Incontinence article in pant form

In an incontinence article in pant form, a crotch section having an absorption body, is connected to stomach and back sections in respective overlapping regions of the crotch section and the stomach section, and the crotch section and the back section, wherein the incontinence article has a first fold axis formed by a transverse center axis of the incontinence article, second fold axes extending outside on either side of the absorption body, and a third fold axis in a region of the absorption body, wherein regions of the stomach section and the back section which laterally protrude over the crotch section are folded about the second fold axes toward the longitudinal center axis, wherein after folding the incontinence article about the third folding axis, the border of the stomach and back band does not protrude over the first fold axis wherein a mass per area of the absorption body decreases from a region of the transverse center axis toward stomach-section side and back-section side ends of the absorption body.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a folded incontinence article in pants form for absorbing bodily excretions.

Incontinence articles in pants form principally differ from openable and closable incontinence articles in conventional diaper form, in that the waist circumference is already predetermined by the pant form, and the adjustment to different body sizes based on a number of basic sizes is achieved in that the article can be elastically stretched. For this, elastifying means, in particular the form of bands or threads, often also referred to as Lycra-bands are usually connected in pre-tensioned state (Stretch-Bond method) to chassis materials of the incontinence article i.e., they are fixed in a pre-tensioned state on the chassis materials for example by means of glue. Due to their pre-tension, these elastifying means bundle chassis materials together, thereby forming plications, which typically extend transverse to the direction in which the elastifying means are pre-tensioned, i.e. in this case in longitudinal direction of the article. The incontinence article or the elastified chassis materials of the incontinence article can then be elastically stretched again when the user puts on the incontinence article like a pant. In contrast, the chassis materials themselves are preferably not stretchable and can therefore be transported in a flat or even spread out state in the transport plane in a well defined manner, so that the elastifying means can then be attached with a well defined pre-tension.

Pant-shaped incontinence articles of the type here discussed are typically folded by the manufacturer and distributed to whole sellers or the end user in folded configuration, usually in foil bags with at least ten pieces.

As a result of the pant form, an incontinence article of the type discussed here already has a first folding axis in lateral seam regions after connection of the stomach section and the back section, which folding axis extends through the crest in the crotch of the pant. This first folding axis is formed in the manufacturing machine, and typically forms the first folding axis for the incontinence article which has to be folded further for distribution.

Because it is sought to realize a volume-efficient arrangement when folding the incontinence article preferably directly after its manufacture and separation in an endlessly operating manufacturing line, it was proposed to avoid multiple transverse foldings of the absorption body, for example in EP-A-123069 B1, JP-A-11-113956. According to EP-A-1 639 908 A1, two further foldings, which extend in transverse direction are required in addition to the first folding axis in the crest of the crotch region, likewise according to WO-A-2011/095908.

According to EP-A-1 140 662 a varying thickness in a folded the article is to be compensated in the packaging bag in that the article are arranged inverted in the stacking, likewise in EP-A-0 780 325 B1.

It would therefore be desirable and advantageous to provide a pant shaped incontinence article so that it can be folded optimally for distribution for sale, wherein overall a compact and evenly thick shape of the folded article and stack shaped arrangements formed therefrom which are then repackaged, can be realized.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, an incontinence article in pant form for absorbing bodily excretions, includes a stomach section; a back section, spaced apart from the stomach section in a longitudinal direction of the incontinence article along a longitudinal center axis, wherein the stomach section and back section have respective lateral seam regions and are joined at the respective lateral seam regions thereby forming a stomach- and back band which is continuous in a transverse direction of the incontinence article, and has a circumferentially closed waist opening; a crotch section having an absorption body and extending in the longitudinal direction between the stomach section and the back section, wherein the crotch section overlaps with the stomach section and the back section in respective overlapping regions and is non-detachably connected to the stomach section and to the back section in the respective overlapping regions, wherein the stomach section, back section and crotch section together delimit leg openings of the incontinence article, wherein the stomach and back section have respective crotch-side regions facing the leg openings; first elastifying means extending in spaced apart and parallel relationship to one another in the transverse direction in the stomach section and back section, thereby two-dimensionally elastifying the stomach section and the back section; and second elastifying means extending in the respective crotch-side regions of the stomach and back sections, in particular from the respective lateral seam regions towards the longitudinal center axis into the respective overlapping regions of the crotch section and back section and of the crotch section and stomach section, wherein the article is brought into folded configuration by the manufacture, wherein the incontinence article has a first fold axis formed by a transverse center axis of the incontinence article, respective second fold axes provided outside the absorption body on either side of the absorption body and extending in the longitudinal direction, and a third fold axis provided in a region of the absorption body, wherein regions of the stomach section and the back section which laterally protrude over the crotch section are folded about the second fold axes in the direction toward the longitudinal center axis, wherein after folding the incontinence article about the third fold axis, a border of the stomach and back band does not protrude over the first fold axis, i.e. not over an outer folding edge of the incontinence article formed by the first folding axis, wherein a mass per area of the absorption body decreases from a first mass per area in a region of the transverse center axis, respectively toward a stomach-section side end of the absorption body and toward a back-section side end of the absorption body, and wherein the third fold axis is arranged at a distance to the transverse center axis, where the absorption body has a mass per area that is at most 80% of the first mass per area.

