WO2013097878A1 - Method of applying structural elements to an absorbent article - Google Patents
Method of applying structural elements to an absorbent article Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2013097878A1 WO2013097878A1 PCT/EP2011/006597 EP2011006597W WO2013097878A1 WO 2013097878 A1 WO2013097878 A1 WO 2013097878A1 EP 2011006597 W EP2011006597 W EP 2011006597W WO 2013097878 A1 WO2013097878 A1 WO 2013097878A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- facing surface
- absorbent article
- backsheet
- ink
- garment facing
- Prior art date
Links
- 230000002745 absorbent Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 85
- 239000002250 absorbent Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 85
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 31
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 72
- 238000007639 printing Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- 230000005855 radiation Effects 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000004604 Blowing Agent Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000002904 solvent Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 229920000103 Expandable microsphere Polymers 0.000 claims description 3
- 206010021639 Incontinence Diseases 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000003490 calendering Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000001360 synchronised effect Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000003213 activating effect Effects 0.000 abstract description 5
- 239000000976 ink Substances 0.000 description 66
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 description 11
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 8
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 5
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 5
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000012876 carrier material Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 3
- -1 polyethylenes Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 239000011230 binding agent Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920002678 cellulose Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000001913 cellulose Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000001035 drying Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000002985 plastic film Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920006255 plastic film Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000004753 textile Substances 0.000 description 2
- 235000001674 Agaricus brunnescens Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 229920000742 Cotton Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004831 Hot glue Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004952 Polyamide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 210000001015 abdomen Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000001124 body fluid Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 239000010839 body fluid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003086 colorant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000428 dust Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000002474 experimental method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009472 formulation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000017 hydrogel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000007641 inkjet printing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007794 irritation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000873 masking effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004005 microsphere Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000049 pigment Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000058 polyacrylate Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920002647 polyamide Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000728 polyester Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000002861 polymer material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920000098 polyolefin Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000003380 propellant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010022 rotary screen printing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007650 screen-printing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920001169 thermoplastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000002562 thickening agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004804 winding Methods 0.000 description 1
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
- A61F13/51—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 outer layers
- A61F13/514—Backsheet, i.e. the impermeable cover or layer furthest from the skin
- A61F13/51474—Backsheet, i.e. the impermeable cover or layer furthest from the skin characterised by its structure
- A61F13/51476—Backsheet, i.e. the impermeable cover or layer furthest from the skin characterised by its structure being three-dimensional, e.g. embossed, textured, pleated, or with three-dimensional features, like gathers or loops
-
- 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
- A61F13/56—Supporting or fastening means
- A61F13/62—Mechanical fastening means, ; Fabric strip fastener elements, e.g. hook and loop
- A61F13/622—Fabric strip fastener elements, e.g. hook and loop
- A61F13/625—Fabric strip fastener elements, e.g. hook and loop characterised by the hook
Abstract
A method of applying structural elements to an absorbent article, the article having a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction, side edges extending in the longitudinal direction and end edges extending in the transverse direction, said absorbent article comprising a topsheet and a backsheet, the backsheet having a body facing surface and a garment facing surface, and the backsheet being of a mechanical fastening material. The method comprises the steps of applying an expandable ink on at least a part of the garment facing surface of the absorbent article, and activating the expandable ink at least partly, whereby three-dimensional structural elements are obtained thereon.
Description
Method of applying structural elements to an absorbent article TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention pertains to a method of applying structural elements to the garment facing surface of an absorbent article and to an absorbent article comprising such structural elements.
BACKGROUND ART
Absorbent articles such as panty liners, sanitary napkins and incontinence pads are typically held in place by adhesives, e.g. in the form of a double sided tape or a hot melt adhesive applied on the garment facing surface of the backsheet of the article. The adhesive holds the absorbent article in place by adhering it to the crotch part of the user's underwear. Mechanical fasteners such as hook fasteners may be used instead of adhesives as disclosed in US 5,778,457. The use of mechanical fasteners has the advantage that no release paper is needed as is the case with the adhesives. The use of hook fasteners on absorbent articles have however been limited due to the hook carrier material being stiff causing discomfort for the wearer and irritation of the skin.
