GB2519292A

GB2519292A - Article with topsheet foreshortened by a drawstring

Info

Publication number: GB2519292A
Application number: GB1318199.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Christoph Schmitz
Original assignee: Concepts for Success C4S
Current assignee: Concepts for Success C4S
Priority date: 2013-10-15
Filing date: 2013-10-15
Publication date: 2015-04-22
Also published as: WO2015055695A1; GB201318199D0; GB201608241D0; GB2534325A; GB2534325B

Abstract

An article to be worn on the lower torso of a wearer e.g. diaper or nappy, the article exhibiting a width y direction corresponding to the left right orientation of the wearer during use, and a length x direction corresponding to a line running from the front waist through the crotch to the rear waist of the wearer during use. The article thickness z perpendicular to the x and y directions. An article crotch point positioned on the longitudinal centreline and in the crotch region of the article. The article further comprising a topsheet material 1200 comprising a first surface adapted to generally face towards the wearer during use and of which at least a portion is adapted to be in contact with the skin of the wearer during use. An opposite surface facing generally away from the wearer during use. A backsheet material 1300 positioned away from a wearer during use and having a first surface oriented towards the opposite surface of the topsheet 1200, defining an overall article length. The article being characterised in that it comprises a drawstring system 3102 for longitudinally foreshortening the topsheet 1200 relative to the overall length. The drawstring system comprising an essentially longitudinally extending drawstring tunnel system 3201, a first drawstring connection region 3150, wherein the drawstring 3102 is essentially permanently connected to the topsheet 1200. A drawstring fixation means 3170 positioned in the proximity of a longitudinal end margin of the article and being adapted to allow fixation of the drawstring 3102 by a user.

Description

ARTICLE WITH TOPSHEET FORESHORTENED BY A DRAWSTRING

Field of the illventioll

The present invention relates to articles, such as disposable absorbent articles or disposable underwear such as for receiving bodily exudates such as faeces and urine.

Background

For clothing like pants it is generally well known and established to use drawstrings for 1 0 adapting the fit. Also for absorbent articles such features arc disclosed e.g. in US7575573 (P&G) or in US48341 It is also well known to design articles with a foreshortened topsheet so as to allow separation of bodily exudates from the skin of a wearer are well known in the art, see e.g. EP359410A1 (Freeland; P&G) disclosing a disposable absorbent article with an elastic 1 5 topshcet having an aperture or passageway.

Another approach towards separation of bodily exudates is described in W0201 1064272A2 (Schmitz). An article to be won on the lower torso of a wearer, such as pants or diapers has a flexible faeces separation member, such as a faeces trap sheet, which is attached in a particular way such that an effective separation of faeces and skin respective genitals can be achieved.

However, there is still a need for articles that can be worn on the lower torso of a wearer that have a foreshortened topsheet relative to the backsheet, such that a space between these two may be formed. This space may provide better aeration, or it may allow improved handling of bodily exudates such as urine, menses or faeces. In particular there is a need for simple designs of such articles that minimize the aniouiit of used material and may very well function without the need of elastic materials.

Summary

The present invention is an article to be worn on the lower torso of a wearer with an article width (y-) direction corrcsponding to the left-right orientation of the wearer during use, an article length (x-) direction corresponding to a line running from the front waist through the crotch to the rear waist of the wearer during use, and an article thickness (z-) direction perpendicular to the x-and y-direction. An article crotch point is positioned on the longitudinal centreline and in the crotch region of the article. The article comprises a topsheet material comprising a first surface adapted to generally face towards the wearer during use and of which at least a portion is adapted to be in contact with the skin of the wearer during use and an opposite surface, facing generally away from the wearer during use. The article further comprises a backsheet material positioned away from a wearer during use and having a first surface oriented towards the opposite surface of the topsheet, defining an overall article length. The article further comprises a drawstring system for longitudinally foreshortening the topsheet relative to the overall article length, rhieh comprises -an essentially longitudinally extending drawstnng tunnel system; -a drawstring being at least partially positioned in the drawstring tunnel system; 1 0 -a first drawstring connection region, where the drawstring is essentially permanently connected (directly or indirectly) to the topsheet; -a drawstring fixation means positioned in the proximity of a longitudinal end margin of the article and being adapted to allow fixation of the drawstring by a user.

The drawstring tunnel system may be selected from the group consisting of 1 5 -a bonded longitudinal hem fold of the topsheet; -two laterally parallel and overlappingly positioned and longitudinally connected topshcet portions; -at least one separate drawstring tunnel material connected longitudinally to the topsheet.

The arficle may comprise a single drawstring tunnel positioned essentially along the longitudinal centre line of the article or apair of drawstring tunnels positioned essentially symmetrically to the longitudinal centre line, optionally parallel to each other.

