Panty-type incontinence article

[0001] The subject of the invention is an incontinence article in the form of briefs, intended for receiving body excretions, with the front abdominal part and the back back part, which in order to form a continuous abdominal or back belt running in the direction of the abdomen or back. hip circumference with a hip opening, are factory-fitted together on both sides of the side seams, as well as with the crotch part covering the absorption element, which extends in the longitudinal direction between the abdominal part and the back part and which is inseparably connected to the abdominal part and the back part, wherein both the crotch part, the abdominal part and the back part limit the incontinence legs of the article for incontinence. Such a three-part incontinence article is known for example from WO 2004/052260 A1. In this specific product concept, after connecting the longitudinal crotch portion to the substantially transverse and hip circumference of the abdominal portion and the back portion extending respectively, it is possible to form the main structure of the incontinence article in the form of expansion of these three parts letters H. The incontinence article is then built modularly with the crotch, abdominal and back parts. These parts are connected to each other preferably first through the crotch portion and then preferably in the bilateral side seam ranges the abdominal portion is connected to the back portion. This is a factory combination that allows you to get the form of panties. Such a connection is usually inseparable. However, the panties may be separable, especially along the tear line, which may occur in particular at the side seams, for example to remove the used incontinence article for a person in need of care.

[0002] Incontinence articles in the shape of panties differ fundamentally from opening and closing incontinence articles in the form of ordinary diapers in that, as a rule, the circumference of the hips is determined and the article is adapted to different body sizes, starting from a defined the amount of basic sizes, thanks to the elastic extension of the article. To this end, the flexibilisers, especially those in the shape of tapes or fibers, often referred to as lycra fibers, are combined in a pre-tension state (stretch bond technique) with the bottom materials of the incontinence article, which means that they are attached to the pre-tension state back materials, e.g. with glue. Due to the pretension, these elasticizing agents crease the pants materials and form folds. Incontinence article or elastic materials The incontinence article pants can expand further flexibly if the incontinence article, e.g. panties, is worn by the user. Incontinence articles in the shape of briefs have already been described many times and are known, for example, from documents WO 2004/052260 A1 or JP 2003 126 148.

[0003] When producing the H-shaped base structure, i.e. when joining the crotch portion to the abdominal portion and back portion, it is necessary to create sufficient to meet all the requirements for the intended use.

- 2 connections between these elements, so that it is possible to exclude that when high tensile loads occur, the connection between the crotch portion and the abdominal part or back part will be loosened. When wearing an incontinence article in the form of panties, there are sometimes high forces, which on one hand are determined by the weight of the absorbent element, which absorbs large amounts of fluid. On the other hand, high tensile forces are transferred within the material of the underpants, partly through the use of stretch bonding materials attached to the underpins, and in part by the tensile forces that are transferred by the user's movements. It turned out here that such high tensile stresses, surprisingly, occur both in mobile users who use an incontinence article almost as an element of underwear, as well as in chained to bed people requiring constant care, whose mobility is significantly reduced. Due to uncontrolled, in particular slower movements, the materials of the bottom part of the incontinence article have no way of avoiding the occurring tensile stress. Especially in such situations, connections of the incontinence article are subjected to considerable loads, especially between the crotch and abdominal parts and between the crotch and back parts.

[0004] If a large amount of, especially a surface-applied, adhesive material is used to produce a stable and permanently tensile stress connection between the crotch portion and the abdominal part, this adversely leads to stiffening in the region of overlap of the crotch portion and abdominal or back part. On the one hand, this is unpleasantly felt by the user and on the other hand, it may impede the desired expansion of the under materials in this respect, but it should also be mentioned here that in this respect surface expansion is often not desirable. However, also in this case the problem arises that adhesive materials make it difficult to achieve the desired properties of the product.

[0005] In this light, the object of the invention is to solve the problems described, in particular to create a stable connection between the crotch portion and the abdominal part and between the crotch portion and the back portion in a species-like incontinence article in the form of briefs, so as not to bind this has consequences in the form of deterioration of wearing comfort or other consequences in the form of a negative effect on the functionality of the incontinence article.

[0006] This task is solved according to the invention by an incontinence article with the features according to claim 1.

[0007] Due to the fact that both the abdominal part and the back part are formed with an edge contour extending in the direction of the longitudinal longitudinal axis to limit the leg openings, it is possible on the one hand to achieve a large, surface covering between the crotch portion and the abdominal part or crotch and back, which is important to create a stable connection between the three components of the incontinence article. On the other hand, it is created by this

- 3 corresponding to the leg holes contour line. In addition, a range of the abdominal and back portion, extending in the direction to the longitudinal longitudinal axis, remaining on the crotch side and facing the leg openings, in which the second flexing means can be positioned according to the stress ratios expected therein. The first elasticity means running each time in a distance from each other and parallel to each other are used to make the abdominal surface and back part more flexible. They preferably have the same pretension and serve to substantially surface, continuous, even elasticity of the abdominal and back portion in a range clearly above the leg openings. Thus, it is possible that the first flexing means will have a stronger pre-tension in the upper hip edge range, or that several such elasticizing agents will occur a short distance from each other in order to obtain a slightly stronger elasticity at the hip edge.

