Patent Description:
The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing an absorbent article having a longitudinal extension along a longitudinal axis and a transverse extension along a transverse axis, said article defining a front portion, a back portion and a crotch region. Furthermore, the method comprises the steps of: forming a main body by providing a liquid-permeable topsheet, providing a liquid-impermeable backsheet and sandwiching an absorbent body between said topsheet and said backsheet; forming a first wing and a second wing configured so as to extend outwardly from said main body in opposite directions and generally along said transversal axis; and providing said wings with fastening means for fastening said wings to a garment when being folded over said main body and towards said longitudinal axis.

Absorbent articles, for example in the form of sanitary napkins and panty liners, are well known. The general purpose of such absorbent articles is to absorb, distribute and store various types of body exudates while providing a high level of comfort and sense of dryness to the wearer during use of the absorbent article. Also, such absorbent articles are arranged to prevent the wearer from getting the clothes soiled by body exudates.

A conventional sanitary napkin is normally designed with a main body which comprises a liquid-permeable topsheet, a liquid-impermeable backsheet and an absorbent core which is sandwiched between the topsheet and the backsheet. The main body is arranged along a longitudinal axis and a transversal axis which extends in a perpendicular direction in relation to the longitudinal axis.

Furthermore, absorbent articles in the form of sanitary napkins are often provided with two wings, i.e. two wing-shaped fastening elements, extending outwardly from the main body in opposite directions and generally along the transversal axis. The purpose of the wings is to allow fastening of the sanitary napkin to an undergarment of a user. To this end, the wings are arranged to be folded over the main body and towards said longitudinal axis. In order to allow fastening of the sanitary napkin to the undergarment, each wing is provided with fastening means such as an adhesive material. In this manner, the sanitary napkin can be attached and held in place in the undergarment during use.

According to prior art, the wings of a sanitary napkin can be formed in a symmetrical manner, i.e. so that the entire sanitary napkin can be said to define a contour which is symmetrical with reference to its longitudinal axis. Alternatively, it is also known that the wings can be formed in an asymmetrical manner with reference to the longitudinal axis.

<CIT> discloses a sanitary napkin with two wings being aligned along distinct transversal axes. These two wings are thus not facing each other and do not overlap when folded.

A previously known absorbent article having asymmetrical wings of the above-mentioned type is known from the patent document <CIT>. This document shows a sanitary napkin having two wings which are arranged asymmetrically along opposite sides of a longitudinal edge of the napkin.

The wings disclosed in <CIT> are formed of two triangular pieces which comprise semi-circular indentations on the base of said pieces, and also a rounded cutout at the top of each triangular piece. The purpose of the wings shown in <CIT> is to provide a relatively large surface for fixing the sanitary napkin to an undergarment.

Even though the article disclosed in <CIT> fulfills the basic requirements regarding absorbent articles provided with wing-shaped fastening elements, there is a need for further improvements within this field of technology. Firstly, there is a requirement that the wings must be configured to attach the napkin to an undergarment in a secure manner, in particular so as to improve the comfort for the wearer. This means that the attachment of the wing-shaped elements must not cause any unwanted shearing forces in the undergarment, or any other causes of instability of the fastening of the article to an undergarment. Also, there are continuing efforts made in order to provide more cost-effective manufacturing methods for the products of this type, including methods for forming the wings.

Consequently, there is a need for further improvements within the relevant field of technology.

In accordance with the invention, there is provided an absorbent article with the purpose of solving the above-mentioned problems related to prior art within this field. In particular, the article is configured so as to provide a secure and stable attachment of a sanitary napkin to an undergarment, in order to provide a high level of comfort for the wearer while also providing the required absorbent properties. Also, the invention aims at contributing to a cost-effective manufacturing process for sanitary napkins.

In accordance with the invention, this object is obtained by means of an absorbent article comprising a main body having a liquid-permeable topsheet, a liquid-impermeable backsheet and an absorbent core sandwiched between said topsheet and said backsheet, said main body being arranged along a longitudinal axis and a transversal axis extending in a perpendicular direction in relation to the longitudinal axis, said main body defining a front portion, a back portion and a crotch portion; wherein said article comprises a first wing and a second wing extending outwardly from said crotch portion of the main body in opposite directions in an asymmetric manner with reference to the longitudinal axis, and generally along said transversal axis, said wings being provided with fastening means configured for fastening said wings to a garment when being folded over said main body and towards said longitudinal axis. Furthermore, said wings extend generally along a common straight line which defines a first angle with respect to said transversal axis which exceeds <NUM>° but which is less than <NUM>°, and that each wing has an outer edge which is generally straight and parallel to the longitudinal axis.

