Absorbent products with channel forming area and shielding layer

Abstract

The present invention relates to an absorbent article (20) comprising a liquid-permeable top sheet (24), a bottom sheet (26), and an absorbent core (28) comprising an absorbent material (60) and a core envelope (16, 16'). The core includes at least one channel forming region (56) substantially free of absorbent material. The article includes a masking layer (70) between the bottom side of the core envelope and the bottom sheet. The masking layer (70) and the bottom side (16') of the core envelope are partially bonded to each other only at their interface (100), which thus includes a bonded portion (110-114) and an unbonded portion (120), wherein the channel forming region at least partially corresponds to the unbonded portion (120) of the interface (110), such that the masking layer can detach from the three-dimensional channel when the absorbent material expands.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to personal hygiene absorbent articles, such as diapers, comprising at least one channel forming area in an absorbent core and a masking layer between a backing and the absorbent core. Background Technology

[0002] Millions of people use disposable personal hygiene absorbent products such as baby diapers, training pants, and adult incontinence products daily to receive and retain urine and feces. These absorbent products typically consist of a liquid-permeable topsheet facing the wearer's body, a liquid-impermeable bottomsheet facing outwards, and an absorbent core inserted between the topsheet and bottomsheet. The absorbent core comprises layers of absorbent material typically sandwiched between the top and bottom sides of the core wrapper. The core wrapper typically comprises a single nonwoven material folded onto the absorbent material, or two discrete layers of nonwoven material forming the top and bottom sides of the core wrapper and joined at their longitudinal edges. Other common components of such absorbent products include fluid collection and dispensing layers, inner and outer barrier leg cuffs, elastic waistbands, urine indicators, etc.

[0003] An absorbent core comprising one or more channel-forming regions, which are substantially free of absorbent material within an absorbent material layer and form three-dimensional channels upon expansion of the absorbent material. The top and bottom sides of the core package can be bonded together through these non-absorbent material regions to provide channel bonding. These bonds also remain at least partially bonded during use as the absorbent material expands, thus providing more durable three-dimensional channels. Exemplary disclosures of such non-absorbent material regions can be found in WO2012 / 170,778 (Rosati et al.) and US2012 / 0312,491 (Jackels et al.).

[0004] The layers forming an absorbent article are typically glued together on their common surface. WO2012 / 170341 (Hippe et al.) discloses a disposable diaper with an absorbent core that is attached to the film only in certain attachment areas to reduce transparency and the formation of tension lines on the film. The absorbent core may include a channel-forming area outside the attachment area.

[0005] A masking layer, at least partially disposed between the absorbent core and the backing sheet, has been disclosed in several patent publications. US5,176,672 discloses a diaper or absorbent article comprising a top sheet, a backing sheet, and an absorbent body having pores therein to receive bodily excrement and isolate it from the wearer. The intermediate layer is positioned at the base of the absorbent pores and generally on top of the backing sheet. The intermediate layer helps prevent feces from being exposed through the top sheet. More recently, WO2019 / 241,009A1 (P&G, Tally et al.) discloses that a masking material can help improve the softness of the absorbent material by masking the potential gritty texture of the superabsorbent material in the absorbent material layer. The masking layer may form a lower base of the core wrapper, or the masking layer may be a discrete layer disposed between the core wrapper and the backing sheet.

[0006] It has now been found that the presence of channels can remain highly visible to the user of the product through the film, even when the film is not attached to the absorbent core in the area of ​​the channel. The film is typically a low-basicity, highly flexible material that can easily deform and conform to the contours of the three-dimensional channel. This can lead the user to believe that the absorbent core is under strain and needs replacement, even when the product's absorbent capacity is far from exhausted.

[0007] Therefore, it is necessary to effectively hide the three-dimensional channels from the film side of the product in an economical way. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The invention relates in a first aspect to an absorbent article as indicated in the claims and further detailed in the description below. The absorbent article comprises a liquid-permeable top sheet, a bottom sheet, and an absorbent core, the absorbent core comprising absorbent material sandwiched between the top and bottom sides of the core envelope. The absorbent core includes at least one channel-forming region that is substantially free of absorbent material and forms a three-dimensional channel upon expansion of the absorbent material within the core.

[0009] According to the invention, the absorbent article includes a masking layer between a core-encapsulated bottom layer and a film, wherein the masking layer and the core-encapsulated bottom layer are only partially bonded to each other. Therefore, the interface between the masking layer and the core-encapsulated bottom layer includes an adhesive portion where the layers are bonded to each other and an unbonded portion where the masking layer is not bonded to the core-encapsulated layer. These two layers are preferably bonded together in the adhesive portion. The channel-forming region at least partially corresponds to the unbonded portion of the interface, such that when the absorbent material expands, the masking layer can effectively detach from the three-dimensional channel, and thus the channel is hidden from the view of the film on the article examined by a caregiver.

[0010] The bonding portion may specifically include a longitudinally extending central region that at least partially overlaps with the longitudinal centerline of the article. The bonding portion may also include one or more corner bonding areas or lateral bonding areas that are respectively disposed adjacent to any or all corners or front and rear edges of the interface between the masking layer and the bottom side of the core wrapper. This provides increased lateral flexibility of the article in the crotch area, while providing stable masking layer anchorage in the front and rear areas of the article.

[0011] The masking layer of the present invention is particularly useful when the top and bottom sides of the core package are bonded to each other in the channel forming region, because these bonded channels maintain the three-dimensional structure of the channels over a longer service life than unbonded channels.

[0012] The masking layer may have a total surface area that is the same as or smaller than that of the core wrapping. The masking layer may have a basis weight that is at least equal to and generally higher than that of the core wrapping layer. The masking layer may be advantageously configured such that it covers selected areas of the absorbent core, particularly the crotch area of ​​the absorbent article, rather than completely covering the absorbent core.

[0013] According to another option, at least 50% of the surface of the masking layer may be directly or indirectly bonded to the substrate, especially in the area vertically corresponding to the channel forming area.

[0014] In addition to providing an improved appearance of the absorbent article, partial adhesion of the masking layer was found to provide improved flexibility of the article in the lateral direction.

[0015] This aspect and other aspects and advantages of the invention will be better understood by referring to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specifically indicated, any preferred and advantageous aspects of the invention described in the following description and drawings do not limit the scope of the claims. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a view of an exemplary absorbent article in the form of an adhesive diaper, with some layers partially removed to reveal the interior of the diaper.

[0017] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 An exploded view of the components of a diaper.

[0018] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The transverse cross-section of a diaper when it is dry.

[0019] Figure 4 The diagram schematically shows the same cross-section after the core has absorbed the liquid.

[0020] Figure 5The masking layer and adhesive portion are shown, wherein the core encapsulation consists of longitudinally extending single strips and the outline of channel-forming regions.

[0021] Figures 6 to 12 Alternative bonding patterns and / or channel shapes are shown.

[0022] Figure 13 A series of adhesive slots are schematically shown.

[0023] Figure 14 A series of adhesive spirals are schematically shown.

[0024] Figure 15 A schematic setup for conducting a horizontal bending drop test is shown.

[0025] Figure 16 Different bond patterns measured in the stiffness measurement section below are shown.

[0026] Figures 17 to 20 The masking layer that overlaps with a portion of the film and the different bonding patterns between the two layers are shown, including the location of the channel forming region in the absorbent core;

[0027] Figure 21 The crotch area of ​​the diaper is shown in comparison after it has absorbed liquid;

[0028] Figure 22 It shows that in relation to Figure 21 The appearance of the diaper according to the invention under the same conditions. Detailed Implementation

[0029] definition

[0030] As used herein, “absorbent articles” refers to personal hygiene products placed close to or adjacent to the wearer’s body to absorb and contain any bodily discharge. As used herein, the term “bodily discharge” includes, but is not limited to, urine, blood, vaginal secretions, and feces. Absorbent articles specifically include adhesive and trouser-type baby diapers (referred to herein as diapers), training pants, replaceable inserts placed within washable covers, adult incontinence underwear, feminine hygiene products, etc.

[0031] As used herein, “diaper” refers to an absorbent material typically worn by infants and incontinent individuals around the lower body to encircle the wearer’s waist and legs and is particularly well-suited for receiving and containing urine and feces. As used herein, the term “diaper” includes adhesive diapers and trouser diapers as defined below.

[0032] "Pants" refers to a disposable garment, such as underwear, with pre-formed waist and leg openings. Pants are positioned on the wearer by inserting their legs into the leg openings and pulling the pants down to the appropriate position around the wearer's lower body. The waist and leg openings are pre-formed using any suitable technique, including but not limited to using re-fastening and / or non-re-fastening adhesives (e.g., seams, welds, adhesives, glue bonds, fasteners, etc.) to join the parts of the garment together. Pants can be pre-formed at any location along the perimeter of the garment (e.g., side-fastening, front-fastening). While the term "pants" is used herein, pants are also commonly referred to as "closed diapers," "pre-fastened diapers," "over-the-top diapers," "training pants," and "diaper pants."

[0033] "Adhesive diapers" refer to absorbent articles that include fastening straps in the rear half of the product, which can be repeatedly fastened to the landing area, usually located at the front of the diaper, to form waist and leg openings. Such adhesive diapers are exemplified by... Figure 1 As shown in the image.

[0034] As used herein, “nonwoven fabric” refers to a manufactured sheet, web, or layer of fibers bonded together by friction and / or cohesion and / or adhesion, either oriented or randomly oriented, excluding paper and yarns or filaments bound together by weaving, braiding, tufting, stitching, or felting, whether or not they are additionally sewn. These fibers may be of natural or man-made origin and may be short fibers, continuous filaments, or fibers formed in situ. Commercially available fibers range in diameter from less than 0.001 mm to greater than 0.2 mm and come in several different forms: short fibers (called chopped yarns or short-staple fibers), continuous monofilaments (filaments or monofilaments), untwisted continuous filament bundles (tows), and twisted continuous filament bundles (yarns). Nonwoven fabrics can be formed by a variety of methods such as meltblowing, spunbonding, solution spinning, electrospinning, and carding. The basis weight of nonwoven fabrics is typically expressed in grams per square meter (gsm).

