DE202004015542U1 - Absorbent article, for example, in the form of a sanitary towel or an incontinence protector is made entirely of materials allowing it to be repetetively cleaned and used - Google Patents

Abstract

The absorbent article, for example, in the form of a sanitary towel or an incontinence protector serving for absorption of body fluids is made entirely of materials allowing it to be repetetively cleaned and used.

Description

The Invention relates to an absorbent article, for example a. Sanitary napkin or incontinence guard that can be cleaned can and is therefore reusable, and which is intended inside clothing on the body a carrier, for example in the crotch part of a pair of underpants to be worn and the body fluid such as blood, urine or from the vagina a woman's liquid mixture leaking out for example during a menstrual period.

such Absorbent articles, for example sanitary napkins, are in a variety of forms available in the stores. This conventional one Absorbent articles have in common that they are liquid absorbent Have position, which is designed and developed to absorb body fluid and so to hold that the body fluid no longer comes out. conventional absorbent articles can in the liquid absorbent Able to contain materials that contain a liquid in more or less pick up and hold fine pores; or by wetting and / or capillary action hold between densely arranged fibers or fabric threads; or the binders have in the absorption of liquid by the liquid at least partially resolved become a tough liquid or more viscous liquid mixture arises, which is then more secure in the liquid-absorbing layer is held; or have the swelling agent that is a multiple of their own volume of fluid be able to record, swell and become absorbed by the liquid convert into a gel-like mass. The latter in particular used in incontinence articles and / or baby diapers.

This usual Articles are intended for single use and will be used once Put into waste. Therefore, a regular user regularly new absorbent Buy item. this leads to at regular cost for the Buying new, fresh absorbent items and becoming an ever increasing one Environmental pollution from the increasing number of used absorbent articles.

It is a first object of the present invention, for one regular user the frequency of permanent Reduce or avoid re-purchase of the absorbent article. Another task is to reduce the cost of the user. Another task is to reduce environmental pollution. Yet another task is the leakage of body fluids through the absorbent article and the contact of body fluid with the user's clothes to prevent and the clothes too conserve. Another task is to develop unpleasant odors and / or to prevent the release of unpleasant smelling substances or decrease. Finally one more task is to provide an absorbent article with simple means, if necessary from the usual in a household Materials can be made so that the absorbent article also in countries or areas where people have very little money and the well-known absorbent intended for single use Can not or hardly afford articles financially.

to solution an absorbent article is provided for the above tasks, for example a sanitary napkin or an incontinence guard for absorption of body fluid, for example blood, blood mixture, or urine, intended to be worn within of clothing, for example in the crotch part of a pair of underpants. The absorbent article includes a liquid impervious outer layer, which at the when used by the wearer opposite side of the article is arranged; a liquid absorbent Insert on the side of the outer layer facing the wearer during use is arranged; and a liquid-permeable inner layer, which on the wearer when in use facing side of the insert is arranged. From the body of the carrier escaping liquid is due to the inner layer of the body dissipated and fed to the deposit. The insert takes the liquid on or absorbs them. The outside location prevents the liquid from escaping on the use of the carrier opposite side and thus protects the clothing. The absorbent Article also prevents the leakage of potentially unpleasant smelling substances.

To the present invention is the article made from such materials manufactured and processed that the article as a whole is cleaned can be and is reusable. This is for the user the frequency the after-sale or the reproduction is reduced and there are costs saved.

Preferably the absorbent article is washable. The article is advantageous at a temperature of more than 90 ° C in a cleaning liquid washable. This makes cleaning easy and convenient for the user usual in a household Procedure.

The absorbent article preferably additionally comprises a cover layer which is arranged on the side of the outer layer facing away from the wearer during use and at least partially covers the outer layer. The cover layer protects the outer layer from possible damage that could lead to the passage of liquids, which gives Articles with an appropriate design in color and shape can have an aesthetic appearance and, with an appropriate design of the structure of the outer surface, can contribute to the absorbent article not or barely compared to the item of clothing within which it is worn, for example the underpants, when worn in a pair of underpants slipped and therefore not or hardly slipped against certain parts of the body or the skin of the wearer.

