Disposable absorbent sanitary product

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a disposable absorbent sanitary product (1, 100) comprising a chassis (10, 110) having first and second end portions (15, 115, 14, 114) and a central portion (13, 113) extending therebetween, said chassis (10, 110) having a body-facing surface intended to face the body of a wearer and a garment-facing surface intended to face away from the body of a wearer; a longitudinal axis (LO) extending in a longitudinal direction and defining a longitudinal direction (L) from said first end portion (15, 115) towards said second end portion (14, 114) and a transverse axis (xl) defining a transverse direction (T) perpendicular to said longitudinal direction, said chassis (10, 110) comprising a liquid permeable topsheet (11, 111) at said body-facing surface, a liquid impermeable backsheet (12, 112) at said garment-facing surface (12), and an absorbent core assembly (30, 130) comprising at least one absorbent core (31, 32, 131) arranged between said topsheet (11, 111) and backsheet (12, 112); said disposable absorbent sanitary product further comprising a pair of side portions (23, 24, 123, 124) extending in said transverse direction on each side of the first end portion (18) to fasten said absorbent sanitary product to the waist of a wearer, said disposable absorbent sanitary product comprising at least one fastener (25, 125, 148, 149) provided on at least one of said side portions (23, 24, 123, 124) and / or said second end portion (14, 114) of said disposable absorbent sanitary product to fasten said absorbent sanitary product to the waist of a wearer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a disposable absorbent sanitary product comprising a base having first and second ends and a central portion extending therebetween, a pair of side portions extending laterally on each side of the first end, and at least one fastener disposed on at least one of the side portions and / or the second end of the disposable absorbent sanitary product to secure the absorbent sanitary product to the waist of a wearer. Background Technology

[0002] Absorbent products, also known as disposable absorbent hygiene products, are typically in the form of disposable diapers and incontinence panties, also called open diapers or all-in-one diapers. These absorbent products generally have a fastening system including a pair of side panels with fasteners such as fastening wings that attach to both sides of one end of the diaper. The fastening wings are designed to engage receiving devices located on the other end of the diaper. Such diapers are generally placed on the wearer while they are lying down.

[0003] Another type of absorbent product is the belt absorbent product, which allows the wearer or caregiver to use the diaper while standing.

[0004] Belt-type absorbent products, also known as belt-type products, typically have a belt (waistband) that is integrally attached to the base of the absorbent product. The belt may have two belt sections extending on either side of the rear end of the base. The two belt sections are designed to be secured around the wearer's waist, while the front end of the absorbent section hangs between the wearer's legs. Once the belt sections are engaged together by fasteners or such as fastening tabs, the wearer can reach between his or her legs to pull the absorbent section between them and attach the free end of the absorbent section to the belt section via a second fastener, such as a fastening tab. Similarly, the product can be made such that the belt is fastened to the front of the product and secured around the wearer's back. In this case, the absorbent section will hang in the front and be secured to the belt at the back. This type of product is particularly useful for caregivers of patients who may have dementia or similar conditions.

[0005] Both types of absorbent products utilize a fastening system to secure the product to the wearer. Various types of fastening systems are known for connecting or holding the parts of an absorbent product together and / or for securing the absorbent product to the wearer. During use, easy removal and / or adjustment of the absorbent product may be desirable. Examples of fastening systems include adhesive tape and hook-and-loop fastening systems. For example, hook-and-loop fastening systems are used in... The trademark Velcro® is sold. A hook-and-loop fastener generally comprises two strips or patches that are attached (glued, heat-sealed, welded...) to opposite surfaces to be fastened. The first strip / patch comprises hooks and the second strip / patch comprises loops. When the two strips / patches are pressed together, the hooks hook onto the loops and the two strips / patches are fastened.

[0006] Both types of absorbent products are generally folded in a bag, in the folded state, the hook strip / patch can be temporarily attached to the topsheet or backsheet of the absorbent product. Moreover, during use, the hook strip / patch can be accidentally (for example when adjusting the product) attached to the topsheet or backsheet of the absorbent product. Depending on the material (or materials) from which the topsheet and / or backsheet are made, the hook strip / patch can accidentally come loose from the absorbent product when unfolding the product before or during use. This can occur for example when the peel and shear forces between the hook strip / patch and other materials (such as a topsheet or backsheet that is not designed to work as a loop zone for the hook strip / patch) become too high.

[0007] This can also occur when the absorbent product is unfolded and the hook strip / patch is attached to its intended loop zone.

[0008] It is therefore desirable to minimize the risk of the hook strip / patch coming loose from the product before or during use. SUMMARY

[0009] It is desirable to provide an improved fastening system for disposable absorbent hygiene products that uses fasteners to secure the absorbent product to the wearer's waist. According to the present disclosure, there is provided a disposable absorbent hygiene product according to the appended claims.

[0010] "Absorbent product" or "disposable absorbent hygiene product" means a consumer product that absorbs and contains body exudates, more particularly a product that is placed against or in proximity to the body of a wearer to absorb and contain various exudates discharged from the human body. Absorbent products include for example diapers and incontinence devices. Diapers include for example all-in-one diapers, pant diapers and belt diapers. The diapers can be diapers for babies, toddlers or adults.

[0011] So-called all-in-one diapers, also known as open diapers, are characterized in that they comprise fastening flaps / panels that join together the front and back portions of the diaper when the diaper is applied around the waist of the wearer.

[0012] Pant-type diapers are characterized in that the front and back portions of the diaper are joined at the waist. This type of diaper is intended to be worn much like underpants, that is, pulled on over the wearer's legs. The junction at the waist of pant-type diapers can generally be broken to remove the pant-type diaper from the wearer, so that the pant does not need to be pulled down over the wearer's legs and feet to remove the pant-type diaper. Pant-type diapers generally include elastic regions in the waist section and around the leg openings. There also exist pant-type diapers that can be opened and reclosed by refastening. Such pant-type diapers can be opened, for example, to check whether the product is soiled, or in order to adjust the width of the product, and then reclosed.

[0013] So-called belt-type diapers / belt-type products are characterized in that they comprise a belt oriented transversely relative to the base of the diaper and attached integrally to the base. An absorbent core is provided within the base. The belt can have two belt portions extending on either side of the back end or front end of the base. When putting on the belt-type diaper, the two belt portions are intended to be fastened around the waist of the wearer in a first stage. The front end or the back end of the base of the belt-type diaper is loosely suspended from the belt between the two legs of the wearer. Once the belt portions are joined together, the absorbent base is passed between the two legs of the wearer and fixed to the belt. The belt comprises a fixing surface intended to adhere, by its free transverse edge, to a fixing element provided on the base of the diaper. This type of product is particularly useful for carers of patients who can suffer from dementia or similar diseases.

[0014] Another type of belt-type diaper is in the form of a two-piece product comprising a separate belt and a separate base with an absorbent structure. In use, the belt is fastened around the waist of the wearer, and subsequently the base is joined to the outer side of the belt by means of hook-and-loop elements or adhesive tape elements within the corners of the base.

[0015] The absorbent product according to the present disclosure is a disposable product. The term "disposable" is used to describe absorbent products that are not intended to be washed or otherwise restored or reused as absorbent products, e.g., they are intended to be discarded after a single use, can also be configured to be recyclable, compostable, or otherwise disposed of in an environmentally compatible manner.

[0016] The term "longitudinal" or "longitudinally" relates to the length or lengthwise direction, in particular the direction extending between a first end and a second end of the product or between the front and the back of the wearer.

[0017] The term "transverse" or "transversely" relates to the width or widthwise direction and corresponds to the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The transverse direction extends from side to side, in particular from the left side to the right side of the wearer, and vice versa.

[0018] A disposable absorbent hygiene product according to the present disclosure includes a chassis having first and second end portions and a central portion extending therebetween, the chassis having a body-facing surface intended to face the body of a wearer and a garment-facing surface intended to face away from the body of a wearer; a longitudinal axis extending in the longitudinal direction and defining a longitudinal direction from the first end portion toward the second end portion, and a transverse axis defining a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The chassis includes a liquid permeable topsheet at the body-facing surface, a liquid impermeable backsheet at the garment-facing surface, and an absorbent core assembly including at least one absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The disposable absorbent hygiene product further includes a pair of side portions extending in the transverse direction on each side of the first end portion to fasten the disposable absorbent hygiene product to the waist of a wearer. The disposable absorbent hygiene product includes at least one fastener disposed on at least one of the side portions and / or the second end portion of the disposable absorbent hygiene product to fasten the disposable absorbent hygiene product to the waist of a wearer. The fastener includes a base piece formed of a sheet material having generally parallel upper and lower surfaces, and the lower surface is attached to at least one of the side portions and / or the second end portion of the disposable absorbent hygiene product. The base piece formed of a sheet material has a length in the longitudinal direction and a width in the transverse direction, and includes at least one fastening region including one or more fastening material regions including a plurality of discrete fastening elements having stems projecting from the upper surface of the base piece formed of a sheet material. The fastening region is disposed at a distance from one outer edge of the base piece formed of a sheet material disposed in the first transverse direction forming a fastening material free region on the base piece formed of a sheet material. The fastener is attached to the disposable absorbent hygiene product within an attachment region that at least partially overlaps the fastening region and extends beyond the fastening region into the fastening material free region of the base piece formed of a sheet material free of the fastening elements but inside the outer edge of the base piece formed of a sheet material.

[0019] If the absorbent hygiene product is a belt-type diaper, i.e., a belt-type product, the pair of side portions extending in the transverse direction on each side of the first end portion to fasten the absorbent hygiene product to the waist of a wearer can be first and second belt portions. Alternatively, if the absorbent hygiene product is an open diaper, i.e., an all-in-one diaper, the pair of side portions extending in the transverse direction on each side of the first end portion to fasten the absorbent hygiene product to the waist of a wearer can be first and second side panels.

[0020] The base piece of sheet material of the fastener has substantially parallel upper and lower surfaces, wherein the lower surface is attached to at least one of the side portions and / or the second end portion of the disposable absorbent hygiene product, which base piece of sheet material can have a square, rectangular, circular or any other shape.

[0021] The fastening region of the base piece of sheet material comprises one or more fastening material regions comprising a plurality of discrete fastening elements comprising a stem protruding from the upper surface of the base piece of sheet material, which fastening region can have fastening elements distributed evenly over the entire region or in different sections, e.g. strips of fastening elements. The stem can for example be a hook adapted to be attached to a loop. When the fastener, i.e. the fastening material region, and the loop material are pressed together or arranged onto the loop material, the hooks catch the loops and the two are fixed to each other. The top sheet, back sheet or any other material of the absorbent hygiene product can serve as loop material.

[0022] The attachment region of the fastener with which it is attached to the disposable absorbent hygiene product at least partly overlaps the fastening region. However, it can overlap the entire region as long as it extends beyond the fastening region into the region of the base piece of sheet material without the fastening elements but inside the edges of the base piece of sheet material.

