CZ20002372A3 - The use of stain masking backsheets in absorbent articles - Google Patents

Abstract

Use of lower layers in absorbent articles where lower the layer comprises a three-dimensional formed foil therein providing masking in the absorbent article stored materials looking at the garment facing surface of this product.

Description

Use of deposited backsheet masking materials in absorbent articles

Technical field

The invention relates to absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins and panty liners. In particular, it relates to the use in absorbent articles of the backsheet designs that provide camouflage (covering) of the materials deposited therein when looking at the garment facing surface of the articles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, diapers, incontinence articles, and sweat pads are well known in the art. These articles typically include a wearer facing surface and a garment facing surface. The wearer facing surface receives body exudates such as urine, faeces, vaginal discharges and the like to be absorbed and stored by the article. In order to absorb the article, the wearer facing surface of the article needs to be liquid pervious. The surface facing the wearer is known as the topsheet.

The topsheets are also well known in the art and are traditionally selected from nonwoven or woven materials, or from apertured film materials. Woven and nonwoven materials are desirable to the extent that they provide a fabric appearance to the topsheet and appear relatively soft and comfortable to the wearer.

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However, the problem with these topsheets is that they also have some absorption capacity. The topsheet thus quickly becomes saturated and the wearer of the article feels wet. In addition, these woven or nonwoven topsheets quickly produce a used, impure and unhygienic appearance. Furthermore, the absorbed fluids are readily visible by the topsheet, which is also considered unsightly and undesirable by the consumer.

Attempts to remedy these problems have so far consisted essentially in providing top layers of surface treatments with active surfactants or fillers. However, none of these treatments satisfactorily solved the problem. Alternatively, it has also been proposed to use alternative topsheet materials such as apertured shaped films having funnel-shaped openings that are intended to promote the passage of a liquid outlet through the topsheet and into the absorbent core. These types of topsheet are preferred in that the problem of rewetting is generally avoided. However, while they reduce the visibility of the absorbed fluid retained in the lower absorbent core, these materials again do not completely solve this problem.

In addition, however, the problem of masking absorbed fluids and materials is not limited to spots of materials and fluids contained in the core that are visible when the article is viewed from or on the topsheet or the wearer facing surface of the article. In fact, this problem also prevails when looking at the article from or on the backsheet or the garment-facing surface of the article, where the absorbed fluids are also easily visible. Typically, such spots of absorbed fluid in the absorbent core are particularly noticeable to the consumer in, for example, sanitary napkins or panty liners when the article is removed from the undergarment and folded for disposal. Again, it is considered particularly undesirable that consumers see these spots as they do

The absorbed material is in close contact with the underwear and is therefore unhygienic and may leak even though the absorbent capacity of the product has not yet been fully utilized. »» »Φ» φ φ φφ .

A solution designed to solve this problem and to prevent easy spotting through the backsheet material is simply to provide the backsheet or absorbent core with a colored or non-white appearance. However, colored absorbent articles are unacceptable to consumers from an aesthetic point of view, especially since, in contrast to white articles, colored articles are considered by many consumers to have an already used and unhygienic appearance and are therefore undesirable.

Thus, there is still a need to provide camouflage of absorbed materials contained in the absorbent core when looking at the back or garment facing surface of the article without the use of colored components of the article.

It has now surprisingly been found that this problem can be solved by incorporating and applying into an absorbent article a backsheet that includes a three-dimensional sheet of molded film.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the use of a backsheet comprising a three-dimensional formed film in an absorbent, preferably breathable article. This product includes a wearer facing surface and a garment surface. The backsheet comprises said garment facing surface. Accordingly, the present invention relates in particular to the use of said formed film layer to provide masking of spots (deposited materials) on the garment facing surface of the absorbent article.

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to absorbent disposable articles such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, incontinence articles, sweat pads and diapers. According to the invention, these articles include a wearer facing surface and a garment facing surface. These articles typically include a liquid pervious topsheet providing a wearer facing surface, a bottomsheet providing a garment facing surface, and an absorbent core between the topsheet and the backsheet. The invention relates to those products which preferably comprise a wet vapor permeable, liquid impermeable backsheet, more commonly known as a breathable backsheet.

