Feminine hygiene products

Abstract

a liquid permeable topsheet, a secondary topsheet below the topsheet having a secondary topsheet length measured along a longitudinal direction; a liquid impermeable backsheet, an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, the absorbent core having a pair of substantially parallel and substantially straight longitudinal side edges, the side edges terminating at respective front intersections with protruding portions of the absorbent core, the side edges terminating at respective rear intersections with rear recesses of the absorbent core, and a core overall length extending from the maximum length of the absorbent core to the maximum length of the absorbent core; and an absorbent core, the total core length being less than the secondary topsheet length, a front portion of the secondary topsheet length overhanging forward from the front projections and a rear portion of the secondary topsheet length overhanging rear from the rear recesses, the total core length as measured at the forward-most and rear-most points of the absorbent core being about 75% to about 99% of the secondary topsheet length as measured at the forward-most and rear-most points of the secondary topsheet, and the forward projections and rear recesses being substantially complementary in size and shape. The feminine hygiene article has an absorbent core 18 that, when folded, does not substantially overlap at a forward-most extent of the absorbent core including the projections and a rear-most extent of the absorbent core including the recesses, such that the overall folded thickness of the feminine hygiene article is minimized.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] TECHNICAL FIELD This application relates to absorbent articles, and more particularly to feminine hygiene articles. [Background technology]

[0002] Feminine articles have been in widespread use for decades. These articles are generally utilized to capture menstrual blood and moisture during menstruation. Generally, users of feminine articles desire a clean and dry feel. Many advances in feminine article technology have attempted to improve one or both of these aspects. In relatively thin articles, absorbent core materials have been introduced that can provide enhanced absorbent capacity.

[0003] However, providing the desired experience to the user of the feminine article is a bit complicated and requires more than the above advancements. The user of the feminine article should be provided with an easily identifiable application guide that ensures proper placement / orientation of the feminine article within the panty. If improper placement and / or orientation is utilized, the above advancements in wing and absorbent core materials will likely not provide the intended benefits. Furthermore, the article must be securely fastened to the panty. Failure to secure the feminine article to the panty may result in the feminine article becoming dislodged during use. Also, dislodgement, as well as improper placement and / or orientation, may negate many of the functions of the above advancements. Furthermore, it is desirable to efficiently use materials in the feminine article, for example, to ensure that the absorbent core is sized and positioned to provide maximum benefit.

[0004] Based on the above, it would be beneficial to provide an article that provides an easily identifiable placement / orientation guide while making the most efficient use of the material forming the article. Thus, an article is obtained that allows the consumer to easily place the most absorbent portion of the article where it is most needed. Additionally, it would be beneficial to have an absorbent core shaped and sized so that it can be efficiently cut to minimize scrap material. Additionally, it would be beneficial to have a core that is shaped such that when the article is folded, there is minimal overlap of the core, resulting in a thinner folded product taking up less space in the package. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] a liquid permeable topsheet, a secondary topsheet below the topsheet having a secondary topsheet length measured along a longitudinal direction; a liquid impermeable backsheet, an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, the absorbent core having a pair of substantially parallel and substantially straight longitudinal side edges, the side edges terminating at respective front intersections with protruding portions of the absorbent core, the side edges terminating at respective rear intersections with rear recesses of the absorbent core, and a core overall length extending from the maximum length of the absorbent core to the maximum length of the absorbent core; an absorbent core, measured longitudinally at a forward point and a rearward point, wherein the overall core length is less than the secondary topsheet length, a forward portion of the secondary topsheet length extends forward from the forward projection and a rear portion of the secondary topsheet length extends rearward from the rear recess, the overall core length as measured at the forward-most and rearward-most points of the absorbent core is from about 75% to about 99% of the secondary topsheet length as measured at the forward-most and rearward-most points of the secondary topsheet, and the forward projection and rear recess are substantially complementary in size and shape. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter of the invention, it is believed the invention can be more readily understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram of a feminine article according to the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 1 is a diagram of a feminine article according to the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a feminine article according to the present disclosure taken along the z-plane of the fluid management layer. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram of the feminine item before folding. [Diagram 5] 1 is a diagram of nested projections and recesses of an absorbent core when the feminine article is in a folded configuration. [Figure 6] 1 is a diagram of nested projections and recesses of an absorbent core when the feminine article is in a folded configuration. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a non-nestable absorbent core when the feminine article is in a folded configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] definition As used herein, the following terms shall have the meanings specified below.

