AU2020404014A1

AU2020404014A1 - Assembly comprising absorbent incontinence articles in the form of underpants

Info

Publication number: AU2020404014A1
Application number: AU2020404014A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Andreas BEYRLE; Tamara BUCH; Christian BÄHRLE; Jörg Eilers; Ann-Cathrin SCHMIDT
Original assignee: Paul Hartmann AG
Current assignee: Paul Hartmann AG
Priority date: 2019-12-20
Filing date: 2020-12-15
Publication date: 2022-06-09
Also published as: DE102019135581A1; EP4076320A1; WO2021122614A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an assembly (1) comprising absorbent incontence articles (21, 22, 23, 24) in the form of underpants, comprising a first incontinence article (21) of a first size GR1, a second incontinence article (22) of a second size GR2, a third incontinence article (23) of a third size GR3, and a fourth incontinence article (24) of a fourth size GR4, wherein GR1 < GR 2 < GR3 < GR 4, and the incontinence articles are made of the main components of a stomach section, a back section, and a crotch section. The crotch section (6) has a length K and a width W, and the stomach section (4) and the back section (5) are arranged at a minimum distance P to each other, hence K1, W1, P1 of the first incontinence article, K2, W2, P2 of the second incontinence article, K3, W3, P3 of the third incontinence article, and K4, W4, P4 of the fourth incontinence article. The first and second incontinence article are contained in the first sub-assembly, and the third and fourth incontinence article are contained in the second sub-assembly so that the first and second incontinence articles match in K1 and K2, in W1 and W2, and in P1 and P2 and the third and fourth incontinence articles likewise match in K3 and K4, in W3 and W4, and in P3 and P4. In contrast, the incontinence articles of the two sub-assemblies differ in K and P.

Description

Title: Assembly comprising absorbent incontinence articles in the form of underpants

Description

The present invention relates to an arrangement with absorbent incontinence articles in the form of underpants, i.e. "pants" articles, for absorbing bodily excretions, comprising incontinence articles of different sizes.

Incontinence articles in the form of underpants may have a modular construction with regard to their chassis materials.

Thus, incontinence articles in the form of underpants with a modular, three-component construction with the main components of abdominal portion, back portion and crotch portion are known, for example from the document EP 2 211 812 B1.

WO 2018/097770 Al discloses an arrangement made up of at least three different sizes of pants-type incontinence articles, in which the size of the abdominal portion and of the back portion becomes greater in the ranking order from the first to the third incontinence article, and wherein the distance between the ends, facing the crotch, of the side seams of the abdominal and back portion is the same across all the incontinence articles.

The present invention is based on the object of providing incontinence articles in the form of underpants of the type described at the beginning having high wearing comfort, said incontinence articles meeting the various anatomical and size-related requirements of the user. An arrangement, that is to say a range of incontinence articles, is intended to be further improved, wherein the individual product of the arrangement is capable of providing sufficient coverage of the corresponding body regions and a reliable fit of the product, and, in spite of an individual size and properties of the individual product, a range can be provided in a process- and cost-optimized manner for the manufacturer.

This object is achieved according to the invention by an arrangement having the features of claim 1.

The subject of the invention is an arrangement (i.e. a range, an array) comprising a first, a second, a third and a fourth incontinence article, which advantageously supplement one another with regard to different use situations and which differ from one another in one or more aspects.

The arrangement comprises a first incontinence article of a first size GR1 with a length L and with a width B1, a second incontinence article of a second size GR2 with a length L2 and with a width B2, a third incontinence article of a third size GR3 with a length L3 and with a width B3, and a fourth incontinence article of a fourth size GR4 with a length L4 and with a width B4, wherein GR1 < GR2 < GR3 < GR4.

The first, the second, the third and the fourth incontinence article each have a front abdominal portion and each have a rear back portion, which are spaced apart from one another in a longitudinal direction and which, in order to form an abdominal and back band that is continuous in the transverse or waist-encircling direction and has a waist opening closed in the waist-encircling direction, are connected together by the manufacturer at side seam regions on both sides, and likewise each have a crotch portion that has an absorbent body, extends in the longitudinal direction between the abdominal portion and back portion and is irreversibly attached to the abdominal portion and to the back portion in respective front and rear overlapping regions, wherein the crotch portion, the abdominal portion and the back portion together delimit respective leg openings of the first, second, third and fourth incontinence articles.

The abdominal portion and back portion are each formed so as to be elastically stretchable in the transverse or waist-encircling direction.

The crotch portion has a length K, wherein the length of the crotch portion of the first incontinence article is the length K1, of the second incontinence article is the length K2, of the third incontinence article is the length K3, and of the fourth incontinence article is the length K4.

The crotch portion also has a maximum width W, wherein the maximum width of the crotch portion of the first incontinence article is the width W1, of the second incontinence article is the width W2, of the third incontinence article is the width W3, and of the fourth incontinence article is the width W4.

The back portion and the abdominal portion are spaced apart from one another with a minimum spacing P in the longitudinal direction. The spacing P of the first incontinence article is the spacing P1, of the second incontinence article is the spacing P2, of the third incontinence article is the spacing P3, and of the fourth incontinence article is the spacing P4.

In this case, the arrangement comprises a first sub-arrangement with the first incontinence article and the second incontinence article and a second sub-arrangement with the third incontinence article and the fourth incontinence article, - wherein the length K1 matches the length K2 and the length K3 matches the length K4, and wherein K1 and K2 are different than K3 and K4, - wherein the width W1 matches the width W2 and the width W3 matches the width W4, - and wherein the spacing P1 matches the spacing P2 and the spacing P3 matches the spacing P4, and wherein P1 and P2 are different than P3 and P4.

The minimum spacing P is understood here as being the smallest distance measured in the longitudinal direction between the transverse end, facing the crotch, of the back portion and the transverse end, facing the crotch, of the abdominal portion spaced apart from the back portion in the longitudinal direction.

The length K of the crotch portion is understood to be the maximum extent of the crotch portion in the longitudinal direction and as such is measured in the longitudinal direction of the incontinence article.

The maximum width W of the crotch portion is understood to be the maximum extent of the crotch portion and as such is measured in the transverse direction of the incontinence article.

The arrangement according to the invention allows incontinence articles to be provided in a cost-effective and procedurally simple manner, because said provision is so to speak modular, wherein the incontinence articles ensure a good fit and good wearing comfort for a plurality of user groups that differ in particular in terms of their anatomy.

Preferably, the maximum widths of the crotch portions of the first, second, third and fourth incontinence articles width W1, W2, W3 and W4 match.

The arrangement (range) is the result of the obvious preparation of the incontinence articles belonging to the arrangement. In particular of the correlation or the relationship of the incontinence articles with one another. This is effected either preferably by providing them in a common packaging unit and/or preferably applying identifiers to the incontinence article and/or its packaging and/or providing the packaging respectively having the first, the second, the third and the fourth incontinence article in the spatial or content-related vicinity of one another, making it apparent that they belong to an arrangement. The incontinence articles forming the arrangement come preferably from one and the same manufacturer. The incontinence articles forming an arrangement preferably have the same product identifier, for example in particular the same brand name and/or the same sub-brand name. In the case of a preferred embodiment of an arrangement with sub-arrangements, the same understanding as mentioned above is used as the basis for a sub-arrangement.

An arrangement made up of a first, second, third and fourth incontinence article or a sub arrangement made up of a first and second incontinence article or a sub-arrangement made up of a third and fourth incontinence article is understood as being at least in each case a representative thereof and includes a plurality of the one first, one second, one third and/or the one fourth incontinence article.

An arrangement of incontinence articles can in particular comprise a further or several further incontinence article(s) with a size that differs/deviates from the first, second, third and fourth size, in particular a fifth incontinence article with a fifth size and/or a sixth incontinence article with a sixth size.

In the context of the present invention, the understanding is assumed to be that the sizes GR1, GR2, GR3 and GR4 of the first, second, third and fourth incontinence article differ from one another, wherein the sizes differ in particular in the extent of the incontinence article in its width and/or in its length.

In particular, the arrangement comprises a first incontinence article of a first size GR1 with a length Li and with a width B1, a second incontinence article of a second size GR2 with a length L2 and with a width B2, a third incontinence article of a third size GR3 with a length L3 and with a width B3 and a fourth incontinence article of a fourth size GR4 with a length L4 and with a width B4, wherein GR1 < GR2 < GR3 < GR4 and B1 < B2 < B3 < B4 or L1< L2 < L3 < L4.

In particular, the arrangement comprises a first incontinence article of a first size GR1 with a length Li and with a width B1, a second incontinence article of a second size GR2 with a length L2 and with a width B2, a third incontinence article of a third size GR3 with a length L3 and with a width B3 and a fourth incontinence article of a fourth size GR4 with a length L4 and with a width B4, wherein GR1 < GR2 < GR3 < GR4 and wherein at least B1 < B2 < B3 < B4.

In particular, it is provided that the arrangement comprises a first incontinence article of a first size GR1 with a length Li and with a width B1, a second incontinence article of a second size GR2 with a length L2 and with a width B2, a third incontinence article of a third size GR3 with a length L3 and with a width B3 and a fourth incontinence article of a fourth size GR4 with a length L4 and with a width B4, wherein GR < GR2 < GR3 < GR4 and B1 < B2 < B3 < B4and L1<L2<L3<L4.

In particular, the sizes are considered to be distinguished by the length of one incontinence article deviating from the length of the other incontinence article by at least 5%, more particularly at least 7%. In particular, the sizes are considered to be distinguished by the width of one incontinence article deviating from the width of the other incontinence article by at least 5%, more particularly by at least 7%, more particularly by at least 10%.

Different sizes of the incontinence articles should be understood in particular as meaning that a second incontinence article of a second size is at least 5%, in particular at least 7%, more particularly at least 10% wider than a first incontinence article of a first size, that a third incontinence article of a third size is at least 5%, in particular at least 7%, more particularly at least 10% wider than a second incontinence article of a second size, and a fourth incontinence article of a fourth size is at least 5%, in particular at least 7%, more particularly at least 10% wider than a third incontinence article of a third size.

Different sizes of the incontinence articles should be understood in particular as meaning that a second incontinence article of a second size is at least 5%, in particular at least 7% longer than a first incontinence article of a first size, that a third incontinence article of a third size is at least 5%, in particular at least 7% longer than a second incontinence article of a second size, and a fourth incontinence article of a fourth size is at least 5%, in particular at least 7% longer than a third incontinence article of a third size.

The length of an incontinence article in the form of underpants is the maximum longitudinal extent measured in the longitudinal direction of the incontinence article from a front waist opening-side transverse periphery of the abdominal portion to a rear waist-opening-side transverse periphery of the back portion, i.e. in the spread-out-flat state, not connected at side seams, of the incontinence article.

Preferably, the length of the first, second, third and fourth incontinence articles is 500 1100 mm, preferably 600-1000 mm, more preferably 700-925 mm.

The first incontinence article has preferably a length Li of 650-750 mm, more preferably 660 740 mm, more preferably 670-730 mm.

The second incontinence article has preferably a length L2 of 700-800 mm, more preferably 710-790 mm, more preferably 720-780 mm.

The third incontinence article has preferably a length L3 of 800-900 mm, more preferably 810-890 mm, more preferably 820-880 mm.

The fourth incontinence article has preferably a length L4 of 875-975 mm, more preferably 885-965 mm, more preferably 895-955 mm.

The width of an incontinence article in the form of underpants is the maximum transverse extent measured in the transverse direction of the incontinence article in the spread-out-flat state, not connected at side seams, of the incontinence article.

Preferably, the width of the first, second, third and fourth incontinence article is 500-950 mm, preferably 510-940 mm, more preferably 520-930 mm.

The first incontinence article has preferably a width B1 of 500-600 mm, more preferably 510 590 mm, more preferably 520-580 mm.

The second incontinence article has preferably a width B2 of 610-710 mm, more preferably 620-700 mm, more preferably 630-690 mm.

The third incontinence article has preferably a width B3 of 760-860 mm, more preferably 770 850 mm, more preferably 780-840 mm.

The fourth incontinence article has preferably a width B4 of 850-950 mm, more preferably 860-940 mm, more preferably 870-930 mm.

