阅读说明：本技术 带有弹性元件的吸收垫 (Absorbent pad with elastic element ) 是由 H·斯文松 L·勒恩 C·比约克伦德 于 2019-05-29 设计创作，主要内容包括：本文公开的吸收垫(1)具有第一和第二纵向垫侧边缘(2,3)及垫前端边缘和后端边缘(4,5)。吸收垫(1)包括流体可透的顶片(6)、背片(7)及包括定位在顶片(6)与背片(7)之间的第一芯层(18)的吸收芯(8)。吸收芯(8)具有第一和第二纵向侧边缘(8a,8b)及前端边缘和后端边缘(8c,8d)。吸收芯(8)在其纵向方向(L)上具有前部(9)、后部(10)及定位在前部(9)与后部(10)之间的中间部(11),前部(9)、后部(10)和中间部(11)具有相等长度。弹性元件(12,13)被设置在流体可透的顶片(6)与背片(7)之间在相应的纵向芯侧边缘(8a,8b)的外侧。沿着吸收芯(8)的在吸收芯(8)的纵向方向(L)上延伸的长度(l),吸收芯(8)在前部(9)和中间部中的宽度(w)变化不多于25mm。相应弹性元件(12,13)各自沿前部(9)的至少一部分以及在中间部(10)的至少30％之上延伸。(The absorbent pad (1) disclosed herein has first and second longitudinal pad side edges (2, 3) and pad front and rear end edges (4, 5). The absorbent pad (1) comprises a fluid permeable top sheet (6), a back sheet (7) and an absorbent core (8) comprising a first core layer (18) positioned between the top sheet (6) and the back sheet (7). The absorbent core (8) has first and second longitudinal side edges (8a, 8b) and front and rear end edges (8c, 8 d). The absorbent core (8) has in its longitudinal direction (L) a front portion (9), a rear portion (10) and an intermediate portion (11) positioned between the front portion (9) and the rear portion (10), the front portion (9), the rear portion (10) and the intermediate portion (11) having equal lengths. Elastic elements (12, 13) are arranged between the fluid-permeable top sheet (6) and the back sheet (7) outside the respective longitudinal core side edges (8a, 8 b). The width (w) of the absorbent core (8) in the front portion (9) and in the intermediate portion varies by no more than 25mm along the length (L) of the absorbent core (8) extending in the longitudinal direction (L) of the absorbent core (8). The respective elastic elements (12, 13) each extend along at least a portion of the front portion (9) and over at least 30% of the intermediate portion (10).)

1. An absorbent pad (1) having first and second longitudinal pad side edges (2, 3) and pad front and back end edges (4, 5) and comprising a fluid permeable top sheet (6), a back sheet (7) and an absorbent core (8) comprising a first core layer (18) positioned between the top sheet (6) and the back sheet (7), the absorbent core (8) having first and second longitudinal side edges (8a, 8b) and front and back end edges (8c, 8d), the absorbent core (8) having in its longitudinal direction (L) a front portion (9), a back portion (10) and an intermediate portion (11) positioned between the front portion (9) and the back portion (10), the front portion (9), the back portion (10) and the intermediate portion (11) having equal length, wherein elastic elements (12, 13) are provided between the fluid permeable top sheet (6) and the back sheet (7) in the respective longitudinal directions Outside of the core side edges (8a, 8b), characterized in that along the length (L) of the absorbent core (8) extending in the longitudinal direction (L) of the absorbent core (8), the width (w) of the absorbent core (8) in the front portion (9) and in the middle portion varies by no more than 25mm, and that the respective elastic elements (12, 13) each extend along at least a part of the front portion (9) and over at least 30% of the middle portion (10).

2. The absorbent pad (1) according to claim 1, wherein the absorbent pad (1) has absorbent material free gaps positioned between the respective elastic elements (12, 13) and the absorbent core (8).

3. The absorbent pad (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the topsheet (6) is directly attached to the backsheet (7) in the gaps without absorbent material positioned between the respective elastic elements (12, 13) and the absorbent core (8).

