Feminine hygiene articles including curved regions and related methods

Abstract

A feminine hygiene article is provided having a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core between the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent core has a first longitudinal core edge and a second longitudinal core edge. The feminine hygiene article includes a first wing extending laterally outboard of the first longitudinal core edge. The first wing includes a first layer, a second layer, a leading edge portion, a trailing edge portion, and an outermost edge portion. The first wing has a first wing portion extending from the first longitudinal core edge to a first edge and a second wing portion extending from the first edge to the outermost edge portion. The first layer and the second layer are joined in the first wing portion by adhesive. The first layer and the second layer are joined in the second wing portion by mechanical bonding. A method for forming an improved feminine hygiene article is also provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to absorbent articles such as feminine hygiene products, and more specifically to improved feminine hygiene products with enhanced production efficiency. Background Technology

[0002] All the methods and types of absorbent articles constructed for absorbing bodily fluids such as menstrual blood, urine, and feces are well known. Absorbent articles, especially feminine hygiene products with wings or side wings, are disclosed in the literature and are available on the market.

[0003] Generally, the wings extend laterally from the central absorbent component and are designed to fold around the edge of the wearer's panties in the crotch area. Therefore, the wings are positioned between the edge of the wearer's panties and the wearer's thighs in the crotch area. Typically, the wings are equipped with attachment members for attaching the wings to the underside of the wearer's panties.

[0004] like Figure 1A As shown, the conventional feminine hygiene product 10 with wings is manufactured using a process characterized in that the top sheet 102 has a cut width 160 exceeding the final width 164 of the manufactured feminine hygiene product 10. Additionally, as... Figure 1A As shown, conventional manufacturing methods use an adhesive 126 with a width of 162, which also exceeds the final width 164 of the manufactured feminine hygiene product 10. Therefore, such conventional methods must remove a large amount of excess material, including the top sheet 102 and the adhesive 126, resulting in significant material waste.

[0005] The discussion of the shortcomings and needs that existed in the art prior to this disclosure is by no means an admission that those skilled in the art were aware of such shortcomings and needs prior to this disclosure. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Various aspects address the aforementioned problems and provide methods and apparatus for resolving significant material waste in a cost-effective and environmentally friendly manner. Specifically, such as Figure 1B As shown, this disclosure proposes to reduce the cutting width 160' of the top sheet 102 compared to the cutting width 160 in conventional methods. Additionally, as... Figure 1B As shown, this disclosure also proposes reducing the cut width 162' of the adhesive 126 used in this method compared to the increased cut width 162 in conventional methods. In fact, by simply reducing the widths of the starting materials, such as the top sheet 102 and the widths 160' and 162' of the adhesive 126, it is not merely about minimizing waste.

[0007] It has been recognized that variations in the manufacturing process are unavoidable, and therefore reducing the initial width of these starting materials may introduce other problems, such as potentially exposing the underlying adhesive or binder 126 in the wing area of ​​the feminine hygiene product. Therefore, various aspects of this disclosure are provided to prevent such potential problems, such that reducing the width of the starting material does not introduce this undesirable outcome. In one aspect of this disclosure, to address the problem of adhesive exposure, one solution is to reduce the size of the adhesive 126 in the wing area and ensure wing closure by introducing mechanically bonded areas 128 (e.g., curved areas). This solution provides several advantages. First, it allows the use of materials with reduced cut widths (e.g., adhesive 126 and top sheet 102), thereby minimizing waste. Second, it effectively prevents the glue or adhesive 126 from being exposed, thus ensuring that the top sheet 102 remains uncontaminated. Finally, the solution maintains the integrity of the feminine hygiene product 100, thereby ensuring its quality and function.

[0008] In a first aspect of this disclosure, a feminine hygiene product is provided, comprising a top sheet, a bottom sheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the top sheet and the bottom sheet. The absorbent core has a first longitudinal core edge and a second longitudinal core edge. The feminine hygiene product also includes a first wing extending laterally outside the first longitudinal core edge. The first wing includes a first layer, a second layer, a leading edge portion, a trailing edge portion, and an outermost edge portion joining the leading edge portion and the trailing edge portion. The first wing has a first wing portion extending from the first longitudinal core edge to the first edge and a second wing portion extending from the first edge to the outermost edge portion. The first layer and the second layer are bonded in the first wing portion by an adhesive. The first layer and the second layer are bonded in the second wing portion by a mechanical adhesive.

[0009] In a second aspect of this disclosure, a feminine hygiene product is provided, comprising a top sheet, a back sheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet. The absorbent core has a first longitudinal core edge and a second longitudinal core edge. The feminine hygiene product also includes a first wing extending laterally outside the first longitudinal core edge. The first wing includes a portion of the top sheet, a portion of the back sheet, a leading edge portion, a trailing edge portion, and an outermost edge portion joining the leading edge portion and the trailing edge portion. The first wing has a first wing portion extending from the first longitudinal core edge to a first edge and a second wing portion extending from the first edge to the outermost edge portion. The first layer and the second layer are bonded in the first wing portion by an adhesive. The first layer and the second layer are bonded in the second wing portion by a mechanical bond. An overlap is provided between the adhesive of the first wing portion and the mechanical bond of the second wing portion, wherein the overlap is greater than 0 mm. The first wing has a surface facing the wearer and a surface facing the clothing, wherein the surface facing the clothing includes a clothing adhesive. A gap exists between the adhesive facing the clothing and the second wing portion, wherein the gap is greater than 0 mm.

[0010] In a third aspect of this disclosure, a method for forming an absorbent article or a feminine hygiene article is provided. The method includes providing a topsheet web and advancing the topsheet web longitudinally. The topsheet web has a topsheet width measured in a direction parallel to the transverse direction, said transverse direction being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The method also includes providing a core material and depositing the core material onto a first surface of the topsheet web material. The method further includes providing a backsheet web. The method also includes advancing the backsheet web longitudinally and depositing the backsheet web onto the topsheet web such that the first surface of the topsheet web faces the first surface of the backsheet web. The backsheet has a backsheet width measured in a direction parallel to the transverse direction, wherein the topsheet width is smaller than the backsheet width. The method further includes applying an adhesive between the backsheet web and the topsheet web in first and second guards. The adhesive is deposited only in a portion of each of the first and second guards. The method also includes bending the outer portion of at least one of the first and second guards.

[0011] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the various embodiments will be better understood with reference to the following description, drawings, and appended claims. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Many aspects of this disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following figures, which illustrate examples according to various embodiments.

[0013] Figure 1A An example of a top sheet material and adhesive material used in the manufacture of feminine hygiene products using conventional manufacturing processes is shown in the top view.

[0014] Figure 1BThis is an example of a top view of a reduced-width top sheet material and adhesive material used in the manufacture of feminine hygiene products in an improved manufacturing process, according to various aspects.

