(19)
(11)EP 2 612 628 B1

(12)EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION

(45)Mention of the grant of the patent:
01.11.2017 Bulletin 2017/44

(21)Application number: 11821978.1

(22)Date of filing:  29.08.2011
(51)International Patent Classification (IPC): 
A61F 13/00(2006.01)
A61F 13/511(2006.01)
A61F 13/475(2006.01)
A61F 13/53(2006.01)
A61F 13/15(2006.01)
A61F 13/514(2006.01)
A61F 13/534(2006.01)
(86)International application number:
PCT/JP2011/070084
(87)International publication number:
WO 2012/029964 (08.03.2012 Gazette  2012/10)

(54)

LINER FOR INCONTINENCE

INKONTINENZWINDEL

COUCHE-CULOTTE D'INCONTINENCE


(84)Designated Contracting States:
AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

(30)Priority: 31.08.2010 JP 2010194805

(43)Date of publication of application:
10.07.2013 Bulletin 2013/28

(73)Proprietor: Unicharm Corporation
Ehime 799-0111 (JP)

(72)Inventor:
  • KAWAKAMI, Yusuke
    Kanonji-shi Kagawa 769-1602 (JP)

(74)Representative: Dolleymores 
9 Rickmansworth Road
Watford, Hertfordshire WD18 0JU
Watford, Hertfordshire WD18 0JU (GB)


(56)References cited: : 
EP-A1- 1 917 939
JP-A- 8 196 559
JP-A- 2008 178 667
JP-A- 2009 100 846
US-A1- 2005 124 951
JP-A- 1 195 856
JP-A- 2006 230 714
JP-A- 2009 056 269
JP-B2- 4 167 406
US-A1- 2005 148 973
  
      
    Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to the European patent granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention).


    Description

    Technical Field



    [0001] The present invention relates to an incontinence liner.

    Background Art



    [0002] Known in the art is a sanitary napkin provided with a liquid permeable skin contacting side sheet, a liquid impermeable and moisture permeable non-skin contacting side sheet, and an absorbent body which is arranged between the skin contacting side sheet and non-skin contacting side sheet. The sanitary napkin is provided with a main body which includes the absorbent body, which main body includes a front region, a rear region, and an intermediate region between the front region and rear regions, and with a pair of wings for fastening the napkin to clothing, the wings being provided adjoining the intermediate region of the main body and being bent and superposed over the intermediate region when worn (see PLT 1). In this napkin, the napkin is reliably fastened to the clothing by the wings. Further, by using the moisture-permeable non-skin contacting side sheet, dampness is suppressed.

    [0003] US 2005/0124951 A1 discloses a sanitary napkin with compressed grooves.

    [0004] JP 2006 230714 A relates to an absorbent article with a multilayer portion and grooves.

    Citation List


    Patent Literature



    [0005] PLT 1: Japanese Patent Publication (A) No. 2003-088550

    Summary of Invention


    Technical Problem



    [0006] As explained above, when worn, the wings are superposed over the intermediate region of the absorbent body. As a result, at the intermediate region, at the outer side of the absorbent body, the non-skin contacting side sheet, clothing, and wings are successively superposed. Therefore, the air permeability at the intermediate region falls and unpreferable dampness is likely to be caused. If large dampness occurs, a rash is likely to be caused at the skin of the wearer. In general, the frequency of changing an incontinence liner is lower than a sanitary napkin and, therefore, the wearing time of the liner is longer. Therefore, in the case of an incontinence liner, the above problem is more serious than in the case of a sanitary napkin.

    Solution to Problem



    [0007] The present invention provides the incontinence liner of independent Claim 1. The dependent claims specify preferred but optional features.

    [0008] The present invention provides an incontinence liner provided with a liquid permeable skin contacting side sheet, a liquid impermeable and moisture permeable non-skin contacting side sheet, and an absorbent body arranged between the skin contacting side sheet and non-skin contacting side sheet and including an absorbent material, the absorbent material including from 30 to 70 mass% of a super absorbing polymer, wherein the liner includes a main body including the absorbent body, the main body including a front region, a rear region, and an intermediate region between the front region and rear region, and a pair of wings for fastening the liner to clothing, the wings being provided adjoining the intermediate region of the main body and being bent and superposed over the intermediate region when worn, wherein the basis weight of the super absorbing polymer included in the part of the absorbent body positioned at the intermediate region is larger than the basis weight of the super absorbing polymer included in the part of the absorbent body positioned at the front region and the basis weight of the super absorbing polymer included in the part of absorbent body positioned at the rear region, wherein the main body includes a front compressed region provided between the intermediate region and the front region so as to extend substantially along the width direction, the front compressed region being adapted to be positioned immediately in front of the urinating position of the wearer when worn, a pair of side compressed regions provided so as to respectively extend from the intermediate region to the front region and rear region, and a rear compressed region provided at the rear region so as to extend substantially along the width direction, wherein the liner is further provided with a liquid permeable cushion sheet arranged between the skin contacting side sheet and absorbent body, the skin contacting side sheet and cushion sheet have respective fiber orientations, and the skin contacting side sheet and cushion sheet are provided so that the fiber orientations are crosswise to each other, and wherein the skin contacting side sheet and cushion sheet are arranged so that the fiber orientation of the skin contacting side sheet extends in substantially the longitudinal direction of the liner and the fiber orientation of the cushion sheet extends in substantially the width direction of the liner.

