Patent Application
20250041129
The present disclosure relates to an absorbent article including a main portion having a front region, a rear region and a crotch region located between the front and rear regions, the front region and the rear region being adapted to form part of a waist edge circumfering the waist of a user when the article is worn.
In the field of absorbent articles, such as absorbent diapers and pant-type articles, there is a general desire to provide absorbent articles which are perceived as comfortable as well as providing satisfactory absorbency and leakage security.
For providing leakage security, various features have been proposed, such as waist elastics, leg elastics, leg barriers and/or waist barriers, for reducing the risk of leakage of bodily fluids from the zones around the legs or the waist of the wearer. In particular, for hindering leakage of faeces from the waist region towards the back of the wearer, it has been proposed to provide the absorbent article with a faeces pocket, arranged in the rear region of the absorbent article.
Adding features for increasing leakage security of an article often imply a tighter fit of the article around the wearer and/or a thicker product, both of which might impact the wearer's perceived comfort and breathability of the article. As such, there is a desire to provide for satisfactory leakage security while achieving a satisfactory comfort and perceived breathability of the article.
In addition, there is a continuing need for improvements in the field in particular with regard to reduction of material consumption as well as cost efficiency. This is in particular the case when manufacturing disposable absorbent articles. There is also an increasing concern from an environmental point of view that the amount of material used in disposable absorbent articles is kept to a minimum. Thus, there is in general a desire for an absorbent article, such as a disposable absorbent article, to be manufactured in a cost efficient and material saving manner.
Hence, it is desired to provide an absorbent article, such as a disposable absorbent article, which constitutes an improvement or a useful alternative in view of one or more of the above-mentioned needs.
One or more of the above objects is achieved with an absorbent article as disclosed. Further embodiments are set out in the following description.
As such, there is provided an absorbent article including a main portion extending in a length direction along a central length axis between a front edge and a rear edge of the absorbent article, and in a width direction along a central width axis, perpendicular to said central length axis between a pair of side edges of the absorbent article, and extending in a height direction perpendicular to the width and length direction.
The main portion defines a main inner surface extending primarily along the width and length directions to be directed towards the wearer when the article is worn, and a main outer surface extending primarily along said width and length directions to be directed away from the wearer when the article is worn.
The main portion defines a front region including said front edge, a rear region including said rear edge, and a crotch region located between the front and rear regions. The front region and the rear region are adapted such that the front edge and the rear edge form part of a waist edge circumfering the waist of a user when the article is worn.
The article further includes a pocket member extending along a pocket length in the length direction between a pocket rear edge and a pocket front edge, and along a pocket width in the width direction between a pair of pocket side edges. The pocket length referred to herein is a maximum pocket length as measured in parallel to the length direction between the pocket rear edge and the pocket front edge. The pocket width referred to herein is a maximum pocket width as measured in parallel to the width direction between the pocket side edges.
The pocket member is attached to the rear region of the main portion by a rear attachment element extending along the pocket rear edge, and side attachment elements extending along the pocket side edges, such that the attachment elements form a closed faeces boundary between the pocket member and the main portion, with an opening at the pocket front edge towards the crotch region of the main portion.
The pocket member includes a plurality of elastic members providing the pocket member with elastic characteristics along the width direction, the elastic members being distributed over the pocket length of the pocket member so as to form a first elastic zone extending from the pocket rear edge along the length direction, a second elastic zone extending from the pocket front edge along the length direction, and an intermediate zone extending in the length direction from the first elastic zone to the second elastic zone and over at least 20% of the pocket length, and an average distribution of the elastic members in the intermediate zone is less than 0.5 elastic members per cm as seen in the length direction, and an average distribution of the elastic members in each of the first and second elastic zone is greater than in the intermediate zone, as seen in the length direction.
Thus, the first elastic zone extends from the pocket rear edge and along the length direction in a direction towards the pocket front edge. Similarly, the second elastic zone extends from the pocket front edge and along the length direction in a direction towards the pocket rear edge. The intermediate zone extends along the length direction between the first elastic zone and the second elastic zone.
Thus, the elastic members are distributed over the pocket length of the pocket member so as to divide said pocket length into the first elastic zone, the second elastic zone, and the intermediate zone.
The absorbent articles referred to herein are wearable absorbent articles, for example in the form of open diapers, incontinence garments, and the like, as well as absorbent inserts which are worn inside a support garment, such as a support pant or ordinary underwear. The articles are used to absorb, distribute and store various types of body exudates while providing a high level of comfort and a sense of dryness to the wearer during use.
The absorbent article may be a disposable article, i.e. an article which is discarded after a limited number of uses, for example after only one use, rather than washed and used again.
The absorbent article may be a hybrid article, i.e. an article which includes a disposable portion which is discarded after a limited number of uses, and a reusable portion which may be washed and used again and which is thus intended for a greater number of uses.
The absorbent article as proposed herein provides a pocket member including elastic members, wherein the distribution of the elastic members enables satisfactory function of the pocket member for accommodating bodily exudates and contributes to providing increased comfort for the wearer.
As proposed herein, the first elastic zone and the second elastic zone of the pocket member will have a denser average distribution of elastic members than the intermediate zone.
As such, the first elastic zone may contribute to the waist elastic of the absorbent article, and hence to the fit and comfort of the absorbent article. As will be further discussed in the below, the provision of the first elastic zone of the pocket member at a location where it may contribute to the waist elastic of the absorbent article enables variants which may be advantageous in terms of manufacture, use of material and breathability of the article.
The second elastic zone may contribute to the function of the pocket member in that the second elastic zone may urge the pocket member towards the back of the user when the article is worn, hence ensuring that the faeces pocket formed by the pocket member will assume an open state with the opening of the pocket being directed towards the crotch region of the absorbent article.
Further, the intermediate zone, wherein an average distribution of the elastic members in the intermediate zone is less than 0.5 elastic members per cm as seen in the length direction, may provide a volume to the pocket formed by the pocket member for receiving the bodily exudates. Further, the intermediate zone may provide for satisfactory breathability of the pocket member, thus improving the comfort for the wearer of the article.
By the disclosed pocket member, with the first and second elastic zones interrupted by the intermediate zone, the opening of the pocket member during wear of the article is ensured without requiring the pocket member to be arranged so as to cooperate with other members such as leakage barriers and/or elastic side portions of the article. As such, versatility and production advantages may be provided. Also, superfluous addition of several material layers along the height direction of the article may be avoided, i.e. the pocket member may be arranged with less perceived addition to the thickness of the product than with outer solutions.
Further, this provides for that the sheet material used in the pocket member may be spared from excessive strain, and so relatively thin and/or low weight sheet materials may be used, contributing to increased perceived softness and breathability as well as to reduced use of raw material.
The intermediate zone extends over at least 20% of the pocket length. For example, the intermediate zone may extend over at least 25% of the pocket length. Optionally, the intermediate zone may extend over at least 30% of the pocket length.
Optionally, the intermediate zone extends in the length direction over no more than 80% of the pocket length.
Optionally, each one out of the first and second elastic zones extends over a length being less than the length of the intermediate zone as seen in the length direction. As such, the intermediate zone may extend over at least one third of the pocket length.
Optionally, each one out of the first and second elastic zones extends over at least 10% of the pocket length as seen in the length direction.
The length extension of the first elastic zone may be deemed to be the length as measured from the pocket rear edge and so as to include, but not to extend beyond, the elastic member farthest from the pocket rear edge and which is deemed to form part of the first elastic zone.
The length extension of the second elastic zone may be deemed to be the length as measured from the pocket front edge and so as to include, but not to extend beyond, the elastic member farthest from the pocket front edge and which is deemed to form part of the second elastic zone.
Optionally, the first and/or second elastic zone, and/or the intermediate zone extend substantially in parallel to the width direction. As such, the first and second elastic zone and the intermediate zone may be essentially rectangular.
Optionally, the elastic members extend substantially in parallel to the width direction.
As mentioned in the above, the elastic members provide the pocket member with elastic characteristics along the width direction thereof. As such, the pocket member may be essentially inelastic in the length direction.
The elastic members may be arranged such that the first and/or second elastic zone(s) are continuous as seen along the width direction, for example such that the elastic members extend continuously over the pocket width of the pocket member.
