Two-piece wearable absorbent articles

Background to the invention

Reusable nappies are most likely used since the invention of textiles. However, reusable cloth nappies have disadvantages in terms of maintaining hygiene and the need to effectively wash and sanitize soiled diapers for reuse.

For many people these defects have been eliminated by the relatively recent introduction of disposable diapers. After removing a dirty disposable diaper, you do not have to empty, work or handle it in any significant way, but simply throw it away in the state in which it is located. Any contaminated body areas can then be washed and, if necessary, put on a new clean disposable diaper.

For economic reasons, most disposable diapers in the market are made to a large extent from petroleum materials such as polypropylene and / or polyethylene. These materials often occur in the form of fibers forming fabric-like nonwoven materials or films, in combination or alternatively.

In recent years, there have been concerns about the "environmental footprint" of all kinds of human activities. The production and use of diapers is no exception, especially in the context of the growth of the human population, and thus also the growing number of infants. According to one opinion, the use of disposable diapers has a harmful effect on the environment, because the materials they are usually made of do not come from renewable resources and a large amount of energy is required for production. In addition, due to the fact that disposable diapers are usually not re-used or recycled, some believe that the tax on their storage by disposal companies, such as landfill is too low. However, in the case of an alternative product, i.e. reusable diapers, it seems

EP 2 376 046 wastewater is yet another set of factors affecting the environment. So how can one see the analysis leading to the answer to the question which of the alternative products is more "environmentally friendly" is complicated and, it seems, has not yet led to unquestionable conclusions.

However, no matter which alternative product can be considered more environmentally friendly, it seems that, nowadays, in developed countries, disposable diapers are usually considered by carers of infants and young children as better than reusable diapers. This can probably be attributed to the advantages associated with lowering or eliminating unpleasant sensations, hygiene problems and additional work and / or costs associated with handling and washing dirty reusable diapers. In addition, it is believed that many types of disposable diapers that are currently available on the market are superior to fabric diapers in terms of carrying and maintaining urine away from the skin and / or protecting the skin with care preparations,

The production of disposable diapers is widely recognized as capital-intensive. This is due to the fact that complicated machines are required to manufacture products from input materials (with economically feasible speeds often exceeding 450 products per minute and production line). Any innovations that simplify the technological process or equipment or reduce the costs of materials allow for a corresponding reduction in costs per product for the producer and the consumer.

In the context of the above issues, it would be advantageous if an absorbable absorbent article having the advantages of disposable and reusable diapers is available while reducing the number of drawbacks of the alternative products discussed. It would be advantageous if devices are provided that simplify production technology and / or reduce costs.

US Patent No. 6,142,983 discloses a disposable absorbent article with an outer cover, an absorbent base and an absorbent support element designed to hold the absorbent base.

EP 2 376 046

The patent US 2006/0247599 A1 refers to absorbent underwear provided with an outer shell shaped like underwear and an absorbent assembly inside it.

WO 95/10992 A1 discloses a diaper construction comprising an over-washable linen cover and a moisture-resistant reusable cartridge provided on the inside of the laundry. The removable, washable absorbent pad is adapted for positioning on the inner surface of the moisture resistant pad.

A brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an wearable absorbent article as it may appear when worn by a user on the lower torso;

Fig. 2A is a plan view of an open and flat base, with the outer surface facing the viewer;

Fig. 2B is a plan view of an open and flat base, with the interior surface facing the viewer;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a disposable absorbent pad shown separately from the base as it is in a free-standing, loose state;

Fig. 4 is a top view of a disposable absorbent body, shown as open and flat, with surfaces facing the body facing the viewer;

Fig. 5A is a sectional view of an element of the embodiment of the insert of Figure 4 taken along line 5A-5A in Figure 4;

Fig. 5B is a sectional view of an element of the embodiment of the insert of Fig. 4 taken along line 5B-5B in Fig. 4;

Fig. 5C is a sectional view of an element of the embodiment of the insert of Fig. 4 taken along line 5C-5C in Fig. 4;

Fig. 5D is a sectional view of an element of the example of the insert of Fig. 4 taken along line 5D-5D in Fig. 4;

Fig. 5E is a sectional view of an element of the embodiment of the insert of Fig. 4 taken along line 5E-5E in Fig. 4; and

Fig. 5F is a sectional view of an element of the embodiment of the insert of Fig. 4 taken along line 5F-5F in Fig. 4.

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Detailed description of the invention

definitions

For the purposes of this description, the following terms have the following meanings:

"Absorbent insert" means a wearable absorbent article that is adapted to retain and / or absorb urine, faeces, menstruation or any combination thereof and is adapted to be set up and removed as a modular unit from the base.

"Base" means a wearable absorbent article that is adapted to be folded around the lower torso of the wearer and is adapted to support the absorbent pad and hold the pad against the wearer's body.

"Disposable" when referring to an absorbent pad, means that the absorbent pad is not adapted or intended to be effectively washed in sanitary conditions in the ordinary housewashing process and using ordinary household appliances, which is usually unsuitable for re-using and effective for sanitary purposes, to ensure functions and performance in a condition that does not show signs of use, after being soiled with excretions and removed from the base. With the aid of non-limiting examples, effective washing may be thwarted or prevented, resulting in the disposable insole being incorporated by materials and / or constructions which, due to normal washing and drying at home, do not retain their substantial physical shape or structure characteristic of the condition. with no signs of use, to retain effectiveness when re-use as for a condition with no traces of use; which absorb water liquids and can not be sufficiently dried / dehydrated by means of ordinary household appliances for drying or in the normal drying cycles, in order to retain effectiveness when re-used as if in a condition not bearing any traces of use; which dissolve or significantly degrade during normal washing and drying at home, so that the pad will be substantially damaged or rendered unusable; and (or) which can not be effectively removed from excrements by ordinary washing so that they can ensure sanitation and otherwise be acceptable for re-use. which absorb water liquids and can not be sufficiently dried / dehydrated by means of ordinary household appliances for drying or in the normal drying cycles, in order to retain effectiveness when re-used as if in a condition not bearing any traces of use; which dissolve or significantly degrade during normal washing and drying at home, so that the pad will be substantially damaged or rendered unusable; and (or) which can not be effectively removed from excrements by ordinary washing so that they can ensure sanitation and otherwise be acceptable for re-use. which absorb water liquids and can not be sufficiently dried / dehydrated by means of ordinary household appliances for drying or in the normal drying cycles, in order to retain effectiveness when re-used as if in a condition not bearing any traces of use; which dissolve or significantly degrade during normal washing and drying at home, so that the pad will be substantially damaged or rendered unusable; and (or) which can not be effectively removed from excrements by ordinary washing so that they can ensure sanitation and otherwise be acceptable for re-use. to be effective when re-used as in a condition that does not bear traces of use; which dissolve or significantly degrade during normal washing and drying at home, so that the pad will be substantially damaged or rendered unusable; and (or) which can not be effectively removed from excrements by ordinary washing so that they can ensure sanitation and otherwise be acceptable for re-use. to be effective when re-used as in a condition that does not bear traces of use; which dissolve or significantly degrade during normal washing and drying at home, so that the pad will be substantially damaged or rendered unusable; and (or) which can not be effectively removed from excrements by ordinary washing so that they can ensure sanitation and otherwise be acceptable for re-use.

EP 2 376 046 "Fastener" means any component of the system that provides detachable fastening, attaching or holding the first structure to the second structure. The system may have one fastening element, e.g. a self-adhesive strip on a first structure, adapted to adhere to one or more surface types on a second structure, or a hook or a panel of hooks on a first structure adapted to capture one or more surface types on a second structure . As a further example, any structure, such as a pocket, strap, hook, buckle, etc. on the first structure, adapted to grip and hold, in whole or in part, the second structure, is a "fastening element" as used herein. The system may also include two or more fasteners, for example, individual elements of a hook-loop system (such as Velcro), suitable surfaces having a cohesive material applied to them; male and female snap fasteners, button and buttonhole, slit or loop, other elements that connect to each other to provide a fastener, etc. Other examples of fasteners include zip fasteners, overlapping zip fasteners, loops, posts, pockets, bands or tapes, micro-cuts, macros and fasteners, such as those described in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,936,039; 6,893,388; 6,669,618; button and buttonhole, slit or loop, other elements that connect to each other to provide a fastener, etc. Other examples of fasteners include zip fasteners, interlocking zip fasteners, loops, posts, pockets, bands or tapes, micro clamps, macros and fasteners, such as those described in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,936,039; 6,893,388; 6,669,618; button and buttonhole, slit or loop, other elements that connect to each other to provide a fastener, etc. Other examples of fasteners include zip fasteners, interlocking zip fasteners, loops, posts, pockets, bands or tapes, micro clamps, macros and fasteners, such as those described in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,936,039; 6,893,388; 6,669,618;

6,432,098; and 6,251,097 and in published US applications, publications No. 2005/0234419; 2005/0215971; 2005/0215970; 2005/0130821; 2004/0023771; 2003/0233082; 2003/0119641; 2003/0088220; and 2002/0169431.

"Crosswise" (and its forms), with respect to the user, means along a direction substantially transversal or across the direction of the user running from the front to the back or vice versa. With respect to the wearable element of the absorbent article, the term "transverse" (and its forms) means along a direction substantially transverse or across the direction running along the element, such as it would be properly located on the user, from the front to back of the user or vice versa.

"Oblong" (and its forms), with respect to the user, means along the direction of the user running substantially from front to back or vice versa. With regard to the wearable element of the absorbent article, the "oblong" (and its forms) means along the direction substantially

EP 2 376 046 running along the element as it would be properly located on the user, from the front to the back of the user or vice versa.

"Reusable", referring to the base means that the base is adapted to allow removal of at least the first insert and replace it with at least a second insert, without significantly destroying any base elements that are necessary to provide significant functionality in the base in the state of not bearing any signs of use, and without the need for any repair or reconstruction after such replacement of the insert.

'Use', in relation to the base, means one occurrence of the base, until the absorbent insert is replaced.

"User" means a carer or other person who may wear a wearable article on the body of the wearer. In the case where the wearer is able to put on himself an absorbent absorbent article, the wearer is also a "user".

"Wearer" means a person who can wear an absorbent absorbent article described in this document.

'Wearable absorbent article' means any article intended to be worn on the lower torso and to maintain and / or absorb urine, faeces, menstruation or any combination thereof. "Wearable absorbent article" includes, in particular, baby diapers (fastened with "tape", otherwise fastened, "pulled" or any other variety), training pants and adult pants for incontinence, panties, etc.