4. The absorbent pad (1) according to any of claims 1-3, wherein the front end (12a, 13a) of each elastic element (12, 13) is contiguous or adjacent to the respective longitudinal core side edge (8a, 8 b).

5. The absorbent pad (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein along a length of the first core layer (18) extending in the longitudinal direction (L), a width (w) of the first core layer (18) arranged in the front portion (9) and in the middle portion of the absorbent core (8)₁) The variation is 20mm or less, optionally the first core layer (18) varies 25mm or less along the entire length of the first core layer (18).

6. The absorbent pad (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the absorbent core (8) comprises a second core layer (28) positioned between the top sheet (6) and the back sheet (7), optionally between the top sheet (6) and the first core layer (18).

7. The absorbent pad (1) according to claim 6, wherein the second core layer (28) extends in at least a portion of the front portion (9) and the intermediate portion (11) of the absorbent core (8), and wherein the second core layer (28) has a length that is shorter than the length of the first core layer (18).

8. The absorbent pad (1) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the respective elastic elements (12, 13) extend laterally outside the widest part of the second core layer (28) arranged in the front portion (9) of the absorbent core (8), as seen in the transverse direction (T).

9. The absorbent pad (1) according to any of claims 6-8, wherein the width (w) of the second core layer (28) is along a length of the second core layer (28)₂) Varies by less than 25mm, optionally varies by less than 10mm along a length of the second core layer (28).

10. The absorbent pad (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each region in the back portion (10) of the absorbent core (8) outside the respective longitudinal core side edge (8a, 8b) and between the topsheet (6) and the backsheet (7) is free of elastic elements.

11. The absorbent pad (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the absorbent core (8) has a thickness of 4mm or more in the area arranged between the elastic elements (12, 13), the thickness measurement being made with a 5.0 x 5.0cm square panel under a load of 0.5 kpa.

12. The absorbent pad (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the elastic elements (12, 13) each have an extension in the longitudinal direction (L) of from 20% to 50% of the total length of the absorbent core (8) as measured when the elastic elements (12, 13) are in a relaxed state.

13. The absorbent pad (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the length (L) in the longitudinal direction between the front end edge (12a, 13a) of the respective elastic element (12, 13) and the front end edge (8c) of the absorbent core (8) can be no more than 66% of the total length of the front portion (9) of the absorbent core (8).

14. The absorbent pad (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the front end edge (12a, 13a) of the respective elastic element (12, 13) is located no more than 20mm further away from the front end edge (8c) of the absorbent core (8) than the front end edge of the second core layer (28), as seen in the longitudinal direction (L) of the absorbent core (4).

15. The absorbent pad (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the back sheet (7) is provided with adhesive means on its garment facing side.

16. The absorbent pad (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the absorbent pad (1) is an overnight pad.

17. The absorbent pad (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the topsheet (6) is printed in a printed central absorbent region (14) arranged over the front portion (9), the rear portion (10) and the intermediate portion (11) of the absorbent core (8), the printed central absorbent region (14) being provided with a first printed pattern (15) comprising first printed elements (16).

18. The absorbent pad (1) according to claim 17, wherein the printed central absorbent region (14) is surrounded by a printed contour line (17) following the contour of the central absorbent region (14).

19. The absorbent pad (1) of claim 17, wherein the printed central absorbent region (14) has a varying lateral width (w)_p) Wherein the portion arranged in the transition between the front portion (9) and the intermediate portion (11) of the absorbent core (8) is narrower than the lateral width of the rest of the printed central absorbent region (14), and wherein the lateral width (w) in the narrowest section is narrower than the lateral width (w) in the rest of the printed central absorbent region (14)_p) From 50% to 80% of the widest section of the absorbent core (8).

20. The absorbent pad (1) according to any of claims 16-18, wherein the topsheet (6) comprises a printed peripheral security zone (19) arranged at least over the rear portion (10) of the absorbent core (8), the printed peripheral security zone (19) being provided with a second printed pattern (20) comprising second printed elements (21), and wherein the degree of coverage of the second printed pattern (20) is at least 30% greater than the degree of coverage of the first printed pattern (15).