[0008] "Absorbent article" refers to a wearable device that absorbs and / or contains liquids, and more specifically, to a device that is placed against or in proximity to the body of a wearer to capture, absorb, and / or contain exudates discharged from the body. Absorbent articles can include feminine hygiene products, including diapers, training pants, adult incontinence products (e.g., liners, articles, briefs, and pants), and / or feminine hygiene articles (e.g., also known as "sanitary napkins," "menstrual articles," "panty liners," etc.).

[0009] As used herein, the term "integrated" is used to describe fibers of a nonwoven material that are twisted, entangled, and / or pushed / pulled in the positive and / or negative z-direction (thickness direction of the nonwoven material). Some exemplary processes for consolidating fibers of a nonwoven web include spunlacing and needlepunching. Spunlacing (also known as "hydroentanglement" or "hydroenhancing") uses multiple high-pressure water jets directed at a precursor batt or collection of fibers transported along the machine direction to entangle the fibers. Needlepunching (also known as "needling") involves using specially equipped needles to mechanically push and / or pull the fibers of a precursor batt or collection of fibers in the z-direction and entangle them with other fibers in the batt or collection.

[0010] As used herein, the term "carded" is used to describe the structural characteristics of the fluid management layer described herein. Carded nonwovens are formed of fibers cut to a specific finite length, also known as "staple filaments". The staple filaments may be of any selected length. For example, the staple filaments may be cut to lengths as short as 10 mm, down from a maximum length of 120 mm. However, when a particular group of fibers is staple filaments, the length of each of the fibers in the carded nonwoven is approximately the same, i.e., staple length. When fibers of two or more compositions are included in a nonwoven web, such as a web comprising polypropylene fibers and viscose fibers, the length of each of the fibers of the same composition may be substantially the same, but the length of each of the staple fibers of each fiber composition may be different.

[0011] In contrast to staple fibers, filaments, such as those produced by spinning in spunbond or meltblown nonwoven web manufacturing processes, are typically not staple filaments. Instead, these filaments may be characterized as "continuous" fibers, meaning that they are of relatively long, indefinite length and are not cut to specific lengths after spinning, as are their staple fiber counterparts.

[0012] "Lateral" refers to the direction parallel to a horizontal line tangent to the front of the upper part of the wearer's legs adjacent the torso when the article is normally worn and the wearer is in a normal, even, straight, standing position. The "width" dimension of any component or feature of an article, such as a feminine hygiene article, is measured along the lateral direction. When the article or a component thereof is placed flat on a horizontal surface, the "lateral" direction corresponds to the lateral direction to the structure when it is worn, as defined above. With respect to an article, such as a feminine hygiene article, that is opened and placed flat on a horizontal plane, "lateral" refers to the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and parallel to the horizontal plane. With respect to a feminine hygiene article, the term "x-direction" is interchangeable with the term "lateral".

[0013] The "transverse axis" of an absorbent article, such as a feminine hygiene article or component thereof, is a horizontal line that lies in the xy plane and equally divides the length of the article or component when the article or component is laid flat on a horizontal surface. The transverse axis is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0014] "Longitudinal" refers to a direction perpendicular to the lateral direction with respect to an absorbent article, such as a feminine hygiene article, or a component thereof. The "length" dimension of any component or feature of the article is measured along the longitudinal direction from its front extent to its rear extent. When an article, such as a feminine hygiene article, or a component thereof, is placed flat on a horizontal surface, the "longitudinal" direction, as defined above, is perpendicular to the lateral direction with respect to the article when worn. With respect to feminine hygiene articles, the term "y-direction" is interchangeable with the term "longitudinal".

[0015] The "longitudinal axis" of a feminine hygiene article or component thereof is the longitudinal line that lies in the xy plane and divides the width of the article or component when the article is laid flat on a horizontal surface. The longitudinal axis is perpendicular to the horizontal axis.

[0016] As used herein, the term "rayon" is used generically to include any fiber spun from regenerated cellulose, including but not limited to viscose, lyocell, and the like.

[0017] With respect to an absorbent article, such as a feminine hygiene article, or a component thereof, when laid flat on a horizontal surface, the "xy-plane" refers to any horizontal plane occupied by the horizontal surface or any layer of the article or component. With respect to the manufacture or processing of a web of material, the term "xy-plane" refers to the plane substantially occupied by a major surface of the web of material.

[0018] With respect to the manufacturing or processing of a web of material, the term "x-direction" is interchangeable with the term "cross direction."

[0019] With respect to the manufacturing or processing of a web of material, the term "y-direction" is interchangeable with the term "machine direction."

