阅读说明：本技术 具有粘合剂图案的吸收制品 (Absorbent article with adhesive pattern ) 是由 S.罗尔 J.费雷尔 于 2020-03-05 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明公开了一种吸收制品,该吸收制品具有沿纵向轴线定位的前区段、中心区段和后区段。将第一粘合剂图案施加到底片的面向衣服的表面的中心区段。第一粘合剂图案具有在中心纵向轴线的第一侧面上基本上平行于横向轴线延伸的第一多个条带。第二多个条带在中心纵向轴线的第二侧面上基本上平行于横向轴线延伸。第一多个条带和第二多个条带之间的第一间隙在中心纵向轴线上方延伸。(An absorbent article has a front section, a central section, and a rear section positioned along a longitudinal axis. A first adhesive pattern is applied to a central section of the garment facing surface of the backsheet. The first adhesive pattern has a first plurality of stripes extending substantially parallel to the transverse axis on a first side of the central longitudinal axis. The second plurality of strips extends substantially parallel to the transverse axis on a second side of the central longitudinal axis. A first gap between the first plurality of strips and the second plurality of strips extends above the central longitudinal axis.)

1. An absorbent article having a central longitudinal axis and a transverse axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the absorbent article comprising:

a) A front section, a central section, and a rear section, the front, central, and rear sections positioned along the longitudinal axis;

b) a backsheet having a garment facing surface;

c) a first fastening adhesive pattern applied to the central section of the garment-facing surface of the backsheet, the first adhesive pattern comprising:

i) a first plurality of strips extending substantially parallel to the transverse axis on a first side of the central longitudinal axis;

ii) a second plurality of strips extending substantially parallel to the transverse axis on a second side of the central longitudinal axis; and

iii) a first gap between the first plurality of strips and the second plurality of strips, wherein the first gap extends above the central longitudinal axis.

2. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the first gap has a width substantially parallel to the transverse axis, wherein the width is between about 15mm and 35 mm.

3. The absorbent article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the strips of the first and second plurality of strips have a length substantially parallel to the transverse axis and a width substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, wherein the length of each strip is between 5mm to about 30mm and the width is between 1mm and 5 mm.

4. The absorbent article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first plurality of strips further comprises a longitudinal gap between adjacent strips, wherein the longitudinal gap is between about 1mm and 10 mm.

5. The absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each strip has an outer edge, wherein the distance between the outer edge of a strip in the first pattern and a corresponding outer edge of the absorbent article is between 10mm and 30 mm.

6. The absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the combined strips of the first and second plurality of strips extend between 10% and 85% across the width of the absorbent article.

7. The absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the area of the central section covered by adhesive is between 10% and 85% of the total area.

8. The absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a second fastening adhesive pattern applied to the front section of the garment-facing surface of the backsheet, the second adhesive pattern comprising:

i) A third plurality of strips extending substantially parallel to the transverse axis on the first side of the central longitudinal axis;

ii) a fourth plurality of strips extending substantially parallel to the transverse axis on the second side of the central longitudinal axis; and

iii) a second gap between the third plurality of strips and the fourth plurality of strips, wherein the gap extends above the central longitudinal axis.

9. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1-7, further comprising a second fastening adhesive pattern applied to the front section of the garment-facing surface of the backsheet, the second adhesive pattern comprising:

i) a third plurality of strips extending substantially parallel to the transverse axis on the first side of the longitudinal axis;

ii) a fourth plurality of strips extending substantially parallel to the transverse axis on the second side of the longitudinal axis, wherein no gap is provided across the longitudinal axis between the third and fourth plurality of strips.

10. The absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the strips of the second fastening adhesive pattern are longer than the strips of the first adhesive pattern.

11. The absorbent article of any of the preceding claims, further comprising a third pattern of adhesive applied to a back section of the garment-facing surface of the backsheet, the third pattern comprising:

i) a fifth plurality of strips extending substantially parallel to the transverse axis on the first side of the longitudinal axis;

ii) a sixth plurality of strips extending substantially parallel to the transverse axis on the second side of the longitudinal axis;

iii) a third gap disposed between the fifth plurality of strips and the sixth plurality of strips, wherein the third gap extends above the longitudinal axis.

12. The absorbent article of any of the preceding claims, wherein the distance between the outer edge of the strip and the outer edge of the absorbent article is greater in the central section than at least one of the front section or the back section.

13. The absorbent article of any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the second gap or the third gap is narrower than the first gap.

14. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 11-13, wherein the widths of the first gap, the second gap, and the third gap are different.

15. The absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the combined strips of the third and fourth pluralities of strips and the fifth and sixth pluralities of strips extend between 20% and 90% of the width of the absorbent article.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to absorbent articles comprising a patterned application of fastening adhesive on the garment-facing side of the backsheet, the new pattern providing enhanced fit and comfort while reducing the amount of adhesive used.

Background

Absorbent articles for personal hygiene which are attached to the undergarment of the user during use are known in the art. Typical examples include sanitary napkins, pantiliners and incontinence pads. Such articles are often used to absorb and retain body fluids and other exudates, such as urine and menses, discharged by the human body. These absorbent articles typically comprise a topsheet, a backsheet, and optionally an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet and a fastening adhesive applied on the garment-facing surface of the backsheet, and are disposable after a single use.

Fastening adhesives can have a surprising instrumental impact on absorbent articles from a number of perspectives, such as: the adherence of the sanitary napkin to the user's undergarment (from the perspective of holding the pad in place during use and for ease of removal of the pad) and the comfort experienced by the user when the pad is in place. In this regard, sufficient adhesive is required to properly secure the pad in place, particularly when the user is moving. However, the amount of adhesive used has an effect on the overall stiffness of the pad, and this in turn can make the sanitary napkin uncomfortable to use.

Other problems associated with the amount and placement of adhesive on the underside of the sanitary napkin include the force required to peel the sanitary napkin away from the undergarment to which it is attached. If the force required is too high, there is a risk of the backsheet of the sanitary napkin tearing. This is highly undesirable because a torn backsheet exposes the contents of the absorbent core, thus creating a hygiene problem, and in addition, segments of the backsheet can adhere securely to the undergarment and can be very difficult to remove without the presence of a graspable portion that can be used to peel the segments.

Further, a silicone coated film or wrap is typically attached to the adhesive on the underside of the sanitary napkin prior to use. It is desirable if the force required to remove this film or wrapper is not excessive, while again ensuring that sufficient adhesive properly adheres the sanitary napkin to the user's undergarment. Therefore, many factors must be considered in designing an appropriate fastening adhesive pattern.

WO 2016/100041 describes a discontinuous fastening adhesive pattern applied to the garment facing surface of an absorbent article. This pattern enables the use of thinner than typical backsheets by reducing the force required to remove the absorbent article from the user's undergarment. The reduced and distributed force reduces the likelihood that the backsheet will tear during removal. While this pattern helps to improve the removal of the absorbent article from the user's undergarment to some extent without compromising adhesive performance, it does not provide any additional benefit in terms of comfort.

Accordingly, there is a need to identify an improved backsheet/fastening adhesive combination that is strong enough to hold the article in place during use, and at the same time provides greater comfort during use, and does not cause the article to break when the article is removed from the undergarment.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention relates to an absorbent article having a central longitudinal axis and a transverse axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the absorbent article comprising:

a) a front section, a central section, and a rear section, the front section, the central section, and the rear section being positioned along a longitudinal axis;

b) a backsheet having a garment facing surface;

c) A first fastening adhesive pattern applied to a central section of the garment facing surface of the backsheet, the first adhesive pattern comprising:

i) a first plurality of strips extending substantially parallel to the transverse axis on a first side of the central longitudinal axis;

ii) a second plurality of strips extending substantially parallel to the transverse axis on a second side of the central longitudinal axis; and is

iii) a first gap between the first plurality of strips and the second plurality of strips, wherein the first gap extends above the central longitudinal axis.

