Absorbent article provided with a shape-representing part

Abstract

An absorbent article for female users in the form of a sanitary napkin or incontinence pad (1), having first and second longitudinal side edges (2, 3), a front edge (5) and a rear edge (4), and including a fluid-permeable topsheet (6), a backsheet (7), and an absorbent core (8) disposed between the topsheet (6) and the backsheet (7). The absorbent article has a longitudinal direction (L) having a longitudinal centerline (Lc), a transverse direction (T) having a transverse centerline (Tc), and a thickness direction, and has a front half (9) and a rear half (10) in the longitudinal direction. The absorbent article includes a shape display portion (30) that is visible from the topsheet (6), extends along the longitudinal centerline (Lc), is symmetric about the longitudinal centerline (Lc), and is asymmetric about the transverse centerline (Tc). The shape display portion has a shape display portion region (30A), a first longitudinal side edge (31), a second longitudinal side edge (32), a transverse front edge (33), and a transverse rear edge (34). The widest width of the shape display portion is within the front half (9), and the narrowest width of the shape display portion is within the rear half (10). The absorbent core includes a longitudinally extending core shape element that is disposed within the shape display portion region (30A) in the thickness direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an absorbent article for female users in the form of a sanitary napkin, an incontinence pad or a liner, having a shape display portion visible from the topsheet of the absorbent article.

Background Art

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

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

[0004] For example, it is even more important that absorbent articles such as incontinence pads give the user a visual sense of leakage safety and good fit, so that the user can feel secure, thereby enhancing the user's health.

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, such as sanitary napkins, incontinence pads or liners, that does not leak, has good conformity, is not conspicuous when worn, gives the user a visual sense of leak safety and good conformity, allows the user to feel safe, and thereby promotes the health of the user.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One or more of the above objects are achieved by the absorbent article according to claim 1. Further advantages and advantageous features of the present disclosure 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, a front edge and a rear edge. The absorbent article includes a fluid-permeable topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent article has a longitudinal direction L having a longitudinal centerline Lc, a transverse direction T having a transverse centerline Tc, and a thickness direction, and has a front half and a rear half in the longitudinal direction. The absorbent article includes a shape display portion that is visible from the topsheet, extends along the longitudinal centerline Lc, is symmetric about the longitudinal centerline Lc, and is asymmetric about the transverse centerline Tc. The shape display portion has a shape display portion region, a first longitudinal side edge, a second longitudinal side edge, a transverse front edge, and a transverse rear edge. The widest width of the shape display portion is within the front half, and the narrowest width of the shape display portion is within the rear half of the absorbent article. The absorbent core includes a core shape element extending in the longitudinal direction. The core shape element is in the thickness direction of the absorbent article disposed within the shape display portion region.

[0008] The first longitudinal side edge, the second longitudinal side edge, the transverse front edge, and the transverse rear edge form a boundary defining the range of the shape display portion region. The transverse front edge and the transverse rear edge of the shape display portion can be visualized by printing and / or embossing, or can be a virtual line between the front end portions of the first longitudinal side edge and the second longitudinal side edge.

[0009] The absorbent core is placed under the topsheet and includes a central shaped element that optionally extends along the longitudinal centerline Lc in the longitudinal direction. The central shaped element within the absorbent core is positioned in the thickness direction of the absorbent article and is placed within the shape display portion area. The shape display portion visualizes the underlying central core shaped element. The core shaped element can be embossed, but can also be provided by one or more cut portions, a region with less absorbent material than the surrounding region, or a region substantially free of absorbent material.

[0010] The shape display portion can be printed and / or embossed. The shape display portion can include one or more printed and / or embossed elements.

[0011] The first longitudinal side edge and the second longitudinal side edge of the shape display portion can each include a first line and a second line that extend on respective sides of the longitudinal centerline Lc in the longitudinal direction L. The widths of the first longitudinal line and the second longitudinal line of the shape display portion can vary along the lines, and the widest width can be within the front half body.

