Disposable absorbent hygiene product

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a disposable absorbent hygiene product (1, 100) having a chassis (10, 110) with a first end portion and a second end portion (15, 115, 14, 114) and a central portion (13, 113) extending between the first end portion and the second end portion (15, 115, 14, 114), the chassis (10, 110) having a body-facing surface intended to face the wearer's body and a garment-facing surface intended to face away from the wearer's body, a chassis (10, 110), a longitudinal axis (LO) defining a longitudinal direction (L) extending in the longitudinal direction from the first end portion (15, 115) to the second end portion (14, 114), and a transverse axis (x1) defining a transverse direction (T) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the chassis (10, 110) including a liquid-permeable topsheet (11, 111) on the body-facing surface, a liquid-impermeable backsheet (12, 112) on the garment-facing surface (12), and an absorbent core assembly (30, 130) including at least one absorbent core (31, 32, 131) disposed between the topsheet (11, 111) and the backsheet (12, 112), the disposable absorbent hygiene product further including a pair of side portions (23, 24, 123, 124) extending in the transverse direction on each side of the first end portion (18) for fastening the absorbent hygiene product around the wearer's waist, the disposable absorbent hygiene product including at least one fastener (25, 125, 148, 149) for fastening the absorbent hygiene product around the wearer's waist disposed on at least one of the side portions (23, 24, 123, 124) and / or the second end portion (14, 114) of the disposable absorbent hygiene product.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a disposable absorbent hygiene product, comprising a chassis having a first end portion and a second end portion, and a central portion extending between the first end portion and the second end portion, a pair of side portions extending transversely on each side of the first end portion, and at least one fastener for fastening the absorbent hygiene product to the waist of the wearer, disposed on at least one of the side portions and / or the second end portion of the disposable absorbent hygiene product.

Background Art

[0002] Absorbent products, also called disposable diapers and incontinence briefs in the form of disposable diapers or all-in-one diapers, commonly known as open diapers or all-in-one diapers, generally comprise a fastening system including a pair of side panels having fasteners such as fastening tabs fixed to both sides of one end region of the diaper. The fastening tabs are intended to engage with receiving means located in the other end region of the diaper. Such diapers are generally worn by the wearer when lying on their side.

[0003] Another type of absorbent product is a belt-type absorbent product that enables the wearer or caregiver to apply the diaper in a standing position. The belt-type absorbent product, i.e., the belt product, typically has a belt integrally attached to the chassis of the absorbent product. The belt may have two belt portions extending on both sides of the rear end portion of the chassis. While the two belt portions are intended to be fastened around the wearer's waist, the front end portion of the absorbent portion hangs down between the wearer's legs. When the belt portions are joined to each other by a fastener or fastening tab, etc., the wearer can reach between their legs and pull up the absorbent portion between the legs, and attach the free end of the absorbent portion to the belt portion by a second fastener such as a fastening tab. Similarly, the product can be made such that the belt is fastened to the front portion of the product and fixed around the wearer's back. In this case, the absorbent portion hangs down in front and is fixed to the belt at the back. This type of product is particularly useful for caregivers caring for patients who may have dementia, etc.

[0004] Both types of absorbent products use a fastening system for fastening the product to the wearer. Various types of fastening systems are known for connecting or holding parts of the absorbent product to each other and / or for fixing the absorbent product to the wearer of the absorbent product. Easy removal of the absorbent product and / or easy adjustment of the absorbent product during use may be desirable. Examples of re-fastening systems include adhesive tapes and hook-and-loop fastening systems. Hook-and-loop fastening systems are sold, for example, under the trademark Velcro®. Hook-and-loop fasteners generally include two strips or patches (adhered, heat-sealed, welded, etc.) attached to opposing surfaces to be fastened. The first strip / patch includes hooks and the second strip / patch includes loops. When the two strips / patches are pressed together, the hooks catch on the loops and the two strips / patches are fastened.

[0005] In use, both types of absorbent products are secured to the wearer as described above by one or more fasteners that are fastened to a designated fastening area of the product, such as complementary hook / loop elements. Also, in order to adjust the fit of the product or to remove the product from the wearer, it is necessary to enable removal of the fastener from the fastening position. Further, both types of absorbent products can initially be provided in a folded state in which the fastener can be fastened to a designated fastening area of the product or to another part of the product.

[0006] For example, both types of absorbent products are typically folded within a bag, and during the folded state, the hook strip / patch can be temporarily attached to the topsheet or backsheet of the absorbent product. Also, during use, the hook strip / patch can be incidentally attached to the topsheet or backsheet of the absorbent product, for example during adjustment of the product.

[0007] In the situations where the wearer or caregiver handles the fastener as exemplified above, it is desirable to provide a product having a fastener that is easy to identify and use.

[0008] For example, when removing the fastener from a fastening position fastened to a substrate material such as a designated fastening area or another area of the product, it is necessary to overcome the peel force and shear force to break the connection between the fastener and the substrate material. Thus, when the wearer or caregiver attempts to remove the fastener from the fastening position by misidentifying the fastener and instead gripping and pulling the product part having the fastener (e.g., pulling the side part to which the belt or fastener is attached), there is a risk of damaging the material of the belt or side part by the applied force and / or a risk of removing the fastener from the product part by breaking the attachment to the product part rather than removing the fastener from the fastening position.

[0009] Therefore, in order to reduce the risk of gripping another part of the product when the user or caregiver wants to remove the fastener from the fastening position, it is necessary to provide a product having a fastener that facilitates identification of the fastener.

[0010] The application / removal of the absorbent product to / from the wearer may be performed under various conditions, for example, under poor lighting conditions such as when the user does not want to be disturbed by lighting at night. Also, depending on the state of the user's mobility or other conditions, a caregiver may need to apply the product to / from the user from a position where the fastener is difficult to reach and / or difficult to see. Therefore, it is necessary to provide a product having a fastener that facilitates identification of the fastener even when visual identification is impossible.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0011] It is desirable to provide an improved disposable absorbent hygiene product that uses a fastener to fasten the absorbent product to the wearer's waist and satisfies one or more of the above needs. According to the present disclosure, a disposable absorbent hygiene product according to the appended claims is provided.

[0012] An "absorbent product", also referred to as a disposable absorbent hygiene product, refers to a consumer product that absorbs and contains body exudates, and more specifically, a product that is placed on or near the wearer's body to absorb and contain various exudates discharged from the body. Absorbent products include, for example, diapers and incontinence devices. Diapers include, for example, all-in-one diapers, pant diapers, and belt diapers. Diapers can be for newborns, infants, or adults.

[0013] A so-called all-in-one diaper, also referred to as an open diaper, is characterized by including a fastening tab / panel that joins the front and rear portions of the diaper when the diaper is applied around the wearer's waist.

[0014] So-called pant-type diapers are characterized in that the front part and the rear part of the diaper are joined at the waist. This type of diaper is worn by the wearer just like underwear, that is, it is intended to be pulled up over the wearer's legs. Since the joint at the waist of the pant-type diaper can usually be broken open to remove the pant-type diaper from the wearer, there is no need to pull the pants down over the wearer's legs and feet to remove the pant-type diaper. Pant-type diapers usually include elastic regions both around the waist portion and the leg openings. There are also pant-type diapers that can be opened and closed again by re-fastening means. Such pant-type diapers can be opened, for example, to check whether the product is soiled or to adjust the width of the product, and then can be closed again afterwards.

[0015] So-called belt-type diapers / belt products are characterized by including a belt that is oriented in a transverse direction with respect to the chassis of the diaper and is integrally attached to the chassis. The absorbent core is disposed within the chassis. The belt may have two belt portions that extend on both sides of the rear end or the front end of the chassis. When wearing the belt-type diaper, the two belt portions are intended to be fastened around the wearer's waist in a first step. The front end or the rear end of the chassis of the belt-type diaper hangs loosely from the belt between the wearer's legs. When the belt portions are joined to each other, the absorbent chassis is guided between the wearer's legs and fastened to the belt. The belt includes a fixing surface intended to be fixed by its free transverse edge to a fixing element disposed on the chassis of the diaper. This type of product is particularly useful for caregivers who care for patients who may have dementia or the like.

[0016] Another type of belt-type diaper is in the form of a two-piece product that includes a separate belt and a separate chassis with an absorbent structure. In use, the belt is fastened around the wearer's waist, and then the chassis is joined to the outside of the belt by hook-and-loop elements or tape elements at the corners of the chassis.

[0017] The absorbent product according to the present disclosure is a disposable product. The term "disposable" generally refers to a product that is not intended to be washed or otherwise regenerated or reused as an absorbent product, but rather is intended to be discarded, for example, after a single use, and may be configured to be discarded in an environmentally compatible manner, such as by recycling, composting, or other means.

[0018] The term "longitudinal direction" or "longitudinally" relates to the length or the lengthwise direction, in particular the direction extending between the first end portion and the second end portion of the product or between the front and the back of the wearer.

[0019] The term "transverse direction" or "transversely" relates to the width or the widthwise direction and corresponds to the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The transverse direction extends from side to side, in particular from the left side to the right side of the wearer, and vice versa.

[0020] The disposable absorbent hygiene product according to the present disclosure is a chassis having a first end portion and a second end portion, and a central portion extending between the first end portion and the second end portion, the chassis having a body-facing surface intended to face the wearer's body and a garment-facing surface intended to face away from the wearer's body, a chassis, a longitudinal axis extending longitudinally and defining a longitudinal direction from the first end portion to the second end portion, and a transverse axis defining a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The chassis includes a liquid-permeable top sheet on the body-facing surface, a liquid-impermeable back sheet on the garment-facing surface, and an absorbent core assembly including at least one absorbent core disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet. The disposable absorbent hygiene product further includes a pair of side portions extending in the transverse direction on each side of the first end portion for fastening the disposable absorbent hygiene product around the wearer's waist. The disposable absorbent hygiene product includes at least one fastener for fastening the disposable absorbent hygiene product around the wearer's waist, disposed on at least one of the side portion and / or the second end portion of the disposable absorbent hygiene product. The fastener includes a sheet-forming base having generally parallel upper and lower surfaces, the lower surface being attached to at least one of the side portion and / or the second end portion of the disposable absorbent hygiene product. The sheet-forming base includes at least one fastening region including one or more regions of fastening material including a plurality of discrete fastening elements including posts protruding from the upper surface of the sheet-forming base. The fastening region is disposed at a distance from one outer edge of the sheet-forming base, forming a region without fastening material on the sheet-forming base. The fastener is attached to the disposable absorbent hygiene product in a mounting region at least partially overlapping the fastening region.

[0021] When the absorbent hygiene product is a belt-type diaper, i.e., a belt product, the pair of side portions for fastening the absorbent hygiene product around the wearer's waist and extending in the transverse direction on each side of the first end portion can be the first belt portion and the second belt portion. Alternatively, when the absorbent hygiene product is an open-type diaper, i.e., an all-in-one diaper, the pair of side portions for fastening the absorbent hygiene product around the wearer's waist and extending in the transverse direction on each side of the first end portion can be the first side panel and the second side panel.

[0022] The fastening sheet base having generally parallel upper and lower surfaces, with the lower surface being attached to at least one of the side portions and / or the second end portion of the disposable absorbent hygiene product, may have a square, rectangular, rounded, or any other shape.

[0023] For example, the sheet-forming base may have a rectangle that facilitates production using a strip-shaped base material and minimizes material leakage.

[0024] The fastening region of the sheet-forming base, including one or more regions of fastening material including a plurality of discrete fastening elements including posts protruding from the upper surface of the sheet-forming base, may have fastening elements that are uniformly distributed over the entire region or distributed in different zones, such as strips of fastening elements. The posts may be, for example, hooks adapted to be attached to loops. When the fastener, i.e., the region of the fastening material, is pressed against or placed on the loop material, the hook catches on the loop and the two are fastened to each other. The topsheet, backsheet, or any other material of the absorbent hygiene product can function as the loop material.

[0025] By having a fastening region disposed at a distance from one outer edge of the sheet-forming base, a region without fastening material is created. The outer edge can be the first outer edge. This distance can be regarded as the first distance. The fastening region can be disposed at a distance from one outer edge of the sheet-forming base along the first transverse direction.

[0026] The fastener can be manufactured by extruding a polymer into a mold to form a sheet-forming base having columns integrally formed within the fastening region. The fastener can also be manufactured by extruding a polymer onto the sheet-forming base to form columns protruding from the upper surface of the sheet-forming base. When manufacturing the fastener, a region without the fastening material can be left without columns or can be dissolved in a second step.

[0027] The first transverse direction can be a direction away from the longitudinal axis. When deploying, removing, or adjusting the product, it is most common for the wearer or caregiver to grip with their fingers the outer end of the side portion and / or the outer end of the second end portion that is in a direction away from the longitudinal axis when the product is in its deployed state.

[0028] According to a first aspect, the above object is achieved by the product according to appended claim 1. Accordingly, the region without the fastening material has a bending stiffness greater than the bending stiffness of the side portion and / or the second end portion where the fastener is disposed.

[0029] Accordingly, the fastener includes a region without fastening material extending from the outer edge of the sheet-forming base, and the region without fastening material has a bending stiffness greater than the bending stiffness of the side portion and / or the second end portion where the fastener is disposed. When the fastener is in the fastening position where the fastening region is fastened to the base material, the region without fastening material remains freely unfastened to the base material regardless of whether the article is closed around the user or, for example, in a folded delivery state. Thus, the region without fastening material can be practically identified by the user's finger when attempting to remove the fastener from the fastening position, i.e., to break the connection between the fastening region and the base material. Further, since the region without fastening material has a bending stiffness greater than the bending stiffness of the side portion and / or the second end portion, when the user attempts to find the fastener, the side portion and / or the second end portion may more easily move away from the user's finger compared to the region without fastening material of the fastener. Accordingly, the region without fastening material can be practically identified by the user and forms a free-edge portion indicating the exact position where the fastener is pulled and peeled from the base material. The user is encouraged to grip the region without fastening material rather than the side portion and / or the second end portion to which the fastener is attached to remove the fastener from its connection to the base material.

[0030] Furthermore, according to a second aspect, the above object is achieved by the product according to appended claim 22. Accordingly, the distance from one first outer edge of the sheet-forming base having the fastening region is at least 5 mm. Further, the region without fastening material has an extension range in a direction perpendicular to the distance, which is at least 20 mm.

