Absorbent article, reusable outer cover and absorbent insert.
A reusable outer cover with a detachable absorbent insert addresses the waste issue of disposable articles by allowing the outer cover to be reused, ensuring effective leak protection and user comfort through a washable design.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- BR · BR
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ESSITY HYGIENE & HEALTH AB
- Filing Date
- 2023-03-20
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-07
AI Technical Summary
Current disposable absorbent articles, particularly for incontinent adults, contribute significantly to waste and pollution due to their non-reusable nature, and there is a need for sustainable alternatives that maintain leak-proof protection and user comfort.
A reusable outer cover with a detachable absorbent insert, where the insert provides leak protection and absorption capacity, and the outer cover keeps the insert in place, allowing the outer cover to be washed and reused multiple times.
The solution reduces waste by enabling the outer cover to be reused multiple times, while maintaining effective leak protection and user comfort, with the insert being disposable after single use, thus improving sustainability and dignity for users.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
1 / 142 “ABSORBENT ARTICLE, REUSABLE OUTER COVER AND ABSORBENT INSERT” Field of invention
[0001] The present invention relates to an absorbent article comprising an outer cover and a detachable insert. The present invention further relates to an outer cover. Additionally, the present invention relates to an insert for use with an outer cover. Furthermore, the present invention relates to packaging that encloses a plurality of inserts. Background
[0002] Absorbent articles, in the form of diapers and incontinence pads, are generally used for incontinent infants and adults for the absorption of bodily exudates such as blood, urine, sweat, and feces. In particular, when considering products classified as adult incontinence articles, which have a relatively high absorption capacity, these products are frequently used by physically and / or mentally impaired individuals. Generally, these heavy incontinence products will be handled by a caregiver to put on and remove from the user's body and are acquired by nursing homes, hospitals, and / or family caregivers.
[0003] The requirements for these products may include: being leak-proof, being easy to use and change, being comfortable to wear, not negatively affecting the user's skin health, and maintaining the user's dignity during changing and use.
[0004] To meet these requirements, incontinence products currently in use are still primarily disposable products, with single-use products being the standard for heavy incontinence. Disposable products are easy to use, as they require Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 10 / 199 2 / 142 handling is very limited after use. However, both the production and disposal of these products result in a great deal of material waste. After use, the products end up in landfills, or, in particular for adults who are using one or more heavy medications, the absorbent articles may be incinerated.
[0005] Currently, most disposable products are made from, or contain a substantial amount of, petroleum-derived materials such as polypropylene and / or polyethylene, appearing in the form of non-woven cloth-like materials and films. Due to growing awareness that petroleum has limited availability and causes various pollution problems both during product manufacturing and disposal, there is also a growing need for more sustainable alternatives. To this end, products have been proposed which comprise an outer chassis and an absorbent insert, where one or both of the outer chassis and the absorbent insert is / are reusable. For this type of product, it is important to ensure that the absorbent insert is correctly positioned in relation to the user so that leak protection and desired comfort are maintained during product use.
[0006] Thus, it is an objective to provide an absorbent article that can be a sustainable alternative to current disposable products.
[0007] Additionally, it is an objective to provide an absorbent article that can satisfy the requirements mentioned above and / or provide an improvement over current products. Summary Definitions
[0008] “User” means a person who may be using an absorbent article as described in this document.
[0009] By “user” is meant a person who handles the Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 11 / 199 3 / 142 absorbent article as described in this document, that is, preparing an absorbent article for use and / or applying the absorbent article to the user. The user may be a user or a caregiver of the user.
[0010] By “liquid permeable” is meant a material that is permeable to liquids as understood in the technical sense of absorbent articles. As such, the material is not intended to prevent fluids from leaking through the material to any significant degree. Known liquid permeable materials are, for example, those used as top sheet materials in conventional disposable absorbent products. In another example, textile materials such as woven or knitted materials are generally liquid permeable. A liquid permeable material may, for example, be a textile material free of any liquid-resistant coatings or treatments. A liquid permeable material may, for example, be a textile material that does not absorb fluid to any significant degree.
[0011] In this document, "breathable" means a material that allows water vapor to escape through the material.
[0012] For example, materials that are breathable while being impermeable to liquids are commonly used in absorbent articles as backsheet materials. Such backsheet materials can be breathable while still preventing liquids from passing through the backsheet material. Such breathable, liquid-impermeable materials can, for example, be porous polymer films and laminates of porous polymer films and nonwovens.
[0013] Textile materials that form openings, such as woven or knitted textile materials, are generally breathable.
[0014] The breathability of a material is typically measured by the rate of water vapor transmission. For example, a breathable material suitable for absorbent articles may have a vapor transmission rate of Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 12 / 199 4 / 142 of water with more than 1000 g / m³ / 24 ha 37.8 degrees Celsius according to ASTEM; E398.
[0015] In this document, “total absorption capacity” means total absorption capacity as measured according to the Rothwell method, ISO 11948.
[0016] In this document, the "use cycle" of an absorbent article refers to a series of subsequent steps comprising the application of the absorbent article to a user, where the user uses the article for a limited period of time (e.g., during one or a few urinary discharges), and the removal of the absorbent article from the user.
[0017] In this document, "reusable" means an item that is intended to be used for more than one cycle of use. Thus, a reusable item is an item that can be used over a repeated number of cycles of use. If necessary, the reusable item can be cleaned, for example by washing, or otherwise restored between cycles of use.
[0018] For example, a reusable item may be designed to be used for at least 50 cycles of use, such as at least 100 cycles of use, or at least 500 cycles of use.
[0019] In this document, "single use" means an item that is intended to be used for only one use cycle and then discarded. Thus, an item configured for single use is typically disposed of after being used by a user for a limited period of time (for example, during one or a few urinations).
[0020] By “washable” it is understood that the outer cover can be cleaned by washing. The outer cover can thus be subjected to an aqueous solution containing detergent without losing its structural features. This aqueous solution can be heated as part of the washing process, for example to 40 °C or 60 °C. Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 13 / 199 5 / 142
[0021] A washable outer covering must be washable at least a predetermined number of times without significant deterioration. In particular, the washable outer covering must be washable a predetermined number of times without significant damage to the fastening elements, such as any insert fasteners or fastening elements for securing the outer covering around the user's waist. Additionally, the washable outer covering should preferably be washable a predetermined number of times without significant damage to the elasticity of the leg elastic and / or other materials, such as fabrics, of the outer covering. Finally, the washable outer covering should preferably be washable a predetermined number of times without significant damage to the color of the outer covering.
[0022] For example, it is preferred in this document that the washable outer cover can withstand at least 20 washes at 60 °C, and even more preferred that the washable outer cover can withstand at least 50 washes at 60 °C.
[0023] Additionally, it is preferable that the washable outer cover be “machine washable”, that is, that the washes mentioned above can be carried out in a washing machine.
[0024] In this document, "stretchable" means a material that can be stretched from an original measurement and can recover to essentially the same measurement when subjected to forces during normal use of the article.
[0025] For the purposes of this document, “surface gripping material” means a material that can be substantially and uniformly distributed over the surface of an area so as to provide substantially uniform gripping by said surface gripping material over the area. Thus, any portion of the area being provided with the Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 14 / 199 6 / 142 surface fastening material will be ready for attachment by means of the surface fastening material.
[0026] In some instances, a surface-tightening material may provide continuous adhesion across the surface of the area comprising the surface-tightening material. Such a surface-tightening material may, for example, be an adhesive, which may be applied over the area.
[0027] In some examples, a surface gripping material may provide gripping in a plurality of distinct gripping elements, wherein the density of the gripping elements is such that substantially uniform gripping is provided over the area comprising the surface gripping material. For example, a density of such distinct gripping elements may be at least 10 distinct gripping elements per cm2, or more preferably at least 50 distinct gripping elements per cm2.
[0028] For example, a plurality of distinct fastening elements can provide mechanical and / or frictional fastening over the area comprising the surface fastening material. Examples of surface fastening materials comprising distinct fastening elements can be hook materials and / or loop materials to form hook / hook or hook / loop type connections.
[0029] A “fastener area comprising a surface fastening material” means a surface area over which a surface fastening material is distributed substantially uniformly.
[0030] In this document, "detachable" fastening means that the fastener areas can be used to attach and detach a corresponding fastener area from an insert multiple times without Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 15 / 199 7 / 142 substantial impairment of its function. For example, for any reusable fastener area, the fastener area can provide at least 50 fastening / removal cycles, such as at least 150 times or at least 300 times.
[0031] “Knitting” is a method for constructing a cloth by interlacing a series of loops of one or more yarns. There are two main classes of knitting, namely warp knitting and weft knitting.
[0032] “Interlacing” is a method or process of interlacing two yarns of similar materials so that they cross each other at right angles to produce woven fabric. The warp yarns run lengthwise in the fabric and the weft yarns or filler yarns run side by side.
[0033] Jacquard is a knitting or interlacing system that uses a versatile pattern mechanism to produce intricate designs using punched cards that control the patterns produced. Jacquard knitting can be used for circular, flat, warp, or weft knitting.
[0034] In the context of the present disclosure, a “nonwoven” is a manufactured sheet, net, or mat of directionally or randomly oriented fibers, bonded together by friction and / or cohesion and / or adhesion, excluding paper and products that are woven, knitted, quilted, sewn together incorporating binding yarns or filaments, or wet milled felted, whether or not additionally needled. The fibers may be of natural origin or man-made and may be stapled or continuous filaments or formed in situ. Commercially available fibers have diameters in the range of less than about 0.001 mm to more than about 0.2 mm and come in several different forms: short fibers, continuous single fibers, untwisted bundles of continuous filaments, and twisted bundles of continuous filaments. Nonwoven fabrics may be formed by many processes such as melt blowing, continuous spinning, solvent spinning, electrospinning, and carding. Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 16 / 199 8 / 142
[0035] The term nonwoven, mentioned in relation to different parts of the insert, which, in terms of their properties, are located between the paper and cardboard groups on the one hand and textiles on the other hand. In relation to nonwovens, a large number of extremely varied production processes are used, such as airlaid, wetlaid, hydroentanglement, continuous spinning, melt blowing techniques, etc. The fibers can be in the form of infinite fibers or pre-made fibers with an infinite length, such as synthetic fibers produced in situ or in the form of stapled fibers. Alternatively, they can be made from natural fibers or blends of synthetic and natural fibers.
[0036] In the context of the present disclosure, a longitudinal length shall be understood as the longest length of a specified part or subpart in the longitudinal direction. Similarly, a transverse width shall be understood as the widest width of a specified part or subpart in the transverse direction.
[0037] When referring to the length of a set comprising one or more items (i.e., a length encompassed by a set comprising one or more items), it is termed the maximum longitudinal length including all items in the set, i.e., regardless of whether the items are transversely aligned or not.
[0038] Similarly, when referring to the width of a set comprising one or more items (i.e., a width encompassed by a set comprising one or more items), it is termed the maximum cross-sectional width including all items in the set, i.e., regardless of whether the items are longitudinally aligned or not.
[0039] The term “entirely contained within” is understood in this document to mean that an item being “entirely contained within” means that a part or portion does not extend beyond, for example, it does not project. Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, p. 17 / 199 9 / 142 of, the piece or portion.
[0040] For the purposes of the present disclosure, and unless explicitly stated otherwise, lengths, widths, and other dimensions of a disposable absorbent hygiene product are measured with the disposable absorbent hygiene product in a flattened state on a flat surface with any contracting elastic being deactivated. By “deactivated” it is understood that the elastic is not active to contract any parts to which it is attached. To deactivate the elastic, the elastic may, for example, be cut in one or more locations, or the elastic may be removed. Optionally, in some cases, it may be possible to stretch the elastic so that the portions to which the elastic is attached are completely flattened. The measurements obtained in such a stretched state may correspond to the measurements as obtained if the elastic were deactivated.
[0041] When the length of an active portion of an elastic element along another position needs to be determined, the initial and final points of the active portion of the elastic element can be initially marked on the relevant portion. Then, the elastic elements can be deactivated, and the distance between the marked initial and final points can be measured on the relevant portion when in a flattened state.
[0042] The active part of the elastic element is the part that, in use, can be active in contracting any part to which it is attached. As such, with the use of the above procedure, parts of an elastic element that cannot be activated, such as glued end sections of elastic lines, are disregarded.
[0043] As used in this document, the term “area” of a portion of a product corresponds to the surface area of a flat surface covered by the portion when the product is placed on the flat surface in a flattened state with any elastic removed or deactivated. Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 18 / 199 10 / 142
[0044] To determine the flat area of an item, such as an outer covering, which may comprise several joined panels or sections, it may be necessary to cut the item into several flat pieces to determine the area of each piece.
[0045] NB in this document, when referring to the area of the outer cover, or the length of the outer cover, or other dimensions of the outer cover, it refers to the measurements as observed when any outer cover flap members are in their use position. 1. Absorbent article
[0046] In a first aspect, the present disclosure relates to an absorbent article according to claim 1. Thus, an absorbent article is provided that extends along a longitudinal direction, and along a transverse direction, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and wherein a thickness direction is defined perpendicular to both the longitudinal and transverse directions, wherein said thickness direction is an inward direction towards the wearer when the article is worn, and an outward direction away from the wearer when the article is worn. The absorbent article comprises a front section, a back section and a crotch section that extends between the front section and the back section along the longitudinal direction.
[0047] Additionally, the absorbent article comprises a reusable outer covering, comprising a garment portion extending at least in the front and back sections, wherein said front and back sections of the garment portion are adapted to fit around a user's waist, with the front section being positioned on or near a user's abdomen and the back section being positioned against the user's lower back when the article is worn; and Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 19 / 199 11 / 142 an absorbent insert comprising a liquid-impermeable back sheet, a liquid-permeable top sheet, and an absorbent assembly provided between said back sheet and said top sheet, the insert being shaped to, in use, cover the pubic area of a user and a predefined part of the buttocks with an inward-facing side comprising the top sheet directed towards the user, and an outward-facing side directed towards the clothing portion of the outer covering.
[0048] The insert extends longitudinally between a front edge and a rear edge, and comprises longitudinal side edges connecting the front edge and the rear edge. The insert further comprises a pair of elastic insert leg members extending essentially along the longitudinal direction of the insert, and disposed on both sides of the insert, between the absorbent assembly and the longitudinal side edges of the insert. A leg elastic length is defined as the longitudinal length along said elastic insert leg members. In each of the rear section and the front section, a leg elastic width is defined as the maximum transverse width over said elastic insert leg members in said front or rear section, respectively.
[0049] In at least one, preferably each, of the front and rear sections of the absorbent article, the absorbent article comprises a set of one or more attachment areas for securing a portion of the front or rear edge, respectively, of the insert to the outer cover. In each attachment area, a surface area on the inside-facing or outside-facing side of the insert is detachably attached to a surface area of the outer cover by means of at least one surface fastening material.
[0050] In said at least one, preferably each one, Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 20 / 199 12 / 142 between the front and back sections of the absorbent article, a transverse fastening width, which is the transverse width encompassed by the assembly of one or more fastening areas, is not less than the leg elastic width in said front or back section of the absorbent article, respectively.
[0051] Thus, the front or back edge portion, respectively, of the insert is detachably attached to the outer cover in said set of attachment areas while, at least in said groin section of the absorbent article, the inside-facing side of the insert forms the innermost side of the absorbent article, so as to be directly adjacent to the user's skin when the article is in use.
[0052] In the absorbent article, leak protection and absorption capacity are primarily provided by the absorbent insert, while the reusable outer cover is adapted to retain the insert in its place on the user's lower torso. At least a portion of the inward-facing side of the insert will be directly adjacent to the user's skin and thus available to receive bodily exudates from the user.
[0053] Because the outer cover and the insert are detachable from each other, the reusable outer cover can be used multiple times with new inserts. Properties of the Absorbent Article
[0054] The outer cover is reusable, that is, intended to be used for more than one cycle. If necessary, the reusable outer cover can be cleaned, for example washed, or otherwise restored when needed. For example, the reusable outer cover can be used for a number of cycles, each cycle involving the use of a new insert, before becoming soiled, so that the reusable outer cover needs cleaning before being used for further cycles.
[0055] Thus, for example, the outer cover may be washable. Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 21 / 199 13 / 142
[0056] The absorbent insert may also be at least partially reusable, for example washable. However, the absorbent insert will usually be soiled after each use cycle. As such, the absorbent insert may be cleaned, for example washed, or otherwise restored after each use cycle.
[0057] However, preferably, the absorbent insert can be adapted for single use, that is, intended to be used for only one cycle of use and then discarded. As such, the insert is adapted to be used for a limited time, such as to receive only one or a few bodily discharges. After use, the absorbent insert adapted for single use is discarded.
[0058] As such, the absorbent article comprising the reusable outer cover and the absorbent insert has advantages over single-use absorbent articles of the prior art, in that the load-bearing capacity is improved by at least a part of the absorbent article being reusable.
[0059] The absorbent article has a longitudinal length that extends along a longitudinal direction from a front edge to a back edge of the absorbent article through the groin section. The longitudinal length can be adapted so that the absorbent article is sized to fit adults.
[0060] Optionally, the absorbent article has a total absorption capacity of at least 1000 ml, such as 1000 to 4000 ml. As such, the article has an absorption capacity intended for adult users.
[0061] Optionally, the article has a total absorption capacity, and the insert provides at least 90%, such as at least 95% or at least 99% of the total absorption capacity of the absorbent article. Thus, as mentioned above, the absorption capacity of the absorbent article is Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 22 / 199 14 / 142 provided essentially by the absorbent insert, while the outer cover is relatively non-absorbent and serves the function of keeping the insert in a correct position relative to the user's body. Outer cover and breathable insert.
[0062] As mentioned above, the leak protection and absorbency of the absorbent article is primarily provided by the absorbent insert, while the reusable outer cover is adapted to keep the insert in place on the user's lower torso.
[0063] Additionally, the liquid-impermeable backsheet of the absorbent insert provides most of the liquid impermeability required for the absorbent article. As such, the outer cover may be mostly liquid-permeable, for example, made of liquid-permeable materials such as textiles.
[0064] For example, at least 50%, such as at least 70% or at least 90%, of a total area of the outer covering may be permeable to liquids.
[0065] Since it is not necessary for the outer covering to be waterproof, the outer covering can be adapted in view of other desirable properties. For example, the outer covering can be made of materials that have properties that are advantageous to the user's skin. For example, the outer covering can be made of materials that provide desirable breathability, softness and / or stretchability. Suitable materials can, for example, be found in textile materials.
[0066] Thus, preferably, the outer covering can be primarily breathable.
[0067] For example, at least 50% of a total area of the outer cover, such as at least 70%, or at least 90% of a total area of the outer cover may be breathable. Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 23 / 199 15 / 142
[0068] Thus, a larger portion of the outer covering area can be made of a breathable, liquid-permeable material to the benefit of the user's skin health. Preferably, the breathable, liquid-permeable material should also be washable.
[0069] As mentioned above, the absorbent insert comprises a liquid-impermeable backsheet. As such, the outside-facing side of the absorbent insert may comprise the liquid-impermeable backsheet. Optionally, the outside-facing side of the absorbent insert may consist of the liquid-impermeable backsheet.
[0070] The back sheet of the insert can be breathable, for the benefit of the user's skin health.
[0071] As such, the absorbent article may comprise an outer cover that is primarily breathable as defined above, and an absorbent insert that has a liquid-impermeable backsheet that is breathable, so that the absorbent article as a whole is also primarily breathable.
[0072] One or more garment portions forming the outer covering may comprise a garment portion forming the front section, the back section, and a crotch section extending longitudinally between the front and back sections, and the garment portion forms a pair of leg edges, wherein each leg edge faces a respective leg opening when the article is worn. Thus, the garment portion of the outer covering may extend through the crotch section of the absorbent article, interconnecting the front and back sections of the outer covering. As such, the garment portion may be adapted to fit around a user's waist with the front section being positioned at or near the user's navel, wherein the back section is positioned against the user's lower back, and the crotch section is positioned between two leg openings. Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 24 / 199 16 / 142 formed by the outer covering.
[0073] Consequently, the outer cover can substantially completely cover the insert when the outer cover and the insert are used together to form the absorbent article. Thus, the outer cover forms the entire outward-facing surface, or clothing-facing side, of the absorbent article, substantially concealing the insert from view. As a result, the absorbent article has an appearance that is closer to normal underwear when worn, which will be perceived by users as more dignified and comfortable than wearing currently used disposable diapers.
[0074] Furthermore, the outer cover can protect the insert by providing an additional layer on the outside of the insert, so that any tearing or friction on the outside, such as may result from user movements, is initially received by the outer cover rather than the outside-facing side, for example, the back sheet, of the insert. Thus, the insert can remain more securely in place to perform its function.
[0075] The outer covering may comprise a pair of elastic leg members, arranged along the leg edges of the garment portion at least in the groin section thereof.
[0076] The elastic leg members contribute to the correct positioning of the absorbent article on the user, adding to the ability of the outer cover to hold the absorbent insert in the correct position relative to the user to absorb bodily discharges. As such, the elastic leg members contribute to controlling the position of the groin portion of the absorbent insert when attached to the outer cover. Furthermore, the elastic leg members contribute to the comfort and fit of the outer cover, providing an underwear-like appearance to the absorbent article. Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 25 / 199 17 / 142 Elastic Leg Insert Members for Absorbent Article
[0077] As defined above, according to the first aspect, the absorbent article comprises an insert, wherein the insert extends longitudinally between a front edge and a back edge, and comprises longitudinal side edges connecting the front edge and the back edge. Additionally, the insert may comprise a pair of elastic insert leg members extending essentially along the longitudinal direction of the insert, and disposed on both sides of the insert, between the absorbent assembly and the longitudinal side edges of the insert. For each of the front and back sections of the absorbent article, an elastic leg width is defined as the maximum transverse width over the elastic insert leg members in said front or back section, respectively.Optionally, the leg elastic width in the front and rear sections of the absorbent article may be equal, and correspond to a maximum transverse width on the insert's leg elastic members.
[0078] The elastic leg members of the insert contribute to forming the insert around the user's body and providing sufficient fluid compressibility at the leg openings of the absorbent article when attached to a user. As mentioned above, the outer cover may additionally comprise elastic leg members. The insert may be adapted to the outer cover so that, in use, the pair of elastic leg members of the insert extend transversely into the pair of elastic leg members of the outer cover. As such, the elastic leg members of the outer cover contribute to providing the correct positioning of the insert and the elastic leg members of the insert, while the elastic leg members of the insert further provide sufficient fluid compressibility at the leg openings of the absorbent article to decrease the risk of leakage. Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 26 / 199 18 / 142
[0079] In said section, at least one, preferably each, of the rear section and the front section, the transverse fastening width encompassed by the fastening area is not less than the leg elastic width in the front or rear section, respectively. The transverse fastening width being not less than the leg elastic width implies that the insert leg elastic members can be stretched in a transverse direction when the insert is fastened to the outer cover, thus ensuring proper function and positioning of the insert leg elastic members.
[0080] In this document, a leg elastic width is defined in each of the front and rear sections of the absorbent article. Optionally, the leg elastic width may be the same in the front and rear sections of the absorbent article, and may correspond to a maximum leg elastic width of the insert.
[0081] Optionally, in said at least one, preferably each, of the rear section and the front section of the absorbent article, the insert comprises a pair of leg edge portions, wherein each leg edge portion extends longitudinally along a respective elastic leg member of the insert, and transversely between the elastic leg member of the insert and a longitudinal lateral edge of the insert so as to define a maximum transverse leg edge width between an elastic leg member of the insert and a respective longitudinal lateral edge, wherein the maximum transverse leg edge width is at least 1 cm, as well as at least 2 cm. For example, the maximum transverse leg edge width may be no greater than 4 cm.
[0082] Along an elastic insert leg member, the transverse leg edge width is the distance measured parallel to the transverse direction from the longitudinal lateral edge to the elastic leg member portion. Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 27 / 199 19 / 142 located closest to the lateral edge. As such, the transverse leg edge width can vary along the elastic insert leg member. The maximum transverse leg edge width is the maximum distance measured parallel to the transverse direction of the longitudinal lateral edge to the portion of the elastic insert leg member located closest to the lateral edge, along the elastic insert leg member.
[0083] In this document, a maximum cross-leg edge width is defined for each of the front and rear sections of the absorbent article. Optionally, the maximum cross-leg edge width may be the same for the front and rear sections of the absorbent article, and may correspond to a maximum cross-leg edge width of the insert.
[0084] The pair of leg edge portions, each extending transversely between an elastic leg member of the insert and a respective longitudinal lateral edge of the insert, provides additional leakage security for the absorbent article. In use, the leg edge portions are intended to extend transversely outward from the insert leg openings as formed along the elastic leg members of the insert.
[0085] When combined with the transverse fastening width encompassed by the fastening area being no less than the leg elastic width, as defined above, the leg edge portions can be at least partially extended in a transverse direction when the insert is fastened to the outer cover. As such, the leg edge portions can be automatically folded into a correct position when the insert is fastened to the outer cover. Thus, the fastening area contributes to folding and retaining the leg edge portion in a transversely extending state during the fastening of the absorbent article to a user, and Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 28 / 199 20 / 142 during its use. Consequently, the manual maneuvers otherwise required to bend the leg edge portion can be dispensed with. This is a particular benefit for adult users, improving the user's dignity in the care situation by avoiding manual manipulation of leg edge portions located in the user's groin area.
[0086] For example, the cross-fastening width may encompass at least 50% of the cross-width of each leg portion, or at least 75% of the cross-width of each leg portion, or at least 80% of the cross-width of each leg portion.
[0087] Optionally, in said at least one, preferably each, of the front and rear sections of the absorbent article, the transverse gripping width may be not less than 70% of a maximum width of the insert in said front edge portion or rear edge portion, respectively. For example, the transverse gripping width may be not less than 80% or not less than 90% of a maximum width of the insert in said front edge portion or rear edge portion, respectively.
[0088] Furthermore, the pair of elastic insert leg members extend along a length of elastic leg. In said elastic leg, at least preferably each, between the rear section and the front section, each attachment area can be positioned longitudinally between one end of the elastic insert leg member and the front edge or rear edge, respectively, of the insert. As such, the function of the attachment areas to ensure the extension of the elastic insert leg members in the longitudinal direction can be improved. For example, the set of one or more cover fastener areas can be confined to a longitudinal portion of the insert not covered by the length of elastic leg. In other elastic leg members, the attachment area can be confined to a longitudinal portion of the insert not covered by the length of elastic leg. Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 29 / 199 21 / 142 words, the set of one or more cover fastener areas is positioned longitudinally between a front end of the elastic insert leg members and a front edge of the insert, or between a rear end of the elastic insert leg members and a rear edge of the insert, respectively.
