CA1317701C - Thin, flexible sanitary napkin - Google Patents
Thin, flexible sanitary napkinInfo
- Publication number
- CA1317701C CA1317701C CA000595266A CA595266A CA1317701C CA 1317701 C CA1317701 C CA 1317701C CA 000595266 A CA000595266 A CA 000595266A CA 595266 A CA595266 A CA 595266A CA 1317701 C CA1317701 C CA 1317701C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- sanitary napkin
- absorbent
- topsheet
- sheet
- wearer
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
- 230000002745 absorbent Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 154
- 239000002250 absorbent Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 154
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 48
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 25
- 239000003349 gelling agent Substances 0.000 claims description 39
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 claims description 26
- 238000012360 testing method Methods 0.000 claims description 25
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 claims description 20
- 210000000689 upper leg Anatomy 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000002175 menstrual effect Effects 0.000 abstract description 8
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 40
- 210000000416 exudates and transudate Anatomy 0.000 description 34
- 210000001519 tissue Anatomy 0.000 description 30
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 13
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 12
- 239000000178 monomer Substances 0.000 description 9
- 210000002700 urine Anatomy 0.000 description 9
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 8
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 8
- 238000010521 absorption reaction Methods 0.000 description 7
- 239000000499 gel Substances 0.000 description 7
- 239000010410 layer Substances 0.000 description 6
- 229920002472 Starch Polymers 0.000 description 5
- 239000002253 acid Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000003431 cross linking reagent Substances 0.000 description 5
- 229920000058 polyacrylate Polymers 0.000 description 5
- 239000002861 polymer material Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000008107 starch Substances 0.000 description 5
- 235000019698 starch Nutrition 0.000 description 5
- 238000004026 adhesive bonding Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000009286 beneficial effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 239000000017 hydrogel Substances 0.000 description 4
- 210000004914 menses Anatomy 0.000 description 4
- 239000004094 surface-active agent Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000000725 suspension Substances 0.000 description 4
- NIXOWILDQLNWCW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2-Propenoic acid Natural products OC(=O)C=C NIXOWILDQLNWCW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 241001313288 Labia Species 0.000 description 3
- FAPWRFPIFSIZLT-UHFFFAOYSA-M Sodium chloride Chemical compound [Na+].[Cl-] FAPWRFPIFSIZLT-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 3
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229920000728 polyester Polymers 0.000 description 3
- -1 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 238000002360 preparation method Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000011780 sodium chloride Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 description 3
- SMZOUWXMTYCWNB-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2-(2-methoxy-5-methylphenyl)ethanamine Chemical compound COC1=CC=C(C)C=C1CCN SMZOUWXMTYCWNB-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 2
- 150000001412 amines Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 239000008280 blood Substances 0.000 description 2
- 210000004369 blood Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 210000001124 body fluid Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 239000010839 body fluid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 210000001217 buttock Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 150000001768 cations Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000004132 cross linking Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000001747 exhibiting effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000011068 loading method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 2
- 231100000344 non-irritating Toxicity 0.000 description 2
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000002985 plastic film Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920006255 plastic film Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229920000247 superabsorbent polymer Polymers 0.000 description 2
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229920000536 2-Acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid Polymers 0.000 description 1
- XHZPRMZZQOIPDS-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2-Methyl-2-[(1-oxo-2-propenyl)amino]-1-propanesulfonic acid Chemical compound OS(=O)(=O)CC(C)(C)NC(=O)C=C XHZPRMZZQOIPDS-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- NLHHRLWOUZZQLW-UHFFFAOYSA-N Acrylonitrile Chemical compound C=CC#N NLHHRLWOUZZQLW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- QGZKDVFQNNGYKY-UHFFFAOYSA-O Ammonium Chemical compound [NH4+] QGZKDVFQNNGYKY-UHFFFAOYSA-O 0.000 description 1
- 238000012935 Averaging Methods 0.000 description 1
- KUVIULQEHSCUHY-XYWKZLDCSA-N Beclometasone Chemical compound C1CC2=CC(=O)C=C[C@]2(C)[C@]2(Cl)[C@@H]1[C@@H]1C[C@H](C)[C@@](C(=O)COC(=O)CC)(OC(=O)CC)[C@@]1(C)C[C@@H]2O KUVIULQEHSCUHY-XYWKZLDCSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 208000031872 Body Remains Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 229920002134 Carboxymethyl cellulose Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 241000272470 Circus Species 0.000 description 1
- 229920000742 Cotton Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 241000448280 Elates Species 0.000 description 1
- 206010016275 Fear Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 206010016322 Feeling abnormal Diseases 0.000 description 1
- CERQOIWHTDAKMF-UHFFFAOYSA-N Methacrylic acid Chemical compound CC(=C)C(O)=O CERQOIWHTDAKMF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 241000183024 Populus tremula Species 0.000 description 1
- 229920001131 Pulp (paper) Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920003295 Radel® Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000297 Rayon Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001247 Reticulated foam Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004772 Sontara Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- DAKWPKUUDNSNPN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Trimethylolpropane triacrylate Chemical compound C=CC(=O)OCC(CC)(COC(=O)C=C)COC(=O)C=C DAKWPKUUDNSNPN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229920002522 Wood fibre Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000002378 acidificating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 150000007513 acids Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 230000002411 adverse Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052783 alkali metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 150000001340 alkali metals Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 150000003863 ammonium salts Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 150000008064 anhydrides Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000002585 base Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003287 bathing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000001768 carboxy methyl cellulose Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000010948 carboxy methyl cellulose Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000008112 carboxymethyl-cellulose Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920002678 cellulose Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000001913 cellulose Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 description 1
- 210000003029 clitoris Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 230000001143 conditioned effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920001577 copolymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000012792 core layer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000001035 drying Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009313 farming Methods 0.000 description 1
- 210000003608 fece Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 239000002657 fibrous material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000001914 filtration Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000002414 leg Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- KRTSDMXIXPKRQR-AATRIKPKSA-N monocrotophos Chemical compound CNC(=O)\C=C(/C)OP(=O)(OC)OC KRTSDMXIXPKRQR-AATRIKPKSA-N 0.000 description 1
- ZIUHHBKFKCYYJD-UHFFFAOYSA-N n,n'-methylenebisacrylamide Chemical compound C=CC(=O)NCNC(=O)C=C ZIUHHBKFKCYYJD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000006386 neutralization reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000035699 permeability Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920005862 polyol Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 150000003077 polyols Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000003689 pubic bone Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 239000002964 rayon Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005096 rolling process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 101150008563 spir gene Proteins 0.000 description 1
- 238000005507 spraying Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010186 staining Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003756 stirring Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000008961 swelling Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000012209 synthetic fiber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920002994 synthetic fiber Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000010998 test method Methods 0.000 description 1
- VPYJNCGUESNPMV-UHFFFAOYSA-N triallylamine Chemical compound C=CCN(CC=C)CC=C VPYJNCGUESNPMV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229940096522 trimethylolpropane triacrylate Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 238000009423 ventilation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011800 void material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000009736 wetting Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002023 wood Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000037303 wrinkles Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
- A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
- A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
- A61F13/45—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the shape
- A61F13/47—Sanitary towels, incontinence pads or napkins
- A61F13/472—Sanitary towels, incontinence pads or napkins specially adapted for female use
- A61F13/47218—Sanitary towels, incontinence pads or napkins specially adapted for female use with a raised crotch region, e.g. hump
- A61F13/47227—Sanitary towels, incontinence pads or napkins specially adapted for female use with a raised crotch region, e.g. hump for interlabial use
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A41—WEARING APPAREL
- A41B—SHIRTS; UNDERWEAR; BABY LINEN; HANDKERCHIEFS
- A41B13/00—Baby linen
- A41B13/04—Babies' pants
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
- A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
- A61F13/15203—Properties of the article, e.g. stiffness or absorbency
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
- A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
- A61F13/45—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the shape
- A61F13/47—Sanitary towels, incontinence pads or napkins
- A61F13/472—Sanitary towels, incontinence pads or napkins specially adapted for female use
- A61F13/47263—Sanitary towels, incontinence pads or napkins specially adapted for female use with activating means, e.g. elastic, heat or chemical activatable means
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
- A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
- A61F13/53—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium
- A61F13/534—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium having an inhomogeneous composition through the thickness of the pad
- A61F13/537—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium having an inhomogeneous composition through the thickness of the pad characterised by a layer facilitating or inhibiting flow in one direction or plane, e.g. a wicking layer
- A61F13/53708—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium having an inhomogeneous composition through the thickness of the pad characterised by a layer facilitating or inhibiting flow in one direction or plane, e.g. a wicking layer the layer having a promotional function on liquid propagation in at least one direction
- A61F13/53717—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium having an inhomogeneous composition through the thickness of the pad characterised by a layer facilitating or inhibiting flow in one direction or plane, e.g. a wicking layer the layer having a promotional function on liquid propagation in at least one direction the layer having a promotional function on liquid propagation in the horizontal direction
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
- A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
- A61F13/53—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium
- A61F13/534—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium having an inhomogeneous composition through the thickness of the pad
- A61F13/537—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium having an inhomogeneous composition through the thickness of the pad characterised by a layer facilitating or inhibiting flow in one direction or plane, e.g. a wicking layer
- A61F13/53743—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium having an inhomogeneous composition through the thickness of the pad characterised by a layer facilitating or inhibiting flow in one direction or plane, e.g. a wicking layer characterised by the position of the layer relative to the other layers
- A61F13/53747—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium having an inhomogeneous composition through the thickness of the pad characterised by a layer facilitating or inhibiting flow in one direction or plane, e.g. a wicking layer characterised by the position of the layer relative to the other layers the layer is facing the topsheet
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F5/00—Orthopaedic methods or devices for non-surgical treatment of bones or joints; Nursing devices; Anti-rape devices
- A61F5/44—Devices worn by the patient for reception of urine, faeces, catamenial or other discharge; Portable urination aids; Colostomy devices
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
- A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
- A61F13/53—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium
- A61F13/534—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium having an inhomogeneous composition through the thickness of the pad
- A61F13/537—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium having an inhomogeneous composition through the thickness of the pad characterised by a layer facilitating or inhibiting flow in one direction or plane, e.g. a wicking layer
- A61F13/53704—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium having an inhomogeneous composition through the thickness of the pad characterised by a layer facilitating or inhibiting flow in one direction or plane, e.g. a wicking layer the layer having an inhibiting function on liquid propagation
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
- A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
- A61F13/15203—Properties of the article, e.g. stiffness or absorbency
- A61F2013/15284—Properties of the article, e.g. stiffness or absorbency characterized by quantifiable properties
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
- A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
- A61F13/15203—Properties of the article, e.g. stiffness or absorbency
- A61F2013/15284—Properties of the article, e.g. stiffness or absorbency characterized by quantifiable properties
- A61F2013/15365—Dimensions
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
- A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
- A61F13/15203—Properties of the article, e.g. stiffness or absorbency
- A61F2013/15284—Properties of the article, e.g. stiffness or absorbency characterized by quantifiable properties
- A61F2013/15365—Dimensions
- A61F2013/15373—Calliper, i.e. thickness
- A61F2013/15382—Reduced thickness
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
- A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
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- A61F13/47—Sanitary towels, incontinence pads or napkins
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- A61F2013/530583—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium having superabsorbent materials, i.e. highly absorbent polymer gel materials characterized by the form
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Abstract
THIN, FLEXIBLE SANITARY NAPKIN
ABSTRACT
In accordance with the present invention, a sanitary napkin having a body surface and a garment surface and being comprised of an absorbent means undelayed by a liquid barrier means, wherein the sanitary napkin is relatively highly flexible and has a capacity great enough to handle medium to high menstrual flows, is provided. In a preferred embodiment, the sanitary napkin comprises, from the body surface down, an apertured formed film topsheet, an apertured nonwoven wipe acquisition sheet, a wet-laid tissue, a superabsorbent core, and a barrier sheet.
Preferably, the central width of the absorbents is at least about 6.5 centimeters and the caliper of the napkin as a whole is less than about 2.6 millimeters. In a preferred embodiment, the napkin has laterally extending flaps which drape over the edges of the wearer's panties in the crotch and are attachable to the garment side of the wearer's panties.
ABSTRACT
In accordance with the present invention, a sanitary napkin having a body surface and a garment surface and being comprised of an absorbent means undelayed by a liquid barrier means, wherein the sanitary napkin is relatively highly flexible and has a capacity great enough to handle medium to high menstrual flows, is provided. In a preferred embodiment, the sanitary napkin comprises, from the body surface down, an apertured formed film topsheet, an apertured nonwoven wipe acquisition sheet, a wet-laid tissue, a superabsorbent core, and a barrier sheet.
Preferably, the central width of the absorbents is at least about 6.5 centimeters and the caliper of the napkin as a whole is less than about 2.6 millimeters. In a preferred embodiment, the napkin has laterally extending flaps which drape over the edges of the wearer's panties in the crotch and are attachable to the garment side of the wearer's panties.
Description
13l7701 THIN, FLEXI~LE SANITARY NAPKIN
BA6KGROUN~ OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention The present invention l~elates to female sanitary napkins.
Particularly, the present invention concerns thin, flexible sanitary napk~ns offering enhanced fit and comfort through a construction whlch promotes a cont~nuously self-conforming anatomical cooperation of the sanitary napkin to the wearer to yield a highly effective absorbent device.
BA6KGROUN~ OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention The present invention l~elates to female sanitary napkins.
Particularly, the present invention concerns thin, flexible sanitary napk~ns offering enhanced fit and comfort through a construction whlch promotes a cont~nuously self-conforming anatomical cooperation of the sanitary napkin to the wearer to yield a highly effective absorbent device.
2. Backgr~und Art All manner and variety of absorbent articles configured for the absorption of body fluids such as menses, urine and feces are, of course9 well known. With respect to fe~inine protection devices, the art llas offered two basic types; sanitary napkins have been developed for external wear about the pudendal region whi,le tampcns have been developed for intern~l wear within the vaginal cavity for interruption of menctrual flow therefrom. Such tampon devic~s are disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,412,833, entitled ~T~mpon Applicator~, which patent issued to Weigner et al. on Nov~mber 1, 1983, and U.S. Patent 4,413,986, entitled ~Tampon Assembly ~ith Means For Sterile Insertion~, which patent issued to Jacobs on Novemb~r 8, 1983.
Hybrid devices which attempt to m~rge the structural features of the sanitary napkins and the tampons lnto a single device have also been proposed. Such hybrtd devlces are dlsclosed in U.S.
Patent 2,092,346, en~itled "Catamenial Pad~, which patent issued to Arone on September 7, 1937, and U.S. Patent 3,9~5,372~ entitled "Feminine Hygiene Protective Shield~, which patent issued to Denkinger on September 16, 1975. O~h~ less intrusive hybrid 2 ~ 7 ~ 1 devices are known as labial or interlabial sanitary napkins and are characterized by having a portion which at least partially resides within the wearer's vestibule and a portion which at least partially resides external of the wearer's vestibule. Such devices are disclosed in U.S. Patent 2,662,527, entit1ed "Sanitary Padn, which patent issued to ~acks on December I5, 1953, and U.S.
Patent 4,63I,062, entitled "Labial Sanltary Pad~, which patent issued to Lassen et al. on December 23, 1986.
~ ith respect to s~nitary napkins, at least two general classes pertinent to the present invention exlst. One such class is for the absorption of medium to high menstrual flows. These sanitary napkins offer a fatrly high absorptlv~ capacity. Absorptive capacity is commonly achi~ved by providing the napkin with a fairly thick and bulky absorbent member, co~monly fluff pulp.
