U.S. patent application number 10/603522 was filed with the patent office on 2004-01-22 for absorbent article having a graphic visible through body contacting surface.
This patent application is currently assigned to The Procter & Gamble Company. Invention is credited to Ito, Kensuke, Kondo, Shuri, Miura, Tsunetoshi, Nakao, Yoshiko, Sasaki, Akiko, Tomi, Koichi.
Application Number | 20040015145 10/603522 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 30115973 |
Filed Date | 2004-01-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040015145 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Miura, Tsunetoshi ; et
al. |
January 22, 2004 |
Absorbent article having a graphic visible through body contacting
surface
Abstract
The invention is directed to an absorbent article, which is
preferably a sanitary napkin or a pantiliner, comprising: a body
contacting layer; a garment contacting layer; and an absorbent core
disposed between the body contacting layer and the garment
contacting layer. The absorbent core has a core edge. The core edge
defines a core region within the core edge and an outer region
outside the core region. The body contacting layer and the garment
contacting layer extend outward into the outer region and joined
together in the outer region. In one aspect of the invention, the
garment contacting layer has a graphic printed on the body facing
surface at least in a portion of the outer region. In another
aspect of the invention, the body contacting layer has a graphic
printed on the garment facing surface at least in a portion of the
outer region. The body contacting layer has a first light
transmittance so that the graphic can be seen through the body
contacting layer in the outer region. Since users (or women) can
see the graphic through the body contacting layer, the absorbent
article can provide an emotional benefit to women before uses, and
thus decrease women's melancholic mood.
Inventors: |
Miura, Tsunetoshi; (Kobe
Hyogo, JP) ; Ito, Kensuke; (Kobe Hyogo, JP) ;
Sasaki, Akiko; (Nishinomiya Hyogo, JP) ; Nakao,
Yoshiko; (Nishinomiya Hyogo, JP) ; Kondo, Shuri;
(Ashiya Hyogo, JP) ; Tomi, Koichi; (Kobe Hyogo,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DIVISION
WINTON HILL TECHNICAL CENTER - BOX 161
6110 CENTER HILL AVENUE
CINCINNATI
OH
45224
US
|
Assignee: |
The Procter & Gamble
Company
|
Family ID: |
30115973 |
Appl. No.: |
10/603522 |
Filed: |
June 25, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60396115 |
Jul 16, 2002 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
604/367 ;
604/385.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 13/511 20130101;
A61F 13/84 20130101; A61F 2013/15243 20130101; A61F 2013/8497
20130101; A61F 13/51496 20130101; A61F 13/472 20130101; A61F
13/51394 20130101; A61F 13/4755 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
604/367 ;
604/385.01 |
International
Class: |
A61F 013/15; A61F
013/20 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An absorbent article, comprising: a body contacting layer; a
garment contacting layer; and an absorbent core disposed between
the body contacting layer and the garment contacting layer, the
absorbent core having a core edge; the core edge defining a core
region within the core edge and an outer region outside the core
region; the body contacting layer and the garment contacting layer
extending outward into the outer region and joined together in the
outer region; the garment contacting layer having a graphic printed
on the body facing surface at least in a portion of the outer
region; the body contacting layer having a first light
transmittance so that the graphic printed on the body facing
surface of the garment contacting layer can be seen through the
body contacting layer in the outer region.
2. An absorbent article, comprising: a body contacting layer; a
garment contacting layer; and an absorbent core disposed between
the body contacting layer and the garment contacting layer, the
absorbent core having a core edge; the core edge defining a core
region within the core edge and an outer region outside the core
region; the body contacting layer and the garment contacting layer
extending outward into the outer region and joined together in the
outer region; the body contacting layer having a graphic printed on
the garment facing surface at least in a portion of the outer
region; the body contacting layer having a first light
transmittance so that the graphic printed on the garment facing
surface of the body contacting layer can be seen through the body
contacting layer in the outer region.
3. The absorbent article of the claim 1 or 2, wherein the garment
contacting layer has a second light transmittance so that the
graphic on the body facing surface can be seen through the garment
contacting layer.
4. The absorbent article of the claim 1 or 2, wherein the first
light transmittance is at least about 10%.
5. The absorbent article of the claim 4, wherein the second light
transmittance is at least about 10%.
6. The absorbent article of the claim 5, wherein the difference
between the first and second light transmittances is less than
about 70%.
7. The absorbent article of the claim 5, wherein the difference
between the first and second light transmittances is greater than
about 10%.
8. The absorbent article of the claim 1 or 2, wherein the absorbent
article has the Hunter Lab Total Color Difference between the outer
region and the core region of about 0.5-73.
9. The absorbent article of the claim 2, wherein the body
contacting layer includes a liquid permeable topsheet layer
disposed in the core region, and a graphic protection layer
disposed in the outer region, the graphic protection layer has the
graphic printed on the garment facing surface, and the graphic
protection layer has the first light transmittance so that the
graphic printed on the garment facing surface of the graphic
protection layer can be seen through the graphic protection layer
in the outer region.
10. The absorbent article of the claim 1 or 2, wherein the core
edge of the absorbent core includes longitudinal side edges and
lateral end edges, and the outer region is disposed outside the
longitudinal side edges of the absorbent core.
11. The absorbent article of the claim 1 or 2, wherein the core
edge of the absorbent core includes longitudinal side edges and
lateral end edges, and the outer region is disposed outside the
lateral end edges of the absorbent core.
12. The absorbent article of the claim 10, wherein the body
contacting layer and the garment contacting layer extending outward
into the outer region to form a flap (i.e., wing).
13. The absorbent article of the claim 1, wherein the body
contacting layer includes a liquid permeable topsheet layer
disposed in the core region, and a graphic protection layer
disposed in the outer region.
