Absorbent article for absorbing body fluids and / or faeces

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a disposable absorbent article (1) for absorbing bodily fluids and / or feces, the absorbent article (1) comprising: a base (2), a first side panel (10) and a second side panel (11) attached to the front (3) of the base (2), and a third side panel (21) and a fourth side panel (22) attached to the back (4) of the base (2). Each of the third side panel (21) and the fourth side panel (22) includes an inner panel member (36), an outer panel member (37), and a resilient panel member (38) attached to the base (2), the resilient panel member (38) being disposed between and attached to the inner panel member (36) and the outer panel member (37), wherein the resilient member (38) is attached to the inner panel member (36) at a first fastening region (52) and to the outer panel member (37) at a second fastening region (53), the resilient panel member (38) having a length (L0) along a longitudinal axis (L), and the resilient panel member (38) including a middle portion (38') extending between the first and second fastening regions (52, 53), the middle portion (38') having a width (W1) in the range of 5 mm to 20 mm along a transverse axis (T).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to disposable absorbent articles for absorbing bodily fluids and / or feces. Such absorbent articles are worn in a trouser-like manner and typically include elastic elements in selected areas, such as leg elastics arranged along the leg edges of the sanitary article and waist elastics arranged along the waist edge of the absorbent article. Background Technology

[0002] Disposable absorbent articles are typically manufactured in a variety of predetermined sizes to accommodate people of different sizes and ages. Absorbent articles of a given size should also preferably be designed to allow for a comfortable fit for changing body shapes and for people who are moving or in various body positions. If the fit is too loose, there is an increased risk of leakage of bodily fluids and / or feces. If the fit is too tight, the absorbent article is uncomfortable. Bodily fluids can be, for example, urine, vaginal fluids, and / or menstrual fluids.

[0003] Furthermore, the absorbent article may be provided with side panels or strap elements, including fastening elements for closing the absorbent article when it is worn by a wearer. Absorbent articles with side panels are typically produced by a longitudinal production method in which the absorbent article is produced from a continuous web running in a machine direction aligned with the length direction of the absorbent article being produced. Continuous leg elastic elements are stretched and fed together with the traveling web, and in their stretched state, are intermittently attached, for example, between a top web and a back web, along portions of the leg edges of the absorbent article to be formed in the final absorbent article, by adhesive or by ultrasonic welding or thermal welding. Side panels may be attached to the front and / or back ends of each of the moving webs of the forebody absorbent article, and are attached between the top web and the back web, for example, by adhesive or by ultrasonic welding or thermal welding. One object of the invention is to enable improved leak-proof sealing. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to a first aspect of the invention, the above-mentioned objective is achieved by an absorbent article as defined in claim 1 having an alternative embodiment as defined in the dependent claims.

[0005] The absorbent article is disposable and suitable for absorbing bodily fluids and / or feces. The absorbent article includes a base extending along a longitudinal axis from a front edge at the front of the base to a back edge at the back of the base. The base further includes a first side edge and a second side edge extending, respectively, on opposite sides of the base relative to the longitudinal axis, between the front edge and the back edge of the base.

[0006] The substrate also includes a liquid-permeable top sheet, a liquid-impermeable back sheet, and an absorbent structure disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet.

[0007] The absorbent article also includes a first side panel attached to the front of the substrate at a first side edge and a second side panel attached to the front of the substrate at a second side edge. The absorbent article further includes a third side panel attached to the back of the substrate at the first side edge and a fourth side panel attached to the back of the substrate at the second side edge.

[0008] The third side panel is provided with a first fastening device configured to be attachable to the first side panel or the back panel at the front of the substrate. The fourth side panel is provided with a second fastening device configured to be attachable to the second side panel or the back panel at the front of the substrate.

[0009] Each of the third and fourth side panels includes an inner panel member, an outer panel member, and a resilient panel member attached to a substrate. The resilient panel member is disposed between and attached to the inner and outer panel members, wherein the resilient member is attached to the inner panel member at a first fastening region and to the outer panel member at a second fastening region. The resilient panel member has a length along a longitudinal axis and includes a middle portion extending between the first and second fastening regions. The middle portion has a width in the range of 5 mm to 20 mm along a transverse axis.

[0010] Absorbent articles are typically worn by children or adults, wherein the base covers the entire pubic area and at least a portion of the buttocks of the wearer, with the top sheet facing the wearer and the back sheet facing the wearer's clothing. The top sheet is fluid-permeable enough to allow excreted bodily fluids such as urine to penetrate the top sheet, wherein the absorbent structure is capable of absorbing the fluid, thereby mitigating leakage of the bodily fluid to the outside of the absorbent article. Bodily fluids may be, for example, feces, urine, vaginal fluid, and / or menstrual fluid.

[0011] The front of the absorbent material is intended to be applied to the wearer's abdomen. The back of the absorbent material is intended to be applied to the wearer's back.

[0012] A third and fourth side panel, equipped with a first and a second fastening device, are respectively placed at the back of the article. During use, at the front of the base, the third and fourth side panels are stretched forward and fastened to the corresponding first and second side panels, or to the back panel. Therefore, when the fastening device is attached to the front or front side panel, the front of the base is also stretched during use. To achieve a good fit of the absorbent article around the wearer's waist, when the fastening device is fastened to the corresponding first and second side panels or attached to the back panel at the front of the base during use, the third and fourth side panels are generally applied under tension to activate the side panel elastic element, i.e., the elastic panel member.

[0013] The third and fourth side panels are provided with fastening devices, such as mechanical fasteners or adhesive fasteners, wherein fastener elements are placed on the third and fourth side panels; and the third and fourth side panels are to be fastened to mating fastener elements or fastener receiving areas, the mating fastener elements or fastener receiving areas being the first side panel, second side panel, or back panel at the front of the base.

[0014] If the fastening device is a mechanical fastener, it can be a hook-type fastener configured to attach to a receiving surface, such as a surface having multiple rings. The receiving surface can be the outer nonwoven layer of the backsheet or side panel, or it can be a specific ring material applied to the front of the absorbent article.

[0015] If the fastening device is a hook-type fastener, it can be a hook protrusion or a hook patch / strip.

[0016] Hook and loop patches / strips comprise a base formed of sheet material, for example, having generally parallel upper and lower surfaces. The lower surface is typically attached to a third or fourth side panel by adhesive, ultrasonic welding, or heat sealing / welding, or a combination thereof. The sheet material base can be square, rectangular, rounded, or any other shape.

[0017] On the upper surface, multiple discrete fastening elements, including stems, protrude from the base formed of the sheet. The stems may be evenly distributed over the entire area or in different areas, for example, as strips. The stems may be, for example, hooks adapted for attachment to rings. When the fasteners (i.e., the areas of fastening material) are pressed together or arranged with ring material, the hooks engage in the rings, and both are fastened to each other. The back sheet or the first and second side panels may serve as the ring material.

[0018] As an alternative to hook patches / strips, hook protrusions can be used. These protrusions can be elongated protrusions with an attachment at one end, through which the protrusion is permanently attached to a third or fourth side panel, and a fastening portion at the opposite end, having hooks configured for releasably engaging loop material on absorbent articles. The fastening portion typically protrudes laterally above the outer edge of the side panel.

[0019] Another alternative to separate hook patches / strips or hook protrusions is to have hooks integrally formed in the third and fourth side panels. A method for forming integral hooks is described in WO2010 / 085492.

[0020] The side panels can be attached to the front and back of the top web or the web forming the barrier by adhesive or by ultrasonic welding or thermal welding.

[0021] The topsheet of an absorbent garment is appropriately permeable to allow bodily fluids such as urine to penetrate its thickness. Furthermore, the topsheet is made of a soft material that provides a gentle feel against the wearer's skin.

[0022] The top sheet can be made of various web materials such as woven and nonwoven webs, perforated membranes, open-cell foams, or combinations or laminates of the above materials.

[0023] In the context of this disclosure, "nonwoven" refers to sheets, webs, or waddings made of directional or randomly oriented fibers bound together by friction and / or cohesive and / or adhesive forces, excluding paper and products that are woven, knitted, tufted, stitched with binding yarns or filaments, or made by wet felting, whether or not additionally needle-punched. Fibers can be of natural or man-made origin and can be short fibers, continuous filaments, or formed in situ. Commercially available fibers have diameters ranging from less than about 0.001 mm to greater than about 0.2 mm, and they occur in several different forms: short fibers (referred to as chopped fibers or short fibers), continuous monofilaments (filaments or monofilaments), untwisted continuous filament bundles (tows), and twisted continuous filament bundles (yarns). Nonwoven fabrics can be formed by a variety of processes, such as meltblowing, spunbonding, solvent spinning, electrospinning, and carding.

[0024] Suitable nonwoven materials for top sheets can be made from synthetic fibers such as polyester or polypropylene, or natural fibers such as cotton. Blends of synthetic and natural fibers can also be used.

[0025] The nonwoven material used for the topsheet can be made, for example, from spunbond, spunbond / spunbond composites, or spunbond / meltblown composites such as SMS (spunbond / meltblown / spunbond), SSMS, SSMMS, SMMS, nonwoven polypropylene, or bicomponent fibers of polypropylene and polyethylene, or combinations of such materials. The topsheet may also have elastic properties.

[0026] The top sheet can be hydrophilized to improve the tendency of urine to penetrate the top sheet into the underlying structure. Methods for hydrophilizing nonwovens are known and include coating the nonwoven material with a hydrophilic coating, such as by applying a surfactant coating; by applying a hydrophilic monomer composition and a free radical polymerization initiator to the nonwoven material and then initiating a polymerization reaction on the nonwoven material; by applying a coating of hydrophilic nanoparticles; or by treating the surface of the nonwoven material with a high-energy treatment (corona, plasma).

[0027] Surfactant coatings can be obtained, for example, by applying a surfactant composition to a nonwoven material in any suitable manner, including spraying, slot coating, kiss-roll coating, and / or immersing the material in a bath containing the surfactant. Hydrophilization treatment can be performed online during the assembly of the absorbent article, or it can be performed separately, after which the topsheet can be delivered as a ready-to-use roller to the disposable absorbent article manufacturing plant.

[0028] Top sheet material can have 8 g / m 2 Up to 25 g / m 2 Such as 12 g / m 2 Up to 17 g / m 2 The basis weight. However, this disclosure is not limited to topsheet materials having that basis weight.

[0029] Liquid-impermeable backing sheets for absorbent fabrics can extend beyond the periphery of the absorbent structure. The backing sheet prevents effluent absorbed by the absorbent structure from contaminating other external products that may come into contact with the disposable absorbent hygiene product, such as sheets and underwear. The backing sheet can be substantially impermeable to liquids such as urine.

[0030] The backing sheet can be substantially impermeable to liquids but permeable to air, meaning that air and other gases can pass through the backing sheet, which is substantially impermeable to liquids.

[0031] For the purposes of this disclosure, any material known generally to be used as a backsheet material may be included in the backsheet, including but not limited to polymer films, such as films of polyethylene, polypropylene, or copolymers of polyethylene or polypropylene, hydrophobic nonwoven materials, liquid-impermeable foams, and liquid-impermeable laminates.

[0032] The backsheet may include one or more layers of material. For example, the backsheet may include a laminate of a liquid-impermeable polymer film facing the absorbent structure, and may further include a nonwoven material facing the substrate away from the wearer to provide a fabric-soft feel to the outer surface of the disposable absorbent article.

[0033] It is also envisioned that the backing sheet could be made of or otherwise incorporate entirely or partially elastic material to give the product a better fit during use.

[0034] The elasticity of the third and fourth side panels allows them to stretch at least in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The advantage of having elastic elements in the side panels of the back of an absorbent article is that the article adapts more easily to the body when the user is stationary or moving. It also improves the absorbent article's ability to adapt to different body types. The elastic side panels in the back also increase the product's ability to stay in place during use and enhance comfort in most cases. When applied to the wearer, it also makes the absorbent product more forgiving and thus reduces leakage.

[0035] The resilient panel components should have dimensions that ensure their proper functioning, while also being as small as possible to be cost-effective. From a sustainability perspective, small resilient panel components are also beneficial. Therefore, the middle section of the resilient panel component should have a width ranging from 5mm to 20mm along the transverse axis.

[0036] As used herein, the terms "inner panel member" and "outer panel member" refer to the lateral positioning of the panel members. Thus, each inner panel member is laterally positioned closer to the longitudinal axis than the corresponding outer panel member.

[0037] According to one example embodiment, the resilient panel member comprises a sheet material having a first load of 120%, which is in the range of 2-6 N, preferably 2-4 N, as measured according to the methods disclosed herein. This ensures that the resilient panel member is easily activated when the absorbent article is applied to the wearer. It is desirable that the resilient panel member be easily activated because it is undesirable to pull too much on the product when applying it, as this could be uncomfortable for the wearer. If a higher force is required to activate the resilient panel member, it is possible that the resilient panel member needs to be activated before application to the wearer, i.e., after it has been removed from its packaging or shelf, for example in a nursing home, and before application to the wearer. Caregivers may lack the knowledge and / or time to do this, and this could result in the absorbent product not being properly secured to the wearer's body, and could cause leakage and, in the worst case, fall off.

[0038] According to one example embodiment, the sheet material of the resilient panel member has a second unload of greater than 1.2 N at 75% and a second unload of greater than 0.8 N at 50%, as measured according to the methods disclosed herein. This improves the absorbent product's ability to remain adequately held against the wearer's body. The absorbent product requires a certain force within the sheet material of the resilient panel member to remain on the body.

[0039] According to one example embodiment, the middle portion of the resilient panel member is positioned along the transverse axis at a distance from the corresponding first or second side edge of the substrate at a point equal to two-thirds of the maximum length of the corresponding third and fourth side panels, where the inner panel member is attached to the substrate. It may be advantageous that the resilient panel member is not positioned too close to the fastening device, as this could lead to a loss of its effect. Most movement will occur in the front half of the body periphery. However, when the back panel is positioned on top of the front panel, friction may exist between the parts, so if the resilient panel member overlaps with the first side panel or back panel in the front, the elasticity in the resilient side panel member can be locked or reduced by the friction between the parts. The front side panels are the first and second side panels, while the back side panels are the third and fourth side panels.

[0040] According to one example embodiment, the middle portion of the elastic panel member is positioned at a distance of at least 20 mm from the corresponding first or second side edge of the substrate in a direction along the transverse axis, at which the inner panel member is attached to the substrate. Advantageously, the elastic panel member is arranged not close to the first or second side edge. If so, the elastic risk cannot be effectively noticed and compensated for by body movement. An elastic panel member not too close to the side edges also allows a person wearing an absorbent garment on the wearer to see whether they have activated the elastic panel member. Furthermore, it limits the risk of the wearer lying on the elastic panel member and thus locking the elasticity within it. It may be advantageous to place the elastic panel member on the side of the hip to regulate movement from the abdomen when the wearer changes posture between lying, sitting, and standing, as well as during leg movements. If the elastic panel member is too close to the back, the wearer risks lying on it and locking the elastic panel member.

[0041] According to one example embodiment, a resilient panel member is attached to the inner panel member in a first overlapping region at a first fastening region, and to the outer panel member in a second overlapping region at a second fastening region. The resilient panel member has a width of less than 40 mm along a transverse axis, extending over the middle portion and over the first and second overlapping regions. Having a short resilient panel member is both cost-effective and environmentally friendly compared to a longer resilient panel member.

[0042] The first and second overlapping regions are areas seen in a plane spanned by the transverse and longitudinal axes. In the first / second overlapping regions, a portion of the inner / outer panel member is arranged with the elastic panel member in a stacking relationship seen in the thickness direction.

[0043] According to one example embodiment, the resilient panel member is attached to the inner panel member at the first fastening area by adhesive, thermal bonding or welding, and / or the resilient panel member is attached to the outer panel member at the second fastening area by adhesive, thermal bonding or welding.

[0044] According to one example embodiment, the resilient panel component includes a sheet material, and the sheet material is an elastic laminate formed by an elastic film layer disposed between two fibrous materials (e.g., a nonwoven layer).

[0045] Examples of elastic laminates suitable for forming elastic panel components are any elastic laminates known in the art. A set of elastic laminates is a so-called “stretch-bonded” laminate, wherein the elastic layer is stretched in at least one direction before being laminated with one or more inelastic layers. After the tension is removed from the elastic layer, it is free to retract to its unstretched state, and the inelastic layers laminated to it (multiple inelastic layers) become aggregated, thereby producing three-dimensional wrinkling.

[0046] Another group of elastic laminates is the so-called "neck-bonded" laminate, which refers to a laminate in which an elastic material is bonded to a non-elastic material while the non-elastic member extends under conditions of reduced width or necking. A "neck-bonded laminate" is a composite material having at least two layers, one of which is a necked-down non-elastic layer, and the other is an elastic layer. These layers are bonded together when the non-elastic layer is in an extended state.

[0047] Another set of elastic laminates consists of a non-elastic nonwoven layer laminated onto an elastic membrane, and this laminate is stretched above the failure point of the nonwoven material, causing the non-elastic layer to break.

[0048] Alternatively, the resilient panel component includes one or more resilient lines or strips that are retractably attached between layers of fabric, such as a nonwoven layer.

[0049] Alternatively, the sheet material of the resilient panel component can be an elastic membrane or an elastic nonwoven fabric.