Optionally, the pocket member is free from elastic members in the intermediate zone. That the pocket member is free from elastic members in the intermediate zone, which as mentioned in the above, extends in the length direction, along at least 20% of the pocket length, may provide for satisfactory volume of the pocket being formed by the pocket member as well as enhance the breathability of the pocket member. For example, as set out in the above, the pocket member may be free from elastic members in the intermediate zone, the intermediate zone extending over at least 25%, for example over at least 30% or at least ⅓ of the pocket length of the pocket member.
Optionally, in each of the first and/or second elastic zone, an average distribution of the elastic members is greater than 0.5 members/cm. For example, the average distribution may be greater than 1 member/cm, such as within the range from 1 to 3 members/cm. For example, the average distribution may be 2 members per centimeter.
Optionally, at least one out of the first and/or second elastic zone includes a plurality of elastic members, wherein each elastic member is spaced from neighbouring elastic members as seen in the length direction.
Optionally, both the first and the second elastic zone includes a plurality of elastic members, wherein each elastic member is spaced from neighbouring elastic members as seen in the length direction.
Optionally, in the first elastic zone, the elastic members may be regularly distributed as seen along the length of the pocket member. In other words, a distance along the length direction between two neighbouring elastic members is the same for each pair of neighbouring elastic members throughout the first elastic zone.
Optionally, in the second elastic zone, the elastic members may be regularly distributed as seen along the length of the pocket member. In other words, a distance along the length direction L between two neighbouring elastic members is the same for each pair of neighbouring elastic members throughout the second elastic zone.
The neighbouring elastic members may be arranged in parallel to each other.
Optionally, in the first and/or second elastic zone a distance between two neighbouring elastic members is at least 3 mm, such as within the range from 3 to 7 mm, as seen in the length direction. For example, the distance between two neighbouring elastic members may be 5 mm.
For example, in the first and/or elastic zone, for each pair of neighbouring elastic members the distance between the neighbouring elastic members may be the same, and be at least 3 mm, such as within the range from 3 to 7 mm, such as 5 mm.
The distance between the elastic members may be relevant for the breathability of the pocket member.
However, the distance between the elastic members is also relevant for the behaviour of the pocket member when the absorbent article is in use. The distance between the elastic members may be adjusted for setting a desired amount of pressure from the article towards the wearers body. As such, the distance between the elastic members in the first elastic region may influence the pressure from the article around the waist of the wearer, whereas the distance between the elastic members in the second elastic region may influence the pressure with which the open end of the pocket will strive towards the wearer's back. For example, a relatively large distance between the elastic members reduces the pressure towards the wearer's back.
Moreover, the type, elasticity, thickness and number of elastic members may influence the above-mentioned pressures.
Optionally, the first and/or second elastic zone each includes no more than seven elastic members. For example, the first and/or second elastic zone may each include no more than five elastic members. For example, the first and/or second elastic zone may include three elastic members.
Optionally, the elastic members are elastic threads.
The elastic members may be arranged in parallel to each other, for example along the width direction.
The thickness of the elastic threads may be selected considering that relatively thinner threads may reduce the pressure towards the back of the wearer, though requirements for strength, durability and/or elasticity should also be fulfilled. For example, selecting relatively thinner threads with relative greater distance between neighbouring threads may contribute to reducing the pressure towards the wearer's back, i.e. reducing the risk of the elastic zone of the pocket member “cutting in” towards the wearer's body in an uncomfortable manner, as compared to variants with relatively coarser threads or threads being positioned more densely.
For example, the elastic members may have a thickness within the range from 400 to 1100 dtex.
Optionally, one or more, preferably all of the elastic members of the first and second elastic zones have an elasticity within the range from 70% to 250%, such as 100% to 250%.
“Elasticity” as used herein refers to the elongation in the elastic material which is expressed as a percentage of the length of the unstretched material compared to the stretched thread.
The elongation is calculated according to the formula below and state the accuracy of the final results of the strain/elongation/tension with integer in %.
For determination of the length of the fully stretched elastic thread, the thread is arranged so as hang vertically under the load of a 100 g weight.
Optionally, the first elastic zone is arranged adjacent the rear edge of the main portion. As such, the first elastic zone may be arranged so as to form a rear waist elastic, contributing to the elasticity of the rear region of the main portion around the waist of the user when the article is worn.
Thus, the first elastic zone may be arranged to extend along the waist edge of the main portion. As such, the first elastic zone may be arranged to extend essentially in parallel with the waist edge.
Advantageously, the pocket rear edge may be arranged in parallel to the rear edge of the main portion.
For example, the pocket rear edge may be arranged along the rear edge of the main portion such that there is no distance in the length direction between the pocket rear edge and the rear edge of the main portion.
In other variants, the pocket rear edge may be arranged to extend along the rear edge with a distance as seen in the length direction from the rear edge. In this case, the main portion may extend beyond the pocket member to form the rear edge of the article. As such, this may contribute to a soft waist edge being formed by the main portion extending beyond the pocket member.
Optionally, the rear region of the main portion may be free from elastic members providing elasticity in the width direction at least over a width extension corresponding to the extension as seen in the width direction of the first elastic zone. As such, the elasticity in the width direction of the rear region of the article as a whole and over the width extension of the first elastic zone is provided by the first elastic zone only.
Further, the rear region of the main portion may be free from any elastic members providing elasticity in the width direction. As such, the elasticity in the width direction of the rear region of the article is provided by the first elastic zone. Thus, the first elastic zone forms the rear waist elastics of the article as a whole. The first elastic zone may hence replace any other rear waist feature provided to the article. The first elastic region acting as a rear waist elastic may hence be the only waist elastic provided adjacent the rear edge of the main portion of the article.
Optionally, the front region of the main portion may include front waist elastic members. In another option, the main portion may be free from elastic members providing elasticity in the width direction. As such, the first elastic region acting as a rear waist elastic is the only waist elastic provided adjacent the front or rear edge of the main portion of the article. This enables selecting materials for the main portion and manufacturing the main portion without consideration of addition of such elastic members.
The first elastic region acting as a rear waist elastic provides for an efficient and material-saving manner of providing a waist elastic.
Optionally, the rear attachment element may at least partly overlap the first elastic zone as seen along the height direction. Accordingly, the elasticity provided by the first elastic zone may effectively elasticize the main portion. Optionally, the rear attachment element may completely overlap the first elastic zone as seen along the height direction. Thus, the elasticity provided by the first elastic zone may even more efficiently elasticize the main portion.
For example, the rear attachment element may essentially coincide with the first elastic zone, as seen along the height direction.
The pocket member may include a sheet material. As such, the sheet material may be provided with the elastic members, i.e. the elastic threads. For example, the elastic members may be attached to the sheet material by means of an adhesive.
The sheet material may be selected so as to provide satisfactory breathability to the pocket member, while still ensuring satisfactory retaining properties for the bodily exudates.
Optionally, the sheet material may be a nonwoven material.
Optionally, the pocket member includes two layers of sheet material. As such, the elastic members, such as elastic threads, may be positioned between the two layers of sheet material.
Optionally, the two layers of sheet material are formed by a continuous piece of sheet material being folded around the elastic members, and joined by a joint to form the pocket member.
In this case, the joint may be located in the intermediate zone of the pocket member. As such, any risk of the joint adversely affecting the elastic properties of the pocket member in the first or second elastic zone is avoided.
Preferably, the joint may be located on a main portion facing side of the pocket member. As such, it will not contact the wearer's skin during use of the article.
Optionally, the joint may be an adhesive joint. As such, the joint may join two edge portions of the folded sheet material to each other in a partly overlapping relationship as seen in the height direction.
Optionally, the joint may be a continuous joint.
Alternatively, the joint may be a non-continuous joint.
Optionally, the joint may form a joint length extension along the length direction of the article, and a joint width extension along the width direction of the article. The joint width extension may be greater than the joint length extension.
Optionally, the joint length extension is at least 2 mm. Optionally, the joint length extension is less than 5 mm.
The joint width extension may correspond the entire pocket width of the pocket member.
Optionally, the intermediate zone may consist of the sheet material only.
Optionally, when the pocket member includes a folded sheet material with a joint as described in the above, the intermediate zone may consist of the two layers of sheet material and the joint.
As such, the intermediate zone is arranged so as to be free from components adversely affecting the breathability of the intermediate zone. I.e. the breathability of the intermediate zone will primarily be dependent on the breathability of the sheet material per se.
