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) comprising a garment portion (150) and an absorbent insert (200) wherein, in at least one, preferably each of the front section (aSf) and the rear section (aSb) of the absorbent article, the outer cover (100) is made of a non-woven fabric; the outer cover (100) further comprises at least one flap member (120, 140) extending from the garment portion (150), where an outwardly facing inner side (120a, 140a) of the flap member (120, 140) faces an inwardly facing side of the insert (200) in a front edge portion or a rear edge portion (201 ', 202') of the insert (200), respectively, and in at least one, preferably each of a front section (aSf) and a rear section (aSb) of the absorbent article, the flap member (120, 140) is disposed in the front edge portion or the rear edge portion (201 ', 202'). The absorbent article comprises a set of one or more attachment areas (21, 22; 41, 42), in each of which an inward facing surface area of the insert (200) is removably attached by at least one surface fastening material to a surface area of said outward facing inner side (120a, 140a) of the flap member (120, 140) such that a front or rear edge portion (201 ', 202') of the insert (200) is attached to said set of attachment areas (21, 22; the absorbent article (1) is characterized in that the insert (200) is removably attached to the outer cover (100) in the crotch section (aSc) of the absorbent article (1), while in at least said crotch section (aSc) of the absorbent article (1), the innermost 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 used. The present disclosure also relates to an outer cover and an absorbent insert.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to absorbent articles comprising an outer cover and removable inserts. The invention also relates to the outer cover. Furthermore, the invention relates to inserts used with the outer cover. Additionally, the invention relates to a package encapsulating multiple inserts. Background Technology

[0002] Absorbent items in the form of diapers and incontinence pads are commonly used by infants and incontinent adults to absorb bodily fluids such as blood, urine, sweat, and feces. Specifically, when looking at products classified as severe incontinence items for adults, these items have relatively high absorbency and are typically used by individuals with physical and / or psychological impairments. These severe incontinence products are usually handled by caregivers to put on and remove from the wearer's body and are purchased by nursing homes, hospitals, and / or care-related personnel.

[0003] Requirements for these products may include: leak-proof, easy to use and replace, comfortable to wear, not having a negative impact on the wearer's skin health, and maintaining the wearer's dignity during replacement and wear.

[0004] To meet these requirements, currently used incontinence products are still primarily single-use products, with single-use being the standard for severe incontinence. Single-use products are easy to use because they require very limited disposal after use. However, the production and disposal of these products result in significant material waste. After use, the products end up in landfills, or, particularly for adults who have taken one or more heavy medications, absorbable items may be incinerated.

[0005] Currently, most disposable products are made from or contain significant amounts of petroleum-derived materials, such as polypropylene and / or polyethylene, in the form of fabric-like nonwoven webs and membranes. With increasing awareness of the limited availability of petroleum and the various pollution problems it causes during product manufacturing and disposal, there is a growing need for more sustainable alternatives. To this end, products comprising an outer base and absorbent inserts have been proposed, where one or both of the outer base and absorbent inserts are reusable. For this type of product, it is important to ensure that the absorbent insert is correctly positioned relative to the wearer to maintain leak-proof safety and desired comfort during product use.

[0006] Therefore, the aim is to provide an absorbent article that can be a sustainable alternative to current single-use products.

[0007] Furthermore, the aim is to provide an absorbent article that satisfactorily meets the above requirements and / or provides an improvement over current products. Summary of the Invention

[0008] definition:

[0009] "Wearer" refers to a person who may wear absorbent materials as described in this article.

[0010] "User" refers to a person who handles absorbent articles as described herein, i.e., prepares absorbent articles for use and / or applies absorbent articles to a wearer. A user may be the wearer or the wearer's caregiver.

[0011] "Liquid-permeable" in this document means a liquid-permeable material as understood in the field of absorbent articles. Therefore, the material is not intended to impede fluid leakage through the material to any significant extent. Known liquid-permeable materials are, for example, topsheet materials used in conventional disposable absorbent products. In another example, conventional textile materials such as woven or knitted materials are typically liquid-permeable. Liquid-permeable materials can be, for example, textile materials that do not contain any liquid-resistant coatings or liquid-resistant treatments. Liquid-permeable materials can be, for example, textile materials that do not absorb fluid to any significant extent.

[0012] In this article, "breathable" refers to a material that allows water vapor to escape through it.

[0013] For example, breathable but liquid-impermeable materials are commonly used as backing materials in absorbent articles. Such backing materials can be breathable while still preventing liquids from passing through. These breathable, liquid-impermeable materials can be, for example, porous polymer membranes, and laminates formed from porous polymer membranes and nonwoven fabrics.

[0014] Porous textile materials, such as knitted or woven textiles, are typically breathable.

[0015] The air permeability of a material is typically measured by its water vapor transmission rate. For example, a breathable material suitable for absorbent articles may have a water vapor transmission rate greater than 1000 g / ms / 24h at 37.8 degrees Celsius, according to ASTEM; E398.

[0016] "Total absorption capacity" in this document refers to the total absorption capacity measured according to the Rothwell method, ISO 11948.

[0017] The “cycle of use” for absorbent items, as used herein, refers to a series of successive steps, including applying the absorbent item to the wearer, the wearer wearing the item for a limited period of time (e.g., during one or several urinations), and removing the absorbent item from the wearer.

[0018] "Reusable" in this context refers to an item intended for use more than one cycle. Therefore, a reusable item is one that can be used multiple times over. If necessary, a reusable item can be cleaned, for example, washed, or otherwise restored between cycles.

[0019] For example, reusable items 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" in this article refers to an item intended for use only in one cycle and then discarded. Therefore, items configured for single use are typically discarded after a limited period of use by the wearer (e.g., during one or several urinations).

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

[0022] The washable outer cover should be washable at least a predetermined number of times without significantly deteriorating its characteristics. Specifically, the washable outer cover should be washable a predetermined number of times without significantly damaging fastening members, such as any insert fastening members or fastening members used to secure the outer cover around the wearer's waist. Furthermore, the washable outer cover should preferably be washable a predetermined number of times without significantly damaging the elasticity of the leg elastic elements and / or other materials (e.g., fabric) of the outer cover. Finally, the washable outer cover should preferably be washable a predetermined number of times without significantly damaging the color of the outer cover.

[0023] For example, it is preferred that the washable outer cover can withstand at least 20 washes at 60°C, and even more preferably, the washable outer cover can withstand at least 50 washes at 60°C.

[0024] Furthermore, it is preferable that the washable outer cover is "machine washable", meaning that the aforementioned washing can be performed in a washing machine.

[0025] "Stretchable" in this article refers to a material that, when subjected to stress during normal use of an article, can be stretched from its original measure and return to substantially the same measure.

[0026] "Surface fastening material" herein refers to a material that can be distributed substantially uniformly on the surface of a region so as to provide substantially uniform fastening on the region. Therefore, any portion of the region provided with surface fastening material will be ready for attachment via the surface fastening material.

[0027] In some examples, a surface fastening material can provide continuous fastening on the surface of the area including the surface fastening material. This surface fastening material can be, for example, an adhesive that can be applied to the area.

[0028] In some examples, the surface fastening material can provide fastening in a plurality of discrete fastening elements, the density of which allows for substantially uniform fastening over the area including the surface fastening material. For example, the density of such discrete fastening elements can be at least 10 discrete fastening elements / cm². 2 Or more preferably at least 50 discrete fastening elements / cm 2 .

[0029] For example, multiple discrete fastening elements can provide mechanical and / or frictional fastening over an area including a surface fastening material. Examples of surface fastening materials including discrete fastening elements can be hook and / or ring materials used to form hook / hook or ring / ring connections.

[0030] "The fastening area including the surface fastening material" refers to the surface area on which the surface fastening material is basically evenly distributed.

[0031] "Removable" fasteners in this document refer to the corresponding fastener area that can be used to attach and detach the insert multiple times without substantially impairing its function. For example, for any reusable fastener area, the fastener area can provide at least 50 cycles of attachment / detachment, such as at least 150 or at least 300 times.

[0032] Knitting is a method of constructing fabric by interlocking a series of loops of one or more yarns. There are two main categories of knitting: warp knitting and weft knitting.

[0033] "Weaving" is the method or process of interlacing two yarns of similar material so that they cross each other at right angles to produce a woven fabric. The warp yarns extend longitudinally in the fabric, and the weft yarns extend from one side to the other.

[0034] Jacquard is a knitting or weaving system that utilizes a universal patterning mechanism to create complex designs by using perforated cards that control the resulting patterns. Jacquard knits can be applied to circular, flat, warp-knitted, or weft-knitted fabrics.

[0035] In the context of this disclosure, "nonwoven fabric" refers to sheets, webs, or mats of oriented or randomly oriented fibers bound together by friction and / or cohesive and / or adhesive forces, excluding paper and products that combine yarns or filaments by weaving, knitting, tufting, stitch-bonding, or wet-felt bonding, whether or not additionally needle-punched. Fibers can be of natural or man-made origin and can be short fibers, continuous filaments, or in-situ formed. Commercially available fibers range in diameter from less than about 0.001 mm to greater than about 0.2 mm and come in several different forms: short fibers, continuous monofilaments, untwisted bundles of continuous filaments, and twisted bundles of continuous filaments. Nonwoven fabrics can be formed by a variety of methods, such as meltblowing, spunbonding, solvent spinning, electrospinning, and carding.

[0036] The term "nonwovens," used to refer to different parts of the insert, lies between paper and paperboard on one hand and textiles on the other in terms of their properties. Regarding nonwoven materials, a wide variety of extremely different production processes are used, such as air-laid, wet-laid, jet-sprayed, spunbond, and melt-blown technologies. The fibers can be in the form of loop fibers or fibers pre-formed with loop lengths, such as in-situ produced synthetic fibers or short fibers. Alternatively, they can be made from natural fibers or blends of synthetic and natural fibers.

[0037] In the context of this disclosure, longitudinal length should be understood as the longest length of a specified portion or sub-portion in the longitudinal direction. Similarly, transverse width should be understood as the widest width of a specified portion or sub-portion in the transverse direction.

[0038] When referring to the length of a group that includes one or more items (i.e., the length spanned by a group that includes one or more items), it is referred to as the maximum vertical length of all items in the group, regardless of whether the items are horizontally aligned.

[0039] Similarly, when referring to the width of a group that includes one or more items (i.e., the width spanned by a group that includes one or more items), it is referred to as the maximum horizontal width of all items in the group, regardless of whether the items are vertically aligned.

[0040] The term “completely contained within” in this document means an item that is “completely contained within”, such as a part or section that does not extend beyond the part or section, for example, does not protrude from the part or section.

[0041] For the purposes of this disclosure, and unless otherwise expressly stated, measurements of the length, width, and other dimensions of disposable absorbent sanitary products are taken when the product is flattened on a flat surface, wherein any shrinkage elastic elements are deactivated. "Deactivated" means that the elastic element is not activated to shrink any portion to which it is attached. To deactivate the elastic element, it may be cut at one or more locations, or it may be removed. Optionally, in some cases, the elastic element may be stretched such that the portion where the elastic element is disposed becomes completely flat. Measurements obtained in such a stretched state may correspond to measurements obtained when the elastic element is deactivated.

[0042] When determining the length of the active portion of an elastic element along another portion, the start and end points of the active portion of the elastic element can be initially marked on the relevant portion. The elastic element 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] The activated portion of an elastic element is the part that can effectively contract any part to which it is attached during use. Therefore, using the above process, the inactive portions of the elastic element, such as the glued ends of the elastic thread, are ignored.

[0044] As used herein, the term “area” of a portion of a product corresponds to the surface area of ​​the flat surface covered by that portion when the product is placed in a flattened state on a flat surface, where any resilient elements are removed or deactivated.

[0045] To determine the flat area of ​​an item such as an outer cover (which may include several joined pieces or segments), it may be necessary to cut the item into several flat pieces to determine the area of ​​each piece.

[0046] In this document, when referring to the area, length, or other dimensions of the outer cover, NB refers to a measurement found when any flap member of the outer cover is in its place of use.

[0047] 1. Absorbent materials

[0048] In a first aspect, this disclosure relates to an absorbent article according to claim 1. Therefore, an absorbent article is provided extending along a longitudinal direction and along a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, wherein a thickness direction is defined perpendicular to both the longitudinal and transverse directions, the thickness direction being an inward direction toward the wearer when the article is worn, and an outward direction away from the wearer when the article is worn. The absorbent article includes a front section, a rear section, and a crotch section extending longitudinally between the front and rear sections.

