Absorbent article comprising an embossing element

Abstract

An absorbent article for female users, in the form of a sanitary napkin, incontinence pad (1) or liner, having first and second longitudinal side edges (2, 3) and front and rear edges (4, 5), and comprising a fluid-permeable topsheet (6), a backsheet (7), and an absorbent core (8) between the topsheet (6) and the backsheet (7). The absorbent article (1) extends in a longitudinal direction (L), a transverse direction (T), and a thickness direction, the absorbent core (8) is divided into a front half (9) and a rear half (10), and includes a first absorption structure (11) and a second absorption structure (13), the first absorption structure (11) being between the topsheet (6) and the second absorption structure (13), and the second absorption structure (13) being between the first absorption structure (11) and the backsheet (7). The second absorption structure (13) includes a central embossing element (15) including a first central embossing portion (15c) and a second central embossing portion (15d) extending longitudinally in the front half (9) of the absorbent core (8). The first central embossing portion (15c) extends between the longitudinal centerline Lc and the first longitudinal side edge (2), and the second central embossing portion (15d) extends between the longitudinal centerline Lc and the second longitudinal side edge (3). The first and second central embossing portions (15c, 15d) converge in a direction from the front end (4) to the rear end (5), and an outer embossing element (16) is provided on at least one of the topsheet (6) or the first absorption structure (11). The outer embossing element (16) includes a first outer embossing portion (16a) and a second outer embossing portion (16b) extending in the longitudinal direction (L) of the absorbent article, the first outer embossing portion (16a) being provided outside the first central embossing portion (15c) in the transverse direction (T), and the second outer embossing portion (16b) being provided outside the second central embossing portion (15d) in the transverse direction (T).

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 an embossed element that promotes a good fit and leakage security.

Background Art

[0002] Sanitary napkins and incontinence pads to which the present disclosure relates are generally intended to absorb body fluids such as urine, menstruation and / or discharges from a female's lower abdomen. Such articles can be absorbent pads for severe bladder incontinence, thin liners for mild bladder incontinence, or sanitary napkins for menstruation and other body discharges.

[0003] Absorbent articles generally comprise an absorbent core for receiving and holding body fluids. For an incontinence pad targeted at severe bladder incontinence to function efficiently, the absorbent core needs to rapidly capture body fluids into the structure from the point of use and subsequently disperse the body fluids within and throughout the absorbent core to provide maximum leakage containment. Such pads are comfortable and have a good fit, i.e., are sized and configured to fit into the limited space available in the crotch portion of underwear while providing a sense of security to the wearer. Further, it is desirable that such articles are unobtrusive, thin and invisible even when the user wears something that fits the body snugly, which may seem to be in contradiction with the above-mentioned objectives.

[0004] Furthermore, it is important that absorbent articles such as incontinence pads give the user a visual perception of leakage prevention and a good fit, enabling the user to gain a sense of security, thereby enhancing the user's state of satisfaction.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In view of the above, there is a need for an absorbent article for female users that is leak - free, has a good fit, is not conspicuous when worn, and gives the user a visual recognition of leak - prevention and a good fit.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] 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 of the present invention are disclosed in the following description and the dependent claims.

[0007] An absorbent article for female users in the form of a sanitary napkin, incontinence pad or liner as disclosed herein has first and second longitudinal side edges and front and rear edges. The absorbent article includes a fluid-permeable topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core between the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent article extends in a longitudinal direction L, a transverse direction T, and a thickness direction. The absorbent core is divided into a front half and a rear half and includes a first absorbent structure and a second absorbent structure. The first absorbent structure is between the topsheet and the second absorbent structure, and the second absorbent structure is between the first absorbent structure and the backsheet. The second absorbent structure includes a central embossing element including a first central embossing portion and a second central embossing portion extending longitudinally in at least the front half of the absorbent core. The first central embossing portion extends between the longitudinal centerline Lc and the first longitudinal side edge, and the second central embossing portion extends between the longitudinal centerline Lc and the second longitudinal side edge. The first and second central embossing portions converge in the direction from the front end to the rear end of the absorbent article. The outer embossing element is provided on the topsheet and / or the first absorbent structure. The outer embossing element includes a first outer embossing portion and a second outer embossing portion extending longitudinally of the absorbent article. The first outer embossing portion is provided outside the first central embossing portion in the transverse direction, and the second outer embossing portion is provided outside the second central embossing portion in the transverse direction. Thus, the first outer embossing portion extends between the first central embossing portion and the first longitudinal side edge, and the second outer embossing portion extends between the second central embossing portion and the second longitudinal side edge. The first and second outer embossing portions also converge in the direction from the front end to the rear end of the absorbent article. The outer embossing element is provided on at least one of the topsheet or the first absorbent structure.

