SE520411C2 - Hygiene article, e.g. nappy - Google Patents

Abstract

An absorbent article (1) with two side edges (11, 12) extending in the length direction on either side of its central length axis (22) and two end edges (13, 14) extending in the cross-direction, comprises an absorbent layer (4) with corresponding side and end edges (11'-14') enclosed between liquid-permeable and impermeable layers (2, 3). Elongated elastic members (23, 24, 27, 28) are provided along the side edges of the article. A flexible side flap formed by parts of at least one of the liquid-permeable and impermeable layers extends along both side edges of the article between the side edges of the article and absorbent layer. Each of the article and absorbent layer side edges includes an inwards-curved segment to stretch the article and absorbent layer slightly in the cross-direction. The elastic members comprise first elastic bodies (23, 24) in each side flap along the curved segments of the article side edges, and second elastic bodies (27, 28) along the curved segments of the absorbent layer side edges, all of these segments having approximately the same degree of curvature. The elastic bodies have a degree of curvature corresponding to that of the corresponding side edges.

Description

Between the edges of the article and the user's body as the user moves, which means that body fluid can flow out of the article. For these reasons, it is common to provide absorbent articles with elastic members along the side edges.

When the articles are used, the elastic members form leg wraps, which close around the user's legs and counteract the occurrence of leakage past the side edges of the article.

However, it has been found that such elastic leg straps are in many cases insufficient to provide adequate leakage protection.

To further reduce the risk of edge leakage, it has therefore been proposed that various forms of barriers be provided at the side edges of absorbent articles. Such barriers may occur alone, or in combination with conventional elastic leg straps.

Such a side leakage protection in the form of elastically contractible longitudinal barrier flaps, which have a distal end which, under the influence of elastic means arranged at this end, is intended to rise from the liquid-permeable surface layer of the article so as to form a barrier to the flow of loose faeces over the side edges are described in the patent publication EP 0,219,326. The product, for example in Another example of side leakage protection is described in EP 0.311, 333. A portion of the liquid-permeable surface layer has an raised area in which an elastic member is arranged in such a way that it can float in the crotch portion of the article and force the raised area to stand up and thereby distance itself from underlying layers, for example in the absorbent body. One of the purposes of this side leakage protection is stated to be. that it. the elastic member 10 "floats" in such a way that it can move freely and adapt to the user's body.

The Swedish patent SE 501, 010 describes another type of elastic barriers. The elastic barriers comprise elastic members which are firmly connected to the absorbent body of the article and upon contraction of the elastic members lower the absorbent body. The purpose of the elastic barriers described in SE 501, 010 is to reduce the risk of chafing of the skin in the user's branch area. The combination of abrasion and urine can cause skin irritation. Although the prior art elastic leakage barriers lead to increased leakage safety, it has been found that leakage still occurs. This is due to a lack of fit, which means that the elastic barriers do not close to the user's body as well as would be desirable.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION = However, with the present invention, an absorbent article having improved fit and leakage safety has been provided.

An absorbent article of the type indicated in the introduction is characterized according to the invention mainly in that each side edge of both the article and the absorbent body has a continuous inwardly curved segment, whereby the article and the absorbent body have a minimum extension in the transverse direction between the inwardly curved segments, and that the elastic includes first means elastic means arranged in each side flap, at least along the inwardly curved segments of the side edges of the article, and second elastic means arranged in the absorbent body along at least the inwardly curved segments of the inwardly curved side edges of the absorbent body, having substantially the same side edges the segments of the curvature of the absorbent body probe inwardly curved segments of the side edges of the article and that the first and the second elastic members are arranged along the inwardly curved segments of the side edges of the article, respectively the absorbent body with a curvature which substantially corresponds with the curvature of the inwardly curved segments of each side edge.

It has been found that the leakage safety of an absorbent article according to the invention, in which the curvature of the elastic members forming leg elastic is the same as the curvature of the elastic members forming side leakage barriers at the edges of the absorbent body of the article, is significantly higher than the leakage resistance of an absorbent article. conventionally arranged elastic members.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the absorbent body comprises a first absorbent layer whose shape and extent in the plane corresponds to the shape and extent of the absorbent body in the plane and a second absorbent layer which is arranged between the liquid-permeable cover layer and the first absorbent layer and two transversely extending end edges, the second absorbent layer being smaller in the transverse direction of the article than the first absorbent layer and being symmetrically arranged on the first absorbent layer, along the longitudinally extending centerline, and further that the side edges of the second absorbent body have inwardly curved segments which substantially corresponds to the curvature of the inwardly curved segments on the side edges of the article and the absorbent body. It is an advantage from a functional point of view if the absorbent body comprises two absorbent layers with mutually different widths, but substantially the same curvature along at least a part of the side edges. The upper, narrower absorption layer can then function as a mold element for the absorbent article and initiates folding up of the edge portions of the lower layer and formation of the elastic, raised edge barriers.

