U.S. patent application number 11/762949 was filed with the patent office on 2008-12-18 for absorbent article with a checking function for elastic elongation.
This patent application is currently assigned to SCA HYGIENE PRODUCTS AB. Invention is credited to Ingemar Fernfors.
Application Number | 20080312632 11/762949 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36588146 |
Filed Date | 2008-12-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080312632 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fernfors; Ingemar |
December 18, 2008 |
ABSORBENT ARTICLE WITH A CHECKING FUNCTION FOR ELASTIC
ELONGATION
Abstract
An absorbent article (101) includes at least one elastic area
(143). The invention, article (101) an element (131) for checking
the elongation of the elastic area (143), in conjunction with which
the element (131) a first indicator marker (133) connected to the
elastic area (143) and a second indicator marker (134) connected to
a second piece of material (135), in conjunction with which the
first indicator marker (133) and the second indicator marker (134)
are capable of displacement relative to one another in the
direction of elongation of the elastic area (143), whereby the
change in the relative position between the first and the second
indicator marker 133,134) in conjunction with the elongation of the
elastic area (143) from a non-elongated position provides a measure
of the elongation of the elastic area.
Inventors: |
Fernfors; Ingemar; (Molndal,
SE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BUCHANAN, INGERSOLL & ROONEY PC
POST OFFICE BOX 1404
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22313-1404
US
|
Assignee: |
SCA HYGIENE PRODUCTS AB
Goteborg
SE
|
Family ID: |
36588146 |
Appl. No.: |
11/762949 |
Filed: |
June 14, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
604/385.24 ;
604/358 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 13/5638 20130101;
A61F 13/49014 20130101; A61F 2013/8497 20130101; A61F 13/84
20130101; A61F 13/64 20130101; A61F 13/49011 20130101; A61F
13/49009 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
604/385.24 ;
604/358 |
International
Class: |
A61F 13/15 20060101
A61F013/15 |
Claims
1. An absorbent article comprising a checking device for checking
the elongation of an elastic area of the absorbent article, the
checking device comprises a first indicator marker connected to the
elastic area and a second indicator marker connected to a second
piece of material such that the first indicator marker and the
second indicator marker are capable of displacement relative to one
another in the direction of elongation of the elastic area, whereby
a change in the relative position between the first and the second
indicator marker in conjunction with the elongation of the elastic
area from a non-elongated position provides a measure of the
elongation of the elastic area.
2. The absorbent article, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first
indicator marker is displaced in the direction of elongation when
the elastic area is elongated, as a consequence of which it is
displaced for a greater distance than the second indicator
marker.
3. The absorbent article, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
distance between the first indicator marker and the second
indicator marker reduces in conjunction with the elongation of the
elastic area.
4. The absorbent article, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second
piece of material comprising the second indicator marker is
attached to the elastic area along an attachment line essentially
perpendicular to the direction of elongation of the elastic area,
and the second indicator marker is arranged at a distance from the
attachment line in the direction of elongation of the elastic
area.
5. The absorbent article, as claimed in claim 4, wherein the second
indicator marker comprises one edge of the second piece of
material, and the one edge is arranged at a distance from the
attachment line of the piece of material essentially perpendicular
to the direction of elongation of the elastic area.
6. The absorbent article, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first
indicator marker is concealed under the second piece of material
when the elastic area is not stretched.
7. The absorbent article, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first
indicator marker comprises at least two indicator levels, at least
one of the indicator levels indicates that the elastic area has
been stretched too much.
8. The absorbent article, as claimed in claim 7, wherein another of
the indicator levels indicates that the elastic area of the article
is not sufficiently stretched to ensure the satisfactory function
of the article (201).
9. The absorbent article, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
article is a panty diaper.
10. The absorbent article, as claimed in claim 9, wherein the
elastic area comprises the waist elastic of the panty diaper.
11. The absorbent article, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
article is an all-in-one diaper.
12. The absorbent article, as claimed in claim 11, wherein the
elastic area comprises at least a part of an attachment flap of the
all-in-one diaper.
13. The absorbent article, as claimed in claim 12, wherein the
attachment flap is attached to a backing layer of the all-in-one
diaper between a longitudinal edge and a longitudinal center line
of the diaper, and the first indicator marker is arranged on the
attachment flap between the attachment and the longitudinal edge,
at least one part of the attachment flap between the attachment and
the first indicator marker is elastic, and the second indicator
marker is arranged on the backing layer and positioned in the
transverse direction of the article between the first indicator
marker and the longitudinal edge, and the backing layer constitutes
the second piece of material.
14. The absorbent article, as claimed in claim 13, wherein the
second indicator marker comprises the longitudinal edge of the
all-in-one diaper.
15. The absorbent article, as claimed in claim 13, wherein at least
one part of the attachment flap between its attachment to the
backing layer and the longitudinal edge of the all-in-one diaper is
concealed under the second piece of material.
16. The absorbent article, as claimed in claim 15, wherein the
second piece of material forms a pocket together with the backing
layer, wherein the pocket is open where the attachment flap extends
outwards from the pocket, and the attachment between the attachment
flap and the backing layer is arranged inside the pocket.
17. The absorbent article, as claimed in claim 11, wherein the
elastic area comprises the waist elastic of the all-in-one
diaper.
18. The absorbent article, as claimed in claim 1, the article is a
belt diaper.
19. The absorbent article, as claimed in claim 18, wherein the
elastic area comprises at least one part of at least one of the
belt halves of the belt diaper.
20. The absorbent article, as claimed in claim 19, wherein the belt
half is attached to a backing layer of the belt diaper between a
longitudinal edge and a longitudinal center line of the diaper, the
first indicator marker is arranged on the belt half between the
attachment and the longitudinal edge, at least a part of the belt
half between the attachment and the first indicator marker is
elastic, and the second indicator marker is arranged on the backing
layer and positioned in the transverse direction of the article
between the first indicator marker and the longitudinal edge, and
the backing layer constitutes the second piece of material.
21. The absorbent article, as claimed in claim 20, wherein the
second indicator marker comprises the longitudinal edge of the belt
diaper.
22. The absorbent article, as claimed in claim 21, wherein the belt
halves are arranged between a liquid-permeable covering layer and
the backing layer.
23. The absorbent article, as claimed in claim 18, wherein at least
one part of the extent of the belt half between its attachment to
the backing layer and the longitudinal edge of the belt diaper is
concealed under the second piece of material.
