AU2019269480A1

AU2019269480A1 - Incontinence product in the form of briefs

Info

Publication number: AU2019269480A1
Application number: AU2019269480A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Andreas BEYRLE; Tamara BUCH; Joerg Eilers; Ruediger Kesselmeier; Ann-Cathrin SCHMIDT
Original assignee: Paul Hartmann AG
Current assignee: Paul Hartmann AG
Priority date: 2018-05-18
Filing date: 2019-05-17
Publication date: 2021-01-07
Also published as: DE102018112121A1; EP3793497A1; WO2019219946A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an incontinence article (2) for absorbing bodily excretions, having a front abdomen portion (4) and a rear back portion (6), and having a crotch portion (8) comprising an absorption body (7) and extending in a longitudinal direction (9) between the abdomen portion (4) and back portion (6), the back portion and/or the abdomen portion comprising a nonwoven material having at least a first region (11) and a second region (13). A first labelling means (70) is provided in the first region (11), and the first labelling means has a first marking (72), which is formed by a planar, extended coloured zone (73) and provides a first piece of information, the first labelling means (7) comprising a second marking (74), providing a second piece of information, formed in that recesses (76) of the coloured zone (73) are provided in the first marking (72).

Description

Title: Incontinence product in the form of briefs

Description

The invention relates to an incontinence product in the form of briefs, that is to say a pull-up product, for the absorption of bodily excretions having a front abdominal portion and a rear back portion which are spaced apart from one another in a longitudinal direction and which, for forming an abdominal band and a back band, which continue in the transverse direction or the direction of the hip circumference, with a hip opening which is closed in the direction of the hip circumference, are connected to one another by the manufacturer at side seam regions on both sides, and having a crotch portion which comprises an absorption body and extends between the abdominal portion and the back portion in the longitudinal direction, wherein the crotch portion, the abdominal portion and the back portion together delimit respective leg openings of the incontinence product, wherein the abdominal portion and the back portion are configured so as to be elastically expandable in the transverse direction or in the direction of the hip circumference, and wherein the back portion and/or the abdominal portion comprises/comprise a non-woven material to which a first identifying means is applied, and the first identifying means comprises a first marking which is formed by a zone which is different optically to the non-woven material, is visually perceptibly colored and extends extensively, and which provides a first item of information.

In this case, attaching identifying means to incontinence products is disclosed in the prior art. For example, EP 2 841 038 Al thus describes an incontinence product which comprises an expansion indicator in the hip edge region. This serves to detect the fit, a reference graphic being provided in a preferred manner.

In particular, however, it is desirable in the case of such disposable diaper products to attach a marking which identifies the front side or back side. Such a marking is also found in regular underwear in the form of labels which are mostly sewn into the back.

EP 1 815 831 Al also relates to a disposable diaper having an identification on the front side and/or back side of the incontinence product which is visible from the outside, a vertically extending center line of the identification not coinciding with the longitudinal center axis of the incontinence product so that the identification is arranged offset laterally. This is to result in the identification being less prominent.

Proceeding from said prior art, it has been the object of the invention to provide an identifying means for an incontinence product which has good distinctiveness but is at the same time sufficiently discrete, it being possible to provide two items of information.

The invention achieves said object by an incontinence product with the features of claim 1. In this case, the invention takes the approach that the first identifying means comprises a second marking which provides a second item of information and is formed as a result of recesses of the colored zone being provided in the first marking. A second marking can be provided in this manner without having to insert a further colored zone, which harbors the risk of the different zones not being able to be separated in a clean manner. Rather, the second marking is formed by the visually perceptible nature of the non-woven material of the first region which stands out from the colored zone in a visually perceptible manner. As a result, in a comparatively simple and cost-efficient manner, two items of information can be provided by one identifying means, said two items of information not requiring any additional operating step, for example sewing in a label, and as a result of the second marking being formed by recesses which are arranged inside the colored zone of the first marking, different items of information are consequently able to be provided in an easily identifiable and yet discrete manner. In particular as a result of the inclusion inside a colored zone, the second item of information of the second marking becomes easier to read than if, for instance, a conventional imprint were provided without the surrounding region of the first marking. As a result of the first region of the first marking which stands out visually from the second region of the non-woven material, a contrast is created which makes it possible to improve a comparatively small-dimensioned realization of the second marking with reference to perceptibility.

In particular, the recesses can be island-shaped. "Island shaped" recesses are to be understood, in this case, in particular, as such recesses which are surrounded by a sufficiently wide frame of the colored zone, as this improves the recognizability of the second item of information. "Island-shaped" recesses are likewise also to be understood as one such recess which is formed into a recess as a result of the contraction of multiple stand alone alphanumerical symbols or otherwise symbols that can be perceived by human understanding as separate.

The recesses, in particular "island-shaped" recesses, comprise, in particular, alphanumerical symbols, such as, among others, letters, numbers or special symbols.

It is provided, in particular, that the visually perceptible nature of the non-woven material inside the recesses is identical to the visually perceptible nature of the non-woven material of the first region.

"Visually differentiable" is to be understood as the difference being able to be recognized just with the naked human eye, it is possible, where applicable, to support the distinctiveness further using visual aids. "Visually perceptible" can be recognized synonymously with the naked human eye.

The term "color" that is used refers to the visual perception characteristic of light output derived from the light spectrum and recognizable as such by people via the eye. Colors are typically known such as, among others, black, red, blue, green, yellow and mixtures thereof.

The colored zone consequently stands out from the underlying coloring, that is to say the color of the non woven material in the first region of the abdominal portion and/or back portion that is already predominant before the first identifying means is applied.

The colored zone which extends extensively can be provided in the second region of the non-woven material in different ways. It is thus conceivable for the colored zone to be realized by a coating or an imprint and/or in another manner.

"Coating" or "imprint" is to be understood, in this connection, as any addition applied to the surface of the non-woven material which leads to a visual modification of the non-woven material, where applicable connected to a haptic and/or technical modification of the non-woven material. The coating/the imprint can be realized as a one- sided application, elevated with a certain coating density, in a haptically perceptible manner, or in addition to this or exclusively can be provided as an application which penetrates the non-woven material.

The methods disclosed in the prior art for obtaining a colored zone comprise, for example, direct coating by means of relief printing, gravure printing, flat printing, rotary printing or also contactless coating such as spraying. Colored zones, however, can also be designed by coloring processes such as pigment printing, spray printing or stencil printing.

Materials and/or components which are assigned to such a colored zone can be, for example, an adhesive/hotmelt application, a print color as paste or an ink.

It is particularly preferred, in this case, for the colored zone of the first identifying means to be an imprint, in particular a colored imprint. A single-color imprint is particularly preferred in this case.

A longitudinal center axis of the incontinence product is defined as a result of said product being folded centrally along the longitudinal center axis about an axis which extends in the longitudinal direction. A transverse center axis is determined in the same manner by the incontinence product being halved in its longitudinal direction.

It can be provided, in particular, in this case, that the first identifying means is applied on a non-woven material layer of the non-woven material facing the body, it being applied, in this case, on a top side facing the body or a top side remote from the body of the non-woven material layer facing the body, a top side remote from the body being particularly preferred. In particular, in the case of a non-woven material of the abdominal portion or back portion comprising two outer non woven material layers, that is to say in each case forming an outside surface of the non-woven material, the first identifying means is applied between the outer non-woven material layers and in this case, in particular, on the top side remote from the body of the non-woven material layer facing the body. The arrangement facing the body or remote from the body are to be understood, in this case, as the directions in the state when positioned as intended on a wearer.

The achievement here, on the one hand, is that the colored zone does not cause abrasion, and it is also skin-friendly by avoiding direct contact with the skin and, with sufficient visibility existing through the non-woven material layers, the first identifying means nevertheless recedes further visually into the background.

It can further be provided in a preferred manner that a second identifying means is provided on the back portion or abdominal portion located opposite the abdominal portion or back portion comprising first identifying means. In this case, in particular, the second identifying means is applied on the non-woven material and in this case, in particular, on a non-woven material layer of the non-woven material remote from the body, in this case on a top side facing the body or a top side remote from the body of a non-woven material layer remote from the body, a top side facing the body being particularly preferred. In particular, in the case of a non-woven material of the abdominal portion and/or back portion having at least two outer non-woven material layers, that is to say non-woven material layer in each case forming an outside surface of the non-woven material, the second identifying means is thus applied in a preferred manner between the outer non woven material layers, and in this case, in particular, on the top side facing the body of the non-woven material layer remote from the body. As a result of the provision of second identifying means, further items of information can be conveyed. The provision of the first and second identifying means, tailored to in each case only one of abdominal portion or back portion, contributes advantageously to the differentiation between a front side and rear side of the incontinence product.

In particular, the arrangement of the second identifying means on a non-woven material layer remote from the body and the preferred arrangement of the first identifying means on a non-woven material layer facing the body contributes advantageously to a different perception of the two identifying means, the second identifying means on the product outside surface appearing visually perceptibly even more succinct.

When providing a first and a second identifying means, the same coloring technique, in particular coating or printing technique, is preferably used, which is able to be implemented procedurally in a cost-effective manner. In particular in the case of a colored coating, in particular a colored imprint, the first and second identifying means comprise the same color, which advantageously contributes to a homogeneous appearance of the incontinence product.

It can be provided, in this case, that the abdominal portion and/or the back portion comprises/comprise elasticizing means, which extend at a distance from one another and substantially in the transverse direction or in the direction of the hip circumference and thus elasticize the abdominal portion and/or the back portion extensively, or that the abdominal portion and/or the back portion comprises/comprise surface materials which are elastically expandable in the transverse direction or in the direction of the hip circumference, wherein the elasticizing means and/or the elastically expandable surface materials are arranged, in particular, between non-woven material layers of the non-woven material. Such elasticizing is advantageous for incontinence products in the form of briefs as, in contrast to resealable diapers, incontinence products in the form of briefs are adapted to a wearer via the elasticizing. Transverse elasticizing is basically possible as a result of substantially filamentary elasticizing means being used or as a result of strip shaped elasticizing means or, as an alternative to this, also surface materials which are elastically expandable at least in the transverse direction being used. In every case it has proven to be advantageous when elastically expandable materials are combined with substantially non expandable materials, such as, in particular, non-woven materials.

