JP2021090774A - Disposable underpants-type absorbent article with leg cuff - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a disposable underpants-type absorbent article that provides a user with confidence with respect to leakage protection.SOLUTION: An elastic leg feature (17) is fastened to a chassis (2) at least partly along leg edges (9, 10, 13, 14). A portion of the elastic leg feature (17) has a first length. A distance from any point of each of the leg edges (9, 10, 13, 14) to the nearest part of the elastic leg feature (17) in a longitudinal direction is less than 6 millimeters, specifically less than 5 millimeters, and more specifically less than 4 millimeters. The first length is at least 55% of a maximal length of a leg opening (19) in a transverse direction (x) as measured in an extended state of an absorbent article (1).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present disclosure relates to disposable pants-type absorbent articles such as pants diapers, sanitary pants, or incontinence pants. The article comprises a chassis and an absorbent body, the chassis having a front part and a rear part, each of the front part and the rear part having a waist edge, a pair of leg edges, and a pair of side edges. The anterior and posterior parts are joined to each other at opposite side edges to at least partially define the waist opening and the pair of leg openings. The absorbent body is primarily located at the crotch of the article, with elastic leg features at least partially fastened to the chassis along the leg edges. The present disclosure relates to methods for producing such disposable pants-type absorbent articles as well as the arrangement of sex-specific disposable absorbent articles. Disposable pants-type absorbent articles are configured for use by infants, children, or adults and can be provided in a variety of sizes.

There is a general demand in the field of disposable pants-type absorbent articles to provide an absorbent article that gives the user confidence in leak prevention with additional comfort and fit. Patent Document 1 describes a solution for reducing wasted material consumption while providing underwear with elastic elements that fit the curve of the leg opening to provide additional reinforcement during use. ing.

Although known disposable absorbent garments are satisfactory for their intended use, such disposable absorbent garments still have room for improvement.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0137563 International Publication No. 2014/098683

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a disposable pants-type absorbent article that gives the user confidence in leak prevention with additional comfort and fit. This object is at least partially achieved by the feature of claim 1.

The present disclosure is a disposable pants-type absorbent article such as pants trousers, sanitary pants, or incontinence pants, comprising a chassis and an absorbent body, the chassis having a front and a rear, front and rear. Each of the rear parts has a waist edge, a pair of leg edges, and a pair of side edges, and the front part and the rear part face each other in order to define the waist opening and the pair of leg openings at least partially. Coupled with each other at the lateral edges, the absorbent body is located primarily at the crotch of the article, the elastic leg features are at least partially fastened to the chassis along the leg edges, and the absorbent article is longitudinal and transverse. Relevant to pants-type absorbent articles having a direction.

This disclosure is
The elastic leg features extend from the associated lateral edges towards the centerline in the longitudinal direction of the article, and a portion of the leg elastic features starting from the lateral edges has a first length, each leg edge. The longitudinal distance from any point to the closest part of the elastic leg feature is less than 6 mm, especially less than 5 mm, and more particularly less than 4 mm.
The first length is characterized by being at least 55% of the maximum length of the leg opening in the transverse direction when measured in the stretched state of the absorbent article.

Large folds on the leg edges are perceived by the user as unpleasant to the user and make the absorbent article more uncertain against leakage. Positioning the elastic leg features closer to the leg edges can also result in an absorbent article with an improved fit to the shape of the user's leg. Therefore, it is desirable to provide elasticized front and / or rear leg edges with a more hem-like appearance, thereby giving disposable absorbent articles a more similar appearance and comfort to cloth underwear. Provide sex.

The subject matter of claim 1 has elastic leg features that are mounted near the leg edges of the chassis and extend over a significant portion of the leg edges, thereby allowing for improved comfort, fit, and deemed leak prevention. Provided is a pants-type absorbent article that provides a leg edge such as a hem to the absorbent article.

The object of the present disclosure is, for the same reason, at least partially achieved by the characteristics of the method for producing disposable pants-type absorbent articles such as pants diapers, sanitary pants, or incontinence pants according to claim 25. The method is
A step of forming the chassis from at least one continuous web material, the chassis having a front and a rear, each of the front and rear having a waist edge, a pair of leg edges and a pair of side edges. The elastic leg features are at least partially fastened to the chassis along the leg edges, and the elastic leg features extend from the relevant lateral edges towards the centerline in the longitudinal direction of the article and sideways. A portion of the leg elastic feature starting from the edge has a first length and the longitudinal distance from any point on each leg edge to the closest portion of the elastic leg feature is less than 6 mm. Yes, especially less than 5 mm, more particularly less than 4 mm, and the first length is the maximum length of the leg opening in the transverse direction when measured in the stretched state of the absorbent article. At least 55%, with steps
The step of connecting the absorbent body to the chassis, such as being positioned mainly in the crotch of the article,
Includes a step of joining the anterior and posterior parts to each other at opposite side edges to at least partially define the waist opening and the pair of leg openings.

The object of the present disclosure is also at least partially achieved by the feature of claim 28, which defines the sequence of a sex-specific disposable absorbent article, the sequence of which is:
The first disposable absorbent article packaging described in the present disclosure, each having an indicator indicating that the article therein is adapted to be worn by a woman, each first disposable absorbent article. The article has a first elastic leg feature, the packaging and
The packaging of the second disposable absorbent article described in the present disclosure, each having an indicator indicating that the article contained therein is adapted to be worn by a man, and each second disposable absorbent article. The article includes a packaging, which has a second elastic leg feature.
The width of the first elastic leg feature is smaller than the width of the second elastic leg feature.

The object of the present disclosure is also at least partially achieved by the feature of claim 30, which defines the sequence of the sex-specific disposable absorbent article, the sequence of which is:
The packaging of the first disposable absorbent article described in the present disclosure, each having an indicator indicating that the article therein is adapted to be worn by a woman, each first disposable absorbent article. The article has a first elastic waist feature, packaging and
The packaging of the second disposable absorbent article described in the present disclosure, each having an indicator indicating that the article contained therein is adapted to be worn by a man, and each second disposable absorbent article. The article includes a packaging, which has a second elastic waist feature.
The width of the first elastic waist feature is smaller than the width of the second elastic waist feature.

The array of sex-specific disposable absorbent articles makes the elastic leg features of the absorbent articles more specific to the biostructure of each sex so that the pants-type absorbent articles can benefit from additional comfort and fit. Can be adapted to.

Further advantages are obtained by implementing one or some of the characteristics of the dependent claims.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, the first length, when measured in the stretched state of the absorbent article, is at least 5 centimeters in the transverse direction, starting from the lateral edge, especially It is at least 10 centimeters, and more particularly at least 15 centimeters. This length of the leg elastic features can be considered sufficient to make the absorbent article a more comfortable and improved fit.

According to an embodiment of a further example of the present disclosure, the first length is at least 60% of the maximum length of the leg opening in the transverse direction when measured in the stretched state of the absorbent article. In particular, it is at least 70%, and even more particularly at least 80%. This length of the leg elastic features can be considered sufficient to make the absorbent article a more comfortable and improved fit.

According to an embodiment of a further example of the present disclosure, the absorbent article comprises a second length, the second length of which is a leg having a leg elastic feature cut from the lateral edge in the transverse direction. Determined by the maximum length to a point along the perimeter of the rim, the second length is at least 30% of the maximum length of the leg opening in the transverse direction when measured in the stretched state of the absorbent article. Yes, especially at least 40%, and even more particularly at least 50%. The relationship provides the length of the leg elastic features that are considered sufficient to make the absorbent article a more comfortable and improved fit.

According to an embodiment of a further example of the present disclosure, the orientation of the elastic leg features is less than 30 degrees from the transverse direction over the entire length of the elastic leg features when measured in the stretched state of the absorbent article. Deviates, especially below 20 degrees, and especially below 10 degrees. The relatively small deviation in the orientation of the elastic leg features allows for the use of cost-effective and fast manufacturing processes.

According to an embodiment of a further example of the present disclosure, the orientation of the elastic leg features at the front is from the transverse direction over the entire length of the elastic leg features when measured in the stretched state of the absorbent article. It deviates below 7 degrees, especially below 5 degrees, and even less than 3 degrees. The substantially parallel extension of the elastic leg features at the front allows the use of particularly cost-effective and fast manufacturing processes.