Sanitary napkins o~ this class ar~ disclosed in U.S. Patent 3,294,091, entltled ~Sanitary Napkina, whlch patent issued to Morse on December 27, l966, U.S. Patent 4,654,040, entitled ~Smooth-Edged Contoured Sanitary Napkin~, which patent issued to Luceri on March 31, 1987, and U.S. Patent 4,687,478, entitled ~Sanitary Napkin With Flaps~, which patent issued to Van Tilburg on August 18, I987. Such stn~tary napkins theoretically have a high absorptlve capacity, however, ~hen the sanitary napkin is worn and subjscted to the compressive forces of the wearer's th~ghs and pudendal region, the fluff pulp core simply compacts or bunches into an arbitrary, but generally rope-like shape.
Such napkins commonly shift fro~ their original placement so that after only a short wearing time, th~ napkin ~ight only partially, if at all, be beneath the wearer's vaginal orifice or vestibule.
Thus, in us~, these sanitary napkins sometimes offer very little absorption. Further, the rolling and twisting of these napkins may create soiling on the wearer's pantics and skin surfaces. In addition, the bulkin~ss of these napkins causes a high degree of ~earing awareness and may make the~ ~uite obtrusive when worn ~ith tlght fitting slacks, body suits or bathing suits.
A second slass of sanitary napkins are intended for light or low m~nstru~l flows and are commonly referred to as panty liners ~31 77~
or panty shields. Sanitary napkins of this type are disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,681,578, entitled "Pantiliner With Ventilation Areas", which patent issued to Anderson and Brandt on July 21, 1987. Sanitary napkins of this class, as a group, are thinner, somewhat more flexible and generally more comfortable than those of the first class, however, they lack the absorptive capacity of the napkins of the first class.
Therefore, there exist:s a real consumer need for a sanitary napkin which is thin and ~lexible, thereby offering enhanced fit and comfort, yet having a fluid capacity great enough for use with medium to high menstrual flows thereby allaying consumer fears of leakage and staining.
Therefore, it is an object of an aspect of the present invention to provide a sanitary napkin which is thin and flexible and which is absorbent enough to absorb and contain medium to high menstrual flows.
It is an object of an aspect of the present invention to provide a sanitary napkin which will closely conform to the various anatomical shapes of the female urogenital and buttocks region.
It is an object of an aspect of the present invention to provide a sanitary napkin which offers enhanced fit and comfort and a low degree of wearing awareness.
It is an object of an aspect of the pres~nt invention to provide a thin and flexible sanitary napkin having laterally extending flaps configured to drape over the side edges of the wearer's panties in the crotch portion thus being disposed between the side edges of the wearQr's panties in the crotch portion and the wearer's thighs.
It is an object of an aspect of the present invention to provide the laterally extending flaps with an attachment means on their garment facing surface so 13177~
that the flaps can wrap around the side edges of the wearer's panties in the crotch portion and be attached to the garment facing side of the wearer's panties in order to provide protection from soiling and so as to keep the napkin properly positioned in the wearer's panties.
These and other objects of the present invention will be more readily apparent when considered in reference to the following description and when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
SUMrlARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a sanitary napkin having a body surface and a garment surface and being comprised of an absorbent means underlayed by a liquid barrier means, wherein the sanitary napkin is relatively highly flexible and has a capacity great enough to handle medium to high menstrual flows, is provided. In a preferred embodiment, the sanitary napkin comprises, from the body surf~ce down, an apertured formed film topsheet, an apertured nonwoven wipe acquisition sheet, a wet-laid tissue, a superabsorbent core, and a barrier sheet.
Preferably, the central width of the absorbents is at least about 7.0 centimeters and the caliper of the napkin as a whole is less than about 2O5 millimeters.
In a preferred embodiment, the napkin has laterally extending flaps which drape over the edges of the wearer's panties in the crotch and are attachable to the garment side of the wearer's panties.
Other aspects of this invention are as follows:
A sanitary napkin having a body surface and a garment surface, comprising:
an absorbent means having a first major surface and a second major surface; and a l:iquid impermeable barrier means adjacent to said second major surface of said absorbent means;
.~
17~
4a said sanitary napkin having a flexure-resistance of less than about 300.0 grams, a caliper of less than about 3.0 millimeters, a test capacity of at least about 8.0 grams, and a total capacity of at least about 20.0 grams.
A sanitary napkin having a body surface and a garment surface, comprising:
an absorbent means having a first major surface and a second major surface; and a liquid impermeable barrier means adjacent to said second major surface of said absorbent means;
said sanitary napkin having a flexure-resistance of less than about 400 grams, a test capacity of at least about 8.0 grams, a total capacity of at least about 14.0 grams and a caliper of less than about 5.0 Millimeters.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure l is a top plan view of a preferred sanitary napkin ~mbodiment of th~ present invention with portions being torn away to show underlying structure.
Figure 2 is a lateral cross-sectional view of the preferred sanitary napkin embodiment shown in Figure taken along line 2-2 of Figure 1.
',,i 13177~
Figure 3 is a top plan vi~w of a preferred topsheet and wipe acquisition shPet laminate with portions of the topsheet being torn away to show underlying structure.
Figure 4 is a top plan view of an alternatively prefenred sanitary napkin embodiment oi: ths present invention with portions being torn away to show underlying structure.
Figure 5 is a top plan view o~ another alternatively preferred sanitary napkin embodiment of the present invention with portions being torn away to show underlying structurQ.
DETAIl~2_~ESCRIPTION OF PRE~RRE~ EMBO~IMENTS
The present invention relates to female sanitary napkins and in particular to sanitary napkins wh k h are thin and flexible and offer enhanced fit, comfort9 and containm~nt.
As used here~n, the term ~sanitary napkin~ r~fers to an article whish is worn by females adjacent to the pudendal region and which is intended to absorb and contain the various exudates which are discharged from the body (e.g., blood, menses and urine) and wh~ch is intended to be d~scarded after a single use (i.e., it 1s not intended to be laundered or otherwise restored or reused). Interlabial devi~es which r@side partially within and partially external of the wearer's vestibulo are also within the scope of th~s invention. As used herein, the term "pudendal-re~ers to the externally visible female gen~talia and is limited to the labia majora, the labia minora, the clitoris, and the vestibule.
A preferred embodiment of a sanitary napk~n 10 of the present inventicn is shown in Figures 1 and 2. As can be seen in Figures 1 and 2, a preferred sanit?ry napkin 10 basically comprises an absorbent means 13 and a llquid impermeable barrier means 16. The absorbent means 13 may be any means which is generally compressible, conformable, non-irritating to the wearer's skin and capable of absorbing and containing body exudates such 6 1~77~1 as menses, blood and urine. Preferably, the absorbent means 13 maintains integrity when wetted, in use. The absorbent means 13 has a first major surface 19 and a second major surface 22. The barrier means 16 is adjacent the second major surface 22 of the absorbent means 13. The barrier means 16 may be any means which is flexible and liquid impervious and which prevents the exudates absorbed and contained in the absorbent means 13 from wetting articles which contact the sanltary napkin 10 such as panties.
In the preferred embocliment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the absorbent means 13 is comprised of a liquid permeable topsheet 25, a liquid permeable wipe acquisitlon she~t 28, a wet-laid tissue sheet 31 and an absorbent cor~ 34. In the preferred embodiment shown in Fi~ures 1 and 2, th~ barrier mQans 16 is a barrier sheet. The absorbent core 34 is comprised of hydrogel-forming material 37 disposed between two air-laid tissue sheets 40 and 43.
The sanitary napkin 10 has side edges 11 and end edges 12 which tog~ther form the periphery 15 of the sanitary napkin 10. The sanitary napkin 10 has a body surface 2S which is generall~
defined ~y th~ topsheet 25 and a garment surface 17 which is generally defined by the barrier sheet 16.
Looking at some of the elements of the sanitary napkin lO
more spec~f1cally, the absorbent core 34 may be any means which is generally compressible, conformable, non-irritating to the wearer's skin and capable of absorbing and containing body exudates. The absorbent cor~ 34 has a f~rst ma~or surface 46, a second ma~or surface ~9 9 a pa~ r of end edges 52 and a pai r of siJe edges 55. The absorbent core 3~ ~a~ be manufactured in a wid@ variety of sizes and shapes (e.g., rectangular, hourglass, etc.). A preferred shape of the absorbent core 34 is the dogbone shape shown ln Figure 1. Th~s preferred absorbent core 34 is about 22.0 centimsters long (longitudinal dimension along the longitudinal centerllne 58), about 7.0 centim~ters ~ide across its midportion (lateral dimension along the lateral centerline 61) and about 8.0 centimeters wide across its widest portion (lateral 131~7~3~
dimension). The absorbent core 34 is symmetrically configured for ease of manufacture and so that no conscious effort is required by the wearer to properly place the napkin 10 in the direction it should be worn. The midportion is configured to basically conform to the wearer's thighs and to the thinner crotch portion of the wearer's panties so as to prevent excessive bunching. The size of the absorbent core 34 may be varied to accommodate wearers ranging in size and also ranging in the expected amount of exudate, fluid volume. The absorbent core 34 may be attached over the core's first or second major surfaces 46 and 49, respectively, to adjacent members such as the topsheet 25 and barrier sheet 1~ by any of the means well known in the art, such as by spray-gluing or lines or spots of adhesive. Such attachment facilitates integrity and recoverability of the absorbent materials in use so asto maintain an optimum degree of absorbency. Preferably, the absorbent core 34 has a wet-tensile strength in the cross-direction of at least about 100.0 grams per centimeter. Wet tensile strength is determinable by ASTM
Standard D 829-49.
The absorbent core 34 may be manufactured from a wide variety of liquid absorbent materials commonly used in disposable sanitary napkins, diapers, and other absorbent articles. Fxamples of suitable absorbent materials include comminuted wood pulp which is generally referred to as airfelt, creped cellulosewadding, absorbent foams, absorbent sponges, synthetic staple fibers, polymeric fibers, hydrogel-forming polymer gelling agents~ or any equivalent materials or combinations of materials. A particularly preferred absorbent material are polymeric gelling agents. Polymeric gelling agents are those materials which, upon contact with fluids (i.e., liquids) such as water or body fluids, imbibe such fluids and thereby form hydrogels. In this manner, fluid discharged into the absorbent core 34 can be acquired and held by the polymeric gelling agent, thereby providing the articles herein with enhanced absorbent capacity and/or improved fluid retention performance.
8 ~ 7 ~ ~
The polymeric gelling agent which is employed in the absorbent core 34 will generally comprise particles of a substantially water-insoluble, slightly cross-linked, partially neutralized, hydrogel-forming polymer material. Such polymer materials can be prepared from polymarizablle, unsaturated, acid-containing monomers. Suitable unsaturated acidic monomers for use in preparing the polymeric gelling agents used in this invention include those listed in U.S. Patent 4~654~039/ entitled "Hydrogel-Farming Polymer Compositions For Use In Absorbent Structures", which issued to Brandt, Goldman and Inglin on March 31, 1987. Preferred monomers include acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, and 2-acrylamido-2-methyl propane sulfonic acid. Acrylic acid itself is especially preferred for preparation of the pclymeric gelling agent material.
In the hydrogel-forming polymeric gelling agent the polymeric component formed ~rom unsaturated, acid-containing monomers fflay be grafted onto other types of polymer moieties such as starch or cellulose.
Polyacrylate grafted starch materials of this type are especially preferred for use herein.
Preferred polymer gelling agents which can be prepared from conventional types of monomers include hydrolyzed acrylonitrile grafted starch, polyacrylate grafted starch, polyacrylates, malPic anhydride-based copolymers and combinations thereof. Espe~ially preferred are the polyacrylates and polyacrylate grafted starch.
Whatever the nature of the basic polymer components of the hydrogel-forming polymeric gelling agents used in the absoxbent core 34 herein, such materials will in general be slightly cross-linked. Cross-linking serves to render the hydrogel-forming polymer gelling agents used in this invention substantially water-insoluble, ~3~7~
and cross-linking thus in part determines the gel volume and extractable polymer characteristics o~ the hydrogels formed from the polymeric gelling agents employed.
Suitable cross-linking agents are well known in the art and include, for example, those described in greater detail in U.S. Patent 4,076,663, which patent issued to Masuda et al. on February 28, 1978. Preferred cross-linking agents are the di- or polyesters of unsaturated mono- or polycarboxylic acids with polyols, the bisacrylamides and the di- or trial:Lyl amines.
Especially preferred cross-linking agents are N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide, trimethylol propane triacrylate and triallyl amine. The cross-linking agent can generally comprise from about 0.001 mole percent to 5.0 mole percent of the resulting hydrogel-forming polymer material. More preferably, the cross-linking agent will comprise from about 0.01 mole percent to 3.0 mole percent of the hydrogel-forming polymeric gelling agent used herein.
The slightly cross-linked, hydrogel-forming polymeric gelling agents which may be used in the articles of the present invention are generally employed in their partially neutralized form. For purposes of this invention, such materials are considered partially neutralized when at least 25.0 mole percent, and preferably at least 50.0 mole percent o~ monomers used to form the polymer are acid group-containing monomers which have been neutralized with a salt-~orming cation.
Suitahle salt-forming cations include alkali metal, ammonium, substituted ammonium, and amines. This percentage of the total monomer utilized which are neutralized acid group-containing monomers is re~erred to herein as the "degree of neutralization".
The polymeric gelling agent materials used in the absorbent articles herein must have a relatively high capacity for imbibing fluids encountered in such . ~,. . .
~3:1~J701 9a articles. The absorbent capacity of these materials can be quantified by referencing the "gel volume" of the polymeric gelling agents which are to be selected for use in the present invention.
For purposes of this invention, gel volume can be defined in terms of the amount of synthetic urine absorbed by any given ,..
,, lo 131~7~1 polymeric gelling agent and is specifiQd as grams of synthetic urine per gram of polymeric gelling agent. Gel volume in synthetic urine can be determined by forming a suspension of about 0.1-0.2 parts of dried polymeris gelling agent to be tested with about 20 parts of synthetic urine. This suspension is maintained at ambient temperature under gcntle stirring for a time sufficient, e.g., about 1 hour, for swelling equilibrium to be attained. The gel volume of the polymeric gelling agent in grams of synthetic urine per gram of polymer~c gelling agent is then calculated from the weight fraction of the poly~eric gelllng agent in the suspension and the ratio of the liquid volume excluded from the formed hydrogel to the total volume of the suspension.
Th~ gel volume o~ the gelling agents used in the absorbent core 34 herein wlll generally be at least about 20.0 grams of synthetic urin~ per gram of polymerlc gelling agent. More preferably, the gel volume of the mater~als e~ployed will range from about 20.0 to about 60.0, most preferably from about 22.0 to about ~5.0 grams of synthetic urine per gram of polymeris gelling agent.
With1n the webs which form the lay~rs of the absorbent core 34, the particl~s of ths polymeric gelling agent should be thoroughly dispersed but may or may not be unifor~ly distributed. In particular, there may b~ reg~ons or zones of the core layers which have higher concentrations of gelling agent p~rt1cles than do other regions or zones of the layers.
In a pre~err~d embodiment, the sanitary napkin 10 of the present lnvention will have a hydrogel-fonm1ng polymeric gelling ag~nt distributed throughout at 1east about 17.0 square centimeters of the napkin, more preferably throughout at least about 50.0 square centimeters of th~ napkin, and most pr~ferably throughout at least about 100.0 square cen$imeters of the napkin.
Preferably, the hydrogel-forming polymeric gelling agent will be distributed in an amoun~ of from about 0.001 grams per square centimeter to about 0.009 grams per square centime~er, more 11 ~177~.
preferably of from about 0.003 grams per square centimeter to about 0.008 grams per square centimeter, and most preferably from about 0.004 grams per square centimeter to about 0.007 grams per square centimeter.