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to an absorbent pad comprising a fluid permeable topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core, and wherein elastic elements are arranged between the fluid permeable topsheet and the backsheet outside the respective longitudinal side edges of the absorbent core.

Background

The kind of absorbent pad worn inside ordinary underpants includes an absorbent napkin or an absorbent pad for adult incontinence or women.

These towels or pads are generally provided with an absorbent core to receive and retain bodily fluids. The absorbent core may be shaped, such as, for example, having an hourglass shape or curved longitudinal edges, to indicate proper positioning of the absorbent pad in the crotch region of the user. However, during the formation and cutting of the absorbent core from the web of material, the formed absorbent core may be connected with a higher amount of material spillage.

The absorbent pad may be provided with elastic elements along the longitudinal edges for shaping and forming the absorbent article during use. This may be of particular concern for absorbent pads intended for nighttime use or heavy bladder leaks, which may receive a higher amount of liquid and rapid insult of bodily fluid to reduce the risk of lateral leakage.

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an improved absorbent pad which is simple and cost effective to manufacture, but which still has improved absorption properties.

Disclosure of Invention

One or more of the above objects can be achieved by an absorbent pad according to claim 1. Further embodiments are set forth in the dependent claims, in the following description and in the drawings.

The absorbent pad according to the invention has first and second longitudinal pad side edges and a pad front end edge and a pad rear end edge. The absorbent pad comprises a fluid permeable topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core comprising a first core layer positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent core has first and second longitudinal side edges and front and back end edges. The absorbent core has a front portion, a rear portion and an intermediate portion positioned between the front portion and the rear portion in its longitudinal direction, the front portion, the rear portion and the intermediate portion having equal lengths. Elastic elements are disposed between the fluid permeable topsheet and backsheet outboard of the respective longitudinal core side edges. The width of the absorbent core in the front and middle portions varies by no more than 25mm along a certain length of the absorbent core extending in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent core. The respective elastic elements each extend along at least a portion of the front portion of the absorbent core and along at least 30% of the middle portion of the absorbent core.

Optionally, the width of the absorbent core varies by no more than 25mm along the entire length of the absorbent core, i.e. the width of the absorbent core varies by no more than 25mm along the front, middle and back portions of the absorbent core.

When producing absorbent cores for absorbent articles, a web of absorbent material, such as for example fluff fibers, fluff fibers mixed with superabsorbent particles, nonwoven material or any other absorbent material suitable for use in absorbent cores in absorbent pads, may be cut into a predetermined shape. For a rectangular absorbent core, there is generally no spillage of material during the cut manufacturing process. However, for shaped absorbent cores, the spillage can be relatively high. Thus, with an absorbent core having a width in the front and middle portions which varies by no more than 25mm along a certain length of the absorbent core extending in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent core, the material spillage is low.

It is also possible to produce absorbent cores for absorbent articles based on a core forming drum comprising a rotating cylinder. A number of core molds may be arranged along the circumference of the cylinder. The supply of cellulose fluff pulp, optionally mixed with superabsorbents, can be arranged above the drum in such a way that: such that the material fills the core mold as it passes the location of the supply during rotation of the cylinder. To assist in this process, a vacuum chamber including a vacuum source may be disposed in the cylinder to draw air through the core mold.

The width of the absorbent core in the front and middle portions may vary from 3mm up to 25mm along a certain length of the absorbent core extending in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent core. Optionally, the width of the absorbent core varies from 3mm up to 25mm along the entire length of the absorbent core. This varying width can provide an absorbent core for which material spillage is low during production, but which can still improve fit of the pad in the crotch region. One example is if the absorbent core has a varying transverse width, wherein a section somewhere in the transition area between the front portion and the intermediate portion is narrower than the transverse width of other parts of the absorbent core.

Alternatively, the width of the absorbent core may vary from 0 to 25mm along a length of the absorbent core, or from 0 to 25mm along the entire length of the absorbent core. Optionally, the width of the absorbent core varies by no more than 20mm, 10mm, 5mm or 2mm along a certain length of the absorbent core or along the entire length of the absorbent core. The width of the absorbent core may be substantially rectangular. By substantially rectangular it is meant that the width of the absorbent core may vary by no more than 3mm along the length of the absorbent core.