[0035] "Single-component" refers to fibers formed from a single polymer component or a single blend of polymer components, as distinguished from bicomponent or multicomponent fibers.

[0036] "Bibliographic fiber" refers to a fiber having a cross-section comprising two discrete polymer components, a blend of two discrete polymer components, or a blend of one discrete polymer component and another discrete polymer component. "Bibliographic fiber" is encompassed within the term "multicomponent fiber." Bicomponent fibers may have an overall cross-section divided into two sub-sections of any shape or arrangement having different components, including, for example, concentric core-skin sub-sections, eccentric core-skin sub-sections, parallel sub-sections, radial sub-sections, etc.

[0037] "Multicomponent fiber" includes, but is not limited to, "bicomponent fiber". Multicomponent fiber may have an overall cross-section that is divided into sub-sections of any shape or arrangement with different components, including, for example, coaxial sub-sections, concentric core-skin sub-sections, eccentric core-skin sub-sections, parallel sub-sections, island-type sub-sections, fan-shaped sub-sections, etc.

[0038] As used herein, “comprise”, “comprising” and “comprises” are open-ended terms, each specifying the presence of the following content such as a component, but not excluding the presence of other features such as elements, steps or components known in the art or disclosed herein.

[0039] As used herein, “consistently made of…” limits the scope of the subject matter (such as that described in the claims) to the specified materials or steps, and to materials or steps that do not substantially affect the essential and novel features of the subject matter. The term “consisting of…” further limits the scope to the specified elements, steps, or components.

[0040] As used herein, “substantially” means generally identical or uniform, but allows for or has minor fluctuations from defined properties, specifications, etc. For example, small measurable or non-measurable fluctuations in the measured properties described herein (such as viscosity, melting point, etc.) may be caused by human error or methodological precision. Other fluctuations are caused by inherent variations in the manufacturing process, the thermal history of the formulation, etc. Nevertheless, the compositions of the present invention will be considered to substantially possess the reported properties.

[0041] "Longitudinal" and "lateral" refer to directions parallel to the longitudinal centerline 80° and the lateral centerline 90°, respectively. "Longitudinal extension" means extending at least twice as far in the longitudinal direction as in the lateral direction, particularly substantially parallel to or parallel to the longitudinal centerline. "lateral extension" means extending at least twice as far in the lateral direction as in the longitudinal direction, particularly substantially parallel to or parallel to the lateral centerline.

[0042] Figure 1 General description of exemplary diapers

[0043] Figure 1 This is a top plan view of an exemplary diaper 20 stretched in a flat state, with portions of the diaper cut off to show the diaper's construction more clearly. The diaper 20 is shown for illustrative purposes only, as the structure of the invention can be incorporated into a wide variety of diapers or other absorbent articles such as trousers.

[0044] The absorbent article includes a top sheet 24, a bottom sheet 26, and an absorbent core comprising an absorbent material layer 60 positioned between the top sheet 24 and the bottom sheet 26. The liquid-impermeable bottom sheet 26 prevents fluid absorbed in the core from leaking out through the garment-facing side of the article. As is known in the art, the bottom sheet typically includes a liquid-impermeable membrane for its fluid-barrier function and may optionally have an outer nonwoven overlay layer laminated on its exterior to provide a softer feel.

[0045] The absorbent material 60 can absorb and contain the liquid received by the absorbent article and is sandwiched between the top side 16 and the bottom side 16' (referred to herein as the core wrapper). The core wrapper may be made of a single substrate such as a nonwoven layer or a thin paper layer, or the top and bottom sides of the core wrapper may each be primarily formed of separate substrate layers, such as... Figure 2 As shown. The absorbent material 60 and the core wrappers 16, 16' together form the absorbent core 28. The absorbent article of the present invention further includes a masking layer 70 disposed between the substrate 26 and the bottom side 16' of the core wrapper.

[0046] Absorbent articles may also include upright barrier leg cuffs 34 (also known as inner leg cuffs) and elasticated liner cuffs 32 (also known as outer leg cuffs). Furthermore, absorbent articles may include fastening systems, such as adhesive fastening systems or hook-and-loop fastening components, which include tape tabs 42 disposed on the rear ear flap 40, such as adhesive tape tabs or tape tabs including hook elements, and can be releasably fastened to a landing area 44 disposed at the front of the article (e.g., a nonwoven mesh providing loops in a hook-and-loop fastening system). Adhesive diapers typically also include a normally non-stretchable front ear flap 46, which differs from the normally, but not necessarily, stretchable rear ear flap 40. Although in Figure 1 The invention illustrates adhesive diapers, but it is certainly applicable to trouser diapers as well. Trouser diapers, or more generally trouser articles, have pre-sewn waist and leg openings, thus eliminating the need for fastening systems as known in the art.

[0047] The absorbent article has a longitudinal center line 80, which is an imaginary line dividing the length of the diaper into left and right halves. When the absorbent article is laid flat, its length is measured along the longitudinal center line, where all elastic lines that hinder the flattened configuration (such as leg elastics) are cut and thus deelasticated. It can be similarly laid flat on a surface after the side seams of a trouser-type article are opened. The length of the article is adapted to the intended wearer; for example, the length of the article may be in the range of 200mm to 600mm. The transverse center line 90 is an imaginary line perpendicular to the longitudinal line 80 in the plane of the flattened article and passes through the middle of the length of the article. The absorbent article can also be conceptually divided into a front waist area 36, ​​a back waist area 38 opposite to the front waist area 36, ​​and a crotch area 37 located between the front waist area 36 and the back waist area 38. The front waist area and the back waist area have the same length in opposite longitudinal directions. The crotch area, the first waist area, and the second waist area each constitute 1 / 3 of the absorbent article along the longitudinal center line. The periphery of the diaper 20 is defined by the outer edge of the diaper. The longitudinal edge 13 of the diaper may extend approximately parallel to the longitudinal center line 80 of the diaper 20, and the front waist edge 10 and the back waist edge 12 extend approximately parallel to the transverse center line 90 between the longitudinal edges.

[0048] The front earpiece 46 and / or the rear earpiece 40 may be separate components attached to the base structure of the absorbent article, or alternatively formed from portions of the top and / or bottom pieces, such that these portions form all or part of the front and / or rear earpieces. Moreover, the aforementioned combination is possible, such that the front and / or rear earpieces 46, 40 are formed from portions of the top and / or bottom pieces, while additional material is attached to form the overall front and / or rear earpieces.

[0049] The topsheet 24 is the portion of the absorbent article 20 that comes into contact with the wearer's skin. The topsheet is liquid-permeable, allowing liquid bodily effluents to easily pass through its thickness. Typical topsheets are made of nonwoven materials or open-cell plastic films and may include synthetics of natural fibers (e.g., wood fibers or cotton fibers). The topsheet may be open-cell or non-open-cell and may have any suitable three-dimensional feature structure, and / or may have multiple embossings (e.g., adhesive patterns). Any portion of the topsheet may be coated with a skin-care composition, antibacterial agent, surfactant, and / or other beneficial agents. The topsheet may be hydrophilic or hydrophobic or may have hydrophilic and / or hydrophobic portions or layers. If the topsheet is hydrophobic, pores will typically be present to allow bodily effluents to pass through it.

[0050] The backing sheet typically constitutes all or part of the clothing-facing side of the absorbent article. The backing sheet prevents or at least inhibits the soiling of articles, such as sheets, underwear, and / or clothing, by bodily effluent absorbed and contained in the absorbent material layer 60. The backing sheet 26 typically comprises a liquid-impermeable membrane 26 and optionally an outer nonwoven cover laminated thereon. Thermoplastic films, for example, can typically have a thickness of about 0.01 mm to about 0.1 mm. Plastic films can be breathable and allow vapors to escape from the absorbent article while still preventing bodily effluent from passing through the backing sheet, as known in the art. Breathable backing sheets can have a thickness greater than 150 μm. 3 / m 2 / min or 200m 3 / m 2 / min to 800m 3 / m 2 / min of air permeability, as determined by the air permeability test method described below.

[0051] The backing sheet may also include an outer cover, which is a nonwoven material adhesively laminated onto the backing sheet 26 and covers the garment-facing side of the backing sheet. The nonwoven material of the backing sheet outer cover may include adhesive patterns, perforations, and / or three-dimensional features as known in the art. These backing sheet outer covers typically cover the entire backing sheet and have a relatively low basis weight of less than 20 g / m² (e.g., 6 g / m² to 16 g / m²). In some diapers, the front and back sides of the diaper are not sealed, allowing the user to access the inside of the backing sheet. These diapers may also include an inner nonwoven cover, which is a nonwoven material laminated onto the inside of the backing sheet. These backing sheet outer covers typically cover almost the entire backing sheet to which they are fully adhesively bonded and have a basis weight of less than 20 g / m². 2 (For example, 6g / m 2 Up to 16g / m 2 The relatively low basis weight of the film is considered part of the film rather than a masking layer according to the invention.

[0052] Absorbent articles typically include a fluid collection layer 52 or a fluid collection system comprising several layers between a top sheet and an absorbent core. The fluid collection layer can be a nonwoven material that allows fluid to be quickly drawn from the top sheet and redistributed onto the absorbent core. The collection layer can have any suitable size and can be smaller, larger, or the same size as the absorbent material layer 60 of the absorbent core 28 (e.g., when the diaper is...). Figure 1(As shown in the flattened view). The collection layer is typically hydrophilic, as defined by a contact angle of less than 90° with deionized water at 22°C, and typically less than 70°. A typical collection layer is, for example, a breathable bonded carded nonwoven fabric with a basis weight of 20 gsm to 100 gsm, or alternatively 30 gsm to 80 gsm. Such a collection layer is typically made of synthetic fibers that have been hydrophilically treated with surfactants, as is known in the art. The absorbent article may also include an additional distribution layer (not shown) between the collection layer 52 and the top side 16 of the absorbent core, such as a cross-linked cellulose fiber layer or a hydroentangled material layer as is known in the art.