14. The absorbent article of the claim 1 or 2, wherein the
graphic-protection layer has a hydrophobic nature to prevent body
fluids discharged at the topsheet layer from wicking therethrough.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/396,115, filed on Jul. 16, 2002.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to absorbent articles. More
particularly, the present invention relates to an absorbent article
having a graphic which is visible through the body contacting
surface.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, pantiliners and
incontinent pads are devices that are typically worn in the crotch
region of an undergarment. More specifically, sanitary napkins and
pantiliners, for example, are worn by women in a pair of panties
that is normally positioned between the wearer's legs, adjacent to
the perineum area. Sanitary napkins and pantiliners are designed to
absorb and retain body fluids or discharges (e.g., urine and
menses) from the body of women and to prevent body and clothing
from soiling. A wide variety of shapes and dimensions of sanitary
napkins and pantiliners is currently used by women for the
collection of body fluids.
[0004] The menstrual period is very troublesome for women and
almost all the women are in a depressed mood during the period.
Conventional sanitary napkins have a white color or a simple
combination of light colors to provide a clean appearance. Because
of the appearance, such sanitary napkins normally do not affect
women's feeling, i.e., they do not help to decrease or change
women's depressed mood during the menstruation period.
[0005] Japanese Utility Model Registration No. 3021237 discloses a
sanitary napkin having wings that are provided with a color or
pattern on both the body contacting surface and the garment
contacting surface. This publication teaches that by using a color
or pattern of the sanitary napkin which is similar to that of the
undergarment, the use of the sanitary napkin can not be easily
recognized from the outside by others. This publication, however,
is silent about a concrete structure of the sanitary napkin that
can be practically manufactured nor a design that can affect the
women's mood in the menstruation period. It is because this
publication merely focuses on the similarity of the color or
pattern between the sanitary napkin and the undergarment, and it
does not recognize the need for improving women's depressed mood
through the design of sanitary napkin during the menstruation
period.
[0006] Thus, there is a need for an absorbent article that can
provide an emotional benefit to users, and thus decrease users'
melancholic mood without distress or inconvenience.
SUMMARY
[0007] The invention is directed to an absorbent article, which is
preferably a sanitary napkin or a pantiliner, comprising: a body
contacting layer; a garment contacting layer; and an absorbent core
disposed between the body contacting layer and the garment
contacting layer. The absorbent core has a core edge. The core edge
defines a core region within the core edge and an outer region
outside the core region. The body contacting layer and the garment
contacting layer extend outward into the outer region and joined
together in the outer region.
[0008] In one aspect of the invention, the garment contacting layer
has a graphic printed on the body facing surface at least in a
portion of the outer region.
[0009] In another aspect of the invention, the body contacting
layer has a graphic printed on the garment facing surface at least
in a portion of the outer region.
[0010] The body contacting layer has a first light transmittance so
that the graphic can be seen through the body contacting layer in
the outer region.
[0011] The foregoing answers the need for an absorbent article that
can provide an emotional benefit to users, and thus decrease users'
melancholic mood without distress or inconvenience.
[0012] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the
present invention will become evident to those skilled in the art
from reading of the present disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] While the specification concludes with claims particularly
pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which is
regarded as forming the present invention, it is believed that the
invention will be better understood from the following description
which is taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a sanitary napkin which is one
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the sanitary napkin
shown in FIG. 1, taken along the line 2-2;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a sanitary napkin which is
another preferred embodiment of the present invention; and
[0017] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the sanitary napkin
shown in FIG. 3, taken along the line 4-4.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] All cited references are incorporated herein by reference in
their entireties. Citation of any reference is not an admission
regarding any determination as to its availability as prior art to
the claimed invention.
[0019] Herein, "comprise" and "include" mean that other elements
and/or other steps which do not affect the end result can be added.
Each of these terms encompasses the terms "consisting of" and
"consisting essentially of".
[0020] Herein, "absorbent article" refers to articles which absorb
and contain body exudates or discharges such as body fluids, and is
intended to include sanitary napkins, pantiliners, diapers, and
incontinence pads (and other articles worn in the crotch region of
a garment).
[0021] Herein, "disposable" refers to articles which are intended
to be discarded after a single use, composted, or otherwise
disposed of in an environmentally compatible manner. (That is, they
are not intended to be laundered or otherwise restored or reused as
an absorbent article.)
[0022] Herein, "sanitary napkin" refers to articles which are worn
by females adjacent to the pudendal region which are intended to
absorb and contain the various exudates which are discharged from
the body (e.g., blood, menses, and urine).
[0023] Herein, "joined" encompasses configurations in which an
element is directly secured to another element by affixing the
element directly to the other element; configurations in which the
element is indirectly secured to the other element by affixing the
element to intermediate member(s) which in turn are affixed to the
other element; and configurations in which one element is integral
with another element, i.e., one element is essentially part of the
other element.
[0024] Herein, "body facing surface" refers to surfaces of
absorbent articles and/or their component members which face the
body of the wearer, while the term "garment facing surface" refers
to the opposite surfaces of the absorbent articles and/or their
component members that face away from the wearer when the absorbent
articles are worn. Absorbent articles and components thereof,
including the topsheet, backsheet, absorbent core, and any
individual layers of their components, have a body facing surface
and a garment facing surface.
[0025] Herein, "graphic" refers to an image or a design that is
constituted by a figure (i.e., a line(s)), a symbol or character, a
color difference or transition of at least two colors, or the like.
The graphic preferably has an aesthetic image or design that can
provide emotional benefit(s) when the absorbent article of the
invention is looked or viewed by users. Such emotional benefits
include, but not limited to, a relaxed feeling, a happy or pleasant
feeling, an encouraged feeling, and the like. Preferred aesthetic
images or designs include, but not limited to, plants such as
flowers (e.g., a dandelion), pretty animals such as cats, cartoon
characters, seasonal things or goods such as snowmen, landscapes,
and the like. The graphic may further include other design or
information than the aesthetic image, for example, a usage
information about the size of the absorbent article, an indication
of the front/back of the absorbent article, and the like.
[0026] FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a sanitary napkin 20 (i.e., a
disposable absorbent article) which is one preferred embodiment of
the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, the sanitary napkin 20
(and its component members) has a body facing surface 22, and a
garment facing surface 24 opposed to the body facing surface 22.
