WO2014087169A1

WO2014087169A1 - An absorbent product

Info

Publication number: WO2014087169A1
Application number: PCT/GB2013/053222
Authority: WO
Inventors: Betsy THOMAS
Original assignee: Thomas Betsy
Priority date: 2012-12-06
Filing date: 2013-12-06
Publication date: 2014-06-12
Also published as: GB2508630A

Abstract

An absorbent product (1) comprising: an absorbent pad; an optionally elongate,central region of the product; and a distal region of the product (1) comprising a periphery (9) comprising a tapered configuration.

Description

An Absorbent Product

The present invention relates to an absorbent product, in particular, an absorbent product in the form of an underarm product, a panty liner or a cleaning pad. The present invention also relates to uses of an absorbent product and a method for manufacturing an absorbent product.

Various absorbent products are known in the art, for instance, panty liners. Such liners already exist to absorb bodily fluids. Invariably, comfort and

discreetness are paramount to a user having a panty liner in their knickers or the like, and existing panty liners fail to provide an adequately absorbent, fresh, comfortable and discreet liner.

Perspiration is a problem experienced all too readily by humans with today's hectic lifestyle and countries having a warm climate. The underarm region of a human is a particularly well-known area which suffers from perspiration.

Antiperspirants may be used to reduce perspiration; however, some people find that the white marks left behind and clogging of sweat pores by the antiperspirant are highly undesirable. As such, products have developed which can be put in underarm regions of an item of clothing so as to prevent sweat marks appearing on the clothing. However, these known products do not capture perspiration at source, they are simply trying to reduce sweat marks appearing on clothing.

The present invention is aimed at providing an absorbent product without the disadvantages associated with the prior art.

According to a first aspect, the present invention provides an absorbent product comprising:

an absorbent pad;

an optionally elongate, central region of the product; and

a distal region of the product comprising a periphery comprising a tapered configuration.

Preferably, the absorbent product comprises two distal regions at opposed ends of the product. Preferably, the two distal regions are uniformly oriented. Preferably, the product comprises a centrally located impressed, compressed or scored region, most preferably located in the region of a longitudinal line of symmetry. Further preferably, the absorbent product is absorbent on both sides/surfaces. Most preferably, the distal region(s) is/are uniformly tapered. Most preferably, the distal region comprises a taper which narrows the distal region from a width of the central region to a tip.

Preferably, the central region comprises a periphery comprising an inwardly arcuate surface and, preferably, a pair of opposed arcuate surfaces. The central region may comprise an outwardly arcuate surface at an end of the inwardly arcuate surface. Preferably, outwardly arcuate surfaces are provided at each end of the inwardly arcuate surface(s) before tapering of the distal region.

The absorbent pad may comprise one or more anti-bacterial materials. The absorbent pad may comprise one or more odour absorbing materials. The

absorbent pad may comprise one or more fluid retaining materials for locking away moisture. The absorbent pad may comprise a breathable structure, preferably comprising a plurality of apertures. The absorbent pad may be fragrance-free. The absorbent pad may comprise a non-liquid permeable barrier which advantageously prevents moisture travelling right through the absorbent product.

A portion of a periphery of a surface of the product preferably comprises an adhesive layer for securing the product. Preferably, the adhesive layer is provided on one surface only. Preferably, the adhesive layer is located around substantially entirely, if not entirely, the periphery of the product. Preferably, an adhesive layer is provided extending across the product from around one part of the periphery to around a second part of the periphery. The adhesive layer may be provided in a cruciform arrangement across the product. Preferably, the cruciform arrangement is a diagonal cruciform arrangement. The adhesive layer may extend from around an end of the distal region to the central region. Alternatively, or in addition, an adhesive layer may be shaped to match the periphery of the product and is located in a concentric manner to the periphery. Preferably, the adhesive layer is bonded to the absorbent product and provides a surface adhesive for releasably bonding the product to material or directly to skin. Further preferably, a transfer paper is releasably attached to the adhesive layer.