Preferably, the absorbent core 34 will contain from about 5.0% to about 85.0% by weight of hydrogel-forming polymeric gelling agent, more preferably from about 10.0% to about 70.0%, and most preferably from about 15.0% to about 55.0%.
In the preferred embodiment shown in Figure 2, the absorbent core 34 is a laminate comprised o~ a layer of superabsorbent polymer material 37 disposed between two air-laid tissues 40 and 43. A suitable laminate is the superabsorbent laminate WATER-LOCK L-535 available from the Grain Processing Corporation of Muscatine, Iowa (WATER-LOCK registered TM by Grain Processing Corporation). Such superabsorbent laminates are disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,467,012, entitled "Composition For Absorbent Film And Method Of Preparation", which patent issued to Pedersen et al. on August 21, 1984, and U.S. Patent 4,260,443, entitled "Laminated Absorbent Process", which patent issued to Lindsay et al. on April 7, 1981. The WATER-LOCK L-535 has a hydrogel polymer loading of 0.005 grams per square centimater, how~ver, loadings of 0.001 - 0.009 grams per square centimeter have been found acceptable. The first and second tissue layers 40 and 43 provide containment of the superabsorbent polymer material 37, improve lateral wicking of the absorbed exudates throughout the absorbent core 34 and provide a degree of absorbency.
In the case of non-particulate hydrogel-forming polymer gelling agents which can be formed into fibrous sheets, foams or films, the non-particulate gelling agent may comprise from about 15% to about 100% by weight of the absorbent core 34, more preferably of from about 40% to about 100%, and most preferably of from about 60% to ~77~.
about 100%. The basis weight of such non-particulate superabsorbents may be from about 0.002 to about 0.028 grams per square centimeter, more preferably of from about 0.003 to about 0.018, and most preferably of from about 0.004 to about O.010. Two suitable and commercially available non-particulate absorbent materials for the absorbent core 34 are a double layer acrylic ~ibrous material available under the trade-mark LansealTM F from the Choli Company, LTD., of Higashi, Osaka Japan and a carboxymethylcellulose fibrous material available under the trade-mark AqualonTN C from Hercules, Inc. of Wilmington, Delaware.
The total absorbent capacity of the absorbent core 34 should be compatible with the design exudate loaAing ~or the intended use of the sanitary napkin 10.
Further, the absorbent capacity of the absorbent core 34 may be varied to accommodate wearers ranging in the expected amount of exudate ~luid volume. Fox instance, a different absorbent capacity may be utilized for sanitary napkins intended for daytima use as compared with those intended for nighttime use, or for sanitary napkins intended for use by teenage females as compared with those intended for use by more mature women.
It should be noted that the scope of the present invention is not intended to extend to sanitary napkins which are void of any superabsorbent material and which have a central absorbent member ovarlayed solely by nonwoven materials, wherein the nonwoven materials have caliper of less than 0.50 millimeters, as determined by the caliper test, as later defined.
Superimposed over the absorbent core 34 and extending about 3.0 millimeters beyond the edges 52 and 55 of the absorbent core 34 is the wet-laid tissue 31.
The wet-laid tissue 31 is liquid permeable. A
satisfactory wet~laid tissue 31 has a basis weight of about 15.8 grams per square meter and an air 13 13~7~
permeability of about 30.5 cubic meters per minute per square meter at a pressure dif~erential of about 12.8 millimeters of water. Preferably, the wet-laid tissue 31 maintains integrity when wetted, in use. The wet-laid tissue 31 preferably has a wet ten~ile strength in the cross-direction of at least about 15.0 grams per centimeter. Suitable tissues 31 and thedr manufacture are disclosed in U.S. Patenk 3,301,746, entitled "Process For Forming Absorbent Paper By Imprinting A
Fabric Knuckle Pattern Thereon Prior To Drying And Paper Thereof", which patent issued to Sanford and Sisson on January 31, 1967. In a preferred embodimentl those parts of the wet-laid tissue 31 which extend beyond the edges 52 and 55 of the absorbent core 34 are as~ociated with the barrier sheet 16. The wet-laid tissue 31 may be associated with the barrier shest 16 by attachment means as are well known in the art such as by spray-gluing or lines or spots of adhesive. The wet-laid tissue 16 serves a number of purposes. The tissue 31 serves to confine any loose superabsorbent material 37 between the tissue 31 and the barrier sheet 16 thereby preventing the superabsorbent material 37 from coming in contact with the wearer's skin. Also, the tissue 31 improves lateral wicking of $he absorbed exudates over the absorbent core 34 thereby providing a more even distribution of the exudates throughout the absorbent core 34. Further, the tissue 31 provides some degree of absorbency and further inhibits exudates which have reached and been absorbed by the absorbent core 34 from rewetting the wearer's skin.
Superimposed over the wet-laid tissue 31 is a liquid permeable wipe acquisition sheet 28. In a preferred embodiment, the wipe acquisition sheet 28 is a nonwoven sheet. In the preferred embodiment shown in 35 Figure 2, the sheet 28 is a spunlaced 70%/30%
rayon/polyester fiber sheet. Spunlaced fabrics of this A
13a ~3:17~
type are manufactured by E.I. DuPont Nemours & Company of Wilmington, Delaware, and are made available under the trade-mark ''SONTARAI' (SONTARA registered TM by E.I.
DuPont Nemours ~ Company). These fabrics are available in a number of suitable styles, however, Style 8407 in its apertured form, having a basis weight of 0.005 grams per square centimeter and a thickness of about 0.04 millimeters, is pr0ferred. The wipe acquisition sheet 28 extends beyond the edges of the wet-laid tissue 31 where it too is associated with the barrier sheet 16.
The wipe acquisition sheet 28 greatly improves lateral wicking of 14 I 3 I 7 7 Q ~
exudates over the absorbent core 34 thereby providtng a Tore even distribution of the exudates throughout the absorbent cor~
34. The lateral wicking of the wipe ~cquisition sheet 28 is important for the following reason. Many bulky prior art sanitary napkins rely on a high degree of v~rtlcal 2bsorption at the point where exudates are initially deposited. In other words, because the absorbent cores of thesi~ napkins are fairl~ thick, they can absorb a high degree of ~xudates throughout their thickness while utilizing only a small degree of their surface area or latera1 absorption capability. However, the relatively thin napklns lO of the present invention have a comparatively small degree of vertical absorption. Therefore, for a relative1y large amount of exudates to be absorbed, ~ wipe acqu~sition sheet ?8 which can laterally disperse the exudates over a large surface area of the absorbent core 34 where the exudates c~n better and faster be verti ally absorbed is highly des~rable. Further, the wipe acquisition sheet 28 provides a fairly high degree of initlal absorption during the time interval between the time exudates are deposited onto the topsheet 25 and the ~ime they are absorbed by th~ absorb~nt core 34. This property will be more specifically describ~d later.
Superimposed over the wipe acquisition sheet 28 is the liquid permeable topsh~t 25. In a preferr~d embodiment, the topsheet 1s associated with the wtpe acquisition sheet 28 by spray-gluing the topsheet 25 to th~ surface of the wipe acq~sition sheet 28. The topsh~et 25 is compli2nt, soft feeling, and non-irr1tating to the wearer's skin. Further, th~ topsheet 25 is liquid pervious7 permitting liquid to readily transfer through its thickness. A suitable topsh~et 25 may be manufactured from a wide range of mat~rials such as polymerio materlals, for~ed th~rmoplastic films, apertured plastic films, porous foams, reticulated foams, natural fibers ~e.g., wood or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (e.g., polyester or polypropylene fibers~ or from a combination of na~ural and syntheti fibers, wi~h apertured for~ed films being preferred. Fo~ed fllms are preferred for the topsheet 25 because they are pervious to liquids and yet 131~7~
non-absorbent. Thus, the surface of the formed film which is in contact with the body remains dry, thereby reducing body soiling and creating a more comfortable feel for the wearer. Suitable formed films are described in U.S. Patent 3,929,135, entitled "Absorptive Structure Having Tapered Capillaries", which patent issued to Thompson on December 30, 1975, U.S.
Patent 4,324,246, entitled "Dispo~able Absorbent Article Having A Stain Resistant Topsheet", which patent issued to Mullane and Smith on April 13, 1982, U.S. Patent 4,342,314, entitled "Resilient Plastic Web Exhibiting Fiber-Like Properties", which patent issued to Radel and Thompson on August 3, 1982, and U.S. Patent ~,463,045, entitled "Macroscopically Expanded Three-Dimensional Plastic Web Exhibiting Non-Glossy Visible Surface and Cloth-Like Tactile Impression", which patent issued to Ahr, I,ouis, Mullane, and Vuellete on July 31, 1984.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the body surface 26 o~ the topsheet 25 is hydrophilic.
The hydrophilic body surface 26 helps liquid to transfer through the topsheet 25 faster than if the body surface 26 was not hydrophilic. This diminishes the likelihood that menstrual fluid will flow off the topsheet 25 rather than being absorbed by the absorbent core 34.
In a preferred embodiment, the body surface 26 of the topsheet 25 is made hydrophilic by treating the body surface 26 with a surfactant. It is preferred that the surfactant be substantially evenly and completely distributed throughout the body surface 26 of the topsheet 25. This can be accomplished by any of the common techniques well known to those skilled in the art. ~or example, the surfactant can be applied to the topsheet 25 by spraying, by padding, or by the use of transfer rolls. Further, the surfactant can be incorporated into the polymeric materials of a formed 15a 13177~
film topsheet or between or within the fibers of a nonwoven topsheet.
The barrier means 16 is adjacent the second major surface 22 of the absorbent means 13. In a preferred embodiment, the ~ 3~770~
absorbent means 13 may be affixed over the second major surface 22 of the absorbent means 13 to the barrier means 16. Any of the common techniques well known in the art, such as spray-gluing or lines or spots of adhesive may beused for this purpose. The barrier means 16 generally defines the garment S surface 17 of the sanitary napkin 10. The barrier means 16 may be any means which is impervious to liquids and which prevents exudates absorbed and contained in the absorbent means 13 from soiling articles, such as panties, which come in contact with the garment surface 17 of the sanitary napkin 10. In the preferred embodiment of the sanitary napkin 10 illustratecl in Figures 1 and 2, the barrier means 16 is a barrier sheet manufactured from a thin plastic film.
Other flexible liquid impervious materials may also be used. Preferably, the barrier sheet 16 is a polyethylene film having a thickness of from about 0.012 millimeter to about 0.051 millimeter. As used herein, the term "flexible" refersto materials which are compliant and which will readily conform to the general shape and contours of the human body.
A suitable polyethylene film is manufactured by Monsanto Chemical Corporation and marketed in the trade as Film No. 8020. The barrier sheet 16 is preferably embossed and/or matte finished to provide a more clothlike appearance. Further, the barrier sheet 16 may permit vapors to escape from the absorbent me~ns 13 while still preventing exudates from passing through the barrier sheet 16.
Preferably, the topsheet 25 and the barrier sheet 16 have length and width dimensions generally larger than the absorbent core 34 so that they extend beyond the edges 52 and 55 of the absorbent core 34 where they are associated together in a suitable manner. As used herein, the term "associated"
encompasses configurations whereby a first member is directly joined to a secondmember and configurations whereby a first member is indirectly joined to a second member by affixing the first member to intermediate members which in turn are affixed to the second member. The extension of the topsheet 25 and/or the barrier ~, 17 ~L31770~
sheet 16 beyond the core end edges 52 and the core side edges 55 of the absorbent core 34 form the end edges 11 and the side edges 12, respectively, of the sanitary napkin 10. In a preferred embodiment, the barrier sheet 16 and the topsheet ~5 have an elliptical shape and e~tend beyond the absorbent core 34 a distance of at least about 1.0 centimeter where they are joined directly to each other by attachment me~ns as are well known in the art. The attachment means may be, for example, a uniform contlnuous 1ayer of adhesive a patterncd layer of adhesive, or an array of separate lines or spots of adhesives.
The sanltary napkin 10 of the present invent~on has a low flexure-resistance. Thus, the sanitary napkin 10 of the present invention is h19hly flexible and conforms very well to the various shapes of tha female urogenital region. Pref~rably, the sanitary napkin 10 of the present inventlon has a flexure-resistance of less than about 300.0 grams, more preferabl~ about 250.0 grams, and still more preferably less than about 175.0 grams and most preferably less than about 130.0 grams.
The flexure-resistancs of a sanltary napktn is measured by peak bending stiffness. Peak bending stiffness is determined by a test wh1ch is modeled after the ASTM D 4032-8~ CIRCULAR
BEND PROCEDURE, the procedure being considerably modified and perfonmed as follows. Ths CIRCULAR BEND PROCEDURE is a s~multaneous multi-directional deformation of a 0aterial in which one face of a specimen becomes concave and the other face becomes convex. The CIRCULAR BEND PROCEDUP~E gives a force value related to flexure-resistance, simultaneously averaging stiffness in all directions.
APPARA~US:
The apparatus necessary for the CIRCULAR BEN~
PROCEDURE is a modified Circular Bend Stiffness Tester, having the following parts:
18 ~ 3177~1 A smooth-polished steel plate platform which is 102.0 x 102.0 x 6.35 millimeters having an 18.75 millimeter diameter orifice. The lap edge of the orifice should be at a 45 degree angle to a depth o~ 4.75 millimeters.
A plunger having an overall length of 72.2 millimeters, a diameter of 6.25 millimeters, a ball nose having a radius of 2.97 millimeters and a needle-point extendincJ 0.88 millimeter therefrom having a 0.33 mil]imet:er base diameter and a point having a radius of less than 0.5 millimeter, the plunger being mounted concentric with the orifice and having equal clearance on all sides. Note that the needle-point is merely to prevent lateral movement of the test specimen during testingO
Therefore, if the needle-point significantly adversely affects the test specimen (for example, punctures an inflatable structure), than the needle-point should not be used. The bottom of the plunger should be set well above the top of the orifice plate. From this position, the downward stroke of the ball nose is to the exact bottom of the plate orifice.
A force-measurement gauge and more specifically an Instron inverted compression load cell. The load cell has a load range of from about 0.0 to about 2000.0 grams.
An actuator, and more specifically the Instron~M
Model No. 1122 having an inverted compression load cell. The Instron 1122 is made by the Instron Engineering Corporation, Canton, Massachusetts.
~ ,r ''';~"~ I
~, ~, . ~
~3177~ ~
18a NUMBER AND PREPARATION OF SPECIMENS
In order to perform the procedure for thi~ test, as explained below, five representative sanitary napkins are necessary" From one of the five napkins to be 19 ~31~
tested, some number "Y" of 37.5 x 3~.5 millimeter test specimens are cut. Specimens having portlons in which a topsheet is joined directly to a barrier sheet or which are a laminate of a topshe~t, two or less tissue sheets and a barrier sheet, should not be tested. The reason that these specimens are not tested is due to the realization that prior art napkins exist in which a topsheet is joined to a barrier sheet beyond the edges of an absorbent core in the periphery of the napkin, such port10ns of which are highly ~lexible. However, the present invention is more concerned wlth the overall flex~bility of the sanitary napkin and not merely the peripheral portions thereof and, therefor~, the flexibil~ty of the present invention is more concerned with the flexibility of the significant absorbent portions oF the sanitary napkin. If any of these significant absorbent port~ons of th~ sanitary napkin meet the parameters of this test, then the sanitary napkin satisfies the test. There~ore, a number of dlfferent specimens should be tested from each sanitary napkin.