The sanitary napkin 20 shown in FIG. 1 is viewed from the body
facing surface 22. The sanitary napkin 20 has a circumferential
edge 29 which defines the outermost edge of the sanitary napkin
20.
[0027] The sanitary napkin 20 has two centerlines, a longitudinal
centerline L and a transverse centerline T. Herein, "longitudinal"
refers to a line, axis or direction in the plane of the sanitary
napkin 20 that is generally aligned with (e.g., approximately
parallel to) a vertical plane which bisects a standing wearer into
left and right body halves when the sanitary napkin 20 is worn.
Herein, "transverse" or "lateral", are interchangeable, and refer
to a line, axis or direction which lies within the plane of the
sanitary napkin 20 that is generally perpendicular to the
longitudinal direction.
[0028] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the sanitary napkin 20
shown in FIG. 1, taken along the line 2-2. The sanitary napkin 20
includes three primary components. These include a body contacting
layer 30 (typically known as a liquid permeable topsheet), a
garment contacting layer 40 (typically known as a liquid
impermeable backsheet), and an absorbent core 50 disposed between
the body contacting layer 30 and the garment contacting layer 40.
The top surface of the body contacting layer 30 forms the body
facing surface 22 of the sanitary napkin 20, while the bottom
surface of the garment contacting layer 40 forms the garment facing
surface 24 of the sanitary napkin 20.
[0029] As shown in FIG. 1, the absorbent core 50 has a core edge 51
which preferably includes longitudinal side edges 52 and lateral
end edges 54. The core edge 51 defines a core region 25 within the
core edge 51, and an outer region 26 outside the core region 25 and
inside the circumferential edge 29 of the sanitary napkin 20. A
main body portion 55 is constituted in the core region 25 by these
three primary components 30, 40 and 50 of the sanitary napkin
20.
[0030] The absorbent core 50 may be manufactured in a wide variety
of sizes and shapes. The core edge 51 of the absorbent core 50 thus
can take any shape in its top plan view. Preferred shapes for the
core edge 51 include an oval, a rectangle, an hourglass, and a
combination of the oval and rectangle such as the one shown in FIG.
1.
[0031] The body contacting layer 30 and the garment contacting
layer 40 extend outward into the outer region 26. These two layers
30 and 40 preferably extend in both the longitudinal and transverse
directions to reach the circumferential edge 29 of the sanitary
napkin 20. These two layers 30 and 40 are joined together in the
outer region 26. These two layers 30 and 40 can be joined any means
(e.g., an adhesive) known in the art. However, such means should
not significantly affect the light transmittance (discussed
hereinafter) of the body contacting layer 30 (preferably and the
garment contacting layer 40). Preferably, these portions of the
body contacting layer 30 and the garment contacting layer 40 are
joined using adhesives (not shown in Figs.) over substantially the
entire portions that extend beyond the core edge 52 of the
absorbent core 50. In a preferred embodiment, the body contacting
layer 30 and garment contacting layer 40 are densified by an
application of pressure or heat and pressure in the outer region 26
to form a crimp seal.
[0032] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a sanitary napkin 21 which is
another preferred embodiment of the present invention. Referring to
FIG. 3, the sanitary napkin 21 basically has a similar structure to
that of the sanitary napkin 20 shown in FIG. 1 except the body
contacting layer 30. Specifically, compared with the sanitary
napkin 20 shown in FIG. 1, the sanitary napkin 21 has a body
contacting layer 30' which includes a liquid permeable topsheet
layer 32 disposed in the core region 25, and graphic protection
layers 34 disposed in the outer region 26.
[0033] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the sanitary napkin 21
shown in FIG. 3, taken along the line 4-4. Referring to FIG. 4, the
topsheet layer 32 is primarily disposed in the core region 25 to
cover the body facing surface 22 of the absorbent core 50. The
topsheet layer 32 transversely extends over the core edge 52 and
slightly into the outer region 26. The topsheet layer 32 has
longitudinal side edges 33 which end in the outer region 26. The
graphic protection layer 34 is primarily disposed in the outer
region 26. The graphic protection layer 34 overlays the
longitudinal side edge 33 of the topsheet layer 32 in the outer
region 26 and extends outward to the circumferential edge 29 of the
sanitary napkin 21. The graphic protection layer 34 has
longitudinal inner edges 35 starting above the absorbent core 50 in
the core region 25.
[0034] In this embodiment, since two different materials can be
used for the body contacting layer 30' (i.e., the topsheet layer 32
and the graphic protection layers 34), a more suitable choice can
be made on the two materials (compared with the sanitary napkin 20
shown in FIG. 1).. For example, a material which has a suitable
light transmittance can be selected for the graphic protection
layers 34 in the outer region 26, while another material which has
a suitable liquid permeability can be selected for the topsheet
layer 32 in the core region 25. This is beneficial since it is not
always easy to find one material that can meet the both
requirements for the body contacting layer 30 (e.g., appropriate
light transmittance and liquid permeability).
[0035] The garment contacting layer 40 has a graphic 65 printed on
the body facing surface 22 at least in a portion of the outer
region 26. Preferably, the graphic 65 is printed at least in the
whole area of the outer region 26. More preferably, for simplicity
of manufacture, the graphic 65 is printed on the whole body facing
surface 22 of the garment contacting layer 40, as shown in FIG. 2
wherein the graphic 65 is shown as a graphic layer (or a printed
layer) 60 on the body facing surface 22 of the garment contacting
layer 40. In this embodiment, the garment contacting layer 40
includes the graphic layer 60 on the body facing surface 22.
[0036] The graphic layer 60 may be formed by either only a printed
ink or a substrate layer having an ink printed on its one surface.
In one preferred embodiment, the graphic layer 60 is formed by only
a printed ink layer disposed on the body facing surface 22 of the
garment contacting layer 40. In an alternative preferred
embodiment, the graphic layer 60 is formed by a substrate layer
having an ink printed on the body facing surface 22 of the
substrate layer. In this embodiment, the substrate layer having the
ink printed is a part of the garment contacting layer 40.
