RU2371159C2 - Absorbent article containing securing unit for absorbent article removal - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: medicine.

SUBSTANCE: invention concerns medicine, particularly absorbent articles used for incontinence cases. Absorbent article includes absorbent core positioned between internal cover sheet and external cover sheet. Additionally article includes at least one securing unit keeping the article in folded or rolled state during removal. The securing unit features securing element for attachment to at least a part of external cover sheet, a pulling catch, and pocket where securing unit is positioned when not used. Pulling catch sticks out of the pocket to let pull the securing unit out of the pocket if necessary.

EFFECT: reduced risk of undesirable opening or separation of securing unit keeping article in folded or rolled position until the article is ready for removal, protection of securing unit against stains and damage.

9 cl, 8 dwg

Description

Technical field

The present invention relates to an absorbent article, such as a diaper, diaper-panties, sanitary napkin or incontinence guard. The product comprises at least one fastening means for removing the absorbent product, while the fastening means for removing has a fastening element that is adapted to be attached to at least a portion of the outer covering sheet and which allows the product to be fixed in a configuration that provides convenient removal after using the specified product.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

After use, the absorbent articles are usually folded or rolled up so that the soiled portion is hidden internally for disposal. To prevent the deployment of the stained product and to hold the stained part inside, it is desirable that the so-called “fastening means for removing” is made with the possibility of holding the product in a folded or folded state during removal. Typically, the fastening means to be removed includes a fastening element, for example an adhesive or a mechanical fastening element, and is attached at one end to the front or back of the product and folded so that in normal use the adhesive or mechanical fastening element is in the unopened position. The strip may be deployed so as to open the fastening element when it is desired to use it as a fastening means for removing.

EP-A-1121917 discloses a diaper panties having a fastening means for removing and made in the form of strips of adhesive tape located near the lateral edges of the diaper. Each strip of adhesive tape contains two parts, namely the first part extending in the longitudinal direction parallel to the side edges and the second part extending from the predetermined area of the first part in the longitudinal or transverse direction of the diaper. It is claimed that the fastening means for removing is adapted to hold the diaper in its folded state for removal without leakage through the openings for the waist or legs.

PCT / SE2004 / 002026 discloses a panty type absorbent article comprising at least one fastening means located in a side connection zone between the connected side edges of the product. When the lateral connection zone is broken, the fastening means opens.

US 2003/0153891 discloses an absorbent article having a fastening means for removing, said specified fastening means for removing includes visible signs. These signs facilitate the determination of the location of the fastener to be removed and can provide instructions to the user or carer.

US 2002/0065500 describes a plastic bag used to remove diapers that is placed directly on a diaper and is contained within a tear-off shell on a diaper. When it becomes necessary to remove the diaper, the sheath is torn, the plastic bag is removed and the soiled diaper is inserted into the plastic bag.

In European patent EP 0623330, a short-type diaper is disclosed, provided with a fastening element of adhesive tape, intended for fastening the used diaper when discarded. In European patent EP 00732094 a similar product is disclosed in which the fastening element in the form of a tape is elastic.

JP 2002045401 discloses a method for attaching a folded adhesive tape intended to be removed to a back sheet of a diaper by using an adhesive layer to hold the adhesive tape in a folded state while the article is being worn.

Many of the previously known fastening means for carrying out the removal can be disclosed and even deleted by mistake by the wearer or caregiver before removing the product for removal. This is especially a problem for babies who can remove a fastener designed to be removed and attached to their diaper, thereby rendering it ineffective as a fastener and creating a potential choking hazard for the baby. The fastening means for removal can also be opened during movements of the absorbent article and the surrounding garments relative to each other, and in this case can adhere to the garments. If the fastening means to be removed is accidentally deployed, it may also become dirty or damaged and its “fastening” ability may decrease.

There is a need for a fastening means for removing, which reduces the risk of unwanted opening or separation of the fastening means for removing, before the product is ready to be removed. It is also desirable that the fastener intended for the removal is less accessible to infants. In addition, the fastener intended to be removed must be protected from dirt and damage. The location of the fastener intended for removal should be clearly visible to the carer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to solve the problems associated with prior art removal by fastening means. One particular object of the present invention is to provide an absorbent article having a fastening means for removing, which reduces the risk of opening by mistake before the article is ready for removal. Of particular interest is also the creation of a fastener designed to be removed, which is hidden and is not immediately accessible, thereby minimizing the risk of unwanted disclosure or removal.