[0049] In addition, the absorbent article includes:

[0050] A reusable outer cover comprising a garment portion extending at least in a front section and a rear section, the front and rear sections of the garment portion being adapted to fit around the waist of a wearer, wherein, when the garment is worn, the front section is positioned at or near the wearer's navel, and the rear section is positioned against the wearer's lower back; 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 a predetermined portion of the wearer's pubic region and buttocks during use, including the topsheet having an inwardly facing side toward the wearer and an outwardly facing side toward a garment portion of the outer cover. In at least one, preferably each, of the front and rear sections of the absorbent article, the outer cover includes a flap member extending from the garment portion, wherein the outwardly facing inner side of the flap member faces the inwardly facing side of the insert in either the front or rear edge portion of the insert.

[0052] In at least one, preferably each, of the front and rear sections of the absorbent article, the absorbent article includes a set of one or more attachment regions, wherein in each attachment region, the inwardly facing surface region of the insert is detachably attached to the outwardly facing inner surface region of the flap member via at least one surface fastening material, such that the front edge portion or the rear edge portion of the insert is detachably attached to the outer cover in the set of attachment regions, and in at least the crotch section of the absorbent article, the inwardly facing side of the insert forms the innermost side of the absorbent article so as to be directly adjacent to the wearer's skin when the article is in use.

[0053] In absorbent articles, leakage protection and absorption capacity are primarily provided by the absorbent insert, while a reusable outer cover is adapted to hold the insert in place on the wearer's lower body. At least a portion of the insert's inward-facing side will be directly adjacent to the wearer's skin and is therefore available for receiving bodily fluids from the wearer.

[0054] The outer cover and insert can be separated from each other, and the reusable outer cover can be used multiple times with a new insert.

[0055] Properties of absorbent items

[0056] The outer cover is reusable, meaning it is designed for use in more than one usage cycle. If necessary, the reusable outer cover can be cleaned, for example, washed, or otherwise restored if required. For instance, a reusable outer cover may be used for multiple usage cycles before becoming contaminated, each cycle involving the use of a new insert, thus requiring cleaning before being used for a new usage cycle.

[0057] Therefore, for example, the outer cover can be washable.

[0058] Absorbent inserts can also be at least partially reusable, such as washable. However, absorbent inserts typically become contaminated after each use cycle. Therefore, absorbent inserts can be cleaned after each use cycle, such as by washing or otherwise restoring them.

[0059] However, preferably, the absorbent insert can be adapted for single use, i.e., intended for use only in one cycle and then discarded. In this way, the insert is suitable for use for a limited time, for example, for receiving bodily discharge only once or a few times. After use, the absorbent insert adapted for single use is discarded.

[0060] Therefore, absorbent articles that include reusable outer covers and absorbent inserts have advantages over disposable absorbent articles of the prior art because the reusability of at least a portion of the absorbent article improves sustainability.

[0061] The absorbent garment has a longitudinal length extending from the front edge of the absorbent garment through the crotch section to the rear edge in the longitudinal direction. The longitudinal length can be adjusted so that the size of the absorbent garment is set to fit an adult.

[0062] Optionally, the absorbent article has a total absorbency of at least 1000 ml, for example, 1000 to 4000 ml. Therefore, the article has the absorbency intended for use by an adult wearer.

[0063] 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 described above, the absorbent capacity of the absorbent article is essentially provided by the absorbent insert, while the outer cover is relatively non-absorbent and serves to hold the insert in the correct position relative to the wearer's body.

[0064] Breathable outer cover & insert

[0065] As mentioned above, the leakage protection and absorption capacity of absorbent articles are primarily provided by the absorbent insert, while the reusable outer cover is suitable for holding the insert in place on the wearer's lower body.

[0066] Furthermore, the liquid-impermeable backing of the absorbent insert provides most of the required liquid impermeability for the absorbent article. Therefore, the outer cover can be primarily liquid-permeable, for example, made of liquid-permeable materials such as textiles.

[0067] For example, at least 50% of the total area of ​​the outer covering, such as at least 70% or at least 90%, may be liquid-permeable.

[0068] Since the outer cover does not need to be impermeable to liquids, it can be tailored to other desired properties. For example, the outer cover can be made of a material with properties beneficial to the wearer's skin health. For example, the outer cover can be made of a material that provides desired breathability, softness, and / or stretch. Suitable materials can, for example, be found in textile materials.

[0069] Therefore, preferably, the outer cover can be primarily breathable.

[0070] For example, at least 50% of the total area of ​​the outer covering, such as at least 70% or at least 90% of the total area of ​​the outer covering, may be breathable.

[0071] Therefore, a large portion of the outer covering can be made of a liquid-permeable, breathable material to benefit the wearer's skin health. Preferably, the liquid-permeable, breathable material can also be washable.

[0072] As described above, the absorbent insert includes a liquid-impermeable substrate. Therefore, the outer side of the absorbent insert may include a liquid-impermeable substrate. Optionally, the outer side of the absorbent insert may consist of a liquid-impermeable substrate.

[0073] The insert's backing can be breathable to benefit the user's skin health.

[0074] Thus, the absorbent article may include a primarily breathable outer cover as described above, and an absorbent insert having a breathable, liquid-impermeable backing, such that the absorbent article as a whole is also primarily breathable.

[0075] One or more garment portions forming an outer cover may include a garment portion forming a front section, a back section, and a crotch section extending longitudinally between the front and back sections, and the garment portion forming a pair of leg edges, each leg edge facing a corresponding leg opening when the article is worn. Thus, the garment portion of the outer cover may extend over the crotch section of the absorbent article, thereby connecting the front and back sections of the outer cover to each other. Therefore, the garment portion may be adapted to fit around the wearer's waist, wherein the front section is positioned at or near the wearer's navel, the back section is positioned against the wearer's lower back, and the crotch section is positioned between the two leg openings formed by the outer cover.

[0076] Therefore, when the outer cover and insert are used together to form an absorbent article, the outer cover can essentially completely cover the insert. Thus, the outer cover forms the entire outward-facing surface or clothing-facing side of the absorbent article, effectively concealing the insert from view. Consequently, the absorbent article, when worn, has an appearance closer to regular underwear, which the wearer will perceive as more dignified and comfortable than wearing currently used disposable diapers.

[0077] Furthermore, the outer cover can protect the insert by providing an additional layer in the outward direction, so that any tears or friction from the outside that may be caused by the wearer's movements will initially be absorbed by the outer cover, rather than by the outward-facing (e.g., the backing) side of the insert. Therefore, the insert can be held more securely in place to perform its function.

[0078] The outer cover may include a pair of leg elastic members arranged at least in its crotch section along the leg edge of the garment portion.

[0079] Leg elastic members help ensure proper positioning of absorbent garments on the wearer, thereby increasing the outer cover's ability to hold the absorbent insert in the correct position to absorb bodily waste. Therefore, leg elastic members help control the position of the crotch section of the absorbent insert when it is attached to the outer cover. Furthermore, leg elastic members contribute to the comfort and fit of the outer cover, providing an underwear-like appearance for the absorbent garment.

[0080] Attachment between inserts and outer covers in absorbent articles

[0081] As described above, in the absorbent article proposed herein, this set of one or more attachment areas allows the attachment between the insert and the outer cover to be made via the inward side of the insert. This helps to provide a strong bond between the insert and the outer cover. Therefore, as seen from the external direction when the article is worn, the attachment area is covered by the insert itself and the outward-facing layer of the outer cover. Thus, the attachment area is difficult for the wearer to reach through curiosity or finger movements. Furthermore, the garment portion of the outer cover forming the outward-facing surface of the absorbent article can also move relatively independently of the insert at the location of the attachment area without directly impacting it. Therefore, the wearer's movements (which could cause the outward-facing side of the absorbent article to be pulled or rubbed) are unlikely to negatively affect the attachment between the insert and the outer cover.

[0082] The attachment area of ​​the absorbent article is the area in which the inner surface area of ​​the insert is detachably attached to the outer surface area of ​​the wing member via at least one surface fastening material.

[0083] Therefore, it should be understood that the surface fastening material is distributed over the entire attachment area, that is, on the inward surface area of ​​the insert and / or the corresponding outward surface area of ​​the wing member.

[0084] Therefore, the attachment between the insert and the outer cover occurs over the entire attachment area, so any forces experienced by the attachment area during use of the absorbent article are distributed over the attachment area. This provides a favorable load distribution between the insert and the outer cover, thus avoiding peak loads that may occur, for example, when using point connections such as buttons or snaps. Furthermore, attachment via surface fastening material disposed in the area is user-friendly because it allows for attachment between the inward-facing side of the insert and the outward-facing side of the outer cover, while providing some tolerance for precise relative positioning between the insert and the outer cover—again, in contrast to point connections such as buttons or snaps. Moreover, as will be further explained below, attachment using one or more surface fastening materials can be achieved using relatively thin and flexible surface fastening materials, thus contributing to wearer comfort and avoiding the risk of chafing.

[0085] Therefore, by definition, the group of one or more attachment regions includes all attachment regions in the front or rear segment, wherein the inward surface region of the insert is detachably attached to the outward inward surface region of the wing member via at least one surface fastening material.

[0086] Possibly, in addition to a set of attachment regions providing a removable attachment between the inward-facing surface area of ​​the insert and the outward-facing inner side of the flap member, absorbent articles may also provide additional removable attachments between the outer cover and the insert. For example, an additional attachment may be provided between the outward-facing side of the insert and the garment portion of the outer cover. However, any such additional attachments should preferably be minimized, as they may impair the benefits gained by using one or more attachment regions as presented herein.

[0087] Conversely, in at least one, preferably each, of the front and rear sections of the absorbent article, a set or more attachment areas providing detachable attachment between the inward-facing surface area of ​​the insert and the outward-facing inner side of the flap member constitute the sole attachment between the insert and the outer cover.

[0088] Preferably, each of the front and rear sections of the absorbent article includes a set of attachment regions that provide a removable attachment between an inwardly facing surface area of ​​the insert and an outwardly facing inner side of the flap member, wherein the set of attachment regions constitutes the sole attachment between the insert and the outer cover in the absorbent article.

[0089] Therefore, in at least one, preferably each, of the front and rear sections of the absorbent article, the outward-facing inner side of the flap member of the outer cover may include a set of one or more insert fastening regions, each insert fastening region including surface fastening material for providing a removable attachment to the inward-facing side of the insert in at least one of the set of one or more attachment regions. Thus, the insert fastening region is an area on which surface fastening material is distributed.

[0090] Alternatively or additionally, in at least one of the front and rear sections of the absorbent article, preferably each, the inward-facing side of the insert may include a set of one or more cover fastening regions, each cover fastening region including surface fastening material for providing removable attachment to the outward-facing surface of the flap member in at least one of the set of one or more attachment regions. The cover fastening region is therefore an area on which the surface fastening material is distributed.

[0091] Preferably, the outer cover's wing member includes one or more insert fastening regions on its outer side, each insert fastening region including surface fastening material, and the insert includes one or more cover fastening regions on its inner side, wherein the surface fastening materials of the insert fastening regions and the cover fastening regions are corresponding surface fastening materials used to form the detachable connection. Therefore, the set of attachment regions is formed at the location where the one or more insert fastening regions overlap with the one or more cover fastening regions.

[0092] As described above, each insert fastening area of ​​the outer cover may include a surface fastening material. In this case, for example, the surface fastening material may provide a removable attachment to a material layer on the inward side of the insert, which may be directly attached to the surface fastening material of the insert fastening area. For example, such a material layer may be formed of the insert's top sheet material or a leak-blocking material. Therefore, the insert fastening area may be attached to any location on the material layer, such as any location on the inward side of the insert, or any location on the top sheet.

[0093] Similarly, each cover fastening area of ​​the insert may include surface fastening material for providing removable attachment to any outward-facing location of the flap member of the outer cover.

[0094] However, preferably, as described above, the insert includes one or more cover fastening regions including surface fastening material, and the outer cover includes one or more insert fastening regions including corresponding surface fastening material for removably attaching the insert to the outer cover.