The invention provides certain advantages. Firstly, the invention fulfills the requirements on sanitary napkins to be securely fitted and held in place in an undergarment of a wearer. In particular, the fact that the article according to the invention is arranged so that the wings extend along a line presenting a first angle between <NUM>° and <NUM>°, and also since the outer edges are parallel to the longitudinal axis, the above-mentioned purpose will be obtained. In particular, this is provided due to the fact that a relatively large part of the available adhesive provided on the wings will be positioned close to the longitudinal axis of symmetry of the sanitary napkin during use of the sanitary napkin. The above-mentioned straight line extends between a first edge mid-point on the outer edge of the first wing and a second edge mid-point on the outer edge on the second wing, said mid-points being positioned halfway along said outer edges and defining outermost points of said wings. This contributes to a clear definition of the straight line and how the wings are arranged according to the invention.

According to an embodiment, a first distance, as defined between the outer edge of each wing and the longitudinal axis, is in the range of <NUM>-<NUM>. This means that the invention can be used for virtually all types of sanitary napkins and similar absorbent articles.

According to an embodiment, at least a part of each longitudinal side of the main body defines a first wing folding edge where each wing meets the main body and along which each wing is folded during manufacturing of the article.

According to an embodiment, a second distance, as defined between the first wing folding edge and the corresponding outer edge is in the range of <NUM>-<NUM>.

According to an embodiment, a second wing folding edge is defined where each wing can be folded during use of the article, said second wing folding edge having a length which is within the interval <NUM>-<NUM>% of the full length of the main body, and preferably <NUM>-<NUM>% of the full length of the main body.

According to a further embodiment, each longitudinal side of the absorbent core at least partly defines a core edge which is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis.

Also, according to a further embodiment, a third distance, as defined between the core edge and the corresponding outer edge is in the range of <NUM>-<NUM>. According to a further embodiment, a fourth distance is defined between the core edge and the longitudinal axis is in the range of <NUM>-<NUM>.

According to a further embodiment, the absorbent core generally follows the outer edge of the main body and defines an edge region of the main body which is generally equally wide along the entire periphery of the absorbent core.

According to an embodiment, said fastening means is the form of one or more areas which supports an adhesive material on each of said wing.

According to a further embodiment, the areas are generally rectangular and positioned on each wing so that they are displaced in relation to each other in the longitudinal direction of the article.

According to another embodiment, the areas are arranged and so that they extend along generally the entire transversal length of each corresponding wing. This contributes to a firm and stable attachment of the wings of the sanitary napkin to an undergarment by the positioning of the available adhesive.

According to an embodiment, said wings are formed with an area between said fastening means and a further edge which constitutes a grip tab. In this manner, the wings can be handled easily during fastening on an undergarment and during removal from the undergarment.

According to a further embodiment, the article comprises a second fastening means positioned along the main body on a garment-facing side of said backsheet. This contributes to the attachment of the article in the undergarment.

According to a further embodiment, a wing folding edge is defined as part of the longitudinal side of the main body where each wing meets the main body and along which each wing can be folded when the absorbent article is in use. The wing folding edge is defined as a line which is parallel to the longitudinal axis Y1. The folding edge may be within the interval <NUM>-<NUM>% of the full length of the main body, and preferably <NUM>-<NUM>% of the full length of the main body.

Furthermore, the above-mentioned object of the invention is obtained by means of a method for manufacturing an absorbent article having a longitudinal extension along a longitudinal axis and a transverse extension along a transverse axis, said article defining a front portion, a back portion and a crotch region, said method comprising forming a main body by providing a liquid-permeable topsheet, providing a liquid-impermeable backsheet and sandwiching an absorbent body between said topsheet and said backsheet; forming a first wing and a second wing configured so as to extend outwardly from said main body in opposite directions in an asymmetric manner with reference to the longitudinal axis and generally along said transversal axis; and providing said wings with fastening means for fastening said wings to a garment when being folded over said main body and towards said longitudinal axis. Furthermore, the method comprises the following steps: arranging said wings so as to extend generally along a common straight line which defines a first angle with respect to said transversal axis which exceeds <NUM> degrees but is less than <NUM> degrees, and forming each wing with an outer edge which is generally straight and parallel to the longitudinal axis and forming each wing with an outer edge which is generally straight and parallel to the longitudinal axis, wherein said straight line extends between a first edge mid-point on the outer edge of the first wing and a second edge mid-point on the outer edge on the second wing, said mid-points being positioned halfway along said outer edges and defining outermost points of said wings.

The invention will be described in greater detail below with reference to the figures shown in the appended drawings.

Different aspects of the present disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the enclosed drawings. The embodiments disclosed herein can, however, be realized in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the aspects set forth herein.