The absorbent pad may be an absorbent layer of the product providing central and distal regions. Preferably, the absorbent layer comprises two or more layers of materials connected at, at least parts of their peripheries. Further preferably, the absorbent layer comprises a material comprising fluid absorbing; odour retaining; fragrance-free; and/or anti-bacterial properties, or combinations thereof. Preferably, in outline, the absorbent product is substantially lip-shaped, most preferably in that it approximates to a pair of pursed lips.

According to a further aspect, the present invention provides an underarm product comprising an absorbent product having any one or more of those features defined in connection with the first aspect.

Preferably, the underarm product comprises an impressed, compressed or scored region allowing the product to be easily folded in use. According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a panty liner comprising an absorbent product having any one or more of those features defined in connection with the first aspect.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cleaning pad comprising an absorbent product having any one or more of those features defined in connection with the first aspect.

According to a yet further aspect, the present invention provides use of an absorbent product having any one or more of those features defined in connection with the first aspect as an underarm product, a panty liner or a cleaning pad.

According to a yet further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for manufacturing an absorbent product, the method comprising:

providing an absorbent pad;

providing an optionally elongate, central region of the product; and

providing a distal region of the central region comprising a periphery comprising a tapered configuration.

Preferably the method comprises connecting at their peripheries two or more layers of material to provide the absorbent product. Further preferably, the method comprises locating between the two or more layers of material, preferably before connecting, materials having fluid absorbing; moisture barrier, odour retaining; fragrance-free; and/or anti-bacterial properties.

Preferably, the method comprises providing an absorbent product comprising any one or more of the following features. Preferably, the absorbent product comprises two distal regions at opposed ends of the product. Preferably, the two distal regions are uniformly oriented. Most preferably, the distal region(s) is/are uniformly tapered. Most preferably, the distal region comprises a taper which narrows the distal region from a width of the central region to a tip. Preferably, the central region comprises a periphery comprising an inwardly arcuate surface and, preferably, a pair of opposed arcuate surfaces. The central region may comprise an outwardly arcuate surface at an end of the inwardly arcuate surface. Preferably, outwardly arcuate surfaces are provided at each end of the inwardly arcuate surface(s) before tapering of the distal region. The absorbent pad may comprise one or more anti-bacterial materials. The absorbent pad may comprise one or more odour absorbing materials. The absorbent pad may comprise one or more fluid retaining materials for locking away moisture. The absorbent pad may comprise a breathable structure, preferably comprising a plurality of apertures. The absorbent pad may be fragrance-free. A portion of a periphery of a surface of the product preferably comprises an adhesive layer for securing the product. Preferably, the adhesive layer is provided on one surface only. Preferably, the adhesive layer is located around substantially entirely, if not entirely, the periphery of the product. Preferably, an adhesive layer is provided extending across the product from around one part of the periphery to around a second part of the periphery. The adhesive layer may be provided in a cruciform arrangement across the product. Preferably, the cruciform arrangement is a diagonal cruciform arrangement. The adhesive layer may extend from around an end of the distal region to the central region.

Alternatively, or in addition, an adhesive layer may be shaped to match the periphery of the product and is located in a concentric manner to the periphery. Preferably, the adhesive layer is bonded to the absorbent product and provides a surface adhesive for releasably bonding the product to material or directly to skin. Further preferably, a transfer paper is releasably attached to the adhesive layer. The absorbent pad may be an absorbent layer of the product providing central and distal regions.

Preferably, the absorbent layer comprises two or more layers of materials connected at, at least parts of their peripheries. Further preferably, the absorbent layer comprises a material comprising fluid absorbing; odour retaining; fragrance-free; and/or anti-bacterial properties, or combinations thereof. Preferably, in outline, the absorbent product is substantially lip-shaped, most preferably in that it approximates to a pair of pursed lips. According to a yet further aspect, the present invention provides an underarm product, for application directly to skin, comprising an absorbent pad, wherein the product is arranged to be absorbent and fastenable to skin on a skin-contacting surface of the product.

