Absorbent article

Abstract

A washable and reusable underwear (1) comprising one or more fabric panels (2) forming a front region (3), a back region (4), and an intermediate region (7) extending between the front and back regions (3, 4). The undergarment (1) comprises an absorbent assembly (10) comprising a wearer-facing top layer (15) of textile material, a moisture barrier (12) and an intermediate layer (11, 16) superimposed between the top layer (15) and the moisture barrier (12) along a height axis (z) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (y) and the transverse crotch axis (x). The absorbent assembly (10) is permanently attached to at least one of the one or more fabric panels (2). The top layer (15) and / or the one or more textile panels (2) are natural material and the top layer (15) has a length in the longitudinal direction (y) and an extension (F) beyond the longitudinal length of the barriers (12) and the intermediate layers (11, 16) of the absorbent assembly (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a washable and reusable undergarment comprising one or more fabric panels and an absorbent assembly permanently attached to at least one of the fabric panels. The absorbent assembly comprises at least one wearer-facing top layer of textile material, a moisture barrier, and at least one intermediate layer. Background Art

[0002] Absorbent articles are worn for the purpose of absorbing body fluids such as urine and vaginal fluid. There are disposable as well as washable and reusable absorbent articles. Disposable absorbent articles are discarded after use, and washable and reusable absorbent articles comprise a textile fabric of woven or knitted material and which is washed or laundered after use to restore it before reuse. Washable and reusable absorbent underwear conventionally comprises an integral and permanently attached absorbent assembly which is to be positioned in the crotch area of ​​the wearer when the garment is worn. To date, reusable absorbent underwear has been mainly of synthetic materials and for low and medium volumes of body fluids. For sustainability reasons, there is an increasing demand from users for reusable absorbent underwear and there is also a demand for such articles comprising natural materials suitable for heavier flows of body fluids, which increases the need for technical solutions capable of constructing such garments. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present disclosure is based on the insight that there is a need for a solution for washable and reusable absorbent underwear comprising natural materials that enable absorbent components to be securely and also aesthetically pleasingly attached to fabric panels of the underwear.

[0004] The present invention provides a solution by providing a washable and reusable underwear according to claim 1 .

[0005] Thus, a washable and reusable underwear is provided, which includes one or more fabric panels forming a front region, a back region, and a middle region extending between the front region and the back region, the front region and the back region being joined so that the underwear forms a waist opening and a pair of leg openings. A central longitudinal axis (y) of the underwear is defined along the one or more fabric panels of the underwear from the back region toward the front region, and a transverse crotch axis (x) of the underwear is defined in a direction extending between the leg openings so as to divide the middle region into a front middle region extending longitudinally between the transverse crotch axis (x) and the front end of each leg opening and a rear middle region extending longitudinally between the transverse crotch axis (x) and the rear end of each leg opening, the transverse crotch axis (x) being perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis (y). The underwear further includes an absorbent assembly, the absorbent assembly including a wearer-facing top layer of textile material, a moisture barrier, and at least one middle layer, the at least one middle layer being superimposed between the top layer and the moisture barrier along a height axis (z) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (y) and the transverse crotch axis (x). The absorbent assembly is permanently attached to at least one of the one or more fabric panels in at least a portion of the middle region by one or more sets of bonding members. The top layer and / or the one or more fabric panels are of natural material, and the top layer has a length in the longitudinal direction and an extension (F) beyond the longitudinal length of the barrier and the middle layer(s) of the absorbent assembly.

[0006] The top layer and / or one or more fabric panels are of natural textile material.

[0007] The natural material is selected from the group consisting of cotton, wool, silk, cellulose, regenerated cellulose, rayon, viscose, modal, lyocell, tencel, bamboo, hemp, flax, ramie, coconut fiber, or banana. Textiles made from natural materials are generally thicker and bulkier than textiles made from synthetic fibers. In addition, natural materials have shorter fibers, making it more difficult to attach a textile made from natural fibers to another textile made from natural or synthetic fibers if one wishes to avoid attaching the layers together by sewing.

[0008] The top layer has a length in the longitudinal direction and an extension (F) beyond the longitudinal length of the barrier and the intermediate layer of the absorbent assembly. The extension of the top layer can be at least 5 mm longer than the barrier and the intermediate layer (multiple intermediate layers) of the absorbent assembly, for example at least 10 mm longer than the barrier and the intermediate layer (multiple intermediate layers) of the absorbent assembly, and can be less than 100 mm longer than the barrier and the intermediate layer (multiple intermediate layers) of the absorbent assembly, for example less than 30 mm longer than the barrier and the intermediate layer (multiple intermediate layers) of the absorbent assembly. Thus, the extension can be in the range of 5 mm to 100 mm, for example 10 mm to 30 mm. When one or both of the layers and the fabric panel are natural materials, the above-mentioned extension range ensures a reliable and permanent attachment of the top layer to the fabric panel.