[0089] As such, when the transverse fastening width is greater than the leg elastic width, and each fastening area is positioned longitudinally in a portion of the insert between the front / rear end of the insert leg elastic members and the front / rear edge of the insert, the fastening area can ensure stretching in both transverse and longitudinal directions of the insert leg elastic members.
[0090] The inside-facing side of the insert may comprise a pair of inside-side leakage barriers, which extend in the longitudinal direction of the insert.
[0091] An insert comprising a pair of inner side leakage barriers as exemplified above and a pair of elastic insert leg members as exemplified above will provide double barriers against leakage of body fluids from the insert when in use. Side leakage barriers, also known as “elastic folds,” are described in more detail below in relation to the insert. The side leakage barriers can be stretched and raised above the inward-facing surface of the top sheet.
[0092] As such, the proposed positions of the attachment areas as defined above have the added advantage that the positions contribute to raising the lateral leakage barriers and maintaining them in position when the absorbent article is in use.
[0093] In particular, when the insert comprises a pair of elastic insert leg members as described herein. Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, p. 30 / 199 22 / 142 document, and a pair of inner side leak barriers as defined in this document, the proposed positions of the attachment areas as explained in this document are useful for stretching the insert leg elastic, while also contributing to raising the inner side leak barriers. Subsets of Absorbent Item Attachment Areas
[0094] Optionally, in said at least one, preferably each, of the rear section and the front section, the set of one or more fastening areas comprises a first subset of one or more fastening areas, and a second subset of one or more fastening areas, wherein the first and second subsets are spaced around the longitudinal central geometric axis of the insert. Preferably, the first and second subsets are symmetrically spaced around the longitudinal geometric axis of the insert.
[0095] Consequently, the absorbent article may be free of attachment areas between the outer cover and the insert by a spacing width as measured transversely between said first and second subsets of attachment areas.
[0096] This contributes to the conformation of the absorbent article insert when the absorbent article is in use. Notably, the front and / or back section of the insert can be held over the transverse gripping width, so as to ensure the position of the insert relative to the user, while allowing relative movement between the outer cover and the insert over the spacing width. This allows the insert to conform to the user's body, for example, to assume a slightly cupped shape.
[0097] For example, the cross spacing width may be at least 40% of the cross fastening width, as well as at least 50% or at least 60% of the cross fastening width. Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 31 / 199 23 / 142 Absorbent Article Tab Members
[0098] Optionally, in said at least one of the front and back sections of the absorbent article, the outer cover comprises at least one flap member extending from the garment portion. The flap member has a position of use in which a space is formed between the outward-facing inner side of the flap member and the inward-facing side of the garment portion, which space is opened in a longitudinal direction towards the crotch section to receive the respective back edge portion or front edge portion, respectively, of the insert therein, while the insert extends over the crotch portion of the absorbent article.
[0099] The flap member extends from the garment portion in the back section or the front section, respectively. For example, the flap member may be attached to an inward-facing surface of the garment portion in the back section and / or the front section, respectively.
[0100] As mentioned above, in variants of the absorbent article proposed in this document, for one or more of the attachment areas in the set of one or more attachment areas, the attachment between the insert and the outer cover can be made by means of the inside-facing side of said insert. In each of such attachment areas, a surface area on the inside-facing side of the insert can be detachably attached to a surface area on an outside-facing inside side of a flap member, when in a use position.
[0101] Optionally, in said at least one, preferably each, of the front and rear sections of the absorbent article, all attachment areas in the set of one or more attachment areas are attachment areas in which a surface area on the inside facing the insert is detachably attached to a surface area on an inside facing the outside of a flap member, when in a position of Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 32 / 199 24 / 142 usage.
[0102] This contributes to providing a secure connection between the insert and the outer cover. As such, as seen from the outward direction when the article is worn, the attachment area is covered both by the insert itself and by an outward-facing layer of the outer cover. Consequently, the attachment area is difficult to reach by curious fingers and the user's fingering. Furthermore, the garment portion of the outer cover that forms the outward-facing surface of the absorbent article, also at the location of the attachment area, can move independently relative to the insert without directly impacting the attachment area. Thus, user movements, which may cause the outward-facing side of the absorbent article to be pulled or rubbed, are less likely to negatively impact the attachment of the insert to the outer cover.
[0103] As mentioned above, in other variants of the absorbent article proposed in this document, for one or more of the attachment areas in the set of one or more attachment areas, the attachment between the insert and the outer cover may be made by means of the outward-facing side of said insert. In each of these attachment areas, a surface area on the outward-facing side of the insert may be detachably attached to a surface area on an inward-facing inner side of the garment portion of the outer cover. Also, in such variants, the outer cover may optionally be provided with one or more flap members, as explained above. In such variants, the flap member may, for example, have the purpose of covering the front or rear end edge of the insert when attached to the outer cover, so as to reduce any discomfort or irritation resulting therefrom.Additionally, it may be desirable for at least one flap member to extend over any insert fastener areas of the garment portion, in order to reduce the risk of irritation or... Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 33 / 199 25 / 142 discomfort from the insert holder areas, should the insert accidentally loosen from the insert holder areas while the item is in use.
[0104] Optionally, the insert has a longitudinal insert length, and in said at least one, preferably each, between the rear section and the front section, each flange member has a longitudinal flange length such that, in the position of use and when the insert is fixed to the outer cover, the flange member extends by less than 20% of the longitudinal insert length, as by less than 15% of the longitudinal insert length, preferably by less than 10% of the longitudinal insert length.
[0105] As such, each flap member covers a limited length of the longitudinal insert length, leaving most of the inside-facing side of the insert comprising the top sheet exposed so that at least a portion of the top sheet is directly adjacent to the user's skin.
[0106] For example, the portion of the top sheet that is directly adjacent to the user's skin may be a principal portion of the top sheet. As such, the principal portion of the top sheet being directly adjacent to the user's skin may have a longitudinal length of at least 50% of a total top sheet length, as well as at least 75% of a total top sheet length or at least 80% of a total top sheet length.
[0107] The total top sheet length can be substantially equal to the longitudinal insert length, that is, the top sheet can extend the entire length of the insert.
[0108] As such, for example, when the outer cover comprises at least one front flap member in the front section, and at least one rear flap member in the rear section, the front flap members Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 34 / 199 26 / 142 and rear may have respective longitudinal lengths such that, in the position of use and when the insert is attached to the outer cover, the front and rear flap members together extend less than 50% of the longitudinal length of the insert. For example, the front and rear flap members together may extend less than 75% of the longitudinal length of the insert, or less than 80% of the longitudinal length of the insert.
[0109] Optionally, the insert has an insert area, and, in said area, at least one, preferably each, between the rear section and the front section, an inner-side flap area facing outwards of each of the outer cover flap members is such that, in the position of use and when the insert is fixed to the outer cover, the flap member extends by less than 20% of the insert area, or by less than 15% of the insert area, or preferably by less than 10% of the insert area.
[0110] As such, for example, when the outer cover comprises at least one flap member in each of the front and rear sections of the outer cover, the one or more front flap members and the one or more rear flap members may have respective areas such that, in the position of use and when the insert is attached to the outer cover, the one or more front flap members and the one or more rear flap members together extend over less than 50% of the insert area. For example, all the flap members of the absorbent article may extend together over less than 75% of the insert area, or less than 80% of the insert area. Fixation between the Insert and the Outer Cover of the Absorbent Article
[0111] An absorbent article attachment area is an area where a surface area on the inside-facing side of the insert or the outside-facing side of the insert is detachably attached to a surface area of the outer cover by means of at least one fastening material. Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 35 / 199 27 / 142 surface.
[0112] As such, it must be understood that the surface fastening material is distributed over the entire fastening area - which is over a surface area on the inside-facing side or the outside-facing side of the insert and / or the corresponding surface area of the outer cover.
[0113] Consequently, the attachment between the insert and the outer cover occurs over the entire attachment area, and thus any forces to which the attachment area is subjected when the absorbent article is in use are distributed over the attachment area. This provides advantageous load distribution between the insert and the outer cover, avoiding peak loads that could arise, for example, when using point connections such as buttons or snaps. Additionally, attachment by means of a surface-mounted fastening material provided in the areas can be easily utilized, wherein attachment between the inside-facing side of the insert and the outside-facing side of the outer cover can be achieved while providing some tolerance for the exact relative position between the insert and the outer cover – again, this is in contrast to point connections such as buttons or snaps.Additionally, as will be explained further below, fixation using one or more surface-mounted fastening materials can be achieved by using relatively thin and flexible surface-mounted fastening materials, contributing to user comfort and avoiding the risk of irritation.
[0114] Thus, by definition, the set of one or more fastening areas comprises all fastening areas on the front or rear section, respectively, in which a surface area on the inside-facing or outside-facing side of the insert is detachably fastened to a surface area of the outer cover by means of at least one surface fastening material.
[0115] Possibly, the absorbent article may provide fixation. Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 36 / 199 28 / 142 additional detachable attachment between the outer cover and the insert, in addition to the set of attachment areas on the front or back section, respectively, providing detachable attachment between a surface area on the inside or outside facing side of the insert and the outer cover. For example, additional attachment may be provided between the insert and the outer cover in the groin portion of the absorbent article. However, any such additional attachment should preferably be minimized, as additional attachment may impair the benefits obtained by using the set of one or more attachment areas as proposed in this document.
[0116] Preferably, each of the front and rear sections of the absorbent article comprises a set of attachment areas that provides detachable attachment between a surface area on the inside-facing or outside-facing side of the insert and the outer cover, wherein said sets of attachment areas constitute the only attachment between the insert and the outer cover in the absorbent article.
[0117] For example, in at least one, preferably each, of the front section and the rear section of the absorbent article, each attachment area in the set of one or more attachment areas may provide detachable attachment between a surface area on the inside facing side of the insert and the inside facing outside of the flap member, and said set of attachment areas may constitute the only attachment between the insert and the outer cover in the front section or rear section, respectively.
[0118] For example, each of the front and rear sections of the absorbent article comprises a set of attachment areas that provides detachable attachment between a surface area on the inside facing side of the insert and the inside facing outside side of the flap member, wherein said sets of attachment areas constitute the only attachment between the insert and the outer cover in the absorbent article. Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 37 / 199 29 / 142
[0119] As such, in said at least one, preferably each, of the front and rear sections of the absorbent article, the outer covering may comprise a set of one or more insert fastener areas, wherein each insert fastener area comprises a surface fastening material for providing detachable fastening to the inward-facing or outward-facing surface of the insert in at least one of said set of one or more fastening areas. The insert fastener area is thus the area over which the surface fastening material is distributed.
[0120] Alternatively, or in addition, in said at least one, preferably each, of the front section and the rear section of the absorbent article, the inside-facing and / or outside-facing side of the insert may comprise a set of one or more cover fastener areas, wherein each cover fastener area comprises a surface fastening material to provide detachable fastening to the outer cover in at least one of the set of one or more fastening areas. The cover fastener area is thus the area over which the surface fastening material is distributed.
[0121] Preferably, the outer cover comprises a set of one or more insert fastener areas, wherein each insert fastener area comprises a surface fastening material, and the inward-facing and / or outward-facing side of the insert comprises a set of one or more cover fastener areas, wherein the surface fastening material of the set of insert fastener areas and the surface fastening material of the set of cover fastener areas are corresponding surface fastening materials to form said detachable connection. Consequently, said set of fastening areas is formed in that said set of one or more insert fastener areas overlaps said set of one or more cover fastener areas. Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 38 / 199 30 / 142 coverage.
[0122] As mentioned above, each insert fastener area of the outer cover may comprise a surface fastener material. In this case, for example, the surface fastener material may provide detachable fastening to a material layer on the inside-facing side or the outside-facing side of the insert, which material layer is directly fastenable to the surface fastener material of the insert fastener areas. For example, such a material layer may be formed by a top sheet material or a leak-proof barrier forming material of the insert. As such, the insert fastener area may fasten to any position on the material layer, such as any position on the inside-facing side of the insert, or any position on the top sheet.
[0123] Similarly, each cover fastener area of the insert may comprise a surface fastening material to provide detachable fastening to any position on the outer cover.
[0124] However, preferably, as mentioned above, the insert comprises a set of one or more cover fastener areas comprising a surface fastening material, and the outer cover comprises a set of one or more insert fastener areas comprising a corresponding surface fastening material, for detachably attaching said insert to said outer cover.
[0125] As such, preferably, the insert comprises a set of one or more cover fastener areas comprising a surface fastener material that is different from the remainder of the material layer or layers on the inside-facing or outside-facing side of the insert where the cover fastener area is disposed. For example, the cover fastener areas may comprise a material of Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 39 / 199 31 / 142 surface fastening being different from the top sheet material layer and / or a leak-proof barrier forming layer on the inside-facing side of the insert. As such, the fastening area can be adapted to provide the possible connection between the insert and the outer cover only in the cover fastening areas. Thus, the connection between the outer cover and the insert can be controlled with respect to, for example, the location of the connection and / or the strength of the connection formed.
[0126] For example, the insert fastener areas of the outer cover can be adapted so as to provide a stronger connection when attached to the cover fastener areas than when attached to any other portion of the inside-facing side of the insert or the outside-facing side of the insert, respectively.
[0127] For example, each of the insert holder areas on the outer cover can be adapted so that it is not attached to the inside-facing side of the insert or the outside-facing side of the insert, respectively, away from the cover holder areas. This can facilitate handling and ensure that the insert is properly positioned in relation to the outer cover.
[0128] Preferably, one or more insert cover fastener areas comprise a first surface fastener material, and one or more outer cover insert fastener areas comprise a second surface fastener material, cooperating with the first surface fastener material to form a detachable connection.
[0129] For example, each of the set of one or more insert cover fastener areas may have a size and shape approximately similar to a corresponding set of one or more insert fastener areas. Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, p. 40 / 199 32 / 142 Detachable fastener
[0130] By “detachable” fastening it is understood in this document that the fastening area can be used for fastening and detaching multiple times without substantial impairment of its function.
[0131] For example, the clamping area may provide at least 50 clamping / detaching cycles, as well as at least 150 cycles or at least 500 cycles.
[0132] It should be understood that if the absorbent insert is a single-use insert, providing detachable attachment of the insert to the outer cover for a number of use cycles may imply attaching a new insert to the outer cover for each use cycle.
[0133] So, for a single-use insert, it may be sufficient that one or more cover fastener areas be adapted to be detachable from the one or more corresponding insert fastener areas for a relatively lower number of use cycles, such as, for example, for at least 10 use cycles. Furthermore, when used with a reusable outer cover, one or more insert fastener areas may be adapted to be detachable from the one or more corresponding insert fastener areas (of a number of individual single-use inserts) for a relatively higher number of use cycles, such as, for example, for at least 50 use cycles, or for at least 150 or at least 500 use cycles.
[0134] Therefore, it may be desirable that one or more insert cover fastener areas be detachable from one or more corresponding insert fastener areas on the outer cover without impairing the function of the one or more reusable insert fastener areas of the outer cover.
[0135] For example, to one or more fastener areas of Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 41 / 199 33 / 142 cover areas may be non-disintegrating fastener areas, i.e., cover fastener areas may be such that they do not disintegrate when removed from the fastening with an insert fastener area.
[0136] For example, it may be desirable that one or more insert cover fastener areas be detachable from one or more corresponding insert fastener areas of the outer cover without leaving residue, such as debris, on one or more reusable insert fastener areas of the outer cover. If residue from a disintegrated insert cover fastener area is left on an insert fastener area of an outer cover, this may impair the function of the insert fastener area when it is desirable to perform a subsequent attachment of a new insert to the outer cover.
[0137] For example, surface fastening materials such as adhesives may be prone to leaving residue behind when removed from a fastening.
[0138] For example, adhesive residue left in an insert fastener area of an outer cover may impair the function of a subsequent fastener to the insert fastener area, and / or the residue may be difficult to remove from the insert fastener area by washing.
[0139] Thus, the surface fastening material of each fastening area in the assembly of one or more fastening areas may preferably be a non-adhesive surface fastening material. (Non-adhesive means that the surface fastening material is not an adhesive or glue).
[0140] Similarly, the surface fastening material of each insert fastener area in the set of one or more insert fastener areas of the outer cover may preferably be a non-adhesive surface fastening material. Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 42 / 199 34 / 142
[0141] Similarly, the surface fastening material of each cover fastener area in the set of one or more cover fastener areas of the insert may preferably be a non-adhesive surface fastening material.
[0142] For example, each of at least one surface fastening material in the set of one or more attachment areas of the absorbent article may provide detachable fastening through mechanical and / or frictional fastening.
[0143] For example, in at least one, preferably each, of the insert fastener areas in the set of one or more insert fastener areas of the outer cover, the surface fastener material may be adapted to allow detachable mechanical and / or frictional fastening to it by a corresponding fastener material.
[0144] For example, in at least one, preferably each, of the set of one or more cover fastener areas of the insert, the surface fastening material may be adapted to allow detachable mechanical and / or frictional fastening to it by a corresponding fastening material.
[0145] The fact that the fastening material is adapted to allow mechanical and / or frictional fastening implies that it can provide a detachable connection through a relatively large number of usage cycles. Additionally, the mechanical and / or frictional fastening can be provided, which sufficiently retains its function even through several washing cycles.
[0146] For example, a surface fastening material adapted to allow mechanical and / or frictional fastening detachable to the same by mechanical and / or frictional fastening may comprise a plurality of distinct fastening elements. For example, a density Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 43 / 199 35 / 142 of such distinct fastening elements may be at least 10 distinct fastening elements per cm2, more preferably at least 50 distinct fastening elements per cm2.
[0147] For example, a surface fastening material adapted to allow detachable mechanical and / or frictional fastening to it by a corresponding fastening material may be a fastening material comprising a plurality of distinct fastening elements comprising rods projecting from the upper surface of the fastening area over which it is distributed.
[0148] For example, distinct fastening elements comprising projecting rods may be in the form of hooks. A surface fastening material comprising hooks may, for example, be adapted to allow detachable mechanical and / or frictional fastening to another surface material comprising hooks, i.e., forming a hook / hook connection. In another example, a surface fastening material comprising hooks may be adapted to allow detachable mechanical and / or frictional fastening to another surface fastening material comprising handles, i.e., forming a hook / handle connection.
[0149] A “hook” is understood to be a discrete protruding fastening element. Hooks can have any shape. Examples of such hooks include pins, for example straight pins, angled pins, curved pins, tapered pins, single-branch or multi-branch pins, hooks, single-branch or multi-branch hooks, mushroom-shaped protrusions, and palm-shaped protrusions. Hooks can have any type of cross-section, such as round, oval, square, rectangular, or polygonal. Hooks can have a solid core. Within a surface fastening material, all hooks can have the same shape. Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 44 / 199 36 / 142 Alternatively, a surface fastening material may comprise several different types of hooks.
[0150] In surface fastening material comprising “handles”, the distinct fastening elements may be, for example, in the form of fibrous loops.
[0151] The surface fastening material may be disposed directly on an underlying surface, such as, for example, on a surface on the outside facing side of an outer cover flange member or on the inside facing side of the insert.
[0152] By selecting surface fastening materials as proposed in this document, the cover fastener areas and / or the insert fastener areas, as well as the attachment areas, can be flexible, that is, they can have sufficient flexibility to properly follow the user's body without creating unnecessary irritation or discomfort.
[0153] Additionally, by selecting surface fastening materials as proposed in this document, the cover fastener areas and / or the insert fastener areas, as well as the fixing areas, can be relatively thin, again in order to avoid unnecessary irritation or discomfort.
[0154] For example, optionally, a height of the clamping area, when in a clamped state, is less than 3 mm, as is less than 2 mm.
[0155] For example, when the fastening material comprises a plurality of distinct fastening elements, such as distinct fastening elements comprising rods projecting outwards, the height of said distinct fastening elements may be less than 3 mm, less than 2 mm, or less than 1.5 mm. Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, p. 45 / 199 37 / 142
[0156] For example, when the outer cover comprises one or more insert holder members (as will be described below), each insert holder member may have a height of less than 3 mm, less than 2 mm, or less than 1.5 mm.
[0157] For example, when the insert comprises one or more cover fastener members (as will be described below), each cover fastener member may have a height of less than 3 mm, less than 2 mm, or less than 1.5 mm. Fastener Members
[0158] Optionally, the insert comprises one or more cover fastener members disposed on the inside-facing and / or outside-facing side of the insert, wherein each cover fastener member provides at least one of said cover fastener areas in said assembly.
[0159] One or more cover fastener members may, for example, be attached to the inside-facing side of the insert by means of adhesive or welding. For example, ultrasonic welding or hot seal welding may be used.
[0160] Alternatively, or in addition, the outer cover comprises one or more insert holder members arranged in the outer cover, wherein each insert holder member provides at least one of the insert holder areas in said assembly.
[0161] One or more insert fastener members may, for example, be attached to the outer cover by means of stitching or welding.
[0162] Thus, the surface fastening material can be arranged on the cover fastener member or insert fastener member, respectively. The surface fastening material can be arranged to form one or more areas on a fastener member. Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 46 / 199 38 / 142 cover or insert fastener member, wherein the fastening material areas thus correspond to one or more cover fastener areas or insert fastener areas provided by the cover fastener member or insert fastener member, respectively.
[0163] For this purpose, the cover fastener member or the insert fastener member may comprise a base formed of sheet metal.
[0164] For example, at least one, as well as all, of one or more insert fastener members may comprise a sheet-formed base having a length in the longitudinal direction and a width in the transverse direction, and comprising one or more areas of a surface fastening material.
[0165] For example, at least one, as well as all, of one or more members of a cover fastener may comprise a sheet-formed base having a length in the longitudinal direction and a width in the transverse direction, and comprising one or more cover fastener areas of a surface fastening material.
[0166] The sheet-formed base of the insert fastener member / cover fastener member may have the first and second surfaces parallel, with the first surface being attached to the outer cover / inside-facing side or outside-facing side of the insert.
[0167] As such, an insert holder member or cover holder member may comprise a sheet-formed base comprising one or more insert holder areas or one or more cover holder areas, respectively.
[0168] Preferably, at least one, as well as all, of the one or more insert holder members or cover holder members may comprise a sheet-formed base comprising no more than one insert holder or cover holder member area. Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 47 / 199 39 / 142 coverage, respectively.
[0169] For example, surface fastening material may comprise a plurality of distinct fastening elements comprising rods that may project from a sheet-formed base surface. The rods may, for example, be hooks that are adapted to be attached to corresponding handles. Cover fastener areas and insert fastener areas
[0170] It may be preferable that any surface gripping material comprising projecting rods be disposed on a side of the insert or outer cover that will be directed outward, i.e., away from the user, when in use. For example, a surface gripping material comprising projecting rods may be selected for insert gripping surfaces disposed on the outward-facing inner side of a flap member. This is intended to prevent the projections from making contact with the user's skin.
[0171] Thus, for example, for at least one, as well as all, of the insert fastener areas of said assembly, the surface fastening material may comprise a plurality of distinct fastening elements, such as distinct fastening elements comprising rods that project outwards, as seen when the flange member is in the use position.
[0172] It may be preferable that any surface fastening material on the inside-facing side of the insert be free of projections. As such, it can be ensured that even if incorrectly fastened to the outer cover, so that some part of a cover fastener area is left uncovered by the flap member, the cover fastener area should not risk damaging the user's skin.
[0173] For example, at least one, like all, among the one or Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 48 / 199 40 / 142 more cover fastener members in said assembly may comprise a handle material. Areas for Fastening External Cover Insert
[0174] For example, as mentioned above, one or more insert fastener areas may comprise protruding members, such as hooks. For example, one or more insert fastener members may comprise a hook material. By positioning the insert fastener areas on the outward-facing side of the tab member, such hooks are thus directed away from the user's skin during use, reducing any risk of causing frictional damage to a user's skin during use.
[0175] Additionally, it has been found that hook materials are generally more capable than loop materials of retaining their properties through multiple wash cycles. As such, for an outer cover, by providing insert fastener areas comprising a plurality of distinct fastening elements comprising rods projecting from a surface, such as hooks, on the outside facing the flap member, the risk of the projections making contact with the user's skin is reduced while the function of the insert fastener area throughout the service life of a washable outer cover is ensured.
[0176] As mentioned above, one or more insert holder areas can be adapted to attach to any user-facing surface on the inside of the insert, such as a non-woven surface like the top sheet surface of the insert. However, it has been found that there may be a risk of debris, for example, from a non-woven surface such as a top sheet material, becoming loose from the insert as the insert is removed from the insert holder areas. Such debris can accumulate in the insert holder area, gradually impairing performance. Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 49 / 199 41 / 142 its function. Additionally, such debris was found to be difficult to remove from fastener areas, even when washed.
[0177] Consequently, it may be preferable that one or more insert fastener areas are adapted to detachably attach to one or more corresponding designated cover fastener areas comprising a matching surface fastening material and disposed on the inside facing side of the insert.
[0178] Additionally, correct positioning of the insert in relation to the outer cover can be better ensured when the insert is secured using designated cover fastener areas on the insert.
[0179] Optionally, the outer cover garment portion and the outer cover insert fastener area assembly are non-adherent to each other.
[0180] As such, the insert fastener areas and the garment portion material, for example, the garment portion cloth panels, can be selected so that the insert fastener areas are non-adherent to the garment portion. Thus, the risk of the insert fastener areas unintentionally attaching to the garment portion is removed.
[0181] Additionally, the tab member and one or more insert fastener areas may not adhere to each other.
[0182] As mentioned above, the flap member and the garment portion may comprise the same material, for example a cloth material that is non-adherent to the insert fastener areas.
[0183] The same may apply to any additional fastening members of the outer cover.
[0184] For example, the rear section of the outer cover may comprise one or more first means of waist fastening, and the front section Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 50 / 199 42 / 142 of the outer covering may comprise one or more secondary waist fastening means, corresponding to the first waist fastening means, so as to provide detachable fastening of the outer covering around a user's waist. For example, such waist fastening means may comprise hook and / or loop materials. As such, the first and / or second waist fastening means may be non-adherent to the garment portion and / or the flap member. Insert Cover Fastener Areas
[0185] For example, at least one, as well as all, of one or more cover fastener areas may be formed by a layer of handle material.
[0186] The handle material may be relatively soft to the touch, so that even if the material were accidentally placed against a user's skin, the risk of causing frictional damage is relatively low.
[0187] Additionally, a handle material can be made from materials that are less expensive and / or more advantageous in terms of environmental sustainability than a corresponding hook material. As such, it is advantageous to be able to provide the handle material in a single-use insert to be used with a hook material in a reusable outer cover.
[0188] It should be understood that the resources and explanations above regarding fastening materials, fastening areas, cover fastening areas and insert fastening areas apply equally to the absorbent article of the first aspect as described herein, the outer cover of the second aspect as described below, and the insert of the third aspect as described below.