At this point, it should be noted that, in the present invention, any dimensional indications as regards transverse extent, longitudinal extent or spacing or distance of portions are determined in the spread-out-flat state of the flat materials forming the incontinence article, that is to say optionally after undoing the side seams already applied by the manufacturer, such that the incontinence article in question can be brought into the flat configuration illustrated by way of example in the figures, unless some other state deviating therefrom is specified.

If the incontinence article has been elasticated for example by thread-like elasticating means in what is known as the "stretch-bonding process", the sheet materials, as indicated in the figures, are considered to be stretched out in the way they are supplied as flat materials by the manufacturer or can be subsequently spread out as far as their natural initial extent without elasticating means and placed on a flat surface. The transverse extents, longitudinal extents, dimensions, spacings or distances are then determined in this flat surface. This state arises naturally with non-stretchable chassis materials based on nonwoven or film or nonwoven-film composite.

The incontinence article in the form of underpants is preferably an adult incontinence article.

The back portion and/or abdominal portion may be rectangular. Alternatively, it may be provided that the back portion and/or abdominal portion is formed in a contoured manner in the crotch-side region.

In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the back portion with longitudinal peripheries and/or the abdominal portion with longitudinal peripheries has a portion forming a leg-opening cutout in respective crotch-side regions, facing the leg openings, on both sides starting from an end, facing the crotch, of the longitudinal periphery. A portion forming a leg opening cutout meets the needs of better adaptability and thus wearing comfort.

In particular, the back portion with longitudinal peripheries has, starting from an end, facing the crotch, of the longitudinal periphery, a portion forming a leg-opening cutout with an extent M in the longitudinal direction, wherein the extent M of the first incontinence article is the extent M1, of the second incontinence article is the extent M2, of the third incontinence article is the extent M3, and of the fourth incontinence article is the extent M4, wherein the extent M1 matches the extent M2 and the extent M3 matches the extent M4, and wherein M1 and M2 are different than M3 and M4.

In particular, the abdominal portion with longitudinal peripheries has, starting from an end, facing the crotch, of the longitudinal periphery, a portion forming a leg-opening cutout with an extent N in the longitudinal direction, wherein the extent N of the first incontinence article is the extent N1, of the second incontinence article is the extent N2, of the third incontinence article is the extent N3, and of the fourth incontinence article is the extent N4, wherein the extent N1 matches the extent N2 and the extent N3 matches the extent N4, and wherein N1 and N2 are different than N3 and N4.

In an advantageous embodiment, the lengths K1, K2, K3 and K4 of the respective crotch portions within the arrangement are provided such that a ratio of K1 of the first incontinence article and K2 of the second incontinence article of the first sub-arrangement to K3 of the third incontinence article and K4 of the fourth incontinence article of the second sub arrangement, i.e. K1/K3, K2/K3, K1/K4 and K2/K4 is in each case less than 1.0, in particular 0.70-0.95, more particularly 0.75-0.95, more particularly 0.80-0.90.

In particular, for the minimum spacings P1, P2, P3 and P4 between the transverse ends, facing the crotch, of the respective back portion and abdominal portion, it is provided that a ratio of P1 of the first incontinence article and P2 of the second incontinence article of the first sub-arrangement to P3 of the third incontinence article and P4 of the fourth incontinence article of the second sub-arrangement, i.e. P1/P3, P2/P3, P1/P4 and P2/P4 is in each case less than 1.0, in particular greater than 0.75, more particularly greater than 0.80, more particularly greater than 0.85.

As regards the relationships of the respective lengths K of the crotch portion to the respective minimum spacings P in the longitudinal direction between the respective transverse ends, facing the crotch, of the back portion and abdominal portion, i.e. K/P, it is particularly advantageous when a ratio of the quotient K1/P1 of the first incontinence article and the quotient K2/P2 of the second incontinence article of the first sub-arrangement to the quotient K3/P3 of the third incontinence article and the quotient K4/P4 of the fourth incontinence article of the second sub-arrangement, i.e. (K1/P1)/(K3/P3), (K1/P1)/(K4/P4), (K2/P2)/(K3/P3) and (K2/P2)/(K4/P4) is in each case less than 1.0, in particular greater than 0.75, more particularly greater than 0.80, more particularly greater than 0.85.

In particular, it may be provided that each of the quotients K1/P1, K2/P2, K3/P3 and K4/P4 is 1.6-2.6, in particular 1.7-2.4, more particularly 1.9-2.3, wherein preferably the quotient K1/P1 of the first incontinence article and the quotient K2/P2 of the second incontinence article of the first sub-arrangement is in each case 1.6-2.5, preferably 1.8-2.3, more preferably 1.9-2.2, and/or the quotient K3/P3 of the third incontinence article and the quotient K4/P4 of the fourth incontinence article of the second sub-arrangement is in each case 1.7-2.6, preferably 1.9-2.4, more preferably 2.0-2.3.

With such a calculation of the relationship of the length of the crotch portion to the minimum spacing between the abdominal portion and back portion, a sufficient proportion of the crotch portion is advantageously provided for fixing to the abdominal and back portions, for sufficient stability with respect to mechanical stresses in the crotch of the wearer while wearing the incontinence article.

In the modular construction of the incontinence article, the crotch portion is attached to the back portion and to the abdominal portion.

The crotch portion extends over the back portion in the longitudinal direction over a distance KX, wherein the distance KX of the first incontinence article is the distance KX1, of the second incontinence article is the distance KX2, of the third incontinence article is the distance KX3, and of the fourth incontinence article is the distance KX4, and the crotch portion extends over the abdominal portion in the longitudinal direction over a distance KY, wherein the distance KY of the first incontinence article is the distance KY1, of the second incontinence article is the distance KY2, of the third incontinence article is the distance KY3, and of the fourth incontinence article is the distance KY4. In this case, it is provided in particular that the distance KX1 matches the distance KX2 and the distance KX3 matches the distance KX4, wherein KX1 and KX2 are different than KX3 and KX4.

It has been found to be advantageous when in particular a ratio of the quotient KX1/KY1 of the first incontinence article and the quotient KX2/KY2 of the second incontinence article of the first sub-arrangement to the quotient KX3/KY3 of the third incontinence article and the quotient KX4/KY4 of the fourth incontinence article of the second sub-arrangement, i.e. (KX1/KY1)/(KX3/KY3), (KX2/KY2)/(KX3/KY3), (KX1/KY1)/ (KX4/KY4) and (KX2/KY2)/(KX4/KY4) is in each case greater than 1.0, in particular less than 1.3, more particularly less than 1.2.

This advantageously results in a uniform appearance of the incontinence articles within the arrangement with at the same time sufficient coverage of relevant body regions and overlapping of the crotch portion in particular with the back portion.

Preferably, a quotient KX1/KY1 of the first incontinence article and a quotient KX2/KY2 of the second incontinence article of the first sub-arrangement is in each case 1.9-2.3, preferably 2.0-2.2 and/or a quotient KX3/KY3 of the third incontinence article and a quotient KX4/KY4 of the fourth incontinence article of the second sub-arrangement is in each case 1.7-2.1, preferably 1.8-2.0.

With such a calculation of the distances KX and KY, good coverage of relevant body regions and a good bond strength of the crotch portion with the back portion can advantageously be realized, although, when the article is being worn, the rear region thereof is subjected to shear and tensile forces as a result of the movements of the wearer.

When the spacing RP of a transverse central axis of the incontinence article from the transverse end, facing the crotch, of the back portion in the longitudinal direction of the first incontinence article is the spacing RP1, of the second incontinence article is the spacing RP2, of the third incontinence article is the spacing RP3, and of the fourth incontinence article is the spacing RP4, and furthermore the spacing of a transverse central axis of the incontinence article from the transverse end, facing the crotch, of the abdominal portion in the longitudinal direction of the first incontinence article is the spacing BP1, of the second incontinence article is the spacing BP2, of the third incontinence article is the spacing BP3, and of the fourth incontinence article is the spacing BP4, then the spacing RP1 preferably matches the spacing RP2 and the spacing RP3 preferably matches the spacing RP4, wherein RP1 and RP2 are different than RP3 and RP4 than one another.

Preferably, any quotient of the quotients RP1/BP1, RP2/BP2, RP3/BP3, RP4/BP4 is greater than 0.40, in particular greater than 0.42, more preferably greater than 0.43, in particular at most 0.65, more particularly at most 0.60.

With such a distribution of the crotch spacing with regard to the transverse central axis of the incontinence article, advantageously sufficient rear coverage of the lower buttocks region of the carrier is provided by means of the back portion, without, however, positioning the transition region between the crotch portion and back portion too close to the transverse central axis, with the result that the shear and tensile forces brought about by the movement of the wearer in the region of the transverse central axis and thus within the wearer's crotch when the article is being worn are transmitted to the transition region of the incontinence article to a lesser extent.

The abdominal portion and the back portion are connected together along side seam regions. The side seam region has in this case a length 0, wherein the length of the side seam region of the first incontinence article is the length 01, of the second incontinence article is the length 02, of the third incontinence article is the length 03, and of the fourth incontinence article is the length 04, wherein, in particular, 01 < 02 < 03 < 04 and wherein a quotient 02/01, a quotient 03/02 and a quotient 04/03 are at most 1.35, in particular at most 1.30, more particularly at most 1.25, and in particular is at least 1.10.

The absorbent body has a length SK, wherein the length of the absorbent body of the first incontinence article is the length SK1, of the second incontinence article is the length SK2, of the third incontinence article is the length SK3, and of the fourth incontinence article is the length SK4. Preferably, the length SK1 matches the length SK2 and the length SK3 matches the length SK4, wherein SK1 and SK2 are different than SK3 and SK4 than one another.

The length SK of the absorbent body is understood to be the greatest extent of the absorbent body in the longitudinal direction and as such is measured in the longitudinal direction of the incontinence article.

The maximum width SW of the absorbent body is measured as the greatest extent of the absorbent body in the transverse direction.

Preferably, the absorbent body has a maximum width SW, with the maximum width of the first incontinence article being the width SW1, of the second incontinence article being the width SW2, of the third incontinence article being the width SW3, and of the fourth incontinence article being the width SW4, and in particular the width SW1 matches the width SW2 and the width SW3 matches the width SW4, and more particularly the widths SW1, SW2, SW3 and SW4 match.

Within the incontinence article, the absorbent body extends in particular over the back portion in the longitudinal direction over a distance SX, wherein the distance SX of the first incontinence article is the distance SX1, of the second incontinence article is the distance SX2, of the third incontinence article is the distance SX3, and of the fourth incontinence article is the distance SX4, and the absorbent body extends in particular over the abdominal portion in the longitudinal direction over a distance SY, wherein the distance SY of the first incontinence article is the distance SY1, of the second incontinence article is the distance SY2, of the third incontinence article is the distance SY3, and of the fourth incontinence article is the distance SY4. Preferably, the distance SX1 matches the distance SX2 and the distance SX3 matches the distance SX4, wherein in particular SX1 and SX2 are different than SX3 and SX4.

Preferably, within the arrangement of the incontinence articles, the absorbent body is arranged such that a ratio of the quotient SX1/SY1 of the first incontinence article and the quotient SX2/SY2 of the second incontinence article of the first sub-arrangement to the quotient SX3/SY3 of the third incontinence article and the quotient SX4/SY4 of the fourth incontinence article of the second sub-arrangement, i.e. (SX1/SY1)/(SX3/SY3), (SX2/SY2)/(SX3/SY3), (SX1/SY1)/(SX4/SY4) and (SX2/SY2)/(SX4/SY4) is in each case 1.1 1.5, preferably 1.1-1.4.

Within the incontinence articles of the arrangement, the absorbent body of the first, second, third and fourth incontinence articles is preferably arranged within the incontinence article such that a quotient SX1/SY1 of the first incontinence article and a quotient SX2/SY2 of the second incontinence article of the first sub-arrangement is in each case 2.3-3.5, preferably 2.5-3.3 and/or a quotient SX3/SY3 of the third incontinence article and a quotient SX4/SY4 of the fourth incontinence article of the second sub-arrangement is in each case 1.8-2.8, preferably 2.0-2.6.

Thus, throughout the arrangement of incontinence articles, an advantageous arrangement of the absorbent body in the abdominal and back region of the user is provided.

