MXPA99010455A - Stabilized absorbent material and systems for personal care products having controlled placement of visco-elastic fluids - Google Patents

Abstract

There is provided a distribution material for personal care products which is a fabric which wicks artificial menses according to a horizontal wicking test a distance of about 1 inch in less than about 1.5 minutes. Materials meeting this performance criteria generally have a pore size distribution with a high percentage (usually more than 50 percent) of pore diameters between about 80 and 400 microns and a density below about 0. 15 g/cc. There is also provided a personal care product system having a distribution/retention layer and a padshaping layer wherein each layer has a stain length ratio of 0.5 or less and the distribution/retention layer has a saturation profile of 4 or less.

Description

SYSTEMS AND STABILIZED ABSORBENT MATERIAL FOR PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS THAT HAVE PLACEMENT CONTROLLED OF VISCO-ELASTIC FLUIDS This request claims the priority of the provisional applications of the United States of America numbers 60 / 046,701 and 60 / 046,480 filed on May 4, 1997 and 60 / 079,657 filed on March 27, 1998.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a structure of material and absorbent structures or systems which are useful in personal care products such as disposable sanitary napkins, diapers, or incontinence guards. More particularly, the invention relates to absorbent systems that must handle viscous and complex body liquids such as menstrual fluid.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Absorbent articles such as feminine pads or sanitary napkins, diapers and incontinent garments are intended to take and retain body fluids. Current products have deficiencies in these functions that result in runoff levels superior to the desired ones that produce stains on clothes. In addition, current products are not perceived as fully delivering other attributes to the consumer such as dryness, notch, comfort and confidence. Many of these attributes are effected by the fluid handling operation of the product. In spite of the continuous improvements in this field, for example, the introduction of "wings" by which part of a sanitary towel wraps around the user's underwear to protect it from runoff, there is still a need for hygiene products of the woman with reduced drainage and improved comfort.

Most commercially available pads have relatively high runoff rates. These pads can fail for as much as 30 percent of the time, and failure rates of around 20 percent are quite common. Such failures are believed to be due to the highly viscous nature of menstrual fluids and to the great variability in delivery volume which results in overload of the pad on the target side and subsequent runoff. The insufficient distribution of menstrual fluids is thought to be one of the key causes of the overload of the target area.

In the field of handling urine in personal care products such as diapers, Distribution is often provided by materials that have small pores with a narrow pore size distribution. These materials must move the high volume low viscosity urine discharges out of the target area in a sufficient time for the target area to be able to accept the next discharge. The movement of the urine can be to relatively remote parts of the diaper exceeding the substantial hydrostatic pressure. In contrast, women's hygiene products experience a lower total discharge volume but the fluid is of a higher viscosity, making it more difficult to move the fluid. Distribution materials should be very different for women's hygiene products than for products that are primarily concerned with urine management.

Several examples of improved urine handling can be found in commonly assigned U.S. Patent Applications Nos. 08 / 754,414 and 08 / 755,136 which show applications of advanced absorbent materials and system designs. Although the physics of fluid management is somewhat similar to menstrual fluids and urine, the complex nature of menstrual fluids as well as the variability of menstrual fluids and the conditions of product use require significantly different designs for the materials absorbents and systems that those required for urine handling ^ Previous attempts to provide products for the hygiene of women of lower runoff include United States of America patents numbers 5,549,589, 5,466,232 and 5,200,248, which discuss the distribution structures for menstrual fluids. None of these references provides the unique combination of the attributes of the present invention.

It is an object of this invention to provide women's hygiene products that have superior dispensing performance to allow the movement of menstrual fluids from the target area and provide comfort, dryness, and drainage lower than the pads traditional It is an object of this invention to provide an improved hygiene product for women which reduces runoff and improves comfort through the use of materials which are designed to accommodate the characteristics of menstrual fluids and then direct fluid from the menstrual fluids to the absorbent system, isolating them substantially in a localized region of the absorbent system. It is a further object of the invention to provide a product for the hygiene of women which has pores which are available and are capable of containing adequate amounts of liquid without interfering with the take and distribution.

SYNTHESIS OF THE INVENTION The object of the invention is achieved by a distribution material composed of highly wettable and stabilized fibers arranged to provide the capillary pore sizes and a degree of wettability ideally suited for transmitting visco-elastic fluids. When exposed to a visco-elastic fluid and simulators, these materials demonstrate an improved fluid distribution performance in terms of the distance transmitted, the rate of transmission, as well as the amount of fluid moved.

The dispensing material for the personal care products of this invention is a fabric which transmits the artificial menstrual fluids according to a horizontal transmission test at a distance of about 1 inch in less than about 1.5 minutes. The materials that fulfill this operating criterion generally have a pore size distribution with a high percentage (usually more than about 50 percent) of pore diameters of between about 80 and 400 microns and a density below about 0.15. g / cc.

A product system is also provided for personal care that has a retaining / distribution layer. and a pad shaping layer wherein each layer has a spot length ratio of 0.5 or less and the distribution / retention layer has a saturation profile of 4 or less.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a graph of the pore size distribution of the material of 0.05 g / cc of Example 1, repetition 1.

Figure 2 is a graph of the pore size distribution of the material of 0.05 g / cc of Example 1, Repetition 2.

Figure 3 is a graph of the pore size distribution of the material of 0.1 g / cc of Example 1, repetition 1.

Figure 4 is a graph of the pore size distribution of the 0.1 g / cc material of Example 1, repeat 2.

Figure 5 is a graph of the pore size distribution of the 0.028 g / cc unoriented material of the eg 2.

Figure 6 is a graph of the pore size distribution of the material of 0.068 g / cc of Example 2.

Figure 7 is a graph of the pore size distribution of the material of 0.028 g / cc oriented from Example 2.

Figure 8 shows a design in multiple layers, Figure 9 shows an example of a cover material.

Figure 10 shows a take-off layer.

Figure 11 shows a distribution / retention layer.

Figure 12 shows a pad or bottom forming layer.

Ficfura 13 shows a two-layer design for a product for women's hygiene.

Figure 14 illustrates a design type of four layers Figure 15 is a bar graph for two systems having an upper layer, a second layer which is the distribution / retention layer and a third which is the layer forming layer. The bar chart shows the liquid load in grams.

Figure 16 shows a design for the product for women's hygiene that includes a sinusoidal wave pattern.

Figure 17 shows an engraving pattern for a personal care product which is a shell pattern.

DEFINITIONS "Disposable" includes being discarded after use and not intended to be washed and reused.

"Frontal" and "posterior" are used throughout this description to designate the relative relationships for the garment itself rather than suggesting any position that the garment assumes when it is placed on a wearer.

"Hydrophilic" describes the fibers surfaces of the fibers which are moistened by the aqueous liquids in contact with the fibers. The degree of wetting of the materials can, in turn, be described in terms of the contact angles and the surface tensions of the liquids and materials involved. Equipment and techniques suitable for measuring the wettability of particular fiber materials can be provided by the Cahn SFA-222 surface force analyzer system, or an essentially equivalent system. When measured with this system, fibers having contact angles of less than 90 degrees are designated wet or hydrophilic, while fibers having contact angles equal to or greater than 90 degrees are designated "non-wetting" or hydrophobic.

"Interior" and "exterior" refers to the positions relative to the center of an absorbent garment, and particularly transversely and / or longitudinally closer or away from the longitudinal and transverse center of the absorbent garment.

"Layer" when used in the singular may have the dual meaning of a single element or a plurality of elements.

"Liquid" means a substance and / or material that flows and can assume the interior form of a container within from which it is poured or placed.

"Liquid communication" means that the liquid is capable of moving from one layer to another layer, or from one place to another within a layer.

"Longitudinal" and "transversal" have their usual meaning. The longitudinal axis lies in the plane of the article when it is placed flat and fully extended and is generally parallel to a vertical plane that divides a user standing in the left and right body halves when the item is used. The transverse axis lies in the plane of the article generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The article as illustrated is longer in the longitudinal direction than in the transverse direction.

"Particles" refers to any geometric shape such as, but not limited to spherical grains, cylindrical fibers or threads, flat surfaces or rough surfaces, sheets, tapes, ropes, threads or the like.

"Spraying" and variations thereof include forcibly ejecting liquid, either as a stream or, as swirling filaments, or as atomized particles through a hole, from a nozzle, or the like by means of a applied air pressure or other gas by gravity or by means of centrifugal force. Spraying can be continuous or non-continuous.

As used herein, the term "non-woven fabric or fabric" means a fabric having a structure of individual fibers or threads which are interleaved, but not in an identifiable manner as in a woven fabric. Non-woven fabrics or fabrics have been formed by many processes such as, for example, meltblowing processes, spinning bonding processes, and carded and bonded tissue processes. The basis weight of non-woven fabrics is usually expressed in ounces of material per square yard (osy) or grams per square meter (gsm) and useful fiber diameters are usually expressed in microns. (Note that to convert from ounces per square yard to grams per square meter, multiply ounces per square yard by 33.91).

As used herein the term "spunbonded fibers" refers to fibers of small diameter which are formed by extruding molten thermoplastic material as filaments of a plurality of usually circular and thin capillary vessels, of a spinner organ having the diameter of the extruded filaments then being rapidly reduced as indicated, for example, in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,340,563 issued to Appel et al. 3. 692,618 granted to Dorschner and others, 3,802,817 granted to Matsuki and others, 3,338,992 and 3,341,394 granted to Kinney, 3,502,763 granted to Hartman, and 3,542,615 granted to Dobo. Yarn-bound fibers are not generally sticky when they are deposited on a collecting surface. Spunbonded fibers are generally continuous and have average diameters (from a sample of at least 10) larger than 7 microns, more particularly between about 10 and 20 microns. The fibers may also have forms such as those described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,277,976 to Hogle et al., 5,446,410 issued to Hills and 5,069,970 and 5,057,368 to Largman et al. which describe fibers with non-conventional shapes.