[0008] Because the crotch portion is formed with a very protruding maximum width in the transverse direction of at least 200 mm, and the overhang material on the backsheet and / or topsheet material - in total on both sides of the absorption element , i.e. the left and right sides - at least 25% in relation to the largest width of the crotch, a larger overlap is created between the crotch portion and the abdominal portion on one side and between the crotch portion and the back portion on the other. Due to the large protrusion of the crotch material of the crotch laterally, in addition to the absorption element, an evenly large range of overlap between the crotch portion and the abdominal or back portion, outside the absorption element, is achieved, which in turn implies the benefits of functional technology . On the one hand, the connection between the crotch portion and the abdominal part or back part must be optimized, and on the other hand, it must occur with the least possible impact on the component of the absorption element. The greater the extent of overlap between the crotch and abdominal part or the crotch and back portion outside the absorption element, the greater the degree of freedom in terms of creating a functional connection. The large overhang of the underside materials in the transverse direction, above the absorption element, also advantageously creates the possibility of planning additional elasticizing means for leg parts in the longitudinal direction on both sides of the absorption element, which will run as far as possible from the absorption element. In this way it can be prevented according to the invention that they are exerted by elasticizing means of the leg parts deforming the force absorbing element, loading it by tensile and compressive stress. Such forces that cannot be calculated negatively affect the absorption properties of the absorption element. In such cases, uncontrolled sealing or expansion of the ranges of the absorption element may occur, which adversely affect the intended absorption properties. In this context, the relatively large overlap between the crotch portion and the abdominal portion or between the crotch portion and the back portion is also determined by the amount of crotch area in the entire surface of the incontinence article of 2555%, and further by the fact that the crotch portion in at least 12% is applied with the surface

- 4 parts of the abdomen and at least 20% applied to the surface of the back. According to the features of patent claim 1, an incontinence article is generally formed in the form of three-piece briefs in which, on the one hand, it is possible to implement a certain combination of elements so that it does not, however, result in a deterioration in wearing comfort or the functionality of the incontinence article or its elements.

[0009] In a further embodiment of the invention, a solution in which the amount of the surface of the crotch portion in the entire surface of the incontinence article is 30-47%, in particular 35-47% and further in particular 35-45%, turns out to be advantageous.

[0010] In addition, a solution in which the overhang of the backsheet material and / or topsheet material in the transverse direction over the absorption element - in total for both sides of the absorption element, i.e. in total left and right side - turns out to be 30-50%, in in particular 30-45% and further in particular 35-45%, relative to the largest width of the crotch portion.

[0011] The extent of overlap between the crotch portion and the abdominal part is in a further embodiment of the invention shaped so that the abdominal part is 15-40%, in particular 15-35% and further in particular 15-25% applied to the surface abdominal part. Preferably, the crotch portion is applied to the ventral portion with a surface area of ​​25,000 - 45,000 mm².

[0012] The extent of overlap between the crotch portion and the back portion is in a further embodiment of the invention shaped so that the crotch portion is 20-40%, in particular 20-35% and further in particular 22-32% overlapped on the surface of the back portion . Preferably, the crotch portion is applied to the back portion with a surface of 35000-65000 mm², in particular with a surface area of ​​40,000-55,000 mm².

[0013] The overlap of the crotch portion with the back portion is preferably greater than the overlap of the crotch portion with the abdominal portion.

[0014] In addition, it proves to be particularly advantageous that the crotch portion can be connected to the abdominal portion and / or to the back portion by means of an amount of adhesive not applied over the entire surface. Namely, it turned out that when applying the glue, not the entire surface affects the properties of the under materials to a lesser extent than if glue applied over the entire surface to form a combination of the crotch part and the abdominal part or back part. When applying the adhesive, not the entire surface can be, for example, a pattern in the form of stripes, a bridge, continuous or discontinuous grid structure or ranges in the form of islands, as well as the adhesive structure in the form of stripes.

[0015] In shaping the incontinence article according to the invention, it is possible, and for some reasons advantageous, also when the absorption element is 5-20%, in particular 5-15% applied with the abdominal surface and / or 10-20%, in especially 10-15%, applied to the surface of the back.

[0016] The extension of the abdominal and back portion in the side seams in the longitudinal direction is preferably at least 100 mm, in particular at least 150 mm and in particular 150 mm to 220 mm.

[0017] The minimum distance of the abdominal portion and back portion from each other in the longitudinal direction is preferably 250 to 400 mm.

[0018] The maximum extension of the crotch portion in the transverse direction, i.e. the maximum width, is preferably 200 to 350 mm, in particular 250 to 320 mm.

[0019] The relatively large overhang of the backsheet material and / or topsheet material on both sides of the absorption element thus means a wide crotch portion with a relatively narrow absorption element. Due to this, it is possible to create elasticizing means for leg parts, extending along the leg openings in the crotch portion, which will have a relatively large distance from the material-containing and not very flexible absorption element. This results in a good seal and good alignment of the leg edges of the crotch on both sides. In such cases, the high-absorbent material, which is rigid compared to thin soles, only slightly hinders the formation of a fluid-tight leg joint area; therefore, in order to create a fluid-tight leg joint area, it is not necessary to apply extremely high stresses, which in turn has a positive effect on the comfort of wearing the incontinence article.

