METHOD FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF DISPOSABLE INCONTINENCE DIAPERS

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a plurality of open-type disposable incontinence diapers for adults.

[0002] Such disposable incontinence diapers are known and often have a main part consisting of a front area, a back area and a crotch area located between the legs of a user in the longitudinal direction of the diaper, whereby the main part usually already includes an absorbent core, and with separate diaper side parts attached to both sides at the rear lateral longitudinal edges of the back area, which extend in the transverse direction of the diaper beyond the lateral longitudinal edges of the main part and connect the front area and the back area when the article is worn.

[0003] The diaper side panels are preferably attached directly to both sides of the main part, i.e., the chassis of the hygiene product, using the cut-and-place (slip-cut) method. This manufacturing technology allows the diaper side panels to be made from a different material than the main part of the hygiene product. For example, the diaper side panels can include at least some elastic material, whereas the main part can be made from a material that is essentially non-stretchable.

[0004] From a manufacturing perspective, the most efficient, simplest, and most cost-effective way to provide diaper side panels is to detach them from a continuous sheet of flat material. This sheet can be made of a composite material, such that continuous sheets, differing in their material properties (e.g., elasticity or breathability) as needed, are joined together at their respective longitudinal edges.

[0005] WO2008 / 036706A1 discloses a method for manufacturing diaper side panels using a diaper side panel web with a single cut in the transverse direction, which has three differentiable areas in the transverse direction. The diaper side panels are separated by cutting the diaper side panel web in the transverse direction, in particular such that successively formed diaper side panels are oriented rotated by 180° in the plane.

[0006] WO2011 / 101773A1 discloses a method for manufacturing hygiene products, wherein a diaper side panel web with two crosswise uses is fed to a main web, wherein the diaper side panel web is manufactured such that outer side panel sections are cut from a first pre-folded material web and indexed to a second pre-folded material web. The indexed insertion of the outer side panel sections to the second material web entails a complex process.

[0007] WO96 / 03952A1 discloses a method for manufacturing a diaper, wherein diaper ear sections, consisting of a first and a second ear and a bridging material inserted between them, are cut from an endless composite material web and attached to the diaper main part in such a way that the bridging material covers the diaper main part. The bridging material adversely affects the manufacturing costs of the diaper.

[0008] WO96 / 31180A1 discloses a method for manufacturing a closure system for hygiene products, wherein an endless closure material web is attached to two endless flat material webs, such that the closure material web forms the central area of ​​a two-ply diaper side panel web. Before singulation, the two-ply diaper side panel web must be separated into two single-ply diaper side panel webs by cutting, in particular meandering cutting through the closure material.

[0009] WO2007 / 042084A1 discloses a method for manufacturing a variety of incontinence diapers with front and rear diaper side panels, wherein the rear diaper side panels have a higher elasticity than the front diaper side panels.

[0010] The present invention is based on the objective of providing an improved method for manufacturing such or similar disposable incontinence diapers, which is cost-effective and advantageously implementable from a process engineering perspective.

[0011] This problem is solved by a method for manufacturing disposable incontinence diapers, wherein each disposable incontinence diaper has a diaper longitudinal direction and a diaper transverse direction, and wherein the disposable incontinence diaper has a main part provided with an absorbent core, wherein the main part has a back section with a first rear lateral longitudinal edge and with a second rear lateral longitudinal edge, and wherein a first elastic diaper side panel extending in the diaper transverse direction beyond the first rear lateral longitudinal edge of the main part is attached to the first rear lateral longitudinal edge, and wherein a second elastic diaper side panel extending in the diaper transverse direction beyond the second rear lateral longitudinal edge of the main part is attached to the second rear lateral longitudinal edge, comprising the following steps Conveying a first material web, a second material web, and a third material web, wherein the first material web has a width B1 and a first material web edge region and a second material web edge region and comprises or consists of a material that is at least partially elastic in a transverse direction of the first material web, wherein the second material web has a width B2 and a third material web edge region and a fourth material web edge region and comprises or consists of a first closure carrier material that is substantially inextensible in a transverse direction of the second material web, wherein the third material web has a width B3 and a fifth material web edge region and a sixth material web edge region and comprises or consists of a second closure carrier material that is substantially inextensible in a transverse direction of the third material web, and wherein the material web edge regions of the first,The second and third material webs are joined together such that the third edge region of the second material web is attached to the first edge region of the first material web, and wherein the fifth edge region of the third material web is attached to the second edge region of the first material web, such that the first, second, and third material webs together form a composite web, and wherein the composite web has a first edge region and a second edge region, wherein a central region of the composite web is formed by the first material web, separating the composite web in a longitudinal direction through the central region of the composite web to form a first composite sub-web with a first edge region and a second edge region.and a second composite sheet with a third composite sheet edge area and a fourth composite sheet edge area, wherein the first and third composite sheet edge areas each adjoin a longitudinal edge of the respective composite sheet formed when the composite sheet is separated, and wherein the second composite sheet edge area is formed by the fourth material sheet edge area of ​​the second material sheet and wherein the fourth composite sheet edge area is formed by the sixth material sheet edge area of ​​the third material sheet, attaching a fourth material sheet having a width B4 and a seventh material sheet edge area and an eighth material sheet edge area and comprising or consisting of an attachment material that is substantially inextensible in a transverse direction of the fourth material sheet to the first and second composite sheets in such a manner,that the seventh material web edge region of the fourth material web is attached to the first composite sub-web edge region of the first composite sub-web, and that the eighth material web edge region of the fourth material web is attached to the third composite sub-web edge region of the second composite sub-web, wherein the first and the second composite sub-web and the fourth material web together form a two-purpose diaper side panel such that a central region of the two-purpose diaper side panel is formed by the fourth material web, and wherein a first outer region of the two-purpose diaper side panel is formed by the first composite sub-web, and wherein a second outer region of the two-purpose diaper side panel is formed by the second composite sub-web, separating the two-purpose diaper side panel in a longitudinal direction of the two-purpose diaper side panel and through the central region of the two-purpose diaper side panel.for the formation of a first and second single-use diaper side panel, each in its respective transverse direction; separating diaper side panel sections by separating the first and second single-use diaper side panels in their respective transverse directions; feeding in a diaper main panel with a first diaper main panel edge and a second diaper main panel edge; attaching the diaper side panel sections to the first areas of the first diaper main panel edge and to the second areas of the second diaper main panel edge; separating the disposable incontinence diapers by separating the diaper main panel in a transverse direction of the diaper main panel.

[0012] The inventive method enables the cost-effective provision of a diaper side panel web that is double-purpose in the transverse direction and has elastic material in the transverse direction, which can be reliably separated into diaper side panel sections by process-technically advantageous separation and singulation steps.

[0013] Unless otherwise described, within the scope of the present invention, the single, double or triple use of a respective track refers to its transverse direction, i.e. a direction orthogonal to the respective longitudinal direction of the track.

[0014] The "utility" factor (one, two, three) refers to the number of segments - such as the number of diaper side panel sections - which can be formed or separated from the panel in the respective direction.

[0015] The fact that the fourth material web and / or the attachment material encompassed by the fourth material web, by means of which in particular the diaper side section sections are attached to the edge of the diaper main web, is essentially non-stretchable, offers the advantage that the stability of the joining connection between the diaper main web and the attachment material of the diaper side section sections is increased.

[0016] The fact that the second material web and / or the first closure carrier material preferably encompassed by the second material web and / or the third material web and / or the second closure carrier material preferably encompassed by the third material web, i.e. the closure carrier material to which closure elements are attached according to a preferred embodiment, is essentially non-stretchable, further facilitates the production of an joining connection between closure elements and a respective diaper side section.

[0017] The first and / or second closure carrier material and / or the attachment material preferably comprises or consists of a nonwoven material, such as spunbond, meltblown, carded, spunlace, or through-air bonded carded nonwoven, or combinations thereof. Spunbond materials (spunbond nonwovens) and / or meltblown nonwovens are particularly preferred, especially laminates of spunbond (S) and meltblown (M) nonwovens or nonwoven layers such as SMS, SSMS, SMMS, SSMMS, or SSMMSS laminates.

[0018] It has also proven advantageous if the nonwoven material contains at least one formulation component based on a thermoplastic polymer, such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or mixtures thereof. Nonwoven materials comprising rayon, cellulose, polyamide (PA), and mixtures thereof are also conceivable.

[0019] The nonwoven material advantageously has a basis weight of 10 - 70 g / m 2< , further preferably of 20 - 60 g / m 2< , further preferably of 30 - 50 g / m 2< .

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, the first and second closure carrier materials comprise or consist of the same material, in particular the same nonwoven fabric material. According to a further preferred embodiment, the attachment material and the first and / or second closure carrier materials comprise or consist of the same material, in particular the same nonwoven fabric material. This has the advantage that the closure carrier material and the attachment material, in particular two, and further in particular three, of the material webs selected from the group comprising the second, third, and fourth material webs, can be provided from a single material web, in particular two- or three-ply in the transverse direction, in particular by separating this material web in the longitudinal direction, in particular as described in more detail below.

[0021] The elastic material of the first material web preferably comprises or consists of a flat material, in particular a nonwoven fabric, a film, a textile material, a foam, or combinations thereof. In particular, the elastic material comprises or consists of a laminate of two or more of the aforementioned flat materials. More preferably, the elastic material can be formed from a composite of elastic components and non-elastic components, in particular a composite of an elastic film or an elastic nonwoven fabric or an elastic foam or elastic threads such as Lycra, Spandex, or Elastane threads with a non-elastic and / or stretchable nonwoven fabric or foam.

