Absorbent article comprising outer cover and removable insert

Abstract

An absorbent article (1) comprising a front section (aSf), a rear section (aSb) and a crotch section (aSc) extending between the front section (Sf) and the rear section (Sb), and comprising a reusable outer cover (100) having a garment portion (150) and an absorbent insert (200) wherein the insert (200) comprises a pair of insert leg elastic members (210, 211). And wherein, in each of the rear section (aSb) and the front section (aSf), a leg elastic member width (iWl) is defined as a maximum transverse width on the insert leg elastic member (210, 211) in the front or rear section (aSf, aSb), respectively, and wherein, in at least one, preferably each of the front section (aSf) and the rear section (aSb) of the absorbent article, the width (iWl) of the leg elastic member (iWl) is defined as a maximum transverse width on the insert leg elastic member (210, 211). The absorbent article comprises a set of one or more attachment areas (21, 22; 41, 42) for attaching a front edge portion (201 ') or a rear edge portion (202') of the insert to the outer cover, respectively, in each attachment region, an inward or outward facing surface region of the insert (200) is detachably attached to a surface region of the outer cover (100) via at least one surface fastening material, and in each attachment region, an inward or outward facing surface region of the insert (200) is detachably attached to a surface region of the outer cover (100) via at least one surface fastening material. And wherein the one or more attachment regions (21, 22; a transverse fastening width (aWf) of a transverse width spanned by the first and second segments (aSf, aSb) is not less than a leg spring width (iWl) in the front or rear segment (aSf, aSb), respectively. The disclosure also relates to an outer cover and an absorbent insert.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an absorbent article comprising an outer cover and a detachable insert. The present invention also relates to an outer cover. Further, the present invention relates to an insert for use with an outer cover. Further, the present invention relates to a package enclosing a plurality of inserts. BACKGROUND

[0002] Absorbent articles in the form of diapers and incontinence pads are commonly used for babies and incontinent adults to absorb bodily exudates such as blood, urine, sweat and feces. In particular, when looking at products classified as heavy incontinence articles for adults, these articles have a relatively high absorbent capacity, which products are typically used by physically and / or mentally impaired people. Typically, these heavy incontinence products will be handled by a caregiver to put on and remove from the body of the wearer and purchased by nursing homes, hospitals and / or care related persons.

[0003] Requirements for these products can include: leakage protection, ease of use and changing, comfort to wear, not negatively affecting the skin health of the wearer, and maintaining the dignity of the wearer during changing and wearing.

[0004] To meet these requirements, incontinence products currently used are still predominantly disposable products, single use products being the standard for severe incontinence. Disposable products are easy to use as they require very limited handling after use. However, the production and disposal of these products results in a large waste of materials. After use, the products end up in landfills or, especially for adults taking one or more heavy medications, the absorbent articles can be incinerated.

[0005] Currently, most disposable products are made from or contain a large amount of materials derived from petroleum, such as polypropylene and / or polyethylene, which occur in the form of cloth-like nonwoven web materials and films. With an increasing awareness of the limited availability of petroleum and the various pollution problems it causes during the manufacturing and discarding of products, there is an increasing need for more sustainable alternatives. To this end, products comprising an outer substrate and an absorbent insert have been proposed, wherein one or both of the outer substrate and the absorbent insert are reusable. For this type of products, it is important to ensure that the absorbent insert is correctly positioned with respect to the wearer, so that the safety against leakage and the desired comfort are maintained during use of the product.

[0006] It is therefore an object to provide an absorbent article which can be a sustainable alternative to current disposable products.

[0007] Further, it is an object to provide an absorbent article which can satisfactorily meet the above-mentioned requirements and / or provide an improvement over current products. SUMMARY

[0008] Definitions:

[0009] "Wearer" means a person who can wear an absorbent article as described herein.

[0010] "User" means a person who handles an absorbent article as described herein, i.e. prepares an absorbent article for use and / or applies an absorbent article to a wearer. The user can be the wearer or a caregiver of the wearer.

[0011] "Fluid permeable" means in this context a material which is fluid permeable as understood in the field of absorbent articles. Thus, the material is not intended to hinder fluid leakage through the material to any significant extent. Known fluid permeable materials are for example used as top sheet material in conventional disposable absorbent products. In another example, conventional textile materials such as woven or knitted materials are typically fluid permeable. The fluid permeable material can for example be a textile material which is free from any liquid resistant coating or liquid resistant treatment. The fluid permeable material can for example be a textile material which does not absorb fluid to any significant extent.

[0012] "Air permeable" means in this context a material which allows water vapour to escape through the material.

[0013] For example, air permeable but still liquid impermeable materials are commonly used as back sheet material in absorbent articles. Such back sheet materials can be air permeable while still preventing liquid from passing through the back sheet material. Such air permeable, liquid impermeable materials can for example be porous polymeric films, and laminates formed from porous polymeric films and nonwovens.

[0014] Woven materials, for example knitted or woven textile materials, which are formed with holes are typically air permeable.

[0015] The air permeability of a material is typically measured by the water vapour transmission rate. For example, air permeable materials suitable for use in absorbent articles can have a water vapour transmission rate according to ASTM E398 of more than 1000 g / ms / 24h at 37.8 degrees Celsius.

[0016] "Total absorbent capacity" means in this context the total absorbent capacity measured according to the Rothwell method ISO 11948.

[0017] "Use cycle" of an absorbent article means in this context a series of consecutive steps including applying the absorbent article to a wearer, the wearer wearing the article for a limited period of time, for example during one or several episodes of urinary output, and removing the absorbent article from the wearer.

[0018] "Reusable" means herein an article intended to be used for more than one use cycle. Thus, a reusable article is one that can be used in repeated numbers of use cycles. If desired, a reusable article can be cleaned between use cycles, for example washed or otherwise restored.

[0019] For example, a reusable article can be designed for at least 50 use cycles, such as at least 100 use cycles or at least 500 use cycles.

[0020] "Single use" means herein an article intended to be used for only one use cycle and then discarded. Thus, an article configured for single use is typically discarded after a limited period of use by the wearer, for example during one or a few urinary discharges.

[0021] "Washable" means that the outer cover can be cleaned by washing. Thus, the outer cover can be subjected to an aqueous solution comprising a detergent without losing its structural features. The aqueous solution can be heated to, for example, 40°C or 60°C as part of the washing process.

[0022] A washable outer cover should be able to be washed at least a predetermined number of times without significantly deteriorating features. In particular, a washable outer cover should be able to be washed a predetermined number of times without significantly impairing fastening means, such as any insert fastening means or fastening means for fastening the outer cover around the waist of the wearer. Moreover, a washable outer cover should preferably be able to be washed a predetermined number of times without significantly impairing the leg elastics of the outer cover and / or the elasticity of other materials (e.g. fabric) thereof. Finally, a washable outer cover should preferably be able to be washed a predetermined number of times without significantly impairing the color of the outer cover.

[0023] For example, it is preferred herein that a washable outer cover is able to withstand at least 20 washes at 60°C and still more preferably that a washable outer cover is able to withstand at least 50 washes at 60°C.

[0024] Furthermore, it is preferred that a washable outer cover is "machine washable", i.e. the above washing can be performed in a washing machine.

[0025] "Stretchable" means herein a material that can be stretched from an original measure when subjected to a force during normal use of the article and is able to recover to substantially the same measure.

[0026] "Surface fastening material" means herein a material that can be distributed substantially uniformly over a surface of an area in order to provide a substantially uniform fastening over said area by said surface fastening material. Thus, any part of the area provided with surface fastening material will be ready for attachment via the surface fastening material.

[0027] In some examples, the surface fastening material can provide continuous fastening on the surface in the area comprising the surface fastening material. Such a surface fastening material can for example be an adhesive, which can be applied on the area.

[0028] In some examples, the surface fastening material can provide fastening in a plurality of discrete fastening elements, the density of fastening elements being such that a substantially uniform fastening is provided on the area comprising the surface fastening material. For example, the density of such discrete fastening elements can be at least 10 discrete fastening elements / cm 2 , or more preferably at least 50 discrete fastening elements / cm 2 .

[0029] For example, the plurality of discrete fastening elements can provide mechanical and / or frictional fastening on the area comprising the surface fastening material. Examples of surface fastening materials comprising discrete fastening elements can be hook materials and / or loop materials for forming hook / hook or loop / loop type connections.

[0030] By "fastening area comprising surface fastening material" is meant a surface area on which the surface fastening material is substantially uniformly distributed.

[0031] By "releasable" fastening is meant herein that the fastening area can be used for multiple attachments and detachments of a corresponding fastening area of an insert, without substantially impairing its functionality. For example, for any reusable fastening area, the fastening area can provide at least 50 cycles of attachment / detachment, such as at least 150 times or at least 300 times.

[0032] "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.

[0033] "Texturing" is a 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 weft or filling yarns run from side to side.

[0034] Jacquard is a system of weaving or knitting that utilizes a universal pattern mechanism to produce complex designs by using punched cards that control the patterns produced. Jacquard knitted fabrics can be suitable for circular, flat, warp, or weft knitted fabrics.

[0035] In the context of the present disclosure, a "nonwoven" is a manufactured sheet, web, or mat of directionally or randomly oriented fibers, by frictional and / or cohesive and / or adhesive forces, excluding paper and products which are woven, knitted, tufted, stitch-bonded-joined combination of yarns or filaments or by wet-milling felts, whether or not additionally needled. The fibers can be of natural or man-made origin and can be staple or continuous filaments or formed in situ. Commercially available fibers have diameters ranging from less than about 0.001 mm to more than about 0.2 mm and they come in several different forms: short fibers, continuous single fibers, untwisted bundles of continuous filaments, and twisted bundles of continuous filaments. Nonwoven fabrics can be formed by many processes such as meltblowing, spunbonding, solvent spinning, electrospinning, and carding.

[0036] The term "nonwoven" mentioned in relation to different parts of the insert is situated in terms of their properties between the group of paper and paperboard on the one hand and textiles on the other. A large number of very different production processes are used for nonwoven materials, such as air-laying, wet-laying, spunlacing, spunbonding, meltblown technology, etc. The fibers can be in the form of looped fibers or fibers preformed with looped lengths, such as in-situ produced synthetic fibers or in the form of staple fibers. Alternatively, they can be made of natural fibers or from a blend of synthetic and natural fibers.

[0037] In the context of the present disclosure, the longitudinal length is to be understood as the longest length of the specified part or subpart in the longitudinal direction. Similarly, the transverse width is to be understood as the widest width of the specified part or subpart in the transverse direction.

[0038] When referring to the length of a group comprising one or more items (i.e. the length spanned by the group comprising one or more items), it is referred to the largest longitudinal length of all items in the group, i.e. regardless of whether the items are aligned transversely or not.

[0039] Similarly, when referring to the width of a group comprising one or more items (i.e. the width spanned by the group comprising one or more items), it is referred to the largest transverse width of all items in the group, i.e. regardless of whether the items are aligned longitudinally or not.

[0040] The term "completely contained within" in the present text means that the item, e.g. part or portion, does not extend beyond the part or portion, e.g. does not protrude from the part or portion.

[0041] For the purposes of the present disclosure, and unless explicitly mentioned otherwise, the length, width and other dimensions of a disposable absorbent hygiene product are measured with the disposable absorbent hygiene product in a flattened state on a flat surface, with any contractile elastic means deactivated. By "deactivated" is meant that the elastic means is not activated to contract any portion to which it is attached. To deactivate the elastic means, the elastic means can be cut, for example at one or more locations, or it can be removed. Optionally, in some cases, the elastic means can be stretched such that the portion on which it is arranged is completely flattened. The measurements obtained in such a stretched state can correspond to the measurements obtained when the elastic means is deactivated.

[0042] When the length of an activated portion of an elastic means along another portion is to be determined, the start and end points of the activated portion of the elastic means can initially be marked on the relevant portion. The elastic means can then be deactivated, and when in a flattened state, the distance between the marked start and end points can be measured on the relevant portion.

[0043] An activated portion of an elastic element is a portion that in use can effectively contract the portion to which it is attached. Thus, using the above procedure, portions of the elastic means that cannot be activated, such as glued end portions of an elastic thread, are ignored.

[0044] As used herein, the term "area" of a portion of a product corresponds to the surface area of a flat surface covered by the portion when the product is laid in a flattened state on the flat surface, with any elastic means removed or deactivated.

[0045] To determine the flat area of an article, such as an outer cover, which can comprise several joined panels or sections, it can be necessary to cut the article into several flat panels to determine the area of each panel.

[0046] N.B. In this document, when referring to the area of an outer cover or the length of an outer cover or other dimensions of an outer cover, it refers to the measurements found when any flap members of the outer cover are in their in-use position.

[0047] 1. Absorbent article

[0048] In a first aspect, the present disclosure relates to an absorbent article according to claim 1. Thus, there is provided an absorbent article extending along a longitudinal direction and along a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and wherein a thickness direction is defined perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction, the thickness direction being an inward direction towards a wearer when the article is worn, and an outward direction away from the wearer when the article is worn. The absorbent article comprises a front section, a back section, and a crotch section extending between the front section and the back section in the longitudinal direction.

[0049] Furthermore, the absorbent article comprises:

[0050] a reusable outer cover comprising a garment portion extending at least in the front section and the back section, the front section and the back section of the garment portion being adapted to fit around a waist of a wearer, wherein the front section is positioned at or close to the belly button of the wearer and the back section is positioned against the lower back of the wearer when the article is worn; and

[0051] an absorbent insert comprising a liquid-impermeable backsheet, a liquid-permeable topsheet, and an absorbent assembly disposed between the backsheet and the topsheet, the insert being shaped to cover in use a pubic region of a wearer and a predetermined portion of the buttocks, wherein an inwardly facing side of the topsheet is directed towards the wearer and an outwardly facing side is directed towards the garment portion of the outer cover.

[0052] The insert extends longitudinally between a front edge and a back edge and comprises longitudinal side edges connecting the front edge and the back edge. The insert further comprises a pair of insert leg elastics extending substantially along the longitudinal direction of the insert and arranged on both sides of the insert between the absorbent assembly and the longitudinal side edges of the insert. A leg elastic length is defined as a longitudinal length along the insert leg elastics. In each of the front section and the back section, a leg elastic width is defined as a maximum transverse width over the insert leg elastics in the front section and the back section, respectively.

[0053] In at least one, preferably each, of the front section and the back section of the absorbent article, the absorbent article comprises a set of one or more attachment areas for attaching a front edge portion or a back edge portion of the insert to the outer cover, respectively. In each attachment area, an inwardly facing or outwardly facing surface area of the insert is detachably attached to a surface area of the outer cover by at least one surface fastening material.

[0054] In the at least one, preferably each, of the front section and the back section of the absorbent article, a transverse fastening width, being a transverse width spanned by the set of one or more attachment areas, is not less than the leg elastic width in the front section or the back section of the absorbent article, respectively.

[0055] Accordingly, the front edge portion or the back edge portion of the insert is detachably attached to the outer cover in the set of attachment areas, respectively, while in at least the crotch section of the absorbent article, the inwardly facing side of the insert forms an innermost side of the absorbent article, so as to be directly adjacent to the skin of the wearer in use of the article.

[0056] In absorbent articles, leakage protection and absorbent capacity are primarily provided by the absorbent insert, while the reusable outer cover is adapted to hold the insert in place on the wearer's underbody. At least a portion of the insert's inward-facing side will be directly adjacent to the wearer's skin and can thus be used to receive bodily exudates from the wearer.

[0057] By the outer cover and the insert being separable from each other, the reusable outer cover can be used multiple times with new inserts.

[0058] Properties of the absorbent article

[0059] The outer cover is reusable, i.e. intended for more than one use cycle. If desired, the reusable outer cover can be cleaned, e.g. washed, or otherwise restored as necessary. For example, the reusable outer cover can be used for a plurality of use cycles before being soiled, each use cycle involving the use of a new insert, such that the reusable outer cover needs to be cleaned before being used for a new use cycle.

[0060] Thus, for example, the outer cover can be washable.

[0061] The absorbent insert can also be at least partially reusable, e.g. washable. However, the absorbent insert is typically soiled after each use cycle. Thus, the absorbent insert can be cleaned, e.g. washed or otherwise restored, after each use cycle.

[0062] However, preferably, the absorbent insert can be adapted for single use, i.e. intended for use for only one use cycle and then discarded. In this way, the insert is adapted for use for a limited time, e.g. for receiving bodily exudates only once or a few times. After use, the absorbent insert adapted for single use is discarded.

[0063] Thus, the absorbent article comprising a reusable outer cover and an absorbent insert has advantages over prior art disposable absorbent articles, as at least a portion of the absorbent article is reusable, which improves sustainability.

[0064] The absorbent article has a longitudinal length extending along a longitudinal direction from a front edge via a crotch section to a back edge of the absorbent article. The longitudinal length can be adjusted such that the size of the absorbent article is set to fit an adult.

[0065] Optionally, the absorbent article has a total absorbent capacity of at least 1000 ml, e.g. 1000 to 4000 ml. Thus, the article has an absorbent capacity intended for an adult wearer.

[0066] Optionally, the article has a total absorbent capacity, and the insert provides at least 90%, such as at least 95% or at least 99% of the total absorbent capacity of the absorbent article. Thus, as mentioned above, the absorbent capacity of the absorbent article is substantially provided by the absorbent insert, while the outer cover is relatively non-absorbent and serves the purpose of holding the insert in place relative to the body of the wearer.

[0067] Breathable outer cover & insert

[0068] As mentioned above, the leakage protection and absorbent capacity of the absorbent article is mainly provided by the absorbent insert, while the reusable outer cover is adapted to hold the insert in place on the lower body of the wearer.

[0069] Furthermore, the liquid-impermeable backsheet of the absorbent insert provides most of the required liquid-impermeability of the absorbent article. Thus, the outer cover can be mainly liquid-permeable, e.g. made of a liquid-permeable material such as a textile material.

[0070] For example, at least 50%, such as at least 70% or at least 90% of the total area of the outer cover can be liquid-permeable.

[0071] Since the outer cover does not need to be liquid-impermeable, the outer cover can be adapted according to other desired properties. For example, the outer cover can be made of a material having properties that are beneficial for the skin health of the wearer. For example, the outer cover can be made of a material that provides a desired breathability, softness and / or stretch. Suitable materials can for example be found in textile materials.

[0072] Thus, preferably, the outer cover can be mainly breathable.

[0073] For example, at least 50%, such as at least 70% or at least 90% of the total area of the outer cover can be breathable.

[0074] Thus, a large part of the area of the outer cover can be made of a liquid-permeable, breathable material to be beneficial for the skin health of the wearer. Preferably, the liquid-permeable, breathable material can also be washable.

[0075] As mentioned above, the absorbent insert comprises a liquid-impermeable backsheet. Thus, the outward facing side of the absorbent insert can comprise the liquid-impermeable backsheet. Optionally, the outward facing side of the absorbent insert can consist of the liquid-impermeable backsheet.

[0076] The backsheet of the insert can be breathable to be beneficial for the skin health of the user.

[0077] As such, the absorbent article can comprise a primarily air permeable outer cover as described above, and an absorbent insert having an air permeable liquid impermeable backsheet, such that the absorbent article as a whole is also primarily air permeable.

[0078] The garment portion or portions forming the outer cover can comprise one garment portion forming a front section, a back section, and a crotch section extending longitudinally between the front section and the back section, and the garment portion forms a pair of leg edges, each leg edge facing a respective leg opening when the article is worn. Thus, the garment portion of the outer cover can extend over the crotch section of the absorbent article, thereby interconnecting the front section and the back section of the outer cover. Thus, the garment portion can be adapted to fit around the waist of the wearer with the front section positioned at or near the navel of the wearer, the back section positioned against the lower back of the wearer, and the crotch section positioned between the two leg openings formed by the outer cover.

[0079] Thus, when the outer cover and the insert are used together to form an absorbent article, the outer cover can substantially completely cover the insert. Thus, the outer cover forms the entire outer-facing or garment-facing side of the absorbent article, thereby substantially hiding the insert from view. Thus, the absorbent article has a closer-to-conventional-panty appearance when worn, which will be perceived by the wearer as more dignified and more comfortable than wearing a current disposable diaper.

[0080] Furthermore, the outer cover can protect the insert by providing an additional layer in the outward direction of the insert, such that any tearing or rubbing from the outside, possibly caused by the movements of the wearer, will initially be absorbed by the outer cover, rather than by the outward side of the insert, e.g. the backsheet. Thus, the insert can be held more firmly in place in order to perform its function.

[0081] The outer cover can comprise a pair of leg elastics arranged along the leg edges of the garment portion at least in the crotch section thereof.

[0082] The leg elastics contribute to correct positioning of the absorbent article on the wearer, thereby increasing the ability of the outer cover to keep the absorbent insert in the correct position for the wearer to absorb bodily excretions. Thus, the leg elastics contribute to control the position of the crotch section of the absorbent insert when attached to the outer cover. Furthermore, the leg elastics contribute to the comfort and fit of the outer cover, thereby providing an underwear-like appearance to the absorbent article.

[0083] Insert leg elastics of the absorbent article

[0084] As mentioned above, according to the first aspect, the absorbent article comprises an insert, wherein the insert extends longitudinally between a front edge and a back edge, and comprises longitudinal side edges connecting the front edge and the back edge. Furthermore, the insert can comprise a pair of insert leg elastic members extending substantially in the longitudinal direction of the insert and arranged on both sides of the insert between the absorbent assembly and the longitudinal side edges of the insert. For each of the front section and the back section of the absorbent article, a leg elastic width is defined as the maximum transversal width over the insert leg elastic members in said front section or back section, respectively. Optionally, the leg elastic width in the front section and the back section of the absorbent article can be the same and correspond to the maximum transversal width over the insert leg elastic members of the insert.

[0085] The insert leg elastic members contribute to shape the insert around the body of the user and to provide sufficient fluid tightness at the leg openings of the absorbent article when attached to the wearer. As mentioned above, the outer cover can also comprise leg elastic members. The insert can be adapted to the outer cover such that, in use, the pair of insert leg elastic members of the insert extend transversally inwards from the pair of leg elastic members of the outer cover. Thus, the leg elastic members of the outer cover contribute to provide correct positioning of the insert and the insert leg elastic members, while the insert leg elastic members additionally provide sufficient fluid tightness at the leg openings of the absorbent article to reduce the risk of leakage.

[0086] In said at least one, preferably each, of said back section and front section, the transversal fastening width spanned by the attachment area is not less than the leg elastic width in the front section or back section, respectively. The transversal fastening width not being less than the leg elastic width means that the insert leg elastic members can be stretched in the transversal direction when the insert is attached to the outer cover, thereby ensuring correct functioning and positioning of the insert leg elastic members.

[0087] In the present context, a leg elastic width is defined in each of the front section and the back section of the absorbent article. Optionally, the leg elastic width can be the same in the front section and the back section of the absorbent article and can correspond to the maximum leg elastic width of the insert.

[0088] Optionally, in said at least one, preferably each, of the back section and front section of the absorbent article, the insert comprises a pair of leg edge portions, each leg edge portion extending longitudinally along a respective insert leg elastic member and transversally between the insert leg elastic member and the longitudinal side edge of the insert so as to define a maximum transversal leg edge width between the insert leg elastic member and the respective longitudinal side edge, the maximum transversal leg edge width being at least 1 cm, for example at least 2 cm. For example, the maximum transversal leg edge width can not exceed 4 cm.

[0089] The transverse leg edge width is the distance measured parallel to the transverse direction from the longitudinal side edge to the portion of the insert leg elastic member that is positioned closest to the side edge. Thus, the transverse leg edge width can vary along the insert leg elastic member. The maximum transverse leg edge width is the largest distance measured parallel to the transverse direction from the longitudinal side edge to the portion of the insert leg elastic member that is positioned closest to the side edge along the insert leg elastic member.

[0090] In this context, the maximum transverse leg edge width is defined in each of the front section and the back section of the absorbent article. Optionally, the maximum transverse leg edge width can be the same in the front section and the back section of the absorbent article, and can correspond to the maximum transverse leg edge width of the insert.

[0091] The pair of leg edge portions each extending transversely between the insert leg elastic member and the respective longitudinal side edge of the insert provides additional leakage security to the absorbent article. In use, the leg edge portions extend transversely outwardly from the insert leg opening formed along the insert leg elastic member of the insert.

[0092] When combined with the transverse fastening width spanned by the attachment area that is not less than the leg elastic width, as described above, the leg edge portions can at least partially extend in the transverse direction when the insert is attached to the outer cover. Thus, the leg edge portions can be automatically folded out into the correct position when the insert is attached to the outer cover. Thus, the attachment area facilitates folding out and maintaining the leg edge portions in the transversely extended state during fastening of the absorbent article to the wearer, as well as during use thereof. Accordingly, the manual manipulation required to fold out the leg edge portions can be dispensed with. This is particularly beneficial for adult wearers, by avoiding manual manipulation of the leg edge portions at the crotch region of the wearer, improving the dignity of the wearer in care situations.

[0093] For example, the transverse fastening width can span into at least 50% of the transverse width of each leg portion, such as at least 75% of the transverse width of each leg portion, or at least 80% of the transverse width of each leg portion.

[0094] Optionally, the transverse fastening width can be not less than 70% of the maximum width of the insert in the said front edge portion or back edge portion, respectively, in said at least one, preferably each, of the front section and the back section of the absorbent article. For example, the transverse fastening width can be not less than 80% or 90% of the maximum width of the insert in the said front edge portion or back edge portion, respectively.

[0095] Furthermore, the pair of insert leg elastic members extend along the leg elastic length. In the at least one, preferably each, of the rear section and the front section, each attachment region can be positioned longitudinally between an end of the insert leg elastic member and the front edge or the rear edge of the insert, respectively. Thus, the functionality of the attachment region can be improved to ensure the extension of the insert leg elastic member in the longitudinal direction. For example, the set of one or more cover fastening regions can be limited to a longitudinal portion of the insert not spanned by the leg elastic length. In other words, the set of one or more cover fastening regions is positioned longitudinally between the front end of the insert leg elastic member and the front edge of the insert, or the rear end of the insert leg elastic member and the rear edge of the insert, respectively.

[0096] Thus, when the transversal fastening width is greater than the leg elastic width, and each attachment region is positioned longitudinally in a portion of the insert between the front end / rear end of the insert leg elastic member and the front / rear edge of the insert, the attachment region can ensure the stretching of the insert leg elastic member in the transversal and longitudinal directions.

[0097] The inward-facing side of the insert can comprise a pair of inner side leakage barriers extending in the longitudinal direction of the insert.

[0098] An insert comprising a pair of inner side leakage barriers as exemplified above and a pair of insert leg elastic members as exemplified above will provide, in use, a double barrier against leakage of bodily fluids from the insert. The side leakage barriers, also referred to as "upstanding gathers", are described in more detail below in relation to the insert. The side leakage barriers can be stretched open and raised above the inward-facing surface of the topsheet.