Absorbent articles such as those described herein have adhesive patterns that hold the absorbent article in place when attached to a user's undergarment while improving the comfort experienced by the user when in place. The particular pattern described ensures adhesive contact between the absorbent article and the user's undergarment at the location where it is most needed, while minimizing the amount of adhesive used at locations where flexibility of the absorbent article is desirable. Thus, the adhesive patterns described herein address a currently unmet need for current absorbent articles, wherein the adhesive is applied uniformly regardless of comfort. Further, the force required to remove an absorbent article characterized by the described adhesive pattern from an undergarment is less than the force required to remove an absorbent article having a conventional adhesive pattern. This means that the absorbent article is easier for the user to remove and does not easily tear, which would otherwise be highly undesirable. Finally, the adhesive patterns described herein use less adhesive than prior art adhesive patterns, which provides cost savings while generally providing a better user experience.

Drawings

Figure 1 shows an absorbent article according to the invention.

Fig. 2, fig. 3, fig. 4 and fig. 5 show an absorbent article according to the invention, which is characterized by a modification of the fastening adhesive pattern.

Figure 6 shows an absorbent article according to the invention, which is characterized by an alternative fastening adhesive pattern.

Fig. 7A is a photograph showing an adhesive pattern on a commercially available absorbent article.

Fig. 7B is a photograph showing an adhesive pattern of an absorbent article according to the present invention.

Fig. 7C is a photograph showing an adhesive pattern of an absorbent article according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a comparison of the peel force required for the present invention and the prior art.

Fig. 9A and 9B are comparisons of the absorbent article of the present invention with the compression of the gathers of the prior art.

Fig. 10, 11A, 11B, 12A and 12B schematically show a test apparatus used in the present invention.

Detailed Description

“Absorbent article"refers to devices that absorb and contain body exudates, such as urine, menses, and feces. The term "disposable" is used herein to describe absorbent articles that are not intended to be laundered or otherwise restored or reused as an absorbent article after a single use. Examples of absorbent articles include diapers, toddler training pants, adult incontinence garments, and feminine hygiene garments such as sanitary napkins, pantiliners, interlabial devices, hemorrhoid pads, and the like. The absorbent article according to the invention is selected from the group consisting of sanitary napkins, incontinence pads and panty liners.

Absorbent articles and components thereof according to the present invention, including the topsheet, backsheet, absorbent core and any individual layers of these components, have a body facing surface and a garment facing surface. As used herein, "body-facing surface" refers to the surface of an article or component that is intended to be worn toward or adjacent to the body of a wearer; while the "garment facing surface" is on the opposite side and is intended to be worn toward or adjacent to the wearer's undergarments when the disposable absorbent article is worn.

Generally, the absorbent article of the present invention comprises a topsheet, a backsheet and (except for thin pantiliners which are not intended to absorb fluids but only provide a clean feeling to the panties) an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet and finally between other optional intermediate layers.

As used herein, the term "Longitudinal direction"refers to a line, axis or direction in the plane of the absorbent article that is generally aligned with (i.e., nearly parallel to) a vertical plane that divides a standing wearer into left and right body portions when the absorbent article is worn.

As used herein, the term "Transverse direction"refers to a line, axis or direction that lies generally in the plane of the article that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

Of absorbent articlesTopsheetPreferably compliant, soft feeling, and non-irritating to the wearer's skin and hair. In addition, the topsheet is liquid pervious, permitting liquids (e.g., menses and/or urine) to readily penetrate through its thickness. Suitable topsheets can be manufactured from a wide range of materials, such as woven and nonwoven materials (e.g., nonwoven webs of fibers); polymeric materials such as apertured formed thermoplastic films, apertured plastic films, and hydroformed thermoplastic films; a porous foam; reticulated foam; a reticulated thermoplastic film; and a thermoplastic scrim. Suitable woven and nonwoven materials can include natural fibers (e.g., wood or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (e.g., polymeric fibers such as polyester, polypropylene, or polyethylene fibers), or from a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. When the topsheet comprises a nonwoven web, the web can be manufactured by a variety of known techniques. For example, the web may be processed by spunbonding, carding, wet-laying, melt blowing, hydroentangling, combinations thereof, and the like.

The backsheet and topsheet may sandwich one or more intermediate layers.These intermediate layersAdditional components of the absorbent article may be included, such as the absorbent core in general and one or more layers having acquisition and/or distribution properties disposed between the absorbent core and the topsheet (sometimes referred to as a "secondary topsheet" or disposed between the absorbent core and the backsheet in this case).

Secondary topsheetOr the acquisition layer may comprise a tissue layer or nonwoven such as a carded resin bonded nonwoven, an embossed carded resin bonded nonwoven, a high loft carded resin bonded nonwoven, a carded through air bonded nonwoven, a carded thermal bonded nonwoven, a spunbond nonwoven, and the like. A variety of fibers may be used in the secondary topsheet or acquisition layer, including natural fibers such as wood pulp, cotton, wool, and the like, as well as biodegradable fibers such as polylactic acid fibers, and synthetic fibers such as polyolefins (e.g., polyethylene and polypropylene), polyesters, polyamides, synthetic celluloses (e.g.,lyocell), cellulose acetate,Bicomponent fibers and blends thereof. The basis weight of the secondary topsheet or acquisition layer may vary depending on the desired application.

Absorbent coreAnd may be formed of any material known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Examples of such materials include multiple plies of creped cellulose wadding, fluff cellulose fibers, wood pulp fibers (also known as airfelt), textile fibers, blends of fibers, clumps or batts of fibers, air-laid webs of fibers, polymeric webs, and blends of polymeric fibers. Other suitable absorbent core materials include absorbent foams, such as polyurethane foams or high internal phase emulsion ("HIPE") foams. Suitable HIPE foams are disclosed in US 5,550,167, US 5,387,207, US 5,352,711 and US 5,331,015.

For some absorbent articles, the absorbent core may be relatively thin, having a thickness of less than about 5mm, or having a thickness of less than about 3mm, or less than about 1 mm. The thickness may be determined by measuring the thickness at the midpoint along the longitudinal centerline of the mat using any method known in the art for measuring at a uniform pressure of 1.72 kPa.

The absorbent core may comprise superabsorbent material such as Absorbent Gelling Materials (AGM), including AGM fibers, as known in the art. Thus, the absorbent core may constitute a layer comprising superabsorbent material.

Polyacrylate based materials (typically partially neutralized polymers) are often incorporated into absorbent articles and are referred to as superabsorbent polymers or superabsorbents and are crosslinked. Polyacrylate materials have neutralized (usually with sodium) carboxylate groups pendant from the main polymer chain. Upon contact with water, sodium is stripped out and into solution, leaving only the carboxyl ions. These negatively charged ions repel each other, causing the polymer to unwind and absorb more and more water, which is instead attracted to the carboxyl ions as additional carboxyl ions become available. Hydrogen in water is trapped by the polyacrylate due to the atomic bonds associated with the polar forces between the atoms. Crosslinking bridging different polymer chains results in a three-dimensional structure which upon liquid absorption constitutes a swollen gel.