US 20030009144 A1 discloses a mechanical fastener having a cloth-like carrier material. US 20070098953 A1 discloses a mechanical fastener in the form of a foam having a plurality of free-standing struts. Prior art solutions may alleviate the roughness problem of mechanical fasteners to some degree. However, there is still a need for a cost-effective and simple solution making it possible to use even rough and less expensive mechanical fasteners on absorbent articles.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method of applying structural elements to an absorbent article according to claim 1. The article have a body facing surface and a garment facing surface, a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction, side edges extending in the longitudinal direction and end edges extending in the transverse direction, said absorbent article comprising a topsheet and a backsheet, the backsheet having a body facing surface and a garment facing surface, and the
backsheet being of a mechanical fastening material. The method comprises applying an expandable ink on at least a part of the garment facing surface of the absorbent article, and activating the expandable ink at least partly, whereby three-dimensional structural elements are obtained thereon.
The invention further concerns an absorbent article, the article having a body facing surface and a garment facing surface, a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction, side edges extending in the longitudinal direction and end edges extending in the transverse direction, comprising a topsheet and a backsheet, the backsheet having a body facing surface and a garment facing surface and the backsheet being of a mechanical fastening material. Structural elements of expandable ink has further been applied to at least a part of the garment facing surface of the absorbent article and have subsequently been activated at least partly to form three-dimensional structural elements thereon.
In addition, the invention concerns the use of an expandable ink to provide expanded three-dimensional structural elements on the garment facing surface of an absorbent article, the article having a body facing surface and a garment facing surface, a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction, side edges extending in the longitudinal direction and end edges extending in the transverse direction, the absorbent article comprising a topsheet and a backsheet, the backsheet having a body facing surface and a garment facing surface and the backsheet being of a mechanical fastening material. The method according to the invention makes it possible to provide soft structural elements on at least a part of the garment facing surface of the absorbent article in a simple, fast and cost-effective way. The application and the activation of the
expandable ink allows forming of very precise lines, patterns and dots making it possible to provide a soft texture where needed, such as on or near rough edges of the mechanical fastening material.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figures 1-18 illustrates mechanical fastener material and expanded ink applied on the garment facing surface of an absorbent article.
Figures 19 and 20 illustrate two different embodiments of the structural elements of figure 7, seen in cross-section taken along the line in the figure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
According to the method of the present invention structural elements are applied on at least a part of the garment facing surface of an absorbent article, the article having a body facing surface and a garment facing surface, a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction, side edges extending in the longitudinal direction and end edges extending in the transverse direction, the absorbent article comprising a top sheet and a back sheet being of a mechanical fastening material, and may, if desired, also comprise an absorbent core arranged between the top sheet and the back sheet. The absorbent article may be a personal hygiene article such as a sanitary napkin, a panty liner, a male or female incontinence article. The expandable ink is activated at least partly so as to be transformed into three-dimensional structural elements protruding from the garment facing surface, as a result of the activation. The absorbent article of the invention will be described in more detail below.
The expandable ink preferably comprises a polymer, a solvent and a blowing agent or expandable microspheres. The ink may be a standard formulation known to the skilled man in the art, comprising a polymer, a solvent, binders, thickeners, pigments and a blowing agent or expandable microspheres comprising a propellant. The ink may be applied by a printing technique, e.g. by screen printing, flexoprint, ink jet printing, rotary screen printing or gravure. Application by flexoprint is an
advantageous printing method, due to its stability, and insensitivity to dust or particles in the ink. It may also be preferable to combine inks of different colours.
The amount of expandable ink applied will depend on the composition of the ink, on the desired pattern and/or on the desired height of the structural elements after activation of the ink. The amount of ink needed may vary also depending on the surface absorbency and the thickness of the material. The skilled person can find out the amounts required to achieve the desired surface by routine experiments. The height of the three dimensional structures of expanded ink may be of the same height or preferably higher than the mechanical fastening material. The three-dimensional structural elements may have a height of 0.1-15 mm, preferably 0.5-5 mm.
After application of the ink on the absorbent article, any solvents will evaporate. An optional drying step may be performed after the application of the ink. As said above, the expandable ink is activated at least partly in order to obtain the desired effect. The activation and the drying may be performed in one single process step. During activation, components of the ink swell up due to the action of blowing agent or microspheres, so that the applied ink is transformed into three-dimensional structural elements, which protrude from the garment facing surface of the absorbent article. The activation may be carried out by exposing the expandable ink to heat, preferably by means of infra-red radiation, hot air, or microwaves. These heating methods allow flexible and versatile heating, which will provide for effective activation of the expandable ink. Alternatively, the ink may be brought into contact with a heated surface, such as a calendering roll The activation temperature depends on the amount of ink applied and of the type of ink used, and is typically 80 till 180°C, preferably 100-180°C.
