SANITARY BAG

A sanitary bag for receiving at least one part of the body, in particular the penis, is claimed, which sanitary bag is composed at least of a blank (2) with two portions (A, B) which each have the shape of a quadrilateral and are folded along a fold line (F1, F2), wherein the two portions (A and B) have the same length from the fold line (F1, F2) to their edge (4, 5, 6, 7) facing away from the fold line, characterized in that an absorbent insert (3) is arranged on the inside of the blank (2). The sanitary bag has the advantage that it is composed of simple geometric shapes and permits simple and cost-effective production, also with high-speed machines.

The present invention relates to a sanitary bag for receiving at least one part of the body, in particular the penis.

Many products for collecting bodily fluids, e.g. urine, are known on the market. Particular mention may be made of liners, diapers for babies and infants, and incontinence diapers. A common aspect of these products is that they are generally available on the market as so-called unisex products, the basic shape being adapted to the human anatomy. There are also many products specially developed for women, whereas aids developed for men are virtually unknown or are designed in such a way that they do not provide wearing comfort.

DE 698 09 666, for example, discloses a urine-receiving pad for men, which is formed by a bag provided with an opening and consists of at least one laminated sheet comprising a liquid-permeable inner layer, a liquid-impermeable outer layer, and an absorbent core provided between the two layers. This bag can be applied to a penis by inserting the penis into the opening, wherein flat or linearly elastic elements are arranged in pairs along an opening edge, such that the elastic elements, in a state in which they are deformed by buckling, engage the penis by means of elastic restoring forces.

DE 10 2008 020 606 B1 discloses a sanitary article of the type mentioned at the outset, which sanitary article has a sleeve-shaped main body for attaching to the body part, wherein the main body has an opening larger than the body part, and this main body has a steeply rising flank which, after reaching a peak, merges into a flat trailing edge, and the main body has a flap, wherein the opening can be made smaller by turning the flap back over the area of the main body located over the body part. The main body is usually cone-shaped.

A common aspect of the products known from the prior art is that they have a shape that makes industrial production complicated and therefore expensive.

The object of the present invention was therefore to make available a sanitary bag of the type mentioned at the outset, which is composed of simple geometric shapes and permits simple and cost-effective production, also with high-speed machines.

The present invention therefore relates to a sanitary bag for receiving at least one part of the body, in particular the penis, which sanitary bag is composed at least of a blank with two portions A and B which each have the shape of a quadrilateral and are folded along a fold line, wherein the two portions have the same length from the fold line to their edge facing away from the fold line, characterized in that an absorbent insert is arranged on the inside of the blank.

The sanitary bag according to the invention is composed of a blank which is folded along a fold line, wherein this folded shape forms the outer shape of the sanitary bag. The blank will usually be obtained from web material. To permit production in high-speed machines and also to minimize the amount of scrap, i.e. the non-usable remainders of the material from which the blank is cut out, the blank has the simplest possible geometric shape. Preferably, the portions each have the shape of a quadrilateral.

In a preferred embodiment, the blank has the shape of a square or a rectangle. This shape has the advantage of causing less scrap material compared to other shapes.

The blank is folded along the fold line, such that the portions are superposed. The edges of the blank that lie opposite the fold line form the opening for receiving the body part. The portions preferably have the same side length from the fold line as far as their edge facing away from the fold line.

If the blank is present in the shape of a square or rectangle, i.e. with four right angles, the fold line can either be located at the bottom of the sanitary bag, i.e. the edges of the blank that lie opposite the fold line form the opening for receiving the body part, or the fold line is located at a right angle to the opening. If the blank is present in the shape of a rectangle or a square, the blank can be folded along one of the two fold lines. If the blank is present in the form of a quadrilateral, the portions each having the shape of a trapezoid, the fold line forms the bottom portion of the article according to the invention.

The superposed edges of the portions adjoining the fold line are connected to each other. This connection can be made differently depending on the material from which the blank is made. For example, the edges can be connected to each other by gluing or welding, and in some cases also by sewing. This connection of the edges is preferably watertight, such that an escape of the bodily fluid through this connection of the edges is substantially avoided, preferably completely avoided.

