Zoned composite absorbent core and absorbent garment having same

Abstract

Provided are a zoned composite absorbent core (54) and an absorbent garment (20) having the zoned composite absorbent core (54). The zoned composite absorbent core (54) comprises: a liquid permeable top layer (541A); a bottom layer (541B); an intermediate fluid distribution layer (543) between the top layer (541A) and the bottom layer (541B); a first polymer layer (542A) between the top layer (541A) and the intermediate fluid distribution layer (543); and a second polymer layer (542B) between the intermediate fluid distribution layer (543) and the bottom layer (541B). The absorbent core (54) has a front side region (61A), a middle region (61B), and a rear side region (61C) along the longitudinal direction. The length of the front side region (61A) is not more than 15% of the total length, and the total length of the front side region (61A) and the rear side region (61C) is not more than 50% of the total length. The intermediate fluid distribution layer (543) and at least one of the first polymer layer (542A) and the second polymer layer (542B) are not disposed in the front side region (61A). The zoned composite absorbent core (54) can provide consumers with a thinner and more breathable feeling and also features reduced manufacturing cost.

Description

Partitioned composite absorbent core and absorbent clothing with it Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of hygiene products technology, specifically to a partitioned composite absorbent core and absorbent clothing having the same. Background Technology

[0002] Consumers rely on disposable absorbent products in their daily lives, including items such as adult incontinence products, bedwetting pants, training pants, and diapers. Many manufacturers strive to better meet users' needs for these products. For example, there is a need to further improve the fit, comfort, and leak protection of many products.

[0003] A key component of many absorbent articles is the absorbent core, such as the absorbent wick, contained within the article. These absorbent cores are typically responsible for capturing and retaining bodily fluids, preventing leakage from the absorbent article, and further keeping the fluid away from the wearer's skin, which helps promote skin health. Improving the structure and performance of absorbent cores to produce thinner products that absorb fluids faster and leak less is a consistently important area of ​​market demand.

[0004] The absorbent cores of commonly available disposable absorbent products can be broadly categorized into two types: traditional cores and composite cores. Traditional cores typically consist of fluff pulp, absorbent powder, hot melt adhesive, and a non-woven fabric covering. Their shape can be designed as a long rectangle or a dumbbell shape. Traditional cores offer good softness and excellent absorbency, but they are relatively thick and heavy, have poor breathability, and tend to harden when compressed, compressing them and compromising their softness, resulting in an uncomfortable feel.

[0005] Composite absorbent cores typically consist of two layers of nonwoven material, a middle loose layer, and two layers of superabsorbent resin material. For example, refer to the composite absorbent core disclosed in Chinese Patent Application No. CN202222200844.3, which includes: a diffusion absorbent layer, a middle layer, and a seepage-proof absorbent layer stacked sequentially; the seepage-proof absorbent layer is a segmented hollow viscose fiber nonwoven fabric, in which the hollow and solid segments of the fibers are alternately arranged or spaced apart. This composite absorbent core overcomes the shortcomings of excessively thick wood pulp cores, which are prone to breakage and clumping, and improves upon the shortcomings of existing composite absorbent cores such as poor temporary liquid trapping ability and weak diffusion performance. It effectively improves the product's repeated liquid absorption capacity, significantly improves the diffusion of the absorbent core, and also possesses good absorption performance and anti-backflow performance.

[0006] To ensure a good fit and prevent leakage, the composite absorbent core is typically designed as a long rectangle or a dog bone shape, with its two ends extending to the wearer's abdomen and upper buttocks respectively. During actual use, bodily fluids are constrained by gravity and the limited fluid diffusion of the composite absorbent core, meaning that the areas near the ends are often not used for absorbing or retaining bodily fluids. Because the composite absorbent core is composed of multiple layers of superabsorbent particles and multiple layers of nonwoven fabric, this design results in high material costs and waste. Furthermore, since the core is disposable, it also puts significant environmental pressure on the wearer. Additionally, because the ends of the composite absorbent core are closer to the wearer's skin than the groin area, it can cause discomfort such as stuffiness or lack of breathability.

[0007] Therefore, there is still a need to improve the absorbent core of absorbent products, such as composite absorbent cores. Improved composite absorbent cores can improve the utilization rate of composite absorbent cores and reduce material waste while maintaining the basic absorption performance of the product. They also help reduce environmental impact and improve the user experience for consumers. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Therefore, the objective of this invention is to provide a partitioned composite absorbent core and clothing having the same, thereby overcoming the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] To accomplish the above tasks, the present invention provides a partitioned composite absorbent core, the absorbent core extending in a transverse and longitudinal direction and having a thickness in a direction perpendicular to the transverse and longitudinal directions, the absorbent core comprising: - a liquid-permeable top layer; - a bottom layer; - an intermediate flow-guiding layer between the top layer and the bottom layer; - a first polymer layer between the top layer and the intermediate flow-guiding layer, wherein at least partially uniformly distributed first superabsorbent polymer particles are present in the first polymer layer; - a second polymer layer between the intermediate flow-guiding layer and the bottom layer, wherein at least partially uniformly distributed second superabsorbent polymer particles are present in the second polymer layer; wherein the absorbent core has, along the longitudinal direction, an intermediate region defining a urination area, a front region located in front of the urination area, and a rear region located behind the urination area, wherein the length of the front region along the longitudinal direction is not more than 15% of the total length of the absorbent core in the longitudinal direction, and the total length of the front region and the rear region is not more than 50% of the total length of the absorbent core in the longitudinal direction, wherein the front region does not contain the intermediate flow-guiding layer and at least one of the first polymer layer and the second polymer layer.