In an especially preferred manner, the first and/or second identifying means is/are arranged inside an elastically expandable region of the back portion and/or abdominal portion.

When the first and/or second identifying means is/are arranged in elastically expandable regions, items of information can be imparted, in turn, with the changes in the configuration of the identifying means associated possibly with the different states of expansion. In particular, different color stimuli can be perceptible to the user, thus, for example, the first marking in a relaxed, non-expanded state can impart a more intense color impression than in the flat, expanded state.

The incontinence product in the form of briefs is in particular an adult incontinence product. In particular, the incontinence product can be provided as a unisex incontinence product but also, by way of addition or differentiation, as an incontinence product for women or as an incontinence product for men. Both the embodiments of the first and/or second markings of the first identifying means and the arrangement thereof, where applicable also together with a second identifying means, are able to contribute to said differentiation.

In this case, via the design of the first identifying means, along with the first and/or second items of information, a further item of information is able to be conveyed as a result of the colored zone, along with the information where, for example, the rear side of the incontinence product is situated, insofar as the first item of information serves for marking a position, being able to include a further item of information by, for example, being able to include information, via the targeted selection of a color of the colored zone, as to the use in a gender-specific manner. Thus, for example, a first identifying means in a blue color can indicate a preferred area of application for men and a first identifying means in a pink color can indicate a preferred use for women. As an alternative to this or also in addition to it, the item of information of the first marking can indicate an absorption capacity as a third item of information included in the identifying means.

Furthermore, a further item of information can be imparted via the form of the first identifying means or via the form of the first marking, such as, for example, ellipse versus rectangle.

Moreover, it is provided, in particular, that the first identifying means is arranged such that it supplies an item of information regarding the alignment of the incontinence product. Thus, it is provided, for example, to provide first identifying means, which identify and mark the rear side of an incontinence product, in the rear region of the incontinence product. The first identifying means is preferably arranged on the back portion.

Further items of information can then be conveyed by the recesses as a second marking. The second marking picks up the visually perceptible nature, such as the color of the non-woven material of the first region, through the recesses. This reduces an unwanted awareness generated by visual appearance or a conspicuous feature, as a certain homogenous appearance is produced by way of an identical visually perceptible nature of the non-woven material in the recesses in conjunction with the non-woven material of the first region surrounding the first identifying means. It is provided, in this case, in principle, that the first identifying means is certainly to be sufficiently visually striking so that the item of information is able to be conveyed. Said item of information, however, is preferably only to be conveyed to a user and/or wearer of the incontinence product, whereas to third parties the identifying means is to remain as inconspicuous as possible.

In this case, it is provided in a particularly preferred manner that the colored zone, proceeding from an edge perimeter of the first identifying means, surrounds the second marking in such a manner that the size of an area A3, which is delimited by the edge perimeter of the first identifying means and by an imaginary inner distance line which extends inside the same and at a constant first distance AB1, is at least 20%, in particular at least 25%, further in particular at least 30% of a size of the area Al, wherein the area inscribed by the edge perimeter of the first identifying means is defined as the area Al. Further preferably, the area proportion of the second marking on the area A3 is no more than 10%, in particular no more than 7%, further in particular no more than 5% and in particular no more than 2%. This should be determined with the incontinence product in the fully expanded state. The sizes of the areas are measured in each case in mm2 .

This means good visual perceptibility of both the first and the second markings is possible.

It must be stated at this point that in the present application any dimensional specifications with regard to transverse extent, longitudinal extent or distance between portions or between any components of the product are determined with the flat materials forming the product in the flatly spread-out state, that is to say where applicable after separating the side seams affixed by the manufacturer, so that the relevant product can be moved into the flat configuration shown in the figures, insofar as nothing to the contrary regarding a state deviating therefrom is stated. If the product has been elasticized for example by filamentary elasticizing means using the so called "stretch bond method", the surface materials, as indicated in the figures, are thus viewed expanded in the manner in which they are supplied as flat materials by the manufacturer or they can be spread out subsequently up to their natural starting extent without elasticizing means and placed on a flat surface. The transverse extents, longitudinal extents, dimensions or distances are then determined on said flat surface. Said state is produced in a natural manner with non-expandable chassis materials on a non-woven material base or a non-woven material-film composite base.

Designing an area A3, which lies inside the area Al, in such a manner results in the visual impression of an at least thicker/wider border area which extends around the second marking in the manner of an edge, as a result of which visual visibility and recognizability is improved, in particular also where alphanumerical symbols which can otherwise be read only with difficulty are the second marking.

In order to improve further said visual recognizability and the visually perceptible standing-out of the first regions of the non-woven material and as such the first identification feature in an encompassing manner, it can be provided that the size of an area A4, which is delimited by the edge perimeter of the first identifying means and an imaginary distance line which extends outside the same and at a constant second distance AB2, is at least 50%, in particular at least 60%, further in particular at least 70% of the size of the area Al, wherein the area inscribed by the edge perimeter of the first identifying means is defined as the area Al. The sizes of the areas are measured in each case in mm 2 .

Further preferably, at least 90%, in particular at least 93%, in particular at least 95% of the area A4 is free of further colored zones, such as coatings and/or imprints and/or modifications to the inherent optical visual and/or haptic nature of the non-woven material. This should be determined with the incontinence product in the fully expanded state.

It can be provided, in particular, that no recesses are provided, at least in portions, in particular fully, between the edge perimeter of the first identifying means, that is to say an edge perimeter of the visually perceptible colored zone of the first marking, and an imaginary inner distance line which extends at a constant first distance AB1 and is at a distance of at least 2 mm, further in particular 3 mm, further in particular at least 4 mm and further in particular at least 5 mm.

Furthermore, it can be provided, in particular, that, between the edge perimeter of the first identifying means, that is to say an edge perimeter of the colored zone of the first marking, and an imaginary outer distance line which extends at a constant second distance AB2 and is at a distance of at least 2 mm, further in particular at least 3 mm, further in particular at least 4 mm and further in particular at least 5 mm, an area delimited inside said second distance AB2, no colored zone, such as, for example, in the form of an imprint, is provided at least in portions, in particular entirely.

It can further be provided, in particular, that the first identifying means overlies an area Al, inscribed by an edge perimeter, and the second marking assumes therein an areaproportion of no more than 50%, in particular no more than 40%, further in particular no more than 30%, further in particular no more than 20%, and in particular at least 8% and in particular at least 10% of the area Al overlaid by the first identifying means. As a result, the visual visibility of the first marking remains unchanged.

This also serves for the purpose of designing the colored zone of the first marking so as to be sufficiently recognizable. Calculation of the areas and the proportions thereof are with reference to the flatly spread-out state.

The first identifying means preferably comprises an area Al of 500 - 4000 mm 2 , in particular of 800 - 3700 mm 2 , further in particular of 1100 - 3500 mm 2 , the area Al being measured with the non-woven material or the incontinence product in a flat spread-out state.

With reference to the first marking, the first identifying means relates, in particular, to contiguous areas and comprises as edge perimeter, in particular, closed lines which consequently realize areas, in a preferred manner, such as, for example, circles, ellipses, ovals but also polygonal areas, that is to say polygons. I.e. in a preferred manner it is a geometric figure which is surrounded by a closed feature.

When realizing its edge perimeter, the first identifying means and consequently the first marking, in this case, can have a simple geometric form, in particular can be realized in the form of an ellipse, an oval or a circle or a rectangle or a polygon.

In an especially preferred manner, the incontinence products can be provided with differentiable, different forms with regard to the first identifying means or the first marking. Differentiation of the incontinence product as a unisex incontinence product, an incontinence product for men and/or an incontinence product for women can be obtained from the different forms. Thus, a rectangle can preferably be used for a male product and an ellipse or an oval for a female product.

In particular, a broadly balanced distribution of the second marking inside the first marking is advantageous for recognizability, on the one hand, but also discreteness, on the other hand. The determining of the degree of distribution, in this case, is explained as an example by way of figure 9.

It can be provided, in this case, in a preferred manner, that if the first identifying means is inscribed tangentially by an imaginary rectangle with an edge perimeter at its respectively outermost points, wherein the rectangle, with reference to its edges, is arranged in the longitudinal and transverse direction of the incontinence product and, in this case, is divided both in the longitudinal direction and in the transverse direction into respectively 10 same-sized sub-rectangles, a degree of distribution of N2/N1*100% of at least 30%, at least 35%, in particular at least 40%, further in particular at least 45% is provided from a number Ni of sub-rectangles which are localized entirely or at least in regions inside the edge perimeter and from which a number N2 of the sub rectangles which comprise both the first marking and the second marking at least in regions.

In addition, it is particularly preferred that the first identifying means, with the non-woven material and the incontinence product in a flatly spread-out state, comprises a first transverse extent of 10% to 25%, in particular 12% to 23% of the maximum transverse extent of the product. The achievement here is that the first identifying means does not appear too prominently.

The first identifying means can comprise a second transverse extent measured with the incontinence product in a relaxed, not flatly spread-out state, wherein the second transverse extent is 4% to 12%, in particular 5% to 10%, in this case with reference to the maximum transverse extent of the product in the flatly spread-out state.

This shows that the first identifying means can be introduced to the non-woven materials in an "over-extended" representation. With the incontinence product in the relaxed state, such as, for example, when it is taken out of a packet for the first time, the dimension of the first identifying means is reduced and set in such a manner that recognizability and nevertheless a certain discretion are given in a balanced manner. Where the incontinence product is divided into four same sized part portions which extend in the longitudinal direction, the first identifying means is preferably situated inside the part portions closest on both sides of a longitudinal center axis of the incontinence product. Particularly preferred is a provision of the first identifying means arranged substantially symmetrically about the longitudinal center axis. In this case, substantially symmetrically is to include a deviation from absolute symmetry of no more than 10%, in particular no more than 8% and further in particular no more than 6%, determined with reference to a displacement of a longitudinal center line of the first identifying means in relation to the longitudinal center axis of the incontinence product. For this purpose, the maximum distance a between the longitudinal center line of the first identifying means and the product side seam, and the maximum distance b between the longitudinal center axis of the incontinence product and the product side seam, are determined, and a calculation is made therefrom as follows: b-a/b 10%, in particular 8%, in particular 6%.