[0099] Thus, the suggested positions of the attachment regions as described above have the additional advantage that these positions facilitate raising the side leakage barriers and keeping them in place when the absorbent article is in use.

[0100] In particular, when the insert comprises a pair of insert leg elastic members as described herein and a pair of inner side leakage barriers as defined herein, the suggested positions of the attachment regions as explained herein can be used to stretch open the insert leg elastic members while further facilitating raising the inner side leakage barriers.

[0101] Subsets of attachment areas of the absorbent article

[0102] Optionally, in the at least one, preferably each, of the rear section and the front section, the set of one or more attachment regions comprises a first subset of one or more attachment regions and a second subset of one or more attachment regions, wherein the first subset and the second subset are spaced apart around the longitudinal centre axis of the insert. Preferably, the first subset and the second subset are symmetrically spaced apart around the longitudinal axis of the insert.

[0103] Thus, the absorbent article can have no attachment areas over the spacing width between the outer cover and the insert, said spacing width being measured transversely between said first and second subgroups of attachment areas.

[0104] This facilitates shaping of the insert of the absorbent article when the absorbent article is in use. Notably, the front section and / or the back section of the insert can be held over the transversal fastening width in order to fix the position of the insert relative to the wearer, while allowing relative movement between the outer cover and the insert over the spacing width. This allows the insert to be shaped relative to the body of the wearer, e.g. to assume a slight cup shape.

[0105] For example, the transversal spacing width can be at least 40% of the transversal fastening width, such as at least 50% or at least 60% of the transversal fastening width.

[0106] Tab members of the absorbent article

[0107] Optionally, in said at least one of the front section and the back section of the absorbent article, the outer cover comprises at least one flap member extending from the garment portion. The flap member has a use position in which a space is formed between an outwardly facing inner side of the flap member and an inwardly facing side of the garment portion, which space is open in the longitudinal direction towards the crotch section for receiving therein the respective back edge portion or front edge portion of the insert, respectively, while the insert extends over the crotch section of the absorbent article.

[0108] The flap member extends from the garment portion in the back section or the front section, respectively. For example, the flap member can be attached to the inwardly facing surface of the garment portion in the back section and / or the front section, respectively.

[0109] As mentioned above, in the variants of the absorbent article presented herein, for one or more attachment areas of the set of one or more attachment areas, the attachment between the insert and the outer cover can be via the inwardly facing side of said insert. In each such attachment area, a surface area of the inwardly facing side of the insert can be detachably attached to a surface area of the outwardly facing inner side of the flap member when in the use position.

[0110] Optionally, in said at least one (preferably each) of the front section and the back section of the absorbent article, all attachment areas of the set of one or more attachment areas are attachment areas in which a surface area of the inwardly facing side of the insert is detachably attached to a surface area of the outwardly facing inner side of the flap member when in the use position.

[0111] This helps to provide a secure bond between the insert and the outer cover. Thus, as seen from the direction of the outer side when the article is worn, the attachment area is covered by both the insert itself and the outwardly facing layer of the outer cover. Thus, the attachment area is difficult to access by the inquisitive and prying fingers of the wearer. Furthermore, the garment portion of the outer cover forming the outwardly facing surface of the absorbent article can also move relatively independently of the insert at the location of the attachment area without directly affecting the attachment area. Thus, movements of the wearer which can cause the outward side of the absorbent article to be pulled or rubbed are less likely to adversely affect the attachment of the insert to the outer cover.

[0112] As mentioned above, in other variants of the absorbent article presented herein, for one or more of the set of one or more attachment areas, the attachment between the insert and the outer cover can be made through the outward side of said insert. In each such attachment area, a surface area of the outward side of the insert can be detachably attached to a surface area of the inwardly facing inner side of the garment portion of the outer cover. Also in such variants, the outer cover can optionally be provided with one or more flap members, as explained above. In such variants, the flap members can for example serve the purpose of covering the front end edge or the back end edge of the insert when attached to the outer cover, in order to reduce any discomfort or chafing resulting therefrom. Furthermore, it can be desirable that at least one flap member extends over at least any insert fastening region of the garment portion, thereby also reducing the risk of chafing or discomfort from the insert fastening region if the insert is accidentally released therefrom when the article is in use.

[0113] Optionally, the insert has an insert longitudinal length, and in said at least one, preferably each, of the back section and the front section, each flap member has a longitudinal flap length which is such that in the use position and when the insert is attached to the outer cover, the flap member extends over less than 20% of the insert longitudinal length, for example over less than 15% of the insert longitudinal length, preferably over less than 10% of the insert longitudinal length.

[0114] Thus, each side flap member covers a limited length of the insert longitudinal length, leaving a substantial portion of the inward side of the insert comprising the topsheet exposed, such that at least a portion of the topsheet is directly adjacent to the skin of the wearer.

[0115] For example, the portion of the topsheet which is directly adjacent to the skin of the wearer can be a major portion of the topsheet. Thus, the major portion of the topsheet which is directly adjacent to the skin of the wearer can have a longitudinal length of at least 50% of the total topsheet length, such as at least 75% of the total topsheet length or at least 80% of the total topsheet length.

[0116] The total topsheet length can be substantially equal to the insert longitudinal length, i.e. the topsheet can extend over the entire length of the insert.

[0117] Thus, for example, when the outer cover comprises at least one front flap member in the front section and at least one rear flap member in the rear section, the front flap member and the rear flap member can have respective longitudinal lengths such that, in the use position and when the insert is attached to the outer cover, the front flap member and the rear flap member together extend over less than 50% of the insert longitudinal length. For example, the front flap member and the rear flap member can together extend over less than 75% of the insert longitudinal length, for example less than 80% of the insert longitudinal length.

[0118] Optionally, the insert has an insert area, and in said at least one, preferably each, of the front section and the rear section, the flap area of the outwardly facing inner side of each of the flap members of the outer cover is such that, in the use position and when the insert is attached to the outer cover, the flap members extend over less than 20% of the insert area, for example over less than 15% of the insert area, or preferably over less than 10% of the insert area.

[0119] Thus, for example, when the outer cover comprises at least one flap member in each of the front section and the rear section of the outer cover, the front flap member(s) and the rear flap member(s) can have respective areas such that, in the use position and when the insert is attached to the outer cover, the front flap member(s) and the rear flap member(s) together extend over less than 50% of the insert area. For example, all flap members of the absorbent article can together extend over less than 75% of the insert area, for example over less than 80% of the insert area.

[0120] Attachment between insert and outer cover in the absorbent article

[0121] The attachment area of the absorbent article is the area in which the inwardly facing side of the insert or the outwardly facing side of the insert is detachably attached to the surface area of the outer cover via the at least one surface fastening material.

[0122] Thus, it will be appreciated that the surface fastening material is distributed over the entire attachment area, i.e. on the inwardly facing side or the outwardly facing side of the insert and / or the corresponding surface area of the outer cover.

[0123] Thus, the attachment between the insert and the outer cover occurs over the entire attachment area, and thus any forces experienced by the attachment area when the absorbent article is in use are distributed over the attachment area. This provides a favourable load distribution between the insert and the outer cover, avoiding peak loads that can occur when using point connections such as buttons or snaps, for example. Furthermore, the attachment via the surface fastening material provided in said area can be user friendly, as attachment between the inward facing side of the insert and the outward facing side of the outer cover can be achieved while providing some tolerance for the precise relative position between the insert and the outer cover - again in contrast to point connections such as buttons or snaps. Furthermore, as will be further explained below, the attachment using one or more surface fastening materials can be achieved using a relatively thin and flexible surface fastening material, thereby contributing to wearer comfort and avoiding the risk of chafing.

[0124] Thus, according to the definition, the set of one or more attachment areas comprises all attachment areas in the front section or the back section, respectively, wherein the surface area of the inward facing side or the outward facing side of the insert is detachably attached to a surface area of the outer cover via at least one surface fastening material.

[0125] Possibly, in addition to the set of attachment areas in the front section and the back section, respectively, providing detachable attachment between the surface area of the inward facing side or the outward facing side of the insert and the outer cover, the absorbent article can also provide additional detachable attachment between the outer cover and the insert. For example, additional attachment can be provided between the outer cover of the insert in the crotch portion of the absorbent article. However, any such additional attachment should preferably be minimised, as the additional attachment can compromise the benefits obtained by using a set of one or more attachment areas as proposed herein.

[0126] Preferably, each of the front section and the back section of the absorbent article comprises a set of attachment areas providing detachable attachment between the surface area of the inward facing side and the outward facing side of the insert and the outer cover, wherein said sets of attachment areas constitute the only attachment between the insert and the outer cover in the absorbent article.

[0127] For example, in at least one of the front section and the back section of the absorbent article, preferably each, each of the set of one or more attachment areas can provide detachable attachment between the surface area of the inward facing side of the insert and the outward facing inside of the flap member, and said set of attachment areas can constitute the only attachment between the insert and the outer cover in the front section or the back section, respectively.

[0128] For example, each of the front section and the back section of the absorbent article comprises a set of attachment areas providing detachable attachment between the inwardly facing surface area of the insert and the outwardly facing inner side of the wing member, wherein the set of attachment areas constitutes the only attachment between the insert and the outer cover in the absorbent article.

[0129] Hence, in said at least one, preferably each, of the front section and the back section of the absorbent article, the outer cover can comprise a set of one or more insert fastening areas, each insert fastening area comprising a surface fastening material for providing detachable attachment to the inwardly facing surface or outwardly facing surface of the insert in at least one of said set of one or more attachment areas. Hence, an insert fastening area is an area on which a surface fastening material is distributed.

[0130] Alternatively or additionally, in said at least one, preferably each, of the front section and the back section of the absorbent article, the inwardly facing side and / or the outwardly facing side of the insert can comprise a set of one or more cover fastening areas, each cover fastening area comprising a surface fastening material for providing detachable attachment to the outer cover in at least one of said set of one or more attachment areas. A cover fastening area is thus an area on which a surface fastening material is distributed.

[0131] Preferably, the outer cover comprises a set of one or more insert fastening areas, each insert fastening area comprising a surface fastening material, and the inwardly facing side and / or the outwardly facing side of the insert comprises a set of one or more cover fastening areas, wherein the surface fastening material of the set of insert fastening areas and the surface fastening material of the set of cover fastening areas are corresponding surface fastening materials for forming said detachable connection. Hence, said set of attachment areas is formed where said set of one or more insert fastening areas overlap with said set of one or more cover fastening areas.

[0132] As mentioned above, each insert fastening area of the outer cover can comprise a surface fastening material. In this case, for example, the surface fastening material can provide detachable attachment to a material layer on the inwardly facing side or outwardly facing side of the insert, which material layer can be directly attached to the surface fastening material of the insert fastening area. For example, such a material layer can be formed by the topsheet material or the leakage barrier forming material of the insert. Hence, the insert fastening area can be attached to any location on the material layer, such as to any location on the inwardly facing side of the insert, or to any location on the topsheet.

[0133] Similarly, each cover fastening area of the insert can comprise a surface fastening material for providing detachable attachment to any location on the outer cover.

[0134] However, preferably, as mentioned above, the insert comprises a set of one or more cover fastening regions comprising surface fastening material, and the outer cover comprises a set of one or more insert fastening regions comprising corresponding surface fastening material for detachably attaching said insert to said outer cover.

[0135] Thus, preferably, the insert comprises a set of one or more cover fastening regions comprising surface fastening material different from the rest of the one or more material layers of the insert at which the cover fastening region is arranged, either the inwardly facing side or the outwardly facing side of the insert. For example, the cover fastening region can comprise surface fastening material different from the topsheet material layer and / or the leakage barrier forming layer on the inwardly facing side of the insert. Thus, the attachment region can be adapted to provide a possible connection between the insert and the outer cover only at the cover fastening region. Thus, the connection between the outer cover and the insert can be controlled in terms of, for example, the location of the connection and / or the strength of the formed connection.

[0136] For example, the insert fastening regions of the outer cover can be adapted to provide a stronger connection when attached to the cover fastening regions of the insert than when attached to any other part of the inwardly facing side or the outwardly facing side of the insert, respectively.

[0137] For example, each of the insert fastening regions of the outer cover can be adapted to be non-adhesively attached to the inwardly facing side of the insert or the outwardly facing side of the insert, respectively, except for the cover fastening region. This can facilitate handling and ensure correct positioning of the insert relative to the outer cover.

[0138] Preferably, the one or more cover fastening regions of the insert comprise a first surface fastening material, and the one or more insert fastening regions of the outer cover comprise a second surface fastening material cooperating with the first surface fastening material for forming a detachable connection.

[0139] For example, each of the set of one or more cover fastening regions of the insert can have approximately similar size and shape as the corresponding one of the set of one or more insert fastening regions.

[0140] Detachable attachment

[0141] “Detachable” fastening refers herein to that the attachment region can be used for attachment and detachment a plurality of times without substantially impairing its functionality.

[0142] For example, the attachment region can provide at least 50 cycles of attachment / detachment, such as at least 150 cycles or at least 500 cycles.

[0143] It will be appreciated that if the absorbent insert is a single-use insert, then providing detachable fastening of the insert to the outer cover for multiple use cycles can mean fastening a new insert to the outer cover for each use cycle.

[0144] Thus, for single-use inserts, it can be sufficient that the one or more cover fastening regions are adapted for detachable use for a relatively low number of use cycles, such as for example at least 10 use cycles, from the corresponding one or more insert fastening regions. However, when used with a reusable outer cover, the one or more insert fastening regions can be adapted for detachable use for a relatively large number of use cycles, for example at least 50 use cycles, or at least 150 or at least 500 use cycles, from the corresponding one or more insert fastening regions (from multiple separate single-use inserts).

[0145] Thus, it can be desirable that the one or more cover fastening regions of the insert are separable from the corresponding one or more insert fastening regions on the outer cover without impairing the functionality of the reusable one or more insert fastening regions of the outer cover.

[0146] For example, the one or more cover fastening regions can be non-disintegrating fastening regions, i.e. the cover fastening regions can be such that they do not disintegrate when removed from attachment with the insert fastening regions.

[0147] For example, it can be desirable that the one or more cover fastening regions of the insert are separable from the corresponding one or more insert fastening regions of the outer cover without leaving residues such as debris on the reusable one or more insert fastening regions of the outer cover. If residues of disintegrated cover fastening regions of the insert are left on the insert fastening regions of the outer cover, this can impair the functionality of the insert fastening regions when subsequent attachment of a new insert to the outer cover is desired to be performed.

[0148] For example, surface fastening materials such as adhesives can be prone to leaving residues when removed from attachment.

[0149] For example, adhesive residues left on the insert fastening regions of the outer cover can impair the functionality of subsequent attachment to the insert fastening regions, and / or the residues can be difficult to remove from the insert fastening regions by washing.

[0150] Thus, the surface fastening material of each attachment region in the set of one or more attachment regions can preferably be a non-adhesive surface fastening material (non-adhesive meaning that the surface fastening material is not an adhesive or glue.

[0151] Similarly, the surface fastening material of each of the set of one or more insert fastening regions of the outer cover can preferably be a non-adhesive surface fastening material.

[0152] Similarly, the surface fastening material of each of the set of one or more cover fastening regions of the insert can preferably be a non-adhesive surface fastening material.

[0153] For example, each of the at least one surface fastening material of the set of one or more attachment regions of the absorbent article can provide releasable attachment by mechanical fastening and / or frictional fastening.

[0154] For example, in at least one, preferably each, of the set of one or more insert fastening regions of the outer cover, the surface fastening material can be adapted to allow releasable mechanical and / or frictional fastening thereto by a mating fastening material.

[0155] For example, in at least one, preferably each, of the set of one or more cover fastening regions of the insert, the surface fastening material can be adapted to allow releasable mechanical and / or frictional fastening thereto by a mating fastening material.

[0156] That the fastening material is adapted to allow mechanical and / or frictional fastening thereto means that it can provide a releasable connection over a relatively large number of use cycles. Furthermore, the mechanical and / or frictional fastening can be provided which also sufficiently maintains its functionality over a number of wash cycles.

[0157] For example, the surface fastening material adapted to allow releasable mechanical and / or frictional fastening thereto by mechanical and / or frictional fastening can comprise a plurality of discrete fastening elements. For example, the density of such discrete fastening elements can be at least 10 discrete fastening elements / cm 2 , more preferably at least 50 discrete fastening elements / cm 2 .

[0158] For example, the surface fastening material adapted to allow releasable mechanical and / or frictional fastening thereto by a mating fastening material can be a fastening material comprising a plurality of discrete fastening elements comprising a stem protruding from an upper surface of the fastening region from which it is distributed.

[0159] For example, the discrete fastening elements comprising a protruding stem can be in the form of hooks. The surface fastening material comprising hooks can for example be adapted to allow releasable mechanical and / or frictional fastening to another surface material comprising hooks, i.e. to form a hook / hook connection. In another example, the surface fastening material comprising hooks can be adapted to allow releasable mechanical and / or frictional fastening to another surface fastening material comprising loops, i.e. to form a hook / loop connection.

[0160] By "hook" is meant a discrete protruding fastening element. The hooks can have any shape. Examples of hooks include pins, such as straight pins, angled pins, curved pins, tapered pins, limb or multi-limbed pins, hooks, limb or multi-limbed hooks, mushroom-shaped protrusions, and palm tree-shaped protrusions. The hooks can have any type of cross-section, such as circular, oval, square, rectangular, or polygonal. The hooks can have a solid core. Within one surface fastening material, all of the hooks can have the same shape. Alternatively, one surface fastening material can include a plurality of different shapes of hooks.

[0161] In surface fastening materials that include "loops", the discrete fastening elements can be in the form of, for example, loops of fiber.

[0162] The surface fastening material can be disposed directly on an underlying surface, such as the outwardly facing surface of a wing member of an outer cover or the inwardly facing surface of an insert.

[0163] By selecting a surface fastening material as set forth herein, the cover fastening region and / or the insert fastening region, as well as the attachment region, can be flexible, i.e., they can have sufficient flexibility to be able to conform adequately to the body of a wearer without creating unnecessary chafing or discomfort.

[0164] Additionally, by selecting a surface fastening material as set forth herein, the cover fastening region and / or the insert fastening region, as well as the attachment region, can be relatively thin, again to avoid unnecessary chafing discomfort.

[0165] For example, optionally, the height of the attachment region is less than 3 mm, such as less than 2 mm, when in the attached state.

[0166] For example, when the fastening material includes a plurality of discrete fastening elements, such as discrete fastening elements that include a stem that protrudes in an outward direction, the height of the discrete fastening elements can be less than 3 mm, such as less than 2 mm, or less than 1.5 mm.

[0167] For example, when the outer cover includes one or more insert fastening members (as will be described below), each insert fastening member can have a height that is less than 3 mm, such as less than 2 mm, or less than 1.5 mm.

[0168] For example, when the insert includes one or more cover fastening members (as will be described below), each cover fastening member can have a height that is less than 3 mm, such as less than 2 mm, or less than 1.5 mm.

[0169] Fastening members

[0170] Optionally, the insert comprises one or more cover fastening members arranged on the inwardly facing side or the outwardly facing side of the insert, each cover fastening member providing at least one of the one or more cover fastening areas in said set.

[0171] The one or more cover fastening members can be attached to the inwardly facing side of the insert, e.g. by adhesive or welding. For example, ultrasonic welding or heat seal welding can be used.

[0172] Alternatively or additionally, the outer cover comprises one or more insert fastening members arranged on the outer cover, each insert fastening member providing at least one of the insert fastening areas in said set.

[0173] The one or more insert fastening members can be attached to the outer cover, e.g. by seam or welding.

[0174] Hence, a surface fastening material can be arranged on the cover fastening members or the insert fastening members, respectively. The surface fastening material can be arranged to form one or more areas on the cover fastening members or the insert fastening members, the areas of fastening material thus corresponding to the one or more cover fastening areas or insert fastening areas provided by the cover fastening members or the insert fastening members, respectively.

[0175] To this end, the cover fastening members or the insert fastening members can comprise a sheet-formed base.

[0176] For example, at least one, such as all, of the one or more insert fastening members can comprise a sheet-formed base having a length in the longitudinal direction and a width in the transverse direction, and comprising one or more areas of surface fastening material.

[0177] For example, at least one, such as all, of the one or more cover fastening members can comprise a sheet-formed base having a length in the longitudinal direction and a width in the transverse direction, and comprising one or more cover fastening areas of surface fastening material.

[0178] The sheet-formed base of the insert fastening members / cover fastening members can have a first surface and a second surface substantially parallel, wherein the first surface is attached to the inwardly facing side or the outwardly facing side of the outer cover / insert.

[0179] Hence, the insert fastening members or the cover fastening members can comprise a sheet-formed base comprising one or more insert fastening areas or one or more cover fastening areas, respectively.

[0180] Preferably, at least one (such as all) of the one or more insert fastening members or cover fastening members may include a sheet-formed base, each sheet-formed base including no more than one insert fastening region or cover fastening member.

[0181] For example, the surface fastening material may include a plurality of discrete fastening elements, said discrete fastening elements including rods protruding from the surface of a base formed from a sheet. The rods may, for example, be hooks adapted to attach to corresponding rings.

[0182] Cover fastening areas and insert fastening areas

[0183] Preferably, any surface fastening material including the protruding bar is arranged on the outward-facing side of the insert or outer cover, i.e., the side away from the wearer during use. For example, the surface fastening material including the protruding bar can be selected as the insert fastening surface arranged on the outward-facing inner side of the flap member. This serves to prevent the protrusion from contacting the wearer's skin.

[0184] Therefore, for example, for at least one (such as all) of the insert fastening regions of the group, the surface fastening material may include a plurality of discrete fastening elements, such as discrete fastening elements including rods protruding in the outward direction, as seen when the blade member is in the use position.

[0185] Preferably, any surface fastening material on the inward-facing side of the insert does not have protrusions. Therefore, it can be ensured that even if improperly fastened to the outer cover, such that some portions of the cover's fastening area are not covered by the flap members, the cover's fastening area should not risk damaging the wearer's skin.

[0186] For example, at least one (such as all) of one or more cover fastening members in the group may include ring material.

[0187] Insert fastening areas of the outer cover

[0188] For example, as described above, the one or more insert fastening areas may include protruding members, such as hooks. For example, the one or more insert fastening members may include hook material. By positioning the insert fastening areas on the outer side of the flap member, such hooks are thus guided away from the wearer's skin during use, thereby reducing any risk of abrasion damage to the wearer's skin during use.

[0189] Furthermore, it has been recognized that hook materials generally are more capable than loop materials of maintaining their properties over multiple wash cycles. Thus, for a washable outer cover, by providing an insert fastening region comprising a plurality of discrete fastening elements comprising a stem protruding from a surface on the outward-facing side of the flap member, e.g. a hook, the risk of protrusions coming into contact with the wearer's skin is reduced, while ensuring functionality of the insert fastening region throughout the service life of the washable outer cover.

[0190] As mentioned above, the one or more insert fastening regions can be adapted to be attached to any surface of the inward-facing side of the insert facing the wearer, such as to a nonwoven surface, such as a topsheet surface of the insert. However, it has been found that there can be a risk of debris from e.g. the nonwoven surface, such as from the topsheet material, loosening from the insert when the insert is removed from the insert fastening region. Such debris can accumulate on the insert fastening region, thereby gradually impairing its functionality. Furthermore, it has been found that such debris is difficult to remove from the fastening region even when washed.

[0191] Thus, it can be preferred that the one or more insert fastening regions are adapted to be detachably attached to the corresponding one or more designated cover fastening regions comprising corresponding surface fastening material and arranged on the inward-facing side of the insert.

[0192] Furthermore, when attachment of the insert is made through the designated cover fastening regions of the insert, proper positioning of the insert relative to the outer cover can be better ensured.

[0193] Optionally, the garment portion of the outer cover and the set of insert fastening regions of the outer cover are non-adhered to each other.

[0194] In this way, the materials of the insert fastening regions and the garment portion, e.g. the fabric sheet of the garment portion, can be chosen such that the insert fastening regions are not adhered to the garment portion. Thus, the risk of the insert fastening regions inadvertently being fastened to the garment portion is eliminated.

[0195] Additionally, the flap member and the one or more insert fastening regions can be non-adhered to each other.

[0196] As mentioned above, the flap member and the garment portion can comprise the same material, e.g. a fabric material that is non-adhered to the insert fastening regions.

[0197] This can equally apply to any additional fastening members of the outer cover.

[0198] For example, the back section of the outer cover can comprise one or more first waist attachment devices, and the front section of the outer cover can comprise one or more second waist attachment devices corresponding to the first waist attachment devices, so as to provide detachable fastening of the outer cover around the waist of the wearer. For example, such waist attachment devices can comprise hook and / or loop material. As such, the first and / or second waist attachment devices can not be adhered to the garment portion and / or the flap member.

[0199] Cover fastening areas of the insert

[0200] For example, at least one, such as all, of the one or more cover fastening regions can be formed by a material layer of loop material.

[0201] Loop material can be relatively soft to the touch, such that the risk of causing friction damage is relatively low even if the material is accidentally placed against the skin of the wearer.

[0202] Furthermore, loop material can be made of a material that is cheaper and / or more environmentally sustainable than the corresponding hook material. Thus, it can be advantageous to be able to provide loop material on a single-use insert for use with hook material on a reusable outer cover.

[0203] It will be appreciated that the above features and explanations relating to fastening material, attachment regions, cover fastening regions, and insert fastening regions apply equally to the absorbent article of the first aspect as described herein, the outer cover of the second aspect as described below, and the insert of the third aspect as described below.

[0204] Further features and advantages of the absorbent article will be apparent from the following description of an outer cover for forming an absorbent article and an insert for forming an absorbent article. It will be appreciated that features described for the outer cover and features described for the insert can be applied to the absorbent article described above, alone or in combination.

[0205] The longitudinal length of the absorbent article refers to the maximum longitudinal length from the front edge to the back edge of the absorbent article, i.e. the maximum longitudinal length of the outer cover with the insert detachably attached thereto, and said maximum longitudinal length is measured through the crotch section of the absorbent article. In other words, the longitudinal length is the maximum longitudinal length seen over the crotch width Wcof the absorbent article. Thus, portions of the absorbent article that extend laterally beyond the crotch width can not be considered when determining the longitudinal length of the absorbent article. For example, laterally extending side portions provided to provide fastening of the absorbent article around the waist of the wearer can not be considered. The crotch width of the absorbent article is the minimum width of the crotch section of the absorbent article, i.e. the minimum width of the portion of the absorbent article intended to be positioned between the leg openings formed by the absorbent article when in use.

[0206] Furthermore, it should be appreciated that the longitudinal length of the absorbent article can deviate from the longitudinal length of the outer cover, as the outer cover can be wrinkled in the longitudinal direction, for example, when the insert is attached to the outer cover.

