CA2078407A1 - Absorbent article having strike window - Google Patents
Absorbent article having strike windowInfo
- Publication number
- CA2078407A1 CA2078407A1 CA002078407A CA2078407A CA2078407A1 CA 2078407 A1 CA2078407 A1 CA 2078407A1 CA 002078407 A CA002078407 A CA 002078407A CA 2078407 A CA2078407 A CA 2078407A CA 2078407 A1 CA2078407 A1 CA 2078407A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- sheet
- absorbent core
- facing surface
- layer
- absorbent article
- 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.)
- Abandoned
Links
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
- A61F13/51—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 outer layers
- A61F13/515—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 outer layers characterised by the interconnection of the topsheet and the backsheet
-
- 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
- A61F13/15577—Apparatus or processes for manufacturing
- A61F13/15585—Apparatus or processes for manufacturing of babies' napkins, e.g. diapers
-
- 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
- A61F13/15577—Apparatus or processes for manufacturing
- A61F13/15666—Wrapping formed fibrous webs or pads, e.g. the pads being formed by uniting pad pieces cut from fibrous webs
- A61F13/15674—Wrapping formed fibrous webs or pads, e.g. the pads being formed by uniting pad pieces cut from fibrous webs by wrapping webs or pads between webs moving in their longitudinal 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
- A61F13/15577—Apparatus or processes for manufacturing
- A61F13/15666—Wrapping formed fibrous webs or pads, e.g. the pads being formed by uniting pad pieces cut from fibrous webs
- A61F13/15682—Wrapping formed fibrous webs or pads, e.g. the pads being formed by uniting pad pieces cut from fibrous webs by folding webs, moving in their longitudinal direction, around webs or pads
-
- 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
- A61F13/475—Sanitary towels, incontinence pads or napkins characterised by edge leakage prevention means
- A61F13/4751—Sanitary towels, incontinence pads or napkins characterised by edge leakage prevention means the means preventing fluid flow in a transversal direction
- A61F13/4755—Sanitary towels, incontinence pads or napkins characterised by edge leakage prevention means the means preventing fluid flow in a transversal direction the means being a flat barrier on or inside the absorbent article, e.g. backsheet wrapped around the edges
-
- 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
- A61F13/51—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 outer layers
- A61F13/511—Topsheet, i.e. the permeable cover or layer facing the skin
- A61F13/5116—Topsheet, i.e. the permeable cover or layer facing the skin being formed of multiple layers
-
- 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
- A61F13/51—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 outer layers
- A61F13/511—Topsheet, i.e. the permeable cover or layer facing the skin
- A61F13/512—Topsheet, i.e. the permeable cover or layer facing the skin characterised by its apertures, e.g. perforations
-
- 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
-
- 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
- A61F13/51—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 outer layers
- A61F13/511—Topsheet, i.e. the permeable cover or layer facing the skin
- A61F13/51121—Topsheet, i.e. the permeable cover or layer facing the skin characterised by the material
- A61F2013/51147—Topsheet, i.e. the permeable cover or layer facing the skin characterised by the material being polymeric films
-
- 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
- A61F13/51—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 outer layers
- A61F13/511—Topsheet, i.e. the permeable cover or layer facing the skin
- A61F13/5116—Topsheet, i.e. the permeable cover or layer facing the skin being formed of multiple layers
- A61F2013/51165—Topsheet, i.e. the permeable cover or layer facing the skin being formed of multiple layers with the combination of films and nonwovens
-
- 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
- A61F13/51—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 outer layers
- A61F13/514—Backsheet, i.e. the impermeable cover or layer furthest from the skin
- A61F13/51474—Backsheet, i.e. the impermeable cover or layer furthest from the skin characterised by its structure
- A61F2013/51486—Backsheet, i.e. the impermeable cover or layer furthest from the skin characterised by its structure with specially shaped backsheets
- A61F2013/51494—Backsheet, i.e. the impermeable cover or layer furthest from the skin characterised by its structure with specially shaped backsheets having underlayer extending around the longitudinal edges of the absorbent core
-
- 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
- A61F2013/530437—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 a part with elevated absorption means
- A61F2013/530445—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 a part with elevated absorption means by defining a target or acquisition or vulnerability zone
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T156/00—Adhesive bonding and miscellaneous chemical manufacture
- Y10T156/10—Methods of surface bonding and/or assembly therefor
- Y10T156/1052—Methods of surface bonding and/or assembly therefor with cutting, punching, tearing or severing
- Y10T156/1056—Perforating lamina
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T156/00—Adhesive bonding and miscellaneous chemical manufacture
- Y10T156/10—Methods of surface bonding and/or assembly therefor
- Y10T156/1052—Methods of surface bonding and/or assembly therefor with cutting, punching, tearing or severing
- Y10T156/1062—Prior to assembly
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T156/00—Adhesive bonding and miscellaneous chemical manufacture
- Y10T156/10—Methods of surface bonding and/or assembly therefor
- Y10T156/1052—Methods of surface bonding and/or assembly therefor with cutting, punching, tearing or severing
- Y10T156/108—Flash, trim or excess removal
Abstract
ABSTRACT
An absorbent article is provided for use in the perineal area of the body having an absorbent core having an upper body facing surface, a lower garment facing surface, first and second longitudinal sides, and first and second transverse ends. A body fluid impervious sealing wrapper, having upper and lower portions each having longitudinally and transversely extending edges along which said portions are joined, is formed around the absorbent core so as to enclose at least the entirety of the garment facing surface, the longitudinal sides and the transverse ends, thereby forming a seal. A centrally disposed opening is formed in the upper portion of the sealing wrapper thereby forming a window on the body facing surface of the absorbent core that exposes it to fluid flow. A fluid pervious layer covers at least the portion of the body facing surface on which the window is formed. The upper portion of the sealing wrapper and the pervious layer are joined so as to form a laminated layer. In another embodiment, the window is formed in a fibrous non-woven fabric that covers the longitudinal sides of the absorbent core and the window is covered by an apertured plastic film.
An absorbent article is provided for use in the perineal area of the body having an absorbent core having an upper body facing surface, a lower garment facing surface, first and second longitudinal sides, and first and second transverse ends. A body fluid impervious sealing wrapper, having upper and lower portions each having longitudinally and transversely extending edges along which said portions are joined, is formed around the absorbent core so as to enclose at least the entirety of the garment facing surface, the longitudinal sides and the transverse ends, thereby forming a seal. A centrally disposed opening is formed in the upper portion of the sealing wrapper thereby forming a window on the body facing surface of the absorbent core that exposes it to fluid flow. A fluid pervious layer covers at least the portion of the body facing surface on which the window is formed. The upper portion of the sealing wrapper and the pervious layer are joined so as to form a laminated layer. In another embodiment, the window is formed in a fibrous non-woven fabric that covers the longitudinal sides of the absorbent core and the window is covered by an apertured plastic film.
Description
PE~R-50 2 0 7 8 4 7 p~TE~T
AB80RBENT ~RTIC~ V~NG 8TRI~ ~I~DOW
Field of the I~ve~tion The current invention concerns an absorbent S article for use in the perineal area of the hody, such as sanitary napkins, incontinence pads, and the like. Nore specifically, the current invention concerns an absorbent article having a strike window in its body ~acing sur~ace located to receive ~odily fluid, as well as a method of making such an article.
Back~rQund of khe ~nvention Traditionally, absorbent articles have included a center absorbent portion having a body facing surface --that is, a surface that faces the perineum --, a garment facing surface, longitudinally extending sides and transverse ends. These articles g~nerally include an absorbent core made of loosely associated hydrophilic materials, such as wood pulp. The body facing surface of the absorbent core is covered by a layer of body fluid pervious fabric, typically referred to as a "cover". The garment facing surface and the longitudinally extending sides of the absorbent core are enclosed by a layer of body fluid impervious material, typically referred to as a l'barrier", that is preferably non-wicking and pervious to gases. These layers are sometimes sealed around the absorbent core by joining them together along their longitudinal and transverse edges so as to form flanges --~78~7 ~BPR-50 - 2 - PA~ENT
see, for example U.S. Patent No. 4,678,527 (Ulman), assigned on its face to the same assignee as the current invention. In this arrangement, the cover and barrier each form a portion of the longitudinal sides of the center portion.