Thus, a three-component incontinence article is involved, wherein the stomach section, the back section and the crotch section form these three components. The stomach section and the back section as well as the crotch section are fed into or transported in a manufacturing device as separate components. Typically, the components are guided in a respective transport plane in a flat or evenly spread out state. The stomach section and the back section are transported in the later transverse direction of the incontinence article; they are transported spaced apart in the later longitudinal direction of the incontinence article. Thus, the later transverse or waist-circumferential direction of the incontinence article extends in the machine direction of the manufacturing device. The aforementioned distance between the stomach section and the back section is then bridged by applying the crotch section as third component, wherein an overlapping region between crotch section and stomach section and between crotch section and back section is formed, wherein the three components are permanently joined with each other in the respective overlapping region. Finally, the stomach section and the back section are interconnected at lateral seam regions on both sides as mentioned above. Such an incontinence article is for example known from DE 10 2007 055 628 A1.

The position of the transverse center axis is selected so that it halves the longitudinal extent of the incontinence article between waist border of the stomach section and waist border of the back section in the stretched out flattened out state of the incontinence article (according toFIG. 1or7). In the following, this half longitudinal extent is referred to as L1. Also, all other here mentioned dimension or ratios of dimensions relate to the incontinence article shown inFIG. 1in the flat stretched out state and its flat materials.

For determining the mass per area, a 25 mm×25 mm sized surface area is centered relative to the transverse center axis and the longitudinal middle axis, in which surface area the mass per area is analyzed. For measuring the mass per area, a 25 mm×25 mm large test specimen can be punched out of the absorption body in the direction of its thickness. For this, all layers of the absorption body between topsheet and backsheet are taken into account. For determining the mass per area, the test specimen is first dried 24 h at 105 C in a desiccation oven. After cooling down to room temperature, the test specimen is weighed to an accuracy within two decimal points on a precision scale.

According to the invention it is thus proposed to configure the absorption body with a variation of its mass per area of absorption body materials as set forth above, i.e. realizing a topography with regard to the amount and with this the mass per area of the absorption body materials in the described manner. It is further proposed to provide the third folding axis which extends in transverse direction and which beside the first folding axis is the only folding axis of the incontinence article extending in transverse direction, so that it extends through the absorption body. However, according to the invention it is proposed that this third folding axis extends through a region of the absorption body, in which the mass per area is reduced. In this way, it can be achieved that the folded incontinence article has no significant or interfering differences in thickness in its folded configuration. According to the invention this also allows achieving that the continuously elastified waist or back band does not protrude over the outer first folding edge of the incontinence article in an interfering manner. The waist and back band can advantageously extend, when viewed onto the folded incontinence article, essentially at least up to this outer folding edge. Therefore, it is not required that the folded pant-shaped incontinence articles have to be oriented inverted in the packaging bag. It is further advantageous that the individual folded incontinence article in the region of the outer edge which is formed by the third folding axis which extends in transverse direction, prove to be more graspable, i.e., they can also be removed easier from the packaging bag, because the end user grasps with his fingers (thumb up and other fingers down) onto the outside of chassis materials, which in this region are fixed with the absorption body there underneath, i.e., they cannot slip away.

The laterally protruding regions of the stomach and back ban are preferably folded about the respective second folding axis onto the stomach-side of the incontinence article. This is advantageous insofar as the back section usually extends more expansively in the longitudinal direction and the surface wise more expansive regions of the back section overlap the less expansive regions of the stomach section. On one hand, this achieves a visually appealing folding and on the other hand prevents that a multitude of material ends is perceivable from the outside, which would cause the further packaging process to be more prone to errors.

It is further advantageous, when the mass per area of absorption body material in the region of the third folding axis is at most 70%, in particular at most 60%, in particular at most 50%, in particular at least 20%, in particular at least 30% of the value of the first mass per area.

It is further especially advantageous when the mass per area of absorption body material, starting from the transverse center axis along a longitudinal center axis in the direction toward the stomach-side end of the absorption body and/or in the direction toward the back-side end of the absorption body decreases stepwise, so that stepped plateaus are formed. It is noted at this point that the variation in mass per area of absorption body material does not necessarily have to correspond to a corresponding variation in size of the topographical three-dimensional form or shape, i.e., to the respective thickness of the absorption body. Typically the absorption body materials are compressed and compacted in the manufacturing machine after the in particular multi-step deposition by calendar rolls. Nevertheless, the mass per area of the absorption body material significantly influences the behavior of the incontinence article during folding and its subsequent folded configuration.