[0207] 2. Outer cover

[0208] In a second aspect, the disclosure relates to an outer cover according to claim 27.

[0209] Thus, the disclosure relates to a reusable outer cover for an absorbent article, the outer cover extending in a longitudinal direction and in a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, wherein an inward direction is defined as towards a wearer when the article is worn, and an outward direction is defined as away from the wearer when the article is worn, the inward and outward directions being perpendicular to the transverse and longitudinal directions. The outer cover has a longitudinal length extending in the longitudinal direction, and is subdivided into a front section, a back section, and a crotch section. The crotch section of the outer cover defines a minimum transverse crotch width of the outer cover.

[0210] The outer cover comprises a garment portion extending in the front section, the back section, and the crotch section, said front and back sections of the garment portion being adapted to fit around a waist of a wearer, wherein the front section is positioned at or close to the navel of the wearer, the back section is positioned against the lower back of the wearer, and the crotch section is positioned between two leg openings formed by the outer cover, such that the garment portion defines an inward facing surface facing towards the wearer and an outward facing surface facing away from the wearer when the outer cover is worn.

[0211] In at least one, preferably each, of the front section and the back section, the outer cover comprises a set of one or more insert fastening regions, each insert fastening region of said set comprising a surface fastening material for detachably attaching an insert to said outer cover.

[0212] Furthermore, in said at least one, preferably each, of the front section and the back section of the outer cover, said set of one or more insert fastening regions spans a transverse fastening width, which is not less than the minimum transverse crotch width of the outer cover.

[0213] Thus, the garment portion of the outer cover can be adapted to fit around a waist of a wearer, wherein the front section is positioned at or close to the abdomen of the wearer, the back section is positioned against the lower back of the wearer, and the crotch section is positioned between two leg openings formed by the outer cover.

[0214] Thus, when used in an absorbent article together, the outer cover can substantially completely cover the insert. Thus, the outer cover forms the entire outward facing surface or garment facing side of the absorbent article, thereby substantially hiding the insert from view. Thus, the absorbent article has a closer to regular underpants appearance when worn, which will be perceived by the wearer as more dignified and more comfortable than wearing a disposable diaper.

[0215] Furthermore, the outer cover can protect the insert and provide an additional layer, such that any tearing or rubbing from the outside that can be caused by the wearer's movements will initially be absorbed by the outer cover. Thus, the insert can be held more firmly in place in order to perform its function.

[0216] Since the garment portion of the outer cover extends over the crotch section of the outer cover, any rubbing or tearing that the outer cover can be subjected to when worn affects the garment portion of the outer cover and not the absorbent insert attached to the outer cover. Thus, the position of the absorbent insert relative to the wearer can be fixed to facilitate providing sufficient absorption and hindering leakage.

[0217] Portions of the outer cover

[0218] The garment portion of the outer cover can comprise a main body forming a transversely central portion of the garment portion and extending longitudinally from the back end of the outer cover between the legs of the wearer to the front end of the outer cover when the outer cover is used. Thus, the crotch section of the outer cover, at least a central portion of the front section, and at least a central portion of the back section of the outer cover can be formed by the main body.

[0219] In the front section and / or the back section of the outer cover, the main body can be provided with one or more laterally extending side portions for providing attachment of the outer cover around the waist of the wearer. For example, a pair of side portions can be arranged in the front section of the outer cover to fasten to another pair of side portions arranged in the back section of the outer cover. In other examples, a pair of side portions are arranged in one of the front section and the back section of the outer cover and attached to the other of the front section and the back section of the outer cover. In other examples, the front section or the back section of the outer cover can be provided with a single or a pair of attachable side portions in order to form a closed circumference around the wearer, i.e. a belt, after which the opposite front section or back section of the outer cover can be attached to the one or more side portions.

[0220] The attachment between the side portions of the outer cover or between the side portions and the front section or the back section can be via waist attachment means. For example, the side portions can be provided with waist attachment means for attachment to corresponding waist attachment means provided on the other side portion or on the front section or the back section of the outer cover for closing the article around the waist of the wearer.

[0221] For example, when a pair of side portions are arranged in one of the front section and the rear section of the outer cover, the inwardly facing side of the side portions can be provided with waist attachment means for attachment to corresponding attachment means provided on the outwardly facing side of the opposite front section or rear section of the outer cover, respectively, for closing the article around the wearer's waist.

[0222] In certain examples, the rear section of the outer cover can be provided with a pair of side portions, each extending laterally on each side of the main body and intended to be fastened to the front section of the outer cover. For example, the inwardly facing side of the side portions can be provided with waist attachment means for attachment to corresponding attachment means provided on the outwardly facing side of the front section of the outer cover, for closing the article around the wearer's waist.

[0223] Waist attachment means of the outer cover

[0224] Generally, in the front section or the rear section of the outer cover, the inwardly facing surface of the garment portion can be provided with a pair of waist attachment means to fasten to corresponding waist attachment means on the outwardly facing surface of the garment portion in the opposite rear section or front section, respectively. For example, in the rear section of the outer cover, the inwardly facing surface of the garment portion can be provided with a pair of waist attachment means to fasten to corresponding waist attachment means on the outwardly facing surface of the garment portion.

[0225] The waist attachment means can comprise mating attachment areas, such as fastening areas or attachment areas similar to those described below in relation to the insert fastening areas of the insert or the cover fastening areas of the insert of the outer cover. For example, the waist attachment means can comprise corresponding hooks and loops.

[0226] Properties of the outer cover

[0227] The outer cover is reusable, i.e. intended for more than one use cycle of the absorbent article. Thus, at the beginning of each use cycle, a new absorbent insert can be attached to the outer cover to form the absorbent article, and after each use cycle, the absorbent insert can be removed from the outer cover and discarded. The outer cover can be constructed to be cleanable between use cycles. Thus, if desired, the outer cover can be cleaned between each use cycle. However, it can be preferred that the outer cover is cleaned only when deemed necessary, i.e. when the outer cover is deemed to be soiled as to require cleaning after one or more use cycles.

[0228] In order to provide effective cleaning, the outer cover can be constructed to be washable.

[0229] For example, the outer cover can be constructed to be machine washable.

[0230] For example, the outer cover can be configured for at least 20 wash cycles, such as for at least 20 machine wash cycles as defined herein.

[0231] Optionally, the outer cover can be configured for at least 50 wash cycles, such as for at least 50 machine wash cycles as defined herein.

[0232] Optionally, the outer cover can be configured for at least 20 machine wash cycles, such as at least 50 machine wash cycles at 60 degrees Celsius.

[0233] Washing allows for hygienic cleaning of the outer cover, thereby further increasing the reusability of the cover. Machine washable is preferred as this makes it easier for the caregiver to clean and reuse the product.

[0234] As mentioned above, the outer cover is not primarily intended to contain bodily exudates, such as urine or feces from a wearer. Instead, the absorbent insert that will be attached to the outer cover when the absorbent article is in use will perform the function of absorbing bodily exudates from the wearer.

[0235] Thus, the outer cover can be primarily liquid permeable.

[0236] The outer cover being primarily liquid permeable means that the outer cover is substantially permeable to liquids, such as urine.

[0237] Thus, at least 50% of the total area of the outer cover can be liquid permeable. For example, at least 70% or at least 90% of the total area of the outer cover can be liquid permeable.

[0238] The outer cover can be primarily liquid permeable means that suitable materials for the outer cover can be selected among liquid permeable materials.

[0239] Thus, the outer cover can be made of a liquid permeable material, such as a textile fabric. This provides an absorbent article with a more underwear-like appearance and feel resulting from the combination of the outer cover and the absorbent insert.

[0240] The outer cover can be primarily air permeable. The outer cover being air permeable, i.e. gas permeable, means that air and other gases can pass through the outer cover. This is beneficial for the skin health of the wearer.

[0241] Thus, at least 50% of the total area of the outer cover can be air permeable. For example, at least 70% or at least 90% of the total area of the outer cover can be air permeable.

[0242] Preferably, the outer cover can be primarily liquid permeable and primarily air permeable. Thus, the outer cover can be made of a liquid permeable, air permeable material, such as for example a textile material.

[0243] Suitably, the outer cover can be primarily liquid permeable, primarily breathable and washable, as described above. To this end, suitable materials that are liquid permeable, breathable and washable can be selected to form the outer cover. Again, suitable materials can be found among liquid permeable, breathable and washable textile materials.

[0244] For example, the garment portion of the outer cover can comprise one or more fabric pieces forming a front section, a back section and a crotch section of the garment portion.

[0245] Thus, the one or more fabric pieces can be selected from liquid permeable, breathable and / or washable materials.

[0246] For example, the one or more fabric pieces can comprise a textile fabric. Suitable textile fabrics can be liquid permeable, breathable and / or washable.

[0247] For example, the one or more fabric pieces can comprise a knitted textile fabric.

[0248] The knitted textile fabric can be adapted to provide elasticity to the outer cover.

[0249] For example, the one or more fabric pieces can comprise a weft-knitted textile fabric material, for example as a weft-knitted single jersey.

[0250] For example, the outer cover can comprise a textile fabric having a basis weight between 150 gsm and 300 gsm, such as in the range between 200 gsm and 250 gsm. For example, the one or more fabric pieces can comprise a textile fabric having a basis weight between 150 gsm and 300 gsm, such as in the range between 200 gsm and 250 gsm. Such a fabric can be a knitted textile fabric, for example a weft-knitted textile fabric, for example a weft-knitted single jersey as described above.

[0251] The outer cover can comprise a material that is elastic in at least one direction, preferably in two directions. For example, the one or more fabric pieces can comprise a material that is elastic in at least one direction, preferably in two directions. Such a material can be, for example, a knitted fabric as described above.

[0252] For example, the outer cover can comprise a textile fabric comprising polyester.

[0253] Thus, the one or more fabric pieces of the garment portion can comprise a textile fabric comprising polyester. For example, a majority of the area of the garment portion can comprise a textile fabric comprising polyester, for example at least 60% of the area, or at least 80% or at least 90% of the area.

[0254] For example, the one or more fabric pieces can comprise a textile fabric comprising a mixture of polyester and elastane. For example, the one or more fabric pieces can comprise a textile fabric comprising not less than 70% polyester, such as not less than 80% polyester. For example, the one or more fabric pieces can comprise a textile fabric comprising 70 to 90% polyester and 30 to 10% elastane. For example, the one or more fabric pieces can comprise a fabric comprising 80% polyester and 20% elastane.

[0255] It has been found that polyester materials have advantageous properties throughout use and washing cycles, for example in relation to shrinking, retaining their shape and stretching.

[0256] For example, the outer cover can comprise a textile fabric comprising recycled material. Thus, one or more fabric pieces of the garment portion can comprise a textile fabric comprising recycled material. For example, a majority of the area of the garment portion can comprise a textile fabric comprising recycled material, such as at least 60% of the area, or at least 80% or at least 90% of the area.

[0257] For example, the amount of recycled material in the textile fabric can be at least 20%, such as at least 50%, or at least 70%.

[0258] In an example, the garment portion can comprise one single fabric piece forming the front section, the back section and the crotch section of the garment portion.

[0259] In another example, the garment portion comprises more than one fabric piece, each fabric piece being joined to form the front section, the back section and the crotch section of the garment portion. Using more than one fabric piece can provide additional options for controlling the shape of the outer cover and / or other properties of the outer cover such as elasticity.

[0260] The fabric pieces can be joined by any suitable joining means. For example, the joining means can be selected taking into account requirements such as washability and / or breathability of the outer cover into account.

[0261] For example, the fabric pieces can be joined by adhesive joining means such as tape.

[0262] For example, the fabric pieces can be joined by mechanical joining means such as stitching or seams.

[0263] The fabric pieces can be permanently joined, i.e. intended to be joined throughout the life cycle of the outer cover.

[0264] Optionally, when the garment portion comprises more than one fabric piece, the fabric pieces can be made of different fabrics. Thus, different properties of the different fabrics can be used to impart different functionalities and / or aesthetics to the garment portion and the outer cover.

[0265] In another option, when the garment portion comprises more than one piece of fabric, the pieces of fabric can be made from the same fabric. Thus, the pieces of fabric will have similar properties, i.e. liquid permeability and / or breathability, as well as similar behaviour in use, e.g. washing and wearing. This can be advantageous for durability of the reusable outer cover. Furthermore, using the same fabric material for the pieces of fabric can provide efficient use of the fabric material during manufacturing, thereby reducing fabric material waste.

[0266] As mentioned above, when the absorbent insert is connected to the outer cover, the absorbency of the absorbent article formed by the outer cover is primarily provided by the absorbent insert alone.

[0267] For example, the crotch section of the outer cover can be substantially non-absorbent, which means that the crotch section is not intended to absorb any bodily exudates to a significant extent.

[0268] For example, the garment portion of the outer cover can be substantially non-absorbent, and / or the entire outer cover can be substantially non-absorbent.

[0269] Substantially non-absorbent means herein that the outer cover is not intended to absorb and retain fluid to a significant extent.

[0270] To this end, the garment portion and / or one or more pieces of fabric of the outer cover can be composed of one or more materials, each material being substantially non-absorbent.

[0271] Transverse fastening width of the outer cover

[0272] As mentioned above, according to the second aspect, there is provided an outer cover, wherein said set of one or more insert fastening regions spans a transversal fastening width which is not less than the minimum transversal crotch width in said at least one, preferably each, of the front section and the back section of the outer cover.

[0273] Also as mentioned above, the crotch section of the outer cover defines the minimum transversal crotch width of the outer cover.

[0274] Thus, the set of one or more insert fastening regions allows for attaching the insert in a position such that the insert is held transversally to a sufficient width in the front section and / or the back section, respectively, whereas in at least a portion of the crotch section, the insert can be adapted to assume a cup shape substantially within the minimum transversal width of the outer cover.

[0275] For example, the respective transversal fastening width can be not less than 110% of the minimum transversal width, such as not less than 120% of the minimum transversal width of the outer cover (crotch width).

[0276] The outer cover can comprise a pair of leg elastic members arranged along the leg openings of the garment portion at least in the crotch section of the garment portion.

[0277] The leg elastic member can be separated by a maximum leg elastic member spacing width. The maximum leg elastic member spacing width is the maximum lateral width between the elastic activation portions of the leg elastic member.

[0278] Similarly, the leg elastic member is separated by a minimum leg elastic member spacing width. The minimum leg elastic member spacing width is thus located in the crotch section of the garment portion, and the minimum leg elastic member spacing width can be close to the minimum lateral width of the outer cover (crotch width).

[0279] For example, in said at least one, preferably each, of the front section and the back section of the outer cover, the set of one or more insert fastening regions spans a respective lateral fastening width that is less than the maximum leg elastic member spacing width. Thus, a desired positioning of the leg elastic member of the outer cover laterally outside the insert attached to the set of one or more insert fastening regions can be ensured.

[0280] For example, when in said at least one, preferably each, of the front section and the back section of the outer cover, the set of one or more insert fastening regions spans a respective lateral fastening width that is less than the maximum leg elastic member spacing width and greater than the minimum lateral width of the outer cover, a correct positioning of the insert relative to the outer cover when using the absorbent article can be facilitated.

[0281] Thus, as can be understood from the above, the crotch section of the outer cover can advantageously be free of insert fastening regions. In fact, the outer cover as a whole can be free of insert fastening regions, except for said set of one or more insert fastening regions located in at least one, preferably each, of the front section and the back section of the outer cover.

[0282] Subsets of insert fastening areas

[0283] In said at least one, preferably each, of the front section and the back section of the outer cover, the set of one or more insert fastening regions can comprise a first subset of one or more insert fastening regions and a second subset of one or more insert fastening regions, wherein the first subset and the second subset are spaced apart by a lateral spacing width around the longitudinal centre axis of the outer cover. Preferably, the first subset and the second subset can be symmetrically spaced apart by the lateral spacing width around the longitudinal axis.

[0284] In this way, the insert can be free of fastening regions over the lateral spacing width. This means that the insert can be free of attachment to the outer cover in the central lateral region, which is advantageous for shaping of the insert during use. For example, the spacing arrangement can allow the insert to assume a slight cup shape when viewed in the lateral direction, thereby improving the insert retention capability. Furthermore, the spacing arrangement of the insert fastening regions allows an arrangement in which correct positioning of the insert to the outer cover can be facilitated. Furthermore, when the insert is free of insert fastening regions over the lateral spacing width, the surface fastening material of the insert fastening regions is only provided where needed, which means that the amount of material on the outer cover can be reduced.

[0285] As mentioned above, the crotch section of the outer cover can define a minimum lateral width (crotch width). For example, the lateral spacing width can be no less than the minimum lateral width. For example, the lateral spacing width can be at least 120% of the minimum lateral width.

[0286] Thus, the first and second subgroups of one or more insert fastening regions can ensure that the insert extends at least over the crotch width of the outer cover when attached to the insert fastening regions.

[0287] For example, the lateral spacing width can be at least three times the lateral width of each insert fastening region, or at least four times the lateral width of each insert fastening region.

[0288] For example, the lateral spacing width can be no less than 40% of the lateral fastening width, such as no less than 50% of the lateral fastening width or no less than 60% of the lateral fastening width.

[0289] For example, in said at least one (preferably each) of the front section and the back section, the first and second subgroups of one or more insert fastening regions can be provided on the same panel member, preferably on a single panel member in the front section or the back section, respectively.

[0290] For example, the front section and the back section of the outer cover can each be provided with a single panel member, each single panel member comprising a first subgroup of one or more insert fastening regions and a second subgroup of one or more insert fastening regions, the first and second subgroups being spaced apart by a lateral spacing width, preferably symmetrically, around the longitudinal centre axis of the insert. For example, the first and second subgroups can each comprise a single fastening region.

[0291] In one example, each sub-group of insert fastener regions can be provided by a single insert fastener member attached to a single flap member. For example, such an insert fastener member can include a sheet-formed base carrying a first sub-group of one or more insert fastener regions comprising surface fastening material and a second sub-group of one or more insert fastener regions comprising surface fastening material, the first and second sub-groups being spaced apart by a transverse spacing width.

[0292] However, in another example, each insert fastener region can be provided by a separate insert fastener member, each insert fastener member including one insert fastener region comprising surface fastening material. This can advantageously reduce the amount of material added to the insert, and / or reduce any additional stiffness implied by the presence of the insert fastener member on the outer cover.

[0293] Extent of insert fastening areas

[0294] In said at least one, preferably each, of the front section and the back section, the group of insert fastener regions can span a maximum longitudinal length that is no more than 20% of the longitudinal length of the outer cover, such as no more than 15% of the longitudinal length of the outer cover, or no more than 10% of the longitudinal length of the outer cover.

[0295] Optionally, said group of one or more insert fastener regions can be limited to a front end region or a back end region of the outer cover, said front end region or back end region extending longitudinally from a front edge or a back edge of the outer cover and extending over a maximum longitudinal length that is no more than 20% of the longitudinal length of the outer cover, such as no more than 15% of the longitudinal length of the outer cover, or no more than 10% of the longitudinal length of the outer cover.

[0296] Thus, the attachment of the insert to the outer cover is limited to the front end region or the back end region of the front section or the back section of the outer cover. Thus, when the article is worn, the front edge region or the back edge region can be securely held by the outer cover, while the crotch section of the insert can not be attached to the outer cover.

[0297] Insert fastening areas when positioned on tab members

[0298] Optionally, in at least one, preferably each, of the front section and the back section of the outer cover, the outer cover comprises at least one flap member extending from the garment portion. Each flap member has a use position in which the outward-facing inner side of the flap member faces the inward-facing side of the garment portion so as to form a space between the outward-facing inner side of the flap member and the inward-facing side of the garment portion that is open in the longitudinal direction towards the crotch section for receiving a respective back edge portion and / or front edge portion of the insert therein.

[0299] In some variations, each insert fastening region of the set of one or more insert fastening regions is positioned on an outwardly facing inner side of at least the panel member. Each insert fastening region in the set comprises a surface fastening material for detachably attaching an insert to the outer cover.

[0300] Thus, in the front section and / or the back section of the garment portion, the panel member is arranged such that, at least in the in-use position, the panel member delimits a space open in the longitudinal direction towards the crotch section for receiving a respective back edge or front edge of an insert. The space is open in the longitudinal direction towards the crotch section. Thus, a back edge or front edge of an absorbent insert can be positioned in said space and an inwardly facing side of the insert can be attached by said one or more insert fastening regions, each comprising a surface fastening material, while the absorbent insert extends out of said space and over the crotch section of the outer cover so as to be available for absorbing bodily fluids when the absorbent article is in use.

[0301] The one or more insert fastening regions in the set are positioned on an outwardly facing side of at least the panel member, facing the garment portion. Thus, in the in-use position, a second side of the panel member opposite the outwardly facing inner surface is an inwardly facing surface facing the intended wearer.

[0302] The panel member can be a generally planar member extending in a plane spanned by a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis.

[0303] Thus, when the outer cover is in use, the one or more insert fastening regions positioned on the outwardly facing side of the panel member will be directed away from the wearer in a direction towards the garment portion of the outer cover. Thus, any risk of the wearer experiencing chafing or discomfort caused by the surface fastening material of the insert fastening region is significantly reduced - even if the insert can accidentally come loose from the insert fastening region. In addition, the positioning of the insert fastening region on the outwardly facing side of the panel member means that the panel member will be securely held towards the inwardly facing side of the insert when the article is in use. Thus, any risk of the panel member being inadvertently folded or creased, causing possible discomfort to the wearer, is reduced.

[0304] Furthermore, in case the one or more insert fastening regions are positioned on the panel member, any undesirable aesthetic effect on the outer cover caused by the insert fastening region, e.g. a seam attaching the insert fastening member to the outer cover, will only occur on the panel member and be invisible from the outside of the garment portion when the outer cover is in use. The outwardly facing surface of the garment portion is intended to be the outwardly facing surface of the entire absorbent article, and thus will be directed towards the regular garment of the wearer when the outer cover is in use.

[0305] Furthermore, the one or more insert fastening areas are positioned on an outwardly facing surface of the flap member which is spaced apart from the garment portion, meaning that the movement of the garment portion is less restricted by the insert fastening areas and thus the insert when the outer cover is in use. For example, any area of the garment portion on which the flap member extends will be able to follow the overall movement of the garment portion and thus, the appearance of the garment portion will be more like an underwear garment without visible tension in the garment portion caused by the attachment of the insert to the outer cover.

[0306] Similarly, the position of the insert fastening areas and thus the insert will be less susceptible to being displaced due to, for example, the garment portion being subjected to a tear or friction caused by the wearer’s movements.

[0307] According to the above definition, the set of one or more insert fastening areas comprises all insert fastening areas in the front section or the back section, respectively, which are positioned on the outwardly facing inner side of the at least one flap member and which comprise a surface fastening material for detachably attaching the insert.

[0308] Possibly, in addition to the set of insert fastening areas positioned on the outwardly facing inner side of the at least one flap member, the outer cover can comprise additional fastening areas for providing detachable attachment between the outer cover and the insert. For example, additional fastening areas can be provided on the garment portion of the outer cover. However, any such additional fastening areas should preferably be minimized as additional attachment can compromise the benefits obtained by using a set of one or more insert fastening areas positioned on the outwardly facing inner side of the flap as set forth herein.

[0309] In contrast, in at least one of the front section and the back section of the outer cover, preferably in each of them, the set of one or more insert fastening areas positioned on the outwardly facing inner side of the at least one flap member can constitute the only insert fastening element for detachably attaching the insert to the outer cover in said front section and / or back section of the outer cover.

[0310] Preferably, each of the front section and the back section of the outer cover comprises a set of insert fastening areas positioned on the outwardly facing inner side of the at least one flap member, wherein said set of insert fastening areas constitutes the only insert fastening element of the outer cover for detachably attaching the insert to the outer cover.

[0311] The outwardly facing side of the flap member can face at least a portion of the inwardly facing surface of the garment portion, i.e. the area of the inwardly facing surface facing the wearer on which the flap member extends. Thus, a space can be formed between the outwardly facing side of the flap member and the inwardly facing surface of the garment portion.

[0312] For example, the region of the inner-facing surface of the garment portion over which the flap member extends (when in the position of use) can be free of insert fastening regions. Alternatively, the entire garment portion can be free of insert fastening regions. Thus, the only attachment between the outer cover and the insert can be via the flap member comprising a plurality of sets of insert fastening regions, which can be configured for fastening towards the insert's inner-facing side.

[0313] Insert fastening areas positioned on garment portions

[0314] In certain variations, each insert fastening region of the set of one or more insert fastening regions is positioned on the inner-facing side of the garment portion, in which variations the outer cover can have a flap member as described above, such that the insert is covered by the at least one flap member in the position of use. Each insert fastening region of the set comprises a surface fastening material for removably attaching the insert to the outer cover.

[0315] In such variations, the attachment of the insert to the outer cover can be made through the outer-facing side, i.e. the backsheet side, of the insert. In such variations, the flap member can serve, for example, in covering the front or back end edge of the insert upon attachment to the outer cover, thereby minimizing any discomfort and chafing resulting therefrom. Furthermore, it is desirable that the at least one flap member extends at least over any insert fastening region of the garment portion, so as to reduce chafing and discomfort from the insert fastening region if the insert is accidentally released therefrom in the position of use of the article.

[0316] Tab members of the outer cover

[0317] For example, in the at least one, preferably each, of the front and back sections, each flap member can be located at the front or back edge, respectively, of the outer cover.

[0318] Thus, the flap member in the front section can extend longitudinally from the front edge of the outer cover towards the crotch section. Similarly, the flap member in the back section can extend longitudinally from the back edge of the outer cover towards the crotch section.

[0319] Thus, the insert can be attached in the front and / or back section of the outer cover, respectively, proximate the front and / or back edge of the outer cover. Thus, the position of the insert fastening region, and hence the position of the insert upon attachment to the outer cover, can be fixed.

[0320] Thus, in the at least one, preferably each, of the front and back sections, each flap member can have, for example, a longitudinal length of no more than 20% of the longitudinal length of the outer cover, such as no more than 15% of the longitudinal length of the outer cover, or no more than 10% of the longitudinal length of the outer cover.

[0321] When in the use position, the longitudinal length of the flap member refers to the maximum longitudinal length of the flap member freely extending in the longitudinal direction. For example, the free length can be measured in the longitudinal direction between the joint attaching the flap member to the garment portion and the free end of the flap member.

[0322] The longitudinal length of the outer cover refers to the maximum longitudinal length measured from the front edge to the back edge of the outer cover via the crotch section of the outer cover. In other words, the longitudinal length is the maximum longitudinal length seen over the crotch width of the outer cover. Thus, portions of the outer cover extending laterally beyond the crotch width can be disregarded when determining the longitudinal length of the outer cover. For example, the lateral extensions of the side portions providing fastening of the outer cover around the waist of the wearer can be disregarded. The longitudinal length of the outer cover is measured when any flap members of the outer cover are in their use position.

