DE2026179A1 - Absorbent element for disposable sanitary articles and sanitary napkins, diapers and the like made from such elements - Google Patents

Description

Absorbent element for disposable sanitary articles and means sanitary napkins, diapers and the like made of such elements. The invention refers to sanitary napkins and the like such as baby diapers or sanitary napkins and especially absorbent elements used for this purpose.

Sanitary towels with absorbent elements, which are mainly made of fluffy wood pulp or other short cellulose fibers, for example from cotton waste exist have been known for many years. Short fibers of this type are very fond used in such absorbent elements because the fibers are relatively cheap, are very bulky, occupy a large volume and have a large liquid absorption; possess ability. Fibrous body made from a fleece with a thickness which is suitable for sanitary napkins, however, have a low binding power and low tear strength; they do not hold their shape and come off when wet; they do not conduct the fluid inside them well and store the absorbed liquid to a relatively small extent. As.

The consequence of this is the use of fleece in sanitary towels It has become common to use other, more expensive components such as multilayered components with the fleece Cellulose wadding, compressed fiber ribbons, bonded fabrics, gauze, and the like to be used to give the bandage a better shape and greater stability and also to improve the liquid guiding and absorption properties.

An absorbent element for disposable sanitary articles according to FIG the invention is characterized by an elongated insert made of absorbent Cellulose fiber material that is folded back and forth in the shape of an accordion to form a cushion is with the folds are substantially aligned with each other and the top and the lower surface of the cushion consist of a plurality of parallel fold edges the through the formed in the longitudinal direction of the pillow extending folds and a sheet spans the fold edges on one surface of the pillow and connected to their vertices in such a way that the vertical orientation the wrinkles are stabilized.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention shredded fIol-z cellulose fibers or cotton fibers - generally referred to as fleece - formed into a thin, fine layer. Thin sheets of absorbent cellulose wadding are then brought into contact with the top and bottom of the fine fleece layer, whereupon the sheet thus formed is zigzagged by folding back and forth will. The folding edges are parallel to each other and are evenly spaced from each other separated so that the folds thus formed have the same width. Such wrinkles are commonly known as accordion folds. The surfaces of the folds between the folding edges are pressed against each other so that a folded cushion of im essentially the same thickness arises. While the surfaces of the folds are in contact are held to each other, a flat sheet will be against the folding edges on one Side of the pillow and along the vertices of the folds on this side attached along its entire length. By attaching the arch to the crown of the head the folds keep the folds in their vertical alignment to each other, so that the folded pillow does not expand in the transverse direction can. The pillow made in this way can be used as a complete absorption element in a sanitary napkin, diaper, hospital pillow, bandage or the like used or with other absorbent components; be combined, so that a composite element is created. The depth, width and length of the folded Element is easily adapted to the particular conditions of end use or assembly adaptable with other components.

The invention is illustrated below in an exemplary embodiment of the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings: FIG. 1 shows a cross section through a layer of fiber material from which the absorbent element according to the invention is formed, Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the fiber material shown in Fig. 1, the is folded in a zigzag shape so as to provide the folded absorbent member of the invention 3 is a perspective view of one shape of part of a 1 folded element according to the invention, Fig. 4 is a partially shown in section perspective view of a sanitary napkin incorporating an absorbent Element contains, Fig. 5 is a cross-section through another construction a sanitary napkin, and FIG. 6 shows a cross section through another different one Construction of a sanitary napkin.

Fibrous bodies made from shredded wood pulp fibers 4 of the short ones Cotton fibers are used for absorbent elements in sanitary napkins and the like absorbent devices are very desirable but have certain disadvantages since they are not very bulky when wet, they have a low tear strength and have only a low liquid conductivity. If as a result Velcro Used for pillows intended for fluid absorption are structural Changes due to reinforcement materials and flow control devices necessary, if the fleece elements are to be sufficiently effective. Through the invention such an improved structure and fluid conduction achieved so that the desired Properties of fleece are better used for liquid absorption purposes can.