According to an embodiment of The present invention, The absorbent gelling material that may be included in The absorbent core may be selected from polyacrylate-based polymers described in european patent application EP 05023061.4 filed on day 21 of 10/2005 in The name of Procter and Gamble Company. As described in the referenced application, the incorporation of polyacrylate-based materials that are very slightly crosslinked or not substantially crosslinked at all, as compared to traditional crosslinked superabsorbents, for the absorption of proteinaceous or serous body fluids, such as menses, blood, plasma, vaginal secretions, and mucus or milk (but especially menses or blood), provides for improved absorption and retention of such body fluids, and also provides for improved absorption rates.

Absorbent gelling materials can generally be used in the form of discrete particles. Such absorbent gelling materials may be of any desired shape, e.g. spherical or hemispherical, cubic, rod-like polyhedral, etc. Shapes having a large ratio of largest dimension to smallest dimension, such as needles and flakes, are also contemplated for use herein. Agglomerates of absorbent gelling material particles may also be used.

The absorbent core may comprise a core wrap, i.e. a thin fluid permeable layer of material (typically a tissue or coarse nonwoven layer) which wraps the core in order to maintain its integrity during manufacture of the article and during its use.

The absorbent article may comprise additional components such as side cuffs, as are commonly found in incontinence pads, or side flaps or wings, as are commonly found in sanitary napkins.

The absorbent articles herein are preferably disposable after a single use and are typically commercialized in packages comprising multiple units, which in some cases may be individually wrapped.

Of the absorbent article of the inventionNegative filmIs the outer layer of the article on the garment-facing side. A fastening adhesive (also known as PFA: panty fastening adhesive) is applied on the garment facing surface of the backsheet. In case the outer layer of the absorbent article on its garment-facing side is a composite for the purposes of the present invention, such as a laminate of a film and a nonwoven, the term "backsheet" only indicates the outermost layer of the layers forming the composite. For example, by applying a tension to the PE filmIn the case of NW/PE film laminates that fix the outer layer of the garment facing surface of the adhesive, the term "backsheet" for the purposes of the present invention only indicates said PE film outer layer. For the purposes of the present invention, the side flaps/wings (which are typically formed by extensions of one or both of the topsheet and the backsheet) are not considered part of the backsheet.

The backsheet of the absorbent article of the present invention is a plastic film and is preferably flexible and soft. As used herein, the term "flexible and soft" refers to materials that are compliant and will readily conform to the general shape and contours of the human body, and will impart a pleasant tactile sensation to the user's skin. The backsheet prevents the exudates absorbed and contained in the absorbent core from wetting articles which contact the absorbent article, such as bed sheets, pants, pajamas and undergarments. The backsheet may also be vapor permeable ("breathable") while remaining fluid impermeable. In this case, microporous plastic films are generally used which are permeable to water vapor while remaining substantially impermeable to liquids.

According to the invention, the backsheet is a plastic film having a basis weight of less than 24gsm or less than 20gsm or less than 18gsm or less than 15gsm or less than 13 gsm. Any type of plastic film may be used as a backsheet according to the present invention. Suitable films may be formed from thermoplastic polymer materials and may be obtained by known film making processes. The plastic film may be selected from monolayer films or multilayer films, which may be obtained, for example, by monolayer extrusion or multilayer coextrusion processes. For example, US20140248484 discloses a process for producing thin plastic films useful as backsheets in the present invention, wherein an initial film web made of a thermoplastic polymer material comprising a polyethylene matrix and from 1 to 70 parts by weight of polypropylene per 100 parts by weight of polyethylene matrix, after being heated, is guided through a cooling nip, whereby the initial film web is heated until the polyethylene matrix material melts but below the melting temperature of the polypropylene.

The plastic films useful herein as a backsheet may comprise a single polymer or a blend of different polymers. In addition to the polymer, the plastic film of the invention may also contain additives, for example pigments, dyes, chemical additives such as photoprotectants, antioxidants and inert materials such as titanium oxide, calcium carbonate, or kaolin, diatomaceous earth or mixtures thereof. The presence of the inert component (typically calcium carbonate) may increase the physical properties of the polymer film, particularly heat resistance, which may be beneficial in the context of the present invention where the backsheet film is typically peripherally heat sealed to the topsheet of the absorbent article. In addition, inert materials are sometimes also contained in plastic films that are mechanically stretched upon cooling so that the inert particles form a network of channels that allow water vapor to pass through while maintaining good permeability. Such films are generally considered "microporous films" which are suitable for use in the backsheet of the present invention, and they may provide improved breathability in absorbent articles (as is known in the art).

The plastic films useful herein as backsheets in the present invention are preferably thermoplastic polyolefin based films. The plastic film used in the present invention may be, for example, a Polyethylene (PE) -based film, a polypropylene (PP) -based film or a PE/PP blend-based film.

When referring to a film being "based on" a polymer (e.g. PE) or a mixture of polymers (e.g. PE/PP blend) it is intended that the majority of the mass of the film is constituted by the polymer(s) on which it is based, preferably more than 80 wt% and even more preferably more than 90 wt%. The remaining mass of the film can be formed from other polymers and conventional film additives known in the art.

PFA: as mentioned above, the backsheet forms the garment-facing surface of the absorbent article on which the fastening adhesive is placed. Fastening Adhesive (PFA) may comprise any adhesive or glue used in the art for such purpose. These adhesives are typically pressure sensitive and remain tacky well below their application temperature. For example, PFA can be a pressure sensitive hot melt adhesive.

Prior to use of the absorbent article, the PFA-coated area is typically protected from contamination and from adhering to another surface that is not desired by a protective cover means such as a silicone-coated release paper, a silicone-coated plastic film, or any other easily removable cover. The protective cover means may be provided as a single piece or multiple pieces, for example to cover separate adhesive areas (e.g. on the backsheet and on the wings). The protective cover device may also perform other functions, such as providing personalized packaging for the article or providing disposal functions as known in the art. Any commercially available release paper or film may be used. Suitable examples include BL 30MG-A SILOX EI/O, BL 30MG-A SILOX 4P/O from Akrosil and M & W films available from Gronau (Germany) under the code X-5432.

The PFA can be applied to the garment-facing surface of the absorbent article, typically to the backsheet and/or the wings, using any of the methods well known in the art for this purpose, such as slot coating, spraying and roll printing.

One method of applying PFA to the garment-facing surface of an absorbent article is direct coating onto a backsheet; another method is to print the PFA onto a release paper and then press the release paper onto the garment facing surface of the absorbent article. Thereby transferring the PFA from the release paper to the garment facing surface of the absorbent article. Such a procedure is described in EP 788,338.

PFA is applied to the backsheet to ensure proper retention in place in the absorbent article during use. During use, absorbent articles attached to undergarments using PFA are subjected to various types of stress in different directions, and therefore the adhesion strength of the PFA must be very high in order to avoid any shifting of the article. However, the amount and placement of the adhesive applied to the backsheet has an impact on the overall fit and feel of the absorbent article when in use. For example, the areas of the absorbent article where PFA is applied to the backsheet tend to be stiffer than areas without PFA. Thus, the adhesion requirements need to be balanced with the comfort of the article during use.

In contrast to previous uniform application of adhesive to a backsheet, in the present invention it has surprisingly been found that applying adhesive only to specific parts of the backsheet may solve the balance between comfort and adhesion. In this regard, the present inventors have discovered that the adherence requirements and objectives vary throughout the absorbent article depending on the interaction with the body part of the user. For example, the inventors have found that optimal comfort and fit of the absorbent article is obtained when there is a close fit towards the rear of the absorbent article and the central section has more flexibility. In addition, applying adhesive in a striped pattern to specific portions of the backsheet enables the adhesive to be more evenly distributed within a single stripe and provides better release properties relative to both the undergarment to which the absorbent article is attached and any disposable cover or wrap applied to the article prior to use.

