A channel system eliminating the need to use a liquid absorption and distribution layer in absorbent hygiene products

Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of absorbent hygiene products, and relates to an absorbent hygiene product that does not require the presence of a liquid distribution layer located on the absorbent layer in disposable or multi-use hygiene products, and in which reduction in any liquid distribution and absorption performance is not observed.

Description

[0001] A CHANNEL SYSTEM ELIMINATING THE NEED TO USE A LIQUID ABSORPTION AND DISTRIBUTION LAYER IN ABSORBENT HYGIENE PRODUCTS

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The invention belongs to the technical field of absorbent hygiene products and relates to a channel system which eliminates the need to use a liquid absorption and distribution layer located on the absorbent core layer in single or multi-use absorbent hygiene products and prevents the reduction in effective liquid distribution performance.

[0004] PRIOR ART

[0005] Absorbent hygiene products are products developed especially to keep babies' skin dry and to provide comfort of use. Technically, absorbent hygiene products consist of multiple layers with different functions. Absorbent hygiene products generally contain at least one top layer, at least one liquid acquisition and distribution layer, at least one absorbent core layer, and at least one bottom layer, respectively.

[0006] In absorbent hygiene products, the liquid distribution layer is located in the upper vicinity of the absorbent core layer. The term Acquisition Distribution Layer is abbreviated as ADL. Its main function is to quickly absorb the liquid from the top layer and distribute it evenly to the absorbent core layer. It is generally made of fibrous and porous materials.

[0007] In absorbent hygiene products, the ADL layer contributes to keeping the baby's skin dry by quickly directing the liquid to the absorbent core layer. This effect is critical for both infant health and comfort and directly affects the overall performance of absorbent hygiene products.

[0008] However, in the relevant technical field, the production of absorbent hygiene products without the ADL layer is the subject of research and development. The ADL layer generates production costs in particular for absorbent hygiene products. Aiming to produce more economical absorbent hygiene products, manufacturers aim to reduce costs by removing this layer. At the same time, the removal of the ADL layer will also contribute to the simplification of production processes. On the other hand, absorbent hygiene products are aimed to be thinner and lighter products with simple and minimalist designs. This increases the comfort of use of the users.

[0009] On the other hand, by removing the ADL layer, the amount of waste can be reduced by providing faster and easier breakdown of absorbent hygiene products.

[0010] As a result, research and development for the removal of ADL layers in absorbent hygiene products is a current topic. In order to solve the technical problems identified in the technical field, it has become necessary to obtain an absorbent hygiene product in which the ADL layer is removed but the technical solutions and advantages provided by the ADL layer are provided.

[0011] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The primary objective of the invention is to introduce an absorbent hygiene product that does not contain an ADL layer. The main objective here is to produce absorbent hygiene products with reduced costs.

[0013] The primary objective of the invention is to obtain an absorbent hygiene product that provides fast absorption and distribution of the liquid through its channel design without the need for an ADL layer.

[0014] Another primary objective of the invention is to introduce a thinner and lighter absorbent hygiene product by removing the ADL layer.

[0015] Another objective of the invention is to introduce an absorbent hygiene product that is easier to recycle by removing the ADL layer.

[0016] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 shows a representative top view of the absorbent hygienic product, including the absorbent core layer and the liquid acquisition-distribution layer. Figure 2 shows a representative top view of the absorbent hygienic product, including the absorbent core layer and not including the liquid acquisition-distribution layer.

[0018] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCES

[0019] 1 Absorbent Core Layer

[0020] 10 Channel System

[0021] 11 Channel Front Structure

[0022] 1 11 Front Channel Path

[0023] 12 Channel Rear Structure

[0024] 121 Rear Channel Path

[0025] 122 Stopper Rear Channel

[0026] 13 Connection Structure

[0027] 131 Stopper Connection Channel

[0028] 2 Liquid acquisition-distribution layer y: along the length of the absorbent core layer x: along the width of the absorbent core layer

[0029] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] The absorbent hygiene product of the present invention does not contain ADL layer (2) as a target. In order to achieve this, the invention provides a configuration of the absorbent core layer (1 ) of absorbent hygiene products.

[0031] In the present invention, “absorbent hygiene products” refers to baby diapers, adult incontinence products, and diaper pants. In this invention, the products can be disposable or multi-use.

[0032] In this invention, the absorbent hygiene product contains at least one bottom layer and at least one top layer. The bottom layer, as known in the art, is liquid-impermeable, while the top layer is liquid-permeable. Between this top layer and the bottom layer, there is at least one absorbent core layer (1 ) for controlled absorption and optimal distribution of the liquid. In this invention, "liquid" refers to urine or anything similar that is intended to be absorbed from the body of the user using the product.

[0033] The ADL layer (2) provides fast liquid absorption properties for absorbent hygiene products. The ADL layer (2) is arranged such that the liquid from the top layer is quickly delivered to the absorbent core layer (1 ).