[0009] The top layer may extend in both the front and back of the top layer. The top layer may extend substantially along the entire width of the top layer. The top layer may extend only in the front middle region and the back middle region of the underwear.

[0010] The top layer may be attached to the fabric panel in an extension of the top layer by one or more bonding members selected from fastening tapes, adhesive areas or formed at least partially via a heat pressing process.

[0011] The fastening strips may be elastic bonding strips, sealing strips, adhesive tapes or elastic films. The bonding members may overlap the border between the outer edge regions of the extension of the top layer and the fabric panel, providing a good, smooth, reliable and permanent attachment of the top layer to the fabric panel.

[0012] Bonding members may be positioned between the top layer and the fabric panel, at and near the edge regions of the extended top layer, providing a secure and permanent, yet aesthetically pleasing attachment of the top layer to the fabric panel without the need to sew the layers.

[0013] The adhesive can be similarly positioned between the top layer and the fabric panel, at and near the edge region of the extended top layer. The adhesive can be a spray adhesive, a liquid curable adhesive, and / or a thermosetting adhesive. The hot pressing process can be performed by applying heat and / or pressure to the adhesive material during manufacture of the undergarment.

[0014] The adhesive may comprise one or more bond lines.The one or more bond lines may be arranged to extend along at least a portion of the front and rear edges of the extended top layer, such as along substantially the entire front and rear edges of the extended top layer.

[0015] One or more joining lines may be arranged to extend along at least a portion of a side edge of the absorbent assembly, for example in a middle region of the underwear. One or more joining lines may be arranged to extend along substantially the entire side edge of the absorbent assembly.

[0016] One or more bonding lines may be continuous bonding lines. Alternatively, one or more bonding lines may be discontinuous bonding lines.

[0017] A set of bonding members is arranged to attach the absorbent assembly to at least one of the one or more fabric panels and can be arranged along at least a portion of a side edge of the absorbent assembly. For example, the set of bonding members can be arranged to attach the absorbent assembly to at least one of the one or more fabric panels along substantially the entire side edge of the absorbent assembly.

[0018] The side edges of the absorbent assembly may be arranged at least in the front central region at or near the respective leg openings of the undergarment.

[0019] Thus, for example, in some variations, the set of bonding members may be arranged to attach the absorbent assembly to at least one of the one or more fabric panels along a side edge, a front edge, and a rear edge of the absorbent assembly.

[0020] The shape of the absorbent assembly may be adapted to the design of, for example, an undergarment, taking into account the need for adequate absorbency and a satisfactory fit.

[0021] In some variations, the side edges may include concavities as viewed toward the central longitudinal axis Y. For example, the side edges may be generally concave, thereby allowing the shape of the absorbent assembly to be relatively wider toward the front and back of the underwear, and narrower at the crotch portion of the underwear including the transverse crotch axis, as mentioned above.

[0022] In some variations, the front edge can project from the transverse crotch axis. Thus, at the location of the central longitudinal axis y, the front edge can project beyond the side edges of the absorbent assembly toward the front of the underwear. This can be beneficial for the fit of the underwear to the body and help avoid undesirable wrinkles in the fabric panels.

[0023] The rear edge of the absorbent assembly may be shaped to allow for a proper fit and comfort for the user.

[0024] The central region of the undergarment may include at least one of the one or more fabric panels having an exterior side facing away from the wearer and an interior side facing in a direction toward the wearer.The absorbent assembly may be positioned on the interior side of the at least one fabric panel.

[0025] As outlined above, the absorbent assembly comprises a wearer-facing fabric top layer, a moisture barrier, and at least one intermediate layer superposed between the top layer and the moisture barrier along a height axis perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis and the transverse crotch axis.

[0026] The intermediate layer may be at least one absorbent layer.The intermediate layer may be at least a wicking layer and an absorbent layer, such as two or more absorbent layers.

[0027] Thus, the absorbent assembly may comprise at least two layers plus a moisture barrier, which in some variations is formed by a moisture barrier layer.Such an absorbent assembly may be particularly well suited for moderate flow of body fluids.

[0028] The absorbent assembly can include a top layer facing the wearer, a moisture barrier layer, and at least two intermediate layers. Thus, the absorbent assembly comprises at least three layers plus the moisture barrier layer, which in some embodiments is formed by the moisture barrier layer. Thus, the ability of the absorbent assembly to absorb relatively high flows of body fluids can be further improved, for example, to provide an absorbent assembly suitable for large flows of body fluids.

