WO2026012573A1

WO2026012573A1 - A belted disposable absorbent hygiene product

Info

Publication number: WO2026012573A1
Application number: PCT/EP2024/069334
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gunnel Elglund; Jeanette GRIMBERG
Original assignee: Essity Hygiene and Health AB
Current assignee: Essity Hygiene and Health AB
Priority date: 2024-07-09
Filing date: 2024-07-09
Publication date: 2026-01-15
Anticipated expiration: 2027-01-09

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a belted disposable absorbent hygiene product (1, 1 ') comprising a chassis (10) having first and second end portions (15, 14) and a central portion (13) extending therebetween. Said belted disposable absorbent hygiene product (1, 1 ') further comprises a pair of belt portions (23, 24) attached to the chassis (10) with a first belt portion (23) and a second belt portion (24) extending on each side of the first end portion (15) of the chassis (10) in said transversal direction (T); said pair of belt portions (23, 24) are adapted to secure to each other to form a belt having an exterior surface when said belt portions (23, 24) are arranged around a waist of a wearer during use, wherein any one of the belt portions (23, 24) carries a fastener (25) adapted to be attached to an exterior surface of the other of the belt portions, and wherein said second end portion (14) of the chassis (10) comprises at least a second fastener (48, 49) for securing the second end portion (14) of the chassis (10) to the belt portions (23, 24) so that said product assumes a pant-like shape with the belt portions (23, 24) forming a part of a waist portion of the pant. Said belted disposable absorbent hygiene product (1, 1 ') further comprises a first pre-fastened mechanical opening system (100) adjacent to the chassis (10), on said first belt portion (23) or between said chassis (10) and said first belt portion (23), and/or a second pre-fastened mechanical opening system (200) adjacent to the chassis (10), on said second belt portion (24) or between said chassis (10) and said second belt portion (24).

Description

A BELTED DISPOSABLE ABSORBENT HYGIENE PRODUCT

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to a belted disposable absorbent hygiene product comprising a chassis having first and second end portions and a central portion extending therebetween, said belted disposable absorbent hygiene product further comprises a pair of belt portions attached to the chassis so that a first belt portion and a second belt portion extending on each side of the first end portion of the chassis in said transversal direction. The pair of belt portions are adapted to secure to each other to form a belt having an exterior surface when said belt portions are arranged around a waist of a wearer during use, wherein any one of the belt portions carries a fastener adapted to be attached to an exterior surface of the other of the belt portions. The second end portion of the chassis comprises at least a second fastener for securing the second end portion of the chassis to the belt portions so that said product assumes a pant-like shape with the belt portions forming a part of a waist portion of the pant.

BACKGROUND

Absorbent products, also called disposable absorbent hygiene products, in the form of belted disposable absorbent hygiene products are generally known in the art. A belted disposable absorbent hygiene product, also called a belted product, typically has a belt attached integrally with a chassis of the absorbent product. The belt may have two belt portions extending on either side of the rear end of the chassis. The two belt portions are intended to be fastened around the waist of the wearer, whilst the front end of the chassis hangs down between the legs of the wearer. Once the belt portions have been joined together, by a fastener, the wearer can reach between his or her legs to draw up the chassis between the legs and to attach the free end of the chassis to the belt portion, by second fasteners. Similarly, the product can be made so that the belt is fastened to the front portion of the product and is secured around the back of the wearer. In this case, the chassis will be hanging down in the front and will be secured to the belt in the back. This type of product is particularly useful for caregivers who care for patients that may have dementia or the like.

Today it is time consuming for the care giver and unpleasant for wearer to remove the product after use when lying in bed, since the care giver needs to roll the wearer several times to make sure that the belts are pushed under the wearer so as to avoid that the belts break when pulling the product from underneath the wearer. It is also a risk to scratch the skin with the fasteners of the belts. In addition, two persons are often required when changing product due to rolling of the wearer.

Hence, there is a need to simplify the opening of a belted disposable absorbent hygiene product when the wearer is lying down in a bed. At the same time is also advantageous if the product can be easy to open and to remove in different changing situations, such as when the wearer is standing up or in a patient lift.

SUMMARY

It is desired to provide an improved belted disposable absorbent hygiene product, which simplify the changing procedure in different situations, such as standing and bed changes.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, the above-mentioned object is achieved by a belted disposable absorbent hygiene product, also called belted product, as defined in claim 1 with alternative embodiments defined in the dependent claims.

The belted disposable absorbent hygiene product is an "absorbent product" which refers to consumer products which absorb and contain body exudates, and more specifically, refers to products which are placed against or in proximity to the body of the wearer to absorb and contain the various exudates discharged from the body.

A belted disposable absorbent hygiene product is characterized in that they comprise a belt that is transversely oriented in relation to the chassis of the belted product, and which is attached integrally with the chassis. An absorbent core is arranged in the chassis. The belt may have two belt portions extending on either side of the rear end or the front end of the chassis. When putting on a belted product, the two belt portions are intended to be fastened around the waist of the wearer in a first stage. The front end or the rear end of the chassis of the belted product is hanging loose from the belt between the legs of the wearer. Once the belt portions have been joined together, the absorbent chassis is led between the wearer's legs and fastened to the belt. The belt comprises fixing surfaces intended to stick to a fixing element arranged on the chassis of the belted product. This type of product is particularly useful for caregivers who care for patients that may have dementia or the like.

The absorbent product according to the present disclosure is a disposable product. The term "disposable" is used to describe absorbent products which generally are not intended to be laundered or otherwise restored, or reused as an absorbent product, e.g., they are intended to be discarded after a single use and may also be configured to be recycled, composted or otherwise disposed of in an environmentally compatible manner.

The term "longitudinal" or "longitudinally" relates to the length or the lengthwise direction, and in particular the direction running between the first end portion and the second end portion of the product or between the front and the back of the wearer.

The term “transversal" or "transversally" relates to the width or width wise direction and corresponds to the direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The transversal direction runs from side to side, and in particular from the left side to the right side of the wearer, and vice versa.

A belted disposable absorbent hygiene product in accordance with the present disclosure comprises a chassis having first and second end portions and a central portion extending therebetween, said chassis having a body facing surface intended to face the body of a wearer during use and a garment facing surface intended to face away from the body of a wearer during use, a longitudinal axis extending in a longitudinal direction and defining a longitudinal direction from said first end portion towards said second end portion and a transversal axis defining a transversal direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and a thickness direction perpendicular to the transversal axis and the longitudinal axis. The chassis comprising a liquid permeable topsheet at the body facing surface, a liquid impermeable backsheet at the garment facing surface, and an absorbent core assembly comprising at least one absorbent core arranged between said topsheet and said backsheet. The belted disposable absorbent hygiene product further comprises a pair of belt portions attached to the chassis with a first belt portion and a second belt portion extending on each side of the first end portion of the chassis in said transversal direction. The pair of belt portions are adapted to secure to each other to form a belt having an exterior surface when said belt portions are arranged around a waist of a wearer during use, wherein any one of the belt portions carries a fastener adapted to be attached to an exterior surface of the other of the belt portions, and wherein said second end portion of the chassis comprises at least a second fastener for securing the second end portion of the chassis to the belt portions so that said product assumes a pant-like shape with the belt portions forming a part of a waist portion of the pant. The belted disposable absorbent hygiene product further comprises a first pre-fastened mechanical opening system adjacent to the chassis, on said first belt portion or between said chassis and said first belt portion, and/or a second pre-fastened mechanical opening system adjacent to the chassis, on said second belt portion or between said chassis and said second belt portion.

With pre-fastened is meant that the mechanical opening system is in a closed condition when the product is taken out of the packaging. By having the mechanical opening system pre-fastened the products are delivered in a ready to use state, ready to be applied to the wearer, in a manner which the caregiver and the wearer is used with from conventional belted products. The advantage of the pre-fastened mechanical opening system is that it makes it easier to remove the product from the wearer, both when the wearer is standing up and when the wearer is lying down or in any other possible changing position. When it is time to change the product, the pre-fastened mechanical opening system can be opened so that the product may be removed from the wearer. Due to that the pre-fastened mechanical opening system is close to the chassis, where the belt is attached, the pre-fastened mechanical opening system will during use be on or close to the hips of the wearer. Thus, if the wearer is lying in a bed, it is easy to reach the prefastened mechanical opening system and to open the product at the prefastened mechanical opening system. With conventional belted products, the caregiver needs to open the product reverse to how it was taken on, i.e. the second end portion of the chassis need to be removed from the belt portions, the belt fastening has to be opened, and the belt portions need to be rolled up or placed in such a way that the fasteners cannot scratch the wearer when the product is removed. If the wearer is lying in bed, the caregiver (usually two persons) usually needs to turn the wearer around several times in the bed in order to remove the product from under the body of the wearer. This may potentially cause discomfort for the wearer and may not be an ergonomic posture for the caregiver. The turnings in the bed can be reduced by the pre-fastened mechanical opening system since the product may be removed from the wearer while the belt portions are still attached to the second end portion of the chassis. Thus, the belt portions do not have to be handled separately, and there is less risk for the fastener of the belt portions to scratch the wearer. This can even make it possible for a single caregiver to do the product change alone.

In addition, the pre-fastened mechanical opening system facilitates back-to- front use of the belted product also at evening change and during night when you do not want to disturb the wearer too much. Back-to-front use means that the belt portions attach to each other at the back of the wearer, and the second end portion of the chassis is attached to the belt portions at the back of the wearer. For some wearers, depending for example on sleeping position, daytime position, absorption needs, or comfort of the wearer, wearing the product in the back-to-front position may be preferred. However, removing a conventional belted product which is in the back-to-front position may be particularly troublesome during the nighttime when you do not want to disturb the resident to much since for a conventional belted product you often need to turn the wearer several times to be able to open and remove the product from a back-to-front position.