[0012] The first longitudinal side edge and the second longitudinal side edge of the shape display portion can branch in the direction from the rear edge of the absorbent article towards the front edge. The lateral distance between the first longitudinal side edge and the second longitudinal side edge closest to the rear edge of the article can be from 0.5 to 20 mm, and the lateral distance between the first display portion shape line and the second display portion shape line closest to the front edge can be from 40 to 70 mm.

[0013] The perimeter around the shape display portion area can be printed and / or embossed. According to this embodiment, the printing and / or embossing forms a boundary around the non-embossed / non-printed shape display portion area. Therefore, by printing and / or embossing the boundary around the shape display portion, the non-embossed / non-printed shape display portion area exhibits an appearance different from the printed / embossed boundary.

[0014] The lateral width of the shape display portion within the rear half body of the absorbent article can be less than 50% of the lateral width of the absorbent article. Optionally, the lateral width of the shape display portion is less than 40% or less than 30% of the lateral width of the absorbent article.

[0015] The disclosed configuration of the absorbent article includes a core shape element that conforms to and aligns with female anatomy. With the core shape element, the front half of the article can conform to and match the flat front part of the female genitalia to form a front bowl shape for receiving body fluids, while the rear half of the article aligns with and comfortably conforms to the wrinkled areas of the buttocks and perineum.

[0016] Furthermore, the disclosed configuration of the absorbent article includes a shape display portion support, which provides visual guidance to the user on how to wear the absorbent article for a very good fit with female anatomy.

[0017] The shape display portion can be attached at least on the topsheet. According to one embodiment, it is a printed shape display portion and is attached only on the topsheet. According to another embodiment, the shape display portion is visualized by both printing and embossing on the topsheet. The printing and / or embossing can visualize the perimeter around the shape display portion area or the shape display portion area.

[0018] The first longitudinal side edge of the shape display portion can be concave when viewed from the longitudinal center line Lc, and the second longitudinal side edge of the shape display portion can be concave when viewed from the longitudinal center line Lc.

[0019] The width of the shape display portion closest to the rear edge can be from 0.5 to 20 mm, and the width of the shape display portion closest to the front edge can be from 40 to 70 mm.

[0020] The absorbent core can have a front portion, a rear portion, and an intermediate portion disposed between the front and rear portions. The widest width of the absorbent core can be within the front portion. The width of the absorbent core may be larger throughout the front portion than in the intermediate and rear portions. The transition width W8 between the front and intermediate portions may be narrower than the width of the remaining portion of the absorbent core. The width of the narrow lateral transition width W8 can be from 50 to 75% of the widest width of the front portion of the absorbent core. The front portion of the absorbent core can constitute from 15 to 40% of the longitudinal length of the absorbent core. According to one embodiment, the front, rear, and intermediate portions are of substantially equal length.

[0021] The widest widths of the first vertical line and the second vertical line of the shape display portion may correspond to the transition width W8 between the front portion and the middle portion of the absorption core. By having the widest widths of the first and second vertical lines at the narrow transition width W8 between the front portion and the middle portion of the absorption core, the shape of the narrow transition width W8 of the absorption core is further visualized by the shape display portion.

[0022] The shape display portion may be in the form of a Y-shaped or modified Y-shaped display portion including a central I-shaped portion provided in the rear half body of the absorbent article and a V-shaped portion or modified V-shaped portion provided in the front half body of the absorbent article.

[0023] The horizontal front edge portion may be concave when viewed from the horizontal center line Tc. According to this embodiment, the horizontal front end portion has an arcuate shape. The arcuate front end portion may be disposed in front of the V-shaped portion or the modified V-shaped portion.

[0024] The width of the shape display portion in the rear half body may be substantially constant. The maximum width of the shape display portion in the rear portion may be within the range of ±10% of the minimum width of the shape display portion in the rear half body. Optionally, the maximum width of the shape display portion in the rear portion is within the range of ±5% of the minimum width of the shape display portion in the rear half body.