Because side edges and elastic members have the same curvature, at least within a longitudinally extending portion of the article, the distance between the curved edge portions and the various elastic members is substantially constant within this portion. In this case, the distance between the first elastic members and the second elastic members is 2-7 cm and preferably 2.5-5 cm along the inwardly curved segments of the side edges of the absorbent body and the article, respectively.

The distance between the side edges of the first elastic absorbent body is 1-4 cm and preferably 2.5-3.5 cm inwardly curved inwardly curved absorbent body and article, respectively. the means and along those segments of The distance between the side edges of the other elastic absorbent body is 5-35xm and preferably 10-25 mm along the side edges of the inwardly curved absorbent body. the means and the segments of The distance between the second elastic members and the side edges of the second absorbent layer is 5-35nm1 and preferably 10-25 mm along the inwardly curved segments of the side edges of the second absorbent layer.

The distance to an elastic member is measured from the nearest edge of the elastic member. 10 15 20 25 30 520 411 = - fw 6 The curvature, or radius of curvature selected for the curved part of the side edge of the article depends on the body size of the intended user. Since the curved portions of the side edges of the article are intended to fit against the curvature around the user's thighs, the curvature is then stronger on articles which are intended for use by children and less severe on articles intended for adults. This ratio can alternatively be expressed as the curved edge portions on articles intended for children having a smaller radius of curvature than the curved edge portions on articles intended for adults.

An absorbent article according to the invention may be in the form of, for example, a diaper having two wider end portions which preferably have flexible corner portions, or corner flaps which are formed by the cover layer of the article, and an intermediate crotch portion. Furthermore, fastening means for fastening the article to a trouser-like shape are provided with a first sub-member at one end portion of the article and a second sub-member at the second end portion of the article. An example of frequently used fastening means are tape tabs arranged at the side edges of the article near the end edge of one end portion.

When using the article, the tape tabs are attached to a surface at the opposite end portion. Such a receiving surface is advantageously reinforced, reinforcing strip of plastic is arranged on the liquid-tight, for example by a cover layer. This avoids that tensile stresses that may occur in the tape tabs during use cause ruptures or tears in the liquid-tight cover layer.

Furthermore, the reinforcing strip facilitates loosening of the tape tabs, for example for adjusting the fit, or when the article is to be used. removed from the user after 10 15 20 25 30 35 520 411 7 Other existing fastening means are velcro surfaces, buttons and buttonholes, hooks and hooks, ties, or the like.

Alternatively, the absorbent article may be a pant diaper, i.e. a diaper delivered to the user in an assembled condition. Such pant diapers can either be permanently assembled, or be assembled in such a way that the joints can be broken when the diaper is to be removed from a user. Furthermore, the invention comprises needle forms of trouser diapers and nappies which are only fastened together in the form of trousers in connection with the use. Examples of such an intermediate form are pant diapers which are provided with conventional fastening means in order to be able to be fastened together after the original joints have been broken. Another example is a diaper with fastening means which, after attaching the diaper to a trouser-like shape, cannot be reopened without destroying the diaper.

An absorbent article according to the invention may be provided with an elastic member arranged at least along one end edge of the article, to form a waist elastic on the article.

Furthermore, one can. absorbent articles according to the invention have a hydrophobic material at the surface of the side flaps, which during use is intended to face a user. A material which is hydrophobic in itself, for example a plastic film or a nonwoven of hydrophobic fibers, can be selected. The material may be part of the liquid-permeable cover layer of the article, which has been treated with wetting agent and / or perforated only in the areas where Alternatively, the material in the side flaps may be treated with hot melt adhesive, wax, to be able to let liquid through. or the like to provide hydrophobicity. It is not necessary that the material in the side flaps be so hydrophobic that it completely resists liquid penetration.

For example, it may be an advantage if liquid which for some reason hits the side flaps can be absorbed by the absorbent body. This requires that the liquid can at least eventually penetrate into the absorbent body at its side edges. Such absorption of liquid which has ended up outside the absorbent body can be facilitated if a portion of the surface material of the side flap, closest to the absorbent body, is sufficiently hydrophilic for that liquid permeability to be achieved. Desired BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES: The invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the figures shown in the accompanying drawings.

