U.S. patent application number 17/182551 was filed with the patent office on 2021-07-22 for incontinence diaper.
The applicant listed for this patent is PAUL HARTMANN AG. Invention is credited to Albena Drumeva-Eberius, Anselm Ebert, Ruediger KESSELMEIER, Wolfgang Ostertag.
Application Number | 20210220186 17/182551 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005504687 |
Filed Date | 2021-07-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210220186 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KESSELMEIER; Ruediger ; et
al. |
July 22, 2021 |
INCONTINENCE DIAPER
Abstract
The invention relates to an incontinence diaper (2) with rear
lateral sections (22) which are joined to the rear region (16) on
both sides, which can be placed around the body of the user in
order to close the incontinence diaper. The rear lateral sections
(22) have an extension (Q) in the transverse direction (10) over
the respective rear lateral longitudinal edge (18) and wherein the
rear lateral sections (22) are folded together about at least two
lateral section folding axes (46, 48) running in the longitudinal
direction (8), and folded together sub-regions (50, 52, 54) of the
rear lateral sections (22) are defined by the lateral section
folding axes (46, 48). An outer sub-region (54) in the transverse
direction (10) is unstretchable, and at least 50% of the surface of
a sub-region (52) which adjoins the outer sub-region (54) inwards
is unstretchable starting from the outer folding axis.
Inventors: |
KESSELMEIER; Ruediger;
(Burlafingen, DE) ; Drumeva-Eberius; Albena;
(Langenau, DE) ; Ostertag; Wolfgang; (Gerstetten,
DE) ; Ebert; Anselm; (Hoechberg, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
PAUL HARTMANN AG |
Heidenheim |
|
DE |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005504687 |
Appl. No.: |
17/182551 |
Filed: |
February 23, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16066823 |
Jun 28, 2018 |
11000424 |
|
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PCT/EP2016/082205 |
Dec 21, 2016 |
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17182551 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 13/49058 20130101;
A61F 13/49001 20130101; A61F 13/5633 20130101; A61F 13/5644
20130101; A61F 2013/49077 20130101; A61F 13/49019 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61F 13/49 20060101
A61F013/49; A61F 13/56 20060101 A61F013/56 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 29, 2015 |
DE |
10 2015 226 815.2 |
Claims
1-17. (canceled)
18. A disposable incontinence diaper (2), having a main part (4)
having an absorbent element (6) and a longitudinal direction (8)
and a transverse direction (10), comprising a front region (12)
having forward lateral longitudinal peripheries (14), a back region
(16) having rearward lateral longitudinal peripheries (18), and
disposed therebetween a crotch region (20) that comes to lie
between the legs of a user, and rearward side portions (22) which
are joined to both sides of the back region (16) and which in the
transverse direction (10) of the disposable incontinence diaper (2)
extend beyond the rearward lateral longitudinal peripheries (18) of
the main part (4) and in the region of that end (26) of said
rearward side portions (22) that is free in the transverse
direction (10) have in each case at least one closure means (28),
whereas no side portions (22) are joined to the front region (14)
but the forward lateral longitudinal peripheries (14) of the main
part (4) form a free-ending longitudinal periphery of the diaper,
wherein the rearward side portions (22) for placing and closing the
disposable incontinence diaper (2) on a user are in each case
capable of being placed around the body of the user in a
circumferential direction and of being moved to an arrangement that
overlaps with an external side of the front region (12), said
rearward side portions (22) then being capable of being in each
case releasably adhered to said external side of the front region
(12) by way of the respective closure means (28), wherein the
rearward side portions (22) in a planar spread-out but not
elongated state have an extent (Q) in the transverse direction (10)
beyond the respective rearward lateral longitudinal periphery (18)
and within this extent (Q) are elastically elongatable in the
transverse direction (10) and to this end have an elastic or
elasticized region (42) that extends in the transverse direction
(10) and in the longitudinal direction (8), and wherein the
respective elastic or elasticized region (42) of the rearward side
portions (22) has a spacing in the transverse direction from the
rearward lateral longitudinal periphery (18) of at most 30 mm,
wherein the rearward side portions (22) are folded onto themselves
about at least two side portion folding axes (46, 48) that run in
the longitudinal direction (8), part-regions (50, 52, 54) of the
rearward side portions (22) that are folded onto one another being
defined and delimited by said side portion folding axes (46, 48),
and wherein a part-region (54) that is outboard in the transverse
region (10) is configured so as to be substantially
non-elongatable, and wherein a part-region (52) that inwardly
adjoins the outboard part-region (54), proceeding from the outer
folding axis (48) that runs in the longitudinal direction, by way
of at least 50% of the area of said part-region (52) is configured
so as to be non-elongatable.
19. The disposable incontinence diaper of claim 18, wherein
part-regions (50, 52, 54) of the rearward side portions (22) that
bear on one another are releasably fixed to one another by joints
that are disposed outside the closure means (28), in particular by
joints that are disposed outside the closure means (28) in the
longitudinal direction (8).
20. The disposable incontinence diaper of claim 18, wherein a
respective side portion folding axis (46) that in the unfolded
state is inboard, thus adjacent to the rearward lateral
longitudinal periphery (18) of the main part (4), runs within the
elastic or elasticized region (42) of the respective side portion
(22).
21. The disposable incontinence diaper of claim 18, wherein a
respective side portion folding axis (48) that in the unfolded
state is further outboard in the transverse direction (10) runs
within a non-elongatable region of the rearward side portions
(22).