[0025] The absorbent article has an intersection X between the longitudinal center line Lc and the horizontal center line Tc c and a horizontal outermost line T at the front portion of the shape display portion F and a first longitudinal outermost line L S1 and may have an intersection X F1 therebetween. The virtual line Lα is placed between the intersection X c and the intersection X F1 The angle α between the virtual line Lα and the longitudinal center line Lc may be in the interval of 20° to 45°, optionally 23° to 30°.

[0026] The absorbent core may include a first absorbent layer and a second absorbent layer. The first absorbent layer is disposed between the topsheet and the second absorbent layer, and the second absorbent layer is disposed between the first absorbent layer and the backsheet. The central embossed shaped element may be within the second absorbent layer. The central embossed shaped element may optionally extend longitudinally along the longitudinal centerline Lc.

[0027] The second absorbent layer may have a basis weight and / or density higher than that of the first absorbent layer. The first absorbent layer may have a greater elongation than the second absorbent layer. The second absorbent layer may extend over at least a portion of the front and middle parts of the absorbent core, and the first absorbent layer may extend over the front, middle, and rear parts of the absorbent core. The rear end of the shape display portion may end at the lateral edge of the second absorbent layer.

[0028] The second absorbent layer may have the narrowest width corresponding to the lateral transition portion between the front and middle parts of the absorbent article. The second absorbent layer may include a first lateral cut along the first longitudinal side edge and a second lateral cut along the second longitudinal side edge. The first lateral cut is defined between a first forward bend point and a first rearward bend point, and the second lateral cut is defined between a second forward bend point and a second rearward bend point. The distance between the forward and rearward bend points of each of the first and second lateral cuts is in the range of 20 to 80 mm.

[0029] The second absorbent layer may contain a superabsorbent polymer in an amount of 30 wt% or more, 35 wt% or more, or optionally 40 wt% or more. The second absorbent layer may contain a superabsorbent polymer in an amount of 30 wt% to 80 wt%.

[0030] The first and second longitudinal edges of the absorbent article may be generally straight and substantially parallel to each other. According to this embodiment, the shape display portion visualizes the shape of the absorbent core when the absorbent article has a rectangular shape with generally straight longitudinal edges.

[0031] The visible shape display portion can be printed and / or embossed in a discontinuous pattern. When the visible shape display portion is printed and / or embossed in a discontinuous pattern, the pattern can include slight discrete printing and / or embossing elements or a number of printing and / or embossing elements / dots.

[0032] The absorbent article can also include a printed and / or embossed first longitudinal contour line that is visible from the topsheet and extends along a first longitudinal side edge of the article and a second longitudinal contour line that is visible from the topsheet and extends along a second longitudinal side edge of the article. The contour lines are not part of the shape display portion.

[0033] The narrowest width between the first longitudinal contour line and the second longitudinal contour line can correspond to the transition width W8 between the front portion and the middle portion of the absorbent core. Since the outer contour of the absorbent core may not be visible to the user, the shape of the absorbent core can be further visualized by the contour lines.

[0034] The difference between the widest width and the narrowest width between the first longitudinal contour line and the second longitudinal contour line may be greater than the difference between the widest width and the narrowest width of the absorbent core. Thereby, the impression of the narrow transition width between the front portion and the middle portion of the absorbent core appears to be emphasized. The narrowest width between the first longitudinal contour line and the second longitudinal contour line can correspond to the transition width W8 between the front portion and the middle portion of the absorbent article.

[0035] The absorbent article can additionally have a display portion in the form of a rear contour in the direction of the rear end. A part of the display portion in the end direction can coincide with a longitudinal center line that can have a concave portion when viewed from the rear edge towards the front edge.

[0036] The widest width of each of the first and second longitudinal contour lines can correspond to the transition width (W8) between the front portion and the middle portion of the absorbent core.