In Fig. 1, numeral 12 denotes a thin layer of air-molded Fleece approximately 0.5 cm thick in the unloaded, uncompressed state.

13 and 14 are thin layers of cellulose wadding of the type and the weight commonly used in sanitary napkins. The cellulose wadding layers 13 and 14 include the layer 12 of short cellulose fibers so that they do not can atomize and a better cohesion and a better tear resistance receives.

The element shown in FIG. 1 is used to form the element according to the invention Material first folded back and forth so that it has the zigzag configuration shown in FIG receives. This results in alternating fold edges 15 on the bottom and on the top and 16, are equidistant from each other so that the areas of the layered Material between two folding edges 15 and 16 have the same depth and each other Form accordion-shaped folds.

The accordion-shaped folds shown in Fig. 2 then become denser with their sides brought together so that they are oriented vertically like it in big. 3 where it can be seen that the areas of layered material each directly adjoin one another between two folding edges 15 and 16. While that Material is held in this position, a thin sheet 17 is made of a smooth Material on the vertices of the folds on one side - in the case shown the folding edges 16 -applied and with the vertices of the folding edges at least over connected most of their length. In the example shown, the arch 17 from a thin, thermoplastic film - for example from Polyethylene exist, the application to the folding edges 16 by heat welding or joining the film is done.

Other permeable or non-permeable sheets can also be used to anchor the folding edges according to the conditions of use. the In addition to thermoplastic adhesion, other adhesives can also be used for fastening take place.

After the layered material is folded in a zigzag shape, transversely compressed to a vertical alignment of the folds and with a Anchoring arch is attached as shown, the element can be in an absorbent Pillows are used.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 4 is a sanitary napkin 20 shown having an elongated absorbent pad 21 which is supported by a liquid-permeable covering layer 22 is surrounded, which extends over both ends of the cushion extends out and so forms lugs 23 for fastening. As with conventional The liquid-permeable covering layer 22 made of woven gauze cannot bind woven material, perforated, non-woven fiber webs, bonded fiber webs or the like exist.

The absorbent pad 21 is in accordance with the present invention manufactured and comprises a thin fleece layer 12, which in a upper and lower layers 13 and 14, respectively, of thin cellulose wadding included and is folded along fold edges 15 and 16 in a zigzag shape, one set the folding edges - namely the folding edges 16 - with a sheet 17 made of thermoplastic Material is welded.

The lateral edges of the sheet 17 extend on the sides the outer, upwardly folded parts 18 also upward.

A sanitary napkin of this construction has a high degree Directional pore orientation for a controlled distribution of the liquid is highly desirable. Deep channels between the folds leading through the folds extend substantially the full depth of the cushion and occupy the entire length of the napkin, so that the absorbed liquid directed away from the surface and distributed substantially along the length of the napkin will. Such a liquid distribution pattern brings about maximum utilization the absorption capacity of the fluffy filling layer in each fold from the location of the Liquid supply, but with the migration of the liquid to the adjacent Crease and delay towards the side edges of the bandage. The cellulose wadding between the folds causes stronger capillary forces than the fleece and is beneficial for the longitudinal distribution of the liquid before any substantial spreading the liquid occurs in the lateral direction due to the blue.

The channels between the folded layers in the folded Pillows are much larger than the canals that are usually made by the crepe are present in flat, multilayer, creped cotton wool pads, which have hitherto been common used for such purposes. These larger channels are essential to one better capillary migration within the pillow especially if the absorbed Fluids of high viscosity are such as menstrual fluids, Blood and other fluids from the body.

The folded structure causes greater stability in relation to collapse under pressure and moisture due to the vertical arrangement the cellulose wadding between the folded edges and the anchorage of the stabilizing arch with the folded edges on the bottom of the pillow. Such anchoring prevents that the folds diverge transversely under pressure.