[0034] On the other hand, the ADL layer (2) ensures even distribution of the liquid for the absorbent core layer (1 ). In this way, the absorbent core layer (1 ) is used more effectively and the accumulation of liquid in local places is prevented. The accumulation of liquid in local places will cause the absorbent core layer (1 ) to show insufficient liquid absorption performance in those areas, creating a feeling of wetness and problems for users.

[0035] The innovative aspect of the invention is that the ADL layer (2) used frequently in the art does not need to be included in absorbent hygiene products. To achieve this, a newly configured absorbent core layer (1 ) is offered, which provides the technical solution and advantages that the ADL layer (2) provides in absorbent hygiene products. At the same time, it is expected to be able to show effective liquid management performance even if the ADL layer (2) is removed from absorbent hygiene products.

[0036] The inventors of the present invention provide arrangements to realize efficient liquid management in the absorbent core layer (1 ). Effective liquid management, in this invention, refers to the uniform and fast delivery of liquid from the user to the absorbent core layer (1 ).

[0037] As is known in the art, the absorbent core layer (1 ) contains elements that enable the absorption and distribution of the liquid. Absorption of the liquid is ensured by absorbent elements including super absorbent polymers. Absorbent elements can also be at least one of the groups of fluff pulp, fabrics, bio-based or biodegradable absorbent material. If preferred, several of these materials can be combined and included as absorbent elements in absorbent core layers (1 ).

[0038] The inventors of the present invention introduce a channel system (10) configured to provide efficient liquid distribution in the absorbent core layer (1 ). As is known in the art, the absorbent core layer (1 ) comprises a channel system (10) allowing the liquid to be distributed in a controlled manner.

[0039] By ensuring effective liquid distribution, possible liquid leaks in the absorbent core layer

[0040] (1 ) and channel system (10) can be prevented.

[0041] In this invention, the channel system (10) is located inside the absorbent core layer (1 ). The channel system (10) is essentially grooves or cavities within the absorbent core layer

[0042] (I ) designed to allow liquid to move quickly and distribute evenly. The grooves or cavities mentioned here can improve the utilization performance of the absorbent core layer (1 ) with the achieved designs.

[0043] A representative view of the channel structure enabling the production of absorbent hygiene products without the need for the ADL layer (2) is provided in Figure 1 .

[0044] In the present invention, the channel system (10) comprises a channel front structure

[0045] (I I ) and a channel rear structure (12).

[0046] The channel front structure (11 ) is the part located in the front region of the absorbent core layer (1 ), which also includes the so-called liquid discharge region. The liquid discharge region is the first region wherein the liquid from the user's body comes into contact with and is absorbed in the absorbent core layer (1 ). Since the channel front structure (1 1 ) is the first collection region of the liquid from the user's body, it receives the liquid collected here and allows it to disperse throughout the absorbent core layer (1 ) together with the other elements of the channel system (10). In addition, the liquid collected here should not cause leakage. Figure 1 shows the subject and design of the channel front structure (11 ) as a representation.

[0047] To achieve this, the channel front structure (1 1 ) includes at least one front channel path

[0048] (I I I ). In particular, the front channel path (1 11 ) ensures efficient and fast dispersion of the liquid from the liquid discharge region in the front part of the absorbent core layer (1 ) as well as its delivery towards the rear part of the absorbent core layer (1 ).

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, the channel front structure (11 ) contains multiple front channel paths (1 11 ). In the case there are multiple, the front channel paths (11 1 ) are located parallel to each other at certain distances. The length of the front channel paths (11 1 ) is determined to ensure an effective liquid distribution along the length of the front part of the absorbent core layer (1 ) (along the y-coordinate). If multiple front channel paths (11 1 ) are placed side by side parallel to each other, the absorbent core layer (1 ) provides effective liquid distribution along the width of the front part (along the x- coordinate).

[0050] Front channel paths (1 11 ) are equidistant from each other and of the same length if their number is more than one. In this way, the front channel paths (1 11 ) enable liquid distribution in the absorbent core layer (1 ) at equivalent rates and times, preventing a region of the absorbent core layer (1 ) from becoming drier or wetter.

[0051] In the most preferred embodiment, the absorbent core layer (1 ) contains two parallel and equidistant front channel paths (1 11 ) in order to ensure both the ease of the production process and the simultaneous distribution of liquid along the +y coordinate and width of the absorbent core layer (1 ).

[0052] The channel rear structure (12) is a part located on the rear side of the absorbent core layer (1 ). It is configured to manage the dispersion of liquid from the user through the absorbent core layer (1 ) to the rear side and to prevent leakage in the rear region. Figure 1 shows the location and design of the channel rear structure (12) as a representation.