Also, during a product change when the wearer is standing up, the integrity for the wearer improves since there is no need to bend down towards the private parts of the wearer when removing the product using the pre-fastened mechanical opening system, and there will be no need to open the product at the front or the back. The risk of leakage during change may also reduce when opening the products on the side since the caregiver can have more control of the soiled product.

The pair of belt portions, i.e. the first and the second belt portions may be two separate belt portions. Alternatively, the pair of belt portions, i.e. the first and the second belt portions may be one belt where the first and second belt portions are connected by an intermediate belt portion which extends in the transversal direction over the chassis. The intermediate belt portion is attached to the chassis and hence also the belt portions are attached to the chassis. Parts of the first and second belt portions may be made in one piece with the intermediate belt portion, i.e. made from the same piece of material.

According to one example embodiment, said first end portion is the rear region of the disposable absorbent hygiene product and said second end portion is the front region of the disposable absorbent hygiene product and said central portion is the crotch region.

According to one example embodiment, the first and/or second pre-fastened mechanical opening system is not reclosable.

According to one example embodiment, said first pre-fastened mechanical opening system is a hook-and-loop system or a hook-and-hook system and/or said second pre-fastened mechanical opening system is a hook-and- loop system or a hook-and-hook system.

A “hook-and-loop system” refers to complementary fastening means having a “hook” portion (primary fastener) and a “loop” portion (second fastener). Hook-and-loop fastening systems are for example sold under the trademark Velcro®. Hook-and-loop fasteners generally comprise two strips or patches which are attached (glued, heat sealed, welded ...) to the opposing surfaces to be fastened. The first strip comprises hooks, the second strip comprises loops. When the two strips are pressed together, the hooks catch in the loops and the two strips fasten to each other.

A “hook-and-hook system” refers to complementary fastening means having a “hook” portion (primary fastener) and a second “hook” portion (second fastener). Hook-and-hook system generally comprise two strips or patches which are attached (glued, heat sealed, welded ...) to the opposing surfaces to be fastened. The first strip comprises hooks, the second strip also comprises hooks. When the two strips are pressed together, the hooks catch in the hooks and the two strips fasten to each other. According to one example embodiment, the hook-and-loop system comprises a hook element and a loop element, the loop element being in the form of a loop patch or a material of said belted disposable absorbent hygiene product forming a loop area.

The material of said belted disposable absorbent hygiene product forming a loop area may be one of the materials that forms said chassis or said first and second belt portions. For example, the topsheet or the backsheet material of the chassis or one of the materials forming the first or second belt portions. Alternatively, the material forming a loop area can be a patch with loops that is attached by, for example, adhesive, ultrasonic welding or heat sealing/welding or a combination thereof to the chassis or to the first and/or second belt portion.

According to one example embodiment, the hook element comprises a hook area with hooks. The hook element may be a hook patch which comprises, for example, a sheet formed base having generally parallel upper and lower surfaces. The lower surface is usually attached, by adhesive, ultrasonic welding or heat sealing/welding or a combination thereof, to one of the parts that are being pre-fastened via the pre-fastened mechanical opening system. The sheet formed base may have a square shape, rectangle shape, round shape or any other shape.

On the upper surface, opposite to where it is attached, a plurality of discrete fastening elements in the form of hooks are projecting from the upper surface of the sheet formed base, forming a fastening portion, i.e. the hook area. The hooks may be evenly distributed over the whole area or in different zones, for example, stripes of fastening elements. The hooks have stems. The stems have ends, heads or hook ends which are adapted to be attached to loops.

The hooks can have any shape. Examples of hooks comprise pins, for example straight pins, angled pins, curved pins, tapered pins, limbed or multi- limbed pins, hooks, limbed or multi-limbed hooks, mushroom shaped protrusions, and palm tree shaped protrusions. The hooks may have any type of cross-section such as round, oval, square, rectangular, or polygonal. The hooks may have a solid core. Within one hook element all hooks may have the same shape. Alternatively, one hook element may comprise several different shapes of hooks. The hook element comprises a hook area with hooks.

During manufacturing of the belted disposable absorbent hygiene product, the hook element, i.e. the hooks, is pressed together or has been pressed together in a previous step with the loop patch or the material of said belted disposable absorbent hygiene product forming the loop area, so the hooks catch in the loops and the two are fastened to each other and hence form the pre-fastened mechanical opening system.

As an alternative to a hook patch a hook tab can be used. A hook tab may be an elongated tab which at one end comprises an attached portion by which the tab is permanently attached to a feature of the product, and on the opposite end comprises a fastening portion with hooks, i.e. a hook area, provided for releasably engaging the loop material. The fastening portion is usually protruding over an outer edge of the feature it is attached to. For example, a hook tab could be permanently attached by the attached portion to the first belt portion at the end of the first belt portion closest to the chassis. The fastening portion with the hooks may then protrude over the outer end of the first belt portion in the transversal direction towards the chassis, and the hooks of the fastening portion is pre-fastened to, for example, the backsheet nonwoven or topsheet nonwoven of the chassis, which each may form the loop area. Alternatively, the hook tab could be arranged between two belt portion parts forming a belt portion in a similar way. A further alternative to a separate hook patch or a hook tab is to have hooks that are integrally formed in the material, for example, the belt portion material. A method for forming integrated hooks is described in WO20 10/085492.

According to one example embodiment, said first and/or second belt portion comprises an intermediate elastic region.

The intermediate elastic region may be an elastic panel member that is attached by adhesive, thermo-bonding, ultrasonic or laser welding to a substantially inelastic part of the belt portion or between two inelastic parts forming the belt portion. The elastic panel member may comprise any elastic material, such as an elastic film, an elastic non-woven or an elastic laminate, known in the art. The elastic material may be two or more film layers connected together or a combination of film and non-woven layers. One group of elastic laminates are so called "stretch-bonded" laminates, in which the elastic layer is stretched in at least one direction before laminating it with one or more inelastic layers. After the tension is removed from the elastic layer it can freely retract to its un-tensioned state, and the inelastic layer(s) laminated thereto become gathered, giving a three-dimensional puckering.

Another group of elastic laminates are so called "neck bonded" laminates, which refer to laminates in which an elastic material is bonded to a nonelastic material while the non-elastic member is extended under conditions reducing its width or "necked". "Neck bonded laminate" refers to a composite material having at least two layers in which one layer is a necked, non-elastic layer and the other layer is an elastic layer. The layers are joined together when the non-elastic layer is in an extended condition.

A further group of elastic laminates comprise inelastic non-woven layers which are laminated to an elastic film layer, and the laminate is stretched above the point of failure of the non-woven materials, so that the inelastic layers break. Inelastic non-woven layers may also be laminated to an unstretched elastic film layer. The elasticity of the laminate is then activated by mechanical stretching.

According to another embodiment of the elastic panel member, the elastic panel member may comprise one or more elastic strips or threads contractably affixed between web materials, which may be inelastic.

According to one example embodiment, said first and/or second belt portion each comprises an inner panel member being attached to the chassis, an outer panel member, and an elastic panel member. Said elastic panel member being arranged between and attached to said inner panel member and said outer panel member in a respective fastening region, wherein said elastic member is attached to said inner panel member at a first fastening region and to said outer panel member at a second fastening region.

According to one example embodiment, the elastic panel member is attached to said inner panel member at said first fastening region in a first overlapping area, and to said outer panel member at said second fastening region in a second overlapping area.

According to one example embodiment, the first pre-fastened mechanical opening system is arranged at said first fastening region or said second fastening region of said first belt portion and/or said second pre-fastened mechanical opening system is arranged at said first fastening region or said second fastening region of said second belt portion. If the pre-fastened mechanical opening system is at said first fastening region, the elastic panel member may be attached to said inner panel member by the first or second pre-fastened mechanical opening system. If the pre-fastened mechanical opening system is at said second fastening region the elastic panel member may be attached to said outer panel member by the first or second prefastened mechanical opening system. According to one example embodiment, the chassis comprises a first edge at the first end portion and a second edge at the second end portion, said chassis further comprises a first longitudinal side edge and a second longitudinal side edge connecting the first edge and the second edge of the chassis on mutually opposite sides of the longitudinal axis, wherein said first pre-fastened mechanical opening system is arranged on said first belt portion at a distance from said first longitudinal side edge, in a direction along the transversal axis, wherein said distance is between 0mm and half of the total length of the first belt portion and/or said second pre-fastened mechanical opening system is arranged on said second belt portion at a distance from said second longitudinal side edge, in a direction along the transversal axis, wherein said distance is between 0mm and half of the total length of the second belt portion. The first and the second edges extends in the transversal direction. The first edge may be a back edge and the second edge may be a front edge, or it may be other way around. Said distances are measured from the respective longitudinal side edges where the respective belt portions are attached. Preferably, the distance is measured from the respective longitudinal side edges where the respective belt portions are attached to a closest edge or point of said hook area/fastening portion facing the respective longitudinal side edge.

According to one example embodiment, said first pre-fastened mechanical opening system and/or said second pre-fastened mechanical opening system extends substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis.

According to one example embodiment, said first pre-fastened mechanical opening system and/or said second pre-fastened mechanical opening system extends in an angle to the longitudinal axis.

According to one example embodiment, said angle is preferably less than 45°, more preferably less than 20°. If they extend in an angle to the longitudinal axis, then the distance from the respective longitudinal axis should be measured where the distance is the shortest. This way a finger lift can be created.

According to one example embodiment, said first and/or second pre-fastened mechanical opening system has a peel strength which is at least between 1 ,5 N and 50 N; more preferably between 2 N and 10N.