Certainly, the structurally ~cst flexibl~ pcrtion of the sanitary napkin shculd be tested, exeluding those portions excluded above. The test specimens should not b~ folded or ben~ by the t~st person, and the handling of specimens must bo kept to a minimum and to th~ ~dges to avoid affecting flexural-resistance properties. From the four r~malning san~tary napkins, an equal number ~Y~ of 37.5 x 37.5 millimeter specimens, ident k al to the specimens cut from the first napkin, ar~ cut. Thus, the test person should have ~Y" number of sets of five identical specimens.
PROCEDURE
~he procedure for the CIRCU~AR BEND PROCEDURE is as follows. The specimens are conditioned by leaving them in a room which is ~1 + l'C and SO ~ 2% relative ~3177(3~
humidity for a period of two hours. The test plate is leveled. The plunger speed is set at 50.0 centimeters per minute per full stroke length. A
specimen is centered on the orifice platform below the plunger such that the body surface 26 of the specimen is facing the plunger and the garment surface 17 of the specimen is facing the platform.
The indicator zero is checked and adjusted, if necessary. The plunger is actuated. Touching the specimen during the testing should be avoided. The maximum force reading to the nearest gram is recorded. The above steps are repeated until all five of the identical specimens have been tested.
CALCULATIONS
The peak bending stiffness for each specimen is the maximum force reading for that specimen. Remember that "Y" number o~ sets of five identical specimens were cut. Each set of five identical specimens is tested and the five values received for that set are averaged. Thus, the test person now has an average value for each of the "Y" sets tested.
Remember, if any of the significantly absorbent portions of the sanitary napkin have the requisite flexure-resistance, then the napkin satisfies the ; 25 parameters of this test. Therefore, the flexure-resistance for a particularly designed sanitary napkin is the greatest of these average peak bending stiffnesses.
As alluded to earlier, the combination of topshe t 25 and wipe acquisition sheet 28 imparts some beneficial properties to the sanitary napkin 10. In particular, the combination of an apertured formed film topsheet 25 superimposed over an apertured nonwoven wipe acquisition sheet 28 is beneficial. A pre~erred wipe acquisition 13~77~.
20a sheet 28 is the previously described SONTARATM 8407.
An enlarged depiction of such an arrangement is shown in Figure 3. Such a combination is even more beneficial when the , . . .
,........
~l 13~ 7~
nonwoven wipe acquisition sheet 28 is formed or positioned such that no fiber bundles 89 of th~ sheet 28 are beneath some of the apertures 83 of the formed film topsheet 25 (i.~., the apertures in the two sheets 25 and 28 are aligned) while beneath other apertures 83 of the formed fil~ topsheet 25 fiber bundles 89 of the nonwoven sheet 28 are present (i.e., apertures in the two sheets 25 and 28 are not aligned). Such an arrangement is readily apparent in Figure 3, where~n the apertures 86 of th~
nonwov~n sheet 28 are larger than the apertures 83 of the formed film topsheet 25. Such an arrangement provides the sanitary napkin 10 at least two beneficial propertles: enhanced gush acquisition and enhanced w~pe ac~uisltion. Gush acquis1tion is enhanced in those areas where the apertures 83 of the topsheet are aligned with the apertures 86 of the nonwoven w~pe acquisition sheet 28. The align~d apertur~s 83 and 86 provide a direct route for exudates to flow from the body surfac~ 26 of the topshe~t 25 to the central absorbent mater~als of the napk~n 10.
Further, the apertures 83 and 8fi themselves are abl~ to contain a degree of fluid within their w311s or boundaries until such fluid is absorbed. ~ipe acquisitiun, which is the ability to p~ll liquid exudates from the wearer's skin into the absorbent material of the napkin 10, is enhanced in thos~ areas where fib~r bundles 89 of the nonwoven wipe acquisition sheet 28 ar~ ~ligned such that the fiber bundles 89 are beneath the openings of the apertures B3 of the topsheet 25.
As ~ust mentioned, wipe acquis~tion is critieal in those reg10~s where the topshe~t 25 is in con~aet w1th exudates on the wearer's sk~n. In such areas, the sanitary napkin 10 is likely under co~pressive forces fro~ th~ wearer's body. ~hen such is the case, the fiber bundles 89 of the nonwoY~n wip~ acqulsition sheet 28 beneath the apertures 83 of the topshest 25 are forced somewhat up into the apertures 83 of the topsheet 25, closer to the wearer's sk~n. Obviously, the spaces bet~Qn the fiber bundles 89 and the walls o~ the apertures 83 or betw~en the fibers of the fiber bundles 89 th~mselves will be less than the spaces which were be~ween only the walls of the apertures 83.
22 13177~
These spaces are capillaries. As is w~ll known in the art, as capillary spaces are decreased, capillary or drawing action is increased. Thus, the capillary action 1n these apertures 83 where Fiber bundles 89 are pr~sent is incr2ased and the sanitary napkin lO is better able to draw exudates from the wearer's skin into these capillaries and eventually into the central absorbent materials of the sanitary napkin lO.
Although all of the aF~ertures 83 of the topsheet 25 are referenced by the numeral "83~, for th~ following teaching purposes, specific reference 1s directed to the aperture o~ Figure 3 specifically labeled and designated "83~. The specific aperture 83 referenced is an example ln wh1ch an aperture 83 of the topsheet 25 is aligned w1th an aperture 86 of the nonwoven wipe acquisiti3n sheet 28. Theoret1cally, such an aperture is useful for gush acquisition since exudates have unlnterrupted flow from the body surface 26 of the topsheet 25 to the c~ntral absorbent material (not shown). Next, attQntion is d~rected to the aperture 83 immediately to the right of the specific aperture 83 just referenced. As seen, this apertur~ 83 is superimposed over a fiber bundle 89 of the nonwoven wipe acquisition sheet 28.
Theoretically, exudates that flo~ into the aperture 83 will enter the capillartes of the fiber bundle 89. The exudates will then either be pulled sr absorbed into the central absorbent materials or w k ked to intersesting fiber b~ndles B9, then w~sked further to other 1ntersecting fiber bundles 89, and so on, until the exudates are absorbed ~nto a more laterally d~stant portion o~ the central absorbent materials. Hence, a large port~on of the total absorbent capacity of the absorbent mater~als can b~ util~zed.
; As previously mentioned, the sanitary napk~n lO of thepresent invention has a liqutd capac~ty great enough to absorb medium to high menstrual flows. Two capacities, which, depending on the size of the sanitary napkin may be the same, are determinable: test capaclty and total capac~ty. Preferably, the napk~n lO of th~ present invention has a test capaoity of at least about 8.0 grams, more pref0rably of at least aboue l5.0 23 131 77~1 grams, and most preferably of at least abaut 18.0 grams.
Preferably, the napkin 10 of the present invention has a total capacity of at least about 20.0 grams, more preferably of at least about 30.0 grams, and most preferably of at least about 40.0 grams.
The test and total capacities of a sanitary napkin are deter~ined as follows. Any p~nty adhes~ve release paper is removed from thQ napkin to be tested. To determlne test capacity, a 4.75 x 14.0 centimeters portion, or any othcr configuration having 56.5 square cent~meters, of the sanitary napkin is cut from the portlon of the sanitary napkin which would be centered under the vaginal ortf1c~ when the sanitary napkin ls worn. Total caparity 1s dete mined using the entire napktn min~s any release paper. The article is wetghed to the nearest 0.1 gram. The art kle is then submerged in a beaker of sterile saline (obtainable from the Baxter Trav~nol Company o~ Deerfield, Illinois), such that the arttcle is totally subm~rged and is not bent or otherwise twisted or foldeJ. The article is submerged for minutes. The article is removed from the saline and suspended for t~o minutes in a vertieal posit~on to allow the saline to drain out of the article. The article is then placed body facing surface down onto an absorbent blotter, such as th~ filter paper #631 available from the Filtration Science Corp., Eaton-D1keman Div~si3n of Mount Holly Springs, Pennsylvania. A
untform 17.6 grams per square centimeter lo2d is placed over the artlcle to squeeze excess fluid out. The absorbent blotter is replaced every 30 seconds until the amount of fluid transferred to the absorbent blotter is less th~n 0.5 grams in a 30 second period. Next, the article is weighed to the nearest 0.1 gram and the dry we~ght of the article is subtraoted. The difference in grams is the test or total capacity of the art~cle, wh k hever the case ~ay be.
The central absorbent width 63 of absorbent material of the sanitary napk~n 10 of the present invention is an important parameter. The term "centr?l absorbent width refers to a 1~7701 specific alea of the sanitary napkin 10 determinable as follows, reference beinghad to Figure 5. A point 64 on the sanitary napkin 10 which is disposed beneath the center of the vaginal orifice, when worn, is located. A plane 65 parallel tothe lateral centerline 61 and 3.75 centimeters forward from the point 64 in the S direction of the wearer's mons pubis is located. Another plane 66 parallel to the lateral centerline 61 and 5.0 centimeters rearward from the point 64 in the direction of the wearer's buttocks is also located. The greatest flat-ollt, uncompressed, unmanipulated, lateral width of absorbent material of the sanitarynapkin 10 between the planes 65 and 66 is the central absorbent width 63 of the sanitary napkin 10. It matters not whether the absorbent material is a single sheet, overlapping sheets, staggered sheets, etc., and it matters not whether the absorbent material is a nonwoven sheet, an absorbent topsheet, an absorbent core, a tissue, synthetic staple fibers, etc For example, a sanitary napkin 10 of the present invention might have a wipe acquisition sheet 28 or a wet-laid tissue 31 having a width of about 7.75 centimeters and an absorbent core 34 having a width of about 3.3 centimeters. Thus, in this example, the sanitary napkin 10 has a central absorbent w;dth 63 of 7.75 centimeters.
The sanitary napkin 10 should preferably be scaled to the width of the crotch of the underwear of the wearer. A sanitary napkin 10 having a central absorbent width 63 which registers the absorbent 13 with the edges of the underwear crotchis particularly preferred. For relatively narrower underwear crotches, having a width of about 3.7 to about 6.4 centimeters, a sanitary napkin having a central absorbent width 63 of about 3.7 to about 6.4 centimeters works well.
The total width of the napkin 10 is scaled to the central absorbent width 63, and should be about 0.6 to about 1.0 centimeters greater than the central absorbent width 63, due to the additional margin necessary to join the edges of the topsheet 25 and barrie} sheet 16 together. Generally about 0.3 to about ~3177~1 0.5 centimeters are necessary at each edge of the napkin 10 to join the topsheet 25 to the barrier sheet 16. Thus, d napkin having a central absorbent width 63 o~ about 3.7 to about 6.4 centimeters will have a total width ranging from about ~.3 to 4.7 cent;meters to about 7.0 to 7.4 centimeters.
The sanitary napkin 10 of one embodiment sf the pres~nt invention intended for underwear having a relatively greater crotch width should have a central absorbent width 63 of at least about 6.5 ~entimeters, more preferably of at least about 7.0 centimeters, more preferably of at least about 7.75 centi~eters, and most preferably of at least about 9.0 centimeters.
As the central absorbent width 63 of the sanitary napkin 10 diminlshes, the total capacity, as determined by the aforementioned Test Procedure, will proportionally diminish, unless the san~tary napkln 10 ls lengthened in the longitudinal direction. Because a pad whlch ls excessively lengthened may not be comfortable to wear~ it is acceptable, for a pad having a central absorbent width 63 of about 6.2 centim~ters or less to have a reduced total capacity. For such an arrangement a sanitary napkin 10 having a total capaci~y of about 14 grams h~s been found to work well.
The central absorbent width 63 of the sanitary napkin 10 of th~ present invention is believed impor~an~ for the following raason. As stated previously, th~ san~tary napkin 10 of the present inventlon relles mor@ on the lateral distribution of exudates cver or through a relative7y large surface area of the absorbent core 34 rather than on a high degree of vertical absorptlon common to many prior art san~tary napkins. Therefore, because exudates whlch are dlstr1buted cnto the topsheet 25 may nct be qu k kly absorbed before they migrate across the topsheet 25, it is important to contain such exudates pending absorption.
The specified central absorbent wid~h 63 of the sanitary napkin 10 of the present invention has been determlned based on the width of a flexible napkin which ~ill cup around the labia in the region of 26 ~31~7~.
the vaginal orifice such that at least the edges of the absorbent material are positioned in the uppermost part of the wearer's legs at the crotch. Thus, the sanitary napkin 10 and the absorbent material may be cupped shaped in the surrounding regions of the vaginal orifice and exudates deposited thereon will be contained until absorbed.
Because of the flexibility requirements of the sanitary napXins 10 oP the present invention, it is likely that the sanitary napkins 10 of the present invention will be relatively thin. It is preferred to keep the sanitary napkins 10 o~ the present invention thin so that the sanitary napkins 10 of the present invention will be unobtrusive and the user will have a low awareness of the sanitary napkin 10 of the present invention while it is being worn. The sanitary napkin 10 shown in Figures 1 and 2 has a caliper of about 1.9 millimeters. The caliper of a s~nitary napkin 10 is determined by the following test.
A comparator gauge, and specifically the Ames,TM
Model 130 with dial indicator Model 482, available from the B.~. Ames, Company of Waltham, Massachusetts is needed. The comparator gauge should have a circular comparator foot made of aluminum and having a weight of 10.0 grams and a contact surface of 5.16 square centimeters. The comparator gauge is zeroed. An 80.0 grams stainless steel weight is placed on the spindle extending above the comparator dial. The comparator foot is raised and the napkin, with any panty adhesive release paper being removed, is placed garment surface down on the base plate. The napkin is positioned on the base plate so that when the foot is lowered it is in the center of the napkin. Try to smooth out or avoid any wrinkles in the napkin. Gently lower the foot onto the napkin. Determine the napkin caliper by reading the comparator dial 30 seconds after the foot comes in 1 ~177~
26a contact with the napkin. Repeat the measurement 3.0 centimeters from each of the ends of the absorbent material along the longitudinal centerline 58 o~ the napkin. The average of the three readings is the caliper of the sanitary napkin. Preferably, the sanitary napkins 10 of the . .
,~ ~
. 27 ~3~77~
present invention have a caliper of less than about 2.6 millimeters, more preferably less than about 2.~ millimeters, and most preferably less than about 2.0 millimeters. The caliper of the sanitary napkin of the present invention may b0 increas~d, in a less preferred embodiment9 proportlonal to an increase in the flexure-r~ststance. lf the flexure-resistance is increased to great~r than about 400 gra~s, or even greater than about 500 grams, the calliper may be increased to as ~uch as about 4.0 to about 5.0 millimeters, but preferably is not greater than about 3.0 millimeters.
An alternative embodiment of a sanitary napkin lO of the present invention is shown in F~gure 4. In this embodlment, the sanitary napkin I0 has two flaps 70 each of which are ad~acent to and extend laterally from a s1de edge 55 of th~ absorbent core 34. The flaps 70 are configured to drape over th~ edges of the wearer's panties in the eroteh reg1On so that the flaps 70 are disposed between the edges of th~ wearer's panties and the wearer's th~ghs. The flaps 70 serve at least two purposes.
First, the flaps 70 help serve to prevent soiling of the w~arer's body and panties by menstrual fluid. Second, the flaps 70 are preferably provided with attachment means 71 on their garment surface l7 so that the ~laps 70 can be folded back under the panty and attached to the garment facing side of the panty. In thl~ way, the flaps 70 serve to keep th~ napkin 10 properly positiored ~n the panty. A preferred attach~ent means 71 is a pr~ssure-sensitive adhesive, as is well knowm in the art.
Alt~rnat~v~ly, the flaps 70 may be attached to each other on the underside of th~ panty by the attachment m~ans 71 w~thout being aff1xed to th~ panty.
