Incontinence article with embossing elements

Abstract

NOT VISIBLE DUE TO STATUS OF PATENT

Description

[0001] Title: Incontinence products with embossed elements

[0002] Description

[0003] The present invention relates to an incontinence article in the form of a disposable incontinence pad for the absorption of body excretions.

[0004] Such products typically comprise an absorbent pad having an absorbent body. The absorbent pad can be single- or multi-layered and comprise a liquid-permeable topsheet facing the body and a substantially liquid-impermeable backsheet facing away from the body, sandwiching the absorbent body.

[0005] The absorbent body is typically made of fibrous absorbent material, particularly natural fibers such as cellulose fibers, or entirely or partially synthetic fibers. Such absorbent bodies can collect large amounts of absorbed fluid in the cavities between the fibers around the point of impact during a urination event. However, undesirable fluid release and rewetting toward the topsheet can occur, particularly under pressure. Some absorbent bodies therefore also contain superabsorbent material, particularly a superabsorbent polymer (SAP). High-performance SAP has a very high absorption capacity for body fluids such as urine and can also bind the absorbed fluid even under pressure. SAP therefore contributes significantly to reducing rewetting during use.However, even absorbent bodies with a high SAP content can reach their limits when fluid surges occur during use, meaning large amounts of fluid must be absorbed by the absorbent body in a very short time. Already swollen SAP poses the risk of so-called gel blocking, meaning the fluid cannot be absorbed quickly enough by the SAP, and there are insufficient cavities for temporary storage.

[0006] Therefore, absorbent bodies often have one or more structures designed to divert fluid away from the site of urination and toward more distant areas, thus dispersing the fluid more quickly. Such structures are typically grooves or channels designed as local compression or material gaps. Such structures can also advantageously contribute to the desired three-dimensional shape of the incontinence article during use.

[0007] For example, EP0173068A2 teaches a hygiene article with an embossed channel. EP0998249A1 teaches a method for forming embossed fold lines or for fluid conduction in absorbent products. EP 2 500 003 A1 teaches a channel in the form of a through-hole for fluid conduction in combination with two lateral grooves.

[0008] However, the inventors have determined that the solutions known from the prior art pose the risk of uncontrolled deformation or even undesirable damage to the absorbent body in question during use. Such a liquid-conducting structure within the absorbent body often represents a weakening of the material, making it more likely that the absorbent body will tear or break. Even though fibrous absorbent material can contribute to cross-linking within the absorbent body and support structural integrity, such liquid-conducting structures often result in larger surfaces and / or edges, sometimes even separations of the fiber material caused by cuts, so that such absorbent bodies are often less able to withstand the forces acting on them.

[0009] In addition, the absorbent material of the absorbent body is typically compressed by the manufacturer to create a more compact packaging, which can give the user the impression of greater stability when unpacking. However, the compression and any resulting hardening is not permanent, but rather disappears after the incontinence product is removed from the packaging and during use, often as the absorbent material expands. Such openings are usually intended to be located in the crotch area of ​​the absorbent body, i.e., in the area between the user's legs. This is precisely where increased compression forces can act on the absorbent body during use and impair its integrity. This is one of the reasons why the well-known fluid-conducting structures can often be perceived by consumers as a product defect.

[0010] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an incontinence article in the form of an incontinence pad which is improved with regard to the disadvantages mentioned.

[0011] This object is achieved by an incontinence article in the form of a disposable incontinence pad for absorbing body excretions, comprising an absorbent pad, wherein the absorbent pad has a top sheet and a back sheet and an absorbent body arranged between the top sheet and the back sheet and having a longitudinal extension L1, wherein the absorbent body has at least a first absorbent body layer, wherein the absorbent body optionally has a second absorbent body layer, wherein the first absorbent body layer has an opening oriented in a longitudinal direction and arranged centrally in a transverse direction and having a longitudinal extension L2, wherein the incontinence article has at least two lateral embossed elements each extending in the longitudinal direction and spaced from the opening in the transverse direction, each having a longitudinal extension L3,such that at least one lateral embossed element is arranged on both sides of the opening in the transverse direction, where L3 > L2, the longitudinal extent L3 being at least 120% of the longitudinal extent L2.

[0012] Embossed elements can be formed by applying pressure and / or heat, for example, using embossing tools, embossing rollers, or heat rollers. In particular, fiber materials or mixtures of fibrous and other materials are locally compacted, so that the incontinence article and / or pad and / or absorbent body is solidified and stabilized at the location of the respective embossed element. Thus, the respective embossed element can reduce the risk of the fiber structure breaking open due to external forces.

[0013] The inventors have discovered that an inventive combination of the centrally arranged opening and the lateral embossed elements extending further in the longitudinal direction relative to the opening advantageously enables better distribution and conduction of accumulating liquid and simultaneously reduces the risk of damage to the absorbent body during use. The embossed elements can have a stabilizing effect on the absorbent body beyond the longitudinal section containing the opening by reducing undesirable deformations and strengthening the fiber structure of the absorbent body to the side of the opening. As a result, forces occurring during use can have a reduced effect on the opening itself across the entire longitudinal extent of the opening, thus reducing the risk of absorbent body fractures and tears originating from the opening and maintaining its functionality with regard to improved liquid conduction.

