Absorbent hygiene product having an elastic component

Abstract

The present invention relates to an absorbent hygiene product for receiving bodily excretions, comprising a topsheet arranged on a side of the hygiene product facing the body, a backsheet arranged on a side of the hygiene product facing away from the body, and an absorption element arranged between the topsheet and the backsheet, wherein the topsheet and the backsheet extend beyond an outer edge of the absorption element in a transverse direction and / or a longitudinal direction of the hygiene product and form, outside the absorption element, at least in part, an overlapping region which has, at least in some regions, at least one flat elastic material which, together with the topsheet and the backsheet, forms at least one elastication region, wherein the flat elastic material encloses, at least in part, an outer contour of the backsheet and / or of the topsheet along a longitudinal extent of the overlapping region. The present invention also relates to a method for producing a hygiene product.

Description

[0001] Ref. 93240849-WO-PCT November 18, 2025

[0002] Title: Absorbent hygiene product with elastic component

[0003] Description

[0004] The present invention relates to an absorbent hygiene article, in particular an incontinence article, incontinence pad, incontinence insert or sanitary napkin, for the absorption of bodily excretions, and to a method for manufacturing a hygiene article.

[0005] These types of hygiene products are usually intended for single use and are typically inserted into the crotch area of ​​underwear, so that they lie between the user's legs during use. To absorb fluids, especially bodily excretions, these hygiene products have an absorbent pad with an absorbent core, which can be either single-layered or multi-layered. The absorbent pad may have a body-facing, fluid-permeable topsheet and a body-facing, essentially fluid-impermeable backsheet. It may contain synthetic and / or natural fibers, such as cellulose fibers, to absorb the fluids. For long-lasting fluid retention, the absorbent core may also include a superabsorbent polymer (SAP), which has a particularly high absorption capacity.SAPs can therefore bind significant amounts of liquid and reduce the occurrence of rewetting during use.

[0006] To further ensure leakage protection, particularly around the user's legs, elasticizing elements can be incorporated on opposite sides of such a hygiene product. These elements create a flexible and adaptable leg opening, ensuring the product fits snugly against the skin, especially during physical movement. The elasticizing elements can be positioned under tension between the top sheet (facing the body) and the back sheet (facing away from the body) and connected to them. Due to the tension of the elasticizing elements, an elastic and folded outer contour is formed together with the top sheet and back sheet, providing the flexible and adaptable leg opening.

[0007] During the manufacture of such a hygiene product, a laterally protruding edge of the topsheet can be folded over an outer contour of the backsheet and attached to the underside of the hygiene product on the backsheet side. Due to manufacturing tolerances, the topsheet is folded over the outer contour of the backsheet with a certain excess, so that the outer contour of the hygiene product is defined by this overhang. However, uneven production of this overhang, for example, due to a slightly misaligned or angled positioning of the product in the production machine, can lead to visual and tactile impairment of the hygiene product. Furthermore, the overhang results in increased material usage and thus higher manufacturing costs for the hygiene product.Furthermore, the overlap of the folded-over topsheet, in combination with the plasticizing agents, creates a pronounced crease along the outer contour of the hygiene product in the area of ​​the flexible leg cuff, which can negatively affect the wearing comfort of the hygiene product. This crease also promotes the formation of liquid bridges to the outside, which can impair leakage protection.

[0008] The invention aims to provide a hygiene product that improves usability, wearing comfort, and leakage protection. Furthermore, the invention aims to provide a method for manufacturing a hygiene product that enables simpler and more cost-effective production of a visually and haptically high-quality product.

[0009] This problem is solved by an absorbent hygiene article for the absorption of bodily excretions, comprising a topsheet arranged on a body-facing side of the hygiene article, a backsheet arranged on a body-facing side of the hygiene article, and an absorbent body arranged between the topsheet and the backsheet, wherein the topsheet and the backsheet extend in a transverse and / or longitudinal direction of the hygiene article beyond an outer edge of the absorbent body and form an overlap area at least partially outside the absorbent body, wherein the overlap area comprises at least partially at least one elastic flat material which, together with the topsheet and the backsheet, forms at least one elasticization section.wherein the elastic flat material, along a longitudinal extension of the overlap area, at least partially encloses an outer contour of the backsheet and / or the topsheet.

[0010] Such an absorbent hygiene product is specifically designed as an incontinence product, incontinence pad, incontinence insert, or sanitary napkin. The hygiene product can therefore be adapted to the anatomical characteristics of both women and men and, for example, be intended for use in cases of urinary incontinence. Consequently, the hygiene product can provide a level of comfort and / or ease of use tailored to the requirements and needs of women or men. For use, the hygiene product can be inserted into a garment and / or detachably attached to it. For detachable attachment of the hygiene product to the garment, it can include fastening means, for example, one or more adhesive surfaces on a surface of the hygiene product facing the garment, as is known in the prior art.