Alternatively, the barrier is sometimes formed into a C-shaped boat enclosing ~he garment facinq surface and longitudinal sides of the absorbent core. In this case, the cover is wrapped around both the barrier b~at and the absorbent core and the overlapping longitudinal edges of the cover are joined together -- see, ~or example, U.S.
Patent No. 4,200,103 (Black et al.), assigned on its face to the same assignee as the current invention. This alternative method is sometimes referred to as "flow wrapping".
Unfortunately, these approaches to forming the coverings for the absorbent article suffer ~rom several drawbacks. First, although the barrier is effective in preventing leakage through the gar~ent facing surface and the longitudinal sides of the article, it does not prevent leakage through the transverse ends of the article, which are, at best, only partially enclosed by the barrier.
Second, more recently, the cover forming the body facing surface has been formed from an apertured plastic film. Such films give the surface of the article a feeling o~ dryness against the skin, as compared to the more traditional fibrous non-woven fabrics used for the cover.
Although the apertured plastic film is most useful as a covering for the body facing surface that is in contac~
with the perineum -- th~t is, the surface subjected directly to the fluid flow -- typically, the cover also encloses the longitudinal sides of the article that bear against the user's thighs. Experience has shown that although the apertured plastic film feels dry against the skin even after having been subjected to fluid flow, contact against the user's thighs produces the hot and sticky feeling associated with plastics, rather than the 2~7~V7 P~PR 50 - 3 - PA~
more comfortable feeling associated with contact by a fibrous non-woven fabric.
Consequently, it would be desirable to provide an absorbent article that was enclosed by a body fluid impervious barrier on its transvexse ends as well as its longitudinal sides. It would also be desirable to provide an absorbent article that had an apertured plastic film on its body facing surface but a fibrous non-woven fabric on it longitudinal sides where contact is made with the thighs.
8um~ary o th~ Inve~tion It is an object of the current invention to provide an absorbent article having a body fluid impervious barrier that has a central opening for fluid passage and that seals the transverse ends of the article, as well as its longitudinal sides and garment facing surface.
It is another object of the current invention that the absorbent article have different materials covering its body facing surface and longitudinal sides, so as to provide the dry feel associated with an apertured fil~ on its body facing surface but the comort associated with contact by a fibrous non-woven fabric on its longitudi~al sides.
Thsse and other objects are accomplished in an absorbent article for use in the perineal area of the body having an absorbent core, a body fluid impervious sealing wrapper and a body fluid pervious layer. The absorbent core has an upper body facing surface and a lower garment facing surface, first and second longitudinal sides, and first and second transverse ends. The body fluid impervious sealing wrapper is formed around the absorbent core so as to enclose at least the entirety of the garment facing surface, the longitudinal sides and the transverse ends. However, the sealing wrapper does not cover a central portion of the body facing surface, thereby forming 2~7~Q~
PEPR 50 - 4 PA~ENT
a window. The fluid pervious layer encloses at least the central portion of the body facing surface.
In one embodimen~, the sealing wrapper comprises upper and lower portions each having longitudinally and transvarsely extending edges along which they are joined.
The lower portion i5 disposed adjacent the ga~nent facing surface and the upper portion has an opening that forms the window that is superimposed on the central portion of the body facing surface. The upper portion of the sealing wrapper and the pervious layer are joined so a~ to fo~m a laminate.
In an alternate embodiment, a layer of an apertured plastic is disposed in the window and an upper sheet, which forms the window and encloses the longitudinal sides of the articla that bear against the thighs, is formed from a body fluid pervious fibrous non-woven fabric.
Brie~_~escxiption o~ the Dravinas Figure 1 is an isometric view of the absorbent article according to the current invention with a portion o~ the cover removed.
Figure 2 is a transverse cross-section through line II-II shown in Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a longitudinal cross-section through the line ~ III shown in Figure 1.
Figure 4 is an isometric view, partially schematic, of a production line for making the article shown in Figures 1-3.
Figures 5(a)-(f) are plane views of alternate embodiments of the article shown in Figure 1 showing various window shapes.
Figures 6 and 7 are transverse and long~tudinal cross-sections, respectively, through a second embodiment of the article shown in Figures 1-3.
Figures 8 and 9 are transverse and longitudinal cross-sections, respectively, through a third embodiment of the article shown in Figures 1-3.
2~7~7 PEPR-S0 - S - PA~EN~
Figure 10 is an isometric view, partially schematic, of an alternate embodiment of the production line shown in Figure 4 for making the article shown in Figures 8 and 9.
Figure 11 is a transverse cross-section through another embodimen~ of the article shown in Figures 6 and 7.
Desoriptio~ o~th~ Preferred E~bodime~t There is shown in Figures 1-3 an embodiment of the current invention as applied to a sanitary napkin 1.
The napkin is comprised of a longitudinally extending center portion 2 having right and left longitudinal sides 4 and fore and aft transverse end~ 3. As explained further below, according to the curren~ invention, the napkin 1 is enclosed in a novel way so that, unlike napkins heretofore k~own in the art, it is not su~ject to leakage through its transverse ends 3.
The center portion 2 of the napkin contains an absorbent core 7. As is known in the art, the absorbent core 7 may be comprised of a loosely associated absorbent hydrophilic material such as cellulose fibers, wood pulp, regenerated cellulose or cotton fibers, or other absorbent materials generally known in the art, including peat moss, super-absorbent materials or deodorants.
According to the current invention, the surface 16 of the absorbent core 7 that is intended to face the body of the user -- specifically, the perineum -- is covered by a laminated layer 9. The laminated layer 9 is formed from upper and lower sheets 8 and 10, respectively.
The laminated layer 9 is preferably rectangular and has first and second longitudinally extending edges and first and second transversely extending edges.
The upper sheet 8 forms the cover for the napkin and is preferably formed from a rectangular sheet of body fluid pervious material. Such material may be any resilient, relatively non-absorbing fluid pervious material that is comfortab}e against the skin and capable of P~PR S0 ~ 6 ~ 2 ~ 7 8 ~ 0 7 P~T~NT
permitting fluid to flow to the underlying core 7 in which the fluid is retained. The upper sheet 8 should retain little or no fluid in its structure to provide a relatively dry surface next to the skin. The upper sheet 8 is preferably a fibrous non-woven fabric made of fibers or filaments o~ thermoplastic polymers such as polyethylene or polypropylene. Alternatively, the upper sheet 8 may be formed from an apertured polymeric film. The thickness of the cover 8 will vary from approximately 0.001 to 0.062 inch, depending on the material chosen. It should be appreciated that, for purposes of illustration, the thickness of the various layers of napkin coverings shown in the drawings, relative to the thickness of the absorbent core 7, has been exaggerated.
The lower sheet 10 may be formed from any thin, flexible, body fluid impervious material such as a polymeric film -- for example, polyethylene, polypropylene or cellophane -- or even a normally fluid pervious material that has been treated to be impervious, such as impregnated fluid repellent paper or non-woven fabric material. The thickness of the lower sheet ~0 is typically only 0.001 to 0.002 inch. As explained further below, an opening or window 6 is centrally disposed in the lower sheet 10 and forms a window 6 on the body facing surface 16 of the absorbPnt core 7. In the preerred embodiment, the window 6 is smaller that the body facing surface 16 so that it exposes all but the perimeter of the body facing surface -- that is, the portion of the body faci~g surface adja~ent the longitudinal sides and transverse ends -- to fluid flow.
The upper and lower sheets 8 and 10, respectively, are bonded together into a laminate by longitudinal strips 13 and 14 of adhesive applied adjacent the longitudinal edges 27 and 28 of the upper and lower sheets and adjacent the longitudinal edges of the window 6, respectively. Transverse strips 36 and 37 of adhesive are also applied adjacent the transverse edges 25 and 26 of the 2~7~ 7 upper and lower sheets and adjacent the transverse edges of the window 6, respec~ively. The adhesive may be of the hot melt type or may be strips of double sided tape.
Alternatively, the sheets may be thermally joined.
As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the length and width of the laminated layer 9 are sufficient to cover and extend beyond the body facing surface ~6 of the napkin. Thus, in this embodi~ent, thP laminated layer 9 forms a C-shaped configuration so that the por~ions of the laminated layer that ar~ adjacent the longitudinal edges 27 and 28 form th~
upper portions of the longitudinal sides 4 -- that is, form the portions of the longitudinal sides that are adjacent the body facing surface 16, as shown in Figure 2. In addition, as shown in Figure 3, the por~ions of the laminated layer 9 that are adjacent the transverse edges 25 and 26 form the upper por~ions of the transverse ends 3.
