BE1022223B1 - ABSORBING ARTICLE WITH DISTINCTION SIGN - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an absorbent article, suitable for use as a diaper or pant diaper, having a chassis with at least one region of visual distinction for distinguishing the front region from the back region of the article and for improved fit around the waist of the wearer. The invention further relates to a method and an apparatus for manufacturing the absorbent article.

Description

ABSORBING ARTICLE WITH A DISTINCTION SIGN TECHNICAL AREA

The invention belongs to the technical field of absorbent hygiene products. In particular, the present invention relates to an absorbent article for absorbing bodily fluids and secretions, such as urine and fecal material. More specifically, the present invention relates to absorbent articles, such as disposable diapers or pants diapers, that are formed to collect and hold fecal material and to prevent leakage.

BACKGROUND

Currently, disposable absorbent articles are commonly used in the care of infants, children, and incontinent adults, and have generally replaced reusable cotton absorbent articles. A typical disposable absorbent article, especially diapers, generally consists of a composite structure, often referred to as a chassis, comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core between topsheet and backsheet. The absorbent article also includes a front region, a rear region, and an intermediate crotch region that interconnects the front region and the rear region. Additionally, other components, such as fasteners, side panels, inclusion flaps, leg cuffs, etc., can be attached to the chassis to obtain the final diaper.

When placing and attaching the absorbent article around a baby or child's waist, the user, such as the mother, is not provided with an indication for quickly distinguishing the front area from the rear area of the article, nor with an indication for optimally fitting the absorbent article if that article is to be attached with the aid of fasteners. These indications are crucial to ensure that leaks are avoided and to ensure the comfort of the wearer. Furthermore, it is crucial that, in producing these articles, particularly during any steps related to cutting the article or components of the article, it is ensured that the article or material from which the article is made is correct is positioned in the article making device.

It is an object of the present invention to solve at least some of the aforementioned problems.

To this end, the invention has for its object to provide a disposable absorbent article with regions that can be distinguished quickly, in particular the front region and the rear region. Another purpose is to provide the user with an article with a simplified attachment process for an optimized fit around the waist of the intended wearer, preferably babies or infants.

Furthermore, the invention provides a simplified and accurate production method of the above-mentioned absorbent article.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an absorbent article suitable to wear around the lower torso of a wearer, such as a disposable baby diaper, according to claim 1.

The product of the present invention overcomes the difficulties of prior art products since it provides an article with an optimum fit for the wearer. In one embodiment, the article comprises visual characters for distinguishing the front region from the rear region of the article thereby absorbing bodily fluids during micturition and reducing leakage of these fluids. In one embodiment, the article of the present invention provides a cut mark applied to the laminate or other component of the article that permits correct positioning, preferably automatic positioning, for cutting a laminate, e.g. with a cutter, so that it chassis of the article. As a result, production losses due to incorrect cutting of the laminate can be avoided. The absorbent article of the invention can be made without loss of laminate material by cutting thereby reducing the overall production cost. Such a cut mark can also be used to correctly position the article or its components, such as the laminate, when such visual marks are applied. This leaves it correct, e.g. right, positioning of the drawings on the front and / or rear area of the resulting article. In one embodiment, the present invention provides such articles that can be made with a minimum of bonds, in particular without the need to adhere side panels to a laminate.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Figure 1 shows a disposable absorbent article in a flat-laid state according to a first embodiment of the invention in which the chassis comprises a general rectangular configuration along the longitudinal axis and the regionally distinguishing mark is positioned in the front region of the article. The above-mentioned article is provided with fasteners.

Figure 2 shows a disposable absorbent article in a flat-laid state according to a second embodiment of the invention in which the chassis comprises a general dog bone or hourglass configuration along the longitudinal axis and the region visual distinguishing mark is positioned in the front region of the article. The above-mentioned article is provided with fasteners.

Figure 3 shows a disposable absorbent article in a flat-laid state according to a third embodiment of the invention in which the chassis comprises a general rectangular configuration along the longitudinal axis and the region visual distinguishing mark is positioned in the front region of the article.

Figure 4 shows a disposable absorbent article in a flat-laid state according to a fourth embodiment of the invention in which the chassis comprises a general dog bone or hourglass configuration along the longitudinal axis and the region visual distinguishing mark is positioned in the front region of the article.

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the article of Figure 1 in which the front and rear regions of the article are connected to each other using the fastening means.

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the article of Figure 3 in which the front and rear regions of the article are connected together using the attachment means to define a 3-dimensional pant diaper.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a disposable absorbent article for absorbing bodily secretions, specifically adapted to be worn around the wearer's lower torso. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a disposable absorbent article for absorbing bodily secretions, which can be worn as a diaper under daily clothing.

The citation of numerical intervals by the end points includes all numbers and fractions that are within that interval, as well as the recited end points.

Unless defined otherwise, all terms used to make the invention public, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning as generally understood by someone of ordinary skill in the technical field to which this invention belongs. By way of further guidance, definitions of terms are included to better understand the teachings of the present invention.

As used herein, the following terms have the following meanings:

The term "% weight" (weight percent), throughout and throughout the specification, unless otherwise specified, refers to the relative weight of the respective component based on the overall weight of the composition. "A," "an," and "an" as used herein refer to both the singular and the plural unless the context clearly assumes otherwise. By way of example, "a landing zone" refers to one or more than one landing zone. "Approximately" as used herein, referring to a measurable value such as a parameter, an amount, a duration, and the like, is intended to include variations of +/- 20% or less, preferably +/- 10% or less , more preferably +/- 5% or less, even more preferably +/- 1% or less, and even more preferably +/- 0.1% or less of the specified value, insofar as such variations are indicated to be included in the disclosed invention. However, it is to be understood that the value at which the "approximately" determination is used is itself specifically disclosed. "Absorbent article" refers to devices that absorb and retain liquid, and more specifically refers to devices that are placed against or in proximity to the wearer's body to absorb and retain the various secretions discharged by the body. The absorbent articles include, but are not limited to, diapers, adult incontinence briefs, training pants, diaper holders and liners, sanitary napkins, and the like, as well as surgical dressings and sponges.

The "absorbent medium" or "absorbent core" or "absorbent body" are used herein as synonyms, and is the absorbent structure positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet of the absorbent article in at least the crotch region of the absorbent article and is in able to absorb and retain liquid body secretions. The size and the absorbent capacity of the absorbent medium should be compatible with the size of the intended support and the liquid charge provided by the intended use of the absorbent article. Furthermore, the size and absorption capacity of the absorbent medium can be varied to accommodate carriers ranging from babies to adults. It can be manufactured in a wide variety of shapes (for example, rectangular, trapezoidal, T-shape, I-shape, hourglass shape, etc.) and from a wide variety of materials. Examples of commonly occurring absorbent materials are cellulose fluff pulp, tissue layers, highly absorbent polymers (so-called super-absorbent polymer particles (SAP)), absorbent foam materials, absorbent non-woven materials or the like. It is common to combine cellulose fluff pulp with superabsorbent polymers in an absorbent material. "Acquisition and distribution layer", "ADL" or "flow management part" are used herein as synonyms, and refers to a bottom layer that is preferably a non-woven wick layer under the topsheet of an absorbent product, which speeds up transportation and distribution of fluids over the absorbent core. The flow management portion is typically less hydrophilic than the retention portion, and has the capacity to rapidly collect and temporarily retain fluid streams, and to transport fluid from its initial entry point to other parts of the absorbent structure, particularly the retention portion. This configuration can help to prevent the fluid from flowing and collecting on the portion of the absorbent garment positioned against the wearer's skin, thereby reducing the wearer's sense of moisture. Preferably, the flow management portion is placed between the topsheet and the retention portion.

The term "adhesive" as used herein refers to any suitable hot melt, water or solvent based adhesive that can be applied to the surface of a film layer in the required pattern or network of adhesive areas around the film nonwoven laminate of the present invention. Accordingly, suitable adhesives include conventional hot melt adhesives, pressure sensitive adhesives, and reactive adhesives (i.e., polyurethane).

As used herein, the term "adhesive bonding" means a bonding process that forms a compound by using an adhesive. Such adhesive can be used by various processes such as groove coating, sprayed coating and other surface applications. Furthermore, such adhesive can be applied to a product component and then exposed to a pressure such that the contact of a second product component with the product component comprising adhesive forms an adhesive bond between the two components.

As used herein, an "air-formed web" refers to a material comprising cellulose fibers such as those from fluff pulp that were separated, such as by a hammer mill process, and then deposited on a porous surface without the presence of a substantial amount of binding fibers. For example, air-shaped materials used as the absorbent core in various diapers are a typical example of an air-shaped material.

As used herein, an "air laid web" is a fibrous structure formed essentially by a process that involves depositing air entrained fibers on a mat, typically in the presence of bonding fibers, and typically followed by a densification and thermal bonding. In addition to traditional thermally bonded air-laid structures (those formed in the presence of non-sticky binder materials and substantially thermally bonded), the scope of the term "air-laid" according to the present invention may also include coforms made by the combination of air-entrained dry, dispersed cellulose fibers with meltblown synthetic polymer fibers while the polymer fibers are still sticky. Furthermore, an air-shaped web to which subsequently a binder material is added may also fall within the scope of the term "air laid" according to the present invention. The binder can be added to an air-formed web in liquid form (e.g., an aqueous solution or melt) by spray nozzles, directional injection or impregnation, vacuum draw, foam impregnation, and so on. Solid binder particles can also be added by mechanical or pneumatic means.

As used herein, the term "associated" includes configurations in which the topsheet is connected directly to the backsheet by attaching the topsheet directly to the backsheet, and configurations in which the topsheet is attached to the backsheet by attaching the topsheet to intermediate members who are on in turn are attached to the backsheet. The topsheet and the backsheet can be directly attached to each other by adhesives such as adhesives, sonic bonds, thermal bonds or any other adhesives known in the prior art. For example, a uniform continuous layer of adhesive, a patterned layer of adhesive, a sprayed pattern of adhesive or a series of separate lines, swirls or stains of structural adhesive can be used to adhere topsheet to backsheet. It should be clear here that the above-described adhesive means can also be used to interconnect and assemble the various other component parts of the article described herein.

The terms "back region" and "back region" are used herein as synonyms and refer to the region of the absorbent article that is in contact with the wearer's back when the absorbent article is worn.

