AU2021213918A1

AU2021213918A1 - Disposable incontinence nappy having asymmetric folding of the rear side sections

Info

Publication number: AU2021213918A1
Application number: AU2021213918A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Noel Jaeger; Jochen Möhlmann; Francois Marie Oziau; Joel Thirion
Original assignee: Paul Hartmann AG
Current assignee: Paul Hartmann AG
Priority date: 2020-01-31
Filing date: 2021-01-28
Publication date: 2022-08-11
Also published as: PL3858310T3; WO2021152026A1; ES2933283T3; EP3858310A1; EP3858310B1; ZA202208049B

Abstract

The invention relates to a disposable incontinence nappy having a main part, wherein: the main part has a first rear side section and a second rear side section; the first rear side section is folded onto itself at a number N1 of first side section fold axes extending in the longitudinal direction to form a first fold arrangement of the first rear side section; the second rear side section is folded onto itself at a number N2 of second side section fold axes extending in the longitudinal direction to form a first fold arrangement of the second rear side section; the first fold arrangement of the first rear side section is, at a number N3 of first product fold axes extending in the longitudinal direction, folded inwards onto an upper side of the main part facing the body to form a second fold arrangement; the first fold arrangement of the second rear side section is, at a number N4 of second product fold axes extending in the longitudinal direction, folded inwards onto the upper side of the main part facing the body to form a third fold arrangement, wherein N3<N4.

Description

Title: Disposable incontinence nappy having asymmetric folding of the rear side sections

Description

The present invention relates to folded disposable incontinence nappies having side sections for absorbing bodily excretions, for preferential use by adults.

Disposable incontinence nappies of this type are known and often have a main part (chassis) consisting of a front region, a back region and a crotch region, which is located between the legs of a user in the longitudinal direction of the nappy and comes to lie between them in use, wherein the main part usually already comprises an absorbent body which absorbs liquids, and having rear side sections, referred to as nappy flaps, which are joined on both sides to rear lateral longitudinal edges of the back region, are separate from one another and are preferably provided with closure means, extend in the transverse direction of the nappy beyond the rear lateral longitudinal edges of the main part and connect the front region and the back region to one another in the applied state of the nappy. In contrast to the "pant-type", this open type of nappy is usually applied to the body in such a way that the rear side sections of the nappy are brought into overlap with an outer side of the front region of the nappy to different extents, depending on the anatomical conditions, and are detachably attached there, in particular by means of adhesive or mechanical closure means. A nappy of this kind is known from W2017/140604A1, for example.

Disposable incontinence nappies are usually folded several times during the production process in order to achieve a compact arrangement, thereby facilitating the packaging and transportation of the disposable incontinence nappies. Particularly in the case of typical production in high-speed machines, projecting components, such as laterally projecting side sections, can easily be damaged in this case. This often leads to the products appearing unsightly when unpacked by the user. Moreover, the functioning of closure means attached to the side sections can be impaired by creases. W02005/110321A1, for example, discloses an absorbent article which is folded in such a way that a part of a respective nappy flap comes to rest projecting outwards and can be grasped easily. Projecting parts of the nappy flap could, however, be creased during subsequent production steps and during the packaging of the articles, which can have a disadvantageous effect, in particular, on the functioning of closure means fitted in this region. There is therefore a need for disposable incontinence nappies which can be provided in a reliable process and are easier to handle when unfolding and applying the nappy.

The underlying object of the present invention is that of providing improved disposable incontinence nappies whose side sections have less damage caused by production, which are more attractive when removed from the packaging and whose functionality is unimpaired. Furthermore, the underlying object of the invention is that of providing improved disposable incontinence nappies whose side sections are easier to grasp during unfolding and easier to handle.

These objects are achieved by a disposable incontinence nappy having a longitudinal direction, a transverse direction, a longitudinal central axis LM, and a main part, comprising an absorbent body, wherein the main part has a front region having a first and a second front lateral longitudinal edge arranged opposite in the transverse direction, and a back region having a first and a second rear lateral longitudinal edge arranged opposite in the transverse direction, and wherein the main part has a crotch region arranged between the front region and the back region, and wherein the main part has a first rear side section and a second rear side section, wherein the first rear side section is joined to the first rear lateral longitudinal edge, and wherein the second rear side section is joined to the second rear lateral longitudinal edge, wherein the first and the second rear side section each have a region which is elastic in the transverse direction, wherein the first and the second rear side section each have at least one closure means, thus making it possible, for the sake of applying the disposable incontinence nappy to a user and closing said nappy, to wrap the first and the second rear side section respectively around the body of the user along a hip circumferential direction and bring them into overlapping arrangement with an outer side of the front region, to which they can each be releasably stuck by means of the respective closure means, a) wherein the first rear side section is folded onto itself at a number N1 of first side section folding axes extending in the longitudinal direction to form a first fold arrangement of the first rear side section, b) wherein the second rear side section is folded onto itself at a number N2 of second side section folding axes extending in the longitudinal direction to form a first fold arrangement of the second rear side section, c) wherein the first fold arrangement of the first rear side section is folded inward onto a body-facing upper side of the main part at a number N3 of first product folding axes extending in the longitudinal direction to form a second fold arrangement, d) wherein the first fold arrangement of the second rear side section is folded inward onto the body-facing upper side of the main part at a number N4 of second product folding axes extending in the longitudinal direction to form a third fold arrangement, e) wherein N3<N4.

The folding at predefined first and second side section folding axes makes it possible in an advantageous manner to reduce the risk of damage by creases in the respective at least one closure means of the respective first and second rear side sections during the formation of the respective first fold arrangement. The inward folding onto the body-facing upper side of the main part further improves arrangement of the first and second rear side sections and, in particular, of the respective closure means in a manner which is protected from damage. Moreover, the fact that there are at least two or more layers in the first fold arrangement of the first and second rear side sections increases the stability of the respective first fold arrangement, and this has a positive effect on process reliability during the formation of the second and third fold arrangements.

In the context of the present invention, the first or second side section folding axes should be understood as those folding axes which extend in the longitudinal direction of the disposable incontinence nappy within the respective first or second rear side section, and in which case, during the folding along these folding axes, a respective first fold arrangement is formed in which a respective first or second rear side section is only folded upon itself and is not brought into overlap with the main part. In the first fold arrangement, the first and/or second rear side section of the disposable incontinence nappies are/is preferably fixed provisionally and/or releasably in this configuration. Folding at the first or second side section folding axes preferably takes place before the respective first or second rear side section is joined to the respective first or second rear lateral longitudinal edge of the back region. Alternatively, the folding can take place at the first or second side section folding axes after the respective first or second rear side section has been joined to the respective first or second rear lateral longitudinal edge of the back region.

The first and the second rear side section of the disposable incontinence nappy are joined to the respective first or second rear lateral longitudinal edge of the back part in such a way that the first and second rear side sections are spaced apart from one another in the transverse direction, and that, in an unfolded and spread-flat state of the disposable incontinence nappy, the first rear side section extends beyond the first rear lateral longitudinal edge of the back region and the second rear side section extends beyond the second rear lateral longitudinal edge of the back region. The first and second rear side sections are preferably each joined to the main part in an overlapping manner, wherein the first and the second rear side section are each connected to the main part within a respective joining region, preferably by means of ultrasonic welding, but any other joining method which is known per se to a person skilled in the art and is suitable for this purpose, in particular heat welding, sewing, sealing or gluing, is likewise possible.

The first and/or the second side section folding axes and/or the first and/or the second product folding axes each preferably extend along the longitudinal direction of the disposable incontinence nappy, in particular parallel to the longitudinal central axis LM.

A different number N3 and N4 of first and second product folding axes advantageously results in a non-symmetrical configuration and thus in different possibilities for opening the second and third fold arrangements. Owing to the higher number N4 of second product folding axes, the third fold arrangement of the second rear side section has a larger number of layers in a thickness direction, and, as a result, in particular, is more stable than the second fold arrangement, thereby enabling the user to grasp and/or hold the third fold arrangement more easily when unfolding the nappy. A further advantage here is that the third fold arrangement has a tangible difference from the third fold arrangement and thus offers an orientation aid when the nappy is being put on, especially in conditions of restricted visibility, such as at night, in the dark or when used by users whose vision is restricted. The second fold arrangement, in contrast, has the advantage of being simpler to unfold in comparison with the third fold arrangement owing to the smaller number N3 of first product folding axes in comparison with the number N4 of second product folding axes of the third fold arrangement.

Preferably, N31, N454, in particular N3=1 and N42, wherein, in particular, N4=2.

The relatively small number N3 and N4 of first and second product folding axes further improves ease of handling during unfolding by the user. Moreover, especially at N3=1, this means that only a minimum number of manipulation steps, so-called transformations, of the respective first or second rear side section are required, and therefore a risk of damage during the formation of the second or third fold arrangement is reduced.

In the context of the present invention, the understanding is assumed that the designation of the rear side sections as a first or second side section is being used to distinguish the two rear side sections from one another, and that no determination is associated therewith as to whether a respective first or second rear side section in the disposable incontinence nappy is arranged on the left-hand side or on the right-hand side of the longitudinal central axis LM, that is to say whether a respective first or second rear side section can be wrapped around a left-hand or right-hand body side of a user when being used. It is conceivable, by means of a predetermined left-side or right-side arrangement of the first rear side section and thus of the second fold arrangement, and a resulting opposite arrangement of the third fold arrangement in each case in the transverse direction, to enable specific matching to use by left-handed or right-handed users.

According to a preferred embodiment variant, the number N1 of the first side section folding axes which extend in the longitudinal direction and the number N2 of the second side section folding axes which extend in the longitudinal direction is in each case 1-5, in particular 1-4, and more particularly 1-3.

As a further preference, N1=N2, wherein in particular N1=2, wherein more particularly the first fold arrangement of the first rear side section and the first fold arrangement of the second rear side section are each of Z-shaped design.

If N1=N2, the first fold arrangement of the first and the second rear side section can advantageously be opened in the same way and are thus easier to handle when being unfolded by the user.