[0053] The channel rear structure (12) of the invention comprises at least one rear channel path (121 ) located at certain lengths and along the length of the absorbent core layer (1 ) for effective dispersion of liquids in the rear part of the absorbent core layer (1 ).

[0054] In this invention, if an absorbent core layer (1 ) were hypothetically placed in a coordinate system, its length would refer to the y coordinate and its width would refer to the horizontal x coordinate. Figure 1 shows a representation of this hypothetical narrative.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment, the channel rear structure (12) contains multiple rear channel paths (121 ). In the case there are multiple, the rear channel paths (121 ) are located parallel to each other at certain distances. The length of the rear channel paths (121 ) is determined to ensure an effective liquid distribution along the length of the rear part of the absorbent core layer (1 ) (along the y-coordinate). If multiple rear channel paths (121 ) are placed side by side parallel to each other, the absorbent core layer (1 ) provides effective liquid distribution along the width of the rear part (along the x-coordinate). Figure 2 shows a representative view of the channel system (10) in the case it comprises multiple rear channel paths (121 ).

[0056] In a preferred embodiment, the channel rear structure (12) contains multiple rear channel paths (121 ). In the case there are multiple, the rear channel paths (121 ) are located parallel to each other at certain distances. The length of the rear channel paths (121 ) is determined to ensure an effective liquid distribution along the length of the front part of the absorbent core layer (1 ) (along the y-coordinate). If multiple rear channel paths (121 ) are placed side by side parallel to each other, the absorbent core layer (1 ) provides effective liquid distribution along the width of the front part (along the x-coordinate).

[0057] Rear channel paths (121 ) are equidistant from each other and of the same length if their number is more than one. In this way, the rear channel paths (121 ) enable liquid distribution in the absorbent core layer (1 ) at equivalent rates and times, preventing a region of the absorbent core layer (1 ) from becoming drier or wetter.

[0058] In the most preferred embodiment, the absorbent core layer (1 ) contains two parallel and equidistant rear channel paths (121 ) in order to ensure both the ease of the production process and the simultaneous distribution of liquid along the y coordinate and width of the absorbent core layer (1 ).

[0059] As mentioned before, the liquid discharge region is located in the region coinciding with the channel front structure (1 1 ). Therefore, it is possible that the channel front structure (11 ) is in contact with more liquid than the other elements of the channel system (10). Considering that the liquid discharge point is predominantly in the front part and the liquid moves forward in the y-coordinate, the inventors of the present invention have determined that the channel rear structure (12) has to occupy more volume than the channel front structure (11 ) in order for the liquid to move evenly to the rear part.

[0060] The volumes of the channel front (1 1 ) and channel rear structures (12) are mostly determined by the front and rear channel paths (11 1 , 121 ). Accordingly, the channel structure with a long and wide channel path will be more than the other channel structure. In a preferred embodiment, the length (along the y-coordinate) of the front channel paths (121 ) located in the channel rear structure (12) is greater than the length of the front channel paths (1 11 ) located in the channel front structure (1 1 ). In this way, it is ensured that the volume of the channel rear structure (12) is more in the absorbent core layer (1 ) in order for the liquid from the user's body to move to the back absorbent core part (1 ) in the channel system.

[0061] In a most preferred embodiment, there is a ratio of the length of the rear channel path (121 ):the length of the front channel path (1 11 ) at a value between 1.1 :1 to 5:1 . According to the ratio range mentioned here, the rear channel path (121 ) will be located in the channel system (10) with a greater volume than the front channel path (11 1 ). In this way, the front channel path (1 1 1 ) handling more liquid will provide effective solutions and advantages in delivery towards the rear channel path (121 ). This ratio is crucial, as the rear channel path (121 ) must have a certain length in order to provide the technical solutions and advantages expected.

[0062] The channel system (10) contains a connection structure (13) that will provide effective liquid delivery between the channel front structure (11 ) and the channel rear structure (12). The connection structure (13) ensures fast and efficient delivery of liquid from the channel front structure (1 1 ), which contains the liquid discharge region, towards the channel rear structure (12).

[0063] Also, the connection structure ensures effective and fast distribution of liquid from the channel front structure (11 ), which contains the liquid discharge region, along the x coordinate in the absorbent layer (1 ). In this way, it is ensured that the absorbent layer (1 ) is used more efficiently for the control of liquid distribution.

[0064] In the most preferred embodiment, the channel system (10) has an "H" shaped design within the absorbent core layer (1 ). As mentioned earlier, in the "H" design, the front channel paths (11 1 ), the upper part of the "H", and the rear channel paths (121 ), the upper part, enable the effective distribution of the liquid along the y coordinates in the absorbent core layer (1 ), and the connection structure (13) of the "H" part enables this along the x coordinate of the absorbent layer. In addition, the rear channel paths (121 ) of the “H” design have a longer length with more volume than the front channel paths (11 1 ), which allows more of the liquid from the liquid discharge region to be efficiently distributed in the rear part of the absorbent layer.