[0189] Additional features and advantages of the absorbent article will be evident from the description below of an outer covering to form a Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 51 / 199 43 / 142 absorbent article, and an insert to form an absorbent article. It should be understood that the features described for the outer cover and the features described for the insert are applicable to the absorbent article as described above, independently or in combination.
[0190] The longitudinal length of the absorbent article is understood to be the maximum longitudinal length from the front edge to the back edge of the absorbent article, i.e., from the outer cover with the insert detachably attached thereto, and as measured through the absorbent article's crotch section. In other words, the longitudinal length is the maximum longitudinal length as seen through the Wc crotch width of the absorbent article. As such, portions of the absorbent article that extend transversely beyond the crotch width may be disregarded when determining the longitudinal length of the absorbent article. For example, transversely extending side portions provided to secure the absorbent article around the user's waist may be disregarded.The crotch width of the absorbent article is the minimum width of the crotch section of the absorbent article, that is, the minimum width of the portion of the absorbent article intended to be positioned between the leg openings formed by the absorbent article when in use.
[0191] Furthermore, it should be understood that the longitudinal length of the absorbent article may deviate from the longitudinal length of the outer cover, since, for example, when the insert is attached to the outer cover, the outer cover may be wrinkled in the longitudinal direction. 2. External covering
[0192] In a second aspect, the disclosure relates to an outer covering in accordance with claim 27.
[0193] As such, the disclosure refers to a reusable outer cover for an absorbent article, where the outer cover extends Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 52 / 199 44 / 142 along a longitudinal direction, and along a transverse direction, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, wherein an inward direction is defined as towards the wearer when the article is worn, and an outward direction is defined as away from the wearer when the article is worn, wherein the inward and outward directions are perpendicular to the transverse and longitudinal directions. The outer cover has a longitudinal length that extends along the longitudinal direction and is subdivided into a front section, a back section, and a crotch section. The crotch section of the outer cover defines a minimum transverse crotch width of the outer cover.
[0194] The outer covering comprises a garment portion extending in the front section, in the back section and in the crotch portion, wherein said front and back sections of the garment portion are adapted to fit around the waist of a user, with the front section being positioned at or near the user's navel, wherein the back section is positioned against the user's lower back, and the crotch section is positioned between two leg openings formed by the outer covering, such that the garment portion defines an inward-facing surface facing towards the user, and an outward-facing surface facing away from the user, when the outer covering is worn.
[0195] In at least one, preferably each, of the front section and the rear section, the outer cover comprises a set of one or more insert fastener areas, wherein each insert fastener area in said set comprises a surface fastening material for detachably attaching an insert to said outer cover.
[0196] Additionally, in said at least one, preferably each, of the front and rear sections of the outer cover, the set of one or more insert fastener areas covers a width of Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 53 / 199 45 / 142 cross fastening that is not less than the minimum cross crotch width of the outer covering.
[0197] As such, the clothing portion of the outer covering can be adapted to fit around a user's waist with the front section being positioned at or near the user's belly, where the back section is positioned against the user's lower back, and the crotch section is positioned between two leg openings formed by the outer covering.
[0198] Consequently, the outer cover can substantially completely cover the insert when used together in the absorbent article. Thus, the outer cover forms the entire outward-facing surface, or clothing-facing side, of the absorbent article, substantially concealing the insert from view. As a result, the absorbent article has an appearance that is closer to normal underwear when worn, which will be perceived by users as more dignified and comfortable than wearing disposable diapers.
[0199] Furthermore, the outer cover can protect the insert and provide an additional layer, so that any tearing or friction on the outside, such as may result from user movements, is initially absorbed by the outer cover. Thus, the insert can remain more securely in place to perform its function.
[0200] Since the garment portion of the outer cover extends over the groin portion of the outer cover, any friction or tearing to which the outer cover may be subjected when worn affects the garment portion of the outer cover rather than the absorbent insert attached to the outer cover. Thus, the position of the absorbent insert in relation to the user can be secured, for the benefit of providing sufficient absorption and preventing leakage. Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 54 / 199 46 / 142 Portions of the External Coverage
[0201] The outer covering's garment portion may comprise a main body, forming a transversely central portion of the garment portion, and extending longitudinally from a rear end of the outer covering, between the wearer's legs, to a front end of the outer covering, when the outer covering is in use. As such, the crotch section of the outer covering, at least a central portion of the front section, and at least a central portion of the rear section of the outer covering may be formed by the main body.
[0202] In the front and / or rear section of the outer covering, the main body may be provided with one or more lateral portions that extend transversely, to provide fastening of the outer covering around a user's waist. For example, a pair of lateral portions may be arranged in the front section of the outer covering, to be attached to another pair of lateral portions arranged in the rear section of the outer covering. In other examples, a pair of lateral portions is arranged in one of the front and rear sections of the outer covering, and attached to the other of the front and rear sections of the outer covering. In other examples, the front or rear section of the outer covering may be provided with a single or a pair of attachable lateral portions so as to form a closed circumference, i.e., a belt, around the user; subsequently, the opposite front or rear section of the outer covering may be attached to one or more lateral portions.
[0203] The fastening between the side portions or between a side portion and a front or rear section of the outer cover may be made by means of the waist fastening means. For example, the side portions may be fitted with waist fastening means for fastening to the corresponding waist fastening means provided on another side portion, or on the front or rear section of the outer cover, to close the article around a user's waist. Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 55 / 199 47 / 142
[0204] For example, when a pair of side portions is arranged in one of the front and rear sections of the outer cover, the inside-facing side of the side portions may be provided with the waist fastening means for attachment to the corresponding fastening means provided on the outside-facing side of the opposite front or rear section, respectively, of the outer cover, to close the article around a user's waist.
[0205] In certain examples, the rear section of the outer cover may be provided with a pair of side portions, wherein each side portion extends transversely on each side of a main body, and is intended to be attached to the front section of the outer cover. For example, the inward-facing side of the side portions may be provided with a waist fastening means for attachment to the corresponding fastening means provided on the outward-facing side of the front section of the outer cover, to close the article around a user's waist. Waist Fastening Mechanism for Outer Cover
[0206] In general, on the front or rear section of the outer covering, the inward-facing surface of the garment portion may be provided with a pair of waist fastening means to be attached to a corresponding waist fastening means on the outward-facing surface of the garment portion on the opposite rear or front section, respectively. For example, on the rear section of the outer covering, the inward-facing surface of the garment portion may be provided with a pair of waist fastening means to be attached to a corresponding waist fastening means on the outward-facing surface of the garment portion.
[0207] The waist fastening means may comprise corresponding fastening areas, for example fastener areas or fastening areas similar to those described below in relation to the outer cover insert fastener areas, or the insert cover fastener areas. By Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 56 / 199 48 / 142 example, the waist fastening method may comprise corresponding hooks and straps. Properties of the External Cover
[0208] The outer cover is reusable, that is, intended to be used for more than one cycle of use of an absorbent article. As such, at the beginning of each cycle of use, a new absorbent insert can be attached to the outer cover to form the absorbent article, and after each cycle of use, the absorbent insert can be removed from the outer cover and discarded. The outer cover can be configured to be wipeable between cycles of use. As such, the outer cover can, if necessary, be cleaned between each cycle of use. However, it may be preferable that the outer cover is only cleaned when deemed necessary, that is, when, after one or more cycles of use, the outer cover is considered soiled to the point of needing cleaning.
[0209] To provide efficient cleaning, the outer cover can be configured to be washable.
[0210] For example, the outer cover can be set to be machine washable.
[0211] For example, the outer cover can be set for at least 20 wash cycles, as for at least 20 machine wash cycles as defined in this document.
[0212] Optionally, the outer cover can be configured for at least 50 wash cycles, as well as for at least 50 machine wash cycles as defined in this document.
[0213] Optionally, the outer cover can be set for at least 20 machine wash cycles, or at least 50 machine wash cycles at 60 degrees Celsius.
[0214] Washing allows for hygienic cleaning of the outer covering, further increasing the reusability of said covering. Ser Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 57 / 199 49 / 142 machine washable is preferable, as this makes the product easier to clean and reuse by caregivers.
[0215] As mentioned above, the outer cover is not primarily intended to contain bodily discharges, such as urine or feces from the user. Instead, the absorbent insert, which must be attached to the outer cover when the absorbent article is in use, is intended to perform the function of absorbing bodily discharges from the user.
[0216] As such, the outer covering may be mostly permeable to liquids.
[0217] The outer covering being primarily permeable to liquids implies that the outer covering is substantially permeable to liquids, such as urine.
[0218] As such, at least 50% of a total area of the outer covering must be permeable to liquids. For example, at least 70% or at least 90% of a total area of the outer covering must be permeable to liquids.
[0219] The fact that the outer covering may be primarily permeable to liquids implies that suitable materials for the outer covering may be selected from among liquid-permeable materials.
[0220] Thus, the outer covering can be made of liquid-permeable materials, such as textile cloths. This provides the resulting absorbent article by combining the outer covering and an absorbent insert that has a look and feel more similar to underwear.
[0221] The outer covering can be primarily breathable. The outer covering being breathable, that is, permeable to gases, implies that air and other gases can pass through the outer covering. This is beneficial to the user's skin health.
[0222] As such, at least 50% of a total coverage area Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 58 / 199 50 / 142 outer coverage must be breathable. For example, at least 70% or at least 90% of the total area of the outer covering must be breathable.
[0223] Preferably, the outer covering may be primarily permeable to liquids and primarily breathable. As such, the outer covering may be made of breathable, liquid-permeable materials, such as, for example, textile materials.
[0224] Appropriately, the outer covering may be primarily permeable to liquids, primarily breathable, and washable as defined above. To this end, suitable materials being permeable to liquids, breathable, and washable may be selected to form the outer covering. Again, suitable materials may be found among textile materials being permeable to liquids, breathable, and washable.
[0225] For example, the garment portion of the outer covering may comprise one or more fabric panels that form the front section, the back section and the crotch section of the garment portion.
[0226] As such, one or more fabric panels can be selected from materials that are permeable to liquids, breathable and / or washable.
[0227] For example, one or more fabric panels may comprise a textile fabric. Suitable textile fabrics may be permeable to liquids, breathable and / or washable.
[0228] For example, one or more cloth panels may comprise a knitted textile cloth.
[0229] A knitted textile fabric may be suitable for providing elasticity to the outer covering.
[0230] For example, one or more cloth panels may comprise a knitted textile cloth material of weft, for example, such as Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 59 / 199 51 / 142 a unique knitted shirt with various weaves.
[0231] For example, the outer covering may comprise a textile cloth, which has a base weight in the range between 150 and 300 gsm, as well as between 200 and 250 gsm. For example, one or more cloth panels may comprise a textile cloth, which has a base weight in the range between 150 and 300 gsm, as well as between 200 and 250 gsm. Such a cloth may be a knitted textile cloth, such as a weft knitted textile cloth, for example, a weft knitted single jersey, as defined above.
[0232] The outer covering may comprise a material that is elastic in at least one direction, preferably in two directions. For example, one or more fabric panels may comprise a material that is elastic in at least one direction, preferably in two directions. Such material may be, for example, a knitted fabric as defined above.
[0233] For example, the outer covering may comprise a textile fabric comprising polyester.
[0234] As such, one or more of the garment portion's fabric panels may comprise a textile fabric comprising polyester. For example, the majority of the garment portion's area may comprise a textile fabric comprising polyester, such as at least 60% of the area, or at least 80%, or at least 90% of the area.
[0235] For example, one or more cloth panels may comprise a textile cloth comprising a blend of polyester and elastane. For example, one or more cloth panels may comprise a textile cloth comprising not less than 70% polyester, as well as not less than 80% polyester. For example, one or more cloth panels may comprise a textile cloth comprising 70 to 90% polyester, and 30 to 10% elastane. For example, one or more cloth panels may comprise a cloth comprising 80% polyester and 20% elastane. Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, p. 60 / 199 52 / 142
[0236] Polyester materials have been found to have advantageous properties throughout use and washing cycles, for example in relation to shrinkage, retaining their shape and length.
[0237] For example, the outer covering may comprise a textile fabric comprising recycled material. As such, one or more of the fabric panel(s) of the garment portion may comprise a textile fabric comprising recycled material. For example, most of the area of the garment portion may comprise a textile fabric comprising recycled material, such as at least 60% of the area, or at least 80%, or at least 90% of the area.
[0238] For example, the amount of recycled material in the textile fabric can be at least 20%, as well as at least 50%, or at least 70%.
[0239] In one example, the garment portion may comprise a single panel of cloth that forms the front section, the back section and the crotch section of the garment portion.
[0240] In another example, the garment portion comprises more than one panel of cloth, wherein the panels of cloth are joined together to form the front section, the back section, and the crotch section of the garment portion. The use of more than one panel of cloth may provide additional options for controlling the shape of the outer covering and / or other properties, such as elasticity, of the outer covering.
[0241] The cloth panels can be joined by any suitable joining members. For example, the joining members can be selected considering the needs for, for example, washability and / or breathability of the outer covering.
[0242] For example, cloth panels can be joined by adhesive joining members, such as adhesive tape.
[0243] For example, cloth panels can be joined by Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 61 / 199 53 / 142 mechanical joining members, such as seams or sutures.
[0244] The cloth panels can be permanently joined, i.e., intended to be joined throughout the life cycle of the outer covering.
[0245] Optionally, when the garment portion comprises more than one cloth panel, the cloth panels may be made of different cloths. As such, different properties of different cloths may be used to impart different functions and / or aesthetics to the garment portion and to the outer covering.
[0246] Alternatively, when the garment portion comprises more than one cloth panel, the cloth panels can be made from the same cloth. As such, the cloth panels will have similar properties, i.e., liquid permeability and / or breathability, and similar behavior when subjected to use, such as washing and wear. This can be advantageous for the durability of the reusable outer covering. Furthermore, using the same cloth material for the cloth panels can provide efficient use of cloth material during manufacturing, reducing cloth waste.
[0247] As mentioned above, the absorbency of the absorbent article to be formed by the outer cover, when an absorbent insert is attached to it, must be primarily provided by the absorbent insert alone.
[0248] For example, the groin portion of the outer covering may be essentially non-absorbent, implying that the groin portion is not intended to absorb any bodily discharges to a significant degree.
[0249] For example, the clothing portion of the outer cover may be essentially non-absorbent and / or the entire outer cover may be essentially non-absorbent.
[0250] Essentially non-absorbent means in this document that the outer covering is not intended to absorb and retain. Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 62 / 199 54 / 142 fluids to a significant degree.
[0251] For this purpose, one or more fabric panels of the garment portion and / or outer covering may consist of one or more materials, wherein each material is essentially non-absorbent. Transverse Fastening Width of the External Cover
[0252] As defined above, according to the second aspect, an outer cover is provided in which, in said cover, at least one, preferably each, of the front and rear sections of the outer cover, the set of one or more insert fastener areas covers a transverse fastening width that is not less than the minimum transverse groin width.
[0253] As also defined above, the crotch section of the outer cover defines the minimum transverse crotch width of the outer cover.
[0254] As such, the set of one or more insert fastener areas allows the insert to be fixed in a position such that the insert is held transversely at a sufficient width in the front and / or back section, respectively, while in at least part of the groin section, the insert can adapt to a cup shape generally within the minimum transverse width of the outer covering.
[0255] For example, the respective cross fastening width may be no less than 110% of the minimum cross width, as well as no less than 120% of the minimum cross width (crotch width) of the outer covering.
[0256] The outer covering may comprise a pair of elastic leg members, arranged along the leg openings of the garment portion at least in the crotch section thereof.
[0257] The elastic leg limbs can be separated by Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 63 / 199 55 / 142 is the maximum leg elastic spacing width. The maximum leg elastic spacing width is the maximum transverse width between the elastically active portions of the elastic leg limbs.
[0258] Similarly, the elastic leg members are separated by a minimum leg elastic spacing width. As such, the minimum leg elastic spacing width is typically located in the crotch section of the garment portion, and the minimum leg elastic spacing width may be close to the minimum transverse width (crotch width) of the outer cover.
[0259] For example, in said at least one, preferably each, of the front and rear sections of the outer cover, the set of one or more insert fastener areas covers a respective transverse fastening width that is less than the maximum leg elastic spacing width. As such, a desirable positioning of the leg elastic members of the outer cover transversely outside an insert fixed to the set of one or more insert fastener areas can be ensured.
[0260] For example, when, in said at least one, preferably each of, the front section and the back section of the outer cover, the set of one or more insert fastener areas encompasses a respective transverse fastening width that is less than the maximum leg elastic spacing width and greater than the minimum transverse width of the outer cover, the correct positioning of the insert in relation to the outer cover when the absorbent article is in use can be promoted.
[0261] Thus, as can be understood from the above, the groin section of the outer covering can be advantageously free of insert fastener areas. Certainly, the outer covering as a whole can Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 64 / 199 56 / 142 to be free of insert fastener areas, but for said set of one or more insert fastener areas in at least one, preferably each, between the front section and the rear section of the outer cover. Subsets of Insert Fastener Areas
[0262] In said at least one, preferably each, of the front and rear sections of the outer cover, the set of one or more insert fastener areas may comprise a first subset of one or more insert fastener areas and a second subset of one or more insert fastener areas, wherein the first subset and the second subset are separated around a central longitudinal geometric axis of the outer cover by a transverse spacing width. Preferably, the first and second subsets may be symmetrically spaced around the longitudinal geometric axis by the transverse spacing width.
[0263] As such, the insert may be free of fastening areas by the width of the transverse spacing. This implies that the insert may be free of attachment to the outer cover in a central transverse region, which may be beneficial for forming the insert during use. For example, the spaced arrangement may allow the insert to assume a slightly cupped shape when viewed from the transverse direction, improving the retention capacity of the inserts. Additionally, a separate arrangement of the insert fastening areas allows arrangements in which the correct positioning of the insert on the outer cover can be facilitated. Furthermore, when the insert is free of insert fastening areas by the width of the transverse spacing, the surface fastening material of the insert fastening areas is provided only when necessary, implying that the amount of material on the outer cover can be reduced.
[0264] As mentioned above, the groin section of Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 65 / 199 57 / 142 outer coverage may define a minimum transverse width (the crotch width). For example, the transverse spacing width may be no less than the minimum transverse width. For example, the transverse spacing width may be at least 120% of the minimum transverse width.
[0265] As such, the first and second subsets of one or more insert fastener areas can ensure that the insert, when attached to the insert fastener areas, extends at least over the crotch width of the outer cover.
[0266] For example, the cross spacing width may be at least three times the cross width of each insert fastener area, or at least four times the cross width of each insert fastener area.
[0267] For example, the cross spacing width may be no less than 40% of the cross fastening width, as well as no less than 50% or no less than 60% of the cross fastening width.
[0268] For example, in said section, at least one, preferably each, of the front section and the rear section, the first and second subsets of one or more insert fastener areas may be provided in the same flange member, preferably in a single flange member in the front or rear section, respectively.
[0269] For example, the front and rear sections of the outer cover may each be provided with a single flap member, wherein each single flap member comprises a first subset of one or more insert fastener areas and a second subset of one or more insert fastener areas, wherein the first and second subsets are spaced, preferably symmetrically spaced, around a central longitudinal geometric axis of the insert by a transverse spacing width. For example, the first subset and the second subset Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 66 / 199 58 / 142 can each comprise a unique fastener area.
[0270] In one example, the insert fastener area subsets may be provided by a single insert fastener member, attached to the single tab member. For example, such an insert fastener member may comprise a sheet-formed base bearing a first subset of one or more insert fastener areas comprising a surface fastening material and a second subset of one or more insert fastener areas comprising a surface fastening material, wherein the first and second subsets are spaced by the cross spacing width.
[0271] However, in another example, each of the insert holder areas can be provided by a separate insert holder member, wherein each insert holder member comprises an insert holder area comprising a surface holding material. This can be advantageous for reducing the amount of material added to the insert and / or for reducing any additional stiffness implied by the presence of an insert holder member on the outer cover. Extension of Insert Fastener Areas
[0272] In said section, at least one, preferably each, of the front section and the rear section, the set of insert fastener areas may encompass a maximum longitudinal length that is not greater than 20% of the longitudinal length of the outer cover, not greater than 15% of the longitudinal length of the outer cover, or not greater than 10% of the longitudinal length of the outer cover.
[0273] Optionally, the set of one or more insert fastener areas may be confined to a front or rear end region of the outer cover, wherein said front or rear end region extends longitudinally from a front or rear edge of the Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 67 / 199 59 / 142 outer covering and by a maximum longitudinal length that is not greater than 20% of the longitudinal length of the outer covering, or not greater than 15% of the longitudinal length of the outer covering, or not greater than 10% of the longitudinal length of the outer covering.
[0274] As such, the attachment of the insert to the outer cover is confined to the front or rear end regions of the front or rear section of the outer cover. Consequently, a front edge or rear region may be securely held by the outer cover when the article is worn, while a crotch section of the insert may not be attached to the outer cover. Insert Fastener Areas when positioned on a Flange Member
[0275] Optionally, in at least one, preferably each, of the front and rear sections of the outer cover, the outer cover comprises at least one flap member extending from the garment portion. Each flap member has a position of use in which an inner side facing outwards of the flap member faces the inner side of the garment portion so as to form a space between the inner side facing outwards of the flap member and the inner side of the garment portion, which space is opened in a longitudinal direction towards the crotch section to receive a respective back edge portion and / or a front edge portion of the insert therein.
[0276] In some variants, each insert fastener area of the assembly of one or more insert fastener areas is positioned on the outward-facing inner side of at least one tab member. Each insert fastener area in the assembly comprises a surface fastening material for detachably attaching an insert to the outer cover.
[0277] Thus, in the front and / or back section of the garment portion, a flap member is arranged so that, at least in one Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 68 / 199 60 / 142 position of use, the flap member delineates a space being opened in a longitudinal direction towards the groin section to receive a respective back edge or a front edge of the insert. The space is opened in a longitudinal direction towards the groin section. As such, a back edge or a front edge of an absorbent insert can be positioned in the space, and the inward-facing side of the insert can be secured by one or more insert fastener areas (each insert fastener area comprising a surface fastening material), while the absorbent insert extends out of the space and over the groin section of the outer cover, so as to be available to absorb body fluids when the absorbent article is in use.
[0278] One or more insert fastener areas in said assembly are positioned on the outward-facing side of at least one flap member, facing the garment portion. A second side of the flap member, opposite the outward-facing inner surface, is then in the use position, an inward-facing surface facing the intended user.
[0279] The flange member may be a generally planar member, which extends in the plane encompassed by the longitudinal geometric axis and the transverse geometric axis.
[0280] As such, when the outer cover is in use, one or more insert fastener areas positioned on the outside-facing side of the flap member will be directed away from the user, in a direction toward the garment portion of the outer cover. Consequently, any risk of the user experiencing irritation or discomfort from the surface fastening material of the insert fastener areas is significantly reduced—even if the insert accidentally loosens from the insert fastener areas. Additionally, the fact that the insert fastener areas are positioned on the outside-facing side of the flap member implies that the member Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 69 / 199 61 / 142 of the tab will be securely held toward the inward-facing side of the insert when the item is in use. As such, any risk of the tab member becoming unintentionally bent or crumpled, creating potential discomfort for the user, is reduced.
[0281] Furthermore, with one or more insert fastener areas positioned on the flap member, any undesirable aesthetic effects on the outer cover resulting from the insert fastener area(s) (such as seams that attach an insert fastener member to the outer cover) will only appear on the flap member and will not be visible from the outside of the garment portion when the outer cover is worn. The outward-facing surface of the garment portion is intended to be the outward-facing surface of the complete absorbent article, and therefore, it will be directed towards a user's normal clothing when the outer cover is in use.
[0282] Additionally, the fact that one or more insert fastener areas are positioned on the outward-facing surface of the flap member, whose surface is spaced from the garment portion, implies that, when the outer cover is in use, the movement of the garment portion is less restricted by the insert fastener area and thus the insert. For example, any area of the garment portion over which the flap member extends can follow the general movement of the garment portion, and then the outward appearance of the garment portion will be more like underwear, without visible tension on the garment portion resulting from the attachment of the insert to the outer cover.
[0283] Similarly, the insert fastener areas, and thus the position of the insert, will be less likely to be displaced by, for example, the garment portion being subjected to tearing or friction resulting from the user's movements. Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 70 / 199 62 / 142
[0284] By the above definition, the set of one or more insert fastener areas comprises all insert fastener areas in the front or rear section, respectively, that are positioned on the outside-facing inner side of at least one flange member and comprises a surface fastening material for detachably securing an insert.
[0285] Possibly, the outer cover may include additional fastening areas to provide detachable fastening between the outer cover and the insert, in addition to the set of insert fastening areas positioned on the inside facing outwards of at least one flap member. For example, an additional fastening area may be provided on the garment portion of the outer cover. However, any such additional fastening areas should preferably be minimized, as additional fastening may compromise the benefits obtained by using the set of one or more insert fastening areas positioned on the inside facing outwards of the flap, as proposed herein.
[0286] Instead, in at least one, preferably each, of the front and rear sections of the outer cover, the set of one or more insert fastener areas positioned on the inside facing outwards of at least one flap member may constitute the only insert fastener elements for detachably attaching an insert to the outer cover in said front and / or rear section of the outer cover.
[0287] Preferably, each of the front and rear sections of the outer cover comprises a set of insert holder areas positioned on the inside facing outwards of at least one flap member, wherein said sets of insert holder areas constitute the only insert holder elements for detachably attaching an insert to the outer cover, of the outer cover.
[0288] The outside-facing side of the flap member may be Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 71 / 199 63 / 142 facing at least a portion of the inward-facing surface of the garment portion, that is, facing the user's area facing the inward-facing surface over which the flap member extends. Thus, space may be formed between the outward-facing side of the flap member and the inward-facing surface of the garment portion.
[0289] For example, the inward-facing surface area of the garment portion over which the flap member extends (when in the wear position) may be free of insert fastener areas. Optionally, the entire garment portion may be free of insert fastener areas. As such, the only fastening between the outer cover and an insert may be made by means of the flap members comprising the sets of insert fastener areas, which may be configured for fastening towards the inward-facing side of the insert. Insert fastener areas positioned on the garment portion
[0290] In some variants, each insert fastener area of the assembly of one or more insert fastener areas is positioned on the inside-facing side of the garment portion. In some such variants, the outer cover may be provided with a flap member as defined above, so that the insert is covered by at least one flap member when in the wear position. Each insert fastener area in the assembly comprises a surface fastening material for detachably attaching an insert to the outer cover.