[0037] More specifically, the garment contacting layer 40 may
include, at least in the outer region 26, two (or more) layers of
materials which are preferably joined together through an adhesive
(or an application of pressure or heat and pressure) to form a
laminate. In one embodiment, the garment contacting layer 40
includes two layer materials, i.e., a graphic layer 60 (or a
substrate layer for the graphic 65) and a liquid impermeable layer
42 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4. The graphic layer 60 having the
graphic 65 printed is disposed on the body facing surface 22 of the
liquid impermeable layer 42 at least in the outer region 26,
preferably in both the core region 25 and the outer region 26 as
shown in FIGS. 2 and 4. Preferred materials for the graphic layer
60 include, but not limited to, a thin plastic film, a nonwoven web
and a tissue wherein the graphic 65 is printed on its body facing
surface 22. The graphic layer 60 is disposed at least in the outer
region 26, preferably in both the core region 25 and the outer
region 26 (in that embodiment, the whole body facing surface 22 of
the liquid impermeable layer 42 is covered by the graphic layer
60).
[0038] In one alternative embodiment, the graphic 65 is printed on
the garment facing surface 24 of the body contacting layer 30 at
least in a portion of the outer region 26 (not shown in Figs.). If
desired, such a graphic can be printed on the garment facing
surface 24 of the body contacting layer 30 in both the core region
25 and the outer region 26 (not shown in Figs.). In a preferred
embodiment, the graphic protection layer 34 has a graphic 65
printed (or a graphic layer) on the garment facing surface 24 (not
shown in Figs.).
[0039] In these embodiments, since the graphic 65 is disposed
between (and covered by) the body contacting layer 30 and the
garment contacting layer 40, the graphic 65 which has been printed
does not directly contact the skin of wearer nor her undergarment.
This is beneficial because the ink of the graphic 65 is not
directly rubbed by the skin or the undergarment and thus a removal
of the ink (and a transfer of the ink to other portion) can be
prevented.
[0040] The graphic 65 can be printed by any conventional printing
methods or technologies known in the art, including, but not
limited to, a gravure printing, a flexo printing, an offset
printing, an ink jet printing, and the like. In a preferred
embodiment, the graphic 65 is printed on the whole body facing
surface 22 of the garment contacting layer 40 (as shown in FIGS. 2
and 4) by a gravure printing.
[0041] The body contacting layer 30 (or the graphic protection
layer 34 in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4) has a first
light transmittance (LT1) so that the graphic 65 printed on the
body facing surface 22 of the garment contacting layer 40 (or on
the garment facing surface 24 of the graphic protection layer 34)
can be seen through the body contacting layer 30 in the outer
region 26. (In FIG. 1, the graphic 65 which is seen through the
garment contacting layer 40 is indicated by the dotted lines.) In
order to effectively affect women's mood in the menstruation
period, the material used for the body contacting layer 30 needs to
have an appropriate range of light transmittance in the outer
region 26. In a preferred embodiment, the first light transmittance
(LT1) of the body contacting layer 30 in the outer region 26 is at
least about 10%, preferably about 45% (i.e., in a range of about
45-100%), and more preferably about 85% (i.e., in a range of about
85-100%). In addition, the first light transmittance (LT1) of the
body contacting layer 30 in the core region 25 is preferably less
than about 80%, more preferably less than about 70%. This is
preferred to prevent body fluids absorbed in the core region 25
from being seen through the body contacting layer 30.
[0042] Since users (or women) can see the graphic 65 at least
through the body contacting layer 30 (or the graphic protection
layer 34 in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4), the sanitary
napkin 20 can provide an emotional benefit to women before uses,
and thus decrease women's melancholic mood.
[0043] In addition, the garment contacting layer 40 preferably has
a second light transmittance (LT2) so that the graphic 65 on the
body facing surface 22 (or on the garment facing surface 24 of the
graphic protection layer 34) can also be seen through the garment
contacting layer 40. In order to further effectively affect women's
mood in the menstruation period, the material used for the garment
contacting layer 40 needs to have an appropriate range of light
transmittance. In a preferred embodiment, the second light
transmittance (LT2) is at least about 10%, preferably about 45%
(i.e., in a range of about 45-100%), and more preferably about 85%
(i.e., in a range of about 85-100%).
[0044] In this embodiment, since users can additionally see the
graphic 65 through the garment contacting layer 40, the sanitary
napkin 20 can additionally provide an emotional benefit to women,
and thus decrease women's melancholic mood.
[0045] In one preferred embodiment, the difference between the
first and second light transmittances (LT1 and LT2) is less than
about 70%, preferably about 50%, and more preferably about 10%. By
using the materials which have similar light transmittances for the
body contacting layer 30 and the garment contacting layer 40, the
graphic 65 can be seen similarly (or with a similar degree or
intensity) through both the body contacting layer 30 and the
garment contacting layer 40. This similarity may be preferred since
the graphic 65 can be seen naturally by users.
[0046] Alternatively, if desired, the difference between the first
and second light transmittances (LT1 and LT2) can be greater than
about 10%, preferably about 50%, and more preferably about 70%.
[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the sanitary napkin 20 has the
Hunter Lab Total Color Difference (HLTCD) between the outer region
and the core region of about 0.5-73, preferably about 6-65, more
preferably about 9-55.
[0048] The HLTCD generally indicates a color appearance between two
objects. The human eye-brain impression (i.e., the visual
perception of human) is also considered in the HLTCD. The HLTCD is
preferably within the above ranges to make women's emotion
effectively stable while maintaining an appropriate range of the
visibility of the graphic 65 to be seen through the body contacting
layer 30.
[0049] A preferred method for measuring the light transmittances
(LT1 and LT2) and the HLTCD will be described in the "Test Methods"
section.
[0050] The body contacting layers 30 and 30' are preferably
compliant, soft feeling, and non-irritating to the wearer's skin.