Thus, for the application of PFA, the absorbent article 10 can be considered to have at least three sections in the longitudinal direction. A front section 50, a central section 52, and a rear section 54. The length of the front section may be at least 10%, 15%, 20%, or 25% of the total length of the absorbent article. The length of the rear section may be at least 10%, 15%, 20% or 25% of the total length of the absorbent article. As described herein, the width of the absorbent article is measured at the narrowest portion of the absorbent article in the respective front, central or rear section, irrespective of any wings present.

The first adhesive pattern 100 is applied to a central section of the garment facing surface of the backsheet. The first pattern preferably has a plurality of first stripes 102 and a plurality of second stripes 104, wherein the stripes extend in a direction substantially parallel to the transverse axis T of the absorbent article. The first plurality of strips is located on one side of the central longitudinal axis L and the second plurality of strips is located on the other side of the central longitudinal axis. A first gap 106 extending above the central longitudinal axis is disposed between the first and second plurality of strips, wherein the first gap has a width, measured substantially parallel to the transverse axis, of between 10mm to 40mm, 10mm to 35mm, 10mm to 30mm, 15mm to 40mm, 15mm to 35mm, 15mm to 30mm, 20mm to 35mm, or 20mm to 40 mm.

Each strip in the first pattern may have a width 112, measured in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, of between 1mm to 5mm, 1mm to 4mm, 1mm to 3mm, 2mm to 5mm, 2mm to 4mm, 2mm to 3mm, 3mm to 5mm, or 3mm to 4mm, and a longitudinal gap 114 between adjacent strips of between 1mm to 10mm, 1mm to 8mm, 1mm to 6mm, 2mm to 10mm, 2mm to 8mm, 2mm to 6mm, 4mm to 10mm, 4mm to 8mm, or 4mm to 6 mm. Preferably, the strip has a length 116 measured in a direction parallel to the transverse axis of between 5mm to 30mm, 5mm to 25mm, 5mm to 20mm, 5mm to 15mm, 10mm to 30mm, 10mm to 25mm, 10mm to 20mm, 15mm to 30mm, or 15mm to 25 mm. Preferably, there is a distance 118 between the outer edge of the first plurality of strips and the longitudinal edge 120 of the second plurality of strips of between 10mm to 60mm, 10mm to 50mm, 10mm to 40mm, 10mm to 30mm, 20mm to 60mm, 20mm to 50mm, 20mm to 40mm, 30mm to 60mm, 30mm to 50mm, or 30mm to 40 mm. Preferably, the combined lanes of the first and second plurality of lanes extend between 10% to 85%, 10% to 75%, 10% to 65%, 10% to 50%, 20% to 85%, 20% to 75%, 20% to 65%, 20% to 50%, 30% to 85%, 30% to 75%, 30% to 65%, or 30% to 50% of the width of the absorbent article. Preferably, the area of the central section covered by the adhesive is between 10% and 85%, 10% to 75%, 10% to 65%, 10% to 50%, 20% to 85%, 20% to 75%, 20% to 65%, 20% to 50%, 30% to 85%, 30% to 75%, 30% to 65%, or 30% to 50% of the total area of the central section.

The second adhesive pattern 150 is applied to the front section of the garment facing surface of the backsheet. The second pattern preferably has a third plurality of stripes 152 and a fourth plurality of stripes 154, wherein the stripes extend in a direction substantially parallel to the transverse axis of the absorbent article. The third plurality of strips is located on one side of the central longitudinal axis and the fourth plurality of strips is located on the other side of the central longitudinal axis, with an optional second gap 156 extending above the central longitudinal axis between the third and fourth plurality of strips, as shown in fig. 2 and 3. Alternatively, the third and fourth pluralities of strips may meet at the longitudinal axis such that the strips of the third and fourth pluralities of strips form a continuous strip above the longitudinal axis, as shown in fig. 1, 4, 5, and 6.

The third adhesive pattern 160 is applied to the back section of the garment facing surface of the backsheet. The third pattern preferably has a fifth plurality of strips 162 and a sixth plurality of strips 164, wherein the strips extend in a direction substantially parallel to the transverse axis of the absorbent article. The fifth plurality of strips is located on one side of the central longitudinal axis and the sixth plurality of strips is located on the other side of the central longitudinal axis, with an optional third gap 166 extending between the fifth and sixth plurality of strips over the central longitudinal axis, as shown in fig. 2, 3, 4, and 6. Alternatively, the fifth and sixth pluralities of strips may meet at the longitudinal axis such that the strips of the fifth and sixth pluralities of strips form a continuous strip above the longitudinal axis, as shown in fig. 1 and 5.

The strips of the third, fourth, fifth and sixth pluralities of strips may have a width, measured in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, of between 1mm and 5mm and a longitudinal gap between adjacent strips of between 1mm and 10 mm. Preferably, the strip has a length, measured in a direction parallel to the transverse axis, of between 10mm to 35mm, 10mm to 30mm, 10mm to 25mm, 10mm to 20mm, 15mm to 35mm, 15mm to 30mm or 15mm to 25 mm. Where a second gap and/or a third gap is present, the second gap or the third gap may have a width, measured substantially parallel to the transverse axis, of between 0.05mm to 35mm, 0.5mm to 35mm, 5mm to 35mm, 10mm to 30mm, 10mm to 25mm, 10mm to 20mm, 15mm to 35mm, 15mm to 30mm, or 15mm to 25 mm. Alternatively, the second gap and/or the third gap may be substantially absent. Preferably, there is a distance between the outer edge of the respective third, fourth, fifth and sixth plurality of strips and the corresponding edge of the absorbent article of between 10mm to 60mm, 10mm to 50mm, 10mm to 40mm, 10mm to 30mm, 20mm to 60mm, 20mm to 50mm, 20mm to 40mm, 30mm to 60mm, 30mm to 50mm, or 30mm to 40 mm. Preferably, the combined lanes of the third and fourth pluralities of lanes and of the fifth and sixth pluralities of lanes extend between 20% and 90%, 20% to 75%, 20% to 50%, 35% to 90%, 35% to 75%, 35% to 50%, 50% to 90%, or 50% to 75% of the width of the absorbent article. Preferably, the area of the front section covered by the adhesive is between 20% and 90%, 20% to 75%, 20% to 50%, 35% to 90%, 35% to 75%, 35% to 50%, 50% to 90% or 50% to 75% of the total area of the front section. Preferably, the area of the rear section covered by the adhesive is between 20% and 90%, 20% to 75%, 20% to 50%, 35% to 90%, 35% to 75%, 35% to 50%, 50% to 90% or 50% to 75% of the total area of the rear section.

The longitudinal gap between the strips in the third, fourth, fifth and/or sixth plurality of strips may be between 1mm and 10mm, 1mm to 8mm, 1mm to 6mm, 2mm to 10mm, 2mm to 8mm, 2mm to 6mm, 4mm to 10mm, 4mm to 8mm or 4mm to 6 mm. Alternatively, there may be no longitudinal gaps between one or more of the third plurality of strips, the fourth plurality of strips, the fifth plurality of strips, and/or the sixth plurality of strips.

The first gap, the second gap, and/or the third gap may have the same or similar widths. Alternatively, the width of the first gap may be less than the width of one or both of the second and third gaps. The distance between the outer edges of the third, fourth, fifth and sixth plurality of strips may be the same or similar. The distance between the outer edges of the first and second pluralities of strips and the outer edge of the absorbent article may be greater than the distance between the outer edges of the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth pluralities of strips and the outer edge of the absorbent article.