[0291] In such variants, the insertion can be attached to the outer cover via the outward-facing side, i.e., the back leaf side of the insert. In such variants, the flap member may, for example, have the purpose of covering the front or rear end edge of the insert when attached to the outer cover, so as to reduce any discomfort or irritation resulting therefrom. Additionally, it may be desirable that at least one Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 72 / 199 64 / 142 The flap member should extend at least through any insert fastener areas of the garment portion, so as to reduce the risk of irritation or discomfort to the insert fastener areas should the insert accidentally become detached from the insert fastener areas while the item is in use. Member of the Outer Coverage Panel
[0292] For example, in said section, at least one, preferably each, of the front section and the rear section, each flap member may be located on a front edge or a rear edge, respectively, of the outer cover.
[0293] As such, a flap member in the front section may extend longitudinally from a front edge of the outer cover towards the crotch section. Similarly, a flap member in the back section may extend longitudinally from a back edge of the outer cover towards the crotch section.
[0294] Thus, the insert can be fixed at a location on the front and / or rear section of the outer cover close to the front edge and / or rear edge of the outer cover, respectively. As such, the position of the insert fastening areas, and then of the insert when fixed to the outer cover, can be guaranteed.
[0295] As such, in said section, at least one, preferably each, of the front section and the rear section, each flap member may, for example, have a longitudinal length that is not greater than 20% of the longitudinal length of the outer cover, as well as not greater than 15% of the longitudinal length of the outer cover, or not greater than 10% of the longitudinal length of the outer cover.
[0296] The longitudinal length of the flange member is understood to be the maximum longitudinal length of the flange member as it extends freely in the longitudinal direction when in the use position. Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 73 / 199 65 / 142 For example, the free length can be measured in a longitudinal direction between a joint that secures the flap member to the garment portion, and a free end of the flap member.
[0297] The longitudinal length of the outer covering is understood to be the maximum longitudinal length from the front edge to the back edge of the outer covering, as measured through the crotch section of the outer covering. In other words, the longitudinal length is the maximum longitudinal length as seen through the crotch width of the outer covering. As such, portions of the outer covering that extend transversely beyond the crotch width may be disregarded when determining the longitudinal length of the outer covering. For example, the transversely extending side portions provided to fasten the outer covering around the user's waist may be disregarded. The longitudinal length of the outer covering should be measured when any flap members of the outer covering are in their wear position.
[0298] Optionally, each of the front and rear sections comprises at least one flap member, and the sum of the maximum longitudinal lengths of the flap members in the front and rear sections is not greater than 30% of the longitudinal length of the outer cover, nor greater than 20% of the longitudinal length of the outer cover.
[0299] The sum of the maximum longitudinal lengths means the sum of the maximum longitudinal length of a flange member in the front section, and the maximum longitudinal length of a flange member in the rear section.
[0300] The fact that the flange member is relatively short compared to the longitudinal length of the outer cover means that, when in the use position, the flange member will leave a substantial section of the facing side. Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 74 / 199 66 / 142 into the uncovered outer cover, as seen from the direction inward to the outer cover. Then, in use, the insert attached to the outer cover will form the inward-facing surface of the absorbent article over this substantial section. Thus, the flap members will leave a substantial section of the inward-facing surface of the insert free to receive the user's bodily discharge. Additionally, in the groin portion of the absorbent article, the inward-facing surface of the outer cover (the groin portion of the outer cover) will be substantially covered by the insert, which protects the outer cover from being soiled.
[0301] For example, each flap member may have a longitudinal length that is shorter than the longitudinal length of the respective front or back section in which it is disposed. Thus, each flap member may be confined to the respective front and back section, leaving the crotch section of the outer cover free.
[0302] The outer covering may be such that, when each flap member is in the use position, the garment portion is not covered by any flap member (as viewed from the inside-facing side of the outer garment) for at least 50% of the longitudinal length of the outer covering. For example, the garment portion is not covered by any flap member for at least 70%, or for at least 80%, of the longitudinal length of the outer covering.
[0303] As such, for at least 50% of the longitudinal length of the outer covering, as for more than 70%, or for at least 80%, of the longitudinal length of the outer covering, the user-facing side of the garment portion forms the user-facing side of the outer covering when each flap member of the outer covering is in a wear position.
[0304] In some variants, the longitudinal length of the flange member can be selected so as to provide sufficient area for Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 75 / 199 67 / 142 one or more insert fastener areas arranged on the inward-facing surface facing the garment of the flap member, while still not covering more than is necessary of the user-facing side of an insert being attached to the outer cover.
[0305] In some variants, the longitudinal length of the flap member may be selected so as to provide sufficient area to cover one or more insert fastener areas arranged in the garment portion of the outer cover, when the flap member is in the use position, while still not covering more than is necessary on the user-facing side of an insert being attached to the outer cover.
[0306] In said section, at least one, preferably each, of the front section and the rear section, each flap member may have an area that is not greater than 20% of the area of the outer cover, as well as not greater than 15% of the area of the outer cover. Preferably, each flap member may have an area that is not greater than 10% of the area of the outer cover.
[0307] The total area of all flap members of the outer cover may not exceed 40% of the area of the outer cover. For example, the total area of the flap members may not exceed 30% of the total area of the garment portion. Preferably, the total area of the flap members may not exceed 20% of the total area of the garment portion.
[0308] In some variants, when one or more insert fastener areas are arranged on the outward-facing side of the tab member, when in a use position, at least one, such as each, of the one or more insert fastener areas may each have an area smaller than the area of the respective tab member in which it is provided. Furthermore, the sum of the areas of all insert fastener areas in a tab member may be smaller than the area of the tab member. Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 76 / 199 68 / 142
[0309] In some variants, when one or more insert fastener areas are arranged on the inside-facing side of the garment portion, so as to be covered by the flap member when in a wear position, at least one, such as each, of the one or more insert fastener areas may each have an area smaller than the area of the respective flap member in relation to which it is provided. Furthermore, the sum of the areas of all insert fastener areas covered by a flap member (when in the wear position) may be smaller than the area of the flap member.
[0310] The advantages of the limited areas of the flap members / insert fastener areas as defined above in relation to the flap member, the outer cover, or the garment portion, are similar to those explained above in relation to lengths. Union of a member of the arm to a portion of clothing.
[0311] At least one flap member may extend from the garment portion by means of one or more joints and / or one or more folds. In other words, at least one flap member may be connected to the garment portion by means of one or more joints and / or one or more folds.
[0312] For example, each flap member may be formed from a separate piece of material, such as a panel of cloth, which is connected to the garment portion by means of one or more joints, such as seams, welds, adhesive joints or the like. Preferably, one or more joints may be seams.
[0313] In another example, the flap member may be formed from a portion of a piece of material that also forms part of the garment portion. For example, a panel of cloth may be folded so that, on one side of the fold, it forms part of the garment portion, and on the other side of the Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, p. 77 / 199 69 / 142 fold, form the flap member.
[0314] Additionally, in some examples, a flap member may extend from the garment portion by means of one or more folds and one or more seams.
[0315] At least one flap member has a position of use in which an inner side facing outwards of the flap member is facing the inner side of the garment portion so as to form a space between the inner side facing outwards of the flap member and the inner side of the garment portion, which space is open in a longitudinal direction towards the crotch section.
[0316] To this end, when in a position of use, the flap member may comprise a free edge being directed to the crotch section, which free edge is not fixed to the garment portion, so as to allow the introduction of a part of an insert into the space.
[0317] The flap member extends from the free edge, in a direction longitudinally towards the front or rear end of the outer cover, to a front or rear edge, respectively.
[0318] For example, the flap member may extend from the garment portion at least along the back or front edge, respectively, of the flap member. In other words, the flap member may be connected to the garment portion at least along the back or front edge. As mentioned above, the connection may be made by means of, for example, a fold or one or more seams.
[0319] Additionally, the flap member may comprise transversely spaced side edges connecting the free edge and said front / rear edge of the flap member. The side edges may extend in a generally longitudinal direction along the outer cover.
[0320] For example, the tab member can extend from the Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 78 / 199 70 / 142 garment portion at least along the transversely spaced lateral edges of the flap member. In other words, the flap member may be connected to the garment portion at least along said transversely spaced lateral edges. As mentioned above, the connection may be made by means of, for example, one or more folds and / or one or more seams. The free edge of the flap member being directed to the crotch section of the outer cover may extend between the transversely spaced lateral edges of the flap member.
[0321] As explained above, each flap member has a use position in which the inside facing out of the flap member is facing a space being open in a longitudinal direction towards the groin section to receive a respective back edge and / or a front edge of the insert therein.
[0322] In some variants, a flap member may have a non-use position, in which the flap member does not face or delimit such space. For example, in a non-use position, the flap member may be bent so that the side of the flap member that is the outward-facing side in the use position, i.e., the side of the flap member that carries the insert fastener areas, faces the inward-facing direction. For example, the flap member may be in such a non-use position while an absorbent insert is disposed with its outward-facing side towards the inward-facing side of the outer cover. Once the insert is correctly positioned relative to the outer cover, the flap member may be placed in the use position, forming the space that receives the edge of the insert.
[0323] For example, a flap member that has a non-use position may be a flap member that extends from the garment portion only along a back or front edge, respectively, of the flap member, and not along the side edges transversely. Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 79 / 199 71 / 142 spaced.
[0324] However, optionally, the flap member is permanently in the use position.
[0325] For example, through the flap member extending from the garment portion at the transversely spaced side edges, the use position of the flap member can be a standard position where the flap member is retained towards the garment portion. In use, the front and / or back edge of the insert can be introduced into the flap member space between the first and second side seams or folds provided at the transversely spaced side edges.
[0326] Thus, in examples where the set of insert fastener areas is arranged on the outside facing side of the tab member, the set of insert fastener areas is covered, preventing any accidental contact between the surface fastening material of the insert fastener areas and the user's skin.
[0327] Similarly, in examples where the set of insert fastener areas is arranged on the inside-facing side of the garment portion, which is covered by the flap member when in the wear position, the set of insert fastener areas is covered.
[0328] Furthermore, by the flap member being connected to the garment portion at the side edges, it can be ensured that the flap member is retained in position when the outer covering is put on.
[0329] Additionally, for each flap member, it may be desirable that the flap member extend from the garment portion in at least one pair of positions, wherein one position of the pair is located on a first transverse side of a longitudinal center geometric axis of the garment portion and the other position of the pair is located on a second transverse side of the longitudinal center geometric axis of the garment portion. Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, p. 80 / 199 72 / 142 (The central longitudinal geometric axis of the garment portion is a central longitudinal geometric axis through the crotch portion of said outer covering).
[0330] When the outer covering is donned, the front and back sections thereof will be subjected to opposing transverse forces in directions opposite to a central longitudinal geometric axis of the outer covering, due to the fastening of the outer covering around the user's waist. By means of the flap member being connected to at least one position on each side of the central longitudinal geometric axis, the opposing transverse forces applied to the garment portion can be transferred to the flap member, ensuring that the flap member is stretched in the transverse direction and kept close to the user's body.
[0331] For example, when, as mentioned above, the flap member extends from the garment portion at least along a front / rear edge, respectively, of the flap member, the fold or joint that forms the connection to the garment portion may extend transversely over the longitudinal center geometric axis of the outer cover, so that the flap member is connected at least once on each side of the longitudinal geometric axis.
[0332] For example, when, as mentioned above, the flap member extends from the garment portion at least on the two transversely spaced side edges, one side edge may be positioned on one transverse side of the longitudinal center geometric axis of the outer cover, and the other side edge may be positioned on the other transverse side of the longitudinal center geometric axis of the outer cover.
[0333] As mentioned above, in the front and / or rear section of the outer cover, the main body may be provided with one or more lateral portions that extend transversely, to provide fixation of the cover. Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 81 / 199 73 / 142 external around a user's waist. For example, the flap member can be arranged for the garment portion so that transverse forces applied to the transversely extending side portions are transmitted to the flap member.
[0334] When the flap member extends from the garment portion at least on the two transversely spaced side edges, the flap member may be connected to the garment portion along a longitudinal length of each side edge at least such that the connection spans the length covered by the set of insert fastener areas of the flap member. For example, the connection may essentially span the entire longitudinal length of the two transversely spaced side edges.
[0335] In one example, the flap member may extend from the garment portion on a transversely spaced back / front edge and side edges, so that the space between the inward-facing surface of the flap member and the user-facing side of the garment portion is open in a longitudinal direction towards only the crotch section. As such, the correct positioning of the back edge or rear edge of the insert, respectively, in space will be facilitated. Additionally, the advantages, as defined above, regarding the permanent use position and the distribution of forces can be obtained.
[0336] The material of the flap member may be selected to be washable, to the same extent as the material of the outer garment portion, and as explained above. Additionally, although the flap members will cover a relatively small area of the user when the article is in use in relation to the garment portion, it may still be desirable for the flap members to be breathable and / or permeable to liquids. Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 82 / 199 74 / 142
[0337] As such, the material for the flap member may be selected to be a washable, breathable and / or liquid-permeable material. As such, the material and material properties discussed above in relation to the outer covering as a whole or the garment portion are also preferred for the flap members.
[0338] For example, each of the flap members may comprise one or more panels of cloth, in the same manner as described above in relation to the garment portion of the outer covering. For example, the flap member(s) may each comprise a single panel of cloth. This may be preferable for ease of manufacture.
[0339] Preferably, in the examples, one or more insert fastener areas may be entirely contained within one or more cloth panels of the flap member, preventing any direct contact between the fastener areas and the user's skin. For example, the flap member(s) may comprise one or more cloth panels and one or more insert fastener areas being contained within one or more cloth panels. By "entirely contained" it is understood that one or more insert fastener areas do not extend beyond, for example, do not project from, one or more cloth panels.
[0340] In other examples, the flap member(s) may comprise one or more cloth panels and one or more insert fastener areas, wherein, optionally, one or more insert fastener areas extend beyond the one or more cloth panels.
[0341] For example, insert holder areas may be provided by insert holder members attached to one or more cloth panels, as will be further described below.
[0342] Similar to the garment portion, the flap member may comprise a textile cloth, preferably a knitted cloth. As such, the Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 83 / 199 75 / 142 flap member may comprise one or more cloth panels having any of the features as defined above in relation to the one or more cloth panels of the garment portion.
[0343] Advantageously, the garment portion and the flap member may comprise one or more fabric panels, wherein at least some of the fabric panels of the garment portion are of the same material as the fabric panel of the flap member. For example, the garment portion and the flap member may comprise one or more fabric panels, wherein all the fabric panels are of the same material.
[0344] As highlighted above, in said at least one, preferably each, of the front and rear sections of the outer cover, at least one flap member is provided. Consequently, in some variants, a plurality, such as two or more flap members, may be arranged in said at least one, preferably each, of the front and rear sections of the outer cover. In this case, one or more insert fastener areas of the set of insert fastener areas may be distributed across the plurality of flap members, such that each of the two or more flap members comprises one or more insert fastener areas, positioned on the respective outward-facing sides of the flap members. For example, two or more transversely spaced flap members may be arranged in the front and / or rear sections of the outer cover.
[0345] However, it may be preferable that a single flap member be arranged in the front section of the outer cover, and / or a single flap member be arranged in the rear section of the outer cover.
[0346] In this case, in some variants, all of one or more insert fastener areas of the assembly can be positioned on the outward-facing side of the single tab member. For example, the single tab member Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 84 / 199 76 / 142 may comprise a first and a second subset of insert fastener areas, wherein the first and second subsets are transversely spaced.
[0347] In other variants, all of one or more insert fastener areas of the assembly may be positioned on the inside-facing side of the garment portion covered by the single flap member, when the flap member is in the wear position.
[0348] The single flap member may, for example, have a transverse width that is not less than a minimum transverse width defined by the crotch section of the outer cover. For example, the single flap member may have a transverse width that is at least 120% of the minimum transverse width of the outer cover. Optionally, the single flap member may have a transverse width that is at least 130% of the minimum crotch width of the outer cover, as well as at least 140% of the minimum crotch width of the outer cover.
[0349] As such, the single flap member may have a cross width adapted to be greater than the cross width of an insert to be used with the outer cover.
[0350] For example, when the garment portion comprises a main body and side portions extending transversely in the front and / or rear section, the single front and / or rear flap member may extend across the width of the main body. For example, the single front and / or rear flap member may be attached to the garment portion by side joints, where the side joints may be, for example, formed joints with joints that attach the side portions extending transversely to a main body of the garment member.
[0351] For example, a single flap member can be attached to the garment portion at a front / back joint, and a pair of side joints. Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, p. 85 / 199 77 / 142 As such, the entire front / back edge of an insert can be inserted into the space formed by the single flap member for securing the insert to the outer cover. This allows for simple and correct positioning of the insert. Furthermore, the single flap member attached to the garment portion at the front / back joint and the pair of side joints ensures that there are no unnecessary free edges of the flap member, which could be prone to causing irritation.
[0352] For example, the front section and the rear section of the outer cover may each comprise a set of insert areas and a single flap member comprising the set of insert areas, wherein the total area of the single flap member in the front section and the single flap member in the rear section is not greater than 40% of the area of the outer cover, as well as not greater than 30% or not greater than 20%.
[0353] Additional features and advantages of the outer cover will be evident from the above description of an absorbent article, and the below description of an insert for forming an absorbent article. It should be understood that the features relating to an outer cover, or to the insert fastening areas of an outer cover as described in relation to the absorbent article above, are also applicable to the outer cover itself, independently or in combination. 3. Absorbent insert
[0354] In a third aspect, the disclosure relates to an absorbent insert according to claim 56.
[0355] Thus, the disclosure refers to an absorbent insert for use with an outer covering to form an absorbent article adapted to be worn around a user's waist. The insert is shaped to, in use, cover a user's pubic area and a predefined part of the buttocks. The insert extends along a longitudinal direction, and along a transverse direction, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, in which direction Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 86 / 199 78 / 142 facing inward is defined as towards the user when the absorbent article is worn, and a direction facing outward is defined as away from the user when the article is worn, wherein and outward directions are perpendicular to the transverse and longitudinal directions.
[0356] The insert has a longitudinal length extending along a longitudinal direction and the insert is subdivided into a front section, a back section and a groin section along said longitudinal length. The insert comprises a liquid-impermeable back sheet, a liquid-permeable top sheet, and an absorbent assembly provided between said back sheet and said top sheet.
[0357] The insert extends longitudinally between a front edge and a rear edge, and comprises longitudinal side edges connecting the front edge and the rear edge. Additionally, the insert comprises a pair of elastic insert leg members that extend essentially along the longitudinal direction of the insert, and are disposed on both sides of the insert, between the absorbent assembly and the longitudinal side edges of the insert. In each of said front and rear sections of the insert, an elastic leg width is defined as the maximum transverse width over said elastic insert leg members in said front or rear section, respectively.
[0358] The insert has an inward-facing side comprising said top sheet to be directed towards the user, and an outward-facing side to be directed towards the outer cover when the article is in use.
[0359] In at least one, preferably each, of the front and rear sections of the insert, the insert comprises a set of one or more cover fastener areas, wherein each cover fastener area comprises a surface fastening material for detachably attaching said insert to said outer cover, wherein a Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 87 / 199 79 / 142 or more cover fastener areas are provided on the inside-facing side of the insert and / or on the outside-facing side of the insert.
[0360] Furthermore, in said at least one, preferably each, of the rear section and the front section of the insert, a transverse fastening width encompassed by the assembly of one or more cover fastener areas is not less than the leg elastic width in said front section or rear section, respectively.
[0361] One or more cover fastener areas may be different from any other areas on the inside-facing side of the insert, i.e., the surface fastening material of each of the one or more cover fastener areas may be different from any other materials on the inside-facing side of the insert. For example, the surface fastening material of one or more cover fastener areas may be different from the top sheet material and / or a leak barrier forming material on the inside-facing side of the insert. As such, the connection between the outer cover and the insert may be controlled with respect to, for example, the location of the connection and / or the strength of the connection formed.
[0362] As such, for example, the position and / or surface area and / or type of surface fastening material of one or more cover fastener areas may be adapted to the insert fastener areas of the outer cover so as to provide a suitable detachable connection of the insert to the outer cover. For example, as mentioned in the description of the absorbing article above, the insert fastener areas of the outer cover may be adapted so as to provide a greater holding force when fastened to the cover fastener areas, compared to any other areas on the inside-facing side of the insert. For example, as mentioned in the description of the absorbing article above, the insert fastener areas of the outer cover may be adapted so as not to be attached to any Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 88 / 199 80 / 142 areas on the inside-facing side of the insert, except for the cover fastener areas. This can facilitate handling and ensure the insert is properly positioned in relation to the outer cover.
[0363] One or more cover fastener areas may be arranged so as not to project beyond the extent of the back sheet of the insert. That is, one or more complete cover fastener areas may be arranged so as to overlap the remainder of the insert, rather than on any extension, tab or similar protrusion from the insert itself.
[0364] The insert can optionally be configured to be washable.
[0365] However, the insert may preferably be configured for single use. In other words, the insert may preferably be disposable. General Construction of Absorbent Insert Top Sheet
[0366] As stated above, the insert comprises a liquid-impermeable back sheet, a liquid-permeable top sheet and an absorbent assembly provided between the top sheet and the back sheet.
[0367] Suitable materials for top sheets 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 top sheet material may be used, including, but not limited to, nonwoven materials and perforated polymer films.
[0368] The top sheet is adequately permeable to liquids to allow discharged bodily fluids, such as urine, to penetrate through the thickness of the top sheet. Additionally, the top sheet is suitably manufactured from a material that is compatible with and feels soft against the user's skin. Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, pp. 89 / 199 81 / 142
[0369] The top sheet can be manufactured from various mesh materials, such as woven and non-woven meshes, perforated films, open-cell foams, or combinations or laminates of the materials mentioned above.
[0370] A nonwoven material suitable as a top sheet may be manufactured from synthetic fibers, such as polyester or polypropylene, or natural fibers, such as cotton fibers. A blend of synthetic and natural fibers may also be used.
[0371] The nonwoven materials to be used for the top sheet may, for example, be made of a material produced by continuous spinning, a continuous spinning / continuous spinning composite or a continuous spinning / melt blow-molded composite, such as an SMS, SSMS, SSMMS, SMMS, polypropylene nonwoven or bicomponent polypropylene and polyethylene fibers, or a combination of such materials. The top sheet may also have elastic properties.
[0372] The top sheet can be hydrophilized in order to improve the tendency of urine to penetrate the top sheet into the underlying structures. Methods for hydrophilizing nonwovens are known and include coating the nonwoven material with a hydrophilic coating, such as applying a surfactant coating; applying a hydrophilic monomeric composition and a radical polymerization initiator to the nonwoven followed by initiating a polymerization reaction in the nonwoven; applying a hydrophilic nanoparticle coating; or treating the nonwoven surface with a high-energy treatment.
[0373] A surfactant coating can be obtained, for example, by applying a surfactant composition to the nonwoven material by any suitable means including spraying, extrusion coating, Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, pp. 90 / 199 82 / 142 bottom cover roll coating (“kiss roll coating”) and / or soaking the material in a bath containing the surfactant. The hydrophilic treatment can be carried out in-line during the assembly of the absorbent hygiene product, or it can be carried out separately and the top sheet can then be distributed as ready-to-use rolls to the manufacturing plant for disposable absorbent hygiene products.
[0374] Top sheet material may have a base weight of 8 to 20 g / m2, as well as 12 to 17 g / m2. However, development is not limited to top sheet materials that have only this base weight. Back page
[0375] Suitable materials such as backsheets are commonly known in the art of disposable absorbent hygiene products. The backsheet can be substantially impermeable to liquids such as urine.
[0376] The backsheet may be breathable. A breathable backsheet, that is, permeable to gases, is beneficial to the comfort and skin health of the user. As the insert disclosed herein is intended for use with an outer cover as disclosed herein to form an absorbent assembly, the use of a breathable backsheet may enable an absorbent assembly to be formed, the assembly of which exhibits satisfactory breathability.
[0377] The backsheet may be substantially impermeable to liquids and breathable, i.e., permeable to gases, meaning that air and other gases can pass through the backsheet while it is substantially impermeable to liquids.
[0378] 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, by Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, pp. 91 / 199 83 / 142 example polyethylene films, polypropylene or copolymers of polyethylene or polypropylene, hydrophobized nonwoven materials, fluid-impermeable foams and fluid-impermeable laminates.
[0379] The backsheet may comprise one or more layers of material. For example, the backsheet may be a laminate of a waterproof polymeric film towards the absorbent assembly and non-woven fabric towards the garment side, to provide a soft textile feel to the outward-facing surface of the disposable absorbent hygiene product.
[0380] It is also contemplated that the back sheet may be made of, or otherwise include, a material that is wholly or partly elastic in order to provide the product with a better fit when in use.
[0381] However, with the present insert, it is believed that it is advantageous if the back sheet comprises a nonwoven, for example, that the back sheet is a laminate of a porous polymeric film and a nonwoven. Absorbent core
[0382] The absorbent assembly may comprise one or more absorbent cores. The cores may be constructed from one or more layers of cellulose fluff pulp. The cellulose fluff pulp may be mixed with fibers or particles of a highly absorbent polymeric material, so-called superabsorbent polymers, of the type that chemically bind large amounts of fluid to absorption with the formation of a fluid-retaining gel. The absorbent core may also comprise highly absorbent polymeric material arranged in a layer within the absorbent core or connected to the surface or surfaces of the absorbent core. The absorbent core may additionally include additional components to improve the properties of the absorbent core. Examples of such components are bonding fibers, various types of fluid-dispersing layers or fibers, dimensionally stabilizing components, reinforcing fibers or Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, p. 92 / 199 84 / 142 similar.
[0383] Superabsorbent polymers are well known in the field of absorbent products and are used to assist in improving the absorbent properties of such products. Superabsorbent products consist of water-expandable and water-insoluble polymers that have the capacity to absorb large amounts of fluid by forming a hydrogel, such as having the capacity to absorb at least 5 times their weight of a 0.9% aqueous saline solution as measured according to NSWP 241.0.R2 method. The superabsorbent polymers for use according to 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 superabsorbent polymers expand, absorbing fluids into their structures. In general, superabsorbent polymers can rapidly absorb fluid insults in such products, and can retain such fluids to prevent leakage and aid in providing a dry feel even after fluid insult.
[0384] The type of superabsorbent polymer used in an absorbent assembly of the embodiments discussed herein may be the same or may vary within the assembly. For example, a superabsorbent 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 superabsorbent 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 are, for example, centrifugal retention capacity, absorption under load, and / or gel layer permeability. Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 93 / 199 85 / 142
[0385] Thus, the absorbent assembly of the insert as proposed in this document may advantageously comprise superabsorbent polymers. For example, the absorbent assembly may comprise superabsorbent polymers and cellulosic fibers.
[0386] For example, the absorbent assembly may comprise a superabsorbent polymer concentration of at least 15% by weight, based on the total weight of cellulosic fibers and superabsorbent polymer.