With initial reference to <FIG>, there is shown a view from above of an absorbent article in the form of a sanitary napkin <NUM> manufactured in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The sanitary napkin <NUM> is based on an absorbent structure for absorbing body exudates from a wearer in order to provide a dry, comfortable and odor-free feeling for the wearer.

From <FIG> it can be understood that the sanitary napkin <NUM> comprises a main body <NUM> with a liquid-permeable topsheet <NUM> and a liquid-impermeable backsheet <NUM>. The sanitary napkin <NUM> also comprises an absorbent core <NUM> which is sandwiched between the topsheet <NUM> and the backsheet <NUM>. The topsheet <NUM> is arranged at the surface of the sanitary napkin <NUM>, i.e. the side facing the wearer. The backsheet <NUM> is arranged at the underside of the sanitary napkin <NUM>, i.e. the side facing an undergarment (not shown) of the wearer. Furthermore, both the topsheet <NUM> and the backsheet <NUM> extend laterally outside of the absorbent core <NUM> along the whole perimeter of the main body <NUM>.

The absorbent core shown in <FIG> has a substantially rectangular design. However, the invention is not limited to this particular design but can be formed in generally any geometric form within the scope of the invention.

According to further embodiments, one or more additional layers may be provided in the absorbent article <NUM>. For example, an acquisition layer may be arranged between the absorbent core <NUM> and the topsheet <NUM>. Such an additional layer can for example be in the form of an airlaid layer, a spunlace layer, a high-loft, foam or any other type of material layer which may be used in an absorbent article in order to act as a liquid acquisition and absorption layer. The acquisition layer is adapted to quickly receive and temporarily store discharged liquid before it is absorbed by the absorbent core. Such acquisition layer may be composed of for example airlaid nonwoven, spunlace nonwoven, high loft nonwoven or foam materials. An airlaid nonwoven can be produced with fluff, wood pulp, and here the fluff fibres are dispersed into a fast moving air stream and condensed onto a moving screen by means of pressure and vacuum. The web can be bonded with resin and/or thermal plastic resin dispersed with the pulp. The web can be thermobonded (by heat), latex bonded (by adhesive) or multibonded (a combination of thermos and latex bonding) or mechanically bonded (high compression and temperature, bonding by hydrogen). The grammage of the airlaid nonwoven may be for example from <NUM> to <NUM> gsm.

The topsheet <NUM>, backsheet <NUM> and the absorbent core <NUM> may consist of any materials suitable for their particular purposes, as will be discussed in further detail below. Also, the above-mentioned layers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be connected to each other by any conventional means such as by means of an adhesive, heat bonding or ultrasonic bonding.

Furthermore, and although not shown in the drawings, the sanitary napkin <NUM> can be configured in a manner having different material layers, densities or material components as seen along a horizontal plane of the sanitary napkin <NUM>, i.e. in addition to being configured with different layers in the vertical direction.

As shown in <FIG>, the sanitary napkin <NUM> has a longitudinal extension along a longitudinal axis Y1 and a transverse extension along a transverse axis X1. Furthermore, the sanitary napkin <NUM> can be said to be divided into a front portion <NUM>, a back portion <NUM> and a crotch portion <NUM>. The front portion <NUM> is intended to be oriented in a direction towards the wearer's belly during use of the sanitary napkin <NUM>.

Furthermore, the sanitary napkin <NUM> is formed with two fastening wings <NUM>, <NUM>, or fastening tabs, which are configured for fastening the napkin <NUM> to an undergarment of the wearer. More precisely, the sanitary napkin <NUM> comprises a first wing <NUM> and a second wing <NUM>, each of which extends outwardly from the main body <NUM> and in opposite directions. The wings <NUM>, <NUM> extend generally along the direction of the transversal axis X1. Also, the wings <NUM>, <NUM> are provided with fastening means <NUM>, <NUM>, which according to the embodiment are in the form of one or more adhesive areas which are configured for fastening the wings <NUM>, <NUM> to the undergarment when the wings <NUM>, <NUM> are folded under the main body <NUM> in a direction towards the longitudinal axis Y1.

As indicated in <FIG>, the two wings <NUM>, <NUM> are arranged in an asymmetrical manner so that they extend generally along a common straight line <NUM> which defines a first angle α1 with respect to the transversal axis X1. According to an embodiment, the magnitude of the first angle α1 exceeds <NUM>° but is less than <NUM>°, preferably less than <NUM>°, most preferably less than <NUM>°. It should be noted that the wings <NUM>, <NUM> can be arranged so that they are displaced in relation to each other in the longitudinal direction of the sanitary napkin <NUM>.