[0095] Therefore, preferably, the insert includes a set of one or more cover fastening regions comprising surface fastening materials different from the remainder of one or more inward-facing material layers of the insert. For example, the cover fastening regions may include surface fastening materials different from the top sheet material layer and / or the leakage barrier forming layer on the inward side of the insert. Thus, the attachment area may be adapted to provide a possible connection between the insert and the outer cover only at the cover fastening regions. Therefore, the connection between the outer cover and the insert can be controlled based on, for example, the location of the connection and / or the strength of the formed connection.

[0096] For example, the insert fastening region of the outer cover may be adapted to provide a stronger connection when attached to the cover fastening region of the insert than when attached to any other inward-facing part of the insert.

[0097] For example, each of the insert fastening areas of the outer cover can be adapted to be non-adhesive to the inward side of the insert, except for the cover fastening areas. This facilitates handling and ensures proper positioning of the insert relative to the outer cover.

[0098] Similarly, in some embodiments, depending on the design of one or more flap members, it is preferable that a set of insert fastening areas of the flap member covers a smaller than the total area of ​​the outer surface of the flap member in order to control the position of the connection between the outer cover and the insert.

[0099] Preferably, one or more cover fastening areas of the insert include a first surface fastening material, and one or more insert fastening areas of the outer cover include a second surface fastening material that mates with the first surface fastening material to form a detachable connection.

[0100] For example, each of the one or more cover fastening regions of the insert may have a size and shape that is approximately similar to a corresponding one of the one or more insert fastening regions in the same group.

[0101] Detachable attachment

[0102] "Removable" fasteners in this article refer to attachment areas that can be used for attachment and removal multiple times without substantially impairing their function.

[0103] For example, the attachment area can provide at least 50 cycles of attachment / removal, such as at least 150 cycles or at least 500 cycles.

[0104] It should be understood that if the absorbent insert is a single-use insert, then providing a removable fastener to the outer cover for multiple use cycles could mean fastening a new insert to the outer cover for each use cycle.

[0105] Therefore, for single-use inserts, it may be sufficient for one or more cover fastening areas to be removable from the corresponding one or more insert fastening areas for a relatively low number of use cycles (such as, for example, at least 10 use cycles). However, when used with reusable outer covers, the one or more insert fastening areas may be removable from the corresponding one or more insert fastening areas (from multiple individual single-use inserts) for a relatively large number of use cycles, such as at least 50 use cycles, or at least 150 or at least 500 use cycles.

[0106] Therefore, it may be desirable that the one or more cover fastening areas of the insert can be separated from the corresponding one or more insert fastening areas on the outer cover without impairing the functionality of the one or more reusable insert fastening areas of the outer cover.

[0107] For example, the one or more cover fastening regions can be non-disintegrating fastening regions, that is, cover fastening regions that do not disintegrate when removed from attachment to the insert fastening region.

[0108] For example, it may be desirable for one or more cover fastening areas of the insert to be separable from one or more corresponding insert fastening areas of the outer cover without leaving residues such as debris on one or more reusable insert fastening areas of the outer cover. If residues from the disassembled cover fastening areas of the insert remain on the insert fastening areas of the outer cover, this could impair the function of the insert fastening areas when subsequent attachment of a new insert to the outer cover is desired.

[0109] For example, surface fastening materials such as adhesives may easily leave residue when removed from the attachment.

[0110] For example, adhesive residue left on the insert fastening area of ​​the outer cover may impair the function of the subsequently attached insert fastening area, and / or the residue may be difficult to remove from the insert fastening area by washing.

[0111] Therefore, the surface fastening material of each attachment region in one or more attachment regions of the group may preferably be a non-adhesive surface fastening material (non-adhesive means that the surface fastening material is not an adhesive or glue).

[0112] Similarly, the surface fastening material of each insert fastening region in the group of one or more insert fastening regions of the outer cover may preferably be a non-adhesive surface fastening material.

[0113] Similarly, the surface fastening material of each cover fastening region in the group of one or more cover fastening regions of the insert may preferably be a non-adhesive surface fastening material.

[0114] For example, each of at least one surface fastening material in one or more attachment areas of an absorbent article can be provided with a removable attachment by mechanical fastening and / or friction fastening.

[0115] For example, in at least one, preferably each, insert fastening region of the outer cover, surface fastening material may be adapted to allow removable mechanical and / or frictional fastening by a matching fastening material.

[0116] 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 may be adapted to allow removable mechanical and / or frictional fastening to it by a matching fastening material.

[0117] The fastening material is suitable for allowing mechanical and / or friction fastening, meaning it can provide a detachable connection over a relatively large number of use cycles. Furthermore, mechanical and / or friction fastenings can be provided, which also retain their functionality adequately after multiple washing cycles.

[0118] For example, a surface fastening material suitable for allowing detachable mechanical and / or frictional fastening may comprise a plurality of discrete fastening elements. For instance, the density of such discrete fastening elements may be at least 10 discrete fastening elements / cm². 2 More preferably at least 50 discrete fastening elements / cm 2 .

[0119] For example, a surface fastening material suitable for allowing removable mechanical and / or frictional fastening by a matching fastening material may be a fastening material comprising a plurality of discrete fastening elements, the plurality of discrete fastening elements including a rod protruding from the upper surface of the fastening area to which it is distributed.

[0120] For example, a discrete fastening element including a protruding rod can be in the form of a hook. The surface fastening material including the hook can, for example, be adapted to allow detachable mechanical and / or frictional fastening to another surface fastening material including the hook, i.e., forming a hook / hook connection. In another example, the surface fastening material including the hook can be adapted to allow detachable mechanical and / or frictional fastening to another surface fastening material including a ring, i.e., forming a hook / ring connection.

[0121] The term "hook" refers to a discrete, protruding fastening element. Hooks can have any shape. Examples of hooks include pins, such as straight pins, angled pins, curved pins, tapered pins, limbed or multi-limbed pins, hooks, limbed or multi-limbed hooks, mushroom-shaped protrusions, and palm-shaped protrusions. Hooks can have any type of cross-section, such as circular, elliptical, square, rectangular, or polygonal. Hooks can have a solid core. Within a surface fastening material, all hooks can have the same shape. Alternatively, a surface fastening material can include a variety of hooks of different shapes.

[0122] In surface fastening materials that include "rings", discrete fastening elements can be, for example, in the form of fiber rings.

[0123] Surface fastening material can be placed directly on the underlying surface, such as the outer surface of the wing member of the outer cover or the inner surface of the insert.

[0124] For example, when in the use position, surface fastening material can be immediately applied to the outer side of the vane member. For example, the surface fastening material may include multiple discrete fastening elements, such as hooks, that protrude directly from the outer side of the vane member.

[0125] By selecting surface fastening materials as proposed herein, the fastening areas of the cover and / or the fastening areas of the insert, as well as the attachment areas, can be flexible, i.e., they can be flexible enough to fit the wearer’s body adequately without causing unnecessary chafing or discomfort.

[0126] In addition, by selecting surface fastening materials as proposed in this paper, the fastening areas of the cover and / or the fastening areas of the insert and the attachment area can be relatively thin, thus avoiding unnecessary discomfort and scratches.

[0127] For example, optionally, when in the attached state, the height of the attached area is less than 3 mm, such as less than 2 mm.

[0128] For example, when the fastening material comprises multiple discrete fastening elements, such as discrete fastening elements including rods protruding in an outward direction, the height of the discrete fastening elements may be less than 3 mm, such as less than 2 mm, or less than 1.5 mm.

[0129] For example, when the outer cover includes one or more insert fastening members (described below), each insert fastening member may have a height of less than 3 mm, such as less than 2 mm, or less than 1.5 mm.

[0130] For example, when the insert includes one or more cover fastening members (as described below), each cover fastening member may have a height of less than 3 mm, such as less than 2 mm or less than 1.5 mm.

[0131] Fastening components

[0132] Optionally, the insert includes one or more cover fastening members disposed on the inward side of the insert, each cover fastening member providing at least one of the one or more cover fastening regions in the group.

[0133] The one or more cover fastening members can be attached to the inside of the insert, for example, by adhesive or welding. For example, ultrasonic welding or heat sealing welding can be used.

[0134] Alternatively or otherwise, the outer cover includes one or more insert fastening members disposed on the outer side of the flap member, each insert fastening member providing at least one of the insert fastening regions in the group.

[0135] The one or more insert fastening members can be attached to the outer side of the respective wing member, for example, by seam or welding.

[0136] Therefore, surface fastening material can be arranged on the cover fastening member or the insert fastening member, respectively. The surface fastening material can be arranged to form one or more areas on the cover fastening member or the insert fastening member, thus corresponding to one or more cover fastening areas or insert fastening areas provided by the cover fastening member or the insert fastening member, respectively.

[0137] Therefore, the cover fastening member or insert fastening member may include a base formed of sheet material.

[0138] For example, at least one (such as all) of one or more insert fastening members may include a sheet-formed base having a length in the longitudinal direction and a width in the transverse direction, and including one or more areas of surface fastening material.

[0139] For example, at least one (such as all) of one or more cover fastening members may include a sheet-formed base having a length in the longitudinal direction and a width in the transverse direction, and including one or more cover fastening areas of surface fastening material.

[0140] The base of the sheet forming of the insert fastening member / covering fastening member may have a generally parallel first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface is attached to the outer side of the flap member / the inner side of the insert.

[0141] Therefore, the insert fastening member or the cover fastening member may include a sheet-formed base, which respectively includes one or more insert fastening regions or one or more cover fastening regions.

[0142] 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.

[0143] 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.

[0144] Cover fastening area and insert fastening area

[0145] Preferably, any surface fastening material, including the protruding bar, is arranged on the outer cover, i.e., in the insert fastening area. This is because the arrangement of the insert fastening area on the outer cover's flap members, facing outwards, prevents the protrusion from contacting the wearer's skin.

[0146] 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.

[0147] 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.

[0148] For example, at least one (such as all) of one or more cover fastening members in the group may include ring material.

[0149] Insert fastening area of ​​outer cover

[0150] 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.

[0151] Furthermore, it has been recognized that hook materials are generally better able to retain their properties over multiple wash cycles than loop materials. Therefore, for washable outer covers, by providing an insert fastening area comprising multiple discrete fastening elements, wherein the discrete fastening elements include rods (e.g., hooks) projecting from the outward-facing surface of the flap member, the risk of protrusions coming into contact with the wearer's skin is reduced, while ensuring the functionality of the insert fastening area throughout the entire service life of the washable outer cover.

[0152] As described above, one or more insert fastening areas may be adapted to attach to any wearer-facing, inward-facing surface of the insert, such as to a nonwoven surface, such as the topsheet surface of the insert. However, it has been found that when the insert is removed from the insert fastening area, there may be a risk of debris from, for example, nonwoven surfaces (such as from the topsheet material) loosening from the insert. Such debris can accumulate on the insert fastening area, gradually impairing its function. Furthermore, it has been found that even during washing, such debris is difficult to remove from the fastening area.

[0153] Therefore, it may be preferable that the one or more insert fastening regions are adapted to be detachably attached to a corresponding one or more designated cover fastening regions, the cover fastening regions including corresponding surface fastening material and arranged on the inward side of the insert.

[0154] Furthermore, when the insert is attached through the designated cover fastening area of ​​the insert, the correct positioning of the insert relative to the outer cover can be better ensured.

[0155] Optionally, the garment portion of the outer cover and the set of insert fastening areas of the outer cover are non-adhesive to each other.

[0156] This allows for the selection of materials for both the insert fastening area and the garment portion, such as a piece of fabric from the garment portion, ensuring that the insert fastening area does not adhere to the garment portion. Therefore, the risk of the insert fastening area unintentionally fastening to the garment portion is eliminated.

[0157] In addition, the wing member and one or more insert fastening areas may not adhere to each other.

[0158] As described above, the wing component and the garment portion may include the same material, such as a fabric material that is not adhered to the fastening area of ​​the insert.

[0159] This can also be applied to any other fastening components of the outer cover.

[0160] For example, the rear section of the outer cover may include one or more first waist attachment devices, and the front section of the outer cover may include one or more second waist attachment devices corresponding to the first waist attachment devices to provide a removable fastening of the outer cover around the wearer's waist. For example, such waist attachment devices may include hook and / or loop material. Thus, the first and / or second waist attachment devices may not adhere to the garment portion and / or flap member.

[0161] The fastening area of ​​the insert cover

[0162] For example, at least one (such as all) of one or more cover fastening areas may be formed of a layer of ring material.