[0053] Any component of the disposable absorbent articles of the present invention (i.e., diapers, trousers, sanitary napkins, panty liners, etc.) may be at least partially composed of biological contents as described in US2007 / 0219521A1, US2011 / 0139658A1, US2011 / 0139657A1, US2011 / 0152812A1, US2011 / 0139662A1, and US2011 / 0139659A1 (all by Hird et al.). These components include, but are not limited to, top sheet nonwoven fabric, bottom sheet membrane, bottom sheet nonwoven fabric, barrier leg cuff nonwoven fabric, superabsorbent material, upper and lower base layers, adhesive, fastener hooks and fastener landing area nonwoven fabric, and membrane matrix.

[0054] In addition, absorbent articles may include other known elements, such as a front elastic waistband and / or a rear elastic waistband, a wash applied to the body-facing surface of the top sheet, a urine indicator, etc. All these components have been described and illustrated in the art and will not be further detailed herein. More detailed disclosures of examples of such components are provided, for instance, in WO2014 / 93323, WO2015 / 183669 (both by Bianchi et al.), WO 2015 / 031225 (by Roe et al.), or WO2016 / 133712 (by Ehrnsperger et al.). Pants-style articles include a central base structure and elastic front and rear waistbands. The belts typically include laterally extending elastic threads sandwiched between two nonwoven layers, as known in the art. The base structure includes a top sheet, an absorbent core, and a bottom sheet, as well as a masking layer according to the invention, which may have a similar construction as described herein for adhesive diapers.

[0055] Multiple absorbent articles are typically packaged under compression in bags or boxes for transport and sale. The packaging may optionally have an in-bag stacking height of 70 mm to 110 mm (i.e., the total thickness of 10 optionally double-folded articles).

[0056] The top sheet 24, bottom sheet 26, absorbent core 28, and other article components can be assembled in a variety of well-known configurations, particularly by gluing, fusing, and / or pressure bonding. Some components of the absorbent article will now be described in more detail.

[0057] Absorber Core 28

[0058] The absorbent core 28 includes absorbent material 60 and is the component of the absorbent article with the greatest absorbency. The absorbent layer formed by the absorbent material 60 can have any shape, such as being generally rectangular or non-rectangular, for example, hourglass-shaped, having a tapering portion along its width toward the central region of the core (when viewed from the top, as shown in the image). Figure 1 (As shown). In this way, the absorbent layer can have a relatively narrow width in the area of ​​the core intended to be placed in the crotch area of ​​the absorbent article. This can provide, for example, better wearing comfort. Other shapes such as rectangles, "T" or "Y" or "dog bone" shapes can also be used for the area of ​​the absorbent material. This, of course, does not limit the scope of the invention, as the invention is applicable to a wide variety of absorbent cores.

[0059] When the two substrates 16, 16' are used to form a core encapsulation, they can be attached to each other at least longitudinally, for example as... Figure 3 The C-shaped package is shown (for simplicity, longitudinal seals such as adhesive bonding are not shown). Typically, the core package is roughly rectangular, as viewed from the top, even when the absorbent layer sandwiched within it is non-rectangular.

[0060] The absorbent material 60 can be any conventional absorbent material known in the art. For example, the absorbent material may comprise a blend of cellulose fibers and superabsorbent particles (“SAP”), typically with the SAP percentage ranging from 40% to 75% by weight of the absorbent material. The absorbent material layer 60 may also advantageously be cellulose fiber-free, as is known in so-called non-permeable cores (where the absorbent material consists of SAP). Non-permeable cores are typically much thinner than cores containing conventional cellulose fibers, and therefore may be particularly useful when combined with a collection layer made of a nonwoven fabric according to the invention.

[0061] As used herein, “superabsorbent polymer” or “SAP” refers to an absorbent material that is a cross-linked polymer capable of absorbing at least 10 times, preferably at least 15 times, its weight in an aqueous 0.9% saline solution, as measured using a centrifugal retention capacity (CRC) test (EDANA method NWSP 2410R2(19)). These polymers are typically used in particulate form to allow flowability in a dry state. The term “particle” refers to granules, fibers, flakes, spheres, powders, sheets, and other shapes and forms known to those skilled in the art of superabsorbent polymer particles.

[0062] Various absorbent core designs incorporating large amounts of SAP have been proposed in the past, see, for example, US5,599,335 (Goldman), EP1,447,066 (Busam), WO95 / 11652 (Tan-zer), US2008 / 0312622A1 (Hundorf), and WO2012 / 052172 (Van Malderen). In particular, SAP printing techniques such as those disclosed in US2006 / 024433 (Blessing), US2008 / 0312617, and US2010 / 0051166A1 (both granted to Hundorf et al.) can be used. However, the present invention is not limited to a particular type of absorbent core. The absorbent core may also include one or more adhesives, such as an auxiliary adhesive applied between the inner surface of one (or both) of the core-wrapping layer and the absorbent material, to reduce SAP leakage outside the core-wrapping layer. Microfiber adhesive meshes can also be used in cores without breathable felt, as described in the Hundorf reference above. For simplicity, these adhesives are not shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0063] Absorbent material can be deposited, for example, as a continuous layer between the top side 16 and the bottom side 16' of the core-encapsulated material. The core-encapsulated material typically has a basis weight of 6 g / m³. 2 With 25g / m 2 Between, preferably between 8g / m 2 With 20g / m 2 The core is composed of nonwoven materials. The core wrapping may include SMS material (spunbond-meltblown-spunbond laminate).

[0064] The absorbent material can also be discontinuous, for example, in the form of individual pits or strips of absorbent material encapsulated within a core and separated from each other by bonding regions without absorbent material. Continuous layers of absorbent material, particularly SAP, can also be obtained by combining two absorbent layers with matching patterns of discontinuous absorbent material application, wherein the resulting layers are distributed substantially continuously over regions of the absorbent particle polymer material. As taught, for example, in US2008 / 312,622A1 (Hundorf), each absorbent material layer can therefore include a pattern having absorbent material landing regions and bonding regions without absorbent material, wherein the absorbent material landing regions of the first layer substantially correspond to the bonding regions without absorbent material of the second layer, and vice versa.

[0065] Alternatively, the absorbent article may include a high-loft absorbent core (not shown in the figures). Such an absorbent core includes a liquid-permeable top layer, a bottom layer, and an intermediate layer between the top and bottom layers, wherein the intermediate layer is or includes a high-loft nonwoven layer such that superabsorbent particles are at least partially distributed within the pores of the high-loft nonwoven layer. The high-loft nonwoven material may be, for example, a carded fiber web comprising synthetic fibers with a basis weight of 10 gsm to 100 gsm. Examples of such high-loft cores are disclosed in WO2016 / 106,021A1 (Bianchi et al., P&G). The top and bottom layers may be nonwoven layers or paper layers and form the core envelope of the absorbent core. The absorbent core may also include another layer forming an outer envelope (typically a C-shaped envelope), such as a nonwoven material (SMS or other) surrounding the top, intermediate, and bottom layers, in which case the outer envelope forms the core envelope of the absorbent core.

[0066] The basis weight (amount deposited per unit surface area) of the absorbent material can also be varied to create an irregular distribution of the absorbent material, particularly in the longitudinal reverse direction, but also in the transverse direction or in both directions of the core, to provide greater absorbency toward the center and middle of the core.

[0067] The absorbent core includes one or more channel-forming regions 56 that are substantially free of absorbent material and at least partially surrounded by absorbent material. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specifically indicated, for simplicity, the plural form "region" means "one or more regions". The top side of the core envelope can be bonded to the bottom side through these non-absorbent material regions to provide permanent or semi-permanent channel bonding. These bonds also remain at least partially maintained during use as the absorbent material expands, thus providing a more durable three-dimensional channel. Permanent channel bonding, in particular, keeps the absorbent core substantially intact before it becomes saturated with urine. This is, for example, in… Figure 4 The diagram illustrates a channel 58 surrounded by an expanded absorbent material. Exemplary disclosures of such areas without absorbent material can be found in WO2012 / 170,778 (Rosati et al.) and US2012 / 031,2491 (Jackels et al.). At least some of the channel-forming regions may have a length, as measured in the longitudinal direction, that is at least 10% of the length L of the article, particularly 15% to 80% of the length L of the article. The channel-forming regions are generally present at least in the crotch area 37 of the article. The channel-forming regions may extend from the crotch area 37 into the front area 36 or into the rear area 38, or into both the front area 36 and the rear area 38. At least one or more channel-forming regions may extend longitudinally from the crotch area 37 of the article into the rear area 38 and the front area 36. In addition to the central channel-forming region present in the crotch area, the channel-forming regions may also include a front channel-forming region present in the front area.

[0068] Channels can improve the flexibility of the workpiece, especially in the lateral direction, as well as the collection speed in the core, because they can rapidly transport fluid toward the front and rear of the core.

[0069] The channel forming region 56 can have any shape. The channel forming region can be curved (e.g., as shown in the image). Figures 1 to 10 , Figure 12 (as shown), or it can be straight (e.g., as shown). Figure 11 (as shown), or it can be partially curved and partially straight, or have a U-shape (e.g., as shown). Figure 12 As shown, or peanut-shaped or dog-bone-shaped, etc. Various examples of channel-forming regions are disclosed, for example, in WO2018 / 210,752A1 and WO2018 / 210,754A1 (both granted to Drylock).

