KR20010042871A - Disposable absorbent articles having internal mechanical fasteners - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention includes (a) a top sheet, a back sheet connected to the top sheet, an absorbent core positioned between the top sheet and the back sheet, the back waist region, the crotch region, the front waist region, the body facing portion and vice versa A tightening assembly having a garment facing surface (b) a pair of rear ear panels extending laterally outwardly from the longitudinal edge of the tightening assembly in the rear waist region; (c) a pair of fasteners free of at least adhesive and secured to the fasteners, rear ear panels and securing the landing area when the product is worn; And (d) a periphery comprising a landing area located on the outer facing surface of the product in the front waist region of the product, an absorbent article having a longitudinal centerline and a lateral centerline of the boundary.

Description

Disposable absorbent product with internal mechanical fasteners {DISPOSABLE ABSORBENT ARTICLES HAVING INTERNAL MECHANICAL FASTENERS}

Infants and other people with urinary incontinence wear disposable absorbent products such as diapers that accept and retain urine and other human excretion. Absorbent products retain both emissions and serve to isolate these materials from the wearer's body, the wearer's clothing, and the bedspread. Typically, the back of the diaper is attached to the diaper on each side of the wearer by means of an adhesive fixation tape and a pull-up diaper which allows the wearer to pull the absorbent product out of the panties and does not require any fixing of the tape-shaped diaper. Disposable absorbent products with a number of different basic designs are known in the art, including tape-shaped diapers attached to the front of the device.

A fastening system typically used for tape type diapers includes tape or adhesive members that are secured to the back waist region of the diaper and the landing region of the front waist of the diaper. Such conventional diapers typically are firstly positioned at the diaper wearing portion of the wearer's lower portion (generally, the back portion of the diaper is located under the wearer's hip and rear waist) and by pulling the rest of the diaper through the wearer's leg. It is tailored to the wearer. And the back side of the diaper is attached to the front side at each side of the wearer by fixing the fixing tape to the landing member.

The outside of the disposable diaper may also be packaged with a flexible, liquid and gas impermeable sheet to prevent the absorbed liquid from passing through the diaper and to prevent smearing of adjacent products such as clothing, beds, and the like. Such outer packaging is commonly referred to as the back sheet, which is sometimes constructed from liquid impermeable films such as polyethylene. Modern disposable diapers may use a cloth-like back sheet to provide visual breathability and improved natural feel and / or atmosphere. Typical structures of such things as cloth-like backsheets include nonwovens connected to the outer opposing surface of the microporous thin-film plastic forming the laminate.

No matter what type of back sheet is used for the tape type diaper, the back sheet is likely to be torn by the fixing tape, for example, if a consumer accidentally attaches the tape to the back sheet while wearing or changing diapers. .

In addition, during the process of producing a tape-shaped diaper, sometimes the tape folds itself to prevent the sticky portion from being exposed when the diaper is stored, so that the adhesive site of the sticky tape and the mated release site of the non-sticky tape Inconsistencies can occur. This discrepancy leaves a sticky surface area of the tape surface, causing a tendency to adhere to the back sheet when the diaper product overlaps and is packaged for shipping. Thus, when the wearer opens or unpacks the diaper just before use, the tape tears the back sheet. On the consumer side, this is frustrating and undesirable.

In addition, conventional fixing tapes can be a bit inconvenient for protectors in use because they require the removal or pulling of the tape from the release surface in order to expose the adhesive so that it can be fixed to the landing site. For the same reason, it may be difficult to recalibrate the tape. This is especially true for those who may lack some handholdness, such as, for example, arthritis patients or patients with a disease.

Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a convenient and easy-to-use fastening system for diapers that prevents accidental breakage of the back sheet. It is further desired to prevent accidental adhesion during the manufacturing process. No existing field provides all the advantages and benefits of the present invention.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention includes (a) a top sheet, a back sheet connected to the top sheet, an absorbent core positioned between the top sheet and the back sheet, the back waist region, the crotch region, the front waist region, the body facing surface and vice versa. A tightening assembly having a garment facing surface; (b) a pair of rear ear panels extending laterally outward from the longitudinal edge of the tightening assembly in the rear waist region; (c) a pair of fasteners free of at least adhesive and secured to the rear ear panel and securing the landing area upon wearing the product; And (d) a periphery, a longitudinal centerline and a lateral centerline comprising a landing area located on the outer facing surface of the product in the front waist region of the product.

These compositions, views, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon understanding the disclosure herein.

The present invention relates generally to disposable absorbent articles, such as disposable diapers, and more particularly to disposable absorbent articles having internal mechanical fasteners.

Although the present invention has been concluded by the claims with which the invention is particularly claimed and pointed out, the invention will be better understood from the following description of the preferred embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

1 is a plan view of an embodiment of a preferred disposable diaper of the present invention having a portion removed so that the back structure and inner (body facing) surface of the diaper facing the viewer can be observed.

2A-2C are partially enlarged views of a conventional disposable diaper.

3A-3B are partially enlarged views of the preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG.

4A-4C illustrate portions of other preferred embodiments of the present invention.

The present invention relates to disposable absorbent articles. As used herein, the term "absorbent article" means a product that absorbs and contains body emissions, and more specifically, faces the wearer's body to absorb and contain various emissions emitted from the body. Refers to a product that is in or in proximity to a location. The term "disposable" refers to an absorbent product that is not intended to be laundered, stored or reused as an absorbent product (i.e. intended to be discarded after a single use, preferably environmentally compatible or substituted or recycled or composted). By “unitary” absorbent product is meant an absorbent product formed of separate portions joined together to form a harmonious unity without requiring separate passive portions such as separate holders and liners. An embodiment of a preferred absorbent article of the present invention is a diaper 20, a single disposable product as shown in Figure 1. As used herein, the term "diaper" refers to infants wearing on the lower body of the wearer and Refers to absorbent products commonly used by urinary incontinence patients, but the present invention relates to urinary incontinence briefs and urinary incontinence It is also applicable to other absorbent products such as under garments, diaper holders and liners, feminine hygiene garments, training panties and the like.

1 shows a cut out structure for a clearer view of the configuration of the diaper 20 and a portion of the diaper 20 facing the wearer, a portion of the inner surface 40 facing the viewer and an unfolded and unshrinked state (ie, pulling out) Is a plan view of the diaper 20 in a state having elastically induced shrinkage. As shown in FIG. 1, the diaper 20 preferably includes a liquid permeable top sheet 24; A liquid impermeable back sheet 26 connected to the top sheet; And a tightening assembly 22 including an absorbent core 28 positioned between the top sheet 24 and the back sheet 26. This absorbent core 28 has a pair of opposing longitudinal edges 60. The back sheet 26 prevents emissions absorbed and contained in the absorbent core 28 from wet products in contact with the diaper 20, such as bed sheets and undergarments. This diaper furthermore preferably comprises at least an ear panel 3, and also a front ear panel 31 and a blocking leg cuff 32. This immobilization system 36 preferably comprises one or more fastening members 37 and landing members 38 as described in detail with reference to FIG. 3 below. Waist elasticity (not shown) may be further fitted.

The diaper 20 has an inner surface 40 (as opposed to the viewer in FIG. 1), an outer surface 42, a rear waist region 44, a rear waist region 44 opposite the inner surface 40. Diaper with an opposing front waist region 46, a crotch region 48 located between the rear waist region 44 and the front waist region 46, and a lateral edge of 50 and a distal edge of 52 It has a perimeter defined by an outer boundary or edge of 20. The inner surface 40 of the diaper 20 is in contact with a portion of the diaper 20 (ie, at least a portion of the top sheet 24 and other components connected with the top sheet 24 that is positioned adjacent to the wearer's body during use). By the inner surface 40 generally generated). As used herein, the term "joined" is fixed directly by attaching one element directly to another element, and indirectly by attaching one element to an intermediary member (s) alternately attached to another element. Contain form This rear waist region 44 and front waist region 46 extend from the distal edge 52 of the periphery to the crotch region 48.

