EP4734900A1 - A male incontinence guard - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a male incontinence guard (1, 1´, 1´´) comprising a fluid-impermeable backsheet (2, 2´´), a fluid- permeable topsheet (3, 3´´) and an absorbent body (4) arranged between said backsheet (2, 2´´) and said topsheet (3, 3´´), wherein said topsheet (3, 3´´) faces the user when the incontinence guard (1, 1´, 1´´) is worn by said user, said guard (1) having a longitudinal extension along a longitudinal axis (Y1 ) and a transverse extension along a transverse axis (X1 ), said transverse axis (X1 ) dividing said guard (1, 1´, 1´´) into an upper region (5) with an outer boundary edge (18) and a lower region (6) with a lower edge (19), said guard (1, 1´, 1´´) tapering at least partly towards the lower edge (19), said lower region comprising an upper lower region (6´) adjacent said transverse axis (X1), said male incontinence guard (1, 1´, 1´´) further comprises an imaginary fastening area (37) on the backsheet (2, 2´´) of the incontinence guard (1) so as to fix said guard to a garment of a user, said imaginary fastening area (37) comprises at least one adhesive portion (7, 7´, 7´´); and a release liner (30) covering said imaginary fastening area (37) and said release liner (30) being releasably attached to said at least one adhesive portion (7, 7´, 7´´); wherein said release liner (30) is essentially V-shaped comprising two leg portions (31, 32) and a connecting portion (33) connecting said two leg portions (31, 32), and said two leg portions (31, 32) extends in an angle along and on opposite sides of said longitudinal axis (Y1), and each leg portion (31, 32) extend from an area in said upper region (5) or from an area in the upper lower region (6´) towards said lower edge (19) of said lower region (6) and said connecting portion (33) being arranged on the longitudinal axis (Y1) in the lower region (6).

Description

A MALE INCONTINENCE GUARD

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a male incontinence guard comprising a fluid- impermeable backsheet, a fluid-permeable topsheet and an absorbent body arranged between said backsheet and said topsheet, wherein said topsheet faces the user when the incontinence guard is worn by said user, said guard having a longitudinal extension along a longitudinal axis and a transverse extension along a transverse axis, said transverse axis dividing said guard into an upper region and a lower region.

BACKGROUND

Absorbent articles, for example in the form of incontinence guards, baby diapers and sanitary napkins, are well known. The general purpose of such absorbent articles is to absorb, distribute and store various types of body exudates while providing a high level of comfort and sense of dryness to the wearer during use of the absorbent article. Also, such absorbent articles prevent the wearer from getting the clothes soiled by body exudates.

Absorbent articles in the form of incontinence guards are used to protect a wearer against urine leakage. As regards male incontinence guards, such articles are obviously configured for male users and are designed to cover the genital organs so as to protect against unwanted urine leakage. Male persons who are otherwise not physically handicapped will normally prefer not to use an incontinence guard in the form of diaper, since it is considered to be bulky and too large to wear and cannot always be used together with conventional clothing. Instead, special male incontinence guards which are intended for men with light incontinence have been developed. Such incontinence guards are relatively thin and shaped in a manner so as to cover the male genital organs during use. Such incontinence guards can be designed with an absorption capacity which is sufficient in order to absorb the fluid that is expected to be released into the absorbent article when it is worn. A previously known male incontinence guard of the above-mentioned type is known from the patent document WO2018/228710.

As regards male incontinence guards, there exist certain requirements. Obviously, an incontinence guard should be designed so as to be worn inside a user's ordinary underwear and to provide protection against light urine leakage. They may also be used with an underwear which is adapted to absorb body exudates or together with a disposable absorbent body such as a pants diaper or an open diaper. For this reason, known male incontinence guards are shaped to provide an optimal fit to the user's undergarment and body. Also, such incontinence guards comprise a core of absorbent material arranged along a longitudinal axis of the product in order to absorb urine. Furthermore, a male incontinence guard normally comprises a soft topsheet in order to give the wearer a feeling of freshness and dryness. The guard should also be relatively thin and should be designed with a discreet shape so that it is generally not visible through the wearer's regular clothes during use. Finally, it can be provided with suitable adhesive or means for example mechanical fasteners such as a hook as in a hook and loop system, allowing it to be attached to the wearer's underwear.

When adhesive is being used the adhesive is usually being covered by a release liner. Male incontinence guards, due to its shape usually have several different glue areas and each usually have its own release liner. Hence, there is a need to make manufacturing and the release liner handling for the user easier.

SUMMARY

It is desired to provide an improved release liner for male incontinence guards. In accordance with the present disclosure, there is provided a male incontinence guard with a V-shaped release liner according to claim 1 .

In accordance with a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a male incontinence guard comprising a fluid-impermeable backsheet, a fluid- permeable topsheet and an absorbent body arranged between said backsheet and said topsheet, wherein said topsheet faces the user when the incontinence guard is worn by said user, said guard having a longitudinal extension along a longitudinal axis and a transverse extension along a transverse axis, said transverse axis dividing said guard into an upper region with an outer boundary edge and a lower region with a lower edge , said guard tapering at least partly towards the lower edge, said lower region comprising an upper lower region adjacent said transverse axis, said male incontinence guard further comprises an imaginary fastening area on the backsheet of the incontinence guard so as to fix said guard to a garment of a user, said imaginary fastening area comprises at least one adhesive portion; and a release liner covering said imaginary fastening area and said release liner being releasably attached to said at least one adhesive portion. Said release liner is essentially V-shaped comprising two leg portions and a connecting portion connecting said two leg portions, and said two leg portions extends in an angle along and on opposite sides of said longitudinal axis, and each leg portion extend from an area in said upper region or from an area in the upper lower region towards said lower edge of said lower region and said connecting portion being arranged on the longitudinal axis in the lower region.