[0014] Since the embossed elements extend further in the longitudinal direction than the opening, any forces that occur can be diverted beyond a respective longitudinally located end of the opening. Embossed elements dimensioned in this way advantageously enable increased protection of the absorbent body against damage before or during use, while simultaneously maintaining the desired high absorbency and tactile softness in unembossed areas, as well as a relatively high degree of flexibility of the incontinence article, particularly during torsional events along the longitudinal direction. This may eliminate the need for additional protective elements such as absorbent body wraps, simplifying production, reducing material consumption in a resource-efficient manner, and improving fluid absorption during use.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the embossed elements extend toward a front end of the incontinence article and toward a rear end of the incontinence article beyond a respective front end and rear end of the opening. This allows for fewer unwanted deformations to occur in an area around both the rear end and the front end of the opening, and reduces the risk of damage in these areas.

[0016] For the purposes of this invention, all of the aforementioned longitudinal extensions are to be understood as running in the longitudinal direction of the incontinence article when the incontinence article is spread out flat and, if applicable, fully unfolded, and as running parallel to a longitudinal center axis of the incontinence article. The transverse direction runs orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the incontinence article when the incontinence article is spread out flat and, if applicable, fully unfolded. The term "front end of the incontinence article" refers to an end in the longitudinal direction of the incontinence article that, in use, comes to lie on the abdominal side. The term "rear end of the incontinence article" refers to an end in the longitudinal direction of the incontinence article that, in use, comes to lie on the back side.Analogously, a “front area” described below is located on the abdominal side and a “rear area” is located on the back side of the crotch area.

[0017] The optional second absorbent layer is described in more detail below.

[0018] The opening preferably comprises a material recess and / or a slit or is formed from a material recess and / or a slit. This can advantageously result in a hollow space, in particular a hollow space free of absorbent material, which supports rapid absorption and distribution along the longitudinal direction. In the case of a material recess, rectangular, almond-shaped, or oval shapes of the material recess have proven particularly advantageous since, due to their more uniform, essentially straight or curved outlines in the longitudinal and transverse directions, they can better withstand loads during production and / or in use, thus reducing the risk of damage to the absorbent body.

[0019] However, other shapes such as bone-shaped, T-shaped, triangular, star-shaped or branched are also conceivable.

[0020] Such a material recess can be formed, for example, by cutting, punching, or brushing out a portion of the absorbent body. Cutting tools, for example, can be used to form a slit. Preferably, the material recess or slit is provided during the formation of the absorbent body from absorbent material, for example, by a corresponding molding tool with a displacement or dividing element in the region of the opening to be formed. This avoids additional manipulations, such as cutting fibrous material, which could potentially weaken the structural integrity of the absorbent body.

[0021] Preferably, the absorbent body, in particular a contour of the absorbent body, is formed substantially mirror-symmetrically to a longitudinal center axis of the absorbent body and / or to a transverse center axis of the absorbent body. Further preferably, the incontinence article is formed mirror-symmetrically to the longitudinal center axis of the incontinence article and / or to the transverse center axis of the incontinence article.

[0022] However, it is also conceivable that the incontinence article and / or the absorbent body can be designed differently than symmetrically to the respective longitudinal center axis or the respective transverse center axis.

[0023] For example, the incontinence article and / or the absorbent body can be designed asymmetrically with respect to the respective transverse central axis, so that, for example, the incontinence article and / or the absorbent body is designed to be wider in the respective rear region than in the respective front region. This can serve to create an uneven distribution of the absorbent material tailored to the needs of the user. The opening, which is arranged centrally in the transverse direction, is arranged on the longitudinal central axis of the absorbent body. Such an arrangement on the longitudinal central axis of the absorbent body offers the advantage that liquid absorbed into the opening has equal access to the absorbent material of the absorbent body on both sides of the opening and can therefore be absorbed more evenly. This can advantageously improve wearing comfort.

[0024] To further improve fluid distribution, the opening is preferably centered on the longitudinal center axis of the absorbent body, in particular arranged mirror-symmetrically to the longitudinal center axis of the absorbent body. This further reduces uneven swelling of the absorbent material on both sides of the opening during use, resulting in a reduction in comfort, as well as uneven stress and the risk of damage to the absorbent body.

[0025] In addition, such an arrangement reduces the risk of the user perceiving a product defect.

[0026] The absorbent body can optionally have further openings in the form of material recesses and / or slits, which can be located, for example, laterally and / or longitudinally of the incontinence article between the centrally arranged opening and the front end or the rear end of the incontinence article. In this case, the further opening(s) can be oriented in the transverse direction and / or longitudinal direction. The further opening(s) are preferably also arranged in the transverse direction between the lateral embossed elements. However, another arrangement is also conceivable.

[0027] Furthermore, it is conceivable and possible for the centrally located opening to consist of two or more partial openings formed by shared or separate material recesses and / or slots. This can further support a higher absorption capacity in the impact area and / or faster fluid drainage during use.

[0028] In an advantageous embodiment, the opening or material recess or slit extends completely through the first absorbent layer in a thickness direction. This clearly enables increased flexibility of the first absorbent layer in the event of deformations occurring during use, so that the risk of tearing or breaking of the absorbent body can be further reduced and, at the same time, the surface area available for the body fluid to enter the absorbent body can be increased.