[0070] The absorbent article of the present invention includes a masking layer 70 disposed between the bottom side 16' of the core wrapper and the substrate 26. The masking layer may be a single layer or a laminate of two or more layers. The desired performance of such a masking layer and the bonding pattern between the masking layer and the absorbent core will be discussed further below.

[0071] Shielding layer 70

[0072] The absorbent article includes an intermediate masking layer 70 disposed between the absorbent core 28 and the substrate 26. The intermediate layer is typically a nonwoven material, but other materials such as films, foams, or any other suitable materials are not excluded. As viewed from the substrate of the article, the masking layer at least partially conceals the three-dimensional channels formed as the absorbent material expands.

[0073] The masking layer can also have other beneficial effects, such as isolating the SAP particles of the absorbent layer from the substrate, thereby improving the tactile properties of the garment on the clothing side, especially for absorbent cores that do not contain cellulose fibers. Examples of masking layer materials are disclosed in WO2019 / 241,009A1 (P&G, Tally et al.).

[0074] The masking layer can also be used to further isolate the exudate already absorbed in the absorbent core from the clothing-facing side of the garment, as this can be visually unpleasant for caregivers. Therefore, with a masking layer having relatively high opacity, stains (e.g., from urine or feces) in the absorbent material layer can be hidden from view when the underlayer of the absorbent garment is observed during use. The dry opacity of the masking layer may be at least 25%, or at least 40%, or at least 50%, or at least 70%, as measured according to the opacity testing methods described below. The masking layer can also help reduce contact between residual moisture and the underlayer, which can cause caregivers and wearers to feel cold / wet, sometimes mistakenly perceived as liquid leakage from the absorbent garment.

[0075] Finally, the shielding layer may also have fluid collection and / or distribution properties, such as collecting and redistributing any fluid surges that cannot be directly absorbed by the absorber core. Of course, the shielding layer according to the invention does not need to have all or any of the additional properties or functions previously indicated.

[0076] The masking layer can be a relatively loose material (typically a nonwoven fabric, such as a spunlace breathable bonded nonwoven fabric, a carded calendered bonded nonwoven fabric, or a spunbond or carded nonwoven fabric containing crimped fibers) to provide sufficient void volume to separate the absorbent core 28 from the garment-facing side of the article. The masking layer is preferably a discrete layer, which can be a homogeneous layer or an integrated layer containing an integrated precursor fiber web, such as those known in the art for spunlace fabrics.

[0077] In spunlace nonwovens, fibers are subjected to hydroentangling to mix and entangle them together. The cohesion and interweaving of the fibers are achieved by passing multiple jets of water under pressure through a moving pile fabric or cloth, and interweaving the fibers together like knitting. Therefore, the consolidation of the spunlace nonwoven web is essentially a result of hydroentanglement. As used herein, "spunlace nonwoven" also refers to nonwovens formed from two or more precursor fiber webs that are joined together by hydroentanglement. The two or more fiber webs may have undergone bonding processes, such as heating and / or pressurizing bonding using patterned calendering rolls and anvil rolls, to impart a bonding pattern, before being joined into a single nonwoven fabric by hydroentanglement. However, the two or more fiber webs are joined together solely by hydroentanglement. Alternatively, the spunlace nonwoven web may be a single fiber web, i.e., not formed from two or more precursor fiber webs. The spunlace nonwoven layer / web can be made of short or continuous fibers.

[0078] Through-air bonding (used interchangeably with the term "air-through bonding") refers to the process of bonding short or continuous fibers by forcing air through a nonwoven fiber web, wherein the air is hot enough to melt the polymer of the fibers (or at least partially melt, or melt to a state where the fiber surfaces become sufficiently tacky), or, if the fibers are multi-component fibers, wherein the air is hot enough to melt one of the polymers of the fibers forming the nonwoven fiber web (or at least partially melt, or melt to a state where the fiber surfaces become sufficiently tacky). Air velocities are typically between 30 m / min and 90 m / min, and residence times can be up to 6 seconds. The melting and re-curing of the polymer provides bonding between the different fibers. Through-air bonded fiber webs can be particularly characterized as through-air bonded carded fiber webs.

[0079] Typically, the thickness of the masking layer should be sufficiently large to provide the desired masking effect, while having sufficiently low stiffness to allow the absorbent article to remain flexible and conform to the wearer. Therefore, the masking layer may have a thickness (C1) of 0.2 mm to 4.00 mm, preferably 0.35 mm to 2.00 mm, as measured under a pressure of 0.85 kPa according to the Z-compliance index and percentage recovery measurement methods described herein.

[0080] The basis weight of the masking layer can be uniform along its length and width (i.e., in both the longitudinal and transverse directions). The masking layer may advantageously have a basis weight of about 20 g / m² to about 150 g / m², preferably 25 g / m² to 100 g / m² or 30 g / m² to 80 g / m². The masking layer typically has a higher basis weight than the layers forming the bottom side of the core wrapping. Of course, even with a uniform basis weight, there may be relatively small local variations in basis weight (such as variations within 1.0 cm or 0.5 cm in the width and length directions), which may be caused, for example, by mechanical deformation of the masking layer. The masking layer may optionally be a nonwoven fabric with mechanical deformation exhibiting three-dimensional characteristics. Such mechanical deformation can contribute to the bulk and openness of the nonwoven web. Examples of mechanical deformation processes are disclosed, for example, in WO2012 / 148,944A1 and WO2016 / 040101. A suitable deformation process causes fibers from the nonwoven fabric to protrude from one or both sides of the nonwoven fabric to form discrete protrusions, as illustrated in these documents.

[0081] The masking layer may be smaller than the absorbent core in the longitudinal and / or transverse directions, such that the lower layer of the core-wrapped material extends beyond the masking layer in the longitudinal and / or transverse directions. The masking layer may typically be shorter than the absorbent core in the longitudinal direction because the front and back of the core usually contain less SAP and are compressed less by the wearer's legs compared to the crotch area of ​​the core.

[0082] If used as a masking layer or lower ligand, the masking layer typically does not contain superabsorbent polymers. If used as a second storage layer, it may contain some superabsorbent polymers, or alternatively, absorbent fibers, such as cellulose fibers.

[0083] The masking layer can be a nonwoven fabric comprising fibers of natural or synthetic origin. Natural fibers can be selected from the group consisting of: wheat straw fiber, rice straw fiber, flax fiber, bamboo fiber, cotton fiber, jute fiber, hemp fiber, sisal fiber, bagasse fiber, yucca fiber, Miscanthus fiber, marine or freshwater algae / seaweed fiber, silk fiber, and combinations thereof. Preferably, the natural fiber is selected from the group consisting of: cotton fiber, bamboo fiber, or mixtures thereof. Preferably, the natural fiber is cotton fiber. Synthetic fibers can be selected from the group consisting of: polyolefins (such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or combinations and mixtures thereof), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), co-PET, polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), or mixtures or compositions thereof.

[0084] The fibers can be continuous or short. They can be monocomponent or multicomponent (such as bicomponent fibers). If the masking layer contains bicomponent fibers, they can have a core-shell configuration, where the core component has a higher melting point than the shell component. They can also have a side-by-side configuration, such that one side of the fiber has greater shrinkage properties than the other, to allow the fiber to crimp.

[0085] The shielding layer can also advantageously have a thickness of at least 10 mm. 3 / N, preferably at least 15mm 3 The Z-compliance index of / N is measured as described herein using the Z-compliance index and recovery percentage measurement method. Higher values ​​(such as those for mechanically deformed nonwovens) may certainly be advantageous; therefore, the masking layer can have a thickness of at least 50 mm. 3 / N or even at least 60mm 3 The Z-compliance index of / N is measured as described herein using the Z-compliance index and percentage recovery measurement methods.

[0086] The shielding layer 70 can have a thickness greater than 150m. 3 / m 2 / min or 200m 3 / m 2 / min to 800m 3 / m 2 / min of air permeability, as determined by the air permeability test method described below.

[0087] The masking layer may optionally be hydrophobic to provide a barrier between the absorbent layer and the substrate. Therefore, the masking layer can have a contact angle with deionized water greater than 90° at 22°C, typically greater than 100°. If the masking layer is mechanically deformable, the contact angle can be more easily measured on the precursor nonwoven fabric.

[0088] The masking layer may optionally have a horizontal flexural drop of at least 20 mm, or at least 40 mm, or at least 60 mm at 100 mm, as indicated in the longitudinal direction as indicated in the method for measuring horizontal flexural drop at 100 mm described below. Higher values ​​correspond to more overhanging material and may be advantageous. Mechanical deformation of the nonwoven fabric as disclosed above generally increases these values ​​for a given material. Thus, the masking layer may also have a horizontal flexural drop of at least 75 mm, or at least 80 mm, or at least 85 mm, as measured using the method for measuring horizontal flexural drop at 100 mm described herein.

[0089] Example of a masking layer

[0090] Below are some non-limiting examples of materials suitable as masking layers.

[0091] Option 1: A carded, breathable, bonded nonwoven fiber web made of 60% by weight of 2.2 dtex CoPET / PET solid round bicomponent (core / shell) short fibers and 40% by weight of 3.3 dtex PET solid round monocomponent short fibers. The material has a density of 30 g / m². 2 The base weight.

[0092] Option 2: A carded, breathable, bonded nonwoven fiber web made of 100% polyethylene / PET solid circular bicomponent (core / shell) short fibers of 4.4 dtex. The material has a density of 60 g / m². 2 The base weight.

[0093] Option 3: A breathable, bonded nonwoven fiber web made of 60% by weight of 2.2 dtex CoPET / PET solid circular bicomponent (core / shell) short fibers and 40% by weight of 3.3 dtex PET solid circular monocomponent short fibers. The material has a density of 60 g / m². 2 The base weight.

[0094] Option 4: A spunlace nonwoven web consisting of 30% viscose fiber and 70% polyester fiber. The nonwoven web has a density of 40 g / m². 2 The base weight.