Preferably, the underarm product comprises any one or more of the features of the first aspect. Preferably, the underarm product comprises an impressed, compressed or scored region allowing the product to be easily folded in use. Advantageously, absorbent products of the present invention are anatomically shaped and are, therefore, comfortable and/or discreet to wear. In particular, by being preferably lip-shaped, the products are particularly comfortable and/or discreet to wear. Further, lip-shaped products match better with body shape. The absorbent products are also disposable, lightweight, quick to dry, are fragrance-free, provide freshness, odour control and/or lock moisture away from the skin. Adhesive on the product provides secure but releasable fastening of the absorbent product to clothing material or to skin, depending upon intended use. Adhesive around a periphery and extending across central regions of the absorbent products enable better, more secure and/or robust adhesion of the product. For instance, in an underarm product, providing adhesive along a longitudinal axis of symmetry provides good adhesion of the product even when that same axis of symmetry is the location of a fold of the product when an arm is lowered. Thus, the absorbent products reduce irritation, infection and the occurrence of allergic reactions. For panty liners, less gathering occurs. Tapering of the distal region to a point provides less panty liner material at a front and back of the liner, as the liner extends up the front and back of the body in use. Therefore, the liner is far more comfortable and discreet as less material is located in regions where absorbance is less required. Further, inwardly arcuate surfaces are arranged and positioned so as to correspond with the shape and size of thighs of a user, providing a narrowing of the liner where the thighs require it, whilst being sized so as to prevent excess material gathering between the legs. Further, following the narrowing, the outwardly arcuate surfaces provide greater surface area for absorbance in a location where it will not impact comfort or discreetness. For underarm products, gathering and bulking of the product during folding when an arm is lowered is substantially prevented. Further, at least one of the inwardly arcuate surfaces is/are arranged to be aligned with the arm such that it makes folding of the product easier, as there is less material in the way. As the arm drops, folding of the underarm product occurs and this is facilitated by longitudinal impressed,

compressed or scored regions which extend along a longitudinal axis of symmetry of the product. Further, tapering the underarm product to a point provides as little material as possible at the front and back of the underarm region, which underarm product would otherwise be visible to a casual observer between the folds of skin of the arm and torso at the front and/or back, where absorbance is less likely and discreetness is more important. This naturally aids comfort. As for cleaning products, by being anatomically shaped, they are easy to hold and not so easily dropped whilst cleaning. In particular, tapering of the distal region and/or the inwardly and outwardly arcuate surfaces provides peaks and troughs which allow fingers to easily grip the cleaning pad. Further advantageously, the absorbent product directs moisture towards a centre thereof and thereby removes moisture from edges and/or tips. Most advantageously, the underarm product is absorbent on both sides/surfaces, as this increases the ability of the product to absorb moisture from the skin in which it is in direct contact, from surrounding non-directly contacted skin, and from clothes. When both sides/surfaces are absorbent, moisture is locked away in a central region. Advantageously, a non-liquid permeable barrier

advantageously prevents moisture travelling right through the absorbent product. An arcuate absorbent product is especially advantageous when the product is a panty liner or an underarm product. Being arcuate, which may be at least prior to use or in use, the absorbent product performs better as less gathering is caused by

subsequent bending of the product, as it already conforms to the contours of the body.

The invention will now be disclosed, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an absorbent product;

Figure 2 is top plan view of the absorbent product of Figure 1 ;

Figure 2a is an alternative top plan view of the absorbent product of Figure 1 ; Figure 3 a cross-sectional view along the line A-A of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a bottom plan view of the absorbent product of Figure 1 ;

Figure 5 is an end elevation of the absorbent product of Figure 1 ; Figure 6 is a perspective view of the absorbent product of Figure 1 in use as an underarm product; and

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the absorbent product of Figure 1 in use as a panty liner.

