Patent ID: 7601144
Filing Date: 2009-10-13
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. Absorbent article having a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction, a front portion, a rear portion, a crotch portion located between the rear portion and the front portion, an absorbent element and a liquid-tight layer, and at least two stiffening elements which are intended to contribute to the three-dimensional shape of the article during its use, wherein the stiffening elements each form a single plane before use of the article, wherein the stiffening elements comprise, in the longitudinal direction of the article, a first, front stiffening part area in the front portion of the article and at least one further, second stiffening part area which is a separate and distinct element from the first stiffening part area, said second stiffening part area being discontinuous from said first stiffening part area, wherein said first stiffening part area is spaced from said second stiffening part area at least at a transition between the crotch portion and the front portion such that a transition gap is formed between a rearward edge of the first stiffening part area and a forward edge of the second stiffening part area, said gap being defined by the absence of said stiffening element therein, and defining a bending indication and a distance between said first and second stiffening parts of approximately 10 mm-45 mm, said separate first and second stiffening part areas and transition gap being arranged so as to control the positioning of the article on the wearer, the width of the first stiffening part area exceeding 25 mm, and the transition gap between the first and second stiffening part areas being arranged to as to come to lie directly in front of said muscle tendons of the wearer.