The diaper 20 also has two centerlines, a longitudinal centerline 100 and a transverse centerline 110. As used herein, the term “longitudinal” refers to a diaper 20 that is generally serial (eg, substantially parallel) and generally perpendicular to the left and right halves that divide the wearer standing upon wearing the diaper 20. Means on line, axis or direction The term "transverse" herein means a line, axis, or direction lying within the line of the diaper, which is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (which divides the wearer in half forward and backward).

The top sheet 24 and the back sheet 26 are generally larger in length and width dimensions than the length and width dimensions of the absorbent core 28. The top sheet 24 and back sheet 26 extend beyond the edge of the absorbent core 28 forming the periphery of the diaper 20. The top sheet 24, back sheet 26, and absorbent core 28 may be composed of a variety of well known structures, while typical fastening assembly structures are generally described in Kenneth B., Jan. 14, 1975. US Patent No. 3,860,003 to Kenneth B. Buell, entitled "Shrinkable Side Areas for Disposable Diapers"; September 29, 1992 Kennett B. US Pat. No. 5,151,092 to Kenneth B. Buell, entitled “Absorbent with Flowable Elastic Waist Structure with Flexible Edges with Pretreated Elasticity”.

Absorbent core 28 may be any absorbent member that is generally capable of absorbing, maintaining, compressible, comfortable, and non-irritating to the wearer's skin, such as urine and other body secretions. As shown in FIG. 1, the absorbent core 28 has an outer facing (or garment facing) side, a body-facing side, a pair of side edges, and a pair of waist edges. Absorption core 28 is a variety of liquid-absorbing materials commonly used in disposable diapers and other absorbent products, such as finely ground wood pulp, commonly referred to as air felts, in various sizes and shapes (e.g., rectangular, hourglass, T-shaped, asymmetrical, etc.). Other suitable absorbent materials include crepe cellulose wading; Melt blown polymers including coform; Chemically cured, modified or crosslinked cellulose fibers; Tissue, including tissue wraps and tissue laminates; Absorbent foams; Absorbent sponges; Superabsorbent polymers; Absorbent gelling materials; Or any equivalents or combinations of foreign materials.

The shape and structure of the absorbent core 28 may vary (eg, the absorbent core may vary in caliper zone, degree of hydrophilicity, degree of superabsorbency, or mean low density and mean low basis weight capture zones; or in one or more layers or Structure). Furthermore, the size and absorbent capacity of the absorbent core 28 can also be varied to suit the full range of wearers from infants to adults. However, the total absorbent capacity of the absorbent core 28 should be compatible with the intended load of the diaper 20 and the intended purpose.

The top sheet 24 is preferably located adjacent to the inner surface of the absorbent core 28 and is preferably connected thereto and connected to the back sheet 26 by attachment means (not shown) as is well known in the art. do. Suitable attachment means are described for connecting the back sheet 26 to the absorbent core 28. A preferred embodiment of the present invention is indirectly provided that the top sheet 24 and the back sheet 26 are directly connected to each other at the periphery of the diaper and directly connected to the absorbent core 28 with the sheets by any suitable attachment means. To connect with each other.

The top sheet 24 is preferably compliant, has a soft feel, and is non-irritating to the wearer's skin. Furthermore, the topsheet 24 is preferably liquid permeable so that body fluids (eg, urine) can easily pass through its thickness. Suitable top sheet 24 includes woven and nonwoven fabrics; Polymeric materials such as perforated molded thermoplastic films, perforated plastic films, and hydrofoam thermoplastic films; Porous foams; Reticulated foam; Reticulated thermoplastic film; And various materials such as thermoplastic scrims. Suitable fabrics and nonwovens can be made of natural fibers (eg, wood or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (eg, polymeric fibers such as polyester, polypropylene, or polyethylene fibers) or a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. have.