Absorbent articles may also include any components or treatments customary in the art, in particular side wrapping components, side flaps components, or wings, as well as any type of extensibility or elastic adjustment. For example, a typical sanitary napkin or panty liner includes an adhesive surface on the garment facing surface of the backsheet providing a panty fastening adhesive that is covered with a release paper, wrapper or the like prior to use of the article.

The absorbent article for absorbing fluid is described below with reference to a sanitary napkin. However, articles such as diapers for babies and adults, incontinence articles, or sweat pads may similarly benefit from the present invention.

Lower layer

The absorbent article of the present invention includes a backsheet as an essential feature. The backsheet primarily prevents absorbed and retained exudates in the absorbent structure from wetting articles that touch them, such as panties, pants, pajamas and underwear, thereby impeding fluid transfer. The backsheet typically extends across the entire absorbent structure and may extend into and form part or all of the side flaps, side wrapping portions or wings. In addition to acting as a liquid barrier, the backsheet of the present invention is also preferably breathable so as to allow the transfer of at least wet steam, preferably both steam and air, thereby allowing gas to circulate into and out of the backsheet.

It has now surprisingly been found that the use of a backsheet comprising a layer of a three-dimensional molded film also provides desirable benefits in the context of masking material contained within the absorbent article. In particular, the use of a backsheet comprising a layer of a three-dimensional formed film provides a reduction in visible color when the article is viewed from the side facing the garment.

The amount of absorbed fluid and material within the core that can be observed by the backside can be readily expressed in amounts as further described herein. This test method uses reflection spectrophotometric analysis to evaluate the ability to color the bottom layer assembly in relation to whiteness and redness. The whiteness parameter (L) is preferably greater than 70, more preferably greater than 75 and most preferably greater than 80; the redness parameter (a) is preferably less than 5, more preferably less than 4 and most preferably less than 3.

According to the present invention, suitable three-dimensional molded films for use as backsheets to provide utility, as described herein, may be any three-dimensional molded films known in the art. The formed films may be perforated or non-perforated. However, the apertured formed foil is an apertured formed foil. * Are particularly preferred because of their ability to provide breathability to the absorbent article.

Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that masking the stains on the garment facing side of the article, provided by the three-dimensional film, is achieved as a result of two major effects. First, typically used two-dimensional molded films have a width of only about 20 to 30 microns and are thereby effectively transparent and allow easy viewing of the materials contained in the absorbent core. In contrast, the use of the three-dimensional film within the backsheet assembly by its nature of protruding funnels creates an increased width between the core and the garment facing surface of approximately 500 microns, at which the ability of the human eye to retain materials contained in the core is greatly reduced. Second, the incorporation of the two-dimensional films within the backsheet assembly also results in some absorbed material in the core being smeared on the surface of the backsheet material with which the core comes into contact. This again emphasizes the visibility of the absorbed material through the backsheet. However, the use of the three-dimensional films of the present invention, however, reduces the surface area contact between the core and the backsheet and consequently the absorbed material is not smeared on the backsheet surface. The result of the combination is to limit the visibility of the garment absorbent materials by the facing surface of the absorbent article.

Suitable apertured formed films for use herein include films having separate apertures extending beyond the horizontal plane of the garment facing surface toward the core, thereby forming protrusions. The protrusions have an opening at their end. These protrusions preferably have a funnel shape similar to that described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,929,135. The apertures located within the plane and the apertures located at the ends of the protrusions themselves may be circular or non-circular provided that the cross-sectional dimension or area of the aperture is smaller than the cross-sectional dimension or area of the aperture located within the garment facing surface. The apertured formed films are preferably unidirectional so that they have at least a substantial, if not complete, unidirectional fluid transfer towards the core.

Other suitable molded film layers for use herein include macroscopically expanded films such as those described, for example, in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,637,819 and 4,591,523.

