WO2002062277A1 - Absorbent article - Google Patents

Absorbent article Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2002062277A1
WO2002062277A1 PCT/GB2001/002005 GB0102005W WO02062277A1 WO 2002062277 A1 WO2002062277 A1 WO 2002062277A1 GB 0102005 W GB0102005 W GB 0102005W WO 02062277 A1 WO02062277 A1 WO 02062277A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
absorbent article
absorbent
article according
section
shaped
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2001/002005
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Lai-Ying Audrey Mok
Original Assignee
Lai-Ying Audrey Mok
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Lai-Ying Audrey Mok filed Critical Lai-Ying Audrey Mok
Publication of WO2002062277A1 publication Critical patent/WO2002062277A1/en

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/45—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the shape
    • A61F13/47—Sanitary towels, incontinence pads or napkins
    • A61F13/472—Sanitary towels, incontinence pads or napkins specially adapted for female use
    • A61F13/47218—Sanitary towels, incontinence pads or napkins specially adapted for female use with a raised crotch region, e.g. hump
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/45—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the shape
    • A61F13/47—Sanitary towels, incontinence pads or napkins
    • A61F13/472—Sanitary towels, incontinence pads or napkins specially adapted for female use
    • A61F13/47272—Sanitary towels, incontinence pads or napkins specially adapted for female use with a longitudinal raised end, e.g. cup-shaped gluteal groove
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/45—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the shape
    • A61F13/47—Sanitary towels, incontinence pads or napkins
    • A61F13/475—Sanitary towels, incontinence pads or napkins characterised by edge leakage prevention means
    • A61F13/4758—Sanitary towels, incontinence pads or napkins characterised by edge leakage prevention means the means preventing fluid flow in a longitudinal direction
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/45—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the shape
    • A61F13/47—Sanitary towels, incontinence pads or napkins
    • A61F13/476—Sanitary towels, incontinence pads or napkins characterised by encircling the crotch region of the undergarment
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
    • A61F2/0004—Closure means for urethra or rectum, i.e. anti-incontinence devices or support slings against pelvic prolapse
    • A61F2/0009—Closure means for urethra or rectum, i.e. anti-incontinence devices or support slings against pelvic prolapse placed in or outside the body opening close to the surface of the body