[0010] Therefore, when consumers use absorbent products with the composite absorbent core of this invention, the absorbency is thinner and more breathable. At the same time, it can reduce the manufacturing cost of the composite absorbent core to a certain extent, for example, reducing material costs by 10% to 20%.

[0011] As a preferred aspect, the front region is provided with only the second polymer layer and without the first polymer layer and the intermediate flow guiding layer, and further includes a nonwoven wrapping layer located above the top layer, wherein the wrapping layer at least partially wraps the top layer, the bottom layer and the intermediate flow guiding layer.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the front region is provided with only the first polymer layer and without the second polymer layer and the intermediate flow guiding layer, and further includes a nonwoven wrapping layer located below the bottom layer, wherein the wrapping layer at least partially wraps the top layer, the bottom layer and the intermediate flow guiding layer.

[0013] As a preferred aspect, the length of the rear region in the longitudinal direction is no more than 45% of the total length of the absorber core in the longitudinal direction, and the rear region does not contain an intermediate flow guide layer and at least one of the first polymer layer and the second polymer layer.

[0014] In a preferred aspect, the rear region is provided with only the second polymer layer and without the first polymer layer and the intermediate flow guiding layer, and further includes a nonwoven wrapping layer located above the top layer, wherein the wrapping layer at least partially wraps the top layer, the bottom layer and the intermediate flow guiding layer.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the rear region is provided with only the first polymer layer and without the second polymer layer and the intermediate flow guiding layer, and further includes a nonwoven wrapping layer located below the bottom layer, wherein the wrapping layer at least partially wraps the top layer, the bottom layer and the intermediate flow guiding layer.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, neither the front region nor the rear region is provided with the first polymer layer, the second polymer layer, or the intermediate flow guiding layer. Instead, the region further includes a first nonwoven wrapping layer located above the top layer and a second nonwoven wrapping layer located below the bottom layer, wherein the first and second nonwoven wrapping layers at least partially wrap the top layer, the bottom layer, and the intermediate flow guiding layer.

[0017] As a preferred aspect, the intermediate guide layer comprises or is composed of synthetic fibers, particularly wherein the intermediate guide layer is a carded nonwoven layer.

[0018] As a preferred aspect, the first superabsorbent polymer particles and the second superabsorbent polymer particles are identical, and the composite absorbent core comprises at least 60% by weight of superabsorbent polymer particles based on the total weight of the composite absorbent core, wherein the basis weight of the superabsorbent polymer particles is 100 gsm to 500 gsm.

[0019] According to another aspect of the invention, there is also an absorbent garment extending in both a longitudinal and a transverse direction, comprising: a body side lining; an outer layer; and a composite absorbent core disposed between the body side lining and the outer layer, wherein the composite absorbent core is the aforementioned partitioned composite absorbent core. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an absorbent garment in a closed configuration;

[0021] Figure 2 is a plan view of the absorbent garment of Figure 1 in its open and flat configuration;

[0022] Figure 3 is a front view of the partitioned composite absorber core of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 4 is a side view of the first embodiment of the partitioned composite absorber core of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 5 is a side view of a second embodiment of the partitioned composite absorber core of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 6 is a side view of a third embodiment of the partitioned composite absorber core of the present invention.

[0026] Reference numerals used repeatedly in this specification and drawings are intended to denote the same or similar elements of the invention. Detailed Implementation

[0027] This invention relates to a partitioned composite absorbent core extending in both a transverse and a longitudinal direction and having a thickness in a direction perpendicular to both the transverse and longitudinal directions. The absorbent core comprises: - a liquid-permeable top layer; - a bottom layer; - an intermediate flow-guiding layer between the top and bottom layers; - a first polymer layer between the top and the intermediate flow-guiding layer, wherein at least partially uniformly distributed first superabsorbent polymer particles are present in the first polymer layer; - a second polymer layer between the intermediate flow-guiding layer and the bottom layer, wherein at least partially uniformly distributed second superabsorbent polymer particles are present in the second polymer layer; wherein the absorbent core has, along the longitudinal direction, an intermediate region defining a urination area, a front region located in front of the urination area, and a rear region located behind the urination area, wherein the length of the front region along the longitudinal direction is no more than 15% of the total length of the absorbent core in the longitudinal direction, and the total length of the front and rear regions is no more than 50% of the total length of the absorbent core in the longitudinal direction, wherein neither the first nor the second polymer layer nor the intermediate flow-guiding layer is provided in the front region.

[0028] The term "absorbent article" or "clothing" herein refers to an article that can be placed close to or near the wearer's body (i.e., adjacent to the body) to absorb and contain various liquid, solid, and semi-solid excretions from the body. As described herein, such absorbent articles are intended to be discarded after a limited period of use, rather than washed or otherwise restored for reuse. It should be understood that, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, this disclosure applies to a variety of disposable absorbent articles, including but not limited to diapers, training pants, sports pants, swim trunks, and incontinence products.