According to one example embodiment, said first and/or second pre-fastened mechanical opening system has a shear strength which is at least 25N, more preferably at least above 50N.

According to one example embodiment, said first and/or second pre-fastened mechanical opening system comprises a finger lift portion. The finger lift portion helps the user or caregiver to open the pre-fastened mechanical opening system. They can grip the finger lift portion with their fingers in order to open the pre-fastened mechanical opening system. The finger lift portion does not comprise any hooks.

According to one example embodiment, said finger lift portion is arranged adjacent a hook area comprising hooks of said hook element, of said systems, and said finger lift portion does not comprising any hooks. The systems being a hook-and-loop system or a hook-and-hook system.

According to one example embodiment, said finger lift portion is at least 5 mm wide, more preferably at least 8 mm wide, in the transversal direction.

According to one example embodiment, said finger lift portion comprises a contrasting colour and/or is tactilely distinguishable from at least the closest surrounding area. The finger lift portion i.e. the area forming the finger lift when the refastened mechanical opening system is pre-fastened, may fully or partly be in a colour, shape or texture different from the closest surrounding area. The finger lift i.e. the area forming the finger lift may fully or partly be in a colour, shape or texture different from that of the rest of the pre-fastened mechanical opening system. Having a different colour, shape or texture makes it easy for the wearer or caregiver to see the fastener and it will trigger the wearer or caregiver to grip the finger lift.

According to one example embodiment the first and/or second pre-fastened mechanical opening system extends at least partly over the respective first and/or second belt portion in the longitudinal direction.

Generally, all terms used throughout this disclosure are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless explicitly defined otherwise herein. All references to "a/an/the [element, device, component, means, step, etc]" are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of that element, device, component, means, step, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Other objectives, features and advantages of the example embodiments of the present disclosure will appear from the following detailed disclosure, as well as from the drawings. The skilled person will readily realize that different features of the example embodiments may be combined to create embodiments other than those expressly described in the following, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above, as well as additional objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will be better understood through the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of example embodiments of the present invention, with reference to the appended drawings, where the same reference numerals will be used for similar elements, wherein: Fig. 1 schematically shows a first example embodiment of a belted disposable absorbent hygiene product, from the side that is intended to face towards the wearer when in use, with a first embodiment of the first prefastened mechanical opening system.

Fig. 2a shows an enlarged view of area A in Fig. 1 and the first embodiment of the first pre-fastened mechanical opening system.

Fig. 2b shows cross-section A-A in Fig. 2a with the chassis and the first belt portion pre-fastened by the first pre-fastened mechanical opening system.

Fig. 2c shows the chassis and the first belt portion in Fig. 2b separated from each other after the first pre-fastened mechanical opening system has been opened.

Fig. 3a shows an enlarged view of area A in Fig. 1 and a second embodiment of the first pre-fastened mechanical opening system.

Fig. 3b shows cross-section B-B in Fig. 3a with the chassis and the first belt portion pre-fastened by the second embodiment of the first pre-fastened mechanical opening system.

Fig. 3c shows the chassis and the first belt portion in Fig. 3b separated from each other after the second embodiment of the first pre-fastened mechanical opening system has been opened.

Fig. 4 schematically shows a second example embodiment of a belted disposable absorbent hygiene product, from the side that is intended to face towards the wearer when in use, with a third embodiment of the first prefastened mechanical opening system. Fig. 5a shows an enlarged view of area B in Fig. 4 from the backsheet side and the third embodiment of the first pre-fastened mechanical opening system.

Fig. 5b shows cross-section C-C in Fig. 5a with portions of the first belt portion pre-fastened by the third embodiment of the first pre-fastened mechanical opening system.

Fig. 5c shows the portions of the first belt portion in Fig. 5b separated from each other after the third embodiment of the first pre-fastened mechanical opening system has been opened.

Fig. 6 schematically shows a third example embodiment of a belted disposable absorbent hygiene product from the side that is intended to face towards the wearer when in use, with a fourth embodiment of the first prefastened mechanical opening system.

Fig. 7a shows an enlarged view of area C in Fig. 6 and the fourth embodiment of the first pre-fastened mechanical opening system.

Fig. 7b shows cross-section D-D in Fig. 7a with portions of the first belt portion pre-fastened by the fourth embodiment of the first pre-fastened mechanical opening system.

Fig. 7c shows the portions of the first belt portion in Fig. 7b separated from each other after the fourth embodiment of the first pre-fastened mechanical opening system has been opened.

All the figures are highly schematic, not necessarily to scale, and they show only parts which are necessary in order to elucidate the invention, other parts being omitted or merely suggested. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various aspects of the disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments are shown. The example embodiments may, however, take many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the details of embodiment set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided for thoroughness and completeness. Like reference characters refer to similar elements throughout the description.

For purposes of description herein the terms "rear," "front,", “longitudinal,” "inner," "outer,", “exterior,” and derivatives thereof relate to the example embodiments as oriented in e.g. Figs. 1-7c. However, it is to be understood that the example embodiments may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the examples illustrated in the figures and described herein are simply example embodiments. Hence, dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the example embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless expressly stated otherwise.

The disclosure mainly refers to disposable absorbent hygiene products, which means products that are not intended to be laundered or otherwise restored or reused as absorbent products after use. By “absorbent product” is meant a product that absorbs or is adapted to absorb bodily fluids, such as urine and/or blood, and/or contain solid excrements.

Fig. 1 shows a belted disposable absorbent hygiene product 1 , also called belted product 1 . Belted products 1 comprise generally a belt and a chassis part. Belted products comprise a transverse belt connected to either the front or rear end part of the product's chassis part. When applying such a belted product, the belt is fixed in a first stage around the wearer's waist by a fastener. The chassis part of the belted product hangs loosely from the belt in this type of product. The chassis part is then led between the wearer's legs and attached to the belt, wherein the belt comprises fixing surfaces intended to stick fast to a fixing member or fastening device, i.e. a second and/or a third fastener, arranged on the chassis.

Fig. 1 schematically shows some components of a belted product 1 in which the belted product 1 is shown from the side which is intended to face towards the wearer when in use.

The belted product 1 comprises a chassis 10. The chassis 10 has a first end portion 15, a second end portion 14 and a central portion 13 extending there between. The first end portion 15 defines the rear end portion 15, i.e. the rear region. The second end portion 14 defines the front end portion 14, i.e. the front region. It may however be the other way around.

The outer contour of the chassis 10 is hourglass shaped, such that the width of the central portion 13 is narrower than the width of the front end portion 14 and the rear end portion 15, respectively, where the width of the rear end portion 15 and the front end portion may be equal or different. For example, the rear end portion may be wider than the front end portion.

In alternative embodiments, the outer contour of the chassis may take different shapes, such as rectangular or oblong.

The chassis 10 has a body facing surface intended to face the body of a wearer and a garment facing surface intended to face away from the body of a wearer. The chassis 10 comprises a liquid permeable topsheet 11 at the body facing surface, a liquid impermeable backsheet 12 at the garment facing surface, and an absorbent assembly 30 arranged between the topsheet and the backsheet. The topsheet 11 and the backsheet 12 extend outside the outer contour of the absorbent assembly 30 and are joined together outside the absorbent assembly contour using methods such as gluing or welding by means of heat or ultrasound, for example.

The chassis 10 defines the longitudinal direction L from a first edge 5, i.e. a back edge 5 of the rear end portion 15 towards a second edge, i.e. a front edge 4 at the front end portion 14, as well as a transversal direction T perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L.

Longitudinal side edges 2, 3 connect the front edge 4 and the back edge 5 of the chassis 10 on mutually opposite sides of an imaginary longitudinal centreline, i.e. a longitudinal axis Y.

The belted product 1 further comprises a first belt portion 23 and a second belt portion 24. The first belt portion 23 and the second belt portion 24 extend in the transverse direction T of the belted product 1 .

The first belt portion 23 and the second belt portion 24 are attached to the chassis 10 so that the first belt portion 23 and the second belt portion 24 extend on each side of the first end portion 15 of the chassis for securing to each other around a waist of a wearer to form the belt having an exterior surface. Thus, each first and second belt portions 23, 24 are connected to the chassis 10 in the rear end portion 15, respectively. The first belt portion 23 is joined to the longitudinal side edge 3 and the second belt portion 24 is joined to the opposing longitudinal side edge 2. Typically, although not strictly required, the belt portions 23, 24 may be partly or entirely elastic.

The first belt portion 23 and the second belt portion 24 extends also in the longitudinal direction L and have a width. The width of the belt portions may be between 5 and 20 cm, for example between 7 and 15 cm. The first belt portion 23 and the second belt portion 24 are of the same length. The length being in the transversal direction T. In alternative embodiments, one belt portion can be longer than the other. The combined length of the two belt portions is designed to reach around a wearer's waist.

The first belt portion 23 and the second belt portion 24 are attached to the chassis 10 so that the first belt portion 23 and the second belt portion 24 each extends on one respective side of the first end portion 15 of the chassis for securing to each other around a wearer of the product. Each belt portion 23, 24 has an inner surface facing the wearer during use and an outer (exterior) surface facing away from the wearer during use.

The second belt portion 24 has a fastener 25 on its inner surface facing the wearer during use. The fastener 25 is adapted to be attached to the outer (exterior) surface of the first belt portion 23 for securing the first and the second belt portions 23, 24 to each other around the wearer of the product. The fastener 25 may for example be a hook fastener. The fastener 25 is arranged close to the outer edge 26 of the belt i.e. the distal end opposite the end of the second belt portion 24 that is attached to the chassis 10.