In addition, the crotch portion can comprise a fluid-tight back sheet material and a fluid-permeable top sheet material, between which the absorption body is arranged.

In particular, the incontinence product can be a so-called "H-shape" product where the crotch portion, abdominal portion and back portion are separate components and the crotch portion is joined unreleasably to the abdominal portion and to the back portion in a respective overlap region. Such H-shape diapers provide a manufacturing variant that is particularly favorable for disposable diapers.

Insofar as the incontinence product is an H-shape product, it can be provided, in particular, that the first and/or second identifying means is/are provided outside an overlap region of the crotch portion with the abdominal portion and/or back portion.

The achievement here is that the identifying means is not provided in a region which has a relatively high degree of opacity on account of the accumulation of layers of material.

In the case of other designs different from the H-shape, the first and/or second identifying means is/are also arranged in a preferred manner at least outside the crotch portion, in particular in order also to counter the effect of the layer-related opacity and not to impair the full visibility of the first and/or second identifying means when the incontinence product is first taken out of the packet as a result of a manufacturer fold in the crotch region when the incontinence product is being packaged.

The first and/or second identifying means can be arranged inside a region between an imaginary line, which is arranged at the longitudinal end of the absorption body, in particular at the longitudinal end of the crotch portion, and extends in the transverse direction, and a line describing the edge of the hip opening, in particular in a region which is arranged inside the upper three quarters in the longitudinal direction.

It can be provided, in particular, in this case, that the first marking comprises a first color and the second marking and/or the non-woven material, in a region directly adjoining the first marking, comprises/comprise a second color which deviates from said first color, in this case with the color measured in each case according to CIEL*a*b*, in particular

- a) measured in each case on a product outside surface of the abdominal portion and/or back portion comprising first identifying means; and/or

- b) measured in each case on a product inside surface of the abdominal portion and/or back portion comprising first identifying means,

wherein the measurements a) and b) are carried out in each case with the first and second incontinence products in a non-expanded state and/or in each case with the incontinence product in a state expanded to 200%.

It is particularly preferred, in this case, when the color distance calculated according to CIEL*a*b* between the

first and the second color, shown as Delta E (AE*), is 13 to 30, in particular 13 to 28. A label, which is discrete in spite of the colored zone of the first marking, is provided in this way. As the second marking is formed by the nature and/or the color of the non-woven material of the first region, the nature/color thereof determines the value of the second marking. Said variant is provided, in particular, for realizations of the incontinence product as a female incontinence product or also as a unisex incontinence product. In particular in the case of realizations of incontinence products with a largely white non-woven material in the second region, as is often typically used for unisex incontinence products, a greater color distance, that is to say Delta E (AE*), is desirable in order consequently to provide an attraction-enhancing and consequently attention-enhancing design and consequently to make recognition easier for the user.

As an alternative to this, it can be provided in a preferred manner that the color distance calculated according to CIEL*a*b* between the first color of the first marking and the second color of the second marking, shown

as Delta E (AE*), is 5 to 13, in particular 5 to 10. In this way, a first identifying means is present on an incontinence product, the color distances of which are smaller but still recognizable. Said variant is provided, in particular, for realizations of the incontinence product for users requiring less visual impact, thus in particular as a male incontinence product.

When comparing the color imprints of product inside surface and product outside surface of the abdominal portion and/or rear portion comprising first identifying means, it is thus provided, in particular, that a color distance, calculated according to CIEL*a*b* on the product inside surface of the abdominal portion and/or back portion comprising first identifying means for the non-expanded state, between the first marking and the second marking and/or the non-woven material, in a region directly adjoining the first marking, shown as Delta E (AE*)[i/K1-K2/100%], is greater than a color distance, calculated according to CIEL*a*b* on the product outside surface of the abdominal portion and/or back portion comprising first identifying means for the non-expanded state, between the first marking and the second marking and/or the non-woven material, in a region directly adjoining the first marking, shown as Delta E (AE*)[a/K1-K2/100%].

In this case, the difference between AE*[i/K1-K2/100%] and AE*[a/K1-K2/100%1 is, in particular, at least 0.1, in particular at least 0.2, in particular at least 1, in particular at least 2, further in particular no more than 10, further in particular no more than 9, further in particular no more than 8 and further in particular no more than 7.

The greater color distance between the first and second markings on the product inside surface in the non-expanded state compared to the product outside surface indicates a higher contrast on the product inside surface, which is advantageous for the higher degree of attraction of the first identifying means desired on the product inside surface, whilst a certain discretion is nevertheless ensured on the product outside surface.

Further preferably, a color distance, determined according to CIEL*a*b* on the product inside surface of the abdominal portion and/or back portion comprising first identifying means in the state expanded to 200%, between the first marking and the second marking and/or the non-woven material, in a region directly adjoining the first marking, shown as Delta E (AE*)[i/K1-K2/200%], differs from the color distance, determined according to CIEL*a*b* on the product outside surface of the abdominal portion and/or back portion comprising first identifying means for the state expanded to 200%, between the first marking and the second marking and/or the non-woven material, in a region directly adjoining the first marking, shown as Delta E (AE*)[a/K1-K2/200%], by an amount of no more than 5, further in particular no more than 4, further in particular no more than 3, in particular at least 0.2, in particular at least 0.5 and in particular at least 1. Particularly preferably, in this case, the color distance AE*[i/K1 K2/200%] is smaller than the color distance AE*[a/K1 K2/200%].

Small differences between the color distances on the product inside surface and product outside surface in each case in the state expanded to 200% advantageously support the first identifying means appearing discretely from both sides, thus also when worn.

When comparing the color imprints on the product inside surface of the abdominal portion and/or back portion comprising first identifying means in the state expanded to 200% and the non-expanded state, it is thus provided, in particular, that between the first marking and the second marking and/or the non-woven material, in a region directly adjoining the first marking, a color distance, calculated according to CIEL*a*b* on a product inside surface of the abdominal portion and/or back portion comprising first identifying means in the state expanded to 200%, shown as

AE* [i/K1-K2/200%], is smaller than a color distance, calculated according to CIEL*a*b*, between the first marking and the second marking and/or the non-woven material, in a region directly adjoining the first marking, on a product inside surface of the abdominal portion and/or back portion comprising first identifying means in the non

expanded state, shown as AE* [i/K1-K2/100%]. Particularly preferred is an embodiment with a difference

between the color distances of AE* [i/K1-K2/200%] and AE*

[i/K1-K2/100%] of a value of at least 5, in particular at least 6, further in particular at least 8, further in particular no more than 14, further in particular no more than 13 and further in particular no more than 12.

In a preferred manner, an alternative embodiment can

provide a difference between the color distances of AE*

[i/K1-K2/200%] and AE* [i/K1-K2/100%] of a value of at least 0.2, in particular at least 0.5, further in particular no more than 5 and further in particular no more than 3.

In this case, the values mentioned first apply, in particular, to a product aimed at women or else to a unisex product, the values mentioned alternatively as second being able to be provided, in particular, for a product aimed at men.

When comparing the color imprints on the product outside surface of the abdominal portion and/or back portion comprising first identifying means in the expanded (to 200%) state and the non-expanded state, it can thus be provided, in particular, that a color distance, calculated according to CIEL*a*b* on a product outside surface, between the first and the second markings and/or the non woven material, in a region directly adjoining the first marking, at an expansion of 200%, shown as Delta E (AE*)[a/K1-K2/200%], is smaller compared to a non-expanded state, shown as Delta E (AE*)[a/K1-K2/100%], in this case, in particular, having a difference by an amount of at least 1.5, in particular at least 2, in particular at least 2.5 and further in particular no more than 7, further in particular no more than 6 and further in particular no more than 5. In the state expanded to 200%, which definitely simulates a wearing state, this results in increased discretion from the outside whilst at the same time the product has a good degree of distinctiveness in the unworn state. Said values are provided especially for a product that is designed for women.

As an alternative to this, it can be provided, in particular, that a color distance, calculated according to CIEL*a*b* on a product outside surface, between the first and the second markings at an expansion of 200%, shown as Delta E (AE*)[a/K1-K2/200%], is greater compared to a non expanded state, shown as Delta E (AE*)[a/K1-K2/100%], the difference, in particular in the case of an incontinence product provided for men, being at least 1, further in particular at least 1.5, further in particular no more than 5, further in particular no more than 4.5 and further in particular no more than 4. Here too, there is thus as much discretion as possible from the outside in the non-worn state and there is a non-obtrusive appearance in both states, when worn and when not worn.

In this case, color measuring is effected according to CIEL*a*b* as follows:

Color measuring according to the CIEL*a*b* color space and color distances, so-called AE* values, derived therefrom:

Color measuring according to L*a*b*, also called CIEL*a*b* color space, describes and defines colors in a device independent manner. The CIEL*a*b* color space is standardized in DIN EN ISO 11664-4: 2012-06 Part 4.

The CIEL*a*b* color space is based substantially on the representation of a color inside a system of coordinates with three axes. The axis L* represents the luminosity between 0 (black) and 100 (white); the a* axis shows the proportion of green or red, with negative values for green and positive values for red. The b* axis provides the proportion of blue or yellow, in this case with negative values for blue and positive values for yellow.

Test device A spectrophotometer is used as the test device for the color measurements, such as, for example, the Spectro-guide sphere gloss by BYK-Gardner.

Sample preparation: Spread the sample or the product out flatly on an flat surface. For the measuring, the product in the form of briefs is separated where applicable along the side seams in order to have the abdominal portion and/or back portion comprising the first identifying means present for the measuring. Finally, regarding the size of the sample, the measuring surface prescribed by the test device measuring field boundary must be observed.

In a preferred manner, the measurements are performed with the sample or the product in two states. - A) not expanded

- B) expanded to 200%

For measurement approach B), the sample is stretched by 100% compared to the relaxed, non-expanded starting state in a straight manner and without twisting in a direction corresponding to the transverse direction of the incontinence product, and is fixed in said state of expansion on a support suitable for this purpose.