According to an embodiment of a further example of the present disclosure, the width of the elastic leg features is 3-60 mm, especially 8-40 mm, when measured in the stretched state of the absorbent article. More particularly, it is 15-28 mm. This distance allows cutting of a portion of the elastic leg feature while maintaining sufficient elasticity and strength of the rest of the elastic leg feature. Here, the width of the elastic leg feature is measured in the width direction of the elastic leg feature, and the width direction is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the elastic leg feature at the point of measurement.

According to an embodiment of a further example of the present disclosure, the width of the elastic leg features varies along the length of the elastic leg features, especially the sides, when measured in the stretched state of the absorbent article. It varies along the first length of the elastic leg feature starting from the edge. This width of the elastic band allows cutting of one part of the band while maintaining sufficient elasticity and strength of the rest of the band. Here, the width of the elastic leg feature is measured in the width direction of the elastic leg feature, and the width direction is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the elastic leg feature at the point of measurement.

According to an embodiment of a further example of the present disclosure, the elastic leg features include a set of 3 to 10 individual elastic threads, in particular a set of 4 to 8 individual elastic threads, and even more particularly. Includes a set of 5-7 individual elastic threads. This number of threads allows cutting of several elastic threads while maintaining sufficient elasticity and strength of the remaining elastic leg features.

According to an embodiment of a further example of the present disclosure, when at least a significant portion or all of the individual elastic threads of the elastic leg features are measured in the stretched state of the absorbent article, the adjacent threads are adjacent to each other. Placed parallel to each other with a gap of 1-6 mm between them. This level of clearance is considered sufficient to provide sufficient elasticity and strength of the elastic leg features in the finished absorbent article.

According to an embodiment of a further example of the present disclosure, the elastic leg feature comprises an elastic band.

According to an embodiment of a further example of the present disclosure, at least the front and / or rear is made from a wide range of elastic web materials, the elastic web material being substantially non-existent of at least two of the web materials that are stacked together. It is made from an elastic sheet and has elastic features sandwiched between the at least two sheets of web material, the elastic features in the transverse direction to provide a web material that is elastic in the transverse direction. It is attached to at least two seats while being pulled by. This type of elastic web material can be manufactured cost-effectively and at high speed.

According to an embodiment of a further example of the present disclosure, elastic waist features are fastened to the chassis along the front and rear waist edges, and the front and rear elastic waist features are with their respective waist edges. It extends in a substantially parallel transverse direction. Elastic waist features make the absorbent article more like underwear, providing improved comfort and fit.

According to embodiments of further examples of the present disclosure, at least one of the anterior and posterior regions has greater elasticity in the lumbar and / or leg margin regions than in the central regions of the anterior and posterior regions. This provides an absorbent article with improved comfort and fit.

According to an embodiment of a further example of the present disclosure, the initial direction of leg edge orientation starting from the lateral edge deviates from the transverse direction towards the nearest lumbar edge and is measured in the stretched state of the absorbent article. When, the chassis is cut so that an acute angle is formed between the longitudinal direction and the initial direction of leg edge orientation near the lateral edges. While this form of chassis provides reduced wear in cutting equipment, many parts of the elastic leg features are removed with no or slight tilt of the elastic leg features in the transverse direction. , Can be located near the leg edge or on the leg edge itself.

According to an embodiment of a further example of the present disclosure, at least one individual elastic thread of the elastic leg feature is another individual of the elastic leg feature when measured in the stretched state of the absorbent article. At least 3 centimeters shorter, especially at least 5 centimeters shorter, and more particularly at least 7 centimeters shorter than the elastic thread of. This allows the elastic web features to be positioned closer to the leg edges without necessarily extending the leg edges and elastic leg features in parallel, thus simplifying the manufacturing process.

According to an embodiment of a further example of the present disclosure, at least one individual elastic thread of the elastic leg feature is cut during cutting of the leg edge of the chassis. This allows the elastic web features to be positioned closer to the leg edges without necessarily extending the leg edges and elastic leg features in parallel, thus simplifying the manufacturing process.

According to an embodiment of a further example of the present disclosure, the number of individual elastic threads in the elastic leg features varies along the length of the elastic leg features. This allows the elastic web features to be positioned closer to the leg edges without necessarily extending the leg edges and elastic leg features in parallel, thus simplifying the manufacturing process.

According to an embodiment of a further example of the present disclosure, at least a portion of the band is cut off during cutting of the leg edges of the chassis. This allows the elastic web features to be positioned closer to the leg edges without necessarily extending the leg edges and elastic leg features in parallel, thus simplifying the manufacturing process.

According to an embodiment of a further example of the present disclosure, the length of the leg edge in the longitudinal direction is less than 50%, particularly less than 35%, and even more particularly 20% of the length of the leg edge in the transverse direction. Is less than. In this form of chassis, many parts of the elastic leg features are placed near the leg edges or on the legs, with the elastic leg features not tilted or slightly tilted with respect to the transverse direction. It can be positioned on the edge itself.

According to an embodiment of a further example of the present disclosure, at least the front and / or rear are extensively made from at least two sheets of web material that are stacked together, and at least one of the sheets of web material. It is folded around the leg elastic features to form a folded edge, and the folded edge defines the leg edge. This design allows the elastic web features to be positioned very close to the folded leg edges while avoiding adhesion of adhesive to the manufacturing equipment due to manufacturing tolerances.

According to an embodiment of a further example of the present disclosure, the anterior and posterior parts are made of individual parts that are interconnected using an absorbent body, and the folded edges at the leg edges are substantially transverse. It is parallel.

According to an embodiment of a further example of the present disclosure, the folded portion of at least one sheet of web material folded around the leg elastic features to form a folded edge is at least 5 mm wide. In particular, it has a width of at least 10 mm, and more particularly, it has a width of at least 20 mm. This width of the folded edge allows for the assembly of stable levels of web material and elastic leg features.

According to an embodiment of a further example of the present disclosure, the leg edge is the anterior leg edge of the absorbent article.

The method, according to an embodiment of the examples of the present disclosure, is a step of forming a chassis by separating pieces of web material, and a part of elastic leg features is separated at the same time as cutting the leg edge of the chassis. , Further steps may be included. Simultaneous cutting of the leg edge and the elastic waist feature allows the elastic leg feature to follow the contour of the leg edge without accurately positioning the elastic leg feature during the manufacturing process.

The method is an alternative, according to an embodiment of a further example of the present disclosure.
Feeding the first continuous sheet of web material in the mechanical direction,
The leg elastic feature in the pulled state is fastened to the first continuous sheet of the web material. In the leg elastic feature, the band piece of the material of the first sheet is the crotch side edge of the leg elastic feature. And fastening, which is positioned offset from the crotch edge of the first sheet so that it stays between and the crotch edge of the first sheet.
To form a folded edge, a strip of material from the first sheet is folded around the leg elastic feature, which is positioned at the folded edge, folding and
The first continuous sheet of web material and the second continuous sheet of web material parallel to the first continuous sheet of web material are positioned next to each other and the first continuous sheet and second continuous sheet of web material are offset from each other in the machine crossing direction. To be sent and
It also includes the step of forming the chassis by interconnecting the first and second sheets of web material with an absorbent body.

Folding the edges of the sheet of web material around the elastic leg features reduces the risk of adhesive stains on the manufacturing equipment without accurately positioning the elastic leg features during the manufacturing process. The elastic leg features can be positioned very close to the folded leg edges.

The arrangement of the sex-specific disposable absorbent articles is such that each first disposable absorbent article has a first elastic leg feature and a first elastic waist feature, according to embodiments of the examples of the present disclosure. And each second disposable absorbent article may be further defined in that it has a second elastic leg feature and a second elastic waist feature, of the first elastic leg feature. The width is smaller than the width of the second elastic leg feature portion, and the width of the first elastic waist feature portion is smaller than the width of the second elastic waist feature portion. This array of sex-specific disposable absorbent articles still further absorbs into each sex-specific biostructure so that pants-type absorbent articles can benefit from additional comfort and fit. Allows fit.

Further areas of applicability become apparent from the statements provided herein.

In the later detailed description, the following figure is referred to.