[0050] According to one example embodiment, the first and second side edges together define an hourglass shape of the substrate, such that the substrate has a minimum width along a transverse axis extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0051] The hourglass shape of the base can be formed by a first side edge and a second side edge extending between the front edge and the back edge. The first and second side edges can at least partially form a contour in the crotch of the base. The crotch of the base is arranged between the front and back of the base. The crotch, as defined herein, is the narrow portion of an article intended to be worn between the legs of the wearer. The contour refers to the fact that the first and second side edges can be curved or V-shaped, allowing the base to achieve an hourglass shape. When the absorbent article is in use, each of the first and second side edges forms part of a leg opening. Together, the first and second side edges define the hourglass shape, which has its narrowest width in the lateral direction. The narrowest width is typically located in the crotch of the base. The first and second side edges can be arranged symmetrically about a longitudinal axis.

[0052] An hourglass shape means that the base is at least partially wider than the crotch area of ​​the base in the front and back. That is, the absorbent material can be relatively wider at the ends and relatively narrower towards the middle of the product. This design facilitates the product forming and closing around the wearer, thus providing a better fit around the legs. The hourglass shape also helps the absorbent material to be correctly positioned in the longitudinal direction because it has a pre-set position due to its shape conforming to the wearer's legs and the absorbent product.

[0053] The hourglass shape can be symmetrical or substantially symmetrical about a transverse axis. The base can be wider at its ends, have the same predetermined distance at the front and back, and narrow symmetrically toward the center of the crotch. The hourglass shape can also be asymmetrical, where the base is wider at its ends, has the same or different predetermined distances at the front and back, and narrows asymmetrically toward the center of the crotch. That is, in the crotch portion of the base near the front, each contoured, longitudinally extending side edge can include a first concave bow with a first radius transitioning to a second bow with a second radius, where the first radius is smaller than the second radius. Alternatively, the second radius is smaller than the first radius. Alternatively, instead of two different bows, there can be three or more bows.

[0054] The absorbent structure can also have an hourglass shape, meaning that the absorbent structure is wider at the front and back of the base than at the crotch of the base in order to provide effective fluid absorption. At the same time, this design promotes the product to form and close around the wearer, thereby giving a better fit around the legs.

[0055] According to one example embodiment, the absorbent article further includes at least one first elastic element attached to a substrate, the first elastic element including a first central portion extending along a portion of a first side edge, and the absorbent article further includes at least one second elastic element attached to the substrate, the second elastic element including a second central portion extending along a portion of a second side edge.

[0056] The first and second elastic elements are leg elastic elements, adapted to abut against the wearer's legs and seal the leg openings. The first and second elastic elements can be symmetrically positioned on either side of the longitudinal axis.

[0057] The first elastic element and the second elastic element may at least partially follow the contours of the corresponding first and second side edges. Following the contours means that the first elastic element and the second elastic element follow the corresponding first and second side edges by a predetermined lateral distance, which is substantially the same above the portion of the contour followed. However, the first elastic element and the second elastic element may not follow the contours of the first and second side edges.

[0058] The first and second elastic elements can be any suitable leg elastic element known in the art, such as elastic bands, elastic ropes or lines, foam, etc.

[0059] Absorbent articles with side panels can be produced in a length-direction production method, wherein the articles are continuously produced from a continuous web running in a machine direction consistent with the length direction of the article being produced. The continuous elastic elements forming the first and second elastic elements are stretched and fed together with the traveling web, and intermittently attached in their stretched state between the top web or any other suitable web (such as a web forming a stop member, also known as an upright pleat) and the back web, by means of adhesive, ultrasonic welding, or thermal welding along the portion of the article to form the leg edge in the final absorbent article.

[0060] Side panels can be attached to the front and back of each pre-absorbent article in the moving web of the pre-absorbent article, and can be attached between the top web and the back web or between the web forming the barrier and the back web by means of adhesive, ultrasonic welding or thermal welding.

[0061] As described above, the first elastic element includes a first central portion extending along a portion of a first side edge. The second elastic element includes a second central portion extending along a portion of a second side edge. The first central portion of the first elastic element and the second central portion of the second elastic element may extend along at least a portion of the crotch area of ​​the base.

[0062] According to one example embodiment, the first elastic element further includes a first straight portion extending along a longitudinal axis between a first central portion and a front edge of the first elastic element. The longitudinal extension of the first elastic element overlaps with at least a portion of the longitudinal range of the first side panel by at least a first distance, as viewed along the longitudinal axis. The second elastic element further includes a second straight portion extending along a longitudinal axis between a second central portion and a front edge of the second elastic element. The longitudinal range of the second elastic element overlaps with at least a portion of the longitudinal range of the second side panel by at least a second distance, as viewed along the longitudinal axis.

[0063] That is, a portion of the longitudinal range of the first elastic element overlaps with at least a portion of the longitudinal range of the first side panel, and a portion of the longitudinal range of the second elastic element overlaps with at least a portion of the longitudinal range of the second side panel.

[0064] The first straight portion and the second straight portion may extend along a portion of the corresponding first side edge and the second side edge.

[0065] The fact that the first / second straight portion extends "between" the first / second central portion and the front edge means that the first / second straight portion is positioned between the first / second central portion and the front edge. Therefore, the first / second straight portion does not need to extend continuously between the first / second central portion and the front edge. The first straight portion can extend from the first central portion toward the front edge. The first straight portion can extend directly from the first central portion or via a first connecting portion, such as a first curved connecting portion. The second straight portion can extend from the second central portion toward the front edge. The second straight portion can extend directly from the second central portion or via a second connecting portion, such as a second curved connecting portion.

[0066] The longitudinal extent of an object is the extent of its extension as viewed along the longitudinal axis, that is, its projection on the longitudinal axis.

[0067] The above refers to the fact that the longitudinal range of the first straight portion of the first elastic element can completely or partially overlap with at least a portion of the longitudinal range of the first side panel, as viewed along the longitudinal axis. This also includes the possibility that the longitudinal range of the first straight portion overlaps with a portion of the longitudinal range of the first central portion and / or a portion or the entire first connecting portion of the first elastic element with the longitudinal range of the first side panel, as viewed along the longitudinal axis. The same applies to the second elastic element. That is, as viewed along the longitudinal axis, the longitudinal range of the second straight portion of the second elastic element can completely or partially overlap with at least a portion of the longitudinal range of the second side panel. This also includes the possibility that the longitudinal range of the second straight portion overlaps with a portion of the longitudinal range of the second central portion and / or a portion or the entire second connecting portion of the second elastic element with the longitudinal range of the second side panel, as viewed along the longitudinal axis.

[0068] If the absorbent article comprises a plurality of first elastic elements and a plurality of second elastic elements, then one or more of the first elastic elements and / or one or more of the second elastic elements may overlap with the corresponding first side panel and second side panel by a corresponding first distance and a second distance. Then, one or more of the first elastic elements may each include a first straight portion and a first central portion, and one or more of the second elastic elements may each include a second straight portion and a second central portion. The term "plural" is to be interpreted herein as two or more elastic elements.

[0069] The first and second elastic elements can be arranged in an overlapping manner with the corresponding first and second sides in the transverse direction of the product. In other words, as viewed in the thickness direction of the product, the first and second elastic elements can be arranged to at least partially overlap with the corresponding first and second sides. In this case, it is preferable that the first and second elastic elements are arranged between the layers forming the backsheet (e.g., the inner plastic film and the outer nonwoven web) so that the attachment of the side panel to the substrate is not affected. Alternatively, the first and second elastic elements can be arranged to be spaced apart from the corresponding first and second sides in the transverse direction of the article. In other words, the first and second elastic elements can be arranged not to overlap with the corresponding first and second sides in the thickness direction of the product. In this way, the first and second elastic elements can be arranged, for example, between the top sheet and the back sheet.

[0070] Viewed along the longitudinal axis, the overlap of the longitudinal extents of the first and second elastic elements with the longitudinal extents of the first and second side panels, respectively, in the front portion facilitates the elastic elements tightening the substrate in the tensioned area between the first and second side panels. That is, the front and / or front portion of the crotch area of ​​the substrate is pulled towards the body. This provides improved tightening around the wearer's legs, especially the front, allowing the absorbent material to better adapt to body shape and movement, thereby reducing the risk of leakage. Without this overlap, an opening between the body and the absorbent material could appear in the front area. The overlap of the elastic elements reduces this risk.

[0071] Absorbent articles may include a plurality of first elastic elements and second elastic elements. In this case, the longitudinal extent of all elastic elements need not overlap with the longitudinal extent of the corresponding first and second side panels by a first or second distance, as viewed along the longitudinal axis. It is sufficient that at least one of the first elastic elements and at least one of the second elastic elements overlap.

[0072] According to one example embodiment, each of the first and second straight portions extends parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0073] According to one example embodiment, each of the first and second straight portions has an extension range of at least 5 mm, preferably 5 mm to 90 mm, and more preferably 20 mm to 70 mm along the longitudinal axis.

[0074] According to an example embodiment, each of the first straight portion and the second straight portion has a longitudinal extension range and a lateral extension range, wherein the longitudinal extension range is greater than the lateral extension range.

[0075] According to one example embodiment, each of the first and second straight sections forms an angle of less than 20 degrees with the longitudinal axis L, for example, less than 10 degrees or less than 5 degrees.

[0076] According to an example embodiment, the first straight portion and the second straight portion may each be the end of the first elastic element and the second elastic element, respectively.

[0077] According to one example embodiment, the longitudinal extent of each of the first straight portion and the second straight portion overlaps with the longitudinal extent of the first side panel and the second side panel, respectively.

[0078] According to one example embodiment, each of the first straight portion and the second straight portion is attached to the substrate.

[0079] If the absorbent article comprises a plurality of first elastic elements and a plurality of second elastic elements, then the first straight portion of one or more or all of the first elastic elements and / or the second straight portion of one or more or all of the second elastic elements may be characterized according to the above description of the first straight portion and the second straight portion.

[0080] According to one example embodiment, a first distance is measured parallel to the longitudinal axis from the point where the back edge of the back of the first side panel facing the substrate intersects with the first side edge of the substrate; and a second distance is measured parallel to the longitudinal axis from the point where the back edge of the second side panel facing the substrate intersects with the second side edge of the substrate.

[0081] According to one example embodiment, a first side panel has a longitudinal range parallel to a longitudinal axis, extending from a back edge of the first side panel facing the substrate to a front edge of the first side panel facing away from the substrate. At least a portion of a first straight portion of a first elastic element extends along this longitudinal range, thereby forming the overlap as viewed along the longitudinal axis, where the longitudinal range of the first elastic element overlaps with at least a portion of the longitudinal range of the first side panel. Furthermore, a second side panel may have a longitudinal range parallel to a longitudinal axis, extending from a back edge of the second side panel facing the substrate to a front edge of the second side panel facing away from the substrate. At least a portion of a second straight portion of a second elastic element extends along this longitudinal range, thereby forming the overlap as viewed along the longitudinal axis, where the longitudinal range of the second elastic element overlaps with at least a portion of the longitudinal range of the second side panel.

[0082] According to one example embodiment, a first side panel has a longitudinal range parallel to a longitudinal axis, extending from a back edge of the first side panel facing the substrate to a front edge of the first side panel facing away from the substrate. At least a portion of a first straight portion of a first elastic element extends parallel to the longitudinal range of the first side panel, thereby forming the overlap as viewed along the longitudinal axis, where the longitudinal range of the first elastic element overlaps with at least a portion of the longitudinal range of the first side panel. Similarly, a second side panel has a longitudinal range parallel to a longitudinal axis, extending from a back edge of the second side panel facing the substrate to a front edge of the second side panel facing away from the substrate. At least a portion of a second straight portion of a second elastic element extends parallel to the longitudinal range of the second side panel, thereby forming the overlap as viewed along the longitudinal axis, where the longitudinal range of the second elastic element overlaps with at least a portion of the longitudinal range of the second side panel.

[0083] According to one example embodiment, the absorbent article includes a plurality of first elastic elements and a plurality of second elastic elements. Each of the first elastic elements includes a first central portion and a first straight portion, each extending along a portion of a first side edge and the first straight portion extending along a longitudinal axis between the first central portion and the front edge of the first elastic element. Each of the second elastic elements includes a second central portion and a second straight portion, each extending along a portion of a second side edge and the second straight portion extending along a longitudinal axis between a corresponding second central portion and the front edge of the second elastic element.

[0084] According to one example embodiment, at least two of the first straight portions of a plurality of first elastic elements are straight and parallel to each other; and at least two of the second straight portions of a plurality of second elastic elements are straight and parallel to each other.

[0085] According to one example embodiment, each of the first straight portions of a plurality of first elastic elements is straight and parallel to each other; and each of the second straight portions of a plurality of second elastic elements is straight and parallel to each other.

[0086] According to an example embodiment, the lateral spacing between the first elastic elements at the first straight portion is 0.5mm-15mm, preferably 0.5mm-6mm, more preferably 0.5mm-4mm, and the lateral spacing between the second elastic elements at the second straight portion is 0.5mm-15mm, preferably 0.5mm-6mm, more preferably 0.5mm-4mm. The lateral spacing should be understood as the distance between two elastic elements arranged adjacent to each other. The advantage of having this distance between the elastic elements at the straight portion (i.e., between elastic elements arranged adjacent to each other) is that the elastic elements are close together and will function as a larger elastic member, and therefore the force is better distributed in that area.

[0087] According to one example embodiment, the lateral spacing between the first elastic elements increases from a smaller spacing closer to the first straight portion to a larger spacing farther away from the first straight portion, while the lateral spacing between the second elastic elements increases from a smaller spacing closer to the second straight portion to a larger distance farther away from the second straight portion. That is, the lateral spacing in the central portion is greater than the lateral spacing in the corresponding straight portions. The advantage of having a larger distance between the elastic elements in the central portion than in the corresponding straight portions is that the elastic elements are distributed over a larger area in the lateral direction and form a leg cuff that is soft and comfortable for the wearer while providing sufficient leakage protection.

[0088] According to one example embodiment, the maximum lateral spacing between the first elastic elements at the first central portion is in the range of 0.5mm-15mm, preferably 0.5mm-10mm, and more preferably 0.5mm-8mm. The maximum lateral spacing between the second elastic elements at the second central portion is in the range of 0.5mm-15mm, preferably 0.5mm-10mm, and more preferably 0.5mm-8mm.

[0089] According to an example embodiment, the first straight portion extends along the longitudinal axis from the first central portion of the first elastic element toward the front edge; and the second straight portion extends along the longitudinal axis from the second central portion of the second elastic element toward the front edge.

[0090] According to one example embodiment, each of the first and second central portions is curved. If the absorbent article comprises a plurality of first elastic elements and a plurality of second elastic elements, then each of the first and second central portions of one or more of the first elastic elements and one or more of the second elastic elements may be curved. They may be curved with the same or different radii.

[0091] According to an example embodiment, the first central portion of the first elastic element is curved such that the bending direction of the end of the first central portion at the transition between the first central portion and the first straight portion follows a first imaginary line, which extends at a first angle within the range of 10-50 degrees, preferably 20-40 degrees, with respect to the longitudinal axis. Similarly, the second central portion of the second elastic element is curved such that the bending direction of the end of the second central portion at the transition between the second central portion and the second straight portion follows a second imaginary line, which extends at a second angle within the range of 10-50 degrees, preferably 20-40 degrees, with respect to the longitudinal axis. By making the end of each curved portion follow an imaginary line extending at an angle within the aforementioned range with respect to the longitudinal axis, when the product is placed on the wearer, the elastic threads in the curved portions, at least in the area near the front, will be appropriately activated when pulled out and stretched. That is, when the third and fourth side panels are stretched forward and fastened at the front to the corresponding first and second side panels or the backing, the front of the absorbent article will be stretched, and thus the elastic threads will be stretched. This is especially true when the third side panel is attached to the first front panel and the fourth side panel is attached to the second side panel.

[0092] If the absorbent article comprises a plurality of first elastic elements, then each first central portion of each first elastic element may follow an imaginary line extending at a corresponding angle to the longitudinal axis, the corresponding angle being in the range of 10 degrees to 50 degrees, preferably 20 degrees to 40 degrees. If the absorbent article comprises a plurality of second elastic elements, then each second central portion of each second elastic element may follow an imaginary line extending at a corresponding angle to the longitudinal axis, the corresponding angle being in the range of 10 degrees to 50 degrees, preferably 20 degrees to 40 degrees.

[0093] According to one example embodiment, the first central portion of the first elastic element is curved such that the bending direction of the end of the first central portion at the transition between the first central portion and the first straight portion follows a first imaginary line, which intersects a portion of the first side edge of the base to which the first side panel is attached; and the second central portion of the second elastic element is curved such that the bending direction of the end of the second central portion at the transition between the second central portion and the second straight portion follows a second imaginary line, which intersects a portion of the second side edge of the base to which the second side panel is attached (2). This increases the likelihood that the central portion is sufficiently stretched when the absorbent article is placed on a wearer, i.e., when the third and fourth side panels are stretched forward and secured to the respective first and second side panels or the backing sheet at the front of the base during use. In other words, the third and fourth side panels are generally applied under tension to activate any laterally extending elastic elements, such as waist elastic elements, side panel elastic elements, etc. (if any), but they will also activate the first and second straight portions, as well as the first and second central portions, of the corresponding first and second elastic elements.

[0094] If the absorbent article includes a plurality of first elastic elements, each first central portion of each first elastic element may follow an imaginary line intersecting a portion of a first side edge of the substrate, wherein a first side panel is attached to the substrate. If the absorbent article includes a plurality of second elastic elements, each second central portion of each second elastic element may follow an imaginary line intersecting a portion of a second side edge of the substrate, wherein a second side panel is attached to the substrate.

[0095] Preferably, each imaginary line spans the corresponding side edge of the substrate in the middle region of the corresponding side panel in the longitudinal direction (where each side panel is attached to the substrate).