24. The absorbent article, as claimed in claim 22, wherein the
second piece of material forms a pocket together with the backing
layer, the pocket is open where the belt half extends outwards from
the pocket, and the attachment between the belt half and the
backing layer is arranged inside the pocket.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The invention relates to an absorbent article comprising at
least one elastic area.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In the case of absorbent articles such as diapers, sanitary
towels, incontinence guards, etc., the arrangement of elastic areas
executed in various ways is previously disclosed.
[0003] It is common, for example, for the elastic areas to be
arranged by having provided the article with elastic threads or
elastic tapes which have been attached, for example, in their
stretched state to the covering layer of the article.
[0004] The elastic areas are often so arranged that they tighten
the article around the wearer's legs, around the wearer's waist or
the like.
[0005] For certain articles, it is also the case that entire
surfaces consist of elastic areas. Articles are encountered, for
example, with elastic covering layers arranged on the side of the
article that is intended to face away from the wearer when the
article is being worn.
[0006] Elastic areas which tighten the article around the wearer's
legs are described, for example, in patent U.S. Pat. No.
3,860,003.
[0007] Elastic areas are also described in a number of different
patent specifications, in which the elastic areas are arranged in
the waist area of the article. One example of such a document is WO
93/17648.
[0008] Attachment flaps intended to secure the article around the
wearer's waist in conjunction with putting on the article are
another application which usually contains elastic material, in
conjunction with which at least a part of the length of the
attachment flap is elastic. One example of such attachment flaps is
described in patent U.S. Pat. No. 5,916,207.
[0009] A disadvantage associated with all previously disclosed
articles comprising some form of elastic areas is the existence of
a significant risk of the elastic areas being stretched too tightly
around the wearer, as a consequence of which skin irritations,
blood circulation problems or the like can occur.
[0010] For example, an article that is too small can be secured
around a wearer's waist by stretching the attachment flaps of the
article too far, as a consequence of which the waist area of the
entire article is tensioned excessively tightly around the wearer's
waist.
[0011] Another commonly encountered problem is that the leg elastic
of absorbent articles surrounds the wearer's legs too tightly, as a
consequence of which the leg elastic cuts into the wearer's groin,
which often results in red marks, chafing or some other form of
skin irritation.
[0012] Excessive pressure against the body combined with an article
which contains urine and/or feces is a particularly undesirable
combination, which is unfortunately very common in connection with
absorbent articles. The combination increases the risk of skin
irritations to a significant degree.
[0013] Another problem associated with the use of absorbent
articles containing elastic areas is that the elastic is not
tensioned sufficiently tightly. A commonly encountered situation,
for example, is that parents do not tension the diaper sufficiently
tightly around their infant, which is a particularly commonly
encountered situation for as long as the infant retains its
umbilical cord. A diaper that is too loosely tensioned often
results in the unnecessary leakage of urine and/or feces.
OBJECT AND SUMMARY
[0014] The need accordingly exists for absorbent articles in which
it is possible to check that the tension in the elastic areas of
the article lies within intended limits and is not too tight or too
loose.
[0015] An absorbent article of the kind mentioned in the
introduction has been achieved through the present invention,
however, which essentially overcomes the problems that have been
associated with previously disclosed absorbent articles.
[0016] An absorbent article in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention comprises means for checking the elongation of the
elastic area. For this purpose, the means comprises a first
indicator marker connected to the elastic area and a second
indicator marker connected to another piece of material. The first
indicator marker and the second indicator marker are capable of
displacement relative to one another in the direction of elongation
of the elastic area, whereby the change in the relative position
between the first and the second indicator markers in conjunction
with the elongation of the elastic area from a non-elongated
position provides a measure of the elongation of the elastic
area.
[0017] In accordance with a first embodiment, the first indicator
marker is displaced in the direction of elongation when the elastic
area is elongated, as a consequence of which it is displaced over a
longer distance than the second indicator marker.
[0018] In accordance with a second embodiment, the mutual distance
between the first indicator marker and the second indicator marker
reduces in conjunction with the initial elongation of the elastic
area.
[0019] In accordance with a third embodiment, the second piece of
material which comprises the second indicator marker is attached to
the elastic area along a connecting line essentially perpendicular
to the direction of elongation of the elastic area. The second
indicator marker is arranged at a distance from the aforementioned
attachment in the direction of elongation of the elastic area.
[0020] When the elastic area is elongated, there is no change in
the distance between the perpendicular attachment and the second
indicator marker that is arranged on the separate piece of
material. The distance between the perpendicular attachment and the
first indicator marker changes, on the other hand, when the elastic
area between the connection and the first indicator marker is
elongated.
[0021] In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the
second indicator marker consists of one edge of the second piece of
material. The edge is arranged at a distance from the connecting
line of the piece of material and is essentially perpendicular to
the direction of elongation of the elastic area.
[0022] In accordance with another embodiment, the first indicator
marker is concealed under the second piece of material when the
elastic area is not stretched. An absorbent article in accordance
with this embodiment conveniently indicates when the elastic area
of the article has been stretched too much. The first indicator
marker is conveniently concealed under the separate piece of
material containing the second indicator marker. The second
indicator marker appropriately consists of the edge of the piece of
material that is arranged at a distance from the attachment between
the piece of material and the absorbent article, in conjunction
with which the first indicator marker appears at the aforementioned
edge when the elastic area has been stretched too much.
[0023] In accordance with a further embodiment, the first indicator
marker comprises at least two indicator levels, in conjunction with
which at least one indicator level indicates that the elastic area
has been stretched too much. It is appropriate, for example, for
the first indicator marker to exhibit a first level, which
indicates that the elastic area of the article has been stretched
sufficiently, and a second level, which indicates that the elastic
area has been stretched too much.
[0024] One embodiment comprises at least one indicator level, which
indicates that the elastic area of the article is not sufficiently
stretched to ensure the satisfactory function of the article.
[0025] Insufficient stretching of elastic areas of absorbent
articles is not altogether a rare occurrence, which can result in
failure by the article to achieve its intended function. The
parents of newborn infants, for example, tend to be particularly
concerned about stretching the waist area of the diaper to tightly
over the umbilical cord. It is beneficial for this reason to be
able to send a signal indicating that the article has not been
tensioned in the intended fashion.