[0323] Optionally, each of the front section and the back section comprises at least one flap member, and the sum of the maximum longitudinal length of the flap members in the front section and the back section is no more than 30% of the total longitudinal length of the outer cover, such as no more than 20% of the total longitudinal length of the outer cover.

[0324] The sum of the maximum longitudinal length refers to the sum of the maximum longitudinal length of the flap members in the front section and the maximum longitudinal length of the flap members in the back section.

[0325] The flap members being relatively short compared to the longitudinal length of the outer cover means that, when in the use position, the flap members will leave a substantial portion of the inwardly facing side of the outer cover uncovered, as seen from the inward direction of the outer cover. Thus, in use, the insert connected to the outer cover will form the inwardly facing surface of the absorbent article over this substantial portion. Thus, the flap members will leave a substantial portion of the inwardly facing surface of the insert free to receive bodily exudates from the wearer. Furthermore, in the crotch section of the absorbent article, the inwardly facing surface of the outer cover (the crotch section of the outer cover) will be substantially covered by the insert, which protects the outer cover from contamination.

[0326] For example, the longitudinal length of each flap member can be less than the longitudinal length of the respective front section or back section in which it is arranged. Thus, each flap member can be confined to the respective front section and back section, leaving the crotch section of the outer cover free.

[0327] The outer cover can be such that the garment portion is not covered by any flap member (as seen from the inward side of the outer garment) over at least 50% of the longitudinal length of the outer cover when each flap member is in the use position. For example, the garment portion is not covered by any flap member over at least 70% or at least 80% of the longitudinal length of the outer cover.

[0328] Thus, over at least 50% of the longitudinal length of the outer cover, such as over 70% or at least 80% of the longitudinal length of the outer cover, the wearer-facing side of the garment portion forms the wearer-facing side of the outer cover when each of the wing member of the outer cover is in the use position.

[0329] In certain variations, the longitudinal length of the wing member can be selected to provide sufficient area for one or more insert fastening regions disposed on the garment-facing, inward facing surface of the wing member, while still not covering more of the wearer-facing side of the insert attached to the outer cover than is necessary.

[0330] In certain variations, the longitudinal length of the wing member can be selected to provide sufficient area for covering one or more insert fastening regions disposed on the garment portion of the outer cover when the wing member is in the use position, while still not covering more of the wearer-facing side of the insert attached to the outer cover than is necessary.

[0331] In the at least one, preferably each, of the front section and the back section, the area of each wing member can be no more than 20% of the area of the outer cover, such as no more than 15% of the area of the outer cover. Preferably, each wing member can have an area that is no more than 10% of the area of the outer cover.

[0332] The total area of all of the wing members of the outer cover can be no more than 40% of the area of the outer cover. For example, the total area of the wing members can be no more than 30% of the total area of the garment portion. Preferably, the total area of the wing members can be no more than 20% of the total area of the garment portion.

[0333] In certain variations, where one or more insert fastening regions are disposed on the outward facing side of the wing member, in the use position, at least one, such as each, of the one or more insert fastening regions can each have an area that is less than the area of the respective wing member in which it is disposed. Additionally, the sum of the areas of all of the insert fastening regions on the wing member can be less than the area of the wing member.

[0334] In certain variations, where one or more insert fastening regions are disposed on the inward facing side of the garment portion so as to be covered by the wing member when in use, the area of at least one, such as each, of the one or more insert fastening regions can each be less than the area of the respective wing member in which it is disposed. Furthermore, the sum of the areas of all of the insert fastening regions covered by the wing member (when in the use position) can be less than the area of the wing member.

[0335] The advantages of the restricted area of the flap member / insert fastening area of the flap member as described above in relation to the outer cover or garment portion are analogous to those described above in relation to the length.

[0336] Engagement of tab members with garment portions

[0337] The at least one flap member can extend from the garment portion via one or more joints and / or one or more folds. In other words, the at least one flap member can be connected to the garment portion via one or more joints and / or one or more folds.

[0338] For example, each flap member can be formed from a separate piece of material, such as a piece of fabric, which is connected to the garment portion via one or more joints, such as seams, welds, adhesive joints, etc. Preferably, the one or more joints can be seams.

[0339] In another example, the flap member can be formed from a portion of a piece of material which also forms a portion of the garment portion. For example, a piece of fabric can be folded such that on one side of the fold it forms a portion of the garment portion and on the other side of the fold it forms a flap member.

[0340] Furthermore, in some examples, the flap member can extend from the garment portion via one or more folds and one or more joints.

[0341] The at least one flap member has a position of use in which the outwardly facing inner side of the flap member faces the inwardly facing side of the garment portion so as to form a space between the outwardly facing inner side of the flap member and the inwardly facing side of the garment portion which opens in the longitudinal direction towards the crotch section.

[0342] To this end, the flap member can comprise a free edge pointing towards the crotch section which is not attached to the garment portion when in the position of use so as to allow introduction of a portion of the insert into the space.

[0343] The flap member extends from the free edge in the longitudinal direction towards a front end or a rear end of the outer cover, respectively, to a front edge or a rear edge.

[0344] For example, the flap member can extend from the garment portion at least along the rear edge or the front edge of the flap member, respectively. In other words, the flap member can be connected to the garment portion at least along the rear edge or the front edge. The connection can be made via, for example, a fold or one or more joints as described above.

[0345] Furthermore, the flap member can comprise laterally spaced apart side edges which connect the free edge and the front / rear edge of the flap member. The side edges can extend in the general longitudinal direction along the outer cover.

[0346] For example, the flap member can extend from the garment portion at least along laterally spaced side edges of the flap member. In other words, the flap member can be connected to the garment portion at least along said laterally spaced side edges. As mentioned above, the connection can be made via, for example, one or more folds and / or one or more joints. The free edge of the flap member directed towards the crotch section of the outer cover can extend between the laterally spaced side edges of the flap member.

[0347] As mentioned above, each flap member has a position of use in which the outwardly facing inside of the flap member faces a space opened in the longitudinal direction towards the crotch section for receiving the respective rear edge and / or front edge of the insert therein.

[0348] In some variants, the flap member can have a position of non-use in which the flap member does not face or delimit such a space. For example, in the position of non-use, the flap member can be folded such that the side of the flap member which in the position of use is directed outwards, i.e. the side of the flap member carrying the insert fastening regions, faces in an inwards direction. For example, the flap member can be in such a position of non-use while the absorbent insert is arranged such that its outwards side faces the inwards side of the outer cover. Once the insert is correctly positioned relative to the outer cover, the flap member can be brought to the position of use, thereby forming the space receiving the edges of the insert.

[0349] For example, the flap member having a position of non-use can be a flap member extending from the garment portion only along the rear edge or the front edge of the flap member, respectively, instead of along laterally spaced side edges.

[0350] Optionally, however, the flap member is permanently in the position of use.

[0351] For example, with the flap member extending from the garment portion at laterally spaced side edges, the position of use of the flap member can be a default position in which the flap member remains directed downwards towards the garment portion. In use, the front edge and / or the rear edge of the insert can be introduced into the space of the flap member provided between the first and second side joints or folds disposed at the laterally spaced side edges.

[0352] Thus, in case the set of insert fastening regions is arranged on the outwards side of the flap member, this set of insert fastening regions is covered, thereby preventing any accidental contact between the surface fastening material of the insert fastening regions and the wearer’s skin.

[0353] Similarly, in case the set of insert fastening regions is arranged on the inwards side of the garment portion which is covered by the flap member when in the position of use, this set of insert fastening regions is covered.

[0354] Furthermore, by the wing member being connected to the garment portion at the side edges, it can be ensured that the wing member is held in place when the outer cover is worn.

[0355] Furthermore, for each wing member, it can be desirable that the wing member extends from the garment portion at at least a pair of locations, wherein one of the pair of locations is located on a first lateral side of a longitudinal centre axis of the garment portion and the other of the pair of locations is located on a second lateral side of the longitudinal centre axis of the garment portion. (The longitudinal centre axis of the garment portion is the longitudinal centre axis through the crotch portion of the outer cover).

[0356] When the outer cover is worn, due to the attachment of the outer cover around the waist of the wearer, the front and back sections thereof will be subjected to opposite lateral forces in a direction away from the longitudinal centre axis of the outer cover. Via the at least one location on each side of the central longitudinal axis to which the wing member is connected, the opposite lateral forces applied to the garment portion can be transmitted to the wing member, thereby ensuring that the wing member stretches in the lateral direction and remains close to the body of the wearer.

[0357] For example, as mentioned above, when the wing member extends from the garment portion at least along the front / back edges of the wing member, respectively, the fold or joint forming the connection to the garment portion can extend laterally over the longitudinal centre axis of the outer cover, such that the wing member is connected to at least one location on each side of the longitudinal axis.

[0358] For example, as mentioned above, when the wing member extends from the garment portion at at least two laterally spaced side edges, one side edge can be positioned on one lateral side of the longitudinal centre axis of the outer cover and the other side edge can be positioned on the other lateral side of the longitudinal centre axis of the outer cover.

[0359] As mentioned above, in the front and / or back section of the outer cover, the main body can be provided with one or more laterally extending sides for providing attachment of the outer cover around the waist of the wearer. For example, the wing member can be arranged to extend from the garment portion such that the lateral forces applied to the laterally extending sides are transmitted to the wing member.

[0360] When the wing member extends from the garment portion at at least two laterally spaced side edges, the wing member can be connected to the garment portion along a longitudinal length of each side edge, which longitudinal length is at least such that the connection spans the length spanned by the set of insert fastening regions of the wing member. For example, the connection can span substantially the entire longitudinal length of the two laterally spaced side edges.

[0361] In one example, the flap member can extend from the garment portion at the rear / front edge and at laterally spaced side edges such that the space between the inwardly facing surface of the flap member and the wearer-facing side of the garment portion is open only in the longitudinal direction towards the crotch section. Thus, it will be facilitated to correctly position the rear edge or front edge of the insert respectively in the space. Furthermore, the above mentioned advantages in relation to permanent use position and force distribution can be obtained.

[0362] The material of the flap member can be chosen to be washable to the same extent as the material of the garment portion of the outer cover, and as described above. Furthermore, although the flap member will cover a relatively small area of the wearer when the article is in use than the garment portion, it can still be desirable for the flap member to be breathable and / or liquid permeable.

[0363] Thus, the material for the flap member can be chosen to be a washable, breathable and / or liquid permeable material. Thus, the material properties and materials discussed above in relation to the entire outer cover or garment portion are also preferred for the flap member.

[0364] For example, in the same manner as described above in relation to the garment portion of the outer cover, each flap member can comprise one or more fabric pieces. For example, the flap members can each comprise one single fabric piece. This can be preferred in order to facilitate manufacturing.

[0365] Preferably, in examples, the insert fastening region(s) can be entirely contained within the fabric piece(s) of the flap member, thereby preventing any direct contact between the fastening region and the wearer's skin. For example, the flap member can comprise one or more fabric pieces and one or more insert fastening regions contained within the fabric piece(s). By "entirely contained" it is meant that the insert fastening region(s) do not extend beyond the fabric piece(s), e.g. do not protrude from the fabric piece(s).

[0366] In other examples, the flap member(s) can comprise one or more fabric pieces and one or more insert fastening regions, wherein optionally the insert fastening region(s) extend beyond the fabric piece(s).

[0367] For example, the insert fastening region can be provided by an insert fastening member attached to the fabric piece(s), as will be further described below.

[0368] Similar to the garment portion, the flap member can comprise a textile fabric, preferably a knitted fabric. Thus, the flap member can comprise one or more fabric pieces having any of the features described above in relation to the fabric piece(s) of the garment portion.

[0369] Advantageously, the garment portion and the flap member can comprise one or more fabric panels, wherein at least some of the fabric panels of the garment portion have the same material as the fabric panels of the flap member. For example, the garment portion and the flap member can comprise one or more fabric panels, wherein all of the fabric panels have the same material.

[0370] As outlined above, in said at least one, preferably each, of the front section and the back section of the outer cover, at least one flap member is provided. Thus, in some variants, a plurality, such as two or more, flap members can be arranged in said at least one, preferably each, of the front section and the back section of the outer cover. In this case, the one or more insert fastener regions of the set of insert fastener regions can be distributed over the plurality of flap members, such that each of the two or more flap members comprises one or more insert fastener regions positioned on the respective outwardly facing side of the flap member. For example, two or more laterally spaced apart flap members can be arranged in the front section and / or the back section of the outer cover.

[0371] However, it can be preferred that a single flap member is arranged in the front section of the outer cover, and / or a single flap member is arranged in the back section of the outer cover.

[0372] In this case, in certain variants, all of the one or more insert fastener regions of the set can be positioned on the outwardly facing side of the single flap member. For example, the single flap member can comprise a first sub-set and a second sub-set of insert fastener regions, the first sub-set and the second sub-set being laterally spaced apart.

[0373] In other variants, all of the one or more insert fastener regions of the set can be positioned on the inwardly facing side of the garment portion covered by the single flap member when the flap member is in the use position.

[0374] The single flap member may, for example, have a lateral width that is not less than the minimum lateral width defined by the crotch section of the outer cover. For example, the lateral width of the single flap member can be at least 120% of the minimum lateral width of the outer cover. Optionally, the lateral width of the single flap member can be at least 130% of the minimum crotch width of the outer cover, for example at least 140% of the minimum crotch width of the outer cover.

[0375] Thus, the single flap member can have a lateral width that is adapted to the lateral width of an insert for use with the outer cover.

[0376] For example, when the garment portion comprises a main body and laterally extending side portions in the front section and / or the back section, a single front flap member and / or a single back flap member can extend over the width of the main body. For example, the single front flap member and / or the single back flap member can be attached to the garment portion by a side joint, which may, for example, be formed together with the joint attaching the laterally extending side portions to the main body of the garment member.

[0377] For example, the single flap member can be joined to the garment portion at a front / back joint and a pair of side joints. Thus, the entire front / back edge of the insert can be introduced into the space formed by the single flap member for attaching the insert to the outer cover. Thus, a simple and correct positioning of the insert can be achieved. Furthermore, the single flap member joined to the garment portion at the front / back joint and the pair of side joints ensures that the flap member does not have unnecessary free edges, which can be prone to cause chafing.

[0378] For example, the front section and the back section of the outer cover can each comprise a set of insert regions and a single flap member comprising the set of insert regions, wherein the total area of the single flap member in the front section and the single flap member in the back section does not exceed 40%, such as does not exceed 30% or does not exceed 20% of the area of the outer cover.

[0379] Further features and advantages of the outer cover will be apparent from the above description of the absorbent article and the following description of the insert for forming the absorbent article. It should be understood that features relating to the outer cover or the insert fastening regions of the outer cover as described above in relation to the absorbent article can also be applied to the outer cover itself, alone or in combination.

[0380] 3. Absorbent insert

[0381] In a third aspect, the disclosure relates to an absorbent insert according to claim 56.

[0382] Thus, the disclosure relates to an absorbent insert for use with an outer cover to form an absorbent article adapted to be worn around the waist of a wearer. The insert is shaped to cover, in use, a predetermined portion of the pubic region and the buttocks of the wearer. The insert extends along a longitudinal direction and along a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, wherein an inward direction is defined as being towards the wearer when the absorbent article is worn and an outward direction is defined as being away from the wearer when the article is worn, the inward and outward directions being perpendicular to the transverse and longitudinal directions.

[0383] The insert has a longitudinal length extending along the longitudinal direction, and the insert is subdivided along said longitudinal length into a front section, a back section, and a crotch section. The insert comprises a liquid impermeable backsheet, a liquid permeable topsheet, and an absorbent assembly disposed between said backsheet and said topsheet.

[0384] The insert extends longitudinally between a front edge and a rear edge, and comprises longitudinal side edges connecting the front edge and the rear edge. Further, the insert comprises a pair of insert leg elastics extending substantially along the longitudinal direction of the insert, arranged on either side of the insert between the absorbent assembly and the longitudinal side edges of the insert. In each of said front section and rear section of the insert, a leg elastic width is defined as the maximum transverse width over said insert leg elastics in said front section and rear section, respectively.

[0385] The insert has an inboard side comprising the topsheet directed towards the wearer when the article is in use, and an outboard side directed towards the outer cover.

[0386] In at least one of the front section and the rear section of the insert, preferably each, the insert comprises a set of one or more cover fastening regions. Each cover fastening region comprises a surface fastening material for detachably attaching said insert to said outer cover. Wherein said one or more cover fastening regions are arranged on the inboard side of the insert and / or on the outboard side of the insert.

[0387] Further, in said at least one of the rear section and the front section of the insert, preferably each, a transverse fastening width spanned by said set of one or more cover fastening regions is not less than the leg elastic width in said front section or rear section, respectively.

[0388] The one or more cover fastening regions can differ from any other region on the inboard side of the insert, i.e. the surface fastening material of each of the one or more cover fastening regions can differ from any other material on the inboard side of the insert. For example, the surface fastening material of the one or more cover fastening regions can differ from the topsheet material and / or the leakage barrier forming material on the inboard side of the insert. Thus, the connection between the outer cover and the insert can be controlled with respect to e.g. the location of the connection and / or the strength of the formed connection.

[0389] Thus, for example, the location and / or surface area and / or type of surface fastening material of said one or more cover fastening regions can be adapted to the insert fastening region of the outer cover in order to provide a suitable detachable connection of the insert to the outer cover. For example, as mentioned in the above description of the absorbent article, the insert fastening region of the outer cover can be adapted to provide a greater attachment force when attached to the cover fastening region than to any other region of the inboard side of the insert. For example, as mentioned in the above description of the absorbent article, the insert fastening region of the outer cover can be adapted to adhere to no region of the inboard side of the insert other than the cover fastening region. This can facilitate handling and ensure correct positioning of the insert relative to the outer cover.

[0390] The one or more cover fastening regions can be arranged so as not to protrude beyond the extent of the backsheet of the insert. That is, the entirety of the one or more cover fastening regions can be arranged so as to overlap with the remainder of the insert, rather than overlapping on any extensions, flaps, or the like that protrude from the insert itself.

[0391] The insert can optionally be configured to be washable.

[0392] However, the insert can preferably be configured for single use. In other words, the insert can preferably be disposable.

[0393] Overall construction of the absorbent insert

[0394] Top sheet

[0395] As mentioned above, the insert comprises a liquid-impermeable backsheet, a liquid-permeable topsheet, and an absorbent assembly disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet.

[0396] Materials suitable for the topsheet are generally known in the field of disposable absorbent hygiene products, and for the purposes of the present disclosure any material generally known for use as a topsheet material can be used, including but not limited to nonwoven materials and perforated polymeric films.

[0397] The topsheet suitably has sufficient liquid permeability to allow discharged bodily fluids such as urine to penetrate the thickness of the topsheet. In addition, the topsheet is suitably made of a material that has a compliant and soft feel against the skin of the wearer.

[0398] The topsheet can be made of various web materials, such as woven and nonwoven webs, perforated films, open cell foams, or combinations or laminates of the above materials.

[0399] Nonwoven materials suitable as a topsheet can be made of synthetic fibers such as polyester or polypropylene or natural fibers such as cotton fibers. Mixtures of synthetic and natural fibers can also be used.

[0400] The nonwoven material for the topsheet can for example be made of a spunbond, spunbond / spunbond composite material or a spunbond / meltblown composite material such as SMS, SSMS, SSMMS, SMMS, nonwoven material of polypropylene or bicomponent fibers of polypropylene and polyethylene, or combinations of such materials. The topsheet can also have elastic properties.

[0401] The topsheet can be hydrophilized in order to improve the tendency of urine to penetrate the topsheet into the underlying structure. Methods of hydrophilizing nonwovens are known and include coating the nonwoven material with a hydrophilic coating, such as by applying a surfactant coating; by applying a hydrophilic monomer composition and a free radical polymerization initiator to the nonwoven, then initiating a polymerization reaction on the nonwoven; by applying a coating of hydrophilic nanoparticles; or by treating the nonwoven surface with a high energy treatment.

[0402] The surfactant coating can be obtained, for example, by applying a surfactant composition to the nonwoven material by any suitable method, including spraying, slot coating, kiss roll coating, and / or by soaking the material in a bath containing the surfactant. The hydrophilization treatment can be performed in-line during assembly of the absorbent hygiene product, or it can be performed separately, and then the topsheet can be delivered to the disposable absorbent hygiene product manufacturing plant as a ready-to-use roll.

[0403] The topsheet material can have a basis weight of 8 to 20 g / m 2 , such as 12 to 17 g / m 2 . However, the present disclosure is not limited to topsheet materials having only this basis weight.

[0404] Backsheet

[0405] Materials suitable as backsheet are well known in the art of disposable absorbent hygiene products. The backsheet can be substantially liquid impermeable, such as urine.

[0406] The backsheet can be air permeable. An air permeable, i.e. gas permeable, backsheet contributes to wearer comfort and skin health. As the insert disclosed herein is intended to be used with an outer cover as disclosed herein to form an absorbent assembly, the use of an air permeable backsheet can enable the formation of an absorbent assembly that exhibits satisfactory air permeability.

[0407] The backsheet can be substantially liquid impermeable and air permeable, i.e. gas permeable, meaning that air and other gases can pass through the backsheet while being substantially liquid impermeable.

[0408] For the purposes of the present disclosure, any material commonly known to be used as a backsheet material can be included in the backsheet, including but not limited to polymeric films, for example films of polyethylene, polypropylene or copolymers of polyethylene or polypropylene, hydrophobized nonwovens, fluid impermeable foams and fluid impermeable laminates. The backsheet can comprise one or more layers of material. For example, the backsheet can be a laminate of a liquid impermeable polymeric film towards the absorbent assembly and a nonwoven material towards the garment side to provide a fabric-soft feel to the outer-facing surface of the disposable absorbent hygiene product.

[0409] It is also contemplated that the backsheet can be made of or otherwise include a material that is completely or partially elastic so as to better conform the product to the body when in use.

[0410] However, for the insert of the present application it is believed to be advantageous if the backsheet comprises a nonwoven material, for example if the backsheet is a laminate of a porous polymeric film and a nonwoven material.

[0411] Absorbent core

[0412] The absorbent assembly can comprise one or more absorbent cores. The core can be constructed of one or more layers of cellulose fluff pulp. The cellulose fluff pulp can be mixed with fibers or particles of a high-absorbency polymer material, so-called superabsorbent polymers, which are of the type that chemically bind large amounts of fluid upon absorption and form a fluid-retaining gel. The absorbent core can also comprise high-absorbency polymer material arranged in a layer inside the absorbent core or connected to one or more surfaces of the absorbent core. The absorbent core can also comprise additional components for improving the properties of the absorbent core. Examples of such components are binder fibers, various types of fluid-dispersing layers or fibers, dimensionally stable components, reinforcing fibers, etc.

[0413] Superabsorbent polymers are well known in the field of absorbent products and are used to help improve the absorbency of such products. Superabsorbent polymers are constructed of water-swellable and water-insoluble polymers that are capable of absorbing large amounts of fluid upon formation of a water gel, for example capable of absorbing at least 5 times its weight of a 0.9% saline solution, as measured according to Method NSWP 241.0R2. The superabsorbent polymers used according to the present disclosure can be inorganic or organic cross-linked hydrophilic polymers, for example polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene oxide, cross-linked starch, guar gum, xanthan gum, cross-linked polyacrylate, etc. The polymers can be in the form of, for example, powders, particles, microparticles, films, foams, and fibers. Upon contact with fluid, such superabsorbent polymers swell by absorbing the fluid into their structure. In general, superabsorbent polymers can quickly absorb fluid that invades such products and can retain such fluid to prevent leakage and help provide a dry feel even after fluid invasion.

[0414] The type of superabsorbent polymer used in the absorbent assembly of the embodiments discussed herein can be the same or can vary within the assembly. For example, superabsorbent polymers having a first set of properties can be used in the front and back regions of the absorbent assembly, or in a first absorbent core, and superabsorbent polymers having a second set of properties can be used in the central region of the absorbent assembly, or in a second absorbent core. The properties mentioned in this section are, for example, centrifuge retention capacity, absorption under load, and / or gel layer permeability.

[0415] Thus, the absorbent assembly of the insert as presented herein can advantageously comprise superabsorbent polymers. For example, the absorbent assembly can comprise a superabsorbent polymer concentration of at least 15 wt.-%, based on the total weight of cellulose fibers and superabsorbent polymers.

[0416] For example, the absorbent assembly can comprise a superabsorbent polymer concentration of at least 15 wt.-%, based on the total weight of cellulose fibers and superabsorbent polymers.

[0417] The absorbent assembly can comprise a first absorbent layer and a second absorbent layer, the first absorbent layer and the second absorbent layer being stacked between the backsheet and the topsheet.

[0418] Thus, superabsorbent polymers can be present in one or both of the first absorbent layer and the second absorbent layer.

[0419] Acquisition layer

[0420] Furthermore, the insert can comprise a acquisition layer applied between the topsheet and the absorbent assembly. Materials suitable for use as acquisition layers (also referred to in the art as transfer layers or ADLs) are well known in the field of disposable absorbent hygiene products, and for the purposes of the present disclosure any material known to those skilled in the art to be useful as an acquisition layer can be used. The acquisition layer may, for example, be in the form of an air-laid layer, a spunlace layer, a high-loft foam, or any other type of material layer that can be used in absorbent hygiene products to function as a liquid acquisition and absorption layer. The acquisition layer is adapted to quickly receive and temporarily store discharged liquid before it is absorbed by the absorbent core. Such acquisition layers can be composed of, for example, air-laid nonwoven materials, spunlace nonwoven materials, high-loft nonwoven materials, or foam materials. Air-laid nonwovens can be produced with fluff, wood pulp, and in this fluff fibers are dispersed into a rapidly moving air stream and condensed onto a moving screen by pressure and vacuum. The acquisition layer can preferably be an air-through-bond nonwoven of polyester fibers.

[0421] Other properties of the insert in relation to the absorbent assembly

[0422] The absorbent assembly can be positioned primarily in the crotch section of the insert and have an absorbent assembly length spanning no more than 70% of the longitudinal length of the insert, such as no more than 85% of the longitudinal length of the insert.

[0423] Thus, the absorbent assembly does not extend all the way to the front edge and the back edge of the insert, thereby preventing liquid storage close to the edges positioned inside the wing members of the outer cover. This reduces the risk of contaminating the outer cover, thereby allowing the outer cover to be reused without the need for cleaning.

[0424] For example, the detachable cover fastening region can be limited to the portion of the insert extending longitudinally beyond the absorbent core towards the front edge or the back edge, respectively. Thus, the attachment of the insert to the outer cover is constant, whether the insert has absorbed any amount of liquid or not.

[0425] The absorbent core can be hourglass-shaped, having a narrowest width in the transverse direction in a longitudinal centre position of the crotch section of the insert.