However, as a re~ult of the window 6, the lower sheet 10 does not cover the central portion of the body facing surface 16 of the absorbent core 7 -- that i5, the surface directly subjected to fluid flow. Signi~icantly, however, the lower sheet 10 does cover the upper portions of the longitudinal sides 4 and transverse ends 3.
The napkin 1 further comprises a layer 11 of a body fluid impervious barrier disposed below the laminated layer 9. The impervious barrier 11 may comprise any of the aforementioned materials suitable for use as the lower sheet 10. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the barrier 11 is formed into a C-shaped confiyuration and encloses the surface 17 of the absorbent core 7 intended to face the user's undergarment -- specifically, the crotch of the undergarment. Like the laminated layer 9, the barrier 11 i5 preferably rectangular and has first and second longitudinally extending edges and first and second transversely extending edges. In addition, the length and width of the barrier 11 are sufficient to cover and extend beyond the garment facing surface 17 of the napkin so that the barrier 11 encloses the lower portions of the ~7g4~17 PEPR-50 - ~ - PAT~NT
longitudinal sides 4 and transverse ends 3 -- that is, the portions that are adjacent the garment facing surface 17.
According to an important aspect of the current invention, the longitudinal and transverse edges of the laminated layer 9 -- more specifically, o~ the lower sheet 10 -- are joined, via strips 15 of the aforementioned adhesive, to the longitudinal and transverse edges of the barrier 11 to form longitudinally and transversely extending flanges 5 and 12, respectively. Since both the lower sheet 10 and the barrier 11 are formed from body fluid impervious materials, when joined by adhesive strips 15 they combine to form a sealing wrapper. The lower sheet 10 of the laminated layer 9 forms the upper portion o~ the sealing wrapper and the barrier 11 forms the lower portion of the sealing wrapper. According to the current invention, this sealing wrapper encloses the entirety of the garment facing surface, the entirety of the longitudinal sides, the entirety o~ the transverse ends and all but the central portion of the body ~acing surface of the absorbent core 7 exposed by the window 6. Thus, unli~e napkins heretofore known in the art, the sealing wrapper formed by the lower shee~ lO and the barrier ll form a body fluid impervious seal that prevents leakage through the transverse ends of the napkin l. Accordingly, use of the 2S laminated layer 9 according to the current invention allows a fluid pervious strike window 6 to be ~ormed in the central portion of the body facing surface 16 while allowing a sealing barrier to be formed around the remainder of the absorbent core 7.
Although in the preferred embodiment, the window 6 and lower sheet 10 of impervious material are covered by the upper sheet 8 of pervious material, as shown :in Figures 1-3, the invention could also be practiced by eliminating the upper sheet 8 so that the window, sides 4 and ends 3 of the napkin were not covered. Moreover, although in the preferred embodiment, the window 6 is superimposed on a central portion of the body facing surface 16, the window ~EPR-50 - 9 - p~
could also be formed eccentrically so that it exposed a portion of the body facing surface that was not centrally oriented.
A portion of a production line for making the napkin 1 shown in Figure l i5 shown in Figure 4. Centrally disposed openings or "windows~ 6 are formed in a strip 29 of the material that forms the lower sheat 10. In the preferred embodiment, the windows 6 are formed by using a die or water jet to cut portions 24 from the strip 29. As shown in Figure 4, in the preferred embodiment, this cutting is facilitated by folding the strip over on itself before cutting the window 6. After the window 6 is formed, the adhesive strips 13, 14, 36 and 37 are applied to the strip 29 using conventional adhesive nozzles tnot shown).
The adhesive strips 13 are applied lQngitudinally adjacent the longitudinal edges of the strip 29. The adhesive strips 36 are applied transversely adjacent what will eventually be the transverse edges of the strip when it is cut into individual napkins. The adhesive strips 14 and 37 are applied longitudinally and transversely adjacent the longitudinal and transverse edges of the window 6.
After the adhesive has been applied, the strip 29 of lower sheet 10 material is laminated to a strip 30 of : the material that forms the upper sheet or cover 8 to form a laminated strip 22. In the finished product, the laminated strip 22 forms the laminated layer 9. A strip 31 - of the matarial that forms the barrier 11, having ; individual pre-cut absorbent cores 7 deposited thereon, is then passed under conventional adhesive nozzles (not shown) and adhesive strips 15 and 38 are applied longitudinally and transversely, respectively, to the strip. After application of the adhesive, the strip 31 is joined to the laminated strip 22, thereby enclosing the absorbent core 7 as shown in Figures 2 and 3, and forming a napkin strip 32.
Subsequently, the napkin strip 32 is cut (not shown) into the individual napkins 1 shown in Figure 1.
P~P~-50 -10- ~n7~a7pA~E~
Alternatively, the strip 29 of lower sheet lO
material could be joined to ~he strip 31 of barrier 11 material first. The strip 30 of upper sheet 8 material would then subsequently ~e joined to the strip 29.
An important advantage of making napkins 1 according to the method described above is that it allows the windows 6 to be formed in any desired shape. Figure 5 is illustrative o~ some the various window shapes that may be utilized according to the current invention.
After the absorbent core has been enclosed as explained above, wings can be attached to the napkin to protect the uer's undergarment. A preferred method o~
forming the wings is disclosed in co-pending UOS. Patent Application Serial No. , (Attorney's Docket No. PPC-395), entitled ~Absor~ent Article With Attached Tabs and Method and Apparatus for Making Same", By Menard and Fung, hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
- Another embodiment of the napkin shown in Figures 2 and 3 is shown in Figures 6 and 7. In this embodiment, the window 6 is formed in an upper sheet 20 of body fluid pervious material. The upper sheet 20 is laminated, via adhesive strips 13 and 14, to a lower sheet 21 that is also formed ~rom a body fluid pervious material. As shown in Figure 6, in this embodiment the width of the lower sheet 21 may be narrower than that of ~he upper sheet 20 so that only the upper sheet encloses the longitudinal sides of the absorbent core 7.
The laminated layer is then joined, via adhesive strips 15 applied adjacent the longitudinal and transverse edges of the laminated layer, to the barrier 11, thereby enclosing the absorbent core 7 and forming longituclinally and transversely extending flanges 5 and 12, respectively.
The embodiment shown in Figures 6 and 7 is most advantageously used by forming the lower sheet 21 from an apertured plastic film, such as Reticulon~, available from Chicopee Mills, Inc. of New York, N.Y., a division of Johnson & Johnson Corporation. As previously discussed, ~7~7 PEPR-50 ~ 11 - PA~EN~
such films have the advantage of feeling dry against the skin even though subjected to fluid flow, makinq them well suited for use against the perineum. However, they are uncomfortable when pressed against the user's thighs, as occurs if they are used as a COVerinCJ for the longitudinal sides of the napkin. Accordingly, the embodiment shown in Figures 6 and 7 provides the best of both worlds. An apertured plastic film 21 is used within the striXe window 6 that i5 applied to the perineum and subjected to direct fluid flow, and a fibrous non-woven material, disposed outwardly from the apertured plastic film, is used for the upper sheet 20 that forms the longitudinal sides of the napkin that press against the user's thighs.
Although in the embodiments shown in Figures 6 and 7, the sheet 21 of apertured plastic film is shown as being below the sheet 20 of fibrous non-wov~n material, the invention could also be practiced by attarhing the sheet 21 of apertured plastic film above the sheet 20 of ~ibrous non~woven material provided the non-woven material still formed at least the upper portion of the sides of the napkin -- that is, provided the non-woven materail was still at least laterally outwardly disposed from the apertured plastic film -~ so that the non-woven material and not the apertured plastic film pressed against the user's thighs.
Another embodiment of the current invention is shown in Figures 8 and 9. This embodiment is functionally similar to that shown in Figures 2 and 3 in that a fluid impervious wrapper is formed around the transverse ends, as well as the garment facing surface and longitudinal sides of the absorbent core. However, rather than joining the layers so as to form longitudinal flanges, the napkin is enclosed by the aforementioned "flow wrapping" method.