[0096] According to one example embodiment, the first elastic element includes a first connecting portion disposed between the first straight portion and the first central portion, and the second elastic element includes a second connecting portion disposed between the second straight portion (P2) and the second central portion. In this way, the transition between the respective central portion and the respective first and second straight portions can be smooth, and is sometimes easier to manufacture than a sharp transition.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the first connecting portion is a first curved connecting portion, and the second connecting portion is a second curved connecting portion.

[0098] According to one example embodiment, the first central portion of the first elastic element is curved such that the bending direction of the end of the first central portion at the transition between the first central portion and the first connecting portion follows a first imaginary line, which intersects a portion of the first side edge of the substrate to which a first side panel is attached; and the second central portion of the second elastic element is curved such that the bending direction of the end of the second central portion at the transition between the second central portion and the second connecting portion follows a second imaginary line, which intersects a portion of the second side edge of the substrate to which a second side panel is attached. This increases the likelihood that the central portion is sufficiently stretched when the absorbent article is placed on the wearer.

[0099] According to one example embodiment, as viewed along the longitudinal axis, a portion of the longitudinal range of the corresponding first and second central portions overlaps with a portion of the longitudinal range of the first or second side panel, respectively. Therefore, the total distance of overlap between the corresponding first and second straight portions and the corresponding first or second central portions can be in the range of 5mm-40mm, preferably 10mm-30mm. If the absorbent article comprises a plurality of first elastic elements and a plurality of second elastic elements, this can be applied to one or more of the first elastic elements and one or more of the second elastic elements.

[0100] According to one example embodiment, the first elastic element further includes a third straight portion extending along a longitudinal axis between a first central portion of the first elastic element and a back edge of the substrate. Viewed along the longitudinal axis, the longitudinal extent of the first elastic element overlaps at least a third distance with at least a portion of the longitudinal extent of the third side panel. Furthermore, the second elastic element further includes a fourth straight portion extending along a longitudinal axis between a second central portion of the second elastic element and a back edge of the substrate. Viewed along the longitudinal axis, the longitudinal extent of the second elastic element longitudinally overlaps at least a fourth distance with at least a portion of the longitudinal extent of the fourth side panel. That is, a portion of the longitudinal extent of the first elastic element overlaps at least a portion of the longitudinal extent of the third side panel, and a portion of the longitudinal extent of the second elastic element overlaps at least a portion of the longitudinal extent of the fourth side panel. This facilitates the elastic element pulling the substrate taut from the area of ​​the substrate tensioned between the third and fourth side panels. In other words, at least the back and / or crotch portion of the substrate is pulled towards the body. This provides improved tightening, particularly around the wearer's legs in the back, allowing the absorbent material to better conform to body shape and movement, thereby reducing the risk of leakage from the absorbent material in the back. Without overlap, an opening between the body and the absorbent product may appear in the back. Overlapping of the elastic elements reduces this risk. If the absorbent article comprises multiple first elastic elements and multiple second elastic elements, one or more third elastic elements and / or one or more fourth elastic elements may overlap with the corresponding third and / or fourth side panels by corresponding third and fourth distances. Then, one or more first elastic elements may each include a third straight portion, and one or more second elastic elements may each include a fourth straight portion.

[0101] By overlapping at least a portion of the longitudinal range of the first elastic element with the longitudinal range of the third side panel by a third distance, and by overlapping at least a portion of the longitudinal range of the second elastic element with the longitudinal range of the fourth side panel by a fourth distance (as viewed along the longitudinal axis), the longitudinal range of the third straight portion of the first elastic element can completely or partially overlap with at least a portion of the longitudinal range of the third side panel. This also includes the possibility that the longitudinal range of the third straight portion and a portion of the longitudinal range of the first central portion of the first elastic element can overlap with the longitudinal range of the third side panel. The same applies to the second elastic element. That is, as viewed along the longitudinal axis, the longitudinal range of the fourth straight portion of the second elastic element can completely or partially overlap with at least a portion of the longitudinal range of the fourth side panel. This also includes the possibility that the longitudinal range of the fourth straight portion and a portion of the longitudinal range of the second central portion of the second elastic element can overlap with the longitudinal range of the fourth side panel.

[0102] The fact that the third / fourth straight portion extends "between" the first / second central portion and the back edge means that the third / fourth straight portion is positioned between the first / second central portion and the back edge. Therefore, the third / fourth straight portion does not need to extend continuously between the first / second central portion and the back edge.

[0103] According to an example embodiment, the third straight portion extends along the longitudinal axis from the first central portion of the first elastic element toward the back edge, and the fourth straight portion extends along the longitudinal axis from the second central portion of the second elastic element toward the back edge.

[0104] The third straight portion may extend directly from the first central portion or via the third connecting portion (e.g., the third curved connecting portion). The fourth straight portion may extend directly from the second central portion or via the fourth connecting portion (e.g., the second curved connecting portion).

[0105] The first and second elastic elements can be arranged in an overlapping manner with the corresponding third and fourth sides in the transverse direction of the product. In other words, the first and second elastic elements can be arranged to overlap at least partially with the corresponding third and fourth sides, as viewed in the thickness direction of the product. In this case, it is preferable that the first and second elastic elements are arranged between the layers forming the backsheet, for example, between the inner plastic film and the outer nonwoven web, so that the attachment of the side panel to the substrate is not affected. Alternatively, the first and second elastic elements can be arranged to be spaced apart from the corresponding third and fourth sides in the transverse direction of the product. In other words, the first and second elastic elements can be arranged not to overlap with the corresponding third and fourth sides in the thickness direction of the product. Thus, the first and second elastic elements can be arranged, for example, between the top sheet and the backsheet, or between the blocking member and the backsheet.

[0106] According to one example embodiment, in the first elastic element, a first central portion is arranged longitudinally between a first straight portion and a third straight portion, and in the second elastic element, a second central portion is arranged longitudinally between a second straight portion and a fourth straight portion. If the absorbent article comprises a plurality of first elastic elements and second elastic elements, this arrangement also applies to each of the first elastic elements and the second elastic element.

[0107] According to one example embodiment, each of the third and fourth straight sections extends parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0108] According to one example embodiment, each of the third and fourth straight portions has an extension range of at least 5 mm, preferably 5 mm to 130 mm, and more preferably 30 mm to 100 mm along the longitudinal axis.

[0109] According to an example embodiment, each of the third and fourth straight sections has a longitudinal extension range and a lateral extension range, with the longitudinal extension range being greater than the lateral extension range.

[0110] According to one example embodiment, each of the third and fourth straight sections forms an angle of less than 20 degrees with the longitudinal axis, for example, less than 10 degrees or less than 5 degrees.

[0111] According to an example embodiment, the third straight portion and the fourth straight portion may each be the end of the first elastic element and the second elastic element, respectively.

[0112] According to one example embodiment, the longitudinal extent of each of the third and fourth straight sections overlaps with the longitudinal extent of the third and fourth side panels, respectively.

[0113] According to an example embodiment, each of the third and fourth straight sections is attached to the substrate.

[0114] According to one example embodiment, each of the first central portion and the second central portion is attached to the substrate.

[0115] If the absorbent article comprises a plurality of first elastic elements and a plurality of second elastic elements, then the third straight portion of one or more or all of the first elastic elements and / or the fourth straight portion of one or more or all of the second elastic elements may be as described above regarding the characteristics of the third and fourth straight portions.

[0116] According to one example embodiment, the third distance is measured parallel to the longitudinal axis from the point where the front edge of the front portion of the third side panel facing the substrate intersects with the first side edge of the substrate, and the fourth distance is measured parallel to the longitudinal axis from the point where the front edge of the front portion of the fourth side panel facing the substrate intersects with the second side edge of the substrate.

[0117] According to one example embodiment, the third side panel has a longitudinal range parallel to a longitudinal axis, extending from the front edge of the front portion of the third side panel facing the substrate to the back edge of the front portion of the third side panel facing away from the substrate. At least a portion of the third straight portion of the first elastic element extends along the longitudinal range of the third side panel, thereby forming the overlap as viewed along the longitudinal axis, where the longitudinal range of the first elastic element overlaps with at least a portion of the longitudinal range of the third side panel. Furthermore, the fourth side panel has a longitudinal range parallel to a longitudinal axis, extending from the front edge of the front portion of the fourth side panel facing the substrate to the back edge of the front portion of the fourth side panel facing away from the substrate. At least a portion of the fourth straight portion of the second elastic element extends along the longitudinal range of the second side panel, thereby forming the overlap as viewed along the longitudinal axis, where the longitudinal range of the second elastic element overlaps with at least a portion of the longitudinal range of the fourth side panel.

[0118] According to one example embodiment, the third side panel has a longitudinal range parallel to a longitudinal axis, extending from the front edge of the front portion of the third side panel facing the substrate to the back edge of the front portion of the third side panel away from the substrate. At least a portion of the third straight portion of the third elastic element extends parallel to the longitudinal range of the third side panel, thereby forming an overlap as viewed along the longitudinal axis, where the longitudinal range of the first elastic element overlaps with at least a portion of the longitudinal range of the third side panel. Furthermore, the fourth side panel has a longitudinal range parallel to a longitudinal axis, extending from the front edge of the front portion of the fourth side panel facing the substrate to the back edge of the front portion of the fourth side panel away from the substrate. At least a portion of the fourth straight portion of the second elastic element extends parallel to the longitudinal range of the fourth side panel, thereby forming an overlap as viewed along the longitudinal axis, where the longitudinal range of the second elastic element overlaps with at least a portion of the longitudinal range of the fourth side panel.

[0119] According to an example embodiment, as viewed along the longitudinal axis, a portion of the longitudinal range of the corresponding first or second central portion overlaps with a portion of the longitudinal range of the third or fourth side panel, respectively. Therefore, the total distance of the overlap between the corresponding third or fourth straight portion and the corresponding first or second central portion is the corresponding third distance and fourth distance. For example, the third distance and fourth distance can be in the range of 5mm-40mm, preferably 10mm-30mm. If the absorbent article comprises a plurality of first elastic elements and a plurality of second elastic elements, this can be applied to one or more of the first elastic elements and one or more of the second elastic elements.

[0120] According to one example embodiment, the absorbent article includes a plurality of first elastic elements and a plurality of second elastic elements. Each of the first elastic elements includes a first central portion and a third straight portion, each extending along a portion of a first side edge and the third straight portion extending along a longitudinal axis between the first central portion and the back edge of the first elastic element. Each of the second elastic elements includes a second central portion and a fourth straight portion, both extending along a portion of a second side edge and the fourth straight portion extending along a longitudinal axis between the second central portion and the back edge of the second elastic element.

[0121] According to one example embodiment, at least two of the third straight portions of the plurality of first elastic elements are straight and parallel to each other; and at least two of the fourth straight portions of the plurality of second elastic elements are straight and parallel to each other.

[0122] According to one example embodiment, each of the third straight portions of the plurality of first elastic elements is straight and parallel to each other; and each of the fourth straight portions of the plurality of second elastic elements is straight and parallel to each other.

[0123] According to an example embodiment, the absorbent article includes a plurality of first elastic elements and a plurality of second elastic elements. Each first elastic element includes a first central portion and a third straight portion, both extending along a portion of a first side edge. The third straight portion extends along a longitudinal axis from the first central portion of the first elastic element toward a back edge. Each second elastic element includes a second central portion and a fourth straight portion, both extending along a portion of a second side edge. The fourth straight portion extends along a longitudinal axis from the second central portion of the second elastic element toward a back edge. The lateral spacing between the first elastic elements at the third straight portion is 0.5mm-15mm, preferably 0.5mm-6mm, more preferably 0.5mm-4mm, and the lateral spacing between the second elastic elements at the fourth straight portion is 0.5mm-15mm, preferably 0.5mm-6mm, more preferably 0.5mm-4mm. The advantage of having elastic lines at this distance in the straight portion is that the elastic elements are close together and will function as a larger elastic member, and the force is better distributed in the area.

[0124] According to one example embodiment, the absorbent article includes a plurality of first elastic elements and a plurality of second elastic elements, each first elastic element including a first central portion extending along a portion of a first side edge and a third straight portion extending along a longitudinal axis from the first central portion toward a back edge, and each second elastic element including a second central portion extending along a portion of a second side edge and a fourth straight portion extending along a longitudinal axis from the second central portion toward a back edge, wherein the spacing between the first elastic elements increases from a smaller spacing closer to the third straight portion to a larger spacing further away from the third straight portion, and wherein the spacing between the second elastic elements increases from a smaller spacing closer to the fourth straight portion to a larger spacing further away from the fourth straight portion. The advantage of having a larger spacing between the elastic elements in the central portion than in the straight portions is that the elastic elements are distributed over a larger area in the lateral direction and form a leg cuff that is soft and comfortable for the wearer while providing sufficient leakage protection.

[0125] According to an example embodiment, the first central portion of the first elastic element is curved such that the bending direction of the end of the first central portion at the transition between the first central portion and the third straight portion follows a third imaginary line, which extends at a third angle within the range of 10-50 degrees, preferably 20-40 degrees, with respect to the longitudinal axis. Similarly, the second central portion of the second elastic element is curved such that the bending direction of the end of the second central portion at the transition between the second central portion and the fourth straight portion follows a fourth imaginary line, which extends at a fourth angle within the range of 10-50 degrees, preferably 20-40 degrees, with respect to the longitudinal axis. By making the end of each curved portion follow an imaginary line extending at an angle within the aforementioned range with respect to the longitudinal axis, when the product is placed on the wearer, at least in the area near the back, the elastic elements in the curved portions will be appropriately activated when pulled and stretched. That is, when the third and fourth side panels are stretched forward and secured to the corresponding first and second side panels, or secured to the back panel at the front. If the absorbent article comprises a plurality of first elastic elements, then each first central portion of each first elastic element may follow an imaginary line extending at a corresponding angle within the range of 10 degrees to 50 degrees, preferably 20 degrees to 40 degrees, with respect to the longitudinal axis. If the absorbent article comprises a plurality of second elastic elements, then each second central portion of each second elastic element may follow an imaginary line extending at a corresponding angle within the range of 10 degrees to 50 degrees, preferably 20 degrees to 40 degrees, with respect to the longitudinal axis.

[0126] According to one example embodiment, the first central portion of the first elastic element is curved such that the bending direction of the end of the first central portion at the transition between the first central portion and the third straight portion follows a third imaginary line, which intersects a portion of the first side edge of the base to which the third side panel is attached, and the second central portion of the second elastic element is curved such that the bending direction of the end of the second central portion at the transition between the second central portion and the fourth straight portion follows a fourth imaginary line, which intersects a portion of the second side edge of the base to which the fourth side panel is attached. This increases the likelihood that the central portion in the back is sufficiently stretched when the absorbent article is placed on the wearer, i.e., when the third and fourth side panels are stretched forward and secured to the respective first and second side panels or the back piece at the front of the base during use. In other words, the third and fourth side panels are generally applied under tension to activate any laterally extending elastic elements, such as waist elastic elements, side panel elastic elements, etc. (if any), but they will also activate the third and fourth straight portions, as well as the first and second central portions, in the back of the first and second elastic elements. If the absorbent article includes a plurality of first elastic elements, each first central portion of each first elastic element may follow an imaginary line intersecting a portion of the first side edge of the substrate to which the third side panel is attached. If the absorbent article includes a plurality of second elastic elements, each second central portion of each second elastic element may follow an imaginary line intersecting a portion of the second side edge of the substrate to which the fourth side panel is attached.

[0127] Preferably, the imaginary line intersects the corresponding side edge of the substrate in the middle region of the respective side panel, at which each third or fourth side panel is attached to the substrate, as viewed in the longitudinal direction.

[0128] According to an example embodiment, the first elastic element includes a third connecting portion disposed between the third straight portion and the first central portion, and the second elastic element includes a fourth connecting portion disposed between the fourth straight portion and the second central portion.

[0129] According to one example embodiment, the third connecting portion is a first curved connecting portion, and the fourth connecting portion is a fourth curved connecting portion.

[0130] According to one example embodiment, the first central portion of the first elastic element is curved such that the bending direction of the end of the first central portion at the transition between the first central portion and the third connecting portion follows an imaginary line intersecting with a portion of the first side edge of the base where a third side panel is attached to the base, and the second central portion of the second elastic element is curved such that the bending direction of the end of the second central portion at the transition between the second central portion and the fourth connecting portion follows an imaginary line intersecting with a portion of the second side edge of the base where a third side panel is attached to the base. This increases the likelihood that the central portion is sufficiently stretched when the absorbent article is placed on the wearer.

[0131] According to one example embodiment, a first distance is greater than 5 mm and less than half the length of a longitudinal range parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first side panel, the longitudinal range being from the back edge of the first side panel facing the substrate to the front edge of the first side panel facing away from the substrate. A second distance is greater than 5 mm and less than half the length of a longitudinal range parallel to the longitudinal axis of the second side panel, the longitudinal range being from the back edge of the second side panel facing the substrate to the front edge of the second side panel facing away from the substrate. This allows the product to be tightened at the front to reduce leakage without pulling down the front edge of the absorbent article during use, which could cause wrinkling at the front of the absorbent article. If the front edge is pulled down, the fit may be reduced because there is a risk of the entire product slipping during use. It is desirable to keep the absorbent article close to the body. Wrinkles at the front of the absorbent article are undesirable because the elastic element may not be properly activated, and it may also be difficult to secure the fastener adequately to the wrinkled front, for example, if the fastener is attached to the backing at the front.

[0132] According to one example embodiment, each of the first and second distances is in the range of 5mm-40mm, preferably 10mm-30mm. These distances have proven sufficient to tighten the product at the front to reduce leakage without pulling down the front edge of the absorbent article during use, which could cause wrinkling at the front of the absorbent article. If the front edge is pulled down, the fit may be reduced because there is a risk of the entire product slipping during use. It is desirable to keep the absorbent article close to the body. Wrinkles at the front of the absorbent article are undesirable because the elastic element may not be properly activated, and it may also be difficult to adequately secure the fastener to the wrinkled front, for example, if the fastener is attached to the backing at the front.