In the case where, in the first fold arrangement, the first and/or second rear side section are/is folded upon itself in a Z shape about an even number N1 and/or N2, in particular in each case about two, first and/or second side section folding axes, a free end of the respective first and/or second rear side section faces outward, that is to say in the direction opposite to the respective other first or second rear side section. As a result, the free end of the respective first and/or second rear side section can advantageously be grasped more easily by the user when unfolding the respective first fold arrangement.

In the case where, in the first fold arrangement, the first and/or the second rear side section is in each case folded upon itself about an odd number N1 or N2, that is to say about, for example, in each case one side section folding axis in a C shape, or in each case three first and/or second side section folding axes in an M shape, the free end of the respective first and/or second rear side section faces inward in the direction of the respective other first or second rear side section. In such a case, the outer end of the folded first and/or second rear side section is different from the free end of the respective first or second rear side section.

In the formation of the first fold arrangement of the first rear side section, the first rear side section is folded onto a side of the first rear side section which faces away from the body at a first side section folding axis which is furthest toward the inside, that is to say nearest to the longitudinal central axis. This has the advantage that the free end of the first rear side section can be grasped more easily in the second fold arrangement. Alternatively, in the formation of the first fold arrangement of the first rear side section, the first rear side section can be folded onto a body-facing side of the first rear side section at the first side section folding axis which is furthest toward the inside, that is to say which is closest to the longitudinal central axis.

In the formation of the first fold arrangement of the second rear side section, the second rear side section is folded onto a side of the second rear side section which faces away from the body at a second side section folding axis which is furthest toward the inside, that is to say nearest to the longitudinal central axis. This has the advantage that, in such a case, the second rear side section is easier to unfold in the third fold arrangement. Alternatively, in the formation of the first fold arrangement of the second rear side section, the second rear side section can be folded onto a body-facing side of the second rear side section at the second side section folding axis which is furthest toward the inside, that is to say which is closest to the longitudinal central axis.

Preferably, the first fold arrangement of the first and of the second rear side section is in each case folded onto a side of the respective first or second rear side section which faces away from the body at the respective first or second side section folding axis which is furthest toward the inside, that is to say which is closest to the longitudinal central axis. This advantageously provides further support for the possibility of opening the first fold arrangement of the first and the second rear side section in the same way and thus making them easier to handle when being unfolded by the user.

In a preferred embodiment, the first fold arrangement of the first and the second rear side section are of symmetrical design, in particular mirror-symmetrical with respect to one another with the longitudinal central axis LM of the disposable incontinence nappy as the axis of symmetry. This further supports, in an advantageous manner, ease of handling by the user since the user does not have to take into account first fold arrangements which are different from one side to another in a later phase of the application process.

In a further preferred embodiment variant, the at least one closure means of the first and/or second rear side section is arranged at the free end of the respective first or second rear side section. In a preferred development of this variant, in the first fold arrangement, the at least one closure means of the first and/or second rear side section comes to lie outside the respective first or second rear lateral longitudinal edge of the back region, that is to say outside the main part.

Such an arrangement of the at least one closure means of the respective first and/or second rear side section advantageously reduces the risk of production-related damage to the respective at least one closure means of the first and/or second rear side section, especially during folding at first and/or second product folding axes.

In the context of the present invention, the first or second product folding axes should be understood as those folding axes which extend in the longitudinal direction of the disposable incontinence nappy within the main part or along the first or second rear lateral longitudinal edge of the back region. In addition, folding axes which extend within the respective first or second rear side section should also be understood as first or second product folding axes if, as a result of the folding along these folding axes, the respective first or second rear side section is folded at least in some region or regions onto the main part and is brought into overlap with the main part at least in some region or regions.

In a preferred embodiment, a second product folding axis, which is outermost in the transverse direction and extends in the longitudinal direction, extends outside the absorbent body, in particular inside the second rear side section, more particularly inside the second rear side section and outside the first fold arrangement of the second rear side section.

Alternatively, the second product folding axis, which is the outermost in the transverse direction and extends in the longitudinal direction, can extend along the second rear lateral longitudinal edge of the back region. As a further alternative, the second product folding axis, which is outermost in the transverse direction and extends in the longitudinal direction, can extend within the main part and outside the absorbent body, in particular between the absorbent body and the second rear lateral longitudinal edge of the back region in the transverse direction, more particularly in the region of a lateral overhang formed by a backsheet and a topsheet and/or a cuff element (cuff nonwoven) and extending beyond the absorbent body in the transverse direction, more particularly between an imaginary line extending in the longitudinal direction and laterally tangent to the absorbent body at a location widest in the transverse direction in the back region and the second rear lateral longitudinal edge of the back region, thus ensuring that the absorbent body does not overlap the second product folding axis extending in the longitudinal direction.

The outermost second product folding axis is that second product folding axis which, in the unfolded and spread-flat state of the disposable incontinence nappy, is at the greatest distance B in the transverse direction from the longitudinal central axis LM of the disposable incontinence nappy.

In this case, the risk of the absorbent body being folded upon itself during folding at the outermost second product folding axis extending in the longitudinal direction is advantageously reduced, counteracting a thick structure of the third fold arrangement in the thickness direction of the disposable incontinence nappy and a less attractive appearance of the folded disposable incontinence nappy. In addition, a further advantage is that the third fold arrangement is of more stable design and unfolds itself less easily prematurely.

In the context of the present invention, the thickness direction should be understood as being orthogonal to the longitudinal and transverse directions of the disposable incontinence nappy, where applicable after the unfolding of a second and/or third fold arrangement and/or a fourth fold arrangement described in more detail below.

According to a preferred embodiment, the second and the third fold arrangement overlap each other at least in some region or regions to form an overlap region. Surprisingly, the inventors have found that the stability of the second and third fold arrangements is further increased by the formation of an overlap region and - without wishing to be bound to theory - the frictional effects occurring in this overlap region between the second and third fold arrangements. The risk of at least partial unfolding of the second and third fold arrangements and the associated damage to the first and/or second rear side section, in particular before or during the formation of a fourth fold arrangement described in more detail below, can advantageously be reduced, especially in high-speed machines.

The second fold arrangement is preferably arranged in the overlap region between the third fold arrangement and a body-facing upper side of the main part.

This arrangement further supports the stability of the second and third fold arrangements, especially the second fold arrangement, since frictional forces between the second and third fold arrangements can retain the second fold arrangement on the body-facing upper side of the main part and can inhibit premature unfolding of the second and third fold arrangements during the production process of the disposable incontinence nappy.

In particular, the second rear side section overlaps at least in some region or regions at least the free end of the first fold arrangement of the first rear side section, more particularly at least the free end of the first fold arrangement of the first rear side section and at least in some region or regions the first at least two-layered region of the first fold arrangement of the first side section, more particularly at least a region overlapped by the at least one closure means of the first side section, more particularly at least the first fold arrangement of the first rear side section.

The second and/or the third fold arrangement can be fixed provisionally and/or releasably. In the formation of the second and third fold arrangements, the first fold arrangement of the first rear side section and the first fold arrangement of the second rear side section are folded inward, that is to say onto the body-facing upper side of the main part. This reduces the risk of contamination of the liquid-absorbing upper side of the main part before the disposable incontinence nappy is applied to a user.

In a preferred embodiment variant, at least the second fold arrangement overlaps the longitudinal central axis LM, at least in some region or regions.

As a further preference, the second and the third fold arrangement each overlap the longitudinal central axis LM at least in some region or regions.

In the context of the present invention, the longitudinal central axis LM extends along the longitudinal direction of the disposable incontinence nappy and, in the transverse direction, centrally with respect to a maximum span MS, described in more detail below, of the disposable incontinence nappy. If a first side section width S1 of the first side section and a second side section width S2 of the second side section have a difference of at least 3%, the longitudinal central axis LM extends centrally with respect to a maximum transverse extent of the back region of the main part. The first S1 and/or second side section width S2 of the respective first or second rear side section should be understood in the context of the present invention as the maximum extent of a respective first or second rear side section in the transverse direction of the disposable incontinence nappy beyond the respective first or second rear lateral longitudinal edge, measured in mm from the respective first or second rear lateral longitudinal edge to the respective outwardly facing free end of the respective first or second rear side section in the unfolded, unstretched and spread-flat state.

In a preferred embodiment, a ratio of the extent S1 of the first rear side section of the disposable incontinence nappy to the extent S2 of the second rear side section of the disposable incontinence nappy is 0.9-1.1, in particular 1.0.

In a preferred embodiment, a respective first product folding axis, which is furthest toward the inside in the transverse direction, that is to say which is closest to the longitudinal central axis LM, and extends in the longitudinal direction, and a respective second product folding axis, which is furthest toward the inside in the transverse direction, that is to say which is closest to the longitudinal central axis LM, and extends in the longitudinal direction, are arranged at the same distance A from the longitudinal central axis LM, in particular mirror-symmetrically with respect to one another, with the longitudinal central axis LM as the axis of symmetry.

This advantageously brings about a largely symmetrical arrangement of the main part, in particular of the absorbent body, and of the front region in the transverse direction of the disposable incontinence nappy in the folded state, and therefore a harmonious and attractive overall appearance of the disposable incontinence nappy when being handled by the user for the first time.

In a further preferred embodiment, the main part has cuff elements on both sides, which form a lateral leakage barrier at least in some section or sections and extend along the longitudinal direction on both sides, wherein, in particular, the overlap region formed by the second and third fold arrangements is arranged completely between the cuff elements, and thus in a region free of cuff elements.

One advantage in this case is that the risk of a thick structure in some region or regions in the thickness direction of the disposable incontinence nappy, which risk could arise in a region overlapped jointly by the overlapping region and a respective cuff element, is reduced. This results in more uniform dimensions of the folded disposable incontinence nappy, thereby improving the process reliability of the further production and packaging steps and making the folded disposable incontinence nappy more attractive. Furthermore, this results in a more balanced material arrangement and, as a result, in advantages in terms of packaging technology.

In a further preferred embodiment, the disposable incontinence nappy has a maximum span MS, wherein the maximum span MS is 500-1300 mm, in particular 600-1200 mm, more particularly 650-1000 mm, more particularly 700-900 mm.