The first gap between the first plurality of strips and the second plurality of strips allows for greater flexibility of the central section of the absorbent article when in place, particularly when the wearer moves. In this regard, the central section of the absorbent article is intended to be located in the user's undergarment in the area nested between the user's legs. Thus, when the user stands upright and moves, the sides of the absorbent article fold naturally downward. Providing first gaps between the plurality of adhesives in the central section allows the absorbent article to more easily fold about a longitudinal axis in the central region where the absorbent article is desired. At the same time, more adhesive may be provided in the front and back of the absorbent article to ensure that the absorbent article remains anchored in place.

Fig. 1 shows an embodiment in which the second gap and the third gap are not provided. In such embodiments, the absorbent article is well anchored in the front and back, while the central section is flexible. Fig. 2 and 3 show variants with second and third gaps of different sizes. The gap may be modified to suit the intended use. For example, a smaller pad may require a greater proportion of adhesive in the front and/or back, while for a larger pad, the increased flexibility provided by the second and third gaps may be preferred. As shown in fig. 4, in one implementation, one of the second gap or the third gap may be provided while the other is not provided, or the other is provided less. In the embodiment shown in fig. 4, the absorbent article is well anchored in the front, with a very flexible central section and increased adhesive in the rear section (despite the gap). This particular embodiment enables one to obtain the rear "W" shape that is generally sought from absorbent articles.

Preferably, the adhesive pattern and/or the mass of adhesive applied to the garment facing surface of the backsheet is symmetric about the longitudinal axis. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the symmetrical adhesive pattern provides uniformity and, thus, better securement of the absorbent article to the user's undergarment. The symmetrical nature of the pattern may also provide for easier and more uniform removal of the absorbent article from the wrapper prior to use or from the undergarment after use.

Fig. 6 shows another embodiment having a central section 200, a front section 202, a back section 204, and additional front and back sections 206, 208, 210. The generally contoured shape of the respective adhesive strips has a dark contoured form that tapers at the front and back sections and at the waist section in the middle. The length of the respective strip and the distance of the outer edge of the respective strip to the outer edge of the absorbent article are selected to optimize the balance between the need for greater comfort and effective adhesion. As with the previous embodiments, the central section is provided with a first adhesive pattern formed by the first and second pluralities of strips 212, 214 and a first gap extending over the longitudinal axis between the first and second pluralities of strips. The first gap ensures that the absorbent article can bend along the longitudinal axis when in place, as this is the area of closest fit between the legs of the user.

The second adhesive pattern 250 is disposed at the front tip of the absorbent article and is formed by a third plurality of strips 252 and a fourth plurality of strips 254. A second gap may be provided between the third plurality of strips and the fourth plurality of strips, however, in the embodiment shown in fig. 6, no gap is provided between the third plurality of strips and the fourth plurality of strips. In the absence of the second gap, the absorbent article may allow the absorbent article to remain flat along the abdominal region of the user. The third adhesive pattern 260 is disposed at the rear tip of the absorbent article and is formed by the fifth plurality of strips and the sixth plurality of strips. The third gap 266 is disposed between the fifth plurality of strips 262 and the sixth plurality of strips 264, but it should be understood that in some embodiments, no gap may be disposed between the fifth plurality of strips and the sixth plurality of strips.

The fourth adhesive pattern 270 and the fifth adhesive pattern 280 are disposed between the front tip and the central section of the absorbent article. The fourth adhesive pattern is positioned adjacent to the second adhesive pattern, and the fifth pattern is disposed between the fourth pattern and the first pattern. The fourth and fifth patterns are formed by a seventh and eighth plurality of strips and a ninth and tenth plurality of strips, respectively, wherein a fourth gap is located between the seventh and eighth plurality of strips and a fifth gap is located between the ninth and tenth plurality of strips. Likewise, absorbent articles without the fourth gap and the fifth gap are contemplated. However, with the provision of the fourth and fifth gaps, the absorbent article can more easily bend inward to better conform to the user's anatomy. The strips of the fourth pattern and the fifth pattern are located closer to the longitudinal edge of the absorbent article than the strips of the first pattern or the second pattern. The positioning of at least the fourth pattern often coincides with the area where the absorbent article may be at its widest. Providing the strip in its widest area adjacent to the edge of the absorbent article reduces the likelihood of the absorbent article rolling up in situ.

The strips of the second pattern are positioned inboard of the longitudinal edges relative to the strips of the fourth pattern. This creates an arcuate profile along the perimeter of the adhesive that generally corresponds to the outer perimeter of the absorbent article. The fifth pattern of strips is positioned slightly inside the longitudinal edges of the absorbent article compared to the fourth pattern of strips, and the first pattern of strips is positioned slightly inside the longitudinal edges of the absorbent article (in the central section) compared to the fifth pattern of strips. Thus, the outer contour of the adhesive curves towards the waist in the central portion of the absorbent article, typically the narrowest portion of the absorbent article and the most flexible region is typically required in situ.

The sixth adhesive pattern 290 is disposed between the third pattern and the first pattern. The sixth pattern includes eleventh and twelfth strips, the sixth gap extending over a longitudinal axis provided therebetween. With respect to the first pattern or the third pattern of strips, the strips of the sixth pattern are positioned adjacent to the longitudinal edges of the absorbent article. Typically, the stripes of the sixth pattern will coincide with the widest part of the absorbent article. Providing the strip adjacent the longitudinal edge in the widest part of the absorbent article minimizes the possibility of the absorbent article rolling on itself during use.

The sixth gap 296 is preferably wider than the first gap to allow bending in the gluteal groove when the absorbent article is in place. In one embodiment, the widths of the first, third, fourth, and fifth gaps may be substantially the same. Preferably, the width of the first, third, fourth and fifth gaps is between 10mm and 30mm, the gap of the second gap is less than 10mm and the width of the sixth gap is between 20mm and 40 mm.

Preferably, the strips of the fourth and sixth patterns have a distance of between 5mm and 10mm from the outer edge of the respective strip to the longitudinal edge of the absorbent article.

As can be seen from the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the additional adhesive pattern provided enables the positioning and size of the strips to be varied to best meet the needs of the absorbent article.

The basis weight of the applied adhesive may be between 12gsm and 22 gsm. Preferably, the variation along the length of the individual strips is not more than 5 gsm. Maintaining a uniform application of adhesive along each strip ensures that the force required to peel the absorbent article from the undergarment or to peel the wrapper from the absorbent article prior to use remains substantially constant. This minimizes the risk of backsheet tearing or adhesive residue remaining on the undergarment after use.

In addition to providing greater flexibility, the striped pattern exemplified herein maintains the absorbent article in intimate contact with the user's undergarment while reducing the amount of adhesive required. The reduced amount of adhesive has cost and environmental benefits and reduces the amount of force required to peel the absorbent article from the undergarment after use of the absorbent article.

Preferably, the force required to bend an absorbent article as described herein towards the longitudinal axis (as described in the gather compression test method below) is less than 1.75N when wet, preferably less than 1.7N, 1.65N, 1.6N, 1.55N, 1.5N, and less than 2.3N, 2.2N, 2.1N, 1.0N, 1.9N or 1.8N when dry. The reduced force required to bend the absorbent article in this manner is indicative of increased flexibility of the absorbent article, and this is consistent when the article is wet or dry. This in turn relates to better comfort and fit for the wearer, particularly in the central region where flexibility is most needed.

Preferably, the force required to peel the absorbent article from the undergarment to which it is attached is less than 2.3N, 2.2N, 2.1N, 1.0N, 1.9N, or 1.8N, as measured by the average peel force method described below. The reduced force required to remove the absorbent article provides the wearer with easier use when removing the article and reduces the likelihood of the absorbent article tearing during removal. Each of the above advantages does not result in any reduction in adhesive properties, and thus the adhesive patterns described herein function as needed to ensure that the absorbent article remains in place while providing these additional benefits.

