Absorbent article provided with an embossed shaped element

Abstract

An absorbent article in the form of a sanitary napkin or incontinence pad (1) extending in the longitudinal direction (L) and the transverse direction (T) and having first and second longitudinal side edges (2, 3) and front and rear end edges (4, 5). The absorbent article includes a fluid-permeable topsheet (6), a backsheet (7), and an absorbent core (8) including a first absorbent layer and a second absorbent layer. The first absorbent layer is disposed between the topsheet (6) and the second absorbent layer, and the second absorbent layer is disposed between the first absorbent layer and the backsheet (7). The absorbent core has a front portion (20), a rear portion (22), and an intermediate portion (21) disposed between the front portion (20) and the rear portion (22). The first absorbent layer (12) has a greater elongation than the second absorbent layer (13) in the plane of the absorbent article. The second absorbent layer (13) includes a central embossed shaped element (15) extending in the longitudinal direction (L) of the absorbent article, and the second absorbent layer (13) has a basis weight exceeding 200 gsm, and the first absorbent layer (12) has a basis weight less than 200 gsm.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to absorbent articles for female users in the form of sanitary napkins, incontinence pads or liners having an absorbent core with embossed shaped elements to promote good conformity and leakage safety.

Background Art

[0002] Sanitary napkins and incontinence pads to which the present disclosure relates are typically intended to absorb body fluids such as urine or menstruation. Such articles can be absorbent pads for heavier urine leakage, thinner liners for lighter urine leakage or sanitary napkins for menstruation.

[0003] Absorbent articles generally comprise an absorbent core for receiving and holding body fluids. For incontinence pads intended for heavier urine leakage to function effectively, the absorbent core must quickly obtain body fluids from the point of application into the structure and then distribute the body fluids throughout the absorbent core to provide maximum leakage safety. Such pads should be comfortable, have good conformity, i.e., be sized and configured to fit into the limited space available in the crotch of underwear, while also desirably providing a sense of security to the wearer. Additionally, such articles should be unobtrusive, thin and not visible when the user wears form-fitting clothing, which might otherwise seem to conflict with the above objectives.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In view of the above, there is a need for an absorbent article for female users that does not leak, has good conformity, is unobtrusive to wear, and in addition gives the user visual leakage safety and good conformity, allowing the user to feel secure and thereby enhancing the user's health.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] One or more of the above objects are achieved by the absorbent article for female users according to claim 1. Further advantages and advantageous features are disclosed in the following description and the dependent claims.

[0006] An absorbent article for female users in the form of a sanitary napkin, incontinence pad or liner extends in a longitudinal direction L and a transverse direction T. The absorbent article has first and second longitudinal side edges and front and rear end edges, and includes a fluid-permeable topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core. The absorbent core includes a first absorbent layer and a second absorbent layer, the first absorbent layer being disposed between the topsheet and the second absorbent layer, and the second absorbent layer being disposed between the first absorbent layer and the backsheet. The absorbent core has a front portion, a rear portion and an intermediate portion disposed between the front portion and the rear portion. The first absorbent layer has a greater elongation than the second absorbent layer in the plane of the absorbent article. The second absorbent layer includes a central embossed shape element extending in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article. The second absorbent layer has a basis weight exceeding 200 gsm, and the first absorbent layer has a basis weight less than 200 gsm. By having a second absorbent layer with a higher basis weight under the first absorbent layer and the upper first absorbent layer having a greater elongation than the second absorbent layer, the absorbent article becomes relatively thin and comfortable and less conspicuous in wearing. However, such a pad can be difficult to shape in a predictable manner to conform to the user's body, and thus the central embossed shape element extending in the longitudinal direction can improve the bending and shape of such a pad.