When the mass per area decreases stepwise, the regions bordering a step can be seen or represented in a top view onto the evenly spread out state of the absorption body (as shown inFIG. 1) as surfaces or plateaus extending two-dimensionally in the drawing plane. These surfaces or plateaus do not necessarily have an even mass per area of absorption body material, but can be more or less “inclined” from one step to the next, i.e., have a decreasing mass per area in the direction toward the ends of the absorption body. However, an absorption body topography in which the mass per area is even in between stepwise decreases in the direction toward the longitudinal center axis are preferred.

In a further concretizing of the idea of the stepwise decrease of the mass per area of the absorption body material, it is proposed that the plateaus are delimited by straight step-shaped transitions, which extend in transverse direction.

It is further proposed that the absorption body has longitudinal borders, which extend straight and in longitudinal direction. This means, that according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the absorption body has the shape of a rectangular strip when viewing onto the evenly spread out state from the top (FIG. 1). This strip is preferably significantly narrower in transverse direction than the width of the crotch section, so that sufficient space remains outside the absorption body for upright cuff elements and leg-elastifying means. Further advantageous are straight, longitudinal borders, because in this case no lateral ears of the absorption body protrude laterally, which would interfere with the longitudinal folding about the second folding axes.

It is further proposed to configure the absorption body so that it has multiple plateaus in its stomach-section side half and/or in its back-section side half, wherein the mass per area of the plateaus of absorption body material starting from the transverse center axis in each case along a longitudinal center axis in the direction toward the stomach-section side end of the absorption body and in the direction toward the back-section side end of the absorption body decreases from one plateau to another. Such a configuration allows constructing the absorption body with multiple layers in the direction of its thickness, i.e. with discrete layers. In this context, it is especially advantageous when the absorption body has a first basic layer and thereon a second absorption body layer which has a three-dimensional topology across its extent as a result of variations of mass per area, and preferably thereon an hourglass-shaped, body-facing liquid-absorption and distribution layer. The mentioned basic layer can advantageously have a uniform mass per area across its extent. The absorption body layer arranged there above is recessed in the longitudinal direction and preferably also in the transverse direction relative to the basic layer. The recess is typically greater on the stomach-section side half of the incontinence article than on the back-section side half. On the stomach-section side half, the recess is in longitudinal direction between 10 and 50 mm, in particular between 20 and 40 mm, in particular between 25 and 40 mm and in the back section—side have in longitudinal direction in particular between 5 and 20 mm, in particular 5 and 15 mm.

According to a particularly relevant further inventive idea it is advantageous, when the first mass per area of the absorption body starting from the transfer center axis in each case along the longitudinal center axis in the direction toward the stomach-section side end of the absorption body and in the direction towards the back-section side end of the absorption body remains essentially constant over an extent of at least 20%, in particular of at least 30%, in particular of at most 70% and further in particular of at most 60% of the distance of the transverse center axis to the stomach-section side end of the absorption body or to the back-section side end of the absorption body. In this context, the feature “essentially constant” means that the variation or deviation from the mean value (maximal mass per area minus minimal mass per area) is at most 5%.

It is further advantageous when the longitudinal extent of a plateau, which adjoins a step in the stomach section—side part and/or in the back section—side part of the absorption body in longitudinal direction and through which the third folding axis extends, is at least 50%, in particular at least 20%, in particular at most 50%, in particular at most 40%, in particular at most 30% of the distance of the transverse center axis to the stomach-section side end of the absorption body or to the back-section side end of the absorption body.

Starting from the longitudinal center axis, the absorption body can have a mass per area of absorption body material, which decreases in transverse direction. Preferably, the mass per area of absorption body material does not increase in transverse direction.

It is advantageous, when the third folding axis in the stomach section and in the back section extends through a respective end section of the absorption body, wherein a respective end section covers at most ⅕, in particular at most ⅙ and further in particular at most 1/7 of the longitudinal extent of the absorption body.

It is further advantageous when the third folding axis extends in the overlapping region of crotch section and back section and/or in the overlapping region of crotch section and stomach section. This achieves, that the respective stomach—or back section completely covers the region of the outer folding edge of the incontinence article in the region of the third folding axis, which is optically and tactilely advantageous.

In a preferred embodiment of the folded incontinence article according to the invention, it is advantageous that the thickness measured under a test pressure of 20 g/cm2at three different sites, namely in the region which is spaced apart from the border that is associated with the first folding line by 10 mm, and in a region that is spaced apart from the border associated with the third folding access by 10 mm, and in a region located there between, the longitudinal direction in each case deviates by less than 6%, in particular less than 5%, in particular less than 4%, in particular less than 3% from a mean value of the measurements at the three sites. For determining the thickness of the folded incontinence article, test specimens are punched out of the entire folded incontinence article, which have a longitudinal extent of 50 mm and extend over the entire transverse direction of the folded article. These test specimens are arranged centered opposite a testing die of 100×100 mm and subjected to a test pressure off 20 g/m2. Even though the thickness strongly depends from the duration of the pressure testing, the thickness is measured after 30 minutes of load. For determining the thickness values of each of the three regions, three respected folded articles are taken into account based on the respected arithmetic mean of the measurement values. The thickness of the folded incontinence article at the three sites can be 14 to 25 mm, in particular 14 to 22 mm, in particular 14 to 20 mm, in particular 14 to 18 mm.