If the expandable ink is of a type that can be activated by UV radiation, the activation may instead be performed by means of UV radiation, which may be advantageous in particular when heat-sensitive materials are used in the absorbent article.
The steps of printing and activation can be incorporated as inline steps in a process of manufacturing absorbent articles, or the surface may be printed and activated offline. It is also possible to print the surface before or during assembly of the
components of the absorbent article and to activate the expandable ink in a later stage in the process.
The printing may be a continuous print or a synchronized print. There is no need to take the location of the mechanical fastening material into account when printing on the garment facing surface of the absorbent article when printing continuously. The location of the mechanical fastening material may be taken into account when activating the ink.
The method of the invention may be performed in an apparatus where equipment for carrying out the steps of application of expandable ink and activation of the ink is arranged such that absorbent article blanks can be fed through each step in a line production, e.g. by arranging discrete absorbent article blanks on a conveyor belt, passing each step of the method. The ink may be applied in different steps. Thus, different types of ink may be applied and activated in different steps.
The expandable ink may be activated so as to obtain expansion only in selected areas, while leaving other areas unexpanded. Thereby, patterns of printed ink can be formed in which some pattern elements are two-dimensional and some pattern elements are three-dimensional allowing for expansion only where needed. This can be done by masking areas which are not to be activated, or by directing heat or UV radiation only to areas which are to be activated, e.g. by using a directed beam. Hot calendering may also be used for this purpose. By activating the ink in selected areas only, creation of different protruding patterns from the mechanical fastening material on the garment facing surface of absorbent articles can be accomplished, without having to modify the pattern in which the ink is applied.
The expandable ink may be applied in selected areas as desired and where needed, and in any desired pattern. The present method allows very accurate patterns of structural elements, and fine lines, dots, zigzagged patterns, chequered, waves, flower patterns etc to be formed.
The expandable ink may be applied on at least a part of a side edge of the
mechanical fastening material, such as in order to smooth a sharp edge. The expandable ink may also be applied in close proximity to the material and still achieve the same effect. The expandable ink may also be applied along at least one of the longitudinal side edges and/or the transverse side edges of a mechanical fastening material having a square or rectangular circumference or any other shape. Further, the expandable ink may substantially cover the side edge around the whole circumference of the mechanical fastening material. Thus, by applying expandable ink on at least a part of the garment facing surface of an absorbent article means herein, that the expandable ink is applied to the garment facing surface of the backsheet being of a mechanical fastening material.
As indicated above, the final pattern of structural elements on the garment facing surface of the backsheet may be obtained by printing the desired pattern of expandable ink or by activating printed expandable ink in a desired pattern, or a combination thereof. Depending on the location and structure of the structural elements applied in this way, various advantageous functional effects can be obtained. Examples of patterns of expandable ink, giving rise to structural elements with different functions are given herein but should not be limited thereto. These patterns can be used individually, but can of course advantageously be combined to achieve the desired characteristics of the absorbent article.
The term mechanical fastening material as used herein refers to a mechanical fastening material for fastening of the absorbent article inside a supporting pant garment, such as a pair of underpants, and may be a hook material, a material having friction elements thereon such as lamellar and scale structures, or other similar materials and combinations thereof. The mechanical fastening material has a first and second surface, wherein hooks, lamellae and scales etc protrude from the second surface.
The mechanical fastening material covers substantially the whole garment facing surface of the absorbent article. The mechanical fastening material has properties normally assigned to a backsheet material as stated herein.
The mechanical fastening material may be of thermoplastic polymers, preferably selected from polyesters, polyamides, and polyolefins such as polyethylenes and polypropylenes or a mixture of any of these.
A hook material comprises a hook carrier layer having a first and second surface and a plurality of hooks protruding from and secured to the second surface of the carrier layer. The hooks may be of any shape such as mushroom shape, T-shape, l-shape or L-shape. The hooks may be adapted to interact with synthetic and/or cotton textile materials. Expandable ink may be applied on at least a part of the carrier layer or on at least a part of both carrier layer and the hooks protruding therefrom.