The term "backsheet" refers to a material that forms the outer cover of the absorbent article. The backsheet prevents partitions contained in the absorbent structure from wetting articles that are in contact with the disposable absorbent article, such as bed sheets and overclothes. The backsheet can be a single layer of material or can be a composite layer that is composed of multiple components that are assembled or laminated side-by-side. The backsheet can be the same or different in different parts of the absorbent article. At least in the region of the absorbent medium, the backsheet consists of a liquid-impermeable material in the form of a thin plastic film, e.g. a polyethylene or polypropylene film, a non-woven material with a liquid-impermeable material, a hydrophobic non-woven material that resists liquid penetration, or a laminate of a plastic film and a non-woven material. The backsheet material can be air permeable such that water vapor can escape from the absorbent material, while liquids are still prevented from passing through. Examples of breathable backsheet materials are porous polymer films, non-woven laminates of spunbond and meltblown layers and laminates of porous polymer films and non-woven materials.

The terms "abdominal region", "front region" and "anterior region" are used herein as synonyms and refer to the region of the absorbent article that is in contact with the wearer's abdomen when the absorbent article is being worn.

The term "blend" means a blend of two or more polymers while the term "alloy" means a subclass of blends in which the components are immiscible but made compatible.

As used herein, the "body facing" or "body side" surface means that surface of the article or component that is intended to be arranged or placed toward or adjacent to the wearer's body during normal use, while the "outgoing" means " outward-facing "," garment-turned side "or" garment-side "surface is on the opposite side, and is intended to be suitably turned away from the wearer's body during normal use. Such outgoing surface can be adapted to be fitted to or adjacent to the wearer's undergarments when the absorbent article is being worn. "Connected" refers to the joining, attachment, connection, attachment, or the like, of at least two elements. Two elements will be considered connected when they are directly connected to each other or indirectly to each other, such as when each is directly linked to intermediate elements.

The term "air permeable" refers to films that have a water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of at least 300 grams / m2 - 24 hours. "Carded web" refers to webs made from staple fibers controlled by a combing or carding unit, which opens the staple fibers and directs them according to the machine direction to form a general machine direction-oriented fibrous non-woven web. The web is then bound by one or more known binding methods. Connecting non-woven webs can be achieved by a number of methods; powder binding, wherein a powdered adhesive or binder is distributed through the web and then activated, usually by heating the web and the adhesive with hot air; pattern binding in which heated calendar rolls or ultrasonic binding equipment is used to bind the fibers together, usually in a localized binding pattern, although the web can be bound over its entire surface if desired; air-binding, wherein air that is hot enough to soften at least one component of the web is passed through the web; chemical bonding, using, for example, latex adhesives deposited on the web by, for example, spraying; and consolidation by mechanical methods such as needle felting and water entanglement.

As used herein, the term "cellulose" is intended to include any material that has cellulose as its main constituent, and specifically comprises at least 50 weight percent cellulose or a cellulose derivative. Thus, the term includes cotton, typical wood pulp, non-woody cellulose fibers, cellulose acetate, cellulose triacetate, artificial silk, thermomechanical wood pulp, chemical wood pulp, dissolved chemical wood pulp, silk plant, or bacterial cellulose. "Chassis" refers to a fundamental constituent of an absorbent article on which the rest of the structure of the article is built up or applied over, e.g., in a diaper, the structural elements that, when configured to wear, shape the diaper of a slip or pants, such as a backsheet, a topsheet, or a combination of a topsheet and a backsheet. "Covorm" as used herein is intended to describe a mixture of meltblown fibers and cellulose fibers formed by the air formation of a meltblown polymeric material while simultaneously blowing air-suspended cellulose fibers into the stream of meltblown fibers. The coform material can also include other materials, such as super-absorbent particles. The meltblown fibers containing wooden fibers are collected on a forming surface, as provided by a perforated belt. The forming surface may comprise a gas-permeable material, such as spunbonded fabric material, which is placed on the forming surface. "Compression" refers to the process or result of printing by applying force to an object, thereby increasing the density of the object. "Include", "include", and "include", and "include from" as used herein are synonymous with "consist of", "consist of", "consist of", or "contain", "contain", "contain ", and are inclusive or open terms indicating the presence of what follows, eg component and which do not exclude or prevent the presence of additional, non-recited components, features, element, members, steps, known from or described in the state under the technique.

The term "mainly consisting of" does not exclude the presence of additional materials that do not significantly affect the desired characteristics of a particular composition or product. Exemplary materials of this kind may include, without limitation, pigments, antioxidants, stabilizers, surfactants, waxes, current promoters, solvents, particles, and materials that are added to increase the processability of the composition.

A diaper may include "inclusion flaps" or "barrier cuffs," used herein as synonyms. Inclusion flaps are generally considered to be particularly suitable for the containment of faecal matter and to prevent the lateral flow of liquid waste until the liquid waste can be absorbed by the absorbent article. Many constructions of containment flaps are known. Such containment flaps generally consist of a proximal edge intended to be attached to the absorbent article, and an opposite distal edge that is generally not attached to the absorbent article along at least a portion of its length. An elastic member is generally located adjacent the distal edge to help maintain the containment flap in an upright condition and to maintain a sealing contact between the distal edge of the containment flap and a wearer's body during use. The elastic member is generally positioned between two layers of material so that the elastic does not come into contact with the body of a wearer. The containment flaps can be made from a wide variety of materials such as polypropylene, polyester, artificial silk, nylon, foam, plastic films, molded films, and elastic foams. Various production techniques can be used to manufacture the containment flaps. For example, the containment flaps can be woven, non-woven, spunbond, carded, cast, blown, or the like.

A diaper may include leg containment gaskets. Leg "containment packs" help prevent leakage of bodily secretions when the wearer exerts compressive forces on the absorbent article. In particular, the stiffness of the leg containment gaskets prevents twisting and bundling of the leg openings of the absorbent article which can lead to leakage. In addition, the elasticity and formability of the leg containment gaskets ensure that the body facing surface of the leg containment gaskets form a suitable seal against the wearer's body. The physical properties of the leg containment gaskets, such as the thickness and stiffness, also function to keep the topsheet and absorbent core away from the wearer's body during use. Thus, an empty volume is created between the wearer's body and the topsheet and absorbent core of the absorbent article to help retain body secretions. "Continuous" means that the structure described is a closed-loop structure. The continuous structure can be single, i.e., a one-piece structure, or can be made from individual elements, suitably assembled to form a closed loop.

A "continuous waistband" is a band of material that circles and fits the waist of a garment, such as a diaper or trouser diaper, and is generally positioned along the wearer's waist. The waistband preferably creates a seal against the waist so that physical secretions cannot leak from the areas between the waistband and the waist of the wearer. It can be an elastomeric, cotton-like, non-woven fibrous material, such as an elastomer stretch bonded laminated web or an elastomer meltblown web. By correct selection of materials, the continuous waistband can be temporarily elastically limited, such as by compression. Once temporarily elastic limited, the elastic material from which the waistband is comprised can be activated, such as by heat treating, to regain a state of elasticity. "Conventional hot-melt adhesive" means a composition that generally consists of several components. These components typically include one or more polymers to provide cohesive force (e.g., aliphatic polyolefins such as poly (ethylene-co-propylene) copolymer; ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers; styrene-butadiene or styrene isoprene block copolymers; etc.); a resin or an analogous material (sometimes referred to as a tackifier) to provide adhesion power (e.g., hydrocarbons distilled from petroleum distillates; resins and / or resin esters; terpenes derived from, for example, wood or citrus, etc.); optional waxes, plasticizers, or other materials to alter viscosity (i.e., fluidity) (examples of such materials include, but are not limited to, mineral oil, polybutene, paraffin oil, ester oils, and the like); and / or other additives including, but not limited to, antioxidants or other stabilizers. A typical hot melt adhesive composition may comprise from about 15 to about 35 weight percent cohesive force polymer or polymers; from about 50 to about 65 percent by weight of resin or other tackiness promoter or tackiness promoters; from more than zero to about 30 weight percent plasticizer or other viscosity change agent; and optionally less than about 1 weight percent stabilizer or other additive. It is to be understood that other adhesive compositions are possible that include different weight percentages of these components.

The term "density" or "concentration" when referring to the absorbent material, in particular SAP, of a layer refers to the amount of the absorbent material divided by the surface of the layer over which the absorbent material is spread.

A diaper refers to an absorbent article that is generally worn by infants on the lower torso. To use the diaper around the wearer's waist, the diaper is typically first placed between the wearer's legs and then attached around the wearer's waist using fasteners, preferably in a reclosable manner around the wearer's diaper to remove after or during use.

The term "disposable" is used herein to describe absorbent articles that are generally not intended to be washed or otherwise repaired or reused as an absorbent article (ie, they are intended to be discarded after single use and, preferably to be recycled, composted or otherwise disposed of in an environmentally compatible manner).

As used herein, the term "elastic resistance" describes an elastic force that attempts to resist an applied tensile force, whereby a material provided therewith tends to contract to an unstressed configuration in response to an stretching force.

As used herein, the terms "elastic", "elastomeric", "elasticity" or derivatives thereof are used to describe the capacity of various materials and articles provided with them, to undergo a reversible strain under tension, e.g., to be stretched or extended, in at least one direction when a force is applied to the material and to substantially return to their original dimensions upon release, ie, when force is released without tearing or fracture. Preferably, it refers to a material or composite that can be extended in at least one direction by at least 50% of its relaxed length, ie extended to at least 150% of its relaxed length, and which when released from the applied tension is at least 40% of its extension. Accordingly, upon release of the applied voltage at 50% elongation, the material or composite will contract to a relaxed length of no more than 130% of its original length. Examples of suitable elastomeric materials include polyether-polyamide block copolymers, polyurethanes, synthetic linear ABA and AB block copolymers, chlorinated rubber / EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) blends, EPDM (ethylene-propylene diene monomer) rubbers, EPDM, (ethylene-propylene monomer) rubbers, blends from EPDM / EPM / EVA, and the like.

The term "made elastic" refers to a material, layer, or substrate that is not naturally elastic, but that is made elastic by, for example, suitably joining an elastic material, a layer, or a substrate. "Extension" means the ratio of the extension of a material to the length of the material prior to the extension (expressed in percent), as represented by the following: "Extension" means the change in length of a material through stretching (expressed in units of length).