Test data

A comparison of peel force and lateral compressive stiffness was made between the prior art absorbent article (shown in fig. 7A) and the absorbent article of the present invention (shown in fig. 7B). Additional details regarding these two absorbent articles are listed in table 1 below.

TABLE 1：

Savare SRL Milan, sold as PL501ZK

TABLE II：

As can be seen from table II and the drawings shown in fig. 8, 9A and 9B, the inventive sample performed better than the reference sample at different parameters. In particular, the force required to peel the absorbent article from the undergarment was shown to be less for both inventive samples (average peel force). Without being bound by theory, it is believed that this is caused at least in part by the reduction in the amount of adhesive, while the inventive distribution ensures that the absorbent article remains in place. Furthermore, the force required to bend the absorbent article as measured by the gather compression force test, which measures the force required to compress the absorbent article in the transverse direction, is less for the inventive samples. This indicates that the adhesive pattern applied to the inventive samples reduced the overall stiffness of the absorbent article while still maintaining a good level of adhesion. Reduced stiffness, in turn, means that the absorbent article moves better with the undergarment, which is generally not rigid and better conforms to the body of the wearer.

The optional wings (also referred to as "side panels") are common elements in absorbent articles according to the invention as known to the person skilled in the art. The purpose of the flaps is to protect the sides of the undergarment, and typically the flaps are folded along and attached under the crotch region of the undergarment.

The wings may be provided as separate pieces and attached to the article, typically a panty liner or a sanitary napkin, or they may be integral with the material of the absorbent article, e.g. by being an integral extension of the topsheet, the backsheet or both.

As mentioned above, for the purposes of the present invention, the wings are not considered to be part of the backsheet (even when they are formed by their integral extension). The wings typically include PFA on the backsheet side to secure them under the crotch portion of the undergarment, and any typical PFA distribution can be used in the present invention, such as continuous application or patterned application, e.g., patterned application of PFA to the wings can provide the same benefits as patterned application of PFA to the backsheet of the article when the article is removed, thereby reducing the risk of tearing the wing material. For example, at least a portion of the flap back surface can include the same form of patterned application of PFA as described above with respect to the application of patterned PFA on the backsheet, such as discontinuous application of PFA, such that any point of such application is never more than 10mm from another portion where PFA is not applied. The PFA pattern can be formed of a plurality of individual or only partially connected elements that can be selected from any possible applied pattern, such as stripes, circles, dots, geometric figures, stars, decorative figures, irregular shapes, etc. For example, stripes or squares of PFA are particularly suitable patterns.

Test method.

Pad and PFA sizing results

Analysis of the photographic images obtained for the absorbent articles is used to determine the dimensions (e.g., length, width, area) of the articles and the dimensions (e.g., length, width, area, and spacing) of the various elements comprising the Panty Fastening Adhesive (PFA) pattern applied to the garment-facing side of the articles. All tests were performed in a chamber maintained at a temperature of 23 ℃ ± 2.0 ℃ and a relative humidity of 50% ± 2%, and the samples were conditioned under the same environmental conditions for at least 2 hours prior to testing.

To prepare the test specimen, it is first removed from any wraps present, but the PFA protective cover (e.g., release paper wrap) is left in place. If the wrap is a protective cover (e.g., PFA attached directly to the wrap), the wrap is left in place. If the sample is folded, it is gently unfolded and any wrinkles are smoothed out. The flaps, if present, are folded against the wearer-facing side of the sample. A strip of double-sided adhesive tape was applied to the wearer-facing side of the sample from each longitudinal edge for about 1cm and then secured to the horizontal flat surface (wearer-facing side down). The PFA protective cover (e.g., release paper or wrap) is now removed from the garment-facing side of the sample to expose the PFA pattern. To make the PFA pattern easily visible, the PFA is lightly dusted with marker chalk (such as blue Keson ProChalk, available from Keson Industries, Aurora, IL, or equivalent). Excess dust is dusted away to ensure that the areas that do not contain binder are free of colored chalk.

Photographic images of the samples were obtained as follows. The sample is transferred to a horizontal flat surface that provides sufficient contrast with the garment facing side of the sample. The wearer-facing side is then secured to the surface in a taut, but unstretched manner (using the previously applied double-sided tape strip), with the garment-facing side facing upward. A distance scale (NIST certified steel ruler) was laid horizontally alongside the sample. An 8-bit grayscale image is collected with a digital camera or flatbed scanner with a minimum image resolution of 15 pixels per millimeter. The entire sample and scale must be visible and focused within the field of view.

The sample images were spatially calibrated and analyzed using image analysis software. Suitable software is ImageJ, issued by the National Institute of Health, or equivalent. The image is opened up in an image analysis program and a linear distance calibration is performed using a scale in the image to determine the number of pixels per millimeter. Calibrating images from spaceThe overall sample size (e.g., length, width, area), the size of the overall PFA pattern (e.g., length, width, total area), and the size of the individual elements within the PFA pattern (e.g., the length, width, and area of the strips and spaces or gaps therebetween) can now be determined. One suitable way to determine the area of an individual element is to trace around the element and measure the area of the trace. All linear measurements were recorded to an accuracy of 0.1mm and all area measurements were recorded to an accuracy of 0.1mm ². Of particular importance in this implementation is the determination of the total surface area covered by the individual elements that make up all combinations of PFA patterns on the sample. To obtain the total PFA surface area, the area of each individual element (e.g., each strip or other shape) is determined, summed, and reported to the nearest 0.1mm²。

In a similar manner, a total of three replicate samples were prepared and analyzed. The arithmetic mean of each measured parameter is calculated and reported.

PFA addition amount measurement result

The amount (basis weight) of Panty Fastening Adhesive (PFA) applied to the garment facing side of the absorbent article, e.g. the backsheet, was determined gravimetrically by comparing the mass of the PFA backsheet with the mass applied to the same backsheet after removal of the PFA. All tests were performed in a chamber maintained at a temperature of 23 ℃ ± 2.0 ℃ and a relative humidity of 50% ± 2%, and the samples were conditioned under the same environmental conditions for at least 2 hours prior to testing.

Test samples were prepared as follows. If the specimen is folded, it is gently unfolded, but the PFA shield (e.g., release paper and/or wrap) is left in place. If wings are present, they are removed and discarded. All components present in the sample on the wearer-facing side of the backsheet are now removed and discarded in a manner that does not damage the backsheet. This includes the topsheet and all core materials so that once removed and discarded, all remaining parts of the sample are the backsheet and PFA cover. The samples were transferred to a well-ventilated fume hood and worn appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required to process THF (tetrahydrofuran, CAS 109-99-9, for general use, purchased from any convenient source). The swatches were positioned horizontally flat with the garment facing side of the swatches facing down. Sufficient THF was applied to the paper towel and the wearer-facing side of the backsheet was wiped to remove the core and all remaining portions of the core adhesive. Using a fresh paper towel and multiple passes of THF would likely require removal of all of the core binder. The samples were allowed to dry thoroughly in a fume hood.