It is a schematic perspective front view of the pants type article by this disclosure. It is the same figure as FIG. 1 which is more detailed about the elastic feature part. It is the schematic of the 1st manufacturing process for a pants type absorbent article. It is the schematic of the 2nd manufacturing process for a pants type absorbent article. It is the schematic of the modification of the 1st manufacturing process. It is the schematic of the pants type absorbent article in a flat state. It is an enlarged view of the figure of FIG. 6a. FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a pants-type absorbent article having an alternative chassis shape. It is the same figure as FIG. 6a which is more detailed about the elastic feature part. It is the schematic of the alternative pants-type absorbent article in a flat state. It is the same figure as FIG. 9 which is more detailed about the elastic feature part. FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of a further alternative pants-type absorbent article in a flat state. It is a similar figure of the effect of manufacturing tolerance. FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of an alternative pants-type absorbent article in a flat state. It is the same figure as FIG. 13 which is more detailed about the elastic feature part. FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of an alternative pants-type absorbent article in a flat state. It is a figure which shows the 1st manufacturing step of the article of FIG. It is a figure which shows the 2nd manufacturing step of the article of FIG. It is a figure which shows the cut surface AA of FIG. It is a figure of the alternative cut surface. It is a figure of a further alternative cut plane. It is a figure which shows the sex-specific absorbable article. It is a figure which shows the further sex-specific absorbable article.

Various aspects of the disclosure are described below in the context of the accompanying drawings for illustration purposes of the disclosure and not for limiting the disclosure, with similar reference numerals indicating similar elements. , The modifications of the described embodiments are not limited to the specific embodiments, but are applicable to other modifications of the present disclosure.

In FIG. 1 of the drawings, an embodiment of an example of a disposable pants-type absorbent article 1 is schematically shown in an assembled, ready-to-use state. The pants-type absorbent article 1 is, for example, a pants diaper, a sanitary pants, or an incontinence pants adapted for use by an infant, child, or adult male or female user. The pants-type absorbent article 1 according to the embodiment of the example of FIG. 1 has a single chassis 2 having a front portion 3, a rear portion 4, and a crotch portion 22 connecting the front portion 3 and the rear portion 4, and an article in the longitudinal direction. The center line 28 in the above is provided. The front portion 3 further includes a waist edge 7, a pair of leg edges 9, 10 and a pair of side edges 11, 12. The rear portion 4 further has a waist edge 8, a pair of leg edges 13 and 14, and a pair of side edges 15 and 16. The absorbent article 1 further includes an absorbent body 5 primarily located at the crotch 22 of the article 1. The absorbent body 5 may be manufactured separately from the chassis 2 and inserted into and fastened to the chassis 2 in the appropriate manufacturing steps. The side edges of the front 3 are permanently or again with side stitches, hook-and-loop fasteners, adhesive fasteners, etc. on the opposite side edges of the rear, such as to at least partially define the waist opening 18 and the pair of leg openings 19. It is attached using the side connecting portion 6 which is closed.

The elastic leg feature 17 at least partially along the leg edges 9 and 10 of the front 3 of the chassis 2 for the purpose of providing the article with an excellent fit to the leg of the user wearing the absorbent article. It is fastened to. The elastic leg features 17 are fastened near the leg edges 9 and 10 in order to substantially eliminate the creation of folds 23 along the leg edges 9 and 10. The folds 23 here refer to the ragged fabric at the edges of the chassis web material. The folds 23 typically occur at the leg edges when the leg edges are positioned sufficiently offset from the elastic surface area of the web material. If the displacement is large, the inelastic web material at the edges shrinks and gathers together with large undulations along the leg edges, thereby forming folds 23. However, when the elastic leg features 17 are fastened to the web material closer to the leg edges, less inelastic web material is available at the leg edges 9 and 10, so that the folds 23 are less likely to be created.

The large folds 23 at the leg edges 9 and 10 are perceived by the user as unpleasant to the user and make the absorbent article 1 more uncertain against leaks. Positioning the elastic leg features 17 closer to the leg edges 9 and 10 may also result in an absorbent article 1 with an improved fit to the shape of the user's legs. Therefore, it is desirable to provide elastic leg edges 9 and 10 of the anterior 3 and / or rear 4 which have a more hem-like appearance with less folds 23, thereby being disposable and absorbent. Article 1 is provided with a more similar appearance to cloth underwear.

Fastening the elastic leg features 17 near the edges of the web material, such as near the leg edges 9, 10, 13, 14 of the chassis 2, is difficult due to manufacturing tolerances on the production line. Production lines for pants-type absorbent articles usually operate at very high speeds, and fully automated production lines tend to have certain size tolerances.

An embodiment of an example production line for a pant-type absorbent article with a cut-out leg opening is schematically shown in FIG. The first continuous sheet 31 of the web material is supplied, and the strip 32 of the elastic material is attached to the first sheet 31 in a pulled state. The elastic strip 32 may be adhered to or otherwise fastened to the first continuous sheet 31 of the web material, the strip 32 providing the elastic web feature of the absorbent article 1. Intended to form. Then, in order to form a laminated product in which the second continuous sheet 33 of the web material is sandwiched between the first sheet 31 and the second sheet 33, the strip 32 of the elastic material is sandwiched between the first sheet 31 and the second sheet 33. Combined into one sheet. The first sheet 31 and the second sheet 33 can be attached to the mating side by ultrasonic bonding, welding, gluing, embossing, mechanical fastening and the like. Although the attachment of the first sheet 31, strip 32, and second sheet 33 is described here as being performed in continuous steps, these steps are typically a single step. It will be carried out at.

In subsequent steps, the leg openings 34 are cut out from the laminated web material 35 that forms the chassis of the finished absorbent article. Cutting can be performed by any type of suitable cutting equipment 36, such as rotary cutting with two opposing rollers. The absorbent body 37 can then be attached to the chassis using any known fastening technique such as ultrasonic bonding, welding, gluing, embossing, mechanical fastening. After the absorbent body 37 is installed, the contiguous first and second seats 31 and 33 are folded so that the first seat 31 becomes the outer seat of the chassis and the second seat is the inner seat of the chassis. It becomes a sheet, and the absorbent body 37 is positioned inside the second sheet 33. For example, after welding the side stitch 38, the continuous assembly of the inner sheet 31 and the outer sheet 33 with the absorbent article is cut into individual absorbent articles 40 using a cutting device 39.

A similar process of manufacturing an absorbent article in an H-chassis will be briefly described with reference to FIG. The first continuous sheet 41 of the web material is supplied, and the strip 43 of the elastic material is attached to the first sheet 41 in a pulled state. The elastic strip 43 may be adhered to or otherwise fastened to the first continuous sheet 41 of the web material, which may provide the elastic web feature of the absorbent article 1. Intended to form. Then, in order to form a laminated product in which the second continuous sheet 44 of the web material is sandwiched between the first sheet 41 and the second sheet 44, the strip 43 of the elastic material is sandwiched between the first sheet 41 and the second sheet 44. It is bonded to the sheet 41 of 1. The first sheet 41 and the second sheet 44 can be attached to the mating side by ultrasonic bonding, welding, bonding, embossing, mechanical fastening and the like. The width of the second sheet 44 can be slightly smaller than the width of the first sheet 41, so that the strips of material 45 having a single layer are intended to form the leg edges of the absorbent article. It is formed on the edge of the sheet 41 of. The strip 45 is subsequently folded with respect to the outer surface of the second sheet 44, so that the strip 43 of elastic material is positioned at the folding line 46. A third continuous sheet 42 of web material is fed parallel to the first sheet 41 and the second sheet 44, offset from the first sheet 41 and the second sheet 44, where the first sheet. The stack of 41 and the second sheet 44 is arranged to form the front part of the chassis, and the third sheet 42 is arranged to form the rear part of the chassis. The absorbent body 47 is then attached to the chassis using any known fastening technique such as ultrasonic bonding, welding, bonding, embossing, mechanical fastening and the like. The absorbent body 47 connects the laminate of the first sheet 41 and the second sheet 44 with the third sheet 42. After the absorbent body 37 is installed, the chassis is folded so that the absorbent body 47 is positioned inside the chassis. For example, after welding the side stitches of the chassis, the assembly is cut into individual absorbent articles 48 using a cutting device 49.

It is mentioned earlier in the manufacturing process of these two examples that the relative position between the mobile supply of web material and the fixed equipment on the production line can change over time to a certain degree. It is clear from. As a result, the final position of any fastened elastic leg features in the final absorbent article can be slightly different between the individual absorbent article items, and the web material is continuous. The cutting operation of the supply will involve a specific magnitude change in the relative position of the cutting and the movable web material.

Due to these manufacturing tolerances, the production line is to avoid the elastic leg features being cut or damaged during the subsequent cutting steps, or the elastic leg features are one outside the surface of the web material. The elastic leg features may be configured to be fastened with a slight offset from the intended leg edge in order to avoid being provided. Unintentional cutting or damage of the elastic leg features can impair the functionality of the elastic leg features, and the provision of the elastic leg features to the outside of the surface of the web material is the adhesion of the elastic leg features. The agent may come into contact with the production line, which may require the production line to be shut down and cleaned.

