Method Of Creating Conforming Features In An Absorbent Article

Abstract

A method of making a disposable absorbent article with a plurality of conforming features is described. The conforming features may be provided to the absorbent article in a variety of zones to allow for customizable conformance in particular regions of the absorbent article. And, the provision of these zones can also allow for customizable fluid kinetics in particular regions of the absorbent article.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention pertains to a method of creating conforming features in an absorbent article allowing for greater conformance of the absorbent article.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Absorbent articles are widely used among consumers, e.g. diapers, training pants, feminine pads, adult incontinence pads, etc. Generally, absorbent articles such as these comprise a topsheet and a backsheet, with an absorbent core disposed therebetween. Some may include additional layers between the topsheet and the absorbent core or between the backsheet and the absorbent core to provide additional fluid management properties.[0003]In general, the absorbent articles are expected to absorb liquid insults transferring the liquid from the point of insult on the topsheet to the absorbent core. And, once the liquid insults are absorbed, the absorbent article is expected to limit the amount of liquid which escapes the absorbent core and rewets the topsheet. For the acquisit...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present patent relates to improving the transfer of fluid between layers in absorbent articles. The invention provides methods for creating absorbent articles with better fluid management and comfortable fit. The article has a topsheet, absorbent core, and backsheet, and a long fiber network is created between the layers. The article also has conforming features in the topsheet and absorbent core. The invention allows for improved fluid transfer and comfort for the wearer.

Problems solved by technology

However, variables affecting acquisition speed can be diametrically opposed to rewet performance.

So, while good liquid acquisition can be achieved by making the topsheet hydrophilic so that fluid quickly passes through, the topsheet then typically suffers from poor rewet performance.

Apertures can be utilized to provide better fluid acquisition times; however, with viscous fluids, e.g. menstrual fluid, the apertures may provide little solace due to Boyd viscosity void gap, i.e., the fluid bridges the aperture rather than draining through the aperture.

However, such densification measures can also be problematic as the denser topsheet is stiffer to the consumer and may create discomfort during use.

Additionally, the densified topsheet may not drain efficiently due to the disruption of a capillarity cascade, i.e. each layer has a higher capillarity need than the layer above it to drain it.

Additionally, if the proposed improvements are not carried out properly, an increase in the likelihood of rewet and / or leakage with the absorbent article may occur.

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