    Advantageous Effects of Invention



    [0009] It is possible to reliably suppress dampness in the incontinence liner.

    Brief Description of the Drawings



    [0010] 

    FIG. 1 is a plan view of an incontinence liner.

    FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a liner seen along line M-M of FIG. 1.

    FIG. 3 is a schematic view for explaining fiber orientation.

    FIG. 4 is a back view of an incontinence liner.

    FIG. 5 is a partial schematic enlarged view of a front compressed region.

    FIG. 6 is a partial schematic cross-sectional view of a front compressed region.

    FIG. 7 is a partial schematic cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 6 showing another embodiment.

    FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional of a liner when worn.

    FIG. 9 is a plan view of a liner showing another embodiment of side compressed regions.

    FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view seen along the line X-X of FIG. 9.


    Description of Embodiments



    [0011] Referring to FIG. 1, the incontinence liner 1 is provided with an oval-shaped main body 2 and a pair of wings 3 which stick out from the side parts of the main body 2 toward the outsides in the width direction.

    [0012] In particular, as shown in FIG. 2, the main body 2 includes a skin contacting side sheet 4 and a non-skin contacting side sheet 5 superposed on each other, an absorbent body 6 arranged between the skin contacting side sheet 4 and the non-skin contacting side sheet 5, and a liquid permeable cushion sheet 7 arranged between the skin contacting side sheet 4 and the absorbent body 6. On the other hand, the wings 3 include parts 5a of the non-skin contacting side sheet 5 extending over the side edges of the skin contacting side sheet 4 to the outside in the width direction and side sheets 8 superposed on the parts 5a. Here, the skin contacting side sheet 4 and non-skin contacting side sheet 5 and the non-skin contacting side sheet parts 5a and side sheets 8 are respectively joined by for example a hot melt adhesive, heat sealing, etc. Note that, in an embodiment of the present invention, the side sheets 8 are also superposed and joined with the skin contacting side sheet 4, therefore the main body 2 also includes the side sheets 8. Further, the non-skin contacting side sheet 5 may also not extend up to the wings 3. In this case, the wings 3 may be comprised of only the side sheets 8 or the side sheets 8 and other sheets superposed with the same.

    [0013] In an embodiment according to the present invention, the absorbent body 6 is joined with the cushion sheet 7 and non-skin contacting side sheet 5 by a hot melt adhesive. In this case, the hot melt adhesive is applied in a mesh shape. As a result, the hot melt adhesive is kept from causing the air permeability to fall.

    [0014] Further, in an embodiment according to the present invention, the skin contacting side sheet 4 and cushion sheet 7 respectively have fiber orientations. The skin contacting side sheet 4 and cushion sheet 7 are provided so that these fiber orientations are crosswise to each other. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the skin contacting side sheet 4 and cushion sheet 7 are arranged so that the fiber orientation 4or of the skin contacting side sheet 4 extends in substantially the longitudinal direction of the liner 1 and the fiber orientation 7or of the cushion sheet 7 extends in substantially the width direction of the liner 1. In this case, the fiber orientation 4or of the skin contacting side sheet 4 and the fiber orientation 7or of the cushion sheet 7 are substantially perpendicular to each other.

    [0015] Note that the fiber orientation of the sheet can be determined based on the tensile strength of the sheet. That is, samples of the same widths are taken along the longitudinal direction and width direction of the sheet. The tensile strengths of these samples at the time of a certain stretching, for example, 5% or 10% stretching, are measured by a tensile test machine. When the tensile strength of the sample extending along the longitudinal direction of the sheet is higher than the tensile strength of the sample extending along the width direction of the sheet, it can be judged that the fiber orientation of the sheet is along the longitudinal direction, while when the tensile strength of the sample extending along the width direction of the sheet is higher than the tensile strength of the sample extending along the longitudinal direction of the sheet, it can be judged that the fiber orientation of the sheet is along the width direction.

    [0016] Further, as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, at the outer surface of the non-skin contacting side sheet 5 corresponding to the back surface of the main body 2, belt-shaped adhesive strips 9 separated from each other in the width direction and extending in parallel in the longitudinal direction are applied, while at the outer surface of the non-skin contacting side sheet 5 corresponding to the back surfaces of the wings 3, adhesive strips 10 are applied.

    [0017] The main body 2, as shown in FIG. 1, includes regions divided from each other by dividing lines DF, DR extending in the width direction, such as a front region 2F, rear region 2R, and intermediate region 21 between the front region 2F and rear region 2R. In this case, the front region 2F is defined between the front end 2EF of the main body 2 and the front dividing line DF, the intermediate region 21 is defined between the front dividing line DF and rear dividing line DR, and the rear region 2R is defined between the rear dividing line DR and the rear end 2ER of the main body 2.