As used herein, the term "extensible" means extendable in at least one direction, but not necessarily recyclable.

The term "fabric" is used to refer to all woven, knitted and non-woven fibrous webs. "Fasteners" are typically applied to the rear area of the diaper to provide a mechanism for holding the diaper on the wearer. Fasteners, such as tape tape fasteners, snaps, pins, belts, hooks, buckles, "hook / mushroom" and loop fasteners (e.g., VELCRO®-type fasteners) and the like, can be used and are typically applied to the lateral, side ends from the rear area of a diaper to provide a mechanism for holding the diaper over the wearer's waist in a conventional manner. Tape tape fasteners can be any of those known in the art, and are typically applied to the corners of the diaper. For example, self-adhesive fasteners, mechanical fasteners, hook and loop fasteners, snaps, pins or buckles can be used alone or in combination. For example, the fasteners may be self-adhesive fasteners made for reversible adhesion to a landing zone piece adhered to the front area of the diaper to provide a resealable self-adhesive fastening system.

The term "finished" or "final", when used in relation to a product, means that the product was suitably manufactured for its intended purpose.

The term "flexible" refers to materials that are compliant and that readily adapt to the general shape and contours of the wearer's body.

As used herein, the term "article of clothing" means any type of clothing that can be worn. This includes diapers, training pants, incontinence products, surgical gowns, industrial work clothes and covers, underwear, pants, shirts, jackets and the like.

Many of the known superabsorbent polymer particles exhibit gel blockage. "Gel blocking" occurs when superabsorbent polymer particles get wet and the particles swell to block fluid transmission to other areas of the absorbent structure. The wetting of these other areas of the absorbent member therefore takes place via a very slow diffusion process. In practical terms, this means that the acquisition of liquids due to the absorbent structure is much slower than the speed at which the liquids are discharged, especially in miction situations. Leakage of the absorbent article can occur well before the particles of SAP in the absorbent member are only close to full saturation or before the liquid can disperse or wick past the "blocking" particles to the rest of the absorbent member. Gel blocking can be a particularly acute problem if the superabsorbent polymer particles do not have suitable gel strength and deform under stress as soon as the particles swell with absorbed liquid.

The term "drawing" includes, but is not limited to, any type of design, image, sign, number, codes, words, patterns, or the like. For a product such as a baby diaper, a drawing will generally include items associated with little boys and girls, such as multicolored trucks, planes, balls, dolls, bows, or the like. "Water entanglement process" refers to the production of non-woven webs. The process involves directing a series of water jets to a fibrous web that is worn on a moving porous belt. The jets of water go down through the mass of fibers and when making contact with the surface of the belt, the rays bounce back and break them up: the energy that is released causes entanglement of the mass of fibers.

The term "high absorption material" refers to materials that are capable of absorbing at least 10 times their own weight in liquid. The high absorption material may comprise absorbent gel-forming materials, such as super-absorbent polymers. Superabsorbent polymers are water-swellable, water-insoluble organic or inorganic materials capable of absorbing at least about 20 times their own weight of an aqueous solution containing 0.9 weight percent of sodium chloride. The absorbent gel-forming materials can be natural, synthetic, and modified natural polymers and materials. In addition, the absorbent gel-forming materials may be inorganic materials, such as silica gels, or organic compositions such as cross-linked polymers. The term "cross-linked" refers to any means to render normally water-soluble materials substantially water-insoluble but swellable. Such agents may include, for example, physical confusion, crystalline domains, covalent bonds, ionic complexes and associations, hydrophilic associations such as hydrogen bonds, and hydrophobic associations or Van der Waals forces. Examples of synthetic absorbent gel-forming material polymers include the alkali metal and ammonium salts of poly (acrylic acid) and poly (methacrylic acid), poly (acrylamides), poly (vinyl ethers), maleic anhydride copolymers with vinyl ethers and alpha-olefins, poly (vinyl pyrrolidone), poly (vinyl morpholinone) ), poly (vinyl alcohol), and mixtures and copolymers thereof. Further polymers suitable for use in the absorbent structure include natural and modified natural polymers, such as hydrolyzed acrylonitrile-grafted starch, acrylic acid grafted starch, methyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, and natural gums such as alginates, xanthan gum, locust bean gum and of such. Mixtures of natural and wholly or partially synthetic absorbent polymers can also be used. Synthetic absorbent gel-forming materials are typically xerogels that form hydrogels when wetted. However, the term "hydrogel" is also commonly used to refer to both wetted and non-wetted forms of the material. The high-absorption material can have any of a wide variety of geometric shapes. It is generally preferred that the high absorption material is in the form of individual particles. However, the high-absorption material can also be in the form of fibers, flakes, rods, spheres, needles, spiral or semi-spiral, cube, rod-like, polyhedral, or the like. Conglomerates of particles of high absorption material can also be used. The high absorbent material may be present in the absorbent core in an amount of about 5 to about 100 weight percent and desirably from about 30 to about 100 weight percent based on the total weight of the absorbent core. The distribution of the high-absorption material within the various parts of the absorbent core may vary depending on the anticipated end use of the absorbent core. The high absorption material can be arranged in a generally separate layer within the matrix of hydrophilic fibers. Alternatively, the absorbent core may comprise a laminate of fibrous webs and high-absorption material or other suitable means to maintain a high-absorption material in a localized area.

A "hook-and-loop fastener" refers to complementary fasteners that have a "hook" portion and a "loop" portion and that are resealable. The term "hook" as used herein refers to any element suitable for entering into a connection with another element, the so-called "loop" portion. The term "hook" is not limited to "hooks" in their normal sense, but may include any form of attachment elements, either in one direction or in two directions. The term "loop" is also not limited to "loops" in their normal sense, but also encompasses any structure suitable for a "hook" fastener to attach to. Examples of "loop" materials are fibrous structures, such as non-woven materials.

The term "hydrophilic" describes fibers or the surfaces of fibers that are wetted by the aqueous liquids in contact with the fibers. The degree of wetting of the materials can in turn be expressed in terms of the contact angles and the surface tensions of the liquids and materials in question. The term "wettable" is intended to refer to a fiber that makes an air contact angle with a liquid, such as water, synthetic urine, or an aqueous saline solution of 0.9% by weight, of less than 90 °, while "hydrophobic" or "non-wettable" fibers describe fibers that have contact angles equal to or greater than 90 °.

As used herein, the term "impervious" generally refers to articles and / or elements that cannot be substantially permeated by an aqueous liquid throughout their full thickness under a pressure of 1.0 kPa or less. Preferably, the impervious article or element is not permeable to an aqueous liquid under pressures of 3.4 kPa or less. More preferably, the impervious article or element is not permeable to an aqueous liquid under pressures of 6.8 kPa or less. An article or an element that is not impenetrable is permeable. "Integral" is used to refer to various portions of a single unitary element rather than to the individual structures that are bonded or placed close together. "Connecting", "connecting", "connected" or variations thereof, when used to describe the relationship between two or more elements, means that the elements can be connected in any suitable manner, such as heat sealing, ultrasonic bonding, thermal bonding, by adhesives, stitching, or the like. Furthermore, the elements can be connected directly, or they can comprise one or more elements positioned between them, which are all connected together.

The term "flat-laid state" is intended to refer to the article when it is flattened in a plane or substantially flattened in a flat, in its stretched, flat state with all elastic contractions and gatherings removed. "Laminate" refers to elements that are attached together in a layered arrangement.

The use of the term "layer" can refer to, but is not limited to, any type of substrate, such as a woven web, non-woven web, films, laminates, composites, elastomeric materials, or the like. A layer can be liquid and air permeable, permeable to air but impermeable to liquids, impermeable to both air and liquids, or the like. When used in the singular, it can have the double meaning of a single element or of a majority of elements.

The crotch portion of the absorbent article preferably includes opposite longitudinal side portions that includes a pair of elastically made, longitudinally-extending, "leg cuffs." The leg cuffs are generally adapted to fit around the legs of a wearer during use and serve as a mechanical barrier to the lateral flow of body secretions. The leg cuffs are made elastic by leg elastics. The diaper may further comprise a front waist elastic and a rear waist elastic. Materials suitable for use in forming leg elastics are known in the prior art. Examples of such materials are bundles or ribbons of a polymer, elastomeric material that are attached to the diaper at the leg cuff in an elongated state, or that are attached to the diaper while the diaper is pleated, so that elastic contracting forces are transmitted to the leg cuff . Examples of suitable elastomeric materials that can be used include polyether-polyamide block copolymers, polyurethanes, synthetic linear ABA and AB block copolymers, chlorinated rubber / EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) blends, EPDM (ethylene-propylene diene monomer) rubbers, EPM (ethylene- propylene monomer) rubbers, blends of EPDM / EPM / EVA, and the like. "Liquid" means a non-gaseous substance and / or a material that flows and can take the inner form of a container into which it is poured or placed. "Longitudinal" is a direction parallel to the maximum linear dimension of the article .

The term "meltblown fibers" means fibers formed by extrusion of a molten thermoplastic material through a plurality of fine, usually circular, die capillaries into molten wires or filaments in a high-speed gas stream (e.g. air) which causes the filaments of the molten thermoplastic material will decrease in diameter, which can go to a microfiber diameter. Generally, meltblown fibers have an average fiber diameter of up to about 10 microns. After the formation of the fibers, the meltblown fibers are carried by the high speed gas stream and deposited on a collecting surface to form a web of randomly arranged meltblown fibers.

The term "non-elastic" refers to any material that does not fall within the definition of "elastic" above.

The term "non-woven fabric or web" means a sheet of material that has a structure of individual fibers or threads that are inlaid, but not in a regular manner such as occurs with stitching or weaving processes. Non-woven fabrics or webs can be made by many processes, such as meltblown processes, spunbond processes, and bound carded web processes. "Pants body" refers to a garment that has a waist opening and a pair of leg openings, similar to shorts, swimwear, or the like. The garment described may or may not have a manually tearable side seam.

The terms "particle", "particles", "particle," particles "and the like mean that the material is generally in the form of individual units. The units may comprise granules, powder, spheres, pulverized materials or the like, as well as combinations thereof The particles may have any desired shape such as, for example, cubic, rod-like, polygonal, spherical or semi-spherical, rounded or semi-rounded, angular, irregular, etc. Shapes that have a large largest dimension / smallest size ratio, such as needles, flakes, and fibers, are also contemplated to be included herein The terms "particle" or "particle" may also include an agglomerate comprising more than one individual particle, particle, or the like. particle or any agglomerate desired therefrom, are composed of more than one type of material.