[0387] The absorbent assembly may comprise a first absorbent layer and a second absorbent layer, the first and second absorbent layers being stacked between the back sheet and the top sheet.
[0388] As such, superabsorbent polymers may be present in one or both of the first and second absorbent layers. Acquisition layer
[0389] Additionally, the insert may include an acquisition layer applied between the top sheet and the absorbent assembly. Suitable materials as acquisition layers, also referred to in the art as transfer layers, or ADL, are commonly known in the art for disposable absorbent hygiene products, and for the purposes of the present disclosure, any material known to those skilled in the art to be useful as an acquisition layer may be used. An acquisition layer may be, for example, in the form of an airlaid layer, a hydroentanglement layer, a high-loft layer, foam, or any other type of material layer that can be used in an absorbent hygiene product to act as a liquid acquisition and absorption layer. The acquisition layer is suitably adapted to rapidly receive and temporarily store discharged liquid before it is absorbed by the absorbent core.This acquisition layer could be... Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, pp. 94 / 199 86 / 142 composed of, for example, airlaid nonwovens, hydroentangled nonwovens, high-volume nonwovens or foam. An airlaid nonwoven can be produced with fluff wood pulp, where the fluff fibers are dispersed in a rapidly moving air stream and condensed onto a moving fabric by means of pressure and vacuum. The bonding layer can preferably be of an air-passing bonded nonwoven of polyester fibers. Additional Properties of the Insert in Relation to the Absorbent Assembly
[0390] The absorbent assembly may be primarily positioned in the groin section of the insert and have an absorbent assembly length that covers no more than 70% of the longitudinal length of the insert, as well as no more than 85% of the longitudinal length of the insert.
[0391] Thus, the absorbent assembly does not extend all the way to the front and rear edges of the insert, preventing liquid from accumulating near the edges that are positioned within the outer cover's flap members. This reduces the risk of soiling the outer cover, allowing the outer cover to be reused without needing to be cleaned.
[0392] For example, detachable cover fastener areas can be confined to portions of the insert that extend longitudinally beyond the absorbent core toward the front edge or back edge, respectively. As such, the attachment of the insert to the outer cover is constant, regardless of whether the insert has absorbed any amount of liquid or not.
[0393] The absorbent core may be hourglass-shaped, having a narrower width in the transverse direction at a central longitudinal position in the groin section of the insert.
[0394] The hourglass shape is understood in the present Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, pp. 95 / 199 87 / 142 document that the absorbent core has a narrower width in the groin section of the insert, and that the width of the absorbent core towards the front section and towards the back section, respectively, is greater than the narrower width.
[0395] Alternatively, the absorbent core may have other shapes, such as a rectangular or oval shape.
[0396] Optionally, the longitudinal edges of the insert are partially matched to the hourglass shape of the absorbent assembly.
[0397] As such, the insert may have a shape with a narrower width in the transverse direction in the groin section of the insert.
[0398] In other alternatives, the insert may have a rectangular shape.
[0399] The insert may have a length along the longitudinal geometric axis that is greater than a width along the transverse geometric axis.
[0400] For example, the insert may have a total absorption capacity of at least 1000 ml, such as 1000 to 4000 ml. As such, the insert is suitable for use in an absorbent article, being an incontinence article suitable for adult users. Cross-Clamping Width of the Insert
[0401] As defined above, in at least one, preferably each, of the front and rear sections, the set of one or more cover fastener areas covers a cross fastening width. The cross fastening width is thus the maximum width covered by the set of one or more cover fastener areas.
[0402] In some variants, when a set of one or more cover fastener areas is present in each of the front sections Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, pp. 96 / 199 88 / 142 and rear, the cross-clamping width of the assembly of one or more cover fastener areas in the front section may be equal to the cross-clamping width of the assembly of one or more cover fastener areas in the rear section.
[0403] In some variants, when a set of one or more cover fastener areas is present in each of the front and rear sections, the cross fastening width of the set of one or more cover fastener areas in the front section may be different from the cross fastening width of the set of one or more cover fastener areas in the rear section.
[0404] As defined above, according to the second aspect, the insert extends longitudinally between a front edge and a rear edge, and comprises longitudinal side edges connecting the front edge and the rear edge. Additionally, the insert may comprise a pair of elastic insert leg members extending essentially along the longitudinal direction of the insert, and disposed on both sides of the insert, between the absorbent assembly and the longitudinal side edges of the insert. For each of the front and rear sections of the insert, an elastic leg width is defined as the maximum transverse width over the elastic insert leg members in said front or rear section, respectively. Optionally, the elastic leg width in the front and rear sections of the insert may be equal, and correspond to a maximum transverse width over the elastic insert leg members of the insert.
[0405] The elastic leg members of the insert contribute to forming the insert around the user's body and providing sufficient fluid compressibility at the leg openings of the absorbent article when attached to a user. Additionally, the elastic leg members of the insert contribute to providing correct positioning of the insert when the insert Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, pp. 97 / 199 89 / 142 is in use. As such, the use of elastic insert leg members can contribute to providing sufficient fluid compressibility when the insert is in use as attached to an outer cover, so that the outer cover can be impermeable to liquids.
[0406] As defined above, according to the second aspect, in said at least one, preferably each, of the rear section and the front section of the insert, the transverse fastening width encompassed by one or more cover fastener areas in the assembly may be no less than the leg elastic width in said rear section or front section, respectively.
[0407] A transverse fastening width that is not less than the leg elastic width implies that the insert leg elastic members can be stretched in a transverse direction when the insert is attached to the outer cover, thus ensuring proper function and positioning of the insert leg elastic members.
[0408] Optionally, in said at least one, preferably each, of the rear section and the front section of the insert, the insert may comprise a pair of leg edge portions, wherein each leg edge portion extends longitudinally along a respective elastic leg member of the insert, and transversely between the elastic leg member of the insert and a longitudinal side edge of the insert so as to define a maximum transverse leg edge width between said elastic leg member of the insert and said respective longitudinal side edge, wherein the maximum transverse leg edge width is at least 1 cm, as well as at least 2 cm.
[0409] For example, the maximum cross leg edge width may not exceed 4 cm.
[0410] In this document, a leg border width Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, pp. 98 / 199 The maximum 90 / 142 transverse width is defined in each of the front and rear sections of the absorbent article. Optionally, the maximum transverse leg edge width may be the same in the front and rear sections of the absorbent article, and may correspond to a maximum transverse leg edge width of the insert.
[0411] The leg edge portions that extend transversely between the elastic leg members of the insert and the respective longitudinal lateral edge of the insert provide additional leakage security for the absorbent article. In use, the leg edge portions are intended to extend transversely outward from the insert leg openings as formed along the elastic leg members of the insert.
[0412] When combined with the transverse fastening width encompassed by the set of cover fastener areas being no less than the leg elastic width, as defined above, the leg edge portions can be at least partially extended in a transverse direction when the insert is attached to the outer cover. As such, the leg edge portions can be automatically folded into a correct position when the insert is attached to the outer cover. Thus, the set of cover fastener areas contributes to folding and retaining the leg edge portion in a transversely extending state during the attachment of the absorbent article to a user, and during its use. Consequently, the manual maneuvers otherwise required to fold the leg edge portion can be dispensed with.This is a particular benefit for adult users, improving the user's dignity in care situations by avoiding manual manipulation of portions of the leg edge located in the user's groin area.
[0413] For example, the cross-fastening width may cover at least 50% of the cross-width of each leg portion, Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, pp. 99 / 199 91 / 142 as at least 75% of the cross-sectional width of each leg portion, or at least 80% of the cross-sectional width of each leg portion.
[0414] Optionally, the elastic insert leg members are sandwiched between an inner layer of the insert and the back sheet.
[0415] The elastic insert leg members extend along a longitudinal insert leg elastic length. The insert leg elastic length may be at least 50% of the total longitudinal length of the insert, or along at least 75% or at least 85% of the total longitudinal length.
[0416] The insert leg elastic length should be defined as the longitudinal length of the insert along which the insert leg elastic members are active. That is, any portions where the insert leg elastic members are attached or damped so that they do not provide elasticity to the insert should be disregarded.
[0417] (Similarly, the elastic leg width as defined above should be measured between active parts of the elastic leg members. Again, any portions where the elastic leg insert members are attached or cushioned so that they do not provide elasticity to the insert should be disregarded.
[0418] For example, the length of the insert leg elastic may extend along at least 60% of the total longitudinal length of the absorbent core, as well as along at least 80%, or at least 90% of the total longitudinal length of the absorbent core.
[0419] Optionally, in said at least one, preferably each, between the front section and the rear section of the insert, the assembly of one or more cover fastener areas is confined to a longitudinal section of the insert not covered by the leg elastic length. Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, pp. 100 / 199 92 / 142
[0420] As such, the function of the cover fastener areas to ensure the extension of the elastic leg insert members in the longitudinal direction can be improved. For example, the set of one or more cover fastener areas can be confined to a longitudinal section of the insert not covered by the elastic leg length.
[0421] As such, when the transverse fastening width is greater than the leg elastic width, and each cover fastener area is positioned longitudinally in a section between the front / rear end of the insert leg elastic members and the front / rear edge of the insert, the cover fastener areas can, when the insert is in use and attached to an outer cover, ensure stretching in both transverse and longitudinal directions of the insert leg elastic members.
[0422] Each elastic insert leg member may comprise one or more elastic elements. For example, the elastic elements may comprise one or more elastic lines, strips of elastic film, or strips of elastic foam. The elastic elements may be attached to the insert when in a stretched state so as to provide elasticity to the insert.
[0423] The longitudinal extension of the elastic insert leg members, i.e., the elastic insert leg length, is understood in this document to mean any extension of the elastic insert leg members that is active, i.e., along which elasticity is certainly provided by the elastic insert leg member. Consequently, any portions of elastic elements where the elastic is disabled should be disregarded when determining the elastic leg extension. Leakage Barriers on the Inside of the Insert
[0424] The inside-facing side of the insert may comprise a pair of inside-side leakage barriers, extending in the direction Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, pp. 101 / 199 93 / 142 longitudinal of the insert.
[0425] Leak barriers on the inside are also frequently referred to as “elastic folds”.
[0426] Lateral leakage barriers may generally extend along, and at a distance from, the respective longitudinal lateral edges of the insert.
[0427] The inner side leakage barriers can be adapted to be movable between a first position, in which the inner side leakage barriers form a flat surface that is parallel to the top sheet, and a second position, in which the inner side leakage barriers are raised from the liquid-permeable top sheet by at least 60% of the longitudinal length of the insert, separated from a front edge and a rear edge of the insert.
[0428] A side leak barrier length can be defined as the longitudinal length by which the side leak barriers are free to rise above the liquid-permeable top sheet. As mentioned above, the side leak barrier length can be at least 60% of the longitudinal length of the insert. The side leak barrier length can, for example, extend the full length of the absorbent assembly.
[0429] However, in order not to interfere with the connection of the insert to the outer cover, the length of the side leak barrier may be arranged so as not to extend to the rear and / or front edge portion of the insert. For example, the length of the side leak barrier may be spaced from the rear and / or front edge portion of the insert by at least 5% of the total insert length, as well as by at least 7% of the length. Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 102 / 199 94 / 142 total insert.
[0430] For example, the length of the lateral leakage barrier may be less than 80% or the longitudinal length of the insert may be less than 70%.
[0431] Each inner side leakage barrier may comprise an elastic element. For example, the elastic element may be one or more elastic lines.
[0432] Each side leak barrier may comprise a sheet material and an elastic element, such as an elastic line. For example, each side leak barrier may comprise more than one elastic line, such as 2 to 5 elastic lines. The sheet material of each side leak barrier may comprise two layers of material. The sheet material of each side leak barrier may be fixed to the top sheet. The fixing may be a longitudinal welding line and / or an adhesive line. The sheet material of each side barrier may comprise a part being fixed to the top sheet and a part not being fixed to the top sheet comprising the elastic line. The elastic line of the first and second side leak barriers, respectively, may be raised above the inward-facing surface of the top sheet.The elastic line of each elastic pleat can be raised, for example, at least 20 mm above the inside-facing surface of the top sheet, such as from 20 mm to 70 mm, or from 30 mm to 50 mm.
[0433] The sheet material can be a hydrophobic material. For example, the sheet material can be a hydrophobic nonwoven material, such as a nonwoven material being coated with a hydrophobic coating. Thus, each side leak barrier can be a hydrophobic side leak barrier.
[0434] Preferably, the insert comprises elastic insert leg members as described above and leakage barriers. Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 103 / 199 95 / 142 on the inside side as described above. As such, the pair of inside-side leakage barriers will be arranged transversely closer to the longitudinal geometric Y-axis than the pair of elastic insert leg members.
[0435] A maximum width between each inside-side leakage barrier in the pair of inside-side leakage barriers is defined herein as a barrier width. The barrier width is the maximum transverse width as measured between the locations of each side leakage barrier where the liftable portions of the leakage barrier are attached to the remainder of the inside-facing side of the insert.
[0436] Thus, the barrier width may be, for example, smaller than the leg elastic width.
[0437] The width of the liftable portion of each side barrier (where the portion is not attached to the top sheet) may be less than half the width of the barrier – that is, the side barriers are not intended to completely cover the top sheet between them when in a folded state. Instead, the width of the liftable portion of each side barrier may be, for example, less than 30% of the barrier width, or less than 25% of the barrier width. For example, the width of the liftable portion of each side barrier may be 15 to 25% of the barrier width.
[0438] An insert comprising a pair of internal side leakage barriers as exemplified above and a pair of elastic insert leg members as exemplified above will then provide double barriers against leakage of body fluids from the insert when in use. As such, the insert is particularly useful in conjunction with an outer cover as described herein. For example, because the insert may have the capacity to ensure reliable acquisition and absorption of body fluids, the outer cover may be made permeable to liquids such as Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 104 / 199 96 / 142 The function of the outer cover is to provide correct positioning of the insert to the user, rather than providing fluid permeability and / or fluid absorption. As such, the outer cover can be made of liquid-permeable materials, such as textile fabrics. This provides the absorbent assembly formed by the outer cover with an insert attached to it having a look and feel more similar to underwear. Furthermore, the increased use of breathable, liquid-permeable materials, such as textile materials, towards the user's body provides improved skin health. Cross clamping width in relation to insert width
[0439] Optionally, in at least one, preferably each, of the front and rear sections, the transverse fastening width covered by the set of one or more cover fastener areas is at least 70% of the maximum width (Wi) of the insert in said front or rear section, respectively, as well as at least 80% or at least 90% of the maximum width. Thus, when the insert is fixed to an outer cover by means of the set of one or more cover fastener areas, it can be ensured that the insert is stretched by at least the greater part of the maximum width of the insert in the front and / or rear section, respectively. As such, the correct positioning of the insert in relation to a user can be ensured.
[0440] Thus, when the insert is fixed to an outer cover by means of the assembly of one or more cover fastener areas, it can be ensured that the insert is stretched by a width of the insert in the front and / or rear section, respectively, which is sufficient to ensure that a sufficiently large width of the inner surface of the insert is facing the user when the article is in use. As such, the correct positioning of the insert in relation to a user can be guaranteed.
[0441] The transverse fastening width may be no less than the minimum transverse width in the groin section of the insert, as well as no less Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, pp. 105 / 199 97 / 142 less than 110% of the minimum cross width or not less than 120% of the minimum cross width. Subsets of Cover Fastener Areas
[0442] Optionally, in said at least one, preferably each, of the rear section (Sb) and the front section (Sf), said set of one or more cover fastener areas comprises a first subset of one or more cover fastener areas and a second subset of one or more cover fastener areas, wherein the first and second subsets are spaced around the longitudinal central geometric axis of the insert by a transverse spacing width. Preferably, the first and second subsets may be symmetrically spaced around the longitudinal central geometric axis by the transverse spacing width.
[0443] Consequently, the insert may be free of cover fastener areas by a spacing width as measured transversely between said area subsets.
[0444] This contributes to the insert's conformation when in use, as fixed to an outer cover that forms an absorbent article applied to a user. Notably, the front and / or back section of the insert can be held over the transverse gripping width, so as to ensure the insert's position relative to the user, while allowing relative movement between the outer cover and the insert over the spacing width. This allows the insert to conform to the user's body, for example, to assume a slightly cupped shape. Additionally, a separate arrangement of the cover gripping areas allows for arrangements where the correct positioning of the insert on the outer cover can be facilitated. Furthermore, when the insert is free of insert gripping areas by the transverse spacing width, the gripping material of Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, pp. 106 / 199 98 / 142 surface area of the insert fastener is provided only when necessary, implying that the amount of material in the outer cover can be reduced.
[0445] As explained above, the set of cover fastener areas may encompass a cross fastener as close to the maximum width of the insert in the front or rear region, respectively, as over a cross fastener being at least 80% of the maximum width of the insert in the front or rear region, respectively. Thus, when combined with the set of cover fastener areas comprising a first subset and a second subset being spaced by the spacing width, it is understood that the first and second subsets may each be positioned adjacent to a respective longitudinal side edge of the insert.
[0446] For example, the cross spacing width may be at least 50% of the maximum width of the insert in the respective back or front section, as well as at least 70% of the maximum width or at least 80% of the maximum width.
[0447] The cross clamping width must naturally be greater than the cross spacing width. For example, the cross clamping width may be greater than the cross spacing width by a distance corresponding to at least 10% of the maximum width of the insert in the respective back or front section.
[0448] For example, the cross spacing width may be at least three times the cross width of each cover fastener area, or at least four times the cross width of each cover fastener area.
[0449] For example, the cross spacing width may be at least 40% of the cross fastening width, such as at least 50 Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, pp. 107 / 199 99 / 142% or at least 60% of the transverse clamping width. Thus, the location of the connection between the insert and the outer cover can be controlled so that the function of the insert in use is guaranteed, while at the same time allowing the use of cover fastener areas that are large enough to provide a sufficiently strong connection.
[0450] For example, when the absorbent insert comprises a pair of inner-side leakage barriers being spaced as mentioned above by a barrier width, wherein the transverse spacing width may be at least said barrier width.
[0451] For example, when the absorbent insert comprises a pair of inner-side leakage barriers that are spaced symmetrically around the longitudinal geometric axis by a barrier width, the leg elastic width may be greater than the barrier width, and the transverse fastening width is equal to or greater than the leg elastic width. Optionally, when the absorbent insert further comprises a first and second subset of one or more cover fastener areas, symmetrically spaced around the longitudinal geometric axis by a spacing width, the spacing width may, for example, be greater than or equal to the barrier width.
[0452] The proposed positioning of the cover fastener areas implies, as defined above, that the correct tensioning of the elastic insert leg members is ensured when the insert is attached to the outer cover. Additionally, the proposed positioning also implies that the correct tensioning and thus the elevation of the lateral leakage barriers is ensured when the insert is attached to the outer cover. Thus, the proposed positioning of the cover fastener areas improves the leak-proof performance of the absorbent article and facilitates the process of positioning the absorbent article on a user. Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, pp. 108 / 199 100 / 142
[0453] As explained above, the insert should preferably be attached to the outer cover in a state where it is stretched flat as seen in a transverse direction, and in at least one, preferably each, of the front edge portion and the back edge portion of the insert.
[0454] Thus, at least over the respective transverse clamping width, the front edge portion and / or the back edge portion may be suitably free of folds. For example, the entire front edge portion and / or the back edge portion may be suitably free of folds.
[0455] Consequently, the front edge portion and / or the rear edge portion of the insert comprising, for example, the top sheet, leak barrier forming material and the back sheet, is free of folds. As such, the front edge portion and / or the rear edge portion are adapted to be fixed to the outer cover by means of the assembly of one or more cover fastener members in an unfolded condition.
[0456] For example, when the respective set of cover fastener members comprises two subsets of cover fastener members spaced by a transverse spacing width, the front edge portion and / or the back edge portion may be free of elastic members providing elasticity in a transverse direction of the insert over said transverse spacing width.
[0457] For example, at least over the respective transverse clamping width, the front edge portion and / or the back edge portion may be free of elastic members that provide elasticity in a transverse direction of the insert over said transverse clamping width. For example, the entire front edge portion and / or the back edge portion may be free of elastic members that provide Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, pp. 109 / 199 101 / 142 elasticity in a transverse direction of the insert.
[0458] For example, the insert as a whole may be free of elastic members that provide elasticity in a transverse direction of the insert.
[0459] Elastic members providing elasticity in a transverse direction of the insert are understood to mean elastic members, such as elastic threads or the like, added to the remainder of the insert, for example, to the top sheet assembly, leak barrier forming material, back sheet, or absorbent assembly, so as to, when activated, retract the remainder of the insert in a transverse direction. Subsets of Cover Fastener Areas in relation to Cover Members
[0460] For example, in said section, at least one, preferably each, of the front section and the rear section, the first and second subsets of one or more cover fastener areas may be provided by a single cover fastener member, wherein the cover fastener member thus has a surface comprising a surface fastening material that forms the two subsets of one or more cover fastener areas.
[0461] However, preferably, the first subset of one or more cover fastener areas may be provided by a first subset of one or more cover fastener members, and the second subset of one or more cover fastener areas may be provided by a second subset of cover fastener members. Consequently, the first and second subsets of cover fastener members may be transversely spaced by the spacing width. This is advantageous for reducing the amount of material added to the insert. Additionally, the correct positioning of the insert relative to the Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, pp. 110 / 199 102 / 142 external cover can be better controlled by one or more cover fastener areas providing fewer options for fastening to the external cover by this arrangement.
[0462] For example, the insert may comprise a single first cover fastener member that provides the first subset of one or more cover fastener areas, and a single second cover fastener member that provides the second subset of one or more cover fastener areas.
[0463] For example, each of the first and second subsets may comprise only a single cover fastener area.
[0464] For example, the insert may comprise a first single cover fastener member that provides a single cover fastener area, and a second single cover fastener member that provides a single cover fastener area. Cover Fastener Areas on the Inside-Facing Side Insert
[0465] In some variants, in said insert, at least one of the front and rear sections, one or more, preferably each cover fastener area in the set of one or more cover fastener areas, is provided on the inside-facing side of the insert. Each cover fastener area comprises a surface fastening material for detachably attaching said insert to said outer cover.
[0466] Thus, it is proposed in the present document to provide an absorbent insert which, in at least one, preferably each, of the front and rear sections, comprises a set of one or more cover fastening areas on the inside-facing side of the insert, thus enabling detachable connection to an outer cover to form Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 111 / 199 103 / 142 an absorbent article through the inside-facing side of the insert, as highlighted above.
[0467] As such, when the insert is attached to an outer cover, the insert can be securely held in place allowing for the benefits relating to, for example, comfort and aesthetic effects, as highlighted above in relation to the outer cover. For example, when the insert is attached to an outer cover and worn by a user, the cover fastener areas will be covered by the remainder of the insert and will then be protected from being torn or snagged on the outside of the absorbent article.
[0468] Similarly, the cover fastener areas, and thus the position of the insert, will be less likely to be displaced by, for example, tearing or friction, resulting from user movements.
[0469] As explained above, the set of one or more cover fastener areas may comprise cover fastener areas that are positioned on the inside-facing side of the insert.
[0470] Possibly, the insert may comprise cover fastener areas to provide detachable fastening between an outer cover and the insert, in addition to the cover fastener areas positioned on the inside-facing side of at least one insert. For example, an additional fastener area may be provided on the outside-facing side of the insert. However, any such additional fastener areas should preferably be minimized, as additional fastening may impair the benefits obtained by using the combination of one or more cover fastener areas positioned on the inside-facing side of the insert as proposed herein.
[0471] Instead, in at least one, preferably each, of the front and rear sections of the insert, a set of one or more cover fastener areas positioned on the side facing Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 112 / 199 104 / 142 within the insert may constitute the only fastening elements in said front and / or rear section of the insert, being adapted to detachably attach the insert to an external cover.
[0472] Preferably, each of the front and rear sections of the insert comprises a set of cover fastener areas positioned on the inside facing side of the insert, wherein said sets of cover fastener areas constitute the only fastening elements of the insert being adapted to detachably attach the insert to an external cover. Extension of cover fastener areas
[0473] Optionally, the insert extends longitudinally between a front edge and a rear edge, and in said at least one, preferably each, between the front section and the rear section of the insert, one or more cover fastener areas in the assembly are positioned on or adjacent to the respective front and rear edges of the insert.
[0474] By being located close to the front and back edges, one or more cover fastener areas are easily completely covered by the outer cover flap members as described above, preventing any contact with the user's skin during use.
[0475] When one or more cover fastener areas in the assembly are positioned on the respective front or rear edge of the insert, manufacturing advantages can be obtained, for example when the insert comprises one or more cover fastener members that can be cut in line with the front or rear edge of the insert being manufactured.
[0476] Optionally, in said section, at least one, preferably each, between the front section and the rear section (of the insert), the assembly of one or more cover fastener areas covers a longitudinal length that is not greater than 20% of the longitudinal length of Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 113 / 199 105 / 142 insert, with a length not exceeding 10% of the longitudinal length of the insert.
[0477] As such, when the insert in use is attached to an outer covering by means of a set of one or more covering fastener areas on one or each of the front and back sections, most of the longitudinal length of the inside-facing side of the insert will be available to absorb body fluids, while the set of one or more covering fastener areas provides secure attachment of the insert to the outer covering.
[0478] Additionally, in said at least one, preferably each, of the front and rear sections of the insert, a front or rear edge portion, respectively, may be defined as the portion of the insert that extends from the respective front or rear edge and over the longitudinal length encompassed by said set of one or more cover fastener areas. As such, when the insert is attached to an outer cover as described above, a flap member (optionally provided with a set of one or more insert fastener areas) may be suitably adapted to extend at least partially over said front or rear edge portion of the insert.
[0479] Optionally, in said at least one, preferably each, of the front section and the back section of the insert, the front / back edge portion may have an edge portion length that is less than 20% of the longitudinal length of the insert, as well as less than 10% of the longitudinal length of the insert.
[0480] When the set of one or more cover fastener areas extends from the front or rear edge, respectively, the edge portion length is thus equal to the longitudinal length covered by one or more cover fastener areas.
[0481] As mentioned above, the absorbent assembly can Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 114 / 199 106 / 142 should be primarily positioned in the groin section of the insert and have an absorbent mounting length. For example, the absorbent mounting length may cover no more than 70% of the longitudinal length of the insert, as well as no more than 85% of the longitudinal length of the insert.
[0482] Additionally, in said at least one, preferably each, of the front and rear sections of the insert, the front or rear end, respectively, of the absorbent assembly may be spaced from the front or rear edge portion, respectively, by an absorbent spacing length (Lac). The absorbent spacing length may, for example, be at least 3% of the longitudinal length of the insert, as well as at least 4% or at least 5% of the longitudinal length of the insert. For example, the absorbent spacing length may be from 3% to 10% of the longitudinal length of the insert, as well as from 5% to 10% of the longitudinal length of the insert.