Optionally, out of a total planar area of the pocket member, at least 75% includes sheet material only. That is, if considering the pocket member as laid out in the length and width direction with the elastic properties relaxed, as seen from the height direction, at least 75% of the area of the pocket member includes sheet material only. Any area occupied by elastic members, joints or other additional elements in the pocket member are hence removed from the area considered to include sheet material only. (However, the area covered by the attachment elements are not removed from the area considered to include the sheet material only. Areas including one or more layers of sheet material, such as two layers of sheet material, are considered to include sheet material only.)
In a similar vein, out of a total planar area of the intermediate zone, at least 90% may include sheet material only.
The sheet material may have a basis weight within the range from 10 gsm to 60 gsm. For example, the sheet material may have a basis weight within the range from 10 gsm to 30 gsm.
Optionally, the sheet material may be a nonwoven having a basis weight within the range from 10 gsm to 60 gsm. For example, the sheet material may be a nonwoven having a basis weight within the range from 10 gsm to 30 gsm. As such, a sheet material having satisfactory breathability may be provided. For example, the sheet material being a nonwoven and having a basis weight as indicated in the above may have an air permeability and a Material Water Vapor Transmission rate as indicated below.
Optionally, the sheet material may have an air permeability of at least 1000 l/m2/s. For example, the sheet material may have an air permeability of at least 2000 l/m2/s.
“Air permeability” as used herein is measured according to Edana standard Method WSP 70.1.
Optionally, the sheet material may have a Material Water Vapor Transmission rate of at least 2000 g/m2/24 h. For example, the sheet material may have a Material Water Vapor Transmission rate of at least 4000 g/m2/24 h.
“Material Water Vapor Transmission rate” as used herein is measured according to ASTM “-96.
For example, the sheet material may have an air permeability of at least 1000 l/m2/s and a Material Water Transmission rate of at least 2000 g/m2/24 h. Such a sheet material may preferably be a nonwoven material.
For example, the sheet material may have an air permeability of at least 2000 l/m2/s and a Material Water Transmission rate of at least 2000 g/m2/24 h. Such a sheet material may preferably be a nonwoven material.
For example, the sheet material may have an air permeability of at least 2000 l/m2/s and a Material Water Transmission rate of at least 4000 g/m2/24 h. Such a sheet material may preferably be a nonwoven material.
For example, the sheet material may be a nonwoven material including fibres composed out of one or more components. Suitable components may be for example PP or PE. As such, the fibers may be for example PP-PE fibers or PP-PP fibers.
The nonwoven material may for example be spunbonded or carded.
The main portion may include an absorbent core extending at least in the crotch region of the main portion.
Further, the main portion may include a top sheet forming at least a part of the inner main surface of the main portion, and a back sheet forming at least a part of the outer main surface of the main portion.
For example, the back sheet may extend continuously over the main portion, thus forming a continuous outer main surface of the main portion.
For example, the top sheet may extend continuously over the main portion, thus forming a continuous inner main surface of the main portion. In another example, the top sheet may extend over a part of the main portion including the absorbent core, such as over a central part of the main portion as seen along the width direction. One or more additional sheet materials, such as e.g. a leakage barrier forming material and/or a leg gasket forming material may be joined to the top sheet such that said top sheet and at least portions of said one or more additional sheet materials together form the inner main surface of the main portion.
The absorbent core is arranged between the top sheet and the back sheet. As such, it is understood that the back sheet and top sheet forming at least part of the inner main surface and the outer main surface of the main portion, respectively, will face generally in opposite directions along the height direction of the main portion.
The main portion may be such that the top sheet and back sheet extend outside of the absorbent core and are joined to each other in the front and/or in the rear region of the main portion.
Optionally, the pocket member may be arranged with no overlap in relation to the absorbent core as seen in the height direction i.e. the pocket member is arranged in a non-overlapping relationship with the absorbent core as seen in the height direction. The lack of overlap contributes to avoiding unnecessary layers of materials on top of each other in the height direction, which may impact the breathability of the absorbent article.
Optionally, the pocket member is arranged in relation to the absorbent core such that there is a distance in the length direction between the pocket front edge of the pocket member and the absorbent core. Thus, such a distance will extend between the pocket front edge and a rearmost edge of the absorbent core.
Providing for a distance between the pocket front edge and the absorbent core facilitates the opening of the pocket, i.e. forming of a gap between the inner main surface of the main portion and the front edge of the pocket member such that the faeces may enter the pocket easily. Further, as the absorbent core may expand in the height direction upon absorbing fluid, the distance prevents the absorbent core from blocking the pocket opening.
Optionally, the pocket member is arranged in relation to the absorbent core such that a distance in the length direction between the front edge of the pocket member and the absorbent core is 5 mm or more. For example, the distance may be 7 mm or more. For example, the distance may be 12 mm or more. For example, the distance may be within the range from 5 to 12 mm, such as within the range from 7 to 12 mm. For example, the distance may be 10 mm.
Optionally, the absorbent core may include regions as seen in the width and length direction including varying amounts of absorbent material. For example, the absorbent core may be provided with less absorbent regions or lines extending generally along the length direction. The less absorbent regions or lines may include absorbent material in a lesser amount than the surrounding regions of the absorbent core. In some cases, the less absorbent regions or lines may include no absorbent materials. In some variants, such less absorbent regions or lines display a lesser height as seen along the height direction than the surrounding regions of the absorbent core. Less absorbent regions or lines may assist in forming the core to a shape conforming to the wearer during use of the article. With the pocket member as proposed herein, less absorbent regions or lines arranged at least in a rear portion of the absorbent core may assist in forming the core so as to contribute to the function of the pocket, and/or to guide faeces material towards the pocket opening.
Optionally, the absorbent core may display a front cut-out as seen from a front edge of the absorbent core. Such a front cut-out may be shaped so as to form a space for the belly button of a wearer, this being of particular interest for baby diapers of relatively small sizes as used for very young babies.
Optionally, the top sheet and the back sheet are joined in the rear region of the main portion, and the pocket member is arranged in an overlapping relationship with the joined top sheet and back sheet in the rear region of the main portion, such that the joined top sheet and back sheet completely overlaps the pocket member as seen in the height direction. As such, the rear region of the article may be made relatively thin and soft.
Optionally, the pocket member is attached to said inner main surface of said main portion by said rear and side attachment elements. As such, the pocket member may be attached directly to the inner main surface via the attachment elements. Accordingly, the pocket member does not require fastening to any additional members, such as leakage barriers or the like. This provides for easier manufacture, and also enables constructions which only require a limited number of superposed layers in the article.
The pocket member may form a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. Optionally, the pocket member is arranged with the first surface forming a wearer facing surface, and the second surface forming a main portion facing surface, wherein the attachment elements attach the second surface to the main portion. Accordingly, the pocket member is arranged to the main portion in an unfolded state. This provides for a relatively thin article, by avoiding layers of material being superposed over each other, as well as for easy manufacture. Further, the attachment elements may attach the second surface to the main inner surface of the main portion. Again, this enables forming a relatively thin product with relatively few layers of material superposed and/or attached to one another.
Optionally, the attachment elements may extend along substantially the entire pocket rear edge, first and second side edges, respectively.
Optionally, each one of the side attachment elements may be arranged outward of said absorbent core, as seen along the width direction. Thus, the opening of the pocket may extend over the entire width of the core.
Optionally, the said rear and side attachment elements are arranged in an area of said main portion including a joined topsheet and backsheet. Thus, the rear and side attachment element may be arranged in an area of the main portion where the joined topsheet and backsheet extends beyond the core. As such, the pocket member may be provided where the main portion is relatively thin and soft.
Optionally, the rear and side attachment elements include an adhesive.
Optionally, the rear and side attachment elements cover no more than 60% of a total planar surface area A of the pocket member. For example, the rear and side attachment elements may cover no more than 50% of a total planar surface area of the pocket member. The total planar surface area of the pocket member is to be determined as indicated in the above, with the pocket member completely extended along the length and width directions, i.e. with the elasticity of the elastic members removed.
Optionally, said absorbent article further includes a pair of leakage barriers.
With a “leakage barrier” as used herein it is referred to a structure out of which at least a portion is intended to be raised during use of the article, so as to form a leakage barrier to hinder leakage at the wearer's legs. Such leakage barriers may also be referred to as raised elastic members, and are commonly known as standing gathers.
Each leakage barrier may be joined to the inner main surface of the main portion along a leakage barrier joint extending in said length direction at least along the crotch portion. The leakage barrier extends from said leakage barrier joint in the height and/or width extension along a leakage barrier width to a leakage barrier edge.