[0029] It is also conceivable for the opening or material recess or slit to extend only partially through the first absorbent layer in the thickness direction, thus forming a kind of depression with absorbent material arranged at its lower end. Such an opening can be advantageous, for example, if the absorbent body has no second absorbent layer or a rather thin or less absorbent second absorbent layer, so that a larger accumulation of free liquid close to the backsheet can be counteracted.

[0030] The absorbent body is advantageously anatomically shaped. This means that the absorbent body is narrower in the transverse direction in the crotch area, i.e., in an area that lies between the user's legs during use, than in a front and / or rear area. For example, the absorbent body can be hourglass-shaped or bone-shaped, or wider only toward one of the front or rear ends of the incontinence article than in the crotch area. Such a narrower crotch area advantageously reduces compression forces acting on the incontinence article between the user's legs and reduces unwanted crushing and deformation of the absorbent body. This can further reduce the risk of breakage or tearing in the absorbent body.

[0031] Alternative and known shapes of the absorbent body include rectangular, oval, or almond-shaped shapes. It should be noted that the absorbent body can have a substantially uniform thickness and / or a uniform density. It is also conceivable that the absorbent body can have a non-uniform thickness and / or a non-uniform density.

[0032] Preferably, the opening and the embossed elements are formed symmetrically in the longitudinal direction; in particular, the opening and the embossed elements are formed substantially mirror-symmetrically across the transverse center axis of the absorbent body. In addition to a simplified manufacturing process and simplified application by the user, this offers the further advantage that the incontinence articles, particularly in packages containing multiple articles, are exposed to a more even load, thus reducing the risk of unevenly acting forces impairing the absorbent body. Furthermore, compression forces occurring during use can act more evenly within the absorbent body, thus reducing the risk of excessively strong forces acting on individual sub-areas and potentially resulting damage.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the embossed elements each extend at least in some areas, preferably at least in a crotch section of the incontinence article, substantially equidistant from a respective nearest lateral outer edge of the absorbent body. The embossed elements can thus advantageously contribute to a more uniform and controlled deformation of the incontinence article during use, so that a region of the absorbent body located transversely between the embossed elements, i.e., the region having the opening, is better protected from excessively strong compression forces, and the risk of damage in this area is reduced.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the embossed elements are each curved, in particular substantially concave, i.e., closer together in the crotch area than in a front and / or rear area. Advantageously, the embossed elements essentially replicate the anatomical features during use, such as the contours of the user's legs, and can effectively counteract any compression forces that occur.

[0035] In an advantageous embodiment, the embossed elements each comprise or consist of at least one embossed line, wherein the respective embossed line is in particular continuous. The term "continuous" is to be understood within the context of this invention as "without interruption." This enables uniform stabilization and controlled deformation of the absorbent body along the respective embossed line, so that individual sections of the embossed line cannot easily be torn apart by compression or shear forces occurring during use, and the risk of fractures or tears in the absorbent body along the embossed line is reduced.

[0036] It is also conceivable for the embossed elements to each consist of two or three embossed lines, wherein in particular the respective two or three embossed lines are spaced apart from one another and, more particularly, extend substantially parallel to one another. A stabilizing function of the absorbent body can be further supported, with relatively uncompacted absorbent material being available between the embossed lines of an embossed element for faster and more effective liquid absorption. Each embossed line preferably extends in the transverse direction for a maximum of 5 mm, more preferably a maximum of 4 mm, more preferably a maximum of 3 mm, and more preferably a maximum of 2 mm.By means of such embossed lines, a local consolidation of the absorbent body can be achieved without causing a larger-area compaction and thus an unpleasant stiffening of the absorbent material, in particular of the fibrous material, for the user, so that the risk of reduced or delayed fluid absorption and reduced wearing comfort can be counteracted.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the longitudinal extension L3 is at least 130% of the longitudinal extension L2, in particular at least 140%, further in particular at least 150%, further in particular at least 160%, further in particular at least 170%, and / or the longitudinal extension L3 is at most 300% of the longitudinal extension L2, in particular at most 290%, further in particular at most 280%, further in particular at most 270%, further in particular at most 260%, further in particular at most 250%. It has been found that such a relative longitudinal extension L3 of the embossed elements, on the one hand, advantageously reduces the risk of breaks and tears in the region of the opening and, at the same time, enables increased flexibility of the incontinence article in areas further away from the opening without embossed elements.The preferred relative connection of the longitudinal extensions L3 and L2 has proven to be useful, since the absorbent body can increasingly lose stability as the longitudinal extension L2 of the opening increases, thus increasing the risk of damage along the opening. It can therefore be advantageous to provide embossed elements that are correspondingly longer in absolute terms for a longer opening than for a shorter opening.

[0038] It is further preferred that a respective front end and / or a respective rear end of the embossed elements is located within a surface covered by the absorption body, in particular being spaced from the respective nearest lateral outer edge of the absorption body.