The article may further comprise one or more elements selected from the group consisting of -a drawstring gripping means, preferably in the fonn of a slit, cut out or fold-over portion in the topsheet or backsheet, positioned in the proximity of the end margin of the article longitudinally opposite of the first drawstring connecting region relative to the crotch point; -a drawstring fixation means selected from the group consisting of -a releasable connection of the drawstring to the topsheet or backsheet by releasable adhesive bonding; -a releasable connection to the topsheet or backsheet by mechanical fastener; -and in the case of a pair of drawstring tunnels, two drawstrings being knotted to form a knotted loop; -a tunnel connecting means for connecting materials forming the drawstnng tunnel to the backsheet in the crotch region; -a drawstring tunnel opening positioned in the crotch region, preferably the perineal region of the article adapted to allow the drawstring to be pulled out of thc drawstnng tunnel upon activation..

The drawstring connecting means may be selected from the group consisting of -permanent connecting to thc topsheet or backshect by adhesivc bonding; -permanent connecting to the topsheet or backsheet by thennal bonding;; -releasable connecting to the topsheet or backsheet by releasable adhesive bonding; -releasable connecting to the topsheet or backsheet by mechanical fastener; 1 0 or in the case of a pair of drawstring tunnels; -a single drawstring forming a loop by running from a first of the pair of tunnels to the second; -two drawstrings being knotted to form a knotted loop.

The drawstring fixation means may be selected fiom the group consisting of -releasable connecting to the topsheet or backsheet by releasable adhesive bonding; -releasable connecting to the topsheet or backsheet by mechanical fastener; -and in the casc of a pair of drawstring tunnels, two drawstrings being knotted to form a knotted loop.

Especially when the article comprises a pair of drawstring tunnels positioned essentially synrnwtrically to the longitudinal centre line, the topshcet may fhrthcr comprise at least one passageway positioned along the longitudinal centreline of the article and laterally between the pair of drawstring tunnels in either one or both of the anal and genital regions of thc article, thc passagcway( ) being adapted to allow faeces or menses or urine or urinc or menses releasing body organs, respectively, to pass through. Optionally, the topsheet may be essentially liquid impermeable, preferably a hydrophobic nonwoven material.

The second drawstring connecting means may be adapted to allow fixation of the drawstring(s) by a user such that a longitudinally (x-dircctionally) extending line running from the front end of the article along the drawstring directly to the rear end of the article is at least 10 mm shorter than the overall article length.

The forcshortening of the topshect may fonn a flap in thc pcrineal region of the article, whwh may ifirther be connected to the backsheet directly or via a further material, if present, thereby forming a barrier flap. Optionally, the article may further comprise a first passageway in the anal region and a second passageway in the genital region, wherein the barrier flap is positioned in the perincal region, adapted to allow separation of faeces from the genital region.

In a further aspect, the present invention is a method for foreshortening a topsheet of an article comprising the steps of a) gripping the drawstring(s) in the proximity of the end margin of the article longitudinally opposite of the first drawstring connecting region relative to the crotch region; b) pulling the drawstring(s) out of the tunnels, thereby foreshortening the topsheet; c) connecting the drawstrings such that the foreshortening is maintained during use.

Brief description of the Figures

1 0 Fig. 1 A schematically depicts a lower torso of a wearer.

Fig. lB an C show schematically an execution of an article according to the present invention in a pre use (extended topsheet) and an in-use (foreshortened topsheet) configuration.

Fig. 2A to C. depict schematically an article according to the present invention with a pair 1 5 of drawstrings.

Fig 3 depicts schematically an article according to the present invention further comprising an absorbent core.

Fig. 4 depicts schematically an article according to the present invention further comprising passageways in the topshcct.

Same numerals in various figures refer to the same elements or features.

Detailed description

The present invention relates to articles, typically worn by humans on the lower torso, such as pants style articles or diapers. The articles according to the present invention are particularly adapted to provide improved fit and skin health by allowing to separate a skin contacting topsheet from a backsheet, in particular allowing an improved functionality with regard to the handling of bodily discharges such as faeces and / or urine or menses as may be discharged thereto.

In a particular, and often preferred, execution, the articles according to the present invention comprise absorbent elements so as to inrnwbilize liquid bodily discharges, however articles may also have no or only very limited liquid absorption capability, such as when being adapted to receive solid excrements only.

As articles according to the present invention are often discarded, or disposed of, or recycled after they are loaded with the bodily discharged, such articles are typically referred to as "disposable".

The present invention relates to articles which may be closed pants or pants-style articles or to articles, which arc open diapers and which may be brought into a closed pants-style form upon donning such as conventional taped diapers. Included in the term "articles" arc pre-fonns of such articles, which may require addition of certain elements or performance of certain process steps to be functional as an article. An article according to the present invention may have an "in-usc configuration" or a "pre-use configuration" respectively post-manufacturing configuration, which may differ in the geometric or spatial arrangement of certain elements thereof.

By referring to Fig. 1, the portions or regions of an article according to the present 1 0 invention and their relation to the geometry of a wearer are explained.