The top sheet 24 is preferably made of a hydrophobic material to pass the top sheet 24 and separate the wearer's skin from the liquid contained in the absorbent core 28 (ie, preventing reloading). If the top sheet 24 is made hydrophilic, the upper surface of the top sheet 24 is hydrophilically treated, so that at least liquid can be delivered to the top sheet 24 more quickly. This reduces the likelihood of body fluid flowing through the top sheet 24 rather than being drawn through the top sheet 24 and absorbed by the absorbent core 28. The top sheet 24 may provide hydrophilicity by treating with a surfactant. Suitable methods for treating the top sheet 24 with the surfactant 24 include applying a surfactant to the top sheet 24 material and immersing the material in the surfactant. A more detailed description of this process and hydrophilicity can be found in US Pat. No. 4,988,344, entitled "Absorbent with Multi-Layered Absorption Layer," issued to Reising, et al. On January 29, 1991; US Patent No. 4,988,345, entitled "Absorbent Product That Quickly Captures Absorbent Core," issued to Reising et al, on January 29, 1991.

Optionally, the preferred top sheet comprises a perforated film. Perforated films are preferred as topsheets because they are permeable and non-absorbent to body discharges, reducing the tendency to re-wet the wearer's skin by passing liquid back. Thus, the film thus formed keeps the body dry, thereby reducing the soiling of the body and gives the wearer a more comfortable fit. Suitably formed films are disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,929,135, entitled "Absorbent Structure with Tapered Capillaries," issued to Thompson on December 30, 1975; US Pat. No. 4,324,246, entitled "Disposable Absorbent Products with Anti-Rust Top Sheet," issued to Mulan, et al, April 13, 1982; January 14, 1975 Kenneth B. US Patent No. 3,860,003 to Kenneth B. Buell, entitled "Shrinkable Side Areas for Disposable Diapers"; US Patent No. 4,342,314, entitled “Plastic Web Showing Fiber-Like Properties,” issued to Radel et al. On August 3, 1982; US Patent No. 4,463,045 entitled Ahr. Et al., Entitled, “A Visually Expanded Three-Dimensional Plastic Web Showing Non-Glitter Visual Surface and Fibrous Touch” to July 31, 1984; US Pat. No. 5,006,394, entitled "Multilayer Polymeric Film," issued to Baird on April 9, 1991.

The diaper 20 further includes an elasticized blocking leg cuff 32 located adjacent to the longitudinal edge 25 of the tightening assembly. This blocking leg cuff 32 enhances the capture of liquids and other body discharges. The individual blocking leg cuffs 32 include any of several other aspects to reduce leakage of body discharge at the leg site (the blocking leg cuffs 32 also include leg bands, side flaps, and elastic legs). Sometimes called cuffs or elastic cuffs). Examples of non-limiting aspects for blocking leg cuffs herein are disclosed in the following US patents. U. S. Patent No. 3,860, 003 discloses a disposable diaper that provides a resilient leg opening with a side flap and one or more resilient members to provide a resilient leg cuff. U.S. Patent No. 4,909,803 entitled "Disposable Absorbent Products with Resilient Flap," issued to Aziz et al., March 20, 1990, is "elevated" to improve the tightening of the leg area. Disclosed is a disposable diaper with a normalized flap (blocking cuff). Gasket cuffs and blocking cuffs are disclosed in US Pat. No. 4,695,278 entitled "Absorbent Product with Double Cuffs," issued to Lawson, September 22, 1987. U.S. Patent No. 4,704,115 entitled "Disposable Tightening Garment" issued to Buell on November 3, 1987, discloses a side-edge-leak-prevention-gutter designed to contain free liquid in the garment. Disclosed is a disposable diaper or urinary incontinence garment having.