As used herein, the term "meltblown fibers" means fibers formed by extruding a melted thermoplastic material through a plurality of thin, usually circular, capillaries, such as melted threads or filaments into gas streams (e.g. air) usually hot and at high speed which attenuate the filaments of the melted thermoplastic material to reduce its diameter, which can be to a microfiber diameter. Then, the blown fibers are carried by the gas stream at high speed and are deposited on a collecting surface to form a fabric of meltblown fibers and discarded at random. Such a process is described, for example, in the patent of the United States of America number 3,849,241 granted to Butin et al. Meltblown fibers are microfibers which may be continuous or discontinuous, are generally smaller than 10 microns in average diameter, and are generally sticky when deposited on one. collecting surface.

As used herein the term "coform" means a process in which at least one meltblown matrix head is arranged near a conduit through which other materials are added to the fabric while it is being formed. Such other materials can be pulp, superabsorbent particles, natural polymer fibers (for example rayon or cotton fibers) and / or synthetic polymers (for example polypropylene or polyester), for example where the fibers can be basic length The coform processes are known from commonly assigned US Pat. Nos. 4,818,464 to Lau and 4,100,324 to Anderson et al. The tissues produced by the coform process are generally referred to as shaped materials.

As used herein the term "polymer" generally includes but is not limited to homopolymers, copolymers, such as, for example, block, graft, random and alternating copolymers, terpolymers, etc. and the mixtures and modifications thereof. In addition, unless specifically limited otherwise, the term "polymer" will include all possible geometric configurations of the molecule. These configurations include, but are not limited to, isotactic, syndiotactic and random symmetries.

As used herein the term "machine direction" or MD means the length of a fabric in the direction in which it is produced. The term "transverse direction to the machine" or CD means the width of the fabric, for example an address generally perpendicular to the direction of the machine.

As used herein the term "monocomponent fiber" refers to a fiber formed from one or more extruders using only one polymer. This does not mean to exclude the fibers formed from a polymer to which small amounts of additives have been added for coloring, antistatic properties, lubrication, hydrophilicity, etc. These additives, for example titanium dioxide for coloration, are generally present in an amount of less than 5 percent by weight and more typically of about 2 percent by weight.

As used herein the term "conjugated fibers" refers to fibers which have been formed from at least two extruded polymers from separate extruders but spun together to form a fiber. Conjugated fibers are also sometimes referred to as multicomponent or bicomponent fibers. The polymers are usually different from each other even though the conjugated fibers can be monocomponent fibers. The polymers are arranged in different zones placed essentially constant across the cross section of the conjugated fibers and extend continuously along the length of the conjugated fibers. The configuration of such a conjugate fiber can be, for example, a pod / core arrangement where one polymer is surrounded by another or can be a side-by-side arrangement, a cake arrangement or an arrangement of "islands in the sea". . Conjugated fibers are taught in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,108,820 issued to Kaneko et al., 4,795,668 issued to Krueger et al., 5,540,992 issued to Narcher et al. And 5,336,552 issued to Strack et al. . Conjugated fibers are also taught in U.S. Patent No. 5,382,400 issued to Pike et al. And can be used to produce curl in fibers by using the different rates of expansion and contraction of the two polymers ( or more) . The crimped fibers can also be produced by mechanical means and by the process of the German patent DT 25 13 251 Al. For two component fibers, the polymers can be present in proportions of 75/25, 50/50, 25/75 or any other desired proportions. The fibers may also have shapes such as those described in the patents of the United States of America number 5,277,976 granted to Hogle et al., in United States of America patent number 5,466,410 granted to Hills and 5,069,970 and 5,057,368 granted to Largman et al., which describe fibers with unconventional shapes.

As used herein "biconstituent fibers" refers to fibers which have been formed from at least two polymers extruded from the same extruder as a mixture. The term "mixture" is defined below. The biconstituent fibers do not have the various polymer components arranged in different zones placed relatively constant across the cross-sectional area of the fiber and the various polymers are usually non-continuous along the entire length of the fiber, instead of this they usually form fibrils or protofibrils which start and end at random. Biconstituent fibers are sometimes also referred to as multi-constituent fibers. Fibers of this general type are discussed in, for example, U.S. Patent Nos. 5,108,827 and 5,294,482 issued to Gessner. Biconstituent bicomponent fibers are also discussed in the text Polymer Compounds and Compounds by John A. Manson and Leslie H. Sperling, copyright 1976 by Plenum Press, a division of the Plenum Publishing Corporation of New York, IBSN 0-306- 30831-2, pages 273 to 277.

As used herein the term "mixture" means a combination of two or more polymers while the term "alloy" means a subclass of mixtures wherein the components are immiscible but have been compatibilized. The "miscibility" and the "immiscibility" are defined as mixtures that have negative and positive values, respectively, for the free energy of mixing. In addition, "compatibilization" is defined as the process of modifying the interfacial properties of an immiscible polymer mixture in order to make an alloy.

The "carded and bonded fabric" refers to fabrics that are made of basic fibers which are sent through a combing or carding unit, which breaks apart and aligns the basic fibers in the machine direction to form a fibrous non-woven fabric generally oriented in the machine direction. Such fibers are usually purchased in bales, which are placed in a shredder which separates the fibers before the carding unit. Once the tissue is formed, it is then joined by one or more of the known joining methods. One such binding method is the binding with powder, wherein a powder adhesive is distributed through the fabric and then activated, usually by heating the fabric and the adhesive with hot air. Another suitable joining method is pattern bonding where heated calendered rolls or bonding equipment Ultrasonics are used to join the fibers together, usually in a localized bonding pattern, even when the tissue can be bonded across its entire surface if desired. Another well known joining method, particularly when using bicomponent basic fibers, is the bonding via air.

"Air-laying" is a well-known process by which a fibrous non-woven layer can be formed. In the air-laid process, bunches of basic fibers having typical lengths ranging from about 6 to about 19 millimeters (mm) are separated and carried in an air supply and then deposited on a forming grid, usually with the help of a vacuum supply. The fibers deposited to the orange blossom are then joined to each other using for example hot air or a sprayed adhesive.

The "personal care product" means diapers, underpants, absorbent undergarments, adult incontinence products, bandages and products for women's hygiene.

TEST METHODS Material Caliber (thickness). The caliber of a material is a measure of thickness and is measured at 0.05 pounds per square inch with a Starret-type volume tester, millimeter units.

Density. The density of the materials is calculated by dividing the weight per unit area of a sample in grams per square meter (gsm) by the volume of the sample in millimeters (mm) to 68.9 pascal and multiplying the result by 0.01 to convert the value to grams per cubic centimeter (g / cc). A total of three samples were evaluated and averaged for the density values. ~ Transmission Time and Horizontal Liquid Flow of an Absorbent Structure. A sample strip of approximately one inch (2.5 cm) by 8 inches (20 cm) was placed horizontally so that when the sample strip is placed in a liquid reservoir at the beginning of the test, the sample strip will touch just the surface of liquid. Relative humidity should be maintained at around 90 to about 98% evaluation. The sample strip is placed near a large (effectively infinite) amount of the liquid and a stopwatch started as soon as the edge of the sample strip touches the surface of the solution.

The horizontal distance of the liquid front moving along the strip demonstrates and the weight of the liquid absorbed by the sample strip at various times is recorded. The weight of the liquid absorbed by the sample strip from the beginning of the evaluation to about one-half inch (1.3 cm) one inch, 2 inches (5 cm) and 3 inches (7.6 cm) It was also determined from those data.

The fluid used in this test was a fluid designed to simulate the viscoelastic and other properties of menstrual fluids and was made according to the procedure given in the following test procedure.

Test Procedure Flat System Purpose: To determine the fluid handling characteristics of various absorbent systems through analysis of stain length, saturation capacity and fluid load of component systems.

Equipment: Hourglass-shaped acrylic plates (with a 0.25-inch hole in the center) weighing approximately 330 grams; syringes; 1/8 in a tube I.D. Tygon; pipette pump; menstrual fluid simulator; laboratory balance (exact to 0.00 g).

Preparation 1. Cut the components to the desired shape (currently 1.5 inches by 5.5 inches for the intake and distribution layer, 1.75 inches by 5.5 inches for the retardation layer). transfer; 200mm long hourglass shape for perimeter layer). 2. Marks the 5.5-inch layers in the 1.1-inch sections and the perimeter layer in sections that correspond to the marks on the strips when they are centered over the perimeter layer.

Weigh each component and record the weight. 4. Assemble the individual components in the desired component system keeping the marked sections aligned, label a end as the top.

. Fill the syringes with the menstrual fluid simulator and attach the Tygon tube to the syringes. 20 6. Place the syringes in a pipette pump. 7. Program pump (currently using 30 cubic centimeter syringes stocking 10 milliliters of simultant in one hour). 8. With the open ends of the tubes placed in a beaker, main tubing by running the pump until all the air is outside the tube and the simulant is coming out of the tube at the insult end. 9. Place the component systems that are going to be tested near the pipette pump, place a piece of two inches by 6 inches (approximately) 25 grams per square meter, dx BC over the top of the center of the system, and place an acrylic plate centered over the top of the system. 10. Insert the free end of a tube into the hole in the acrylic plate. Repeat for the remaining systems that are going to be tested. 11. Start the pipette pump to start the insult. 12. At the end of the insult period, remove the tube and acrylic plates. Carefully remove the BCW (without moving the layers underlying) and discard it. 13. Take photos of the component system and the layers and print. 14. Weigh each layer individually and record the weight.