Flow wrapping has the advantage that the sides of the napkin that bear against the user's thighs are soft and smooth since there are no edges or joints in these areas.
PEPR-50 - 12 2 ~ 7 ~ ~ O ~EN~
According to the flow wrapping method, as shown in Figure 10, the strip 29 of the lower sheet lO material is laminated to the strip 30 of upper sheet 8 material to form a laminated strip 22, as before. However, the width of the laminated strip is more than twice the combined width and thickness of the absorbent core 7. Thus, the laminated strip 22 can be wrapped around the cores 7 50 as to ~orm a tube. The opposing longitudinal edges of the strip 22 are joined together along overlapping portions disposed adjacent the garment facing sur~ace 17, as shown in Figure 8. Next, the upper and lower portions of the transverse edges of the tube are joined together, as shown in Figure 9, to form what will become transversely extending flanges in the finished product, thereby completely enclosing the absorbent cores 7. Subsequently, the tube is cut into individual napkins.
It should be noted that, according to this embodiment, tha lower sheet 10 alone forms the sealing wrapper. There is no need for a separate baxrier 11 to for~ the lower portion of the wrapper.
Figure ll shows another embodiment of the napkin according to the current invention using the flow wrapping method. This embodiment is functionally similar to the embodiment shown in Figures 6 and 7 in that preferably a lower sheet 21 of apertured plastic film is used to cover a window 6 formed in a fibrous non-woven fabric upper sheet 20 adapted to form the longitudinal sides, so that the advantages of both of these materials are optimally realized. However, in this embodiment, the laminated layer formed by joining the upper and lower sheets 20 and 21 is wrapped around an absorbent core 7 after the core has been enclosed on its garment facing surface 17 and longitudinal sides by a barrier 11.
As the foregoing indicates, the current invention affords great flexibility in the design of sanitary napkins, allowing the use of a wide range of covering materials and allowing these materials to be attached to PSPR-50 - 13 2 ~ 7 8 ~A~EN~
the napkin in various ways to achieve an optimum configuration. Although the invention has been illustrated as applied to an approximately rectangular napkin, the invention is equally applicable to an oval or similarly shaped napkin in which the boundary between the longitudinal sides and ~he transverse ends i5 not clearly defined. Moreover, although the invention has been explained with reference to a sanitary napkin, the invention is also suitable ~or use in other absorbent articles, such as incontinence pads and the like. As the various embodiments disclosed above indicAte, the present invention ~ay be embodied in many specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof and, accordin~ly, reference should be made to the appended claims, rather than to the foregoing specification, as indicating the scope of the invention.
AB80RBENT ~RTIC~ V~NG 8TRI~ ~I~DOW
Field of the I~ve~tion The current invention concerns an absorbent S article for use in the perineal area of the hody, such as sanitary napkins, incontinence pads, and the like. Nore specifically, the current invention concerns an absorbent article having a strike window in its body ~acing sur~ace located to receive ~odily fluid, as well as a method of making such an article.
Back~rQund of khe ~nvention Traditionally, absorbent articles have included a center absorbent portion having a body facing surface --that is, a surface that faces the perineum --, a garment facing surface, longitudinally extending sides and transverse ends. These articles g~nerally include an absorbent core made of loosely associated hydrophilic materials, such as wood pulp. The body facing surface of the absorbent core is covered by a layer of body fluid pervious fabric, typically referred to as a "cover". The garment facing surface and the longitudinally extending sides of the absorbent core are enclosed by a layer of body fluid impervious material, typically referred to as a l'barrier", that is preferably non-wicking and pervious to gases. These layers are sometimes sealed around the absorbent core by joining them together along their longitudinal and transverse edges so as to form flanges --~78~7 ~BPR-50 - 2 - PA~ENT
see, for example U.S. Patent No. 4,678,527 (Ulman), assigned on its face to the same assignee as the current invention. In this arrangement, the cover and barrier each form a portion of the longitudinal sides of the center portion.
Alternatively, the barrier is sometimes formed into a C-shaped boat enclosing ~he garment facinq surface and longitudinal sides of the absorbent core. In this case, the cover is wrapped around both the barrier b~at and the absorbent core and the overlapping longitudinal edges of the cover are joined together -- see, ~or example, U.S.
Patent No. 4,200,103 (Black et al.), assigned on its face to the same assignee as the current invention. This alternative method is sometimes referred to as "flow wrapping".
Unfortunately, these approaches to forming the coverings for the absorbent article suffer ~rom several drawbacks. First, although the barrier is effective in preventing leakage through the gar~ent facing surface and the longitudinal sides of the article, it does not prevent leakage through the transverse ends of the article, which are, at best, only partially enclosed by the barrier.
Second, more recently, the cover forming the body facing surface has been formed from an apertured plastic film. Such films give the surface of the article a feeling o~ dryness against the skin, as compared to the more traditional fibrous non-woven fabrics used for the cover.
Although the apertured plastic film is most useful as a covering for the body facing surface that is in contac~
with the perineum -- th~t is, the surface subjected directly to the fluid flow -- typically, the cover also encloses the longitudinal sides of the article that bear against the user's thighs. Experience has shown that although the apertured plastic film feels dry against the skin even after having been subjected to fluid flow, contact against the user's thighs produces the hot and sticky feeling associated with plastics, rather than the 2~7~V7 P~PR 50 - 3 - PA~
more comfortable feeling associated with contact by a fibrous non-woven fabric.
Consequently, it would be desirable to provide an absorbent article that was enclosed by a body fluid impervious barrier on its transvexse ends as well as its longitudinal sides. It would also be desirable to provide an absorbent article that had an apertured plastic film on its body facing surface but a fibrous non-woven fabric on it longitudinal sides where contact is made with the thighs.
8um~ary o th~ Inve~tion It is an object of the current invention to provide an absorbent article having a body fluid impervious barrier that has a central opening for fluid passage and that seals the transverse ends of the article, as well as its longitudinal sides and garment facing surface.
It is another object of the current invention that the absorbent article have different materials covering its body facing surface and longitudinal sides, so as to provide the dry feel associated with an apertured fil~ on its body facing surface but the comort associated with contact by a fibrous non-woven fabric on its longitudi~al sides.
Thsse and other objects are accomplished in an absorbent article for use in the perineal area of the body having an absorbent core, a body fluid impervious sealing wrapper and a body fluid pervious layer. The absorbent core has an upper body facing surface and a lower garment facing surface, first and second longitudinal sides, and first and second transverse ends. The body fluid impervious sealing wrapper is formed around the absorbent core so as to enclose at least the entirety of the garment facing surface, the longitudinal sides and the transverse ends. However, the sealing wrapper does not cover a central portion of the body facing surface, thereby forming 2~7~Q~
PEPR 50 - 4 PA~ENT
a window. The fluid pervious layer encloses at least the central portion of the body facing surface.
In one embodimen~, the sealing wrapper comprises upper and lower portions each having longitudinally and transvarsely extending edges along which they are joined.
The lower portion i5 disposed adjacent the ga~nent facing surface and the upper portion has an opening that forms the window that is superimposed on the central portion of the body facing surface. The upper portion of the sealing wrapper and the pervious layer are joined so a~ to fo~m a laminate.
In an alternate embodiment, a layer of an apertured plastic is disposed in the window and an upper sheet, which forms the window and encloses the longitudinal sides of the articla that bear against the thighs, is formed from a body fluid pervious fibrous non-woven fabric.
Brie~_~escxiption o~ the Dravinas Figure 1 is an isometric view of the absorbent article according to the current invention with a portion o~ the cover removed.
Figure 2 is a transverse cross-section through line II-II shown in Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a longitudinal cross-section through the line ~ III shown in Figure 1.
Figure 4 is an isometric view, partially schematic, of a production line for making the article shown in Figures 1-3.
Figures 5(a)-(f) are plane views of alternate embodiments of the article shown in Figure 1 showing various window shapes.
Figures 6 and 7 are transverse and long~tudinal cross-sections, respectively, through a second embodiment of the article shown in Figures 1-3.
Figures 8 and 9 are transverse and longitudinal cross-sections, respectively, through a third embodiment of the article shown in Figures 1-3.
2~7~7 PEPR-S0 - S - PA~EN~
Figure 10 is an isometric view, partially schematic, of an alternate embodiment of the production line shown in Figure 4 for making the article shown in Figures 8 and 9.