[0037] The second absorbent layer can extend over at least a part of the front portion and the middle portion of the absorbent article, and the first absorbent layer can extend over the front portion, the middle portion, and the rear portion of the absorbent article.

[0038] The rear end portion of the shape display portion may end at the latero-rear edge portion of the second absorption layer.

[0039] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings using non-limiting examples.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0040]

Figure 1a

Figure 1b

Figure 1c

Figure 2

Figure 3

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0041] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to exemplary implementations. However, the present invention can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments described in the drawings and their description.

[0042] 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 being worn.

[0043] 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 top sheet 6, a back sheet 7, and an absorbent core 8 disposed between the top sheet 6 and the back sheet 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. The incontinence pad 1 has a shape display portion 30 that is visible from the top sheet 6, extends along the longitudinal center line Lc, is symmetric about the longitudinal center line Lc, and is asymmetric about the transverse center line Tc. The shape display portion 30 has a shape display portion area 30A and a first longitudinal side edge 31 and a second longitudinal side edge 32. The widest width of the shape display portion 30 is within the front half 9, and the narrowest width of the shape display portion 30 is within the rear half 10 of the incontinence pad 1.

[0044] 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 top sheet 6 and the second absorbent layer 13.

[0045] The top sheet 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 wool pulp or cotton fibers, synthetic thermoplastic fibers such as polyolefins, polyesters, polyamides, and mixtures and combinations thereof, or mixtures of natural fibers and synthetic fibers. The top sheet 6 can consist of non-absorbent fibers such as thermoplastic fibers. Materials suitable for the top sheet material should be soft, not irritating to the skin, and easily permeable to body fluids such as menstrual fluid and urine.

[0046] The back sheet 7 can include or consist of a thin plastic film, such as a polyethylene or polypropylene film that resists liquid penetration, a nonwoven material covered with a liquid-impermeable material, a hydrophobic nonwoven. Laminates of plastic films and nonwoven materials can also be used. The back sheet material can be breathable so that water vapor can escape from the absorbent structure while still preventing liquid from passing through the back sheet material.

[0047] The absorbent core 8 constitutes an absorbent structure for 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 be of any conventional type. Examples of absorbent materials that generally come to mind are cellulose fluff pulp, tissue, superabsorbent polymers (so-called superabsorbents), absorbent foam 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 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 including 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.

[0048] The first absorbent layer 12 can more specifically be an airlaid nonwoven layer or a modified absorbent layer.

[0049] The second absorbent layer 13 may contain a superabsorbent polymer in an amount of 30% by weight or more, for example 40% by weight or 50% by weight or more, and optionally in the range of 30% to 70% by weight. The superabsorbent polymer may be mixed with, for example, cellulose fluff pulp. The second absorbent layer 13 is optionally wrapped within a core wrap.

[0050] The absorbent core 8 may also include a fluid control layer disposed between the topsheet 6 and the first absorbent layer 12. The fluid control layer 14 is adapted to rapidly receive and temporarily store the discharged liquid before it is absorbed by the first and second absorbent layers 12, 13. The fluid control layer may be a fibrous layer comprising or consisting of synthetic fibers, such as an Airlaid nonwoven, a Spunlace nonwoven or a high loft nonwoven.

[0051] The second absorbent layer is placed within the shape display area 30A and includes a shape element 15 extending in the longitudinal direction L along the longitudinal center line Lc. Thus, the underlying shape element is placed within the shape display area. The first and second longitudinal print lines of the shape display portion enclose the central shape element and function to visualize the underlying shape element 15.