With regard to a compact folding, it is especially advantageous when the extent (L2) of the respective lateral seam in longitudinal direction is 100-170 mm and when the ratio (L2/L1) between the extent (L2) of the respective lateral seam in longitudinal direction and the extent (L1) of the incontinence article between border of the stomach- and back band and a transverse center axis is at most 0.42, in particular at most 0.4, in particular at most 0.39, in particular at most 0.38 and further in particular at least 0.20, further in particular at least 0.25, further in particular at least 0.30. In typical sizes, the longitudinal extent L1 of the incontinence article discussed here, is 322 450 mm, in particular 330 to 440 mm and further in particular 342 4030 mm.

In this context, it is also advantageous when in the stomach section and in the back section the ratio (L4/L1) of the distance (L4) of the outermost waist-facing first elastifying means in longitudinal direction to the innermost crotch-facing first elastifying means and the extent (L1) of the incontinence article between waist border and the transverse center axis is at most 0.3, in particular at most 0.29 in particular at least 0.12, in particular at least 0.15, in particular at least 0.18.

It is further contagious, when in the stomach section and/or the back section the ratio (d1/L4) between the distance (d1) of the first elastifying means longitudinal direction to one another and the distance (L4) of the outermost waist-facing first elastifying means in longitudinal direction to the innermost crotch-facing first elastifying means is between 0.08 and 0.5, in particular between 0.09 and 0.20, in particular between 0.10 and 0.18. It is advantageous when the distance (d1) of the first elastifying means in longitudinal direction to one another is at least 8 mm, in particular at least 10 mm, in particular 10-15 mm, in particular 11-14 mm, further particular 12-13 mm.

Preferably, thread-shaped or band-shaped elastifying means such as rubber threads, polyetherpolyurethane threads or polyesterolyurethane threads, preferably elastic threads such as Lycra®- or Spandex® threads are used as first and/or second elastifying means.

It is further advantageous, when the thread strength of the first elastifying means is at least 1000 dtex, in particular at least 1100 dtex, in particular at least 1200-1500 dtex, in particular 1200-1400 dtex and/or when the thread strength of the second elastifying means is 500-1100 dtex, in particular 600-1000 dtex, in particular 700-900 dtex. The thread strength of the first elastifying means is preferably greater than the thread strength of the second elastifying means.

The thread strength of the elastifying means is expressed in the unit dtex (1 dtex=1 g/10,000 m). The thread strength is determined according to the testing guidelines BISFA, the International Bureau for the Standardization of man-made Fibres, Test methods for bare elastane yarns, edition 1998, chapter 5: “Determination of linear density”. The thread strength or linear density is determined by determining the mass of a test specimen having a known thread length of 1,000 mm (cut under a standard pre-tension of 0.1+/−0.01 mN/dtex) after a conditioning under standard conditions (23° C.+/−2° C., 50%+/−5% relative humidity) in the relaxed state.

The thread strength (in dtex) is calculated from the quotient of the mass (in g) divided by the length of the section (in m) multiplied by the factor 10,000.

For this, five sections of the thread-shaped or band-shaped elastifying means having a length of 1,300 mm are cut off from the role or package under a tension that is as small as possible, namely in uneven distances of at least 2 m. These five sections are relaxed so as to be tension-less and are let rest under standard conditions for at least four hours. Then, a test specimen of 1,000 mm+/−1 mm is cut off from the respective 1,300 mm long section, while the section is maintained under a pre-tension of 0.1 mN/dtex. The cut off test specimens of 1,000 mm length are weighed to an accuracy of +/−1% of their expected mass. For each testing specimen, its thread strength is obtained by multiplying the respective mass with the factor 10,000 in dtex. From the five testing specimen, the arithmetic mean value is calculated which is used as thread strength for the purposes discussed here.

The pre-tension is defined as the degree of stretching of a stretched elastifying means relative to the unstretched/relaxed original state of the elastifying means in the state of the application and fixing of the elastifying means in the manufacturing machine. The degree of stretching is thus calculated as the ratio of the stretched length L′ (=initial length L+ΔL) to the initial length L, i.e., L′/L.

As mentioned, the first and second elastifying means are fixed in the pre-tensioned state relative to the chassis materials (Stretch-Bond-Method) for achieving a return force and with this a two-dimensional elastification of the stomach section and the back section. In this regard it is advantageous when the first elastifying means are fixed with a pre-tension which is greater than a pre-tension with which the second elastifying means are fixed by the factor 1.1, in particular at least 1.2, in particular at least 1.3, and in particular at most 2.0, in particular at most 1.8, in particular at most 1.6. In this regard it is advantageous when the first elastifying means are fixed with a pre-tension of 3-8, in particular 3-7, in particular 4-7 and further in particular 4-6 and/or the second elastifying means are fixed with a pre-tension off 2-5, in particular 2.5-4.5, in particular 2.5-4 and further in particular 3-4.