Included in the embodiments shown in Figures 3 and 4 the stabilization sheet 17 has an impermeable film, which also acts as a guide element serves along the bottom and the side edges and a liquid passage through them Points prevented. The use of plastic films as guide elements in absorbent Binding or the like is known per se.

Stabilizing arches 26 are shown in FIGS and 26a used, which consist of a liquid-permeable material, since below of them other absorbent elements are arranged and those of the element 25 or 25a absorbed liquid in a desirable manner, if necessary up to these other elements should be applied.

In the tie construction shown in Figure 5, the folded element is 25 is used as a component in a multi-component pillow and therefore does not need to be as thick as the cushion 21 in FIG. 4. The Stabilizing arch 26 to which the lower folding edges of the element 25 are attached are made of a permeable, absorbent material such as Cellulose wadding, gauze or the like., So absorbed liquid in the folded Element further down into a more conventional absorbent body 27 that can be made of fleece or several layers of cellulose wadding or Like. Can exist. Fluff is of course ais because of the low cost Main component used in in element 27. However, smaller amounts of other, longer fibers - either natural or synthetic - can be used so the body is more resilient and holds together better.

U erside of the absorbent body 27 is an impermeable bottom layer 28 made of a thin polyethylene film or the like. Arranged, which serves as a guide element.

The multi-component pillow is a conventional one liquid-permeable hay material 29 surrounded. In this version with several Components, the folded element 25 is used to give the cushion a firmer body to lend and to ensure a better fluid distribution.

In Fig. 6, another embodiment is shown in which the folded and element -25a anchored with a stabilizing arch 26a has a smaller width than the main body 27a and preferably also has a shorter length. As in FIG. 5, the sheet 26a again consists of a liquid-permeable material. Likewise, as in FIG. 5, a conventional one formed from a film is impermeable to the body Floor layer 28a attached under body 27a. This bottom layer 28a extends However, here on the sides of the body 27a upwards to a liquid passage to prevent on the sides. The entire construction is made of a liquid Surrounded negligent envelope layer 29a. The combination of the folded element the top of the absorbent main body is used in this embodiment to to restrict the fluid to the central area of the pillow, with the soft edges of the body. 27a are conducive to wearing comfort.

In the foregoing description it has been indicated that the The fleece layer is about 0.5 cm thick in the unloaded state. At loads of 0.08 kg / cm2, this layer is normally compressed to a thickness of about 0.25 cm. A thickness in the unloaded state of about 0.27 to 0.76 cm can also be used can be used with the same satisfactory result. When the layer is much thinner is made, the advantage diminishes that as large a proportion as possible of cheap There is fluff fibers, the folded element being too stiff due to the stiffening effect a large number of vertically arranged layers of cotton wool per unit width. If the layer is made too thick, it can no longer be without excess pressure folded, in addition, the element would have fewer folds per width, thereby reducing the ability of the capillary fluid flow in the longitudinal direction would, as there would be fewer vertically oriented layers of wadding per width.

The mentioned fleece can be typified by loose or separated fibers obtained from a chemical type pulp. In particular, can for this purpose sulphite and sulphate pulps are used, which are preferably made of wood such as Spruce, balsam fir and other conifers are made. Likewise can also other woods and vegetable Fibers are used for this. Chemical PU fibers of these types have an average length of about 0.46 cm and are in a length range of about 0.008 to 0.91 cm. With the expression fleece cotton fibers are also included, which rarely have a length of 0.48 cm in the Exceed length and are short down to 0.08 cm. Viscose rayon and others absorbent synthetic fibers can also be made in the short lengths mentioned can be used, but the current cost makes it very expensive.

The covering of the fleece layer is preferably cellulose wadding with low tund weight. Creped cotton with a dry weight of approximately 2.04 kg to 4.08 kg per standard ream of 480 sheets and with a crepe ratio from about 1.25 to 3.0 is suitable. When layers in a lighter weight range are used, two layers are used on each side of the fluff. if If layers in a heavier weight range are used, one ply is preferred. Other absorbent surface materials with good capillary transport values can also be used how lightweight, non-woven and bonded materials are used.