[0095] Option 5: A nonwoven fiber web made of 100% single-component PP with an SMS layer. The spunbond (“S”) layer has fibers with a density of 2.2 dtex, and the meltblown (“M”) layer has a fiber diameter of less than 2 micrometers. The meltblown layer has a density of 1.8 g / m². 2 The basis weight, and each spunbond layer has 9.1 g / m 2 The basis weight. Nonwoven fiber webs have a basis weight of 20 g / m². 2 The base weight.

[0096] Option 6: Spunbond nonwoven fiber web made of crimped PP / PP fibers. The nonwoven fabric is hydroentangled. The fiber web has a density of 35 g / m². 2 The base weight.

[0097] Option 7: Spunbond nonwoven fiber web made of crimped PP / PP fibers. The nonwoven fabric is hydroentangled. The fiber web has a density of 55 g / m². 2 The base weight.

[0098] Option 8: A carded, breathable, bonded nonwoven fiber web made of 60% by weight of 2.2 dtex CoPET / PET solid round bicomponent (core / shell) short fibers and 40% by weight of 3.3 dtex PET solid round monocomponent short fibers.

[0099] Option 9: A carded, breathable, bonded nonwoven fiber web made of 100% bicomponent PE / PET (core-shell) fibers of 2.2 denier.

[0100] Option 10: Spunlace material with 20% by weight viscose fiber and 80% by weight monocomponent PET fiber.

[0101] Option 11: A carded, calendered, bonded material made of two layers. Layer one consists of 70% by weight of 6.7 dtex PET fibers and 30% by weight of 2.2 dtex PP fibers (30 g / m²). 2 Layer 2 is made of 100% PP fiber.

[0102] Option 12: Use 24gsm high-loft SSS (i.e., 3 spunbond layers) of crimped bicomponent PP / PP fiber spunlace.

[0103] The properties of some of these options and other suitable materials are indicated in the table below.

[0104]

[0105] Bonding pattern between the masking layer and the core encapsulation

[0106] The masking layer is a substantially flat layer having a first surface oriented toward the top sheet (hereinafter referred to as the wearer-facing side) and a second opposing surface oriented toward the bottom sheet (hereinafter referred to as the garment-facing side). According to the invention, the masking layer 70 and the bottom side 16' of the core wrapper (referred to herein as the "core wrapper bottom side" or "bottom side" for simplicity) should be partially bonded to each other only at their interface 100. The interface 100 is the common surface between the two layers. When the masking layer 70 does not extend beyond the core wrapper 16, as is typically the case and as shown in the figures, the interface 100 corresponds to the wearer-facing surface of the masking layer 70. However, it is not excluded that the masking layer may also be longer and / or larger than the core wrapper, even partially; in such cases, the interface will have a smaller profile different from that of the masking layer 70.

[0107] The interface between the two layers has an bonded portion and an unbonded portion. The masking layer may be at least partially detached from the bottom side of the core wrapper in the unbonded portion. The bonded portion may be a single area, such as a longitudinally extending strip, or it may comprise several discrete bonded areas that are not necessarily connected, as will be discussed below with reference to the various examples in the accompanying drawings. Similarly, the unbonded portion may be a single area, but it may also comprise several unbonded areas that are not necessarily connected.

[0108] Figures 5 to 12 Various examples of partial bonding patterns at the interface 100 between the bottom side 16' and the masking layer 70 are shown. The interface has a front side 101, a rear side 102, and two longitudinally extending edges 103. The front side 101 is the side oriented towards the front of the article. The masking layer and the bottom side may have the same dimensions in both the longitudinal and transverse directions, in which case the interface 100 has the same dimensions as these layers, or one of these layers may be smaller than the other in one or both directions, in which case the interface corresponds to a common surface between the two layers. Typically, the masking layer may be smaller than the bottom side, such that the interface has the same surface as the masking layer. For example, the masking layer 70 may have the same width as the bottom side of the core wrapper 16' but a shorter length. The length and width of the masking layer 70 may also be smaller than the bottom side.

[0109] The bonded portions 110-114 can typically be obtained by gluing with an adhesive, and... Figures 5 to 12The text is shaded in the middle. Any commercially available construction adhesive suitable for hygiene products can be used. The adhesive can be applied via a contact applicator (typically slotted adhesive) or a non-contact applicator (e.g., as a spiral adhesive pattern). As is known in the art, the adhesive is typically applied in a slotted or spiral pattern in the longitudinal direction. The adhesive can be applied to either of the two layers, but it may be advantageous to apply the adhesive to the masking layer first, as the absorbent core may be less uniform and uneven due to the presence of the absorbent material. While adhesive is the simplest method for attaching two layers over a relatively large area, any other bonding means, such as spot bonding, ultrasonic bonding, or fusion bonding, can also be used.

[0110] Slot bonding may comprise a single wide, continuous slot or coating, or it may alternatively comprise multiple strips, each 1 mm (or greater) wide, separated by adhesive-free gaps of about 1 mm (or greater). Spiral bonding typically also includes several spiral adhesive rows that may overlap or be spaced a small distance within a mm range, and of course, have small adhesive-free areas within and between each loop of the spiral row. These strips or rows are typically oriented longitudinally because they are applied in the machine direction. If adjacent slots and spiral rows are separated by a gap distance d not exceeding 20 mm (d <= 20 mm), they are considered part of the same bonding area for the purposes of this invention. This is in Figure 13 The diagram shows a series of longitudinally extending adhesive slots 130 separated from each other by gaps 132. If the width of the gap d is less than or equal to 20 mm, the entire area 131 formed by the slots and gaps is considered the adhesive area. Figure 14 A series of longitudinally extending spirals 140 are also shown. In addition to the longitudinally extending band defined by each spiral 140, the entire area 141 formed by the gaps 142 between the spirals is considered the bonding area 141, provided the width d of the gap is equal to or less than 20 mm. Similarly, if spot bonding (spot bonding) is used (which is not typical), the interface area including spot bonds spaced less than 20 mm apart is considered part of the same bonding area. The unbonded area between two bonding areas preferably has a minimum dimension of at least 20 mm in both the transverse and longitudinal directions.

[0111] The bonded portion is advantageously large enough that the masking layer remains effectively anchored to the absorbent core, preventing complete separation of the masking layer from the underlying core layer during the manufacture and use of the absorbent article. According to the invention, the bonded portion occupies 3% to 80% of the surface area of ​​the interface between the two layers, preferably 10% to 50%. On the other hand, in the unbonded portion 120, the masking layer can at least partially detach from the absorbent core during wear of the article. By avoiding close contact between the layers in the unbonded portion, the masking layer can better isolate the absorbent core from the substrate and also reduce the lateral stiffness in the crotch area of ​​the article. This will now be illustrated in the example shown in the figure.

[0112] Figure 5 A first example is shown, wherein the adhesive portion includes a single longitudinally extending strip 110 disposed on the longitudinal centerline 80 of the article. The longitudinally extending strip 110 may extend along the entire length of the interface, such as Figure 5 As shown. In this example, the unbonded portion 120 includes an unbonded area on one side of the longitudinally extending strip 110 and another unbonded area on the other side of the bonded portion. Having a longitudinally extending bonded area 110 disposed on the longitudinal centerline 80 of the article allows the masking layer to be firmly anchored to the absorbent core while maintaining two relatively large unbonded areas forming the unbonded portion 120 in which the two layers detach. The longitudinally extending strip 110 may also be shorter at the front and / or rear edges of the interface. Figure 6 It shows Figure 5 A variation of the example, wherein the longitudinally extending adhesive region 110' does not extend to the lateral edges 101, 102 of the interface 100. The centrally longitudinally extending adhesive regions 100, 110' may, for example, have a width of 10 mm to 30 mm (e.g., 20 mm).

[0113] Figure 7 The diagram illustrates an adhesive pattern that includes four corner adhesive areas 111 adjacent to all four corners of the interface 100, in addition to the longitudinally extending adhesive area 110. As used herein, the term "adjacent" means contact or a maximum distance of 10 mm. In some applications, it may be advantageous to bond the masking layer and the bottom side of the core package in one, two, three, or all four of these corner adhesive areas 111 to prevent the masking layer from flipping over in any of these corner areas during high-speed manufacturing. Optionally, the corner adhesive areas 111 may be positioned at a distance of approximately 5 mm to approximately 10 mm from the longitudinal edge of the masking layer (typically the same as the longitudinal side edge 103 of the interface) to account for any changes in cross-direction during article manufacturing.

[0114] Figure 8 and Figure 9Two examples of adhesive portions including laterally extending adhesive regions 113, 112 respectively disposed at the front edge 101 and rear edge 102 of the interface 100 are shown. To simplify production, these laterally extending adhesive regions can be formed at the front and rear edges of the masking layer, such that the adhesive application is continuous between two consecutive masking layers. Alternatively, such laterally extending adhesive regions can be disposed only at or adjacent to one of the front or rear edges of the interface or masking layer. The laterally extending adhesive regions 112, 113 can extend along the entire width of the lateral edge of the interface, but they are typically a few millimeters shorter than the lateral edge, yet still larger than the central adhesive region 110. Figures 8 to 9 As shown, CD variations during the manufacturing process are also taken into account. These laterally extending side-bonding regions function similarly to... Figure 7 The corner bonding areas provide a stronger bond between the two layers, and in particular, prevent any corner flipping during manufacturing.

[0115] The interface 100 can advantageously be substantially unbonded in the article crotch area between the channel forming region (when present) and the nearest longitudinally extending side edge 103 of the interface 100. Specifically, at least 50%, or at least 60%, or at least 70%, or more of the area between the channel forming region and the nearest longitudinally extending side edge 103 may be unbonded. On the other hand, when a longitudinally extending transverse bonding area 114 is present laterally outside the channel forming region in the article crotch area, as... Figure 10 As shown, the lateral distance (D) between the bonding area and the channel forming area is advantageously at least 10 mm.