    [0018] Further, the main body 2 is formed with a compressed region 11 from the skin contacting side sheet 4 to the absorbent body 6. The compressed region 11 includes a front compressed region 11F provided between the intermediate region 21 and the front region 2F, extending in substantially the width direction, a pair of side compressed regions 11S provided so as to extend from the intermediate region 21 to the front region 2F and the rear region 2R, and for example two rear compressed regions 11R provided to extend in the rear region 2R in substantially the width direction. In an embodiment according to the present invention, the front compressed region 11F and rear compressed regions 11R extend between the side compressed regions 11S.

    [0019] Further, in an embodiment according to the present invention, the compressed regions 11F, 11S, and 11R are comprised of deep grooves 11FD and shallow grooves 11FS alternately repeating in the length direction. That is, if explaining this taking as an example the front compressed region 11F, as shown in FIG. 5, the front compressed region 11F is comprised of deep grooves 11FD and shallow grooves 11FS which alternately repeat in the length direction. Here, if focusing on the deep grooves 11FD, it is also possible to view this as the front compressed region 11F including a plurality of deep grooves 11FD separated from each other in the width direction. Further, it is also possible to view this as deep grooves 11FD extending between the intermediate region 21 and the front region 2F in substantially the longitudinal direction.

    [0020] FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 show embodiments of deep grooves 11FD and shallow grooves 11FS. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, there are almost no parts of the absorbent body 6 below the deep grooves 11FD, but parts 6GS of the absorbent body 6 are positioned below the shallow grooves 11FS. On the other hand, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, parts 6GS of the absorbent body 6 are positioned below the shallow grooves 11FS, while parts 6GD of the absorbent body 6 are positioned below the deep grooves 11FD. Therefore, in both cases, the absorbent body 6 is continuous at the front compressed region 11F. Note that, if viewing the longitudinal direction of the front compressed region 11F, in the embodiment of FIG. 7, the absorbent body parts 6GS and 6GD are continuous, but in the embodiment of FIG. 6, the absorbent body parts 6GS are discontinuous.

    [0021] The side compressed regions 11S and rear compressed regions 11R are configured in the same way as the front compressed region 11F. Therefore, at the side compressed regions 11S, the absorbent body 6 is continuous, while at the rear compressed regions 11R as well, the absorbent body 6 is continuous. Note that, the compressed regions 11F, 11S, and 11R may also be configured from deep grooves continuous in the length direction.

    [0022] Note that, in an embodiment according to the present invention, the liner 1 is formed symmetrically about a longitudinal direction center line L-L and a width direction center line M-M.

    [0023] The skin contacting side sheet 4 has liquid permeability and is, for example, comprised of a woven fabric or nonwoven fabric made of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate, or other polyolefin-based thermoplastic hydrophobic fiber, treated to make it hydrophilic, or is comprised of pulp, cotton, or other natural fiber or rayon or another cellulose fiber. In an embodiment according to the present invention, as the skin contacting side sheet 4, a 20 to 40 g/m2 air-through nonwoven fabric comprised of PE/PP fiber is used.

    [0024] The non-skin contacting side sheet 5 has liquid impermeability and moisture permeability and is, for example, comprised of a hydrophobic nonwoven fabric, a water impermeable plastic film, a laminate of a nonwoven fabric and water impermeable plastic film, a high waterproof melt blown nonwoven fabric, or a high strength spun bond nonwoven fabric sandwiching an SMS nonwoven fabric. In an embodiment according to the present invention, as the non-skin contacting side sheet 5, a 20 to 35 g/m2 or so moisture impermeable PE film is used.

    [0025] The absorbent body 6 has liquid retention ability and includes an absorbent material 6A and a wrap sheet 6W wrapping the absorbent material 6A (see FIG. 1). The absorbent material 6A for example is comprised of a fluff pulp or air laid nonwoven fabric and a granular shaped super absorbing polymer (SAP). Here, the fluff pulp is for example comprised of chemical pulp, cellulose fiber, rayon, acetate, or other artificial cellulose fiber, while the air laid nonwoven fabric is for example comprised of pulp and synthetic fiber melt bonded or fixed by a binder to form a nonwoven fabric. The SAP is, for example, comprised of a starch based, acrylic acid based, or amino acid based granular or fibrous polymer. On the other hand, the wrap sheet 6W is a sheet having liquid permeability which is excellent in diffusibility in the liner longitudinal direction, and is, for example, comprised of a sheet having a Klemm water absorbency in the linear longitudinal direction of 10 mm or more. The Klemm water absorbency of the sheet can be measured, for example, according to JIS-P8141. Note that, in an embodiment according to the present invention, the absorbent material 6A and the wrap sheet 6W are bonded with each other by a hot melt adhesive.

    [0026] Here, if the mass ratio of the SAP to the mass of the absorbent core, that is, the total mass of the pulp and the SAP, is called the "SAP mass ratio", in an embodiment according to the present invention, the SAP mass ratio is set to 30 to 70 mass percent. If the SAP mass ratio is smaller than 30 mass percent, it is difficult to secure an absorbent material density sufficient for imparting liquid diffusibility. If the SAP mass ratio is larger than 70 mass percent, the pulp or other fiber ingredient is relatively insufficient, a gel blocking phenomenon of the super absorbing polymer may easily occur, and therefore the liquid diffusibility is likely to fall or, when worn, the absorbent body is likely to lose its shape due to the external force acting on the absorbent body. Note that, the SAP mass ratio of a sanitary napkin is generally 0 to 10 mass percent, at most 20 mass percent, so the incontinence liner according to the present invention differs in constitution from a sanitary napkin in this point.