[0020] In a still further embodiment of the invention, it turns out to be particularly advantageous when the leg elastification means end in a longitudinal direction of at least 10 mm, in particular 20 mm before the second elasticity means. Particularly advantageous is the situation where the leg elastification means end in the longitudinal direction before the abdominal part and / or before the back part. The stress and restoring force exerted by them do not affect the stress properties envisaged according to the invention within the abdominal and back portion of the abdominal and back portion, in which the second flexing means occur, expanding.

[0021] It is further preferred that the leg elastification means extend with a variable distance from the absorption element and at their longitudinal ends have a greater distance to the absorption element than in the center.

[0022] As flexibilisers for the leg parts, preferably, fiber-like or tape-elasticizing agents, such as rubber or polyether polyurethane or polyester polyurethane fibers, preferably elastic fibers such as Lycra® or Spandex® fibers are used.

The leg elasticity means preferably have a thickness of 300 - 1500 dtex, in particular 500 - 1200 dtex, further in particular 500 - 900 dtex.

[0023] The elasticizing means of the leg parts are preferably attached with a pretension of 1.5 - 6.0, in particular 2.5 - 4.5, to the crotch material of the crotch portion forming the bottom part. Pretension is defined as the factor of the degree of expansion relative to the non-expanded / relaxed flexing agent.

[0024] When designing panties for incontinence, it was noted that the wide parts of the incontinence article should be made in a flexible form, i.e. allowing stretching to fit the dimensions of the user's body. This led to the not always correct assumption that the largest part of the undercoating materials of the incontinence article should be made using flexible, stretchable or elastic materials, in particular by introducing the said elasticizing agents using the stretch bond technique. Independently or additionally, it was strived for the incontinence leg leg openings to be as flexible as possible to achieve effective protection against leakage of excreta from the sides.

[0025] However, it has not been noticed that the flexible construction of the bottom materials also has significant disadvantages, especially due to the introduction of linearly extending elasticity means. Admittedly, thanks to the surface, i.e. substantially continuous in terms of width, elasticity of the bottom materials, it can be achieved that the panties incontinence article can be adapted to various body sizes, the article itself can therefore be put on in the shape intended for it given user. However, this is often associated with very high tensile stresses in the under materials, which makes it uncomfortable for the user to wear this type of incontinence article. Flexibility agents often cut into the surface of the skin, causing unpleasant sensations and sometimes even causing pain, skin irritation and, especially in combination with moist surroundings, skin wounds. Trousers that remain under high tensile stress often adhere closely to the user's skin surface, which also when using breathable materials creates a moist microclimate in the skin's surface area and can have fatal effects on the user's skin surface. In this case, the gas phase is not formed in the immediate vicinity of the skin surface, but the liquid phase. Regardless of this, the strong pretension in the area of ​​the elasticizing agents leads to the formation of pleats, i.e. a large number of folds or creases per centimeter (towards the elastic effect of the elasticizing agents). Such a three-dimensional wavy structure, under strong stress, which is exerted by elasticizing agents, is pressed against the skin surface and initiates especially with high mobility of the user movements that again irritate the skin surface and lead to unpleasant and sometimes requiring medical intervention, skin irritation.

[0026] Since the flexibilisers are arcuate or transversely (with respect to the machine direction), which is often used to achieve a surface-elastic, generally covering all materials, elasticity pants, the problem is that, in a given string of elements, transversely towards the machine direction, a longer distance must be traveled and thus there is a stronger pre-tension of the elasticizing agents as part of the stretch bond technique. This usually leads to a stronger, flexible resistance in terms of the expansion of the respective parts

- 7 underpants, compared with parts where the flexibilisers are placed towards the machine. This can have problematic consequences.

[0027] For the surface elasticity of the abdominal and back parts, first flexing means located at a certain distance from each other and extending parallel to each other in the transverse direction and towards the hip circumference are used. They preferably have the same pretension and are primarily used for continuous surface, even elasticity of the abdominal and back parts in a range clearly above the leg openings. For this reason, it is possible that the first elasticizing agents in the upper boundary region of the hips will exhibit a stronger preload or many of these elasticizing agents will occur at a short distance from each other in order to achieve greater elasticity on the hip contour.