[0116] Figure 10 An alternative bonding pattern is shown, comprising a longitudinally extending central bonding region 110 and two longitudinally extending lateral bonding regions 114 disposed on each side of the central bonding region 110. These lateral bonding regions may be adjacent to the corresponding longitudinal side edges 103 of the interface (particularly at a distance of 10 mm or less). In the presence of such longitudinally extending lateral bonding regions, it may be advantageous that the maximum lateral distance D between the lateral bonding regions 114 and the channel forming region 56 is at least 10 mm, preferably at least 15 mm or at least 20 mm, such that when the absorbent layer expands around the channel forming region (e.g., ... Figure 21 As shown, these lateral bonding areas will not pull the intermediate layer into the three-dimensional channel 58.

[0117] All Figures 5 to 10 The figures show the outlines of two discrete curved channel forming regions 56. The channel forming regions 56 can, of course, have any shape and do not necessarily have to be curved as shown. For example, the channel forming regions 56 can also be straight and longitudinally extending, such as... Figure 11As shown. The two channel forming regions can also join at one end, thereby forming, for example, as... Figure 12 The U-shape or V-shape shown, or joined at their two ends, thus forming, for example, an O-shape or a peanut shape.

[0118] According to the invention, it is advantageous that one or more channel forming regions 56 are at least partially located in the unbonded portion 120, such that the three-dimensional channel 58 is at least partially detached from the masking layer. For example... Figures 5 to 12 As shown, within the unbonded portion 120, i.e., outside any bonded areas 110-114 of the bonded portion forming the interface, the channel forming area may have at least 50%, preferably at least 60%, 70%, or 80%, and at most 100% of its length. However, as previously noted, if two channels are joined through the bonded portion (e.g., as...), Figure 12 As shown, to form a U-shape, some overlap between the channel forming region 56 and the bonding portion is possible, for example, along the longitudinal centerline at the end of the channel forming region. The length of the channel forming region is measured along the center of its profile, which can be curved or straight. In particular, the article may include at least two channel forming regions disposed on each side of the longitudinal centerline, with the bonding region 110 disposed between these channel forming regions.

[0119] An example of the core channel masking effect is shown in Figure 21 and Figure 22 As shown in the diagram. Both diapers are constructed similarly, particularly with the same masking layer material according to Option 2 (disclosed above), the masking layer having substantially the same dimensions as the absorbent core. Both diapers have a fully adhesive bonding pattern (similar to) between the masking layer and the backing sheet. Figure 2 and Figure 17 ). Figure 21 The diapers have a fully bonded pattern at the interface between the liner and the core wrapping. On the other hand, Figure 22 The diaper has a partial adhesive bond with a Roman I pattern on the wearer-facing side of the liner, which includes a central adhesive area extending longitudinally from the center and two transverse edge areas (similar to...). Figure 9 ).

[0120] Figures 21 to 22 The photographs shown are of the crotch area of ​​these diapers, taken 5 minutes after loading 120 ml of saline solution. In the comparative example ( Figure 21 In the original text, the two curved channels 58 are highly visible on the surface of the film, and the film closely follows the shape of the channels. On the other hand, in... Figure 22 In the example of the present invention shown, although the two channels 58' exist, they are different from each other. Figure 21 The visibility is much lower compared to diapers.

[0121] Attachment of masking layer to film

[0122] The masking layer 70 is typically smaller than the film 26. The side of the masking layer facing the garment faces the side of the film facing the wearer. Therefore, the common surface 200 between the two layers is typically defined by the side of the masking layer 70 oriented towards the film 26. The masking layer 70 is advantageously bonded to the film 26 at their interface 200 by adhesive 210 or any other bonding means. The bonding at the second interface 200 can be as follows: Figure 17 The essentially complete bond shown (similar to) Figure 2 ). Figures 17 to 20 A masking layer 70 superimposed on film 26 is shown, wherein the outline of channel forming regions 56 is indicated for reference, although these optional channels are of course present. Figures 17 to 20 In the absorption layer not shown in the diagram. Figure 17 A masking layer 70 is shown fully bonded to the substrate 26 at interface 200. Typically, at least 50%, or at least 60%, or at least 70%, and at most 90%, or 100% of their common surfaces (as shown, which typically correspond to the clothing-facing side of the masking layer 70) are bonded to the substrate 26. Bonding 50% or more of the masking layer to the substrate prevents the material from folding or turning during the production or wear of the absorbent article and maximizes the beneficial effect of isolating moisture on the absorbent core from the substrate.

[0123] However, the masking layer can also be partially glued or attached to the substrate based on an adhesive pattern that includes both bonded and unbonded portions. This is in Figures 18 to 20 As shown in the image. Figure 18 An adhesive pattern is shown that includes a single longitudinally extending adhesive strip forming an adhesive portion 210, the width of which is smaller than the width of the masking layer 70. Figure 19 An adhesive pattern comprising two longitudinally extending adhesive strips 210 is shown, one disposed on each side of the longitudinal axis and separated by a gap. Figure 20 It shows the relationship with Figure 19 A similar bonding pattern exists where the two longitudinal strips do not extend beyond the intermediate layer. In another bonding pattern, not shown, the bonding portion includes longitudinally extending strips that overlap the longitudinal axis of the article and extend along the entire length of the masking layer beyond the front and rear of the article, as well as two laterally extending strips (Roman numeral pattern) at the front and rear of the interface.

[0124] The masking layer 70 can advantageously be at least partially bonded to the substrate 26 in a region vertically corresponding to the channel forming region 56, such that at least 50%, or at least 60%, or at least 70%, and at most 100%, or 90% of the channel forming region corresponds to the bonded portion 210 at the second interface 200. This helps prevent the masking layer from detaching from the substrate when the absorbent material expands to form the three-dimensional channel 58. In this way, the channel can become less visible on the garment-facing side of the article, which may be another beneficial effect.

[0125] Adhesive pattern example

[0126] Compared to a fully bonded pattern, the relative properties of the masking layer attached to the underlying layer via different portions of the bonded pattern according to the invention were measured. Commercially available diapers ( Ichiban diapers (size 2, China) were used in this experiment. The absorbent core includes a pair of curved, longitudinally extending channel-forming regions 56 symmetrically arranged across the longitudinal centerline. The basic structure consisting of a top sheet, (upper) collection and dispensing layer, absorbent core, and back sheet was obtained by carefully removing the barrier band from the commercial diaper. The back sheet was further carefully removed from the absorbent core using an ice spray.

[0127] The masking layer is then added to the absorbent article as described below. The masking layer is a carded, breathable, bonded nonwoven fiber web made of 100% polyethylene / PET solid circular bicomponent (core / shell) short fibers of 4.4 dtex, with a basis weight of 60 g / m². 2 This corresponds to option 2 as indicated above. The masking layer has a width of 90 mm and the same length as the absorption core.

[0128] For each diaper, the masking layer is first attached to the wearer-facing side of the substrate using a hot melt adhesive with a basis weight of 5 g / m². 2 The masking layer is applied in a spiral pattern and covers the entire surface of the film. The masking layer is centered in the lateral direction relative to the film and longitudinally aligned with the position of the absorber core relative to the film.

[0129] The absorbent core (along with the rest of the base structure) is then attached to the other side of the masking layer using a hot-melt adhesive with a basis weight of 5 g / m³. 2 A series of 10mm wide spiral patterns are applied to this side of the masking layer. For Comparative Example 1, molten adhesive is applied between the absorbent core and the masking layer in a completely covering manner, or for Examples 2-7 of the present invention, molten adhesive is applied following a specific bonding pattern. The bonding patterns used for different embodiments are... Figure 16 The diagram is schematically shown and will be further detailed below. Adhesive coverage is expressed as a percentage of the interface where the spiral adhesive is applied (in this case, the same surface as the masking layer). The remainder of the base structure...

[0130] Comparative Example 1 has 100% glue coverage.

[0131] Example 2 has a 22% adhesive coverage and consists of a 20mm wide central strip that extends longitudinally along the entire length of the masking layer.

[0132] Example 3 has a 22% adhesive coverage and consists of two 10mm wide strips, each set along the longitudinal edge of the masking layer and extending longitudinally along the entire length of the masking layer.

[0133] Example 4 has 15% adhesive coverage and consists of a 10mm wide longitudinally extending central strip and four bonding corner areas (20mm long and 10mm wide).

[0134] Example 5 has a 16% adhesive coverage, with a 10mm wide longitudinally extending strip and a 10mm long Roman I numeral across the masking layer, covering a full-width laterally extending coverage area at the front and rear edges.

[0135] Example 6 has a 29% adhesive coverage, with a 10mm wide longitudinally extending strip and a 40mm long Roman I numeral across the masking layer, covering a full-width laterally extending coverage area at the front and rear edges of the masking layer.

[0136] Example 7 has a 7% adhesive coverage and consists of five discrete strips, each 10 mm wide and 50 mm long, positioned at each corner and in the center of the masking layer.

[0137] Each execution of the diaper basic structure embodiment thus obtained is then compacted in the bag for one week at an internal stacking height of 90 mm (i.e., the total thickness of 10 double-folded diapers). The bag is then opened, and the diapers removed from the bag are conditioned at 23°C + / - 2°C and 50% + / - 10% relative humidity (RH) for at least 24 hours before any testing.

[0138] Stiffness measurement

[0139] The resulting diaper base structure was then subjected to crotch compression testing using a ProLine benchtop testing machine Z005 from Zwick / Roell. For each embodiment as described above, six samples were measured in a similar manner. The samples were clamped on their longitudinal sides and compressed at a rate of 900 mm / min to a maximum compression of 60 mm, then released at the same rate to the starting point. The compressive force exerted by the diaper base structure was measured during the compression process. The values ​​of the first peak force measured for each sample are shown below (the first peak force is the maximum force detected within the first 20 mm of deformation).

[0140] The following table shows the values ​​of the first peak force measured for each sample.