Fig. 1A schematically depicts the lower torso 15 and a leg 20 of a wearer 10, with a front waist region 30, a rear waist region 40, and a crotch region 50. The crotch region of the wearer comprises in a longitudinal arrangement the genital region 80 (genitals not shown), the perineal region 70 and the anal region 60 (anus not shown).. The crotch region comprises laterally, i.e. y-directionally outwardly positioned regions and a median crotch region there between, including the longitudinally extending centreline.

Within the crotch region 70 the "crotch point" 75 refers to a point along the longitudinally extending axis of the article corresponding to a point in the perineal region of a wearer between the anus and the scrotum, or the labia, respectively. The crotch point of an article can be determined by placing an article on a wearer of the physical size for which the article is designed and who is in a fully upright standing position with his or her feet a shoulder width apart and then placing an extensible filament around the upper thighs in a figure eight configuration. The point in the article eonesponding to the point of intersection of the filament is considered to be the crotch point of the article.

The length of the perineal region has a person to person variability, and is also somewhat dependent on the gender. Typically a range of 2.5 cm and 7cm covers most of the adults, with a medium length of between 4 cm and 5 em, both ranges being applicable to female and male persons. For babies, the perineal length is typically shorter, though not below about I em. Thus, typically, the crotch point on a wearer is positioned between about 0.5 cm and about 4 cm forwardly of the forward end of the anus.

Referring now to Fig. 1, an article according to the present invention is shown in an in-use configuration (Fig. I B) and a pre-use configuration (Fig. 1C). The article exhibits a width or y-dimension 1007, which during use corresponds to the left-right direction of the wearer and a thielmess or z-direction perpendicular to the x-and y-direction. The longitudinal, x-axis of the article (1002) corresponds during use to a line running from the front waist region through the crotch region to the rear waist region of the wearer. The article comprises a topshect 1200, following the body contours as shown in Fig. IA from the front waist region through the crotch to the rear waist region, and correspondingly the article 1000 comprises a front waist region 1112 and a rear waist region 1118. The topsheet 1200 and the backsheet 1300 ate connected to each other in the waist regions, and essentially unconnected at least in a portion of the crotch region 1115. In the in-usc configuration as shown in Fig. lB the topsheet 1200 is foreshortened relative to the backsheet, thereby allowing to create a space between the topsheet and the backsheet at least in the crotch region. It should be noted, that this space does not necessarily need to 1 0 be a fl-cc void space which is present all the time, but it may simply be an arrangement of the topsheet and the backsheet that allow's them to be spaced apart, such as when exudates are positioned therein.

Fig IC shows an article as in Fig. lB in a pre-use configuration. From a manufacturing point of view it is desirable to have during manufacturing the topsheet and the backsheet exhibit the same length, Fig. IC shows with Cartesian coordinates with a length or x-direction 1102, a width or y-direction 1107, a well as with a longitudinal centreline 1103, an expanded topsheet 1200, connected in the front (1112) and rear (1118) waist regions to the backsheet 1300, here shown as intermittent connecting regions 1512 and 1518, respectively The article further comprises a crotch region 1115, comprising a genital region 1114, a perineal region 1116 with crotch point 1119 and an anal region 1117.

An article according to the present invention comprises at least two material layers as topsheet and backsheet. Beyond the requirements that apply to articles to be worn on the lower torso of a wearer, such as not compromising on comfort or health aspects there are no particular constraints resulting from the application of the present invention to such articles. Routine adaptation to the specific application will determine strength, softness, air-and liquid permeability, etc of the materials. In particular when the articles are intended for large scale production, the materials are preferably web materials.

Generally, the term "web" relates to any material which is essentially endless or continuous in one direction (generally denoted as "x-direetion" or "machine direction").

Webs are often, but not necessarily, stored, supplied or used in roll form and thusly also sometimes denoted "roll goods". Whilst these are then not "endless" in the strict sense of the word, their extension in this x-direction is significantly larger than in any other direction. By combining consecutive rolls or other batches, ("splicing") such webs can be considered "endless" for all practical purposes. Webs may be transported in a "batch" form, such as when a roll thereof is shipped, or they may follow a "web path", such as when the webs are unwound from a roll, as described hereinafter. Typical examples for webs are -without implying any limitation -plastic films or foils, tcxtiles, non-wovens, nets, scrims.

At least a portion of a first web material is intended to be generally in contact with the skin of the wearer with a first surface and thus is typically referred to as "topsheet". Its second opposite surface of the first web material faces away from the wearer. The term "generally" refers to the fact, that -at least in an in-use configuration -a part or portion of the topsheet -such as portions along the longitudinally extending side margins may be 1 0 folded away from the surface, such that they do not touch the skin of the wearer. Thus within the present context, a topsheet is the portion of the article, which faces towards the wearer at least in the waist regions.

The topsheet is preferably compliant, soft feeling, and non-irritating to the wearer's skin and may be manufactured from a wide range of materials, such as porous foams; reticulated foams; apertured plastic films; or woven or nonwoven webs of natural fibres (e.g., wood or cotton fibres), synthetic fibres (e.g., polyester or polypropylene fibres), or a combination of natural and synthetic fibres. If the topshect includes fibres, the fibres may be spunbond, carded, wet-laid, mehblown, hydroentangled, or otherwise processed as is known in the art. The topsheet may be a composite material, such as when comprising an open net or scrim structure in combination with a spunbonded web. Such a composite may also have discontinuities, such as when a spunbonded web comprises a cut out and is overlying a continuous net.