. Start at the end marked as the top, cut and weigh the first section marked and record the weight. Repeat for the remaining sections and layers. 16. Measure and record the length of the stain for each layer. 17. Put the data in a spreadsheet for graph and analysis.

The menstrual fluid simulators used in this test were made according to the following procedure: The blood in this case, fibrin-pig blood, was separated by centrifugation at 3000 revolutions per minute for 30 minutes, although other methods or speeds and times may be used if they are effective. The plasma was separated and stored separately, the septum was removed and discarded and the packed red blood cells were stored separately as well.

The eggs, in this case jumbo chicken eggs, were separated, the yolk and the chalasa were discarded and the clear was stopped. The egg white was separated into the thick and thin parts by casting the white through a nylon mesh of 1000 micras for about 3 minutes, and the thinnest part was discarded. Note that alternate mesh sizes can be used and that the time or method can be varied, provided the viscosity is at least that required. The thick part of the white which was retained on the mesh was collected and pulled into a 60 cubic centimeter syringe, which was then placed on a programmable syringe pump and homogenized by expelling and refining the contents five times. In this case, the amount of homogenization was controlled by the syringe pump rate of around lOOml / min, and the inner tube diameter of about 0.12 inches. After homogenization, the egg white had a viscosity of at least 20 centipoise to 150 seconds "1 and then it was placed in the centrifuge and spun to remove the waste from the air bubbles at around 3000 revolutions per minute. about 10 minutes, even when any effective method to remove the debris and bubbles can be used.

After centrifugation, the egg white homogenized and thick which contained ovamucin was added to a Fenwalt® transfer package at 300 cubic centimeters using a syringe. After 60 cubic centimeters of plasma 0 were added to the transfer package. The transfer pack was fastened, all the air bubbles were removed and placed in a Stomacher laboratory mixer where it was mixed at a normal (or average) speed for about 10 minutes, the transfer pack was then removed from the mixer, 60 cubic centimeters of red blood pig cells were added, and the contents were mixed by kneading by hand for about 2 minutes or until the contents appeared homogeneous. A hematocrit of the final mixture showed a red blood cell content of about 30% by weight, generally it should be within at least a range of 28-32% by weight for the artificial fluids made according to this example. The amount of egg white was around about 40% by weight.

The ingredients and equipment used in the preparation of these artificial menstrual fluids are readily available. Below is a list of sources for the items used, although of course other sources can be used provided they are approximately equivalent.

Blood (pig): Cocalico Biologicals, Inc., 449 Stevens Rd., Reamstown, PA 17567, (717) 336-1990.

Transfer Pack Container Fenwalt® ^ 300 milliliter with coupler, code 4R2014: Baxter Healthcare Corporation, Fenwal Division, Deerfield, IL 60015.

Programmable Syringe Pump Harvard Apparatus, model No. 55-4143: South Natick, MA 01760.

Laboratory mixer Stomacher 400 number BA 7021, series No. 31968: Seward Medical, London, England, UK. 100 micron mesh, item No. CMN-1000-B: Small Parts, Inc., PO Box 4650, Miami Lakes, FL 33014-0650, 1-800-220-4242.

Hemata Stat-II device for measuring hemocrits, No. 119AZ03127 series: Separation Technology, Inc., 1096 Rainer Drive, Altamont Springs, FL 32714.

Pore Size Distribution. The pore size distribution of a material was measured by using an apparatus based on the porous plate method used by Burgeni and Kapur in the Textile Research Journal, volume 37 (1967) page 356. Using this apparatus, the amount of Fluid desorbed from the sample material at various pressures can be correlated to the radius of the pores within the given material. This process described in Chatterjee's Absorbency, Elsevier Science Publishers, B.V. 1985, pages 36-40.

The modified system used consists of a movable phase interconnected with a programmable stepping motor and an electronic scale controlled by a personal computer. The control program automatically moves the phase to the desired height, collects the data at a specified sampling rate until equilibrium is reached and then moves to the next calculated height. A flexiglass support structure is used to keep the porous plate / material at a vertical level through the complete test. The controllable parameters of the method include sampling rates, criteria for equilibrium, and measured pore size range. The data for these tested materials were connected using mineral oil (0.182 g / cc), 32 dins-centimeters, 0o contact angle, the test fluid. At the beginning of each test, the sample material is placed on the porous plate and then the sample is completely saturated by lowering the porous plate structure. The pore size is then determined by collecting mass data by increasing the pressure (phase height). The balance is established and after 4 intervals of 60 seconds, there was less than 0.05 grams / minute change.

The data are presented as percent pore volume against pore radius in microns, by drawing the pore size on the x axis and the change incremental mass divided by the global change in mass on the y axis.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION This invention is a class of distribution material composed of highly wettable and stabilized fibers to provide capillary pore sizes and an ideally suitable degree of wettability for transmitting fluids and elastomers. Stabilization can be achieved by the use of liquid binders, fibers, binders, thermally or in any other method known to those skilled in the art. When exposed to a viscoelastic fluid or a fluid simulator, these materials demonstrated an improved fluid distribution performance for remote transmission, the transmission rate and the amount of fluid moved. The pore characteristics are stable either dry or wet with minimal inflation or folding, preferably less than about 25 percent, more particularly 20 percent and even more particularly 15 percent when wet with the simulator of visco-elastic fluid. All these properties are critical to the overall functioning of the distribution materials placed in the target area of personal care products such as pads for women.

The gauge (in inches) of materials measured in the dry and wet state, for example after saturation with menstrual simulators, using a compressor at 0.02 pounds per square inch with a foot diameter of two inches are shown below: Pulp / Wet Binder Peao base (qms) Density (q / cc) Percentage Caliber Caliber Collapse 100 0.06 90/10 0.075 0, .069 0.006 0.077 0, .065 0.012 0.078 0. .067 0.011 average 0.077 0.067 0.010 100 0.10 90/10 0.059 0.054 0.005 0.062 0.060 0.002 0.064 0.056 0.008 average 0.062 0.057 0.005 200 0.08 90/10 0.109 0.091 0.018 0.110 0.098 0.012 0.103 0.095 0.008 average 0.107 0.095 0.013 200 0.20 90/10 0.046 0.052 0.006 0.050 0.047 0.003 0.042 0.044 0.002 average 0.046 0.048 0.002 The fluid distribution capabilities require the appropriate capillary pore structure within a specific wettability range for the fluid of interest. The materials of this invention were developed using several technology approaches that demonstrate the characteristics of underlying material necessary for a favorable performance. Examples of such materials follow: AND? Emplo In this example, the distribution material consists of about 80 percent by weight of fluff pulp (Rayonier R-9401 mercerized southern softwood pulp) and about 20 percent by weight of conjugated sheath binder fiber. / polyethylene / polypropylene core (PE / PP) of 2.2 denier with a finish S2 / B2 / 39. This ending is announced as being hydrophilic after repeated insults. The material was produced in three different densities; 0.05 g / cc, 0.1 g / cc and 0.2 g / cc at a base weight of around 100 to 250 grams per square meter. Examples of materials of 0.05 g / cc, 0.1 g / cc and 0.2 g / cc at a basis weight of about 125 grams per square meter are shown for comparison.

The materials were tested according to the horizontal transmission test which was repeated for a total of three tests using samples of 1 inch by 8 inches. Table 1 shows the results where the weight is given in grams of fluid retained, time in seconds and DNR it means that it did not reach.

The fluff pulp was from Rayonier, Inc., of Jessup, Georgia 31545. The binding fibers were from Danaklon a / s, located in Engdraget 22, KD-6800 from Varde, Denmark, and were sheath / polyethylene core fibers / 2.2 denier conjugated polypropylene cut into 5-millimeter lengths.

The distribution material was produced by the process placed in Dan-Web air. Any other satisfactory procedure known to those skilled in the art can be used to: produce the material. Some of the samples were tested for pore volume distribution. The results are shown graphically in figures 1, 2 and 3 which show the pore volume distribution for repetition 1 of 0.5 g / cc, repetition 2 and 0.1 g / cc for repetition 2. The results showed that when the density was lowered and the size increased of pore, the transmission operation is greatly improved.

Repetition 1 Repetition 2 Repetition 3 (Inches) Weight (g) Time (s) Weight (g) Time (s) Weight (g) Time (s) 0. 05 g / cc 0.5 1.26 50 1.15 50 1.13 54 1.0 1.80 161 1.77 170 1.55 170 2.0 1.56 633 1.71 611 1.48 714 3.0 1.02 DNR 0.89 DNR 0.72 DNR 0. 1 G / CC 0.5 0.86 20 0.68 24 0.76 18 1.0 1.14 155 1.07 123 1.03 139 2.0 0.95 800 0.91 868 0.9 810 3.0 0.32 DNR 0.16 DNR 0.23 DNR 0. 2 g / cc 0.5 0.79 56 0.83 43 0.73 56 1.0 1.11 253 1.03 174 0.98 245 2.0 0.62 DNR 0.96 1074 0.76 DNR 0.21 DETR Example In this example, the distribution materials are carded and bonded fabrics consisting of 100 percent by weight of eccentric sheath / core polyethylene and polypropylene conjugate fibers available from Chisso Chemical Company of Jaón. The fibers had a finish known as HR6 applied to these. The table below shows the transmission results for a sample of 0.028 g / cc, a sample of 0.068 g / cc and a sample of 0.028 g / cc in which the fibers were oriented in the carding process. In the Table given below, the distance is given in inches, the weight in grams and the time in minutes and seconds as indicated. The pore volume distribution was tested and the results are shown in the figures 4, 5 and 6 respectively. These data show that when a high percentage of the pore volume has pores that vary from from around 200 to around 400_myrras, better transmission results are achieved.