The absorbent body having the length SK is coordinated with the spacing P between the transverse ends, facing the crotch, of the back portion and abdominal portion in particular such that a quotient P1/SK1 of the first incontinence article and a quotient P2/SK2 of the second incontinence article of the first sub-arrangement is in each case 0.45-0.70, in particular 0.50-0.65, more particularly 0.50-0.60 and/or a quotient P3/SK3 of the third incontinence article and a quotient P4/SK4 of the fourth incontinence article of the second sub-arrangement is in each case 0.40-0.65, in particular 0.45-0.60, more particularly 0.45 0.55.

With this calculation of the relationship of the spacing P and the length SK, a sufficient proportion of the absorbent body can overlap the abdominal and back portion, in order to allow sufficient fixing and stability with respect to mechanical stressing of the product during use.

The arrangement is preferably configured with a first pack comprising a large number of first incontinence articles, with a second pack comprising a large number of second incontinence articles, with a third pack comprising a large number of third incontinence articles, and with a fourth pack comprising a large number of fourth incontinence articles.

In the case of the three-part construction, in question here, of the incontinence article with an abdominal portion, back portion and crotch portion, it proves in particular to be advantageous for the crotch portion to be configured to a certain extent as a single unit and as such to be positioned and fixed so as to overlap the abdominal portion and the back portion. In particular, the crotch portion comprises a liquid-impermeable backsheet material and a liquid- permeable topsheet material, between which the absorbent body is arranged. In this case, the backsheet material and/or the topsheet material can form an overhang over the absorbent body in the transverse direction. In such a case, it proves to be advantageous for crotch elasticating means to be connected at least to the topsheet material and/or to the backsheet material or to a region of the material portion that extends outward in the transverse direction and can form in particular a cuff element.

The crotch portion has preferably straight longitudinal side edges.

Preferably, the crotch portions of at least in each case one incontinence article within the first sub-arrangement and/or of at least in each case one incontinence article within the second sub-arrangement have straight longitudinal side edges. Preferably, the crotch portion of the first, second, third and fourth incontinence articles has straight longitudinal side edges.

The crotch portion is attached to the abdominal portion in a front overlapping region with an area BA and to the back portion in a rear overlapping region with an area RA. Within the arrangement, the first incontinence article has a front overlapping region with the area BA1 and a rear overlapping region with the area RA1, the second incontinence article has a front overlapping region with the area BA2 and a rear overlapping region with the area RA2, the third incontinence article has a front overlapping region with the area BA3 and a rear overlapping region with the area RA3, and the fourth incontinence article has a front overlapping region with the area BA4 and a rear overlapping region with the area RA4.

Preferably, it is provided in this case that, in the first and second incontinence articles, the areas BA1 and BA2 and/or the areas RA1 and RA2 match and that, in the third and fourth incontinence articles, the areas BA3 and BA4 and/or the areas RA3 and RA4 match, wherein the areas BA1 and BA2 are different than the areas BA3 and BA4 and/or the areas RA1 and RA2 are different than the areas RA3 and RA4.

The crotch portion of the first, second, third and fourth incontinence articles overlaps, in the front overlapping region, with an area BA of preferably at least 10%, in particular 10%-40%, of the area of the abdominal portion.

The crotch portion of the first, second, third and fourth incontinence articles overlaps, in the rear overlapping region, with an area RA of preferably at least 15%, in particular 15%-65%, more particularly 20%-65%, of the area of the back portion.

Th crotch portion of the first, second, third and fourth incontinence articles has preferably a length K of 500-800 mm, in particular of 500-700 mm.

The crotch portion of the first, second, third and fourth incontinence articles has preferably a maximum width W of 160-300 mm, in particular of 200-300 mm, more particularly 220 270 mm.

The absorbent body of the first, second, third and fourth incontinence articles has preferably a length SK of 400-700 mm, in particular of 400-650 mm, more particularly 400-600 mm.

The absorbent body of the first, second, third and fourth incontinence articles has preferably a maximum width SW of 150-210 mm, in particular of 160-200 mm.

A contoured configuration of the absorbent body with a central region of smaller transverse extent present preferably between its end regions is particularly advantageous.

The side seam region of the first, second, third and fourth incontinence articles has a length o in particular of 100-250 mm, more particularly of 120-240 mm.

The back portion of the first, second, third and fourth incontinence articles has longitudinal peripheries with a length U of in particular 100-250 mm, more particularly of 120-240 mm.

The abdominal portion of the first, second, third and fourth incontinence articles has longitudinal peripheries with a length T of in particular 100-250 mm, more particularly of 120 240 mm.

Preferably, the back portion and the abdominal portion match in terms of the length of the respective longitudinal peripheries of the back portion and abdominal portion.

The minimum spacing P of the first, second, third and fourth incontinence articles in the longitudinal direction between the transverse ends, facing the crotch, of the back portion and abdominal portion is preferably 200-400 mm, more preferably 200-380 mm, more particularly 200-350 mm.

More preferably, in a crotch-side region, facing the leg openings, of the respective back portions of the first, second, third and fourth incontinence articles, a first elastic region having a number of first elasticating means can be provided and the first elasticating means extend from the two side seam regions in the direction of a longitudinal central axis of the incontinence article and extend in the process with an increasing spacing from one another, wherein the first elasticating means have a degree of fanning out. Here, the degree of fanning out of the first incontinence article is the degree of fanning out F1, of the second incontinence article is the degree of fanning out F2, of the third incontinence article is the degree of fanning out F3, and of the fourth incontinence article is the degree of fanning out F4. A ratio of any degree of fanning out of the degrees of fanning out F1, F2, F3, F4 to another degree of fanning out of the degrees of fanning out F1, F2, F3, F4 is in particular between 0.8 and 1.2. This should be understood as meaning that any ratio taken from the ratios, calculated as a quotient, F1/F2, F1/F3, F1/F4, F2/F1, F2/F3, F2/F4, F3/F1, F3/F2, F3/F4, F4/F1, F4/F2, F4/F3, is between 0.8 and 1.2.

As a result of first elasticating means fanning out, high wearing comfort with a reliable fit of the product in the buttocks region can be provided. With the configuration of the course of the elasticating means such that a ratio between two degrees of fanning out of the incontinence articles is between 0.8 and 1.2, equalized elasticating, across the sizes of the incontinence articles, in the rear region facing the leg openings can be provided. A degree of fanning out considered to be advantageous for the functionality of the diaper pants is thus introduced in all sizes of the arrangement. In terms of machinery, this is advantageous since it is associated with shorter setup times.

The first elasticating means extend preferably with an increasing spacing from one another, this being understood as being the increase in the spacing of directly adjacent first elasticating means in their course from the side seam region in the direction of the longitudinal central axis. Preferably, the increasing spacing of the first elasticating means from one another increases continuously, i.e. without a reduction in the spacing, i.e. convergence of directly adjacent first elasticating means, being provided in the course of the first elasticating means from the side seam region in the direction of the longitudinal central axis.

The degree of fanning out of the first elasticating means is calculated using the formula:

F = (A-B)/B * 100%

Here, the degree of fanning out is defined as the ratio of the increase in spacing (A-B) to the minimum spacing (B) in percent. Here, the variables A and B are defined as the spacing of the outermost first elasticating means in the longitudinal direction of the incontinence article from the innermost first elasticating means in the longitudinal direction of the incontinence article, wherein, specifically, A is the maximum spacing and B is the minimum spacing. Preferably, the maximum spacing A can be found in the longitudinal peripheral region of the crotch portion, while the minimum spacing B can be found in the side seam region.

The terms "outer" and "inner" first elasticating means refer to the relative arrangement of the first elasticating means with respect to one another with regard to the longitudinal direction, wherein an outer first elasticating means is arranged closer to the waist opening with regard to the longitudinal direction compared with an inner first elasticating means.

The "innermost first elasticating means" is understood to mean, in the first elastic region having a number of first elasticating means, the first elasticating means that is located closest to a peripheral contour, facing the crotch, of the back portion and therefore the first elasticating means that is located farthest away from the waist opening.

The "outermost first elasticating means" is understood to mean, in the first elastic region having a number of first elasticating means, the first elasticating means that is located closest to the waist opening.

The first elasticating means are preferably distinguished by an increasing spacing of directly adjacent elasticating means from one another from the side seam region in the direction of the longitudinal central axis of the incontinence article.

To determine the first elastic region with a number of first elasticating means, starting from a peripheral contour, facing the crotch, of the back portion in the direction of the end, facing the waist opening, of the back portion, the spacing of elasticating means that are directly adjacent in the longitudinal direction is considered, specifically starting from the first elasticating means located closest to the peripheral contour, facing the crotch, of the back portion, known as the innermost first elasticating means. On consideration further in the longitudinal direction in the direction of the waist opening, to delimit the first elastic region, that elasticating means which exhibits an increasing spacing from an elasticating means arranged directly adjacent further on the inside thereof in the course from the side seam region in the direction of the longitudinal central axis, and the course of which is not exclusively parallel to the transverse direction of the incontinence article, is defined as the outermost first elasticating means of the first elastic region.

To determine the maximum spacing A and the minimum spacing B of the first elasticating means in the first elastic region in the back portion of the incontinence article, first of all an auxiliary line extending in the longitudinal direction is defined in a spread-out-flat state, not connected at the side seams, of the incontinence article, within an extent Q in the transverse direction of the back portion between the longitudinal central axis of the incontinence article and the longitudinal periphery of the back portion. This auxiliary line is arranged at a position P that corresponds to two thirds (2/3) of the extent Q starting from the longitudinal central axis. The shortest extent between the longitudinal central axis of the incontinence article and the longitudinal periphery of the back portion is used as the transverse extent Q of the back portion. Starting from the position P, the first auxiliary line is mentally shifted parallel to the longitudinal direction transversely in the direction of the longitudinal central axis until a maximum distance is registered between the outermost first elasticating means and the innermost first elasticating means, this corresponding to the maximum spacing A. Likewise, starting from the position P, the auxiliary line is mentally shifted parallel to the longitudinal direction transversely in the direction of the longitudinal periphery of the back portion until a minimum distance is registered between the outermost first elasticating means and the innermost first elasticating means, this corresponding to the minimum spacing B.

Preferably, a minimum spacing B, that is to say B1 for the first incontinence article, B2 for the second incontinence article, B3 for the third incontinence article, and B4 for the fourth incontinence article is provided such that B1 of the first incontinence article and B2 of the second incontinence article match and B3 of the third incontinence article and B4 of the fourth incontinence article match, more particularly such that B1, B2, B3 and B4 match.

In a preferred embodiment of the arrangement, it is provided that the degree of fanning out F1 matches the degree of fanning out F2 and the degree of fanning out F3 matches the degree of fanning out F4.

In particular, it is provided that the degree of fanning out F1 and the degree of fanning out F2 differ from the degree of fanning out F3 and the degree of fanning out F4.

In particular, it is provided that the degree of fanning out F1 and the degree of fanning out F2 are smaller than the degree of fanning out F3 and the degree of fanning out F4.

A smaller degree of fanning out is associated in particular with the fact that restoring forces of the elasticating means are distributed over a smaller area than in the case of a comparatively larger degree of fanning out. Thus, a smaller degree of fanning out with smaller sizes of the incontinence article is advantageous for a good fit on slimmer wearers by means of a tight-fitting region of the incontinence article.

The degrees of fanning out F1, F2, F3 and F4 are preferably 100-800%, in particular 100 700%, more particularly 150-700%, more particularly 150-600%, more particularly 150-500%, more particularly 150-400%, more particularly 150-300%.

Preferably, with the degrees of fanning out being chosen in this way, an associated two dimensional restoring force over an area of the first elastic region can be set.

In particular as a result of choosing sufficiently large degrees of fanning out, a two dimensional restoring force that decreases considerably can be realized in the course of the first elasticating means from the side seam region in the direction of the longitudinal central axis. Thus, advantageously greater degrees of freedom in the regions that approach the crotch and exhibit relatively high sensitivity can be achieved for the wearer. Particular preference is given to degrees of fanning out of 400-800%, 450-750%, 500-700%.

Alternatively, by choosing more moderate to lower degrees of fanning out, a restoring force extending along the leg openings can be created which, although decreasing in the direction of the longitudinal central axis, is still capable of providing, in the crotch-side region facing the leg openings, a discernible elastic force on the lower rear buttocks region of the wearer as the termination of the back portion for a good fit and wearing reliability. Particular preference is given to degrees of fanning out of 100-400%, 150-400%, 150-350%.