A leakage barrier active region may be provided at least in said crotch portion of the main portion, wherein said leakage barrier extends freely from said leakage barrier joint along said leakage barrier width to a free leakage barrier edge. As such, the leakage barrier active region is a region of the leakage barrier where the leakage barrier extends freely along the leakage barrier width so as to enable the leakage barrier to rise from the inner main surface of the main portion and assume an active position in which the leakage barrier forms a barrier to sideway leakage at the legs of the wearer when the article is worn.
Optionally, the free leakage barrier edge includes a leakage barrier elastic member to provide elasticity generally along the length direction of said free leakage barrier edge. As such, in the active region, the leakage barrier may be provided with a leakage barrier elastic member so as to enable a tight fit around the legs of the wearer.
Leakage barriers as described in the above may be arranged along both longitudinal sides of the main portion to provide a leakage barrier at each leg of the wearer as well as in improved fit. As such, the leakage barriers may complement the pocket member whose purpose is to hinder leakage and improve fit at the rear region of the article. However, for the pocket member proposed herein it is desired that the function of the leakage barrier members do not interfere with the function of the pocket member. For example, it is desired that the expansion of the pocket member, its location or volume, is generally unaffected by e.g. leakage barrier elastic members. Thus, as will be proposed in the below, it is desired that the pocket member is arranged in a manner which allows the combination of the pocket member with the leakage barriers in an article without unnecessarily connecting these elements. The features proposed in the below generally allows for easy production and again for relatively few material layers to be arranged on top of each other, thus contributing to comfort and breathability of the product.
Optionally, the pocket member is arranged in a non-overlapping relationship with the leakage barrier elastic member as seen in the height direction of the article.
As such, there is a distance in the length direction between the pocket front edge and the leakage barrier elastic member. This distance may for example be at least 10 mm.
Optionally, the pocket member is arranged in a non-overlapping relationship with the leakage barrier active region, as seen in the height direction H.
Optionally, there is a distance in the length direction L between the pocket front edge and said leakage barrier active region. The leakage barrier active region, as explained in the above, may be provided at least in said crotch portion of the main portion, and is the region of the leakage barrier wherein said leakage barrier extends freely from said leakage barrier joint along said leakage barrier width to a free leakage barrier edge.
Optionally, a leakage barrier fastening region may be provided, wherein the leakage barrier is fastened to the inner main surface of the main portion at a leakage barrier fastening element between the leakage barrier joint and the leakage barrier edge, and/or at the leakage barrier edge, such that the leakage barrier extends freely from the leakage barrier fastening element in the height and/or width extension along a leakage barrier unfastened width being less than the leakage barrier width. As such, it is understood that in the leakage barrier fastening region the leakage barrier does not extend freely over the entire leakage barrier width as available in the active region.
Optionally, the pocket member is arranged in at least a partly overlapping relationship with the leakage barrier fastening region, as seen in the height direction H.
Optionally, in said overlapping portion of the leakage barrier fastening region, said leakage barrier unfastened width is greater than 50% of said leakage barrier width.
Optionally, the pocket member is arranged in a partly overlapping relationship with said leakage barrier fastening region wherein said leakage barrier unfastened width is less than 20% of said leakage barrier width, such as less than 10% of said leakage barrier width, for example 0.
Optionally, the side attachment elements are arranged outwardly of the leakage barrier joints as seen in the width direction of the article. As such, the pocket opening may extend over the leakage barrier, to the benefit of the function of the combination of the leakage barriers and the pocket member.
Optionally, the attachment elements are arranged in a non-overlapping relationship with said leakage barriers, as seen in the height direction of the article.
Optionally, the attachment elements are arranged to the inner main surface, such as to said inner main surface only.
Thus, for example, the attachment elements may be arranged so as to coincide with portions of the main portion including only the joined top sheet and back sheet, as seen in the height direction. Again, this provides for a relatively thin and breathable article.
Optionally, the absorbent article includes side portions, such as elastic side portions, attached to said main portion and extending in the width direction on each side of the rear region of the main portion. Side portions, such as elastic side portions, may in some variants be arranged to be fastened to the front region of the main portion, e.g. using suitable fastening means. The side portions may form part of a waist edge of the article, which together with the waist edge of the front and/or rear portion of the main portion may surround the waist of the wearer when the article is worn. Notably, with the term “main portion” as used herein, any elastic side portions do not form part of the main portion.
When the absorbent article includes side portions, such as elastic side portions, the pocket member is arranged in a non-overlapping relationship with the side portions as seen in the height direction of the article.
When the absorbent article includes elastic side portions and leakage barrier members as described in the above, each side attachment element may be arranged at the main portion between the elastic side portion and the leakage barrier joint.
Optionally, the disposable article has an article length along the length direction, wherein a pocket length proportion being the pocket length/the article length is within the range from 5% to 20%.
Optionally, the pocket length is within the range from 20 to 60 mm.
As mentioned in the above, the absorbent article may be disposable absorbent article.
Alternatively, the absorbent article includes a disposable portion and a reusable portion. In this case, the pocket member may for example form part of the disposable portion. For example, the main portion carrying the pocket member and optionally leakage barriers may form part of a disposable portion.
As set out in the above, the absorbent article according to the first aspect, including a pocket member having a first elastic region, a second elastic region, and an intermediate region may provide specific advantages in that a well-functioning pocket may be formed and may be combined with other features providing additional advantages, for example in terms of comfort and breathability of the article.
However, some of the advantages described in the above in relation to different features which may optionally be added to the first aspect, may also be available in variants of articles not including the specific pocket member as set out in the first aspect.
For example, the feature that the pocket member is arranged in a non-overlapping relationship with the absorbent core as seen in the height direction may contribute to the comfort and breathability of the article, as well ensuring that the pocket opening is not blocked by an expanded core, also in variants of articles wherein the pocket member per se has a different distribution of the elastic members than what is set out in the first aspect.
As, such in a first alternative aspect, there may be provided an absorbent article including a main portion extending in a length direction along a central length axis between a front edge and a rear edge of the absorbent article, and in a width direction along a central width axis, perpendicular to the central length axis between a pair of side edges of the absorbent article, and extending in a height direction perpendicular to the width and length directions,
This first alternative aspect may be combined with one or more of the features as set out in the above in relation to the first aspect, so as to obtain similar advantages.
In another example, the feature that each one out of the side attachment elements are arranged outwardly of the respective leakage barrier joint as seen in the width direction, may contribute to the comfort and breathability of the article, as well ensuring the function of the pocket, also in variants of articles wherein the pocket member per se has a different distribution of the elastic members than what is set out in the first aspect.
As such, in a second alternative aspect, there is provided an absorbent article including a main portion extending in a length direction along a central length axis between a front edge and a rear edge of the absorbent article, and in a width direction along a central width axis, perpendicular to the central length axis between a pair of side edges of the absorbent article, and extending in a height direction perpendicular to the width and length directions, the main portion defining a main inner surface extending primarily along the width and length directions to be directed towards the wearer when the article is worn, and a main outer surface extending primarily along the width and length directions to be directed away from the wearer when the article is worn;
This second alternative aspect may be combined with one or more of the features as set out in the above in relation to the first aspect, so as to obtain similar advantages.
The combination of the features of the two examples set out in the above, i.e. the combination of that each one out of the side attachment elements are arranged outwardly of the respective leakage barrier joint as seen in the width direction, and that the pocket member is arranged with no overlap in relation to the absorbent core as seen in the height direction, is believed to be particularly advantageous, since the two features together may contribute to the function of the pocket ensuring the opening thereof and at the same time contribute to a comfortable and relatively breathable article.
Thus, in a third alternative aspect there is provided an absorbent article including a main portion extending in a length direction along a central length axis between a front edge and a rear edge of the absorbent article, and in a width direction along a central width axis, perpendicular to the central length axis between a pair of side edges of the absorbent article, and extending in a height direction perpendicular to the width and length directions, the main portion defining a main inner surface extending primarily along the width and length directions to be directed towards the wearer when the article is worn, and a main outer surface extending primarily along the width and length directions to be directed away from the wearer when the article is worn;
This third alternative aspect may also be combined with suitable features as described in the above in relation to the first aspect, so as to provide similar advantages.
For example, the third alternative aspect may be combined with features relating to the rear region of the main portion, or the entire main portion, being free from elastic members providing elasticity in the width direction. As such, the pocket member may form the desired rear elastic of the article.
