SE504444C2 - Absorbent article such as a diaper having a cup-shaped absorbent body having at least one recess in the form of grooves or compression lines - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an absorbent article such as a diaper (10) or the like, which has a markedly bowl-shaped absorbent body (12). This shape is achieved by elastic (23) which by means of its location and fastening achieves shear forces which form the absorbent body (12) to the desired shape. Further, the absorbent body may be provided with recesses and/or compression lines which facilitate the formation of the desired shape and the guidance and improved transportation of liquid.

Description

10 15 20 25 30 35 504 444 connecting the edge of the diaper to the wearer's legs. There will also be an additional effect a certain contraction and creasing of the absorbent body above branch party.

EP 0, 219,326 discloses a diaper with elastic which extends completely rectilinearly flat condition of the diaper and completely beside the absorbent body. Elastic is arranged partly at the outer edge of the diaper on both sides of the crotch portion and partly in an edging on either side of the absorbent body. except that maintain a raised, sealing edge using the edging ensures the elastic a certain creasing and contraction of absorption body.

GB 2,234, l57 refers to a trouser diaper with elastic, which extends partly around the waistband of the trousers, partly along the edge of the crotch towards the wearer's legs and partly across the crotch portion. The elastic for connection around the legs reduces the risk of leakage, while the elastic across the crotch portion is only arranged to enable a rational application of continuous elastic threads.

The structure and method are specially adapted to diapers in the form of trousers.

An absorbent article according to the preamble of claim 1 is further shown therein Swedish patent application no. 9401680-5.

Brief description of the invention The purpose of the present invention is to remove one disposable liquid absorbent article, as in mode of use is imparted to the highly efficient collecting form shown of the Swedish patent application no. 9401680-5 and where the article is designed on such that the formation of the desired pool shape is facilitated.

This has been achieved according to the invention in the manner shown in subsequent claims.

Description of fi gggrer Fig. 1 shows a plan view of an article according to the invention according to it Swedish patent application no. 9401680-5. 10 15 20 25 30 35 504 444 Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the diaper according to Fig. 1, shaped to mainly the mode of use.

Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the article according to the Swedish one patent application no. 9401680-5 in a second embodiment shaped to the mode of use.

Fig. 4 shows a longitudinal section through the diaper in a flat, stretched condition along line IV-lVi Fig. 7.

Fig. 5 shows a corresponding longitudinal section through the diaper, shaped to operating mode, along the line V-V in Fig. 2.

Fig. 6 shows a cross section through the diaper formed to the position of use, along the line VI-VI in Fig. 2.

Figs. 7-9 schematically show further embodiments of the diaper according to the Swedish patent application no. 9401680-5.

Fig. 10 shows a plan view of an article according to a first embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 11 shows a corresponding plan view of a second embodiment of recovery.

Detailed description of the invention An exemplary embodiment of the invention has been chosen as an exemplary embodiment article for collecting fluid and faeces, namely a diaper for so-called heavy incontinence, ie not infants but adults who due to disease suffers from severe incontinence problems.

As can be seen from the first embodiment, see primarily Figs. 1, 2 and 4, the diaper is made up of a cover ll, which encloses a core in the form of a absorbent body 12. In a flat, elongated state, as shown in Fig. 4 the core has a relatively flat head shape with two facing away from each other main surfaces, namely an inside 13 intended to face inwards towards the user, and an outside 14, intended to face outward from the user. Otherwise the absorbent body 12 has a circumferential, rounded edge portion 15, 10 15 20 25 30 35 .S04 444 which gives the absorbent body 12 an expedient, to the wearer's body 'in anatomically adapted outer contour. Although the absorbent body 12 is substantially evenly thick, this is in practice advantageously provided with a central portion 16 with a slightly greater thickness (not shown).