In this example, the second belt portion 24 has a free end 6 which carries the fastener 25 adapted to be attached to an exterior surface of the other of the belt portions, i.e. the first belt portion 23. The exterior surface of the first belt portion 23 may in some examples be provided with a mating fastening component (not shown) or acting itself as the mating fastening component. In this example the exterior surface of the first belt portion 23 acts as the mating fastening component. Hereby, the fastener 25 and the mating fastening component are mechanically connectable to form an interconnection between the first belt portion and the second belt portion for securing to each other around a wearer of the absorbent hygiene product.

The second end portion 14 of the chassis 10 comprises at least one second fastening device on the topsheet 11 . In Fig. 1 two second fasteners 48, 49 are arranged on the second end portion 14, i.e. the front end portion 14 for securing the second end portion 14 of the chassis to the belt portions 23, 24 so that the product assumes a pant-like shape with the first and second belt portions 23, 24 forming a part of a waist portion of the pant. The second end portion 14 of the chassis may be secured to the exterior surfaces of the first belt portion 23 and/or second belt portion 24. In other words, the front end portion, i.e. second end portion 14 of the chassis includes the fastening device(s), i.e. fasteners 48, 49 for securing the front end portion of the chassis to the belt. The two second fasteners 48, 49 may each, for example, be a hook fastener comprising hooks which attaches to the exterior surfaces of the first belt portion 23 and/or second belt portion 24.

The two second fasteners 48, 49 are arranged on the side of the topsheet 11 that is intended to face towards the wearer when the belted product 1 is used. The fasteners 48, 49 are arranged at the respective longitudinal edge 2, 3 in the front end portion 14 of the topsheet 11 , i.e. connected to the two front corners of the chassis 10. The two second fasteners 48, 49 on the front end portion are intended, on application of the belted product 1 to a wearer, to be connected detachably to the belt portions 23, 24 intended to face away from the wearer.

When a belted product 1 is to be applied to a wearer, the first and the second belt portions 23 and 24 (forming the belt) are first fixed around the wearer's waist. The front end portion 14 of the belted product 1 that hangs loosely is then led in between the wearer's legs, following which the two fasteners 48, 49 are fixed to the belt portions 23 and 24 (i.e. the belt) on the wearer’s stomach on the side of the belt oriented away from the wearer.

In Fig. 1 two separate second fasteners 48, 49 are shown. However, it may be only one second fastener. The second fastener may then be provided as an extended piece of a fastener across a length of the second end portion 14, as seen in the transverse direction T. A belted product 1 is also conceivable in which the belt is connected to the front end portion of the belted product. Such a product is applied to the wearer in the reverse manner, i.e. after the belt has been fixed around the wearer's waist, the loosely hanging rear end part is led in between the wearer's legs and fixed to the belt at the back on the side of the belt oriented away from the wearer.

To improve the fit of the belted product 1 , the longitudinal edges 2, 3 of the chassis 10 can be provided with leg elastic 17 arranged substantially in the longitudinal direction L of the product. The task of the leg elastics 17 includes improving the fit of the product and making the belted product 1 more like textile multiple-use briefs/pants. A leg elastic 17 may comprise one or more elastic threads that in the extended state have been joined to the topsheet by gluing, ultrasonic welding or the like. Alternatively, a leg elastic 17 can comprise elastic ribbon material of foamed material, for example. A leg elastic 17 may be arranged on the side of the topsheet 11 that is intended to face away from the wearer when in use, i.e. between the topsheet 11 and the backsheet 12.

The rear and/or the front end portions 14, 15 of the belted product 1 can also be provided with so-called waist elastic 46 in the form of elastic elements arranged along a front edge 4 or back edge 5 of the belted product 1 to give the belted product 1 a soft, flexible enclosure of the wearer's waist. In Fig. 1 , only the front end portion 14 of the belted product 1 is provided with a waist elastic 46. The waist elastic 46 may include a thin strip of elastic foam material that is attached by glue to the side of the topsheet that is intended to face away from the wearer. The waist elastic 46 is applied in a stretched state to achieve a holding-together force that stretches the belted product 1 around the wearer's waist. When the second fasteners 48, 49 are fastened to the belt it is suitable that the waist elastic 46 is tensioned in the transverse direction T of the belted product 1 so that the front end part 14 has a smooth configuration over the wearer's stomach in use.

As mentioned in the above, the belted product 1 comprises a backsheet 12 arranged on the side of the chassis that is intended to face away from the wearer when in use. The backsheet has the same extension in the L/T plane as the topsheet 11.

The topsheet is a liquid permeable topsheet 11 . Materials suitable for topsheets are commonly known in the art of disposable absorbent hygiene products, and for the purposes of the present disclosure any material commonly known for use as a topsheet material may be used, including, but not limited to non-woven materials and perforated polymeric films.

The topsheet 11 is suitably sufficiently fluid permeable to allow discharged body fluids such as urine to penetrate through the thickness of the topsheet 11 . Also, the topsheet 11 is suitably manufactured from a material which is compliant and soft feeling to the skin of the wearer.

The topsheet 11 may be manufactured from various web materials such as woven and nonwoven webs, perforated films, open cell foams, or combinations or laminates of the above-mentioned materials.

A nonwoven material suitable as a topsheet can be manufactured from synthetic fibres such as polyester or polypropylene, or natural fibres such as cotton fibres. A mix of synthetic and natural fibres may also be used.

The nonwoven materials to be used for the topsheet 11 may for example be made of a spunbond, a spunbond/spunbond composite or a spunbond/meltblown composite, such as a SMS (spunbond/meltblown/spunbond), SSMS, SSMMS, SMMS, nonwoven material of polypropylene or bicomponent fibers of polypropylene and polyethylene, or of a combination of such materials. The topsheet 11 may also have elastic properties.

The topsheet 11 may be hydrophilized in order to improve the tendency for urine to penetrate the topsheet into the underlying structures. Methods for hydrophilizing nonwovens are known and include coating the nonwoven material with a hydrophilic coating, such as by applying a surfactant coating; by applying a hydrophilic monomer composition and a radical polymerization initiator onto the nonwoven followed by initiating a polymerization reaction on the nonwoven; by applying a coating of hydrophilic nanoparticles; or by treating the nonwoven surface with a high energy treatment (corona, plasma).

A surfactant coating may be obtained for example by applying a surfactant composition to the non-woven material by any suitable means including spraying, slot coating, kiss roll coating and/or soaking the material in a bath containing the surfactant. The hydrophilization treatment may be performed in-line during assembly of the absorbent hygiene product, or may performed separately and the topsheet may then delivered as ready-to-use rolls to the disposable absorbent hygiene product manufacturing plant.

The topsheet material may have a basis weight of from 8 to 20 g/m2, such as from 12 to 17 g/m2. However, the disclosure is not limited to topsheet materials having this basis weight only.

The backsheet 12 is arranged at the garment facing side of the disposable absorbent hygiene product. Materials suitable as backsheets are commonly known in the art of disposable absorbent hygiene products. The backsheet 12 prevents the exudates absorbed by the absorbent assembly from soiling other external products that may contact the disposable absorbent hygiene product, such as bedsheets and undergarments. The backsheet 12 may be substantially impermeable to liquids, such as urine. The backsheet 12 may be substantially liquid impermeable but breathable, i.e. gas permeable, implying that air and other gases may pass through the backsheet 12 while being substantially impermeable to liquids.

For the purposes of the present disclosure, any material commonly known for use as a backsheet material may be included in the backsheet, including but not limited to polymeric films, for example films of polyethylene, polypropylene or copolymers of polyethylene or polypropylene, hydrophobized nonwoven materials, fluid impermeable foams and fluid impermeable laminates.

The backsheet may comprise one or more layers of material. For example, the backsheet may be a laminate of a liquid impermeably polymeric film towards the absorbent assembly and nonwoven towards the garment side, to provide a textile, soft feeling to the outer surface of the disposable absorbent hygiene product. In all the figures the backsheet 12 is a laminate of a liquid impermeably polymeric film which is arranged towards the absorbent assembly 30 and with a nonwoven arranged towards the garment side. It is however shown as one piece of material in the figures.

It is also contemplated that the backsheet may be made or otherwise include an entirely or partially elastic material in order to give the product a better fit when in use.

The belted product 1 in accordance with this example relates to a diaper intended to be used by an incontinent adult person or by a child who has not yet become continent. Upon use of a belted product comprising the absorbent assembly 30, the front part of the crotch region 13 and the front end part 14 principally act like a receiving area for urine, while the rear part of the crotch region 13 and the rear end portion 15 act mainly as a receiving area for faeces. The topsheet 11 and the backsheet 12 are connected to one another outside the absorbent assembly 30 along its entire circumference. The topsheet 11 and the backsheet 12 can be joined to one another in several different ways. Examples of joining methods are gluing, thermal fusing, ultrasonic welding or the like. For belted products 1 comprising a topsheet 11 and a substantially liquid-impermeable backsheet 12, it may be suitable for the leg elastic 17 and the waist elastic 46 described above to be arranged between the topsheet 11 and the backsheet 12.

As illustrated in Fig. 1 the absorbent assembly 30 comprises one absorbent core, however the absorbent assembly 30 may comprise two absorbent cores, a first absorbent core and a second absorbent core in a stacked relationship, i.e. placed on top of each other such that both the longitudinal ends of the second absorbent core are between, longitudinally inboard of, the longitudinal ends of the first absorbent core (not shown).

The cores can be constructed from one or more layers of cellulose fluff pulp. The cellulose fluff pulp can be mixed with fibres or particles of a highly absorbent polymer material, so-called superabsorbent polymers, of the type that chemically binds large quantities of fluid on absorption with the formation of a fluid-holding gel. The absorbent core can also comprise highly absorbent polymer material arranged in a layer inside the absorbent core or connected to the surface or surfaces of the absorbent core. The absorbent core can further include further components for improving the properties of the absorbent core. Examples of such components are binding fibres, various types of fluid-dispersing layers or fibres, dimensionally stabilising components, reinforcing fibres or the like.