The term "polymer" generally includes, but is not limited to, homopolymers, copolymers, for example, block, graft, random and alternating copolymers, terpolymers, etc., and mixtures and derivatives thereof. Furthermore, unless otherwise specifically limited, the term "polymer" will encompass all possible geometric configurations of the material. These configurations include, but are not limited to, isotactic, syndiotactic and random symmetries.

By the term "prepackaged" as used herein, it is meant that one or more absorbent articles are packaged in a single unit before being stacked. "Pulp fluff" or "fluff pulp" refer to a material made up of cellulose fibers. The fibers can be either natural or synthetic, or a combination thereof. The material is typically low in weight and has absorbent properties. "Reclosable" refers to the property of two elements that are capable of reversibly attaching, separating, and further being reversibly attached without substantial permanent deformation or cracking.

The "retention portion" or "liquid absorption layer" are used herein as synonyms, and form part of the absorbent medium. This portion may comprise a matrix of hydrophilic fibers, such as a web of cellulose fluff mixed with particles of high absorption material. In particular arrangements, the retention portion may comprise a mixture of superabsorbent hydrogel-forming particles and synthetic polymer meltblown fibers, or a mixture of superabsorbent particles with a fibrous coform material comprising a mixture of natural fibers and / or synthetic polymer fibers. The superabsorbent particles can be mixed substantially homogeneously with the hydrophilic fibers, or can be mixed non-uniformly. For example, the concentrations of superabsorbent particles can be arranged in a non-stepwise gradient through a substantial portion of the thickness of the absorbent structure, with lower concentrations to the body side of the absorbent structure and relatively higher concentrations to the outside of the absorbent structure. The superabsorbent particles can also be arranged in a generally discrete layer within the matrix of hydrophilic fibers. In addition, two or more different kinds of superabsorbent materials can be selectively arranged at different locations within or according to the fiber matrix.

As used herein, the term "sheet" or "sheet material" refers to woven materials, non-woven webs, polymer films, polymeric gauze-like materials, and polymeric foam layers.

The absorbent article can also include side panels. The "side panels" may have any shape such as, but not limited to, a square, rectangular, triangular, circular, and stair-like shape. They can be attached to the respective opposite side portions of the rear region, by a known method, such as heat sealing or adhesive bonding. The side panels can also be integrally formed with the rear area by projecting outwardly and connecting the respective topsheet and / or backsheet and / or absorbent medium in lobes which are in the form of the side panels. Preferably, the side panels are formed by laminating a layer of a non-woven fabric, a layer of a thermoplastic film and a layer of an elastic material. The layer of the elastic material can be positioned between the non-woven fabric layer and the thermoplastic film using adhesive layers. The layer of the non-woven fabric can be made from natural fibers, synthetic fibers or a blend of natural fibers and synthetic fibers. The layer of the thermoplastic film can be made of polyethylene or polypropylene.

The term "spunbonded fibers" refers to fibers formed by extrusion of molten thermoplastic polymers in the form of filaments or fibers from a majority of relatively fine, usually circular, capillaries of a spinneret, after which the extruded filaments rapidly pass through an eductive or other known draw mechanism to provide the filaments with molecular orientation and physical strength. The average diameter of spunbond fibers is typically in the range of 15-60 µm or higher. The spinneret can either be a large spinneret that has several thousands of holes per meter width or can be banks of smaller spinnerets comprising, for example, only 40 holes.

The term "spunbond meltblown spunbond" (SMS) non-woven fabric as used herein refers to a multilayer composite sheet that comprises a web of meltblown fibers sandwiched between and bonded to two spunbond layers. An SMS non-woven fabric can be formed in line by successively providing a first layer of spunbonded fibers, a layer of meltblown fibers, and a second layer of spunbonded fibers on a moving porous collected surface. The assembled layers can be bonded by allowing them to pass through a narrowing formed between two rollers that can be heated or unheated and smooth or patterned. Alternatively, the individual spunbond and meltblown layers may be formed in advance and optionally bonded and collected individually such as by winding the fabrics on rolls. The individual layers can then be assembled and bonded at a later time to form an SMS non-woven fabric. Additional spunbond and / or meltblown layers may be incorporated into the SMS fabric, for example spunbond meltblown meltblown spunbond (SMMS), etc. "Staple fibers" refer to commercially available fibers that include diameters ranging from less than about 0.001 mm to more than about 0.2 mm; they come in many different forms such as short fibers ranging from about 10 to 50 mm in length and long fibers with a length greater than 50 mm, preferably up to 100 mm.

By "elongation" is meant that the material has the capacity to extend beyond its original size in at least one dimension when subjected to a tensile force (ie, tension) applied in the direction of that dimension, without the material being break. An extension of for example 50% means that the material with a first length of 100 mm has reached a length of 150 mm. The rack can be in one direction, two directions, or multiple directions. The specific stretching properties of a material can vary along any stretch vectors. The term may include elastic materials, as well as nonwovens that are inherently extensible, but not necessarily in an elastic manner. Such nonwovens can be made to behave in an elastic manner by attaching them to elastic films.

The use of the term "substrate" includes, but is not limited to, woven or non-woven webs, porous films, ink permeable films, paper, composite structures, or the like.

Superabsorbent materials suitable for use in the present invention are known in the art, and may exist in any workable form, such as in particle form, fibers, and mixtures thereof. Generally speaking, the "superabsorbent material" may be a water-swellable, generally water-insoluble, hydrogel-forming polymeric absorbent material, capable of at least about 15, suitably about 30, and possibly about 60 times or more of its weight in physiological salt solution (e.g. a saline solution with 0.9% weight of NaCl). The superabsorbent material can be biodegradable or bipolar. The hydrogel-forming polymeric absorbent material may be formed from organic hydrogel-forming polymeric material, which may include natural material such as agar, pectin and guar gum; modified natural materials such as carboxymethyl cellulose, carboxyethyl cellulose and hydroxypropyl cellulose; and synthetic hydrogel-forming polymers. Synthetic hydrogel-forming polymers include, for example, alkali metal salts of polyacrylic acid,

Polyacrylamide, polyvinyl alcohol, ethylene maleic anhydride Copolymers, polyvinyl ethers, polyvinyl morpholinone, polymers and Copolymers of vinyl sulfonic acid, polyacrylates, polyacrylamide, polyvinyl pyridine, and the like. Other suitable hydrogel-forming polymers include hydrolyzed acrylonitrile grafted starch, acrylic acid grafted starch, and isobutylene maleic anhydride copolymers and mixtures thereof. The hydrogel-forming polymers may be slightly cross-linked to make the material substantially water-insoluble. Cross-linking can, for example, be done by radiation or covalent, ionic, Van der Waalse, or hydrogen bonds. The superabsorbent material may suitably be applied to a designated storage or retention portion of the absorbent system, and may optionally be employed in other components or portions of the absorbent article. The superabsorbent material may be included in the absorbent layer or other liquid storage layer of the absorbent article of the present invention in an amount of up to about 60% by weight. Typically, the superabsorbent material, when present, will be provided in an amount of from about 5% to about 40% by weight based on the total weight of the absorbent layer. "Superabsorbent polymer particles" or "SAPs" refer to water-swellable, water-insoluble organic or inorganic materials that are capable of, in the most favorable conditions, at least about 10 times their weight, or at least about 15 times their weight, or at least about Be able to absorb 25 times their weight in an aqueous solution comprising 0.9 weight percent sodium chloride. In absorbent articles such as diapers, incontinence diapers, etc., the particle size typically ranges between 100 to 800 µm, preferably between 300 to 600 µm, more preferably between 400 to 500 µm.

The term "target area" refers to an area of an absorbent core where it is particularly desirable to initially contact the majority of a fluid fiction, such as urine, menururation, or bowel movement. In particular, a target target area, for an absorbent core with one or more fluid target points during use, refers to the area of the absorbent core that extends over a distance equal to 15% of the total length of the composite from each target point in both directions. "Tension" includes a force along one axis that attempts to cause the elongation of a body or the balancing force within that body that attempts to withstand the elongation.

As used herein, the term "thermoplastic" is intended to describe a material that softens when exposed to heat and that substantially returns to its original state when cooled to room temperature.

The term "topsheet" refers to a liquid permeable sheet material that forms the inner cover of the absorbent article and which is placed in direct contact with the wearer's skin during use. The topsheet is typically used to help isolate the wearer's skin from liquids trapped in the absorbent structure. The topsheet may include a non-woven material, e.g., spunbond, meltblown, carded, water-entangled, wet-laid, etc. Suitable non-woven materials may be composed of artificial fibers such as polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, viscose, artificial silk, etc., or natural fibers. , such as wood pulp or cotton fibers, or from a blend of natural and artificial fibers. The topsheet material can further be composed of two fibers, which can be bonded together in a bonding pattern. Further examples of topsheet materials are porous foams, perforated plastic films, laminates of non-woven materials and perforated plastic films etc. The materials suitable as topsheet materials should be soft and non-irritating to the skin and should be easily penetrating to body fluid, e.g. urine or menstrual fluids. The topsheet may further be different in different parts of the absorbent article. The topsheet fabrics can be composed of a substantially hydrophobic material, and the hydrophobic material can optionally be treated with a surfactant or otherwise processed to achieve a desired level of wettability and hydrophilicity. "Training pants" or "pants diaper", as used herein, refers to disposable garments designed for children as wearers, which have a waist opening and leg openings. A pant diaper can be applied to the wearer by inserting the wearer's legs into the leg openings and sliding the pant diaper into position around the wearer's lower torso. A pant diaper can be preformed by any suitable technique including, but not limited to, securing two portions of the article using resealable and / or non-resealable connections (e.g., seam, weld, adhesive, cohesion bond, fasteners, etc.) · A pant diaper can be preformed anywhere along the perimeter of the item (eg, attached to the side, attached to the front waist). While the terms "pants diaper" or "pants diapers" are used herein, a pants diaper is also commonly referred to as "closed diapers", "preformed diapers", "pull-on pants", "training pants" and "diaper pants".