In the drawing: Figure 1 shows a plan view of a diaper with elastic barriers in accordance with the invention, with the elastic members in an extended condition; and Figure 2 is a section along the line II-II through the diaper of Figure 1, as present in use, when the elastic members are contracted.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS: The diaper 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2 comprises a liquid-permeable cover layer 2, arranged on the side of the diaper 1 which in use is intended to face the user, a liquid-tight cover layer 3, arranged on the side of the diaper 1 in use is intended to be facing away from the user, and an absorbent body 4 enclosed between the two cover layers 2,3. In this case, the cover layers 2,3 are preferably attached to the absorbent body 4 by gluing, welding, or similar.

The material of the liquid-permeable cover layer 2 may be, for example, a perforated plastic film, a mesh of plastic or textile material, a nonwoven material, or a laminate of two or more such material layers. The plastic materials used in liquid permeable surfaces are usually thermoplastic ones, such as polyethylene or polypropylene. By the term nonwoven material is meant nonwoven fabric consisting of natural fibers, such as cellulose or cotton, or of nonwoven fabrics. Suitable nonwoven materials may be synthetic fibers, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, polyurethane, nylon, or regenerated cellulose.

Of course, it is also possible to use nonwoven materials made from fibers with two or more constituent components, as well as mixtures of different fiber types.

The liquid-permeable casing layer 2 should receive and direct liquid into the absorbent body 4. Furthermore, the casing layer 2 should be able to prevent so-called rewetting, i.e. absorbed body fluid penetrates back out of the absorbent body 4. consists of a thin, liquid-impermeable liquid-impermeable material 3. liquid-tight plastic films are suitable for the purpose. However, it is also possible to use materials which are initially liquid-permeable, but which are provided with a coating of plastic, resin or other liquid-tight material. This prevents leakage of liquid from the underside of the absorbent article. The liquid-tight cover layer 3 can thus consist of any material which is skin-friendly and meets the criterion of liquid impermeability. Examples of materials which are suitable as barrier layers are plastic films, nonwoven materials, 520 411 10 and various types of laminates. Useful plastic films are, for example, those composed of polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyester. Alternatively, the liquid-tight cover layer 3 may consist of a plastic layer facing a laminate of a liquid-impermeable absorbent body and a nonwoven layer facing the wearer's underwear. Such a construction provides a leak-proof barrier layer with a textile feel.

The absorbent body 4 can. with advantage be. mainly composed of cellulose fluff pulp. This may be in the form of rolls, bales, or sheets which are dry defibrated and transferred in fluffy form to a pulp mat, with or without so-called polymers capable of absorbing several times their own admixture of superabsorbents, which are by weight of water or body fluid. Examples of other useful materials are different types of natural fibers, similar. It is such as cotton fibers, peat, or of course also possible to use absorbent synthetic fibers, or mixtures of natural fibers and synthetic fibers. The absorbent material may further contain additional components, such as liquid dispersing means, or binders such as, for example, thermoplastic fibers which have been heat treated to hold short fibers and particles together into a cohesive unit. It is also possible to use different types of absorbent foam material in the absorbent body 4.

The absorbent body 4 is built up of a substantially hourglass-shaped lower core 5, and a likewise hourglass-shaped upper core 6. The upper core 6 has a smaller extent in the plane than the lower core 5 and is thus both shorter and narrower than the lower core 5. Alternatively, it is of course possible to use an absorbent body. consists of a continuous layer or is made up of several different layers, or parts. Due to the size difference between the upper core 6 and the lower core 5, a profiled absorbent body 4 is obtained, i.e. an absorbent body which has different thicknesses in different areas. It is then not necessary that the upper core 6 and the lower core 5 consist of layers. Thus, the two absorption cores 5,6 can be in the form of a separate or parts. cohesive absorbent body 4, which has been imparted the desired shape, for example genonl mating in molds, by casting, or otherwise.

The two cover layers 2,3 are interconnected outside the absorbent body 4 and form a projecting edge 7 around the entire periphery of the diaper 1. The joining layers 2,3 can be joined together in any suitable manner, such as by gluing, sewing, or welding with heat or ultrasound.