[0029] The term "bonded" in this document refers to the joining, adhesion, connection, attachment, etc., of two elements. Two elements are considered bonded together when they are joined, adhered, connected, attached, etc., directly or indirectly to each other, such as when bonded to an intermediate element. Bonding can be achieved by, for example, adhesives, pressure bonding, thermal bonding, ultrasonic bonding, binding, stitching, and / or welding.

[0030] The term "bonded and combed web" in this document refers to a web made of short fibers that are fed through a combing or carding unit, which separates or spreads the short fibers along the machine direction and aligns them to form a nonwoven web of fibers with a generally machine-oriented orientation. This material can be bonded together by methods including point bonding, air bonding, ultrasonic bonding, and adhesive bonding.

[0031] "Connection" refers to the joining, bonding, joining, or attachment of two components. When two components are directly connected to each other or indirectly, such as when each component is directly connected to an intermediate component, they are considered to be connected together.

[0032] "Disposable" refers to products designed to be discarded after limited use rather than washed or otherwise recovered for reuse.

[0033] The terms “set up,” “set on,” and their variations are intended to indicate that a component can be integrated with another component, or that a component can be a separate structure that is combined with another component or placed together with or near another component.

[0034] "Elasticity," "elasticity," and "elasticity" refer to the properties of materials or composite materials that allow them to tend to return to their original size and shape after the forces that caused the deformation have been removed.

[0035] "Elastomer" refers to a material or composite material that can stretch at least 50% of its relaxed length and recover at least 20% of its elongation after the applied force is released. Generally preferred is that the elastomeric material or composite material can be stretched to at least 50% of its relaxed length, more preferably at least 100%, even more preferably at least 300%, and recover at least 50% of its elongation after the applied force is released.

[0036] The terms "nonwoven fabric" or "nonwoven web" as used herein refer to a web having an interwoven structure of individual fibers or yarns, but not in a identifiable manner as in woven fabrics. Nonwoven fabrics or webs have been formed using various processes such as meltblown, spunbond, and bonded carded web processes (also known as BCW and TABCW).

[0037] The term "spunbond web" as used herein refers to a web comprising substantially continuous fibers of small diameter. These fibers are formed by extruding molten thermoplastic material from numerous fine, typically circular capillaries of a spinneret, followed by a rapid reduction in fiber diameter through, for example, traction drawing and / or other well-known spunbonding methods. Spunbond webs are generally non-sticky when placed on a collecting surface. Spunbond webs can sometimes have a diameter of less than about 40 micrometers, and are typically between about 5 and about 20 micrometers.

[0038] The terms “superabsorbent polymer,” “superabsorbent material,” “SAP,” or “SAM” should be used interchangeably and should refer to polymers that absorb and retain very large amounts of liquid relative to their own mass. Crosslinkable hydrogels classified as hydrogels absorb aqueous solutions through hydrogen bonds and other polar forces with water molecules. The absorbency of SAP is partly based on its ionicity (an index of the ion concentration in the aqueous solution) and the hydrophilic polar functional groups of SAP.

[0039] When used with the term "superabsorbent polymer," "particles," "microparticles," etc., refer to the form of discrete units. These units can include flakes, fibers, clumps, particles, powders, spheres, pulverized materials, and combinations thereof. Microparticles can have any desired shape: for example, cubes, rod-shaped polyhedra, spherical or hemispherical shapes, circular or semi-circular shapes, angular shapes, irregular shapes, etc.

[0040] "Particulate superabsorbent polymer" and "particulate superabsorbent polymer composition" refer to the form of a discrete superabsorbent polymer and a superabsorbent polymer composition, wherein the "particulate superabsorbent polymer" and "particulate superabsorbent polymer composition" may have a particle size of less than 1000 μm, or a particle size from about 150 μm to about 850 μm.

[0041] These terms can be defined in additional language in the rest of the instruction manual.

[0042] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the garment 20 extends along a longitudinal direction 23 and a transverse direction 22 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 23. In this invention, the terms "longitudinal" and "transverse" have their conventional meanings, as indicated by the central longitudinal axis 24 and the central transverse axis 25. The central longitudinal axis 24 lies in the plane of the article when the garment 20 is in a fully stretched and flat state, with the front panel 40 and back panel 41 separated, and is generally parallel to the vertical plane that divides a standing wearer into left and right halves when the garment 20 is worn. The central transverse axis 25 lies in the plane of the article and is generally perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis 24. The garment 20 has a front region 30 defining a front waist end edge 32, a rear region 34 defining a rear waist end edge 36, and a crotch region 38 longitudinally positioned between the front region 30 and the rear region 34. The crotch region 38 defines two transversely opposed crotch side edges 39. The garment 20 defines the garment length 21, which extends from the front waist edge 32 to the back waist edge 36.

[0043] The garment 20 includes a front piece 40 defining a front leg edge 44 longitudinally spaced inward from the front waist end edge 32, and laterally opposed first front side edges 46 and second front side edges 48. The garment 20 also includes a back piece 41 defining a back leg edge 45 longitudinally spaced inward from the back waist end edge 36, and laterally opposed first back side edges 47 and second back side edges 49. The term "longitudinally inward (or inside)" used to describe embodiments of the garment herein refers to a direction longitudinally toward the central transverse axis 25. Similarly, the term "laterally inward (or inside)" used to describe embodiments of the garment herein refers to a direction laterally toward the central longitudinal axis 24. The front piece 40 and the back piece 41 are longitudinally spaced apart.

[0044] A pair of side seams 84, 84 connect the front region 30 to the back region 34, such that the garment 20 defines a waist opening 27 and a pair of leg openings 28. The side seams can be permanent but tearable, for example, by adhesive, heat, pressure or ultrasonic bonding, or they can be more easily released and re-secured, for example by using mechanical fastening elements.

[0045] The garment 20 may also include at least one front leg elastic member 70 and / or at least one rear leg elastic member 75, the front leg elastic member 70 being arranged adjacent to the front leg edge 44 and the rear leg elastic member 75 being arranged adjacent to the rear leg edge 45. These leg elastic members 70 and / or 75 help provide additional elastic support around the leg opening 28 to enhance the fit and leak-proofness of the garment 20. Each leg elastic member 70, 75 may comprise a single band, strand, or elastic thread of elastic material, or each leg elastic member may comprise two, three, or more bands, strands, or elastic threads of elastic material. Elastic bands, strands, elastic threads, etc., suitable for disposable absorbent garments are known in the art.

[0046] Optionally, the rear leg elastic member 75 and / or the front leg elastic member 70 extend laterally across the entire width of the garment. Also optionally, as representatively shown in Figures 1 and 2, the rear leg elastic member 75 may include a pair of rear leg elastic members, such as first and second rear leg elastic members 76, 77 located on opposite sides of the absorbent composite 50. Similarly, the front leg elastic member 70 may include a pair of front leg elastic members, such as first and second front leg elastic members 71, 72 located on opposite sides of the absorbent composite 50. In a preferred embodiment, as representatively shown in Figures 1 and 2, each rear leg elastic member 75 may include multiple elastic strands, and / or each front leg elastic member 70 may include multiple elastic strands.

[0047] Optionally, the absorbent composite 50 is attached to and located between the front sheet 40 and the rear sheet 41. The absorbent composite 50 may include a composite structure formed by a liquid-impermeable barrier layer 52 defining a width 53 and a length 51, a partitioned composite absorbent core 54 comprising absorbent material, a liquid-permeable liner 55, and / or a crotch elastic member 56. As used herein, the term "absorbent material" may refer to fibrous absorbent material, superabsorbent material (SAM), or a combination of both. In some embodiments, the partitioned composite absorbent core 54 may include a layered structure comprising multiple regions of liquid-absorbing material, such as fibrous absorbent material and / or superabsorbent material. The partitioned composite absorbent core 54 defines a length 61 and a width 63. An exemplary partitioned composite absorbent core 54 of the present disclosure will be further described below with reference to Figures 3 through 6.

[0048] The urinary region, typically indicated by the reference numeral P, for the urinary organ generally facing the wearer, is usually located within the area enclosed by the composite absorbent core 54 of the absorbent composite 50. It is conceivable that the position of the urinary region P within the composite absorbent core 54 of the absorbent composite 50 can differ depending on whether the absorbent garment or article is worn by a girl or a boy. Generally, for boys, the urinary region P will be closer to the front waist edge 32, while for girls, the urinary region P is generally symmetrical with respect to the central transverse axis 25. The urinary region P is known to be configured to absorb bodily fluids, such as urine, excreted by the body. Therefore, a more forward position within the composite absorbent core 54 may be more suitable for boys, while a more central position between the legs may be more suitable for girls. For example, in one embodiment, after absorbing a pre-selected amount of liquid, the urinary region P has a width between approximately one-quarter and approximately one-half of the total length of the composite absorbent core 54.

[0049] It should be understood that the exemplary trouser-like garment 20 is merely one possible example of an absorbent article that can be used with the partitioned composite absorbent core 54 described in this disclosure. This garment 20, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, can be generally described as a garment formed using a transverse-to-machine (CD) manufacturing process.

[0050] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the partitioned composite absorbent core 54 of Figure 2 according to the present invention, taken along the transverse section line 3-3. The partitioned composite absorbent core 54 has a thickness along a vertical direction 33 (perpendicular to the transverse direction 22 and the longitudinal direction 23) and comprises, from top to bottom: - a liquid-permeable top layer 541, for example, made of nonwoven fabric; - a bottom layer, for example, made of nonwoven fabric; - an intermediate flow-guiding layer 543 between the top layer and the bottom layer; - a first polymer layer 542A between the top layer 541 and the intermediate flow-guiding layer 543, wherein the first polymer layer 542A is at least partially uniformly distributed with first superabsorbent polymer particles; - a second polymer layer 542B between the intermediate flow-guiding layer 543 and the bottom layer, wherein the second polymer layer 542B is at least partially uniformly distributed with second superabsorbent polymer particles.

[0051] Intermediate guide layer

[0052] In embodiments of the invention, the intermediate flow-guiding layer 543 is designed to be highly porous. The term "highly porous" refers to a low-density, loosely woven fabric compared to a flat, paper-like fabric, characterized by a relatively high porosity. This means that there are relatively large amounts of void space between its fibers, in which the superabsorbent polymer particles can be distributed.

[0053] The intermediate absorbent layer 543 is preferably a nonwoven fabric, but other types of high-loft materials are not excluded. The intermediate absorbent layer 543 may contain or be composed of synthetic fibers, optionally blended with natural fibers such as cellulose fibers, cotton fibers, or viscose fibers. The intermediate absorbent layer 543 may be substantially free of free cellulose fibers that are not bonded to other fibers of the nonwoven fabric. The amount of such free cellulose fibers in the absorbent core may be less than 10% of the total absorbent core weight, or less than 5% of the total absorbent core weight, or less than 1% of the total absorbent core weight, or may be completely free of such free cellulose fibers. The high-loft material may contain at least 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, 90%, and up to 100% synthetic fibers by weight of the high-loft layer.

[0054] The fibers forming the intermediate flow-guiding layer 543 can be made partly or entirely of relatively elastic synthetic fibers, particularly polypropylene (PP), polyamide (PA, such as nylon), or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers. The diameter of the fibers can be, for example, in the range of 0.01 mm to 0.50 mm.

[0055] The thickness, basis weight, and density of the intermediate flow layer 543 are generally uniform in both the transverse and longitudinal directions. The fiber orientation in the intermediate flow layer 543 can be non-uniform, for example, in carded nonwoven fabrics. Furthermore, the fiber orientation of the intermediate flow layer 543 in the thickness direction z can differ from the dominant orientation in one or both directions x and / or y. As an example, the basis weight of a high-loft intermediate flow layer 543 can be, for example, from 15 gsm to 500 gsm, particularly from 30 gsm to 200 gsm, such as from 50 gsm to 120 gsm. The values ​​for the intermediate flow layer 543 indicated herein are considered specifically for high-loft materials, i.e., before the application of adhesives to the SAP particles. When the absorbent core comprises two or more high-loft intermediate layers, these intermediate flow layers 543 can be the same or different.

[0056] Top and bottom

[0057] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, a high-loft intermediate channeling layer 543 is sandwiched between a top layer 541A and a bottom layer 541B. The top layer 541A is located on the side of the composite absorbent core 54 intended to be positioned closest to the absorbent article, facing the wearer. Therefore, the top layer is liquid-permeable, allowing fluid to easily pass through it to the intermediate channeling layer 543 during use. The bottom layer 541B is positioned on the opposite side of the intermediate layer. The bottom layer can be liquid-permeable or liquid-impermeable. The top and bottom layers provide a covering on both sides of the intermediate layer to prevent SAP particles from detaching from the high-loft material during the preparation of the composite absorbent core 54 and the article, and / or during use of the absorbent article.

[0058] The top layer 541A and the bottom layer 541B can be made of relatively thin and inexpensive materials, such as those commonly used in the production of conventional cores. The top layer 541A and the bottom layer 541B can be, for example, thin paper (breathable felt or wet-laid web) having a basis weight range of, for example, 5 to 100 gsm, particularly 10 to 40 gsm. The top layer 541A and the bottom layer 541B can also be formed from low-basis-weight nonwoven fiber webs with a basis weight between 5 gsm and 30 gsm, such as carded nonwovens, spunbond nonwovens (“S”), or meltblown nonwovens (“M”), and laminates of any of these. For example, spun melt polypropylene nonwovens are suitable, particularly nonwovens with a laminated web structure of SMS or SMMS or SSMMS and a basis weight range of about 5 gsm to 20 gsm.

[0059] Preferably, the top layer can be wider than the bottom layer, allowing the excess material to be folded around the longitudinal side edge of the composite absorbent core 54 to form a C-shaped wrap-around seal on the top layer, as shown in Figure 3. Of course, it is also feasible to design the top layer 541 to have the same width as the bottom layer or a width smaller than the bottom layer.

[0060] First and second polymer layers

[0061] As shown in Figures 3 to 6, a first polymer layer 542A is sandwiched between the top layer 541A and the intermediate flow guiding layer 543, and a second polymer layer 542B is sandwiched between the intermediate flow guiding layer 543 and the bottom layer 541B. It is known that the first polymer layer 542A may be composed of a polymer material consisting of first superabsorbent polymer particles and fluff pulp, or solely of polymer materials containing flatly laid first superabsorbent polymer particles; that is, the first polymer layer 542A is at least partially and uniformly distributed with first superabsorbent polymer particles. Similarly, the second polymer layer 542B may be composed of a polymer material consisting of second superabsorbent polymer particles and fluff pulp, or solely of polymer materials containing flatly laid second superabsorbent polymer particles; that is, the second polymer layer 542A is at least partially and uniformly distributed with second superabsorbent polymer particles. Preferably, the first and second superabsorbent polymer particles are identical.

[0062] In this document, the term “superabsorbent polymer” (abbreviated as “SAP” in both singular and plural forms) refers to an absorbent material capable of absorbing at least 10 times its weight in a 0.9% saline solution, as measured by centrifugal retention capacity (CRC) test (EDANA method NWSP 241.0.R2(19)). SAP preferably has a CRC value of at least 15 g / g.

[0063] SAP is typically a water-insoluble but water-swellable crosslinked polymer capable of absorbing large amounts of fluid. SAP is in particulate form so that it is flowable in a dry state. Typical particulate SAP is a polyacrylate polymer; however, other polymer materials can also be used. For example, starch-based particulate absorbent polymers, as well as polyacrylamide copolymers, ethylene maleic anhydride copolymers, crosslinked carboxymethyl cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, and starch-grafted copolymers of crosslinked polyethylene oxide and polyacrylonitrile can also be used.

[0064] SAP particles can be relatively small in their dry state (their longest dimension is less than 1 mm) and can be generally spherical in shape, but granules, fibers, flakes, spheres, powders, plates, and other shapes and forms are also known to those skilled in the art. Typically, SAP can be in the form of spherical particles. Therefore, the absorbent material can consist of or be substantially composed of SAP distributed within a high-loft nonwoven fabric. The composite absorbent core comprises at least 60% by weight of superabsorbent polymer particles based on the total weight of the composite absorbent core, wherein the superabsorbent polymer particles have a basis weight of 100 gsm to 500 gsm.

[0065] First Embodiment

[0066] Figure 4 shows a first embodiment of the invention in a side view, which is a cross-sectional view obtained by cutting the urination region P of the partitioned composite absorbent core 54 along the longitudinal direction 24.

[0067] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the absorbent core 54 in the absorbent complex 50 has, along the longitudinal direction 23, a central region 61B defining a urination region P (here, the central region 61B is substantially symmetrical with respect to the central transverse axis 25), a front region 61A located in front of the urination region P, and a rear region 61C located behind the urination region P. Here, the length of the front region 61A along the longitudinal direction 23 is no more than 15% of the total length 61 of the absorbent core 54 along the longitudinal direction 23, and the total length of the front region 61A and the rear region 61C is no more than 50% of the total length 61 of the absorbent core 54 along the longitudinal direction 23. As an example, the length of the front region 61A is 10% of the total length 61 of the absorbent core 54 along the longitudinal direction 23, and the length of the rear region 61B is 5% of the total length 61 of the absorbent core 54 along the longitudinal direction 23.

[0068] After careful observation, the inventors discovered that, when the absorbent clothing 20 according to the invention is worn, the urination area P, located in the middle region 61B of the longitudinal direction 23 of the composite absorbent core 54, is positioned by the caregiver or wearer to generally face the wearer's urinary organs. At this time, the front region 61A, located in front of the urination area P, and the rear region 61C, located behind the urination area P, often extend to the wearer's abdomen and upper buttocks, respectively. During actual use, the wearer's bodily fluids are constrained by gravity and the limited fluid diffusion of the composite absorbent core; therefore, the front region 61A in front of the urination area P and the rear region 61C behind the urination area P in the composite absorbent core 64 are often not used to absorb and retain bodily fluids.

[0069] Therefore, in the first embodiment, a portion of the layered structure on the body-facing side of the composite absorbent core 54 is removed or thinned. Specifically, in the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the intermediate guiding layer 543 and the first polymer layer 542A are not provided in the front region 61A. This saves on material costs for the composite absorbent core 54 and reduces the environmental impact of its disposal after use. Furthermore, because a portion of the layered structure of the composite absorbent core 52 is removed in the front region 61A, the material thickness between the core and the wearer's skin is reduced, thus alleviating discomfort such as stuffiness or lack of breathability to some extent. After numerous experiments, the inventors have found that shortening or eliminating the intermediate guiding layer 543 and the first polymer layer 542A within the front region 61A does not cause urine leakage, even when the wearer urinates at a high instantaneous rate or crawls on the ground.

[0070] Preferably, the intermediate diversion layer 543 and the first polymer layer 542A are not provided in the rear region 61C. Similarly, this design of shortening or eliminating part of the layer structure can save on the material cost of the composite absorbent core 54 and the environmental impact caused by its disposal after use; on the other hand, it can reduce the material thickness between the wearer's buttocks and the wearer's skin, thereby eliminating the discomfort of stuffiness or lack of breathability to a certain extent. After the inventors conducted multiple experiments, shortening or eliminating the intermediate diversion layer 543 and the first polymer layer 542A in the rear region 61C does not cause urine leakage, even when the wearer urinates at a high instantaneous rate or when the wearer is lying on the ground.

[0071] More preferably, in order to ensure the structural integrity of the composite absorbent core 54, the embodiment shown here also includes a nonwoven wrapping layer 541A located above the top layer 541C, wherein the length of the wrapping layer 541A is designed to be substantially the same as the total length 61 of the longitudinal direction 23 of the absorbent core 54, thereby allowing it to at least partially wrap the top layer 541C, the bottom layer 541B and the intermediate flow guide layer 543.

[0072] Second Embodiment

[0073] Figure 5 shows a second embodiment of the invention in a side view, which is a cross-sectional view obtained by cutting the urination region P of the partitioned composite absorbent core 54 along the longitudinal direction 24.

[0074] As shown in Figures 2 and 5, the absorbent core 54 in the absorbent complex 50 has, along the longitudinal direction 23, a central region 61B defining a urination region P (here, the central region 61B is substantially symmetrical with respect to the central transverse axis 25), a front region 61A located in front of the urination region P, and a rear region 61C located behind the urination region P. Here, the length of the front region 61A along the longitudinal direction 23 is no more than 15% of the total length 61 of the absorbent core 54 along the longitudinal direction 23, and the total length of the front region 61A and the rear region 61C is no more than 50% of the total length 61 of the absorbent core 54 along the longitudinal direction 23. As an example, the length of the front region 61A is 10% of the total length 61 of the absorbent core 54 along the longitudinal direction 23, and the length of the rear region 61B is 5% of the total length 61 of the absorbent core 54 along the longitudinal direction 23.

[0075] Similar to the first embodiment, the layer structure on the side of the composite absorbent core 54 facing the clothing is removed or thinned. Specifically, in the embodiment shown in FIG5, the intermediate diversion layer 543 and the second polymer layer 542B are not provided in the front region 61A. This saves on material costs for the composite absorbent core 54 and reduces the environmental impact of its disposal after use. Furthermore, because part of the layer structure of the composite absorbent core 52 is removed in the front region 61A, the material thickness between the core and the wearer's skin is reduced, thus alleviating discomfort such as stuffiness or lack of breathability to some extent. After numerous experiments, the inventors have found that shortening or eliminating the intermediate diversion layer 543 and the second polymer layer 542B in the front region 61A does not cause urine leakage, even when the wearer urinates at a high instantaneous rate or crawls on the ground.

[0076] Preferably, the intermediate diversion layer 543 and the second polymer layer 542B are not provided in the rear region 61C. Similarly, this design of shortening or eliminating part of the layer structure can save on the material cost of the composite absorbent core 54 and the environmental impact caused by its disposal after use; on the other hand, it can reduce the material thickness between the wearer's buttocks and the wearer's skin, thereby eliminating the discomfort of stuffiness or lack of breathability to a certain extent. After the inventors conducted multiple experiments, shortening or eliminating the intermediate diversion layer 543 and the second polymer layer 542B in the rear region 61C does not cause urine leakage, even when the wearer urinates at a high instantaneous rate or when the wearer is lying on the ground.

[0077] More preferably, in order to ensure the structural integrity of the composite absorbent core 54, the embodiment shown here also includes a nonwoven wrapping layer 541B located below the bottom layer 541C, wherein the length of the wrapping layer 541B is designed to be substantially the same as the total length 61 of the longitudinal direction 23 of the absorbent core 54, thereby allowing it to at least partially wrap the top layer 541A, the bottom layer 541B and the intermediate flow guide layer 543.

[0078] Third Embodiment

[0079] Figure 6 shows a third embodiment of the invention in a side view, which is a cross-sectional view obtained by cutting the urination region P of the partitioned composite absorbent core 54 along the longitudinal direction 24.

[0080] As shown in Figures 2 and 6, the absorbent core 54 in the absorbent complex 50 has, along the longitudinal direction 23, a central region 61B defining a urination region P (here, the central region 61B is substantially symmetrical with respect to the central transverse axis 25), a front region 61A located in front of the urination region P, and a rear region 61C located behind the urination region P. Here, the length of the front region 61A along the longitudinal direction 23 is no more than 15% of the total length 61 of the absorbent core 54 along the longitudinal direction 23, and the total length of the front region 61A and the rear region 61C is no more than 50% of the total length 61 of the absorbent core 54 along the longitudinal direction 23. As an example, the length of the front region 61A is 10% of the total length 61 of the absorbent core 54 along the longitudinal direction 23, and the length of the rear region 61B is 5% of the total length 61 of the absorbent core 54 along the longitudinal direction 23.

[0081] Similar to the first embodiment, the partial layer structure of the composite absorbent core 54 facing the body and the clothing on both sides is removed or thinned. Specifically, in the embodiment shown in FIG6, the first polymer layer 541C, the intermediate diversion layer 543, and the second polymer layer 542B are not provided in the front region 61A. This saves on material costs for the composite absorbent core 54 and reduces the environmental impact of its disposal after use. Furthermore, because the composite absorbent core 52 has some layer structure removed in the front region 61A, the material thickness between the core and the wearer's skin is reduced, thus alleviating discomfort such as stuffiness or lack of breathability to some extent. After numerous experiments, the inventors have found that shortening or eliminating the first polymer layer 541C, the intermediate diversion layer 543, and the second polymer layer 542B in the front region 61A does not cause urine leakage, even when the wearer urinates at a high instantaneous rate or crawls on the ground.

[0082] Preferably, the first polymer layer 541C, the intermediate diversion layer 543, and the second polymer layer 542B are not provided in the rear region 61C. Similarly, this design of shortening or eliminating some layers can save on the material cost of the composite absorbent core 54 and the environmental impact caused by its disposal after use; on the other hand, it can reduce the material thickness between the wearer's buttocks and the wearer's skin, thereby eliminating the discomfort of stuffiness or lack of breathability to a certain extent. After the inventors conducted multiple experiments, shortening or eliminating the first polymer layer 541C, the intermediate diversion layer 543, and the second polymer layer 542B in the rear region 61C does not cause urine leakage, even when the wearer urinates at a high instantaneous rate or when the wearer is lying on the ground.

[0083] More preferably, in order to ensure the structural integrity of the composite absorbent core 54, the embodiment shown here also includes a nonwoven wrapping layer 541A above the top layer 541C and a nonwoven wrapping layer 541B below the bottom layer 541D, wherein the lengths of the wrapping layers 541A and 541B are designed to be substantially the same as the total length 61 of the longitudinal direction 23 of the absorbent core 54, thereby allowing the top layer 541A, the bottom layer 541B and the intermediate flow guide layer 543 to be at least partially wrapped by means of these two.

[0084] Compared to current technologies, laboratory tests conducted by the inventors have shown that diapers using the technical solution of this invention are thinner and more breathable. At the same time, it can reduce the manufacturing cost of the composite absorbent core to a certain extent, for example, reducing material costs by 10% to 20%.

[0085] It should also be noted that although absorbent clothing is shown herein in the form of pant-type products such as baby diapers, the technical solutions of the present invention can also be applied to adult diapers and feminine hygiene products.

[0086] Previously, embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described; however, those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications, omissions, and additions can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It should not be understood as limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but encompasses all possible embodiments embodied within the scope and equivalents of the features described in the appended claims.

[0087] The dimensions and values ​​disclosed herein should not be construed as strictly limited to the precise numerical values ​​stated. Rather, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to represent the value and a range of functionally equivalent values ​​around that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to represent “approximately 40 mm”.

[0088] All documents referenced in the “Detailed Description” section are incorporated herein by reference in the relevant sections; any reference to any document should not be construed as an admission that it is prior art concerning the invention. In the event of any conflict between the meaning or definition of any term in this written document and any meaning or definition of a term in the incorporated documents, the meaning or definition assigned to the term in this written document shall prevail.

[0089] While specific embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to cover all such changes and modifications within the scope of the invention.

[0090] When describing elements of the present invention or preferred embodiments thereof, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “the” are intended to indicate the presence of one or more elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that additional elements may be present in addition to those listed. Many modifications and variations can be made to the invention without departing from its spirit and scope. Therefore, the above embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A partitioned composite absorbent core, the absorbent core extending in a transverse direction and a longitudinal direction and having a thickness in a direction perpendicular to the transverse direction and the longitudinal direction, the absorbent core comprising: - Liquid can pass through the top layer; - Bottom layer; - An intermediate flow guide layer between the top layer and the bottom layer; - A first polymer layer between the top layer and the intermediate flow-guiding layer, wherein the first polymer layer is at least partially and uniformly distributed with first superabsorbent polymer particles. -A second polymer layer between the intermediate flow guide layer and the bottom layer, wherein second superabsorbent polymer particles are at least partially and uniformly distributed within the second polymer layer; The absorbent core is characterized by having a middle region defining a urination area, a front region located in front of the urination area, and a rear region located behind the urination area along the longitudinal direction, wherein the length of the front region along the longitudinal direction is not more than 15% of the total length of the absorbent core in the longitudinal direction, and the total length of the front region and the rear region is not more than 50% of the total length of the absorbent core in the longitudinal direction, wherein at least one of the first polymer layer and the second polymer layer and the intermediate flow guiding layer are not provided in the front region.

2. The zoned composite absorbent core of Claim 1 wherein, The front region is provided with only the second polymer layer and without the first polymer layer and the intermediate flow guiding layer. It also includes a nonwoven wrapping layer located above the top layer, wherein the wrapping layer at least partially wraps the top layer, the bottom layer and the intermediate flow guiding layer.

3. The zoned composite absorbent core of Claim 1, wherein The front region is provided with only the first polymer layer and without the second polymer layer and the intermediate flow guiding layer. It also includes a nonwoven wrapping layer located below the bottom layer, wherein the wrapping layer at least partially wraps the top layer, the bottom layer and the intermediate flow guiding layer.

4. The zoned composite absorbent core of Claim 1, wherein The length of the rear region in the longitudinal direction is no more than 45% of the total length of the absorber core in the longitudinal direction, and the rear region does not contain at least one of the first polymer layer and the second polymer layer and an intermediate flow guiding layer.

5. The zoned composite absorbent core of Claim 4, characterized in that The rear region is provided with only the second polymer layer and without the first polymer layer and the intermediate flow guiding layer. It also includes a nonwoven wrapping layer located above the top layer, wherein the wrapping layer at least partially wraps the top layer, the bottom layer and the intermediate flow guiding layer.

6. The zoned composite absorbent core of Claim 4, characterized by The rear region is provided with only the first polymer layer and without the second polymer layer and the intermediate flow guiding layer. It also includes a nonwoven wrapping layer located below the bottom layer, wherein the wrapping layer at least partially wraps the top layer, the bottom layer and the intermediate flow guiding layer.

7. The zoned composite absorbent core of Claim 4, wherein the absorbent core comprises a first absorbent core segment and a second absorbent core segment, and the first absorbent core segment is positioned between the second absorbent core segment and the backsheet. The front and rear regions are not provided with the first polymer layer, the second polymer layer, and the intermediate flow guiding layer. The regions also include a first nonwoven wrapping layer located above the top layer and a second nonwoven wrapping layer located below the bottom layer. The first and second nonwoven wrapping layers at least partially wrap the top layer, the bottom layer, and the intermediate flow guiding layer.

8. The zoned composite absorbent core of any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The intermediate guide layer comprises or is composed of synthetic fibers, particularly wherein the intermediate guide layer is a carded nonwoven layer.

9. The zoned composite absorbent core of any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The first superabsorbent polymer particle and the second superabsorbent polymer particle are identical, and the composite absorbent core contains at least 60% by weight of superabsorbent polymer particles based on the total weight of the composite absorbent core, wherein the basis weight of the superabsorbent polymer particles is 100 gsm to 500 gsm.

10. An absorbent garment, wherein the absorbent garment extends in a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction, characterized by include: Body side lining; Outer cladding; A composite absorbent core disposed between the body side lining and the outer covering, wherein the composite absorbent core is a partitioned composite absorbent core according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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