[0133] According to one example embodiment, a third distance is greater than 5 mm and less than half the length of a longitudinal range parallel to the longitudinal axis of the third side panel, said range being from the front edge of the front portion of the third side panel facing the substrate to the back edge of the front portion of the third side panel facing away from the substrate. Furthermore, a fourth distance is greater than 5 mm and less than half the length of a longitudinal range parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fourth side panel, said length being from the front edge of the front portion of the fourth side panel facing the substrate to the back edge of the front portion of the fourth side panel facing away from the substrate. This has proven sufficient to tighten the product in the back to reduce leakage without pulling down the back edge of the absorbent article during use, which could cause wrinkling of the back of the absorbent article. If the back edge is pulled down, the fit may be reduced because there is a risk of the entire product slipping during use. It is desirable to keep the absorbent article close to the body.

[0134] According to one example embodiment, each of the third and fourth distances is in the range of 5mm-40mm, preferably 10mm-30mm. These distances have been shown to be sufficient to tighten the product at the back to reduce leakage without pulling down the back edge of the absorbent article during use, which could cause wrinkling of the back of the absorbent article. If the back edge is pulled down, the fit may be reduced because there is a risk of the entire product slipping during use. It is desirable to keep the absorbent article close to the body.

[0135] According to one example embodiment, the first elastic element is an elastic thread, and the second elastic element is an elastic thread. The term "elastic thread" is intended to mean a thread or strand made of an elastic material, such as, for example, natural or synthetic rubber, thermoplastic elastomers (such as thermoplastic polyurethane or styrene block copolymers), or elastic fibers, also known as spandex (polyurethane-polyurea copolymer). The elastic thread can be an elastomer type available under the trade name "LYCRA," but any suitable elastic thread can be used. The thread can have a linear mass density of about 80 dtex to 800 dtex. The elastic thread elongates during the manufacturing process. It can elongate from about 30% to about 300% of its initial untensioned original length, for example, in the range of 70% to 250% of the initial untensioned original length, and specifically in the range of 100% to 200%. The elastic thread can be of a type capable of withstanding at least about 200% elongation without breaking, making it safe for use in the manufacturing process without the risk of breakage. If an absorbent article comprises a plurality of first elastic elements and a plurality of second elastic elements, then all the first elastic elements and all the second elastic elements may be elastic threads.

[0136] According to one example embodiment, at least one first elastic element and at least one second elastic element are attached to a substrate by adhesive and / or by welding. If the first and second elastic elements are attached by adhesive, the adhesive can be applied to a backing sheet or a top sheet, or to any other web material to which the elastic elements are also fixed in the product. For example, the first and second elastic elements can be arranged between two layers forming the backing sheet. The adhesive can be applied by slot coating or spraying. The basis weight of the adhesive used to fix the first and second elastic elements as a whole is preferably 0.5 g / m³. 2 Up to 10.0 g / m 2 Within the range.

[0137] An alternative to spraying or slit-applying adhesive to the backing or top sheet is to apply the adhesive to the elastic element itself. If the elastic element is an elastic thread, the attached portion of the thread is coated with adhesive. In this case, a liquid adhesive, such as a hot melt adhesive, can be used. Various dispensing systems have been developed for applying hot melt adhesive to various components. In one example, hot melt adhesive is applied to one or more stretched thin elastic threads, which are then adhered in a stretched state to a flat nonwoven substrate to form the elastic portion of a disposable absorbent article.

[0138] The liquid adhesive used for coating lines can be a hot melt adhesive with thermoplastic properties. Any type of known hot melt adhesive can be used, and the hot melt adhesive can be, for example, based on ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), polyolefins, polyesters and / or polyamides, polyurethanes, styrene block copolymers, silicone rubber, and / or natural soybean protein-based adhesives. The adhesive can be non-toxic. The adhesive can be a styrene block copolymer-based hot melt adhesive.

[0139] It is also possible to apply adhesive to the elastic element and to a combination of applying it to the top sheet or another web facing the body and the back sheet.

[0140] As an alternative, the first and second elastic elements can be arranged between the two layers forming the backsheet, for example, between the inner plastic sheet and the outer nonwoven web.

[0141] As an alternative to adhesives, the elastic element can be fastened to the material by ultrasonic welding, which intercepts the elastic element. For example, an elastic wire is arranged between two material layers. At least two welds are arranged on opposite sides of the wire, and the welds fasten the material layers together. The welds have corresponding proximal surfaces facing the wire. The proximal surfaces of the welds are spaced apart by a distance smaller than the diameter of the untensioned wire. Therefore, due to the larger diameter of the wire when untensioned, the wire is squeezed between the welds and thus intercepted.

[0142] The process for intercepting the wire can be performed as follows: Before welds are formed, the wire is tensioned in its longitudinal direction and positioned between two layers of material. The longitudinal tension of the elastic wire reduces the wire diameter (D) of the untensioned wire to a value less than the distance D. While the wire is tensioned, at least two welds are formed between the two layers of material and on opposite sides of the wire. After the welds have been formed, the wire tension is released, and the elastic wire returns to its untensioned state, in which its diameter is greater than the distance between the welds, and the wire is thus intercepted.

[0143] If the absorbent article comprises a plurality of first elastic elements and a plurality of second elastic elements, all the first elastic elements and all the second elastic elements may be attached to the substrate by adhesive and / or by welding.

[0144] According to one example embodiment, each of the first and second elastic elements is located between the back sheet and the top sheet, or between the two material sheets forming the back sheet, or between the back sheet and a corresponding blocking member connected to the top sheet for the wearer of the absorbent article. The blocking member may, for example, form a side blocking member, also known as an upright pleat. If the absorbent article comprises a plurality of first elastic elements and a plurality of second elastic elements, all the first elastic elements may be located between the same two materials, and all the second elastic elements may be located between the same two materials.

[0145] According to one example embodiment, each of the first side panel, the second side panel, the third side panel, and the fourth side panel is attached from the substrate to the corresponding first or second side edge of the substrate at a distance within a range of 50 mm to 400 mm laterally extending from the substrate relative to the longitudinal axis.

[0146] According to an example embodiment, each of the first side panel, the second side panel, the third side panel, and the fourth side panel extends within a range of 100mm-300mm along the longitudinal axis.

[0147] According to one example embodiment, the first side panel, second side panel, third side panel, and / or fourth side panel are rectangular. The advantage of having rectangular side panels is that there will be no waste, and the manufacturing process may be easier. Alternatively, the side panels can have any other suitable shape known in the art. However, preferably, the material should not be cut after the side panels have been attached to the substrate. This reduces waste and further manufacturing steps.

[0148] According to one example embodiment, the first side edge includes a bend between the first side panel and the third side panel. Furthermore, the second side edge includes a bend between the second side panel and the fourth side panel. The bend may extend over the entire crotch area of ​​the substrate or only a portion of the crotch area of ​​the substrate. Attached Figure Description

[0149] The above and additional objects, features and advantages of the invention will be better understood from the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals may be omitted for similar elements in some figures, in which: Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an absorbent article according to a first embodiment is shown when it is stretched into a substantially planar extension, i.e., when the elastic element is stretched.

[0150] Figure 2 Show along Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view in the plane of section line AA shown.

[0151] Figure 3 Show Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a substrate having a first side edge and a second side edge, and a plurality of first elastic elements and a plurality of second elastic elements, wherein the first straight portion, the third straight portion and the first central portion of the plurality of first elastic elements are surrounded by dashed lines to show their extent, and the second straight portion, the fourth straight portion and the second central portion of the plurality of second elastic elements are surrounded by dashed lines to show their extent.

[0152] Figure 4 An alternative construction with multiple second elastic elements is shown. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the second side panel, wherein, when viewed along the longitudinal axis, a portion of the longitudinal range of the second straight portion and a portion of the longitudinal range of the second central portion C2 of the corresponding second elastic element overlaps with the longitudinal range of the second side panel.

[0153] Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing an alternative shape for the second side panel.

[0154] Figure 6 A schematic diagram showing a portion of the first side panel and its attachment to the substrate, and the attachment of the first elastic element to the substrate.

[0155] Figure 7a and Figure 7b Show in more detail Figure 1 The third side panel in the middle. Figure 7b Show Figure 7a The cross section BB in the middle.

[0156] Figure 8 Showing alternative fastening components Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the fourth side panel is shown.

[0157] Figure 9 Show Figure 1A schematic diagram of the second side panel and a portion of the base and the second elastic element, except for an alternative construction of the second elastic element, wherein curved connecting portions are arranged between each of the second straight portions and the corresponding second central portion.

[0158] All accompanying drawings are schematic and not necessarily drawn to scale, and they illustrate features necessary to explain the invention, while omitting or merely suggesting other features. Detailed Implementation

[0159] Various aspects of this disclosure will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the disclosure are illustrated. However, exemplary embodiments of the disclosure may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided for thoroughness and completeness. Throughout this specification, similar reference numerals refer to similar elements.

[0160] This disclosure relates primarily to disposable absorbent articles, meaning articles that are not intended to be washed or otherwise restored or reused as absorbent articles after use. "Absorbent articles" means articles that absorb or are suitable for absorbing bodily fluids such as urine, feces, and / or blood.

[0161] Figure 1 An absorbent article 1 is shown, comprising a base 2 extending along a longitudinal axis L from a front edge 23 at a front portion 3 to a back edge 24 at a back portion 4. The base 2 includes a crotch portion 14 extending between the front portion 3 and the back portion 4. The front portion 3 is intended to be applied over the wearer's abdomen. The back portion 4 is intended to be applied over the wearer's back. The crotch portion 14 is a narrow section of the absorbent article intended to be worn between the wearer's legs in the crotch area.

[0162] The substrate 2 includes a first side edge 12 and a second side edge 13 extending on opposite sides of the substrate 2 about the longitudinal axis L, between the front edge 23 and the back edge 24. The first side edge 12 and the second side edge 13 together define an hourglass shape for the substrate 2, such that the substrate 2 has a minimum width Wh along a transverse axis T extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L (see [reference]). Figure 3 ).

[0163] Substrate 2 includes a liquid-permeable top sheet 7 and a liquid-impermeable back sheet 8 (see also...) Figure 2 The substrate 2 includes an absorbent structure 9 disposed between the top sheet 7 and the back sheet 8. The substrate 2 is preferably symmetrical along a longitudinal axis L, wherein the top sheet 7 forms the inner surface of the substrate 2 facing the person (wearer) wearing the absorbent article, and the back sheet 8 forms the outer surface of the substrate 2. The substrate 2 in... Figure 1The base 2 is arranged symmetrically about the transverse axis T. However, the base 2 can be arranged asymmetrically about the transverse axis T.

[0164] The absorbent article 1 further includes a first side panel 10 attached to the front portion 3 of the substrate 2 at a first side edge 12, and a second side panel 11 attached to the front portion 3 of the substrate 2 at a second side edge 13. Furthermore, the absorbent article 1 includes a third side panel 21 attached to the back portion 4 of the substrate 2 at the first side edge 12, and a fourth side panel 22 attached to the back portion 4 of the substrate 2 at the second side edge 13. The third side panel 21 is provided with a first fastening device 17 configured to be attachable to either the first side panel 10 or the back panel 8 at the front portion 3 of the substrate 2. Moreover, the fourth side panel 22 is provided with a second fastening device 19 configured to be attachable to either the second side panel 11 or the back panel at the front portion 3 of the substrate 2.

[0165] The absorbent article 1 further includes a first leg elastic element 15 and a second leg elastic element 16. The leg elastic elements 15 and 16 are elastic elements adapted to seal leg openings against the wearer's legs during use. The elasticity of the leg elastic elements allows them to tension the material of the absorbent product for improved comfort and seal between the absorbent product and the corresponding legs of the person wearing the absorbent product 1.

[0166] The first leg elastic element 15 is formed by three first elastic elements 15' attached to the base 2. The second leg elastic element 16 is formed by three second elastic elements 16' attached to the base 2. The first and second elastic elements 15' and 16' are arranged symmetrically about the longitudinal axis L.

[0167] Each first elastic element 15' includes three parts: two straight portions P1 and P3, namely a first straight portion P1 and a third straight portion P3, and a first central portion C1 arranged longitudinally between the first and third straight portions P1 and P3. The first straight portion P1 faces the front portion 3 of the base 2, while the third portion P3 faces the back portion 4 of the base 2. Figure 1 In the accompanying drawings, reference numerals P1, P3, and C1 point to corresponding portions of the first elastic element 15', which is arranged in the lateral direction between two first elastic elements, but each first elastic element includes similar portions.

[0168] Each second elastic element 16' includes three parts: two straight portions P2 and P4, namely a second straight portion P2 and a fourth straight portion P4, and a second central portion C2 arranged longitudinally between the second and fourth straight portions P2 and P4. The second straight portion P2 faces the front portion 3 of the base 2, while the fourth straight portion P4 faces the back portion 4 of the base 2. Figure 1In the accompanying drawings, reference numerals P2, P4, and C2 point to corresponding portions of the second elastic element 16', which is arranged in the lateral direction between two second elastic elements, but each second elastic element includes similar portions.

[0169] The first, second, third, and fourth straight portions P1, P2, P3, and P4 are respectively the ends of the first and second elastic elements 15' and 16'. The first straight portion P1 extends along the longitudinal axis L between the first central portion C1 and the front edge 23 of the first elastic element 15', and the second straight portion P2 extends along the longitudinal axis L between the second central portion C2 and the front edge 23 of the second elastic element 16'. Here, it is illustrated that the first straight portion P1 extends from the first central portion C1 toward the front end 23 of the substrate, and the second straight portion P2 extends from the second central portion C2 toward the front end 23 of the substrate 2.

[0170] Figure 3 Show Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a base 2 is shown, which has first and second side edges 12, 13 and leg elastic elements 15, 16, namely three first elastic elements and three second elastic elements 15', 16'. As described above, each first elastic element 15' includes a first straight portion P1 facing the front portion 3, and each second elastic element 16' includes a second straight portion P2 facing the front portion 3. Each first elastic element 15' includes a third straight portion P3 facing the back portion 4, and each second elastic element 16' includes a fourth straight portion P4 facing the back portion 4. Each first elastic element 15' includes a first central portion C1 arranged in the longitudinal direction between the first straight portion P1 and the third straight portion P3. Each second elastic element 15' includes a second central portion C2 arranged in the longitudinal direction between the second straight portion P2 and the fourth straight portion P4. The three first elastic elements 15' and their corresponding first straight portion P1, third straight portion P3 and first central portion C1 are surrounded by dashed lines to show their extent. The three second elastic elements 16' and their corresponding second straight portions P2, fourth straight portions P4 and second central portions C2 are surrounded by dashed lines to show their extent.

[0171] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the first central portion C1 of each first elastic element 15' may be curved, but alternatively, other shapes, such as V-shapes, may be used. Each first central portion C1 extends along a portion of the first side edge 12. Figure 1 As shown, the second central portion C2 of each second elastic element may be curved, but alternatively other shapes, such as V-shapes, may be used. Each second central portion C2 extends along a portion of the second side edge 13.

[0172] exist Figure 1 and Figure 3In the process, the first and second central portions C1 and C2 of each elastic element 15' and 16' bend respectively follow the shapes of the first and second side edges 12 and 13 of the base 2. The first and second bends of the elastic central portions C1 and C2 in... Figure 1 The substrates are arranged symmetrically about the transverse axis T. However, they are not limited to being symmetrical; they can be arranged asymmetrically about the transverse axis.

[0173] Each first elastic element 15' is an elastic line 15', and each second elastic element 16' is an elastic line 16'.

[0174] The first and second elastic elements 15' and 16' are not limited to three first elastic elements and three second elastic elements. They may have more or fewer elastic elements. In addition, the number of first elastic elements 15' may be different from the number of second elastic elements 16'.

[0175] The shape or curvature of each first and second central portion C1, C2 of each elastic element 15', 16' may be smooth, or it may be staggered by including multiple straight segments that together define the shape or curvature. Each first central portion C1 or second central portion C2 may also include two or three straight segments in a V-shape or a V-shape with a flat bottom, instead of Figure 1 and Figure 3 The curved / U-shaped structure is shown. The first elastic element 15' and the second elastic element 16' together form an hourglass shape, which has the narrowest width in the lateral direction. The narrowest width is typically at the crotch of the base.

[0176] As mentioned above, in Figure 1 In a variant, each first elastic element 15' includes a first straight portion P1, and each first straight portion extends parallel to the longitudinal axis L from a corresponding first central portion C1 toward the front edge 23. The longitudinal extent of each first elastic element 15' overlaps with the longitudinal extension extent of the first side panel 10 by at least a first distance D1, as viewed along the longitudinal axis L. Figure 1 In the first straight portion P1, a portion of its longitudinal extent overlaps with the longitudinal extent of the first side panel 10 by a first distance D1. Each second straight portion P2 of each second elastic element 16' extends parallel to the longitudinal axis L from the corresponding second central portion C2 toward the front edge 23. The longitudinal extent of each second elastic element 16' overlaps with the longitudinal extension of the second side panel 11 by at least a second distance D2, as viewed along the longitudinal axis. Figure 1 In the middle, a portion of the longitudinal range of the second straight portion P2 overlaps with the longitudinal range of the second side panel 11 by the second distance D2.

[0177] like Figure 1As shown, each first elastic element 15' is laterally spaced from the first side panel 10, and each second elastic element 16' is laterally spaced from the second side panel 11.