The area between the fluid permeable topsheet and the backsheet and outside the respective longitudinal core side edges of the back portion of the core may be free of elastic elements.

The fact that the elastic elements are arranged between the fluid-permeable top sheet and back sheet outside the respective longitudinal core side edges and over at least a part of the front portion and over at least 30% of the middle portion provides elasticity to the longitudinal edges at the front portion and the middle portion of the absorbent core, which contributes to the shaping of the absorbent pad into a cup shape in the transition between the front portion and the middle portion. This has been found to significantly reduce side leakage. Furthermore, since the absorbent pad is substantially rectangular, the fact that the elastic elements are arranged outside and along the longitudinal edges of the front portion of the absorbent core provides an indication as to the correct placement of the absorbent pad in the front and back sections of the absorbent pad. The fact that the elastic elements are closer to the front end edge than to the rear end edge provides the user with a visual cue of a longer absorbent pad having a longer rear end. This may provide the user with a sense of security regarding leakage from the rear end of the absorbent pad. For overnight pad users, there may often be a concern that the product will leak at the back end. This can cause disturbing sleep, for example due to fear of sleeping in certain positions or waking up repeatedly during the night to ensure that there has been no leakage from the mat.

By transition zone between the front portion and the intermediate portion is meant a zone covering the rear section of the front portion and/or the front section of the intermediate portion, such as for example a zone extending 25mm or 10mm from the transition line between the front portion and the intermediate portion in a direction towards the edge of the front core, or a zone extending 25mm or 10mm towards the edge of the rear core.

A further advantage of arranging the elastic element closer to the front end edge of the absorbent core than to the rear end edge of the absorbent core is that the rear portion of the absorbent core and the rear portion of the absorbent pad are flattened (flattened out) and the risk of the rear portion being folded or displaced is reduced, whereas the front/middle section is provided bowl-shaped for improved leakage security.

The respective elastic elements may optionally extend along at least 40% of the middle portion of the absorbent core, as seen from the transition between the front portion and the middle portion and towards the rear portion. Alternatively, the respective elastic element may optionally extend along at least 50% of the central portion of the absorbent core or at least 60% of the central portion of the absorbent core. Optionally, the respective elastic elements do not extend along more than 95% of the central portion of the absorbent core.

Optionally, in a rear section of the intermediate portion, outside the respective longitudinal core side edge, at least 10% of the length of the intermediate portion is free of elastic elements.

The absorbent pad may have absorbent material-free gaps positioned between the respective elastic elements and the absorbent core.

The fact that there are gaps free of absorbent material positioned between the respective elastic elements and the absorbent core promotes the formation of a more pronounced bowl shape of the absorbent pad, since the gaps free of absorbent material are more easily raised and thereby form side walls along the longitudinal side edges of the absorbent core.

The front end of each elastic element may also be contiguous with or adjacent to the respective longitudinal core side edge.

In the gaps between the respective elastic elements and the absorbent core, which are free of absorbent material, the topsheet may be directly attached to the backsheet. This may stabilize the bowl shape and the material provided along the outer edge of the absorbent core.

Optionally, the front end of each elastic element is contiguous or adjacent to the respective longitudinal core side edge. By adjacent is meant that the length in the transverse direction between the front end of the elastic element and the longitudinal core side edge is 3-0.5mm or 2-0.5mm, which means that the gap between the respective elastic element and the absorbent core, which gap is free of absorbent material, is also 3-0.5mm or 2-0.5 mm.

Optionally, the width of the first core layer arranged in the front and middle portions of the absorbent core varies by 25mm or less along a certain length of the first core layer extending in the longitudinal direction. Optionally, the first core layer varies by 25mm or less along the entire length of the first core layer. The outer contour of the absorbent core may correspond to the outer contour of the first core layer.