The distribution material of this invention must transmit the artificial menstrual fluids according to the horizontal transmission test at a distance of one inch (2.5 centimeters) in less than about 1.5 minutes to be successful. Materials that meet this performance criteria generally have a pore size distribution with a high percentage (usually more than 50 percent, more particularly more than 60 percent and even more than more than 70 percent) in diameters. of pore between about 80 and 400 microns and a density below 0.15 g / cc. It is believed that increasing the wettability of the surface of pore results in higher driving forces of transmission which can maintain the movement of the liquid in the smaller pores with higher resistive forces.

The personal care product system of this invention is designed to have a final liquid storage controlled in a centralized region along the length of the path. This functional behavior is highly desirable to avoid side runoff which is a dominant form of runoff for female pads. Storage behavior is achieved by a layered absorbent design that may include three or more layers. The lowermost layer, for example, the layer furthest from a user, has dimensions x-y greater than the other layers that are on top of it. This creates a high topography design that increases the likelihood that menstrual fluids from the user will fall on the narrower strip as shown in Figure 8. Figure 8 shows a multi-layered design that has a more background layer 1 , an intake layer or upper 3 and an intermediate layer 2.

The pores in each layer of material are designed in combination with the geometry of the layers to cause a specific controlled filling strategy in the absorbent system. The average pore size of the second or middle layer is smaller than the average pore size in both upper and lower layers. It is believed, therefore, that the fluid is attracted to and distributed through the middle layer. The average pore size of the lower layer is larger than that of the middle layer, which is believed to inhibit the transfer fluid to the lower layer initially the life of the product. This reduction of fluid in the lower layer is critical to reduce runoff because it is believed that any fluid in this, the widest layer, can begin to be transmitted to the edge and cause side runoff. In addition, each layer is stabilized to help maintain the pore size ratio attempted through its use in addition to having the microscopic integrity required for pad shaping.

In an alternate embodiment, the lower layer may have a graded or densified section such as the longitudinal lines that help keep the fluid down at the center of the lower layer if high saturation levels cause the transfer of the middle layer to the layer inferior, as it may be belatedly in the life of the product.

The upper layer, also called the take layer, is the layer closest to a user and has a low density; varying from about 0.02-0.06 g / cc and a basis weight of from about 5 grams per square meter to about 125 grams per square meter. This results in pore sizes that vary from 80 microns to 1000 microns in diameter which They are very suitable for the intake of viscous menstrual fluid.

The upper or intake layer can be produced with a range of technologies. Non-exclusive examples include 100 percent by weight of synthetic fibers in a bonded and carded fabric or an air-laid mixture of cellulosic and synthetic binding fibers.

The layer below the top layer is designed to distribute and retain the fluid and is thus called the distribution / retention strip or layer. It has a density range from about 0.1 g / cc to about 0.2 g / cc but it must have a density higher than that of the intake layer. This increased density is believed to help to desorb the take-up layer in the distribution / retention layer. The distribution / retention layer must have a basis weight of from about 175 grams per square meter about 300 grams per square meter and has an average pore size of about 40-500 μm in diameter. Suitable materials for this layer include air-laid materials that mix high levels of cellulosic fibers (80-95 percent by weight) with synthetic binder fibers (5-20 percent by weight) which stabilize the tissue that leads to This distribution function must be carried out, provided, however, that the fibers constituting this layer are highly humidifying.

The pad-forming or bottom layer has a lower density than the distribution / retention layer. Its primary function is to facilitate the fit to the body, provides comfort to the user and provides additional coverage. Its density ranges from about 0.03 g / cc to about 0.10 g / cc, so that it does not readily disperse the distribution / retention layer, resulting in the majority of the fluid remaining in the distribution / retention layer. In some designs, the pad-forming layer may be an air-laid fabric with 80-90 weight percent cellulose pulp fluff mixed with 10-20 weight percent synthetic binder fiber. Although its primary purpose is padding, this layer can accept liquid from the distribution / retention strip especially when the distribution / retention strip is highly charged with the liquid. The pad shaping layer may also include etching patterns such as lines, sine waves, acorns, etc.

A further aspect of the invention is a cushion-shaping feature wherein the two uppermost layers (the intake and the retaining / retaining layers) can be cut in slits longitudinally (in the direction of the length), preferably in the center to allow them to bend when the lower layer starts to experience lateral compression. This creates a notch to the narrow body which is also critical for the reduction of runoff.

It should be noted that even though the invention is mentioned as having (layers) this does not mean that separate materials must be produced and laminated together. The term "layer" is intended to also include a single monolithic material wherein the properties vary within it in such a way as to satisfy the physical and functional characteristics of this invention. Therefore a material produced in a single step process and that has, for example, features varying from the top to the bottom regions in a manner such as to satisfy the requirements of this invention, is contemplated as falling within the claims. A discussion of such material can be found in the co-pending patent application, filed the same day as this application under attorney issue number 14002.

The invention can be modified in various ways in order to provide the functional benefits for a wide range of product forms. Figures 9, 10, 11 and 12 illustrate example component arrays that aim for very thin designs for users who prefer that type of product form. Figure 9 shows an example of a cover material which will make contact with the user in where the roof is about 80 millimeters wide at the center, about 90 millimeters wide at the major point, and about 268 millimeters long. Figure 10 shows a take-off layer which is about 37 millimeters wide and 218 millimeters long with a centered groove of about 101 millimeters long. Figure 11 shows a distribution / retention layer of the same dimensions as those of the take-up layer. Figure 12 shows a padding or lower layer in the same general shape as the cover layer but has a width of 60 millimeters in the center and 70 millimeters in the longest points. The lower layer in Figure 12 has five recorded lines of varying lengths, equidistant and centered on the pad. The layers of Figures 10, 11 and 12 are further described in Table 1.

The following examples were produced in order to illustrate the distribution characteristics of the invention.

Example The non-woven layers were produced according to the air placement process of the pulp fluff and the synthetic binder fiber. Alternative sludges include Coosa 054, 100 percent by weight softwood available from Kimberly-Clark Corporation of Weyerhaeuser NB416 or NF405 100 by 100 percent by weight of soft wood, Rayonier 9401 or any other clears with similar properties. The synthetic binder fiber was from Hoechst -Celanese T-255 (H-C T-255) from 1.8 denier to 3 denier. Any other binder that will impart similar binding properties to the compound can be used.

Base weights and densities were as shown in Table 1.

Table Example In this two-layer design, shown in Figure 13, the upper strip 14 is in a range of density that can take, distribute and retain menstrual fluids. The pad-forming layer or lower layer 5 has a lower density, and therefore inhibits the transfer of fluid on itself until the upper strip is highly saturated. He The design retains the thinness desired by several users. The properties of the layers of the example illustrated in Figure 13 are as follows: Example In yet another variation, this invention of the absorbent system may also provide coarse products for users who prefer that form of product. Figure 14 illustrates this type of a four-layer design wherein the take-up layer 6 is above the distribution / retention layer 7 which is above the transfer delay strip 8 and finally the pad-forming layer 9. .

In this example and as shown in Figure 14, the take-up layer 6 provides the take-up function while the next layer 7 is a higher density distribution / retention strip. The strip layer 8 has a density lower than that of the distribution retaining strip 7 and thus provides a delay in the transfer of the fluid to the thicker and thicker pillow forming layer 9 which It also provides comfort and thickness requirements for this range of product forms. Preventing the fluid from entering the wider layer reduces the opportunity for transmission to the edges, which causes runoff. The pad shaping layer 9 may have etching patterns that prevent liquid from being transmitted to the sides once the liquid has penetrated through the transfer delay layer 8 late in the life of the product.

Although these three examples help to illustrate the invention, the invention is not limited to only the examples. This invention includes absorbent articles that maintain a controlled placement of liquid down at the center of the absorbent system in order to prevent side runoff.

The following test data demonstrates this controlled filling pattern for a range of absorbent system examples. In the following discussion, the "top layer" refers to the take-up layer, the "middle layer" refers to the distribution / retention layer and the bottom layer refers to the pad-forming layer. The test procedure involves assembling the components of the absorbent system and insulting them with 10 milliliters at 10 ml / hour with a menstrual fluid simulator as detailed in the test methods section given above.

Two designs were tested for fluid loading. Its results are shown graphically in Figure 15 where system I is on the left and system II on the right. In Figure 15, the first bar for each system is the top layer, the second is the distribution / retention layer and the third is the pad conformation layer. The scale on the left side is the liquid load in grams. The fluid loading systems were made from synthetic fibers and Coosa pulp described in detail above and below shortly. It should also be noted that in any of the following tables which refer to an "hourglass" shape it is the bottom layer which is shaped to the other layers being rectangular.