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an absorbent article and is particularly concerned with an absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin or an incontinence pad having improved leakage properties.
  • absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, incontinence pads, or panty liners publicly available.
  • the articles generally consist of substantially flat layers of absorbent material on the user facing side and a waterproof backing sheet on the opposite side.
  • an absorbent article comprising a plurality of layers characterised in that it is shaped to fit the underside of the buttocks of a wearer.
  • the article is shaped so as to substantially follow the contours of the underside of the buttocks.
  • a section of the absorbent article is raised. That is, a portion of the absorbent article is thicker than the rest of the article.
  • the raised section is preferably shaped so as to fit the underside of the buttocks of the wearer.
  • the raised section may be any shape which compliments the shape of a wearers buttocks, for example, it may be substantially cusp shaped or substantially pyramidal in shape.
  • the raised section may have a central axial ridge along at least a portion of the absorbent article.
  • the raised section is preferably located towards a rear end of the absorbent article.
  • the raised section may be sized such that it is less than 75% the length of the absorbent article. Preferably, it is less than 50% and still more preferably less than 25% the length of the absorbent article.
  • the absorbent article may comprise a liquid-impermeable back-sheet, a liquid permeable top-sheet continuous with the back-sheet and an absorbent layer retained therebetween.
  • a further aspect of the invention provides a separate additional layer consisting of an extra absorbent material. This may be included between the top-sheet and the absorbent layer. Alternatively, this may be a separate article, for example, in the form of a towelette.
  • the additional layer may be of any required length.
  • the additional layer is positioned in the region of the fluid discharge, where the volume of fluid is at its greatest.
  • the absorbent article comprises a separate additional layer, either included between the top-sheet and the absorbent layer or in the form of a towelette.
  • the additional layer is preferably any shape which compliments the shape of a wearers buttocks, for example, it may be substantially cusp shaped or substantially pyramidal in shape.
  • the towelette may comprise a plurality of layers.
  • the towelette comprises an absorbent back-sheet, a liquid permeable top-sheet continuous with the back-sheet and at least one absorbent layer retained therebetween. Still more preferably two layers are retained between the top-sheet and the back-sheet. The two layers may comprise thin absorbent layers and/or extra absorbent layers.
  • the towelette may be retained on any other known sanitary article or article in accordance with the present invention by any suitable means known in the art e.g. adhesive or wings.
  • the towelette is preferably 25%-75% the length of the sanitary article with which it is to be used.
  • the additional layer may be used with an absorbent article according to the first aspect of the invention or separately with any other absorbent sanitary article known in the art.
  • the additional layer preferably contains a layer of absorbent material.
  • the absorbent layer may comprises thermoplastic fibres, for example polypropylene, so as to aid shape retention when fluid is absorbed.
  • the absorbent material used in the invention may be formed from any suitable material including paper or cellulose, for example, cotton. Such materials may be treated with surfactants to improve the wettability of the material. Super absorbent polymers may also be used.
  • the back-sheet may be formed from a known plastics material and the top-sheet from a permeable material known in the art.
  • the shape of the raised section may be formed by means of a shaped section of material.
  • the shaped section is made of an absorbent material.
  • the shaped section is preferably positioned between the top-sheet and the back-sheet and is preferably positioned between the top-sheet and the absorbent layer.
  • the top surface of the raised section may be covered by a thin absorbent layer.
  • the raised section may also be in the form of an independent section which may be fixed to an existing absorbent article.
  • the addition absorbent layer may be entirely or partially continuous with the shaped section.
  • the absorbent article may also be shaped so as to fit the crotch region of the wearer.
  • the shaping of the article may take the form of press marking the article to enable it to bend into the required shape.
  • the back-sheet may also comprise an adhesive agent to allow fixing of the absorbent article to an undergarment of the wearer.
  • the back-sheet comprises an adhesive layer, before use, the adhesive layer is preferably covered by a releasable sheet.
