Washable absorbent sanitary underwear

Abstract

A washable absorbent sanitary underwear (1) comprising an outer pant (10) and an absorbent assembly (100) permanently secured in the outer pant (10), the absorbent assembly comprising:-a liquid permeable layer (120),-a liquid impermeable layer (150); and-an absorbent member (140) located between the liquid permeable layer (120) and the liquid impermeable layer (150), the absorbent member (140) comprising a liquid collection structure (141) comprising or consisting of a spacer fabric (138) and a liquid retention structure (142), the liquid collection structure (141) being arranged between the liquid permeable layer (120) and the liquid retention structure (142); and wherein the spacer fabric (138) completely overlaps the liquid retaining structure (142) and has an area that is 65% or less of an area of the liquid retaining structure (142), the density of the liquid retaining structure (142) being higher than that of the spacer fabric (138).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a washable absorbent sanitary undergarment comprising outer pants and an absorbent assembly. The outer pants include a front portion, a rear portion, and a crotch portion. The absorbent assembly is permanently fixed within the outer pants and includes a liquid-permeable layer, a liquid-impermeable layer, and an absorbent member located between the liquid-permeable layer and the liquid-impermeable layer.

[0002] The washable absorbent sanitary undergarment may be a pant-type incontinence protector for a person suffering from mild to moderate incontinence. Background Art

[0003] The washable and reusable absorbent sanitary undergarment disclosed herein is intended for use by a person leading a normal social and physically active life but suffering from mild to moderate urinary incontinence.

[0004] Providing such a comfortable and form-fitting incontinence garment that closely resembles ordinary underwear as much as possible is a concern. As required, incontinence protection garments include layers and materials not present in conventional underwear, such as a liquid-permeable top layer that allows liquid to pass through to at least one underlying liquid-absorbent layer. It is also generally preferred that a liquid barrier layer be disposed on the clothing-facing side of the absorbent material to prevent liquid from escaping through the incontinence protection undergarment and wetting the user's outer clothing.

[0005] The additional layers increase the bulkiness and stiffness of the undergarment, making the undergarment less form-fitting and less comfortable to wear. Due to the actual or perceived conspicuousness of absorbent undergarments, loose, ill-fitting products may cause unease for the wearer.

[0006] The additional layers are joined to each other and to the pant material by adhesives, stitched seams, etc., which may impart additional stiffness to parts of the undergarment, especially in cases where multiple joints are arranged on top of each other. Therefore, it is of concern to arrange the material layers in such a way that the flexibility of the undergarment is reduced as little as possible, and the urine-absorbing part of the undergarment is as slender and form-fitting as possible while providing sufficient absorbency and leakage protection.

[0007] Therefore, the goal is to optimize absorbency and leakage protection while maintaining the comfort and form-fitting nature of the absorbent incontinence protection undergarment disclosed herein.

[0008] One object of the present disclosure is to provide an improved washable absorbent sanitary undergarment that combines sufficient absorbency and leakage protection performance for mild to moderate urinary incontinence, as well as a high degree of similarity to ordinary washable sanitary undergarments in terms of appearance and comfort. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The above and further objects can be achieved by a washable absorbent sanitary undergarment according to claim 1. Variations of the present disclosure are set forth in the dependent claims and the following description.

[0010] The present disclosure relates to a washable absorbent sanitary undergarment including an outer pant and an absorbent assembly, the absorbent assembly and the outer pant having an extent in a longitudinal direction y, a transverse direction x, and a thickness direction z perpendicular to the longitudinal direction y and the transverse direction x, the outer pant including a front portion, a rear portion, and a crotch portion, the absorbent assembly being permanently fixed in the outer pant and including:

[0011] - a liquid-permeable layer,

[0012] - a liquid-impermeable layer; and

[0013] - an absorbent member located between the liquid-permeable layer and the liquid-impermeable layer, the absorbent member including a liquid collection structure and a liquid retention structure, the liquid collection structure including or consisting of an open-cell fabric, the open-cell fabric including a top ply, a bottom ply, and an intermediate section, the intermediate section including pile filaments extending in the thickness direction z and connecting the top ply and the bottom ply, the liquid collection structure being disposed between the liquid-permeable layer and the liquid retention structure; wherein

[0014] the open-cell fabric completely overlaps the liquid retention structure and has an area that is 65% or less of the area of the liquid retention structure, and the density of the liquid retention structure is higher than the density of the open-cell fabric.

[0015] The outer pant is preferably a textile pant.

[0016] In the washable absorbent sanitary undergarment disclosed herein, the basis weight of the liquid retention structure can be higher than the basis weight of the open-cell fabric.

[0017] In the washable absorbent sanitary undergarment disclosed herein, the liquid retention capacity of the liquid retention structure can be higher than the liquid retention capacity of the open-cell fabric.

[0018] In the washable absorbent sanitary undergarment disclosed herein, the absorbent assembly can be fixed in the outer pant, wherein the liquid collection structure is disposed in the crotch portion of the pant and / or in the front portion of the pant.

[0019] Preferably, the liquid collection structure is arranged to cover an area corresponding to the expected fluid invasion area of ​​the washable absorbent sanitary underwear. In the incontinence protection underwear for female users, the liquid collection structure is preferably arranged in the crotch of the outer pants and extends into the front part of the pants, and optionally also extends into the rear part of the pants. The absorbent member can be divided into a front part, a rear part and a crotch part in the longitudinal direction y. The side edges of the absorbent member are preferably concavely curved so that the crotch part of the absorbent member is narrower than the front and rear parts of the absorbent member. The width of the crotch part in the transverse direction x is preferably smaller than the maximum width of the rear part of the absorbent member. The width of the crotch part may be smaller than the width of the front and rear parts of the absorbent member. The front part of the absorbent member preferably has a width in the transverse direction x that is smaller than the rear part of the absorbent member. The ratio between the maximum width of the front part of the absorbent member and the maximum width of the rear part of the absorbent member may be in the range of 1:2 to 1:3.

[0020] The spacer fabric in the liquid acquisition structure may have a longitudinal center line L passing through the absorbent sanitary underwear. C The length of the absorbent member is less than the length of the absorbent member along the longitudinal center line L C Length. Along the longitudinal center line L C The ratio between the length of the spacer fabric in the liquid acquisition structure and the length of the absorbent member measured may be in the range of 2.5:4 to 3:4. The spacer fabric in the liquid acquisition structure preferably has a front edge located at the front edge of the absorbent member and a rear edge located a distance d from the rear edge of the absorbent member. The distance d is preferably along the longitudinal centerline L. C The length l of the absorbent member is measured am The distance d is preferably in the range of 15% to 40% or 20% to 30%.

[0021] The spacer textile in the liquid acquisition structure may have a shape in the xy plane that conforms to the shape of the liquid retention structure in the area of ​​the absorbent member where the liquid acquisition structure is present.

[0022] However, other shapes are also contemplated for the spacer fabric in the liquid acquisition structure. A rectangular shape may be useful because it is easy to manufacture without waste. A "funnel shape" in which the width of the spacer fabric in the front portion of the absorbent member is less than the width of the liquid retention structure in the front portion of the absorbent member may be beneficial because such an arrangement makes the sides of the absorbent member thinner, softer and more flexible than the areas in the liquid acquisition structure that are covered by the relatively stiff spacer fabric. The flexible, spacer-free sides of the absorbent member can bend and conform to the outer shape of the vulva of a female wearer of the absorbent sanitary underwear. The liquid retention structure that extends beyond the perimeter of the spacer fabric in the liquid acquisition structure can be used to mask the edge of the spacer fabric on the outer surface of the absorbent sanitary underwear that faces clothing, making the liquid acquisition structure less noticeable and less conspicuous from the outside when the absorbent sanitary underwear is worn under underwear.

[0023] In the washable absorbent sanitary underwear disclosed herein, the area of ​​the spacer fabric in the liquid acquisition structure can be 60% or less of the area of ​​the absorbent assembly, such as 50% or less of the area of ​​the absorbent assembly, such as 40% or less of the area of ​​the absorbent assembly.