[0028] According to the invention, it has been found, inter alia, that the stress properties in the abdominal side and the back portion facing the leg openings are responsible for the problems described at the beginning and can be shaped so that these problems do not occur or occur only to a limited extent. According to the invention, the part remaining on the crotch side and facing the leg openings, in which the second elasticizing means expand in the direction of the longitudinal central axis, is formed such that the restoring force arising at the surface expansion of the part is smaller than the surface extension at the part remaining after the side of the hip, in which only the first flexibilisers are provided. The term "hip side" means that this part is in the longitudinal direction beyond the part remaining on the crotch side and facing the leg openings with the expanding second elasticizing means. The restoring force is the force that the abdominal and back parts exert in relation to the surface extension in the direction of the elasticity. According to the invention, it was considered important that the part remaining on the crotch side and facing the leg at the surface extension along the second elastification means is created with less restoring force than the regions adjacent to it in the longitudinal direction, which are located further from the crotch and from the openings on legs, for example in particular the regions in which the first elasticizing agents are located. In this way, a better comfort of wearing the incontinence article is achieved and the problems described above occur to a lesser extent, because the incontinence article in the crotch area or leg openings can be expanded to a larger extent according to the size and shape of the body, but there is no unpleasant increase restoring forces with the consequences described.

[0029] In order to determine the forces restoring dimensioned batches, the material underneath can be directly, evenly, non-destructively stressed between two clamping jaws of a specified, even width, and the restoring forces can be determined at a specific extension, simulating the state of use of the measured areas by 30% or 50% or 80% of the original length (clamping jaw distance at clamping)

- 8 measured range in the unstressed state). The clamping jaws should position as much as possible, but at least two, side by side flexing means of the measured range and be oriented vertically to the course of the flexing means, so that the expansion between the clamps is substantially in the direction of the flexing means.

[0030] In a still further embodiment of the invention, it has also been found that the stress properties in said abdominal and back portion of the crotch and back openings are important in terms of wearing comfort and can be shaped such that comfort wearing will be improved. In this regard, the extent remaining on the side of the crotch and facing the leg openings in which the second elasticizing means widen towards the longitudinal central axis is so created that with the surface extension of this range, the restoring force that occurs at the same time decreases towards crotch section.

[0031] Regarding this, the side of the abdominal and back portion remaining on the side of the crotch and facing towards the legs, looking in a direction extending from a given range of side seams, towards the crotch portion, i.e. towards the longitudinal central axis of the incontinence article and to some extent towards the arcuate extension of the second flexibilisers, the restoring force occurring at the surface expansion is reduced in this direction. It is therefore a force that the abdominal and back parts oppose to surface expansion. The reduction of this restoring force, which is then naturally transmitted to the user, is combined with a significant improvement in the comfort of wearing the incontinence article.

[0032] Particularly favorable has been the situation when the reduction of restoring force in said step-remaining and facing towards the leg openings, abdominal part and back part occurs in such a way that a decreasing number of creases in the transverse direction is created towards the crotch part. incontinence article in cm. In this case, the abdominal portion and back portion can expand to suit the wearer's body shape, while the elastic underlying material forces created thereby do not cause wrinkling and multiple folds. At this point, it should be noted again that the reduction of restoring force towards the crotch portion means that the given force, which is exerted as a consequence of the surface expansion, becomes smaller as the crotch portion approaches. The restoring force as a consequence of the surface expansion is therefore greater in the part closer to the side seam than in the part closer to the crotch portion.

[0033] The said stress properties can be achieved in a variety of ways, for example by using elastic materials with different elasticity in the transverse direction, in the part remaining on the crotch side and facing the leg openings, in which second flexing means are also provided . It would also be possible that the pretension of the second flexibilisers would be reduced as the crotch portion approaches, i.e. from the outside inwards, towards the longitudinal central axis. In addition, it would be possible

- a reduction of the restoring force at the surface expansion by the fact that the distance of the second flexibilisers would increase, and it should be remembered here that this is not compensated by a clear increase in the initial stress due to the expanded course of the flexibilisers, nor does it increase in the increasing direction restoring force.

[0034] A situation in which the minimum distance between the second flexibilisers (distance from the adjacent flexibilisers) is particularly advantageous in parts of the side seams is 3 to 8 mm, preferably 3 to 7 mm, particularly preferably 3 to 6 mm.

In addition, it has proved to be advantageous if the maximum distance between the second flexibilisers (distance from the adjacent flexibilisers) on the edge of the absorption element or on the longitudinal edge of the crotch portion is 7 to 35 mm, preferably 10 to 32 mm, and particularly preferably 12 to 30 mm.

[0036] In addition, the situation when the second flexibilisers have an extension degree F has proved advantageous

<img file="PL2180863T3_D0001.tif" />

from 50 to 900%, preferably from 100 to 700%, particularly preferably from 150 to 550%.

[0037] Here, the degree of expansion F is defined as the ratio of the increase in distance (AB) to the minimum distance (B) in percent. The sizes A and B are defined as the distance of the outermost second elasticity in the longitudinal direction from the innermost second elasticity in the longitudinal direction (i.e. this is not the distance from the second elasticity directly next to each other), namely A as the maximum distance , especially at the longitudinal edge of the crotch portion, or at the edge of the absorption element, and B as the minimum distance, especially in the area of ​​side seams. It has also been found to be advantageous when the degree of expansion F of the second flexibilisers is greater in the back than in the abdominal.

[0038] Due to natural conditions of the body shape in the back or abdominal part of the wearer, the problems listed here prove to be the most important, especially in the back and sitting parts. In this respect, it has proved to be advantageous when the maximum distance between the second flexibilisers at the edge of the absorption element is greater in the back portion than in the abdominal portion.