[0031] Accordingly, the fastener includes a region without fastening material extending from the outer edge of the sheet-forming base, and the region without fastening material has a minimum size defined by the above-mentioned criteria. When the fastener is in the fastening position where the fastening region is fastened to the base material, the region without fastening material remains freely unfastened to the base material regardless of whether the article is closed around the user or in a folded delivery state, for example. Thus, the region without fastening material can be practically identified by the user's finger when attempting to remove the fastener from the fastening position, i.e., to break the connection between the fastening region and the base material. Accordingly, the region without fastening material can be practically identified by the user and forms a free-edge portion indicating the exact position where the fastener is pulled and peeled off from the base material. Due to the appropriate size of the region without fastening material, the user is encouraged to grip the region without fastening material rather than the side portion and / or the second end portion to which the fastener is attached in order to remove the fastener from its connection to the base material.

[0032] As described above, the first and second aspects described above can achieve the object of the present invention individually, but the two aspects may be combined.

[0033] Accordingly, there can be provided a product as recited in the preamble of any of claims 1 or 22 appended hereto, wherein the region without fastening material has a bending rigidity greater than the bending rigidity of the side portion and / or the second end portion where the fastener is disposed, the fastening region is disposed at said distance from one first outer edge of the sheet-forming base where the fastening region is disposed, the distance being at least 5 mm, and the region without fastening material has an elongation range in a direction perpendicular to a distance of at least 20 mm.

[0034] In the following, some additional optional features, advantages, and embodiments are described. Each of these features, advantages, and embodiments is equally applicable, either alone or in combination, to the first aspect, the second aspect, and the combination of the first and second aspects.

[0035] As described above, the region without the fastening material may have a bending rigidity greater than the bending rigidity of the side portion and / or the second end portion where the fastener is disposed.

[0036] Therefore, the rigidity of the side portion and / or the second end portion may be such that it yields more easily under the user's finger than the region without the fastening material, enabling the user to identify the fastener.

[0037] For example, the region without the fastening material may have a bending rigidity that is at least 15%, for example at least 20%, greater than the bending rigidity of the side portion and / or the second end portion. Thus, the difference in rigidity may be such that a person gripping the fastener can easily identify and find the region without the fastening material rather than the side portion and / or the second end portion.

[0038] Therefore, the bending rigidity of the region without the fastening material can be selected in consideration of the bending rigidity of the side portion and / or the second end portion to which it is attached.

[0039] For example, a side portion such as a side panel of an absorbent hygiene product can be made of a material having a relatively low rigidity, such as a non-woven fabric. For example, such a side panel can have a bending rigidity of 15 mgf or less, for example 10 mgf or less. The side panel may also have a bending rigidity greater than 1 mgf or greater than 5 mgf.

[0040] Therefore, for example, the bending rigidity of the region without the fastening material can be selected to be, for example, at least 20 mgf, for example at least 22 mgf.

[0041] Therefore, in one example, the bending rigidity of the side portion and / or the second end portion may be 10 mgf or less, and the bending rigidity of the region without the fastening material may be at least 20 mgf, for example at least 22 mgf. For example, the fastener can be disposed on the side panel, the bending rigidity of the side panel may be 10 mgf or less, and the bending rigidity of the region without the fastening material of the fastener may be at least 20 mgf.

[0042] However, nevertheless, in order to provide easier identification, the bending rigidity of the region without the fastening material may be selected to be, for example, at least 30 mgf, for example at least 40 mgf, or at least 45 mgf.

[0043] For example, the bending rigidity of the side portion and / or the second end portion can be at least 30 mgf, for example at least 35 mgf. This may be preferable, for example, when the side portion is the belt portion of a belt-type product.

[0044] For example, the bending rigidity of the region without the fastening material can be at least 30 mgf, for example at least 40 mgf, or at least 45 mgf.

[0045] Thus, in one example, the bending rigidity of the side portion and / or the second end portion can be at least 35 mgf, and the bending rigidity of the region without the fastening material can be at least 40 mgf, for example at least 45 mgf.

[0046] The bending rigidity of the side portion and / or the second end portion can also be selected in consideration of the need for the side portion and / or the second end portion to be flexible enough to adapt to the wearer without causing discomfort. For example, the bending rigidity of the side portion and / or the second side portion can be 90 mgf or less, for example 80 mgf or less, or 70 mgf or less. Also, the bending rigidity of the region without the fastening material can be selected taking into account the comfort of the user. Thus, the bending rigidity of the region without the fastening material can be, for example, 100 mgf or less, for example 90 mgf or less, or 70 mgf or less.

[0047] In another example, the disposable absorbent hygiene product is a belt product, and the side portions are a first belt portion and a second belt portion for forming a belt that is fixed to each other around the waist of the wearer of the product to have an outer surface. The first belt portion has a free end having the fastener adapted to be attached to the other outer surface of the belt portion. Optionally, in this example, the bending rigidity of the first belt portion can be at least 35 mgf, and the bending rigidity of the region without the fastening material can be at least 40 mgf, for example at least 45 mgf.

[0048] For example, the region without the fastening material of the fastener can be a continuous region including a sheet-forming base. This provides a simple and efficient manufacturing that can be provided as a single unit in which the fastener is attached to the side portion and / or the end portion.

[0049] The region without the fastening material can include, for example, only one layer. For example, the region without the fastening material can include a single layer of a nonwoven material or a polymer film material. In other examples, the region without the fastening material can partially or entirely include more than one layer. For example, the region without the fastening material can include a laminate of a nonwoven layer and a polymer film layer.

[0050] As described above, the distance from one first outer edge of the sheet-forming base to the fastening region can be at least 5 mm. Thus, the region without the fastening material can have a size that facilitates finding the fastener. Further, when the distance is at least 5 mm, the user can grip the region without the fastening material when removing the fastener from the connection with the base material. Thus, the region without the fastening material can provide a portion that is suitable for gripping and can be practically identified when the fastener is in the fastening position attached to the base material through the fastening region.

[0051] For example, the fastening region can be arranged at a distance from the first outer edge of the sheet-forming base and in a first transverse direction. Thus, the region without fastening material can provide a portion suitable for gripping the fastener from the transverse direction of the product. For example, the fastening region can be arranged at a distance from the first outer edge of the sheet-forming base and away from the longitudinal axis in the first transverse direction. Thus, the region without fastening material can provide a portion suitable for gripping the side portion such as the outer end portion of the belt or side panel and / or the outer end portion of the second end portion.

[0052] The region without fastening material may have a transverse width equal to the distance from one first outer edge of the sheet-forming base and the fastening region.

[0053] The transverse width of the region without fastening material means any transverse width of the fastening material that can be measured in a direction parallel to the transverse axis.

[0054] For example, the distance (e.g., transverse width) can be at least 10 mm. Thus, the gripping of the region without fastening material may be further facilitated. For example, the distance (e.g., transverse width) can be 5 - 15 mm, or 10 - 15 mm.

[0055] For example, the region without fastening material can have an extension range in a direction perpendicular to this distance. Thus, when this distance is the transverse width, the extension range can be the longitudinal length of the region without fastening material.

[0056] For example, this distance (e.g., transverse width) can be at least 5 mm, or any of the other ranges described above, over a continuous extension range (e.g., longitudinal length) of at least 20 mm, e.g., at least 30 mm, or at least 50 mm in the direction perpendicular to the distance of the region without fastening material.

[0057] In one alternative, this distance can be constant over a continuous extension range in a direction perpendicular to this distance. For example, the transverse width can be constant over the continuous longitudinal length.

[0058] In another alternative, this distance can vary over a continuous extension range in a direction perpendicular to the distance. For example, the transverse width can vary over the continuous longitudinal length.

[0059] For example, this distance (e.g., the transverse width) can be at least 5 mm or any of the other ranges described above over the entire vertical extension range (e.g., the longitudinal length) of the region without the fastening material.

[0060] For example, this distance (e.g., the transverse width) can be at least 5 mm or any of the other ranges described above over the entire vertical extension range (e.g., the longitudinal length) of the fastener. This is useful for facilitating the formation of a free-edge portion where the region without the fastening material can be easily identified from the outer edge of the fastener.

[0061] Furthermore, as described above, the region without the fastening material can have a vertical extension range (e.g., the longitudinal length) of at least 20 mm. For example, the region without the fastening material can have a vertical extension range (e.g., the longitudinal length) of at least 30 mm or at least 50 mm.

[0062] For example, the region without the fastening material can have a vertical extension range (e.g., the longitudinal length) of 200 mm or less, such as 150 mm or less, or 100 mm or less. In some examples, the vertical extension range (e.g., the longitudinal length) can be 70 mm or less.

[0063] For example, the vertical extension range (e.g., the longitudinal length) can be from 30 mm to 70 mm, such as from 40 mm to 50 mm.

[0064] The longitudinal length of the region without the fastening material means any longitudinal length measured in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0065] For example, the vertical extension range of the region without the fastening material may correspond to the extension range of the fastener in the direction of the vertical extension range. For example, the longitudinal length of the region without the fastening material may correspond to the length of the fastener.

[0066] The vertical extension range (e.g., longitudinal length) of the region without the fastening material may be, for example, larger than the extension range (e.g., longitudinal length) of the fastening region of the fastener, or may be essentially the same as this. Therefore, the force by pulling the region without the fastening material can be dispersed to the fastening region that is advantageously removed from the base material.

[0067] For example, the region without the fastening material may be essentially rectangular. Therefore, the fastener may be essentially rectangular.

[0068] For example, the longitudinal length of the fastening region and / or the longitudinal length of the region without the fastening material may be selected in consideration of the longitudinal length of the side portion and / or the second end portion to which the fastener is attached.

[0069] For example, it may be desirable for the longitudinal length of the fastening region to be at least 50% of the longitudinal length of the side portion and / or the second end portion. For example, when the absorbent product is a belt product and the side portion is the first belt portion to which the fastener is attached, the longitudinal length of the fastening region may be at least 50% of the longitudinal length of the first belt portion.

[0070] In some embodiments, the sheet-forming base may protrude beyond the outer edge of the side portion and / or the second end portion of the disposable absorbent hygiene product. In such embodiments, the region without the fastening material may at least partially protrude beyond the outer edge of the side portion and / or the second end portion. Therefore, the practical and visual identification of the fastener may be made easier.

[0071] In some variants, the region without fastening material is partially located in a portion of the sheet-forming base that protrudes beyond the outer edge of the side portion and partially in a portion of the sheet-forming base that overlaps the side portion.

[0072] In some variants, the region without fastening material can essentially correspond to a portion of the sheet-forming base that protrudes beyond the outer edge of the side portion and / or the second end portion. In other words, the region without fastening material can extend over 100% of the region of the sheet-forming base that protrudes beyond the outer edge of the side portion and / or the second end portion.

[0073] In some variants, the region without fastening material is completely located in a portion of the sheet-forming base that protrudes beyond the outer edge of the side portion and / or the second end portion, and the fastening region is partially located in a portion of the sheet-forming base that protrudes beyond the outer edge of the side portion and / or the second end portion. For example, the region without fastening material can extend over at least 30%, such as at least 50%, or at least 70% of the region of the sheet-forming base 200 that protrudes beyond the outer edge of the side portion and / or the second end portion.

[0074] For example, the sheet-forming base can protrude beyond the outer edge by a distance of at least 3 mm, such as at least 5 mm. For example, the sheet-forming base can protrude beyond the outer edge by a distance of 3 - 15 mm, such as 5 - 15 mm.

[0075] Thus, when deploying or adjusting the product, the wearer or caregiver can optionally directly grip the region without fastening material, rather than together with the side portion of the disposable absorbent hygiene product and / or the second end portion.

[0076] The region without the fastening material may be entirely or partially of a different color, shape, or texture from that of the side portion and / or the second end portion of the disposable absorbent hygiene product. For example, if at least a part of the region without the fastening material protrudes beyond the outer edge of the side portion and / or the second end portion, the protruding portion may be entirely or partially of a different color, shape, or texture from that of the remaining part of the fastener. By having a different color, shape, or texture from that of the side portion and / or the second end portion of the disposable absorbent hygiene product, it makes it easier for the wearer or caregiver to see the fastener and causes the wearer or caregiver to grip the region without the fastening material rather than the side portion and / or the second end portion.

[0077] The sheet-forming base may not have fold lines. Thus, the region without the fastening material extends in the transverse direction of the product so as to be readily distinguishable by the user in practice. For example, thus, the desired bending stiffness of the region without the fastening material is effective for practically identifying the fastener. In contrast, if the sheet-forming base has fold lines, the sheet-forming base may tend to bend away from the user's finger when searching for the fastener.

[0078] According to one exemplary embodiment, the fastening element is a hook. That is, at least a plurality of discrete fastening elements including posts protruding from the upper surface of the sheet-forming base are hooks.

[0079] "Hook" is intended to mean the hook component or surface protrusion of a hook-and-loop fastener adapted to be fastened to a zone containing a fibrous loop called a landing zone. The hook can have any shape. Examples of hooks include pins such as straight pins, angled pins, curved pins, tapered pins, branched or multi-branched pins, hooks, branched or multi-branched hooks, mushroom-shaped protrusions, and palm tree-shaped protrusions. The hook may have any type of cross-section, such as circular, oval, square, rectangular, or polygonal. The hook can have a solid core. Within one fastening portion, all hooks may have the same shape. Alternatively, one fastening portion may include several hooks of different shapes.

[0080] The fastener can be manufactured by extruding a polymer into a mold to form a sheet-forming base having integrally formed hooks or pin-shaped protrusions, or by post-forming a mushroom-shaped head on the pin-shaped protrusion. The fastener can also be manufactured by extruding a polymer onto the sheet-forming base to form the hooks of the pin-shaped protrusions.

[0081] When manufacturing the fastener, an area without fastening material can be left without hooks or pin-shaped protrusions, or alternatively dissolved in a second step. The attachment area where the fastener is attached to the disposable absorbent hygiene product at least partially overlaps the fastening area. Thus, the fastening area at least partially overlaps the attachment area and the side portion and / or the second end portion to which the fastener is attached.

[0082] For example, the attachment area may overlap the entire fastening area. In other words, the fastening area does not extend beyond the side portion and / or the second end portion to which the fastener is attached.

[0083] In another example, the fastening area can extend beyond the side portion and / or the second end portion to which the fastener is attached, as long as the fastening area at least partially overlaps the attachment area and the side portion and / or the second end portion.

[0084] Optionally, the attachment area where the fastener is attached to the disposable absorbent hygiene product at least partially overlaps with the fastening area, extends to an area outside the fastening area where there is no fastening element on the sheet-forming base, and inside the edge of the sheet-forming base.