The individual blocking leg cuffs 32 are spaced apart elastic members for separating the distal edge 35 from the tightening assembly 22, the distal edge 35, and the liquid receiving surface (top sheet 24) of the tightening assembly 22. 77 and the spacing means 77 have a proximal edge 33 connected thereto. The proximal edge 33 of this blocking leg cuff 32 is preferably the inside of the gasket cuff 63, preferably the blocking leg cuff section and this liquid is the diaper 20 through the blocking cuff 32. Sealing means, such as adhesive beads, for creating a leaktight seal along the proximal edge 33 for use as an obstacle to block liquid wicking through the top sheet 24 to prevent wicking to the edges of the Is located between the longitudinal edge 60 of the back sheet 26 and the core 28 and the flap elastic member 65).

The rear ear panel 30 extends laterally outward from the longitudinal edge 25 of the tightening assembly 22 in the rear waist region 44. Similarly, the front ear panel extends laterally outward from the longitudinal edge 25 of the tightening assembly 22 in the front waist region 46. Preferably, the rear ear panel 30 and the front ear panel 31 are extensions of the blocking leg cuffs and extend outwardly from the proximal edge 33 of the blocking leg cuffs 32. The absorbent article herein preferably comprises at least a rear ear panel 30.

The back sheet 26 of the present invention comprises a plastic film having a body-facing surface and an outer-facing surface and includes a nonwoven web (not shown) connected with the outer-facing surface of the plastic film to form a laminate. This nonwoven web may be connected with the plastic film by any suitable attachment means known in the art. For example, the nonwoven web may adhere the plastic film in a continuous layer of adhesive, a shaping layer of adhesive, or in separate lines, threaded, point-like arrangements of adhesive. Suitable adhesives are melt adhesives available as H-2476-01 from Nitta Findley Co., Ltd., Osaka, Japan. ratio. The density of the adhesive applied between the nonwoven web and the plastic film, comprising a melt adhesive available as JM-6064 from HB Fuller Japan Co., Ltd., is preferably between about 0.05 g / m ² and about 7.0 g. / m ² , more preferably about 0.1 g / m ² to about 5.0 g / m ² , most preferably about 0.2 g / m ² to 1.5 g / m ² .

The plastic film is preferably impermeable to liquids (eg urine) and is preferably made of thin film plastic films. However, the plastic film allows vapor to escape from the diaper 20. In a preferred embodiment, microporous polyethylene film is used as the plastic film. Suitable microporous polyethylene films are those manufactured by Mitsui Toatsu Chemicals Inc., Nagoya, Japan, and sold under the Espoir trade name.

Suitable materials for plastic films are thermoplastic films having a thickness of about 0.012 mm (0.5 mil) to about 0.051 mm (2.0 mils) and preferably comprise polyethylene or polypropylene. Preferably, this plastic film has a basis weight of about 5 g / m ² to 35 g / m ² . However, it should be noted that other flexible liquid impermeable materials may be used. As used herein, the term “flexible” will be compliant and easily fit the static shape and curvature of the wearer's body. In a preferred embodiment, the back sheet 26 of the present invention may comprise a number of materials that may comprise a single member, such as a film as described above, or may be connected to one another to form a back sheet plastic film.

The nonwoven web may adhere to all or substantially all of the outer-facing surface of the plastic film, or only to a predetermined predetermined site. In a preferred embodiment, the plastic film is present only in the tightening assembly section 22 (not in the ear panel sections 30, 31), while the nonwoven web is present in both the tightening assembly section 22 and the ear panel section 30. ). A further preferred aspect is that the nonwoven web is present only in the ear panel zones 30, 31 and does not substantially overlap the tightening zones 22. This nonwoven web is preferably breathable. Particularly preferred webs are spunbonded nonwoven webs, preferably made of bi-phase fibers.