[0483] Thus, it can be guaranteed that the extension of the absorbent assembly when absorbing fluids will not interfere with the connection of the insert to the outer cover.
[0484] Optionally, the sum of a longitudinal length covered by any one or more cover fastener areas in the front section and a longitudinal length covered by any one or more cover fastener areas in the rear section of the insert is equal to or less than 30% of the longitudinal length of the insert, as is equal to or less than 20% of the longitudinal length of the insert.
[0485] As such, when the insert in use is attached to an outer cover by means of a set of one or more cover fastener areas of the front section and the rear section, most of the longitudinal length of the inside-facing side of the insert will be available for Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, pp. 115 / 199 107 / 142 absorb body fluids, while the assembly of one or more cover fastener areas provides secure attachment of the insert to the outer cover.
[0486] Similarly, the sum of the edge portion length of the front edge portion and the edge portion length of the back edge portion may be equal to or less than 30% of the longitudinal length of the insert, as well as equal to or less than 20% of the longitudinal length of the insert.
[0487] Optionally, in said at least one, preferably each, between the front section and the back section of the insert, each of the one or more cover fastener areas in said assembly having an area that is not greater than 10% of the area of the insert, as well as not greater than 5% of the area of the insert, or not greater than 2% of the area of the insert.
[0488] As such, when the insert in use is attached to an outer covering by means of an assembly of one or more covering fastener areas from the front and back sections, most of the total area of the inside-facing side of the insert will be available to absorb body fluids, while the assemblies of one or more covering fastener areas provide secure attachment of the insert to the outer covering.
[0489] Optionally, the total area of all of one or more of the insert's cover fastener areas is not greater than 25% of the insert area, nor greater than 10% of the insert area.
[0490] As such, when the insert in use is attached to an outer covering by means of an assembly of one or more covering fastener areas of the front section and the back section, most of the longitudinal area of the inside-facing side of the insert will be available to absorb body fluids, while the assembly of one or more covering fastener areas provides secure attachment of the insert to the outer covering.
[0491] Additional features and advantages of the insert will become apparent Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, pp. 116 / 199 108 / 142 from the description above of an absorbent article, and the description above of an outer cover to form an absorbent article. It should be understood that the features relating to an insert, or to the cover fastener areas of an insert as described in relation to the absorbent article above, are also applicable to the insert itself, independently or in combination. 4. Packaging
[0492] In a fourth aspect, packaging is provided according to claim 90. As such, packaging is provided comprising a plurality of inserts according to the third aspect as disclosed herein.
[0493] The packaging may additionally comprise an outer covering according to the second aspect as disclosed in this document.
[0494] This disclosure shall cover all aspects as described in this document, independently or in combination.
[0495] As such, the disclosure is to encompass, for example, an absorbent article in accordance with the first aspect, wherein the outer cover conforms to the second aspect and / or the insert conforms to the third aspect as described in this document, as in combination with any of the applicable features.
[0496] Various variations are covered by the different aspects of the invention, as understood from the description above.
[0497] Furthermore, it will be understood, when referring to a feature that exists in either the front or back section of the article, that the feature in the front section need not be identical to the feature in the back section. For example, the width of a member in the front section need not be identical to the width of a member in the back section, even Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 117 / 199 109 / 142 if both widths are intended to satisfy the same general requirement.
[0498] Next, variants of the different aspects (absorbent article, outer cover, insert and packaging) of the invention will be described with reference to exemplary embodiments and drawings. It should be understood that the drawings are schematic and that the items represented are not necessarily drawn to scale. Brief description of the drawings
[0499] The variants of an absorbent article, outer cover and insert will be described by way of example, with reference to the attached drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows an embodiment of an absorbent article according to the invention; Figure 2a shows an embodiment of an insert according to the invention; Figure 2b shows a section through the horizontal geometric axis X of the insert in Figure 2a; Figure 2c shows a section through line cc of the insert in Figure 2a; Figure 3a shows the outer covering of the absorbent article represented in Figure 1; Figure 3b shows the outer cover of Figure 3a with the flange members shown as removed from the remainder of the outer cover; Figure 4a represents the usage cycle of an absorbent article similar to that shown in Figure 1 and shows packaging containing at least one insert; Figure 4b represents the usage cycle of an absorbent article similar to that shown in Figure 1 and shows the attachment of an insert in Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, pp. 118 / 199 110 / 142 an external cover; Figure 4c represents the usage cycle of an absorbent article similar to that shown in Figure 1 and shows the absorbent article being worn by a person; Figure 4d represents the usage cycle of an absorbent article similar to that shown in Figure 1 and shows the removal and disposal of an insert and cleaning of the outer cover.
[0500] In the drawings, for simplicity, the numerical references of some features (e.g., widths or lengths) are noted for only one of the front and back sections of an absorbent article, an outer cover, or an insert, respectively. However, it should be noted that similar measurements may apply to the other of the front and back sections. It should also be noted that even if a feature is denoted with the same numerical reference in the front and back sections, dimensions such as widths and lengths of such features may differ between the front and back sections. Description of variants
[0501] Absorbent articles as defined by the appended claims consist of a reusable outer cover and an insert. One embodiment of such an absorbent article 1 is shown in Figure 1 which has the reusable outer cover 100 and the insert 200, which are respectively shown independently of each other in more detail in Figures 3 and 2. The absorbent article 1 exhibits a longitudinal direction X and a transverse direction Y and has a thickness direction Z which, when the article is worn, defines an inward direction Zi towards the user's skin and an outward direction Zo away from the user's skin. Although in the embodiment shown, both the outer cover 100 and the insert 200 are substantially symmetrical about a central longitudinal geometric axis Y1, alternative embodiments thereof may Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, pp. 119 / 199 111 / 142 are not symmetrical.
[0502] As represented in Figure 1, in the absorbent article 1, the insert 200 is detachably attached to the outer cover 100, such that the insert 200 covers an inward-facing side of said outer cover 100, and the outer cover 100 forms an outermost surface of the absorbent article 1. Thus, an innermost surface of the outer cover 100 faces an outermost surface of the insert 200, such that the opposite surfaces retain it in that, during use, an outward-facing surface of the outer cover 100 is intended to face away from the user and the inward-facing surface of the insert 200 makes contact with the user's skin. In the absorbent article represented 1, a substantial portion of both the innermost surface of the outer cover 100 and the innermost surface of the insert 200 is visible, together forming the innermost surface of the absorbent article that makes contact with the user's skin during use.
[0503] The absorbent article 1 has a front section aSf, a back section aSb and a groin section aSc provided between them along the central longitudinal geometric axis Y1, together encompassing a total longitudinal length aL measured along said central longitudinal geometric axis Y1, from a front edge of the absorbent article 1 to a back edge of the absorbent article 1, by way of the groin section Sc. As such, the total longitudinal length aL is the maximum longitudinal length of the absorbent article 1 as measured by a minimum width of the groin section aSc of the absorbent article 1.
[0504] Similarly, the outer cover 100 has a front section oSf, a rear section oSb, and a crotch section oSc provided between them along the central longitudinal geometric axis Ya (see Figure 3a). The total longitudinal length oL of the outer cover 100 is the maximum length from a front edge 101 of the outer cover 100 to a Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, pp. 120 / 199 112 / 142 rear edge 102 of the outer cover, as measured by a minimum width of the crotch section oSc of the outer cover 100. Consequently, portions of the outer cover 100 that extend transversely beyond the minimum width of the crotch section oSc of the outer cover are disregarded when determining the longitudinal length oLc of the outer cover 100.
[0505] The longitudinal length aL of the absorbent article 1 may correspond approximately to the longitudinal length oL of the outer cover 100. However, it should be understood that the presence of the absorbent insert 200 fixed to the outer cover 100 in the absorbent article may imply that the outer cover is, for example, wrinkled or slightly contracted in the longitudinal direction. Consequently, the longitudinal length aL of the absorbent article 1 may be less than the longitudinal length oL of the outer cover 100.
[0506] The groin width aWc of the absorbent article 1 is the minimum width of the groin section aSc of the absorbent article 1, that is, the minimum width of the portion of the absorbent article intended to be positioned between the leg openings formed by the absorbent article when in use. In the absorbent article, this may thus be the minimum width of the groin section of one or both of the insert 200 and the outer cover 100. Similarly, the groin width oWc of the outer cover 100 is the minimum width of the groin section oSc of the outer cover 100. External coverage - general
[0507] The crotch section oSc of the outer cover 100 interconnects the front and back sections oSf, oSb of the outer cover together being shaped to form a panty-like structure when the first and second side portions 110, 111 and front section Sf are fastened together.
[0508] The outer covering 100 comprises a portion of Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, pp. 121 / 199 113 / 142 garment 150, which forms the main structure, that is, the front, back and crotch sections of the outer covering. For example, and as in the illustrated embodiment, the garment portion 150 may comprise a main body 109, which forms a transversely central portion of the garment portion 150, and which extends longitudinally from the back edge 102 of the outer covering, through the crotch portion oSc and to the front edge 101 of the outer covering. As such, the crotch section oSc of the outer covering, at least a central portion of the front section oSf of the outer covering, and at least a central portion of the back section of the outer covering oSb may be formed by the main body 109. In the front and / or back section of the outer covering, the main body of the outer garment 150 may be provided with one or more transversely extending side portions 110, 111.
[0509] In the rear section oSb, the outer cover 100 may comprise the first and second side portions 110, 111 to enable the outer cover 100 to be secured around a user's waist. In the illustrated embodiment, only the rear section oSb is provided with the first and second side portions, adapted to be attached to the front section oSf of the outer cover 100. However, in other embodiments, the front section oSf may be provided with side portions and / or the front section oSf and the rear section oSb may be provided with side portions. However, it is believed that the illustrated variant with the rear section oSb having the first and second side portions 100, 111 is advantageous because it facilitates use by a caregiver and enhances user comfort.
[0510] The lateral portions 110, 111 in the rear section oSb may, as in the illustrated embodiments, extend substantially symmetrically outward from the rear edge 102 in the transverse direction x, and are each provided with fastening means 115, 116 on the inward-facing side, at a respective distal end thereof. The fastening means 115, 116 are adapted Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 122 / 199 114 / 142 for detachable attachment to corresponding surfaces (117) on the outside facing side of the front section oSf of the outer cover 100. Said attachment means 115, 116 and corresponding surfaces may, for example, consist of hook and loop surfaces.
[0511] In the illustrated variant, a total transverse width between a distal edge of each of the lateral portions 110, 111 is greater than a total transverse width of the front edge 101 of the outer cover 100, so that the lateral portions clearly indicate the rear edge 102 of the outer cover 100 and can be reached to attach to the front section Sf of the outer cover 100 to form the trouser-like structure. The closure at the front allows a user to lie down when changed by a caregiver. The total transverse width encompassed by the lateral portions 110, 111 and the total transverse width of the front edge 101 are chosen to fit a predetermined waist size of a person, and the absorbent article 100 can be made available for various size ranges.
[0512] It will be obvious to the person skilled in the art that the same effects can be achieved with side portions 110, 111 that do not extend symmetrically from the back edge 102, but instead have a first transverse width of one side portion different from a second transverse width of another side portion.
[0513] The outer cover is configured to be washable, preferably machine washable, as discussed in the Summary section of this order.
[0514] Also discussed in the Summary section of this application, garment portion 150 may be made of a breathable, liquid-permeable material, such as a textile material, enabling garment portion 150 to have an appearance and feel similar to normal underwear. The garment portion may comprise one or more panels, which together form at least Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 123 / 199 115 / 142%, preferably at least 90%, of the surface area of the outer covering 100. Suitable materials for the garment portion 150 may comprise or consist of one or more of cotton, viscose, polyamide, and polyester. The use of polyester materials is preferred when the outer covering needs to be washable, as such materials are known to better retain their original size and shape. To ensure a comfortable fit, regardless of the exact body shape and movements of a user, the garment portion 150 is preferably made of stretchy material having elastic properties in the longitudinal Y and / or transverse X directions. Here, the material may be a woven or knitted textile, with knitted textiles being preferred for having better elastic properties.
[0515] As such, the garment portion 150 can be produced from one or more cloth panels. For example, one cloth panel can form each of the main portion 109 and the side portions 110, 111.
[0516] To ensure that the outer cover 100 remains in place at the crotch section oSc when the absorbent article 1 is donned, external elastic leg members 151, 152 may, as in the illustrated embodiment, be provided at the outer edges of the crotch section oSc of the outer cover 100, to secure the outer cover in place around a user's legs. Because the garment portion 150 of the outer cover 100 is made of a breathable material, these external elastic leg members 151, 152 do not provide fluid compressibility and thus do not act as fluid barriers. The external elastic leg members 151, 152 may be elastic yarn, cord, strip, thread, etc., which are attached to the edges of the garment portion 150 at the crotch section oSc or interposed between layers of material forming said edges of the garment portion 150 by stitching, gluing, thermal welding, etc.
[0517] The outer covering 100 is made of a permeable material to Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, pp. 124 / 199 116 / 142 breathable liquid that gives the absorbent article an underwear-like shape, allowing the article to be worn by a user in a manner similar to underwear while enabling easy changing of said user by a caregiver. This particular material used more closely resembles normal underwear than the diaper backsheet material that normally forms the outermost surface thereof, making this particular absorbent article more comfortable to wear and providing the user with an increased sense of dignity. Thus, the outer cover 100 keeps the insert in place, while the insert 200 provides the absorbent article 1 with leak-proof security and the absorption capacity to retain liquid and fecal material, i.e., the outer cover 100 has no fluid barriers. Insert - general
[0518] It will occur to a person skilled in the art that, since the outer cover 100 is reusable, it can be assembled with several different inserts, which may have features that appear to be or are different from those represented in Figures 2a-2c. Some possible non-limiting variations are already indicated in this description. The insert shown 200 has a liquid-permeable top sheet 205, a liquid-impermeable back sheet 206, an absorbent assembly 230, inner side leakage barriers 220, 221, elastic insert leg members 210, 211 and a set of cover fastening areas 221, 222 disposed on the front section iSf of the insert, and another set of cover fastening areas 241, 242 disposed on the rear section iSb of the insert.
[0519] The insert 200 extends along its longitudinal Y direction and transverse X direction. The upper sheet 205 forms part of the innermost surface of the insert 200 facing inwards in Zi and is intended to be directed towards the user when the absorbent article is worn. The back sheet 206 forms at least part of the outermost surface. Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, pp. 125 / 199 117 / 142 of insert 200, facing outwards in a direction Zo. The absorbent assembly 230 is enclosed between the top sheet 205 and the back sheet 206. The back sheet can cover the entire surface area of insert 200, i.e., the back sheet forms the outermost surface of insert 200. Thus, the width iW and length iL of insert 200 can be equal to the width and length of the back sheet.
[0520] The liquid-permeable top sheet 205 may consist of any material that is suitable for the purpose. Examples of commonly found liquid-permeable top sheet materials are nonwoven textile materials, known as nonwovens, perforated plastic films, meshes made of plastic or textile, and liquid-permeable foam layers. Liquid-permeable covering materials consisting of continuous fine fibers extending predominantly in the longitudinal or transverse direction of the article are also found. Laminates consisting of two or more of the possible covering materials mentioned above are also commonly found, as are coverings consisting of different materials in different parts of the surface.
[0521] The liquid-impermeable backsheet 206 may extend beyond the absorbent assembly 230 around the periphery of the entire absorbent assembly 230. The backsheet may consist of a range of different materials. The backsheet may consist of a thin, liquid-impermeable plastic film, although it is also possible to use other types of liquid-impermeable material, such as nonwoven materials that have been made liquid-impermeable, for example by means of plastic coating, liquid-impermeable foam layers, liquid-impermeable adhesive or the like. The backsheet may also consist of a liquid-impermeable vapor-permeable material known as a breathable material.
[0522] The innermost layer of insert 100 comprising the Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, pp. 126 / 199 118 / 142 liquid-permeable top sheet 205 is attached to the back sheet 206 outside the absorbent assembly 230 along the entire periphery of the absorbent assembly 230. The innermost layer comprising the liquid-permeable top sheet 205 and the back sheet can be attached to each other by various different means. Examples of attachment means include gluing, thermal fusion, ultrasonic welding, or the like.
[0523] The absorbent assembly 230 may, as represented, have a length and width that are smaller than the innermost layer comprising the top sheet 205 and the back sheet 206, thus present in a central region of the insert 200 where liquid and feces exit the user's body. This results in a less bulky, more comfortable design, and is therefore preferable. However, it will occur to the skilled person that alternative sizes, shapes, and configurations of the absorbent assembly 230 may also be suitable for use in an absorbent article as presented in this document. As illustrated in Figure 2a, the absorbent assembly 230 may have a longitudinal length iLc.
[0524] For example, and as illustrated in the drawings, the absorbent assembly 230 may have an hourglass shape, which is intended to be situated in the widest area between the user's thighs when worn. The longitudinal lateral edges 203, 204 of the innermost layer comprising the top sheet 205 and the back sheet 206 also correspond to this hourglass shape. This results in the insert being more anatomical and thus more comfortable to wear than if it had a rectangular shape.
[0525] The absorbent assembly 230 is represented (Figures 2a 2c) as having a first layer 231, a second layer 232 and a receiving layer 233. The receiving layer 233 is positioned directly below the top sheet 205 and is adapted to rapidly receive large quantities of liquid and retain that liquid temporarily in order to release it. Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, pp. 127 / 199 119 / 142 subsequently the temporarily stored liquid is transferred to other parts of the absorbent assembly 230. Alternative configurations of the absorbent assembly 230 may be provided for, and both the second layer 232 and the receiving layer 233 may be considered optional, independently of each other. The absorbent assembly as such may be constructed similarly to absorbent assemblies and, as such, may be constructed from one or more layers of cellulosic fluff pulp. The cellulosic fluff pulp may be mixed for this purpose with fibers or particles of a highly absorbent polymeric material, known as superabsorbents, of the type which, together with absorption, chemically bind large quantities of liquid to form a liquid-containing gel. The absorbent assembly 230 may also contain highly absorbent polymeric material arranged in a layer within the absorbent body or in combination with the surface or surfaces of the absorbent body.Additional components to improve the characteristics of the absorbent assembly 230 may also be present in the absorbent assembly 230. Examples of such components include bonding fibers, different types of layers or liquid-distributing fibers, shape-stabilizing components, reinforcing fibers, or the like. The absorbent assembly 230 may also consist of other types of absorbent material, such as absorbent nonwoven material, absorbent foam, textile materials, peat, or mixtures of different types of absorbent material. Elastic insert leg limbs
[0526] The elastic insert leg members 210, 211, as shown in Figures 2a to 2c, are arranged between the longitudinal outer edges of the absorbent assembly 230 and the longitudinal outer edges 203, 204 of the insert 200 on both sides of the insert 200, running essentially in the longitudinal direction of the insert 200. As shown in Figure 2a, the elastic insert leg members 210, 211 Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, pp. 128 / 199 120 / 142 can be partially curved. For example, the elastic insert leg members can be partially curved to follow the shape of the absorbent assembly 230, when the absorbent assembly has an hourglass shape. A maximum transverse width over the elastic insert leg members 201, 211 is defined as the elastic leg width iWl. As illustrated in the Figures, the transverse width over the elastic insert leg members 210, 211 is the width measured in a transverse direction including both elastic insert leg members 210, 211 in the pair of elastic insert leg members 210, 211. The transverse width over the elastic insert leg members 210, 211 can, as in the illustrated embodiment, vary along the length of the elastic insert leg members 210, 211.The maximum cross-sectional width of the elastic leg members 210, 211 in each of the front section iSf or rear section iSb of the insert is the maximum cross-sectional width that can be found along the length of the elastic leg members of insert 210, 211 in said front or rear section iSf, iSb, respectively.
[0527] The elastic insert leg members 210, 211 are included in the insert 200 to prevent liquid and feces from leaking from the longitudinal edges of the insert, ensuring that the insert 200 is leak-proof and allowing the entire outer cover 100 to be made of liquid-permeable material. Each of the elastic insert leg members 210, 211 may consist of one or more elastic lines that have been applied in their stretched state between the innermost layer comprising the liquid-permeable top sheet 205 and the back sheet. The pair of elastic insert leg members has a longitudinal elastic leg length iLl, which may extend along at least 60% of the insert length. For example, the elastic leg length may approximately coincide with the length iLc of the absorbent assembly. Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, pp. 129 / 199 121 / 142 230. The elastic members 210, 211 can be attached to the back sheet and the top sheet 205 by gluing, ultrasonic welding or similar methods.
[0528] As illustrated in Figure 2a, in each of the front section iSf and the rear section iSb of the insert 100, the insert 100 has a maximum width iW, and the leg elastic width iWl, being the maximum transverse width between the leg elastic members 210, 211, is less than the maximum width Wi of the insert and greater than the maximum transverse width of the absorbent assembly 230. A leg edge portion 212, 213 is defined between each leg elastic member of the insert 210, 211 and the adjacent side edge 203, 204 of the insert 200, in each of the front and rear sections iSf, iSb of the insert 200. The leg edge portions 212, 213 may have a maximum width that is at least 1 cm, as well as at least 2 cm, and provide additional fluid leakage protection as well as increased user comfort. Leakage barriers on the inside of the insert
[0529] In order to further prevent liquid or feces from leaking from the lateral edges of the insert 200, the insert 200 may be provided with internal side leakage barriers 220, 221 on the inner surface, as shown in Figures 2a and 2b.
[0530] The inner side leakage barriers 260, 261 are disposed on either side of and adjacent to the longitudinal edges of the absorbent assembly 230, and extend essentially in the longitudinal direction of the insert 200. The inner side leakage barriers 260, 261 comprise liftable parts which, when the insert is in use, lift in a direction inward toward the top sheet 205, so as to form barriers against side leakage. The liftable parts of the inner side leakage barriers 260, 261 extend at least over a portion of the groin section iSc of the insert 200. Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, pp. 130 / 199 122 / 142
[0531] A maximum transverse barrier width iWg is measured between the fixed edges 260b, 261b of the liftable parts of the inner side leakage barriers 260, 261. The maximum transverse barrier width iWg may be less than a maximum transverse width iWl on the elastic insert leg members 210, 211, if present, and optionally greater than a maximum transverse width of the absorbent assembly 230. The respective inner side leakage barrier 260; 261 may be made from a strip of separate material, which exhibits two essentially parallel longitudinal edges. The strip of material may be double-folded, in combination with which the parallel longitudinal edges are arranged adjacent to each other. At least one longitudinal edge of each strip of material is fixed to the innermost layer comprising the top sheet 205 and constitutes the fixed edge 260b, 261b of the respective inner side leakage barrier 260, 261.The folded edge of the material strip constitutes the free edge of the inner side leak barrier 260; 261. The inner side leak barriers 260, 261 are folded over the innermost layer during manufacture and storage, and have a raised configuration during use, wherein at least in the iSc groin section of the insert, the free edge is raised from the innermost layer comprising the top sheet 205.
[0532] In the insert shown 200, the longitudinal ends of the material strips are fixed to the innermost layer comprising the top sheet 205 at the front edge 201 and at the back edge 202 of the insert 200.
[0533] The inner-side leakage barriers 260, 261 further comprise elastic elements 260a, 261a fixed to the inner-side leakage barriers 260, 261 in a pre-tensioned state. The elastic elements 260a, 261a are conveniently arranged adjacent to the free edges of the inner-side leakage barriers 260, 261. When the pre-tensioned elastic elements 260a, 261a are released, the same Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, pp. 131 / 199 123 / 142 contract together with the free edges of the inner side leakage barriers 260, 261, thus causing the inner side leakage barriers 260, 261 to be placed in a raised configuration away from the liquid-permeable top sheet 205. For example, the inner side leakage barriers 260, 261 may be placed in a raised position at least in the groin portion of the insert corresponding to at least 60% of the longitudinal length of the insert, wherein the groin portion is spaced from both the front end 201 and the rear end 202 of the insert.
[0534] As shown in Figure 3a, the inner side leakage barriers 260, 261 form liftable parts wherein the inner side leakage barriers 260, 261 can be placed in the raised configuration for a greater part of the longitudinal length of the insert 200. As shown in Figure 3b, the inner side leakage barriers 260, 261 can be fixed to the upper sheet 205 in fixed regions adjacent to the front end and the rear end, respectively, of the insert. In said fixed regions, the strip of material forming each inner side leakage barrier 260, 261 is fixed to the upper sheet, for example, by means of a weld or an adhesive, so that, in said fixed regions, the inner side leakage barriers are not liftable.For example, the inside-side leakage barriers 260, 261 can be attached to the inside-facing side of the insert 200 on the front edge portion 201' and / or on the back edge portion 202' of the insert.
[0535] Alternatively, the longitudinal ends of the material strips may not be fixed to the innermost layer, so that the free edges of the material strips forming the inner side leakage barriers 220, 221 are free to rise from the innermost layer by bending the insert into the use position, possibly without the aid of pre-tensioned elastic elements. Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 132 / 199 124 / 142
[0536] To reliably and comfortably retain the insert 200 in the outer cover 100, forming the absorbent article 1, the insert 200 and the outer cover 100 are detachably attachable to each other. INSERT COVER FASTENER AREAS
[0537] Here, in the exemplary embodiments represented in Figures 1, 2 and 3, the insert 200 comprises a set of cover fastener areas 241, 242 in the rear section iSb and another set of cover fastener areas 221, 222 in the front section iSf.
[0538] Each cover fastener area 221, 222, 241, 242 comprises a surface fastening material to provide detachable attachment of the insert to the outer cover.
[0539] In the variant shown, the set of cover fastener areas in the rear section iSb and the set of cover fastener areas in the front section iSf each comprise transversely spaced cover fastener areas 241, 242; 221, 222. However, other variants are possible, such that at least one of the sets of cover fastener areas comprises only a single cover fastener area, or at least one of the sets of cover fastener areas comprises more than two cover fastener areas.
[0540] Regardless of the number of cover fastener areas included in a set, a cross fastener width iWf can be defined as the cross width covered by the set of one or more cover fastener areas.
[0541] In the variant shown, each of the cover fastener areas in the assembly is arranged in the same longitudinal location, and each of the cover fastener areas also has the same length iAl as seen in the longitudinal direction. However, other variants are possible, in which, for example, at least one cover fastener area of Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, pp. 133 / 199 125 / 142 cover in an assembly is arranged in a different longitudinal location relative to another cover fastener area in the assembly. Additionally, the assembly of one or more cover fastener areas spans a longitudinal length iAl along the longitudinal geometric axis L.
[0542] A front edge portion 201' and / or a back edge portion 202' is / are defined as the portion of the insert 200 that extends from the front edge 201 or back edge 202, respectively, of the insert 200 and by the longitudinal length iAl covered by the assembly of one or more cover fastener areas 221, 222; 241, 242 in the front section iSf or back section iSb, respectively.