In at least the insert and the inner layer are advantageous made from cotton. Cotton is comfortable to wear and can be skin-friendly Form provided so that allergic irritation is avoided or at least be kept low. Doctors recommended the inventor under other for these reasons the use of cotton.

The backsheet can be made of plastic, for example from a plastic film his. With an easily available means, this prevents the liquid directly through the outer layer penetrates and with clothes, such as the underpants, of the wearer Contact comes.

In one embodiment the insert can be made of pressed or pressed together, not with each other woven fibers consist, for example, of a layer of felt.

In an alternative embodiment can the insert from a variety of absorbent absorbent layers consist. At least the suction layers of the insert are then preferably and the inner layer are made of fabrics made from each other interwoven fabric threads consist. The suction layers can essentially the same size and shape, or different sizes and have a substantially same shape, or evenly graded have different sizes, being the size of the suction pads from that of the carrier side facing away from the wearer facing side, decreases or increases. In more advantageous Design have at least three suction layers, namely one on the outside location adjacent suction layer, a suction layer adjacent to the inner layer and at least one suction layer arranged in between different Sizes on, wherein the at least one intermediate suction layer has the largest size.

Further Features and preferred embodiments are in the subclaims called. These and other features as well as advantages and technical Effects of the present invention will be detailed in the following Description of some preferred embodiments explained and by referring to the attached Illustrated drawings.

at the drawings apply:

1 is a top view of the different, individual layers of a first embodiment of an absorbent article according to the invention, the individual layers being shown next to one another and not above or next to one another for clarification.

2A is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the article according to the invention in a plane perpendicular to the layers, for example a longitudinal sectional plane.

2 B 10 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the article of the invention of FIG 1 in a plane perpendicular to the layers, particularly in 1 shown longitudinal section plane 2B-2B.

3A is a top view of the embodiment of a liquid absorbent insert of the in the 1 shown absorbent article according to the invention.

3B Figure 12 is a top view of another embodiment of a liquid absorbent insert of an absorbent article according to the invention.

4A FIG. 4 is a top view of another embodiment of an absorbent article according to the invention with a surface fastener and with a shape of the outline of the article corresponding to that in FIG 1 shown embodiment.

4B is a top view of yet another embodiment of an absorbent article according to the invention having a shape similar to that of concave longitudinal edges of an hourglass.

4C is a top view of yet another embodiment of an absorbent article according to the invention with a still different, asymmetrical shape of the outline and concave longitudinal edges.

5A Figure 12 is a top view of an end portion of yet another embodiment of an absorbent article according to the invention.

5B Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an end portion of another embodiment of an absorbent article according to the invention along a plane perpendicular to its layers.

5C is a cross-sectional view of a End region of a still further embodiment of an absorbent article according to the invention along a plane perpendicular to its positions, in particular that in FIG 5A shown section plane 5C-5C.

As in the 1 . 2A and 2 B shown comprises an absorbent article 10 a variety of different locations 12 . 14 . 16 18 that like in 2 shown are arranged one above the other, in each case adjacent layers touch each other and are connected to one another as described below. In a functionally sufficient, minimal embodiment, as defined in the preamble of the claim, the absorbent article comprises a liquid impervious outer layer 12 , a liquid-absorbing insert 14 and a liquid-permeable inner layer 16 which are arranged one above the other and connected to each other in this order. When using the absorbent article 10 is the liquid-impermeable outer layer 12 on the side of the article facing away from the wearer 10 arranged, in other words on an outer side in use. The liquid-absorbing insert 14 is on the side of the outer layer facing the wearer 12 arranged. The liquid-permeable inner layer 16 is on the side of the insert facing the wearer during use 14 arranged.