In accordance with the invention, an absorbent article such as a diaper, diaper-panties, sanitary napkin or incontinence protector is provided. The absorbent article comprises an absorbent core located between the inner cover sheet and the outer cover sheet, and has longitudinal and transverse directions. The product further comprises at least one fastening means for removing, while the fastening means for removing has a fastening element that is adapted to be attached to at least a portion of the outer covering sheet, and which makes it possible to fix the product in a configuration that provides convenient removal after using the specified product. The fastening means for removal also comprises a pulling tongue. The invention is mainly characterized in that the fastening means for removing is located in the pocket when not in use, the pulling tongue protrudes from said pocket, so that the fastening means for removing can be pulled out of the pocket if necessary.

In accordance with one embodiment, a pocket is formed between the inner and outer covering sheets of the article. Alternatively, the outer covering sheet is a laminate comprising a layer facing the garment and at least one inner layer, wherein a pocket is formed between the inner layer and the layer facing the garment.

A pocket may be formed between the inner or outer covering sheet and a layer of material that is attached separately to the covering sheet. Preferably, if the pocket is located on the inner surface of the inner covering sheet of the product. In one embodiment, the material layer and the bonding means for removing are formed from the same piece of material.

In one embodiment of the invention, the pocket is positioned so that the pull tab protrudes above the edge of the article. Accordingly, the pocket is located on the belt of the product and is placed so that the pull tab protrudes above the belt of the product.

The fastening element may be a part with hooks of the fastening means in the form of hooks and loops or a tongue of adhesive tape. The fastening means to be removed is folded inside the pocket or may contain elastic material, so that when the fastening means to be removed is not tensioned, it is hidden inside the pocket but can be pulled out of the pocket under tension by applying a pulling force to the tongue for pulling.

Accordingly, the article is a panty-type absorbent article comprising a front part, a crotch part and a back part, said front and back parts being connected to each other along two opposite longitudinal side edges to form a waist opening and two leg openings. The fastening means for removal can be placed on the front or back of the product.

Definitions

Absorbent article and panty type absorbent article

The term “absorbent article” refers to articles that are placed on the skin of a carrier to absorb and retain body exudates, such as urine, feces, and menstrual fluid. The invention mainly relates to disposable absorbent articles, which means articles that are not intended to be washed or otherwise restored to their original condition, or reused as absorbent articles after use.

For a diaper having fastening means in the form of reeds from adhesive tape or fastening elements such as hooks and loops designed to fasten the diaper around the waist of the wearer, this fastening means can also be used as designed to carry out the removal of fastening means. However, other products, in particular diapers, pants, require special designed to carry out the removal of fastening means. Therefore, the invention is of particular importance for absorbent articles such as underpants that have a specific waist opening and two leg openings and that are put on the wearer's body by inserting the legs into the leg openings and pulling the article upward on the waist. Examples of such absorbent articles such as underpants are panty diapers, hygiene pants and panties used in incontinence and worn by adults with incontinence. Panty type absorbent articles typically include a front part, a crotch part and a back part, said front and back parts being connected to each other along two opposite longitudinal side edges to form a waist opening and two leg openings.

Inner cover sheet

The term "inner cover sheet" refers to a sheet of liquid-permeable material forming an inner cover element of an absorbent article and placed when used in direct contact with the skin of the carrier. The inner covering sheet may comprise a nonwoven material, for example a nonwoven fabric of a spunbond production method, a nonwoven fabric obtained by melt aerodynamically, obtained by carding, hydro-entangling, laying in a wet state, etc. Suitable non-woven materials may consist of natural fibers, such as wood pulp or cotton fibers, artificial fibers such as polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, viscose, etc., or a mixture of natural and artificial fibers. In addition, the material of the inner covering sheet may consist of fiber tows that can be bonded to form some kind of connection configuration, such as, for example, disclosed in EP-A-1035818. Additional examples of materials for the inner covering sheet are porous plastics, plastic films with holes, etc. Materials suitable as internal coating sheet materials should be soft and non-irritating to the skin and should allow rapid passage of fluid excreted by the body, such as urine or menstrual fluid. In addition, the inner cover sheet may be different in different parts of the absorbent article.