[0015] Figure 2 An example of a top view of a feminine hygiene product having asymmetrical wings formed using an improved manufacturing process, illustrating various aspects;

[0016] Figure 3 To illustrate along the various aspects Figure 2 Example of a cross-sectional view of a feminine hygiene product taken from line 3-3;

[0017] Figure 4A To illustrate along the various aspects Figure 2 Example of a cross-sectional view of a feminine hygiene product taken from line 4-4;

[0018] Figure 4B To illustrate along the various aspects Figure 2 Example of a cross-sectional view of a feminine hygiene product taken from line 4-4;

[0019] Figure 5A and Figure 5B An example of a top view of a feminine hygiene product having symmetrical wings formed using an improved manufacturing process, illustrating various aspects;

[0020] Figure 6A For example based on various aspects Figure 2 An example of a top view of a feminine hygiene product, in which an adhesive layer and mechanically bonded areas are formed using an improved manufacturing process;

[0021] Figure 6B For example based on various aspects Figure 6A An example of a top view of the first wing of a feminine hygiene product, including the first wing portion and the second wing portion;

[0022] Figure 6C For example based on various aspects Figure 6A An example of a top view of the first wing of a feminine hygiene product, including the adhesive layer and mechanically bonded area in the first and second wing portions;

[0023] Figure 7 To illustrate the use of various aspects for forming Figure 2 An example of a flowchart illustrating the steps of an improved method for producing feminine hygiene products; and

[0024] Figures 8A to 8E To illustrate based on various aspects Figure 7 An example of a flowchart illustrating the execution of different steps of a method.

[0025] It should be understood that the various implementation schemes are not limited to the examples illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Introduction and Definitions

[0027] This disclosure is prepared to describe the invention to those skilled in the art, who will understand that it is not limited to the specific examples or embodiments described. The examples and embodiments are single instances of the invention, which will make the broader scope apparent to those skilled in the art. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is not for the purpose of describing examples and embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting, as the scope of this disclosure will be limited only by the appended claims.

[0028] Unless otherwise expressly stated, all features disclosed in this specification (including any appended claims, abstract, and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features for the same, equivalent, or similar purposes. Therefore, unless otherwise expressly stated, each disclosed feature is merely one example of a general set of equivalent or similar features. The examples and embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only, and those skilled in the art will find various modifications or alterations to be made based on these examples and embodiments, and such modifications or alterations will be included within the spirit and scope of this application. Many variations and modifications may be made to embodiments of this disclosure without substantially departing from the spirit and principles of this disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure herein. For example, unless otherwise indicated, this disclosure is not limited to specific materials, reagents, reaction materials, manufacturing processes, etc., as they can vary. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. It is also possible in this disclosure that steps may be performed in logically possible different orders.

[0029] Whether explicitly stated or not, all numerical values ​​herein are assumed to be modified by the term "about". The term "about" generally refers to a range of numerical values ​​that a person skilled in the art would consider equivalent (e.g., having the same function or result) to the stated value. In many cases, the term "about" may include numerical values ​​rounded to the nearest significant figure.

[0030] In everyday use, indefinite articles (such as "a") precede countable nouns, and uncountable nouns almost never use indefinite articles. Therefore, it must be noted that, as used in this specification and the following claims, the singular forms "a" and "the" include a plural indicator unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Thus, for example, references to "carrier" include multiple carriers. In particular, when a single countable noun is listed as an element in a claim, this specification will generally use phrases such as "single." For example, "single carrier."

[0031] Unless otherwise specified, all percentages indicating the amount of a component in a composition represent percentages of the components by weight based on the total weight of the composition.

[0032] Where numerical ranges are provided, it should be understood that every intermediate value between the upper and lower limits of the range (to one-tenth of the lower limit unit (unless the context clearly indicates otherwise)) and any other stated or intermediate value within the stated range are included within this disclosure. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may be independently included within the smaller ranges and are also included within this disclosure, subject to any expressly excluded limits within the stated ranges. Where a stated range includes one or both of the limits, the range excluding one or both of the included limits is also included within this disclosure.

[0033] In this specification and the following claims, unless the contrary intention is obvious, references will be defined as a number of terms having the following meanings.

[0034] "Set on" refers to the positional arrangement of an object or material in a location adjacent to the position of another object or material. This term does not require, nor exclude, the presence of an intervening object, material, or layer.

[0035] "Absorbent articles" refers to devices for absorbing and containing liquids, and more specifically, devices placed close to or near the wearer's body to absorb and contain various excretions from the body.

[0036] "Aligned," "aligned," or "aligned" means placed or arranged in a substantially straight line. Therefore, aligning the edges of a substrate means arranging the substrates such that the edges under consideration extend along approximately the same line. It should be understood that aligning the edges of substrates can be achieved in various ways, including placing one substrate on top of another or placing them side-by-side.

[0037] "Orientation" refers to the relative positioning of materials (such as substrates) where the surface of one material is oriented toward the surface of another material. For example, when two substrates are stacked one on top of the other, they are in an orientation relationship. This term does not require, nor exclude, the presence of an intervening object, material, or layer.

[0038] "Longitudinal" (MD) refers to the direction of material flow in the process. Furthermore, the relative placement and movement of materials can be described as flowing longitudinally through the process from upstream to downstream.

[0039] "Horizontal" (CD) refers to a direction that is roughly perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0040] feminine hygiene products

[0041] Figure 2 This is an example of a top view of a feminine hygiene product 100 having asymmetrical wings 112, 130 formed using an improved manufacturing process, illustrating various aspects. Figure 2 As shown, the feminine hygiene product 100 includes an absorbent component represented by a central absorbent pad (or "body portion") 111, and two wings 112, 130. In the following discussion, unless otherwise specified, the feminine hygiene product described herein will have two wings. While a feminine hygiene product need not necessarily have two wings, two wings are preferable to one wing. Furthermore, although the wings need not be mirror images of each other, they are preferably mirror images of each other. Therefore, a description of one wing will be a description of the other wing, and for clarity, a discussion of the second wing may be omitted.

[0042] The feminine hygiene product 100 has two center lines: a main longitudinal center line 134 and a main transverse center line or transverse wing axis 152. As used herein, the term "longitudinal" refers to a line, axis, or direction in the plane in which the feminine hygiene product 100 is located, which is generally aligned with (e.g., generally parallel to) a vertical plane that, when the feminine hygiene product 100 is worn, divides the standing wearer into left and right halves of the body. The terms "transverse" or "lateral" as used herein are used interchangeably and refer to a line, axis, or direction in the plane of the feminine hygiene product 100 that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0043] See now Figure 2 and Figure 3 The feminine hygiene product 100 includes a top sheet 102, a bottom sheet 104, an absorbent core 106, and a pair of wings 112 and 130. At least a portion of the top sheet 102, the bottom sheet 104, and the absorbent core 106 includes a body portion 111.

[0044] The top sheet 102 is liquid-permeable and is in close contact with the user's skin when the feminine hygiene product 100 is in use. The top sheet 102 is soft, feels loose, and is non-irritating to the user's skin. It can be made of any material conventionally used for this type of application. Non-limiting examples of suitable materials that can be used as the top sheet 102 include woven and nonwoven cellulosic fibers (such as cotton, flax, hemp, jute, and kenaf), polyester, polypropylene, nylon, and rayon, as well as molded thermoplastic films, with molded films being preferred.

[0045] Suitable molded films are described in U.S. Patent No. 3,929,135, issued to Thompson on December 30, 1975, entitled "Absorbent Structure Having Tapered Capillaries"; U.S. Patent No. 4,324,426, issued to Mullane and Smith on April 13, 1982, entitled "Disposable Absorbent Article Having A Stain-Resistant Topsheet"; U.S. Patent No. 4,342,314, issued to Radel and Thompson on August 3, 1982, entitled "Resilient Plastic Web Exhibiting Fiber-Like Properties"; and U.S. Patent No. 3,729,135, issued to Ahr, Louis, Mullane, and Ouellette on July 31, 1984, entitled "Macroscopically Expanded Three-Dimensional Plastic Web Exhibiting Non-Glossy Visible Surface and..." U.S. Patent No. 4,463,045, entitled "Cloth-Like Tactile Impression (Macro-expanded three-dimensional plastic web with a matte visible surface and fabric-like tactile impression)".