According to the present invention, the backsheet may include additional layers in addition to the three-dimensional formed film layer. Any layer known in the art and comprising a woven or nonwoven material, polymeric films such as thermoplastic polyethylene or polypropylene films, or composite materials such as a film-coated nonwoven material can be effectively used as a suitable backsheet. The backsheet is preferably a polyethylene film of from about 0.012 mm to about 0.051 mm.

Exemplary polyethylene films are manufactured by Clopay Corporation of Cincinnati, Ohio under the trademark P18-04O1, and Ethyl Corporation, Visqueen Division of Terre Haute, Indiana under the designation XP-39385. The backsheet is preferably embossed and a matte finish is provided to provide a more fabric appearance.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the additional layers are also permeable to wet steam and hence breathable. Suitable wet vapor permeable layers include two-dimensional, planar micro and macroporous films, macroscopically expanded films, formed apertured films, and monolithic films. According to the invention, the openings in this layer may have any arrangement, but are preferably round or elongated and may also have a variety of dimensions. The apertures are preferably evenly spaced throughout the aperture. The layer surface of the layer is also contemplated, but layers having only some areas of the orifice surface are also contemplated.

Suitable two-dimensional porous backsheets may be made of any material known in the art, but are preferably made of commercially available polymeric materials. Suitable materials are, for example, materials of the Goretex ™ or Sympatex ™ type well known in the art for their use in so-called breathable clothing. Other suitable materials include XMP-1001 from Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company, St. Petersburg. Paul, Minnesota, USA; and Exxaire XBF-101W, available from Exxon Chemical Company. As used herein, the term two-dimensional sheet refers to layers having a depth of less than 1 mm, preferably less than 0.5 mm, in which the apertures have an average uniform diameter along their length and which do not protrude out of the plane of the layer. The apertured materials for use as the backsheet in the present invention may be manufactured by any of the methods known in the art, such as those described in EPO 2 93 4 82 and references therein. In addition, the dimensions of the apertures performed in this manner can be increased by applying force across the plane of the backsheet (i.e., stretching the backsheet).

Suitable monolithic (seamless) films include Hytrel ™, available from DuPont Corporation, USA, and other such materials as described in Congress Index 93, Session 7A Nonwoven Materials Evaluation, J.C. Cardinal and Y. Trouilhet, DuPont de Nemours International S.A., Switzerland, such as Pebax ™, available from Elf Atochem (France), and Estane ™, available from BF Goodrich (Belgium).

Preferred breathable backsheets for use herein are those having a large wet steam exchange, most preferably both a high wet steam exchange and air exchange. Particularly preferred backsheets for the present invention include at least two layers

Comprising a three-dimensional apertured formed film and at least one additional layer selected from the above, such as a microporous layer or an apertured formed film, a fibrous woven or nonwoven material. The most preferred breathable backsheet component comprises a microporous film and an apertured formed film.

Top layer

According to the present invention, the respective absorbent articles comprise a topsheet. The topsheet is conformable, soft feeling and non-irritating to the wearer's skin. The topsheet may also have elastic characteristics allowing it to be stretched in one or two directions in portions of the topsheet or throughout its extension. Further, the topsheet is liquid pervious permitting (e.g., urine and / or menses) to readily penetrate through its thickness. A suitable topsheet may be manufactured from a wide variety of materials such as woven and nonwoven materials, polymeric materials such as apertured formed thermoplastic films, apertured plastic films, and hydroformed thermoplastic films and thermoplastic scrims. Suitable woven and nonwoven materials can be composed of natural fibers (eg, wood or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (eg, polymeric fibers such as polyester, polypropylene or polyethylene fibers), or a combination of natural and man-made fibers, or binary / multicomponent fibers, and are preferably hydrophobic.

