Title of Invention

AN ABSORBENT PRODUCT PARTICULARLY FOR THE ABSORPTION OF HUMAN BODY EXUDATES

Abstract

An absorbent product, particularly for the absorption of human body exudates, comprising a first layer (2) and a second layer (3), the second layer (3) being turned to the discharge region of the exudates and the first layer (2) being positioned opposite to the second layer (3), the first layer (2) being made of at least one film of polymeric material (20) having a single apparent density, the absorbent product (1) being characterized in that the film (20) presents at least one stretched region (5) positioned adjacent to at least two unstretched regions (6), the stretched region (5) being obtained by the first layer (2) being passed and stretched through at least one stretching device.

Full Text

"ABSORBENT PRODUCT" The present invention refers to an absorbent product particularly for the absorption of human body exudates, such as, for example, disposable diapers, diapers for geriatric use, sanitary napkins, or breast protectors, which are provided with a coating/backsheet external layer, which is soft, agreeable to touch and comfortable, aiming at increasing the wearer's satisfaction and consequently the penetration of the product in the market, without increasing its manufacturing cost and its cost to the client. Description of the Prior Art Conventionally, the absorbent products for the containment and absorption of human body exudates, such as disposable diapers, diapers for geriatric use, sanitary napkins, breast protectors, among others, are structured so as to present, basically: (i) a first external layer, which contacts the wearer's undergarment and which is impermeable at least to liquids; (ii) a second permeable internal layer, which will contact the wearer's body; and (iii) a third layer made of absorbent material (hereinafter denominated absorbent core), which absorbs and accumulates the body exudates and which is located between the first and second layers.. In most of these absorbent products, notably in the disposable diapers, geriatric diapers and sanitary napkins, the first external layer comprises a film of polymeric material, preferably polyethylene or polypropylene, which is impermeable to liquids and avoids the body exudates stored in the absorbent core from leaking and reaching the wearer's undergarment. This film of polymeric material receives additives so as to present desirable properties, notably regarding feel, softness and quietness when deformed, in order to present characteristics that make the product attractive. Some additives . used in the films of polymeric material are calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, calcium sulfate, other sulfates, and titanium dioxide, among others. Several improvements have been developed over the years, aiming at improving the characteristics of the plastic films to be used in absorbent products, in order to make them more attractive. In this sense, US patent 4,285,100 discloses a process and equipment to stretch/elongate a non-woven web made of synthetic fibers, in order to maximize its mechanical resistance properties. The idealized equipment comprises a first station provided with at least one pair of rolls having longitudinal grooves and at least one pair of rolls having transverse grooves, besides auxiliary rolls, whose function is to avoid slippage of the web in relation to the rolls. This web is uniformly deformed or affected through the whole extension thereof, presenting as a final result a considerable dimensional increase in its width and length, with the consequent reduction of its density. Accordingly, US patent 4,368,565 discloses a grooved roll and an equipment provided with such grooved rolls, the rolls comprising a plurality of disks with two distinct diameters, which are alternatively disposed so that two disks of larger diameter are disposed on each side of a disk of smaller diameter, forming said grooves. The rolls with this configuration allow stretching orientable thermoplastic substrates, thus making possible to achieve the desired behavior characteristics of these materials. US patent 5,296,184, on its turn, discloses a method to manufacture an ultra-soft and quiet embossed plastic film presenting a cotton-like feel, which characteristics are obtained by producing a plurality of post-embossing stretching areas that are uniformly positioned along the length and width of the plastic film. The stretched areas are thinner than the unstretched areas. Still in relation to the patent cited above, the resulting film (which is initially embossed) may present several compositions and additives, and the protective scope of said invention is directed to the manufacturing process of this embossed and stretched final film. This patent, however, does not disclose the processing of a film of polymeric material which is initially not embossed since, as mentioned above, this initial characteristic was fundamental for the product to present the desired softness. Finally, US patent 6,258,308 discloses a process to adjust the capacity of water vapor transmission (WVTR), and other properties of a polyolefin film, rendering said film gas permeable. According to said patent, the film is processed in a equipment provided with at least one pair of rolls having longitudinal circular