[0007] The density of the second absorbent layer is 120 kg / m 3 ~500 kg / m 3It is possible, and the density of the first absorbent layer may be lower than the density of the second absorbent layer. Due to the relatively high density of the second absorbent layer, the core structure may feel less flexible and less likely to conform to the shape of the user's body in response. However, the central embossed shape element can improve the bending and shape of such a pad. Further, by having a first absorbent layer with a greater elongation on top of the second absorbent layer having a higher density, the regions outside the second core region result in a thinner absorbent article, and thus an absorbent article that is more comfortable and less obtrusive for the user to wear.

[0008] The density of the second absorbent layer is 120 kg / m 3 ~400 kg / m 3 , optionally 135 kg / m 3 ~350 kg / m 3 , optionally 150 kg / m 3 ~350 kg / m 3 and can be.

[0009] The first absorbent layer in the plane of the absorbent article can surround the second absorbent layer around its entire circumference, thereby reducing the risk of the article being perceived as hard to the user during wear.

[0010] The front portion of the absorbent core can constitute 20 - 40% of the total longitudinal length of the absorbent core or optionally 20 - 33% of the total longitudinal length of the absorbent core.

[0011] The maximum width of the absorbent core can be within the front portion. The width of the absorbent core may be greater within the entire front portion than the entire middle and rear portions.

[0012] The width of the absorbent core in the middle and rear portions can be less than or equal to the width of the absorbent core within the front portion.

[0013] The width between the front portion and the middle portion of the absorbent core may be narrower than the width of the remaining portion of the absorbent core. The width of the transition portion between the front portion of the absorbent core and the middle portion of the absorbent core is defined as W8.

[0014] The central embossed shaped element may have an end point or a convergence point that coincides with or is adjacent to the lateral width W8 between the front part and the middle part of the absorbent core. The distance in the longitudinal direction L between the end point or the convergence point of the central embossed shaped element and the lateral width W8 may be 10% or 5% or more of the total length of the absorbent core.

[0015] The central embossed shaped element may extend along the longitudinal center line Lc of the absorbent article. The distance in the transverse direction T between the central embossed shaped element and the longitudinal center line may be 5% or more of the narrowest width of the absorbent core.

[0016] The second absorbent layer may contain a superabsorbent polymer in an amount of 30% by weight or more, optionally 35% by weight or more, or optionally 40% by weight or more. The second absorbent layer may contain a superabsorbent polymer in the range of 30% by weight, 35% by weight, or 40% to 80% by weight. The second absorbent layer may also contain a superabsorbent polymer in the range of 50% to 80% by weight. Due to the higher content of the superabsorbent polymer, the core structure may feel less flexible and less likely to conform to the shape of the user's body. Therefore, such an article may be difficult to shape in a predictable manner. However, the central embossed shaped element can improve the bending and shape of such an article without feeling hard.

[0017] The second absorbent layer may be enclosed by a core wrap, such as a nonwoven wrap or a tissue wrap.

[0018] The second absorbent layer may include a first lateral cut portion along the first longitudinal side edge and a second lateral cut portion along the second longitudinal side edge. The first lateral cut portion and the second lateral cut portion may be disposed on and aligned with a side surface of either the focusing point or the end point of the central embossed shape element. The lateral cut portions cooperate with the central embossed shape element to shape the pad in a desired and predictable manner. The lateral cut portions within the second core layer reduce the rigidity of the absorbent article and reduce the thickness of the absorbent article where the lateral cut portions are located. The lateral cut portions in combination with the central embossed shape element also make the absorbent core more comfortable for the user. The lateral cut portions facilitate the absorbent core to bend into a bowl-like shape in the inlet zone within the front portion during use of the pad. The first and second lateral cut portions may be disposed at the transition between the front portion and the middle portion of the absorbent core.

[0019] The first lateral cut portion is defined between a first forward flex point and a first rearward flex point, and the second lateral cut portion is defined between a second forward flex point and a second rearward flex point. The longitudinal central embossed shape element may terminate at the first forward flex point and the second forward flex point. The distance between the forward flex point and the rearward flex point of each of the first and second lateral cut portions may be in the range of 20 to 80 mm.