The absorbent core may comprise a second core layer positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet. Optionally, the second core layer is positioned between the topsheet and the first core layer. The second core layer may have a smaller surface area than the first core layer and the absorbent core, and the first and second longitudinal side edges of the second core layer may be disposed laterally inward of the first and second side edges of the absorbent core. Optionally, the width of the second core layer varies from 0-25mm along a length of the second core layer, or varies from 0-25mm along the entire length of the second core layer. Optionally, the width of the second core layer varies less than the width of the first core layer, for example, no more than 25mm, 10mm, 5mm, or 2mm along a length of the second core layer or along the entire length of the second core layer. The second core layer may be substantially rectangular.

The second core layer may extend over at least a portion of the front and middle portions of the first core layer, and wherein the second core layer has a shorter length than the first core layer. The first and second longitudinal side edges of the second core layer may be disposed inwardly of the first and second side edges of the absorbent core. Since the absorbent core comprises both the first and the second core layer in the transition region between the front portion and the intermediate portion, this region may be relatively thick. The fact that the elastic elements are arranged closer to the front end edge of the absorbent core promotes better shaping of the absorbent article at the desired region, since a thicker absorbent core would otherwise make this region more difficult to shape.

Optionally, the width of the second core layer varies from 0-25mm along a length of the second core layer, or from 0-25mm along the entire length of the second core layer. Optionally, the width of the second core layer varies less than the width of the first core layer. Optionally, the second core layer is substantially rectangular. By substantially rectangular it is meant that the width of the second core layer varies by no more than 3mm along its length.

The absorbent core may have rounded front and rear end edges which, when defining a "generally rectangular" shape, are not considered part of the core length.

The thickness of the absorbent pad in the region of the absorbent core comprising the first and second core layers may for example be 4mm or more, for example from 4mm to 25mm, the thickness measurement being made with a 5.0 x 5.0cm square panel under a load of 0.5 kPa.

The absorbent pad may have a thickness of 4mm or more, for example from 4mm to 25mm, in the area between the elastic elements, the thickness measurement being made with a 5.0 x 5.0cm square sheet under a load of 0.5 kPa.

The respective elastic element extends laterally outside the widest part of the front portion of the second core layer, as seen in the transverse direction. Such an arrangement promotes better shaping of the absorbent article, since a larger width of the absorbent core would otherwise make this area more difficult to shape.

Optionally, the width of the second core layer varies by less than 25mm along a length of the second core layer, or varies by less than 25mm along the entire length of the second core layer. Optionally, the width of the second core layer varies less than the width of the first core layer, e.g. not more than 10mm, or 5mm along the length/of the second core layer extending in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent core or along the entire length of the second core layer.

Optionally, each of the regions between the topsheet and the backsheet and along the rear portion of the absorbent core outside the respective longitudinal core side edge is free of elastic elements.

The elastic element may have a length in the longitudinal direction of from 20% to 50% of the total length of the absorbent core, as measured when the elastic element is in a relaxed state.

The length in the longitudinal direction between the front end edge of the respective elastic element and the front end edge of the absorbent core may be no more than 66% of the total length of the front portion of the absorbent core. Such an arrangement promotes better shaping of the pad in the front section of the pad and indicates to the user which parts are the front and rear of the article, which might otherwise be a problem for absorbent pads having a rather rectangular shape.

Alternatively, the length in the longitudinal direction between the front end edge of the respective elastic element and the front end edge of the second core layer may be no more than 20% of the total length of the front portion of the absorbent core.

Optionally, the backsheet is provided with adhesive means on its garment facing side. For an absorbent pad provided with adhesive means on its garment facing side and intended to be attached to the undergarment of the wearer, there is a risk that the rear portion of the absorbent pad folds on itself in the rear section and that the different adhesive sections of the backsheet stick together instead of adhering to the undergarment. The fact that the elastic elements are arranged more towards the front of the absorbent pad is that the rear portion of the absorbent core and the rear portion of the absorbent pad are flattened and the risk of the rear portion being folded or displaced is reduced, while the front/middle section is provided bowl-shaped for improved leakage security.

The absorbent pad may be an over-night pad.