According to a further independent invented idea it is advantageous, when the crotch section is non-detachably connected with the stomach section and the back section by adhesive strips which are provided in the overlapping region of crotch section and stomach and in the overlapping region of crotch section and back section and extend in transverse direction and parallel to one another and are spaced apart by adhesive-free strips, wherein the adhesive strips essentially cover the entire respective overlapping region, and when the width at least of those adhesive strips which are located inwardly relative to optional border side adhesive strips transverse to their extent is at least 1 mm to at most 5 mm, and when the width of the adhesive-free strips transverse to their extent is at least 1 mm to at most 15 mm. This connection of the crotch section with the stomach section and the back section results in a preferred direction which extends in transverse direction and which facilitates the folding of the incontinence article about the third folding axis which extends in the transverse direction. This can be explained in that the strip-shaped applied glue can enter into the three-dimensional porous, mostly nonwoven-based chassis materials, and thus leads to a stiffening and structuring in the transverse direction.

Further in particular visually and/or tactilely perceivable structures are formed in transverse direction on the outer visible side of the incontinence article in the overlapping region of crotch section and stomach section and in the overlapping region of crotch section and back section, which structures correspond to the course of the adhesive strips and the adhesive free strips.

These visually and/or tactilely perceivable structures are particularly advantageous in the folded state of the incontinence article because it results in the formation of a grippy edge region in the region surrounding the third folding axis, which extends in the transverse direction.

In a refinement of this inventive idea it is advantageous when in the overlapping region of crotch section and stomach section and/or in the overlapping region crotch section and back section two outer border side adhesive strips, and in longitudinal direction between these border side adhesive strips, multiple inwardly located adhesive strips are provided, wherein the width of the border-side adhesive strips is greater then the width of the inwardly located adhesive strips, and is in particular at least 4 times, in particular at least 5 times, and further in particular at most 8 times, in particular at most 7 times the width of the inwardly located adhesive strips.

The chassis-forming materials of the stomach section and/or back section preferably include nonwoven materials such as spunbonds, card webs or through air bonded card webs. Particularly preferably, the chassis forming material of stomach section and/or back section includes a spunbond material. The nonwoven materials that are used for the stomach section and/or back section Preferably have a mass per area of 10-30 g/m2, further preferably of 15-25 g/m2. Particularly preferably the stomach section and the back section include a spunbond, in particular made of polypropylene, in particular with a mass per area of 15-25 g/m2.

The crotch section advantageously includes a liquid-impermeable backsheet-material and a nonwoven topsheet material. The backsheet material in particular includes a foil, in particular with a mass per area of 8-20 g/m2, in particular 8-16 g/m2, further in particular 8-14 g/m2. In particular, the backsheet includes a foil which in particular is micro-porous and during use liquid-tight but at the same time breathable, i.e. permeable for water vapor.

The invention also relates to a packaging bag, which is filled with incontinence articles which are folded and configured according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The Figures show an incontinence article in pant form, overall designated with the reference numeral2, for absorbing solid and liquid bodily excretions. The incontinence article2is composed of three components which can essentially be manufactured independently i.e., a front stomach section4, a rear back section6, and a crotch section8which has an absorption body7and is located between the stomach section4and the back section6, wherein the crotch section8extends in a longitudinal direction9of the incontinence article2and overlaps with a substantial surface portion of the stomach section4on one hand, and of the back section6on the other hand, and is non-detachably connected by the manufacturer in the overlapping region in a manner to be described in more detail below. As can be seen fromFIG. 1, this leads to an H-shaped basic structure of the incontinence article. For forming the pant form, the interconnected components shown inFIG. 1are then connected to one another at respective lateral longitudinal border sections10,12of the stomach section4and the back section6, also by the manufacturer, by conventional joining methods, thereby forming lateral seam regions14on both sides. In this pant form of the incontinence article, which is manufactured by the manufacturer, the stomach section4and the back section6extend in a transverse- or waist-circumferential direction16continuously and thus define with their waist border17awaist opening18which is closed in waist-circumferential direction; further, together with the crotch section8they delimit leg openings19, through which the user can put on the incontinence article like a pant.

The stomach section4can be divided into a waist-side region20and into a crotch-side region22, which faces the leg openings19. The back section6can be divided correspondingly i.e., also in a waist-side region24and a crotch-side region, which faces the leg openings19.

In the waist-side region20of the stomach section4and in the waist-side region24of the back section6, first elastifying means28,29are provided, which may be Lycra-threads, and which are connected with the flat materials (chassis materials) of the stomach section4and the back section6in the so-called stretch-bond-method. These first elastifying means28,29extend in transverse- or waist-circumferential direction16from one lateral seam region14to the other.

The respective crotch-side sections22and26of the stomach section4or of the back section6which face the leg openings19each have a border contour32or34which deviates from the transverse- or waist-circumferential direction16and which extends towards a transverse center axis30of the crotch section8. This border contour32,34is also arch-shaped in the representation according toFIG. 1and therefore suited for delimiting the leg openings19.