[0011] The topsheet is specifically a topsheet that is at least partially permeable to liquids. For example, the topsheet may comprise or be formed, at least partially, from a non-woven material that is at least partially permeable to liquids. The backsheet is specifically a backsheet that is essentially impermeable to liquids. For example, the backsheet may comprise or be formed from a breathable, but essentially impermeable, film material or non-woven film laminate.

[0012] By extending beyond the outer edge of the absorbent core in the transverse and / or longitudinal direction of the hygiene product, the topsheet and backsheet together form an overhang that creates the overlap area. Specifically, the absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and backsheet does not extend into the overlap area. That is, the overlap area essentially contains no absorbent material.

[0013] The at least one elastic flat material provided at least partially in the overlap area is preferably an elastic element extending over a planar area, particularly in a strip-like form. The at least one elastic flat material is provided at least partially along the longitudinal extent of the overlap area. In particular, the at least one elastic flat material is provided in the overlap area in a state stretched along its longitudinal extent, so that, due to the relaxation of the at least one elastic flat material, the at least one elasticization section is formed together with the topsheet and the backsheet.

[0014] The at least one elastic flat material is arranged in the overlap area such that it at least partially encloses the outer contour of the backsheet and / or the topsheet along the longitudinal extent of the overlap area. "Encloses" in this context means, in particular, that the at least one elastic flat material is provided at least partially on a top surface, a bottom surface, and an end face of the backsheet and / or the topsheet within the overlap area.

[0015] In other words, the at least one elastic flat material is folded or encircled, at least partially, from a top surface of the backsheet around an outer contour-side end face of the backsheet to a bottom surface of the backsheet within the overlap area. For example, it is folded or encircled substantially by 180 degrees. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one elastic flat material is folded or encircled, at least partially, from a bottom surface of the topsheet around an outer contour-side end face of the topsheet within the overlap area. Consequently, the elastic flat material surrounds or encloses, at least partially, the outer contour of the backsheet and / or the topsheet along the longitudinal extent of the overlap area.In another alternative embodiment, the at least one elastic flat material can also extend from a top surface of the topsheet to a bottom surface of the backsheet and enclose the outer contour-side end faces of the topsheet and the backsheet.

[0016] By having at least one elastic flat material encircle the outer contour of the backsheet and / or topsheet, at least partially, along the longitudinal extent of the overlap area, a seamless elasticization section is formed with respect to the outer contour of the backsheet and / or topsheet. This prevents the formation of pronounced folds or creases in the elasticization section, preferably in the area of ​​the flexible leg opening. The hygiene product can thus achieve significantly improved wearing and user comfort. The risk of skin irritation can therefore be prevented or at least reduced. Furthermore, the significantly reduced folds or creases in the elasticization section minimize the formation of liquid bridges to the outer surface of the hygiene product, thereby improving leakage protection.

[0017] Further development of the hygiene product may provide that at least one elastic flat material is arranged between the topsheet and the backsheet.

[0018] This allows the elastic flat material to be arranged in a protected configuration between the topsheet and backsheet, essentially covering it on one side. This secures the elastic flat material between the topsheet and backsheet, and the partial covering of the elastic flat material not only provides protection but also results in a higher-quality appearance and feel for the hygiene product.

[0019] In one embodiment of the hygiene article, the at least one elastic flat material together with the topsheet and / or the backsheet can form at least partially a section that is at least simply folded over along an outer contour of the overlap area.

[0020] In particular, the at least one elastic flat material, together with the topsheet, can form a section folded at least once along the outer contour of the overlap area to form the underside of the hygiene article on the backsheet side. Alternatively, the at least one elastic flat material, together with the backsheet, can form a section folded at least once along the outer contour of the overlap area to form the topside of the hygiene article on the topsheet side. Likewise, the at least one elastic flat material, together with the topsheet and / or the backsheet, can form, at least partially, a section folded multiple times, for example, twice, three times, four times, etc., along an outer contour of the overlap area.

[0021] An advantageous embodiment of the hygiene article may also provide that the at least one elastic flat material, together with the topsheet and / or the backsheet, is folded at least partially towards the underside of the hygiene article on the backsheet side and / or the topside of the hygiene article on the topsheet side. In this way, the at least simply folded section can be formed by folding the at least one elastic flat material, together with the topsheet and / or the backsheet, along the outer contour of the overlap area towards the underside of the hygiene article on the backsheet side and / or the topside of the hygiene article on the topsheet side.

[0022] In a further embodiment of the hygiene article, at least one elastic flat material can be attached to an underside of the topsheet facing the absorption body and folded together with the topsheet around the outer contour of the backsheet to the underside of the hygiene article on the backsheet side.