Preferred topsheets for use in the present invention are selected from highly expanded nonwoven topsheets and apertured formed film topsheets. The apertured formed films are particularly preferred for the topsheets because they are permeable to body exudates and are still not absorbent and have a reduced tendency to allow liquids to pass back and rewet the wearer ' s skin. Thus, the surface of the formed film that is in contact with the body remains dry, thereby reducing body contamination and creating a more comfortable feel for the wearer. Suitable formed sheets are described in U.S. Patents 3,929,135; 4,324,246; 4,342,314; 4,463,045; and 5,006,394. Particularly preferred topsheets of microporous molded film are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,609,518 and 4,629,643. A preferred topsheet for the present invention includes the molded film described in one or more of the above patents and sold on sanitary napkins by The. Procter & Gamble Company of Cincinnati, Ohio, under the designation DRI-WEAVE.

Topsheets that do not have a homogeneous distribution of the fluid passage paths but contain only a portion of the topsheet are also contemplated by the present invention. Such topsheets should typically have these fluid passages oriented so as to result in fluidly permeable and peripherally impermeable topsheets.

The wearer facing surface of the formed film topsheet may be hydrophilic to facilitate fluid transfer through the topsheet faster than if it were not hydrophilic. In a preferred embodiment, an active surfactant is incorporated into the polymeric material of the formed film topsheet as described in PCT publication WO 93/09741. Alternatively, the surface to the topsheet body may be rendered hydrophilic by treating it with a surfactant as described in US 4,950,254.

Another alternative is the so-called hybrid topsheets which have incorporated fibrous and film-like structures. Particularly useful embodiments of these hybrid topsheets are described in PCT publications WO 93/09744; WO 93/11725 or WO 93/11726.

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When referring to the upper layer, its multilayer or monolayer structure is envisaged. The hybrid topsheet mentioned above is such a multilayered embodiment, but other multilayered topsheets such as primary and secondary topsheets are also contemplated.

The topsheet typically extends over the entire absorbent structure and outside the area coextensive with the absorbent structure. The topsheet may stretch and form part or all of the preferred side flaps, side wrapping portions or wings.

Absorbent core

According to the present invention, the absorbent cores suitable for use herein may be selected from any of the absorbent cores or core systems known in the art. As used herein, the term absorbent core refers to layers of any material or multiple layers whose primary function is to absorb, store and distribute fluids.

According to the present invention, the respective absorbent core may comprise the following components: (a) optionally a primary fluid distribution layer, preferably together with an optional secondary fluid distribution layer; (b) a fluid storage layer; (c) optionally a fibrous (or dusted) layer underlying the storage layer; and (d) other optional components.

(a) Primary / secondary fluid distribution layer

One optional component of the absorbent core of the present invention is a primary fluid distribution layer and a secondary fluid distribution layer. Primary Distribution Layer • 00 00 • 9 9 0 0 ·

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Fluids typically lie below the topsheet and are in fluid communication with it. The topsheet transfers the acquired fluid to this primary distribution layer for final distribution to the storage layer. This fluid transfer through the primary distribution layer occurs not only in thickness, but also along the length and width directions of the absorbent article.

Also, an optional, but preferred, secondary fluid distribution layer typically lies below the primary distribution layer with which it is in fluid communication. The purpose of this secondary distribution layer is to readily receive fluid from the primary distribution layer and rapidly transfer it to the underlying storage layer. This helps the capacity of the underlying storage layer to be fully utilized. The fluid distribution layers may be composed of any material typical of such a distribution layer.

(b) The fluid storage layer

The fluid storage layer is positioned in fluid communication with and typically below the primary or secondary distribution layers. The fluid storage layer may comprise any conventional absorbent material or combinations thereof. Preferably, it comprises absorbent gel-forming materials which are generally referred to in conjunction with suitable carriers such as hydrogel, superabsorbent and hydrocolloid materials.

Absorbent gelling materials are capable of absorbing large amounts of aqueous body fluids and are further capable of holding these absorbed fluids under moderate pressures. The absorbent gelling materials may be dispersed homogeneously or homogeneously in a suitable carrier. Suitable carriers, provided that they are absorbent as such, may be used alone.

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Suitable absorbent gelling materials for use herein will most often comprise a substantially water-insoluble, slightly crosslinked, partially neutralized, polymeric gel material. This material forms a hydrogel upon contact with water. Such polymeric materials can be prepared from polymerizable, unsaturated, acid-containing monomers that are well known in the art.