Further, the body contacting layer 30 (or the topsheet layer 32 in
the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4) is liquid permeable or
pervious, permitting body fluids (e.g., menses and/or urine) to
readily penetrate through its thickness. A suitable liquid
permeable material for the body contacting layer may be
manufactured from a wide range of materials such as woven and
nonwoven materials (e.g., a nonwoven web of fibers); polymeric
materials such as apertured formed thermoplastic films, apertured
plastic films, and hydroformed thermoplastic films; porous foams;
reticulated foams; reticulated thermoplastic films; and
thermoplastic scrims. Suitable woven and nonwoven materials can be
comprised of natural fibers (e.g., wood or cotton fibers),
synthetic fibers (e.g., polymeric fibers such as polyester,
polypropylene, or polyethylene fibers) or from a combination of
natural and synthetic fibers. When the body contacting layer 30
includes a nonwoven web, the web may be manufactured by a wide
number of known techniques. For example, the web may be spunbonded,
carded, wet-laid, melt-blown, hydroentangled, combinations of the
above, or the like.
[0051] A particularly suitable body contacting layer for use in the
sanitary napkins disclosed includes an apertured formed film.
Apertured formed films are preferred for the body contacting layer
30 because they are pervious to body fluids and, if properly
apertured, have a reduced tendency to allow liquids to pass back
through and rewet the wearer's skin. Thus, the body facing surface
of the formed film (i.e., the body facing surface 22 of the
sanitary napkin) remains dry, thereby reducing body soiling and
creating a more comfortable feel for the wearer.
[0052] Preferably, the body facing surface 22 of the body
contacting layer 30 is hydrophilic at least in the core region 25
so that liquids will be transferred through the body contacting
layer 30 more readily. If the body contacting layer is made of a
hydrophobic material, at least the upper surface (i.e., the body
facing surface 22) of the body contacting layer 30 is treated to be
hydrophilic so that body fluids will transfer through the body
contacting layer 30 more rapidly. This diminishes the likelihood
that menstrual fluid will flow off the body contacting layer rather
than flowing into and being absorbed by the absorbent core. The
body facing surface 22 of the body contacting layer 30 can be made
hydrophilic by treating it with a surfactant. A preferred material
for the body contacting layer 30 is a macroscopically expanded,
three-dimensional formed polyethylene film. One preferred material
for the body contacting layer 30 is available from Tredegar Film
Products, Indiana, USA under Code No. X-27121.
[0053] Preferably, the body contacting layer 30 in the outer region
26 has a hydrophobic nature to prevent body fluids discharged at
the core region 25 from wicking therethrough (towards the
circumferential edge 29 of the sanitary napkin 20). This prevents
the body contacting layer 30 in the outer region 26 from being
soiled by body fluids which tend to wick through the body
contacting layer 30 toward the circumferential edge 29 of the
sanitary napkin 20 due to a capillary force. Thus, this design can
also prevent body fluids from leaking from the circumferential edge
29 of the sanitary napkin 20.
[0054] The graphic protection layer 34 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is
also preferably compliant, soft feeling, and non-irritating to the
wearer's skin. Preferred materials for the graphic protection layer
34 include nonwoven webs, woven webs, plastic films, polymer
materials for coating (e.g., a silicone compound), and the like.
Suitable woven and nonwoven materials can be comprised of natural
fibers, synthetic fibers or a combination of natural and synthetic
fibers. The graphic protection layer 34 can be either hydrophobic
or hydrophilic. Preferably, the graphic protection layer 34 is
hydrophobic.
[0055] A particularly suitable graphic protection layer for use in
the sanitary napkins 20 and 21 includes a nonwoven web. Such a web
may be spunbonded, carded, wet-laid, melt-blown, hydroentangled,
combinations of the above, or the like. Nonwoven webs are preferred
for the graphic protection layer 34 because they can provide a soft
visibility of the graphic 65 (or a slightly blurred image of the
graphic 65) while also providing a soft touch, feel and/or
smoothness to the skin.
[0056] Preferably, the graphic protection layer 34 has a
hydrophobic nature to prevent body fluids discharged at the
topsheet layer 32 from wicking therethrough (towards the
circumferential edge 29 of the sanitary napkin 20). This prevents
the graphic protection layer 34 from being soiled by body fluids
which tend to wick through the graphic protection layer 34 toward
the circumferential edge 29 of the sanitary napkin 21 due to a
capillary force. Thus, this design can also prevent body fluids
from leaking from the circumferential edge 29 of the sanitary
napkin 21. A preferred material for the graphic protection layer 34
is a hydrophobic spunbonded nonwoven web made by bi-component
fibers having polyethylene/polypropylene for sheath/core, which is
available from Chisso Corporation, Tokyo, Japan under Code No.
EB7120.
[0057] The garment contacting layer 40 is impervious to body fluids
and is preferably manufactured from a thin plastic film, although
other flexible liquid impervious materials may also be used.
Herein, "flexible" refers to materials which are compliant and will
readily conform to the general shape and contours of the human
body. The garment contacting layer 40 prevents the body fluids
absorbed and contained in the absorbent core 50 from wetting
articles which contact the absorbent article such as bed sheets,
pants, pajamas and undergarments. The garment contacting layer 40
may thus include a woven or nonwoven material, polymeric films such
as thermoplastic films of polyethylene or polypropylene, or
composite materials such as a film-coated nonwoven material.
[0058] The garment contacting layer 40 can include a single layer
material, or two or more layers of materials. The garment
contacting layer 40 preferably has a thickness of from about 0.012
mm (0.5 mil) to about 0.051 mm (2.0 mils). In a preferred
embodiment, the garment contacting layer 40 is a single layer
polyethylene film. Such a preferred polyethylene film is available
from Daedong Co. Ltd., KyungBuk-Do, Korea, under Code No.
DNF-0417C.
[0059] The garment contacting layer 40 preferably has a microporous
structure which can permit vapors to escape from the absorbent core
(often called "breathable backsheet") while still preventing body
fluids from passing through the garment contacting layer 40. A
preferred microporous polyethylene film is available from
Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, Tokyo, Japan, under Code No. NAP.