At this maximum span MS, the proposed asymmetrical folding of the first and second rear side sections can be implemented in an advantageous manner. Furthermore, at this maximum span MS, there is a positive effect on the possibilities for spatial arrangement and the stability of the second and third fold arrangements of the first and second rear side sections, and thus on the attractiveness and handling of the disposable incontinence nappy.

The maximum span MS should be understood as meaning the maximum transverse extent of the disposable incontinence nappy, measured in mm, in the back region of the disposable incontinence nappy, that is to say in the region of the first and second rear side sections.

A length L of the disposable incontinence nappy is preferably 600 mm-1100 mm, in particular 650 mm-1050 mm, preferably 700 mm-1000 mm. The length L of the disposable incontinence nappy corresponds to the maximum extent of the disposable incontinence nappy in the longitudinal direction in the unfolded and spread flat state.

The disposable incontinence nappy preferably has a final folded width EF, wherein a ratio EF to MS is, in particular, 0.15-0.35, more particularly 0.17-0.30.

With this ratio EF to MS, an advantageous geometric arrangement of the first and second side section folding axes and of the first and second product folding axes can be achieved, with which the risk of creases in the respective closure means can be reduced more easily and as a result of which it is less frequently the case that the respective first, second and third fold arrangements may unfold prematurely and be damaged in the production process.

The final folded width EF corresponds to a maximum transverse extent of the disposable incontinence nappy with the first and second and third fold arrangements. The final folded width EF corresponds to the transverse extent of the disposable incontinence nappy in the state of being handled by the user for the first time, that is to say, in particular, in the state provided by the manufacturer, in which the disposable incontinence nappy is removed from packaging by the user and/or before the user unfolds the disposable incontinence nappy for the purpose of putting it on.

According to a preferred embodiment, the disposable incontinence nappy with the first fold arrangement has a span GF1, wherein a ratio GF1 to MS is 0.50-0.85, in particular 0.55 0.75, more particularly 0.60-0.70.

The span GF1 of the disposable incontinence nappy with the first fold arrangement is the maximum extent of the disposable incontinence nappy in the transverse direction in the region of the first and second rear side sections folded upon themselves, that is to say from an outer end of a first rear side section folded upon itself to the outer end of a second rear side section folded upon itself, measured in mm.

This ratio GF1 to MS offers the advantage that the second and third fold arrangements can be achieved with a relatively small respective number N2 or N3 of respective first or second product folding axes, making it possible in this case to further reduce the risk of damage to the first and/or second side section to a minimum and to facilitate the unfolding capability.

A disposable incontinence nappy preferably has a front span VS. As a further preference, a ratio of the maximum span MS of the disposable incontinence nappy to a front span VS of the disposable incontinence nappy is 1.3 - 3.5, in particular 1.5 - 3.2, more particularly 1.8 3.0, more particularly 2.0 - 2.8.

The front span should be understood as meaning a maximum transverse extent of the disposable incontinence nappy in the unfolded, spread-flat and unstretched state, measured in mm in the front region of the main part of the disposable incontinence nappy. It is preferable if no side sections are joined to the front region of the main part. In such a case, the front span corresponds to a front main part width.

According to a preferred embodiment, the disposable incontinence nappy is folded about at least one, in particular about at least two, more particularly about at least three transverse folding axes extending in the transverse direction to form a fourth fold arrangement, wherein none of the transverse folding axes extends through the first or second rear side section, in particular none of the transverse folding axes extends through the respective closure means.

This has the advantage that the structure and/or the function of the closure means and/or of the rear side sections is not impaired by creases occurring during folding.

The fourth fold arrangement should be understood in such a way that the disposable incontinence nappy, which is already prefolded in the longitudinal direction on both sides about in each case at least one first and/or second side section folding axis and/or about in each case at least one product folding axis, is preferably additionally folded about one or more than one transverse folding axis. In a fourth fold arrangement, the disposable incontinence nappy is preferably folded about one or more than one transverse fold axis in such a way that the main part of the disposable incontinence nappy is folded upon itself in a manner such that an upper side of the main part comes to rest directly or indirectly upon itself, at least in some region or regions. The upper side of the main part can be the outer side facing away from the body in the state of use, but, in particular, can be the body-facing upper side of the main part.

The first and/or the second rear side section preferably have a gripping region at the respective end which is free in the transverse direction, wherein, as a further preference, the gripping region of at least one of the first or second rear side section can be grasped by a user after the fourth fold arrangement has been unfolded.

In a preferred development, the respective at least one closure means of the first or second rear side section is arranged in a region of a respective end of the respective first or second rear side section which is free in the transverse direction in the state of the disposable incontinence nappy in which it is unfolded and spread out flat.

As a further preference, the first and the second rear side section each preferably have at least one closure means, furthermore in particular precisely one closure means, in the region of their end which is free in the transverse direction.

The closure means are typically a tab made of a single-layer or multilayer flat material which, starting from a configuration which is generally folded inward onto the respective first or second rear side section about a distal longitudinal edge at the free end of the first or second rear side section under consideration, can be unfolded into an outwardly unfolded operating position. Alternatively, it is conceivable for the first and/or second rear side section to each have a functional closure means ("patch") within the freely ending distal section of the first and/or second rear side section. In a manner which is known per se and will therefore not be described in more detail, a respective closure means is equipped with adhesive and/or mechanically sticking regions, layers or elements, such as hook/loop materials. If the first and/or second rear side section each have precisely one closure means, it proves to be advantageous if this closure means is provided approximately centrally in the longitudinal direction of the respective first and/or second rear side section and in the freely ending distal section of the respective first and/or second rear side section. Furthermore, it proves to be advantageous if the respective closure means has an extent in the longitudinal direction of between 25% and 75% of a maximum extent C of the respective first and/or second rear side section in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the respective closure means are preferably of rectangular design in the folded and the unfolded state. In the inactive configuration from the manufacturer, they are preferably folded inward upon themselves. In the use situation, the first and the second rear side section are brought into overlap with a side of the front region of the main part which faces away from the body, that is to say an outer side, so that the closure means which are provided on both rear side sections in the region of a respective end of the first and second rear side sections which is free in the transverse direction of the nappy can be closed onto the outer side of the front region of the main part. For this purpose, the closure means and at least one region of the outer side of the front region of the main part are designed as a closure system. For this purpose, in particular, the closure means have mechanical components such as touch-and-close hooks, in particular also in combination with pressure-sensitive adhesive regions, by means of which the closure means can be brought into releasably adhering engagement with the outer side of the front region of the main part. For this purpose, it has proven advantageous for the outer side of the front region of the main part to be formed at least in some region or regions, preferably completely, by a correspondingly designed nonwoven fabric. Alternatively, it is possible to provide one or more separate loop pile elements on the outer side of the main part in the front region, which elements serve as a landing zone for the closure means of the first and second rear side sections.

As a further preference, the absorbent body of the disposable incontinence nappy has a maximum transverse extent in the back region of QR and has a minimum transverse extent in the crotch region of QS, wherein 0.9 < QR/QS < 3.0.

The wearing comfort of the disposable incontinence nappy can be positively influenced by tapering the absorbent body.

The maximum transverse extent of the absorbent body in the back region and/or the minimum transverse extent of the absorbent body in the crotch region each run orthogonally with respect to the longitudinal central axis LM of the disposable incontinence nappy and are to be measured in mm. The maximum transverse extent of the absorbent body in the back region is to be measured at a point of a partial region of the absorbent body which is widest in the transverse direction of the disposable incontinence nappy, said region being located in a rear product half, that is to say between a rear transverse edge of the disposable incontinence nappy and a transverse central axis of the disposable incontinence nappy.

The minimum transverse extent of the absorbent body in the crotch region is to be measured at a narrowest point of the absorbent body in the crotch region. If there is no narrowest point of the crotch region in the sense of a real minimum, as in the case of longitudinal edges of the absorbent body which are straight at least in some section or sections and extend parallel to the longitudinal direction, then the measurement is performed along and at the height of the transverse central axis of the disposable incontinence nappy.

According to a preferred embodiment, the first rear side section has the same extent in the transverse direction as the second rear side section.

The respective region, which is elastic in the transverse direction, of the first or second rear side section of the disposable incontinence nappy is preferably formed in each case by an elastic component having a respective maximum extent QE in the transverse direction, wherein a ratio of the maximum extent QE of the elastic components of the first or second rear side section to the maximum extent C of the respective rear side section of the disposable incontinence nappy in the longitudinal direction is in each case 0.30-0.70, in particular 0.40-0.60, more particularly 0.45-0.55, more particularly 0.50-0.43.

The respective elastic region makes it possible in an advantageous manner for the side sections to adapt better to the respective body shape and to the movements of a user, and, in particular, the wearing comfort of the disposable incontinence nappy is enhanced. The term "transverse direction" should be understood here in such a way that the transverse direction corresponds to a hip circumferential direction in the use situation.

Embodying the first and/or second rear side section in such a way that they/it are/is elastic only in some region or regions ensures that the first and/or second rear side section also comprise at least one, in particular two, non-elastic and/or non-stretchable regions in the transverse direction, in addition to an elastic region, such that preferably the proximal section of the side section - in particular at least one subsection of the proximal section which is provided for joining the first and/or second rear side section to the main part - is designed to be non-elastic and/or non-stretchable, at least in some region or regions, and/or the freely ending distal section - in particular a subsection of the freely ending distal section which is provided for joining closure means and/or is adjacent to the end of the side section which is free in the transverse direction of the disposable incontinence nappy - is designed to be non elastic and/or non-stretchable, at least in some region or regions. This advantageously facilitates the joining of the first and/or second rear side section to the main part and/or the joining of closure means to the first and/or second rear side section.

In a preferred embodiment, a ratio of a first maximum extent QE1 of the elastic component of the first rear side section to a second maximum extent QE2 of the elastic component of the second rear side section is 0.9-1.1, in particular 1.0.

A uniform maximum extent QE1 and QE2 of the respective elastic component in the first and second rear side sections facilitates the user's handling of the disposable incontinence nappies, since the elastic behavior of the first and second rear side sections - such as the maximum elongation or the restoring force of the respective first or second rear side section during the application of tensile forces during the fixing of the nappies to the body - is homogeneous and allows similar handling.