Therefore, while addressing manufacturing tolerances, the risk of unintentional damage to elastic leg features during cutting, the risk of adhesive sticking to manufacturing equipment, etc., improved comfort and fit. , And it is desirable to have elastic leg features mounted as close as possible to the leg edges of the chassis to prevent deemed leaks.

This disclosure provides two different approaches to achieving improved comfort, fit, and leak prevention while addressing manufacturing tolerances. According to the first technique, the elastic leg features are intended to form the front and / or rear of the chassis, as described with reference to FIGS. 1-3 and 5-14. It is first installed in the web material that is being used. In subsequent steps, the web material is cut in a cutting step to at least form a leg opening in the absorbent article. According to the first technique, the desired relative position between the web material and the cutting tool is intended and selected so that some of the elastic leg features attached to the web material are separated during the cutting step. Will be done. Having elastic leg features designed from the beginning for partial separation during the manufacturing process impairs the elastic effect of the rest of the elastic leg features after cutting beyond acceptable levels. Will not be. Therefore, the controlled removal of a portion of the elastic leg feature, taking into account the manufacturing tolerances of the production line, ensures that sufficient elastic performance is still available after cutting the elastic leg feature. As a result, the leg edges of the chassis have elastic leg features 17 that are fastened very close to the leg edges, at least where the elastic leg features were cut along with cutting the leg edges. Therefore, a leg rim with a fold-free hem-like appearance is provided.

According to a second approach to achieving improved comfort, fit, and leak protection while addressing manufacturing tolerances, absorbent articles with an H-chassis configuration are shown in FIGS. 4 and 15-17. Provided as described with reference to. Here, the elastic leg features are initially installed offset from the edges of the web material intended to form the front or rear of the chassis. The level of deviation is selected with manufacturing tolerances in mind to ensure that the elastic leg features are virtually always adhered to the web material in its entirety to avoid adhesive adhesion to the manufacturing equipment. Will be done. In subsequent steps, the web material with the elastic web features will be folded along the edges of the elastic leg features so that the elastic leg features will be positioned directly on the anterior or posterior leg edges. As a result, this technique also provides an elastic leg feature 17 that is fastened very close to the leg edge, thus providing a leg edge with a pleated hem-like appearance.

The pants-type absorbent article 1 schematically shown in FIG. 1 corresponds to the basic type of absorbent article, and in general, the pants-type absorbent article is a side stitch that is permanently or reclosed, such as a side stitch. Includes more elastic features aimed at allowing the user to wear the absorbent article without damaging the connection with excessive stress. For example, an absorbent article 1 corresponding to the absorbent article of FIG. 1 but with more elastic features is schematically shown in FIG. The absorbent article 1 has a front 3 and a rear 4 made of a wide range of elastic web materials, the elastic web material of which is at least two substantially inelastic web materials stacked integrally. It has an elastic feature 25 sandwiched between the sheets of at least two web materials, the elastic feature 25 providing a web material that is elastic in the transverse direction x. Therefore, it is attached to at least two seats in a state of being pulled in the transverse direction x. The elastic feature 25 may include, for example, a plurality of elastic threads that extend in the transverse direction x and are staggered from each other. This elastic feature can form, for example, the elastic central region 26.

The elastic waist feature 27 may be additionally fastened to the chassis 2 along the waist edges 7 and 8 of the front 3 and the rear 4. The anterior and posterior elastic waist features 27 preferably extend in the transverse direction x substantially parallel to the respective waist edges 7, 8. The elastic waist feature 27 and / or the elastic leg feature 17 typically has stronger elasticity than the elastic feature in the central region 26.

FIG. 6a schematically shows the pants-type absorbent article 1 in a flat state, with the side connecting portion 6 permanently or reclosed unconnected. The pants-type absorbent article 1 is of a type having a cut-out leg opening 19, and the elastic leg feature 17 is partially separated during cutting of the leg opening 19.

To achieve a satisfactory level of comfort, fit, and leak protection, the elastic leg features 17 are arranged so as to extend from the associated side edges 11 and 12 towards the centerline 28 in the longitudinal direction y of the article 1. Has been done. Thereby, an appropriate length of the desired leg hem along the leg edges 9 and 10 is possible. This is also the result when the production method disclosed with reference to FIG. 3 is used.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6a in relation to the expansion of the region 61 in FIG. 6b, the distance D in the longitudinal direction from an arbitrary point of each leg edge to the nearest portion of the elastic leg feature is, for example. A portion of the leg elastic feature 17 has a first length L1 of less than 6 millimeters in the transverse direction x when the first length L1 is measured in the stretched state of the absorbent article. Appropriate leg hem of sufficient length along leg edges 9 and 10 provides a satisfactory level of comfort, fit and leak prevention when at least 55% of the maximum leg opening length L2. Available to provide.

The distance D in the longitudinal direction y from any point on each leg edge 9, 10 to the closest portion of the elastic leg feature 17 is here the hem of the leg with respect to the presence or size of the fold. Used to indicate the quality of. As described above, positioning the elastic leg features 17 near the leg edges 9 and 10 means that only the web material having no elastic legs can develop large folds, so that the chassis material of the front 3 is It means that no folds appear at all, or at least only small folds appear. The closest portion of the elastic leg feature 17 may be indicated by the closest elastic thread if the elastic leg feature comprises a plurality of elastic threads. If the distance D is selected as less than 5 mm, or even less than 4 mm, the quality level of the hem of the leg can be considered even better.

The first length L1 measured in the transverse direction x is used here as an indicator of the length of the hem of a high quality leg and the first length L1 is the size of a particular absorbent article. It is compared to the maximum length L2 of the leg opening in the transverse direction x to provide a thoughtful way to determine the first length L1 independently. The maximum length L2 of the leg opening in the transverse direction x is schematically shown in FIG. 8, which shows an absorbent article having side edges 11, 12, 15, 16 tilted with respect to the longitudinal direction y. In the transverse direction x, the extension 60 extends from the outermost portion of the side edges 11 and 12 of the front portion 3 in the transverse direction to the outermost portion of the side edges 15 and 16 of the rear portion 4 in the transverse direction. It can be easily and uniquely determined by measuring the maximum length between them. The transverse direction x is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction y.

Preferably, the first length should be at least 55% of the maximum length L2 of the leg opening in the transverse direction x when measured in the stretched state of the absorbent article. 55% is considered to represent a value that gives the user confidence in its leak prevention as well as giving satisfactory results in terms of additional comfort and fit.

An alternative method for determining the desired length of the leg elastic feature 17 is to cut the second length L12 from the side edges 11, 12, 15, 16 in the transverse direction x. It is defined as the maximum length to a point along the perimeter of the leg edges 9 and 10 having 17, the second length L12 of which is the transverse direction x when measured in the stretched state of the absorbent article. Should be at least 30%, in particular at least 40%, and even more particularly at least 50% of the maximum length L2 of the leg opening 19 in. This alternative definition is also considered to result in the absorbent article having the desired properties of additional comfort and fit, giving the user confidence in leak prevention. The second length L12, shown in FIGS. 6a, 9 and 15, is applicable to embodiments of all examples of the present disclosure.

The term "stretched state" of an absorbent article is used herein to mean that all elastic materials contained in an absorbent article, such as elastic web material, elastic parts of the waist, elastic parts of the legs, are any part of the product. Assuming that the absorbent article is stretched in all four directions to the extent that it is stretched to the extent that the entire absorbent article is completely flat and unassembled without being gathered together. Defined. The article is only stretched to the extent that this flat condition is reached.

The first length L1 may be additionally defined with respect to the absolute length. For example, the absorbent article, when measured in the stretched state of the absorbent article 1, starts at the side edges 11 and 12 of the front or rear panel to which the elastic leg features are fastened and at least in the transverse direction. It may be configured to have a first length L1 of 5 centimeters, in particular at least 10 centimeters, and even more particularly at least 15 centimeters.

The elastic leg features, according to an embodiment of the example, include a set of 3 to 10 individual elastic threads, particularly a set of 4 to 8 individual elastic threads. More particularly, it comprises a set of 5-7 individual elastic threads. In the description of FIG. 6a, six elastic threads are included. In the description of FIG. 6a, all six individual elastic threads are parallel to each other with a gap 63 of approximately 3 mm between adjacent intentions when measured in the stretched state of the absorbent article. Is placed in. However, the gap may be in the range of 1 to 6 millimeters, depending on, for example, the material of the yarn, the dimensions of the yarn, the strength of the yarn, the magnitude of the initial load of the yarn used, and the like.