A male incontinence guard should be designed so as to be worn inside a user's ordinary underwear and to provide protection against light urine leakage. For this reason, the male incontinence guard is provided with a tapering shape to provide an optimal fit to the user's undergarment and body. This makes it possible to position the guard in a correct manner over the male genital organs during use. The tapering shape is preferably along the lower region. In order to allow the guard to be attached to the wearer's underwear the guard is provided with a fastening area. The guard may also be used together with an underwear which is adapted to absorb body exudates or together with a disposable absorbent body such as a pants diaper or an open diaper.

The imaginary fastening area comprises at least one adhesive portion.

The imaginary fastening area is being covered by the release liner. This way adhesive portion/portions in the imaginary fastening area are protected from becoming dirty or sticking undesirably to other objects or clothing before use.

The release liner can be made a single ply material. With "single ply" is meant that the release liner comprising a single ply of a coherent material. Examples of a single ply may be a paper material, plastic film, such as a polyethylene film, a nonwoven material, a metallic foil or the like. A single ply material may be a non-homogenous material such as a plastic film material comprising integrated layers or a nonwoven material having varying fibre composition in different parts of the material. The release liner can also be made of a laminate comprising at least two distinct layers. The release liner can also be made of a biobased material. It may also be a biodegradable material. It may be made from a renewable resource and/or may be compostable. By a paper material is herein to be understood a material produced by pressing together moist fibres, dewatering and drying the fibres into preferably flexible sheets. The paper material may be an unbleached paper material or a bleached material. The fibres may be pulp fibres from chemical pulp, e.g. kraft, sulphate or sulphite, mechanical pulp, thermomechanical pulp, chemo-mechanical pulp and/or chemo-thermo-mechanical pulp, abbreviated as CTMP. Pulps derived from both deciduous (hardwood) and coniferous (softwood) may be used. The fibres may hence be natural fibres from wood, for example, cellulose-based fibres, bamboo-based fibres, and the like. Natural fibres can also be fibres which are not wood, such as cotton, abaca, kenaf, sabai grass, flax, esparto grass, straw, jute hemp, bagasse, milkweed floss fibres, and pineapple leaf fibres. The paper material can be made of one kind of fibres or a mix of different fibres. The paper material may also be treated in a way to stand moisture better, for example with a plastic layer on the inside or the outside. The paper may be a smooth paper which has been calendared. The paper may be a paper with low porosity. The paper material may include recycled or virgin fibres or a combination thereof.

The release liner may also have been treated with a release agent, for example, silicone on the side of the release liner which will contact the fastening area. The release agent can reduce the fastening force between the release liner and the fastening area.

The adhesive in the imaginary fastening area may be a pressure-sensitive adhesives. As said above the release liner covers the adhesive and protect it from becoming dirty or sticking undesirably to other objects or clothing before use. When the release liner is removed the adhesive is exposed for use. The user then places the guard inside and into contact with their undergarment and generally applies pressure to the guard from above such that the pressure sensitive adhesive of the guard is activated. This activation maintains the guard in contact with the undergarment during use. Thus a fast and convenient way of maintaining the guard in a relatively fixed position with respect to the wearer's undergarment is provided. This relatively fixed position should be maintained while the wearer undergoes a variety of movements, such that the guard is held generally in the correct position with respect to the user' s body so as to allow exudate to be reliably collected and without giving rise to leaks.

The adhesive should be chosen in such a way that the user is able to peel the release liner away from the guard without requiring too great force. When the force is too high, this can lead to tearing of the release liner during removal. When the release liner material tears, the remainder of the release liner on the adhesive often provides no leading edge which can be grasped so as to allow complete removal from the adhesive. Or, in some cases the already exposed adhesive sticks to the user' s fingers or clothing when trying to remove the remaining strip parts which can lead in the guard becoming wrinkled and in most cases ruined. This often leads to the guard being discarded. Similarly, too great force can also result in removal of areas of the pressure sensitive adhesive from the backsheet, leaving thus an incomplete adhesive layer on the backsheet, which is clearly undesirable.

Similarly however, the release force which the user requires to peel the release liner away from the underlying backsheet should not be too low. If the force is too low, the user is left with the impression that there is insufficient adhesive force in the exposed adhesive to maintain the guard securely in place during movement. The user in such cases often discards the guard believing the adhesive to be defective and unable to perform its function.

The shape of the release liner is essentially V-shaped, and it covers the imaginary fastening area and the adhesive portion/portions therein. This V- shape accomplish that the imaginary fastening area has a corresponding shape. The adhesive portion or portions is/are arranged in the imaginary fastening area along the extension of the V-shaped release liner.

The release liner comprises two leg portions and a connecting portion connecting said two leg portions. The two leg portions extend in an angle along and on opposite sides of said longitudinal axis, and each leg portion extend from an area in said upper region or from an area in the upper lower region axis towards said lower edge of said lower region and said connecting portion being arranged on the longitudinal axis in the lower region This accomplish that the adhesive portion or portions can be arranged where they may be most needed.