The topsheet may be printed in a printed central absorbent region disposed over the front, back and middle portions of the absorbent core. The printed central absorbent region may be provided with a first printed pattern comprising a first printing element. The printed central absorbent region may have a varying transverse width, as seen from above, with the narrow portions of the printed central absorbent region bordering the transition between the front portion and the middle portion of the core. The narrow portion is narrower than the lateral width of the rest of the central absorbent region and the lateral width in the narrowest section is from 50% to 80% of the widest section of the absorbent core.

When measuring the width of the printed central absorption zone, a line is drawn around the first printed design along the outermost first printed element and thereby forming an outer contour line.

The fact that the absorbent core has a rectangular or modified rectangular shape at least in the front and middle portions may cause great difficulties for the user in identifying the front and back portions of the absorbent pad. However, when the lateral width of the printed central absorbent region is narrower in a portion of the top sheet arranged above the transition of the front and middle portions, this gives the user the impression of the shaped article and thereby supports the correct placement of the article, e.g. which portion of the absorbent pad is intended to be arranged in a position level with the tendons, and also the direction in which the absorbent pad is intended.

The printed central absorbent region may be surrounded by a printed outline(s) that follows the outline of the central absorbent region. This printing further accentuates the contour of the central absorbent region, and it further accentuates which part of the absorbent pad is intended to be arranged in a position horizontal to the tendons, and thereby accentuates the direction in which the absorbent pad is intended.

The topsheet may be provided with a printed peripheral security zone arranged at least over the rear portion of the absorbent core. The printed perimeter security zone comprises a second printed pattern comprising a second printing element, and the coverage of the second printed pattern may be at least 30% greater than the coverage of the first printed pattern. The printed peripheral security zone may also be arranged in the topsheet over the front and/or intermediate portion of the absorbent core. The printed peripheral security zone may surround the printed central absorbent region on each of the front, middle and back portions of the absorbent core.

The degree of coverage can be measured by measuring in relatively concentrated areas within the pattern over an area of 20 x 20mm within the corresponding printed pattern.

The coverage of the first printed pattern may be from 5% or more, optionally from 5% to 25%.

The coverage of the second printed pattern may be from 10% or more, optionally between 10% and 55%.

Drawings

The invention will be further explained hereinafter, by way of non-limiting examples, and with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a top plan view of an absorbent pad disclosed herein, an

Fig. 2 shows a top plan view of an absorbent pad provided with a printed pattern as disclosed herein.

Detailed Description

The invention will be described in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth in the drawings and the description thereof.

Fig. 1 schematically shows an absorbent pad 1 according to the present disclosure. The absorbent pad 1 has first and second longitudinal pad side edges 2, 3 and pad front and back end edges 4, 5. The absorbent pad 1 comprises a fluid permeable top sheet 6, a back sheet 7 and an absorbent core 8, the absorbent core 8 comprising a first core layer 18 positioned between the top sheet 6 and the back sheet 7. The absorbent core 8 has first and second longitudinal side edges 8a, 8b and front and rear end edges 8c, 8 d. The absorbent core 8 has a front portion 9, a rear portion 10 and an intermediate portion 11 positioned between the front portion 9 and the rear portion 10 in its longitudinal direction L. The front portion 9, the back portion 10 and the intermediate portion 11 have equal lengths, i.e. 1/3 each occupying the length of the absorbent core. Outside each respective longitudinal core side edge 8a, 8b, the absorbent pad 1 is provided with elastic elements 12, 13. Elastic elements 12, 13 are arranged between the fluid permeable top sheet 6 and the back sheet 7.

The absorbent core 8 further comprises a second core layer 28 positioned between the topsheet 6 and the first core layer 18. The second core layer 28 has a smaller surface area than the first core layer 18 and the second core layer 28 has a length which is shorter than the length of the first core layer 18, and the first and second longitudinal side edges of the second core layer 28 are disposed laterally inwardly of the respective first and second longitudinal side edges 8a, 8b of the absorbent core 8.