[0020] The width W of the narrowest part of the second absorbent layer at the first lateral cut portion and the second lateral cut portion 13 The ratio to the width W1 of the incontinence pad at the same location may be 0.5:1 to 0.8:1.

[0021] The width across the front and middle portions of the absorbent core may be narrower than the width across the remaining portion of the absorbent core, and the second absorbent layer may also have its narrowest width across the front and middle portions of the absorbent core. The width across the front and middle portions of the second layer of the absorbent core is defined as W 13 and may be narrower than the width W8 of the absorbent core.

[0022] The front, rear, and middle portions of the absorbent core may be of substantially equal length.

[0023] The central embossed shape element may include an I-shaped portion extending along at least a part of the longitudinal center line Lc of the second absorbent layer. The I-shaped portion extending longitudinally towards the front may have a front end point at the transition between the front part and the middle part of the second absorbent layer.

[0024] According to another embodiment, the central embossed shape element has an I-shaped configuration, and the front end point of the I-shaped central embossed shape element coincides longitudinally with the first forward bending point and the second forward bending point. The rear end point of the central embossed shape element may be placed closer to the rear edge of the article than the first rearward bending point and the second rearward bending point.

[0025] The central embossed shape element may include a V-shaped or modified V-shaped portion provided within the front portion of the second absorbent layer, and the V-shaped or modified V-shaped portion includes a first leg of the V-shaped portion and a second leg of the V-shaped portion that converge at a convergence point. In use, the absorbent article bends and takes a bowl shape in the inlet zone within the front half where the first and second legs of the V-shaped portion can converge at the convergence point. The narrow transverse width between the front part and the middle part of the absorbent core also interacts with the convergence point of the central embossed shape element to facilitate the absorbent core bending and taking a bowl shape in the inlet zone. Further, the side cross-section in the second absorbent layer also interacts with the convergence point of the central embossed shape element to facilitate the absorbent core bending and taking a bowl shape in the inlet zone.

[0026] The central embossed shape element may be in the form of a Y-shaped or modified Y-shaped emboss including a V-shaped or modified V-shaped portion provided within the front portion of the second absorbent layer and an I-shaped portion extending along at least a part of the longitudinal center line Lc of the absorbent core in at least a part of the middle portion of the second absorbent layer. According to this embodiment, the V-shaped or modified V-shaped emboss portion of the central emboss intersects the I-shaped emboss portion at the convergence point of the V-shaped emboss portion. For a non-intersecting V-shaped emboss portion, such as a modified V-shaped emboss portion, the I-shaped emboss portion 15b intersects the extensions of the first leg and the second leg of the V-shaped portion, together forming a Y-shaped or modified Y-shaped emboss.

[0027] The first absorption layer is 20 kg / m 3 ~120 kg / m 3 and may optionally have a density of 30 kg / m 3 ~100 kg / m 3 .

[0028] The absorbent core may also include a fluid control layer disposed between the topsheet and the first absorption layer. The second absorption layer may have a density that is at least 50%, such as 75% or 100%, higher than each of the fluid control layer and the first absorption layer.

[0029] The absorbent article may also include outer embossed shaped elements provided within the topsheet and / or the absorbent core. The outer embossed shaped elements may each include a first embossing line and a second embossing line that extend in the longitudinal direction L and on each side of the central embossed shaped element. The central embossed shaped element and the outer embossed shaped elements can improve the bending and shape of such pads.

[0030] The outer embossed shaped elements may be provided within the topsheet and / or the first absorption layer. When the absorbent article also includes a fluid control layer, the outer embossed shaped elements may also be provided within the fluid control layer. According to one embodiment, the outer embossed shaped elements are provided within the topsheet, within the fluid control layer, and within the first absorption layer.

[0031] The first and second embossing lines of the outer embossed elements may converge in a direction from the front edge of the pad toward the rear edge of the pad. The lateral distance between the first embossing line and the second embossing line closest to the front edge of the pad may be 30 - 60 mm, and the lateral distance between the first embossing line and the second embossing line closest to the rear edge of the pad may be 0.5 - 20 mm.