Through this extent of the crotch-side region22or26which faces the leg openings, a relatively great overlapping region36,38between the crotch section8and the stomach section4or back section6is realized, which is important with regard to a tear-resistant connection of crotch section8and stomach section4.

The respective crotch-side region22,26of the stomach section4or the back section6which crotch-side region22,26faces the leg openings19, is also configured elastified and is provided with second elastifying means40or42. The second elastifying means40,42extend, in each case starting from the lateral seam regions14, in the direction towards a longitudinal center axis44of the incontinence article. As can be seen fromFIG. 1, the second elastifying means40,42fan out in the direction towards the longitudinal center axis44, i.e., with increasing distance to one another in the direction towards the longitudinal center axis44. The second elastifying means40,42pass underneath the crotch section8. In the region below the absorption body7, they may be deactivated i.e. they may not posses their elastifying effect.

As can be seen fromFIGS. 2a,b, the crotch section8includes a liquid-impermeable backsheat material62, which can in particular be formed by a breathable, but liquid-tight foil material and a preferably nonwoven-based topsheet material64. The absorption body7(only shown schematically) is arranged between the backsheet material and the topsheet material. In the exemplary shown case, the backsheat material62forms an overhang66over the absorption body7in transverse direction16. The topsheet64protrudes over the absorption body7in transverse direction16only to a relatively small degree and an upright barrier means68is provided on both sides of the absorption body7. The barrier means68extends in a longitudinal direction9, and is typically referred to as upright cuff element and is preferably made of a hydrophobic, in particular liquid-impermeable nonwoven material which extends in transverse direction16as far as to lateral longitudinal borders69of the crotch section8. The distal ends70of the barrier means68are provided with further elastifying means72which raise the barrier means68during use of the incontinence article relative to the skin surface of the user. The lateral barrier means68are fastened on the topsheet64or onto themselves in a C-shape-folded configuration via schematically indicated fixations76,77. Outside of the absorption body7i.e., in the region of the protrusion66, leg-elastifying means78are provided, which preferably extend at a defined distance to the material-rich and with this rather bending stiff absorption body7, in order on one hand, to prevent exerting additional stretching or distortion forces on the absorption body, which might negatively influence the absorption properties of the absorption body and on the other hand to realize a liquid-tight leg sealing, which to the most degree is not influenced by the absorption body. These leg-elastifying means78end in longitudinal direction9at a significant distance of in particular 10 mm, preferably at least 20 mm before the second elastifying means40and42of the stomach section4or the back section6. Preferably, these leg-elastifying means78end in longitudinal direction8before the stomach section4and the back section6.

In the following, the fixing of the crotch section8in the front overlapping region36with the stomach section4and in the rear overlapping region38with the back section6is described. As can be seen inFIGS. 3 and 4, for this purpose, adhesive is not applied to the entire surface, but multiple adhesive strips80are provided in the overlapping region and extend in transverse direction16and parallel to one another and are spaced apart by adhesive-free strips82. The adhesive strips80occupy or overlap essentially the entire respective overlapping region36,38. In the exemplary shown, however, not strictly required case, broader adhesive strips88and90are provided in a border region84and a border region86of the respective overlapping region36,38, which border region84is located waist-side in longitudinal direction and which border region86faces away from the waist in longitudinal direction. The respective border-side i.e., waist-facing and waist-distal adhesive strips88,90have a greater width than the multitude of adhesive strips80which are located inwardly and between the adhesive strips88,90. In an exemplary embodiment, the width of the border-side adhesive strips88,90transverse to their extent is 14 mm, the width of the inwardly located adhesive strips80is 2 mm and the width of the adhesive-free strips82is 3 mm. In the exemplary and preferred shown case, the inwardly located adhesive strips80preferably all have the same width and the distances between them i.e., the width of the adhesive free strips82are preferably also the same. Nevertheless, the same explanations set forth in the beginning apply with regard to the dimensions and the conditions described there, as well as with regard to the mass per area of the adhesive coating of the adhesive strips. The surface of the front and rear overlapping region36,38relative to the surface of the stomach section4or the back section6also lies within the previously explained preferred ranges.

It can further be seen fromFIG. 3in conjunction withFIG. 1that the second elastifying means40,42in the respective overlapping region36,38extend parallel to the adhesive strips80. In the exemplary shown case, some of the first elastifying means28also extend in the front and rear overlapping region36,38(however on the body-facing side of the crotch section). The second elastifying means40,42were also introduced so as to be continuous in the transverse direction16; they are de-elastified in the respective overlapping region36,38by the aforementioned measures. Even though the second elastifying means remain visible also in the de-elastified state—as explained above, they are concealed by the multitude of adhesive strips80, thereby reducing their visibility.

