SK998A3 - Fastener means for absorbent articles, and a method of producing absorbent articles provided with fastener means that include locking elements - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing absorbent articles provided with fastener means that include locking elements. According to the invention the method comprises the step of delivering a first web of material (4) to an absorbent article manufacturing machine; separating discrete pieces of material (7) from the first web (4); applying the discrete material pieces (7) to a second web of material (5), for instance a web of material which is to form an absorbent article casing sheet; and thereafter forming locking elements in the regions of the discrete material pieces (7).

Description

Pre-absorbent articles and method of making absorbent articles provided with fastener means

Technical field

The present invention describes absorbent article switches and a method of making such switches. The switches are preferably used to fasten or wrap an absorbent article, such as a diaper, sanitary napkin, and the like. The switches effectively assist the performance of the absorbent articles by holding the articles firmly and comfortably in the crotch. The switches allow the absorbent article to be reused.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A variety of absorbent articles using a variety of fasteners are available on the market. For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,236,429, the absorbent article is fastened by means of a series of tabs that can be repeatedly released and fastened. In this way, the deposition of the absorbent article can be adjusted and the degree of soiling of the absorbent article can be repeatedly checked. Furthermore, a variety of products using a so-called Velcro chip, which is used similar to the tabs, are available. Other switches use conventional buttons, snap fasteners, and the like. U.S. Pat. No. 5,269,776 discloses a diaper with switches in the form of individual pieces of mass provided with a plurality of circular fissures. These hoods contain two types of switches: male switching elements and female switching elements that have a similar appearance but vary slightly in size. The switch-on takes place by pushing the male switching element into the female element. If both male and female switching elements are on individual pieces of matter

Spaced identically to each other, the individual fastenings of the individual pieces of material can be varied so that the absorbent article is seated on the user's body in the desired manner. These switches can be made from a strip of plastic by hot pressing or by rolling a strip of plastic between rollers with shaped profiles.

Technical issues

The use of switches according to the aforementioned U.S. Patent No. 5,269,776 relates to the problem of correctly positioning the individual pieces of mass carrying the switching elements during manufacture of the absorbent article. Furthermore, there is a danger of displacing the individual pieces of material with the switching elements in an inappropriate direction when repackaging the diaper or clamping the absorbent article, resulting in poor placement of the absorbent body. This disrupts the functionality of the product or the user's convenience (pushed by the switches at sensitive points, rubber strangling, etc.). Another problem is the storage of the molded mass to prepare individual pieces of the material with the already molded switches. In fact, the switches protrude plastically above the surface of the material and therefore a considerable space is required for the storage of the molded material. In order for the product to function optimally, the switches must be made of a material with a certain degree of strength and durability, but this may result in some discomfort and, in addition to other drawbacks, increases the possibility of pressure points. There is also the problem of remaining backfills and cream residues in the fasteners, which reduce the firmness of the fasteners and also reduce the functionality of the product.

A further problem arises when using switching means with two separate switching elements, such as snap fasteners. These switching elements must be fastened to the absorbent article in a manner which:

-3 safely prevents the child from detaching the switch and possibly swallowing it. The manufacture of these small parts is also very difficult.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is based on the assumption that if we have two elements to be joined and which fit together in a single way, it is not possible to connect them in mutually incorrect positions. The relative position of the switching elements is, of course, determined by their correct positioning on the absorbent article. The invention provides a switching means for providing an absorbent article, such as a diaper, a wetting pad, and the like. The switching means comprises two interlocking parts, namely a male switching element and a female switching element. The male switching element is pushed into the female switching element in which it is held by the friction force. The two switching elements are snapped together - thus holding together the force they exert on each other due to their designs. The opening of the female switching element is characterized by at least one elasticity in at least one region and therefore expands slightly when the male switching element is pressed in, then immediately takes on its original shape and the two switching elements are thus switched on.

The switching means consists of individual pieces, preferably of thermoplastic material. Each individual piece of matter is provided with male and female switching elements arranged in such a way that it is possible to engage with the corresponding piece of matter in only one way. This external adjustment of the switching elements is possible if the rubber parts of the article are used to effectively position and hold the absorbent article on the user ' s body and there is no need to change the switching means of the switching means.

In addition, the absorbent article will be easier to store in the correct place on the user's body. When using a mass in the form of a starting preferably thermoplastic raw material from which the individual pieces of mass with the switching elements will be pressed (either in time or directly during manufacture of the absorbent article), this starting material can be supplied in the form of rolled rolls. The problem of correctly positioning the switching means on the absorbent article is entirely resolved by the fact that the switching means are manufactured or at least fastened to the absorbent articles directly in the manufacture of the absorbent articles.