[0024] Technical benefits of this arrangement may include that the relatively loose spacer fabric used in the liquid acquisition structure is arranged only in the areas of the washable absorbent sanitary underwear where the major portion of the liquid of the absorbent assembly is expected to invade. Compared to the material used for the liquid retention structure, the spacer fabric used for the liquid acquisition structure is a relatively thick, loose, hard and compression-resistant material, which means that it is generally beneficial to minimize the area of ​​the absorbent sanitary underwear occupied by such material for reasons of comfort and wearer discreetness (unobtrusiveness).

[0025] The liquid retention structure may be arranged to provide supplemental absorbent material in areas of the washable absorbent underwear that may experience wetting but are not part of the primary wetting and absorption zone defined by the liquid acquisition structure. Such areas may include portions of the washable absorbent underwear in the x-direction outside of the primary wetting zone in the front portion of the washable absorbent underwear and / or a portion of the crotch portion of the washable absorbent underwear.

[0026] The washable absorbent undergarments disclosed herein are primarily intended for use by female incontinent persons and may be in the form of female incontinence pants. In washable absorbent undergarments for female users, the absorbent structure is typically positioned so that the major portion of the absorbent material is located in the crotch region and at the lower front portion of the undergarment where initial wetting of the washable absorbent undergarment is most likely to occur.

[0027] Furthermore, the washable absorbent undergarments disclosed herein may be unisex washable absorbent undergarments intended for use by either male or female users.

[0028] In addition, the washable absorbent undergarments disclosed herein may also be washable absorbent undergarments adapted to absorb other body fluids in addition to urine fluid, such as, for example, menstrual fluid.

[0029] For all types of washable absorbent undergarments disclosed herein, the liquid retention structure may have a larger area than the liquid collection structure and may be used to provide additional absorbency in areas of the washable absorbent undergarment that are outside the main wetting and absorption zone of the optional absorbent undergarment but may still be subject to wetting.

[0030] Such wetting outside the main wetting and absorption zone may be caused by a sudden gush of urine that overflows the liquid collection structure and by urine that happens to strike the washable absorbent hygiene undergarment outside the main wetting area. It has also been found that in washable textile absorbent undergarments that contain little or no superabsorbent material, the absorbed liquid has a higher mobility within the undergarment under the influence of gravity. This means that the risk of crotch leakage may be higher than that of corresponding products containing superabsorbents. Therefore, it may be advantageous to provide additional absorbency in the crotch, for example, by including a liquid retention structure with one or more additional absorbent material layers in the crotch of the washable absorbent hygiene undergarment and / or by a liquid retention structure that forms a leak-safe zone along the longitudinal side edges of the liquid collection structure in the crotch to capture and absorb liquid that flows out of the spaced fabric of the liquid collection structure in the transverse direction.

[0031] The layers in the absorbent hygiene undergarments disclosed herein may be joined by means of seams or welding. The structural seams are preferably flat seams, creating a smooth transition between the material layers. The use of flat seams helps to make the washable absorbent hygiene undergarment as comfortable as possible.

[0032] In the washable absorbent hygiene undergarments disclosed herein, the layers in the absorbent assembly may be connected to each other by a first structural seam and at least one second structural seam, with each structural seam connecting fewer layers than the total number of layers in the absorbent assembly, the layers in the first structural seam being the same as the layers in at least one of the structural seams, and the layers in the first structural seam being different from the layers in the second structural seam.

[0033] The technical benefits of such an arrangement may include that no structural seam is formed that passes through all the layers of the absorbent assembly, such that a compacted seam area can be avoided.

[0034] By providing a structural seam that only involves some layers of the absorbent component, where at least one layer is shared by the structural seam and at least one layer is different between the structural seams, the absorbent component is provided as a coherent unit, where two or more layers of the absorbent component are directly connected to each other and at least two layers are only indirectly connected to each other. Structural seams separated from each other in this way can be applied to the absorbent component, for example, to provide a less obvious edge at the spacer material in the liquid acquisition structure. A separate structural seam involving fewer material layers will also be more flexible and conforming than a single seam passing through multiple layers.

[0035] The different material layers in the absorbent component are stitched together in the area transition, depending on which materials are present in each area. The first structural seam can be arranged to connect the material layers that only exist in the main absorbent area defined by the spacer fabric in the liquid acquisition structure to ensure that the spacer fabric is firmly attached in the absorbent component. One or more second structural seams can be seams arranged at the peripheral edge of the absorbent component to hold the layers present there together and make it easier to apply a leak-proof seal at the peripheral edge of the absorbent component.

[0036] In the washable absorbent sanitary underwear disclosed herein, the spacer fabric can be fixed to at least one other component in the absorbent member by means of a flat seam (such as a flatlock stitch). The at least one component can be a liquid retention structure.

[0037] The spacer fabric can be fixed to at least one other component in the absorbent member by a 600-class flatlock stitch according to International Standard ISO 4915, preferably by a type 607 flatlock stitch according to International Standard ISO 4915.

[0038] In the washable absorbent sanitary underwear disclosed herein, the spacer fabric can be fixed to the at least one other component in the absorbent member along the front edge and the rear edge of the spacer fabric and / or along the first side edge and the second side edge of the spacer fabric. Thus, the spacer fabric can be fixed to the at least one other component in the absorbent member along the entire peripheral edge of the spacer fabric or only along a selected portion of the peripheral edge of the spacer fabric. However, it may be preferred that all edges of the spacer fabric are fixed, for example, by a flat seam. The flat seam can be used to cover the edges of the relatively rigid spacer fabric and create a smoother and more comfortable area at the edges of the spacer fabric.

[0039] In the washable absorbent underwear disclosed herein, the spacer fabric layer can be in direct contact with the liquid retention structure. This arrangement can be beneficial because it promotes the transfer of liquid from the spacer fabric to the liquid retention structure and facilitates the rapid drainage of the spacer fabric after liquid intrusion.

[0040] Alternatively, or in addition to being fixed to the liquid holding structure, the spacer fabric can be fixed to the liquid permeable layer. However, fixing the spacer fabric only to the liquid holding structure may be beneficial because the seam between the two components can be hidden under the liquid permeable layer and will thus be less visible than the seam between the spacer fabric and the liquid permeable layer.

[0041] The spacer fabric in the liquid collection structure is a relatively rigid and incompressible material. The high compressibility resistance of the spacer fabric is beneficial because it allows the liquid collection structure to maintain a large liquid receiving and liquid holding space within the internal network formed by the pile filaments, even when exposed to the compressive forces typically generated during the use of the underwear.

[0042] The spacer fabric in the liquid collection structure of the washable absorbent underwear can have a density of less than 0.1 g / cm 3 under an applied pressure of 0.5 kPa. The spacer fabric in the liquid collection structure of the washable absorbent underwear can have a density greater than 0.03 g / cm 3 under an applied pressure of 0.5 kPa. The density of the spacer fabric in the liquid collection structure of the washable absorbent underwear can be between 0.05 g / cm 3 and 0.09 g / cm 3 under an applied pressure of 0.5 kPa.

[0043] The spacer fabric can have a bulk of 10 cm 3 / g or greater under an applied pressure of 5 kPa.

[0044] The spacer fabric layer can be in direct contact with the liquid permeable layer or can be in indirect contact with the liquid permeable layer via an intermediate layer such as a mesh textile layer or the like.

[0045] The density of the pile filament junctions and their size make the material soft but still able to withstand the pressures applied during its use. After removing the compressive forces applied during use, the spacer fabric expands almost immediately and completely back to its original shape. "The density of the pile filaments" is used herein as a measure of the number of pile filament junctions per square centimeter. The density of the pile filament junctions can be 50 - 150 / cm 2 , preferably 70 - 100 / cm 2 . The pile filaments can have a fineness of 80 - 130 dtex, preferably 90 - 120 dtex. The pile filaments can be monofilament yarns, which results in high compressive strength while maintaining a low gram weight.

[0046] The spacer fabric can have 5 - 15, preferably 8 - 12 wales / cm in the manufacturing direction of the fabric, and can have 6 - 12, preferably 7 - 10 courses / cm in the transverse direction of the fabric.

[0047] The bottom layer of the spacer fabric can have a denser structure and smaller openings than the top layer. The washable absorbent sanitary underwear according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid collection structure consists of a single - layer spacer fabric or consists of one layer of spacer fabric and one or more additional material layers. As disclosed herein, in addition to the spacer fabric layer, the liquid collection structure can also include additional layers, such as a second spacer fabric layer and / or an open - grid material disposed between the liquid - permeable layer and the spacer fabric.