For example, the sheet material of the pocket member, and/or the elastic elements may be as suggested in the above for the first aspect, to provide similar advantages.
For example, the more detailed features relating to the relationship between the pocket member and the absorbent core, and/or relating to the way in which the pocket member is attached to the main portion may be as suggested in the above for the first aspect, to provide similar advantages.
For example, the more detailed features relating to the relationship between the pocket member and the leakage barriers, and/or between the attachment regions and the leakage barriers may be as suggested in the above for the first aspect, to provide similar advantages.
In a second aspect, the object is achieved by an array of disposable articles as disclosed. As such, there is provided an array of disposable articles including a plurality of articles according to the first aspect or alternatively a plurality of articles according to one out of the first, second or third alternative aspects, wherein each article in the plurality of articles has an article length being different from the article length of the other articles in the array, and each article in the array of articles has a pocket length varying with less than 20% from the pocket length of the other articles in the array.
Optionally, each article in the array of articles has essentially the same pocket length.
As such, there may be provided an array of articles having different sizes, but using a pocket member having substantially the same pocket length for the different sizes. This may provide for efficient and cost-saving manufacture of the articles.
The array of disposable articles may include at least two articles having different article lengths. Optionally, the array of disposable articles may include a number of articles each having different article lengths, such as three, four or five articles.
As used herein, a direction projected area of an item is the area of a projection of the item onto a plane, wherein the normal of the plane is parallel to the direction.
With an “overlapping relationship” of a first item relative to a second item as seen in a direction is meant herein, at least a portion of the direction projected area of the first item is located within the direction projected area of the second item.
With a “completely overlapping relationship” a first item relative to a second item as seen in a direction is meant herein, that the direction projected area of the first item is located within the directed projected area of the second item. If a first item “completely overlaps” a second item, the direction projected area of the second item is located within the direction projected area of the first item.
With “non-overlapping” relationship of a first item relative to a second item as seen in a direction is meant herein, that that no portion of the direction projected area of the first item is located within the direction projected area of the second item.
With a “coinciding relationship” of a first item relative to a second item as seen in a direction is meant herein, that no portion of the direction projected area of the first item is located outside the direction projected area of the second item, and that no portion of the direction projected area of the second item is located outside the direction projected area of the first item.
With “inwards” in respect to a direction is meant herein towards the centre of the article along said direction.
With “outwards” in respect to a direction is meant herein away from the centre of the article along said direction.
With “extends along”, i.e. where an item extends along an edge, includes configurations where the item coincides with the edge as well as configurations where item is arranged adjacent the edge, such as at a small distance therefrom.
Further options and advantages of the dispenser as disclosed herein are disclosed in the following description.
Below follows a more detailed description of the absorbent articles as disclosed herein with reference to the appended drawings, wherein:
Like reference numbers denote similar features throughout the figures. Reference numbers may be omitted in some figures for better visibility, in which case reference is made to the other figures.
Different aspects of the present disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the enclosed drawings. The embodiments disclosed herein can, however, be realized in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the aspects set forth herein.
It is to be understood that the drawings are schematic and that individual components, such as layers of material are not necessarily drawn to scale.
Further, it should be understood that even if the description in the below is made with reference to a baby diaper, the article 1 need not necessarily be a baby diaper as illustrated but that the present disclosure and examples apply also e.g. to diapers intended for adult wearers.
With initial reference to
The absorbent article 1 includes a main portion 7 extending in a length direction L along a central length axis Lc between a front edge 71 and a rear edge 72. The front edge 71 and the rear edge 72 of the main portion 7 also forms the front edge 71 and the rear edge 72 of the absorbent article 1. Further, the main portion 7 extends in a width direction W along a central width axis Wc between a pair of side edges 73. The pair of side edges 73 may, as illustrated in
The main portion 7 defines a front region 10 including the front edge 71, a rear region 12 including the rear edge 72, and a crotch region 14 located between the front and rear regions 10, 12.
The front region 10 and rear region 12 are adapted such that the front edge 71 and the rear edge 72 form part of a waist edge 16 of the article 1 circumfering the waist of a wearer when the article 1 is worn. In the absorbent article 1, the pair of side edges 73 of the main portion 7 may extend at least along said crotch region 14 so as to form side edges of the article 1 which are directed towards the legs of the wearer when the article 1 is worn. The side edges 73 may be provided with side elastics 77 providing elasticity to said side edges 73 along the length direction L.
The front region 10 is the part of the absorbent article which is intended to be oriented in a direction towards the belly of the wearer during use of the absorbent article 1 and the rear region 12 is the part of the absorbent article 1 which is intended to be oriented in a direction towards the buttocks of the wearer.
The absorbent article 1 may, as the article 1 in
It should also be noted that the fastening arrangement and the front and rear side portions are optional to the absorbent article 1, as the article may be designed for use as an absorbent insert, worn inside an outer shell. Such articles may be provided with releasable fastening adhesive arranged on the outer surface of the backsheet, to allow the article to be fastened inside the outer shell. The outer shell may be garment like.
The main portion 7 defines a main inner surface 74 extending primarily along said width and length directions W, L, and which will be directed towards the wearer when the article is worn. Further, the main portion 7 defines a main outer surface 75 extending primarily along said width and length direction W, L and which will be directed away from the wearer when the article 1 is worn.
As such, in a laid-out state as illustrated in
The main portion 7 further includes an absorbent core 30. The absorbent core
30 may be sandwiched between a liquid permeable topsheet 3 and a liquid-impermeable backsheet 4. Furthermore, as illustrated in
The absorbent core may include regions for shaping the absorbent core 30, such as less absorbent regions including less absorbent material than the adjacent regions of the absorbent core. For example, the absorbent core may include less absorbent regions in the form of longitudinal grooves 37 extending at least towards the rear end of the absorbent core 30. Alternatively or in addition, the absorbent core may include a cut-out, such as a cutout 38 as seen in from a front edge of the absorbent core. Such a cut-out may be adapted to provide a space which protects the sensitive part around the navel of a baby.
The topsheet 3 is arranged so as to form at least a part of the main inner surface 74 surface of the main portion 7, whereas the backsheet 4 (not shown) is arranged so as to form at least a part of the main outer surface 75 of the main portion 7.
For example, the backsheet 4 may extend continuously over the entire main portion 7, so as to form the main outer surface 75 of the entire main portion 7.
The topsheet 3 may in some variants also extend continuously over the entire main portion 7, so as to from the main inner surface 74 of the entire main portion 7.
However, and as in the illustrated example, the topsheet 3 may instead form a first part of the main inner surface 74, and one or more additional sheets may be arranged so as to form additional parts of the main inner surface 74. For example, and as in the illustrated example, parts of the main inner surface 74 may be formed by a leakage barrier sheet material 3′, which forms part of the main inner surface 74 and which is used to form a leakage barrier 32, as will be further described in the below.
In the illustrated article, the topsheet 3 and the backsheet 4 extend outside the perimeter of the absorbent core 5 at the front, end and sides of the absorbent core 30. Further, the topsheet 3 and the backsheet 4 are joined outside the perimeter of the absorbent core 30.
It is also conceivable that the topsheet 3 and the backsheet 4 extend outside of the absorbent core 30 only along parts of the perimeter of the absorbent core 30, such as only along the side edges of the absorbent core 30 or only along one or both end edges of the absorbent core 30 or along the side edges and only one of the end edges. of the absorbent core 30.
The absorbent core 30 shown in
The topsheet 3, backsheet 4 and the absorbent core 30 may consist of any materials suitable for their purposes, as will be discussed in further detail below.
As disclosed herein, various types of materials may be used for the absorbent article 1.
The topsheet 3 which is arranged to face the wearer of the absorbent article 1 when the article is being worn may include or consist of a fluid permeable nonwoven fabric, film, mesh or foam. The topsheet may be made from thermoplastic material, such as thermoplastic synthetic fibers, film or netting. The topsheet 3 may be sufficiently liquid-permeable to allow discharged body fluids to penetrate through the thickness of the topsheet 3. Also, the topsheet 3 may suitably be manufactured from a material which is compliant and soft-feeling to the skin of the wearer. The topsheet 3 may consist of a single layer or may have a laminate structure including a plurality of layers, for example, two or more layers. The layers may be made of the same material, or some or all of the layers may be made of different materials.