[0039] A distance A of the respective embossed elements and / or the respective front end and / or rear end of the respective embossed elements of at least 5 mm, in particular at least 6 mm, further in particular at least 7 mm, further in particular at least 8 mm, further in particular at least 9 mm, further in particular at least 10 mm from the respective nearest lateral outer edge of the absorbent body has proven suitable and is preferred. It has been found that a locally limited embossing close to a respective outer edge of the absorbent body could, on the one hand, be perceived as a hard spot and thus reduce wearing comfort. On the other hand, by avoiding local compaction of the material of the absorbent body, the flexibility of an edge region of the absorbent body can be advantageously maintained and the risk of tearing during use can be reduced.Such an edge region of the absorbent body which is not compacted by embossing can also provide advantageous absorbency, especially in a narrower crotch area, and thus reduce the risk of liquid leakage.

[0040] A distance A, as well as the distances B, C and D specified below, are each to be measured along the transverse direction.

[0041] In an advantageous embodiment, the embossed elements are each formed from the topsheet side towards the backsheet, such that the embossed elements are each formed as a material embossment that includes at least the topsheet and the first absorbent layer. The inclusion of the topsheet in the embossed element can advantageously contribute to further improved stabilization and strengthening of the incontinence article to the side of the opening. In this case, an advantageous tactile and visually recognizable recess can be formed, which can convey to the user a greater attractiveness, quality, and functionality of the incontinence article. Furthermore, the recess, particularly in the case of a groove-like recess, can serve as a folding point and expediently contribute to further dissipating compression forces during use and to advantageous shaping.

[0042] Preferably, the embossed elements are each formed at least partially, in particular completely, in the thickness direction of the first absorbent layer. It is further preferred if the embossed elements are formed to extend at least as far in the thickness direction as the opening or the material recess or the slot extends in the thickness direction. This advantageously further reduces the risk of damage to the absorbent body along or in the vicinity of the opening or the material recess or the slot.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the first absorbent layer comprises fibrous absorbent material, in particular cellulose fibers, more particularly cellulose fibers and superabsorbent polymer (SAP), and / or the optional second absorbent layer comprises fibrous absorbent material, in particular cellulose fibers, and is substantially free of SAP. Further preferably, the second absorbent layer does not have a centrally arranged opening.

[0044] Fibrous absorbent materials offer the advantage that their cross-linking can contribute to increased stability of the absorbent core while maintaining good flexibility of the incontinence article when dry. When wet, additional SAP present in the first absorbent core layer can contribute to consolidation and increased stability through the swelling effect, particularly in the area of ​​the absorbent core surrounding the opening.

[0045] If the first absorbent layer contains SAP, it is advantageous if the SAP content of the first absorbent layer is at least 10 percent by weight, in particular at least 15 percent by weight, more particularly at least 20 percent by weight, more particularly at least 25 percent by weight. An advantage of the preferred SAP content is that SAP can permanently bind body fluids, thereby reducing rewetting compared to SAP-free absorbent bodies.

[0046] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the SAP content of the first absorbent layer is at most 60% by weight, in particular at most 50% by weight, and even more particularly at most 40% by weight. This can reduce the risk of gel blocking and impaired wearing comfort compared to absorbent bodies with a very high SAP content. Furthermore, the fibrous materials present in the first absorbent layer can create a type of cross-linking within the absorbent body, so that, compared to absorbent bodies with a very high SAP content, the absorbent body can possess structural integrity and, for example, additional stabilizing material layers such as absorbent body wraps can be omitted.

[0047] Typically, the SAP material can absorb at least 15 times, in particular 20 times, its weight in 0.9 weight percent saline solution (measured according to NWSP 242.0.R2(15)). The SAP can, for example, be particulate, fibrous, sheet, or foam-shaped. The SAP can further comprise or consist of a substantially single-grade polymer material or a mixture of two or more polymer materials. If a second absorbent layer is present, this also contributes to stabilizing the absorbent body as a whole, as it advantageously contributes to the structural design of the absorbent body by shaping it.If the first absorbent layer and the second absorbent layer are advantageously arranged directly adjacent to one another, the fibrous materials of the two absorbent layers can come into contact with each other and create at least a slight cross-linking effect, which can also contribute to the stability of the absorbent body. Overall, the risk of breakage and cracks in the absorbent body is advantageously further reduced.

[0048] The optional second absorbent layer is preferably arranged between the first absorbent layer and the backsheet. The second absorbent layer advantageously results in greater wearing comfort, particularly in the case of an incontinence article that fits close to the body, since a softer haptic impression of the incontinence article is achieved from the backsheet side. A lack of SAP in the second absorbent layer can reduce hard spots on a backsheet side located on the outside of the incontinence article during use and thus further contribute to improved softness and increased wearing comfort. In addition, a type of cushioning effect can be achieved so that external forces do not act directly on the first absorbent layer and the area surrounding the opening during use, and the risk of breakage or tearing can be further reduced.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, the incontinence article has a fastening means, more particularly a pressure-sensitive adhesive, for attachment to a garment on an outer side of the backsheet. Using such a fastening means, the incontinence article can be advantageously deployed and secured in a garment or in a pair of fixation pants, so that the garment can act as an additional stabilizing layer and help mitigate unwanted deformations. To protect the fastening means or the pressure-sensitive adhesive, a protective cover or packaging can additionally be provided, as is well known in the art.