[0026] In accordance with one embodiment, the absorbent article
consists of a panty diaper.
[0027] In accordance with one embodiment, the elastic area of the
panty diaper consists of the waist elastic of the panty diaper.
[0028] One embodiment is characterized in that the absorbent
article is an open, all-in-one diaper, and in accordance with one
embodiment the elastic area consists of at least one part of at
least one of the attachment flaps of the all-in-one diaper.
[0029] In accordance with one embodiment, the attachment flap is
attached to the backing layer of the all-in-one diaper between the
longitudinal edge and the longitudinal center line of the diaper,
in conjunction with which the first indicator marker is arranged on
the attachment flap. The first indicator marker is arranged in this
case between the attachment and the longitudinal edge, in
conjunction with which at least one part of the attachment flap
between the attachment and the first indicator marker is elastic.
The second indicator marker is arranged on the backing layer and
positioned in the transverse direction of the article between the
first indicator marker and the longitudinal edge of the all-in-one
diaper, in conjunction with which the backing layer constitutes the
second piece of material.
[0030] In accordance with one embodiment, the second indicator
marker consists of the longitudinal edge of the all-in-one
diaper.
[0031] In accordance with one embodiment, at least one part of the
extent of the attachment flap between its attachment to the backing
layer and the longitudinal edge of the all-in-one diaper is
concealed under a piece of material.
[0032] In accordance with one embodiment, the piece of material
forms a pocket together with the backing layer, in conjunction with
which the pocket is open where the attachment flap extends outwards
from the pocket, and in conjunction with which the attachment
between the attachment flap and the backing layer is arranged
inside the pocket.
[0033] In one embodiment, the elastic area consists of the waist
elastic of the all-in-one diaper.
[0034] One embodiment is characterized in that the absorbent
article is the so-called belt diaper.
[0035] At least one part of at least one of the belt halves of the
belt diaper constitutes the elastic area in one embodiment.
[0036] In one embodiment, the belt half is attached to the backing
layer of the belt diaper between the longitudinal edge and the
longitudinal center line of the diaper. The first indicator marker
is arranged in this case on the belt half between the connection
and the longitudinal edge, in conjunction with which at least one
part of the belt half between the attachment and the first
indicator marker is elastic. The second indicator marker is
arranged on the backing layer and positioned in the transverse
direction of the article between the first indicator marker and the
longitudinal edge, in conjunction with which the second piece of
material consists of the backing layer.
[0037] In accordance with one embodiment, the second indicator
marker consists of the longitudinal edge of the belt diaper.
[0038] In one embodiment, the halves of the belt are arranged
between the liquid-permeable covering layer and the backing
layer.
[0039] In another embodiment, at least one part of the extent of
the belt half between its attachment to the backing layer and the
longitudinal edge of the belt diaper is concealed under a piece of
material.
[0040] In accordance with one embodiment, the piece of material
forms a pocket together with the backing layer, in conjunction with
which the pocket is open where the belt half extends outwards from
the pocket, and in conjunction with which the attachment between
the belt half and the backing layer is arranged inside the
pocket.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0041] FIG. 1a shows an all-in-one diaper in accordance with the
first preferred embodiment of the invention from the side that is
intended to face towards the wearer when wearing the diaper.
[0042] FIG. 1b shows the diaper in accordance with FIG. 1a from the
side that is intended to face away from the wearer when wearing the
diaper before it has been used.
[0043] FIG. 1c shows the waist elastic of a diaper with associated
means for checking the elongation of the elastic when the elastic
is in the contracted state.
[0044] FIG. 1d shows the waist elastic in FIG. 1c and the means for
checking the elongation of the elastic in the stretched state.
[0045] FIG. 1e shows the waist elastic of the diaper in an
alternative embodiment with associated means for checking the
elongation of the elastic when the elastic is in the contracted
state.
[0046] FIG. 1f shows the waist elastic in FIG. 1e and the means for
checking the elongation of the elastic in the stretched state.
[0047] FIG. 2a shows a belt diaper in accordance with a second
preferred embodiment of the invention from the side that is
intended to face towards the wearer when wearing the diaper.
[0048] FIG. 2b shows the belt diaper in accordance with FIG. 2a
from the side that is intended to face away from the wearer when
wearing the diaper before it has been used.
DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0049] One preferred embodiment of the invention is an absorbent
article for disposable use comprising at least one elastic area, in
conjunction with which the elastic area comprises means for
checking the degree of extension of the area. It is a common
occurrence, for example, for the article to have been tensioned too
tightly or too loosely around the waist of the wearer after it has
been put on, which can be checked with the help of a means for
checking the degree of elongation of the waist elastic or the
elastic attachment tabs of the article.
[0050] Absorbent articles in accordance with the invention
primarily denotes absorbent articles of the type all-in-one
diapers, panty diapers, belt diapers or sanitary protection of the
panty type, that is to say articles which enclose the wearer's
abdomen when they are being worn and which usually comprise one or
more elastic areas.
[0051] It is naturally also possible to apply the invention to less
absorbent products such as sanitary towels, panty liners or light
incontinence guards intended to be positioned in the crotch of a
wearer. The design and positioning of these articles in a wearer's
undergarments means, however, that the need for indication of
elongation is not as beneficial for these types of absorbent
articles.
[0052] All-in-one diapers, panty diapers or belt diapers may
consist of baby's diapers intended for infants who are not yet
potty trained, or of incontinence guards intended for adult
incontinent wearers.
[0053] So-called panty diapers are characterized above all in that
they have already been folded at the time of manufacture about an
essentially transverse fold line in the crotch area of the panty
diaper and have subsequently been joined together at the waist.
Diapers of this type are intended to be put on a wearer precisely
like a pair of underpants, that is to say they are passed over the
wearer's legs. The joint in the waist area of the panty diaper is
usually capable of separation, as a consequence of which the panty
diaper can be removed after use without having to be passed all the
way down over the wearer's feet when it is to be removed. This
possibility is particularly appreciated when the panty diaper is
smeared with feces after use. Panty diapers normally comprise
elastic areas both in the waist part and around the leg
openings.
[0054] Panty diapers that are capable of being opened and reclosed
also exist.
[0055] Such panty diapers are supplied joined together at the
waist, although they can be opened, for example to check the
contents of the article, and then reclosed.