[0178] Each of the first straight sections P1 is arranged to be closer to the first side panel 10 in the lateral direction (except at the transition between the first central section C1 and the first straight section P1). Each of the second straight sections P2 is arranged to be closer to the second side panel 11 in the lateral direction (except at the transition between the second central section C2 and the second straight section P2).

[0179] exist Figure 1 In this configuration, the longitudinal extent of all elastic elements overlaps with the longitudinal extent of the corresponding first and second side panels 10, 11 by the first and second distances D1, D2. Alternatively, only a subset (e.g., one or two) of the first elastic elements 15' may have their longitudinal extent overlap with the longitudinal extent of the first side panel 10 (as viewed along the longitudinal axis) by at least the first distance D1, and only a subset (e.g., one or two) of the second elastic elements 16' may have their longitudinal extent overlap with the longitudinal extent of the second side panel 11 (as viewed along the longitudinal axis) by at least the second distance D2.

[0180] The first distance D1 and the second distance D2 are each preferably between 0.5 mm and half of the longitudinal range of the side panel along the longitudinal axis L.

[0181] According to one embodiment, the first distance D1 and the second distance D2 are in the range of 5mm-40mm, preferably 10mm-30mm. Figure 1 In the middle, the first distance D1 and the second distance D2 are 10mm. Figure 1 Showing medium-sized products, and Figure 1 The specific measurement / distance mentioned refers to this medium-sized product.

[0182] A first distance D1 is measured parallel to the longitudinal axis L from the back edge 25 of the back face 4 of the first side panel 10 facing the substrate 2. The first distance D1 is further measured from the point P5 where the back edge 25 intersects with the first side edge 12 of the substrate 2, where the first side panel is attached to the substrate 2. That is, from the intersection point P5 towards the front edge 26 of the first side panel 10 away from the back face 4. A second distance D2 is measured parallel to the longitudinal axis L from the back edge 27 of the back face 4 of the second side panel 11 facing the substrate 2, and the second distance D2 is measured from the point P6 where the back edge 27 intersects with the second side edge 13 of the substrate 2, where the second side panel 11 is attached to the substrate 2. That is, from the intersection point P6 towards the front edge 28 of the second side panel 11 away from the back face 4.

[0183] The first side panel 10 has a longitudinal range E1 parallel to the longitudinal axis L, extending from the back edge 25 of the back 4 of the first side panel 10 facing the substrate 2 to the front edge 26 of the back 4 of the first side panel 10 away from the substrate 2. A straight portion P1 of each first elastic element 15' extends parallel to the longitudinal range E1 of the first side panel 10. Furthermore, the second side panel 11 has a longitudinal range E2 parallel to the longitudinal axis L, extending from the back edge 27 of the back 4 of the second side panel 11 facing the substrate 2 to the front edge 28 of the back 4 of the second side panel 11 away from the substrate 2, wherein each second straight portion P2 of each second elastic element 16' extends parallel to the longitudinal range E1 of the second side panel 11.

[0184] The longitudinal extension of each first elastic element 15' also overlaps with the longitudinal extension of the third side panel 23 by at least a third distance D3, as viewed along the longitudinal direction. The longitudinal extension of each second elastic element 16' overlaps with the longitudinal extension of the fourth side panel 22 by at least a fourth distance D4, as viewed along the longitudinal axis L. Figure 1 In the middle, a portion of the longitudinal extension of each third straight section P3 overlaps with the longitudinal extension of the third side panel 21 by a third distance D3, as viewed along the longitudinal axis L, and a portion of the longitudinal extension of each fourth straight section P4 overlaps with the longitudinal extension of the fourth side panel 22 by a third distance D4, as viewed along the longitudinal axis L.

[0185] Each third straight portion P3 of each first elastic element 15' extends parallel to the longitudinal axis L from the corresponding first central portion C1 toward the back edge 24. Each fourth straight portion P4 of each second elastic element 16' extends parallel to the longitudinal axis L from the corresponding second central portion C2 toward the back edge 24.

[0186] Each of the third straight sections P3 is arranged to be closer to the third side panel 21 in the lateral direction (except at the transition between the first central section C1 and the third straight section P3) than the corresponding first central section C1. Each of the fourth straight sections P4 is arranged to be closer to the fourth side panel 22 in the lateral direction (except at the transition between the second central section C2 and the fourth straight section P4) than the corresponding second central section C2.

[0187] exist Figure 1In this configuration, the longitudinal extent of all first and second elastic elements overlaps with the longitudinal extent of the corresponding third side panel 21 and fourth side panel 22 by the third distance D3 and the fourth distance D4. Alternatively, only a subset (e.g., one or two) of the first elastic elements 15' may have their longitudinal extent (multiple longitudinal extents) overlap with the longitudinal extent of the third side panel 21 by at least the third distance D3, as viewed along the longitudinal axis, and only a subset (e.g., one or two) of the second elastic elements 16' may have their longitudinal extent (multiple longitudinal extents) overlap with the longitudinal extent of the fourth side panel 22 by at least the fourth distance D4, as viewed along the longitudinal axis.

[0188] The third distance D3 and the fourth distance D4 are preferably each between 0.5 mm and half the width of the corresponding third side panel 21 and fourth side panel 22.

[0189] According to one embodiment, the third distance D3 and the fourth distance D4 are in the range of 5mm-40mm, preferably 10mm-30mm. Figure 1 In the middle, the third distance D3 and the fourth distance D4 are 40mm.

[0190] The third distance D3 is measured parallel to the longitudinal axis L from the front edge 46 of the front portion 3 of the third side panel 21 facing the base 2, and is measured at point P7 where the front edge 46 of the third side panel 21 intersects with the first side edge 12 of the base 2, at which the third side panel 21 is attached to the base 2. That is, from the intersection point P7 towards the back edge 45 of the third side panel 21 away from the front portion 3. The fourth distance D4 is measured parallel to the longitudinal axis L from the front edge 66 of the front portion 3 of the fourth side panel 22 facing the base 2, and is measured at point P8 where the front edge 66 of the fourth side panel 22 intersects with the second side edge 13 of the base 2, at which the fourth side panel 22 is attached to the base 2. That is, from the intersection point P8 towards the back edge 65 of the fourth side panel 22 away from the front portion 3.

[0191] The third side panel 21 has a longitudinal range E3 parallel to the longitudinal axis L, extending from the front edge 46 of the front portion 3 of the third side panel 21 facing the substrate 2 to the back edge 45 of the front portion 3 of the third side panel 21 away from the substrate 2. The third straight portion P3 of each first elastic element 15 extends parallel to the longitudinal range E3 of the third side panel 21. Furthermore, the fourth side panel 22 has a longitudinal range E4 parallel to the longitudinal axis L, extending from the front edge 66 of the front portion 3 of the fourth side panel 22 facing the substrate 2 to the back edge 65 of the front portion 3 of the fourth side panel 22 away from the substrate 2. The fourth straight portion P4 of each second elastic element 16' extends parallel to the longitudinal range E4 of the fourth side panel 11. Figure 1In the middle, the longitudinal extension range of the third straight portion P3 and the fourth straight portion P4 of each elastic element partially overlaps with the longitudinal extension range of the third side panel 21 and the fourth side panel 22, respectively.

[0192] Figure 1 and Figure 3 Each of the first and second elastic elements 15' and 16' is an elastic line 15' and 16' as described above, but in other embodiments, any other suitable elastic element, such as an elastic membrane or elastic foam, may be used instead. In this case, there is typically only one first elastic element 15' and one second elastic element 16'.

[0193] Each of the first and second elastic elements 15' and 16', i.e. Figure 1 The elastic elements 15' and 16' are attached to the substrate 2 by adhesive. However, in other embodiments, any other suitable method of attaching the elastic elements 15' and 16' to the substrate 2 may be used instead, such as welding the layers in which the elastic elements 15' and 16' are inserted together, so that the elastic elements are mechanically held in place between the welded portions of the layers.

[0194] like Figure 2 As shown, each of the first and second elastic elements 15', 16', i.e. elastic lines 15', 16', is positioned between the back sheet 8 and the corresponding blocking member 29 (also referred to as upright pleats).

[0195] The blocking members 29 define a protruding barrier or wall against the wearer to mitigate leakage of bodily fluids (such as urine and / or liquid feces). They are arranged on the side that will face the wearer during use, and they are arranged along the corresponding side edges of the absorbent structure 9 and along the entire length of the substrate. However, it will be understood that, depending on the manufacturing technology employed, the blocking members 29 may terminate before reaching the front edge 23 and / or back edge 24 of the substrate 2. Figure 2 It is evident that each blocking member (upright pleat) 29 has a separate first end edge region 30 at least in the crotch 14 of the base and a second end edge region 33 at least attached to the back piece 8 and / or the top piece 7. Figure 2In this bag, the blocking member 29 is connected to both the back panel 8 and the top panel 7. A separate first end edge region 30 extends freely from the proximal connection 31 to the top panel 7. Near the front edge 23 and / or the back edge 24, the separate first end edge region 30 of the blocking member 29 can be connected to the top panel. The blocking member 29 includes an elastic element 32 in its separate first end edge region 30 within the bag for elastically gathering at least the central portion of each blocking member 29, thereby promoting a comfortable fit and preventing leakage of bodily fluids. Each of the second end edge regions 33 is connected to the back panel 8, and each of the first elastic element 15' and the second elastic element 16' is arranged between the back panel 8 and the corresponding blocking member 29. The elastic material 32 for upright pleats can be a thread, yarn, or ribbon of elastic material extending along the longitudinal axis L.

[0196] The blocking member 29 may comprise or be composed of a sheet material of a nonwoven material, such as spunbond material. The nonwoven material may contain highly polyolefins, particularly polypropylene or polyethylene. The nonwoven material may also contain slip agents, such as erucamide, waxes, and / or lubricants. The sheet material of the blocking member 29 may include two outer layers of spunbond material and an intermediate layer of meltblown material between the outer layers. An additional intermediate layer of spunbond or meltblown material may also be provided.

[0197] like Figure 2 As shown, the top sheet 7 can be arranged at least in the crotch area of ​​the absorbent article within the area defined by the blocking member 29. It will be understood that, depending on the manufacturing technique employed, the top sheet 7 can extend laterally between the back sheet 8 and the blocking member 29. The blocking member 29 can alternatively terminate at a proximal connection 31, as known in the art, and thus not extend laterally away from the side edges, such as... Figure 2 As shown. Then, the first elastic element 15' and the second elastic element 16' can alternatively be positioned between the back sheet 8 and the top sheet 7, or between any other layers, such as between the layers of the multilayer back sheet 8.

[0198] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In this configuration, the top sheet 7 and the blocking member 29 are connected at their respective proximal connecting portions 31 by adhesive or welding. The width and length of the substrate are equal to the width and length of both the combined top sheet 7 / blocking member 29 and back sheet 8. Alternatively, if the blocking member 29 is not present or if the blocking member is only attached to the top sheet, the top sheet 7 and back sheet 8 may have the same width and length over the entire surface area of ​​the substrate. Thus, the width and length of the substrate are equal to the width and length of both the top sheet 7 and back sheet 8 (not shown). However, they may differ slightly, provided that the elastic elements 15, 16 can be arranged between the materials forming the substrate 2.

[0199] The base 2 is shaped to cover at least a portion of the wearer’s entire pubic area and buttocks during use, with the top piece 7 pointing towards the wearer and the back piece 8 facing away from the wearer.

[0200] As described above, each of the first and second elastic elements 15' and 16', i.e., elastic lines 15' and 16', comprises three parts. Each first elastic element 15' includes a first straight portion P1 extending parallel to the longitudinal axis L from the corresponding first central portion C1 toward the front edge 23 and a third straight portion P3 extending parallel to the longitudinal axis L from the first central portion C1 toward the back edge 24. Each second elastic element 16' includes a second straight portion P2 extending parallel to the longitudinal axis L from the corresponding second central portion C2 toward the front edge 23 and a fourth straight portion P4 extending parallel to the longitudinal axis L from the corresponding second central portion C2 toward the back edge 24.

[0201] exist Figure 1 In this embodiment, the lateral spacing between the first elastic elements 15' at the first straight portion P1 and the third straight portion P3 is 3 mm, but this can be appropriately varied in other embodiments. The lateral spacing between the first elastic elements 15' at the first straight portion P1 and the third straight portion P3 can be, for example, between 0.5 mm and 15 mm, preferably between 0.5 mm and 6 mm, and more preferably between 0.5 mm and 4 mm.

[0202] exist Figure 1 In this embodiment, the lateral spacing between the second elastic elements 16' at the second straight portion P2 and the fourth straight portion P4 is 3 mm, but this can be appropriately varied in other embodiments. The lateral spacing between the second elastic lines 16' at the second straight portion P2 and the fourth straight portion P4 can be, for example, between 0.5 mm and 15 mm, preferably between 0.5 mm and 6 mm, and more preferably between 0.5 mm and 4 mm.

[0203] At the first central portion C1, the lateral spacing between the first elastic elements 15' increases from a smaller spacing closer to the first and third straight portions P1 and P3 to a larger spacing further away from the first and third straight portions P1 and P3. At the second central portion C2, the lateral spacing between the second elastic elements 16' increases from a smaller spacing closer to the second and fourth straight portions P2 and P4 to a larger spacing further away from the second and fourth straight portions P2 and P4. That is, the lateral spacing between the elastic elements 15' and 16' at the first and second central portions C1 and C2 is greater than the lateral spacing at the straight portions P1, P2, P3, and P4.

[0204] In other embodiments, the lateral spacing between the first elastic elements 15' can be the same along the entire first elastic element 15', and the lateral spacing between the second elastic elements 16' can be the same along the entire second elastic element 16'.

[0205] The maximum lateral spacing between each of the first and second elastic elements 15' and 16' at the respective first and second central portions C1 and C2 is in the range of 0.5 mm to 15 mm, preferably 0.5 mm to 10 mm, and more preferably 0.5 mm to 8 mm.

[0206] exist Figure 1 In this configuration, all straight sections, namely the first, second, third, and fourth straight sections P1, P2, P3, and P4, extend parallel to the longitudinal axis. However, they may form an angle of less than 20 degrees with the longitudinal axis L, for example, less than 10 degrees or less than 5 degrees. From a production perspective, extending parallel to the longitudinal axis may be advantageous.

[0207] Each of the first, second, third, and fourth straight sections P1, P2, P3, and P4 has a longitudinal extension range and a lateral extension range, with the longitudinal extension range being greater than the lateral extension range.

[0208] Each of the first straight portion P1 and the second straight portion P2 has an extension range of at least 5 mm, preferably 5 mm to 90 mm, and more preferably 20 mm to 70 mm along the longitudinal axis.

[0209] Each of the third straight section P3 and the fourth straight section P4 has an extension range of at least 5 mm, preferably 5 mm to 130 mm, and more preferably 30 mm to 100 mm along the longitudinal axis.

[0210] Furthermore, each of the first straight portion P1, the second straight portion P2, the third straight portion P3, and the fourth straight portion P4 is an end of the first elastic element and the second elastic element, respectively. All first straight portions P1 are straight and parallel to each other. All second straight portions P2 are straight and parallel to each other. All third straight portions P3 are straight and parallel to each other. All fourth straight portions P4 are straight and parallel to each other.

[0211] Figure 1 The central portion C1 of each first elastic element 15' is curved, such that the bending direction of the end of the first central portion C1 at the transition between the first central portion C1 and the first straight portion P1 follows an imaginary line L1, which extends relative to the longitudinal axis L at an angle A1 in the range of 10 degrees to 50 degrees, preferably 20 degrees to 40 degrees. Figure 1 The central portion C2 of each of the second elastic elements 16 is curved such that the bending direction of the end of the second central portion C2 at the transition between the second central portion C2 and the second straight portion P2 follows an imaginary line L2, which extends relative to the longitudinal axis L at an angle A2 in the range of 10 degrees to 50 degrees, preferably 20 degrees to 40 degrees.

[0212] Specifically, the first central portion C1 of each first elastic element 15 is curved such that the bending direction of the end of the first central portion C1 at the transition between the first central portion C1 and the first straight portion P1 follows an imaginary line L1, which intersects a portion of the first side panel 10 of the first side edge 12 of the base 2 to which the base 2 is attached. The second central portion C2 of each second elastic element 16 is curved such that the bending direction of the end of the second central portion C2 at the transition between the second central portion C2 and the second straight portion P2 follows an imaginary line L2, which intersects a portion of the second side panel 11 of the second side edge 13 of the base 2 to which the base 2 is attached.

[0213] Furthermore, the first central portion C1 of each first elastic element 15' is curved, such that the bending direction of the end of the first central portion C1 at the transition between the first central portion C1 and the third straight portion P3 follows an imaginary line L3, which extends relative to the longitudinal axis L at an angle A3 within the range of 10 degrees to 50 degrees, preferably 20 degrees to 40 degrees. The second central portion C2 of each second elastic element 16, i.e., each elastic line 16', is curved, such that the bending direction of the end of the second central portion C2 at the transition between the second central portion C2 and the fourth straight portion P4 follows an imaginary line L4, which extends relative to the longitudinal axis L at an angle A4 within the range of 10 degrees to 50 degrees, preferably 20 degrees to 40 degrees.

[0214] Specifically, the first central portion C1 of each first elastic element 15' is curved such that the bending direction of the end of the first central portion C1 at the transition between the first central portion C1 and the third straight portion P3 follows an imaginary line L3, which intersects with a portion of the third side panel 21 of the first side edge 12 of the base 2 to which the base 2 is attached; and the second central portion C2 of each second elastic element 16' is curved such that the bending direction of the end of the second central portion C2 at the transition between the second central portion C2 and the fourth straight portion P4 follows an imaginary line L4, which intersects with a portion of the fourth side panel 22 of the second side edge 13 of the base 2 to which the base 2 is attached.