[0141]

[0142] The first peak forces of the embodiments of the present invention that include partial adhesive patterns are all significantly lower than the peak forces of the fully bonded masking layer of Comparative Example 1.

[0143] Test methods

[0144] Unless otherwise specified, all official test methods (ISO, DIN, etc.) are performed using the most recent test version available as of the application date of this application.

[0145] Method for measuring horizontal bending drop at 100mm

[0146] Principle: This method measures the ability of a fiber web to bend under its own weight (sometimes called "drape"). The measurement principle involves suspending a 100mm length of material from a sharp 90° edge and measuring the vertical drop of that length of material under its own weight, expressed in mm. This vertical drop... Figure 11 The reference number shown is 1.

[0147] Equipment: The apparatus used for measurement. Figure 11 The diagram is schematically shown and includes:

[0148] (i) Made of any suitable material such as polycarbonate (e.g., A flat support box 2, approximately 400 mm long, approximately 200 mm wide, and exactly 140 mm high, is made, wherein at least one of its top edges 4 has a sharp 90-degree angle in the width direction.

[0149] Box 1 is positioned on a suitable flat surface 5, such as a laboratory workbench;

[0150] (ii) A movable vertical metal ruler 6 having a stable horizontal foot and being calibrated such that its zero point corresponds to the flat surface 5 on which the box is placed. The movable vertical metal ruler is used to measure the distance 7 from the suspension edge 8 of the material sample 9 to the flat surface.

[0151] Procedure: Measurements are performed at 23°C ± 2°C and 50% RH ± 2% RH. Unless otherwise specified, all samples should be kept in these conditions for at least 24 hours to reach equilibrium before testing. If possible, measure the fiber web before integrating it into the absorbent article. If this is not possible, care should be taken not to contaminate or deform the test sample layer when cutting the sample during material removal from other layers (using a cryogenic spray, such as Cyto-Freeze, Control Company (Houston, Texas), if necessary). Cut rectangular material specimens 9 from the fiber web roll with a width of approximately 80 mm and a length of approximately 200 mm. The length corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the nonwoven fiber web in the absorbent article, and the width corresponds to the transverse direction of the fiber web in the absorbent article. If the original width of the fiber web is less than 80 mm, the method can alternatively be performed on material specimens with a width of approximately 50 mm.

[0152] Place the material specimen 9 flat on any suitable horizontal and flat surface, such as a test bench, and scribble a line precisely 100 mm away from the front edge 8 of the material specimen in the width direction.

[0153] Then, place the material sample 9 on top of the support box 2, with the first side (side A) of the sample facing upwards. Precisely position the drawn 100mm line on the sharp edge 4, where a 100mm section of the material sample hangs freely from the support box 2, as shown. Figure 15 As shown. If necessary, keep the portion of the sample flush with the horizontal side of the sharp edge.

[0154] The movable ruler 6 is positioned close to the front edge 8 of the suspended sample material, thereby allowing measurement of the distance 7 between the front edge 8 and the flat surface 5. Since the front edge 8 may not be perfectly horizontal, the distance is measured at both corners of the front edge 8 and at the center of the front edge 8, and the arithmetic mean of the three recorded values ​​is accurate to mm.

[0155] The bending drop 1 was calculated as the difference between the precise hanging box height 3 (140 mm) and the recorded vertical distance 7 from the front edge 8 to the flat surface 5, as measured from the flat surface 5 using a ruler 6. The above general procedure was repeated for five similar material specimens. The arithmetic mean of the bending drop values ​​of the five similar material specimens was reported as the horizontal bending drop on side A at 100 mm, accurate to the nearest mm.

[0156] The material sample is then inverted (side B now facing up) and the same procedure as described above is performed to obtain the horizontal bending drop on side B. The total recorded horizontal bending drop of the material sample is the larger of the horizontal bending drop on side A and the horizontal bending drop on side B.

[0157] Z-compliance index and percentage recovery measurement methods

[0158] Principle: This method measures the ability of a nonwoven fiber web to be compressed in the z-direction under applied pressure and then recover to its original thickness after the applied pressure is removed.

[0159] Setup: A vertical orientation electronic caliper tester with an accuracy of at least 0.01 mm and 40 mm diameter circular feet can be used. The pressure applied to the sample by the feet can be adjusted by adding pre-selected weights. Measurements were performed at 0.85 ± 0.05 kPa and 15.4 ± 0.1 kPa.

[0160] Procedure: Measurements are performed at 23°C ± 2°C and 50% RH ± 2% RH. Unless otherwise specified, all samples should be kept in these conditions for at least 24 hours to reach equilibration before testing. If possible, measure them before integrating the lower ADS into the absorbent article. If this is not possible, care should be taken not to contaminate or deform the test sample layer when cutting the sample during material removal from other layers (if necessary, using a cryogenic spray, such as Cyto-Freeze, Control Company (Houston, Texas)). Cut the lower ADS samples into square samples with a width of approximately 80 mm (or alternatively, if the material is not present in a suitable size in a material sample with a width of approximately 50 mm).

[0161] Center the square sample under the caliper feet and measure and record the caliper thickness at 0.85 ± 0.05 kPa (P1), accurate to 0.01 mm (C1). Without removing the sample from the equipment, increase the pressure to 15.4 ± 0.1 kPa (P2) and measure and record the caliper thickness, accurate to 0.01 mm (C2). The pressure can be increased by adding appropriate weights to the caliper feet. Again, without moving the sample, reduce the applied pressure back to 0.85 ± 0.05 kPa (e.g., by removing additional weights) and measure and record the caliper thickness a third time (C3), accurate to 0.01 mm.

[0162] For the specimen being measured, the compliance index is defined as:

[0163] Z-compliance index = (C1-C2) / (P2-P1)

[0164] And the measurements are recorded, accurate to 0.1mm. 3 / N.

[0165] The recovery rate is calculated as follows:

[0166] Recovery rate = C3 / C1 * 100%

[0167] Expressed and recorded as a percentage, accurate to 0.1%.

[0168] The above procedure was performed on five similar samples of the same nonwoven fabric. The arithmetic mean of the flexibility index values ​​of the five samples was calculated and reported as the flexibility index, accurate to 0.1 mm. 3 / N. Calculate the arithmetic mean of the recovery percentage values ​​for the five samples and report it as the recovery rate, accurate to 0.1%.

[0169] Thickness testing methods

[0170] The thickness of the masking layer was determined using this thickness testing method. In this method, unidirectional pressure is applied to both sides of the substrate sample using two flat, parallel surfaces, and the resulting distance between the parallel surfaces is measured. All measurements were performed in a laboratory maintained at 23°C ± 2°C and 50% ± 2% relative humidity, with the test samples conditioned in this environment for at least 2 hours prior to testing.

[0171] Two parallel circular surfaces, each 5.6 cm in diameter, are horizontally oriented. If possible, measure these surfaces before integrating the masking layer into the absorbent article. If this is not possible, take care not to contaminate or deform the test sample layer during material removal from other layers (if necessary, use a cryogenic spray, such as Cyto-Freeze, Control Company (Houston, Texas)). Obtain five equivalent rectangular samples from the masking layers of the five products, such that the center of each sample corresponds to the center of the masking layer, and that the length and width of each sample are greater than 5.6 cm. The samples are then placed between two parallel circular surfaces, completely covering each parallel surface, with the center of the masking layer sample aligned with the center of the parallel circular surface.

[0172] The parallel surfaces were then joined together at a rate of 3.0 ± 1.0 mm / s until a pressure of 0.3 psi (2.1 kPa) was reached, and the spacing between the plates was measured and recorded within 2 seconds, accurate to 0.01 mm. The arithmetic mean of the plate spacing for 5 individual replicate samples was calculated and reported as the substrate thickness at 2.1 kPa, in millimeters (mm), accurate to 0.01 mm.

[0173] A suitable example of equipment for thickness methods is the Mitutoyo Digimatic Series 543ID-C digital indicator (Mitutoyo America Corp., Aurora, Illinois, USA) or an equivalent, which has a round, flat "foot" at the end of the indicator gauge's moving axis. The indicator is mounted on a horizontal granite base such that the indicator gauge axis is vertically oriented and the plane of the round foot is parallel to the granite base. The size and weight of the round foot are set such that the gravity associated with the mass of the foot and the indicator axis, divided by the area of ​​the round foot, constitutes a downward pressure from the round foot on the granite base of 2.1 kPa (0.3 psi). A sample at least as large as the round foot is analyzed between the round foot and the granite base.

[0174] Opacity test method

[0175] Opacity to contrast ratio measurements were performed using a 0° / 45° spectrophotometer suitable for standard CIE L*a*b* color measurements (such as the HunterColorFlex EZ spectrophotometer (Hunter Associates Laboratory Inc., Reston, Virginia, USA) or equivalent). The instrument's measurement port has a diameter of 30 mm. Analysis was conducted in a room controlled at approximately 23°C ± 2°C and 50% ± 2% relative humidity.

[0176] Following the supplier's instructions, calibrate the instrument using standard black and white ceramic discs provided by the instrument supplier. After calibration, measure the Y value of the standard white ceramic disc and compare it to its true value. The specified true Y value of the standard white ceramic disc is typically in the range of 83 to 85, and the difference from the true value should be 0.5 or less. Set the spectrophotometer to use the CIE XYZ color space, equipped with D65 standard illumination and a 10° observation tube.

[0177] If possible, measure the layer before integrating it into the absorbent article. If this is not possible, take care not to contaminate or deform the test sample layer during the removal of material from other layers (if necessary, use a cryogenic spray, such as Cyto-Freeze, Control Company (Houston, Texas)). Obtain five rectangular samples of the layer, such that the center of each sample corresponds to the center position of the layer, and that the length and width of each sample are greater than the minimum dimensions of the head.