[0050] The incontinence article may include additional components or features such as wings, side leakage barriers (so-called "cuffs"), crotch elasticizers, wetness indicators, labeling devices, visual or haptic elements, skin-care or odor-regulating substances or compositions, fastening means (e.g., adhesive, hooks), or other components or features deemed appropriate by a person skilled in the art. For example, the incontinence article may be designed with or without side wings, which can be wrapped around the garment in the crotch area during use and attached to the garment and / or itself. The incontinence article may optionally be individually packaged.

[0051] The incontinence article preferably has crotch elasticators running essentially in the longitudinal direction on both sides. The crotch elasticators running in the longitudinal direction advantageously contribute to the desired three-dimensional shape and lateral leakage protection during use.

[0052] Elastic materials such as elastic threads, elastic foam materials, or elastic film materials are suitable as crotch elasticizers. These are preferably arranged between the topsheet and the backsheet in the thickness direction. One or more crotch elasticizers, in particular one to three crotch elasticizers each, can be provided on both sides of the incontinence article.

[0053] A generic incontinence pad is typically a relatively small and discreet incontinence article. Therefore, the longitudinal extension L1 of the absorbent body is preferably no more than 400 mm, in particular no more than 380 mm, and more particularly no more than 365 mm. The maximum transverse extension of the absorbent body is no more than 145 mm, in particular no more than 140 mm, and more particularly no more than 135 mm.

[0054] In an advantageous embodiment, the longitudinal extension L2 is more than 10% of the longitudinal extension L1, in particular at least 15%, further in particular at least 20%, further in particular at least 25%, further in particular at least 30%, and / or the longitudinal extension L2 is at most 80% of the longitudinal extension L1, in particular at most 70%, further in particular at most 60%, further in particular at most 50%, further in particular at most 45%.

[0055] This allows for improved liquid distribution, particularly when large amounts of liquid are present. The opening is surrounded on all sides, i.e., on both sides as well as at the front and rear ends of the opening, by absorbent material, particularly fibrous material, so that leakage can be counteracted. In a preferred embodiment, a maximum distance B between the embossed elements arranged on both sides of the opening and closest to the opening is essentially equal to a minimum transverse extent C of the absorbent body or smaller than the minimum transverse extent C of the absorbent body.The phrase “essentially equal” means that the maximum distance B between the embossed elements arranged on both sides of the opening and closest to the opening differs from the minimum transverse extent C of the absorption body by a maximum of 5%.

[0056] In the context of this invention, the minimum transverse extension is the transverse extension of the absorbent body at its narrowest point or, where appropriate, in its narrowest region. This advantageously allows the softness of the edge regions of the absorbent body to be maintained while simultaneously stabilizing a central region encompassing the opening through the embossed elements.

[0057] In a further preferred embodiment, a minimum distance D of the embossed elements from the opening in the transverse direction is 5 to 35 mm, in particular 7 to 30 mm, more particularly 10 to 25 mm. This ensures that regions of the absorbent body directly adjacent to the opening are not excessively compacted, so that liquid accumulating at the opening and / or absorbed into the opening can penetrate the absorbent body more quickly and be bound there.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment, L3 < L1 applies, wherein in particular the longitudinal extent L3 is greater than 30% of the longitudinal extent L1, in particular greater than 40%, further in particular greater than 45%, further in particular greater than 50%, further in particular greater than 55%, further in particular greater than 60%, further in particular greater than 65%, and / or wherein the longitudinal extent L3 is less than 95% of the longitudinal extent L1, in particular less than 90%, further in particular less than 85%, further in particular less than 80%.

[0059] Such a dimensioned longitudinal extension L3 relative to the longitudinal extension L1 offers the advantage that a stabilizing effect can be realized over a relatively large longitudinal section of the absorbent body, particularly beyond the crotch area and extending relatively far into the front and / or rear areas. This further reduces the risk of breaks and tears in the absorbent body, particularly in the event of compression of the incontinence article along the longitudinal direction during use, for example, in the event of compression at the front end and / or rear end of the opening or in the front and / or rear areas caused by compression forces acting in the longitudinal direction while sitting.

[0060] In a preferred embodiment, the longitudinal extent L1 of the absorption body is 150-450 mm, in particular 160 to 420 mm, further in particular 170-400 mm, further in particular 180-380 mm, further in particular 190-370 mm.

[0061] The longitudinal extent L2 of the opening is preferably 50-130 mm, in particular 60-120 mm, further in particular 70-110 mm.

[0062] The longitudinal extent L3 of the respective embossed elements is preferably 60-400 mm, in particular 80-350 mm, further in particular 100-300 mm, further in particular 120-270 mm.

[0063] In a preferred embodiment, the incontinence article has at least one fluid acquisition and distribution layer (ADL), wherein the ADL is preferably arranged between the topsheet and the absorbent body and more preferably at least partially, more preferably completely, covers the opening.

[0064] An ADL, especially one that covers the opening, can have an additional stabilizing effect on the absorbent body and further reduce the risk of fractures or cracks in the area of ​​the opening.

[0065] In addition, the ADL offers the advantage of less rewetting during use, thus improving comfort and reducing the risk of skin irritation.

[0066] With an incontinence product with ADL, body fluids such as urine can be absorbed, distributed and passed on to the first absorbent layer and / or into the opening in an advantageous manner.