[0085] By projecting the attachment area into an area without fastening material, when the product is deployed after being removed from the package, when removing the fastener from the material to which it is attached, such as the top sheet or the back sheet or any other material of the absorbent hygiene product, the force is dispersed in a beneficial way. When the user or caregiver deploys the product, they usually grip near the fastener with their finger. That is, the user / caregiver usually grips the material near the fastener, i.e., the side part or the second end part, and pulls the fastener through the side part or the second end part. The user / caregiver usually holds the remaining part of the product with the other hand. When the user / caregiver starts to pull the material near the fastener, the sheet-forming base and the area without fastening material attached to the side part or the second end part by the attachment area start to move together with the side part or the second end part as the user pulls the side part or the second end part away from the material to which the fastening area of the fastener is attached. That is, when the user / caregiver pulls the side part or the second end part away, the sheet-forming base and the area without fastening material start to bend slightly upward / away from the material to which the fastening area is attached. When the user / caregiver continues to pull the side part or the second end part further away from the material, a plurality of discrete fastening elements including the post closest to the area without fastening material start to peel off from the material to which it is attached, and the other posts will peel off when the user / caregiver pulls further until the entire fastener peels off from the material. This also applies when adjusting the product.

[0086] The attachment area can be arranged at a distance from the outer edge of the side part and / or the second end part. This is advantageous, for example, considering the production requirements for applying an adhesive within the attachment area.

[0087] For example, the attachment region can be arranged at a distance from the outer edge of the side portion and / or the second end portion, and this distance is 5 mm or less. Accordingly, the portion of the side portion and / or the second end portion that freely extends in the same direction as the region without the fastening material of the fastener beyond the attachment region is relatively small. Therefore, the user can conclude that the small and possibly yielding edges of the side portion and / or the second end portion are not suitable for gripping to remove the fastener from the connection with the base material, so that the practical identification of the fastener is facilitated, and instead, it is possible to select to grip the region without the fastening material of the fastener (optionally together with the edges of the side portion and / or the second end portion).

[0088] For example, the attachment region can be arranged at a distance from the outer edge of the side portion and / or the second end portion, and this distance is 3 mm or less.

[0089] For example, the attachment region can be arranged at a distance from the outer edge of the side portion and / or the second end portion, and this distance is at least 2 mm less than the distance between the attachment region and the outer edge of the fastener (i.e., the outer edge of the region without the fastening material).

[0090] The fastener can be attached to the disposable absorbent hygiene product within the attachment region, for example, by an adhesive, ultrasonic welding or heat sealing / welding, or a combination thereof. The attachment material, i.e., the adhesive or the weld, may cover the whole or a part of the attachment region. For example, the weld or the adhesive may be applied as a strip that is distributed uniformly or non-uniformly over the attachment region.

[0091] The adhesive can be an adhesive suitable for the application. For example, the adhesive may be a hot melt adhesive applied during the manufacture of the product, or an adhesive pre-applied on the fastener.

[0092] According to one exemplary embodiment, the fastener is attached to the disposable absorbent hygiene product within the attachment region by an adhesive, welding or heat sealing, or a combination thereof.

[0093] In some variants, the attachment region can extend to a region on the sheet-forming base that has no fastening elements. By protruding the attachment region into a region without fastening material, when the product is unfolded after being removed from the packaging, the force is dispersed in a beneficial way when removing the fastener from the material to which it is attached, such as the top sheet or the back sheet or any other material of the absorbent hygiene product. When the wearer or caregiver unfolds the product, they usually grip near the fastener with their finger. That is, the wearer / caregiver usually grips the material near the fastener, i.e., the side portion or the second end portion, and pulls the fastener through the side portion or the second end portion.

[0094] For example, the attachment region can extend to a region on the sheet-forming base that has no fastening elements and is inside the outer edge of the sheet-forming base.

[0095] According to one exemplary embodiment, the fastening region is arranged at a second distance from a second outer edge of the sheet-forming base that is arranged in a direction opposite to the first outer edge of the sheet-forming base. For example, the fastening region can be arranged at a second distance from a second outer edge of the sheet-forming base that is arranged in a direction opposite to the first outer edge of the sheet-forming base and is arranged in a second transverse direction, forming a second region on the sheet-forming base that has no fastening material. Although it may not be mainly intended that the fastener is opened from the side of the second outer edge of the sheet-forming base, by providing a second region without fastening elements, in certain situations, it can enable the user to grip the fastener in this second region. This enables the wearer or caregiver to grip both sides of the fastener and still has the above advantages.

[0096] For example, the attachment region can extend to a second region on the sheet-forming base that has no fastening elements and is inside the second edge of the sheet-forming base. By having two opposite side portions of the attachment region protruding into both regions without a fastening region in the transverse direction, the attachment region is larger than the fastening region in both transverse directions.

[0097] According to one exemplary embodiment, the fastening region is disposed at a third distance from a third outer edge of the sheet forming base disposed in a first longitudinal direction, and forms a third region without fastening material on the sheet forming base. Similar to the second region as described above, the attachment region can extend to a third region that has no fastening element on the sheet forming base and is inside the third outer edge of the sheet forming base.

[0098] According to one exemplary embodiment, the fastening region is disposed at a fourth distance from a fourth outer edge of the sheet forming base disposed in a second longitudinal direction, and forms a fourth region without fastening material on the sheet forming base. Similar to the second region and / or the third region as described above, the attachment region can extend to a fourth region that has no fastening element on the sheet forming base and is inside the fourth outer edge of the sheet forming base.

[0099] According to one exemplary embodiment, the attachment region is disposed at a distance from the first outer edge and / or the second edge and / or the third outer edge and / or the fourth outer edge, and the distance is smaller than the first distance and / or the second distance and / or the third distance and / or the fourth distance between the fastening region and each outer edge. Alternatively, the attachment region may exist up to the first outer edge and / or the second edge and / or the third outer edge and / or the fourth outer edge, but preferably does not protrude beyond the first outer edge and / or the second outer edge and / or the third outer edge and / or the fourth outer edge.

[0100] According to one exemplary embodiment, the second distance and / or the third distance and / or the fourth distance is 3 to 10 mm, specifically 3 to 6 mm, or more specifically 3 to 4 mm.

[0101] The second distance and / or the third distance and / or the fourth distance may be smaller than the first distance, i.e., in some embodiments, may be smaller than the transverse width of the first region without fastening elements. Thus, when the user grips the fastener to remove it from the base material, the user is encouraged to mainly use the first region without fastening elements. For example, the second distance and / or the third distance and / or the fourth distance may be at least 2 mm smaller than the first distance.

[0102] The second outer edge, the third outer edge, and the fourth outer edge of the fastener may be arranged so as not to protrude beyond the outer edge of the side portion and / or the second end portion. For example, the first outer edge of the fastener may be arranged to protrude beyond the first outer edge of the side portion and / or the second end portion as described above, and the second outer edge, the third outer edge, and the fourth outer edge are arranged so as not to protrude beyond the outer edge of the side portion and / or the second end portion. Thus, the user is encouraged to grip the first region without fastening elements to remove the fastener from the base material.

[0103] According to one exemplary embodiment, the first end portion is the rear region of the disposable absorbent hygiene product, the second end portion is the front region of the disposable absorbent hygiene product, and the central portion is the crotch region.

[0104] According to one exemplary embodiment, when the sheet-forming base protrudes beyond the outer edge of the side portion and / or the second end portion of the disposable absorbent hygiene product, the attachment region is arranged at a distance from the outer edge of the side portion and / or the second end portion of the disposable absorbent hygiene product. For example, the fastening region may protrude beyond the outer edge of the side portion and / or the second end portion of the disposable absorbent hygiene product.

[0105] According to one exemplary embodiment, the disposable absorbent hygiene product is a belt product, and the side portions are a first belt portion and a second belt portion for forming a belt having an outer surface by being fixed to each other around the waist of the wearer of the product. The first belt portion has a free end having the fastener adapted to be attached to the other outer surface of the belt portion.

[0106] According to one exemplary embodiment, the disposable absorbent hygiene product is a belt product, and the side portions are a first belt portion and a second belt portion for forming a belt having an outer surface by being fixed to each other around the waist of the wearer of the product. The first belt portion is adapted to be attached to the other outer surface of the belt portion, and the second end portion of the chassis includes the fastener for fixing the second end portion of the chassis to the belt portion so that the product takes on a pant-like shape by the belt portion forming a part of the waist of the pants.

[0107] According to one exemplary embodiment, the side portions are side panels each including the fastener and connecting a first end portion and a second end portion to each other. When the product is worn, the fastener is adapted to be attached to a contact area on the second end portion. Thus, the absorbent hygiene product is an open-type absorbent product, i.e., a so-called all-in-one diaper.

[0108] According to one exemplary embodiment, the disposable absorbent hygiene product includes a second pair of side portions extending in the transverse direction on each side of the second end portion. The side portions of the first end portion are side panels each including the fastener and connecting the first end portion and the second end portion to each other. When the product is worn, the fastener is adapted to be attached to a contact area on each side portion of the second pair of side portions. Thus, the absorbent hygiene product is another type of open-type absorbent product, i.e., a so-called all-in-one diaper.

[0109] According to one exemplary embodiment, the fastener is disposed at the second end portion of the disposable absorbent hygiene product, and the topsheet and the backsheet are attached to each other in a joining region, the joining region at least partially overlapping the attachment region and extending outside the attachment region at least in the first transverse direction.

[0110] According to another exemplary embodiment, the disposable absorbent hygiene product is a chassis having a first end portion and a second end portion, and a central portion extending between the first end portion and the second end portion, the chassis having a body-facing surface intended to face the wearer's body and a garment-facing surface intended to face away from the wearer's body, a belt product extending longitudinally and defining a longitudinal axis in the longitudinal direction from the first end portion to the second end portion, and a transverse axis defining a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the chassis including a liquid-permeable topsheet on the body-facing surface, a liquid-impermeable backsheet on the garment-facing surface, and an absorbent core assembly including at least one absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, the disposable absorbent hygiene product further including a pair of side portions in the form of belt portions extending in the transverse direction on each side of the first end portion for fastening the absorbent hygiene product around the wearer's waist, the disposable absorbent hygiene product including at least one fastener disposed on at least one of the belt portion and / or the second end portion of the disposable absorbent hygiene product for fastening the absorbent hygiene product around the wearer's waist, the fastener including a sheet-forming base having generally parallel upper and lower surfaces, the lower surface being attached to at least one of the belt portion and / or the second end portion of the disposable absorbent hygiene product for fastening the absorbent hygiene product around the wearer's waist, the sheet-forming base having a length in the longitudinal direction and a width in the transverse direction, and including at least one fastening region including one or more regions of fastening material including a plurality of discrete fastening elements including columns protruding from the upper surface of the sheet-forming base, the fastening region being disposed at a distance from one outer edge of the sheet-forming base disposed in a first transverse direction, forming a region without fastening material on the sheet-forming base, the fastener being attached to the disposable absorbent hygiene product in an attachment region at least partially overlapping the fastening region, the region without fastening material having a bending stiffness greater than the bending stiffness of the side portion and / or the second end portion, and / or the distance being at least 5 mm, the region without fastening material having an extension range in a direction perpendicular to the distance and being at least 20 mm.Disposable absorbent hygiene products are disclosed.

[0111] The same advantages and features as described above are also relevant to this exemplary embodiment.

[0112] According to another exemplary embodiment, the disposable absorbent hygiene product is a chassis having a first end portion and a second end portion, and a central portion extending between the first end portion and the second end portion, the chassis having a body-facing surface intended to face the wearer's body and a garment-facing surface intended to face away from the wearer's body, a longitudinal axis extending longitudinally and defining a longitudinal direction from the first end portion to the second end portion, and a transverse axis defining a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the chassis including a liquid-permeable top sheet on the body-facing surface, a liquid-impermeable back sheet on the garment-facing surface, and an absorbent core assembly including at least one absorbent core disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet, the disposable absorbent hygiene product further including a pair of side portions in the form of side panels extending in the transverse direction on each side of the first end portion for fastening the absorbent hygiene product around the wearer's waist, the disposable absorbent hygiene product including at least one fastener for fastening the absorbent hygiene product around the wearer's waist disposed on at least one of the side panels of the disposable absorbent hygiene product, the fastener including a sheet-forming base having generally parallel upper and lower surfaces, the lower surface being attached to at least one of the side panels of the disposable absorbent hygiene product for fastening the absorbent hygiene product around the wearer's waist, the sheet-forming base having a length in the longitudinal direction and a width in the transverse direction and including at least one fastening region including one or more regions of fastening material including a plurality of discrete fastening elements including posts protruding from the upper surface of the sheet-forming base, the fastening region being disposed at a distance from one outer edge of the sheet-forming base to form a region without fastening material on the sheet-forming base, the fastener being attached to the disposable absorbent hygiene product in an attachment region at least partially overlapping the fastening region, the region without fastening material having a bending stiffness greater than the bending stiffness of the side portion and / or the second end portion, and / or the distance being at least 5 mm, the region without fastening material having an extension range in a direction perpendicular to the distance and being at least 20 mm, a disposable absorbent hygiene product is disclosed.

[0113] The same advantages and features as those described above are also relevant to this exemplary embodiment.

[0114] In general, all terms used throughout this disclosure shall be construed in accordance with their ordinary meaning in the art, unless explicitly defined otherwise herein. All references to "a / an / the [element, device, component, means, step, etc.]" shall be construed openly as referring to at least one example of the element, device, component, means, step, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise.

[0115] Other objects, features, and advantages of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed disclosure and the drawings. Those skilled in the art will readily understand that embodiments other than those explicitly described below can be created without departing from the scope of the present disclosure by combining different features of the exemplary embodiments.

[0116] In addition to the above, additional objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be better understood through the following exemplary and non-limiting detailed description of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which the same reference numerals are used for like elements.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0117]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 7a

Figure 7b

Figure 8

Figure 8a

Figure 8b

Figure 9

Figure 9a

Figure 9b

Figure 10

Figure 10a

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0118] All the figures are very schematic and not necessarily to scale, showing only the parts necessary to explain the present invention, with other parts omitted or merely proposed.

[0119] Various aspects of the present disclosure will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings showing exemplary embodiments. However, the exemplary embodiments can take many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the details of the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided for the sake of detail and completeness. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification.

[0120] For the purposes of the description herein, the terms “rear,” “front,” “longitudinal,” “inner,” “outer,” “outer side” and their derivatives relate to an exemplary embodiment of the orientation in FIGS. 1 and 4, for example. However, it should be understood that the exemplary embodiments can take various alternative orientations, unless explicitly stated otherwise. Also, it should be understood that the examples illustrated and described herein are merely exemplary embodiments. Therefore, the dimensions and other physical characteristics of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein should not be considered limiting, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

[0121] The present disclosure mainly refers to disposable absorbent hygiene products, where a disposable absorbent hygiene product means a product that is not intended to be washed or otherwise regenerated or reused as an absorbent product after use. An “absorbent product” means a product adapted to absorb or be adapted to absorb body fluids such as urine and / or blood and / or to contain solid excreta.