[0426] Hourglass-shaped means herein that the absorbent core has a narrowest width in the transverse direction in the crotch section of the insert, and that the width of the absorbent core towards the front section and towards the back section, respectively, is greater than the narrowest width.

[0427] In other alternatives, the absorbent core can have other shapes, such as a rectangular or an elliptical shape.

[0428] Optionally, the longitudinal edge of the insert corresponds partly to the hourglass shape of the absorbent assembly.

[0429] Thus, the insert can have a shape having a narrowest width in the transverse direction in the crotch section of the insert.

[0430] In other alternatives, the insert can have a rectangular shape.

[0431] The insert can have a length along the longitudinal axis that is greater than a width along the transverse axis.

[0432] For example, the insert can have a total absorbent capacity of at least 1000 ml, such as 1000 ml to 4000 ml. Thus, the insert is an insert suitable for use in an absorbent article that is an incontinence article suitable for use by an adult wearer.

[0433] Transverse fastening width of the insert

[0434] As mentioned above, in at least one of the front section and the back section, preferably each, the set of one or more cover fastening regions spans a transverse fastening width. Thus, the transverse fastening width is the maximum width spanned by the set of one or more cover fastening regions.

[0435] In some variants, where there is a set of one or more cover fastening regions in each of the front section and the back section, the transverse fastening width of the set of one or more cover fastening regions in the front section can be the same as the transverse fastening width of the set of one or more cover fastening regions in the back section.

[0436] In some variations, where there is a set of one or more cover fastener regions in each of the front section and the back section, the lateral fastening width of the set of one or more cover fastener regions in the front section can be different than the lateral fastening width of the set of one or more cover fastener regions in the back section.

[0437] As mentioned above, according to the second aspect, the insert extends longitudinally between a front edge and a back edge, and comprises longitudinal side edges connecting the front edge and the back edge. Furthermore, the insert can comprise a pair of insert leg elastics extending substantially in the longitudinal direction of the insert and arranged on two sides of the insert between the absorbent assembly and the longitudinal side edges of the insert. For each of the front section and the back section of the insert, a leg elastic width is defined as the maximum lateral width over the insert leg elastic in said front section or back section, respectively. Optionally, the leg elastic width in the front section and the back section of the insert can be the same and correspond to the maximum lateral width over the insert leg elastic of the insert.

[0438] The insert leg elastics contribute to shaping the insert around the body of a user and to providing sufficient fluidic sealing at the leg openings of the absorbent article when attached to a wearer. Furthermore, the insert leg elastics of the insert contribute to providing correct positioning of the insert when the insert is in use. Thus, when the insert is used for attachment to an outer cover, the use of the insert leg elastics can contribute to providing sufficient fluidic sealing such that the outer cover can be liquid impermeable.

[0439] As mentioned above, according to the second aspect, in said at least one (preferably each) of the back section and the front section of the insert, the lateral fastening width spanned by the one or more cover fastener regions of the set can be no less than the leg elastic width in said back section or front section, respectively.

[0440] The lateral fastening width being no less than the leg elastic width means that the insert leg elastics can stretch in the lateral direction when the insert is attached to an outer cover, thereby ensuring correct functioning and positioning of the insert leg elastics.

[0441] Optionally, in said at least one (preferably each) of the back section and the front section of the insert, the insert can comprise a pair of leg edge portions, each leg edge portion extending longitudinally along a respective insert leg elastic and extending laterally between the insert leg elastic and the longitudinal side edge of the insert so as to define a maximum lateral leg edge width between said leg elastic and said respective longitudinal side edge, the maximum lateral leg edge width being at least 1 cm, such as at least 2 cm.

[0442] For example, the maximum transversal leg edge width can not exceed 4 cm.

[0443] In the present context, the maximum transversal leg edge width is defined in each of the front section and the back section of the absorbent article. Optionally, the maximum transversal leg edge width can be the same in the front section and the back section of the absorbent article, and can correspond to the maximum transversal leg edge width of the insert.

[0444] The leg edge portion extending transversally between the insert leg elastic members and the respective longitudinal side edges of the insert provides additional leakage security to the absorbent article. In use, the leg edge portion extends transversally outwardly from the insert leg openings formed along the insert leg elastic members.

[0445] When combined with the transversal fastening width spanned by the set of cover fastening regions that is not less than the leg elastic width, as described above, the leg edge portion can at least partly extend in the transversal direction when the insert is attached to the outer cover. Thus, the leg edge portion can be automatically unfolded into the correct position when the insert is attached to the outer cover. Thus, the set of cover fastening regions facilitates unfolding and maintaining the leg edge portion in a transversally extended state during fastening of the absorbent article to the wearer, as well as during use thereof. Accordingly, manual manipulation required to unfold the leg edge portion can be dispensed with. This is particularly beneficial for adult wearers, improving the dignity of the wearer in care situations by avoiding manual manipulation of the leg edge portion located at the crotch region of the wearer.

[0446] For example, the transversal fastening width can span into at least 50% of the transversal width of each leg portion, such as at least 75% of the transversal width of each leg portion, or at least 80% of the transversal width of each leg portion.

[0447] Optionally, the insert leg elastic members are sandwiched between the innermost layer of the insert and the backsheet.

[0448] The insert leg elastic member extends along a longitudinal insert leg elastic length. The insert leg elastic length can be at least 50% of the total longitudinal length of the insert, such as at least 75% or at least 85% along the total longitudinal length.

[0449] The insert leg elastic length is defined as the longitudinal length of the insert along which the insert leg elastic members are activated. That is, any portion where the insert leg elastic members are fastened or weakened such that they no longer provide elasticity to the insert will not be considered.

[0450] (Similarly, the leg elastics width as defined above will be measured between the activated portions of the leg elastics members. Likewise, any portions in which the insert leg elastics are fastened or weakened such that they no longer provide elasticity to the insert will be disregarded.)

[0451] For example, the insert leg elastics length can extend along at least 60% of the total longitudinal length of the absorbent core, such as along at least 80% or at least 90% of the total longitudinal length of the absorbent core.

[0452] Optionally, in said at least one, preferably each, of the front section and the rear section of the insert, said set of one or more cover fastening regions is limited to a longitudinal section of the insert not spanned by said leg elastics length.

[0453] Hence, the function of the cover fastening regions to ensure that the insert leg elastics members extend in the longitudinal direction can be improved. For example, the set of one or more cover fastening regions can be limited to a longitudinal section of the insert not spanned by the leg elastics length.

[0454] Hence, when the transversal fastening width is greater than the leg elastics width, and each cover fastening region is positioned longitudinally in a section between the front end / rear end of the insert leg elastics members and the front / rear edge of the insert, the cover fastening regions can ensure stretching in both the transversal and longitudinal direction of the insert leg elastics members when the insert is in use and attached to the outer cover.

[0455] Each insert leg elastics member can comprise one or more elastic elements. For example, the elastic elements can comprise one or more elastic threads, elastic film bands, or elastic foam bands. The elastic elements can be attached to the insert when in a stretched state so as to provide elasticity to the insert.

[0456] The longitudinal extension of the insert leg elastics members (i.e. the insert leg elastics length) refers herein to any extension of the activated insert leg elastics members, i.e. the insert leg elastics members do provide elasticity along. Hence, when determining the extension of the leg elastics, any portion of the elastic elements in which the elastics are disabled will be disregarded.

[0457] Inboard leak barriers of the insert

[0458] The inward-facing side of the insert can comprise a pair of inward-facing side leakage barriers extending in the longitudinal direction of the insert.

[0459] The inward-facing side leakage barriers are also commonly referred to as “standing gathers”.

[0460] The side leakage barriers can extend substantially along the respective longitudinal side edges of the insert and at a distance therefrom.

[0461] The inner side leakage barrier can be adapted to move between a first position, in which the inner side leakage barrier forms a flat surface parallel to the topsheet, and a second position, in which the inner side leakage barrier is raised from the liquid permeable topsheet over at least 60% of the longitudinal length of the insert, spaced apart from the front edge and the back edge of the insert.

[0462] The side leakage barrier length can be defined as the longitudinal length over which the side leakage barrier is free to rise over the liquid permeable topsheet. As mentioned above, the side leakage barrier length can be at least 60% of the longitudinal length of the insert. The side leakage barrier length can for example extend over the entire extension of the absorbent assembly.

[0463] However, in order not to interfere with the connection of the insert to the outer cover, the side leakage barrier length can be arranged not to extend into the back edge portion and / or the front edge portion of the insert. For example, the side leakage barrier length can be spaced apart from the back edge portion and / or the front edge portion of the insert. For example, the side leakage barrier length can be spaced apart from the back edge portion and / or the front edge portion of the insert by at least 5% of the total length of the insert, such as at least 7% of the total length of the insert.

[0464] For example, the side leakage barrier length can be less than 80%, such as less than 70%, of the longitudinal length of the insert.

[0465] Each inner side leakage barrier can comprise an elastic element. For example, the elastic element can be one or more elastic threads.

[0466] Each side leakage barrier can comprise a sheet and an elastic element, such as an elastic thread. For example, each side leakage barrier can comprise more than one elastic thread, such as 2 to 5 elastic threads. The sheet of each side leakage barrier can comprise two layers of material. The sheet of each side leakage barrier can be attached to the topsheet. The attachment can be a longitudinal weld line and / or an adhesive line. The sheet of each side barrier can comprise a portion attached to the topsheet and a portion not attached to the topsheet comprising the elastic thread. The elastic threads of the first and second side leakage barriers can be raised above the inwardly facing surface of the topsheet, respectively. The elastic thread of each standing gather can be raised above the inwardly facing surface of the topsheet by at least 20 mm, such as 20 mm to 70 mm, or 30 mm to 50 mm, for example.

[0467] The sheet can be a hydrophobic material. For example, the sheet can be a hydrophobic nonwoven material, such as a nonwoven material coated with a hydrophobic coating. Thus, each side leakage barrier can be a hydrophobic side leakage barrier.

[0468] Preferably, the insert comprises insert leg elastic members as described above and inner side leakage barriers as described above. In this way, the pair of inner side leakage barriers will be arranged closer to the longitudinal axis Y laterally than the pair of insert leg elastic members.

[0469] The maximum width between each of the pair of inner side leakage barriers is herein defined as the barrier width. The barrier width is the maximum lateral width measured between the following positions of each side leakage barrier: at which the raisable portion of the leakage barrier is attached to the remaining portion of the insert which faces inwards.

[0470] Thus, the barrier width can for example be less than the leg elastic width.

[0471] The width of the raisable portion of each side barrier (the portion which is not attached to the topsheet) can be less than half of the barrier width, i.e. the side barriers are not intended to cover the topsheet completely between them when in the folded down state. Rather, the width of the raisable portion of each side barrier can for example be less than 30% of the barrier width, for example less than 25% of the barrier width. For example, the width of the raisable portion of each side barrier can be between 15 and 25% of the barrier width.

[0472] Thus, an insert comprising a pair of inner side leakage barriers as described above and a pair of insert leg elastic members as described above will provide a double barrier against leakage of bodily fluids from the insert when in use. Thus, the insert can in particular be used with an outer cover as described herein. For example, since the insert is able to ensure reliable acquisition and absorption of bodily fluids, the outer cover can be made liquid permeable, since the function of the outer cover is to provide correct positioning of the insert to the wearer, and not to provide fluid permeability and / or fluid absorption. Thus, the outer cover can be made of a liquid permeable material such as a textile fabric. This provides an absorbent assembly formed by an outer cover with an insert attached thereto, which has a more underwear-like appearance and feel. Furthermore, the increased use of liquid permeable, breathable materials, for example textile materials, towards the wearer's body provides improved skin health.

[0473] Transverse fastening width in relation to insert width

[0474] Optionally, in at least one, preferably each, of the rear section (Sb) and the front section (Sf), the set of one or more cover fastener regions comprises a first sub-set of one or more cover fastener regions and a second sub-set of one or more cover fastener regions, wherein the first sub-set and the second sub-set are spaced apart by a lateral spacing width around the longitudinal centre axis of the insert. Preferably, the first sub-set and the second sub-set can be symmetrically spaced apart by the lateral spacing width around the longitudinal centre axis.

[0475] Thus, when the insert is attached to the outer cover via the set of one or more cover fastener regions, it can be ensured that the insert is stretched open over at least a substantial part of the maximum width of the insert in the front section and / or the rear section, respectively. Thus, correct positioning of the insert relative to the wearer can be ensured.

[0476] Thus, when the insert is attached to the outer cover via the set of one or more cover fastener regions, it can be ensured that the insert is stretched open over at least a substantial part of the maximum width of the insert in the front section and / or the rear section, respectively. Thus, correct positioning of the insert relative to the wearer can be ensured.

[0477] Subsets of cover fastening areas

[0478] Optionally, in at least one, preferably each, of the rear section (Sb) and the front section (Sf), the set of one or more cover fastener regions comprises a first sub-set of one or more cover fastener regions and a second sub-set of one or more cover fastener regions, wherein the first sub-set and the second sub-set are spaced apart by a lateral spacing width around the longitudinal centre axis of the insert. Preferably, the first sub-set and the second sub-set can be symmetrically spaced apart by the lateral spacing width around the longitudinal centre axis.

[0479] Thus, the insert can be free of cover fastener regions over the spacing width as laterally measured between the sub-sets of regions.

[0480] This facilitates shaping of the insert when in use, e.g. when attached to the outer cover to form an absorbent article for application to a wearer. Notably, the front section and / or the rear section of the insert can be stretched open over the lateral fastening width in order to secure the position of the insert on the wearer, while allowing relative movement between the outer cover and the insert over the spacing width. This allows the insert to be shaped relative to the body of the wearer, e.g. to assume a slight cup shape. Furthermore, the spaced arrangement of cover fastener regions allows an arrangement that can facilitate correct positioning of the insert to the outer cover. Furthermore, when the insert is free of insert fastener regions over the lateral spacing width, the surface fastening material of the insert fastener regions is only provided where needed, which means that the amount of material on the outer cover can be reduced.

[0481] As explained above, the set of cover fastener regions can each span a transverse fastener width that is proximate the maximum width of the insert in the front section or the rear section, e.g. a transverse fastener width that is at least 80% of the maximum width of the insert in the front section or the rear section, respectively. Thus, when combined with the set of cover fastener regions comprising a first subset and a second subset spaced apart by a spacing width, it will be appreciated that the first subset and the second subset can each be positioned adjacent the respective longitudinal side edges of the insert.

[0482] For example, the transverse spacing width can be at least 50% of the maximum width of the insert at the respective rear section or front section, such as at least 70% of the maximum width or at least 80% of the maximum width.

[0483] The transverse fastener width is naturally greater than the transverse spacing width. For example, the transverse fastener width can be greater than the transverse spacing width by a distance corresponding to at least 10% of the maximum width of the insert at the respective rear section or front section.

[0484] For example, the transverse spacing width can be at least three times the transverse width of each cover fastener region, or at least four times the transverse width of each cover fastener region.

[0485] For example, the transverse spacing width can be at least 40% of the transverse fastener width, such as at least 50% or at least 60% of the transverse fastener width. Thus, the position of the connection between the insert and the outer cover can be controlled such that the functionality of the insert in use is ensured, while enabling the use of cover fastener regions of sufficient size to provide a sufficiently strong connection.

[0486] For example, when the absorbent insert comprises a pair of inner leakage barriers spaced apart by a barrier width as described above, the transverse spacing width can be at least the barrier width.

[0487] For example, when the absorbent insert comprises a pair of inner leakage barriers spaced apart symmetrically around the longitudinal axis by a barrier width, the leg elastics width can be greater than the barrier width, and the transverse fastener width is equal to or greater than the leg elastics width. Optionally, when the absorbent insert further comprises a first subset and a second subset of one or more cover fastener regions spaced apart symmetrically around the longitudinal axis by a spacing width, the spacing width can for example be greater than or equal to the barrier width.

[0488] As mentioned above, the proposed positioning of the cover fastening regions implies ensuring correct tensioning of the insert leg elastic members when the insert is attached to the outer cover. Furthermore, the proposed positioning also implies ensuring correct tensioning of the side leakage barriers and thus ensuring the rise when the insert is attached to the outer cover. Thus, the proposed positioning of the cover fastening regions improves the leakage protection of the absorbent article and facilitates the process of positioning the absorbent article on the wearer.

[0489] As mentioned above, the insert is preferably attached to the outer cover in a state in which the insert is stretched flat in at least one (preferably each) of the front edge portion and the rear edge portion and seen in the transversal direction.

[0490] Thus, at least over the respective transversal fastening width, the front edge portion and / or the rear edge portion can be adapted to be free from folding. For example, the entire front edge portion and / or the rear edge portion can be adapted to be free from folding.

[0491] Thus, the front edge portion and / or the rear edge portion of the insert comprising e.g. the topsheet, the leakage barrier forming material and the backsheet is free from folding. Thus, the front edge portion and / or the rear edge portion is adapted to be attached to the outer cover in the unfolded state via the set of one or more cover fastening members.

[0492] For example, when the respective set of cover fastening members comprises two sub-sets of cover fastening members spaced apart by a transversal spacing width, the front edge portion and / or the rear edge portion can be free from elastic members providing elasticity in the transversal direction of the insert over said transversal spacing width.

[0493] For example, at least over the respective transversal fastening width, the front edge portion and / or the rear edge portion can be free from elastic members providing elasticity in the transversal direction of the insert over said transversal spacing width. For example, the entire front edge portion and / or the rear edge portion can be free from elastic members providing elasticity in the transversal direction of the insert.

[0494] For example, the insert as a whole can be free from elastic members providing elasticity in the transversal direction of the insert.

[0495] By elastic members providing elasticity in the transversal direction of the insert is meant elastic members, such as elastic threads or the like, added to the rest of the insert, e.g. to the topsheet, the leakage barrier forming material, the backsheet or components of the absorbent assembly, in order to retract the rest of the insert in the transversal direction when activated.

[0496] Subsets of cover fastening areas in relation to cover members

[0497] For example, in said at least one, preferably each, of the front section and the rear section, the first and second subgroups of one or more cover fastener regions can be provided by one single cover fastener member, the cover fastener member thus having a surface comprising the surface fastening material forming both subgroups of one or more cover fastener regions.

[0498] However, preferably, the first subgroup of one or more cover fastener regions can be provided by a first subgroup of one or more cover fastener members, and the second subgroup of one or more cover fastener regions can be provided by a second subgroup of cover fastener members. Thus, the first and second subgroups of cover fastener members can be laterally spaced apart by a spacing width. This facilitates reducing the amount of material added to the insert. Furthermore, providing fewer options for fastening to the outer cover by such an arrangement by one or more cover fastener regions can better control the correct positioning of the insert relative to the outer cover.

[0499] For example, the insert can comprise a single first cover fastener member providing the first subgroup of one or more cover fastener regions, and a single second cover fastener member providing the second subgroup of one or more cover fastener regions.

[0500] For example, each of the first and second subgroups can comprise only one single cover fastener region.

[0501] For example, the insert can comprise a single first cover fastener member providing one single cover fastener region and a single second cover fastener member providing one single cover fastener region.

[0502] Cover fastening areas on the insert towards the inboard side

[0503] In certain variants, in said at least one of the front section and the rear section of the insert, one or preferably each of the one or more cover fastener regions of the group is provided on the inwardly facing side of the insert. Each cover fastener region comprises a surface fastening material for detachably attaching said insert to said outer cover.

[0504] Thus, it is herein proposed to provide an absorbent insert comprising, in at least one, preferably each, of the front section and the rear section, a group of one or more cover fastener regions on the inwardly facing side of the insert, thus enabling detachable connection to an outer cover by the inwardly facing side of the insert to form an absorbent article, as described above.

[0505] In this way, when the insert is attached to the outer cover, the insert can be securely held in place, thereby bringing about the benefits of, for example, comfort and aesthetics outlined above in relation to the outer cover. For example, when the insert is attached to the outer cover and worn by a wearer, the cover fastening region will be covered by the remainder of the insert, thereby preventing it from being torn or pulled off from the outside of the absorbent article.

[0506] Similarly, the position of the cover fastening region, and thus of the insert, will be less prone to deformation, for example, by tearing or rubbing, as a result of the wearer's movements.

[0507] As mentioned above, the set of one or more cover fastening regions can comprise a cover fastening region located on the inward-facing side of the insert.

[0508] Possibly, in addition to the cover fastening region located on the inward-facing side of the at least one insert, the insert can comprise additional cover fastening regions for providing detachable attachment between the outer cover and the insert. For example, the additional fastening regions can be provided on the outward-facing side of the insert. However, any such additional fastening regions should preferably be kept to a minimum, as additional attachment can detract from the benefits brought about by the set of one or more cover fastening regions located on the inward-facing side of the insert as presented herein.

[0509] Conversely, in at least one of, preferably each of, the front section and the rear section of the insert, the set of one or more cover regions located on the inward-facing side of the insert can constitute the only fastening element in the front section and / or the rear section of the insert adapted for detachable attachment of the insert to the outer cover.

[0510] Preferably, each of the front section and the rear section of the insert comprises a set of cover fastening regions located on the inward-facing side of the insert, wherein said set of cover fastening regions constitutes the only fastening element in the insert adapted for detachable attachment of the insert to the outer cover.

[0511] Extent of cover fastening areas

[0512] Optionally, the insert extends longitudinally between a front edge and a rear edge, and in said at least one of, preferably each of, the front section and the rear section of the insert, the one or more cover fastening regions of the set are positioned at or near the respective front edge and rear edge of the insert.

[0513] By being located near the front edge and the rear edge, the one or more cover fastening regions are readily covered completely by the flap member of the outer cover as described above, thereby preventing any contact with the wearer's skin during use.

[0514] When one or more cover fastener regions of the set are positioned at the respective front edge or rear edge of the insert, manufacturing advantages can be obtained, for example when the insert comprises one or more cover fastener members which can be cut in manufacturing in alignment with the front edge or rear edge of the insert.

[0515] Optionally, in said at least one, preferably each, of the front section and the rear section (of the insert), the set of one or more cover fastener regions spans a longitudinal length which is no more than 20% of the longitudinal length of the insert, such as no more than 10% of the longitudinal length of the insert.

[0516] Hence, when the insert in use is attached to the outer cover via the set of one or more cover fastener regions in one or each of the front section and the rear section, a majority of the longitudinal length of the insert towards the inboard side will be available for absorbing bodily fluids, while the set of one or more cover fastener regions provides secure attachment of the insert to the outer cover.

[0517] Further, in said at least one, preferably each, of the front section and the rear section of the insert, a front edge portion or a rear edge portion can be defined as the portion of the insert extending from the respective front edge or rear edge and extending over the longitudinal length spanned by said set of one or more cover fastener regions. Hence, when the insert is attached to the outer cover as described above, the flap member (optionally provided with a set of one or more insert fastener regions) will be adapted to extend at least partially over said front edge portion or rear edge portion of the insert.

[0518] Optionally, in said at least one, preferably each, of the front section and the rear section of the insert, the edge portion length of the front / rear edge portion can be less than 20% of the longitudinal length of the insert, for example less than 10% of the longitudinal length of the insert.

[0519] When the set of one or more cover fastener regions extends from the front edge or the rear edge, respectively, the edge portion length is thus equal to the longitudinal length spanned by the one or more cover fastener regions.

[0520] As described above, the absorbent assembly can be positioned primarily in the crotch section of the insert and have an absorbent assembly length. For example, the absorbent assembly length can span no more than 70% of the longitudinal length of the insert, such as no more than 85% of the longitudinal length of the insert.

[0521] Furthermore, in said at least one, preferably each, of the front section and the rear section of the insert, a front end or a rear end of the absorbent assembly can be spaced apart from the front edge portion or the rear edge portion, respectively, by an absorbent spacing length (Lac). The absorbent spacing length may, for example, be at least 3% of the longitudinal length of the insert, such as at least 4% or at least 5% of the longitudinal length of the insert. For example, the absorbent spacing length can be from 3% to 10% of the longitudinal length of the insert, such as from 5% to 10% of the longitudinal length of the insert.

[0522] Thus, it can be ensured that swelling of the absorbent assembly upon absorption of fluid does not hinder the connection of the insert to the outer cover.

[0523] Optionally, the sum of the longitudinal length spanned by any one or more cover fastening regions in the front section of the insert and the longitudinal length spanned by any one or more cover fastening regions in the rear section of the insert is equal to or less than 30% of the longitudinal length of the insert, for example equal to or less than 20% of the longitudinal length of the insert.

[0524] Thus, when the insert is attached to the outer cover in use via the set of one or more cover fastening regions in each of the front section and the rear section, a majority of the longitudinal length of the insert towards the inboard side will be available for absorption of bodily fluids, while the set of one or more cover fastening regions provides secure attachment of the insert to the outer cover.

[0525] Similarly, the sum of the edge portion length of the front edge portion and the edge portion length of the rear edge portion can be equal to or less than 30% of the longitudinal length of the insert, for example equal to or less than 20% of the longitudinal length of the insert.

[0526] Optionally, in said at least one, preferably each, of the front section and the rear section of the insert, the area of each of the one or more cover fastening regions in the set is no more than 10% of the area of the insert, such as no more than 5% of the area of the insert, or no more than 2% of the area of the insert.

[0527] Thus, when the insert is attached to the outer cover in use via the set of one or more cover fastening regions in each of the front section and the rear section, a majority of the total area of the insert towards the inboard side will be available for absorption of bodily fluids, while the set of one or more cover fastening regions provides secure attachment of the insert to the outer cover.

[0528] Optionally, the total area of all one or more cover fastening regions of the insert is no more than 25% of the area of the insert, for example no more than 10% of the area of the insert.

[0529] Thus, when the insert in use is attached to the outer cover via the set of one or more cover fastening regions in each of the front section and the back section, the majority of the longitudinally area of the insert towards the inside will be available for absorption of bodily fluids, while the set of one or more cover fastening regions provides secure attachment of the insert to the outer cover.

[0530] Further features and advantages of the insert will be apparent from the above description of the absorbent article and the above description of the outer cover for forming the absorbent article. It will be appreciated that features relating to the insert or the cover fastening regions of the insert as described above in relation to the absorbent article can also be applied to the insert itself, alone or in combination.

[0531] 4. Packaging

[0532] In a fourth aspect, there is provided a package according to claim 90. Thus, there is provided a package comprising a plurality of inserts according to the third aspect as disclosed herein.

[0533] The package can further comprise an outer cover according to the second aspect as disclosed herein.

[0534] The present disclosure will encompass all aspects as described herein, alone or in combination.

[0535] Thus, the present disclosure encompasses an absorbent article according to the first aspect, e.g., wherein the outer cover is according to the second aspect, and / or the insert is according to the third aspect as described herein, in combination with any of the applicable features.

[0536] As understood from the above description, the various aspects of the present invention include several variations.