In addition to the conventional homogeneous treatment, the feedstock may also be supplied in a form in which certain parts thereof will have a reduced profile thickness. The dirtyness of the switching elements on the individual pieces of matter from this raw material will remain unchanged, but at the same time, these individual pieces of matter will be less stiff due to different profile thicknesses. The flexural strength of certain portions of separate pieces of matter may be varied mechanically, thermally or chemically during or immediately before the manufacturing process. In neither of the two cases, the individual pieces of matter are not divided into smaller portions, since the use of larger units reduces the risk to children, for example, when inhaling or ingesting part of the absorbent article.

The present invention also encompasses one embodiment in which the non-woven mat for increasing the friction and hence the dirtyness of the two switching elements is also part of the multi-layer material for producing the switching elements. The switching elements with this nonwoven mat will also better withstand the effects of dusting, creams and moisture. Therefore, the nonwoven mat layer may be present throughout the absorbent article. However, within the scope of the present invention, only small pieces of this nonwoven mat can be used to cover the switching means alone or parts thereof. Use of nonwoven

-5Materials also increase the feel when touching the attractiveness of the product.

softness of the surface and gives a pleasant skin. At the same time it also increases the desirable

Brief overview of the drawings

1 shows a plan view of a number of different exemplary embodiments of switching elements.

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional side view of some of the embodiments of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of one of the methods of manufacturing the switching means of the present invention.

Figure 4 is a schematic representation of a production method similar to the method of Figure 3 except that the switching elements are molded into the mass before the mass is divided into individual pieces.

Figure 5 schematically illustrates another variant of the embodiment of Figure 4.

Figure 6 schematically illustrates the preferential placement of individual pieces of material with switching elements on the finished product.

7 shows several examples of the arrangement of the switching elements on the individual pieces of matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Figure 1 illustrates several preferred embodiments of individual switches when viewed from above on individual pieces of matter. The switch 31 has an ellipse shape, the switch 22 has a rectangular shape, the switch 33 has a square shape, the switch 34 is represented by a plurality of ellipses that form a depression (will be better explained with respect to the switch 41 in Fig. 2) . The switch 35 has a rectangular shape combined with a circle.

The switch 36 is circular in shape.

It must be understood, however, that the switches may have a variety of forms, we have to deviate from the concept of the invention, which declares two different sizes, similar to the switching which is possible to be clipped together a little by pressing together. As already mentioned, a slightly smaller male is pressed into the female, wherein at least one switching element is of a material with a certain degree of elasticity.

The female may not have exactly the same shape as the male, but may differ from each other. For example, Figure 2 shows a male 42 in the form of a rectangle with four recesses in the corners to be clipped with the female 42. The female 43 is missing the corresponding recesses. Without being limited to any particular theory, it can be said that by pushing the male, these recesses deform in a manner allowing the male 42 to be introduced into the female 42. Further, it is known that when the elongated body, such as the male 42, is pushed in the direction of the two fastened elements as in the longitudinal direction. As a result, it is easier to detach both elements in the longitudinal direction than in the transverse direction. This type of switch can be arranged in any way so that the absorbent article is fastened by the switches with the greatest force in one direction and at the same time can be detached as easily as possible by applying force in another direction, preferably at right angles to the first direction. The male 42 and female 43 switching elements will be configured such that their longitudinal axes correspond to the longitudinal axis of the absorbent article to be fastened by them.

Figure 2 shows a series of preferred demonstration switches in a cross-sectional side view. For example, the switch 41 is a representation of the switch 34 rotated 90 degrees. The switches 22-40 are shown in cross-section to emphasize their shape, which is critical for the actual switching of both switching elements. In one preferred embodiment, the switching elements are

The intended switching means is manufactured so that parts of the individual pieces of the mass are sucked into an air-permeable mold and processed by compression, the respective mass only need to be heated in order to increase its formability. If the switches of the present invention are made directly during manufacture of the absorbent article, their positioning will be aligned with the entire manufacturing process, which will be explained in more detail and with a number of references to preferred modifications later.

Figure 3 schematically illustrates a first preferred embodiment of a method of manufacturing an absorbent article provided with respective switches. The inner layer 1 of the resulting absorbent article is supplied in the form of a nonwoven mat to the assembly unit 2, where it is fitted with absorbent bodies 2 preferably of fibrous material. Reference numeral 4 denotes the membrane into which the switches are to be molded. This film is led to a pressing device in which the individual pieces of the mass 7 are pressed. The film 5 is also fed with a film 5, preferably of a moisture-impermeable material, which will form the outer surface of the absorbent article. The individual pieces of the mass 7 are deposited on the web 6, preferably on the side of the web 6 that will be applied to the layer 1. In the final preferred embodiment of the absorbent article to be disposed between the web 1 and the web. £. The web 6 with the individual pieces of mass 2 will be joined to the layer X provided with the absorbent bodies 2 in the assembly unit 6. The male and female switching elements 10 and 11 are then preferably molded in the die. The switching elements will be arranged in such a way that they can only be switched on in one way. Naturally, insertion of rubber parts, separation of finished products, etc. will also be part of the production process described. We have deliberately omitted these steps here and in the description of other embodiments because they do not facilitate understanding of the invention.