[0215] exist Figure 1 In this configuration, the first central portion C1 of each first elastic element 15' and the second central portion C2 of each second elastic element 16' are each directly connected to the corresponding first, second, third, and fourth straight portions P1, P2, P3, and P4. However, each first central portion C1 and second central portion C2 can be connected via a connection with... Figure 9 The corresponding first, second, third, and fourth connecting portions, as further described, are connected to the corresponding first, second, third, and fourth straight portions P1, P2, P3, and P4, wherein, except for the first, second, third, and fourth connecting portions 18 and regarding... Figure 9Beyond the content of the statement, Figure 1 Everything described and shown is the same.

[0216] When the absorbent article 1 is applied to the wearer, it is pulled by grasping the third and fourth side panels 21 and 22 in the back at the outer ends where the fastening devices 17 and 19 (such as hooks / patches) are located. The fastening devices 17 and 19 are attached to the back panel or to the corresponding first and second side panels 10 and 11, which are also stretched, in the front part 3 of the absorbent article. Thus, by overlapping the longitudinal extension of the elastic elements 15' and 16' with the longitudinal extension of the corresponding side panels, each side panel will pull the elastic elements, i.e., the leg elastics, and tighten around the body front and back.

[0217] exist Figure 1 In the middle section, the longitudinal extent of each of the first, second, third, and fourth straight portions P1, P2, P3, and P4 overlaps only with the longitudinal extent of the first, second, third, and fourth side panels, respectively. However, a portion of the longitudinal extension of each of the first and second central portions C1, C2 may also overlap with the longitudinal extension of the first, second, third, and fourth side panels 10, 11, respectively, as viewed along the longitudinal axis L. See also Figure 4 The second side panel 11 is shown, but this also applies to the first side and the third and fourth sides in the back of the absorbent article. Figure 4 In the case of the second elastic element 16', if viewed along the longitudinal direction, the longitudinal extension range of the second straight portion P2 and a portion of the longitudinal extension range of the second central portion C2 together overlap with the longitudinal extension range of the second side panel 11 by a second distance D2.

[0218] As in Figure 1 As can be seen, each of the first side panels 10 and second side panels 11 attached to the front portion 3 of the substrate 2, and each of the third side panels 21 and fourth side panels 22 attached to the back portion 4 of the substrate 2, extends laterally relative to the longitudinal axis L by corresponding distances D5, D6, D8, and D9. The lateral distances D5, D6, D8, and D9 of each side panel can be within the range of 50mm-400mm from the corresponding side edges 12 and 13 of the substrate 2 where the respective side panels 10, 11, 21, and 22 are attached. That is, the width of each side panel is measured from the edge of the substrate 2 where the corresponding side panel is attached. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the lateral distances D5 and D6 between the first side panel 10 and the second side panel 11 are both 155 mm. In the illustrated embodiment, the lateral distances D8 and D9 between the third side panel 21 and the fourth side panel 22 are both 155 mm. Figure 1In this configuration, the first, second, third, and fourth side panels 10, 11, 21, and 22 extend by the same lateral distance. However, the distances D5 and D6 between the first side panel 10 and the second side panel 11 can differ from the distances D8 and D9 between the third side panel 21 and the fourth side panel 22. They can be shorter or longer.

[0219] Each of the first side panel 10 and the second side panel 11 extends along the longitudinal axis L at a distance D7 ranging from 100 mm to 300 mm. In the illustrated embodiment, the distance D7 is 150 mm.

[0220] Each of the third side panel 21 and the fourth side panel 22 extends along the longitudinal axis L at a distance D10 ranging from 100mm to 300mm. In the illustrated embodiment, the distance D10 is 180mm.

[0221] Side panels 10, 11, 21, and 22 are rectangular, which makes them easier to produce from continuous material webs. However, in other embodiments, side panels 10, 11, 21, and 22 may have any other suitable shape.

[0222] Figure 5 An alternative shape for the second side panel 11 is shown. Only the second side panel 11 is shown, but the first, third, and fourth side panels may have similar shapes. Figure 5 In the second side panel 11, the back edge 27 of the second side panel 11, which is intended to face the back 4 of the base 2, is inclined relative to the transverse axis T. As described above, the longitudinal extent of each second elastic element 16' overlaps with the longitudinal extension of the second side panel 11 by at least a second distance D2, as viewed along the longitudinal axis. In this case, the second distance D2 is measured from point P6 parallel to the longitudinal axis L, at point P6, where the inclined back edge 27 intersects the second side edge 13 of the base 2, where the second side panel 11 is attached to the base 2.

[0223] like Figure 1 As shown, the first side edge 12 and the second side edge 13 together define the hourglass shape of the base 2, and it has its narrowest width in the lateral direction within the crotch 14 of the base 2. Therefore, the first side edge 12 and the second side edge 13 are curved at the crotch 14 of the base 2. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the curvature is smooth, but in other embodiments, it may be defined by multiple straight line segments that define the curvature together, such as a V-shaped curvature with two straight line segments, or three straight line segments, wherein the middle segment is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis L.

[0224] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As depicted herein, the length and width of the absorbent structure 9 are smaller than the length and width of the connected top sheet 7 / blocking member 29 and back sheet 8, thereby positioning it in the central region of the base where liquid and feces exit the wearer's body. This results in a smaller, more comfortable design, which is therefore preferred. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that alternative sizes, shapes, and constructions of the absorbent structure may also be used in the absorbent articles presented herein.

[0225] The absorbent structure 9 has an hourglass shape, designed to sit at the narrowest point between the wearer's thighs when worn. The longitudinal side edges of the connecting top piece 7 / blocking member 29 and back piece 8 also have a similar hourglass shape. This results in the insert fitting the shape better than if it had a rectangular shape, and thus is more comfortable to wear.

[0226] The hourglass-shaped absorbent structure 9 includes an absorber 34 and a receiver layer 35. The receiver layer 35 (also called the distribution and collection layer) is positioned directly below the top sheet 7 (see [reference]). Figure 2 It is adapted to rapidly receive a considerable amount of liquid and temporarily retain the liquid so that the temporarily stored liquid can be subsequently released to other parts of the absorbent structure. That is, the collection layer is suitably adapted to rapidly receive and temporarily store the discharged liquid before it is absorbed by the absorber 34. The absorbent structure 9 may also be referred to as the absorbent core.

[0227] Alternative constructions of the absorbent structure 9 are conceivable; for example, the receiving layer may be considered optional, and / or the absorbent structure may include a second absorber (not shown). The absorbent structure 9 can therefore be constructed similarly to known absorbent components, and thus the absorber 34 and the second absorber (not shown) may be constructed from one or more layers of cellulose fluff pulp. For this purpose, the cellulose fluff pulp may be mixed with fibers or particles of a highly absorbent polymer material known as a superabsorbent, the type of which is associated with absorbing and chemically binding a large amount of liquid to form a liquid-containing gel. The absorber 34 may also contain a highly absorbent polymer material disposed in layers inside the absorber or bonded to one or more surfaces of the absorber. Additional components for improving the characteristics of the absorbent structure may also be present in the absorbent structure. Examples of such components include binding fibers, different types of liquid distribution layers or fibers, shape-stabilizing components, reinforcing fibers, or the like. The absorber 34 may also naturally consist of other types of absorbent materials, such as absorbent nonwoven materials, absorbent foams, textile materials, peat, or mixtures of different types of absorbent materials.

[0228] Superabsorbent polymers are well-known in the field of absorbent products and are used to help improve the absorption properties of such products. Superabsorbent polymers consist of water-swellable and water-insoluble polymers that are capable of absorbing large amounts of liquid when forming a hydrogel, for example, being able to absorb at least five times their weight in a 0.9% saline solution, as measured according to method NWSP 241.0 R2 (15) (Superabsorbent polyacrylate powders – determination of fluid retention capacity in saline solutions by weight measurement after centrifugation).

[0229] The superabsorbent polymer used according to this disclosure can be an inorganic or organic crosslinked hydrophilic polymer, such as polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene oxide, crosslinked starch, guar gum, xanthan gum, crosslinked polyacrylate, and the like. The polymer can be in the form of, for example, powder, granules, microparticles, films, foams, and fibers. Upon contact with a liquid, this superabsorbent polymer swells by absorbing the liquid into its structure. Overall, the superabsorbent polymer rapidly absorbs liquid that penetrates into the product and retains the liquid even after penetration to prevent leakage and help provide a dry feel.

[0230] The type of superabsorbent polymer used in the absorber 34 of the embodiments discussed herein may be the same or may vary within the absorbent structure. For example, a superabsorbent polymer having a first set of characteristics may be used in the front and back regions of the absorbent structure, or in the first absorber, while a superabsorbent polymer having a second set of characteristics may be used in the central region of the absorbent structure, or in the second absorber. The characteristics mentioned in this section are, for example, centrifugation retention capacity (CRC), absorption under load (AUL), and / or gel layer permeability (GLP).

[0231] Materials suitable for use as the receiving layer 35, also known in the art as a transfer layer or ADL (collection and distribution layer), are well known in the field of disposable absorbent articles, and for the purposes of this disclosure, any material known to those skilled in the art as useful as a collection layer may be used. The collection layer may, for example, be in the form of an air-laid layer, a spunlace layer, a high-loft nonwoven fabric, foam, or any other type of material layer that can be used in absorbent articles to act as a liquid collection and absorption layer. Air-laid nonwoven fabrics can be produced from fluff, wood pulp, where the fluff fibers are dispersed in a rapidly moving airflow and condensed onto a moving screen by means of pressure and vacuum. The collection layer may be a breathable nonwoven fabric of polyester fibers.

[0232] The term "nonwoven fabric," used for different parts of disposable absorbent products such as the top sheet 7, back sheet 8, and / or sides, falls between, in terms of its characteristics, a group of paper and paperboard on the one hand, and textiles on the other. A wide variety of production processes are used for nonwoven fabrics, such as air-laid, wet-laid, spunbond, spunbond, and meltblown technologies. Fibers can be in the form of ring fibers or fibers pre-formed with ring lengths, as in-situ produced synthetic fibers or short fibers. Alternatively, they can be made from natural fibers or blends of synthetic and natural fibers.

[0233] During use, when the absorbent article 1 is worn, the first side panel 10 and the third side panel 21 are tensioned and attached to each other around the wearer's legs to properly position and hold the absorbent article 1 in place. The second side panel 11 and the fourth side panel 22 are used in the same manner around the wearer's other leg. Alternatively, the third side panel 21 and the fourth side panel 22 are tensioned and attached to the backing plate 8 at the front of the absorbent article. The side panels 10, 11, 21, and 22 are anchored to the base 2 between the blocking member 29 and the backing plate 8 to ensure that they do not detach from the absorbent article 1 when exposed to tension.

[0234] exist Figure 1 In the middle, the first and second side panels at the front are made of a single piece of material. The first and second side panels 10, 11 are attached at the front 3 of the base 2 between the back sheet and the blocking member 19. Approximately 25 mm of each of the first and second side panels 10, 11 protrudes into the base 2 for engagement with the base at a joint 44. Joint 44 is visible in... Figure 6 They are not limited to protruding 25mm into the substrate. They can protrude more or less than 25mm.

[0235] The first and second side panels 10, 11 are preferably made of a nonwoven material and can be made of any suitable material known in the art, such as fibrous nonwoven materials. This material can be breathable and is preferably soft and flexible to provide good body fit and comfort. Suitable nonwoven materials can be spunbond materials, for example, polypropylene or polyethylene fibers. Conjugated fibers can also be used. Another suitable nonwoven material is formed from carded thermally bonded materials, such as polypropylene, polyester, or conjugated fibers. The outer surfaces of the front side panels should be adapted to function as receiving surfaces for fastening devices (such as “hook-and-loop fasteners”). “Hook-and-loop fasteners” refer to complementary fastening devices having a “hook” portion (primary fastener) and a “loop” portion (secondary fastening device), and they are re-fastening. The outer surfaces of the respective front side panels 10, 11 of the garment facing the wearer in use act as loops.

[0236] The third and fourth side panels 21 and 22 are attached to the back 4 of the base 2, as follows: Figure 1As shown. Approximately 25 mm of each of the third and fourth side panels 21, 22 protrudes into the base 2 for bonding to the base. They are not limited to protruding 25 mm into the base. They may protrude more or less than 25 mm.

[0237] Each side panel 10, 11, 21, 22 is connected via a corresponding connector 44 (see...) Figure 6 It is attached to the base 2. Figure 6 Show Figure 1 The first side panel 10 is attached to the base 2. Figure 6 The locations where the three first elastic elements 15' (i.e., the three elastic lines 15') are attached are also shown. This description refers only to the first side panel 10, but the second, third, and fourth side panels 11, 21, and 22 are attached in the same manner.

[0238] As described above, the first side panel 10 is positioned between the blocking member 29 and the back sheet 8. Therefore, the width W3 of the first side panel 10 sandwiched between the blocking member 29 and the back sheet 8 (as measured along the transverse axis T of the absorbent article 1) will vary depending on the size of the absorbent article 1, and is typically between 8 mm and 30 mm. In this example, it is 25 mm.

[0239] The timing and order in which the side panels are attached to the respective blocking members 29 and the backing sheet 8 will depend on the chosen manufacturing process. The first side panel 10 and the second side panel 11 are generally spaced a short distance D11, for example, about 15 mm, from the front edge of the base 23 of the substrate. The same applies to the third and fourth side panels 21, 22 and the back edge 24. The connector 44 generally extends along the entire length of the side panel, as viewed along the longitudinal axis L of the absorbent article 1, but in other embodiments may alternatively extend only a portion of the length of the side panel.

[0240] The connector 44 may be continuous, but may alternatively include discontinuous attachment lines or attachment areas between the side panel and the substrate 2. Preferably, the connector 44 includes adhesive bonding lines, but may alternatively employ any attachment method, such as thermal or ultrasonic bonding. If the absorbent product does not include any blocking components, i.e., only includes a top sheet extending over the entire absorbent structure 9, then the side panel is located between the top sheet 7 and the back sheet 8 (not shown).

[0241] The first and second elastic elements 15' and 16' extend substantially along the longitudinal axis L of the substrate 2. The longitudinal extent of the first and second elastic elements 15' and 16' herein is defined when the elastic elements are attached to the substrate 2 and the substrate extends substantially flat (e.g., ...). Figure 1(As shown in the figure) Any range of elastic elements. Before the first and second elastic elements 15', 16' are attached to the substrate 2, the elastic elements 15', 16' are stretched, and when stretched, they are attached to the substrate 2.

[0242] The first elastic element 15' and the second elastic element 16' are sandwiched between the backsheet 8 and the corresponding blocking member 29, and are fixed thereto under tension with a hot melt adhesive. However, if the top sheet extends to the first and second side edges 12, 13 or between the layers of the backsheet 8, the elastic elements 15', 16' can be sandwiched between the backsheet 8 and the top sheet 7. For example, the backsheet 8 may include a breathable or non-breathable plastic film attached to the nonwoven outer layer. The plastic film of the backsheet 8 may be arranged adjacent to the absorbent structure 9, and the nonwoven outer layer may face the wearer's clothing.

[0243] like Figure 6 As shown, an unattached longitudinal extension region 56, indicated by a dashed rectangular area, is arranged adjacent to the joint 44. Near the unattached longitudinal extension region 56 in the transverse direction toward the longitudinal axis L, a material layer, such as the barrier member 29 or the top sheet 7, can be attached to the back sheet 8 by, for example, an adhesive. The unattached region 56 allows the elastic cord to spring back during manufacturing. Thus, the free ends of the elastic cord can be located within the unattached longitudinal extension region 56. These free ends are not considered part of the first straight portion P1. Therefore, the first straight portion P1 is the portion attached to the substrate 2. The same applies to the second, third, and fourth straight portions P2, P3, and P4.

[0244] The connector 50 is positioned close to the unattached longitudinal extension region 56 along the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal axis L, and towards the transverse axis T between the back panel 8 and the stop member 29, so as to secure the elastic thread 15' in the overlapping position. The connector 50 has a longitudinal extent along the longitudinal axis L, which, when viewed along the longitudinal axis, overlaps with the longitudinal extent of the first side panel 1 from the back edge 25 of the first side panel 21 toward the front edge 23 of the base 2. When viewed in the longitudinal direction, it overlaps with the first side panel 10 by a first distance D1. Figure 6 As can be seen, the connector 50 can also extend longitudinally toward the back edge 24 of the base. Figure 1 As shown in the image).

[0245] The width of the connector 50 is preferably slightly larger than the width of the three first elastic elements 15'. In this example, at the first straight section, the distance between the first elastic elements 15' is 3 mm, while the width of the connector 50 is 24 mm.

[0246] In this example, adhesive is applied to the backing sheet 8 or the blocking member 29 to form the joint 50. The adhesive can be applied by slot coating or spraying. The basis weight of the adhesive used to secure the respective first elastic element 15 and second elastic element 16 between the backing sheet 8 and the blocking member 29 is preferably 0.5 g / m³. 2 Up to 10.0 g / m 2 Within the range.

[0247] Connector 50 is used to ensure that the ends of the elastic element are secured. In addition to connector 50, further adhesive may be used to secure the elastic element to the substrate in the crotch area. This adhesive may also be slot-applied or sprayed. As an alternative to spraying or slot-applying the adhesive to the backing sheet 8 or the stop member 29, the adhesive may be applied to the elastic thread. Alternatively, the elastic elements 15, 16 may be secured to the stop member or backing sheet 8 by ultrasonically welding the stop member 7 to the backing sheet 8, thereby trapping the elastic elements 15, 16.