[0122] Figures 1 and 2 show a first embodiment of an open-type product, namely a disposable absorbent hygiene product 1 in the form of an open-type diaper. The open-type diaper is generally intended to be worn by the wearer while lying on their side.

[0123] The open-type diaper 1 includes a main part, namely a chassis 10, having a body-facing surface intended to face the wearer's body and a garment-facing surface intended to face the side opposite the wearer's body. The chassis 10 includes a liquid-permeable topsheet 11 on the body-facing surface, a liquid-impermeable backsheet 12 on the garment-facing surface, and an absorbent assembly 30 disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet (see Figure 2).

[0124] In the disposable absorbent hygiene product shown in Figures 1 and 2, the topsheet 11 and the backsheet 12 extend outside the outer contour of the absorbent assembly 30 and are joined to each other outside the absorbent assembly contour using a method such as adhesion or welding by heat or ultrasonic waves.

[0125] The chassis 10 has a first end portion 15 and a second end portion 14. The second end portion 14 is a front end portion 14 intended to be in the wearer's front (ventral) waist region, and the first end portion 15 is a rear end portion 15, namely a rear region intended to be in the wearer's rear waist region when the product is worn. A central portion 13 extends between the front end portion 14 and the rear end portion 15. The chassis 10 defines a longitudinal direction L extending from a front edge 4 of the front end portion 14 towards a rear edge 5 of the rear end portion 15, and a transverse direction T perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L.

[0126] The longitudinal side edges 2, 3 connect the front edge 4 and the rear edge 5 of the chassis on opposite sides of an imaginary longitudinal centerline C, namely the longitudinal axis LO.

[0127] The open diaper 1 includes a first pair of side portions 23, 24 which, in the illustrated embodiment, take the form of side panels 23, 24. They are rear side panels 23 attached to the chassis 10 at the longitudinal side edges 2, 3 near its rear edge 5.

[0128] A second pair of side portions 21, 22 in the form of front side panels 21, 22 are attached to the chassis 10 at the longitudinal side edges near the front edge 4. Alternatively, the open diaper 1 may not have a second pair of side portions at the front. That is, the open diaper 1 may not have the second front side panels 21, 22.

[0129] Each of the rear side panels 23, 24 is provided with a fastener 25 near the outer edge 26 of the rear side panel, i.e., near the distal end of the rear side panel opposite to the end attached to the chassis 10. The fastener 25 is intended to be fastened to the garment-facing surface of the corresponding front side panels 21, 22 or the garment-facing surface of the chassis 10 for wearing the disposable absorbent hygiene product around the wearer's waist.

[0130] A generally longitudinally extending leg elastomer 17 may be attached to the chassis 10 such that it is sandwiched between the top sheet 11 and the back sheet 12 near the longitudinal side edges 2, 3 to provide the leg cuffs of the open diaper 1. Instead of or in addition to the leg elastomer 17 in the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the defined leg cuffs may include one or more elastic threads, elastic film strips, or elastic foam strips and may be attached to the chassis 10 in a stretched state to exert a longitudinally contracting force on the open diaper 1.

[0131] As shown in FIG. 2, the absorbent assembly 30 is disposed between the topsheet 11 and the backsheet 12. The absorbent assembly 30 defines a longitudinal direction from a front end portion to a rear end portion and a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. In the open diaper 1, the absorbent assembly 30 is positioned such that the longitudinal direction of the absorbent assembly is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the open diaper 1 with the front end portion of the absorbent assembly facing the front end portion of the open diaper 1 and the rear end portion of the assembly facing the trailing edge of the open diaper 1.

[0132] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the absorbent assembly 30 includes, in a stacked relationship, i.e., two absorbent cores, a first absorbent core 31 and a second absorbent core 32, arranged on top of each other such that both longitudinal ends of the second absorbent core are within the longitudinal inner side of the longitudinal ends of the first absorbent core. However, the open diaper is not limited to having two cores. The open diaper may have, for example, only one core or more than two cores.

[0133] The first absorbent core 31 is larger than the second absorbent core 32. The first absorbent core 31 optionally includes cellulosic fibers mixed with a superabsorbent polymer. The first absorbent core 31 extends over the entire longitudinal length of the absorbent assembly.

[0134] The second absorbent core 32 is disposed in the central portion 13. The second absorbent core 32 includes a mixture of cellulosic fibers and superabsorbent particles.

[0135] The flat surface area of the second absorbent core 32 is smaller than the flat surface area of the first absorbent core, for example, less than 75% of the flat surface area of the first absorbent core 31, for example, less than 60% or less than 50%, and may be, for example, 40 - 75%.

[0136] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the second absorbent core 32 is on the garment-facing side of the first absorbent core 31 and is disposed between the first absorbent core 31 and the backsheet 12. In an alternative embodiment, the second absorbent core 32 may be on the body-facing side of the absorbent core 31 and may be disposed between the first absorbent core 31 and the topsheet 11.

[0137] In the disposable absorbent hygiene product according to the present disclosure in which the second absorbent core is disposed between the first absorbent core and the backsheet, the first absorbent core may partially function as a transfer layer for guiding fluid from the topsheet to the second absorbent core, where a major portion of the liquid holding capacity is concentrated, thereby contributing to good liquid handling in the product.

[0138] The first absorbent core 31 and the second absorbent core 32 may be in direct contact with each other, which means that there is no additional material layer such as a thin woven or non-woven core wrap layer between the two cores.

[0139] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the outer contour of the absorbent assembly 30 may be hourglass-shaped such that the width of the central region is narrower than the width of each of the front region and the rear region, and the width of the rear region and the width of the front region may be equal or different. For example, the rear region may be wider than the front region.

[0140] In an alternative embodiment, the outer contour of the absorbent assembly may take on different shapes such as rectangular or oval.

[0141] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the capture layer 16 may be sandwiched between the topsheet 11 and the absorbent assembly 30. Although the absorbent assembly 30 is intended to receive and hold large amounts of exudates such as urine, it may be advantageous to include a capture layer between the topsheet 11 and the absorbent core assembly 30 to provide a layer for intermediate capture of large amounts of liquid and to disperse the liquid from the point of direct contact.

[0142] Figure 3 shows the open diaper described in FIGS. 1 and 2 in a closed state.

[0143] Figure 4 shows a second embodiment of a disposable absorbent hygiene product in the form of a belt product 100. The belt product generally includes a belt and a chassis portion. The belt product includes a transverse belt connected to either a front end component or a rear end component of the chassis portion of the product. When applying such a belt product, the belt is attached around the wearer's waist by a fastener in a first step. In this type of product, the chassis portion of the belt product hangs loosely from the belt. Thereafter, the chassis portion is guided between the wearer's legs and attached to the belt, and the belt includes a fixing member or fastening device, i.e., a fixing surface intended to be firmly fixed by its free transverse edge to a second and / or third fastener disposed on the chassis portion.

[0144] Figures 4 and 5 schematically show some components of the belt product 100, shown from the side intended to face the wearer during use.

[0145] As shown in FIG. 4, the belt product 100 includes a chassis 110 and a waist belt. The belt of this exemplary embodiment includes a pair of side portions in the form of a first belt portion 123 and a second belt portion 124.

[0146] Furthermore, the belt product 100 has a longitudinal direction L and a transverse direction T. In other words, the belt product has a length range in the longitudinal direction L and a width range in the transverse direction T. Further, the chassis 110 has a first end portion 115, a second end portion 114, and a central portion 113 extending between them. The first end portion 115 defines a rear end portion 115, i.e., a rear region. The second end portion 114 defines a front end portion 114, i.e., a front region. The chassis 110 defines a longitudinal direction L from a front edge 104 of the front end portion 114 to a rear edge 105 at the rear end portion 115 and a transverse direction T perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0147] The longitudinal side edges 102, 103 connect the front edge 104 and the rear edge 105 of the chassis 110 on opposite sides of the imaginary longitudinal center line C, i.e., the longitudinal axis LO.

[0148] The chassis 110 includes a first covering layer 111, i.e., a top sheet 111, having a first surface intended to face the wearer and a second surface intended to face away from the wearer during use.

[0149] A pair of side portions in the form of the first belt portion 123 and the second belt portion 124 are attached to the chassis 110 such that the first belt portion 123 and the second belt portion 124 extend on each side of the first end portion 115 of the chassis and are fixed to each other around the wearer's waist to form a belt having an outer surface. Accordingly, each of the first belt portion 123 and the second belt portion 124 is connected to the chassis 110 at the rear end portion 115. The first belt portion 123 is joined to the longitudinal side edge 102, and the second belt portion 124 is joined to the opposite longitudinal side edge 103. Typically, although not strictly essential, the belt portions 123, 124 may be partially or completely elastic.

[0150] Each belt part 123, 124 has an inner surface facing the wearer during use and an outer (external) surface facing away from the wearer during use. In the belt product 100 shown in FIG. 4, the belt parts (the first belt part 123 and the second belt part 124) extend in the transverse direction T of the belt product. The belt parts (the first belt part 123 and the second belt part 124) also extend in the longitudinal direction L and have a width. The width of the belt part may be 5 to 20 cm, for example 7 to 15 cm. The first belt part 123 and the second belt part 124 are of the same length. In an alternative embodiment, one belt part can be made longer than the other. The total length of the two belt parts is designed to reach around the wearer's waist. In some embodiments, the two belt parts 123, 124 of the belt product 100 can be formed from only one piece of material, and this piece of material extends in the transverse direction T across the entire rear end portion 115 beyond the respective longitudinal side edges 102, 103 (not shown).

[0151] The first belt part 123 and the second belt part 124 are attached to the chassis 110 such that each of the first belt part 123 and the second belt part 124 extends at each side of the first end portion 115 of the chassis for fixing to each other around the wearer of the product. For this purpose, as will be described in more detail below, the first belt part 123 has a fastener 125 on its inner surface facing the wearer during use. The fastener 125 is adapted to be attached to the second belt part 124 to fix the belt parts 123, 124 to each other around the wearer of the product. The fastener 125 is arranged near the outer edge 126 of the belt, i.e., near the distal end opposite to the end of the belt part attached to the chassis 110.

[0152] In this example, as shown, for example, in FIG. 4, the first belt portion 123 has a free end 106 with a fastener 125 adapted to be attached to the outer surface of the other belt portion, i.e., the second belt portion 124. In some examples, the outer surface of the second belt portion 124 may comprise a mating fastening component (not shown) or may itself function as a mating fastening component. In this example, the outer surface of the second belt portion 124 functions as a mating fastening component. Thereby, the fastener 125 and the mating fastening component are mechanically connectable and form an interconnection between the first belt portion and the second belt portion to secure to each other around the wearer of the absorbent hygiene product.

[0153] As described above, the second end portion 114 of the chassis 110 includes at least one further fastening device. In FIG. 4, two fasteners 148, 149 are disposed on the second end portion 114 of the chassis to secure the second end portion 114 of the chassis to the belt portions 123, 124 such that the belt portions 123, 124 form part of the waist of the pants and the product takes on a pant-like shape. The second end portion 114 of the chassis may be secured to the outer surface of the first belt portion 123 and / or the second belt portion 124. In other words, the front end portion of the chassis, i.e., the second end portion 114, includes fastening devices, i.e., fasteners 148, 149, for securing the front end portion of the chassis to the belt.

[0154] Referring now to FIG. 5, the belt product 100 of FIG. 4 is shown in a state where, prior to use of the product, the first belt portion 123 and the second belt portion 124 are folded over on top of the topsheet 111 to form a folded belt configuration. Thereby, the first belt portion 123 is disposed on top of the second belt portion 124. The belt product is shown here in its folded belt configuration. The belt product is usually further folded before being placed in a package (not shown).

[0155] As shown in FIG. 5, the second belt portion 124 is arranged to overlap the chassis 110 of the product, and the first belt portion 123 is arranged to overlap the second belt portion 124. In other words, the second belt portion 124 is arranged to overlap the first end portion 115, i.e., the rear end portion 115 of the chassis 110, and the first belt portion 123 is arranged to overlap the second belt portion 124. For this purpose, the fastener 125 on the free end 106 of the first belt portion 123 is removably attached to the outer surface 124a of the second belt portion 124 (see FIG. 6 for example).

[0156] The second belt portion 124 may be arranged to overlap the absorbent core assembly 131 of the product, and then the first belt portion 123 is arranged to overlap the second belt portion 124. Thus, when the first belt portion 123 and the second belt portion 124 are folded on top of the top sheet 111 to form a folded belt configuration before use of the product, the second belt portion 124 is arranged to overlap the absorbent core 131 of the product, and the first belt portion 123 is arranged to overlap the second belt portion 124 (not shown).

[0157] Furthermore, the second belt portion 124 can be removably attached to the top sheet 111 by a breakable adhesive. In other words, when the first belt portion 123 and the second belt portion 124 are folded on top of the top sheet 111 to form a folded belt configuration before use of the product, the second belt portion 124 is removably attached to the top sheet 111 by a breakable adhesive (not shown).

[0158] Similarly, the first belt portion 123 can be removably attached to the outer surface 124a of the second belt portion 124 by a breakable adhesive (not shown). In other words, when the first belt portion 123 and the second belt portion 124 are folded over the top sheet 111 to form a folded belt configuration before use of the product, the first belt portion 123 is removably attached to the outer surface 124a of the second belt portion 124 by a breakable adhesive. The breakable adhesive is optional but may help keep the belt portions in place during manufacture.

[0159] The belt may be non-elastic or may be partially elastic. A partially elastic belt means that a portion of the length of the belt has elastic properties and another portion of the length of the belt does not have elastic properties. In some design variations, either or both of the first belt portion 123 or the second belt portion 124 includes an intermediate elastic region (not shown).

[0160] As described above, the belt product 100 includes a first covering layer, namely the top sheet 111, and the first covering layer includes a first surface intended to face the wearer during use of the belt product 100.

[0161] In FIGS. 4 and 5, the fastening devices 148, 149, such as a first fastener 148 and a second fastener 149, are disposed on the side of the top sheet 111 intended to face the wearer during use of the belt product 100. The fasteners 148, 149 are disposed at the longitudinal edges 102, 103 of each of the front end portions 114 of the top sheet 111, i.e., connected to two front corners of the chassis 110. The fastening devices on the front end portion, i.e., the fasteners 148, 149, are intended to be removably connected to the belt portions 123, 124 intended to face away from the wearer when the belt product 100 is applied to the wearer.