[0163] The material may be relatively soft to the touch, so that even if the material is accidentally placed against the wearer's skin, the risk of friction damage is relatively low.

[0164] Furthermore, the ring material can be made from materials that are cheaper and / or more environmentally sustainable than the corresponding hook material. Therefore, it is advantageous to provide ring material on a single-use insert for use with hook material on a reusable outer cover.

[0165] It should be understood that the features and explanations relating to fastening materials, attachment areas, cover fastening areas, and insert fastening areas described above also apply to absorbent articles as described in the first aspect herein, outer covers as described in the second aspect below, and inserts as described in the third aspect below.

[0166] wing components of absorbent materials

[0167] Optionally, the flap member has a usage position in which a space is formed between the outward-facing inner side of the flap member and the inward-facing side of the garment portion, the space being open in the longitudinal direction toward the crotch section for receiving the respective rear edge portion or front edge portion of the insert therein, while the insert extends above the crotch section of the absorbent article.

[0168] The flap members extend from the garment portion in either the rear or front section. For example, the flap members may be attached to the inward-facing surface of the garment portion in the rear and / or front section, respectively.

[0169] Optionally, the insert has an insert longitudinal length, and in at least one of the rear section and the front section, preferably each, each flap member has a longitudinal flap length such that, in the use position and when the insert is attached to the outer cover, the flap member extends above less than 20% of the insert longitudinal length, such as above less than 15% of the insert longitudinal length, preferably above less than 10% of the insert longitudinal length.

[0170] Therefore, each flap member covers a finite length of the insert's longitudinal length, such that the majority of the insert, including the top flap, is exposed on its inward side, so that at least a portion of the top flap is directly adjacent to the wearer's skin.

[0171] For example, the portion of the top piece directly adjacent to the wearer's skin can be the main portion of the top piece. Thus, the main portion of the top piece directly adjacent to the wearer's skin can have a longitudinal length of at least 50% of the total top piece length, such as at least 75% or at least 80% of the total top piece length.

[0172] The total length of the top piece can be approximately equal to the longitudinal length of the insert, meaning the top piece can extend over the entire length of the insert.

[0173] Therefore, for example, when the outer cover includes at least one front wing member in the front section and at least one rear wing member in the rear section, the front wing member and the rear wing member may have corresponding longitudinal lengths such that, in the use position and when the insert is attached to the outer cover, the front wing member and the rear wing member together extend over less than 50% of the longitudinal length of the insert. For example, the front wing member and the rear wing member may together extend over less than 75% of the longitudinal length of the insert, such as over less than 80% of the longitudinal length of the insert.

[0174] Optionally, the insert has an insert area, and in at least one of the rear section and the front section, preferably each, the outwardly facing inner wing region of each of the wing members of the outer cover causes the wing member to extend above less than 20% of the insert area, such as above less than 15% of the insert area, or preferably above less than 10% of the insert area, in the use position and when the insert is attached to the outer cover.

[0175] Therefore, for example, when the outer cover includes at least one flap member in each of the front and rear sections of the outer cover, one or more front flap members and one or more rear flap members may have corresponding areas such that, in the use position and when the insert is attached to the outer cover, one or more front flap members and one or more rear flap members together extend over less than 50% of the insert area. For example, all flap members of an absorbent article may together extend over less than 75% of the insert area, such as less than 80% of the insert area.

[0176] In at least one, preferably each, of the front section (Sf) and rear section (Sb) of the absorbent article, the attachment area of ​​this group of one or more spans a lateral fastening width. The lateral fastening width may preferably be not less than 70% of the maximum width of the insert (200) in the front edge portion or the rear edge portion, respectively. For example, the lateral fastening width may be not less than 80% or 90% of the maximum width of the insert in the front edge portion or the rear edge portion, respectively.

[0177] Subgroup of the attachment area of ​​absorbent items

[0178] Optionally, in at least one of the rear and front sections, preferably each, the group of one or more attachment regions includes a first subgroup of one or more attachment regions and a second subgroup of one or more attachment regions, wherein the first and second subgroups are spaced apart about the longitudinal central axis of the insert. Preferably, the first and second subgroups are symmetrically spaced about the longitudinal axis of the insert.

[0179] Therefore, the absorbent article may have no attachment area between the outer cover and the insert on the transversely measured interval width between the first subgroup attachment area and the second subgroup attachment area.

[0180] This facilitates the shaping of the insert in absorbent garments when used. Notably, the front and / or rear sections of the insert can be extended across the lateral fastening width to secure the insert's position on the wearer while allowing relative movement between the outer cover and the insert across the gap width. This allows the insert to shape relative to the wearer's body, for example, to form a slight cupping shape.

[0181] For example, the lateral spacing width can be at least 40% of the lateral fastening width, such as at least 50% or at least 60% of the lateral fastening width.

[0182] Insert of absorbent material, leg elastic component

[0183] Optionally, the insert extends longitudinally between a front edge and a rear edge, and includes a longitudinal side edge connecting the front edge and the rear edge. Furthermore, the insert may include a pair of insert leg elastic members that extend substantially along the longitudinal direction of the insert and are arranged on both sides of the insert between the absorbent assembly and the longitudinal side edge of the insert. For each of the front and rear sections of the absorbent article, the leg elastic member width is defined as the maximum lateral width on the insert leg elastic member in the front or rear section, respectively. Optionally, the leg elastic member widths in the front and rear sections of the absorbent article may be the same and correspond to the maximum lateral width on the insert leg elastic member of the insert.

[0184] The insert's leg elastic members help shape the insert around the user's body and provide sufficient fluid seal at the leg openings of the absorbent article when attached to the wearer. As mentioned above, the outer cover may also include leg elastic members. The insert can be adapted to the outer cover such that, in use, a pair of insert leg elastic members of the insert extend laterally inward from a pair of leg elastic members of the outer cover. Thus, the leg elastic members of the outer cover help provide proper positioning of the insert and its leg elastic members, while the insert leg elastic members additionally provide sufficient fluid seal at the leg openings of the absorbent article to reduce the risk of leakage.

[0185] Optionally, in at least one of the rear and front sections, preferably each, the lateral fastening width spanned by the attachment area is not less than the width of the leg elastic element in the front or rear section. A lateral fastening width not less than the width of the leg elastic element means that when the insert is attached to the outer cover, the insert leg elastic element can be stretched in the lateral direction, thereby ensuring the correct function and positioning of the insert leg elastic element.

[0186] Optionally, in at least one of the rear and front sections of the absorbent article, preferably each, the insert includes a pair of leg edge portions, each leg edge portion extending longitudinally along a corresponding insert leg resilient member and laterally between the insert leg resilient member and the longitudinal side edge of the insert, to define a maximum lateral leg edge width between the insert leg resilient member and the corresponding longitudinal side edge, the maximum lateral leg edge width being at least 1 cm, such as at least 2 cm. For example, the maximum lateral leg edge width may not exceed 4 cm.

[0187] Along the insert leg elastic member, the lateral leg edge width is the distance measured parallel to the lateral direction from the longitudinal side edge to the portion of the insert leg elastic member located closest to its side edge. Thus, the lateral leg edge width can vary along the leg elastic member. The maximum lateral leg edge width is the maximum distance measured parallel to the lateral direction along the insert leg elastic member from the longitudinal side edge to the portion of the leg elastic member located closest to its side edge.

[0188] In this document, a maximum lateral leg edge width is defined in each of the front and rear sections of the absorbent article. Optionally, the maximum lateral leg edge width may be the same in the front and rear sections of the absorbent article and may correspond to the maximum lateral leg edge width of the insert.

[0189] A pair of leg edge portions extending laterally between the insert leg resilient members and the corresponding longitudinal side edges of the insert provide additional leak safety for the absorbent article. In use, the leg edge portions extend laterally outward from the insert leg opening formed along the insert leg resilient members of the insert.

[0190] When the lateral fastening width spanned by the attachment area is not less than the width of the leg elastic element, as described above, the leg edge portion can extend at least partially in the lateral direction when the insert is attached to the outer cover. Therefore, the leg edge portion can automatically unfold to the correct position when the insert is attached to the outer cover. Thus, the attachment area helps to unfold and maintain the leg edge portion in a laterally extended state during the fastening of the absorbent item to the wearer and during its use. Therefore, the manual manipulation required to unfold the leg edge portion can be eliminated. This is particularly beneficial for adult wearers, improving the wearer's dignity in care situations by avoiding manual manipulation of the leg edge portion located at the wearer's crotch area.

[0191] For example, the lateral fastening width may span at least 50% of the lateral width of each leg section, such as at least 75% of the lateral width of each leg section, or at least 80% of the lateral width of each leg section.

[0192] The pair of insert leg resilient members can further extend along the length of the leg resilient members. In at least one, preferably each, of the rear and front sections, each attachment region can be longitudinally positioned between the end of the insert leg resilient member and the front or rear edge of the insert. This improves the function of the attachment regions in ensuring the longitudinal extension of the insert leg resilient members. For example, the set of one or more cover fastening regions can be confined to the longitudinal portion of the insert that is not crossed by the length of the leg resilient member. In other words, the set of one or more cover fastening regions is longitudinally positioned between the front end of the insert leg resilient member and the front edge of the insert, or between the rear end of the insert leg resilient member and the rear edge of the insert.

[0193] Therefore, when the lateral fastening width is greater than the leg elastic member width, and each attachment area is longitudinally positioned in the portion of the insert between the front / rear end of the insert leg elastic member and the front / rear edge of the insert, the attachment area can ensure the stretching of the insert leg elastic member in both the lateral and longitudinal directions.

[0194] The inner side of the insert may include a pair of inner leakage barriers extending in the longitudinal direction of the insert.

[0195] The insert, comprising a pair of inner leakage barriers as illustrated above and a pair of insert leg elastic members as illustrated above, provides a double barrier against leakage of bodily fluids from the insert during use. The side leakage barriers, also known as "upright retractors," are described in more detail below regarding the inserts. The side leakage barriers can be stretched and rise above the inward-facing surface of the top plate.

[0196] Therefore, the recommended locations of the attachment areas as described above have an additional advantage: when absorbent articles are in use, these locations help to raise the side leakage barriers and keep them in place.

[0197] In particular, when the insert includes a pair of insert leg resilient members as described herein and a pair of inner leakage barriers as defined herein, the suggested location of the attachment area as described herein can be used to stretch the insert leg resilient members, while further facilitating the elevation of the inner leakage barriers.

[0198] Other features and advantages of the absorbent article will become apparent from the following description of the outer cover and the insert used to form the absorbent article. It should be understood that the features described for the outer cover and the features described for the insert can be applied individually or in combination to the absorbent article described above.

[0199] The longitudinal length of an absorbent article refers to the maximum longitudinal length from the front edge to the rear edge of the absorbent article, i.e., the maximum longitudinal length of the outer cover with inserts removably 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 Wc of the absorbent article. Therefore, when determining the longitudinal length of the absorbent article, portions of the absorbent article extending laterally beyond the crotch width can be ignored. For example, the laterally extending sides provided to provide a snug fit around the wearer's waist can be ignored. 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 during use.

[0200] Furthermore, it should be understood that the longitudinal length of the absorbent article may deviate from the longitudinal length of the outer cover, because, for example, when the insert is attached to the outer cover, the outer cover may wrinkle in the longitudinal direction.

[0201] 2. Outer Cover

[0202] In a second aspect, this disclosure relates to the outer cover as claimed in claim 28.

[0203] Therefore, this 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 facing the wearer when the article is worn, and an outward direction is defined as moving away from the wearer when the article is worn, the inward and outward directions being perpendicular to the transverse and longitudinal directions, respectively. The outer cover has a longitudinal length extending in the longitudinal direction and is subdivided into a front section, a rear section, and a crotch section. The outer cover includes garment portions extending in the front, rear, and crotch sections, the front and rear sections of which are adapted to fit around the wearer's waist, wherein the front section is positioned at or near the wearer's navel, the rear section is positioned against the wearer's lower back, and the crotch section is positioned between two leg openings formed by the outer cover, such that when the outer cover is worn, the garment portions define an inward surface facing the wearer and an outward surface facing away from the wearer.