[0065] As shown in Figure 2, it has been determined that an absorbent core layer (1 ) with a channel system (10) will have effective liquid control. Fast liquid delivery and uniform liquid distribution to the absorbent core layer (1 ), which are the benefits of the ADL layer (2) in the present art, can be achieved with the channel system (10) of the present invention. In this way, the requirement of the target ADL layer (2) is not required.

[0066] Figure 1 shows a representative view of the absorbent hygiene product comprising the ADL layer (2).

[0067] The channel system (10) and absorbent hygiene product of the invention are expected to provide the following technical solutions and advantages:

[0068] - ensuring that the channel paths (121 , 11 1 ) in the channel rear structure (12) and the channel front structure (11 ) effectively distribute the liquid along both the length and the width of the absorbent core layer (1 ), thereby optimally improving the liquid absorption performance,

[0069] - by means of the rear connection paths (121 ) and the front connection paths (1 11 ), providing the necessary connection for the fast delivery of the liquid through the entire absorbent core layer (1 ) by the connection structure (13),

[0070] - for the equal advancement of the liquid toward the rear part, ensuring more effective usability of the part that will interact with the liquid for the delivery thereof due to the channel rear structure (12) occupying a larger volume in the channel system than the channel front structure (11 ),

[0071] - by improving the liquid distribution and absorption performance of the channel structure having the H-shaped design of the invention along the dimensions of the absorbent core layer, eliminating the need for the presence of ADL and similar layers located between the top layer and the nonwoven fabric in the hygienic product,

[0072] - reducing the amount of raw materials required for the final product hygiene product by eliminating the need to use ADL (2) and similar layers,

[0073] - reducing the amount of unit cost required for the production of the final product hygiene product by eliminating the need to use ADL (2) and similar layers, thinner dimension of the final product hygiene product due to eliminating the need to use ADL (2) and similar layers,

[0074] - lighter weight of the final product hygiene product due to eliminating the need to use ADL (2) and similar layers,

[0075] The scope of protection of the invention is specified in the appended claims and cannot be limited to what is described for illustrative purposes in this detailed description. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can produce similar embodiments in the light of what is explained above, without deviating from the main theme of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A channel system (10) contained in the absorbent core layer (1 ) for efficient and fast dispersion of liquid in an absorbent hygiene product comprising at least one bottom layer, at least one top layer, and an absorbent core layer (1 ) located between the at least one bottom layer and at least one top layer, characterized in that it contains the following elements which eliminate the need to use a liquid acquisition and distribution layer (2) in said absorbent hygiene product;- a channel front structure (11 ), located in the front region of the absorbent core layer (1 ) wherein the liquid from the user's body first comes into contact, and serving as the initial collection region for the liquid from the user's body, facilitates the distribution of the collected liquid throughout the absorbent core layer (1 ) along with other components of the channel system (10);- within said channel front structure (11 ), multiple front channel paths (111 ) located parallel and at equal distance from each other along the length (along the y-coordinate) of the absorbent core layer (1 ) ensuring that the liquid, especially from the liquid discharge region, is dispersed in the front part of the absorbent core layer (1 ) and delivered towards the rear part of the absorbent core layer (1 );- a channel rear structure (12) located on the rear side of the absorbent core layer (1 ), configured to manage the dispersion of liquid from the user along the length and width of the absorbent core layer towards the rear side and to prevent leakage in the rear region;- within said channel rear structure (12), multiple rear channel paths (121 ) located parallel to and at equal distances from each other along the length (along the y-coordinate) of the absorbent core layer (1 ) to ensure distribution of the liquid along the length and width of the rear part of the absorbent core layer (1 );- a connection structure (13) located along the width (along the x-coordinate) of the absorbent core layer (1 ) and providing connection for the delivery of the liquid from the channel front structure (1 1 ) towards the channel rear structure (12),- and the channel rear structure (12) in the channel system (10) having a higher volume than the channel front structure (11 ).

2. A channel system (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the channel front structure (11 ) contains two front channel paths (1 11 ) of equal lengths for liquid distribution along the length and width of the absorbent core layer (1 ).

3. A channel system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the channel rear structure (12) contains two rear channel paths (121 ) of equal lengths for liquid distribution along the length and width of the absorbent core layer (1 ).

4. A channel system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hygienic production is in a H-structure configuration, comprising two front channel paths (1 11 ) located in the front part, two rear channel paths (121 ) located in the rear part, and a connection structure (13) located between the front channel path and the rear channel path and providing liquid distribution along the x coordinate.

5. A channel system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ratio of the length of the rear channel path (121 ) : the length of the front channel path (1 11 ) it contains is at a value between 1 .1 :1 to

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