Preferably, an arrangement is provided in which the degrees of fanning out F1, F2, F3, F4 are 400-800%, more preferably 450-750%, more preferably 500-700% or in which the degrees of fanning out F1, F2, F3, F4 are 100-400 %, more preferably 150-400%, more preferably 150-350%.

In particular, the first elasticating means extend with an increasing spacing from one another. Preferably, a maximum spacing C in the longitudinal direction between directly adjacent elasticating means is established in the course of said elasticating means.

Within the number of first elastic elasticating means that form the first elastic region, in a preferred configuration, the maximum spacing C between two directly adjacent first elasticating means can match for all the first elasticating means of the first elastic region.

Alternatively, it may in particular also be provided that the maximum spacing C between two directly adjacent first elasticating means within the number of first elasticating means of the first elastic region increases from the outermost first elasticating means to the innermost first elasticating means. In this way, weakening of the two-dimensional elastic force in the direction of the leg-opening termination can be established, and this may be advantageous for avoiding the application of forces to the lower, sensitive buttocks region.

Conceivably, it may in particular also be provided that the maximum spacing C between two directly adjacent first elasticating means within the number of first elasticating means of the first elastic region becomes smaller from the outermost first elasticating means to the innermost first elasticating means. In this way, a first elastic region can be achieved with an upper region, facing the waist opening, with a lower elastic two-dimensional force input and a lower region with a greater elastic two-dimensional force input for a sealed leg opening termination.

In an advantageous embodiment, it is possible in particular for maximum spacings C in the longitudinal direction of directly adjacent first elasticating means of the first and second incontinence articles to match one another and maximum spacings C in the longitudinal direction of directly adjacent first elasticating means of the third and fourth incontinence articles to match one another.

Within the number of first elastic elasticating means that form the first elastic region, it is possible, in a preferred configuration, for the minimum spacing D in the longitudinal direction between two directly adjacent first elasticating means to match in all first elasticating means of the first elastic region.

It may in particular be provided that minimum spacings D in the longitudinal direction of directly adjacent first elasticating means of the first and second incontinence articles match one another and minimum spacings D in the longitudinal direction of directly mutually adjoining first elasticating means of the third and fourth incontinence articles match one another.

Particularly preferably, the minimum spacings D in the longitudinal direction of directly adjacent first elasticating means of the first, second, third and fourth incontinence articles match one another.

Preferably, a maximum spacing C in the longitudinal direction of directly adjacent first elasticating means is 10-35 mm, in particular 14-32 mm, more particularly 16-30 mm and more particularly 16-25 mm.

Preferably, a minimum spacing D in the longitudinal direction of directly adjacent first elasticating means is 1-8 mm, in particular 2-8 mm, more particularly 3-8 mm.

The first elasticating means are preferably thread-like elasticating means and/or strip-like elasticating means, preferably comprising or consisting of rubber or polyether polyurethane or polyester polyurethane or silicone.

The first elasticating means are preferably used with a pretension of 1.5-6.0, more preferably 2.5-5.0, i.e. fixed to materials of the crotch-side region, facing the leg openings, of the back portion (stretch bonding). The pretension is understood as being the factor of the degree of stretch compared with the unstretched/relaxed state of the first elasticating means.

The first elasticating means preferably have a strength of 300-1500 dtex, more preferably 300-1200 dtex, more preferably 300-1000 dtex, more preferably 400-900 dtex.

In a preferred embodiment of the arrangement, the first elasticating means of the first, second, third and fourth incontinence articles have an outermost first elasticating means and an innermost first elasticating means,

- wherein the extent of the first elasticating means along a course from the side seam region in the direction of the longitudinal central axis of the incontinence article has a component in the longitudinal direction and a component in the transverse direction, wherein the component in the longitudinal direction exhibits a maximum distance AY,

- wherein the maximum distance AY of each external first elasticating means is less than the maximum distance AY of each internal first elasticating means that is directly adjacent in the longitudinal direction,

- and wherein a ratio of the maximum distance AY(i) of the innermost first elasticating means to a maximum distance Xmax in the transverse direction of an expansion region, overlaid by the first elasticating means, of the first incontinence article is S1,

- and wherein a ratio of the maximum distance AY(i) of the innermost first elasticating means to a maximum distance Xmax in the transverse direction of an expansion region, overlaid by the first elasticating means, of the second incontinence article is S2,

- and wherein a ratio of the maximum distance AY(i) of the innermost first elasticating means to a maximum distance Xmax in the transverse direction of an expansion region, overlaid by the first elasticating means, of the third incontinence article is S3,

- and wherein a ratio of the maximum distance AY(i) of the innermost first elasticating means to a maximum distance Xmax in the transverse direction of an expansion region, overlaid by the first elasticating means, of the fourth incontinence article is S4,

- and wherein S1 > S2 > S3 > S4.

A maximum distance AY of each particular first elasticating means is measured as the distance in the longitudinal direction between an outer starting point in the side seam region, in particular on the second auxiliary line, which is associated with the measurement of the minimum spacing B, and an inner ending point, which is arranged at the height that corresponds, continuing in the transverse direction, to the height of the greatest deflection of the first elasticating means, in particular the first auxiliary line, which is associated with the measurement of the maximum distance A.

The maximum distance Xmax in the transverse direction within a first elastic region of an expansion region, overlaid by the first elasticating means, of each particular incontinence article is determined, in the context of this invention, as the spacing in the transverse direction between a first auxiliary line, which extends in the longitudinal direction and is arranged at the position of the maximum spacing A, determined as described above, of the first elasticating means, and a second auxiliary line, which extends in the longitudinal direction and is arranged at the position of the minimum spacing B, determined as above, of the first elasticating means.

By having S1 > S2 > S3 > S4, extensive coverage with first elasticating means is advantageously provided in regions relevant for the fit of the incontinence article in the longitudinal direction of the back portion across all sizes of the incontinence articles of the arrangement.

Any ratio taken from the ratios S1/S2, S1/S3, S1/S4 is preferably 1.1-2.2, more particularly 1.2-2.1.

Thus, elastic behavior of the innermost first elasticating means that is balanced across the different sizes of the incontinence articles can be provided in the arrangement.

Preferably, a respectively innermost first elasticating means of the first, the second, the third and the fourth incontinence article has an extent along the course, starting from the side seam region in the direction of the longitudinal central axis of the incontinence article, a component in the longitudinal direction and a component in the transverse direction, wherein the component in the longitudinal direction is as a maximum distance AY(i), and consequently AY(i)1 for the first incontinence article, AY(i)2 for the second incontinence article, AY(i)3 for the third incontinence article and AY(i)4 for the fourth incontinence article. In this case, it is preferably provided that the maximum distance AY(i)1 of the innermost first elasticating means of the first incontinence article and the maximum distance AY(i)2 of the innermost first elasticating means of the second incontinence article match and that the maximum distance AY(i)3 of the innermost first elasticating means of the third incontinence article and the maximum distance AY(i)4 of the innermost first elasticating means of the fourth incontinence article match, and in particular the maximum distance AY(i)1 and the maximum distance AY(i)2 are different than the maximum distance AY(i)3 and the maximum distance AY(i)4.

It is particularly advantageous when any ratio taken from the ratios AY(i)/AY(i)2; AY(i)1/AY(i)3; AY(i)1/AY(i)4; AY(i)2/AY(i)l; AY(i)2/AY(i)3; AY(i)2/AY(i)4; AY(i)3/AY(i)l; AY(i)3/AY(i)2; AY(i)3/AY(i)4; AY(i)4/AY(i)l; AY(i)4/AY(i)2;Y(i)4/AY(i)3 is between 0.8 and 1.2.

Preferably, it is provided that a maximum spacing A of the first elasticating means, determined as described above, of the first incontinence article is Al, of the second incontinence article is A2, of the third incontinence article is A3, of the fourth incontinence article is Al, and that a ratio of any maximum spacing A of the maximum spacings Al, A2, A3, A4 to another maximum spacing A of the maximum spacings Al, A2, A3, A4 is between 0.8 and 1.2. This contributes advantageously to a balanced elastic behavior, across the incontinence articles belonging to the arrangement, in a region in the direction of the crotch portion.

Preferably, the maximum spacings Al and A2 match and the maximum spacings A3 and A4 match.

More preferably, the maximum spacings Al and A2 match and the maximum spacings A3 and A4 match and the maximum spacings Al and A2 differ from the maximum spacings A3 and A4.

In a preferred embodiment of the arrangement, the number of first elasticating means of the first and second incontinence articles is identical and the number of first elasticating means of the third and fourth incontinence articles is identical.

More preferably, the number of first elasticating means of the first, second, third and fourth incontinence articles is identical.

More preferably, the number of first elasticating means is 3-15, preferably 5-12, more preferably 7-12, more preferably 8-11.

Preferably, within each incontinence article, the first elasticating means used in a first elastic region are identical in terms of their dtex titer strength and/or their chemical composition.

More preferably, the first elasticating means used in the first and second incontinence articles and/or the first elasticating means used in the third and fourth incontinence articles are each identical in terms of their dtex titer strength and/or their chemical composition. More preferably, the first elasticating means used in the first, second, third and fourth incontinence articles are identical in terms of their dtex titer strength and/or their chemical composition.

It may in particular be provided that, in the back portion of the first, second, third and fourth incontinence articles, adjacent to the first elastic region, in a region, facing the waist opening, of the back portion, in each case at least a second elastic region is provided, which exhibits elastic behavior in the transverse direction, in particular exhibits elastic behavior that is greater in the transverse direction than in the longitudinal direction, in particular exhibits elastic behavior only in the transverse direction.

An elastic behavior of a region may be described via parameters, such as a maximum stretch or a restoring force or permanent set.

Elastic stretchability is understood to be the extension in the stretching direction that the material allows without plastically deforming or splitting. An elastic material has the tendency, after the force application that causes longitudinal stretching ends, to return to its original length. A fully elastic material returns fully into the non-stretched state, while a less elastic material remains slightly stretched even when the stretching force stops.

Whether a region is to be classed as elastic can be determined via what is known as the permanent set, in particular using a method as described below.

To carry out the test of the elasticity of a region, use is made of a tensile testing machine of the type Shimadzu AG-Xplus, according to DIN EN ISO 7500-01:2004-11, with a lower fixed clamping jaw and an upper movable clamping jaw. Preferably, the test device has software that controls the test cycle and automatically records the force values.

On carrying out the test method, a material portion to be tested, ideally having a width of 25 mm and a length of 60 mm (the length corresponds to the tensile direction) is provided as test specimen. To this end, the test specimen is punched out of a corresponding elastic region of the incontinence article.

For the tensile direction, both a test specimen with a length in the transverse direction of the incontinence article and a test specimen with a length in the longitudinal direction of the incontinence article are provided.

The test specimen is clamped in place in each case in the clamps of a tensile testing machine with a clamping jaw spacing of 40 mm, a pretension of 0.05 N is applied and a cyclical movement (application and relief of load, test speed 500 mm/min), without pausing at the upper reversal point, between LO (length of the test portion with a pretension of 0.05 N) and a maximum stretch of 60%, is carried out. When the load is relieved, the final length L is likewise noted at 0.05 N.

The permanent set PS is calculated as follows: PS = ((L1-L0):L0)x100 [%].

A material/region is considered to be elastic in the respective direction when the permanent set is less than 25%.

If a 25 mm wide portion of the component to be tested is not available, a correspondingly narrower portion is used. If a 60 mm long portion of the elastic component is not available, a correspondingly shorter portion is used, wherein the clamping jaw spacing, and thus the effective length of the test portion, should be reduced optionally to as little as 15 mm. It should be ensured that the portion is firmly clamped in place in the clamping jaws.

It should be ensured that, to evaluate the elastic behavior in the transverse and longitudinal direction, test specimens of the same dimensions with a corresponding orientation of the length of the test specimen in the respective transverse and longitudinal directions of the incontinence article are used for the test.

An elastic behavior of the second and/or third elastic region which is greater in the transverse direction than in the longitudinal direction is understood as meaning that a difference in the extent measured between the relaxed state and the spread-out-flat, stretched state in the transverse direction is greater than a difference in the extent measured between the relaxed state and the spread-out-flat, stretched state in the longitudinal direction. For this qualitative comparison, test specimens having identical dimensions in the transverse direction and in the longitudinal direction are used.