[0008] Each of the first and second outer embossing portions may be formed by one continuous embossing line or, alternatively, by two or more continuous embossing lines. Alternatively, the outer embossing element may be formed by a continuous or discontinuous embossing pattern extending in the longitudinal direction L and on each side of the central embossing element.

[0009] The outer embossing element may also include a printing pattern to further visualize the outer embossing element.

[0010] The central embossing element may have a V-shape, where the first central embossing portion has a first leg of the V-shaped portion, the second central embossing portion has a second leg of the V-shaped portion, and the first leg of the V-shaped portion and the second leg of the V-shaped portion may converge at a confluence point. The V-shaped embossing in the front half causes the second absorption structure to bend along the V-shaped portion in the front half of the absorbent article during use of the absorbent article, promoting a bowl-like shape in the front half where the first and second legs of the V-shaped portion converge.

[0011] Furthermore, the absorbent article may also include an outer embossing element provided on at least one layer over the second absorption structure, and the outer embossing element may include a first embossing line and a second embossing line, each embossing line extending longitudinally and on each side of the central embossing element, so as to conform to the V-shaped embossing in the second absorption layer, promoting predictable bending and bowl forming of the absorbent article in the front half where there is an inlet zone. Since the first and second outer embossing portions of the outer embossing element are provided on each side of the central embossing element, the outer embossing element cooperates with the central embossing element with respect to the bending for creating a bowl shape.

[0012] The outer embossing element may be provided on the topsheet and the first absorbent structure. The first absorbent structure may also include a fluid control layer and / or a first absorbent layer, and the outer embossing element may be provided on the topsheet, the fluid control layer, and / or the first absorbent layer. For example, an absorbent article such as an incontinence pad for severe urinary incontinence may include a multi-absorbent layer configuration, and a bottom absorbent core, i.e., a second absorbent structure, is intended to store a large amount of liquid. According to one embodiment, the first absorbent structure consists of only the fluid control layer, and the outer embossing element is provided on the topsheet and the fluid control layer. The fluid control layer may be between the topsheet and the first absorbent layer, or alternatively, between the first absorbent layer and the second absorbent structure. According to this embodiment, the outer embossing element may be provided on the topsheet and the layer closest to the topsheet, which is either the fluid control layer or the first absorbent layer. The outer embossing element may also be provided on the topsheet, the fluid control layer, and the first absorbent layer. According to a further embodiment, the first absorbent structure may consist of only the first absorbent layer.

[0013] The first and second outer embossing portions of the outer embossing element converge towards the rear half of the absorbent article, and each of the first and second outer embossing portions of the outer embossing element extends longitudinally and on each side of the central embossing element. The first and second outer embossing portions of the outer embossing element may converge towards the rear edge of the absorbent article relative to each other.

[0014] The outer embossing element may further include an arched pre-embossing portion disposed in front of the central embossing element and substantially following the contour of the V-shaped or modified V-shaped portion of the central embossing element. The arched pre-embossing portion, together with the central forming element, promotes an improved predictable bend for creating a bowl shape.

[0015] The central embossing forming element may also include an I-shaped portion, which may extend from the confluence point towards the rear end along the longitudinal center line Lc. The I-shaped portion of the central embossing forming element may be a continuous or discontinuous I-shaped portion. The first outer embossing forming portion and the second outer embossing forming portion may each extend longitudinally on each side of the I-shaped portion of the central embossing forming element, optionally extending up to or beyond the rear end point of the I-shaped portion of the central embossing forming element.