[0162] When the belt product 100 is applied to the wearer, the belt parts 123 and 124 (forming the belt) are first fixed around the wearer's waist. Thereafter, the front end portion 114 of the belt product 100 that hangs down loosely is guided between the wearer's legs, and then the fastening devices 148, 149 are fixed to the belt parts 123 and 124 (i.e., the belt) above the wearer's abdomen on the side of the belt facing away from the wearer.

[0163] Belt products in which the belt is connected to the front end portion of the belt product are also conceivable. Such products are applied to the wearer in the reverse manner, i.e., after the belt is fixed around the wearer's waist, the rear end portion that hangs down loosely is guided between the wearer's legs and fixed to the belt on the back side of the belt facing away from the wearer.

[0164] To improve the fit of the belt product 100, the longitudinal edges 102, 103 of the chassis 110 can include leg elastomers 117 disposed substantially longitudinally L of the product. The role of the leg elastomers 117 includes improving the fit of the product and making the belt product 100 more like a cloth multiple-use brief / pants. The leg elastomers 117 can include one or more elastic threads that are joined to the top sheet in an extended state by adhesion, ultrasonic welding, etc. Alternatively, the leg elastomers 117 can include, for example, an elastic ribbon material of a foamed material. The leg elastomers 117 can be disposed on the side of the top sheet 111 intended to face away from the wearer during use.

[0165] The rear end portion 115 or the front end portion 114 of the belt product 100 may also comprise a so-called waist elastomer 146 in the form of an elastic element arranged along the front edge 104 or the rear edge 105 of the belt product 100 in order to give the belt product 100 the function of softly and flexibly surrounding the wearer's waist. In FIG. 4, only the front end portion 114 of the belt product 100 comprises the waist elastomer 146. The waist elastomer 146 comprises a thin strip of elastic foam material which is attached by an adhesive to the side of the top sheet intended to face away from the wearer. The waist elastomer 146 is applied in a stretched state in order to obtain a holding force which stretches the belt product 100 around the wearer's waist. When the fasteners 148, 149 are fastened to the belt, it is appropriate for the waist elastomer 146 to be tensioned in the transverse direction T of the belt product 100 so that the front end portion 114 has a smooth configuration over the wearer's abdomen during use.

[0166] The belt product 100 includes a second covering layer 112 disposed on the side of the first top sheet intended to face away from the wearer during use. The second covering layer 112 is a so-called backsheet 112. The backsheet has the same stretching range as the top sheet in the L / T plane. The backsheet 112 is typically substantially liquid-impermeable, although other types of covering layers may be used instead. Typically, although not strictly essential, the top sheet and the backsheet of the belt product 100 have an hourglass shape. In other design variations, other shapes such as, for example, rectangular may also be considered.

[0167] The top sheet 111 and the backsheet 112 can be joined to each other in several different ways. Examples of joining methods are adhesion, heat sealing, ultrasonic welding, etc. With respect to the belt product 100 comprising the top sheet 111 and the substantially liquid-impermeable backsheet 112, it is appropriate for the above-described leg elastomer 117 and waist elastomer 146 to be disposed between the top sheet 111 and the backsheet 112. In the belt product 100, the top sheet 111 may have a low absorption capacity such that occasional urine droplets, such as a small amount of bodily secretions such as menstrual fluid secreted first, can be absorbed.

[0168] The belt product 100 has an absorbent assembly 130 in the form of an absorbent core 131 (see FIG. 5) disposed between a topsheet 111 and a backsheet 112. The topsheet 111 of the belt product according to this example can be liquid permeable. The absorbent core 131 has substantially the same profile as the topsheet 111 and the backsheet 112, but has a smaller surface than the topsheet 111 and the backsheet 112. Thus, the topsheet 111 and the backsheet 112 extend outside the edge of the absorbent core 131 along the entire perimeter of the absorbent core 131. The absorbent core 131 can have a front end portion and a rear end portion, and a narrower crotch portion located between the end portions, like the topsheet 111 and the backsheet 112. The belt product 100 according to this example relates to a diaper intended to be used by an incontinent adult or a child who is not yet able to control excretion. When using the belt product including the absorbent core 131, the front portion of the crotch portion and the front end portion mainly function as a urine receiving area, and the rear portion of the crotch portion and the rear end portion mainly function as a feces receiving area. The topsheet 111 and the backsheet 112 are connected to each other outside the absorbent assembly 130 along the entire perimeter thereof.

[0169] Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown an enlarged view of a portion of the belt of the product described in connection with FIGS. 4 and 5, namely the first belt portion 123 and the second belt portion 124. FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the belt portion to facilitate explanation of the components thereof. As described above, the first belt portion 123 of the waist belt is intended to be interconnected to the second belt portion 124 by a fastener 125 for fixing to each other around the wearer of the belt-type absorbent sanitary product. Further, as described in connection with FIGS. 4 and 5, the second end portion 114 of the chassis 110 includes fastening devices, namely fasteners 148, 149 for fixing the second end portion 114 of the chassis to the belt portion so that the product takes on a pant-like shape by the belt portion forming part of the waist of the pants. The fasteners 148, 149 are two separate fasteners as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. However, as seen in the transverse direction T, the fasteners 148, 149 may also be provided as extensions of the fasteners over the length of the second end portion. The second end portion 114 of the chassis may be fixed to either one of the belt portions 123, 124. Typically, as shown in FIG. 6, the second end portion 114 of the chassis 110 may be fixed to both belt portions, namely the outer surfaces 123a, 124a.

[0170] Furthermore, in all exemplary embodiments and other possible exemplary embodiments described herein in connection with the belt product 100, a portion of either the first belt portion or the second belt portion extending from the first end portion of the product is typically permanently attached to the first end portion. In other words, the end portion of the first belt portion 123 opposite the free end 106 is here permanently attached to the first end portion 115 of the chassis. Similarly, the end portion of the second belt portion 124 is here permanently attached to the first end portion 115 of the chassis.

[0171] The belt portions 123, 124 can be made of, for example, a single layer of fibrous material, a non-woven fabric, such as a spunbond non-woven fabric. In another example, the belt portions 123, 124 can be a flexible laminate of at least two layers of fibrous material bonded to each other with a bonding pattern provided by, for example, ultrasonic, laser and / or heat. If this is a flexible laminate, at least a part of the fibers in the layer of fibrous material should be meltable by such bonding methods. Alternatively, the laminate can include at least three fibrous material layers. One outer layer intended to form the outside of the belt is a fibrous material adapted to function as an attachment surface for the fasteners 148, 149 on the front portion 114. Examples of non-woven materials include spunbond materials, meltblown materials, carded bonded materials, etc. The intermediate layer can be a fibrous material relatively resistant to tearing, such as a spunbond material or a meltblown material containing continuous filaments. The other outer layer intended to form the inner layer of the belt facing the wearer can be of a soft and skin-friendly fibrous material. Examples of suitable materials include spunbond materials, meltblown materials, carded bonded materials, etc. Examples of polymer materials used for different fibrous materials suitable for this purpose include polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester and / or so-called conjugate fibers. The weight of the non-woven laminate can vary from about 40 to about 150 gsm, for example, from about 60 to about 120 gsm, specifically from about 75 to about 105 gsm. One or more layers of the laminate can be creped. For example, the outer layer intended to function as a receiving material for the fastening means, particularly as the loop material of a hook-and-loop type fastener, is creped. By creping the loop, the function of the material is improved.

[0172] As described above, the belt product is typically a disposable absorbent hygiene product such as a diaper and an incontinence guard.

[0173] As shown in FIGS. 1-6, both exemplary embodiments include a topsheet 11, 111, a backsheet 12, 112, and an absorbent core assembly 30, 130 having at least one absorbent core 31, 32, 131 between the topsheet 11, 111 and the backsheet 12, 112.

[0174] The topsheet in both embodiments is a liquid-permeable topsheet 11, 111 disposed on the body-facing side of the disposable absorbent hygiene product. Materials suitable for the topsheet are generally known in the art of disposable absorbent hygiene products, and for the purposes of the present disclosure, any material generally known for use as a topsheet material may be used, including but not limited to nonwoven materials and perforated polymer films.

[0175] The topsheets 11, 111 are suitably sufficiently fluid-permeable to allow body fluids such as excreted urine to pass through the thickness of the topsheets 11, 111. Further, the topsheet 11 is adapted to conform to the wearer's skin and is suitably manufactured from a material having a soft feel.

[0176] The topsheets 11, 111 can be manufactured from various web materials such as woven and nonwoven webs, perforated films, open-cell foams, or combinations or laminates of the above-described materials.

[0177] In the context of the present disclosure, a "nonwoven fabric" is a manufactured sheet, web, or batt of fibers that are bonded by friction and / or cohesion and / or adhesion, oriented or randomly oriented, excluding woven, knitted, tufted, stitch-bonded incorporating binder yarns or filaments, or felted paper and products by wet milling, and additionally whether or not needle-punched. The fibers may be of natural origin or of artificial origin, may be staple filaments or continuous filaments, or may be formed in place. Commercially available fibers have diameters in the range of less than about 0.001 mm to greater than about 0.2 mm and are available in several different forms, namely, short fibers (known as staple fibers or cut fibers), continuous single fibers (filaments or monofilaments), untwisted bundles of continuous filaments (tow), and twisted bundles of continuous filaments (yarn). Nonwoven fabrics can be formed by many processes such as meltblowing, spunbonding, solvent spinning, electrospinning, and carding.

[0178] Nonwoven materials suitable as top sheets can be manufactured from synthetic fibers such as polyester or polypropylene, or natural fibers such as cotton fibers. Mixtures of synthetic and natural fibers may also be used.

[0179] The nonwoven materials used for the top sheets 11, 111 can be made of, for example, spunbond, spunbond / spunbond composites, or spunbond / meltblown composites, such as SMS (spunbond / meltblown / spunbond), SSMS, SSMMS, SMMS, nonwoven materials of polypropylene or composite fibers of polypropylene and polyethylene, or combinations of such materials. The top sheet 11 may also have elastic properties.

[0180] The topsheets 11, 111 may be hydrophilized to improve the tendency for urine to penetrate through the topsheet and reach the underlying structure. Methods for hydrophilizing nonwoven fabrics are known and include applying a hydrophilic monomer composition and a radical polymerization initiator onto the nonwoven fabric and then initiating a polymerization reaction thereon, applying a coating of hydrophilic nanoparticles, or treating the surface of the nonwoven fabric using high-energy treatment (corona, plasma), or coating the nonwoven material with a hydrophilic coating by applying a surfactant composition to the nonwoven material by any suitable means including, for example, spraying, slot coating, kiss roll coating, and / or dipping the material into a bath containing a surfactant.

[0181] The surfactant coating can be obtained by applying a surfactant composition to the nonwoven material by any suitable means including, for example, spraying, slot coating, kiss roll coating, and / or dipping the material into a bath containing a surfactant. The hydrophilization treatment may be carried out inline during the assembly of the absorbent hygiene product or separately, and thereafter the topsheet may be sent as a ready-to-use roll to a disposable absorbent hygiene product manufacturing factory.

[0182] The topsheet material may have a basis weight of 8 to 20 g / m2, for example 12 to 17 g / m2. However, the present disclosure is not limited to topsheet materials having this basis weight.

[0183] The backsheets 12, 112 in both embodiments are disposed on the garment-facing side of the disposable absorbent hygiene product. Materials suitable as backsheets are generally known in the art of disposable absorbent hygiene products. The backsheets 12, 112 prevent exudates absorbed by the absorbent assembly from soiling other external products that may come into contact with the disposable absorbent hygiene product, such as bedsheets and undergarments. The backsheets 12, 112 may be substantially impermeable to liquids such as urine.

[0184] The backsheet can be substantially liquid-impermeable, yet breathable, i.e., gas-permeable, meaning that it is substantially impermeable to liquids, but water vapor, air, and other gases can pass through the backsheet 12, 112.

[0185] For the purposes of the present disclosure, any material generally known to be used as a backsheet material, including but not limited to polymer films, such as films of polyethylene, polypropylene, or copolymers of polyethylene or polypropylene, hydrophobized nonwoven materials, fluid-impermeable foams, and fluid-impermeable laminates, can be included in the backsheet.

[0186] The backsheet may include one or more material layers. For example, the backsheet may be a laminate of a liquid-impermeable polymer film facing the absorbent assembly and a nonwoven fabric facing the garment side to provide a soft cloth-like feel on the outer surface of the disposable absorbent hygiene product.

[0187] It is also contemplated that the backsheet can be made entirely or partially of an elastic material or otherwise contain an elastic material in whole or in part to provide a better fit of the product during use.

[0188] Both absorbent assemblies 30, 130 can include one or more absorbent cores. The core can be made from one or more layers of cellulosic fluff pulp. The cellulosic fluff pulp can be mixed with fibers or particles of a highly absorbent polymeric material, so-called superabsorbent polymers, which chemically bind large amounts of fluid by forming a fluid-retaining gel upon absorption. The absorbent core can also include a highly absorbent polymeric material disposed in layers within the absorbent core or attached to one or more surfaces of the absorbent core. The absorbent core can also include additional components to improve the characteristics of the absorbent core. Examples of such components are binding fibers, various types of fluid dispersion layers or fibers, dimensionally stable components, reinforcing fibers, and the like.

[0189] Superabsorbent polymers are known in the field of absorbent products and are used to help improve the absorption characteristics of such products. A superabsorbent polymer is composed of a water-swellable and water-insoluble polymer that can absorb a large amount of fluid when forming a hydrogel, for example, at least 5 times the weight of 0.9% saline solution measured according to the method of NSWP241.0.R2(15). The superabsorbent polymer for use according to the present disclosure can be an inorganic or organic crosslinked hydrophilic polymer such as polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene oxide, crosslinked starch, guar gum, xanthan gum, crosslinked polyacrylate, etc. The polymer can be in the form of, for example, powder, granules, microparticles, films, foams, and fibers. When in contact with a fluid, such a superabsorbent polymer swells by absorbing the fluid within its structure. Generally, superabsorbent polymers can quickly absorb the fluid loaded in such products, hold such fluid to prevent leakage, and can help provide a dry feel even after the fluid is loaded.

[0190] The types of superabsorbent polymers used in the absorbent assemblies of the embodiments discussed herein may be the same or different within the assembly. For example, a superabsorbent polymer having a first set of properties may be used in the front and rear regions or the first absorbent core of the absorbent assembly, and a superabsorbent polymer having a second set of properties may be used in the central region or the second absorbent core of the absorbent assembly. The properties referred to in this paragraph are, for example, centrifuge retention capacity (CRC), absorption under load (AUL), and / or gel layer permeability (GLP).