Also, each wing <NUM>, <NUM> has an outer edge <NUM>, <NUM> which is generally straight and parallel to the longitudinal axis Y1. This means that each one of the outer edges <NUM>, <NUM> is cut off or otherwise shaped so as to form an outer, straight side edge which terminates each wing <NUM>, <NUM> and which also is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis Y1.

In order to clearly define the extension of the above-mentioned straight line <NUM> shown in <FIG>, there is defined a first edge mid-point <NUM> on the outer edge <NUM> of the first wing <NUM>. Also, a second edge mid-point <NUM> is defined on the outer edge <NUM> of the second wing <NUM>. These mid-points <NUM>, <NUM> are defined in a manner so that they are positioned halfway along the length of each corresponding outer edge <NUM>, <NUM> and also define outermost points of each one of the wings <NUM>, <NUM>. This means that the above-mentioned straight line <NUM> is defined as extending through the two mid-points <NUM>, <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view as seen along the straight line <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The absorbent core <NUM> is sandwiched between the topsheet <NUM> and the backsheet <NUM>. As mentioned above, an acquisition layer 5a, suitably of airlaid material, can be arranged between the absorbent core <NUM> and the topsheet <NUM>. Also, the two wings <NUM>, <NUM> are formed so as to extend in opposite directions from the main body <NUM>. According to the embodiment, each of the wings <NUM>, <NUM> is provided with fastening means in the form of at least one adhesive area <NUM>, <NUM>, which is applied on the underside of each wing <NUM>, <NUM>, i.e. on the side which does not face the wearer. Furthermore, the main body <NUM> is also provided with further fastening means <NUM> for the purpose of fastening the sanitary napkin <NUM> onto an inner surface of an undergarment. Such further fastening means <NUM> may be in the form of one or several adhesive sections <NUM> which are arranged on the rear side of the backsheet <NUM> and which are arranged to extend along the longitudinal direction of the sanitary napkin <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the adhesive sections <NUM> are covered with a release paper layer <NUM> when the sanitary napkin <NUM> is in its non-used condition. When the sanitary napkin <NUM> is to be used, the release paper layer <NUM> is removed by the user so that the sanitary napkin <NUM> can be fastened to the undergarment.

According to alternative embodiments, the sanitary napkin <NUM> can be provided with various types of fastening means in the form of frictional fasteners, mechanical fasteners such as a hook-and-loop fastener, or combinations of different types of fasteners, as previously known.

The properties and design of the various layers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> which form part of the sanitary napkin <NUM> will now be described more in detail, with reference primarily to <FIG> and <FIG>.

According to an embodiment, the topsheet <NUM> is formed by a fluid permeable nonwoven fabric or film which is made of thermoplastic synthetic fibers. The topsheet <NUM> is sufficiently liquid-permeable to allow discharged body fluids to penetrate through the thickness of the topsheet <NUM>. Also, the topsheet <NUM> is suitably manufactured from a material which is compliant and soft-feeling to the skin of the wearer.

According to different embodiments, the topsheet <NUM> may be manufactured from various web materials such as for example nonwoven films, foams, or combinations of the above-mentioned materials. The topsheet <NUM> may also be perforated.

Furthermore, the backsheet <NUM> is constituted by a liquid-impermeable and breathable layer such as a polymeric film, for example a film of polyethylene or polypropylene. According to different embodiments, the materials which can be used for the backsheet <NUM> include thin and flexible fluid impermeable plastic films, or fluid impermeable nonwoven materials, fluid impermeable foams and fluid impermeable laminates.

According to the embodiment shown in the drawings, the backsheet <NUM> is formed by a single layer, but can alternatively be formed by a multi-layered structure, i.e. a laminate, wherein at least one layer is fluid impermeable. Furthermore, the backsheet <NUM> can optionally be elastic in any direction. Also, backsheet materials which are not fully liquid impermeable but only resistant to fluid penetration may be used, particularly in cases where relatively small amounts of body exudates are expected to be absorbed by the sanitary napkin <NUM>.

According to further embodiments, the backsheet <NUM> may be breathable, implying that air and vapor may pass through the backsheet <NUM>. Furthermore, the backsheet <NUM> may optionally have an outer, garment-facing surface of a textile material such as nonwoven.

Furthermore, the wings <NUM>, <NUM> are formed in a manner in which the topsheet <NUM> and the backsheet <NUM> are laminated and formed with the wings <NUM>, <NUM> being integrated as shown in the drawings. This means that the generally straight outer edges <NUM>, <NUM> are cut in the desired form during a manufacturing process for the sanitary napkin <NUM>. According to an alternative embodiment, which is not shown in the drawings, the wings can be manufactured separately and then supplied and finally attached to the main body during a final manufacturing process.