[0016] The first and second outer embossing forming portions of the outer embossing element may extend on each side of the longitudinal center line Lc, and the transverse distance between the first outer embossing forming portion and the second outer embossing forming portion in the rear third of the absorbent core may be in the range of 0.5 to 20 mm. Thereby, in cooperation with the central embossing forming element and to improve the prediction of the forming at the rear part of the absorbent article, it has been found that the article fits comfortably in alignment with areas such as the buttocks and perineal folds. The first outer embossing portion of the outer embossing forming element may be concave when viewed from the longitudinal center line Lc, and the second outer embossing portion of the outer embossing forming element may also be concave when viewed from the longitudinal center line Lc.

[0017] The second absorbent structure may include one second absorbent layer. The second absorbent structure may contain superabsorbent polymer in an amount in the range from 30 wt.%, optionally 35 wt% or optionally 40 wt.% based on the entire second absorbent layer, for example from 30 wt.%, 35 wt% or 40 wt.% to 80 wt.%. Due to the higher content of superabsorbent polymer in the second absorbent structure, the core structure may be considered to be less flexible and difficult to conform to the user's body. However, such articles may be difficult to form in a predictable manner. However, the central embossing forming element and the outer embossing forming element can improve the bending and forming of such absorbent articles for female users.

[0018] The density of the second absorption layer can be higher than that of the first absorption structure. The first absorption structure can include a fluid control layer and / or a first absorption layer, and the density of the second absorption structure can be higher than that of the fluid control layer and the first absorption layer. The density of the second absorption layer can be at least 50%, for example 75% or 100% higher than that of each of the fluid control layer and the first absorption layer. The second absorption structure can be 120 kg / m 3 ~500 kg / m 3 , optionally 135 kg / m 3 ~350 kg / m 3 , optionally 150 kg / m 3 ~350 kg / m 3 . Since the second absorption structure has a relatively high density and the superabsorbent polymer has a relatively high content, the core structure can be considered to be less flexible and difficult to conform to the user's body. However, the front half center embossing element and the outer embossing element enable the absorbent article to improve bending and encourage the absorbent core to take on a bowl-like shape by bending in the front half.

[0019] The second absorption structure can include a first side cut along the first longitudinal side edge and a second side cut along the second longitudinal side edge, creating a narrower width where the side cuts are located. The first and second side cuts can be aligned on both sides of the confluence point of the first leg of the V-shaped portion and the second leg of the V-shaped portion, or can be extensions of the first and second legs of the V-shaped portion, i.e., the non-intersecting V-shaped portion. The second absorption structure can be wrapped, for example, in a tissue or non-woven core wrap. The side cuts cooperate with the center embossing element to shape the pad in a desired and predictable manner. The side cuts make the second absorption structure more flexible and more comfortable for the user. The side cuts encourage the second absorption structure to bend into a bowl-like shape in the front half where there is an inlet zone and the first and second legs of the V-shaped portion converge during use of the absorbent article.

[0020] The second absorption structure includes at least one absorption layer, i.e., the second absorption layer, but may also include two or more layers. The central embossing element is provided in the second absorption structure, at least in the second absorption layer of the second absorption structure. The side cut portion may be provided in the second absorption structure, in at least one absorption layer of the second absorption structure.

[0021] The ratio of the width of the absorbent article at the same position as the width of the narrowest section of the second absorption structure in the first and second side cut portions can be 0.5:1 to 0.8:1. Thereby, it has been found that the cooperation with the central embossing element is improved to provide the pad in a desired and predictable manner.

[0022] The absorbent core has a front portion, a rear portion, and an intermediate portion between the front portion and the rear portion, and the widest lateral width of the absorbent core can be at the front portion. The width (W8) of the transition portion between the front portion and the intermediate portion of the absorbent core can be narrower than the lateral width of the remaining portion of the absorbent core. The second absorption structure can have a width W between the front portion and the intermediate portion of the absorbent core that is narrower than the width W8 of the absorbent core. 13 The width W of the second absorption structure 13 can be narrower than the lateral width of the first absorption layer between the front portion and the intermediate portion of the absorbent core. The front portion, the rear portion, and the intermediate portion of the absorbent core can have substantially equal lengths. The central embossing element can extend to the front portion and the intermediate portion of the absorbent core. The outer embossing element can extend to the front portion and the intermediate portion of the absorbent core. The outer embossing element can also extend to a part of the rear portion of the absorbent core. According to this embodiment, in the second half, it has an outer embossing element that extends larger in the longitudinal direction than the central embossing element. The outer embossing element can also extend larger in the longitudinal direction than the central embossing element toward the front end also at the front portion.