[0191] The capture layer has been referred to in relation to open diapers, but can also be used in belt products. Materials suitable as the capture layer are also referred to in the art as transfer layers or ADL (acquisition and distribution layer), are generally known in the art of disposable absorbent hygiene products, and for the purposes of the present disclosure, any material well-known to those skilled in the art as being useful as the capture layer can be used. The capture layer can be in the form of, for example, an airlaid layer, a spunlace layer, a high-loft foam, or any other type of material layer that can be used within an absorbent hygiene product to function as a liquid capture and absorption layer. The capture layer is suitably adapted to quickly accept and temporarily store the discharged liquid before it is absorbed by the absorbent core. Such a capture layer can be composed of, for example, airlaid nonwoven fabric, spunlace nonwoven fabric, high-loft nonwoven fabric, or foam material. The airlaid nonwoven fabric may be made using fluff, wood pulp, where the fluff fibers are dispersed in a high-speed moving air stream and condensed onto a moving screen by pressure and vacuum. The capture layer may preferably be an air-through bonded nonwoven fabric of polyester fibers.

[0192] The term "nonwoven fabric" as referred to in relation to different parts of the disposable absorbent products disclosed in FIGS. 1 to 6, such as the topsheet, backsheet and / or side portions, is positioned, in terms of their properties, between on the one hand the group of paper and cardboard and on the other hand textiles. For nonwoven fabrics, a large number of highly diverse production processes are used, such as the airlaid method, the wetlaid method, the spunlace method, the spunbond method, the meltblown method, etc. The fibers may be in the form of endless fibers or infinitely long pre-made fibers as synthetic fibers made in situ, or in the form of staple fibers. Alternatively, the fibers may be made from natural fibers or a blend of natural fibers and synthetic fibers.

[0193] Additional components commonly used in disposable absorbent hygiene products, although not shown in the figures of the present disclosure, may be used in the disposable absorbent hygiene products according to the present disclosure. For example, an upstanding elastic member generally known as a three-dimensional gather may be attached to the topsheet.

[0194] A wetness indicator, for example a material that changes its color upon contact with urine, may be included in the disposable absorbent hygiene product, such as being disposed between the absorbent assembly and the backsheet, and may be visible through the backsheet, for example, to indicate whether a wetness event has occurred.

[0195] Both exemplary embodiments of the disposable absorbent hygiene product shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 include fasteners for fastening the product to the wearer.

[0196] In FIGS. 1 to 3, two fasteners 25 are attached to the side panels 23, 24 of the open diaper 1. Each side panel has a fastener. In FIGS. 4 to 6, one fastener 125 is attached to the first belt portion 123 of the belt product to connect two belt portions 123, 124 around the wearer. Alternatively, the fastener 125 may be attached to the second belt portion 124. Two additional fasteners 148, 149 are attached to the second end portion 114, i.e., the topsheet of the front portion of the absorbent product.

[0197] The fasteners 125, 148, 149 used for the belt product 100 may all have the same design, or they may be different. The fasteners 25 used for the open diaper 1 may both have the same design, or they may be different.

[0198] Here, in the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 7 to 13, one fastener will be described and shown in more detail. The fastener shown in FIGS. 7 to 11 is exemplified as the fastener 125 disposed on the first belt portion 123 of the belt product 100 of FIGS. 4 to 6. However, the fastener to be described can also be the fastener 148, 149 that can be attached to the top sheet 111 of the front portion 114 of the belt product 100, or each side panel 23, 24 of the open-type diaper 1.

[0199] FIG. 7 shows a first exemplary embodiment of the fastener 125 attached to the belt portion 123 of the belt product of FIGS. 4 to 6. The shape of the fastener 125 is rectangular, but the fastener is not limited to this shape. The fastener can have a shape such as a square, a circle, a hexagon, etc.

[0200] The fastener 125 includes a sheet-forming base 200 having generally parallel upper surface 201 and lower surface 202 (see also FIGS. 7a and 7b). The lower surface 202 of the sheet-forming base 200 is attached to the belt portion 123. The sheet-forming base 200 has a width W200 in the transverse direction T defined by a first outer edge 204 and a second outer edge 205, and a length L200 in the longitudinal direction L of the belt-type diaper defined by a third outer edge 206 and a fourth outer edge 207.

[0201] The sheet-forming base 200 has one fastening region 203 including one region of a fastening material 203 including a plurality of discrete fastening elements in the form of pillars (not explicitly shown) protruding from the upper surface 201 of the sheet-forming base over the entire region. Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 8a, the fastening region 203 here includes some regions of the fastening material, exemplified as three regions of fastening materials 203a, 203b, 203c including a plurality of discrete fastening elements in the form of pillars protruding from the upper surface 201 of the sheet-forming base. Therefore, the fastening region 203 is a region that covers all three regions of the fastening materials 203a, 203b, 203c, that is, a region including the space between the three regions of the fastening materials 203a, 203b, 203c.

[0202] FIG. 7 shows the end of the first belt portion of FIG. 4 where the fastener 125 is disposed near the outer edge portion 126 of the belt 123. When opening the belt, for example, when the belt product is in a folded belt configuration before use of the product, or when the user adjusts or removes the product being worn, the user or caregiver can grasp and pull on the end of the belt portion.

[0203] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 7a (FIG. 7a shows cross-section A - A of FIG. 7), the fastening region 203 is disposed at a first distance D1 from the first outer edge portion 204 of the sheet-forming base 200 and is arranged in a first transverse direction. The first transverse direction is the direction away from the longitudinal axis when the absorbent product is in its deployed state (see FIG. 4 for the belt product and FIG. 1 for the open-type diaper). This forms the region 208, i.e., the first region 208 on the sheet-forming base 200 without fastening material.

[0204] The region 208 without fastening material may have a bending stiffness greater than that of the belt 123 where the fastener 125 is disposed.

[0205] For example, the region 208 without fastening material may have a bending stiffness that is at least 15%, for example at least 20%, greater than that of the belt 123.

[0206] The difference in stiffness can be such that a person grasping the fastener 125 by bringing their hand closer to the outer edge portion 126 of the belt 123 can easily identify and grasp the region 208 without fastening material rather than the outermost end portion of the belt 123. For example, the outermost end portion of the belt 123 may yield more easily under the user's hand, leaving the relatively stiffer region 208 without fastening material of the fastener 125 easier to grasp.

[0207] Therefore, the bending stiffness of the region 208 without fastening material can be selected in consideration of the bending stiffness of the belt.

[0208] For example, in a belt-type product as illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 7b, the belt 123 may have a bending stiffness of at least 30 mgf, for example at least 35 mgf.

[0209] For example, the region without the fastening material may be selected to be at least 40 mgf or at least 45 mgf.

[0210] Thus, in one example, the bending stiffness of the belt 123 may be at least 35 mgf, and the bending stiffness of the region 208 without the fastening material may be at least 40 mgf, for example at least 45 mgf.

[0211] For example, the belt may be of a suitable belt material such as the above-described single-layer material or laminated material having a basis weight of about 60 to 80 gsm and a bending stiffness of about 35 to 40 mgf.

[0212] The fastener may be of a fastener material such as a hook material, and the region without the fastening material (for example, the sheet-forming base) may have a basis weight of 50 to 60 gsm and a bending stiffness of about 45 to 55 mgf, and may be of a material as described above including, for example, a non-woven fabric material.

[0213] The region 208 without the fastening material may have a transverse width D1 of at least 5 mm. Thus, the user can grip the region without the fastening material when removing the fastener from the connection with the base material.

[0214] For example, the transverse width may be at least 10 mm. Thus, the gripping of the region without the fastening material may be further facilitated. For example, the transverse width may be 5 to 15 mm or 10 to 15 mm.

[0215] Furthermore, as described above, the regions 208, 209 without the fastening material may have a longitudinal length L1 of at least 20 mm. For example, the region without the fastening material may have a longitudinal length of at least 30 mm or at least 50 mm.

[0216] The longitudinal length of the region without fastening material means the maximum longitudinal length that can be measured in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0217] As illustrated in the figure embodiment, the transverse width D1 of the region 208 without fastening material can be essentially constant over the length L200 of the sheet-forming base 200.

[0218] For example, the region 208 without fastening material can be essentially rectangular. This may be preferable when the fastener 125 is essentially rectangular, as in the figure embodiment for example.

[0219] The longitudinal length L208 of the region 208 without fastening material may be, for example, greater than or essentially the same as the longitudinal length of the fastening region 203 of the fastener 124. Thus, the force by pulling the region 208 without fastening material can be dispersed to the fastening region 203 that is removed from the base material in an advantageous manner.

[0220] The longitudinal length of the fastening region 203 and / or the longitudinal length L208 of the region 208 without fastening material can be selected considering the longitudinal length of the belt 123 to which the fastener is attached.

[0221] For example, it may be desirable for the longitudinal length of the fastening region 203 to be at least 50% of the longitudinal length of the belt 123.

[0222] In some variations, the longitudinal length L200 of the sheet-forming base 200 can be essentially the same as the longitudinal length of the belt 123.

[0223] In other variations, as shown in the figure, the longitudinal length L200 is smaller than the longitudinal length of the belt 123. For example, the longitudinal length L200 of the sheet-forming base 200 of the fastener 125 can be at least 50% of the longitudinal length of the belt 123.

[0224] As illustrated in the figure embodiments, the sheet forming base 200 may not have fold lines. A "fold line" means any line in the folded or folded sheet forming base that suggests a higher tendency for the sheet forming base 200 to be folded along the fold line. Thus, when the sheet forming base 200 has no fold lines, it has no tendency to fold in any direction, so the resistance to yielding felt when gripping the fastener is essentially provided by the bending stiffness inherent in the material of the fastener 125 attached to the belt 123 via the attachment region 212.

[0225] In some embodiments where the fastener can first be folded into a transport configuration, the sheet forming base 200 may optionally include fold lines in an area outside the fastening area, on a side different from the area without fastening material. Thus, the sheet forming base 200 has no fold lines at least within the area 208 without fastening material and optionally also within the fastener area 203.

[0226] Thus, the fastener can be such that at least the area without fastening material exhibits the same bending stiffness regardless of the direction in which the bending stiffness is measured, i.e., the area without fastening material exhibits a homogeneous stiffness.

[0227] Thus, the bending stiffness of the material within the area 208 without fastening material is actually related to the method by which the fastener 125 can be practically identified.

[0228] For example, as shown in FIGS. 7 - 7a, the attachment region 212 can be arranged at a distance E1 from the outer edge 126 of the belt 123. This is advantageous, for example, considering production requirements for applying an adhesive within the attachment region 212.

[0229] For example, the attachment region can be arranged at a distance E1 from the outer edge of the side portion and / or the second end portion, and this distance is 5 mm or less.

[0230] Accordingly, the portion of the belt 123 that extends freely in the same transverse direction as the region without the fastening material 203 of the fastener 125 beyond the attachment region 212 is relatively small. Thus, it can be concluded that the small and yielding edge of the belt 123 protruding beyond the attachment region 212 is not suitable for gripping to remove the fastener 125 from its connection to the base material, facilitating the practical identification of the fastener 125. Instead, the user may choose to grip the region 208 without the fastening material of the fastener 125. When gripping the region 208 without the fastening material in an embodiment as shown in FIGS. 7 and 7a, it will be understood that the user grips the region 208 without the fastening material together with the belt 123 to which the fastener 125 is attached.

[0231] In the example of FIGS. 7 and 7a, the fastening region 203 is also arranged at a second distance D2 from the second outer edge 205 of the sheet-forming base 200, which is arranged in the opposite direction to the first outer edge 204 of the sheet-forming base 200 and arranged in a second transverse direction, forming a second region 209 without the fastening material on the sheet-forming base 200. The second transverse direction T is the direction towards the longitudinal axis (see FIG. 4 for the belt product and FIG. 1 for the open-type diaper).

[0232] In another example, the second distance D2 may be omitted, and the fastening region 203 extends across from the second outer edge 205 of the sheet-forming base 200.

[0233] For example, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 7a, the first distance D1 may be greater than the second distance D2. Thus, the gripping of the fastener at the first region 208 without the fastening material adjacent to the outer transverse edge of the belt is facilitated.

[0234] In this example, the fastening region 203 is arranged across the entire longitudinal direction L of the sheet-forming base 200, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 7b showing the cross-section B-B of FIG. 7. That is, the fastening region extends between the third outer edge 206 and the fourth outer edge 207 of the sheet-forming base 200.

[0235] As shown in the figure example, the longitudinal length L200 of the fastener 125 may be smaller than the longitudinal length of the side portion and / or the second end portion, i.e., the belt 123 in FIG. 7. Therefore, the belt extends over a distance E3 in a direction beyond the third edge 206 of the fastener 125 from the mounting region 212 and extends over a distance E4 beyond the fourth edge 207 of the fastener 125 from the mounting region 212. The longitudinal length L200 of the fastener 125 may be, for example, greater than 50% of the longitudinal length of the belt 123. Optionally, the distances E3 and E4 between the mounting region 212 and each outer edge of the belt may be 5 mm or less.

[0236] A second alternative embodiment of the fastener in which the belt portion 123 and the fastener 125 are of the same design as FIGS. 7, 7a, and 7b except for the fastening region 203 that includes some regions of the fastening material is shown in FIGS. 8, 8a, and 8b. FIG. 8a shows a cross-section A-A of FIG. 8, and FIG. 8b shows a cross-section B-B of FIG. 8. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 8a, the fastening region 203 is exemplified as the entire region of three regions of fastening materials 203a, 203b, 203c that include a plurality of discrete fastening elements including columns protruding from the upper surface 201 of the sheet-forming base 200. Therefore, the fastening region 203 is a region that covers all three regions of the fastening materials 203a, 203b, 203c. That is, in the transverse direction, this region is defined by the outer edge of the first region 203a and the outer edge of the third region 203c. Other features are the same as those described above in connection with FIGS. 7-7b, and the same reference numerals are used, so no further description will be given. In addition to the regions of the fastening materials 203a, 203b, 203c that include a plurality of discrete fastening elements, an adhesive may be disposed between the three regions of the fastening materials 203a, 203b, 203c on the upper surface 201 of the sheet-forming base 200. Therefore, the adhesive can increase the fastening force.

[0237] In FIGS. 8, 8a, and 8b, the first distance D1 is shown to be approximately equal to the second distance D2, but as illustrated and described in connection with FIGS. 7, 7a, and 7b, it will be understood that the first distance D1 may alternatively be greater than the second distance D2.