[0039] It is also possible that the second flexing means will continue from a part of the side seams to the second part of the side seams, which in particular simplifies the introduction of elements in a continuous production process compared to the "cut and place" process. As a consequence of covering the crotch part with the abdominal part or back part, depending on the shape, overlap or

- a cover comprising a plurality of absorbent element material with the abdominal part and / or back part, and thus also with the given abdominal and back part remaining on the crotch side and facing the leg openings in which the second elasticizing means extend. The absorbent element containing many materials usually prevents the elastic expansion of the under materials. In addition, it is not very advantageous if the absorbent elements containing a lot of material are exposed to additional stress. Therefore, it may prove to be advantageous when the second flexibilisers are deactivated in the region of overlap with the crotch absorption element in terms of their elastic properties. Such deactivation can take place, for example, by introducing multiple divisions on the second flexibilisers in the area of ​​absorption by the absorption element, other division techniques are also possible, e.g. by means of ultrasonic welding or using a laser.

[0040] It should be mentioned that also the first flexibilisers can be inactivated in terms of their elastic properties in the portion covered by the absorption element.

[0041] Attention has already been drawn to the fact that the second flexibilisers, irrespective of the stress properties according to the invention, according to the path of the extended course, can be exposed to stronger expansion and thus to a higher initial stress in the production of the incontinence article. than in the non-extended part, in which they extend essentially equidistantly towards each other and towards the machine. This stronger pre-tension can typically occur as a result of the introduction of second flexibilisers in the usual and therefore not described in detail stretch stretch process.

[0042] In terms of the overall dimensions of the incontinence article, it has proved to be advantageous when the distance (C) of the inward facing, innermost, second flexing means of the abdominal part from the corresponding inward facing, innermost, second inward flexing means of the back is 250 to 420 mm.

[0043] The distance of the innermost, crotch-facing, second flexing agent from the leg-limiting edge of the crotch side and facing the leg openings of the abdominal and back portion is preferably 2-40 mm, more preferably 3-30 mm , particularly preferably 4-15 mm.

[0044] As first and / or second flexibilisers, preferably, elastomeric fibers, such as rubber or polyether polyurethane or polyester polyurethane fibers, preferably elastic fibers, such as Lycra® fibers or Spandex® fibers are used.

The first and / or second flexibilisers are preferably 300-1500 dtex thick, preferably 500-900 dtex, particularly preferably 500-600 dtex.

[0045] The first and / or second flexing means are preferably attached with an initial tension of 1.5-6.0, in particular 2.5-5.0, to the underlying material forming the abdominal part and the back part. The preload is here determined as a factor of the degree of expansion relative to the unexpanded / relaxed state of the flexibiliser.

[0046] It has proved to be advantageous that the abdominal part and the back part, at least outside the absorption element, are surface-elasticized transversely, substantially constantly in the longitudinal direction, and here also the stress properties provided according to the invention should be maintained or realized.

[0047] The underside materials of the abdominal part and / or back part preferably include nonwoven materials, such as nonwoven fabric obtained from the bottom, a carded nonwoven or a through air bonded nonwoven. Particularly preferably, the underside material forming the abdominal part and / or the back part comprises a nonwoven fabric obtained by the "under the filament" method. The nonwoven materials used for the abdominal and / or back portion preferably have a surface weight of 10-30 g / m2², more preferably 15-25 g / m2². Particularly preferably, the abdominal and back portion comprise a nonwoven fabric obtained from the bottom of the polypropylene method, especially with a surface weight of 15-25 g / m2.².

[0048] The crotch portion preferably includes a fluid impermeable backsheet material and a non-woven topsheet material. The "backsheet" material is especially a foil, in particular a foil having a surface weight of 18-40 g / m2². The "backsheet" material includes in particular a liquid impermeable foil when used but at the same time breathable and thus water vapor permeable, especially a micropore foil. The water vapor permeability of the "backsheet" material is in particular at least 300 g / m2²/ 24h, further in particular at least 1000 g / m²/ 24h, further in particular at least 2000 g / m²/ 24h, further in particular at least 3000 g / m²/ 24h, further in particular at least 4000 g / m²/ 24h, further in particular a maximum of 6000 g / m²/ 24, measured according to DIN 53 122-1 (edition: 2001-08).

[0049] The absorbent body comprises materials absorbing body secretions, eg natural and synthetic fibers, especially cellulose fibers, preferably in the form of pulp. Preferably, the absorption element additionally includes materials with a high degree of absorption (so-called SAP), in particular based on moisturized, partially neutralized polyacrylates.

[0050] The crotch portion or the longitudinal edges of the crotch portion which delimit the leg openings are preferably made in an arcuate form with clearly defined contours.