[0023] In particular, the elastic flat material is attached to the underside of the topsheet with a broad surface area. Preferably, the elastic flat material is bonded to the underside of the topsheet with an adhesive, especially a hot-melt adhesive. The elastic flat material is arranged adjacent to an edge region of the topsheet that extends beyond the outer edge of the absorption body and forms at least a partial overlap area outside the absorption body.

[0024] If the elastic flat material is folded together with the backsheet around the outer contour of the topsheet to the topsheet-side upper side of the hygiene article, the elastic flat material can be attached with a broad surface to the upper side of the backsheet.

[0025] Further development of the hygiene product may also provide that a folding width of the topsheet and / or a folding width of the backsheet is larger than a folding width of the at least one elastic flat material.

[0026] This allows the elastic flat material on the backsheet-side underside of the hygiene article to be completely covered by the folded-over topsheet and / or on the topsheet-side upper side of the hygiene article to be completely covered by the folded-over backsheet.

[0027] By completely covering the elastic flat material on the underside of the hygiene product (backsheet side) with the topsheet and / or on the topside of the hygiene product with the backsheet, a higher-quality visual and tactile impression of the hygiene product can be achieved. In particular, this creates an outward-facing surface of the elastic section on both the top and bottom, formed by the topsheet and / or backsheet, which consists of a predominantly soft material. Thus, the elastic section can convey a soft and high-quality feel on both the top and bottom, thereby increasing both wearing comfort and the perceived quality.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the hygiene product, the topsheet and / or the backsheet can have a fold width of at least 3 mm, preferably at least 5 mm. The fold width of the topsheet and / or the backsheet can preferably be at most 20 mm, more preferably at most 15 mm, and more preferably at most 12 mm.

[0029] The fold width is defined as the width of the topsheet and / or backsheet that extends across the underside (backsheet-side) and / or the topside (topsheet-side) of the hygiene product in the transverse direction. In other words, the fold width is the width of the folded section of the topsheet and / or backsheet in the transverse direction. The fold widths described above ensure that the elastic flat material is completely covered by the topsheet and / or backsheet.

[0030] An advantageous embodiment of the hygiene article may provide that the at least one elastic flat material with the folded-over topsheet is attached to the underside of the hygiene article on the backsheet side and / or that the at least one elastic flat material with the folded-over backsheet is attached to the topside of the hygiene article on the topsheet side.

[0031] In particular, in conjunction with the previously described folding widths of the topsheet and / or the backsheet, it can be achieved that both the at least one elastic flat material and the topsheet can be securely attached, in particular glued, to the underside of the hygiene article on the backsheet side and / or both the at least one elastic flat material and the backsheet can be securely attached, in particular glued, to the topside of the hygiene article on the topsheet side.

[0032] An advantageous further development of the hygiene article can also provide that the at least one elastic flat material is folded transversely to its longitudinal extent with a fold width of at least 0.3 mm, preferably at least 0.4 mm, and more preferably at least 0.5 mm, around the outer contour of the backsheet and / or the topsheet. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one elastic flat material can be folded transversely to its longitudinal extent with a fold width of at most 70%, preferably at most 60%, and more preferably at most 50% of the total width of the elastic flat material around the outer contour of the backsheet and / or the topsheet.

[0033] Such a folding width allows for secure attachment of the elastic flat material to the underside (backsheet side) of the hygiene product and / or the topside (topsheet side) of the hygiene product. Furthermore, this folding width ensures that the elastic properties of the at least one elastic flat material act in a balanced manner on both the top and underside of the backsheet and / or topsheet, allowing the elasticization section to be formed with reduced folding or crimping along the outer contour of the overlap area.

[0034] According to a further development of the hygiene article, the at least one elastic flat material can have a total width of at least 5 mm, preferably at least 8 mm, more preferably at least 10 mm, and / or at most 30 mm, preferably at most 25 mm, more preferably at most 20 mm, transversely to its longitudinal extent.

[0035] The total width of the elastic flat material is understood to be the width in an unfolded, i.e., flatly spread state of the elastic flat material.

[0036] Specifically, the total width refers to the width of the elastic flat material in its unstretched state. The described total widths ensure that the elastic flat material extends with sufficient width in the transverse direction on both the top and bottom surfaces of the backsheet and / or topsheet to form the elasticization section.

[0037] A further embodiment of the hygiene article may also provide that the at least one elastic flat material has a total length of at least 20%, preferably at least 25%, more preferably at least 30%, more preferably at least 35%, more preferably at least 40%, and / or at most 75%, more preferably at most 70%, more preferably at most 65%, more preferably at most 60% of the total length of the hygiene article. The total length of the elastic flat material is understood to be the length in the extension direction of the elastic flat material in a flat, spread-out state of the hygiene article and, optionally, in a stretched state of the elastic flat material.Such a total length of elastic flat material can form an elasticization section that has an advantageous extension for forming the flexible and adaptable leg closure, so that a secure fit of the hygiene product to the skin can be ensured, especially during physical movements of a user.