[0023] The fastener can for example be attached to the disposable absorbent hygiene product in the attachment region by adhesive, ultrasonic welding or heat sealing / welding or a combination thereof. The attachment material, i.e. the adhesive or the weld, can cover all or part of the attachment region, e.g. the weld or adhesive can be applied in strips over the attachment region in an even or uneven distribution.

[0024] By having the fastening region arranged at a distance from one outer edge of the base formed by the sheet material, a fastening material free region in the first transverse direction is formed. The outer edge can be the first outer edge. The distance can be seen as a first distance. By having the attachment region protruding into the fastening material free region, the force is distributed in a beneficial way when the fastener is removed from the material it is attached to, e.g. the top sheet or back sheet of an absorbent hygiene product or any other material, when the product is unfolded after being removed from the package. When the wearer or caregiver unfolds the product, they will typically grip with their fingers close to the fastener. I.e. the wearer / caregiver grips the material close to the fastener, i.e. the side portion or the second end portion, and pulls the fastener through the side portion or the second end portion. The wearer / caregiver will typically hold the rest of the product with the other hand. When the wearer / caregiver starts pulling the material close to the fastener, the base formed by the sheet material and the fastening material free region attached to the side portion or the second end portion through the attachment region starts moving together with the side portion or the second end portion as the wearer pulls the side portion or the second end portion away from the material the fastening region of the fastener is attached to. I.e. as the wearer / caregiver pulls the side portion or the second end portion away, the base formed by the sheet material and the fastening material free region starts to bend slightly upwards / away from the material the fastening region is attached to. As the wearer / caregiver continues to pull the side portion or the second end portion further away from the material, the plurality of discrete fastening elements comprising the rod closest to the fastening material free region starts to release from the material they are attached to, and as the wearer / caregiver pulls further until the entire fastener is released from the material, other rods are released. This also applies when adjusting the product.

[0025] Fasteners on the market today are typically attached with an adhesive that only partially covers the fastening region, i.e. the fastening region is larger than the attachment region, and protrudes outside the outer boundaries of the attachment region. When the wearer / caregiver pulls the side portion or the second end portion, the fastener can come loose from the side portion or the second end portion. This is because when the wearer / caregiver starts pulling the material close to the fastener, especially if the material it is temporarily connected to is not designed for use with the fastener, the force to remove the fastener, i.e. the discrete fastening elements, from the material they are attached to can be larger than the force of the attachment region. Thus, the fastener starts to come loose at the attachment region, and once it starts to come loose, the risk of the entire fastener coming loose is higher than discrete fastening elements being released from the material they are attached to.

[0026] The adhesive can be an adhesive suitable for the application. For example, the adhesive can be a hot melt glue applied during the manufacturing of the product, or an adhesive pre-applied on the fastener.

[0027] The fastener can be manufactured by extruding the polymer into a mould for forming a base piece from sheet material with an integrally formed stem in the fastening region. The fastener can also be manufactured by extruding the polymer onto a base piece from sheet material so as to form a stem protruding from the upper surface of the base piece from sheet material. When manufacturing the fastener, the fastening material free region can be free of stem or, alternatively, be melted in a second step.

[0028] According to an exemplary embodiment, the first transverse direction is a direction away from the longitudinal axis. Most often, when unfolding or adjusting the fastener, the wearer or caregiver holds with his / her fingers the outer end of the side portion and / or the outer end of the second end portion in a direction away from the longitudinal axis when the product is in its unfolded state.

[0029] According to an exemplary embodiment, the fastening region is arranged at a second distance from a second outer edge of the base piece from sheet material, the second outer edge being arranged in a second transverse direction opposite to the first outer edge of the base piece from sheet material, forming a second fastening material free region on the base piece from sheet material, wherein the attachment region extends into the second fastening material free region of the base piece from sheet material without the fastening element but inside the second edge of the base piece from sheet material. By having two opposite side portions in the transverse direction at a position where the attachment region protrudes into both regions free of fastening region, the attachment region is larger than the fastening region in both transverse directions. This makes it possible for the wearer or caregiver to grab either side of the fastener and still have the above mentioned advantages.

[0030] According to an exemplary embodiment, the fastening region is arranged at a third distance from a third outer edge of the base piece from sheet material arranged in a first longitudinal direction, forming a third fastening material free region on the base piece from sheet material, wherein the attachment region extends into the third fastening material free region of the base piece from sheet material without the fastening element but inside the third outer edge of the base piece from sheet material.

[0031] According to an exemplary embodiment, the fastening region is arranged at a fourth distance from a fourth outer edge of the base piece from sheet material arranged in a second longitudinal direction, forming a fourth fastening material free region on the base piece from sheet material, wherein the attachment region extends into the fourth fastening material free region of the base piece from sheet material without the fastening element but inside the fourth outer edge of the base piece from sheet material.

[0032] The advantage of having third and / or fourth fastener-free material regions and having the attachment region extending into these regions is that if the wearer or caregiver grabs the side portion and / or the second end portion at an angle to the longitudinal direction, the force will be distributed differently and this will further reduce the risk of the fasteners coming loose from the side portion and / or the second end portion by accident.

[0033] According to one exemplary embodiment, the first and / or second and / or third and / or fourth distance is 3-10 mm, in particular 3-6 mm or more particular 3-4 mm.

[0034] According to one exemplary embodiment, the attachment region is provided at a distance from the first outer edge and / or second edge and / or third outer edge and / or fourth outer edge and the distance is less than the first and / or second and / or third and / or fourth distance between the fastener region and the respective outer edge. Optionally, the attachment region can extend all the way to the first outer edge and / or second outer edge and / or third outer edge and / or fourth outer edge, however preferably not protrude beyond the first outer edge and / or second outer edge and / or third outer edge and / or fourth outer edge.

[0035] According to one exemplary embodiment, the fasteners are attached to the disposable absorbent hygiene product within the attachment region by means of adhesive, welding or heat sealing or a combination thereof.

[0036] According to one exemplary embodiment, the fastening elements are hooks. That is, the at least a plurality of discrete fastening elements comprising a stem protruding from an upper surface of the base piece formed from the sheet material are hooks.

[0037] By "hook" is meant the hook portion or surface protrusion of a shackle-type fastener which is adapted to fasten to an area containing a fibrous ring, referred to as a landing zone. The hook can have any shape. Examples of hooks include pins, such as straight pins, angled pins, curved pins, tapered pins, limb or multi-limbed pins, hooks, limb or multi-limbed hooks, mushroom-shaped protrusions, and palm tree-shaped protrusions. The hook can have any type of cross-section, such as circular, oval, square, rectangular, or polygonal. The hook can have a solid core. Within one fastening portion, all hooks can have the same shape. Alternatively, one fastening portion can include several hooks of different shapes.

[0038] The fastener can be manufactured by extruding the polymer into a mold for forming the base piece formed from the sheet material with integrally formed hooks or pin-like protrusions, and optionally post-forming mushroom-like heads on the pin-like protrusions. The fastener can also be manufactured by extruding the polymer onto the base piece formed from the sheet material to form the hooks of pin-like protrusions.

[0039] When manufacturing the fastener, the fastener-free material region can be left without hooks or pin-like protrusions, or be melted in a second step.

[0040] According to one example embodiment, the first end portion is a back region of the disposable absorbent hygiene product, the second end portion is a front region of the disposable absorbent hygiene product, and the central portion is a crotch region.

[0041] According to one example embodiment, the base formed of sheet material protrudes beyond the outer edge of the side portion and / or the second end portion of the disposable absorbent hygiene product, thereby forming a finger lift. The finger lift can reduce the risk of the hook tearing from the side portion and / or the second end portion, since the wearer or caregiver can grab the hook directly instead of through the side portion and / or the second end portion when unfolding or adjusting the disposable absorbent hygiene product. Thus, if the wearer / caregiver grabs the finger lift directly, i.e. the fastener directly, little or no force can affect the attachment layer. The finger lift, i.e. the area where the finger lift is formed, can completely or partially have a different colour, shape or texture than the side portion and / or the second end portion of the disposable absorbent hygiene product. The finger lift, i.e. the area where the finger lift is formed, can completely or partially have a different colour, shape or texture than the rest of the fastener. Having a different colour, shape or texture than the side portion and / or the second end portion of the disposable absorbent hygiene product makes it easy for the wearer or caregiver to see the fastener, and it will trigger the wearer or caregiver to grab the finger lift instead of grabbing the side portion and / or the second end portion.

[0042] According to one example embodiment, the attachment area is provided at a distance from the outer edge of the side portion and / or the second end portion, and the distance is less than 5 mm. I.e. when a finger lift is provided, the attachment area is provided at a distance from the outer edge of the side portion and / or the second end portion, and the distance is less than 5 mm.

[0043] According to one example embodiment, the base formed of sheet material protrudes at least 5 mm, in particular between 5 and 15 mm, beyond the outer edge of the side portion and / or the second end portion.

[0044] According to one example embodiment, when the base formed of sheet material protrudes beyond the outer edge of the side portion and / or the second end portion of the disposable absorbent hygiene product to form a finger lift, the fastening area protrudes beyond the outer edge of the side portion and / or the second end portion of the disposable absorbent hygiene product, and the attachment area is provided at a distance from the outer edge of the side portion and / or the second end portion of the disposable absorbent hygiene product.

[0045] According to one example embodiment, the disposable absorbent hygiene product is a belt product, the side portions are first and second belt portions for being secured to each other around the waist of a wearer of the product to form a belt having an outer surface, wherein the first belt portion has a free end carrying the fastener adapted to attach to the outer surface of the other belt portion.

[0046] According to one example embodiment, the disposable absorbent hygiene product is a belt product, the side portions are first and second belt portions for being secured to each other around the waist of a wearer of the product to form a belt having an outer surface, wherein the first belt portion is adapted to attach to the outer surface of the other belt portion, and wherein the second end portion of the chassis comprises the fastener for securing the second end portion of the chassis to the belt portion, so that the product has a pant shape, the belt portion forming a part of the pant waist.

[0047] According to one example embodiment, the side portions are side panels each comprising the fastener and connecting the first and second end portions to each other, the fastener being adapted to attach to a contact area on the second end portion when the product is worn. In this way, the absorbent hygiene product is an open absorbent product, i.e. a so-called all-in-one diaper.

[0048] According to one example embodiment, the disposable absorbent hygiene product comprises a second pair of side portions extending along the transverse direction on each side of the second end portion, wherein the side portions on the first end portion are side panels each comprising the fastener and connecting the first and second end portions to each other, the fastener being adapted to attach to a contact area on a respective side portion of the second pair of side portions when the product is worn. In this way, the absorbent hygiene product is another open absorbent product, i.e. a so-called all-in-one diaper.

[0049] According to one example embodiment, the fastener is provided at the second end portion of the disposable absorbent hygiene product, where the topsheet and the backsheet are attached together at a joining area, the joining area at least partly overlapping the attachment area and extending at least outside the attachment area in the first transverse direction.