As used herein, the terms "transversal" or "lateral" refer to a line, axis, or direction that is within the plane of the absorbent article and is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. "Ultrasonic welding" refers to a technology that joins two materials together by melting them with heat generated by ultrasonic oscillation and then laminating them together such that the molten materials flow and the space goes between the two untreated portions of the two respective materials filling up. When cooling and forming, the two materials are connected together.

As used herein, the term "water-swellable, water-insoluble" is intended to refer to a material that, when exposed to an excess of water, swells to its equilibrium volume but does not dissolve in the solution. For example, a water-swellable, water-insoluble material generally retains its original identity or physical structure during absorption of the water, but in a highly expanded state, so it must have sufficient physical integrity to withstand current and fusion with neighboring particles. resist.

By the term "packaging material" as used herein is meant a flexible material, preferably a sheet material whose thickness is smaller, preferably much smaller, than its width or length, such as a sheet, a film or a film. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the above-mentioned packaging material can be rolled up.

Due to the high concentrations of superabsorbent particles or other high-absorption material in the retention portion, there may be an increased difficulty in retaining the high-absorption particles within the retention portion and limiting the movement or migration of superabsorbent materials to the body side of the diaper. To improve the retention of the high-absorption material, the absorbent structure may comprise an improved outer package, such as an "envelope sheet", immediately placed adjacent to and around the retention portion. The wrapping sheet is preferably a layer of absorbent material that covers most of the body side and outside surfaces of the retention portion, and preferably substantially encloses all peripheral edges of the retention portion such that a substantially full envelope is formed around it. Alternatively, the wrapping sheet may be provided with an absorbent cover that covers most of the body side and outside surfaces of the retention portion, and substantially encloses only the lateral side edges of the retention portion. Accordingly, both the linear and inwardly bent portions of the lateral side edges of the envelope sheet would be closed around the retention portion. In such an embodiment, however, the end edges of the wrapping sheet would not be completely closed around the end edges of the retention portion to the waistband regions of the article. The wrapping sheet may include a multi-element wrapping sheet comprising a separate body-side wrapping layer and a separate outer-wrapping layer, each extending beyond all or some of the peripheral edges of the retention portion. Such an envelope sheet configuration may, for example, facilitate the formation of a substantially complete cover and closure around the peripheral edges of the retention portion. The body side and outside layers of the wrapping sheet may be substantially composed of the same materials, or may be composed of different materials. The outer layer of the wrapping sheet may, for example, be composed of a relatively lower weight-base material that has a relatively high porosity, such as a wet-strength cellulose fabric composed of softwood pulp. The body side layer of the wrapping sheet may comprise any of the previously described wrapping fabric materials, which have a relatively low porosity (may, for example, comprise a meltblown web composed of meltblown polypropylene fibers or a low porosity cellulose web composed of a mixture of hardwood / softwood fibers). The low porosity body side layer can help in better preventing migration of superabsorbent particles to the wearer's skin and the high porosity, low weight outer layer layer can help in reducing costs.

An absorbent article refers to devices that absorb and retain liquid, and more specifically refers to devices that are placed against or in proximity to the wearer's body to absorb and retain the various secretions discharged by the body. The absorbent articles include, but are not limited to, diapers, adult incontinence briefs, training pants, diaper holders and liners, sanitary napkins, and the like, as well as surgical dressings and sponges.

Preferably, an absorbent article comprises a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis perpendicular to the above-mentioned longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis is hereby conventionally chosen in the front-to-back direction of the article when reference is made to the article being carried, and the transversal axis is conventionally selected in the left-to-right direction of the article when reference is made to the item being worn. The disposable absorbent articles may comprise a liquid permeable topsheet, a backsheet connected to the topsheet, and an absorbent core that is placed and held between the topsheet and the backsheet. The topsheet is effectively permeable to the liquids intended to be retained or stored by the absorbent article, and the backsheet may or may not be substantially impermeable or otherwise effectively impermeable to the intended liquids. The absorbent article may include other components such as liquid-absorbing layers, acquisition and distribution layers, liquid winding layers, liquid recording layers, transfer layers, barrier layers, packaging layers, wrapping sheets and the like, as well as combinations thereof.

A garment indicates any type of clothing that can be worn. This includes diapers, training pants, incontinence products, surgical gowns, industrial work clothes and covers, underwear, pants, shirts, jackets and the like. A diaper refers to an absorbent article that is generally worn by infants on the lower torso. To use the diaper around the wearer's waist, the diaper is typically first placed between the wearer's legs and then attached around the wearer's waist using fasteners, preferably in a reclosable manner around the wearer's diaper to remove after or during use. Training pants or diaper, as used herein, refers to disposable garments designed for children as wearers, which have a waist opening and leg openings. A pant diaper can be applied to the wearer by inserting the wearer's legs into the leg openings and sliding the pant diaper into position around the wearer's lower torso. A pant diaper can be preformed by any suitable technique including, but not limited to, securing two portions of the article using resealable and / or non-resealable connections (e.g., seam, weld, adhesive, cohesion bond, fasteners, etc.) · A pant diaper can be preformed anywhere along the perimeter of the item (eg, attached to the side, attached to the front waist). While the terms "pant diaper" or "pant diaper" are used herein, pant diaper is also commonly referred to as "closed diapers", "preformed diapers", "pull-on diaper", "training pants" and "diaper pants".

An absorbent article, such as a diaper, preferably includes a front region, also called a "front section", "front waistband region", "front section" or similar, a back region, also "back region", "rear section", "rear waistband region" referred to as "rear portion" or the like, and an intermediate crotch region or "crotch region" interconnecting the front and back regions. As used herein, the reference to a "front" portion refers to that portion of the diaper that is generally positioned at the front of an infant during use. The reference to the "back" or "back" portion refers to the portion of the diaper that is generally positioned on the back of the infant during use, and a reference to the "crotch" portion refers to that portion that overlies the is generally positioned between the legs of an infant during use. The crotch region is an area where fluid mictures typically occur repeatedly.

Preferably, a diaper comprises an outer surface, an inner surface opposite to the outer surface, and a periphery defined by the outer edges of the diaper, said outer edges include side edges that extend substantially along a longitudinal direction and define transversely opposite edges of the diaper, and a front end end and a back end end that extend substantially along the transverse direction and define longitudinally opposite edges of the diaper.

The inner surface of the diaper preferably consists of that portion of the diaper that is placed against the wearer's body during use, i.e. the inner surface is generally formed by at least a portion of the topsheet and other components attached to the topsheet. The outer surface preferably consists of that portion of the diaper that is positioned away from the wearer's body, i.e. the outer surface is generally formed by at least a portion of the backsheet and other components attached to the backsheet. The front area extends from the front-end edge of the periphery to a lateral center line or transverse axis of the diaper. The rear area extends from the rear end edge of the periphery to a lateral center line or a transverse axis of the diaper.

Preferably, a diaper comprises a liquid-permeable topsheet, a liquid-impermeable backsheet, and an absorbent medium suitable between the topsheet and the backsheet. The topsheet, the backsheet and the absorbent medium can be made of any suitable material known to a person skilled in the art. The topsheet is generally positioned on or close to the body side surface of the article, while the backsheet is generally positioned on or close to the garment-side surface of the article. Optionally, the topsheet may be provided on or close to the body side surface of the article and at least partially on or close to the garment side surface of the article, e.g., by wrapping the topsheet around the absorbent medium and / or the backsheet. Optionally, the article may comprise one or more separate layers additionally to the backsheet and positioned between the backsheet and the absorbent medium. The topsheet and backsheet are connected or associated together in an effective way. Preferably, the topsheet and the backsheet are adhered to each other at or close to the edges and / or edges of the absorbent article. The absorbent medium preferably comprises absorbent material optionally attached to or packaged in one or more covering sheets or wrapping sheets. Examples of commonly occurring absorbent materials are cellulose fluff pulp, tissue layers, highly absorbent polymers (so-called super-absorbent polymer particles (SAP)), absorbent foam materials, absorbent non-woven materials or the like and any combination thereof. It is common to combine cellulose fluff pulp with superabsorbent polymers in an absorbent material.

Preferably, an absorbent article such as a diaper comprises a chassis that refers to a fundamental constituent of the absorbent article on which the rest of the structure of the article is built up or applied over, e.g., in a diaper, the structural elements that, when configured to wear, the diaper takes the form of a slip or pants, such as a backsheet, a topsheet, or a combination of a topsheet and a backsheet, preferably the chassis comprises a laminate comprising a topsheet, a backsheet and a absorbent medium between the topsheet and the backsheet.

Preferably, a diaper includes inclusion flaps or barrier cuffs. The containment flaps are generally considered to be particularly suitable for the containment of faecal matter and to prevent the lateral flow of liquid waste until the liquid waste can be absorbed by the absorbent article. Many constructions of containment flaps are known. Such containment flaps generally consist of a proximal edge intended to be attached to the absorbent article, preferably to or near the side edges and / or the front and / or rear edge of the diaper, and an opposite distal edge that extends over the is generally not attached to the absorbent article along at least a portion of its length. An elastic member is generally located adjacent the distal edge to help maintain the containment flap in an upright condition and to maintain a sealing contact between the distal edge of the containment flap and a wearer's body during use. The elastic member is generally positioned between two layers of material so that the elastic does not come into contact with the body of a wearer. The containment flaps can be made from a wide variety of materials such as polypropylene, polyester, artificial silk, nylon, foam, plastic films, molded films, and elastic foams. Various production techniques can be used to manufacture the containment flaps. For example, the containment flaps can be woven, non-woven, spunbond, carded, cast, blown, or the like.

Preferably because a diaper leg containment gaskets. Leg containment packs help prevent leakage of bodily secretions when the wearer exerts compressive forces on the absorbent article. In particular, the stiffness of the leg containment gaskets prevents twisting and bundling of the leg openings of the absorbent article which can lead to leakage. In addition, the elasticity and formability of the leg containment gaskets ensure that the body facing surface of the leg containment gaskets form a suitable seal against the wearer's body. The physical properties of the leg containment gaskets, such as the thickness and stiffness, also function to keep the topsheet and absorbent core away from the wearer's body during use. Thus, an empty volume is created between the wearer's body and the topsheet and absorbent core of the absorbent article to help retain body secretions.