[0048] In the washable absorbent underwear disclosed herein, the spacer fabric layer can be in direct contact with the liquid retention structure. Such an arrangement can be beneficial because it promotes the transfer of liquid from the spacer fabric to the liquid retention structure and facilitates the rapid drainage of the spacer fabric after liquid intrusion.

[0049] In the washable absorbent sanitary underwear disclosed herein, the density of the liquid retention structure can be 20%, 50% or 80% higher than the density of the spacer fabric.

[0050] The liquid collection structure discharges liquid from the liquid - permeable layer and acts as a temporary reservoir for the liquid until the liquid is absorbed by the underlying liquid retention structure. The liquid can be distributed in the x and y directions by flowing through the internal space of the spacer fabric. In a liquid retention structure preferably having a higher density than the spacer fabric, the liquid distribution depends to a greater extent on capillary action in the capillaries formed between the fibers in the structure. Due to the density difference, the transport of liquid from the high - looseness / low - density liquid collection structure occurs rapidly after liquid intrusion, which means that the liquid collection structure returns to an inflated and resilient state in a relatively short time after wetting. Therefore, the liquid collection structure acts as an inflated and pressure - resistant distance element between the liquid absorbed in the liquid retention structure and the wearer's body. This is beneficial because it provides the underwear with a less wet and cold feeling, and because the inflated space in the spacer fabric counteracts the return of liquid to the liquid - permeable layer.

[0051] The spacer fabric in the washable absorbent underwear disclosed herein can have a basis weight of 150 g / m 2 to 300 g / m 2 or a basis weight of 170 g / m 2 to 270 g / m 2 of the basis weight.

[0052] In the washable absorbent underwear disclosed herein, the liquid retention capacity of the spacer fabric can be 0.2 g / cm 2or less, and the liquid retention capacity in the liquid retention structure can be 0.3 g / cm 2 or greater.

[0053] It has been found that a particularly effective combination of comfort performance with absorbency and leak prevention performance is achieved by combining absorbent components having the following characteristics: a liquid collection structure having a density of 0.1 g / cm 3 or less, a basis weight of 300 g / m 2 or less, the liquid retention capacity in the liquid collection structure being 0.2 g / m 2 or less, and the liquid retention capacity in the absorbent retention structure being 0.3 g / cm 2 or greater. The density of the liquid retention structure is preferably at least 20% higher than the density of the spacer fabric in the liquid collection structure.

[0054] The liquid-permeable layer can have a basis weight of less than 300 g / m 2 and the spacer fabric can have a density of less than 0.1 g / cm 3 a basis weight of less than 300 g / m 2 and a thickness of 2.0 mm or greater.

[0055] In the washable absorbent underwear disclosed herein, the liquid retention structure can consist of a single material layer or of two or more separate material layers. If the liquid retention structure comprises more than one layer of textile absorbent material, it may be beneficial for these layers to provide a density gradient in the z-direction, where the density in the layers of the liquid retention structure increases from the top layer facing the liquid-permeable layer to the bottom layer facing the liquid-impermeable layer.

[0056] In the washable absorbent sanitary underwear disclosed herein, the absorbent component has a peripheral edge, and the peripheral edge is sealed by a liquid-impermeable edge seal.

[0057] The seal strip can be applied adhesively, for example, to seal the edges of the material layers in the absorbent component. The seal strip is liquid-impermeable and preferably breathable, and can be in the form of a polymer strip, such as a polyurethane strip. Alternatively, the peripheral edge of the absorbent component can be a "non-sealed" peripheral edge having only a peripheral seam, referred to herein as "fully stitched". However, for the washable absorbent sanitary underwear disclosed herein, a combination of a sealed edge portion and a stitched portion of the peripheral edge of the absorbent component is also contemplated. For example, the absorbent component can have sealed side edges combined with stitched front and rear edges or sealed side edges, a sealed rear edge, and a stitched front edge. The sealed edges are generally thicker and less flexible than the stitched edges, which means that it may be desirable to arrange the sealed edges only where there is a higher risk of leakage, such as along the side edges of the absorbent component.

[0058] As defined herein, "washable" means the ability of an absorbent hygiene undergarment to withstand at least 100 washes at 40 °C without any significant loss of appearance, integrity, and / or functionality. When used herein, washing means that the absorbent undergarment can withstand an aqueous solution containing a detergent.

[0059] As used herein, the term "absorbent undergarment" refers to a garment that is worn as underwear and is intended to be placed against the skin of a wearer to absorb and contain body fluids such as urine. The incontinence undergarments disclosed herein are undergarments or panties intended to be used by persons suffering from mild to moderate incontinence. The absorbent undergarment is a fabric undergarment, also referred to as a textile undergarment, and not a diaper. The undergarments according to the present disclosure are intended to be worn in the same manner as conventional undergarments and are washed after use for reuse as absorbent incontinence protection undergarments.

[0060] The term "fabric" as used in this disclosure refers to a web of single or multiple layers of textile material. The fabric can be knitted or woven, where knitting is a method of constructing a fabric by interlocking a series of loops of one or more yarns. There are two main categories of knitting, namely warp knitting and weft knitting. Weaving is a method or process of making a woven fabric by interlacing yarns so that they cross each other at right angles. The warp yarns extend longitudinally in the fabric, and the filling yarns (weft) or weft yarns extend from one side to the other.

[0061] The term "fiber" is used herein in a broad sense and includes fibers having a measurable length, such as staple fibers, and filaments that do not have a measurable length and are commonly referred to as "continuous". The term "fiber" is also intended to cover microfibers and fibrils. The fibers in the textile materials used in the washable absorbent hygiene undergarments disclosed herein can be spun into yarns or threads, each yarn or thread containing multiple fibers.

[0062] When used herein, "permanently attached" means an attachment that is intended to remain intact and not be broken before, during, or after use of the washable absorbent hygiene undergarment disclosed herein. A permanently attached absorbent assembly is an absorbent assembly that cannot be separated from the outer pants of the washable absorbent undergarment without breaking or otherwise damaging the washable absorbent undergarment. The absorbent assembly does not have to be directly bonded to the outer pants, but can be attached via a leg opening seam or bonded by means of an intermediate device such as a sealing tape.

[0063] The washable absorbent assembly may not contain superabsorbent particles. However, the washable absorbent assembly can contain superabsorbent fibers in a liquid retention structure.

[0064] The spacer fabric may contain absorbent cellulose fibers in the top and bottom layers, or may contain no or substantially no absorbent fibers. The spacer fabric does not contain any kind of superabsorbent material. It has also been found that in a washable textile absorbent sanitary underwear that does not include a superabsorbent material, the liquid has a higher tendency to transfer downward under the influence of gravity. This means that the risk of crotch leakage in incontinence underwear is higher than that of products containing superabsorbents.

[0065] When observed in the direction from the inner surface facing the wearer of the washable absorbent sanitary underwear towards the outer surface facing the clothing of the washable absorbent sanitary underwear, the absorbent assembly includes the following components:

[0066] Liquid-permeable layer

[0067] The liquid-permeable layer is a liquid wicking and transfer layer. The liquid-permeable layer is preferably a hydrophilic layer that can attract aqueous liquids and allow the liquid to pass through the layer to the lower layer of the absorbent assembly, such as a lower liquid collection layer that can drain the liquid from the liquid-permeable layer.

[0068] The liquid-permeable layer can be made of any suitable material that can withstand repeated washing. Suitable textile materials include fibrous knitted or woven materials, as well as mesh materials, such as polymer meshes, perforated plastic materials, or the like.

[0069] This layer can include or be composed of natural fibers such as cotton, regenerated cellulose fibers such as viscose fibers, or synthetic fibers such as polyester fibers, polyolefin fibers, etc. The synthetic fibers can be single-component, bicomponent, or multicomponent fibers. Different types of fibers can be combined in this layer, for example, to facilitate liquid wicking through the layer while maintaining a dry surface feel. It may be preferred that the liquid-permeable layer includes at least a portion of inherently wettable (hydrophilic) fibers, which can promote liquid uptake and wicking in the layer. The liquid-permeable layer can include at least a portion of synthetic fibers that do not absorb or retain liquid. This layer can, for example, include or be composed of a combination of viscose or other regenerated fibers and polyolefin fibers (such as polypropylene fibers). However, liquid-permeable layers made solely of natural or regenerated cellulose fibers and liquid-permeable layers made solely of synthetic fibers are also contemplated for the washable absorbent sanitary underwear disclosed herein. Unless having a large opening area, a liquid-permeable layer made entirely of synthetic inherently non-wettable fibers will generally be treated, for example, by surfactant treatment, to make the outer surface of the fibers hydrophilic and wettable.