In a preferred embodiment, the connecting edge is at a distance from the opening edge of the opening, i.e. the connection ends before the opening edge. In this way, a portion remains unclosed from the weld seam to the opening, as a result of which the opening is widened. This widening facilitates the insertion of the penis into the opening, i.e. the handling of the sanitary bag according to the invention.

The material from which the blank is made should be impermeable to liquids, the aim being to prevent urine or other bodily fluid from passing through the sanitary bag according to the invention in the direction of the clothes and soiling the latter. For optimal wearing comfort, it is preferable if the blank is made of a breathable material, i.e. a material that is permeable to water vapor but not to liquids. The material for the blank can be, for example, a breathable film, such as a perforated two-dimensional and/or three-dimensional film, a breathable SMS, nonwovens of natural or synthetic fibers, and/or a laminate of different materials, for example of nonwoven and breathable film (BIBS films=breathable film textile backsheet), as are also known for the production of the outsides of customary incontinence products.

According to the invention, an absorbent insert is arranged on the inside of the blank. The absorbent insert extends at least over a part of one of the portions; the absorbent insert preferably extends over both portions. However, the absorbent insert is preferably offset inward with respect to the edges. A single absorbent insert or several absorbent inserts can be arranged on the blank. In a preferred configuration, a single absorbent insert extends over both portions A and b, its edge being offset inward with respect to the edges. With respect to the edges that form the superposed closing edge, the distance between the absorbent insert and the edge should be so great that the superposed edges can be connected to each other without inclusion of the absorbent insert. The distance of the absorbent insert from the opening edge can be slightly greater, and this distance forms the bearing surface for the body part and should be chosen such that good wearing comfort is ensured.

In one possible embodiment, the sanitary bag according to the invention is multilayered and, in addition to the first blank, which usually faces outward, and to the absorbent insert on the inside, i.e. in the direction of the body part, it also has a further blank arranged over the absorbent insert. This blank is preferably made of a material permeable to liquids. The bodily fluid passes through this further blank in the direction of the absorbent insert. The purpose of this further layer is to quickly transport the bodily fluid away from the body part in the direction of the absorbent insert, where the fluid is taken up and stored. The first blank and the further blank preferably have the same size. The absorbent insert is encased by the two blanks. The two blanks can be connected to each other via a suitable connection, for example by welding with ultrasound. It is not necessary that the blanks are connected to each other in a watertight manner. The blanks should be larger than the absorbent insert, such that the absorbent insert is not included in the connection of the edges of the blanks.

The material from which the further blank is made is preferably a material permeable to liquids, for example a nonwoven, preferably a polypropylene/polyethylene nonwoven that is stretchable. The stretchability has the advantage that, when the absorbent body takes up liquid and its volume increases, it also does not change the surface of this further blank and gives the absorbent body room, without this further blank or the outwardly directed blank tearing.

For this reason, it has also proven advantageous if the absorbent core is slightly smaller than the volume formed by the outer blank and the further blank.

This absorbent insert serves to take up and permanently absorb the bodily fluid. Rewetting in the direction of the body part should preferably be avoided as far as possible. This absorbent insert is therefore preferably made from a material which is able not only to absorb bodily fluids, such as urine, but also to store them. Materials that are very suitable are those composed of oriented and/or unoriented fibers, in particular nonwovens of pulp and pulp-related materials, and also synthetic absorbent materials. The absorbent insert is preferably a nonwoven of cellulose fibers, such as an airlaid.

The absorbency of the absorbent core can be increased if it contains particles of superabsorbent polymers. For example, these can be incorporated directly during the production of the absorbent core.

In one possible embodiment, the absorbent insert is produced from a fibrous web of pulp fibers or an airlaid bed of pulp fibers (fluff pulp) which are guided through a calender composed of two embossing rollers. While generating an embossed pattern in the pressure area, the fibers are calendered in a punctiform or linear manner, without binding agent, and thus connected. An absorbent core has proven particularly useful that is produced by the method described in the European patent 1 032 342 B1.