projections and which are at least slightly heated, so that the film, upon contacting said rolls, is heated and extended so. as to form a permanently stretched gas permeable film. Thus, this patent does not disclose a stretching with rupture of the material, but solely the thermo- deformation of the molecules, with molecular alignment, in such a way that the film becomes gas permeable. As it can be learned from the analysis of these well known prior art techniques, it has not been achieved heretofore an absorbent product, particularly for the absorption of human body exudates, such as disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, or breast protectors presenting an external layer composed of a film of plastic material, preferably a generally impermeable multiplayer film, Which has been stretched in a -way to present a smoother and softer feel similar to silk, besides presenting improved flexibility properties and quietness when deformed. Objectives of the Invention The objective of the present invention is to provide an absorbent product, particularly for the absorption of human body exudates, such as disposable diapers, diapers for geriatric use, sanitary napkins, or breast protectors, presenting an external layer made of a polymeric film, which is stretched so as to present a very soft feel, flexibility and quietness when deformed, giving to the product an impression of quality, which increases the acceptance of the product, consequently resulting in a higher penetration of the product in the market. Brief Description of the Invention The objectives of the present invention are achieved by an absorbent product, particularly for the absorption of human body exudates, comprising a first external layer and a second layer, the second layer facing the discharge region of the exudates and the first layer being positioned opposite to the second layer, the first layer being made of at least one film of polymeric material having a single apparent density, the film presenting at least one stretched region positioned adjacent to at least two unstretched regions, the stretched region being obtained by the first layer being passed and stretched through at least one stretching device. The present invention has the advantages of providing an absorbent product which presents characteristics of feel, softness, flexibility, and comfort much higher than those of the prior art products, significantly increasing its sales and market penetration potentials in relation to the known absorbent products. Brief Description of the Drawing's The present invention will be described below in more details, based on an exemplary embodiment shown in the drawings, in which: Fig.l is a schematic perspective view of the absorbent product of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a schematic sectional view of the absorbent product of the present invention; Fig. 3 is an enlarged upper view of the external layer of the absorbent product of the present invention; Fig. 4 is an enlarged view of the film that forms the external layer illustrated in figure 1; Fig. 5 is a more enlarged view of the external layer shown in figure 4, with the application of backlight; Fig. 6 is an even more enlarged view of the external layer shown in figure 5, with the application of backlight; Fig. 7 is an enlarged sectional view of the external layer shown in figures 5 and 6; Fig. 8 is a schematic lateral view of the film that forms the external layer of the present invention, while being stretched; and Fig. 9 is a schematic front view of the film that forms the external layer of the . present invention, while being stretched. Detailed Description of the Accompanying Drawings According to a preferred embodiment and as illustrated in Fig.l, the absorbent product 1 of the present invention, which is particularly idealized for the absorption of human body exudates, generally comprises a first external layer, hereinafter denominated backsheet 2, and a second internal layer, hereinafter denominated topsheet 3, which are disposed parallel to each other and between which is provided an absorbent element or core 4, which functions to absorb and retain the body exudates in its interior, avoiding leakages to the wearer's clothes. Although figure 1 shows a disposable diaper, the absorbent product 1 may assume any other configuration. The backsheet 2 is the one turned to the wearer's clothes when he/she is using the absorbent product 1, while the topsheet 3 is the one that contacts his/her body and directly receives the discharge (s) of body exudates. The topsheet 3, therefore, due to its positioning, must be liquid permeable, allowing the exudates to be conducted to the absorbent core 4, where said exudates will be stored and prevented from leaking. In this sense, it is evident that the faster the topsheet 3 allows the body exudates to pass towards the absorbent core 4, the more efficient the absorbent product will be. The main materials used to manufacture topsheets 3 are permeable woven or non-woven fabrics, which may contain polymeric fibers, although it is also possible to use a plastic film presenting characteristics of permeability, notably obtained by perforations. However, the topsheet 3 of the absorbent product 1 disclosed herein may present any composition, as this is not the objective of the present