The diaper 1 is formed with a front portion 8, which in use is intended to be facing forward and abut over the abdomen of a user, a back portion 9, which in use is intended to be facing backwards and abut over the user's buttocks, and an intermediate crotch portion 10 , which is narrower than the front portion 8 and the rear portion 9, respectively, and is intended to be arranged in the user's branch. Furthermore, the diaper 1 has two inwardly curved side edges 11,12, which in use form the diaper waistbands, and two straight end edges, the front edge 13 and the rear edge 14, which in use together form the waistband of the diaper. In order to be able to enclose the user's torso, corner flaps 15-18 formed by the projecting cover edge 7 are arranged projecting from the side edges, 11,12 both at the front part 8 and the rear part 9. The absorbent body 4 also has corresponding parts as the diaper in general and in particular the absorbent body has two inwardly curved side edges l1 ', l2', and two straight end edges, the front edge 13 'and the rear edge 14'.

Since the extent of the absorbent body 4 in the plane coincides with the extent of the lower core 5 in the plane, the indicated reference numerals also denote the side edges 11 ', 12' and end edges 13 ', 14' of the lower core 5. 6 two inwardly curved side edges 11 ", 12", and two end edges 13 ", 14".

Furthermore, the upper core has the diaper 1 is of the type which is fastened together during use, so that it encloses the lower part of the user's torso in a trouser-like manner. For this purpose, a tape tab 19,20 is arranged at each side edge 11,12, next to the rear edge 14 of the diaper. The tape tabs are then arranged on the corner tabs 15,16 arranged at the front portion. Prior to use of the diaper, the tape tabs 19,20, as shown in Figure 1, are protected from soiling and unwanted adhesion by being folded against release-treated surfaces from which the tape tabs can be easily detached when in use.

The tape tabs 19,20 are intended to co-operate with a liquid-tight cover layer 3, on the front portion 8 of the diaper 1. Such a receiving area 21 receiving area 17 arranged thereon suitably has some kind of reinforcement, for example in the form of an extra plastic layer, or a coating applied to the liquid-tight the casing layer 3. Of course, it is alternatively possible to consider using other types of fastening devices for the diaper 1, such as buttons and buttonholes, hooks and hooks, snaps, velcro closures or the like.

The diaper 1 is further provided with prestressed, longitudinal elastic members 22,23, arranged along the side edges of the diaper, between the two cover layers 2,3 in the cover edge 7 projecting from the absorption body 4. The elastic members 22,23 are arranged in a curved shape and thus follow the shape on the side edges 11.12. Furthermore, the elastic members 11,12 do not extend along the entire length of the diaper, but a portion closest to each end edge is free of elastic members and can thereby abut substantially smoothly over the user's abdomen and buttocks, respectively.

The elastic members 23,24 bend the diaper 1 after the user's body and during the use of the diaper form its leg elastic. Hereby, the elastic members 23,24 help to keep the side edges 11,12 of the diaper in contact with the user's legs, in order to prevent gaps between the diaper and the user's body during use, through which body fluid can leak out of the diaper.

The leg elastic 23,24 in the example shown consists of 2 parallel threads, or thin bands. However, the invention should not be construed as being limited to the elastic members shown, but the elastic members 23,24 may, for example, consist of one or more threads or bands of elastic material such as rubber, polyurethane, elastic nonwoven, or the like. The elastic members may be provided with a spun wire casing which facilitates their connection to components of the incontinence guard. In addition, an elastic means for binder-like adhesive enables such wire sheath elastic movements in the elastic core. 23, 24, the elastic threads or bands are for this purpose in its entirety. The elastic members 23, 24 are preferably anchored both to the liquid-permeable cover layer 2 and to the liquid-tight cover layer 3.

Another elastic member, which forms the waist elastic 25 of the diaper, is arranged along the trailing edge 14. In the example shown, the waist elastic 25 is a relatively wide elastic band. However, the waist elastic may alternatively consist of other types of elastic members. Furthermore, an elastic member can also be arranged at the front edge 13 of the diaper. It is also possible, within the scope of the invention, to completely exclude waist elastic.

In order to provide a good seal against the user's body, barrier elastic 27,28 in the form of two elastic threads or bands are arranged along each side edge 11 ', 12' of the lower core 5. The barrier elastic 27,28, like the leg elastic 23,24, is advantageously of two parallel elastic bands or threads. However, other types of elastic members may be used, as described in connection with the leg elastic 23,24. The barrier elastic 27,28 is attached to the note core 5, for example by gluing, welding, or the like. Furthermore, the barrier elastic 27,28 can also be attached to the liquid-permeable cover layer 2.