    [0027] The cushion sheet 7 is for example comprised of a nonwoven fabric made of a polyolefin-based thermoplastic hydrophobic fiber treated to be made hydrophilic. As the nonwoven fabric, an air-through nonwoven fabric, spun bond nonwoven fabric, SMS nonwoven fabric, etc. is used. In an embodiment according to the present invention, as the cushion sheet 7, a 20 to 40 g/m2 air-through nonwoven fabric comprised of PE/PP fiber is used.

    [0028] The side sheets 8 are, for example, comprised of a nonwoven fabric of a polyolefin-based thermoplastic hydrophobic fiber. As the nonwoven fabric, an air-through nonwoven fabric, spun bond nonwoven fabric, SMS nonwoven fabric, etc. are used. In an embodiment according to the present invention, as the side sheets 8, a 15 to 35 g/m2 air-through nonwoven fabric comprised of PE/PP fibers is used.

    [0029] The adhesive strips 9 and 10 are for example comprised of a styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer (SIS), styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer (SBS), styrene-ethylene-butylene-ethylene copolymer (SEBS), or other hot melt adhesive.

    [0030] Here, if referring to the parts of the absorbent body 6 positioned at the front region 2F, intermediate region 21, and rear region 2R respectively as the front part 6F, intermediate part 61, and rear part 6R (see FIG. 1) and expressing the average SAP basis weight of a part x of the absorbent body 6 by BP(x), in an embodiment according to the present invention, the absorbent body 6 is formed so that BP (6I) >BP (F) >BP (R).

    [0031] Further, if expressing the average absorbent material density of a part x of the absorbent body by D(x), the absorbent body 6 is formed so that D (6F) >D (6I) >D (6R). Note that, the average absorbent material density D(x) (g/m3) of a part x of the absorbent body 6 is obtained by dividing the average basis weight (g/m2) of the absorbent material at the part x by the average thickness (mm) of that part x. In an embodiment according to the present invention, the absorbent material is comprised of pulp and a SAP, so the basis weight of the absorbent material is equal to the total of the basis weights of the pulp and SAP.

    [0032] Furthermore, if expressing the average thickness of a part x of the absorbent body by T(x), the absorbent material 6 is formed so that T(6R)<T(6F). Note that, the thickness may be measured using a thickness gauge (Ozaki Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Digital Thickness Gauge Model JA-257, measuring ability in specifications claimed to be "1.1N or less"). In this case, it is possible to use a measurement tool of a diameter of 50 mm.

    [0033] Explaining this more specifically, the absorbent body 6 is, for example, formed by laminating pulp and an SAP in a mold having air porosity, that is, a mesh pattern. This mesh pattern is formed with deep recesses at a position corresponding to the intermediate part 61 of the absorbent body 6, is formed with medium extent recesses at a position corresponding to the front part 6F, and is formed with shallow recesses at a position corresponding to the rear part 6R. As a result, the average SAP basis weight of the intermediate position 61 is larger and the average SAP basis weight of the rear part 6R is smaller. Note that, fine surface relief is sometimes formed on one or both of the front surface and back surface of the absorbent material 6 so the thickness of a part x of the absorbent material 6 is sometimes not uniform. Therefore, in the above explanation, the average thickness is used.

    [0034] When worn, as shown in FIG. 8, the main body 2 is fastened by the adhesive strips 9 to the inner surface of clothing C such as underwear of the wearer, while the wings 3 are fixed to the outer surface of the clothing C by the adhesive strips 10. That is, the main body 2 and wings 3 sandwich the clothing between them whereby the liner 1 is fastened to the inner side of the clothing C. As a result, wrinkles or twisting can be kept from occurring at the liner 1 when worn, therefore the liner 1 can continue to be reliably fastened to the clothing C over a long period of time. Note that, the clothing to which the liner 1 is fastened generally is panty-shaped with an elastic torso part and leg parts. By fitting over the torso and legs of the wearer, the fabric as a whole fits against the skin of the wearer. As a result, the liner 1 fastened to the inner side of the clothing is also worn in a state fitted along the skin of the wearer extending in the front and back direction centered at the hip part.

    [0035] In this case, the liner 1 is fastened at the crotch part of clothing C at the substantial center in the front-back direction. As a result, the urinating position UP of the wearer (see FIG. 1) is positioned at the intermediate region 21 of the main body 2, in particular a position in the intermediate region 21 near the front region 2F. Therefore, the liquid to be absorbed mainly comprised of urine is mainly absorbed at the intermediate region 61 and diffuses in the intermediate region 61. In this case, as explained above, the SAP basis weight of the intermediate part 61 is made large, so at the intermediate part 61, the liquid to be absorbed in reliably absorbed.