On the when using the item 10 The side facing away from the wearer can be the outer layer 16 of the article 10 at least partially or entirely from a cover sheet 18 be covered. This serves in particular to protect the outer layer 16 from damage. It also serves as a skin-friendly or, in relation to a contact with skin or fingertips, more pleasant than the outer layer, for example made of plastic 12 sensitive cover layer 18 provide. Furthermore, at least the outer surface of the cover layer 18 have a structure or texture that slips or does not slip at all with respect to a fabric or fabric from which clothes worn over it, for example underpants, are made. On the outer surface of the cover sheet 18 can also be a surface fastener 38 , such as an adhesive tape or a surface adhesive element, such as a so-called Velcro, can be provided. The cover layer 18 preferably has a color, texture, or, for example, a printed or ornamental weave pattern that gives the absorbent article an aesthetic appearance. The cover layer can be made from a textile article or fabric or cloth with the same or similar structure as the inner layer 16 or like the insert 14 , or a different material or fabric or cloth. For example, the cover layer 18 be made of a stable, tear-resistant fabric used for pants, for example for jeans (jeans fabric). The cover layer can be made of cleanable, preferably washable, more preferably at a temperature of more than 90 ° C, more preferably more than 95 ° C washable material or textile or fabric, for example made of cotton or plastic.

At least partial areas of the side of the inner layer facing the carrier 16 come when using the item 10 in contact with the wearer's skin. Therefore, it is important that the material of the inner layer 16 is selected so that it is skin-friendly and soft and that it does not irritate the skin or cause allergic irritation. The surface of the inner layer 16 is designed in such a way that it gives the wearer a pleasant feeling when it touches his skin, and that escaping body fluid is carried away from the skin and through the inner layer 16 through into the liquid-absorbing insert 14 is directed.

The inner layer 16 can be made from a layer or textile material which is semi-permeable to liquid and which allows a fluid to pass through in only one direction, for example a textile material with a semipermeable membrane effect, for example GoreTex®, SympaTex® or the like. The inner layer 16 can also be made from cotton, in particular from a textile article made from cotton, for example a fabric or cloth made from interwoven threads of cotton.

The structure of the surface of the inner layer facing the wearer during use 16 can have a large number of upstanding threads or loops, as is the case, for example, with a so-called terry cloth or cloth. For example, the inner layer can be made from a fabric or cloth intended for use with a towel, such as a cotton terry towel. It is advantageous if the threads of the textile or fabric or cloth article that come into contact with the skin of the wearer during use and / or from which the inner layer 16 is produced, itself absorb little or no liquid.

The liquid-absorbing insert 14 is made of a material and with a structure or texture that through the inner layer 16 liquid supplied through it in the insert 14 is absorbed or absorbed. Liquid is held in such a way that it is essentially in the insert 14 remains. With the addition of a certain amount of saturation of liquid, the insert becomes 14 saturated with liquid so that the insert 14 can no longer absorb or absorb any more liquid in its saturated areas. At further rivers hydration via the saturation of the insert 14 There is also a risk that liquid will no longer be in the insert 14 can be captured and exits what is undesirable. Preferably, the wearer changes the absorbent article 10 out before the deposit 14 in some areas the state of saturation is concerned with leakage of liquid from the insert 14 to avoid.

The deposit 14 can, as in the 2A shown, from a relatively thick layer, which consists of compressed or pressed together, not interwoven fibers 26 , for example a layer of felt or felt-like material or of a sponge-like material.

The deposit 14 can also, as in the 2 B shown, from a variety of individual, the liquid absorbing or absorbing individual layers or suction layers 14a . 14b . 14c . 14e , etc. exist. The individual layers or suction layers have a relatively high absorption capacity for liquid with regard to their own weight or own volume. They can be made from a material similar to that which could be used for a single thick absorbent layer, for example from a felt or felt-like material, or from one, for example from fabric threads 28 woven fabric or cloth or textile article, or from a sponge-like material.