Dcpending of the particular execution as described herein below, the topsheet may bc made of a hydrophobic material and may -optionally only in certain regions -be treated to be hydrophilic so that liquids will transfer through the topsheet more rapidly. The topsheet can be rendered hydrophilic by treating it with a surfactant or by incorporating a surfactant into the topshect, both methods being well known in the art.

The article further comprises a second web material positioned such that its first surface is oriented towards the second, opposite surface of the first web material. During use, the second, opposite surface of the second web material faces away from the wearer. Often, such a second web material is referred to as "backsheet".

The backsheet fonns generally the outer surface of the article during use, and thus the x-directional length of the backsheet is considered the overall length of the article.

In case of absorbent articles it prevents the exudates absorbed and contained therein from soiling articles which may contact the article. Thus, the backsheet is often impervious to liquids (e.g., urine) and often comprises a thin plastic film such as a thermoplastic film having a thickness of about 0.01 mm to about 0.1 mm. Other suitable backshcet materials may include breathable materials which permit vapours to escape fiom thc article while still preventing exudates from passing through the backsheet. Exemplary breathable materials may include materials such as woven webs, nonwoven webs, composite materials such as film-coated nonwoven webs, microporous films, all of which arc well known in the art.

The webs may also be overfolded together, such as when their longitudinal side margins are folded over along a longitudinally extending fold line such that the first surfaces of 1 0 the first web arc contacting each other.

Depending on the intended end-use, an article according to the present invention may comprise further elements, features, and materials, such as may typically be used in articles such as disposable absorbent articles.

In its simplest cxccution, the article may be used to capture excrements without having ally absorptive capacity. Then the article may be just equipped with side closures to fit the articles.

In a particular and often preferred execution, the article compriscs liquid absorbcnt elements, often also referred to as absorbent cores, as may be selected over a very wide range of executions as being well known in the art.

An absorbent clement may be a composite material, such as by comprising various materials, such as particulate material, such as superabsorbent particles, fibrous materials, such as cellulose fluff; or other materials, layers or webs, such as adhesives, tissues, nonwovcns, ctc, all of which arc well luwwn in the art.

For a particular execution, the absorbent element exhibits at least in the crotch region a sufficient z-directional integrity and strength so as to allow connecting of a topsheet thereto, in particular when the absorbent elements are at least in parts of the crotch region connected to the backsheet. This integrity may be enhanced inherently or by added integrity enhancement means, such as adhesive or binder fibres, or heat or pressure bonding.

An absorbent element may be formed in-line or may be produced off-line and be brought to the manufacturing facilities, where it may be combined with further materials. In a particular execution, the absorbent core may be a so called air-laid absorbent material, often also referred to as roll-stock core.

An article according to the present invention can be used without particular closure systems or fastening tapes and may be immobilized on the body by normal underwear or specially designed pants like net pants, also well known in the art.

The article may be held to the body by conventional closure elemcnts such as well known closure tapes of the adhesive and/or mechanical engagement type.

The article may also form a pants-style article with side closures which niay be permanently connected or which may be releasably pre-fastened during manufacturing but which may be non-destructively adjusted by the uscr.

The article further may comprise side panels in side panel regions, which extend laterally outwardly of a centre piece along the width y-direction of the article at least in the front and / or rear waist region. Within the present context, this refers to an article in its in-use 1 0 configuration. During manufacturing, or in a folded article after manufacturing respectively in the pre-use configuration, the side panels -if present -nrny be folded or stacked so as to overly the centre region, but are nonetheless considered as "extending laterally outwardly". Often though not necessarily, the article according to the present invention is essentially symmetrical to its longitudinally extending centrelinc.

1 5 In a particular execution, the article topsheet, backsheet and an absorbent element there between may form a centre piece of an article, which may be combined with leg hoops and/or side panels, such described in WOO6/102974A1 or WO08/037281.

An article according to the present invention may further comprise various other functional or aesthetic elements, such as side panels, barrier leg cuffs, leg hoops, or printing, all well know as such in the art.

Whilst it is a particular benefit of the present invention that no elastic elements are required for achieving a foreshortened topsheet, such elements may be included such as for product reconnaissance reasons, or in other portions of the article, e.g. side panels or for waist features.

The present invention can be very advantageously applied if the topsheet comprises at least one passageway, and if it is urged away from the backsheet towards the user at least in the region of this passageway.

Such a passage way is known in the art, such as by being described in W0201 1/064272, to which express reference is made with regard to the description of such passageways.

A passageway is a discontinuity in the topshcet allowing bodily exudales, especially faeces, urine or menses, or such body exudates emanating body parts, to pass through the topsheet.