[0051] Further features, details and advantages of the invention result from the appended claims and drawings as well as from the following description of a preferred embodiment of the incontinence article according to the invention. The figure shows:

Figure 1 a top view of the incontinence article according to the invention, wherein the abdominal part, the back part and the crotch part connecting the two parts

- 12 incontinences are not yet joined to form panties, but are presented in a flat and expanded state;

Figure 2 a partial shot of the incontinence article of Figure 1;

Figure 3 a top view of the crotch portion of the incontinence article of Figure 1, again in a flat form in an expanded state;

Figure 4 a cross-section (schematic) along the transverse central axis of the crotch portion with the intersection plane IV-IV of Figure 3;

Figure 5, corresponding to Figure 4, a cross-section (schematic) of the crotch portion with the intersection plane VV of Figure 3, with the barrier means outstretched and facing upwards;

Figure 6 perspective view (schematic) of the incontinence article inserted by the user of Figure 1;

Figure 7, corresponding to Figure 1, a top view of the incontinence article according to the invention for illustrating the connection of the crotch and the abdominal part or the back and

Figures 8 and 9 illustrate, for example, the determination of restoring forces in the abdominal or back portion of the incontinence article according to the invention.

[0052] The figures show, generally labeled 2, an incontinence article in the form of panties intended to receive solid and liquid body excretions. The incontinence article 2 consists of three components largely independent of each other, namely the anterior abdominal part 4, posterior posterior part 6 and sandwiched between them and covering the absorption element 7 of the crotch part 8, with the crotch part 8 applying defined surface with the abdominal part 4 on one side and the back part 6 on the other, and in the range of overlapping it is permanently connected at the factory. As can be seen in Figure 1, this leads to the formation of the H-shaped basic structure of the incontinence article with the longitudinal direction 9. The components connected in Figure 1 are then joined to form the panties schematically shown in Figure 6, in side data, the longitudinal edge portions 10, 12 of the abdominal portion 4 and back portion 6 are also factory-assembled together, thereby forming ranges of side seams 14 on both sides (Figure 6). In such a factory-made state of the panties for incontinence, the abdominal part 4 and back part 6 extend in the transverse direction and towards the circumference of the hips 16, continuously, to the side seam ranges 14 and define the closed hip direction, hip opening 18 and holes on legs 19, through which the user puts on an incontinence article, such as panties.

[0053] The abdominal part 4 can be divided into a part on the hip side 20 and a part 22 on the crotch side and facing towards the leg openings. A corresponding division is provided in the back part 6, namely in the hip part 24 and on the crotch side and facing the leg openings, part 26.

[0054] In the hip part 20 of the abdominal part 4 and hip part 24 of the back portion 6, first flexing means 28 are provided, which may in particular be elasticizing agents in the form of threads, such as Lycra threads, which in a pre-condition extended, the so-called stretch bond technique, are combined with flat materials (materials of the bottom part) of the abdominal part 4 and back part 6. These first flexing means 28 extend in the transverse direction and in the direction of the hip circumference 16 from one side seam range 14 to the other.

[0055] Remaining on the crotch side and facing the leg openings 19 part 22 of the abdominal part 4 or 26 of the back part 6 have a diverging or extending hip circumference 16 towards the transverse central axis of the crotch portion 8, the edge 32 or 34. This edge 32, 34 is also arcuate according to Figure 1, and is therefore suitable for limiting leg openings 19. Due to such a course, the parts 22 or 26 remaining on the crotch side and facing the leg openings also have a relatively large overlap range 36, 38 between the crotch portion 8 and the abdominal portion 4 or back portion 6, which is of great importance with respect to obtaining a tear-resistant connection of the crotch portion 8 and the abdominal portion 4 or back portion 6. The larger the overlap range 36, 38, the smaller the amount of adhesive used, relative to the surface area of ​​the overlap, which is advantageous in the context of the rigidity of the under materials. Adhesive bonding does not have to be over the entire surface here.

[0056] The data remaining on the crotch side and facing the leg openings 19, part 22, 26 of the abdominal part 4 or back part 6 is also made in a flexible form. Second flexing means 40 or 42 are provided. Second flexing means 40, 42 extend each time extending from the side seam ranges 14 towards the longitudinal central axis 44 of the incontinence article. As can be seen in Figures 1 and 2, the second flexing means 40, 42 widen in the direction of the longitudinal central axis 44. This means that the distance between them in the direction of the longitudinal central axis 44 increases. Such expansion of the second flexibilisers 40 or 42 can also be quantified in more detail by the example of Figure 2. For example, the second flexibilisers 42 of the back portion 6 shown in Figure 2 have a minimum spacing of 3 to 8 mm from each other in the side seam ranges 14 (spacing from adjacent flexibilisers), and have a maximum spacing on the edge of the absorption element 8 from next to each other elasticity means) from 7 to 35 mm apart. Based on Figure 2, the extent of extension F can be defined as follows:

F = (AB) / Β * 100%.

[0057] This degree of expansion can preferably be in the range from 50 to 900%, especially from 100 to 700%, and further in particular from 150 to 550%. In the back part 6 it is preferably larger than in the abdominal part 4. Sizes A and B are defined as the distance from the outermost in the longitudinal direction 9 of the second flexing agent 40, 42 from the innermost in the longitudinal direction 9

- 14 of the second flexibilizer 40, 42 (i.e., this is not a distance from the flexibilizers located directly next to each other), namely A as the maximum distance, especially on the longitudinal edge 48 of the crotch portion 8, and B as the minimum distance, especially in terms of side seams 14.