[0029] For example, the absorbent assembly may include no more than nine layers.

[0030] Thus, the absorbent assembly may include two, three, four, five, six, seven, or eight intermediate layers.One of the intermediate layers may be a wicking layer.

[0031] The longitudinal and lateral extension (ie the outer shape) of the absorbent assembly itself is defined by the longitudinal and lateral extension of the wearer-facing topsheet and the moisture barrier.

[0032] All intermediate layers and the barrier member of the absorbent assembly have a shorter longitudinal extension than the top layer.

[0033] The top layer can be a weft knitted fabric. The top layer can be of jacquard technology. The top layer can have a basis weight of 80 gsm to 250 gsm. The top layer can be a natural material or a synthetic material or a blend thereof.

[0034] The basis weight of the absorbent layer(s) may be, for example, in the range of 150 gsm to 500 gsm. The absorbent layer(s) may be a natural or synthetic material or a blend thereof, such as cotton, polyester, polyamide or a mixture thereof. The absorbent layer may be a hydrophilic French terry material.

[0035] The middle layer can be a wicking layer. The wicking layer can be positioned adjacent to the top layer. The wicking layer can have a basis weight of 180 gsm to 250 gsm. For example, the wicking layer can be made of polyester, polyamide, elastane, or a mixture thereof. For example, the wicking layer can be a jersey knit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] The present disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the figures shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0037] Figure 1 showing a front view of one variation of an absorbent undergarment including an absorbent assembly;

[0038] Figure 2 Shown when in a flat spread state Figure 1 A top view of the underwear as viewed from the wearer's side, wherein the joint between the front and rear regions and the front region is removed; and

[0039] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Schematic cross-sectional view of an absorbent underwear through a portion of the absorbent assembly.

[0040] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an alternative absorbent undergarment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Various aspects of the present disclosure will be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the embodiments of the absorbent underwear disclosed herein can be implemented in many different forms, such as different sizes and absorbency levels, and should not be construed as limited to the aspects set forth herein. Throughout the figures of the following detailed description, the same reference numerals will be used to refer to the same elements.

[0042] As used herein, the term "absorbent underwear" refers to a garment that is worn and intended to be placed against the wearer's skin to absorb and contain body fluids, such as urine and vaginal fluids (including menstrual fluid). Absorbent underwear is underwear made of fabric or textile for female use. Underwear according to the present disclosure is intended to be washed or otherwise restored after use for reuse as a sanitary article.

[0043] By "washable," it is meant that the absorbent underwear can be cleaned by washing. Thus, the absorbent underwear can be subjected to an aqueous solution containing a detergent without losing its structural characteristics. The aqueous solution can be heated to, for example, 30°C or 60°C as part of the washing process. The underwear can be washed and reused at least 10 times.

[0044] The terms "fabric" and "textile" as used in this disclosure may refer to a single layer or multiple layers of fabric. The fabric may be knitted or woven.

[0045] Knitting is a method of constructing fabric by interlocking a series of loops of one or more yarns. There are two main categories of knitting, warp and weft.

[0046] Weaving is the method or process of interlacing two yarns of similar material so that they cross each other at right angles to produce a woven fabric. The warp yarns run lengthwise in the fabric, and the fill yarns (weft yarns) or picks run from one side to the other.

[0047] Jacquard is a system of weaving or knitting that utilizes a universal pattern mechanism to produce complex designs through the use of punched cards that control the pattern produced. Jacquard knitting can be applied to circular, flat, warp, or weft needles.

[0048] By "permanently attached" it is meant that the absorbent assembly is not intended to be separated from the undergarment before, during, or after use.

[0049] The top layer can be constructed from any suitable textile fabric comprising fibers of natural origin selected from the group consisting of cotton, wool, silk, cellulose, regenerated cellulose, rayon, viscose, modal, lyocell, Tencel, bamboo, hemp, flax, ramie, coir, or banana. Alternatively, the top layer can be constructed from synthetic fibers selected from the group consisting of polyamide, acrylic, polyester, or elastane, such as a blend of polyester and elastane. Furthermore, the top layer can be constructed from a blend or mixture of fibers of natural origin and / or synthetic fibers. The fibers can be recycled fibers. The material used to construct the top layer should be soft and non-irritating to the skin and easily penetrated by any body fluids. According to the present disclosure, the top layer should be washable. The top layer can comprise between 20% and 100% fibers of natural origin, more preferably between 40% and 100% fibers of natural origin, and most preferably between 60% and 100% fibers of natural origin. The top layer facing the skin comprises a water-permeable material to allow body fluids to migrate to the absorbent layer or layers below. The top layer may have a basis weight of 80 gsm to 250 gsm.