Similarly, it depends on parameters such as the number of threads used, the material of the threads, the dimensions of the threads, the strength of the threads, the magnitude of the initial load of the threads used, and, of course, the gap 63 between adjacent threads. Then, when the distance 64 between the outermost individual elastic threads of the elastic leg feature 17 in the width direction of the elastic leg feature 17 is measured in the stretched state of the absorbent article, 3 to 60 mm, It can be 8-40 mm in particular, and even 15-28 mm in particular. Here, the width direction of the elastic leg feature portion 17 refers to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the elastic leg feature portion 17.

As a result of cutting the elastic leg features 17, at least one individual elastic thread of the elastic leg features 17 is substantially shorter than the other individual elastic threads of the elastic leg features 17. For example, at least one individual elastic thread of the elastic leg feature 17 is at least 3 centimeters more than another individual elastic thread of the elastic leg feature 17 when measured in the stretched state of the absorbent article. , Especially at least 5 centimeters, and even more particularly at least 7 centimeters. For the same reason, the number of individual elastic threads in the elastic leg feature 17 tends to vary along the length of the elastic leg feature 17.

The elastic leg feature 17 may, of course, be formed from an elastic band as an alternative, the elastic band having a specific width and a specific thickness. The width of the band in the width direction of the elastic leg feature 17 is, for example, 3 to 60 mm, particularly 8 to 40 mm, and even more particularly 15 to 28 mm, when measured in the stretched state of the absorbent article. possible. At least a portion of the elastic band cuts the leg edges 9, 10 of the front 3 of the chassis 2 for the purpose of providing a long first length L1 with suitable leg hem along the leg edges 9, 10. It is configured to be cut out between. Therefore, the width of the band may vary along the longitudinal direction of the band, taking into account that the band is configured to be cut at least partially along the leg edges 9, 10.

In the specific illustration of FIG. 6a, the length 65 of the leg edges 9 and 10 of the front portion 3 in the longitudinal direction y is more significant than the length 66 of the leg edges 9 and 10 of the front portion 3 in the transverse direction x. This design of the leg edge of the front portion 3 cross-sectionally without requiring a relatively large width of the elastic leg features to compensate for the relatively large cuts on one side of the elastic leg features 17. Allows the use of elastic leg features 17 that are more parallel to x. The length 65 of the leg edges 9 and 10 of the front portion 3 in the longitudinal direction y is, for example, less than 50%, particularly less than 35%, more particularly less than the length 66 of the leg edges 9, 10 of the front portion 3 in the transverse direction. May be less than 20%. However, the disclosed cut shape of the leg opening 19 shown in FIG. 6a is merely an example, and many modifications are possible within the scope of the present disclosure.

The pants-type absorbent article 1, which is schematically shown in a flat state in FIG. 6a, corresponds to the basic type of the absorbent article, and the pants-type absorbent article corresponds to when the user wears the absorbent article. In addition, additional elastic features are generally provided to reduce the risk of damage to the lateral connections 6 and for improved comfort, fit, and leak prevention. For example, an absorbent article 1 corresponding to the absorbent article of FIG. 6a but with more elastic features is schematically shown in FIG. The absorbent article 1 has at least a front portion 3 made extensively from an elastic web material that is elastic in the transverse direction x. The elastic feature 25 in the central region 26 may include, for example, a plurality of elastic threads extending in the transverse direction x and staggered from each other.

The elastic waist feature 27 may be additionally fastened to the chassis 2 along at least the waist edge 7 of the front portion 3. The front elastic waist feature 27 preferably extends in the transverse direction x substantially parallel to the waist edge 7. The elastic waist feature 27 and / or the elastic leg feature 17 typically has stronger elasticity than the elastic feature 25 in the central region 26. The elastic waist feature 29 may be fastened to the chassis 2 along at least the waist edge 8 of the rear portion 4. The posterior elastic waist feature 29 preferably extends in the transverse direction x substantially parallel to the waist edge 8.

Also disclosed is an elastic leg feature 80 that extends substantially in the longitudinal direction at least in the crotch 22 of the absorbent article 1. The elastic leg feature 80 of the crotch portion may be an individual elastic feature portion different from the elastic leg feature portion of the leg edge of the front portion 3 and the rear portion 4. The elastic leg features 80 of the crotch 22 are arranged substantially parallel to each other and offset from each other in the transverse direction x, eg, two, three, or four, one or more individual. It may be equipped with elastic threads. Alternatively, the elastic leg feature 80 at the crotch 22 may include a band of elastic material. Although the elastic leg features 80 at the crotch 22 are shown to be fastened to the chassis 2, providing the elastic leg features 80 at the crotch 22 instead in the absorbent body 5 is not possible. It can be advantageous from a manufacturing point of view.

The absorbent article of FIG. 8 further discloses the elastic leg feature 20 at the rear 4. The elastic leg feature 20 at the rear portion 4 may extend substantially in the transverse direction x. The elastic leg feature portion 20 at the rear portion 4 may further include one or more individual elastic threads, for example 2 to 8 threads.

The method of cutting a part of the elastic leg feature portion 17 disclosed in relation to the front portion 3 of the absorbent article 1 can also be carried out in the elastic leg feature portion 20 of the rear portion 4.

It may be advantageous to avoid cutting the area parallel to the machine direction MD during cutting of the web material with the cutting device 36 in the manufacturing process described in connection with FIG. Therefore, when the initial direction of the orientation of the leg edges 9 and 10 starting from the side edges 11 and 12 deviates from the transverse direction x in the direction away from the waist edge 7, and is measured in the stretched state of the absorbent article 1. The chassis 2 in FIG. 3 is cut so that an obtuse angle 90 is formed between the longitudinal direction y and the initial direction of orientation of the leg edges 9 and 10 near the side edges 11 and 12. An alternative solution for the obtuse angle 90 is to provide the chassis with an acute angle 90 instead, as shown in FIG. Here, when the initial direction of the orientation of the leg edges 9 and 10 starting from the side edges 11 and 12 deviates from the transverse direction x toward the waist edge 7 and is measured in the stretched state of the absorbent article 1. The chassis 2 is cut so that an acute angle 90 is formed between the longitudinal direction y and the initial direction of orientation of the leg edges 9 and 10 near the side edges 11 and 12. Further, as a result of the acute angle 90, the smallest width of the elastic leg features may be positioned offset from the side edges 11 and 12 as a particular size, as shown in FIG.

An embodiment of an example of an absorbent article 1 corresponding to the absorbent article of FIG. 9 but with more elastic features is schematically shown in FIG. The absorbent article 1 has at least a front portion 3 made extensively from an elastic web material that is elastic in the transverse direction x. The elastic feature 25 in the central region may include, for example, a plurality of elastic threads extending in the transverse direction x and staggered from each other.

The elastic waist feature 27 may be additionally fastened to the chassis 2 along at least the waist edge 7 of the front portion 3. The front elastic waist feature 27 preferably extends in the transverse direction x substantially parallel to the waist edge 7. The elastic waist feature 27 and / or the elastic leg feature 17 typically has stronger elasticity than the elastic feature 25 in the central region 26. The elastic waist feature 29 may be fastened to the chassis 2 along at least the waist edge 8 of the rear portion 4. The posterior elastic waist feature 29 preferably extends in the transverse direction x substantially parallel to the waist edge 8.

Also disclosed is an elastic leg feature 80 that extends substantially in the longitudinal direction at least in the crotch 22 of the absorbent article 1. The elastic leg feature 80 of the crotch portion may be an individual elastic feature portion different from the elastic leg feature portion of the leg edge of the front portion 3 and the rear portion 4. The elastic leg features 80 of the crotch 22 are arranged substantially parallel to each other and offset from each other in the transverse direction x, eg, two, three, or four, one or more individual. It may be equipped with elastic threads. Alternatively, the elastic leg feature 80 at the crotch 22 may include a band of elastic material. Although the elastic leg features 80 at the crotch 22 are shown to be fastened to the chassis 2, providing the elastic leg features 80 at the crotch 22 instead in the absorbent body 5 is not possible. It can be advantageous from a manufacturing point of view.

The absorbent article of FIG. 10 further discloses the elastic leg feature 20 at the rear 4. The elastic leg feature 20 at the rear portion 4 may extend substantially in the transverse direction x. The elastic leg feature portion 20 at the rear portion 4 may further include one or more individual elastic threads, for example 2 to 8 threads.