[0046] Furthermore, in some aspects of this disclosure, the outer surface of the top sheet 102 ( Figure 3 At least a portion of the wearer-facing surface 140 of the top sheet 102 is treated with a surfactant. Preferably, the surfactant is substantially uniformly and completely distributed on at least a portion of the covering body portion 111 of the outer surface of the top sheet 102. This can be achieved by any common technique known to those skilled in the art. For example, the surfactant can be applied to the top sheet 102 by spraying, by using fillers, or by using a conveyor roller.

[0047] The outer surface of the top sheet 102 is treated with a surfactant. Figure 3 The wearer-facing surface 140 of the top sheet 102 is made more hydrophilic. This causes liquid to penetrate the top sheet 102 more quickly than if the surface were untreated. This reduces the likelihood that liquid will flow out of the top sheet 102 instead of being absorbed by the absorbent core 106. Preferably, no portion of the top sheet 102 covering the wings 112, 130 is treated with a surfactant. This minimizes any tendency for fluid to have to diffuse laterally across the wings and come into contact with the wearer's thighs and other parts of the wearer's body.

[0048] In some aspects, the inner surface 141 of the top sheet 102 ( Figure 3 The top sheet 102 is fixed to the absorbent core 106 in contact. This contact causes liquid to penetrate the top sheet 102 faster than if it were not in contact with the absorbent core 106. The top sheet 102 is kept in contact with the absorbent core 106 by applying an adhesive to the inner surface 141 of the top sheet 102. Suitable adhesives for this purpose are described in U.S. Patent No. 4,917,697. The adhesive can be applied by the same method as applying a surfactant to the outer surface of the top sheet 102 (the wearer-facing surface 140).

[0049] like Figure 3 As shown, the absorbent core 106 is positioned between the top sheet 102 and the bottom sheet 104. The absorbent core 106 provides a component for absorbing menstrual fluid. The absorbent core 106 does not need to have an absorbency much greater than the total amount of menstrual fluid intended to be absorbed. The absorbent core 106 is typically compressible, conformable, and non-irritating to the user's skin. It may contain any material in the art used for this purpose. Examples include pulverized wood pulp, crepe cellulose filler, absorbent foam, absorbent sponge, synthetic short fibers, polymer fibers, hydrogel-forming polymer gelling agents, peat moss, or any equivalent material or combination of materials, commonly referred to as breathable felt.

[0050] Polymer gelling agents are materials that, when in contact with fluids (i.e., liquids), such as water or bodily fluids, absorb these fluids to form a hydrogel. In this way, fluid discharged into the absorbent core 106 can be captured and retained by the polymer gelling agent, thereby providing enhanced absorption capacity and / or improved fluid retention properties for the articles herein.

[0051] The polymer gelling agent used in the absorber core 106 will typically comprise particles of a substantially water-insoluble, slightly cross-linked, partially neutralized polymeric material that forms a hydrogel. As used herein, the term "particles" can refer to particles of any form, such as granules, flakes, or fibers. The characteristics of the absorber core 106, including but not limited to the preferred types of polymeric materials used therein and the types of methods that can be used to prepare these polymeric particles, are described in more detail in U.S. Patent No. 5,009,653 to Osborn and the patent thereof, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0052] In one aspect, the absorbent core 106 is a laminate comprising a layer of superabsorbent polymer material (such as in particulate form) disposed between two air-laid sheets (i.e., a first sheet layer and a second sheet layer (or an "upper" sheet layer and a "lower" sheet layer)). The first and second sheet layers provide containment of the superabsorbent polymer material, improve lateral wicking of absorbed exudates throughout the absorbent core 106, and provide a degree of absorbency.

[0053] Film 104 is liquid-impermeable, thus preventing liquid from staining the user's clothing. Any material in the art used for this purpose may be used herein. Suitable materials include embossed or unembossed polyethylene film and laminated tissue.

[0054] In one aspect of feminine hygiene product 100 (where typically the top sheet 102 only covers the body portion 111 and does not extend to form a top surface for wings), the backsheet 104 may consist of two layers. In such cases, the backsheet 104 may comprise a first layer of fluffy material disposed on the core-facing side 139 of the backsheet 104. The purpose of the first layer is to provide a comfortable, non-irritating surface to the wearer's body. The fluffy layer may be composed of any suitable material, such as a nonwoven material. Preferably, the fluffy layer comprises a hydrophobic nonwoven material. A second layer may be disposed on the garment-facing surface 142 of the backsheet 104 and may comprise a fluid-impermeable membrane. Low-density polyethylene materials with a thickness of about 0.01 to about 0.05 mm, preferably about 0.02 mm, have been found to be well-suited for this second layer. Polyethylene films, such as those marketed by Ethyl Corporation's Visqueen division under model number XP-39385, have been found to be particularly suitable for this second layer. The backing sheet 104 may also be made of a soft, fabric-like material that is hydrophobic relative to the top sheet 102. Polyester or polyolefin fiber backing sheet 104 may also be used. A particularly preferred soft, fabric-like backing sheet 104 material is a laminate of polyester nonwoven material and film, such as that described in U.S. Patent No. 4,476,180, granted to Wnuk on October 9, 1984.

[0055] The top sheet 102 is joined or secured to the bottom sheet 104 along the seam 119. The seam 119 may be formed by any means commonly used for this purpose in the art, such as by adhesive, bending, or heat sealing. The top sheet 102 may also be indirectly joined to the bottom sheet 104.

[0056] The body portion 111 is the part of the feminine hygiene product 100 that includes absorbent components such as absorbent core 106. The body portion 111 has a liquid-permeable body contact surface and an opposing liquid-impermeable surface. It should be understood that the illustrated aspect is only one possible aspect, although a preferred one. Other possible aspects include one in which the absorbent core 106 is substantially completely covered by a top sheet before it is placed on a backing sheet. The body portion 111 may also include an absorbent core with sufficient integrity to stand independently and being liquid-permeable on one surface while the other surface has been treated to be liquid-impermeable.

[0057] The main body portion 111 can be relatively thick or relatively narrow and thin. The main body portion 111 can be configured to maintain a relatively close position to the body. This proximity of the main body portion 111 places it precisely where it should be: near the body at the vaginal opening. The main body portion 111 then absorbs the vast majority of menstrual fluid (menstrual blood) before fluid has a chance to flow along its sides. Alternatively, a relatively thinner main body portion may be necessary, as it is generally more comfortable for the user.

[0058] Fasteners are provided, such as adhesive components and center liner adhesive 145 ( Figure 3 ) and Adhesive 143 for Clothing ( Figure 4B ( ), to fix the feminine hygiene product 100 to the crotch area of ​​the underwear.

[0059] The center liner adhesive 145 provides an adhesive component for securing the main body portion 111 to the crotch area of ​​the trousers. The outer surface of the wing 112 includes an adhesive 143 facing the garment. Figure 4B The adhesive 143 facing the garment helps hold the wings 112 in place after they have been wrapped around the edge of the crotch area of ​​the trousers as described below. The wings 112, 130 can be held in place by attaching them to the underwear or the opposite side wing. Suitable adhesive fasteners are described in more detail in U.S. Patent No. 4,917,697.