[0050] A wicking layer may be provided beneath the top layer. The wicking layer has wicking properties to allow moisture to diffuse away from the wearer and into the absorbent layer or layers. In addition, wicking enables moisture to diffuse efficiently, thereby allowing moisture to be received in a wider area of ​​the one or more absorbent layers below. This feature is particularly relevant for users suffering from stress urinary incontinence, as the spraying of urine may cause the absorbent layer to quickly saturate at the impact point. By spreading a certain volume of fluid over a wider receiving area in the absorbent layer, the wicking properties of the wicking layer increase the overall absorptive capacity of the absorbent layer. The wicking layer may be constructed of any suitable fabric, including fibers of natural origin or mixtures thereof selected from the group consisting of: cotton, wool, silk, cellulose, regenerated cellulose, rayon, viscose, modal, lyocell, Tencel, bamboo, hemp, flax, ramie, coconut fiber or banana. Alternatively, the wicking layer may be constructed of synthetic fibers or mixtures thereof selected from the group consisting of: polyamide, acrylic, polyester or elastane. In addition, the wicking layer can be constructed from a blend or mixture of naturally derived fibers and / or synthetic fibers. The fibers can be recycled fibers. According to the present disclosure, the wicking layer should be washable. The wicking layer can include between 20% and 100% naturally derived fibers, more preferably between 40% and 100% naturally derived fibers, and most preferably between 60% and 100% naturally derived fibers. The basis weight of the wicking layer can be 180 gsm to 250 gsm.

[0051] The absorbent assembly used in absorbent underwear can include one or more absorbent layers that can absorb liquid and release liquid during washing. The release of absorbed liquid can be beneficial because it enables the absorbent underwear to be restored for reuse. Reusable absorbent underwear provides a more sustainable alternative to conventional disposable sanitary articles that are not intended to be reused. The absorbent layer can include any material that can absorb fluid, such as woven or non-woven microfibers or polymer knits, fabrics formed from hydrophilic fibers, absorbent fibers or powders. The absorbent layer can be natural, synthetic or recycled fibers as described above for the other entry layers, but can also be cotton, polyester and polyamide and contain an odor management agent.

[0052] The absorbent layer may also comprise a material having an open porous structure, such as high loft fibers or synthetic fibers having reservoir properties. The absorbent layer may comprise between 20% and 100% fibers of natural origin, more preferably between 40% and 100% fibers of natural origin, and most preferably between 60% and 100% fibers of natural origin. The basis weight of each absorbent layer may be between 150 gsm and 500 gsm. One or more, for example two, absorbent layers may be present in the absorbent assembly.

[0053] The liquid-impermeable barrier layer may comprise any suitable material or combination of materials that prevents liquid from migrating from the absorbent assembly to the fabric layer. The liquid-impermeable barrier layer may comprise a hydrophobic woven or nonwoven material that has inherent hydrophobic properties or has been treated to render it hydrophobic. Examples of hydrophobic materials for treating the barrier layer are polymers, such as silicone, polyurethane, and combinations thereof. The liquid-impermeable barrier layer may comprise a microporous polymer film, such as polyethylene, PTFE, or polyurethane film, or a combination thereof. Laminates of polymer films and nonwoven materials may also be used. The liquid-impermeable barrier layer may be a coating of a material that is impermeable to moisture. The coating may be a polymer, such as a polyurethane wax, on the surface facing away from the wearer. The liquid-impermeable barrier layer may be polyurethane.

[0054] The liquid-impermeable barrier layer is preferably breathable to allow vapor to escape from the absorbent underwear while preventing liquid from passing through the fabric layer. In addition, the liquid-impermeable barrier layer can be constructed of an elastic material to provide the absorbent assembly with the required flexibility to adapt to the user's anatomy and movements. This improved fit increases the wearer's comfort during use and helps prevent leakage from migrating through the leg openings of the underwear.

[0055] The fabric of one or more fabric panels can be constructed from any suitable fabric, including fibers of natural origin and mixtures thereof selected from the group consisting of: cotton, wool, silk, cellulose, regenerated cellulose, rayon, viscose, modal, lyocell, tencel, bamboo, hemp, flax, ramie, coconut fiber or banana. Alternatively, the fabric can be constructed from synthetic fibers or mixtures thereof selected from the group consisting of: polyamide, acrylic, polyester. In addition, the fabric can be constructed from a blend or mixture of fibers of natural origin and / or synthetic fibers. The fibers can be recycled fibers. Herein, recycled fibers are derived from recycled pre-consumer or post-consumer waste that is converted into new fibers through a textile recycling process to produce new textiles that are recycled. The fabric can include stretchable fabrics, such as elastic fibers, so that the absorbent underwear can provide a secure fit while adapting to the wearer's movements, thereby preventing any leakage from migrating through the leg openings and holding the absorbent assembly in place. The fabric is preferably breathable to allow vapor to escape from the wearer's skin and from the absorbent structure.