Descriptions of the System of Load of Fluid Weight Base% Pulp% Binder Density Dimensions 90% Coosa 10% 2. 8 d HC System I Superior 100 gsm 0054 T-255 O.lOg / cc 38mm x 152mm Layer 90% Coosa 10% 2 8 d HC Media 200 gsm 0054 T-255, 20g / cc 38mm x 152mm hourglass -60mm ctr, lobes 7Omm 218mm long Layer 90% Coosa 10% 2. 8 d H-C Lower 175 gsm 0054 T-255 0.10g / cc Layer 90% Rayonier 10% 1.7 d System II Superior 125 gsm 9401 Danaklon O.lOg / cc 38mm x 152mm Layer 90% Rayonier 10% 1.7 d Medium 250 gsm 9401 Danaklon, 20g / cc 38mm x 152mm hourglass -60mm ctr, lobes 7Omm 218mm long Layer 90% Rayonier 20% 1.7 d Bottom 250 gsm 9401 Danaklon O.lOg / cc The bars in Figure 15 represent the average data of the fluid absorbed section of the basic data. The basic data for the graph in figure 15 are as follows: Fluid Load Data Dry Weight Wet Weight Absorbed Fluid Layer Layer Layer Layer Layer Layer Layer Layer Upper Average Lower Upper Medium Lower Upper Lower Medium System I 1 0.66 1.37 2.56 2.02 6.81 5.21 1.36 5.44 2.65 2 0.63 1.34 2.37 2.00 6.98 4.73 1.37 5.64 2.36 3 0.59 1.30 2.73 1.78 5.98 6.02 1.19 4.68 3.29 Prom. 0 .63 1.34 2.55 1.93 6.59 5.32 1.31 5.25 2.77 System II 1 0 .64 1.55 3.19 2.45 5.82 7.02 1.81 4.27 3.83 2 0. .65 1.70 3.45 2.32 5.96 7.30 1.67 4.26 3.85 3 0. .64 1.61 3.26 1.99 6.41 6.77 1.35 4.80 3.51 4 0. .64 1.67 3.52 1.98 6.17 7.33 1.34 4.50 3.81 0. .72 1.58 3.33 2.32 6.17 6.64 1.60 4.59 3.31 6 0. .68 1.52 3.50 1.92 6.09 7.05 1.24 4.57 3.55 Prom. 0.66 1.61 3.38 2.16 6.10 7.02 1.50 4.50 3.64 The spot size ratio is useful to describe the components and system of this invention. The spot size ratio is defined as the width of the spot () divided by the length of the spot (I) after the spot has reached equilibrium. The pad shaping layer and the distribution / retention layers should have spot size ratios less than or equal to 0.5, more particularly 0.375 and even more particularly 0.1875. Samples that have a length of 8.7 inches for the pad-shaping layer and 6 inches for the distribution / retention layer were tested, even though It should be noted that longer or shorter products having these proportions are intended to be within the scope of this invention. Below is a description of each layer of the systems tested and the data that follows immediately after the description. Note that the I system is the same as the previous I system.

Descriptions of the Stain Length System Weight Base% Pulp% Binder Density Dimensions Layer 90% Coosa 10% 2 8 d H-C System I Superior 100 gsm 0054 T-255 O. lOg / cc 38mm x 152mm Layer 90% Coosa 10% 2 8 d H-C Media 200 gsm 0054 T-255 0. 20g / cc 38mm x 152mm hourglass -60mm ctr, lobes 7 Omm 218mm long 90% Coosa layer 10% 2. 8 d H-C Lower 175 gsm 0054 T-255 O. lOg / cc Layer 100% 3.0 d System III Superior 25 gsm Chisso ESC- 0.03g / cc 38mm x 152mm Layer 90% Coosa 10% 2.8 d H-C Medium 175 gsm 0054 T-255 0.20g / cc 38mm x 152mm hourglass -6Omm ctr, lobes 7Omm 218mm long Layer 90% Coosa 10% 2.8 d H-C Bottom 200 gsm 0054 T-255 O.lOg / cc Stain Length and Proportion Data Stain Length Stain Width Stain Ratio Layer Layer Layer Layer Layer Layer Layer Top Layer Average Bottom Bottom Bottom Bottom Bottom Bottom System I 1 4.70 5.80 5.30 1.5 1.5 1.5 0.32 0.26 0.26 2 4.70 5.80 5.70 1.5 1.5 1.5 0.32 0.26 0.26 3 5.20 5.90 5.70 A5 1.5 1.5 0.29 0.25 0.26 Prom. 4.87 5.83 5.57 1.5 1.5 1.5 0.31 0.26 0.27 Stain Length Spot Width Stain Ratio Layer Layer Layer Layer Layer Layer Layer Top Layer Media Bottom Bottom Bottom Bottom Bottom Bottom System III 11.40 6.00 6.00 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.07 0.25 0.25 2 1.40 6.00 6.00 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.07 0.25 0.25 3 1.40 6.00 5.70 A5 1.5 1.5 1.07 p.25 0.26 Prom. 1.40 6.00 5.90 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.07 0.25 0.25 The spot width was 1.5 inches for all samples In addition to the spot length ratio, the saturation profile for the middle or distribution / retention layer is important. By saturation profile what is meant is the location of the liquid through the length of the layer. To determine the saturation profile the distribution / retention strip can be divided into six sections of equal lengths as follows: and a proportion taken from (C + D) divided by (A + F). This corresponds to the amount of liquid (in grams) in approximately the central third of the product divided by the sum of the liquid in each sixth extreme of the product. If the distribution / retention layer being tested is not rectangular as it is in the case here, the product should be divided so that the dry weight of each section is approximately the same. The saturation profile ratio of this invention should be at most about 4, more particularly less than about 2, even more particularly about 1.6 or less and even more particularly less than 1.4 (using six sections) . The examples of the materials used in the saturation profile test and the results of such a test are given below: Descriptions of the Saturation Profile System Base Weight% Pulp% Binder Density Dimensions Layer 90% Coosa 10% 2. 8 d H-C System I Superior 100 gsm 0054 T-255 O. lOg / cc 38mm x 152mm 90% Coosa layer 10% 2. 8 d H-C Medium 200 gsm 0054 T-255 0 .20g / cc 38mm x 152mm hourglass -6 Omm ctr, lobes 7 Omm 218mm long 90% Coosa layer 10% 2. 8 d H-C Lower 175 gsm 0054 T-255 O. lOg / cc Layer 90% Coosa 10% 2.8 d H-C System IV Superior 100 gsm 0054 T-255 O.lOg / cc 38mm x 152mm Layer 90% Coosa 10% 2.8 d H-C Medium 175 gsm 0054 T-255 0.20g / cc 38mm x 152mm hourglass -60mm ctr, lobes 70mm 218mm long Layer 90% Coosa 10% 2.8 d H-C Bottom 200 gem 0054 T-255 O.lOg / cc Layer 94% Coosa 6% 2.8 d H-C System V Superior 100 gsm 0054 T-255 O.lOg / cc 38mm x 152mm Layer 94% Coosa 6% 2.8 d HC Average 200 gsm 0054 T-255 0.20g / cc 38mm x 152mm hourglass -6Omm ctr, lobes 7Omm 218mm long Layer 94% Coosa 6% 2.8 d HC Bottom 200 gsm 0054 T -255 O.lOg / cc Medium Layer Saturation Profiles Section Proportion A B C D E F (C + D) / A + F) System I 1 2.24 4.30 4.34 4.30 4.17 3.47 1.51 2 2.85 4.60 4.60 4.51 4.51 2.81 1..61 3 1.40 4.03 4.54 4.58 4.35 1.17 3.55 Prom. 2.16 4.31 4.49 4.46 4.34 2.48 2.22 Proportion Section A B c D E F (C + D) / A + F) System IV 1 2.83 3.91 4.04 3.85 3.60 1.74 1.73 2 2.61 4.25 4.39 4.39 4.32 2.89 1.60 3 2.47 4.05 3.99 4.24 4.05 2.85 1.55 Prom. 2.64 4.07 4.14 4.16 3.99 2.49 1.62 Proportion Section A B C D E F (C + D) / A + F) System V 1 3.32 3.94 4.09 4.28 4.23 2.94 1.34 2 3.20 3.77 3.91 4.06 4.15 2.87 1.31 3 3.61 4.33 4.57 4.47 4.04 2.07 1.59 Prom. 3.38 4.01 4.19 4.27 4.14 2.63 1.41 A design for a coarse product for a saturation profile was also tested. The design information and the saturation ratio data are given below: Base Weight% Pulp% Binder Density Dimensions Layer 90% Coosa 10% 2.8 d HC System I Superior 100 gsm 0054 T-255 0.06 g / cc 38mm x 14Omm Second 90% Coosa 10% 2.8 d HC Layer 250 gsm 0054 T-255 0.12 g / cc 38mm x 140mm Third 90% Coosa 10% 2.8 d HC 0054 T-255 0.06% g / cc 52mm x 154mm hourglass -6Omm ctr, lobes 7Omm 20Omm long Layer 100% Coosa 0% Lower 175 gsm 0054 Saturation Profile Data Section Proportion A B C D C / A C /? 1 4.04 6.69 6.35 6.24 2.99 1.57 2.12 2 2.62 6.17 6.36 6.07 3.67 2.42 1.73 Prom. 3.33 6.43 6.35 6.15 3.33 2.00 1.93 Example 5 given above describes a pad for female care with a transfer delay function. In Example 5 the transfer delay material has a lower density than the layer below it and therefore delays the transfer of liquid to the lower layer. Even though this density of the material is one that causes the transfer of the fluid to the lower layer to be delayed, other material attributes may also cause a delay in the transfer of fluid. Other material candidates that are effective in causing the delay include non-wovens such as spun-bonded fabrics, bound with conjugated or bonded and carded yarn. Perforated films can also be employed to provide this function in an absorbent system.

When either nonwovens or films are used as the transfer delay material, it is preferable that they are not wettable. In the case of the materials bonded with spinning, bonded with conjugated yarn and film, the structures used in the following examples are somewhat "planar". In other words, these do not necessarily have a lower density than the layer below them in the design of the absorbent system. These work by providing a partially occlusive hydrophobic layer that begins to transfer the fluid after the top layer becomes very highly saturated.

In the example using the bonded carded fabric, the transfer delay also works best when the fabric is hydrophobic. However, with this material both density and hydrophobicity play a role in delaying the transfer.

The following examples include six thin absorbent systems and seven thick absorbent systems using various transfer delay materials. The test data illustrates that by using these materials, better proportions of saturation profile can be achieved, and in some cases better spot length ratios can be achieved compared to the original designs that are based on the density / pore gradients .