Thusly a passageway may be a hole or an aperture in the topsheet, such by a portion being cut out, or a slit extending x-or y-directionally, whereby the side margins arc adapted to not dislocate z-directionally during use, but x and/or y-directionally upon action of a slit opening force. In a particular execution, a generally longitudinally extending slit may have one or more generally cross-directionally extending slits at it longitudinal ends, and the longitudinal side margins may be overfolded. In another execution, the topsheet may be a composite material, such as an open net or a scrim allowing for example faeces to penetrate through, and a spunbonded web facing towards the wearer. A passageway may then be formed by an opening in the spunbonded web whilst the net or scrim material remains unchanged.

In this context, the term "generally extending in longitudinal direction" refers to a situation, where the projection of the line onto the longitudinal eentreline is longer than 1 0 the projection onto the cross-directionally extending straight line, and vice versa.

A first execution of a passageway is adapted to allow faeces to penetrate through. Such a faeces passageway should be positioned in registry with the anus of the wearer during use and also its size should be adapted accordingly. Thus a passageway useful in the present invention may be formed by a hole or aperture having its largest extension in the x-or y-direction of the article (including circular openings). Also, when a passageway is formed by one or more slits or cut-lines, this may extend generally in the x-or y-direction of the article, with the positioning of the drawstring being adapted accordingly. Thus a faeces passage way should be positioned along the longitudinal centreline of the article rearwardly of the perineal region of a wearer. The faeces passageway should have a longitudinal extension of at least the length of the anus, and this should be preferably at least 2 cm in case of being intended for babies, and 4 em in case of adults. The faeces passage should exhibit at a cross-directional opening during use, i.e. in its in-use configuration, of at least 2 cm.

A second execution of a passage way is adapted to allow urine or menses to pass through.

Such a passage way should be positioned forwardly of the perineal region and should be positioned in the genital regions and have in the in-use configuration a dimensions of at least 3 em in length and 1 em in width. A variant of this execution may allow genitals, such as penis and scrotum, to pass through An article according to the present invention may comprise either one of the described executions for a passageway or both.

It is a further particular feature of the present invention that the topsheet is urged away during use from the underlying layer.

In contrast to conventional approaches which include elastieised materials (see e.g. EP0359410A1), the present invention does not rely on elastification but rather exploits geometrical effects by foreshortening the topsheet relative to the baeksheet. It is a particular element of the present invention that the topsheet is foreshortened relatively to and indcpcndcnt of the backshect, or another material layer connected to the baeksheet, by means of a drawstring system.

Within the context of the present invention a drawstring system comprises at least one drawstring, a drawstring tunnel, a drawstring connection, a drawstring fixation means, optionally a tunnel cornwction means, and optionally a drawstring gripping means.

The drawstring material should generally satisI the requirements for a garment to be worn on the lower torso, and thus be sufficiently pliable and non-irritating to the skin.

Preferably is a flat material, i.e., its cross-directional extension exceeds its z-directional 1 0 extension and preferably it is a z-directionally thin material, so as to not bear against the skin of the wearer.

The drawstring material should preferably withstand normal in-use forces, as occur during manufacturing, donning, and wearing. Thus a drawstring material preferably exhibits a tensile strength of at least 10 N/ 50 mm along the x-direction of the article.

1 5 Preferably the drawstring material is a web material, and may be cut of another web material as being used in the manufacture of the article, such as of the topsheet or the backsheet.

Whilst the drawstring does not need to run over the full length of the article, it is prcferred for casicr manufacturing that the drawstring lcngth corresponds to thc lcngth of the article, respectively the backsheet.

The drawstring tunnel extends predominantly longitudinally, i.e. a straight connecting line between the two ends of the tunnel has an angle of less than 45° to the longitudinal cel1tre line of the article, preferably it runs parallel thereto. A tunnel has a tunnel ccntre-line, which may be curvilinear, although straight centrelines are preferred from a manufacturing point of view. A drawstring tunnel may fonn a complete encasing of the drawstring, but the tunnel may be discontinuous and the drawstring may run between two tunnel sections, if this region does not require guiding of the drawstring material, or if this guiding is accomplished by other means.

The drawstring tunnel may follow a non linear trajectory in relaxed (pi'e use) mode, its distanec lo the produci ccntreline preferably bcing minimum in the area of generally x-directional passageway(s), such that upon tensioning and stratif3ring of the drawstrings the passageways are opened in y-direction.

Drawstring tunnels may be interrupted at generally y-directional passageways, and the drawstring material may be fixed to the IS and optionally to the tunnel material close to the margins of the slit, such that upon tensioning of the drawstrings the topsheet is urged -12-away from the baeksheet or an underlying layer, and the y-directional slit is opened.

The drawstring tunnel extends essentially along the length of the drawstring, though at the ends of the tunnel drawstring gripping means in the form of cutting out portions of the tunnel material flay be present.

The material for forming a drawstring tunnel should generally satisfy the same requirements as topsheet, backsheet or drawstring.