In th~ preferred embodiment shown, the ~laps 70 are comprised of ~opsheet 25, t1ssue 3I, and barrier sheet 16.
Further, in the embodimænt shawn, the flaps 7S are unitary with the laminae of the napkin 10. In other words, th~ topshe2t 25, tissue 31 and barr1er sheet 16 simply extend laterally beyond the core 34 to form the flaps 70. However, the flaps 70 need not be :L3177~1 unitary with the napkin 10 but can be separate elements which are affixed to the napkin 10. Further, the flaps 70 can be comprised of a single substrate or other laminae configurations. It is recommended, however, that the flaps 70 have a liquid impervious barrier sheet 16. The barrier sheet 16 prevents exudates which reach the flaps 70 from soiling the edges of the wearer's panties. Further, it is preferable that the flaps 70 be provided with an absorbent layer, at least to a point beyond tha edges of the wearer's panties.
Theoretically, only a relatively small amount of menses should reach the flaps 70, therefore, only a relatively small amount of absorbent material is desirable in the ~laps 70. However, at least some absorbent material is recommended in order to prevent any exudates that reach the flaps 70 from being able to flow further to unprotected areas. The absorbent material may be a tissue, such as the tissue 31, or an extension of the absorbent core 34, such as the WAT~R-LOCK L - 535.
However, the absorbent material in the ~laps 70 should be relatively highly flexible. A number of sanitary napkins having flaps suitable or adaptable for use with the sanitary napkins 10 of the present invention are known. Such flaps are disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,687,478, entitled "Shaped Sanitary Napkin With Flaps", which patent issued to Van Tilburg on August 18, 1987, U.S. Patent 4,608,047, entitled "Sanitary Napkin Attachment Means", which patent issued to Mattingly on August 26, 1986, U.S. Patent 4,589,876, entitled "Sanitary Napkin", which patent issu~d to Van Tilburg on May 20, 1986, and U.S. Patent 4,285,343, entitled "Sanitary Napkin", which patent issusd to McNair on August 25, 1981.
For illustration purposes, the central absorbent width 63 of the napkin 10 shown in Figure 4 would extend laterally from the outer edge 32 of the tissue 31 in the ~3177~
28a one flap 70 to the outer edge 32 of the tissue 31 in the other flap 70.
Another alternative embodiment of a sanitary napkin 10 of the present invention is shown in Figure 5. Like the napkin 10 29 13~77~1 shown in Figur~ 4, this napkln 10 also has flaps 70, only of a different configuratlon. In this embodiment, the flaps 70 are comprised only of the topsheet 25 and the barrier sheet 55.
For illustration purposes, the central absorbent width 63 of the napkin 10 shown in Figure 5 would extend laterally from one outer edge 32 of the tissue 31 to the other outer edge 32 of the tissu~ 31.
~ hile particular embodlments of the present invention have been illustrated and described~ it would be obv~ous to those sk~lled ln the art that various oth~r changes and modifications can be made ~ithout departing from the spir~t and scope of the invention.
Hybrid devices which attempt to m~rge the structural features of the sanitary napkins and the tampons lnto a single device have also been proposed. Such hybrtd devlces are dlsclosed in U.S.
Patent 2,092,346, en~itled "Catamenial Pad~, which patent issued to Arone on September 7, 1937, and U.S. Patent 3,9~5,372~ entitled "Feminine Hygiene Protective Shield~, which patent issued to Denkinger on September 16, 1975. O~h~ less intrusive hybrid 2 ~ 7 ~ 1 devices are known as labial or interlabial sanitary napkins and are characterized by having a portion which at least partially resides within the wearer's vestibule and a portion which at least partially resides external of the wearer's vestibule. Such devices are disclosed in U.S. Patent 2,662,527, entit1ed "Sanitary Padn, which patent issued to ~acks on December I5, 1953, and U.S.
Patent 4,63I,062, entitled "Labial Sanltary Pad~, which patent issued to Lassen et al. on December 23, 1986.
~ ith respect to s~nitary napkins, at least two general classes pertinent to the present invention exlst. One such class is for the absorption of medium to high menstrual flows. These sanitary napkins offer a fatrly high absorptlv~ capacity. Absorptive capacity is commonly achi~ved by providing the napkin with a fairly thick and bulky absorbent member, co~monly fluff pulp.
Sanitary napkins o~ this class ar~ disclosed in U.S. Patent 3,294,091, entltled ~Sanitary Napkina, whlch patent issued to Morse on December 27, l966, U.S. Patent 4,654,040, entitled ~Smooth-Edged Contoured Sanitary Napkin~, which patent issued to Luceri on March 31, 1987, and U.S. Patent 4,687,478, entitled ~Sanitary Napkin With Flaps~, which patent issued to Van Tilburg on August 18, I987. Such stn~tary napkins theoretically have a high absorptlve capacity, however, ~hen the sanitary napkin is worn and subjscted to the compressive forces of the wearer's th~ghs and pudendal region, the fluff pulp core simply compacts or bunches into an arbitrary, but generally rope-like shape.
Such napkins commonly shift fro~ their original placement so that after only a short wearing time, th~ napkin ~ight only partially, if at all, be beneath the wearer's vaginal orifice or vestibule.
Thus, in us~, these sanitary napkins sometimes offer very little absorption. Further, the rolling and twisting of these napkins may create soiling on the wearer's pantics and skin surfaces. In addition, the bulkin~ss of these napkins causes a high degree of ~earing awareness and may make the~ ~uite obtrusive when worn ~ith tlght fitting slacks, body suits or bathing suits.
A second slass of sanitary napkins are intended for light or low m~nstru~l flows and are commonly referred to as panty liners ~31 77~
or panty shields. Sanitary napkins of this type are disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,681,578, entitled "Pantiliner With Ventilation Areas", which patent issued to Anderson and Brandt on July 21, 1987. Sanitary napkins of this class, as a group, are thinner, somewhat more flexible and generally more comfortable than those of the first class, however, they lack the absorptive capacity of the napkins of the first class.
Therefore, there exist:s a real consumer need for a sanitary napkin which is thin and ~lexible, thereby offering enhanced fit and comfort, yet having a fluid capacity great enough for use with medium to high menstrual flows thereby allaying consumer fears of leakage and staining.
Therefore, it is an object of an aspect of the present invention to provide a sanitary napkin which is thin and flexible and which is absorbent enough to absorb and contain medium to high menstrual flows.
It is an object of an aspect of the present invention to provide a sanitary napkin which will closely conform to the various anatomical shapes of the female urogenital and buttocks region.
It is an object of an aspect of the present invention to provide a sanitary napkin which offers enhanced fit and comfort and a low degree of wearing awareness.
It is an object of an aspect of the pres~nt invention to provide a thin and flexible sanitary napkin having laterally extending flaps configured to drape over the side edges of the wearer's panties in the crotch portion thus being disposed between the side edges of the wearQr's panties in the crotch portion and the wearer's thighs.
It is an object of an aspect of the present invention to provide the laterally extending flaps with an attachment means on their garment facing surface so 13177~
that the flaps can wrap around the side edges of the wearer's panties in the crotch portion and be attached to the garment facing side of the wearer's panties in order to provide protection from soiling and so as to keep the napkin properly positioned in the wearer's panties.
These and other objects of the present invention will be more readily apparent when considered in reference to the following description and when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
SUMrlARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a sanitary napkin having a body surface and a garment surface and being comprised of an absorbent means underlayed by a liquid barrier means, wherein the sanitary napkin is relatively highly flexible and has a capacity great enough to handle medium to high menstrual flows, is provided. In a preferred embodiment, the sanitary napkin comprises, from the body surf~ce down, an apertured formed film topsheet, an apertured nonwoven wipe acquisition sheet, a wet-laid tissue, a superabsorbent core, and a barrier sheet.
Preferably, the central width of the absorbents is at least about 7.0 centimeters and the caliper of the napkin as a whole is less than about 2O5 millimeters.
In a preferred embodiment, the napkin has laterally extending flaps which drape over the edges of the wearer's panties in the crotch and are attachable to the garment side of the wearer's panties.
Other aspects of this invention are as follows:
A sanitary napkin having a body surface and a garment surface, comprising:
an absorbent means having a first major surface and a second major surface; and a l:iquid impermeable barrier means adjacent to said second major surface of said absorbent means;
.~
17~
4a said sanitary napkin having a flexure-resistance of less than about 300.0 grams, a caliper of less than about 3.0 millimeters, a test capacity of at least about 8.0 grams, and a total capacity of at least about 20.0 grams.
A sanitary napkin having a body surface and a garment surface, comprising:
an absorbent means having a first major surface and a second major surface; and a liquid impermeable barrier means adjacent to said second major surface of said absorbent means;
said sanitary napkin having a flexure-resistance of less than about 400 grams, a test capacity of at least about 8.0 grams, a total capacity of at least about 14.0 grams and a caliper of less than about 5.0 Millimeters.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure l is a top plan view of a preferred sanitary napkin ~mbodiment of th~ present invention with portions being torn away to show underlying structure.
Figure 2 is a lateral cross-sectional view of the preferred sanitary napkin embodiment shown in Figure taken along line 2-2 of Figure 1.
',,i 13177~
Figure 3 is a top plan vi~w of a preferred topsheet and wipe acquisition shPet laminate with portions of the topsheet being torn away to show underlying structure.
Figure 4 is a top plan view of an alternatively prefenred sanitary napkin embodiment oi: ths present invention with portions being torn away to show underlying structure.
Figure 5 is a top plan view o~ another alternatively preferred sanitary napkin embodiment of the present invention with portions being torn away to show underlying structurQ.
DETAIl~2_~ESCRIPTION OF PRE~RRE~ EMBO~IMENTS
The present invention relates to female sanitary napkins and in particular to sanitary napkins wh k h are thin and flexible and offer enhanced fit, comfort9 and containm~nt.
As used here~n, the term ~sanitary napkin~ r~fers to an article whish is worn by females adjacent to the pudendal region and which is intended to absorb and contain the various exudates which are discharged from the body (e.g., blood, menses and urine) and wh~ch is intended to be d~scarded after a single use (i.e., it 1s not intended to be laundered or otherwise restored or reused). Interlabial devi~es which r@side partially within and partially external of the wearer's vestibulo are also within the scope of th~s invention. As used herein, the term "pudendal-re~ers to the externally visible female gen~talia and is limited to the labia majora, the labia minora, the clitoris, and the vestibule.
A preferred embodiment of a sanitary napk~n 10 of the present inventicn is shown in Figures 1 and 2. As can be seen in Figures 1 and 2, a preferred sanit?ry napkin 10 basically comprises an absorbent means 13 and a llquid impermeable barrier means 16. The absorbent means 13 may be any means which is generally compressible, conformable, non-irritating to the wearer's skin and capable of absorbing and containing body exudates such 6 1~77~1 as menses, blood and urine. Preferably, the absorbent means 13 maintains integrity when wetted, in use. The absorbent means 13 has a first major surface 19 and a second major surface 22. The barrier means 16 is adjacent the second major surface 22 of the absorbent means 13. The barrier means 16 may be any means which is flexible and liquid impervious and which prevents the exudates absorbed and contained in the absorbent means 13 from wetting articles which contact the sanltary napkin 10 such as panties.
In the preferred embocliment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the absorbent means 13 is comprised of a liquid permeable topsheet 25, a liquid permeable wipe acquisitlon she~t 28, a wet-laid tissue sheet 31 and an absorbent cor~ 34. In the preferred embodiment shown in Fi~ures 1 and 2, th~ barrier mQans 16 is a barrier sheet. The absorbent core 34 is comprised of hydrogel-forming material 37 disposed between two air-laid tissue sheets 40 and 43.
The sanitary napkin 10 has side edges 11 and end edges 12 which tog~ther form the periphery 15 of the sanitary napkin 10. The sanitary napkin 10 has a body surface 2S which is generall~
defined ~y th~ topsheet 25 and a garment surface 17 which is generally defined by the barrier sheet 16.
Looking at some of the elements of the sanitary napkin lO
more spec~f1cally, the absorbent core 34 may be any means which is generally compressible, conformable, non-irritating to the wearer's skin and capable of absorbing and containing body exudates. The absorbent cor~ 34 has a f~rst ma~or surface 46, a second ma~or surface ~9 9 a pa~ r of end edges 52 and a pai r of siJe edges 55. The absorbent core 3~ ~a~ be manufactured in a wid@ variety of sizes and shapes (e.g., rectangular, hourglass, etc.). A preferred shape of the absorbent core 34 is the dogbone shape shown ln Figure 1. Th~s preferred absorbent core 34 is about 22.0 centimsters long (longitudinal dimension along the longitudinal centerllne 58), about 7.0 centim~ters ~ide across its midportion (lateral dimension along the lateral centerline 61) and about 8.0 centimeters wide across its widest portion (lateral 131~7~3~
dimension). The absorbent core 34 is symmetrically configured for ease of manufacture and so that no conscious effort is required by the wearer to properly place the napkin 10 in the direction it should be worn. The midportion is configured to basically conform to the wearer's thighs and to the thinner crotch portion of the wearer's panties so as to prevent excessive bunching. The size of the absorbent core 34 may be varied to accommodate wearers ranging in size and also ranging in the expected amount of exudate, fluid volume. The absorbent core 34 may be attached over the core's first or second major surfaces 46 and 49, respectively, to adjacent members such as the topsheet 25 and barrier sheet 1~ by any of the means well known in the art, such as by spray-gluing or lines or spots of adhesive. Such attachment facilitates integrity and recoverability of the absorbent materials in use so asto maintain an optimum degree of absorbency. Preferably, the absorbent core 34 has a wet-tensile strength in the cross-direction of at least about 100.0 grams per centimeter. Wet tensile strength is determinable by ASTM
Standard D 829-49.
The absorbent core 34 may be manufactured from a wide variety of liquid absorbent materials commonly used in disposable sanitary napkins, diapers, and other absorbent articles. Fxamples of suitable absorbent materials include comminuted wood pulp which is generally referred to as airfelt, creped cellulosewadding, absorbent foams, absorbent sponges, synthetic staple fibers, polymeric fibers, hydrogel-forming polymer gelling agents~ or any equivalent materials or combinations of materials. A particularly preferred absorbent material are polymeric gelling agents. Polymeric gelling agents are those materials which, upon contact with fluids (i.e., liquids) such as water or body fluids, imbibe such fluids and thereby form hydrogels. In this manner, fluid discharged into the absorbent core 34 can be acquired and held by the polymeric gelling agent, thereby providing the articles herein with enhanced absorbent capacity and/or improved fluid retention performance.
8 ~ 7 ~ ~
The polymeric gelling agent which is employed in the absorbent core 34 will generally comprise particles of a substantially water-insoluble, slightly cross-linked, partially neutralized, hydrogel-forming polymer material. Such polymer materials can be prepared from polymarizablle, unsaturated, acid-containing monomers. Suitable unsaturated acidic monomers for use in preparing the polymeric gelling agents used in this invention include those listed in U.S. Patent 4~654~039/ entitled "Hydrogel-Farming Polymer Compositions For Use In Absorbent Structures", which issued to Brandt, Goldman and Inglin on March 31, 1987. Preferred monomers include acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, and 2-acrylamido-2-methyl propane sulfonic acid. Acrylic acid itself is especially preferred for preparation of the pclymeric gelling agent material.
In the hydrogel-forming polymeric gelling agent the polymeric component formed ~rom unsaturated, acid-containing monomers fflay be grafted onto other types of polymer moieties such as starch or cellulose.
Polyacrylate grafted starch materials of this type are especially preferred for use herein.