The size of the garment contacting layer is dictated by the size of
the absorbent core 50 and the exact absorbent article design
selected.
[0060] The garment contacting layer 40 can be embossed and/or matte
finished to provide a more clothlike appearance.
[0061] In preferred embodiments, the sanitary napkin 20 includes an
optional pair of flaps (or wings) 44 which are formed by the
transversely extended portion of the body contacting layer 30 and
the garment contacting layer 40 in the outer region 26 as shown in
FIG. 1. The flaps 44 extend outward from at least the central
region of the sanitary napkin 20. It should be noted that these
flaps 44 are formed in the outer region 26, and preferably have the
graphic 65 visible through the body contacting layer 30 (even they
have an additional layer inserted therein as
flexure-resistance).
[0062] Preferably, as shown in FIGS. 1-4, the flaps 44 are integral
with the main body portion 55 (i.e., the flaps 44 comprise integral
extensions of the body contacting layer 30 and the garment
contacting layer 40 from the main body portion 55). In other
alternative embodiments, the flaps 24 can be formed by separate
members which are joined to the main body portion 55 of the
sanitary napkin 20 in any suitable manner. The flaps 44 are each
joined to (or associated with) the main body portion 55 along a
juncture, typically a longitudinally-oriented (or "longitudinal")
juncture (not shown in Figs.).
[0063] The flaps 44 can be in any suitable configuration. Suitable
flaps are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,389,094 issued to Lavash, et
al. on Feb. 14, 1995; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,558,663 issued to
Weinberger, et al. on Sep. 24, 1996.
[0064] In a preferred embodiment, an acquisition layer or a
secondary topsheet (not shown in Figs.) is additionally disposed
between the body contacting layer 30 (or 30') and the absorbent
core 50. The acquisition layer quickly transports discharged body
fluids received by the body contacting layer 30 to other parts of
the acquisition layer and the absorbent core 50, although it may
temporarily hold such fluids until they can be absorbed by the
absorbent core 50. The distribution function of the acquisition
layer is of particular importance in order to more fully utilize
the capacity of the absorbent core 50. Thus, while the acquisition
layer may comprise a wide variety of absorbent materials, it
preferably comprises a fibrous material that can rapidly transport
fluid and not collapse upon being wetted so that the acquisition
layer can effectively acquire and distribute second and successive
fluids.
[0065] The acquisition layer can be made from any materials which
have fluid transportation functions known in the art. The
acquisition layer may, for example, be comprised of woven, nonwoven
or tissue materials. The fibers or other components of these
materials may be synthetic or natural, or partially synthetic and
partially natural. Suitable synthetic fibers include polyester,
polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon, viscous rayon, or cellulose
acetate fibers. Suitable natural fibers include cotton, cellulose,
or other natural fibers.
[0066] In one preferred embodiment, the acquisition layer is an air
laid tissue material which is available from Concert GmbH,
Falkenhagen, Germany under Code No. GH082. In another preferred
embodiment, the acquisition layer is a hydrophilic spunbonded
nonwoven material of polyethylene, which is available from
BBA/Linotec, Aschersleben, Germany, under Code No. Corolind HDPE
T27 AXC.
[0067] The absorbent core 50 is capable of receiving, absorbing or
retaining body fluids discharged. The absorbent core 50 is
preferably compressible, conformable, and non-irritating to the
wearer's skin. The absorbent core 50 can be formed by a single
layer material or a plurality layers of materials. The absorbent
core may include any of a wide variety of liquid-absorbent
materials commonly used in absorbent articles, such as
comminuted-wood pulp, which is generally referred to as airfelt.
Examples of other suitable absorbent materials for use in the
absorbent core include creped cellulose wadding; meltblown polymers
including coform; chemically stiffened, modified or cross-linked
cellulosic fibers; synthetic fibers such as crimped polyester
fibers; peat moss; tissue including tissue wraps and tissue
laminates; absorbent foams; absorbent sponges; absorbent gelling
materials; or any equivalent material or combinations of materials,
or mixtures of these. In one preferred embodiment, the absorbent
core is an air laid tissue material.
[0068] In a preferred embodiment, the absorbent core 50 preferably
comprises a multi-bonded air laid nonwoven material. In this
embodiment, this multi-bonded air laid nonwoven material comprises
about 52% cellulose fibers, about 20% bi-component fibers, about
25% superabsorbent hydrogel-forming material (or absorbent gelling
material) particles, and about 3% latex binder. The absorbent core
50 preferably has a basis weight of about 150 g/m2, including the
particles of absorbent gelling material. Preferably, this
multi-bonded air laid nonwoven absorbent core 50 is formed by
depositing three streams of cellulose and bi-component fibers, with
absorbent gelling material particles laid down with the last stream
of fibers to form the bottom portion of the absorbent core. A
preferred multi-bonded air laid nonwoven material is obtained in
roll form from BBA (China) Airlaid Co. Ltd., Tianjin, China, under
the code No. B888.M.150S17.
[0069] In a preferred embodiment, the garment facing surface 24 of
the absorbent core 50 is covered with an color insulation layer
(not shown in Figs.) which has a low light transmittance.
Preferably, the color insulation layer is an additional later which
is disposed between the absorbent core 50 and the garment
contacting layer 40 (not shown in Figs.). The use of the color
insulation layer is particularly preferred in the embodiment where
the garment contacting layer 40 has a high second light
transmittance (LT2) since the color insulation layer can hide the
body fluids which are absorbed by the absorbent core 50 and may be
seen by users through the garment contacting layer 40. Preferred
materials for the color insulation layer include, but not limited
to, a thin plastic film, a nonwoven web and a tissue (or other
paper material). One preferred material for the color insulation
layer is an air laid tissue material which is mixed with a titanium
dioxide.
[0070] The absorbent core 50 is preferably joined with the body
contacting layer 30, the garment contacting layer 40, or both in
any manner as is known by attachment means such as those well known
in the art. The garment contacting layer 40 and/or the body
contacting layer 30 may be joined to the absorbent core 50 or to
each other by a uniform continuous layer of adhesive, a patterned
layer of adhesive, or an array of separate lines, spirals, or spots
of adhesive.