22. The disposable incontinence diaper of claim 18, wherein the
rearward side portions (22) are folded onto themselves about
exactly two side portion folding axes (46, 48) that run in the
longitudinal direction (8) such that exactly three part-regions
(50, 52, 54) of the side portions (22) are formed, and in that the
central part-region (52), proceeding from the outer folding axis
(48) that runs in the longitudinal direction (8), by way of at
least 50% of the area thereof is configured so as to be
non-elongatable.
23. The disposable incontinence diaper of claim 18, wherein each
rearward side portion (22) has exactly one closure means (28), and
in that the closure means is folded inward onto a body-facing side
of the respective rearward side portions.
24. The disposable incontinence diaper of claim 18, wherein an
extent (A) in the transverse direction (10) of the rearward side
portions (22) that are folded onto themselves beyond the respective
rearward lateral longitudinal periphery (18), and an extent (B) in
the longitudinal direction (8) of the rearward side portions (22)
that are folded onto themselves, are dimensioned such that the
mutual ratio of the extents (A/B) is 0.5<A/B<1.
25. The disposable incontinence diaper of claim 18, wherein the
extent (Q) in the transverse direction (10) of the rearward side
portions (22) comprises a proximal half (38) that adjoins the
rearward lateral longitudinal periphery (18) and a free-ending
distal half (40), and in that the respective elastic or elasticized
region (42) of the rearward side portions (22) is disposed
completely within the proximal half (38).
26. The disposable incontinence diaper of claim 18, wherein the
respective rearward side portions (22) in the entire distal half
(40) are configured so as to be substantially non-elongatable.
27. The disposable incontinence diaper of claim 18, wherein the two
rearward side portions (22), conjointly with a non-elongatable
region (24) that overlaps the main part (4), are non-releasably
joined to the main part (4).
28. The disposable incontinence diaper of claim 18, wherein the
respective elastic or elasticized region (42) in the transverse
direction (10) is elongatable by at least 70%.
29. The disposable incontinence diaper of claim 18, wherein the
extent (Q) in the transverse direction (10) of the rearward side
portions (22) beyond the respective rearward lateral longitudinal
periphery (18), and a maximum extent (B) in the longitudinal
direction (8) of the rearward side portions (22), are dimensioned
such that the mutual ratio of the extents (Q/B) is
1.0<Q/B<2.0.
30. The disposable incontinence diaper of claim 18, wherein the two
rearward side portions (22) in the longitudinal direction (8) have
a spacing (d) from a rearward transverse periphery (35) of the main
part (4) of at least 1 mm.
31. The disposable incontinence diaper of claim 18, wherein a
straight line (45) that extends in the transverse direction (10)
and is tangent to the respective closure means (28) on the
crotch-facing side intersects the absorbent element (6).
32. The disposable incontinence diaper of claim 18, wherein the
main part (4), together with the rearward side portions (22) that
are folded inward onto themselves, is folded onto itself about a
first and a second main part folding axis that in each case run in
the longitudinal direction (8) in such a manner that the rearward
side portions (22) on both sides come to lie so as to at least
partially overlap one another in the direction of thickness.
33. The disposable incontinence diaper of claim 23, wherein each
rearward side portion (22) has exactly one closure means (28), and
in that the closure means is folded inward onto a body-facing side
of the respective rearward side portions (and herein reaches at
most up to the side portion folding axis that is adjacent
thereto.
34. The disposable incontinence diaper of claim 30, wherein the two
rearward side portions (22) in the longitudinal direction (8) have
a spacing (d) from a rearward transverse periphery (35) of the main
part (4) of at most 50 mm.
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a disposable incontinence diaper,
having a main part having an absorbent element and a longitudinal
direction and a transverse direction, comprising a front region
having forward lateral longitudinal peripheries, a back region
having rearward lateral longitudinal peripheries, and disposed
therebetween a crotch region that comes to lie between the legs of
a user, and rearward side portions which are joined to both sides
of the back region and which in the transverse direction of the
disposable incontinence diaper extend beyond the lateral rearward
longitudinal peripheries of the main part and in the region of that
end of said rearward side portions that is free in the transverse
direction have in each case at least one closure means, whereas no
side portions are joined to the front region but the forward
lateral longitudinal peripheries of the main part form a
free-ending longitudinal periphery of the diaper, wherein the
rearward side portions for placing and closing the disposable
incontinence diaper on a user are in each case capable of being
placed around the body of the user in a circumferential direction
and of being moved to an arrangement that overlaps with an external
side of the front region, said rearward side portions then being
capable of being in each case releasably adhered to said external
side of the front region by way of the respective closure means,
wherein the rearward side portions in a planar spread-out but not
elongated state have an extent (Q) in the transverse direction
beyond the respective rearward lateral longitudinal periphery and
within this extent (Q) are elastically elongatable in the
transverse direction and to this end have an elastic or elasticized
region that extends in the transverse direction and in the
longitudinal direction.