According to one example embodiment said imaginary fastening area comprises adhesive portions at least in an area of the connecting portion and in an area of each respective leg portions of said release liner. It has been realized that having adhesive at least in the areas described the guard can be sufficient fastened to the underwear and adjust to the movement of the wearer.

According to one example embodiment said imaginary fastening area comprises adhesive portions at least in an area of the connecting portion and in an area of each respective leg portions of said release liner at the opposite end of the connecting portion. It has been realized that having adhesive at least in these areas the guard can be sufficient fastened to the underwear and adjust to the movement of the wearer. That is, close to the lower edge in order to fasten the guard in the back to the underwear and at the sides of the guard without the corners of the guard becoming folded over during use.

According to one example embodiment said at least one adhesive portion comprises one large adhesive portion having a corresponding shape as said release liner. With corresponding shape it is meant that the adhesive portion is corresponding in size and shape to the release liner or only in shape, i.e. same shape but smaller in size.

According to one example embodiment said at least one adhesive portion comprises one large adhesive portion having a V-shape with an area which is smaller than the area of said release liner. This means that the adhesive portion also have a V-shape as the release liner, but it does not have to have a corresponding shape. For example if the release liner has straight edges and the edges of the adhesive portion may, for example, be wavy.

According to one example embodiment wherein said release liner is as large as said imaginary fastening area.

According to one example embodiment said release liner comprises a protruding gripping portion. A protruding gripping portion means that the release liner is at least partly larger in at least one area than said imaginary fasting area so that a finger lift is created. The protruding gripping portion may be in one piece with the rest of the release liner or it may be separate piece of material attached to the release liner to form the protruding gripping portion. The protruding gripping portion can help the user to easily grasp the release liner by gripping the gripping portion with his fingers when removing the release liner from the guard.

According to one example embodiment said release liner comprises two pieces of material connected together in the area of the connecting portion to form said release liner. By connecting two pieces of material in order to form the V-shape two rectangular pieces can be connected. The rectangular pieces can be cut from a roll of material, and in this way no waste material need to be cut of in order to for the V-shaped release liner.

According to one example embodiment said release liner comprises a color or print which is different from the color or print of said backsheet. This accomplish that it might be easier for the user to see the release liner and to understand that it shall be removed before use. The release liner may also be provided with instructions or illustrations guiding the user how to use the guard and how the product can be folded after use, prior to disposal.

According to one example embodiment said release liner comprises an upper edge and a lower edge and the upper edge has the same shape as the lower edge. By having an upper edge and a lower edge where the upper edge has the same shape as the lower edge the release liner can be cut from a web of release liner material without any waste.

According to one example embodiment a said release liner comprises a coated layer with release properties, such silicone or similar agent at least in the areas to be in contact with said at least one adhesive portion. The release agent can reduce the fastening force between the release liner and the fastening area. According to one example embodiment said transverse axis extends between a first lower corner point and a second lower corner point which define two outermost points of said guard between which said guard has a first width.

According to one example embodiment said upper region comprising an inwardly recessed curvature portion extending between a first upper corner point and a second upper corner point and having an arcuate shape, said upper corner points defining a second width; wherein the first width is greater than the second width, and wherein said first lower corner point and first upper corner point and said second lower corner point and second upper corner point respectively, are connected by outer side edges. It has been found that the provision of the above-mentioned inwardly recessed curvature portion allows the incontinence guard to be positioned so that it extends from below the user's belly and downwards so as to cover the genital organs in a secure manner. In particular, the geometry of the incontinence guard as defined by means of the above-mentioned upper and lower corner points will provide a secure positioning of the guard even when the user is sitting down and standing up repeatedly, while at the same time providing the intended protection against incontinence.

According to one example embodiment said inwardly recessed curvature portion defines an outer boundary edge extending between said upper corner points and wherein said outer boundary edge lies inwardly of an imaginary transverse line extending between said upper corner points.

According to one example embodiment wherein said outer boundary edge has a radius which is in the range of 60-1400 mm.

According to one example embodiment wherein the ratio between the second width and the first width is in the range of 30-80%. According to one example embodiment the first width is in the range of 11 Q- 280 mm.

According to one example embodiment the second width is in the range of 50-151 mm.

According to one example embodiment the ratio between a distance defined by an imaginary longitudinal line, being parallel to said longitudinal axis and extending from any one of said upper corner points to said transversal axis, and a distance extending from any one of said lower corner points to said longitudinal line, is in the range of 0.25-4.0.

According to one example embodiment a straight line is defined as extending through a lower corner point and an upper corner point, and wherein an angle is defined between said straight line and said imaginary longitudinal line, said angle being in the range of 12-78 degrees.

According to one example embodiment a measurement is defined as the distance between said straight line and the maximum outer extension of said incontinence guard, said measurement (d4) being in the range of 2-10 mm, or wherein said measurement is less than 25% of the distance between first lower corner point and the first upper corner point.

According to one example embodiment a maximum recess depth of said inwardly recessed curvature portion does not extend below said transversal axis.

According to one example embodiment said maximum recess depth is the range of 2-30 mm.

According to one example embodiment said lower region of said guard comprises a lower edge having a convex arcuate shape with a radius defining a ratio of 0.9-1 .1 to said radius of said inwardly recessed curvature portion.

According to one example embodiment said outer side edges are generally straight.

According to one example embodiment said absorbent body comprises a primary core and a secondary core arranged in a stacked configuration, wherein said primary core has an area in an XY plane which is greater that the area of said secondary core, and in that the secondary core is formed with side edges being at least partly generally parallel to said longitudinal axis. Such an embodiment is advantageous during manufacturing of said incontinence guard, since it may allow a precise and efficient folding of each guard during a manufacturing process if the guard is being folded before it is packaged into a for example a box or a bag.