In a preferred embodiment, the elastic region of the first and second rear side sections has similar elastic properties and is formed, in particular, from the same material.

Here, the term "similar elastic properties" is to be understood to refer to the state in which the disposable incontinence nappies are handled for the first time. If the similarity of the elastic properties of the elastic regions of the first and second rear side sections is not apparent during initial handling, the permanent set is determined by means of the method described below for testing whether a material is to be classified as "elastic". In the context of the present invention, the elastic properties are defined as being similar if the permanent set of materials is of the same magnitude.

By using material with similar elastic properties and/or the same maximum extent of the elastic region, it is advantageously achieved that the first and the second rear side section do not differ significantly in the tensile forces which are to be applied by the user when applying the disposable incontinence nappy.

The elastic components of the disposable incontinence nappies preferably comprise or consist of a flat material, in particular a nonwoven, a film, a textile material, a foam or combinations thereof. In particular, the elastic components comprise or consist of a laminate of two or more of the flat materials mentioned. As a further preference, the elastic components can be formed from a composite of elastic materials and non-elastic materials, in particular from a composite of an elastic film or an elastic nonwoven or a flexible foam or elastic threads such as Lycra@ or spandex or elastane threads with a non-elastic and/or stretchable nonwoven or foam. In the case of a composite of elastic materials and non-elastic materials, the composite can be provided as an effective elastic component in that the non-elastic material is designed to be stretchable and, in such a case, offers little or no resistance to the elastic elongation of the elastic material. A further possibility is to join the materials in the so-called stretch bonding method known per se to a person skilled in the art, and thus to join the elastic material in the pre-stretched state to the inelastic material. Another possibility of achieving an elasticization of a composite of elastic materials and non-elastic materials is for the composite to be "activated" - preferably by a technology which has become known as "ring rolling". This technology is described in EP 0 650 714 Al, for example. By "ring rolling", a composite material which is non-stretchable per se, for example a nonwoven/film laminate, is overstrained by excessive deflection between rollers which mesh with one another. In this overstrained state, the material of the laminate, which was previously non-stretchable per se, offers substantially no resistance to elongation. By combination with an elastically stretchable material within such a laminate, a capacity for elastic stretching can thus be achieved in the correspondingly treated region.

To test whether a material can be classified as "elastic" in the respective direction, the following test of permanent set is to be carried out in the context of the present invention:

A Shimadzu AG-Xplus tensile testing machine, in accordance with DIN EN ISO 7500 01:2004-11, with a lower fixed clamping jaw and an upper movable clamping jaw is used to carry out the tests. The test device preferably has software which controls the test cycle and ensures automated recording of the force values.

When carrying out the test method, the rectangular material section to be tested is ideally made available with a width of 25 mm and a length of 60 mm (the length corresponds to the direction of tension) as a test specimen. For this purpose, the test specimen is punched out of a corresponding elastic component of the disposable incontinence nappy, for example, the direction of tension on the test specimen corresponding to the transverse direction of the disposable incontinence nappy.

Ideally, the 25 mm wide and 60 mm long (direction of tension) test specimen is clamped in the clamps of a tensile testing machine with a clamping jaw spacing of 40 mm, a prestress of 0.05 N is applied and a cyclic movement (loading and unloading, test speed 500 mm/min), without a holding time at the upper reversal point, is carried out between LO (length of the test section at a prestress of 0.05 N) and a maximum elongation of 60%. When the load is relieved, the final length Li is likewise noted at 0.05 N. The following is calculated as permanent set PS: PS = ((L1-LO):LO)x100 [%]. A material is regarded as elastic in the respective direction if the permanent set is less than 25%.

If no 25 mm wide section of the component to be tested is available, a correspondingly narrower section is used. If no 60 mm long section of the elastic component is available, a correspondingly shorter section is used, wherein the clamping jaw spacing, and thus the effective length of the test section, may have to be reduced to as little as 15 mm. It must be ensured that the section is firmly clamped in the clamping jaws.

To test whether a material can be classified as "non-stretchable" in the respective direction, the following test is to be carried out in the context of the present invention:

When carrying out the test method, the rectangular material section to be tested is ideally made available with a width of 25 mm and a length of 60 mm (the length corresponds to the direction of tension) as a test specimen. For this purpose, the test specimen is punched out of a corresponding component of the disposable incontinence nappy, for example, the direction of tension on the test specimen corresponding to the transverse direction of the disposable incontinence nappy.

Ideally, a 25 mm wide and 60 mm long (direction of tension) test specimen of the material is clamped under a prestress of 0.05 N in the clamps of the tensile testing machine, with a clamping jaw spacing of 40 mm, and the test specimen is stretched up to a force of 5 N

(loaded, test speed 500 mm/min). If the elongation at the force of 5 N is less than 30%, the material is referred to as non-stretchable in the context of the present invention. If, while the above test is being carried out, the test specimen breaks before the maximum force of 5 N is reached, then, in the context of the present invention, the material is also classified as "non stretchable" in the respective direction.

If no 25 mm wide section of the component to be tested is available, a correspondingly narrower section is used. In such a case, instead of the force of 5 N, the force value to be set is calculated by reducing the load of 5 N by the factor f1, this being obtained from f1=25/x, where x is the width of the test specimen measured in mm. Example: a 12.5 mm wide test specimen would be subjected to a force of 2.5 N. If no 60 mm long section of the elastic component is available, a correspondingly shorter section is used, wherein the clamping jaw spacing, and thus the effective length of the test section, may have to be reduced to as little as 15 mm. It must be ensured that the section is firmly clamped in the clamping jaws.

In a preferred variant, a ratio of the respective maximum extent C of the first rear side section of the disposable incontinence nappy to the respective maximum extent C of the second rear side section of the disposable incontinence nappy is 0.9-1.1, in particular 1.0.

The disposable incontinence nappy is preferably designed in such a way that, in the state applied to a user, a respective elastic region bridges, at least in some region or regions, a gap P between a respective first or second front lateral longitudinal edge of the front region and a respective first or second rear lateral longitudinal edge of the back region.

In this case, the respective elastic region rests against the skin of the user and, in particular, does not overlap with the front region of the main part (chassis material). This is advantageous insofar as the elastic region can freely follow the movements of the user and act without rubbing against the material of the main part, in particular without gathering the material of the main part, thus maintaining wearing comfort.

In a preferred exemplary embodiment, the first and the second rear side section each comprise, in the transverse direction, a proximal section, which adjoins the respective first or second rear lateral longitudinal edge, and a free-ending distal section, which adjoins the proximal section and comprises the free end of the respective first or second rear side section, a) wherein the proximal section extends in the transverse direction, starting from the respective first or second rear lateral longitudinal edge, over a length which is 65% of the extent of the respective first or second rear side section in the transverse direction, b) wherein the component of the first and second rear side sections which is elastic in the transverse direction is in each case arranged inside the respective proximal section, at least in some region or regions, in particular completely, c) wherein the first and the second rear side section are each designed to be substantially non-stretchable in the transverse direction, at least in some region or regions, in particular in the entire respective distal section.

This preferred embodiment advantageously has the effect that at least the freely ending distal section, in particular at least one gripping region within the distal section, is designed to be non-stretchable and thus can be grasped reliably by the user.

Materials which essentially form the chassis of the disposable incontinence nappy, in particular the topsheet, the backsheet and the absorbent body, are preferably designed to be non-stretchable in order to counteract slipping of the liquid-absorbing regions, for example of the absorbent body, in the worn state. On the other hand, limited leg-opening regions of the topsheet or backsheet or of the cuff elements forming leakage barriers can be designed to be elastically stretchable in a manner known per se, preferably by means of elastic threads fixed thereto by the stretch-bonding method.

Subsections of the first and/or second side section, in particular a subsection of the proximal section which is provided for joining the respective first or second rear side section to the main part, a so-called joining region, more particularly a so-called closure carrier region which is provided for joining closure means, and/or a subsection of the freely ending distal section which is adjacent to the end of the respective first or second rear side section which is free in the transverse direction of the disposable incontinence nappy, a so-called gripping region, are preferably formed from non-stretchable material, in particular non-stretchable flat material, in order to simplify the production of stable joining connections between the first and/or second rear side section and the main part and/or closure means and/or to facilitate the grasping of the first and/or second rear side section during the application of the disposable incontinence nappy by the user.

According to a preferred embodiment, said non-stretchable subsections of the first and/or second rear side section, therefore the joining region and/or the closure carrier region and/or the gripping region, comprise or consist of the same material, in particular the same flat material, more particularly the same nonwoven material.

The non-stretchable flat materials of the chassis and of the first and/or second rear side section preferably comprise or consist of a nonwoven material, such as spunbonded nonwoven, meltblown nonwoven, carded nonwoven, spunlace nonwoven or through-air bonded carded nonwoven or combinations thereof. Particular preference is given to spunbonded nonwovens and/or meltblown nonwovens, in particular laminates of spunbonded (S) and meltblown (M) nonwovens or nonwovens layers, such as SMS, or SSMS or SMMS, or SSMMS or SSMMSS laminates. It has also proven advantageous for the nonwoven material to contain at least one formulation component based on a thermoplastic polymer, such as polyethylene PE, polypropylene PP or polyethylene terephthalate PET or mixtures thereof. Nonwoven materials comprising rayon, cellulose, polyamide PA and mixtures thereof are likewise conceivable. The nonwoven material advantageously has a weight per unit area of 10-70 g/m 2 , more preferably 20-60 g/m 2, more preferably 30-50 g/m 2 .

The absorbent body is suitable and intended for absorbing and permanently storing bodily excretions, in particular body fluids, in particular urine. For this purpose, the absorbent body may advantageously contain superabsorbent polymer material (SAP), in particular from 5 to 100 percent by weight, preferably from 10 to 95 percent by weight, more preferably from 15 to 90 percent by weight, very particularly preferably from 20 to 80 percent by weight. Typically, the SAP material can absorb at least 15 times, in particular 20 times, its weight of 0.9% saline solution (measured according to NWSP242.0.R2 (15)).

The SAP material can be in the form of particles or fibers or sheets or foam, for example.