Suitable carriers include materials traditionally used in absorbent structures such as, for example, natural, treated or artificial fibers, in particular treated or untreated cellulose fibers, in the form of fluff and / or tissue paper. Suitable carriers may be used together with the absorbent gelling material, but may also be used alone or in combination. In the context of sanitary napkins and panty liners, tissue paper or laminates thereof are most preferred.

One embodiment of the absorbent structure made in accordance with the present invention comprises a double layer of tissue paper laminate formed by folding it on itself. These layers may be attached to each other, for example, by adhesive or mechanical interlocking or hydrogen bridge strips. An absorbent gelling material or other optional material may be included between the layers.

Treated cellulose fibers, such as stiffened cellulose fibers, may also be used. Artificial fibers may also be used and include those made from cellulose acetate, polyvinyl fluoride, polyvinylidene chloride, acrylic resin (such as Orion), polyvinyl acetate, insoluble polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamides (such as nylon), polyesters, binder fibers, triple fiber, mixtures thereof and the like. The fibrous surfaces are preferably hydrophilic or treated to be hydrophilic. Stock • ♦ · · · 9 9 4 · * Φ Φ

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The layer may also contain filler materials such as perlite, diatomaceous earth, Vermiculite, etc., which improve fluid retention.

If the absorbent gelling material is dispersed in the carrier inhomogeneously, the storage layer may nevertheless be locally homogeneous (i.e., have a distribution gradient in one or more directions within the dimensions of the storage layer). The non-homogeneous distribution may also refer to carrier laminates enclosing partially or completely absorbent gelling materials.

(c) Optional fibrous (dust) layer

An optional component to be included in the absorbent structure of the present invention is a fibrous layer adjacent to and typically lying below the storage layer. This backing fibrous layer is typically referred to as a dusting layer because it provides a backing on which absorbent gelling material is deposited in the storage layer during manufacture of the absorbent core. Indeed, in those cases where the absorbent gelling material is in the form of macrostructures such as fibers, layers or strips, this fibrous dust layer need not be included. However, this dust layer provides some additional fluid handling capabilities such as rapid leakage along the length of the insert.

(d) Other optional components of the absorbent structure

The absorbent core of the present invention may contain other optional components normally present in absorbent structures. For example, a reinforcing scrim may be located within or between respective layers of the absorbent core. These reinforcing scrims should have the following: 44 44 4 4444 44 44 4444

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444 44 44 4 44 44 configurations so as not to obstruct fluid transfer between surfaces at the interfaces. Given the structural integrity that usually results from thermal bonding, reinforcing scrims for thermal bonded absorbent structures are not usually required.

Another component that may be included in the absorbent core of the present invention and is preferably provided at or as part of the primary or secondary fluid distribution layer is odor control means.

A preferred sanitary napkin or panty liner made in accordance with the present invention has a pair of side wrapping elements or underwear covering components. These elements provide coverage to the wearer's panties to reduce spotting (i.e., crinkle the crotch edges) and are typically smaller than traditional flaps.

The function of the side wrapping elements, whether integral with the product or attached thereto after its separate formation, is further improved by being made extensible in one or both directions parallel to the longitudinal axis and / or lateral axis. This extensibility may be provided over all or part of the side wrapping elements and may be achieved by pleating or annular rolling of those parts to be rendered extensible.

According to the present invention, the components of the topsheet, backsheet and absorbent core are joined together to form the absorbent article. Typically, at least two, preferably all components of the article are combined to form the article. Each of said components of the absorbent article may comprise at least one layer and has a surface facing the wearer and the garment. Adjacent garment facing surfaces typically form a common interface with the wearer facing surface of the adjacent component

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or layers. The portions of the layers are joined together via this common interface. In this way, the topsheet is attached to the absorbent core and the core is attached to the backsheet. In addition, the topsheet may be directly or indirectly attached to the backsheet in the perimeter of the absorbent article. In addition, particularly in the sanitary napkin, panty liner and incontinence articles, the garment facing surface of the backsheet also provides a surface by which the absorbent article is releasably attached to the garment of the wearer of the article. This surface is traditionally provided with a protective cover before use. Any means known in the art, such as, for example, a continuous layer of adhesive, a patterned layer of adhesive such as spirals or dots, or the use of thermal bonds, pressure bonds, mechanical bonds, and the like may be used to bond the components of the absorbent article and secure the garment.