[0071] The sanitary napkins 20 and 21 can generally have any
thickness including relatively thick, intermediate thickness,
relatively thin, or even very thin (or "ultra thin"). Preferred
"ultra-thin" sanitary napkins which preferably have a caliper of
less than about 3 mm are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,950,264 and
5,009,653 issued to Osborn. The embodiments of the sanitary napkins
20 and 21 shown in FIGS. 1-4 are examples of an ultra-thin sanitary
napkin. The sanitary napkins 20 and 21 may also be relatively
flexible, so that they are comfortable for the wearer.
[0072] In a preferred embodiment, in particular for a thicker
sanitary napkin, the body contacting layer 30 and the absorbent
core 50 can be provided with embossed channels. The pattern of
embossed channels typically include a continuous line(s) which can
be straight and/or curved. The embossed channels can have any
pattern known in the art. One preferred pattern of embossed
channels is shown by the reference numbers 80 and 82 in FIG. 1.
Other preferred embossed channels are disclosed in, for example,
U.S. Pat. No. 5,795,345 issued to Mizutani et al. on Aug. 18, 1998;
GB 2345449 B issued on May 9, 2001; and WO 96/07674 issued on Mar.
23, 1995.
[0073] Additionally or in an alternative preferred embodiment, the
body contacting layer 30 is joined to the absorbent core 50 (or the
secondary topsheet if exists) by a fusion bond (i.e., an
application of heatpressure). The pattern of the fusion bond can
include a continuous line(s) and/or a number of discrete portion of
fusion bonds. Any pattern known in the art can be applied. One
preferred pattern of fusion bond is also shown by the reference
numbers 80 and 82 in FIG. 1.
[0074] The fusion bond can be accomplished by heat and/or pressure
bonds, ultrasonic bonds, dynamic mechanical bonds, and the like.
Pressure can be applied in any suitable manner, such as by moving
the components to be bonded between counter-rotating rolls, placing
the materials oh an anvil and forcing a platen down on the
materials, applying vacuum pressure, and the like. A preferred
design for the fusion bond is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,231,555
B1 issued to Lynard et al. on May 15, 2001.
[0075] The garment facing surface 24 of the sanitary napkin 20 (or
the garment contacting layer 40) preferably includes fasteners for
attaching the sanitary napkin 20 to the wearer's undergarment. Such
fasteners include a central pad fastener 70 and a flap fastener 46.
The central pad fastener 70 is adapted to secure the sanitary
napkin 20 to the crotch region of an undergarment. Any types of
fasteners known in the art, such as adhesive fasteners and
mechanical fasteners can be used. A preferred central pad fastener
70 is a pressure-sensitive adhesive. In a preferred embodiment, the
central pad fastener 70 includes a pair of spaced apart
longitudinally-oriented strips or zones of adhesive that are
centered about the longitudinal centerline L (not shown in
Figs.).
[0076] The garment facing surface of the flaps 44, adjacent the
distal edges of the flaps 44, is preferably provided with a flap
fastener 46. The flap fastener 46 is used to assist in maintaining
the flaps 44 in position after they are wrapped around the edge of
the crotch portion of the undergarment. A preferred flap fastener
46 is a pressure-sensitive adhesive. The flaps 44 can be maintained
in position by attaching the flaps 44 to the undergarment, or to
the opposing flap.
[0077] The adhesive fasteners 70 and 46 are respectively covered by
removable release liners, i.e., a central pad release liner 72 and
a flap release liner 48. These release liners 72 and 48 are
provided to protect the adhesive fasteners 70 and 46 before use.
They also prevent the adhesive fasteners 70 and 46 from sticking to
extraneous surfaces prior to use.
[0078] The sanitary napkin 20 is preferably wrapped by a wrapper
sheet (not shown in Figs.). The wrapper sheet can be made from any
suitable material. The wrapper sheet is preferably manufactured
from a thin flexible material which is liquid impermeable so that
the wrapper sheet will be suitable for wrapping and disposing of a
used sanitary napkin 20. Preferred wrapper sheet materials include
a polyethylene film and a nonwoven web. A preferred design for
sanitary napkins is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,074,376 issued to
Mills on Jun. 13, 2000.
[0079] Preferably, in the embodiments where the graphic 65 can be
seen through the garment contacting layer 40, the wrapper sheet
preferably has a light transmittance so that the graphic 65 can
also be seen through both the garment contacting layer 40 and the
wrapper sheet. In order to make the graphic be effectively seen,
the material used for the wrapper sheet needs to have an
appropriate range of light transmittance. In a preferred
embodiment, the light transmittance of the wrapper sheet is at
least about 10%, preferably in a range of about 45-100%, and more
preferably in a range of about 80-100%. However, it is generally
expected that the soiled sanitary napkin after use is wrapped by
the wrapper-sheet and then disposed. In order to prevent the body
fluids absorbed by the soiled napkin from being seen through the
wrapper sheet, the light transmittance of the wrapper sheet needs
to be less than about 95%, preferably about 90%. Thus, there is a
trade-off on the light transmittance of the wrapper sheet. In one
preferred embodiment, the wrapper sheet is a
spunbonded-meltblown-spunbonded (SMS) nonwoven which is available
form Toray Saehan Inc., Korea, under Code No. SH-SMS 15 gms. The
light transmittance of this wrapper sheet is about 88%.
[0080] Preferably, sanitary napkins (each wrapped by the wrapper
sheet) 20 or 21 are stacked, compressed and contained in a package
such as a bag of polymeric film which preferably has a transparent
portion(s) (or window(s)) showing the graphic 65 of the sanitary
napkins therethough. A graphic(s) common to the graphic 65 is
preferably printed on the bag, thus users (or consumers) can see
the common graphics on the bag and the sanitary napkins through the
transparent portion(s).
[0081] Test Methods
[0082] This section describes one preferred method for determining
the light transmittance and the Hunter Lab Total Color Difference
(HLTCD) of a sanitary napkin. It should be noted that other method
known in the art for determining the light transmittance and/or the
HLTCD can be applicable.