[0023] The confluence point of the V-shaped central embossing element may be between the front part and the middle part of the absorbent core, where the lateral width may be narrower than that of the remaining part of the absorbent core. The V-shaped embossing in the front part encourages the absorbent core to take on a bowl-like shape at the front where the first and second legs of the V-shaped part converge at the confluence point during use of the absorbent article.

[0024] The present invention will be further described below by way of non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0026] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments. However, the present invention may be provided in many different forms and should not be considered limited to the embodiments as described in the drawings and their description.

[0027] FIGS. 1 to 3 show an incontinence pad 1 according to the present disclosure. FIG. 1 schematically shows the incontinence pad 1 as seen from the side intended to face the wearer's body when the pad 1 is worn.

[0028] The incontinence pad 1 has first and second longitudinal side edges 2, 3 and front and rear 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 and a transverse direction T, and the absorbent core 8 is divided into a front half 9 and a rear half 10 and has an inlet zone positioned in the front half 9. The absorbent core 8 includes a first absorbent layer 12, a second absorbent layer 13, and a fluid control layer 14. The first absorbent layer 12 is disposed between the fluid control layer 14 and the second absorbent layer 13, and the fluid control layer 14 is disposed between the topsheet 6 and the first absorbent layer 12.

[0029] The topsheet 6 may comprise or consist of one or more fiber nonwoven layers that are spunbonded, meltblown, carded, hydroentangled, wetlaid. Suitable nonwoven materials can be composed of natural fibers such as wood pulp and cotton fibers, thermoplastic synthetic fibers such as polyolefins, polyesters, polyamides, and blends and combinations thereof, or mixtures of natural and synthetic fibers. The topsheet 6 may consist of non-absorbent fibers such as thermoplastic fibers. Materials suitable as the topsheet material should be soft and non-irritating to the skin and allow easy penetration of body fluids such as menstrual fluid and urine.

[0030] The backsheet 7 may comprise or consist of a thin plastic film, such as a polyethylene or polypropylene film, a nonwoven material coated with a liquid-impermeable material, a hydrophobic nonwoven material that is liquid-resistant. A laminate of a plastic film and a nonwoven material may also be used. The backsheet material can be breathable so that vapor can escape from the absorbent structure while still preventing liquid from passing through the backsheet material.

[0031] The absorbent core 8 constitutes an absorption structure of an article that captures, disperses, and stores body fluids. The absorbent core 8 includes a first absorption structure 11 and a second absorption structure 13. The first absorption structure 11 includes at least one absorption layer disposed between the topsheet and the second absorption structure 13, and this absorption layer may also be a fluid control layer 14 or a first absorption layer 12, or both the fluid control layer 14 and the first absorption layer 12. The first absorption structure 11 in FIGS. 1 to 3 includes the fluid control layer 14 and the first absorption layer 12. The fluid control layer 14 is between the topsheet 6 and the first absorption layer 12. The second absorption structure 13 is disposed between the first absorption structure 11 and the backsheet 7, the central embossing element 15 is provided in the second absorption structure 13, and the outer embossing element 16 is provided in at least one of the topsheet 6 or the first absorption structure 11. The outer embossing element 16 in the incontinence pad 1 in FIGS. 1 to 3 is provided in the topsheet 6, the fluid control layer 14, and the first absorption layer 12.

[0032] The second absorption structure 13 in FIGS. 1 to 3 includes one second absorption layer 13, and the central embossing element 15 is provided in the second absorption layer 13.