According to one example embodiment said guard is arranged having elasticized elements arranged along an outer edge of the lower region, along the outer edges of said lower region. The elastic elasticized elements urge the male incontinence guard into a basin-like shape cupping the genitals of the wearer and helping to maintain a close fit between the male incontinence guard and the wearer's body.

According to one example embodiment said elasticized elements are in the form of an elasticized film, foam, elastic laminate and/or elastic threads attached to said guard.

Generally, all terms used in the claims are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless explicitly defined otherwise herein. All references to "a/an/the [element, device, component, means, step, etc]" are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of said element, device, component, means, step, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Other objectives, features and advantages of the example embodiments of the present disclosure will appear from the following detailed disclosure, as well as from the drawings. The skilled person realize that different features of the example embodiments may be combined to create embodiments other than those described in the following, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above, as well as additional objects, features and advantages of the present invention, will be better understood through the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention, with reference to the appended drawings, where the same reference numerals will be used for similar elements, wherein:

Fig. 1 shows a view from above of a male incontinence guard according to a first embodiment.

Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the male incontinence guard, taken along the transversal axis in Figure 1 .

Fig. 3 shows the male incontinence guard in Fig. 1 with two absorbent cores.

Fig. 4 shows a second embodiment of a male incontinence guard in a view from above.

Fig. 5 shows the male incontinence guard 1 in Fig. 1 in a view from below with an imaginary fastening area with three adhesive portions and a first embodiment of a release liner. Fig. 6 shows the male incontinence guard 1 in Fig. 1 in a view from below with an imaginary fastening area with one adhesive portion and a similar release liner as in Fig. 5, but with a protruding gripping portion.

Fig. 7 shows the male incontinence guard 1 in Fig. 1 in a view from below with an imaginary fastening area with one adhesive portion and a second embodiment of a release liner.

Fig. 8 shows the male incontinence guard 1 in Fig. 1 in a view from below with a third embodiment of a release liner.

Fig. 9 shows how the release liner in Fig. 8 is cut from a web.

All the figures are highly schematic, not necessarily to scale, and they show only parts which are necessary in order to elucidate the invention, other parts being omitted or merely suggested.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various aspects of the disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the disclosure are shown. The example embodiments of the disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiment set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided for thoroughness and completeness. Like reference character refer to like elements throughout the description.

With initial reference to Fig. 1 , there is shown a view from above of an absorbent article in the form of a male incontinence guard 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The male incontinence guard 1 is an incontinence protector article which is designed and optimized to absorb light urine leakage for male users. For this reason, and as will be described in detail below, the incontinence guard 1 is based on an absorbent structure for rapidly wicking away urine from the wearer in order to provide a dry, comfortable and odor- free feeling for the wearer.

Fig. 1 shows the male incontinence guard 1 in a view from above, from which can be understood that it comprises a fluid impermeable backsheet 2 and a fluid permeable topsheet 3. The male incontinence guard 1 also comprises an absorbent core 4 which is sandwiched between the backsheet 2 and the topsheet 3.

The topsheet 3 is arranged at the surface, i.e. the side facing a wearer, of the incontinence guard 1 . The backsheet 2 is arranged at the underside of the incontinence guard 1 , i.e. facing an undergarment of the wearer. Furthermore, both the backsheet 2 and the topsheet 3 extend laterally outside of the absorbent core 4 along the whole perimeter of the incontinence guard 1 . The topsheet 3, backsheet 2 and the absorbent core 4 may consist of any materials suitable for their particular purposes, as will be discussed in further detail below. According to further embodiments, one or more additional layers may be provided in the male incontinence guard 1 . For example, an acquisition layer may be arranged between the absorbent core 4 and the topsheet 3.

The above-mentioned layers of the incontinence guard 1 may be connected to each other by any conventional means such as by means of an adhesive, heat bonding or ultrasonic bonding.

As shown in Figure 1 , the male incontinence guard 1 has a longitudinal extension along a longitudinal axis Y1 and a transverse extension along a transverse axis X1 . The transverse axis X1 divides the incontinence guard 1 into an upper region 5 and a lower region 6, as regarded when being worn by a user. This means that the upper region 5 is intended to be oriented upwards towards the user's belly during use of the incontinence guard 1 , whereas the lower region 6 is intended to be facing downwards to cover the genital organs of the wearer during use.

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view as taken along transversal axis X1 shown in Figure 1 . The various layers 2, 3, 4 which form part of the incontinence guard 1 will now be described more in detail, with reference primarily to Figures 1 and 2. According to an embodiment, the backsheet 2 is constituted by a fluid-impermeable and breathable layer such as a polymeric film, for example a film of polyethylene or polypropylene. According to different embodiments, the materials which can be used for manufacturing the backsheet 2 include thin and flexible fluid impermeable plastic films, or fluid impermeable nonwoven materials, fluid impermeable foams and fluid impermeable laminates.

According to the embodiment shown in the drawings, the backsheet 2 is formed by a single layer, but can alternatively be formed by a multi-layered structure, i.e. a laminate, wherein at least one layer is fluid impermeable. Furthermore, the backsheet 2 can optionally be elastic in any direction. Also, backsheet materials that are not fully fluid impermeable but only resistant to fluid penetration may be used, particularly in cases where relatively small amounts of urine are expected to be absorbed by the incontinence guard 1 . According to further embodiments, the backsheet 2 may be breathable, implying that air and vapor may pass through the backsheet 2. Furthermore, the backsheet 2 may optionally have an outer, garment-facing surface of a textile material such as nonwoven.