In the insert consisting of individual layers or individual suction layers 14 can the individual layers 14a . 14b . 14c . 14e . 14f , etc. a similar or substantially the same shape and different sizes, such as in 3A shown, or also have a similar or substantially the same shape and size, such as in 3B shown. If the size of the individual layers is substantially different from one another, the sizes of the individual layers can 14a . 14b , etc. graded to each other, their sizes from one of the inner layer 16 neighboring single layer 14a graded in sizes of the individual layers 14b . 14c , ..., 14g to that of the outside location 12 neighboring single layer 14h order increasing in size as in the 3A shown, or be arranged one above the other in order of decreasing size. If the size of the individual layers is substantially different from one another, the individual layers can also be stacked on top of one another in such an order that one of the middle individual layers is the largest and that above and below individual layers are arranged that are smaller than the middle individual layer and from which medium single layer away from decreasing sizes (not shown). For example, with three individual layers 14a . 14b . 14c the middle single layer 14b be the largest and the upper and lower individual layers 14a and 14c are smaller than the middle one.

The deposit 14 consists of a material that is suitable, on the one hand, for a relatively large amount of the liquid to be absorbed by the absorbent article (blood, blood mixture, vaginal fluid and / or body fluid, such as urine) in relation to the intrinsic volume or the intrinsic weight of the insert 14 to absorb and hold it, and from which, on the other hand, the liquid therein can easily be removed, for example washed out, by a cleaning process. For this purpose, the material from which the insert essentially consists has a porosity in the form of a large number of pores or other volume regions in which the liquid, like water in a sponge, is held. The material surrounding the pores or other volume regions preferably has a relatively low to no porosity or absorption capacity for the liquid, so that the liquid is relatively easy to remove from the insert due to the cleaning process 14 can be removed. The porosity or pores used to hold the liquid can be formed between relatively densely arranged fibers or threads, for example woven together like a felt, or between woven threads of a woven fabric or cloth. The size of the pores or the spacing of the fibers or threads can be such that the liquid is also held in the porous material by capillary action and / or the effect of wetting the surface of the pore walls or fibers or threads.

If the deposit 14 from several individual layers 14 . 14b . 14c , etc., the individual layers can be made of a fabric or cloth or cloth, preferably a particularly absorbent cloth or cloth. Advantageously, one or more individual layers can advantageously be produced from a material such as that used for underwear, for example undershirts or towels, for example from a ribbed, finely ribbed or non-ribbed, that is to say combed, or from a cloth.

The deposit 14 can also be made from fibers woven together like a felt 26 made of cellulose or cotton or fabric threads 28 consist of or with fabric threads 28 woven, fabric or cloth-like individual layers 14a . 14b . 14c , etc. be made.

The absorbent article 10 is made from materials that allow the item 10 can be cleaned, preferably washed and / or disinfected, and is therefore reusable several times. A partially absorbent article 10 is cleaned, for example using a detergent, for example in a detergent solution or in a solution of a detergent in water, preferably washed, preferably in a Temperature greater than 90 ° C, and more preferably greater than 95 ° C. A disinfectant can also be added to or mixed with the cleaning agent. The item 10 can be disinfected and / or perfumed during cleaning and / or afterwards.

The liquid-impermeable outer layer 12 causes no liquid, for example liquid escaping from the wearer's body, through the outer layer 12 can step through. This prevents the outer layer 12 that liquid comes into direct contact with areas of the wearer's clothing located further outside. Thus, the clothing of the wearer, for example the underpants and or other items of clothing worn over it, is protected from being directly soiled by the article 10 Protected liquid or body fluid protected.

