Reusable sanitary article and method for production thereof
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- VISTA HEALTH PROTECT AG
- Filing Date
- 2024-08-29
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-08
Smart Images
Figure EP2024074116_06032025_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] REUSABLE HYGIENE ARTICLE AND A METHOD FOR THE PRODUCTION THEREOF
[0002] The invention relates to a reusable hygiene article, its use as an insert or in a garment, and a method for its production.
[0003] WO 2006 / 073719 discloses clothing with a protective reinforcement. The reinforcement comprises a layered composite in which a fluid-tight layer away from the skin encloses the edge region of a fluid-permeable layer close to the skin in a C-shaped manner. The edge region of the layer away from the skin is folded over such that its outer side, away from the skin, rests on the outer side of the edge region of the layer close to the skin. These edge regions are connected to one another, for example, by ultrasonic welding or a threaded stitch.
[0004] The attachment of washable and reusable inserts, pads, or the like to garments and their fixation using hook-and-loop fasteners is known, for example from DE10144255C1. WO 2006 / 073719 also mentions the fixation of reinforcements in clothing using hook-and-loop fasteners as a possible attachment option.
[0005] US2023 / 129586A1 shows a reusable hygiene article in the form of underpants, in which a layer composite comprises a fluid-tight layer away from the skin and a fluid-permeable layer close to the skin. The close-to-skin layer consists of a parallel arrangement of at least one skin-facing layer made of an absorbent nonwoven or knitted fabric and at least one hygroscopic layer. The outer side of the outer edge of the outer edge of the close-to-skin layer rests on the outer side of the outer edge of the close-to-skin layer. An edge reinforcement encompasses the longitudinal outer edges of the two layers in a C-shape, and these layers and the surrounding edge reinforcement are continuously sewn together.At the transverse edges, a pair of base layers may be present as a connection between a moisture absorption arrangement, the skin-near layer and the skin-removal layer, sewn to the edges and folded over solely to conceal the seam, without exerting a direct connecting effect.
[0006] JP323062U discloses a reusable hygiene article in the form of underpants, comprising a layer composite in which a fluid-tight layer away from the skin encloses the edge region of a fluid-permeable layer close to the skin in a C-shape. In the critical area between the legs, the edge region of the fluid-tight layer close to the skin is folded over with its near-skin inner side onto the near-skin inner side of the edge region of the near-skin layer, pressed on, and then seamlessly connected to the near-skin layer. The near-skin layer consists of a parallel arrangement of at least one skin-facing layer made of an absorbent nonwoven or knitted fabric and at least one hygroscopic layer.
[0007] WO2021112695A1 discloses absorbent underwear in the form of undergarments with a three-layer moisture-absorbing pad between the leg openings in the crotch. The inner layer of the pad consists of at least 60% polyester on the body-contacting side, while the middle layer consists of cotton and the outer layer consists of polyurethane-laminated polyester or laminated cotton knit. The three layers are sewn together, with the seams coated with polyacrylic resin. The cotton of the middle layer can contain modified polyester resin additives that improve its hydrophilic properties. Furthermore, the inner and middle layers can have anchor seams in the crotch to maintain fluid transport.
[0008] The objective of the present invention was to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide improved and reusable underwear or underwear pads. Preferably, a comfortable and often reusable pad should be produced that combines high fluid absorption with high wearing comfort, simple and quick replacement, and easy cleaning.
[0009] This object is achieved by a product, its advantageous use, and an advantageous method for its production, as defined in the claims. Advantages and further features will become apparent from the description and the drawings.
[0010] The product according to the invention is characterized in that the skin-near layer is a parallel arrangement of at least one skin-side layer made of an absorbent nonwoven or knitted fabric and at least one hygroscopic layer.
[0011] Preferably, a nonwoven or knitted fabric with a long thread length is used as the skin-facing layer. Long thread lengths, and thus a large mesh height when using a knitted fabric, provide a high level of fluid absorption. By arranging multiple layers of nonwoven or knitted fabric, if necessary, the amount of fluid absorbed can be adapted to different requirements.
[0012] The absorption of liquid can be further increased if, according to a further embodiment of the invention, at least two hygroscopic layers are arranged directly adjacent to one another.
[0013] Preferably, the layer closest to the skin is a parallel arrangement of two liquid-tight layers.