The layer of the topsheet 3 or, for the case of a laminate structure, one, some, or all layers of the topsheet may be made of a single web of material or may have portions made of different materials, e.g., within different parts of the wearer-facing surface of the topsheet.
The layer of the topsheet 3 or, for the case of a laminate structure, one, some or all layers of the topsheet may be a nonwoven material, a perforated plastic film, a plastic or textile mesh, or a liquid permeable foam layer. The layer of the topsheet 3 or, for the case of a laminate structure, one, some or all of the layers of the topsheet may be, for example, a hydrophilic, non-apertured nonwoven web of fibers, such as natural fibers, e.g., cotton or pulp fibers, synthetic fibers, e.g., polyester or polypropylene fibers, or a combination of these fibers. The topsheet may have a basis weight in the range of 8-40 g/m2. However, the disclosure is not limited to topsheets having this basis weight.
Furthermore, the topsheet may include at least one additive material such as a skin care composition.
Furthermore, the backsheet 4 may be constituted by a liquid-impermeable layer such as a polymeric film, for example a film of polyethylene or polypropylene. The backsheet 4 may be breathable. The materials which may be used for the backsheet 4 include thin and flexible fluid impermeable plastic films, or fluid impermeable nonwoven materials, fluid impermeable foams and fluid impermeable laminates. The backsheet 4 may be formed by a single layer, but may alternatively be formed by a multi-layered structure, i.e. a laminate, wherein at least one layer is fluid impermeable. Furthermore, the backsheet 4 may be elastic in any direction. Furthermore, the backsheet 4 may have a laminate structure including a liquid barrier sheet and a nonwoven layer arranged on top of each other (not shown in detail in the drawings), wherein the nonwoven layer is arranged at an outer side away from the wearer of the absorbent article 1 when worn.
The nonwoven layer may be made of thermoplastic polymer material fibers or filaments. The nonwoven layer may be formed by any of a variety of different processes, such as spunbonding, airlaying, meltblowing or bonded carded web formation processes. The nonwoven layer may be made of an SMS (spunbond/meltblown/spunbond) or SS (spunbond/spunbond) nonwoven material of polypropylene or bicomponent fibers of polypropylene and polyethylene, or of a combination of such materials. The nonwoven layer may have a basis weight in the range of 5-40 g/m2.
The liquid barrier sheet may be made of a plastic material, for example a thermoplastic film material, and/or a nonwoven material. For example, the liquid barrier sheet may be formed as a plastic layer, e.g., a thermoplastic layer, or a plastic film, e.g., a thermoplastic film. Forming the liquid barrier sheet of a plastic material, such as a thermoplastic film material, allows for a particularly good printability of the liquid barrier sheet. The liquid barrier sheet may also contain paper fibers. The liquid barrier sheet may be a liquid impermeable, breathable or non-breathable layer. The liquid barrier sheet may consist of a single layer or have a laminate structure with a plurality of layers, e.g., two or more layers, three or more layers, or four or more layers. The layers of the liquid barrier sheet may be laminated, bonded or attached to each other, for example, by thermo and/or mechanical bonding, such as thermo-sealing, ultrasonic bonding, such as ultrasonic welding, an adhesive or adhesives, stitching or the like. The liquid barrier sheet may be a breathable microporous film. The microporous film may be made of a material including at least two basic components, namely a thermoplastic elastomeric polyolefin polymer and a filler. These components and, in some embodiments, additional other components may be mixed together, heated and subsequently extruded into a mono-layer or multi-layer film using any one of various film-producing processes, such as cast embossed, chill and flat cast, and blown film processes.
The absorbent core 30 may include an absorbent component and may include further absorbent components such as components which provide liquid acquisition and liquid distribution. The absorbent core 30 is disposed between the topsheet 3 and the backsheet 4 to absorb the liquid, such as urine or other bodily fluids, which has passed through the topsheet 3. The absorbent component may be a single-layer structure or may be a layered structure, e.g. within the coherent area. The absorbent component may include suitable amounts of superabsorbent material. Such superabsorbent material is well known in the field of absorbent articles, and is constituted by a water-swellable and water-insoluble material which is capable of absorbing large quantities of fluid upon formation of a hydrogel. The absorbent component may contain superabsorbent material in the form of fibers or particles of absorbent polymer material. For example, the superabsorbent material may be surface cross-linked, partially neutralized polyacrylates. The superabsorbent material, e.g., the superabsorbent fibers or particles, may be mixed with other absorbent or liquid uptake material or materials, such as cellulose fluff pulp, and/or arranged in pockets or layers in the absorbent component. The amount of superabsorbent material and pulp in the absorbent component may be within the range from 0 to 50 weight % pulp fibers and within the range from 50 to 100 weight % superabsorbent material, or within the range from 0 to 30 weight % pulp fibers and within the range from 70 to 100 weight % superabsorbent material.
The absorbent component may further include components for improving properties of the absorbent core 30, such as core integrity and strength. For example, the absorbent component may include a binder or binders, such as binder fibers. Resilient fibers, chemically stiffened fibers, etc. may be present in the absorbent component to counteract wet-collapse of cellulosic fibers. Such fibers may also be useful in retaining a fluid transporting capillary network in the absorbent component so that absorbent fluid may be distributed in the absorbent component and be absorbed by superabsorbent material also in parts of the absorbent component outside the initial wetting area of the absorbent article.
Furthermore, the various layers and components of the absorbent article 1 may be attached by means of adhesive material, as known in the art. Such adhesive is not shown in the drawings.
One or more additional layers may be provided in the absorbent article 1. For example, an acquisition layer may be arranged between the absorbent core 30 and the topsheet 3. Such an additional layer may for example be in the form of an airlaid layer, a spunlace layer, a high-loft fiber material, an open-cell or perforated foam or any other type of material layer or combination of layers which may be used in an absorbent article to act as a liquid handling layer providing functions such as liquid acquisition, liquid absorption and liquid distribution. A liquid acquisition layer is adapted to quickly receive and temporarily store discharged liquid before the liquid can be absorbed by the absorbent component. Such acquisition layer may be composed of for example airlaid nonwoven, spunlace nonwoven, high loft nonwoven or foam materials. An airlaid nonwoven may be produced wood pulp fluff fibers which are dispersed and suspended in a fast-moving air stream and condensed onto a moving screen by means of pressure and vacuum.
The absorbent article 1 may, as the example in
Each leakage barrier 32 is joined to the main portion 7 along a leakage barrier joint 32′ extending at least in said length direction L. The leakage barrier 32 extends from the leakage barrier joint 32′ along a leakage barrier width extending in a plane perpendicular to the length direction L to a leakage barrier edge 32″.
The leakage barrier 32 may be formed by a strip of material being attached by the leakage barrier joint 32′ e.g. to a topsheet 3 of the article. However, the leakage barrier 32 may also be formed e.g. by a fold of topsheet material 3 extending from the leakage barrier joint 32′. For example, the leakage barrier 32 may be formed by a first topsheet material 3 extending on the inside of the leakage barrier joint 32 towards the length axis L, and by a leakage barrier sheet material 3′ extending on the outside of the leakage barrier joint 32′. Thus a portion of the first topsheet material 3 and a portion of the second topsheet material 3′ may both extend from the leakage barrier joint 32′ at the inner main surface 74 of the main portion 7 in the height direction H, and be joined so as to form the leakage barrier 32.
As such, the leakage barrier 32 may display a leakage barrier active region being provided at least in the crotch portion of the article, wherein the leakage barrier 32 extends freely from the leakage barrier joint 32′ to a free leakage barrier edge 32″. Thus, in the leakage barrier active region, the full leakage barrier width is available such that the leakage barrier 32 may rise to form a barrier towards the wearer's legs. The free leakage barrier edge 32″ may be provided with a leakage barrier elastic member 33 to provide elasticity along the length direction L of the free leakage barrier edge 32″.
Towards the front region 10 and rear region 12 of the article 1, the leakage barriers 32 may display a leakage barrier fastening region (striped in
As exemplified in
The pocket member 20 extends along a pocket length Lp in the length direction L between a pocket rear edge 28 and a pocket front edge 26. Also, the pocket member 20 extends along a pocket width Wp in the width direction, between a pair of pocket side edges 29.
The pocket member 20 may, as in the illustrated variant, be generally rectangular, which is advantageous in view of manufacture and function. However, other options are feasible. The pocket length Lp and pocket width Wp refer in cases with irregular length and width to the maximum pocket length and pocket width as seen when the pocket 20 is arranged on the article 1.