The absorbent body can contain further materials, such as cellulose fibers (wood pulp) or synthetic fibers. It is also conceivable to form the absorbent body by arranging one or more layers of different material, in particular of nonwoven material.

The absorbent body is preferably an integral component of the main part and is inseparably connected to the other components of the main part by the manufacturer. In such a case, the absorbent body is preferably connected inseparably to a topsheet and/or to a backsheet of the main part.

The main part of the disposable incontinence nappy preferably comprises a topsheet which is permeable to liquid, at least in some region or regions, and a backsheet which is preferably breathable and preferably impermeable to liquid, at least in some region or regions, and which, as a further preference, surrounds the absorbent body in the manner of a sandwich.

Furthermore, the disposable incontinence nappy can have cuff elements on the body-facing upper side of the main part on both sides, each cuff element forming a lateral leakage barrier and/or extending substantially along the longitudinal direction of the disposable incontinence nappy on both sides. The cuff elements preferably comprise or are formed from a nonwoven material ("cuff nonwoven"), in particular a hydrophobic nonwoven material. The topsheet and/or backsheet and/or cuff nonwoven preferably extend at least in the transverse direction of the disposable incontinence nappy, preferably also in the longitudinal direction beyond the contour edges of the absorbent body, in order to form a corresponding overhang. In the overhang, the backsheet and topsheet and/or cuff nonwoven are preferably connected to one another, at least in some region or regions, in particular by joining methods known per se, such as welding, sealing, sewing or adhesive bonding.

In the crotch region, the main part advantageously has, adjacent on both sides to a respective longitudinal edge of the crotch region, in each case one elastic or elasticized section which extends in the longitudinal direction of the disposable incontinence nappy, and therefore has an elastic or elasticized leg opening section. Here, "in the longitudinal direction of the disposable incontinence nappy" means that the elastic or elasticized leg opening section has at least one component in the longitudinal direction of the disposable incontinence nappy, and can therefore also extend obliquely or in a curved manner with respect to the longitudinal direction of the disposable incontinence nappy. For this purpose, elastic threads (Lycra@ or the like) known per se to a person skilled in the art are preferably fixed in the prestressed state to materials forming the main part, preferably to the top and/or backsheet of the main part, in particular in a region in which the top and/or backsheet and/or cuff nonwoven form an overhang outside the contour edges of the absorbent body. According to one variant, an elastic or elasticized leg opening section can also be formed by materials in the form of flat materials or strips, such as elastic strips, films, nonwovens or foams.

At this point, it should be pointed out that, in the present application, any dimensional data with regard to transverse extent, longitudinal extent, lengths and widths, distances and span widths of the disposable incontinence nappy or of respective regions, sections or components of the disposable incontinence nappy are determined in the spread-flat state of the flat materials forming the nappy, and therefore the disposable incontinence nappy can be brought into the flat configuration illustrated in the figures, provided no other indication is given of a state deviating therefrom. If the nappy has been elasticized, for example, by elasticizing means in the form of threads by the "stretch bonding method", then, as indicated in the figures, the flat materials are considered as being extended as they are supplied by the manufacturer as flat materials or can subsequently be spread out up to their natural initial extent without elasticizing means and can be placed on a flat surface. The transverse extents, longitudinal extents or dimensions are then determined on this flat surface. This state is obtained in a natural way in the case of non-stretchable chassis materials based on nonwoven fabrics or films or nonwoven film composites.

Deviating from this, all dimensions of the disposable incontinence nappy with regard to the transverse extent, insofar as they include the region of the first and/or second side section which is elastic in the transverse direction - namely the maximum span, the first side section width S1 and second side section width S2, the distance B, the span GF1 and the maximum extent of the elastic component of the first or second rear side section - are carried out in the transverse direction only in the spread-out and unfolded but unstretched state. Measurements in the unstretched state reflect the state in which the user perceives the product when it is first handled and when it is removed from the packaging, after the disposable incontinence nappy has been unfolded. In particular, no transverse tensile forces of the kind which typically occur during application to the user are exerted on the side sections.

Further features, details and advantages of the invention will be found in the appended patent claims and in the drawing and the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention. In the drawing:

Drawings

Figure 1 shows schematically, not to scale, a plan view of a disposable incontinence nappy in the unfolded and spread-flat state

Figure 2 shows schematically, not to scale, a plan view of the disposable incontinence nappy of figure 1 with first and second product folding axes

Figure 3a shows schematically, not to scale, a sectional view in the region of the first and second rear side sections of the disposable incontinence nappy of figure 1

Figure 3b shows schematically, not to scale, a sectional view of a disposable incontinence nappy with a first fold arrangement

Figure 3c shows schematically, not to scale, a sectional view of a disposable incontinence nappy with a second fold arrangement

Figure 3d shows schematically, not to scale, a sectional view of a disposable incontinence nappy with a second and third fold arrangement

Figure 3e shows schematically, not to scale, a sectional view of a disposable incontinence nappy with a second and third fold arrangement and an overlap region

Figure 4 shows schematically, not to scale, a section of a disposable incontinence nappy according to figure 1 in the region of an unfolded, spread-flat and unstretched first rear side section

Figure 5 shows schematically, not to scale, a side view of a disposable incontinence nappy in the applied state

Figure 1 shows, not to scale, but schematically, an illustrative disposable incontinence nappy 1 for absorbing bodily excretions. The disposable incontinence nappy 1 has a longitudinal direction 8, a transverse direction 10, a longitudinal central axis LM, a transverse central axis QM, a main part 4, a first rear side section 22a and a second rear side section 22b. The main part 4 comprises an absorbent body 6 and has a front region 12 having a first 14a and a second front lateral longitudinal edge 14b arranged opposite in the transverse direction 10, a back region 16 having a first 18a and a second rear lateral longitudinal edge 18b arranged opposite in the transverse direction 10, and a crotch region 17 arranged between the front region 12 and the back region 16. The first rear side section 22a is joined to the first rear lateral longitudinal edge 18a and the second rear side section 22b is joined to the second rear lateral longitudinal edge 18b in such a way that the first 22a and second rear side section 22b are spaced apart from one another in the transverse direction 10, and that, in the illustrated unfolded and spread-flat state of the disposable incontinence nappy 1, the first rear side section 22a extends beyond the first rear lateral longitudinal edge 18a of the back region 16 and the second rear side section 22b extends beyond the second rear lateral longitudinal edge 18b of the back region 16.

Furthermore, the first 22a and the second rear side section 22b each have a region 42 which is elastic in the transverse direction 10, and, at a respective free end 41, which is an outwardly facing free end, each have at least one closure means 28, thus making it possible, for the sake of applying the disposable incontinence nappy 1 to a user and closing said nappy, to wrap the first 22a and the second rear side section 22b respectively around the body of the user along a hip circumferential direction 11 and bring them into overlapping arrangement with an outer side of the front region 12, to which they can each be releasably attached by means of the respective closure means 28, as described in greater detail below in figure 5. The hip circumferential direction 11 corresponds in the back region 16 and in the front region 12 to the transverse direction 10 of the disposable incontinence nappy 1.

As an option, the first 22a and the second rear side section 22b can each have more than one region 42 which is elastic in the transverse direction 10 and/or more than one closure means 28. The first rear side section 22a has a first side section width S1, and the second rear side section 22b has a second side section width S2. The first S1 and second side section width S2 of the respective first 22a or second rear side section 22b corresponds to a maximum extent of the respective first 22a or second rear side section 22b in the transverse direction 10 of the disposable incontinence nappy 1 beyond the respective first 18a or second rear lateral longitudinal edge 18b, measured in mm from the respective first 18a or second rear lateral longitudinal edge 18b to a respective outwardly facing free end 41 of the respective first 22a or second rear side section 22b in the illustrated unfolded, unstretched and spread flat state of the first 22a and second rear side section 22b.

The transverse central axis QM forms an imaginary boundary between a front 30 and a rear product half 31, wherein the front 30 and the rear product half 31 extend to the same extent in the longitudinal direction 8. The front product half 30 extends in the longitudinal direction 8 between a front transverse edge 32 and the transverse central axis QM of the disposable incontinence nappy 1. The rear product half 31 extends in the longitudinal direction 8 between a rear transverse edge 33 and the transverse central axis QM of the disposable incontinence nappy 1. In figure 1, the first 22a and the second rear side section 22b are positioned in such a way that they are joined to the main part 4 at a distance from the rear transverse edge 33 of the disposable incontinence nappy 1 in the longitudinal direction 8, but an embodiment without a distance, that is to say flush, in the longitudinal direction 8 between the rear transverse edge 33 of the disposable incontinence nappy 1 and the first 22a and/or second rear side section 22b is likewise conceivable. The first 22a and the second rear side section 22b are each joined to the main part 4 in an overlapping manner, wherein the first 22a and the second rear side section 22b are each connected to the main part 4 within a respective joining region 36a, 36b, preferably by means of ultrasonic welding, but any other joining method which is known per se to a person skilled in the art and is suitable for this purpose, in particular heat welding, sewing, sealing or gluing, is likewise possible.

As illustrated in figure 1, not to scale but schematically, the disposable incontinence nappy 1 extends over a length L in the longitudinal direction 8. The length L of the disposable incontinence nappy 1 is its maximum longitudinal extent from the rear transverse edge 33 to the front transverse edge 32 of the disposable incontinence nappy 1. In the transverse direction 10, the disposable incontinence nappy 1 extends over a maximum span MS. The maximum span MS is a maximum transverse extent of the disposable incontinence nappy 1 in the back region 16 of the disposable incontinence nappy 1, that is to say in the region of the first 22a and second rear side sections 22b.