[0014] It is particularly advantageous if the fluid-resistant surfaces of the liquid-tight layers face each other. This combines a pleasant surface for good wearing comfort with optimal sealing.
[0015] A particularly advantageous embodiment according to the invention is characterized in that the layers are connected to one another, preferably sewn, in their C-shaped edge region. Because the connecting regions are well protected within the C-shaped section of the outermost layers, maximum wearer comfort is ensured, as no seams or the like can come into contact with the skin in sensitive areas. Furthermore, the hygiene article has a "tub-like" cross-section with reinforced sealing edges made of liquid-tight material that rest against the skin, thus optimally preventing any liquid from escaping. The C-shaped edge regions are typically found on the two longitudinal edges of panty liners or, in the case of underpants, on the sections between the legs.
[0016] One embodiment of the invention provides for the formation of a hygiene article that can be used independently, for example, as an insert, by connecting the layers, preferably by sewing them together, at their free ends extending transversely to the C-shaped edge region. This creates a so-called "bathtub effect," since the two liquid-tight layers, which laterally enclose the absorbent portion of the layer composite in a C-shape, prevent fluid from escaping from the central part of, for example, a pair of underpants, located between the legs, toward the two legs.
[0017] An advantageous embodiment further provides that, at least at one transverse edge region, the fluid-tight layer remote from the skin encloses the edge region of the fluid-permeable layer close to the skin in a C-shape. As a result, no seams or similar come into contact with the skin in these edge regions, and a reinforced sealing edge made of fluid-tight material is provided adjacent to the skin to optimally prevent fluid leakage, even via the narrow sides of panty liners or via the front and / or back edge of the inter-leg section of underpants.
[0018] It is advantageous if the outer layer of the skin is provided with at least one adhesion-promoting surface, preferably with one or more Velcro strips or a non-slip silicone coating.
[0019] Advantageously, garments intended for use with such inserts are provided with the corresponding complementary adhesion-promoting surfaces, i.e., with the counterpart of a hook-and-loop strip of the insert or, likewise, a non-slip silicone coating. The adhesion-promoting surfaces or interacting structures are preferably arranged in the longitudinal direction of the hygiene article and / or the garment to enable the insert to be easily and quickly secured in the optimal wearing position. However, they can also be oriented transversely to the longitudinal direction or at any angle to it.
[0020] A further embodiment of a hygiene article according to the invention is characterized in that wing-like extensions extend from the longitudinal edges transversely to the longitudinal direction of the hygiene article. These are particularly preferably provided with adhesion-promoting surfaces to interact with one or more complementary areas on the outer side of garments or to interact with complementary areas on the opposite extension to enable fixation of the insert, preferably in different longitudinal positions.
[0021] The use of a hygiene article according to one of the preceding paragraphs is particularly advantageous as a reusable pad for underpants.
[0022] An alternative use of a hygiene article according to one of the above paragraphs is as an integral component of a garment, preferably underpants. The inventive method for producing a hygiene article according to one of the above paragraphs comprises the following steps:
[0023] - Arrangement of two liquid-tight layers in parallel
[0024] - Positioning of at least one layer of absorbent material on the liquid-tight layers
[0025] - Positioning of at least one hygroscopic layer on the layer of absorbent material
[0026] - Connection of the adjacent edge areas of all layers
[0027] - Turning the interconnected layers inside out through the space between the layer of absorbent material and the nearest liquid-tight layer and forming a C-shaped edge area.
[0028] The absorbent material is preferably in the form of a fleece or a knitted fabric.
[0029] This process allows for simple manufacturing, particularly with regard to the joining of the layers, which can be easily joined at the edges using proven techniques, particularly by sewing. The inversion step then places the connecting section inside the hygiene article, preventing it from coming into contact with the skin and thus not adversely affecting wearer comfort.
[0030] When preparing the layers of the composite layer, the liquid-tight layers are preferably positioned with their fluid-resistant surfaces facing each other. This results in optimal sealing and a pleasant surface structure for high wearer comfort.
[0031] Preferably, the layers are additionally secured to each other by joining, preferably sewing, the free ends running transversely to the C-shaped edge area. This allows a closed composite to be created quickly and easily, which can be used, for example, as a standalone interlining for garments.