The mass of the dried sample (e.g., backsheet, PFA and PFA cap) was obtained and recorded as the initial mass to the nearest 0.01 mg. The samples were transferred back into the fume hood and the appropriate PPE needed to process THF was worn again. The swatches were positioned horizontally flat with the garment facing side of the swatches facing up. The PFA cover (e.g., release paper and/or wrap) is removed and set aside. Sufficient THF was applied to the paper towel and the garment-facing side of the backsheet was wiped to remove all PFA. Using a fresh paper towel and multiple passes of THF would likely require removal of all PFA. The samples were allowed to dry thoroughly in a fume hood. The mass of the dried sample (e.g., the backsheet and the PFA cap previously removed) was obtained and recorded as the final mass to the nearest 0.01 mg. The PFA addition was calculated by subtracting the final mass from the initial mass and recorded to the nearest 0.01 mg.

In a similar manner, a total of three replicate samples were prepared and analyzed. The arithmetic mean of the PFA addition was calculated and reported to the nearest 0.01 mg.

PFA basis weight can be determined using the average PFA addition value obtained by this method and the total binder surface area value obtained by the average PFA sizing method. PFA basis weight was calculated and reported to the nearest 0.01g/m using the following equation ²。

PFA basis weight (g/m)²) Perform factor (PFA addition amount (mg)/total PFA surface area (mm)²)]*1000

Gather compression test

The "bunched compression" of the sample is measured on a constant-speed elongation tensile tester using a load cell (one suitable instrument is MTS Alliance using Testworks 4.0 software, such as available from MTS Systems Corp. (Eden Prairie, MN), or equivalent), with measured forces within 10% to 90% of the limit of the load cell. All tests were carried out in a chamber controlled at 23 ℃. + -. 3 ℃ and 50%. + -. 2% relative humidity. The test can be performed in either a wet or dry condition.

The test apparatus is shown in fig. 10 to 12. The bottom holding fixture 3000 consists of two matched sample fixtures 3001, each 100mm wide, each mounted on its own movable platform 3002a, 3002 b. The clamp has a 110mm long "blade" 3009 which bears against a 1mm thick hard rubber face 3008. When closed, the clamp is flush with the inside of its respective platform. The clamps are aligned so that they hold the unconverged specimen horizontal and orthogonal to the axis of pull of the tensile tester. The platforms are mounted on rails 3003 which allow them to be moved horizontally from left to right and locked into place. The rail has an adapter 3004 compatible with the cradle of the tensile tester, which is able to fix the platform horizontally and orthogonally to the pulling axis of the tensile tester. The upper clamp 2000 is a cylindrical plunger 2001 having an overall length of 70mm and a diameter of 25.0 mm. The contact surface 2002 is flat with no curvature. The plunger 2001 has an adapter 2003 compatible with the bracket of the load cell, which is able to fix the plunger orthogonally to the pulling axis of the tensile tester.

Prior to testing, the samples were conditioned at 23 ℃ ± 3 ℃ and 50% ± 2% relative humidity for at least 2 hours. When the complete article is tested, the release paper is removed from any panty fastening adhesive on the garment-facing side of the article (if present). Talc was applied slightly to the adhesive to reduce any tack. If cuffs are present, they are cut with scissors, taking care not to interfere with the topsheet of the product. The article is placed on a table with the body-facing surface facing upward. An intersection of the longitudinal centerline and the lateral centerline is identified on the article. A rectangular die punch was used to cut out a specimen 100mm in the longitudinal direction by 80mm in the lateral direction, with the center at the intersection of the centerlines. When testing only the absorbent body of the article, the absorbent body is placed on a bench and oriented as it would be integrated into the article, i.e. the body facing surface as well as the lateral and longitudinal axes are identified. A rectangular die punch was used to cut out a specimen 100mm in the longitudinal direction by 80mm in the lateral direction, with the center at the intersection of the centerlines.

The sample can be analyzed both wet and dry. The dried samples did not require further preparation. The wet sample was dosed with 0.9 w/v% saline solution (i.e., 9.0g of reagent grade NaCl diluted into 1L of deionized water). The volume of liquid added to the sample is determined from the overall length of the pad being tested according to the following table.

Pad length (mm)	Volume (mL)
		<225	4.5
226-250	6
		251-275	10
276-320	15
		321-350	20
351-375	25
		>375	30

The fluid was spread over the entire body-facing surface of the specimen in a period of approximately 3 seconds using a calibrated Eppendorf-type pipette to add the dose. The wetted specimens were tested 10.0min ± 0.1min after the dose was applied.

The tensile tester was programmed to return to zero the load cell and then the upper clamp was lowered at a rate of 2.00 mm/sec until the contact surface of the plunger contacted the sample and the reading at the load cell was 0.02N. And (4) a zero clamp. The system was programmed to lower the collet by 15.00mm at a rate of 2.00 mm/sec and then immediately raise the collet by 15.00mm at a rate of 2.00 mm/sec. This cycle was repeated for a total of five cycles with no delay from cycle to cycle. Data was collected at a frequency of 100Hz during all compression/decompression cycles.

The left platform 3002a is positioned 2.5mm (distance 3005) from the side of the upper plunger. The left platform is locked in place. The platform 3002a will remain stationary throughout the experiment. The right platform 3002b is aligned 60.0mm (distance 3006) from the fixed clamp. The upper probe 2001 is raised so that it will not interfere with the loading of the sample. The two clamps 3001 are opened. Referring to fig. 11A, the test specimen is placed with its longitudinal edges (i.e., 100mm long edges) in a jig. With the specimen laterally centered, the two edges are firmly fastened. Referring to fig. 11B, the right platform 3002B is moved toward the fixed platform 3002a by a distance of 20.0 mm. Allowing the specimen to bend upward when the movable platform is positioned. The probe 2001 is lowered manually until the bottom surface is about 1cm above the top of the curved specimen.

The test was started and displacement (mm) versus force (N) data was collected for all five cycles. Force (N) versus displacement (mm) plots were plotted independently for all cycles. A representative curve is shown in fig. 12A. From the curve the "maximum compression force" per cycle is recorded to the nearest 0.01N. The "recovery%" between the "first cycle" and the "second cycle" was calculated as (TD-E2)/(TD-E1) × 100, where TD is the total displacement and E2 is the extension on the second compression curve, which exceeds 0.02N. Recorded to the nearest 0.01%. In a similar manner,% recovery between the first cycle and the other cycles was calculated and reported as (TD-Ei)/(TD-E1) × 100 to the nearest 0.01%. Referring to fig. 12B, the compression energy for cycle 1 was calculated and recorded to the nearest 0.1mJ by the area under the compression curve (i.e., area a + B). The "energy loss" from "cycle 1" is calculated as the area between the compression curve and the decompression curve (i.e., area a) and reported to the nearest 0.1 mJ. The "recovery energy" for "cycle 1" is calculated as the area under the decompression curve (i.e., area B) and reported to the nearest 0.1 mJ. In a similar manner, the respective "compression energy" (mJ), "energy loss" (mJ) and "recovery energy" (mJ) of the other cycles were calculated and recorded to the nearest 0.1 mJ. For each sample, a total of five (5) replicates were analyzed and the arithmetic mean of each parameter was reported. All results are specifically reported as dry or wet, including dose volume.

Peel force test method (PFA to underwear)

This peel force test method was used to determine the force required to peel a standard tampon from Panty Fastening Adhesive (PFA) on the garment-facing side of an absorbent article. This method is intended to simulate the removal of an absorbent article attached to the undergarment of a user during use. Peel force is measured on a constant rate extension tensile tester interfaced with a computer using a load cell (a suitable instrument is MTS Alliance using Testworks 4.0 software, such as available from MTS Systems corp., Eden Prairie, MN, or equivalent) with a measured force within 1% to 99% of the limit value of the load cell. All tests were conducted in a chamber controlled at 23 ℃ ± 3 ℃ and 50% ± 2% relative humidity, and the test samples were conditioned in this environment for at least 2 hours prior to testing.