The sample in the non-expanded state reflects the state the user perceives when first handling the product and taking it out of the packet. The sample expanded to 200% (i.e. expanded by 100%) represents the state of the incontinence product when it is being used or in a state of expansion which can be set with little effort involved.

The measurements A) and B) are performed in a further preferable manner on the product inside surface and/or product outside surface of the abdominal portion and/or back portion comprising first identifying means.

The product inside surface is to be understood, in this case, as the top side facing the body for the state of use and the product outside surface is to be understood as the top side of the incontinence product remote from the body in the state of use.

The measurements are performed directly on the product. In order to analyze the color stimulus that is imparted by the identifying means, or by the first and second markings in use, the color measurements are performed on the product inside surface and/or product outside surface of the abdominal portion and/or back portion comprising first identifying means, irrespective of whether the colored zone is actually affixed/applied directly on a top side of the non-woven material forming the product inside surface or the product outside surface or not.

The latter case is placed on the first and second markings which are recognizable on the product inside surface or product outside surface.

The top side of the sample to be measured is arranged, in this case, facing the test device and the optical measuring field regions thereof.

Calibrating: The test device is calibrated according to the manufacturer's instructions and to the standards provided for this purpose.

Measuring process: For the measurements to be performed in this connection, a standardized white test card is placed underneath the sample in the region of the provided measuring field as a reference surface so that the respective color measurements are always carried out in relation to a standard surface.

The opacity charts of BYK-Gardner provided for the opacity measurement are used as a reference surface, in this case the card #2810 (available from BYK-Gardner GmbH, Geretsried, Germany).

Said white reference surface test card has a L*a*b* value where L* is 92.12 ± 0.79 a* is -0.95 ± 0.14 b* is 3.69 ± 0.42, i 6 sigma (standard deviation) being the mean value in this case.

For the measuring process, the measuring head of the device is placed vertically and without additional pressure on the prepared sample and the desired top side to be measured of the sample. To this end, depending on the design of the test device, the point of the sample on the sample relevant for the measurement is first of all determined with a component which comprises a measuring field delimitation (so-called sample monitor). The test device with its measuring opening is then placed opposite said measuring field.

For the test method and the measuring process, the following are performed on the test device as settings:

- graduation: CIEL*a*b*

- index: AE*

- light type: D65

- angle: 10° - measuring opening: 11 mm

- in the event of measuring regions which are narrower

than this, a test device with a correspondingly narrower measuring opening must be chosen

n = 6 measurements are performed on one sample.

First and foremost, a respective region inside the colored zone 73 of the first marking inside the first identifying means must be used for the color measurement for the first marking. Should a sufficiently large region not be available, a measuring field with the largest possible proportion of the first marking, that is to say of colored zone 73, is used. For the color measurement for the second marking, the color measurements are performed inside the recesses 76 where there are sufficiently large recesses 76. Otherwise, the color measurements are carried out in a region 77 of the non-woven material directly adjoining outside the edge perimeter 78 of the first marking, as illustrated in figure 3, at the point where the non-woven material does not differ in a visually perceptible manner from the non-woven material in the recesses. In this case, the measurement is carried out at various points.

Evaluation: The mean value is determined from the measured values.

The measured values and the mean value are specified to one decimal place after the point. The color tones are specified as an L*, a*, b* value. The value is dimensionless.

For comparison of color measurements at various regions or on various samples, the color distance is calculated in the case of color measurements according to the CIEL*a*b* color space as Delta-E (AE*) as follows:

- calculate the square for the respective difference between each of the three axes of the CIEL*a*b* color space - calculate the sum thereof and via said sum the root:

AE* = [(AL*) 2 + (Aa*) 2 + (Ab*)2] 0 5

The value is dimensionless.

Calculation for the differences in the L* values:

For comparison of luminosities, the differences (AL*) are calculated from results of the L* coordinates obtained from the color measurements according to the CIEL*a*b* color space as follows:

As a simple difference measurement between two L* values: AL* = L*1 - L*2

The value is dimensionless. Expressed as an amount, the difference is described as such. Otherwise, it can describe the direction of the luminosity displacement.

According to a further preferred embodiment, it can be provided that the incontinence product is moved into a folded configuration for distribution or in the state presented for distribution. This can be designed in such a manner that the abdominal portion and/or back portion comprising the first identifying means, with the incontinence product in the folded configuration, is arranged closer to an outside surface of the folded configuration than the respective other back portion or abdominal portion. Thus, a fold can be effected, for example, in such a manner that first of all the two side seam regions are folded in about a longitudinal fold line, that is to say the side regions of the hip band in the direction of the abdominal portion. A cross fold is then effected, a first identifying means, for example, being able to be provided on the back portion and the first identifying means being able to be arranged between the two non-woven material layers and here on the top side remote from the body on the inner layer, i.e. the layer facing the body. It is particularly preferred, in this case, when the first identifying means is arranged on the back portion.

To make it easier to find the first identifying means, a further identification in the form of an alignment mark can be provided, preferably between an upper edge of the first identifying means and an edge of the hip opening of the incontinence product. The alignment mark serves advantageously to make it easier to find the first identifying means.

It is particularly preferred, in this case, for the alignment mark to be arranged in a centered manner with respect to a longitudinal center axis of the first identifying means.

It is further particularly preferred when the alignment mark comprises a color identical to the first marking and/or is designed with an identical means forming the color. As an alternative to this, however, it is also possible to provide various means and/or methods, in particular various types or methods of coating, as well as various colors of the coating or types of the coating, for example, on the one hand, an adhesive coating and, on the other hand, a color imprint.

The alignment mark can preferably comprise a smaller area than the area of the first identifying means.

In a particularly preferred manner, the second identifying means is arranged substantially over the entire product transverse extent of the abdominal portion and/or back portion.

The second identifying means is preferably arranged on the abdominal portion, and the first identifying means is preferably arranged on the back portion. With the first and second identifying means arranged in such a manner, an incontinence product, which is provided, in particular, for a product for women and is similar to conventional underwear, is advantageously provided.

The chassis-forming non-woven material of the abdominal portion and/or back portion of the incontinence product preferably comprises non-woven materials, such as spun bonded fabric, carded fabric or through air bonded carded fabric. In a particularly preferred manner, the non-woven material of the abdominal portion and/or back portion comprises a spun-bonded fabric material. The non-woven materials used for the abdominal portion and/or back portion have, in particular, a respective non-woven material layer, advantageously with a surface weight of 10 - 30 g/m 2 , further preferably of 12 - 25 g/m 2 , further 2 preferably 12 - 20 g/m and further preferably of 12 - 18 g/m 2 .

Filamentary or strip-shaped elasticizing means, such as rubber threads or polyether polyurethane threads or polyester polyurethane threads, preferably elastic threads such as Lycra@ threads or Spandex@ threads, are preferably used as first and/or second elasticizing means. The elasticizing means preferably have a strength of 300-1500 dtex, in particular of 500-1200 dtex and further in particular of 500-900 dtex.

The elasticizing means are fixed preferably under a preload of 1.5-6.0, in particular of 2.5-5.0 at the chassis-forming shell materials of the abdominal portion and/or back portion (stretch bonding method). The preload is defined as the degree of expansion of an expanded elasticizing means in relation to the non expanded/relaxed starting state of the elasticizing means when the elasticizing means are applied and fixed in the production machine. The degree of expansion is calculated therefore as the ratio between the expanded length L' (= starting length L + AL) and the starting length L, that is to say L'/L.

First elasticizing means are preferably introduced as extending substantially parallel to the transverse direction, preferably at a distance of 3 - 10 mm, further preferably of 3 - 8 mm.

Further, second elasticizing means can preferably be provided, in particular in a crotch-side region of the abdominal portion and/or of the back portion which faces the leg openings, which second elasticizing means extend proceeding from the two side seam regions in the direction of a longitudinal center axis of the incontinence product and, in this case, extend fanning out in an arcuate manner as the distance between them increases.

Furthermore, the invention comprises an arrangement ("array") comprising a first incontinence product, as described, and a second incontinence product in the form of briefs, that is to say a pull-up product, for the absorption of bodily excretions having a front abdominal portion and a rear back portion which are spaced apart from one another in a longitudinal direction and which, for forming an abdominal band and a back band, which continue in the transverse direction or the direction of the hip circumference, with a hip opening which is closed in the direction of the hip circumference, are connected to one another by the manufacturer at side seam regions on both sides, and having a crotch portion which comprises an absorption body and extends between the abdominal portion and the back portion in the longitudinal direction, wherein the crotch portion, the abdominal portion and the back portion together delimit respective leg openings of the incontinence product, wherein the abdominal portion and the back portion are configured so as to be elastically expandable in the transverse direction or in the direction of the hip circumference, and wherein the back portion and/or the abdominal portion comprises/comprise a non-woven material with at least one first region and with one second region, wherein a first identifying means is provided in the first region, and the first identifying means comprises a first marking which is formed by a colored zone which extends extensively, and which provides a first item of information, wherein the colored zone is visually differentiable from the second region, wherein the first identifying means of the second incontinence product comprises a first marking which provides a first item of information which is visually different to the first marking of the first identifying means of the first incontinence product.

The first and the second incontinence products of an array can comprise the features of the incontinence product described beforehand.

The arrangement (array) is produced, in this case, by the obvious preparation of the incontinence products associated with the array, in particular as a result of the link or the relationship between the products with regard to one another. This is effected either by presentation in a common packaging unit and/or in a preferred manner by affixing identifications on the incontinence products and/or the packaging thereof and/or the presentation in spatial or content-related proximity with respect to one another which makes the fact that they belong to an array obvious. The products forming the array originate in a preferred manner from one and the same manufacturer.

In a preferred manner, the incontinence products forming an array comprise the same product identification, such as trade names and/or sub-trade names.

An arrangement produced from a first incontinence product and a second incontinence product is understood as at least in each case a representative thereof and comprises a plurality of the one first and/or of the one second incontinence products or packets and packaging units including such incontinence products.

It can be provided in a further preferred manner that a second marking of the second incontinence product is visually different to the second marking of the first incontinence product. It can additionally be provided that the second marking of the second incontinence product is formed by, in particular, island-shaped recesses in the colored zone.