The housing 11 in the example shown is formed by two layers 17, 18 with each other different properties, which are located against the inside 13 of the absorbent body 12 respectively outside 14 and closes the absorbent body by the two the layers are connected to each other outside the edge portion of the absorbent body 15 and forms a circumferential fl-like edge portion 19 for the diaper which whole. The two layers 17, 18 in the edge portion 19 are laid close to each other and interconnected.

The specific components used to form the diaper shown may be any components commonly used for such purposes. The layer 17 applied to the inside 13 can be any soft, flexible, liquid-permeable material, such as non-woven fabric or a soft perforated plastic film of polyethylene. dyl. The layer 18 on the outside 14 is of one liquid-tight material, such as thin (for example 20 u) plastic film of polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride or the like. The absorbent body 12 may consist of cellulose fibers, compressed air-laid tissue, various types of superabsorbent material etc.

As best seen in Fig. 1, the diaper shown in Example 1 has one main shape of an asymmetrical hourglass or a peanut shell with a waist or a crotch portion 20 which extends in one direction towards a rear portion 21 and in the opposite direction to a front portion 22, which portions are intended to i mode of use connect to corresponding portions of the carrier.

The absorbent body 12 tapers to a greater degree than the outer contour of the diaper 10 the crotch portion 20, which gives a greater width of the edge portion 19i of the diaper 10 in height with the branch portion 20.

In order to impart to the diaper 10 its in use position is expedient shape the diaper 10 is provided with contractile elastic 23, which is provided with a for the achievement specific configuration and placement. Purposeful form is such a shape that the diaper in the use position can hold large amounts liquid and solid outlet products from the body, partly by absorption and partly through the formal retention of the products, whether they consist of urine, blood or other body fluids or faeces. For this purpose is 10 15 20 25 30 35 5 sn4 444 the elastic 23 at least partially provided with arcuately curved portions 24, 25, which extends over the absorbent body 12. In the example shown is arranged two arcuately continuously curved elastic portions 24, 25 as via edging elastics (see below) mainly meet at their ends at two crossing points 26, 27 in the vicinity of the long edge portions 28, 29 of the diaper.

The elastic 23 is connected to at least one of the layers 17, 18 in the housing 11 and in the first embodiment is connected thereto the liquid-permeable layer 17. In the example shown, the elastic is arranged on the inside of the layer 17, i.e. between the absorbent body 12 and layer, but can of course as an alternative be applied to the layer outside. The elastic consists of elongate elastic members, which have, for example a wire or band-shaped elastic core of a low-elastic material, for example rubber, and a spun wire casing which can be connected by means of adhesive and enable anchoring of the elastic core in the layer 17 of the diaper, while the elastic core allows elastic movements. The elastic strives to sarnmandragas and the elastic threads or bands are for this purpose prestressed, ie stretched to a certain degree before anchoring in the diaper layer 17. The anchoring takes place by means of adhesive 30 which is arranged in certain sections of the stretch of the elastic or its entire stretch. In the example shown is each of the arcuately curved portions 24, 25 arranged in double elastic, i.e. with two extending elastic members 30, 31, 32, 33, of which the one elastic member 33 in the one curved portion 25 merges into edge elastic 34, 35, i.e. extending along a section of both diapers long edges 28, 29 up to the crossing point 26, 27 with the elastic members 30, 31 in the opposite curved portion 24. In the example shown extending edge elastic 34, 35 substantially straight but may also have an arcuate, but slight curvature, ie with a large radius of curvature.

The diaper is shown in Fig. 1 in main plan view, i.e. extended, but in such condition that the astringent effect of the elastic is visible.