[0537] Furthermore, it will be appreciated that when referring to features present in each of the front section or the back section of the article, the features in the front section need not necessarily be identical to the features in the back section. For example, the width of a member in the front section need not be identical to the width of a member in the back section, even though both widths meet the same general requirements.

[0538] In the following, variations of the different aspects of the present invention (absorbent article, outer cover, insert, and package) will be described with reference to exemplary embodiments and the accompanying drawings. It will be appreciated that the drawings are schematic and that the depicted items are not necessarily drawn to scale. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0539] Variations of the absorbent article, the outer cover, and the insert will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0540] Figure 1 An embodiment of an absorbent article according to the present invention is shown;

[0541] Figure 2a An embodiment of an insert according to the present application is shown;

[0542] Figure 2b A cross-section through the horizontal axis X of the insert in Figure 2a is shown;

[0543] Figure 2c A cross-section through the line c-c of the insert in Figure 2a is shown;

[0544] Figure 3a An outer cover of an absorbent article is shown; Figure 1

[0545] An outer cover of an absorbent article is shown; Figure 3b Figure 3a An outer cover of an absorbent article is shown;

[0546] Figures 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D show a use cycle of an absorbent article like the one shown in Figure 1 Figures 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D, respectively, showing a package containing at least one insert, attachment of the insert into an outer cover, the absorbent article being worn by a person and removal and disposal of the insert and cleaning of the outer cover.

[0547] In the drawings, for the sake of simplicity, reference signs of some features, such as width or length, are only labelled for only one of the front and back sections of the absorbent article, the outer cover or the insert, respectively. However, it should be noted that similar values can apply for the other one of the front and back sections. It should also be noted that even if features are denoted with the same reference signs in the front and back sections, the dimensions, such as width and length, of these features can differ between the front and back sections. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0548] The absorbent article defined by the appended claims consists of a reusable outer cover and an insert. One embodiment of such an absorbent article 1 is shown in Figure 1 Figures 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D, having a reusable outer cover 100 and an insert 200, which are shown in more detail independently of each other in Figures 3 and 2, respectively. The absorbent article 1 has a longitudinal direction X and a transverse direction Y and has a thickness direction Z, which, when the article is worn, defines an inward direction Z i towards the wearer's skin and an outward direction Z o away from the wearer's skin. Although in the shown embodiment both the outer cover 100 and the insert 200 are substantially symmetrical around a longitudinal centre axis Y1, alternative embodiments thereof can be non-symmetrical.

[0549] As Figure 1 ​As shown, in the absorbent article 1 the insert 200 is detachably connected to the outer cover 100 such that the insert 200 covers the inwardly facing side of the outer cover 100 and the outer cover 100 forms the outermost surface of the absorbent article 1. Thus, the innermost surface of the outer cover 100 faces the outermost surface of the insert 200 such that for the opposing surfaces, during use, the outwardly facing surface of the outer cover 100 is intended to face away from the wearer and the inwardly facing surface of the insert 200 contacts the skin of the wearer. In the depicted absorbent article 1, a majority of both the innermost surface of the outer cover 100 and the innermost surface of the insert 200 are visible, together forming the innermost surface of the absorbent article that contacts the skin of the wearer during use.

[0550] The absorbent article 1 has a front section aSf, a back section aSb and a crotch section aSc disposed therebetween along the longitudinal centre axis Y1, which together span the total longitudinal length aL measured along the longitudinal centre axis Y1 from the front edge of the absorbent article 1 via the crotch section Sc to the back edge of the absorbent article 1. Thus, the total longitudinal length aL is the maximum longitudinal length of the absorbent article 1 measured over the smallest width of the crotch section aSc of the absorbent article 1.

[0551] Similarly, the outer cover 100 has a front section oSf, a back section oSb and a crotch section oSc disposed therebetween along the longitudinal centre axis Ya (see Figure 3a ). The total longitudinal length oL of the outer cover 100 is the maximum length measured from the front edge 101 to the back edge 102 of the outer cover 100 over the smallest width of the crotch section oSc of the outer cover 100. Thus, when determining the longitudinal length oLc of the outer cover 100, the portion of the outer cover 100 that extends laterally beyond the smallest width of the crotch section oSc of the outer cover is disregarded.

[0552] The longitudinal length aL of the absorbent article 1 can generally correspond to the longitudinal length oL of the outer cover 100. However, it should be appreciated that the presence of the absorbent insert 200 attached to the outer cover 100 in the absorbent article can mean that the outer cover is for example longitudinally wrinkled or slightly shrunk. Thus, the longitudinal length aL of the absorbent article 1 can be less than the longitudinal length oL of the outer cover 100.

[0553] The crotch width aWc of the absorbent article 1 is the smallest width of the crotch section aSc of the absorbent article 1, i.e. the smallest width of the portion of the absorbent article that is intended to be positioned between the leg openings formed by the absorbent article when in use. In the absorbent article this can thus be the smallest width of the crotch section of either or both of the insert 200 and the outer cover 100. Similarly, the crotch width oWc of the outer cover 100 is the smallest width of the crotch section oSc of the outer cover 100.

[0554] Outer cover - overall

[0555] The crotch section oSc of the outer cover 100 interconnects the front section oSf and the back section oSb of the outer cover, to when the first and second side portions 110, 111 and the front section oSf are attached to each other, they are shaped to form a pant-like structure.

[0556] The outer cover 100 comprises a garment portion 150, which forms the main structure, i.e. the front section, the back section and the crotch section of the outer cover. For example, and as in the illustrated embodiment, the garment portion 150 can comprise a main body 109, which forms a laterally central portion of the garment portion 150, and which extends longitudinally from the back edge 102 of the outer cover via the crotch section oSc to the front edge 101 of the outer cover. Thus, the crotch section oSc of the outer cover, at least a central portion of the front section oSf of the outer cover and at least a central portion of the back section oSb of the outer cover can be formed by the main body 109. In the front section and / or the back section of the outer cover, the main body of the outer garment 150 can be provided with one or more laterally extending side portions 110, 111.

[0557] In the back section oSb, the outer cover 100 can comprise a first side portion 110 and a second side portion 111 for enabling the outer cover 100 to be attached around the waist of the wearer. In the illustrated embodiment, only the back section oSb is provided with first and second side portions, adapted to be fastened to the front section oSf of the outer cover 100. However, in other embodiments, the front section oSf can be provided with side portions, and / or both the front section oSf and the back section oSb can be provided with side portions. However, the illustrated variant of the back section oSb with a first side portion 110 and a second side portion 111 is considered advantageous for facilitating use by nursing staff and for enhancing comfort for the wearer.

[0558] As in the illustrated embodiment, the side portions 110, 111 in the back section oSb can extend substantially symmetrically outwards in the lateral direction x from the back edge 102, and at their respective distal ends each be provided with an attachment means 115, 116 on the inward side. The attachment means 115, 116 are adapted to be detachably attached to a matching surface (117) on the outward side of the front section oSf of the outer cover 100. Said attachment means 115, 116 and matching surface can for example consist of hook-and-loop surfaces.

[0559] In the illustrated variant, the total transverse width between the distal edges of each of the side portions 110, 111 is greater than the total transverse width of the front edge 101 of the outer cover 100, such that the side portions clearly indicate the rear edge 102 of the outer cover 100 and can be wrapped around to be attached to the front section Sf of the outer cover 100 to form a pant-like structure. The closure in the front section allows the wearer to lie down when being changed by a caregiver. The total transverse width spanned by the side portions 110, 111 and the total transverse width of the front edge 101 are chosen to fit a predetermined waist size of a person and can make the absorbent article 100 usable for a range of sizes.

[0560] It will be apparent to the skilled person that the same effect can be achieved with side portions 110, 111 that do not extend symmetrically from the rear edge 102 but with a first transverse width of one side portion being different from a second transverse width of the other side portion.

[0561] As discussed in the summary part of the application, the outer cover is constructed to be washable, preferably machine washable.

[0562] Also as discussed in the summary part of the application, the garment portion 150 can be made of a breathable, liquid permeable material, such as a textile material, such that the garment portion 150 can look and feel similar to a conventional underwear. The garment portion can comprise one or more pieces that together form at least 80%, preferably at least 90% of the surface area of the outer cover 100. Suitable materials for the garment portion 150 can include one or more of or consist of cotton, viscose, polyamide and polyester. When the outer cover needs to be washable, it is preferred to use a polyester material, as such materials are known to better retain their original size and shape. In order to ensure a close fit independent of the exact body shape and throughout the movements of the wearer, the garment portion 150 is preferably made of a stretchable material having elastic properties in the longitudinal direction Y and / or the transverse direction X, which material can be a woven or knitted textile, with the knitted textile being preferred due to having better elastic properties.

[0563] Hence, the garment portion 150 can be made of one or more pieces of fabric. For example, one piece of fabric can form the main portion 109 and each of the side portions 110, 111.

[0564] To ensure that the outer cover 100 remains in place in the crotch segment OSC when the absorbent article 1 is worn, as in the illustrated embodiment, outer leg elastic members 151, 152 may be provided at the outer edge of the crotch segment OSC of the outer cover 100 to secure the outer cover around the wearer's legs. These outer leg elastic members 151, 152 do not provide fluid tightness through the garment portion 150 of the outer cover 100, which is made of a breathable material, and therefore do not function as fluid barriers. The outer leg elastic members 151, 152 may be elastic threads, cords, strips, ribbons, etc., which are attached to the edge of the garment portion 150 in the crotch segment OSC by sewing, gluing, heat welding, etc., or inserted between the material layers forming the edge of the garment portion 150.

[0565] The outer cover 100 is made of a breathable, liquid-permeable material that provides an underwear-like shape to the absorbent article, allowing it to be worn by the wearer, similar to underwear, while also enabling easy changing by a caregiver. This particular material used is more closely similar to regular underwear than the backing material of diapers, which typically forms their outermost surface, making this particular absorbent article more comfortable to wear and giving the wearer an increased sense of dignity. Therefore, the outer cover 100 holds the insert 200 in place, and the insert 200 provides leak-proof safety for the absorbent article 1 and absorbency for retaining liquid and fecal matter; that is, the outer cover 100 does not have a fluid-blocking element.

[0566] Insert - overall

[0567] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, since the outer cover 100 is reusable, it can mate with a variety of different inserts, which may have an appearance of being or being compatible with... Figures 2a-2c The features shown are different. Some non-limiting, possible variations have been pointed out in this specification. The depicted insert 200 has a liquid-permeable top sheet 205, a liquid-impermeable bottom sheet 206, an absorbent assembly 230, inner leakage blocking members 220, 221, insert leg elastic members 210, 211, and a set of cover fastening regions 221, 222 arranged in the front section iSf of the insert, and another set of cover fastening regions 241, 242 arranged in the rear section iSb of the insert.

[0568] The insert 200 extends along its longitudinal direction Y and transverse direction X. The topsheet 205 forms part of the innermost surface of the insert 200 facing in the inward direction Zi and this part is intended to be directed towards the wearer when the absorbent article is worn. The backsheet 206 forms at least part of the outermost surface of the insert 200 facing in the outward direction Zo. The absorbent assembly 230 is enclosed between the topsheet 205 and the backsheet 206. The backsheet can cover the entire surface area of the insert 200, i.e. the backsheet forms the outermost surface of the insert 200. Thus, the width iW and length iL of the insert 200 can be equal to the width and length of the backsheet.

[0569] The liquid permeable topsheet 205 can consist of any material suitable for the purpose. Examples of commonly encountered liquid permeable topsheet materials are nonwoven fabric materials (referred to as nonwovens), apertured plastic films, meshes made from plastic or fabric, and liquid permeable foam layers. Also encountered are liquid permeable cover materials consisting of continuous thin fibres extending mainly in the longitudinal or transverse direction of the article. It is also commonly encountered to have laminates consisting of two or more of the above possible cover materials, just as covers consisting of different materials in different parts of the surface.

[0570] The liquid impermeable backsheet 206 can extend around the entire periphery of the absorbent assembly 230 beyond the absorbent assembly 230. The backsheet can consist of a range of different materials. The backsheet can consist of a thin and liquid tight plastic film, but other types of liquid tight materials can also be used, such as nonwoven materials that have been made liquid tight, e.g. by a plastic coating, a liquid tight foam layer, a liquid tight adhesive, etc. The backsheet can also consist of a liquid tight, vapour permeable material, which is referred to as a breathable material.

[0571] The innermost layer of the insert 100 comprising the liquid permeable topsheet 205 is attached to the backsheet 206 outside the absorbent assembly 230 along the entire periphery of the absorbent assembly 230. The innermost layer comprising the liquid permeable topsheet 205 and the backsheet can be attached to each other in a number of different ways. Examples of attachment means include gluing, heat fusion, ultrasonic welding, etc.

[0572] As shown, the absorbent assembly 230 can have a length and width that is smaller than the innermost layer comprising the topsheet 205 and the backsheet 206, and thus there is a central area in the insert 200 where liquid and faeces are discharged from the wearer's body. This leads to a design that is less voluminous and more comfortable, which is preferred. However, the skilled person will realise that alternative dimensions, shapes and configurations of the absorbent assembly 230 can also be suitable for the absorbent article as described herein. As Figure 2a shown, the absorbent assembly 230 can have a longitudinal length iLc.

[0573] For example, and as shown, the absorbent assembly 230 can have an hourglass shape, which is intended to be located in the narrowest region between the wearer's thighs when worn. The longitudinal side edges 203, 204, comprising the innermost layer of the topsheet 205 and the backsheet 206, also correspond to this hourglass shape. This results in a more form-fitting insert and thus a more comfortable wear, compared to the case with a rectangular shape.

[0574] The absorbent assembly 230 is depicted Figures 2a-2c ) as having a first layer 231, a second layer 232 and a receiving layer 233. The receiving layer 233 is positioned directly under the topsheet 205 and is adapted to quickly receive a considerable amount of liquid and temporarily retain this liquid in order to subsequently release the temporarily stored liquid to other parts of the absorbent assembly 230. Alternative configurations of the absorbent assembly 230 are conceivable and both the second layer 232 and the receiving layer 233 can be considered optional, independently of each other. The absorbent assembly can in this way be configured similarly to known absorbent assemblies and can be constructed from one or more layers of cellulose fluff pulp. To this end, the cellulose fluff pulp can be mixed with fibers or particles of a high-absorbency polymer material, referred to as superabsorbent material, of the type that chemically bonds (couples with the absorption) a large amount of liquid to form a liquid-containing gel. The absorbent assembly 230 can also contain high-absorbency polymer material arranged in a layer inside the absorbent body or in combination with one or more surfaces of the absorbent body. Additional components for improving the properties of the absorbent assembly 230 can also be present in the absorbent assembly 230. Examples of such components include binder fibers, different types of liquid distribution layers or fibers, shape-stabilizing components, reinforcing fibers, etc. The absorbent assembly 230 can naturally also consist of other types of absorbent material, such as absorbent nonwoven material, absorbent foam, textile material, peat or a mixture of different kinds of absorbent material.

[0575] Insert leg elastics

[0576] As Figures 2a to 2c shown, the insert leg elastic members 210, 211 are arranged on both sides of the insert 200 between the longitudinal outer edges of the absorbent assembly 230 and the longitudinal outer edges 203, 204 of the insert 200, extending essentially in the longitudinal direction of the insert 200. As Figure 2aAs shown, the insert leg elastic members 210, 211 may be partially bent. For example, when the absorbent assembly is hourglass-shaped, the insert leg elastic members may be partially bent to conform to the shape of the absorbent assembly 230. The maximum lateral width on the insert leg elastic members 201, 211 is defined as the leg elastic member width iWI. As shown, the lateral width on the insert leg elastic members 210, 211 is the width measured in the lateral direction of the two insert leg elastic members 210, 211, which comprise a pair of insert leg elastic members 210, 211. As in the illustrated embodiment, the lateral width on the insert leg elastic members 210, 211 may vary along the length of the insert leg elastic members 210, 211. The maximum lateral width of the leg elastic members 210, 211 in each of the front segment iSf or the rear segment iSb of the insert is the maximum lateral width that can be found along the length of the insert leg elastic members 210, 211 in the front segment iSf or the rear segment iSb, respectively.

[0577] Insert leg elastic members 210, 211 are included in the insert 200 to prevent leakage of liquids and feces through the longitudinal edges of the insert, thereby ensuring that the insert 200 is leak-proof and allowing the entire outer cover 100 to be made of a liquid-permeable material. Each of the insert leg elastic members 210, 211 may consist of one or more elastic threads applied in a stretched state between the innermost layer of the liquid-permeable top sheet 205 and the bottom sheet. The pair of insert leg elastic members has a longitudinal leg elastic member length iL1, which may extend at least 60% of the insert length. For example, the leg elastic member length may substantially coincide with the length iLc of the absorbent assembly 230. The elastic members 210, 211 may be attached to the bottom sheet and the top sheet 205 by adhesive, ultrasonic welding, or the like.

[0578] like Figure 2a As shown, in each of the front segment iSf and rear segment iSb of insert 100, insert 100 has a maximum width iW, and the leg elastic member width iW1, which is the maximum lateral width between the leg elastic members 210, 211, is less than the maximum width Wi of insert 100 and greater than the maximum lateral width of absorbent assembly 230. In each of the front segment iSf, iSb of insert 200, leg edge portions 212, 213 are defined between each insert leg elastic member 210, 211 and the adjacent side edges 203, 204 of insert 200. Leg edge portions 212, 213 may have a maximum width of at least 1 cm (such as at least 2 cm) and provide additional fluid leakage protection and increased comfort for the wearer.

[0579] Inboard leak barriers of the insert

[0580] To further prevent leakage of liquid or faeces via the side edges of the insert 200, the insert 200 can be provided on the inner surface with inner side leakage barriers 220, 221, as shown in Figure 2a and 2b .

[0581] The inner side leakage barriers 260, 261 are arranged on either side of and adjacent to the longitudinal edges of the absorbent assembly 230 and they extend substantially in the longitudinal direction of the insert 200. The inner side leakage barriers 260, 261 comprise a raisable portion which, when the insert is in use, is raised in an inward direction from the top sheet 205 so as to form a barrier preventing side leakage. The raisable portion of the inner side leakage barriers 260, 261 extends at least over a part of the crotch section isc of the insert 200.

[0582] The maximum transverse barrier width iWg is measured between the attachment edges 260b, 261 b of the raisable portion of the inner side leakage barriers 260, 261. The maximum transverse barrier width iWg can be smaller than the maximum transverse width iWi on the insert leg elastics 210, 211, if present, and optionally larger than the maximum transverse width of the absorbent assembly 230. The respective inner side leakage barriers 260, 261 can be executed by separate strips of material which exhibit two substantially parallel longitudinal edges. The strip of material can be double-folded, in conjunction with which the parallel longitudinal edges are arranged adjacent to each other. At least one longitudinal edge of each strip of material is attached to the innermost layer comprising the top sheet 205 and constitutes the attachment edge 260b, 261 b of the respective inner side leakage barrier 260, 261. The folded edge of the strip of material constitutes the free edge of the inner side leakage barrier 260, 261. The inner side leakage barriers 260, 261 are folded down on the innermost layer during manufacturing and storage and have a raised configuration during use, wherein the free edge is raised upwards from the innermost layer comprising the top sheet 205 at least in the crotch section isc of the insert.

[0583] In the shown insert 200, the longitudinal ends of the strips of material are attached to the innermost layer comprising the top sheet 205 on the front edge 201 and the back edge 202 of the insert 200.

[0584] The inner leakage barriers 260, 261 also include resilient elements 260a, 261a attached to the inner leakage barriers 260, 261 in a pre-tensioned state. The resilient elements 260a, 261a are conveniently arranged adjacent to the free edges of the inner leakage barriers 260, 261. When the pre-tensioned resilient elements 260a, 261a are released, they contract together with the free edges of the inner leakage barriers 260, 261, thereby causing the inner leakage barriers 260, 261 to enter a raised configuration away from the liquid-permeable top plate 205. For example, the inner leakage barriers 260, 261 can enter the raised position at least in a crotch portion of the insert corresponding to at least 60% of the longitudinal length of the insert, which is spaced apart from both the front end 201 and the rear end 202 of the insert.

[0585] like Figure 3a As shown, the inner leakage blocking members 260, 261 form a liftable portion, wherein the inner leakage blocking members 260, 261 can be a raised configuration over most of the longitudinal length of the insert 200. For example... Figure 3b As shown, the inner leakage blocking members 260, 261 can be attached to the top plate 205 in attachment areas adjacent to the front and rear ends of the insert, respectively. In the attachment areas, strips of material forming each inner leakage blocking member 260, 261 are attached to the top plate, for example by welding or adhesive, such that the inner leakage blocking member cannot be raised in the attachment areas. For example, the inner leakage blocking members 260, 261 can be attached to the inward side of the insert 200 in the front edge portion 201' and / or the rear edge portion 202' of the insert.

[0586] Alternatively, the longitudinal ends of the material strip may not be attached to the innermost layer, so that the free edges of the material strip forming the inner leakage barriers 220, 221 rise freely from the innermost layer when the insert is bent to the use position, ultimately without the help of a pre-tensioned elastic element.

[0587] In order to reliably and comfortably retain the insert 200 in the outer cover 100, forming an absorbent article 1, the insert 200 and the outer cover 100 can be detachably attached to each other.

[0588] Cover fastening areas of the insert

[0589] Here, in Figure 1 In the exemplary embodiments depicted in 2 and 3, the insert 200 includes a set of cover fastening regions 241, 242 in the rear segment iSb and another set of cover fastening regions 221, 222 in the front segment iSf.

[0590] Each cover fastening area 221, 222; 241, 242 includes surface fastening material for providing removable attachment between the insert and the outer cover.

[0591] In the illustrated variant, the set of cover fastener regions in the rear section iSb and the set of cover fastener regions in the front section iSf each comprise two laterally spaced apart cover fastener regions 241, 242; 221, 222. However, other variants are possible, such that at least one of the sets of cover fastener regions comprises only one single cover fastener region, or at least one of the sets of cover fastener regions comprises more than two cover fastener regions.

[0592] Irrespective of the number of cover fastener regions comprised in a set, a lateral fastener width iWf can be defined as the lateral width spanned by the set of one or more cover fastener regions.

[0593] In the illustrated variant, each of the cover fastener regions in the set is arranged at the same longitudinal position, and each of the cover fastener regions further has the same length iAi as seen in the longitudinal direction. However, other variants are possible, wherein for example at least one of the cover fastener regions in a set is arranged at a different longitudinal position than another cover fastener region in the set. Further, the set of one or more cover fastener regions spans a longitudinal length iAi along the longitudinal axis L.

[0594] The front edge portion 201’ and / or the rear edge portion 202’ is defined as the portion of the insert 200 extending from the front edge 201 or the rear edge 202, respectively, of the insert 200, and extending a longitudinal length iAi spanned by the set of one or more cover fastener regions 221, 222; 241, 242 in the front section iSf or the rear section iSb, respectively.

[0595] Each of the front edge portion 201’ and / or the rear edge portion 202’ can extend over an edge portion length which is for example less than 20% of the longitudinal length of the insert, for example less than 10% of the longitudinal length of the insert.

[0596] Thus, it can be ensured that a large portion of the inner-facing surface of the insert 200 remains available for direct contact with the wearer's genital area, thereby limiting the risk of contaminating the outer cover 100. As exemplified in the illustrated embodiment, in the longitudinal direction Y, each set of detachable cover fastening regions 221, 222; 241, 242 can be positioned at the front edge 201 or the back edge 202, respectively, i.e. directly adjacent to the front edge 201 or the back edge 202. This is advantageous in manufacturing, as a piece of fastener material can be arranged on two successive inserts when formed on a continuous insert material line. In this case, one cutting operation will separate the piece of fastener material into two, at the same time as the continuous insert material line is cut into individual inserts. In this case, the longitudinal length iAi spanned by the set of cover fastening regions will correspond to the longitudinal length of the respective edge portion 201 ', 202' of the insert 200. For example, each set of one or more cover fastening regions 221, 222; 241, 242 can span a longitudinal length iAi that is less than 20% of the longitudinal length of the insert, such as less than 10% of the longitudinal length of the insert.

[0597] In the transverse direction X, each set of cover fastening regions 221, 222; 241, 242 in the front section iSf and the back section iSb extends over a transverse fastening width iWf, respectively. As illustrated, the transverse fastening width iWf can be no less than, and preferably greater than, the leg elastics width iWi.

[0598] This particular positioning allows for sufficient tensioning of the insert when the absorbent article 1 is put on the wearer, thereby ensuring reliable functioning of the insert leg elastic members 210, 211.

[0599] The insert leg elastic members extend along a longitudinal insert leg elastic length. The front edge portion 201'and the back edge portion 202' can advantageously be arranged not to overlap the longitudinal insert leg elastic length. In other words, each set of one or more cover fastening regions is limited to the front edge portion 201'or the back edge portion 202' that is not spanned by the leg elastic length Li.

[0600] As in the illustrated embodiment, the transverse fastening width iWf can extend over at least a portion of the leg edge portions 212, 213 of the insert, in order to ensure automatic outward folding of the leg portions when the insert is attached to the outer cover. For example, the transverse fastening width can span at least 50% of the transverse width of each leg portion, or at least 80% of the transverse width of each leg portion.

[0601] As in the illustrated example, in the rear section iSb and / or the front section iSf of the insert 200, the set of one or more cover fastener regions can comprise a first subset of one or more cover fastener regions 221, 241, and a second subset of one or more cover fastener regions 222, 242. In the rear section iSb, the first subset of one or more cover fastener regions 241 is spaced apart from the second subset of one or more cover fastener regions 242 by a lateral spacing width iWs. Similarly, in the front section iSf, the first subset of one or more cover fastener regions 221 is spaced apart from the second subset of one or more cover fastener regions 222 by a lateral spacing width iWs. Thus, in both the front section iSf as well as the rear section iSb, the insert 200 is devoid of cover fastener regions over the spacing width iWs measured between the subsets in the respective front or rear section.

[0602] This facilitates the correct shaping of the insert in use, as the insert will be unattached to the outer cover over the lateral spacing width. Furthermore, by providing cover fastener regions substantially only at positions which are most critical for ensuring that the insert is positioned correctly in the outer cover, the correct assembly of the insert and the outer cover can be facilitated.

[0603] The lateral spacing width may, for example, be at least 70% of the lateral fastening width.

[0604] In the illustrated embodiment, each subset of one or more cover fastener regions comprises a single cover fastener region. Thus, the first subset of one or more cover fastener regions and the second subset together form a pair comprising two cover fastener regions (one cover fastener region in each subset) spaced apart by the spacing width iWs.