[0002] A disposable incontinence diaper of this type is a so-called
T-shaped diaper which fundamentally differs from other diaper
concepts. In the case of T-shaped diapers of this type as are
described, for example, in WO 2007/035903 A1, side portions are
joined to the main part only in the back region, while the diaper
in the front region does not have any additional side portions
joined thereto but is delimited by respective lateral longitudinal
peripheries of the main part. The rearward side portions in most
instances project in the longitudinal direction of the diaper, but
are typically shorter than the extent of the lateral longitudinal
peripheries of the main part in the back region. The rearward side
portions of T-shaped diapers in the transverse direction extend in
such a manner that said rearward side portions can be brought to
overlap the external side of the front region of the main part, in
order that closure means that are provided in the region of the
respective free ends of the rearward side portions can be closed on
the external side of the main part of the diaper.
[0003] As opposed thereto, so-called belt diapers in which very
long belt portions extend away on both sides in the transverse
direction from the back region of the main diaper part are widely
known, said belt portions being dimensioned in such a manner that
the latter can be closed on themselves around the entire stomach
circumference of the user. When a belt diaper is being placed for
wearing, the product is placed from behind against the hip or back
region of the user, and the two belt portions are thereafter closed
directly on one another on the stomach side of the user. No oblique
tensile forces whatsoever are introduced into the belt or the main
part herein, but a force that acts only in the circumferential
direction of the hip is exerted on both belt portions. Thereafter,
the main diaper part is retrieved from between the legs of the user
and by means of further closure elements is positioned and fixed in
most instances against the external side of the previously closed
belt. Regions of the belt portions have also already been
configured so as to be elastic, e.g. EP 2 029 079 B1.
[0004] In the case of the T-shaped diapers being discussed here, in
which the rearward side portions are closed on the external side of
the front region of the main diaper part, high tensile forces are
often introduced into the side portions and into the main diaper
part when closing, because the user or a carer when placing the
diaper endeavors to establish an obvious overlap situation between
the rearward side portions and the front region of the main part
and herein to simultaneously introduce the tensile force that is
required for a tight fit of the diaper into the overall system such
that the diaper is also durably held on the user. Oblique tensile
forces also arise herein in the care situation, the former thus
being tensile forces which besides a component in the transverse
direction have a component in the longitudinal direction, this
leading to critical situations in the region where the rearward
side portions join the main part. Tearing of the side portions or
severing of the join connection often arises therein. In the case
of belt diapers as well as in the case of diapers having side
portions joined to the front and the rear this problem arises to a
significantly lesser extent. The kinematics of placing for wearing
in the case of belt diapers is completely different, and in the
case of diapers having rearward and forward side portions a typical
placing situation is already established by way of the overlap
between the respective rearward and forward side portions.
[0005] Meanwhile, the present invention is based on the object of
proposing a T-shaped disposable incontinence diaper of the type
mentioned at the outset in which the side portions are readily
manageable both during the production as well as when the diaper is
being placed by the user or a carer, said side portions thus in
particular not being present in an uncoordinated manner, wherein a
cost-effective production capability of the diaper is nevertheless
to be implemented.
[0006] This object in the case of a disposable incontinence diaper
of the type mentioned is achieved according to the invention in
that the rearward side portions ex works are folded onto themselves
about at least two side portion folding axes that run in the
longitudinal direction, part-regions of the rearward side portions
that are folded onto one another being defined and delimited by
said side portion folding axes, and in that a part-region that is
outboard in the transverse region is configured so as to be
substantially non-elongatable, and in that a part-region that
inwardly adjoins the outboard part-region, proceeding from the
outer folding axis that runs in the longitudinal direction, by way
of at least 50% of the area of said part-region is configured so as
to be non-elongatable. On account of a part-region that is outboard
in the transverse direction being configured so as to be
substantially non-elongatable, said part-region can be securely
gripped by the user and more easily handled when releasing the
folded configuration of the side portions when the disposable
incontinence diaper is put to use.
[0007] It furthermore proves advantageous for the folded
configuration of the side portions to be fixed ex works, for
instance by way of individual joints, in particular adhesively
bonded, thermally or ultrasonically welded spots, which for
unfolding the side portions by the user are nevertheless
comparatively easy to release by hand, in particular in one go. In
this case, a single closure means that in the longitudinal
direction is positioned so as to be approximately centric on the
side portions preferably proves to be advantageous, wherein the
joints do not acquire the folded-in closure means but are disposed
so as to be outside the closure means in the longitudinal
direction.
[0008] The gripping capability and the handling capability of the
side portions as well as of the folded-in closure means are
improved by the folding of the side portions.
[0009] It furthermore proves advantageous that according to the
invention a part-region that inwardly adjoins the outboard
part-region, proceeding from the outer folding axis that runs in
the longitudinal direction, by way of at least 50% of the area of
said part-region is configured so as to be non-elongatable. These
at least 50% of the area are thus determined proceeding from the
outboard folding axis in that, an imaginary line that is parallel
with the folding axis, proceeding from the latter, is moved inward
in a quasi scanning manner in the transverse direction until said
imaginary line meets an elongatable region. The scanned area is
then determined and compared to the overall plan view area of the
part-region. It is achieved according to the invention on account
thereof that the part-region that in the transverse region is
outboard, and the part-region inwardly adjoining the latter, in a
planar manner bear on one another across a very large
non-elongatable area (of at least 50% of the area of the
last-mentioned part-region) which consequently is free of elastic
or elasticizing elements. This opens up the possibility of mutually
fixing the non-elongatable part-regions in a releasable manner in
the folded configuration by way of the aforementioned measures,
wherein elastic or elasticizing elements in terms of the intended
effect thereof are compromised to a lesser extent by the
aforementioned fixing measures. Moreover, the joints in the region
of non-elongatable portions can be more easily opened by the user
as compared to joints which interconnect elastically elongatable
portions.
