RU2345747C2 - Absorbing product containing elastic laminate - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: medicine, hygiene.

SUBSTANCE: absorbing product represents a kind of underpants, like nappy-underpants, hygienic underpants or underpants, which are used in case of incontinence. Said product has central zone (3), which contains absorbing core (2), and basic zone (4), surrounding central zone. Basic zone contains front, back and belt zones (5, 6 and 7). Central zone is at least in perineum part (a) of item. Non-permeable for liquids back sheet (9) is placed at least in central zone (3) on facing clothes article side of absorbing core (2). Permeable for liquids upper sheet (8) is placed at least in central zone (3) on facing the wearing person side of absorbing core (2). Said product has longitudinal (y) and transversal (x) direction. Said product at least in basic zone part contains external covering sheet(10) in form of elastic laminate (11). Elastic laminate (11) is placed at least in essential part of front zone (5) of basic zone, which in using is intended for putting on wearing person stomach, elastic laminate (11) having softness (s) by Kawabata, which constitutes at least 20. Laminate is formed from first and second layers (12a, 12b) fibrous material and layer (13) of elastic film, placed between first and second fibrous layers.

EFFECT: increasing comfortability, improvement of close fitting of absorbing products of said type and intensification of fabric-like material sense, produced by them.

13 cl, 4 dwg, 2 tbl

Description

Technical field

This article relates to an absorbent article such as a panty, such as a diaper-panties, hygiene pants or an incontinence garment, wherein said article has a central zone containing an absorbent core and a base zone surrounding a central zone, wherein said base zone contains the front, back and waist zones, while the central zone is at least in the crotch part of the product, the liquid-impervious back sheet is located in at least the central zone with the side of the absorbent core extended to the garment, and the liquid-permeable top sheet is located at least in the central region on the side of the absorbent core facing the wearer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is proposed that absorbent articles having certain central zones and base zones are conveniently adjacent to the carrier. For products such as underpants, like diaper-underpants, hygiene underpants and incontinence underpants, it is also desirable that the products are designed to be pulled up and pulled down the thighs of the wearer in order to enable the wearer or caregiver for a child, a sick person, a disabled person, etc., it is easy to put on and take off the product when it gets dirty. Thus, it is known that such absorbent underpants are usually made with elasticized, stretchable side panels and a waist part, usually containing elastic elements, such as elastic threads, secured with the possibility of tightening between the back sheet and the top sheet.

In addition, it is known to manufacture sections of the base portion of absorbent articles from an elastic material, such as laminates, bonded in a stretched state. Such laminates may include a layer of elastomeric meltblown fibers that have been stretched and placed between the outer layers of nonwoven spunbond materials.

US 6,552,245 discloses a tensile outer coating for an absorbent article that provides a certain permanent deformation when subjected to tensile forces. Tensile outer coating contains a compressed laminate in the form of a single sheet of film attached by lamination to a compressed film. Both films may be inelastic. In addition, the films may be breathable.

WO 03/047488 discloses an elastic laminate comprising an elastic film that is affixed on opposite sides to the first and second inelastic fibrous layers. The laminate is formed by attaching inelastic fibrous layers to an elastic film layer and then stretching the composite material, causing the inelastic materials to rupture. The elastic film material may be a breathable material. Laminate may be included in an absorbent article.

Further examples of absorbent articles that are partially made of elastic laminates can be found in US Pat. No. 6,476,289 and Japanese Patent No. 10043235.

Closest to this absorbent article is the article disclosed in US Application No. 2003/0078558.

However, nevertheless, there are opportunities to increase comfort, improve the fit of absorbent products of the aforementioned type and enhance the sensation of a similar fabric material created by them.

Objective and most important features of the invention

An object of the present invention is to provide an absorbent article that has a central zone and a base zone and which combines the properties of comfort and fit to the wearer's body and the sensation of softness and fabric-like material that is close to the sensation created by textile materials. These and additional objectives in accordance with the invention were achieved by the fact that the specified product, at least in part of the base zone contains an outer covering sheet in the form of an elastic laminate having a softness (S) according to Kawabata, comprising at least 20, however, the laminate consists of the first and second layers of fibrous material and a layer of elastic film located between the first and second fibrous layers.