Preferred polymer gelling agents which can be prepared from conventional types of monomers include hydrolyzed acrylonitrile grafted starch, polyacrylate grafted starch, polyacrylates, malPic anhydride-based copolymers and combinations thereof. Espe~ially preferred are the polyacrylates and polyacrylate grafted starch.
Whatever the nature of the basic polymer components of the hydrogel-forming polymeric gelling agents used in the absoxbent core 34 herein, such materials will in general be slightly cross-linked. Cross-linking serves to render the hydrogel-forming polymer gelling agents used in this invention substantially water-insoluble, ~3~7~
and cross-linking thus in part determines the gel volume and extractable polymer characteristics o~ the hydrogels formed from the polymeric gelling agents employed.
Suitable cross-linking agents are well known in the art and include, for example, those described in greater detail in U.S. Patent 4,076,663, which patent issued to Masuda et al. on February 28, 1978. Preferred cross-linking agents are the di- or polyesters of unsaturated mono- or polycarboxylic acids with polyols, the bisacrylamides and the di- or trial:Lyl amines.
Especially preferred cross-linking agents are N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide, trimethylol propane triacrylate and triallyl amine. The cross-linking agent can generally comprise from about 0.001 mole percent to 5.0 mole percent of the resulting hydrogel-forming polymer material. More preferably, the cross-linking agent will comprise from about 0.01 mole percent to 3.0 mole percent of the hydrogel-forming polymeric gelling agent used herein.
The slightly cross-linked, hydrogel-forming polymeric gelling agents which may be used in the articles of the present invention are generally employed in their partially neutralized form. For purposes of this invention, such materials are considered partially neutralized when at least 25.0 mole percent, and preferably at least 50.0 mole percent o~ monomers used to form the polymer are acid group-containing monomers which have been neutralized with a salt-~orming cation.
Suitahle salt-forming cations include alkali metal, ammonium, substituted ammonium, and amines. This percentage of the total monomer utilized which are neutralized acid group-containing monomers is re~erred to herein as the "degree of neutralization".
The polymeric gelling agent materials used in the absorbent articles herein must have a relatively high capacity for imbibing fluids encountered in such . ~,. . .
~3:1~J701 9a articles. The absorbent capacity of these materials can be quantified by referencing the "gel volume" of the polymeric gelling agents which are to be selected for use in the present invention.
For purposes of this invention, gel volume can be defined in terms of the amount of synthetic urine absorbed by any given ,..
,, lo 131~7~1 polymeric gelling agent and is specifiQd as grams of synthetic urine per gram of polymeric gelling agent. Gel volume in synthetic urine can be determined by forming a suspension of about 0.1-0.2 parts of dried polymeris gelling agent to be tested with about 20 parts of synthetic urine. This suspension is maintained at ambient temperature under gcntle stirring for a time sufficient, e.g., about 1 hour, for swelling equilibrium to be attained. The gel volume of the polymeric gelling agent in grams of synthetic urine per gram of polymer~c gelling agent is then calculated from the weight fraction of the poly~eric gelllng agent in the suspension and the ratio of the liquid volume excluded from the formed hydrogel to the total volume of the suspension.
Th~ gel volume o~ the gelling agents used in the absorbent core 34 herein wlll generally be at least about 20.0 grams of synthetic urin~ per gram of polymerlc gelling agent. More preferably, the gel volume of the mater~als e~ployed will range from about 20.0 to about 60.0, most preferably from about 22.0 to about ~5.0 grams of synthetic urine per gram of polymeris gelling agent.
With1n the webs which form the lay~rs of the absorbent core 34, the particl~s of ths polymeric gelling agent should be thoroughly dispersed but may or may not be unifor~ly distributed. In particular, there may b~ reg~ons or zones of the core layers which have higher concentrations of gelling agent p~rt1cles than do other regions or zones of the layers.
In a pre~err~d embodiment, the sanitary napkin 10 of the present lnvention will have a hydrogel-fonm1ng polymeric gelling ag~nt distributed throughout at 1east about 17.0 square centimeters of the napkin, more preferably throughout at least about 50.0 square centimeters of th~ napkin, and most pr~ferably throughout at least about 100.0 square cen$imeters of the napkin.
Preferably, the hydrogel-forming polymeric gelling agent will be distributed in an amoun~ of from about 0.001 grams per square centimeter to about 0.009 grams per square centime~er, more 11 ~177~.
preferably of from about 0.003 grams per square centimeter to about 0.008 grams per square centimeter, and most preferably from about 0.004 grams per square centimeter to about 0.007 grams per square centimeter.
Preferably, the absorbent core 34 will contain from about 5.0% to about 85.0% by weight of hydrogel-forming polymeric gelling agent, more preferably from about 10.0% to about 70.0%, and most preferably from about 15.0% to about 55.0%.
In the preferred embodiment shown in Figure 2, the absorbent core 34 is a laminate comprised o~ a layer of superabsorbent polymer material 37 disposed between two air-laid tissues 40 and 43. A suitable laminate is the superabsorbent laminate WATER-LOCK L-535 available from the Grain Processing Corporation of Muscatine, Iowa (WATER-LOCK registered TM by Grain Processing Corporation). Such superabsorbent laminates are disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,467,012, entitled "Composition For Absorbent Film And Method Of Preparation", which patent issued to Pedersen et al. on August 21, 1984, and U.S. Patent 4,260,443, entitled "Laminated Absorbent Process", which patent issued to Lindsay et al. on April 7, 1981. The WATER-LOCK L-535 has a hydrogel polymer loading of 0.005 grams per square centimater, how~ver, loadings of 0.001 - 0.009 grams per square centimeter have been found acceptable. The first and second tissue layers 40 and 43 provide containment of the superabsorbent polymer material 37, improve lateral wicking of the absorbed exudates throughout the absorbent core 34 and provide a degree of absorbency.
In the case of non-particulate hydrogel-forming polymer gelling agents which can be formed into fibrous sheets, foams or films, the non-particulate gelling agent may comprise from about 15% to about 100% by weight of the absorbent core 34, more preferably of from about 40% to about 100%, and most preferably of from about 60% to ~77~.
about 100%. The basis weight of such non-particulate superabsorbents may be from about 0.002 to about 0.028 grams per square centimeter, more preferably of from about 0.003 to about 0.018, and most preferably of from about 0.004 to about O.010. Two suitable and commercially available non-particulate absorbent materials for the absorbent core 34 are a double layer acrylic ~ibrous material available under the trade-mark LansealTM F from the Choli Company, LTD., of Higashi, Osaka Japan and a carboxymethylcellulose fibrous material available under the trade-mark AqualonTN C from Hercules, Inc. of Wilmington, Delaware.
The total absorbent capacity of the absorbent core 34 should be compatible with the design exudate loaAing ~or the intended use of the sanitary napkin 10.
Further, the absorbent capacity of the absorbent core 34 may be varied to accommodate wearers ranging in the expected amount of exudate ~luid volume. Fox instance, a different absorbent capacity may be utilized for sanitary napkins intended for daytima use as compared with those intended for nighttime use, or for sanitary napkins intended for use by teenage females as compared with those intended for use by more mature women.
It should be noted that the scope of the present invention is not intended to extend to sanitary napkins which are void of any superabsorbent material and which have a central absorbent member ovarlayed solely by nonwoven materials, wherein the nonwoven materials have caliper of less than 0.50 millimeters, as determined by the caliper test, as later defined.
Superimposed over the absorbent core 34 and extending about 3.0 millimeters beyond the edges 52 and 55 of the absorbent core 34 is the wet-laid tissue 31.
The wet-laid tissue 31 is liquid permeable. A
satisfactory wet~laid tissue 31 has a basis weight of about 15.8 grams per square meter and an air 13 13~7~
permeability of about 30.5 cubic meters per minute per square meter at a pressure dif~erential of about 12.8 millimeters of water. Preferably, the wet-laid tissue 31 maintains integrity when wetted, in use. The wet-laid tissue 31 preferably has a wet ten~ile strength in the cross-direction of at least about 15.0 grams per centimeter. Suitable tissues 31 and thedr manufacture are disclosed in U.S. Patenk 3,301,746, entitled "Process For Forming Absorbent Paper By Imprinting A
Fabric Knuckle Pattern Thereon Prior To Drying And Paper Thereof", which patent issued to Sanford and Sisson on January 31, 1967. In a preferred embodimentl those parts of the wet-laid tissue 31 which extend beyond the edges 52 and 55 of the absorbent core 34 are as~ociated with the barrier sheet 16. The wet-laid tissue 31 may be associated with the barrier shest 16 by attachment means as are well known in the art such as by spray-gluing or lines or spots of adhesive. The wet-laid tissue 16 serves a number of purposes. The tissue 31 serves to confine any loose superabsorbent material 37 between the tissue 31 and the barrier sheet 16 thereby preventing the superabsorbent material 37 from coming in contact with the wearer's skin. Also, the tissue 31 improves lateral wicking of $he absorbed exudates over the absorbent core 34 thereby providing a more even distribution of the exudates throughout the absorbent core 34. Further, the tissue 31 provides some degree of absorbency and further inhibits exudates which have reached and been absorbed by the absorbent core 34 from rewetting the wearer's skin.
Superimposed over the wet-laid tissue 31 is a liquid permeable wipe acquisition sheet 28. In a preferred embodiment, the wipe acquisition sheet 28 is a nonwoven sheet. In the preferred embodiment shown in 35 Figure 2, the sheet 28 is a spunlaced 70%/30%
rayon/polyester fiber sheet. Spunlaced fabrics of this A
13a ~3:17~
type are manufactured by E.I. DuPont Nemours & Company of Wilmington, Delaware, and are made available under the trade-mark ''SONTARAI' (SONTARA registered TM by E.I.
DuPont Nemours ~ Company). These fabrics are available in a number of suitable styles, however, Style 8407 in its apertured form, having a basis weight of 0.005 grams per square centimeter and a thickness of about 0.04 millimeters, is pr0ferred. The wipe acquisition sheet 28 extends beyond the edges of the wet-laid tissue 31 where it too is associated with the barrier sheet 16.
The wipe acquisition sheet 28 greatly improves lateral wicking of 14 I 3 I 7 7 Q ~
exudates over the absorbent core 34 thereby providtng a Tore even distribution of the exudates throughout the absorbent cor~
34. The lateral wicking of the wipe ~cquisition sheet 28 is important for the following reason. Many bulky prior art sanitary napkins rely on a high degree of v~rtlcal 2bsorption at the point where exudates are initially deposited. In other words, because the absorbent cores of thesi~ napkins are fairl~ thick, they can absorb a high degree of ~xudates throughout their thickness while utilizing only a small degree of their surface area or latera1 absorption capability. However, the relatively thin napklns lO of the present invention have a comparatively small degree of vertical absorption. Therefore, for a relative1y large amount of exudates to be absorbed, ~ wipe acqu~sition sheet ?8 which can laterally disperse the exudates over a large surface area of the absorbent core 34 where the exudates c~n better and faster be verti ally absorbed is highly des~rable. Further, the wipe acquisition sheet 28 provides a fairly high degree of initlal absorption during the time interval between the time exudates are deposited onto the topsheet 25 and the ~ime they are absorbed by th~ absorb~nt core 34. This property will be more specifically describ~d later.
Superimposed over the wipe acquisition sheet 28 is the liquid permeable topsh~t 25. In a preferr~d embodiment, the topsheet 1s associated with the wtpe acquisition sheet 28 by spray-gluing the topsheet 25 to th~ surface of the wipe acq~sition sheet 28. The topsh~et 25 is compli2nt, soft feeling, and non-irr1tating to the wearer's skin. Further, th~ topsheet 25 is liquid pervious7 permitting liquid to readily transfer through its thickness. A suitable topsh~et 25 may be manufactured from a wide range of mat~rials such as polymerio materlals, for~ed th~rmoplastic films, apertured plastic films, porous foams, reticulated foams, natural fibers ~e.g., wood or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (e.g., polyester or polypropylene fibers~ or from a combination of na~ural and syntheti fibers, wi~h apertured for~ed films being preferred. Fo~ed fllms are preferred for the topsheet 25 because they are pervious to liquids and yet 131~7~
non-absorbent. Thus, the surface of the formed film which is in contact with the body remains dry, thereby reducing body soiling and creating a more comfortable feel for the wearer. Suitable formed films are described in U.S. Patent 3,929,135, entitled "Absorptive Structure Having Tapered Capillaries", which patent issued to Thompson on December 30, 1975, U.S.
Patent 4,324,246, entitled "Dispo~able Absorbent Article Having A Stain Resistant Topsheet", which patent issued to Mullane and Smith on April 13, 1982, U.S. Patent 4,342,314, entitled "Resilient Plastic Web Exhibiting Fiber-Like Properties", which patent issued to Radel and Thompson on August 3, 1982, and U.S. Patent ~,463,045, entitled "Macroscopically Expanded Three-Dimensional Plastic Web Exhibiting Non-Glossy Visible Surface and Cloth-Like Tactile Impression", which patent issued to Ahr, I,ouis, Mullane, and Vuellete on July 31, 1984.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the body surface 26 o~ the topsheet 25 is hydrophilic.
The hydrophilic body surface 26 helps liquid to transfer through the topsheet 25 faster than if the body surface 26 was not hydrophilic. This diminishes the likelihood that menstrual fluid will flow off the topsheet 25 rather than being absorbed by the absorbent core 34.
In a preferred embodiment, the body surface 26 of the topsheet 25 is made hydrophilic by treating the body surface 26 with a surfactant. It is preferred that the surfactant be substantially evenly and completely distributed throughout the body surface 26 of the topsheet 25. This can be accomplished by any of the common techniques well known to those skilled in the art. ~or example, the surfactant can be applied to the topsheet 25 by spraying, by padding, or by the use of transfer rolls. Further, the surfactant can be incorporated into the polymeric materials of a formed 15a 13177~
film topsheet or between or within the fibers of a nonwoven topsheet.
The barrier means 16 is adjacent the second major surface 22 of the absorbent means 13. In a preferred embodiment, the ~ 3~770~
absorbent means 13 may be affixed over the second major surface 22 of the absorbent means 13 to the barrier means 16. Any of the common techniques well known in the art, such as spray-gluing or lines or spots of adhesive may beused for this purpose. The barrier means 16 generally defines the garment S surface 17 of the sanitary napkin 10. The barrier means 16 may be any means which is impervious to liquids and which prevents exudates absorbed and contained in the absorbent means 13 from soiling articles, such as panties, which come in contact with the garment surface 17 of the sanitary napkin 10. In the preferred embodiment of the sanitary napkin 10 illustratecl in Figures 1 and 2, the barrier means 16 is a barrier sheet manufactured from a thin plastic film.
Other flexible liquid impervious materials may also be used. Preferably, the barrier sheet 16 is a polyethylene film having a thickness of from about 0.012 millimeter to about 0.051 millimeter. As used herein, the term "flexible" refersto materials which are compliant and which will readily conform to the general shape and contours of the human body.
A suitable polyethylene film is manufactured by Monsanto Chemical Corporation and marketed in the trade as Film No. 8020. The barrier sheet 16 is preferably embossed and/or matte finished to provide a more clothlike appearance. Further, the barrier sheet 16 may permit vapors to escape from the absorbent me~ns 13 while still preventing exudates from passing through the barrier sheet 16.