[0248] For example, an elastic wire is arranged between two material layers. At least two welds are arranged on opposite sides of the wire, and the welds fasten the material layers together. The welds have corresponding proximal surfaces facing the wire. The proximal surfaces of the welds are spaced apart by a distance smaller than the diameter of the untensioned wire. Therefore, due to the larger diameter of the wire when untensioned, the wire is squeezed between the welds and thus trapped.

[0249] The process for intercepting the wire can be performed as follows: Before welds are formed, the wire is tensioned and positioned between two layers of material in its longitudinal direction. The longitudinal tension of the elastic wire reduces the wire diameter to a value smaller than that of an untensioned wire. While the wire is tensioned, at least two welds are formed between the two layers of material and on opposite sides of the wire. After the welds have been formed, the wire tension is released, and the elastic wire returns to its untensioned state, in which its diameter is greater than the distance between the welds, and the wire is thus intercepted.

[0250] Suitable materials for forming the first and second elastic elements 15', 16' include polyurethane, rubber, elastic laminates, and other elastic materials. The elastic elements can be long or short elastic strands, elastic bands, ribbons, yarns, etc. The first and elastic elements 15, 16 can have a flat, square, rectangular, circular, elliptical, or some other cross-sectional shape. A suitable material for the elastic elements 15, 16 is LYCRA. LYCRA is a registered trademark.

[0251] Figure 1 The third and fourth side panels 21 and 22, that is, in the back of the item, are elastic side panels.

[0252] Figure 7a and Figure 7b Show Figure 1 The third side panel 21 is an elastic side panel on the back of the absorbent material. Figure 7b Show Figure 7a The cross section BB in the middle. Figure 1 The fourth side panel 22 has a similar design and will not be described explicitly thereafter. That is, only the features of the third side panel are described, but they are also applicable to the fourth side panel 22.

[0253] The third side panel 21 includes a first side portion 60 attached to the base 2 and a second side panel portion 61 located away from the first side portion 60 relative to the base 2. The third side panel 21 further includes a front edge 46 facing the front portion 3 of the base 2 and a back edge 45 facing away from the front portion 3 of the base 2 (see [link]). Figure 1 The outer edge of the second side panel 61 and the first side edge 12, which is positioned opposite to the base, along with the front edge 45 and the back edge 46, together define the rectangular shape of the third side panel 21.

[0254] The third side panel 21 includes an inner panel member 36, an outer panel member 37, and a resilient panel member 38 attached to a base. As used herein, the terms "inner panel member" and "outer panel member" refer to the lateral positioning of the panel members. Thus, each inner panel member 36 is laterally positioned closer to the longitudinal axis than the corresponding outer panel member 38. The inner panel member 36, outer panel member 37, and resilient panel member 38 each have a rectangular shape. The resilient panel member 38 is arranged in an overlapping manner between the inner panel member 36 and the outer panel member 37. By providing a side panel with resilient panel members 38, the side panel can better accommodate wearers of different sizes and adapt to the wearer's movement.

[0255] The inner panel member 36 includes a first side edge region 41a and a second side edge region 41b away from the first side edge region 41a. The first side edge region 41a is attached to the base 2. That is, 25 mm of the inner panel member 36 is inserted between the back sheet 8 and the blocking member 29. The inner panel member 36 is attached to the back sheet 8 and the blocking member 29 via a connector 44, as per [reference to...]. Figure 6As described and illustrated, the second side edge region 41b of the inner panel member 36 is attached to the first side edge region 43a of the resilient panel member 38. The second side edge region 43b of the resilient panel member 38, away from the first side edge region 43a, is attached to the first side edge region 47a of the outer panel member 37. The second side edge region 47b of the outer panel member 37, away from the first side edge region 47a, has at least one fastening device 17 connected thereto. The inner panel member 36 and the resilient panel member 38 are fastened to each other in an overlapping manner in a first overlapping region 63 in a first fastening region 52. The resilient panel member 38 and the outer panel member 37 are fastened to each other in an overlapping manner in a second overlapping region 64 in a second fastening region 53. In this embodiment, the overlapping regions 63 and 64 are welded together in the fastening regions 52 and 53. However, they can also be joined by adhesive. Those skilled in the art will understand various methods and procedures for fastening the parts together. The first overlapping region 63 and the second overlapping region 64 are regions viewed in a plane spanned by the transverse axis and the longitudinal axis. In the first / second overlapping regions, a portion of the inner / outer panel members 36, 37 are arranged in a stacking relationship with the elastic panel member 38 as viewed in the thickness direction.

[0256] The width W of each overlapping region 63, 64 is illustrated here as 15 mm (measured transversely to the longitudinal axis L), and is the width of the two components overlapping each other. However, the width W can be between 10 mm and 20 mm. The width W2 (measured transversely to the longitudinal axis L) of each fastening region 52, 53 in the corresponding overlapping region 63, 64 is illustrated here as 5 mm, but in other embodiments it can be between 2 mm and 10 mm. The width of the fastening region is preferably smaller than or the same as the width of the overlapping region. The middle portion 38' of the elastic panel member 38 is arranged between the first fastening region 52 and the second fastening region 53. The middle portion 3' is the active portion of the elastic panel member 38. The active portion refers to this part of the elastic side panel that will be activated, i.e., stretched during use.

[0257] The first inner panel member 36 is illustrated herein as 35 mm wide, as measured from the edge of the first side base 2 to the first overlapping region 63 (measured transversely to the longitudinal axis L). When measured from the first side edge 12 of the base 2, which includes the first overlapping region 63, the width is 50 mm. The first fastening region 52 and the second fastening region 53 are illustrated herein as being approximately positioned in the middle of the respective overlapping regions 63, 64. Therefore, the middle portion 38' of the resilient panel member at the transition between the middle portion 38' and the first fastening region 52 is positioned at a distance D20, in this example, 45 mm from the first side edge 12 of the base frame 2, where the inner panel member 36 is attached to the base 2. Preferably, the distance D20 is 2 / 3 of the maximum width of the third side panel. Alternatively, the distance D20 is at least 20 mm. The distance D20 is measured transversely to the longitudinal axis L.

[0258] The width W3 of the resilient panel member 38 is illustrated as 35 mm (measured transversely to the longitudinal axis L), including overlapping regions 63 and 64. The middle portion 38' of the resilient panel member 38 has a width W1 along the transverse axis T, illustrated here as 15 mm. The width W1 is in the range of 5 mm to 20 mm. When the resilient panel member 38 is in a relaxed state, the width W1 is measured between the first fastening region 52 and the second fastening region 53. The resilient panel member 38 should have dimensions that ensure its full functionality while being as small as possible to be cost-effective. From a sustainability perspective, having a small resilient panel member is also beneficial.

[0259] The width W1 of the middle portion 38' can be determined using a conventional ruler. For this purpose, the area including the middle portion 38' is laid completely flat without stretching. The width W1 of the middle portion 38' is then determined between the first and second fastening areas 52, 53, accurate to 1 mm. Where the width W1 of the middle portion 38' varies along the longitudinal axis L, for example, through an irregular profile of the fastening area or similar means, a representative average width W1 must be calculated from a large number of measurements. If visualization of the width W1 is difficult, an aid such as an optical stage or microscope with length graduations may be appropriately used.

[0260] All other widths or lengths mentioned in this article can be measured in the same way. That is, different widths and / or lengths can be determined using a standard ruler. For this purpose, the area to be measured is laid flat without stretching. The width or length is then determined to an accuracy of 1 mm. In cases where the width varies along the longitudinal axis L or the length varies along the transverse axis, for example, through irregular contours, a representative average width must be calculated from a large number of measurements. If visualization of the width or length is difficult, an aid such as an optical stage or microscope with length graduations can be appropriately used.

[0261] The outer panel member 37 is illustrated herein as 85 mm wide, measured transversely to the longitudinal axis L, excluding the second overlapping region 64, and the width including the second overlapping region 64 may be 100 mm. The width, measured transversely to the longitudinal axis L, of the second overlapping region 64 is 15 mm, but may be smaller or larger in other embodiments. The second fastening region 53, measured transversely to the longitudinal axis L within the second overlapping region 64, is illustrated herein as 5 mm wide.

[0262] Preferably, the inner panel member 36 and the outer panel member 37 are made of a nonwoven material, such as a fibrous nonwoven material, but can be made of any suitable material. This material can be breathable and is preferably soft and flexible to provide improved body conformability and comfort. Suitable nonwoven materials are spunbond materials, for example, polypropylene or polyethylene fibers. Conjugated fibers can also be used. Another suitable nonwoven material is formed from a carded thermally bonded material, for example, polypropylene, polyester fibers, or conjugated fibers.

[0263] The resilient panel member 38 has a length L0 along the longitudinal axis L. This length is illustrated herein as being the same as the length of the inner panel member 36 and the outer panel member 37, but may be shorter or longer than the inner panel member 36 and / or the outer panel member 37. The length L0 is illustrated herein as 180 mm.

[0264] Each of the fastening regions 52 and 53 extends along the entire length of the resilient panel member 38 in the longitudinal direction. However, they may extend slightly shorter, provided that the members are sufficiently fastened to each other.

[0265] The resilient panel member 38 can be an elastic laminate. It can be, for example, two fibrous layers with an elastic membrane layer between them. Preferably, the first and second fibrous materials (e.g., a nonwoven layer) are selected such that they, combined with the intermediate elastic membrane layer, provide the laminate with a soft, fabric-like feel. Examples of suitable fibrous materials are carded webs and spunbond materials. Examples of suitable polymers used in the fibrous materials are polyethylene, polyester, polypropylene, and other polyolefin homopolymers and copolymers. Natural fibers, such as cotton, can also be used, provided they provide the required properties. Blends of polymers can contribute to higher flexibility in the nonwoven layer.

[0266] The elastic membrane can be made of any suitable natural or synthetic elastic polymer. Some examples of suitable materials for elastic membranes are low-crystallinity polyethylene, metallocene-catalyzed low-crystallinity polyethylene, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), polyurethane, polyisoprene, butadiene-styrene copolymer, and styrene block copolymers such as styrene / isoprene / styrene (SIS), styrene / butadiene / styrene (SBS), or styrene / ethylene-butadiene / styrene block copolymers. Blends of these polymers, as well as other modified elastomers or non-elastomers, can also be used.

[0267] For comfort reasons, it is advantageous if the total basis weight of the laminate can be kept low. Thus, although approximately 150 g / m²... 2 The total basis weight is acceptable, but 130 g / m 2 A lower total basis weight is preferred. The basis weight should be at least 20 g / m³. 2 .

[0268] The resilient panel member 38 includes a first load of 120%, which is in the range of 2-6 N, preferably 2-4 N. This ensures that the resilient panel member is easily activated when the absorbent article is applied to the wearer. It is desirable that the resilient panel member be easily activated because excessive pulling on the product during application is undesirable, as this can be uncomfortable for the wearer. If a higher force is required to activate the resilient panel member, it is possible that the resilient panel member needs to be activated before application to the wearer, i.e., after it has been removed from its packaging or shelf, such as in a nursing home, and before application to the wearer. Caregivers may lack the knowledge and / or time to do this, and this could result in the absorbent product not being properly secured to the wearer's body, potentially causing leakage and, in the worst case, falling off.

[0269] The resilient panel member 38 may include a second unloading of greater than 1.2N at 75% and a second unloading of greater than 0.8N at 50%. This improves the absorbent product's ability to remain adequately held against the wearer's body. The absorbent product requires a certain force within the sheet material of the resilient panel member to remain on the body.

[0270] The following method is used to evaluate the characteristics of the active part, namely the characteristics of the middle part 38' on the elastic panel member 38.

[0271] The materials used for testing should be conditioned for at least 4 hours in an environment set at 23℃±2℃ and 50%±5% relative humidity. The test should be conducted in this same environment.

[0272] A rectangular sample strip is carefully cut from the elastic panel member 38 on the absorbent article. For this purpose, a 25mm × 60mm cutting template is centered above the active part (i.e., the middle part 38'), with the length direction of the template perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the absorbent article (i.e., the sample length is consistent with the direction of functional elasticity).

[0273] This yields a 25mm × 60mm sample, which includes the elastic panel component 38 and some material from the adjacent panel component (which is then inserted into the tension tester fixture). The middle (central) 10mm section of the active part, i.e., the middle part 38', is then used for evaluation.

[0274] To ensure stable insertion into the tension tester fixture, place the strip with a high-friction backing along the sample width (on both the front and back sides), adjacent to the 10mm section to be tested.

[0275] A suitable tension tester (available from companies such as Lloyd, Instron, or Zwick) must be capable of cyclic movement. The tester is equipped with two vertically aligned clamps (at least 25 mm wide). Initially, the clamps should be set with a 10 mm gap.

[0276] Calibrate the tension tester according to the manufacturer's instructions and zero the load. Insert the sample (vertically centered) into the fixture so that a very slight stress (preload) of about 0.05 N rests on the sample (this preload should not be zeroed before testing).

[0277] The upper clamp is then moved at 100 mm / min to reach 120% of the sample extension (for a 10 mm test section, the final distance between the clamps is equal to 22 mm). The first force (in Newtons) is read at 120% sample extension (first loading stage). The cycle then returns to the starting point at the same speed.

[0278] The same second cycle is then performed immediately thereafter. During the second downward movement (second unloading phase), the reading force is measured at 75% and 50% of the sample extension range (i.e., for a 10mm test section, at a total clamping distance of 17.5mm and 15mm).

[0279] When the absorbent article has an elastic panel member 38 with a narrow active portion, i.e., a middle portion 38' (e.g., only 5 mm), those skilled in the art can easily adjust the above settings. Then, the strip is placed adjacent to the 5 mm section, and the clamps are set to a final clamp separation of 5 mm intervals and 120% sample extension range equal to 11 mm.

[0280] Measurements were taken from samples of five representative absorbent articles. Two representative samples were obtained from each resilient panel component (i.e., a total of 20 individual samples were tested). The arithmetic mean was calculated for the 120% extension range in the first loading phase and for the 75% and 50% extension ranges in the second unloading phase. The results were reported as a first decimal number in Newtons.

[0281] The elasticity of the third and fourth side panels allows them to stretch at least in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The advantage of having elastic elements in the side panels of the back of an absorbent article is that the product adapts more easily to the body whether the user is stationary or moving. It also improves the absorbent article's ability to accommodate different body types. The elastic side panels in the back also increase the product's ability to stay in place and be comfortable in most situations during use. Furthermore, it makes the absorbent product more forgiving when applied to the wearer, thus reducing leakage.

[0282] The fastening devices 17 and 19 on the third and fourth side panels 21 and 22 can be of any suitable type, such as adhesive or mechanical fasteners. A common type of mechanical fastener is a hook-and-loop fastener. Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the first fastening device 17 and the second fastening device 19 each include a hook-type mechanical fastening patch, i.e., a fastening device having a plurality of protruding hook elements that can be engaged with a corresponding annular fastening device, such as an annular nonwoven material forming a receiving area. Figure 1 The receiving areas for the first fastening device 17 and the second fastening device 19 are on the outer side of the front portion of the absorbent article 1. In this case, the absorbent article 1 has an outer nonwoven layer of a backing sheet 8, which is adapted to function as a loop fastening device for the hook fastening device. The first and second side panels 10, 11 also include receiving areas, i.e., areas where the first fastening devices 17, 19 can be attached.

[0283] As used herein, the term "hook" refers to any element capable of engaging another element (the so-called "loop" portion). The term "hook" is not limited to "hook" in its normal sense, but encompasses any form of engaging element, whether unidirectional or bidirectional. Similarly, the term "loop" is not limited to "loop" in its normal sense, but also encompasses any structure capable of engaging with a "hook" fastening device. Examples of "loop" materials are fibrous structures, such as nonwoven materials. Hook-loop fastening devices are available, for example, from Velcro in the United States.

[0284] An alternative to the hook patch that can be used as a fastening device is a hook protrusion. A hook protrusion is a protrusion having a substrate layer. One end of the substrate layer is attached to the back panel in the attachment portion, and the other end includes a hook forming the fastening portion, with the hooked end extending over the outer edge of the back panel. The third side panel 21 and the fourth side panel 22 may each include two hook protrusions when they do. Figure 8 An example is shown in the figure. Figure 8 Show Figure 1 The schematic diagram of the fourth side panel 22 shows an alternative fastening member 19 in the shape of a fastening tab 19'. Two fastening tabs 19' are attached to the fourth side panel 21 at corresponding attachment portions 48, and a fastening portion 49 with a hook is located outside the outer edge of the side panel 22. The third side panel 21 may also include two fastening tabs 19' in a similar manner.

[0285] The absorbent article 1 may also have a waist elastic element 51 positioned in the back 4 near the back edge 24 of the absorbent article 1 (see Figure 1 It may also have a waist elastic element (not shown) in the front part 3. The absorbent article may have only one in the front part or only one in the back part, or it may have two waist elastic elements, one in the front part and one in the back part 4. The waist elastic element 51 may be an elastic thread, elastic strip, etc., between the top sheet 7 and the back sheet 8 of the absorbent article 1 and attached to the base 2 by adhesive, heat welding, etc., so that when the waist elastic element 51 is relaxed, the top sheet 7 and the back sheet 8 are pleated. Alternatively, the waist elastic element 51 may also be made of a non-elastic nonwoven material that has been stretched or necked elasticized, or it may be made of an elastic laminate formed by laminating elastic and non-elastic layers.

[0286] The waist elastic element 51 can be an integral part of the absorbent article 1, located between the top sheet 7 and the back sheet 8. However, the waist elastic element 51 can alternatively be a separately manufactured elongated waist elastic element and then attached to the substrate at opposite longitudinal ends of the waist elastic element by means of methods known in the art, such as by adhesive, welding or the like.