Figure 11 is a transverse cross-section through another embodimen~ of the article shown in Figures 6 and 7.
Desoriptio~ o~th~ Preferred E~bodime~t There is shown in Figures 1-3 an embodiment of the current invention as applied to a sanitary napkin 1.
The napkin is comprised of a longitudinally extending center portion 2 having right and left longitudinal sides 4 and fore and aft transverse end~ 3. As explained further below, according to the curren~ invention, the napkin 1 is enclosed in a novel way so that, unlike napkins heretofore k~own in the art, it is not su~ject to leakage through its transverse ends 3.
The center portion 2 of the napkin contains an absorbent core 7. As is known in the art, the absorbent core 7 may be comprised of a loosely associated absorbent hydrophilic material such as cellulose fibers, wood pulp, regenerated cellulose or cotton fibers, or other absorbent materials generally known in the art, including peat moss, super-absorbent materials or deodorants.
According to the current invention, the surface 16 of the absorbent core 7 that is intended to face the body of the user -- specifically, the perineum -- is covered by a laminated layer 9. The laminated layer 9 is formed from upper and lower sheets 8 and 10, respectively.
The laminated layer 9 is preferably rectangular and has first and second longitudinally extending edges and first and second transversely extending edges.
The upper sheet 8 forms the cover for the napkin and is preferably formed from a rectangular sheet of body fluid pervious material. Such material may be any resilient, relatively non-absorbing fluid pervious material that is comfortab}e against the skin and capable of P~PR S0 ~ 6 ~ 2 ~ 7 8 ~ 0 7 P~T~NT
permitting fluid to flow to the underlying core 7 in which the fluid is retained. The upper sheet 8 should retain little or no fluid in its structure to provide a relatively dry surface next to the skin. The upper sheet 8 is preferably a fibrous non-woven fabric made of fibers or filaments o~ thermoplastic polymers such as polyethylene or polypropylene. Alternatively, the upper sheet 8 may be formed from an apertured polymeric film. The thickness of the cover 8 will vary from approximately 0.001 to 0.062 inch, depending on the material chosen. It should be appreciated that, for purposes of illustration, the thickness of the various layers of napkin coverings shown in the drawings, relative to the thickness of the absorbent core 7, has been exaggerated.
The lower sheet 10 may be formed from any thin, flexible, body fluid impervious material such as a polymeric film -- for example, polyethylene, polypropylene or cellophane -- or even a normally fluid pervious material that has been treated to be impervious, such as impregnated fluid repellent paper or non-woven fabric material. The thickness of the lower sheet ~0 is typically only 0.001 to 0.002 inch. As explained further below, an opening or window 6 is centrally disposed in the lower sheet 10 and forms a window 6 on the body facing surface 16 of the absorbPnt core 7. In the preerred embodiment, the window 6 is smaller that the body facing surface 16 so that it exposes all but the perimeter of the body facing surface -- that is, the portion of the body faci~g surface adja~ent the longitudinal sides and transverse ends -- to fluid flow.
The upper and lower sheets 8 and 10, respectively, are bonded together into a laminate by longitudinal strips 13 and 14 of adhesive applied adjacent the longitudinal edges 27 and 28 of the upper and lower sheets and adjacent the longitudinal edges of the window 6, respectively. Transverse strips 36 and 37 of adhesive are also applied adjacent the transverse edges 25 and 26 of the 2~7~ 7 upper and lower sheets and adjacent the transverse edges of the window 6, respec~ively. The adhesive may be of the hot melt type or may be strips of double sided tape.
Alternatively, the sheets may be thermally joined.
As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the length and width of the laminated layer 9 are sufficient to cover and extend beyond the body facing surface ~6 of the napkin. Thus, in this embodi~ent, thP laminated layer 9 forms a C-shaped configuration so that the por~ions of the laminated layer that ar~ adjacent the longitudinal edges 27 and 28 form th~
upper portions of the longitudinal sides 4 -- that is, form the portions of the longitudinal sides that are adjacent the body facing surface 16, as shown in Figure 2. In addition, as shown in Figure 3, the por~ions of the laminated layer 9 that are adjacent the transverse edges 25 and 26 form the upper por~ions of the transverse ends 3.
However, as a re~ult of the window 6, the lower sheet 10 does not cover the central portion of the body facing surface 16 of the absorbent core 7 -- that i5, the surface directly subjected to fluid flow. Signi~icantly, however, the lower sheet 10 does cover the upper portions of the longitudinal sides 4 and transverse ends 3.
The napkin 1 further comprises a layer 11 of a body fluid impervious barrier disposed below the laminated layer 9. The impervious barrier 11 may comprise any of the aforementioned materials suitable for use as the lower sheet 10. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the barrier 11 is formed into a C-shaped confiyuration and encloses the surface 17 of the absorbent core 7 intended to face the user's undergarment -- specifically, the crotch of the undergarment. Like the laminated layer 9, the barrier 11 i5 preferably rectangular and has first and second longitudinally extending edges and first and second transversely extending edges. In addition, the length and width of the barrier 11 are sufficient to cover and extend beyond the garment facing surface 17 of the napkin so that the barrier 11 encloses the lower portions of the ~7g4~17 PEPR-50 - ~ - PAT~NT
longitudinal sides 4 and transverse ends 3 -- that is, the portions that are adjacent the garment facing surface 17.
According to an important aspect of the current invention, the longitudinal and transverse edges of the laminated layer 9 -- more specifically, o~ the lower sheet 10 -- are joined, via strips 15 of the aforementioned adhesive, to the longitudinal and transverse edges of the barrier 11 to form longitudinally and transversely extending flanges 5 and 12, respectively. Since both the lower sheet 10 and the barrier 11 are formed from body fluid impervious materials, when joined by adhesive strips 15 they combine to form a sealing wrapper. The lower sheet 10 of the laminated layer 9 forms the upper portion o~ the sealing wrapper and the barrier 11 forms the lower portion of the sealing wrapper. According to the current invention, this sealing wrapper encloses the entirety of the garment facing surface, the entirety of the longitudinal sides, the entirety o~ the transverse ends and all but the central portion of the body ~acing surface of the absorbent core 7 exposed by the window 6. Thus, unli~e napkins heretofore known in the art, the sealing wrapper formed by the lower shee~ lO and the barrier ll form a body fluid impervious seal that prevents leakage through the transverse ends of the napkin l. Accordingly, use of the 2S laminated layer 9 according to the current invention allows a fluid pervious strike window 6 to be ~ormed in the central portion of the body facing surface 16 while allowing a sealing barrier to be formed around the remainder of the absorbent core 7.
Although in the preferred embodiment, the window 6 and lower sheet 10 of impervious material are covered by the upper sheet 8 of pervious material, as shown :in Figures 1-3, the invention could also be practiced by eliminating the upper sheet 8 so that the window, sides 4 and ends 3 of the napkin were not covered. Moreover, although in the preferred embodiment, the window 6 is superimposed on a central portion of the body facing surface 16, the window ~EPR-50 - 9 - p~
could also be formed eccentrically so that it exposed a portion of the body facing surface that was not centrally oriented.
A portion of a production line for making the napkin 1 shown in Figure l i5 shown in Figure 4. Centrally disposed openings or "windows~ 6 are formed in a strip 29 of the material that forms the lower sheat 10. In the preferred embodiment, the windows 6 are formed by using a die or water jet to cut portions 24 from the strip 29. As shown in Figure 4, in the preferred embodiment, this cutting is facilitated by folding the strip over on itself before cutting the window 6. After the window 6 is formed, the adhesive strips 13, 14, 36 and 37 are applied to the strip 29 using conventional adhesive nozzles tnot shown).
The adhesive strips 13 are applied lQngitudinally adjacent the longitudinal edges of the strip 29. The adhesive strips 36 are applied transversely adjacent what will eventually be the transverse edges of the strip when it is cut into individual napkins. The adhesive strips 14 and 37 are applied longitudinally and transversely adjacent the longitudinal and transverse edges of the window 6.
