Absorbent articles

Abstract

To provide absorbent articles that offer improved comfort during use and enhanced leak prevention. [Solution] The absorbent unit 2 includes a bottom waterproof layer 1 to prevent liquid from flowing out, a bottom waterproof layer 1 located above the absorbent unit 1 and for absorbing liquid, and includes a main absorbent 2a and two side absorbents 2b connected to the left and right sides of the main absorbent 2a, and two foldable side gather units 3, each including a side guard structure 31 and a support structure 32 connected to the bottom of the side guard structure 31, wherein each side guard structure 31 is located on the sides of the two side absorbents 2b that are far apart from each other and for preventing liquid from flowing out of the absorbent unit 2, and each support structure 32 is installed between the bottom waterproof layer 1 and the adjacent side absorbent 2b so as to create a gap between the bottom waterproof layer 1 and the main absorbent 2a.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to daily necessities, and in particular to an absorbent article that is used in contact with the body and has a folded side gather unit.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes absorbent articles such as diapers, toilet training pants, urine leakage pads, sanitary products (sanitary napkins, sanitary tampons, etc.), sweat-absorbent pads, pet pads, simple toilet components, and animal excrement treatment materials. The absorbent article includes a liquid-impermeable sheet, a core wrap sheet, an absorbent core, a core wrap sheet, and a liquid-permeable sheet that are laminated in order from bottom to top.

[0003] When using the absorbent article, it is generally used in direct contact with the user's skin. At that time, the absorbent core absorbs body fluid, and the liquid-impermeable sheet prevents body fluid from leaking out of the absorbent core. However, after the absorbent core absorbs the body fluid, part of the body fluid evaporates into moisture, and at that time, the diffusion of moisture to the outside is blocked by the liquid-impermeable sheet, making the user feel stuffy.

[0004] In addition, when the absorbent article is used as a sanitary napkin, it is common to fix the position by attaching the liquid-impermeable sheet of the absorbent article to the user's clothing. However, since the absorbent core of the absorbent article is attached to the liquid-impermeable sheet, the user's movement may cause the absorbent article to shift in position during use, which may lead to body fluid leakage.

PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

PATENT DOCUMENTS

[0005]

PATENT DOCUMENT 1

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0006] The objective of this invention is to provide an absorbent article that offers high comfort during use and high leak prevention. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] This invention provides a bottom waterproof layer to prevent liquid leakage, An absorption unit located above the bottom waterproof layer and for absorbing liquid, comprising a main absorbent and two side absorbents, each connected to the left and right sides of the main absorbent, Each includes two folding side gather units, each comprising a side guard structure and a support structure connected to the bottom of the side guard structure. Each of the side guard structures is located on the sides of the two side absorbers that are separated from each other, and is intended to prevent liquid from flowing out of the absorbent unit. Each of the support structures is installed between the bottom waterproof layer and the bottom surface of each of the side absorbers, such that there is a gap between the bottom waterproof layer and the main absorber, to provide an absorbent article. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] In the absorbent article of the present invention, a gap is created between the main absorbent and the bottom waterproof layer by each support structure, forming a space in which moisture-containing air can circulate between the main absorbent and the bottom waterproof layer. This improves skin breathability and enhances comfort during use.

[0009] Furthermore, because the main absorber is suspended relative to the bottom waterproof layer by each support structure, the main absorber can maintain its original position even when the bottom waterproof layer moves due to the user's movements, thereby achieving an enhanced leak prevention effect. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the absorbent article of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view along line II-II in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This is a partially enlarged view corresponding to Figure 2. [Figure 4] This figure shows another embodiment of the absorbent article of the present invention and is a partially enlarged view similar to Figure 3. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] To more clearly explain the object, technical means, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention, the technical means in the embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. The embodiments described are illustrative of some embodiments of the present invention, and the constituent elements of the embodiments of the present invention depicted and shown in the accompanying drawings can be arranged and designed in various different configurations. Therefore, the detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention below is not intended to limit the scope of the claims of the present invention in any way, but merely to show a selected embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Figures 1 and 2 show one embodiment of an absorbent article having the folding side gather unit of the present invention.

[0013] For the sake of explanation, the left-right direction X, the front-back direction Y which is not parallel to the left-right direction X, and the up-down direction Z which is not parallel to the left-right direction X and the front-back direction Y are defined according to the usage environment of the absorbent article. In this embodiment, the left-right direction X, the front-back direction Y, and the up-down direction Z are orthogonal to each other.