In this case, it can be provided, in particular, that the second markings of the first and second incontinence products are also different from one another. In particular, alphanumerical symbols that differ from one another can be provided as second markings. Furthermore, it can be provided that the first markings of the first and the second incontinence products differ in a color measured according to CIEL*a*b*, measured on the product inside surface and/or product outside surface, and in particular that a color distance between the first markings of the first and second incontinence products, in the state expanded to 200%, shown as AE* [K1/P1-P2/200%], is between 24 and 34. With the incontinence products in the non-expanded state, the color distance between the

respective first markings, shown as AE* [K1/P1-P2/100%], is preferably 29 to 37.

Where the color distances have such high values, a significant differentiation between the products is possible as a result, in particular when comparing the incontinence product provided for women and/or also the incontinence product provided as a unisex product with the incontinence product provided for men.

Furthermore, it can be provided, in particular, that the respective second markings, measured on the product inside surface and/or product outside surface of the first and second incontinence products, differ from one another in a color measured according to CIEL*a*b* and wherein the color distance, in particular in the state expanded to 200%,

shown as AE* [K2/P1-P2/200%], is 21 to 27 and in the non

expanded state, shown as AE [K2/P1-P2/100%], is 29 to 35.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the first incontinence product, between the first marking and the second marking and/or the non-woven material, in a region directly adjoining the first marking, comprises a color distance calculated according to CIEL*a*b*, shown as first Delta E

AE*[P1/K1-K2], and the second incontinence product, between the first and the second markings and/or the non-woven material, in a region directly adjoining the first marking, comprises a color distance calculated according to

CIEL*a*b*, shown as second Delta E AE*[P2/K1-K2], wherein the color distances in the case of the first incontinence product are greater than in the case of the second incontinence product (AE*[P1/K1-K2] > AE*[P2/K1-K2]), in this case with the CIEL*a*b* color measurement

- A) measured on a product outside surface of the

abdominal portion and/or back portion comprising first identifying means and/or - B) measured in each case on a product inside surface

of the abdominal portion and/or back portion comprising first identifying means, - wherein the measurements A and B are carried out in

each case with the first and second incontinence products in a non-expanded state and/or in each case with the first and second incontinence products in an expanded (to 200%) state.

In particular, (AE*[P1/K1-K2] is greater than AE*[P2/K1 K2], in particular by the factor of at least 1.2, in particular at least 1.5, in particular no more than 5, further in particular no more than 4.5 and further in particular no more than 4.0.

In a preferred manner, the first incontinence product as a female product and/or as a unisex product comprises the higher color distances between the markings.

Further, in particular, a difference in the coordinate L* from the CIEL*a*b* color space between the first and the second markings in the first incontinence product can be greater than a difference in the coordinate L* from the

CIEL*a*b* color space between the first and the second markings in the second incontinence product, wherein the CIEL*a*b* color measurement can be carried out in the following measuring states:

- A) measured on a product outside surface of the abdominal portion and/or back portion comprising first identifying means and/or - B) measured in each case on a product inside surface

In a particularly preferred manner, the first incontinence product as a provided female product shows a greater difference in the intensity (luminosity) than the second incontinence product as a provided male product, insofar as the male product already comprises a darker non-woven material than the female product. As the product then already stands out as a result of the colored or dark non woven material, a noticeable identification in the male product is less significant than in the case of a female product compared to a unisex product. The identification can consequently be designed more discreetly in the case of a male product.

It is particularly preferred, in this case, for the first incontinence product to be provided for use by women and/or as a unisex product and the second incontinence product to be provided for use by men, this being characterized by the first and/or the second or a further item of information of the first and/or second markings.

Furthermore, it can be provided in a preferred manner that a second identifying means is only provided on the first incontinence product. With a second identifying means exclusively on the first incontinence product, which is provided, in particular, for use by women, this contributes in a further advantageous manner to an identification of the incontinence products that is different in a gender specific manner. In a particularly preferred manner, the first identifying means are provided in each case on the back portion and the second identifying means on the abdominal portion.

Further details, features and advantages of the invention will emerge from the accompanying patent claims and from the graphic representations and following description of preferred embodiments of the incontinence product according to the invention.

The drawing is as follows: figure 1 shows a top view of an incontinence product according to the invention, an abdominal portion, a back portion and a crotch portion, which bridges and connects the two portions, of the incontinence product not yet being connected to form a pair of briefs, but are shown in a flatly positioned and flatly spread-out state; figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a sectional representation in the longitudinal direction through the incontinence product, figure 3 shows a detail from figure 1, figure 4 shows a design of an incontinence product similar to that shown in figure 1, figures 5a and 5b each show a schematic view of a product inside surface of the back portion in the non expanded and expanded state, figure 6 shows, in various representations a, b, c and d, a process for folding an incontinence product, figure 7 shows an array comprising a first incontinence product 2 and a second incontinence product 2', figure 8 shows the identifying means 70, with the determining of an inner and an outer distance proceeding from the edge perimeter and figure 9 shows a determining of the proportion of the first and second markings on the surface of the first identifying means 70.

The figures show an incontinence product in the form of briefs, designated as a whole by way of the reference symbol 2, for the absorption of solid and liquid bodily excretions. A particularly preferred embodiment of the incontinence product 2 is formed from three components which can be produced largely independently of one another, namely a front abdominal portion 4, a rear back portion 6 and a crotch portion 8, which is arranged between said portions and comprises an absorption body 7, the crotch portion 8 overlapping with a proportion of the surface of the abdominal portion 4, on the one hand, and of the back portion 6, on the other hand, and being connected unreleasably by the manufacturer in the overlap region 36, 38. As can be seen from figure 1, this results in the incontinence product having an H-shaped basic structure with a longitudinal direction 9. The constituent parts joined together and shown in figure 1 are then also connected together by the manufacturer at respective side longitudinal edge portions 10, 12 of the abdominal portion 4 and of the back portion 6 to form the pair of briefs, as a result of which side seam regions 14 are realized on both sides. With the incontinence product in said state produced by the manufacturer and shaped as briefs, the abdominal portion 4 and the back portion 6 extend continuously in the transverse direction or in the direction of the hip circumference 16 up to the side seam regions 14 and thus define a hip opening 18 which is closed in the direction of the hip circumference with a front 18' and a rear 18'' hip opening edge and leg openings 19, through which the user puts on the incontinence product as a pair of briefs.

In the case of the exemplary embodiment, the abdominal portion 4 can be divided into a hip-side region 20 and into a crotch-side region 22 which faces the leg openings. A corresponding division is provided in the back portion 6, also into a hip-side region 24 and a crotch-side region 26 which faces the leg openings.

First elasticizing means 28, which can be, in particular, filamentary elasticizing means, such as Lycra@ threads, which are connected in the pre-expanded state, using the so-called stretch bond method, to the flat materials (chassis materials) of the abdominal portion 4 and of the back portion 6, are provided in the hip-side region 20 of the abdominal portion 4 and in the hip-side region 24 of the back portion 6. Said first elasticizing means 28 extend in the transverse direction or in the direction of the hip circumference 16 from one side seam region 14 to the other.

The crotch-side portion 22, facing the leg openings 19, of the abdominal portion 4 or 26 of the back portion 6 have an edge contour 32 or 34 which deviates from the transverse direction or the direction of the hip circumference 16 and runs in the direction of a transverse center axis 30 of the incontinence product. Said edge contour 32, 34 is arcuate in portions and consequently is suitable for delimiting the leg openings 19. As a result of said development of the crotch-side region 22 or 26 facing the leg openings, an overlap region 36, 38 is also realized between the crotch portion 8 and the abdominal portion 4 or back portion 6 which is essential with regard to a tear-resistant connection between the crotch portion 8 and the abdominal portion 4 or back portion 6.

The respective crotch-side region 22, 26, facing the leg openings 19, of the abdominal portion 4 or of the back portion 6 is also realized in an elasticized manner. Second elasticizing means 40 or 42 are provided here. The second elasticizing means 40, 42 extend in the direction of a longitudinal center axis 44 of the incontinence product, in each case proceeding from the side seam regions 14. As can be seen from a preferred embodiment in the figures, the second elasticizing means 40, 42 fan out in the direction of the longitudinal center axis 44. This means that the distance between them increases in the direction of the longitudinal center axis 44.

The crotch portion 8 comprises a fluid-tight back sheet 62, which can be formed, in particular, by a breathable but fluid-tight film material, and a fluid-permeable top sheet 64 which is based preferably on a non-woven material base. The absorption body 7 is arranged between the back sheet 62 and the top sheet 64, as can be seen in figure 2. In the case shown as an example, the back sheet 62 and the top sheet 64 form an overhang above the absorption body 7 in the longitudinal direction 9. Furthermore, the incontinence product 2 comprises a first identifying means 70. The identifying means is arranged in the back portion 6 in the present case. Both the back portion 6 and the abdominal portion 4 are constructed, in this case, from a non-woven laminate material and comprise two non-woven material layers 66 and 68, between which the first elasticizing means 28 are introduced. On the top side remote from the body of the non-woven material layer 68, which is the non-woven material layer facing the body, a colored zone 73, which forms the first identifying means 70, is provided. The achievement here is that no abrasion from the colored zone can be effected and direct skin contact with the colored zone is avoided. The colored zone here is given in the form of a color imprint, wherein, as can be seen in figure 1 and in the enlarged detail thereof in figure 3, recesses 76, which are arranged at a certain distance from the edge perimeter 78 of the first identifying means, are provided in the first identifying means.

The non-woven material 15 comprises at least one first region 11 and one second region 13, the first identifying means 70 being provided in the first region 11. The first identifying means comprises, in this case, a first marking 72, which is formed by the colored zone 73 which extends extensively and, in the present case, conveys the information as to the position of the rear side of the incontinence product 2. Furthermore, as a result of the choice of the color, information about said product is generated showing that it is an absorbent product for a female user. The recesses 76 form a second marking 74 which conveys a further item of information, namely also by providing alphanumerical symbols, showing that it is a product suitable for women and also showing information concerning a manufacturer or its trademark.