The back sheet 26 is preferably located adjacent to the outer surface of the absorbent core 28 and is preferably connected thereto by any suitable attachment means well known in the art. For example, the back sheet 26 may be secured to the absorbent core 28 in a continuous layer of adhesive, a shaping layer of adhesive, or in a separate linear, threaded, pointed arrangement of adhesive. Adhesives that have been found to be satisfactory are manufactured by H. B. Fuller Company, Paul Street, Minn., And sold under the HL-1258 trade name. Suitable means of attachment comprising a network of open filaments of adhesive is disclosed in US Pat. No. 4,573,986, entitled “One-Time Tightening Garment,” issued to Minetola et al. On March 4, 1986. Is disclosed. Another suitable means of adhesion, including a means of twisting a plurality of linear adhesive filaments to form a spiral, is disclosed in US Pat. No. 3,911,173 to Sprague, Jr. on October 8, 1975; US Patent No. 4,785,996, issued to Ziecker, et al. On November 22, 1978; It is described by the apparatus and means disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,842,666 to Werenicz on June 27, 1989. Optionally, the attachment means may comprise thermal bonding, pressure bonding, ultrasonic bonding, dynamic mechanical bonding or any suitable bonding means as is well known in the art or combinations of such bonding means.

Aspects of the present invention do not connect the absorbent core 28 to the back sheet 26 and / or the top sheet 24 to provide greater stretch to the front waist region 46 and the back waist region 44. Can be considered. As an alternative embodiment, it is also contemplated that additional members, such as liquid impermeable barrier material (s) (not shown), are positioned between the absorbent core 28 and the back sheet 26. Such blocking members may or may not be connected with the absorbent core 28. Furthermore, this back sheet 26 may or may not be connected to any barrier material (s) located between the back sheet 26 and the absorbent core 28.

The securing system 36 of the present invention will be described in more detail in FIGS. 2 and 3. 2A-C are partially enlarged views of a fixing system of a conventional diaper. In FIG. 2A, the conventional fixing tape 100 is closed and shows a superimposed shape. 2B and 2C, two forms of conventional fastening tape 100 are shown in an open position for easy attachment to the outer opposing surface of the front region 46 of the diaper or to the landing member provided in the front region 46.

Although the conventional tape 100 shown in FIG. 2B is typically a single piece of material, it encompasses a wide variety of areas. The conventional tape shown in FIG. 2B utilizes a rough area 120 paired with a landing member (not shown) to hold the diaper in place during wear. When a diaper with this conventional fixation system is not used, it lies flat against the body-facing surface of the rear ear panel 30, as shown in FIG. 2A. This tape 100 is secured in a closed position by an attachment area 130 that contacts the release surface area 140 of the tab 100. In this state, the rough area 120 in contact with the landing member (not shown) to hold the diaper at the place of use is not exposed but opposes the release surface 140 of the tape 100.

Thus, when attempting to use a diaper (ie, a wearer to wear), the securing tape 100 should extend further from the surface of the back ear panel 30 of the diaper, usually in the direction of arrow A, as shown in FIG. 2A. The furthest region 110 of the conventional tab 100 may be provided with a smooth surface that the wearer grabs and does not adhere to the landing member. In this conventional system, the adhesive area 130 need not secure the diaper at the point where it is located on the wearer; It is only necessary to fix the closed tab 100 when not using a diaper.

For example, as shown in FIG. 2C, in other conventional tape-like products, adhesive 130 has been used substantially in securing a diaper in place during wear. In such products no rough area is provided and the landing member does not mate with the rough area. Conventional products of this type are difficult and inconvenient to use and require some amount of pulling force to separate the adhesive surface 130 from its release surface 140. In addition, the adhesive 130 may lose adhesion beyond the limits of use if, for example, rebonding or accidentally adhering to an external material.