[0070] Liquid collection structure

[0071] The liquid collection structure discharges liquid from the liquid-permeable layer, distributes the liquid within the liquid collection structure, and transfers the liquid to the underlying liquid-absorbing layer, such as a liquid retention structure. The liquid collection structure preferably has a high degree of looseness and an internal volume that allows the liquid to be received and temporarily retained within the layer. The liquid collection structure can also function as a spacer element to isolate the liquid from the wearer's skin and also prevent the liquid absorbed when the washable absorbent sanitary underwear is exposed to pressure during use from returning to the liquid-permeable layer.

[0072] The liquid collection structure can be composed of one or more layers of woven, knitted, or non-woven textile materials, such as three-dimensional spacer materials, terry cloth materials, or washable non-woven materials.

[0073] As disclosed herein, the liquid collection structure used in a washable absorbent sanitary underwear can preferably comprise or consist of a spacer fabric. The spacer fabric includes two outer layers, such as two knitted layers, which are connected to each other by spacer elements extending generally perpendicular between the layers. The spacer elements are formed by pile filaments that are relatively rigid and elastic compared to the fibers in the outer layers.

[0074] The spacer fabric can be knitted into an integral structure. The outer layers can include wettable absorbent fibers, such as natural or regenerated cellulose fibers, and the spacer elements can be made of a synthetic material that retains its elasticity in the wet state.

[0075] When the washable absorbent sanitary underwear is used, urine that passes through the liquid-permeable layer and into the liquid collection structure can be absorbed by the outer layers of the spacer fabric. The non-absorbent pile filaments create a liquid-receiving and accommodating space between the outer layers of the spacer fabric. The liquid-receiving and accommodating space is also referred to herein as the intermediate layer of the spacer fabric. The liquid accommodating space can function as a reservoir for the liquid, which can then be absorbed by the lower of the two outer layers and additional absorbent materials disposed below the liquid collection structure. The liquid can flow relatively freely within the spaces of the channel network formed by the pile filaments between the outer layers of the spacer material, thereby allowing the liquid to spread over a larger area of the absorbent structure and increasing the area of the absorbent structure over which the liquid can be transferred to one or more lower layers.

[0076] Liquid retention structure

[0077] The liquid retention structure can be composed of one or more layers of woven, knitted, or non-woven textile materials, which are arranged to receive liquid from the liquid collection structure.

[0078] The liquid retention structure can be made of three-dimensional spacer material, terry cloth material, or washable nonwoven material. The liquid retention structure preferably has a higher ability to absorb and retain liquid in the structure than the liquid collection structure and is capable of discharging liquid from the liquid collection structure.

[0079] The liquid retention structure can include synthetic fibers, natural fibers, or man-made cellulose fibers, as described above for the liquid collection structure. The liquid retention structure can contain superabsorbent fibers. The liquid retention structure can include any blend or combination of suitable fibers.

[0080] Liquid-impermeable layer

[0081] The liquid-impermeable layer is used to retain liquid in the absorbent member of the absorbent assembly and prevent liquid from leaking through the outer pants or being absorbed by the outer pants material.

[0082] The liquid-impermeable layer is typically a polymer film layer or a thin film. The polymer film is preferably breathable, allowing air and water vapor to pass through the film but forming a liquid barrier. A breathable polyurethane film can be used for the liquid-impermeable layer. The liquid-impermeable layer can be laminated to the absorbent layer, such as a layer of the liquid retention structure, for example by an adhesive or by extrusion onto the absorbent layer. The adhesive can be a polyurethane-based adhesive.

[0083] The absorbent assembly can also include one or more sealing strips. The sealing strips can be adhesively applied, for example, to cover the seam connecting the first and second sheets of the three-dimensional shaped absorbent assembly and / or can be applied to seal the cut edges of the material layers in the absorbent assembly. The sealing strips are liquid-impermeable and preferably breathable and can be in the form of a polymer strip, such as a polyurethane strip.

[0084] The material in the outer pants is preferably a knitted material, such as a cotton knitted material including an elastic material such as elastane. The washable absorbent sanitary underwear is preferably provided with a separately applied elastic waistband. The elastic waistband can include the same knitted material as the outer pants material or any other suitable textile material. The elastic waistband preferably includes a waist elastic element, such as an elastic thread or one or more elastic bands.

[0085] The liquid-permeable layer, one or more absorbent layers, and the liquid-impermeable layer of the absorbent assembly can be attached to the outer pants by means of seams. A liquid-impermeable strip can be applied around all or part of the peripheral edge of the absorbent assembly. Description of the Drawings

[0086] The washable absorbent sanitary underwear disclosed herein will be further explained below by way of non-limiting examples and with reference to the drawings, wherein:

[0087] Figure 1 A perspective front view of an absorbent underwear for female users is shown;

[0088] Figure 2 The absorbent undergarment is shown from the inner side facing the wearer and is in a flat state with the side seams open; Figure 1

[0089] Figure 3 A cross-section taken along line III-III in Figure 2 is shown;

[0090] Figures 4a - 4c Different configurations of the absorbent assembly in the absorbent hygiene undergarment disclosed herein are shown;

[0091] Figure 5 A perspective view of an exemplary spacer fabric is shown;

[0092] Figure 6 A sectional exploded view taken along line VI-VI of the absorbent assembly 100 shown in Figure 4c is shown, indicating the location of the structural seams.

[0093] Figure 7 Curves of the thickness / grammage ratio measured for the spacer fabric of the present invention and a reference spacer fabric under different applied pressures are shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0094] It should be understood that the drawings are schematic and that the individual components or features (such as material layers) are not necessarily drawn to scale. The absorbent hygiene undergarment shown in the drawings is provided only as an example and should not be considered a limitation of the invention disclosed herein.

[0095] The washable absorbent hygiene undergarment disclosed herein should not be construed as limited to the aspects set forth herein, but may vary within the scope of the appended claims. Although Figure 1 and Figure 2 the washable absorbent hygiene undergarment shown takes the form of an incontinence pant for female users, it should be understood that the washable absorbent undergarment may be an unisex incontinence undergarment. The washable absorbent undergarment may be of any useful design, such as a low-rise panty, thong, boxer brief, etc. known in the art. Figure 1 and Figure 2 the washable absorbent hygiene undergarment shown takes the form of an incontinence pant for female users. However, it should be understood that the washable absorbent undergarment may also be used for other body fluids other than urine, such as menstrual fluid.

[0096] Figure 1 A front perspective view of the absorbent undergarment 1 seen from the outer side 2 facing the clothing is shown. Figure 1 The absorbent undergarment 1 in

[0097] Figure 2The inner side 3 facing the wearer shows Figure 1 the undergarment 1, which is in a flat state with the side seams open.

[0098] The absorbent undergarment 1 includes an outer pant 10 of textile material and includes an absorbent assembly 100, which is permanently fixed in the outer pant 10, for example, by sewing to the outer pant 10 and / or by adhesively attaching to the outer pant 10.

[0099] As Figure 2 shown, the outer pant 10, the entire absorbent undergarment 1, and the absorbent assembly 100 have an extent in the longitudinal direction y, the transverse direction x, and the thickness direction z perpendicular to the longitudinal and transverse directions. The absorbent undergarment 1 has a front portion 11, a rear portion 16, and a crotch portion 15 that bridges the front portion 11 and the rear portion 16.