Wearable two-piece absorbent articles

Fig. 1 shows an example of an wearable absorbent article 10 having certain functions, such as it may look when worn by a wearer. The wearable absorbent article 10 may include an outer base 20 having a front waist edge 21, a rear waistband 22, and a pair of legs in legs 23.

Figs. 2A and 2B show the base 20 as it may look in an open and flat-folded state. In Fig. 2A, the outer surfaces of the base 20 are directed towards the viewer; in Fig. 2B, the inner surfaces of the base 20 are directed towards the viewer. The front and back waist portions 21, 22 are depicted in the upper and lower parts of the drawings respectively. The base 20 may have an area

EP 2 376 046 crotch 26, front area 27, rear area 28 and a pair of eye lugs 29 extending laterally from the rear area 28. The base 20 will have a length from the forward extended part of the front waistband 21 to the rearward extended portion of the rear waistband 22 and a side axis of the base 45 equally dividing this length. In this way, the front region 27 is at the front of the transverse axis of the base 45 and the rear area 28 is at the rear of the transverse axis of the base 45.

The base 20 may have one or more insert fasteners thereon, such as front and rear insert fasteners 33, 32.

Fig. 3 shows a disposable absorbent pad 50 that can form an inner wearable element 10, shown in a perspective view, as it may appear in a free-standing, free-standing condition, in addition to the base 20. The insert 50 can be designed for storage and storage. (or) absorbing excretions from the body and can be made of flexible materials, which will be described in more detail below.

The insert 10 has a front area 54 and a rear area 55 and may include a front fastener 56 and a back fastener 57. The insert 10 may include a padding facing the body or a top sheet 51, outer padding 52 or a pair of cuffs 53. Referring to FIG. Fig. 4, the insert 50 will have a length from the forward portion of the front area 54 to the rearmost portion of the rear area 55, and the transverse axis of the insert 70 equally dividing the length. In this way, the front region 54 is at the front of the transverse axis of the insert 70, and the rear region 55 is at the rear of the transverse axis of the insert 70.

Referring to Figs. 2B and 3, the insert 50 may have a rear fastener 57 positioned thereon. Alternatively, or additionally, the base 20 may have a rear attachment member 32 placed thereon. Similarly, the insert 50 may have a connector insert 56 on top of it. Alternatively, or in addition, the base 20 may have a connector insert 32 on top of it. If a two-part fastening system is used, the pairs of fasteners 57, 32 and 56, 33 may be cooperating elements that form a fastening between them when such respective elements are joined together. Thus, in the example shown, in order to install the absorbent pad 50 in the base 20, the user can lay the base 20 flat, the inner surface 25 facing upwards, extend and orient the insert 50 so that

The front fastener element 56 was directed towards the front fastener element 33, and joined together these respective pairs of fasteners 57, 32 and 56, 33, forming a joint between them.

If it is desired that the base 20 be reusable, allowing the base to remain substantially hygienic and usable (without having to be washed or disposed of) after removing and replacing the insert, it may be desirable that all parts of the base 20 remain substantially uncontaminated upon expulsion of the excrement. (especially droppings) by the wearer. Thus, it may be desirable that when the insert 50 is inserted within the base 20, there will be no non-removable part or base element 20 that lies over or covers a substantial portion of the insert faces 50 (otherwise, there will be no non-removable a part or base element 20 between the essential part of the insert 50 and the wearer when the wearable article is worn), at least in areas close to the wearer's body from which excretions are excreted. Thus, it may be desirable that the base 20 does not include an impervious cover layer or the like that covers or holds substantial portions of the user facing surface of the insert 50 within the base 20, nor any covering structures such as pockets, straps or panels, which essentially wrapping or covering the insert closest to the excretory or substantially-uplifting points between the insert 50 and the anus and / or genitalia of the wearer when the absorbent article is worn. If the base 20 does not have such covering structures, it may increase the likelihood that the excreta of the wearer will only touch the insert 50 and not the parts of the base 20. Referring to Fig. 1,

EP 2 376 046 immediately next to the wearer, with cuffs 53 facing and longitudinally adjacent to the inner part of the legs of the leg 23 (i.e. longitudinally between the legs of the wearer).

Examples of possible details of the base

Connection system

Referring to Figs. 2A and 2B, to enable the attachment of the latch lugs 29 to the front area 27, the latch lugs 29 may have base fastenings 30 thereon. Alternatively, or additionally, the front region 27 may have one or more receivers disposed thereon. The fasteners 30, 31 can be selected to allow cooperation to secure the attachment of the ears 29 to the front area 27.

In one example, the base fasteners 30 may include a plurality of hooks, and the receiving fastener 31 may include a plurality of loops.

An example of a favorable hook-and-loop fastening system is the VELCRO system (manufactured by Velcro Industries BV). The hook-and-loop fastening system provides some benefits. Since individual hook and loop elements are provided in the form of a sheet, they can be cut into properly shaped patches that can be attached to a fabric or nonwoven substrate by a variety of mechanisms, such as gluing, mechanical bonding, ultrasonic welding, sewing, needling, sering, hemming etc. If the lobes of the hooks or loops are attached to the hooks 29, forming the base fasteners 30, as suggested in Fig. 2B, the transversely extending material sheet of cooperating hooks or loops may be placed on the front region of the base 27 to form the receiving element fastener 31, as suggested in Fig. 2A.

In another example, as mentioned above, the base attachment system may include other types of fasteners. In order to be able to adjust the size of the waist opening, the fasteners can be placed on the mounting eyes 29, which cooperate with the extended surfaces or the many cooperating fasteners

EP 2 376 046 placed in the front area 27. The receiving fasteners may be repeatedly arranged in the front area 27 in transversely arranged different locations, providing the possibility of attaching the respective lugs 29 to the front area 27 in transversely different locations.

Referring to Fig. 2B, the base 20 may also have one or more respective fastener protectors 39 provided thereon. This feature may eliminate in the fasteners a tendency to accidentally and inadvertently engage and grip parts of the base or other articles during storage, carrying, laundry and similar / related operations, avoiding potential squeezing and braiding and / or damaging the base 20 or other articles during such operations. For example, if the fasteners 30 are lobes of hooks, properly spaced fastener protectors 39 may include sheets of respective loops. This may allow the user to bend permanently around the portion of the ear 29 including the hooked elements,

materials

The base 20 and / or the layer or portions thereof may be made of any knitted fabric, woven or nonwoven fabric, or similar material that is suitably compatible with the skin of the wearer. The base 20 may be made of durable and / or semi-permanent materials. In general, for purposes of reference only, the term "stable" refers to a woven or knitted textile material of any type that can be used as part of a washable clothing product; and "semi-stable" refers to a nonwoven material or a laminate thereof, which, when used as a base material, can withstand more than one application with the insert, without losing its structural integrity to such an extent that it is unusable. In this way, the base 20 can be made of materials and structures,

The durable materials from which the base 20 may be made may include any natural or synthetic textile materials known in the art of diapers, pants, underwear, clothing, competitive sportswear or general clothing or textiles. Persistent materials may include woven or knitted materials made of natural fibers, such as cotton, linen,

EP 2 376 046 wool, bamboo, hemp, silk, rayon, etc., as well as mixtures of any of these fibers with others or with synthetic fibers. Examples of synthetic fibers preferred for use as components of durable materials are nylon, polyester, spandex and / or other elastomeric fibers. Solid base materials may also include breathable hydrophobic materials, such as GORE-TEX (a product of WL Gore & Associates, Inc., Elkton, MD), fabrics containing microencapsulated polymeric phase change materials, such as OUTLAST COMFORTEMP fabric (Outlast Technologies products, Boulder, CO - e.g. see U.S. Patent Names No. 6,514,362 and US 6,207,738,), COOLMAX (product of Invista, Wichita, KS), etc.

Preferred durable materials can be formed in the form of any woven or knitted material, including birdseye, terry, fleece, flannel, knitted fabrics, stretch fabrics, sherpa, suede, microfleece, satin, velor, Burley fabric, etc. Preferred examples include POLARTECH POWER DRY, POWER STRETCH and WIND PRO (products from Polartec, LLC, Lawrence, MA). Knitted fabrics that, by their nature, can be more stretchable and more flexible than fabrics or non-woven fabrics, can provide a better fit, comfort and / or appearance to the base. The incorporation of spandex or other elastomer fibers may also improve extensibility and flexibility, thereby providing the basis for a better fit, comfort and / or appearance compared to materials that do not contain such elastomeric fibers.

Specific preferred examples of durable base materials include jersey jersey mixes: rayon (93%) and spandex (7%); modal fibers (94%) and spandex (6%); cotton and spandex fibers; and bamboo and spandex fibers. Materials with an elongation equal to or greater than about 2X may be desirable. Preferred examples of materials may have a basis weight of about 140-233 g / cm² (0.09-0.15 g / in.²) for a layer or other weights.

In order to give the desired comfort, appearance and performance to the base, solid base materials can be selected. In some cases, it may be desirable to select durable base materials that are cheap enough to dispose of in case of intense contamination or damage, with minimized cost or awareness problems.

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The semi-durable base materials may also include any natural or synthetic non-woven fabric and / or film material known in the art of nappies or trousers. The semi-durable materials from which the base 20 may be made may include non-woven materials of polypropylene and / or polyethylene fibers, polyester fibers, and any other synthetic fibers used to make nonwoven materials used as components of disposable diapers and mixtures thereof. Natural fibers such as cotton, linen, wool, bamboo, hemp, silk, rayon, etc. may be mixed with synthetic fibers to form such a preferred nonwoven fabric as the base layer 20.

Non-limiting examples of fibers, nonwoven and nonwoven laminates and films that may be contemplated for use as semi-stable base materials can be found in U.S. Patent Nos. 7,223,818;

7,211,531; 7,060,149; 6,964,720; 6,905,987; 6,890,872; 6,884,494; 6,878,647; and 5.518,801; and published US patent applications No. 2008/0319407; 2008/0045917; 2007/0293111; 2007/0287983; 2007/0287348; 2007/0249254; 2007/0203301; and 2005/0164587.

In order to give the desired comfort, appearance and utility attributes, semi-permanent base materials may be selected. In some cases, it may also be desirable to select semi-durable base materials that are sufficiently cheap to dispose of in case of intense contamination or damage, with minimized cost or awareness problems.

The base also or additionally may comprise a laminated or substantially separated film layer, which may be flexible, providing greater resistance to liquid penetration and / or elastic properties. The elastic properties can also be added or improved by adding other substances to the base in the form of a layer, band or tape, including elastic bands, tapes, nets and the like. The film layer can be laminated with a durable or semi-permanent material. The film layer may comprise an elastomer based on a KRATON material (product of Kraton Polymers US, LLC, Houston, Texas), or for another example, on a VISTAMAXX material available from ExxonMobil Chemical Company, Houston, TX; FLEXAIRE, EXTRAFLEX or FABRIFLEX materials (products from Tredegar Film Products Corporation, Richmond,

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VA), and on various latex-free elastomer sheets available from Fulflex Elastomerics Worldwide (Greenville, TN).