[0067] The ADL is therefore preferably arranged on a body-facing side of the absorbent body, in particular between the topsheet and the first absorbent body layer.

[0068] ADLs are already known in the field and are typically made of a fibrous material, particularly a nonwoven material.

[0069] The fibers can be of natural or synthetic origin and can be of defined length (staple fibers) or continuous ("endless") or formed in situ. The fibers can be formed from a single polymer or polymer blend (monocomponent fiber) or from more than one single polymer and / or polymer blend (multicomponent fiber). A multicomponent fiber has a cross-section comprising more than one individual section, each of which comprises a different polymer or polymer blend. The term multicomponent fiber includes, but is not limited to, a bicomponent fiber. The various components of multicomponent fibers are arranged in substantially different regions across the cross-section of the fiber and extend continuously along the length of the fiber.A multicomponent fiber may have an overall cross-section that includes portions of the two or more different components of any shape or arrangement, including, for example, coaxial subsections, core and cladding subsections, side-by-side subsections, radial subsections, island-shaped subsections, etc.

[0070] A bicomponent fiber having a "core / sheath structure" has a cross-section comprising: two discrete sections, each consisting of a polymer or polymer blend, wherein the sheath polymer or sheath polymer blend component is disposed around the core polymer or core polymer blend component.

[0071] The basis weight of nonwoven materials is usually measured in grams per square meter (g / m 2 ) is indicated.

[0072] In a preferred embodiment, the ADL comprises multi-component fibers, in particular bi-component fibers, more particularly bi-component fibers containing polyester, so-called bico / PES fibers. The multi-component fibers, in particular the bi-component fibers, preferably have a circular or trilobal cross-section.

[0073] Preferred combinations of components in bicomponent fibers are polyethylene terephthalate (PET) / polyethylene (PE), PET / polypropylene (PP), PET / polyester copolymers (CoPET), polylactic acid (PLA) / polylactide copolymers (COPLA), PLA / PE and PLA / PP.

[0074] As an alternative, it is known in the art to use a material made of chemically modified pulp fibers, for example, cross-linked pulp fibers, as the ADL. The ADL may also comprise or consist of other materials such as perforated films or foams, or the like.

[0075] The ADL can preferably comprise or consist of exactly one layer, optionally also two or more identical or different layers. Multi-layered ADLs can have separate fluid absorption and distribution layers, i.e., layers with different functions. Alternatively, the same layer or layers can be provided for both the function of fluid absorption and fluid distribution.

[0076] Further features, details, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the appended claims and from the drawings and the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention and examples. The drawing shows:

[0077] Figure 1 schematic, not to scale, top view of an incontinence article, viewed from a topsheet side,

[0078] Figure 2 schematically, not to scale, a cross section II through the incontinence article shown in Figure 1 with a first absorbent layer,

[0079] Figure 3 schematically, not to scale, a cross-section II through the incontinence article according to Figure 1 showing the optional second absorbent layer,

[0080] Figure 4 schematic, not to scale, top view of an incontinence article with an opening in the form of a slit, viewed from the topsheet side,

[0081] Figure 5 is a schematic, not-to-scale top view of an incontinence article with a fastening means, viewed from a backsheet side. Figures 1, 2 and 3 show schematically, not to scale, an exemplary incontinence article 1 in the form of a disposable incontinence pad for absorbing body excretions. The incontinence article 1 comprises an absorbent pad 15, wherein the absorbent pad 15 has a topsheet 2 and a backsheet 3 and an absorbent body 4 arranged between the topsheet 2 and the backsheet 3 with a longitudinal extent L1 of 233 mm. This dimension and other dimensions of the exemplary incontinence article 1 in the embodiment as an incontinence pad are summarized in Table 1 below. The absorbent body 4 has a first absorbent body layer 5 (shown in Figures 2 and 3) and optionally a second absorbent body layer 6 (shown in Figure 3).

[0082] The first absorbent body layer 5 has an opening 16 oriented in a longitudinal direction 11 and centrally arranged in a transverse direction 10 with a longitudinal extension L2 of 90 mm (Table 1). In this example, the longitudinal extension L2 of the opening is therefore 39% of the longitudinal extension L1 of the absorbent body 4.

[0083] The incontinence article 1 has two lateral embossed elements 17, each extending in the longitudinal direction 11 and spaced from the opening 16 in the transverse direction 10, each with a respective longitudinal extension L3. In the transverse direction 10, a lateral embossed element 17 is arranged on either side of the opening 16. In the exemplary incontinence article 1, the longitudinal extension L3 of the embossed elements 17 is smaller than the longitudinal extension L1 of the absorbent body 4. The longitudinal extension L3 of the embossed elements 17 is 68% of the longitudinal extension L1 of the absorbent body 4. In the exemplary incontinence article 1, L3 > L2 (Figure 1). The longitudinal extension L3 of the embossed elements 17 is 176% of the longitudinal extension L2 of the opening 16 (Table 1).In this example, the embossed elements 17 extend in the direction of a front end 7a of the incontinence article 1 and in the direction of a rear end 7b of the incontinence article 1 beyond a respective front end 8a and rear end 8b of the opening 16.