Furthermore, the topsheet 3 is according to an embodiment formed by a fluid permeable nonwoven fabric or film which is made of thermoplastic synthetic fibers. The topsheet 3 is sufficiently fluid permeable to allow discharged body fluids such as urine to penetrate through the thickness of the topsheet 3. Also, the topsheet 3 is suitably manufactured from a material which is compliant and soft-feeling to the skin of the wearer. According to different embodiments, the topsheet 3 may be manufactured from various web materials such as woven and nonwoven webs and films, foams, or combinations of the above-mentioned materials. The nonwoven materials to be used for the topsheet 3 may be for example carded resin bonded materials, carded through-air bonded materials, spunbond-meltbond- spunbond materials, carded hydroentangled materials or carded thermobonded materials. The topsheet 3 may also have elastic properties which allow it to be stretchable.

According to an additional embodiment, the topsheet 3 may be in the form of a perforated plastic film which then serves as a liquid-permeable sheet.

Furthermore, according to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the incontinence guard 1 comprises an absorbent core 4, also called absorbed body, which is formed by one or more layers comprising fibres of cellulosic fluff pulp. According to alternative embodiments, the absorbent core 4 can be made up of any suitable absorbent or fluid-absorbing material as known in the art, for example foam, fiber waddings and similar materials.

According to a further embodiment, the absorbent core 4 comprises a suitable amount of superabsorbent particles. Such superabsorbent material is well known in the field of absorbent articles, and is constituted by a water- swellable and water-insoluble material which is capable of absorbing large quantities of fluid upon formation of a hydrogel. Normal superabsorbent materials are capable of absorbing fluids of at least 10 times its own weight.

According to an embodiment, the amount of said superabsorbent particles is at least 10% by weight, i.e. in relation to the total weight of the absorbent core 4. The superabsorbents are mixed into the material of the absorbent core 4. The absorbent core 4 may further incorporate components for improving the properties of the absorbent core. Some examples of such components are binder fibers, fluid-dispersing materials, fluid acquisition materials, etc. as known in the art. According to an embodiment, a mixture of cellulose fluff pulp and superabsorbent articles is mixed in a generally homogeneous manner throughout the entire absorbent core 4.

According to further embodiments, the absorbent core 4 may be a homogeneous structure or may be a layered structure with laminates of the same or different materials. The absorbent layers may have uniform thickness or may vary in thickness in different parts of the layers. Also, the basis weight and composition of the absorbent core 1 may vary within such absorbent layers. Figure 1 shows a view of the side of the incontinence guard 1 that is intended to be facing towards a wearer's body when the incontinence guard 1 is being worn. It can be seen from Figure 1 that the incontinence guard 1 according to the embodiment has a shape which is generally triangular, and which is tapered along its lower region 6. This means that, for instance, the corners and sides of the incontinence guard 1 may be more or less rounded, as shown in Figure 1 .

Furthermore, as mentioned above, the backsheet 2 and the topsheet 3 are connected to each other along an edge region 9 which extends around the perimeter of the incontinence guard 1 . The absorbent core 4 is of a size having an area which is slightly smaller than the area of the backsheet 2 and the topsheet 3. According to an embodiment, the edge region 9 has substantially the same width along the entire perimeter of the incontinence guard 1 . In other words, the absorbent core 4 is arranged to follow the perimeter of the incontinence guard 1 so that the distance between the outer edge of the absorbent core 4 and the outer edge of the guard 1 remains generally equal along the edge region 9.

The male incontinence guard 1 according to the embodiment shown in Figure 1 is arranged so that the transverse axis X1 extends between a first lower corner point 10 and a second lower corner point 11 . These lower corner points 10, 1 1 define two outermost points of the incontinence guard 1 along the transverse axis X1 . The distance between these lower corner points 10, 11 , i.e. the maximum width of the incontinence guard 1 is defined by a first width w1 as indicated in Figure 1 .

Referring to Figure 1 , it should be pointed out that, according to different embodiments, the lower corner points 10, 11 can be constituted by different shape and roundness, for example a softly rounded shape or a more sharply pointed corner shape.

Furthermore, the upper region 5 comprises an inwardly recessed curvature portion 12 which extends between a first upper corner point 13 and a second upper corner point 14. The curvature portion 12 has a generally arcuate shape which extends into the upper region 5. Also, the distance between the upper corner points 13, 14 along the transversal direction is defined by a second width w2.

The first lower corner point 10 and the first upper corner point 13 are connected by a first outer side edge 15 which according to the embodiment has an outwardly and slightly rounded shape. An imaginary straight line 16, which extends through the first lower corner point 10 and the first upper corner point 13, can also be defined. In a similar manner, the second lower corner point 11 and the second upper corner point 14 are connected by a second outer side edge 17 which also has an outwardly and slightly rounded shape. The first and second outer side edges 15, 17 extend outwards as regarded along the direction of the transverse axis X1 , i.e. from the upper corner points 13, 14 to the lower corner points 10, 11.

As shown in Figure 1 , the first width w1 is greater than the second width w2, i.e. the lower corner points 10, 11 define the laterally outermost points of the incontinence guard 1. The purpose of the configuration of the incontinence guard 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is to contribute to advantageous properties regarding a secure and comfortable fit for the user, while maintaining adequate absorption properties.