Furthermore, according to the embodiment shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the sanitary napkin <NUM> comprises an absorbent core <NUM> which is formed by one or more layers comprising fibres of cellulosic fluff pulp. According to alternative embodiments, the absorbent core <NUM> can be made up of any suitable absorbent or fluid-absorbing material as known in the art, for example foam, fiber waddings and similar materials. As mentioned above, different types of material layers can be used, alone or in combination, for example airlaid, spunlace and high loft material, depending on the required properties and the field of use of the sanitary napkin <NUM> in question.

According to one embodiment, the absorbent article is a liner, in which case the absorbent core may only be made of one thin material, for example a nonwoven layer.

According to a further embodiment, the absorbent core <NUM> comprises a suitable amount of superabsorbent particles. Such superabsorbent material is well known in the field of absorbent articles, and is constituted by a water-swellable and water-insoluble material which is capable of absorbing large quantities of fluid upon formation of a hydrogel. Normal superabsorbent materials are capable of absorbing fluids of at least <NUM> times its own weight. According to an embodiment, the amount of said superabsorbent particles is at least <NUM>% by weight, i.e. in relation to the total weight of the absorbent core <NUM>.

The superabsorbents are mixed into the material of the absorbent core <NUM>. The absorbent core <NUM> may further incorporate components for improving the properties of the absorbent core <NUM>. Some examples of such components are binder fibers, fluid-dispersing materials, fluid acquisition materials, etc. as known in the art. According to an embodiment, a mixture of cellulose fluff pulp and superabsorbent articles is mixed in a generally homogeneous manner throughout the entire absorbent core <NUM>.

According to further embodiments, the absorbent core <NUM> may be a homogeneous structure or may be a layered structure with 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. Also, the basis weight and composition of the absorbent core <NUM> may vary within such absorbent layers.

Furthermore, as known by the skilled person, the various layers of the sanitary napkin <NUM> can suitably be attached by means of layers of adhesive material. Such adhesive layers are not shown in the drawings.

With reference again to <FIG>, it can be noted that the first wing <NUM> is formed by a second edge section <NUM> which extends from a point along the perimeter of the main body <NUM> positioned in the back portion <NUM> of the sanitary napkin <NUM>, and to the first outer edge <NUM>. The first wing <NUM> also includes a third edge section <NUM> which extends from a point along the perimeter of the main body <NUM> in the front portion <NUM> of the sanitary napkin <NUM>, and extends further to the first outer edge <NUM>.

The second edge section <NUM> extends generally along an imaginary straight line 20a which defines a second angle α2 in relation to the longitudinal axis Y1, as indicated in <FIG>. Also, the third edge section <NUM> extends generally along a further imaginary straight line 21a which defines a third angle α3 in relation to the longitudinal axis Y1. More precisely, and as shown in <FIG>, both the second edge section <NUM> and third edge section <NUM> extend in a manner in which at least an essential part of each section <NUM>, <NUM> is generally straight and can be said to be aligned with each one of the two above-mentioned straight lines 20a, 21a.

The second wing <NUM> is arranged in a similar manner as the first wing <NUM> but is reversed (i.e. "upside-down") as compared with the first wing <NUM>, i.e. with a fourth edge section <NUM> extending from the front portion <NUM> and a fifth edge section <NUM> extending from the back portion <NUM>, i.e. so that the second outer edge <NUM> is situated between the fourth edge section <NUM> and the fifth edge section <NUM>. The fourth edge section <NUM> and the fifth edge section <NUM> of the second wing <NUM> can be said to define the same type of arrangement as described above with reference to the straight lines 20a, 21a, the second angle α2 and the third angle α3 of the first wing <NUM>.

According to the shown embodiment, the wings <NUM>, <NUM> are arranged in a generally parallell manner, while being connected to the main body <NUM> in a slightly displaced manner.

Consequently, the wings <NUM>, <NUM> form an asymmetric design due to the design of the wings <NUM>, <NUM> and also due to the fact that they extend generally along the above-mentioned common straight line <NUM> which defines a first angle α1 with respect to the transversal axis X1.

According to the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the third angle α3 is greater than <NUM>°, which means that a relatively small area <NUM> is formed between the adhesive area <NUM> and the third edge section <NUM>, which area <NUM> is not covered with any adhesive. This area <NUM> forms a grip tab which simplifies gripping and handling of the wings <NUM>, <NUM> during fastening of the sanitary napkin <NUM> in an undergarment, and also during removal of the sanitary napkin <NUM> from the undergarment.