[0022] In the case of a composite of elastic and non-elastic components, the composite can be made elastic by ensuring that the non-elastic component is stretchable and offers little or no resistance to the elastic stretching of the elastic component. Another possibility is to join the components using a stretch-bonding process known to those skilled in the art, thus joining the elastic component to the inelastic component in a pre-stretched state. A further way to achieve elasticization of a composite of elastic and non-elastic components is to "activate" the composite – preferably using a technology known as "ring rolling." This technology is described, for example, in EP 0 650 714 A1.Ring rolling involves overstretching a composite material that is inherently inextensible, such as a non-woven / film laminate, by excessive deflection between intermeshing rollers. In this overstretched state, the previously inextensible laminate material offers virtually no resistance to elongation. By combining this with an elastically stretchable element within such a laminate, elastic stretchability can be achieved in the treated area.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment of the method, the composite sheet has a first axis of symmetry running along its longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the composite sheet is separated along this first axis of symmetry.

[0024] According to another preferred embodiment of the method, the diaper side panel, which is bifurcated in the transverse direction, has a second axis of symmetry running in the longitudinal direction of the bifurcated diaper side panel. Furthermore, and in particular, the bifurcated diaper side panel is separated along this second axis of symmetry.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment of the method, it proves advantageous to attach the second and third material webs to the first material web simultaneously, i.e., in particular in the same process step.

[0026] According to another preferred variant, it proves advantageous to attach the first and second composite web sections to the fourth material web simultaneously, i.e., in particular in the same process step.

[0027] Alternatively, it is conceivable to join the material layers together one after the other to form the composite layer and / or the diaper side panel layer which is used twice in the transverse direction.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment, the first and the second elastic diaper side part each have at least one closure element.

[0029] The diaper side panel, which is double-purpose in the transverse direction, has a first diaper side panel edge and a second diaper side panel edge, wherein preferably the first and the second diaper side panel edge run on both sides in the longitudinal direction of the double-purpose diaper side panel and essentially parallel to the second axis of symmetry.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the respective closure elements are attached to first areas of the first diaper side panel edge and to second areas of the second diaper side panel edge.

[0031] Alternatively, it is conceivable to provide the second and / or third material web with closure elements before attaching the respective material web to the first material web. Furthermore, it proves advantageous to attach the closure elements to the first composite web edge area and / or to the second composite web edge area of ​​the composite web, or to the second composite sub-web edge area of ​​the first composite sub-web and / or to the fourth composite sub-web edge area of ​​the second composite sub-web. As a further alternative, it is conceivable to attach closure elements to the diaper side panels that are used transversely or to the diaper side panel sections. It is also conceivable to attach the closure elements to the diaper side panels after attaching the diaper side panels to the main part and / or after the disposable incontinence diapers have been separated.

[0032] According to a preferred variant, the respective closure elements are in particular timed and attached using application techniques known to those skilled in the art, such as the cut and place method (slip cut).

[0033] It proves advantageous if each diaper side panel has exactly one fastening element. Alternatively, it is conceivable that one or both diaper side panels have exactly two, in particular at least two, and further, in particular at least three fastening elements.

[0034] The fastening elements typically consist of a flap made of a single- or multi-layered flat material, which, starting from a configuration usually folded inwards around a distal longitudinal edge of the diaper side panel, can be unfolded into an outwards unfolded operating position. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the fastening carrier material of a respective diaper side panel has a functional fastening element ("patch") within the distal area of ​​the diaper side panel. In a manner known per se and therefore not requiring further description, each fastening element is equipped with adhesive and / or mechanically bonded areas, layers, or elements, such as hook / loop materials.If the diaper side panel has exactly one fastening element, it is advantageous if this fastening element is positioned approximately centrally and distally along the length of the diaper side panel. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the fastening element extends between 25% and 75% of the longitudinal extent C of the diaper side panel. The fastening elements are preferably rectangular in both the folded and unfolded states. In the manufacturer's inactive configuration, they are preferably folded inwards towards themselves.

[0035] In use, the diaper side panels overlap with the outer side (i.e., the outer surface) of the front section of the main part, so that the fastening elements provided on both diaper side panels at the free end of each side panel (in the transverse direction of the diaper) can be closed onto the outer surface of the front section of the main part. For this purpose, the fastening elements and at least one area of ​​the outer surface of the front section of the main part are designed as a fastening system. In particular, the fastening elements have mechanical components such as hook-and-loop fasteners, especially in combination with adhesive areas, by means of which the fastening elements can be releasably attached to the outer surface of the front section of the main part.For this purpose, it has proven advantageous if the outer surface of the front area of ​​the main part is formed at least partially, preferably completely, by a suitably designed non-woven fabric. Alternatively, it is possible to provide one or more separate hook-and-loop fastener elements on the outer surface of the main part in the front area, which serve as a landing zone for the fastening elements of the diaper side panels.

[0036] It has proven advantageous to provide the material webs comprising elastic material, attachment material or closure carrier material, which are single-utilized in their respective transverse direction, by separating a material web that is two- or three-utilized in its respective transverse direction along its respective longitudinal direction.

[0037] This separation process can be carried out "in-line" in a manner known to those skilled in the art, such that the single-ply material webs obtained from the separation process are immediately fed to the further process for the production of the diaper side panel web, or "off-line" in such a way that the single-ply material webs are placed in a storage form and processed further at a later time or at a spatially distant operating site.

[0038] Preferably, the second and third material webs are provided by separating a material web that is double-layered in its transverse direction.

[0039] According to another preferred embodiment, the second, third and fourth material webs are provided by separating a material web that has three uses in its transverse direction.

[0040] It has also proven advantageous to provide the single-use diaper side panels in their respective transverse directions by separating a double-use diaper side panel along its longitudinal direction. This process can also be carried out "in-line" or "off-line" in relation to the production of the disposable incontinence diaper.

[0041] Within the scope of this invention, the terms "separation in the longitudinal direction" or "separation along a longitudinal direction" preferably refer to separation along a straight dividing line running parallel to the longitudinal extent of the relevant web. Other line shapes are also conceivable, such as curved, bent, wavy, jagged, obtuse-angled, acute-angled, pointed-arch, shallow-arched, or irregular, whereby these line shapes produce web edges that are not straight.

[0042] The separation can be complete, i.e., continuous, or discontinuous, as a weakening line, for example by means of perforation or in the form of material recesses, with the separation being completed in a subsequent process step. For economic reasons, the separation is preferably carried out without generating any scrap material, but it can also result in a small amount of material being discarded, for example, for aesthetic reasons.

[0043] Both the separation of webs in the longitudinal direction and the separation of diaper side section sections from a diaper side section web in the transverse direction as well as the singulation of disposable incontinence diapers in the transverse direction can be carried out using different methods known to those skilled in the art, such as cutting, punching, laser cutting, fluid cutting (for example, water jet cutting).

[0044] A preferred embodiment provides that the diaper side panel sections are designed to be single-sided in their longitudinal direction. In this embodiment, a diaper side panel section comprises exactly one diaper side panel of a single disposable incontinence diaper.

[0045] According to a further preferred embodiment, the diaper side section sections are designed to be two-purposed in their longitudinal direction, wherein the separation of the diaper main section is carried out through the diaper side section sections in such a way that a first subsection of a respective diaper side section section forms a rear diaper side section of a first disposable incontinence diaper and a second subsection of the respective diaper side section section forms a rear diaper side section of a second disposable incontinence diaper immediately adjacent in a diaper longitudinal direction.

[0046] In such cases, the first and second subsections are preferred and are essentially designed in the same way.

[0047] Preferably, the first and the second elastic diaper side part are folded onto themselves at at least one, in particular at least two, and further in particular at least three folding lines FW1 extending preferably parallel to the longitudinal direction of the incontinence disposable diaper, and in particular are detachably fixed in this configuration.

[0048] Such a folding of the diaper side panels proves advantageous both when packaging the disposable incontinence diaper and when the user puts on the diaper. The resulting folded configuration can preferably be fixed by the manufacturer, for example, by individual joining points, in particular adhesive or welding, especially ultrasonic welding, which nevertheless can be released relatively easily by the user, particularly in one go, to unfold the diaper side panels. In this case, a single fastening element, preferably positioned approximately in the middle of the diaper side panels along the diaper's length, proves advantageous, wherein the joining points preferably do not engage the folded fastening element but are arranged outside the fastening element along the diaper's length.If the adjacent sections around the at least one inwardly folded closure element or in the longitudinal direction of the diaper above or below the folded closure element are detachably fixed by the aforementioned measures, the folded closure element forms an easily graspable gripping area for unfolding the respective diaper side part.

[0049] In a further advantageous development of the design described above, it proves beneficial if the diaper side panels are folded by the manufacturer along at least two, and in particular at least three, fold lines FW1 extending in the longitudinal direction of the diaper, especially in a Z-shape, and if these fold lines FW1 define and delimit the folded sections of the diaper side panels, and further preferably if a section located on the outside in the transverse direction is essentially inextensible. This particularly improves the ease of grasping and unfolding both the diaper side panel and the folded-in fastening element.

[0050] Furthermore, it proves advantageous if a section adjoining the outer section on the inside, extending from a fold line running in the longitudinal direction of the diaper and closest to the end of the diaper side panel that is free in the transverse direction, is inextensible for at least 40% of its area. For the determination of this area, reference is made to WO 2017 / 140604 A1. This ensures that the section on the outside in the transverse direction of the diaper and the section adjoining it on the inside lie against each other over a very large inextensible area (of at least 40% of the area of ​​the latter section), which is consequently free of elastic or elasticizing elements.

[0051] In an advantageous further development of this embodiment, the extent E of a respective non-stretchable area of ​​the sub-area adjoining the outer sub-area inwards, starting from the outer fold line running in the longitudinal direction of the diaper in the transverse direction of the diaper to the beginning of a stretchable area, is preferably at least 15 mm, in particular at least 20 mm, further in particular at least 25 mm, further preferably at least 30 mm, but preferably at most 100 mm, further preferably at most 85 mm, further preferably at most 70 mm.