[0014] The left-right direction X is the direction from left to right, as indicated by arrow X in Figure 1; the front-back direction Y is the direction from front to back, as indicated by arrow Y in Figure 1; and the up-down direction Z is the direction from bottom to top, as indicated by arrow Z in Figure 1.

[0015] The absorbent article is, for example, a sanitary napkin or a diaper, but is not limited to these, and is suitable for use in direct contact with the user's skin to absorb bodily fluids such as menstrual blood or urine (hereinafter simply referred to as "liquid"). In this embodiment, the absorbent article is illustrated using a sanitary napkin as an example.

[0016] The absorbent article includes a bottom waterproof layer 1, an absorption unit 2, two folded side gather units 3, and a surface layer structure 4.

[0017] As shown in Figure 1, the bottom waterproof layer 1 is formed in an elongated film shape and extends along the left-right direction X and the front-rear direction Y.

[0018] The top surface of the bottom waterproof layer 1 is closer to the user's skin than the bottom surface of the bottom waterproof layer 1, and the bottom waterproof layer 1 is intended to block the outflow of liquid, that is, the downward flow of liquid.

[0019] In some embodiments, the bottom waterproof layer 1 has a plurality of vent holes (not shown) that allow gas to pass downward but block liquid passage, so that the absorbent article has air permeability, the user will not feel stuffy, and the comfort during use is improved. However, according to actual demands, the bottom waterproof layer 1 may also be a sheet-like member without air permeability.

[0020] The absorption unit 2 is located above the bottom waterproof layer 1 and is used to absorb liquid. In addition, the absorption unit 2 includes an absorbent body 21 and a cover layer 22 covering the outer surface of the absorbent body 21. In this embodiment, the cover layer 22 completely encloses the outer surface of the absorbent body 21.

[0021] The absorbent body 21 and the cover layer 22 together constitute a main absorbent body 2a and two side absorbent bodies 2b respectively connected to the left and right sides of the main absorbent body 2a. That is, the two side absorbent bodies 2b respectively extend from the left and right sides of the main absorbent body 2a along the directions away from each other in the left-right direction X.

[0022] The part constituted by the absorbent body 21 in the main absorbent body 2a and each side absorbent body 2b is integrally formed, and the part constituted by the cover layer 22 in the main absorbent body 2a and each side absorbent body 2b is integrally formed.

[0023] In this embodiment, the material of the absorbent 21 was selected to be a combination of superabsorbent polymers (SAP) and wood pulp.

[0024] For example, the material of the absorbent 21 can be a combination in which granular superabsorbent polymers are dispersed in wood pulp.

[0025] The cover layer 22 is made of nonwoven fabric or tissue paper, but the materials of the absorbent 21 and the cover layer 22 are not limited to those described above.

[0026] The surface structure 4 covers the top surface of the absorption unit 2 and is designed to allow liquid to pass through and guide the liquid into the absorption unit 2.

[0027] The surface structure 4 includes a liquid induction layer 41 installed on the top surface of the absorption unit 2, and a skin protection layer 42 covering the top surface of the liquid induction layer 41 and the side absorber 2b.

[0028] The size (i.e., width) of the skin protective layer 42 in the left-right direction X is greater than the size (i.e., width) of the liquid induction layer 41 in the left-right direction X.

[0029] The skin protection layer 42 is suitable for use in contact with the user's skin and allows liquid to pass through to reach the liquid induction layer 41.

[0030] The liquid induction layer 41 is for guiding the liquid from the skin protection layer 42 to the absorption unit 2.

[0031] The surface structure 4 prevents the user's skin from directly contacting the absorption unit 2, thus keeping the user's skin dry and comfortable.

[0032] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, multiple recesses 43 are formed on the top surface of the surface structure 4, extending down to the absorption unit 2.

[0033] The multiple recesses 43 can be embossed by heat pressing against the surface structure 4, or they can be holes that penetrate to reach the absorption unit 2, and the liquid is quickly passed through the recesses 43 to the absorption unit 2 and absorbed.

[0034] In this embodiment, the material of the skin protection layer 42 is selected from spunbond nonwoven fabric, meltblown nonwoven fabric, porous sheet, and pure cotton cloth, and the material of the liquid induction layer 41 is selected from meltblown nonwoven fabric and spunlace nonwoven fabric, however, the materials of the skin protection layer 42 and the liquid induction layer 41 are not limited to those described above.

[0035] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the two foldable side gather units 3 are installed on both the left and right sides of the absorption unit 2, and are designed to allow gas to pass through while preventing liquid leakage.