Another suitable material is a polymer material with a honeycomb structure, as is described, for example, in the European patent application EP 2 444 046 A1.

The absorbent insert can be formed from an absorbent body as described above. This absorbent body can be surrounded by liquid-permeable layers in the manner of a casing, wherein the absorbent body can be fixed on one or both layers or is only loosely surrounded by these layers.

In order to prevent the absorbent insert from slipping on the blank of the sanitary bag, the absorbent insert can be fixed on the blank. The fixing can be carried out at discrete points or across the whole surface, using glue or other adhesive materials. Generally, the fixing of the blank is not necessary since the friction between blank and absorbent body is sufficient.

In a further configuration of the present invention, the sanitary bag according to the invention has means for making the opening smaller and for adapting the size of the opening to the circumference of the body part. Suitable means that can be used are a drawstring, an elastic rubber band or a binding means, with which one connecting edge can be turned back to the other one.

In a preferred embodiment, one connecting edge is turned back to the other connecting edge and is fixed in this position. To fix it, the turned-back connecting edge can, for example, have glue or another adhesive means which adheres at the point where it is fixed. The adherence should preferably be releasable. In a further configuration, a protruding binding means is mounted on the connecting edge to be turned back and has a corresponding adhesive which fixes the turned-back connecting edge and maintains the size of the opening in its adjustment. Examples of suitable binding means are elastic and non-elastic velcro tape, elastic and non-elastic adhesive tape, etc. This embodiment, in which one connecting edge is turned back to the other edge, has the advantage that the upper edge that bears on the body part remains smooth and is not puckered, as a result of which greater wearing comfort is achieved.

FIG. 2shows a possible embodiment of a sanitary bag1in a state when not yet folded and not yet ready for use. A generally quadrilateral blank2is divided along a subsequent fold line F1into two rectangular portions A and B symmetrical with respect to the fold line F1. In the embodiment shown here, an absorbent insert3is arranged only on the portion B on the subsequent inside. This absorbent insert3extends from the fold line F1, or from a point a short distance from the fold line, in the direction of the subsequent opening edge4of the sanitary bag.

The blank2is first of all turned back along the fold line F1. The side edges5a,5band6a,6bthen lying respectively on each other are then connected to each other in a manner known per se, for example by gluing, welding or sewing.

By means of the folding and closing, a pouch or a bag is formed which is open only along one edge, i.e. has an opening11. The opening edges are the edges4and7. The fold line F1forms the bottom of the pouch and is arranged facing away from the opening11.

FIG. 3shows a second possible configuration of the sanitary bag1according to the invention. The blank2itself has the same shape as inFIG. 2, but a flat absorbent body3is in each case located on the subsequent inside of both portions A and B of the blank2. The absorbent bodies3are here arranged centrally with respect to the side edges5a,6aand5b,6b,although they can also be arranged eccentrically.

FIG. 4shows a third configuration in which the blank2is formed by two portions A and B, each of them in the shape of a trapezoid. The shorter of the two parallel trapezoid edges abut each other at the fold line F1. As in all the other embodiments too, the blank can be made from a web material that has been unrolled from a reel of material.

In the third embodiment shown inFIG. 4, a single absorbent insert3extends transversely across the fold line F1, on the inside of the blank2, and across large areas of both portions A and B. The blank2is once again turned back along the fold line F1. The abutting connecting edges5a,5band6a,6b,respectively, are connected to each other in a manner known per se. The blank2is turned back such that the absorbent insert3preferably configured as a long rectangle is located on the inside of the formed sanitary bag. The opening11is formed by the two opening edges4a,4b.

FIG. 5shows the sanitary bag according toFIG. 4in its final form ready for use. The blank2is turned back along the fold line F1and the connecting edges5a,5b,6a,6blie over each other and are connected to each other in a manner known per se, resulting in a trapezoidal pouch shape with the opening11. The flat absorbent insert3preferably configured as a long rectangle is arranged on the inside. It extends over both portions A and B and therefore also over the bottom of the pouch coinciding with the fold line F1. However, the absorbent insert3is of such length that it is at a distance from each of the two edges4aand4bthat delimit the opening.