A particularly preferred embodiment of an absorbent article 10 is in the 1 respectively. 2 B shown. The inner layer is there 12 from a fabric used in towels or terry cloth; the deposit 14 comprises a large number of individual layers 14a . 14b . 14c , etc., which in turn consist of a material used, for example, for undershirts; the outside location 12 consists of a plastic or plastic film; and the cover layer is made of a fabric used in pants, such as denim. All of these materials are easily and widely available, for example in a household. An absorbent article made from these materials or layers 10 can therefore essentially be produced by anyone without great expense. Such reusable absorbent articles 10 are therefore particularly suitable for use in countries or areas in which users have little or no money available for the repeated purchase of disposable, so-called disposable items.

In one embodiment, the absorbent article 10 as in the supervision of the 4A shown, essentially two straight longitudinal edges 20 and end areas 22 . 24 with convex rounded cross edges 23 . 25 exhibit. In an embodiment which is particularly suitable for use in the crotch region of a pair of underpants and / or as a sanitary napkin, the article shows 10 when viewed from above, a shape or outline shape that resembles the view of an hourglass or a bone and two concave longitudinal edges 20 has, and wherein the end regions 22 and 24 a substantially similar or the same size and outline shape with convex transverse edges 23 . 25 have, as in the 4B shown. In an embodiment which is particularly advantageous with regard to a fit in the crotch region of a pair of underpants, the longitudinal edges have 20 a concave shape with a first end region 22 and a second. end regions 24 first and second convex transverse edges 23 respectively. 25 and wherein the first and second end regions 22 and 24 differ in size and / or outline shape, as in 4C exemplified. When used, for example, as an incontinence article for a male wearer, the second end region can 24 have a large size that is significantly larger than the size of the first end region 22 and the size difference is comparatively much larger than in the example in 4C , so that a penis and in particular its tip for receiving urine, for example, is sufficiently far from the second end region 24 is covered.

The length of an absorbent article according to the invention 10 , measured from the first transverse edge 23 to the second edge 25 may be about 5 cm to about 50 cm, preferably about 10 cm to about 30 cm, preferably about 25 cm, more preferably about 20 cm, and more preferably about 15 cm. The width of an absorbent article according to the invention 10 , measured at its narrowest point from one longitudinal edge to the other 20 , can be about 1 cm to about 15 cm, preferably about 10 cm, more preferably about 8 cm, more preferably about 6 cm, more preferably about 4 cm and even more preferably about 2 cm.

In a preferred embodiment, an absorbent article 10 an inner layer 16 made of terry towel, one insert 14 consisting of three to ten individual layers 14a . 14b , etc., an outside location 16 made of plastic film and a cover layer 18 include jeans fabric. Its thickness is about 0.2 cm to about 2.0 cm, preferably about 1.5 cm, more preferably about 1.0 cm, and even more preferably about 0.5 cm.

As in the 5A . 5B and 5C shown, the above different locations 16 ; 14 respectively. 14a . 14b . 14c , etc; 12 ; and 18 of the absorbent article 10 along a seam 30 (or two or more seams, not shown), which runs substantially along its outline at a substantially constant distance from the outer edge of the outline, with one or two (or more, not shown) seams 34 to be sewn together. When sewing along the seam 30 creates a variety of puncture holes 32 , Near the puncture holes 32 or the seam 30 are the layers in the direction of a thickness of the absorbent article 10 held together. For further fastening of the individual layers 16 ; 14 respectively. 14a . 14b . 14c , etc; 12 ; and 18 of the absorbent article 10 one or more can also be attached to one another within the seam 30 running, so-called quilting seams may be provided (not shown). On the outline of the absorbent article 10 Kings NEN the layers along the outline to be cut to the same shape and substantially the same size as in 5C shown. Even the inner layer 16 the edges of the other layers trimmed to the same size 14 respectively. 14a . 14b . 14c , etc; 12 ; and 18 to be folded around so that an envelope 36 is formed on the opposite side of the article 10 by means of the seam 30 can be attached and, for example, both on the side facing the carrier and on the side facing away from the carrier 10 from the hem thread 34 can be recorded as in 5B shown. Alternatively, the cover layer 18 also wrapped around the outline of the article as an envelope and its edge on the opposite side of the article 10 be captured by the edge hem (not shown).