Preferably, the elastic laminate has a Kawabata softness (S) of at least 30, and more preferably at least 40.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the elastic material has a Kawabata formability (F) of not more than 50, preferably not more than 30, more preferably not more than 20, and most preferably not more than 10.

In one embodiment, the elastic laminate has a Kawabata drape (D) of not more than 40.

In a further embodiment, the elastic film layer is breathable.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the elastic laminate has a water vapor transmission rate according to ASTM E96-00 Procedure D (ASTM - American Society for Testing Materials) of at least 1,500 g / m ² for 24 h and preferably at least 3000 g / m ² for 24 hours

According to a further embodiment, a substantial portion of the crotch portion of the article is free of said elastic laminate.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, said elastic laminate is positioned in at least a substantial portion of that front zone of the base portion which, when used, is intended to be applied to the wearer's stomach.

In accordance with an additional aspect of the invention, the surface area of the absorbent core is not more than 30%, preferably not more than 20%, of the total surface area of the product, measured in a flat state, similar to that shown in figure 2.

According to a further embodiment, said elastic laminate has a lateral elasticity of at least 30%, preferably at least 50% and more preferably at least 70%, as measured in accordance with the test on elasticity defined in the description.

For some applications, it is preferable that the waist zone of the base zone is free from said elastic laminate.

In one embodiment, the elastic laminate forms both the outer and inner covering sheet of the article in at least a portion of the base zone.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the product is a stretch-underpants product that comprises an elasticated waist zone that is free of an elastic laminate, a crotch zone that is also free of said elastic laminate, and in which the elastic laminate is located at least in a significant part of that front zone of the base zone, which when used is intended to be applied to the wearer's stomach.

In accordance with one embodiment, said elastic laminate comprises first and second fibrous layers of a spunbond production material, each of which has a density of 10 to 35 g / m ² , preferably 12 to 30 g / m ² , more preferably 15 to 25 g / m ² and a breathable layer of elastic film having a density of from 20 to 100 g / m ² , preferably from 20 to 60 g / m ² .

Description of drawings

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a diaper panties.

Figure 2 shows a simplified plan view of a diaper-panties in its flat, uncompressed state before giving it a certain shape.

Figure 3 is a section along the line III-III in figure 2.

Figure 4 is a cross section of an elastic laminate according to the invention.

Description of Preferred Embodiments

The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to some embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

Absorbent product

The term “absorbent article” refers to articles that are placed on the skin of a carrier to absorb and retain body exudates, like urine, feces, and menstrual fluid. The invention mainly relates to disposable absorbent articles, which means articles that are not intended to be washed or otherwise restored to their original condition, or reused as absorbent articles after use. According to the invention, underpants such as underpants are articles having a central zone and a base (“bearing”) zone surrounding the central zone. Examples of such absorbent articles such as underpants are panty diapers, hygiene pants and incontinence panties.

The drawings show an embodiment of a diaper-panties 1 for an infant or an adult suffering from incontinence. The specified diaper-panties, as a rule, contains an absorbent core 2 located in the Central zone 3 of the product, and the base zone 4 surrounding the Central zone. The base zone contains the front 5, rear 6 and waist zone 7. The central zone 3 is located in the crotch part of the product and extends for some distance into the front 5 and rear 6 zones. The crotch part a is thus defined as the narrow part of the article intended to be worn between the legs in the perineum of the wearer. The product has a longitudinal direction y and a transverse direction x.

The product comprises a liquid-permeable topsheet 8 and a liquid-impermeable backsheet 9 covering the central zone 3. An absorbent core 2 is sandwiched between the topsheet and the backsheet.

Top sheet

The liquid-permeable topsheet 8 may consist of a non-woven material, for example, a non-woven material of a spunbond production method, a non-woven material obtained aerodynamically from a melt obtained by carding, hydro-entangling, laying in a wet state, etc. Suitable non-woven materials may consist of natural fibers, such as wood pulp or cotton fibers, artificial fibers such as polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, viscose, etc., or a mixture of natural and artificial fibers. In addition, the material of the top sheet may consist of fiber tows that can be bonded to form some kind of connection configuration, such as, for example, disclosed in document EP-A-1035818. Additional examples of topsheet materials are poroplastics, plastic films with holes, etc. Materials suitable as topsheet materials should be soft and non-irritating to the skin and designed to allow the body to release fluid, such as urine or menstrual fluid. In addition, the top sheet may be different in different parts of the absorbent article.