[0058] If the degree of expansion at the second flexing means 40, 42 is selected with a suitable supply, it will be possible to realize a decreasing restoring force within the crotch side remaining on the crotch side 19 of the part 22 or 26 towards the crotch portion 19 8, as long as it is ensured that as a consequence of the deviating from the iliac and transverse directions 16, the arcuate course of the second flexibilisers 40, 42 there will be no increase in the initial stress as a consequence of the further path of the second flexibilisers 40, 42. Regarding the closer side seam range 14, the range 50 of the crotch portion 22 and 26 remaining on the crotch side 8 range 52, the restoring force that arises with the surface extension of the range 52 (extension towards the flexibilisers) is less than the given restoring force that arises when expanding the 50 range. This advantageously leads to the fact that, as a consequence of the smaller, elastic forces that are exerted in the exemplified case by the second flexing means 40, 42, the materials of the pants of the abdominal part 4 and the back part 6 are less pleated and thus a smaller pleat is created. number of creases / folds 54, starting from a given range of side seams 14, towards the crotch portion 8. Due to the fact that the restoring forces arising from the surface expansion of the abdominal part in the crotch side remaining on the crotch side and facing the leg openings 22 or back part 6 decrease in the direction of arrow 56, i.e. essentially from the range of side seams 14 in towards the crotch portion 8, a significant improvement in wearing comfort is achieved, because it is in these ranges - as stated according to the invention - that the elastically expandable materials turn out to be particularly problematic, since these materials, in accordance with the body shapes, are particularly exposed to tensile and expanding loads in these ranges. By reducing this restoring force according to the invention, i.e. by restoring force decreasing in the direction of arrow 56, i.e. in the direction of approaching the crotch portion 8, a previously unrealized degree of freedom is created here, with which it is possible to solve the problems mentioned at the beginning.

[0059] As already mentioned, restoring forces can be determined directly on the bottom of the incontinence article. In this regard, a given range of the abdominal part 4 or back part 6 is stretched between two clamping jaws 102, 104 (see Figure 8) with a specified, same width (b), and then restoring forces are determined, with a defined simulation of use extension measured range, in particular 30% or 50% or 80% of the original length (distance of the clamping jaws in the unstretched state). The clamping jaws 102, 104 are moved away from each other. The clamping jaws 102, 104 should fix as much as possible, but at least two adjacent elasticizing means 40, 42 or

- the measuring range and should generally be oriented rectangularly to the course of the flexing means, so that there will be an expansion between the clamping jaws 102, 104, i.e. movement of the clamping jaws 102, 104 away from each other, substantially in the direction of the flexing means. This is illustrated in Figures 8 and 9. Figure 8 generally illustrates the arrangement of clamping jaws 102, 104 to compare restoring forces in the step side 22 and 26 facing the leg openings with restoring forces in the range 20,24 in the hip side. Figure 9 generally shows the system clamping jaws 102, 104 to compare restoring forces in the proximal part of the crotch portion 8 with restoring forces in the proximal range of the side seams 14.

[0060] In the preferred embodiment of the incontinence article 2 shown, the distance C of the inward facing, innermost, second flexing agent 40 of the abdominal part 4 from the corresponding, inward facing, innermost second flexing agent 42 of the back portion 6 is from 250 to 420 mm, depending on the size of the incontinence article. The second flexing means 40, 42 extend essentially to the transverse side 58, 60 of the abdominal portion and the back portion 6 facing toward the crotch. The distance between the abdominal portion 4 and the back portion 6 is 250-400 mm.

[0061] The distance between the innermost, second flexing means 40, 42 from the leg-limiting edge 32, 34 remaining on the crotch side and facing the leg-opening portions 22, 26 of the abdominal part 4 and back portion 6, it is preferably 2-40 mm, more preferably 3-30 mm, particularly preferably 4-15 mm.

[0062] The extension of the abdominal portion 4 and the back portion 6 in the range of side seams 14 in the longitudinal direction 9 is preferably from 100 to 220 mm. The maximum extension of the crotch portion 8 in the transverse direction 16 is preferably 200 to 350 mm.

[0063] The crotch portion 8 includes a fluid impermeable backsheet material 62, which may be formed by a breathable but fluid impermeable film material, as well as a "topsheet" material 64, preferably based on a nonwoven fabric. Between the "backsheet" material and the "topsheet" material, as shown in Figures 4, 5, an absorption element 7 is arranged. In the example shown, the "backsheet" material 62 forms in the transverse direction 16 an overhang 66 over the absorption element 7. Topsheet 64 protrudes over the absorption element 7 in a lateral direction only to a certain extent; on both sides of the absorption element 7 in the longitudinal direction 9 a barrier means 68 is provided, which typically is in the form of a protruding cuff or band element and is preferably formed by a hydrophobic, especially fluid-impermeable nonwoven material which extends in the transverse direction 16, preferably to the side longitudinal edges of the 48 crotch portion 8. The distal ends 70 of the barrier means 68 include further flexibilisers 72 that raise the barrier means 68 when using the incontinence article above the user's skin surface, as schematically shown in Figure 5. In the final data

- 16 longitudinal ranges 74, lateral barrier means 68 are set by schematically marked arrangements 76, 78, on topsheet 64, or on a C-shaped corrugated configuration. It is preferred and important that the internal barrier means 78 visible in Figure 4 68 takes over automatically running in the transverse direction 16 within the outer fixture 76, which forms the line of the cuff element 80 continuously running in the longitudinal direction 9. In contrast, internal fixing 78 is only provided in the end longitudinal ranges 74 of the barrier means 68.