Figures 1 to 5 show an absorbent product, indicated generally with reference

1 , which has an approximate outline of a pair of pursed lips. The product 1 is shown as arcuate; however this is not intended as a limitation of the product, as the product may be substantially flat before use. And, during use, it may be required to curve either as shown or in an opposite manner. The absorbent product 1 may be an underarm product, a panty liner or a cleaning pad.

The absorbent product 1 has first and second layers of material which provide respective an upper layer 2 and a lower layer 3 of the product 1. Each of the layers 2; 3 is an absorbent layer and the layers 2; 3 are bonded together around their peripheries 4. The layers 2; 3 are manufactured from a material including a breathable, absorbent cotton. A further layer of material (not shown) is provided between the upper and lower layers 2; 3 at their interface. The product 1 is relatively thin, despite being manufactured from a number of layers of material.

The absorbent product 1 is elongate and includes a central region 5, and a distal region 6, at each end of the central region 5. The central region 5 has an opposed pair of inwardly arcuate surfaces 7 and, at each end of each surface 7, is an outwardly arcuate surface 8. Each distal region 6 has a narrowing tapered configuration and tapers from the outwardly arcuate surfaces 8, of the central region 5, to a tip 9, of the distal region 6, the tips 9 being the furthermost points of the product from its centre.

The upper layer 2 includes areas of adhesive. A surface 10 of the upper layer

2 has a layer of adhesive 1 1 provided around its periphery 4. Further adhesive is provided by a diagonal cruciform adhesive layer 12, as shown in Figure 2 in particular. Transfer paper(s) (not shown for ease of explanation), preferably silicone coated, are provided on top of the adhesive layers 1 1 ; 12 to protect the layers 1 1 ; 12 and prevent inadvertent bonding until the product is used.

The lower layer 3, as shown in Figure 4, has a surface 13 which is plain and has no adhesive layer(s) overlying the absorbent material.

Figure 2a shows an alternative arrangement of absorbent product, indicated generally by reference 1 ', having an alternative arrangement of adhesive on the surface 10 of the upper layer 2. In addition to the periphery adhesive layer 1 1 and the cruciform adhesive layer 12, the absorbent product V includes a layer of adhesive 14 along a line of symmetry, corresponding to line A-A shown in Figure 2, which extends from the tip 9 to a centre of the cruciform adhesive layer 12, and from the centre of the cruciform adhesive layer 12 to the opposite tip 9. A transfer paper (not shown) is also provided to protect that adhesive layer 14. Although shown as additional to the cruciform adhesive layer 12 in Figure 2a, the adhesive layer 14 may be provided instead. Further, the adhesive layer may have a regular cruciform configuration or may be just one line of adhesive oriented at approximately 90 degrees to the line A-A of Figure 2.

The absorbent product 1 ; 1 ' is ready for use once the transfer paper (not shown) has been removed from the adhesive layer(s) 1 1 ; 12; 14. The adhesive layer(s) 1 1 ; 12; 14 allow the product to be easily attached to an item of clothing or directly to skin. Each absorbent product 1 ; V is preferably individually wrapped, although they may be wrapped in multiples. Preferably a box containing the absorbent products 1 ; 1 ' is correspondingly shaped to the products, i.e. lip-shaped.

The absorbent product 1 ; 1 ' is manufactured by providing at least two layers of material forming the upper and lower layers. Typically, further layers of material will be placed between the upper and lower layers prior to connecting. Those additional layers may provide further absorbance or be intended to provide odour control, for example, depending upon the specific requirements of the absorbent product. The two layers are bonded together, typically with a form of heat-welding of the materials at their peripheries, which may or may not involve an additional adhesive. An alternative might be to stitch peripheries together. Alternatively, the product 1 ; 1 ' may be one layer of material but be a composite layer having various properties of absorbance, etc.