[0100] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The absorbent undergarment 1 shown includes an elastic waistband 20 for providing improved retention of the absorbent undergarment 1 on the wearer's body. The elastic waistband is an optional component of the absorbent undergarment 1 disclosed herein and can be applied to the outer pant 10 of the absorbent undergarment 1 as a separate component, or can be integrally formed with the outer pant 10, for example, as a portion of the outer pant 10 having increased elasticity compared to other portions of the outer pant 10. In the first case, the waistband can be any type of waistband used in conventional undergarments, such as a waistband made of cotton and elastic fibers. In the latter case, the textile material in the waistband is typically the same as the textile material in other portions of the outer pant 10, such as cotton. The waistband integrally formed with the outer pant 10 can be formed by folding an edge portion of the outer pant 10 onto itself to form a waistband including two layers of pant material. Another way to manufacture a unique integral waistband is to have a smaller textile gauge at the waist of the outer pant. The waistband can include additional elastic elements to provide enhanced elasticity at the waist of the outer pant.

[0101] The outer pant 10 can also include leg cuffs disposed around the leg openings 13, 12 of the pant. The leg cuffs can be elasticized leg cuffs that include additional elastic elements providing enhanced elasticity at the leg openings 13, 14.

[0102] The material of the outer pant 10 is typically a conventional undergarment material, such as a knitted material, and can include natural-derived fibers, man-made fibers, and mixtures or compositions of different fibers. Useful natural-derived fibers include cotton, wool, silk, cellulose, regenerated cellulose, rayon, viscose, modal, lyocell, tencel, bamboo, hemp, linen, ramie, coir, or banana fiber.

[0103] Useful man-made synthetic fibers include polyamides, acrylics, polyesters. As described herein, the textile material can include a mixture or combination of natural-derived fibers and / or synthetic fibers. The fibers can be recycled fibers. The textile material can include an elastically stretchable material, such as an elastomeric filament, such that the absorbent undergarment can conform to the wearer's body and accommodate the wearer's movement. The elastic fit of the outer pants helps prevent liquid from leaking through the leg openings and keeps the absorbent assembly in place against the wearer's body. The textile material is generally breathable, allowing vapor to escape from the wearer's skin and from the absorbent assembly. Advantageously, the material in the outer pants is a combination of cotton and elastomeric fibers.

[0104] The absorbent assembly 100 is integrated with the outer pants 10 and is positioned in the area of the outer pants 10 most likely to be exposed to urination to provide liquid collection, liquid retention capacity, and leakage protection. In Figure 1 and Figure 2 the absorbent undergarment 1 shown, the absorbent assembly is hourglass-shaped and is generally located on the longitudinal centerline L C and the transverse centerline T C thereof. The absorbent assembly 100 is present in the crotch 15 and has a front portion 111 that extends into the front portion 11 of the absorbent undergarment 1, a rear portion 116 that extends into the rear portion 16 of the absorbent undergarment 1, and a crotch portion 115 between the front portion 111 and the rear portion 116 of the absorbent assembly 100. Further referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 the example shown, the absorbent assembly 100 has a generally hourglass shape with rounded front and rear edges 14, 17 and generally longitudinally extending concave side edges 18, 19. However, it should be understood that the absorbent assembly 100 can have any useful shape within the scope of the claims, such as the shape shown in Figures 4a - 4c .

[0105] As disclosed herein, the absorbent assembly 100 includes several layers of different materials stacked on top of each other to form an absorbent member 140 capable of quickly absorbing and storing the discharged urine. Referring to Figure 3 , the absorbent assembly 100 includes a liquid-permeable layer 120, a liquid-impermeable layer 150, and an absorbent member 140 disposed between the liquid-permeable layer 120 and the liquid-impermeable layer 150. The absorbent member 140 includes a liquid collection structure 141 and a liquid retention structure 142 of textile absorbent material, and the liquid collection structure 141 includes a spacer fabric. It should be understood that the liquid collection structure 141 of the textile absorbent material and the liquid retention structure 142 of the textile absorbent material can each include two or more sub-layers or strata.

[0106] As Figure 3Best seen, the liquid collection structure 141 is disposed between the liquid permeable layer 120 and the liquid retention structure 142. As described herein, the liquid permeable layer 120 is a textile liquid permeable layer having a basis weight of 300 g / m 2 or less. The liquid retention structure 142 is an absorbent component, which may consist of a single layer of absorbent textile material or may include two or more separate layers of absorbent textile material.

[0107] Now referring to Figures 4a - 4c , various different configurations of the absorbent assembly 100 in the washable absorbent sanitary underwear 1 disclosed herein are shown. In the absorbent assembly 100 disclosed herein, preferably, the liquid collection structure 141 is arranged to cover an area corresponding to the expected fluid invasion area of the washable absorbent sanitary underwear, also referred to herein as the main absorbent area. In an incontinence protection underwear for female users, the liquid collection structure is preferably arranged in the crotch 15 of the outer pants 10 and extends into the front part 11 and the rear part 16 of the pants 10. As Figure 2 shown, the absorbent assembly 100 and the absorbent member 140 can be divided in the longitudinal direction y into a front part 111, a rear part 116, and a crotch part 115. The side edges 18, 19 of the absorbent member 140 can be concave-curved such that the crotch part 115 of the absorbent member 140 is narrower than the front part 111 and the rear part 116 of the absorbent member 140, and it has a maximum width in the transverse direction x that is less than the maximum widths of both the front part 111 and the rear part 116 of the absorbent member 140, as Figure 2 and Figure 4a shown. As Figure 2 , Figure 4a and Figure 4c shown, the width of the front part 111 of the absorbent member 140 in the transverse direction x can be less than the width of the rear part 116 of the absorbent member 140. The ratio between the maximum width of the front part 111 of the absorbent member 140 and the maximum width of the rear part 116 of the absorbent member 140 can be in the range of 1:2 to 1:3.

[0108] The spacer fabric in the liquid collection structure 141 can have a length along the longitudinal centerline L C through the washable absorbent sanitary underwear, which is less than the length of the absorbent member 140 along the longitudinal centerline L C . Along the longitudinal centerline L CThe ratio between the length of the spacer fabric in the liquid collection structure 141 and the length of the absorbent member 140 can be in the range of 2.5:4 to 3:4. The spacer fabric 138 in the liquid collection structure 141 has a first side edge 18' and a second side edge 19' that generally extend along the longitudinal direction y. The spacer fabric 138 in the liquid collection structure 141 preferably has a front edge 14' located at the front edge 14 of the absorbent member 140 and a rear edge 17' located at a distance d from the rear edge 17 of the absorbent member 140, as Figures 4a - 4c shown. The distance d is preferably at least 15% of the length l of the absorbent member measured along the longitudinal center line L C of the absorbent member, and the distance d can be in the range of 15% to 40%, or in the range of 20% to 30%. am The spacer fabric in the liquid collection structure 141 can have a shape that conforms to the shape of the liquid retention structure in the region of the absorbent member where the liquid collection structure is located in the x-y plane, as

[0109] shown, where the spacer fabric in the liquid collection structure 141 is exactly the same as the liquid retention structure 142 in the front portion 111 and crotch portion 115 of the absorbent member 140, and a small portion of the rear portion 116 of the absorbent member 140 into which the spacer fabric in the liquid collection structure 141 extends. Figure 4a However, other shapes can also be envisioned for the spacer fabric in the liquid collection structure 141. A rectangular shape as

[0110] shown may be useful because it is easy to manufacture without waste. A "funnel shape" as Figure 4b shown, in which the width of the spacer fabric in the front portion 111 of the absorbent member 140 is less than the width of the liquid retention structure 142 in the front portion 111 of the absorbent member 140, can be beneficial because such an arrangement makes the sides 140', 140" of the absorbent member 140 thinner, softer, and more flexible than the region covered by the relatively rigid spacer fabric in the liquid collection structure 141. The flexible, spacer-fabric-free sides 140', 140" of the absorbent member 140 can bend and conform to the contour of the vulva of a female wearer of the absorbent sanitary underwear 1. The liquid retention structure 142 that extends beyond the perimeter of the spacer fabric in the liquid collection structure 141 can be used to conceal the edges of the spacer fabric on the outer surface of the absorbent sanitary underwear facing the clothing, so that the liquid collection structure is not easily noticeable and less obtrusive from the outside when the absorbent sanitary underwear is worn under close-fitting clothing. Figure 4c The liquid collection structure 141 includes or consists of the spacer fabric 138, as

[0111] shown. Figure 5As shown, the liquid collection structure 141 is represented by a single-layer spacer fabric 138. As disclosed herein, in addition to the spacer fabric layer, the liquid collection structure 141 may also include additional layers, such as a second spacer fabric layer and / or an open mesh material disposed between the fluid-permeable layer 120 and the spacer fabric 138.