[0543] Each of the front edge portion 201' and / or the back edge portion 202' may extend for an edge portion length that is, for example, less than 20% of the longitudinal length of the insert, as well as less than 10% of the longitudinal length of the insert.
[0544] As such, it can be ensured that a large portion of the inward-facing surface of the insert 200 remains available to directly contact the user's genital area, thus limiting the risk of soiling the outer cover 100. As exemplified in the illustrated embodiment, in the longitudinal Y direction, each of the detachable cover fastener areas 221, 222, 241, 242 in the assembly can be positioned, i.e., be directly adjacent, on the front edge 201 or the back edge 202, respectively. This is an advantage in manufacturing, since a piece of fastener member material can be disposed over two subsequent inserts when formed into a continuous insert material line. In this case, a cutting operation will separate the piece of fastener member material into two at the same time that the continuous insert material line is cut into separate inserts.In this case, the longitudinal length iAl encompassed by the set of cover fastener areas will correspond to... Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, pp. 134 / 199 126 / 142 longitudinal length of the respective edge portion 201', 202' of insert 200. For example, each set of one or more cover fastener areas 221, 222; 241, 242 may encompass a longitudinal length iAl that is less than 20% of the longitudinal length of the insert, as less than 10% of the longitudinal length of the insert.
[0545] In the transverse X direction, each set of cover fastener areas 221, 222; 241, 242 in the front and rear sections iSf, iSb, respectively, extends over a transverse fastening width iWf. As exemplified in the drawings, the transverse fastening width iWf may be no less than, and preferably greater than, the leg elastic width iWl.
[0546] This particular positioning allows the insert to be sufficiently tensioned when the absorbent article 1 is placed on a user, ensuring the reliable functioning of the elastic insert leg members 210, 211.
[0547] The elastic insert leg members extend along a length of longitudinal insert leg elastic. The front edge portion 201' and the back edge portion 202' can be advantageously arranged so as not to overlap the length of longitudinal insert leg elastic. In other words, each set of one or more cover fastener areas is confined to a front edge portion 201' or a back edge portion 202' not encompassed by the length of leg elastic Ll.
[0548] The cross-clamping width iWf may, as in the illustrated embodiment, extend over at least part of the leg edge portions 212, 213 of the insert, so as to ensure that the leg portions are automatically folded outwards when the insert is attached to an outer cover. For example, the cross-clamping width may encompass in Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, pp. 135 / 199 127 / 142 at least 50% of the cross-sectional width of each leg portion, or at least 80% of the cross-sectional width of each leg portion.
[0549] As in the example illustrated, in the rear section iSb and / or in the front section iSf of the insert 200, the set of one or more cover fastener areas may comprise a first subset of one or more cover fastener areas 221; 241, and a second subset of one or more cover fastener areas 222; 242. In the rear section iSb, the first subset of one or more cover fastener areas 241 is spaced from the second subset of one or more cover fastener areas 242 by a transverse spacing width iWs. Similarly, in the front section iSf, the first subset of one or more cover fastener areas 221 is spaced from the second subset of one or more cover fastener areas 222 by a transverse spacing width iWs.As such, in the front section iSf as well as in the rear section iSb, the 200 insert is free of cover fastener areas by a spacing width iWs as measured between the subassemblies in the front or rear section, respectively.
[0550] This contributes to the correct conformation of the insert in use, since the insert must be released from the outer cover over the transverse spacing width. Furthermore, by providing cover fastening areas substantially only in the locations that are most critical to ensuring the correct positioning of the insert in the outer cover, the correct assembly of the insert and an outer cover can be facilitated.
[0551] The cross spacing width may, for example, be at least 70% of the cross clamping width.
[0552] In the illustrated embodiment, each subset of one or more cover fastener areas comprises a single cover fastener area. As such, the first and second subsets of one or more Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, pp. 136 / 199 128 / 142 cover fastener areas together form a pair comprising two cover fastener areas (one cover fastener area in each subset) spaced by the iWs spacing width.
[0553] As illustrated in the examples in the Figures, cover fastener areas 221, 222, 241, 242 may be provided on the innermost layer comprising the top sheet 205, each at a respective corner of said innermost layer comprising the top sheet 205, for detachable fastening of the insert 200 to the outer cover 100. Cover fastener areas 221, 222, 241, 242 are located outside the groin section iSc, thus preventing any overlap of the fastening to the outer cover 100 with the groin section oSc and thus reducing the risk of soiling said outer cover. The cover fastener areas 221, 222, 241, 242, together, can cover less than 5% of the total surface area of the innermost layer comprising the top sheet 205. This is found to be sufficient to reliably secure the insert within the outer cover 100, thus using more material would result in unnecessary waste.Furthermore, this implies that a relatively small portion of the innermost layer of the insert is occupied by the cover fastener areas 221, 222, 241, 242, and therefore a relatively large portion of the innermost layer of the insert may be available to receive body exudates when the absorbent article 1 is in use.
[0554] As mentioned above, each of the cover fastener areas 221, 222, 241, 242 comprises a surface fastening material. For example, and as illustrated in this document, the surface fastening material provides frictional and / or mechanical fastening. For example, the surface fastening material may be a surface fastening material comprising a plurality of distinct elements to provide frictional and / or mechanical fastening. A well-defined type Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, pp. 137 / 199 129 / 142 known as such surface fastening material is handle material, which is compatible with hook material, together also commonly known as Velcro©.
[0555] In absorbent article 1 (for example, as represented in Figure 1), the cover fastener areas 221, 222, 241, 242 are attached to the outer cover 100 on front and rear flap members 120, 140. External Cover Flap Member
[0556] As seen in Figures 1 and 3a, in each of the front section oSf and the rear section oSb of the outer cover 100, a flap member 120, 140 is arranged so as to extend from the garment portion 150. The outward-facing side of the flap members, in a use position, faces a space that is open in a longitudinal direction Y towards the crotch section Sc to receive the respective rear edge portion 202' or a front edge portion 201' of the insert 200 therein, while the insert 200 extends through at least part of the crotch section Sc of the absorbent article 1. The inward-facing side of the insert 200 must be fixed to the outer cover 100 by means of the front and rear flap members 120, 140.
[0557] In the outer cover 100, the front and back flap members 120, 140 may be made from the same material as the garment portion 150. In particular, a single sheet of material may form at least one layer of the front and back flap members 120, 140, and the garment portion 150.
[0558] Having a 120, 140 flap member in both the rear and front sections is advantageous, as it allows the insert to be completely secured in the groin area, ensuring satisfactory positioning throughout use. However, depending on the particular material and configuration choices for the outer cover and insert, having only one flap member may be beneficial. Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, pp. 138 / 199 130 / 142 present in the front or rear section may be sufficient.
[0559] In the variant shown, a single flap member 120, 140 is arranged in each of the rear and front sections oSb, oSf.
[0560] In some variants, the flap member 120, 140 may extend from the garment portion 150 by means of, for example, a fold. For example, the flap member 120, 140 may comprise a cloth panel that also forms at least part of the main portion 109 of the garment portion 150.
[0561] In other variants, such as the variant illustrated, the flap member 120, 140 may be attached to the garment portion 150 by a joint, such as, for example, seams or sutures. For example, the flap member may comprise a cloth panel that is attached to the garment portion.
[0562] As in the illustrated variant, the flap member 120, 140 may extend from the front edge 101 or rear edge 102, respectively, of the outer cover 100.
[0563] For example, the flap member 120, 140 can be joined (by means of a fold or by means of joint members, such as seams or sutures) to the garment portion 150 along at least one of a back or front edge, respectively, and / or a pair of side edges.
[0564] In the represented configuration shown in Figure 3a, the front and rear flap members 120, 140 each extend transversely between a pair of side joints 148, 149; 128, 129, which join an inward-facing surface of the garment portion 150 of the outer cover 100 with the flap member. Thus, the side joints join the side edges of the respective front and rear flap members 120, 140 to the garment portion 150 so that the flap members are automatically in a closed position that forms the wear position. However, to make Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, pp. 139 / 199 131 / 142 details within the flap member more easily visible, the sides are detached from the outer cover 100 as shown in Figure 3b, so that both the front and rear flap members 120, 140 are shown in an open position, creating the interior of the same, consisting of one side facing the body and one side facing the clothing, visible.
[0565] Through the presence of joints 148, 149, 128, 129, it is ensured that the front and rear flap members 120, 140 are retained through the correct configuration for use, thus protecting the user's skin from making contact with any means of insert fastening within the flap members. Additionally, the presence of joints 148, 149, 128, 129 ensures that the transverse forces to the outer covering as introduced when the outer covering is closed around a user's waist are transmitted to the flap member. Consequently, the flap member 120, 140 can be stretched in a transverse direction.
[0566] In other variants of an outer covering, the flap member or flap members may be connected to the garment portion 150 by means of, for example, only side joints or only a back joint or fold.
[0567] When the flap member 120, 130 extends in a transverse direction X between a first and a second side joint 128, 129; 148, 149 that joins the flap member to the garment portion 150, the space that is opened in a longitudinal direction towards the crotch section has a space width oWt as defined between the first and second side joints 128, 129; 148, 149. The space width oWt of each respective flap member 120, 140 is equal to or greater than the width of the respective front or rear edge 201, 202 of the insert 200. The space width oWt of the rear flap member 140 may be substantially equal to the space width of the front flap member 120. In the outer cover shown 200, the front flap member Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, pp. 140 / 199 132 / 142 120 has a width of space substantially equal to the width of said front section. In the rear section Sb, the width of the flap member 140 is such that the first and second sides are fixed to a respective edge of the first and second side portions 110, 111 that is closest to the longitudinal central geometric axis Y1. Advantageously, this configuration allows the joints 148, 149 of the rear flap member 140 that is fixed in or with the seam to be fixed to one or more layers of material of the first and second side portions 110, 111 to the garment portion 150. Flat seams may be used to further reduce the risk of skin irritation to the wearer. OUTER COVER INSERT FASTENER AREAS
[0568] For example, as in the variant illustrated, to detachably attach the insert 200 to the outer cover 100, in each of the front section Sf and the rear section Sb, the outer cover may comprise a flange member, wherein each flange member is provided with a set of one or more insert fastening areas 121, 122; 141, 142 on an outer surface, that is, a surface that joins the space formed by the respective flange member when in the use position. In the outer cover shown, in the front section oSf, the front flange member 120 is provided with an assembly comprising two insert fastening areas 121, 122 on an outward-facing side 120a of the flange member 120. Similarly, in the rear section Sb, the rear flange member 140 is provided with an assembly comprising two insert fastening areas 141, 142 on an outward-facing inner side 120a of the flange member.The longitudinal length of each of the insert fastener areas 121, 122, 141, 142 is less than the longitudinal length of a respective front or rear flap member 120, 140 in the closed position, that is, the longitudinal length of an outward-facing inner side 120a, 140a of the flap members 120, 140.
[0569] Thus, as in the illustrated realization, each area of Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, pp. 141 / 199 133 / 142 insert holder 121, 122, 141, 142 can be provided by a corresponding insert holder member 121a, 122a, 141a, 142a, as shown in Figure 3b. As such, each tab member 120, 140 comprises a cloth panel to which the insert holder members 121a, 122a; 141a, 142a that provide the insert holder areas are attached.
[0570] Preferably, and as in the illustrated version, the insert fastener members of the flap member are completely confined within the area of the cloth panel.
[0571] As in the illustrated embodiment, the flange member 120, 140 may have a maximum longitudinal length oLt that is less than 20% of the longitudinal length of the outer cover. For example, a sum of the maximum longitudinal lengths of the front flange member 120 and the front flange member 140 may be less than 30% of the longitudinal length of the outer cover. Thus, the attachment of the insert to the outer cover leaves only a minority of the outer cover length.
[0572] The outside-facing side of each tab member 120, 140 comprises a set of one or more insert fastener areas 121, 122; 141, 142, wherein each insert fastener area comprises a surface fastening material for providing detachable fastening to the insert.
[0573] Each set of insert fastener areas covers a cross fastening width oWf. The cross fastening width oWf may preferably be no less than a minimum cross width oWc of the outer cover, i.e., no less than the crotch width oWc of the outer cover. As such, the cross fastening width oWf will be no less than a minimum leg elastic spacing width as measured between the leg elastic 151, 152 of the outer cover 100. Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, pp. 142 / 199 134 / 142
[0574] The transverse fastening width oWf may preferably be less than a maximum leg elastic spacing width oWl as measured between the leg elastic 151, 152 of the outer cover.
[0575] As such, it can be guaranteed that when an insert 200 is attached to the outer cover 100, the leg elastic 152, 152 of the outer cover assists in providing a correct position for the insert in relation to the user.
[0576] Furthermore, it can be ensured that the outer cover, when used, provides the necessary tension in the direction transverse to the insert so as to stretch the elastic insert leg members 210, 211 (and inner side barriers 220, 221) to their correct position, when in insert 200 as described above.
[0577] For example, and as in the variant illustrated, the set of insert fastener areas may comprise a first subset of insert fastener areas 121; 141 and a second subset of insert fastener areas 122; 142, wherein the first and second subsets are transversely spaced by a transverse spacing width oWs. To further ensure correct positioning and conformation of the insert relative to the outer cover, the transverse fastener spacing width oWs may be no less than the minimum transverse width oWc of the outer cover.
[0578] In the variant shown, each subset of insert holder areas comprises a single insert holder area. Absorbent article
[0579] In view of the above description of a variant of an absorbent insert 200 and an outer cover 100, an absorbent article variant 1 as represented in Figure 1 is also described.
[0580] The absorbent article 1 extends along a direction Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, p. 143 / 199 135 / 142 longitudinal Y, and along a transverse direction X, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Y, and wherein a thickness direction Z is defined perpendicular to both the longitudinal and transverse directions X,Y, wherein said thickness direction is an inward direction Zi towards the user when the article is worn, and an outward direction Zo away from the user when the article is worn, wherein the absorbent article comprises a front section Sf, a back section Sb and a crotch section Sc extending between the front section Sf and the back section Sb along the longitudinal direction Y, wherein the absorbent article 1 comprises: a reusable outer cover 100, comprising a garment portion 150 extending at least into the front section Sf, and into the back section Sb of the absorbent article 1, wherein said garment portion 150 is adapted to fit around the waist of a user,with the front section Sf being positioned on or near the user's abdomen and the back section Sb being positioned against the user's lower back when the article is worn, and an absorbent insert 200 comprising a liquid-impermeable back sheet, a liquid-permeable top sheet 205, and an absorbent assembly 230 provided between said back sheet and said top sheet, wherein the insert 200 is shaped to, in use, cover a pubic area of the user and a predefined part of the buttocks with an inward-facing side comprising said top sheet directed towards the user, and an outward-facing side directed towards the outer covering 100.
[0581] The absorbent article 1 described is an example of an absorbent article wherein the insert 200 extends longitudinally between a front edge 201 and a back edge 202, and comprises longitudinal side edges 203, 204 connecting the front edge 201 and the back edge 202, and the insert 200 comprises a pair of elastic insert leg members 210, 211 extending essentially along the longitudinal Y direction of the insert, and Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, p. 144 / 199 136 / 142 disposed on both sides of the insert, between the absorbent assembly 230 and the longitudinal lateral edges 203, 204 of the insert, wherein a leg elastic length iLl is defined as the longitudinal length along said insert leg elastic members 210, 211, and wherein, in each of the rear section aSb and the front section aSf, a leg elastic width iWl is defined as the maximum transverse width over said insert leg elastic members 210, 211 in said front or rear section (aSf, aSb), respectively.In at least one, preferably each, of the front section aSf and the rear section aSb of the absorbent article, the absorbent article comprises a set of one or more attachment areas 21, 22; 41, 42 for attaching a portion of the front or rear edge 201', 202', respectively of the insert to the outer cover, wherein, in each attachment area, a surface area of the inside-facing or outside-facing side of the insert 200 is detachably attached to a surface area of the outer cover 100 by means of at least one surface fastening material.Additionally, a transverse fastening width aWf, wherein the transverse width is encompassed by the assembly of one or more fastening areas 21, 22; 41, 42, is not less than the leg elastic width iWl in said front or rear section aSf, aSb, respectively, such that the front or rear edge portion 201', 202', respectively, of the insert 200 is detachably fastened to the outer cover 100 in said assembly of fastening areas 21, 22; 41, 42 while, in at least said groin section aSc of the absorbent article 1, the inward-facing side of the insert 200 forms the innermost side of the absorbent article 1, so as to be directly adjacent to the user's skin when the article is in use.
[0582] Consequently, the article presents the advantages obtained by the set of fastening areas that have a transverse fastening width that is not less than the leg elastic width, so that Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, pp. 145 / 199 137 / 142 the elastic leg of the insert is stretched when the article is in use, that is, advantages that contribute to a correct and secure positioning of the insert in relation to the user when the absorbent article is worn.
[0583] Furthermore, the absorbent article described 1 is an example of an absorbent article in which, in at least one, preferably each, of the front section Sf and the back section Sb of the absorbent article, the outer cover comprises a flap member 120, 140 extending from the garment portion 150 with an outward-facing inner side 120a, 140a of the flap member 120, 140 facing the inward-facing side of the insert 200 in a front or back edge portion 201', 202', respectively, of the insert.Additionally, in said at least one, preferably each, of the front section Sf and the rear section Sb of the absorbent article, the absorbent article comprises a set of one or more attachment areas 21, 22; 41, 42, wherein, in each attachment area, a surface area on the inside-facing side of the insert 200 is detachably attached to a surface area on said outside-facing side of the flange member 120, 140 by means of at least one surface fastening material, such that the front or rear edge portion 201', 202', respectively, of the insert 200 is detachably attached to the outer cover 100 in said set of attachment areas 21, 22; 41, 42 whereas, in at least the aforementioned groin section Sc of the absorbent article 1, the inside-facing side of the insert 200 forms the innermost side of the absorbent article 1, so as to be directly adjacent to the user's skin when the article is in use.
[0584] Consequently, the article presents the advantages obtained by the fixation between the outer cover and the insert that occurs through the inner side facing outwards of the flap member and the inner side facing inwards of the insert, that is, advantages that contribute to a correct and secure position of the insert in relation to the user when the absorbent article is worn. Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, pp. 146 / 199 138 / 142
[0585] The advantages obtained by the fastening between the outer cover and the insert that occurs through the inner side facing outwards of the flap member and the inner side facing inwards of the insert, and the advantages obtained by the set of fastening areas that have a transverse fastening width that is not less than the width of the leg elastic can be achieved one by one. However, as in the variant illustrated, a combination of the features resulting in a combination of the advantages may be particularly preferable.For example, when elastic leg members are stretched because the transverse fastening width is no less than the leg elastic width, the fastening areas may have an increased need to be protected from tearing or fingering from the outside of the article when the article is worn, which is achieved by fastening that occurs through the inside-facing side of the insert and the inside-facing outside side of the flap member.
[0586] It will be understood that the set of fastening areas 21, 22; 41, 42 in the represented variant of the absorbent article 1 is formed by the insert fastener areas 121, 122; 141, 142 which are fastened to the cover fastener areas 221, 222; 241, 242 by means of the surface fastening material of the insert fastener areas which is, for example, a hook material, and the surface fastening material of the cover fastener areas which is, for example, a handle material.
[0587] Preferably, the dimensions of the outer cover 100 and the insert 200 are such that, when the insert is normally fixed to the outer cover, the front and rear flap members 120, 140 do not overlap the absorbent assembly 230.
[0588] For example, each flange member 120, 140 may have a longitudinal flange length oLt such that, in the position of use, when the insert 200 is fixed to the outer cover 100, the flange member 120, 140 Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, pp. 147 / 199 139 / 142 extends for less than 20% of the longitudinal length of the iL insert, preferably for less than 10% of the longitudinal length of the iL insert.
[0589] For example, the total area of the front and rear flap members 120, 140 may cover less than 80%, preferably less than 85%, of a total insert area. The front and rear flap members 120, 140 may be dimensioned so that less than 15% of the total insert area is covered during use, preferably less than 10%. FASTENER AREAS
[0590] For example, and as in the variant illustrated, each insert fastener area 121, 122, 141, 142 can be provided by an insert fastener member 121a, 122a, 141a, 142a comprising a fastening material that is a hook material. Each insert fastener member can be fixed to the outward-facing inner side 120a, 140a of the respective front and rear flap members 120, 140 of the outer cover.
[0591] In the insert, each cover fastener area 221, 222, 242, 242 can be provided by a cover fastener member 221a, 222a, 241a, 242a comprising a fastening material that is a handle material. Each cover fastener member can be fixed on the inside-facing side of the insert.
[0592] As a result of the placement of the hook members, the hooks of the same are oriented in the opposite direction to the user's body when in use, thus further reducing the risk of skin irritation, which is already lower due to the fact that the insert fastener areas and cover fastener areas are covered by the flap members.
[0593] In the use position, the 120, 140 flap members completely cover the 221, 222, 241, 242 cover fastener areas of Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, pp. 148 / 199 140 / 142 insert 200, thus also preventing any contact between the user's skin and the fastening material. Since this material is relatively often rough compared to the top sheet material and the materials used for the garment portion 150 of the outer cover 100, the covering of the same reduces the risk of irritation.
[0594] Although the embodiment depicted shows hook and loop fasteners being used, alternative surface fastening materials may also be suitable and may be used instead of some or all of the insert fastener areas and cover fastener areas. Such alternative surface fastening materials provide substantially uniform fastening over a predetermined surface area, rather than point connections such as buttons, snaps, rivets, etc., thus minimizing the risk of skin irritation associated with such point connections.
[0595] In order to ensure that the outer cover is washable, the surface fastening materials provided with it must be both reusable and washable.
[0596] An additional advantage of using fastener areas comprising a surface fastening material, including the hook and loop members shown, is that the fastening is provided by a surface area, which provides more placement tolerance when attaching the insert to the outer cover. As a result, attaching the insert to the outer cover is easier, as it requires less precision and is therefore faster when point connections are used.
[0597] Figures 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D represent the usage cycle of an absorbent article 1 similar to that shown in Figure 1, which respectively shows a package 300 containing at least one insert 200, the attachment of an insert 200 to an outer cover 100, where the absorbent article is worn by a user, and the removal and disposal of an insert 200. Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, pp. 149 / 199 141 / 142 and cleaning of the outer covering 1.
[0598] The packaging in Figure 4A may be available containing a predetermined quantity of inserts and / or one or more outer covers. Figure 4B shows that, first, the insert 200 is detachably fixed within the corresponding flap members of the outer cover 100. The fixing is effected as described above. Next, the absorbent article is placed on a user, as shown in Figure 4C. For the particular embodiment of the outer cover 100, side portions 110, 111 are disposed on the rear end of the article and fixed to the front end of the article, on the outward-facing surface of the outer cover 100, when the article is placed on a user. Preferably, the outer cover 100 is provided with special receiving surfaces 117, 118 (See Figure 4c and Figure 3a) on the front end, on the surface facing away from the user, as shown.The aforementioned special receiving surfaces 117, 118 are adapted to receive the fastening means 115, 116 (See Figure 4c and Figure 3a) provided on the first and second lateral portions 110, 111 to ensure satisfactory detachable fastening without potentially causing damage to the main material that forms the outward-facing surface of the outer cover 100.
[0599] After use, the entire absorbent article 1 is removed from the user by detaching the first and second side portions, followed by separation of the insert from the outer cover as shown in Figure 4D. In the present embodiment, the insert 200 is a disposable insert, which is thrown away after use, while the outer cover 100 is washable, so that it can be washed as shown. In a subsequent use cycle, the same outer cover 100 is then used with another new insert 200. It will be understood that the described use cycle will be the same for all absorbent articles according to the invention, regardless of the particular shape of the outer cover. Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, pp. 150 / 199 142 / 142 and the insert. Additionally, it will be understood that the usage cycle will be substantially the same for absorbent articles according to the present description where the outer cover is not washable but reusable, as opposed to being washed before being reused in the following usage cycle.
[0600] The present invention has been described with reference to various explanatory embodiments as shown in the Figures. Obvious modifications and alternative implementations of some parts or elements will be apparent to those skilled in the art by reading and understanding the detailed description.
[0601] For example, although the variant illustrated is an example where the insert fastener areas of the outer cover are arranged on the inside facing outwards of a flap member of the outer cover, and the cover fastener areas are arranged on the inside facing outwards of the insert, other alternatives are possible where the insert fastener areas of the outer cover are instead arranged on the inside facing outwards of the garment portion 150 of the outer cover 100, and where the cover fastener areas are arranged on the outside facing outwards of the insert 200. In such variants, the outer cover may optionally comprise a flap member.