[0605] As shown in the example of the figure, the cover fastener regions 221, 222; 241, 242 can be provided on the innermost layer comprising the topsheet 205, each at a respective corner of said innermost layer comprising the topsheet 205, for detachably attaching the insert 200 to the outer cover 100. The cover fastener regions 221, 222; 241, 242 are located outside the crotch section iSc, thereby preventing any overlap with the outer cover 100 of the attachment to the crotch section iSc, thereby reducing the risk of contamination of said outer cover. The cover fastener regions 221, 222; 241, 242 together can cover less than 5% of the total surface area of the innermost layer comprising the topsheet 205. This has been found to be sufficient for reliably attaching the insert inside the outer cover 100, so that using more material would result in unnecessary waste. Furthermore, this means that a relatively small portion of the innermost layer of the insert is occupied by the cover fastener regions 221, 222; 241, 242, so that a relatively large portion of the innermost layer of the insert is available for receiving bodily exudates when the absorbent article 1 is in use.

[0606] As mentioned above, each cover fastening region 221, 222; 241, 242 comprises a surface fastening material. For example, and as illustrated herein, the surface fastening material provides a frictional and / or mechanical attachment. For example, the surface fastening material can be a surface fastening material comprising a plurality of discrete elements for providing the frictional and / or mechanical attachment. A well-known type of such surface fastening material is loop material, which is compatible with hook material, together known as Velcro®.

[0607] In the absorbent article 1, e.g. as illustrated in Figure 1 The cover fastening regions 221, 222; 241, 242 are attached to the outer cover 100 in the front and back panel members 120, 140.

[0608] Tab members of the outer cover

[0609] As illustrated in Figure 1 and 3a In each of the front and back sections oSf, oSb of the outer cover 100, the panel members 120, 140 are arranged to extend from the garment portion 150. The outwardly facing side of the panel members faces in the use position towards the crotch section Sc in the longitudinal direction Y. C An open space for receiving the respective back edge portion 202' or front edge portion 201'of the insert 200 therein, while the insert 200 extends over at least a portion of the crotch section Sc of the absorbent article 1. The inwardly facing side of the insert 200 will be attached to the outer cover 100 via the front and back panel members 120, 140.

[0610] In the outer cover 100, the front and back panel members 120, 140 can be made of the same material as the garment portion 150. In particular, a single piece of material can form at least one layer of the front and back panel members 120, 140 and the garment portion 150.

[0611] It is advantageous to have a panel member 120, 140 in both the back and front sections, as it allows the insert to be fully secured on the crotch region, thereby ensuring good positioning throughout the use. However, depending on the specific material and configuration choice of the outer cover and the insert, it can be sufficient to have only one panel member in either the front or back section.

[0612] In the illustrated variant, a single panel member 120, 140 is arranged in each of the back and front sections oSb, oSf.

[0613] In some variations, the flap members 120, 140 can extend from the garment portion 150 via, for example, a fold. For example, the flap members 120, 140 can comprise a piece of fabric that also forms at least a portion of the main portion 109 of the garment portion 150.

[0614] In other variations, as in the illustrated variation, the flap members 120, 140 can be attached to the garment portion 150 by joints, such as seams or stitches. For example, the flap members can comprise a piece of fabric that is attached to the garment portion.

[0615] As in the illustrated variation, the flap members 120, 140 can extend from the front edge 101 or the back edge 102, respectively, of the outer cover 100.

[0616] For example, the flap members 120, 140 can be joined (via a fold or via a joining member such as a seam or stitch) to the garment portion 150 along at least one of the back edge or the front edge and / or the pair of side edges, respectively.

[0617] In Figure 3a In the illustrated depicted configuration, the front flap member 120 and the back flap member 140 each extend laterally between a pair of side joints 148, 149; 128, 129, thereby joining the garment portion 150 of the outer cover 100 with an inner-facing surface to the flap members. Thus, the side joints join the side edges of the respective front flap member 120 and back flap member 140 to the garment portion 150 such that the flap members are automatically in a closed position forming a use position. However, in order to make the details regarding the inner flap member more easily visible, the side faces are not attached in the outer cover 100, as Figure 3b As depicted in the middle, both the front flap member 120 and the back flap member 140 are shown in an open position, thereby making its interior visible, which consists of a body-facing side and a garment-facing side.

[0618] By the presence of the joints 148, 149; 128, 129, it is ensured that the front flap member 120 and the back flap member 140 remain in the correct configuration for use, thereby protecting the wearer’s skin from any insert attachment means that contact the interior of the flap members. Furthermore, the presence of the joints 148, 149; 128, 129 ensures that transverse forces introduced to the outer cover when the outer cover is closed around the waist of the wearer are transmitted to the flap members. Thus, the flap members 120, 140 can stretch in the transverse direction.

[0619] In other variations of the outer cover, one or more flap members can be connected to the garment portion 150 via, for example, only side joints or only back joints or folds.

[0620] When the flap members 120, 140 extend in the transverse direction X between the first and second side joints 128, 129; 148, 149 joining the flap members to the garment portion 150, the space open in the longitudinal direction towards the crotch section has a space width oWt as defined between the first and second side joints 128, 129; 148, 149. The space width oWt of each respective flap member 120, 140 is equal to or greater than the width of the respective front edge 201 or back edge 202 of the insert 200. The space width oWt of the back flap member 140 can be substantially equal to the space width of the front flap member 120. In the depicted outer cover 200, the front flap member 120 has a space width substantially equal to the width of the front section. In the back section Sb, the space width of the flap member 140 is such that the first and second sides are attached to the respective edges of the first side portion 110 and second side portion 111 closest to the longitudinal center axis Y1. Advantageously, this configuration allows the joints 148, 149 of the back flap member 140 to be attached at or with the seams attaching one or more material layers of the first side portion 110 and second side portion 111 to the garment portion 150. A flat seam can be used to further reduce the risk of skin chafing for the wearer.

[0621] Insert fastening areas of the outer cover

[0622] For example, as in the illustrated variant, to detachably fasten the insert 200 to the outer cover 100, in each of the front section Sf and back section Sb, the outer cover can comprise a flap member, wherein each flap member is provided on an outer surface (i.e. the surface abutting the space formed by the respective flap member when in the use position) with a set of one or more insert fastening regions 121, 122; 141, 142. In the depicted outer cover, in the front section Sf, the front flap member 120 is provided with a set comprising two insert fastening regions 121, 122 on the outward side 120a of the flap member 120. Similarly, in the back section Sb, the back flap member 140 is provided with a set comprising two insert fastening regions 141, 142 on the outward-facing inner side 120a of the flap member. The longitudinal length of each insert fastening region 121, 122; 141, 142 is less than the longitudinal length of the respective front flap member 120 or back flap member 140 in the closed position, i.e. the longitudinal length of the outward-facing inner side 120a, 140a of the flap member 120, 140.

[0623] Thus, as in the illustrated embodiment, each insert fastening region 121, 122; 141, 142 can be provided by a corresponding insert fastening member 121a, 122a; 141a, 142a, as Figure 3bAs shown, each flap member 120, 140 comprises a piece of fabric to which the insert fastening members 121a, 122a; 141a, 142a of the insert fastening regions are attached.

[0624] Preferably, and as in the illustrated version, the insert fastening members of the flap members are entirely confined within the area of the piece of fabric.

[0625] As in the illustrated embodiment, the flap members 120, 140 can have a maximum longitudinal length oLt that is less than 20% of the longitudinal length of the outer cover. For example, the sum of the maximum longitudinal lengths of the front flap member 120 and the back flap member 140 can be less than 30% of the longitudinal length of the outer cover. Thus, the attachment of the insert to the outer cover occupies only a small portion of the length of the outer cover.

[0626] The outward-facing side of each flap member 120, 140 comprises a set of one or more insert fastening regions 121, 122; 141, 142, each comprising a surface fastening material for providing a detachable attachment with the insert.

[0627] Each set of insert fastening regions spans a transversal fastening width oWf. The transversal fastening width oWf can preferably be not less than the minimum transversal width oWc of the outer cover, i.e. not less than the crotch width oWc of the outer cover. Thus, the transversal fastening width oWf will be not less than the minimum inter-leg elastics spacing width measured between the leg elastics 151, 152 of the outer cover 100.

[0628] The transversal fastening width oWf can preferably be less than the maximum inter-leg elastics spacing width oWl measured between the leg elastics 151, 152 of the outer cover.

[0629] Thus, it can be ensured that when the insert 200 is attached to the outer cover 100, the leg elastics 152, 152 of the outer cover help provide the correct positioning of the insert relative to the wearer.

[0630] Furthermore, it can be ensured that the outer cover provides the required tension to the insert in the transversal direction when in use, in order to stretch the insert leg elastic members 210, 211 (and the inner side barriers 220, 221) into their correct position in the insert 200 as described above.

[0631] For example, and as in the illustrated version, the set of insert fastening regions can comprise a first subset of insert fastening regions 121; 141 and a second subset of insert fastening regions 122, 142, the first subset and the second subset being transversally spaced apart by a transversal spacing width oWs. In order to further ensure the correct positioning and shaping of the insert relative to the outer cover, the transversal fastener spacing width oWs can be not less than the minimum transversal width oWc of the outer cover.

[0632] In the illustrated variant, each sub-group insert fastening region comprises one single insert fastening region.

[0633] Absorbent article

[0634] In view of the above description of variants of the absorbent insert 200 and the outer cover 100, also described is a variant of the absorbent article 1 as Figure 1 illustrated.

[0635] The absorbent article 1 extends in a longitudinal direction Y and a transverse direction X perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Y, and wherein a thickness direction Z is defined as being perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction X and the transverse direction Y, the thickness direction being an inward direction Zi towards a wearer when the article is worn, and an outward direction Zo away from the wearer when the article is worn, the absorbent article 1 comprising a front section Sf, a back section Sb and a crotch section Sc extending between the front section Sf and the back section Sb along the longitudinal direction Y, the absorbent article 1 comprising a reusable outer cover 100 comprising a garment portion 150 extending in at least the front section Sf and the back section Sb of the absorbent article 1, the garment portion 150 being adapted to fit around a waist of a wearer, the front section Sf being positioned at or close to the abdominal side of the wearer and the back section Sb being positioned against the lower back of the wearer when the article is worn, and an absorbent insert 200 comprising a liquid impermeable backsheet, a liquid permeable topsheet 205 and an absorbent assembly 230 disposed between the backsheet and the topsheet, the insert 200 being shaped to, in use, cover a predetermined portion of the pubic region and the buttocks of the wearer, wherein the inward side comprises the topsheet facing towards the wearer and the outward side facing the outer cover 100.

[0636] The absorbent article 1 is an example of an absorbent article wherein the insert 200 extends longitudinally between a front edge 201 and a rear edge 202, and comprises longitudinal side edges 203, 204 connecting the front edge 201 and the rear edge 202, and the insert 200 comprises a pair of insert leg elastic members 210, 211 extending substantially in the longitudinal direction Y of the insert, and arranged on both sides of the insert between the absorbent assembly 230 and the longitudinal side edges 203, 204 of the insert, wherein a leg elastic length iLl is defined as the longitudinal length along the insert leg elastic members 210, 211, and wherein in each of the rear section aSb and the front section aSf, a leg elastic width iWl is defined as the maximum transverse width over the insert leg elastic members 210, 211 in said front or rear section (aSf, aSb), respectively. In at least one, preferably each, of the front section aSf and the rear section aSb of the absorbent article, the absorbent article comprises a set of one or more attachment areas 21, 22; 41, 42 for attaching the front edge portion 201' or the rear edge portion 202' of the insert, respectively, to the outer cover, wherein in each attachment area an inwardly facing or outwardly facing surface area of the insert 200 is detachably attached to a surface area of the outer cover 100 via at least one surface fastening material. Further, a transverse fastening width aWf is the transverse width spanned by said set of one or more attachment areas 21, 22; 41, 42, which is not less than the leg elastic width iWl in said front section aSf or rear section aSb, respectively, such that the front edge portion 201' or the rear edge portion 202' of the insert 200 is detachably attached to the outer cover 100 in said set of attachment areas 21, 22; 41, 42, respectively, while in at least said crotch section aSc of the absorbent article 1, the inwardly facing side of the insert 200 forms the innermost side of the absorbent article 1, so as to be directly adjacent to the wearer's skin when the article is in use.

[0637] Hence, the article exhibits the advantage of having a set of attachment areas with a transverse fastening width that is not less than the leg elastic width, such that the leg elastics of the insert are stretched when the article is in use, i.e. the advantage of helping to position the insert correctly and securely with respect to the wearer when the absorbent article is being worn.

[0638] Furthermore, the absorbent article 1 is one example of an absorbent article in which, in at least one, preferably each, of the front section Sf and the back section Sb of the absorbent article, the outer cover comprises a flap member 120, 140 extending from the garment portion 150, the outwardly facing inner side 120a, 140a of the flap member 120, 140 facing the inwardly facing side of the insert 200 in the front edge portion 201'or the back edge portion 202', respectively, of the insert. Furthermore, in said at least one, preferably each, of the front section Sf and the back section Sb of the absorbent article, the absorbent article comprises a set of one or more attachment areas 21, 22; 41, 42, wherein, in each attachment area, a surface area of the inwardly facing side of the insert 200 is detachably attached to a surface area of the outwardly facing side of the flap member 120, 140 via at least one surface fastening material, such that the front edge portion 201'or the back edge portion 202', respectively, of the insert 200 is detachably attached to the outer cover 100 in said set of attachment areas 21, 22; 41, 42, while in at least said crotch section Sc of the absorbent article 1, the inwardly facing side of the insert 200 forms the innermost side of the absorbent article 1 so as to be directly adjacent to the wearer's skin when the article is in use.

[0639] Thus, the article presents the advantages obtained by the attachment between the outer cover and the insert occurring via the outwardly facing inner side of the flap member and the inwardly facing side of the insert, i.e. the advantages of facilitating a correct and secure positioning of the insert relative to the wearer when the absorbent article is in wear.

[0640] The advantages obtained by the attachment between the outer cover and the insert occurring via the outwardly facing inner side of the flap member and the inwardly facing side of the insert, and the advantages obtained by the set of attachment areas having a transversal fastening width not less than the leg elastic member width, can be achieved one after the other. However, as in the illustrated variant, a combination of features leading to a combination of advantages can be particularly preferred. For example, when the leg elastic member is stretched due to the transversal fastening width not less than the leg elastic member width, the attachment areas can have an increased need of being protected from being torn or pulled out from the outside of the article, which is fulfilled by the attachment occurring via the inwardly facing side of the insert and the outwardly facing inner side of the flap member, when the article is in wear.

[0641] It is to be understood that the set of attachment areas 21, 22; 41, 42 in the illustrated variant of the absorbent article 1 is formed by the insert fastening areas 121, 122; 141, 142 being attached to the cover fastening areas 221, 222; 241, 242 via the surface fastening material of the insert fastening areas, e.g. hook material, and the surface fastening material of the cover fastening areas, e.g. loop material.

[0642] Preferably, the outer cover 100 and the insert 200 are dimensioned such that the front flap member 120 and the back flap member 140 do not overlap with the absorbent assembly 230 when the insert is normally attached in the outer cover.

[0643] For example, each flap member 120, 140 can have a longitudinal flap length oLt such that in the use position, when the insert 200 is attached to the outer cover 100, the flap member 120, 140 extends over less than 20%, preferably less than 10% of the insert longitudinal length iL.

[0644] For example, the total area of the front flap member 120 and the back flap member 140 can cover less than 80%, preferably less than 85% of the total insert area. The dimensions of the front flap member 120 and the back flap member 140 can be set such that during use less than 15%, preferably less than 10% of the total insert area is covered.

[0645] Fastening areas

[0646] For example, and as in the illustrated variant, each insert fastening region 121, 122; 141, 142 can be provided with an insert fastening member 121a, 122a; 141a, 142a comprising a fastening material that is a hook material. Each insert fastening member can be attached on the outer-facing inner side 120a, 140a of the respective front flap member 120 and back flap member 140 of the outer cover.

[0647] In the insert, each cover fastening region 221, 222; 241, 242 can be provided with a cover fastening member 221a, 222a; 241a, 242a comprising a fastening material that is a loop material. Each cover fastening member can be attached on the inward-facing side of the insert.

[0648] Due to the placement of the hook members, their hooks face away from the wearer’s body in use, thereby further reducing the risk of skin abrasions, which is already low due to the insert fastening regions and cover fastening regions being covered by the flap members.

[0649] In the use position, the flap members 120, 140 fully cover the cover fastening regions 221, 222; 241, 242 of the insert 200, thereby also preventing any contact between the wearer’s skin and the attachment material. Since such material is typically relatively rough compared to the material of the topsheet and the garment portion 150 used for the outer cover 100, its coverage reduces the risk of abrasions.

[0650] Although the depicted embodiments show the use of hook-and-loop fasteners, alternative surface fastening materials can also be suitable and can be used instead of some or all of the insert fastening regions and cover fastening regions. Such alternative surface fastening materials provide substantially uniform fastening over a predetermined surface area, rather than point connections such as buttons, snaps, rivets, etc., thereby minimizing the risk of skin chafing associated with such point connections.

[0651] To ensure that the outer cover is washable, the surface fastening material provided thereon should be reusable and washable.

[0652] Another advantage of using fastening regions comprising surface fastening material, including the depicted hook-and-loop members, is to provide fastening over a surface area, which provides greater placement tolerance in attaching the insert to the outer cover. Thus, it is easier to attach the insert to the outer cover as it requires less precision and is therefore faster than when using point connections.

[0653] Fig. 4A, Fig. 4B, Fig. 4C and Fig. 4D show a use cycle of the absorbent article 1 shown, respectively showing a package 300 containing at least an insert 200, the insert 200 being attached into an outer cover 100, the absorbent article being worn by a wearer and removal and disposal of the insert 200 and cleaning of the outer cover 1. Figure 1

[0654] The package in Fig. 4A can be used to contain a predetermined amount of inserts and / or one or more outer covers. In Fig. 4B it is shown that first the insert 200 is detachably attached inside the corresponding flap members of the outer cover 100. The attachment is achieved as described above. Next, the absorbent article is put on the wearer as shown in Fig. 4C. For the particular embodiment of the outer cover 100, when the article is put on the wearer, the side portions 110, 111 are arranged on the back end portion of the article and attached to the front end portion of the article on the outer facing surface of the outer cover 100. Preferably, the outer cover 100 is provided with special receiving surfaces 117, 118 (see Figure 4c and Figure 3a ) at the front end portion, on the surface facing away from the wearer as shown. Said special receiving surfaces 117, 118 are adapted to receive attachment means 115, 116 (see Figure 4c and Figure 3a ) provided on the first and second side portions 110, 111 to ensure good detachable attachment without potentially damaging the main material forming the outer facing surface of the outer cover 100.

[0655] ​After use, the entire absorbent article 1 is removed from the wearer by separating the first and second side portions and then separating the insert from the outer cover as shown in Fig. 4D. In the present embodiment, the insert 200 is a disposable insert which is discarded after use, while the outer cover 100 is washable such that it can be washed as shown. In a subsequent use cycle, the same outer cover 100 is then used with a new, another insert 200. It will be appreciated that the use cycle will be the same for all absorbent articles according to the present application, regardless of the specific shape of the outer cover and insert. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that for absorbent articles according to the present specification in which the outer cover is not washable but reusable, the use cycle will be essentially the same, except that the reusable outer cover is washed before being reused in a subsequent use cycle.

[0656] The application has been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments as shown in the accompanying drawings. Obvious modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding detailed description. It is intended that the application be construed as including all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims.

[0657] For example, although the illustrated variant is an example in which the insert fastening region of the outer cover is arranged on the outward-facing inside of the wing member of the outer cover, while the cover fastening region is arranged on the inward-facing side of the insert, other alternatives are also possible in which the insert fastening region of the outer cover is instead arranged on the inward-facing side of the garment portion 150 of the outer cover 100, and in which the cover fastening region is arranged on the outward-facing side of the insert 200. In such variants, the outer cover can optionally comprise a wing member.

[0658] In particular, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the various alternatives expressly mentioned in the detailed description can be implemented independently of other expressly mentioned alternatives not explicitly described as related thereto. The present application is intended to be construed as embracing all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An absorbent article (1) extending in a longitudinal direction (Y) and in a transverse direction (X) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (Y), and wherein a thickness direction (Z) is defined perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction (X) and the transverse direction (Y), the thickness direction being an inward direction (Zi) towards a wearer when the article is worn and an outward direction (Zo) away from a wearer when the article is worn, the absorbent article comprising a front section (aSf), a back section (aSb) and a crotch section (aSc) extending in the longitudinal direction (Y) between the front section (Sf) and the back section (Sb), and comprising: a reusable outer cover (100) comprising a garment portion (150) extending at least in the front section (aSf) and the back section (aSb) of the absorbent article (1), the garment portion (150) being adapted to fit around a waist of a wearer, wherein the front section (aSf) is positioned at the abdominal side of a wearer and the back section (aSb) is positioned against the lower back of a wearer when the article is worn; and an absorbent insert (200) comprising a liquid impermeable backsheet (206), a liquid permeable topsheet (205) and an absorbent assembly (230) disposed between the backsheet (206) and the topsheet (205), the insert (200) being shaped to cover in use a predetermined portion of the pubic region and the hips of a wearer such that it comprises an inwardly side pointing towards the wearer of the topsheet (205) and an outwardly side pointing towards the garment portion (150) of the outer cover (100), wherein said insert (200) extends longitudinally between a front edge (201) and a back edge (202), and comprises longitudinal side edges (203, 204) connecting the front edge (201) and the back edge (202), and the insert (200) comprises a pair of insert leg elastics (210, 211) extending substantially along a longitudinal direction (Y) of the insert and arranged on both sides of the insert between the absorbent assembly (230) and the longitudinal side edges (203, 204) of the insert, wherein a leg elastic length (iLl) is defined along a longitudinal length of said insert leg elastics (210, 211), and wherein, in each of the front section (aSf) and the back section (aSb), a leg elastic width (iWl) is defined as a maximum transverse width across said insert leg elastics (210, 211) in said front or back section (aSf, aSb), respectively, wherein in at least one, preferably each, of the front section (aSf) and the back section (aSb) of the absorbent article, the absorbent article comprises a set of one or more attachment areas (21, 22; 41, 42) for attaching the front edge portion (201') or the back edge portion (202') of the insert to the outer cover, respectively, wherein in each attachment area an inwardly facing or outwardly facing surface area of the insert (200) is detachably attached to a surface area of the outer cover (100) via at least one surface fastening material, and wherein a transverse fastening width (aWf) is a transverse width spanned by said set of one or more attachment areas (21, 22; 41, 42) that is not less than the leg elastic width (iWl) in said front or back section (aSf, aSb), respectively, such that the front edge portion (201') or the back edge portion (202') of the insert (200) is detachably attached to the outer cover (100) in said set of attachment areas (21, 22; 41, 42), respectively, while in at least said crotch section (aSc) of the absorbent article (1), an inwardly facing side of the insert (200) forms an innermost side of the absorbent article (1) so as to be directly adjacent to the skin of the wearer when using said article.

2. The absorbent article (1) according to claim 1, wherein In said at least one, preferably each, of said front section (aSf) and said back section (aSb), said insert (200) comprises a pair of leg edge portions (212, 213), each leg edge portion extending longitudinally along a respective insert leg elastic member (210, 211) and laterally between said insert leg elastic member (210, 211) and a respective longitudinal side edge (203, 204) of said insert (200), so as to define a maximum lateral leg edge width (Wlp) between the insert leg elastic member (210, 211) and the respective longitudinal side edge (203, 204), said maximum lateral leg edge width (Wlp) being at least 1 cm, such as at least 2 cm.

3. The absorbent article (1) according to any of claims 1-2, wherein In said at least one, preferably each, of said front section (aSf) and said back section (aSb), said set of one or more attachment areas (21, 22; 41, 42) is confined to a longitudinal section of said insert (200) not spanned by said leg elastic length (iL1).

4. The absorbent article (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the inward facing side of said insert (200) comprises a pair of inward facing leakage barriers (260, 261) extending in said longitudinal direction (Y) of said insert.

5. The absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein in said at least one, preferably each, of a front section (aSf) and a back section (aSb) of the absorbent article (1), a lateral fastening width (aWf) is no less than 70%, such as no less than 80% or no less than 90%, of a maximum width (iW) of the insert (200) in said front edge portion (201') or back edge portion (202'), respectively.

6. The absorbent article (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, In said at least one, preferably each, of said back section (aSb) and said front section (aSf), said set of one or more attachment areas (21, 22; 41, 42) comprises a first subset of one or more attachment areas (21, 41) and a second subset of one or more attachment areas (22, 42), wherein said first subset and said second subset are spaced apart, preferably symmetrically, about a longitudinal centre axis of said insert.

7. The absorbent article according to claim 6, wherein said first subset of one or more attachment areas (21, 41) and said second subset of one or more attachment areas (22, 42) are spaced apart by a lateral spacing width (aWs) which is at least 40%, such as at least 50% or at least 60%, of said lateral fastening width (aWf).

8. The absorbent article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in said at least one, preferably each, of the front section (aSf) and the back section (aSb) of the absorbent article (1), the outer cover (100) comprises a set of one or more insert fastening regions (121, 122; 141, 142), each insert fastening region (121, 122; 141, 142) comprising a surface fastening material for providing detachable attachment to an inwardly facing surface of the insert (200) in at least one of said set of one or more attachment regions (21, 22; 41, 42).

9. The absorbent article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in said at least one, preferably each, of the front section (aSf) and the back section (aSb) of the absorbent article (1), the inwardly facing side and / or the outwardly facing side of the insert (200) comprises a set of one or more cover fastening regions (221, 222; 241, 242), each cover fastening region (221, 222; 241, 242) comprising a surface fastening material for providing detachable attachment to the outer cover (100) in at least one of said set of one or more attachment regions (21, 22; 41, 42).

10. The absorbent article of claims 8 and 9, wherein, The surface fastening material of said set of one or more insert fastening regions (121, 122, 141, 142) and the surface fastening material of said set of one or more cover fastening regions (221, 222; 241, 242) are respective surface fastening materials for forming said detachable connection, attachment regions of said set of attachment regions (21, 22; 41, 42) being formed at locations where said set of one or more insert fastening regions (121, 122; 141, 142) overlap with said set of one or more cover fastening regions (221, 222; 241, 242).

11. The absorbent article (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, In said at least one, preferably each, of the back section (aSb) and the front section (aSf), each of said at least one surface fastening material of said set of one or more attachment regions (21, 22; 41, 42) provides detachable attachment by mechanical fastening and / or frictional fastening.

12. The absorbent article (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, In said at least one, preferably each, of the back section (aSb) and the front section (aSf), the absorbent article (1) comprises one or more cover fastening members (221a, 222a; 241a, 242a) arranged on the inwardly facing side and / or the outwardly facing side of the insert (200), each cover fastening member (221a, 222a; 241a, 242a) providing at least one of said one or more cover fastening regions (221, 222; 241, 242) of said set, and / or In said at least one, preferably each, of said back section (aSb) and front section (aSf), the absorbent article (1) comprises one or more insert fastening members (121a, 122a; 141a, 142a) arranged on the outer cover (100), each insert fastening member (121a, 122a; 141a, 142a) providing at least one of said one or more cover fastening regions (121, 122; 141, 142) in said set.