[0038] Advantageously, the hygiene article may be provided in such a way that the at least one elastic flat material is formed by a film-shaped base body and preferably has a total thickness of at least 15 micrometers, more preferably at least 20 micrometers, more preferably at least 25 micrometers, more preferably at least 30 micrometers, and / or at most 200 micrometers, more preferably at most 150 micrometers, more preferably at most 100 micrometers, more preferably at most 80 micrometers, more preferably at most 60 micrometers.

[0039] The elastic flat material can be formed, for example, by an elastic foil or film. The overall thickness is determined by a measurement according to DIN ISO 4593-2019-6 in an unstretched state of the elastic flat material. The elastic flat material is preferably made of an elastic polymer. It is also conceivable that the elastic flat material consists of a combination of two or more elastic polymers, or of a combination of one or more elastic polymers with one or more non-elastic polymers.

[0040] The elastic properties of the elastic flat material are preferably designed in such a way that the elastic flat material returns to its original state after stretching.

[0041] In an alternative embodiment, the elastic properties of the elastic flat material can be designed such that the elastic flat material exhibits a so-called permanent set, meaning that after stretching it does not completely return to its original state, in particular not completely to its original length. According to a preferred embodiment of the hygiene article, at least one longitudinally extending elasticization section can be provided on both sides of the absorbent body in the transverse direction.

[0042] It may be advantageous for the hygiene article to provide that at least one elastic flat material along the longitudinal extent of the overlap area has a straight course and / or a course aligned parallel to a longitudinal center axis of the hygiene article.

[0043] This can lead to a simpler manufacturing process for the hygiene product, in which the elastic flat material can be more easily applied to the topsheet and / or backsheet of the respective hygiene product in a continuous manufacturing process for a large number of hygiene products to be produced successively.

[0044] The problem is further solved by a method for manufacturing a hygiene article for the absorption of bodily excretions, in particular a hygiene article according to one of the embodiments described above, wherein the method comprises the steps of: providing a topsheet to be provided on a body-facing side of the hygiene article, a backsheet to be provided on a body-away side of the hygiene article, and an absorbent body to be provided between the topsheet and the backsheet; arranging the topsheet and the backsheet with respect to the absorbent body, wherein the topsheet and the backsheet extend beyond an outer edge of the absorbent body in a transverse and / or longitudinal direction of the hygiene article and form an overlap area at least partially outside the absorbent body; and providing at least one elastic flat material.Arranging the elastic flat material at least partially in the overlap area, and forming at least a simply folded section with the at least one elastic flat material along an outer contour of the overlap area.

[0045] Such a process for manufacturing the hygiene product is carried out, in particular, as a continuous production of a large number of consecutive hygiene products. Specifically, at least the top sheet and the back sheet can be provided in a continuous process. In this continuous process, the numerous hygiene products can be separated in a final process step by cutting or punching. Final contouring of the hygiene product can also be performed in this step.

[0046] The at least one elastic flat material is provided preferably as a strip-shaped elastic element, e.g., as a continuous material, and is arranged at least partially along the longitudinal extent of the overlap area. The elastic flat material may be cut to a corresponding length. Preferably, the at least one elastic flat material is arranged in a straight line along the longitudinal extent of the overlap area. In particular, the at least one elastic flat material is provided in a stretched state, i.e., with a pre-tension, in the overlap area and attached to the topsheet and / or backsheet. The elastic flat material can be applied to an underside of the topsheet and / or an upper side of the backsheet, in particular by means of a hot-melt adhesive.Subsequently, the at least one elastic flat material is folded along the outer contour of the overlap section, for example, essentially by 180 degrees or by folding over, to form the at least simply folded section. In particular, the at least one elastic flat material is folded along the outer contour of the overlap section in the stretched or prestressed state. The elasticization section can be formed with an elongation of at least 10%, preferably at least 20%, and more preferably at least 30%, thanks to the at least one elastic flat material.

[0047] By using at least one elastic flat material to form the section that is at least simply folded over, a smooth elastic section is created, which can form less folding or wrinkling. In this way, the hygiene product can be produced with a soft and relatively smooth outer contour in the area of ​​the two opposing elastic sections, which each form a flexible leg opening. This method enables simple and cost-effective production of the hygiene product, while simultaneously resulting in a more visually and tactilely superior appearance as well as greater wearing and user comfort.

[0048] According to a further development of the procedure, this can at least be elastic.

[0049] The flat material, together with the topsheet and / or the backsheet, is folded to form a backsheet-side underside of the hygiene article and / or a topsheet-side topside of the hygiene article and is attached to the backsheet-side underside of the hygiene article and / or the topsheet-side topside of the hygiene article.