[0010] The extent (U) of a respective non-elongatable region of the
part-region that inwardly adjoins the outboard part-region,
proceeding from the outer folding axis that runs in the
longitudinal direction, in the transverse direction up to the start
of an elongatable region is preferably at least 15 mm, in
particular at least 20 mm, furthermore in particular at least 25
mm, further preferably at least 30 mm, but preferably at most 100
mm, furthermore preferably at most 70 mm.
[0011] When the part-regions that bear on one another are
releasably fixed by the aforementioned measures about the at least
one closure means that is tucked inward, or in the longitudinal
direction above or below the tucked-in closure means, the tucked-in
closure means thus forms a holding region that is readily capable
of being gripped for unfolding the respective side portion. It
proves advantageous also in this case for exactly one closure means
to be provided, the latter in such a case in the longitudinal
direction being disposed so as to be approximately centric on the
respective side portion, because regions for releasably fixing the
part-regions that bear on one another are provided in this
instance, said regions projecting in the longitudinal direction and
being adjacent to the closure means.
[0012] When mention of the properties "elastically elongatable",
"elongatable", or "non-elongatable" is made in the present
application, the respective property is at all times intended to
refer to the transverse direction of the disposable incontinence
diaper. With a view to quantifiably delineating elastically
elongatable regions from non-elongatable or not elastically
elongatable regions, reference is made to the measuring or testing
methods described further below.
[0013] It is furthermore proposed that a respective side portion
folding axis that in the unfolded state is inboard, thus adjacent
to the rearward lateral longitudinal periphery of the main part,
runs within the elastic or elasticized region of the respective
side portion. On account thereof, the stiffening effect of each
fold which is undesirable per se in the case of a flat material can
be reduced.
[0014] However, it proves advantageous for a respective side
portion folding axis that in the unfolded state is further outboard
in the transverse direction to run within the non-elongatable
region of the rearward side portions. The stiffening effect of the
folding axis can indeed be desirable specifically therein, since on
account thereof the introduction of the tensile force by way of the
closure means is distributed more uniformly to the side
portions.
[0015] It is furthermore proposed that the rearward side portions
ex works are folded onto themselves about exactly two side portion
folding axes that run in the longitudinal direction such that
exactly three part-regions of the side portions are formed, and
such that the central part-region, proceeding from the outer
folding axis that runs in the longitudinal direction, by way of at
least 50% of the area thereof is configured so as to be
non-elongatable.
[0016] It preferably applies to the folded-in configuration of the
rearward side portions that an extent (A) in the transverse
direction of the rearward side portions that are folded onto
themselves beyond the respective rearward lateral longitudinal
periphery, and an extent(B) in the longitudinal direction of the
rearward side portions that are folded onto themselves, are
dimensioned such that the mutual ratio of the extents (A/B) is
0.5<A/B<1.
[0017] It is furthermore proposed that the disposable incontinence
diaper is configured such that the extent (Q) in the transverse
direction of the rearward side portions comprises a proximal half
that adjoins the rearward lateral longitudinal periphery and a
free-ending distal half, and such that the respective elastic or
elasticized region of the rearward side portions is disposed
completely within the proximal half. In an advantageous refinement
of this inventive concept, the respective elastic or elasticized
region reaches up to the assigned rearward lateral longitudinal
periphery, or has a spacing in the transverse direction from the
rearward lateral longitudinal periphery of at most 30 mm.
Furthermore preferably, the respective rearward side portions in
the entire distal half are configured so as to be substantially
non-elongatable.
[0018] It furthermore proves advantageous for the respective
elastic or elasticized region of the rearward side portions to
reach up to the assigned rearward lateral longitudinal periphery,
without however overlapping the rearward lateral longitudinal
periphery. In a refinement of this inventive concept, the spacing
in the transverse direction of a respective elastic or elasticized
region of the rearward side portions from the rearward lateral
longitudinal periphery is at most 20 mm, in particular at most 10
mm. This opens up the possibility of there being no elongatable
side portion materials provided in the direct transition from that
region of the side portion that lies outside the main part to a
region of the side portion that overlaps the main part, this
increasing the stability of the join connection.
[0019] It therefore also proves advantageous for the two rearward
side portions to be non-releasably joined to the main part
conjointly with a non-elongatable region that overlaps the main
part.
[0020] It is furthermore proposed that the side portions are
configured such that in the introduction of conventional forces
that simulate the use situation in the transverse direction, the
respective elastic or elasticized region in the transverse
direction is elongatable by at least 70%, in particular by at least
80%, further particularly by at least 90%. This herein refers to an
elongation capability which is not associated with any durable
significant plastic deformation, let alone any damage to the
material, but one that permits and causes an elastic recovery of
the elongated side portions. The values are determined by the
corresponding application of the measuring or testing methods
described further below.
[0021] In the simplest and preferred case, the rearward side
portions are configured so as to be rectangular, that is to say
that said side portions are delimited by peripheries that run in
the transverse direction and in the longitudinal direction of the
disposable incontinence diaper. At least the proximal half of the
extent (Q) of the side portions is preferably delimited by the
peripheries running in the transverse direction.