Preferably, a diaper comprises a pair of elastically made, longitudinally-extending leg cuffs that can be at least partially attached to the opposed longitudinal side portions of the crotch portion positioned close to the side edges of the diaper. The leg cuffs are generally adapted to fit around the legs of a wearer during use and serve as a mechanical barrier to the lateral flow of body secretions. The leg cuffs are preferably made elastic by leg elastics. Preferably, a diaper comprises a front waist elastic in the front area and / or a rear waist elastic in the rear area, said front and / or rear waist elastic allows elastic to stretch the front and / or rear area in at least the transverse direction, respectively. Materials suitable for use in shaping leg and / or waist elastics are known in the prior art. Examples of such materials are bundles or ribbons of a polymer, elastomeric material that is attached to the diaper, e.g., at the leg cuff in an elongated state, or which is attached to the diaper while the diaper is pleated so that elastic contracting forces are transmitted on the leg cuff or front and / or back elastic. Examples of suitable elastomeric materials that can be used include polyether-polyamide block copolymers, polyurethanes, synthetic linear ABA and AB block copolymers, chlorinated rubber / EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) blends, EPDM (ethylene-propylene diene monomer) rubbers, EPM (ethylene- propylene monomer) rubbers, blends of EPDM / EPM / EVA, and the like.

The diaper may also comprise side panels. The side panels can be of any shape such as, but not limited to, a square, rectangular, triangular, circular, and trapezoidal shape. They can be attached to the respective opposite side portions of the rear region, by a known method, such as heat sealing or adhesive bonding. The side panels can also be integrally formed with the rear area and / or front area by projecting outwardly and connecting the respective topsheet and / or backsheet and / or absorbent medium in lobes which are in the form of the side panels. The side panels are preferably formed by laminating a layer of a non-woven fabric, a layer of a thermoplastic film and a layer of an elastic material. The layer of the elastic material can be positioned between the non-woven fabric layer and the thermoplastic film using adhesive layers. The layer of the non-woven fabric can be made from natural fibers, synthetic fibers or a blend of natural fibers and synthetic fibers. The layer of the thermoplastic film can be made of polyethylene or polypropylene.

Preferably, a diaper includes fasteners that can be applied to the rear waistband region of the diaper to provide a mechanism for holding the diaper on the wearer. Fasteners, such as self-adhesive fasteners and / or mechanical fasteners, for example tape tape fasteners, snaps, pins, belts, hooks, buckles, "hook / mushroom" and loop fasteners (e.g. VELCRO® type fasteners) and the like can be used. are typically employed on the lateral, side ends of the diaper's back waist region to provide a mechanism for holding the diaper over the wearer's waist in a conventional manner. Tape tape fasteners can be any of those known in the art, and are typically applied to the corners of the diaper. For example, self-adhesive fasteners, mechanical fasteners, hook and loop fasteners, snaps, pins or buckles can be used alone or in combination. For example, the fasteners may be self-adhesive fasteners made for reversible adhesion to a landing zone piece adhered to the diaper waistband region of the diaper to provide a resealable self-adhesive fastening system. In preferred embodiments, the fastening means may comprise a primary fastening system and optionally one or more secondary fastening systems, the primary fastening system preferably comprising a pair of fastening members, preferably fixed to both edges of the rear region of the chassis and a landing member or landing zone at both edges of the chassis. front area of the chassis.

An absorbent article, such as a pant diaper, preferably consists of a front area, also called a "front section", "front waistband region", "front section" or the like, a back region, also "back region", "rear section", "rear waistband region" referred to as "," rear portion "or the like, and an intermediate crotch region or" crotch region "interconnecting the front and back regions. As used herein, the reference to a "front" portion refers to that portion of the pant diaper that is generally positioned at the front of an infant during use. The reference to the "back" or "back" portion refers to the portion of the diaper that is generally positioned on the back of the infant during use, and a reference to the "crotch" portion refers to that portion that overlies the is generally positioned between the legs of an infant during use. The crotch region is an area where fluid mictures typically occur repeatedly.

Preferably a trouser diaper comprises an outer surface, an inner surface opposite to the outer surface, and a periphery defined by the outer edges of the trouser diaper, said outer edges include side edges that extend substantially along a longitudinal direction and define transversely opposite edges of the trouser diaper, and a front-end edge and a rear-end edge that extend substantially along the transverse direction and define longitudinally opposite edges of the pant diaper.

The inner surface of the trouser diaper preferably consists of that portion of the trouser diaper that is placed against the wearer's body during use, i.e. the inner surface is generally formed by at least a portion of the topsheet and other components attached to the topsheet. The outer surface preferably consists of that portion of the pant diaper that is positioned away from the wearer's body, i.e. the outer surface is generally formed by at least a portion of the backsheet and other components attached to the backsheet. The front area extends from the front-end edge of the periphery to a lateral center line or transverse axis of the pant diaper. The rear area extends from the rear end edge of the periphery to a lateral center line or a transverse axis of the pant diaper.

Preferably, a pant diaper comprises a liquid-permeable topsheet, a liquid-impermeable backsheet, and an absorbent medium suitable between the topsheet and the backsheet. The topsheet, the backsheet and the absorbent medium can be made of any suitable material known to a person skilled in the art. The topsheet is generally positioned on or close to the body side surface of the article, while the backsheet is generally positioned on or close to the garment-side surface of the article. Optionally, the topsheet may be provided on or close to the body side surface of the article and at least partially on or close to the garment side surface of the article, e.g., by wrapping the topsheet around the absorbent medium and / or the backsheet. Optionally, the article may comprise one or more separate layers additionally to the backsheet and positioned between the backsheet and the absorbent medium. The topsheet and backsheet are connected or associated together in an effective way. Preferably, the topsheet and the backsheet are adhered to each other at or close to the edges and / or edges of the absorbent article. The absorbent medium preferably comprises absorbent material optionally attached to or packaged in one or more covering sheets or wrapping sheets. Examples of commonly occurring absorbent materials are cellulose fluff pulp, tissue layers, highly absorbent polymers (so-called super-absorbent polymer particles (SAP)), absorbent foam materials, absorbent non-woven materials or the like and any combination thereof. It is common to combine cellulose fluff pulp with superabsorbent polymers in an absorbent material.

Preferably, an absorbent article such as a pant diaper comprises a chassis that refers to a fundamental constituent of the absorbent article on which the rest of the structure of the article is built up or superimposed on, e.g., in a pant diaper, the structural elements which, when configured to wear, the pant diaper takes the form of a slip or pants, such as a backsheet, a topsheet, or a combination of a topsheet and a backsheet, preferably the chassis comprises a laminate comprising a topsheet, a backsheet and a absorbent medium between the topsheet and the backsheet.

Preferably, a pant diaper includes inclusion flaps or barrier cuffs. The containment flaps are generally considered to be particularly suitable for the containment of faecal matter and to prevent the lateral flow of liquid waste until the liquid waste can be absorbed by the absorbent article. Many constructions of containment flaps are known. Such containment flaps generally consist of a proximal edge intended to be attached to the absorbent article, preferably to or near the side edges and / or the front and / or rear edge of the pant diaper, and an opposite distal edge that is generally is not attached to the absorbent article along at least a portion of its length. An elastic member is generally located adjacent the distal edge to help maintain the containment flap in an upright condition and to maintain a sealing contact between the distal edge of the containment flap and a wearer's body during use. The elastic member is generally positioned between two layers of material so that the elastic does not come into contact with the body of a wearer. The containment flaps can be made from a wide variety of materials such as polypropylene, polyester, artificial silk, nylon, foam, plastic films, molded films, and elastic foams. Various production techniques can be used to manufacture the containment flaps. For example, the containment flaps can be woven, non-woven, spunbond, carded, cast, blown, or the like.

Preferably because a pant diaper includes leg wraps. Leg "containment packs" help prevent leakage of bodily secretions when the wearer exerts compressive forces on the absorbent article. In particular, the stiffness of the leg containment gaskets prevents twisting and bundling of the leg openings of the absorbent article which can lead to leakage. In addition, the elasticity and formability of the leg containment gaskets ensure that the body facing surface of the leg containment gaskets form a suitable seal against the wearer's body. The physical properties of the leg containment gaskets, such as the thickness and stiffness, also function to keep the topsheet and absorbent core away from the wearer's body during use. Thus, an empty volume is created between the wearer's body and the topsheet and absorbent core of the absorbent article to help retain body secretions.

Preferably, a pant diaper comprises a pair of elastically made, longitudinally-extending leg cuffs that can be at least partially attached to the opposed longitudinal side portions of the crotch portion, positioned close to the side edges of the pant diaper. The leg cuffs are generally adapted to fit around the legs of a wearer during use and serve as a mechanical barrier to the lateral flow of body secretions. The leg cuffs are preferably made elastic by leg elastics. Preferably, a pant diaper comprises a front waist elastic in the front area and / or a rear waist elastic in the rear area, said front and / or rear waist elastic allows elastic to stretch the front and / or rear area in at least the transverse direction, respectively. Materials suitable for use in shaping leg and / or waist elastics are known in the prior art. Examples of such materials are bundles or ribbons of a polymer, elastomeric material that is attached to the pant diaper, e.g., at the leg cuff in a stretched state, or that is attached to the pant diaper while the pant diaper is pleated, so that elastic contracting forces are transmitted on the leg cuff or front and / or back elastic. Examples of suitable elastomeric materials that can be used include polyether-polyamide block copolymers, polyurethanes, synthetic linear ABA and AB block copolymers, chlorinated rubber / EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) blends, EPDM (ethylene-propylene diene monomer) rubbers, EPM (ethylene- propylene monomer) rubbers, blends of EPDM / EPM / EVA, and the like.

The pants diaper can also include side panels. The side panels can be of any shape such as, but not limited to, a square, rectangular, triangular, circular, and trapezoidal shape. They can be attached to the respective opposite side portions of the rear region, by a known method, such as heat sealing or adhesive bonding. The side panels can also be integrally formed with the rear area and / or front area by projecting outwardly and connecting the respective topsheet and / or backsheet and / or absorbent medium in lobes which are in the form of the side panels. The side panels are preferably formed by laminating a layer of a non-woven fabric, a layer of a thermoplastic film and a layer of an elastic material. The layer of the elastic material can be positioned between the non-woven fabric layer and the thermoplastic film using adhesive layers. The layer of the non-woven fabric can be made from natural fibers, synthetic fibers or a blend of natural fibers and synthetic fibers. The layer of the thermoplastic film can be made of polyethylene or polypropylene.