Furthermore, an alignment mark 80 is provided which is arranged in a mirror-symmetrical manner substantially just as the first identifying means 70 with reference to the longitudinal axis 44 and extends in the manner of a bar in the longitudinal direction 9 of the incontinence product 2. The alignment mark 80 makes it easier to find the first identifying means 70.

In this case, the recesses 76 form regions in the colored zone 73 in which, in particular, the visually perceptible nature of the non-woven material is identical to the visually perceptible nature of the non-woven material of the first region. In this way, a discrete and yet easily readable second item of information is able to be supplied. In particular, by being enclosed in a colored zone, the second item of information of the second marking is more easily perceptible than if a conventional design of the second marking were provided in the form of a conventional imprint without the surrounding region of the first marking. As a result of the second region of the first marking which stands out visually from the first region of the non-woven material so as to be differentiable, a contrast is created which improves the perceptibility of the comparatively smaller, less recognizable item of information of the second marking.

Figure 3 shows a detail from figure 1.

In this case, it is provided, in particular, that the identifying means 70 is provided in an over-stretched manner in the non-woven material 15 so that in the subsequent wearing state, and even when the non-woven material comprising elasticizing means is in an expanded state, it is visible and with reference to the alphanumerical second marking is readable.

Figure 4 now shows a design of an incontinence product similar to that shown in figure 1, a second identifying means 90 being provided here additionally in the region of the abdominal portion 4, also having a decorative character for the front side along with the item of information. The second identifying means 90 can also be arranged, in this case, on the top side, remote from the body, of the non woven material layer, which is remote from the body, of the abdominal portion 4, insofar as here, as also shown in figure 2, it is a two-layer design. In particular, the second identifying means 90 extends over the entire transverse extent of the abdominal portion and is also provided, as the first identifying means 70, in the region of the first elasticizing means 28 outside an overlap region 36, 38 between the crotch portion 8 and the back portion 6 and the abdominal portion 4.

Figure 5 shows, in the representations a and b, a design where a substantially relaxed form of the elasticizing means 28 is shown in figure a, and in figure 5b an expanded form in the case of use. This also leads to an expansion of the first identifying means 70, as a result of which the second marking can be seen more clearly. Figure 5 shows a schematic representation in perspective of the incontinence product 2.

Figure 6 shows, in various representations a, b, c and d, a process for folding an incontinence product 2, figure 6a showing the incontinence product 2 from the front side and figure 6b showing the incontinence product 2 from the back side. First of all, the side seam regions 14 on both sides are folded onto the abdominal portion 4 and it is then folded about a transverse line so that the crotch portion 8 also comes to rest on the folded-in side seam portion 14 and consequently on the abdominal portion 4, as is shown in the final representation in figure 6d. Consequently, the first identifying means 70 can still be read through the non-woven material layers of the back portion 6 from the rear side so that alignment and conveying of the information of the identifying means 70 is also still possible in the folded state.

Figure 7 now shows an array which is also protected by the invention, comprising a first incontinence product 2 and a second incontinence product 2' which differs from the incontinence product 2 described up to now, which is also shown, in particular in that the absorption body 7 in the case of the incontinence product 2' is displaced more toward the abdominal portion 4 and furthermore is realized in a narrower manner in the region of the transverse center axis 30 of the incontinence product in order, thus, to better take account of the different regions of exposure to fluid. The first incontinence product 2, in this case, forms with the incontinence product 2' a claimed arrangement ("array"). Both incontinence products 2 and 2' comprise first identifying means 70 or 70', the colored zones of the two incontinence products 2 and 2' differing so that, along with the positioning information showing where the back portion 6 is arranged, an additional item of information is conveyed which includes a gender specificity. This can be effected by selecting a different differentiable color. Furthermore, it is also possible for the colorings of the non-woven material of the incontinence products 2 and 2' to differ from one another in the second region around the first identifying means. In addition, the recesses, which form the second marking and are preferably arranged in an island-like manner in the identifying means 70 or 70', are designed such that they include an additional further item of information which also indicates gender specificity, namely in the present case the information that the first incontinence product is a female incontinence product and the second incontinence product is a male incontinence product.

A certain extensive representation of the first marking is essential to the attraction of the first identifying means, in particular when seen proceeding from an edge perimeter 78 of the first identifying means. Just as advantageously, the attraction of the first identifying means or consequently also of the first marking is obtained as a result of an extensively solitary representation, that is to say at an outer distance from the edge perimeter 78 largely free of colored zones, in particular free of further colored coatings. This is explained below by way of figures 8a to 8d.

Figures 8a-8d show the first identifying means 70, the representation of imaginary distance lines described in more detail below being omitted in figure 8a for illustrative purposes.

The area of the first identifying means 70, therefore the area inscribed by the edge perimeter 78 of the first identifying means 70, is designated by the reference Al. A3 (figures 8b and 8c) designates the area which is delimited by the edge perimeter 78 and by a first imaginary distance line 110, the imaginary distance line 110 extending inside the area Al and at a constant first distance AB1 of 2 mm spaced inward from the edge perimeter 78. The size of the area A3, measured in mm2 , in the case of figure 8b, is 20% of the size of the area Al. In figure 8c, the imaginary distance line 110 is outlined at a greater first distance AB1 of 3 mm from the edge perimeter 78 of the first identifying means 70. The size of the area A3 here is 30% of the size of the area Al.

The area A3 should be formed and filled substantially by the first marking; the area proportion of the second marking (that is to say of the recesses 76) is advantageously no more than 10%, further in particular no more than 7% and further in particular no more than 5% of the size of the area A3.

In figure 8d, A4 designates the area which is delimited by the edge perimeter 78 of the first identifying means 70 and by a second imaginary distance line 112, the second imaginary distance line 112 extending outside the area Al and at a constant second distance AB2 of 5 mm spaced from the edge perimeter 78. The size of the area A4, measured in mm 2 , here is approximately 50% of the size of the area Al.

The area A4 is substantially, in particular at least 90%, in particular 100% free of further colored zones, in particular free of colored coatings and/or imprints.

Figure 9 now shows in individual steps a determining of the proportion of the second marking and the distribution thereof on the surface of the first identifying means 70. To this end, the first identifying means 70 (figure 9a) is enclosed tangentially by a rectangle 100 (Fig. 9b), the edges of which extend in the longitudinal and transverse direction 9 or 16 of the incontinence product 2. The respectively outermost points of the first identifying means in the transverse and longitudinal extent thereof are just inscribed by way of the rectangle 100. The rectangle 100 is then divided into same-sized sub-rectangles, which are designated here with the reference 101, ten sub rectangles 101 being provided in each case both in the longitudinal and transverse directions 9, 16. The number Ni of sub-rectangles 101a, which are localized entirely or at least in regions inside the edge perimeter 78 of the first identifying means 70, is then determined. Then, in addition, within the number Ni of sub-rectangles 101a, the number N2 of the sub-rectangles 101b (figure 9c) which have, at least in regions, both the first marking and the second marking is determined. In the present case, there are Ni = 88 sub-rectangles 101a present, of which N2 = 37 sub-rectangles 101b are provided both with the first marking and with the second marking. Said 37 sub-rectangles 101b are on a dark background in figure 9c by way of illustration. Consequently, the degree of distribution of N2/N1*100 is 42%.

The first and second markings of a first identifying means also differ advantageously in the colors thereof, measured according to CIEL*a*b* and the color distances determined with respect to one another, shown as a respective AE*. Results for two preferred embodiments of incontinence products and associated first identifying means are shown in Tables 1 and 2 for this purpose.

Table 1: Examples for embodiments with first and second markings and the color determination thereof according to CIEL*a*b*

Incontinence product 1 Incontinence product 2 L* * b* L* * b* Marking 1, non-expanded 76.10 15.38 -4.79 50.21 -3.85 -3.52 2, Product outside surface Marking non-expanded 88.23 -0.39 1.07 56.56 -2.06 -1.79 Marking 1, 200% 79.71 11.27 -3.37 59.06 -6.04 -2.44 Marking 2, 200% 90.35 -0.67 2.44 66.42 -2.45 0.67 Marking 1, non-expanded 72.78 19.98 -6.45 49.32 -4.86 -4.12 Marking 2, Product inside surface non-expanded 87.73 -0.28 1.03 55.41 -2.08 -1.79 Marking 1, 200% 79.53 13.61 -4.06 57.06 -7.32 -2.94 Marking 2, 200% 84.26 -0.45 1.82 59.42 -2.00 -0.70

Table 2: Color distances of marking 1 to marking 2, shown as Delta E and differences derived therefrom

Incontinence Incontinence Delta E (AE*) product 1 product 2 20.74 6.82 Product outside surface Non-expanded AE*[a/K1-K2/100%] 200% AE* [a/Kl-K2/200%] 17.02 8.76 26.26 7.09 Product inside surface Non-expanded AE* [i/K1-K2/100%] 200% AE* [i/Kl-K2/200%] 15.96 6.24

Differences/discrepancies

Product inside surface product outside surface non-expanded AE* [i/Kl-K2/100%] - AE* [a/Kl-K2/100%] 5.52 0.28

Product inside surface product outside surface expanded AE* [i/Kl-K2/200%] - AE* [a/Kl-K2/200%] -1.06 -2.52

Inside product outside surface between expanded non-expanded &E* [a/Kl-K2/200%] - AE* [a/Kl-K2/100%] -3.73 1.95

Inside product inside surface between expanded non-expanded AE* [i/K1-K2/200%] - AE* [i/K1-K2/100%] -10.30 -0.86

In an array as shown schematically in figure 7, the first and second markings differ from one another, in particular, in the colors measured according to CIEL*a*b* and the color distances determined therefrom, as shown as an example in Table 3. All in all, the color distances, Delta E, in the first incontinence product, provided for women, are greater, in a preferred manner, than in the second incontinence product, a product provided for men.