Preferably, the topsheet 25 and the barrier sheet 16 have length and width dimensions generally larger than the absorbent core 34 so that they extend beyond the edges 52 and 55 of the absorbent core 34 where they are associated together in a suitable manner. As used herein, the term "associated"
encompasses configurations whereby a first member is directly joined to a secondmember and configurations whereby a first member is indirectly joined to a second member by affixing the first member to intermediate members which in turn are affixed to the second member. The extension of the topsheet 25 and/or the barrier ~, 17 ~L31770~
sheet 16 beyond the core end edges 52 and the core side edges 55 of the absorbent core 34 form the end edges 11 and the side edges 12, respectively, of the sanitary napkin 10. In a preferred embodiment, the barrier sheet 16 and the topsheet ~5 have an elliptical shape and e~tend beyond the absorbent core 34 a distance of at least about 1.0 centimeter where they are joined directly to each other by attachment me~ns as are well known in the art. The attachment means may be, for example, a uniform contlnuous 1ayer of adhesive a patterncd layer of adhesive, or an array of separate lines or spots of adhesives.
The sanltary napkin 10 of the present invent~on has a low flexure-resistance. Thus, the sanitary napkin 10 of the present invention is h19hly flexible and conforms very well to the various shapes of tha female urogenital region. Pref~rably, the sanitary napkin 10 of the present inventlon has a flexure-resistance of less than about 300.0 grams, more preferabl~ about 250.0 grams, and still more preferably less than about 175.0 grams and most preferably less than about 130.0 grams.
The flexure-resistancs of a sanltary napktn is measured by peak bending stiffness. Peak bending stiffness is determined by a test wh1ch is modeled after the ASTM D 4032-8~ CIRCULAR
BEND PROCEDURE, the procedure being considerably modified and perfonmed as follows. Ths CIRCULAR BEND PROCEDURE is a s~multaneous multi-directional deformation of a 0aterial in which one face of a specimen becomes concave and the other face becomes convex. The CIRCULAR BEND PROCEDUP~E gives a force value related to flexure-resistance, simultaneously averaging stiffness in all directions.
APPARA~US:
The apparatus necessary for the CIRCULAR BEN~
PROCEDURE is a modified Circular Bend Stiffness Tester, having the following parts:
18 ~ 3177~1 A smooth-polished steel plate platform which is 102.0 x 102.0 x 6.35 millimeters having an 18.75 millimeter diameter orifice. The lap edge of the orifice should be at a 45 degree angle to a depth o~ 4.75 millimeters.
A plunger having an overall length of 72.2 millimeters, a diameter of 6.25 millimeters, a ball nose having a radius of 2.97 millimeters and a needle-point extendincJ 0.88 millimeter therefrom having a 0.33 mil]imet:er base diameter and a point having a radius of less than 0.5 millimeter, the plunger being mounted concentric with the orifice and having equal clearance on all sides. Note that the needle-point is merely to prevent lateral movement of the test specimen during testingO
Therefore, if the needle-point significantly adversely affects the test specimen (for example, punctures an inflatable structure), than the needle-point should not be used. The bottom of the plunger should be set well above the top of the orifice plate. From this position, the downward stroke of the ball nose is to the exact bottom of the plate orifice.
A force-measurement gauge and more specifically an Instron inverted compression load cell. The load cell has a load range of from about 0.0 to about 2000.0 grams.
An actuator, and more specifically the Instron~M
Model No. 1122 having an inverted compression load cell. The Instron 1122 is made by the Instron Engineering Corporation, Canton, Massachusetts.
~ ,r ''';~"~ I
~, ~, . ~
~3177~ ~
18a NUMBER AND PREPARATION OF SPECIMENS
In order to perform the procedure for thi~ test, as explained below, five representative sanitary napkins are necessary" From one of the five napkins to be 19 ~31~
tested, some number "Y" of 37.5 x 3~.5 millimeter test specimens are cut. Specimens having portlons in which a topsheet is joined directly to a barrier sheet or which are a laminate of a topshe~t, two or less tissue sheets and a barrier sheet, should not be tested. The reason that these specimens are not tested is due to the realization that prior art napkins exist in which a topsheet is joined to a barrier sheet beyond the edges of an absorbent core in the periphery of the napkin, such port10ns of which are highly ~lexible. However, the present invention is more concerned wlth the overall flex~bility of the sanitary napkin and not merely the peripheral portions thereof and, therefor~, the flexibil~ty of the present invention is more concerned with the flexibility of the significant absorbent portions oF the sanitary napkin. If any of these significant absorbent port~ons of th~ sanitary napkin meet the parameters of this test, then the sanitary napkin satisfies the test. There~ore, a number of dlfferent specimens should be tested from each sanitary napkin.
Certainly, the structurally ~cst flexibl~ pcrtion of the sanitary napkin shculd be tested, exeluding those portions excluded above. The test specimens should not b~ folded or ben~ by the t~st person, and the handling of specimens must bo kept to a minimum and to th~ ~dges to avoid affecting flexural-resistance properties. From the four r~malning san~tary napkins, an equal number ~Y~ of 37.5 x 37.5 millimeter specimens, ident k al to the specimens cut from the first napkin, ar~ cut. Thus, the test person should have ~Y" number of sets of five identical specimens.
PROCEDURE
~he procedure for the CIRCU~AR BEND PROCEDURE is as follows. The specimens are conditioned by leaving them in a room which is ~1 + l'C and SO ~ 2% relative ~3177(3~
humidity for a period of two hours. The test plate is leveled. The plunger speed is set at 50.0 centimeters per minute per full stroke length. A
specimen is centered on the orifice platform below the plunger such that the body surface 26 of the specimen is facing the plunger and the garment surface 17 of the specimen is facing the platform.
The indicator zero is checked and adjusted, if necessary. The plunger is actuated. Touching the specimen during the testing should be avoided. The maximum force reading to the nearest gram is recorded. The above steps are repeated until all five of the identical specimens have been tested.
CALCULATIONS
The peak bending stiffness for each specimen is the maximum force reading for that specimen. Remember that "Y" number o~ sets of five identical specimens were cut. Each set of five identical specimens is tested and the five values received for that set are averaged. Thus, the test person now has an average value for each of the "Y" sets tested.
Remember, if any of the significantly absorbent portions of the sanitary napkin have the requisite flexure-resistance, then the napkin satisfies the ; 25 parameters of this test. Therefore, the flexure-resistance for a particularly designed sanitary napkin is the greatest of these average peak bending stiffnesses.
As alluded to earlier, the combination of topshe t 25 and wipe acquisition sheet 28 imparts some beneficial properties to the sanitary napkin 10. In particular, the combination of an apertured formed film topsheet 25 superimposed over an apertured nonwoven wipe acquisition sheet 28 is beneficial. A pre~erred wipe acquisition 13~77~.
20a sheet 28 is the previously described SONTARATM 8407.
An enlarged depiction of such an arrangement is shown in Figure 3. Such a combination is even more beneficial when the , . . .
,........
~l 13~ 7~
nonwoven wipe acquisition sheet 28 is formed or positioned such that no fiber bundles 89 of th~ sheet 28 are beneath some of the apertures 83 of the formed film topsheet 25 (i.~., the apertures in the two sheets 25 and 28 are aligned) while beneath other apertures 83 of the formed fil~ topsheet 25 fiber bundles 89 of the nonwoven sheet 28 are present (i.e., apertures in the two sheets 25 and 28 are not aligned). Such an arrangement is readily apparent in Figure 3, where~n the apertures 86 of th~
nonwov~n sheet 28 are larger than the apertures 83 of the formed film topsheet 25. Such an arrangement provides the sanitary napkin 10 at least two beneficial propertles: enhanced gush acquisition and enhanced w~pe ac~uisltion. Gush acquis1tion is enhanced in those areas where the apertures 83 of the topsheet are aligned with the apertures 86 of the nonwoven w~pe acquisition sheet 28. The align~d apertur~s 83 and 86 provide a direct route for exudates to flow from the body surfac~ 26 of the topshe~t 25 to the central absorbent mater~als of the napk~n 10.
Further, the apertures 83 and 8fi themselves are abl~ to contain a degree of fluid within their w311s or boundaries until such fluid is absorbed. ~ipe acquisitiun, which is the ability to p~ll liquid exudates from the wearer's skin into the absorbent material of the napkin 10, is enhanced in thos~ areas where fib~r bundles 89 of the nonwoven wipe acquisition sheet 28 ar~ ~ligned such that the fiber bundles 89 are beneath the openings of the apertures B3 of the topsheet 25.
As ~ust mentioned, wipe acquis~tion is critieal in those reg10~s where the topshe~t 25 is in con~aet w1th exudates on the wearer's sk~n. In such areas, the sanitary napkin 10 is likely under co~pressive forces fro~ th~ wearer's body. ~hen such is the case, the fiber bundles 89 of the nonwoY~n wip~ acqulsition sheet 28 beneath the apertures 83 of the topshest 25 are forced somewhat up into the apertures 83 of the topsheet 25, closer to the wearer's sk~n. Obviously, the spaces bet~Qn the fiber bundles 89 and the walls o~ the apertures 83 or betw~en the fibers of the fiber bundles 89 th~mselves will be less than the spaces which were be~ween only the walls of the apertures 83.
22 13177~
These spaces are capillaries. As is w~ll known in the art, as capillary spaces are decreased, capillary or drawing action is increased. Thus, the capillary action 1n these apertures 83 where Fiber bundles 89 are pr~sent is incr2ased and the sanitary napkin lO is better able to draw exudates from the wearer's skin into these capillaries and eventually into the central absorbent materials of the sanitary napkin lO.
Although all of the aF~ertures 83 of the topsheet 25 are referenced by the numeral "83~, for th~ following teaching purposes, specific reference 1s directed to the aperture o~ Figure 3 specifically labeled and designated "83~. The specific aperture 83 referenced is an example ln wh1ch an aperture 83 of the topsheet 25 is aligned w1th an aperture 86 of the nonwoven wipe acquisiti3n sheet 28. Theoret1cally, such an aperture is useful for gush acquisition since exudates have unlnterrupted flow from the body surface 26 of the topsheet 25 to the c~ntral absorbent material (not shown). Next, attQntion is d~rected to the aperture 83 immediately to the right of the specific aperture 83 just referenced. As seen, this apertur~ 83 is superimposed over a fiber bundle 89 of the nonwoven wipe acquisition sheet 28.
Theoretically, exudates that flo~ into the aperture 83 will enter the capillartes of the fiber bundle 89. The exudates will then either be pulled sr absorbed into the central absorbent materials or w k ked to intersesting fiber b~ndles B9, then w~sked further to other 1ntersecting fiber bundles 89, and so on, until the exudates are absorbed ~nto a more laterally d~stant portion o~ the central absorbent materials. Hence, a large port~on of the total absorbent capacity of the absorbent mater~als can b~ util~zed.
; As previously mentioned, the sanitary napk~n lO of thepresent invention has a liqutd capac~ty great enough to absorb medium to high menstrual flows. Two capacities, which, depending on the size of the sanitary napkin may be the same, are determinable: test capaclty and total capac~ty. Preferably, the napk~n lO of th~ present invention has a test capaoity of at least about 8.0 grams, more pref0rably of at least aboue l5.0 23 131 77~1 grams, and most preferably of at least abaut 18.0 grams.
Preferably, the napkin 10 of the present invention has a total capacity of at least about 20.0 grams, more preferably of at least about 30.0 grams, and most preferably of at least about 40.0 grams.
The test and total capacities of a sanitary napkin are deter~ined as follows. Any p~nty adhes~ve release paper is removed from thQ napkin to be tested. To determlne test capacity, a 4.75 x 14.0 centimeters portion, or any othcr configuration having 56.5 square cent~meters, of the sanitary napkin is cut from the portlon of the sanitary napkin which would be centered under the vaginal ortf1c~ when the sanitary napkin ls worn. Total caparity 1s dete mined using the entire napktn min~s any release paper. The article is wetghed to the nearest 0.1 gram. The art kle is then submerged in a beaker of sterile saline (obtainable from the Baxter Trav~nol Company o~ Deerfield, Illinois), such that the arttcle is totally subm~rged and is not bent or otherwise twisted or foldeJ. The article is submerged for minutes. The article is removed from the saline and suspended for t~o minutes in a vertieal posit~on to allow the saline to drain out of the article. The article is then placed body facing surface down onto an absorbent blotter, such as th~ filter paper #631 available from the Filtration Science Corp., Eaton-D1keman Div~si3n of Mount Holly Springs, Pennsylvania. A
untform 17.6 grams per square centimeter lo2d is placed over the artlcle to squeeze excess fluid out. The absorbent blotter is replaced every 30 seconds until the amount of fluid transferred to the absorbent blotter is less th~n 0.5 grams in a 30 second period. Next, the article is weighed to the nearest 0.1 gram and the dry we~ght of the article is subtraoted. The difference in grams is the test or total capacity of the art~cle, wh k hever the case ~ay be.
The central absorbent width 63 of absorbent material of the sanitary napk~n 10 of the present invention is an important parameter. The term "centr?l absorbent width refers to a 1~7701 specific alea of the sanitary napkin 10 determinable as follows, reference beinghad to Figure 5. A point 64 on the sanitary napkin 10 which is disposed beneath the center of the vaginal orifice, when worn, is located. A plane 65 parallel tothe lateral centerline 61 and 3.75 centimeters forward from the point 64 in the S direction of the wearer's mons pubis is located. Another plane 66 parallel to the lateral centerline 61 and 5.0 centimeters rearward from the point 64 in the direction of the wearer's buttocks is also located. The greatest flat-ollt, uncompressed, unmanipulated, lateral width of absorbent material of the sanitarynapkin 10 between the planes 65 and 66 is the central absorbent width 63 of the sanitary napkin 10. It matters not whether the absorbent material is a single sheet, overlapping sheets, staggered sheets, etc., and it matters not whether the absorbent material is a nonwoven sheet, an absorbent topsheet, an absorbent core, a tissue, synthetic staple fibers, etc For example, a sanitary napkin 10 of the present invention might have a wipe acquisition sheet 28 or a wet-laid tissue 31 having a width of about 7.75 centimeters and an absorbent core 34 having a width of about 3.3 centimeters. Thus, in this example, the sanitary napkin 10 has a central absorbent w;dth 63 of 7.75 centimeters.
The sanitary napkin 10 should preferably be scaled to the width of the crotch of the underwear of the wearer. A sanitary napkin 10 having a central absorbent width 63 which registers the absorbent 13 with the edges of the underwear crotchis particularly preferred. For relatively narrower underwear crotches, having a width of about 3.7 to about 6.4 centimeters, a sanitary napkin having a central absorbent width 63 of about 3.7 to about 6.4 centimeters works well.
The total width of the napkin 10 is scaled to the central absorbent width 63, and should be about 0.6 to about 1.0 centimeters greater than the central absorbent width 63, due to the additional margin necessary to join the edges of the topsheet 25 and barrie} sheet 16 together. Generally about 0.3 to about ~3177~1 0.5 centimeters are necessary at each edge of the napkin 10 to join the topsheet 25 to the barrier sheet 16. Thus, d napkin having a central absorbent width 63 o~ about 3.7 to about 6.4 centimeters will have a total width ranging from about ~.3 to 4.7 cent;meters to about 7.0 to 7.4 centimeters.
The sanitary napkin 10 of one embodiment sf the pres~nt invention intended for underwear having a relatively greater crotch width should have a central absorbent width 63 of at least about 6.5 ~entimeters, more preferably of at least about 7.0 centimeters, more preferably of at least about 7.75 centi~eters, and most preferably of at least about 9.0 centimeters.
As the central absorbent width 63 of the sanitary napkin 10 diminlshes, the total capacity, as determined by the aforementioned Test Procedure, will proportionally diminish, unless the san~tary napkln 10 ls lengthened in the longitudinal direction. Because a pad whlch ls excessively lengthened may not be comfortable to wear~ it is acceptable, for a pad having a central absorbent width 63 of about 6.2 centim~ters or less to have a reduced total capacity. For such an arrangement a sanitary napkin 10 having a total capaci~y of about 14 grams h~s been found to work well.