    [0036] At the front of the intermediate part 61, therefore, immediately in front of the urinating position UP, a front compressed region 11F is formed. The absorbent material density at this front compressed region 11F is made higher. As a result, if the liquid to be absorbed which diffuses inside the intermediate part 61 reaches the front compressed region 11F, the liquid to be absorbed is sucked into the front compressed region 11F by capillary action, quickly diffuses inside the front compressed region 11F, and then, flows into the front part 6F.

    [0037] Here, when the front compressed region 11F is configured as shown in FIG. 6, the liquid to be absorbed 6 moves through the absorbent body part 6GS from the intermediate part 61 to the front part 6F. In this case, the deep grooves 11FD surrounding the absorbent body part 6GS are formed by strongly compressing the absorbent body 6, so even if the absorbent body part 6GS absorbs the liquid to be absorbed and expands, a change in shape of the absorbent body part 6GS is suppressed. On the other hand, when the front compressed region 11F is configured as shown in FIG. 7, the liquid to be absorbed 6 moves through both the absorbent body parts 6GS and 6GD from the intermediate part 61 to the front part 6F. In this case, the absorbent body parts 6GS and 6GD continue in the longitudinal direction of the front compressed region 11F, so diffusion of the liquid to be absorbed is promoted more.

    [0038] Further, the absorbent material density at the side compressed regions 11S is also higher. As a result, when the liquid to be absorbed diffused inside the intermediate part 61 reaches the side compressed regions 11S, the liquid to be absorbed quickly diffuses through the absorbent body part below the side compressed regions 11S and moves from the width direction center part 6C of the absorbent body 6 (see FIG. 1) to the width direction peripheral parts 6P of the absorbent body 6 (see FIG. 1).

    [0039] Furthermore, when the side compressed regions 11S are configured like in FIG. 7, the liquid to be absorbed quickly diffuses inside of the absorbent body part below the side compressed regions 11S and moves to the front part 6F and the rear part 6R. In this case, the average absorbent material density D(6F) of the front part 6F is higher than the average absorbent material density D(6R) of the rear part 6R, so the liquid to be absorbed moves easier toward the front part 6F than the rear part 6R.

    [0040] As a result, the liquid to be absorbed in the intermediate part 61 can be made to move quickly inside the front part 6F and inside the rear part 6R.

    [0041] Here, referring again to FIG. 1, the above-mentioned wings 3 are positioned adjoining the intermediate region 21 of the main body 2. For this reason, when worn, the bent wings 3 are superposed over the intermediate region 61 of the absorbent body 6 as shown by the dashed-dotted line in FIG. 1. Note that, it is also possible to see this as the intermediate region 21 of the main body 2 being partitioned so as to include parts of the absorbent body 6 where the bent wings 3 are superposed.

    [0042] As a result, at the intermediate region 61, as will be understood from FIG. 8, at the outer side of the absorbent body 6, the non-skin contacting side sheet 5, the clothing C, and the wings 3 are successively superposed. Therefore, the air permeability at the intermediate region 61 of the absorbent body 6 or the intermediate region 21 of the main body 2 is likely to fall and unpreferable dampness is likely to occur.

    [0043] However, in an embodiment according to the present invention, as explained above, the liquid to be absorbed which was absorbed at the intermediate part 61 quickly moves to the front part 6F and rear part 6R. As a result, the liquid to be absorbed is widely diffused in the absorbent body 6, that is, it is possible to suppress dampness at the intermediate region 61. Therefore, the intermediate part 61 or the intermediate region 21 does not have large amounts of moisture and dampness can be reliably suppressed. This means that it is difficult to give an unpleasant feeling to the wearer even when the time the liner 1 is worn is long.

    [0044] Further, the wrap sheet 6W is comprised of a sheet with excellent diffusibility in the longitudinal direction and is bonded to the absorbent material 6A, so at the wrap sheet 6W as well, the liquid to be absorbed can be broadly diffused.

    [0045] Further, the fiber orientation 4or of the skin contacting side sheet 4 and the fiber orientation 7or of the cushion sheet 7 are substantially perpendicular to each other (see FIG. 3), so due to this as well, broad diffusion of the liquid to be absorbed is secured. That is, at the skin contacting side sheet 4, diffusion of the liquid to be absorbed in the longitudinal direction is promoted, while at the cushion sheet 7, diffusion of the liquid to be absorbed in the width direction is promoted.

    [0046] On the other hand, as will be understood from FIG. 4, the adhesive 9 extends up to the rear region 2R of the main body 2, so the rear region 2R is fastened to the clothing C, but a slight clearance is likely to be formed at the rear region 2R between the liner 1 or skin contacting side sheet 4 and the wearer. As a result, moisture can escape through this clearance and dampness can be suppressed.

    [0047] Further, in an embodiment according to the present invention, the rear region 2R of the main body 2 or the rear part 6R of the absorbent body 6 are formed with rear compressed regions 11R. The rear compressed regions 11R are relatively hard, so inward deformation of the liner 1 is suppressed. As a result, the above-mentioned clearance between the liner 1 and wearer is maintained and dampness can be reliably suppressed.