An absorbent product will generally be described below. An absorbent product according to the invention comprises a topsheet, facing the wearer during use, and a backsheet, facing the garment during use, and may further comprise a core
therebetween. The topsheet and the backsheet of the absorbent article is connected to each other in an edge joint which in case a core is present will be formed around the periphery of the absorbent core. The edge joint may be formed in any suitable manner as known in the art such as by means of adhesive, ultrasonic bonding, thermobonding, stitching, etc. Alternative covering arrangements such as wrapped- around covers are also conceivable within the scope of the invention.
The topsheet may consist of any material which is suitable for the purpose, i.e. be soft and liquid pervious. Examples of commonly found topsheet materials are nonwoven materials, perforated plastic films, plastic or textile mesh, and fluid permeable foam layers. Laminates consisting of two or more topsheet materials are also commonly employed, as are top sheets consisting of different materials within different parts of the fluid permeable wearer-facing surface.
The backsheet is fluid impermeable. The backsheet is commonly constituted by a relatively thin, flexible, fluid-impermeable plastic film, but fluid-impermeable
nonwoven materials, fluid impermeable foams and fluid impermeable laminates are also contemplated within the scope of the invention. The backsheet may preferably be breathable, implying that air and vapor may pass through the backsheet.
An absorbent core may be made up of any suitable absorbent or fluid uptake material as known in the art, such as one or more layers of cellulose fluff pulp, foam, fibre waddings, etc. The absorbent core may contain fibers or particles of highly absorbent polymer material, commonly known as superabsorbents, which are materials having the ability to absorb and retain large quantities of fluid upon formation of a hydrogel. The superabsorbents may be mixed with cellulose fluff pulp and/or may be arranged in pockets or layers in the absorbent core. The fibres may be pulp fibres and the superabsorbent material may be polyacrylate-based particles. An absorbent structure may comprise 0-60% superabsorbents and 40-100% pulp fibres.
The absorbent article may further incorporate components for improving the properties of the absorbent core. Some examples of such components are binder
fibers, fluid-dispersing materials, wetness indicators, fluid acquisition materials, etc., as known in the art.
The absorbent article typically, in case of a pad or a sanitary napkin, has an elongate, generally rectangular shape when fully extended in all directions. In this context, a generally rectangular shape is intended to encompass also that, for instance, the corners of the absorbent article may be rounded, or that the edges of the absorbent article may not be completely linear. Accordingly, any suitable shape may be used for the absorbent article, such as hourglass shape, trapezoidal shape, triangular shape an oval shape, etc., The shape of the article of the invention may be symmetrical about a transverse center line through the article, or may be
asymmetrical with end portions having differing shapes and/or differing sizes.
The absorbent article may have two longitudinal side edges having equal length and extending generally in the same direction as a longitudinal center line through the absorbent article. Front and rear end edges typically extend transversely to the longitudinal center line at the ends of the absorbent article. The rear end edge is intended to be orientated rearwards during use of the absorbent article, and the front end edge is intended to be facing forwards towards the abdomen of the wearer.
The absorbent article may have a front end portion, a rear end portion and a crotch portion located intermediate the end portions, the crotch portion being a portion, which is intended to be placed against the crotch of a wearer during use of the article and to constitute the main acquisition area for body fluid that reaches the absorbent article.
An absorbent article having an absorbent core may have a core being homogeneous in structure or may have a layered structure such as absorbent laminates of the same or different materials. The absorbent layers may have uniform thickness or may vary in thickness in different parts of the layers. Similarly, the basis weight and composition may vary within the absorbent layers. By way of example, an absorbent layer may comprise a mixture of absorbent and/or non-absorbent fibres and superabsorbent material, wherein the ratio of superabsorbent material to fibres may vary in the layer.
An absorbent layer may have any suitable shape, such as an hourglass shape with widened end portions and a narrow portion in the crotch portion, or a rectangular shape.
The invention will now be described by means of example referring to Figures 1 -20. The absorbent article 2 comprises a body facing surface 10 and a garment facing surface 1 , a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction, side edges 3
extending in the longitudinal direction and end edges 14 extending in the transverse direction. Figures 1 and 14 disclose a backsheet of a mechanical fastening material 3 covering substantially the whole garment facing surface 1 of the absorbent product 2. Expandable ink 4 has been applied around substantially the whole circumference of the mechanical fastening material 3. In figures 2-9, being outside the scope of the present invention, expandable ink 4 has been applied substantially around the whole circumference of the mechanical fastening material 3 not covering substantially the whole garment facing surface 1 of the absorbent article 2.