The incorporation of an elastomeric material in the form of a fibrous component of the fabric layer or nonwoven or film layer provides improved stretchability and elasticity, which can be considered useful for adapting to the anatomy and movements of the wearer, such as above the buttocks of the wearer and / or around the areas waist and improve fit and comfort. In addition, where a film layer can be incorporated, this can provide the base with the additional option of retaining the liquid. The film layer may comprise a coating that is substantially impermeable to liquid, but permeable to water vapor, providing air permeability and reducing humidity in the base when it is worn and reducing the risk of excessive hydration of the skin when the ability to hold the liquid is desired.

Referring to Fig. 2A, in one example the outer surface 24 may be formed by a first layer of a durable or semi-permanent material. The selected material may contain fibers with hydrophobic properties, providing such a first layer with an increased ability to retain liquid. However, in some cases, in another example, it may be desirable that the material selected includes hydrophilic fibers or hydrophilized treated fibers, thereby allowing the material to more easily absorb and / or transfer liquid. This can be used to provide additional absorbency within the base in case the liquid excrement escapes from the insert or to provide the user with one way to communicate that the liquid excrement has escaped from the insert. Also, in some cases it may be desirable that the selected material has soft tactile properties so as to give a pleasant tactile impression that the wearer and / or wearer may find attractive. The material can also be chosen so as to have the desired appearance, in particular color, gloss, texture, etc.

Referring to Fig. 2B in another example, the outer surface can be formed by a second layer of durable or semi-permanent material. The selected material may contain fibers with hydrophobic properties, providing such a second layer with an increased ability to retain liquid. Nevertheless, in some cases a different example may be desirable,

In order to make the selected material contain hydrophilic fibers or hydrophilized treated fibers, thereby allowing the material to more easily absorb and / or transfer liquid. This may serve to provide additional absorbency within the base in the event that the liquid excrement escapes from the insert or to provide the user with one way to communicate that the liquid excreted escape from the insert or to form a layer that tends to wick away moisture away from the skin, providing dryness and greater comfort. Furthermore, in some cases, it may be desirable that the material selected has soft tactile properties, so as to be pleasant to the skin, in particular in places where it is expected that there is no part of the insert between the base and the skin of the wearer. In another example, the second material layer can be made of a textile material with increased elasticity, e.g. by incorporating fibers from an elastomeric material (e.g. spandex). In another example, an intermediate film layer may be incorporated, laminated or non-laminated with another layer. Forming a base 20 of more than one layer, e.g. two or more layers, as described above, can provide a number of advantages. The second layer (and any additional layers) may provide additional tensile strength in both transverse and longitudinal directions over the entire base 20. Furthermore, the first layer may be selected to provide the first set of properties, and the second layer may be selected to provide a second set of properties. For example, the material forming the first layer may be selected for having relatively greater flexibility and specific texture, color and / or other appearance related properties, while the material forming the second layer may be selected for having relatively greater hydrophobicity and / or softness for the skin for the inner layer, both layers providing a combination of the desired characteristics. In addition, many layers can better mask unevenness, corners, sutures or other liner elements compared to a single layer, providing a smoother and more attractive appearance. the material forming the first layer may be selected for having relatively greater flexibility and specific texture, color and / or other appearance-related properties, while the material forming the second layer may be selected for having relatively greater hydrophobicity and / or softness for the skin. the inner layer, wherein both layers provide the basis for the combination of the desired features. In addition, many layers can better mask unevenness, corners, sutures or other liner elements compared to a single layer, providing a smoother and more attractive appearance. the material forming the first layer may be selected for having relatively greater flexibility and specific texture, color and / or other appearance-related properties, while the material forming the second layer may be selected for having relatively greater hydrophobicity and / or softness for the skin. the inner layer, wherein both layers provide the basis for the combination of the desired features. In addition, many layers can better mask unevenness, corners, sutures or other liner elements compared to a single layer, providing a smoother and more attractive appearance. wherein both layers provide a combination of desirable features on the basis. In addition, many layers can better mask unevenness, corners, sutures or other liner elements compared to a single layer, providing a smoother and more attractive appearance. wherein both layers provide a combination of desirable features on the basis. In addition, many layers can better mask unevenness, corners, sutures or other liner elements compared to a single layer, providing a smoother and more attractive appearance.

In addition to creating different layers of different materials, it may be desirable to form a single layer of different materials, e.g. different materials in the front, crotch and / or back regions of the base, respectively. Such different materials may be combined on a seam, such as an internal seam 40

EP 2 376 046 and (or) the outer seam 41. For example, the material mainly forming the inner surface of the posterior area 28 can be selected primarily for its flexibility, providing a better fit to the wearer's body shape and adaptation to the wearer's movements (on example in the area of ​​buttocks and hips). For comparison, the material forming mainly the inner surface of the front region 27 and / or the crotch region 26 can be chosen mainly for its hydrophobicity, which can better retain liquid excrements.

The layers or other elements of the base may be connected to each other by any convenient mechanism, such as gluing, mechanical joining, ultrasonic welding, sewing, needling, serration, stitching, etc.

Elastic waist straps, foot straps

Referring again to Figs. 1, 2A and 2B, the front portion of the waistband 34, the back portion of the waistband 35, and the portion of the foot straps 36 are shown.

One or more of these portions of strips 34, 35, 36 may be formed of one or more strands or bands made from a polymeric elastomeric material, such as spandex or a mixture of spandex and other fibers, surrounded by nonwoven or textile materials, which may include the edges of the material forming the inner and / or top layer of the base 20, to create and provide flexibility to the respective parts of the straps. The elastic material may be attached to or in the base layer in a stress or strain at zero value. Textiles surrounding elastic bands or tapes may be sewn around elastic bands or tapes to keep them in place within the respective parts of the belts. If the elastic material is stretched before and during the wrapping and fastening to form these parts of the straps during the manufacturing process, after loosening the wrapping material and the adjacent base material can longitudinally form folds 37 that constitute the base material to be collected. This may improve the fit, comfort of use and appearance.

A portion of the strap may be positioned along the edge of the base, and in some cases it may be desirable that the portion of the strap be positioned along substantially the entire length of the leg and / or waist apertures to form strips that substantially or completely surround the legs and / or waist of the wearer when worn. is the basis 20. The collected material within the folds 37 can be used for adjustment

This arrangement, comprising parts of the elasticized foot strap 36, as described, may not only provide a better fit on the wearer's leg, but may also allow the base 20 when it is in the form of a tensile stretch of the waistband 34, 35 and parts of the foot strap 36. made of a material of appropriate size and shape, forming a capsule structure 75 in the crotch area (see Fig. 1) when worn, which can provide space inside the base for inserting the insert 50 (Fig. 3) and help keep it in place at the base 20, in a substantially lateral central position, in the crotch region. This can be considered advantageous in the examples in which the insert 50 is attached inside the base 20 by means of fasteners located only near the respective ends of the insert 50, and not at any intermediate locations in the longitudinal direction, as described further below. In addition, fitting to the wearer's legs provided by such elastic parts of the foot strap 36 may improve the retention capacity of the wearable absorbent article.

One or more portions of the waistband 34, 35 and portions of the foot strap 36 may be elasticized as described above or by other mechanisms. For example, an elastic strap / tape material such as used to form elastic waist and foot strap portions of conventional underwear and underpants may be manufactured separately and attached to the base forming materials in any preferred manner during manufacture.

In another example, one or more portions of the strap 34, 35 and the portion of the foot strap 36 may be made of an elastic material simply placed around the leg opening and / or the waist opening edges by applying glue and / or compression welding. In another example, the elastic material of the strip can be formed by placing a plurality of tensioned elastomeric strands or strips into one or more strips of non-tensioned nonwoven material or tape. When the elastic material of the strip is formed, it relaxes, and the untrained material forms transverse wrinkles which contain the unstressed material collected, which will adapt the stretching of the elastic band material. By fastening elastic band material in this place,

EP 2 376 046

Fastening straps

The base 20 may also include a fastening attachment, such as a fastening strap 38 positioned on or in the back region 28 of the base, as indicated in Figs. 2A, 2B. As suggested by Figs. 2A and 2B, the fastening strap 38 can be positioned along the layer or between the layers to form the inner surfaces 25 and the outer surfaces 24 of the base 20. The fastening strap 38 can include an elastomeric or elasticized strip or tape material placed on the base 20 in near its rear corners or near the hitch eyes 29. In this way, the fastening strap 38 can be partially or substantially separated after application of a force along the lateral length starting from the layer forming the inner and outer surface of the base 20, by fastening to the base only by the ends of the fastening strap 38 or only to a limited number of intermediate intermediate points along the fastening strip 38. For example, the fastening strap 38 can be attached to the base 20 only by the ends of the fastening strap 38. In another example, the fastening strap 38 can be attached to the base 20 only by the ends and at the transverse center point of the fastening strap 38. Such a substantial forced separation system allows the fastening strap 38 and surrounding base parts 20 to stretch and move substantially independently of one another, which can contribute to better fit and comfort. Nevertheless, in another example, the fastening strap 38 can be a flexible strip, tape or laminated strip or otherwise attached to a layer of stretchable material,

Tightening transversely, by affixing to the wearer, the fastening strap 38 can provide or complement transverse tensile forces in the article placed on the wearer's waist thereby pulling the waist open and improving the fit and protection of the wearable absorbent article to the wearer's waist. The elastic modulus of the fastening strap can be larger than the elastic modulus of the surrounding, adjacent or equally wide base materials.

EP 2 376 046

The fastening strap or arrangement of one or more fastener elements may have additional features described, for example, in simultaneously pending registration of patent applications with serial numbers

11 / 810.741; 11/810 708; 12/101 476; 12/028 317; 11/810 745; 11/810 742;

11/810 734; 11/810 779; 11/810 715; 11/810 733; 11/810 736; 11/810 777;

and 11 / 599,862; 11 / 810,901 and 11 / 599,851; 11/899 812; 12/204 844; 12/204 849;

12/204 854; 12/204 858; and 12 / 204,864; 11/899 810; 11/899 656; and 11 / 899,811; 11/899 812; 12/204 844; 12/204 849; 12/204 854; 12/204 858; and 12/204 864.