[0020] In the context of an absorbent article, such as a feminine hygiene article or component thereof, the "z-direction" is the direction perpendicular / orthogonal to the xy-plane when laid flat on a horizontal surface. In the context of the manufacture or processing of a web of material, the term "z-direction" refers to the direction perpendicular to the xy-plane that is substantially occupied by the major surfaces of the web of material.

[0021] The terms "top," "bottom," "upper," "lower," "on," "under," "lower," "super-adjacent," "underlying," and similar terms relating to relative vertical position, as used herein to refer to layers, components, or other features of an absorbent article, such as a feminine hygiene article, are relative to the z-direction and should be interpreted with respect to the article as it would appear when placed flat on a horizontal surface, with the surface facing the wearer oriented upward and the surface facing outward oriented downward.

[0022] With respect to absorbent articles, such as feminine hygiene articles, or components or structures thereof, "wearer-facing" is a relative positional term that refers to a feature of the component or structure that, in use, is located closer to the wearer than another feature of the component or structure. For example, a topsheet has a wearer-facing surface that is located closer to the wearer than an opposite, outwardly facing surface of the topsheet.

[0023] With respect to absorbent articles, such as feminine hygiene articles, or components or structures thereof, "outwardly facing" is a relative positional term that refers to a feature of the component or structure that, in use, is located further from the wearer than another feature of the component or structure. For example, a topsheet has an outwardly facing surface that is located further from the wearer than an opposite wearer-facing surface of the topsheet.

[0024] "Predominantly" and its aspects, when used to characterize a quantity of weight, volume, surface area, etc. of an absorbent article or component thereof that is constituted by a composition, material, feature, etc., means that a majority of such weight, volume, surface area, etc. of the absorbent article or component thereof is constituted by the composition, material, feature, etc.

[0025] feminine hygiene products A feminine hygiene article constructed according to the present disclosure is shown in Figure 1. Figure 1 shows a feminine hygiene article 10. The feminine hygiene article 10 may include a chassis 20 and a pair of wings 60 and 70 extending outwardly of the chassis 20. The chassis 20 has a first end 25, a second end 27, and an intermediate region 29 disposed between the first end 25 and the second end 27. The feminine hygiene article 10 further includes a longitudinal centerline 80 and a lateral centerline 90 disposed generally perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline 80. The feminine hygiene article 10 may further include a topsheet 14, a secondary topsheet 140, a backsheet 16, and an absorbent core 18 (as shown in Figure 3) disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The topsheet, backsheet, and absorbent core are described in more detail herein.

[0026] It is desirable to make the most efficient use of materials in feminine hygiene articles. One way to achieve efficient use of materials is to cut the materials to reduce excess scrap material. The absorbent core of a feminine hygiene article contributes to the absorbency of the article, but cutting as described herein reduces scrap material and does not significantly affect the overall absorbency of the feminine hygiene article. As shown in FIG. 1, the absorbent core 18 has a patterned shape such that when cut, the forward most extent of the absorbent core and the rearmost extent of the absorbent core are complementary in size and shape. The resulting absorbent core has a pair of substantially parallel, substantially straight longitudinal side edges 100, 110, the side edges terminating at respective forward intersections with the projections 120 that define the forwardmost extent of the absorbent core, the side edges terminating at respective rearward intersections with the rearwardmost ends 121, 133 and the recesses 130, the overall length of the core being measured along the longitudinal direction from the forwardmost point 120 to the rearwardmost point 121 or 122 (whichever is furthest from the lateral centerline 90), as shown at 150. The rearmost extent of the absorbent core includes the rearwardmost end point and the recesses. The absorbent core is combined with a secondary topsheet 140. The overall length of the absorbent core is less than the secondary topsheet length. The length of the absorbent core is about 75% to about 99% of the secondary topsheet length. Alternatively, the length of the absorbent core is about 75% to about 85%, alternatively about 80% to about 95%, alternatively about 78% to about 90% of the secondary topsheet length. The secondary topsheet length, as measured at the forward-most and rear-most points of the secondary topsheet, is shown at 180 in FIG. 2. The absorbent core can have a total core length of about 160 mm to about 310 mm, alternatively about 170 to about 310, alternatively about 170 to about 250, alternatively about 180 mm to about 250 mm. The absorbent core can also have a total core width of about 55 mm to about 70 mm.