[0050] In particular, the at least one elastic flat material is folded over together with the topsheet and / or the backsheet in such a way that the at least one elastic flat material is folded around the outer contour of the backsheet and / or the topsheet, so that the elastic flat material encloses the outer contour of the backsheet and / or the topsheet.

[0051] Drawings

[0052] Figure 1 schematic top view of a hygiene article according to an embodiment as disclosed;

[0053] Figure 2 schematic partial sectional view of the hygiene article according to section AA in Figure 1 before a folding step;

[0054] Figure 3 schematic partial sectional view of the hygiene article according to section AA in Figure 1 after the folding step.

[0055] Fig. 1 shows a schematic top view of an exemplary absorbent hygiene article 1 according to an embodiment as disclosed. The hygiene article 1 is an incontinence product, specifically an incontinence pad for absorbing bodily fluids. The hygiene article 1 is intended for single use.

[0056] The hygiene product 1 is inserted into the crotch area of ​​an underwear garment and / or detachably attached therein. For this purpose, the hygiene product may include detachable fastening means (not shown in detail), such as one or more adhesive surfaces on a surface of the hygiene product facing the underwear garment. Such adhesive surfaces may be provided with a removable cover layer, which is removed from the one or more adhesive surfaces before the hygiene product is attached to the underwear garment.

[0057] The hygiene article 1 comprises an absorbent pad 2, which has an absorbent body 3. The hygiene article 1 extends over a length LA from a first end 4 of the hygiene article 1 to a second end 5 of the hygiene article 1. The absorbent body 3 extends over a surface area between the first end 4 of the hygiene article 1 and the second end 5 of the hygiene article 1. The absorbent body 3 forms an hourglass shape. The absorbent body 3 is symmetrical about a transverse central axis. Likewise, a front section of the absorbent body, which in use faces the user's abdomen, can be larger than a rear section, which in use faces the user's back, or vice versa.Alternatively, the absorption body can also have any other basic shape, in particular anatomically adapted, for example a rectangular, oval, triangular, pear-shaped or almond-shaped basic shape.

[0058] As can be seen in the sectional views of the hygiene article according to Figs. 2 and 3, the absorbent body 3 in this embodiment has a first absorbent layer 6 and a second absorbent layer 7. The first absorbent layer 6 is arranged on a side of the hygiene article 1 facing the body during use, and the second absorbent layer 7 is arranged on a side of the hygiene article 1 facing away from the body during use.

[0059] To absorb body fluids, the first absorbent layer 6 and the second absorbent layer 7 each contain absorbent material. In this embodiment, the first absorbent layer 6 comprises cellulose fibers ("fluff") and superabsorbent polymer (SAP) as absorbent material. The second absorbent layer 7 comprises cellulose fibers ("fluff") as absorbent material. 1 ) on.

[0060] Additionally or alternatively, the first and / or second absorbent layer can comprise plastic fibers or other absorbent materials known in the prior art, such as absorbent nonwovens or a combination of different absorbent materials. Furthermore, the first and / or second absorbent layer can be formed by arranging one or more layers of different materials, in particular nonwovens. Alternatively, the absorbent body can consist of a single absorbent layer, which can comprise one or more of the aforementioned absorbent materials, for example, cellulose fibers ("fluff"), SAP, plastic fibers, or absorbent nonwovens.

[0061] The SAP, not shown in the figures, is evenly distributed in the first suction layer 6. Such a suction layer arrangement is known from the prior art. Alternatively, it is also possible to distribute the SAP unevenly in the first suction layer.

[0062] The second absorbent layer 7 is free of SAP. Alternatively, the second absorbent layer can also contain SAP, particularly if evenly distributed. Such an absorbent layer is known from the prior art.

[0063] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the second absorbent layer 7 extends further in a longitudinal direction 8 and in a transverse direction 9 than the first absorbent layer 6. The area of ​​the second absorbent layer 7 corresponds to the area of ​​the absorption body 3. Therefore, in this example, the area of ​​the first absorbent layer 6 is less than the area of ​​the absorption body 3, and the area of ​​the first absorbent layer 6 is 84% ​​of the area of ​​the absorption body 3 and the second absorbent layer 7 combined.

[0064] The area of ​​the first layer of suction bodies can advantageously be at least 70%, more preferably at least 75%, more preferably at least 80% of the area of ​​the second layer of suction bodies.

[0065] The softer second absorbent layer 7 completely covers the SAP-containing first absorbent layer 6 on a side of the absorbent body 3 facing away from the body and can therefore increase the wearing comfort of the hygiene article 1.