[0052] For the folded configuration of the diaper side panels, it is preferably the case that an extension A of the diaper side panels folded on themselves in the transverse direction of the diaper beyond the respective rear lateral longitudinal edge and an extension C of the diaper side panels folded on themselves in the longitudinal direction of the disposable incontinence diaper is dimensioned such that the ratio of the extensions A / C to each other is 0.5 < A / C <1.

[0053] To form the fold lines FW1 of the diaper side panels of the incontinence disposable diaper, it has proven advantageous if the double-sided diaper side panel is folded on itself on both sides by at least one, in particular by at least two, and further in particular by at least three fold lines FW2 parallel to the longitudinal direction of the double-sided diaper side panel, and in particular is detachably fixed in this configuration.

[0054] Alternatively, the longitudinal folding of the diaper side panel can also be carried out after separating the double-sided diaper side panel to form single-sided diaper side panels. In such a case, the single-sided diaper side panels are folded onto themselves by at least one, in particular at least two, and further, in particular at least three fold lines FW3 or FW4 parallel to a longitudinal direction of the respective single-sided diaper side panel, and are detachably fixed in this configuration.

[0055] Alternatively, it is conceivable that, to form the fold lines FW1 of the diaper side parts of the disposable incontinence diaper, the composite sheet and / or the first and / or the second composite sub-sheet is folded onto itself by fold lines FW5 parallel to the longitudinal direction of the respective composite sheet or composite sub-sheet and, in particular, is detachably fixed in this configuration.

[0056] Folding the diaper side panel sections, or the double-layered or first or second single-layer diaper side panel web, or the composite web, or the first or second composite web, around the fold lines FW2, FW3, FW4, or FW5, particularly in combination with fixing the folded configuration using the methods described above, results in the diaper side panel sections being pre-folded before being attached to the diaper main. This has the advantage that the pre-folded diaper side panel sections are stiffer and shorter in their respective transverse direction than unfolded diaper side panel sections and are therefore easier to process, especially in high-speed machines. Alternatively, an embodiment is conceivable in which the folding of the diaper side panels takes place only after they have been attached to the diaper main.

[0057] Preferably, the diaper side sections are folded onto the main diaper panel, and in particular onto the upper side of the main diaper panel. In such a case, the respective fold line around which a diaper side section is folded onto the main diaper panel can run within the main diaper panel or within the area of ​​the diaper side section extending beyond the main diaper panel, i.e., outside the main diaper panel. The upper side of the main diaper panel can be the side facing away from the body, but in particular, it can be the side facing the body. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the diaper side sections formed by the diaper side sections are folded onto the main diaper panel of the disposable incontinence diaper only after the disposable diaper has been separated.

[0058] Before the manufacturer packages the disposable incontinence diaper, the main part, together with the diaper side panels folded onto itself and / or the diaper side panels folded onto the main part, is preferably folded inwards by the manufacturer around a first and a second main part fold line running in the longitudinal direction of the diaper, preferably in such a way that the two side panels of the diaper lie in at least partial overlap with each other in the thickness direction, i.e. orthogonal to a plane enclosing the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction of the diaper.Furthermore, preferably, prior to the manufacturer's packaging of the disposable incontinence diaper, the main part, together with the diaper side parts folded onto themselves, and preferably following the previously described folding around main part fold lines running in the diaper's longitudinal direction, additionally preferably around at least one or two main part fold lines running in the diaper's transverse direction, is folded onto itself to an inside, i.e., a side of the main part facing the body in the state of use, such that a body-facing side of the main part lies directly or indirectly on itself, at least in some areas.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the individual disposable incontinence diapers are folded by at least one, in particular two, fold lines FQ extending in a diaper transverse direction.

[0060] It should be noted at this point that the webs, namely the first, second, third and fourth material webs and the composite web, each have web edges on both sides, with a web edge area extending flatly towards the other web edge of the respective web adjoining the web edges.

[0061] When joining two tracks, these tracks are each conveyed along their respective longitudinal direction, preferably parallel to each other, such that the two tracks preferably come to lie flat next to each other.

[0062] The joining of two webs can be carried out using joining methods known to those skilled in the art, in particular by thermal welding, ultrasonic welding, sewing, sealing or gluing, wherein the two webs are preferably permanently joined together.

[0063] The two tracks to be joined can be joined with their respective track edge areas pointing towards the other track, i.e., "butted together", with or without additional material tracks bridging the joint between the two tracks.

[0064] It has proven particularly advantageous to guide the two tracks to be joined overlapping with their respective track edge areas pointing towards the other track, and to join the tracks inextricably in an overlap or joining area formed thereby by the above-mentioned joining methods known to those skilled in the art.

[0065] In a preferred embodiment, a quotient Q1 of the width B4 and the width B1, calculated as: B4 / B1, has a value of 0.20 to 1.50, in particular a value of 0.25 to 1.20, in particular a value of 0.25 to 1.00, in particular a value of 0.30 to 0.90, in particular a value of 0.40 to 0.80, and / or a quotient Q2 of the width B4 and the sum of the widths B2 and B3, calculated as: B4 / (B2+B3), has a value of 0.15 to 1.50, in particular a value of 0.20 to 1.20, in particular a value of 0.20 to 1.00, in particular a value of 0.25 to 0.70, in particular a value of 0.25 to 0.50.

[0066] Furthermore, the following is preferred: B4≤B1 and / or where: B4≤(B2+B3).

[0067] The width B1 of the first material web is preferably 40 - 260 mm, in particular 60 - 240 mm, and more particularly 80 - 200 mm.

[0068] The width B2 of the second material web and / or the width B3 of the third material web is preferably 50 - 200 mm, in particular 60 - 190 mm, and further in particular 70 - 180 mm.

[0069] The width B4 of the fourth material web is preferably 50 - 150 mm, in particular 70 - 130 mm, and more particularly 90 - 110 mm.

[0070] In the case that, when joining the first material web and the second and / or third material web, the web edge areas pointing towards the respective adjacent web are overlapped, a width B5 of the overlap area of ​​the first material web with the second material web and / or a width B6 of the overlap area of ​​the first material web with the third material web is preferably 3 - 17 mm, more particularly 5 - 15 mm, more particularly 6 - 13 mm.

[0071] In the case that, when joining the first and / or second composite sheet and the fourth material sheet, the sheet edge areas pointing towards the respective adjacent sheet are overlapped, the width B7 of the overlap area of ​​the first composite sheet with the fourth material sheet and / or the width B8 of the overlap area of ​​the second composite sheet with the fourth material sheet is preferably 3 - 17 mm, more particularly 5 - 15 mm, more particularly 6 - 13 mm.

[0072] In a preferred embodiment, the width B9 of the composite membrane is 220 - 600 mm, in particular 260 - 560 mm, and more particularly 280 - 520 mm.

[0073] The width B10 of the diaper side panel, which is double-sided in its transverse direction, is preferably 300 - 650 mm, in particular 320 - 630 mm, and more particularly 340 - 610 mm.

[0074] A quotient Q3 of the width B9 (numerator) and the width B10 (denominator) preferably has a value of 0.60 - 0.98, more particularly 0.65 - 0.95, more particularly 0.70 - 0.90.

[0075] Preferably, the longitudinal extent of the single-use diaper side panel sections and / or the single-use diaper side panels in the diaper longitudinal direction is 110 - 170 mm, in particular 120 - 160 mm, and more preferably 130 - 150 mm.

[0076] The width B1 of the first material web, the width B2 of the second material web, the width B3 of the third material web, the width B4 of the fourth material web, the width B9 of the composite web and the width B10 of the diaper side panel web, which is double-purpose in its transverse direction, are each measured in mm in the transverse direction of the respective web, i.e. along a transverse extension that runs at an angle of 90° to the longitudinal direction of the respective web, in the flat, unfolded and unstretched state.

[0077] Within the scope of the present invention, the term "width" is to be understood as the maximum extent in the transverse direction of the respective path.

[0078] Likewise, the respective widths B5, B6, B7 or B8 of the overlap or joining areas and the widths B1.1 and B1.2 of the effective elastic areas of the double-purpose diaper side panel, described in more detail below, are measured in the transverse direction of the double-purpose diaper side panel in the flat, unfolded state.

[0079] The longitudinal or transverse dimensions and widths of the disposable incontinence diaper and / or its first or second elastic side panels, namely the dimension E, further a distance D described in more detail below, further widths B1e.1, B4.1 and B2.1 described in more detail below, are measured in mm in the flat, unfolded, unfolded and unstretched state of the disposable incontinence diaper and / or its first and second elastic side panels, i.e., with respect to the stretching of the elastic side panels in the state of first handling by the user, but after the complete unfolding of the manufacturer's folds of the disposable incontinence diaper and / or its elastic side panels.The extensions A and C of the first and second elastic diaper side panels are measured in mm in the flat, unfolded and unfolded state of the incontinence disposable diaper, whereby the first or second elastic diaper side panel remains in the folded, unstretched and flat unfolded state.

[0080] It should be noted that the term "unstretched" is to be understood as meaning that the unfolding and flattening of the elastic diaper side panels occurs without the tensile forces typically exerted by the user when putting on the disposable incontinence diaper, so that the material of the unstretched elastic diaper side panels remains in the relaxed state intended by the manufacturer before use.

[0081] The disposable incontinence diaper is preferably designed as a so-called T-shaped diaper. In particular, no side panels are attached to the front of the disposable incontinence diaper.