In the preferred shown case, the second elastifying means are fixed in a glue bed92between chassis material layers92and96or95and97(c.f.FIG. 5). The glue bed92is applied on one of the chassis material layers94,96or95,97. Then, the second elastifying means40,42are placed on or introduced preferably in an endless manner and covered and laminated by the further chassis material layer. In this way, the second elastifying means40,42are fixed and the chassis material layers94and96or95and97are joined to each other over their entire surfaces. The body-averted chassis material layer94,95is a breathable fiber nonwoven material, which corresponds to the extent of the stomach section4or back section6. The chassis material layer96,97is an inwardly located fiber nonwoven material which is recessed relative to the chassis material layer94,95. In the preferred shown case, it ends in longitudinal direction9before the longitudinal end98,99of the crotch section8.

In the exemplary and preferred shown case, the first elastifying means28,29are fixed between the body averted chassis material layer94or95and a further body-facing chassis material layer100,101by single-strand application of adhesive. The further chassis material layer100,101is again formed by a nonwoven material. The body-averted and the body-facing chassis material layers are exclusively interconnected by the first elastifying means28,29to which adhesive has been individually applied i.e., only along the extent of these first elastifying means28,29. The skin friendly nonwoven materials are therefore not fixed to one another over their entire surfaces, but can detached from one another and, in particular as a result of the elastifying effect, can form pleatings and cuffs. In the preferred shown case, the body-facing chassis material layer100,101extends in the stomach section4as well as in the back section6over the respective longitudinal end98,99of the crotch section8on its body facing-side. It thus overlaps this material transition and in this way prevents an unevenness that leads to skin irritation.

Further, it can be seen inFIG. 5that the backsheet62of the crotch section8has a coating102on its body-averted side. This coating102is a fiber nonwoven coating of the substantially liquid-impermeable backsheet62. The coating102extends in longitudinal direction9, however, not over the entire longitudinal extent of the backsheet62but instead ends relatively short within the front and rear overlapping region36,38. Outside of the overlapping region, the coating102is provided over the entire extent of the body-averted side of the back sheet62. The coating102is preferably composed of a nonwoven material, in particular of a spunbond material, in particular of polypropylene, in particular with a mass per area of 10-20 g/m2, in particular of 12-17 g/m2.

FIG. 6shows a schematic view of an incontinence article according to the invention in the finished configured state in which the stomach section4and the back section6are joined to one another, forming lateral seam regions14. Only schematically shown are pleatings or cuffs104formed as a result of the contracting effect of the first and second elastifying means28,29,40,42, resulting from the fixing of the elastifying means in the pre-tensioned state on the chassis materials (stretch bond method). As a result of the multitude of relatively fine adhesive strips80in the respective overlapping region36,38of crotch section8and stomach section4or back section6, a visually and/or tactilely perceivable structure106is formed in the outer visible side of the incontinence article in the respective overlapping region36,38which is here only shown as outline. According to the invention, it was found that the adhesive applied in strip-shape enters into the three-dimensional porous and also breathable configured fiber nonwoven materials, which are typically used as chassis materials, and leads to such an optical and/or tactilely perceivable structure106, which can be advantageous as mentioned before. In addition, the connection of the crotch section8and stomach section4or back section6by the multitude of relatively narrow adhesive strips80leads to a very cost-effective use of adhesive while at the same time nevertheless providing the required holding forces for securely joining the three components to one another.

FIG. 7explains the measurements, dimensions and ratios of the incontinence article according to the invention. It can be seen that the position of the transverse center axis30divides the overall length of the incontinence article in half in the flatly spread out state (according toFIG. 1). The transverse center axis30also forms a first folding axis16which extends in transverse direction16, and about which the components are folded inside the manufacturing machine in order to arrange the longitudinal border sections10,12of the stomach section4and back section6on top of one another for fixing and forming lateral seam regions14on both sides. Typically, this occurs by guiding endless, flat materials, which form the respective stomach section4and back section6i.e., even before the separation of the articles. The length L1 between the transverse center axis30and the respective border of the waist17can be seen. Further, the extent L2 of the respective lateral seam or the lateral seam region14in longitudinal direction9can be seen, which also corresponds to the length of the respective longitudinal border section10at 12. According to the invention, the ratio L2/L1 is at least 0.42.

Further, the distance L4 of the outermost waist-facing first elastifying means28,29in longitudinal direction9to the innermost crotch-facing first elastifying means28,29can be seen. According to the invention, the ratio L4/L1 is at most 0.3.

It can further be seen, that the first elastifying means28,29have a distance d1 to one another, which is at least 20% greater than the distance of the second elastifying means40,42to one another defined in the lateral seam region14. In the preferred shown case, the first elastifying means28,29all have the same distance d1 to one another, which is at least 10 mm, in particular 10 to 15 mm. The ratio d1/L4 is preferably 0.08 to 0.25.

Further, L3 can be seen as the extent of the stomach section4and back section6in longitudinal direction9, which for the stomach section4is in particular 135-260 mm and for the back section6in particular 200-320 mm.

Further shown is the extent Q of the stomach section4or the back section6in transverse direction16, which enters into ratios L2/Q or L4/Q.

The first elastifying means28,29have a thread strength, which is at least 20% greater than the thread strength of the second elastifying means40,42. In addition, the first elastifying means28,29are fixed with a pre-tension with the chassis material layers in the stomach section4and in the back section6, which pretension is 10% greater than that of the second elastifying means.