Fig. 2 shows the diaper shaped to the condition of use. This form forms as soon as possible you start handling the diaper, which effect is described in more detail below. While the diaper is flat there is essentially no shaping other than that the absorbent body is slightly compressed. The desired shape can also compulsively initiated by using the hand while bending the diaper presses down the area 38 inside the elastic before the diaper applied to use mode. Through the pursuit of curved elastic 10 15 20 25 30 504 444 to contract and by its anchoring one layer 17 of the casing together the connection of the layer with the absorption core has the elasticity in cooperation with the deformation properties of the casing and the absorbent body 12 are created in relation to the flat inside of the article, substantially perpendicular basin walls 39 '. The casing portions outside the side edges of the absorbent body in the article branch part forms the pool walls 39 "which together with 6 the pool walls 39 'enclose a pool-like space.

Fig. 3 shows a view corresponding to Fig. 2 of a second embodiment of the diaper where the elastic, here designated 23 ', has the same configuration as in the first embodiment, but is connected to the outer layer 18 of the housing, i.e. it liquid-tight layer. Even in this case, the elastic threads or the tapes must be applied by means of adhesive to the inside of the layer 18. This must in turn be connected to the absorbent body over its inside.

Corresponding purposeful basins are mainly achieved in this as well embodiment. It is extra important here that those of the curved parts of the forces acting on the elastic on the diaper are assisted by external forces, before these elastic portions provide it for the formation of the vertical basin walls required disposal of the diaper.

In both embodiments, the wider located in the middle of the crotch portion 20 is raised the section of the edge portion 19 by the elastic of the elastic to contract, i.e. reduce its length. The raised long edges 36, 37 seek out position of use for abutment against the wearer's body, in practice inside thighs, to thereby form a highly liquid-tight connection to the body.

Especially with the first embodiment according to Fig. 2, they occur inside them curved elasük sections markedly substantially vertical basin walls.

In addition, a certain creasing occurs due to the contraction of the elastic of the layer also laterally. The curved pool walls can such as mentioned above be substantially perpendicular to a line along the essentially flat bottom of the basin. The curved pool walls can by selecting the bias of the elastic and that of the absorbent body deformation tendency to form acute or obtuse angle with said line along the pool bottom. When the angle is acute, a similar space is obtained closest to the elastic. The circumferential elastic 23 thus forms an upper edge to the basin 39, which serves as a collection space for excreted body products, which is especially valuable in more severe cases of incontinence where volumes can be relatively large. Faeces can be accommodated in this space without risk of it passing outside the diaper catchment area. 10 15 20 25 30 »U 504 444 The absorbent body 12, in particular the part located inside the elastic 23, has the task of absorbing liquid, while the pool walls have to task to also prevent leakage of fluid from the diaper, before the absorbent body 12 has completely absorbed the entire volume of liquid. The the raised edge portions 19 also retain liquid, which is not immediate absorbed by the absorbent body 12 due to the position of the diaper, for example when the carrier is lying sideways. As soon as the wearer changes posture, the liquid can then be absorbed by the absorbent body.

With longitudinal section in Figs. 4 and 5 and cross-section in Fig. 6 are illustrated the shaping effect of the elastic, which will be explained in more detail. Elastic shaping effect arises because the elastic is contractile and thus striving to reduce its length. Through the elastic anchoring in the cover this is brought about by the contractile movement of the elastic. The casing layers are in turn over its surfaces connected to the absorbent body, whereby tensile forces in the plane of the casing layers are transmitted to the absorbent body. Through that the elastic over the main part of its stretch over the absorbent body laid in a curved shape causes the astringent effect of the elastic in each point over the curved portion applies a force component 40, 41, see Figs. 1 and 4, which is directed toward the curved portion for each point in question center of curvature. If the curved portions have varying curvature radii there are separate bending centers for each specific point. Diaper absorbent body 12, however, exhibits a certain compression resistance, which is illustrated in Fig. 4 by means of reaction force components 42, 43 which thus counteracting the contractile forces 40, 41. of the elastic In a preferred embodiment, the compression resistance is greater than the deformation resistance across the disc-shaped absorbent body plane of symmetry 44, i.e. transverse to the direction of force 42, 43 in the plane of the paper.