The barrier elastic 27,28 is attached to the diaper 1 in an extended state. When the extension ceases, the elastic contracts thereby causing the leg elastic 23,24 to bend the diaper in the longitudinal direction. Further and contributing together, the barrier elastic 27,28 lifts up the side edges 11 ', 12' of the lower core 5, as best observed in the cross-sectional view in Figure 2. Thereby, soft, raised barriers are formed which, during use, abut against the user's body. Correspondingly, the leg elastic 23,24 raises the flexible edge portions 7 between the side edges 11 ', 12' of the absorbent body 4 and the leg elastic 23,24, so that a liquid-tight pocket 29,30 is formed on either side of the absorbent body 4, outside those of the liquid-tight formed the pockets 29,30 constitute an extra leakage protection, the barrier elastic 27,28 the edge barriers. Since liquid which for some reason flows past the barrier elastic 27,28, is caught in the pockets 29,30 and from there can be taken up by the absorbent body 4 via the side edges 11 ', 12'. It is not uncommon, for example, for loose stools that are delivered for a relatively short time not to have time to be absorbed at a corresponding rate. It is therefore a great advantage that the diaper has a spare capacity for temporary storage of such excess liquid. If the material on the inside of the pockets 29,30 is liquid-trapping substantially hydrophobic, it is an advantage if it is not completely liquid-impermeable but at least eventually allows the accumulated liquid to pass into the absorbent body. A faster introduction of liquid can be achieved, for example, by treating a narrow area closest to the absorbent body with wetting agent. The barrier elastic 27,28 is also arranged in a curved shape and thereby has the same curvature as the leg elastic 23,24 and the inwardly curved portion of the respective side edge 11,12 on the diaper. Furthermore, the inwardly curved portion on each side edge 11 ', 12' of the absorbent body 4 also connects to the curvature of the elastic members 23,24; 27,28. Finally, the curvature of the inwardly curved side edges 11 ", 12" of the upper core 6 is also the same as the curvature of the elastic members 23,24; 27,28 and the side edges l1,12; 11 ', 12' of the diaper and the absorbent body 4, respectively. All curved side edge portions 11, 12; 11 ', 12', 11 ", 12" and longitudinal elastic members 23,24; 27,28 cooperate in the use of the diaper to curve side edges 11,12. . The diaper around a longitudinal centerline 22 through the diaper.

By the fact that both the elastic 23,24; 27,28 extent and the curvature on at least the side edges 11 ', 12' of the absorption core 5 of the lower members 5 follow substantially the same curve shape, it has surprisingly been found to provide an improved edge leakage protection. This is partly due to the fact that the diaper has the possibility of a significantly optimal fit. The most important reason for the good leakage safety, however, should be that the pockets 29, 30 along the side edges 11 ', 12' of the absorbent body 4 are kept open by the distance between the side edges of the absorbent body 4 10 which forms the leg elastic 23,24 is constant within the curved portions of the elastic members 23,24 and the side edges 11 ', 12' of the absorbent body 4.

It is of course also essential that the barrier elastic 27,28 follows the same curvature curve as the other curved elements.

In order to achieve maximum sealing effect, it has been found that the distance between the leg elastic 23,24 and the barrier elastic 27,28 should be from 2 cm to 7 and preferably from 2.5 to 5 cm within the curved portion. Furthermore, the distance the leg elastic 23,24 and side edges 11,12 should be from 1-4 cm and preferably from between the absorbent body 4 2.5-3.5 cm. The barrier elastic 27,28 should, in order to achieve a good barrier effect, be placed at a distance from 5-35 mm and preferably from 10-25 mm from the side edges 11,12 of the absorbent body 4.

In forming the diaper during use, the side edges 11 ", 12" of the upper core 6 serve as folding instructions for raising the barrier elastic 27, 28. Thus, the upper core 6 facilitates the formation of raised barriers along the side edges 11,12 of the diaper. The shape of the lower core 5 is also important for the anatomical fit of the diaper, since the space between the user's legs in the crotch area is limited. It is then suitable that the barrier elastic 27,28 at each side edge 11,12 of the diaper is placed between the corresponding 11 ', 12'; 11 ", 12" on the absorbent core 5 and the upper core 6, respectively. the side edges of the upper core 6 be from 5-35 mm and preferably from 10-25 mm. The above distances refer to the distance to the nearest edge of the elastic member in question. In the case where the elastic member consists of several sub-elements, for example several wires or bands, the distance to the edge of the sub-element which is closest to the edge from which the measurement starts is measured.