[0056] Belt diapers are characterized in that they comprise a
transverse belt in relation to the absorbent part of the diaper,
which belt is attached to either the front or the rear transverse
edge of the diaper.
[0057] When putting on a belt diaper of this kind, the belt is
fixed around the wearer's waist as a first stage. The absorbent
part of the diaper thus hangs loosely from the belt. The absorbent
part of the diaper is then passed between the wearer's legs and is
attached to the belt, in conjunction with which the belt includes
fixing surfaces intended to adhere strongly to fixing devices
arranged on the absorbent part of the diaper adjacent to its free
transverse edge. The belt and the leg cut-outs are usually
elasticated in panty diapers.
[0058] So-called all-in-one diapers are characterized in that they
include attachment flaps, by means of which the front and rear
waist part of the diaper are attached when the diaper is applied
around the waist of a wearer. All-in-one diapers usually comprise
elastic areas next to the leg cut-outs and in conjunction with the
waist area where at least parts of the waist part usually contain
elastic devices. The attachment flaps contain elastic areas in many
all-in-one diapers.
[0059] FIG. 1a shows essential components of a diaper 101 in
accordance with the first preferred embodiment of the
invention.
[0060] The diaper 101 is an open diaper of the so-called all-in-one
type. The diaper 101 is not joined together at the waist area when
it is sold, but is instead intended to be applied around a wearer's
abdomen, in order thereafter to be joined together around the
wearer's waist. This type of diaper 101 is commonly encountered for
both infant and adult incontinent wearers.
[0061] The diaper 101 is essentially in the form of an hourglass
and as such exhibits longitudinal edges 1 12, 113, a front
transverse edge 1 14 and a rear transverse edge 115. The diaper 101
also exhibits a front end part 121, a rear end part 122 and a
narrower crotch part 123 situated between the end parts 121, 122.
The crotch part 123 is intended to be situated in the narrowest
area between the wearer's thighs when it is being worn.
[0062] When wearing the diaper 101, the front part of the crotch
part 123 and the front end part 121 function principally as a
receiving area for urine, while the rear part of the crotch part
123 and the rear end part 122 function principally as a receiving
area for feces.
[0063] The diaper 101 comprises a liquid-permeable covering layer
102 arranged over the surface of the diaper 101 that is intended to
face towards the wearer when it is being worn, a backing layer 104
arranged over the surface of the diaper that is intended to face
away from the wearer when it is being worn, an absorption body 106
enclosed between the liquid-permeable covering layer 102 and the
backing layer 104, and side flaps 103 arranged outside the
absorption body 106.
[0064] The liquid-permeable covering layer 102 of the diaper 101
extends outside the absorption body 106 around the entire periphery
of the absorption body 106. The liquid-permeable covering layer 102
can consist of any material that is suitable for the purpose.
Examples of commonly encountered liquid-permeable covering
materials are non-woven textile materials, known as nonwoven
materials, perforated plastic films, meshes made of plastic or
textile, and liquid-permeable foam layers. Liquid-permeable
covering materials that are made of continuous thin fibers, which
extend predominantly in the longitudinal or transverse direction of
the article, are also encountered. Laminates consisting of two or
more of the above-mentioned possible covering materials are also
commonly encountered, as are coverings consisting of different
materials in different parts of the surface.
[0065] A situation commonly encountered today is that the
liquid-permeable covering layer 102 consists of a fully or
partially elastic material in order to provide the diaper 101 with
a better fit when it is being worn.
[0066] Diapers 101 containing absorption bodies 106 which exhibit
especially high strength and resistance to wear may even function
without the need to provide any extra liquid-permeable covering
layer on that side of the diaper 101 that faces towards the wearer
when it is being worn.
[0067] The backing layer 104 also extends beyond the absorption
body 106 around the entire periphery of the absorption body 106.
Backing layers 104 that are normally present on diapers 101 are
usually liquid-impermeable, although other types of backing layer
are also encountered. The backing layer 104 can consist of a range
of different materials. The backing layer 104 most commonly
consists of a thin, liquid-tight plastic film, although it is also
possible to use other types of liquid-tight material, such as
nonwoven materials that have been made liquid-tight for example by
means of plastic coating, liquid-tight foam layers, liquid-tight
adhesive or similar. The backing layer 104 can also consist of a
liquid-tight, vapor-permeable material. Also encountered are
laminates containing at least one liquid-tight layer arranged
against the absorption body 106. These laminates usually consist of
a liquid-tight material functioning as a moisture barrier and a
more textile-like material arranged on the side of the diaper 101
that faces away from the wearer when it is being worn, as a
consequence of which the outside of the diaper 101 more closely
resembles an item of clothing when it is being worn. The
textile-like layer of the laminate usually consists of a nonwoven
layer, in conjunction with which the nonwoven layer can be executed
so that it functions as a receiving material for a Velcro.RTM.
material of the male type. A nonwoven material of this kind is
characterized in that it comprises closed eyes, so-called loops, or
the like.
[0068] The liquid-permeable covering layer 102 and the backing
layer 104 are attached to one another outside the absorption body
106 along the entire periphery of the absorption body 106.
[0069] The liquid-permeable covering layer 102 and the backing
layer 104 may be attached to one another by a number of different
means. Examples of means of attachment include gluing, thermal
fusion, ultrasonic welding or the like.
[0070] Elastic devices 105 are arranged outside the absorption body
106 in those parts of the side flaps 103 of the diaper 101 which
run essentially in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 101.
The elastic devices 105 function as leg elastic and have the task
of preventing liquid and feces from leaking out past the
longitudinal edges 112, 113 of the diaper 101, and in this way they
form outer moisture barriers 108 together with surrounding layers.
The elastic devices 105 consist of one or more elastic threads that
have been applied in their stretched state between the
liquid-permeable covering layer 102 and the backing layer 104, at
least in the crotch part 123 of the diaper 101. The elastic devices
105 are attached to the backing layer 104 and the covering layer
102 by gluing, ultrasonic welding or the like. The leg elastic is
an example of the elastic areas 107 of the diaper 101.
[0071] In alternative embodiments, the elastic devices can be
arranged on the side of the side flaps 103 that is intended to face
towards the wearer when it is being worn, or on the opposite side
of the side flaps, and as such they are naturally only attached to
the covering layer 102 and the backing layer 104 respectively.