[0022] A respective elastic or elasticized region is also
advantageously configured so as to be rectangular, that is to say
that said regions are delimited by peripheries that run in the
transverse direction and in the longitudinal direction of the
disposable incontinence diaper. Furthermore preferably, a
respective elastic or elasticized region extends across the full
length of the side portions (in the longitudinal direction of the
disposable incontinence diaper).
[0023] The extent of a respective elastic or elasticized region in
the transverse direction in the non-elongated state is preferably
40 to 120 mm, in particular 60 to 100 mm.
[0024] The extent (Q) of the planar spread-out but not elongated
rearward side portions beyond the rearward lateral longitudinal
periphery of the main part in the transverse direction of the
disposable incontinence diaper is preferably 130 to 280 mm, in
particular 170 to 250 mm.
[0025] The extent (B) of the rearward side portions in the
longitudinal direction in the region of the joint with the main
part is 100 to 200 mm, in particular 120 to 170 mm.
[0026] An extent (QE) of a respective elastic or elasticized region
in the transverse direction, and a maximum extent (Q) of the
rearward side portions beyond the respective rearward lateral
longitudinal periphery, are preferably dimensioned in such a manner
that the mutual ratio of the extents (QE/Q) is
0.20<QE/Q<0.50, in particular 0.30<QE/Q<0.45.
[0027] In the case of the T-shaped disposable incontinence diaper
according to the invention it has proven particularly advantageous
for the extent (Q) in the transverse direction of the rearward side
portions beyond the respective rearward lateral longitudinal
periphery, and a maximum extent (B) in the longitudinal direction
of the rearward side portions, to be dimensioned such that the
mutual ratio of the extents (Q/B) is 1.0<Q/B<2.0. In the case
of belt diapers, this ratio is higher by a multiple.
[0028] It is furthermore proposed that the two rearward side
portions in the longitudinal direction have a spacing from a
rearward transverse periphery of the main part of at least 1 mm, in
particular of at least 5 mm, in particular of at least 10 mm, in
particular of at least 15 mm, in particular of at most 50 mm. It is
guaranteed on account thereof that the transverse tensile forces
that when placing are exerted by way of the closure means and
herein are introduced into the back region of the main part are
"distributed" to a comparatively large portion of the main
part.
[0029] It furthermore proves advantageous for a straight line that
extends in the transverse direction and is tangent to the
respective closure means on the crotch-facing side to intersect the
absorbent element. This can preferably be implemented when the two
rearward side portions in the longitudinal direction have a spacing
from the rearward transverse periphery of the main part, as has
been mentioned above. It is provided in particular that a straight
line that extends in the transverse direction, and in the
longitudinal direction bisects the side portions in the region of
the joint with the main part, intersects the absorbent element.
This stabilizes the bearing of the absorbent element and supports a
correct fit of the diaper.
[0030] It furthermore proves advantageous for each rearward side
portion to have exactly one closure means. The closure means are
typically a tab from a single-layer or multiple-layer flat material
which, proceeding from a configuration that is typically folded
inward onto the side portion about a distal longitudinal periphery
of the viewed side portion, is capable of being unfolded to an
operating position that is folded outward. A respective closure
means is equipped with adhesive and/or mechanically adhering
regions, layers, or elements, such as hook-and-loop materials, for
example, in a manner known per se which therefore does not require
any further description. In as far as the side portion has exactly
one closure means, it proves advantageous for said closure means to
be provided in a distal region of the side portion so as to be
approximately centric in the longitudinal direction. It furthermore
proves advantageous for the respective closure means to have an
extent in the longitudinal direction that is between 25% and 75% of
the extent B of the side portion in the longitudinal direction.
Furthermore, the respective closure means in the folded-in and the
unfolded state are preferably configured so as to be rectangular.
Said closure means in the non-active configuration ex works are
preferably folded inward onto themselves.
[0031] In terms of the dimensions of the main part of the
disposable incontinence diaper it has proven advantageous for the
extent of the main part in the transverse direction in the back
region and/or or in the front region to be 250 mm to 550 mm, in
particular 300 to 520 mm. The front region and the back regions of
the main part preferably have the same transverse extent (measured
in mm).
[0032] The extent of the main part in the longitudinal direction is
preferably 700 to 1200 mm, in particular 800 to 1100 mm. The main
part can be provided with a constriction in the transverse
direction, consequently a leg opening contour, in the crotch
region. In an alternative embodiment, the main part is configured
so as to be rectangular.
[0033] The elastic or elasticized regions can be implemented by way
of means that per se are commonplace to a person skilled in the
art. For example, portions per se of elastic materials such as
elastic films or elastic non-wovens, can thus be joined to
non-elongatable portions of the side portions by joining methods
such as adhesive bonding or thermal welding or ultrasonic
welding.
[0034] A further possibility for achieving an elastification in
regions lies in that the side portions in regions are preferably
"activated" by a technology that has become known as "ring
rolling". This technology is described, for example, in EP 0 650
714 A1. A material that per se is not elongatable, for example a
non-woven/film laminate, is super-elongated by "ring rolling" by
way of an excessive deflection between mutually meshing rollers. In
this super-elongated state, that material of the laminate that
previously was not elongatable per se does not offer any
substantial resistance to being stretched in terms of length. By
way of a combination with an elastically elongatable element within
a laminate of this type, an elastic elongation capability can be
achieved in the correspondingly treated region. As an alternative
thereto, elasticizing means such as elastic film portions or
threads, in particular Lycra or Spandex threads in the
pre-tensioned state, can be connected in regions with the flat
materials, in particular non-woven materials, that form the
remainder of the side portions (stretch-bonding).