[0178] Place the sample layer flat on the instrument, with the outward-facing surface facing the measurement port of the spectrophotometer and the center of the sample layer aligned with the center of the port. The sample is further positioned so that there are no tears, holes, or pores within the measurement port. Place a white standard ceramic plate on the opposite surface of the sample, ensuring it completely covers the portion of the sample above the measurement port. Take XYZ values ​​and record each value to an accuracy of 0.01. Without moving the sample, remove the white plate and replace it with a black standard plate. Take a second XYZ value reading and record each value to an accuracy of 0.01.

[0179] Opacity is calculated as follows: the Y value measured using a black ceramic tile as a backing is divided by the Y value measured using a white ceramic tile as a backing, and then this ratio is multiplied by 100.

[0180]

[0181] Five layers of samples were analyzed in this manner, and the opacity of each layer was recorded. The arithmetic mean of the results for each sample was calculated and reported as opacity, in percentage, accurate to 1%.

[0182] Air permeability test method

[0183] All measurements were performed in a laboratory maintained at 23℃±2℃ and 50%±2% relative humidity, and the test samples were conditioned in this environment for at least 2 hours before testing.

[0184] According to INDA / EDANA nonwoven standard specification NWSP 070.1.R0(15), the air permeability of the substrate was determined using a Textest FX3300 (Textest Instruments, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland) air permeability tester or an equivalent. The area used was 20 cm². 2 A circular test head, while maintaining a fixed pressure of 200 Pa on the sample, at a rate of cubic meters per square meter per minute (m³ / m² / min). 3 / m 2Measure the airflow through the sample ( / min). If possible, measure this before integrating the material into the absorbent article. If this is not possible, take care not to contaminate or deform the test sample layer during material removal from other layers (if necessary, use a cryogenic spray, such as Cyto-Freeze, Control Company (Houston, Texas)). Obtain five rectangular samples of the material, such that the center of each sample corresponds to the center of the material, and that the length and width of each sample are greater than the minimum dimensions of the circular head. Place the sample under the test head such that the center of the sample aligns with the center of the test head. Analyze the five lower samples in this manner, and in meters (m) 3 / m 2 Record the air permeability of each sample per minute, accurate to 1m. 3 / m 2 / min. Calculate the arithmetic mean of the results for each sample and report it as the air permeability, in m. 3 / m 2 Units are in / min, accurate to 1m. 3 / m 2 / min.

[0185] Stacking height inside the bag

[0186] The following determines the stacking height inside the bags of absorbent products:

[0187] Equipment: A thickness tester with a flat, rigid horizontal slide plate is used. The thickness tester is configured such that the horizontal slide plate moves freely in the vertical direction, always maintaining a horizontal orientation directly above the flat, rigid horizontal substrate. The thickness tester includes a device for measuring the gap between the horizontal slide plate and the horizontal substrate, accurate to within +0.5 mm. The horizontal slide plate and the horizontal substrate are larger than the surface of the absorbent product package that contacts each plate, i.e., each plate extends beyond the contact surface of the absorbent product package in all directions. The horizontal slide plate applies a downward force of 850 g ± 1 g (8.34 N) to the absorbent product package, which is achieved by placing a suitable weight at the center of the top surface of the horizontal slide plate that is not in contact with the package, such that the total mass of the slide plate plus the added weight is 850 g ± 1 g.

[0188] Test Procedure: Before measurement, equilibrate the absorbent product package at 23℃±2℃ and 50%±2% relative humidity. Raise the horizontal slide and center the absorbent product package under the horizontal slide with the absorbent product inside the package horizontally oriented. Fold any handles or other packaging features on the surface of the package against the surface of the package to minimize their influence on the measurement. Slowly lower the horizontal slide until it contacts the top surface of the package and then release it. Ten seconds after releasing the horizontal slide, measure the gap between the horizontal slides, accurate to +0.5mm. Measure five identical packages (packages of the same size and the same number of absorbent products) and report the arithmetic mean as the package width. Calculate and report “Inner Stack Height” = (Package Width / Number of Absorbent Products per Stack) × 10, accurate to +0.5mm.

[0189] The dimensions and values ​​disclosed herein should not be construed as strictly limited to the precise numerical values ​​cited. Rather, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to represent the stated value and a range around which it is functionally equivalent. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to represent “approximately 40 mm”.

Claims

1. An absorbent article (20), said absorbent article comprising: - Liquid-permeable top sheet (24). - A film that is impermeable to liquids (26). - Absorbent core (28), the absorbent core comprising absorbent material (60) and core wrapper, wherein the absorbent material is sandwiched between a top side (16) and a bottom side (16') of the core wrapper; wherein the absorbent core comprises at least one channel forming region (56) substantially free of absorbent material, wherein the channel forming region forms a three-dimensional channel (58') when the absorbent material expands. - Masking layer (70), the masking layer being between the absorber core (28) and the substrate (26); The wearer-facing side of the masking layer (70) and the bottom side (16') of the core wrapping are partially bonded to each other at their interface (100), which thus includes a bonded portion and an unbonded portion (120). The channel forming region (56) at least partially corresponds to the unbonded portion (120), such that the masking layer can detach from the three-dimensional channel when the absorbent material expands. The masking layer (70) is a nonwoven fabric. At least 50% of the surface of the masking layer (70) facing the clothing is bonded to the backing sheet (26). The masking layer is at least partially bonded to the substrate in a region vertically corresponding to the channel forming region (56), such that at least 50% and at most 100% of the length of the channel forming region corresponds to the bonded portion between the clothing-facing side of the masking layer and the substrate.

2. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the top side and the bottom side of the core wrapper are bonded to each other in the channel forming region.

3. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least 50% of the length of the channel forming region (56) corresponds to the unbonded portion (120).

4. The absorbent article according to claim 3, wherein at least 60% of the length of the channel forming region (56) corresponds to the unbonded portion (120).

5. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the adhesive portion covers 3% to 80% of the surface of the interface between the bottom side of the core wrapper and the masking layer.

6. The absorbent article of claim 5, wherein the adhesive portion covers 5% to 50% of the surface of the interface between the bottom side of the core wrapper and the masking layer.

7. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the adhesive portion comprises: - One or more longitudinally extending bonding areas (110, 110'), the longitudinally extending bonding areas being disposed on the longitudinal centerline of the article; - One or more corner bonding areas (111), said corner bonding areas being adjacent to any corner of the interface; - One or more laterally extending adhesive areas (112, 113), said laterally extending adhesive areas being disposed at either the front edge and / or the rear edge (101, 102) of said interface; and - Any combination of them.

8. The absorbent article according to claim 7, wherein the adhesive portion comprises a longitudinally extending adhesive region (110, 110') disposed on the longitudinal centerline of the article and a laterally extending adhesive region (112, 113) disposed adjacent to each of the front edge and rear edge (101, 102) of the interface.

9. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the area between the channel forming region (56) and the nearest longitudinal side edge (103) of the interface (100) is substantially unbonded in the crotch area of ​​the article, and / or when a longitudinally extending adhesive area (114) is present laterally outside the channel forming region in the crotch area of ​​the article, the maximum lateral distance (D) between the adhesive area and the channel forming region is at least 10 mm in the crotch area of ​​the article.

10. The absorbent article of claim 9, wherein 50% or more of the region is unbonded.

11. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the adhesive portion is bonded together.

12. The absorbent article according to claim 11, wherein the adhesive is applied in the bonding area in the form of one or more slots (130) and / or one or more spirals (140).

13. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the masking layer (70) has a shorter length, a shorter width, or both a shorter length and a shorter width than the bottom side (16') of the core wrapping.

14. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the masking layer is a breathable bonded carded nonwoven fabric, a calendered bonded carded nonwoven fabric, a spunlace nonwoven fabric, or a nonwoven fabric containing crimped fibers, or includes a breathable bonded carded nonwoven fabric, a calendered bonded carded nonwoven fabric, a spunlace nonwoven fabric, or a nonwoven fabric containing crimped fibers.

15. The absorbent article according to claim 14, wherein the nonwoven fabric has undergone three-dimensional mechanical deformation.

16. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the masking layer (70) has a basis weight in the range of 20 g / m² to 150 g / m².

17. The absorbent article according to claim 16, wherein the masking layer (70) has a basis weight in the range of 20 g / m² to 100 g / m².

18. The absorbent article according to claim 16, wherein the masking layer (70) has a basis weight in the range of 25 gsm to 80 gsm.

19. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the masking layer has a basis weight equal to or higher than the basis weight of the material forming the bottom side (16') of the core wrapping.

20. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the masking layer (70) has one or more of the following characteristics: Thicknesses ranging from -0.1 mm to 2.0 mm are measured according to thickness testing methods under a pressure of 2.1 kPa. - At least 40% recovery percentage, which is measured by the Z-compliance index and recovery percentage measurement method; - greater than 150m 3 / m 2 The air permeability is measured by an air permeability test. - At least 25% opacity, as measured by the opacity test method.

21. The absorbent article according to claim 20, wherein the masking layer (70) has the following characteristic: a recovery percentage of at least 50%, which is measured by the Z-compliance index and recovery percentage measurement method.

22. The absorbent article according to claim 20, wherein the masking layer (70) has the following characteristic: a recovery percentage of at least 60%, which is measured by the Z-compliance index and recovery percentage measurement method.

23. The absorbent article according to claim 20, wherein the masking layer (70) has the following characteristics: greater than 200 μm 3 / m 2 The air permeability is measured by an air permeability test.

24. The absorbent article according to claim 20, wherein the masking layer (70) has the following characteristic: at least 40% opacity, which is measured according to an opacity test method.

25. The absorbent article according to claim 20, wherein the masking layer (70) has the following characteristic: at least 50% opacity, which is measured according to an opacity test method.

26. The absorbent article according to claim 20, wherein the masking layer (70) has the following characteristic: at least 70% opacity, which is measured according to an opacity test method.

27. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the absorbent material is substantially free of cellulose fibers.

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