In the following, certain dimensions and measurements relating to an embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to <FIG>. As indicated, a first distance d1, as defined between the outer edge <NUM> of each wing (here shown only with reference to the second wing <NUM>) and the longitudinal axis Y1 is in the range of <NUM>-<NUM>, preferably <NUM>-<NUM>, most preferably <NUM>-<NUM>. According to a particular embodiment, the first distance d1 is approximately <NUM>. This corresponds to the distance from the centre of the absorption body <NUM> to the outer edge <NUM>, <NUM> of each wing <NUM>, <NUM>.

Furthermore, a first wing folding edge <NUM> is defined as a part of the longitudinal side of the main body <NUM> where each wing <NUM>, <NUM> meets the main body <NUM> and along which each wing <NUM>, <NUM> can be folded when the sanitary napkin <NUM> has been manufactured. The first wing folding edge <NUM> as shown in <FIG> is defined as a line which is parallel to the longitudinal axis Y1.

Consequently, the first wing folding edge <NUM> is defined as part of the longitudinal side of the main body <NUM> where each wing <NUM>, <NUM> meets the main body <NUM> and along which each wing <NUM>, <NUM> is folded when the absorbent article <NUM> is manufactured.

As mentioned, the first wing folding edge <NUM> defines a line along which the corresponding wing <NUM> can be folded during manufacturing of the sanitary napkin <NUM>. During use of the sanitary napkin <NUM>, however, the wings <NUM>, <NUM> are normally folded along a line which is adapted to the size of the the undergarment. Consequently, as also shown in <FIG>, a second wing folding edge 26a is defined as a line along which each wing <NUM>, <NUM> can be expected to be folded during use of the sanitary napkin <NUM>. According to embodiments, the second wing folding edge 26a is configured so that the length along which it is folded is within the interval <NUM>-<NUM>% of the full length of the main body, and preferably <NUM>-<NUM>% of the full length of the main body, depending on the size and the desired properties of the sanitary napkin <NUM>.

A second distance d2 can be defined between the first wing folding edge <NUM> and the corresponding outer edge <NUM> of the corresponding wing <NUM>, said second distance d2 being in the range of <NUM>-<NUM>, preferably <NUM>-<NUM>, most preferably <NUM>-<NUM>. According to a particular embodiment, the second distance d2 is approximately <NUM>. A further way of defining the magnitude of the second distance d2 is by defining it in relation to the full width of the sanitary napkin <NUM>. According to embodiments, the ratio between the second distance d2 and the full width is in the range of <NUM>-<NUM>%, preferably <NUM>-<NUM>%, most preferably <NUM>-<NUM>%.

Furthermore, a core edge <NUM> can be defined along at least a part of each longitudinal side of the absorbent core <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the core edge <NUM> is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis Y1. Also, a third distance d3, as defined between the core edge <NUM> and the outer edge <NUM> of the corresponding wing <NUM>, is in the range of <NUM>-<NUM>, preferably <NUM>-<NUM>, most preferably <NUM>-<NUM>. According to a particular embodiment, the third distance d3 is approximately <NUM>. A further way of defining the magnitude of the third distance d3 is by defining it in relation to the full width of the sanitary napkin <NUM>. According to embodiments, the ratio between the third distance d3 and the full width is in the range of <NUM>-<NUM>%, preferably <NUM>-<NUM>%, most preferably <NUM>-<NUM>%.

Also, a fourth distance d4 is defined between the core edge <NUM> and the longitudinal axis Y1, said fourth distance d4 being in the range of <NUM>-<NUM>, preferably <NUM>-<NUM>, most preferably <NUM>-<NUM>. According to a particular embodiment, the fourth distance d4 is approximately <NUM>. A further way of defining the magnitude of the fourth distance d4 is by defining it in relation to the full width of the sanitary napkin <NUM>. According to embodiments, the ratio between the fourth distance d4 and the full width is in the range of <NUM>-<NUM>%, preferably <NUM>-<NUM>%, most preferably <NUM>-<NUM>%.

Also, the core edge <NUM> is according to the embodiment shown in the drawings generally parallel with the longitudinal axis Y1. In other embodiments, however, the core edge can be non-parallel in relation to the longitudinal axis Y1. In such cases, the above-mentioned distances d3 and d4 will be dependent on the position along the longitudinal axis Y1.

Furthermore, the absorbent core <NUM> is formed with a periphery which generally follows the outer edge of the main body <NUM> and defines an edge region <NUM> along the entire periphery of the main body <NUM>.

Also, the fastening means <NUM>, <NUM> which is arranged on each one of the wings <NUM>, <NUM> is according to an embodiment in the form of an area which supports an adhesive material. These adhesive areas <NUM>, <NUM> are generally rectangular and positioned on each wing <NUM>, <NUM> in a manner so that they are displaced in relation to each other in the longitudinal direction of the article <NUM>, and also so that they extend along generally the entire transversal length of each corresponding wing <NUM>, <NUM>.