In the conventional structure shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C, when the tape 100 is open and the adhesive area 130 portion is exposed, accidental adhesion of this adhesive portion 130 to a portion of the diaper that is not a landing member is achieved. Occurs sometimes This may cause caregivers to be bothersome and uncomfortable as well as to damage the diaper and may break and break down the integrity of the nonwoven surface of the polymer, plastic, and / or diaper back sheet.

As shown in FIGS. 2B-C, in two conventional embodiments, the roughened area 120 and the adhesive area 130 are significantly remote from the portion 51 of the side edge 50 of the diaper periphery once the fastener tape is opened. It is located Because of the length required, it may be less accurate in securing the tape to the diaper.

In addition, accidental breaks may be preempted. During the manufacture of tape-shaped diapers, the adhesive sites of the sticky tape and the release sites of the pair of non-sticky tapes often do not coincide correctly when folded to be sealed and stored (see FIG. 2A). This may leave part of the sticky surface of the exposed tape and may attempt to adhere to the back sheet when the diaper is folded to wrap. Thus, when the consumer opens or unfolds the diaper product just before use, the tape damages the backsheet. No matter how sticky it is, it's unacceptable for consumers.

Therefore, it is desirable to remove such adhesion sites 130. A preferred embodiment of the invention is that the adhesive is removed as shown in FIG. 3A shows the internal mechanical fastener 200 in a closed position, ie while the diaper is stored prior to use. In this closed state, the rear ear panel 30 itself folds inward, and the fastening surface 220 of the fastener 200 engages the ear panel 30 to secure the ear panel 30 in its position. Contact. For example, in the structure as shown in Fig. 2A, the fastener 200 itself does not need to be folded. This allows for more compact storage than conventional designs.

When attempting to use the diaper (ie, when the wearer wears it), the fastener 200 is caught in its extension area 210 and generally pulls away from the surface of the back ear panel 3 of the diaper in the direction of arrow B. This fixed surface 220 is then exposed and mated with the landing area 38 (not shown). At least one pair of fasteners 200 is secured to the rear ear panel 30. As used herein, a "pair" is not only provided with two separate and distinct fastening members extending outwardly from the individual rear ear panel 30 (see FIGS. 1 and 4B), but also with the individual rear It includes and uses aspects that provide at least one fastening member having a plurality of securing surfaces extending outwardly away from the ear panel 30 (see FIG. 4N).

Preferably, the fixing surface 220 and the landing area are mated hook and loop-shaped. For example, the inventory system disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,569,233, issued to Goulait on October 29, 1996, entitled "Multilayered Women's Components for Removable Fixing Devices and Methods of Manufacturing the Same". This can be useful in.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the extension region 210 extends outwardly away from the side 50 portion 51 of the diaper periphery present in the ear panel region 30, as shown in FIG. 3. This extended area 210 provides easier application for diaper wearers or guardians because it is easier to grip. Preferably, the surface of this extended area 210 should be smooth, ie different from the fixed surface. The difference felt between the extension area 210 and the fixed surface 210 provides convenience and ease in reassembly of the fasteners in the landing member. Extension region 210 that is not mating with the landing member will be less attached to the extension member. It provides a convenient starting point for pulling the fastener 200 from the landing member without removing the edge of the fastener 200 to start the pulling process. In addition, the extension region 210 may preferably have an increased thickness to be alternately more reinforced and easier to grip.

Preferably, only the extended area 210 is located far from the side edge 50 of the diaper. The outer edge 222 of the fixation surface 220 is preferably located generally coplanar at the side edge 51 of the diaper; Thus, it is "internal" to this side edge. Comparing between the internal structure of the fixing surface 220 and the position of the adhesive surfaces 120 or 130 of conventional diapers of the preferred aspect of the present invention can be easily explained from the comparison with FIG. 3 for FIGS. 2B-C. have. This structure provides a more stable and firm containment, more precise positioning of the fasteners to the landing member and easier application than the conventional fasteners shown in FIG.