[0032] The outer embossed shape element may extend to or through the rear end point of the central embossed shape element and / or may extend to or through the front end point of the central embossed shape element. The outer embossed shape element may be provided by a continuous embossed portion, a discontinuous embossed portion, for example a slight discontinuous embossed portion or a number of small discontinuous embossed portions.

[0033] The central embossed shape element and / or the outer embossed shape element may include a continuous embossed portion or a discontinuous embossed portion. If the central embossed shape element includes a discontinuous embossed portion, it may be, for example, a slight discontinuous embossed portion or a number of small discontinuous embossed portions.

[0034] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings using non-limiting examples.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0035]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0036] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to exemplary implementations. However, the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments described in the drawings and their description.

[0037] FIGS. 1 to 3 show an incontinence pad 1 according to the present disclosure. FIG. 1 schematically shows the pad 1 as seen from the side intended to face the wearer's body when the incontinence pad 1 is worn.

[0038] The incontinence pad 1 has first and second longitudinal side edges 2, 3 and front and rear end edges 4, 5. The pad 1 includes a fluid-permeable topsheet 6, a backsheet 7, and an absorbent core 8 disposed between the topsheet 6 and the backsheet 7. The incontinence pad 1 extends in a longitudinal direction L having a longitudinal center line Lc and a transverse direction T having a transverse center line Tc, and the absorbent core 8 is divided into a front half 9 and a rear half 10.

[0039] The absorbent core 8 includes a first absorbent layer 12 and a second absorbent layer 13. The first absorbent layer 12 is disposed between the topsheet 6 and the second absorbent layer 13, and the second absorbent layer is disposed between the first absorbent layer and the backsheet 7. The second absorbent layer has a front portion 20, a rear portion 22, and an intermediate portion 21 disposed between the front portion 20 and the rear portion 22. The first absorbent layer 12 has a greater elongation than the second absorbent layer 13. The second absorbent layer 13 includes a central embossed shaped element 15 extending in the longitudinal direction L of the incontinence pad 1. The second absorbent layer 13 has a basis weight exceeding 200 gsm, and the first absorbent layer 12 has a basis weight less than 200 gsm. The second absorbent layer 13 is provided with a central embossed shaped element 15 extending in the longitudinal direction L so as to be able to improve the bending and shape of the incontinence pad 1.

[0040] The density of the second absorbent layer is 120 kg / m 3 ~500 kg / m 3 and the density of the first absorbent layer is lower than the density of the second absorbent layer. The density of the second absorbent layer is 120 kg / m 3 ~400 kg / m 3 optionally 135 kg / m 3 ~350 kg / m 3 optionally 150 kg / m 3 ~350 kg / m 3 and may be.

[0041] The first absorbent layer 12 surrounds the second absorbent layer 13 around its entire circumference within the plane of the incontinence pad, and the incontinence pad 1 is thinner in the region outside the region of the second absorbent layer 13.

[0042] The front portion 20 within the incontinence pad 1 in FIGS. 1 to 2 constitutes 1 / 3 of the total longitudinal length of the absorption core 8, the middle portion 21 constitutes 1 / 3 of the total longitudinal length of the absorption core 8, and the rear portion 22 constitutes 1 / 3 of the total longitudinal length of the absorption core 8. Therefore, the front portion 20, the rear portion 22, and the middle portion 21 of the absorption core 8 of the incontinence pad 1 are substantially equal in length.

[0043] The maximum width of the absorption core 8 within the incontinence pad 1 in FIGS. 1 to 2 is within the front portion 20. The widths of the absorption core 8 within the middle portion and the rear portion 21, 22 are less than or equal to the width of the absorption core 8 within the front portion 20.

[0044] The width of the second absorption layer 13 between the front portion 20 and the middle portion 21 is defined as W 13 and is narrower than the width W8 of the absorption core 8.