[0035] The rearward side portions in the use situation are brought
to overlap the external side of the front region of the main part,
in order that closure means that are provided in the region of the
respective free ends of both rearward side portions can be closed
on the external side of the main part of the diaper. To this end,
the closure means and at least one region of the external side of
the main part are configured as a closure system. To this end, the
closure means have in particular mechanical closure elements such
as hook elements, in particular also in combination with adhesively
bonding regions, by means of which the closure means are capable of
being rendered so as to engage in a releasable adhering manner with
the external side of the main part. To this end, it has proven
advantageous for the external side of the main part to be at least
in regions, preferably completely, formed by a correspondingly
configured non-woven. Alternatively, it is possible for a separate
hook pile element to be provided on the external side in the front
region of the main part, said separate hook pile element serving as
a landing zone for the closure means of the side portions.
[0036] It preferably applies to the folded-in configuration of the
rearward side portions that an extent (A) in the transverse
direction of the rearward side portions that are folded onto
themselves beyond the respective rearward lateral longitudinal
periphery, and an extent(B) in the longitudinal direction of the
rearward side portions that are folded onto themselves, are
dimensioned such that the mutual ratio of the extents (A/B) is
0.5<A/B<1.
[0037] Prior to the ex works packaging of the disposable
incontinence diapers, the main part, together with the rearward
side portions that are folded onto themselves, is preferably ex
works folded inward onto itself about a first and a second main
part folding axis that in each case run in the longitudinal
direction in such a manner that the rearward side portions on both
sides come to lie so as to at least partially overlap one another
in the direction of thickness, thus in a manner orthogonal to a
plane that encloses the longitudinal direction and the transverse
direction. Prior to the ex works packaging of the disposable
incontinence diapers, the main part together with the rearward side
portions that are folded onto themselves, and preferably subsequent
to the folding about main part folding axes that run in the
longitudinal direction as described above, is furthermore
preferably additionally it works folded inward onto itself about
one or two main part folding axes that run in the transverse
direction.
[0038] Further features, details and advantages of the invention
are provided by the accompanying patent claims and by the graphic
representation and description that follows of a preferred
embodiment of the disposable incontinence diaper according to the
invention. In the drawing:
[0039] FIG. 1 shows a plan view of a disposable incontinence diaper
according to the invention, in a planar spread-out but not
elongated state;
[0040] FIG. 2 shows a side view of the diaper as per figure one, by
way of the section plane II-II;
[0041] FIG. 3 shows a schematic illustration of the diaper in the
worn state;
[0042] FIGS. 4a, b, c show in each case an enlarged and partial
illustration of the diaper as per FIG. 1 in the region of a
rearward side portion, in a planer spread-out but not elongated
state, having dimensions and folding axes, respectively;
[0043] FIG. 5 shows an enlarged illustration of the diaper as per
FIG. 1 in the region of a rearward side portion, in a configuration
in which said diaper is folded onto itself;
[0044] FIG. 6 shows a sectional view by way of the section plane
VI-VI of FIG. 5;
[0045] FIGS. 7 and 8 show an illustration of the diaper according
to FIG. 4, having clamps of a device for determining the elongation
capability.
[0046] The figures show a disposable incontinence diaper according
to the invention, which in its entirety is identified by the
reference sign 2, in the so-called T-shape. The diaper 2 comprises
a main part that in its entirety is identified by the reference
sign 4, having an absorbent element 6 that absorbs bodily fluids.
The absorbent element 6 preferably comprises cellulose fibers and
super-absorbent polymer particles (SAP). In the case of the diaper
2, a longitudinal direction 8 and a transverse direction 10 are
distinguishable, wherein the latter in the worn state of the diaper
corresponds to the circumferential direction of the hip of the
user. The main part 4 comprises a front region 12 having forward
lateral longitudinal peripheries 14, a back region 16 having
rearward lateral longitudinal peripheries 18, and disposed
therebetween a crotch region 20. In the case of the T-shaped diaper
2, rearward side portions 22 which in the transverse direction 10
extend laterally beyond the rearward lateral longitudinal
peripheries 18 are provided only in the back region 16 of the main
part 4, said rearward side portions 22 in the region of the
rearward lateral longitudinal peripheries 18 being non-releasably
joined to the back region 16 of the main part 4 in an overlap
region 24. The rearward side portions 22 in the region of the free
end 26 thereof in the transverse direction 10 have in each case at
least one closure means 28. The closure means 28 is configured in
the form of a preferably rectangular tab and is folded in onto
itself. The closure means can be opened, that is to say unfolded
again, in the use situation, so as to place the disposable
incontinence diaper 2 on a user, wherein the side portions 22 are
brought to overlap the front region 12 of the main part 4 and the
closure means are fastened so as to releasably adhere to the
external side of the front part of the main part (schematically
illustrated in FIG. 3).