The absorbent body 6 of the disposable incontinence nappy 1 has a maximum transverse extent QR in the back region 16 and a minimum transverse extent QS in the crotch region 17. In the exemplary embodiment, not to scale, illustrated in figure 1, the absorbent body 6 has a taper in the crotch region 17. However, it is also conceivable for the absorbent body 6 to be designed without any substantial taper in the crotch region 17. The maximum transverse extent QR of the absorbent body 6 in the back region 16 and the minimum transverse extent QS of the absorbent body 6 in the crotch region 17 each run orthogonally with respect to the longitudinal central axis LM, not illustrated to scale but schematically, of the disposable incontinence nappy 1. The maximum transverse extent QR of the absorbent body 6 in the back region 16 is to be measured at a point of a partial region of the absorbent body 6 within the rear product half 31 which is widest in the transverse direction 10 of the disposable incontinence nappy 1, that is to say between the rear transverse edge 33 of the disposable incontinence nappy 1 and the transverse central axis QM of the disposable incontinence nappy 1. The minimum transverse extent QS of the absorbent body 6 is to be measured at a narrowest point of the absorbent body 6 within the crotch region 17. If there is no narrowest point of the crotch region 17 in the sense of a real minimum, as in the case of longitudinal edges of the absorbent body which are straight at least in some section or sections and extend parallel to the longitudinal direction 8, then the measurement is performed along and at the height of the transverse central axis QM, not illustrated to scale but schematically in figure 1, of the disposable incontinence nappy 1.

Furthermore, the disposable incontinence nappy 1 illustrated in figure 1 has a front span VS which extends from a front lateral longitudinal edge 14a to the opposite front lateral longitudinal edge 14b in the transverse direction 10 of the disposable incontinence nappy 1. The front span VS is the maximum transverse extent of the disposable incontinence nappy 1 in the front region 12 of the main part 4. In this case, no side sections are attached in the front region 12 of the disposable incontinence nappy 1. The front span VS thus corresponds to a front main part width.

An embodiment having front side sections joined on both sides to the first 14a and/or second front lateral longitudinal edge 14b of the front region 12 is also conceivable. In such a case, the front span VS extends from an end of a front side section which is free in the transverse direction of the disposable incontinence nappy to the free end of a respective other front side section.

The disposable incontinence nappy 1 preferably has a significantly smaller front span VS compared to the maximum span MS (in the back region). Therefore, such a disposable incontinence nappy 1 is often also referred to as a T-shaped nappy.

In the example illustrated in figure 1 and the table 1 appended below, the main part 4 has substantially the same maximum extent in the transverse direction 10 in the back region 16 as in the front region 12. However, a variant in which the maximum extent of the main part 4 in the transverse direction 10 in the back region 16 and in the front region 12 are different from one another is also conceivable.

As can also be seen from figure 1, the main part 4 comprises a topsheet 25, which is permeable to liquid, at least in some region or regions, and a breathable backsheet 26, which is impermeable to liquid, at least in some region or regions, and which surrounds the absorbent body 6 in the manner of a sandwich. A body-facing upper side 4a of the main part 4 is formed here by the central, centrally arranged topsheet 25 that is permeable to liquid at least in some region or regions and by cuff elements 23, which flank the topsheet 25 laterally on both sides and which, in a manner known per se, serve as a lateral leakage protection barrier and, for this purpose, consist of a hydrophobic nonwoven material and can be elasticized in the longitudinal direction 8. The cuff elements 23 are fixed, at least along a cuff base line 23a, on the body-facing upper side 4a of the main part 4, and have a free longitudinal edge 23b which is unattached, at least in some section or sections, and by means of which they can rise from the body-facing upper side 4a of the main part 4 and thus form the respective lateral leakage barrier.

Furthermore, in the crotch region 17, the main part 4 has, adjacent on both sides to a respective longitudinal edge 20 of the crotch region 17, in each case one elastic or elasticized leg opening section 24, which extends in the longitudinal direction 8 of the disposable incontinence nappy 1. In this example, the elastic or elasticized leg opening section 24 has in each case two elastic threads 24a, which extend in a curved manner with respect to the longitudinal direction 8 of the disposable incontinence nappy 1.

Figure 1 also shows, by way of example, a number N1=2 of first 50a, 51a and a number N2=2 of second 50b, 51b of side section folding axes, namely an outermost first 50a and an outermost second side section folding axis 50b and a respective inner first 51a and inner second side section folding axis 51b, at which the respective first 22a or second rear side section 22b are folded during the formation of a respective first fold arrangement of the first rear side section 55a or a first fold arrangement of the second rear side section 55b, as described in more detail below in figures 3a and 3b. It is also conceivable for the first 22a and second rear side section 22b to have a different respective number N1 of first side section folding axes 50a, 51a and N2 of second side section folding axes 50b, 51b. Furthermore, it is conceivable for the first 22a and the second rear side section 22b to have a different respective number N1 of first side section folding axes 50a, 51a and N2 of second side section folding axes 50b, 51b. The first 50a, 51a and the second side section folding axes 50b, 51b each extend along the longitudinal direction 8 of the disposable incontinence nappy 1, in particular parallel to the longitudinal central axis LM. However, it is also possible to conceive of an embodiment in which the first 50a, 51a and/or second side section folding axes 50b, 51b do not run strictly parallel, in particular at an angle a to the longitudinal direction 8 of the disposable incontinence nappy 1, where 0°<a<25°.

In addition, it is possible to see in figure 1 two schematically indicated transverse folding axes 60, at which the disposable incontinence nappy is folded during the formation of a fourth fold arrangement (not illustrated). In this example, none of the transverse folding axes 60 passes through the first 22a or second rear side section 22b, in particular none of the transverse folding axes 60 passes through the respective closure means 28. Some other number and/or arrangement of the transverse folding axes 60, for example three or more transverse folding axes 60, is also conceivable.

Figure 2 shows, not to scale but schematically, the disposable incontinence nappy 1 of figure 1 with one (number N3=1) first product folding axis 70 extending in the longitudinal direction

8 and two (number N4=2) second product folding axes 71a, 71b extending in the longitudinal direction 8. Thus, N3<N4. It is conceivable for the disposable incontinence nappy to have some other respective number N3 or N4 of first 70 and/or second product folding axes 71a, 71b, as long as N3<N4 applies.

In this exemplary embodiment, the first 70 and the second product folding axes 71a, 71b each run parallel to the longitudinal central axis LM of the disposable incontinence nappy 1. However, it is also possible to conceive of an embodiment in which the first 70 and/or second product folding axes 71a, 71b do not run strictly parallel, in particular at an angle P to the longitudinal direction 8 of the disposable incontinence nappy 1, where 0°<P<25°.

A respective first product folding axis 70, which extends in the longitudinal direction 8 and is the innermost in the transverse direction 10, is the first product folding axis 70 that is in each case closest to the longitudinal central axis LM, and a respective second product folding axis 71b, which extends in the longitudinal direction 8 and is the innermost in the transverse direction 10, is the first product folding axis 71b that is in each case closest to the longitudinal central axis LM. In the case of the illustrative disposable incontinence nappy 1 of figure 2, which is not to scale but schematic, the innermost first 70 and the innermost second product folding axis 71b are arranged at the same distance A from the longitudinal central axis LM; in this case, therefore, the innermost first 70 and the innermost second product folding axis 71b are arranged mirror-symmetrically with respect to one another with the longitudinal central axis LM as the axis of symmetry.

The disposable incontinence nappy 1 has a second product folding axis 71a, which is the outermost in the transverse direction 10. As can easily be seen in figure 2, the outermost second product folding axis 71a is that of the second product folding axes 71a, 71b which, in the unfolded and spread-flat state of the disposable incontinence nappy, is at the greatest distance B in the transverse direction from the longitudinal central axis LM of the disposable incontinence nappy. In this example, the second product folding axis 71a, which is outermost in the transverse direction 10 and extends in the longitudinal direction 8, extends within the second rear side section 22b and outside the main part 4 and thus also outside the absorbent body 6.

Alternatively, the second product folding axis 71a, which is the outermost in the transverse direction 10 and extends in the longitudinal direction 8, can extend along the second rear lateral longitudinal edge 18b of the back region 16. As a further alternative, the second product folding axis 71a, which is outermost in the transverse direction 10 and extends in the longitudinal direction 8, can extend within the main part 4 and outside the absorbent body 6, in particular between the absorbent body 6 and the second rear lateral longitudinal edge 18b of the back region 16 in the transverse direction 10, more particularly in the region of a lateral overhang 27, which is formed by the backsheet 26 described in more detail in figure 1 and the topsheet 25 and/or the cuff element 23 and extends beyond the absorbent body 6 in the transverse direction 10, thus ensuring that the absorbent body 6 does not overlap the second product folding axis 71a extending in the longitudinal direction 8.

Further reference signs that can be seen in figure 2 are described in more detail with reference to figure 1. Here, identical reference signs designate the same components or side section folding axes or other details of the disposable incontinence nappy.

Figures 3a to 3e each show a sectional view through the back region of the disposable incontinence nappy 1 in the region of the first 22a and second rear side sections 22b. The sectional view is along a plane in the transverse direction 10 and in a thickness direction 7 to the transverse direction 10 and to the longitudinal direction 8 (not shown). Figure 3a shows a sectional view along the plane I-I of figure 1. The maximum span MS, that is to say the maximum extent of the disposable incontinence nappy 1 in the transverse direction 10 in the unfolded and spread-flat state, can be seen. Also indicated are a number N1=2 of first 50a, 51a and a number N2=2 of second side section folding axes 50b, 51b, that is to say where N1=N2, at which, during the formation of the respective first fold arrangement 55a, 55b described in more detail below in figure 3b, the respective first 22a and second rear side section 22b are folded upon themselves, preferably in the form of a z. The first 50a, 51a and second 50b, 51b side section folding axes extend in the longitudinal direction 8 of the disposable incontinence nappy 1 within the respective first 22a or second rear side section 22b. The main part 4 comprises the topsheet 25, which is permeable to liquid, at least in some region or regions, cuff elements 23, which form a lateral leakage barrier on both sides, at least in some section or sections, and extend along the longitudinal direction 8 on both sides, and a backsheet 26, which is preferably breathable and preferably impermeable to liquid, at least in some region or regions, and which surrounds the absorbent body 6 in the manner of a sandwich. A region 100 without cuff elements can be seen between the inner longitudinal edges 23a of the cuff elements 23. The first 22a and the second rear side section 22b each have an outwardly facing free end 41.