[0045] The central embossed shape element 15 has a focusing point 15p at the width W8 between the front portion and the middle portion of the absorption core. The distance in the longitudinal direction L between the focusing point 15p of the central embossed shape element 15 and the width W8 can be 10% or 5% or less of the total length of the second absorption layer 13.

[0046] The focusing point 15p of the central embossed shape element 15 is on the longitudinal center line Lc of the incontinence pad 1. The distance in the transverse direction T between the focusing point 15p of the central embossed shape element 15 and the longitudinal center line Lc can be 5% or less of the narrowest width of the second absorption layer 13.

[0047] The second absorption layer 13 contains a superabsorbent polymer in an amount of 30% by weight or more, optionally 35% by weight or more, or optionally 40% by weight or more. The second absorption layer can contain a superabsorbent polymer in the range of 30% by weight, 35% by weight, or 40% to 80% by weight. The second absorption layer 13 can also contain a superabsorbent polymer in the range of 50% to 80% by weight. The second absorption layer 13 is optionally wrapped within a core wrap.

[0048] The second absorbent layer 13 includes a first lateral cut portion 18 along the first longitudinal side edge portion 2 and a second lateral cut portion 19 along the second longitudinal side edge portion 3. The first and second lateral cut portions 18, 19 are disposed on either side surface of the focusing point 15p of the central embossed shape element 15 and are aligned with the focusing point 15p of the central embossed shape element 15. The lateral cut portions cooperate with the central embossed shape element 15 to shape the incontinence pad 1 in a desired and predictable manner. The lateral cut portions 18, 19 of the second absorbent layer 13 reduce the rigidity of the incontinence pad 1 and reduce the thickness of the incontinence pad where the lateral cut portions 18, 19 are located. The lateral cut portions 18, 19 facilitate the second absorbent layer 13 to bend during use of the incontinence pad 1 to take a bowl-shaped form in the inlet zone. The first and second lateral cut portions 18, 19 are disposed at the transition between the front portion 20 and the middle portion 21 of the absorbent core 8.

[0049] The first lateral cut portion 18 is defined between a first front bending point 18a and a first rear bending point 18b, and the second lateral cut portion 19 is defined between a second front bending point 19a and a second rear bending point 19b. The central embossed shape element 15 ends longitudinally at the first front bending point 18a and the second front bending point 19a. The distance between the front bending points 18a, 19a and the rear bending points 18b, 19b of each of the first and second lateral cut portions can be in the range of 20 to 80 mm.

[0050] The ratio of the width of the narrowest part of the second absorbent layer at the first and second lateral cut portions 18, 19 to the width W1 of the incontinence pad 1 at the same location is 0.5:1 to 0.8:1.

[0051] The central embossed shape element 15 includes an I-shaped portion 15b extending along at least a part of the longitudinal center line Lc of the second absorbent layer 13. The I-shaped portion 15b extending longitudinally towards the front portion 20 has a front end point at the transition between the front portion 20 and the middle portion 21 of the absorbent core 8.

[0052] The central embossed shape element 15 includes a V-shaped portion 15a provided within the front portion 20 of the second absorption layer 13. The V-shaped or modified V-shaped portion 15a includes a first leg 15c of the V-shaped portion that converges at a convergence point 15p and a second leg 15d of the V-shaped portion. The central embossed shape element 15 is in the form of a Y-shaped emboss including the V-shaped portion 15a provided within the front portion 20 of the second absorption layer and an I-shaped portion 15b extending along at least a part of the longitudinal center line Lc of the absorption core 8 in at least a part of the intermediate portion 21 of the second absorption layer 13. The central embossed V-shaped emboss portion 15a intersects the I-shaped portion 15b at the convergence point 15p of the V-shaped portion emboss portion 15a. For the non-intersecting V-shaped emboss portion 15a, i.e., the modified V-shaped emboss, the I-shaped emboss portion 15b intersects the extension of the first leg 15c of the V-shaped portion and the extension of the second leg 15d of the V-shaped portion, together forming a Y-shaped or modified Y-shaped emboss.