[0204] In at least one, preferably each, of the front and rear sections, the outer cover includes at least one flap member extending from the garment portion, each flap member having a use position in which the outward-facing inner side of the flap member faces the inward side of the garment portion to form a space between the outward-facing inner side of the flap member and the inward side of the garment portion, the space being open in the longitudinal direction toward the crotch section. Furthermore, in at least one, preferably each, of the front and rear sections, the outer cover includes one or more insert fastening regions positioned on the outward-facing inner side of the at least one flap member, each insert fastening region including a surface fastening material for removably attaching an insert to the outer cover such that when the insert is attached to the outer cover, the one or more insert fastening regions of the at least one flap member allow removable attachment to the inward side of a corresponding front or rear edge portion of the insert accommodated in the space, while the insert extends inward over at least a portion of the crotch portion of the garment portion.

[0205] Therefore, the garment portion of the outer cover can be adapted to fit around the wearer's waist, with the front section positioned at or near the wearer's abdomen, the rear section positioned against the wearer's lower back, and the crotch section positioned between the two leg openings formed by the outer cover.

[0206] Therefore, when used together in absorbent articles, the outer cover can essentially completely cover the insert. Thus, the outer cover forms the entire outward-facing surface or clothing-facing side of the absorbent article, thereby essentially concealing the insert from view. Consequently, the absorbent article has an appearance closer to regular underwear when worn, which will be perceived by the wearer as more dignified and comfortable than wearing disposable diapers.

[0207] Furthermore, the outer cover protects the insert and provides an additional layer, so that any tears or friction from the outside caused by the wearer's movements will initially be absorbed by the outer cover. Therefore, the insert can be held more securely in place to perform its function.

[0208] Because the garment portion of the outer cover extends over the crotch section of the outer cover, any friction or tearing that the outer cover may experience during wear affects the garment portion of the outer cover rather than the absorbent insert attached to the outer cover. Therefore, the absorbent insert can be positioned relative to the wearer to facilitate adequate absorption and prevent leakage.

[0209] Outer cover part

[0210] The garment portion of the outer cover may include a body that forms a transverse central portion of the garment portion, and when the outer cover is used, the body extends longitudinally from the rear end of the outer cover between the wearer's legs to the front end of the outer cover. Therefore, the crotch section, at least the central portion of the front section, and at least the central portion of the rear section of the outer cover may be formed by the body.

[0211] In the front and / or rear sections of the outer cover, the body may have one or more laterally extending sides for attaching the outer cover around the wearer's waist. For example, a pair of sides may be arranged in the front section of the outer cover to fasten to another pair of sides arranged in the rear section of the outer cover. In other examples, a pair of sides is arranged in one of the front and rear sections of the outer cover and attached to the other of the front and rear sections of the outer cover. In other examples, the front or rear section of the outer cover may have a single or a pair of attachable sides to form a closed circumference around the wearer, i.e., a strap, after which the opposing front or rear sections of the outer cover may be attached to one or more sides.

[0212] The attachment of the sides of the outer cover to each other or to the front or rear section can be made via a waist attachment device. For example, a waist attachment device may be provided on the side for attachment to a corresponding waist attachment device provided on another side or on the front or rear section of the outer cover, for closing the item around the wearer's waist.

[0213] For example, when a pair of sides are arranged in one of the front and rear sections of the outer cover, a waist attachment device may be provided on the inner side of the sides for attaching to corresponding attachment devices provided on the outer side of the opposite front or rear sections of the outer cover for closing the item around the wearer's waist.

[0214] In some examples, the rear section of the outer cover may be provided with a pair of sides, each side extending laterally on each side of the body and designed to be fastened to the front section of the outer cover. For example, a waist attachment may be provided on the inner side of the side for attachment to a corresponding attachment provided on the outer side of the front section of the outer cover for closing the item around the wearer's waist.

[0215] Waist attachment device for outer cover

[0216] Typically, in the front or rear section of the outer cover, a pair of waist attachment devices can be provided on the inward-facing surface of the garment portion to be fastened to corresponding waist attachment devices on the outward-facing surface of the garment portion in the opposite rear or front section. For example, in the rear section of the outer cover, a pair of waist attachment devices can be provided on the inward-facing surface of the garment portion to be fastened to corresponding waist attachment devices on the outward-facing surface of the garment portion.

[0217] Waist attachment devices may include mating attachment areas, such as fastening areas or attachment areas similar to those described below with respect to insert fastening areas of outer covers or cover fastening areas of inserts. For example, waist attachment devices may include corresponding hooks and loops.

[0218] Characteristics of outer cover

[0219] The outer cover is reusable, meaning it is intended for use with the absorbent article for more than one use cycle. Therefore, 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 configured to be cleanable between use cycles. Therefore, the outer cover can be cleaned between use cycles if necessary. However, it may be preferable to clean the outer cover only when deemed necessary (i.e., after one or more use cycles, when the outer cover is considered contaminated and requires cleaning).

[0220] To provide effective cleaning, the outer cover can be constructed to be washable.

[0221] For example, the outer cover can be configured to be machine washable.

[0222] For example, the outer cover may be configured for at least 20 washing cycles, such as for at least 20 machine washing cycles as defined herein.

[0223] Optionally, the outer cover may be configured for at least 50 washing cycles, such as for at least 50 machine washing cycles as defined herein.

[0224] Optionally, the outer cover may be configured for at least 20 machine wash cycles, such as at least 50 machine wash cycles at 60 degrees Celsius.

[0225] Washing allows for hygienic cleaning of the outer covering, thereby further increasing its reusability. Machine washability is preferred because it makes it easier for caregivers to clean and reuse the product.

[0226] As mentioned above, the outer cover is not primarily designed to contain bodily excrement, such as urine or feces from the wearer. Instead, when the absorbent article is in use, the absorbent inserts that are attached to the outer cover will perform the function of absorbing bodily excrement from the wearer.

[0227] Therefore, the outer cover can be primarily liquid-permeable.

[0228] The fact that the outer cover is primarily liquid-permeable means that the outer cover is essentially permeable to liquids such as urine.

[0229] Therefore, at least 50% of the total area of ​​the outer cover may be liquid-permeable. For example, at least 70% or at least 90% of the total area of ​​the outer cover may be liquid-permeable.

[0230] The fact that the outer cover can be primarily liquid-permeable means that suitable materials for the outer cover can be selected from liquid-permeable materials.

[0231] Therefore, the outer cover can be made of liquid-permeable materials such as textiles. This provides an absorbent item that has a more underwear-like look and feel, resulting from the combination of the outer cover and absorbent insert.

[0232] The outer covering can be primarily breathable. Breathable outer coverings mean that air and other gases can pass through them. This is beneficial to the wearer's skin health.

[0233] Therefore, at least 50% of the total area of ​​the outer covering may be breathable. For example, at least 70% or at least 90% of the total area of ​​the outer covering may be breathable.

[0234] Preferably, the outer cover may be primarily liquid-permeable and primarily breathable. Therefore, the outer cover may be made of a liquid-permeable, breathable material such as, for example, textiles.

[0235] Appropriately, the outer covering can be primarily liquid-permeable, primarily breathable, and washable, as described above. Therefore, suitable liquid-permeable, breathable, and washable materials can be selected to form the outer covering. Similarly, suitable materials can be found among liquid-permeable, breathable, and washable textile materials.

[0236] For example, the garment portion of an outer covering may include one or more pieces of fabric forming a front section, a back section, and a crotch section of the garment portion.

[0237] Therefore, the one or more fabric sheets may be selected from liquid-permeable, breathable and / or washable materials.

[0238] For example, the one or more fabric pieces may comprise textile fabrics. Suitable textile fabrics may be liquid-permeable, breathable, and / or washable.

[0239] For example, the one or more fabric pieces may include knitted textile fabrics.

[0240] Knitted textiles can be adapted to provide elasticity for outer coverings, as described below.

[0241] For example, the one or more fabric pieces may include weft-knitted textile materials, such as weft-knitted single-sided plain knit.

[0242] For example, the outer covering may include a textile fabric with a basis weight between 150 gsm and 300 gsm, such as in the range between 200 gsm and 250 gsm. For example, one or more fabric pieces may include a textile fabric with a basis weight between 150 gsm and 300 gsm, such as in the range between 200 gsm and 250 gsm. Such a fabric may be a knitted textile fabric, such as a weft-knitted single-knit fabric as described above.

[0243] The outer covering may comprise a material that is elastic in at least one direction, preferably in two directions. For example, the one or more fabric pieces may comprise a material that is elastic in at least one direction, preferably in two directions. Such material may be, for example, a knitted fabric as described above.

[0244] For example, the outer covering may include a textile fabric comprising polyester.

[0245] Therefore, the one or more fabric pieces of the garment portion may include a textile fabric comprising polyester. For example, a large portion of the garment portion may include a textile fabric comprising polyester, such as at least 60% of the portion, or at least 80% or at least 90% of the portion.

[0246] For example, the one or more fabric pieces may include a textile fabric comprising a mixture of polyester and elastic fibers. For example, the one or more fabric pieces may include a textile fabric comprising not less than 70% polyester, such as not less than 80% polyester. For example, the one or more fabric pieces may include a textile fabric comprising 70 to 90% polyester and 30 to 10% elastic fibers. For example, the one or more fabric pieces may include a fabric comprising 80% polyester and 20% elastic fibers.

[0247] Polyester materials have been found to have advantageous properties throughout the entire use and washing cycle, such as regarding shrinkage, maintaining their shape, and stretching.

[0248] For example, the outer covering may include textile fabric containing recycled materials. Therefore, one or more fabric pieces of the garment portion may include textile fabric containing recycled materials. For example, a significant portion of the garment portion may include textile fabric containing recycled materials, such as at least 60% of the area, or at least 80% or at least 90% of the area.

[0249] For example, the amount of recycled materials in textile fabrics can be at least 20%, such as at least 50%, or at least 70%.

[0250] In the example, the garment portion may include a single piece of fabric that forms the front, back, and crotch sections of the garment portion.

[0251] In another example, the garment portion includes more than one fabric piece, which is joined together to form a front section, a back section, and a crotch section of the garment portion. Using more than one fabric piece provides additional options for controlling the shape of the outer covering and / or other properties of the outer covering, such as elasticity.

[0252] Fabric pieces can be joined using any suitable joining member. For example, the joining member can be selected considering, for instance, the washability and / or breathability requirements of the outer covering.

[0253] For example, fabric sheets can be joined together using adhesive bonding components (such as tape).

[0254] For example, fabric pieces can be joined together by mechanical joining components such as stitches or seams.

[0255] Fabric pieces can be permanently bonded, meaning they are designed to be bonded throughout the entire lifespan of the outer cover.

[0256] Alternatively, when a garment part comprises more than one fabric piece, the fabric pieces can be made of different fabrics. Therefore, the different properties of different fabrics can be used to give garment parts and outer coverings different functions and / or aesthetics.

[0257] In another option, when a garment section comprises more than one fabric panel, the panels can be made from the same fabric. Therefore, the fabric panels will have similar properties, namely liquid permeability and / or breathability, and similar behavior during use, such as washing and wearing. This can be advantageous for the durability of reusable outer coverings. Furthermore, using the same fabric material for the fabric panels allows for efficient use of the fabric material during manufacturing, thereby reducing fabric waste.

[0258] As described 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.

[0259] For example, the crotch section of the outer covering may be substantially non-absorbent, meaning that the crotch section is not designed to absorb any bodily excretions to a significant extent.

[0260] For example, the garment portion of the outer covering may be substantially non-absorbent, and / or the entire outer covering may be substantially non-absorbent.

[0261] "Non-absorbent" in this context means that the outer cover is not designed to absorb and retain fluid to a significant extent.

[0262] Therefore, one or more fabric pieces of the garment parts and / or outer coverings may be composed of one or more materials, each of which is substantially non-absorbent.

[0263] Insert fastening area of ​​outer cover

[0264] As described above, according to a second aspect of this disclosure, in at least one, preferably each, of the front and rear sections of the outer cover, the outer cover includes at least one flap member extending from the garment portion. Each flap member has a usage position 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, the space opening longitudinally toward the crotch section for receiving a corresponding rear edge portion and / or front edge portion of an insert therein. Furthermore, the outer cover includes a set of one or more insert fastening regions positioned on at least the outwardly facing inner side of the flap member. Each insert fastening region in this set includes surface fastening material for removably attaching the insert to the outer cover.