[0027] The front portion of the secondary topsheet length overhangs (190) forward from the forward projection of the absorbent core, and the rear portion of the secondary topsheet length overhangs (200) rear from the rear recess of the absorbent core. The front and rear overhanging portions 190, 200 of the secondary topsheet provide both additional stability of the feminine hygiene article, additional absorbency, and positioning guidance such that the target fluid entry zone of the feminine article 10 is aligned with the vaginal opening when the product is positioned by the user during use. The intersection between the first imaginary line 80 and the second imaginary line 90 can provide a useful approximation of the target fluid entry zone. The core can be centrally located on the secondary topsheet such that the impact on stability of the areas on the frontmost and rearmost ends of the feminine hygiene article is minimized.

[0028] In addition to using less material, an absorbent core of this shape / size can result in a thinner product because the absorbent cores overlap less when folded, resulting in a minimization of packaging material. As shown in FIG. 4, when the feminine hygiene article is folded along imaginary lines 210 and 220, the absorbent core protrusions 120 and recesses 130 nest within one another because they have complementary sizes and shapes. This nesting arrangement is illustrated in FIGS. 5-6. FIG. 6 illustrates a feminine hygiene article such that, when folded at 230, the absorbent core 18 does not substantially overlap at the forward-most extent of the absorbent core, including the protrusions, and at the rear-most extent of the absorbent core, including the recesses, resulting in a minimized overall folded thickness of the feminine hygiene article. On the other hand, FIG. 7 illustrates a prior art feminine hygiene article in which the forward-most and rear-most ends of the absorbent core 218 overlap, thus resulting in a thicker folded feminine hygiene article 300.

[0029] Structure of women's items 1-3, a feminine article 10 is shown. The chassis 20 comprises a liquid permeable topsheet 14, a liquid impermeable or substantially liquid impermeable backsheet 16, and an absorbent core 18 disposed intermediate the topsheet and backsheet. Wings 60 and 70 may be attached to the topsheet, the backsheet, and / or the absorbent core. The wings may be asymmetric 60, 70 in FIG. 1 or symmetric 160, 170 in FIG. 2.

[0030] The feminine hygiene article 10 may have any shape known in the art of feminine hygiene products, including a generally symmetrical "hourglass" shape, as well as a pear shape, a bicycle seat shape, a trapezoidal shape, a wedge shape, or other shapes having one end wider than the other. Sanitary napkins and panty liners may also be provided with lateral extensions known in the art as "flaps" or "wings." Such extensions can serve many purposes, including, but not limited to, preventing soiling of the wearer's panties and holding the sanitary napkin securely in place. The illustrated absorbent article has a body-facing, upper surface that contacts the user's body during use. An opposing, garment-facing, lower surface contacts the user's clothing during use.

[0031] The upper side of the sanitary napkin 10 has a topsheet 14, which may generally be liquid permeable. The lower side has a backsheet 16, which may generally be liquid impermeable, and is joined to the topsheet 14 at the edges 12 of the sanitary napkin 10. An absorbent core 18 is positioned between the topsheet 14 and the backsheet 16.

[0032] The topsheet 14, backsheet 16, and absorbent core 18 may be assembled in a variety of well-known configurations, including so-called "tube" products or side-flap products. Examples of sanitary napkin constructions are generally described in U.S. Patent No. 4,950,264, entitled "Thin, Flexible Sanitary Napkin," issued Aug. 21, 1990 to Osborn; U.S. Patent No. 4,425,130, entitled "Compound Sanitary Napkin," issued Jan. 10, 1984 to DesMarais; U.S. Patent No. 4,321,924, entitled "Bordered Disposable Absorbent Article," issued Mar. 30, 1982 to Ahr; and U.S. Patent No. 4,589,876, entitled "Shaped Sanitary Napkin With Flaps," issued Aug. 18, 1987 to Van Tilburg.

[0033] The backsheet 16 and topsheet 14 as illustrated in FIG. 3 can be secured together in a variety of ways. Adhesives manufactured by HB Fuller Company (St. Paul, Minn.) under the designations HL-1258 or H-2031 have been found to be satisfactory. Alternatively, the topsheet 14 and backsheet 16 can be joined together by thermal bonding, pressure bonding, ultrasonic bonding, dynamic mechanical bonding, crimp sealing, or any other suitable fastening method. As illustrated in FIG. 3, a fluid-impermeable crimp seal 24 can prevent fluids from migrating laterally through the edges of the product ("wicking") and inhibit the sides from soiling the wearer's undergarments.

[0034] As is typical for sanitary napkins and the like, the sanitary napkin 10 of the present disclosure can have a panty fastening adhesive disposed on the garment-facing side of the backsheet 16. The panty fastening adhesive can be any known adhesive used in the art for this purpose and can be covered with a release paper prior to use, as is well known in the art. If flaps or wings are present, the panty fastening adhesive can be applied to the garment-facing side so as to contact and adhere to the underside of the wearer's panties.