In another example, instead of or being complementary, being essentially transversely orientated, as suggested by the illustrated position of the fastening strap 38 in Figs. 2A and 2B, one or more members forming the fastening strips may be oriented obliquely between longitudinal and transverse direction. For example, as suggested in Fig. 2A, a pair of angled fastening straps 38a can have respective waist ends arranged in a position region closer to the base horns and / or hook eyes 29 and extend respectively in both the transverse and longitudinal center point of the base 20, as suggested in Fig. 2A. The respective middle ends of the fastening straps 38a can be attached to the base at locations near the transverse center point of the base, as suggested in Fig. 2A, and the strips 38a may be forcefully separated or forcefully connected to the base along the length of the straps 38a, as described above. In an example in which the insert is connected to the fastening strap to provide additional longitudinal support, as described below, the oblique fastening straps, such as the sloping fastening straps 38a, can serve as additional longitudinal tension along the base 29, providing additional longitudinal support therein.

Asymmetry of the base

In order to improve and / or maximize the fit, the comfort of the user and the appearance of the base 20, it may be desirable to form the base

20 in such a way as to match the anatomical contours and movements of the target user's body. The base is asymmetrical across the lateral axis of the base. For example, according to the suggestion contained in Figs. 2A and 2B, the base 20 may have a different shape and / or larger surface area of ​​the material at the rear portion 28 than the front portion 27. A varied shape and / or larger surface area.

EP 2 376 046 of the rear part may serve to better cover the buttocks during user movements (including seat and / or forward flexion in the hips), while at the same time the smaller front surface can be used to avoid squeezing and / or the appearance of the mismatch, especially when the user is located in positions such as sitting and / or flexing the body forward in the hips. Consequently, the shape of the base can be asymmetric or asymmetrical, and can be transverse to the lateral axis of the base 45.

For purposes related to the description, the use of the word "asymmetric" and "asymmetry" means that the features, geometry (e.g. shape), materials and / or design on one side of the lateral axis of the base 45 are significantly different from those on the other side of the lateral axis of the base. 45. This asymmetrical design results from the various features of the base 20 intended to adapt the product to the properties and functions of the target body of the user, in the same way they differ between the front and rear parts, to improve the retention / absorbency, comfort, fit and features. and / or the appearance of an wearable absorbent article and / or economical use of materials. "Asymmetric" and "asymmetry" formulas do not refer to differences across the lateral axis of the base, which may be based solely on the purposes of:

attachment of the insert (e.g. fasteners described in this document); wrapping, folding, storing or carrying the base; markings orienting the insert in the base or vice versa (such as the direction markings described in this document) or for other purposes not significantly related to the features and functions of the target user's body, such as differ between the front and rear parts, to affect functioning, comfort, fit and / or a physical appearance of a wearable absorbent article and / or economical use of materials.

There may also be other asymmetries across the lateral axis of the base 45. For example, according to the suggestion contained in Figs. 2A and 2B, the relative fastening elements 30 can be respectively arranged on the mounting ears 29, while the relatively laterally positioned receiving fastener 31 may be located at the front of the base 27 for purposes related to adjusting the waist openings, as explained above. The mounting ears 29 may be

The following are examples of differences constituting functional and structural asymmetries of the base across the lateral axis of the base 45. Due to the fact that the article of the type described herein is usually mentioned when the wearer is basically facing the user, such a system increases the level of user's convenience by locating these fasteners and functions related to adjusting the waist openings in the anterior abdominal region of the wearer in front of the wearer.

In a further example of asymmetry, the front portion 27 can form materials that differ in composition, construction and / or properties as compared to the back portion 28. For example, the material or materials forming the back portion 28 can be selected to enhance tensile / elastic features compared to the material or materials forming the front portion 27. In this example, the material or materials with higher stretch / elasticity properties can be used to better fit, stretch and shrink around the contours of the buttocks, as well as matching the body movements of such a seat and bending forward in the hips, thus ensuring better coverage and fit.

In yet another asymmetrical embodiment, the base 20 may have structural elements such as elastic tapes, fastening tapes and / or other components distinguishing the front and rear portions 28.

Accordingly, it is preferred that the asymmetry of the base across its lateral axis 45 is the result of a design and construction of the base that makes it have only one front part and one back part, meaning that the front and rear parts can not be interchangeable, if the fit, comfort, function and appearance of the base 20 are to be optimal.

Examples of possible details of the absorbent pad

Examples of the function of the absorbent pad 50 will be described with reference to Figs. 3, 4 and 5A-F.

As mentioned above, Fig. 3 shows a disposable absorbent pad 50 that can form the inner member of a wearable absorbent article shown in a perspective view, such as it may appear in a free-standing, free-standing condition, without a base. Fig. 4 shows an exemplary insert 50 shown stretched and flat (relative to the elastically forced pull in position

EP 2 376 046 similar to that shown in Fig. 3), the surfaces facing the viewer. Figs. 5A-5F are cross-sections of an insert 50 as indicated by Fig. 4 in various possible examples.

The insert 50 may have a top layer 51 and a backsheet 52 to form an envelope closure similar to absorbent core materials such as those described below. The face layer 51 and the backsheet 52 may be secured together along the longitudinal stitching 64 and along the transverse stitching 69. The insert 50 may also have longitudinal cuffs 53 disposed along it.

Top layer

The top layer 51 may be formed of a liquid permeable nonwoven material. It may be desirable that the material forming the surface layer 51 be susceptible, soft to the touch and does not cause skin irritation to the wearer. It may be desirable for at least a portion of the surface layer 51 to be permeable to fluids, allowing liquids to easily penetrate through its thickness. A preferred topcoat can be produced from a wide range of materials such as porous foams, cross-linked foams, plastic perforated nonwovens or woven or non-woven natural fibers (e.g., wood or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (e.g., polyester or polypropylene fibers) ), or a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. If the top layer 51 contains fibers,

One preferred material containing a nonwoven with long polypropylene fibers is manufactured by Veratec Inc., Division of International Paper Company, in Walpole, MA under the designation P-8. Other preferred materials comprising molded nonwovens are described in U.S. Patent No. 3,929,135; 4,324,246; 4,342,314; 4,463,045; and 5.006,394. Other suitable top layers 30 may be made in accordance with US Pat. No. 4,609,518 and 4,629,643. Preferred examples of molded and / or perforated nonwovens may include products manufactured by Procter Gamble Company, Cincinnati, Ohio, as DRI-WEAVE, and by Tredegar Corporation based in Richmond, VA, as FRESHFEEL. favorable

EP 2 376 046 surface layer materials may also include film and nonwoven laminates manufactured by Tredegar as COMFORTAIRE.

In some cases, it may be desirable for at least a portion of the top layer 51 to be made of a hydrophobic material or hydrophobically treated to isolate the wearer's skin from the fluids retained in the absorbent core 71. If the top layer 51 is typically made of a hydrophobic material, it may be desirable at least a part of the upper surface of the surface layer 51 is subjected to a hydrophilizing treatment to ensure a faster transmission of fluids through the cover sheet. The top layer 51 may be subjected to a hydrophilizing treatment by treating it with a surfactant or by adding a surfactant to the top layer. Preferred methods of treating the surface layer 51 with a surfactant include spraying the surface layer material with a surfactant and / or immersing the material in the surfactant. A more detailed discussion of such treatment and hydrophilicity is included in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,988,344 and 4,988, 545. A more detailed discussion of some preferred methods for incorporating a surfactant into the top layer can be found in US Statutory Invention Registration No. H1670. However, in another example, the top layer 51 may comprise a perforated fabric or nonwoven, which is hydrophobic. This can be achieved by the above hydrophilic treatment step in the production process and / or by applying a hydrophobic treatment of the surface layer material with a compound such as polytetrafluoroethylene, such as SCOTCHGUARD or hydrophobic emulsion compositions, as described below. In such examples, it may be desirable for the openings to be large enough to allow the passage of aqueous liquids, such as urine without significant resistance, which is otherwise attributed to the hydrophobicity.

Each part of the top layer 51 may be coated with an emulsion, as is known in the state of the art. Examples of suitable emulsions include those described in U.S. Patent No. 5,607,760; 5,609,587; 5,635,191; 5,643,588; 5,968,025 and 6,716,441. The emulsion may act alone or in combination with another agent such as the hydrophobizing agent described above.

EP 2 376 046

The top layer 51 may also contain or be treated with antibacterial agents, some examples of which are disclosed in US Patent Application Serial No. 08 / 212,441, published as the US Statutory Invention Registration H1732.

Top layer 51, backsheet 52, or any part of the top layer and bottom layer can be embossed and / or matte finished to provide a more fabric-like appearance.

The topsheet 51 may be fully or partially elasticized or deformable to provide an empty space between the topsheet 51 and the core 71. Exemplary structures comprising elasticized or deformed face layers are described in more detail in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,892,536; 4,990,147; 5,037,416; and 5,269,775.

The bottom layer

The backsheet 52 is generally the part of the outer liner 50 that forms the surface facing the garment member and prevents contamination by the excretions absorbed and retained in the insert 50 from entering and contaminating the base. In some cases, it may be desirable for the backsheet 52 to be substantially liquid impermeable. The backsheet 52 may be made of a film, a nonwoven or a laminate of film and nonwoven. The backsheet 52 may be made of a substantially liquid-impermeable laminate or film and a nonwoven material. The backsheet 52 may be made of a substantially liquid-impermeable nonwoven or non-woven laminate and a substantially liquid-impermeable wrapper to retain and isolate the liquid excretions from the base, outerwear and / or the surroundings of the wearer. At the same time, the bottom layer 52 may be water vapor permeable, providing the insert and wearable breathability, reducing moisture in the areas between the wearer and the body of the wearer and helping reduce the likelihood of irritation and / or skin rash that may result from excessive moisture. skin.

The material forming the backsheet 52 may comprise a thin plastic film, such as a thermoplastic film having a thickness of about 0.012 mm (0.5 mils) to about 0.051 mm (2.0 mils). Preferred backsheet materials can also be breathable materials that allow

EP 2 376 046 for steam discharging, at the same time preventing liquid from flowing through it.

Preferred examples may include those made by Tredegar

Corporation, based in Richmond, VA, and sold under the trade names

CPC2, X15306, X10962 and X10964. Other examples may include a microporous film such as produced by Mitsui Toatsu Co. in Japan under the name ESPOIR NO and Exxon Chemical Co. in Bay City, TX, under the designation

EXXAIRE and monolithic films, such as those manufactured by Clopay Corporation, Cincinnati, OH under the name HYTREL blend P18-3097. Some additional examples may include breathable composite materials as described in PCT Application No. WO 95/16746; and in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,938,648; 5,865,823; and 5.571,096. In other examples, the backsheet 52 may include elastomeric films, foams, bands or combinations thereof, or other preferred materials with a nonwoven or synthetic film.