[0056] The layers of the absorbent assembly and the undergarment body fabric may be joined by conventional sewing, gluing techniques or via a bonding film, such as tape.

[0057] Figure 1As an example, a variant of a washable and reusable absorbent underwear 1 in the form of a pair of briefs is shown. However, as outlined above, the underwear 1 proposed herein can have various designs, such as shorts, boxer underwear, low-waist underwear, high-waist underwear, drawstring underwear, Brazilian underwear, or other suitable underwear designs. The underwear 1 is primarily designed for female use.

[0058] The underwear 1 may include one or more fabric panels 2 that form a front region 3, a back region 4, and a middle region 7 extending between the front region 3 and the back region 4. The front region 3 and the back region 4 are joined so that the underwear 1 forms a waist opening 5 and a pair of leg openings 6a, 6b. As such, when the underwear 1 is worn, the front region 3 is visible from the front of the wearer, and when the underwear 1 is worn, the back region 4 is visible from the back of the wearer.

[0059] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The exemplary undergarment includes one fabric panel 2 that is cut to form a front region 3, a back region 4, and a middle region 7. However, in other variations, multiple fabric panels can be joined to form the front region 3, the back region 4, and the middle region 7. For example, the undergarment 1 can include a front panel, a back panel, and a middle panel. One or more of the fabric panels can all comprise the same fabric, giving the undergarment a uniform appearance, or one or more of the fabric panels can comprise different fabrics, for example, to provide an aesthetically pleasing undergarment including, for example, a lace fabric.

[0060] In order to join the front region 3 and the back region 4 to form the waist opening 5 and the leg openings 6a, 6b, a pair of side seams 17 may be provided, as in the example shown. The side seams 17 and any other seams joining one or more fabric panels 2 may be conventional seams in the art, such as seams made by conventional adhesives and / or mechanical bonding (e.g., conventional adhesives or sewing techniques).

[0061] One or more fabric panels 2 along the undergarment 1 define a central longitudinal axis y of the undergarment 1 from the back region 4 and towards the front region 3. Figure 1 In the example shown, when the underwear 1 is viewed from the front, the central longitudinal axis y points towards the waist opening 5 of the underwear 1. However, when the underwear 1 is viewed from the back (not shown), the central longitudinal axis y points away from the waist opening 5 of the underwear 1.

[0062] exist Figure 2 middle, Figure 1 The absorbent underwear 1 of FIG. 1 is shown in a flat-laid-out state with the side seams 17 of the underwear 1 removed. As seen in this flat-laid-out state, a central longitudinal axis y is defined along the one or more fabric panels 2 and in a direction from the back 4 of the underwear 1 towards the front 3 of the underwear 1. Figure 2In FIG, the absorbent underwear 1 is shown from the wearer-facing side of the article 1. Figure 1 As shown in FIG, one or more fabric panels 2 will have an outer side 9 facing away from the wearer and an inner side 8 facing in a direction towards the wearer. Figure 2 The underwear 1 is shown in a flatly laid-out state as seen from the inner side.

[0063] In addition, a transverse crotch axis x of the underwear 1 is defined in a direction extending between the leg openings 6a, 6b so as to divide the middle region 7 into a front middle region 7a extending longitudinally between the transverse crotch axis x and the front end 61a, 61b of each leg opening 6a, 6b, and a rear middle region 7b extending longitudinally between the transverse crotch axis x and the rear end 62a, 62b of each leg opening 6a, 6b, the transverse crotch axis x being perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis y.

[0064] Thus, the transverse crotch axis x divides each leg opening 6a, 6b into a front portion of the leg opening 6a, 6b, which is intended to extend from the user's crotch toward the front of the underwear when the underwear 1 is worn, and a rear portion of the leg opening 6a, 6b, which is intended to extend from the user's crotch toward the rear of the underwear when the underwear 1 is worn. Thus, when the underwear 1 is worn, the transverse crotch axis x is intended to extend over the user's central crotch area.

[0065] The absorbent underwear 1 may include a waistband 14 disposed along the waist opening 5 of the absorbent underwear 1 .

[0066] The underwear 1 further comprises an absorbent assembly 10. Figure 3 As shown, the absorbent assembly 10 comprises a top layer 15 facing the wearer, a moisture barrier 12 and two intermediate layers 11, 16 superimposed between the top layer 15 and the moisture barrier 12 along a height axis z perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis y and the transverse crotch axis x. The layers 11, 12, 15, 16 of the absorbent assembly 10 will be combined below. Figure 3 Further description.