Figures 10-18, valid also for the present invention wherein the backsheet is of a mechanical fastening material, exemplifies different ways of applying and expanding the expandable ink 4. Figure 10 discloses small squares of expandable ink 4 applied on or near a mechanical fastening material 3. Figure 1 1 discloses winding ornaments of expandable ink 4 applied on or near the mechanical fastening material 3. Figures 12 and 15 disclose flower ornaments of expandable ink 4 applied on or near the mechanical fastening material 3. Figure 13 discloses checked patterns of expandable ink 4 applied on or near the mechanical fastening material 3. Figures 14 and 16 disclose lace like patterns of expandable ink 4 applied around the circumference of mechanical fastening material 3. Figure 17 discloses larger areas of expandable ink 4 applied on or near the mechanical fastening material 3 and wherein the expandable ink 4 has been expanded only in selected areas. Figure 18 discloses circular patterns of expandable 4 ink and the ink 4 being expanded in selected areas only.
Figure 19 and 20, respectively, discloses a cross-section taken along the line of figure 7 and is outside the scope of the present invention. Figures 19 and 20, however, exemplifies different locations for the expandable ink 4 on the garment
facing surface 1 of the absorbent article 2 and is in this regard also valid for the present invention wherein expandable ink 4, in case of a backsheet 6 of a hook material, may be applied on both carrier material 8 and hooks 9. Figure 19 discloses an absorbent article 2 comprising a body facing surface 10 and a garment facing surface 1 , a topsheet 11 and a backsheet 6, the backsheet 6 having a body facing surface 12 and a garment facing surface 5, and a mechanical fastening material 3 secured to the garment facing surface 5 of the backsheet 6. Expandable ink 4 is applied on the garment facing surface 1 of the absorbent article 2. Figure 20 discloses expandable ink 4 applied on the garment facing surface 1 of the absorbent article 2, such as on the garment facing surface 5 of the backsheet 6 and on the mechanical fastening material 3. The mechanical fastening material 3 is here exemplified with a hook material 7 and the expandable ink is applied on both carrier material 8 and hooks 9.
Claims
1. A method of applying structural elements to an absorbent article (2), the article (2) having a body facing surface (10) and a garment facing surface (1), a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction, side edges (13) extending in the longitudinal direction and end edges (14) extending in the transverse direction, said absorbent article (2) comprising a topsheet (11) and a backsheet (6), the backsheet (6) having a body facing surface (12) and a garment facing surface (5), characterized in that the backsheet material is of a mechanical fastening material (3) and the method comprises:
-applying an expandable ink (4) on at least a part of the garment facing surface (1) of the absorbent article (2), and
-activating the expandable ink (4) at least partly, whereby three-dimensional structural elements are obtained thereon.
2. Method according to claim 1 , wherein the ink is applied by a printing technique.
3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the expandable ink is applied as a continuous print.
4. Method according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the mechanical fastening material has side edges and wherein expandable ink is applied along at least one of the longitudinal side edges and/or the transverse side edges of the material.
5. Method according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the expandable ink is substantially covering the side edge around the circumference of the mechanical fastening material.
6. Method according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the expandable ink is applied as a synchronized print.
7. Method according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the mechanical fastening material is selected from hook material, a material having friction elements thereon or a combination thereof.
8. Method according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the mechanical fastening material is a hook material comprising a hook carrier layer and a plurality of hooks secured to the carrier layer and wherein the expandable ink is applied on at least a part of the carrier layer.
9. Method according to any of claims 1-8, wherein the expandable ink is activated by means selected from infra-red radiation, UV radiation, hot air, microwaves, or by a hot calendering.
10. The method of any one of the previous claims, wherein the expandable ink comprises a polymer, a solvent and a blowing agent or expandable microspheres.
1 . The method of any one of the previous claims, wherein the absorbent article is selected from: a sanitary napkin; a panty liner; a male or female incontinence article.