Absorbance may be provided directly by properties of the materials used for the various layers, for example the layers may be preferably soft absorbent cotton or other man-made or natural materials. Improved absorbance, for example to lock away fluids and odour, may be provided by absorbent gel, such as that used in nappies. Materials providing a layer may include anti-bacterial properties or be impregnated as such with an anti-bacterial agent. The preferred soft absorbent cotton layer(s) is/are breathable layer(s) having a plurality of apertures aiding moisture absorbance and subsequent drying next to the skin. Alternatively, a barrier layer, substantially preventing transport of moisture between surfaces 2; 3 may be provided at their interface.

The absorbent product 1 ; V may be manufactured in a variety of colours to suit different skin tones or different coloured clothing, or it may be transparent.

Ideally, the absorbent product is light and thin and is, therefore, comfortable to wear.

The absorbent product 1 ; 1 ', as exemplified, is shown having a curved configuration in which the central region is curved making the tips 9 closer together than they would otherwise be when flat. As this is a likely configuration of the absorbent product in use, it may be advantageous to supply the product 1 ; V ready curved and ready for application. If already curved, then when applied, there will be less initial re-adjustment, gathering or bulking of the product when first worn. It is understood that this will make the product more comfortable to wear.

The absorbent products may be manufactured in a variety of sizes to suit the intended use and the following are provided merely as examples. For panty liners, from tip to tip the liner may be from about 15 to about 25 cm long, preferably about 20 cm long and from about 5 to about 10 cm, preferably about 7cm across its width. For the underarm product, from tip to tip the product may be from about 5 to about 15 cm long, preferably about 10 cm long and from about 5 to about 10 cm, preferably about 7 cm across its width. In each case, the depth may range from about 0.2 to about 1 cm, preferably about 0.5 cm deep. For cleaning pads, the lengths and widths may be similar to panty liners or underarm products. They may also be relatively thin or may be significantly deeper, for example up to about 10 cm deep.

The absorbent products 1 ; 1 ', depending upon their intended use, may benefit from the two opposing distal regions 6 being somewhat differently oriented or shaped. For example, to better suit and conform to the body, a front or back of a panty liner may have a more gradual or even a steeper taper. Further, whilst in the figures the central region 5 is shown as having a uniform width at each end before the distal regions 6, a product 1 : 1 ' may better conform to the body if the product is wider at one end of the central region as compared to the other.

The absorbent products 1 ; V may be integrated with an item of clothing. For example, the absorbent products 1 ; 1 ' may be disposable (or washable) and

eatable within a pocket provided in an inner lining of the item of clothing. In particular, a pocket for receipt of an adsorbent product 1 ; V may be located in an underarm region of a top.

In use, and as exemplified in Figure 6, which shows an underarm product indicated in general by reference 20, the product 20 has been applied to the underarm region 21 of a user so as to absorb perspiration and odour. Aspects of the underarm product 20 are as described in relation to the absorbent product 1 ; 1 ' of Figures 1 to 5 and Figure 2a and, therefore, will not be described again in detail. Once a transfer paper (not shown) has been removed, the product 20 is then applied directly to the underarm region 21 of a user, preferably when in an arm aloft position as shown in Figure 6. The product 20 conforms to the contours of the underarm region 21 . The product 20 should be oriented as shown, with the tips 9 pointing towards the chest and back of the user. When worn, the product 20 reduces the amount of perspiration which is otherwise absorbed by clothing in that area. After use, the product 20 may be thrown away, as the product is intended to be

disposable. When an arm of the user is lowered, the product accommodates and bends with the underarm region to continue to conform to the contours of that region 21 . In particular, the product folds across its middle in a region substantially along a longitudinal axis of the symmetry product - exemplified by positioning of line A-A in Figure 2 - such that when the arm is down, the product is folded over on itself.