[0033] The first absorption layer 12 and the second absorption structure 13 can be of any conventional type. Examples of commonly existing absorbent materials are cellulose fluff pulp, tissues, superabsorbent polymers (so-called hyperabsorbents), absorbent foams, absorbent non-woven materials, and the like. It is common to combine cellulose fluff pulp with superabsorbent polymers in the absorbent core. Superabsorbent polymers are water-swellable and water-insoluble organic or inorganic materials that can absorb an aqueous solution containing 0.9 weight percent sodium chloride in an amount of at least about 20 times their own weight. 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 hydrogel polymers. Such hydrogel polymers 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 grafted starch, acrylic acid grafted starch, and isobutylene-maleic anhydride copolymers and mixtures thereof. The hydrogel polymers are preferably lightly cross-linked to make the material substantially water-insoluble. Preferred superabsorbent materials are further surface-cross-linked so that the outer surface or shell of superabsorbent particles, fibers, flakes, spheres, etc. has a higher cross-link density than the inner portion of the superabsorbent. The superabsorbent material can be in any form suitable for use in absorbent composites including particles, fibers, flakes, spheres, and the like. A large amount of superabsorbent material is used to provide high absorption capacity. For example, thin absorbent cores commonly found in sanitary napkins, baby diapers, and incontinence guards often include a compressed, mixed, or layered structure of cellulose fluff pulp and superabsorbent polymers. The second absorption layer 13 can optionally contain superabsorbent polymers in an amount from 30 wt% and optionally in an amount of 30 wt% to 80 wt%.

[0034] The first absorption layer 12 can more specifically be an airlaid nonwoven layer or a matformed absorption layer. The density of the first absorption layer 12 can be in the range of 20 to 120 kg / m 3 ³. The second absorption structure 13 of the incontinence pad 1 is a single layer, namely the second absorption layer 13. The second absorption layer 13 can contain a superabsorbent polymer in an amount of 30 wt%, 35 wt% or 40 wt% or more. The superabsorbent polymer can be mixed with, for example, cellulose fluff pulp. The second absorption layer 13 is optionally wrapped in a core wrap. The density of the second absorption layer can be in the range of 120 to 500 kg / m 3 ³. The fluid control layer 14 is adapted to quickly receive and temporarily store the excreted and secreted liquid before it is absorbed by the first and second absorption layers 12, 13. The fluid control layer 14 can be a fiber layer containing or consisting of synthetic fibers, for example, spunbond nonwoven, spunlace nonwoven or high loft nonwoven.

[0035] The second absorption layer 13 includes a central embossing forming element 15 in the form of a Y-shaped emboss, including a V-shaped portion 15a provided in the first half 9 of the absorbent core 8 and an I-shaped portion 15b provided at least partially in the second half 10 of the absorbent core. The V-shaped portion 15a includes a first leg 15c and a second leg 15d of the V-shaped portion that converge in the inlet zone in the first half 9 of the absorbent core 8. The I-shaped portion 15b can be a continuous or discontinuous I-shaped portion. The central embossing forming element 15 can constitute a continuous emboss or can be formed by discontinuous elements, such as dots, to form the central embossing forming element 15. Alternatively, the central embossing forming element 15 can be a modified Y-shaped portion, including a modified V-shaped portion where the tip portion is slightly rounded or the first and second legs of the V-shaped portion do not intersect.

[0036] The absorbent core also has a front portion 20, a rear portion 22, and an intermediate portion 21 between the front portion 20 and the rear portion 22, and the widest lateral width of the absorbent core 8 is at the front portion 20. The transition width W8 between the front portion 20 and the intermediate portion 21 of the absorbent core 8 is narrower than the lateral width of the remaining portion of the absorbent core 8. The second absorption structure 13 has a width W 13 that is narrower than the width W8 of the absorbent core 8. The width W 13 of the second absorption structure is narrower than the lateral width of the first absorption layer 12 between the front portion 20 and the intermediate portion 21 of the absorbent core 8. The lengths of the front portion 20, the rear portion 22, and the intermediate portion 21 of the absorbent core 8 are substantially equal.

[0037] The confluence point 15p of the V-shaped central embossing element 15 is between the front portion 20 and the intermediate portion 21 of the absorbent core 8, where the lateral width is narrower than the lateral width of the remaining portion of the absorbent core 8. The V-shaped embossing in the front portion 20 encourages the absorbent core 8 to take a bowl-like shape at the front portion 20 during use of the incontinence pad 1, where the first and second legs 15c, 15d of the V-shaped portion converge at the confluence point 15p.