[0050] According to another exemplary embodiment, a disposable absorbent hygiene product is disclosed, said disposable absorbent hygiene product being a belted product comprising a chassis having first and second end portions and a central portion extending therebetween, said chassis having a body-facing surface intended to face the body of a wearer and a garment-facing surface intended to face away from the body of a wearer; extending in a longitudinal direction and defining a longitudinal axis of the longitudinal direction from the first end portion towards the second end portion and a transverse axis defining a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, said chassis comprising a liquid permeable topsheet at the body-facing surface, a liquid impermeable backsheet at the garment-facing surface, and an absorbent core assembly disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet and comprising at least one absorbent core, said disposable absorbent hygiene product further comprising a pair of side portions in the form of belt portions extending in the transverse direction on each side of the first end portion to secure the absorbent hygiene product to the waist of a wearer; said disposable absorbent hygiene product comprising at least one fastener disposed on at least one of the belt portions and / or the second end portion of the disposable absorbent hygiene product to secure the absorbent hygiene product to the waist of a wearer; said fastener comprising a base member formed of a sheet material having generally parallel upper and lower surfaces, the lower surface being attached to at least one of the belt portions and / or the second end portion of the disposable absorbent hygiene product to secure the absorbent hygiene product to the waist of a wearer; said base member formed of a sheet material having a length in the longitudinal direction and a width in the transverse direction and comprising at least one fastening region comprising one or more fastening material regions, said fastening material comprising a plurality of discrete fastening elements, said fastening elements comprising stems protruding from the upper surface of the base member formed of a sheet material; said fastening region being disposed at a distance from one outer edge of the base member formed of a sheet material disposed in the first transverse direction, forming a fastening material free region on the base member formed of a sheet material; said fastener being attached to the disposable absorbent hygiene product in an attachment region, said attachment region at least partially overlapping with the fastening region and extending outside the fastening region into a region of the base member formed of a sheet material free of the fastening elements but inside the edge of the base member formed of a sheet material. The same advantages and features described above are also relevant in relation to the present exemplary embodiment.

[0051] According to another exemplary embodiment, a disposable absorbent hygiene product is disclosed, the disposable absorbent hygiene product being an open absorbent hygiene product comprising a chassis having first and second ends and a central portion extending therebetween, the chassis having a body-facing surface intended to face the body of a wearer and a garment-facing surface intended to face away from the body of a wearer; a longitudinal axis extending in the longitudinal direction and defining a longitudinal direction from the first end to the second end and a transverse axis defining a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the chassis comprising a liquid permeable topsheet at the body-facing surface, a liquid impermeable backsheet at the garment-facing surface, and an absorbent core assembly comprising at least one absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, the disposable absorbent hygiene product further comprising a pair of side portions in the form of side panels extending in the transverse direction on each side of the first end to fasten the absorbent hygiene product to the waist of a wearer; the disposable absorbent hygiene product comprising at least one fastener disposed on at least one of the side panels of the disposable absorbent hygiene product to fasten the absorbent hygiene product to the waist of a wearer; the fastener comprising a base piece formed of a sheet material having a generally upper surface and a generally lower surface, the lower surface being attached to at least one of the side panels of the disposable absorbent hygiene product to fasten the absorbent hygiene product to the waist of a wearer; the base piece formed of a sheet material having a length in the longitudinal direction and a width in the transverse direction and comprising at least one fastening region comprising one or more fastening material regions, the fastening material comprising a plurality of discrete fastening elements, the fastening elements comprising a stem protruding from the upper surface of the base piece formed of a sheet material; the fastening region being disposed at a distance from one outer edge of the base piece formed of a sheet material disposed in the first transverse direction, forming a fastening material free region on the base piece formed of a sheet material; the fastener being attached to the disposable absorbent hygiene product in an attachment region, the attachment region at least partially overlapping with the fastening region and extending outside the fastening region into the fastening material free region of the base piece formed of a sheet material free of the fastening elements but inside the edge of the base piece formed of a sheet material. The same advantages and features described above also apply to this exemplary embodiment.

[0052] Generally, all terms used in the present disclosure, unless otherwise stated, shall be interpreted according to their normal meaning in the technical field of the present disclosure. All references to “a” or “an” shall be interpreted as referring to at least one instance of what is being referred to unless otherwise indicated. Similarly, the terms “one” or “the” shall be interpreted as referring to at least one instance of what is being referred to unless otherwise indicated.

[0053] Other objects, features and advantages of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description, the drawings and the appended claims. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative exemplary embodiments of the disclosed embodiments can be utilized without departing from the scope of the disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0054] The above and additional objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will be better understood from the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, described in reference to the drawings, in which like numerals will represent like elements, wherein:

[0055] Figure 1 A top view schematically illustrating a first exemplary embodiment of a disposable absorbent hygiene product in the form of an open diaper, i.e. an open product, according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0056] Figure 2 A top view schematically illustrating a first exemplary embodiment of a disposable absorbent hygiene product in the form of an open diaper, i.e. an open product, according to the present disclosure is shown. Figure 1 A top view schematically illustrating a first exemplary embodiment of a disposable absorbent hygiene product in the form of an open diaper, i.e. an open product, according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0057] Figure 3 A top view schematically illustrating a first exemplary embodiment of a disposable absorbent hygiene product in the form of an open diaper, i.e. an open product, according to the present disclosure is shown. Figure 1 A top view schematically illustrating a first exemplary embodiment of a disposable absorbent hygiene product in the form of an open diaper, i.e. an open product, according to the present disclosure is shown. Figure 2 A top view schematically illustrating a first exemplary embodiment of a disposable absorbent hygiene product in the form of an open diaper, i.e. an open product, according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0058] Figure 4 A top view schematically illustrating a second exemplary embodiment of a disposable absorbent hygiene product in the form of a belt product, i.e. a belt product comprising a belt, wherein the belt is joined to the base of the product, is shown.

[0059] Figure 5 A top view schematically illustrating a second exemplary embodiment of a disposable absorbent hygiene product in the form of a belt product, i.e. a belt product comprising a belt, wherein the belt is joined to the base of the product, is shown. Figure 4 A top view schematically illustrating a second exemplary embodiment of a disposable absorbent hygiene product in the form of a belt product, i.e. a belt product comprising a belt, wherein the belt is joined to the base of the product, is shown.

[0060] Figure 6 A top view schematically illustrating a second exemplary embodiment of a disposable absorbent hygiene product in the form of a belt product, i.e. a belt product comprising a belt, wherein the belt is joined to the base of the product, is shown. Figure 5 A top view schematically illustrating a second exemplary embodiment of a disposable absorbent hygiene product in the form of a belt product, i.e. a belt product comprising a belt, wherein the belt is joined to the base of the product, is shown.

[0061] Figure 7 A top view schematically illustrating a second exemplary embodiment of a disposable absorbent hygiene product in the form of a belt product, i.e. a belt product comprising a belt, wherein the belt is joined to the base of the product, is shown. Figure 4 A top view schematically illustrating a second exemplary embodiment of a disposable absorbent hygiene product in the form of a belt product, i.e. a belt product comprising a belt, wherein the belt is joined to the base of the product, is shown.

[0062] Figure 7a A top view schematically illustrating a second exemplary embodiment of a disposable absorbent hygiene product in the form of a belt product, i.e. a belt product comprising a belt, wherein the belt is joined to the base of the product, is shown. Figure 7 A top view schematically illustrating a second exemplary embodiment of a disposable absorbent hygiene product in the form of a belt product, i.e. a belt product comprising a belt, wherein the belt is joined to the base of the product, is shown.

[0063] Figure 7b A top view schematically illustrating a second exemplary embodiment of a disposable absorbent hygiene product in the form of a belt product, i.e. a belt product comprising a belt, wherein the belt is joined to the base of the product, is shown. Figure 7enlarged view of the outer end of the first belt portion in the

[0064] Figure 8 An enlarged view of the outer end of the first belt portion in the Figure 4

[0065] Figure 8a An enlarged view of the outer end of the first belt portion in the Figure 8

[0066] Figure 8b An enlarged view of the outer end of the first belt portion in the Figure 8

[0067] Figure 9 An enlarged view of the outer end of the first belt portion in the Figure 4

[0068] Figure 9a An enlarged view of the outer end of the first belt portion in the Figure 9

[0069] Figure 9b An enlarged view of the outer end of the first belt portion in the Figure 9

[0070] Figure 10 An enlarged view of the outer end of the first belt portion in the Figure 4

[0071] Figure 10a An enlarged view of the outer end of the first belt portion in the Figure 10

[0072] Figure 11 An enlarged view of the outer end of the first belt portion in the Figure 4

[0073] An enlarged view of the outer end of the first belt portion in the Figure 12 Figures 4-6 Figure 10 An enlarged view of the outer end of the first belt portion in the

[0074] Figure 13 An enlarged view of the outer end of the first belt portion in the Figure 12

[0075] All the drawings are highly diagrammatic and not necessarily to scale, they only show the parts necessary for the elucidation of the invention, other parts being omitted or merely suggested. ​​​​​​​​​​​Detailed Implementation

[0076] Various aspects of the invention will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are illustrated. However, exemplary embodiments may take many different forms and should not be construed as limiting to the details of the embodiments described herein; rather, these embodiments are provided for thoroughness and completeness. Similar reference numerals denote similar elements throughout the specification.

[0077] For descriptive purposes, the terms "rear," "front," "longitudinal," "inner," "outer," "external," and their derivatives are used interchangeably with those used in this article. Figure 1 and Figure 4 The exemplary embodiments relating to the orientation are described herein. However, it should be understood that the exemplary embodiments may assume various alternative orientations unless an opposite direction is explicitly specified. It should also be understood that the examples shown in the figures and described herein are merely exemplary embodiments. Therefore, unless explicitly stated otherwise, dimensions and other physical features relating to the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein should not be considered limiting.

[0078] This disclosure relates primarily to disposable absorbent hygiene products, meaning absorbent products that are not intended to be washed or otherwise restored or reused after use. "Absorbent products" means products that absorb or are suitable for absorbing bodily fluids (such as urine and / or blood) and / or excrement containing solids.

[0079] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A first embodiment of a disposable absorbent hygiene product 1 in the form of an open-face product is shown, namely an open-face diaper. Open-face diapers are typically placed on the wearer when the wearer is lying down.

[0080] The open-face diaper 1 includes a main part, namely a base 10 having a body-facing surface intended to face the wearer's body and a garment-facing surface intended to be away from the wearer's body. The base 10 includes a liquid-permeable top sheet 11 located at the body-facing surface, a liquid-impermeable back sheet 12 located at the garment-facing surface, and an absorbent assembly 30 disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet (see...). Figure 2 ).

[0081] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the disposable absorbent hygiene product shown, the top sheet 11 and the back sheet 12 extend beyond the outer contour of the absorbent assembly 30 and are joined together outside the contour of the absorbent assembly by means of methods such as gluing, welding by heating or ultrasonic means.