Accordingly, it is preferred that the product includes an impressed, compressed or scored region to aid this folding. And, because of the adhesive, perhaps also being located along the longitudinal axis of symmetry of the product, it remains firmly attached. That makes the product both effective at absorbing perspiration and comfortable to wear. Further, the periphery adhesive layer 1 1 provides a seal between the product 20 and skin substantially preventing perspiration from escaping the product 20, and providing a greater likelihood of absorbance. Adhesive provided across the product 20 helps it to conform to the contours of that region 21 in use. The curved or arcuate configuration of the absorbent product shown in Figures 1 to 5 and Figure 2a is particular apt for this underarm use.

In use, as exemplified in Figure 7, which shows a panty liner indicated generally by reference 30, the liner 30 has been applied to the gusset region 31 of a pair of knickers 32. Whilst the liner 30 is intended to be used in knickers for ladies, there may be circumstances where they are used as a liner in pants for men.

Aspects of the liner 30 are as described in relation to the absorbent product 1 ; 1 ' of Figures 1 to 5 and Figure 2a and, therefore, will not be described again in detail. Once a transfer paper (not shown) has been removed, the liner 30 is then applied directly to the gusset region 31 of the knickers 32, preferably before putting on of the knickers 32. The adhesive layer(s) 1 1 ; 12; 14 ensure a good bond between the liner 30 and the knickers 32. The liner 30 conforms to the contours of the knickers 32 initially and then to the contours of a user wearing those kickers. The liner 30 should be oriented as shown, with the tips 9 pointing towards the front and back of the user. When worn, the liner 30 absorbs bodily fluids and retains them away from the skin. After use, the liner 30 may be thrown away, as the product is intended to be disposable. The liner is both effective at absorbing bodily fluids and is also very discreet and comfortable to wear. The curved or arcuate configuration of the absorbent product shown in Figures 1 to 5 and Figure 2a is particular apt for this panty liner use, in particular when reversed such that the adhesive is provided on an outer curved surface for contacting the knickers 32. The term panty liner is intended to encompass a liner for all forms of genitalia covering underwear. In particular, the panty liner may be an incontinence liner.

In use, a cleaning pad - not shown in the figures as it resembles the absorbent products of Figures 1 to 5 and Figure 2a - is as described in relation to the absorbent product 1 ; 1 ' of Figures 1 to 5 and Figure 2a and, therefore, will not be described again in detail. However, some differences do exist and they are further described. The cleaning pad may be a wipe - i.e. thin as shown in Figures 1 to 5 and Figure 2a - or it may have greater depth and be more like a scouring pad, for example. The cleaning pad may have a variety of uses, in particular, it could be a cosmetic cleaning pad for removing makeup and the like. Whilst other absorbent products are intended to absorb bodily fluids, a cleaning pad may be required to absorb various fluids, not just bodily fluids, and potentially some solids too - especially in the situation of removing makeup. Further, these cleaning pads may be impregnated with a detergent or cleaning agent to aid with breaking down

substances requiring cleaning. The impregnated material may be instead of or in addition to further absorbent material.

Claims

Claims:

1 . ) An absorbent product comprising:

an absorbent pad;

an optionally elongate, central region of the product; and

2. ) A product as claimed in claim 1 comprising a centrally located impressed, compressed or scored region.

3. ) A product as claimed in claim 2, wherein the impressed, compressed or scored region is located in the region of a longitudinal line of symmetry.

4.) A product as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the distal region(s) is uniformly oriented and/or uniformly tapered.

5. ) A product as claimed in claim 4, wherein the distal region comprises a taper which narrows the distal region from a width of the central region to a tip.

6. ) A product as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the absorbent product is absorbent on both sides/surfaces.

7. ) A product as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the central region comprises a periphery comprising an inwardly arcuate surface.

8. ) A product as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the central region comprises an outwardly arcuate surface at an end of the inwardly arcuate surface.