After the adhesive has been applied, the strip 29 of lower sheet 10 material is laminated to a strip 30 of : the material that forms the upper sheet or cover 8 to form a laminated strip 22. In the finished product, the laminated strip 22 forms the laminated layer 9. A strip 31 - of the matarial that forms the barrier 11, having ; individual pre-cut absorbent cores 7 deposited thereon, is then passed under conventional adhesive nozzles (not shown) and adhesive strips 15 and 38 are applied longitudinally and transversely, respectively, to the strip. After application of the adhesive, the strip 31 is joined to the laminated strip 22, thereby enclosing the absorbent core 7 as shown in Figures 2 and 3, and forming a napkin strip 32.
Subsequently, the napkin strip 32 is cut (not shown) into the individual napkins 1 shown in Figure 1.
P~P~-50 -10- ~n7~a7pA~E~
Alternatively, the strip 29 of lower sheet lO
material could be joined to ~he strip 31 of barrier 11 material first. The strip 30 of upper sheet 8 material would then subsequently ~e joined to the strip 29.
An important advantage of making napkins 1 according to the method described above is that it allows the windows 6 to be formed in any desired shape. Figure 5 is illustrative o~ some the various window shapes that may be utilized according to the current invention.
After the absorbent core has been enclosed as explained above, wings can be attached to the napkin to protect the uer's undergarment. A preferred method o~
forming the wings is disclosed in co-pending UOS. Patent Application Serial No. , (Attorney's Docket No. PPC-395), entitled ~Absor~ent Article With Attached Tabs and Method and Apparatus for Making Same", By Menard and Fung, hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
- Another embodiment of the napkin shown in Figures 2 and 3 is shown in Figures 6 and 7. In this embodiment, the window 6 is formed in an upper sheet 20 of body fluid pervious material. The upper sheet 20 is laminated, via adhesive strips 13 and 14, to a lower sheet 21 that is also formed ~rom a body fluid pervious material. As shown in Figure 6, in this embodiment the width of the lower sheet 21 may be narrower than that of ~he upper sheet 20 so that only the upper sheet encloses the longitudinal sides of the absorbent core 7.
The laminated layer is then joined, via adhesive strips 15 applied adjacent the longitudinal and transverse edges of the laminated layer, to the barrier 11, thereby enclosing the absorbent core 7 and forming longituclinally and transversely extending flanges 5 and 12, respectively.
The embodiment shown in Figures 6 and 7 is most advantageously used by forming the lower sheet 21 from an apertured plastic film, such as Reticulon~, available from Chicopee Mills, Inc. of New York, N.Y., a division of Johnson & Johnson Corporation. As previously discussed, ~7~7 PEPR-50 ~ 11 - PA~EN~
such films have the advantage of feeling dry against the skin even though subjected to fluid flow, makinq them well suited for use against the perineum. However, they are uncomfortable when pressed against the user's thighs, as occurs if they are used as a COVerinCJ for the longitudinal sides of the napkin. Accordingly, the embodiment shown in Figures 6 and 7 provides the best of both worlds. An apertured plastic film 21 is used within the striXe window 6 that i5 applied to the perineum and subjected to direct fluid flow, and a fibrous non-woven material, disposed outwardly from the apertured plastic film, is used for the upper sheet 20 that forms the longitudinal sides of the napkin that press against the user's thighs.
Although in the embodiments shown in Figures 6 and 7, the sheet 21 of apertured plastic film is shown as being below the sheet 20 of fibrous non-wov~n material, the invention could also be practiced by attarhing the sheet 21 of apertured plastic film above the sheet 20 of ~ibrous non~woven material provided the non-woven material still formed at least the upper portion of the sides of the napkin -- that is, provided the non-woven materail was still at least laterally outwardly disposed from the apertured plastic film -~ so that the non-woven material and not the apertured plastic film pressed against the user's thighs.
Another embodiment of the current invention is shown in Figures 8 and 9. This embodiment is functionally similar to that shown in Figures 2 and 3 in that a fluid impervious wrapper is formed around the transverse ends, as well as the garment facing surface and longitudinal sides of the absorbent core. However, rather than joining the layers so as to form longitudinal flanges, the napkin is enclosed by the aforementioned "flow wrapping" method.
Flow wrapping has the advantage that the sides of the napkin that bear against the user's thighs are soft and smooth since there are no edges or joints in these areas.
PEPR-50 - 12 2 ~ 7 ~ ~ O ~EN~
According to the flow wrapping method, as shown in Figure 10, the strip 29 of the lower sheet lO material is laminated to the strip 30 of upper sheet 8 material to form a laminated strip 22, as before. However, the width of the laminated strip is more than twice the combined width and thickness of the absorbent core 7. Thus, the laminated strip 22 can be wrapped around the cores 7 50 as to ~orm a tube. The opposing longitudinal edges of the strip 22 are joined together along overlapping portions disposed adjacent the garment facing sur~ace 17, as shown in Figure 8. Next, the upper and lower portions of the transverse edges of the tube are joined together, as shown in Figure 9, to form what will become transversely extending flanges in the finished product, thereby completely enclosing the absorbent cores 7. Subsequently, the tube is cut into individual napkins.
It should be noted that, according to this embodiment, tha lower sheet 10 alone forms the sealing wrapper. There is no need for a separate baxrier 11 to for~ the lower portion of the wrapper.
Figure ll shows another embodiment of the napkin according to the current invention using the flow wrapping method. This embodiment is functionally similar to the embodiment shown in Figures 6 and 7 in that preferably a lower sheet 21 of apertured plastic film is used to cover a window 6 formed in a fibrous non-woven fabric upper sheet 20 adapted to form the longitudinal sides, so that the advantages of both of these materials are optimally realized. However, in this embodiment, the laminated layer formed by joining the upper and lower sheets 20 and 21 is wrapped around an absorbent core 7 after the core has been enclosed on its garment facing surface 17 and longitudinal sides by a barrier 11.
As the foregoing indicates, the current invention affords great flexibility in the design of sanitary napkins, allowing the use of a wide range of covering materials and allowing these materials to be attached to PSPR-50 - 13 2 ~ 7 8 ~A~EN~
the napkin in various ways to achieve an optimum configuration. Although the invention has been illustrated as applied to an approximately rectangular napkin, the invention is equally applicable to an oval or similarly shaped napkin in which the boundary between the longitudinal sides and ~he transverse ends i5 not clearly defined. Moreover, although the invention has been explained with reference to a sanitary napkin, the invention is also suitable ~or use in other absorbent articles, such as incontinence pads and the like. As the various embodiments disclosed above indicAte, the present invention ~ay be embodied in many specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof and, accordin~ly, reference should be made to the appended claims, rather than to the foregoing specification, as indicating the scope of the invention.
Claims (40)
1. An absorbent article for use in the perineal area of the body, comprising:
a) an absorbent core having (i) an upper body facing surface and a lower garment facing surface, (ii) first and second longitudinal sides, and (iii) first and second transverse ends; and b) a wrapper formed around said absorbent core so as to enclose at least the entirety of (i) said garment facing surface, (ii) said longitudinal sides and (iii) said transverse ends, said wrapper not covering a portion of said body facing surface, thereby forming an opening.
a) an absorbent core having (i) an upper body facing surface and a lower garment facing surface, (ii) first and second longitudinal sides, and (iii) first and second transverse ends; and b) a wrapper formed around said absorbent core so as to enclose at least the entirety of (i) said garment facing surface, (ii) said longitudinal sides and (iii) said transverse ends, said wrapper not covering a portion of said body facing surface, thereby forming an opening.
2. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein said portion of said body facing surface not covered by said wrapper is centrally located on said body facing surface.
3. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein said wrapper comprises a sealing wrapper formed from a body fluid impervious material.
4. The absorbent article according to claim 3, further comprising a fluid pervious layer enclosing at least said portion of said body facing surface not covered by said sealing wrapper.
5. The absorbent article according to claim 4, wherein said sealing wrapper comprises upper and lower portions each having longitudinally and transversely extending edges along which said portions are joined, said lower portion disposed adjacent said garment facing surface, said upper portion having an opening formed therein superimposed on with said portion of said body facing surface not covered by said wrapper, thereby forming said window.
6. The absorbent article according to claim 5, wherein said upper portion of said sealing wrapper and said pervious layer are joined so as to form a laminate.
7. The absorbent article according to claim 6, wherein said pervious layer is disposed outward from said upper portion of said sealing wrapper, whereby said pervious layer is adapted to contact the perineum of said body in use.
