides of the crotch directly in front of the groin. These tendons form part of the muscle group originating inside the pelvic diaphragm and having its attachments along the thighs. The muscle group consists of adductor, long adductor, gracilis and great adductor. It is 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 term "transition between the front portion and the crotch portion" is intended herein to mean the region located 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 than the second region and is thus more rigid 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 in case the article is positioned with a transition 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 diverge in the forward direction from the transition 5 on the product in the front portion 3. The angle between a line in the longitudinal direction of the article 1 and each of the side edges 22, 23 of the head 13 has been marked with a in fig. 3. The angle alpha is measured where the angle between a line in the longitudinal direction of the article 1 and each of the side edges 22, 23 is greatest. In the case of a large angle α, for example close to 90 °, the side edges 22, 23 in the front portion 2 may scratch the groin and legs of the wearer and in this way cause discomfort to the wearer. The smaller the angle a, the greater the risk that the article 1 will slide backwards between the legs of the wearer. In the case of angles α smaller than 30 °, this risk is unacceptably high. An angle alpha of 40-70 deg. provides the best balance between safe 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 movement of the wearer's legs often deflects the sanitary napkin rearward. Due to the stiffness of the core 6 in the first region 12 at the width zone M, the core will not fold. If the width M exceeds 45mm, discomfort and scratching are likely to occur due to the higher rigidity of the first region 12.

As explained above, the second region 24 surrounded by the first region 12 is further constituted by a central region 25 extending between the facing sides 19, 20 of the leg portions 15, 16 and a rear section 38. The width of the rear section in the transverse direction x, in a direction orthogonal to said circumferential edge 7, is preferably greater than 5mm, more preferably 5-20 mm. According to the present disclosure, the absorbent core 6 has a lower average density in the second region 24 than in the first region 12. That is, the average density of the absorbent core 6 in the second region 24 is lower than the average density of the absorbent core 6 in the first region 12. Preferably, the second region 24 has a lowest density that is at least 20% lower, more preferably at least 30% lower and most preferably at least 50% lower than the density of the first region 12. Further, the average density within 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, the density of the fluff pulp in the first 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 are provided with different stiffness. If another absorbent material is used for the core 6 than fluff pulp, 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. The density of the rear section 38 may be equal to or lower 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 the respective zones can be calculated from the grammage and thickness of the respective zones 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 relatively high average polymer density.

As described above, the second region 24 is divided into the central region 25 and the rear section 38. The average density of the central region 25 and the rear section 38 may be the same or different. Further, the average density within each of the first region 12, the central region 25, and the rear section 38 may vary or be constant.

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 that extends 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 lower 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 the respective zones can be calculated from the grammage and thickness of the respective zones and is further described below.

Material should be present in the lower average density regions 25, 38-the situation 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 a sample of the absorbent core may be measured according to the following steps:

the absorbent article is carefully layered: any inner layer or backsheet is removed so as to leave only one unitary core.

-applying a pressure of 0.5kPa to the absorbent core via a foot of less than the area of the absorbent core sample whose density is to be measured, such that the foot is placed inside the zone to be measured.

The thickness of the sample was measured while being subjected to this pressure.

Cutting out samples of the density 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 zones from the surface weight and thickness. The average density (kg/m) was calculated by dividing the surface weight by the thickness³)。

The geometric design of the first regions 12 and the difference in average density and stiffness between the first regions 12 and the second regions 24 facilitates the formation of a favorable three-dimensional form of the article 1 when the article 1 is used. Fig. 6 and 8 schematically illustrate various regions 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 article 1 in the fitted position on the wearer is provided. The stability of the article 1 is for example provided by the high average density of the first region 12. The density difference may be obtained by means of compression. Alternatively or additionally, the density difference may be provided or facilitated by means of providing the first area with an imprint pattern. The embossed pattern is suitably visible from the side of the topsheet of the article. Preferably, the first area 12 includes a non-continuous embossed pattern 40 overlying the first area, and wherein the second area 24 is free ofThe pattern 40 is embossed as shown in fig. 6 and 8. The stripe region 12 in fig. 6 and 8 does not show the imprint pattern; in contrast, the stripes indicate only the embossed regions. By non-continuous is meant that the embossed pattern comprises dots of different shapes that do not touch each other. The embossed pattern may form a shape that gives a visual impression of a dotted line, a flower, a heart, etc. The dots can have any shape and include conventional shapes such as circles, squares (e.g., parallelograms), triangles. The size of the individual dots may be from, for example, 0.01mm²To 4mm²And (4) changing. The distance between the individual points, i.e. the distance to the nearest neighboring point in any direction, may for example be from 0.2 to 5 mm. By providing an embossed pattern, the first region in the core may be visualized while further promoting higher stiffness and density in this region. When the compression and the embossing are performed in the same step, a particularly facilitated stiffness and average density may be obtained.