[0238] The fastening region 203 is not limited to only one region of the fastening material as shown in FIGS. 7, 7a, and 7b or having three as shown in FIGS. 8, 8a, and 8b, and may have two or more regions of the fastening material.

[0239] A third alternative embodiment of the fastener in which the belt portion 123 and the fastener 125 are of the same design as in FIGS. 7, 7a, and 7b except for the fastening region 203 of the cross-section B - B of FIG. 7b is shown in FIGS. 9, 9a, and 9b. Since the other features are the same and the same reference numerals are used, they will not be described. FIG. 9a shows the cross-section A - A of FIG. 9, and FIG. 9b shows the cross-section B - B of FIG. 9. FIGS. 9 and 9b show that in addition to the first distance D1 and the second distance D2 described in FIGS. 7 and 7a and also shown in FIG. 9a, and the first region 208 without fastening material and the second region 209 without fastening material, the fastening region 203 can also be arranged at a third distance D3 from the third outer edge portion 206 of the sheet-forming base 200 arranged in the first longitudinal direction, forming a third region 210 without fastening material on the sheet-forming base 200. The fastening region 203 can also be arranged at a fourth distance D4 from the fourth outer edge portion 207 of the sheet-forming base arranged in the second longitudinal direction, forming a fourth region 211 without fastening material on the sheet-forming base 200. In other words, FIG. 9 shows the fastener 125 surrounded by a larger region without fastener material that combines all four regions 208, 209, 210, and 211 without fastening material in the fastening region 203.

[0240] In FIGS. 9, 9a, and 9b, the first distance D1 is shown to be approximately equal to the second distance D2, but as illustrated and described in connection with FIGS. 7, 7a, and 7b, it will be understood that the first distance D1 may alternatively be greater than the second distance D2.

[0241] As an alternative (not shown), the fastening region 203 may be disposed only at a first distance from one outer edge of the sheet-forming base disposed in the first transverse direction, forming a region without fastening material on the sheet-forming base. For example, the first transverse direction may be a direction away from the longitudinal axis when the absorbent product is in its deployed state (see FIG. 4). Thus, on all other sides, the fastening material may extend to the outer edges of the sheet-forming base.

[0242] FIGS. 7a and 7b show a fastener 125 attached to a disposable absorbent hygiene product in an attachment region 212 that overlaps the fastening region 203 and extends into a region inside the outer edges 204, 205 of the sheet-forming base 200 and without fastening elements 208, 209 outside the region of the fastening region 203. Thus, the attachment region 212 does not protrude beyond the outer contour of the fastener 125. The attachment region 212 is the region where the fastener is attached to the substrate material, for example, by an adhesive, heat seal, or welding, or a combination thereof. The weld achieved by an adhesive, heat seal, or welding can be disposed over the entire attachment region as long as the fastener is attached within the region inside the outer edges 204, 205 without fastening elements 208, 209, i.e., it can cover the entire attachment region or be distributed over the region.

[0243] In FIGS. 7a and 7b, the attachment region 212 is an adhesive and overlaps substantially the entire fastening region 203 in the transverse direction T (see FIG. 7a). In FIG. 7a, it is shown that the length W212 of the attachment region 212 is longer in the transverse direction than the length W203 of the fastening region 203. In the longitudinal direction (see FIG. 7b), since it is not desirable to have adhesive outside the fastener, the attachment region 212 overlaps the entire fastening region except for small regions along the third outer edge 206 and the fourth outer edge 207. Alternatively, the attachment region can be disposed over the entirety up to the third outer edge 206 and the fourth outer edge 207. Thus, the area of the attachment region 212 is larger than the area of the fastening region 203.

[0244] By having an attachment region 212 that is larger than the fastening region 203, the force is dispersed in a beneficial manner and the risk of the fastener being peeled away from the chassis or belt is reduced. This is particularly applicable when the attachment region 212 is in a direction away from the longitudinal direction when the product is in its deployed state and the wearer or caregiver typically grips the fastener at the outer end of the first belt portion 123 with their finger when deploying the product or adjusting it during the wearer's wearing, and extends into the first region 208 without a fastener. When the wearer or caregiver begins to pull on the outer end of the first belt portion 123, as the wearer or caregiver pulls the belt portion away from the material to which the fastening region 203 of the fastener is attached, the seat-forming base 200 and the region 208 without fastening material attached to the first belt portion 123 by the attachment region 212 begin to move together with the belt portion 213.

[0245] That is, when the wearer or caregiver pulls away the belt portion 123, the seat-forming base 200 and the region 208 without the fastening material begin to bend slightly upward / away from the material to which the fastening region 203 is attached. When the wearer or caregiver continues to pull the outer end of the first belt portion 123 further away from the material, a plurality of discrete fastening elements including the posts closest to the region 208 without the fastening material begin to peel away from the material to which it is attached, and the other posts peel away when the wearer or caregiver pulls further until the entire fastener 125 peels away from the material. This also applies when adjusting the product.

[0246] The same also applies to FIGS. 8, 8a, and 8b. In FIG. 8a, it is shown that the length W212 of the attachment region 212 is longer in the transverse direction than the length W203 of the fastening region 203 defined by the three regions of the fastening materials 203a, 203b, 203c. In the longitudinal direction (see FIG. 8b), since it is desirable to avoid having an adhesive outside the fastener, the attachment region 212 overlaps the entire fastening region except for small regions along the third outer edge 206 and the fourth outer edge 207. Therefore, the area of the attachment region is larger than the area of the fastening region.

[0247] FIG. 9a shows the cross-section A-A of FIG. 9. Since this is the same as FIG. 7a, it will not be described. FIG. 9b shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view in which the attachment region 212 extends to the third region 210 and the fourth region 211 that are inside the third outer edge 206 and the fourth outer edge 207 of the seat-forming base 200 and have no fastening elements.

[0248] Described in connection with FIGS. 7, 7a, 7b, 8, 8a, 8b, 9, 9a, and 9b, each distance D2, D3, and D4 from the fastening region 203 to one of the second outer edge 205, the third outer edge 206, and the fourth outer edge 207 of the sheet forming base, i.e., when there is a region without fastening material on the sheet forming base, can be 3 to 10 mm, for example 3 to 6 mm, specifically 3 to 4 mm. For example, each of the distances D2, D3, and D4 may be smaller than the first distance D1 from the fastening region 203 to the first outer edge 204. For example, each of the distances D2, D3, and D4 may be at least 1 mm, for example at least 2 mm, or at least 3 mm smaller than the first distance D1.

[0249] The fastening region 203 described in FIGS. 7 to 9b includes a plurality of discrete fastening elements (not shown) including pillars protruding from the upper surface of the sheet forming base. These pillars are hooks provided on the first belt portion 123, and are hooks that form a hook-and-loop connection in which the material of the second belt portion 124 forms a loop. When the fastener 125 is used at the front end portion 114 of the top sheet 111 in a belt product, i.e., when connected to two front corners of the top sheet, the outer layers of the two attached belt portions function as loop elements for fixing the second end portion of the chassis, i.e., the front end portion 114, to the belt portion so that the product takes on a pant-like shape by the belt portion forming part of the waist of the pants.

[0250] When the fastener 125 described in FIGS. 7 to 9b is used in an open diaper, the fastener 125 described in FIGS. 7 to 9b is the fastener 25 of FIGS. 1 to 3. The fastener 25, i.e., the fastener described in FIGS. 7 to 9b, is disposed on the rear side panels 23, 24 attached to the longitudinal side edge chassis 10 near its rear end. The fastener 25 is intended to be fastened on the clothing-facing surface (functioning as a loop element) of the corresponding front side panels 21, 22 or on the clothing-facing surface (functioning as a loop element) of the chassis 10 for wearing the disposable absorbent hygiene product around the wearer's waist.

[0251] Figures 10 and 10a show a fourth embodiment of the fastener 125’ having a design substantially similar to the fastener 125 described in FIGS. 7, 7a, and 7b. This may also have the design described in relation to FIGS. 8, 8a, and 8b or FIGS. 9, 9a, and 9b. Only the differences between the fourth embodiment and FIGS. 7, 7a, and 7b will be explained.

[0252] As illustrated in the variations of FIGS. 10 and 10a, the sheet-forming base 200 may project beyond the outer edge 126 of the belt 123. Thus, the region 208 without fastening material may project at least partially beyond the outer edge 126 of the side belt 123. Thus, the practical and visual identification of the fastener 125 may be made easier.

[0253] In some variations, as shown in FIGS. 10 - 10a, the region 208 without fastening material may be partially located in the portion of the sheet-forming base 200 that projects beyond the outer edge 126 of the belt 123, or may be partially located in the portion of the sheet-forming base 200 that overlaps the belt 123.

[0254] In some variations, the region 208 without fastening material may essentially correspond to the portion of the sheet-forming base 200 that projects beyond the outer edge 126 of the belt 123. In other words, the region 208 without fastening material may extend over 100% of the region of the sheet-forming base 200 that projects beyond the outer edge 126 of the belt 123.

[0255] FIG. 11 shows an alternative fastener 125’’ for the fastener 125’ of FIGS. 10 and 10a, where both the sheet-forming base 200 and the fastening region 203 project beyond the outer edge 126 of the belt portion 123, but the region 208 without fastening elements still remains.

[0256] In some variants as shown in FIG. 11, the region 208 without fastening material is entirely located in the portion of the sheet forming base 200 that protrudes beyond the outer edge 126 of the belt 123, and the fastening region 203 is partially located in the portion of the sheet forming base 200 that protrudes beyond the outer edge 126 of the belt 123. For example, the region 208 without fastening material may extend over at least 30%, such as at least 50% or at least 70%, of the region of the sheet forming base 200 that protrudes beyond the outer edge 126 of the belt 123.

[0257] For example, as illustrated in the variant according to FIGS. 10 - 10a and / or FIG. 11, the sheet forming base 200 may protrude by a distance F1 of at least 3 mm, such as at least 5 mm, above the outer edge 126 of the belt 123. For example, the distance F1 may be between 5 - 15 mm.

[0258] Thus, when deploying or adjusting the product, the wearer or caregiver can optionally directly grip the region without fastening material, rather than together with the side portion and / or the second end portion of the disposable absorbent hygiene product.

[0259] The region without fastening material may be entirely or partially of a different color, shape, or texture than that of the side portion and / or the second end portion of the disposable absorbent hygiene product. For example, if at least a part of the region without fastening material protrudes beyond the outer edge of the side portion and / or the second end portion, the protruding part may be entirely or partially of a different color, shape, or texture than that of the remaining part of the fastener. By having a different color, shape, or texture than that of the side portion and / or the second end portion of the disposable absorbent hygiene product, the wearer or caregiver can more easily see the fastener and be made to grip the region without fastening material rather than the side portion and / or the second end portion.

[0260] The fastener 125’ includes a protruding portion 226 that is part of a first region 208 without fastening material of the sheet forming base 200. The sheet forming base 200 protrudes beyond the outer edge 126 of the first belt portion 123 of the belt product and forms the protruding portion 226.

[0261] When the fastener 125’ is disposed at the second end portion 114 of the belt-type diaper, the sheet forming base 200 protrudes transversely above the outer edge of the second end portion, i.e., the front end portion 114 (also referred to as the front portion), and forms a protruding portion (not shown). When the fastener is disposed on the side panels 23, 24 in an open-type diaper, the sheet forming base 200 protrudes beyond the outer edge of the side panel and forms a protruding portion (not shown). The attachment region 212’ is similar to the attachment region 212 in FIGS. 7, 7a, and 7b. Since it is not desirable to have an adhesive on the outside of the product, the attachment region 212’ does not protrude beyond the outer edge 126.

[0262] The protruding portion can help a caregiver find the opening of the absorbent product before use, i.e., identify the end of the belt, or easily find the fastener during use. The protruding portion enables the wearer to grip with their finger the region of the protruding portion without the fastening material. Thereby, when deploying or adjusting the product, the wearer can grip the fastener directly rather than through the material to which it is attached, which may reduce the risk of the fastener being peeled off from the belt or side panel or the second end. Thus, the attachment strength between the fastener and the portion to which it is attached can be reduced.

[0263] The protruding portion, the region without the fastener material, or the entire fastener can be provided in a color different from that of the belt, side panel, and / or chassis so that the wearer can easily see the finger lift portion. When the sheet forming base 200 forms a finger lift, it may protrude at least about 5 mm, for example, about 5 to about 15 mm, above the outer edge 126.

[0264] Figure 11 shows an alternative fastener 125'' for the fastener 125' of FIGS. 10 and 10a, where both the sheet forming base 200 and the fastening region 203 project beyond the outer edge portion 126 of the belt portion 123, but the region 208 without fastening elements still remains. Thus, the region 208 without fastening elements is left free for gripping in order to remove the fastener from the fastening position when it is attached to the base material. The attachment region 212' may have the same dimensions as described and shown in FIGS. 10 and 10a, except that the attachment region 212' is arranged on the side of the finger lift 226 within the fastening region 203.

[0265] FIGS. 12 and 13 show the fastener 125' of FIGS. 10 and 10a as the fastener 148 of FIG. 4. The fasteners 125', 148 are arranged on the second end portion 114 of the belt product 100 on the top sheet 111. The top sheet 111 and the back sheet 112 are attached to each other by a bonding region 127. The bonding region 127 overlaps with the attachment region 212' described in relation to FIGS. 10 and 10a, and the bonding region 127 extends at least in one direction outside the attachment region 212'.

[0266] FIG. 13, which shows the cross-section A-A of FIG. 12, shows that the bonding region 127 overlaps the entire attachment region 212' and extends outside the attachment region 212' in both transverse directions T. The same also applies to the longitudinal direction L as can be seen in FIG. 12. Thus, the bonding region 127 extends outside the attachment region 212' in all directions. This provides a strong laminate, reducing the risk that the fastener is peeled off from the top sheet when the product is deployed or adjusted.

[0267] In the longitudinal direction L, the sheet forming base 200 and the attachment region 212' can have the same dimensions as described in FIG. 7b or FIG. 9b. The top sheet 111 and the back sheet 112 are attached to each other within the bonding region, for example, by adhesion, heat fusion, ultrasonic welding, etc.

[0268] As shown in FIG. 12, the fastening region 203 can be disposed in a position longitudinally aligned with the leg elastomer 117 to ensure a good fit and seal against the body to avoid leakage. This applies to any of the fasteners shown in FIGS. 7, 7a, 7b, 8, 8a, and 8b, or FIGS. 9, 9a, and 9b when the fastener is disposed on the top sheet 111 of the second end portion 114 of the belt product 100.