invention. The absorbent core 4, which is not the objective of the present invention, either, must consist of a substance or a group of substances which allow absorbing and storing a large quantity of liquid exudates, in order to guarantee that no leakages to the outside of the absorbent product will occur, even after successive discharges. Preferably, said group of absorbent substances comprises cellulose pulp, due to its suitable properties, however it being understood that super absorbent elements, or other components, such as for example turf moss, may be used. The backsheet 2, on its turn, is made of an impermeable material, generally a polymeric material, preferably plastic, for preventing the exudates retained in the absorbent core 4 from reaching the wearer's clothes somehow. Preferably, the backsheet 2 consists of a polyethylene film, which can receive additives according to the desired properties to be obtained, however it should be understood that any other films might be used, provided that they are functional and capable of being stretched, as described below. As a viable alternative to the use of a polyethylene film, we can mention the films made of polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), among others. The preferential utilization of the polyethylene film is due to its low manufacturing cost and compliance with the working requirements of the backsheet 2. As an example of additives, we can mention calcium carbonate (CaCo3), which renders breathability to the polyethylene film, i.e., the capacity of being gas permeable (breathability), but continuing to be liquid impermeable. Such breathability is achieved, since the CaCo3 granules present a considerable difference of elasticity in relation to the film, and when the latter is stretched, micro-ruptures occur around said granules. The percentage of calcium carbonate, or other additive that is added to the film, is determined by the desired properties and these values are not included in the protective scope of the present invention, as they can vary considerably. As a rule, additives are also used to impart higher smoothness to the film surface and to reduce the noise when it is folded or squeezed, which characteristics are desired by the purchasers of absorbent products in general. Independently of the basic composition of the film that forms the backsheet 2, said film can have a single layer or multiple layers, in which case it comprises several superposed layers of films with distinct properties, forming a main single film 20, whose properties are more workable as compared to the single layer. The multilayer film 20 is more adequate to be used as a backsheet 2, since it continues to maintain its liquid impermeability property even after being stretched, by reasons that will be described in more details below. In the preferred embodiment, a polyethylene multilayer film 20 with five layers, commonly known as A B C B A film with three formulations, is used. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the film comprises the following layers: • LAYERS A (external) : made of low density polyethylene (LDPE) and linear medium density polyethylene (LMDPE). • LAYERS B (intermediate): made of linear low density polyethylene catalyzed with metallocene (M-LLDPE) and low density polyethylene (LDPE), and which may have percentage variations in the relation between these two components. • LAYER C (central): made of linear low density polyethylene catalyzed with metallocene (M-LLDPE) and low density polyethylene (LDPE), and which may have percentage variations in the relation between these two components and present percentages different from those presented by. layers B. In relation to layers A, it should be noted that the low density polyethylene (LDPE) is soft and rubbery, whereas the linear medium density polyethylene (LMDPE) presents higher rigidity. Thus, the ideal compromise between softness and flexibility and resistance is achieved in this layer, making it suitable to the intended use. The balance of the two components allows said layers to further present interesting characteristics regarding slip properties (measured by COF, coefficient of friction). The layers B present as main characteristic a higher flexibility in relation to the layers A, since they do not have linear medium density polyethylene (LMDPE). The use of melallocene provides a more sticky and flexible characteristic to the linear low density polyethylene (M-LLDPE), which helps maintain the integrity between the several layers of the film 20, reducing the tendency to occur shearing movements therebetween. Obviously, the quantity of (M-LLDPE) in relation to the quantity of LDPE may be manipulated so as to make these layers and the film 20 present the desired resistance and flexibility properties. The comments above are also valid to layer C, whose composition has the same components, although the ratio between them, may differ. Finally, to the film 20 used is added a concentrated compound of titanium dioxide (Ti02) (a Ti02 masterbatch) with a carrier in low density polyethylene (LDPE). Titanium dioxide is used owing to its matting properties, eliminating the film transparence or translucency. Evidently, its use is optional. Several additives, such as dyes for example, may be used. It should also be noted that the multilayer