[0035] Any suitable absorbent core known in the art may be used. The absorbent core may be any absorbent member that is generally compressible, conformable, non-irritating to the wearer's skin, and capable of absorbing and retaining liquids such as urine, menses, and / or other bodily exudates. The absorbent core may be made from a wide variety of liquid-absorbent materials commonly used in disposable absorbent articles, such as ground wood pulp, commonly referred to as airfelt. The absorbent core may contain superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) and less than 15%, less than 10%, less than 5%, less than 3%, or less than 1% airfelt, or may be completely free of airfelt. Other suitable absorbent materials include shrunken cellulose wadding, meltblown polymers containing coforms, chemically stiffened, modified, or crosslinked cellulose fibers, tissues including tissue wraps and tissue laminates, absorbent foams, absorbent sponges, superabsorbent polymers, absorbent gelling materials, or any equivalent material or combination of materials.

[0036] The configuration and structure of the absorbent core can vary (e.g., the absorbent core may have varying caliper zones, hydrophilic gradients, superabsorbency gradients, or acquisition zones of lower average density and lower average basis weight, or may include one or more layers or structures). In some forms, the absorbent core may include one or more channels, such as 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 channels.

[0037] The absorbent core of the present disclosure may include one or more adhesives, for example, to facilitate securing the SAP or other absorbent material within the core wrap and / or to ensure the integrity of the core wrap, especially when the core wrap is made of two or more substrates. The core wrap may extend over a larger area than is needed to contain the absorbent material therein.

[0038] Absorbent cores containing relatively high amounts of SAP with various core designs are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,599,335 to Goldman et al., European Patent No. 1,447,066 to Busam et al., International Publication No. WO 95 / 11652 to Tanzer et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0312622(A1) to Hundorf et al., and International Publication No. WO 2012 / 052172 to Van Malderen.

[0039] Other configurations and further details regarding channels and pockets that are free or substantially free of absorbent material such as SAP within the absorbent core are described in more detail in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2014 / 0163500, 2014 / 0163506, and 2014 / 0163511, all published June 12, 2014.

[0040] Other suitable materials for use in absorbent cores include open-cell foams or fragments thereof. The use of foams in absorbent cores is described in further detail in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,410,820, 6,107,356, 6,204,298, 6,207,724, 6,444,716, 8,211,078, and 8,702,668.

[0041] In some configurations, the absorbent core structure may include a heterogeneous mass layer, or may be a composite of any of the compositions described in U.S. Patent Application Nos. 14 / 715,984, filed May 19, 2015, 14 / 750,399, filed June 25, 2015, 14 / 751,969, filed June 26, 2015, 15 / 078,132, filed March 23, 2016, 14 / 750,596, filed June 25, 2015, and 14 / 750,696, filed June 25, 2015. No. 15 / 084,902 filed March 30, 2016, No. 15 / 343,989 filed November 4, 2016, No. 15 / 344,273 filed November 4, 2016, No. 15 / 344,294 filed November 4, 2016, No. 14 / 704,110 filed May 5, 2015, No. 15 / 194,894 filed June 28, 2016, No. 15 / 344 filed November 4, 2016 ,050, No. 15 / 344,117 filed on November 4, 2016, No. 15 / 344,177 filed on November 4, 2016, No. 15 / 344,198 filed on November 4, 2016, No. 15 / 344,221 filed on November 4, 2016, No. 15 / 344,239 filed on November 4, 2016, No. 15 / 344,255 filed on November 4, 2016, No. 15 / 464,733, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 437,208, filed December 21, 2016, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 437,225, filed December 21, 2016, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 437,241, filed December 21, 2016, or U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 437,259, filed December 21, 2016 may be utilized. The heterogeneous mass layer has a depth, a width, and a height.

[0042] In some configurations, combinations of absorbent core materials may be utilized. For example, configurations are contemplated in which a first layer of the absorbent core comprises a foam material or fragments thereof as described above, and a second layer of the absorbent core comprises an airlaid material. Such combinations are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0336606 and U.S. Patent No. 9,649,228.

[0043] The feminine article includes a secondary topsheet and / or acquisition layer disposed between the topsheet and the absorbent core. One suitable example of a secondary topsheet relates to a spunlace nonwoven. Suitable spunlace nonwovens are discussed in more detail in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0351976. In some configurations, the secondary topsheet may include a superabsorbent similar to the superabsorbent in the absorbent core, or a different superabsorbent from the absorbent core.