[0036] Each folding side gather unit 3 includes a side guard structure 31, a support structure 32 connected to the bottom of the side guard structure 31, and a top leak prevention structure 33 connected to the top of the side guard structure 31.

[0037] Each side guard structure 31 is located on the sides of the two side absorbers 2b that are separated from each other, and is intended to prevent liquid from flowing out of the absorbent unit 2 in the left-right direction X.

[0038] In this embodiment, each side guard structure 31 is sheet-like, and the longitudinal cross-section of each side guard structure 31 in the left-right direction X is arc-shaped, as shown in Figures 2 to 4.

[0039] Each top leak-proof structure 33 covers the top surface of the adjacent side absorber 2b located below the top leak-proof structure 33 in Figure 3.

[0040] Specifically, each top leak-proof structure 33 is installed with a gap between them in the left-right direction X, and each top leak-proof structure 33 covers both the left and right sides of the skin protection layer 42 on the top surface of the side absorber 2b, and is located outside both the left and right sides of the liquid induction layer 41.

[0041] Each top leak-proof structure 33 prevents liquid leakage by preventing the liquid from flowing outward in the left-right direction X along the surface of the surface layer structure 4 or the surface of the absorption unit 2 before the liquid is absorbed by the absorption unit 2.

[0042] In some embodiments, each top leak-proof structure 33 has two membrane-like leak-proof layers 331 installed above and below.

[0043] The two leak-proof layers 331 of each top leak-proof structure 33 are integrally formed, and one side of each top leak-proof structure 331 away from the side guard structure 31 is connected to the other. As a result, the structure of each top leak-proof structure 33 can be a two-layer structure formed integrally from a single folded sheet, which has the effect of raising and floating, making it more difficult for liquid to leak. In addition, the liquid guide layer 41 is installed between the two top leak-proof structures 33. The skin protection layer 42 is installed between each side absorber 2b and each top leak-proof structure 33, covering the top surface of the liquid guide layer 41.

[0044] Each support structure 32 is installed between the bottom waterproof layer 1 and the bottom surface of the adjacent side absorber 2b such that a gap 5 is defined between the bottom waterproof layer 1 and the main absorber 2a.

[0045] Space 5 is designed to allow gas (e.g., air containing moisture) to flow, and moisture evaporating from the absorption unit 2 or moisture from the skin can flow out through space 5 along the front-to-back direction Y, allowing the skin to breathe when the user is using it, thereby enhancing comfort during use.

[0046] Furthermore, since the main absorber 2a is suspended relative to the bottom waterproof layer 1 by each support structure 32, the bottom waterproof layer 1 and the main absorber 2a can move relative to each other. This allows the main absorber 2a to maintain its original position even when the bottom waterproof layer 1 moves due to the user's movements, thereby achieving an effect of enhancing leak prevention.

[0047] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 4, each support structure 32 has a plurality of support layers 321 that are stacked vertically.

[0048] The multiple support layers 321 of each support structure 32 are formed integrally.

[0049] One side of each of the two adjacent support layers 321 is connected to the other, forming a connecting portion 322.

[0050] The two adjacent connecting portions 322 are arranged alternately left and right in the vertical direction Z, so that the support structure 32 can be considered as a multilayer structure integrally formed by folding a single sheet, and has the effect of supporting the absorption unit 2. Furthermore, the distance between the main absorber 2a and the bottom waterproof layer 1, that is, the size of the space 5 defined between the main absorber 2a and the bottom waterproof layer 1 in the vertical direction Z, can be changed by changing the number of support layers 321.

[0051] As shown in Figure 3, the top leak prevention structure 33, side guard structure 31, and support structure 32 of each folded side gather unit 3 are integrally formed.

[0052] Each foldable side gather unit 3 can be formed by folding a single sheet to create the top leak prevention structure 33, the side guard structure 31, and the support structure 32. This eliminates the need to bond the top leak prevention structure 33 to the side guard structure 31 or the top leak prevention structure 33 to the support structure 32 during the manufacturing process. Furthermore, it prevents liquid leakage from the connection points that may occur if the top leak prevention structure 33, the side guard structure 31, and the support structure 32 are not integrally formed, thereby increasing the robustness of the absorbent article in preventing liquid leakage.

[0053] Furthermore, since each support layer 321 and the side guard structure 31 are part of the sheet, the size of each support layer 321 in the vertical direction Z (i.e., thickness d1) is the same as the size of the side guard structure 31 in the horizontal direction X (i.e., thickness d2).