Outer cover sheet

An outer covering sheet refers to a liquid impermeable material forming an outer covering element of an absorbent article. The outer covering sheet may comprise a thin plastic film, for example a polyethylene or polypropylene film, a non-woven material coated with a liquid-impervious material, a hydrophobic non-woven material that prevents the penetration of liquids, or a laminate of a plastic film and non-woven material. The material of the outer covering sheet may be breathable so as to allow steam to escape from the absorbent core while preventing the passage of liquids through it. Examples of breathable materials of the outer covering sheets are porous polymer films, non-woven laminates from layers obtained by spunbond production method and aerodynamic method from the melt, and laminates from porous polymer films and non-woven materials. Preferably, the outer covering sheet comprises a nonwoven material at least on its surface facing the garment.

Absorbent core

An “absorbent core” is an absorbent structure located between two covering sheets of an absorbent article. The absorbent core may be any conventional type of absorbent core. Examples of commonly occurring absorbent materials are fluff pulverized pulp, layers of tissue paper, highly absorbent polymers (so-called superabsorbents), absorbent foam materials, absorbent nonwoven materials, or the like. It is well known to combine fluff pulverized pulp with polymers with ultra-high absorption capacity in an absorbent core. Polymers with ultra-high absorption capacity are water-insoluble organic or inorganic materials capable of swelling in water, capable of absorbing an aqueous solution containing 0.9 weight percent sodium chloride in an amount of at least about 20 times their own weight. Organic materials suitable for use as ultra-high absorbency materials may include natural materials such as polysaccharides, polypeptides and the like, as well as synthetic materials such as synthetic hydrogel-forming polymers. Such hydrogel forming polymers include, for example, alkali metal and polyacrylic acid salts, polyacrylamides, polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylates, polyacrylamides, polyvinylpyridines and the like. Other suitable polymers include hydrolyzed starch grafted with acrylonitrile, starch grafted with acrylic acid and copolymers of isobutylene and maleic anhydride and mixtures thereof. The hydrogel-forming polymers preferably have a small degree of crosslinking in order to make the material substantially insoluble in water. In addition, preferred materials with ultra-high absorption capacity are provided with surface crosslinking, so that the outer surface or shell of the particle, fiber, flocculent element, sphere, etc. with ultra-high absorption capacity has a higher crosslink density (cross-link density) than the inside of the superabsorbent. Materials with ultra-high absorption capacity can be in any form that is suitable for use in absorbent composite materials, including particles, fibers, flakes, spheres and the like.

Greater absorption is ensured through the use of large quantities of material with ultra-high absorption. For an absorbent core containing a matrix of hydrophilic fibers, such as cellulose fibers, and an ultrahigh absorbent material, the proportion of ultrahigh absorbent material is preferably from 10 to 90 weight percent, more preferably from 30 to 70 weight percent.

Typically, absorbent articles have absorbent cores containing layers with different properties in terms of fluid acceptability, fluid distribution ability and retention capacity. Thin absorbent bodies, which are widely used, for example, in diapers for children and in incontinence protectors, often contain a compressed, mixed or layered structure of fluff pulverized pulp and ultra-high absorbency polymers. The size and absorbency of the absorbent core may vary to suit different applications, such as for babies or adult incontinence people.

The absorbent core may further include a receiving distribution layer arranged over the main absorbent body, which is adapted to quickly receive and temporarily hold the recovered fluid before it is absorbed by the primary absorbent core. Such receiving distribution layers are well known in the art and may consist of porous fiber wool or foam materials.

Fastening means for removal

The term “fastener designed to be removed” refers to a fastener such as a strip of material that contains a fastener, such as an adhesive tape or mechanical fastener in the form of hook elements. The fastening means to be removed is arranged so that it can be attached to the outer covering sheet to hold the absorbent article in a folded or folded state after being removed.