The incontinence guard 1 according to the embodiment shown in Figure 1 is symmetrical with reference to the longitudinal axis Y1 . Also, the guard 1 has a tapering shape as regarded from the lower corner points 10, 1 1 and downwards along the lower region 6. Furthermore, the lower region 6 is according to the embodiment in Figure 1 formed with generally straight sides. In an alternative embodiment, the sides of the lower region 6 may be convex, i.e. generally without being curved inwards.

According to the embodiment shown in Figure 1 , the above-mentioned inwardly recessed curvature portion 12 defines an outer boundary edge 18 which extends between the two upper corner points 13, 14. The outer boundary edge 18 lies inwardly of an imaginary transverse line X2 which is generally parallel to the transverse axis X1 and extends between the upper corner points 13, 14.

With reference to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, it can be noted that the outer boundary edge 18 has a radius r1 which is in the range of 60- 1400 mm, preferably in the range of 120-500 mm.

Also, the ratio between the value of the second width w2 and the value of the first width w1 is in the range of 30-80%, preferably in the range of 40- 75%. Regarding the actual measurements of the first width w1 and the second width w2, it can be noted that the first width w1 is in the range of 1 10-280 mm. Also, the second width w2 is in the range of 50- 151 mm.

Furthermore, according to an embodiment, the ratio between a distance d1 defined by an imaginary longitudinal line Y2 as shown in Figure 1 , and being parallel to the longitudinal axis Y1 and extending from any one of said upper corner points 13, 14 to the transversal axis X1 , and a distance d2 extending from any one of said lower corner points 10, 11 to said imaginary longitudinal line Y2, is in the range of 0.25-4.0, preferably in the range of 0.5-2.0.

With further reference to Figure 1 , a straight line 16 can be defined as extending through the first lower corner point 10 and the first upper corner point 13. An angle a can then be defined between said straight line 16 and the above-mentioned imaginary longitudinal line Y2. The angle a is in the range of 12-78 degrees, preferably in the range of 22-68 degrees.

Furthermore, as shown in the drawings, the lower region 6 of the male incontinence guard 1 may comprise a lower edge 19 which has a convex arcuate shape with a radius r2 defining a ratio of 0.9-1 .1 to the radius r1 of said inwardly recessed curvature portion 12. Furthermore, the embodiment can alternatively be arranged so that the inwardly recessed curvature portion 12 has a geometry which is not equivalent to a circle, i.e. so that it cannot be defined by means of a radius. In such case, a maximum recess depth d3 of the inwardly recessed curvature portion 12 can be defined. According to an embodiment, the curvature portion 12 does not extend below said transversal axis X1 . Furthermore, the maximum recess depth d3 is the range of 2-30 mm, preferably in the range of 2-20 mm.

Yet another measurement d4 can be defined as the distance between the above-mentioned straight line 16 extending through the first lower corner point 10 and the first upper corner point 13 and the maximum extension of the upper left corner of the incontinence guard 1 , as shown in Figure 1 . According to an embodiment, the distance d4 is in the range of 2-10 mm. Another way of defining this distance d4 is by stating that said distance d4 is less than 25% of the distance between first lower corner point 10 and the first upper corner point 13. As mentioned above, the male incontinence guard 1 as shown in the drawings is provided with an absorbent body 4 which has an outer edge which generally follows the outer edge of the guard 1 . As shown in Figure 1 , the outer edge defines an edge region 9 which has a width which is generally equal along the entire outer edge of the guard 1 .

Furthermore, according to the embodiment shown in Figure 1 , the male incontinence guard 1 comprises elasticized elements 20 which are arranged along the outer edge 9 of the lower region 6. The elasticized elements 20 are preferably in the form of an elasticized film which is attached to the incontinence guard 1 . According to alternative embodiments, the elasticized elements 20 can be in the form of elastic threads, an elastic foam or an elastic laminate attached to said guard 1 .

Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of the invention in which two absorbent cores are used, i.e. a male incontinence guard 1 ' with an absorbent body which comprises a primary absorbent core 4' and a secondary absorbent core 4" . In a manner which corresponds to Figure 1 , the incontinence guard

1 ' according to Figure 3 is arranged along a longitudinal axis Y1 . The primary absorbent core 4' corresponds generally to the absorbent core 4 described above with reference to Figs. 1 and 2. Also, the remaining components of the incontinence guard 1 ' of Fig. 3 are also the same as the corresponding components of the embodiment in Figure 1 .

A difference between the embodiment of Figure 3 and the embodiment of Figure 1 is that the primary absorbent core 4' and the secondary absorbent core 4" shown in Figure 3 are arranged in a stacked configuration. Preferably, this means that the secondary core 4" is arranged on top of the primary core 4' , i.e. so that the secondary core 4" is closest to the wearer's body during use of the incontinence guard 1 The secondary absorbent core 4" is formed with side edges 28, 29 which at least partly generally parallel to the longitudinal axis Y1 . The disclosure is not limited to the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3, but can be varied. For example, the particular shape of the incontinence guard 1 as shown in Figures 1 and 2 should not be considered as limiting. For example the male incontinence guard 1 is not limited to have an inwardly recessed curvature portion 12 with the outer boundary edge 18 as described in Fig.1 and Fig. 3. It may be straight or outwardly recessed.