The backsheet 52 may be connected to the cover layer 51, the absorbent core 71 or any other insert element 50 by any suitable connecting mechanism known in the art. For example, the joining mechanism may comprise a continuous line or layer of adhesive, a shaped adhesive layer or a series of separate lines, spiral or glue stains. One example of a linking mechanism includes an open pattern of an adhesive fiber network as described in U.S. Patent No. 4,573,986. Other preferred linking mechanisms include several continuous lines of adhesive fibers that are whirled in a spiral system, as illustrated by the apparatus and methods described in US Patent Nos. 3,911,173; 4,785,996; and 4,842,666. Adhesives that have been found to be satisfactory are produced by HB Fuller Company, St. Paul, Minnesota and marketed as HL-1620 and HL-1358-XZP. Alternatively, the coupling mechanism may include thermal bonds, pressure bonds, ultrasonic bonds, dynamic mechanical bonds or any other suitable connecting mechanisms or combinations of these linking mechanisms known in the art.

It should be noted that the base described above can be made of materials and structures that can withstand most of the structural load typically exerted on the disposable diaper by stretching and adapting to the anatomical and body movements of the wearer, as well as by absorption, swelling and increased weight due to excreta

EP 2 376 046 of a wearer. Thus, there may be less requirements regarding the structural strength of the insert using such a base compared to the strength required of the internal components of the disposable diaper. Therefore, an article such as described herein may include a disposable absorbent core made of materials that are different from those commonly used in the production of disposable diapers, such as petroleum materials, e.g. polyethylene and polypropylene. For example, a disposable absorbent body comprising one or more outer layers, backing layers, cuffs and / or other elements formed of wood and / or other cellulosic fibers (e.g. paper) is contemplated, in addition to the materials indicated above.

Absorbent core

Referring to Figs. 5A-F, the insert 50 may have an absorbent body 71 in the envelope structure formed by the top sheet 51 and the backsheet 52. The absorbent core 71 may comprise any absorbent material that is generally compressible, conformable, non-irritating the user's skin and is capable of absorbing and retaining liquids, such as urine and certain other body excrements. The absorbent core 71 may include a wide variety of liquid-absorbent materials commonly used in disposable diapers and other absorbent articles, e.g., ground wood pulp, which is generally referred to as airfelt fiber. Examples of other preferred absorbent materials include crinkled cellulose wadding; polymers blown in a molten state, including co-molded; stiffened chemically, modified or cross-linked cellulose fibers; thin fabrics, including inserts and laminates of thin fabrics; absorbent foams; absorbent sponges; superabsorbent polymers; absorbent gelling materials; or any other absorbent material or combination of materials.

EP 2 376 046

The absorbent core 71 may comprise fluid acquisition / distribution material 65 and storage material 66. Generally, the acquisition / distribution material 65 may have relatively fast absorbing and absorbing properties, but may also have limited absorption capacity.

In contrast, in general, the storage material 66 may have comparable absorption characteristics and absorption properties, but may also have a higher absorption capacity. Thus, the acquisition / distribution material 65 can be used to quickly absorb and distribute the outflow of liquid such as urine, while the storage material 66 with greater absorption capacity can be used to absorb such liquid from the receiving / distributing material and store until the insert can be replaced.

The absorbent core 71 can be manufactured in a wide variety of sizes and shapes (e.g. rectangular, hourglass, T-shaped, etc.). The configuration and construction of the absorbent core 71 may also vary (e.g., the absorbent core or other absorbent structure may have different marker zones, hydrophilic gradients, superabsorbent gradients or reception zones of lower average density and lower average basis weight, or may contain one or more layers; or structures). Examples of absorbent structures intended for use as an absorbent body 71 may include the structures described in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,610,678; 4,673,402; 4,834,735; 4,888,231; 5,137,537; 5,147,345; 5,342,338; 5,260,345; 5,387,207; and 5,625,222.

In order to reduce the overall size and / or thickness of the absorbent core, thereby improving the comfort of use and reducing the amount of disposable waste created by contaminated inserts, it may be desirable to construct the absorbent core using as few of the core materials as possible within the performance limits. To achieve this, in particular, examples of preferred materials and designs of a preferred absorbent core in US pending patent applications with a serial number not limited to the following are described: 12/141, 122.

Auxiliary layer

The insert 50 may also include an auxiliary layer located between the top layer 51 and the backsheet 52. The accessory layer may be any material or structure capable of receiving, storing or immobilizing body exudates.

EP 2 376 046

Accordingly, the sublayer may comprise a single material or several materials suitably connected to each other. In addition, the sub-layer may be integrated with another insert element 50 or there may be at least one discrete element joined directly or indirectly by at least one insert element 50. In addition, the accessory layer may include a structure that is separated from the core 71 or may include at least a part of the core 71.

Materials suitable for use as an auxiliary layer may include foams with large, open cells, macroporous, high pressure non-woven materials, high molecular weight foams of open and closed cells (macro and / or microporous), high-volume nonwovens, foams or polyolefin, polystyrene, polyurethane molecules, structures comprising a plurality of vertically oriented, loop fiber strands, absorbent core structures described above having perforated openings or cavities and the like. One embodiment of the auxiliary layer comprises a looped fastener for mechanical joining, with an uncompressed thickness of about 1.5 mm, commercially available from 3M Corporation of Minneapolis, Minnesota, as XPL-7124. Another embodiment includes a pleated and tied resin 6 denier fluffy nonwoven fabric having a grammage of 110 grams per square meter and a 7.9 millimeter uncompressed thickness available commercially from The Glit Company of Wrens, Georgia, United States. Other preferred absorbent and non-absorptive support layers are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,680,422 and 5,941,864. In addition, the auxiliary layer, or any part thereof, may comprise or be coated with an emulsion or other known substances to enhance, improve or change the performance or other properties of the element. available on the market from The Glit Company in Wrens, Georgia, USA. Other preferred absorbent and non-absorptive support layers are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,680,422 and 5,941,864. In addition, the auxiliary layer, or any part thereof, may comprise or be coated with an emulsion or other known substances to enhance, improve or change the performance or other properties of the element. available on the market from The Glit Company in Wrens, Georgia, USA. Other preferred absorbent and non-absorptive support layers are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,680,422 and 5,941,864. In addition, the auxiliary layer, or any part thereof, may comprise or be coated with an emulsion or other known substances to enhance, improve or change the performance or other properties of the element.

cuffs

The insert 50 also includes a pair of solid elastic cuffs, such as a pair of longitudinal, solid cuffs 53, attached partially or completely along its length. Preferred longitudinal cuffs (in various published examples referred to as "leg cuffs", "sealing cuffs" etc. may be formed of materials and structures such as described, inter alia, in

EP 2 376 046, U.S. Patent Nos. 5,769,838 and 4,597,760;

and published U.S. Patent Application No. 2007/0239130. As shown in Fig. 3, solid cuffs 53 may have at least one band or strip of cuff eraser 58a, 58b arranged along their edges. If such cuff bands 58a, 58b are pre-stressed before being placed in the fabric forming the cuffs 53, the longitudinal tensile forces generated along them will cause wrinkling of the cuff forming material 53, as shown, and cause the cuffs to protrude from the insert body (up in relative to Fig. 3), or cause them to "become". This feature causes the cuffs 53 to form a sealing structure along the body of the wearer when the article comprising the insert 50 is placed, longitudinally from each side of the anatomical features, at the site where excretions are excreted. In this way, the cuffs 53 can serve to increase the possibility of retaining the excretions through the insert 50 and, consequently, through the wearable absorbent article. Like the backsheet 52, the cuffs 53 can be made of a substantially liquid-impermeable fabric to retain and insulate liquid debris from the base, the outer garment, and the environment of the wearer. At the same time, the cuffs 53 may be water vapor permeable, providing the insert and wearable breathable article, reducing humidity in the areas between the wearer and the wearer's body and helping reduce the likelihood of irritation and / or skin rash that may result from excessive skin hydration. . Like the backsheet 52, the cuffs 53 can be made of a substantially liquid-impermeable fabric to retain and insulate liquid debris from the base, the outer garment, and the environment of the wearer. At the same time, the cuffs 53 may be water vapor permeable, providing the insert and wearable breathable article, reducing humidity in the areas between the wearer and the wearer's body and helping reduce the likelihood of irritation and / or skin rash that may result from excessive skin hydration. . Like the backsheet 52, the cuffs 53 can be made of a substantially liquid-impermeable fabric to retain and insulate liquid debris from the base, the outer garment, and the environment of the wearer. At the same time, the cuffs 53 may be water vapor permeable, providing the insert and wearable breathable article, reducing humidity in the areas between the wearer and the wearer's body and helping reduce the likelihood of irritation and / or skin rash that may result from excessive skin hydration. .

In another example, the cuff forming material 53 can be integrated with the backsheet forming material 52, as described, without being a limiting example, in the co-pending US Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0239130. In this particular example, with respect to the ratio to the view in Fig. 3, a continuous material member may form one cuff 53, wrap under the insert, forming a backsheet 52, and curling over to form a second cuff 53.

This example of a wrapped construction may provide improved liquid retaining ability 50, by eliminating seams along the outer liquid retaining surfaces that comprise cuffs 53 and backsheet 52. In some cases, however, production and / or economic constraints may discourage construction, or it may be desirable to make forming materials

The solid cuffs 53 and the bottom layer 52 have different properties. For example, in some cases of use, it may be considered that cuffs 53 do not have to be substantially liquid impermeable if they are otherwise formed of a nonwoven fabric comprising hydrophobic fibers embedded close to one another, which may still have a tendency to repel and retain liquids, but may have they generally have much better breathability than liquid-impermeable film-containing laminates. In this case, improved strength and liquid retaining capacity can still be provided by a cuff material 53 that wraps partially below the lower longitudinal insert horns and is attached in the seam area under the insert instead of at its outermost lower corners, as suggested in Fig. 3 .

Asymmetry of the insert

Referring to Fig. 4, the insert 50 will have a side axis 70 that will evenly distribute its length. The insert 50 is asymmetrical across the lateral axis of the insert 70. For purposes related to the description, the use of "asymmetric" and "asymmetry" in relation to the insert means that features, geometry (e.g. shape), materials and / or design on one side of the axis. The lateral insert 70 is significantly different from the inserts 70 on the other side of the axis of the lateral axis. Such asymmetrical design results from various insert features 50 intended to adapt the product to the properties and functions of the user's target body in the same way that they differ from the front part and back, in order to improve the retention / absorbency characteristics, comfort, fit and / or appearance of the wearable absorbent article,

"Asymmetric" and "asymmetry" formulations do not refer to differences across the lateral axis of the insert, which may be on the insert only for purposes of: purely cosmetic staining or decorating the surface; attachments to the base (e.g. using fasteners described in this document); gripping the insert by the user (e.g., grip means depicted herein); as markings for orienting the liner in the base (e.g. direction markings shown herein); or for other purposes essentially unrelated to the properties and functions of the target body of the user, in the same way as they differ between the front part

EP 2 376 046 and rear, aiming at improving the retention / absorbency characteristics, comfort, fit and / or appearance of an wearable absorbent article, economical use of materials and / or reduction of waste.