The first and/or second and/or third elastic region of the incontinence article and/or a fourth and/or fifth and/or sixth elastic region comprises or consists preferably of a flat material made up of a combination of elastic materials and non-elastic materials, in particular a combination of an elastic film or an elastic nonwoven material or an elastic foam or elastic threads (elasticating means) (such as Lycra, spandex, or elastane threads) with a non-elastic and/or non-stretchable nonwoven material.

In particular, the second elastic region has, in the longitudinal direction of the first incontinence article, a longitudinal extent G1, of the second incontinence article, a longitudinal extent G2, of the third incontinence article, a longitudinal extent G3, and of the fourth incontinence article, a fourth longitudinal extent G4, wherein G1 < G2 < G3 < G4.

In the case where the second elastic region comprises second elasticating means, the longitudinal extent G of the second elastic region is measured in the longitudinal direction between an outermost and innermost elasticating means. In the case where the second elastic region comprises two-dimensional elastic materials, in particular an elastic film, the longitudinal extent of the second elastic region in the longitudinal direction is measured as the maximum distance between an outermost and an innermost transverse periphery of the two-dimensional elastic material.

In particular, the second elastic region is configured such that a ratio of G4/G1 is 2.2-3.0, a ratio of G3/G1 is 1.7-2.1, and a ratio of G2/G1 is 1.1-1.6.

Preferably, the longitudinal extent of the second elastic region and the maximum spacing A of the first elasticating means are configured such that, in the case of a ratio G/A as the quotient of the longitudinal extent G of the second elastic region and the maximum spacing A of the first elasticating means, and thus G1/A1 in the first incontinence article, G2/A2 in the second incontinence article, G3/A3 in the third incontinence article, and G4/A4 in the fourth incontinence article: G1/A1 < G2/A2 < G3/A3 < G4/A4.

Particularly preferably, the ratio G1/A1 is 0.32-0.42, in particular 0.34-0.39, the ratio G2/A2 is 0.43-0.56, in particular 0.45-0.54, the ratio G3/A3 is 0.57-0.68, in particular 0.61-0.65, and the ratio G4/A4 is 0.69-1.18, in particular 0.81-1.05.

In particular, in the back portion of the first, second, third and fourth incontinence articles, in a region, facing the waist opening, of the back portion, adjacent to the second elastic region, in each case a third elastic region is provided, which exhibits elastic behavior in the transverse direction, in particular exhibits elastic behavior that is greater in the transverse direction than in the longitudinal direction, in particular exhibits elastic behavior only in the transverse direction.

The third elastic region has, in the longitudinal direction, a longitudinal extent H, and thus that of the first incontinence article has a longitudinal extent H1, that of the second incontinence article has a longitudinal extent H2, that of the third incontinence article has a longitudinal extent H3, and that of the fourth incontinence article has a longitudinal extent H4, wherein preferably H1, H2, H3 and H4 match.

In the case where the third elastic region comprises third elasticating means, the longitudinal extent H of the second elastic region is measured in the longitudinal direction between an outermost and innermost elasticating means. In the case where the third elastic region comprises two-dimensional elastic materials, in particular an elastic film, the longitudinal extent of the third elastic region in the longitudinal direction is measured as the maximum distance between an outermost and an innermost transverse periphery of the two dimensional elastic material.

The second and/or third elastic region is preferably configured such that preferably second elasticating means are provided in the second elastic region and/or preferably third elasticating means are provided in the third elastic region, said elasticating means extending with a spacing from one another and parallel to one another in the transverse direction or in the waist-encircling direction, and/or such that preferably two-dimensionally elastic materials, in particular an elastic film and/or an elastic nonwoven, are provided in the second and/or in the third elastic region.

Moreover, the second elastic region and third elastic region differ from one another preferably at least by one feature from the group comprising the spacing of the second elasticating means or third elasticating means, the dtex titer of the second elasticating means or third elasticating means, the pretension of the second elasticating means or third elasticating means, the embodiment as the second elasticating means or third elasticating means or as an elastic film, the thickness of the elastic film, and/or the pretension of the elastic film.

Thread-like and/or strip-like second elasticating means and/or two-dimensional elastic materials can be provided in the second elastic region and/or thread-like and/or strip-like elasticating means and/or two-dimensional elastic materials can be provided in the third elastic region.

In a preferred embodiment, thread-like and/or strip-like second elasticating means are provided in the second elastic region and thread-like and/or strip-like third elasticating means are provided in the third elastic region.

Particularly preferably, thread-like and/or strip-like second elasticating means having a course that extends only in the transverse direction are provided in the second elastic region and/or thread-like and/or strip-like third elasticating means having a course that extends only in the transverse direction are provided in the third elastic region.

Particularly preferably, thread-like and/or strip-like second elasticating means having a course that extends only in the transverse direction are provided in the second elastic region and thread-like and/or strip-like third elasticating means having a course that extends only in the transverse direction are provided in the third elastic region.

More preferably, in each case fourth elasticating means can be provided in a crotch-side region, facing the leg openings, of the respective abdominal portions of the first, second, third and fourth incontinence articles, said fourth elasticating means extending from the two side seam regions in the direction of the longitudinal central axis of the incontinence article and in the process extending along a course of the region facing the leg openings.

In this case, the fourth elasticating means of the first and second incontinence articles of the first sub-arrangement and the fourth elasticating means of the third and fourth incontinence articles of the second sub-arrangement preferably match in each case, in particular at least by one feature from the group comprising the number of fourth elasticating means, the degree of fanning out of the fourth elasticating means, and the dtex titer of the fourth elasticating means.

In a preferred embodiment, the abdominal portion of the first, second, third and fourth incontinence articles may comprise, in addition to the fourth elasticating means as a fourth elastic region, in each case a fifth elastic region in a region, facing the waist opening, of the abdominal portion adjacent to the fourth elastic region.

Preferably, the fifth elastic region exhibits elastic behavior in the transverse direction, in particular elastic behavior that is greater in the transverse direction than in the longitudinal direction, in particular elastic behavior only in the transverse direction.

More particularly, the first, second, third and fourth incontinence articles may comprise a sixth elastic region adjacent to the fifth elastic region.

Preferably, the sixth elastic region exhibits elastic behavior in the transverse direction, in particular elastic behavior that is greater in the transverse direction than in the longitudinal direction, in particular elastic behavior only in the transverse direction.

Preferably, fifth elasticating means are provided in the fifth elastic region and/or sixth elasticating means are provided in the sixth elastic region, said elasticating means extending with a spacing from one another and parallel to one another in the transverse direction or waist direction. An embodiment of the fifth and/or sixth elastic region comprising two dimensional elastic materials, in particular an elastic film and/or an elastic nonwoven, is also conceivable.

Thread-like and/or strip-like fifth elasticating means and/or two-dimensional elastic materials can be provided in the fifth elastic region and/or thread-like and/or strip-like sixth elasticating means and/or two-dimensional elastic materials can be provided in the sixth elastic region.

In a preferred embodiment, thread-like and/or strip-like fifth elasticating means are provided in the fifth elastic region and thread-like and/or strip-like sixth elasticating means are provided in the sixth elastic region.

Particularly preferably, thread-like and/or strip-like fifth elasticating means having a course that extends only in the transverse direction are provided in the fifth elastic region and/or thread-like and/or strip-like sixth elasticating means having a course that extends only in the transverse direction are provided in the sixth elastic region.

Particularly preferably, thread-like and/or strip-like fifth elasticating means having a course that extends only in the transverse direction are provided in the fifth elastic region and thread-like and/or strip-like sixth elasticating means having a course that extends only in the transverse direction are provided in the sixth elastic region.

In particular, it is provided that the third elastic region of the back portion and the sixth elastic region of the abdominal portion match in the longitudinal extent of the third and sixth elastic regions. In particular, the third region comprises third elasticating means and the sixth region comprises sixth elasticating means, wherein the third and sixth elasticating means match in at least one of the features from the group comprising the spacing of the third and the sixth elasticating means, the dtex titer of the third and the sixth elasticating means, the pretension of the third and the sixth elasticating means, and/or the chemical composition of the third and the sixth elasticating means.

Since the arrangement having at least four incontinence articles of different sizes has two sub-arrangements each comprising two incontinence articles, namely a first sub arrangement having a first and a second incontinence article and a second sub-arrangement having a third and a fourth incontinence article, it is advantageously possible, with the two sub-arrangements, to subdivide incontinence articles in terms of a relatively large difference in at least one property, and in particular for further differences to be provided within each sub-arrangement, which allow fine adjustment and nuancing and thus optimization in terms of fit and wearing comfort.

More particularly preferably, the first and second sub-arrangement differ by at least one of the features taken from the group comprising the degree of fanning out of the first elasticating means, the maximum spacing C of first elasticating means that are directly adjacent in the longitudinal direction, the maximum spacing A in the longitudinal direction between an outermost first elasticating means and an innermost first elasticating means, and the maximum distance AY(i) of the innermost first elasticating means.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the arrangement, the arrangement comprises a first sub-arrangement with the first incontinence article and the second incontinence article and a second sub-arrangement with the third incontinence article and the fourth incontinence article, wherein, within the first sub-arrangement, the degrees of fanning out F1 and F2 of the first and second incontinence articles match and, within the second sub-arrangement, the degrees of fanning out F3 and F4 of the third and fourth incontinence articles match, and in this case the degrees of fanning out F1 and F2 are different than the degrees of fanning out F3 and F4. In addition, the respective ratios of the maximum distance AY(i) of the innermost first elasticating means to a maximum distance Xmax in the transverse direction of an expansion region, overlaid by the first elasticating means, of the first, second, third and fourth incontinence article, and thus denoted S1, S2, S3 and S4, are such that S1 > S2 > S3 > S4.

In such an arrangement, advantageously the incontinence articles are subject to a first rough differentiation by means of the degrees of fanning out, wherein a further fine differentiation within the respective sub-arrangements is effected by means of the course of the innermost first elasticating means, expressed as S, on account of the ranking order S1 > S2 and S3 > S4.

The first elasticating means can be deactivated in terms of their elastic properties in their course in an overlapping region with the absorbent body of the crotch portion. This deactivation can be realized for example by a number of separating cuts through the first elasticating means in the region of the overlap with the absorbent body, wherein other separating methods, for example using ultrasound or a laser, are also conceivable.

Further details, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the appended claims and from the illustration and following description of preferred embodiments of the arrangement according to the invention comprising incontinence articles.

In the drawing:

Figure 1 schematically shows an arrangement of incontinence articles according to the invention, in a plan view of the incontinence articles in a spread-out configuration;

Figure 2 schematically shows a plan view of a fourth incontinence article taken from the arrangement according to figure 1 in a spread-out configuration;

Figure 3 schematically shows a detail of the back portion of an incontinence article to illustrate the determination of the maximum spacing A and the minimum spacing B of the first elasticating means when calculating the degree of fanning out of the first elasticating means; and to determine the maximum distance AY and the maximum distance Xmax of a first elasticating means;

Figure 3a schematically shows a detail from figure 3 with a minimum spacing D between directly adjacent first elasticating means;

Figure 3b schematically shows a detail from figure 3 with a maximum spacing C between directly adjacent first elasticating means and

Figure 4 schematically shows a plan view of an incontinence article in a spread-out configuration with indicated dimensions.

Figure 1 schematically shows an arrangement 1 having four incontinence articles in the form of underpants, in the spread-out-flat configuration thereof, not connected at side seams.

The arrangement comprises a first 21, a second 22, a third 23 and a fourth incontinence article 24. The incontinence articles in the arrangement are related to one another with regard to their properties, features, functions, such that the arrangement 1 has a first sub arrangement 26 made up of the first and second incontinence articles and a second sub arrangement 27 made up of the third and fourth incontinence articles.

The first, second, third and fourth incontinence articles differ in terms of their sizes such that, in the ranking order from the first incontinence article 21 to the fourth incontinence article 24, the respective size of the respective incontinence article increases. Associated with the size is in particular the respective length L and the width B of the respective incontinence article, measured in a spread-out-flat configuration not connected at side seams.