[0112] The spacer fabric 138 includes a top web 138a and a bottom web 138b, and an interconnected section 138c of pile filaments extending between the top web 138a and the bottom web 138b. The top web 138a and the bottom web 138b of the spacer fabric 138 may have different configurations to control the liquid flow in the spacer fabric 138 and the liquid transfer to the liquid retention structure 142. As disclosed herein, the top web 138a may have a lower density than the bottom web 138b. In addition, the density of the top web 138a and the bottom web 138b is higher than the density of the intermediate section 138c.

[0113] The liquid retention capacity of the spacer fabric 138 is preferably significantly lower than the liquid retention capacity of the liquid retention structure 142. Thus, the liquid retention capacity of the spacer fabric may be 0.2 g / cm 2 or less, and the liquid retention capacity in the liquid retention structure 142 may be 0.3 g / cm 2 or greater.

[0114] The density of the liquid retention structure 142 is preferably significantly higher than the density of the spacer fabric 138 in the liquid collection structure 141. Thus, the density of the liquid retention structure 142 may be 20% higher than the density of the spacer fabric 138, or more than 50% higher than the density of the spacer fabric 138.

[0115] The spacer fabric 138 useful in the liquid collection structure 141 disclosed herein has a density of 0.1 g / cm 3 or less and a thickness of 2 mm or greater, and has a basis weight and density lower than those of the liquid retention structure 142.

[0116] The spacer fabric 138 is more compression-resistant than other components of the liquid collection structure that can be used in absorbent articles, but at the same time has a relatively low density. This allows for a slender and effective liquid collection structure that will maintain its structural and fluid flow control performance when pressure is applied to it during the use of the washable absorbent sanitary underwear 1. As described herein, the spacer fabric preferably has a looseness (thickness / basis weight ratio) of 10 cm 3 / g or greater under an applied pressure of 0.5 kPa and under an applied pressure of 5 kPa.

[0117] The number of tuft filament junctions per square centimeter and the size of the tuft filaments render the material soft, yet capable of withstanding the pressure exerted during its use. The spacer fabric 138 is pressure elastic and expands almost completely back to its original shape immediately after removal of the compressive force exerted during its use.

[0118] The tuft filaments 138c can together form channels, preferably in the diagonal direction of the fabric, thereby creating an internal channel network that promotes the efficient distribution of liquid in the liquid collection structure 141.

[0119] The spacer fabric 138 is a highly porous material, and due to its high compressibility resistance, free volume also exists in the highly porous material when the absorbent member 140 is exposed to the pressure exerted by a user wearing the absorbent sanitary underwear 1. Due to the free volume, the spacer fabric 138 is capable of receiving and temporarily holding a relatively large volume of liquid. Thus, the body fluid discharged into the absorbent assembly 100 can effectively transfer from the liquid-permeable layer 120 into the spacer fabric 138 and can flow in the internal channel network in the intermediate section 138c of the spacer fabric 138 to be distributed over the area of the spacer fabric 138. Then, the distributed liquid can transfer to the liquid retention structure 142 over an area as large as the area of the spacer fabric 138. The liquid transferred to the liquid retention structure 142 is absorbed and held in the absorbent material of the liquid retention structure 142.

[0120] The top web 138a of the spacer fabric 138 can have an open structure to ensure rapid inflow and efficient distribution of liquid in the spacer fabric 138. The spacer fabric 138 is preferably substantially free of absorbent fibers and superabsorbent materials. However, the top web 138a and the bottom web 138b can contain hydrophilic fibers, such as regenerated cellulose fibers, to promote wettability and liquid transfer between the liquid-permeable layer 120 and the top web 138a and between the bottom web 138b and the liquid retention structure 142.

[0121] The spacer fabric 138 preferably comprises thermoplastic polymer fibers, preferably selected from but not limited to polyester, polyamide, and polyolefins, such as polyethylene and polypropylene, and can be a mixture or combination of any of these. The spacer fabric 138 can also advantageously include fibers from cotton and / or viscose. For a preferred spacer fabric 138, the yarns of the top web 138a and the bottom web 138b and the tuft filaments 138c are polyester.

[0122] The spacer fabric 138 can also contain surfactants to promote liquid penetration into the spacer fabric 138. It is also desirable that the spacer fabric 138 can be rapidly drained of liquid through the liquid retention structure 142, thereby restoring the free volume capacity for the next urine gush.

[0123] The spacer fabric 138 is arranged in the absorbent assembly 100 such that the top web 138a of the spacer fabric 138 faces the liquid-permeable layer 120 and preferably is in direct contact with the liquid-permeable layer 120. The bottom web 138b of the spacer fabric 138 faces the liquid-impermeable layer 150 and preferably is in direct contact with the liquid retention structure 142.

[0124] The liquid-impermeable layer 150 is typically a polymer film layer or sheet, and preferably is breathable, allowing air and water vapor to pass through, but forming a barrier against liquid penetration. The liquid-impermeable layer 150 can be directly attached to the absorbent layer, such as the absorbent layer in the liquid retention structure 142. The attachment can be by seams or by lamination. The lamination of the liquid-impermeable layer 150 to the liquid retention structure 142 can be carried out by means of a structural adhesive or by extruding the liquid-permeable layer 150 onto the absorbent layer of the liquid retention structure. The structural adhesive can be a polyurethane-based adhesive.

[0125] Figure 6 A cross-section taken along Figure 4c line VI-VI of the absorbent assembly 100 shown in is presented, where the absorbent assembly 100 is attached to the outer pants 10 of the washable absorbent sanitary underwear 1 disclosed herein. The liquid collection structure 141 is represented by a single-layer spacer fabric, which is arranged between the liquid retention structure 142 and the liquid-permeable layer 120. The spacer fabric has a smaller extent of extension in the transverse direction x than the liquid retention structure 142. The liquid retention structure 142 has the same extent of extension in the transverse direction x as the liquid-permeable layer 120 and the liquid-impermeable layer 150, and extends in the transverse direction x beyond the main absorption zone 145 defined by the spacer fabric in the liquid collection structure 141, thereby forming thinner side portions 140', 140'' of the absorbent member 140. The liquid-permeable layer 120, the liquid-impermeable layer 150, and the liquid retention structure in the side portions 140', 140'' of the absorbent member 140 outside the perimeter 148 of the main absorption zone 145 form secondary absorption zones 156, 157 of the absorbent assembly 100.

[0126] The main absorption zone 145 can also be referred to as a liquid storage zone. The liquid storage zone will always include the spacer fabric in the liquid collection structure 141 and the liquid retention structure 142 including at least one layer of textile absorbent material. The secondary absorption zones 156, 157 of the absorbent assembly 100 can also be referred to as leak safety zones, which provide supplementary absorption capacity and a barrier against leakage outside the outer pants 10.

[0127] As described herein, providing one or more secondary absorption zones 156, 157 can be used to create a soft, unnoticeable, and unobtrusive (or less noticeable) transition at the perimeter 148 of the main absorption zone 145. In the absorbent assembly 100, for example Figure 6The absorbent assembly, where the spacer fabric in the liquid acquisition structure 141 is a relatively rigid and thick material, the edge masking effect of the liquid retention structure 142 can be particularly beneficial. Any part 140', 140'' of the liquid retention structure 142 that forms the secondary absorbent zones 156, 157 of the absorbent assembly 100 is preferably thinner and more flexible than the spacer fabric in the primary absorbent zone 145. The primary absorbent zone 145 is the target absorbent area of the absorbent member 140 in the absorbent assembly 100, and the secondary absorbent zone or zones 156, 157 can be considered as backup absorbent zones that can absorb and retain liquid that impacts the absorbent assembly outside the primary absorbent zone 145, or liquid that moves away from the primary absorbent zone 145, for example under the influence of gravity.

[0128] As Figure 6 Further shown, the layers or structures 120, 141, 142, 150 in the absorbent assembly 100 of the absorbent hygiene undergarment 1 disclosed herein are preferably connected to each other by a first structural seam 171 and at least one second structural seam 172. The number of layers connected by each structural seam is less than the total number of layers in the absorbent assembly 100. At least one layer in the first structural seam is different from the layers in the second structural seam, and the absorbent assembly 100 is formed as a coherent member by at least one layer in the first structural seam 171 that is the same as the layers in the second structural seam 172. Thus, no structural seams 171, 172 involve all the layers of the absorbent assembly 100, but share at least one layer with another structural seam 171, 172. Each layer in the absorbent assembly 100 is directly connected to at least one other layer in the absorbent assembly 100 and is directly or indirectly connected to all the other layers in the absorbent assembly 100.