The absorbent body 12 suitably consists of so-called fl pulp of cellulose and is relatively flexible with the housing 11, but has a certain compression resistance. These properties that the torques caused by the force pairs 41, 43 and 40, 42, respectively, give a deformation of the article in areas with arcuate elastic, (which deformation is symbolized by the circular arc lines 48, 49, 50, 51 which schematically represent the local bending direction). By placing the elastic outside the plane of symmetry 44 already in the flat condition a bending moment occurs on the absorbent body 12.

However, the article has such a degree of rigidity that it is not deformed in plane condition without this deformation is initiated only when handling the article. 10 15 20 25 30 504 444 F ig. 5 illustrates the pool formed by the elastic, which is limited by those in relative to the plane of the article substantially rectangular basin walls 39 ' along the arcuate elastic along with the pool walls 39 "formed by outside the absorbent body extending portions of the casing. These parties erected by the action of the edge elastic 34, 35 in combination with it arcuate elastic.

The cross section according to Fig. 6 shows that the basin is relatively deep and therefore able to retain large amounts of outlet products.

In the embodiments shown in Figs. 1-6, the elastic as a whole forms a closed one loop in each finished diaper.

Fig. 7 schematically shows an embodiment of the diaper where the elastic extends across the crotch portion 20 with a curved elastic portion 60 forming it delimiting transverse wall 61. In this case a delimitation is achieved between the back portion 21 of the diaper and the front portion 22, whereby faeces and urine separated, giving a larger volume for the collection space for faeces in relation to the collection space for urine.

Fig. 8 shows a further variant, where the rear portion 21 and the front portion 22 have each of two curved elastic portions 62, 63, 64, 65 formed pool-like space 66, 67 with transverse basin edges 68-71 inside each curved party.

Fig. 9 shows an alternative embodiment, in which the main shape of the diaper is flat condition can be substantially rectangular. Hourglass shape with tapered crotch portion 20 is obtained by the contractile action of the elastic. Even here formed transverse basin edges 72, 73, which provide an effective barrier against edge leakage.

The type of pool-creating elastic type shown in Figures 1-9 is the same as before appears from the Swedish patent application no. 9401680-5, the contents of which shall be considered as part of the present application.

Fig. 10 shows a first embodiment of the invention, in which the diaper is provided with groove-shaped recesses 74 which facilitate its formation desired shape. Said recesses both facilitate the deformation work for the contractile elastic, which initiates the deformation on desired 10 15 20 25 30 35 504 444 places, thus forming said pool carits. Said recesses can preferably formed in the absorbent body during its preparation before it enclosed between the layers 17, 18, or formed by strong compression at a later stage. In the preferred embodiment, said recesses are 74 preferably arranged as longitudinal grooves in the absorbent body 12, preferably placed parallel to the edge portions 15.

Fig. 11 illustrates a second embodiment of the present the invention wherein the absorbent body is provided with compression lines 75 forming a coherent pattern, preferably designed as deformed circles, ovals, etc. Said compression pattern which is designed within the above - mentioned pool, ie within an area limited by the elastic 23 and the edge portions 15, have the task of partly controlling the flow of liquid in desired directions, and on the other hand improve the transport capacity in said directions.

All in all, a better utilization of this is achieved absorption body, and a faster fluid uptake of the product. One further effect of said compression lines is an facilitated formation of the absorbent body when a control of the deformation properties is made possible via these lines, whereby the desired bowl shape is obtained.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the above embodiments, but is of course applicable to other embodiments within the framework for the basic idea of the invention. For example, the closed elastic loop may replaced by free-standing curved elastic parts. These can be, for example arranged with a different stretch, for example across the crotch portion 20 to separate faeces and urine from each other. Articles other than diapers for heavy incontinence may be relevant, such as baby diapers, sanitary napkins or the like. the term mainly continuously curved part refers primarily to arcuate or curved portion, but also includes a combination of a plurality of rectilinear portions, preferably at least three rectilinear pairs as a replacement for a semicircular arc or similar. Furthermore, they can said compression lines are replaced by other types of lines where an increased the density of the absorbent material is obtained, for example by heat, ultrasound, laser etc.