For the first incontinence article 21 of a first size GR1 with a length Li and with a width B1, the second incontinence article 22 of a second size GR2 with a length L2 and with a width B2, the third incontinence article 23 of a third size GR3 with a length L3 and with a width B3, and the fourth incontinence article 24 of a fourth size GR4 with a length L4 and with a width B4, GR1 < GR2 < GR3 < GR4. The sizes can be further distinguished in particular by a difference in the length of the respective incontinence article, in this case in particular in the ranking order Li< L2 < L3 < L4, or by a difference in the width of the respective incontinence article, in this case in the ranking order B1 < B2 < B3 < B4. In a particularly preferred arrangement with a first, second, third and fourth incontinence article, the differences in the sizes are in the relationship GR1 < GR2 < GR3 < GR4, wherein at least B1 < B2 < B3 < B4, more preferably B1 < B2 < B3 < B4 and L1< L2 < L3 < L4.

The incontinence articles 21, 22, 23, 24 of the arrangement 1 all have a three-component construction, as shown by way of the example of the fourth incontinence article 24 in figure 2, specifically a front abdominal portion 4 and a rear back portion 5, which are spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction 2. A crotch portion 6 that has an absorbent body 7 and extends in the longitudinal direction 2 between the abdominal portion 4 and back portion 5 is irreversibly attached to the abdominal portion 4 and to the back portion 5 in respective front and rear overlapping regions 11, 12.

To form the underpants shape and thus to form an abdominal and back band that is continuous in the transverse direction 3 and in the waist-encircling direction and has a waist opening that is closed in the waist-encircling direction, the abdominal portion 4 and back portion 5 are connected together by the manufacturer at side seam regions 9 on both sides such that the crotch portion 6, the abdominal portion 4 and the back portion 5 together delimit the leg openings 13 of the incontinence article 24.

The back portion 5 has a crotch-side region 14, facing the leg openings, and a region 15 facing the waist opening. In the crotch-side region 14 facing the leg openings, in particular a first elastic region 16 having a number of first elasticating means 18 is provided, which extend from the two side seam regions 9 in the direction of a longitudinal central axis 19 of the incontinence article and, in a preferred embodiment, extend in the process with increasing spacing from one another, this being described by what is known as a degree of fanning out.

Preferably, the first incontinence article 21 has a degree of fanning out F1, the second incontinence article 22 has a degree of fanning out F2, the third incontinence article 23 has a degree of fanning out F3, and the fourth incontinence article has a degree of fanning out F4.

In this case, the respective degree of fanning out of the incontinence article is defined, according to the following formula:

F = (A-B)/B * 100%

as the ratio of the increase in spacing (A-B) to the minimum spacing (B) in percent.

The determination of the degree of fanning out of the first elasticating means 18 and of the maximum spacing A and the minimum spacing B of the first elasticating means 18 is explained in more detail with reference to figure 3. The detail illustrated in figure 3 in this regard is merely an example of a detail of an example of a back portion of an incontinence article with an example of a course of different elasticating means and serves merely for demonstration.

To determine the maximum spacing A and the minimum spacing B of the first elasticating means 18 in the first elastic region 16 in the back portion 5 of the incontinence article, an auxiliary line 60 extending in the longitudinal direction 2 of the incontinence article is defined in a spread-out-flat state, not connected at the side seams 9, of the incontinence article. The auxiliary line 60 is in this case arranged in a position P that corresponds, in the case of an extent Q in the transverse direction 3 between the longitudinal central axis 19 of the incontinence article and the longitudinal periphery 61 of the back portion 5, to two thirds (2/3) of the extent Q starting from the longitudinal central axis 19.

In the case of a course of the longitudinal periphery 61 of the back portion 5 other than an extent parallel to the longitudinal direction 2 of the incontinence article, the shortest extent between the longitudinal central axis 19 and the longitudinal periphery 61 of the back portion 5 in the transverse direction 3 is used as the extent Q.

Starting from the position P of this auxiliary line 60, the auxiliary line 60 is mentally shifted parallel to the longitudinal direction 2 transversely in the direction of the longitudinal central axis 19, as indicated by the arrow 63, until a maximum distance in the longitudinal direction 2 of the incontinence article is registered between the outermost first elasticating means 31 and the innermost first elasticating means 32, this being referred to as the maximum spacing A of the first elasticating means. The maximum spacing A can be provided in particular in a longitudinal peripheral region 65 of the crotch portion 6.

Analogously, the auxiliary line 60 is mentally shifted parallel to the longitudinal direction 2 in the direction of the longitudinal periphery 61 of the back portion 5 onto a side seam region 9, as indicated by the arrow 64, until a minimum distance in the longitudinal direction 2 of the incontinence article is registered between the outermost first elasticating means 31 and the innermost first elasticating means 32, this being referred to as the minimum spacing B of the first elasticating means. The minimum spacing B can be provided in particular in the side seam region 9.

The configuration of the respective first elastic region 16 of the first, second, third and fourth incontinence article 21, 22, 23, 24 with their degrees of fanning out F1, F2, F3 and F4 of the first elasticating means in the arrangement is in particular such that a ratio of any degree of fanning out of the degrees of fanning out F1, F2, F3, F4 to another degree of fanning out of the degrees of fanning out F1, F2, F3, F4 is preferably between 0.8 and 1.2.

The degrees of fanning out F1, F2, F3 and F4 are preferably between 100-800%. In a particularly preferred exemplary embodiment, the degrees of fanning out F1, F2, F3 and F4 are between 100-400%. In this way, the user can be provided with a sufficiently tight fit.

The degrees of fanning out F1, F2, F3 and F4 can preferably be configured such that the degrees of fanning out F1 and F2 match, and the degrees of fanning out F3 and F4 match, but F1 and F2 differ from F3 and F4 such that a first sub-arrangement 26 with first and second incontinence articles 21, 22 and a second sub-arrangement 27 with third and fourth incontinence articles 23, 24 is provided. Preferably, the degrees of fanning out of the incontinence articles of the first sub-arrangement are smaller than the degrees of fanning out of the incontinence articles of the second sub-arrangement.

Preferably, the first elasticating means extend with an increasing spacing from one another. Advantageously, a maximum spacing C in the longitudinal direction between directly adjacent first elasticating means is established in the course of said elasticating means, wherein, in a preferred configuration, the maximum spacing C between two directly adjacent first elasticating means matches for all the first elasticating means of the first elastic region, as schematically illustrated by way of example in figure 3b as an enlarged detail of the longitudinal peripheral region 65 of the crotch portion in figure 3. Correspondingly, in a preferred configuration, the minimum spacing D between two directly adjacent first elasticating means can match for all the first elasticating means of the first elastic region, as is schematically indicated in figure 3a as an enlarged detail in the side seam region 9 from figure 3.

Particularly advantageously, the first elastic region 16 of all the first, second, third and fourth incontinence articles 21, 22, 23, 24 belonging to the arrangement 1 is configured with an identical number of first elasticating means 18, in particular with 8-11 thereof.

In the configuration of the first elastic region with a number of first elasticating means, a preferred embodiment of the arrangement provides that, of these, the innermost first elasticating means 32 has, along its course from the side seam region 9 in the direction of the longitudinal central axis 19 of the incontinence article, a component in the longitudinal direction 2 and a component in the transverse direction 3. The component in the longitudinal direction 2 is referred to as a maximum distance AY.

In this case, preferably S1 > S2 > S3 > S4. Here, a respective value S is determined from the quotient AY(i)/Xmax, and thus the quotient of the maximum distance AY(i) of an innermost first elasticating means 32 and the maximum distance Xmax in the transverse direction 3 of an expansion region 62, overlaid by the first elasticating means 18, of the respective incontinence article, this being denoted S1 for the first incontinence article 21, S2 for the second incontinence article 22, S3 for the third incontinence article 23, and S4 for the fourth incontinence article 24.

Thus, advantageously, with increasing size of the incontinence articles, the course of the innermost first elasticating means 32, with regard to its component in the longitudinal direction 2, becomes relatively smaller with a simultaneous increase in its component in the transverse direction 3 within the expansion region 62 overlaid by the first elasticating means. Thus, advantageously, an advantageous fit and thus wearing comfort are provided for the sizes of the wearers. Especially for wearers who require a small incontinence article, a sufficient force action in the longitudinal direction can be achieved by a comparatively larger component in the longitudinal direction, i.e. a steeper course of the innermost first elasticating means, and so this region of the back portion comes to rest tightly on the body of a user.

The determination of AY(i)/Xmax is explained in more detail on the basis of figure 3:

A maximum distance AY of a respective first elasticating means is measured as the distance in the longitudinal direction 2 between a starting point in the side seam region, in particular on the second auxiliary line 67, which is assigned to the measurement of the minimum spacing B, and an end point, which is located where the respective first elasticating means has its greatest deflection in the longitudinal direction 2, in particular on the first auxiliary line 66, which is assigned to the measurement of the maximum spacing A. Correspondingly, the maximum distance AY of the innermost first elasticating means 32, i.e. AY(i), is measured.

Within a first elastic region of each incontinence article, i.e. of the first, second, third and fourth incontinence articles, the maximum distance Xmax in the transverse direction 3 is determined, on the basis of an expansion region 62 overlaid by the first elasticating means, as the distance in the transverse direction 3 between a first auxiliary line 66, extending in the longitudinal direction 2, which is arranged at the position of the determined maximum spacing A, and a second auxiliary line 67, extending in the longitudinal direction 2, which is arranged at the position of the determined minimum spacing B.

Particularly preferably, the respective ratios AY(i)/Xmax of the first, second, third and fourth incontinence articles, i.e. S1, S2, S3, S4, are such that each ratio taken from the ratios S1/S2, S1/S3 and S1/S4 is 1.1-2.2, more particularly 1.2-2.1.

The abdominal portion 4 and the back portion 5 are each designed to be elastically stretchable in each case in the transverse or waist-encircling direction 3.

The first, second, third and fourth incontinence articles in this case have, in particular in the back portion 5, adjacent to the first elastic region 16, in a region 15, facing the waist opening, of the back portion 5, in each case at least a second elastic region 40. This second elastic region 40 exhibits in particular elastic behavior in the transverse direction 3, in particular elastic behavior that is greater in the transverse direction 3 than in the longitudinal direction 2, in particular elastic behavior only in the transverse direction 3.

More preferably, adjacent to the second elastic region 40, in each case a third elastic region 42 can be provided, which exhibits elastic behavior in the transverse direction 3, in particular elastic behavior that is greater in the transverse direction 3 than in the longitudinal direction 2, in particular elastic behavior only in the transverse direction 3.

Within the arrangement, the configuration of the second elastic region 40 is advantageously distinguished by the fact that the longitudinal extent G of the second elastic region 40, and thus G1, G2, G3, G4 of this second elastic region 40 of the first, second, third and fourth incontinence articles, has the ranking order G1 < G2 < G3 < G4 of the first, second, third and fourth incontinence articles. Particularly advantageously, these longitudinal extents of the second elastic region within the arrangement have been adapted such that the ratio G4/G1 is 2.2-3.0, the ratio G3/G1 is 1.7-2.1 and the ratio G2/G1 is 1.1-1.6.

The respective longitudinal extents H of the third elastic region 42, and thus H1, H2, H3 and H4 of the respective third elastic regions 42 of the first, second, third and fourth incontinence articles 21,22, 23, 24, advantageously match.

In a preferred embodiment, second elasticating means 41 are provided for the second elastic region 40 and third elasticating means 43 are provided for the third elastic region 42, said elasticating means each extending in a manner spaced apart from one another and parallel to one another in the transverse direction or waist direction 3. The embodiment within the second and/or third elastic region comprising an elastic film and/or an elastic nonwoven is also conceivable.

The second and third elastic regions differ at least by one feature, preferably from the group comprising the spacing of the second elasticating means 41 or third elasticating means 43, the dtex titer of the second elasticating means 41 or third elasticating means 43, the pretension of the second elasticating means 41 or third elasticating means 43, the embodiment as a second elasticating means 41 or third elasticating means 43 or as an elastic film, the thickness of the film, and/or the pretension of the film.