[0072] The elastic devices can, in alternative embodiments, consist
of elastic tape material, for example made of a foam material.
[0073] The hourglass-shaped absorption body 106 can be constructed
from one or more layers of cellulose fluff pulp. The cellulose
fluff pulp can be mixed for this purpose with fibers or particles
of a high-absorbency polymer material of the kind which, in
conjunction with absorption, chemically bonds large quantities of
liquid to form a liquid-containing gel. The absorption body 106 can
also contain high-absorbency polymer material arranged in a layer
inside the absorption body or in conjunction with the surface or
surfaces of the absorption body. Additional components to improve
the characteristics of the absorption body 106 can also be present
in the absorption body 106. Examples of such components include
binding fibers, different types of liquid-distributing layers or
fibers, form-stabilizing components, reinforcing fibers or the
like. The absorption body 106 can naturally also consist of other
types of absorption material, such as absorbent nonwoven material,
absorbent foam, textile materials, peat or mixtures of different
kinds of absorption material.
[0074] It is a customary occurrence for the absorption body 106 to
be created in conjunction with the manufacture of the diaper, in
conjunction with which the different components of the absorption
body 106 are mixed and layered in an appropriate fashion in the
production machine. Also encountered are absorption bodies that
have been manufactured on separate production lines not connected
to the machine which manufactures the diapers. Prefabricated
absorption material is usually supplied in roll form, in
conjunction with which the material is cut and folded to the
stipulated configuration in the machine for the manufacture of
diapers. Prefabricated absorption material can contain the same
components as absorption bodies manufactured directly in the
production machine for diapers. Binding fibers are in principle a
necessary component in prefabricated absorption material in order
for these to be capable of being handled in a simple fashion.
[0075] Special layers with the ability rapidly to receive quite
large quantities of liquid and to retain this liquid temporarily,
in order subsequently to release the temporarily stored liquid to
other parts of the absorption body 106, can also be included in
diapers of the prescribed kind. Such receiving layers are normally
arranged for this purpose between the liquid-permeable covering
layer 102 of the diaper 101 and the absorption body 106. No
receiving layer is shown in FIG. 1a.
[0076] In order further to prevent liquid or feces from leaking out
via the side edges 112, 113 of the diaper 101, the diaper 101 is
provided with inner side leakage barriers 109 on the side that is
intended to face towards the wearer when it is being worn. The
inner side leakage barriers 109 are arranged adjacent to the
longitudinal edges 110 of the absorption body 106 and extend
essentially in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 101. The
respective inner side leakage barrier 109 is executed from a
separate material strip 111, which exhibits two essentially
parallel longitudinal edges 116, 117. The material strip 111 is
double-folded, in conjunction with which the longitudinal edges
116, 117 of the material strip 111 are arranged adjacent to one
another. The edges 116, 117 of the material strip 111 are attached
to the covering layer 102 and constitute the attached edge of the
inner side leakage barrier. The folded edge of the material strip
111 constitutes the free edge of the inner side leakage barrier
109.
[0077] The inner side leakage barriers 109 are folded down and
attached to the covering layer 102 on the front end part 121 and
the rear end part 122 of the diaper 101.
[0078] The inner side leakage barriers 109 comprise elastic
elements 124 attached to the inner side leakage barriers 109 in
their pre-tensioned state. The elastic elements 124 are
conveniently arranged adjacent to the free edges of the inner side
leakage barriers 109. When the pre-tensioned elastic elements 124
are released, they contract together with the free edges of the
inner side leakage barriers 109, thereby causing the inner side
leakage barriers 109 to be brought into a raised configuration
remote from the liquid-permeable covering layer 102, at least, in
the crotch part 123 of the diaper 101, where the side leakage
barriers 109 are not folded down and attached to the covering layer
102.
[0079] The rear and/or front parts of the diaper 101 can also be
provided with so-called waist elastic 125, which consists of
elastic devices arranged along the front transverse edge 114 and/or
the rear transverse edge 115 of the diaper 101 in order to provide
the diaper 101 with a soft and pliable closure around the wearer's
waist. In the illustrative embodiment described here, only the rear
end part 122 of the diaper 101 is provided with waist elastic 125.
The waist elastic 125 consists of a thin strip of elastic foam
material, which is attached by means of adhesive between the
backing layer 104 and the liquid-permeable surface layer 102. The
waist elastic 125 is applied in its stretched state between the
layers 102,104 in order to bring about a holding force which
stretches the diaper 101 around the wearer's waist.
[0080] The waist elastic 125 constitutes one of the elastic areas
143 of the diaper 101.
[0081] Two soft and elastic attachment flaps 126 are arranged on
the rear end part 122 for the purpose of securing the diaper 101
around a wearer. One attachment flap 126 is arranged for this
purpose on each side part of the rear end part 122. The attachment
flaps 126 connect the rear end part 122 to the front end part 121
when it is being worn by the attachment flaps 126 exhibiting fixing
devices 127, which can be attached to a receiving part arranged on
the front end part 121 of the diaper 101. The attachment flaps 126
are executed from a very soft material, for example from a single,
elastic nonwoven layer or a soft elastic laminate.
[0082] In alternative embodiments, it is possible to envisage that
only a part of the length of the attachment flap is elastic.
[0083] The elastic attachment flaps 126 constitute a further
example of elastic areas 144 in the diaper 101.
[0084] The fixing devices 127 preferably consist of male parts of a
Velcro.RTM. material and are attached to the attachment flaps 126,
for example with adhesive, on the side of the attachment flaps 126
which faces towards the receiving part when the diaper 101 is being
worn.
[0085] The receiving part, which is not shown in FIG. 1a, for the
attachment flap 126 consists of a strip of a receiving material
adapted for the fixing device 127 of the attachment flap 126. The
receiving part extends essentially parallel to the front transverse
edge 114 of the side of the diaper that faces away from the wearer
when it is being worn, that is to say on the side of the backing
layer 104 that faces away from the absorption body 106. In the
illustrative embodiment described here, the material in the
receiving part consists of a female part of a Velcro.RTM. material
and is appropriately executed so that its extent in the
longitudinal direction of the diaper 101 corresponds to the width
129 of the attachment flaps 126. The receiving part extends largely
over the entire width of the diaper 101 in the transverse direction
of the diaper 101.