    [0048] FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 show another embodiment of the side compressed regions 11S. In this embodiment, at the parts of the side compressed regions 11S positioned at the intermediate region 21 or the parts facing the wings 3, strongly compressed regions or deep grooves 11SD and weakly compressed regions or shallow grooves 11SS are formed extending along the longitudinal directions of the side compressed regions 11S. Here, the strongly compressed regions 11SD are formed at the outer sides of the liner 1 in the width direction, while the weakly compressed regions 11SS are formed at the inner side of the liner 1 in the width direction. Further, below the strongly compressed regions 11SD, there are almost no absorbent body parts. Below the weakly compressed regions 11SS, the absorbent body parts 6GS are positioned.

    [0049] When the liquid to be absorbed at the intermediate part 61 diffuses and next reaches the side compressed regions 11S, the liquid to be absorbed is kept from diffusing outward in the liner width direction by the strongly compressed regions 11SD. As a result, the liquid to be absorbed is kept from diffusing outward in the width direction of the strongly compressed regions 11SD, that is, the regions where the main body 2 and the wings 3 are superposed, therefore it is possible to reliably suppress undesirable dampness.

    [0050] On the other hand, the liquid to be absorbed reaching the side compressed regions 11S quickly diffuses inside the absorbent body parts 6GS under the weakly compressed regions 11SS in the longitudinal direction and moves to the front part 6F and the rear part 6R. Therefore, the liquid to be absorbed can be made to broadly diffuse and dampness can be reliably suppressed.


    Claims

    1. An incontinence liner (1) provided with a liquid permeable skin contacting side sheet (4), a liquid impermeable and moisture permeable non-skin contacting side sheet (5), and an absorbent body (6) arranged between the skin contacting side sheet and non-skin contacting side sheet and including an absorbent material (6A), the absorbent material including from 30 to 70 mass% of a super absorbing polymer,

    wherein the liner includes a main body (2) including the absorbent body (6), the main body including a front region (2F), a rear region (2R), and an intermediate region (21) between the front region and the rear region, and a pair of wings (3) for fastening the liner to clothing, the wings being provided adjoining the intermediate region of the main body and being bent and superposed over the intermediate region when worn,

    wherein the basis weight of the super absorbing polymer included in the part of the absorbent body positioned at the intermediate region (21) is larger than the basis weight of the super absorbing polymer included in the part of the absorbent body positioned at the front region (2F) and the basis weight of the super absorbing polymer included in the part of the absorbent body positioned at the rear region (2R),

    wherein the main body (2) includes a front compressed region (11F) provided between the intermediate region (21) and the front region (2F), so as to extend substantially along the width direction, the front compressed region being adapted to be positioned immediately in front of a urinating position of a wearer when worn, a pair of side compressed regions (11S) provided so as to respectively extend from the intermediate region (21) to the front region (2F) and the rear region (2R), and a rear compressed region (11R) provided at the rear region so as to extend substantially along the width direction, the absorbent body being continuous at the front compressed region, side compressed regions, and rear compressed region,

    wherein the liner (1) is further provided with a liquid permeable cushion sheet (7) arranged between the skin contacting side sheet (4) and absorbent body (6), the skin contacting side sheet and cushion sheet have respective fiber orientations, and the skin contacting side sheet and cushion sheet are provided so that the fiber orientations are crosswise to each other; and characterised in that the skin contacting side sheet (4) and cushion sheet (7) are arranged so that the fiber orientation (4or) of the skin contacting side sheet extends in substantially the longitudinal direction of the liner and the fiber orientation (7or) of the cushion sheet extends in substantially the width direction of the liner.
     
    2. A liner as set forth in claim 1, wherein the front compressed region (11F) includes a plurality of compressed parts (11FD, 11FS) separated in a width direction.
     
    3. A liner as set forth in claim 1 or 2, wherein parts of the side compressed regions (11S) positioned at the intermediate region (21) are formed with strongly compressed regions (11SD) extending along the longitudinal directions of the side compressed regions at the outer sides of the liner in the width direction and with weakly compressed regions (11SS) extending along the longitudinal directions of the side compressed regions at the inner side in the liner width direction.
     
    4. A liner as set forth in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the basis weight of the super absorbing polymer included in the absorbent body part positioned at the front region (2F) is larger than the basis weight of the super absorbing polymer included in the absorbent body part positioned at the rear region (2R).
     
    5. A liner as set forth in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein an average absorbent material density of the absorbent body positioned at the front region (2F) is higher than an average absorbent material density of the absorbent body positioned at the intermediate region (2I).
     
    6. A liner as set forth in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the absorbent body (6) includes a wrap sheet (6W) wrapping the absorbent material, the wrap sheet has liquid permeability and has a Klemm water absorbency in the liner longitudinal direction of 10 mm or more, the absorbent material and the wrap sheet are bonded with each other by a hot melt adhesive.
     