[0054] The material of the folded side gather unit 3 may be selected from, but is not limited to, spunbond nonwoven fabric, meltblown nonwoven fabric, or pure cotton cloth.

[0055] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, in some embodiments, the size (overall thickness) of the support structure 32 in the vertical direction Z is 1 to 3 times the size (i.e., thickness d2) of the corresponding side guard structure 31 in the horizontal direction X.

[0056] The distance between the main absorber 2a and the bottom waterproof layer 1 corresponds to the size (overall thickness) of the support structure 32 in the vertical direction Z.

[0057] For example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 3, there are two support layers 321 and one connecting portion 322, the connecting portion 322 is located on the side of the support layer 321 away from the side guard structure 31, and in this case, the size of the support structure 32 in the vertical direction Z (corresponding to the distance d between the main absorber 2a and the bottom waterproof layer 1) is twice the size of the corresponding side guard structure 31 in the horizontal direction X (i.e., thickness d2, corresponding to the thickness d1 of each support layer 321).

[0058] In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, there are three support layers 321 and two connecting portions 322. The connecting portion 322 formed by two adjacent support layers 321 that are close to the side guard structure 31 in the vertical direction Z is located on the side of the support layer 321 that is away from the side guard structure 31, and the connecting portion 322 formed by two adjacent support layers 321 that are farther from the side guard structure 31 in the vertical direction Z is located on the side of the support layer 321 that is close to the side guard structure 31. In this case, the size of the support structure 32 in the vertical direction Z (corresponding to the distance d' between the main absorber 2a and the bottom waterproof layer 1) is three times the size of the corresponding side guard structure 31 in the left-right direction X (i.e., thickness d2, corresponding to the thickness d1 of each support layer 321).

[0059] By changing the number of support layers 321, the size of the support structure 32 in the vertical direction Z can be made 1 to 3 times the size of the corresponding side guard structure 31 in the horizontal direction X, thereby adjusting the space 5 to be the least prone to deformation while maintaining ventilation.

[0060] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the size L1 of each support structure 32 installed on the absorption unit 2 in the left-right direction X accounts for 10% to 20% of the size L of the absorption unit 2 in the left-right direction X. That is, the width of the support structure 32 attached to the corresponding side absorber 2b installed on the absorption unit 2 in the left-right direction X accounts for 10% to 20% of the width of the absorption unit 2 in the left-right direction X.

[0061] Furthermore, the size L2 of each top leak-prevention structure 33 installed in the absorption unit 2 in the left-right direction X accounts for 8% to 15% of the size L of the absorption unit 2 in the left-right direction X. That is, the width of the leak-prevention layer 331 attached to the corresponding side absorber 2b in the left-right direction X is 8% to 15% of the width of the entire absorption unit 2 in the left-right direction X.

[0062] When using the absorbent article of the present invention, first apply it to the user so that the surface structure 4 faces the user's skin.

[0063] Furthermore, most of the liquid from the user is guided to the absorption unit 2 by the surface structure 4, and a small portion of the liquid may reach the top leak prevention structure 33 and side guard structure 31 of each folded side gather unit 3, but even in that case, these will prevent it from leaking to the outside.

[0064] Furthermore, the space 5 defined by the bottom waterproof layer 1 and the main absorbent 2a allows gas to communicate with the outside, providing a ventilation effect.

[0065] According to the above configuration, in the absorbent article of the present invention, a gap is created between the main absorbent 2a and the bottom waterproof layer 1 by each support structure 32, so that a space is formed between the main absorbent 2a and the bottom waterproof layer 1 that allows moisture-containing air to flow, improving skin breathability and increasing comfort during use.

[0066] Furthermore, because the main absorber 2a is suspended relative to the bottom waterproof layer 1 by the support structure 32, the main absorber can maintain its original position even when the bottom waterproof layer 1 moves due to the user's movements, thereby achieving an effect of enhancing leak prevention.

[0067] Therefore, the objectives of the present invention can be reliably achieved.