[0265] Therefore, in the front and / or rear sections of the garment, the flap members are arranged such that, at least in the use position, the flap members define a space opening longitudinally toward the crotch section for receiving the corresponding rear or front edge of the insert. This space opens longitudinally toward the crotch section. Thus, the rear or front edge of the absorbent insert can be positioned within said space, and the inward side of the insert can be attached via one or more insert fastening areas (each insert fastening area including 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 usable for absorbing bodily fluids when the absorbent article is in use.

[0266] One or more insert fastening areas in the group are positioned on at least the outer side of the flap member, facing the garment portion. Therefore, in the use position, the second side of the flap member, opposite to the outward-facing inner surface, is the inward-facing surface facing the intended wearer.

[0267] The wing member can be a generally planar member extending in a plane spanned by a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis.

[0268] Therefore, when the outer cover is in use, one or more insert fastening areas positioned on the outer side of the flap member will be guided away from the wearer in the direction of the garment portion facing the outer cover. Thus, any risk of the wearer experiencing chafing or discomfort caused by the surface fastening material of the insert fastening areas is significantly reduced—even if the insert may accidentally come loose from the insert fastening areas. Additionally, the positioning of the insert fastening areas on the outer side of the flap member means that when the item is in use, the flap member will be securely held towards the inner side of the insert. This reduces any risk of the flap member being unintentionally folded or wrinkled, causing potential discomfort to the wearer.

[0269] Furthermore, when one or more insert fastening areas are positioned on the flap member, any undesirable aesthetic effects on the outer cover caused by the insert fastening areas (e.g., seams attaching the insert fastening members to the outer cover) will only appear on the flap member when the outer cover is worn, and will not be visible from the outside of the garment portion. The outer surface of the garment portion is intended to be the outer surface of the entire absorbent article, so that when the outer cover is in use, it will face the wearer's regular clothing.

[0270] Furthermore, one or more insert fastening areas are positioned on the outward-facing surface of the flap member, which is spaced apart from the garment portion. This means that when the outer cover is in use, the movement of the garment portion is less restricted by the insert fastening areas and therefore by the insert itself. 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 garment portion will look more like underwear, without any visible tension in the garment portion caused by the attachment of the insert to the outer cover.

[0271] Similarly, the fastening area of ​​the insert, and therefore the position of the insert, will be less likely to shift due to, for example, tearing or friction caused by the wearer's movement.

[0272] As defined above, the group of one or more insert fastening regions includes all insert fastening regions in the front or rear section, these insert fastening regions are located on the outward-facing inner side of at least one flap member and include surface fastening material for removably attaching the insert.

[0273] Possibly, in addition to a set of insert fastening areas positioned on the outward-facing inner side of at least one flap member, the outer cover may also include additional fastening areas for providing a removable attachment between the outer cover and the inserts. For example, additional fastening areas may be provided on the garment portion of the outer cover. However, any such additional fastening areas should preferably be minimized, as additional attachment may impair the benefits obtained by using one or more sets of insert fastening areas positioned on the outward-facing inner side of the flap as presented herein.

[0274] Conversely, in at least one of the front and rear sections of the outer cover, preferably in each, a group or more insert fastening areas located on the outward-facing inner side of at least one flap member may be the sole insert fastening element for removably attaching the insert to the outer cover in the front and / or rear sections of the outer cover.

[0275] Preferably, each of the front and rear sections of the outer cover includes a set of insert fastening regions located on the outward-facing inner side of at least one flap member, wherein the set of insert fastening regions is the only insert fastening element of the outer cover for removably attaching the insert to the outer cover.

[0276] The outer side of the flap member may face at least a portion of the inner surface of the garment portion, that is, the area of ​​the inner surface of the flap member extending thereon that faces the wearer. Therefore, a space can be formed between the outer side of the flap member and the inner surface of the garment portion.

[0277] For example, the area of ​​the inward-facing surface of the garment portion on which the flap member extends (when in the use position) may not have an insert fastening area. Alternatively, the entire garment portion may not have an insert fastening area. Thus, the sole attachment between the outer cover and the insert can be made via a flap member comprising multiple sets of insert fastening areas configured for fastening toward the inward side of the insert.

[0278] Extension range of the insert fastening area

[0279] In at least one, preferably each, of the front and rear sections, the fastening area of ​​the set of inserts may span a maximum longitudinal length that does not exceed 20% of the longitudinal length of the outer cover, such as not exceeding 15% of the longitudinal length of the outer cover, or not exceeding 10% of the longitudinal length of the outer cover.

[0280] Optionally, the fastening area of ​​one or more inserts may be limited to the front or rear end region of the outer cover, the front or rear end region extending longitudinally from the front or rear edge of the outer cover, and the maximum longitudinal length of the extension does not exceed 20% of the longitudinal length of the outer cover, such as not exceeding 15% or 10% of the longitudinal length of the outer cover.

[0281] Therefore, the attachment of the insert to the outer cover is limited to the front or rear end region of the front or rear section of the outer cover. Thus, when the garment is worn, the front or rear edge region is securely held by the outer cover, while the crotch section of the insert is not attached to the outer cover.

[0282] Flange components of the outer cover

[0283] For example, in at least one of the front and rear sections, preferably each, each wing member may be located at the front edge or the rear edge of the outer cover, respectively.

[0284] Therefore, the wing member in the front section can extend longitudinally from the front edge of the outer cover toward the crotch section. Similarly, the wing member in the rear section can extend longitudinally from the rear edge of the outer cover toward the crotch section.

[0285] Therefore, the insert can be attached to the front and / or rear sections of the outer cover near the front and / or rear edges of the outer cover, respectively. Thus, the position of the insert's fastening area, and consequently the position of the insert when attached to the outer cover, can be fixed.

[0286] Therefore, in at least one of the front and rear sections, preferably each, each wing member may, for example, have a longitudinal length not exceeding 20% ​​of the longitudinal length of the outer cover, such as not exceeding 15% of the longitudinal length of the outer cover, or not exceeding 10% of the longitudinal length of the outer cover.

[0287] When in use, the longitudinal length of the flap member refers to the maximum longitudinal length of the flap member extending freely in the longitudinal direction. For example, the free length can be measured in the longitudinal direction between the joint where the flap member is attached to the garment and the free end of the flap member.

[0288] The longitudinal length of the outer cover refers to the maximum longitudinal length measured from the front edge to the rear edge of the outer cover, passing through the crotch section. In other words, the longitudinal length is the maximum longitudinal length seen above the crotch width of the outer cover. Therefore, when determining the longitudinal length of the outer cover, the portion of the outer cover extending beyond the crotch width can be ignored. For example, the side portions that provide a secure lateral extension around the wearer's waist can be ignored. The longitudinal length of the outer cover is measured with any flap members of the outer cover in their use position.

[0289] Optionally, each of the front and rear sections includes at least one wing member, and the sum of the maximum longitudinal lengths of the wing members in the front and rear sections does not exceed 30% of the total longitudinal length of the outer cover, such as not exceeding 20% ​​of the total longitudinal length of the outer cover.

[0290] The sum of the maximum longitudinal lengths refers to the sum of the maximum longitudinal lengths of the wing components in the front section and the maximum longitudinal lengths of the wing components in the rear section.

[0291] Compared to the longitudinal length of the outer cover, the relatively short flap member means that, when in use, the flap member will leave a large portion of the inner side of the outer cover uncovered, as seen from the inward direction of the outer cover. Therefore, in use, the insert connected to the outer cover will form the inner surface of the absorbent article on this large portion. Thus, the flap member allows a large portion of the inner surface of the insert to freely receive bodily waste from the wearer. Furthermore, in the crotch section of the absorbent article, the inner surface of the outer cover (the crotch section of the outer cover) will be substantially covered by the insert, protecting the outer cover from contamination.

[0292] For example, the longitudinal length of each wing member can be less than the longitudinal length of its corresponding front or rear section. Therefore, each wing member can be confined to its corresponding front and rear sections, thus freeing the crotch section of the outer cover.

[0293] The outer cover is designed such that, when each flap member is in the use position, the garment portion is not covered by any flap member for at least 50% of the longitudinal length of the outer cover (as viewed from the inside of the outer garment). For example, the garment portion is not covered by any flap member for at least 70% or at least 80% of the longitudinal length of the outer cover.

[0294] Therefore, at least 50% of the longitudinal length of the outer cover, for example, 70% or at least 80% of the longitudinal length of the outer cover, when each flap member of the outer cover is in the use position, the wearer-facing side of the garment portion forms the wearer-facing side of the outer cover.

[0295] The longitudinal length of the flap member can be selected to provide sufficient area for the insert fastening area on the inner surface of the flap member facing the garment, while still not covering more of the insert's wearer-facing side than necessary.

[0296] In at least one of the front and rear sections, preferably each, the area of ​​each wing member may not exceed 20% of the area of ​​the outer cover, such as not exceeding 15% of the area of ​​the outer cover. Preferably, each wing member may have an area not exceeding 10% of the area of ​​the outer cover.

[0297] The total area of ​​all flap components of the outer cover may not exceed 40% of the area of ​​the outer cover. For example, the total area of ​​the flap components may not exceed 30% of the total area of ​​the garment portion. Preferably, the total area of ​​the flap components may not exceed 20% of the total area of ​​the garment portion.

[0298] At least one (such as each) of one or more insert fastening regions may each have an area smaller than the area of ​​the corresponding wing member at its location. Additionally, the sum of the areas of all insert fastening regions on the wing member may be less than the area of ​​the wing member itself.

[0299] The advantages of the restricted area of ​​the wing member / insert fastening region, as described above regarding wing members, outer coverings, or garment parts, are similar to those described above regarding length.

[0300] The connection between the wing component and the garment part

[0301] As described above, in the front and / or rear sections of the outer cover, at least one flap member extends from the garment portion.

[0302] The at least one flap member may 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 may be connected to the garment portion via one or more joints and / or one or more folds.

[0303] For example, each flap component can be formed from a separate piece of material, such as a fabric piece, which is attached to the garment portion via one or more joints (e.g., seams, welds, adhesive joints, etc.). Preferably, the one or more joints can be seams.

[0304] In another example, the flap member can be formed from a piece of material that also forms part of the garment. For example, a piece of fabric can be folded such that on one side of the fold, it forms part of the garment, and on the other side of the fold, it forms the flap member.

[0305] In addition, in some examples, the flap component may extend from the garment portion via one or more folds and one or more joints.

[0306] The at least one 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, the space opening toward the crotch section in the longitudinal direction.

[0307] Therefore, when in use, the flap member may include a free edge pointing toward the crotch section, which is not attached to the garment portion, so as to allow the rear or front section of the insert to be introduced into the space.

[0308] The wing member extends longitudinally from the free edge toward the front or rear edge of the outer cover, respectively.

[0309] For example, the flap member may 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 may be connected to the garment portion at least along the rear edge or the front edge. As mentioned above, the connection may be made via, for example, a fold or one or more joints.

[0310] Furthermore, the wing member may include laterally spaced side edges that connect the free edge and the front / rear edge of the wing member. The side edges may extend along the outer cover in a generally longitudinal direction.

[0311] For example, the flap member may extend from the garment portion at least along its laterally spaced side edges. In other words, the flap member may be attached to the garment portion at least along the laterally spaced side edges. As described above, the attachment may be made via, for example, one or more folds and / or one or more joints. The free edge of the flap member pointing to the crotch segment of the outer cover may extend between the laterally spaced side edges of the flap member.

[0312] As described above, each wing member has a use position in which the outward-facing inner surface of the wing member opens toward a space in the longitudinal direction toward the crotch section for receiving the corresponding rear edge and / or front edge of the insert therein.

[0313] In some variations, the wing member can have a non-use position in which it does not face or define a space. For example, in the non-use position, the wing member can be folded such that the side of the wing member facing outward in the use position, i.e., the side of the wing member that carries the insert fastening area, faces inward. For example, the wing member can be in such a non-use position while the absorbent insert is arranged such that it faces outward toward the inward side of the outer cover. Once the insert is correctly positioned relative to the outer cover, the wing member can be brought into the use position, thereby forming a space at the edge receiving the insert.

[0314] For example, a flap member with a non-use position may be a flap member that extends only along the rear edge or front edge of the flap member from the garment portion, rather than a flap member that extends along laterally spaced side edges.

[0315] However, alternatively, the wing member is permanently in the service position.