Figure 3b shows schematically, not to scale, in a sectional view of the disposable incontinence nappy 1 similar to figure 3a, the first 22a and second rear side sections 22b with a Z-shaped (where (N1,N2)=2) first fold arrangement of the first rear side section 55a and a Z-shaped (where (N1,N2)=2) first fold arrangement of the second rear side section 55b. As stated above, the first fold arrangement of the first rear side section 55a and/or of the second rear side section 55b can have a value of 1-5 for the respective number (N1,N2), in particular instead of (N1,N2)=2 can also have (N1,N2)=3 or (N1,N2)=1 first 50a, 51a and/or second side section folding axes 50b, 51b. In such a case, the first 22a and/or second rear side section 22b are/is, in particular, folded in the form of an M or W (where (N,N2)=3) or in the form of a C (where (N1,N2)=1) to form the first fold arrangement.

A span GF1 of the disposable incontinence nappy 1 with the first fold arrangement 55a, 55b can be seen. The span GF1 of the disposable incontinence nappy 1 with the first fold arrangement 55a, 55b is the maximum extent of the disposable incontinence nappy 1 in the transverse direction 10 in the region of the first 22a and second rear side sections 22b folded upon themselves, that is to say from an outer end of a first rear side section 40a folded upon itself to the outer end of a second rear side section 40b folded upon itself, measured in mm. In this exemplary embodiment, the outer end of the first rear side section 40a folded upon itself corresponds to the free end 41 of the first rear side section 22a. The outer end of the second rear side section 40b folded upon itself corresponds here to the free end 41 of the second rear side section 22b. Other arrangements of the free end 41 of the first or second rear side section and of a respective outer end of a first or second rear side section folded upon itself, in particular in the case of an M- or C-shaped first fold arrangement of the first 55a or second rear side section 55b, are likewise possible and conceivable. Preferably (not illustrated), the first fold arrangement is detachably fixed in that the subsections of the fold arrangement, which in the illustrated case lie one above the other in a z shape, are provisionally joined to one another by adhesion promoters, such as adhesive, or by a few welding spots, in particular ultrasonic welding spots.

Furthermore, figure 3b shows, in a schematically indicated way, the position of the longitudinal central axis LM, the first product folding axis 70, the second product folding axes 71a, 71b and the distance B of the outermost second product folding axis 71a from the longitudinal central axis LM. During the formation of the second 56a and third fold arrangement 56b described in more detail in figures 3c, 3d, 3e, the first fold arrangement of the first rear side section 55a is folded inward at a number N3 of the first product folding axes 70 extending in the longitudinal direction 8 onto a body-facing upper side 4a of the main part to form a second fold arrangement 56a, and the first fold arrangement of the second rear side section 55b is folded inward at a number N4 of the second product folding axes 71a, 71b extending in the longitudinal direction 8 onto the body-facing upper side 4a of the main part 4 to form a third fold arrangement 56b. In the sectional view illustrated in figure 3b, it can be seen that the second product folding axis 71a, which is the outermost in the transverse direction 10 and extends in the longitudinal direction 8, extends within the second rear side section 22b and outside the first fold arrangement 55b of the second rear side section 22b. It can furthermore be seen in figure 3b that, in the first fold arrangement 55a, 55b, the respective closure means 28 of the first 22a and second rear side section 22b comes to lie outside the respective first 18a or second rear lateral longitudinal edge 18b of the back region 16, that is to say outside the main part 4.

Figure 3c shows, in a sectional view similar to figures 3a and 3b, the configuration after the first fold arrangement of the second rear side section 55b has been folded inward onto the body-facing upper side 4a of the main part 4 of the disposable incontinence nappy 1 along the outermost second product folding axis 71a. It can be seen that the innermost second product folding axis 71b, at which the second rear side section 22b is folded further onto the body-facing upper side 4a of the main part 4 during the formation of the third fold arrangement 56b, and the first product folding axis 70, at which the first fold arrangement of the first rear side section 55a is folded onto the body-facing upper side 4a of the main part 4 during the formation of the second fold arrangement 56a. Furthermore, the position of the longitudinal central axis LM and the distance A between the first product folding axis 70 and the innermost second product folding axis 71b, respectively, and the longitudinal central axis LM in the transverse direction 10 are indicated schematically.

For the sake of clarity, the flat materials of the main part (topsheet, cuff elements, absorbent body, backsheet) are illustrated in a combined way in the view of figure 3c and in subsequent figures 3d and 3e, not separately from one another graphically, and are indistinguishable, being illustrated as a single layer.

Figure 3d shows, in a sectional view similar to figures 3a, 3b and 3c, the configuration after the first fold arrangement of the first rear side section 55a has been folded inward onto the body-facing upper side 4a of the main part 4 of the disposable incontinence nappy 1 along the first product folding axis 70 (second fold arrangement 56a), and after the first fold arrangement of the second rear side section 55b has been folded inward completely onto the body-facing upper side 4a of the main part 4 of the disposable incontinence nappy 1 along the second product folding axes 71a, 71b (third fold arrangement 56b). In this case, the two folded side sections do not come to lie one above the other in the transverse direction 10, but instead lie next to one another. In this example, the first 22a and second rear side section 22b are spaced apart from each other in the transverse direction. It is also conceivable for the first 22a and the second rear side section 22b to come into an abutting position. The position of the longitudinal central axis LM is indicated schematically. This makes it possible to see that the second fold arrangement 56a at least partially overlaps the longitudinal central axis LM. It can be seen that the first rear side section 22a can be grasped at the free end 41, and this enables the second fold arrangement to be configured to be openable, that is to say to be unfoldable, in one go. Figure 3d also shows the final folded width EF of the disposable incontinence nappy 1 with the second 56a and the third fold arrangement 56b.

Figure 3e shows, in a sectional view similar to figures 3a, 3b, 3c and 3d, an alternative to the configuration illustrated in figure 3d, after the second 56a and third 56b fold arrangement have been formed. In this case, the two folded side sections in the illustrated embodiment come to lie one above the other in some region or regions in the thickness direction 7 of the disposable incontinence nappy 1, and therefore the second 56a and the third fold arrangement 56b overlap one another at least in some region or regions to form an overlap region 57. In the overlap region 57, the second fold arrangement 56a is arranged between the third fold arrangement 56b and a body-facing upper side 4a of the main part 4.

Figure 3e furthermore shows schematically the position of the longitudinal central axis LM and the final folded width EF of the disposable incontinence nappy 1 with the second 56a and the third fold arrangement 56b. It can be seen that in the overlapping configuration of the second 56a and third fold arrangement 56b, the second fold arrangement 56a overlaps the longitudinal central axis LM; in particular, the overlap region 57 formed by the second 56a and third fold arrangement 56b is arranged completely between the cuff elements (not illustrated here), and therefore in the region without cuff elements.

The disposable incontinence nappy with the second 56a and the third fold arrangement 56b is then preferably folded inward along the transverse folding axes 60 indicated in figure 1 for the purpose of packaging.

Figure 4 shows, not to scale but schematically, a detail of the disposable incontinence nappy 1 according to figure 1 in an enlarged representation, more specifically in the region of the first rear side section 22a in the state in which it is unfolded and spread out flat but not stretched. The first rear side section 22a is joined to the first rear lateral longitudinal edge 18a of the main part 4 in the back region 16 of the disposable incontinence nappy 1 and, in the region of its free end 41 in the transverse direction 10, preferably has at least one closure means 28, in particular precisely one closure means 28. The first rear side section 22a is joined to the main part 4 in an overlapping manner, wherein the first rear side section 22a is connected to the main part 4 within a joining region 36a. Furthermore, the first rear side section 22a has a region 42 which is elastic in the transverse direction 10 and is formed by preferably an elastic component having a maximum extent QE in the transverse direction 10. The first rear side section 22a furthermore has a maximum extent C in the longitudinal direction 8. The illustration in figure 4 should be understood, in particular, in such a way that a second rear side section 22b (not shown), which is joined to a second rear lateral longitudinal edge 18b of the main part 4 situated opposite in the transverse direction 10, is of substantially identical design, in this case of mirror-symmetrical design with respect to the illustrated first rear side section 22a. In the transverse direction 10, the first rear side section 22a comprises a proximal section 38, which adjoins the first rear lateral longitudinal edge 18a, and a free-ending distal section 40, which adjoins the proximal section 38. The proximal section 38 extends in the transverse direction 10, starting from the first rear lateral longitudinal edge 18a, over a length which is

65% of the extent 44 of the first rear side section 22a in the transverse direction 10. The component of the first rear side section 22a which is elastic in the transverse direction 10 is in each case arranged within the proximal section 38, at least in some region or regions, in particular completely. The extent 44 of the first rear side section 22a in the transverse direction 10 corresponds to the first side section width S1 of the first rear side section 22a and should be understood as the maximum extent of the first rear side section 22a in the transverse direction 10 of the disposable incontinence nappy 1 beyond the first rear lateral longitudinal edge 18a, measured in mm from the first rear lateral longitudinal edge 18a to the outwardly facing free end 41 of the first rear side section 22a in the unfolded, unstretched and spread-flat state. The first rear side section 22a is designed to be substantially non-stretchable in the transverse direction 10, at least in some region or regions, in particular in the entire distal section 40.

Figure 5 shows, not to scale but schematically, a side view of the disposable incontinence nappy 1 in the state in which it is applied to a user. For the purpose of applying the disposable incontinence nappy 1 to the user and closing it, the first 22a and the second rear side section 22b (not shown) are each wrapped around the body of the user along a hip circumferential direction 11, and are brought into overlapping arrangement with an outer side of the front region 12, to which they can each be releasably attached by means of the respective closure means 28. The disposable incontinence nappy 1 is preferably designed in such a way that, in the state applied to a user, the respective elastic region 42 of the first 22a and second rear side sections 22b bridges, at least in some region or regions, a gap P between the respective front lateral longitudinal edge 14a, 14b, that is to say a side edge of the front region 12, and a respective first 18a or second rear lateral longitudinal edge 18b, that is to say a side edge of the back region 16. In this case, the respective elastic region 42 preferably rests against the skin of the user and, in particular, is not covered by a material of the front region 12 of the main part 4.

Example Table 1 below shows properties of one exemplary embodiment of a preferred disposable incontinence nappy. The first and the second rear side section are (in the unfolded state) in each case substantially identical, and are therefore of mirror-symmetrical design. The parameters MS, GF1, EF designated in Table 1 are illustrated in figures 3a to 3e.