Description of drawings

The invention will be described in more detail with reference to the figures in which:

figure 1 shows a diaper-panties containing designed to carry out the removal of fastening means in accordance with the invention;

figure 2 shows a view intended for the implementation of the removal of fastening means in accordance with the invention;

figure 3 is a section taken along the line III-III in figure 2;

Fig. 4 is a view of an alternative embodiment for removing the fastening means in accordance with the invention;

5 is a section taken along the line V-V in figure 4;

6 is a view of an alternative embodiment for removing the fastening means in accordance with the invention;

figa is a section taken along the line VII-VII in Fig.6;

fig.7b illustrates the use of one piece of material for the formation of a pocket and intended for the implementation of the removal of fastening means;

Figs 8a-8c illustrate how a fastening means for removing is used.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The absorbent article 10 shown in FIG. 1 (in this case, the diaper-panties) comprises an absorbent core 12 which is located between the inner cover sheet 14 and the outer cover sheet 16. The absorbent articles of the panty type have a defined hole 48 for the waist and two holes 50 for legs, and these products are put on the body of the wearer by inserting the legs into the openings for the legs and pulling the product up on the waist. Examples of such absorbent articles such as underpants are panty diapers, hygiene pants and panties used in incontinence and worn by adults with incontinence. The panty-shaped absorbent article comprises a front portion 38 which is that portion of the article which, when used, is intended to extend over the abdomen and the anterior region of the thighs of the wearer. The product also includes a back portion 42, which is that part of the product which, when used, is intended to extend over the back and back of the thighs of the wearer. The crotch portion 40 of the panty type absorbent article is that part of the article which, when used, is intended to pass between the legs between the wearer's crotch zone. The front and rear parts 38 and 42 may have a material composition different from that of the crotch part 40.

The longitudinal side edges of the front 38 and rear 42 parts are connected to each other with the formation of side seams 44, while the product takes on a shape similar to the shape of underpants having the aforementioned waist opening and leg opening. The front and rear parts are connected along the specified side seams 44, for example, by means of glue, ultrasonic welding, heat welding or the like. The front and rear portions 38 and 42 can both be joined along their lateral edges so that their inner covering layer 14 faces inwardly at the side seams 44, as shown in the drawings. Alternatively, they are connected to provide overlap, with the inner cover sheet 14 of either the front 38 or rear 42 of the part facing the outer cover sheet 16 of the opposite part.

The waist opening 48 and at least a portion of the leg openings 50 are typically elasticized. Elastification is usually accomplished by a plurality of elastic elements, such as elastic threads, which are tightly secured between the outer covering sheet 16 and the inner covering sheet 14. Alternatively, elastic materials, such as elastic laminates, can be used to form the front 38 or back 42 parts in areas where elasticity is desired.

The product further comprises at least one fastening means 18 for removing, similar to that described above. An article may contain, for example, two, three or more fastening means for removing, but in the interest of economy, there is usually only one fastening means for removing. The fastening means 18 to be removed can be formed from any suitable material. In addition, the non-woven material containing material layer 22 will be well hidden relative to the outer non-woven covering sheet, which is the material selected for the outer covering sheet. Typically, the fastening means 18 to be removed are located on the front 38 or back 42 of the diaper panties.

The attachment of the fastening means 18 to be removed to the absorbent article 10 can be carried out by means of glue or welds, but it must be strong enough so that the fastening means 18 intended to be removed cannot be easily separated from the product if the said tool is pulled by hand .

The fastening means 18 to be removed has a fastening element 20 adapted to be fastened to at least a portion of the outer covering sheet 16. The fastening element 20 enables the product to be fixed in a configuration that enables convenient removal after use of the specified product. This configuration may be a collapsed or folded configuration. The choice of fastening element 20 depends on the properties of the outer covering sheet 16 — if the outer covering sheet 16 is a plastic film, a suitable fastening element 20 will be a tongue of adhesive tape. If the outer cover sheet 16 of the absorbent article 10 is a nonwoven material or a layer of material, a suitable fastening element 20 will be a part with hooks of fastening means such as hooks and loops. Suitable combinations of fastening element and outer covering sheet will be understood by one skilled in the art, which will provide the desired result. The fastening element 20 is usually attached to the removal fastening means 18 at that end of the removal fastening means 18, which is located farthest from the point of attachment of the removal fastening means 18 to the outer covering sheet 16.