12. An absorbent article (2), the article (2) having a body facing surface (10) and a garment facing surface (1), a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction, side edges (13) extending in the longitudinal direction and end edges (14) extending in the transverse direction, comprising a topsheet (11) and a backsheet (6), the backsheet (6) having a body facing surface (12) and a garment facing surface (5), characterised in that the backsheet (6) material is of a mechanical fastening material and that structural elements of expandable ink (4) has been applied to the at least a part of the garment facing surface (1) of the absorbent article (2) and has been subsequently activated at least partly to form three-dimensional structural elements thereon.
13. The absorbent article of claim 12, wherein the three-dimensional structural elements have a height of 0.1-15 mm, preferably 0.5-5 mm.
14. Use of an expandable ink (4) to provide expanded three-dimensional structural elements on the garment facing surface (1) of an absorbent article (2), the absorbent article (2) having a body facing surface (10) and a garment facing surface (1), a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction, side edges (13) extending in the
longitudinal direction and end edges (14) extending in the transverse direction, comprising a topsheet (11) and a backsheet (6), the backsheet (6) having a body facing surface (12) and a garment facing surface (5), the backsheet (6) being of a mechanical fastening material.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2011/006597 WO2013097878A1 (en) | 2011-12-29 | 2011-12-29 | Method of applying structural elements to an absorbent article |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2011/006597 WO2013097878A1 (en) | 2011-12-29 | 2011-12-29 | Method of applying structural elements to an absorbent article |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| WO2013097878A1 true WO2013097878A1 (en) | 2013-07-04 |
Family
ID=45464498
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2011/006597 WO2013097878A1 (en) | 2011-12-29 | 2011-12-29 | Method of applying structural elements to an absorbent article |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| WO (1) | WO2013097878A1 (en) |
Cited By (12)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US8996729B2 (en) | 2012-04-12 | 2015-03-31 | Nokia Corporation | Method and apparatus for synchronizing tasks performed by multiple devices |
| US9339425B2 (en) | 2013-11-04 | 2016-05-17 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Absorbent article having a fastening system adapted to enhance gasketing |
| US9468569B2 (en) | 2013-11-04 | 2016-10-18 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Absorbent article having a fastening system and waist elastic with low load loss properties |
| US9479568B2 (en) | 2011-12-28 | 2016-10-25 | Nokia Technologies Oy | Application switcher |
| US9480611B2 (en) | 2013-07-29 | 2016-11-01 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Absorbent article having a fastening system |
| US9597237B2 (en) | 2013-12-31 | 2017-03-21 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc | Absorbent article having a fastening system |
| US9615980B2 (en) | 2013-07-29 | 2017-04-11 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Absorbent article having a fastening system |
| US9849043B2 (en) | 2014-10-31 | 2017-12-26 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Absorbent article having a protected fastening system |
| US9980859B2 (en) | 2014-01-31 | 2018-05-29 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Absorbent article having a fastening system with improved flexibility |
| US9983771B2 (en) | 2011-12-28 | 2018-05-29 | Nokia Technologies Oy | Provision of an open instance of an application |
| CN111182873A (en) * | 2017-10-04 | 2020-05-19 | 株式会社光洋 | Absorption pad |
| US11426312B2 (en) | 2013-07-29 | 2022-08-30 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Absorbent article having a fastening system with a visual cue |
Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5778457A (en) | 1995-12-20 | 1998-07-14 | Intellitecs International Ltd. | Hygienic panty and quick-attach pad |
| US20030009144A1 (en) | 2001-07-05 | 2003-01-09 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Cloth-like mechanical fastener |
| US20070098953A1 (en) | 2005-10-27 | 2007-05-03 | Stabelfeldt Sara J | Fastening systems utilizing combinations of mechanical fasteners and foams |
| US20080091162A1 (en) * | 2006-10-16 | 2008-04-17 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Three-dimensional printed article |
-
2011
- 2011-12-29 WO PCT/EP2011/006597 patent/WO2013097878A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5778457A (en) | 1995-12-20 | 1998-07-14 | Intellitecs International Ltd. | Hygienic panty and quick-attach pad |
| US20030009144A1 (en) | 2001-07-05 | 2003-01-09 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Cloth-like mechanical fastener |