Table 1: Dimensions of an illustrative disposable incontinence nappy Parameter Value Length L 810 mm Maximum span MS 790 mm Front span VS 330 mm Front main part width 330 mm First side section width S1 230 mm Second side section width S2 230 mm Distance A 95 mm Distance B 185 mm GF1 510 mm Final folded width EF 190 mm QR 245 mm QS 170mm Ratio QR/QS 1.44 Ratio MS to VS (MSNS) 2.4 Ratio GF1 to MS (GF1/MS) 0.65 Ratio EF to MS (EF/MS) 0.24 Maximum extent C of the first rear side 140 mm section Maximum extent C of the second rear side 140 mm section Maximum extent QE 70 mm Ratio of the maximum extent C of the first to 1.0 the maximum extent C of the second rear side section Ratio QE to C (QE/C) 0.50 Number N1 of first side section folding axes 2 Number N2 of second side section folding 2 axes Number N3 of first product folding axes 1 Number N4 of product folding axes 2 Number of transverse folding axes 2

Claims

Patent claims

1. A disposable incontinence nappy having a longitudinal direction (8), a transverse direction (10), a longitudinal central axis LM, and a main part (4), comprising an absorbent body (6), wherein the main part (4) has a front region (12) having a first (14a) and a second front lateral longitudinal edge (14b) arranged opposite in the transverse direction (10), and a back region (16) having a first (18a) and a second rear lateral longitudinal edge (18b) arranged opposite in the transverse direction (10), and wherein the main part (4) has a crotch region (17) arranged between the front region (12) and the back region (16), and wherein the main part (4) has a first rear side section (22a) and a second rear side section (22b), wherein the first rear side section (22a) is joined to the first rear lateral longitudinal edge (18a), and wherein the second rear side section (22b) is joined to the second rear lateral longitudinal edge (18b), wherein the first (22a) and the second rear side section (22b) each have a region (42) which is elastic in the transverse direction (10), wherein the first (22a) and the second rear side section (22b) each have at least one closure means (28), thus making it possible, for the sake of applying the disposable incontinence nappy to a user and closing said nappy, to wrap the first (22a) and the second rear side section (22b) respectively around the body of the user along a hip circumferential direction and bring them into overlapping arrangement with an outer side of the front region (12), to which they can each be releasably attached by means of the respective closure means (28),

a) wherein the first rear side section (22a) is folded onto itself at a number N1 of first side section folding axes (50a, 51a) extending in the longitudinal direction (8) to form a first fold arrangement of the first rear side section (55a),

b) wherein the second rear side section (22b) is folded onto itself at a number N2 of second side section folding axes (50b, 51b) extending in the longitudinal direction (8) to form a first fold arrangement of the second rear side section (55b),

c) wherein the first fold arrangement of the first rear side section (55a) is folded inward onto a body-facing upper side (4a) of the main part (4) at a number N3 of first product folding axes (70) extending in the longitudinal direction (8) to form a second fold arrangement (56a),

d) wherein the first fold arrangement (55b) of the second rear side section (22b) is folded inward onto the body-facing upper side (4a) of the main part (4) at a number N4 of second product folding axes (71a, 71b) extending in the longitudinal direction (8) to form a third fold arrangement (56b), e) wherein N3<N4.

2. The disposable incontinence nappy as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that N31, N454, in particular N3=1 and N42, wherein, in particular, N4=2.

3. The disposable incontinence nappy as claimed in at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the number N1 of the first side section folding axes (50a, 51a) which extend in the longitudinal direction (8) and the number N2 of the second side section folding axes (50b, 51b) which extend in the longitudinal direction (8) is in each case 1-5, in particular 1-4, and more particularly 1-3.

4. The disposable incontinence nappy as claimed in at least one of the preceding claims, wherein N1=N2, wherein in particular N1=2, wherein more particularly the first fold arrangement of the first rear side section (55a) and the first fold arrangement of the second rear side section (55b) are each of Z-shaped design.

5. The disposable incontinence nappy as claimed in at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one closure means (28) of the first (22a) and/or second rear side section (22b) is arranged at a free end (41) of the respective first (22a) or second rear side section (22b).

6. The disposable incontinence nappy as claimed in at least one of the preceding claims, wherein, in the first fold arrangement (55a, 55b), the at least one closure means (28) of the first (22a) and/or second rear side section (22b) comes to lie outside the respective first (18a) or second rear lateral longitudinal edge (18b) of the back region (16), that is to say outside the main part (4).

7. The disposable incontinence nappy as claimed in at least one of the preceding claims, wherein a second product folding axis (70), which is outermost in the transverse direction (10) and extends in the longitudinal direction (8), extends outside the absorbent body (6), in particular inside the second rear side section (22b), more particularly inside the second rear side section (22b) and outside the first fold arrangement (55b) of the second rear side section (22b).

8. The disposable incontinence nappy as claimed in at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second (56a) and the third fold arrangement (56b) overlap each other at least in some region or regions to form an overlap region (57).

9. The disposable incontinence nappy as claimed in claim 8, wherein the second fold arrangement (56a) is arranged in the overlap region (57) between the third fold arrangement (56b) and a body-facing upper side (4a) of the main part (4).

10. The disposable incontinence nappy as claimed in at least one of the preceding claims, wherein at least the second fold arrangement (56a) overlaps the longitudinal central axis LM, at least in some region or regions.

11. The disposable incontinence nappy as claimed in at least one of the preceding claims, wherein a respective first product folding axis (70), which is innermost in the transverse direction (10), that is to say is closest to the longitudinal central axis LM, and extends in the longitudinal direction (8), and a respective second product folding axis (71a), which is innermost in the transverse direction (10), that is to say is closest to the longitudinal central axis LM, and extends in the longitudinal direction (8), are arranged at the same distance A from the longitudinal central axis LM, in particular mirror-symmetrically with respect to one another, with the longitudinal central axis LM as the axis of symmetry.

12. The disposable incontinence nappy as claimed in at least one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the main part (4) has cuff elements (23) on both sides, which form a lateral leakage barrier at least in some section or sections and extend along the longitudinal direction (8) on both sides, and wherein the overlap region (57) formed by the second (56a) and third fold arrangements (56b) is arranged completely between the cuff elements (23), and thus in a region (100) free of cuff elements.

13. The disposable incontinence nappy as claimed in at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the disposable incontinence nappy has a maximum span MS, wherein the maximum span MS is 500-1300 mm, in particular 600-1200 mm, more particularly 650-1000 mm, more particularly 700-900 mm.

14. The disposable incontinence nappy as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that the disposable incontinence nappy has a final folded width EF, and a ratio EF to MS is 0.15-0.35, in particular 0.17-0.30.

15. The disposable incontinence nappy as claimed in claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the disposable incontinence nappy with the first fold arrangement (55a, 55b) has a span GF1, and a ratio GF1 to MS is 0.50-0.85, in particular 0.55-0.75, more particularly 0.60-0.70.

16. The disposable incontinence nappy as claimed in one or more of preceding claims 13 to 15, characterized in that a ratio of the maximum span MS of the disposable incontinence nappy to a front span VS of the disposable incontinence nappy is 1.3-3.5, in particular 1.5-3.2, more particularly 1.8-3.0, more particularly 2.0-2.8.

17. The disposable incontinence nappy as claimed in at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the disposable incontinence nappy is folded about at least one, in particular about at least two, more particularly about at least three transverse folding axes (60) extending in the transverse direction (10) to form a fourth fold arrangement, wherein none of the transverse folding axes (60) extends through the first (22a) or second rear side section (22b), in particular none of the transverse folding axes (60) extends through the respective closure means (28).

18. The disposable incontinence nappy as claimed in at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the absorbent body (6) of the disposable incontinence nappy has a maximum transverse extent in the back region (16) of QR and has a minimum transverse extent in the crotch region (17) of QS, wherein 0.9 < QR/QS < 3.0.

19. The disposable incontinence nappy as claimed in at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the respective region (42), which is elastic in the transverse direction (10), of the first (22a) or second rear side section (22b) of the disposable incontinence nappy is formed in each case by an elastic component having a respective maximum extent QE in the transverse direction (10), wherein a ratio of the maximum extent QE of the elastic components of the first (22a) or second rear side section (22b) to a maximum extent C of the respective rear side section (22a, 22b) of the disposable incontinence nappy in the longitudinal direction (8) is in each case 0.30 0.70, in particular 0.40-0.60, more particularly 0.45-0.55, more particularly 0.53-0.43.

20. The disposable incontinence nappy as claimed in claim 19, wherein a ratio of the respective maximum extent C of the first rear side section (22a) of the disposable incontinence nappy to the respective maximum extent C of the second rear side section (22b) of the disposable incontinence nappy is 0.9-1.1, in particular 1.0.

21. The disposable incontinence nappy as claimed in at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the disposable incontinence nappy is designed in such a way that, in the state applied to a user, a respective elastic region (42) bridges, at least in some region or regions, a gap P between a respective first (14a) or second front lateral longitudinal edge (14b) of the front region (12) and a respective first (18a) or second rear lateral longitudinal edge (18b) of the back region (16).

22. The disposable incontinence nappy as claimed in at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the first (22a) and the second rear side section (22b) each comprise, in the transverse direction (10), a proximal section (38), which adjoins the respective first (18a) or second rear lateral longitudinal edge (18b), and a free-ending distal section (40), which adjoins the proximal section (38) and comprises the free end (41) of the respective first (22a) or second rear side section (22b), a) wherein the proximal section (38) extends in the transverse direction (10), starting from the respective first (18a) or second rear lateral longitudinal edge (18b), over a length which is 65% of the extent (44) of the respective first (22a) or second rear side section (22b) in the transverse direction (10), b) wherein the component of the first (22a) and second rear side sections (22b) which is elastic in the transverse direction (10) is in each case arranged inside the respective proximal section (38), at least in some region or regions, in particular completely, c) wherein the first (22a) and the second rear side section (22b) are each designed to be substantially non-stretchable in the transverse direction (10), at least in some region or regions, in particular in the entire respective distal section (40).