Superabsorbent polymers are well-known in the field of absorbent products and are used to help improve the absorbent properties of such products. Superabsorbent polymers are constituted by water-swellable and water- insoluble polymers that are capable of absorbing large quantities of fluid upon formation of a hydrogel, such as capable of absorbing at least 5 times their weight of an aqueous 0.9 % saline solution as measured according to the method NSWP 241.0.R2 (15). The superabsorbent polymers for use in accordance with the present disclosure may be inorganic or organic crosslinked hydrophilic polymers, such as polyvinyl alcohols, polyethylene oxides, crosslinked starches, guar gum, xanthan gum, crosslinked polyacrylates, and the like. The polymers may be in the form of powders, granules, microparticles, films, foams and fibers, for example. Upon contact with fluids, such super absorbent polymers swell by absorbing the fluids into their structures. In general, super absorbent polymers can quickly absorb fluids insulted into such products, and can retain such fluids to prevent leakage and help provide a dry feel even after fluid insult.

The type of super absorbent polymer used in an absorbent assembly of the embodiments discussed herein may be the same or may vary within the assembly. For example, a super absorbent polymer with a first set of characteristics may be used in the front and back regions of the absorbent assembly, or in a first absorbent core, and a super absorbent polymer with a second set of characteristics may be used in the central region of the absorbent assembly, or in a second absorbent core. The characteristics referred to in this section is for example the centrifuge retention capacity (CRC), absorption under load (AUL) and/or the gel layer permeability (GLP).

An acquisition layer may be sandwiched between the topsheet 11 and the absorbent assembly 30 (not shown). While an absorbent assembly 30 is intended to receive and hold large amounts of exudates, such as urine, it may be advantageous to include an acquisition layer between the topsheet 11 and the absorbent core assembly 30 to provide for interim acquisition of large amounts of liquid, as well as to provide a layer for the distribution of liquid away from the immediate place of impact. Materials suitable as acquisition layers, also referred to in the art as transfer layer, or ADL (acquisition and distribution layer), are commonly known in the art of disposable absorbent hygiene products, and for the purposes of the present disclosure, any material known to the person skilled in the art as being useful as an acquisition layer may be used. An acquisition layer may for example be in the form of an airlaid layer, a spunlace layer, a high-loft, foam or any other type of material layer which may be used in an absorbent hygiene product to act as a liquid acquisition and absorption layer. The acquisition layer is suitably adapted to quickly receive and temporarily store discharged liquid before it is absorbed by the absorbent core. Such acquisition layer may be composed of for example airlaid nonwoven, spunlace nonwoven, high loft nonwoven or foam materials. An airlaid nonwoven may be produced with fluff, wood pulp, and here the fluff fibres are dispersed into a fast-moving air stream and condensed onto a moving screen by means of pressure and vacuum. The acquisition layer may preferably be of an air-through bonded nonwoven of polyester fibers.

The term "nonwoven", mentioned in relation to the different parts of the disposable absorbent product disclosed, such as topsheet, backsheet and or belt portions, which in term of their properties are located between the groups of paper and cardboard on the one hand and textiles on the other hand. A “nonwoven” is a manufactured sheet, web or batt of directionally or randomly orientated fibers, bonded by friction, and/or cohesion and/or adhesion, excluding paper and products which are woven, knitted, tufted, stitch-bonded incorporating binding yams or filaments, or felted by wet-milling, whether or not additionally needled. The fibers may be of natural or man-made origin and may be staple or continuous filaments or be formed in situ. Commercially available fibers have diameters ranging from less than about 0.001 mm to more than about 0.2 mm and they come in several different forms: short fibers (known as staple, or chopped), continuous single fibers (filaments or monofilaments), untwisted bundles of continuous filaments (tow), and twisted bundles of continuous filaments (yarn). Nonwoven fabrics can be formed by many processes such as airlaid, wetlaid, spunlaced, spunbond, meltblown, solvent spinning, electrospinning, and carding techniques.

Further components commonly employed in disposable absorbent hygiene products but not illustrated in the figures of the present disclosure may be employed in a disposable absorbent hygiene product according to the present disclosure. For example, raised elastic members, commonly known as standing gathers, may be attached to the topsheet.

A wetness indicator, for example a material that changes its colour upon contact with urine, may be included in the disposable absorbent hygiene product, such as disposed between the absorbent assembly and the backsheet and visible through the backsheet, such as to indicate whether a wetting event has taken place.

The first belt portion 23 and the second belt portion 24, which forms the belt, are attached to the chassis 10. The first and second belt portions 23, 24 may be made of one layer of fibrous material or be a flexible laminate of at least two layers of fibrous material bonded together in a bonding pattern provided by ultrasonic, laser and/or heat, for example. If it is a flexible laminate at least some of the fibers in the layers of fibrous material should be meltable by such bonding techniques.

As an alternative the laminate may comprise at least three fibrous material layers. One outer layer intended to form the outside of the belt may be a fibrous material adapted to serve as an attachment surface for the fasteners 48, 49 on the front end portion 14. The middle layer may be of a relatively tear strong fibrous material, such as a spunbond or meltblown material comprising continuous filaments. The other outer layer intended to form an inner layer of the belt facing the wearer, may be of a soft and skin friendly fibrous material. Examples of suitable materials are spunbond and meltblown materials, carded bonded materials etc. Examples of polymer materials used in the different fibrous materials suitable for this purpose include polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester and /or so called bicomponent fibers. The basis weight of the nonwoven laminate can vary between about 40 and about 150 gsm, for example between about 60 and about 120 gsm, and specifically between about 75 and about 5 gsm. One or more layers of the laminate may be creped. For example, the outer layer intended to act as receiving material for the fastening means, especially as a loop material for a hook-and-loop type fastener, may be creped. By the creping the loop function of the material is improved.

In belted products on the market today the first and second belt portions 23, 24 are permanently attached to the chassis 10. In other words, an end portion opposite the free end portion 6 of the first belt portion 23 is usually permanently attached to the first end portion 15 of the chassis. Analogously, an end portion of the second belt portion 24 is usually permanently attached to the first end portion 15 of the chassis.

In order to be able to open and remove the product in a faster and easier way during use, both when the wearer is standing up and when the wearer is lying down, the belted product 1 in Fig. 1 comprises a first pre-fastened mechanical opening system 100 adjacent to the chassis 10, between said chassis 10 and said first belt portion 23, and a second pre-fastened mechanical opening system 200 adjacent to the chassis 10 between said chassis 10 and said second belt portion 24. This is shown in more detail in Figs. 2a - 3c.

Alternatively, the first pre-fastened mechanical opening system 100 may be arranged adjacent to the chassis 10, on said first belt portion. The second pre-fastened mechanical opening system 200 may be arranged adjacent to the chassis 10, on said second belt portion 24. This is shown in more detail in Figs. 4 - 7c.

With pre-fastened is meant that the mechanical opening system is in a closed condition when the belted product 1 is taken out of the packaging. By having the mechanical opening system pre-fastened the belted products 1 are delivered in a ready to use state, ready to be applied to the wearer, in a manner which the caregiver and the wearer is used with from conventional belted products. The pre-fastened mechanical opening system can be reclosable, this is however not a requirement. In some embodiments the prefastened mechanical opening system is not reclosable.

Figs. 2a-2c show the first pre-fastened mechanical opening system 100 in Fig. 1 in detail. The second pre-fastened mechanical opening system 200 has a similar in design and will hence not be separately described. Hence, the features of the first pre-fastened mechanical opening system 100 is also applicable for the second pre-fastened mechanical opening system 200.

Fig. 2a shows an enlarged view of area A in Fig. 1 , where the first prefastened mechanical opening system 100 is arranged between said chassis 10 and said first belt portion 23 and will hereafter be described in detail. Fig. 2b shows cross-section A-A in Fig. 2a. Fig. 2c shows the chassis 10 and the first belt portion 23 in Fig. 2b separated from each other after the first prefastened mechanical opening system 100 has been opened.

The first pre-fastened mechanical opening system 100 is a hook-and- loop system. Hook-and-loop fastening systems are, for example, sold under the trademark Velcro®. The hook-and-loop system comprises a hook element 101 and a loop element 102. The hook element 101 in Figs. 2a-2c is attached to the first belt portion 23 in an attachment area 106 and the loop element 102 is formed by the chassis 10, i.e. the material of the backsheet 12. In Figs. 1 and 2a-c the backsheet 12 is a laminate of a liquid impermeably polymeric film, arranged towards the absorbent assembly 30 and a nonwoven layer, arranged towards the garment side. In Fig 2b and 2c the backsheet 12 is a laminate, but the different layers are not shown, however the outer backsheet nonwoven forms the loop element 102. Alternatively, the topsheet nonwoven 11 of the chassis 10 may form the loop area 102 instead of the backsheet 12.

The hook element 101 is a hook patch which comprises a sheet formed base 104 having generally parallel upper and lower surfaces. The lower surface is attached to the first belt portion in the attachment area 106. The sheet formed base 104 may have a square shape, rectangle shape, round shape or any other shape. It is here exemplified in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 with a rectangular shape of the hook element 101 .

On the upper surface, opposite to where it is attached, a plurality of discrete fastening elements 105, in the form of hooks 105, are formed. The hooks are forming a hook area. The hooks comprise stems projecting from the upper surface of the sheet formed base forming a fastening portion. The stems are here evenly distributed over the whole area may however be distributed in different zones, for example, stripes of fastening elements. The stems are hooks which are adapted to be attached to loops. The hooks can have any shape. Examples of hooks comprise pins, for example straight pins, angled pins, curved pins, tapered pins, limbed or multi- limbed pins, hooks, limbed or multi-limbed hooks, mushroom shaped protrusions, and palm tree shaped protrusions. The hooks may have any type of cross-section such as round, oval, square, rectangular, or polygonal. The hooks may have a solid core. Within one hook element all hooks may have the same shape. Alternatively, one hook element may comprise several different shapes of hooks.