film may further present basic compositions distinct from those mentioned above for each layer and, therefore, a great variety of different products can be used, according to the desired properties. Whatever the film chosen to be used, it must be stretched before the fabrication of the absorbent product 1, in order to guarantee the above-mentioned desired properties of softness and smoothness. Prior to the stretching, the polymeric film 20 presents its molecules substantially and homogenously dispersed, i.e., there is no region in this film in which the molecules are differently arranged in relation to other molecules, for example, as it would occur in the case of an embossed film that is thermo- deformed in specific regions, or in any other possible situation. Therefore, the film 20 presents only one apparent density. The stretching is carried out in a stretching equipment with at least one pair of stretching elements 10 in the form of rolls that are positioned parallel and adjacent to each other. Each roll 10 comprises a plurality of projections 11 that are responsible for stretching the film 20. Preferably, these projections 11 present a substantially annular form and are positioned concentrically to the roll and adjacent to each other, so that two concentric projections define an annular space or gap 12 therebetween. The rolls 10 are positioned in a way that the projections 11 of each of said rolls occupy a portion of the annular gaps 12 of the other roll. Thus, between the two rolls 10 is defined a sinuous region (corresponding to the sum of the successive annular gaps 12), which will be crossed by the film 20 that forms the backsheet 2. The stretching of the film 20 occurs when said film, upon being moved by the two rolls 10 presenting opposite and concomitant circular movements, passes through the sinuous region defined by the space existing between the rolls 10, simultaneously meeting the plurality of projections 11 of both rolls, which projections are simultaneously alternatively positioned. Thus, some rectilinear longitudinal regions of the film are stretched to the point in which the molecular rearrangement of the polymer occurs, configuring stretched regions 5, preferably but not compulsorily in the form of lines. Normally, these stretched regions 5 are those that touch the ends of the projections 11. Figure 9 makes it easier to understand the regions of the film 20 that are stretched and the positioning of said film upon passing through the space defined by the two rolls 10. In order to achieve the desired stretching and to avoid total rupture of the film 20, the deformation suffered by the film in the stretched regions 5 is controlled by handling variables, such as the shape of the projections 11, the composition of the film 20, etc. Obviously, due to the process variables, such as film thickness and composition, shape of the projections, etc., it is possible to occur the stretching of the regions of the film 20 corresponding to the intermediate portion defined between two unstretched regions 6, which are also longitudinal and touch the ends of the projections 11, or even the geometrically random stretching of the film. In the preferred embodiment, the stretched regions 5 are considerably thinner (or less wide) than the unstretched regions 6, presenting a * width substantially between 0,6 mm and 1,1 mm, whereas the unstretched regions present a width substantially between 1,1 mm and 1,9 mm, but this is not a mandatory characteristic of the film 20 after stretching. Statistically, for the preferred embodiment, the relation between the width of the unstretched regions 6 and the width of the stretched regions 5 is of about 183%. In order to allow the film 20 to be stretched without being completely ruptured upon passing through the space between the rolls 10, said film 20 should preferably embrace one of the rolls 10 in an angle of about 90°, thus maximizing the film/roll contact time and contact area. Also, to avoid rupture of the film 20, the modulus of velocity of said film when entering the region between the rolls should be equal to the modulus of velocity when it leaves said rolls and equal to the modulus of the velocities of the rolls 10. However, it is possible to handle the process variables so as to eventually allow stretching the film 20 with a considerable lower film/roll contact angle. Accordingly, tension means should be preferably used for longitudinally and transversally drawing/stretching, the film 20 before and after its passage through the rolls 10, which also assures stretching without total rupture. The tension values to be applied, as well as the means used for accomplishing stretching are not described herein, as they can vary according to the type/composition of the film used, the geometric- constructive characteristics of the rolls 10, etc. Also, it is possible to handle the several variables involved, . in order not to require the use of means for drawing the film 20. As widely known, the stretching of the film made of plastic material produces a non-despicable amount of heat, due to the molecular rearrangement in the stretched regions 5. In case the stretching is effected for a long time and continuously, this heat that is generated will be absorbed by the rolls 10, whose superficial temperature increases. From a determined