[0060] Each wing 112, 130 includes a pair of adhesive 143 facing the clothing. In some aspects, such as Figure 4BAs shown, the adhesive 143 facing the clothing is disposed in the first wing portion 120 of the first wing 112, which is located inside the second wing portion 124 extending to the outermost edge portion 118 of the wing 112. Although Figure 4B One aspect depicts a single garment-facing adhesive 143 in the first wing portion 120, but in other aspects, more than one garment-facing adhesive 143 is provided, and it can be positioned in areas of the wing 112 other than the first wing portion 120, such as in the second wing portion 124.

[0061] Fasteners used in conjunction with this disclosure are not limited to adhesive components. Any type of fastener used in the art can be used for this purpose. For example, feminine hygiene product 100 can be secured to a wearer's underwear by the fasteners described in U.S. Patent No. 4,946,527, entitled "Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive Fastener and Method of Making the Same," issued to Battrell on August 7, 1990. However, for simplicity, fasteners will be described in accordance with adhesive components.

[0062] The adhesive components are covered by a removable release liner, a center liner release liner, and an adhesive release liner (not shown) facing the garment. The adhesive should be covered with the release liner to prevent the adhesive from sticking to the outer surface before use. Suitable release liners are also described in U.S. Patent No. 4,917,697.

[0063] The wings 112, 130 shown are integral with the main body portion 111. In this case, the top sheet 102 forms one surface of both the wings 112, 130 and the main body portion 111, and the bottom sheet 104 may form the other surface. Furthermore, the absorbent material of the feminine hygiene product 100 may extend into the wings 112, 130 to form an absorbent core, as described in more detail in U.S. Patent No. 4,917,697, or the wings 112, 130 may not contain absorbent material. Alternatively, as described in EP 606 358 B1, the wings may consist of separate pieces of material attached to the main body portion 111.

[0064] The winglets 112 and 130 are each associated with the body portion 111 along the joint. These areas are typically longitudinally oriented (or “longitudinal”) joints, such as joint line 121. As used herein, the term “joint” (or “joint line”) refers to the area where the winglets 112 and 130 extend from or join to the body portion 111. These areas can be any of a variety of curves or straight lines, but they are not limited to lines. Thus, these areas can include flanges, strips, discontinuous lines, etc.

[0065] The winglets 112 and 130 have a proximal edge 123 adjacent to the joint line 121. The distal edge or outermost edge portion 118 ( Figure 4A ) Away from the junction line 121. (e.g.) Figure 2 and Figure 4A As shown, each wing 112, 130 is divided into a first wing portion 120 and a second wing portion 124 spaced apart along a transverse wing axis 152, wherein the second wing portion 124 is outside the first wing portion 120, such that it is positioned further away from the longitudinal centerline 134 than the first wing portion 120. An adhesive 126 is disposed between the top sheet 102 and the bottom sheet 104 in the first wing portion 120. A mechanical bond 128 (e.g., bending) is provided between the top sheet 102 and the bottom sheet 104 in the second wing portion 124.

[0066] The feminine hygiene product 100 can be divided into a front area 105 and a back area 107, separated by a lateral center line or lateral wing axis 152. The front area 105 refers to the portion of the feminine hygiene product 100 facing forward towards the wearer when worn. The back area 107 refers to the portion of the feminine hygiene product 100 facing backward towards the wearer when worn.

[0067] The feminine hygiene product 100 may have a front end 125 and a rear end 127. The front end 125 and the rear end 127 are generally arranged along the main longitudinal centerline 134. The front end 125 refers to the end of the feminine hygiene product 100 that faces forward towards the wearer when the feminine hygiene product 100 is worn. The rear end 127 refers to the portion of the feminine hygiene product 100 that faces backward towards the wearer when the feminine hygiene product 100 is worn.

[0068] Those skilled in the art can readily select the overall dimensions of the wings 112, 130. Preferably, the dimensions of the wings 112, 130 are set such that the feminine hygiene product 100 is about 10 cm to about 23 cm wide between the outermost edge portions 118 at the maximum spacing of the wings 112, 130. Preferably, each wing 112, 130 is about 5 cm to at least about 19 cm long in a direction parallel to the main longitudinal centerline 134 of the feminine hygiene product 100.

[0069] Those skilled in the art can choose the shape of the protective wings 112 and 130. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the wings 112 and 130 are asymmetrical about the longitudinal center line 134. However, in other aspects, other feminine hygiene products formed using the methods disclosed herein are characterized by symmetrical wings about the longitudinal center line 134. Therefore, the aspects disclosed herein are not limited to wings that are symmetrical or asymmetrical about the longitudinal center line 134.

[0070] Improved wing structure of feminine hygiene products

[0071] The aspects of this disclosure will now be discussed in this paper for the improvement of wing structures for feminine hygiene products. Figure 2 This is an example of a top view of a feminine hygiene product 100 having asymmetrical wings 112, 130 formed using an improved manufacturing process, illustrating various aspects. Figure 2 As shown, in one aspect, the absorber core 106 has a first longitudinal edge 108 and a second longitudinal edge 110. A first protective wing 112 extends laterally outward from the first longitudinal edge 108, and a second protective wing 130 extends laterally outward from the second longitudinal edge 110 (e.g., in a direction parallel to the transverse protective wing axis 152). Figure 2 As shown, in some aspects of the feminine hygiene product 100, the leading edge portion 114 and the trailing edge portion 116 are asymmetrical about the transverse wing axis 152.

[0072] The improved feminine hygiene products disclosed in this article are not limited to any specific wing configuration. Figure 2 In one example, the wings 112, 130 of the feminine hygiene product 100 are asymmetrical about the longitudinal centerline 134 of the feminine hygiene product 100. However, this disclosure is not limited to this type of feminine hygiene product wing configuration, and it is also found in other aspects of this disclosure. Figures 5A to 5B In this method, the feminine hygiene products 100', 100'' are manufactured, wherein the corresponding wings (112', 130') are symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal centerline 134.

[0073] Figure 3 To illustrate along the various aspects Figure 2 Example of a cross-sectional view of a feminine hygiene product 100, taken from line 3-3. Figure 3 As shown, in one aspect, the absorbent core 106 is disposed between the top sheet 102 and the bottom sheet 104. It should be understood that in other embodiments, the feminine hygiene product may also include a sub-bottom sheet disposed between the bottom sheet and the absorbent core and / or a sub-top sheet disposed between the top sheet and the absorbent core, such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 10,532,123 and 11,389,336; and U.S. Patent Publications 2019 / 0099301; 2020 / 0306099; and 2020 / 0315870.

[0074] We will now discuss the improved feminine hygiene product 100's wings. Figure 4A To illustrate along the various aspects Figure 2 Example of a cross-sectional view of a feminine hygiene product 100, taken from line 4-4. Figure 2 and Figure 4AAs shown, in one aspect, the wing 112 includes a first layer 113, a second layer 115, a leading edge portion 114, a trailing edge portion 116, and an outermost edge portion 118 joining the leading edge portion 114 and the trailing edge portion 116. In some aspects, the first layer 113 is part of the top sheet 102, and the second layer 115 is part of the bottom sheet 104. However, in other aspects, the wing 112 includes a first layer 113 and a second layer 115 that are different from the top sheet 102 and the bottom sheet 104. The second wing 130 of the feminine hygiene product 100 is formed using the same process and therefore has similar features to the first wing 112 disclosed herein.