The abdominal portion 4 can preferably likewise have three elastic regions. In particular in the crotch-side region 44 facing the leg openings, fourth elasticating means 48 can be provided in a fourth elastic region 46, said elasticating means extending from the two side seam regions 9 in the direction of the longitudinal central axis 19 of the incontinence article and thus along a course of the region 44 facing the leg openings. In the region 45 facing the waist opening, a fifth elastic region 50 can be provided adjacent to the fourth elastic region 46 and a sixth elastic region 52 can preferably be provided adjacent to said fifth elastic region 50. Preferably, the fifth elastic region 50 is provided with fifth elasticating means 51 and the sixth elastic region 52 is provided with sixth elasticating means 53, which extend with a spacing from one another and parallel to one another in the transverse direction or waist direction 3. The embodiment of the fifth and/or sixth elastic region comprising an elastic film and/or an elastic nonwoven is also conceivable.

The incontinence articles 21, 22, 23, 24 of the arrangement are preferably adult incontinence articles, preferably with a length of the incontinence articles of 500-1100 mm and a width of the incontinence articles of 500-950 mm. The fourth incontinence article illustrated by way of example in figure 2 has preferably a length L4 of 875-975 mm, more preferably 885-965 mm, more preferably 895-955 mm and preferably a width B4 of 850-950 mm, more preferably 860-940 mm, more preferably 870-930 mm.

Figure 4 now shows, by way of example, on an incontinence article in the spread-out-flat state with a longitudinal central axis 19 in the longitudinal direction 2 and with a transverse central axis 20 in the transverse direction 3, the following dimensions:

- length L of the entire incontinence article as the maximum extent in the longitudinal direction 2 - width B of the entire incontinence article as the maximum extent in the transverse direction 3 - length K of the crotch portion 6 as the maximum extent in the longitudinal direction 2 - width W of the crotch portion 6 as the maximum extent in the transverse direction 3 - length SK of the absorbent body 7 as the maximum extent in the longitudinal direction 2 - width SW of the absorbent body 7 as the maximum extent in the transverse direction 3

- extent M of a portion 70, forming a leg-opening cutout, of the back portion 5, measured in the longitudinal direction 2 from an end 71, facing the crotch, of the longitudinal periphery 61 of the back portion - extent N of a portion 72, forming a leg-opening cutout, of the abdominal portion 4, measured in the longitudinal direction 2 from an end 73, facing the crotch, of the longitudinal periphery 62 of the abdominal portion - distance KX as the extent of the crotch portion 6 in the longitudinal direction 2 over the back portion 5 - distance KY as the extent of the crotch portion 6 in the longitudinal direction 2 over the abdominal portion 4 - distance SX as the extent of the absorbent body 7 in the longitudinal direction 2 over the back portion 5 - distance SY as the extent of the absorbent body 7 in the longitudinal direction 2 over the abdominal portion 4 - spacing P in the longitudinal direction 2 between the transverse end 28, facing the crotch, of the back portion 5 and the transverse end 29, facing the crotch, of the abdominal portion 4 - spacing RP in the longitudinal direction 2 between the transverse central axis 20 of the incontinence article and the transverse end 28, facing the crotch, of the back portion 5 - spacing BP in the longitudinal direction 2 between the transverse central axis 20 of the incontinence article and the transverse end 29, facing the crotch, of the abdominal portion 4 - length 0 of the side seam region 9 in the longitudinal direction 2 - length U of the longitudinal periphery 61 of the back portion 5 in the longitudinal direction 2 - length T of the longitudinal periphery 62 of the abdominal portion 4 in the longitudinal direction 2

In the arrangement 1 with a first sub-arrangement 26 having the first incontinence article 21 and the second incontinence article 22 and with a second sub-arrangement 27 having the third incontinence article 23 and the fourth incontinence article 24, the dimensions of components of the modular construction of the incontinence article are advantageously coordinated with one another.

The crotch portion 6 having a length K, which is thus the length K1 of the first incontinence article, the length K2 of the second incontinence article, the length K3 of the third incontinence article and the length K4 of the fourth incontinence article, and having a maximum width W, which is thus the width W1 of the first incontinence article, the width W2 of the second incontinence article, the width W3 of the third incontinence article and the width W4 of the fourth incontinence article, is configured within the arrangement 1 or the sub arrangements 26, 27 such that the length K1 matches the length K2 and the length K3 matches the length K4, wherein K1 and K2 are different than K3 and K4, and such that the width W1 matches the width W2 and the width W3 matches the width W4. More preferably, the crotch portions have matching widths W1, W2, W3 and W4.

The minimum spacing P in the longitudinal direction 2 between a transverse end 28, facing the crotch, of the back portion 5 and a transverse end 29, facing the crotch, of the abdominal portion 4, wherein the spacing P of the first incontinence article is the spacing P1, of the second incontinence article is the spacing P2, of the third incontinence article is the spacing P3, and of the fourth incontinence article is the spacing P4, is configured within the arrangement 1 or the first and second sub-arrangements 26, 27 such that the spacing P1 matches the spacing P2, and the spacing P3 matches the spacing P4, wherein P1 and P2 are different than P3 and P4 than one another.

In a preferred embodiment, the lengths K1, K2, K3 and K4 of the respective crotch portions within the arrangement are provided such that a respective ratio determined as the quotient K1/K3, K2/K3, K1/K4 and K2/K4 is less than 1.0, in particular 0.70-0.95, more particularly 0.75-0.95, more particularly 0.80-0.90.

The minimum spacings P1, P2, P3 and P4 between the transverse ends, facing the crotch, of the respective back portions and abdominal portions of the respective incontinence articles are in particular advantageously coordinated such that the ratios to one another determined as the quotient P1/P3, P2/P3, P1/P4, P2/P4 are less than 1.0, in particular greater than 0.75, more particularly greater than 0.80, more particularly greater than 0.85.

In the construction of the incontinence article there is in particular advantageously a differentiation of the first and second incontinence articles from the third and fourth incontinence articles in terms of the length K of the crotch portion and the minimum spacing

P between the abdominal portion 4 and back portion 5. Each of the quotients K1/P1, K2/P2, K3/P3 and K4/P4 is preferably 1.6-2.6, in particular 1.7-2.4, more particularly 1.9-2.3.

Advantageously, a ratio of the quotient K1/P1 of the first incontinence article and the quotient K2/P2 of the second incontinence article of the first sub-arrangement to the quotient K3/P3 of the third incontinence article and the quotient K4/P4 of the fourth incontinence article of the second sub-arrangement is less than 1.0, in particular greater than 0.75, more particularly greater than 0.80, more particularly greater than 0.85.

The quotient K1/P1 of the first incontinence article and the quotient K2/P2 of the second incontinence article of the first sub-arrangement is preferably 1.6-2.5, preferably 1.8-2.3, more preferably 1.9-2.2, and the quotient K3/P3 of the third incontinence article and the quotient K4/P4 of the fourth incontinence article of the second sub-arrangement is preferably 1.7-2.6, preferably 1.9-2.4, more preferably 2.0-2.3.

With this calculation of the relationship of the length K of the crotch portion to the minimum spacing P between the abdominal portion and back portion, advantageously a sufficient proportion of the crotch portion is provided for fixing to the abdominal and back portion for sufficient stability with respect to mechanical stresses in the crotch of the wearer when wearing the incontinence article.

For good coverage in the rear lower buttocks region combined with comfort when the article is being worn, the spacing RP in the longitudinal direction between a transverse central axis 20 of the incontinence article and the transverse end 28, facing the crotch, of the back portion 5 and the spacing BP in the longitudinal direction between the transverse central axis 20 of the incontinence article and the transverse end 29, facing the crotch, of the abdominal portion 4 are calculated for the respective incontinence articles in particular such that RP1/BP1 of the first incontinence article, RP2/BP2 of the second incontinence article, RP3/BP3 of the third incontinence article, and RP4/BP4 of the fourth incontinence article are each greater than 0.40, in particular greater than 0.42, more particularly greater than 0.43, in particular at most 0.65, more particularly at most 0.60.

In this way, sufficient rear coverage of the lower buttocks region of the wearer by means of the back portion is provided, without, however, the transition region between the crotch portion and back portion being positioned too close to the transverse central axis, with the result that, when the article is being worn, the shear and tensile forces brought about within the crotch of the wearer by the movement of the wearer can be reduced to the transition region.

In the modular construction of the incontinence article, the crotch portion is attached to the back portion and to the abdominal portion, and the crotch portion extends over the back portion in the longitudinal direction over a distance KX and the crotch portion extends in the longitudinal direction over the abdominal portion over a distance KY. Advantageously, the distance KX1 of the first incontinence article matches the distance KX2 of the second incontinence article, and likewise the distance KX3 of the third incontinence article matches the distance KX4 of the incontinence article, whereas KX1 and KX2 are different than KX3 and KX4. Preferably, the overlap of the crotch portion over the back portion in the longitudinal direction KX is greater than the overlap thereof over the abdominal portion in the longitudinal direction KY.

It has been found to be advantageous when a ratio of the quotient KX1/KY1 of the first incontinence article and the quotient KX2/KY2 of the second incontinence article of the first sub-arrangement to the quotient KX3/KY3 of the third incontinence article and the quotient KX4/KY4 of the fourth incontinence article of the second sub-arrangement is greater than 1.0, in particular less than 1.3, more particularly less than 1.2.

Preferably, a quotient KX1/KY1 of the first incontinence article and a quotient KX2/KY2 of the second incontinence article of the first sub-arrangement is in each case 1.9-2.3, preferably 2.0-2.2, and/or a quotient KX3/KY3 of the third incontinence article and a quotient KX4/KY4 of the fourth incontinence article of the second sub-arrangement is in each case 1.7-2.1, preferably 1.8-2.0.

It is advantageous when, within the arrangement of the first, second, third and fourth incontinence articles, the absorbent body of the crotch portion is coordinated in terms of the positioning of its length SK in relation to the minimum spacing P in the longitudinal direction between the abdominal portion and back portion, expressed as P/SK, in particular such that a quotient P1/SK1 of the first incontinence article and a quotient P2/SK2 of the second incontinence article of the first sub-assembly is in each case 0.45-0.70, in particular 0.50 0.65, more particularly 0.50-0.60 and/or a quotient P3/SK3 of the third incontinence article and a quotient P4/SK4 of the fourth incontinence article of the second sub-arrangement is in each case 0.40-0.65, in particular 0.45-0.60, more particularly 0.45-0.55. In this way, a sufficient proportion of the absorbent body can overlap the abdominal and back portion in order to allow sufficient fixing and stability with respect to mechanical stressing of the product during use.

Within the incontinence articles of the arrangement, the absorbent body of the first, second, third and fourth incontinence articles in the longitudinal direction is arranged overlapping the respective back portion SX and the respective abdominal portion SY, expressed as the quotient SX/SK, preferably such that a quotient SX1/SY1 of the first incontinence article and a quotient SX2/SY2 of the second incontinence article of the first sub-arrangement is in each case 2.3-3.5, preferably 2.5-3.3 and/or a quotient SX3/SY3 of the third incontinence article and a quotient SX4/SY4 of the fourth incontinence article of the second sub-arrangement is in each case 1.8-2.8, preferably 2.0-2.6. In this way, advantageous positioning of the absorbent body in the abdominal and back region of the user can be provided.

The arrangement is distinguished by a correlation or the relationship of the articles with one another. This is effected in particular by providing packaging respectively having the first, the second, the third and the fourth incontinence article in the spatial or content-related vicinity of one another, making it apparent that they belong to an arrangement or to a sub arrangement. The incontinence articles forming the arrangement or sub-arrangement come preferably from one and the same manufacturer. The arrangement is preferably formed with a first pack comprising a large number of first incontinence articles, with a second pack comprising a large number of second incontinence articles, with a third pack comprising a large number of third incontinence articles, and with a fourth pack comprising a large number of fourth incontinence articles.