The product has longitudinal (y) and transverse directions (x).

The fastening means 18 to be removed further comprises a pull tab 22. The pull tongue 22 may comprise a separate piece of material that is attached to the fastening means 18 to be removed, or may be an integral part of the fastening means for removing the 18. The pull tongue 22 must be large enough so that the user can firmly grab it. Suitable materials for the tongue 22 for drawing are non-woven materials, or plastic films, or laminates thereof.

The deletion fastener 18 according to the invention is placed in the pocket 24 when not in use, and the pull tab 22 protrudes from said pocket 24, so that the deletion fastener 18 can be pulled out of the pocket 24 if necessary . Thus, the risk of unwanted opening or separation of the fastening means 18 to be removed is reduced before the product is ready for removal. Due to the fact that the fastening means 18 intended for carrying out the removal is placed in the pocket 24, it becomes less accessible for infants. In addition, the pocket 24 serves to protect intended for the implementation of the removal of the fastening means 18 from dirt and damage. It also reduces the likelihood that the fastening means 18 to be removed will undergo twisting or undesired folding in another way. Due to the fact that the pulling tongue 22 protrudes from the pocket 24, the location of the fastening means 18 for removing is easily determined and easy access to the fastening means for removing is provided.

FIG. 2 shows an enlarged view of a removal fastener 18 of the present invention in which a pocket 24 is formed between the inner 14 and outer 16 cover sheets. This embodiment is easy to manufacture since the fastening means 18 for removing is inserted between two covering sheets during the manufacture of the article.

Figure 3 is a section taken along the line III-III in figure 2. As can be seen in FIG. 3, a fastening means 18 for removing is located between the inner 14 and outer 16 of the covering sheets and is therefore protected. The pull tongue 22 protrudes outward from the pocket 24. The fastening means 18 to be removed can be folded so that it fits in the pocket 24. FIG. 3 shows the fastening means 18 for folding that are folded zigzag, although other types of flexion are possible (for example, C-fold). The distances between the components in this figure have been increased for clarity - in a real product, the components will be essentially in contact with each other. The fastening means 18 intended for removal can be held in its folded state by means of correspondingly located adhesive sections or welds 46. Unlike glue or welds providing fastening of the fastening means 18 to be attached to the product 10, glue or welds 46, the holding folds together will be separated when the user or the carrier pulls the tab for pulling by hand.

Preferably, the fastening means 18 for removing is made of elastic material, so that when the fastening means 18 for removing is not under tension, it remains hidden inside the pocket 24, but can be pulled out of the pocket 24 under tension by applying a pulling force to tongue 22 for pulling.

FIG. 4 shows an alternative embodiment in which the outer product cover sheet 16 is a laminate 26. FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line V-V in FIG. 4. The laminate 26 comprises a layer 28 facing the garment and at least one inner layer 30, and a pocket 24 is formed between the inner layer 30 and the layer 28 facing the garment. The laminate 26, respectively, is a laminate of plastic film and non-woven material while the nonwoven material forms the product layer 28 facing the garment. As indicated above, the fastening means 18 to be removed can be folded in the pocket 24 or can be elastic. 5 is a section taken along the line V-V in figure 4. The distances between the components in these figures have also been exaggerated for clarity - in a real product, the components will be located essentially in contact with each other.

As an alternative to the embodiments above, a pocket 24 is formed between the inner 14 or outer 16 covering sheet and an additional layer 32 of material (see FIG. 6). An additional material layer 32 may be formed from any suitable material, although non-woven materials are of particular interest. The pocket 24 may be placed on the inner or outer surface of the product, but the pocket 24 is preferably located on the inner surface 34 of the inner covering sheet 14 of the product. A section taken along line VII-VII is shown in FIG. 7a. An additional material layer 32 and a fastening means 18 for removal can be formed from the same piece of material (see fig. 7b). This is achieved with a piece of material that is narrower at one end and wider at the other. The narrow end forms a fastening means 18 for removal, while the wider end forms an additional material layer 32. During manufacture, the wider end is attached to the inner or outer covering sheets 14, 16 to form a pocket 24, while the narrower end of this piece of material is placed in a pocket formed in this way. Alternatively, the additional material layer 32 and the fastening means 18 for removing are separate elements (Fig. 7c).