In one embodiment, the layer 51 may be provided with at least one hole 63, most commonly in the back region 55 as suggested in Fig. 4. The openings 63 may allow liquids or low-viscosity feces to penetrate the top layer 51 and reach materials Absorbent in the absorbent core 71 would be faster if these holes did not exist, improving the absorbent capacity and retention of the liquid faeces of the liner 50.

In a further embodiment, the faeces management function may be at the back of the article, including at least one pocket, spacers, openings in suspended elastic face layers and the like, e.g. according to descriptions in the pending U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 11 / 224.779. In this way, the top layer 51 may comprise at least one larger hole in the rear portion to provide unrestricted or relatively less restricted movement of the solid material or higher viscosity. The size of the opening may be important in achieving the desired result in terms of retaining faeces. If the hole is too small, the excretions will not be able to pass through the hole, due to insufficient alignment of the discharge point with the hole position or due to faecal matter having a diameter larger than the aperture. However, if the opening is too large, the surface of the skin will increase, which may be contaminated as a result of "wetting" of the excrement. The opening may have a surface area of ​​about 10 cm² and about 50 cm². Under certain circumstances, it may be desirable for the area of ​​the opening to be in the range of 15 cm² up to 35 cm².

The insert can be asymmetrical in terms of the absorbent core (asymmetry of the absorbent core). The asymmetry of the absorbent core may be the result of the arrangement of materials and characteristics of the absorbent core to localize the individual materials and characteristics of the absorbent core, where they are most needed and / or most effective according to the features and functions of the wearer's anatomy, as they differ between the front part and rear.

EP 2 376 046

For example, all or part of the rear region 55 of the insert 50 may include the material receiving / distributing 71, but less or not all of the storage material 66 compared to the front region 54, respectively, according to the contents of Figs. 5A and 5B, 5D and 5E, respectively. 5F. Due to this particular asymmetry of the absorbent core, the storage material 66 can be located mainly in the front part of the wearable absorbent article, in the case of an assumption. As a result, the majority of the urine storage capacity of the insert will be able to be near the urinary excretion site of the wearer, which will reduce the likelihood of leakage and eliminate the potentially uncomfortable and / or unattractive-looking mass from between the legs or the back of the wearer. This is especially important, when the storage material 66 is swollen due to the liquid absorbed. In addition, this particular asymmetry provides a saving in terms of the necessary amount of storage material 66, by locating only in part and not substantially along its entire length. The liquid storage capacity of the anterior portion of the absorbent core may be larger than the back of the absorbent core as measured by the tea bag centrifuge capacity test disclosed in US Patent No. 6,278,037. The liquid storage capacity of the anterior portion of the absorbent core can be at least about 10%, 20%, 50% or even 100% larger than the back portion. Thanks to this arrangement, the receiving / distributing material 65 located in the front and rear portions 54,

54.

Referring to Figs. 5A, 5C and 5E, for example, the absorbent material 66 in the front portion 54 can be suitably dispersed in the receiving / distributing material 65 (Fig. 5A) contained in a separate liquid permeable structure or sheath 67 in continuous flow. contact with the acquisition / distribution material 65 (Fig. 5C); or dispersed on or within the adjacent matrix of the retaining material 68, as illustrated for example in the US Patent Application Serial No. 12 / 1411,122, which is simultaneously awaiting registration, which is in continuous contact with the material

EP 2 376 046 acquiring / distributing 65 (Fig. 5E). Conversely, the back portion 55 may for the most part include the acquisition / distribution material 65 and the storage material 66 in a minor amount compared to the front portion 54 or none at all (Figures 5B, 5D, 5F).

In a further embodiment of the invention, the storage material 66 and the acquisition / distribution material 65 may be contained in different, separate layers of the absorbent core 71 as suggested in Fig. 5C. Under certain circumstances, it may be desirable to provide a layer comprising a larger acquisition / distribution material 65 (i.e., surface in a vertical view relative to the flat-spread liner according to Fig. 4) than the layer comprising the storage material 66 or vice versa. For example, if the layer comprising the acquisition / distribution material 65 is formed in such a way that it will have a larger surface perpendicular across the insert in the front portion 54, this solution can serve to provide space for more of this material in the front portion.

However, in a further embodiment of the invention, for example for infants and young children, large urinary flows can not be predicted, but relatively large amounts of liquid or low viscosity faeces. Therefore, an absorbent absorbent article for this group of target users may include a larger acquisition / distribution layer that occupies a larger surface in the insert's rear region 55. This solution can provide greater capacity in the posterior region, allowing rapid absorption of liquid or low viscosity excreted towards the posterior portion, thereby improving the insert's ability to retain it.

It may also be desirable to place the thickener in the absorbent core of the insert 55's back. A thickener can be useful to provide an additional guarantee that liquid or low viscosity

EP 2 376 046, the excretions will be compacted and thus immobilized or, more likely, retained within the insert.

The insert 50 can also be asymmetric in shape / backsheet. For example, in the flat-lying view, according to Fig. 4, the insert 50 can occupy a larger surface on one side of the transverse axis of the insert 70 than on the other. This solution can be useful for purposes related to comfort, functioning and / or saving material consumption or backsheet materials. For example, in connection with the placement of the major part of the storage material 66, the front portion 54 of the insert 50 can occupy a larger surface in a larger space within the insert to accommodate the storage material allowing the insert to retain a flat shape, which is particularly important when the absorbent material swells after the liquid has been absorbed. .

The insert 50 may also have a constriction in the perineum region of the base. This narrowing in the crotch can improve the comfort of the wearer by eliminating the large mass between the legs. Referring to Fig. 2B, the discussed constriction can also be used to provide better opportunities for placing and holding in the crotch region 26 of the base 20 a laterally centered placement of the insert 50, ensuring that the insert 50 does not swell outside due to the limited amount of absorbent materials and the limited width. crotch 26 of the base 20. This restriction may be continued, for example, to the rear part of the insert, thereby creating a general asymmetry of the shape / backsheet.

The insert 50 can also be otherwise asymmetrical across the transverse axis of the insert 70 to perform the same, related or other purposes as those outlined above.

Accordingly, it is preferred that the asymmetry of the insert across its transverse axis 70 results from the design and construction of the insert that makes it have only one front part and one back part, meaning that the front and rear parts can not be interchangeable, if the fit, comfort, function and appearance of the inserts 50 are to be optimal.

EP 2 376 046

Grab structures

Referring to Figs. 3 and 4, the insert 50 may also include respective front and back gripping structures 59, 61. Gripping structures 59, 61 may be provided to allow the user to quickly and easily grip the insert 50 near its respective ends.

The gripping structures illustrated and / or proposed may allow the user to quickly grasp and extend the insert 50 from a shrinkage position similar to that shown in Fig. 3 to a stretched position similar to that shown in Fig. 4, which may be advantageous for installing the insert.

50 in the base. If the gripping structures 59, 61 are centered, as shown, near the respective ends of the insert 50, this can also provide the user with visual assistance in simultaneously locating centered pairs of fasteners, described in detail below.

In addition, the gripping structures for the user 59, 61 can be used to provide a quick and easy grip by the user of the insert 50 near its respective ends, which, due to the distance from the excreting sites on the wearer's body, are less exposed to contamination during the need or willingness to exchange Inserts 50. In this way, the user has a better way of avoiding contact of the wearer's excretions with his hands when removing the soiled liner 50 from the base 20.

The gripping structures for the user 59, 61 may include the extension of the tongues depicted in Figs. 3 and 4, with free, easy to grasp ends not attached to the base 20 when the insert 50 is in its interior. The gripping structures for the user can also have different shapes. By way of non-limiting example, the gripping structures for the user may be in the form of loop extensions (not shown) protruding from the insert tips 50, finger holes (not shown) passing through the insert 50 near its ends and other structures for gripping and pulling the insert 50 in places near its ends.

EP 2 376 046

Insert and base fasteners; Direction markings; Other possible features

Again referring to Figs. 2B, 3 and 4, as previously noted, the base 20 is provided with at least two insert fasteners, such as front and / or rear fasteners 33, 32 located thereon. The insert 50 can be arranged on it, the front and / or rear inserts 56, 57. The corresponding front and / or rear fasteners 56, 57 can be selected and / or adapted to be placed on the insert 50 so that they cooperate allowing fastening with respectively front and / or rear fasteners 33, 32 on posture 20.

Types and location of fasteners

In one embodiment of the invention, to allow the front and rear fasteners 56, 57 of the insert 50 respectively with the respective front and rear fasteners 33, 32 of the base 20 respectively, the respective pair of elements 56, 33 and 57, 32 may include cooperating fasteners. An example of a favorable hook-and-loop fastening system is the VELCRO system, a product of Velcro Industries BV, the elements of which are made available on the market by Velcro USA, Inc., Manchester, New Hampshire. The hook-and-loop fastening system provides some benefits. Since individual hook and loop elements are provided in the form of a sheet or strip, they can be cut into properly shaped patches that can be attached to the fabric substrate by means of various mechanisms, such as gluing, mechanical joining,

Some types of hook fasteners may, in some circumstances, have a tendency to undesirably hook or grip different materials out of the proper loop fasteners, although most of the currently available types of loop elements are not characterized by this tendency. In this way, it may be advantageous in some circumstances that the lobes of the loop elements constitute

EP 2 376 046 one or two fasteners of the insert 33, 32, and the lobes of the hook elements were one or two fasteners 56, 57. In this arrangement, non-engaging insert fasteners are placed on the base.

Under certain circumstances, this may be beneficial, for example when the base

20 is designed as reusable - as this reduces the likelihood of the postural elements 20 sticking against the other base elements 20 or other articles, e.g. clothing stored or washed together with the base 20.