Even though these test data use specific materials, other materials that are hydrophobic or materials that are hydrophobic in combination with a lower density than the material below these, can provide the transfer delay function.

An additional point in relation to these data is that all the preceding data divided the distribution strip into six equal sections, and this is the method used in the claims given below. The following data divides the strips into five equal sections as illustrated below so that the point of discharge is not exactly on the dividing line between the two sections. The saturation profile proportions can be calculated from both data sets. In the case where five sections are used, the saturation profile is calculated as the ratio of the amount of liquid in the middle section to the sum of the end sections.

Thin Saturation Profiles with Transfer Delay Layers.

C / ((A + E) / 2) Higher Layer Saturation Profiles (g / g) Section Proportion A B C D E C / ((A + E) / 2) System 1 1 5.58 5.85 5 .68 6.15 5.51 1.024 2 5.48 5.82 5 .51 5.26 5.19 1.032 Prom. 5.53 5.83 5 .59 5.70 5.35 1.028 Proportion Section A B C D E C / ((A + E) / 2) System 2 1 5.90 5.97 6 01 5.65 5.62 1.043 2 5.04 5.36 5 56 5.23 5.07 1.099 Prom. 5 .47 5. 67 5. 78 5 .44 5. 35 1. 071 Section Proportion B C / ((A + E) / 2) System 3 1 5.51 5 .88 5.68 5.58 5.58 1.024 2 5.70 5. .81 5.81 5.84 5.35 1.052 Prom. 5.61 5.84 5.74 5.71 5.47 1.038 Section Proportion A B C D E C / ((A + E) / 2) System 4 1 4.99 6.41 5 .74 5.88 5.42 1.103 2 5.57 6.03 5.68 5.96 5.47 1.028 Prom. 5.28 6.22 5.71 5.92 5.44 1.066 Section Proportion A B C D E C / ((A + E) / 2) System 5 1 4.51 5.68 5. .75 5.50 5.28 1.174 2 4.87 5.63 5. .63 5.92 5.34 1.102 Prom 4.69 5.65 5. .69 5.71 5.31 1.138 Proportion Section A B C D E C / ((A + E) / 2) System 6 1 5.88 6.06 6. .38 5.91 5.81 0.874 2 5.78 6.37 6. .04 6.15 6.30 1.000 Prom. 5.83 6.21 6.21 6.03 6.05 0.937 Proportions of Thin Spot Length with Transfer Delay Layers.

T = Superior M = Medium B = Lower Stain Length Spot Width W / L Stain Ratio Layer T M B T M B M B System 1 1 6.00 NA 3. .30 1. .5 NA 1. .5 0.25 NA 0.45 2 6.00 NA 2. .00 1. .5 NA 1. .5 0.25 NA 0.75 Prom. 6.00 NA 2, .65 1.5 NA 1.5 0.25 NA 0.60 Stain Length Spot Width W / L Stain Ratio Layer T M B T M B T M B System 2 1 6.00 NA 2.60 1.5 NA 1.5 .25 NA 58 2 6.00 NA 4.30 1.5 NA 1.5 .25 NA 35 Prom. 6.00 NA 3.45 1.5 NA 1.5 0.25 NA 0.47 Stain Length Spot Width W / L Stain Ratio Layer T M B T M B T M B System 3 1 6.00 NA 0. .90 1. .5 NA 1. .5 0.25 NA 1.67 2 6.00 NA 2. .10 1, .5 NA 1. .5 0.25 NA 0.71 Prom. 6.00 NA 1.50 1.5 NA 1.5 0.25 NA 1.19 Stain Length Spot Width W / L Stain Ratio Layer T M B T M B - T M B System 4 1 6.00 NA 1.50 1. .5 NA 1. .5 0.25 NA 1.00 2 6.00 NA 1.40 1. .5 NA 1. .5 0.25 NA 1.07 Prom. 6.00 NA 1.45 1.5 NA 1.5 0.25 NA 1.03 Stain Length Anchio Stain Proportion of Stain W / L Layer T M B T M B T M B System 5 1 5.80 NA 4. .90 1.5 NA 1.5 0.26 NA 0.31 2 6.00 NA 4. .10 1.5 NA 1.5 0.25 NA 0.37 Prom. 5.90 NA 4.50 1.5 NA 1.5 0.25 NA 0.34 Stain Length Spot Width W / L Stain Ratio Layer T M B T M B T M B System 6 1 6.00 NA 0.00 1.5 NA 1.5 0.25 NA infinity 2 6.00 NA 0.00 1.5 NA 1.5 0.25 NA infinity Prom. 6.00 NA 0.00 1.5 NA 1.5 0.25 NA infinity All thin systems composed of: Weight Base% Pulp Binder Density Dimensions Top Coat 250 gsm 90% 10% 2 .8 d H-C 0 .14g / cc 38mm x 14 Omm eyerheauser T-255 NB 416 Medium Layer See descriptions below Lower Layer 175 gms 88% 12% 2. 8 H-C 0. 08g / cc 52mm x 154mm Weyerheauser T-255 hourglass NB 416 - 60mm ctr, lobes 7 Omm 200m long Layers of Medium Transfer Delay for the System described above System 1: 27 grams per square meter (0.8 ounces per square yard), polypropylene joined with 2.2 denier spinning.

System 2: 34 grams per square meter (1.0 ounces per square yard), polypropylene joined with 2.2 denier spinning.

System 3: 1.0 ounces per square yard conjugate fiber side-by-side polypropylene / 2.0 denier polyethylene.

System 4: 51 grams per square meter (1.5 ounces per square yard) fiber conjugate side by side polypropylene / 2.0 denier polyethylene.

System 5: Perforated polyethylene film of 1.0 mil.

System 6: 50 grams per square meter of carded and bonded fabric.

Thick Saturation Profiles with Transfer Delay Layers.

C / ((A + E) / 2] Higher Layer Saturation Profiles (g / g) Section Proportion A B C D E C / ((A + E) / 2) System 1 1 6.48 7.90 8 .10 8.05 7.38 1.16 2 6.43 7.81 8 .24 8.00 4.76 1.47 Prom. 6.45 7.86 8 .17 8.02 6.07 1.32 Proportion Section A B C D E C / ((A + E) / 2) System 2 1 4.24 7.90 8 .24 8.05 7.52 1.12 2 6.98 8.13 8 .09 8.08 7.46 1.12 Prom. 7.11 8.02 8 .16 8.12 7.49 1.12 Proportion Section A B C D E C / ((A + E) / 2) System 3 1 6.79 8.86 8 .01 7.87 7.51 1.12 2 7.99 8.66 8 .71 8.71 8.28 1.12 Prom. 7.39 8.76 8 .36 8.29 7.90 1.12 Proportion Section A B C D E C / ((A + E) / 2) System 4 1 7.59 8.22 7. .93 8.66 8.17 1.00 2 8.01 8.55 8 .11 8.50 7.91 1.02 Prom. 7.80 8.39 8. .02 8.58 8.04 1.01 Proportion Section A B C D E C / ((A + E) / 2) System 5 1 0.31 6.62 7. .04 6.43 3.44 3.75 2 0.12 5.29 7. .35 7.04 2.26 6.17 Prom 0.21 5.96 7. .19 6.73 2.85 4.96 Proportion Section A B C D E C / ((A + E) / 2) System 6 1 5.31 5.35 5. .22 5.03 5.57 0.96 2 4.82 5.27 5. .01 5.11 5.27 0.99 Prom. 5.07 5.31 5. .12 5.07 5.42 0.98 Proportion Section A B C D E C / ((A + E) / 2) System 7 1 3.65 5.94 6. .33 6.22 3.51 1.77 2 3.65 6.11 6. .15 6.15 2.49 2.00 Prom. 3.65 6.03 6. .24 6.19 3.00 1.89 Thick Length Length Ratios with Transfer Delay Layers.

Stain Length Spot Width W / L Stain Ratio Layer T M B T M B T M B System 1 1 6.00 NA 3, .20 1., 5 NA 1. .5 0.25 NA 0.47 2 5.60 NA 3. .80 1., 5 NA 1. .5 0.27 NA 0.39 Prom. 5.80 NA 3.50 1.5 NA 1.5 0.26 NA 0.43 Stain Length Spot Width W / L Stain Ratio Layer T M B T M B T B System 2 1 6.00 NA 1.50 1. .5 NA 1. .5 0.25 NA 1.00 2 6.00 NA 2.50 1. .5 NA 1. .5 0.25 NA 0.60 Prom. 6.00 NA 2.00 1.5 NA 1.5 0.25 NA 0.80 Stain Length Spot Width W / L Stain Ratio Layer T M B T M B T M B System 3 1 6.00 NA 0.50 1.5 NA 1.5 0.25 NA 3.00 2 6.00 NA 1.50 1.5 NA 1.5 0.25 NA 1.00 Prom. 6.00 NA 1.00 1.5 NA 1.5 0.25 NA 2.00 Stain Length Spot Width W / L Stain Ratio Layer T M B T M B T M B System 4 1 6.00 NA 1. .50 1. .5 NA 1. .5 0.25 NA 1.00 2 6.00 NA 1. .00 1. .5 NA 1. .5 0.25 NA 1.50 Prom. 6.00 NA 1. .25 1.5 NA 1.5 0.25 NA 1.25 Stain Length Spot Width W / L Stain Ratio Layer T M B T M B T M B System 5 1 5.30 NA 4, .20 1. .5 NA 1. .5 0.28 NA 0.36 2 4.60 NA 3. .70 1. .5 NA 1. .5 0.33 NA 0.40 Prom. 4.95 NA 3.95 1.5 NA 1.5 0.31 NA 0.38 Stain Length Spot Width W / L Stain Ratio Layer T M B T M B T M B System 6 1 6.00 NA 0. .50 1. .5 NA 1. .5 0.25 NA 3.00 2 6.00 NA 0. .70 1. .5 NA 1. .5 0.25 NA 2.14 Prom. 6.00 NA 0.60 1.5 NA 1.5 0.25 NA 2.57 Stain Length Spot Width W / L Stain Ratio Layer T M B T M B M B System 7 1 4.7 4.4 2.0 1.5 1.5 1.5 0.32 0.34 0.75 2 4.8 3.7 1.7 1.5 1.5 1.5 0.31 0.41 0.88 Prom. 7.75 4.05 1.85 1.5 1.5 1.5 0.31 0.3? 0.82 All thick systems composed of: Base Weight% Pulp% Binder Density Dimensions Top Coat 250 gsm 90% 10% 2.8 d HC 0.12g / cc 38mm x 140mm Weyerheauser T-255 NB 416 Medium Layer See descriptions below Bottom Layer 435 gms 100% Coosa 0% 52mm x 154mm 0054 sine wave recorded sand-glass -60mm ctr, lobes of 7Omm 200m long Medium Layers of Transfer Delay for the Systems described above: System 1: 0.8 ounces per square yard, polypropylene joined with 2.2 denier spinning.