[0053] The first absorption layer 12 has a density of 20 kg / m 3 ~120 kg / m 3 and, optionally, 30 kg / m 3 ~100 kg / m 3 The first absorption layer 12 can be an airlaid nonwoven layer or a modified absorption layer. The absorption core 8 can also include a fluid control layer disposed between the topsheet 6 and the first absorption layer 12. The fluid control layer is adapted to quickly receive and temporarily store the discharged liquid before it is absorbed by the first and second absorption layers 12, 13. The fluid control layer can be a fiber layer including or consisting of synthetic fibers, such as an airlaid nonwoven, a spunlace nonwoven, or a high-loft nonwoven.

[0054] The topsheet 6 can include or consist of a spunbond, meltblown, carded, hydroentangled, wet-laid fibrous nonwoven layer. Suitable nonwoven materials can be composed of natural fibers such as wood pulp or cotton fibers, synthetic thermoplastic fibers such as polyolefins, polyesters, polyamides, and mixtures and combinations thereof, or mixtures of natural and synthetic fibers. The topsheet 6 can consist of non-absorbent fibers such as thermoplastic fibers. Materials suitable for the topsheet material should be soft and non-irritating to the skin and should readily permit the passage of body fluids such as menstrual fluid and urine.

[0055] The backsheet 7 can include or consist of a thin plastic film, such as a polyethylene or polypropylene film resistant to liquid penetration, a nonwoven material covered with a liquid-impermeable material, a hydrophobic nonwoven. A laminate of a plastic film and a nonwoven material can also be used. The backsheet material can be breathable to allow water vapor to escape from the absorbent structure while still preventing liquid from passing through the backsheet material.

[0056] The absorbent core 8 constitutes an absorption structure of an article that obtains, distributes, and stores body fluids, and includes a first absorbent layer and a second absorbent layer. The first and second absorbent layers can consist of any conventional type. Examples of absorbent materials that generally come to mind are cellulose fluff pulp, tissue, superabsorbent polymers (so-called superabsorbents), absorbent foamed materials, absorbent nonwoven materials, or the like. Generally, cellulose fluff pulp is combined with superabsorbent polymers within the absorbent core. A superabsorbent polymer is a water-swellable, water-insoluble organic or inorganic material that can absorb at least about 20 times its own weight of an aqueous solution containing 0.9 weight percent of sodium chloride. Organic materials suitable for use as superabsorbent materials can include natural materials such as polysaccharides, polypeptides, and the like, as well as synthetic materials such as synthetic hydrogen polymers. Such hydrogen polymers can include, for example, alkali metal salts of polyacrylic acid, polyacrylamide, polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylate, polyacrylamide, polyvinyl pyridine, and the like. Other suitable polymers include hydrolyzed acrylonitrile graft starch, acrylic acid graft starch, and isobutylene maleic anhydride copolymers, and mixtures thereof. The hydrogel polymer is preferably lightly cross-linked to render the material substantially water-insoluble. Preferred superabsorbent materials are further surface cross-linked such that the superabsorbent particles, fibers, flakes, spheres, or other outer surfaces or shells have a higher cross-link density than the interior of the superabsorbent. The superabsorbent material can be in any form suitable for use within an absorbent composite that includes particles, fibers, flakes, spheres, and the like. A high absorption capacity is provided by using a large amount of superabsorbent material. Generally, for example, thin absorbent cores in sanitary napkins, baby diapers, and incontinence guards often include a structure in which cellulose fluff pulp and superabsorbent polymers are compressed, mixed, or layered. The size and absorption capacity of the absorbent core can vary to suit different product types, such as smaller incontinence pads for daytime use and longer incontinence pads for nighttime use.