    Ansprüche

    1. Inkontinenzeinlage (1), die mit Folgendem bereitgestellt ist: einer flüssigkeitsdurchlässigen, die Haut berührenden Lage (4), einer flüssigkeitsundurchlässigen und feuchtigkeitsdurchlässigen, nicht die Haut berührenden Lage (5) und einem Saugkörper (6), der zwischen der die Haut berührenden Lage und der nicht die Haut berührenden Lage angeordnet ist und ein absorbierendes Material (6A) einschließt, wobei das absorbierende Material von 30 bis 70 Masse-% eines superabsorbierenden Polymers einschließt,

    wobei die Einlage Folgendes einschließt: einen Hauptkörper (2), der den Saugkörper (6) einschließt, wobei der Hauptkörper einen vorderen Bereich (2F), einen hinteren Bereich (2R) und einen Zwischenbereich (2I) zwischen dem vorderen Bereich und dem hinteren Bereich einschließt, und ein Paar an Flügeln (3) zur Befestigung der Einlage an der Bekleidung, wobei die Flügel angrenzend an den Zwischenbereich des Hauptkörpers bereitgestellt sind und gebogen und mit dem Zwischenbereich überlagert sind beim Tragen,

    wobei das Flächengewicht des superabsorbierenden Polymers, das in dem Teil des Saugkörpers eingeschlossen ist, der an dem Zwischenbereich (2I) positioniert ist, größer ist als das Flächengewicht des superabsorbierenden Polymers, das in dem Teil des Saugkörpers eingeschlossen ist, der an dem vorderen Bereich (2F) positioniert ist, und das Flächengewicht des superabsorbierenden Polymers, das in dem Teil des Saugkörpers eingeschlossen ist, der an dem hinteren Bereich (2R) positioniert ist,

    wobei der Hauptkörper (2) Folgendes einschließt: einen vorderen komprimierten Bereich (11F), der zwischen dem Zwischenbereich (2I) und dem vorderen Bereich (2F) bereitgestellt ist, um sich im Wesentlichen entlang der Breitenrichtung zu erstrecken, wobei der vordere komprimierte Bereich zur Positionierung unmittelbar vor einer urinierenden Position eines Trägers beim Tragen geeignet ist, ein Paar von seitlichen komprimierten Bereichen (11S), die bereitgestellt sind, um sich jeweils von dem Zwischenbereich (2I) zu dem vorderen Bereich (2F) und dem hinteren Bereich (2R) zu erstrecken, und einen hinteren komprimierten Bereich (11R), der an dem hinteren Bereich bereitgestellt ist, um sich im Wesentlichen entlang der Breitenrichtung zu erstrecken, wobei der Saugkörper an dem vorderen komprimierten Bereich, den seitlichen komprimierten Bereichen und dem hinteren komprimierten Bereich durchgehend ist,

    wobei die Einlage (1) weiter mit einer flüssigkeitsdurchlässigen gepolsterten Lage (7) bereitgestellt ist, die zwischen der die Haut berührenden Lage (4) und dem Saugkörper (6) angeordnet ist, wobei die die Haut berührende Lage und gepolsterte Lage jeweilige Faserorientierungen aufweisen und die die Haut berührende Lage und gepolsterte Lage derart bereitgestellt sind, dass die Faserorientierungen kreuzweise zueinander liegen; und
    dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die die Haut berührende Lage (4) und gepolsterte Lage (7) derart angeordnet sind, dass die Faserorientierung (4or) der die Haut berührenden Lage sich in im Wesentlichen der Längsrichtung der Einlage erstreckt und die Faserorientierung (7or) der gepolsterten Lage sich in im Wesentlichen der Breitenrichtung der Einlage erstreckt.
     
    2. Einlage wie in Anspruch 1 dargelegt, wobei der vordere komprimierte Bereich (11F) eine Vielzahl von komprimierten Teilen (11FD, 11FS) einschließt, die in einer Breitenrichtung getrennt sind.
     
    3. Einlage wie in Anspruch 1 oder 2 dargelegt, wobei Teile der seitlichen komprimierten Bereiche (11S), die an dem Zwischenbereich (2I) positioniert sind, mit Folgenden ausgebildet sind: mit stark komprimierten Bereichen (11SD), die sich entlang der Längsrichtungen der seitlichen komprimierten Bereiche an den Außenseiten der Einlage in der Breitenrichtung erstrecken, und mit schwach komprimierten Bereichen (11SS), die sich entlang der Längsrichtungen der seitlichen komprimierten Bereiche an der Innenseite in der Einlagenbreitenrichtung erstrecken.
     
    4. Einlage wie in einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3 dargelegt, wobei das Flächengewicht des superabsorbierenden Polymers, das in dem Saugkörperteil eingeschlossen ist, der an dem vorderen Bereich (2F) positioniert ist, größer ist als das Flächengewicht des superabsorbierenden Polymers, das in dem Saugkörperteil eingeschlossen ist, der an dem hinteren Bereich (2R) positioniert ist.
     
    5. Einlage wie in einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4 dargelegt, wobei eine durchschnittliche Dichte des absorbierenden Materials des Saugkörpers, der an dem vorderen Bereich (2F) positioniert ist, höher ist als eine durchschnittliche Dichte des absorbierenden Materials des Saugkörpers, der an dem Zwischenbereich (2I) positioniert ist.
     