[0082] The chassis 10 has a first end 15 and a second end 14, the second end 14 being a front end 14 intended to be located at the front (abdominal) waist region of the wearer, while the first end 15 is a back end 15, i.e. a back region, intended to be located at the back waist region of the wearer when the product is worn. A central portion 13 extends between the front end 14 and the back end 15. The chassis 10 defines a longitudinal direction L extending from a front edge 4 of the front end 14 to a back edge 5 of the back end 15, and a transverse direction T perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L.

[0083] The longitudinal side edges 2, 3 connect the front edge 4 and the back edge 5 of the chassis on mutually opposite sides of an imaginary longitudinal centre line C, i.e. a longitudinal axis LO.

[0084] The open diaper 1 comprises a first pair of side portions 23, 24, which in the illustrated embodiment are in the form of side panels 23, 24. They are back side panels 23 attached to the chassis 10 at the longitudinal side edges 2, 3 close to the back edge 5 thereof.

[0085] A second pair of side portions 21, 22 in the form of front side panels 21, 22 are attached to the chassis 10 at the longitudinal side edges close to the front edge 4. As an alternative, the open diaper 1 can be free of the second pair of side portions in the front. That is, it can lack the second front side panels 21, 22.

[0086] The back side panels 23, 24 are each provided with a fastener 25 close to an outer edge 26 of the back side panel, i.e. a distal end of the back side panel opposite the end attached to the chassis 10. The fasteners 25 are intended to be fastened to a garment-facing surface of the respective front side panel 21, 22 or to a garment-facing surface of the chassis 10, in order to fit the disposable absorbent hygiene product around the waist of the wearer.

[0087] Leg elastics 17 extending in a generally longitudinal manner can be attached to the chassis 10, e.g. sandwiched between the topsheet 11 and the backsheet 12 close to the longitudinal side edges 2, 3, for providing leg cuffs of the open diaper 1. As an alternative or in addition to the leg elastics 17 in the exemplary embodiments of Figs. 1-3, the defined leg cuffs can comprise one or more elastic threads, elastic film strips or elastic foam strips, and can be attached to the chassis 10 in a stretched state in order to exert a longitudinal contraction force on the open diaper 1. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As an alternative or in addition to the leg elastics 17 in the exemplary embodiments of Figs. 1-3, the defined leg cuffs can comprise one or more elastic threads, elastic film strips or elastic foam strips, and can be attached to the chassis 10 in a stretched state in order to exert a longitudinal contraction force on the open diaper 1.

[0088] The absorbent assembly 30 is disposed between the topsheet 11 and the backsheet 12, as shown in Figs. 1-3. The absorbent assembly 30 defines a longitudinal direction from a front end to a back end, and a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. In the open diaper 1, the absorbent assembly 30 is arranged such that the longitudinal direction of the assembly is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the open diaper 1, the front end of the absorbent assembly is directed towards the front end of the open diaper 1, and the back end of the assembly is directed towards the back edge of the open diaper 1. Figure 2 The absorbent assembly 30 is disposed between the topsheet 11 and the backsheet 12, as shown in Figs. 1-3. The absorbent assembly 30 defines a longitudinal direction from a front end to a back end, and a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. In the open diaper 1, the absorbent assembly 30 is arranged such that the longitudinal direction of the assembly is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the open diaper 1, the front end of the absorbent assembly is directed towards the front end of the open diaper 1, and the back end of the assembly is directed towards the back edge of the open diaper 1.

[0089] As shown in Figure 1 and 2 , the absorbent assembly 30 comprises two absorbent cores, i.e. a first absorbent core 31 and a second absorbent core 32 in a stacked relationship, i.e. placed on top of each other such that the two longitudinal ends of the second absorbent core are located between the longitudinal inner sides of the longitudinal ends of the first absorbent core. However, the open diaper is not limited to having two cores. For example, it can have only one core or more than two cores.

[0090] The first absorbent core 31 is larger than the second absorbent core 32. The first absorbent core 31 comprises cellulose fibers optionally mixed with superabsorbent polymers. The first absorbent core 31 extends over the entire longitudinal length of the absorbent assembly.

[0091] The second absorbent core 32 is located within the central portion 13. The second absorbent core 32 comprises a mixture of cellulose fibers and superabsorbent particles.

[0092] The planar surface area of the second absorbent core 32 is smaller than the planar surface area of the first absorbent core 31, for example it can be less than 75% of the planar surface area of the first absorbent core 31, for example less than 60% or less than 50% of the planar surface area of the first absorbent core 31, for example less than 40% to 75% of the planar surface area of the first absorbent core 31.

[0093] In the embodiments shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the second absorbent core 32 is located on the garment-facing side of the first absorbent core 31, between the first absorbent core 31 and the backsheet 12. In alternative embodiments, the second absorbent core 32 can be located on the body-facing side of the absorbent core 31, between the first absorbent core 31 and the topsheet 11.

[0094] In the disposable absorbent sanitary product according to the present application, in which the second absorbent core is located between the first absorbent core and the backsheet, the first absorbent core can partly act as a transfer layer for guiding fluid from the topsheet to the second absorbent core, where most of the liquid retention capacity is concentrated, thereby facilitating good liquid handling in the product.

[0095] The first absorbent core 31 and the second absorbent core 32 can be in direct contact with each other, which means that there are no additional layers of material, such as tissue or nonwoven core wrap, between the two cores.

[0096] As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the outer profile of the absorbent assembly 30 can be hourglass-shaped, such that the width of the central region is narrower than the width of the front and back regions, respectively, where the width of the back and front regions can be equal or different. For example, the back region can be wider than the front region.

[0097] In alternative embodiments, the outer profile of the absorbent assembly can take on different shapes, such as a rectangular or oblong shape.

[0098] As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the acquisition layer 16 can be sandwiched between the topsheet 11 and the absorbent assembly 30. While the absorbent assembly 30 is intended to receive and contain a large amount of exudates such as urine, it can be advantageous to include an acquisition layer between the topsheet 11 and the absorbent core assembly 30 to provide temporary acquisition of a large amount of liquid and to provide a layer for distributing the liquid away from the location of the direct impact.

[0099] Figure 3 An open diaper as described in Figure 1 and Figure 2 is shown in a closed state.

[0100] Figure 4 A second embodiment of a disposable absorbent hygiene product in the form of a belt product 100 is shown. The belt product generally comprises a belt and a base portion. The belt product comprises a transverse belt connected to the front or rear end of the base portion of the product. When using such a belt product, in a first stage the belt is fastened around the waist of the wearer by means of fasteners. In this type of product, the base portion of the belt product hangs loosely on the belt. The base portion is then introduced between the legs of the wearer and attached to the belt, wherein the belt comprises a fastening surface intended to be quickly adhered by its free transverse edge to a fastening member or fastening means (i.e. second and / or third fasteners) provided on the base portion.

[0101] Figure 4 and Figure 5 Some components of the belt product 100 are shown schematically, wherein the belt product 100 is shown from the side intended to face the wearer when in use.

[0102] As Figure 4 shown, the belt product 100 comprises a base 110 and a belt. The belt in the present example comprises a pair of side portions in the form of a first belt portion 123 and a second belt portion 124.

[0103] Furthermore, the belted product 100 has a longitudinal direction L and a transverse direction T, i.e. the belted product has a length extension in the longitudinal direction L and a width extension in the transverse direction T. Furthermore, the base 110 has a first end 115, a second end 114 and a central portion 113 extending therebetween. The first end 115 defines a back end portion 115, i.e. a back region. The second end 114 defines a front end portion 114, i.e. a front region. The base 110 defines a longitudinal direction L from a front edge 104 of the front end portion 114 to a back edge 105 of the back end portion 115, and a transverse direction T perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Longitudinal side edges 102, 103 connect the front edge 104 and the back edge 105 of the base 110 on opposite sides of an imaginary longitudinal centre line C, i.e. longitudinal axis LO.

[0104] The base 110 comprises a first cover layer 111, i.e. a topsheet 111, having a first surface intended to face the wearer in use and a second surface intended to face away from the wearer.

[0105] A pair of side portions in the form of a first belt portion 123 and a second belt portion 124 are attached to the base 110 such that the first belt portion 123 and the second belt portion 124 extend on each side of the first end 115 of the base to be secured to each other around the waist of the wearer to form a belt having an outer surface. Thus, each first and second belt portion 123, 124 is connected to the base 110 in the back end portion 115, respectively. The first belt portion 123 is joined to the longitudinal side edge 102 and the second belt portion 124 is joined to the opposite longitudinal side edge 103. Typically, although not strictly required, the belt portions 123, 124 can be partially or completely elastic.

[0106] Each belt portion 123, 124 has an inner surface facing the wearer during use and an outer (exterior) surface facing away from the wearer during use. In Figure 4 In the illustrated belted product 100, the belt portions (first belt portion 123 and second belt portion 124) extend along the transverse direction T of the belted product. The belt portions (first belt portion 123 and second belt portion 124) also extend in the longitudinal direction L and have a width. The width of the belt portions can be between 5 and 20 cm, for example between 7 and 15 cm. The first belt portion 123 and the second belt portion 124 have the same length. In alternative embodiments, one belt portion can be longer than the other. The combined length of the two belt portions is intended to reach around the waist of the wearer. In some embodiments, the two belt portions 123, 124 of the belted product 100 can be formed of only one piece of material extending across the entire back end portion 115 along the transverse direction T and past the respective longitudinal side edges 102, 103 (not shown).

[0107] The first and second belt portions 123, 124 are attached to the base 110 such that the first and second belt portions 123, 124 extend on each side of the first end 115 of the base, respectively, for being secured to each other around a wearer of the product. To this end, as more fully described below, the first belt portion 123 has a fastener 125 on an inner surface thereof facing the wearer during use. The fastener 125 is adapted to be attached to the second belt portion 124 for securing the belt portions 123, 124 to each other around a wearer of the product. The fastener 125 is arranged close to an outer edge 126 of the belt, i.e. at a distal end opposite to the end of the belt portion attached to the base 110.

[0108] In the present embodiment, as Figure 4 illustrated, the first belt portion 123 has a free end 106 carrying a fastener 125 adapted to be attached to an outer surface of the other belt portion, i.e. the second belt portion 124. In some examples, the outer surface of the second belt portion 124 can be provided with a mating fastening component (not shown) or itself act as a mating fastening component. In the present example, the outer surface of the second belt portion 124 acts as a mating fastening component. Thus, the fastener 125 and the mating fastening component can be mechanically connected to form an interconnection between the first belt portion and the second belt portion for being secured to each other around a wearer of the absorbent sanitary product.

[0109] As mentioned above, the second end 114 of the base 110 comprises at least one further fastening device. In Figure 4 the present example, two fasteners 148, 149 are provided on the second end 114 for fastening the second end 114 of the base to the belt portions 123, 124 such that the product assumes a pant-like shape with the belt portions 123, 124 forming a part of the pant waist. The second end 114 of the base can be fastened to an outer surface of the first belt portion 123 and / or the second belt portion 124. In other words, the front end of the base, i.e. the second end 114, comprises a fastening device, i.e. the fasteners 148, 149 for fastening the front end of the base to the belt.