As seen in
The elastic members 25 are distributed over the pocket length Lp of the pocket member 20 so as to form a first elastic zone 22 extending from the pocket rear edge 28 towards the front of the article 1 along the length direction L and a second elastic zone 24 extending from the pocket front edge 26 and towards the rear of the article 1 along the length direction L.
The elastic members 25 display a first average distribution as seen along the length direction L in the first elastic zone 22. The elastic members 25 display a second average distribution as seen along the length direction L in the second elastic zone 24. As illustrated in the Figs, the first and second average distribution may be the same.
Further, an intermediate zone 21 extends in the length direction L from the first elastic zone 22 to the second elastic zone 24. The intermediate zone is defined between a frontmost elastic member 25 of the second elastic zone 24 and a rearmost elastic member of the first elastic zone 22. The elastic members 25 display an average distribution in the intermediate zone which is less than 0.5 elastic members per cm as seen in the length direction L. Accordingly, the intermediate zone will be relatively inelastic, such that the portion of the pocket member 20 forming the intermediate zone is essentially unbiased along the width direction W, allowing the pocket member 20 to form a volume between the pocket member 20 and the remainder of the absorbent article 1, e.g. the main inner surface 74 of the main portion 7 for containing faeces.
As in the illustrated example, the intermediate zone 21 may be free from elastic members 25.
The intermediate zone 21 extends along at least 20% of a pocket length Lp (see
The first and second average distribution of the elastic members 25 in each of the first and second elastic zone 22, 24 is greater than in the intermediate zone 21, which implies that in the first and second elastic zone 22, 24, the pocket member 20 is biased towards a contracted condition as seen in the width direction W.
As such, the elastic members 25 of the first elastic zone 22 contracting the rear region 12 adjacent the rear waist edge 16 of the absorbent article 1, contributes to the rear region 12 adjacent the rear waist edge 16 being biased towards the back of the wearer so as to comfortably conform to the wearer's movements. Thus, the elastic members 25 of the first elastic zone 22 contribute to the general comfort and fit of the article 1.
As in the variant illustrated in the Figures, the rear region 12 of the main portion 7 may be free from other elastic members but the elastic members 25 of the first elastic zone 22 over a width extension corresponding to a width of the first elastic zone 22, optionally also corresponding to a width of the pocket Wp. In other words, the elastic members 25 of the first elastic zone 22 may be the only elastic members in the rear region 12 which provide elasticity along the width direction W of the rear region 12 the main portion 7.
Further, as in illustrated variant, the front region 10 of the main portion 7 may be free from elastic members providing elasticity along the width direction W of the front region 10.
Thus, the elastic members 25 of the first zone 22 of the pocket member 20 may provide sufficient waist elasticity to the main portion 7, such that additional waist elastic members may not be necessary.
The elastic members 25 of the second elastic zone 24 are located adjacent the front edge 26 of the pocket member 20, which front edge 26 will form the opening of the pocket towards the crotch region 14 of the article 1. By the elastic members 25 of the second elastic zone 24 contracting the second elastic zone 24, the second elastic zone 24 will be urged towards the back of the user when the article 1 is worn, thus ensuring that the pocket opening is expanding so as to allow faeces to enter the volume formed between the pocket member 20 and the inner main surface 74 of the main portion 7 e.g. the top sheet 3. Thus, the elastic members 25 of the second elastic zone 24 ensures that the pocket formed by the pocket member 20 will be efficient for gathering faeces.
In view of the above, the pocket member 20 of the absorbent articles 1 disclosed herein, provides a well-functioning faeces pocket which may be easily assembled.
Further, as will be more described in the below, the intermediate zone 21 of the pocket member 20 allows for a pocket being advantageous in terms of breathability, having no or relatively scarcely distributed elastic members.
The intermediate zone 21 may extend over no more than 80% of the pocket length Lp as seen in the length direction L.
For example, the intermediate zone 21 may extend from 20 to 50% of the pocket length Lp, such as from 20 to 40% of the pocket length.
As in the illustrated example, each one out of the first and second elastic zones 22, 24 may extend over a length being less than the length of the intermediate zone 21 as seen in the length direction L. A such, the intermediate zone 21 has the greatest length of the three zones (first elastic, second elastic, and intermediate) of the pocket member 20, to the benefit of e.g. volume and breathability.
As such, the elastic members 25 are arranged so as to provide the desired contraction of the pocket member 20 adjacent the pocket front edge 26 and the pocket rear edge 28 respectively thereof, while the intermediate 21 may provide for sufficient volume of the pocket formed.
For example, each one out of the first and second elastic zones 22, 24 may extend over at least 10% of the pocket length Lp as seen in the length direction L. For example, each one out of the first and second elastic zones may extend over no more than 40% of the pocket length Lp, such as over no more than 30% of the pocket length Lp.
As illustrated in the Figures, the elastic members 25 may extend substantially in parallel to the width direction W.
As also illustrated in the Figures, the pocket rear edge 28 of the pocket member 20 may extend substantially in parallel to the width direction W. The elastic members 25 may extend substantially in parallel to the pocket rearedge 28 of the pocket member 20.
Further, the pocket front edge 26 of the pocket member 20 may extend substantially in parallel to the width direction W. The elastic members 25 may extend substantially in parallel to the pocket front edge 26 of the pocket member 20.
The elastic members 25 are arranged to provide elasticity in a direction parallel to the width direction W of the article. However, the elastic members 25 provide no elasticity in a direction perpendicular to the width direction W of the article 1, i.e. along the length direction L of the article 1.
With reference to the pocket member 20, the elastic members 25 are arranged to provide elasticity in a direction parallel to a pocket width Wp, but not in a direction parallel to a pocket length Lp.
The elastic members 25 may extend continuously over the pocket width Wp.
The average distribution of elastic members in the first and/or second elastic zone 22, 24 may be selected so as to achieve the desired contraction of the pocket member 20, without unnecessarily adding extra material to the pocket member 20.
In some variants, the first elastic zone 22 may display an average distribution of elastic members 25 which is different from the average distribution of elastic members 25 of the second elastic zone.
However, in other variants, the first and the second elastic zone 22, 24 may display the same average distribution of elastic members 25.
The first and/or second elastic zone 22, 24 may for example display an average distribution of elastic members being greater than 0.5 members/cm, as seen along the length direction L. For example, the average distribution may be greater than or equal to 1 member/cm. For example, the average distribution may be no more than 3 members/cm. For example, the average distribution may be from 1 to 3 members/cm. For example, the average distribution may be 2 members/cm,
The first and the second elastic zone 22, 24 each includes at least one elastic member 25.
The first and/or the second elastic zone 22, 24 may each include a plurality of elastic members 25, wherein each elastic member 25 is spaced from neighbouring elastic members 25 as seen in the length direction L.
The distance between the elastic members has an impact on the contractive force provided by the elastics, and hence on the pressure provided by the elastics towards the wearers back at the waist region of the article, and the urging of the front edge of the pocket member towards the back of the wearer to open up the pocket.
Generally, an increased distance between the threads reduces the pressure and a reduced distance between the threads increases the pressure provided.
As such, a distance as seen in the length direction L between two neighbouring elastic members 25 may be at least 3 mm, such as from 3 to 7 mm, as seen in the length direction L. For example, a distance as seen in the length direction between two neighbouring elastic members 25 may be 5 mm.
For example, in the first and/or second elastic zone 22, 24, each elastic member 25 may spaced from neighbouring elastic members 25 by the same distance as seen in the length direction L. In other words, the elastic members 25 may be regularly distributed along the length direction L in the first and/or second elastic zone 22, 24.
The first and/or second elastic zone 22, 24 may each include no more than seven elastic members 25, such as no more than five elastic members. In some variants, as in the illustrated article the first and/or second elastic zone may include three elastic members 25.
The elastic members 25 may, as in the illustrated variant, be elastic threads.
Thus, the elastic threads may be arranged so as to extend in parallel to each other and generally in parallel to the width direction W of the article 1. For example, the elastic threads may extend along substantially the entire width Wp of the pocket member 20.
Elastic threads may provide elasticity while having a relatively low thickness, hence having a relatively low impact on the breathability of the pocket member 20.
For example, the elastic threads may be elastic threads with from 400 to 1100 dtex.