Table 3: Representation of an array with a first incontinence product and a second incontinence product

Delta E Incontinence Incontinence difference product 1 product 2 by factor Product outside Non-expanded AE* [a/K-K2/100%] 20.74 6.82 3.0 surface 200% AE* [a/K1-K2/200%] 17.02 8.76 1.9 Product inside Non-expanded AE* [i/Kl-K2/100%] 26.26 7.09 3.7 surface 200% AE* [i/Kl-K2/200%] 15.96 6.24 2.6

Claims

1. An incontinence product (2) for the absorption of bodily excretions having a front abdominal portion (4) and a rear back portion (6) which are spaced apart from one another in a longitudinal direction (9) and which, for forming an abdominal band and a back band, which continue in the transverse direction or the direction of the hip circumference (16), with a hip opening (18) which is closed in the direction of the hip circumference, are connected to one another by the manufacturer at side seam regions (14) on both sides, and having a crotch portion (8) which comprises an absorption body (7) and extends between the abdominal portion (4) and the back portion (6) in the longitudinal direction (9), wherein the crotch portion (8), the abdominal portion (4) and the back portion (6) together delimit respective leg openings (19) of the incontinence product, wherein the abdominal portion (4) and the back portion (6) are configured so as to be elastically expandable in the transverse direction or in the direction of the hip circumference (16), and wherein the back portion (6) and/or the abdominal portion (4) comprises/comprise a non-woven material (15) with at least one first region (11) and with one second region (13), wherein a first identifying means (70) is provided in the first region (11), and the first identifying means (70) comprises a first marking (72) which is formed by a colored zone (73) which extends extensively, and which provides a first item of information, wherein the colored zone (73) is visually differentiable from the second region (13), characterized in that the first identifying means (70) comprises a second marking (74) which provides a second item of information and is formed as a result of recesses (76) of the colored zone (73) being provided in the first marking (72).

2. The incontinence product as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the first identifying means is applied on a non-woven material layer of the non-woven material facing the body, in this case on a top side facing the body or a top side remote from the body of the non-woven material layer facing the body, or in particular in the case of a non-woven material of the abdominal portion and/or back portion comprising two outer non-woven material layers, the first identifying means is applied between the outer non-woven material layers, and in this case, in particular, on the top side remote from the body of the non-woven material layer facing the body.

3. The incontinence product as claimed in either of preceding claims 1 and 2, characterized in that a second identifying means is provided on the back portion or abdominal portion located opposite the abdominal portion or back portion comprising first identifying means, and in this case, in particular, the second identifying means is applied on a non-woven material layer of the non-woven material remote from the body, in this case on a top side facing the body or a top side remote from the body of the non-woven material layer remote from the body, or in particular in the case of a non-woven material of the abdominal portion and/or back portion comprising two outer non woven material layers, the second identifying means is applied between the outer non-woven material layers, and in this case, in particular, on the top side facing the body of the non-woven material layer remote from the body.

4. The incontinence product as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the colored zone (73) of the first identifying means is an imprint, in particular a colored imprint.

5. The incontinence product as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that elasticizing means (28), which extend at a distance from one another and substantially in the transverse direction or in the direction of the hip circumference (16) and thus elasticize the abdominal portion (4) and/or the back portion (6) extensively, are provided in the abdominal portion (4) and/or in the back portion (6), or in that the abdominal portion (4) and/or the back portion (6) comprises/comprise surface materials which are elastically expandable in the transverse direction or in the direction of the hip circumference, wherein the elasticizing means and/or the elastically expandable surface materials are arranged, in particular, between non-woven material layers of the non-woven material.

6. The incontinence product as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and/or second identifying means is/are arranged inside an elastically expandable region of the back portion and/or abdominal portion.

7. The incontinence product as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the colored zone (73), proceeding from an edge perimeter (78) of the first identifying means (70), surrounds the second marking in such a manner that the size of an area A3, which is delimited by the edge perimeter (78) of the first identifying means and by an imaginary inner distance line (110) which extends inside the same and at a constant first distance AB1, is at least 20%, in particular at least 25%, further in particular at least 30% of a size of the area Al, wherein the area inscribed by the edge perimeter (78) of the first identifying means (70) is defined as the area Al.

8. The incontinence product as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that the area proportion of the second marking on the area A3 is no more than 10%, in particular no more than 7%, further in particular no more than 5% and in particular no more than 2%.

9. The incontinence product as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the size of an area A4, which is delimited by an edge perimeter (78) of the first identifying means (70) and an imaginary distance line (112) which extends outside the same and at a constant second distance AB2, is at least 50%, in particular at least 60%, further in particular at least 70% of the size of the area Al, wherein the area inscribed by the edge perimeter (78) of the first identifying means (70) is defined as the area Al.

10. The incontinence product as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that at least 90%, in particular at least 93%, in particular at least 95% of the area A4 is free of further colored zones, in particular as coatings and/or imprints and/or modifications to the inherent optical visual and/or haptic nature of the non-woven material.

11. The incontinence product as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first identifying means (70) overlies an area Al, inscribed by an edge perimeter (78), and the second marking assumes an area proportion of no more than 50%, in particular no more than 40% and further in particular no more than 30%, further in particular no more than 20%, and in particular at least 8% and in particular at least 10% of the area Al overlaid by the first identifying means.

12. The incontinence product as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first identifying means (70) is inscribed tangentially by an imaginary rectangle (100) with an edge perimeter (78) at its respectively outermost points, wherein the rectangle (100), with reference to its edges, is arranged in the longitudinal and transverse direction of the incontinence product and, in this case, is divided both in the longitudinal direction and in the transverse direction into respectively 10 same-sized sub-rectangles (101), a degree of distribution of N2/N1*100% of at least 30%, at least 35%, in particular at least 40% and further in particular at least 45% is provided by a number Ni of sub-rectangles (101a) which are localized entirely or at least in regions inside the edge perimeter (78) and from which a number N2 of the sub-rectangles (101b) which comprise both the first marking and the second marking at least in regions.

13. The incontinence product as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first identifying means (70), with the non-woven material and the incontinence product in a flat spread-out state, comprises a first transverse extent of 10 25%, in particular of 12 - 23% of the maximum transverse extent of the product.

14. The incontinence product as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first identifying means (70) comprises a second transverse extent measured with the incontinence product in a relaxed, not flatly spread-out state, wherein the second transverse extent is 4 - 12%, in particular 5 10% with reference to the maximum transverse extent of the product with the non-woven material and the incontinence product in the flat, spread-out state.

15. The incontinence product as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first identifying means (70) comprises an area Al of 500 4000 mm 2 , in particular of 800 - 3700 mm 2 , further in particular of 1100 - 3500 mm 2 , the area Al being measured in this case with the non-woven material or the incontinence product in a flat spread-out state.

16. The incontinence product as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that where the incontinence product is divided into four same-sized part portions which extend in the longitudinal direction, the first identifying means (70) is arranged inside the part portions closest on both sides of a longitudinal center axis (44) of the incontinence product, in particular substantially symmetrically about the longitudinal center axis (44).

17. The incontinence product as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the crotch portion (8) comprises a fluid-tight back sheet material (62) and a fluid-permeable top sheet material

(64), between which the absorption body (7) is arranged.

18. The incontinence product as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the crotch portion (8), the abdominal portion (4) and the back portion (6) are separate components and the crotch portion (8) is joined unreleasably to the abdominal portion (4) and to the back portion (6) in a respective overlap region (36, 38).

19. The incontinence product as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and/or second identifying means (70, 90) is/are provided outside an overlap region of the crotch portion with the abdominal portion and/or back portion.

20. The incontinence product as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and/or second identifying means (70, 90) is/are arranged inside a region between an imaginary line, which is arranged at the longitudinal end of the absorption body, in particular at the longitudinal end of the crotch portion, and extends in the transverse direction, and a line describing the edge of the hip opening (18', 18'').

21. The incontinence product as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first marking comprises a first color and the second marking and/or the non-woven material, in a region directly adjoining the first marking, comprises/comprise a second color which deviates from said first color, in this case the color is measured in each case according to CIEL*a*b* and in particular

- a) is measured in each case on a product outside surface of the abdominal portion and/or back portion comprising first identifying means and/or

- b) is measured in each case on a product inside surface of the abdominal portion and/or back portion comprising first identifying means,

- wherein the measurements a) and b) are carried out in each case with the first and second incontinence products in a non-expanded state and/or in each case with the incontinence product in a state expanded to 200% and wherein, in particular, a color distance between the first color and the second color, shown as Delta E (AE*), is 13 to 30, in particular 13-28.

22. The incontinence product as claimed in one of preceding claims 1 to 20, characterized in that the first marking comprises a first color and the second marking and/or the non-woven material, in a region directly adjoining the first marking, comprises/comprise a second color which deviates from said first color, in this case the color is measured in each case according to CIEL*a*b* and in particular

wherein the measurements a) and b) are carried out in each case with the first and second incontinence products in a non-expanded state and/or in each case with the incontinence product in a state expanded to 200% and wherein, in particular,

a color distance between the first color and the second color, shown as Delta E (AE*), is 5-13, in particular 5-10.

23. The incontinence product as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that between the first marking and the second marking and/or the non woven material, in a region directly adjoining the first marking, an abdominal portion and/or back portion comprising on a product inside surface of the first identifying means in the non-expanded state and, in this case, the color measured in each case according to CIEL*a*b* and a color distance calculated therefrom, shown as Delta E (AE*)[i/K1-K2/100%], is present, and in that between the first marking and the second marking and/or the non-woven material, in a region directly adjoining the first marking, an abdominal portion and/or back portion comprising on a product outside surface of the first identifying means in the non-expanded state, in this case the color measured in each case according to CIEL*a*b* and a color distance calculated therefrom, shown as Delta E (AE*)[a/K1-K2/100%], is present, wherein Delta E (AE*)[i/K1-K2/100%] is greater than Delta E (AE*)[a/K1-K2/100%], and wherein in particular a difference between Delta E (AE*)[i/K1-K2/100%] and Delta E (AE*)[a/K1-K2/100%] is at least 0.1, in particular at least 0.2, in particular at least 1, in particular at least 2, further in particular no more than 10, further in particular no more than 9, further in particular no more than 8 and further in particular no more than 7.