[0068] The above embodiments are illustrative in illustrating the principles and effects of the present invention and do not limit it. A person skilled in the art can make some modifications and alterations to the above embodiments, provided that they do not deviate from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, all modifications and alterations made by a person skilled in the art, provided that they do not deviate from the spirit of the invention, should also be considered to fall within the scope of protection of the present invention. [Industrial applicability]

[0069] The absorbent article of the present invention is suitable for use as an absorbent article applied to the body. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0070] 1 Bottom waterproof layer 2 Absorption Units 21 Absorbent 22 Cover layer 2a Main absorber 2b side absorber 3. Fold-type side gather unit 31 Side Guard Structure 32 Support structure 321 Support layer body 33. Top leak prevention structure 331 Leak-proof layer 4 Surface structure 41 Liquid guiding layer 42 Skin protective layer 43 Recess 5 Space d, d′ distance d1, d2 thickness Sizes L, L1, L2 X Left / right direction Y (forward / backward direction) Z vertical direction

Claims

1. A waterproof bottom layer to prevent liquid leakage, An absorption unit located above the bottom waterproof layer and for absorbing liquid, comprising a main absorbent and two side absorbents, each connected to the left and right sides of the main absorbent, Each includes two folding side gather units, each comprising a side guard structure and a support structure connected to the bottom of the side guard structure. Each of the aforementioned side guard structures is located on the sides of the two side absorbers that are separated from each other, and is intended to prevent liquid from flowing out of the absorption unit to the outside. Each of the support structures is installed between the bottom waterproof layer and the bottom surface of each of the side absorbers, such that there is a gap between the bottom waterproof layer and the main absorber, in an absorbent article.

2. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein each of the support structures has a plurality of support layers that are stacked vertically.

3. Each of the support structures is formed integrally with the plurality of support layers. The two adjacent support layers are connected to each other on one side, and both form a connecting portion. The absorbent article according to claim 2, wherein the two adjacent connecting portions are each installed alternately on the left and right sides.

4. Each of the aforementioned folding side gather units further includes a top leak prevention structure connected to the top of the side guard structure, Each of the aforementioned top leak prevention structures covers the top surface of the adjacent side absorber. The absorbent article according to claim 3, wherein the top leak prevention structure, the side guard structure, and the support structure of each of the aforementioned folding side gather units are integrally formed.

5. The aforementioned top leak prevention structure has two leak prevention layers installed at the top and bottom, The absorbent article according to claim 4, wherein one side of each of the two leak-proof layers, on the side away from the side guard structure, is connected to the other.

6. It further includes a surface structure, The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the surface structure covers the top surface of the absorption unit and is for the liquid to pass through and guide the liquid to the absorption unit.

7. Each of the aforementioned folding side gather units further includes a top leak prevention structure connected to the top of the side guard structure, The aforementioned top leakage prevention structure covers the top surface of the adjacent side absorber. The surface structure includes a liquid guide layer positioned between the two top leak-proof structures and on the top surface of the absorption unit, and a skin protection layer positioned between each of the side absorbers and each of the top leak-proof structures, covering the top surface of the liquid guide layer. The skin protective layer is suitable for use in contact with the user's skin and allows liquid to pass through to reach the liquid induction layer. The absorbent article according to claim 6, wherein the liquid induction layer is for guiding the liquid from the skin protection layer to the absorption unit.

8. The material of the aforementioned skin protection layer is selected from spunbond nonwoven fabric, meltblown nonwoven fabric, porous sheet, and pure cotton cloth. The absorbent article according to claim 7, wherein the material of the liquid induction layer is selected from either meltblown nonwoven fabric or spunlace nonwoven fabric.

9. The aforementioned folding side gather unit is capable of allowing gas to pass through while preventing liquid from flowing out. The absorbent article according to claim 4, wherein the material of the folded side gather unit is selected from spunbond nonwoven fabric, meltblown nonwoven fabric, and pure cotton cloth.

10. The absorbent unit includes an absorbent and a cover layer covering the outer surface of the absorbent, The absorbent and the cover layer both constitute the main absorbent and each of the side absorbents. The absorbent material is a combination of a superabsorbent polymer and wood pulp. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the cover layer is a nonwoven fabric or tissue paper.

11. The absorbent article according to claim 6, wherein a plurality of recesses are formed on the top surface of the surface structure, extending to the absorption unit.

12. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the bottom waterproof layer has a plurality of ventilation holes through which gas can pass.

13. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the size of each support structure installed in the absorbing unit in the left-right direction accounts for 10% to 20% of the size of the absorbing unit in the left-right direction.

14. The absorbent article according to claim 4 or claim 7, wherein the size of each of the top leak-preventing structures installed in the absorbent unit in the left-right direction accounts for 8% to 15% of the size of the absorbent unit in the left-right direction.

15. The side guard structure and the support structure are formed integrally. The vertical size of the support structure is one to three times the horizontal size of the corresponding side guard structure. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the distance between the main absorbent and the bottom waterproof layer corresponds to the vertical size of the support structure.

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