The fastener 25 on the second belt portion 24 and the two second fasteners 48, 49 may, as mentioned before, be hook fasteners and they may have a similar design as described for the hook element 101 of the pre-fastened mechanical opening system 100, 200.

The width in the transversal direction of the hook area in Figs. 2a-2c is preferably 4-100mm, more preferably 10-80mm. The length of the hook area in the longitudinal direction is preferably as long as the first belt portion 23 in the longitudinal direction or it may be shorter.

During manufacturing the hook element 101 and the loop element 102 in the first pre-fastened mechanical opening system 100 are pressed together.

The hooks 105, i.e. the fastening elements catch in the loops and the two elements fasten to each other.

As an alternative, a separate loop element can be attached to the chassis, instead of the chassis forming the loop element (not shown).

Alternatively, the hook element 101 , which in Fig. 2a-c is attached to the first belt portion 23, can be attached to the chassis 10 instead and attach to the first belt portion 23 using the hooks. The material of the first belt portion 23 may then form the loop element or the first belt portion 23 may be provided with a separate loop element (not shown).

Instead of a loop element 102, a second hook element can be used. The first pre-fastened mechanical opening system 100 is then a hook-and-hook system where the two hook elements are pressed together. The hooks catch in the hooks and the two hook elements fasten to each other (not shown). The second hook element can have the same design as the hook element described for the hook-and-loop system.

Figs. 3a-3c show a second embodiment of the first pre-fastened mechanical opening system 100 in detail at the same position in the product in Fig 1 as the first embodiment of the first pre-fastened mechanical opening system 100. The second pre-fastened mechanical opening system 200 in Fig. 1 may have a similar design and will hence not be separately described. Hence, the features of the second embodiment of first pre-fastened mechanical opening system 100 is also applicable for the second pre-fastened mechanical opening system 200.

Fig. 3a shows an enlarged view of area A in Fig. 1 , where the second embodiment of the first pre-fastened mechanical opening system 100 is arranged between said chassis 10 and said first belt portion 23. Fig. 3b show cross-section B-B in Fig. 3a. Fig. 3c shows the chassis 10 and the first belt portion 23 in Fig. 3b separated from each other, i.e. after first pre-fastened mechanical opening system 100 has been opened.

The first pre-fastened mechanical opening system 100 in Figs. 3a-c is also a hook-and-loop system. The hook element 101 in Figs. 3a-3b is also attached to the first belt portion 23 and the loop element 102 is the chassis 10, i.e. the material of the backsheet 12 forms the loop element 102.

The hook element 101 in Figs. 3a-c is a hook tab which is an elongated tab, which comprises a sheet formed base 104 having generally parallel upper and lower surfaces. At one end of the elongated tab the lower surface is attached in an attachment area 106 to the first belt portion 23 and on the opposite end the elongated tab comprises a fastening portion with a plurality of discrete fastening elements 105 in forms of hooks. The hooks are forming a hook area. The elongated tab 101 is protruding over an inner edge 27 of the first belt portion 23 in the transversal direction towards the chassis 10, and the hooks 105 of the fastening portion are arranged on the protruding portion and the hooks 105 are attached to the backsheet 12 of the chassis 10. The inner edge 27 of the first belt portion 23 is the end closest to the chassis 10. The backsheet 12, i.e. the backsheet nonwoven, forms the loop area to which the hooks are attached. Alternatively, the topsheet nonwoven of the chassis may form the loop area instead of the backsheet if the fastening portion is attached to the topsheet 11 (not shown). The fastening portion, i.e. the hook area, with a plurality of discrete fastening elements 105 in forms of hooks can be made in one piece together with the elongated tab or the fastening portion may be a separate fastening portion attached to the elongated tab as shown in Figs. 3b and 3c.

The hooks in figs 3a-c may have the same design as described for the hooks in Figs 2a-c. The width in the transversal direction of the hook area is preferably 4-100mm, more preferably 10-80mm. The length of the hook area in the longitudinal direction is preferably as long as the first belt portion 23 in the longitudinal direction or it may be shorter.

During manufacturing the hook element 101 and the loop element 102 are pressed together, i.e. the hooks catch in the loops and the two elements are fastened to each other.

Alternatively, instead of the hook element 101 being attached to the first belt portion 23, the hook element 101 can be attached to the chassis 10 and the hooks 105 may attach to the first belt portion 23, where the first belt portion 23 itself forms the loop element 102 or the first belt portion may be provided with a separate loop element (not shown).

Fig. 4 shows a second embodiment of the belted disposable absorbent hygiene product 1 '. The chassis 10 is the same as described and shown in Fig. 1 and will hence not be further described, but the first and second belt portions 23, 24 each has an intermediate elastic region 33.

Fig. 5a shows an enlarged view of area B in Fig. 4 from the backsheet side with the first belt portion 23 and the intermediate elastic region 33. Fig. 5b shows the cross-section C-C in Fig. 5a. The second belt portion 24 in Fig. 4 has a similar design and will hence not be explicitly described. I.e. only the features for the first belt portion 23 are described, but they are also applicable for the second belt portion 24.

The first belt portion 23 comprises an inner panel member 36 attached to the chassis 10, an outer panel member 37 and an elastic panel member 38, forming the intermediate elastic region 33, there between. The terms “inner panel member” and “outer panel member” as used herein refer to the transversal location of the panel members. As such, each inner panel member 36 is located transversally closer to the longitudinal axis than the respective outer panel member 37. The inner panel member 36, the outer panel member 37 and the elastic panel member 38 each has a rectangular shape. Hence, the first belt portion 23 comprises a front edge 46 facing the front end portion 14 of the chassis 10 and a back edge 45 facing away from the front end portion 14 of the chassis 10 (see Fig. 4). The outer edge 37' of the outer panel member 37 and the opposite positioned longitudinal edge 3 of the chassis 10 and the front and back edges 45, 46 jointly define a rectangular shape of the first belt portion 23.

The elastic panel member 38 is arranged between the inner panel member 36 and the outer panel member 37 in an overlapping manner. By providing a side panel with an elastic panel member 38, the side panel is able to better conform to wearers of different size and adapt to movements of the wearer.

The inner panel member 36 comprises a first side edge region 41a and a second side edge region 41 b distal to the first side edge region 41a. The first side edge region 41a is attached to the chassis 10. That is, a portion of the inner panel member 36 is inserted between the backsheet 12 and the topsheet 11 . The inner panel member 36 is attached to the backsheet 12 and the topsheet 11 by the joints 44, which may for example be adhesives. Alternatively, the inner panel member 36 may be attached to only the backsheet 12 or the topsheet 11 by adhesive, welding on any other suitable method. The second side edge region 41b of the inner panel member 36 is attached to a first side edge region 43a of the elastic panel member 38. A second side edge region 43b of the elastic panel member 38, distal to the first side edge region 43a of the elastic panel member 38, is attached to a first side edge region 47a of the outer panel member 37. The outer panel member 37 comprises a second side edge region 47b distal to the first side edge region 47a. The inner panel member 36 and the elastic panel member 38 are fastened to each other in a first fastening region 52 in an overlapping manner in a first overlapping area 63. The elastic panel member 38 and the outer panel member 37 are fastened to each other in a second fastening region 53 in an overlapping manner in a second overlapping area 64. The first and second overlapping areas 63, 64 are areas as seen in a plane spanned by the transversal and longitudinal axis. In the first/second overlapping area, a portion of the inner/outer panel member 36, 37 is arranged in a superposed relationship as seen in a thickness direction with the elastic panel member 38.

Preferably, the inner panel member 36 and the outer panel member 37 are made of a nonwoven material, such as a fibrous nonwoven material, but may be made from any suitable material. The material may be breathable and is preferably soft and pliable for providing improved body conformance and comfort. A suitable nonwoven material is a spun-bonded material of polypropylene or polyethylene fibers for example. Conjugate fibers may also be used. Another suitable nonwoven material is formed from a carded thermo-bonded material of polypropylene, polyester or conjugate fibers for example.

Each of the fastening regions 52, 53 extends along the whole length of the elastic panel member 38 in the longitudinal direction. They may however extend slightly shorter as long as the members are sufficiently fastened to each other. The elastic panel member 38 may be an elastic laminate. It may for example be two fibrous layers with an elastic film layer between. It is then preferred that the first and the second layers of fibrous material (for example nonwoven layers) are chosen so that they, in combination with the intermediate elastic film layer, provide a soft and cloth-like feel to the laminate. Examples of suitable fibrous materials are carded webs and spun-bonded materials.

Examples of suitable polymers used in the fibrous materials are polyethylene, polyesters, polypropylene and other polyolefin homo-polymers and copolymers. Natural fibers, for example cotton, may also be used as long as they provide the required properties. A mixture of polymers can contribute to a higher flexibility of the nonwoven layer.

The elastic film may be of any suitable elastic polymer, natural or synthetic. Some examples of suitable materials for the elastic film are low crystallinity polyethylene, metallocene-catalysed low crystallinity polyethylene, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers (EVA), polyurethane, polyisoprene, butadienestyrene copolymers, styrene block copolymers, such as styrene/isoprene/styrene (SIS), styrene/butadiene/styrene (SBS), or styrene/ethylene-butadiene/styrene block copolymer. Blends of these polymers may also be used as well as other modifying elastomeric or non-elastomeric materials.