  • the absorbent article of the present invention may also comprise other well-known features such as wings, to assist retaining the article to an undergarment, and grooves, to direct fluid flow.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of an absorbent article in accordance with the present invention.
  • Figure 2 is a cross-section view through the article of Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 3 is a plan view of a backing sheet and absorbent layer
  • Figure 4 is the plan view of Figure 3 with an additional extra absorbent layer
  • Figure 5 is the plan view of Figure 4 showing a shaped section located on the extra absorbent layer
  • Figure 6 is the plan view of Figure 5 showing the shaped section retained in place
  • Figure 7 is the plan view of Figure 6 showing press marking
  • Figure 8 is a plan view of an absorbent article in accordance with the present invention.
  • Figure 9 is a cross-section view through the absorbent article of Figure 8 along the line A-A;
  • Figure 10 is a cross-section view through a raised section of the article of Figure 8 along the line B-B;
  • FIG 11 is a perspective view of a towelette in accordance with the present invention.
  • an absorbent article 10 in the form of a sanitary napkin, comprises, an upper-surface 12 and a lower surface 14, the upper-surface 12 and lower surface 14 being substantially coextensive with each other.
  • the absorbent article 10 further comprises a raised section 16 (see also Figure 2), located on a rearward section 18 of the absorbent article 10
  • the raised section 16 is cusp shaped and designed to fit the underside of the buttocks of a wearer.
  • the lower surface 14 of the absorbent article 10, which is the base-sheet, is constructed from a waterproof material.
  • the base-sheet is elongate and has a front end 20 and a rear end 22.
  • An absorbent layer 24 is positioned upon the base-sheet 14.
  • the layer 24 further comprises two flaps 26 located towards the rear 22 of the article 10.
  • the absorbent layer 24 and flaps 26 are formed from cotton.
  • Figure 4 shows an additional layer 28 consisting of an extra absorbent material 30 is positioned on the absorbent layer 24.
  • the additional layer 28 is sized such that it is approximately two-thirds the length of the absorbent layer 24.
  • the additional layer 28 is positioned in the region of fluid discharge, and especially where the volume of fluid discharge is at its greatest.
  • a raised section 32 is positioned on the additional layer 28 such that it is equidistant from and in-line with the flaps 26.
  • the length of the raised section 32 is less than that of the flaps 26.
  • the raised section 32 is pyramidal in shape which allows it to conform to the shape of the buttocks of a wearer.
  • the flaps 26, are shaped such that when they are folded over in the direction of the raised section 32, they envelop the aforementioned section.
  • the flaps 26 are shaped by means of press-marking 34.
  • the press-marking 34 enables the flaps to bend and therefore conform to and envelop the raised section 32.
  • Figure 7 shows how the absorbent article 10 is shaped by press-marking 36.
  • the press-marking 36 aids the article 10 to fit the crotch region of a wearer by allowing it two bend to the required shape.
  • a top-sheet 12 (top-surface), substantially continuous with the back-sheet 14, is positioned on the top of the absorbent article 10.
  • the top-sheet 12 and base-sheet 14 are joined about their peripheries (not shown) by means an adhesive. It will be noted that any other known suitable method may be used.
  • the top-sheet 12 has 'channels' 38 formed therein.
  • the channels 38 are located towards the edge of the article 10. Such channels expose the underlying absorbent layer 24 to the surface of the article 10 thereby allowing rapid absorption of any liquid which comes into contact with it.
  • the channels 38 are particularly advantageous as they help to prevent fluid discharge from leaking off the edges of the article 10.
  • Figure 9 and 10 show the construction of the absorbent article 10 as described above.
  • the raised section 32 is integral with the rest of the absorbent article 10, it may also take the form of an independent section which may be fixed to an existing absorbent article. In such a case, the raised section will be constructed substantially as above but will be retained in a 'wrapper' formed from an absorbent material.
  • a towelette 40 comprises a top-sheet 42 and a back-sheet 44, the top-sheet 42 and back-sheet 44 being substantially coextensive with each other.
  • the towelette 40 further comprises a raised section 46, located on a rearward section 48 of the towelette 40.
  • the towelette 40 tapers from the raised rearward section 48 to a front section 50.
  • the raised section 46 is cusp shaped and designed to fit the underside of the buttocks of a wearer.
  • the towelette 40 In use (not shown), the towelette 40 is placed on an upper surface of a l ⁇ iown absorbent article in an area of greatest fluid discharge from the wearer. It will be noted that by designing the towelette 40 to fit the underside of the buttocks of a wearer, the addition of the towelette 40 to an absorbent article improves the leakage properties and helps to prevent movement of the article relative to the wearer.