The method of cutting a part of the elastic leg feature portion 17 disclosed in relation to the front portion 3 of the absorbent article 1 can also be carried out in the elastic leg feature portion 20 of the rear portion 4. The elastic leg feature 20 of the rear portion 4 is also fixed to the chassis in a non-parallel manner over the article 1.

Embodiments of still further examples of the absorbent articles of the present disclosure are shown in FIG. This embodiment is very similar to the embodiment of the example depicted and described in connection with FIG. 8, but the elastic leg features do not extend parallel to the transverse direction x over the entire width of the article in the transverse direction x. There is a difference. Instead, the elastic leg features at the front 3 of the chassis bend along leg edges 9 and 10 to a certain degree. This design corresponds to the manufacturing process shown in FIG. 5, which is a manufacturing process of modifications of what is depicted and described with reference to FIG. In the manufacturing process of FIG. 5, the movable guide portion 32a applies the continuous strip 32 of the elastic material in a smoothly curved and meandering shape while being pulled by the first sheet 31. It differs from the process of FIG. 3 in that it is provided in. As a result, the elastic leg feature 17 in FIG. 11 follows better around the leg opening 19 so that when D is 6 mm, the first length L1 is in the stretched state of the absorbent article. When measured, it should be at least 60% of the maximum length L2 of the leg opening in the transverse direction x.

To allow for high manufacturing speeds, the elastic leg features 17 deviate less than 30 degrees from the transverse direction x over the entire length of the elastic leg features 17 when measured in the stretched state of the absorbent article. Are arranged so that they have an orientation that deviates, especially less than 20 degrees, and more particularly less than 10 degrees.

This arrangement allows the continuous elastic leg features 17 to adhere to the continuous sheet of web material moving in the mechanical direction without significant movement of the elastic leg features in the machine crossing direction. Therefore, as long as the angle 70 defined in FIG. 11 is relatively small, the manufacturing complexity is only slightly increased by the operation of the movable guide 32a. If the change in inclination of the elastic leg features with respect to the transverse direction x is smaller, the elastic leg features can still be easily and quickly applied to the surface of the chassis.

FIG. 12 of the present disclosure shows the results of any manufacturing tolerance in cross-machine orientation CDs so that a comfortable, well-fitted, high-leakage-proof leg hem is provided independently of manufacturing tolerances. It shows how the disclosure addresses manufacturing tolerances. Depending on the relative position in the machine crossing direction CD between the web material and the location of the leg excision device, the leg excision will be subject to change with respect to the location in the web material. Examples of these changes in the cutout position are shown schematically in FIG. 12 and are marked as "A", "B", and "C".

For example, when the cutting device cuts along the path "A" shown in FIG. 12, none of the elastic leg features is separated at all and all six elastic threads remain intact and effective. This cutting location results in a first length L1a and all elastic threads are perfect.

Alternatively, when the cutting device cuts along the path "B" as shown in FIG. 12, about two elastic threads are cut and are therefore considered to be missing. There are still at least four elastic threads left, which are sufficient to generate a first length L1b that is greater than 80% of the maximum length L2.

Still a further alternative, when the cutting device cuts along the path "C" as shown in FIG. 12, three elastic threads are cut out and are therefore considered to be missing. There are still at least three elastic threads left, which are sufficient to generate a first length L1c that is greater than 90% of the maximum length L2.

In the embodiment of the absorbent article example shown in FIGS. 6a-11, the chassis was a single chassis that could be manufactured according to the manufacturing process described with reference to FIG. Here, the single chassis has a front portion 3, a rear portion 4, and a crotch portion 22 connected to the front portion 3 and the rear portion 4, and the crotch portion 22 is an integral product with the front portion 3 and the rear portion 4. Means the chassis being made. However, the present disclosure is not limited to a single chassis and may be similarly applicable to H-shaped chassis as schematically shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. In the design of the H-shaped chassis, the front portion 3 and the rear portion 4 of the chassis are individual parts of the absorbent article 1, and the individual parts are connected to each other by a separate absorbent body 5. In the design of the H-shaped chassis, the maximum length L2 of the leg opening in the transverse direction x may be partially determined by the side edge 130 of the absorbent body 5.

An embodiment of an example of an absorbent article 1 corresponding to the absorbent article of FIG. 13 but with more elastic features is schematically shown in FIG. The absorbent article 1 has at least a front portion 3 made extensively from an elastic web material that is elastic in the transverse direction x. The elastic feature 25 in the central region may include, for example, a plurality of elastic threads extending in the transverse direction x and staggered from each other.

The elastic waist feature 27 may be additionally fastened to the chassis 2 along at least the waist edge 7 of the front portion 3. The front elastic waist feature 27 preferably extends in the transverse direction x substantially parallel to the waist edge 7. The elastic waist feature 27 and / or the elastic leg feature 17 typically has stronger elasticity than the elastic feature 25 in the central region 26. The elastic waist feature 29 may be fastened to the chassis 2 along at least the waist edge 8 of the rear portion 4. The posterior elastic waist feature 29 preferably extends in the transverse direction x substantially parallel to the waist edge 8.

Also disclosed is an elastic leg feature 80 that extends substantially in the longitudinal direction at least in the crotch 22 of the absorbent article 1. The elastic leg feature 80 of the crotch portion may be an individual elastic feature portion different from the elastic leg feature portion of the leg edge of the front portion 3 and the rear portion 4. The elastic leg features 80 of the crotch 22 are arranged substantially parallel to each other and offset from each other in the transverse direction x, eg, two, three, or four, one or more individual. It may be equipped with elastic threads. Alternatively, the elastic leg feature 80 at the crotch 22 may include a band of elastic material.

The elastic leg feature 80 at the crotch 22 is shown fastened to an absorbent body 5 without a chassis in the crotch region.

The absorbent article of FIG. 14 further discloses the elastic leg feature 20 at the rear 4. The elastic leg feature 20 at the rear portion 4 may extend substantially in the transverse direction x. The elastic leg feature portion 20 at the rear portion 4 may further include one or more individual elastic threads, for example 2 to 8 threads.

The method of cutting a part of the elastic leg feature portion 17 disclosed in relation to the front portion 3 of the absorbent article 1 can also be carried out in the elastic leg feature portion 20 of the rear portion 4. The elastic leg feature 20 of the rear portion 4 is also fixed to the chassis in a non-parallel manner over the article 1.

A still further embodiment of the absorbent article 1 according to the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 15, which shows an absorbent article having an H-chassis. An exemplary embodiment of the corresponding cross section along the cuts AA is shown in FIG. 16c. The absorbent article 1 includes a front portion 3, a rear portion 4, and a separate absorbent body 5 located at the crotch for connecting the front portion 3 and the rear portion 4. The front portion 3 may be made of, for example, two sheets 71, 72 of the web material laminated integrally, and the first sheet 71 of the web material has leg elasticity to form a folded edge 73. It is folded around the feature portion 17, and the folded edge 73 defines the leg edges 9 and 10 of the front portion 3. Embodiments of an example of the manufacturing sequence of the front are schematically shown in FIGS. 16a-16c. In FIG. 16a, the elastic leg feature 17 is attached to the first sheet 71 of the web material, for example using an adhesive. The elastic leg feature 17 is attached so as to be offset from the edge 75 of the first sheet 71 to reduce the risk of the elastic leg feature 17 being attached near the first sheet 71 due to manufacturing tolerances. However, this is because the adhesive may be placed on the manufacturing equipment underneath the transport band or the like, which is not desirable.

In the subsequent steps shown in FIG. 16b, a portion of the first sheet 71, referred to herein as the folded portion 74, is folded around the leg elastic feature 17 to form the folded edge 73. The folded portion 74 of the first sheet 71 has a width 76 of at least 5 millimeters, particularly at least 10 millimeters, and even more particularly at least 20 millimeters.

The folded portion 74 has a width 76 that completely covers the leg elastic feature portion 17, that is, a leg elastic feature portion 17 between the first sheet 71 and the folded portion 74 of the first sheet 71. It can be wide enough to be fully incorporated.

Subsequently, in FIG. 16c, the second sheet 72 is laminated on the assembly of the first sheet 71 and the elastic leg feature portion 17. As a result, the elastic leg feature 17 is substantially positioned at the folded edge 73, which forms the anterior leg edge 10. Therefore, this design cost-effectively reduces the size of the folds along the leg edges 9, 10, 13 and 14 to create a hem-like appearance and comfort of the absorbent article 1.