For reasons of comfort, it is advantageous if the total basis weight of the laminate can be kept low. Thus, although a total basis weight of about 150 g/m² is acceptable, a total basis weight of 130 g/m² or less is preferred. The basis weight should be at least 20 g/m².

The first and second belt portions 23, 24 in Figs. 4 and 5a-b are permanently attached to the chassis 10 between the topsheet and the backsheet by adhesive. They may, however, be attached to the chassis by the first and second embodiments of the first and second pre-fastened mechanical opening systems 100, 200 described and shown in Fig. 2a-c and 3a-c.

In Figs. 5a-c the inner panel member 36 and the elastic panel member 38 are fastened to each other in the first fastening region 52 in an overlapping manner in the first overlapping area 63 by a first pre-fastened mechanical opening system 100. Fig. 5b shows cross-section C-C in Fig. 5a. Fig. 5c show the inner panel member 36 and the elastic panel member 38 in Fig. 5b separated from each other.

The first pre-fastened mechanical opening systems 100 is in Figs. 5a-c arranged between the inner panel member 36 and the elastic panel member 38.

The first pre-fastened mechanical opening system 100 is a hook-and-loop system, which comprises a hook element 101 and a loop element 102. The hook element 101 in Figs. 5a-c is attached to the elastic panel member 38 in an attachment area 106 and the inner panel member 36 forms the loop element 102.

The hook element 101 is a hook patch which comprises a sheet formed base 104 having generally parallel upper and lower surfaces. The lower surface is attached to the elastic panel member 38 in the attachment area 106. The sheet formed base 104 may have a square shape, rectangle shape, round shape or any other shape. It is here exemplified with a rectangular shape.

On the upper surface, opposite to where it is attached, a plurality of discrete fastening elements 105 comprising stems are projecting from the upper surface of the sheet formed base forming a fastening portion. The stems are in forms of hooks and the hooks are pre-attached to the loops in the loop element 102. The hooks are forming a hook area. The width in the transversal direction of the hook area is preferably 4-30mm, more preferably 4-10 mm. The length of the hook area in the longitudinal direction is preferably as long as the elastic panel member 38 and/or the inner panel member 36 in the longitudinal direction or it may be shorter.

In this embodiment the hook element 101 is attached to the elastic panel member 38, however alternatively it may be attached to the inner panel member 36 and pre-fastened to the elastic panel member 38 with the hooks. The elastic panel member 38 may then be provided with a loop patch (not shown).

The elastic panel member 38 and the outer panel member 37 are fastened to each other in the second fastening region 53 in an overlapping manner in a second overlapping area 64 by welding. The elastic panel member 38 and the outer panel member 37 may alternatively by joined by adhesive. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand the plurality of methods and procedures suitable for affixing the portions together.

In a further embodiment (not shown), as an alternative to or as an addition to what is shown in Fig. 5a-5c the elastic panel member 38 and the outer panel member 37 may be pre-fastened to each other by a first pre-fastened mechanical opening systems 100 in a similar way as described. The elastic panel member 38 and the outer panel member 37 are then pre-fastened to each other in the second fastening region 53 in an overlapping manner in the second overlapping area 64 by the first pre-fastened mechanical opening systems 100. The first pre-fastened mechanical opening systems is hence then arranged between the outer panel member 38 and the elastic panel member 38. The hook element would then be attached to the elastic panel member 38 in an attachment area and the outer panel member 37, i.e. the outer panel member 37, forms the loop element.

The hook element may then be a hook patch which comprises a sheet formed base having generally parallel upper and lower surfaces. The lower surface of the sheet formed base of the hook element would then be attached to the elastic panel member 38 in an attachment area. On the upper surface, opposite to where it is attached, a plurality of discrete fastening elements comprising stems are projecting from the upper surface of the sheet formed base forming a fastening portion and they are pre-fastened to the outer panel member 37 (the loop element). In this embodiment the hook element is attached to the elastic panel member 38 with its lower surface, however alternatively it may be attached with its lower surface to the outer panel member 37 and pre-fastened to the elastic panel member 38 with the hooks. The elastic panel member 38 may then be provided with a loop patch. The elastic panel member 38 may then be fastened to the inner panel member 36 by welding, adhesive or a second first pre-fastened mechanical opening system 100.

Figs. 6 and 7a-c show a similar product as in Fig. 4 and 5a-c, except that the respective elastic panel members 38 of the first and second belt portions are fastened to the respective inner panel members 36 by welding or adhesive and to the respective outer panel members 37 by welding or adhesive. In Fig. 6 and 7a-c the inner panel member 36 of the respective first and second belt portions 23, 24 comprise the respective first and second pre-fastened mechanical opening systems 100, 200. Also in Fig. 6 does the first belt portion 23 comprise a front edge 46 facing the front end portion 14 of the chassis 10 and a back edge 45 facing away from the front end portion 14 of the chassis 10 so that outer edge of the outer panel member 37 and the opposite positioned longitudinal edge of the chassis and the front and back edges 45, 46 jointly define a rectangular shape of the first belt portion 23. The first end second end portions 23, 24 in all figures are shown as having a rectangular shape, they are however not limited to have a rectangular shape, they may have any other suitable shape, for example, they may have a tapering shape. Fig. 7a shows an enlarged view of area C in Fig. 7. Fig. 7b shows crosssection D-D in Fig. 7a. Fig. 7c shows the first belt portion 23 separated at the first pre-fastened mechanical opening systems 100.

In Fig. 6 the respective first and second pre-fastened mechanical opening systems 100, 200 are arranged in the respective inner panel members 36. This is shown in detail in Figs. 7a-c, where the first belt portion 23 is shown. The second belt portion 24 in Fig. 6 has a similar design and will hence not be explicitly described. I.e. only the features for the first belt portion 23 are described, but they are also applicable for the second belt portion 24.

The first belt portion 23 has almost a similar design as the first belt portion in Figs 5a-5c. That is, it comprises an inner panel member 36 attached to the chassis 10, an outer panel member 37 and an elastic panel member 38 there between. The only difference is that the inner panel member 36 comprises a first inner panel member 36a and a second inner panel member 36b. The first inner panel member 36a is attached to the chassis 10 in a similar way as the inner panel member 36 in Figs. 4 and 5a-c and the first inner panel member 36a is provided with a hook element 101. The second inner panel member 36b forms the loop element 102. The hooks of the hook element 101 are pre-attached to the second inner panel member 36b.

It may also be the other way around. I.e. that the second inner panel member 36b is provided with the hook element 101 and the first inner panel member 36a forms the loop element (not shown).

The hook element 101 is also a similar hook element as described above, i.e. it comprises a sheet formed base having generally parallel upper and lower surfaces. The lower surface is attached to the first inner panel member 36a in an attachment area 106. The sheet formed base 104 (not shown in Figs. 7b and 7c) may have a square shape, rectangle shape, round shape or any other shape. It is here exemplified with a rectangular shape in Fig. 7a by the hook element 101 . On the upper surface, opposite to where it is attached, a plurality of discrete fastening elements 105 comprising stems are projecting from the upper surface of the sheet formed base forming a fastening portion. The stems are in forms of hooks and the hooks are pre-attached to the loops in the loop element 102. The hooks are forming a hook area. The width in the transversal direction of the hook area is preferably 4-30mm, more preferably 4-10 mm. The length of the hook area in the longitudinal direction is preferably as long as the first inner panel member 36a and/or the second inner panel member 36 in the longitudinal direction or it may be shorter.

If the belted disposable absorbent hygiene product comprises first and second belt portions without an intermediate elastic portion, for example if they are non-elastic belt portions or if they are fully elastic, for example if the belt portions are made of an elastic nonwoven material, then each first and second belt portions may each have respective first and second pre-fastened mechanical opening systems 100, 200 with a similar design as shown in Fig. 7a-c close to the chassis. That is, the first and the second belt portions may each be in two portions, where the two portions are connected in a similar way as the first and the second inner panel member 36a, 36b of the inner panel member 36 in Figs. 7a-7c.

All example embodiments above show hook patches, except for Fig. 3a-c which show a hook tab. In all embodiments disclosing a hook patch, the hook patch can also be replaced by a hook tab as in Fig. 3a-c or the material carrying the hook patch may have integrated hooks instead of a hook patch. Integrated hooks are hooks are integrally formed in the material, for example, the belt portion material. A method for forming integrated hooks is described in WO2010/085492. The integrated hooks then form the hook element and its hook area comprising the hooks.

In the Figs. 4-7c the first pre-fastened mechanical opening system 100 is arranged on said first belt portion 23 at a distance D from said first longitudinal side edge 3 were said first belt portion 23 is attached to the chassis 10. The distance D is measured in a direction along the transversal direction T. Said distance D is between 0mm and half of the total length of the first belt portion. The total length of the first belt portion is measured in the transversal direction from said first longitudinal side edge 3. The same applies to the second pre-fastened mechanical opening system 200.

Both the first pre-fastened mechanical opening system 100 and the second pre-fastened mechanical opening system 200 in all embodiments extend substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis.

However, they may extend in an angle to longitudinal axis. The angle is preferably less than 45°, more preferably less than 20° (not shown). In such a case the distance D for the first belt portion 23 is measured in the transversal direction from the first longitudinal side edge 3 to a point of the first pre-fastened mechanical opening systems 100 closest to the first longitudinal side edge 3. The distance for the second belt portion 24 is then measured in the transversal direction from the second longitudinal side edge 2 to a point of the second pre-fastened mechanical opening systems 200 closest to the second longitudinal side edge 2.

For all embodiments described above a second hook element can be used instead of a loop element 102 (not shown). The first pre-fastened mechanical opening system 100 is then a hook-and-hook system where the two hook elements are pressed together. The hooks catch in the hooks and the two hook elements fasten to each other. The second hook element may have a similar design as described above for the hook element 101 in Figs. 1-7c.