24. The incontinence product as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that between the first marking and the second marking and/or the non woven material, in a region directly adjoining the first marking, an abdominal portion and/or back portion comprising on a product inside surface of the first identifying means in the state expanded to 200% and, in this case, the color measured in each case according to CIEL*a*b* and a color distance calculated therefrom, shown as Delta E (AE*)[i/K1-K2/200%], is present, and in that between the first marking and the second marking and/or the non-woven material, in a region directly adjoining the first marking, an abdominal portion and/or back portion comprising on a product outside surface of the first identifying means in the state expanded to 200%, in this case the color measured in each case according to CIEL*a*b* and a color distance calculated therefrom, shown as Delta E (AE*)[a/K1-K2/200%], is present, wherein (AE*)[i/K1 K2/200%] and (AE*)[a/K1-K2/200%] differ by an amount of no more than 5, further in particular no more than 4, further in particular no more than 3, in particular at least 0.2, in particular at least 0.5, in particular at least 1, in particular, in a preferred manner, in this case, the color distance AE*[i/K1 K2/200%] is smaller than the color distance AE*[a/K1 K2/200%].

25. The incontinence product as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that between the first marking and the second marking and/or the non woven material, in a region directly adjoining the first marking, a color distance, shown as Delta E (AE*)[i/K1-K2/200%] and determined according to CIEL*a*b* in the state expanded to 200%, on a product inside surface of the abdominal portion and/or back portion comprising first identifying means, is smaller than the color distance determined according to CIEL*a*b* between the first marking and the second marking and/or the non-woven material, in a region directly adjoining the first marking, on a product inside surface of the abdominal portion and/or back portion comprising first identifying means in the non expanded state, shown as Delta E (AE*)[i/K1-K2/100%], in particular there is a difference by an amount of at least 5, in particular at least 6, further in particular at least 8, further in particular no more than 14, further in particular no more than 13 and further in particular no more than 12.

26. The incontinence product as claimed in one of preceding claims 1 to 24, characterized in that between the first marking and the second marking and/or the non-woven material, in a region directly adjoining the first marking, a color distance, shown as Delta E (AE*)[i/K1-K2/200%] and determined according to CIEL*a*b* in the state expanded to 200%, on a product inside surface of the abdominal portion and/or back portion comprising first identifying means, is smaller than the color distance determined according to CIEL*a*b* between the first marking and the second marking and/or the non-woven material, in a region directly adjoining the first marking, on a product inside surface of the abdominal portion and/or back portion comprising first identifying means in the non-expanded state, shown as Delta E (AE*)[i/K1 K2/100%], in particular there is a difference by an amount of at least 0.2, in particular at least 0.5, further in particular no more than 5 and further in particular no more than 3.

27. The incontinence product as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that between the first marking and the second marking and/or the non woven material, in a region directly adjoining the first marking, a color distance, shown as Delta E (AE*) [a/K1-K2/200%] and calculated according to CIEL*a*b* in the state expanded to 200%, on a product outside surface of the abdominal portion and/or back portion comprising first identifying means, is smaller than the color distance calculated according to CIEL*a*b* between the first marking and the second marking and/or the non-woven material, in a region directly adjoining the first marking, on a product outside surface of the abdominal portion and/or back portion comprising first identifying means measured in the non-expanded state, shown as Delta E (AE*)[a/K1 K2/100%], in particular there is a difference by an amount of at least 1.5, further in particular 2, further in particular at least 2.5, further in particular no more than 7, further in particular no more than 6 and further in particular no more than 5.

28. The incontinence product as claimed in one of preceding claims 1 to 26, characterized in that between the first marking and the second marking and/or the non-woven material, in a region directly adjoining the first marking, a color distance, shown as Delta E (AE*)[a/K1-K2/200%] and calculated according to CIEL*a*b* in the state expanded to 200%, on a product outside surface of the abdominal portion and/or back portion comprising first identifying means, is greater than the color distance calculated according to CIEL*a*b* between the first marking and the second marking and/or the non-woven material, in a region directly adjoining the first marking, on a product outside surface of the abdominal portion and/or back portion comprising first identifying means in the non-expanded state, shown as Delta E (AE*)[a/K1-K2/100%], in particular there is a difference by an amount of at least 1, further in particular of at least 1.5, further in particular of no more than 5, further in particular of no more than 4.5 and further in particular of no more than 4.

29. The incontinence product as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the incontinence product is moved into a folded configuration in such a manner that the abdominal portion or back portion (4, 6) comprising the first identifying means (70), with the incontinence product in the folded configuration, is arranged closer to an outside surface of the folded configuration than the respective other back portion or abdominal portion.

30. The incontinence product as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first identifying means (70) is arranged on the back portion (6).

31. The incontinence product as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first identifying means has associated therewith at a distance another alignment mark (80), preferably between an upper edge of the first identifying means and an edge of the hip opening (18', 18'') of the incontinence product.

32. The incontinence product as claimed in claim 31, characterized in that the alignment mark (80) is arranged in a centered manner with respect to a longitudinal center line of the first identifying means.

33. The incontinence product as claimed in either of claims 31 and 32, characterized in that the alignment mark (80) comprises a color identical to the first marking and/or is designed with an identical means forming the color.

34. The incontinence product as claimed in one of claims 31 to 33, characterized in that the alignment mark (80) comprises a comparatively smaller area compared to the first identifying means.

35. The incontinence product as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second identifying means (90) is arranged substantially over the entire product transverse extent of the abdominal portion and/or back portion.

36. An arrangement (array) produced from a first incontinence product (2) as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims and a second incontinence product (2'), for the absorption of bodily excretions having a front abdominal portion (4) and a rear back portion (6) which are spaced apart from one another in a longitudinal direction (9) and which, for forming an abdominal band and a back band, which continue in the transverse direction or the direction of the hip circumference (16), with a hip opening (18) which is closed in the direction of the hip circumference, are connected to one another by the manufacturer at side seam regions (14) on both sides, and having a crotch portion (8) which comprises an absorption body (7) and extends between the abdominal portion (4) and the back portion (6) in the longitudinal direction (9), wherein the crotch portion (8), the abdominal portion (4) and the back portion (6) together delimit respective leg openings (19) of the incontinence product, wherein the abdominal portion (4) and the back portion (6) are configured so as to be elastically expandable in the transverse direction or in the direction of the hip circumference (16), and wherein the back portion and/or the abdominal portion comprises/comprise a non woven material with at least one first region (11) and one second region (13), wherein a first identifying means (70') is provided in the first region, and the first identifying means comprises a first marking which is formed by a colored zone (73') which extends extensively, and which provides a first item of information, characterized in that the first identifying means (70') of the second incontinence product (2') comprises a first marking which provides a first item of information which is visually different to the first marking of the first identifying means (70) of the first incontinence product (2).

37. The arrangement as claimed in claim 36, characterized in that a second marking of the second incontinence product is visually different to the second marking of the first incontinence product.

38. The arrangement as claimed in claim 37, characterized in that the second marking of the second incontinence product is formed by, in particular, island-shaped recesses in the colored zone, wherein, in particular, the second markings of the first and second incontinence products are different from one another.

39. The arrangement as claimed in one of preceding claims 36 to 38, characterized in that the first markings of the first and the second incontinence products differ in a color measured according to CIEL*a*b*, in particular in that a color distance calculated according to CIEL*a*b* between the first markings of the first and second incontinence products, in the state expanded to 200%, shown as Delta E (AE*)[K1/P1-

P2/200%], is 24-34 and/or in the non-expanded state, shown as Delta E (AE*)[K1/P1-P2/100%], is 29-37.

40. The arrangement as claimed in one of preceding claims 36 to 39, characterized in that the second markings of the first and the second incontinence products differ in a color measured according to CIEL*a*b*, in particular in that a color distance calculated according to CIEL*a*b* between the second markings of the first and second incontinence products, in the state expanded to 200% - shown as Delta E (AE*)[K2/P1 P2/200%], is 21-27 and/or in the non-expanded state, shown as Delta E (AE*)[K2/P1-P2/100%], is 29-35.

41. The arrangement (array) as claimed in one of preceding claims 36 to 40, characterized in that the first incontinence product, between the first marking and the second marking and/or the non-woven material, in a region directly adjoining the first marking, comprises a color distance calculated according to CIEL*a*b*, shown as a first Delta E (AE*)[P1/K1-K2], and in that the second incontinence product, between the first marking and the second marking and/or the non-woven material, in a region directly adjoining the first marking, comprises a color distance calculated according to CIEL*a*b*, shown as a second Delta E (AE*)[P2/K1-K2], wherein Delta E (AE*)[P1/K1-K2] is greater than Delta E (AE*)[P2/K1-K2], in particular with Delta E (AE*)[P1/K1-K2] and Delta E (AE*)[P2/K1-

K2], in this case the color is measured according to CIEL*a*b*

- a) in each case on a product outside surface of the abdominal portion and/or back portion comprising first identifying means; and/or

- b) in each case on a product inside surface of the abdominal portion and/or back portion comprising first identifying means,

wherein the measurements a) and b) are carried out in each case with the first and second incontinence products in a non-expanded state and/or in each case with the first and second incontinence products in an expanded (to 200%) state.

42. The arrangement (array) as claimed in claim 41, characterized in that Delta E (AE*)[P1/K1-K2] is greater than Delta E (AE*)[P2/K1-K2] by a factor of at least 1.2, in particular at least 1.5, in particular no more than 5, in particular no more than 4.5; in particular no more than 4.0.

43. The arrangement (array) as claimed in one of preceding claims 36 to 42, characterized in that a difference in the coordinate L* from the CIEL*a*b* color space between the first marking and the second marking and/or the non-woven material, in a region directly adjoining the first marking, shown as Delta L AL*, is greater in the first incontinence product than in the second incontinence product, in this case the color is measured according to CIEL*a*b* a) in each case on a product outside surface of the abdominal portion and/or back portion comprising first identifying means; and/or b) in each case on a product inside surface of the abdominal portion and/or back portion comprising first identifying means, wherein the measurements a) and b) are carried out in each case with the first and second incontinence products in a non-expanded state and/or in each case with the first and second incontinence products in an expanded (to 200%) state.

44. The arrangement (array) as claimed in one of preceding claims 36 to 43, characterized in that the first incontinence product (2) is provided for use by women and/or as a unisex product and the second incontinence product (2') is provided for use by men, which is characterized by the first and/or second items of information of the first and/or second markings.

45. The arrangement as claimed in one of preceding claims 36 to 44, characterized in that the second identifying means (90) is only provided on the first incontinence product.