Fig. 4 shows a second embodiment of a male incontinence guard 1 " in a view from above, from which can be understood that it comprises a fluid impermeable backsheet 2" and a fluid permeable topsheet 3". The male incontinence guard 1 " also comprises an absorbent core 4"' which is sandwiched between the backsheet 2" and the topsheet 3". Instead of the inwardly recesses curvature portion, as described in Fig. 1 it has a straight outer boundary edge 18". The built up and the materials used may be the same as for the incontinence guard in Fig. 1 . Furthermore, the materials and dimensions used for the different layers forming the absorbent article 1 can be varied, as indicated above.

Figure 5 shows the male incontinence guard 1 in Figure 1 in a view from below, i.e. from the backsheet 2 side of the guard, which will be facing an undergarment of the wearer. The rear side of the backsheet 2 comprises an imaginary fastening area 37 on the backsheet 2 of the incontinence guard 1 with at least one adhesive portion so as to fix said guard to a garment of a user. The imaginary fastening area 37 comprises is in this example embodiment three adhesive portions 7. Two first portions 7' are arranged on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis Y1 . A part of each portion 7' is arranged in the upper region 5 and a part of each portion is arranged in an area in an upper lower region 6'. The upper lower region 6' is an upper region in the lower region 6 adjacent said transverse axis X1 . The two first portions 7' are arranged at a distance from each other in the transversal direction. Each of the two first portions 7' are preferably arranged adjacent to the respective outer edge of the guard so that the first portions 7' are arranged on respective side portions of the guard 1 . The third adhesive portion 7" is arranged in the lower region 6 along and aligned with said longitudinal axis Y1 closer to the lower edge 19. Preferably, the third adhesive region 7" is arranged closer to the lower edge 19 than the transversal axis X1 .

A release liner 30 is covering the imaginary fastening area 37 and said release liner being 30 releasably attached to the three adhesive portions 7', 7".

The release liner is essentially V-shaped comprising two leg portions 31 , 32 and a connecting portion 33 connecting said two leg portions 31 , 32. The two leg portions 31 extend in an angle along and on opposite sides of said longitudinal axis Y1 . Each leg portion extend from an area in said upper region 5, and is covering said first and second adhesive area 7', towards said lower edge 19 of said lower region 6 where the connecting portion 33 is covering the third adhesive portion 7" .

Alternatively, if the first and second adhesive 7' , 7' is arranged in the upper lower region 6' only, each leg portion may extend from an area in said upper lower region 6' towards said lower edge 19 of said lower region 6.

Further adhesive portions may be arranged in the area of said imaginary fastening area 37, for example between the first 7' and the third adhesive portion 7" (not shown) and between the second adhesive portion 7'and the third adhesive portion 7" along said respective legs portions of said release liner 30.

The release liner 30 may be manufactured from any suitable material known to the person skilled in the art, such as paper, non-woven or plastic film material. Further, in order to provide a release liner that is easily detachable from the garment-affixing adhesive the release liner may be silicone-coated on the user-facing surface of the release liner.

The release liner 30 may further comprise a print in the form of a text, a graphic, a symbol or a combination thereof. The print may be arranged on the user-facing surface of the release liner, on the surface of the release liner which faces the guard, or on both sides.

In Fig. 5 the release liner 30 is slightly larger than the imaginary fastening area 37. The release liner 30 may however have the same size as the imaginary fastening area 37.

As an alternatively to three adhesive portions forming the imaginary fastening area one adhesive portion having a corresponding shape as said release liner can be used. With corresponding shape it is meant that it is corresponding in size and shape to the portions or only in shape, i.e. same shape but smaller in size. Fig. 6 shows the male incontinence guard 1 in Fig. 1 in a view from below, i.e. from the backsheet 2 side of the guard, which will be facing an undergarment of the wearer with one adhesive portion 7 forming the imaginary fastening area 37 which is slightly smaller in size than the release liner 30 but have a corresponding shape.

The release liner 30 in Fig. 6 is similar to the release liner in Fig. 5 but further comprising a protruding gripping portion 39. i.e. the release liner 30 is partly larger in one area than said imaginary fasting area 37, in this case the adhesive area 7 so that a finger lift is created. Adjacent the gripping portion 31 the release liner can have a different colour or a symbol indicating where to pull. The protruding gripping portion 39 is here exemplified as made in one piece with the release liner 30. Alternatively it may be a separate piece of material attached to the release liner 30 to form the protruding gripping portion 39. The protruding gripping portion 39 can help the user to easily grasp the release liner 30 by gripping the gripping portion 39 with his fingers when removing the release liner 30 from the guard 1 .

An alternative to a protruding gripping portion is that in one area close to the outer boundary of the imaginary fastening area 37 the imaginary fastening area 37 is not provided with adhesive and hence the release liner itself can act as a gripping portion.

Fig. 7 shows the male incontinence guard 1 in Fig. 1 in a view from below, i.e. from the backsheet 2 side of the guard 1 , which will be facing an undergarment of the wearer with a further embodiment of the release liner 30. The imaginary fastening area 37 is the same as in fig. 6, i.e. on large adhesive area 7. The release liner 30 comprises two pieces of material 34', 34" connected together in an overlapping area forming the connecting portion 33 of said release liner 30. The connection between the two pieces of material in the connection area 38 may be adhesive, welding, embossing, heat bonding or any other suitable bonding technique. The first piece of material 34' forms the first leg portion 31 and the second piece of material 34" forms the second leg portion 32.