[0057] The incontinence pad 1 has an outer embossed shape element 16 provided in the topsheet 6 and the first absorbent layer 12. The outer embossed shape element has a first emboss line 16a and a second emboss line 16b, each of which extends in the longitudinal direction L and on each side of the central embossed shape element 15. The central embossed shape element 15 and the outer embossed shape element 16 can improve the bending and shape of the incontinence pad 1. The outer embossed shape element 16 can also be provided in the fluid control layer. The first and second emboss lines 16a, 16b of the outer embossed shape element 16 converge in the direction from the front edge 4 of the incontinence pad 1 towards the rear edge 5 of the incontinence pad 1. The lateral distance between the first emboss line 16a and the second emboss line 16b closest to the front edge 4 of the incontinence pad 1 is 30 to 60 mm, and the lateral distance between the first emboss line 16a and the second emboss line 16b closest to the rear edge 5 of the incontinence pad 1 is 0.5 to 20 mm.

[0058] The outer embossed shape element 16 extends through and passes to the rear end point of the central embossed shape element 15 and also extends through and passes to the front end point of the central embossed shape element 15. The central embossed shape element 15 is one continuous embossed body in FIGS. 1 to 2. If the central embossed shape element includes discontinuous embossed portions, it can be, for example, a slight discontinuous embossed portion or a number of small discontinuous embossed portions.

[0059] FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the incontinence pad 1 in FIG. 1.

[0060] FIG. 3 illustrates the incontinence pad 1 from FIGS. 1 and 2 when bent and shaped during use. The configuration of the absorbent core 8 including the central embossed shape element 15 extending in the longitudinal direction L of the incontinence pad can improve the bending and shape of such an incontinence pad.

[0061] Thickness measurement To determine the density of the first and second absorbent layers, the thickness is determined using a measuring foot loaded with 0.5 kPa. The foot is lowered onto the absorbent layer at a speed of 13 mm / s. The thickness is read with a digital thickness gauge / test apparatus 5 seconds after the measuring foot contacts the surface of the absorbent layer.

Explanation of Signs

[0062] 1 Incontinence pad 2 First longitudinal side edge 3 Second longitudinal side edge 4 Front edge 5 Rear edge 6 Fluid-permeable topsheet 7 Backsheet 8 Absorbent core 9 Front half 10 Rear half 12 First absorbent layer 13 Second absorbent layer 14 Fluid control layer 15 Central embossed shape element 15a V-shaped part 15b I-shaped part 15c First leg 15d Second leg 15p Convergence point 16 Outer embossed shape element 16a First embossed line 16b Second embossed line 18, 19 Lateral cut portions 18a, 19a Front deflection points 18b, 19b Rear deflection points 20 Front part 21 Middle part 22 Rear part L Longitudinal direction Lc Longitudinal center line T Transverse direction Tc Transverse center line

Claims

1. An absorbent article for female users in the form of a sanitary napkin, incontinence pad (1) or liner, extending in a longitudinal direction (L) and a transverse direction (T), and having first and second longitudinal side edges (2, 3), front and rear edge portions (4, 5), and including a fluid-permeable topsheet (6), a backsheet (7), and an absorbent core (8) including a first absorbent layer (12) and a second absorbent layer (13), wherein the first absorbent layer (12) is disposed between the topsheet (6) and the second absorbent layer (13), and the second absorbent layer (13) is disposed between the first absorbent layer (12) and the backsheet (7), the absorbent core (8) has a front portion (20), a rear portion (22), and an intermediate portion (21) disposed between the front portion (20) and the rear portion (22), the first absorbent layer (12) has a greater elongation than the second absorbent layer (13) in the plane of the absorbent article, in the absorbent article, the second absorbent layer (13) includes a central embossed shaped element (15) extending in the longitudinal direction (L) of the absorbent article, the second absorbent layer (13) has a basis weight exceeding 200 gsm, and the first absorbent layer (12) has a basis weight less than 200 gsm.

2. The density of the second absorbent layer (13) is 120 kg / m ３ to 500 kg / m ３ and the density of the first absorbent layer (12) is lower than the density of the second absorbent layer (13). The absorbent article according to claim 1.

3. The density of the second absorbent layer (13) is 120 kg / m ３ to 400 kg / m ３ , optionally 135 kg / m ３ to 350 kg / m ３ , optionally 150 kg / m ３ to 350 kg / m ３ The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the density is as defined above.

4. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first absorbent layer (12) in the plane of the absorbent article surrounds the second absorbent layer (13) around its entire circumference.

5. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the front portion (20), the rear portion (22), and the intermediate portion (21) of the absorbent core (8) are of substantially equal length.

6. The width (W ８ ) between the front portion (20) and the middle portion (21) of the absorption core (8) is narrower than the width of the remaining portion of the absorption core (8), the absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The central embossed shape element (15) has an end point or a converging point (15p) that coincides with the width (W ８ ) between the front portion (20) and the middle portion (21) of the absorption core (8). The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the central embossed shaped element (15) extends along the longitudinal center line (Lc) of the absorbent article.

9. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the second absorbent layer (13) contains a superabsorbent polymer in an amount of 30% by weight or more, optionally 35% by weight or more, or optionally 40% by weight or more.

10. The second absorbent layer (13) includes a first lateral cut portion (18) along the first longitudinal side edge portion (2) and a second lateral cut portion (19) along the second longitudinal side edge portion (3), and the first lateral cut portion (18) and the second lateral cut portion (19) are disposed on and aligned with one of the side surfaces of the focusing point or the end point of the central embossed shape element. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The first lateral cut portion (18) is defined between a first forward bending point (18a) and a first rearward bending point (18b), and the second lateral cut portion (19) is defined between a second forward bending point (19a) and a second rearward bending point (19b). The longitudinal central embossed shape element (15) ends at the first forward bending point (18a) and the second forward bending point (19a). The absorbent article according to claim 10.

12. The ratio of the width of the narrowest part of the second absorbent layer in the first side cutting part (18) and the second side cutting part (19) to the width (W １ ) of the absorbent article at the same location is 0.5:1 to 0.8:

1. The absorbent article according to claim 10 or 11.

13. The central embossed shape element (15) includes an I-shaped portion (15b) extending along at least a part of the longitudinal center line (Lc) of the second absorbent layer (13). The absorbent article according to claim 12.

14. The central embossed shape element (15) includes a V-shaped or modified V-shaped portion (15a) provided in the front portion (20) of the second absorbent layer (13), and the V-shaped or modified V-shaped portion (15a) includes a first leg (15c) of the V-shaped portion converging to a focusing point and a second leg (15d) of the V-shaped portion. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. The central embossed shape element (15) includes a V-shaped or modified V-shaped portion (15a) provided in the front portion of the second absorbent layer (13) and an I-shaped portion (15b) extending along at least a part of the longitudinal center line (Lc) of the absorbent core (8) in at least a part of the middle portion (21) of the second absorbent layer. It is in the form of a Y-shaped or modified Y-shaped emboss. The absorbent article according to claim 13 or 14.

16. The first absorbent layer (12) has a density of 20 kg / m ３ to 120 kg / m ３ , optionally 30 kg / m ３ to 100 kg / m ３ The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 15, having a density of

17. The absorbent core (8) also includes a fluid control layer (14) disposed between the topsheet (6) and the first absorbent layer (12). The absorbent article according to claim 16.

18. Also including an outer embossed shape element (16) provided at least within the first absorbent layer (12) and optionally also within the topsheet (6), the outer embossed shape element (16) includes a first embossed portion (16a) and a second embossed portion (16b) that extend in the longitudinal direction (L) and on respective sides of the central embossed shape element (15), the absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

19. The absorbent article according to claim 18, wherein the outer embossed shape element (16) is provided within the topsheet (6) and the first absorbent layer (12) and optionally within a fluid control layer.

20. The absorbent article according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the first embossed portion (16a) and the second embossed portion (16b) of the outer embossed element (16) converge in a direction from the front edge portion (4) of the article towards the rear edge portion (5) of the article.

21. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the outer embossed shape element (16) extends to or through the rear end point of the central embossed shape element (15) and / or extends to or through the front end point of the central embossed shape element.

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