[0110] Now looking at Figure 5 , Figure 4 the belted product 100 in Fig. 1 is described in a state where the first and second belt portions 123, 124 are folded over the topsheet 111 to form a folded belt configuration prior to use of the product. By this, the first belt portion 123 is arranged on top of the second belt portion 124. The belted product is here described in its folded belt configuration. The belted product is typically further folded (not shown) prior to being arranged in a package.

[0111] As Figure 5As shown, the second belt portion 124 is arranged to overlap the base 110 of the product, and the first belt portion 123 is arranged to overlap the second belt portion 124. In other words, the second belt portion 124 is arranged to overlap the first end portion 115 (i.e. the rear end portion 115 of the base 110), and the first belt portion 123 is arranged to overlap the second belt portion 124. To this end, the fastener 125 on the free end 106 of the first belt portion 123 is releasably attached to the outer surface 124a of the second belt portion 124 (see, for example, Fig. 2). Figure 6 ).

[0112] The second belt portion 124 can be arranged to overlap the absorbent core assembly 131 of the product, and then the first belt portion 123 is arranged to overlap the second belt portion 124. Thus, when the first belt portion 123 and the second belt portion 124 are folded over the topsheet 111 to form a folded belt configuration prior to use of the product, the second belt portion 124 is arranged to overlap the absorbent core 131 of the product, and the first belt portion 123 is arranged to overlap the second belt portion 124 (not shown).

[0113] Furthermore, the second belt portion 124 can be releasably attached to the topsheet 111 by breakable adhesive. In other words, when the first belt portion 123 and the second belt portion 124 are folded over the topsheet 111 to form a folded belt configuration prior to use of the product, the second belt portion 124 is releasably attached to the topsheet 111 by breakable adhesive (not shown).

[0114] Similarly, the first belt portion 123 can be releasably attached to the outer surface 124a of the second belt portion 124 by breakable adhesive (not shown). In other words, when the first belt portion 123 and the second belt portion 124 are folded over the topsheet 111 to form a folded belt configuration prior to use of the product, the first belt portion 123 is releasably attached to the outer surface 124a of the second belt portion 124 by breakable adhesive. The breakable adhesive is optional; however, they can help the belt portions to stay in place during the manufacturing process.

[0115] The belt can be inelastic or partially elastic. Partially elastic belt means that certain length portions of the belt are elastic, while other certain length portions of the belt are not elastic. In some design variations, one or both of the first or second belt portions 123, 124 comprises an intermediate elastic region (not shown).

[0116] As mentioned above, the belted product 100 comprises a first cover layer, i.e. the topsheet 111, wherein the first cover layer comprises a first surface intended to face the wearer when using the belt product 100.

[0117] In Figure 4 and Figure 5In particular, the fastening means 148, 149, for example first and second fasteners 148, 149, are arranged on the side of the topsheet 111 which is intended to face the wearer when the belt product 100 is in use. Said fasteners 148, 149 are arranged at the respective longitudinal edges 102, 103 in the front end 114 of the topsheet 111, i.e. at the two front corners connected to the base 110. When the belt product 100 is applied to the wearer, the fastening means, i.e. the fasteners 148, 149 on the front end, are intended to be detachably connected to the belt portions 123, 124 intended to be remote from the wearer.

[0118] When the belt product 100 is applied to the wearer, the belt portions 123 and 124, forming a belt, are first fixed around the waist of the wearer. The front end 114 of the belt product 100, hanging loose, is then introduced between the legs of the wearer, whereafter the fastening means 148, 149 are fixed to the belt portions 123, 124, i.e. the belt, on the side of the belt remote from the wearer, on the stomach of the wearer.

[0119] It is also conceivable to have a belt product in which the belt is connected to the front end of the belt product. Such a product is applied to the wearer in the opposite way, i.e. after the belt has been fixed around the waist of the wearer, the rear end, hanging loose, is introduced between the legs of the wearer and fixed to the belt at the back on the side of the belt facing away from the wearer.

[0120] To improve the fit of the belt product 100, the longitudinal edges 102, 103 of the base 110 can be provided with leg elastics 117 arranged substantially along the longitudinal direction L of the product. The task of the leg elastics 117 includes improving the fit of the product, making the belt product 100 more like a multi-purpose boxer / trunks of textile. The leg elastics 117 can comprise one or more elastic threads which in the extended state have been joined to the topsheet by gluing, ultrasonic welding, etc. Alternatively, the leg elastics 117 can comprise an elastic belt material of e.g. foamed material. The leg elastics 117 can be arranged on the side of the topsheet 111 which is intended to face away from the wearer in use.

[0121] The rear end 115 or the front end 114 of the belt product 100 can also be provided with so-called waist elastics 146 in the form of elastic elements arranged along the front edge 104 or the rear edge 105 of the belt product 100, thereby giving the belt product 100 a soft, flexible enclosure around the waist of the wearer. In this case, the waist elastics 146 are arranged on the side of the topsheet 111 which is intended to face the wearer in use. Figure 4In this case, only the front end portion 114 of the belt product 100 is provided with a waist elastic 146. The waist elastic 146 comprises a thin strip of elastic foam material which is attached by means of glue to the side of the topsheet intended to face away from the wearer. The waist elastic 146 is applied in a stretched state to achieve a hugging force which stretches the belt product 100 around the waist of the wearer. When the fasteners 148, 149 are fastened to the belt, the waist elastic 146 is preferably tensioned in the transverse direction T of the belt product 100 so that the front end portion 114 has a smooth configuration over the abdomen of the wearer in use.

[0122] The belt product 100 comprises a second cover layer 112 arranged on the side of the first topsheet intended to face away from the wearer in use. The second cover layer 112 is a so-called backsheet 112. The backsheet has the same extension as the topsheet in the L / T plane. The backsheet 112 is generally substantially liquid impermeable, but other types of cover layers can be used instead. Typically, although not strictly necessary, the topsheet and the backsheet of the belt product 100 have an hourglass shape. Other shapes, such as a rectangular shape, are also conceivable in other design variants.

[0123] The topsheet 111 and the backsheet 112 can be joined to each other in several different ways. Examples of joining methods are gluing, hot melting, ultrasonic welding, etc. For a belt product 100 comprising a topsheet 111 and a substantially liquid impermeable backsheet 112, the above-mentioned leg elastics 117 and waist elastic 146 are adapted to be arranged between the topsheet 111 and the backsheet 112. In the belt product 100, the topsheet 111 can have a low absorbent capacity, in which relatively small body exudates, such as occasional urine drops, for example, initial menstrual fluid or the like, can be absorbed.

[0124] The belt product 100 has an absorbent assembly 130 in the form of an absorbent core 131 arranged between the topsheet 111 and the backsheet 112 (see Fig. 1). Figure 5 The topsheet 111 of the belt product according to the present example can be liquid permeable. The absorbent core 131 has substantially the same contour as the topsheet 111 and the backsheet 112, but has a smaller surface. Thus, the topsheet 111 and the backsheet 112 extend beyond the edges of the absorbent core 131 along the entire periphery of the absorbent core 131. The absorbent core 131 can, like the topsheet 111 and the backsheet 112, have front and rear end portions and a narrower crotch portion between the end portions. The belt product 100 according to the present example relates to a diaper for incontinent adults or children who have not yet mastered the use of the toilet. In use of the belt product comprising the absorbent core 131, the front portion of the crotch portion and the front end portion serve mainly as a receiving area for urine, while the rear portion of the crotch portion and the rear end portion serve mainly as a receiving area for faeces. The topsheet 111 and the backsheet 112 are connected to each other outside the absorbent assembly 130 along the entire periphery thereof.

[0125] Now looking at Figure 6 , Figure 6 An enlarged view of a section of the belt (i.e. the first belt portion 123 and the second belt portion 124) of the product described in connection with Figure 4 and 5 is shown. Figure 6 is an exploded view of the belt portions, facilitating the illustration of the individual components of those parts. As mentioned above, the first belt portion 123 of the waist belt is intended to be interconnected with the second belt portion 124 by means of fasteners 125 for mutual fixation around the wearer of the belted absorbent hygiene product. Furthermore, as described in connection with Figure 4 and 5 , the second end portion 114 of the chassis 110 comprises fastening means, i.e. fasteners 148, 149, for fixation of the second end portion 114 of the chassis to the belt portions so that the product assumes a pant-like shape and the belt portions form part of the pant waist. Said fasteners 148, 149 comprise two separate fasteners, as shown in Figure 4 and 5 . However, it can also be provided as an extension of the fasteners across the length of the second end portion, as seen in the transversal direction T. The second end portion 114 of the chassis can be fixed to either of the belt portions 123, 124. Typically, the second end portion 114 of the chassis 110 can be fixed to both belt portions, i.e. to the outer surfaces 123a, 124a as shown in Figure 6 .

[0126] Furthermore, in all of the exemplary embodiments described herein in connection with the belted product 100, and in other possible exemplary embodiments, a portion of either of the first and second belt portions extending from the first end portion of the product is typically permanently attached to the first end portion. In other words, the end of the first belt portion 123 opposite the free end 106 is permanently attached to the first end portion 115 of the chassis here. Similarly, the end of the second belt portion 124 is permanently attached to the first end portion 115 of the chassis here.

[0127] The belt portions 123, 124 can be made of one layer of fibrous material, or of a flexible laminate of at least two layers of fibrous material, e.g. bonded together in a bonding pattern provided by ultrasonic, laser and / or heat. If it is a flexible laminate, at least some of the fibres in the layers of fibrous material should be meltable by such bonding techniques. As an alternative, the laminate can comprise at least three layers of fibrous material. One outer layer used to form the outer side of the belt is a fibrous material suitable as an attachment surface for the fasteners 148, 149 on the front end portion 114. Examples of nonwoven materials are spunbond, meltblown, carded bonded materials, etc. The intermediate layer can be a fibrous material having a relatively strong tear resistance, e.g. a spunbond or meltblown material comprising continuous filaments. The other outer layer used to form the wearer-facing inner layer of the belt can be a soft and skin-friendly fibrous material. Suitable materials are spunbond and meltblown materials, carded bonded materials, etc. Examples of polymer materials used in different fibrous materials suitable for this purpose include polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester and / or so-called bicomponent fibres. The basis weight of the nonwoven laminate can vary between about 40 and about 150 gsm, e.g. between about 60 and about 120 gsm, and in particular between about 75 and about 105 gsm. One or more of the layers of the laminate can be embossed. For example, the outer layer used as a receiving material for the fastening means, in particular the loop material for hook-and-loop type fasteners, is embossed. By embossing, the loop function of the material is improved.

[0128] As mentioned above, the belt-type product is typically a disposable absorbent hygiene product such as a diaper and an incontinence protector.

[0129] Figures 1-6 Both of the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures comprise the mentioned topsheet 11, 111, backsheet 12, 112 and an absorbent core assembly 30, 130 having at least one absorbent core 31, 32, 131 positioned therebetween.