    6. Einlage wie in einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5 dargelegt, wobei der Saugkörper (6) eine Hülllage (6W) einschließt, die das absorbierende Material umhüllt, die Hülllage eine Flüssigkeitsdurchlässigkeit aufweist und ein Wasseraufnahmevermögen nach Klemm in der Einlagenlängsrichtung von 10 mm oder mehr aufweist, das absorbierende Material und die Hülllage durch einen Schmelzklebstoff miteinander verbunden sind.
     


    Revendications

    1. Couche-culotte d'incontinence (1) fournie avec une feuille latérale perméable aux liquides en contact avec la peau (4), une feuille latérale imperméable aux liquides et perméable à l'humidité qui n'est pas en contact avec la peau (5), et un corps absorbant (6) agencé entre la feuille latérale en contact avec la peau et la feuille latérale qui n'est pas en contact avec la peau et comprenant un matériau absorbant (6A), le matériau absorbant comprenant de 30 à 70 % en masse d'un polymère superabsorbant,
    dans laquelle la couche-culotte comprend un corps principal (2) comprenant le corps absorbant (6), le corps principal comprenant une région avant (2F), une région arrière (2R), et une région intermédiaire (2I) entre la région avant et la région arrière, et une paire d'ailettes (3) permettant de fixer la couche-culotte sur un vêtement, les ailettes étant fournies accolées à la région intermédiaire du corps principal et étant pliées et superposées à la région intermédiaire lorsque la couche-culotte est portée,
    dans laquelle le poids de base du polymère superabsorbant compris dans la partie du corps absorbant positionnée au niveau de la région intermédiaire (2I) est supérieur au poids de base du polymère superabsorbant compris dans la partie du corps absorbant positionnée au niveau de la région avant (2F) et au poids de base du polymère superabsorbant compris dans la partie du corps absorbant positionnée au niveau de la région l'arrière (2R),
    dans laquelle le corps principal (2) comprend une région comprimée avant (11F) fournie entre la région intermédiaire (2I) et la région avant (2F), de façon à s'étendre sensiblement le long du sens de la largeur, la région comprimée avant étant conçue pour être positionnée immédiatement devant une position d'urination d'un porteur lorsque la couche-culotte est portée, une paire de régions comprimées latérales (11S) fournies de façon à s'étendre respectivement de la région intermédiaire (2I) à la région avant (2F) et la région arrière (2R), et une région comprimée arrière (11R) fournie au niveau de la région arrière de façon à s'étendre sensiblement le long du sens de la largeur, le corps absorbant étant continu au niveau de la région comprimée avant, des régions comprimées latérales, et de la région comprimée arrière,
    dans laquelle la couche-culotte (1) est fournie en outre avec une feuille de coussin perméable aux liquides (7) agencée entre la feuille latérale en contact avec la peau (4) et le corps absorbant (6), la feuille latérale en contact avec la peau et la feuille de coussin ont des orientations de fibres respectives, et la feuille latérale en contact avec la peau et la feuille de coussin sont fournies de façon à ce que les orientations des fibres soient transversales les unes par rapport aux autres ; et
    caractérisée en ce que
    la feuille latérale en contact avec la peau (4) et la feuille de coussin (7) sont agencées de façon à ce que l'orientation des fibres (4or) de la feuille latérale en contact avec la peau s'étende sensiblement dans la direction longitudinale de la couche-culotte et l'orientation des fibres (7or) de la feuille de coussin s'étende sensiblement dans le sens de la largeur de la couche-culotte.
     
    2. Couche-culotte selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle la région comprimée avant (11F) comprend une pluralité de parties comprimées (11FD, 11FS) séparées dans un sens de la largeur.
     
    3.  Couche-culotte selon la revendication 1 ou 2, dans laquelle des parties des régions comprimées latérales (11S) positionnées au niveau de la région intermédiaire (21) sont formées avec des régions fortement comprimées (11SD) qui s'étendent le long des directions longitudinales des régions comprimées latérales au niveau des côtés externes de la couche-culotte dans le sens de la largeur et avec des régions faiblement comprimées (11SS) qui s'étendent le long des directions longitudinales des régions comprimées latérales au niveau du côté interne dans le sens de la largeur de la couche-culotte.
     
    4. Couche-culotte selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, dans laquelle le poids de base du polymère superabsorbant compris dans la partie du corps absorbant positionnée au niveau de la région avant (2F) est supérieur au poids de base du polymère superabsorbant compris dans la partie du corps absorbant positionnée au niveau de la région arrière (2R).
     
    5. Couche-culotte selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, dans laquelle une densité de matériau absorbant moyenne du corps absorbant positionné au niveau de la région avant (2F) est plus élevée qu'une densité de matériau absorbant moyenne du corps absorbant positionné au niveau de la région intermédiaire (2I).
     
    6. Couche-culotte selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5, dans laquelle le corps absorbant (6) comprend une feuille d'enveloppement (6W) qui enveloppe le matériau absorbant, la feuille d'enveloppement a une perméabilité aux liquides et a une capacité d'absorption d'eau selon Klemm dans la direction longitudinale de la couche-culotte de 10 mm ou plus, le matériau absorbant et la feuille d'enveloppement étant liés l'un à l'autre par un adhésif thermofusible.
     




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    Cited references

    REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION



    This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.

    Patent documents cited in the description