The invention is not to be construed as limited to the exemplary embodiment described herein, but a number of further variants and modifications are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (10)

10 15 20 25 30 35 f: H, - 520 411/8 PATENTKRAV An absorbent article having a longitudinal direction and one having a longitudinally extending (22), two extending side edges (11, l2), and two transversely transverse and centerline longitudinally extending end edges (13, 14), and comprising a liquid-permeable cover layer (2), a liquid-tight cover layer (3), an absorbent body (4), enclosed between the cover layers (2,3) and having two i (11 ', 12') and two transversely extending end edges (13 ', 14 '), and elongate elastic members (23,24; 27,28) arranged longitudinally extending side edges with bias along the side edges of the article (ll, l2), a flexible side flap (7) which is formed by portions of at least one casing layer (2,3) extends along each side edge (11, 12) of the article, between the side edges (l1 ', l2') of the absorbent body (4) and the side edges (l1, l2) of the article, characterized in that each side edge ( ll, l2; ll ', l2') (4) has one on both the product and the absorbent body continuously inwardly curved the absorbent body (4) has a minimum extent in segments, whereby the generation and the transverse direction between the inwardly curved segments, and that the members (23,24; 28,28) first elastic members (23,24) (7), at least along the inwardly curved segments of the side edges (11, 12) of the article (l1, 12), (27, 28) arranged in the absorbent body (4) along at least the elastic members arranged in each side flap and other elastic members inwardly curved segments on the side edges (ll ', 12 '), the first elastic members (23,24) and (27,28) being spaced apart in the transverse direction, the second elastic members being arranged on one and wherein the inwardly curved segments of the side edges (l1', l2 of the absorbent body (4) ') has the same curvature as the inwardly curved segments of the side edges (11, 12) of the article and that the first and second elastic members (23, 24; 27, 28) are arranged along the inwardly curved segments of side edge (1l, l2) on the article, respectively the absorbent body (ll ', 12') with a curvature which corresponds to the curvature of the inwardly curved segments of the respective side edge (ll, l2; 1l ', l2'). An absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the absorbent body (4) has an absorbent core (5) whose shape and extent in the plane (4) form and comprises a first corresponding to the extent of the absorbent body in the plane and a second absorbent core (6) disposed therebetween. the liquid-permeable cover layer (2) and the first absorbent core (5) and have two longitudinally extending side edges (11 ", 12") and two at end edges (13 ", 14"), the second absorbent core extending transversely (6) being smaller in the transverse direction of the article than the first absorption core (5) and is symmetrically arranged on the first absorption core (5), along the longitudinally extending center line (22), and further that the segment of the second absorption core (11 ", 12") with a curvature which substantially side edges have inwardly curved corresponds to the curvature of the inwardly curved segments side edges of the article and the absorbent body (4) (l1, l2; l1 ', l2'). An absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the distance between the first elastic members and the second elastic members is 2-7 cm and preferably 2.5-5 cm along the inwardly curved segments of the side edges of the absorbent body and the article, respectively. or 3, the organs An absorbent article according to claim 1, 2, wherein the distance between the first elastic 520 411 20 (23,24) and the side edges (11 ', 12') of the absorbent body (4) is 1-4 cm and preferably 2.5-3.5 cm along the inwardly curved segments of the side edges of the absorbent body (4), respectively the article (11, 12; 11 ', 12'). An absorbent article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the distance between the second elastic members (27, 28) and the side edges (11 ', 12') of the absorbent body (4) is 5-35 mm and preferably 10-25 mm along the inwardly curved side edges the segments of the absorbent body (4) (11 ', 12'). An absorbent article according to any one of claims 2-5, wherein the distance between the second elastic members (27, 28) and the side edges (11 ", 12") of the second absorbent core (6) is 5-35 mm and preferably 10-25 mm along the inwardly curved segments of the side edges (11 ", 12") of the second absorbent core (6). An absorbent article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the article has two wider end portions (8,9), and an intermediate crotch portion 10, and wherein fastening means (19,20,2l) for fastening the article to a trouser-like shape are provided with a first sub-member (19,20) and a second sub-member (21) at the second end portion (8) of the article. at one end portion of the article (9) An absorbent article according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the article is a trouser diaper, An absorbent article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an elastic member (25) is arranged along at least one end edge (13, 14) of the article. An absorbent article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the material in the side flaps (7) is substantially hydrophobic at the surface which during use is intended to face a user.