In another preferred aspect, the outer edge 222 of the securing surface 220 may extend partially beyond the side edge 51, while the outer edge 222 of the securing surface 220 preferably has a side edge ( 51) it does not extend beyond it.

Preferably, the inner fastener 200 is provided with a carrier surface 230. Carrier surface 230 forms the basis on which fixed surface 220 is secured. To facilitate manufacturing, the extended portion 210 and the carrier surface 230 are preferably unitary; Optionally, they may be separate components. The carrier surface 230 may be attached to the nonwoven ear material using conventional manufacturing techniques that may also be used for the manufacture of tape-shaped diapers. This mechanical fixation surface 220 is connected to the carrier surface 230; The combination may be connected to nonwoven ear materials. The use of the carrier surface 230 may also preferably contribute to increasing the thickness of the extension region 210. The furthest end 232 of the carrier surface 230 may overlap or adhere at the side edge 51 of the product, instead of extending substantially overlapping to the outer opposing surface of the ear 30. In other aspects, the thickness of the extension area 210 may be increased while overlapping with the outer facing surface of the ear 30.

If the carrier surface 230 is not used, the mechanical fixation surface 220 must be directly connected to the nonwoven ear by a process suitable for use in, for example, taped diaper manufacture via thermal bonding.

Preferably, the fixing surface 220 is a different color from the color of the diaper for the convenience of the user. For example, if the film and nonwoven component of the diaper is usually white, the use of blue for the fixed surface 220 will be visually distinct.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the structure of the internal mechanical fasteners of the present invention is not limited to the embodiment shown in FIG. Non-limiting embodiments of any structure possible and additionally preferred embodiments are shown in FIGS. 4A-O. In FIGS. 4A-O, the fixed surface 220 is hatched.

Aspects disclosed herein have many advantages. These advantages are particularly evident in diapers used in adult incontinence patients where two pairs of fasteners may be more secure and useful to provide comfort. For example, the fastener 200 can avoid accidentally adhering to a place that is not a landing member and can also prevent breakage of the back sheet, contribute to maintaining the integrity of the persistent diaper and providing more consumer satisfaction.

In addition, the application of diapers is easier and more convenient. This is due to the "internal" composition with the fact that the adhesive does not need to be removed from the release surface. This internal composition will further provide a safe containment.

All cited references are incorporated by reference in their entirety. The citation of all references is not permitted in any decision as to its availability in preference to the claimed invention.

The embodiments and aspects disclosed herein are understood for purposes of explanation only, and various modifications and changes in light of the embodiments will be presented to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims (9)

a) a top sheet, a back sheet connected to said top sheet, between said top sheet and said back sheet, having a back waist region, a crotch region, a front waist region, a body facing surface and a garment facing surface positioned opposite said body facing surface; A tightening assembly comprising an absorbent core positioned in the assembly; b) a pair of rear ear panels extending laterally outward from the longitudinal edge of the tightening assembly in the rear waist region; c) at least one fastener free of adhesive and secured to the rear ear panel and attached to the landing area when the product is worn; And d) a landing area located on an outer facing surface of the product in the front waist region of the absorbent product. Absorbent article with periphery, longitudinal centerline and lateral centerline. The method of claim 1, Products that provide an annular surface to the fastener and are balanced so that the landing area engages the annular surface of the fastener. The method of claim 2, A product that provides a fastener with an extension in the rear ear panel zone that extends further than the lateral area of the diaper perimeter. The method of claim 3, An article having an annular surface therein relative to the side region of the diaper periphery. The method of claim 3, An article having a fixed surface connected to a carrier tape with individual fasteners connected to the rear ear panel. The method of claim 4, wherein One piece of carrier tape and one extension area. The method of claim 4, wherein A product further comprising a pair of front ear panels. The method of claim 6, An article wherein the extension area does not substantially overlap the garment facing surface of the rear ear panel. The method of claim 8, Products with increased thickness in the extended area.