[0082] The main part of the disposable incontinence diaper preferably comprises a topsheet that is at least partially permeable to liquid and a preferably breathable and preferably at least partially impermeable backsheet, which surround the absorbent core in a sandwich-like manner. Furthermore, the disposable incontinence diaper can have cuff elements on both sides of the body-facing side of the crotch area, forming a lateral leakage barrier and / or extending along the longitudinal axis of the absorbent core on both sides. The cuff elements preferably comprise or are formed from a nonwoven material ("cuff fleece"), in particular a hydrophobic nonwoven material. Preferably, the topsheet and / or backsheet and / or cuff fleece extend beyond the contour edges of the absorbent core at least in the transverse direction of the diaper, and preferably also in the longitudinal direction, to form a corresponding overhang.In the overhang, the backsheet and topsheet and / or cuff fleece are preferably at least partially connected to each other, in particular by joining methods known per se such as welding, sealing, sewing or gluing.

[0083] Advantageously, the main part in the crotch area has an elastic or elasticized section extending along the length of the disposable incontinence diaper on both sides adjacent to a respective longitudinal edge of the crotch area; this section is thus an elastic or elasticized leg opening section. "Longitudinal direction of the diaper" here means that the elastic or elasticized leg opening section has at least one component extending along the length of the diaper and can therefore also run obliquely or curved to the length of the diaper.

[0084] Preferably, elastic threads known to those skilled in the art (Lycra® or similar) are fixed in a pre-tensioned state to the materials forming the main part, preferably to the top and / or back sheet of the main part, particularly in an area where the top and / or back sheet and / or cuff fleece form an overhang outside the contour edges of the absorbent core. According to one variant, an elastic or elasticized leg opening section can also be formed by flat or band-shaped materials such as elastic bands, films, nonwovens, or foams.

[0085] The absorbent core is suitable and intended for absorbing and permanently storing bodily excretions, in particular body fluids, especially urine. For this purpose, the absorbent core can advantageously contain superabsorbent polymer material (SAP), in particular 5–100% by weight, preferably 10–95% by weight, more preferably 15–90% by weight, and most preferably 20–80% by weight. Typically, the SAP material can absorb at least 15 times, in particular 20 times, its weight in 0.9% by weight saline solution (measured according to NWSP 242.0.R2(15)).

[0086] The SAP material can be, for example, particle-shaped, fibrous, sheet-shaped, or foam-shaped.

[0087] The absorbent core can contain other materials, such as wood pulp fibers or plastic fibers. It is also conceivable to form the absorbent core by arranging one or more layers of different materials, particularly nonwoven fabric.

[0088] The suction body is preferably an integral part of the main part and, in that case, is permanently bonded to the other components of the main part by the manufacturer. In that case, the suction body is preferably permanently bonded to a top sheet and / or a back sheet of the main part.

[0089] To determine whether a material can be classified as "elastic" in the respective direction, the following permanent set test is performed within the scope of the present invention: A tensile testing machine type Shimadzu AG-Xplus, according to DIN EN ISO 7500-01:2004-11, with a lower fixed clamping jaw and an upper movable clamping jaw, was used for carrying out the tests. Preferably, the test device has software that controls the test cycle and ensures automated recording of the force values.

[0090] When carrying out the test method, the rectangular material section to be tested is ideally provided as a test specimen with a width of 25 mm and a length of 60 mm (the length corresponds to the direction of pull). For this purpose, the test specimen is, for example, punched out from a corresponding elastic component of the disposable incontinence diaper or from a respective material web, whereby the direction of pull of the test specimen corresponds to the transverse direction of the disposable incontinence diaper or the transverse direction of the material web.

[0091] Ideally, the 25 mm wide and 60 mm long (in the direction of tension) test specimen is clamped in the clamps of a tensile testing machine with a jaw spacing of 40 mm. A preload of 0.05 N is applied, and a cyclic movement (loading and unloading, testing speed 500 mm / min) is performed between L0 (length of the test section at a preload of 0.05 N) and a maximum elongation of 60%, without a dwell time at the upper reversal point. Upon unloading, the final length L1 is also recorded at 0.05 N.

[0092] The permanent set (PS) is calculated as follows: PS = L 1 − L 0 : L 0 × 100 % .

[0093] A material is considered elastic in the respective direction if the permanent elongation is less than 25%.

[0094] If a 25 mm wide section of the component to be tested is not available, a correspondingly narrower section is used. If a 60 mm long section of the elastic component is not available, a correspondingly shorter section is used, whereby the jaw spacing, and thus the effective length of the test section, may need to be reduced to as little as 15 mm. It must be ensured that the section is firmly clamped in the jaws.

[0095] To determine whether a material or component can be classified as "inextensible" in the respective direction, the following test is performed within the scope of the present invention: A tensile testing machine type Shimadzu AG-Xplus, according to DIN EN ISO 7500-01:2004-11, with a lower fixed clamping jaw and an upper movable clamping jaw, was used for carrying out the tests. Preferably, the test device has software that controls the test cycle and ensures automated recording of the force values.

[0096] When carrying out the test method, the rectangular material section to be tested is ideally provided as a test specimen with a width of 25 mm and a length of 60 mm (the length corresponds to the direction of pull). For this purpose, the test specimen is, for example, punched out from a corresponding component of the disposable incontinence diaper or from a respective material web, whereby the direction of pull of the test specimen corresponds to the transverse direction of the disposable incontinence diaper or the transverse direction of the material web.

[0097] Ideally, a 25 mm wide and 60 mm long (tensile direction) test specimen of the material is clamped under a preload of 0.05 N in the clamps of the tensile testing machine with a jaw spacing of 40 mm and stretched (loaded, test speed 500 mm / min) up to a force of 5 N. If the elongation at a force of 5 N is less than 30%, the material is considered inextensible within the scope of the present invention. If the test specimen breaks during the execution of the above test before the maximum force of 5 N is reached, the material is also considered "inextensible" in the respective direction within the scope of the present invention.

[0098] If a 25 mm wide section of the component to be tested is not available, a correspondingly narrower section is used. In such a case, instead of a force of 5 N, the required force value is calculated by reducing the load of 5 N by a factor of f1, which is given by f1 = 25 / x, where x is the width of the test specimen measured in mm. Example: a 12.5 mm wide test specimen would be subjected to a force of 2.5 N.

[0099] If a 60 mm long section of the elastic component is not available, a correspondingly shorter section is used, whereby the clamping jaw spacing, and thus the effective length of the test section, may need to be reduced to as little as 15 mm. It must be ensured that the section is firmly clamped in the jaws.

[0100] Further features, details, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the attached claims and from the drawings and subsequent description of preferred embodiments of the invention. The drawing shows: Figure 1 , 2 , 3 and 4 Schematic top-view representations of the process steps for forming a composite sheet and composite sub-sheets ( Figure 1 ), for the formation of a double-sided diaper side panel and single-sided diaper side panels ( Figure 2 ), for folding a double-purpose diaper side panel, longitudinal separation and singulation of diaper side panel sections ( Figure 3 ), the attachment of diaper side sections to a diaper main section and singulation of incontinence disposable diapers ( Figure 4 ); Figures 5a and 5b schematically, the separation of two- ( Figure 5a ) and triple-purpose ( Figure 5b) Material webs in longitudinal direction; Figure 6 Schematic top view of the longitudinal separation of a double-sided diaper side panel and folding of single-sided diaper side panels onto themselves and singulation of diaper side panel sections; Figure 7 schematically, a cross-section through a diaper side panel that is double-purpose in the transverse direction; Figure 8 schematically, a top view of an incontinence disposable diaper in a flat, but not stretched, state with one folded and one unfolded diaper side panel; Figure 9 schematically, a disposable incontinence diaper in its applied state; Figure 10 schematically, an enlarged representation of the incontinence disposable diaper according to Figure 8 in the area of ​​a rear elastic diaper side panel in a flat, but not stretched, state; Figure 11 schematically, an enlarged representation of the incontinence disposable diaper according to Figure 8in the area of ​​a rear elastic diaper side panel in a self-folded configuration; Figure 12a schematically, a sectional view of a diaper side panel with Z-fold with section plane III-III Figure 8 ; Figure 12b schematically, a sectional view of a W-fold of a diaper side panel; Figure 12c schematically, a sectional view of a C-fold of a diaper side panel; Figure 13 schematically, a sectional view with section plane II Figure 3 ; Figure 14a schematically, a sectional view of an incontinence disposable diaper with section plane II-II Figure 4 ; Figure 14b schematically, a sectional view of an incontinence disposable diaper with a topsheet made of three flat material strips.

[0101] The Figures 1 to 4 show in an exemplary manner a detailed representation of the arrangement and execution of the process steps for the manufacture of disposable incontinence diapers 17. Figure 1The diagram shows, not to scale, but schematically an exemplary embodiment of the attachment steps of the first material web 1, the second material web 2 and the third material web 3 in a top view.

[0102] The first material web 1 has a first material web edge region 30 and a second material web edge region 31. The second material web 2 has a third material web edge region 32 and a fourth material web edge region 33. The third material web 3 has a fifth material web edge region 34 and a sixth material web edge region 35.

[0103] The first material web 1, which has a width B1, is guided overlapping the second material web 2, which has a width B2, such that the first edge region 30 of the first material web 1 and the third edge region 32 of the second material web 2 form an overlap or joining area with a width B5, within which the first material web 1 and the second material web 2 are permanently joined together at a joining station U1. The first material web 1 is guided overlapping the third material web 3, which has a width B3, such that the second edge region 31 of the first material web 1 and the fifth edge region 34 of the third material web 3 form an overlap or joining area with a width B6, within which the first material web 1 and the third material web 3 are permanently joined together at the joining station U1.The first material layer 1, the second material layer 2, and the third material layer 3 together form a composite layer 9 with a width B9 and a first axis of symmetry 100. A central region 54 of the composite layer 9 is formed by the first material layer 1, which comprises or consists of material that is at least partially elastic in its transverse direction 25. The second material layer 2, which comprises or consists of a first closure carrier material that is essentially inextensible in its transverse direction 25, forms a first outer region of the composite layer 9. The third material layer 3, which comprises or consists of a second closure carrier material that is essentially inextensible in its transverse direction, forms a second outer region of the composite layer 9. The composite layer 9 further comprises a first composite layer edge region 36 and a second composite layer edge region 37.The composite web 9 is fed to a taper station T, in which closure elements 44 ("tapes") are attached to first areas of the first composite web edge area 36 and to second areas of the second composite web edge area 37.