[0075] We will now discuss the first part of the wing guard. For example... Figure 4A As shown, in some aspects, the first wing 112 includes a first wing portion 120, wherein the first layer 113 and the second layer 115 are bonded by an adhesive 126. For the purposes of this description, the first wing portion 120 is defined as the portion of the wing 112 (or wing 130) where the adhesive 126 is provided between the first layer 113 and the second layer 115. Additionally, as... Figure 4A As shown, the first wing portion 120 is defined as the portion of the first wing 112 extending from the first longitudinal core edge 108 of the absorbent core 106 to the first edge 122. In this example aspect, the first edge 122 is defined as the edge of the adhesive 126 within the first wing 112.

[0076] The second part of the wing guard will now be discussed. For example... Figure 4A As shown, in some aspects, the first wing 112 includes a second wing portion 124 extending laterally outward (along the transverse wing axis 152) from the first wing portion 120. In one example aspect, the second wing portion 124 is defined as the portion of the first wing 112 extending from the first edge 122 (e.g., the edge of the adhesive 126 within the first wing 112) to the outermost edge portion 118 of the first wing 112. In this aspect, in the second wing portion 124, the first layer 113 and the second layer 115 are joined by a mechanical bond 128 extending to the outermost edge portion 118 of the first wing 112. Figure 4A A boundary line 186 is depicted between the first layer 113 and the second layer 115 within the second wing portion 124. In some aspects, no adhesive 126 is provided between the first layer 113 and the second layer 115 in the second wing portion 124. In some example aspects, mechanical bonding 128 includes at least one of bending, ultrasonic bonding, pressure bonding, and thermal bonding.

[0077] In some examples, there is an overlap between the first wing portion 120 and the second wing portion 124. For example... Figure 4AAs shown, an overlap 138 is provided between the first wing portion 120 and the second wing portion 124. The overlap 138 is defined as the extent to which the adhesive 126, together with the mechanical bond 128, extends into the second wing portion 124. Figure 4A As shown, in some aspects, adhesive 126 extends within the overlap and terminates at end 184 within the overlap 138, and therefore does not extend beyond the overlap 138 into the second wing portion 124. In some aspects of this disclosure, the overlap 138 is adjusted to be greater than 0 mm, as this advantageously ensures that no part of the wing 112 is unbonded. This also ensures the structural integrity of the wings 112, 130 when the feminine hygiene product 100 is used. If the overlap 138 were absent, the first layer 113 and the second layer 115 might not bond together in some portions of the wing 112 (e.g., between mechanical bond 128 and adhesive 126).

[0078] Additionally, as discussed earlier herein, in this example aspect, the present disclosure achieves the advantage of reduced waste by reducing the width of the top sheet 102 or the first layer 113. Therefore, based on this reduction or decrease in the width of the top sheet 102, there is a risk that the adhesive 126 may be exposed. To avoid this risk, the first wing 112 is designed such that the width of the second wing portion 124 is greater than the overlap 138. This ensures that at least some portions of the first layer 113 and the second layer 115 are mechanically bonded together outside the area of ​​the adhesive 126, and thus the adhesive 126 is not exposed. In one example aspect, the overlap 138 is greater than about 0 mm and less than about 2 mm, while the width of the second wing portion 124 is between about 3 mm and about 9 mm. In another example aspect, the overlap 138 is about 1 mm.

[0079] although Figure 4A The first layer 113 and the second layer 115 of the wing 112 are depicted to have the same width and both extend to the outermost edge portion 118 of the wing 112, but in other respects, the first layer 113 and the second layer 115 have different widths, such that they do not both extend to the outermost edge portion 118 of the wing 112. Figure 4B To illustrate along the various aspects Figure 2 Example of a cross-sectional view of a feminine hygiene product 100, taken from line 4-4. Figure 4BAs shown, in this example aspect, the first layer 113 (e.g., top sheet 102) has a reduced width compared to the second layer 115 (e.g., film 104). Therefore, in this example aspect, the second layer 115 (e.g., film 104) forms the outermost edge portion 118 of the wing 112. Thus, in this example aspect, a gap 148 is provided between the outer edge 149 of the first layer 113 (e.g., top sheet 102) and the outermost edge portion 118 of the wing 112, thereby exposing a portion of the second layer 115 (e.g., film 104) above this gap 148. In various aspects of this disclosure, the gap 148 is smaller than the width of the second wing portion 124, wherein the first layer 113 and the second layer 115 are mechanically bonded (e.g., bent) together. This ensures that the first layer 113 and the second layer 115 are mechanically bonded (e.g., bent) over at least some width of the wing 112 outside the adhesive 126 of the first wing portion 120, and thus prevents the adhesive from being exposed. In one example aspect, the gap 148 is greater than about 0 mm and less than about 3 mm, while the width of the second wing portion 124 is between about 3 mm and about 9 mm. In some aspects of this disclosure, setting the gap 148 and the width of the second wing portion 124 within these ranges ensures that even if the film 104 is exposed (due to displacement and / or manufacturing tolerances), the gap 148 between the top film 102 and the film 104 is less than about 3 mm. This is based on the determination that a gap 148 greater than about 3 mm might be noticeable to the consumer. As those skilled in the art will understand, the film 104 appears different from the top film 102, therefore such an arrangement advantageously ensures that even if a gap 148 exists between the top film 102 and the film 104, such a gap 148 will not be visually noticeable to the consumer.

[0080] like Figure 4B As shown, in one aspect, the first protective wing 112 has a surface 140 facing the wearer and a surface 142 facing the clothing. The surface 152 facing the clothing includes a clothing adhesive 143 for folding under the underwear to secure the feminine hygiene product 100 to the underside of the underwear. Figure 4B As shown, in some aspects of this disclosure, a gap 144 exists between the clothing-facing adhesive 143 in the first wing portion 120 and the second wing portion 124. In one example aspect, the gap 144 is provided to ensure that the clothing-facing adhesive 143 does not interfere with the mechanical bonding 148 of the first layer 113 and the second layer 115. In this example aspect, the gap 144 is in the range of about 1 mm to about 3 mm. However, in other aspects, the gap 144 is not provided, and therefore the clothing-facing adhesive 143 does not need to be positioned within the first wing portion 120 with a minimum gap from the second wing portion 124, and may even be positioned within the second wing portion 124.

[0081] Although various aspects of this disclosure discuss that the first layer 113 of the first wing 112 is part of the top sheet 102 and that the second layer 115 of the first wing 112 is part of the bottom sheet 104, in other aspects, one or both of the first layer 113 and the second layer 115 are different from the top sheet 102 and the bottom sheet 104. In these aspects, the first layer 113 and the second layer 115 are additional material layers forming the first wing 112. In this exemplary aspect, the first layer 113 and / or the second layer 115 are bonded to the top sheet 102 and / or the bottom sheet 104.