[0084] In this example, the opening 16 is designed in the form of a material recess 16a (Figures 2 and 3), such as can be formed, for example, by cutting, punching, or brushing out a portion of the absorbent body, or by means of a molding tool with a displacement element in the region of the opening to be formed. In this case, the opening has a hollow area, in particular a hollow area that is free of absorbent material.

[0085] In the cross-sectional view of Figures 2 and 3, it can be seen that the opening 16, in this case the material recess 16a or the alternative slot 16b described in more detail with reference to Figure 4, extends completely through the first absorbent body layer 5 in a thickness direction 12. Alternatively, depending on the embodiment, the opening, the material recess, or the slot can also extend only partially through the first absorbent body layer in the thickness direction.

[0086] In this example, the absorbent body 4 is anatomically designed, i.e., it is narrower in the transverse direction 10 in a crotch region 13 than in a front region 14a and a rear region 14b (Figure 1). The absorbent body 4 and a contour line 19 of the absorbent body 4 are each substantially mirror-symmetrical to a longitudinal central axis 20 of the absorbent body 4 and to a transverse central axis 22 of the absorbent body 4. The exemplary incontinence article 1 is mirror-symmetrical to a longitudinal central axis 21 of the incontinence article 1 and to a transverse central axis 23 of the incontinence article 1. The longitudinal central axis 20 of the absorbent body 4 here runs along the longitudinal central axis 21 of the incontinence article 1. The transverse central axis 21 of the absorbent body 4 here runs along the transverse central axis 23 of the incontinence article 1.

[0087] Figure 1 further shows that the opening 16 and the embossed elements 17 are symmetrical. The opening 16 and the embossed elements 17 are essentially mirror-symmetrical about the transverse center axis 22 of the absorption body 4. The embossed elements 17 run along their entire longitudinal extent and, in the crotch region 13, are essentially equidistant from a respective nearest lateral outer edge 24 of the absorption body 4. The embossed elements 17 are each curved, yet concave, i.e., they are spaced closer to one another in the crotch region 13 than in the front region 14a and the rear region 14b of the absorption body 4. In this example, the embossed elements 17 each consist of an embossed line 18, wherein the respective embossed line 18 is continuous, i.e., without interruptions.Alternatively, it is conceivable for each embossed element to comprise more than one embossed line and / or for each embossed line to be discontinuous. In this example, the embossed elements 17, and thus the respective embossed lines 18, have a longitudinal extent L3 of 158 mm (Table 1). Furthermore, the embossed lines 18 each have a transverse extent (without reference symbol) of 2 mm (Table 1). A respective front end 25a and a respective rear end 25b of the embossed elements 17 are each located within a surface overlapped by the absorption body 4 and are spaced from the respective nearest lateral outer edge 24 of the absorption body 4. A distance A of the respective embossed elements 17 and the respective front end 25a and rear end 25b of the respective embossed elements 17 from the respective nearest lateral outer edge 24 of the absorption body 4 is 12 mm in this example (Table 1).In this example, a maximum distance B between the embossed elements 17 arranged on both sides of the opening 16 and closest to the opening 16 is 63 mm and is smaller than a minimum transverse extension C of the absorbent body (70 mm, Table 1). A minimum distance D between the embossed elements 17 and the opening 16 in the transverse direction 10 is 17 mm in the exemplary incontinence article 1.

[0088] From Figures 2 and 3, it can be seen that the embossed elements 17 are each formed from the topsheet side 2a toward the backsheet 3, such that the embossed elements 17 are each formed as a material embossment incorporating the topsheet 2 and the first absorbent layer 5. In this example, the first absorbent layer 5 comprises fibrous absorbent material, namely cellulose fibers and superabsorbent polymer (SAP) (not shown). The optional second absorbent layer 6 comprises fibrous absorbent material, namely cellulose fibers, and is substantially free of SAP (not shown).

[0089] As indicated in Figure 4, the opening 16 can alternatively be formed in the form of a slot 16b. In this example, the slot 16b is continuous. The slot extends completely through the first absorbent body layer (not shown) in a thickness direction. However, the slot does not extend through the topsheet. Where the same reference numerals are used in Figure 4 as in Figures 1-3, these designate the same components as in Figures 1-3.

[0090] Figure 5 shows a top view of the backsheet side 3a of an exemplary incontinence article 1a in the form of an incontinence pad with an opening 16 formed as a material recess 16a. The opening can alternatively be formed as a slit, as described with reference to Figure 4. As shown in Figure 5, a fastening means 26, namely a pressure-sensitive adhesive 27, is provided on an outer side of the backsheet 3 for attachment to a garment, which in this exemplary case is applied flatly to the outer side of the backsheet. To protect the pressure-sensitive adhesive, a protective cover or packaging means (not shown) can additionally be present, as is well known in the art. Insofar as the same reference numerals are used in Figure 5 as in Figures 1-4, these designate the same components as in Figures 1-4. Table 1: Dimensions of an exemplary incontinence article

Claims

Patent claims 1. Incontinence article (1) in the form of an incontinence pad for single use for the absorption of body excretions, comprising an absorbent pad (15), wherein the absorbent pad (15) has a top sheet (2) and a back sheet (3) and an absorbent body (4) arranged between the top sheet (2) and the back sheet (3) and having a longitudinal extension L1, wherein the absorbent body (4) has at least one first absorbent body layer (5), wherein the absorbent body (4) optionally has a second absorbent body layer (6), wherein the first absorbent body layer (5) has an opening (16) oriented in a longitudinal direction (11) and arranged centrally in a transverse direction (10) and having a longitudinal extension L2, wherein the incontinence article (1) has at least two lateral embossed elements (17) each extending in the longitudinal direction (11) and spaced from the opening (16) in the transverse direction (10), each having a has a longitudinal extension L3,such that in the transverse direction (10) at least one lateral embossed element (17) is arranged on both sides of the opening (16), where L3 > L2 applies, the longitudinal extent L3 being at least 120% of the longitudinal extent L2.