[0130] The topsheet in both embodiments is a liquid permeable topsheet 11, 111 arranged at the body-facing side of the disposable absorbent hygiene product. Materials suitable for topsheets are well known in the field of disposable absorbent hygiene products and for the purpose of the present disclosure any material commonly known to be used as a topsheet material can be used, including but not limited to nonwoven materials and perforated polymeric films.

[0131] The topsheet 11, 111 is suitably sufficiently fluid permeable to allow excreted body fluids such as urine to penetrate the thickness of the topsheet 11, 111. Furthermore, the topsheet 11 is suitably made of a material having a compliant and soft feel against the skin of the wearer.

[0132] The topsheet 11, 111 can be made of a variety of web materials such as woven and nonwoven webs, perforated films, apertured foams, or combinations or laminates of the above materials.

[0133] In the context of the present disclosure, a "nonwoven fabric" is a sheet, web, or batt of directionally or randomly oriented fibers, bonded by frictional and / or cohesive and / or adhesive forces, excluding paper and products made by combining adhesive yarns or filaments with woven, knitted, tufted, stitch-bonded, or felts, and paper and products made by wet-milling, whether or not additionally needle punched. Fibers can be of natural or man-made origin and can be staple or continuous filaments or be formed in situ. Commercial fibers have diameters ranging from less than about 0.001 mm to more than about 0.2 mm and they come in several different forms: short fibers (known as staple or cut-up continuous fibers) and continuous filaments (known as filaments or filaments). Nonwoven fabrics can be formed by a variety of processes, such as meltblowing, spunbonding, solvent spinning, electrospinning, and carding.

[0134] Nonwoven materials suitable for use as the topsheet can be made of synthetic fibers such as polyester or polypropylene or natural fibers such as wood or cotton fibers. Mixtures of synthetic and natural fibers can also be used.

[0135] The nonwoven material for the topsheet 11, 111 can be made, for example, from spunbond, spunbond / spunbond composite, or spunbond / meltblown composite, such as SMS (spunbond / meltblown / spunbond), SSMS, SSMMS, SMMS, polypropylene nonwoven, or polypropylene and polyethylene bicomponent fibers, or from a combination of these materials. The topsheet 11 can also have elastic properties.

[0136] The topsheet 11, 111 can be hydrophilized to improve the tendency of urine to penetrate the topsheet into the underlying structure. Methods of hydrophilizing nonwoven fabrics are known and include coating the nonwoven material with a hydrophilic coating, such as by applying a surfactant coating; applying a hydrophilic monomer composition and a free radical polymerization initiator to the nonwoven fabric, followed by initiating a polymerization reaction on the nonwoven fabric; by applying a hydrophilic nanoparticle coating; or treating the nonwoven fabric surface with a high-energy treatment (corona, plasma).

[0137] The surfactant coating can be obtained, for example, by applying the surfactant composition to the nonwoven fabric material with any suitable method, including spray coating, slot coating, kiss roll coating, and / or soaking the material in a bath containing the surfactant. The hydrophilic treatment can be performed in-line during the assembly of the absorbent hygiene product or separately, then the topsheet is delivered as a ready-to-use roll to the manufacturing plant of the disposable absorbent hygiene product.

[0138] The basis weight of the topsheet material can be from 8 to 20 g / m 2 , for example from 12 to 17 g / m 2 . However, the present disclosure is not limited to topsheet materials having only this basis weight.

[0139] The backsheet 12, 112 of both embodiments is provided on the garment-facing side of the disposable absorbent hygiene product. Materials suitable as backsheet are well known in the art of disposable absorbent hygiene products. The backsheet 12, 112 prevents the contamination of other external products, such as bed sheets and underwear, that can come into contact with the disposable absorbent hygiene product by the exudates absorbed by the absorbent assembly. The backsheet 12, 112 can be substantially liquid-impermeable, for example to urine.

[0140] The backsheet can be substantially liquid-impermeable but air-permeable, i.e. gas-permeable, meaning that air and other gases can pass through the backsheet 12, 112 while being substantially liquid-impermeable.

[0141] For the purposes of the present disclosure, any material commonly known to be used as a backsheet material can be included in the backsheet, including but not limited to polymeric films, such as polyethylene, polypropylene or copolymer films of polyethylene or polypropylene, hydrophobic nonwoven materials, fluid-impermeable foams and fluid-impermeable laminates.

[0142] The backsheet can comprise one or more layers of material. For example, the backsheet can be a laminate of a liquid-impermeable polymeric film facing the absorbent assembly and a nonwoven facing the garment side, thereby providing a textile-soft feel to the outer surface of the disposable absorbent hygiene product.

[0143] It is also contemplated that the backsheet can be made of or otherwise include a wholly or partially elastic material in order to give the product a better fit when in use.

[0144] The absorbent assembly 30, 130 of both embodiments can comprise one or more absorbent cores. The core can be constructed of one or more layers of cellulose fluff pulp. The cellulose fluff pulp can be mixed with fibers or particles of a high-absorbency polymer material, i.e. so-called superabsorbent polymers, which chemically bind large amounts of fluid upon absorption, forming a kind of gel that retains the fluid. The absorbent core can also include a layer of high-absorbency polymer material within the absorbent core or attached to one or more surfaces of the absorbent core. The absorbent core can further include other components for improving the performance of the absorbent core. Examples of such components are binder fibers, various types of fluid-dispersing layers or fibers, dimensionally stable components, reinforcing fibers, etc.

[0145] Superabsorbent polymers are well known in the field of absorbent products and are used to help improve the absorbency performance of these products. Superabsorbent polymers consist of water-swellable and water-insoluble polymers that are capable of absorbing large quantities of fluids, such as being capable of absorbing at least 5 times their weight in 0.9% aqueous saline solution (measured according to the NSWP 241.0.R2(15) method). The superabsorbent polymers used in accordance with the present disclosure can be inorganic or organic cross-linked hydrophilic polymers, such as polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl oxides, cross-linked starch, guar gum, xanthan gum, cross-linked polyacrylates, and the like. The polymers can be, for example, in the form of powders, granules, microparticles, films, foams, and fibers, and the like. Such superabsorbent polymers swell by absorbing fluid into their structure when in contact with fluid. In general, superabsorbent polymers can quickly absorb incoming fluid and retain these fluids to prevent leakage, helping to provide a dry feel even after fluid insult.

[0146] The type of superabsorbent polymer used in the absorbent assembly of the embodiments discussed herein can be the same or can vary within the assembly. For example, superabsorbent polymers having a first set of characteristics can be used in the front and back regions of the absorbent assembly or in a first absorbent core, and superabsorbent polymers having a second set of characteristics can be used in the central region of the absorbent assembly or in a second absorbent core. The characteristics mentioned in this section are, for example, Centrifuge Retention Capacity (CRC), Absorbency Under Load (AUL), and / or Gel Layer Permeability (GLP).

[0147] The mentioned acquisition layer is related to open diapers, but can also be used in belt products. Materials suitable as acquisition layer, also known in the art as transfer layer or ADL (acquisition and distribution layer), are generally known in the field of disposable absorbent hygiene products, and for the purpose of the present invention any material known to the person skilled in the art as being usable as acquisition layer can be used. For example, the acquisition layer can take the form of an air-laid layer, a spunlace layer, a high loft layer, a foam or any other type of material layer that can be used as a liquid acquisition and absorption layer in absorbent hygiene products. The acquisition layer is suitable for quickly receiving and temporarily storing the discharged liquid before it is absorbed by the absorbent core. Such acquisition layer can consist of, for example, an air-laid nonwoven, a spunlace nonwoven, a high loft nonwoven or a foam material. The air-laid nonwoven can be produced with fleece, wood pulp, the fleece fibers being dispersed here into a fast-flowing air stream and condensed onto a moving screen by means of pressure and vacuum. The acquisition layer is preferably an air-through-bonded nonwoven of polyester fibers.

[0148] relates to Figures 1-6The term "nonwoven" as mentioned in connection with different parts of the disclosed disposable absorbent product, such as the topsheet, backsheet and / or side portions, is in terms of its properties between paper and board on the one hand and textiles on the other. A large number of very different production processes are used for nonwovens, such as air-laying, wet-laying, hydroentangling, spun-bonding, melt-blowing etc. The fibres can be endless fibres or pre-manufactured endless fibres, such as synthetic fibres produced in situ or in the form of staple fibres. Alternatively, they can be made of natural fibres or of a mixture of synthetic and natural fibres.

[0149] Other components commonly used in disposable absorbent hygiene products but not shown in the figures of the present application can be used in the disposable absorbent hygiene product according to the present application. For example, raised elastic members, often referred to as standing gathers, can be attached to the topsheet.

[0150] A wetness indicator, such as a material that changes colour upon contact with urine, can be included in the disposable absorbent hygiene product, for example placed between the absorbent assembly and the backsheet and visible through the backsheet, to for example indicate whether a wetting event has occurred.

[0151] Figures 1-6 The two exemplary embodiments of the illustrated disposable absorbent hygiene product include fasteners in order to fasten the product to the wearer.

[0152] In Figures 1-3 , two fasteners 25 are attached to the side panels 23, 24 of the open diaper 1. There is one fastener per side panel. In Figures 4-6 , one fastener 125 is attached to the first belt portion 123 of the belted product in order to connect the two belt portions 123, 124 around the wearer. The fastener 125 can optionally be attached to the second belt portion 124. Two further fasteners 148, 149 are attached to the topsheet at the second end 114, i.e. the front of the absorbent product.

[0153] The fasteners 125, 148, 149 used in the belted product 100 can all have the same design or they can be different. The fasteners 25 used in the open diaper 1 can have the same design or they can be different.

[0154] One of the fasteners in the exemplary embodiments in Figures 7-13 will now be described and illustrated in more detail. Figures 7-11 The illustrated fastener example is the fastener 125 provided on the first belt portion 123 of the belted product 100 in Figures 4-6 . However, the described fastener can also be the fasteners 148, 149, which can be attached to the topsheet 111 at the front 114 of the belted product 100 or to the corresponding side panels 23, 24 of the open diaper 1.

[0155] Figure 7 The fastener 125 is shown attached to Figures 4-6 a first exemplary embodiment of a fastener 125 of a belt portion 123 of a belted product. The fastener 125 is rectangular in shape, but the fastener is not limited to this shape. The fastener can be square, circular, hexagonal, etc.

[0156] The fastener 125 includes a base 200 formed of sheet material having generally parallel upper and lower surfaces 201, 202 (see also Figure 7a and Figure 7b ). The lower surface 202 of the base 200 formed of sheet material is attached to the belt portion 123. The base 200 formed of sheet material has a width in the transverse direction T limited by first and second outer edges 204, 205, and a length in the longitudinal direction L limited by third and fourth outer edges 206, 207.