[0064] It has proved particularly advantageous here that the overhang 66 material in the "backsheet" 62 and / or "topsheet" 64 above the absorption element 7 - with the sum of both sides of the absorption element, i.e. the sum of the left and right sides - is at least 25%, relative to the maximum width of the crotch portion 8. In the transverse direction 16, space is created for accommodating the leg opening (19) elasticizing means of the leg parts 82. The situation has proved to be favorable when the elasticizing means of the leg parts 82 extend with a certain distance from the high-containing material and thus the bending-resistant absorption element 7, so that on the one hand no additional expansion or torsion forces are exerted on the absorption element, which could negatively affect its absorption properties, on the other hand to achieve largely independent of the absorption element, leak-tight closing of the leg opening. In the presented case, it has proved particularly advantageous that the elasticizing means of the leg parts 82 end in the longitudinal direction 9 with a clear distance of at least 10 mm overall, preferably at least 20 mm before the second elasticizing means 40 and 42 of the abdominal part 4 or back. 6. Preferably, the leg elastification means 82 end in the longitudinal direction 9 before the abdominal part 4 and the back portion 6. This is advantageous and important in that the leg elastification means 82 in this case have little effect on the behavior of the abdominal part 4 and back part in terms of stress properties or no impact at all. It has been found that, in accordance with the invention envisaged, to achieve the goal of increasing the comfort of wearing the incontinence article, especially in the remaining on the crotch side and facing the leg openings 19 parts 22 and 26 of the abdominal part 4 and back part 6 there is a negative effect when they run here, usually created with high initial stress and with sufficient force to restore the elasticity of the leg parts 82.

[0065] As can be seen in Figure 1, a relatively large lateral overhang 66 is provided at the crotch portion 8 over the absorption element 7, also in the crotch portion facing the abdominal portion 4 or back portion 6. Through this - what was pointed out attention already here - a relatively large overlap range 36, 38 of the crotch portion 8 with the abdominal part 4 and the back portion 6 is achieved. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the range of overlap 36 of the crotch portion 8 with the abdominal portion 4 covers at least 12% of the surface of the abdominal portion 4 and the range of overlap 38 of the crotch portion 8 with the back portion 6 covers at least 20% of the surface of the back portion 6. This has proved

It is advantageous because in such a case it is possible to obtain a stable attachment of the crotch portion 8 to the abdominal part 4 or to the back portion 6, even when full-surface gluing is not used. Thus, it is preferably sufficient when partial or reduced gluing is used for joining. This is advantageous because the materials so combined do not become too stiff.

[0066] With the example of Figure 7, which corresponds to Figure 1, another preferred detail of the incontinence article according to the invention is explained. By using the ternary idea of ​​producing an incontinence article according to the invention, an overhang 90 is created between the crotch portion 8 and the abdominal part 4 and the overhang 92 between the crotch portion 8 and the back portion 6, where unevenness, i.e. including corners or angles and bends, the course of the edges of the bottom materials usually occurs , restricting leg holes 19. There is a danger that within the passages 90, 92 there will be climaxes of forces that may lead to the tearing of the under materials, which may adversely affect the connection of the crotch portion 8 to the abdominal part 4, or to the back part 6. In order to counteract therefore, in each overhang 90 and 92, a reinforcing coating 94, 96 is provided for the fluid-impermeable backsheet material 62 of the crotch portion 8. It turned out to be sufficient when the reinforced coating 94, 96 was planned only within the dashed line of Figure 7. The reinforcing coating 94, 96 is applied in the exemplary and preferred case shown on the abdominal part 4 and the back part 6 in the longitudinal direction only on about 10 up to 20 mm, especially around 15 mm. The reinforcing coating terminates in the longitudinal direction 9 before the longitudinal ends 98, 100 of the crotch portion, namely 30 mm in front of the abdominal longitudinal end 98 and at least 90 mm in front of the back longitudinal end 100. This has proved advantageous in that In this case, the reinforcing coating 94, 96 does not cause unnecessary stiffening of the under materials in the areas in which it is not useful but even undesirable and unnecessary. In addition, you can save on material costs as well. This does not affect the possibility of planning a reinforcing coating 94, 96 not only in transition 90 or 92.

[0067] The reinforcing coating 94, 96 preferably consists of a non-woven material, in particular a non-woven fabric obtained by the polypropylene "under the filament" method, especially with a surface weight of 10-20 g / m², preferably 12-17 g / m2².

Mirosława Ważyńska Patent Attorney