The absorbent core 8 shown in fig. 1 has a slightly curved shape, but the width w of the absorbent core 8 in the front 9 and middle varies by no more than 25mm, e.g. no more than 25mm, along the length L of the absorbent core 8 extending in the longitudinal direction L of the absorbent core 810 mm. This means that the widest width of the absorbent core is no more than 25mm, optionally no more than 10mm wider than the narrowest width of the absorbent core as measured in the transverse direction T of the absorbent pad 1. Since the contour of the first core layer 18 corresponds to the contour of the absorbent core 8, the first core layer 18 has a slightly curved shape, the first core layer 18 having a width w₁Along the length L of the first core layer 18 extending in the longitudinal direction L of the absorbent core 8, the width w₁The variation is not more than 25mm, for example not more than 10 mm. The second core layer 28 also has a width w₂Along the length L of the first core layer 18 extending in the longitudinal direction L of the absorbent core 8, the width w₂The variation is not more than 25mm, for example not more than 10 mm. Width w of the second core layer 28₂May vary less than the width w of the first core layer 18₁For example along the length L of the second core layer 28 extending in the longitudinal direction L of the absorbent core 8, does not vary more than 5 mm.

The topsheet 6 may comprise or consist of a fibrous nonwoven layer(s) of spunbond, meltblown, carded, spunlaced, wet laid, etc. Suitable nonwoven materials may consist of: natural fibers such as wood pulp or cotton fibers; synthetic thermoplastic fibers such as polyolefins, polyesters, polyamides, and blends and combinations thereof; or a mixture of natural and synthetic fibers. Materials suitable as topsheet materials should be soft and non-irritating to the skin and be readily penetrated by body fluids, such as urine or menstrual fluid. The topsheet material may consist essentially of synthetic thermoplastic fibers such as polyolefins, polyesters, polyamides, and blends and combinations thereof. The synthetic fibers may be monocomponent, bicomponent, or multicomponent fibers including polyesters, polyamides, and/or polyolefins such as polypropylene and polyethylene.

The absorbent core 8 may be of any conventional kind. Examples of commonly occurring absorbent materials are cellulosic fluff pulp, tissue layers, highly absorbent polymers (so-called superabsorbents), absorbent foam materials, absorbent nonwoven materials or the like. It is common to combine cellulosic fluff pulp with superabsorbents in absorbent structures. Also common are absorbent structures comprising layers of different materials having different properties with respect to liquid acquisition capacity, liquid distribution capacity and storage capacity. Components for improving various characteristics of the absorbent core may also form part of the absorbent core. Examples of such components are binding fibers, various types of fluid dispersion layers or fibers, dimensionally stabilizing components, reinforcing fibers or similar components. This is well known to the person skilled in the art and therefore does not have to be described in detail. The thin absorbent bodies common in today's sanitary articles usually comprise a compressed mixed or layered structure of cellulosic fluff pulp and superabsorbents. The size and absorbent capacity of the absorbent structure may be varied to suit different uses, such as sanitary articles, panty liners, adult incontinence pads and diapers, baby diapers, pant diapers, etc.

The backsheet 7 may consist of a thin plastic film, for example a polyethylene or polypropylene film, a nonwoven material coated with a liquid impervious material, a hydrophobic nonwoven material resistant to liquid penetration. Laminates of plastic films and nonwovens may also be used. The backsheet material may be breathable so as to allow vapour to escape from the absorbent structure, while still preventing liquids from passing through the backsheet material.

The elastic elements 12, 13 may consist of one or more elastic threads, elastic bands, elastic films and/or elastic foams.

As can be seen in the figure, the respective elastic elements 12, 13 each extend along at least a part of the front portion 9 and over at least 30% of the intermediate portion 10, for example over almost 90% of the intermediate portion 10 in the figure, leaving the part along the intermediate portion of the absorbent core closest to the rear end edge of the absorbent pad free of elastic elements 12, 13. The elastic elements 12, 13 are arranged at a distance from the longitudinal side edges 8a, 8b of the absorbent core 8 such that there are gaps located between the absorbent core 8 and the elastic elements 12, 13 which are free of absorbent material. Furthermore, the elastic elements 12, 13 extend laterally outside the widest part in the front portion 9, as seen in the transverse direction T of the second core layer (28).