[0044] The backsheet may include a liquid-impermeable film. The backsheet may be impermeable to liquids (e.g., bodily fluids) and may typically be manufactured from a thin plastic film. However, the backsheet typically allows vapor to escape from the disposable article. In one embodiment, a polyethylene microporous membrane may be used for the backsheet. A suitable polyethylene microporous membrane is manufactured by Mitsui Toatsu Chemicals, Inc., Nagoya, Japan, and is commercially available under the trade name PG-P.

[0045] One suitable material for the backsheet can be a liquid impermeable thermoplastic film having a thickness of about 0.012 mm (0.50 mil) to about 0.051 mm (2.0 mil), for example comprising polyethylene or polypropylene. Typically, the backsheet has a weight of about 5 g / m 2 ~Approx. 35g / m 2 It should be noted, however, that other flexible, liquid impermeable materials may be used as the backsheet. "Flexible" in this specification refers to a material that is conformable and will easily adapt to the overall shape and contours of the wearer's body.

[0046] The backsheet may be generally disposed adjacent to the outer surface of the absorbent core and may be joined thereto by any suitable attachment means known in the art. For example, the backsheet may be secured to the absorbent core by a uniform continuous layer of adhesive, a patterned layer of adhesive, or an array of discrete lines, spirals, or dots of adhesive. Exemplary, but non-limiting, adhesives include those manufactured by HB Fuller Company (St. Paul, Minn., USA) and commercially available as HL-1358J. One example of a suitable attachment means, including an open pattern network of filaments of binder, is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,573,986, entitled "Disposable Waste-Containment Garment," issued March 4, 1986 to Minetola et al. Another suitable attachment means, including several lines of binder filaments wound in a helical pattern, is exemplified in the apparatus and methods shown in U.S. Patent No. 3,911,173, issued October 7, 1975 to Sprague, Jr., U.S. Patent No. 4,785,996, issued November 22, 1978 to Ziecker et al., and U.S. Patent No. 4,842,666, issued June 27, 1989 to Werenicz. Alternatively, the attachment means may include thermal bonding, heat fusion, pressure bonding, ultrasonic bonding, dynamic mechanical bonding, or any other suitable attachment means or combinations of these attachment means. The backsheet may be further secured to the topsheet by any of the attachment means / methods described above.

[0047] The topsheet is disposed adjacent the body-facing surface of the feminine article. The topsheet may be joined to the backsheet by attachment methods (not shown) such as those known in the art. The topsheet and backsheet may be joined directly to one another around the periphery of the feminine article, or may be joined indirectly together by joining them directly to the absorbent core by any suitable attachment method.

[0048] The topsheet may be conformable, soft feeling, and non-irritating to the wearer's skin. Further, the topsheet may be liquid permeable such that liquids (e.g., urine, menses) may readily penetrate through its thickness. Some suitable examples of topsheet materials include films, nonwovens, laminate structures comprising film / nonwoven layers, film / film layers, and nonwoven / nonwoven layers. Other exemplary topsheet materials and designs are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2016 / 0129661, 2016 / 0167334, and 2016 / 0278986.

[0049] As previously discussed, the feminine article may include a secondary topsheet or acquisition layer disposed between the topsheet and the absorbent core. The secondary topsheet may include a first end, an opposing second end, and a pair of longitudinally opposed side edges connecting the first end and the second end. As shown, the secondary topsheet may be asymmetric or symmetric about the longitudinal centerline 80.

[0050] The wings of the feminine hygiene articles of the present disclosure may be integrally formed as part of the topsheet. In some configurations, the wings may be integrally formed as part of the backsheet. In some configurations, the wings may be integrally formed as part of the topsheet and the backsheet. In some configurations, the wings may be integrally formed with additional layers of the feminine hygiene articles described herein. In yet other configurations, the wings may be formed separately and joined to the chassis.

[0051] Test and Measurement Methods Caliper The caliper or thickness of the test specimen is measured as the distance between a reference platform on which the sample rests and a footrest that exerts a specific amount of pressure on the sample for a specific period of time. All measurements are performed in a laboratory maintained at 23°C ± 2°C and 50% ± 2% relative humidity, and the test specimens are conditioned in this environment for at least 2 hours prior to testing.