By means of the trapezoidal shape of the sanitary bag widening toward the opening11, a flap13in the shape of a triangle is formed. For use, as is shown inFIG. 6, this flap13can be turned back in order thereby to adapt the opening11to the size of the body part. For this purpose, the connecting edge5running obliquely with respect to the opening11is turned back toward the other connecting edge6and is then secured in this position by means of a fixing binding element12on the outside of the sanitary bag.

For use, the sanitary bag1, in the state shown inFIG. 5, is applied to the body part via the opening11. The triangular flap13is then folded in the direction of the other connecting edge6, such that the cavity formed by the blank2firmly encloses the body part, e.g. a man's penis. Thereafter, the binding element12is fixed at a suitable place on the outside of the blank. Bodily fluid, e.g. urine, can emerge from the body part and in so doing passes into the sanitary bag and is absorbed by the absorbent insert3. The fixing by means of the binding element12is preferably releasable again, in order to easily remove the sanitary bag again.

However, the sanitary bag can also be held on the body part without special binding elements or fixing means. In order to adapt the opening11to the circumference of the body part and, if appropriate, to give the user the feeling that the sanitary bag is not going to slip, elastic materials can be applied on the outside or inside of the blank2, along the edges4aand4bforming the opening11, or at a short distance from these edges, and they keep the opening11small by means of suitable pretensioning.

According toFIG. 9, it is also possible for an elastic band, slightly pretensioned in the circumferential direction, to be placed along the edges4a,4b,i.e. around the opening11, and through this edge portion of the blank, so as to make the size of the opening11variable.

In the embodiment shown inFIG. 7andFIG. 8, the absorbent insert3extends in one piece across both portions A and B and across the fold line F2, which runs transversely with respect to the opening of the blank2. Here too, the blank2is folded along the fold line F2, which forms a right angle with the edge4for the opening. The two lateral edges5and6and the two edges7aand7bforming the bottom of the bag are connected to each other respectively. In the embodiment shown here, the absorbent insert3extends over almost the entire height of the blank2, and in particular it extends to a point close to the bottom formed by the edges7a,7b.However, the absorbent insert3is spaced apart from the vertical edges5and6and also from the bottom edges7a,7b,such that, when these edges5,6,7a,7bor edge areas are connected, the absorbent insert3is not included, i.e. not bound in with them. The edge area as far as the opening edge4forms a bearing surface15of the sanitary bag on the body part. The size of the opening11is also fixed by the length of this bearing surface15.

The connecting edges5,6and7a,7bin the embodiment according toFIGS. 1,7and8, and the connecting edges5a,5b,6a,6bin the embodiments according toFIGS. 2 to 6, are connected to each other by customary methods known from the prior art. These connecting edges should preferably be leaktight to liquids, so as to prevent bodily fluid from escaping via these edges. Such a connection can be obtained, for example, by the edges of the blanks2,10being welded to each other. Welding is possible, for example, when the blanks are made of thermoplastic material, with the superposed edges being melted by application of heat and joining together by fusing.

In the particular configuration shown inFIG. 1andFIG. 8, the connecting edge extends along the bottom and along the vertical connecting edges5,6, which run parallel to the fold edge F2. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 1andFIG. 8, a connection of the two vertical edges5,6, starting from the bottom connecting edge7a,7b,does not take place over the entire length as far as the opening edge4. Instead, the connection ends at a distance before the opening edge4, such that an edge portion16, which extends from the weld seam to the opening11, remains unclosed. This edge portion16, unclosed toward the side, acts as a widening of the opening11, thereby simplifying the handling of the sanitary bag.