[0052] In FIG. 1a, the underlying central shape element 15 in the second absorbent layer 13 is an embossed shape element 15 in the form of a Y-shaped emboss including a V-shaped portion 15a provided in the front region 9 of the absorbent core 8 and an I-shaped portion 15b provided in at least a part within the rear 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 within the front portion of the absorbent core 8. The I-shaped portion may be a continuous or discontinuous I-shaped portion. The underlying central embossed shape element 15 may be composed of a continuous emboss or by discontinuous elements such as dots to form the central shape element 15. The underlying central shape element 15 may also be provided by one or more cut portions or regions with less or no absorbent material than the surrounding regions.

[0053] The central embossed shape element 15 can instead be a modified Y-shaped portion that includes a slightly rounded tip or a modified V-shaped portion such as having first and second legs of a non-intersecting V-shaped portion.

[0054] The shape display portion 30 provided on the topsheet 6 includes a first printing line 31 and a second printing line 32, each of which extends in the longitudinal direction L and on respective side surfaces of the base shape element 15 when viewed in the transverse direction T. The first and second printing lines 31, 32 of the shape display portion 30 converge toward the rear edge portion 5 of the pad 1.

[0055] The first and second printing lines 31, 32 have a distance between each other within a range of 5 mm to 15 mm when measured in the transverse direction T within the rear half body 10 or the rear portion 22.

[0056] In FIGS. 1 to 3, the shape display portion 30 further has a horizontal printing front edge portion 33 and a horizontal printing rear edge portion 34. The horizontal printing front portion 33 has an arcuate front portion 33 disposed in front of the Y-shaped base shape element 15 and the V-shaped portion or modified V-shaped portion 15a of the substantially continuous base shape element 15.

[0057] The first and second printing lines 31, 32 of the shape display portion 30 extend on respective side surfaces of the longitudinal center line Lc of the pad 1, and the distance d between the first printing line 31 and the second printing line 32 at the third rear portion of the absorption core 8 is within a range of 0.5 to 20 mm.

[0058] The first longitudinal side edge portion 31 and the second longitudinal side edge portion 32 of the shape display portion 30 converge in a direction from the rear edge portion 4 to the front edge portion 5 of the incontinence pad 1.

[0059] The first longitudinal side edge portion 31 of the shape display portion is concave when viewed from the longitudinal center line (Lc), and the second longitudinal side edge portion 32 of the shape display portion 30 is concave when viewed from the longitudinal center line (Lc).

[0060] 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 widest lateral width of the absorbent core 8 is within the front portion 20.

[0061] The incontinence pad 1 has an intersection X between the longitudinal center line Lc and the transverse center line Tc C and the outermost transverse line T at the front portion of the shape display portion F and the first outermost longitudinal line L S1 and has an intersection X F1 therebetween. The virtual line Lα is disposed between the intersection X c and the intersection X F1 and the angle α between the virtual line Lα and the longitudinal center line Lc is in the range of 20° to 45°, optionally in the range of 23° to 30°.

[0062] In FIGS. 1 to 2, the width of the second absorbent layer 13 for the incontinence pad 1 is relatively constant, and the maximum width within the second half of the second absorbent layer 13 is within ±10% of the minimum width of the second half of the second absorbent layer 13.

[0063] The widest lateral width of the shape display portion 30 is within the front half 9, and the narrowest lateral width of the shape display portion 30 is within the rear half 10 of the incontinence pad 1. The widest widths of the first printed line 31 and the second printed line 32 are also within the front half 9. By having the wider widths of the printed lines 31, 32 within the front half 9 and the widest widths of the printed lines 31, 32 corresponding to the transition width (Wt) between the front portion and the intermediate portion of the incontinence pad 1 where the lateral width of the absorbent core is the narrowest, the printed lines 31, 32 enhance the user's visual impression that the core width is narrow even when the core is not visible to the user.

[0064] The rear end portion 34 of the shape display portion 30 ends at the lateral rear edge portion of the second absorbent layer 13.

[0065] The difference between the widest width and the narrowest width between the first longitudinal shape element printed line and the second longitudinal printed line within the front half 9 is greater than the difference between the widest width and the narrowest width of the absorbent core 8 within the front half 9. Thereby, the impression of the narrow transition width between the front portion 20 and the intermediate portion 21 of the absorbent core 8 appears to be emphasized.