Fig. 8 shows the male incontinence guard 1 in Fig. 1 in a view from below, i.e. from the backsheet 2 side of the guard, which will be facing an undergarment of the wearer with a further example embodiment of the V - shaped release liner where the release liner 30 has an upper edge 35 and a lower edge 36 and the upper edge 35 has the same shape as the lower edge 36 so that the release liner 30 can be cut from a web 40 of release liner material without any waste. This is shown in Fig. 9.

The release liners described above may comprises a color or print which is different from the color or print of said backsheet.

The disclosure also covers all conceivable combinations of the described aspects, variants, alternatives and example embodiments of the disclosure. Furthermore, the disclosure is not limited to the aforesaid aspects or examples, but is naturally applicable to other aspects and example embodiments within the scope of the following claims. Reference signs mentioned in the claims should not be seen as limiting the extent of the matter protected by the claims, and their sole function is to make claims easier to understand.

Claims

1 . A male incontinence guard (1 , V, 1 ") comprising a fluid-impermeable backsheet (2, 2"), a fluid- permeable topsheet (3, 3") and an absorbent body (4) arranged between said backsheet (2, 2") and said topsheet (3, 3"), wherein said topsheet (3, 3") faces the user when the incontinence guard (1 , V, 1 ") is worn by said user, said guard (1 ) having a longitudinal extension along a longitudinal axis (Y1 ) and a transverse extension along a transverse axis (X1 ), said transverse axis (X1 ) dividing said guard (1 , 1 1 ") into an upper region (5) with an outer boundary edge (18) and a lower region (6) with a lower edge (19), said guard (1 , r, 1 ") tapering at least partly towards the lower edge (19), said lower region comprising an upper lower region (6') adjacent said transverse axis (X1 ), said male incontinence guard (1 , V, 1 ") further comprises an imaginary fastening area (37) on the backsheet (2, 2") of the incontinence guard (1 ) so as to fix said guard to a garment of a user, said imaginary fastening area (37) comprises at least one adhesive portion (7, 7' , 7"); and a release liner (30) covering said imaginary fastening area (37) and said release liner (30) being releasably attached to said at least one adhesive portion (7, 7', 7") wherein said release liner (30) is essentially V-shaped comprising two leg portions

(31 . 32) and a connecting portion (33) connecting said two leg portions

(31. 32), and said two leg portions (31 , 32) extends in an angle along and on opposite sides of said longitudinal axis (Y1 ), and each leg portion (31 , 32) extend from an area in said upper region (5) or from an area in the upper lower region (6') towards said lower edge (19) of said lower region (6) and said connecting portion (33) being arranged on the longitudinal axis (Y1 ) in the lower region (6).

2. A male incontinence guard (1 , V, 1 ") according to claim 2, wherein said imaginary fastening area (37) comprises adhesive portions (7', 7") at least in an area of the connecting portion (33) and in an area of each respective leg portions of said release liner.

3. A male incontinence guard (1 , V, 1 ") according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one adhesive portion (7, 7', 7") comprises one large adhesive (7) portion having a corresponding shape as said release liner (30).

4. A male incontinence guard (1 , V, 1 ") according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said release liner (30) is as large as said imaginary fastening area (37).

5. A male incontinence guard (1 , V, 1 ") according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said release liner comprises a protruding gripping portion (39).

6. A male incontinence guard (1 , V, 1 ") according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said release liner (30) comprises two pieces of material (34', 34") connected together in the area of the connecting portion (33) to form said release liner (30).

7. A male incontinence guard (1 , V, 1 ") according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said release liner (30) comprises a color or print which is different from the color or print of said backsheet.

8. A male incontinence guard (1 , V, 1 ") according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said release liner (30) comprises an upper edge (35) and a lower edge (36) and the upper edge (35) has the same shape as the lower edge (36).

9. A male incontinence guard (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said transverse axis (X1 ) extends between a first lower corner point (10) and a second lower corner point (11 ) which define two outermost points of said guard (1 ) between which said guard (1 ) has a first width (w1 )

10. A male incontinence guard (1 ) according to claim 9, wherein said upper region (5) comprising an inwardly recessed curvature portion (12) extending between a first upper corner point (13) and a second upper corner point (14) and having an arcuate shape, said upper corner points (13, 14) defining a second width (w2); wherein the first width (w1 ) is greater than the second width (w2), and wherein said first lower corner point (10) and first upper corner point (13) and said second lower corner point (1 1 ) and second upper corner point (14), 10 respectively, are connected by outer side edges (15, 17).

11. A male incontinence guard (1 ) according to claim 10, wherein said inwardly recessed curvature portion (12) defines an outer boundary edge (18) extending between said upper corner points (13, 14) and wherein said outer boundary edge (18) lies inwardly of an imaginary transverse line (X2) extending between said upper corner points (13, 14).

12. A male incontinence guard (1 , V, 1 ") according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said absorbent body (4) comprises a primary core (4') and a secondary core (4") arranged in a stacked configuration, wherein said primary core (4') has an area in an XY plane which is greater that the area of said secondary core (4"), and in that the secondary core (4") is formed with side edges (28, 29) being at least partly generally parallel to said longitudinal axis (Y1 ).

13. A male incontinence guard (1 , V, 1 ") according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said guard (1 , T, 1 ") is arranged having elasticized elements (20) arranged along an outer edge (9) of the lower region (6), along the outer edges of said lower region (6).

14. A male incontinence guard (1 , V, 1 ") according to claim 13, wherein said elasticized elements (20) are in the form of an elasticized film, foam, elastic laminate and/or elastic threads attached to said guard (1 , r, 1