However, the pairs of fasteners 56, 33 and 57, 32 do not have to be suitable elements of a hook-and-loop fastening system and do not necessarily need to include the respective elements of the two-piece fastening system. On the contrary, the fastening system may require only one fastener or other types of fasteners. The fasteners used may be adapted to engage, hold and otherwise maintain the insert or parts thereof. The fastener on the base 20 can be a sheet of adhesive material; structure with a place with a relatively high coefficient of friction; pocket; flap; belt; or other gripping, holding and / or immobilizing surfaces, devices or structures. Therefore, in one embodiment, the interior of the base 20 may include a pocket structure positioned on or along the inner surface 25 of the base 20, e.g., in the front portion 27. Such pocket structure may have an opening facing down or up (relative to a wearer standing and compared to Fig. 2B). The pocket structure may be adapted to receive, fit and grip, e.g. a front edge and a portion of the front region 54 of the insert 50. Such a fastener may be provided instead of or in addition to other fasteners located at the front of the base 20 and the front portion of the insert 50.

Furthermore, the attachment member, in any form, including a corresponding component of the attachment pairs 56, 33 and 57, 32 can be placed on the insert 50 or

20. For example, the hook plate may be positioned on the insert 50 or base 20, while the cooperating loop patch may be positioned on the opposite side on the insert 50 or base.

20.

The insert fastener, e.g., the element 32 on the base 20, can be attached or connected to the fastening strap 38 or the sloping fastening strap 38a. One of the advantages provided by this solution is the distribution of structural loads resulting from the mass of absorbed or contained excretions, as described in the fastening tapes in at least one of the above-cited patent applications.

Several attachment sites may be provided, for example, on each of the four corners of the insert 50 and the corresponding locations on the base 20, and in other locations along the insert 50 and base 20 formed by fasteners, appropriately selected and arranged.

However, in another embodiment, a connector system such as pairs of interconnected elements 56, 33 and 57, 32 can form individual fastening points located near each front and / or rear end / area or one of them, as suggested in the drawings. The use of only two single local anchorages, essentially centered transversely on the insert and base, as proposed in Figs. 2B and 3, offers the advantage of simplicity and ease of attachment to the user, since this arrangement contains only two locations where the user must at the same time find and fasten the insert 50 to the base 20.

In addition, in the case of a solution using a single local fastening location near only one of the two ends of the insert 50, such as those proposed in the drawings, a partial force disconnection of the insert 50 inside the base 20 is ensured. In the case of a power disconnection system, the base parts 20 the surrounding element or fasteners 33, 32, such as waist portions 34, 35 and the front and rear regions 27, 28, can extend and shrink significantly to each other independently and undisturbed by the structure of the insert 50 and parts thereof. This solution may provide the possibility of avoiding transverse clumping of the insert tips 50 with lateral constriction of the base 20, and / or, conversely, avoiding the insert structure 50 limiting transverse stretching or shrinking of the base 20

EP 2 376 046 as a result of a system with force connection of elements. Otherwise, such transverse clumping or limiting may be accidental for the attachment of the insert 50 within the base 20 in a manner of joining a greater part of the width of the insert 50 to the base 20, e.g. by using more attachment sites across the width of the insert 50 near a given longitudinal location. or by using a laterally delocalised / extended permanent fixation location along the greater portion of the width of the insert 50. In this way, the power release can provide improvements in the wearer's fit, appearance and comfort, as well as improvement in the ability to maintain the intended shape and functionality of the wearer.

Under certain circumstances, it may be advantageous for the portion of the transverse width of the front portion 54 and / or back 55 of the insert 50 to be forcefully disengaged from the pedestal even more than 50%. In this connection, it may be advantageous for the width Wf of the coupling element 56 or 57, e.g. comprising continuously attached hooks, to be no more than 40% or less than 30% or even 20% of the transverse width Wi of the insert at the point where there is a fastener. In another embodiment, it may be advantageous under certain circumstances that at least about 50% of the transverse width of the insert 50 in the front or rear portion 54, 55 is forcefully disengaged from the base. Under certain circumstances, it may be advantageous for more than about 50%, about 60%, about 70% or even about 80% of the transverse width of the insert at any longitudinal location,

EP 2 376 046

Other fasteners are also provided to provide such single and relatively transversely localized attachment sites that provide limited force connections across the transverse width of the insert 50.

Side stiffeners of the insert

In one embodiment, the method for providing a resistance structure is to use a fastening system to the post positioned at the attachment locations at or extending to the corners of the insert 50 and corresponding locations along the inner surfaces of the base 20. However, in some circumstances this may be disadvantageous due to costs and / or complexity of such solution. This solution may also eliminate the advantages of using one / local attachment location near each of the ends of the insert 50, as described above.

In the case of using a single, relatively localized fixing location on one or both ends of the insert 50 as described above and dimensioned and located in such a way that it is in a transversely centered position as suggested in the drawings, it may be desirable to use lateral stiffening elements near one or both ends of the insert. Referring to Figs. 3 and 4, lateral stiffeners 60 and 62 may be used. Side braces may assist the user when inserting the insert into the base and assist the insert 50 to maintain shape and configuration when worn below the base.

The side stiffeners 60, 62 may be attached or embedded in the insert 50 near its ends, as proposed in the drawings. In addition, to maximize the tendency of the insert 50 to maintain

For optimum shape during use, such lateral stiffeners may increase the tendency of the respective ends of the insert 50 to open and maintain a flat shape before fixing the insert 50 within the base.

Due to the fact that the ends of the insert 50 may otherwise bend or break during storage and / or transport before insertion, the lateral stiffeners may improve the level of user comfort by causing the ends of the insert 50 to retain or detect a shape / configuration requiring the user less manipulation when attaching to the base.

Referring to Fig. 4, at least one stiffening element 60,

62 may be formed of any flat, sheet-like or carton-like material or any flat stiffened set of elements. In one embodiment of the invention, the side stiffener may be formed by bending around a portion of the insert (e.g. end portion) to form a stiffened place consisting of bent material layers. In another embodiment, the side stiffeners 60, 62 can be formed by embedding at the ends of the insert 50 transverse tapes or strips of liquid or semi-liquid glue or other material that cures or chills to a stiff state and thereby adds additional stiffness to the substrate on which will be imposed. In another embodiment of the invention, the side stiffeners may be formed of cardboard or similar material. An example of a preferred stiffening material is the 0.78 mm (0.031 in) thick VOLARA foam supplied in sheets (by Sekisui Voltek, LLC, Lawrence, MA). The stiffening materials may be laminated or glued to the stiffened parts of the insert 50 or applied, fixed or incorporated by another suitable method.

The side braces may increase the stiffness in the plane and / or the lateral areas of the insert 50 in which they are located, compared to the parts of the insert adjacent to such stiffeners with respect to the vertical projection (e.g. Fig. 4). In order to measure the relative stiffness of the stiffened part (i.e., the side stiffening part) compared to the stiffness of the adjacent non-stiffened part of the insert, the deforming forces in each part can be measured and compared according to the deformation forces test method presented in the US patent application pending US registration No. 2007/0142798.

EP 2 376 046

The ratio of the deformation forces of the insert parts provided with lateral stiffening with respect to the deformation forces of the contiguous portions may be at least about 2.0, but in some circumstances it may be advantageous to be 2.5 or even 4.0 or even 10.0 or more. . It may be desirable that portions of the insert 50 including at least one side stiffener 60, 62 be rigid enough to effectively resist the stresses in the cuffs 53 and substantially maintain the cuffs 53 of their sealing configurations when using the insert 50 as well as the substantial retention of the corners. inserts 50 in transversely spaced positions, preventing them from deforming or buckling. The desired stiffness value may depend on various factors, including, among other things, the internal rigidity of the insert material without additional lateral stiffening, as well as the range of stresses in the cuffs when using the article. At the same time, for purposes related to the comfort and safety of the wearer, it may be advantageous that the parts of the insert including at least one side stiffener 60, 62 are sufficiently flexible for comfortable bending during the wearer's body movements and refraction before any form of injury or risk of skin penetration occurs. . It may also be desirable for the stiffened parts to be flexible in nature and to have a tendency to return after bending, folding or twisting to a substantially planar configuration. At the same time, for purposes related to the comfort and safety of the wearer, it may be advantageous that the parts of the insert including at least one side stiffener 60, 62 are sufficiently flexible for comfortable bending during the wearer's body movements and refraction before any form of injury or risk of skin penetration occurs. . It may also be desirable for the stiffened parts to be flexible in nature and to have a tendency to return after bending, folding or twisting to a substantially planar configuration. At the same time, for purposes related to the comfort and safety of the wearer, it may be advantageous that the parts of the insert including at least one side stiffener 60, 62 are sufficiently flexible for comfortable bending during the wearer's body movements and refraction before any form of injury or risk of skin penetration occurs. . It may also be desirable for the stiffened parts to be flexible in nature and to have a tendency to return after bending, folding or twisting to a substantially planar configuration.

The side stiffnesses 60, 62 can be positioned near one or both ends of the insert 50 and can extend from the side of the insert to stiffen along a significant part of its width. One lateral stiffening or a greater number thereof may have a width of about 50% to about 100% of the transverse width of the insert or it may extend past the longitudinal edges of other insert materials. Side braces may have any longitudinal dimensions, although in some circumstances a length of less than 25% of the length of the insert may contribute to a higher level of comfort to the wearer and therefore be advantageous for the invention. In some embodiments, the longitudinal dimension of the side stiffener may be in the range of about 5 mm to about 50 mm. The stiffening may also extend behind the longitudinal edges of other materials forming the insert. One or both ends of the insert may include side stiffening. In embodiments where the pad comprises more than one side stiffener

EP 2 376 046 suitable stiffening elements may have different shapes, dimensions, stiffness, thickness, color, structure, location, material or materials or composition. The side stiffener may also comprise or be an integral element of a gripping structure consistent with the above description and the suggestion contained in Fig. 3 (the side stiffener 60 is shown as an integral part of the gripping structure 59).

Direction and orientation markings

The insert and / or base may include at least one indication indicating, facilitating and / or forcing the correct positioning and joining of the insert portion within the base. The insert contains the first inscription on the insert. The marking of the direction of the insert may include a verbal or non-verbal indication, visual direction marking, cooperating geometric features, cooperating fastener types or cooperating constructions of fasteners dimensioned and shaped to indicate or force the insert connection to the correct base location to ensure optimum performance of the wearable cool article. Other embodiments of possible direction indicating elements include at least one or more mating colors, shapes, patterns, lines, contours, outlines, other geometrical features, convexities or depressions, textures, forms, direction lines or crosses, discs etc. arranged on the base and / or insert to indicate the correct positioning of the insert inside the base. In one embodiment, the inner surface of the base may be printed by means of a contour or an insert outline.

The direction indicia may also include at least two cooperating elements, one on the basis of 20 and the other on the insert 50, in such a way that their combination causes that the proper elements of the base / insert system will be correctly oriented towards each other and will function optimally. In one embodiment, the inner surface of the base may be printed with a first arrow indicating the location of the insert and the insert may be printed with a second arrow pointing to the first arrow if the insert and base are correctly positioned.