[0066] Figure 1b shows a plan view of the incontinence pad 1 as disclosed in Figure 1a, with the shape display portion 30 visualized instead. In Figure 1b, it is the shape display portion area 30A printed with a number of dots. Therefore, the printed pattern including a number of dots visualizes the shape display portion 30. Figure 1b shows an alternative embodiment of the shape display portion on the incontinence pad 1a. The perimeter around the shape display portion area 30A is printed. According to the alternative embodiment, the perimeter around the shape display portion area 30A is embossed or formed by a combination of printing and embossing. The printing in Figure 1b forms a boundary defining the scope of the shape display portion 30, and the shape display portion 30 is not printed or embossed. Therefore, by printing and / or embossing the boundary around the shape display portion, the shape display portion shows an appearance different from the printed and / or embossed boundary.

[0067] Figure 1c shows a plan view of the incontinence pad 1 as disclosed in Figure 1a, with the shape display portion 30 further visualized. In Figure 1c, the shape display portion area 30A is not printed, but the area around the shape area 30A is printed. Therefore, the printed pattern around the shape display portion area 30A visualizes the shape display portion 30. The incontinence pad 1 in Figure 1c also has a display portion in the direction of the rear end in the form of the rear contour. A part of the display portion in the end direction may coincide with the vertical center line that may have a concave portion when viewed from the rear edge 5 towards the front edge 4.

[0068] Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the incontinence pad 1 in Figures 1a to 1c, showing the first absorption layer 12 and the second absorption layer 13. The first absorption layer is placed between the top sheet 6 and the second absorption layer 13, and the second absorption layer 13 is placed between the first absorption layer 12 and the back sheet 7. The central embossed shape element 15 is within the second absorption layer. The central embossed shape element extends longitudinally along the longitudinal center line (Lc). The first absorption layer 12 has a greater elongation than the second absorption layer 13.

[0069] Figure 3 illustrates the incontinence pad 1 from FIGS. 1 and 2 when bent and shaped during use. The disclosed configuration of the shape display portion 30 provides visual assistance and guidance on how to wear the incontinence pad 1 to fit very well with female anatomy. With the core shape element, the front half of the article can conform to and match the flat front part of the female genitalia, forming a front bowl shape for receiving body fluids, while the rear half of the article aligns with and comfortably fits into the wrinkled area of the buttocks and perineum.

[0070] The shape display portion 30 is printed in FIGS. 1 - 3, but the shape display portion can also be formed by embossing or a combination of printing and embossing.

[0071] Thickness measurement The thickness of the absorption layer is determined using a measuring foot loaded with 0.5 kPa. The foot is lowered onto the absorption layer at a speed of 13 mm / s. The thickness is read with a digital thickness gauge / test device 5 seconds after the measuring foot contacts the surface of the absorption layer.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0072] 1 Incontinence pad 2 First longitudinal side edge 3 Second longitudinal side edge 4 Front edge 5 Rear edge 6 Fluid - permeable top sheet 7 Back sheet 8 Absorption core 9 Front half 10 Rear half 12 First absorption layer 13 Second absorption layer 15 Central embossed shape element 20 Front part 14 Fluid control layer 15a V - shaped part 15b I - shaped part 15c First leg 15d Second leg 21 Intermediate part 22 Rear part d Distance L Longitudinal direction Vertical center line of Lc L S1 First vertical outermost line Virtual line of Lα Horizontal direction of T Horizontal center line of Tc T F Horizontal outermost line Width of W8 W t Transition width X C Intersection point X F1 Intersection point Angle of α