Back sheet

The liquid impermeable back sheet 9 covering the central region 3 with the core side facing the garment is made of a liquid impervious material, such as a thin plastic film, for example a polyethylene or polypropylene film, a non-woven material coated with a liquid impermeable material, hydrophobic non-woven material that prevents the penetration of liquids, or laminates made of plastic films and non-woven materials. The backsheet material 9 in the central zone can be breathable so as to allow steam to escape from the absorbent core while preventing liquids from passing through it. Examples of breathable backsheet materials are porous polymer films, non-woven laminates from layers obtained by spunbond production and aerodynamic methods from melt, laminates from porous polymer films and non-woven materials. The back sheet 9 is preferably inelastic.

Outer cover sheet

The outer covering sheet 10, covering the front and rear parts 5 and 6 of the base zone 4, comprises an elastic laminate 11. The laminate 11 is elastic at least in the transverse x direction of the article. The elasticity in the x direction should be at least 30%, preferably at least 50% and more preferably at least 70% as measured by the elasticity test defined below.

The elastic laminate 11 consists of the first and second outer layers of fibrous material 12a and 12b and the middle layer 13 of the elastic film located between these fibrous layers. The outer fibrous layers 12a and 12b are selected so as to give the laminate softness and properties that create a feeling of a fabric-like material. Examples of suitable materials are carded nonwovens and spunbond materials. The density of the layers of fibrous material should be from 10 to 35 g / m ² , preferably from 12 to 30 g / m ² , more preferably from 15 to 25 g / m ² . Examples of suitable polymers used in fibrous materials are polyethylene, polypropylene or other polyolefin homopolymers and copolymers, polyester. Natural fibers, for example cotton, can also be used provided that they provide the required softness and feel of a fabric-like material.

The middle layer 13 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention is an elastic film with holes having a density of from 20 to 100 g / m ² , preferably from 20 to 60 g / m ² . The film may be made of any suitable flexible polymer, natural or synthetic. Some examples of suitable materials for an elastic film are low crystallinity polyethylene, metallocene-catalyzed low crystallinity polyethylene, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers, polyurethane, polyisoprene, butadiene and styrene copolymers, styrene block copolymers such as styrene and isoprene copolymers with alternating blocks , a strip alternating styrene-butadiene copolymer or a strip alternating block copolymer of styrene and ethylene / butadiene. Mixtures of these polymers can also be used, as well as other modifying elastomeric or non-elastomeric materials. One example of a suitable film is a three-layer elastomeric film with holes made of a polyethylene-copolymer of styrene and ethylene / butadiene with alternating blocks of polyethylene.

Laminate 11 can be made in accordance with a modified version of the method disclosed in WO 03/047488, in which one layer 12a of nonwoven material is applied to the film 13 in an adhesive state, and thus, it will adhere to the film layer, while as the other layer 12b of the nonwoven layer is attached to the film layer 13 by lamination with glue, using, for example, pressure-sensitive hot-melt adhesive. The modification consists in the fact that the laminate is stretched in a step-wise manner to a level that is less than the relative elongation at maximum load of at least one of the layers of non-elastic non-woven material in order to maintain some strength for at least one of the layers of non-woven material. The other layer can also be stretched to a level that is less than the relative elongation at maximum load, or to a level at which it will break during stretching.

The method disclosed in WO 03/047488 involves stretching the laminate to a level that exceeds the level at which the fibrous material ruptures, so that the inelastic layers are completely destroyed. Therefore, as described in WO 03/047488, the elongation of the laminate is not limited by the tensile modulus of the inelastic material.

In contrast to the method described in WO 03/047488, in the manufacture of a laminate in accordance with the present invention, at least one, preferably both fibrous layers that are attached to the elastic film, are not completely torn. The choice of fibrous materials that have a relative elongation at maximum load, exceeding the elongation at break of the elastic laminate, makes it possible to stretch the elastic film during use without resistance from the fibrous layers.

The values of the surface density of the individual layers of the laminate mentioned above are associated with the surface density of the laminate after stretching.