[0083] I. Light Transmittance (LT)
[0084] A light transmittance analyzer is preferably used for
determining the light transmittance of a sample sheet material. A
preferred light transmittance analyzer is available from Nomura
Shoji Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, under Trade Name "Formation Tester"
and Code No. FMT-2000. This light transmittance analyzer includes a
light source which has a Halogen lamp (12V, 75W), a sample holder
table having an open window, a CCD camera (256.times.243 pixels),
and a computer. The light source is placed away from one side of
the sample holder table, while the CCD camera is placed away from
the other side of the sample holder table. The distance between the
lens of the CCD camera and the sample holder table is about 415 mm.
The open area of the window is adjusted so that its effective open
area has a square of 40.times.45 mm.
[0085] In the measurement, the Halogen lamp turns on. When no
sample sheet material is held by the sample holder table, the
reference light volume (Vr) is measured by the CCD camera and
recorded by the computer. A sample sheet material is held by the
sample holder table so that it receives the light irradiated from
the Halogen lamp in the effective open area. The light passes
through the sample sheet material and reaches the CCD camera. The
sample light volume (Vs) is then measured by each pixel of the CCD
camera and recorded by the computer. This process is repeated for
one sample sheet material at least three times and the average
values of the light volumes (Vrav and Vsav) are calculated and
recorded by the computer. The computer then calculates the light
transmittance (LT) by the following formula:
LT=(Vsav/Vrav).times.100(%) (1)
[0086] II. Hunter Lab Total Color Difference (HLTCD)
[0087] A calorimeter is preferably used for determining the HLTCD
of a sample material. A preferred calorimeter is available from
Hunter Associates Laboratory, VA, US, under Trade Name "ColorQuest
45/0" and Code No. DP-9000. The measurement and calculation for the
HLTCD is based on the condition which is defined by International
Commission on Illumination (CIE) and registered as ASTM Method
E308, wherein Observer 2.degree., Illuminant C, and a sample
(circle) diameter of 1 inch.
[0088] This calorimeter includes a light source for Illuminant C
(i.e., an approximation of average daylight having a correlated
color temperature of about 6770 K), a sample holder, a photo
detector which includes a multi-celled photo-detector diode array,
and a computer.
[0089] In the measurement, a sample material is held on the sample
holder. The sample material is illuminated by the light source with
an incident angle of about 45.degree.. The reflection light which
is reflected from the sample material is received by the photo
detector. The reflection light detected by the photo detector is
converted to a lightness (L), a redness-greenness (a) and an
yellowness-blueness (b) in response to the reflection light.
[0090] This measurement is conducted on each of two sample
materials or two portions of one material to be compared by the
above process. Thus, two sets of photo data (L1, a1, b1) and (L2,
a2, b2) are obtained. These data are obtained as average data by
repeating the above measurement at least three times for one
material (or one portion). The HLTCD (.DELTA.E) is then obtained by
the following formulas:
.DELTA.L=L1-L2 (2)
.DELTA.a=a1-a2 (3)
.DELTA.b=b1-b2 (4)
.DELTA.E={square root}(.DELTA.L2+.DELTA.a2+.DELTA.b2) (5)
[0091] These data are calculated and recorded by the computer.
EXAMPLES
[0092] Table I shows data of the light transmittance obtained from
sample materials (Sample Nos. 1-7) which can be used for both the
body contacting layer 30 and the garment contacting layer 40.
1TABLE 1 Sample No. Material Code No. Supplier LT 1 PE film
TF-FC-0001 (8 Thong Fook 9.8 piles) Plastics Ind. 2 PE film
TF-FC-0001 Thonk Fook 47.3 Plastics Ind. 3 PE film DH215 white 73
Glopay Plastic 69.4 Products Com- pany 4 PE film X-27121 Tredegar
Film 73.4 Products 5 PP SMS SH-SMS 15 gsm Toray Saehan Inc. 88.4
nonwoven 6 PP/PE bico LB7120 Chisso Corpora- 90.1 spunbond tion
nonwoven 7 PE film TF-FC-0003 Thong Fook 96.5 Plastics Ind.
[0093] Table II shows sample materials (Sample Nos. 11-15) which
are used for the HLTCD measurement. It should be noted that Sample
No. 11 is preferably used for the absorbent core 50, Sample Nos. 12
and 13 are preferably used for the garment contacting layer 40, and
Sample Nos. 14 and 15 are preferably used for the graphic
protection layer 34. However, it should also be noted that Samples
Nos. 12-15 can be used for any layer of the body contacting layer
30, the graphic protection layer 34 and the garment contacting
layer 40, if desired.
2TABLE II Sample No. Material Code No. Supplier 11 Multi-bonded
B888.M.150S17 BBA (China) Air- air laid non- laid Company Ltd.
woven absorb. core 12 PE film TF-FC-0001 Thong Fook Plastics Ind.
13 PE film X-27121 Tredegar Film Pro- ducts 14 PP/PE bico LB7120
Chisso Corporation spunbond non- woven 15 PP/PE bico LB7160 Chisso
Corporation spunbond non- woven
[0094] Table III shows data of the HLTCD obtained from some
combinations (i.e., Sample Nos. 21-24) of the sample materials in
Table II. It should be noted that these combinations show preferred
examples for the absorbent core 50 and the body contacting layer
30.
3TABLE III Sample No. Core Region Outer Region HLTCD (.DELTA.E) 21
Sample Nos. 11 and 13* Sample No. 12 14.4 22 Sample Nos. 11 and 13*
Sample No. 15 28.8 23 Sample Nos. 11 and 13* Sample No. 14 49.5 24
Sample Nos. 11 and 12* Sample No. 14 50.1 *note: Sample No. 11 is
disposed beneath the other sample material.
[0095] It is understood that the examples and embodiments described
herein are for illustrative purpose only and that various
modifications or changes will be suggested to one skilled in the
art without departing from the scope of the present invention.
* * * * *