[0067] like Figure 2 As seen in the underwear 1 shown, the absorbent assembly 10 is positioned on the inside of at least one fabric panel 2. The absorbent assembly 10 is arranged above the transverse crotch axis x and extends in the front central region 7a and in the rear central region 7b.

[0068] Although in some variations the absorbent assembly 10 may extend longitudinally beyond the front middle region 7a in a direction toward the front of the underwear 1, in the variation shown the absorbent assembly 10 does not extend beyond the front middle region 7a in a longitudinal direction toward the front region 3 of the underwear 1.

[0069] The longitudinal extent of the absorbent assembly 10 into the rear middle region 7b may depend, for example, on the design of the underwear 1. In some variations, such as the variation shown, the absorbent assembly 10 may not extend beyond the rear middle region 7b in the longitudinal direction toward the rear region 4 of the underwear 1.

[0070] In this way, the absorbent assembly 10 can be confined to the middle region 7, where the need for absorption is immediately prevalent. However, for example, for underwear intended primarily for nighttime use, the absorbent assembly 10 can extend beyond the rear middle region 7b of the underwear 1 into the rear region 4, and / or beyond the front middle region 7a of the underwear 1 into the front region 3.

[0071] As illustrated by the underwear 1 shown, the absorbent assembly 10 forms a front edge 21c directed toward the front of the underwear 1, a rear edge 21d directed toward the rear of the underwear, and a pair of side edges 21a, 21b. Each side edge 21a, 21b is at least partially directed toward a corresponding leg opening 6a, 6b. Each side edge 21a, 21b thus connects the front edge 21c and the rear edge 21d.

[0072] Each side edge 21a, 21b may be arranged at least partially along a respective leg opening 6a, 6b of the underwear 1, for example at the leg opening 6a, 6b of the underwear 1. In some variations, and in the example shown, the entire side edge 21a, 21b is arranged at the respective leg opening 6a, 6b of the underwear 1, i.e. the side edges 21a, 21b follow the contours of the leg openings 6a, 6b of the underwear 1.

[0073] The shape of the absorbent assembly 10 can be adapted to various absorbent needs and designs of the undergarment 1 to provide adequate absorption and a satisfactory fit.

[0074] For example, the side edges 21a, 21b may include a concave portion, as seen toward the central longitudinal axis y. For example, as in the illustrated variation, the entire side edges 21a, 21b are concave toward the central longitudinal axis y, i.e., they curve inwardly toward the central longitudinal axis y. Thus, the absorbent assembly 10 can be adapted to fit between the legs of a wearer.

[0075] The front edge 21c of the absorbent assembly may be similarly shaped, taking into account the comfort and fit requirements of the underwear 1. In some variations, such as in the underwear 1 shown, the front edge may bulge from the transverse crotch axis x, i.e., bend away from the transverse crotch axis x. Figure 2, at the location of the central longitudinal axis y, the front edge 21c can thereby project toward the front of the underwear 1 beyond the extension of the side edges 21a, 21b of the absorbent assembly 10. This can be beneficial for the fit of the underwear to the body and helps avoid undesirable creases in the fabric panels.

[0076] As described above, each side edge 21a, 21b can be at least partially arranged at the corresponding leg opening 6a, 6b of the underwear 1. This means that the outer edge of the underwear 1 forming each leg opening 6a, 6b at least partially includes the side edge 21a, 21b of the absorbent assembly 10. For example, as in the illustrated embodiment, the outer edge of the underwear 1 forming each leg opening 6a, 6b includes the entire side edge 21a, 21b of the absorbent assembly 10. However, in other embodiments, the underwear 1 can extend laterally beyond the absorbent assembly 10 in at least a portion of the underwear 1 in a direction toward each leg opening 6a, 6b. For example, the side edges 21a, 21b of the absorbent assembly 10 can follow the leg openings 6a, 6b in a portion of the underwear 1 adjacent the transverse crotch axis x, but the side edges 21a, 21b of the absorbent assembly 10 can deviate from the leg openings 6a, 6b in an area further away from the front of the underwear 1. In other words, one or more fabric panels 2 can extend beyond the side edges 21a, 21b in a direction away from the central longitudinal axis y. In such a variation, the portions of the fabric panels 2 that extend beyond the side edges 21a, 21b in a direction away from the central longitudinal axis y can, for example, form the legs of the underwear 1. In this way, the legs that extend beyond the absorbent assembly 10 can conform to the wearer's legs and fold toward the wearer's legs, while the absorbent assembly 10 remains unfolded between the wearer's legs.