The central absorbent width 63 of the sanitary napkin 10 of th~ present invention is believed impor~an~ for the following raason. As stated previously, th~ san~tary napkin 10 of the present inventlon relles mor@ on the lateral distribution of exudates cver or through a relative7y large surface area of the absorbent core 34 rather than on a high degree of vertical absorptlon common to many prior art san~tary napkins. Therefore, because exudates whlch are dlstr1buted cnto the topsheet 25 may nct be qu k kly absorbed before they migrate across the topsheet 25, it is important to contain such exudates pending absorption.
The specified central absorbent wid~h 63 of the sanitary napkin 10 of the present invention has been determlned based on the width of a flexible napkin which ~ill cup around the labia in the region of 26 ~31~7~.
the vaginal orifice such that at least the edges of the absorbent material are positioned in the uppermost part of the wearer's legs at the crotch. Thus, the sanitary napkin 10 and the absorbent material may be cupped shaped in the surrounding regions of the vaginal orifice and exudates deposited thereon will be contained until absorbed.
Because of the flexibility requirements of the sanitary napXins 10 oP the present invention, it is likely that the sanitary napkins 10 of the present invention will be relatively thin. It is preferred to keep the sanitary napkins 10 o~ the present invention thin so that the sanitary napkins 10 of the present invention will be unobtrusive and the user will have a low awareness of the sanitary napkin 10 of the present invention while it is being worn. The sanitary napkin 10 shown in Figures 1 and 2 has a caliper of about 1.9 millimeters. The caliper of a s~nitary napkin 10 is determined by the following test.
A comparator gauge, and specifically the Ames,TM
Model 130 with dial indicator Model 482, available from the B.~. Ames, Company of Waltham, Massachusetts is needed. The comparator gauge should have a circular comparator foot made of aluminum and having a weight of 10.0 grams and a contact surface of 5.16 square centimeters. The comparator gauge is zeroed. An 80.0 grams stainless steel weight is placed on the spindle extending above the comparator dial. The comparator foot is raised and the napkin, with any panty adhesive release paper being removed, is placed garment surface down on the base plate. The napkin is positioned on the base plate so that when the foot is lowered it is in the center of the napkin. Try to smooth out or avoid any wrinkles in the napkin. Gently lower the foot onto the napkin. Determine the napkin caliper by reading the comparator dial 30 seconds after the foot comes in 1 ~177~
26a contact with the napkin. Repeat the measurement 3.0 centimeters from each of the ends of the absorbent material along the longitudinal centerline 58 o~ the napkin. The average of the three readings is the caliper of the sanitary napkin. Preferably, the sanitary napkins 10 of the . .
,~ ~
. 27 ~3~77~
present invention have a caliper of less than about 2.6 millimeters, more preferably less than about 2.~ millimeters, and most preferably less than about 2.0 millimeters. The caliper of the sanitary napkin of the present invention may b0 increas~d, in a less preferred embodiment9 proportlonal to an increase in the flexure-r~ststance. lf the flexure-resistance is increased to great~r than about 400 gra~s, or even greater than about 500 grams, the calliper may be increased to as ~uch as about 4.0 to about 5.0 millimeters, but preferably is not greater than about 3.0 millimeters.
An alternative embodiment of a sanitary napkin lO of the present invention is shown in F~gure 4. In this embodlment, the sanitary napkin I0 has two flaps 70 each of which are ad~acent to and extend laterally from a s1de edge 55 of th~ absorbent core 34. The flaps 70 are configured to drape over th~ edges of the wearer's panties in the eroteh reg1On so that the flaps 70 are disposed between the edges of th~ wearer's panties and the wearer's th~ghs. The flaps 70 serve at least two purposes.
First, the flaps 70 help serve to prevent soiling of the w~arer's body and panties by menstrual fluid. Second, the flaps 70 are preferably provided with attachment means 71 on their garment surface l7 so that the ~laps 70 can be folded back under the panty and attached to the garment facing side of the panty. In thl~ way, the flaps 70 serve to keep th~ napkin 10 properly positiored ~n the panty. A preferred attach~ent means 71 is a pr~ssure-sensitive adhesive, as is well knowm in the art.
Alt~rnat~v~ly, the flaps 70 may be attached to each other on the underside of th~ panty by the attachment m~ans 71 w~thout being aff1xed to th~ panty.
In th~ preferred embodiment shown, the ~laps 70 are comprised of ~opsheet 25, t1ssue 3I, and barrier sheet 16.
Further, in the embodimænt shawn, the flaps 7S are unitary with the laminae of the napkin 10. In other words, th~ topshe2t 25, tissue 31 and barr1er sheet 16 simply extend laterally beyond the core 34 to form the flaps 70. However, the flaps 70 need not be :L3177~1 unitary with the napkin 10 but can be separate elements which are affixed to the napkin 10. Further, the flaps 70 can be comprised of a single substrate or other laminae configurations. It is recommended, however, that the flaps 70 have a liquid impervious barrier sheet 16. The barrier sheet 16 prevents exudates which reach the flaps 70 from soiling the edges of the wearer's panties. Further, it is preferable that the flaps 70 be provided with an absorbent layer, at least to a point beyond tha edges of the wearer's panties.
Theoretically, only a relatively small amount of menses should reach the flaps 70, therefore, only a relatively small amount of absorbent material is desirable in the ~laps 70. However, at least some absorbent material is recommended in order to prevent any exudates that reach the flaps 70 from being able to flow further to unprotected areas. The absorbent material may be a tissue, such as the tissue 31, or an extension of the absorbent core 34, such as the WAT~R-LOCK L - 535.
However, the absorbent material in the ~laps 70 should be relatively highly flexible. A number of sanitary napkins having flaps suitable or adaptable for use with the sanitary napkins 10 of the present invention are known. Such flaps are disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,687,478, entitled "Shaped Sanitary Napkin With Flaps", which patent issued to Van Tilburg on August 18, 1987, U.S. Patent 4,608,047, entitled "Sanitary Napkin Attachment Means", which patent issued to Mattingly on August 26, 1986, U.S. Patent 4,589,876, entitled "Sanitary Napkin", which patent issu~d to Van Tilburg on May 20, 1986, and U.S. Patent 4,285,343, entitled "Sanitary Napkin", which patent issusd to McNair on August 25, 1981.
For illustration purposes, the central absorbent width 63 of the napkin 10 shown in Figure 4 would extend laterally from the outer edge 32 of the tissue 31 in the ~3177~
28a one flap 70 to the outer edge 32 of the tissue 31 in the other flap 70.
Another alternative embodiment of a sanitary napkin 10 of the present invention is shown in Figure 5. Like the napkin 10 29 13~77~1 shown in Figur~ 4, this napkln 10 also has flaps 70, only of a different configuratlon. In this embodiment, the flaps 70 are comprised only of the topsheet 25 and the barrier sheet 55.
For illustration purposes, the central absorbent width 63 of the napkin 10 shown in Figure 5 would extend laterally from one outer edge 32 of the tissue 31 to the other outer edge 32 of the tissu~ 31.
~ hile particular embodlments of the present invention have been illustrated and described~ it would be obv~ous to those sk~lled ln the art that various oth~r changes and modifications can be made ~ithout departing from the spir~t and scope of the invention.
Claims (28)
1. A sanitary napkin having a body surface and a garment surface, comprising:
an absorbent means having a first major surface and a second major surface; and a liquid impermeable barrier means adjacent to said second major surface of said absorbent means;
said sanitary napkin having a flexure-resistance of less than about 300.0 grams, a caliper of less than about 3.0 millimeters, a test capacity of at least about 8.0 grams, and a total capacity of at least about 20.0 grams.
an absorbent means having a first major surface and a second major surface; and a liquid impermeable barrier means adjacent to said second major surface of said absorbent means;
said sanitary napkin having a flexure-resistance of less than about 300.0 grams, a caliper of less than about 3.0 millimeters, a test capacity of at least about 8.0 grams, and a total capacity of at least about 20.0 grams.
2. The sanitary napkin as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said sanitary napkin has a flexure-resistance of less than about 250.0 grams.
3. The sanitary napkin as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said sanitary napkin has a central absorbent width of at least about 3.7 centimeters.
4. The sanitary napkin as claimed in claim 3, wherein said sanitary napkin has a caliper of about 2.2 millimeters or less.
5. The sanitary napkin as claimed in Claim 3, wherein said sanitary napkin has a caliper of less than about 2.6 millimeters.
6. The sanitary napkin as claimed in Claim 5, wherein said sanitary napkin has a flexure-resistance of less than about 175.0 grams.
7. The sanitary napkin as claimed in Claim 5, wherein said sanitary napkin has a test capacity of at least about 15.0 grams.
8. The sanitary napkin as claimed in Claim 5, wherein said sanitary napkin has a flexure-resistance of less than about 130.0 grams.
9. The sanitary napkin as claimed in Claim 5, wherein said absorbent means further comprises a hydrogel-forming polymer gelling agent.
10. The sanitary napkin as claimed in Claim 5 or Claim 9, wherein said barrier means comprises a barrier sheet and said absorbent means comprises a liquid permeable topsheet and an absorbent core.
11. The sanitary napkin as claimed in Claim 5 or Claim 9, further comprising a laterally extending flap configured to drape over a side edge of a wearer's panties in the crotch portion thus being disposed between a side edge of the wearer's panties in the crotch portion and the wearer's thigh.
12. The sanitary napkin as claimed in Claim 5 or Claim 9, further comprising a laterally extending flap configured to drape over a side edge of a wearer's panties in the crotch portion thus being disposed between a side edge of the wearer's panties in the crotch portion and the wearer's thigh, said flap having an attachment means adjacent to said garment surface for attaching said flap to the garment facing side of the wearer's panties.
13. The sanitary napkin as claimed in Claim 5 or Claim 9, further comprising two laterally extending flaps configured to drape over a side edge of a wearer's panties in the crotch portion thus being disposed between a side edge of the wearer's panties in the crotch portion and the wearer's thigh, and wherein at least one of said flaps comprises an attachment means for attaching said flaps together on the garment side of the wearer' 5 panties.
14. The sanitary napkin as claimed in Claim 9, wherein said absorbent means comprises an absorbent core, and wherein said absorbent core contains from about 5% to about 85% by weight of a particulate hydrogel-forming polymer gelling agent.
15. The sanitary napkin as claimed in Claim 9, wherein said absorbent means comprises an absorbent core, and wherein said absorbent core contains from about 15% to about 100% by weight of a non-particulate hydrogel-forming polymer gelling agent.
16. The sanitary napkin as claimed in Claim 9, wherein said hydrogel-forming polymer gelling agent is distributed throughout at least about 17.0 square centimeters of said sanitary napkin.
17. The sanitary napkin as claimed in Claim 16, wherein said hydrogel-forming polymer gelling agent is a particulate and is distributed in an amount of from about 0.001 grams per square centimeter to about 0.009 grams per square centimeter.
18. The sanitary napkin as claimed in Claim 16, wherein said hydrogel-forming polymer gelling agent is a non-particulate and has a basis weight of from about 0.002 grams per square centimeter to about 0.010 grams per square centimeter.
19. The sanitary napkin as claimed in Claim 5, wherein said barrier means comprises a barrier sheet and said absorbent means comprises a liquid permeable polymeric topsheet overlaying a wipe acquisition sheet, said wipe acquisition sheet overlaying an absorbent core, said topsheet being associated with said barrier sheet.
20. The sanitary napkin as claimed in Claim 19, wherein said absorbent core further comprises a hydrogel-forming polymer gelling agent, topsheet is an apertured formed film, said wipe acquisition sheet is an apertured nonwoven sheet comprising fiber bundles and apertures, some of said apertures of said topsheet and said wipe acquisition sheet being aligned such that no fiber bundles of said wipe acquisition sheet are beneath some of said apertures of said topsheet while others of said apertures of said topsheet and said wipe acquisition sheet are not aligned such that a fiber bundle of said wipe acquisition sheet is beneath said aperture of said topsheet.
21. The sanitary napkin as claimed in Claim 19, wherein said absorbent core further comprises a hydrogel-forming polymer gelling agent, topsheet is an apertured nonwoven sheet, said wipe acquisition sheet is an apertured nonwoven sheet comprising fiber bundles and apertures, some of said apertures of said topsheet and said wipe acquisition sheet being aligned such that no fiber bundles of said wipe acquisition sheet are beneath some of said apertures of said topsheet while others of said apertures of said topsheet and said wipe acquisition sheet are not aligned such that a fiber bundle of said wipe acquisition sheet is beneath said aperture of said topsheet.
22. The sanitary napkin as claimed in Claim 5, wherein said barrier means comprises a barrier sheet and said absorbent means comprises a liquid permeable polymeric topsheet overlaying an absorbent core, said topsheet being associated with said barrier sheet.
23. The sanitary napkin as claimed in Claim 19 or Claim 22, wherein said absorbent core further comprises a tissue layer and a hydrogel-forming polymer gelling agent.
24. The sanitary napkin as claimed in Claim 19, wherein said wipe acquisition sheet is a nonwoven sheet.
25. A sanitary napkin having a body surface and a garment surface, comprising:
an absorbent means having a first major surface and a second major surface; and a liquid impermeable barrier means adjacent to said second major surface of said absorbent means;
said sanitary napkin having a flexure-resistance of less than about 400 grams, a test capacity of at least about 8.0 grams, a total capacity of at least about 14.0 grams and a caliper of less than about 5.0 millimeters.
an absorbent means having a first major surface and a second major surface; and a liquid impermeable barrier means adjacent to said second major surface of said absorbent means;
said sanitary napkin having a flexure-resistance of less than about 400 grams, a test capacity of at least about 8.0 grams, a total capacity of at least about 14.0 grams and a caliper of less than about 5.0 millimeters.
26. The sanitary napkin as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 25 wherein said sanitary napkin has a total pad width of at least about 4.3 centimeters,
27. The sanitary napkin as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 25 wherein said sanitary napkin has a total pad width of at least about 4.3 centimeters and has a total capacity greater than about 20 grams.
28. The sanitary napkin as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 25 wherein said sanitary napkin has a total pad width of at least about 4.3 centimeters and has a caliper of less than about 3.0 millimeters.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US17555988A | 1988-03-31 | 1988-03-31 | |
US175,559 | 1988-03-31 | ||
US293,606 | 1989-01-04 | ||
US07/293,606 US4950264A (en) | 1988-03-31 | 1989-01-04 | Thin, flexible sanitary napkin |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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CA1317701C true CA1317701C (en) | 1993-05-18 |
Family
ID=26871331
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
CA000595266A Expired - Lifetime CA1317701C (en) | 1988-03-31 | 1989-03-30 | Thin, flexible sanitary napkin |
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US (1) | US4950264A (en) |
EP (2) | EP1029522A3 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2885821B2 (en) |
KR (1) | KR970002923B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN1020848C (en) |
AR (1) | AR242107A1 (en) |
AT (1) | ATE198540T1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU629821B2 (en) |
BR (1) | BR8901522A (en) |
CA (1) | CA1317701C (en) |
DE (1) | DE68929278T2 (en) |
DK (1) | DK153889A (en) |
EG (1) | EG19188A (en) |
ES (1) | ES2153813T3 (en) |
FI (1) | FI96478C (en) |
GR (1) | GR3035520T3 (en) |
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MA (1) | MA21526A1 (en) |
MX (1) | MX165671B (en) |
NZ (1) | NZ228539A (en) |
PH (1) | PH25785A (en) |
PT (2) | PT90160A (en) |
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- 1989-03-28 AR AR89313510A patent/AR242107A1/en active
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