Preferably, the elastic laminate has air permeability (water vapor transmission rate) according to ASTM E96-00 Procedure D of at least 1500, preferably at least 3000 g / m ² for 24 hours.

Absorbent core

The absorbent core 2 may be any conventional type of absorbent core. Examples of frequently occurring absorbent materials are fluff pulverized pulp, layers of tissue paper, highly absorbent polymers (so-called superabsorbents), absorbent foam materials, absorbent nonwoven materials, or the like. It is well known to combine fluff pulverized pulp with superabsorbents in an absorbent body. It is also well known to use absorbent bodies containing layers of various materials with different properties in terms of liquid absorption capacity, liquid distribution ability and retention capacity. Thin absorbent bodies, which are widely used, for example, in diapers for children and in protective devices used for incontinence, often contain a compressed mixed or layered structure of fluffy powdered pulp and superabsorbent. The size and absorbency of the absorbent core may vary to suit different applications, such as for babies or adult incontinence people.

Diaper underpants

The panty diaper shown in FIG. 1 is intended to cover the lower part of the body of the wearer like a pair of absorbent panties. It contains a central zone 3, located in the crotch part of the product and extending to the front and rear zones of absorbing pants. The base zone 4 surrounds the central zone 3. The central zone 3 is defined as the zone (area) of the surface of the product, which is occupied by an absorbent core 2 and zones outside the core, which are covered with a liquid-impermeable back sheet 9. The base zone contains a front 5, a back 6 and a waist 7 zones. The front 5 and rear 6 zones are connected to each other along their longitudinal edges by means of welds 15 obtained by ultrasonic welding, narrow strips of glue or the like.

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the surface area of the absorbent core 2 is not more than 30% of the total surface area of the product, preferably not more than 20% of the total surface area of the product, measured with the flat state of the product, such as shown in figure 2.

The elastic laminate 11 can cover the entire product, including the central zone 3 and the entire base zone 4. However, in accordance with a preferred embodiment, a substantial part of the crotch part of the product is free of elastic laminate 11. By “substantial part” as used herein is meant at least , 50%, preferably at least 75%. Preferably also, the waist zone 7 of the base zone is free of elastic laminate 11. The waist zone 7 contains non-woven material that is elasticized by elastic elements 14, such as elastic threads, secured so that they can be pulled together between layers of materials such as non-woven materials. Similar elastic elements 14 may also be located around the leg openings formed in the article. Welds 16 obtained by ultrasonic welding, narrow strips of glue or the like, provide the joining of the elastic laminate 11 to the elasticized nonwoven material in the waist zone 7.

The liquid-impermeable backsheet material 9 is located beneath the absorbent core 2 and adjacent portions of the base zone located immediately outside the absorbent core 2. The area covered by the liquid-impermeable backsheet 9 is defined as the central zone 3. Nonwoven fabric 18 is facing the garment side of the liquid impervious back sheet 9 in the crotch part of the product. Non-woven material 18 is attached to the elastic laminate 11 by means of welds 17 obtained by ultrasonic welding, narrow strips of glue or the like. The elastic laminate 11 and the liquid impervious back sheet overlap in the outer parts of the central zone 3, as can be seen in FIG. 2, while the elastic laminate 11 is located on the side of the liquid impermeable back sheet 9 facing the garment.

The elastic laminate 11 is preferably located as the material of the outer covering sheet on a substantial part of the base zone, with the exception of the waist zone 7. Preferably, the elastic laminate is located on at least a substantial part of that front zone 5 of the base zone 4, which during use Designed for application to the wearer's stomach. By "substantial portion" as used herein is meant at least 50% of the surface area, preferably at least 75% and most preferably at least 90% of the surface area of the front zone 5 of the base zone. The elastic laminate 11 preferably also forms an inner covering sheet of the article in said parts of the base zone. Thus, no additional top sheet material is required in these parts of the product.

When using the elastic laminate 11 according to the invention, no additional elasticized side panels connecting the front and rear zones 5 and 6 are required. However, if desired, it goes without saying, additional elasticated side panels can be provided, especially in cases where the elastic laminate 11 located only in parts of the front and / or back zones.

The elastic laminate should have a Kawabata softness (S) of at least 20, preferably at least 30, and most preferably at least 40.