[0082] While some aspects of this disclosure previously discussed relate to the formation of an improved feminine hygiene product 100 having asymmetrical wings 112, 130 around a longitudinal centerline 134, in other aspects the improved feminine hygiene product is formed having symmetrical wings around a longitudinal centerline 134. Figure 5A and Figure 5B This is an example of a top view of a feminine hygiene product 100', 100'' having symmetrical wings formed using an improved manufacturing process, illustrating various aspects. In one aspect, such as Figure 5A As shown, the improved feminine hygiene product 100' includes a first wing 112' and a second wing 130' symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal center line 134. Figure 5A As further described in this disclosure, in this aspect, the first wing 112' includes a first wing portion 120' and a second wing portion 124'. Figure 2 and Figure 4A Similar to the first wing 112, the first wing portion 120' is characterized by an adhesive 126 disposed between the first layer 113 and the second layer 115, and the second wing portion 124' is characterized by a mechanical bond 128 between the first layer 113 and the second layer 115. Due to the change in shape of the second wing portion 124' (e.g., having a hub along the middle portion of the first wing 112'), the shape of the mechanical bond 128 (e.g., a curved region) differs from that of the first wing 112'. Figure 2 and Figure 4A The shape of the second wing section 124.

[0083] In another aspect, such as Figure 5B As shown, the improved feminine hygiene product 100'' includes a first wing 112'' and a second wing 130'' symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal center line 134. (As shown) Figure 5B Further depiction, in this aspect of the disclosure, the first wing 112'' includes a first wing portion 120'' and a second wing portion 124''. With Figure 2 and Figure 4ALike the first wing 112, the first wing portion 120'' is characterized by an adhesive 126 disposed between the first layer 113 and the second layer 115, and the second wing portion 124'' is characterized by a mechanical bond 128 between the first layer 113 and the second layer 115. Due to the change in shape of the second wing portion 124'' (e.g., having a hub along the middle portion of the first wing 112'', the hub is more... Figure 5A The first wing 112' has a slightly deeper hub, and the mechanical bond 128 (e.g., the curved area) has a different shape. Figure 2 and Figure 4A The second wing section 124 and Figure 5A The shape of the second wing section 124'.

[0084] The first and second wings of the two improved feminine hygiene products 100' and 100'' share similar characteristics with the first wing 112 and second wing 130 of the improved feminine hygiene product 100 discussed herein.

[0085] It should be noted that the proposed method is applicable to different layouts and different wing designs of the feminine hygiene product 100. Furthermore, it remains applicable even if the materials used for the top sheet 102 and the bottom sheet 104 are different and the bending patterns of the mechanical bonding 128 in the second wing portion 124 are different.

[0086] Apart from Figure 4A and Figure 4B In addition to the side sectional view of the wing design shown, the top sectional view of the wing design will now be discussed, which further describes various aspects of the improved wing design. Figure 6A For example based on various aspects Figure 2 An example of a bottom view of a feminine hygiene product 100, wherein an adhesive layer 126 and a mechanically bonded region 128 are formed using an improved manufacturing process. In one aspect, as... Figure 6A As shown, adhesive 126 includes a first adhesive layer 126a extending between a top sheet 102 and a bottom sheet 104 in the body portion 111 of the feminine hygiene product 100, and a second adhesive layer 126b extending into the first wing 112 and the second wing 130. In one example aspect, the second adhesive layer 126b is a wing lamination adhesive (WLA) because it is within the first wing 112 and the second wing 130. Figure 6A As shown, in some aspects, the second adhesive layer 126b extends from the leading edge portion 114 of the wing 112, 130 to the trailing edge portion 116. As... Figure 6AAs further shown, in some aspects, a garment-facing adhesive 143 is depicted, which is located on the garment-facing surface 142 of the wings 112, 130. In one example aspect, the garment-facing adhesive 143 is a panty adhesive (PFA), as it typically adheres to the underside of panties worn by the user of the feminine hygiene product 100. As illustrated, the panty adhesive can be applied in various shapes.

[0087] Figure 6B For example based on various aspects Figure 6A An example of a top view of the first wing 112 of a feminine hygiene product 100, including the first wing portion 120 and the second wing portion 124. (See example...) Figure 6B As shown, the overlap 138 is depicted between the first wing portion 120 and the second wing portion 124. As previously disclosed, the overlap 138 is in the range of about 0 mm to about 2 mm, such as, for example, about 1 mm. In this example aspect, the 1 mm overlap 138 between the mechanical bond 128 (e.g., the curved region) and the second adhesive layer 126b (e.g., WLA) ensures that there is no gap in the bond between the first layer 113 (e.g., top sheet 102) and the second layer 115 (e.g., bottom sheet 104) in the wing 112. However, in other example aspects, considering process variability, there may be no overlap 138, or the overlap 138 may be greater than 2 mm. Figure 6B As illustrated, mechanical bonding 128 may include an bonding pattern. The bonding pattern may include a series of individual bonding portions having shapes such as circles, ovals, rectangles, squares, or any other bonding shape. The bonding portions may be uniformly patterned (such as...) Figure 6B (The illustrated grid pattern) or non-uniform pattern is provided. The adhesive pattern may also include substantially continuous adhesive portions, such that a first dimension of the adhesive portion is at least twice the second dimension of the adhesive portion. For example, a first dimension extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal centerline 134 is at least twice the second dimension extending substantially parallel to the transverse wing axis 152.

[0088] Figure 6C For example based on various aspects Figure 6AAn example of a top view of the first wing 112 of a feminine hygiene product 100, including an adhesive layer 126b and a mechanically bonded area 128 in the first wing portion 120 and the second wing portion 124. In one aspect, a gap 146 is depicted between the outermost edge portion 118 and the clothing-facing adhesive 143. In one example aspect, the gap 146 is at least about 3 mm or less than about 9 mm. It has been recognized that, in some example aspects, setting the size of the gap 146 within this range advantageously ensures that the clothing-facing adhesive 143 does not interfere with the mechanical bonding (e.g., bending) of the second wing area 124. In some aspects of this disclosure, the width of the second wing portion 124 (e.g., measured along the transverse wing axis 152) is about 3 mm, about 6 mm, or about 9 mm. However, the width of the second wing portion 124 is not limited to any particular value and can be selected from a range of values ​​from about 3 mm to about 9 mm or beyond.

[0089] Improved manufacturing process for feminine hygiene products

[0090] The method for manufacturing improved feminine hygiene products 100 will now be discussed. Figure 7 To illustrate the use of various aspects for forming Figure 2 An example flowchart of the steps of the improvement method 200 for feminine hygiene products 100. Although Figure 7 The steps in the code are shown as a whole box in a specific order, but in other respects, one or more steps or parts thereof are executed in a different order, or are executed overlappingly in time, sequentially or in parallel, or are omitted, or one or more additional steps are added.

[0091] In step 202, a top sheet 102 web is provided. In step 204, the top sheet 102 web is advanced in the longitudinal direction 133. Figure 8A An example aspect of a top sheet 102 web is depicted, the top sheet web having a width 160' measured in a direction parallel to the transverse direction 153, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 133. In one example aspect, the width 160' of the top sheet 102 web is smaller than that of conventional methods ( Figure 1A The width of the top sheet 102 web used in the example is 160. In one example aspect, the width 160' of the top sheet 102 web is about 160 mm, while the width 160' of the top sheet 102 web used in conventional methods is about 168 mm.

[0092] In step 206, core material 106 is provided. And in step 208, core material 106 is deposited onto the first surface 103 of the web material of top sheet 102. Figure 8BAn example aspect is depicted where core material 106 is deposited onto the first surface 103 of the web material of the top sheet 102. In other aspects, in step 208, core material 106 may be deposited onto the first surface 117 of the substrate 104. Figure 8D )superior.