To support the test specimen during the peel test, a rigid backing plate (stainless steel having a thickness of about 1.5 mm) was used. The size of the backing plate is determined by the size of the sample being tested, as described below. The length of the plate was about 25mm longer than the total longitudinal length of the test specimen and the width of the plate was about 10mm wider than the lateral width of the test measured at its widest position (excluding the wings).

The tampon is used to simulate the underwear of the wearer. The standard cotton used for this peel test was 100% bleached cotton knit, about 100g/m²(model #429W) available from Testfabrics, Inc., West Pittston, Pa. An additional distributor of such fabrics may be found at the test fabric website www.testfabrics.com. Note that this fabric is side, and the "test side" must be marked by the supplier. A standard tampon was prepared having a width equal to the widest portion of the PFA pattern and a length about 30mm longer than twice the longitudinal length of the PFA pattern on the sample. The tampon must be wide enough to cover the entire width of the PFA pattern and long enough to cover the entire length of the PFA pattern, overlap itself completely, and still have enough remaining to be inserted into the upper grip of the tensile tester. A new tampon was used for each sample.

The padded weight assembly serves to ensure that a standard tampon is attached to the PFA sufficiently and uniformly. The weight assembly must impart 26g/cm to the base²To 27g/cm²The base has a length and width that is about the same as the length and width of the test specimen (the width determined at the widest location on the test specimen that does not include the flaps). The weight assembly is constructed as follows. A single layer polyethylene film (0.02mm to 0.04mm thick; any convenient source) is laid flat on the table surface. A piece of flexible insulating foam (Buna-N/PVC, 1 inch thick, 4.5 pounds per cubic foot density; available from McMaster-Carr, Princeton, NJ, or equivalent) was cut to a predetermined base size and placed centrally on top of the film. A metal weight (having the same length and width as the predetermined base size) with a handle is then attached to the insulating foam using double-sided tape. Next, a polyethylene film was wrapped around the insulating foam and fixed to the side of the metal weight using scotch tape.

To prepare the test specimen, it was first removed from any wraps present, but the PFA protective cover (e.g., release paper) was left intact. If the wrap is a protective cover (e.g., PFA attached directly to the wrap), the wrap is left intact. If the sample is folded, unfolding it gently, smooths out any wrinkles and determines which end of the sample is intended to be the front end. If present, the flaps are deployed. The totality of PFA patterns was determined using a steel ruler (NIST certified) without disturbing the PFA protective coverLength and is reported as PFA_LTo the nearest mm.

The samples were attached to a backing plate as described below. A backing plate is placed on a horizontal flat rigid surface. With the body-facing side of the sample facing downward, the sample is centered laterally on the backing plate, and the front longitudinal edge of the sample is aligned within 1cm of the upper longitudinal edge of the backing plate. The samples were secured to the backing plate using a single-sided tape (approximately 1 inch wide) as described below. The tape was placed no more than about 1cm from any portion of the PFA pattern and was not attached to any portion of the PFA protective cover (e.g., release paper, wrap). The front end of the sample is secured to the backing plate by overlapping the ends of the sample with a strip of tape positioned generally parallel to the lateral axis of the sample. The sample is now tensioned to remove any wrinkles and the rear end of the sample is secured to the backing plate by overlapping the ends of the sample with a strip of tape positioned generally parallel to the lateral axis of the sample. If the sample does not contain flaps, strips of tape are used to secure the entire length of the lateral edges on both sides of the sample to the backing plate. If the sample contained flaps, each flap was folded around the lateral edge of the backing plate and secured to the back side of the plate with tape. The remaining length of the lateral edges on both sides of the sample is then secured to the top side of the backing plate in a similar manner. The sample is secured in a manner such that it remains taut and not stretched to keep it flat against the backing plate during the stripping process. In the case where PFA covers the entire backsheet, the tape is used only at the front and back edges of the sample, such that each end of the tape overlaps no more than about 1 cm.

After the sample was secured to the backing plate and still laid flat on a flat rigid surface with the PFA side of the sample facing up, a prepared standard tampon was attached as described below. The PFA shield is removed from the sample and it is determined whether the PFA pattern is longitudinally continuous (e.g., one or more strips have no lateral spaces along their longitudinal length). The total longitudinal length of the PFA pattern was measured and recorded as PFA_LTo the nearest 0.1 mm. The tampon is now centered laterally on the sample ("test side" facing the sample). Will be provided withThe leading edge of the tampon is positioned a distance of no more than 1cm above the leading edge of the PFA pattern. The longitudinal axis of the tampon was secured in alignment with the longitudinal axis of the sample and fixed to the leading edge of the PFA pattern. The cotton sliver continued to be applied to the remainder of the PFA pattern without creating any wrinkles in the cotton or sample. By design, there is an excess cotton tail from the rear longitudinal end of the sample, known as the tail of the tampon. The prepared weight assembly was centered and then placed over the sample on top of the attached tampon. After 30 ± 2 seconds had elapsed, the weight assembly was removed and set aside. The sample is now ready for testing and must be analyzed within 1 minute after the weight assembly is removed.

The tensile tester was programmed to have a constant rate of uniaxial elongation at a set path length as follows. The gauge length is determined by the length of the backing plate and is set to a distance of about 10mm greater than the length of the backing plate that will not be in the lower clip. The gauge length is set using a calibration scale from NIST or equivalent. The chuck and load cell are zeroed. Path Length is determined by the length of the PFA pattern PFA_LControlled and set to be specific to PFA_LA distance of about 5 mm. The bottom longitudinal edge of the backing plate (with the rear end of the test sample fixed) of about 10mm was inserted into the grip of the bottom clamp of the tensile tester without disturbing the attached tampon, ensuring that no part of the sample is within the grip. The backing plate must be centered and parallel to the central pull axis of the tensile tester. The rear end of the tampon is now inserted into the grip of the upper grip of the tensile tester. Ensure that the tampon is centered and parallel to the central pulling axis of the tensile tester. The amount of sliver in the upper grip was adjusted to minimize the slack in the cotton at the rear end of the PFA pattern and to ensure the presence of sliver<A tension of 0.1N to prevent premature peeling. The chuck was raised at a rate of 1016 mm/min over the entire path length, and force (N) and elongation (mm) data at 50Hz were collected throughout the test. The collet is restored to its original position. Force (N) is plotted against elongation (mm).

For test specimens having PFA patterns that are continuous in the longitudinal direction, the meterCalculating the average peel force (F) along the path length_a) All data points within the initial and final 1cm path lengths are excluded and recorded to the nearest 0.01N. In a similar manner, the test was repeated for a total of five replicate test specimens. Calculating the average force (F)_a) Is calculated and reported as the average peel force to the nearest 0.01N.

For a test sample having a PFA pattern that is discontinuous in the longitudinal direction (e.g., one or more spaces present along its longitudinal length), the resulting pattern will consist of a series of peaks (bonded regions) and valleys (non-bonded regions). For this type of sample, the maximum force at each peak along the path length (excluding all data points within the initial and final 1cm of the path length) was recorded to the nearest 0.01N. The peak peel force (F) of all peaks is now calculated_p) Average values of (a) were recorded to the nearest 0.01N. In a similar manner, the test was repeated for a total of five replicate test specimens. Calculating the peak force (F)_p) Is calculated and reported as the average of the peak peel force to the nearest 0.01N.

In all cases where percentages are mentioned in the present patent application, they are intended to be percentages by weight unless otherwise indicated.

Each document cited herein, including any cross-referenced or related patent or application, is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with any disclosure of the invention or the claims herein or that it alone, or in combination with any one or more of the references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Rather, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm".