MXPA00007683A - Absorbent article with breathable dual layer backsheet comprising one layer with slanted capillary apertures - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to breathable absorbent articles like baby diapers, adult incontinence articles and in particular to sanitary napkins or panty liner. According to the present invention the articles are provided with an apertured backsheet for breathability. At least one of the breathable layers of the backsheet comprises a resilient, three dimensional web which consists of a liquid impervious polymeric film havingapertures. The apertures form capillaries which are not perpendicular to the plane of the film but are disposed at an angle of less than 90°relative to the plane of the film.

Description

ABSORBENT ARTICLE WITH BREATHABLE DOUBLE-LAYER REAR LEAF COMPRISING A LAYER WITH INCLINED CAPILLARY OPENINGS FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to breathable absorbent articles of the diaper type for babies, incontinence articles for adults and in particular to sanitary or panty-protective pads. In accordance with the present invention, articles are provided with a perforated back sheet for breathability. At least one of the breathable layers of the backsheet comprises a three-dimensional resilient web consisting of a polymeric film impervious to liquid having openings. The openings form capillaries which are not perpendicular to the plane of the film but are arranged at an angle less than 90 ° relative to the plane of the film.

BACKGROUND PE THE INVENTION The primary needs of the consumer which are the fundamental reasons for development in the field of absorbent articles, in particular sanitary napkins, catamenial products, or panty-pads is the provision of products that provide the necessary both high protection and high comfort level. A means to provide comfort benefits to the consumer in absorbent articles is through the provision of breathable products. The breathability will typically be concentrated in the incorporation of the so-called "breathable backsheets" within the absorbent articles. The commonly used breathable backsheets are microporous films and films formed with openings having directional transfer of the fluid as disclosed in, for example, U.S. Patent 4 591 523. Both of these types of breathable backsheets are vapor permeable. allowing the exchange of gases with the environment. This thus allows the evaporation of the fluid stored in the core and increases the circulation of air within the absorbent article. The latter is particularly beneficial as this reduces the sticky feel experienced by many users during use, commonly associated with the presence of a film-type or film-formed upper sheet with openings. A disadvantage associated with the use of breathable backsheets in absorbent articles is the negative effect on the performance of the level of protection by leaks, known as rewet, on the garment of users. Although, breathable backsheets in principle only allow the transfer of materials in the gaseous state, physical mechanisms such as extrusion, diffusion and capillary action can still occur and result in the transfer of fluids from the absorbent core through the backsheet and about users' clothing. In particular, these mechanisms become more dominant if the product is used during physical exercise, or for considerable discharge loads or for prolonged periods of time. In this way, although the incorporation of breathable backsheets in the absorbent articles is highly desirable from a comfort standpoint, since the main role of a backsheet still remains in preventing leakage of the liquid, the sheets conventional breathable backs have not been incorporated satisfactorily into the products. The problem of rewetting on the users' garments due to the incorporation of these breathable backsheets into the absorbent articles has actually also been recognized in the art. Attempts to resolve the problem have resided primarily in the use of multiple layer backsheets such as those illustrated in U.S. Patent No. 4 31 216. Similarly, European Patent Application No. 710 471 discloses a sheet breathable back comprising an outer layer of a gas permeable fibrous polymeric fabric, hydrophobic, and an inner layer comprising a film formed with openings having directional fluid transport. The construction of the backsheet preferably does not have liquid / rewet transport under certain specific test conditions. Also European Patent Application No. 710 472 discloses a breathable back sheet consisting of at least two breathable layers which are disjoint from each other over the core area. The construction of the backsheet preferably does not have liquid / rewet transport under certain specific test conditions. U.S. Patent No. 4 713 068 discloses a breathable fabric-like barrier to be used as an outer cover for absorbent articles. The barrier comprises at least two layers, a first layer having a basis weight, a fiber diameter and a specific pore size and a second layer comprising a continuous film of polyvinyl alcohol having a specific thickness. The barrier also has a specific water vapor transmission rate and waterproofing level. However, none of the previously proposed solutions has been able to provide a completely satisfactory solution to the problem of rewetting the breathable backsheet under all conditions. U.S. Patent No. 5,591, 510 as well as international publications WO 97/03118 and WO 97/03795 disclose an apertured film layer having capillaries which are arranged at an angle relative to the plane of the film, whose films are referred to as films with slanted capillaries. These structure of the film is provided as an improvement for incorporation into clothing and garments which are breathable, still not transmitting fluids to the wearer of these garments. Also the use of these films with slanted capillaries is indicated in the context of the absorbent articles but as a top sheet particularly in Figure 16 of U.S. Patent No. 5,591, 510 the combination of these films with inclined capillaries together with An absorbent material is disclosed, however, not within the context of the disposable absorbent articles according to the present invention. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a disposable absorbent article having improved comfort while maintaining an acceptable level of protection, i.e. being exceptionally resistant to leakage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to breathable disposable absorbent articles of a layered construction such as baby diapers, adult incontinence articles and in particular sanitary or panty-protective pads. Also items such as school shirts or sweat pads placed under the arm may benefit from the present invention. Typically these articles are layer construction with each layer or group of layers having a garment facing surface which is oriented to give in the direction of a garment during use of the article and a surface that gives the user giving in the opposite direction. Typically these articles comprise a liquid-permeable top sheet that forms the surface that gives the wearer of the article an absorbent core and a breathable back sheet that forms the article-facing garment surface. The absorbent core is interposed between the top sheet and the back sheet. However, according to the present invention the absorbent core can provide the surface that it gives to the user of the article in such a way that this surface of the core also provides the functions of the upper sheet. The breathable backsheet is located on the garment facing surface of the absorbent core and comprises at least a first backsheet layer and a second backsheet layer. The first backsheet layer is placed between the garment surface of the absorbent core and the user's surface of the second layer of the backsheet. In order to provide the article with breathability all of these layers of the backsheet are at least permeable to water vapor, preferably permeable to air. The first layer of the backsheet comprises a three-dimensional elastic web, which consists of a polymeric film impermeable to the liquid whose film has openings. The openings form capillaries which have side walls that extend away from the surface that gives the user of the film providing the weft with the three-dimensional capability. The capillaries have a first opening in the surface that gives the garment of the film and a second opening in the end of the capillaries separate apart from the surface that gives the user of the film. Importantly, the capillaries extend away from the surface that gives the user of the film at an angle that is less than 90 ° with respect to the plane of the film. In a preferred embodiment, all capillaries are substantially identical and are preferably evenly distributed throughout the film. Preferably, a central capillary layer axis forms an angle between 85 ° and 20 °, more preferably between 65 ° and 25 °, and most preferably between 55 ° and 30 ° with the plane of the film. The central axis is defined as the line connecting the central point of the first opening of a capillary and the central point of the second opening of a capillary. For some embodiments, it is also possible that the first opening of at least some of the capillaries is larger than the second opening of the respective capillary in such a way that the capillaries themselves form cones having an increase in capillary action in the direction toward the capillary. absorbent core. In still another embodiment according to the present invention, the capillaries are twisted toward or appear to bend towards the plane of the film. In an alternative or in addition to this, the capillaries have a first and a second portion that are different in direction, shape, shape, size or combinations thereof. Also the second opening of at least some of the capillaries can be provided as slits. The slits are considered to be in these forms in which the longest extension of an opening is at least five times the length of the smallest length of the opening. In general, the construction of the absorbent article can be such that the weft comprising the film forms the surface that gives the user the construction of the backsheet. In this way the directional transport of the liquid and the ability to close under derivable pressure from the angulated capillaries provides the best continuous protection for leaks while maintaining optimal breathability for improved comfort.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of an absorbent article comprising all the common elements of these articles that include a breathable back sheet embodiment in accordance with the present invention. Figures 2 to 7 show particular alternative embodiments of the inclined capillaries used for the three-dimensional web comprised in the breathable backsheet according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to disposable absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, pantiliners, incontinence products, sweat pads and baby diapers. Typically these products comprise the elements of a liquid-permeable topsheet, a backsheet and an intermediate absorbent core to the topsheet and to the backsheet. According to the present invention the top sheet, the backsheet and the core can be selected from any of the known types of these components as long as they meet the desired comfort and performance requirements and the conditions distinguished below and in the appended claims. In general, the upper sheet, if present, should have good liquid retention to maintain a dry surface and thus keep the user's skin dry; the absorbent core needs to provide sufficient absorbent capacity and allow the flow of steam and / or air through it and the backsheet must avoid rewetting (liquid permeability) to retain the absorbed fluid while being sufficiently breathable. In addition, the individual elements are joined, preferably using techniques in such a way that the final product has the desired comfort and performance level. In the following description of the invention, the surface that it gives in the direction of the user is called the surface that it gives to the user. In the drawings this direction is indicated by the arrow 20. In addition, the surface that it gives in the direction of the garment is called the surface that gives the garment and in the drawings this direction is indicated by the arrow 21.

COMPONENTS OF THE ABSORBENT ARTICLE The upper sheet In accordance with the present invention, the absorbent article commonly comprises a topsheet. The upper sheets suitable for use herein may be any top sheet known in the art. In Figure 1, the top sheet is indicated by the reference number 30. The top sheets for use herein may comprise a single layer or a multiplicity of layers. In a preferred embodiment, the top sheet comprises a first layer that provides the surface that gives the user of the top sheet and a second layer between the first layer and the absorbent structure / core. In addition another layer on the surface that gives the user the first layer but only extending into the central zone or parts of the peripheral area of the article may be desirable to provide additional softness or additional liquid handling / retention capabilities (this design is commonly referred to as "hybrid top sheet." The top sheet typically extends through the entire absorbent structure and may extend into and form part of all of the lateral fins, preferred wrapping elements or wings. and therefore each layer individually needs to be docile, soft feeling and non-irritating to the user's skin.This may also have elastic characteristics that allow it to be stretched in one or two directions.As used here, the top sheet by both refers to any layer or combination of layers whose main function is the acquisition and transport of fluid from the user towards the absorbent core and the containment of the absorbent core.

In addition, the topsheet of the present invention should have a high vapor permeability, preferably also a high air permeability. In accordance with the present invention the top sheet can be formed from any of the materials available for this purpose and known in the art., such as non-woven materials, woven materials, films or combinations thereof. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention at least one of the layers of the topsheet comprises a liquid permeable polymeric film with openings. Preferably, the layer which gives the user or which is in contact with the user is provided by a film material having openings which are provided to facilitate the transport of the liquid from the surface which gives the user towards the absorbent structure, as for example, in US Pat. No. 3,929,135, U.S. Patent No. 4,115,240, U.S. Patent No. 4,319,868, U.S. Patent No. 4,324,466, U.S. Pat. No. 4,343,114 and U.S. Patent No. 4,591,523. However, even nonwoven or woven substrates may be perforated to improve their liquid acquisition function.

Absorbent core In accordance with the present invention the absorbent cores suitable for use herein may be selected from any of the absorbent cores or core system known in the art. As used herein, the term "absorbent core" refers to any material or multiple layers of material whose primary function is to absorb, store and distribute the fluid. In Figure 1, the absorbent structure is shown to comprise three layers 40, 42 and 44.

The absorbent core of the present invention should have a high vapor permeability also preferably a high air permeability. The absorbent core preferably has a gauge or thickness less than 12 mm, preferably less than 8 mm, more preferably less than 5 mm, most preferably 4 mm to 2 mm. In accordance with the present invention, the absorbent core may include the following components: (a) a primary optional fluid distribution layer preferably with a secondary optional fluid distribution layer; (b) a fluid storage layer; (c) an optional fibrous layer ("dedusting") underlying the storage layer; and (d) other optional components.

Primary / secondary layer of fluid distribution An optional component of the absorbent core according to the present invention, indicated as the layer 40 in Figure 1, is a primary fluid distribution layer in a secondary fluid distribution layer. The primary distribution layer is typically below the top sheet and is in fluid communication with it. The upper sheet transfers the fluid acquired to this primary distribution layer for the final distribution towards the storage layer. This fluid transfer through the primary distribution layer or only occurs in the thickness, but also along the length and width directions of the absorbent product. The also optional but preferred secondary distribution layer is typically below the primary distribution layer and is in fluid communication therewith. The purpose of this secondary distribution layer is to easily acquire the fluid from the primary distribution layer and transfer it rapidly to the underlying storage layer. This helps to fully utilize the fluid capacity of the underlying storage layer. The fluid distribution layers can be comprised of any typical material for these distribution layers. b Fluid storage layer Positioned in fluid communication with, and typically underlying the first or secondary distribution layers, is a fluid storage layer (42). The fluid storage layer may comprise any common absorbent material or combinations thereof. This preferably comprises gelling absorbent materials commonly referred to as "hydrogel", "superabsorbent", "hydrocolloid" materials, in combination with suitable carriers, which are indicated as particles (43) in Figure 1. The gelling absorbent materials are capable of absorbing large quantities of aqueous fluids from the body, and are also capable of retaining these absorbed fluids under moderate pressures. The gelling absorbent materials may be dispersed homogeneously or in a non-homogeneous manner in a suitable carrier. Suitable carriers, provided they are absorbent as such, can also be used alone. The gelling absorbent materials suitable for use herein will very often comprise particles of a substantially water insoluble, slightly crosslinked, partially neutralized polymeric gelling material. This material forms a hydrogel upon contact with water. These polymeric materials can be prepared from acid-containing monomers, unsaturated, capable of polymerizing, which are well known in the art. Suitable carriers include materials that are conventionally used in absorbent structures such as natural, modified or synthetic fibers, particularly modified or unmodified cellulose fibers, in the form of fluff and / or tissue. Suitable carriers can be used together with the gelling absorbent material, however, these can also be used alone or in combinations. Very preferred are tissue or tissue laminates within the context of sanitary napkins and pantiliners. One embodiment of the absorbent structure made in accordance with the present invention comprises a double layer tissue laminate. These layers can be bonded together, for example by adhesive or by melting a polymeric binder in powder form (for example, PE powder), by mechanical interlacing, or by bending the hydrogen bridge. The gelling absorbent material or other optional materials may be comprised between the layers. Modified cellulose fibers such as hardened cellulose fibers can also be used. Synthetic fibers can also be used including those made from cellulose acetate, polyvinyl fluoride, polyvinylidene chloride, acrylics (such as Orion), polyvinyl acetate, non-soluble polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamides (such as nylon), polyesters, two-component fibers, three-component fibers, mixtures thereof and the like. Preferably, the surfaces of the fiber are hydrophilic or are treated to be hydrophilic. The storage layer may also include filling materials, such as perlite, diatomaceous earth, vermiculite, etc. to improve fluid retention. If the gelling absorbent material is homogeneously dispersed in a carrier, the storage layer can nevertheless be locally homogeneous, that is, have a distribution gradient in one or more directions within the dimensions of the storage layer. The inhomogeneous distribution can also refer to the laminates of the carriers that partially or completely enclose the gelling absorbent materials.

An alternative is real foam or foam-like structures such as liquid storage. There are open cell foams that absorb liquid and through chemical or surface interaction retain the liquid also under pressure. These foams can be formed with a skin or cover, in this way providing on its surface that gives the user a smooth appearance which makes the use of an optional top sheet. Typical foams within this context are, for example, those disclosed in PCT publications No. WO 93/03699, WO 93/04092, WO 93/04113. c Optional fibrous layer ("dust removal") An optional component for inclusion in the absorbent core according to the present invention is a fibrous layer adjacent to, and typically underlying the storage layer identified by the reference number 44 in Figure 1. This underlying fibrous layer is typically referred to as a "weathering" layer as it provides a substrate on which the gelling absorbent material is deposited in the storage layer during the manufacture of the absorbent core. In fact, in those circumstances where the gelling absorbent material is in the form of macro structures such as fibers, sheets or strips, this fibrous "dedusting" layer need not be included. However, this "dedusting" layer provides some of the additional fluid handling capabilities such as wicking effect or rapid capillary action of the fluid through the length of the pad. d Other optional components of the absorbent structure The absorbent core according to the present invention may include other optional components normally present in the absorbent webs. For example, a reinforcing fabric may be placed within the respective layers, or between the respective layers of the absorbent core. These reinforcement canvases must be of such configuration so as not to form interfacial barriers to fluid transfer. Given the structural integrity that normally occurs as a result of thermal bonding, reinforcing canvases are not normally required for thermally bonded absorbent structures. Another component that can be included in the absorbent core according to the invention and is preferably provided near or as part of the primary or secondary fluid distribution layer or the fluid storage layer, are the odor control agents such such as zeolites, carbon black, silicates, EDTA or other chelators. These agents are preferably provided in the form of particles or as part of the particles and may be provided in conjunction with the aforementioned gelling absorbent material.

The back sheet The absorbent article according to the present invention also comprises a breathable backsheet. The back sheet mainly has to prevent the exudates absorbed and contained within the absorbent structure from wetting the articles that are in contact with the absorbent product such as underpants, shorts, pajamas, undergarments, shirts or sacks, thereby acting as a barrier for the transport of fluid. In addition, however, the respirable backsheet of the present invention allows the transfer of at least the water vapor, preferably both the water vapor and the air through it and thus allows the circulation of air in and the water vapor out of the article. The backsheet typically extends throughout the entire absorbent structure and can extend into and form part of all of the side flaps, side wrapping elements or wings, if present. In accordance with the present invention, a double or multi-layer breathable backsheet material is used in the absorbent article. In accordance with the present invention the breathable backsheets suitable for use herein comprise at least a first and a second layer with said first layer being an air permeable layer. The preferred respirable backsheets for use herein are those that have a high vapor exchange, very preferably both a high vapor exchange and a high air exchange. The first layer is indicated as the layer 50 in the drawings. This is placed between the garment-facing surface of the absorbent core and the user-facing surface of the second layer which is indicated as layer 52 in Figure 1. It is oriented in such a way as to delay or avoid that the liquid passes from the absorbent core to the outer side while allowing the free flow of air through it. According to the present invention the second layer (52) needs to provide at least the water vapor permeability to withstand the breathability of the article. If this is not required but it is desirable that this also support air permeability in order to further improve the comfort benefit of the breathability of the article. In this context suitable water vapor permeable layers and air include two-dimensional films with micro or macro openings, which can also be micro or macroscopically expanded films, films formed with openings and monolithic films, as well as woven materials or non-woven materials .

Suitable flat two-dimensional layers of the backsheet can be made of any material known in the art, but are preferably manufactured from commonly available polymeric materials. These suitable materials are for example Goretex or Sympatex type materials well known in the art for their application in so-called breathable garments. Other materials include XMP-1001 from Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA and Exxaire XBF-101W, supplied by Exxon Chemical Company. As used herein, the term "flat two-dimensional layer" refers to the layers having a depth of less than 1 mm, preferably less than 0.5 mm, wherein the openings do not protrude out of the plane of the layer. Materials with openings for use as a backsheet in the present invention can be produced using any of the methods known in the art such as described in European Patent 293 482 and references thereto. In addition, the dimensions of the openings produced by this method can be increased by applying a force through the plane of the backsheet layer (i.e., stretching the layer). Films formed with suitable apertures include films having discrete apertures which extend beyond the horizontal plane of the garment facing surface of the layer towards the core thereby forming the protuberances. The protuberances have a hole located at their terminal end. Preferably said openings are of a funnel shape, similar to those described in U.S. Patent No. 3,929,135. The openings located within the plane and the holes located at the terminal end of the protuberances themselves can be circular or non-circular provided with a cross-sectional dimension or area of the hole at the termination of the protuberance that is smaller than the cross-sectional dimension or the cross-sectional area of the opening located within the surface that gives the garment of the layer.

Preferably, the pre-formed films with openings have a directional transport of liquid and are positioned in such a way that they support the prevention of liquid leakage (leakage) through the backsheet. Macroscopically expanded films suitable for use herein include films as described for example in U.S. Patent No. 4,637,819 and U.S. Patent No. 4,591,523. Suitable monolithic films include Hytrel (TM. ), available from DuPont Corporation, USA, and other such materials as described in the Index 93 Congress, Session 7A ("Additional Value to Nonwovens", JC Cardinal and Y. Trouilhet, DuPont de Nemours International, SA , Switzerland Non-woven materials and / or suitable fabrics are any of those well known in the art, Non-woven materials such as glued yarns, melt-blown extruded or carded yarns which are placed with thermally bonded air can be used. , dry-laid or even wet-laid with or without binder Particularly preferred non-woven materials are multi-layer non-woven materials such as a composite material of fine fibers exempted by melting and blowing with thicker bonded spun fibers with the fibers extruded by melting and blowing that form the surface that gives the wearer the layer of non-woven material. The first layer according to the present invention is preferably in direct contact with the absorbent core. This provides permeability to air and water vapor being perforated. Preferably this layer is made according to the aforementioned U.S. Patent No. 5,591, 510 or PCT publication No. WO-97/03818, WO-97/03818, WO-97/03795. In particular, this layer comprises a polymeric film indicated in Figure 1 as the first layer (50), having capillaries (54). The capillaries extend away from the surface that gives the user of the film (50) at an angle that is less than 90 °. In Figure 2 to 7, the alternate modalities of these capillaries are shown. Preferably, the capillaries are evenly distributed across the entire surface of the layer, and all are identical. However, layers having only certain regions of the surface provided with openings, for example only the external area of the region aligned with the central loading zone of the absorbent core, can be provided with capillaries according to the present invention. The methods for making these three-dimensional polymeric films with capillary openings are identical or similar to those found in the references of the apertured film top sheet, the apertured film references and the micro / macroscopically expanded film references cited above. Typically a polymeric film such as a polyethylene (LDPE); LLDPE, MDPE, HDPE or laminates thereof) is heated close to its melting point and exposed through a sieve or forming mesh to a suction force that pulls those areas exposed to the force towards the forming openings which are configured in such a way that the film is formed in that form and, when the suction force is sufficiently high, the film breaks at its ends thereby forming an opening through the film. Various shapes, shapes, sizes and configurations of the capillaries are possible and will be discussed with reference to Figure 2 to 7 in the following. The openings (53) form the capillaries (54), which have side walls (56). The capillaries extend away from the surface that gives the user of the film (55) by a length which typically must be at least in the order of the magnitude of the largest diameter of the aperture whereas this distance can reach up to several times the diameter of the largest opening. The capillaries have a first opening (57) within the plane of the surface that gives the garment of the film (55) and a second opening (58) which is the opening formed when the suction force (such as a vacuum) ) in the aforementioned process creates the opening. Naturally, the edge of the second opening 58 may be rough or non-uniform, comprising loose elements extending from the edge of the opening. However, it is preferred that the opening be as smooth as possible so as not to create a tangle of liquid transport between the elements extending at the end of the second opening (58) of the capillary (54) with the absorbent core (44) within the absorbent article (in contrast that may be desirable for upper sheets of film with openings where these loose or loose elements provide the function of the suction pedal.) As shown in Figure 4 the first opening has a central point (157) and the second opening also has a central point (158) .These central points for the non-circular openings are the central area points of the respective opening area.When the central point (157) of the first opening (57) is connected to the central point (158) of the second opening (58) defines a central axis (60) This central axis (60) forms an angle (59) with the plane of the film that is the same plane as the surface that gives the garment of the film (55). This angle should preferably be within the range of between 85 and 20 °, more preferably between 65 degrees and 25 degrees, and most preferably between 55 and 30 degrees. This is of course possible to allow the capillaries to take the form of a funnel such that the second opening (58) is (substantially) smaller than the first opening (57) when considering the size of the opening in a plane perpendicular to the central axis (60). Such a sample embodiment in Figure 3 and Figure 2. In Figure 2 it is also shown that the wall (56) of the capillary may not terminate in the second opening (58) such that the opening forms a surface perpendicular to the central axis (60) but in such a way that the wall on the part of the capillary separates more from the surface that gives the user of the film (55) extend over the opening to further help the film reduce the probability of migration of liquid through the capillaries from the absorbent core on the side that gives the user of the film (55) towards the side that gives the garment of the film (and cause the leak). In Figure 5 there is shown another embodiment of the capillaries useful for the present invention which are twisted along their length towards the surface that gives the user of the film (55). This has a similar effect as the extension of the wall (56) as shown in Figure 2. In Figure 6 another preferred embodiment of a capillary according to the present invention is shown., which has a first portion (257) and a second portion (258). The first portion (257) of the capillary is different in the direction of the second portion (258) of the capillary (54). This difference can also be in shape, size and shape of the capillary portions in order to achieve the desired level of breathability while preventing the passage of liquid through the film in one direction from the side that gives the user to the side that gives the garment. Such example is shown in Figure 7. Without wishing to be bound by theory it is believed that the capillaries according to the present invention in the first layer of the breathable backsheet allow air and water vapor permeability which is not obstructed by them that are inclined at an angle or by the way as indicated above. At the same time the inclination and configuration according to the present invention will allow the capillaries to close under pressure extracted from the side that gives the user on them in such a way that the transport of the liquid through the capillaries towards the outer side of the article arrives to be almost impossible Therefore, these three-dimensional formed film layers are highly preferable within the context of breathable absorbent articles and in particular in such a way that a second additional outer layer is provided.

Construction of absorbent article A further aspect of the present invention relates to the joining of the topsheet, the backsheet and the absorbent core elements to provide the absorbent article. According to the present invention, at least two, preferably all, of the elements of the article are joined. Each of said elements comprising at least one layer has a surface that gives the user and a surface that gives the garment. Typically, the adjacent surfaces that give the garment form a common interface with the surface that gives the wearer an adjacent element or layer. The elements or layers are joined together through their common interface. In this way the upper sheet is joined to the absorbent core, and the core is joined to the back sheet. In addition, each of the elements of the upper sheet, the back sheet and the core can comprise more than one layer and these layers can also be joined in a similar manner. In addition, the topsheet can be attached directly or indirectly to the backsheet at the periphery of the absorbent article to contain the absorbent core. The elements and layers thereof can be joined by any means known in the art to fix two adjacent layers of material, such that the layers are fixed directly to one another or directly attached to each other via the joining means. Suitable joining means include adhesive, fusion bonding, ultrasonic bonding, sewing, heat (for example thermal bonding by welding the fibers at intersections or melting a polymer to fix the fibers or films together), embossing, pleating, joints by pressure, mechanical dynamic joints or combinations thereof. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the preferred means of bonding is the adhesive. Suitable adhesives include cold adhesives and non-pressure sensitive adhesives. The adhesive can be applied by any means known in the art such as spiral application, slot coating, spraying, spiral spraying, curtain coating, contact coating and printing, provided the adhesive does not substantially affect breathability and other functions of the elements of the article. One means to achieve this is the use of particular methods of adhesive application such as open adhesive application techniques, whereby areas of the common interface are free of adhesive, while retaining the required level of attachment / bonding of the adhesive. two layers or adjacent elements. In particular, spiral spraying is preferred. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the absorbent article finds utility as a sanitary napkin or a pantyhose, the absorbent article is also provided with a panty fastening means that provides the means for securing the article to an undergarment. . For example, the fastening means of the panty may comprise a mechanical fastener such as a hook and curl fastener as sold under the trade name VELCRO, snaps or fasteners. Alternately, the article is attached to the undergarment by means of the fastening adhesive of the panty on the back sheet. The panty fastening adhesive provides a means to secure the article to the panty and preferably a means to secure the article when it is stained, to fold and wrap the package for convenient disposal. Typically, at least a portion of the garment facing surface of the backsheet is coated with the adhesive to form the panty fastening adhesive. Any adhesive or glue used in the art for these purposes can be used for the fastening adhesive of the pantyhose herein. Pressure sensitive adhesives are highly preferred. Suitable adhesives include Century A-305-IV manufactured by Century Adhesives Corporation of Columbus, Ohio, and Instant LOK 34-2823 manufactured by National Starch and Chemical Company of Bridgewater, New Jersey, 3 Sigma 3153 manufactured by 3 Sigma and Fuller H-2238ZP manufactured by H.B. Fuller Co. For the purpose of reducing the adverse effect on the breathing capacity of the backsheet (and thus of the article as a whole), the adhesive is preferably applied in such a way that at least 60%, preferably of less 80%, most preferably at least 90% of the surface of the backsheet is free of adhesive. The required adhesiveness can still be achieved even when using reduced surface covers using a particular distribution such as thinner strips, adhesive or discontinuous strips, intermittent dots, patterns or random coils. The panty fastening adhesive is typically coated with a removable release paper or film in order to prevent the adhesive from drying or adhering to a different surface of the panty before being used. Any commercially available release paper or film can be used. Suitable examples include BL 30MG-A SILOX El / O and BL 30 MG-A SILOX 4 P / O available from Akrosil Corporation. In accordance with the present invention, the absorbent article can be used beneficially within the context of sanitary napkins, panty-pads, incontinence articles, sweat pads and diapers. However, sanitary napkins are particularly susceptible to the present invention. The disposable article can thus also have all those characteristics and parts that are typical for the products within the context of their intended use.