Abstract

Absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins or incontinence pads are disclosed which comprise a plurality of layers which are shaped to fit the underside of the buttocks of a wearer. The absorbent article may comprise a raised portion which is substantially cusp-shaped or pyramidal in shape.

Description

Absorbent Article
The present invention relates to an absorbent article and is particularly concerned with an absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin or an incontinence pad having improved leakage properties.
There are many known types of absorbent articles, such as sanitary napkins, incontinence pads, or panty liners publicly available. The articles generally consist of substantially flat layers of absorbent material on the user facing side and a waterproof backing sheet on the opposite side.
The purpose of such articles is to absorb body fluids as they are discharged. Whilst all of the articles have absorbent properties, some are unable to absorb either fast enough or a great enough amount so as to prevent leakage. The leakage can occur at any of the peripheries of the article and may be exaggerated due to the posture or actions of the wearer. Such actions may also cause leakage due to movement of the article relative to the wearer.
It is an aspect of the present invention to provide an absorbent article with reduced leakage properties and which also aids in preventing movement of the article relative to the wearer.
According to the present invention there is provided an absorbent article comprising a plurality of layers characterised in that it is shaped to fit the underside of the buttocks of a wearer. Preferably, the article is shaped so as to substantially follow the contours of the underside of the buttocks.
Preferably, a section of the absorbent article is raised. That is, a portion of the absorbent article is thicker than the rest of the article. Where a section of the absorbent is raised, the raised section is preferably shaped so as to fit the underside of the buttocks of the wearer. The raised section may be any shape which compliments the shape of a wearers buttocks, for example, it may be substantially cusp shaped or substantially pyramidal in shape. The raised section may have a central axial ridge along at least a portion of the absorbent article.
The raised section is preferably located towards a rear end of the absorbent article. The raised section may be sized such that it is less than 75% the length of the absorbent article. Preferably, it is less than 50% and still more preferably less than 25% the length of the absorbent article.
The absorbent article may comprise a liquid-impermeable back-sheet, a liquid permeable top-sheet continuous with the back-sheet and an absorbent layer retained therebetween.
A further aspect of the invention provides a separate additional layer consisting of an extra absorbent material. This may be included between the top-sheet and the absorbent layer. Alternatively, this may be a separate article, for example, in the form of a towelette. The additional layer may be of any required length.
Preferably, the additional layer is positioned in the region of the fluid discharge, where the volume of fluid is at its greatest.
Where the absorbent article comprises a separate additional layer, either included between the top-sheet and the absorbent layer or in the form of a towelette. The additional layer is preferably any shape which compliments the shape of a wearers buttocks, for example, it may be substantially cusp shaped or substantially pyramidal in shape.
Where the additional layer is in the form of a towelette, the towelette may comprise a plurality of layers. Preferably, the towelette comprises an absorbent back-sheet, a liquid permeable top-sheet continuous with the back-sheet and at least one absorbent layer retained therebetween. Still more preferably two layers are retained between the top-sheet and the back-sheet. The two layers may comprise thin absorbent layers and/or extra absorbent layers.
The towelette may be retained on any other known sanitary article or article in accordance with the present invention by any suitable means known in the art e.g. adhesive or wings.
The towelette is preferably 25%-75% the length of the sanitary article with which it is to be used.
The additional layer may be used with an absorbent article according to the first aspect of the invention or separately with any other absorbent sanitary article known in the art. The additional layer preferably contains a layer of absorbent material.
The absorbent layer may comprises thermoplastic fibres, for example polypropylene, so as to aid shape retention when fluid is absorbed.
The absorbent material used in the invention may be formed from any suitable material including paper or cellulose, for example, cotton. Such materials may be treated with surfactants to improve the wettability of the material. Super absorbent polymers may also be used.
The back-sheet may be formed from a known plastics material and the top-sheet from a permeable material known in the art.
Where the absorbent article comprises a raised section, the shape of the raised section may be formed by means of a shaped section of material. Preferably, the shaped section is made of an absorbent material. The shaped section is preferably positioned between the top-sheet and the back-sheet and is preferably positioned between the top-sheet and the absorbent layer. The top surface of the raised section may be covered by a thin absorbent layer. However, the raised section may also be in the form of an independent section which may be fixed to an existing absorbent article.
Where the article comprises a raised section, the addition absorbent layer may be entirely or partially continuous with the shaped section.
The absorbent article may also be shaped so as to fit the crotch region of the wearer. The shaping of the article may take the form of press marking the article to enable it to bend into the required shape.