[0104] The composite sheet 9 is fed to a cutting station S1, where it is cut in its central region 54 along the first axis of symmetry 100 in the longitudinal direction 24 by means of a cutting device 55a to form a first composite sheet 9a and a second composite sheet 9b. The first composite sheet 9a has a first composite sheet edge region 38 and a second composite sheet edge region 39. The second composite sheet edge region 39 is formed by the first composite sheet edge region 36 of the composite sheet 9. The second composite sheet 9b has a third composite sheet edge region 40 and a fourth composite sheet edge region 41. The fourth composite sheet edge region 41 is formed by the second composite sheet edge region 37 of the composite sheet 9. The first 38 and third composite partial liner edge area 40 each adjoins a longitudinal edge of the respective composite partial liner 9a,9b formed when separating the composite liner 9.

[0105] The first composite liner 9a comprises, in the transverse direction 25, the substantially inextensible first closure carrier material of the second material liner 2 and at least partially elastic material formed by a portion of the first material liner 1. The second composite liner 9b comprises, in the transverse direction 25, the substantially inextensible second closure carrier material of the third material liner 3 and at least partially elastic material formed by a portion of the first material liner 1.

[0106] The separation of the composite web 9 in the cutting station S1 can be carried out using various methods known to those skilled in the art, such as cutting, punching, laser cutting, fluid cutting (for example, water jet cutting).

[0107] Figure 2The figure does not show to scale, but schematically an exemplary embodiment of the attachment steps of the first composite partial liner 9a, the second composite partial liner 9b and the fourth material liner 4. The fourth material liner 4 has a seventh material liner edge region 45 and an eighth material liner edge region 46.

[0108] The fourth material web 4, which has a width B4, is guided overlapping the first composite sub-web 9a such that the seventh edge region 45 of the fourth material web 4 forms an overlap or joining area with a width B7 with the first edge region 38 of the first composite sub-web 9a, within which the fourth material web 4 and the first composite sub-web 9a are permanently joined together at a joining station U2. The fourth material web 4 is guided overlapping the second composite sub-web 9b such that the eighth edge region 46 of the fourth material web 4 forms an overlap or joining area with a width B8 with the third edge region 40 of the second composite sub-web 9b, within which the fourth material web 4 and the second composite sub-web 9b are permanently joined together at the joining station U2.

[0109] The fourth material web 4, the first composite sub-web 9a, and the second composite sub-web 9b together form a diaper side panel 10 with a width B10 and a second axis of symmetry 101, extending in the transverse direction 25. A central area 53 of the diaper side panel 10 is formed by the fourth material web 4, which comprises or consists of essentially non-stretchable attachment material. The second material web 2, which comprises or consists of a first closure carrier material that is essentially non-stretchable in its transverse direction 25, forms a first outer area of ​​the diaper side panel 10. The third material web 3, which comprises or consists of a second closure carrier material that is essentially non-stretchable in its transverse direction, forms a second outer area of ​​the diaper side panel 10.A first elastic area 1a, arranged in the transverse direction 25 of the double-sided diaper side panel 10 between the first outer area and the central area 53, and a second elastic area 1b, arranged in the transverse direction 25 of the double-sided diaper side panel 10 between the second outer area and the central area 53, are formed by the first material web 1. The double-sided diaper side panel 10 has a first 42 and a second diaper side panel edge 43. The fastening elements 44 are attached to first areas of the first diaper side panel edge 42 and to second areas of the second diaper side panel edge 43.

[0110] The double-sided diaper side panel 10 is fed to a cutting station S2, in which the double-sided diaper side panel 10 is separated in its central area 53 along the second axis of symmetry 101 in longitudinal direction 24 by means of a cutting device 55b to form a first single-sided diaper side panel 13a and a second single-sided diaper side panel 13b.

[0111] The effective elastic area of ​​the first single-use diaper side panel 13a has a width of B1.1. The effective elastic area of ​​the second single-use diaper side panel 13b has a width of B1.2.

[0112] In the Figure 1 and 2In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the width B4 is 100 mm and the width B1 is 180 mm. Here, the width B4 is smaller than the width B1. The quotient Q1 of the width B4 (numerator) and the width B1 (denominator) in this embodiment has a value of 0.6 [calculation: Q1 = (B4 / B1), i.e., Q1 = (100 mm / 180 mm)].

[0113] In this variant, the width B2 is 170 mm and the width B3 is 170 mm. A quotient Q2 of the width B4 (numerator) and the sum of the widths B2 and B3 (denominator) has a value of 0.3 [calculation: Q2=(B4 / (B2+B3)), i.e. Q2 = (100 mm / (170 mm + 170 mm))].

[0114] The width B5 of the overlap area or joining area formed by the first material web 1 and the second material web 2 has a value of 10 mm.

[0115] The width B6 of the overlap area or joining area formed by the first material web 1 and the third material web 3 has a value of 10 mm.

[0116] The width B7 of the overlap area or joining area formed by the first composite sheet 9a and the fourth material sheet 4 has a value of 10 mm.

[0117] The width B8 of the overlap area or joining area formed by the second composite sheet 9b and the fourth material sheet 4 has a value of 10 mm.

[0118] In this embodiment, the width B10 of the double-purpose diaper side panel 10 has a value of 580 mm.

[0119] In this embodiment, the width B9 of the composite sheet 9 has a value of 500 mm.

[0120] A quotient Q3 of the width B9 (numerator) and the width B10 (denominator) has a value of 0.86.

[0121] B1.1 and B1.2 therefore denote the widths of the respective effective elastic area of ​​the single-use diaper side panels 13a, 13b, since the elastic properties of the materials of the second and third material panels may be impaired in the respective overlap and joining areas.

[0122] In this embodiment, the width B1.1 of the effective elastic area of ​​the first single-use diaper side panel 13a and the width B1.2 of the effective elastic area of ​​the second single-use diaper side panel 13b are each 70 mm.

[0123] In the Figure 1 and 2In the preferred embodiment shown, the second material web 2 and the third material web 3 are simultaneously added to the first material web 1, so that the first material web 1 together with the second material web 2 and the third material web 3 jointly form the composite web 9. Subsequently, the fourth material web 4 is again simultaneously added to the first composite sub-web 9a and the second composite sub-web 9b. Any other sequence or combination of the addition steps is equally conceivable and encompassed by the present invention.

[0124] In this embodiment, the joining of material web edge areas in the joining stations U1 and / or U2 is preferably carried out by ultrasonic welding, however any other joining method known to the skilled person and suitable for the purpose, in particular thermal welding, sewing, sealing or gluing, is also possible.

[0125] In Figure 3The figure shown is not to scale, but schematic and in top view a preferred embodiment of folding a diaper side panel 10, equipped with closure elements 44 and with two uses in the transverse direction 25, onto itself and the separation and singulation steps for forming diaper side panel sections 14a, 14b. In this embodiment, the two-use diaper side panel 10 is fed to a folding station F1, in which the two-use diaper side panel 10 is folded onto itself in a Z-shape on both sides by two fold lines FW2 50 running parallel to the longitudinal direction 24 of the two-use diaper side panel 10, thereby forming a diaper side panel 10 with two uses in the transverse direction 25, equipped with closure elements 44, and folded onto itself.The first diaper side panel edge 42 and the second diaper side panel edge 43 lie outside the respective self-folded area 51 in the transverse direction 25, i.e., outside the area between the two fold lines FW2 50. This arrangement is particularly advantageous because it forms a distal gripping area 56 projecting in the transverse direction 25, which facilitates the grasping and unfolding of the diaper side panels formed from the double-layered diaper side panel 10 by the user in further process steps described in more detail below.

[0126] In this exemplary design, the double-sided diaper side panel 10 is folded on both sides by two fold lines FW2 50, in a Z-shape, towards itself. Further variants are shown in Figures 12b and 12c(there, however, with reference to the finished disposable incontinence diaper) illustrated, a single fold line FW2 on each side, for example C-shaped, or at least three fold lines FW2 on each side, for example W-shaped, are conceivable, around which the dual-purpose diaper side panel 10 is folded onto itself.

[0127] The diaper side panel 10, which is double-sided in the transverse direction 25 and folded inwards, is conveyed to a cutting station S3, where a cutting device 52 separates the double-sided diaper side panel 10 in the longitudinal direction 24. The separation takes place in the central area 53 of the diaper side panel 10, which includes the attachment material and is not folded inwards, such that two single-sided diaper side panel sections 13a, 13b are formed in the transverse direction 25. The single-sided diaper side panel sections 13a, 13b are fed to a singulation station V1, where they are cut in the transverse direction 25 to form singulated diaper side panel sections 14a, 14b.In this case, an area 57 comprising the attachment material of the diaper side section sections 14a,14b is arranged on a longitudinal edge 58 of the respective diaper side section section 14a,14b opposite the respective gripping area 56.

[0128] The double-purpose diaper side panel 10, which has not yet been folded around the fold lines FW2 50, comprises in Figure 3 The closure elements 44 are shown in an exemplary and preferred manner. However, an alternative arrangement of the process steps for attaching the closure elements 44 is also conceivable, such as attaching the closure elements 44 to the diaper side panels 13a, 13b which are single-use in the transverse direction 25 or to the already separated diaper side panel sections 14a, 14b.

[0129] In Figure 3A preferred variant is shown in which the double-purpose diaper side panel 10 is first folded onto itself in the folding station F1 and then separated in the cutting station S3 in longitudinal direction 24 into two single-purpose diaper side panels 13a, 13b in transverse direction 25.