In use, the transition 5 or transition zone 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 then facilitates 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. In the embodiment shown in fig. 8, the edge region 26 also comprises a core material, since the core has substantially the same extension as the liquid acquisition material. According to a further embodiment, the article does not comprise a liquid-acquisition material, but instead is a large core 6, which extends across the transverse and longitudinal extension of the first region 12, and thus the edge region 6 comprises a core covered with a topsheet 30 and a backsheet 31. In particular, the transverse compression of the longitudinal edges 26 of the core 6 between the tendons allows the front portion 2 and the second region 24 of the article 1 to be folded upwards towards the user, whereby the wet zone is raised and thus closer to the body, and an upper side forming "bowl" shape can be formed in the central crotch portion, see fig. 9. This allows a tighter, safer fit of the article 1. The predetermined shaping of the article 1 also reduces the risk of the article folding in an undesired manner, for example creating channels that may cause leakage.

The central region 25 is suitably thicker and softer than the first region 12. The central area 25 provides a pre-formed protrusion, i.e. a pre-formed protrusion is provided. This is shown in fig. 7. In addition, due to the fact that the absorbent core 6 has a lower average density in the second region 24 than in the first region 12 and 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 along the longitudinal centre line a in at least parts of the crotch portion 3 and the back portion 4 in use. Thereby, the pre-formed embossment in the central area 25 in at least part of the crotch portion 3 during use is further enhanced. 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 boss 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. In this way, discharged body fluid may be captured once it leaves the body of the wearer and is immediately absorbed into the article, rather than running off over the surface of the article. The rear section 38 and optional boss are received in the gap between the buttocks of the user. This reduces leakage from the rear of the article. More particularly, it provides good protection against leakage through the gap between the buttocks, which type of leakage normally occurs during use of conventional absorbent articles when the user is sitting or lying on his back.

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. It should be noted that although only slits 39 are shown in fig. 3, slits 39 may be present in all embodiments of an article according to the present disclosure that includes at least one compression line. The slit 39 means 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 the width may for example be from 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 thereby conform more effectively to the shape of the body. In this way, the second region will be able to be lifted towards the user's body when the user's legs 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 positioned from the rear portion 4 at a starting point a in the centre line a between the first area rear edge 37 and the core rear edge 57_startAnd (4) extending. The slits may extend up to the leg starting points a in the crotch portion 3₀. Preferably, the slits do not extend to the front portion 2 of the article, as the front portion is preferably curved mainly along the transverse bending axis. In this way, the front part will have a maximum extension in the lateral direction and will thus be able to cover the pubic region of the user.

By providing the slit 39 such that it extends at least partially along the length of the rear section 38, a certain 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. Folding of the rear section 38 in a controlled manner by means of the slits 39 between the buttocks of the user also promotes a secure fit, as lateral and longitudinal movement of the article during wear is reduced. The different densities in the first region and at least a portion of the second region cooperate with the slits 39 in the acquisition layer to provide the article with a form that follows the contours of the wearer's body even more closely. More particularly, the article is provided with a form that is shaped toward the labia during use. The side regions (i.e., edge regions 26) that include the acquisition layer may provide a soft edge to the article, which increases comfort.

Furthermore, since the width M of the first region 12 in the transition 5 substantially corresponds to the distance between the two mentioned tendons of the wearer, and the two side edges 22, 23 of the head 13 of the first region 12 diverge forward in the longitudinal direction from the transition 5, the absorbent article 1 can be securely anchored with the transition 5 between the tendons and held in this position during use. Thus, the front portion 2 of the article 1 is held in the region in front of the mentioned tendons, while the crotch portion 3 of the article 1 is effectively correctly positioned against the genitals of the wearer, as the slits 39 in the second region 24 allow the core material under the liquid acquisition sheet in the central region 25 to protrude upwards towards the body of the user when the legs of the user press the article from the side, whereby a better fit and thus comfort can be obtained 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. This is a common problem in conventional sanitary napkins even though the sanitary napkin is secured to the undergarment during use, as the wearer's leg movements often cause the sanitary napkin to deflect rearward.

In addition, the higher average density of the first region 12 suggests that it has greater liquid spreading capacity for rapid spreading of body fluids received from the wearer over the core 6. The higher average density of the first region 12 in the head 13 also promotes stability, i.e. it promotes the head 13 to remain extended and inhibits wrinkle formation.

A suitable technique for making the absorbent cores of the present disclosure is pad formation by an airlaid process. In this process a gas permeable mould is provided. The fibrous material is air-laid into the moulds and the moulds are filled, thereby producing an absorbent core in a desired amount of fibrous material.