temperature, the rolls, instead of stretching the film 20 cause its heat-deformation, since this high temperature softens the material of the film, which may be ruptured due to said material softening. A heat-deformed film, however, does not present the .same softness and smoothness characteristics as the stretched film, and therefore this temperature increase of the rolls 10 should be avoided. In order to maintain the rolls 10 in a convenient and efficient working- temperature, preferably less than about 80°C, the stretching equipment is preferably provided with means to refrigerate the rolls. These refrigerating means help maintain the film in a not very high temperature, since as already mentioned, it is not interesting to occur heating of the rolls 10. Thus, stretching is a mechanical cold forming process (without the application of heat). Any mechanism can be used to achieve said refrigeration, as this is not the object of the present invention, however, by way of example, we can mention the application of air at room temperature adjacently to the rolls, or even effect cooling with a refrigerant liquid'. Although the film 20 that forms the backsheet 2 of the absorbent product 1 of the present invention has a plurality of longitudinal stretched regions 5, it is evident that this arrangement may vary. For example, the film can be stretched upon its passage through a pair of rolls 10 having substantially transverse projections 11, similar to gear teeth, so that stretched regions 5 lie substantially perpendicular to the displacement direction. of the film in the region of the rolls 10. The rolls 10 may present any other shape of projections 11 as well. Alternatively, it is possible to provide two rolls 10 operating synchronously, each roll having more than one type of projection 11, allowing the film t"o have consecutive different stretched regions 5 determined by different types of projections 11. As mentioned above, the stretched film 20 that forms the backsheet 2 presents at least one stretched region 5, on which sides are provided at least two unstretched regions 6, but it preferably comprises a plurality of stretched regions 5. Whatever the quantity, the stretched regions 5 correspond to the molecular rearrangement of the film. In the film 20 of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the increase of the transverse measure of the film made possible by the presence of longitudinal stretched regions 5 is of about 16%, however it is obvious that this value may vary. Figures 5, 6 and 7 are enlarged views of the film 20, in which it may be verified that the stretched regions 5 present a substantial thickness reduction in relation to the unstretched regions 6. In the preferred embodiment of the film of the present invention, the relation between the thicknesses of the unstretched regions 6 and the stretched regions 5 is of about 240%. This is due to the fact that the stretching provoked the molecular rearrangement in the stretched regions and reduced the basis weight of the film. Evidently, since no more alterations occurred in the film, the same quantity of material in a larger area will result in a smaller basis weight in the stretched regions (preferably, the basis weight is measured in grams by square meters - g/m2). Moreover, this stretching produces heat, as it is responsible for the quantity of residual energy of the material, which will be discussed in more details ahead. Figures 5, 6 and. 7 further allow visualizing a micro embossing, which is defined by a profile comprising alternate areas 7, 8 of different thicknesses. This micro embossing is carried out during the manufacturing process of the film 20 (by extrusion) with any configuration, with the purpose of rendering said film a matte, brightless appearance, otherwise the film would present a lustrous appearance. This micro embossing does not interfere with any properties of the film, such as softness, smoothness, etc., since it is produced in a very superficial level. It is evident that a film lacking this micro embossing may be used. In short, the use of the micro-embossed film 20 is merely optional. The reduction of the residual energy of the polymeric material of the film 20 (which is confirmed by the generation of heat) imparts to the backsheet 2 formed therewith sensations of smoothness and great softness. These characteristics are specially desired, sirrce the backsheet 2 is the first region of the absorbent product 1 to be touched by the user, even before using it. As already mentioned above, the stretching of the film 20 produces heat, due to a mechanical molecular rearrangement. However, the mechanical resistance of the material is not altered. To confirm this statement, traction comparative tests were made between samples of the film 2 0 of the present invention having longitudinal stretched regions 5 and unstretched samples of the film 2 0 of the present invention. The results of said tests allowed reaching the following conclusions: • Since the stretching is longitudinal, no change occurs in the material behavior regarding deformation in the longitudinal direction until the point of rupture (in the specific case it remained about 530%, independently of the stretching), as well as regarding the necessary force to cause rupture of the film (in the specific case, about 1300 kgf) . • On