[0130] Alternatively, it is conceivable, as in Figure 6Not to scale, but schematically and in a top view, it is illustrated that the double-sided diaper side panel 10 is first separated in a cutting station S6 by means of a cutting device 75 in the central area 53, which includes the attachment material, approximately in the middle and in the longitudinal direction 24, thereby forming two single-sided diaper side panels 13a, 13b. In such a case, the single-sided diaper side panels 13a, 13b are subsequently conveyed to a folding station F2 and there folded onto themselves along two respective folding lines FW3 76 or folding lines FW4 77. The diaper side panels 13a, 13b, folded on themselves and single-use in the transverse direction 25, are fed to a singulation station V3, in which the single-use diaper side panels 13a, 13b are cut in the transverse direction 25 such that singulated diaper side panel sections 14a, 14b are formed.

[0131] The separation of the double-purpose diaper side panel 10 in the cutting station S2 or S3 or S6 and / or the singulation of the diaper side panel sections 14a, 14b in the singulation station V1 or V3 can be carried out using various methods known to those skilled in the art, such as cutting, punching, laser cutting, fluid cutting (for example, water jet cutting).

[0132] Figure 4 The figure shows, not to scale, a schematic and top-view illustration of a preferred embodiment for attaching diaper side panel sections 14a, 14b to a diaper main panel 15. The diaper main panel 15 is conveyed to a joining station U3.

[0133] In the joining station U3, the diaper side section sections 14a, 14b, each comprising a closure element 44, are fed in pairs to the main diaper section web 15, preferably in the longitudinal direction 24, preferably on both sides and preferably in the transverse direction 25 approximately opposite each other.The diaper side section sections 14a, 14b are arranged such that they each form an overlap or joining area with at least a part of the respective area 57 comprising the attachment material on the longitudinal edge 58 opposite the gripping area 56 of the respective diaper side section section 14a, 14b with a first area 60 or a second area 61 of the diaper main section 15, within which the respective diaper side section section 14a, 14b and the diaper main section 15 are inseparably connected to each other in the joining station U3, wherein the diaper side section section 14a forms the first elastic diaper side section 62 and the diaper side section section 14b forms the second elastic diaper side section 63.

[0134] The singulation of the diaper side sections 14a, 14b in the singulation station V1 and / or the incontinence disposable diapers 17 in the singulation station V2 can be carried out using different methods known to those skilled in the art, such as cutting, punching, laser cutting, fluid cutting (for example, water jet cutting).

[0135] The separation of the diaper side sections 14a, 14b and their attachment to the diaper main web 15 can be carried out by the cut-and-place method (slip-cut) known to the person skilled in the art, however, all other application techniques known to the person skilled in the art and suitable for the purpose are also possible.

[0136] In this embodiment, the joining of the diaper side sections 14a, 14b with the diaper main section 15 in the joining station U3 is preferably carried out by means of ultrasonic welding, however, any other joining method known to the skilled person per se and suitable for the purpose, in particular thermal welding, sewing, sealing or gluing, is also possible.

[0137] The diaper main section 15 is fed to a singulation station V2, in which the incontinence disposable diapers 17 are singulated by separating the diaper main section 15 in the transverse direction 25.

[0138] In the illustrated embodiment, the diaper main web 15 consists of two flat material webs, namely a top sheet 80 that is at least partially permeable to liquids and a back sheet 81 that is at least partially impermeable to liquids, between which liquid-absorbing absorbent elements 69 are inserted in a longitudinally staggered manner. The diaper side sections 14a, 14b, with their areas 57 encompassing the attachment material, are positioned between the top sheet 80 and the back sheet 81, as shown in the illustration. Figure 14a described in more detail. Alternatively, it is possible (see Figure 14b ) that the topsheet web 80 on both sides in transverse direction 25 of the diaper main web 15 (or in diaper transverse direction 74, cf. Figure 14b) has a liquid-impermeable material (cuff fleece) with the function of a lateral leakage barrier, wherein in such cases the first elastic diaper side panel 62 and the second elastic diaper side panel 63 are placed between the backsheet 81 and the cuff fleece. However, any other placement of the first elastic diaper side panel and the second elastic diaper side panel of the disposable incontinence diaper in one thickness direction is also conceivable.

[0139] According to a preferred variant (not shown in Figure 4 ) the diaper side sections 14a, 14b are folded onto the diaper main section 15 after the diaper side sections 14a,14b have been attached to the diaper main section 15, but before the incontinence disposable diaper 17 has been separated.

[0140] The disposable incontinence diapers 17 can then be subjected to further processes such as additional folding steps and / or packaging.

[0141] The Figure 5aFigure 1 shows, in perspective, a schematic representation not to scale, an example of the provision of the second material web 2 and the third material web 3 by separating a two-ply material web 6. The two-ply material web 6 is unwound continuously from a first roll 20 and conveyed along its longitudinal direction 24. The transverse direction 25 of the two-ply material web 6 runs orthogonally, i.e., at a right angle 26, to the longitudinal direction 24. At the cutting station S4, a cutting device 21 separates the two-ply material web 6, which in the transverse direction 25 essentially comprises or consists of non-stretchable closure carrier material, into two single-ply material webs in the transverse direction 25: namely, the second material web 2, which in its transverse direction 25 comprises or consists of a first closure carrier material, and the third material web 3, which in its transverse direction 25 comprises or consists of a second closure carrier material.The first closure carrier material is preferably identical to the second closure carrier material; thus, the first and second closure carrier materials preferably consist of the same material. The second material web 2 and the third material web 3 are preferably approximately the same width in the transverse direction 25; however, another variant is conceivable in which the second material web 2 and the third material web 3 are of different widths.

[0142] The Figure 5bFigure 1 shows, in a perspective, not-to-scale, but schematic representation, an example of the provision of the second material web 2, the third material web 3, and the fourth material web 4, wherein the fourth material web 4 essentially comprises or consists of inextensible attachment material in the transverse direction 25, and wherein the second material web 2 comprises or consists of a first closure carrier material that is inextensible in its transverse direction 25, and wherein the third material web 3 comprises or consists of a second closure carrier material that is inextensible in its transverse direction 25, by separating a three-ply material web 7, which essentially comprises or consists of inextensible material in the transverse direction 25. The three-ply material web 7 is unwound continuously from a second roll 22 and conveyed along its longitudinal direction 24.The transverse direction 25 of the three-ply material web 7 runs orthogonally, i.e., at a right angle 26, to the longitudinal direction 24. At the cutting station S5, a cutting device 23 separates the three-ply material web 7 into three single-ply material webs in the transverse direction 25, namely the second material web 2, the third material web 3, and the fourth material web 4. In this case, the first and second closure carrier materials and the attachment material comprise or consist of the same material, in particular the same nonwoven fabric material. At least the second material web 2 and the third material web 3 are preferably approximately the same width in the transverse direction 25, preferably approximately the same width or wider than the fourth material web 4. Figure 5bThe cutting device 23 is formed by two knives arranged side by side, so that the two cutting operations occur approximately simultaneously. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the knives are arranged offset along the longitudinal direction 24 of the three-layer material web 7 such that the two cutting operations occur sequentially. Examples are shown in Figure 5b The material webs are arranged such that the fourth material web 4 is formed from a central area of ​​the three-layer material web 7, and the second material web 2 and the third material web 3 are formed on both sides of the fourth material web 4 from distal areas of the material web 7. However, any other arrangement of the second material web 2, the third material web 3, and the fourth material web 4 along the transverse direction 25 is also conceivable.

[0143] The separation of the two-purpose material web 6 in the cutting station S4 and / or the separation of the three-purpose material web 7 in the cutting station S5 can be carried out using different methods known to those skilled in the art, such as cutting, punching, laser cutting, fluid cutting (for example, water jet cutting).

[0144] In Figure 7The figure shown is not to scale, but schematically and in cross-section depicts a preferred embodiment of a diaper side panel 10 with two uses in the transverse direction 25. The third material layer 3, the second material layer 2, the fourth material layer 4, and the areas 1a, 1b formed by the first material layer 1 are arranged side by side in the transverse direction 25 such that the respective directly adjacent material layers or areas, with their respective edge areas pointing towards the nearest material layer, each form an overlap area or joining area within which the respective layers are permanently connected to one another. Preferably, as in Figure 7In the respective joining or overlapping areas, a body-facing upper surface 70 of the areas 1a, 1b formed by the first material layer is shown to be connected to a body-away upper surface 71 of the third material layer 3 and / or the fourth material layer 4 and / or the second material layer 2 when the incontinence disposable diaper is worn.

[0145] However, any other arrangement of the tracks in the thickness direction 27 is equally conceivable and included as a possible embodiment.

[0146] The Figure 8Figure 17 shows, not to scale, a schematic diagram of a disposable incontinence diaper in the so-called T-shape, designated as a whole by reference numeral 17. The disposable incontinence diaper 17 comprises a main part, designated as a whole by reference numeral 65, with an absorbent core 69. The absorbent core 69 preferably comprises cellulose fibers and superabsorbent polymer particles (SAP). The absorbent core 69 is arranged between two flat materials, namely a fluid-permeable top sheet 80a and a fluid-impermeable back sheet 81a of the diaper main part 65.

[0147] In the disposable incontinence diaper 17, a diaper longitudinal direction 73 and a diaper transverse direction 74 can be distinguished, the latter corresponding to the user's hip circumference when the disposable incontinence diaper is worn. The main part 65 comprises a front section 82 with front lateral longitudinal edges 83, a back section 64 with a first rear lateral longitudinal edge 66 and a second rear lateral longitudinal edge 67, and a crotch section 84 arranged between the front section 82 and the back section 64. Adjacent to each longitudinal edge 85 of the crotch section 84, the main part 65 has an elasticized section 86, i.e., an elasticized leg opening section.These elasticized leg opening sections 86 are formed by elastic threads running between topsheet 80a and backsheet 81a and fixed to topsheet 80a and / or backsheet 81a in a pre-tensioned state, which are curved in an arc shape, thus being oriented at least sectionally in the diaper longitudinal direction 73.