In addition, it is desirable that it has Kawabata formability (formability) (F) of not more than 50, preferably not more than 30, more preferably not more than 20, and most preferably not more than 10.

It is also desirable that the elastic laminate has a Kawabata drape (D) of not more than 40.

Description of test methods

Elasticity test

The method allows you to determine how the elastic material behaves with repeated cycles of loading and unloading. The sample is stretched to a predetermined extension and a cyclic movement from 0 to the specified predetermined extension is performed. Target forces during loading and unloading are recorded. The residual, that is, remaining, elongation of the material from which the load is removed is measured.

A tensile tester, Lloyd LRX, with the ability to perform cyclic movements and equipped with a printer / plotter or software for presenting data, is used. A sample is prepared by cutting it with a width of 25 mm and a length that is preferably 20 mm greater than the distance between the clamps in the tensile testing apparatus.

The tensile tester is calibrated in accordance with the instructions for the device. The parameters required for the test (efforts during loading and unloading) are adjusted to the following values:

Slider Speed: 500 mm / min Clamp distance: 50 mm Preload: 0.05 N

The sample is placed in the clamps in accordance with the marks and ensure that the sample is centered and fixed perpendicular to the clamps. The tensile tester is started and three cycles are performed from 0 to a predetermined elongation corresponding to the largest given first load. Before the last cycle, the sample was held in a relaxed state for 1 minute, then the residual elongation was measured by stretching the sample until a force of 0.1 N was determined, and the elongation was recorded.

The residual elongation after relaxation should be less than 10%, and it is measured as described above. Thus, an elasticity of 30% is defined as a parameter corresponding to a situation in which the laminate must have a residual relaxation after elongation of less than 10% after being subjected to an elongation of 30% in the tensile testing apparatus described above. Elongation of 30% means elongation to a length that is 30% more than the original length of the sample.

Kawabata Test

Kawabata Test KES-FB is a Japanese quality assessment system designed for use with textile materials and is disclosed in The Standardization and Analysis of Hand Evaluation (2 ^nd Edition), Sueo Kawabata, July 1980, The Hand Evaluation and Standardization Committee, The Textile Machinery Society of Japan. " The test used in this invention uses two of the Kawabata test rigs, KES-FB2 for measuring bending stiffness, V (gram-force · cm ² / cm), and KES-FB1 for measuring shear stiffness, G (gram-force / cm · degree) and tensile strain, EMT (%).

Bending stiffness (B) KES-FB2

A slope was determined between 0.5 cm ⁻¹ and 1.5 cm ⁻¹ and −0.5 cm ⁻¹ and −1.5 cm ⁻¹ . Measurements were made in both directions (machine direction MD and transverse direction CD) with the following settings:

Total sample area: 20 × 20 cm;

Maximum curvature: Kmax = ± 2.5 cm ^-1 ;

Bending Speed: 0.5 cm ^-1 / s;

Effective sample sizes: length 20 cm and width 1 cm;

Bending deformation occurs in the width direction.

Shear Stiffness (G) KES-FB1

A slope was determined between 0.5 cm ⁻¹ and 2.5 cm ⁻¹ and −0.5 cm ⁻¹ and −2.5 cm ⁻¹ . Measurements were made in both directions (machine direction MD and transverse direction CD) with the following settings:

Total sample area: 20 × 20 cm;

Sample tension: W = W = 10 grams-force / cm;

Maximum shear angle: φ = ± 8 °;

Effective sample dimensions: 20 cm wide and 5 cm long;

Shear strain occurs in the width direction.

Tensile Strain (EMT)

Measurements were made in both directions (machine direction MD and transverse direction CD) with the following settings:

Total sample area: 20 × 20 cm;

Maximum load: Fm = 500 gram-force / cm;

Stretch Speed: 0.2 mm / s;

Effective sample sizes: 20 cm wide and 2.5 cm long;

Tensile deformation occurs in the length direction.

Elongation susceptibility: 50 mm / 10 V.

Softness (s)

The softness (S) according to Kawabata is obtained from the formula:

Formability (F)

Kawabata Formability (F) is obtained from the formula:

F = B · EMT

Drapability (D)

Kawabata drape (D) is obtained from the formula:

D = 116 + 25 log (B · G / W), where W is the surface density of the sample.