[0316] For example, the wing member, extending from the garment portion at laterally spaced side edges, can be used in a default position where it faces downward toward the garment portion. In use, the front and / or rear edges of the insert can be inserted into the space of the wing member located between a first side joint or fold and a second side joint or fold at the laterally spaced side edges.

[0317] Therefore, the set of insert fastening areas on the outer side of the wing member is covered, thereby preventing any accidental contact between the surface fastening material of the insert fastening area and the wearer's skin.

[0318] Furthermore, by connecting the wing member to the garment portion at the side edge, it can be ensured that the wing member remains in place when the outer cover is worn.

[0319] Furthermore, for each flap member, it may be desirable for the flap member to extend from the garment portion at at least one pair of locations, wherein one of the locations is on a first lateral side of the longitudinal central axis of the garment portion, and the other location is on a second lateral side of the longitudinal central axis of the garment portion. (The longitudinal central axis of the garment portion is the longitudinal central axis passing through the crotch of the outer cover).

[0320] When the outer cover is worn, its front and rear sections will experience opposing lateral forces in a direction away from the longitudinal central axis of the outer cover due to its attachment around the wearer's waist. At at least one location on each side of the central longitudinal axis, via the flap member, the opposing lateral forces applied to the garment portion can be transmitted to the flap member, thereby ensuring that the flap member stretches in the lateral direction and remains close to the wearer's body.

[0321] For example, as described above, when the flap member extends from the garment portion at least along the front / rear edges of the flap member, the fold or joint forming the connection with the garment portion can extend laterally above the longitudinal central axis of the outer cover, such that the flap member is connected to at least one position on each side of the longitudinal axis.

[0322] For example, as described above, when the flap member extends from the garment portion at least at two laterally spaced side edges, one side edge may be positioned on one lateral side of the longitudinal central axis of the outer cover, and the other side edge may be positioned on the other lateral side of the longitudinal central axis of the outer cover.

[0323] As described above, in the front and / or rear sections of the outer cover, the body may be provided with one or more laterally extending sides for attaching the outer cover around the wearer's waist. For example, a flap member may be arranged to extend from the garment portion such that lateral forces applied to the laterally extending sides are transmitted to the flap member.

[0324] When the flap member extends from the garment portion at least at two laterally spaced side edges, the flap member can be connected to the garment portion along the longitudinal length of each side edge, the longitudinal length of which is such that the connection spans at least the length traversed by the set of insert fastening areas of the flap member. For example, the connection can span substantially the entire longitudinal length of the two laterally spaced side edges.

[0325] In one example, the flap member may extend from the garment portion at the rear / front edge and at laterally spaced side edges, such that the space between the inward-facing surface of the flap member and the wearer-facing side of the garment portion is open only in the longitudinal direction toward the crotch segment. This facilitates the proper positioning of the rear or front edge of the insert in the space, respectively. Furthermore, the aforementioned advantages related to permanent use location and force distribution can be obtained.

[0326] The material of the flap component can be selected 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 component will cover a relatively small area of ​​the wearer than the garment portion when the article is in use, it may still be desirable for the flap component to be breathable and / or liquid-permeable.

[0327] Therefore, the material used for the wing component can be selected as washable, breathable, and / or liquid-permeable. Thus, the material properties and materials discussed above regarding the entire outer covering or garment portion are also preferred for the wing component.

[0328] For example, in the same manner as described above regarding the garment section on outer coverings, each flap member may include one or more pieces of fabric. For instance, each flap member may each include a single piece of fabric. This may be preferred for ease of manufacture.

[0329] Preferably, one or more insert fastening areas may be completely contained within one or more fabric sheets of the flap member, thereby preventing any direct contact between the fastening areas and the wearer's skin. For example, the flap member may include one or more fabric sheets and one or more insert fastening areas contained within one or more fabric sheets. "Completely contained" means that one or more insert fastening areas do not extend beyond one or more fabric sheets, for example, do not protrude from one or more fabric sheets.

[0330] In other examples, the flap member may include one or more fabric pieces and one or more insert fastening regions, wherein optionally, the one or more insert fastening regions extend beyond the one or more fabric pieces.

[0331] For example, the insert fastening area can be provided by insert fastening members attached to one or more fabric pieces, as will be further described below.

[0332] Similar to garment parts, the wing member can comprise a textile fabric, preferably a knitted fabric. Therefore, the wing member can comprise one or more fabric pieces having any of the characteristics described above for one or more fabric pieces related to garment parts.

[0333] Advantageously, the garment portion and the wing member may include one or more fabric pieces, wherein at least some of the fabric pieces of the garment portion have the same material as the fabric pieces of the wing member. For example, the garment portion and the wing member may include one or more fabric pieces, wherein all the fabric pieces have the same material.

[0334] As outlined above, at least one flap member is provided in at least one, preferably each, of the front and rear sections of the outer cover. Therefore, in some variations, multiple (such as two or more) flap members may be arranged in at least one (preferably each) of the front and rear sections of the outer cover. In this case, one or more insert fastening regions of this set may be distributed on the multiple flap members, such that each of the two or more flap members includes one or more insert fastening regions positioned on a corresponding outward side of the flap member. For example, two or more laterally spaced flap members may be arranged in the front and / or rear sections of the outer cover.

[0335] However, it may be preferable that a single wing member is arranged in the front section of the outer cover, and / or a single wing member is arranged in the rear section of the outer cover.

[0336] In this case, all of the insert fastening areas of one or more in the group will be positioned on the outer side of a single wing member.

[0337] Individual flap members may, for example, have a lateral width not less than the minimum lateral width defined by the crotch section of the outer cover. For example, the lateral width of an individual flap member may be at least 120% of the minimum lateral width of the outer cover. Optionally, the lateral width of an individual flap member may 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.

[0338] Therefore, a single wing member can have a lateral width that is greater than the lateral width of the insert used with the outer cover.

[0339] For example, when a garment portion comprises a body and laterally extending sides in a front and / or rear section, individual front and / or rear flap members may extend over the width of the body. For example, individual front and / or rear flap members may be attached to the garment portion via side joints, wherein the side joints may be formed, for example, together with joints that attach the laterally extending sides to the body of the garment portion.

[0340] For example, a single flap member can be engaged to the garment portion at the front / rear joint and a pair of side joints. Therefore, the entire front / rear edge of the insert can be incorporated into the space formed by the single flap member for attaching the insert to the outer cover. This allows for simple and accurate positioning of the insert. Furthermore, the single flap member engaged to the garment portion at the front / rear joint and a pair of side joints ensures that the flap member has no unnecessary free edges that could easily cause chafing.

[0341] For example, the front and rear sections of the outer cover may each include a set of insert regions and a single flap member including 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 rear section does not exceed 40% of the area of ​​the outer cover, such as not exceeding 30% or not exceeding 20%.

[0342] A single blade member may include a group of one or more insert fastening areas, as will be described in more detail below.

[0343] For example, a single blade component may include a first subgroup and a second subgroup of insert fastening areas, the first subgroup and the second subgroup being laterally spaced apart.

[0344] Lateral fastening width of outer cover

[0345] In at least one, preferably each, of the front and rear sections of the absorbent article, the fastening area of ​​the group of one or more inserts spans the lateral fastening width.

[0346] The crotch section of the outer cover defines the minimum lateral width of the outer cover. Optionally, in at least one, preferably each, of the front and rear sections of the outer cover, the fastening area of ​​the group of one or more inserts spans a corresponding lateral fastening width greater than the minimum lateral width.

[0347] Therefore, the fastening areas of one or more inserts in this group allow the inserts to be attached in such a way that the inserts are held laterally to a sufficient width in the front and / or rear sections, respectively, while in at least a portion of the crotch section, the inserts can be adapted to a cup shape that is approximately within the minimum lateral width of the outer cover.

[0348] For example, the corresponding lateral fastening width may be no less than 110% of the minimum lateral width, such as no less than 120% of the minimum lateral width (crotch width) of the outer cover.

[0349] The outer cover may include a pair of leg elastic members arranged along the leg opening of the garment portion, at least in the crotch section of the garment portion.

[0350] The leg elastic members can be separated by the maximum leg elastic member spacing width. The maximum leg elastic member spacing width is the maximum lateral width between the elastic action parts of the leg elastic members.

[0351] Similarly, the leg elastic members are separated by the minimum leg elastic member spacing width. Therefore, the minimum leg elastic member spacing width is usually located in the crotch section of the garment, and the minimum leg elastic member spacing width can be close to the minimum lateral width (crotch width) of the outer covering.

[0352] For example, in at least one, preferably each, of the front and rear sections of the outer cover, a group of one or more insert fastening areas spans a corresponding lateral fastening width smaller than the maximum leg resilient spacing width. Therefore, the desired positioning of the leg resilient members of the outer cover on the lateral outer side of the inserts attached to the group of one or more insert fastening areas can be ensured.

[0353] For example, in at least one, preferably each, of the front and rear sections of the outer cover, when the fastening area of ​​the group of one or more inserts spans a corresponding lateral fastening width that is less than the maximum leg elastic interval width and greater than the minimum lateral width of the outer cover, it can facilitate the correct positioning of the inserts relative to the outer cover during use of the absorbent article.

[0354] Therefore, as can be understood from the above, the crotch section of the outer cover may advantageously lack an insert fastening area. In fact, the outer cover as a whole may not contain an insert fastening area, except for one or more insert fastening areas in at least one, preferably each, of the front and rear sections of the outer cover.

[0355] Subgroup of insert fastening area

[0356] In at least one, preferably each, of the front and rear sections of the outer cover, a group of one or more insert fastening regions may include a first subgroup of one or more insert fastening regions and a second subgroup of one or more insert fastening regions, wherein the first and second subgroups are spaced apart by a lateral spacing width around the longitudinal central axis of the outer cover. Preferably, the first and second subgroups may be symmetrically spaced apart by the lateral spacing width around the longitudinal axis.

[0357] In this way, the insert can have no fastening area across the lateral spacing width. This means the insert can be left unattached to the outer cover in the central lateral region, which can facilitate shaping the insert during use. For example, the spacing arrangement allows the insert to exhibit a slight cupping shape when viewed in the lateral direction, thereby improving insert retention. Furthermore, the spacing arrangement of the insert fastening areas allows for a more accurate positioning of the insert to the outer cover. Additionally, when the insert has no fastening area across the lateral spacing width, surface fastening material is provided only where needed, meaning a reduction in the amount of material on the outer cover.

[0358] As described above, the crotch section of the outer cover can have a defined 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.

[0359] Therefore, the fastening regions of one or more inserts in the first and second subgroups ensure that the inserts extend at least above the crotch width of the outer cover when attached to the fastening regions.

[0360] For example, the lateral spacing width may be at least three times the lateral width of each insert fastening area, or at least four times the lateral width of each insert fastening area.

[0361] For example, the lateral spacing width can be no less than 40% of the lateral fastening width, such as no less than 50% or 60% of the lateral fastening width.

[0362] For example, in at least one of the front and rear sections, preferably each, the fastening areas of one or more inserts in the first and second subgroups can be provided on the same wing member, preferably on a single wing member in the front or rear section respectively.

[0363] For example, the front and rear sections of the outer cover may each be provided with a single flap member, each single flap member including one or more insert fastening areas in a first subgroup and one or more insert fastening areas in a second subgroup, the first and second subgroups being spaced apart around the longitudinal central axis of the insert, preferably symmetrically spaced apart by a lateral spacing width. For example, the first and second subgroups may each include a single fastening area.

[0364] In one example, the subgroup of insert fastening regions may be provided by a single insert fastening member attached to a single flap member. For example, such an insert fastening member may include a sheet-formed base carrying one or more insert fastening regions in a first subgroup including surface fastening material and one or more insert fastening regions in a second subgroup including surface fastening material, the first and second subgroups being spaced apart by a lateral spacing width.

[0365] However, in another example, each insert fastening region can be provided by a separate insert fastening member, each insert fastening member including an insert fastening region comprising surface fastening material. This can help reduce the amount of material added to the insert, and / or help reduce any additional stiffness presented by the insert fastening members present on the outer cover.

[0366] Further features and advantages of the outer cover will become apparent from the above description of the absorbent article and the following description of the inserts used to form the absorbent article. It should be understood that features relating to the outer cover, or the insert fastening area of ​​the outer cover as described above with respect to the absorbent article, may also be applied, alone or in combination, to the outer cover itself.