In a pant diaper, the side edges of the side panels in the front and rear areas are adhered to each other to form a continuous or interrupted preformed waistband to accommodate the wearer's waist. The fixation between the side panels can be permanent or can be releasable and resealable. For example, when the panels are releasably secured, any suitable mechanical fastener may be used. For example, the panels can be releasably secured together using any suitable self-adhesive fastener, cohesive fastener, mechanical fastener, or the like. Suitable mechanical fasteners can be provided by interlocking geometrically shaped materials such as hooks, loops, spheres, mushrooms, arrowheads, balls on stems, male and female coupling components, buckles, snaps, and the like. Alternatively, the panels can be permanently connected together. The fixings are then referred to as seams. The seams, for example, can be constructed in any suitable manner. For example, the vertical seam may include an overlap seam, an end seam, or other suitable configuration. The seams can be formed by joining the panels together using any suitable method or technique. For example, the panels can be permanently bonded together using ultrasonic bonding, thermal bonding, adhesive bonding, and / or pressure bonding. In yet another alternative embodiment, the individual panels can be sewn together.

In a first aspect, the present invention provides an absorbent hygiene product suitable for being worn around the lower torso of a wearer. The article comprises a liquid-impermeable backsheet, a liquid-permeable topsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, the topsheet, the backsheet, and the absorbent core forming a chassis of the absorbent article. The absorbent article comprises a front region, a rear region, and an intermediate crotch region interconnecting the front region and the rear region, a longitudinal axis L extending from the front region across the crotch region to the rear region, and a transverse axis T that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal ash. The chassis includes two side edges along the longitudinal axis, a front edge and a rear edge on the front area and the rear area of the absorbent article, respectively. A garment-facing side of the backsheet of the absorbent article includes at least one region of visual distinguishing mark for distinguishing the front region from the rear region of the article. The region visual distinguishing sign allows a simple distinction to be made between the front area and the rear area of the absorbent article. This reduces the chance of the article being worn in an inverted manner (the front area of the article covering the back of the wearer) thereby reducing losses and increasing the comfort of the wearer. Furthermore, the time required for applying the absorbent article is reduced thanks to the presence of the above-mentioned region visual distinguishing sign.

The absorbent core is positioned between the backsheet and the topsheet to absorb the liquid body secretions secreted by the wearer. The topsheet can generally be adjusted, i.e. positioned relative to the other components of the article, to be arranged towards the wearer's skin when attracted. The topsheet may be less hydrophilic than the absorbent core to provide a relatively dry surface for the wearer, and may be sufficiently porous to be liquid permeable, allowing liquid to easily penetrate through its thickness. A suitable topsheet can be made from a wide selection of web materials, such as porous foams, net-like foams, perforated plastic films, natural fibers (e.g., wooden or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (e.g., polyester or polypropylene fibers), or a combination from natural and synthetic fibers. The topsheet is used to help isolate the wearer's skin from liquids trapped in the absorbent core of the absorbent chassis.

Depending on the embodiment, the backsheet and the topsheet can be unitary from one piece of material or they can comprise several pieces of material that are connected together. The topsheet can be attached to the backsheet in a supported relationship using, for example, adhesives, ultrasonic bonds, thermal bonds, pressure bonds or other conventional techniques.

In a preferred embodiment, the absorbent article is provided with a front area visual distinguishing mark in the front area and / or a rear area visual distinguishing mark in the rear area of the chassis. The aforementioned front and rear area of visual distinguishing marks are preferably different from each other such as, for example, different colors, different drawings, different writings. The front area and / or rear area of the visual distinguishing mark can be of any shape and can be placed at any position within the front area and / or the rear area of the absorbent article.

In a preferred embodiment, the backsheet of the absorbent article comprises at least one visual cut sign, the above sign is detectable by the cutting devices used during the production of the above article. Preferably, the visual intersection sign is provided in the crotch region and is preferably positioned in the center of the maximum length (Le, max) of the chassis measured along the longitudinal axis L between the front edge and the rear edge. The presence of the visual cut sign optimizes the cutting of the articles during the production process. This ensures automated production of good items, which reduces production time and reduces losses and production costs. The visual cut sign can also be used to correctly place the components of the article, such as its laminate of topsheet, backsheet and absorbent core, during production, and in particular during a production step in which drawings are applied to the article, e.g. the above mentioned visual distinguishing sign or other drawings.

In a preferred embodiment, the region visual distinguishing mark and / or the above visual intersection are selected from the list comprising: lines, text, letters, numbers, polygons, colors, textures, patterns, opacity, reflectability, gloss, presence of drawings such as cartoon characters, or to any combination thereof. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the front visual distinguishing sign comprises an illustration or image of a face, preferably comprising two eyes, a nose and / or mouth, thereby making the front area directly identifiable as the front of the article, and / or the rear visual distinguishing sign an illustration or image of a backside, preferably including buttocks and / or a tail, thereby making the back area directly identifiable as the backside of the article. Alternatively or additionally, the front visual distinguishing sign may include an illustration or image of the front of a vehicle, preferably including white or yellow headlights, and / or the rear visual distinguishing sign may include an illustration or image of the rear of a vehicle vehicle, preferably comprising red rear lights.

In a preferred embodiment, the chassis comprises a general dog bone or hourglass configuration along the longitudinal axis in which the width of the chassis, being the distance between the side edges of the chassis measured along the transversal axis, varies along the longitudinal axis, the maximum width of the chassis is positioned in the front area and rear area of the absorbent article, and a minimum crotch width determined by the minimum width of the chassis measured in the crotch area of the absorbent article is less than the maximum width of the chassis.

In a preferred embodiment, the chassis comprises a general rectangular configuration along the longitudinal axis in which the width of the chassis, being the distance between the side edges of the chassis measured along the transversal axis, remains substantially the same along the longitudinal axis L.

In a preferred embodiment, the absorbent article further comprises two elastically made rear side panels attached to the side edges of the chassis in the rear region of the absorbent article and two front side panels attached to the side edges of the chassis in the front region of the absorbent article.

In a preferred embodiment, the side panels of the rear region and the side panels of the front region are connected to each other, thereby forming a continuous waistband. Preferably, the above-mentioned waistband is made at least partially elastic or comprises at least one elastic part.

In a preferred embodiment, each front side panel comprises at least one releasable fastener. The above-mentioned releasable fasteners are preferably in the form of mechanical fasteners of the hook and loop type, or self-adhesive tape fasteners. In a preferred embodiment, a single loop panel or pair of loop panels is connected to the impervious backsheet or the side panels of the front area while a hook material is placed on each side panel of the rear area. The loop and the hook can be any material provided they are compatible with each other to allow the attachment of the absorbent article around the waist of a wearer.

In a preferred embodiment the front area visually distinguishes a marked landing zone suitable for indicating the optimum positioning of the fastening means. The absorbent article of the present invention hereby provides the user with crucial indications for ensuring an optimum fit and thereby avoids leaks and ensures the comfort of the wearer.

The optimum fit of an absorbent article is a result of the optimum and symmetrical attachment of the fasteners to the front area of the article. For an optimal fit and absorption performance of the absorbent article, it is preferable to use and adjust the diaper with a lateral symmetry. When different stretching stresses are applied to the side panels of the absorbent article, the securing means of each panel will be positioned at any landing location and secured to the front area. In addition, and as is known, the user cannot simultaneously pull on both side panels and attach them simultaneously to the front section of the absorbent article since the latter must be held in a fixed position during fitting. The random landing locations will be asymmetrical and the absorbent article will move to achieve an "iso-force" situation where a non-equal voltage is applied to each side panel. This creates an asymmetry in the leakage protection properties of the absorbent article and will be less comfortable for the wearer. The marked landing zone provided by the front area visual distinguishing mark of the absorbent article of the present invention guides the user in positioning the fasteners and thereby ensures symmetrical attachment of the fasteners to the front area of the above article and an optimum fit and absorption of the fastener. article to the carrier.

In a preferred embodiment, the absorbent core comprises a general rectangular dog bone or hourglass configuration along the longitudinal axis. The absorbent article may further include inclusion flaps and / or leg cuffs along the side edges of the chassis.

To improve the fit of the absorbent article around the wearer's waist, elasticized zones can be provided in the front area and / or the rear area. The article may further comprise other elements such as leg elastics and / or inclusion flaps. It should be noted that individual components of the item may be optional depending on the intended use.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a method for producing an absorbent article as described above. In a preferred embodiment of the method, the visual cut sign is detected for cutting the diaper laminate to create the front edge and the rear edge of the article chassis.

In yet a further aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for cutting a laminate into a chassis for an article as described above, said apparatus comprises at least one detecting means for detecting a visual cut sign provided with said laminate on a backsheet.

The invention is further described by the following non-limiting examples which further illustrate the invention, and which are not intended, nor should they be interpreted, to limit the scope of the invention.

EXAMPLES

Example 1:

The absorbent article illustrated in FIG. 1 generally represents a diaper 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. Specifically, FIG. 1 is a top view illustrating the outside and backsheet 2 of the absorbent article, which are not in contact with the wearer's skin when the diaper is being worn. Absorbent article 1 has a front region 3, a rear region 5 and a crotch region 4 that extends between and connects the front 3 and rear regions 5.

The front area 3 includes the portion of the article that, when worn, is positioned at the front of the wearer, while the rear area 5 includes the portion of the article that, when worn, is positioned at the wearer's back. The crotch region 4 comprises the portion of article 1 which, when worn, is positioned between the legs of the wearer and covers the lower torso of the wearer. The absorbent article comprises a longitudinal axis L which is conventionally selected in the front-to-rear direction of the article when reference is made to the article being carried and extends from the front region 3 through the crotch region 4 to the rear region 5. The article comprises furthermore a transverse axis T perpendicular to the above-mentioned longitudinal axis.

The chassis 6 is defined by two side edges 7 along the longitudinal axis L, a front 8 and a rear edge 9 at front and rear 3, respectively, of the absorbent article. The chassis 6 according to this embodiment has a general rectangular configuration, wherein the width of the chassis measured along the transversal axis T between side edges 7 of chassis 6 does not vary substantially along the longitudinal axis L.