In connection with this embodiment, we would like to emphasize that by placing individual pieces of mass 2 between the layer 1 and the film 5, the presence of a nonwoven mat increases the dirtiness between the switching elements 10 and 11. Thus, dirt is not compromised by the presence of dusting, creams and moisture. Furthermore, the use of a nonwoven mat provides a higher surface finish of the absorbent article and hence a user's comfort. The nonwoven mat can also be used in other embodiments of the invention. To increase the soiling of the switching elements, this material can be used in the form of a complete layer or can only cover the switching elements (or parts thereof).

Figure 4 schematically illustrates a second preferred embodiment of a method of manufacturing an absorbent article provided with respective switching elements. In this case, the switching elements are produced separately in a pressing device 14 into which the feedstock is fed in the form of strips 12 and 13, preferably of thermoplastic material. After processing in the pressing apparatus 14, these strips 12 and 13 are further fed to the module 15 where they are processed to the desired form (for example by cutting). The individual pieces of material 15, 12 thus formed are then deposited on the surface of the absorbent article during manufacture thereof. The individual pieces of mass 15/17 are provided with male or female switching elements which are thus fastened to a belt 12 which consists of an inner surface layer (preferably a non-woven mat) and an outer surface layer (preferably plastic) impermeable to moisture. At this stage, the absorbent bodies 18 and probably also the rubber parts have been attached to the absorbent article to be treated and are thus embedded in the waist 12. After the individual pieces of material 15/12 provided with the switching elements have settled, the absorbent articles to be processed are finished and packaged.

The embodiments in Figs. the transverse processing, i.e. the longitudinal axis

The absorbent articles processed through the machine are in a transverse position with respect to the direction of movement of the machine. The invention can naturally be used in embodiments employing so-called " a longitudinal processing method in which the longitudinal axis of the absorbent articles will correspond to the direction of movement of the machine.

Figure 5 shows a further preferred embodiment of the invention, similar to the embodiment of Figure 4. The absorbent body 23 is inserted into the web 24, which is formed on one side by an inner moisture-permeable surface layer and will adhere to the user's body. On the other hand, the belt is formed by an outer skin layer which is impermeable to moisture. Starting material 20 for the preparation of individual pieces of matter

26. On which the female 27 and male 28 switching elements will be molded is fed to a pressing device 21 in which both types of switches will be molded. The switch band 22 is then routed to a module 25 in which the pieces of mass are formed (cut) and inserted into the strip 24. At this stage, the pieces of mass 26 in the belt 24 form two rows of switching elements 27 and 28. These pieces of mass 26 are immediately then spliced to separate finished absorbent articles.

Figure 6 shows the preferred arrangement of the female 29 and male 30 switching elements on the absorbent article. The arrangement of the switches on the individual pieces of mass should be such that each individual piece of mass can be clipped with at least two parallel individual pieces of mass on the absorbent article. This arrangement of the switches makes it possible to fasten the packaged used product so that the content of dirt remains inside the package. The switching elements on one side of the surface of one end of the absorbent article are switchable with the switching elements on the opposite side of the surface of the other end.

Figure 7 shows various male arrangements

-10a female switching elements 37 - 40 on individual pieces of matter. Each switching means is shown in plan view and in side view. In the case of the switch 37, we see that it comprises one circular element and one elliptical. The switch 38 comprises three circular switching elements which are arranged so that two are located in close proximity and the third is separated from them by a certain space. The switch 39 has three switching elements, one of which faces 180 ° to the other two. The switch 340 has a similar arrangement of the switching elements to the switch 38.

Combined embodiments of the above switches may be used. listed) to increase them or any other

For example, it is also possible (as was dirty by applying a nonwoven mat of the friction enhancing mass to the surface of the male switching element or inside the female switching element.

The invention can also be used as a pant to wear absorbent diapers.

Obviously, the invention is not intended to be limited by the embodiments described and illustrated, but rather to be used in other embodiments within its concept.