[0602] In particular, it will be obvious to the discerning person that several alternatives explicitly mentioned in the detailed description can be implemented independently of other explicitly mentioned alternatives that are not explicitly described as being related thereto. The invention is intended to be interpreted as encompassing all such modifications and alternative implementations to the extent that they are covered by the scope of the appended claims. Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, pp. 151 / 199
Claims
1 / 20 Claims 1. ABSORBENT ARTICLE (1) extending along a longitudinal direction (Y), and along a transverse direction (X), which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (Y), and wherein a thickness direction (Z) is defined perpendicular to both the longitudinal and transverse directions (X,Y), wherein the thickness direction is in an inward direction (Zi) towards the user when the article is worn, and an outward direction (Zo) away from the user when the article is worn, wherein the absorbent article is characterized by comprising a front section (aSf), a back section (aSb) and a crotch section (aSc) extending between the front section (Sf) and the back section (Sb) along a longitudinal direction (Y), and comprising: a reusable outer cover (100), comprising a garment portion (150) extending at least into the front section (aSf), and the back section (aSb) of the absorbent article (1),wherein the garment portion (150) is adapted to fit around a user's waist, with the front section (aSf) being positioned on the side of a user's abdomen and the back section (aSb) being positioned against the user's lower back when the article is worn; and an absorbent insert (200) comprising a liquid-impermeable back sheet (206), a liquid-permeable top sheet (205), and an absorbent assembly (230) provided between the back sheet (206) and the top sheet (205), the insert (200) being shaped to, in use, cover the pubic area of a user and a predefined part of the buttocks with an inward-facing side comprising the top sheet (205) directed towards the user, and an outward-facing side directed towards the garment portion (150) of the outer cover (100), wherein the insert (200) extends longitudinally between a front edge (201) and a back edge (202), and comprises side edges Petition 870260025172,from 03 / 18 / 2026, page. 152 / 199 2 / 20 longitudinal (203, 204) connecting the front edge (201) and the rear edge (202), and the insert (200) comprises a pair of elastic insert leg members (210, 211) extending essentially along the longitudinal (Y) direction of the insert, and disposed on both sides of the insert, between the absorbent assembly (230) and the longitudinal side edges (203, 204) of the insert, wherein a leg elastic length (iLl) is defined as the longitudinal length along the elastic insert leg members (210, 211), and wherein, in each of the rear section (aSb) and the front section (aSf), a leg elastic width (iWl) is defined as the maximum transverse width over the elastic insert leg members (210, 211) in the front or rear section. (aSf, aSb), respectively, wherein, in at least one, preferably each, of the front section (aSf) and the back section (aSb) of the absorbent article,The absorbent article comprises a set of one or more attachment areas (21, 22; 41, 42) for attaching a front or rear edge portion (201', 202'), respectively, of the insert to the outer cover, wherein, in each attachment area, a surface area of the inside-facing or outside-facing side of the insert (200) is detachably attached to a surface area of the outer cover (100) by means of at least one surface fastening material, and wherein a transverse fastening width (aWf), being the transverse width encompassed by the set of one or more attachment areas (21, 22; 41, 42), is not less than the leg elastic width (iWl) in the front or rear section (aSf, aSb), respectively, such that the front or rear edge portion (201', 202'), respectively, of the insert (200) is detachably attached to the outer cover. (100) in the set of fixing areas (21, 22; 41, 42) while,at least in the groin section (aSc) of the absorbent article (1), the inside-facing side of the insert (200) forms the innermost side of the absorbent article (1), so as to be directly adjacent to the user's skin when the article is in use. Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, p. 153 / 199 3 / 20, 2. ABSORBENT ARTICLE (1), according to claim 1, characterized in that, in at least one, preferably each, of the rear section (aSb) and the front section (aSf), the insert (200) comprises a pair of leg edge portions (212, 213), wherein each leg edge portion extends longitudinally along a respective elastic leg member of the insert (210, 211), and transversely between the elastic leg member of the insert (210, 211) and a respective longitudinal side edge (203, 204) of the insert (200) so as to define a maximum transverse leg edge width (Wlp) between an elastic leg member of the insert (210, 211) and a respective longitudinal side edge (203, 204), wherein the maximum transverse leg edge width (Wlp) is at least 1 cm, as well as at least 2 cm.
3. ABSORBENT ARTICLE (1), according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that, in at least one, preferably each, of the front section (aSf) and the rear section (aSb), the set of one or more attachment areas (221, 222; 241, 242) is confined to a longitudinal section of the insert (200) not covered by the leg elastic length (iLl), and / or in at least one, preferably each, of the front section (aSf) and the rear section (aSb) of the absorbent article (1), the transverse attachment width (aWf) is not less than 70%, not less than 80% or not less than 90% of a maximum width (iW) of the insert (200) in the front edge portion (201') or rear edge portion (202'), respectively, and / or in at least one, preferably each, from the rear section (aSb) and the front section (aSf), the set of one or more fastening areas (21, 22;41, 42) comprising a first subset of one or more fastening areas (21; 41) and a second subset of one or more fastening areas (22, 42), wherein the first and second subsets are separated, Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, p. 154 / 199 4 / 20 preferably symmetrically separated, around the longitudinal central geometric axis of the insert, preferably the first subset of one or more fastening areas (21; 41) and the second subset of one or more fastening areas (22; 42) being separated by a transverse spacing width (aWs), wherein the transverse spacing width (aWs) is at least 40% of the transverse fastening width (aWf), as at least 50% or at least 60%.; 4. ABSORBENT ARTICLE, according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, in at least one, preferably each, of the front section (aSf) and the rear section (aSb) of the absorbent article (1), the outer cover (100) comprises a set of one or more insert fastener areas (121, 122; 141, 142), wherein each insert fastener area (121, 122, 141, 142) comprises a surface fastening material to provide detachable fastening to the inside-facing surface of the insert (200) in at least one of the set of one or more fastening areas (21, 22; 41, 42) and / or in at least one, preferably each, of the front section (aSf) and the rear section (aSb) of the absorbent article (1), the inside-facing side and / or the outside-facing side of the insert (200) comprising a set of one or more cover fastener areas (221, 222; 241, 242), wherein each cover fastener area (221, 222;241, 242) comprises a surface fastening material for providing detachable fastening to the outer cover (100) in at least one of the set of one or more fastening areas (21, 22; 41, 42), wherein the surface fastening material of the set of one or more insert fastener areas (121, 122; 141, 142) and the surface fastening material of the set of one or more cover fastener areas (221; 222; 241, 242) are surface fastening materials Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page. 155 / 199 5 / 20 corresponding to form the detachable connection, and the fastening areas in the set of fastening areas (21, 22; 41, 42) are formed where the set of one or more insert fastener areas (121, 122; 141, 142) overlaps the set of one or more cover fastener areas (221; 222;241, 242), and / or by, in at least one, preferably each, of the rear section (aSb) and the front section (aSf) of the absorbent article (1), at least one, like all, of one or more insert fastener areas (121, 122; 141, 142) comprising a surface fastening material that is a hook material or a loop material, and a corresponding at least one, like all, of one or more cover fastener areas (221, 222; 241, 242) comprising a surface fastening material that is a loop material or a corresponding hook material, respectively, to provide the detachable fastening.
5. ABSORBENT ARTICLE (1), according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, in at least one, preferably each, of the rear section (aSb) and the front section (aSf), each of the at least one surface fastening material in the assembly of one or more fastening areas (21, 22; 41, 42) provides detachable fastening by mechanical fastening and / or frictional fastening and / or in at least one, preferably each, of the rear section (aSb) and the front section (aSf), the absorbent article (1) comprises one or more cover fastener members (221a, 222a; 241a, 242a) disposed on the inside-facing side and / or on the outside-facing side of the insert (200), wherein each cover fastener member (221a, 222a; 241a, 242a) provides at least one among one or more cover fastener areas (221, 222; 241, 242) in the set, and / or Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page.156 / 199 6 / 20 in at least one, preferably each, of the rear section (aSb) and the front section (aSf), the absorbent article (1) comprising one or more insert holder members (121a, 122a; 141a, 142a) arranged in the outer cover (100), wherein each insert holder member (121a, 122a; 141a, 142a) provides at least one of the one or more cover holder areas (121, 122; 141, 142) in the assembly. 6.ABSORBENT ARTICLE (1), according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the garment portion (150) extends into the front section (aSf), back section (aSb) and crotch section (aSc) of the absorbent article, wherein the crotch section (aSc) extends longitudinally between the front section (aSf) and the back section (aSb), and the garment portion (150) forms a pair of leg edges, each leg edge facing a respective leg opening when the article (1) is worn, and wherein the crotch section (oSc) of the outer cover defines a minimum transverse width (oWc) between the leg edges, wherein preferably the transverse fastening width (aWf) is not less than the minimum transverse width (oWc) of the outer cover (100), preferably the outer cover (100) comprises a pair of elastic leg members (151, 152) arranged along the leg edges of the portion of clothing (150), at least in the groin section (aSc) of the same.
7. ABSORBENT ARTICLE, according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, in at least one of the front section (aSf) and the back section (aSb) of the absorbent article, the outer cover (100) further comprises at least one flap member (120, 140) extending from the garment portion (150), wherein the flap member (120, 140) has a position of use in which a space is formed between the outward-facing inner side (120a, 140a) of the flap member (120, 140) and the inward-facing side of the garment portion (150), which space is open in a Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, p. 157 / 199 7 / 20 longitudinal direction towards the groin section (Sc) to receive the respective back edge portion (202') or front edge portion (201'), respectively of the insert (200) therein, while the insert extends over the groin portion (aSc) of the absorbent article (1) and preferably in each fixation area of the set of fixation areas,a surface area on the inside-facing side of the insert (200) being detachably fixed to a surface area on the outside-facing inside side (120a, 140a) of the flange member (120, 140) by means of at least one surface fastening material, such that the front or rear edge portion (201', 202'), respectively, of the insert (200) is detachably fixed to the outer cover (100) in the set of fastening areas (21, 22; 41, 42), and / or by the insert (200) having a longitudinal insert length (iL), and wherein, in at least one, preferably each, of the rear section (aSb) and the front section (aSf), each flange member (120, 140) has a longitudinal flange length (oLt) such that, in the use position, when the insert is fixed to the outer cover (100) the flange member (120, 140) extends for less than 20% of the longitudinal insert length (iL),preferably by less than 10% of the longitudinal length of the insert (iL) and / or wherein the insert (200) has an insert area, and wherein, in at least one, preferably each, of the rear section (aSb) and the front section (aSf), an outward-facing inner flange area (120a; 140a) of each flange member (120; 140) of the outer cover (100) is such that, in the use position and when the insert is fixed to the outer cover, the flange member extends by less than 20% of the insert area, preferably by less than 10% of the insert area (Ai).
8. REUSABLE OUTER COVER (100) for an absorbent article (1), extending along a longitudinal direction (Y), Petition 870260025172, dated 18 / 03 / 2026, p. 158 / 199 8 / 20 and along a transverse direction (X), which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (Y), and wherein a thickness direction (Z) is defined perpendicular to both the longitudinal and transverse directions (X, Y), wherein the thickness direction is an inward direction (Zi) towards the user when the article is worn, and an outward direction (Zo) away from the user when the article is worn, wherein the outer covering (100, 100') is characterized by comprising a garment portion (150) having a longitudinal length (oL) extending along the longitudinal direction (Y), wherein the garment portion (150) is subdivided into a front section (oSf), a back section (oSb) and a crotch section (oSc) along the longitudinal length (oL),wherein the crotch section (oSc) of the outer covering defines a minimum transverse crotch width (oWc) of the outer covering, and the garment portion (150) is adapted to fit around a user's waist, with the front section (oSf) being positioned on or near the user's abdomen, the back section (oSb) being positioned against the user's lower back, and the crotch section (oSc) being positioned over the user's pubic area and the predefined part of the buttocks, transversely extending between two leg openings formed by the outer covering, such that the garment portion (150) defines an inward-facing side intended to be facing the user, and an outward-facing side intended to be facing away from the user, when the outer covering (100) is worn, wherein, in at least one, preferably each, of the front section (oSf) and the back section (oSb),The outer cover comprises a set of one or more insert fastener areas (121, 122; 141, 142), wherein each insert fastener area (121, 122; 141, 142) in the set Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page. 159 / 199 9 / 20 comprises a surface fastening material for detachably attaching an insert to the outer cover, wherein, in at least one, preferably each, of the front section (oSf) and the rear section (oSb) of the outer cover, the assembly of one or more insert fastening areas (121, 122; 141, 142) covers a transverse fastening width (oWf) that is not less than the minimum transverse groin width (oWc), such that the transverse fastening width (oWf) is not less than 110% of the minimum transverse groin width (oWc), or not less than 120% of the minimum transverse groin width (oWc).
9. OUTER COVER (100), according to claim 8, wherein the outer cover is characterized by comprising a pair of elastic leg members (151;152), arranged along the leg openings of the garment portion (150) at least in the crotch section (oSc) thereof, and preferably in at least one, preferably each, between the front section (oSf) and the back section (oSb) of the outer cover, the transverse fastening width (oWf) being less than a maximum leg elastic spacing width (oWL) which is a maximum transverse distance between the elastic leg members (151; 152) in the outer cover.
10. EXTERNAL COVER (100), according to any one of claims 8 to 9, characterized in that, in at least one, preferably each, of the front section (oSf) and the rear section (oSb), the assembly of one or more insert holder areas (121, 122; 141, 142) comprises a first subset of one or more insert holder areas (121; 141) and a second subset of one or more insert holder areas (122, 142), wherein the first subset and the second subset are separated by a transverse spacing width (oWs), Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, p.160 / 199 10 / 20 preferably the first subset and the second subset are symmetrically separated around a central longitudinal geometric axis (Y1) of the outer cover (100) by the transverse spacing width (oWs) and preferably the transverse spacing width (oWs) is not less than the minimum transverse crotch width (oWc) of the outer cover and / or the transverse spacing width (oWs) is not less than 40% of the transverse fastening width (oWf), as well as not less than 50% or not less than 60% of the transverse fastening width (oWf).
11. OUTER COVER, according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that, in at least one, preferably each, of the front section (oSf) and the back section (oSb), the outer cover (100) comprises at least one flap member (120, 140) extending from the garment portion (150), wherein each flap member (120, 140) has a position of use in which an inner side facing outwards (120a, 140a) of the flap member (120, 140) faces the inner side of the garment portion (150) so as to form a space between the inner side facing outwards (120a, 140a) of the flap member (120, 140) and the inner side of the garment portion (150), which space is open in a longitudinal direction towards the crotch section (Sc) and preferably in at least one, preferably each, from the front section (oSf) and the rear section (oSb), to one or more insert fastener areas (121, 122; 141,142) of the assembly being positioned on the inner side facing outwards (120a; 140a) of at least one flap member (120, 140), so that when an insert is attached to the outer cover on the absorbent article, wherein one or more insert fastener areas (121, 122; 141, 142) of the flap member (120, 140) allow detachable attachment to the inner side facing outwards of a respective front edge portion (201') or a border portion Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page. 161 / 199 11 / 20 rear (202') of the insert received in the space, while the insert extends inward over at least part of the groin portion (oSc) of the garment portion (150), and / or by, in at least one, preferably each, of the front section (oSf) and the rear section (oSb), each flap member (120) being located on a front edge (101) or a rear edge (102), respectively, of the outer cover (100) and / or in at least one, preferably each,between the front section (oSf) and the rear section (oSb), each flap member (120, 140) shall have a longitudinal length (oLt) not greater than 20% of the longitudinal length (oL) of the outer cover, as well as not greater than 10% of the longitudinal length (oL) of the outer cover and / or each between the front section (oSf) and the rear section (oSb) shall comprise at least one flap member (120, 140), and the sum of the maximum longitudinal lengths of the flap members (oLt) in the front section (oSf) and in the rear section (oSb) shall not be greater than 30% of the longitudinal length (oL) of the outer cover, as well as not greater than 20% of the longitudinal length (oL) of the outer cover and / or in at least one, preferably each, between the front section (oSf) and the rear section (oSb), each flap member (120, 140) has an area no greater than 20% of the external cover area, no greater than 10% of the external cover area and / or a total area of all flap members (120,140) of the external cover (100) is not greater than 30% of the area of the external cover, as not greater than 20% of the area of the external cover, and / or by, in at least one, preferably each, between the front section (oSf) and the rear section (oSb) of the external cover, at least Petition 870260025172, of 03 / 18 / 2026, page. 162 / 199 12 / 20 a flap member (120, 140) being a single flap member (120, 140), preferably the single flap member (120, 140) extending in a transverse direction (X) between a first and a second side joint (128, 129; 148, 149) that joins the flap member to the garment portion (150), such that the space is open in a longitudinal direction towards the crotch section by a defined flap member width (oWt) between the first and second side joints (128, 129; 148, 149); and / or the crotch section (oSc) of the outer cover defines a minimum transverse width (oWc) of the outer cover,and the width of the flap member (oWt) is not less than the minimum transverse width (oWc) of the outer cover, as at least 120% of the minimum transverse width (oWc) of the outer cover.
12. EXTERNAL COVER (100), according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that at least one, preferably each, of the front section (oSf) and the rear section (oSb), and in at least one, preferably each, of one or more insert fastener areas (121, 122, 141, 142) of the assembly, the surface fastening material is adapted to allow detachable mechanical and / or frictional fastening thereto by a corresponding surface fastening material, and preferably in at least one, preferably each, of the front section (oSf) and the rear section (oSb), and in at least one, as well as all, of one or more insert fastener areas (121, 122;141, 142) of the set, the surface fastening material comprises a plurality of distinct fastening elements, such as distinct fastening elements comprising rods that project outward (Zo) when the outer cover is in use. Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 163 / 199 13 / 20; 13. OUTER COVER (100), according to any one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that, in at least one, preferably each, of the front section (oSf) and the rear section (oSb), the outer cover comprises one or more insert fastening members (121a, 122a, 141a, 142a) that are fixed to the outward-facing inner side (120a; 140a) of the respective flange member (120; 140), wherein each insert fastening member (121a, 122a, 141a, 142a) provides at least one of the one or more insert fastening areas (121, 122, 141, 142) in the assembly, preferably at least one, as each, of the one or more insert fastening members (121a, 122a, 141a, 142a) comprises a sheet-formed base having a length in the longitudinal direction (Y) and a width in the transverse direction (X) when the flange member (120, 140) is in the use position, the sheet-formed base comprising one or more areas of the surface fastening material.
14. OUTER COVER (100), according to any one of claims 8 to 13, characterized in that at least 50%, as at least 70% or at least 90% of a total area of the outer cover is permeable to liquids, and / or at least 50%, as at least 70% or at least 90% of a total area of the outer cover is breathable, and / or the garment portion (150) comprises one or more cloth panels, wherein preferably at least one, as each, of the one or more cloth panels comprises a textile cloth, wherein the textile cloth is preferably a knitted cloth.
15. ABSORBENT INSERT (200) for use with an outer cover (100) to form an absorbent article (1) adapted to be worn around the waist of a user, wherein the insert (200) is characterized by being shaped to, in use, cover the pubic area of a user and a predefined part of the buttocks, and wherein the insert extends along a longitudinal direction (Y) and along a transverse direction (X), which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (Y), wherein a thickness direction (Z) is defined perpendicular to the transverse and longitudinal directions (X, Y), wherein the thickness direction (Z) is an inward direction (Zi), towards the user, when the absorbent article is worn, and an outward direction (Zo), away from the user, when the article is worn,wherein the insert has a longitudinal length (iL) extending along the longitudinal direction (Y) and the insert is subdivided into a front section (iSf), a back section (iSb) and a groin section (iSc) along the longitudinal length (iL), the insert (200) comprises a liquid-impermeable back sheet (206), a liquid-permeable top sheet (205), and an absorbent assembly (230) between the back sheet (106) and the top sheet (205), and the insert (200) extends longitudinally between a front edge (201) and a back edge (202), and comprises longitudinal side edges (203, 204) connecting the front edge and the back edge, and the insert comprises a pair of elastic insert leg members (210, 211) extending essentially along the longitudinal direction (Y) of the insert, and disposed on both sides of the insert, between the absorbent assembly (230) and the longitudinal lateral edges (203, 204) of the insert, wherein,in each of the front section (iSf) and rear section (iSb) of the insert, a leg elastic width (iWl) is defined as the maximum transverse width over the insert leg elastic members (210, 211) in the front or rear section (iSf, iSb), respectively, and the insert (200) has an inward facing side (203) comprising the upper sheet (205) to be directed to the user, and a side Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page. 165 / 199 15 / 20 facing outwards (204) to be directed towards the outer cover (100), when the article is in use, wherein in at least one, preferably each, of the front section (iSf) and the rear section (iSb) of the insert (200), the insert (200) comprises a set of one or more cover fastener areas (221, 222; 241, 242), each cover fastener area (221, 222; 241, 242) comprising a surface fastening material for detachably attaching the insert (100) to the outer cover (200),wherein one or more cover fastener areas (221, 222; 241, 242) are provided on the inside-facing side of the insert (200) and / or on the outside-facing side of the insert (200), and in at least one, preferably each, of the back section (iSb) and the front section (iSf), a transverse fastener width (iWf) encompassed by the set of one or more cover fastener areas (221, 222; 241, 242) is not less than the leg elastic width (iWl) in the front section (iSf) or back section (iSb), respectively, as 110% of the leg elastic width (iWl) or 120% of the leg elastic width (iWl).
16. ABSORBENT INSERT, according to claim 15, characterized in that, in at least one, preferably each, of the front section (iSf) and the back section (iSb), the insert (200) comprises a pair of leg edge portions (212, 213), wherein each leg edge portion extends longitudinally along a respective elastic leg member of the insert (210, 211), and transversely between the elastic leg member of the insert and a respective longitudinal lateral edge (203, 204) of the insert so as to define a maximum transverse leg edge width (Wlp) between the elastic leg member of the insert (210, 211) and the respective longitudinal lateral edge (203, 204), wherein the maximum transverse leg edge width (Wlp) is at least 1 cm, as is at least 2 cm, preferably. 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page.166 / 199 16 / 20 each of the elastic leg insert members (210, 211) of the pair of elastic leg members (210, 211) is sandwiched between an inner layer of the insert and the back sheet (206).
17. ABSORBENT INSERT (200), according to any one of claims 15 to 16, characterized in that an insert leg elastic length (iLl) is defined as the longitudinal length of the insert (200) along which the insert leg elastic members (210, 211) are active, wherein the insert leg elastic length (iLl) is at least 50% of a total longitudinal length (iL) of the insert, as at least 75%, or at least 85%, of the total longitudinal length (iL) of the insert and / or in at least one, preferably each, of the front section (iSf) and the back section (iSb) of the insert (200), the assembly of one or more cover fastener areas (240, 241, 242, 243) being confined to a longitudinal section of the insert not encompassed by the leg elastic length. (iLl) of the pair of elastic insert leg members (210, 211).
18. ABSORBENT INSERT (200), according to any one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that the inside-facing side of the insert (200) comprises a pair of inner-side leakage barriers (260, 261) extending in the longitudinal (Y) direction of the insert, wherein preferably the inner-side leakage barriers (260, 261) are adapted to be movable between a first position, in which the inner-side leakage barriers (260, 261) form a flat surface that is parallel to the upper sheet (205), and a second position, in which the inner-side leakage barriers (260, 261) are raised from the liquid-permeable upper sheet (205) by at least 60% of the longitudinal length (iL) of the insert (200), separated from a front edge (201) and a rear edge (202) of the insert, and / or Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page 167 / 199 17 / 20 each inner side leakage barrier (260, 261) comprises an elastic element (260a, 261a).
19. ABSORBENT INSERT, according to any one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that, in at least one, preferably each, of the rear section (iSb) and the front section (iSf), the assembly of one or more cover fastener areas comprises a first subassembly of one or more cover fastener areas (221;241) and a second subset of one or more cover fastener areas (222, 242), wherein the first and second subsets are separated, preferably symmetrically separated, around the longitudinal central geometric axis (Y1) of the insert (200) by a transverse spacing width (iWs), and preferably the set of one or more cover fastener areas spans a transverse fastening width (iWf), and the transverse spacing width (iWs) is at least 40% of the transverse fastening width (iWf), as at least 50% or at least 60% of the transverse fastening width (iWf), and / or by, in at least one, preferably each, of the front and rear sections (iSf, iSb), the transverse fastening width (iWf) spanned by the set of one or more cover fastener areas (221, 222;241,242) be at least 70% of the maximum width (Wi) of the insert in the front or rear section, respectively, as well as at least 80% or at least 90% of the maximum width (Wi).
20. ABSORBENT INSERT (200), according to any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein the insert (200) is characterized by having a minimum transverse width (Wc) in the groin section (iSc) of the insert (200) and, in at least one, preferably each, of the front and rear sections (iSf, iSb), a transverse fastening width (iWf) covered by Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page. 168 / 199 18 / 20 assembly of one or more cover fastener areas (221, 222; 241, 242) is not less than the minimum transverse width (Wc), as not less than 110% of the minimum transverse width (Wc) or not less than 120% of the minimum transverse width (Wc) and / or wherein the insert (200) extends longitudinally between a front edge (201) and a rear edge (202), and wherein, in at least one, preferably each, between the front section (iSf) and the rear section (iSb) of the insert (200), the assembly of one or more cover fastener areas (221, 222;241, 242) is positioned on or adjacent to the respective front or rear edge (201, 202) of the insert (200), and / or on at least one, preferably each, of the front section (iSf) and the rear section (iSb), each cover fastener area in the set of one or more cover fastener areas (221, 222; 241, 242) being disposed on the inside-facing side of the insert and / or on at least one, preferably each, of the front section (iSf) and the rear section (iSb), and on at least one, such as each, of the one or more cover fastener areas (221, 222; 241, 242) in the set, the surface fastening material being adapted to allow detachable mechanical and / or frictional fastening to it by a corresponding surface fastening material.
21. ABSORBENT INSERT (200), according to any one of claims 15 to 20, characterized in that at least one, preferably each, of the front section (iSf) and the back section (iSb) of the insert (200) comprises one or more cover fastener members (221a, 222a; 241a, 242a) being fixed to the inside-facing side and / or the outside-facing side of the insert, wherein each cover fastener member (221a, 222a; 241a, 242a) provides at least one of the one or more cover fastener areas (221, 222;241, 242) as a whole, and preferably Petition 870260025172, of 03 / 18 / 2026, page 169 / 199 19 / 20 in at least one, preferably each, of the front section (iSf) and the rear section (iSb), at least one, as all, of the one or more cover fastener members (221a, 222a, 241a, 242a) comprising a sheet-formed base having a length in the longitudinal direction (Y) and a width in the transverse direction (X), the sheet-formed base comprising one or more areas of surface fastening material, and / or by, in at least one, preferably each, of the front section (iSf) and the rear section (iSb) of the insert (200), the assembly of one or more cover fastener areas (221, 222;241, 242) encompassing a longitudinal length (Al), which is not greater than 20% of the longitudinal length (iL) of the insert, as well as not greater than 10% of the longitudinal length of the insert, and preferably a sum of a longitudinal length (Al) encompassed by any one or more cover fastener areas (221, 222; 241, 242) in the front section (iSf) and a longitudinal length (Al) encompassed by any one or more cover fastener areas (242, 243) in the back section (iSb) of the insert is not greater than 30% of the longitudinal length (iL) of the insert, as well as not greater than 20% of the longitudinal length of the insert.
22. ABSORBENT INSERT (200), according to any one of claims 15 to 21, characterized in that at least one, preferably each, of the front section (Sf) and the back section (Sb) of the insert (200), each of one or more cover fastener areas (221, 222; 241, 242) in the assembly has an area (Al x Aw) that is not greater than 10% of the area of the insert, or not greater than 5% of the area of the insert, or not greater than 2% of the area of the insert, and / or Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, page.170 / 199 20 / 20 a total area of all of one or more of the cover fastener areas (221, 222; 241, 242) of the insert (200) is not greater than 25% of the area of the insert, as not greater than 10% of the area of the insert and / or the absorbent mount (230) is positioned at least in the groin section (iSc) of the insert and has an absorbent mount length (iLc) that covers not greater than 80% of the longitudinal length (iL) of the insert, as not greater than 70% of the longitudinal length of the insert.
23. ABSORBENT INSERT (200), according to any one of claims 15 to 22, characterized in that the absorbent assembly (230) comprises superabsorbent polymers, for example, cellulosic fibers and superabsorbent polymers, preferably the absorbent assembly (230) comprises a superabsorbent polymer concentration of at least 15% by weight, based on the total weight of cellulosic fibers and superabsorbent polymer, and / or the insert is configured for single use. Petition 870260025172, dated 03 / 18 / 2026, pp. 171 / 199