Test method:

Reflectance spectrophotometric analysis (lower spot staining test)

This test ranks the level (redness / whiteness) of masking the sanitary napkin after use or after simulated filling it with artificial blood.

Equipment:

X-Rite tool, colorimetric model: 948/968. This device measures spectral reflectance according to Hunter's laboratory (components L, a, b), according to CIE1976 industry standard.

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Procedure: laboratory masking simulation:

1. Calibrate the X-Rite Colorimetric Instrument in accordance with the manual procedure.

2. Place the fresh insert on the lab table with the wearer facing surface (topsheet) facing up.

3. Pour 10 ml of synthetic blood into the center of the insert.

4. After 1 minute of use on a 60 g / cm ² pressure / weight pad.

5. Remove the weight and position the liner with the garment facing surface (bottom layer) facing upward and removing the silicone paper.

6. Placing the X-Rite tool on the backsheet and measuring Hunter L, a, b values. Performing an average of 10 readings on a (liquid) filled area.

7. The test is repeated on 5 separate inserts.

Examples:

The masking test was performed on modified sanitary napkins for sale under the trade name Always Ultra Normal, manufactured by Procter & Gamble, Germany, where the backsheet is replaced as shown below.

Example 1: The backsheet is a white polyethylene film.

Example 2: The backsheet is a peach polyethylene film.

Example 3: The backsheet is a pink polyethylene film.

Example 4: The backsheet is an embodiment of a double layer consisting of a three-dimensional apertured formed film available from Tredegar film products, Holland under code S225MD25 and microporous polyethylene film available from Exxon Chemical Company, USA under code XBF112W.

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Example 5: The backsheet is a white polyethylene film as in

Example 1, which is unused and not burdened with blood.

Results:

Example 1 2 3 4 5 Whiteness (L) 68 61 69 89 96 Redness (and) 5.4 8.2 5.1 0.3 0.0

As can be seen, Example 4, representing an embodiment of the present invention, provides a significantly higher whiteness parameter (L) and a significantly reduced redness parameter (a) that resembles values for an unused pad.

Claims (10)

998 99 44 4 19 Dec PAT E N T 0 V É Claims 1. Use bottom layers, including three dimensional formed foil, h absorption product, this product further comprising a wearer facing surface and a garment surface, the garment facing surface being formed by said backsheet to provide camouflage of deposited materials when looking at the garment facing surface of the absorbent article. Use of a backsheet according to claim 1, wherein the backsheet is moisture vapor permeable and liquid impermeable. Use of a backsheet according to claim 1, wherein the three-dimensional film is an apertured formed film. Use of a backsheet according to claim 3, wherein the backsheet comprises at least two layers, a layer of apertured formed film and a second layer comprising an apertured formed polymer film, a two-dimensional sheet of apertured film, fibrous nonwoven or fibrous woven material. Use of a backsheet according to claim 1, wherein the three-dimensional film is a non-perforated film. Use of a backsheet according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the backsheet has a brightness parameter (L) greater than 70 and a redness parameter (a) less than 5, as measured in the bottom layer masking test. Use of a backsheet according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the backsheet has a brightness parameter (L) greater than C 9 99 9 9 9 9 ♦ ··· • · 999 9 9 • ti 9 · • «• ti ti ti 75 and a redness parameter (a) of less than 4 as measured in the backsheet masking test. The use of a backsheet according to claim 1, wherein the absorbent article further comprises a topsheet and an absorbent core that is disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, and wherein the topsheet provides a wearer facing surface. Use of a backsheet according to claim 8, wherein said topsheet is a non-absorbent topsheet, preferably a hydrophobic nonwoven material or an apertured polymeric film. Use of a backsheet according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the absorbent article is a sanitary napkin or panty liner.