9. ) A product as claimed in claim 8, wherein outwardly arcuate surfaces are provided at each end of the inwardly arcuate surface(s) before tapering of the distal region.

10. ) A product as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the absorbent pad comprises one or more anti-bacterial materials.

1 1 . ) A product as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the absorbent pad comprises one or more odour absorbing materials.

12. ) A product as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the absorbent pad comprises one or more fluid retaining materials for locking away moisture.

13.) A product as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the absorbent pad comprises a breathable structure, preferably comprising a plurality of apertures.

14. ) A product as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a non-liquid permeable barrier advantageously prevents moisture travelling right through the absorbent product.

15. ) A product as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a portion of a periphery of a surface of the product comprises an adhesive layer for securing the product.

16.) A product as claimed in claim 15, wherein the adhesive layer is provided on one surface only.

17. ) A product as claimed in claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the adhesive layer is located around substantially entirely, if not entirely, the periphery of the product.

18. ) A product as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein an adhesive layer is provided extending across the product from around one part of the periphery to around a second part of the periphery.

19.) A product as claimed in claim 18, wherein the adhesive layer is provided in a cruciform arrangement across the product.

20.) A product as claimed in claim 19, wherein the cruciform arrangement is a diagonal cruciform arrangement.

21 .) A product as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein an adhesive layer extends from around an end of the distal region to the central region.

22.) A product as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein an adhesive layer is shaped to match the periphery of the product and is located in a concentric manner to the periphery.

23. ) A product as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 22, wherein the adhesive layer is bonded to the absorbent product and provides a surface adhesive for releasably bonding the product to material or directly to skin.

24. ) A product as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 23, comprising a transfer paper releasably attached to the adhesive layer.

25. ) A product as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the absorbent pad is an absorbent layer of the product providing central and distal regions.

26. ) A product as claimed in claim 25, wherein the absorbent layer comprises two or more layers of materials connected at, at least parts of their peripheries.

27. ) A product as claimed in claim 25 or claim 26, wherein the absorbent layer comprises a material comprising fluid absorbing; odour retaining; fragrance-free; and/or anti-bacterial properties, or combinations thereof.

28. ) A product as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein, in outline, the absorbent product is substantially lip-shaped, preferably in that it approximates to a pair of pursed lips.

29.) An absorbent product, an underarm product, a panty liner or a cleaning pad, substantially as herein described, with reference to or as shown in Figures 1 to 5 or Figure 2a and/or any example described herein.

30. ) An underarm product comprising an absorbent product as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 29.

31 . ) An underarm product as claimed in claim 30 comprising an impressed, compressed or scored region allowing the product to be easily folded in use.

32. ) A panty liner comprising an absorbent product as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 29.

33.) A cleaning pad comprising an absorbent product as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 29.

34. ) Use of an absorbent product as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 29, or claim 40 or claim 41 as an underarm product, a panty liner or a cleaning pad.

35. ) A method for manufacturing an absorbent product, the method comprising: providing an absorbent pad;

providing an optionally elongate, central region of the product; and

36. ) The method of claim 35 comprising providing an absorbent product comprising one or more of the features of claims 1 to 33.

37.) The method of claim 35 or claim 36 comprising connecting at their peripheries two or more layers of material to provide the absorbent product.

38. ) The method of claim 37 comprising locating between the two or more layers of material, preferably before connecting, materials having fluid absorbing; odour retaining; fragrance-free; moisture barrier and/or anti-bacterial properties.

39. ) A method for manufacturing an absorbent product, an underarm product, a panty liner or a cleaning pad substantially as herein described, with reference to the accompanying description and/or any example described herein.

40. ) An underarm product, for application directly to skin, comprising an absorbent pad, wherein the product is arranged to be absorbent and fastenable to skin on a skin-contacting surface of the product.

41 . ) An underarm product as claimed in claim 40 comprising any one or more of the features of claims 1 to 31 .