| US20070098953A1 (en) | 2005-10-27 | 2007-05-03 | Stabelfeldt Sara J | Fastening systems utilizing combinations of mechanical fasteners and foams |
| US20080091162A1 (en) * | 2006-10-16 | 2008-04-17 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Three-dimensional printed article |
Cited By (14)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US9983771B2 (en) | 2011-12-28 | 2018-05-29 | Nokia Technologies Oy | Provision of an open instance of an application |
| US10171720B2 (en) | 2011-12-28 | 2019-01-01 | Nokia Technologies Oy | Camera control application |
| US9479568B2 (en) | 2011-12-28 | 2016-10-25 | Nokia Technologies Oy | Application switcher |
| US8996729B2 (en) | 2012-04-12 | 2015-03-31 | Nokia Corporation | Method and apparatus for synchronizing tasks performed by multiple devices |
| US9615980B2 (en) | 2013-07-29 | 2017-04-11 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Absorbent article having a fastening system |
| US9480611B2 (en) | 2013-07-29 | 2016-11-01 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Absorbent article having a fastening system |
| US11426312B2 (en) | 2013-07-29 | 2022-08-30 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Absorbent article having a fastening system with a visual cue |
| US9339425B2 (en) | 2013-11-04 | 2016-05-17 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Absorbent article having a fastening system adapted to enhance gasketing |
| US9468569B2 (en) | 2013-11-04 | 2016-10-18 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Absorbent article having a fastening system and waist elastic with low load loss properties |
| US9597237B2 (en) | 2013-12-31 | 2017-03-21 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc | Absorbent article having a fastening system |
| US9980859B2 (en) | 2014-01-31 | 2018-05-29 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Absorbent article having a fastening system with improved flexibility |
| US9849043B2 (en) | 2014-10-31 | 2017-12-26 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Absorbent article having a protected fastening system |
| CN111182873A (en) * | 2017-10-04 | 2020-05-19 | 株式会社光洋 | Absorption pad |
| EP3692964A4 (en) * | 2017-10-04 | 2021-07-07 | Koyo Corporation | Absorbent pad |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| WO2013097878A1 (en) | Method of applying structural elements to an absorbent article | |
| RU2710631C1 (en) | Stretching structure of absorbent product and method for manufacture thereof | |
| RU2707448C1 (en) | Stretching structure of absorbent product and method for manufacture thereof | |
| JP6121427B2 (en) | Method for applying structural elements to absorbent articles | |
| RU2635070C2 (en) | Absorbing products with channels and signs | |
| RU2549062C2 (en) | Absorbing boxer shorts with expanded crotch panel and their manufacture method | |
| KR101057861B1 (en) | An absorbent article comprising an elastic waistband having a preferred ratio of elastic to inelastic material | |
| RU2478361C2 (en) | Absorbing product with elastic side panels containing indication means | |
| CN106999323B (en) | Absorbent article with thinner backsheet | |
| JP2006511303A (en) | Absorbent article with front and rear ears formed | |
| KR20050002639A (en) | Enhanced embossing and related methods | |
| RU2723820C2 (en) | Stretching structure of absorbent product and method of its manufacturing | |
| MXPA00006977A (en) | Nonwoven material comprising an adhesive and apertures. | |
| JP2019536549A (en) | An array of absorbent products containing three or more different sizes | |
| EP0845968B1 (en) | Adhesive fastening device | |
| AU2010365436B2 (en) | Fastening means for an absorbent product | |
| US9987174B2 (en) | Absorbent article comprising more than one stacked absorbent pad | |
| WO2013097879A1 (en) | Method of applying structural elements to an absorbent article | |
| EP2334273B1 (en) | Diapers having a zoned non-attachable back sheet and methods of manufacturing same | |
| RU2601220C2 (en) | Method of separating discrete portion from web | |
| CN105658188A (en) | Absorbent article having fully encircling bodyside and garment-side waistband | |
| WO2019038451A1 (en) | Integrated absorbent system for disposable articles | |
| RU2395265C1 (en) | Absorbing piece of clothing with belt | |
| JP7032559B2 (en) | Flexographic printing device and printing method | |
| RU2571046C2 (en) | Method of selective elastification of displaced canvas and article containing elasticised canvas |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 121 | Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application |
Ref document number: 11805790 Country of ref document: EP Kind code of ref document: A1 |
|
| DPE1 | Request for preliminary examination filed after expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed from 20040101) | ||
| NENP | Non-entry into the national phase |
Ref country code: DE |
|
| 122 | Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase |
Ref document number: 11805790 Country of ref document: EP Kind code of ref document: A1 |