EP 2 376 046

The designations may correlate or not correlate cognitively, where the correlation indicates correct and optimal placement and its absence indicates an incorrect and suboptimal location. Corresponding cognitionally correlating direction markings may include a mark on the basis that cognitively correlates with the mark on the insert to indicate to the user the correct relative positioning and connection of the insert to the base. For example, the corresponding cognitively correlating markings on the insert and base may be a common color, shape or texture. (The term "common color" used herein includes any basic colors and their recognizable shades or variants, which in the context of all the features of the article are visible and cognitively distinguishable from other colors).

Referring to Figs. 2B, 3 and 4, when the insert 50 is asymmetrical, as described above, it can have only one optimal front portion 54 and only one optimal posterior portion 55. Similarly, when the base 20 is asymmetrical, as described above , it can have only one optimal front portion 27 and only one optimal rear portion 28. In this way, in the case where one or both asymmetries are significant, fixing the insert 50 in the base 20 in an incorrect relative front-back orientation can result in the transmitting to wear the absorbent article will not fit and / or function optimally. Accordingly, it may be desirable in some circumstances to incorporate at least one designation into the base 20 and / or insert 50 to inform the user of the correct front-to-back orientation of the elements.

Functional markings can include fasteners that function properly, efficiently and / or optimally in the correct front-to-back orientation, but do not function in this way if the article is not properly oriented.

The insert includes a first fastener placed thereon and a first fastener and the first insert fastener to cooperate to provide the insert to the base when the first suitable fasteners are connected. Then, the base includes a second attachment member placed thereon, and the first fastener does not cooperate with the second insert fastener to obtain

Fixing the insert to the base when the first fastener is connected and the second fastener element of the insert.

For example, referring to Figs. 2B and 3, the front insert fastener on the base 20 can cooperate to achieve optimum / maximum securing of the fastening only with the front fastener 56 of the insert 50, but not with the rear fastener 57 of the insert 50. Similarly, the rear connection member of the insert 32 on the base 20 can cooperate to achieve optimal / maximum securing of the fastening only with the rear fastener 57 of the insert 50, but not with the front fastener 56 of the insert 50.

In a specific embodiment, the insert front connector 33 on the base 20 may be a loop of loops, and the insert 56 may have a front side 56 of the hooks. Thus, respectively, the back connector piece 32 on the base 20 may be a sheet of hooks, and the rear fastener 57 of the insert 50 may include a patch of loops. Thus, in this particular embodiment, if the user mistakenly attempts to connect the back connector 57 of the insert 50 (loops) to the front fastener 33 of the base 20 (loop), he will not get the correct or optimal connection, which will allow the user to realize that it must rotate the insert 50 by 180 degrees in order to correctly / optimally orientate the front-back on the base.

In another particular embodiment, the insert front attachment member 33 on the base 20 may be a female snap fastener and the insert 56 forward fastener element 50 may be a male snap fastener. Therefore, respectively, the rear connection element of the insert

32 on the base 20 may be a male snap fastener, and the insert fastener 57 of the insert 50 may be a female snap fastener. In this way, in this particular embodiment, if the user mistakenly attempts to connect the rear fastener 57 of the insert 50 (female latch fastener) to the front fastener 33 of the base

20 (male latch fastener), fasteners will not match and no correct / optimal fastening will be obtained, which will allow the user to realize that he must rotate the insert 50 by 180 degrees in order to properly / optimally orient the front-back on the base .

EP 2 376 046

In the light of the foregoing, functional indicia can include any fasteners that function correctly and / or optimally to achieve fastening and maximum protection of the connection of the insert 50 and the base 20 when both elements are correctly oriented but do not function properly or optimally otherwise. In addition to the above, functional markings are not necessarily limited to fasteners. The functional designation may also be embedded in other base and insert elements that affect their alignment or cooperation in the correct and optimal forward-back orientation as opposed to abnormal (reverse) and non-optimal front-to-back orientation. Therefore, the functional indicia may additionally be associated with or combined with another functional element of the base or insert.

On the basis of the above information, it is assumed that it is also possible to use other forms of functional orientation markings in accordance with the above-mentioned principles.

In other possible embodiments of the invention, instead of the corresponding functionally cooperating / non-cooperating component pairs described above, the insert 50 and the base 20 may include corresponding non-functional markings, such as touch marks or other sensory markings.

For example, the fasteners of the front liner and the base can be selected or shaped in such a way as to obtain a first tactile property, while the elements of the rear insert and base can be selected and shaped to provide a second tactile property. In another embodiment of the invention, the insert and base elements may have three-dimensional shapes that are matched or geometrically co-operated in an optimal forward-back orientation, but are not matched or geometrically inoperative with the inverse, non-optimal, front-back orientation.

EP 2 376 046

In other embodiments of the invention, instead of or in addition to corresponding functional cooperating / non-cooperating pairs of fastener elements or touch marking elements described above, the insert 50 and the base 20 may include corresponding visual indicia. The base 20 may also include respective front and rear visual indicia 73, 74 located respectively in the front area 27 and rear area 28. Suitable visual markings on the insert 50 and base 20 can be adapted to provide a visual indication to the user in the correct range / optimal orientation and placement of the insert 50 within the base 20.

For example, the elements of the visual and visual indication of a clue may use a commonly used color. In one particular case, the front and / or rear visual markings 73, 74 placed on the base 20 may include corresponding commonly used colors visually distinguishable from each other. The insert 50 may include suitable indicia on it or incorporated therein. Thus, for example, the constructions 59, 61 of the front and rear handles on the insert 50 can contain or be colored into suitable commonly used colors and corresponding to those included by the front and / or rear visual markings 73, 74. In particular, for example, a front visual marking 73 and an insert such as the user's front handle 59 may include or be colored for the first commonly used color,

In another particular embodiment of the invention, the front and rear visual markings 73, 74 placed on the base 20 may include or be marked with images, corresponding shapes or cognitively visually corresponding to appropriately placed shapes or image elements of the inserts such as the front and rear handles of the user.

59, 61. In particular, for example, the front visual reference 73 and the front user handle 59 may both contain circle images, while the rear visual mark 74 and the rear user handle 61 may include triangular images.

EP 2 376 046

In another particular embodiment of the invention, the front and rear visual markings 73, 74 placed on the base 20 may comprise or be marked with words or indicia by means of symbols indicating "front" and "back" in accordance with the respective words or indications by means of symbols located on the insert elements such as the user's front and rear handles 59, 61. In a more specific embodiment of the invention, the front visual mark 73 and the user's front handle 59 may include an "F" picture (for the front designation) and the rear visual mark 74 and back handle 61 may contain a "R" letter (at the rear).

In another particular embodiment of the invention, the front and / or rear visual markings 73, 74 placed on the base 20 may comprise or be marked with images, corresponding parts with user-recognizable shapes, signs, objects, etc., corresponding to elements with user-recognizable shapes, marks , items, etc.

shown in the insert elements, such as the front and / or rear handles 59, 61. In a more specific embodiment of the invention, the front visual reference 73 and the user's front handle 59 may include corresponding portions of the first image that, when properly assembled, form a cognitively complete image of the recognized image by the user of the first shape, character, object, etc .; and / or the rear visual mark 74 and the rear user handle 61 may include respective portions of the second image that, when properly assembled, form a cognitively complete image of a user-recognizable second shape, sign, object etc. distinct from the first image.

In a further specific embodiment of the invention, the visual orientation indication may be simplified to a single pair of visual indicia appearing on the base 20 and the insert 50, respectively. In one embodiment of the invention, an arrow pointing longitudinally at the front edge 21 may be provided on the inner surface 25 of the base 20, whereas on the insert 50 there may be an image of an arrow pointing longitudinally at its front end.

Examples of other appropriate visual indications that indicate orientation information can be alphanumeric text with words, arrows, symbols, schemas, pictograms, icons, cartoons, charts, and any other visual cues.

EP 2 376 046

It may also be desirable that the indicia associated with the front part of the base and the insert are not cognitively associated with each other or not cognitively associated with the indicia associated with the posterior base parts and the insert and vice versa when the user reviews both sets of determinations.

On the basis of the above information, it is assumed that it is also possible to use other forms of visual orientation markings in accordance with the above-mentioned principles.

Wearable two-part absorbent articles with some or all of the properties described in this document can provide advantages that distinguish them from traditional, reusable cloth diapers and traditional disposable diapers. The possibility of using semi-durable and other materials, including permanent materials in the base construction, provides a base that can be used more than once and depending on the materials chosen, a base that can be used and washed repeatedly. The basis of some or all of the features presented in this document may eliminate the need for one-off posture construction, thus contributing to a reduction in the amount of contaminated waste that the user has to dispose of in comparison to disposable diapers. In addition, since the possibility of obtaining a reusable base resistant to most of the structural loads to which disposable diapers are subjected, the disposable absorbent parts can have a simplified construction, which contributes to lowering production costs and materials compared to disposable diapers . It also presents the possibility of making a disposable absorbent insole from unconventional renewable materials (eg paper). At the same time, the disposable absorbent pad and the base having some or all of the features set forth herein may in most situations prevent most or all cases of soiling of the base by the wearer's excretions, thus contributing to alleviating hygiene and odor problems associated with handling and storage, reducing the frequency of washing and reducing the need for resources, operations and / or washing costs associated with traditional cloth diapers. Disposable absorbent pad

EP 2 376 046, which has some or all of the features set forth herein, may also be characterized by better absorbency and better isolation of excretions from the wearer's skin and clothing, as well as the environment relative to material diapers.

The use of durable materials to the base can also be beneficial by providing the choice of materials used to improve the level and attractiveness of comfort, fit, models, colors, designs, etc. in comparison with disposable diapers. The base of the features set forth herein provides a wide range of feasibility for an wearable absorbent article with a more attractive appearance and / or appearance reminiscent of underwear or outerwear. In addition to the aforementioned advantages, the use of an asymmetrical construction insert with orientation markings allows the design of the insert adapted to the anatomy and body function of the wearer, which are differentiated between the front and rear part, as well as a better functioning and economical insert in terms of design, construction and materials used, at the same time allowing the user to correctly orient the anterior-posterior insole in the base. Other advantages arise from the above description.

If any meaning or definition of an expression in this document does not match the meaning or definition of the same phrase in a document in the literature list, then the meaning or definition of the expression given in this document should be taken.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it is clear to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For this reason, it is intended to include all such changes and modifications within the scope of the present invention to the appended claims, as well as no part of the description or drawings above limits the scope of the invention, but only the appended claims.

EP 2 376 046