The front area 3 of the absorbent article is provided with a region visual distinguishing mark 10. The chassis 6 is provided with a visual cut sign 11 which is positioned in the crotch area 4 and which is preferably positioned in the middle of the maximum length (1-6, max) of the chassis measured along the longitudinal axis L between the front edge and the rear edge.

On the side edges 7 of the chassis 6 in the rear area 5 of the absorbent article 1, two elastically made rear side panels 12, 13 are provided, one on each side edge 7, while on the side edges 7 of the chassis 6 in the front area 3 of the absorbent article, two front side panels 14, 15 are provided, one on each side edge 7. The side panels serve to form a cozy but comfortable fit around the torso of a wearer. The side panels can also allow to accommodate different torso circumferences. The side panels 12, 13 in the rear region of the absorbent article are each provided with at least one releasable fastener 16, 17.

FIG. 2 shows an absorbent article similar to FIG. 1, with the same components but the chassis 6 has a different shape than in FIG. 1. The shape here comprises a general dog bone or hourglass configuration wherein the width of the chassis, measured along the transversal axis T, varies along the longitudinal axis L. The maximum width of the chassis 6 is positioned in the front and / or rear area of the absorbent article and the minimum width of the chassis 6 measured in the crotch area of the absorbent article is smaller than the maximum width measured in the front area and in the rear area of the absorbent article. The chassis 6 is shown here with the maximum width measured in the front area and the maximum width in the rear area being the same, however, it is also possible that the largest width of the chassis 6 is only positioned in the front area or rear area.

The absorbent article illustrated in FIG. 3 generally represents a pant diaper 50 according to another embodiment of the invention. The above pants diaper is in a flat-laid state. Specifically, FIG. 3 is a top view illustrating the exterior and backsheet 51 of the absorbent article, which are not in contact with the wearer's skin when the diaper is being worn. The absorbent article 50 has a front region 52, a rear region 54 and a crotch region 53 that extends between and connects the front 52 and rear regions 54. The front region 52 includes the portion of the article that, when worn, is positioned at the front of the wearer, while the rear region 54 includes the portion of the article that, when worn, is positioned at the wearer's back. The crotch region 53 includes the portion of article 50 which, when worn, is positioned between the wearer's legs and covers the wearer's lower torso. The absorbent article comprises a longitudinal axis L which is conventionally selected in the front-to-rear direction of the article when reference is made to the worn article and extends from the front region 52 through crotch region 53 to the rear region 54. The article further comprises a transversal axis T perpendicular to the above longitudinal axis.

The chassis 55 is defined by two side edges 56 along the longitudinal axis L, a front 57 and rear edge 58, respectively, at the front 52 and rear region 54 of the absorbent article. The chassis 55 according to this embodiment has a general rectangular configuration, wherein the width of the chassis measured along the transverse axis T between the side edges 56 of the chassis 55 does not vary substantially along the longitudinal axis L.

The front area 52 of the absorbent article is provided with a region visual distinguishing sign 59. The chassis 55 is provided with a visual cut sign 60 which is positioned in the crotch area 53 and which is preferably positioned in the middle of the maximum length (1-6, max) of the chassis measured along the longitudinal axis L between the front edge and the rear edge.

On the side edges 56 of the chassis 55 in the rear area 54 of the absorbent article 50, two elastically made rear side panels 61, 62 are provided, one on each side edge 56, while on the side edges 56 of the chassis 55 in the front area 52 of the absorbent article, two front side panels 63, 68 are provided, one on each side edge 56. The side panels serve to form a cozy but comfortable fit around the torso of a wearer. The side panels can also allow to accommodate different torso circumferences.

In a preferred embodiment, the panels are intended to be permanently attached to each other. Preferably, the rear side panel and the front side panel positioned on the same side edge 60 are intended to be permanently connected to each other. As shown, the pant diaper 50 includes a first attachment region 65 along the longitudinal axis L on one of the two rear side panels 61 intended to be permanently bonded to a first attachment region 67 on one of the two front side panels 63. Similarly, a second attachment region is 66 on another rear side panel 62 intended to be permanently attached to a second adhesion region 68 on the other front side panel 64. In this way a continuous waistband is formed. In this embodiment, the attachment areas include seams. The seams, for example, can be constructed in any suitable manner. For example, the vertical seam may include an overlap seam, an end seam, or other suitable configuration. The seams can be formed by joining the panels together using any suitable method or technique. For example, the panels can be permanently bonded together using ultrasonic bonding, thermal bonding, adhesive bonding, and / or pressure bonding. In yet another alternative embodiment, the individual panels can be sewn together.

The waistband is preferably made at least partially elastic or comprises an elastic part. Such a waistband allows the tension of the waistband to be evenly distributed around the torso of the wearer, thereby improving the comfort of the wearer and reducing the risk of breakage of the waistband due to a local high tension. Furthermore, an absorbent article comprising an elastic waistband can be more easily put on or off without breakage or without loosening the connections between the front section and the rear section.

FIG. 4 shows an absorbent article similar to FIG. 3, with the same components but the chassis 55 has a different shape than in FIG. 3. The shape here comprises a general dog bone or hourglass configuration wherein the width of the chassis, measured along the transversal axis T, varies along the longitudinal axis L. The maximum width of the chassis 55 is positioned in the front and / or rear region of the absorbent article and the minimum width of chassis 55 measured in the crotch region of the absorbent article is smaller than the maximum width measured in the front region and in the rear region of the absorbent article article. The chassis 55 is shown here with the maximum width measured in the front area and the maximum width in the rear area being the same, however, it is also possible that the largest width of the chassis 55 is only positioned in the front area or the rear area.

FIG. 5 provides a perspective view of the front area of a diaper in accordance with the article 1 of FIG. 1 or FIG. 2. The diaper comprises a rectangular-shaped absorbent core (18; indicated by the dotted line) visible in the crotch region, the front and rear regions being connected together to determine a 3-dimensional pants configuration with a waist opening around the waist of the to accommodate the wearer and a pair of leg openings 19 through which the wearer's legs can be inserted. The front area and the rear area are connected to each other with releasable fasteners 16, 17 connecting the front side panels 12, 13 to the rear side panels (not visible). The front area includes a region visual distinguishing sign 10.

FIG. 6 provides a perspective view of the front area of a pant diaper corresponding to the article 50 of FIG. 3 or FIG. 4. The pant diaper comprises a rectangular shaped absorbent core (69; indicated by the dotted line) visible in the crotch region, the front and rear regions being joined together to determine a 3-dimensional pant configuration with a waist opening around the waist of the to accommodate the wearer and a pair of leg openings 70 through which the wearer's legs can be inserted. The front area and the rear area are connected to each other at attachment zones 67 and 68 which connect the front side panels 63, 64 to the rear side panels (not visible), thereby forming a continuous belt. The front area includes a region visual distinguishing sign 59.

It is believed that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and that some modifications to the described examples can be added without re-evaluating the appended claims.

Claims (14)

CONCLUSIONS A disposable absorbent article, comprising a liquid impervious backsheet, a liquid permeable topsheet and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, the topsheet, the backsheet and the absorbent core forming a chassis of the absorbent article, the absorbent article includes a front area, a rear area, and an intermediate crotch area interconnecting the front area and the rear area, a longitudinal axis L extending from the front area across the crotch area to the rear area, and a transverse axis T that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the chassis being two along the longitudinal axis, side edges include a leading edge and trailing edge at the front area and the rear area of the absorbent article, wherein a garment-facing side of the backsheet of the absorbent article comprises at least one region visually distinguishing mark from the front area of the absorbent article a rear area of the article, characterized in that the at least one region visual distinguishing mark is selected from the list comprising: lines, text, letters, numbers, polygons, colors, textures, patterns, opacity, reflectability, glossiness, presence of drawings such as cartoon characters, or any combination thereof. Absorbent article according to claim 1, characterized in that the backsheet comprises at least one visual cut sign, said sign being detectable by the cutting devices used during the production of said article. Absorbent article according to claim 2, characterized in that the visual cut sign is provided in the crotch region and is preferably positioned in the center of the maximum length (L6, max) of the chassis measured along the longitudinal axis L between the leading edge and the rear edge. The absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims 1-3, characterized in that a front area visual distinguishing sign is provided in the front area and / or a rear area visual distinguishing sign is provided in the rear area of the chassis. An absorbent article according to, inter alia, the preceding claim 4, characterized in that the above-mentioned visual intersection is selected from the list comprising: lines, text, letters, numbers, polygons, colors, textures, patterns, opacity, reflectability, gloss, presence from drawings such as cartoon characters, or (# 62014/5139 any combination thereof. The absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims 1-5, characterized in that the chassis comprises a general dog bone or hourglass configuration along the longitudinal axis in which the width of the chassis, being the distance between the side edges of the chassis measured along the transversal axis, along the longitudinal axis, with the maximum width of the chassis positioned in the front and rear regions of the absorbent article, and a minimum cross-width defined by the minimum width of the chassis measured in the crotch region of the absorbent article item is smaller than the maximum width of the chassis. Absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims 1-5, characterized in that the chassis comprises a general rectangular configuration along the longitudinal axis in which the width of the chassis, being the distance between the side edges of the chassis measured along the transversal axis, remains substantially the same along the longitudinal axis L. An absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims 1-7, characterized in that the absorbent article further comprises two elastically made rear side panels attached to the side edges of the chassis in the rear region of the absorbent article and two front side panels attached to the side edges of the chassis in the front area of the absorbent article. Absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims 1-8, characterized in that the side panels of the rear region and the side panels of the front region are connected to each other, thereby forming a continuous belt. Absorbent article according to claim 9, characterized in that the above-mentioned waistband is made at least partially elastic or comprises at least one elastic part. Absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims 1-8, characterized in that each front side panel comprises at least one releasable fastener. Absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims 1-12, characterized in that the absorbent article further comprises containment flaps and / or leg cuffs along the side edges of the chassis. A method for producing an absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims 1-12, characterized in that the visual cut sign is detected for cutting the diaper laminate to create the front edge and the rear edge of the chassis of the article. An apparatus for cutting a laminate into a chassis for an article according to any of claims 1-12, said apparatus comprises at least one detecting means for detecting a visual cut sign provided with said laminate on a backsheet and is adapted such that the device positions itself correctly, preferably automatically, for cutting the laminate based on the detected visual cut mark.