[0077] In addition, when each side edge 21a, 21b is at least partially arranged at the corresponding leg opening 6a, 6b of the underwear 1, as in the underwear 1 shown, the minimum component crotch width A of the absorbent component, that is, the minimum distance between the side edges 21a, 21b of the absorbent component 10, can be equal to the minimum underwear crotch width of the middle area 7 of the underwear 1.

[0078] In some underwear designs suitable for the absorbent underwear presented herein, the intermediate region 7 exhibits a relatively narrow crotch portion that includes a transverse crotch axis x, and relatively wide front and rear portions toward the front and rear of the crotch, respectively. Thus, the absorbent assembly 10 can have a minimum transverse width, which is a transverse assembly crotch width A at the transverse crotch axis x, and the width of the absorbent assembly 10 can increase along the longitudinal axis toward the front of the underwear from the minimum transverse assembly crotch width A to a front maximum width C. Furthermore, the width of the absorbent assembly 10 can increase along the longitudinal axis y toward the rear of the underwear 1 from the transverse assembly crotch width A to a rear maximum width.

[0079] The absorbent assembly 10 is permanently attached to at least one of the one or more fabric panels 2 in at least a portion of the intermediate region 7 by a set of one or more bonding members 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d.

[0080] Furthermore, the bonding members 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d can be any type of bonding member suitable for achieving permanent attachment of the absorbent assembly 10 to one or more fabric panels 2. As such, the set of bonding members 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d can include one or more adhesive bonding members, such as adhesive layers, lines, or dots, and / or adhesive tapes, such as elastic bonding tapes, sealing tapes, adhesive tapes, or elastic films.

[0081] The set of bonding members 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d may be applied, for example, as a bonding pattern or layer formed on the surface of the absorbent assembly 10 that faces the one or more fabric panels 2. As such, the set of bonding members may include a layer of adhesive or a pattern of adhesive dots dispersed over an area of ​​the surface of the absorbent assembly 10 that faces the one or more fabric panels 2.

[0082] In another example, and as in the variation shown, the set of bonding members 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d can, for example, be arranged to permanently attach the absorbent assembly 10 to at least one of the one or more fabric panels 2 along at least a portion of one or more of the side edges 21a, 21b, the front edge 21c, and the rear edge 21d.

[0083] For example, as in the illustrated variation, the set of joining members 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d may be arranged to attach the side edges 21a, 21b, the front edge 21c and the rear edge 21d to one or more fabric panels 2.

[0084] The joining members 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d are arranged to extend adjacent the respective edges 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d of the absorbent assembly 10, or other variations can be envisaged in which the joining lines 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d are arranged at the respective edges 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d, for example so as to extend above the respective edges 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d.

[0085] The one or more bond lines 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d may be continuous bond lines, such as continuous adhesive lines. However, in other variations, the one or more bond lines may be discontinuous bond lines.

[0086] The bonding members 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d may be arranged to directly attach the absorbent assembly 10 to one or more fabric panels 2. Alternatively, the bonding members 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d may be arranged to indirectly attach the absorbent assembly 10 to one or more fabric panels 2. For example, the bonding members 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d may be arranged to attach the absorbent assembly 10 to one or more fabric panels 2 via auxiliary elements, such as, for example, edging or reinforcing patches.

[0087] One or more of the bonding members 20c, 20d are arranged to bond the top layer 15 of the absorbent assembly 10 when the absorbent assembly 10 is attached to the one or more fabric panels 2 (see Figure 3 ). Another joining member may join the layers 11, 16, 12 together and seal their edges towards leaks.

[0088] Figure 3 Show Figure 1 and Figure 2 Schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the middle region 7 of the absorbent underwear 1 along the longitudinal axis y. The absorbent assembly 10 comprises a top layer 15 facing the wearer, a moisture barrier 12 and at least two intermediate layers 11, 16 superimposed between the top layer 15 and the moisture barrier 12 along a height axis z perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis y and the transverse crotch axis x. Figure 3 In FIG, for better visibility, the layers 11, 12, 15, 16 are shown spaced apart from each other. However, in practice, the layers will be stacked on top of each other, with each layer contacting the adjacent upper and / or lower layers, as seen in the height direction z. Figure 3 and Figure 4In a variation of , two intermediate layers 11, 16 are shown as an example, in this case an absorbent layer 11 and a wicking layer 16. In addition, the absorbent assembly 10 comprises a liquid-impermeable moisture barrier 12. The liquid-impermeable barrier 12 prevents liquid from leaking through the one or more intermediate layers 11 into the fabric panel 2. The liquid-impermeable barrier 12 can be in the form of a liquid-impermeable barrier layer 12, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 However, in other variations, the liquid-impermeable barrier 12 may be a coating on the wearer-facing side of the fabric panel 2 or on the garment-facing side of the absorbent layer 11. The absorbent assembly 10 further comprises a top layer 15 facing the user's skin and connected to the fabric panel and any intermediate layers 11, 16 of the absorbent assembly 10 by bonding members 20c, 20d in an extension F extending beyond the longitudinal length of the barrier 12. The bonding members 20c, 20d are formed in a manner similar to the embodiment of FIG. Figure 3 In the form of a fastening strip that overlaps the border between the outer edge region of the extension F of the top layer 15 and the fabric panel 2. Figure 4 In FIG. 1 , the fastening members 20 c , 20 d are strips positioned between the top layer 15 and the fabric panel 2 near the edge areas of the extended top layer 15 .