[0157] The base 200 formed of sheet material has a fastening region 203 that includes a fastening material region 203 that includes a plurality of discrete fastening elements that include stems (not explicitly shown) that extend from the entire area of the upper surface 201 of the base formed of sheet material. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 8 and Figure 8a , the fastening region 203 includes a number of fastening material regions, here exemplified as three fastening material regions 203a, 203b, 203c, that include a plurality of discrete fastening elements that include stems that extend from the upper surface 201 of the base formed of sheet material. Thus, the fastening region 203 is the region that covers all three fastening material regions 203a, 203b, 203c, i.e. includes the space between the three fastening material regions 203a, 203b, 203c.

[0158] Figure 7 The fastener 125 is shown attached to Figure 4 a first belt portion, with the fastener 125 disposed proximate the outer edge 126 of the belt 123. When the belt is opened, for example, when the belted product is in a folded belt configuration prior to use of the product, or when adjusting or removing the product from a wearer, the wearer or caregiver can grasp the end of the belt portion and pull.

[0159] As shown in Figure 7 and 7a , the fastener 125 is shown attached to Figure 7a a first belt portion, with the fastener 125 disposed proximate the outer edge 126 of the belt 123. When the belt is opened, for example, when the belted product is in a folded belt configuration prior to use of the product, or when adjusting or removing the product from a wearer, the wearer or caregiver can grasp the end of the belt portion and pull. Figure 7the fastening region 203 is arranged at a first distance D1 from a first outer edge 204 of the base element 200 arranged in a first transversal direction, forming a region on the base element 200, i.e. a first fastening material free region 208. The first transversal direction is a direction away from the longitudinal axis when the absorbent product is in its unfolded state (see Figure 4 the belted product in Figure 1 and the open diaper in .

[0160] The fastening region 203 is also arranged at a second distance D2 from a second outer edge 205 of the base element 200 arranged in a second transversal direction opposite the first outer edge 204 of the base element 200, forming a second fastening material free region 209 on the base element 200. The second transversal direction T is a direction towards the longitudinal axis (see Figure 4 the belted product in Figure 1 and the open diaper in .

[0161] The fastening region 203 is arranged over the entire longitudinal direction L of the base element 200, as shown in Figure 7 and 7b , Figure 7b showing Figure 7 the cross section B-B. The fastening region extends between a third and a fourth outer edge 206, 207 of the base element 200.

[0162] A second alternative embodiment of the fastening element is shown in Figure 8 , 8a and 8b, where the belt portion 123 and the fastening element 125 have the same design as in Figure 7 , 7a and 7b, but the fastening region 203 comprises several fastening material regions. Figure 8a showing Figure 8 the cross section A-A in Figure 8b showing Figure 8 the cross section B-B in Figure 8 and 8aAs shown, the fastening region 203 is illustrated as the total area of three fastening material regions 203a, 203b, 203c, which include a plurality of discrete fastening elements including stems that extend from the upper surface 201 of the base piece 200 formed from sheet material. Thus, the fastening region 203 is the area that covers all three fastening material regions 203a, 203b, 203c. That is, in the cross direction, the area is bounded by the outer edges of the first region 203a and the third region 203c. Other features are the same and use the same reference numerals and thus will not be described. In addition to the fastening material regions 203a, 203b, 203c that include a plurality of discrete fastening elements, adhesive can be provided between the three fastening material regions 203a, 203b, 203c on the upper surface 201 of the base piece 200 formed from sheet material. Thus, the adhesive can increase the fastening force.

[0163] The fastening region 203 is not limited to having only one fastening material region as shown in Figure 7a , 7b or three fastening material regions as shown in Figure 8 , 8a 8b, and can have two or more fastening material regions.

[0164] A third optional embodiment of the fastener is shown in Figure 9 , 9a and 9b, where the band portion 123 and the fastener 125 have the same design as in Figure 7 , 7a and 7b, except for the fastening region 203 in cross section B-B in Figure 7b . Other features are the same and use the same reference numerals and thus will not be described. Figure 9a A-A cross section in Figure 9 is shown, Figure 9b B-B cross section in Figure 9 is shown. Figure 9 and 9b show in addition to the first distance D1 and the second distance D2 and as described in Figure 7 and 7a and Figure 9aIn addition to the respective first and second fastening material free regions 208, 209 shown in the middle, the fastening region 203 can also be provided at a third distance D3 from a third outer edge 206 provided in the first longitudinal direction of the base element 200 formed from the sheet material, forming a third fastening material free region 210 on the base element 200 formed from the sheet material. The fastening region 203 can also be provided at a fourth distance D4 from a fourth outer edge 207 provided in the second longitudinal direction of the base element formed from the sheet material, forming a fourth fastening material free region 211 on the base element 200 formed from the sheet material. In other words, Figure 9 The fastener 125 is shown, in which the fastening region 203 is surrounded by a larger fastening material free region, which is formed by the combination of all four fastening material free regions 208, 209, 210, 211.

[0165] As an alternative, which is not shown, the fastening region 203 can be provided only at a first distance from one outer edge provided in the first transverse direction of the base element formed from the sheet material, forming a fastening material free region on the base element. For example, the first transverse direction can be the direction away from the longitudinal axis when the absorbent product is in its unfolded state (see Figure 4 ). Thus, on all other sides, the fastening material can extend to the outer edges of the base element formed from the sheet material.

[0166] Figure 7a and 7b The fastener 125 is shown, in which the fastening region 203 is surrounded by a larger fastening material free region, which is formed by the combination of all four fastening material free regions 208, 209, 210, 211.

[0167] In Figure 7a and Figure 7b , the attachment region 212 is adhesive and overlaps almost the entire fastening region 203 in the transverse direction T (see Figure 7a ). It can be seen from Figure 7a that the length L 212 of the attachment region 212 in the transverse direction is greater than the length L of the fastening region 203203 In the longitudinal direction, as shown in Figure 7b Fig. 2, the attachment area 112 overlaps the entire fastening area, except for a small area along the third and fourth outer edges 206, 207, because it is not desirable to have adhesive outside the fasteners. Alternatively, the attachment area can be provided all the way to the third and fourth outer edges 206, 207. Thus, the area of the attachment area 212 is larger than the area of the fastening area 203.

[0168] By making the attachment area 112 larger than the fastening area 203, the forces will be distributed in a beneficial way and the risk of the fasteners tearing from the base or the belt is reduced. This is especially true when the attachment area 212 extends to the first area 208 free from fasteners, which is in a direction away from the longitudinal direction when the product is in its unfolded state, and in a direction in which the wearer or caregiver typically grabs the product with his / her fingers at the outer end of the first belt portion 123 when unfolding the product on the wearer or adjusting the product. When the wearer or caregiver starts pulling the outer end of the first belt portion 123, the base 200 formed by the sheet material and the area 208 free from fastening material, which is attached to the first belt portion 123 by the attachment area 212, starts to move together with the belt portion 213 as the wearer or caregiver pulls the belt portion away from the material to which the fastening area 203 of the fasteners is attached.

[0169] That is, when the wearer or caregiver pulls the belt portion 123, the base 200 formed by the sheet material and the area 208 free from fastening material starts to bend slightly upwards / away from the material to which the fastening area 203 is attached. When the wearer or caregiver continues to pull the outer end of the first belt portion 123 further away from the material, a number of discrete fastening elements, including the bar closest to the area 208 free from fastening material, start to release from the material to which they are attached, and other bars are released as the wearer or caregiver pulls further until the entire fastener 125 is released from the material. The same applies when adjusting the product.

[0170] Figure 8 、 Figure 8a and Figure 8b The same applies. As can be seen in Figure 8a , the length L 212 of the attachment area 212 is longer than the length L 203 of the fastening area 203 in the transverse direction, which is limited by the three fastening material areas 203a, 203b, 203c. In the longitudinal direction (see Figure 8b ), the attachment area 112 overlaps the entire fastening area, except for a small area along the third and fourth outer edges 206, 207, because it is not desirable to have adhesive outside the fasteners. Thus, the area of the attachment area is larger than the area of the fastening area.

[0171] Figure 9ais shown in cross-section A-A in Figure 9 is the same as Figure 7a and will not be repeated. Figure 9b is shown in cross-section in the longitudinal direction, in which the attachment region 212 also extends into the third fastener-free material region 210 and the fourth fastener-free material region 211 of the base piece 200 formed from sheet material, but inside the respective third outer edge 206 and fourth outer edge 207 of the base piece 200 formed from sheet material.

[0172] The respective distances D1, D2, D3 and D4 discussed in connection with Figure 7 , 7a , 7b, 8, 8a, 8b, 9, 9a and 9b, i.e. the distance D1, D2, D3 and D4 from the fastener region 203 to one of the outer edges 204, 205, 206, 207 of the base piece formed from sheet material when there is a fastener-free material region on the base piece formed from sheet material, can be between 3 and 10 mm, such as between 3 and 6 mm, in particular between 3 and 4 mm.

[0173] Figures 7-9b The fastener region 203 described in comprises a plurality of discrete fastener elements (not shown) comprising a stem protruding from the upper surface of the base piece formed from sheet material. These stems are hooks which form a hook-and-loop connection with the material of the second belt portion 124 forming a loop provided on the first belt portion 123. When the fastener 125 is used on a belted product in the front end 114 on the topsheet 111, i.e. connected to both front corners of the topsheet, the outer layer of the two attached belt portions acts as a loop element for securing the second end of the chassis, i.e. the front end 114, to the belt portions, so that the product assumes a pant-like shape in which the belt portions form part of the pant waist.

[0174] Figures 7-9b When the fastener 125 described in Figures 7-9b is used on an open diaper, Figures 1-3 the fastener 125 described in Figures 7-9b is the fastener 25 in . The fastener 25, i.e. the fastener described, is provided on the back side panels 23, 24 which are attached to the chassis 10 at the longitudinal side edges close to the back end thereof. The fastener 25 is intended to be fastened on the garment-facing surface of the respective front side panel 21, 22 or on the garment-facing surface of the chassis 10 (which acts as a loop element) in order to fit the disposable absorbent hygiene product around the waist of the wearer.

[0175] Figure 10 10a and Figure 7 , 7aThe fastener 125' is similar to the fastener 125 described in Figures 7b. It can also have the design described in Figures Figure 8 , 8a and 8b or Figure 9 , 9a and 9b. Only the differences between the fourth embodiment and the one described in Figures Figure 7 , 7a , 7b will be described. The fastener 125' comprises a finger grip 226 which is a part of the first fastener-free material area 208 on the base piece 200 formed from sheet material. The base piece 200 formed from sheet material protrudes beyond the outer edge 126 of the first belt portion 123 in a belted product, forming the finger grip 226.

[0176] If the fastener 125' is provided on the second end portion 114 of a belted diaper, the base piece 200 formed from sheet material protrudes beyond the outer edge of the second end portion (i.e. the front end portion 114, also referred to as the front in the transverse direction), forming a finger grip (not shown). If the fastener is provided on the side panels 23, 24 of an open diaper, the base piece 200 formed from sheet material protrudes beyond the outer edge of the side panel, forming a finger grip (not shown). The attachment area 212' is similar to the attachment area 212 in Figures Figure 7 , Figure 7a , Figure 7b . The attachment area 212' does not protrude beyond the outer edge 126, as it is not desirable to have adhesive on the outside of the product.