System 2: 1.0 oz. Per square yard, polypropylene joined with 2.2 denier yarn.

System 3: 1.0 ounces per square yard, 2.0 denier polypropylene / polyethylene conjugate fiber.

System 4: 1.5 ounces per square yard, conjugated fiber from polypropylene / 2.0 denier polyethylene.

System 5: Perforated polyethylene film of 1.0 mil.

System 6: carded and bound fabric of 50 grams per square meter.

System 7: 100 grams per square meter, 0.03 g / cc, 50/50 blend of Weyerhaeuser NB 416 pulp and H-C T-255 binder fiber, made according to the air placement process.

Embodiments of the personal care products encompassed by this invention include women's hygiene pads that have a body-side liner, a distribution / retention layer, a transfer delay layer, a conformal absorbent layer of pad or secondary, and a lower sheet. The materials can be held together by various means, including adhesive, mechanical and thermal bonding means.

The liner can be a non-woven fabric or a laminate of a non-woven fabric and a film. If it is a laminate, the lining must be perforated in some way to allow the passage of fluids. A satisfactory nonwoven for such a laminate is made of concentric 6 to 10 denier fibers of 50/50 sheath / conjugate polypropylene core / low density polyethylene bonded through air that have a finish to give wettability. A suitable nonwoven can have a density of about 0.03 g / cc and a basis weight of about 0.7 ounces per square yard (24 grams per square meter). A suitable film for such a laminate is one such as that available from Edison Plastics, which is a film comprising 94% Rexene® low density polyethylene which has a melt index of 5.5 and a density of 0.923 g / cc. and 6 percent Ampacet® titanium dioxide concentrate. The film and the nonwoven may be laminated with a thermal bonding pattern having, for example, a bond area of 8 to 12 percent and perforated to give about an open area of 27 percent for the passage of fluids.

The liner layer may be attached to the distribution / retention layer with an adhesive such as National Starch NS34-5610 or an equivalent to an aggregate amount of about 5 grams per square meter. Any adhesive or other bonding method must of course not block the flow of fluid between the layers.

The distribution / retention layer can be made by the air placement process and includes, for example, 90 percent South Wayerhaeuser softwood pulp NB-416 or NF-405 and 10 percent 2.8 fibers. concentric denier of 50/50 core / sheath of polyethylene terephthalate / co-polyolefin from Hoechst-Celanese T-255. The basis weight of the distribution layer can be around 250 grams per square meter with a density of about 0.14 g / cc. The distribution / retention layer can be cut into slits longitudinally as described above so that the product will arch upwards in use, improving compliance to the body. Such slits may be continuous or intermittent and may be centered on the product.

A suitable transfer delay layer may be a fabric made as for example, by the process of bonding with polyolefin fiber yarns, such as polypropylene, to a basis weight of about 0.8 ounces per square yard with 2.7 denier fibers. . This layer must be larger in the x-y plane than the distribution layer and must have a color other than white to indicate to the user whether the fluid has moved beyond the edges of the distribution / retention layer. One such color can be a rose color to provide an aesthetic appeal to the product.

Once the fluid retention is maximized in the distribution / retention layer and / or the compressive force is exerted on the product, the transfer delay layer will allow the fluid to move in the Z direction (down) to the layer of pad conformation.

The absorbent layer of pad or secondary conformation can be made of the same material in the same proportions as the distribution layer but at a lower density, for example, of about 0.08 g / cc and a lower basis weight, for example of around 175 grams per square meter. A suitable padding conformation layer can have a longitudinal engraving pattern which can serve to channel and direct the fluid in a longitudinal direction so that it does not escape laterally and can improve the conformation of the body.

An alternate and also suitable pad shaping layer may have two layers of pulp. One such layer can have 500 grams per square meter of 100 percent southern softwood such as Coosa 0054, class 4821 pulp from Weyerhauser NB-416 or NF-405 or Georgia Pacific Golden Isles, in a length of about 200 millimeters and a width of about 60-70 millimeters and may have, for example, a sinusoidal wave pattern as shown in Figure 16 or another longitudinal engraving pattern. Another layer can be 400 grams per square meter of the same materials in a length of about 160 millimeters and a width of about 45 millimeters and can have a pattern of acorn engraving or other engraving.

The pad shaping layer can be Adhered to the backing or separation layer by an adhesive such as National Strach NS34-5610 in an amount of less than about 15 grams per square meter.

The backing or separator of the product can be made of a low density one-thousandth of an inch polyethylene film such as a pink micro-embossed film of Edison Plastics XP 746A. Any other color can be chosen for the background as well.

A more extensive discussion of the process of the apparatus used to produce the invention can be found in the co-pending and co-pending application under attorney number 13817.

As previously discussed, the entire material may be grained, preferably from the side of the liner side to the body. This engraving may be light enough to only engrave the lining from side to body or may include other layers as well. The engraving pattern can be chosen to maximize the densification of material, which increases fluid intake and dispersion through the product, and the distribution of fluid along the front axis to the back. The engraving can also provide visual signals to the user that the product's capacity is approaching completely and that it should be discarded, and can be used to give an aesthetic benefit as well. Examples of suitable etching patterns are given in the drawings. Figure 16 is an etching pattern for a personal care product mentioned as a sine wave pattern and Figure 17 is an etching pattern for a personal care product mentioned as a shell pattern.

It is clear that personal care product systems such as women's hygiene products that have the attributes required in this invention result in very good spreading of a discharge. This recreation must use the complete product more efficiently before runoff to result in superior comfort for the user.

Although only a few example embodiments of this invention have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications to example embodiments are possible without departing materially from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined in the following claims. In the claims, said means of more function is intended to cover the structures described here, carrying out the function recited and not only the structural equivalents but also the equivalent structures. Therefore even when a nail and a screw may not be structural equivalents in the sense that a bald person uses a cylindrical surface to secure the wooden parts together, while a screw employs a helical surface, in the environment of the fastening of parts of wood, a nail and a screw can be equivalent structures.

Claims (46)

R E I V I N D I C A C I O N S

1. A dispensing material for personal care products comprising a fabric which transmits artificial menstrual fluids according to a horizontal transmission test at a distance of at least about 1 inch in less than about 1.5 minutes.

2. The distribution material as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said fabric has a density of less than about 0.15 g / cc.

3. The distribution material as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that it has pore diameters wherein more than 50 percent of said pore diameters are between about 80 and 400 microns.

4. The distribution material as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that it has pore diameters where more than 60 percent of said pore diameters are between about 80 and 400 microns.

5. The distribution material as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that it has pore diameters where more than 70 percent of said pore diameters are between about 80 and 400 microns.

6. A pad for the hygiene of the woman comprising the fabric as claimed in clause 1.

7. The distribution material as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that it comprises conjugated fibers.

8. The distribution material as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that it is stabilized.

9. A personal care product system comprising a distribution / retention layer and a pad forming layer wherein each layer has a spot length ratio of 0.5 or less and said distribution / retention layer has a saturation profile of 4 or less.

10. The personal care product system as claimed in clause 9, characterized in that said distribution / retention layer and said pad-forming layer each have a spot length ratio of 0.375 or less.

11. The product system for personal care as claimed in clause 9 characterized because said distribution / retention layer and said pad-forming layer each have a spot length ratio of 0.1875 or less.

12. The personal care product system as claimed in clause 9 characterized in that said distribution / retention layer has a saturation profile ratio of 2 or less.

13. The personal care product system as claimed in clause 9 characterized in that said distribution / retention layer has a saturation profile ratio of 1.4 or less.

14. The personal care product system as claimed in clause 9 characterized in that said distribution / retention layer has a density of about 0.1 g / cc and about 0.2 g / cc.

15. The personal care product system as claimed in clause 14, characterized in that said distribution / retention layer has a basis weight of between about 175 and 300 grams per square meter.

16. The product system for personal care as claimed in clause 9 characterized because said pad shaping layer has a density of between about 0.03 g / cc and about 0.1 g / cc.

17. The personal care product system as claimed in clause 9, characterized in that said pad forming layer has a pore size greater than that of the distribution / retention layer.

18. The personal care product system as claimed in clause 9, characterized in that it also comprises a tom layer.

19. The personal care product system as claimed in clause 18 characterized in that said cushion-forming layer has a pore size greater than that of the distribution / retention layer which has a smaller pore size than the one with the take layer.

20. The personal care product system as claimed in clause 18 characterized in that said layers are regions of a monolithic material.