The back-sheet may also comprise an adhesive agent to allow fixing of the absorbent article to an undergarment of the wearer. Where the back-sheet comprises an adhesive layer, before use, the adhesive layer is preferably covered by a releasable sheet.
The absorbent article of the present invention may also comprise other well-known features such as wings, to assist retaining the article to an undergarment, and grooves, to direct fluid flow.
An absorbent article in accordance with the present invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of an absorbent article in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 2 is a cross-section view through the article of Figure 1 ;
Figure 3 is a plan view of a backing sheet and absorbent layer;
Figure 4 is the plan view of Figure 3 with an additional extra absorbent layer;
Figure 5 is the plan view of Figure 4 showing a shaped section located on the extra absorbent layer; Figure 6 is the plan view of Figure 5 showing the shaped section retained in place;
Figure 7 is the plan view of Figure 6 showing press marking;
Figure 8 is a plan view of an absorbent article in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 9 is a cross-section view through the absorbent article of Figure 8 along the line A-A;
Figure 10 is a cross-section view through a raised section of the article of Figure 8 along the line B-B; and
Figure 11 is a perspective view of a towelette in accordance with the present invention.
Looking at Figure 1 an absorbent article 10, in the form of a sanitary napkin, comprises, an upper-surface 12 and a lower surface 14, the upper-surface 12 and lower surface 14 being substantially coextensive with each other.
The absorbent article 10 further comprises a raised section 16 (see also Figure 2), located on a rearward section 18 of the absorbent article 10
The raised section 16 is cusp shaped and designed to fit the underside of the buttocks of a wearer.
The construction of an absorbent article 10, in accordance with the present invention, will now be described.
Looking at Figure 3, the lower surface 14 of the absorbent article 10, which is the base-sheet, is constructed from a waterproof material. The base-sheet is elongate and has a front end 20 and a rear end 22. An absorbent layer 24 is positioned upon the base-sheet 14. The layer 24 further comprises two flaps 26 located towards the rear 22 of the article 10. In the present example, the absorbent layer 24 and flaps 26 are formed from cotton.
Figure 4 shows an additional layer 28 consisting of an extra absorbent material 30 is positioned on the absorbent layer 24. In the present example, the additional layer 28 is sized such that it is approximately two-thirds the length of the absorbent layer 24. The additional layer 28 is positioned in the region of fluid discharge, and especially where the volume of fluid discharge is at its greatest.
Looking at Figure 5, a raised section 32 is positioned on the additional layer 28 such that it is equidistant from and in-line with the flaps 26. The length of the raised section 32 is less than that of the flaps 26.
The raised section 32 is pyramidal in shape which allows it to conform to the shape of the buttocks of a wearer.
In Figure 6, the flaps 26, are shaped such that when they are folded over in the direction of the raised section 32, they envelop the aforementioned section. The flaps 26 are shaped by means of press-marking 34. The press-marking 34 enables the flaps to bend and therefore conform to and envelop the raised section 32.
Figure 7 shows how the absorbent article 10 is shaped by press-marking 36. The press-marking 36 aids the article 10 to fit the crotch region of a wearer by allowing it two bend to the required shape.
Looking at Figure 8, a top-sheet 12 (top-surface), substantially continuous with the back-sheet 14, is positioned on the top of the absorbent article 10. The top-sheet 12 and base-sheet 14 are joined about their peripheries (not shown) by means an adhesive. It will be noted that any other known suitable method may be used. In the present example, the top-sheet 12 has 'channels' 38 formed therein. The channels 38 are located towards the edge of the article 10. Such channels expose the underlying absorbent layer 24 to the surface of the article 10 thereby allowing rapid absorption of any liquid which comes into contact with it. The channels 38 are particularly advantageous as they help to prevent fluid discharge from leaking off the edges of the article 10.
Figure 9 and 10 show the construction of the absorbent article 10 as described above.
It will be noted that whilst in the present example, the raised section 32 is integral with the rest of the absorbent article 10, it may also take the form of an independent section which may be fixed to an existing absorbent article. In such a case, the raised section will be constructed substantially as above but will be retained in a 'wrapper' formed from an absorbent material.
It will also be noted that where the raised section 32 is in the form of an independent section, the flaps 26 are no longer required.
Looking at Figure 11, a towelette 40 comprises a top-sheet 42 and a back-sheet 44, the top-sheet 42 and back-sheet 44 being substantially coextensive with each other.
The towelette 40 further comprises a raised section 46, located on a rearward section 48 of the towelette 40.
The towelette 40 tapers from the raised rearward section 48 to a front section 50.
The raised section 46 is cusp shaped and designed to fit the underside of the buttocks of a wearer.
In use (not shown), the towelette 40 is placed on an upper surface of a lαiown absorbent article in an area of greatest fluid discharge from the wearer. It will be noted that by designing the towelette 40 to fit the underside of the buttocks of a wearer, the addition of the towelette 40 to an absorbent article improves the leakage properties and helps to prevent movement of the article relative to the wearer.