Fig. 2 shows the absorbent pad 1 from fig. 1, but with a top sheet 6 printed with a first print pattern 15 and a second print pattern 20. The topsheet 6 may comprise one or several layers and may also comprise a so-called acquisition layer. Printing may be provided on any of these layers. The topsheet 6 is printed with a first printed pattern 15 in a printed central absorbent region 14, which printed central absorbent region 14 extends over the front portion 9, the rear portion 10 and the intermediate portion 11 of the absorbent core 8. The printed central absorbent region 14 is provided with a first printed pattern 15 comprising first printed elements 16, the first printed elements 16 here being in the form of dots. The central absorbent region 14 is surrounded by a printed outline 17 which follows the outline of the central absorbent region 14. The printed contour line 17 comprises a contour line rear section 17a which surrounds the rear transverse end of the central absorbent region 14 and has contour line rear section first and second leg sections 17b, 17c extending in the longitudinal direction (L) towards the front end edge 8c of the absorbent core 8 at each side of the central absorbent region 14. In fig. 2, the contour line rear section 17a has the shape of a modified W-shaped contour line rear section 17a in which a recessed portion is provided at a portion that meets the center line C as viewed from the rear end edge 5 toward the front end edge 4 of the absorbent pad 1. However, the contour line rear section 17a may alternatively have a U-shape, a modified U-shape, or a W-shape. It has been found that the printed recessed portion of the contoured rear section 17a provides the user with an indication of which part of the absorbent pad 1 is the rear and which part is the front of the absorbent pad. The printed contour lines 17 further comprise first and second intermediate printed contour lines 17d, 17e, the first and second intermediate printed contour lines 17d, 17e extending in the longitudinal direction L on respective sides of the printed central absorbent region 14 and extending over the front portion 9, the intermediate portion 11 and the back portion 10 of the absorbent core 8. As shown in the figure, the first and second intermediate printed outlines 17d, 17e each have a curved shape following the shape of the central absorbent region 14. The first and second intermediate printed outlines 17d, 17e have respective first and second front end portions 17f, 17g and respective first and second rear end portions 17h, 17 i. The first and second rear end portions 17h, 17i of the first and second intermediate printed contour lines 17d, 17e are arranged inside the respective contour line rear section first and second leg portions 17b, 17c and overlap the respective contour line rear section first and second leg portions 17b, 17c as seen in the transverse direction T.

In fig. 2, the printed contour 17 further comprises a U-shaped contour front section 17j surrounding the front transverse end of the central absorbent region 14 and having contour front section first and second leg portions 17k, 17L extending in the longitudinal direction (L) towards the rear end edge 8d of the absorbent core 8 at each side of the central absorbent region 14. The first and second front end portions 17f, 17g of the first and second intermediate printed contour lines 17d, 17e are arranged inside the respective contour line front section first and second leg portions 17k, 17l and overlap the respective contour line front section first and second leg portions 17k, 17l as seen in the transverse direction T.

The printed central absorbent region 14 has a varying lateral width w_pWherein the narrow portion of the printed central absorbent region 14 arranged over a portion of the topsheet is arranged between the absorbent core front portion 9 and the absorbent core intermediate portion 11, i.e. in the rear section of the front portion 9 or alternatively above the transition in the front section of the intermediate portion 11. The narrow portion being wider than the lateral width w of the remainder of the printed central absorbent region 14_pNarrow, and wherein the lateral width w in the narrowest section_pFrom 50% to 80% of the widest section of the absorbent core 8.

The topsheet 6 is furthermore provided with a printed peripheral security zone 19, which peripheral security zone 19 is provided around the printed central absorbent zone 14 and over the front portion 9, the intermediate portion 11 and the rear portion 10 of the absorbent core 8. The printed peripheral security zone 19 comprises a second printed motif 20 comprising a second printed element 21, the second printed element 21 here being in the form of a motif. The coverage of the second printed pattern 20 is at least 30% greater than the coverage of the first printed pattern 15.