[0093] In step 210, film 104 is provided, and in step 212, film 104 is advanced in the longitudinal direction 133. Figure 8C and Figure 8D As shown, in one aspect, in step 212, film 104 is deposited onto top film 102 such that a first surface 103 of the top film is facing a first surface 117 of film 104. In some example aspects, film 104 has a film width 161 measured in a direction parallel to the transverse direction 153. In this example aspect, the top film width 160' is smaller than the film width 161. In one example aspect, the top film width 160' is smaller than the film width 161 such that the difference between the top film width 160' and the film width 161 is about 3 mm to about 15 mm, or about 5 mm to about 12 mm, or about 8 mm to about 10 mm, or greater than about 3 mm, or greater than about 5 mm, or greater than about 8 mm, or greater than about 10 mm.

[0094] In step 214, adhesive 126 is applied between the web of film 104 and the web of top film 102 in the first protective wing 112 and the second protective wing 130. Figure 8E As shown, in some aspects, in step 214, adhesive 126 is deposited only in a portion of each of the first wing 112 and the second wing 130. In one example aspect, in step 214, adhesive 126 is deposited in an adhesive region 170 of the first wing 112 and the second wing 130. In this example aspect, adhesive region 170 corresponds to the first wing portion 120.

[0095] In step 216, the outer portion of at least one of the first protective wing 112 and the second protective wing 130 is mechanically bonded. In one aspect, as Figure 8E As shown, in step 216, the outer portions of the first guard 112 and / or the second guard 130 are bent, causing the top sheet 102 web and the bottom sheet 104 web to be mechanically bonded together. In one example aspect, the outer portions of the first guard 112 and / or the second guard 130 (where step 216 is performed) are in the bent region 172 corresponding to the second guard portion 124. Although Figure 8EThe overlap between the adhesive region 170 and the curved region 172 is not depicted, but this is merely for illustrative purposes, and it should be understood that an overlap 138, similar to the overlap 138 discussed earlier herein, may be provided between regions 170 and 172. Furthermore, for illustrative purposes, Figure 8E The top sheet 102 and the bottom sheet 104 are not shown as curved in the curved region 172, but this is to be understood based on the disclosure herein. As previously discussed, the curved region 172 may extend to the edge of the top sheet 102 and / or beyond the edge of the top sheet 102.

[0096] As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the reduction in the width 160' of the top piece 102 compared to the width 160 used in conventional methods necessarily involves a reduction in the total width of the adhesive 126b (e.g., WLA) applied in step 214 to prevent adhesive exposure and contamination. Therefore, to ensure closed wing edges, aspects of this disclosure advantageously introduce step 216 for bending the outermost edge portion 118. In one example aspect, the WLA mouthpiece applied to the outer side of the wing in step 216 has been adjusted to apply a reduced width 162' (e.g., about 148 mm) instead of the width 162 (e.g., about 160 mm) applied in conventional methods. This reduces the adhesive 126b (outer WLA) application from 23 mm in conventional methods to about 17 mm in the methods disclosed herein.

[0097] In the exemplary aspects of this disclosure, various measurements and tests are performed to evaluate different cut widths of the top sheet 102, the width of the adhesive 126b (e.g., WLA), and the bending pattern of the bending region 172. In these exemplary aspects, the key parameters considered are the amount of exposed sheet 104 web on the guards 112, 130; the quality and dimensions of the adhesive 126b (e.g., WLA); the bending width and quality on the guards 112, 130; variations in the lateral position of the top sheet 102; variations in the cut width of the top sheet 102; and the analysis and function of the final cutter's trimming breakage. In these exemplary aspects, after several experimental observations and consumer tests, the optimal configuration for conforming the process to product requirements was determined to be a top sheet width of approximately 160 mm 160', a total adhesive 126b (e.g., WLA) width of approximately 148 mm 162', and a 6 mm bend on the guards. However, the aspects of this disclosure are not limited to these specific numerical parameter values ​​and include other values ​​for these parameters beyond these values.

[0098] like Figure 8E As further shown, in another aspect, the method includes the step of cutting the top sheet 102 and the bottom sheet 104 to form the feminine hygiene product 100. In one aspect, the cutting step involves cutting... Figure 2The perimeter of the feminine sanitary pad 100 is shown. In one example aspect, the cutting step is along cut line 174 ( Figure 8E The procedure involves trimming away excess top sheet 180 and excess back sheet 182 material that was not used to form the feminine hygiene product 100. The excess top sheet 180 that is trimmed away is much smaller than the equivalent amount of width increase of the top sheet 102 that would be removed in a conventional method.

[0099] In some aspects of this disclosure, the feminine hygiene product 100 may be cut first and then bent, but this may be more difficult to manufacture. In one example aspect, the front end 125 and rear end 127 of the feminine hygiene product 100 are bent simultaneously with the wings in step 216. However, the bending of the front end 125 and rear end 127 of the feminine hygiene product 100 can be done in two separate steps. The cutting step can then be performed after the bending step.

[0100] It should be noted that, in some aspects of this disclosure, reducing the width 160' of the top plate 102 increases the stiffness of the wings 112, 130 (due to bending), which provides the user with a stiffer area to grip for applying and removing the wings. It is believed that this stiffer area of ​​the bent wings will benefit consumers by allowing for better control over the application and removal of the wings.

[0101] combination

[0102] Based on the above disclosure, the following non-limiting embodiments are conceived:

[0103] A. A feminine hygiene product comprising: a top sheet; a bottom sheet; an absorbent core disposed between the top sheet and the bottom sheet, wherein the absorbent core has a first longitudinal core edge and a second longitudinal core edge; and a first wing extending laterally outside the first longitudinal core edge, wherein the first wing includes a first layer, a second layer, a leading edge portion, a trailing edge portion, and an outermost edge portion joining the leading edge portion and the trailing edge portion, the first wing having a first wing portion extending from the first longitudinal core edge to a first edge and a second wing portion extending from the first edge to the outermost edge portion, wherein the first layer and the second layer are bonded in the first wing portion by an adhesive, and wherein the first layer and the second layer are bonded in the second wing portion by a mechanical adhesive.

[0104] B. The feminine hygiene product according to paragraph A, the feminine hygiene product comprising a second wing that extends laterally to the outer side of the edge of the second longitudinal core; wherein the first wing and the second wing are symmetrical about the longitudinal centerline of the feminine hygiene product.

[0105] C. The feminine hygiene product according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, the feminine hygiene product comprising a second wing extending laterally to the outer side of the second longitudinal core edge; wherein the first wing and the second wing are asymmetrical about the longitudinal centerline of the feminine hygiene product.

[0106] D. The feminine hygiene product according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein an overlap is provided between the adhesive of the first wing portion and the mechanical bond of the second wing portion.

[0107] E. The feminine hygiene product according to paragraph D, wherein the overlap is greater than 0 mm and less than 2 mm.

[0108] F. The feminine hygiene product as described in paragraph E, wherein the overlap is approximately 1 mm.

[0109] G. The feminine hygiene product according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the first wing has a surface facing the wearer and a surface facing the clothing, wherein the surface facing the clothing includes a clothing adhesive, and wherein there is a gap between the clothing adhesive and the second wing portion.

[0110] H. The feminine hygiene product according to paragraph G, wherein a gap is provided between the outermost edge portion and the adhesive facing the garment.

[0111] I. The feminine hygiene product as described in paragraph H, wherein the gap is at least about 3 mm or less than about 9 mm.