[0038] The incontinence pad 1 also has an outer embossing element 16 provided on the topsheet 6, the fluid control layer 14, and the first absorption layer 12. The outer embossing element 16 includes a first embossing line 16a and a second embossing line 16b, and each embossing line extends longitudinally in the L direction and transversely in the T direction on each side of the central embossing element 15. The outer embossing element 16 extends to the front part 20 and the middle part of the absorbent core. The first and second embossing lines 16a, 16b of the outer embossing element 16 converge in the direction towards the rear edge 5 of the incontinence pad 1. In FIGS. 1 to 3, the outer embossing element 16 further includes an arched embossing front part 16c disposed in front of the Y-shaped central embossing element 15 and substantially following the contour of the V-shaped or modified V-shaped part 15a of the central embossing element 15. The first and second embossing lines 16a, 16b of the outer embossing element 16 extend on each side of the longitudinal center line Lc of the incontinence pad 1, and in the second half 10, they are provided at a distance within the range of 5 to 15 mm or 0.5 to 20 mm when measured in the transverse direction T from each other.

[0039] The second absorption layer 13 includes a first side cut portion 18 along the first longitudinal side edge 2 and a second side cut portion 19 along the second longitudinal side edge 3. The first and second side cut portions 18, 19 are aligned with and arranged on both sides of the confluence point 15p of the first leg 15c and the second leg 15d of the V-shaped portion, or the extensions of the first leg and the second leg of the non-intersecting V-shaped portions.

[0040] The ratio of the width W of the narrowest section of the second absorption layer 13 at the first and second side cut portions 18, 19 13 to the width W1 of the incontinence pad 1 at the same position is 0.5:1 to 0.8:1. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the width of the second absorption layer 13 is relatively constant except for the first and second side cut portions 19, 20.

[0041] Figure 3 shows the incontinence pad 1 from FIGS. 1 and 2 when it is in the bent and in-use shape. The disclosed form of the incontinence pad 1, in combination with the central embossing element 15 of the second absorbent structure 13 under the first absorbent structure with outer embossing elements, enables improved predictable shaping during use of the incontinence pad 1. During use, the incontinence pad 1 closely follows the female anatomical structure, allowing the front half of the article to fit and conform to the flat front portion of the female genitalia and form a front bowl shape for capturing body fluids, while the rear half of the article aligns with and comfortably fits the pleated areas of the buttocks and perineum. Further, an arched emboss front portion 16c disposed in front of the Y-shaped central embossing element 15 and substantially following the contour of the V-shaped or modified V-shaped portion 15a of the central embossing element 15 promotes an improvement in the bowl shape around the inlet zone in the front half 9.

[0042] Thickness measurement To determine the density of the first and second absorbent structures, the thickness is determined by applying a load of 0.5 kPa and measuring the foot as it is lowered onto the absorbent layer at a speed of 13 mm / s. The thickness is read with a digital thickness gauge / measurer 5 seconds after the time when it is measured that the foot has touched the surface of the absorbent structure.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0043] 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 11 First absorbent structure 12 First absorbent layer 14 Fluid control layer 15 Central embossing element 15a V-shaped portion 15b I-shaped portion 15c First leg 15d Second leg 15p Junction point 16 Outer embossing element 16a First embossing line 16b Second embossing line 16c Arch-shaped embossing front part 18, 19 Side cutting part 20 Front part 21 Middle part 22 Rear part L Longitudinal direction Lc Longitudinal center line T Transverse direction