[0066] Alternatively, the first and second absorbent layers can extend the same distance longitudinally and / or transversely. Likewise, the first absorbent layer can extend further longitudinally and / or transversely than the second absorbent layer. It is readily apparent that in such cases, the surface area of ​​the first absorbent layer can correspond to the surface area of ​​the absorbent core. The hygiene article 1 has a liquid-permeable topsheet 10 and a substantially liquid-impermeable backsheet 11. The absorbent core 3 is arranged between the topsheet 10 and the backsheet 11. The topsheet 10 and the backsheet 11 together form a chassis 12. The chassis can be adapted to the anatomy of either a woman or a man.

[0067] In this embodiment, the topsheet 10 is made of a nonwoven material. For example, the topsheet can be made of spunbond nonwoven or carded nonwoven (e.g., carded nonwoven made of BiCo PP-PE fibers with a basis weight of 24 g / m² from the manufacturer Berry / Fiberweb). The backsheet 11 is designed as a breathable backsheet. For example, the breathable backsheet can be a breathable, film-like backsheet or a breathable, textile backsheet (e.g., BTX-SB 28 made of polyethylene with a basis weight of 28 g / m² from the manufacturer PLASTIK Textiles).

[0068] The topsheet 10 and the backsheet 11 extend in the longitudinal direction 8 and the transverse direction 9 over an outer edge 13 of the absorption body 3 and form an overlap area 14. In other words, the topsheet 10 and the backsheet 11 extend over an outer contour of the absorption body 3 and form the overlap area 14 outside the absorption body 3.

[0069] In the transverse direction 9 on both sides of the absorbent body 3, i.e., on opposite side regions of the hygiene article 1, an elasticization section 15 extending in the longitudinal direction 8 is provided on each side. The two elasticization sections 15 are arranged essentially centrally in the longitudinal direction 8 on the opposite side regions of the hygiene article 1. The elasticization sections 15 extend only along a portion of the side regions of the hygiene article 1. The two opposing elasticization sections 15 each form a flexible and adaptable leg closure to the side regions of the absorbent body 3. The elasticization sections 15 thus ensure that the hygiene article 1 fits securely against the user's skin and provide lateral leakage protection.

[0070] Each of the elasticization sections 15 has an elastic flat material 16 that is arranged between the top sheet 10 and the back sheet 11 and partially within the overlap area 14. The elasticization sections 15 are thus formed in the overlap area 14 by the elastic flat material 16 together with the top sheet 10 and the back sheet 11.

[0071] The elastic flat material 16 is formed by an elastic film. The elastic flat material 16 has a total thickness of 40 micrometers. The total thickness was determined by a measurement according to DIN ISO 4593-2019-6 in an unstretched state of the elastic flat material 16. A suitable elastic flat material is, for example, an elastic film with a thickness of 40 micrometers, a basis weight of 36 g / m², and a tensile strength of 26.7 N / inch with the article number KG6510 MD from the manufacturer Nitto Denko Corporation.

[0072] Fig. 2 shows a schematic partial sectional view of the hygiene article 1 according to section AA in Fig. 1 before a step of folding the elastic flat material 16 together with the topsheet 10. Fig. 3 shows a schematic partial sectional view of the hygiene article 1 according to section AA in Fig. 1 after the step of folding the elastic flat material 16 together with the topsheet 10, which will be discussed in more detail below.

[0073] As shown in Fig. 2, the elastic flat material 16 is attached to a lower surface 17 of the topsheet 10 facing the absorption body 3. The elastic flat material 16 is attached to the topsheet 10 under preload. In this embodiment, the elastic flat material 16 is bonded to the lower surface 17 of the topsheet 10 using an adhesive (not shown). A suitable adhesive is a hot melt adhesive, for example H4330, an SBS / SIS copolymer from Bostik GmbH, with an application temperature of 135°C–180°C and an application rate of 10 g / m².

[0074] The elastic flat material 16 is arranged along a longitudinal extension of the overlap area 14. The elastic flat material 16 has a total length L of 43% of the total length LA of the hygiene article 1 along the overlap area 14. The elastic flat material 16 is located in a substantially central side region of the hygiene article 1, i.e., at a distance from the first and second ends 4, 5 of the hygiene article 1. In the transverse direction 9, the elastic flat material 16 has a total width B of 15 mm. The elastic flat material 16 is arranged in a straight line along the overlap area 14. According to the embodiment of the hygiene article 1 shown in Fig. 2, the elastic flat material 16 is also aligned parallel to a longitudinal center axis 18 of the hygiene article 1.Alternatively, the elastic flat material can also be oriented according to the basic shape of the hygiene product and, for example, be designed in a straight line and at an angle to the longitudinal center axis. Other orientations of the elastic flat material are also possible.