Claims (16)

Switching means for fastening an absorbent article such as a diaper, sanitary napkin or the like, the switching means consisting of two switchable portions (31-41) in the form of female switching elements and male switching elements which can be inserted into the female switching elements and which they are pushed into the female switching elements when closing or switching the switching means and are firmly held there by the friction force or the so-called switching action. By clicking, that is, they are held together by the force exerted on each other as a result of their designs, the female switching element being at least at one point so narrow that it is temporarily deformed when the male switching element is pressed in and then returns to its original shape the switching means further comprising individual pieces of material (7; 26), which are separate strips preferably made of thermoplastic material, placed on the absorbent article in mutually matching pairs, wherein female and male switching elements (18) are molded into these pieces of material. ; U; 16; 12; 22; 22 £; 22-i 30); these switching elements are arranged in such a way that each male switching element can be introduced into a corresponding female switching element and can be firmly fastened to it by a so-called. By clicking, that is, they are held together by the force exerted by their designs, the female switching element being at least at one point so narrow that it is temporarily deformed when the male switching element is pressed in and then returns to its original shape characterized in that each individual piece of mass carrying the switching means - the elements shall be of a form such that they can be fastened to the corresponding individual piece of matter in only one precise manner; at least the male and female switching elements and preferably the entire individual pieces of matter into which the switching elements are molded are covered with a nonwoven mattress. Second Switching means according to claim 1, characterized in that the arrangement of the switching elements (32-4Q), the size differences of the corresponding pairs of switching elements, the distribution of the female and male switching elements on each strip or piece of matter or a combination of all these features will achieve that the matching pairs of individual pieces of material on the absorbent article will be switchable in a single, accurate manner. Switching means according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the individual pieces of material have a lower bending resistance around the switching elements than elsewhere. Switching means according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least the female switching elements are closed at the end by which they project from the plane of the individual piece of the material into which they have been pressed. Switching means according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the individual pieces of matter are in pairs on the back and front surfaces of the final absorbent article, such that when the buckles are fastened in the belt part, the switching elements 13 preferably overlap the switching elements on the front side of the absorbent article. 6th A method of manufacturing absorbent articles having switching means with switching elements, characterized in that the first plastic film (4) is fed to a device for producing an absorbent article; individual pieces of matter (Z) are separated from the first plastic membrane (4); the individual pieces of matter (7) are deposited on the second plastic film (S), which can serve, for example, to form the outer surface of the absorbent article; pressing the switching elements on individual pieces of material (7). Method for producing absorbent articles provided with switching means with switching elements according to claim 6, characterized by covering the individual pieces of material (7) with a third plastic film (1) before pressing the switching elements into the multi-layer material thus formed. 8th Method according to one of Claims 6 or 7, characterized in that the placement of the individual pieces of material (7) on the other, simultaneously with the plastic film (S), is the other production steps, the second film (ä) being in the form of a layer of moisture penetration to form the outer surface of the absorbent article. Method of production according to claims 6 - 8, characterized in that the pressing of the switching elements into individual pieces of material is carried out simultaneously with the other steps -14 manufacture of an absorbent article. Production method according to claims 6 - 9, characterized by coordinating the production of the other parts of the absorbent article with the production of switching elements using air permeable molds to which the thermoplastic material is sucked (preferably heated), thereby forming male and female switching elements at designated locations. elements. Method of production according to claims 6-9, characterized by coordinating the production of the other parts of the absorbent article with the manufacture of the switching elements using devices with protruding parts (preferably a gear) and a similar device with holes corresponding to protruding parts. wherein by pushing the mass through the protruding elements into the respective holes, the switching elements are pressed. Production method according to claim 11, characterized in that the individual pieces of matter are made of a thermoplastic material which is heated before pressing the switching elements. Method for manufacturing absorbent articles having switching means with switching elements, characterized by producing (preferably molding) the male switching elements (17) and the female switching elements (16) in the device (14, 21) from the supplied plastic web (12, 11, 12). 2 £), then by separating the individual pieces of material with the switching elements made here and settling these individual pieces of material by means of the module (15, 25) and placing the individual pieces of material on the - an outer surface of the membrane into the gaps (19, 24) between the absorbent articles, which settling will take place during the manufacture of the absorbent article. Production method according to claim 13, characterized in that the plastic film fed to the device (14) consists of strips of material (12, 13). Production method according to claim 13, characterized in that the band (20) of the plastic web is fed to the device (21), on which a series of male switching elements (23) and a series of female switching elements 22) and both rows lie. in parallel, so that the male and female elements are arranged in pairs; each individual piece of matter (26) after separation comprising a pair with a female switching element (27) and a male switching element (28); each pair of switching elements is seated in the gaps between the absorbent articles such that the two elements of the pair will be seated in two different gaps between the absorbent articles. Production method according to any one of claims 6 - 14, characterized by positioning the pieces of matter with female and male clamping elements such that the relative position of the individual pieces of matter allows for an optional clamping of each individual piece of matter with at least two parallel individual pieces of matter.