Reference is made to the further preferred afore described measurements, dimensions and ratios.

FIGS. 8 and 9show the construction of the absorption body7in a top view and in a sectional view along the longitudinal center axis44. Starting from its body-averted side, the absorption body7includes a basic layer120made of cellulosic fiber material with an exemplary mass per area of 176 g/m2. Depending on the exact two-dimensional extent, the basic layer contains 10 to 14 g of cellulosic fiber material.

On the basic layer120, an absorption body layer122is placed, which is three-dimensionally shaped at least with regard to the mass per area of absorption body material. In a center region124, the absorption body layer122has a higher mass per area of absorption body material then in front and rear regions126,127, in longitudinal direction9. In the exemplary shown case, the mass per area of cellulosic fiber material in the front and rear region126,127of the absorption body layer122is 162 g/m2and in the center region124329 g/m2. In addition, the absorption body layer122includes overall about 7 g of superabsorbent polymer materials, which are homogenously, evenly distributed in the absorption body layer122. The regions126,127and124are offset backward in longitudinal direction9relative to the two-dimensional extent of the basic layer120as can be seen fromFIG. 8.

Finally, the absorption body7includes a body-facing liquid-absorption and distribution layer128, which in the exemplary and preferred shown case has an hour class-shape, and predominantly extends on the center region124of the absorption body layer122. The liquid-absorption and distribution layer128protrudes over a stomach-section-side longitudinal end130of the center region124of the absorption body layer122. It includes a mass per area of fiber material i.e., in the form of intra-cross-linked cellulose fibers (curled fiber) of for example 149 g/m2with an overall mass corresponding to the exemplary extent of about 2.8 g.

The basic layer120, the three regions124,126and127of the absorption body layer122and the body-facing liquid absorption- and distribution layer128have a uniform mass per area of absorption body materials across their two-dimensional extent.

The mass per area is measured as described above by analyzing a test specimen of 25 mm×25 mm, which is punched out through all previously described layers of the absorption body7. The area 132 (25 mm×25 mm) to be punched out is always centered relative to the longitudinal center axis44, as indicated inFIG. 8. When the mass per area in longitudinal direction9is determined more frontward or more rearward, the test specimen is accordingly centered relative to the longitudinal center axis44.

It can be seen that the mass per area of absorption body material thus decreases stepwise in the direction toward a stomach-section-side end134and in the direction toward a back-section-side end136of the absorption body7. In this way, plateaus138are formed between the steps. In the region of these plateaus138, the mass per area of absorption body material of the layers of the absorption body7lying there underneath is preferably but not necessarily, constant.

In the shown preferred embodiment of the incontinence article, the mass per area of the absorption body7, starting from the transverse center axis30anteriorly and posteriorly in the region of the overlap of the body-facing liquid absorption- and distribution layer128with the center region124of the absorption body layer122, is essentially constant.

InFIGS. 8 and 9, plateaus140,141can be seen which adjoin a step142,143anteriorly or posteriorly in the longitudinal direction9. In the region of these plateaus140,141, the mass per area of the absorption body7is significantly reduced relative to the mass per area in the region of the transverse center axis30.

In the following, the folding of the incontinence article in pant form for the stacked arrangement of multiple incontinence articles in a packaging for distribution is described by way of theFIGS. 8,10and11: as already mentioned, the transverse center axis30forms a first folding axis150, about which the incontinence article is folded, so that the stomach section4and back section6can be permanently joined together for forming lateral seam regions14i.e., by conventional joining methods, such as gluing, ultrasound etc. Further, second folding lines152which approximately extend in longitudinal direction9are only outlined inFIG. 8, because the folding does not occur in the stretched out state shown inFIG. 8, but after finishing the pant-shaped incontinence article in the only schematically shown state inFIG. 10a. Starting from this outlined state shown inFIG. 10a, regions154of the stomach section4and back section6which laterally extend over the crotch section8on both sides, are folded in the direction towards the longitudinal center axis44, preferably onto the outsides of the stomach section4, so that the configuration outlined inFIG. 10bis obtained.

FIGS. 8 and 10show a third folding axis156, which extends in transverse direction16, and whose position relative to the absorption body7can be seen fromFIG. 8. Further folding about this only further folding axis156, which extends in transverse direction16, results in the compactly folded configuration of the pant-shaped incontinence article shown inFIG. 10c. It can be seen that the border of the stomach and back band17, which delimits the waist opening18, does not protrude in longitudinal direction9over the outer folding edge158of the incontinence article, which folding edge158is formed by the first folding axis150.

FIG. 11illustrates at which sites the thickness of the incontinence article2, which is folded into the configuration ofFIG. 10c, is determined. As already mentioned, the entire such folded incontinence article2is punched out over the entire transverse direction16with a punching knife at a distance of about 10 mm to the folding edges or folding axes150and156, thereby forming strip-shaped test specimens160. Based on these test specimens160, which include all layers of the incontinence article, the thickness is then determined as described above.