Claims

Claims
1. An absorbent article comprising a plurality of layers characterised in that it is shaped to fit the underside of the buttocks of a wearer.
2. An absorbent article according to claim 1, in which the article is shaped so as to substantially follow the contours of the underside of the buttocks.
3. An absorbent article according to claim 1 or claim 2, in which a section of the absorbent article is raised.
4. An absorbent article according to claim 3, in which the raised section is shaped so as to fit the underside of the buttocks of the wearer.
5. An absorbent article according to claim 3 or claim 4, in which the raised section is substantially cusp shaped.
6. An absorbent article according to claim 3 or claim 4, in which the raised section is substantially pyramidal in shape.
7. An absorbent article according to claim 3 or claim 4, in which the raised section has a central axial ridge along at least a portion of said section.
8. An absorbent article according to any one of claims 3 to 7, in which the raised section is located towards a rear end of the absorbent article.
9. An absorbent article according to any one of claims 3 to 8, in which the shape of the raised section is formed by means of a shaped section of material.
10. An absorbent article according to claim 9, in which the shaped section is made of an absorbent material.
11. An absorbent article according to claim 9 or claim 10, in which a top surface of the raised section is covered by a thin absorbent layer.
12. An absorbent article according to any one of claims 3 to 11 , in which the raised section is in the form an independent section which may be fixed to the absorbent article.
13. A towelette, constructed from an absorbent material, and to be used with an absorbent article.
14. An absorbent article according to any one of claims 3 to 13, in which the raised section is less than 75% of the length of the absorbent article.
15. An absorbent article according to claim 14, in which the raised section is less than 50% of the length of the absorbent article.
16. An absorbent article according to claim 15, in which the raised section is less than 25%o of the length of the absorbent article.
17. An absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 12 and 14 to 16, in which the article comprises a liquid-impermeable back-sheet, a liquid permeable top-sheet continuous with the back-sheet and an absorbent layer retained therebetween.
18. An absorbent article according to claim 13, in which the article comprises a liquid-permeable back-sheet, a liquid permeable top-sheet continuous with the back-sheet and an absorbent layer retained therebetween.
19. An absorbent article according to claim 17 or 18, in which the article further comprises at least one additional layer consisting of an extra absorbent material.
20. An absorbent article according to claim 19, in which the additional layer is a separate article to be applied to the surface of the absorbent article.
21. An absorbent article according to claim 19, in which the additional layer is included between the top-sheet and the absorbent layer.
22. An absorbent article according to any one of claims 19 to 21, in which the additional layer is positioned in the region of fluid discharge, where the volume of fluid is at its greatest.
23. An absorbent article according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the absorbent layers contain thermoplastic fibres.
24. An absorbent article according to claim 23, in which the thermoplastic is polypropylene.
25. An absorbent article according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the absorbent layers are produced from paper, polymers and/or cellulose.
26. An absorbent article according to claim 25, in which the absorbent layers are treated with surfactant.
27. An absorbent article according to any one of claims 19 to 26, in which the addition absorbent layer may be entirely or partially continuous with the shaped section.
28. An absorbent article according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the article is shaped to fit the crotch region of the wearer.
29. An absorbent article according to claim 28, in which the article is shaped by press marking.
30. An absorbent article substantially as described herein and with reference to Figures 1 to 10.
PCT/GB2001/002005 2001-02-07 2001-05-08 Absorbent article WO2002062277A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0103038.6 2001-02-07
GB0103038A GB0103038D0 (en) 2001-02-07 2001-02-07 Absorbent article

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2002062277A1 true WO2002062277A1 (en) 2002-08-15

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PCT/GB2001/002005 WO2002062277A1 (en) 2001-02-07 2001-05-08 Absorbent article

Country Status (2)

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GB (1) GB0103038D0 (en)
WO (1) WO2002062277A1 (en)