Claims (13)

10 15 20 25 30 35 504 444 l 0 PATENT REQUIREMENTS A disposable liquid absorbent article, such as a diaper (10), bandage or the like having a generally elongate shape and comprising an absorbent body (12) having an inwardly facing surface (13) facing the wearer's body and an outwardly facing outside (14) and a the absorbent body enclosing housing (1 1) having a liquid-permeable inner layer (17) facing the inside of the absorbent body and an outer layer (18) facing the outside of the absorbent body and contracting elastic means (23) communicating with at least one layer to impart its shape to the article, the cover layer on which the elastic members are applied is connected to the inside and outside of the absorbent body and that said elastic members (23) extend with at least a substantially continuously curved portion (24, 25) over at least an area of the absorbent body (11) and that said elastic means, by its tendency to contract and by its connection with any of said layers (17, 18), exerts a tensile force on said layer in the direction of the center of curvature of the elastic member, whereby this force is transmitted and absorbed by the absorbent body, the absorbent body being formed of a material which makes it easily flexible but at least highly resistant to compression when occurring tensile forces against the curved elasticity that the elastic members are provided with such bias that when bending of the article is initiated by the user said tensile forces caused by the bias and the radius of curvature deform the article to form a transverse basin wall relative to the plane of the article along the curved elastic portions, characterized in that at least one 74), preferably in the form of longitudinal grooves, and / or compression lines (75) arranged in the absorbent body (12), within an area limited by the elastic (23) and the edge portions (15), thereby constituting both fold direction and liquid-transporting means . Article according to claim 1, characterized in that said recess (74) and / or compression lines (7 5) are arranged at the place or places where said deformation is desired in forming the desired cup-shaped configuration in the absorbent body ( 12). Article according to claim 2, characterized in that said recess (74), preferably arranged as longitudinal groove 10 20 25 30 L '' Jl 11 504 444 absorbent body (12), preferably located substantially parallel to the edge portions (15), is constituted. of compressed tracks. Article according to claim 3, characterized in that said compression lines (75) substantially have a layout similar to the outer contours of the absorbent body (12) for the compression lines closest to the outer edges of the absorbent body, while the compression lines which are closer to the center of the absorbent body successively assume a more circular outsourcing. An article according to claim 4, characterized in that said elastic member (23) extends with said curved portion (24, 25) from one longitudinal edge portion (28, 29) of the article. Article according to claim 5, characterized in that said elastic means (23) form a closed circumference enclosing a pool-shaped space formed by the elastic. Article according to claim 6, characterized in that the closed circumference is formed by two curved portions (24, 25) which merge into edge elastics (34, 35) which extend along the longitudinal edge portions (28, 29) of the article at the branch portion (20). . An article according to claim 7, characterized in that the absorbent body (12) is tapered at the crotch portion (20) and that the housing (11) at the crotch portion at said longitudinal edge portions (28, 29) forms a raised portion (19) which is raised in mode of use and is included in said pool. Article according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the absorbent body is formed of so-called fl pulp of cellulose, possibly containing particles or fibers of a so-called superabsorbent material. 10. An article according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that the absorbent material is formed of synthetic fibers and superabsorbent materials. An article according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the absorbent material is formed of a foam. lO 5 Û 4 4 4 4 Article according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the article has a front portion, a rear portion and a crotch portion, that curved elastic portions are arranged to form a first closed area offset from the front portion and intended for receiving urine and for forming a second closed area offset towards the rear portion and intended for accommodating 12 faeces (Fig. 9). 13. An article according to any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that the article has a transversely curved elastic member for forming a barrier wall erected in relation to the plane of the article (Fig. 8).