2. Incontinence article according to claim 1, characterized in that the embossed elements (17) extend in the direction of a front end (7a) of the incontinence article (1) and in the direction of a rear end (7b) of the incontinence article (1) beyond a respective front end (8a) and rear end (8b) of the opening (16).

3. Incontinence article according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the opening (16) comprises or is formed from a material recess (16a) and / or a slit (16b).

4. Incontinence article according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the opening (16) or the material recess (16a) or the slit (16b) extends completely through the first absorbent body layer (5) in a thickness direction (12).

5. Incontinence article according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the absorption body (4) is anatomically formed.

6. Incontinence article according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the absorption body (4), in particular a contour line (19) of the absorption body (4), is formed substantially mirror-symmetrically to a longitudinal central axis (20) of the absorption body (4) and / or to a transverse central axis (22) of the absorption body (4).

7. Incontinence article according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the opening (16) and the embossed elements (17) are formed symmetrically, in particular that the opening (16) and the embossed elements (17) are formed substantially mirror-symmetrically about the transverse central axis (22) of the absorption body (4).

8. Incontinence article according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the embossed elements (17) each extend at least in some regions, preferably at least in a crotch section (13) of the incontinence article (1) substantially equidistant from a respective nearest lateral outer edge (24) of the absorption body (4).

9. Incontinence article according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the embossed elements (17) are each curved, in particular substantially concave.

10. Incontinence article according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the embossed elements (17) each comprise or consist of at least one embossed line (18), wherein the respective embossed line (18) is in particular continuous.

11. Incontinence article according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the longitudinal extent L3 is at least 130% of the longitudinal extent L2, in particular at least 140%, further in particular at least 150%, further in particular at least 160%, further in particular at least 170%, and / or that the longitudinal extent L3 is at most 300% of the longitudinal extent L2, in particular at most 290%, further in particular at most 280%, further in particular at most 270%, further in particular at most 260%, further in particular at most 250%.

12. Incontinence article according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a respective front end (25a) and / or a respective rear end (25b) of the embossed elements (17) is / are each located within a surface covered by the absorption body (4), in particular being spaced from the respective nearest lateral outer edge (24) of the absorption body (4).

13. Incontinence article according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a distance A of the respective embossed elements (17) and / or the respective front end (25a) and / or rear end (25b) of the respective embossed elements (17) from the respective nearest lateral outer edge (24) of the absorption body (4) is at least 5 mm, in particular at least 6 mm, further in particular at least 7 mm, further in particular at least 8 mm, further in particular at least 9 mm, further in particular at least 10 mm.

14. Incontinence article according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the embossed elements (17) are each formed from the topsheet side (2a) in the direction of the backsheet (3), such that the embossed elements (17) are each formed as a material embossment including at least the topsheet (2) and the first absorbent body layer (5).

15. Incontinence article according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first absorbent layer (5) comprises fibrous absorbent material, in particular cellulose fibers, further in particular cellulose fibers and superabsorbent polymer (SAP), and / or that the optional second absorbent layer (6) comprises fibrous absorbent material, in particular cellulose fibers, and is substantially free of SAP.

16. Incontinence article according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the incontinence article (1a) has on an outer side of the backsheet (3) a fastening means (26), further in particular a pressure-sensitive adhesive (27) for fastening to a garment.

17. Incontinence article according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the longitudinal extent L2 is more than 10% of the longitudinal extent L1, in particular at least 15%, further in particular at least 20%. further in particular at least 25%, further in particular at least 30%, and / or that the longitudinal extent L2 is at most 80% of the longitudinal extent L1, in particular at most 70%, further in particular at most 60%, further in particular at most 50%, further in particular at most 45%.

18. Incontinence article according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a maximum distance B between the embossed elements (17) arranged on both sides of the opening (16) and closest to the opening (16) is substantially equal to a minimum transverse extent C of the absorbent body (4) or smaller than the minimum transverse extent C of the absorbent body (4).

19. Incontinence article according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a minimum distance D of the embossed elements (17) from the opening (16) in the transverse direction (10) is in each case 5 to 35 mm, in particular 7 to 30 mm, further in particular 10 to 25 mm.

20. Incontinence article according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that L3 < L1 , wherein in particular the longitudinal extent L3 is greater than 30% of the longitudinal extent L1, in particular greater than 40%, further in particular greater than 45%, further in particular greater than 50%, further in particular greater than 55%, further in particular greater than 60%, further in particular greater than 65%, and / or wherein the longitudinal extent L3 is less than 95% of the longitudinal extent L1, in particular less than 90%, further in particular less than 85%, further in particular less than 80%.