Method for producing absorbent structures for sanitary articles

Abstract

A method for producing absorbent structures, including forming an array of absorbent pads having cellulose fluff, forming an array of fluff-free absorbent inserts, and inserting the fluff-free absorbent inserts into respective through-openings of absorbent pads.

Description

Claims

1. A method for producing absorbent structures, comprising: forming an array of absorbent pads comprising cellulose fluff, wherein each absorbent pad of said array of absorbent pads has at least one through-opening,forming an array of fluff-free absorbent inserts, each fluff-free absorbent insert comprising at least one non-woven layer in which superabsorbent material is incorporated, andarranging said fluff-free absorbent inserts within respective through-openings of said absorbent pads so as to form an array of absorbent structures, each of which comprises an absorbent pad and at least one fluff-free absorbent insert inserted in the through-opening of the respective absorbent pad.

2. The method of claim 1, comprising fixing said array of fluff-free absorbent inserts on a first continuous non-woven web in positions spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal direction.

3. The method of claim 2, comprising; applying said array of absorbent pads on a second continuous non-woven web in positions spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction,overlapping said second continuous non-woven web to said first continuous non-woven web,and - at the same time - inserting said fluff-free absorbent inserts into respective through-openings of said absorbent pads and sandwiching said array of absorbent pads and said array of fluff-free absorbent inserts between said first and second continuous non-woven webs.

4. The method of claim 3, comprising fixing said first and second continuous non-woven webs together through gaps formed between said absorbent pads and respective fluff-free absorbent inserts.

5. The method of claim 1, comprising; fixing said array of absorbent structures on a continuous backsheet,applying a continuous topsheet to said continuous backsheet, andsandwiching said array of absorbent structures between said continuous backsheet and continuous topsheet.

6. The method of claim 1, comprising; fixing said array of absorbent pads on a continuous backsheet web,inserting said fluff-free absorbent inserts into respective through openings of said absorbent pads while said array of absorbent pads is fixed onto said continuous backsheet web so as to form an array of absorbent structures,applying a continuous topsheet web onto said continuous backsheet web,and sandwiching said array of absorbent structures between said continuous backsheet and continuous topsheet webs.

7. The method of claim 2, comprising; feeding a second continuous non-woven web onto an outer surface of a forming wheel and forming said array of absorbent pads in spaced apart positions along the longitudinal direction on said second continuous non-woven web,overlapping said second continuous non-woven web to said first continuous non-woven web,and - at the same time - inserting said fluff-free absorbent inserts into respective through-openings of said absorbent pads and sandwiching said array of absorbent pads and said array of fluff-free absorbent inserts between said first and second continuous non-woven webs.

8. The method of claim 1, comprising; enclosing said array of absorbent pads between first and second continuous non-woven webs, wherein the first and second continuous non-woven webs are superimposed on each other inside the through-openings of said absorbent pads, andinserting said fluff-free absorbent inserts into respective through-openings of said absorbent pads superimposed on corresponding portions of said first and second continuous non-woven webs.

9. The method of claim 1, comprising; providing a continuous fluff-free absorbent web in which superabsorbent material is incorporated, andforming said array of fluff-free absorbent inserts by transversely cutting said continuous fluff-free absorbent web.

10. The method of claim 9, comprising forming in-line said continuous fluff-free absorbent web.