[0148] In the T-shaped disposable incontinence diaper 17, in the back area 64 of the main part 65, in the transverse direction 74 of the diaper, there is a laterally extending beyond the first rear lateral longitudinal edge 66 and through the diaper side section 14a (see also Figure 4 ) formed first elastic diaper side panel 62 and a laterally extending beyond the second rear lateral longitudinal edge 67 and through the diaper side panel section 14b (see also Figure 4A second elastic diaper side panel 63 is provided, which is permanently attached to the back section 64 of the main part 65 in an overlap area 87 at the rear lateral longitudinal edges 66 and 67, respectively. No diaper side panels are provided in the front section 82. The first elastic diaper side panel 62 and the second elastic diaper side panel 63 each have at least one fastening element 44 at their end 88 that is free in the transverse direction 74 of the diaper. The fastening element 44 is designed in the form of a preferably rectangular flap and is folded over itself by the manufacturer.In the usage situation, the closure element 44 can be opened, i.e., unfolded again, to put the disposable incontinence diaper 17 on a user, whereby the first elastic diaper side part 62 and the second elastic diaper side part 63 are brought into overlap with the front area 82 of the main part 65 and the closure elements 44 are detachably adhered to the side of the front area 82 of the main part 65 facing away from the user (schematically shown in . Figure 9 ).

[0149] The first elastic diaper side panel 62 and the second elastic diaper side panel 63 have a distance D of preferably 5 - 50 mm in the longitudinal direction 73 of the diaper from a rear transverse edge 79 of the incontinence disposable diaper 17.

[0150] Figure 10 shows a section of the incontinence disposable diaper 17 after Figure 8in enlarged representation, namely in the area of ​​a first elastic diaper side part 62 in a just spread-out but not stretched state with two fold lines FW1 68a and 68b.

[0151] When the first elastic diaper side panel 62 is described below, it is assumed that the second elastic diaper side panel 63 is merely a mirror image, preferably but otherwise identical in design and dimensions. The same applies conversely when the second elastic diaper side panel 63 is described further below.

[0152] In the present case, the fold lines FW1 68a, 68b correspond to the fold lines FW2 50 of the double-purpose diaper side panel 10 (see Figure 3 ). The formation of the diaper side sections as previously mentioned with reference to Figures 1-3 , 6As described, the first elastic diaper side part 62 in the diaper transverse direction 74 comprises three directly adjoining areas, namely a substantially inextensible distal area 90, a substantially inextensible proximal area 93 and an intermediate elastic area 92.

[0153] The distal region 90 of the first elastic diaper side panel 62 has the extension B2.1 in the diaper transverse direction 74 (where B2.1 is essentially the width B2, see Figure 1 , corresponds), essentially comprises non-stretchable closure carrier material and forms the free end 88 of the first elastic diaper side panel 62. Through this distal area 90, in the longitudinal direction 73 of the diaper, runs the fold line FW1 68b, which is closest to the closure element 44 or the free end 88 of the first elastic diaper side panel 62.

[0154] The essentially inextensible proximal region 93 has approximately half the width B4 of the fourth material web (see Figure 2 ) corresponding extension B4.1 in the diaper transverse direction 74 and includes the essentially non-stretchable attachment material.

[0155] The proximal area 93 overlaps with the main diaper part 65 and is in the overlap or joining area 87 as in Figure 4 further illustrated inextricably connected to the main diaper part 65.

[0156] The area 92, located between the distal region 90 and the proximal region 93 and elastic at least in the transverse direction of the diaper 74, has an extension B1e.1 in the transverse direction of the diaper 74 (which corresponds to the extension B1.1, Figure 2 , corresponds). Through the elastic area 92, the fold line FW1 68a, which is closest to the main part of the diaper 65, runs in the longitudinal direction 73 of the diaper.

[0157] In this embodiment, the extent E of an inextensible sub-area 89 of the sub-area 91 extending in the transverse direction of the diaper 74 between the two fold lines FW1 68a and 68b is 80 mm.

[0158] Figure 11 shows a section of the incontinence disposable diaper 17 after Figure 8 in enlarged representation, namely in the area of ​​a second elastic diaper side part 63 with closure element 44 in folded configuration with two fold lines FW1 68, in Z-configuration.

[0159] In the illustrated case, the extent C of the diaper side panel 63 in the longitudinal direction 73 of the diaper is 140 mm. In the illustrated case, the extent A of the diaper side panel 63, folded in a Z-configuration and measured from the free end 88 of the second elastic diaper side panel 63 to the second rear lateral longitudinal edge 67 of the main part 65 in the transverse direction 74 of the diaper, is 80 mm. The ratio of the extents A / C to each other is 0.6 [calculation: A / C = (80 mm / 140 mm)].

[0160] In this representation, the folded configuration of the second elastic diaper side panel 63 is detachably fixed by joining points 94 in the Z-configuration.

[0161] The folded configuration thus obtained can preferably be fixed by the manufacturer, for example by individual joining points, in particular adhesive or welding, in particular ultrasonic welding points, which nevertheless can be released relatively easily by the user, in particular in one go, to unfold the diaper side parts formed from the double-purpose diaper side panel web by means of further process steps described in more detail below, namely cutting, singulation and joining steps.

[0162] Figure 12a shows a section view in section plane III-III from Figure 8In this exemplary embodiment, the section plane runs in the transverse direction 74 of the diaper in the back region 64 of a disposable incontinence diaper 17. In this exemplary embodiment, which is not to scale but shown schematically, the second elastic diaper side panel 63 is positioned in the back region 64 of the disposable incontinence diaper 17 between the top sheet 80a, which forms the upper surface 70 facing the body of the diaper main part 65, and the back sheet 81a, which forms the upper surface 71 facing away from the body of the diaper main part 65, and which together enclose an absorbent core 69. However, any other placement of the second elastic diaper side panel 63 in the thickness direction 27 of the disposable incontinence diaper 17 is also conceivable and included as a possible embodiment.

[0163] In this design, the second elastic diaper side panel 63 is folded onto itself around two fold lines FW1 68, forming a so-called Z-configuration. The second elastic diaper side panel 63 is folded along the fold line FW1 68a closest to the main part 65 in its unfolded state (i.e., in its unfolded state) in the direction of the upper surface 71 facing away from the body. The fold line FW1 68b closest to the respective fastening element 44 or the free end 88 of the second elastic diaper side panel 63 in its unfolded state (i.e., in its unfolded state) is folded along the upper surface 70 facing the body of the disposable incontinence diaper 17 facing away from the body. This configuration has proven particularly advantageous for the user when unfolding the diaper side panels. However, the reverse orientation of the folds around fold lines 68a and 68b is also possible.

[0164] In Figures 12b and 12cAlternative embodiments of the folding of the second elastic diaper side panel 63 are shown in a schematic, non-scale sectional view.

[0165] Figure 12bFigure 1 shows a second elastic diaper side panel 63 folded in a W-shape around itself by three fold lines FW1 68, wherein the second elastic diaper side panel 63 is folded at the fold line FW1 68a nearest to the main part 65 in the flat unfolded state, i.e., in the unfolded state, and at the fold line FW1 68b nearest to the closure element 44 or the free end 88 of the second elastic diaper side panel 63 in the flat unfolded state, i.e., in the unfolded state, in each case in the direction of the upper surface 71 of the incontinence disposable diaper 17 facing away from the body, and wherein the second elastic diaper side panel 63 is folded at the middle fold line FW1 68c in the direction of the upper surface 70 of the incontinence disposable diaper 17 facing the body. The reverse orientation of the folds around fold lines 68a, 68b and 68c is also conceivable. Figure 12cFigure 1 shows a second elastic diaper side panel 63 folded in a C-shape around a single fold line FW1 68, wherein the second elastic diaper side panel 63 is folded at the fold line FW1 68 towards the upper surface 71 of the disposable incontinence diaper 17 facing away from the body. The reverse orientation of the fold around the fold line FW1 68 is also conceivable.

[0166] In Figure 13 This is not to scale, but a schematic sectional view in section plane II. Figure 3 shown. The section plane runs in the transverse direction 25 through the double-sided diaper side panel 10, which is provided with a closure element 44 on both sides, i.e., at its first 42 and second diaper side panel edge 43, and is folded on itself in a Z-shape on both sides by two fold lines FW2 50 running parallel to the longitudinal direction 24. The double-sided diaper side panel 10 is in Figure 11simplified representation, namely without marking the overlapping or joining areas of the webs forming the diaper side panel 10.

[0167] Figure 14a not to scale, but schematically shows a sectional view in section plane II-II from Figure 4The cutting plane runs in the transverse direction 74 of the diaper through the back area 64 of the disposable incontinence diaper 17. The absorbent core 69 is positioned between a backsheet 81a located on the side 71 of the disposable incontinence diaper 17 facing away from the body and a topsheet 80a located on the side 70 of the disposable incontinence diaper 17 facing the body. The first elastic diaper side panel 62 and the second elastic diaper side panel 63 are each provided with a fastening element 44 at their respective free ends 88 and are each folded in a Z-shape around themselves by two fold lines FW1 68. The first 62 and the second diaper side part 63 are each arranged between the backsheet 81a on the side 71 of the disposable incontinence diaper 17 facing away from the body and the topsheet 80a on the side 70 facing the disposable incontinence diaper 17 and are inseparably connected to the topsheet and / or the backsheet in the respective overlap area 87.In this preferred embodiment, the topsheet 80a is formed entirely from a single flat material.