[0269] Bending Rigidity Measurement Method The sheet material for evaluation should be conditioned for at least 24 hours in a laboratory environment set at 23 °C ± 1 °C and a relative humidity of 50% ± 5%. All measurements are taken in this same environment.

[0270] Rigidity (stiffness / flexibility) is determined using a Gurley tester in accordance with the principles described in ASTM D6125-97 or TAPPI T543-05 standards. The force required to bend the sample under controlled conditions is determined. The instrument allows for a wide variation in the applied force and the length and width of the sample. In the context of the present disclosure, the sample should be 25.4 mm (1 inch) in length x 12.7 mm (0.5 inch) in width. The longitudinal direction of the sample should coincide with the longitudinal axis of the hygiene product. Samples of the relevant area are cut from the hygiene product. However, if the specified sample size cannot be obtained from the area 208 without the fastening material, these samples can instead be taken from a pre-processed material sheet (i.e., received from the material supplier).

[0271] The samples must be uniform, cleanly cut, and free of distortion and irregularities. When testing relatively soft materials (such as non-woven fabrics), care should be taken not to clamp the sample too tightly in the upper grip as the tendency to bend may increase along the attachment line.

[0272] The test results are reported in milligrams of weight (mgf), where 1 milligram of weight is equal to 1 Gurley unit.

[0273] For each related material, a series of 10 individual samples should be tested and the arithmetic mean calculated therefrom.

[0274] This disclosure also covers all possible combinations of the described aspects, variations, alternatives, and exemplary embodiments of this disclosure.

[0275] It is disclosed that open diapers and belt diapers can include the fasteners of FIGS. 7 - 11 at various positions. It should be understood that different fasteners can be used at the different positions described within one diaper. Alternatively, the same type of fastener may be used at all positions.

[0276] It has been disclosed that open diapers and belt diapers can include the fasteners shown in FIGS. 7 - 11. However, pant diapers that can be opened and closed again by re - fastening means can also have the fasteners shown in FIGS. 7 - 11.

[0277] Furthermore, this disclosure is not limited to the foregoing aspects or examples and is naturally applicable to other aspects and exemplary embodiments within the scope of the following claims.

[0278] The reference signs mentioned in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the matters protected by the claims, and their sole function is to make the claims easier to understand.

Explanation of Signs

[0279] 1 Absorbent hygiene product 2, 3 Longitudinal side edges 4 Front edge 5 Rear edge 10, 110 Chassis 11, 111 Top sheet 12, 112 Back sheet 13, 113 Central part 14, 114 Second end portion, front end portion 15, 115 First end portion, rear end portion 16 Capture layer 17, 117 Leg elastic body 21, 22 Front side panel 23, 24 Rear side panel 25, 125, 125’, 125’’, 148, 149 Fastener 26, 126 Outer edge portion 30, 130 Absorbent core assembly 31, 32, 131 Absorbent core 100 Belt product 102, 103 Longitudinal side edges 104 Front edge 105 Rear edge 106 Free end 123 First belt portion 123a Outer surface 124 Second belt portion 124a Outer surface 146 Waist elastic body 200 Sheet forming base 201 Upper surface 202 Lower surface 203 Fastening region 204 First outer edge portion 205 Second outer edge portion 206 Third outer edge portion 207 Fourth outer edge portion 208 First region 209 Second region 210 Third region 211 Fourth region 212, 212’ Mounting region 213 Belt portion 226 Protruding portion C Imaginary longitudinal center line D1 First distance, transverse width D2 Second distance D3 Third distance D4 Fourth distance E1, E3, E4 Distances F1 Distance L Longitudinal direction LO Longitudinal axis T Transverse direction W200 Width

Claims

1. A disposable absorbent hygiene product (1, 100), comprising a chassis (10, 110) having a first end portion and a second end portion (15, 115, 14, 114) and a central portion (13, 113) extending between the first end portion and the second end portion (15, 115, 14, 114), the chassis (10, 110) having a body-facing surface intended to face the wearer's body and a garment-facing surface intended to face the side opposite the wearer's body; a longitudinal axis (LO) extending longitudinally and defining a longitudinal direction (L) from the first end portion (15, 115) to the second end portion (14, 114); and a transverse axis defining a transverse direction (T) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The chassis (10, 110) includes a liquid-permeable topsheet (11, 111) on the body-facing surface, a liquid-impermeable backsheet (12, 112) on the garment-facing surface, and an absorbent core assembly (30, 130) including at least one absorbent core (31, 32, 131) disposed between the topsheet (11, 111) and the backsheet (12, 112). The disposable absorbent hygiene product (1, 100) further includes a pair of side portions (23, 24, 123, 124) extending in the transverse direction on each side of the first end portion (15, 115) for fastening the disposable absorbent hygiene product (1, 100) around the wearer's waist. The disposable absorbent hygiene product (1, 100) includes at least one fastener (25, 125, 125', 125'', 148, 149) disposed on at least one of the side portions (23, 24, 123, 124) and / or the second end portion (14, 114) of the disposable absorbent hygiene product (1, 100) for fastening the disposable absorbent hygiene product (1, 100) around the wearer's waist. The fastener (25, 125, 148, 149) includes a sheet-forming base (200) having generally parallel upper and lower surfaces (201, 202), the lower surface (202) being attached to at least one of the side portions (23, 24, 123, 124) and / or the second end portion (14, 114) of the disposable absorbent hygiene product (1, 100). The sheet-forming base (200) has a length (L200) in the longitudinal direction and a width (W200) in the transverse direction.At least one fastening region (203) including one or more regions of a fastening material (203, 203a, 203b, 203c) including a plurality of discrete fastening elements including pillars protruding from the upper surface (201) of the sheet forming base (200), the fastening region (203) being disposed at a distance (D1) from one first outer edge portion (204, 205) of the sheet forming base (200), forming a region (208) without fastening material on the sheet forming base (200), the fastener (25, 125, 125', 125'', 148, 149) being attached to the disposable absorbent hygiene product (1, 100) at an attachment region (212, 212') that at least partially overlaps with the fastening region (203), the region (208) without fastening material having a bending rigidity greater than the bending rigidity of the side portions (23, 24, 123, 124) and / or the second end portion (14, 114). A disposable absorbent hygiene product (1, 100).

2. The region (208) without the fastening material has a bending stiffness that is at least 15% greater, for example at least 20% greater, than the bending stiffness of the side portions (23, 24, 123, 124) and / or the second end portion (14, 114), of the disposable absorbent hygiene product (1, 100) according to claim 1.

3. The bending stiffness of the region (208) without the fastening material is at least 30 mgf, for example at least 40 mgf, or at least 45 mgf, of the disposable absorbent hygiene product (1, 100) according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The bending stiffness of the side portions (23, 24, 123, 124) and / or the second end portion (14, 114) is at least 30 mgf, for example at least 35 mgf, of the disposable absorbent hygiene product (1, 100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The distance (D1) is at least 5 mm, for example at least 10 mm, for example 5 - 15 mm or 10 - 15 mm, of the disposable absorbent hygiene product (1, 100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The fastening region (203) is arranged at the distance (D1) from one first outer edge portion (204, 205) arranged at a distance in a first transverse direction from the longitudinal axis (L), of the disposable absorbent hygiene product (1, 100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The region (208) without the fastening material has a transverse width (D1) equal to the distance (D1) from one first outer edge portion (204, 205) of the sheet-forming base (200) where the fastening region (203) is arranged, of the disposable absorbent hygiene product (1, 100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The region (208) without the fastening material has a longitudinal length (L208) of at least 20 mm, for example at least 30 mm or at least 50 mm, of the disposable absorbent hygiene product (1, 100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The attachment region (212, 212') is arranged at a distance (E1) from the outer edge (126) of the side portions (23, 24, 123, 124) and / or the second end portion (14, 114), and the distance (E1) is 5 mm or less. The disposable absorbent hygiene product (1, 100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The sheet-forming base (200) protrudes beyond the outer edge (126) of the side portions (23, 24, 123, 124) and / or the second end portion (14, 114) of the disposable absorbent hygiene product (1, 100). The disposable absorbent hygiene product (1, 100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The sheet-forming base (200) protrudes beyond the outer edge (126) by a distance (F1) of at least 3 mm, for example at least 5 mm, specifically 5 to 15 mm. The disposable absorbent hygiene product (1, 100) according to claim 10.

12. The sheet-forming base (200) has no fold lines. The disposable absorbent hygiene product (1, 100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The attachment region (212, 212') extends to the region (208) without fastening elements on the sheet-forming base (200). The disposable absorbent hygiene product (1, 100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The fasteners (25, 125, 125', 125'', 148, 149) are attached to the disposable absorbent hygiene product (1, 100) within the attachment region (212, 212') by an adhesive or welding or heat sealing or a combination thereof. The disposable absorbent hygiene product (1, 100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. The fastening element is a hook. The disposable absorbent hygiene product (1, 100) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. The first end portion (15, 115) is the rear region of the disposable absorbent hygiene product (1, 100), the second end portion (14, 114) is the front region of the disposable absorbent hygiene product (1, 100), and the central portion (13, 113) is the crotch region. The disposable absorbent hygiene product (1, 100) according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. The disposable absorbent hygiene product (100) is a belt product, and the side portions (123, 124) are a first belt portion and a second belt portion (123, 124) that are fixed to each other around the waist of the wearer of the product to form a belt having an outer surface. The first belt portion (123) has a free end having the fasteners (125, 125') adapted to be attached to the other outer surface of the belt portion (124). The disposable absorbent hygiene product (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

18. The disposable absorbent hygiene product (100) is a belt product, and the side portions (123, 124) are a first belt portion and a second belt portion (123, 124) that are fixed to each other around the waist of the wearer of the product to form a belt having an outer surface. The first belt portion (123) is adapted to be attached to the other outer surface of the belt portion (124). The second end portion (114) of the chassis (110) includes the fasteners (148, 149) for fixing the second end portion (114) of the chassis (110) to the belt portions (123, 124) such that the product takes on a pant-like shape when the belt portions form part of the waist of the pants. The disposable absorbent hygiene product (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

19. The side portions (23, 24) each include the fastener (25) and are side panels (23, 24) that connect the first end portion and the second end portion (15, 14) to each other. When the product is worn, the fastener is adapted to be attached to a contact area on the second end portion (14). The disposable absorbent hygiene product (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

20. The disposable absorbent hygiene product (1) includes a second pair of side portions (21, 22) extending in the transverse direction on each side of the second end portion (14), and the side portions (23, 24) of the first end portion (15) each include the fastener (25), and are side panels (23, 24) connecting the first end portion and the second end portion (15, 14) to each other. When the product is worn, the fastener (25) is adapted to be attached to a contact area on each side portion of the second pair of side portions (21, 22). The disposable absorbent hygiene product (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

21. The fasteners (149, 148) are arranged at the second end portion (114) of the disposable absorbent hygiene product (100), and the topsheet (111) and the backsheet (112) are attached to each other in a bonding area (127), and the bonding area (127) at least partially overlaps with the attachment areas (212, 212') and extends outside the attachment areas (212, 212') at least in the first transverse direction. The disposable absorbent hygiene product (100) according to claim 20.

22. A disposable absorbent hygiene product (1, 100), comprising a chassis (10, 110) having a first end portion and a second end portion (15, 115, 14, 114) and a central portion (13, 113) extending between the first end portion and the second end portion (15, 115, 14, 114), the chassis (10, 110) having a body-facing surface intended to face the wearer's body and a garment-facing surface intended to face the side opposite to the wearer's body; a longitudinal axis (LO) extending longitudinally and defining a longitudinal direction (L) from the first end portion (15, 115) to the second end portion (14, 114), and a transverse axis defining a transverse direction (T) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction; the chassis (10, 110) includes a liquid-permeable topsheet (11, 111) on the body-facing surface, a liquid-impermeable backsheet (12, 112) on the garment-facing surface, and an absorbent core assembly (30, 130) including at least one absorbent core (31, 32, 131) disposed between the topsheet (11, 111) and the backsheet (12, 112); the disposable absorbent hygiene product (1, 100) further includes a pair of side portions (23, 24, 123, 124) extending in the transverse direction on each side of the first end portion (15, 115) for fastening the disposable absorbent hygiene product (1, 100) around the wearer's waist; the disposable absorbent hygiene product (1, 100) includes at least one fastener (25, 125, 125', 125'', 148, 149) disposed on at least one of the side portions (23, 24, 123, 124) and / or the second end portion (14, 114) of the disposable absorbent hygiene product (1, 100) for fastening the disposable absorbent hygiene product (1, 100) around the wearer's waist; the fastener (25, 125, 148, 149) includes a sheet-forming base (200) having generally parallel upper and lower surfaces (201, 202), the lower surface (202) being attached to at least one of the side portions (23, 24, 123, 124) and / or the second end portion (14, 114) of the disposable absorbent hygiene product (1, 100), and the sheet-forming base (200) having a length (L200) in the longitudinal direction and a width (W200) in the transverse direction.At least one fastening region (203) including one or more regions of a fastening material (203, 203a, 203b, 203c) including a plurality of discrete fastening elements including pillars protruding from the upper surface (201) of the sheet forming base (200), the fastening region (203) being disposed at a distance (D1) from one first outer edge portion (204, 205) of the sheet forming base (200), forming a region (208) without fastening material on the sheet forming base (200), the fastener (25, 125, 125', 125'', 148, 149) being attached to the disposable absorbent hygiene product (1, 100) at an attachment region (212, 212') that at least partially overlaps the fastening region (203), the distance (D1) being at least 5 mm, the region (208) without fastening material having an elongation range in a direction perpendicular to the distance (D1) of at least 20 mm, Disposable absorbent hygiene products (1, 100).

23. The fastening area (203) is arranged at the distance (D1) from the first outer edges (204, 205) of the sheet-forming base (200) arranged at a distance from the longitudinal axis (L) in the first transverse direction. The disposable absorbent hygiene product (1, 100) according to claim 22.

24. The area (208) without the fastening material has a transverse width (D1) equal to the distance (D1), and the extension range in the direction perpendicular to the distance (D1) is the longitudinal length (L208). The disposable absorbent hygiene product (1, 100) according to claim 22 or 23.

25. The area (208) without the fastening material has a bending rigidity greater than the bending rigidity of the side portions (23, 24, 123, 124) and / or the second end portion (14, 114). The disposable absorbent hygiene product (1, 100) according to any one of claims 22 to 24.

26. The disposable absorbent hygiene product (1, 100) according to any one of claims 22 to 25, combined with any one of the features according to any one of claims 2 to 21.

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