[0032] Advantageously, the outer layer of the skin can additionally be provided with at least one adhesion-promoting surface, preferably with one or more hook-and-loop strips, on its outer side. For a better understanding of the invention, it is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures.
[0033] They show in a highly simplified, schematic representation:
[0034] Fig. 1 shows a section through a reinforcement for clothing according to the prior art;
[0035] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a layered composite according to a preferred embodiment of the invention at the beginning of production;
[0036] Fig. 3 shows a section corresponding to Fig. 1 through the layer composite of Fig. 2 in an inverted, ready-to-use configuration;
[0037] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a hygiene article according to the invention from above, ie from the skin side;
[0038] Fig. 5 a perspective view of a hygiene article according to the invention from below, ie from the side remote from the skin
[0039] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a hygiene article according to the invention from below, ie from the side remote from the skin, with a further embodiment variant for the adhesion-promoting equipment;
[0040] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a hygiene article according to the invention with wing-like lateral extensions;
[0041] Fig. 8 shows a section through an Eagen composite in an inverted, ready-to-use configuration and with wing-like lateral projections.
[0042] By way of introduction, it should be noted that in the variously described embodiments, identical parts are provided with identical reference numerals or identical component designations, whereby the disclosures contained in the entire description can be transferred mutatis mutandis to identical parts with identical reference numerals or identical component designations. Furthermore, the position information chosen in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., relate to the directly described and illustrated figure, and in the event of a change in position, these position information must be transferred mutatis mutandis to the new position. Figure 1 shows a cross-section through a protective reinforcement according to the prior art, consisting of a layer composite 1 in which a liquid-tight layer 2 remote from the skin encloses the edge region of a liquid-permeable layer 3 close to the skin in a C-shape.The edge region 4 of the skin-removable layer 2 is folded over such that its outer side 6, which is away from the skin, faces the outer side 7 of the edge region 5 of the skin-removable layer 3 and possibly rests on it. The liquid-tight layer 2, which is preferably permeable to air, is covered on the outside by a layer 19 made of elastic, air- and liquid-permeable material, which is also folded over in a C-shape and rests on the outer side 7 of the edge region 5 of the layer 3, which is close to the skin. An intermediate layer 20 made of absorbent material is preferably interposed between the layer 3 and the liquid-tight layer 2. The said edge regions 4, 5 are connected to one another, with the connection being made, for example, via ultrasonic welding or threaded stitching.
[0043] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a layer composite 1 during the production of a reusable hygiene article according to the invention, after positioning the layers and before connecting them to one another.
[0044] According to the preferred variant of the manufacturing process, the process begins with the arrangement of two liquid-tight layers 8, 10 in a parallel layer. The liquid-tight layers 8, 10 each consist of at least one layer 21, 22 of a preferably absorbent textile material, each having a liquid-resistant surface 12, 14 on one side. These layers 8, 10 are preferably arranged such that their liquid-resistant surfaces 12, 14 face each other. The material used is preferably stretchable polyester, which is produced using "seamless technology." It is also possible for at least one of the layers 21, 22 to be made of a different material, as long as the absorbency and / or the pleasant feel on the skin are ensured. The liquid-resistant coating of the textile materials can, in particular, also be formed from a polyurethane, resulting in a very light, thin, and tear-resistant material.
[0045] At least one layer 9 of an absorbent material, preferably in the form of a nonwoven or knitted fabric, is placed on top of these two layers 8, 10. Advantageously, a nonwoven or knitted fabric with a long thread length, preferably made from hygroscopic threads or fibers, or from highly absorbent high-performance fibers such as Trylobal® or Bramante® hollow fibers, is provided as the skin-facing layer 9. The thread length is crucial for the fluid absorption capacity, with the number of threads, in conjunction with the mesh height, achieving a fluid absorption of 15 to 30 ml relative to the surface area of the insert. Depending on the amount of fluid to be absorbed, one or two layers of the knitted fabric are used.
[0046] Other materials that may be used—single-hand or in combination of at least two different types—are rayon, cotton, cellulose, cellulose wadding, tissue laminates, peat moss, bamboo, or chemically reinforced, modified, or cross-linked cellulose fibers. The use of one or more synthetic materials, such as polyester fibers, polyolefin fibers, absorbent foams, absorbent sponges, absorbent polymers, capillary channel fibers, synthetic fibers, predominantly open-cell polyurethane flexible foam, or fibers or threads made of rayon or a structural type of the crystalline modification of cellulose II, is also possible.