Example

Four different samples were tested using the Kawabata method to determine their bending stiffness (B), shear stiffness (G) and tensile strain (EMT). Based on these measured values, the values of softness (S), formability (F) and drape (D) were calculated.

Four samples were as follows:

Laminate sample (SL): an elastomeric laminate according to the invention, containing an inner three-layer elastomeric film with holes made of styrene-ethylene / butadiene copolymer with alternating polyethylene blocks (PE-SEBS-PE) and having a density of 36 g / m ² , and two outer layers of polypropylene spunbond production method, each of which has a density of 22 g / m ² . The laminate is obtained by a modified version of the method disclosed in WO 03/047488, in which one layer obtained by a spinneret production method is applied to the film in an sticky state, and thus, it will adhere to the film layer, while the other layer obtained by the spinneret production method is attached to the film layer by lamination with glue, using, for example, pressure-sensitive hot-melt adhesive without adhesive (amount of adhesive 3 g / m ² ). The laminate is stretched in a stepwise manner, while the inelastic layers obtained by the spinneret production method are stretched to a level that is less than the relative elongation at maximum load in order to maintain some strength in the layers obtained by the spinneret production method.

The above values of the density of the layers refer to the finished laminate after stretching. Before stretching, the density values of the individual layers were as follows: the inner layer of the film was 40 g / m ² , each of the outer layers obtained by the spinneret production method was 25 g / m ² and the adhesive layer was 3 g / m ² . Since it is difficult to measure the density of individual layers after lamination and stretching, an approximation was performed based on the values of the density of the layers before lamination and stretching. The laminate before stretching had a total density before stretching of 93 g / m ² , and after stretching it had a density of 85 g / m ² , which means a strain of approximately 10%. It was suggested that the deformation of the individual fibrous layers and the film layer is the same, that is, approximately 10%.

Reference material 1 (Ref. 1): Cotton jerseys, so-called jerseys with elastic threads.

Reference 2 (Ref.2): Outer cover sheet of Tena Discreet incontinence panties, odor eliminating, medium sized and manufactured by SCA Hygiene Products AB. The outer covering sheet contains two layers of nonwoven fabric with parallel elastic threads between them, which cause wrinkling of the material.

Reference Material 3 (Ref. 3): Outer cover sheet material of conventional Poopse underpants used by Kimberly-Clark for severe incontinence. The outer covering sheet contains two layers of nonwoven fabric with parallel elastic threads between them, which cause wrinkling of the material.

Exposure of materials under certain climatic conditions was carried out at a temperature of 20 ° C and a relative humidity of 65% for 48 hours. In articles in the form of pants, the absorbent core was removed and the outer covering sheet was stretched over the knit gauge for 24 hours, and then it was possible to relax under the same climatic conditions for 24 hours.

The dimensions of the samples were 10 × 10 cm.

All tests were performed for three samples and in two directions of the material (machine direction MD and transverse direction CD).

The following results were obtained.

Table 1 Sample B, bending stiffness (gf · cm ² / cm) G, shear stiffness (gf / cm · degree) EMT, tensile strain (%) MD CD Average MD CD Average MD CD Average SL 0,095 0,022 0.059 1.46 1.38 1.42 208.4 92.0 150.2 Ref. 1 0,03 0,03 0,03 0.58 0.64 0.61 160.6 173.2 166.9 Ref. 2 1.05 0.09 0.57 0.87 0.68 0.77 23.9 211.7 117.8 Ref. 3 1,53 0.04 0.78 1.74 1.21 1.47 26.28 195.3 110.8

Based on these results, the values of softness (S), drape (F) and formability (F) according to Kawabata were calculated in accordance with the formulas above. These results are presented below in table 2.

table 2 Sample

Softness (s)

Drapability (D) 116 + 25 log (BG / W) Formability (F) B · EMT Surface Density (W), g / m ² SL fifty 40 9 88 Ref. 1 75 13 5 231 Ref. 2 fourteen 45 67 160 Ref. 3 12 51 87 133

The results should be interpreted as follows:

Softness (S): A higher value indicates softer material.

Drapability (D): A higher value indicates stiffer material.

Formability (F): A higher value indicates that the material has less formability.