[0287] Figure 9 An alternative construction with a second elastic element 16' is shown. Figure 1 The second side panel.

[0288] exist Figure 9In this embodiment, the second central portion C2 and the second straight portion P2 of each second elastic element 16' are connected via a second connecting portion 18, which is illustrated herein as a curved connecting portion 18. That is, the curved connecting portion 18 is arranged between the second central portion C2 and the second straight portion P2. The second elastic element 16' extends along the longitudinal axis in its longitudinal extent and overlaps with the longitudinal extent of the second side panel by a second distance D2, which is 20 mm in this example. This also applies to the other end of the second elastic element 16'. That is, the second central portion C2 and the fourth straight portion P4 of each second elastic element 16' can be connected via a fourth connecting portion 18 (not shown), for example, a curved connecting portion. That is, the fourth curved connecting portion is arranged between the second central portion C2 and the fourth straight portion P4. In this example, the fourth distance D4 can be 40 mm. An alternative shape for the connecting portion is a straight connecting portion, which can be at an angle to the longitudinal axis L. Figure 9 In the middle, all three second elastic elements 16' have curved connecting portions; however, as Figure 1 As shown, it is possible that only one elastic element has a curved connecting portion, while the other two elastic elements have straight connecting portions, or vice versa; or one elastic element has a curved connecting portion, one elastic element has a straight portion, and a third elastic element has a direct connection, i.e., the second straight portion is connected to the second central portion C2 by P2. Therefore, different combinations are possible.

[0289] Figure 1 The first elastic element 15' in the middle can also be as follows Figure 9 In this configuration, the first straight portion P1 of each first elastic element 15' is connected via a first connecting portion 18, which may be a curved connecting portion 18 (not shown), and / or the third straight portion P3 of each first elastic element 15' is connected via a third connecting portion 18, which may also be a curved connecting portion 18 (not shown). That is, the first curved connecting portion may be arranged between the first central portion C1 and the first straight portion P1, and the third curved connecting portion may be arranged between the first central portion C1 and the third straight portion P3. The first elastic element 15' extends along the longitudinal axis L with its longitudinal extent and overlaps the longitudinal extent of the first side panel by a first distance D1, which is 20 mm in this example. The first elastic element 15' extends along the longitudinal axis L with its longitudinal extent and overlaps the longitudinal extent of the third side panel by a third distance D4, which is 20 mm in this example. In this example, the fourth distance D4 may be 40 mm.

[0290] exist Figure 9In this configuration, the second central portion C2 of each second elastic element 16' is curved such that the bending direction of the end of the second central portion C2 at the transition between the second central portion C2 and the second connecting portion 18 follows an imaginary line LC, which intersects a portion of the second side edge 13 of the base 2 to which the second side panel 11 is attached. The same applies to the other end of the second elastic element 16'. That is, the second central portion C2 of each second elastic element 16' can be curved such that the bending direction of the end of the second central portion C2 at the transition between the second central portion C2 and the fourth connecting portion 18 follows an imaginary line LC, which intersects a portion of the second side edge 13 of the base 2 to which the fourth side panel 22 is attached (not shown).

[0291] Figure 1 The first elastic element 15' in can also be as follows: Figure 9 The first elastic element 15' is constructed in a manner (not shown), wherein the first central portion C1 of each first elastic element 15' is curved such that the bending direction of the end of the first central portion C1 at the transition between the first central portion C1 and the first connecting portion 18 follows an imaginary line LC, which intersects a portion of the first side panel 10 of the first side edge 12 of the backing sheet 2 to the base 2. The same applies to the other end (not shown) of the first elastic element 15'. That is, the first central portion C1 of each first elastic element 15' may be curved such that the bending direction of the end of the first central portion C1 at the transition between the first central portion C1 and the third connecting portion 18 follows an imaginary line LC, which intersects a portion of the third side panel 21 of the first side edge 12 of the base 2 to the base 2.

[0292] The lengths and characteristics of the first, second, third, and fourth straight sections P1, P2, P3, and P4, and when in Figure 9 When multiple elastic elements 15' and 16' are present, how are they related to each other? Figure 1 The same applies to the first central portion C1 and the second central portion C2, except for their extension range at the aforementioned ends.

[0293] The distances mentioned regarding the first and second elastic elements 15', 16' and / or the first, second, third, and fourth straight portions P1, P2, P3, P4, and their longitudinal extension ranges, and their relation to the corresponding first, second, third, and fourth side panels 10, 11, 21, 22, are also related to... Figure 1 Similarly, except that some or all of the first, second, third and fourth sections may also overlap with at least a portion of the longitudinal extent of their respective first, second, third and fourth side panels 10, 11, 21, 22.

Claims

1. A disposable absorbent article (1) for absorbing bodily fluids and / or liquid feces, said absorbent article (1) comprising: The base (2) extends along the longitudinal axis (L) from the front edge (23) at the front part (3) of the base (2) to the back edge (24) at the back part (4) of the base (2). The base (2) includes a first side edge (12) and a second side edge (13), which extend on opposite sides of the base (2) about the longitudinal axis (L) between the front edge (23) and the back edge (24) of the base (2). The substrate (2) includes a liquid-permeable top sheet (7), a liquid-impermeable back sheet (8), and an absorbent structure (9) disposed between the top sheet (7) and the back sheet (8). The absorbent article (1) further includes a first side panel (10) attached to the front portion (3) of the base (2) at the first side edge (12) of the base (2), and a second side panel (11) attached to the front portion (3) of the base (2) at the second side edge (13) of the base (2). The absorbent article (1) further includes a third side panel (21) attached to the back (4) of the base (2) at the first side edge (12) of the base (2) and a fourth side panel (22) attached to the back (4) of the base (2) at the second side edge (13) of the base (2). The third side panel (21) is provided with a first fastening device (17) configured to be attachable to the first side panel (10) or the back piece (8) at the front (3) of the base (2), and the fourth side panel (22) is provided with a second fastening device (19) configured to be attachable to the second side panel (11) or the back piece (8) at the front (3) of the base (2). Each of the third side panel (21) and the fourth side panel (22) includes an inner panel member (36), an outer panel member (37), and a resilient panel member (38) attached to the base (2). The resilient panel member (38) is disposed between and attached to the inner panel member (36) and the outer panel member (37). The resilient member (38) is attached to the inner panel member (36) at a first fastening region (52) and to the outer panel member (37) at a second fastening region (53). The resilient panel member (38) has a length (L0) along the longitudinal axis (L) and includes a middle portion (38') extending between the first fastening region (52) and the second fastening region (53). The middle portion (38') has a width (W1) in the range of 5 mm to 20 mm along the transverse axis (T).

2. The absorbent article (1) according to claim 1, wherein the elastic panel member (38) comprises a sheet material having a first load of 120% in the range of 2-6N, preferably 2-4N, as measured according to the methods disclosed herein.

3. The absorbent article (1) according to claim 2, wherein the sheet material of the resilient panel member (38) has a second unload of 75% greater than 1.2N and a second unload of 50% greater than 0.8N as measured according to the methods disclosed herein.

4. The absorbent article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the middle portion (38') of the resilient panel member (38) is positioned in the direction along the transverse axis (T) at a distance from the base (2) where the inner panel member (36) is attached to the base (2) at a distance equal to 2 / 3 of the maximum value of the length of the corresponding third side panel and the length of the fourth side panel.

5. The absorbent article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the middle portion (38') of the resilient panel member (38) is positioned in the direction along the transverse axis (T) at a distance of at least 20 mm from the substrate (2) where the inner panel member (36) is attached to the substrate (2) at a corresponding first side edge (12) or second side edge (13).

6. The absorbent article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the resilient panel member (38) is attached to the inner panel member (36) at the first fastening region (52) in the first overlapping region (63) and to the outer panel member (37) at the second fastening region (53) in the second overlapping region (64), and the resilient panel member (38) has a width (W3) of less than 40 mm along the transverse axis (T), the width (W3) extending over the middle portion (38') and the first overlapping region (63) and the second overlapping region (64).

7. The absorbent article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the resilient panel member (38) is attached to the inner panel member (36) at the first fastening region (52) by adhesive, heat bonding or welding, and / or wherein the resilient panel member (38) is attached to the outer panel member (37) at the second fastening region (53) by adhesive, heat bonding or welding.

8. The absorbent article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elastic panel member (38) comprises a sheet material, and the sheet material is an elastic laminate formed of an elastic film layer disposed between two fibrous materials, such as a nonwoven layer.

9. The absorbent article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first side edge (12) and the second side edge (13) together define the hourglass shape of the base (2) such that the base (2) has a minimum width (Wh) along a transverse axis (T) extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (L).

10. The absorbent article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the absorbent article (1) further comprises at least one first elastic element (15') attached to the substrate (2), the first elastic element (15') comprising a first central portion (C1) extending along a portion of the first side edge (12), and the absorbent article (1) further comprises at least one second elastic element (16') attached to the substrate (2), the second elastic element (16') comprising a second central portion (C2) extending along a portion of the second side edge (13).

11. The absorbent article (1) according to claim 10, wherein the first elastic element (15') further comprises a first straight portion (P1) extending along the longitudinal axis (L) between the first central portion (C1) of the first elastic element (15') and the front edge (23), wherein, as viewed along the longitudinal axis (L), the longitudinal extent of the first elastic element (15') overlaps at least a first distance (D1) with at least a portion of the longitudinal extent of the first side panel (10), and The second elastic element (16') further includes a second straight portion (P2) extending along the longitudinal axis (L) between the second central portion (C2) of the second elastic element (16') and the front edge (23), such that, when viewed along the longitudinal axis (L), the longitudinal extent of the second elastic element (16) overlaps with at least a portion of the longitudinal extent of the second side panel (11) by at least a second distance (D2).

12. The absorbent article (1) according to claim 11, wherein the first distance (D1) is parallel to the longitudinal axis (L) and is measured at the point (P5) where the back edge (25) of the back (4) of the first side panel (10) facing the base (2) intersects with the first side edge (12) of the base (2); and the second distance (D2) is parallel to the longitudinal axis (L) and is measured at the point (P6) where the back edge (27) of the back (4) of the second side panel (11) facing the base (2) intersects with the second side edge (13) of the base (2).

13. The absorbent article (1) according to any one of claims 10-12, wherein the absorbent article comprises a plurality of first elastic elements (15') and a plurality of second elastic elements (16'), each of the first elastic elements (15') comprising a first central portion (C1) and a first straight portion (P1), the first central portion (C1) and the first straight portion (P1) each extending along a portion of the first side edge (12) and the first straight portion (P1) extending along the longitudinal axis (L) between the first central portion (C1) of the first elastic element (15) and the front edge (23), and each of the second elastic elements (16) comprising a second central portion (C2) and a second straight portion (P2), the second central portion (C2) and the second straight portion (P2) each extending along a portion of the second side edge (13) and the second straight portion (P2) extending along the longitudinal axis (L) from the second central portion (C2) of the second elastic element (16) toward the front edge (23).

14. The absorbent article (1) according to claim 13, wherein the lateral spacing between the first elastic elements (15') increases from a smaller spacing closer to the first straight portion (P1) to a larger spacing further away from the first straight portion (P1), and The lateral spacing between the second elastic elements (16') increases from a smaller spacing closer to the second straight portion (P2) to a larger spacing further away from the second straight portion (P2).

15. The absorbent article (1) according to any one of claims 11-14, wherein the first central portion (C1) of the first elastic element (15') is curved such that the bending direction of the end of the first central portion (C1) at the transition between the first central portion (C1) and the first straight portion (P1) follows a first imaginary line (L1), the first imaginary line (L1) intersecting a portion of the first side edge (12) of the substrate (2) to which the first side panel (21) is attached to the substrate (2), and the second central portion (C2) of the second elastic element (16') is curved such that the bending direction of the end of the second central portion (C2) at the transition between the second central portion (C2) and the second straight portion (P2) follows a second imaginary line (L2), the second imaginary line (L2) intersecting a portion of the second side edge (13) of the substrate (2) to which the second side panel (11) is attached to the substrate (2).

16. The absorbent article (1) according to any one of claims 10-15, wherein the first elastic element (15') further comprises a third straight portion (P3) extending along the longitudinal axis (L) between the first central portion (C1) of the first elastic element (15') and the back edge (24) of the substrate (2), wherein, as viewed along the longitudinal axis (L), the longitudinal extent of the first elastic element (15') overlaps at least a third distance (D3) with at least a portion of the longitudinal extent of the third side panel (21), and The second elastic element (16') further includes a fourth straight portion (P4) that extends along the longitudinal axis (L) between the second central portion (C2) of the second elastic element (16) and the back edge (24) of the base (2), such that, when viewed along the longitudinal axis (L), the longitudinal extent of the second elastic element (16') overlaps at least a fourth distance (D4) with at least a portion of the longitudinal extent of the fourth side panel (22).

17. The absorbent article (1) according to any one of claims 10-16, wherein the absorbent article (1) comprises a plurality of first elastic elements (15') and a plurality of second elastic elements (16'), and each first elastic element (15') comprises a first central portion (C1) extending along a portion of the first side edge (12) and a third straight portion (P3) extending along the longitudinal axis from a corresponding first central portion (P1) of the first elastic element (15') toward the back edge (24), and each second elastic element (16') comprises a third straight portion extending along the second side edge (12) toward the back edge (24). A second central portion (C2) extending from a portion of the side edge (13) and a fourth straight portion (P4) extending along the longitudinal axis (L) from the corresponding second central portion of the second elastic element toward the back edge (24), wherein the spacing between the first elastic elements (15') increases from a smaller spacing closer to the third straight portion (P3) to a larger spacing further away from the third straight portion (P3), and wherein the spacing between the second elastic lines (16') increases from a smaller spacing closer to the fourth straight portion (P4) to a larger spacing further away from the fourth straight portion (P4).

18. The absorbent article (1) according to any one of claims 11-17, wherein the first central portion (C1) of the first elastic element (15') is curved such that the bending direction of the end of the first central portion (C1) at the transition between the first central portion (C1) and the first straight portion (P1) follows a first imaginary line (L1), the first imaginary line (L1) intersecting a portion of the first side edge (12) of the substrate (2) to which the first side panel (21) is attached to the substrate (2), and the second central portion (C2) of the second elastic element (16') is curved such that the bending direction of the end of the second central portion (C2) at the transition between the second central portion (C2) and the second straight portion (P2) follows a second imaginary line (L2), the second imaginary line (L2) intersecting a portion of the second side edge (13) of the substrate (2) to which the second side panel (11) is attached to the substrate (2).

19. The absorbent article (1) according to any one of claims 11-18, wherein the first distance (D1) is greater than 5 mm and less than half the length of the longitudinal range (E1) of the first side panel (10) parallel to the longitudinal axis (L), from the back edge (25) of the back edge (24) of the first side panel (10) facing the substrate (2) to the front edge (26) of the back edge (24) of the first side panel (10) facing away from the substrate (2), and The second distance (D2) is greater than 5 mm and less than half the length of the longitudinal range (E2) of the second side panel (11) parallel to the longitudinal axis (L), from the back edge (25) of the back edge (24) of the second side panel (11) facing the base (2) to the front edge (28) of the back edge (24) of the second side panel (11) away from the base (2).

20. The absorbent article (1) according to any one of claims 16-19, wherein the third distance (D3) is greater than 5 mm and less than half the length of the longitudinal range (E3) of the third side panel (10) parallel to the longitudinal axis (L), from the front edge (46) of the front edge (23) of the third side panel (21) facing the substrate (2) to the back edge (45) of the third side panel (21) facing away from the front edge (23) of the substrate (2), and The fourth distance (D4) is greater than 5 mm and less than half the length of the longitudinal range (E4) of the fourth side panel (22) parallel to the longitudinal axis (L), from the front edge (46) of the front edge (23) of the fourth side panel (22) facing the base (2) to the back edge (45) of the fourth side panel (22) away from the front edge (23) of the base (2).

21. The absorbent article (1) according to any one of claims 11-20, wherein each of the first distance (D1), the second distance (D2), the third distance (D3) and the fourth distance (D4) is in the range of 5 mm to 40 mm, preferably 10 mm to 30 mm.

22. The absorbent article (1) according to any one of claims 10-21, wherein the first elastic element (15) is an elastic line (15') and wherein the second elastic element (16) is an elastic line (16').

23. The absorbent article (1) according to any one of claims 10-22, wherein the first elastic element (15) and the second elastic element (16) are attached to the substrate (2) by adhesive and / or by welding.

24. The absorbent article (1) according to any one of claims 10-23, wherein each of the first elastic element (15') and the second elastic element (16') is located between the back sheet (8) and the top sheet (7), or between two material sheets forming the back sheet (8), or between the back sheet (8) and a corresponding blocking member (29) connected to the top sheet (7) for the wearer of the absorbent article (1).

25. The absorbent article (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each of the first side panel (10), the second side panel (11), the third side panel (21) and the fourth side panel (22) extends laterally from the substrate (2) at a distance (D5, D6) within a range of 50 mm to 400 mm away from the substrate (2) from the respective first side edge (12) or second side edge (13) of the substrate (2) where the respective side panel (10, 11, 21, 22) is attached to the substrate (2).

26. The absorbent article (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each of the first side panel (10) and the second side panel (11) extends a distance (D7) within a range of 100 mm to 300 mm along the longitudinal axis (L).

27. The absorbent article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first side panel (10), the second side panel (11), the third side panel (21) and the fourth side panel (22) are rectangular.

28. The absorbent article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first side edge (12) includes a bend between the first side panel (10) and the third side panel (21), and The second side edge (12) includes a bend between the second side panel (11) and the fourth side panel (22).

Images