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2005025445A2 (en) * 2003-09-12 2005-03-24 Mario Peralta Sanchez Disposable item of women's underwear comprising an integrated sanitary towel among other elements
GB2407269A (en) * 2003-10-20 2005-04-27 Julie Lloyd Sanitary article with projection
WO2006084304A1 (en) * 2005-02-11 2006-08-17 Jung Kyung Seo Sanitary product
FR2915372A1 (en) * 2006-10-18 2008-10-31 Catherine Leclerc Bodily secretion e.g. menstrual period, absorbing and inhibiting device for use by person during night, has pad profiled in small wing form which is matched with form of body between rear of vagina orifice and coccyx
GB2454730A (en) * 2007-11-15 2009-05-20 Janet Marie Quigley Sanitary towel having increased absorption at one end
WO2011131020A1 (en) * 2010-04-19 2011-10-27 Kuang Wenzhao Sanitary napkin
WO2015073455A1 (en) 2013-11-12 2015-05-21 Zilm William M Pressure enhanced incontinence pad and methods

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WO1996034589A2 (en) * 1995-05-04 1996-11-07 The Procter & Gamble Company Gluetal groove blocking device for diapers
JPH0999005A (en) * 1995-10-03 1997-04-15 Mitsuko Hozumi Small lumpy sanitary member to be held in the anus
JPH10295721A (en) * 1997-04-25 1998-11-10 Kao Corp Absorptive article
WO1999055272A1 (en) * 1998-04-27 1999-11-04 The Procter & Gamble Company Sanitary napkin comprising three-dimensionally shaped tube of absorbent material
WO2000002509A1 (en) * 1998-07-10 2000-01-20 Sca Hygiene Products Ab Swellable absorbent product and a method for its manufacture
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EP1016391A1 (en) * 1998-12-30 2000-07-05 The Procter & Gamble Company Packaged tridimensional disposable absorbent article

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WO1990004956A1 (en) * 1988-11-07 1990-05-17 Beverley Carol Muller Sanitary napkin
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JPH0999005A (en) * 1995-10-03 1997-04-15 Mitsuko Hozumi Small lumpy sanitary member to be held in the anus
JPH10295721A (en) * 1997-04-25 1998-11-10 Kao Corp Absorptive article
US6059763A (en) * 1998-04-04 2000-05-09 Brown; Norma Combination tampon and menstrual pad
WO1999055272A1 (en) * 1998-04-27 1999-11-04 The Procter & Gamble Company Sanitary napkin comprising three-dimensionally shaped tube of absorbent material
WO2000002509A1 (en) * 1998-07-10 2000-01-20 Sca Hygiene Products Ab Swellable absorbent product and a method for its manufacture
EP1016391A1 (en) * 1998-12-30 2000-07-05 The Procter & Gamble Company Packaged tridimensional disposable absorbent article

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Cited By (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2005025445A2 (en) * 2003-09-12 2005-03-24 Mario Peralta Sanchez Disposable item of women's underwear comprising an integrated sanitary towel among other elements
WO2005025445A3 (en) * 2003-09-12 2005-05-06 Sanchez Mario Peralta Disposable item of women's underwear comprising an integrated sanitary towel among other elements
GB2407269A (en) * 2003-10-20 2005-04-27 Julie Lloyd Sanitary article with projection
WO2006084304A1 (en) * 2005-02-11 2006-08-17 Jung Kyung Seo Sanitary product
FR2915372A1 (en) * 2006-10-18 2008-10-31 Catherine Leclerc Bodily secretion e.g. menstrual period, absorbing and inhibiting device for use by person during night, has pad profiled in small wing form which is matched with form of body between rear of vagina orifice and coccyx
GB2454730A (en) * 2007-11-15 2009-05-20 Janet Marie Quigley Sanitary towel having increased absorption at one end
WO2011131020A1 (en) * 2010-04-19 2011-10-27 Kuang Wenzhao Sanitary napkin
WO2015073455A1 (en) 2013-11-12 2015-05-21 Zilm William M Pressure enhanced incontinence pad and methods
CN105873550A (en) * 2013-11-12 2016-08-17 齐尔美特-鲁梅克斯产品公司 Pressure enhanced incontinence pad and methods
EP3068357A4 (en) * 2013-11-12 2017-06-14 William M. Zilm Pressure enhanced incontinence pad and methods
US10245190B2 (en) 2013-11-12 2019-04-02 Zilm-Rhomax Products, Llc Incontinence system

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