[0089] The present disclosure may vary within the scope of the appended claims.For example, the materials and dimensions of the different layers used to form the absorbent insert may vary, as described above.

Claims

1. A washable and reusable underwear (1) comprising one or more fabric panels (2) forming a front region (3), a back region (4) and an intermediate region (7) extending between the front region (3) and the back region (4), the front region (3) and the back region (4) being joined so that the underwear (1) forms a waist opening (5) and a pair of leg openings (6a, 6b), wherein the one or more fabric panels (2) along the underwear (1) define a central longitudinal axis (y) of the underwear (1) from the back region (4) and towards the front region (3), and define a transverse crotch axis (x) of the underwear (1) in a direction extending between the leg openings (6a, 6b) and so as to divide the middle region (7) into a front middle region (7a) extending longitudinally between the transverse crotch axis (x) and the front end (61a, 61b) of each leg opening (6a, 6b) and a rear middle region (7b) extending longitudinally between the transverse crotch axis (x) and the rear end (62a, 62b) of each leg opening (6a, 6b), the transverse crotch axis (x) being perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis (y); The underwear (1) further comprises an absorbent assembly (10) comprising a wearer-facing top layer (15) of textile material, a moisture barrier (12) and at least one intermediate layer (11, 16) superposed between the top layer (15) and the moisture barrier (12) along a height axis (z) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (y) and the transverse crotch axis (x), the absorbent assembly (10) being permanently attached to at least one of the one or more textile panels (2) in at least a portion of the intermediate region (7) by one or more sets of bonding members (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d), wherein the top layer (15) and / or the one or more textile panels (2) are of natural material and the top layer (15) has a length in the longitudinal direction (y) and an extension (F) beyond the longitudinal length of the barrier (12) and the intermediate layers (11, 16) of the absorbent assembly (10).

2. Underwear according to claim 1, wherein the extension (F) of the top layer (15) is at least 5 mm longer than the barrier (12) and the intermediate layers (11, 16) of the absorbent assembly (10).

3. Underwear according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the extension (F) of the top layer (15) is at least 10 mm longer than the barrier (12) and the intermediate layers (11, 16) of the absorbent assembly (10).

4. Underwear according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the extension (F) of the top layer (15) is less than 100 mm longer than the barrier (12) and the intermediate layers (11, 16) of the absorbent assembly (10).

5. Underwear according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the extension (F) of the top layer (15) is less than 30 mm longer than the barrier (12) and the intermediate layers (11, 16) of the absorbent assembly (10).

6. Underwear according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the extension (F) of the top layer (15) is within the front middle region (7a) and the back middle region (7b) of the undergarment (1).

7. Underwear according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the top layer (15) and the one or more textile panels (2) are of natural textile material.

8. The underwear according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the natural material is selected from the group consisting of cotton, wool, silk, cellulose, regenerated cellulose, rayon, viscose, modal, lyocell, tencel, bamboo, hemp, flax, ramie, coir or banana.

9. Underwear according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the top layer (15) is attached to the fabric panel (2) in an extension (F) of the top layer (15) by one or more bonding members (20c, 20d), the one or more bonding members (20c, 20d) being selected from fastening tapes, adhesive areas or being at least partially formed via a hot pressing process.

10. The underwear according to claim 9, wherein the fastening tape is an elastic bonding tape, a sealing tape, an adhesive tape or an elastic film.

11. Underwear according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the coupling member (20c, 20d) overlaps the border between the outer edge area of ​​the extension (F) of the top layer (15) and the fabric panel (2).

12. Underwear according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the bonding member (20c, 20d) is positioned between the top layer (15) and the fabric panel (2) adjacent to an edge region of the extended top layer (15).

13. The underwear according to claim 9, wherein the heat pressing process is by applying heat and / or pressure to an adhesive material during the manufacture of the underwear (1).

14. Underwear according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one intermediate layer (11, 16) is an absorbent layer.

15. The undergarment according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the undergarment can be washed at a temperature of at least 30°C and reused at least 10 times.

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