Although, as mentioned above, it is preferred that the The main fiber material in the folded elements consists of short-fiber cellulose, can also small amounts of other longer fibers are added, so that the element has greater strength and resilience. These longer ones Fibers can be natural or synthetic fibers and absorbent and non-absorbent be. Many such combinations are known.

The layered pillow can be folded by joining the outer layer of cellulose wadding with the fleece layer through a multitude of small, separate projections with or without additional adhesive an additional stability are given.

Such protrusions not only help that the fleece is held during the Folding does not move out of its position but also create larger channels, through which the flow of liquid into the pleated elements is assisted.

Besides a better shape and better drainage is also achieved by the folding that the elements in a lateral direction Can be squeezed while wearing, which is an important factor represents for comfort. By anchoring the folds on just one side a flexibility in the longitudinal direction is also achieved, which allows better adaptation to the body.

The absorbent members described herein have coarse folds in the longitudinal direction, which allows the distribution of absorbed liquid in the lateral direction stnrk and the possibility of lateral or over large surfaces reduce the occurrence of liquid leakage. The elements according to the invention also facilitate the transport of absorbed liquid away from the surface into the interior due to the deep trenches. Thus becomes the top surface keep desElementes relatively dry, which is crucial for the comfort of the person wearing it is applicable.

The multitude of folds also gives the item a good side Indulgence. Because of this, sanitary napkins match a folded one Element also slightly to the space between the thighs, if this changes when the person in question moves. The greater stability in vertical Direction also maintains the thickness and bulkiness of the element without adding to it as with traditional sandwich pillows, great weight is required.

-Patent claims-

Claims (14)

Patent ans p r II c'h e 71. Absorbent element for disposable sanitary article, characterized by an elongated insert made of absorbent Cellulose fiber material, the accordion-shaped to a cushion (21,25,25a) and is folded forth, the folds being substantially aligned with one another and the top and bottom surfaces of the cushion of a plurality of parallel ones Folded edges (15,16,) exist, which run through the length of the pillow Folds are formed, and a sheet (17, 26, 26a) the fold edges (16) on one The surface of the pillow is spanned and connected to its apex in such a way that it that the vertical alignment of the folds is stabilized. 2. Element according to claim 1, characterized in that the cellulose fiber material comprises a thin, fine layer (12) of short absorbent fibers attached to their both surfaces of a lightweight, liquid-permeable, self-retaining one Layer is surrounded. 3. Element according to claim 2, characterized in that the short Fibers include shredded wood pulp or cotton waste. 4. Element according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that that the layers (13,14) comprise cellulose wadding. 5. Element according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that that the layers (13,14) are physically connected to the thin layer (12) by a multiplicity are connected by small, separate projections. 6. Element according to claim 2, characterized in that the layer (12) made of short fibers is reinforced by a small amount of long fibers. 7. Element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that that the sheet (17) consists of a thin thermoplastic film. 8. Element according to claim 7, characterized in that the thermoplastic Film is fused to the vertices of the folds. 9. Element according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that that the sheet (26 or 26a) is permeable to liquid. 10. Element according to claim 9, characterized in that the sheet (26 or 26a) consists of cellulose wadding, gauze or a non-woven material. 11. Sanitary napkin or the like, characterized in that it an element according to any one of the preceding claims which is incorporated in a liquid-permeable Cladding layer is wrapped. 12. Sanitary napkin according to claim 11, characterized by one below absorbent body (27,27a) lying on the element. 13. Sanitary napkin according to claim 12, characterized in that the absorbent body C27, 27a) comprises wood pulp fluff. 14. Sanitary napkins according to one of claims 12 or 13, characterized in 1 that the element is substantially shorter and lower than the absorbent underneath tUrper (27, 27a). L e r s e i t e