Claims

Patent claims

1. An arrangement (1) with absorbent incontinence articles (21, 22, 23, 24) in the form of underpants for absorbing bodily excretions, comprising

- a first incontinence article (21) of a first size GR1 with a length Li and with a width B1,

- a second incontinence article (22) of a second size GR2 with a length L2 and with a width B2,

- a third incontinence article (23) of a third size GR3 with a length L3 and with a width B3, and

- a fourth incontinence article (24) of a fourth size GR4 with a length L4 and with a width B4,

- wherein GR1 < GR2 < GR3 < GR4,

- and wherein the first, the second, the third and the fourth incontinence article (21,22,23,24)

each have a front abdominal portion (4) and each have a rear back portion (5), which are spaced apart from one another in a longitudinal direction (2) and which, in order to form an abdominal and back band that is continuous in the transverse or waist-encircling direction (3) and has a waist opening closed in the waist-encircling direction, are connected together by the manufacturer at side seam regions (9) on both sides, and

each have a crotch portion (6) that has an absorbent body (7), extends in the longitudinal direction (2) between the abdominal portion (4) and back portion (5) and is irreversibly attached to the abdominal portion (4) and to the back portion (5) in respective front and rear overlapping regions (11, 12),

- in which case each of the crotch portion (6), the abdominal portion (4) and the back portion (5) together delimit respective leg openings (13) of the first, second, third and fourth incontinence articles (21, 22, 23, 24), and

- wherein the abdominal portion (4) and the back portion (5) are each formed so as to be elastically stretchable in the transverse or waist-encircling direction (3), and

- wherein the crotch portion (6) has a length K, wherein the length of the crotch portion (6) of the first incontinence article (21) is the length K1, of the second incontinence article (22) is the length K2, of the third incontinence article (23) is the length K3, and of the fourth incontinence article (24) is the length K4,

- and wherein the crotch portion (6) has a maximum width W, wherein the maximum width of the crotch portion (6) of the first incontinence article (21) is the width W1, of the second incontinence article (22) is the width W2, of the third incontinence article (23) is the width W3, and of the fourth incontinence article (24) is the width W4,

- and wherein the back portion (5) and the abdominal portion (4) are spaced apart from one another with a minimum spacing P in the longitudinal direction (2), wherein the spacing P of the first incontinence article (21) is the spacing P1, of the second incontinence article (22) is the spacing P2, of the third incontinence article (23) is the spacing P3, and of the fourth incontinence article (24) is the spacing P4,

characterized in that

- the arrangement (1) comprises a first sub-arrangement (26) with the first incontinence article (21) and the second incontinence article (22) and a second sub-arrangement (27) with the third incontinence article (23) and the fourth incontinence article (24), and

- wherein the length K1 matches the length K2 and the length K3 matches the length K4, and wherein K1 and K2 are different than K3 and K4,

- wherein the width W1 matches the width W2 and the width W3 matches the width W4,

- and wherein the spacing P1 matches the spacing P2 and the spacing P3 matches the spacing P4, and wherein P1 and P2 are different than P3 and P4.

2. The arrangement as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the widths W1, W2, W3 and W4 match.

3. The arrangement as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the back portion (5) with longitudinal peripheries (61) has, starting from an end (71), facing the crotch, of the longitudinal periphery (61), a portion (70) forming a leg-opening cutout with an extent M in the longitudinal direction (2), wherein the extent M of the first incontinence article (21) is the extent M1, of the second incontinence article (22) is the extent M2, of the third incontinence article (23) is the extent M3, and of the fourth incontinence article (24) is the extent M4, wherein the extent M1 matches the extent M2 and the extent M3 matches the extent M4, and wherein M1 and M2 are different than M3 and M4.

4. The arrangement as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the abdominal portion (4) with longitudinal peripheries (62) has, starting from an end (73), facing the crotch, of the longitudinal periphery (62), a portion (72) forming a leg opening cutout with an extent N in the longitudinal direction (2), wherein the extent N of the first incontinence article (21) is the extent N1, of the second incontinence article (22) is the extent N2, of the third incontinence article (23) is the extent N3, and of the fourth incontinence article (24) is the extent N4, wherein the extent N1 matches the extent N2 and the extent N3 matches the extent N4, and wherein N1 and N2 are different than N3 and N4.

5. The arrangement as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a ratio of K1 of the first incontinence article (21) and K2 of the second incontinence article (22) of the first sub-arrangement to K3 of the third incontinence article (23) and K4 of the fourth incontinence article (24) of the second sub-arrangement is less than 1.0, in particular 0.70-0.95, more particularly 0.75-0.95, more particularly 0.80-0.90.

6. The arrangement as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a ratio of P1 of the first incontinence article (21) and P2 of the second incontinence article (22) of the first sub-arrangement to P3 of the third incontinence article (23) and P4 of the fourth incontinence article (24) of the second sub-arrangement is less than

1.0, in particular greater than 0.75, more particularly greater than 0.80, more particularly greater than 0.85.

7. The arrangement as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a ratio of the quotient K1/P1 of the first incontinence article (21) and the quotient K2/P2 of the second incontinence article (22) of the first sub-arrangement to the quotient K3/P3 of the third incontinence article (23) and the quotient K4/P4 of the fourth incontinence article (24) of the second sub-arrangement is less than 1.0, in particular greater than 0.75, in particular greater than 0.80, more particularly greater than 0.85.

8. The arrangement as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that any of the quotients K1/P1, K2/P2, K3/P3 and K4/P4 is 1.6-2.6, in particular 1.7-2.4, more particularly 1.9-2.3, wherein preferably the quotient K1/P1 of the first incontinence article (21) and the quotient K2/P2 of the second incontinence article (22) of the first sub-arrangement (26) is in each case 1.6-2.5, preferably 1.8-2.3, more preferably 1.9 2.2, and/or the quotient K3/P3 of the third incontinence article (23) and the quotient K4/P4 of the fourth incontinence article (24) of the second sub-arrangement is in each case 1.7-2.6, preferably 1.9-2.4, more preferably 2.0-2.3.

9. The arrangement as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that

- the crotch portion (6) extends over the back portion (5) in the longitudinal direction (2) over a distance KX, wherein the distance KX of the first incontinence article (21) is the distance KX1, of the second incontinence article (22) is the distance KX2, of the third incontinence article (23) is the distance KX3, and of the fourth incontinence article (24) is the distance KX4, and

- the crotch portion (6) extends over the abdominal portion (4) in the longitudinal direction (2) over a distance KY, wherein the distance KY of the first incontinence article (21) is the distance KY1, of the second incontinence article (22) is the distance KY2, of the third incontinence article (23) is the distance KY3, and of the fourth incontinence article (24) is the distance KY4, and

- wherein the distance KX1 matches the distance KX2 and the distance KX3 matches the distance KX4 and wherein KX1 and KX2 are different than KX3 and KX4.

10. The arrangement as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that a ratio of the quotient KX1/KY1 of the first incontinence article (21) and the quotient KX2/KY2 of the second incontinence article (22) of the first sub-arrangement (26) to the quotient KX3/KY3 of the third incontinence article (23) and the quotient KX4/KY4 of the fourth incontinence article (24) of the second sub-arrangement (27) is in each case greater than 1.0, in particular less than 1.3, more particularly less than 1.2.

11. The arrangement as claimed in one of claims 9-10, characterized in that a quotient KX1/KY1 of the first incontinence article (21) and a quotient KX2/KY2 of the second incontinence article (22) of the first sub-arrangement (26) is in each case 1.9-2.3, preferably 2.0-2.2 and/or a quotient KX3/KY3 of the third incontinence article (23) and a quotient KX4/KY4 of the fourth incontinence article (24) of the second sub arrangement (27) is in each case 1.7-2.1, preferably 1.8-2.0.

12. The arrangement as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that there is a spacing RP between a transverse central axis (20) of the incontinence article and the transverse end (28), facing the crotch, of the back portion (5) in the longitudinal direction (2), wherein the spacing RP of the first incontinence article (21) is the spacing RP1, of the second incontinence article (22) is the spacing RP2, of the third incontinence article (23) is the spacing RP3, and of the fourth incontinence article (24) is the spacing RP4, and there is a spacing BP between a transverse central axis (20) of the incontinence article and the transverse end (29), facing the crotch, of the abdominal portion (4) in the longitudinal direction (2), wherein the spacing BP of the first incontinence article (21) is the spacing BP1, of the second incontinence article (22) is the spacing BP2, of the third incontinence article (23) is the spacing BP3, and of the fourth incontinence article (24) is the spacing BP4, and wherein the spacing RP1 matches the spacing RP2 and the spacing RP3 matches the spacing RP4, and wherein RP1 and RP2 are different than RP3 and RP4.

13. The arrangement as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that any quotient of the quotients RP1/BP1, RP2/BP2, RP3/BP3, RP4/BP4 is greater than 0.40, in particular greater than 0.42, more preferably greater than 0.43, in particular at most 0.65, more particularly at most 0.60.

14. The arrangement as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the side seam region (9) has a length 0, wherein the length of the side seam region of the first incontinence article (21) is the length 01, of the second incontinence article (22) is the length 02, of the third incontinence article (23) is the length 03, and of the fourth incontinence article (24) is the length 04, wherein 01 < 02 < 03 < 04 and wherein a quotient 02/01, a quotient 03/02 and a quotient 04/03 are at most 1.35, in particular at most 1.30, more particularly at most 1.25, and in particular is at least 1.10.

15. The arrangement as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the absorbent body (7) has a length SK, wherein the length of the absorbent body (7) of the first incontinence article (21) is the length SK1, of the second incontinence article (22) is the length SK2, of the third incontinence article (23) is the length SK3, and of the fourth incontinence article (24) is the length SK4, and wherein the length SK1 matches the length SK2 and the length SK3 matches the length SK4, and wherein SK1 and SK2 are different than SK3 and SK4.

16. The arrangement as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the absorbent body (7) has a maximum width SW, and the width of the absorbent body (7) of the first incontinence article (21) is the width SW1, of the second incontinence article (22) is the width SW2, of the third incontinence article (23) is the width SW3, and of the fourth incontinence article (24) is the width SW4, and wherein the width SW1 matches the width SW2 and the width SW3 matches the width SW4, and more particularly the widths SW1, SW2, SW3 and SW4 match.

17. The arrangement as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the absorbent body (7) extends over the back portion (5) in the longitudinal direction (2) over a distance SX, wherein the distance SX of the first incontinence article (21) is the distance SX1, of the second incontinence article (22) is the distance SX2, of the third incontinence article (23) is the distance SX3, and of the fourth incontinence article (24) is the distance SX4, and in that the absorbent body (7) extends over the abdominal portion (4) in the longitudinal direction (2) over a distance SY, wherein the distance SY of the first incontinence article (21) is the distance SY1, of the second incontinence article (22) is the distance SY2, of the third incontinence article (23) is the distance SY3, and of the fourth incontinence article (24) is the distance SY4, and wherein the distance SX1 matches the distance SX2 and the distance SX3 matches the distance SX4 and wherein SX1 and SX2 are different than SX3 and SX4.

18. The arrangement as claimed in claim 17, characterized in that a ratio of the quotient SX1/SY1 of the first incontinence article (21) and the quotient SX2/SY2 of the second incontinence article (22) of the first sub-arrangement (26) to the quotient SX3/SY3 of the third incontinence article (23) and the quotient SX4/SY4 of the fourth incontinence article (24) of the second sub-arrangement (27) is 1.1-1.5, preferably 1.1-1.4.

19. The arrangement as claimed in one of claims 17-18, characterized in that a quotient SX1/SY1 of the first incontinence article (21) and a quotient SX2/SY2 of the second incontinence article (22) of the first sub-arrangement (26) is in each case 2.3-3.5, preferably 2.5-3.3 and/or a quotient SX3/SY3 of the third incontinence article (23) and a quotient SX4/SY4 of the fourth incontinence article (24) of the second sub arrangement (27) is in each case 1.8-2.8, preferably 2.0-2.6.

20. The arrangement as claimed in one of claims 15-19, characterized in that a quotient P1/SK1 of the first incontinence article (21) and a quotient P2/SK2 of the second incontinence article (22) of the first sub-arrangement (26) is in each case 0.45-0.70, in particular 0.50-0.65, more particularly 0.50-0.60 and/or a quotient P3/SK3 of the third incontinence article (21) and a quotient P4/SK4 of the fourth incontinence article (22) of the second sub-arrangement (27) is in each case 0.40-0.65, in particular 0.45-0.60, more particularly 0.45-0.55.

21. The arrangement as claimed in one of the preceding claims, with a first pack comprising a large number of first incontinence articles (21), with a second pack comprising a large number of second incontinence articles (22), with a third pack comprising a large number of third incontinence articles (23), and with a fourth pack comprising a large number of fourth incontinence articles (24).