The manufacturing sequence shown in FIGS. 16a-16c substantially corresponds to the manufacturing process schematically shown in FIG. However, the disclosed manufacturing sequence is, for example, as shown in FIG. 17, before folding a portion of the first sheet 71 around the leg elastic feature 17 to form the folded edge 73. It may be changed by adhering the second sheet 72 to the first sheet 71.

Further, still according to further design modifications, the second sheet 72 is in the finished state, i.e. after the production is completed, as schematically shown in FIG. It may have a width 77 that is smaller in the longitudinal direction y than the overall width 79. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 18, the width 77 of the second sheet 72 has a gap 78 in the longitudinal direction y between the edge 75 of the first sheet 71 and the lower edge 82 of the second sheet 72. Is selected to be formed in. The purpose of the second sheet 72 is mainly to cover any elastic feature of the front portion 3, and when the first sheet 71 itself is used to cover the leg elastic feature, FIG. 16c or FIG. As shown in 17, there is no reason to extend the second sheet 72 down to the folded edge at the entire distance. Instead, the second sheet 72 has a first uncovered elastic feature, such as an area of the abdomen of the anterior 3 and / or an area of the lumbar elastic feature of the anterior 3. It may be positioned in the region of portion 3. Further deformation of the width 77 of the second sheet 72 is possible. For example, the width 77 of the second sheet may be selected so that it extends down to the edge 75 of the first sheet 71 but does not overlap the folded portion 74.

In the embodiment of the example of FIG. 15, the absorbent article comprises a front 3 and a rear 4 made of individual parts and interconnected using an absorbent body 5. The folded edges 73 at the leg edges 9 and 10 are substantially parallel to the transverse direction x. However, variations in shape and composition are possible.

19 and 20 show how a particular absorbent article can be adapted to fit a particular gender better, such as a woman or a man. FIG. 19 may show, for example, a female article, and FIG. 20 may represent a male article. For example, better comfort and fit can be achieved by providing an absorbent article 1 adapted for women with an elastic leg feature 17 having a width 80 smaller than the corresponding width 80 of the men article 1. it can. Similarly, for example, the absorbent article 1 adapted for women is provided with an elastic waist feature 27 having a width 81 smaller than the corresponding width 81 of the men's article 1 for better comfort and fit. Can be realized.

In addition, it is possible to have articles in which some parameters are adapted to a particular sex. For example, an absorbent article 1 adapted for women has an elastic leg feature 17 having a width 80 smaller than the corresponding width 80 of the male article 1 and a width 81 smaller than the corresponding width 81 of the male article 1. An elastic waist feature portion 27 having the above may be provided. The combination of specific elastic leg features and specific elastic hip features for each sex allows for better comfort and fit.

Both the illustrated and disclosed embodiments of the absorbent articles according to the present disclosure may provide a flat previous design. The flat front design here refers to the design of an absorbent article in which at least a portion of the elastic feature extending substantially in the transverse direction x over the front is blocked in the front region of the front. For example, the anterior region 21 is shown in FIG. 2 using an alternate long and short dash line. The anterior region 21 is described here as extending upward over a portion of the absorbent body 5 towards the lumbar edge 7 of the anterior portion 3. Elastic features within the front region 21, such as elastic features 25, elastic leg features 17, and / or elastic waist features 27 in the central region 26, are connected to at least one sheet of web material that makes up the front portion 3. It is not necessary, so that any elastic feature 25, 17, 27 in the anterior region 21 will be in a naturally unstretched state when cut or broken along the transverse side portion 21a of the anterior region 21. Can bounce back. Cutting or breaking of the elastic features 25, 17, 27 along the transverse side portion 21a of the front region 21 can be performed, for example, by a suitable machine during the manufacture of the absorbent article 1. The removal of the gathering effect caused by the elastic features 25, 17, 27 within the anterior region 21 otherwise results in a smoother, flatter appearance of the anterior region 21 of the absorbent article, which is more of a cloth. It is desirable to provide the user with the appearance of such underwear and the comfort that accompanies it.

By "absorbable article" is meant an article that absorbs body fluids, such as urine and / or blood, or an article that is adapted to absorb body fluids.

The non-woven material layer or web of the invention forming the chassis can be selected, for example, from spunbond, airlaid, wet, curd, electrospinning, or melt blown non-woven fabrics, for example. Non-woven materials can be bonded by multiple techniques, such as knitting, water flow entanglement, or thermal bonding.

The non-woven material of the disclosed product is a mixture of natural and synthetic materials. Natural fibers are, for example, cellulose fibers or fibers from regenerated cellulose.

The term "elastic yarn" refers to, for example, the elasticity of natural rubber, synthetic rubber, thermoplastic elastomas such as thermoplastic polyurethane or styrene block copolymers, or elastane, also called spandex (polyurethane-polyurea copolymer). It is intended to mean elastic stranded or elastic yarn made from a material. The yarn may be of elastane, which is available under the trade name "LYCRA", but any suitable elastic yarn may be used. The yarn can have a dtex with a linear mass density of about 80-1200 dtex.

The elastic yarn is from about 50% to about 300% of the initial unpulled original length, more preferably from about 100% to about 250%, most preferably the initial unpulled during the production process. It is stretched from about 150% to about 220% of its original length. The elastic yarn should preferably be of a type that can tolerate at least about 200% stretching without breaking and therefore can be safely used in the production process without the risk of breaking.

Further information about the material for the elastic web material is disclosed in Patent Document 2 which is referred to in its entirety.

The absorbent body absorbs excreted excreta such as cellulosic fluff pulp, tissue layer, highly absorbent polymer (superabsorbent), absorbent foaming material including hydrogel foaming material, and absorbent non-woven material. It may be equipped with any conventional material suitable for.

The absorbent body is placed on the side of the liquid permeable surface sheet intended to face the user's skin and the non-absorbent body placed on the side of the absorbent body intended to face the user's clothing. It may have a permeable back sheet. Generally, a liquid permeable surface sheet comprises or consists of a non-woven material. The surface sheet material can further consist of coarse hemp fibers, porous foams, open plastic films and the like. As mentioned above, a suitable material as a surface sheet material should be soft, non-irritating to the skin, easily penetrated by body fluids such as urine or menstrual fluid, and exhibit low re-wetting properties.

The liquid impervious back sheet is a thin plastic film such as a polyethylene film or a polypropylene film, a non-woven material coated with a liquid-impermeable material, a hydrophobic non-woven material that resists liquid permeation, or a plastic film. It can consist of a laminate with a woven material. The back sheet material may be breathable so as to allow vapors to escape from the absorbent body while still preventing liquids from passing through the back sheet material.

The front and back sheets can be connected to each other, for example, by adhesive bonding, gluing, or thermal or ultrasonic welding. The front and / or back sheets may be further attached to the absorbent body by any technically known method such as adhesive, thermal bonding.

The symbols mentioned in the claims should not be understood as limiting the scope of the claims, and their only function is to make the claims easier to understand.

As will be appreciated, this disclosure can be modified in various obvious ways without departing from the scope of the appended claims. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions in the present disclosure are to be construed as, by way of example, not limiting. It should be understood that the absorbent articles herein and their components and methods are not intended to be limited to the specific forms disclosed. Rather, they are intended to include all variants, equalities, and alternatives that fall within the claims. They are further intended to include embodiments that can be formed by combining features from the disclosed embodiments and variations thereof.