[0129] In Figure 6 it, the spacer fabric in the liquid acquisition structure 141 is attached to the liquid retention structure 142 by the first structural seam 171. The liquid retention structure 142 is attached to the liquid permeable layer 120 and the liquid impermeable layer 150 by the second structural seam 172, and the first structural seam 171 and the second structural seam 172 are non-overlapping seams and are placed at a distance from each other in the x-y plane.

[0130] The structural seams 171, 172 are preferably flat seams and can be made by overlock stitching. The overlock stitching can be overlock stitching of grade 600 according to the international standard ISO 4915, such as overlock stitching type 607 according to the international standard ISO 4915.

[0131] A flatlock seam is formed by a group of the following threads; a needle thread, a cover thread, and a bobbin thread, to create a strong banded and flat seam. The needle thread extends back and forth through the front and back sides of one or more layers of fabric, while the cover thread extends back and forth only on the front side of the fabric across the width of the seam, and the bobbin thread extends back and forth only on the back side of the fabric across the width of the seam. Flatlock seams are advantageously used in clothing that fits closely to the skin, such as underwear, because these garments must be especially comfortable so that they do not rub the skin or cause any other discomfort. Absorbent materials (e.g., the spacer material 138 described herein) generally benefit from being joined by flatlock seams because flatlock seams generally cause less compaction of the material than conventional seams, which means that flatlock seams are softer and more flexible than conventional seams, and the internal void structure of the material can be maintained to a higher degree than when using conventional seams.

[0132] Examples and descriptions of test methods

[0133] Example 1 - Density measurement

[0134] Measure the weight and thickness of the sample. Measure the thickness of the material at a pressure of 0.5 kPa according to the standard test method NWSP120.6, option A. Calculate the basis weight by dividing the weight by the area. Then, calculate the density by dividing the basis weight by the thickness.

[0135] The density and basis weight of the following material samples have been measured:

[0136] Sample Description <![CDATA[Density (g / cm 3 )]]> <![CDATA[Grammage (g / m 2 )]]> A Spacer fabric 0.06 247 B Spacer fabric 0.06 175 C Spacer fabric 0.08 230 D Reference spacer fabric 0.13 258 E Reference spacer fabric 0.18 400 F Abs retention structure 0.12 330 G Liquid-permeable layer 0.15 220

[0137] Samples A, B, and C are spacer fabric materials from Muller Textil.

[0138] Sample D is a reference spacer fabric material from a commercially available washable absorbent underwear called Confitex Full Brief Extra, size M. Sample E is a reference spacer fabric from a commercially available washable absorbent underwear called ProTech Dry women, size M. Sample F is an absorbent retention structure of terry material. Sample G is a liquid-permeable layer of polyester.

[0139] Example 2 - Compression resistance measurement

[0140] Compression tests have been performed on different spacer fabric materials to compare the compression resistance of the spacer fabrics in commercially available washable absorbent underwear with the spacer fabrics of the present invention. Samples A, B, and C are three spacer fabrics according to the present invention. Samples D and E are two reference spacer fabrics from commercially available washable absorbent underwear.

[0141] The principle of this method is to slowly compress the material with a metal rod to a force of 62 N while continuously measuring the thickness of the material. The results consist of force and extension data points. Given the contact area of the rod, the force is converted into pressure. The foot of the metal rod / piston has a diameter of 35 mm. The rod is mounted in a 100 N load cell in the upper fixture of an Instron testing device. The flat plate is mounted in the bottom fixture and centered under the rod so that the sample can be placed on top of the plate and compressed without movement of the plate. The movement rate of the rod is 10 mm per minute.

[0142] To test the sample, the rod is manually moved to be above the surface of the sample and the program is started. The rod moves downward at a speed of 10 mm per minute until the limit force is reached.

[0143] The area of the sample is 10 cm 2 , punched out from the material. The rod is pressed onto the center of the sample, and each sample is tested twice, with a 10-minute interval between the first test and the second test to allow the material to recover.

[0144] The thicknesses of spacer fabrics A, B, C, D, and E under different applied pressures are as follows:

[0145] Spacer fabric 0.5 kPa 5.0 kPa 10 kPa 20 kPa A 4.3 4.0 3.7 2.5 B 2.7 2.3 1.7 1.0 C 3.0 2.8 2.7 2.2 D 2.2 2.0 1.7 1.2 E 3.0 2.6 2.3 1.8

[0146] The looseness (cm 3 / g) of spacer fabrics A, B, C, D, and E under different applied pressures is as follows:

[0147] Spacer fabric 0.5 kPa 5.0 kPa 10 kPa 20 kPa A 24.5 22.7 21.3 14.2 B 15.5 13.1 9.8 5.5 C 13.6 12.6 11.8 9.8 D 8.5 7.6 6.6 4.5 E 5.3 4.6 4.1 3.2

[0148] Figure 7 The ratio curves of the thickness / base weight measured for the spacer fabric of the present invention and the reference spacer fabric under different applied pressures are shown.

[0149] The results show that the spacer fabrics named A, B, and C have a looseness of 10 cm 3 / g or more under an applied pressure of 0.5 kPa and under an applied pressure of 5 kPa, where the spacer fabrics D and E have a looseness of less than 10 cm 3 / g under an applied pressure of 0.5 kPa and under an applied pressure of 5 kPa. The looseness value is the reciprocal of the density value, so the spacer fabrics with a looseness of 10 cm 3 / g or more under an applied pressure of 0.5 kPa and an applied pressure of 5 kPa have a density of less than 0.10 g / cm 3 .

[0150] Example 3 - Liquid retention capacity measurement

[0151] The liquid retention capacity test measures the amount of liquid retained within the test sample after a specified number of immersion and vertical drainage cycles. The amount of test liquid retained by the test sample is used to calculate and report the liquid retention capacity in g / cm 2 . The test is conducted in an air-conditioned chamber controlled at 23 °C and 50% RH.

[0152] The test procedure follows Method WSP 010.1.R3(20) Part B (Liquid Absorption Capacity) with the following modifications. The test liquid is a 0.9% saline solution. For the weighing part of the test, a cover glass is not used as the test liquid is non-volatile. The sample size of the test sample is 3 cm × 5 cm and the size of the wire mesh is 4 cm × 6 cm. The sample is vertically suspended for 60 seconds.

[0153] The test samples are prepared as follows. The test samples are taken from the product using scissors and then punched out to a sample size of 3 cm × 5 cm using a stamping tool.

[0154] Then the immersion and drainage procedures in Method NWSP10.1 with the above modifications are followed. The dry mass is subtracted from the wet mass and recorded as the mass of the absorbed liquid in grams, and then the mass of the absorbed liquid (g) is divided by the total area of the test sample (cm 2 ). The measurement is repeated three times in total. Then the arithmetic mean of the liquid retention capacity in g / cm 2 is calculated.

[0155] Test samples A, D, and F. Sample A is a spacer fabric from Muller Textil. Sample D is a reference spacer fabric material from a washable absorbent underwear named Confitex Full Brief Extra, size M. Confitex Full Brief Extra, size M is a commercially available washable absorbent underwear. Sample F is an absorbent retention structure of terry cloth material.

[0156] The liquid retention capacities (g / cm 2 ) of samples A, D, and F are as follows:

[0157] Sample <![CDATA[Liquid retention capacity (g / cm 2 )]]> A 0.08 D 0.12 F 0.24

[0158] From the results, it can be seen that the retention capacity of sample A, which is a spacer fabric according to the present disclosure, is less than 0.1 g / cm 2 , and the retention capacity of sample D, which is a reference spacer fabric, is higher than 0.1 g / cm 2 . In addition, sample F, which is an absorbent retention structure of a terry cloth layer, has a retention capacity higher than 0.2 g / cm 2 .