[0047] Finally, at least one hygroscopic layer 11 is positioned on the fleece or knitted fabric of layer 9 to complete the layer composite. Preferably, two such hygroscopic layers 11, 13 are provided, which preferably lie directly against one another.
[0048] Now the adjacent edge regions 4, 5 of all layers 8 to 11, 13 are connected to one another, preferably by means of a seam connection 18. Thereafter, the tubular layer composite is turned inside out, namely through the space between the layer 9 of the absorbent material and the nearest liquid-tight layer 8.
[0049] By turning the layer inside out, a layer composite 1 is created with an arrangement of the layers as shown in the cross-section of Figure 3, in which a liquid-tight layer remote from the skin, consisting of two liquid-tight layers 8, 10 in a parallel position, encloses the edge region 5 of a liquid-permeable layer close to the skin in a C-shape, wherein the layer close to the skin is a parallel arrangement of at least one skin-side layer 9 made of an absorbent material and at least one hygroscopic layer 11. As a result, the seam region is located within a "tub" formed by the C-shaped, liquid-tight polyester layers. The edge strip 4 of the outermost liquid-tight layer 10 is folded over in such a way that its outer side 6 rests on the outer side 7 of the layer 9 closest to the skin, i.e. the layer 9 of the absorbent material and thus the edge strip 5 running parallel to the edge strip 4. The edge area 4, 5, ieThe layers 8 to 10, 11, 13, are connected to one another, preferably by means of the seam 18. Here, too, the edges of the liquid-tight layers 8, 10 surround the edge regions 4, 5 and the seam 18 in a C-shape. This forms a sealing seam 19 parallel to the edge regions 4, 5, preventing the escape of liquid. A preferred embodiment provides a layer composite 1 in which the liquid-resistant surfaces 12, 14 of the liquid-tight layers 8, 10 face one another.
[0050] To form a self-usable insert, as shown in the views of Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, it is preferably provided that at least one of the free, previously open ends 15, 16 of the turned-over layer composite 1, which extend transversely to the C-shaped edge region 4, is connected, and these ends 15, 16 are thus closed, preferably again by sewing. This creates a so-called "bathtub effect," since the two polyester layers, which laterally encompass the knitted fabric and the absorbent cover layer in a C-shape, prevent liquid from escaping over the edge of the hygiene article.
[0051] This "bathtub effect" can be further enhanced with optional reinforcing and shaping rods or similar elements, which give the insert a tub-like shape to reliably prevent liquid from leaking over the edges. Such reinforcing elements can also be subsequently inserted and secured into the edge areas of the insert if their rigidity requires it.
[0052] A special embodiment according to the invention further provides that at least one transverse edge region 4, 5, the skin-removable, liquid-tight layer 8, 10 surrounds the edge region 5 of the skin-proximal, liquid-permeable layer 3 in a C-shape. When producing the hygiene article according to the invention with the layer composite being folded over after the layers have been sewn together, one of the transverse edges will typically initially remain open or be sewn in a conventional manner after folding over. If such a reinforced sealing edge made of liquid-tight material that rests against the skin is not possible, liquid leakage via the narrow sides of panty liners or via the front and / or rear edge of the section of underpants located between the legs can also be prevented by extending the panty liner or the liner integrated into the underpants.With the technology and materials described above, absorption volumes of at least 50 ml of liquid can be achieved, up to maximum amounts in the range of 70 to 80 ml.
[0053] Finally, as a further step in the manufacturing process of the hygiene article according to the invention, at least one adhesion-promoting surface 17 can be applied or produced on the outer side of the skin-removable layer 2, in particular the outermost liquid-tight layer 8. Preferably, the surface of the layer composite 1 is provided with one or more hook-and-loop strips for this purpose. The adhesion-promoting surface 17 can already be applied to the layer 8, which is still positioned inside the layer composite, during the initial assembly of the layers, as shown in Figure 2, and specifically facing the liquid-permeable layer 9 located above it. Alternatively, the adhesion-promoting surface 17 can also be attached to the now outer layer 8 only after the layer composite 1 has been turned inside out, preferably by sewing it to the textile fabric layer 21.When creating the seam connection 18 between the surface 17 and the layer 8, the needle punctures also penetrate the fluid-resistant coating 12 of the layer 8, which could impair the seal. However, the parallel, fluid-tight layer 10 inside the final product ensures the seal in every layer.