[0047] As can best be seen from FIG. 4a, the side portions 22 are
preferably configured so as to be rectangular, wherein the latter
are delimited by peripheries 30, 32 that run in the transverse
direction 10 and by peripheries 34, 36 that run in the longitudinal
direction 8. The rearward side portions 22 in the planar unfolded
or spread-out but not elongated state illustrated in FIG. 42 have
an extent Q of 200 mm beyond the rearward lateral longitudinal
periphery 18 in the transverse direction 10. This extent Q of the
side portions 22 outside the main part 4 in the transverse
direction 10 comprises a proximal half 38 that adjoins the rearward
lateral longitudinal periphery 18, and a free-ending distal half 40
of the side portions 22. The side portions 22 in the longitudinal
direction 8 have a spacing d from a rearward transverse periphery
35 of the diaper of preferably 5 to 50 mm. The extent (B) of the
side portions in the longitudinal direction in the case illustrated
is 140 mm.
[0048] The side portions 22 outside the main part 4 are configured
so as to be elastically elongatable in the transverse direction 10.
To this end, said side portions 22 have an elastic or elasticized
region 42. This elastic or elasticized region 42 of the rearward
side portions 22 is disposed completely within the proximal half 38
of the rearward side portions 22. Said region 42 in the exemplary
case illustrated in the transverse direction 10 has a slight
spacing of a few millimeters from the rearward lateral longitudinal
periphery 18. The elastic or elasticized region 42 is configured so
as to be rectangular, and the extent (QE) thereof in the transverse
region is delimited by peripheries 44 that extend in the
longitudinal direction 8, wherein the peripheries 44 extend across
the entire longitudinal extent of the rearward side portions
22.
[0049] The rearward side portions in the distal half 40 of the
extent Q of the rearward side portions 22 are configured so as to
be non-elongatable in the transverse direction 10.
[0050] The respective elastic or elasticized region 42 of the
rearward side portions 22 can typically be achieved by interposing
an elastically elongatable or an elasticized material in the side
portions 22. The side portions 22 in this instance are configured
by material portions of dissimilar elongation capabilities that are
disposed sequentially and joined to one another in the transverse
direction 10. Alternatively thereto, elasticizing means in the
pre-tensioned state can be connected to flat materials of the
rearward side portions 22. Furthermore alternatively, it is
possible for flat material laminates that are non-elongatable per
se such as, for example, laminates comprising non-elongatable
non-wovens and elastic films of the rearward side portions 22 that
are joined to said non-wovens in a planar manner, by way of
measures known in the prior art, such as by way of so-called "ring
rolling", to be "activated", that is to say rendered elastically
elongatable, in regions.
[0051] The rearward side portions 22 are furthermore disposed on
the back region 16 of the main part 4 in such a manner that a
straight line 45 that extends in the transverse direction 10 and is
tangent to the respective closure means 28 on the crotch-facing
side intersects the absorbent element 6.
[0052] As is illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 (in each case on the left)
and FIGS. 4b, 5, and 6, the rearward side portions 22 ex works are
folded onto themselves about at least two side portion folding axes
46, 48 that run in the longitudinal direction 8. The side portion
folding axes 46, 48 herein define and delimit part-regions 50, 52,
54 of the rearward side portions 22 that are folded onto one
another (FIG. 4b). It can be seen that the side portion folding
axis 46 that is adjacent to the rearward lateral longitudinal
periphery 18, thus the inboard side portion folding axis 46, runs
within the elastic or elasticized region 42, while the side portion
folding axis 48 that in the transverse direction 10 is further
outboard runs outside the elastic or elasticized region 42, thus
within a non-elongatable region of the side portions 22. The
part-region 52 which inwardly adjoins that part-region 54 that in
the transverse direction 10 is outboard, proceeding from the outer
folding axis 48 that runs in the longitudinal direction 8, by way
of at least 50% of the area of said part-region 52 is configured so
as to be non-elongatable. In order for this non-elongatable area to
be determined, an imaginary line 55 that is parallel with the
folding axis 48, proceeding from the latter, is moved inward in a
quasi scanning manner in the transverse direction 10 in the
direction of the main part 4 (this being visualized by arrows in
FIG. 4c) until said imaginary line 55 meets an elongatable region
58. The area thus scanned is at least 50% of the entire area in the
plan view of the part-region 52 in the non-elongated state. The
part-region 52 here in the transverse direction 10 has a
rectangular outer non-elongatable region 56 of a transverse extent
U, and in the transverse direction 10 has a rectangular inner
elastically elongatable region 58, said regions 56, 58 being
delineated from one another by an imaginary line running in the
longitudinal direction 8. As has been discussed, the rectangular
outer non-elongatable region 56 herein in the non-elongated state
comprises at least half of the entire area in the plan view of the
part-region 52. It is also conceivable that the part-region 52 that
inwardly adjoins the outboard part-region 54 is configured so as to
be non-elongatable across the entire extent of said part-region
52.
[0053] FIGS. 5 and 6 schematically show the configuration that is
folded onto itself of the rearward side portions 22. The
part-regions 50, 52, 54 that are folded toward one another are
releasably fixed to one another at the joints 59 illustrated in
FIG. 5. These joints 59 are configured by way of measures described
at the outset. It proves advantageous for non-elongatable regions
to a substantial proportion to be releasably joined to one another
in the region of the overlap of the part-regions 52, 54. In FIG. 6
the exemplary joining of the closure means 28 to the external side
of the side portion 22 that faces away from the body and the
folding back onto the body-facing side of the side portion 22 can
also be seen in a schematic illustration. Furthermore to be seen is
the schematically illustrated exemplary joining of the rearward
side portions 22 between two flat materials, for example a
liquid-permeable cover layer 60 (top sheet) and a
liquid-impermeable back layer 62 (back sheet) of the diaper main
part 4.