The drawstring tunnel needs to be -at least in certain sections thereof-connected to the topsheet. For particular applications it is preferred that the drawstring tunnel is positioned underneath the topsheet, i.e. oriented away from the wearer during use.

1 0 The drawstring may be formed of a separate material or by other elements present in the article.

In a first execution, the drawstring tunnel is formed by a drawstring tunnel material attached to the topsheet of the article and being connected along its longitudinally extending side margins thereto.

1 5 The connecting can be executed by any conventional means, such as adhesive or melt ftision bonded, with ultra-sonic bonding being preferred. The connecting can be along the hill length of the drawstring tunnel by a continuous connecting region, e.g. e line.

Within the present context, the term "connecting regions" refers to any geometric form for connecting at least two material, and includes connecting lines, such as glue lines, a series of connection point, a single connecting point, or a region with random or patterned connecting points as may result from glue dots, such as from a glue spray system, or melt fusion dots, as may result from heat embossing or patterned ultrasonic bonding.

In a second execution the drawstring tunnel may be formed by longitudinally folding the topsheet, e.g. in the form of a double z-fold symmetric to the tunnel centre-line such that the topsheet can be connected at the edges of the z-fold, such as by adhesive or melt fusion bonding, optionally with a slight overlap of the topsheet material, or an additional connectmg materials, such as an adhesive tape.

In yet a further execution the topsheet may be longitudinally slit and the two sides are positioned overlappingly relative to the centreline of the article, thusly forming a tunnel upon connecling as in the first execution.

The drawstring tunnel may comprise in certain regions tunnel openings for the drawstring in its upper layer, which is oriented towards the user.

The drawstring may be positioned in the drawstring tunnel prior to connecting the tunnel to the topshect. Alternatively, insertion of the drawstring and connecting of the tunnel arc done simultaneously.

In order to allow foreshortening of the topsheet by the drawstring system, the drawstring must be connected to the topsheet by a connection in order to anchor the drawstring when being pulled at the other end.

The connecting can be achieved by various means, such as adhesive or melt fusion bonding. The connecting can also be a releasable connection, such as when the drawstring comprises connecting means such as adhesive or mechanical tapes, which allow connecting to other elements of the article, such as the topsheet, or more preferably the backsheet.

The connecting may also be performed by tying a knot, e.g. through a pair of holes in the 1 0 end portion of the article, or if another piece of drawstring is connected there.

In case that the drawstring system comprises two drawstrings, these may be pulled, and connected to each other at the end of the tunnel, such as by tying a knot. In such a case, the two drawstrings may be foned by a single piece of material, running through both tunnels, the overall length of which is reduced by pulling and knotting the drawstring. In such a case, the tenn "connecting" refers to the fact, that the drawstring is???) still hindered in its longitudinal movement if pulled at both ends('1T1).

Preferably the first connection is in the proximity of the front or rear end of the article.

Once tile drawstring is activated by a user, such as a wearer or a caregiver, and the topsheet is foreshortened, this foreshortening is maintained during further use by the drawstring fixation means.

Thus a portion of the drawstring is pulled out of the tunnel at the end of the tunnel, and it needs to be prevented that this portion is pulled back into the tunnel. This can be achieved by the same connecting means as described hereinabove in the context of the drawstring connection.

For particular embodiments, the tunnel niay be connected to other elements of the article by a tunnel connection, such as the backsheet or an intermediate material connected to the backsheet.

If the tunnel is connected to the backsheet and further comprises a tunnel opening, the drawstring is -upon activation -pulled through the opening whilst the topsheet is foreshortened. As the tunnel -with the topsheet connected thereto -is connected to the backsheet, the portion of the topsheet in the region of the tunnel opening will be neatly folded z-direetionally away along y-directionally extending fold-lines, thereby fonning a topsheet flap, as will be discussed in more detail herein below.

A drawstring system may comprise a single drawstring in a tunnel. For certain applications it can be advantageous to have a pair of drawstrings, as may be positioned -14-symmetrically to the longitudinal centreline of the article, and more preferably, although not limiting in any way, parallel thereto.

Thus an article with a drawstring system as describes can be manufactured and delivered to a user in a fiat or folded configuration with a topsheet in an flat, non extended configuration, typically having the same length as the backsheet. Upon application of the article, the user can unfold the article and it can be donned to the wearer easily. This is in contrast to e.g. conventional diapers, where longitudinally extending elasfics foreshorten the total article, or also versus the design of EP359410A1, where an elasticised topsheet foreshortens the article. After donning, the drawstring is activated and the topsheet 1 0 foreshortened. Depending on the desired effect and the design, the foreshortening can have different effects, the principles of which are explained in the following: If the single or double drawstrings are connected at the rear of the article, the user may pull at the fiont end, optionally aided by the gripping. The topsheet will then be shirred predominantly in the fiont region of the article, but can move away from the backsheet over the full length. The niore the connecting point is nioved from the rear towards the front, the more the shirring will be limited to the front region.