Claims

**Claim 1** An absorbent article for female users in the form of a sanitary napkin, incontinence pad (1) or liner, having first and second longitudinal side edges (2, 3) and front and rear edges (4, 5), and comprising a fluid-permeable topsheet (6), a backsheet (7), and an absorbent core (8) between said topsheet (6) and said backsheet (7), wherein said absorbent article (1) extends in a longitudinal direction (L), a transverse direction (T) and a thickness direction, said absorbent core (8) is divided into a front half (9) and a rear half (10), and comprises a first absorbent structure (11) and a second absorbent structure (13), said first absorbent structure (11) being between said topsheet (6) and said second absorbent structure (13), and said second absorbent structure (13) being between said first absorbent structure (11) and said backsheet (7). In the absorbent article, said second absorbent structure (13) comprises a central embossing element (15) including a first central embossing portion (15c) and a second central embossing portion (15d) extending in the longitudinal direction in said front half (9) of said absorbent core (8), said first central embossing portion (15c) extending between the longitudinal center line Lc and said first longitudinal side edge (2), said second central embossing portion (15d) extending between the longitudinal center line Lc and said second longitudinal side edge (3), said first and second central embossing portions (15c, 15d) converging in a direction from said front end (4) to said rear end (5), and an outer embossing element (16) is provided on said topsheet (6) and / or said first absorbent structure (11), said outer embossing element (16) comprising a first outer embossing portion (16a) and a second outer embossing portion (16b) extending in the longitudinal direction (L) of said absorbent article, said first outer embossing portion (16a) being provided outside said first central embossing portion (15c) in said transverse direction (T), and said second outer embossing portion (16b) being provided outside said second central embossing portion (15d) in said transverse direction (T). An absorbent article characterized by the above. **Claim 2** The central embossing element (15) has a V-shape, the first central embossing portion (15c) is the first leg (15c) of the V-shaped portion, the second central embossing portion (15d) is the second leg (15d) of the V-shaped portion, and the first leg (15c) of the V-shaped portion and the second leg (15d) of the V-shaped portion meet at a confluence point (15p). The absorbent article according to claim 1.

3. The outer embossing element (16) is provided on the topsheet (6) and the first absorbent structure (11). The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The first absorbent structure includes a fluid control layer (14) and / or a first absorbent layer (12), and the outer embossing element (16) is provided on the topsheet (6), the fluid control layer (14) and / or the first absorbent layer (12). The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The outer embossing element (16) further includes an arched embossing front portion (16c) disposed in front of the central embossing element (15) and substantially following the contour of the V-shaped or modified V-shaped portion (15a) of the central embossing element (15). The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The central embossing element (15) also includes an I-shaped portion (15b), and the I-shaped portion (15b) extends along the central longitudinal axis from the confluence point (15p) toward the rear end. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 2 to 5.

7. The first outer embossing portion (16a) and the second outer embossing portion (16b) are respectively on each side of the I-shaped portion of the central embossing element (15) in the longitudinal direction (L), and optionally extend to or beyond the rear end point of the I-shaped portion (15b) of the central embossing element (15). The absorbent article according to claim 6.

8. The first and second outer embossing portions (16a, 16b) of the outer embossing element (16) extend on each side of the longitudinal center line (Lc) of the absorbent article, and the distance between the first embossing element (16a) and the second embossing element (16b) in the rear third of the absorbent core (8) is in the range of 0.5 to 20 mm. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The first outer embossing portion (16a) of the outer embossing element (16) is concave when viewed from the longitudinal center line (Lc), and the second outer embossing portion (16b) of the outer embossing element (16) is also concave when viewed from the longitudinal center line (Lc). The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The second absorbent structure (13) contains a superabsorbent polymer in an amount starting from 30 wt%. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The absorbent core (8) has a front portion (20), a rear portion (22), and an intermediate portion (21) between the front portion (20) and the rear portion (22). The widest lateral width of the absorbent core (8) is at the front portion (20). The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The transition width (W ８ ) between the front portion (20) and the middle portion (21) of the absorbent core (8) is narrower than the lateral width of the remaining portion of the absorbent core (8), the absorbent article according to claim 11.

13. The transition width (W) of the second absorption structure (13) between the front part (20) and the middle part (21) of the absorbent core (8) １３ is narrower than the transition width (W) of the absorbent core (8) between the front part (20) and the middle part (21) of the absorbent core (8), the absorbent article according to claim 12. ８ ​

14. The second absorbent structure (13) includes a first side cut portion (18) along the first longitudinal side edge (2) and a second side cut portion (19) along the second longitudinal side edge (3). The first and second side cut portions (18, 19) are aligned with both sides of the confluence point (15p) of the first leg (15c) of the V-shaped portion and the second leg (15d) of the V-shaped portion, or the extension of the first leg of the non-intersecting V-shaped portion and the second leg of the V-shaped portion. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 2 to 12.

15. The second absorbent structure (13) is wrapped in a core wrap. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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