In order to make it possible for the caregiver or user to easily locate and open the fastening means 18 to be removed, the pocket 24 is positioned so that the pull tongue 22 protrudes above the edge of the product 10. Preferably, this edge is a product belt 36 . Most preferably, if the product is a diaper or diaper-panties and the pocket 24 is located at the belt 36 of the product and placed so that the tongue 22 for pulling protrudes above the belt 36 of the product.

As mentioned previously, the invention is most suitable for absorbent articles such as underpants. Such a product comprises a front portion 38, a crotch portion 40 and a rear portion 42, wherein said front and rear portions 38, 42 are connected to each other along two opposite longitudinal side edges to form a waist opening and two leg openings. The fastening means 18 for removal is most conveniently located on the front 38 or rear 42 of the product so as to allow easy access to it.

Figs 8a-c illustrate how the fastening means 18 according to the invention for removing is used when removing a soiled diaper. One way of removing a soiled panty-type diaper is to break (tear) the side seams. Then, as shown in FIG. 8a, the pulling tongue is pulled, thereby pulling out the fastening means 18 for removal to the outside in a state of readiness for use. The fastening means 18 to be removed is expanded (unfolded) or stretched as necessary, as shown in FIG. 8b. Finally, the diaper is folded or rolled up in a tight convolution and the fastener 20 for removing the fastening means 18 is attached to the outer covering sheet of the diaper in order to maintain this folded or folded state (Fig. 8c). Thus, the possibility of safe and hygienic removal of the diaper is created.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and shown in the drawings, but it can be changed within the scope of the claims. It goes without saying that the details from various embodiments may be combined as desired, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims (9)

1. An absorbent article (10), such as a diaper, diaper-panties, a sanitary towel or an incontinence guard, comprising an absorbent core (12) located between the inner cover sheet (14) and the outer cover sheet (16), when this product further comprises at least one fastening means (18), while the fastening means (18) for holding the product, which holds the product in a folded or folded state during removal, has a fastening element entent (20), which is adapted for attaching to at least part of the outer covering sheet (16), which makes it possible to fix the product in a configuration that provides convenient removal after use of the specified product, moreover, a fastening means (18) for removing additionally contains a tongue (22) for pulling, while the specified product has a longitudinal (y) and transverse directions (x), characterized in that the fastening means (18), holding the product in a folded or folded condition and when removed, it is located in the pocket (24) when not in use, while the pocket (24) is formed between the inner (14) and the outer (16) covering sheets, the tongue (22) protruding from the pocket (24), so that the fastening means (18) for removal can be pulled out of the pocket (24) if necessary. 2. An absorbent product according to claim 1, characterized in that the pocket (24) is located so that the pull tab (22) protrudes above the edge of the product. 3. An absorbent product according to claim 2, characterized in that the product is a diaper or diaper-panties, and the pocket (24) is located at the belt (36) of the product and is placed so that the tongue (22) for extension protrudes above the belt (36 ) products. 4. An absorbent article according to claim 1, characterized in that the fastening element (20) is a part with hooks of the fastening means in the form of hooks and loops. 5. An absorbent article according to claim 1, characterized in that the fastening element (20) is a tongue of adhesive tape. 6. An absorbent article according to claim 1, characterized in that the fastening means (18) holding the article in a folded or folded state when removed is folded inside the pocket (24). 7. An absorbent article according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening means (18) holding the product in a folded or folded state during removal contains an elastic material, so that when the fastening means (18) intended to be removed is not under tension, it is hidden inside the pocket (24), but can be pulled out of the pocket (24) under tension by applying a pulling force to the tongue (22) to pull. 8. An absorbent article according to claim 1, characterized in that the article (10) is a coward-type absorbent article comprising a front part (38), a crotch part (40) and a rear part (42), wherein the front and rear parts ( 38, 42) are connected to each other along two opposite longitudinal side edges to form a hole for the waist and two holes for the legs. 9. The absorbent product according to claim 1, characterized in that the fastening means (18), holding the product in the folded or folded state when removed, is placed on the front (38) or rear (42) of the product.

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