[0075] To manufacture the hygiene article 1, the elastic flat material 16, together with the topsheet 10, is folded to form a backsheet-side underside 19 of the hygiene article 1, as illustrated by the folding steps shown in Fig. 2 compared to Fig. 3. In this example, the elastic flat material 16, together with the topsheet 10, is folded to form the backsheet-side underside 19 of the hygiene article 1 while the elastic flat material 16 is held under tension. Also under tension, the elastic flat material 16 and the topsheet 10 are attached to the backsheet-side underside 19 of the hygiene article 1.The prestressing of the elastic flat material 16 is achieved by arranging the hygiene article 1, i.e., the topsheet 10 and the backsheet 11, in a flat, spread-out state during the manufacture of the hygiene article 1, and by connecting the elastic flat material to the topsheet 10 and subsequently to the backsheet 11 in a stretched state. By folding the elastic flat material 16 together with the topsheet 10, a folded section 20 is formed along an outer contour 21 of the overlap area 14.

[0076] In an alternative embodiment of the hygiene product, the elastic flat material can also be folded over together with the backsheet to form a top-side surface of the hygiene product. In this case, the elastic flat material can be attached to the top of the backsheet and folded over together with the backsheet to form the top-side surface of the hygiene product.

[0077] To form the folded section 20, the elastic flat material 16, together with the topsheet 10, is folded over to the underside 19 of the hygiene article 1 on the backsheet side, such that the elastic flat material 16 and the topsheet 10 are folded over an outer contour 24 of the backsheet 11. The elastic flat material 16 and the topsheet 10 are folded over the outer contour 24 of the backsheet 11 at an angle of approximately 180°. When folding the elastic flat material 16 and the topsheet 10, it is intended that the backsheet 11 is not folded over together with the elastic flat material 16 and the topsheet 10, as shown in Fig. 3. The elastic flat material 16 thus surrounds the outer contour 24 of the backsheet 11, i.e., encloses the outer contour 24 of the backsheet 11.The topsheet 10, folded together with the elastic flat material 16, encloses the elastic flat material 16 on an outer side, thus enclosing the elastic flat material 16 on the outer side.

[0078] In an alternative embodiment, however, it can also be provided that when the elastic flat material is folded over, both the topsheet and the backsheet are folded over to the underside of the hygiene article on the backsheet side.

[0079] In this example, the elastic flat material 16 is folded transversely to its longitudinal extent with a fold width F of 1.5 mm around the outer contour 24 of the backsheet 11. In other words, a section of the folded elastic flat material 16 extending along the underside 19 of the hygiene article 1 on the backsheet side has a width of 1.5 mm in the transverse direction 9. The fold width F of the elastic flat material 16 transversely to its longitudinal extent is 10% of the total width B of the elastic flat material 16 in its flat, unstretched state.

[0080] As mentioned previously, the topsheet 10, folded over together with the elastic flat material 16, encloses the elastic flat material 16 on the outside. Thus, the topsheet 10, folded over together with the elastic flat material 16, encloses the elastic flat material 16 on the outside. In particular, the elastic flat material 16 on the backsheet-side underside 19 of the hygiene article 1 is completely covered by the folded topsheet 10.

[0081] The topsheet 10 therefore has a larger fold width T than the fold width F of the elastic flat material 16. In other words, a section of the folded topsheet 10 extending along the backsheet-side underside 19 of the hygiene article 1 has a larger width in the transverse direction 9 than the section of the elastic flat material 16 extending along the backsheet-side underside 19 of the hygiene article 1. In this example, the fold width T of the topsheet is 10 mm.

[0082] By forming the two opposing elasticization sections 15 with the elastic flat material 16 folded under prestress and the topsheet 10 folded together with the elastic flat material 16, elasticization sections 15 can be formed with less folding or crimping along the outer contour 21 of the overlap area 14.

[0083] Elastic sections 15 can thus form a significantly smoother and softer surface, thereby providing a high level of user and wearing comfort. The reduced folding or wrinkling also prevents the formation of liquid bridges during use, thus improving leakage protection.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Absorbent hygiene article (1) for the absorption of bodily excretions, in particular incontinence articles, incontinence pads, incontinence inserts or sanitary napkins, comprising a topsheet (10) arranged on a body-facing side of the hygiene article (1), a backsheet (11) arranged on a body-facing side of the hygiene article (1), and an absorbent body (3) arranged between the topsheet (10) and the backsheet (11), wherein the topsheet (10) and the backsheet (11) extend in a transverse direction (9) and / or a longitudinal direction (8) of the hygiene article (1) beyond an outer edge (13) of the absorbent body (3) and form at least a partial overlap area (14) outside the absorbent body (3), wherein the overlap area (14) comprises at least a portion of at least one elastic flat material (16) which, together with the topsheet (10) and the backsheet (11) forms at least one elasticization section (15),wherein the elastic flat material (16) encloses at least a portion of an outer contour (24) of the backsheet (11) and / or the topsheet (10) along a longitudinal extension of the overlap area (14).