8. The absorbent article according to claim 5, wherein a portion of said upper portion of said sealing wrapper adjacent said opening encloses portions of said body facing surface adjacent said longitudinal sides and adjacent said transverse ends of said absorbent core.
9. The absorbent article according to claim 5, wherein portions of said upper and lower portions of said sealing wrapper adjacent said longitudinally and transversely extending edges along which said upper and lower portions are joined form longitudinally and transversely extending flanges.
10. The absorbent article according to claim 9, wherein said pervious layer has longitudinally and transversely extending edges, said pervious layer being joined along portions adjacent its edges to said flanges.
11. The absorbent article according to claim 4, wherein said sealing wrapper and said pervious layer are joined so as to form a laminate having first and second longitudinally extending edges and first and second transversely extending edges.
12. The absorbent article according to claim 11, wherein a first portion of said laminate adjacent said first longitudinal edge overlaps and is joined to a second portion of said laminate adjacent said second longitudinal edge, whereby said laminate forms a tube enclosing said absorbent core.
13. The absorbent article according to claim 12, wherein said first and second transverse edges of said laminate form first and second ends of said tube, each of said tube ends being sealed.
14. The absorbent article according to claim 12, wherein said first and second transverse edges of said laminate form first and second ends of said tube, each tube end having upper and lower edges joined together to form a transversely extending flange.
15. An absorbent article for use in the perineal area of the body, comprising:
a) an absorbent core having (i) an upper body facing surface and a lower garment facing surface, (ii) first and second longitudinal sides, and (iii) first and second transverse ends, said sides and ends extending between said body and garment facing surfaces;
b) a first body fluid pervious sheet enclosing (i) at least a portion of said longitudinal sides adjacent said body facing surface and (ii) only a first portion of said body facing surface, said first portion comprising the perimeter portion of said body facing surface adjacent said longitudinal sides and said transverse ends, whereby said first sheet forms a window on said body facing surface;
and c) a second body fluid pervious sheet covering at least a second portion of said body facing surface/ said second portion comprising all of said body facing surface except said first portion.
a) an absorbent core having (i) an upper body facing surface and a lower garment facing surface, (ii) first and second longitudinal sides, and (iii) first and second transverse ends, said sides and ends extending between said body and garment facing surfaces;
b) a first body fluid pervious sheet enclosing (i) at least a portion of said longitudinal sides adjacent said body facing surface and (ii) only a first portion of said body facing surface, said first portion comprising the perimeter portion of said body facing surface adjacent said longitudinal sides and said transverse ends, whereby said first sheet forms a window on said body facing surface;
and c) a second body fluid pervious sheet covering at least a second portion of said body facing surface/ said second portion comprising all of said body facing surface except said first portion.
16. The absorbent article according to claim 15, wherein said first sheet has a centrally disposed opening formed therein forming said window and superimposed on said second portion of said body facing surface.
17. The absorbent article according to claim 16, wherein said first sheet is formed from a fibrous non-woven fabric and said second sheet is formed from an apertured plastic film.
18. The absorbent article according to claim 17, wherein said first and second sheets are joined so as to form a laminated layer.
19. The absorbent article according to claim 18, wherein said second sheet has first and second longitudinally extending edges, said laminate formed by joining said longitudinal edges of second sheet to said first sheet along longitudinally extending portions of said first sheet adjacent said opening, thereby forming a laminated layer.
20. The absorbent article according to claim 19, further comprising a body fluid impervious barrier enclosing at least said garment facing surface, said barrier and said laminate each have longitudinally extending edges along which they are joined.
21. The absorbent article according to claim 20, wherein said barrier and said laminate each have first and second transversely extending edges along which they are joined.
22. The absorbent article according to claim 18, wherein said laminated layer has first and second longitudinally extending edges, said first longitudinal edge of said laminated layer overlapping and joined to said second longitudinal edge of said laminated layer, whereby said laminated layer forms a tube enclosing said absorbent core.
23. The absorbent article according to claim 22, wherein said laminated layer has first and second transverse edges which form first and second ends of said tube, each tube end having upper and lower edges joined together to form a transversely extending flange.
24. An absorbent article for use in the perineal area of the body, made by a process comprising the steps of:
a) cutting an opening in a first sheet formed from a first material;
b) joining said first sheet to a second sheet formed from a body fluid pervious material, thereby forming a first layer at least a portion of which is a laminate of said first and second sheets;
c) disposing an absorbent core having a body facing surface between said first layer and a second layer formed from a body fluid impervious material; and d) joining said first and second layers, thereby enclosing said absorbent core, said opening forming a window on said body facing surface.
a) cutting an opening in a first sheet formed from a first material;
b) joining said first sheet to a second sheet formed from a body fluid pervious material, thereby forming a first layer at least a portion of which is a laminate of said first and second sheets;
c) disposing an absorbent core having a body facing surface between said first layer and a second layer formed from a body fluid impervious material; and d) joining said first and second layers, thereby enclosing said absorbent core, said opening forming a window on said body facing surface.
25. The absorbent article according to claim 24, wherein said first and second layers each have first and second longitudinally extending edges and first and second transversely extending edges, and wherein said step of joining said first and second layers comprises joining said layers along their respective longitudinal and transverse edges.
26. The absorbent article according to claim 24, wherein said first material is body fluid impervious and said absorbent core has first and second longitudinally extending sides and first and second transversely extending edges, and wherein said step of joining said first and second layers comprises joining said first sheet to said second layer so that said first sheet and said second layer combine to enclose the entirety of said longitudinal sides and said transverse ends of said absorbent core, whereby said first sheet and said second layer form a body fluid impervious sealing wrapper surrounding said longitudinal sides and said transverse ends.
27. The absorbent article according to claim 24, wherein:
a) said first material is a fibrous non-woven fabric;
b) said second sheet is formed from an apertured plastic film;
c) said absorbent core has first and second longitudinally extending sides; and d) said step of disposing said absorbent core between said first and second layers further comprises disposing said absorbent core so that said first sheet is disposed outwardly from said second sheet and encloses said first and second longitudinal sides of said absorbent core, whereby said first sheet is adapted to contact the thighs in use.
a) said first material is a fibrous non-woven fabric;
b) said second sheet is formed from an apertured plastic film;
c) said absorbent core has first and second longitudinally extending sides; and d) said step of disposing said absorbent core between said first and second layers further comprises disposing said absorbent core so that said first sheet is disposed outwardly from said second sheet and encloses said first and second longitudinal sides of said absorbent core, whereby said first sheet is adapted to contact the thighs in use.
28. The absorbent article according to claim 24, wherein said opening is centrally disposed in said first sheet.
29. An absorbent article for use in the perineal area of the body, made by a process comprising the steps of:
a) cutting an opening in a first sheet formed from a first material, b) joining said first sheet to a second sheet formed from a body fluid pervious material, thereby forming a layer at least a portion of which is laminated; and c) wrapping said laminate layer around an absorbent core having a body facing surface, thereby enclosing said absorbent core, said opening forming a window on said body facing surface.
a) cutting an opening in a first sheet formed from a first material, b) joining said first sheet to a second sheet formed from a body fluid pervious material, thereby forming a layer at least a portion of which is laminated; and c) wrapping said laminate layer around an absorbent core having a body facing surface, thereby enclosing said absorbent core, said opening forming a window on said body facing surface.
30. The absorbent article according to claim 29, wherein said laminate layer has first and second longitudinally extending edges, and wherein said process further comprises the step of joining a first portion of said laminate layer adjacent its first longitudinal edge to a second portion of said laminate layer adjacent its second longitudinal edge after wrapping said laminate around said absorbent core.
31. The absorbent article according to claim 30, wherein said first material is body fluid impervious and said absorbent core has first and second longitudinally extending sides and first and second transversely extending edges, and wherein said step of wrapping said laminate layer around an absorbent core further comprises wrapping said absorbent core so that said first sheet encloses said longitudinal sides and said transverse ends of said absorbent core, whereby said first sheet forms a body fluid impervious sealing wrapper surrounding said longitudinal sides and said transverse ends.