Claims (8)

1. Breathable disposable absorbent article of layered construction, each layer or layer system having a garment facing surface, which is oriented to give in the direction of a garment during use of the article, and a surface that gives the user, which is oriented to give in the direction of the user during the use of the article, said article comprising at least: an absorbent core; a breathable backsheet located on the garment-absorbent surface of the absorbent core, said backsheet comprising at least a first backsheet layer and a second backsheet layer, the first backsheet layer being placed between the backsheet and the backsheet layer. garment surface of the absorbent core and said surface giving the user of the second backsheet layer, said first and second backsheet layers being permeable to water vapor, said first backsheet layer comprising a web elastic, three-dimensional, said frame consists of a polymeric film impervious to liquid having openings, the openings forming capillaries, the capillaries having side walls extending away from the surface that gives the user of the film, the capillaries having a first opening in the surface that gives the garment of the film and a second opening at the end of the ca separate abutments apart from the surface that gives the user of the film, said article being characterized in that the capillaries extend away from the surface that gives the user of the film at an angle of less than 90 ° measured from the plane of the film.

2. The breathable disposable article according to claim 1, characterized in that the surface that gives the user the weft of the surface that gives the user of the backsheet.

3. The breathable disposable article according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that their capillaries are substantially all identical, preferably the capillaries are distributed homogeneously through the film.

4. The breathable disposable article according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first opening of each of the capillaries has a central point and said second opening of each of the capillaries also has a central point and a connecting line. said center points define a central axis of each of said capillaries, said central axis forming an angle with the plane of the film, said angle being between 85 ° and 20 °, preferably between 65 ° and 25 °, most preferably between 55 ° and 30 °.

The breathable disposable article according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the capillaries forms cones having liquid transport that are reduced in an area of direction towards the absorbent core when comparing the areas perpendicular to the axis central.

6. The breathable disposable article according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the capillaries are twisted toward the plane of the film.

The breathable disposable article according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the capillaries have a first portion that is different in direction, shape, shape, size or combinations thereof than the second portion.

8. The breathable disposable article according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second opening at least of some of the capillaries is generally in the form of a slot having an length that is at least five times as large as the width of said slot .