If the single or double drawstrings are connected at the rear of the article and the drawstring tunnel comprises a opening in the crotch region of the article, and the TS is connected to the BS in the area of the crotch point, the drawstring will be pulled out of the tunnel in this region and the topsheet will be primarily foreshortened by fold formed in the crotch region.

Once the user has adapted the foreshortening to the desired degree, e.g. having it adapted to the specific size of a wearer, the drawstring is affixed by the described means. If the fixation means are releasable, the user can re-adjust the foreshortening e.g. during or after use.

The activation of the drawstring may result in shirring of the topsheet or of certain regions thereof. It may -as will be described in more detail herein below -result in that a portion of the topsheet is effectively folded away by a cross-directionally extending fold.

Having thusly described the essential elements of the present invention, the ftinetioning will be thrther explained by refening to specific execution, which however should not be seen to limit the scope of the present invention.

In Fig. 2 A and B an article 1010 according to the present invention is schematically shown in an extended topsheet configuration, as already shown in Fig. IC, the article and the topsheet exhibiting a longitudinal or x-direetional (1102) extension, a width direction 1107 and a z-direction 1105. The article has a topsheet 1200 and a baeksheet 1300. As can be seen in Fig. 2B as a cross-sectional view along line AA in Fig. 2A, a tunnel material 3220 is positioned between the topsheet and the baeksheet essentially symmetneally to the longitudinal centreline 1103. As shown it extends along the ifill length of the article and is connected to the topsheet by four connecting regions 3310, 3320, 3330, and 3340 respectively, in Fig 2A shown as doffed lines as may represent adhesive dots or preferably melt thsion dots. In a particularly preferred execution, the bonding is achieved by ultrasonic bonding, in particular as described in WU... Two of the bond lines, 3310 and 3340, are positions along the longitudinally extending margins of the tunnel material 3127 and 3123, respectively, each forming together with the respective other bond line 3320 and 3330 drawstring tunnel 3201 and 3201, respectively.

In this particular execution, the drawstrings 3101 and 3102 are connected to the topsheet in the drawstring connecting region 3150 in the rear waist region 1518. In the front waist region 1512 a drawstring gripping is indicated by slits 3161 and 3162. Both drawstring tunnels 3201 and 3202 comprise a drawstring tunnel opening, here shown as a slit 3231 and 3232 respectively through the topsheet in the perineal region 1116. About centred relative to the length of the drawstring slits, the drawstring tunnel material 3220 is connected to the backsheet 1300 by a connection 3370.

Fig. 2C shows now schematically an article as shown in Fig. 2A and 2B in an in use configuration with activated drawstrings as a schematic cross-sectional view along line BB in Fig. 2A and an enlarged view of a crotch section of the article. The drawstrings arc connected in the rear waist portion 1118 of the article by drawstring connecting region 3150. Their opposite ends are pulled at the front raist region 1112 and are connected there, here shown by a knot 3170. By this pulling, the topshcet foreshortens in the region of the drawstring tunnel opening slit. As it is connected via the drawstring tunnel material 3220 and the tunnel connecting regions to the backsheet 1300, a flap 1250 is foniied connecting between the backsheet 1300 and the drawstring 3101 by the topsheet 1200 and the drawstring tunnel material 3220 connected by the drawstring connection 3320 and 3340. Thus, the foreshortened topsheet now has an effective foreshortened length 1210, whilst the backsheet 1300 still exhibits its original backsheet length 1310.

An article as shown in Fig. 2 provides ahtady certain advantages versus conventional articles, e.g. via improved aeration contact of the topsheet with the skin, but with a spaced apart backsheet, such that occlusion niay be reduced. It further can be combined with an absorbent core 1400, as indicated in Fig. 3.

Even more advantageously is such a design in combination with one or more passageways as described generally already in the above. -16-

Fig. 4 schematically depicts an article as shown in Fig. 2, additionally with two passageways, a rearwardly positioned one 1320 in the anal region 1117 of the article, and a forwardly positioned one in the genital region 1114. In Fig. 4A the article is shown in its pre-use configuration, in Fig. 4B in an ill-use configuration. Because of the foreshortening, the topsheet is now pulled towards wearer. Thus the rear passageway can now be positioned in registry with the anus, and faeces can penetrate there through into a rear chamber as created by the spacing apart of the topsheet and the backsheet. The forward passage way can now be positioned with registry to the genitals, such that either urine or menses can be deposited through this passageway into the chamber created by 1 0 the spacing apart of topshcet and backshcet, or the urine or menses releasing organs may penetrate through such that urine or menses can be deposited directly into this chamber.

Very conveniently the faeces and urine or menses are readily separated by flap 1250, forming a barrier flap between the rear, faeces chamber and the front, urine or menses chamber.

1 5 In yet a further particular execution, the longitudinal side margins of the article may be folded over and maybe connected by a topsheet to topsheet connecting, as also described in WO 2011/064274 to which express reference is made.