[0052] Caliper is measured with a manual micrometer equipped with a footplate capable of applying a constant pressure of 0.50 kPa ± 0.01 kPa to the test specimen. The manual micrometer is a deadweight instrument with an accurate reading to 0.01 mm. A suitable instrument is the Mitutoyo Series 543 ID-C Digimatic, available from VWR International, or equivalent. The footplate is a flat, grounded, circular, movable surface having a diameter smaller than the test specimen and capable of applying the required pressure. A suitable footplate has a diameter of 25.4 mm, although smaller or larger footplates can be used depending on the size of the sample being measured. The test specimen is supported by a horizontal, flat reference platform larger than and parallel to the surface of the footplate. The system is calibrated and operated according to the manufacturer's instructions.

[0053] If necessary, obtain the test specimen by removing it from the absorbent article. When cutting the specimen from the absorbent article, care is taken not to contaminate or deform any of the layers of the specimen in the process. The specimen should be obtained from an area that does not contain folds or wrinkles and should be larger than the presser foot.

[0054] To measure the caliper, first zero the micrometer against a horizontal flat reference platform. Place the specimen on the platform with the test position centered under the foot presser. Gently lower the foot presser at a downward speed of 3.0 mm ± 1.0 mm / sec until full pressure is applied to the specimen. After waiting 5 seconds, record the caliper of the specimen to the nearest 0.001 mm. Repeat for a total of 10 replicate specimens. Calculate the arithmetic mean of all caliper measurements and report as caliper to the nearest 0.001 mm.

[0055] Caliper factor Caliper factor, as stated above, is the caliper per 10 gsm of basis weight of the sample. Therefore, the formula is caliper / (basis weight / 10).

[0056] Basis weight The basis weight of a sample of a sheet or web material is the mass in grams per unit area in square meters of a single layer of material. If not otherwise known or available, basis weight may be measured using EDANA Official Method NWSP 130.1. A block of test sample is cut to a known area and the mass of the sample is measured using an analytical balance accurate to 0.0001 grams. All measurements are performed in a laboratory maintained at 23°C ± 2°C and 50% ± 2% relative humidity, and test samples are conditioned in this environment for at least 2 hours prior to testing.

[0057] Measurements are made on test samples taken from rolls or sheets of raw material or from layers of material excised from absorbent articles. When the layers of material are excised from the absorbent article, care is taken not to impart any contamination or deformation to the sample layers in the process. The excised layers should be free of residual adhesive. To ensure that all adhesive is removed, the layers are immersed in a suitable solvent that will dissolve the adhesive without adversely affecting the material itself. One such solvent is THF (general purpose tetrahydrofuran, CAS 109-99-9, available from any convenient source). After solvent immersion, the layers of material are allowed to air dry thoroughly in a manner that prevents unwanted stretching or other deformation of the material. After the material is dry, the test specimen is obtained. The test specimen should be as large as possible to allow for any inherent material variations to be taken into account.

[0058] Measure the dimensions of the single ply specimen using a calibrated steel metal ruler traceable to NIST or equivalent. Calculate the area of ​​the specimen and record to the nearest 0.0001 square meter. Obtain the mass of the specimen using an analytical balance and record to the nearest 0.0001 grams. Calculate the basis weight by dividing the mass in grams by the area in square meters and record to the nearest 0.01 grams per square meter (gsm). Repeat the test in the same manner for a total of 10 replicate specimens. Calculate the arithmetic average of the basis weight and report to the nearest 0.01 grams per square meter.

[0059] combination: Paragraph 1 A feminine hygiene article, comprising: a liquid permeable topsheet; a secondary topsheet below the topsheet having a secondary topsheet length measured along the longitudinal direction; and A liquid impermeable backsheet; an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet; an absorbent core disposed between the secondary topsheet and the backsheet, the absorbent core having a pair of substantially parallel and substantially straight longitudinal side edges, the side edges terminating at respective forward intersections with the protruding portions of the absorbent core and the side edges terminating at respective rear intersections with the rear recesses of the absorbent core, and an overall core length measured along the longitudinal direction at the forward-most and rear-most points of the absorbent core; The core overall length is less than the secondary topsheet length; a forward portion of the secondary topsheet length extends forwardly from the forward projection; an aft portion of the secondary topsheet length extends aft from the aft recess; the total core length measured at the forward-most and rear-most points of the absorbent core is about 75% to about 99% of the secondary topsheet length measured at the forward-most and rear-most points of the secondary topsheet; A feminine hygiene article, wherein the forward projection and the rearward recess are substantially complementary in size and shape.

[0060] Paragraph 2. The feminine hygiene article of Paragraph 1, wherein the height of the protrusions and the depth of the recesses are each from about 15 mm to about 25 mm.