[0112] J. The feminine hygiene product as described in paragraph G, wherein the adhesive facing the garment is disposed on the first wing portion.

[0113] K. The feminine hygiene product according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the first layer of the first wing is part of the top sheet.

[0114] L. The feminine hygiene product according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the second layer of the first wing is part of the substrate.

[0115] M. The feminine hygiene product according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein at least one of the first layer and the second layer of the first wing forms the outermost edge portion.

[0116] N. The feminine hygiene product according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the first layer forms the wearer-facing surface of the first wing, and the second layer forms the clothing-facing surface of the first wing; wherein the second layer forms the outermost edge portion of the first wing; and wherein there is a gap of less than about 3 mm between the outermost edge portion and the outer edge of the first layer.

[0117] O. The feminine hygiene product according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the mechanical bonding comprises at least one of bending, ultrasonic bonding, pressure bonding and thermal bonding.

[0118] P. The feminine hygiene product according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the width of the second wing portion is 3 mm, 6 mm or 9 mm.

[0119] Q. The feminine hygiene product according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein at least one of the first layer and the second layer of the first wing is bonded to at least one of the top sheet and the bottom sheet.

[0120] R. A feminine hygiene product according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the adhesive extends from the leading edge portion to the trailing edge portion.

[0121] S. The feminine hygiene product according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the leading edge portion and the trailing edge portion are asymmetrical about the transverse wing axis.

[0122] T. A feminine hygiene product comprising: a top sheet; a bottom sheet; an absorbent core disposed between the top sheet and the bottom sheet, wherein the absorbent core has a first longitudinal core edge and a second longitudinal core edge; and a first wing extending laterally outside the first longitudinal core edge, wherein the first wing includes a portion of the top sheet, a portion of the bottom sheet, a leading edge portion, a trailing edge portion, and an outermost edge portion joining the leading edge portion and the trailing edge portion, the first wing having a first wing portion extending from the first longitudinal core edge to a first edge and a wing portion extending from the first edge to the outermost edge. The second wing portion comprises a first wing portion, wherein the first layer and the second layer are bonded in the first wing portion by an adhesive, and wherein the first layer and the second layer are bonded in the second wing portion by a mechanical bond; wherein an overlap is provided between the adhesive in the first wing portion and the mechanical bond in the second wing portion, wherein the overlap is greater than 0 mm; and wherein the first wing has a surface facing the wearer and a surface facing the clothing, wherein the surface facing the clothing includes clothing adhesive, wherein a gap exists between the adhesive facing the clothing and the second wing portion, and wherein the gap is greater than 0 mm.

[0123] AA. A method of forming an absorbent article or a feminine hygiene article, the method comprising: providing a top sheet web; advancing the top sheet web longitudinally, wherein the top sheet web has a width of the top sheet web measured in a direction parallel to the transverse direction, the transverse direction being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction; providing a core material; depositing the core material onto a first surface of the top sheet web material; providing a back sheet web; advancing the back sheet web longitudinally and depositing the back sheet web onto the top sheet web such that the first surface of the top sheet web faces the first surface of the back sheet web, wherein the back sheet web has a width of the back sheet web measured in a direction parallel to the transverse direction, and wherein the width of the top sheet web is less than the width of the back sheet web; applying an adhesive between the back sheet web and the top sheet web in a first wing and a second wing, wherein the adhesive is deposited only in a portion of each of the first wing and the second wing; and bending an outer portion of at least one of the first wing and the second wing.

[0124] BB. According to the method described in paragraph AA, the method includes forming a pad in the top sheet web and the bottom sheet web, wherein the pad includes the first guard wing and the second guard wing formed from a portion of the top sheet web and the bottom sheet web.

[0125] CC. The method according to any one of the preceding paragraphs includes cutting the top sheet web and the bottom sheet web to form a pad, wherein the pad includes the first guard wing and the second guard wing, and at least one of the first guard wing and the second guard wing includes an adhesive region and a bending region.

[0126] DD. The method according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the width of the top film is smaller than the width of the bottom film by a difference ranging from about 3 mm to about 15 mm.

[0127] 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 the range surrounding its functional equivalent. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to represent “approximately 40 mm”.

[0128] Unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited, every reference cited herein, including any cross-references or related patents or patent applications, and any patent application or patent claiming priority to or benefiting from it, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Reference to any reference is not an endorsement of it as prior art to any disclosed or protected art herein, nor is it an endorsement of any such invention, either on its own or in combination with any one or more references. Furthermore, where any meaning or definition of a term in this invention conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in referenced documents, the meaning or definition given to that term in this invention shall prevail.

[0129] While specific embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that all such changes and modifications falling within the scope of the invention be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A feminine hygiene product, said feminine hygiene product comprising: Top film; negative; An absorbent core is disposed between the top sheet and the bottom sheet, wherein the absorbent core has a first longitudinal core edge and a second longitudinal core edge; and The first protective wing extends laterally on the outer side of the edge of the first longitudinal core. The first protective wing includes a first layer, a second layer, a leading edge portion, a trailing edge portion, and an outermost edge portion that joins the leading edge portion and the trailing edge portion. The first protective wing has a first protective wing portion extending from the first longitudinal core edge to the first edge and a second protective wing portion extending from the first edge to the outermost edge portion. The first layer and the second layer are joined in the first wing portion by an adhesive, and The first layer and the second layer are joined in the second wing portion by mechanical bonding.

2. The feminine hygiene product according to claim 1, wherein the feminine hygiene product includes a second wing that extends laterally to the outer side of the edge of the second longitudinal core; The first and second protective wings are symmetrical about the longitudinal centerline of the feminine hygiene product.

3. The feminine hygiene product according to any one of the preceding claims, the feminine hygiene product comprising a second wing extending laterally on the outer side of the edge of the second longitudinal core; The first and second protective wings are asymmetrical about the longitudinal centerline of the feminine hygiene product.

4. The feminine hygiene product according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an overlap is provided between the adhesive of the first wing portion and the mechanical bond of the second wing portion.

5. The feminine hygiene product according to claim 4, wherein the overlapping portion is greater than 0 mm and less than 2 mm.

6. The feminine hygiene product according to claim 5, wherein the overlap is about 1 mm.

7. The feminine hygiene product according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first wing has a surface facing the wearer and a surface facing the clothing, wherein the surface facing the clothing includes a clothing adhesive, and wherein there is a gap between the clothing adhesive and the second wing portion.

8. The feminine hygiene product of claim 7, wherein a gap is provided between the outermost edge portion and the adhesive facing the garment.

9. The feminine hygiene product of claim 8, wherein the gap is at least about 3 mm or less than about 9 mm.

10. The feminine hygiene product of claim 7, wherein the adhesive facing the garment is disposed on the first wing portion.

11. The feminine hygiene product according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first layer of the first wing is part of the top sheet.

12. The feminine hygiene product according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second layer of the first wing is part of the backing sheet.

13. The feminine hygiene product according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the first layer and the second layer of the first wing forms the outermost edge portion.

14. The feminine hygiene product of claim 1, wherein the first layer forms the wearer-facing surface of the first wing, and the second layer forms the garment-facing surface of the first wing; The second layer forms the outermost edge portion of the first protective wing; and There is a gap of less than about 3 mm between the outermost edge portion and the outer edge of the first layer.

15. The feminine hygiene product according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mechanical bonding comprises at least one of bending, ultrasonic bonding, pressure bonding and thermal bonding.

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