13. The absorbent article (1) according to claim 8 and 9, optionally in combination with any of the preceding claims, wherein in said at least one, preferably each, of said back section (aSb) and front section (aSf) of the absorbent article (1), at least one, such as all, of said one or more insert fastening regions (121, 122; 141, 142) comprises a surface fastening material being a hook material or a loop material, and a corresponding at least one, such as all, of said one or more cover fastening regions (221, 222; 241, 242) comprises a surface fastening material being a corresponding loop material or hook material, respectively, for providing said detachable attachment.

14. The absorbent article (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, In said at least one, preferably each, of said back section (aSb) and front section (aSf), each attachment region in said set has a height of less than 3 mm, such as less than 2 mm, when in the attached state.

15. The absorbent article (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said garment portion (150) extends in said front section (aSf), said back section (aSb) and said crotch section (aSc) of the absorbent article, wherein said crotch section (aSc) extends longitudinally between said front section (aSf) and said back section (aSb), and said garment portion (150) forms a pair of leg edges, each leg edge facing a respective leg opening when the article (1) is worn, and wherein said crotch section (oSc) of the outer cover defines a minimum transversal width (oWc) between said leg edges, wherein preferably said transversal fastening width (aWf) is not less than said minimum transversal width (oWc) of the outer cover (100).

16. The absorbent article (1) according to claim 15, wherein Said outer cover (100) comprises a pair of leg elastic members (151, 152) arranged along the leg edges of said garment portion (150) at least in its crotch section (aSc). In said at least one, preferably each, of said back section (aSb) and front section (aSf), the absorbent article (1) comprises one or more insert fastening members (121a, 122a; 141a, 142a) arranged on the outer cover (100), each insert fastening member (121a, 122a; 141a, 142a) providing at least one of said one or more cover fastening regions (121, 122; 141, 142) in said set.

17. The absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein in said at least one of the front section (aSf) and the back section (aSb) of the absorbent article, the outer cover (100) further comprises at least one flap member (120, 140) extending from the garment portion (150), the flap member (120, 140) having a use position in which a space is formed between an outwardly facing inner side (120a, 140a) of the flap member (120, 140) and an inwardly facing side of the garment portion (150), the space being open in the longitudinal direction towards the crotch section (Sc) to receive therein a respective rear edge portion (202’) or front edge portion (201’) of the insert (200), while the insert extends over the crotch section (aSc) of the absorbent article (1).

18. The absorbent article according to claim 17, wherein in each of the set of attachment regions, an inwardly facing surface area of the insert (200) is detachably attached to a surface area of an outwardly facing inner side (120a, 140a) of the flap member (120, 140) via the at least one surface fastening material, such that a front edge portion (201’) or a rear edge portion (202’) of the insert (200) is detachably attached to the outer cover (100) in the set of attachment regions (21, 22; 41, 42), respectively.

19. The absorbent article (1) according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the insert (200) has an insert longitudinal length (iL), and wherein in said at least one, preferably each, of the back section (aSb) and the front section (aSf), each flap member (120, 140) has a longitudinal flap length (oLt) such that in the use position, when the insert is attached to the outer cover (100), the flap member (120, 140) extends over less than 20%, preferably less than 10%, of the insert longitudinal length (iL).

20. The absorbent article (1) according to any of claims 17-19, wherein the insert (200) has an insert area, and wherein in said at least one, preferably each, of the back section (aSb) and the front section (aSf), an outwardly facing inner side (120a, 140a) of each flap member (120, 140) of the outer cover (100) has a flap area such that in the use position and when the insert is attached to the outer cover, the flap member extends over less than 20%, preferably less than 10%, of the insert area (Ai).

21. The absorbent article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least 50%, such as at least 70% or at least 90% of the total area of the outer cover (100) is liquid permeable.

22. The absorbent article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least 50%, such as at least 70% or at least 90% of the total area of the outer cover (100) is air permeable.

23. The absorbent article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the backsheet of the insert (200) is air permeable.

24. The absorbent article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer cover (100) is washable.

25. The absorbent article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the insert (200) is adapted for single use.

26. The absorbent article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, having a total absorbent capacity of at least 1000 ml, such as 1000 to 4000 ml.

27. A reusable outer cover (100) for an absorbent article (1), extending along a longitudinal direction (Y) and along a transverse direction (X) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (Y), and wherein a thickness direction (Z) is defined perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction (X) and the transverse direction (Y), being an inward direction (Zi) towards a wearer when the article is worn and an outward direction (Zo) away from the wearer when the article is worn, the outer cover (100, 100') comprises a garment portion (150) having a longitudinal length (oL) extending along the longitudinal direction (Y), the garment portion (150) being subdivided along said longitudinal length (oL) into a front section (oSf), a back section (oSb) and a crotch section (oSc), wherein the crotch section (oSc) of the outer cover defines a minimum transverse crotch width (oWc) of the outer cover, and the garment portion (150) is adapted to fit around a waist of a wearer, with the front section (oSf) positioned at or close to the abdomen of the wearer, the back section (oSb) positioned against the lower back of the wearer, and the crotch section (oSc) positioned over a predetermined portion of the pubic region and the hips of the wearer, extending transversely between two leg openings formed by the outer cover, such that the garment portion (150) defines an inner-facing side intended to face the wearer and an outer-facing side intended to face away from the wearer when the outer cover (100) is worn, wherein in at least one, preferably each, of said front section (oSf) and said back section (oSb), the outer cover comprises a set of one or more insert fastening regions (121, 122; 141, 142), each insert fastening region (121, 122; 141, 142) in said set comprising a surface fastening material for detachably attaching an insert to said outer cover, wherein, In the at least one, preferably each, of the front section (oSf) and the back section (oSb) of the outer cover, the set of one or more insert fastener regions (121, 122; 141, 142) spans a transverse fastening width (oWf) that is not less than the minimum transverse crotch width (oWc), for example a transverse fastening width (oWf) that is not less than 110% of the minimum transverse crotch width (oWc) or not less than 120% of the minimum transverse crotch width (oWc).

28. The outer cover (100) of Claim 27, wherein, The outer cover comprises a pair of leg elastic members (151, 152) arranged along the leg openings of the garment portion (150) at least in the crotch section (oSc) of the garment portion (150).

29. The outer cover (100) according to claim 28, wherein in the at least one of the front section (oSf) and the back section (oSb) of the outer cover, the transverse fastening width (oWf) is less than a maximum leg elastic member spacing width (oWL), the maximum leg elastic member spacing width (oWL) being the maximum transverse distance between the leg elastic members (151, 152) in the outer cover.

30. The outer cover (100) according to any of claims 27 to 29, wherein in the at least one, preferably each, of the front section (oSf) and the back section (oSb), the set of one or more insert fastener regions (121, 122, 141, 142) comprises a first subset of one or more insert fastener regions (121, 141) and a second subset of one or more insert fastener regions (122, 142), wherein the first subset and the second subset are spaced apart by a transverse spacing width (oWs), preferably the first subset and the second subset are symmetrically spaced apart by the transverse spacing width (oWs) about a longitudinal center axis (Y1) of the outer cover (100).

31. The outer cover according to claim 30, wherein the transverse spacing width (oWs) is not less than the minimum transverse crotch width (oWc) of the outer cover.

32. The outer cover according to claim 30 or 31, wherein the transverse spacing width (oWs) is not less than 40% of the transverse fastening width (oWf), for example not less than 50% or not less than 60% of the transverse fastening width (oWf).

33. The outer cover of any of Claims 27-32, wherein, In the at least one, preferably each, of the front section (oSf) and the back section (oSb), the outer cover (100) comprises at least one flap member (120, 140) extending from the garment portion (150), each flap member (120, 140) having a use position in which an outwardly facing inner side (120a, 140a) of the flap member (120, 140) faces an inwardly facing side of the garment portion (150) so as to form a space between the outwardly facing inner side (120a, 140a) of the flap member (120, 140) and the inwardly facing side of the garment portion (150) which is open in the longitudinal direction towards the crotch section (Sc).

34. The outer cover according to claim 33, wherein in the at least one, preferably each, of the front section (oSf) and the back section (oSb), the one or more insert fastening regions (121, 122; 141, 142) of the set are positioned on the outwardly facing inner side (120a, 140a) of the at least one flap member (120, 140) such that when an insert is attached to the outer cover in the absorbent article, the one or more insert fastening regions (121, 122; 141, 142) of the flap member (120, 140) allow for a detachable attachment to an inwardly facing side of a respective front edge portion (201’) or back edge portion (202’) of the insert received in the space, while the insert extends inwardly over at least a portion of the crotch section (oSc) of the garment portion (150).

35. The outer cover (100) of claim 33 or 34, wherein, In the at least one, preferably each, of the front section (oSf) and the back section (oSb), each flap member (120) is located at a front edge (101) or a back edge (102), respectively, of the outer cover (100).

36. The outer cover (100) of any of Claims 33-35, wherein, In the at least one, preferably each, of the front section (oSf) and the back section (oSb), a longitudinal length (oLt) of each flap member (120, 140) is no more than 20%, for example no more than 10%, of a longitudinal length (oL) of the outer cover.

37. The outer cover (100) according to any of claims 33 to 36, wherein each of the front section (oSf) and the back section (oSb) comprises at least one flap member (120, 140), and a sum of maximum longitudinal lengths (oLt) of the flap members (120, 140) in the front section (oSf) and the back section (oSb) is no more than 30%, for example no more than 20%, of a longitudinal length (oL) of the outer cover.

38. The outer cover (100) of any of Claims 33-37, wherein, In the at least one, preferably each, of the front section (oSf) and the back section (oSb), an area of each flap member (120, 140) is no more than 20%, for example no more than 10%, of an area of the outer cover.

39. The outer cover (100) according to any of claims 33-38, wherein a total area of all flap members (120, 140) of the outer cover (100) is no more than 30% of an area of the outer cover, for example no more than 20% of an area of the outer cover.

40. The outer cover of any of Claims 33-39, wherein, In at least one, preferably each, of the front section (oSf) and the back section (oSb) of the outer cover, the at least one flap member (120, 140) is a single flap member (120, 140).

41. The outer cover (100) according to claim 40, wherein the single flap member (120, 140) extends in the transverse direction (X) between a first side joint (128, 129) and a second side joint (148, 149) joining the flap member to the garment portion (150), such that the space opens in the longitudinal direction towards the crotch section over a flap member width (oWt) defined between the first side joint (128, 129) and the second side joint (148, 149).

42. The outer cover (100) according to claim 40 or 41, wherein the crotch section (oSc) of the outer cover defines a minimum transverse width (oWc) of the outer cover, and the flap member width (oWt) is no less than the minimum transverse width (oWc) of the outer cover, for example at least 120% of the minimum transverse width (oWc) of the outer cover.

43. The outer cover (100) according to any of claims 27-42, wherein in the at least one, preferably each, of the front section (oSf) and the back section (oSb), and in at least one, preferably each, of the one or more insert fastening regions (121, 122; 141, 142) of the set, the surface fastening material is adapted to allow releasable mechanical and / or frictional fastening thereto by a matching surface fastening material.

44. The outer cover (100) according to any of claims 27-43, wherein in the at least one, preferably each, of the front section (oSf) and back section (oSb), and in at least one, for example all, of the one or more insert fastening regions (121, 122; 141, 142) of the set, the surface fastening material comprises a plurality of discrete fastening elements, for example comprising discrete fastening elements that protrude in an outward direction (Zo) when the outer cover is in use.

45. The outer cover (100) according to any of claims 27-44, wherein in the at least one, preferably each, of the front section (oSf) and the back section (oSb), the outer cover comprises one or more insert fastening members (121a, 122a; 141a, 142a) attached to an outer-facing inner side (120a; 140a) of a respective flap member (120, 140), each insert fastening member (121a, 122a; 141a, 142a) providing at least one of the one or more insert fastening areas (121, 122; 141, 142) of the set.

46. The outer cover (100) according to claim 45, wherein at least one, for example each, of the one or more insert fastening members (121a, 122a; 141a, 142a) comprises a sheet- shaped base having a length along the longitudinal direction (Y) and a width along the transverse direction (X) when the flap member (120, 140) is in the use position, the sheet-shaped base comprising one or more areas of surface fastening material.

47. The outer cover (100) according to claim 45 or 46, wherein at least one, for example each, of the one or more insert fastening members (121a, 122a; 141a, 142a) has a height in the thickness direction of less than 3 mm, for example less than 2 mm or less than 1.5 mm.

48. The outer cover (100) according to any of claims 45-47, wherein at least one, for example each, of the one or more insert fastening members (121a, 122a; 141a, 142a) comprises a hook material.

49. The outer cover (100) according to any of claims 27-48, wherein the surface fastening material of the garment portion (150) and at least one, such as each, of the one or more insert fastening areas (121, 122; 141, 142) are not bonded to each other.

50. The outer cover (100) according to any of claims 27-49, wherein at least 50%, for example at least 70% or at least 90%, of the total area of the outer cover is liquid permeable.

51. The outer cover (100) according to any of claims 27-50, wherein at least 50%, such as at least 70% or at least 90%, of the total area of the outer cover is air permeable.

52. The outer cover (100) according to any of claims 27-50, wherein the outer cover is configured to be washable, preferably machine washable, and wherein the outer cover is preferably configured for at least 20 wash cycles.

53. The outer cover (100) of any of Claims 27-52, wherein, The garment portion (150) comprises one or more fabric pieces, wherein preferably at least one, for example each, of the one or more fabric pieces comprises a textile fabric, the textile fabric preferably being a knitted fabric.

54. The outer cover (100) according to claim 53, wherein the textile fabric, such as a knitted fabric, has a basis weight in the range between 150 gsm and 300 gsm, such as between 200 gsm and 250 gsm.

55. The outer cover (100) according to any of claims 27-56, wherein the outer cover is substantially non-absorbent.

56. An absorbent insert (200) for use with an outer cover (100) for forming an absorbent article (1) adapted to be worn around the waist of a wearer, the insert (200) being shaped to cover, in use, predetermined portions of the pubic region and the buttocks of the wearer and the insert extending in a longitudinal direction (Y) and in a transverse direction (X) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (Y), wherein a thickness direction (Z) is defined perpendicular to the transverse direction (X) and the longitudinal direction (Y), the thickness direction (Z) being an inward direction (Zi) towards the wearer when the absorbent article is worn and an outward direction (Zo) away from the wearer when the article is worn, wherein the insert has a longitudinal length (iL) extending along the longitudinal direction (Y) and the insert is subdivided along the longitudinal length (iL) into a front section (iSf), a back section (iSb) and a crotch section (iSc), the insert (200) comprises a liquid impermeable backsheet (206), a liquid permeable topsheet (205) and an absorbent assembly (230) between the backsheet (106) and the topsheet (205), and The insert (200) extends longitudinally between a front edge (201) and a rear edge (202), and comprises longitudinal side edges (203, 204) connecting the front edge and the rear edge, and the insert comprises a pair of insert leg elastic members (210, 211) extending substantially in the longitudinal direction (Y) of the insert and arranged on both sides of the insert between the absorbent assembly (230) and the longitudinal side edges (203, 204) of the insert, wherein, in each of the front section (iSf) and the back section (iSb) of the insert, a leg elastics width (iW1) is defined as the maximum transverse width over the insert leg elastics members (210, 211) in the front section or the back section (iSf, iSb), respectively, and the insert (200) has an inward facing side (203) comprising the topsheet (205) directed towards the wearer when the article is used and an outward facing side (204) directed towards the outer cover (100), wherein the insert (200) has an inward facing side (203) comprising the topsheet (205) directed towards the wearer when the article is used and an outward facing side (204) directed towards the outer cover (100), wherein In at least one, preferably each, of the front section (iSf) and the back section (iSb) of the insert (200), the insert (200) comprises a set of one or more cover fastener regions (221, 222; 241, 242), each cover fastener region (221, 222; 241, 242) comprising a surface fastening material for detachable attachment of the insert (100) to the outer cover (200), wherein the one or more cover fastener regions (221, 222; 241, 242) are provided on the inward facing side of the insert (200) and / or on the outward facing side of the insert (200), and in at least one, preferably each, of the back section (iSb) and front section (iSf), a lateral fastening width (iWf) spanned by the set of one or more cover fastener regions (221, 222; 241, 242) is at least not smaller than the leg elastics width (iWl) in said front section (iSf) or back section (iSb), respectively, such as 110% of the leg elastics width (iWl) or 120% of the leg elastics width (iWl).

57. The absorbent insert of claim 56, wherein, In at least one, preferably each, of the front section (iSf) and the back section (iSb), the insert (200) comprises a pair of leg edge portions (212, 213), each leg edge portion extending longitudinally along a respective insert leg elastic member (210, 211) and laterally between the insert leg elastic member and a respective longitudinal side edge (203, 204) of the insert so as to define a maximum lateral leg edge width (Wlp) between the insert leg elastic member (210, 211) and the respective longitudinal side edge (203, 204), the maximum lateral leg edge width (Wlp) being at least 1 cm, such as at least 2 cm.

58. The absorbent insert (200) according to any of claims 56-57, wherein, Each insert leg elastic member (210, 211) of the pair of leg elastic members (210, 211) is sandwiched between an innermost layer of the insert and the backsheet (206).

59. The absorbent insert (200) according to any of claims 56-58, wherein, An insert leg elastics length (iL1) is defined as a longitudinal length of the insert (200) along which the insert leg elastic members (210, 211) are activated, the insert leg elastics length (iL1) being at least 50% of the total longitudinal length (iL) of the insert, such as at least 75% or at least 85% of the total longitudinal length (iL) of the insert.

60. The absorbent insert of any of Claims 56-59, wherein, In at least one, preferably each, of the front section (iSf) and the back section (iSb) of the insert (200), a set of one or more cover fastener regions ((240, 241; 242, 243) is confined to a longitudinal section of the insert not spanned by the leg elastics length (iL1) of the pair of insert leg elastic members (210, 211).

61. The absorbent insert of any of Claims 56-60, wherein, The inward facing side of the insert (200) comprises a pair of inward side leakage barriers (260, 261) extending in the longitudinal direction (Y) of the insert.

62. The absorbent insert (200) according to claim 61, wherein The inboard leakage barriers (260, 261) are adapted to be movable between a first position in which the inboard leakage barriers (260, 261) form a flat surface parallel to the topsheet (205) and a second position in which the inboard leakage barriers (260, 261) are raised from the liquid permeable topsheet (205) over at least 60% of the longitudinal length (iL) of the insert (200), spaced apart from the front edge (201) and the back edge (202) of the insert.

63. The absorbent insert (200) according to any one of claims 61 and 62, wherein, Each inboard leakage barrier (260, 261) comprises an elastic element (260a, 261a).

64. The absorbent insert of any of Claims 56-63, wherein, In the at least one, preferably each, of the back section (iSb) and the front section (iSf), the set of one or more cover fastening regions comprises a first subset of one or more cover fastening regions (221, 241) and a second subset of one or more cover fastening regions (222, 242), wherein the first subset and the second subset are spaced apart, preferably symmetrically spaced apart, around a longitudinal centre axis (Y1) of the insert (200) by a lateral spacing width (iWs).

65. The absorbent insert (200) according to claim 64, wherein, The set of one or more cover fastening regions spans a lateral fastening width (iWf), and the lateral spacing width (iWf) is at least 40% of the lateral fastening width (iWf), for example at least 50% or at least 60% of the lateral fastening width (iWf).

66. The absorbent insert (200) according to claim 64 or 65, when combined with at least claim 61, wherein, The pair of inboard leakage barriers (260, 261) are symmetrically spaced apart around the longitudinal axis (Y) by a barrier width (iWg) which is a lateral distance between attachment portions (260b, 261b) where raisable portions of the leakage barriers (260, 261) are attached to the inboard-facing remainder of the insert, wherein the leg elastics width (iWl) is greater than the barrier width (iWg).

67. The absorbent insert (200) according to any of claims 56 to 66, wherein, In at least one, preferably each, of the front section and the back section (iSf, iSb), the lateral fastening width (iWf) spanned by the set of one or more cover fastening regions (221, 222; 241, 242) is at least 70% of the maximum width (Wi) of the insert in the front or back section, respectively, for example at least 80% or at least 90% of the maximum width (Wi).

68. The absorbent insert (200) according to any one of claims 56-67, wherein, The insert (200) has a minimum lateral width (Wc) in a crotch section (iSc) of the insert (200), and in the at least one, preferably each, of the front section and the back section (iSf, iSb), the lateral fastening width (iWf) spanned by the set of one or more cover fastening regions (221, 222; 241, 242) is not less than the minimum lateral width (Wc), for example not less than 110% of the minimum lateral width (Wc) or not less than 120% of the minimum lateral width (Wc).

69. The absorbent insert (200) according to any one of claims 56-68, wherein, The insert (200) extends longitudinally between a front edge (201) and a rear edge (202), and wherein, in the at least one, preferably each, of a front section (iSf) and a rear section (iSb) of the insert (200), the set of one or more cover fastener regions (221, 222; 241, 242) is positioned at or near the respective front edge (201) or rear edge (202) of the insert (200).

70. The absorbent insert (200) according to any one of claims 56-69, wherein, In the at least one, preferably each, of the front section (iSf) and the rear section (iSb), each cover fastener region of the set of one or more cover fastener regions (221, 222; 241, 242) is arranged on the inward facing side of the insert.

71. The absorbent insert (200) according to any one of claims 56-70, wherein, In the at least one, preferably each, of the front section (iSf) and the rear section (iSb), and in at least one, e.g. each, of the one or more cover fastener regions (221, 222; 241, 242) of the set, a surface fastening material is adapted to allow for a releasable mechanical and / or frictional fastening thereto by a matching surface fastening material.

72. The absorbent insert (200) according to any one of claims 56-71, wherein, The at least one, preferably each, of the front section (iSf) and the rear section (iSb) of the insert (200) comprises one or more cover fastener members (221a, 222a; 241a, 242a) attached at the inward facing side and / or the outward facing side of the insert, each cover fastener member (221a, 222a; 241a, 242a) providing at least one of the one or more cover fastener regions (221, 222; 241, 242) of the set.

73. The absorbent insert (200) according to claim 72, wherein In the at least one, preferably each, of the front section (iSf) and the rear section (iSb), at least one, e.g. all, of the one or more cover fastener members (221a, 222a; 241a, 242a) comprises a sheet-formed base having a length in the longitudinal direction (Y) and a width in the transverse direction (X), the sheet-formed base comprising one or more surface fastening material regions.

74. The absorbent insert (200) according to any of claims 72-73, wherein, In the at least one, preferably each, of the front section (iSf) and the rear section (iSb), at least one, e.g. each, of the one or more cover fastener members (221a, 222a; 241a, 242a) has a height in the thickness direction of less than 3 mm, e.g. less than 2 mm or less than 1.5 mm.

75. The absorbent insert (200) according to any one of claims 71-74, wherein, In the at least one, preferably each, of the front section (iSf) and the rear section (iSb), at least one, e.g. each, of the one or more cover fastener members (221a, 222a; 241a, 242a) of the set comprises a loop material.

76. The absorbent insert (200) according to any one of claims 55-75, wherein, In said at least one, preferably each, of the front section (iSf) and the back section (iSb) of the insert (200), the set of one or more cover fastener regions (221, 222; 241, 242) spans a longitudinal length (Al) which is no more than 20%, for example no more than 10%, of the longitudinal length (iL) of the insert.

77. The absorbent insert (200) according to any one of claims 56-76, wherein, The sum of the longitudinal lengths (Al) spanned by any one or more cover fastener regions (221, 222; 241, 242) in the front section (iSf) of the insert and the longitudinal lengths (Al) spanned by any one or more cover fastener regions (242, 243) in the back section (iSb) of the insert is no more than 30%, for example no more than 20%, of the longitudinal length (iL) of the insert.

78. The absorbent insert (200) according to any one of claims 56-77, wherein, In said at least one, preferably each, of the front section (iSf) and the back section (iSb) of the insert (200), each of the one or more cover fastener regions (221, 222; 241, 242) in the set has an area (Al x Aw) which is no more than 10%, for example no more than 5%, or no more than 2%, of the area of the insert.

79. The absorbent insert (200) according to any one of claims 56-78, wherein, The total area of all of the one or more cover fastener regions (221, 222; 241, 242) of the insert (200) is no more than 25%, for example no more than 10%, of the area of the insert.

80. The absorbent insert (200) according to any one of claims 56-79, wherein, The absorbent assembly (230) is located at least in the crotch section (iSc) of the insert and has an absorbent assembly length (iLc) which spans no more than 80%, for example no more than 70%, of the longitudinal length (iL) of the insert.

81. The absorbent insert (200) according to any of claims 56-80, wherein the backsheet comprises a nonwoven material, for example the backsheet is a laminate of a porous polymeric film and a nonwoven material.

82. The absorbent insert (200) according to any one of claims 56-81, wherein, The backsheet is air permeable.

83. The absorbent insert (200) according to any one of claims 56-82, wherein, The absorbent assembly (230) comprises a sand hourglass shaped absorbent core having a narrowest width in the transverse direction (X) at a longitudinal center position of the crotch section (iSc).

84. The absorbent insert (200) according to claim 83, wherein, The longitudinal edge portions of the front sheet and the backsheet correspond partly to the sand hourglass shape of the absorbent assembly (230).

85. The absorbent insert (200) according to any one of claims 56-84, wherein, The absorbent core comprises a first absorbent layer (231) and a second absorbent layer (232) stacked between the backsheet and the topsheet (205).

86. The absorbent insert (200) according to any of claims 56-85, having a total absorbent capacity of at least 1000 ml, for example 1000-4000 ml.

87. The absorbent insert (200) according to any one of claims 56-86, wherein, The absorbent assembly (230) comprises superabsorbent polymers, for example cellulose fibers and superabsorbent polymers.

88. The absorbent insert (200) according to claim 87, wherein, The absorbent assembly (230) comprises a superabsorbent polymer concentration of at least 15 wt% based on the total weight of cellulose fibers and superabsorbent polymers. The absorbent assembly (230) comprises superabsorbent polymers, for example cellulose fibers and superabsorbent polymers. The absorbent assembly (230) comprises a superabsorbent polymer concentration of at least 15 wt% based on the total weight of cellulose fibers and superabsorbent polymers.

89. The insert according to any of claims 56-88, wherein the insert is configured for single use.

90. A package (300) comprising a plurality of inserts (200) according to any of claims 56-89.

91. The package (300) according to claim 88, further comprising an outer cover (100) according to any of claims 27-55.

92. The absorbent article according to any of claims 1-26, wherein the outer cover is according to any of claims 27-55, and / or the insert is according to any of claims 56-89.

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