the other hand, in relation to the deformation in the transverse direction (always taking into account that the stretched regions 5 of the samples containing the latter were longitudinal) , the transverse deformability of the stretched samples was reduced (in the specific case reduced from about 730% to about 520%, i.e., a reduction in the deformability of about 2 9%) , however without the corresponding reduction in the necessary force to cause rupture of the film (in the specific case equivalent to about 1,050 kgf). This reduction of the transverse deformability is directly associated with the energy dissipated in the form of heat in the stretching process, making the rupture of the stretched film to be achieved with the smallest maximum transverse deformation. • The absence of modifications in the properties of the film 20 regarding the longitudinal deformation and the reduction of the transverse deformability until reaching the point of rupture, due to the reduction of the residual energy of the stretched samples, confirms that no alterations occur in the mechanical properties of the film 20 after stretching. With the purpose of measuring the difference of the residual energy between the samples of the film 20 that were submitted to stretching and the ones that were not submitted to stretching, a DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimeter) test was Carried out, which proved that, to a determined temperature increase of the stretched samples, there was a heat absorption about 3,3% higher than the amount of heat absorbed by the unstretched samples for the same temperature increase. Evidently, this value may vary, but it has unmistakably been proved that the stretching process reduces the residual energy of the film, with the production of heat, as already mentioned. In order to illustrate the high approval of the users as to the utilization of an absorbent product containing a backsheet 2 made of a film 20 stretched in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, the results of a research/test between a known absorbent product and the absorbent product 1 of the present invention are listed below. Objective to be reached Evaluate the wearer's perception in relation to the backsheet 2 of the absorbent products 1. Success criteria The proposed absorbent product must present significant advantage with 95% reliability in at least some of the attributes evaluated. Tested product 1. 60 absorbent products provided with the prior art backsheet. 2. 60 absorbent products of the present invention. Total tested products: 60 + 60 = 120 Evaluated variables: - Product - Appearance - Comfort offered to the wearer - Softness/feel - Hardness/rigidity - Smothering sensation - General performance - Positive and negative points - General preference (ranking) - Preference reasons Summary of the results and conclusions It has been observed that the backsheet of the absorbent product 1 of the present invention presents, comparatively, significant advantages over the backsheet of the prior art product. Discussion of the results Monadic evaluation, How much you liked (p = 0,0001) It can be noted that the percentage of wearers that were very much satisfied with the absorbent product 1 of the present invention is higher. Approvals (likes) • ABSORBENT PRODUCTS 1 OF THE PRESENT INVENTION - (between parentheses the number of wearers' opinions) - softness/smoothness: (29) - absorption/does not leak: (13) - comfort: (11) - perfume: (7) - shape: (5) - adjustment: (5) '• - ideal size: (4) - pretty: (3) - crotch width (3) - less bulky: (2) - durable: (3) - keeps wearer dry: (2) - external part is modern: (1) - appearance of the vertical strips: (1) - fabric is more cloth-like: (1) - non-smothering: (1) - flexible: (1) • ABSORBENT PRODUCTS HAVING THE PRIOR ART BACKSHEET - (between parentheses the number of wearers' opinions) - absorption/does not leak: (17) - softness: (13) - perfume: (10) - adjustment: (6) - comfort: (5) - pretty: (5) - rupture line of the adhesive tape: (3) - shape: (1) - keeps wearer dry: (1) - porous, more breathable coating: (1) DISAPPROVALS (DISLIKES) • ABSORBENT PRODUCTS 1 OF THE PRESENT INVENTION - (between parentheses the number of wearers' opinions) - curled: (4) - perfume: (4) - large panel: (1) - heats the wearer: (1) - tape has torn: (1) - when under weight, the absorbent product falls: (1) - the pattern could be prettier: (1) - it leaks: (1) • ABSORBENT PRODUCTS HAVING THE PRIOR ART BACKSHEET (between parentheses, the number of positive opinions of the wearers) - curled/broke: (9) - hard: (8) - rough/it is not soft: (7) - perfume: (4) - smothering external material/heats the user: (3) - appearance: (2) - bulky: (2) - a little large: (2) - does not absorb well: (2) - the tape does not adhere well: (1) - it looks like it will tear: (1) - thick: (1) APPEARANCE (p=0,0007) It can be noted that the percentage of wearers that were very much satisfied with the absorbent product 1 of the present invention is higher, with a statistic significance of p=0,0007. COMFORT (p It can be seen that the percentage of wearers that consider the absorbent product 1 of the present invention very comfortable is higher, uncomfortable is lower, with a statistic significance of p=0,001. It can be seen that the percentage of wearers that consider the absorbent product 1 