Likewise inFIG. 1andFIG. 8, at the height of the edge portion16, a binding element12can be applied either in the area of the edge5or of the edge6, which binding element12is fastened to the surface15lying opposite the edge in order to close and adapt the size of the opening11. The binding element12is preferably releasable again, for example a Velcro fastener or an adhesive fastener. The binding element12can be elastic in its longitudinal direction, as a result of which the size of the opening11adapts even better to the body part during use.

FIG. 9shows an embodiment of the sanitary bag in which the vertical edges5,6are connected, that is to say closed, all the way to the opening11. The size of the opening can be adapted to the body part by an elastic material applied to the inside or outside of the sanitary bag, close to or directly on the edge4. In one possible configuration, an elastic drawstring14is drawn in near the edge4.

In the simplest configuration, the bag-shaped sanitary bag has a blank2in which an absorbent body3is arranged. The absorbent body takes up the discharged bodily fluid and stores it. The blank2is intended to prevent the bodily fluid from escaping to the outside, i.e. in the direction of the clothes, and thus soiling the clothes.

Likewise, in all the embodiments, the sanitary bags according to the invention can also be multilayered. In one possible configuration, a further blank10is arranged on the inside over the absorbent body3. This further blank10therefore forms the inside or inner wall of the sanitary bag during use. In this connection,FIG. 10shows a cross section along the line S-S and depicts such a three-layered structure of the sanitary bag. The absorbent core3is formed by the blank2, which forms the outwardly facing surface of the sanitary bag, and by the further blank10, which forms the inwardly facing surface of the sanitary bag. The edges5a,5band6a,6bof the blank2and the edges5a,5band6a,6bof the further blank are connected to each other at the connection17and enclose the absorbent body3. The edges of the blank2and of the further blank10can be connected in a manner known per se. It is not necessary that this connection17is watertight. In a preferred embodiment, the edges are connected to each other loosely but not releasably, such that a relatively soft connecting edge17is formed. In the area of the opening edge4, the edge17bears on the body part, and a soft structure pleasant to the skin is advantageous in particular for this bearing surface. In the cross section shown inFIG. 10, the absorbent body3is encased by the blanks2and10without being connected to them. It is also possible for the absorbent body3to be connected over all of its surface, or over part of its surface, to a blank2,10, or at the same time to both blanks2,10.

Another possible way of fixing the absorbent body is for the absorbent body3to be enclosed immovably by the blanks2and10, with the connecting edges5and6at only a slight distance from the absorbent body.

If the multilayered structure according toFIG. 10is folded along the fold lines F1or F2, the connections at the edges5,6and7a,7bor5a,5band6a,6blie over each other and are connected to each other in order to finish the sanitary bag. As has already been described, this connection is preferably watertight.

The embodiment shown inFIG. 11andFIG. 12differs from the embodiment inFIG. 7andFIG. 8in terms of the arrangement of the absorbent insert3. In this embodiment too, the latter extends in one piece across both surface portions A and B and across the fold line F2of the blank2. The absorbent insert extends in the direction of the opening edge4beyond the length of the connecting seam of the edges5,6. In the embodiment shown here, the absorbent insert ends at the upper edge of the binding element12.

The sanitary bag according to the invention is preferably produced from web material that is unwound from a storage reel and delivered to the machine. The material for the blank2, for the absorbent insert3and also for optional further layers or blanks10is delivered as web material wound onto reels. The absorbent insert3is placed on the web material of the blank2, the optional further layer is arranged thereover as a further blank10either at the same time or in a following step. The absorbent insert3and the web material for the blank2and the web material for the optional further blank10are cut to a suitable size in a subsequent method step. To facilitate the further production process, the superposed edges can be connected to each other, in order thereby to prevent the superposed blanks from slipping. The connection can be achieved, for example, by means of the ultrasonic welding already described above.

Thereafter, the blank produced in this way is folded along the fold line F1or F2, and the edges5a,5band6a,6bor5,6and7a,7bthus coming to lie over each other are connected to each other to form a watertight connection. Preferably, the binding element12or the elastic material14is applied beforehand, i.e. before the edges are connected.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

7edge, opening edge

10blank, inner layer