The first and the second pre-fastened mechanical opening systems in Fig. 1- 7c each has a peel strength which is at least between 1 ,5N and 50N; more preferably between 2N and 10N and each has a shear strength which is at least 25N, more preferably at least above 50N. The first and the second pre-fastened mechanical opening systems in Fig. 1- 7c each has a finger lift portion 40 which helps the user or caregiver to open pre-fastened mechanical opening system. The user or caregiver can grip the finger lift portion with their fingers in order to open.

The finger lift portion 40 may be formed by the hook element 101 having a hook area comprising hooks and a finger lift portion 40 not comprising any hooks. This is shown in for example Figs 3a-3c. The finger lift portion 40 may alternatively be formed by a portion without any hooks adjacent said hook element 101 comprising hooks 105 by the material the hook element 101 is attached to. For example, in Figs. 2a- 2c the first belt portion 23 forms the finger lift portion 40. In Figs 5a-5c the elastic panel member 38 forms the finger lift portion 40. In Figs. 7a-7c the first inner panel member 36a forms the finger lift portion 40. Alternatively, parts of the material forming the loop area may also act as a finger lift dependent on which parts the absorbent product the hook element is attached to, so that the pre-fastened mechanical opening system can easily be opened from the backsheet side during use, for example if the hook element is arranged closer to the body of the user during use than the loop element.

The finger lift portion 40 is at least 5mm wide, more preferably at least 8mm wide, in the transversal direction. The finger lift portion 40 may comprise a contrasting colour and/or is tactilely distinguishable from at least the closest surrounding area.

In the figures shown and described above, the first belt portion 23 and the second belt portion 24 are separate belt portions. However, as an alternative, parts of the two belt portions 23, 24 of the belted product 1 , 1 ' can in some embodiments be formed from only one piece of material, which piece of material extends in the transverse direction T across the entire rear end portion 15 and past the respective longitudinal side edges 2, 3 (not illustrated). I.e. the belt portions 23, 24 may be designed as one belt, which is connected to the topsheet 11 , to the backsheet 12 or between the topsheet 11 and the backsheet 12 of the chassis 10. Parts of the first and the second belt portion 23, 24 may be interconnected by an intermediate belt portion. That is, the first and the second belt portion 23, 24 may be made of the same piece of material as the intermediate belt portion which is arranged between the first and the second belt portions 23, 24. The intermediate belt portion attach the first and the second belt portions 23, 24 to the chassis. For example, if the first and the second belt portions in Figs. 4 and Figs 5a-c where to be designed as one belt the inner panel member 36 of each belt portion 23, 24 would be made of one piece of material forming the respective inner panel members 36 and the intermediate belt portion (not shown). The intermediate belt portion would be arranged between the two inner panel members and extend in the transversal direction over the chassis and be attached thereto. The same would be the case for Figs. 6 and 7a-7c where the first inner panel members 36a of the first and the second belt portions 23, 24 may be interconnected by an intermediate belt portion, for example be made by the same piece of material and extend in the transversal direction over the chassis and be attached thereto.

Furthermore, the disclosure is not limited to the aforesaid aspects or examples, but is naturally applicable to other aspects and example embodiments within the scope of the following claims.

Reference signs mentioned in the claims should not be seen as limiting the extent of the matter protected by the claims, and their sole function is to make claims easier to understand.

Claims

1 . A belted disposable absorbent hygiene product (1 , 1 ') comprising a chassis (10) having first and second end portions (15, 14) and a central portion (13) extending therebetween, said chassis (10) having a body facing surface intended to face the body of a wearer during use and a garment facing surface intended to face away from the body of a wearer during use, a longitudinal axis (Y) extending in a longitudinal direction and defining a longitudinal direction (L) from said first end portion (15) towards said second end portion (14) and a transversal axis (X) defining a transversal direction (T) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L), and a thickness direction (Zi, Zo) perpendicular to the transversal axis (X) and the longitudinal axis (Y), the chassis (10) comprising a liquid permeable topsheet (11 ) at the body facing surface, a liquid impermeable backsheet (12) at the garment facing surface, and an absorbent core assembly (30) comprising at least one absorbent core arranged between said topsheet (11 ) and said backsheet (12); said belted disposable absorbent hygiene product (1 , 1 ') further comprises a pair of belt portions (23, 24) attached to the chassis (10) with a first belt portion (23) and a second belt portion (24) extending on each side of the first end portion (15) of the chassis (10) in said transversal direction (T); said pair of belt portions (23, 24) are adapted to secure to each other to form a belt having an exterior surface when said belt portions (23, 24) are arranged around a waist of a wearer during use, wherein any one of the belt portions (23, 24) carries a fastener (25) adapted to be attached to an exterior surface of the other of the belt portions, and wherein said second end portion (14) of the chassis (10) comprises at least a second fastener (48, 49) for securing the second end portion (14) of the chassis (10) to the belt portions (23, 24) so that said product assumes a pant-like shape with the belt portions (23, 24) forming a part of a waist portion of the pant, wherein said belted disposable absorbent hygiene product (1 , 1 ') further comprises a first prefastened mechanical opening system (100) adjacent to the chassis (10), on said first belt portion (23) or between said chassis (10) and said first belt portion (23), and/or a second pre-fastened mechanical opening system (200) adjacent to the chassis (10), on said second belt portion (24) or between said chassis (10) and said second belt portion (24).

2. A belted disposable absorbent hygiene product (1 , 1 ') according to claim

1 , wherein said first pre-fastened mechanical opening system (100) is a hook-and-loop system or a hook-and-hook system and/or said second pre-fastened mechanical opening system (200) is a hook-and-loop system or a hook-and-hook system.

3. A belted disposable absorbent hygiene product (1 , 1 ') according to claim

2, wherein the hook-and-loop system comprises a hook element (101 ) and a loop element (102), the loop element (102) being in the form of a loop patch or a material of said belted disposable absorbent hygiene product (1 , 1 ') forming a loop area.

4. A belted disposable absorbent hygiene product (1 , 1 ') according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first and/or second belt portion (23, 24) comprises an intermediate elastic region (33).

5. A belted disposable absorbent hygiene product (1 , 1 ') according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first and/or second belt portion (23, 24) each comprises an inner panel member (36) being attached to the chassis (10), an outer panel member (37), and an elastic panel member (38), said elastic panel member (38) being arranged between and attached to said inner panel member (36) and said outer panel member (37) in a respective fastening region, wherein said elastic member (38) is attached to said inner panel member (36) at a first fastening region (52) and to said outer panel member (37) at a second fastening region (53).

6. A belted disposable absorbent hygiene product (1 , 1 ') according to claim 5, wherein the elastic panel member (38) is attached to said inner panel member (36) at said first fastening region (52) in a first overlapping area (63), and to said outer panel member (37) at said second fastening region (53) in a second overlapping area (64)

7. A belted disposable absorbent hygiene product (1 , 1 ') according to claim 5 or 6, wherein said first pre-fastened mechanical opening system (100) is arranged at said first fastening region (52) or said second fastening region (53) of said first belt portion (23) and/or said second pre-fastened mechanical opening system (200) is arranged at said first fastening region (52) or said second fastening region (53) of said second belt portion (24).

8. A belted disposable absorbent hygiene product (1 , 1 ') according to any one of preceding claims, wherein the chassis (10) comprises a first edge (5) at the first end portion (15) and a second edge (4) at the second end portion (14), said chassis (10) further comprises a first longitudinal side edge (3) and a second longitudinal side edge (2) connecting the first edge (4) and the second edge (5) of the chassis (10) on mutually opposite sides of the longitudinal axis (Y), wherein said first pre-fastened mechanical opening system (100) is arranged on said first belt portion (23) at a distance (D) from said first longitudinal side edge (3), in a direction along the transversal axis (T), wherein said distance (D) is between 0mm and half of the total length of the first belt portion (23) and/or said second pre-fastened mechanical opening system (200) is arranged on said second belt portion (24) at a distance (D) from said second longitudinal side edge (2), in a direction along the transversal axis (T), wherein said distance (D) is between 0mm and half of the total length of the second belt portion (24).

9. A belted disposable absorbent hygiene product (1 , 1 ') according to any one of preceding claims, wherein said first and/or second pre-fastened mechanical opening system has a peel strength which is at least between 1 ,5N and 50N; more preferably between 2N and 10N.

10. A belted disposable absorbent hygiene product (1 , 1 ') according to any one of preceding claims, wherein said first and/or second pre-fastened mechanical opening system has a shear strength which is at least 25N, more preferably at least above 50N.

11 . A belted disposable absorbent hygiene product (1 , 1 ') according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first and/or second prefastened mechanical opening system (100, 200) comprises a finger lift portion (40).

12. A belted disposable absorbent hygiene product (1 , 1 ') according to claim 11 in combination with claim 2, wherein said finger lift portion (40) is arranged adjacent a hook area comprising hooks (105) of said hook element of said systems, and said finger lift portion (40) does not comprising any hooks (105).

13. A belted disposable absorbent hygiene product (1 , 1 ') according to any one of the claims 11 -12, wherein said finger lift portion (40) is at least 5 mm wide, more preferably at least 8 mm wide, in the transversal direction (T).

14. A belted disposable absorbent hygiene product (1 , 1 ') according to any one of the claims 11-13, wherein said finger lift portion (40) comprises a contrasting colour and/or is tactilely distinguishable from at least the closest surrounding area.

15. A belted disposable absorbent hygiene product (1 , 1 ') according to any one of preceding claims, wherein the first and/or second pre-fastened mechanical opening system (100, 200) extends at least partly over the respective first and/or second belt portion (23, 24) in the longitudinal direction (L).