[0054] The dimension A of the folded configuration of the rearward
side portions 22 in the transverse direction 10 outside the main
part 4, and the dimension B in the longitudinal direction 8 are
illustrated in FIG. 5. The ratio A/B is preferably 0.5<A/B<1.
The respective ratio Q/B of the side portions 22 in the planar
spread-out but not elongated state is preferably 1.0<Q/B<2.0
and is illustrated in FIG. 4a. The ratio of QE, thus the extent of
the elastic or elasticized region 42 in the transverse direction,
to Q is preferably 0.20<QE/Q<0.50, in particular
0.30<QE/Q<0.45.
[0055] In as far as it should not be obvious in the individual case
whether a side portion region is elastically elongatable or
non-elongatable, the following testing method is specified for the
quantitative delineation of the terms non-elongatable, elongatable,
or elastically elongatable, respectively:
[0056] The elongation capability herein can be determined directly
on the side portion 22 of the diaper. To this end, a respective
region of a side portion 22 is chucked between two clamping jaws
70, 72 of a defined, identical clamping jaw width b of 50 mm,
wherein the clamping jaw spacing a is 30 mm. The clamping jaw width
b herein extends in the longitudinal direction 8, and the clamping
jaw spacing a extends in the transverse direction 10, wherein the
side portion 22 is in the planar spread-out but not elongated
state. In as far as the region to be detected should have an extent
of less than 30 mm in the transverse direction 10, the clamping jaw
spacing a is chosen so as to be correspondingly smaller. The test
is performed proceeding from a preliminary force of 0.2 N between
the clamping jaws 70, 72. Proceeding therefrom, the clamping jaws
70, 72 are diverged in the transverse direction 10 at a constant
speed of 100 mm/min until a force of 15 N is reached, and
substantially immediately upon reaching the force of 15 N converged
again, specifically again at a constant speed of 100 mm/min until
the value of the preliminary force of 0.2 N is reached. The initial
clamping jaw spacing L0 in mm when reaching the preliminary force
of 0.2 N is noted, on the one hand. Furthermore, the clamping jaw
spacing L1 in mm when reaching the force of 15 N is noted (this is
preferably performed in each case in an automated manner by way of
the evaluation unit of the testing device). Furthermore, the
remaining clamping jaw spacing L2 in mm upon reducing the force to
the value of the preliminary force of 0.2 N is noted at the end of
the test.
[0057] In the case of the elongation capability being tested in the
region of the distal half 42 of the rearward side portions 22, the
clamping jaws 70, 72 are preferably positioned in such a manner
that the latter are disposed outside closure means. To this end,
the closure means can be folded outward as is illustrated in FIG.
7. Testing the area that is covered by the closure means is not
required since the side portions therein by virtue of the closure
means are typically non-elongatable anyway.
[0058] In the case of the elastic elongation capability being
tested within the proximal half 38 of the side portions 22, the
clamping jaws 70, 72 are preferably disposed so as to be centric in
the longitudinal direction 8 in relation to the longitudinal extent
of the side portions 22, as is illustrated in FIG. 8. The above
test is then carried out. Subsequently, the clamping jaws 70, 72
are repositioned in the longitudinal direction 8 (repositioned
toward the top or the bottom, respectively, in FIG. 8) such that
regions of the side portion that are adjacent in the longitudinal
direction 8 can be detected and the side portion can thus be tested
across the entire extent thereof in the longitudinal direction
8.
[0059] For the purpose of evaluation, the term elongation is
understood to be the ratio between an increase in the clamping jaw
spacing upon reaching 15 N and the clamping jaw spacing in the case
of the preliminary force of 0.2 N, thus the elongated clamping jaw
spacing L1 in mm at 15 N minus L0 in mm divided by L0 in mm, thus
elongation [%] =(L1-L0)/L0.
[0060] For the purpose of determining the residual (permanently
set) elongation, this is understood to be the ratio of the increase
in the clamping jaw spacing upon reducing the force to the value of
the preliminary force of 0.2 N in relation to the initial clamping
jaw spacing (L2-L0) and the initial clamping jaw spacing L0 =, thus
remaining elongation [%]=(L2-L0)/L0.
[0061] In the context of the present invention, the distal half 40
or an arbitrary region of a respective rearward side portion 22 is
considered to be non-elongatable when, carrying out the preceding
test, each region of the distal half 40 extending 50 mm in the
longitudinal direction 8, and each region of the distal half 40
extending 30 mm in the transverse direction 10, permits an
elongation of less than 50% in the case of a brief effect of a
force of 15 N.
[0062] In the context of the present invention, the proximal half
38, or a region 42 of the proximal half 38, or an arbitrary region
of a respective rearward side portion 22 is considered to be
elastically elongatable when, carrying out the preceding test, the
region detected by the clamping jaws at 15 N permits an elongation
of at least 60% and upon reducing the force to the value of the
preliminary force of 0.2 N a residual (permanently set) elongation
of at most 15% remains, specifically also when carrying out the
test with clamping jaws that are repositioned in the longitudinal
direction 8. The side portion 22 is thus tested across the entire
extent thereof in the longitudinal direction 8.
[0063] In the case of the material of a side portion chucked
between the clamping jaws breaking prior to the maximum force of 15
N being reached when the preceding test is carried out, the
breaking force thus being less than 15 N/50 mm, the material will
be considered as unsuitable for carrying out the invention.
* * * * *