[0168] In Figure 14bAn alternative embodiment of a disposable incontinence diaper 17 is shown as a schematic, non-scale sectional view. The section plane runs through the disposable incontinence diaper 17 in the transverse direction 74. In this variant, the topsheet 80a, located on the body-facing side of the disposable incontinence diaper 17, is formed from three flat material webs 95, 96a, and 96b.The three flat material webs 95, 96a and 96b are arranged offset from each other in the diaper transverse direction 74 such that the preferably liquid-permeable flat material 95, which is centrally placed in the diaper transverse direction 74, is arranged between a preferably liquid-impermeable first cuff material 96a and a preferably liquid-impermeable second cuff material 96b, wherein the first 96a and the second cuff material 96b each overlap at least partially with the central flat material 95, and wherein the first 96a and the second cuff material 96b are in particular inseparably connected to the central flat material 95 in the respective joining or overlapping areas.In the thickness direction 27, the three flat material sheets 95, 96a, and 96b forming the topsheet 80a are arranged such that, in the respective joining or overlapping areas, a body-facing upper surface 70 of the central fluid-permeable flat material 95, when the incontinence disposable diaper 17 is worn, is connected to a body-facing upper surface 71 of the first 96a and the second cuff material 96b. The first 96a and second cuff material 96b each extend beyond the joining or overlapping area toward the other cuff material in such a way that the protruding free areas 97 of the cuff material can function as a lateral leakage barrier of the incontinence disposable diaper 17.In this embodiment, the first 96a and second cuff material 96b are each equipped in the projecting free area 97 with one or more elasticizing means 98, which support the lifting of the first 96a and second cuff material 96b in the wearing state and their function as a leakage barrier.

[0169] In this in Figure 14bIn the illustrated embodiment, the fluid-permeable flat material 95 of the topsheet 80a extends in the transverse direction 74 of the diaper for approximately the same length as the absorbent core 69, and in particular for a shorter length than the backsheet 81a. Furthermore, the first cuff material 96a extends to the first rear lateral longitudinal edge 66, and the second cuff material 96b extends to the second rear lateral longitudinal edge 67 of the disposable incontinence diaper 17. In this example, the first elastic diaper side panel 62 and the second elastic diaper side panel 63 are preferably positioned in the thickness direction 27 between the backsheet 81a and the respective first 96a or second cuff material 96b, and in particular are permanently connected to them in the respective overlap area 87.

Claims

1. Method for producing disposable incontinence diapers (17), wherein a respective disposable incontinence diaper (17) has a diaper longitudinal direction (73) and a diaper transverse direction (74), and wherein the disposable incontinence diaper (17) has a main part (65) provided with an absorbent body (69), wherein the main part (65) has a back region (64) with a first rear lateral longitudinal edge (66) and with a second rear lateral longitudinal edge (67), and wherein there is joined to the first rear lateral longitudinal edge (66) a first elastic diaper side part (62), which extends in the diaper transverse direction (74) beyond the first rear lateral longitudinal edge (66) of the main part (65), and wherein there is joined to the second rear lateral longitudinal edge (67) a second elastic diaper side part (63), which extends in the diaper transverse direction (74) beyond the second rear lateral longitudinal edge (67) of the main part (65), said method comprising the following steps: - conveying a first material web (1), a second material web (2) and a third material web (3), wherein the first material web (1) has a width B1 and a first material web edge region (30) and a second material web edge region (31) and comprises or consists of a material that is elastic at least in part in a transverse direction (25) of the first material web (1), wherein the second material web (2) has a width B2 and a third material web edge region (32) and a fourth material web edge region (33) and comprises or consists of a first closure carrier material that is substantially inextensible in a transverse direction (25) of the second material web (2), wherein the third material web (3) has a width B3 and a fifth material web edge region (34) and a sixth material web edge region (35) and comprises or consists of a second closure carrier material that is substantially inextensible in a transverse direction (25) of the third material web (3), and wherein the material web edge regions of the first material web (1), second material web (2) and third material web (3) are joined to each other in such a way that - the third material web edge region (32) of the second material web (2) is joined to the first material web edge region (30) of the first material web (1), and wherein the fifth material web edge region (34) of the third material web (3) is joined to the second material web edge region (31) of the first material web (1), such that the first material web (1), second material web (2) and third material web (3) together form a composite web (9), and wherein the composite web (9) has a first composite web edge region (36) and a second composite web edge region (37), wherein a central region (54) of the composite web (9) is formed by the first material web (1), - separating the composite web (9) in a longitudinal direction (24) of the composite web (9) through the central region (54) of the composite web (9), in order to form a first composite partial web (9a) having a first composite partial web edge region (38) and a second composite partial web edge region (39), and a second composite partial web (9b) having a third composite partial web edge region (40) and a fourth composite partial web edge region (41), wherein the first (38) and the third composite partial web edge region (40) each adjoin a longitudinal edge of the respective composite partial web (9a, 9b) formed during the separation of the composite web (9), and wherein the second composite partial web edge region (39) is formed by the fourth material web edge region (33) of the second material web (2), and wherein the fourth composite partial web edge region (41) is formed by the sixth material web edge region (35) of the third material web (3), - joining a fourth material web (4), which has a width B4 and a seventh material web edge region (45) and an eighth material web edge region (46) and comprises or consists of an attachment material that is substantially inextensible in a transverse direction (25) of the fourth material web (4), to the first composite partial web (9a) and second composite partial web (9b) in such a way that the seventh material web edge region (45) of the fourth material web (4) is joined to the first composite partial web edge region (38) of the first composite partial web (9a), and such that the eighth material edge region (46) of the fourth material web (4) is joined to the third composite partial web edge region (40) of the second composite partial web (9b), wherein the first composite partial web (9a) and the second composite partial web (9b) and the fourth material web (4) together form a diaper side part web (10) of double use, in such a way that a central region (53) of the double-use diaper side part web (10) is formed by the fourth material web (4), and wherein a first outer region of the double-use diaper side part web (10) is formed by the first composite partial web (9a), and wherein a second outer region of the double-use diaper side part web (10) is formed by the second composite partial web (9b), - separating the double-use diaper side part web (10) in a longitudinal direction (24) of the double-use diaper side part web (10) and through the central region (53) of the double-use diaper side part web (10), in order to form a first diaper side part web (13a) and a second diaper side part web (13b), each of single use in their respective transverse direction (25), - singulating diaper side part portions (14a, 14b) by separating the first (13a) and the second (13b) single-use diaper side part web in the respective transverse direction (25) of the first (13a) and the second (13b) single-use diaper side part web, - feeding a diaper main part web (15) having a first diaper main part web edge and a second diaper main part web edge, - joining the diaper side part portions (14a, 14b) to first regions (60) of the first diaper main part web edge and to second regions (61) of the second diaper main part web edge, - singulating the disposable incontinence diapers (17) by separating the diaper main part web (15) in a transverse direction (25) of the diaper main part web (15).

2. Method according to Claim 1, wherein the first elastic diaper side part (62) and the second elastic diaper side part (63) each have at least one closure element (44).

3. Method according to one or both of the preceding claims, wherein the second material web (2) and third material web (3) are made available by separating a material web (6) of double use in its transverse direction (25).

4. Method according to one or both of the preceding Claims 1 and 2, wherein the second material web (2), third material web (3) and fourth material web (4) are made available by separating a material web (7) of triple use in its transverse direction (25).

5. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the diaper side part portions (14a, 14b) are designed for single use in their longitudinal direction (24).

6. Method according to one or more of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the diaper side part portions are designed for double use in their longitudinal direction, and wherein the separation of the diaper main part web (15) is guided through the diaper side part portions in such a way that a first subportion of a respective diaper side part portion forms a rear diaper side part of a first disposable incontinence diaper (17), and a second subportion of the respective diaper side part portion forms a rear diaper side part of a second disposable incontinence diaper (17) immediately adjacent in a diaper longitudinal direction (73).

7. Method according to one or more of the preceding Claims 2 to 6, wherein the respective closure elements (44) are joined to first regions of a first diaper side part web edge (42) and to second regions of a second diaper side part web edge (43).

8. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first elastic diaper side part (62) and the second elastic diaper side part (63) are folded onto themselves at in each case at least one (68), in particular at in each case at least two (68a, 68b), more particularly at in each case at least three (68a, 68b, 68c) fold lines FW1 (68, 68a, 68b, 68c), preferably extending parallel to the diaper longitudinal direction (73) of the disposable incontinence diaper (17), and in particular are fixed releasably in this configuration.

9. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the double-use diaper side part web (10) is folded onto itself on both sides about in each case at least one, in particular about in each case at least two, more particularly about in each case at least three fold lines FW2 (50), parallel to the longitudinal direction (24) of the double-use diaper side part web (10), and in particular is fixed releasably in this configuration.

10. Method according to one or more of Claims 1 to 8, wherein the single-use diaper side part webs (13a, 13b) are folded onto themselves about in each case at least one, in particular about in each case at least two, more particularly about in each case at least three fold lines FW3 (76) or FW4 (77), parallel to a longitudinal direction (24) of the respective single-use diaper side part web (13a, 13b), and in particular are fixed releasably in this configuration.

11. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the diaper side part portions (14a, 14b) are folded onto the diaper main part web (15).

12. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the singulated disposable incontinence diapers (17) are folded about at least one fold line, in particular two fold lines FQ, extending in a diaper transverse direction (74).

13. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein a quotient Q1 from the width B4 and the width B1 calculated as: B4 / B1 has a value of 0.20 to 1.50, in particular a value of 0.25 to 1.20, in particular a value of 0.25 to 1.00, in particular a value of 0.30 to 0.90, in particular a value of 0.40 to 0.80, and / or wherein a quotient Q2 from the width B4 and the sum of the widths B2 and B3 calculated as: B4 / (B2+B3) has a value of 0.15 to 1.50, in particular a value of 0.20 to 1.20, in particular a value of 0.20 to 1.00, in particular a value of 0.25 to 0.70, in particular a value of 0.25 to 0.50.

14. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein: B4≤B1 and / or wherein: B4≤(B2+B3).