[0086] In alternative illustrative embodiments of a diaper, it is
possible to envisage the arrangement of separate receiving parts
for the respective fixing devices 127, in which case the receiving
parts are arranged adjacent to the longitudinal edges 112, 113 of
the diaper on the front transverse edge 114 of the diaper 101.
[0087] When putting the diaper 101 on an infant, the diaper 101 is
placed between the infant's legs in the infant's crotch. The diaper
101 is then closed around the infant's waist by causing the
attachment flaps 126 to overlap the front end part 121 so that the
fixing devices 127 of the attachment flaps 126 can be applied to
the receiving part in order to hold the diaper securely in
place.
[0088] The attachment flaps 126 are attached to the rear end part
122 in the attachment areas 130 that are positioned in those areas
of the rear end part 122 which lie between the lateral edges
112,113 running in the longitudinal direction and the longitudinal
center line 128 of the diaper. The attachment areas 130 consist of
parts of the attachment flaps 126 and those parts of the rear end
part 122 that are attached to one another.
[0089] The fixing devices 127 of the attachment flaps 126 in
alternative embodiments can consist of a pressure-sensitive
adhesive, in which case the receiving part (not shown in FIG. 1a)
consists of a material to which the selected pressure-sensitive
adhesive of the fixing devices 127 can be attached so as to achieve
the appropriate joint strength. Combinations of materials are
usually selected so that the attachment between the fixing devices
127 and the receiving part can be opened and reclosed to allow the
diaper 101 to be checked while it is being worn.
[0090] In other alternative embodiments, the backing layer 104 can
be adapted in such a way as to interact with the fixing devices 127
of the attachment flaps 126, in which case no special receiving
part is required.
[0091] The diaper 101 is shown in FIG. 1b from the side that is
intended to face away from the wearer when it is being worn, in
conjunction with which the diaper 101 is shown in a state in which
the waist elastic 125 of the diaper 101 and the attachment flaps
126 of the diaper are drawn together.
[0092] The diaper 101 is characterized first and foremost in that
it comprises, on the one hand, means 131 for checking the
elongation of the waist elastic 125 and, on the other hand, means
132 for checking the elongation of the attachment flaps 126.
[0093] Illustrated in FIG. 1 c are the waist elastic 125 of the
diaper 101 and the means 131 for checking the elongation of the
elastic when the waist elastic 125 is in the contracted state.
[0094] FIG. 1d shows the waist elastic 125 and the means 131 for
checking the elongation of the elastic when the waist elastic 125
has been elongated.
[0095] The means 131 for checking the elongation of the waist
elastic 125 is arranged on the backing layer 104 of the diaper 101,
as a consequence of which a check can be performed easily when the
diaper 101 is being worn by a wearer. The means 131 is arranged on
the waist elastic 125, in conjunction with which it is positioned
essentially centrally on the elastic area both in the longitudinal
direction and across the width of the waist elastic 125.
[0096] The means 131 consists of a first indicator marker 133
arranged on the waist elastic 125 and a second indicator marker 134
arranged on an essentially inelastic piece of material 135. In the
embodiment described here, the essentially inelastic piece of
material 135 is arranged on the waist elastic 125.
[0097] In alternative embodiments, the second indicator marker can
be arranged on some other essentially inelastic part of the
absorbent article.
[0098] The first indicator marker 133 in the illustrative
embodiment described here consists of two triangles positioned
adjacent to opposing longitudinal edges on the essentially
inelastic piece of material 135. The triangles are visible to the
side of the piece of material 135, in conjunction with which they
are arranged opposite one another, each with its triangle tip
pointing towards the piece of material 135. The triangles are
arranged by means of appropriate printing technology on the backing
layer 104, in conjunction with which they can exhibit an
appropriate color.
[0099] In alternative embodiments, the first indicator marker 133
can consist of some other clearly visible marking arranged on the
waist elastic 125. The use of lines, squares, figures or the like
is as conceivable here as the triangles that constitute the first
indicator marker 133 in the described embodiment.
[0100] The first indicator marker 133 naturally need not be
arranged by means of printing technology, but may consists of, for
example, a material resembling a label, which has been attached in
an appropriate fashion to the backing layer or some other suitable
alternative.
[0101] It is also possible to envisage the arrangement of the first
indicator marker 133 between the backing layer 102 and the
liquid-permeable covering layer 102 of the diaper 101, although
this would require the indicator marker 133 to consist of a quite
distinct color, and the backing layer 104 to exhibit a certain
degree of transparency.
[0102] To sum up, it can be stated that the most important
consideration is for the indicator marker 133 to be clearly visible
when the diaper 101 is put on a wearer.
[0103] The first indicator marker 133 in other alternative
embodiments can consist of, for example, a continuous line, which
extends essentially across the longitudinal direction of the waist
elastic 125, in conjunction with which the line extends outside the
separate, inelastic piece of material 135. An indicator marker 133
of this kind is consequently partially concealed under the
essentially inelastic piece of material 135 and is partially
visible to the side of the piece of material 135.
[0104] It is also possible to envisage that the essentially
inelastic piece of material 135 comprising the second indicator
marker 134 consists of an essentially transparent material, in
conjunction with which the first indicator marker 133 is visible
through the piece of material. In such an embodiment of the
inelastic piece of material 135, the first indicator marker 133 in
its entirety can be placed under the piece of material 135.
[0105] The second indicator marker 134 is, as described above,
arranged on an essentially inelastic piece of material 135.
[0106] The piece of material 135 exhibits rectangular form, in
conjunction with which its longitudinal extent is oriented in the
direction of elongation of the waist elastic 125. The piece of
material 135 exhibits a first end area 136 and a second end area
137.
[0107] The first end area 136 is attached to the backing layer 104,
and the second end area 137 is not attached but is free.
[0108] The attachment can be arranged in a number of different
ways, for example by means of gluing, thermal fusion, ultrasonic
welding or the like.
[0109] The second indicator marker 134, which is arranged on the
essentially inelastic piece of material 135, consists of a row of
crosses extending across the longitudinal extent of the piece of
material 135.
[0110] When the waist elastic 125 is in its contracted state, the
second indicator marker 134 is present between the first indicator
marker 133 and the end of the piece of material 135 that is
situated next to the second end area 137.
[0111] When the waist elastic 125 is stretched by being extended,
the distance between the attachment of the essentially inelastic
piece of material 135 to the backing layer 104 increases next to
the first end area 136 and the first indicator marker 133.