[0054] The garment with which the insert according to the invention is to be used is preferably also provided with an adhesion-promoting surface, preferably with the counterpart to the Velcro strip of the insert, so that all common materials for the garment, for example underpants, can be used independently of the insert.
[0055] The adhesion-promoting surface 17 extends in the central region of the layered composite 1 in its longitudinal direction over a certain distance in order to interact with one or more complementary areas in garments. In trousers, underpants or the like, for example, an area extending longitudinally over a great length between the legs with a likewise adhesion-promoting surface complementary to the surface 17 on the layered composite can be provided, thus enabling the insert to be fixed, preferably in different longitudinal positions. A certain adjustment of the position in a direction transverse to this is also possible. Instead of a single strip 17 extending in the longitudinal direction, several shorter adhesion-promoting surfaces can also be provided one after the other in the longitudinal and / or transverse direction. In many cases, the strip shown in Fig.6, with two Velcro strips 17, for example, extending in the longitudinal direction on both sides of the longitudinal center of the insert, between which transverse Velcro strips 23 spaced apart in the longitudinal direction are arranged.
[0056] By positioning the Velcro strip in the middle area of the underpants and ensuring it is long enough, and by using a Velcro strip opposite the strip on the insert running lengthwise over a certain distance, the insert can be fixed in different longitudinal positions along the length of the trouser part between the legs.
[0057] Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of a hygiene article according to the invention with wing-like lateral extensions 24. These extend from the longitudinal edges transversely to the longitudinal direction of the hygiene article to the side. These wings 24 are particularly preferably provided with adhesion-promoting surfaces 25, 26 in order to interact with one or more complementary areas on the outside of garments or to interact with complementary areas 26, 25 on the opposite extension 24 to enable the insert to be fixed, preferably in different longitudinal positions. In addition, after the wings 24 are folded around the crotch area of the garment, an adhesion-promoting surface 25 (symbolized in Fig.7 by dashed lines) comes into contact with an adhesion-promoting surface 25 facing the body in a planar configuration to form a closed loop around the crotch area of the garment without necessarily forming a bond thereto.
[0058] Fig. 8 shows a section through a layer composite in an inverted, ready-to-use configuration for a hygiene article of Fig. 7 with its wing-like lateral extensions, which are incorporated into the layer composite in such a way that here too no seams are located on the outside of the hygiene article, but are arranged inside the inverted layer composite.
[0059] In addition to the use of the hygiene article according to the invention as an insert, it can also be provided as an integral component of a garment, preferably underpants, or as a sewn-in insert of a garment. The exemplary embodiments show possible embodiments. It should be noted at this point that the invention is not limited to the specifically illustrated embodiments thereof; rather, various combinations of the individual embodiments are also possible. This variation possibility, based on the teaching of technical action based on the present invention, lies within the skill of the person skilled in this technical field.
[0060] Reference symbol list
[0061] Layered composite
[0062] Liquid-tight layer Liquid-permeable layer Edge area of layer 2 Edge area of layer 3 Outside of layer 2 Outside of layer 3 Liquid-tight layer Liquid-permeable layer Liquid-tight layer
[0063] Hygroscopic layer Liquid-resistant surface Hygroscopic layer Liquid-resistant surface End
[0064] End
[0065] Adhesion-promoting surface
[0066] seam
[0067] Sealing seam
[0068] Intermediate layer
[0069] Textile layer
[0070] Textile layer
[0071] Adhesion-promoting surface in transverse direction
[0072] Wing-like extension Adhesive surface
[0073] Adhesion-promoting surface
Claims
Patent claims 1. Reusable hygiene article, at least comprising a layer composite (1), in which a liquid-tight layer (8, 10) remote from the skin encloses the edge region (5) of a liquid-permeable layer (3) close to the skin in a C-shape, and wherein the edge regions (4, 5) of the close-to-skin layer (3) and the far-to-skin layer (8, 10) are connected to one another, preferably sewn to one another, characterized in that the close-to-skin layer (3) is a parallel arrangement of at least one skin-side layer (9) made of an absorbent nonwoven or knitted fabric and at least one hygroscopic layer (11), and in that the edge region (4) of the far-to-skin layer (8, 10) rests with its outer side (6) remote from the skin on the near-skin outer side (7) of the edge region (5) of the close-to-skin layer (3).