After the absorbent core 6 is produced, it is pattern compressed so that an absorbent core having regions with different densities is produced. Compression may be performed using any known means. The average density of the fibrous material in the non-compressed absorbent core corresponds to the average density of the absorbent core in the region of 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 the core remains uncompressed in these regions.

Thus, the first region of the core is more compressed than the second region. The imprinting step of imprinting the pattern may be performed simultaneously with or subsequent to compressing the region 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.

In the effective mat-forming process today mat-forming wheels (mat-forming wheels) are used, as described in US4765780, SE9401542-7 and EP-a 2-1253231. The air-permeable moulds are evenly spaced around the periphery of the mat-forming wheel. The fibrous material (together with any other material that may be desired) is fed from a rolling mill (mill) by means of a blower and fed onto the mat-forming wheel via mat-forming covers (mat-forming covers). There may be more than one mat-forming hood per forming wheel and the concentration of the various ingredients may be different in different hoods.

In an alternative to forming in a mat-forming wheel, the absorbent core of the present invention may be produced by laying down fibrous material (together with any other material that may be desired) onto a web having a profile that ultimately gives a density difference to different parts of the web of material. The material may be prefabricated and rolled into rolls.

Alternatively, the absorbent core 6 may be produced by providing an air-permeable mould having the desired shape. The depth of the mold can vary depending on the amount of material required at each point. The fibrous material is air-laid into the mould and the mould is filled. The amount of fibrous material at certain points will vary due to differences in mold depth in the various zones. After the absorbent core is produced, it 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, zones of different densities can be established within the absorbent core 6. If desired, a mask or baffle (baffle) may be introduced in the pad formation process such that the fiber lay-up is higher in the unmasked areas than in the masked areas. Alternatively, the mold may have different pore densities and/or pore sizes in different regions of the mold. Thus, the flow of the fibrous material will be different in different zones of the mould. This allows further control over the average density of the material.

In addition to the absorbent core 6, the absorbent article 1 typically comprises (as shown in fig. 1) a topsheet 30 and a backsheet 31. The topsheet 30 is in direct contact with the wearer's body and therefore should be soft, comfortable and liquid pervious. 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 from 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 for example in EP- ｃA-1035818. Further 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 clothing and is liquid impermeable. The back sheet 31 refers to a liquid impermeable material forming the outer cover of the absorbent article 1. The backsheet may comprise a thin plastic film (e.g., a polyethylene or polypropylene film), a nonwoven material coated with a liquid impervious material, a hydrophobic nonwoven material that resists liquid penetration, or a laminate of a plastic film and a nonwoven material. Other laminates suitable for use as backsheets 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 liquid from passing through the backsheet material. Examples of breathable backsheet materials are porous polymeric films, nonwoven laminates of spunbond and meltblown layers and laminates of porous polymeric films and nonwoven materials. Preferably, the backsheet 31 comprises a nonwoven material in at least its garment-facing surface.

In the production method, a liquid-permeable top sheet material layer, a liquid-impermeable back sheet material layer and an absorbent material layer are fed to a manufacturing apparatus. The core is arranged to be located between the topsheet material layer and the backsheet material layer. The acquisition material layer is arranged to be located between the topsheet material layer and the absorbent material layer. The slits 39 are formed to the acquisition layer material with a predetermined gap by means of a knife. The core is formed as described above.

The topsheet 30 and the backsheet 31 and the acquisition sheet 36 may each extend with edge portions around the absorbent core 6 outside the core. The topsheet and the backsheet and optionally the acquisition sheet may be interconnected 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 back sheet may extend outwardly in the transverse direction to form flexible side flaps 32 or "fins" in the area of the crotch portion 3. The side flaps 32 are intended to be arranged around the crotch portion on the underwear of the wearer. Furthermore, the side flaps 32 are suitably provided with an adhesive coating (not shown) on the back sheet 31, by means of which adhesive coating the fins 32 can be attached to the briefs around the crotch portion.

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

Furthermore, in an alternative embodiment, the absorbent article 1 may comprise only the backsheet 31, i.e. not the 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 liner and the back sheet.

The absorbent article 1 as defined above may comprise any attachment means known in the art that allows fastening to the undergarment of the wearer. Such means may include an adhesive coating or a friction coating on the garment-facing surface of the article. Furthermore, as mentioned above, the article 1 according to the invention may comprise attachment flaps ("fins") extending in the transverse direction of the article 1 and intended to be arranged around the crotch portion on the underwear of the wearer. 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 is also applicable to other absorbent articles, such as diapers, incontinence pads, or pantiliners. For example, application of the present invention to diapers would provide similar benefits in terms of comfort, fit, and leakage prevention.

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