[0112] The distance between the aforementioned attachment and the
second indicator marker 134 remains unchanged, on the other hand,
because the piece of material 135 is essentially inelastic.
[0113] The essentially inelastic piece of material 135 in its
entirety can, depending on the point at which it is applied to the
waist elastic 125, be displaced in one or other direction, although
this is not relevant in relation to the invention. The crucial
consideration in relation to the invention is that one distance
increases (the waist elastic 125), while a second distance remains
unchanged (on the essentially inelastic piece of material 135). The
result is that the first indicator marker 133 moves closer to the
second indicator marker (134), and when the two indicator markers
133,134 are situated adjacent to one another, as shown in FIG. 1d,
the waist elastic 125 has reached the degree of elongation that
should not be exceeded when wearing the diaper 101. If the first
indicator marker 133 has passed the second indicator marker 134,
the waist elastic 125 is tensioned too tightly, as a consequence of
which the wearer may be affected adversely by the waist elastic 125
that is tensioned too tightly.
[0114] In alternative embodiments, one or other of the indicator
markers 133, 134 may exhibit an extent in the direction of
elongation of the waist elastic 125, in conjunction with which an
interval can be indicated, for example.
[0115] It is also possible to envisage that one or other of the
indicator markers 133, 134 exhibits a number of levels, in
conjunction with which, for example, a first level indicates too
little elongation/tensioning, a second level indicates correct
elongation/tensioning, and a third level indicates excessively high
elongation/tensioning of the waist elastic 125.
[0116] Means 131 for checking the elongation executed in accordance
with the above description are especially appropriate for checking
the elongation of the waist elastic in so-called panty diapers,
where the waist elastic often extends around the entire waist
opening of the panty diaper. The means 131 for checking elongation
can be positioned in this case at any point on the waist elastic of
the panty diaper. Positioning at the front on the abdomen area or
at the rear on the back area is beneficial, however, having regard
for the requirement that the means 131 must be easy to find and
check after putting the panty diaper on a wearer.
[0117] Shown in FIGS. 1e and 1f is an alternative embodiment of the
invention, whereby FIG. 1e shows the embodiment in the contracted
state and FIG. 1f shows the embodiment when the waist elastic 125
is stretched.
[0118] The means 131 for checking the elongation of the waist
elastic 125 comprises the same elements that are comprised in the
means 131 described in the embodiment above. The means 131 for
checking the elongation of the waist elastic 125 thus comprises an
essentially inelastic piece of material 135, a first indicator
marker 133 arranged on the elastic 125 and a second indicator
marker 134 arranged on the piece of material 135. The piece of
material 135 comprises, precisely as in the embodiment described
above, a first end area 136 attached to the waist elastic 125 and a
second end area 137.
[0119] The second end area 137 is attached to a rectangular,
elastic piece of material 138, in conjunction with which the
elastic piece of material 138 forms an extension of the essentially
inelastic piece of material 135. The end area 140 of the elastic
piece of material 138 is attached to the waist elastic 125.
[0120] When the part of the waist elastic 125 that is situated
between the attachment of the essentially inelastic piece of
material 135 to the backing layer 104 and the attachment of the
elastic piece of material 138 to the backing layer 104 is extended,
the whole of the extension must be taken up by the elastic piece of
material 138 that is attached to the means 131 for checking the
elastic elongation. Viewed in relative terms, the elastic piece of
material 138 must, therefore, be elongated significantly more than
the waist elastic 125, because the elastic piece of material 138 is
significantly shorter than the distance between the attachment of
the essentially inelastic piece of material 135 to the backing
layer 104 and the attachment of the elastic piece of material 138
to the backing layer 104.
[0121] The elastic piece of material 138 is not necessary in order
for the invention to function, although the introduction of the
piece of material 138 means that the free end of the means 131 for
checking the elastic elongation remains attached to the backing
layer of the diaper 101 via the elastic piece of material 138.
[0122] The arrangement with the elastic piece of material 138
avoids the second end area 137 of the piece of material 135 being
folded or coming out of position in some other way, which can
jeopardize the function of the means 131 or present problems in
conjunction with handling the diaper 101.
[0123] The diaper 101 is also characterized in that it exhibits a
second means 132 for checking the elongation of the attachment
flaps 126.
[0124] A first indicator marker 141 for indicating the elongation
of the attachment flap 126 is arranged between the attachment area
130 of the respective elastic attachment flap 126 and the
respective longitudinal edge 112,113 of the diaper 101. The
indicator marker 141 consists of an area on the attachment flap 126
that is colored with a color that differs from the rest of the
attachment flap 126. At least one part of the distance between the
attachment area 130 of the attachment flap 126 and the indicator
marker 141 must be elastic in order for the invention to be capable
of functioning.
[0125] The second indicator marker 142 of the means 132 consists of
the longitudinal edges 112,113 of the diaper 101, where these cross
the respective attachment flap 126, in conjunction with which the
backing layer 104 of the diaper 101 constitutes the essentially
inelastic piece of material 145 on which the second indicator
marker 142 is arranged.
[0126] The second indicator marker 142 is not specifically marked
with any color or the like, but it can naturally be marked in an
appropriate fashion in alternative embodiments.
[0127] Means 132 for indication are intended to indicate that the
attachment flaps 126 are sufficiently tensioned, which they are
when the second indicator marker 142 and the first indicator marker
141 are situated one on top of the other when the diaper 101 is put
on a wearer.
[0128] In alternative embodiments, the first indicator marker 141
can comprise a number of levels, in conjunction with which, for
example, a first level indicates incomplete stretching, an
intermediate level indicates correct stretching, and a third level
indicates excessive stretching of the attachment flap 126. The
first level, which indicates incomplete stretching, is arranged in
this case furthest from the attachment area 130 of the attachment
flap 126, and the level which indicates excessive stretching is
accordingly arranged nearest to the attachment area 130 of the
attachment flap 126.
[0129] In other, alternative embodiments, the second indicator
marker 142 of the means 132 can be arranged on the backing layer
104, in conjunction with which it is positioned, in the transverse
direction of the diaper 101, between the first indicator marker 141
on the attachment flap 126 and the longitudinal edge of the diaper
101 when the attachment flap 126 is in its unstretched state. The
indicator marker 142 can consist of a color marking, a glued-on
label or the like. The second indicator marker 142 can also
comprise various levels.