[0177] The finger grip can help a caregiver to find the opening of the absorbent product, i.e. to identify the end of the belt, before use, or to easily find the fastener during use. The finger grip allows the wearer to grab the finger grip with his / her fingers. The finger grip can reduce the risk of the fastener tearing from the belt or side panel or second end, as the wearer can grab the fastener directly, and not through the material it is attached to, when unfolding the product or adjusting the product. The attachment strength between the fastener and the part it is attached to can thus be reduced.

[0178] The finger grip or the entire fastener can provide a color different from the color of the belt, side panel and / or base, so that the wearer can easily see the finger grip. The base piece 200 formed from sheet material protrudes at least about 5 mm, for example between about 5 and about 15 mm, beyond the outer edge 126 when forming the finger grip.

[0179] Figure 11 Figures Figure 10 and 10aAn alternative fastener 125" to the fastener 125' in which both the base piece 200 and the fastening region 203 formed from sheet material protrude beyond said outer edge 126 of the belt portion 123, but still leave an area 208 free from fastening elements. The area 208 free from fastening elements forms a finger grip 226. The attachment area 212' can have the same dimensions as described and shown in Figure 10 and 10a .

[0180] Figure 12 and Figure 13 is shown Figure 10 and 10a as the fastener 148 in Figure 4 . The fastener 125', 148 is arranged on the topsheet 111 in the second end portion 114 of the belted product 100. The topsheet 111 and the backsheet 112 are attached together by a bonding area 127. The bonding area 127 overlaps the attachment area 212' as described in Figure 10 and Figure 10a , and the bonding area 127 extends at least in one direction beyond the attachment area 212'.

[0181] Figure 13 is shown Figure 12 in cross-section A-A in Figure 12 , from which it can be seen that the bonding area 127 overlaps the entire attachment area 212' and extends beyond the attachment area 212' in both transverse directions T. The same applies in the longitudinal direction L as shown in . Thus, the bonding area 127 extends beyond the attachment area 212' in all directions. This reduces the risk of the fastener tearing off from the topsheet when the product is unfolded or adjusted, since a firm laminate is provided.

[0182] In the longitudinal direction L, the base piece 200 and the attachment area 212' formed from sheet material can have the same dimensions as described and shown in Figure 7b or Figure 9b . The topsheet 111 and the backsheet 112 are attached to each other within the bonding area by, for example, gluing, hot-melting, ultrasonic welding or similar methods.

[0183] As shown in Figure 12 , the fastening region 203 can be arranged in a position aligned with the leg elastics 117 in the longitudinal direction to ensure good fit and sealing against the body, avoiding leakage. This also applies to Figure 7 , 7a , 7b, 8, 8a and 8b or Figure 9, 9a and any fasteners shown in 9b.

[0184] This disclosure also covers all conceivable combinations of the aspects, variations, alternatives and exemplary embodiments described herein.

[0185] Disclosed open-style diapers and belt diapers may include Figures 7-11 Fasteners are used in different locations within a diaper. It's important to understand that different fasteners can be used in the different locations described within a diaper. Alternatively, the same type of fastener can be used in all locations.

[0186] Open-style diapers and belt diapers have been disclosed to include, for example Figures 7-11 The fasteners shown are, however, trouser diapers that can be opened and closed by retightening can also have such fasteners. Figures 7-11 The fasteners shown.

[0187] Furthermore, this disclosure is not limited to the above aspects or embodiments, but naturally applies to other aspects and exemplary embodiments within the scope of the following claims.

[0188] Reference numerals in the claims should not be regarded as limiting the scope of the subject matter protected by the claims; their sole function is to make the claims easier to understand.

Claims

1. A disposable absorbent hygiene product comprising a chassis having a first end portion and a second end portion and a central portion extending therebetween, the chassis having a body-facing surface intended to face the body of a wearer and a garment-facing surface intended to face away from the body of a wearer, a longitudinal axis (LO) extending in the longitudinal direction and defining a longitudinal direction (L) from the first end portion towards the second end portion and a transverse axis defining a transverse direction (T) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the chassis comprising a liquid permeable topsheet at the body-facing surface, a liquid impermeable backsheet at the garment-facing surface and an absorbent core assembly comprising at least one absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet; the disposable absorbent hygiene product further comprising a pair of side portions extending in the transverse direction on each side of the first end portion to fasten the disposable absorbent hygiene product to the waist of a wearer; the disposable absorbent hygiene product comprising at least one fastener disposed on at least one of the side portions and / or the second end portion of the disposable absorbent hygiene product to fasten the disposable absorbent hygiene product to the waist of a wearer, the fastener comprising a base piece (200) formed of a sheet material having a substantially parallel upper surface (201) and a lower surface (202), wherein the lower surface (202) is attached to at least one of the side portions and / or the second end portion of the disposable absorbent hygiene product, the base piece (200) formed of a sheet material having a length in the longitudinal direction and a width in the transverse direction and comprising at least one fastening region (203) comprising one or more fastening material regions, the fastening material comprising a plurality of discrete fastening elements, the fastening elements comprising stems protruding from the upper surface (201) of the base piece (200) formed of a sheet material, the fastening region (203) being disposed at a first distance (D1) from a first outer edge (204) of the base piece (200) formed of a sheet material to form a fastening material free region (208) on the base piece (200) formed of a sheet material disposed in a first transverse direction relative to the fastening region (203), the fastener being attached to the disposable absorbent hygiene product in an attachment region (212, 212') at least partially overlapping the fastening region (203) and extending beyond the fastening region (203) into the fastening material free region (208) of the base piece (200) formed of a sheet material free of the fastening elements but inside the first outer edge (204) of the base piece (200) formed of a sheet material, wherein the first transverse direction is in a direction away from the longitudinal axis (LO).

2. The disposable absorbent hygiene product according to claim 1, wherein the fastening region (203) is provided at a second distance (D2) from a second outer edge (205) of the base piece (200) formed from sheet material to form a second fastening material free region (209) on the base piece (200) formed from sheet material, the second outer edge being provided in a direction opposite to the first outer edge (204) of the base piece (200) along a second transverse direction, wherein the attachment region (212, 212') extends into the second fastening material free region (209) of the base piece (200) free of the fastening elements but inside the second outer edge (205) of the base piece (200).

3. The disposable absorbent hygiene product according to claim 2, wherein the fastening region (203) is provided at a third distance (D3) from a third outer edge (206) of the base piece (200) formed from sheet material arranged along a first longitudinal direction to form a third fastening material free region (210) on the base piece (200) formed from sheet material, wherein the attachment region (212, 212') extends into the third fastening material free region (210) of the base piece (200) free of the fastening elements but inside the third outer edge (206) of the base piece (200).

4. The disposable absorbent hygiene product according to claim 3, wherein the fastening region (203) is provided at a fourth distance (D4) from a fourth outer edge (207) of the base piece (200) formed from sheet material arranged along a second longitudinal direction to form a fourth fastening material free region (211) on the base piece (200) formed from sheet material, wherein the attachment region (212; 212') extends into the fourth fastening material free region (211) of the base piece (200) free of the fastening elements but inside the fourth outer edge (207) of the base piece (200).

5. The disposable absorbent hygiene product according to claim 4, wherein the first distance (D1) and / or second distance (D2) and / or third distance (D3) and / or fourth distance (D4) is 3-10 mm.

6. The disposable absorbent hygiene product according to claim 5, wherein the first distance (D1) and / or second distance (D2) and / or third distance (D3) and / or fourth distance (D4) is 3-6 mm.

7. The disposable absorbent hygiene product according to claim 5, wherein the first distance (D1) and / or second distance (D2) and / or third distance (D3) and / or fourth distance (D4) is 3-4 mm.

8. The disposable absorbent hygiene product according to any of claims 1-7, wherein the fastening means is attached to the disposable absorbent hygiene product in the attachment area (212, 212') by adhesive or welding or heat sealing or a combination thereof.

9. The disposable absorbent hygiene product according to any of claims 1-7, wherein the fastening element is a hook.

10. The disposable absorbent hygiene product according to any of claims 1-7, wherein the first end portion is a back region of the disposable absorbent hygiene product, the second end portion is a front region of the disposable absorbent hygiene product, and the central portion is a crotch region.

11. The disposable absorbent hygiene product according to any of claims 1-7, wherein the base member (200) formed from sheet material protrudes beyond the outer edge (126) of the side portions and / or the second end portions of the disposable absorbent hygiene product, thereby forming a finger grip (226).

12. The disposable absorbent hygiene product according to claim 9, wherein the attachment area (212, 212') is provided at a distance from the outer edge (126) of the side portions and / or the second end portions, and the distance is less than 5 mm.

13. The disposable absorbent hygiene product according to claim 9, wherein the base member (200) formed from sheet material protrudes at least 5 mm beyond the outer edge (126).

14. The disposable absorbent hygiene product according to claim 13, wherein the base member (200) formed from sheet material protrudes 5 to 15 mm beyond the outer edge (126).

15. The disposable absorbent hygiene product according to any of claims 1-7, wherein the disposable absorbent hygiene product is a belt product, and the side portions are a first belt portion and a second belt portion for being secured to each other around a waist of a product wearer to form a belt having an outer surface, wherein the first belt portion has a free end carrying the fastening means, which is adapted to be attached to the outer surface of the second belt portion.

16. The disposable absorbent hygiene product according to any of claims 1-7, which is a belt product and the side portions are a first belt portion and a second belt portion for being secured to each other around a waist of a product wearer to form a belt having an outer surface, wherein the first belt portion is adapted to be attached to the outer surface of the second belt portion, and wherein the second end portion of the base comprises the fastening means for securing the second end portion of the base to the first and second belt portions, thereby rendering the disposable absorbent hygiene product in the form of a pant, wherein the first and second belt portions form a part of a waist portion of the pant.

17. The disposable absorbent hygiene product according to any of claims 1-7, wherein the side portions are side panels each comprising the fastening means and connecting the first and second end portions to each other, which fastening means is adapted to be attached to a contact area of the second end portion when the product is worn.

18. The disposable absorbent hygiene product according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the disposable absorbent hygiene product comprises a second pair of side portions extending along the transverse direction on each side of the second end portion, and wherein the side portions on the first end portion are side panels each comprising the fastener and connecting the first and second end portions to each other, the fastener being adapted to be attached to a contact area on a respective one of the second pair of side portions when the product is worn.

19. The disposable absorbent hygiene product according to claim 18, wherein the fastener is arranged in the second end portion of the disposable absorbent hygiene product, at which the topsheet and the backsheet are attached together at a joint area (127), the joint area (127) at least partly overlapping the attachment area (212, 212') and extending at least along the first transverse direction beyond the attachment area (212, 212').

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