[0159] To further increase the liquid retention capacity, the absorbent retention structure of the present disclosure may include more than one liquid retention layer, such as two or more terry material layers according to Sample F, where each layer has a liquid retention capacity of 0.24 g / cm 2 The present disclosure may include two or more liquid retention layers, such as two or more terry material layers according to Sample F.

[0160] Example 4 - Collection measurement

[0161] Collect test measurements of the time required for an absorbent sample to absorb a specified amount of liquid. Place the collection cup on the wearer-facing side of the absorbent sample, which is the wearer-facing side of the liquid-permeable layer. Then add a dose of 10 ml at a flow rate of 20 ml / second.

[0162] Collect times were measured for three absorbent samples. Each of absorbent samples 1, 2, and 3 includes a liquid-permeable layer, a liquid collection structure, and a liquid retention structure.

[0163] The liquid-permeable layer in absorbent samples 1, 2, and 3 is Sample G. The width of the liquid-permeable layer is 6 cm, and the length of the liquid-permeable layer is 18 cm. The liquid retention structure in absorbent samples 1, 2, and 3 is Sample F. The width of the liquid retention structure is 6 cm, and the length of the liquid retention structure is 18 cm.

[0164] As the liquid collection structure, Samples A, D, and F were tested. The width of the liquid collection structure is narrower than that of the liquid-permeable layer and the liquid retention structure. The width of the liquid collection structure is 3.5 cm, and the length of the liquid collection structure is 18 cm.

[0165] Absorbent sample Liquid collection structure Entry time (seconds) 1 A 2.0 2 D 3.7 3 F 5.2

[0166] From this result, it can be seen that Sample 1 provided a faster collection time than Sample 2. Therefore, compared with the absorbent sample (Sample D) with a reference spacer fabric, the absorbent sample (Sample A) with a spacer fabric according to the present invention provided a faster ingress time.

[0167] It can also be seen that compared with Sample 3 without a spacer fabric, absorbent samples 1 and 2 with a spacer fabric provided a faster collection time. The collection structure in absorbent sample 3 is absorbent terry material and is thus the same material as the liquid retention structure.

Claims

1. A washable absorbent sanitary underwear (1), comprising outer pants (10) and an absorbent assembly (100), wherein the absorbent assembly (100) and the outer pants (10) have extensions in a longitudinal direction (y), a transverse direction (x), and a thickness direction (z) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (y) and the transverse direction (x), the outer pants (10) comprising a front part (11), a rear part (16) and a crotch part (15), the absorbent assembly (100) being permanently fixed in the outer pants (10) and comprising: - a liquid-permeable layer (120), - a liquid-impermeable layer (150); and an absorbent member (140) located between the liquid-permeable layer (120) and the liquid-impermeable layer (150), the absorbent member (140) comprising a liquid acquisition structure (141) and a liquid retention structure (142), the liquid acquisition structure (141) comprising or consisting of a spacer fabric (138), the spacer fabric comprising a top web (138a), a bottom web (138b) and a middle section (138c), the middle section (138c) comprising pile filaments extending in the thickness direction (z) and connecting the top web (138a) to the bottom web (138b), the liquid acquisition structure (141) being arranged between the liquid-permeable layer (120) and the liquid retention structure (142), wherein the spacer fabric (138) completely overlaps the liquid retaining structure (142) and has an area that is 65% or less of the area of ​​the liquid retaining structure (142), and the liquid retaining structure (142) has a density higher than the density of the spacer fabric (138).

2. The washable absorbent sanitary underwear (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The liquid retention structure (142) has a basis weight that is higher than the basis weight of the spacer fabric (138).

3. The washable absorbent sanitary underwear (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The liquid retaining capacity of the liquid retaining structure (142) is higher than the liquid retaining capacity of the spacer fabric (138).

4. The washable absorbent sanitary underwear (1) according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein: The absorbent assembly (100) is fixed in the outer pants (10) such that the liquid acquisition structure (141) is arranged in the crotch portion (15) of the outer pants (10) and / or in the front portion (11) of the outer pants (10).

5. Washable absorbent sanitary underwear (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The absorption assembly (100) and the absorption member (140) are divided into a front portion (111), a rear portion (116) and a crotch portion (115) in the longitudinal direction (y), the absorption member (140) having concavely curved side edges (18, 19), and the crotch portion (115) of the absorption member (140) is narrower than at least one of the front portion (111) and the rear portion (116) of the absorption member (140).

6. Washable absorbent sanitary underwear (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The crotch portion (115) of the absorbent member (140) has a maximum width in the transverse direction (x) that is smaller than a maximum width of the rear portion (116) of the absorbent member (140).

7. Washable absorbent sanitary underwear (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The crotch portion (115) of the absorbent member (140) has a maximum width in the transverse direction (x) that is smaller than a maximum width of the front portion (111) of the absorbent member (140).

8. Washable absorbent sanitary underwear (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The width of the front portion (111) of the absorption member (140) in the transverse direction (x) is smaller than the width of the rear portion (116) of the absorption member (140) in the transverse direction (x), and the ratio between the maximum width of the front portion (111) of the absorption member (140) and the maximum width of the rear portion (116) of the absorption member (140) is preferably in the range of 1:2 to 1:

3.

9. Washable absorbent sanitary underwear (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The spacer fabric (138) in the liquid acquisition structure (141) has a longitudinal center line (L) passing through the absorbent sanitary underwear (1). C ) is less than the length of the absorbent member (140) along the longitudinal centerline (L C ) along the longitudinal centerline (L C ) is in the range of 2.5:4 to 3:

4.

10. Washable absorbent sanitary underwear (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The spacer fabric (138) in the liquid acquisition structure (141) preferably has a front end edge (14') positioned at the front end edge (14) of the absorbent member (140) and a rear end edge (17') positioned at a distance (d) from the rear end edge (17') of the absorbent member (140), the distance (d) preferably being along the longitudinal centerline (L C ) measured by measuring the length (l) of the absorption member (140) am ), more preferably at least 15% of the length (l am ) is in the range of 15% to 40% or 20% to 30%.

11. Washable absorbent sanitary underwear (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The area of ​​the spacer fabric (138) is 60% or less of the area of ​​the absorbent assembly (100), such as 50% or less of the area of ​​the absorbent assembly (100), such as 40% or less of the area of ​​the absorbent assembly (100).

12. Washable absorbent sanitary underwear (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The spacer fabric (138) is secured to at least one other component of the absorbent assembly (100) by means of a flat seam, such as a flat lock seam.

13. The washable absorbent sanitary underwear (1) according to claim 12, wherein: The spacer fabric (138) is secured to at least one other component of the absorbent assembly (100) by flat-lock stitching of class 600 according to international standard ISO 4915, preferably by flat-lock stitching of type 607 according to international standard ISO 4915.

14. The washable absorbent sanitary underwear (1) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein: The spacer fabric (138) is secured to at least one other component in the absorbent assembly (100) along the front end edge (14') and the rear end edge (17') of the spacer fabric (138) and / or along the first side edge (18') and the second side edge (19') of the spacer fabric (138).

15. The washable absorbent sanitary underwear (1) according to claim 12, 13 or 14, wherein: The spacer fabric (138) is secured to the liquid retaining structure (142).

16. Washable absorbent sanitary underwear (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The liquid acquisition structure (141) consists of a single layer of spacer fabric (138) or consists of a layer of spacer fabric (138) and one or more additional layers of material.

17. Washable absorbent sanitary underwear (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The spacer fabric (138) in the liquid acquisition structure (141) has a thickness greater than 10 cm at an applied pressure of 5 kPa. 3 / g of looseness.

18. Washable absorbent sanitary underwear (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The spacer fabric (138) of the layer is in direct contact with the liquid retaining structure (142).

19. Washable absorbent sanitary underwear (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The spacer fabric (138) has a thickness of less than 0.1 g / cm 3 , optionally at 0.05 g / cm 3 and 0.09g / cm 3 The density between.

20. Washable absorbent sanitary underwear (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The density of the liquid retaining structure (142) is 20% higher than the density of the spacer fabric (138), or greater than 50% higher than the density of the spacer fabric (138).

21. The washable absorbent sanitary underwear (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The liquid retaining structure (142) may consist of a single layer of material or may consist of 2 or more separate layers of material.

22. Washable absorbent sanitary underwear (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The washable absorbent sanitary underwear (1) is in the form of female incontinence pants.

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