32. The absorbent article according to claim 29, wherein:
a) said first material is a fibrous non-woven fabric;
b) said second sheet is formed from an apertured plastic film;
c) said absorbent core has first and second longitudinally extending sides; and d) said step of wrapping said laminate layer around an absorbent core further comprises wrapping said absorbent core so that said first sheet is disposed outwardly from said second sheet and encloses said first and second longitudinal sides of said absorbent core, whereby said first sheet is adapted to contact the thighs in use.
a) said first material is a fibrous non-woven fabric;
b) said second sheet is formed from an apertured plastic film;
c) said absorbent core has first and second longitudinally extending sides; and d) said step of wrapping said laminate layer around an absorbent core further comprises wrapping said absorbent core so that said first sheet is disposed outwardly from said second sheet and encloses said first and second longitudinal sides of said absorbent core, whereby said first sheet is adapted to contact the thighs in use.
33. A method of making an absorbent article for use in the perineal area of the body, comprising the steps of:
a) cutting an opening in a first sheet formed from a first material;
b) joining said first sheet to a second sheet formed from a body fluid pervious material, thereby forming a layer at least a portion of which is laminated;
c) wrapping said laminate layer around an absorbent core having a body facing surface, thereby enclosing said absorbent core, said opening forming a window on said body facing surface.
a) cutting an opening in a first sheet formed from a first material;
b) joining said first sheet to a second sheet formed from a body fluid pervious material, thereby forming a layer at least a portion of which is laminated;
c) wrapping said laminate layer around an absorbent core having a body facing surface, thereby enclosing said absorbent core, said opening forming a window on said body facing surface.
34. The method according to claim 33, wherein said laminate layer has first and second longitudinally extending edges, and further comprising the step of joining said first longitudinal edge to said second longitudinal edge.
35. The method according to claim 33, wherein said first material is body fluid impervious and said absorbent core has first and second longitudinally extending sides and first and second transversely extending edges, and wherein said step of wrapping said laminate layer around an absorbent core further comprises wrapping said absorbent core so that said first sheet encloses said longitudinal sides and said transverse ends of said absorbent core, whereby said first sheet forms a body fluid impervious sealing wrapper surrounding said longitudinal sides and said transverse ends.
36. The method according to claim 33, wherein:
a) said first material is a fibrous non-woven fabric;
b) said second sheet is formed from an apertured plastic film;
c) said absorbent core has first and second longitudinally extending sides; and d) said step of wrapping said laminate layer around an absorbent core further comprises wrapping said absorbent core so that said first sheet is disposed outwardly from said second sheet and encloses said first and second longitudinal sides of said absorbent core, whereby said first sheet is adapted to contact the thighs in use.
a) said first material is a fibrous non-woven fabric;
b) said second sheet is formed from an apertured plastic film;
c) said absorbent core has first and second longitudinally extending sides; and d) said step of wrapping said laminate layer around an absorbent core further comprises wrapping said absorbent core so that said first sheet is disposed outwardly from said second sheet and encloses said first and second longitudinal sides of said absorbent core, whereby said first sheet is adapted to contact the thighs in use.
37. A method of making an absorbent article for use in the perineal area of the body, comprising the steps of:
a) cutting an opening in a first sheet formed from a first material;
b) joining said first sheet to a second sheet formed from a body fluid pervious material, thereby forming a first layer at least a portion of which is a laminate of said first and second sheets;
c) disposing an absorbent core having a body facing surface between said first layer and a second layer formed from a body fluid impervious material; and d) joining said first and second layers, thereby enclosing said absorbent core, said opening forming a window on said body facing surface.
a) cutting an opening in a first sheet formed from a first material;
b) joining said first sheet to a second sheet formed from a body fluid pervious material, thereby forming a first layer at least a portion of which is a laminate of said first and second sheets;
c) disposing an absorbent core having a body facing surface between said first layer and a second layer formed from a body fluid impervious material; and d) joining said first and second layers, thereby enclosing said absorbent core, said opening forming a window on said body facing surface.
38. The method according to claim 37, wherein said first and second layers each have first and second longitudinally extending edges and first and second transversely extending edges, and wherein said step of joining said first and second layers comprises joining said layers along their respective longitudinal and transverse edges.
39. The method according to claim 37, wherein said first material is body fluid impervious and said absorbent core has first and second longitudinally extending sides and first and second transversely extending edges, and wherein said step of joining said first and second layers comprises joining said first sheet to said second layer so that said first sheet and said second layer combine to enclose the entirety of said longitudinal sides and said transverse ends of said absorbent core, whereby said first sheet and said second layer form a body fluid impervious sealing wrapper surrounding said longitudinal sides and said transverse ends.
40. The method according to claim 37, wherein:
a) said first material is a fibrous non-woven fabric;
b) said second sheet is formed from an apertured plastic film;
c) said absorbent core has first and second longitudinally extending sides; and d) said step of disposing said absorbent core between said first and second layers further comprises disposing said absorbent core so that said first sheet is disposed outwardly from said second sheet and encloses said first and second longitudinal sides of said absorbent core, whereby said first sheet is adapted to contact the thighs in use.
a) said first material is a fibrous non-woven fabric;
b) said second sheet is formed from an apertured plastic film;
c) said absorbent core has first and second longitudinally extending sides; and d) said step of disposing said absorbent core between said first and second layers further comprises disposing said absorbent core so that said first sheet is disposed outwardly from said second sheet and encloses said first and second longitudinal sides of said absorbent core, whereby said first sheet is adapted to contact the thighs in use.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
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US76729491A | 1991-09-27 | 1991-09-27 | |
US767,294 | 1991-09-27 |
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CA002078407A Abandoned CA2078407A1 (en) | 1991-09-27 | 1992-09-16 | Absorbent article having strike window |
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US (2) | US5755710A (en) |
EP (3) | EP0766953B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JPH05237151A (en) |
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-
1992
- 1992-09-07 GR GR920100383A patent/GR1002280B/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1992-09-16 CA CA002078407A patent/CA2078407A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1992-09-24 JP JP4277663A patent/JPH05237151A/en active Pending
- 1992-09-25 BR BR929203761A patent/BR9203761A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1992-09-28 EP EP96117980A patent/EP0766953B1/en not_active Revoked
- 1992-09-28 ES ES92116559T patent/ES2102434T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1992-09-28 DE DE69231424T patent/DE69231424T2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1992-09-28 DK DK92116559.3T patent/DK0543116T3/en active
- 1992-09-28 EP EP00102875A patent/EP1016396B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1992-09-28 SG SG1996009244A patent/SG50708A1/en unknown
- 1992-09-28 EP EP92116559A patent/EP0543116B1/en not_active Revoked
- 1992-09-28 DE DE69220186T patent/DE69220186T2/en not_active Revoked
- 1992-09-28 DE DE69233040T patent/DE69233040T2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1992-09-28 DK DK00102875T patent/DK1016396T3/en active
- 1992-09-28 ES ES00102875T patent/ES2197028T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1992-10-06 TW TW081107907A patent/TW219894B/zh active
-
1995
- 1995-06-02 US US08/460,333 patent/US5755710A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1997
- 1997-01-17 US US08/785,423 patent/US5855719A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
DE69233040D1 (en) | 2003-06-05 |
JPH05237151A (en) | 1993-09-17 |
ES2197028T3 (en) | 2004-01-01 |
DE69233040T2 (en) | 2003-11-27 |
EP0766953B1 (en) | 2000-09-06 |
DE69231424D1 (en) | 2000-10-12 |
DK1016396T3 (en) | 2003-08-18 |
DE69220186T2 (en) | 1997-11-06 |
EP0543116B1 (en) | 1997-06-04 |
DE69220186D1 (en) | 1997-07-10 |
EP1016396A2 (en) | 2000-07-05 |
DK0543116T3 (en) | 1997-12-15 |
TW219894B (en) | 1994-02-01 |
US5855719A (en) | 1999-01-05 |
EP1016396B1 (en) | 2003-05-02 |
DE69231424T2 (en) | 2001-03-01 |
EP0766953A2 (en) | 1997-04-09 |
SG50708A1 (en) | 1998-07-20 |
US5755710A (en) | 1998-05-26 |
GR1002280B (en) | 1996-05-02 |
BR9203761A (en) | 1993-04-20 |
ES2102434T3 (en) | 1997-08-01 |
EP0543116A1 (en) | 1993-05-26 |
EP0766953A3 (en) | 1997-06-11 |
GR920100383A (en) | 1993-06-21 |
EP1016396A3 (en) | 2000-12-06 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
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EEER | Examination request | ||
FZDE | Dead |