Claims

**Claim 1** An absorbent article for a female user in the form of a sanitary napkin or incontinence pad (1), having first and second longitudinal side edges (2, 3), a front edge (5) and a rear edge (4), and comprising a fluid-permeable topsheet (6), a backsheet (7), and an absorbent core (8) disposed between the topsheet (6) and the backsheet (7). The absorbent article has a longitudinal direction (L) having a longitudinal centerline (Lc), a transverse direction (T) having a transverse centerline (Tc), and a thickness direction, and has a front half (9) and a rear half (10) in the longitudinal direction. The absorbent article includes a shape display portion (30) that is visible from the topsheet (6), extends along the longitudinal centerline (Lc), is symmetric about the longitudinal centerline (Lc), and is asymmetric about the transverse centerline (Tc). The shape display portion has a shape display portion area (30A), a first longitudinal side edge (31), a second longitudinal side edge (32), a transverse front edge (33), and a transverse rear edge (34). The widest width of the shape display portion is within the front half (9), and the narrowest width of the shape display portion is within the rear half (10). The absorbent core includes a longitudinally extending core shape element disposed within the shape display portion area (30A) in the thickness direction. **Claim 2** The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the shape display portion area is printed and / or embossed. **Claim 3** The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the periphery around the shape display portion area (30A) is printed and / or embossed. **Claim 4** The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the core shape element is provided by an emboss, a cut portion, a region having a lower density than the surrounding region, or a region substantially free of absorbent material. **Claim 5** The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the width of the shape display portion within the rear half of the absorbent article is less than 50% of the width of the absorbent article within the rear half. **Claim 6** The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the shape display portion is attached at least on the topsheet. **Claim 7** The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the maximum width of the shape display portion within the rear half is within the range of ±10% of the minimum width of the shape display portion within the rear half. **Claim 8** The first longitudinal side edge portion (31) and the second longitudinal side edge portion (32) of the shape display portion (30) converge in a direction from the rear edge portion (4) to the front edge portion (5) of the absorbent article. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The first longitudinal side edge portion (31) of the shape display portion (30) is concave when viewed from the longitudinal center line (Lc), and the second longitudinal side edge portion (32) of the shape display portion (30) is concave when viewed from the longitudinal center line (Lc). The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The shape display portion (30) is in the form of a Y-shaped or modified Y-shaped display portion including a central I-shaped portion (15b) provided in the rear half body (10) of the absorbent article and a V-shaped portion (15a) or a modified V-shaped portion provided in the front half body (9) of the absorbent article. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The transverse front edge portion (33) is concave when viewed from the transverse center line (Tc). The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The width of the shape display portion (30) closest to the rear edge portion (5) of the absorbent article is 0.5 to 20 mm, and the width of the shape display portion (30) closest to the front edge portion (4) is 40 to 70 mm. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The intersection point (X ｃ ) between the vertical center line (Lc) and the horizontal center line (Tc) and the outermost horizontal line (T Ｆ ) at the front part of the shape display part intersect with the first outermost vertical line (L Ｓ１ ) at the intersection point (X Ｆ１ ), and the virtual line (Lα) between the intersection point (X Ｃ ) and the intersection point (X Ｆ１ ). The angle α between the virtual line (Lα) and the vertical center line (Lc) is in the range of 20° to 45°, optionally in the range of 23° to 30° at intervals. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. 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 widest width of the absorbent core is within the front portion (20). The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. The transition width (W ８ ) between the front part (20) and the middle part (21) of the absorption core (8) is narrower than the lateral width of the remaining part of the absorption core (8), the absorbent article according to claim 14.

16. 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 (13) is disposed between the first absorbent layer (12) and the backsheet (7). The central emboss shape element (15) is within the second absorbent layer (13). The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. The second absorbent layer (13) has a higher density than the first absorbent layer (12), and the first absorbent layer (12) optionally has a greater elongation than the second absorbent layer (13). The absorbent article according to claim 16.

18. The absorption article according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the first and second longitudinal side edges (2, 3) of the absorption article are essentially straight and essentially parallel to each other.

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