The arrangement of the fastening means <NUM>, <NUM> according to the invention provides an advantage in that it increases the stability of each wing <NUM>, <NUM>. Also, the sanitary napkin <NUM> can be positioned and attached to an undergarment in a secure and comfortable manner, without any shearing forces acting on the undergarment, which otherwise could be detrimental to the comfort of the wearer.

Furthermore, due to the fact that the third edge <NUM> is arranged with an angle α3 with respect to the longitudinal direction of the main body <NUM> which is more than <NUM>°, a grip tab <NUM>, <NUM> - which does not support any adhesive covering - is formed in each wing <NUM>, <NUM>. In this manner, the handling of the wings <NUM>, <NUM> is further simplified. Also, the comfort and stability of the sanitary napkin <NUM> during use is improved.

<FIG> shows the sanitary napkin according to <FIG> and <FIG> but in a condition as manufactured, i.e. with the wings <NUM>, <NUM> being folded. Not all components and features of the sanitary napkin <NUM> which are shown in <FIG> and <FIG> are indicated with reference numerals in <FIG>.

As indicated in <FIG>, the main parts of the adhesive areas <NUM>, <NUM> are located close to the longitudinal axis Y1. Also, the adhesive areas <NUM>, <NUM> are displaced in relation to each other along the longitudinal direction of the sanitary napkin <NUM>. This contributes, during use of the sanitary napkin <NUM>, to a secure and comfortable fit for the user, while maintaining adequate absorption properties.

<FIG> shows an embodiment in which the outer edges <NUM>, <NUM> of the wings <NUM>, <NUM> are generally straight and parallel in relation to the longitudinal axis Y1. According to a further embodiment, however, the outer edges can extend a further distance over the main body <NUM>, i.e. so that they extend over the longitudinal axis Y1. It should be noted that, irrespective of the actual positions of the outer edges <NUM>, <NUM>, it is advantageous if the adhesive areas <NUM>, <NUM> are positioned - when the wings <NUM>, <NUM> are folded - in a manner so that they overlap and cooperate with the adhesive sections <NUM> on the rear side of the main body <NUM> during use.

According to a further embodiment which is shown in <FIG>, the fastening means <NUM> can be formed by a number of relatively small areas 12a, 12b, 12c which together cover an area of the corresponding wing <NUM>. These small areas 12a, 12b, 12c can be rectangular, as shown in <FIG>, or can be of any other suitable form in order to cover a suitable area of the corresponding wing <NUM>. As an alternative to the embodiment in <FIG>, the small areas can be arranged so that the extend for example in a direction which is transverse to the longidudinal axis Y1. Also, in a manner which is similar to <FIG>, the small areas 12a, 12b, 12c shown in <FIG> are placed so that a grip tab <NUM> is formed. This is due to the fact that the third angle α3 (see also <FIG>) is greater than <NUM>°.

<FIG> shows an embodiment which describes certain geometric properties of the invention, as will now be described. Initially, a first longitudinal line L1 is defined. With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the first longitudinal line L1 is parallel with the longitudinal axis Y1 and also extends through the outer edge <NUM> of the first wing <NUM>. Furthermore, a second longitudinal line L2 is defined, which is also parallel with the longitudinal axis Y1 and extends through the outer edge <NUM> of the second wing <NUM>.

Also, a front transversal line T1 is shown in <FIG>. This front transversal line T1 is parallel with the transversal line X1 and extends through a front edge of the front portion <NUM> of the sanitary napkin <NUM>. Similarly, a back transversal line T2 is defined, which is also parallel with the transversal axis X1 and extends through a rear edge of the back portion <NUM> of the sanitary napkin <NUM>.

Furthermore, a diagonal axis D1 is shown in <FIG>. The diagonal axis D1 extends through the point where the first longitudinal line L1 meets the front transversal line T1 and through the point where the second longitudinal line L2 meets the back transversal line T2. Also, a second diagonal line D2 extends along the fourth edge section <NUM> as mentioned above (and shown in <FIG>) and a third diagonal line D3 extends along the second edge section <NUM> as also mentioned above.

According to the embodiment, the second diagonal line D2, i.e. the fourth edge section <NUM> and the third diagonal line D3, i.e. the second edge section <NUM>, are substantially parallel with the diagonal axis D. More precisely, the angle which can be defined between the second diagonal line D2 (or the third diagonal line D3) and the diagonal axis D is not more than within the interval ± <NUM>°, preferably not more than ± <NUM>°.