Claims

Claims 1. An article to be worn on the lower torso of a wearer, said article exhibiting an article width (y-) direction corresponding to the left-right orientation of the wearer during use; an article length (x-) direction corresponding to a line running from the front waist through the crotch to the rear waist of the wearer during use; an article thickness (z-) direction perpendicular to the x-and y-direction; 1 0 an article crotch point positioned on the longitudinal centreline and in the crotch region of the article; said article comprising a topshect material comprising a first surface adapted to generally face towards the wearer during use and of 1 5 which at least a portion is adapted to be in contact with the skin of the wearer during use; an opposite surface, facing generally away from the wearer during use; and a backsheet material positioned away from a wearer during use and having a first surface oriented towards said opposite surface of said topsheet, defining an overall article length, said article being characterized in that it comprises a drawstring system for longitudinally foreshortening said topshect relative to said overall article length, said drawstring system comprising -an essentially longitudinally extending drawstnng tunnel system; -a drawstring being at least partially positioned in said drawstring tunnel system; -a first drawstring connection region, where said drawstring is essentially permanently connected (directly or indirectly) to said topsheet; -a drawstring fixation means positioned in the proximity of a longitudinal end margin of said article and being adapted to allow fixation of said drawstring by a user.
2. An article according to claim 1, wherein said drawstring tunnel system is selected from the group consisting of -a bonded longitudinal hem fold of the topsheet; -two laterally parallel and overlappingly positioned and longitudinally connected -18-topsheet portions; -at least one separate drawstring tunnel material connected longitudinally to said topshcet.
3. An article according to claim or 2 comprising a single drawstring tunnel positioned essentially along the longitudinal centre line of the article or a pair of drawstring tunnels positioned essentially symmetrically to said longitudinal centre line, preferably parallel to each other.

1 0
4. An article according to any of claims 1 to 3, farther comprising one or more elements selected from the group consisting of -a drawstring gripping means, preferably in the form of a slit, cut out or fold-over portion in said topshect or backsheet, positioned in the proximity of the end margin of the article longitudinally opposite of said first drawstring connecting region 1 5 relative to said crotch point; -a drawstring fixation means selected from the group consisting of -a releasable connection of said drawstring to said topshcet or backsheet by releasable adhesive bonding; -a releasable connection to said topsheet or backsheet by mechanical fastener; -and in the case of a pair of drawstring tunnels, two drawstrings being knotted to fonn a knotted loop; -a tunnel connecting means for connecting materials forming said drawstring tunnel to said baekshect in said crotch region; -a drawstnng tunnel opening posifioned in the crotch region, preferably the perineal region of the article adapted to allow the drawstring to be pulled out of the drawstring tunnel upon activation..
5. An article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said drawstring connecting means is selected from the group consisting of -permanent connecting to said topsheet or backsheet by adhesive bonding; -permanent connecting to said topsheet or baeksheet by thermal bonding;; -releasable connecting to said topsheet or backsheet by releasable adhesive bonding; -releasable connecting to said topsheet or baeksheet by mechanical fastener; or in the case of a pair of drawstring tunnels; -a single drawstring forming a loop by running from a first of said pair of tunnels to the second; -two drawstrings being knotted to form a knotted loop.
6. An article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said drawstring fixation means is selected from the group consisting of -releasable connecting to said topshcet or backsheet by releasable adhesive bonding; -releasable connecting to said topsheet or backsheet by mechanical fastener; -and in the case of a pair of drawstring tunnels, two drawstrings being knotted to form a knotted loop.
7. An article according to any of the preceding claims comprising a pair of drawstring tunnels positioned essentially symmetrically to said longitudinal centre line, preferably parallel to each other, wherein said topshect tbrthcr comprises at least one passageway positioned along the longitudinal centreline of the article and laterally between said pair 1 5 of drawstring tunnels in either one or both of the anal and genital regions of the article, said passageway(s) being adapted to allow faeces or menses or urine or urine or menses releasing body organs, respectively, to pass through.
S. An article according to claim 7, wherein said topshect is essentially liquid impermeable, preferably a hydrophobic nonwoven material.
9. An article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said second drawstring connecting means is adapted to allow fixation of said drawstring(s) by a user such that a longitudinally (x-directionally) extending line running from the front end of the article along the drawstring directly to the rear end of the article is at least 10 mm shorter than said overall article length.
10. An article according to claim 9, wherein said foreshortening forms a flap in the perineal region of the article.
11. An article according to claim 10, wherein said flap is connected to said backsheet directly or via a further material, if present, thereby fonning a barrier flap.
12. An article according to claims 10 or 11, comprising a first passageway in the anal region and a second passageway in the genital region, wherein said barrier flap is -20 -positioned in the perineal region, adapted to allow separation of faeces from the genital region.
13. A method for foreshortening a topsheet of an article according to any of claims 1 to 10 comprising the steps of a) gripping said drawstring(s) in the proximity of the end margin of the article longitudinally opposite of said first drawstring connecting region relative to said crotch region; b) pulling said drawstring(s) out of said tunnels, thereby foreshortening said topsheet; 1 0 c) connecting said drawstrings such that said foreshortening is maintained during use.