[0130] FIG. 2a shows a belt diaper 201 in accordance with the
invention from the side which, when it is being worn, is intended
to face towards the wearer, and the same belt diaper 201 is shown
from the opposite side in FIG. 2b.
[0131] The belt diaper 201 differs from an open diaper in that its
attachment arrangement comprises an elastic belt 245 intended to
enclose the wearer's waist, in conjunction with which the belt
comprises a fixing device 227 for fixing the belt 245 around the
wearer's waist.
[0132] The belt diaper 201 comprises two elastic belt halves 246,
247, in conjunction with which the respective half 246, 247 of the
belt is joined to the backing layer of the belt diaper 201 between
the longitudinal edges 212, 213 of the belt diaper 201 and the
longitudinal center line 228 next to the rear transverse edge
215.
[0133] The belt halves 246, 247 extend in a transverse direction in
relation to the absorption body 206 of the belt diaper 201.
[0134] The elastic belt halves 246, 247 constitute examples of the
elastic areas 244 of the belt diaper.
[0135] The attachment arrangement also comprises two front fixing
devices 248 arranged on the longitudinal edges 212, 213 of the belt
diaper 201 next to the front transverse edge 214. The front fixing
devices 248 are intended to be fixed to the belt 245 in conjunction
with putting the belt diaper 201 on a wearer.
[0136] The front fixing devices 248 comprise Velcro.RTM. elements
249 intended to interact with the side of the belt 245 that is
intended to face away from the wearer when the diaper is being
worn.
[0137] In alternative embodiments, the front fixing devices 248 can
comprise adhesive elements intended to be fixed to the surface of
the belt 245 facing away from the wearer. The belt 245 in this case
must include surfaces intended to interact with the adhesive
elements, for example surfaces which consist of a plastic film or
the like.
[0138] When the belt diaper 201 is to be put on a wearer, the belt
245 is fixed around the wearer's waist as a first stage. The
absorption part of the belt diaper 201 comprising, among other
things, the front transverse edge 214 and the absorption body 206,
is then passed between the wearer's legs, after which two front
fixing devices 248 are finally attached to the side of the belt 245
facing away from the wearer.
[0139] The belt diaper 201 is characterized primarily in that it
comprises means 231 for checking the elongation of the belt 245.
Both belt halves 246, 247 comprise means 231 for checking the
elongation.
[0140] In order to illustrate more clearly how the means 231 for
checking the elongation is constructed, a layer of material 250
which conceals the first indicator marker 233 of the means 231 when
the belt is not subjected to any elongation has been removed in the
case of one belt half 246 in FIG. 2b.
[0141] In order further to clarify the construction, the belt half
246 is shown in the non-elongated state, whereas the opposing belt
half 247 is shown in a state in which it is extended to the normal
level of use (this situation, with one belt half 246 not extended
and with the other belt half 247 extended, is not in itself
relevant in relation to wearing the diaper, but it is shown in this
way for increased clarity).
[0142] The belt half 246, 247 exhibits a first indicator marker 233
between the attachment area 230 of the belt half 246, 247 and the
longitudinal edge 212, 213 of the belt diaper 201. The belt half
246, 247 exhibits elasticity in at least one part of the area
between the attachment area 230 and the first indicator marker
233.
[0143] The first indicator marker 233 comprises three fields
arranged consecutively in the longitudinal direction of the belt
half 246, 247, in conjunction with which the fields indicate the
levels "LOW", "NORMAL" and "HIGH". The field marked with the word
"LOW" is arranged furthest away from the attachment 230 of the belt
half 246, 247 to the backing layer 204 and is intended to indicate
that the belt has not been tightened sufficiently tightly around
the wearer's waist. The field marked with the word "HIGH" is
arranged closest to the attachment 230 of the belt half 246, 247 to
the backing layer 204 and is intended to indicate that the belt has
been tightened too tightly around the wearer's waist. The field
marked with the word "NORMAL" is arranged between the other two
fields and indicates the correct tensioning of the belt around the
wearer's waist.
[0144] The first indicator marker 233 in its entirety is concealed
under the layer of material 250 when the belt half 246, 247 is in
its non-extended state.
[0145] The layer of material 250 is arranged on the backing layer
204, in conjunction with which it conceals the part of the belt
half 246, 247 that is situated between the attachment area 230 of
the belt half 246, 247 and the longitudinal edge 212, 213 of the
belt diaper 201. The layer of material 250 is attached to the
backing layer 204 along three of its four edges outside the belt
half 246, 247, in conjunction with which the layer of material 250
forms one half of a pocket 251, and in conjunction with which the
other half of the pocket 251 consists of the backing layer 204.
[0146] The pocket 251 is open along the edge where the belt half
246, 247 projects.
[0147] The second indicator marker 234 of the means 231 consists of
the free edge 252 of the layer of material 250, in conjunction with
which the layer of material 250 constitutes the essentially
inelastic piece of material 235 of the means 231. The first
indicator marker 233 of the means 231 is shown against the
aforementioned edge 252 when the belt half 246, 247 is stretched
and one or other of the three levels of the first indicator marker
233 becomes visible on the aforementioned edge 252.
[0148] In alternative embodiments, the edge 252 of the layer of
material 250 can be arranged inside or outside the longitudinal
edge 212, 213 of the belt diaper 201.
[0149] It is also possible to envisage embodiments in which the
belt halves 246, 247 are attached between the liquid-permeable
covering layer 202 and the backing layer 204 of the belt diaper
201, in conjunction with which a pocket is arranged between the
covering layers 202, 204. The edge of the backing layer 204 where
the belt half 246, 247 projects from the belt diaper 201 forms the
second indicator marker 234 of the means in such an embodiment.
[0150] In other alternative embodiments, the first indicator marker
233 can consist only of a line which runs across the belt half 246,
247, in conjunction with which the line indicates only that the
elongation of the belt is too high.
[0151] Belt diapers 201 can naturally be provided, in alternative
embodiments, with the same type of means 132 that are described
above for attachment flaps 126 for open, so-called all-in-one
diapers 101.
[0152] The invention also extends to all conceivable combinations
of the described illustrative embodiments.
[0153] Furthermore, the invention is not restricted to the
above-mentioned illustrative embodiments, but is, of course,
applicable to other embodiments within the scope of the following
patent claims.
* * * * *