21. The personal care product system as claimed in clause 18, characterized in that at least one of said layers has grooves.

22. The personal care product system as claimed in clause 18, characterized in that said at least one layer is made according to a process selected from the group consisting of air laying, wet setting and woven carded and united.

23. The personal care product system as claimed in clause 22 characterized in that at least one layer is made of materials selected from the group consisting of cellulosic fibers, foams, synthetic fibers and mixtures thereof.

24. The personal care product system as claimed in clause 18 characterized in that it also comprises a transfer delay layer.

25. The personal care product system as claimed in clause 18 characterized in that at least one layer is engraved.

26. The personal care product system as claimed in clause 25 characterized in that said pad-forming layer is engraved with a sinusoidal wave pattern.

27. The personal care product system as claimed in clause 25 characterized in that all the layers together are engraved with a shell pattern.

28. A product for the hygiene of women that includes the system as claimed in clause 9.

29. A product for the hygiene of the woman that includes: a take-up layer having a density of between about 0.02 and about 0.06 g / cc, a basis weight of between about 25 and about 125 grams per square meter, a pore size of between about 80 and 1000 micras and at least one slit longitudinally centered; a distribution / retention layer having a density of between about 0.1 and about 0.2 g / cc, a basis weight of between about 175 and about 300 grams per square meter, a pore size of between about 40 and about 500 microns and at least one slot longitudinally centered; Y an engraved pad forming layer having a density of between about 0.03 and 0.2 g / cc.

30. A hygiene product for women that includes: a side-to-body liner, a distribution / retention layer, a transfer delay layer, a pad-forming layer, and a backsheet, wherein: said liner is selected from the group consisting of non-woven fabrics and perforated laminates of non-woven fabric and film; said distribution / retention layer is adhesively attached to said liner layer and comprises pulp and binder fibers; said transfer delay layer comprises a fabric made of polyolefin fibers, which is larger in the xy plane than that of the distribution / retention layer, and has a color treatment to indicate to the wearer whether the fluid has been moved further beyond the edges of said distribution / retention layer; said pad-forming layer has an etching pattern for channeling and directing the fluid in a longitudinal direction, and; said backing comprises a low density film which is adhesively adhered to said pad-forming layer; wherein said distribution / retention and said pad-forming layer have a spot length ratio of 0.5 or less and said distribution / retention layer has a saturation profile of 4 or less.

31. The product for the hygiene of women as claimed in clause 30 characterized in that said lining is a laminate of a fabric bonded through air of concentric core / sheath fibers, 50/50 of polypropylene / low density polyethylene, conjugated and wettable having a denier of between about 6 and 10, wherein said nonwoven has a density of about 0.03 g / cc and a basis weight of about 0.7 ounces per square yard (24 grams per square meter), and a film comprising about 94 percent low density polyethylene that has a melt index of around 5.5 and a density of about 0.9 g / cc and 6 percent of titanium dioxide concentrate.

32. The product for the hygiene of women as claimed in clause 31, characterized in that said lining is a film and non-woven laminate and is laminated with a thermal bonding pattern that has about 8 to 12 percent of bonded and perforated area to give about 27 percent open area for the passage of fluids.

33. The product for the hygiene of women as claimed in clause 30, characterized in that said lining is attached to the distribution / retention layer with an adhesive at an aggregate amount of about 5 grams per square meter.

34. The product for the hygiene of women as claimed in clause 30, characterized in that said distribution / retention layer is made by the process of laying by air and comprises about 90 percent of soft wood pulp and 10 percent of concentric 2.8 denier fibers of 50/50 core / sheath, of polyethylene terephthalate / co-polyolefin, and wherein said distribution / retention layer has a basis weight of about 250 g / square meter and a density of about of 0.14 g / cc.

35. The product for the hygiene of the woman as claimed in clause 34 characterized in that said distribution / retention layer is cut into slits longitudinally so that the product will arch upwards in use, improving the conformity to the body.

36. The product for the hygiene of the woman as claimed in clause 35, characterized in that said slits are continuous or intermittent and are centered on the product.

37. The product for the hygiene of women as claimed in clause 30 characterized in that said transfer delay layer is a fabric bonded with spinning of polyolefin fibers having a denier of about 2.7 and wherein said fabric has a base weight of about 0.8 ounces per square yard (27 grams per square meter).

38. The product for the hygiene of women as claimed in clause 37, characterized in that said layer of transfer delay has a color different from white.

39. The product for the hygiene of women as claimed in clause 30 characterized in that said pad-forming layer is made by the process of laying by air and comprises about 90 percent by weight of soft wood pulp and 10 by cention of concentric 2.8 denier fibers of 50/50 core / sheath, polyethylene terephthalate / co-polyolefin, and wherein said layer forming layer has a basis weight of about 175 grams per square meter and a density of around 0.8 g / cc.

40. The product for the hygiene of women as claimed in clause 30, characterized in that said layer of padding has two layers of pulp, a first layer comprising about 500 grams per square meter of soft wood pulp and that It has a sine wave pattern, and a second layer that comprises about 400 grams per square meter of soft wood pulp and has an engraving pattern.

41. The product for the hygiene of the woman as claimed in clause 30, characterized in that said backrest comprises a polyethylene film of one thousandth of an inch of low density.

42. The product for the hygiene of women as claimed in clause 30, characterized in that said backrest is pink.

43 A product for the hygiene of women that includes: a body side liner, a distribution / retention layer, a pad forming layer, and a backing sheet, wherein: said lining is a laminate of a woven attached to through air of concentric fibers of 50/50 core / sheath of polypropylene / low density polyethylene, conjugated and wettable that have a denier of between about 6 and 10, wherein said nonwoven has a density of about 0.03 g / cc and a basis weight of about 0.7 ounces per square yard (24 grams per square meter) and a film comprising about 94 percent low density polyethylene. which has a melt index of about 5.5 and a density of about 0.9 g / cc and 6 percent of titanium dioxide concentrate, laminated with a thermal bonding pattern that has about 8 to 12 percent bonded area and drilled to give about 27 percent open area for the passage of fluids; said distribution / retention layer is adhesively bonded to said liner and is made by the laying process by air and comprises about 90 percent softwood pulp and 10 percent 2.8 denier, concentric 50/50 fibers. core / sheath, polyethylene terephthalate / co-polyolefin, said distribution / retention layer has a basis weight of about 250 grams per square meter and a density of about 0.14 g / cc and wherein said distribution / retention layer it has longitudinal, intermittent or continuous centered grooves; said pad shaping layer is made by the air laying process comprising a woven fabric having about 90 percent soft wood pulp and 10 percent 2.8 denier, concentric, 50 / core / polyethylene terephthalate / cobalt sheath polyolefin, and having a basis weight of about 175 grams per square meter and a density of about 0.08 g / cc with a longitudinal etching pattern to channel and direct the fluid in a longitudinal direction; said backing layer comprises a 1 mil low density polyethylene rose-colored film adhesively bonded to said pad shaping layer.

44. The product for the hygiene of women as claimed in clause 43 further characterized in that it comprises a transfer delay between said distribution / retention layer and said pad-forming layer comprising a fabric joined with greater spinning in the xy plane that the distribution / retention layer and comprising polyolefin fibers having a denier of about 2.7 and wherein said fabric has a basis weight of about 0.8 ounces per square yard (27 grams per square meter) and is of one color other than white.

45 A product for the hygiene of women who includes: a body side liner, a distribution / retention layer, a pad forming layer, and a backing sheet, wherein: said liner is a laminate of a fabric bonded through air of concentric fibers of 50/50 core / sheath of polypropylene / low density polyethylene, conjugated and wettable having a denier of between about 6 and 10, wherein said Nonwoven has a density of about 0.03 g / cc and a basis weight of about 0.7 ounces per square yard (24 grams per square meter) and a film comprising about 94 percent low density polyethylene that has an index of melting of about 5.5 and a density of about 0.9 g / cc and 6 percent of titanium dioxide concentrate, laminated with a thermal bonding pattern that has about 8 to 12 percent of bonded and perforated area to give around 27 percent open area for the passage of fluids; said distribution / retention layer is adhesively bonded to said liner and is made by the laying process by air and comprises about 90 percent softwood pulp and 10 percent 2.8 denier, concentric 50/50 fibers. core / sheath, terephthalate polyethylene / co-polyolefin, said distribution / retention layer has a basis weight of about 250 grams per square meter and a density of about 0.14 g / cc; said pad shaping layer is a fabric having two layers of pulp, a first layer comprises about 500 grams per square meter of soft wood pulp and having a sinusoidal wave pattern, and another layer comprising about 400 grams per square meter of soft wood pulp and having an engraving pattern; said backing layer comprises a 1 mil low density polyethylene rose-colored film adhesively bonded to said cushioning layer.

46. The product for the hygiene of women as claimed in clause 45 further characterized in that it comprises a transfer delay between said distribution / retention layer and said pad-forming layer comprising a fabric joined with greater spin in the xy plane that the distribution / retention layer and comprising polyolefin fibers having a denier of about 2.7 and wherein said fabric has a basis weight of about 0.8 ounces per square yard (27 grams per square meter) and is of one color other than white. M N A distribution material for personal care products is provided which is a fabric which transmits the artificial menstrual fluids according to a horizontal transmission test at a distance of about 1 inch and less than about 1.5 minutes. Materials that meet this performance criteria generally have a pore size distribution with a high percentage (usually more than 50 percent) of pore diameters of between about 80 and 400 microns and a density below about 0.15. g / cc. There is also provided a personal care product system having a distribution / retention layer and a pad-forming layer wherein each layer has a spot length ratio of 0.5 or less and the distribution / retention layer has a profile of saturation of 4 or less.