[0061] Paragraph 3. The feminine hygiene article of any one of Paragraphs 1-2, wherein the height of the protrusions and the depth of the recesses are each from about 15 mm to about 20 mm.

[0062] Paragraph 4. The feminine hygiene article of any one of Paragraphs 1 to 3, wherein the protrusion has a convex shape.

[0063] Paragraph 5. The feminine hygiene article of any one of Paragraphs 1 to 4, wherein the recess has a concave shape.

[0064] Paragraph 6. The feminine hygiene article of any one of Paragraphs 1 to 5, wherein the absorbent core is about 75% to about 85% of the secondary topsheet.

[0065] Paragraph 7. The feminine hygiene article of any one of Paragraphs 1 to 6, wherein the overall core length is from about 160 mm to about 310 mm.

[0066] Paragraph 8. The feminine hygiene article of any one of Paragraphs 1 to 7, wherein the overall core length is from about 170 mm to about 310 mm.

[0067] Paragraph 9. The feminine hygiene article of any one of Paragraphs 1 to 8, wherein the overall core length is from about 170 mm to about 250 mm.

[0068] Paragraph 10. The feminine hygiene article of any one of Paragraphs 1 to 9, wherein the overall core length is from about 180 mm to about 250 mm.

[0069] Paragraph 11. The feminine hygiene article of any one of Paragraphs 1 to 10, wherein the overall core width is from about 55 mm to about 70 mm.

[0070] Paragraph 12. The feminine hygiene article of any one of Paragraphs 1 to 11, wherein the secondary topsheet has straight cut edges along the longitudinal side edges of the absorbent core.

[0071] Paragraph 13. The feminine hygiene article of any one of Paragraphs 1 to 12, wherein the secondary topsheet has hourglass shaped edges along the longitudinal side edges of the absorbent core.

[0072] Paragraph 14. A method of folding an article according to any one of Paragraphs 1 to 13, wherein when the article is folded the forward projection nests within the rearward recess.

[0073] Dimensions and values ​​disclosed herein should not be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values ​​recited. Instead, unless otherwise indicated, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm."

[0074] All documents cited herein, including any cross-referenced or related patents or patent applications, and any patent applications or patents to which this application claims priority or benefit, are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, unless expressly stated to the contrary. The citation of any document shall not be deemed to be prior art to any invention disclosed or claimed herein, or to teach, suggest, or disclose any such invention, either alone or in combination with any other reference or references. Furthermore, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition given to that term in this document shall govern.

[0075] While particular forms of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A feminine hygiene product comprising: a liquid permeable topsheet; a secondary topsheet beneath the topsheet having a secondary topsheet length measured along the longitudinal direction; A liquid impermeable backsheet; an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet; an absorbent core disposed between the secondary topsheet and the backsheet, the absorbent core having a pair of substantially parallel and substantially straight longitudinal side edges, the side edges terminating at respective forward intersections with protruding portions of the absorbent core and the side edges terminating at respective rear intersections with rear recesses of the absorbent core, an overall core length being measured along the longitudinal direction at a forward-most point and a rear-most point of the absorbent core, the core overall length is less than the secondary topsheet length; a forward portion of the secondary topsheet length extends forwardly from the forward projection; a rear portion of the secondary topsheet length extends rearwardly from the rear recess; the total core length, as measured at the forward-most and rear-most points of the absorbent core, is 75% to 99%, preferably 75% to 85%, of the secondary topsheet length, as measured at the forward-most and rear-most points of the secondary topsheet; A feminine hygiene article, wherein the forward projection and the rearward recess are substantially complementary in size and shape.

2. 2. The feminine hygiene article of claim 1, wherein the height of the protrusion and the depth of the recess are each between 15 mm and 25 mm.

3. The feminine hygiene article according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the height of the protrusion and the depth of the recess are each from 15 mm to 20 mm.

4. The feminine hygiene product according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the protrusions have a convex shape.

5. The feminine hygiene product according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the recess has a concave shape.

6. The feminine hygiene article according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the overall core length is from 160mm to 310mm, preferably from 170mm to 310mm, more preferably from 170mm to 250mm, and most preferably from 180mm to 250mm.

7. The feminine hygiene article according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the overall core width is from 55 mm to 70 mm.

8. The feminine hygiene article of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the secondary topsheet has straight cut edges along the longitudinal side edges of the absorbent core.

9. The feminine hygiene article of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the secondary topsheet has hourglass shaped edges along the longitudinal side edges of the absorbent core.

10. A method of folding an article according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein when the article is folded, the forward projection nests within the rear recess.

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