The present invention is not to that in the foregoing description illustrated or shown in the drawings limited embodiments. Much more are different changes, Modification and equivalents, the for are apparent to those skilled in the art, within the scope defined by the claims Scope of protection possible.

10

absorbent items

12

liquid-impermeable outer layer

14

liquid absorbing inlay

14a,

14b . 14c , ... liquid-absorbent suction layer

16

liquid-permeable inner layer

18

cover sheet

20

longitudinal edge

22

first end

23

first cross-border

24

second end

25

second cross-border

26

fiber

28

tissue thread

30

hem seam

32

puncture hole

34

seam thread

36

envelope

38

Surface fastener

Claims (18)

Absorbent article ( 10 ), for example a hygiene bandage or incontinence protection, for absorbing body fluid, for example blood, blood mixture, or urine, intended for wearing within clothing, for example in the crotch part of a pair of underpants, comprising: a liquid-impermeable outer layer ( 12 ) which is arranged on the side of the article facing away from the wearer during use; a liquid-absorbing insert ( 14 ) on the side of the outer layer facing the wearer during use ( 12 ) is arranged; and a liquid-permeable inner layer ( 16 ) on the side of the insert facing the wearer during use ( 14 ) is arranged; characterized in that the article ( 10 ) is made as a whole from such materials that it can be cleaned and reused. Absorbent article according to claim 1, which is washable is. Absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, the at a temperature of more than 90 ° C in a cleaning liquid is washable. Absorbent article according to one of the preceding claims, additionally comprising a cover layer ( 18 ) on the side of the outer layer facing away from the wearer during use ( 12 ) is arranged and the outer layer ( 12 ) at least partially covered. Absorbent article according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the insert ( 14 ) and the inner layer ( 16 ) are made of cotton. Absorbent article according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer layer ( 12 ) is made of plastic, for example a plastic film. Absorbent article according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the insert ( 14 ) from compressed or pressed together, not interwoven fibers ( 26 ) consists. Absorbent article according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the insert ( 14 ) from a variety of absorbent layers ( 14a . 14b . 14c ,...) consists. Absorbent article according to claim 8, wherein at least the absorbent layers ( 14a . 14b . 14c , ...) of the insert ( 14 ) and inner layer ( 16 ) are made from fabrics made from woven threads ( 28 ) consist. Absorbent article according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the absorbent layers ( 14a . 14b , ...) are essentially the same size and shape. Absorbent article according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the absorbent layers ( 14a . 14b , ...) have different sizes and essentially the same shapes. Absorbent article according to claim 11, where the suction layers ( 14a . 14b . 14c , ...) have different sizes, evenly graduated, and their size decreases or increases from the side facing away from the carrier to the side facing the carrier. Absorbent article according to claim 11, wherein at least three absorbent layers ( 14a . 14m . 14z ), namely a suction layer on the outer layer ( 14a ), a suction layer on the inner layer ( 14z ) and at least one suction layer arranged in between ( 14m ) have different sizes and the at least one intermediate suction layer ( 14m ) has the largest size. Absorbent article according to one of the preceding claims, the substantially straight longitudinal edges ( 20 ) having. Absorbent article according to one of the preceding claims, the substantially concave longitudinal edges ( 20 ), for example a shape similar to an hourglass. Absorbent article according to one of the preceding claims with a first end region ( 22 ) and a the first end region in a longitudinal direction of the article ( 10 ) opposite end of the second end area ( 24 ), the first end region having a width which is different from a width of the second end region ( 24 ) is different. Absorbent article according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer surface of the article ( 10 ) has a structure that prevents or inhibits slipping in relation to a material in the crotch part of the underpants. Absorbent article according to claim 17, wherein on the outer surface of the article ( 10 ) a surface fastening element, for example an element of a Velcro fastener, is arranged.