The elasticity of the elastic members 25 in the elastic zones 22, 24 may be selected in view of the desired properties as mentioned in the above, and adjusted together with the number of elastic members and distribution thereof to arrive at a desired result.
For example, one or more, preferably all of the elastic members 25 in the first and second elastic zones 22, 24 may have an elasticity of 100-250%.
The pocket member may include a sheet material 23.
In some variants, the pocket member may include one layer of sheet material 23 to which the elastic members 25 is joined, e.g. by gluing or welding.
In other variants, the pocket member 20 may include two layers of sheet material 23. In this case, the elastic members 25 may be positioned between the two layers of sheet material 23.
For example, and as illustrated in
The sheet material 23 may be folded such that the joint 40 is located along the intermediate zone 21 of the pocket member 20. Thus, the joint 40 may be formed so as to extend generally in parallel to the width Wp of the pocket member 20. The pocket front edge 26 of the pocket member 20 and the pocket rear edge 28 of the pocket member 20 are thus folded edges of sheet material 23.
With the joint 40 located in the intermediate zone 21 of the pocket member 20, the joint 40 may be spaced from the first and second elastic regions 22, 24, and thus any impact of the joint on the elasticity of the elastic region(s) may be avoided.
The joint 40 may be arranged so as to have a length as seen along the length direction L being at least 2 mm, such as from 2 to 4 mm.
The joint 40 may have a width as seen in the width direction W corresponding to the width Lw of the pocket.
As such, the intermediate zone 21 may consist of the sheet material 23 only or, if any joint 40 is present, of the sheet material 23 including the joint 40.
For example, out of a total planar area of the intermediate zone 21, at least 90% may include the sheet material only.
For example, out of a total planar area of the pocket member 20, at least 75% includes sheet material 23 only.
The “planar area” as used in the above is the area as measured in a planar condition with any elasticity from any elastic members removed.
For example, the sheet material 23 has a basis weight from 10 gsm to 60 gsm, such as from 20 gsm to 30 gsm.
The sheet material may be a nonwoven having a basis weight from 10 gsm to 30 gsm.
As set out in the above, the sheet material may have an air permeability and/or a Material Water Vapor Transmission rate suitable for the material to be perceived as breathable and thus comfortable to the wearer.
For example, the sheet material may be a spunbond nonwoven including PP fibers, having a basis weight of 23 gsm.
As mentioned in the above, the absorbent article 1 includes an absorbent core 30. As illustrated in
By avoiding overlap between the pocket member 20 and the absorbent core 30, it is avoided to form a region of the article 1 where breathability may be adversely impacted by the presence of several material layers over one another in the height direction H of the article 1.
Further, by providing a distance between the absorbent core 30 and the pocket member 2, it is avoided that the absorbent core 30 adversely impacts the function of the pocket member 20. For example, it is avoided that the absorbent core 30 blocks the opening of the pocket formed by the pocket member 20 as the absorbent core 30 expands after wetting thereof.
For example, the distance in the length direction L between the pocket front edge 26 and the absorbent core 30 may be 5 mm or more.
As mentioned in the above, and as illustrated in
As mentioned in the above, the pocket member 20 extends between a first side edge and a second pocket side edge 29 in the width direction W, and between the pocket front edge 26 and the pocket rear edge 28 in the length direction L. The rear attachment element 27r extends along the pocket rear edge 28 and the side attachment elements 27s along the first and second pocket side edges 29, respectively
As in the illustrated variant, the rear attachment element 27r may extend along substantially the entire pocket rear edge 28, and the side attachment elements 27s along substantially the entire first and second side edges 29 of the pocket member 20.
The attachment may be made using any suitable attachment method such as welding or gluing. For example, the attachment elements 27r, 27s may include an adhesive.
To form a closed faeces boundary between the pocket member 20 and the inner main surface 74 apart from at the opening towards the crotch region 14 of the main portion 7, the rear and side attachment elements 27r, 27s may for example be continuous attachment elements.
Notably, as illustrated in
Thus, the attachment of the pocket member 20 to the rear region 12 of the main portion 7 may be made such that, when the article 1 is in an open laid-out state, the area formed between the attachment elements 27 on the inner main surface 74 of the main portion 7, essentially corresponds to the area of the sheet material 23 of the pocket member 20 between the attachment elements 27.
This implies that, when the first and second elastic regions 22, 24 of the pocket member 20 are released, the first elastic region 22 may contract the rear region 12 adjacent the rear waist edge 16′, working as a waist elastic, and the second elastic region 24 may contract the pocket member 20 adjacent the pocket front edge 26. At the same time, the portion of the remainder of the article 1 which extends in the width direction W between the attachment elements 27 extending along the side edges 29 of the pocket member 20, will be urged towards each other at least at the location of the second elastic region 24. In use, this will have the effect that the portion of the main portion 7 extending between the side edges 19 of the pocket member bulging away from the wearer, whereas at least a front portion of the pocket member 20 is contracted and moved towards the wearer, hence resulting in the desired opening of the pocket.
Further, as illustrated in
The area of the rear and side attachment elements 27r, 27s may be selected so as to provide satisfactory fastening of the pocket member 20 to the main portion 7. For example, the rear and side attachment elements 27r, 27s may be arranged so as to cover 60% or less of a total planar surface area A of the pocket member 20, for example 50% or less of the total planar surface area. This allows for the unfastened area of the pocket member 20 to be active in forming a volume for the faeces. Further, using lesser amounts of adhesive has a positive impact on the breathability of the article 1 as a whole.
As illustrated in
With the first elastic region 22 serving as a waist elastic, at least the rear portion 12 of the main portion 7 may be free from elastics providing elasticity along the width direction W. For example, as in the illustrated variant, the entire main portion 7 may be free from elastics providing elasticity along the width direction W.
As illustrated in the Figs, the pocket member 20 may be arranged in a non-overlapping relationship with the active region of the leakage barriers 32. As such, the pocket member 20 may be arranged in a non-overlapping relationship with the leakage barrier elastic members 32″, as seen along the height direction of the article.
The pocket member 20 may, as exemplified in the Figs., be arranged in an overlapping relationship with the leakage barrier fastening region (dashed in
Rather, and as illustrated in
In the illustrated example, as seen in
Further, as seen in
It is to be noted that
As such, the article 1 may also in the areas of the attachment elements 27s, 27r be relatively thin, including relatively few layers, to the advantage of comfort and breathability of the article 1.
As illustrated in the Figs, the side attachment elements 27s may be arranged outside of the leakage barrier joint 32′ as seen in the width direction W of the article. Thus, the side attachment elements 27s may be provide for direct attachment of the pocket member 20 to the main inner surface 74 of the main portion 7, while providing for the pocket member 20 extending in the width direction W over the pair of leakage barrier joints 32′.
As mentioned in the above, the absorbent article 1 may include elastic side portions 81 extending along the width direction W on each side of the rear region 12 of the main portion 7. The pocket member 20 is arranged in a non-overlapping relationship with the elastic side portions 81 as seen in the height direction H. Again, this provides for the pocket member being attached direction to the inner main surface 74 of the main portion 7.
The article 1 has an article length La along the length direction L, wherein a pocket length proportion, being the pocket length Lp/the article length La, is from 5% to 20%. The pocket total length Lp may for example be from 20 to 60 mm.
The absorbent article 1 may, as the article illustrated in the Figs, be a disposable absorbent article.
In a second aspect, there is provided an array of disposable articles including a plurality of articles 1 as described herein, wherein each article 1 in the plurality of articles has an article length La being different from the article length La of the other articles 1 in the array, and each article 1 in the array of articles has a pocket length Lp varying with less than 20% from the pocket length Lp of the other articles 1, 7 in the array. As such, each article 1 in the array of articles may have essentially the same pocket length Lp. Such an array of articles 1 may provide for efficient manufacture of the article.
When manufacturing an article 1, a pocket member material strip may be provided having a width corresponding to the pocket length Lp, and from which pocket member material strip pocket members having a desired pocket width Wp may be cut. Thus, for forming an array of articles 1 wherein each article in the array has the same pocket length Lp, the same pocket member material strip may be used for all articles in the array.
The array of articles may include at least two articles having different article lengths La, such as two articles of different sizes, e.g. intended for babies of different age.
Numerous variants and options of the articles disclosed here will be conceivable by the person skilled in the art.
This application is a National Stage application of PCT/EP2021/084178, filed Dec. 3, 2021, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2021/084178 | 12/3/2021 | WO |