2. Hygiene article according to claim 1, characterized in that a nonwoven or knitted fabric with a high thread length is provided as the skin-side layer (9), wherein preferably at least two hygroscopic layers (11, 13) are arranged directly adjacent to one another.
3. Hygiene article according to claim 1, characterized in that the layer (2) remote from the skin is a parallel arrangement of two liquid-tight layers (8, 10), wherein preferably the liquid-inhibiting surfaces (12, 14) of the liquid-tight layers (8, 10) face each other.
4. Hygiene article according to claim 1, characterized in that the layers (2, 3, 8 to 11, 13) are connected to one another, preferably sewn, in their C-shaped edge region (4, 5).
5. Hygiene article according to claim 1, characterized in that the layers (2, 3, 8 to 11, 13) are connected to one another, preferably sewn, at their free ends (15, 16) extending transversely to the C-shaped edge region (4, 5).
6. Hygiene article according to claim 5, characterized in that on at least one transversely extending edge region (4, 5) the liquid-tight layer (8, 10) remote from the skin encloses the edge region (5) of the liquid-permeable layer (3) close to the skin in a C-shape.
7. Hygiene article according to claim 1, characterized in that the layer (2) remote from the skin is provided on its outer side (6) remote from the skin with at least one adhesion-promoting surface (17), preferably with one or more Velcro strips, which are preferably sewn to the outer liquid-tight layer (8), or a non-slip silicone coating.
8. Hygiene article according to claim 7, characterized in that at least one adhesion-promoting surface (17) extends preferably in the central region of the hygiene article in its longitudinal direction over a certain distance, at most two adhesion-promoting surfaces (17) on both sides of the longitudinal center plane, wherein at most further adhesion-promoting surfaces (23) are arranged in the transverse direction and spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction in order to cooperate with one or more complementary regions in garments and to enable fixation of the insert preferably in different longitudinal positions.
9. Hygiene article according to claim 1, characterized in that wing-like extensions (24) extend from the longitudinal edges transversely to the longitudinal direction of the hygiene article, which are preferably provided with adhesion-promoting surfaces (25, 26) in order to cooperate with one or more complementary areas on the outside of garments or to cooperate with complementary areas on the opposite extension to enable the insert to be fixed preferably in different longitudinal positions.
10. Use of a hygiene article according to one of claims 1 to 9 as a reusable pad for underpants.
11. Use of a hygiene article according to one of claims 1 to 9 as an integral component of a garment, preferably underpants.
12. A process for producing a hygiene article according to one of claims 1 to 9, comprising the following steps: - Arrangement of two liquid-tight layers (8, 10) in parallel - Positioning of at least one layer (9) of an absorbent material, preferably a nonwoven or a knitted fabric, on the liquid-tight layers (8, 10) - positioning of at least one hygroscopic layer (11) on the layer (9) of absorbent material - Connection of the adjacent edge areas (4, 5) of all layers (8 to 11, 13) - Turning over the interconnected layers (8 to 11, 13) through the space between the layer (9) of absorbent material and the nearest liquid-tight layer (8, 10) to form a C-shaped edge region (4, 5).
13. Method according to claim 12, characterized in that the liquid-tight layers (8, 10) are positioned with liquid-inhibiting surfaces (12, 14) facing each other.
14. Method according to claim 12, characterized by connecting, preferably sewing, the free ends (15, 16) of the layers (2, 3, 8 to 11, 13) extending transversely to the C-shaped edge region (4, 5).
15. Method according to claim 14, characterized by connecting, preferably sewing, the free ends (15, 16) of the layers (2, 3, 8 to 11, 13) extending transversely to the C-shaped edge region (4, 5) before turning over the interconnected layers (8 to 11, 13) to form at least one transversely extending C-shaped edge region (4, 5).
16. The method according to claim 12, wherein the layer (2) remote from the skin is provided on its outer side (6) remote from the skin with at least one adhesion-promoting surface (17), preferably with one or more Velcro strips.