With regard to the geometry of the main body <NUM>, it should be noted that the section of the napkin <NUM> referred to as the crotch portion <NUM> extends between a third transversal line T3 and a fourth transversal line T4, as shown in <FIG>. More precisely, the third transversal line T3 extends through a front edge <NUM> of the first wing <NUM>, whereas the fourth transversal line T4 extends through a rear edge <NUM> of the secong wing <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> show further embodiments of the present invention, in particular in order to disclose different types of geometry of the sanitary napkin <NUM> while still being within the scope of the invention. Firstly, it should be noted that <FIG> shows a design of the napkin in which the angle corresponding to α3 (see <FIG>) is less than <NUM>°, meaning that the grip tab (as formed in the embodiment of <FIG>) is not formed in the same manner in the embodiment of <FIG>. Furthermore, <FIG> shows a design of the napkin in which the angle corresponding to α3 (see <FIG>) is <NUM>°. Both embodiments according to <FIG> and <FIG> are within the principles of the present invention.

A process for manufacturing the sanitary napkin <NUM> described above comprises a number of steps which will now be described. Initially, a material which constitutes the absorbent core <NUM> is sandwiched between the backsheet <NUM> and the topsheet <NUM> in a manner which is known as such. In this manner, the main body <NUM> is formed. Subsequently, the first wing <NUM> and the second wing <NUM> are formed in a manner so that they extend outwardly from the main body <NUM>, in opposite directions and generally along said transversal axis X1, as described above. Furthermore, the wings <NUM>, <NUM> are provided with fastening means <NUM>, <NUM> for fastening the wings <NUM>, <NUM> to a garment when they are folded over the main body <NUM>. Furthermore, the manufacturing method comprises the step of arranging the wings <NUM>, <NUM> so as to extend generally along a common straight line <NUM> which defines an angle α1 with respect to said transversal axis X1 and which exceeds <NUM> degrees but is less than <NUM> degrees, and also the step of forming each wing <NUM>, <NUM> with an outer edge <NUM>, <NUM> which is generally straight and parallel to the longitudinal axis Y1.

After manufacturing of the sanitary napkin <NUM>, it is packaged by first folding the back portion <NUM> and the front portion <NUM> over the crotch portion <NUM>, after which the folded napkin <NUM> is wrapped in an individual wrapping and stored in a box. Alternatively, the front portion <NUM> can be folded first over the crotch portion <NUM>, after which the back portion <NUM> is folded over the crotch portion <NUM> and the folded napkin <NUM> is then wrapped.

As mentioned above with reference to <FIG>, the wings <NUM>, <NUM> are folded along the first folding edge <NUM> during the manufacturing step. During manufacturing, however, the sanitary napkin <NUM> can alternatively be folded in a manner in which the wings <NUM>, <NUM> and parts of the edge region <NUM> are folded along the core edge <NUM>. This means that the width of the folded product can be made less than according to prior art, which is an advantage since the quantity of some of the material needed - in particular the release paper <NUM> and the wrapping material - can be reduced.

Claim 1:
An absorbent article (<NUM>) comprising a main body (<NUM>) having a liquid-permeable topsheet (<NUM>), a liquid-impermeable backsheet (<NUM>) and an absorbent core (<NUM>) sandwiched between said topsheet (<NUM>) and said backsheet (<NUM>), said main body (<NUM>) being arranged along a longitudinal axis (Y1) and a transversal axis (X1) extending in a perpendicular direction in relation to the longitudinal axis (Y1), said main body (<NUM>) defining a front portion (<NUM>), a back portion (<NUM>) and a crotch portion (<NUM>); wherein said article (<NUM>) comprises a first wing (<NUM>) and a second wing (<NUM>) extending outwardly from said crotch portion (<NUM>) of the main body (<NUM>) in opposite directions in an asymmetric manner with reference to the longitudinal axis (Y1), and generally along said transversal axis (X1), said wings (<NUM>, <NUM>) being provided with fastening means (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured for fastening said wings (<NUM>, <NUM>) to a garment when being folded over said main body (<NUM>) and towards said longitudinal axis (Y1), characterized in that said wings (<NUM>, <NUM>) extend generally along a common straight line (<NUM>) which defines a first angle (α1) with respect to said transversal axis (X1) which exceeds <NUM>° but which is less than <NUM>°, and that each wing (<NUM>, <NUM>) has an outer edge (<NUM>, <NUM>) which is generally straight and parallel to the longitudinal axis (Y1), wherein said straight line (<NUM>) extends between a first edge mid-point (<NUM>) on the outer edge (<NUM>) of the first wing (<NUM>) and a second edge mid-point (<NUM>) on the outer edge (<NUM>) on the second wing (<NUM>), said mid-points (<NUM>, <NUM>) being positioned halfway along said outer edges (<NUM>, <NUM>) and defining outermost points of said wings (<NUM>, <NUM>).