2. Hygiene article according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one elastic flat material (16) is arranged between the topsheet (10) and the backsheet (11).

3. Hygiene article according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one elastic flat material (16) together with the topsheet (10) and / or the backsheet (11) forms at least partially a section (20) that is at least simply folded over along an outer contour (21) of the overlap area (14).

4. Hygiene article according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one elastic flat material (16) together with the topsheet (10) and / or the backsheet (11) is folded at least partially to form a backsheet-side underside (19) of the hygiene article (1) and / or a topsheet-side top (22) of the hygiene article (1).

5. Hygiene article according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one elastic flat material (16) is attached to a The absorption body (3) is attached to the underside (17) of the topsheet (10) and is folded together with the topsheet (10) around the outer contour (24) of the backsheet (11) to the underside (19) of the hygiene article (1) on the backsheet side.

6. Hygiene article according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a folding width (T) of the topsheet (10) and / or the backsheet (11) is larger than a folding width (F) of the at least one elastic flat material (16) and the elastic flat material (16) on the backsheet-side underside (19) of the hygiene article (1) is completely covered by the folded topsheet (10) and / or on the topsheet-side upper side (22) of the hygiene article (1) is completely covered by the folded backsheet (11).

7. Hygiene article according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the topsheet (10) and / or the backsheet (11) has a folding width (T) of at least 3 mm, preferably at least 5 mm, and / or at most 20 mm, preferably at most 15 mm, more preferably at most 12 mm.

8. Hygiene article according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one elastic flat material (16) with the folded-over topsheet (10) is attached to the underside (19) of the hygiene article (1) on the backsheet side and / or the at least one elastic flat material (16) with the folded-over backsheet (11) is attached to the topside (22) of the hygiene article (1) on the topsheet side.

9. Hygiene article according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one elastic flat material (16) is folded transversely to its longitudinal extent with a folding width (F) of at least 0.3 mm, preferably at least 0.4 mm, more preferably at least 0.5 mm, and / or at most 70%, more preferably at most 60%, more preferably at most 50% of a total width (B) of the elastic flat material (16) around the outer contour (24) of the backsheet (11) and / or the topsheet (10).

10. Hygiene article according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one elastic flat material (16) is transverse to whose longitudinal extent has a total width (B) of at least 5 mm, preferably at least 8 mm, more preferably at least 10 mm, and / or at most 30 mm, preferably at most 25 mm, more preferably at most 20 mm.

11. Hygiene article according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one elastic flat material (16) has a total length (L) of at least 20%, preferably at least 25%, further preferably at least 30%, further preferably at least 35%, further preferably at least 40%, and / or at most 75%, preferably at most 70%, further preferably at most 65%, further preferably at most 60% of a total length (LA) of the hygiene article (1).

12. Hygiene article according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one elastic flat material (16) is formed by a film-shaped base body and preferably has a total thickness (D) of at least 15 micrometers, preferably at least 20 micrometers, more preferably at least 25 micrometers, more preferably at least 30 micrometers, and / or at most 200 micrometers, more preferably at most 150 micrometers, more preferably at most 100 micrometers, more preferably at most 80 micrometers, more preferably at most 60 micrometers.

13. Hygiene article according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one elasticization section (15) extending in the longitudinal direction (8) is provided on both sides of the absorption body (3) in the transverse direction (9) and preferably the at least one elastic flat material (16) has a straight course and / or a course aligned parallel to a longitudinal central axis (18) of the hygiene article (1) along the longitudinal extent of the overlap area (14).

14. Method for manufacturing a hygiene article (1) for the absorption of bodily excretions, in particular a hygiene article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising the steps: - Providing a topsheet (10) to be provided on a body-facing side of the hygiene article (1), a backsheet (11) to be provided on a body-facing side of the hygiene article (1), and an absorbent body (3) to be provided between the topsheet (10) and the backsheet (11). - Arranging the topsheet (10) and the backsheet (11) to the absorbent body (3), wherein the topsheet (10) and the backsheet (11) extend in a transverse direction (9) and / or a longitudinal direction (8) of the hygiene article (1) beyond an outer edge (13) of the absorbent body (3) and form an overlap area (14) at least partially outside the absorbent body (3), - Providing at least one elastic flat material (16), - Arranging the elastic flat material (16) at least partially in the overlap area (14), and - forming an at least simply folded section (20) with the at least one elastic flat material (16) along an outer contour (21) of the overlap area (14).

15. Method according to claim 14, characterized in that the at least one elastic flat material (16) together with the topsheet (10) and / or the backsheet (11) is folded to form a backsheet-side underside (19) of the hygiene article (1) and / or a topsheet-side top (22) of the hygiene article (1) and is attached to the backsheet-side underside (19) of the hygiene article (1) and / or the topsheet-side top (22) of the hygiene article (1).

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