1 Disposable pants-type absorbent article 2 Chassis 3 Front, first part 4 Rear 5 Absorbent body 6 Permanently or reclosed side joints 7, 8 Waist edge 9, 10 Leg edge 11, 12 Side edge 13, 14 Leg edges 15, 16 Side edges 17 Elastic leg features, leg elastic features 18 Waist opening 19 Leg openings 20 Elastic leg features 21 Front area 22 Crotch 23 Folds 25 Elastic features 26 Central area 27 Elastic waist features Part 28 Centerline 29 Elastic waist feature 31 First continuous sheet of web material, inner sheet 32 Elastic material strip 32a Guide 33 Second continuous sheet of web material, outer sheet 34 Leg opening 35 Laminated web Material 36 Cutting equipment 37 Absorbent body 38 Side stitching 39 Cutting equipment 40 Absorbent article 41 First continuous sheet of web material 42 Third continuous sheet of web material 43 Band piece 44 Second continuous sheet of web material 45 Band shape Part 46 Folding line 47 Absorbent body 48 Absorbent article 61 Area 63 Gap 64 Distance 65 Length 70 Angle 71 First sheet 72 Second sheet 74 Folded part 75 Edge 76 Width 77 Width 79 Width 80 Elastic leg Features Part 82 Lower edge 90 Oblique angle, sharp angle 130 Side edge A, B, C Path CD Machine crossing direction D Distance L1, L1a, L1b, L1c First length L12 Second length L2 Maximum length MD Machine direction x Transverse direction y Longitudinal direction

Claims (18)

A disposable pants-type absorbent article (1) such as a pants diaper, sanitary pants, or incontinence pants, wherein the pants-type absorbent article (1) is
Chassis (2) and
Absorbent body (5) and
The chassis (2) has a front portion (3) and a rear portion (4), and each of the front portion (3) and the rear portion (4) is paired with a waist edge (7, 8). Has a leg edge (9, 10, 13, 14) and a pair of side edges (11, 12, 15, 16).
The front (3) and the rear (4) face each other side edges (11, 12, 15, 16) to at least partially define a waist opening (18) and a pair of leg openings (19). ) Combined with each other
The absorbent body (5) is mainly positioned at the crotch portion (22) of the pants-type absorbent article (1).
Elastic leg features (17, 20) are at least partially fastened to the chassis (2) along the leg edges (9, 10, 13, 14).
The pants-type absorbent article (1) has a longitudinal direction (y) and a transverse direction (x) in the pants-type absorbent article (1).
The elastic leg features (17, 20) extend from the associated side edges (11, 12, 15, 16) in the longitudinal direction (y) of the pants-type absorbent article (1) to a center line (28). ),
The width of the elastic leg features (17, 20) is 8-40 mm when measured in the stretched state of the pants-type absorbent article (1).
The elastic leg features (17, 20) include a set of 3 to 10 individual elastic threads.
The individual elastic threads of the elastic leg features (17, 20) are 1 to 6 millimeters between adjacent threads when measured in the stretched state of the pants-type absorbent article (1). They are placed parallel to each other with a gap,
A part of the elastic leg features (17, 20) starting from the side edges (11, 12, 15, 16) is the side when measured in the stretched state of the pants-type absorbent article (1). Starting from the edges (11, 12, 15, 16), having a first length (L1) in the transverse direction (x) and any of the respective leg edges (9, 10, 13, 14). The longitudinal distance (D) from the point to the closest portion of the elastic leg features (17, 20) is less than 6 mm.
The first length (L1) is the maximum length (L2) of the leg opening (19) in the transverse direction (x) when measured in the stretched state of the pants-type absorbent article (1). ), Which is at least 55%
At least one individual elastic thread of the elastic leg feature (17, 20) is cut during cutting of the leg edge (9, 10, 13, 14) of the chassis (2). Disposable pants type absorbent article (1). The first length (L1) starts from the side edges (11, 12, 15, 16) and is in the transverse direction when measured in the stretched state of the pants-type absorbent article (1). The pants-type absorbent article (1) according to claim 1, wherein the item (x) is at least 5 cm. The first length (L1) is the maximum length of the leg opening (19) in the transverse direction (x) when measured in the stretched state of the pants-type absorbent article (1). The pants-type absorbent article (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is at least 60% of (L2). The pants-type absorbent article (1) includes a second length (L12), which is the side edges (11, 12, 15, in the transverse direction (x)). The second length (L12) is determined by the maximum length from 16) to a point along the circumference of the leg edge (9, 10) having the cut elastic leg feature portion, and the second length (L12) is the pants type. Claimed to be at least 30% of the maximum length (L2) of the leg opening (19) in the transverse direction (x) when measured in the stretched state of the absorbent article (1). Item 1. The pants-type absorbent article (1) according to Item 1. The width of the elastic leg feature (17, 20) is along the length of the elastic leg feature (17, 20) when measured in the stretched state of the pants-type absorbent article (1). The pants-type absorbent article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it changes. The pants-type absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the elastic leg feature portions (17, 20) include a set of 4 to 8 individual elastic threads. 1). The pants-type absorbent article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the elastic leg feature portions (17, 20) are provided with an elastic band. At least the front (3) and / or the rear (4) are made from a wide range of elastic web materials, the elastic web material being at least two substantially inelastic sheets of web material that are laminated together. The web is made of and has an elastic feature (25) sandwiched between sheets of at least two web materials, the elastic feature (25) being elastic in the transverse direction (x). The pants-type absorbent according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the material is attached to the at least two seats in a state of being pulled in the transverse direction (x) to provide the material. Article (1). Elastic waist features (27, 29) are fastened to the chassis (2) along the waist edges (7, 8) of the front (3) and the rear (4) and the front (3). ) And the elastic waist features (27, 29) of the rear portion (4), characterized in extending in a transverse direction (x) substantially parallel to the respective waist edges (7, 8). The pants-type absorbent article (1) according to any one of Items 1 to 8. At least one of the anterior portion (3) and the posterior portion (4) has the lumbar edges (7, 8) and / or more than in the central region (26) of the anterior portion (3) and the posterior portion (4). The pants-type absorbent article (1) according to claim 9, wherein the leg edge (9, 10, 13, 14) has a larger elasticity. The initial direction of orientation of the leg edges (9, 10, 13, 14) starting from the side edges (11, 12, 15, 16) is the transverse direction (7, 8) toward the nearest waist edge (7, 8). Deviating from x) and measuring in the stretched state of the pants-type absorbent article (1), said in the longitudinal direction (y) and near the side edges (11, 12, 15, 16). The chassis (2) is cut so that an acute angle (90) is formed between the orientation of the leg edges (9, 10, 13, 14) and the initial direction. The pants-type absorbent article (1) according to any one of 1 to 10. At least one individual elastic thread of the elastic leg feature (17, 20) is measured in the stretched state of the pants-type absorbent article (1), the elastic leg feature (17, 20). ), The pants-type absorbent article (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that it is at least 3 centimeters shorter than another individual elastic thread. Any of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the number of individual elastic threads of the elastic leg feature (17, 20) varies along the length of the elastic leg feature (17, 20). The pants-type absorbent article (1) according to item 1. The pants-type absorbent article (1) according to claim 7, wherein at least a part of the elastic band is cut off during cutting of the leg edges (9, 10, 13, 14) of the chassis. ). The length of the leg edge (9, 10, 13, 14) in the longitudinal direction (y) is 50% of the length of the leg edge (9, 10, 13, 14) in the transverse direction (x). The pants-type absorbent article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that it is less than, specifically less than 35%, and more specifically less than 20%. ). The pants type according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the leg edges (9, 10) are positioned at the front portion (3) of the pants type absorbent article (1). Absorbent article (1). Pants A method for producing disposable pants-type absorbent articles (1) such as diapers, sanitary pants, or incontinence pants in a continuous process.
A step of forming a chassis (2) from at least one continuous web material, wherein the chassis (2) has a front portion (3) and a rear portion (4), the front portion (3) and the rear portion. Each of (4) has a waist edge (7, 8), a pair of leg edges (9, 10, 13, 14), and a pair of side edges (11, 12, 15, 16), and is elastic. The leg features (17, 20) are at least partially fastened to the chassis (2) along the leg edges (9, 10, 13, 14), and the elastic leg features (17, 20) are The elastic leg features (17,) extend from the related side edges (11, 12, 15, 16) toward the center line (28) in the longitudinal direction (y) of the pants-type absorbent article (1). 20) has a width of 8 to 40 mm when measured in the stretched state of the pants-type absorbent article (1), and 4 to 10 elastic leg features (17, 20). A portion of the elastic leg features (17, 20) starting from the side edges (11, 12, 15, 16) comprising a set of individual elastic threads of the pants-type absorbent article (1) is stretched. The elastic leg feature portion has a first length (L1) in the transverse direction (x) and is measured from any point of each of the leg edges (9, 10, 13, 14). The distance (D) in the longitudinal direction (y) to the nearest portion of (17, 20) is less than 6 mm, and the first length (L1) is the pants-type absorbent article (17, 20). The step and the step, which is at least 55% of the maximum length (L2) of the leg opening (19) in the transverse direction (x) when measured in the stretched state of 1).
A step of connecting the absorbent body (5) to the chassis (2) so that it is mainly positioned at the crotch portion (22) of the pants-type absorbent article (1).
The side edges (11, 12, 15, 16) facing the front (3) and the rear (4) to at least partially define the waist opening (18) and the pair of leg openings (19). And the steps to join each other in
How to include. In the step of forming the chassis (2) by separating the fragments of the web material, a part of the elastic leg feature portions (17, 20) is the leg edge (9, 10) of the chassis (2). , 13, 14) The method of claim 17, comprising the step of being detached at the same time as the disconnection.

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