The test laminate according to the invention has Kawabata softness (S) and formability (F), which are close to those for cotton knitwear (Reference 1). In addition, Kawabata drape is closer to cotton knitted reference material than the other two tested materials used as outer covering sheets in conventional incontinence underpants. Thus, the use of an elastomeric laminate as the material of the outer covering sheet, at least in part of the base zone of the absorbent panties, allows to obtain the product in the form of panties, creating a sensation of a similar material fabric, close to the sensation created by the cotton material. Underpants will also be distinguished by increased comfort and have excellent fit to the body of the wearer. By using the elastomeric laminate only in those parts of the underpants in which the material properties are used in the best way, a very economical use of the material is achieved.

Claims (13)

1. An absorbent article such as a panty, such as a diaper-panties, hygiene pants or panties used for incontinence, wherein said article has a central zone (3) containing an absorbent core (2) and a base zone (4) surrounding the central zone, while the base zone contains the front, back and waist zones (5, 6 and 7), while the central zone is at least in the crotch part (a) of the product, the liquid-tight back sheet (9) is located, at least in the central zone (3) on the garment facing the orons of the absorbent core (2) and the liquid-permeable top sheet (8) is located at least in the central zone (3) on the side of the absorbent core (2) facing the carrier, said article having a longitudinal (y) and transverse (x ) directions, characterized in that the specified product, at least in part of the base zone contains an outer covering sheet (10) in the form of an elastic laminate (11), while the elastic laminate (11) is located at least in a substantial part of the front zone (5) of the base zone, which when used it is intended to be applied to the carrier’s stomach, the elastic laminate (11) having a Kawabata softness (S) of at least 20, the laminate being formed from the first and second layers (12a, 12b) of the fibrous material and the layer (13 ) an elastic film located between the first and second fibrous layers. 2. An absorbent article according to claim 1, characterized in that the elastic laminate (11) has a Kawabata softness (S) of at least 30 and preferably at least 40. 3. An absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the elastic material (11) has a Kawabata formability (F) of not more than 50. 4. An absorbent article according to claim 3, characterized in that the elastic material (11) has a Kawabata formability (F) of not more than 30, preferably not more than 20, and more preferably not more than 10. 5. An absorbent article according to claim 1, characterized in that the elastic laminate (11) has a Kawabata drape (D) of not more than 40. 6. An absorbent article according to claim 1, characterized in that the elastic film layer (13) is breathable. 7. An absorbent article according to claim 6, characterized in that the elastic laminate (11) has a water vapor transmission rate according to ASTM E96-00 Procedure D of at least 1500 g / m ² for 24 hours, preferably according to at least 3000 g / m ² for 24 hours 8. An absorbent product according to claim 1, characterized in that the elastic laminate (11) has elasticity in the transverse direction (x) of the product, comprising at least 30%, preferably at least 50% and more preferably, at least 70%, when measured in accordance with the elasticity test defined in the description. 9. The absorbent product according to claim 1, characterized in that a substantial part of the crotch part (a) of the product is free from an elastic laminate. 10. An absorbent product according to claim 9, characterized in that the waist zone (7) of the base zone (4) is free from an elastic laminate. 11. The absorbent product according to claim 1, characterized in that the surface area of the absorbent core (2) is not more than 30% of the total surface area of the product, measured in the flat state of the product. 12. The absorbent product according to claim 1, characterized in that the product is a product in the form of stretchable underpants, which contains an elasticized waist zone (7), which is free from elastic laminate (11), the crotch part (a), which is also free from the specified elastic laminate, and in which the elastic laminate is located at least in a substantial part of the front zone (5) of the base zone, which when used is intended to be applied to the wearer's stomach. 13. An absorbent product according to claim 1, characterized in that the elastic laminate (11) contains the first and second fibrous layers (12a, 12b) of the material of the spunbond production method, each of which has a density of from 10 to 35 g / m ² , preferably from 12 to 30 g / m ² , more preferably from 15 to 25 g / m ² , and an air-permeable layer (13) of elastic film having a density of from 20 to 100 g / m ² , preferably from 20 to 60 g / m ² , at said elastic laminate having a water vapor transmission rate according to ASTM E96-00 Procedure D of at least 1500, preferably flax, at least 3000 g / m ² for 24 hours

Images