of the present invention very soft and soft is higher, with a statistic significance of p=0,0017. It can be seen that the percentage of wearers that consider the absorbent product 1 of the present invention very flexible and flexible is higher, with a statistic significance of p=0,005. It can be seen that the percentage of wearers that consider the absorbent product 1 of the present invention low smothering or no smothering is higher, with a statistic significance of p=0,018. As it can be noted in the results of the tests mentioned above, the absorbent product 1 of the present invention presents characteristics of feel, softness, flexibility and comfort much higher than those of the prior art products. Thus, its sales and market penetration potentials are significantly higher than those presented by the other products. While one preferred example of carrying out the invention has been described, it should be understood that the scope of the present invention can encompass other possible variations, the scope being only limited by the content of the appended claims, including the possible equivalents. WE CLAIM: 1. An absorbent product, particularly for the absorption of human body exudates, comprising a first layer (2) and a second layer (3), the second layer (3) being turned to the discharge region of the exudates and the first layer (2) being positioned opposite to the second layer (3), the first layer (2) being made of at least one film of polymeric material (20) having a single apparent density, the absorbent product (1) being characterized in that the film (20) presents at least one stretched region (5) positioned adjacent to at least two unstretched regions (6), the stretched region (5) being obtained by the first layer (2) being passed and stretched through at least one stretching device. 2. The absorbent product, as set forth in claim 1, wherein, the stretching is a mechanical cold forming process. 3. The absorbent product, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the film of polymeric material (20) corresponds to a multiplayer film. 4. The absorbent product, as set forth in claim 3, wherein the multiplayer film (20) comprises two external layer (A) made of low density polyethylene (LPDE) and linear medium density polyethylene (LMPDE), which are disposed on the sides of two intermediate layers (B) made of linear low density polyethylene catalyzed with metallocene (M-LLDPE) and low density polyethylene (LDPE). 5. The absorbent product, as set forth in claim 4, wherein the film (20) further comprises a central layer (c) made of linear low density polyethylene catalyzed with metallocene (M-LLDPE) and low density polyethylene (LDPE). 6. The absorbent product, as set forth in claims 1 or 2, wherein the film of polymeric material (20) corresponds to a single layer film. 7. The absorbent product, as set forth in claims 1,2,3,4,5 or 6, wherein the film (20) comprises at least one stretched region (5) on which sides are provided at least two unstretched regions (6). 8. The absorbent product, as set forth in claim 7, wherein the stretched region (5) corresponds to the region where the molecular re-arrangement of the fibers of the polymeric material occurs. 9. The absorbent product, as set forth in claims 7 or 8, wherein the stretched region (5) presents a basis weight that is lower than those presented by the unstretched regions (6). 10. The absorbent product, as set forth in claims 1, 2, 7, 8 or 9, wherein the stretched region (5) corresponds to an intermediate portion configured between two unstretched regions (6), which touch the ends of the projections (11) of at least two stretching elements (10) of a stretching equipment. 11. The absorbent product, as set forth in any one of the previous claims, wherein the stretched region (5) and the unstretched regions (6) are longitudinal. 12. The absorbent product, as set forth in any one of the previous claims, wherein it comprises multiple stretched regions in the form of stretched lines (5). An absorbent product, particularly for the absorption of human body exudates, comprising a first layer (2) and a second layer (3), the second layer (3) being turned to the discharge region of the exudates and the first layer (2) being positioned opposite to the second layer (3), the first layer (2) being made of at least one film of polymeric material (20) having a single apparent density, the absorbent product (1) being characterized in that the film (20) presents at least one stretched region (5) positioned adjacent to at least two unstretched regions (6), the stretched region (5) being obtained by the first layer (2) being passed and stretched through at least one stretching device.

Documents:

161-kol-2004-granted-abstract.pdf

161-kol-2004-granted-claims.pdf

161-kol-2004-granted-correspondence.pdf

161-kol-2004-granted-description (complete).pdf

161-kol-2004-granted-drawings.pdf

161-kol-2004-granted-examination report.pdf

161-kol-2004-granted-form 1.pdf

161-kol-2004-granted-form 18.pdf

161-kol-2004-granted-form 2.pdf

161-kol-2004-granted-form 26.pdf

161-kol-2004-granted-form 3.pdf

161-kol-2004-granted-form 5.pdf

161-kol-2004-granted-priority document.pdf

161-kol-2004-granted-reply to examination report.pdf

161-kol-2004-granted-specification.pdf

161-kol-2004-granted-translated copy of priority document.pdf