[0367] 3. Absorbent insert

[0368] In a third aspect, this disclosure relates to the absorbent insert as claimed in claim 57.

[0369] Therefore, this disclosure relates to an absorbent insert used with an outer cover to form an absorbent article suitable for wearing around the waist of a wearer. The insert is shaped to cover a predetermined portion of the wearer's pubic region and buttocks during use. The insert extends along a longitudinal direction and along a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, wherein an inward direction is defined toward the wearer when the absorbent article is worn, and an outward direction is defined away from the wearer when the article is worn, the inward and outward directions being perpendicular to the transverse and longitudinal directions, respectively.

[0370] The insert has a longitudinal length extending in a longitudinal direction, and is subdivided along the longitudinal length into a front section, a rear section, and a crotch section. The insert includes a liquid-impermeable backsheet, a liquid-permeable topsheet, and an absorbent assembly disposed between the backsheet and the topsheet.

[0371] The insert has an inward-facing side and an outward-facing side, wherein, when the article is in use, the inward-facing side includes a top piece pointing towards the wearer, and the outward-facing side points towards the outer cover. In at least one (preferably each) of the front and rear sections of the insert, the insert includes a set of one or more cover fastening areas disposed on the inward-facing side of the insert. Each cover fastening area includes surface fastening material for removably attaching the insert to the outer cover.

[0372] Therefore, this document proposes to provide an absorbent insert, which includes, preferably in each of a front section and a rear section, a set of one or more cover fastening regions on the inward side of the insert, thereby enabling detachable connection of the insert to an outer cover to form an absorbent article, as described above.

[0373] One or more cover fastening areas may differ from any other area on the inner side of the insert; that is, the surface fastening material of each of the one or more cover fastening areas may differ from any other material on the inner side of the insert. For example, the surface fastening material of one or more cover fastening areas may differ from the top sheet material and / or leak-blocking member forming material on the inner side of the insert. Therefore, the connection between the outer cover and the insert can be controlled with respect to, for example, the location of the connection and / or the strength of the formed connection.

[0374] Therefore, the location and / or surface area and / or type of surface fastening material of one or more of the cover fastening regions can be adapted to the insert fastening regions of the outer cover to provide a suitable detachable connection between the insert and the outer cover. For example, as described above in the description of absorbent articles, the insert fastening regions of the outer cover can be adapted to provide a greater adhesion force when attached to the cover fastening regions than to any other inward-facing region of the insert. For example, as mentioned above in the description of absorbent articles, the insert fastening regions of the outer cover can be adapted not to adhere to any inward-facing region of the insert other than the cover fastening regions. This facilitates handling and ensures proper positioning of the insert relative to the outer cover.

[0375] The one or more cover fastening areas may be arranged so as not to protrude beyond the extension of the insert's substrate. That is, the complete one or more cover fastening areas may be arranged to overlap with the rest of the insert, rather than overlapping any extensions, flaps, etc., protruding from the insert itself.

[0376] The above description of the attachment area describes other features related to the fastening area of ​​the cover.

[0377] The insert can optionally be configured to be washable.

[0378] However, the insert can preferably be configured for single use. In other words, the insert can preferably be disposable.

[0379] Overall construction of absorbent insert

[0380] Top film

[0381] As described above, the insert includes a liquid-impermeable substrate, a liquid-permeable top substrate, and an absorbent assembly disposed between the top substrate and the substrate.

[0382] Materials suitable for topsheets are generally known in the field of disposable absorbent hygiene products, and for the purposes of this disclosure, any material generally known as a topsheet material may be used, including but not limited to nonwoven materials and perforated polymer films.

[0383] The toppiece is suitably permeable to allow excreted bodily fluids such as urine to penetrate its thickness. Additionally, the toppiece is suitably made of a material that feels smooth and soft against the wearer's skin.

[0384] The top sheet can be made of various web materials, such as woven webs and nonwoven webs, perforated membranes, open-cell foams, or combinations or laminates of the above materials.

[0385] Suitable nonwoven materials for top sheets can be made of synthetic fibers such as polyester or polypropylene or natural fibers such as cotton. A mixture of synthetic and natural fibers can also be used.

[0386] The nonwoven material used for the topsheet can be made, for example, from spunbond, spunbond / spunbond composites, or spunbond / meltblown composites such as SMS, SSMS, SSMMS, SMMS, nonwoven polypropylene, or bicomponent fibers of polypropylene and polyethylene, or combinations of such materials. The topsheet may also have elastic properties.

[0387] The top sheet can be hydrophilized to reduce the tendency of urine to penetrate the top sheet into the underlying structure. Methods for hydrophilizing nonwovens are known and include coating the nonwoven material with a hydrophilic coating, such as by applying a surfactant coating; by applying a hydrophilic monomer composition and a free radical polymerization initiator to the nonwoven material and then initiating a polymerization reaction on the nonwoven material; by applying a coating of hydrophilic nanoparticles; or by treating the nonwoven surface with a high-energy treatment.

[0388] Surfactant coatings can be obtained, for example, by applying a surfactant composition to a nonwoven material using any suitable method, including spraying, slot coating, kiss-roll coating, and / or immersing the material in a bath containing a surfactant. Hydrophilic treatment can be performed online during the assembly of the absorbent hygiene product, or it can be performed separately, after which the topsheet can be delivered as a ready-to-use roll to the disposable absorbent hygiene product manufacturing plant.

[0389] Top sheet material can have a strength of 8 to 20 g / m 2 Such as 12 to 17 g / m 2 The basis weight. However, this disclosure is not limited to topsheet materials having only this basis weight.

[0390] negative

[0391] Suitable materials for backing sheets are well-known in the field of disposable absorbent hygiene products. The backing sheet should be virtually impermeable to liquids such as urine.

[0392] The backing sheet can be breathable. A breathable (i.e., gas-permeable) backing sheet is beneficial to the wearer's comfort and skin health. Since the inserts disclosed herein are intended for use with outer covers as disclosed herein to form an absorbent assembly, the use of a breathable backing sheet makes it possible to form an absorbent assembly that exhibits satisfactory breathability.

[0393] Film can be essentially impermeable to liquids and permeable to air, meaning that air and other gases can pass through the film while it is essentially impermeable to liquids.

[0394] For the purposes of this disclosure, any material generally known to be used as a film material may be included in the film, including but not limited to polymer films, such as films of polyethylene, polypropylene, or copolymers of polyethylene or polypropylene, hydrophobic nonwoven materials, fluid-impermeable foams, and fluid-impermeable laminates.

[0395] The backing sheet may include one or more layers of material. For example, the backing sheet may be a laminate of a liquid-impermeable polymer membrane facing the absorbent assembly and a nonwoven material facing the garment side, to provide a fabric-soft feel to the outer surface of a disposable absorbent hygiene product.

[0396] It is also anticipated that the film may be made of or otherwise incorporate fully or partially elastic materials to allow for a better fit to the product during use.

[0397] However, for the insert of the present invention, it is believed that it is advantageous if the substrate comprises a nonwoven material, such as a composite of a porous polymer membrane and a nonwoven material.

[0398] Absorption core

[0399] The absorbent assembly may include one or more absorbent cores. The core may consist of one or more layers of cellulose fluff pulp. The cellulose fluff pulp may be mixed with fibers or particles of a highly absorbent polymer material (so-called superabsorbent polymer), which is the type that chemically binds a large amount of fluid upon absorption and forms a fluid-retaining gel. The absorbent core may also include highly absorbent polymer material disposed in layers within the absorbent core or attached to one or more surfaces of the absorbent core. The absorbent core may also include additional components for improving the properties of the absorbent core. Examples of such components are bonding fibers, various types of fluid dispersion layers or fibers, size-stabilizing components, reinforcing fibers, etc.

[0400] Superabsorbent polymers are well known in the field of absorbent products and are used to help improve the absorbency of such products. Superabsorbent polymers consist of water-swellable and water-insoluble polymers that are capable of absorbing large amounts of fluid when forming a hydrogel, for example, being able to absorb at least five times their weight in a 0.9% saline solution, as measured according to method NSWP241.0R2. The superabsorbent polymers used according to this disclosure can be inorganic or organic crosslinked hydrophilic polymers, such as polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene oxide, crosslinked starch, guar gum, xanthan gum, crosslinked polyacrylate, etc. The polymers can be in the form of, for example, powders, granules, microparticles, films, foams, and fibers. Upon contact with a fluid, such superabsorbent polymers swell by absorbing the fluid into their structure. Generally, superabsorbent polymers can rapidly absorb fluids that intrude into such products and can retain such fluids to prevent leakage and help provide a dry feeling even after fluid intrusion.

[0401] The type of superabsorbent polymer used in the absorption components of the embodiments discussed herein may be the same or may vary within the component. For example, a superabsorbent polymer having a first set of properties may be used in the front and rear zones of the absorption component, or in the first absorption core, and a superabsorbent polymer having a second set of properties may be used in the central zone of the absorption component, or in the second absorption core. The properties mentioned in this section are, for example, centrifugal retention capacity, absorption under load, and / or gel layer permeability.

[0402] Therefore, the absorbent assembly of the insert as proposed herein may advantageously include a superabsorbent polymer. For example, the absorbent assembly may include a superabsorbent polymer and cellulose fibers.

[0403] For example, the absorption component may include a superabsorbent polymer concentration of at least 15% by weight based on the total weight of cellulose fibers and superabsorbent polymer.

[0404] The absorption assembly may include a first absorption layer and a second absorption layer, which are stacked between the film and the top film.

[0405] Therefore, the superabsorbent polymer can be present in one or both of the first and second absorbent layers.

[0406] Acquisition layer

[0407] Furthermore, the insert may include a collection layer applied between the top sheet and the absorbent assembly. Materials suitable for use as collection 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 this disclosure, any material known to those skilled in the art as suitable for use as a collection layer may be used. The collection layer may be, for example, 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 act as a liquid collection and absorption layer. The collection layer is adapted to rapidly receive and temporarily store discharged liquid before it is absorbed by the absorbent core. Such collection layers may be composed of, for example, air-laid nonwoven materials, jet-laid nonwoven materials, high-loft nonwoven materials, or foam materials. Air-laid nonwovens can be produced from fluff, wood pulp, and in which the fluff fibers are dispersed in a rapidly moving airflow and condensed onto a moving screen by pressure and vacuum. The collection layer may preferably be an air-permeable bonded nonwoven material of polyester fibers.

[0408] Other characteristics of inserts related to the absorption assembly

[0409] The absorbent assembly may be primarily positioned within the crotch section of the insert and has an absorbent assembly length that spans no more than 70% of the longitudinal length of the insert, such as no more than 85% of the longitudinal length of the insert.

[0410] Therefore, the absorbent assembly does not extend all the way to the front and rear edges of the insert, thus preventing liquid from accumulating near the edges of the finned components located inside the outer cover. This reduces the risk of contaminating the outer cover, allowing it to be reused without requiring cleaning.

[0411] For example, the fastening area of ​​the removable cover can be limited to the portion of the insert that extends longitudinally beyond the absorbent core, either towards the front or rear edge. Therefore, the attachment of the insert to the outer cover is constant, regardless of whether the insert has absorbed any amount of liquid.

[0412] The absorbent core can be hourglass-shaped, with the narrowest width in the transverse direction at the longitudinal center of the crotch section of the insert.

[0413] In this paper, "hourglass shape" refers to the absorbent core having the narrowest width in the crotch section of the insert, and the absorbent core having a width greater than the narrowest width towards the front section and the rear section, respectively.

[0414] In other alternatives, the absorbent core may have other shapes, such as rectangular or elliptical.

[0415] Optionally, the longitudinal edge of the insert partially corresponds to the hourglass shape of the absorption assembly.

[0416] Therefore, the insert may have a shape with the narrowest width in the lateral direction in the crotch section of the insert.

[0417] In other alternatives, the insert can have a rectangular shape.

[0418] The insert may have a length along the longitudinal axis that is greater than its width along the transverse axis.

[0419] For example, the insert may have a total absorbent capacity of at least 1000 ml, such as 1000 ml to 4000 ml. Therefore, the insert is an insert suitable for absorbent articles, which are incontinence articles suitable for adult wearers.

[0420] Cover fastening area

[0421] As described above, in a third aspect of the invention, an absorbent insert is provided having an inward side and an outward side, wherein, when the article is in use, the inward side includes the top piece pointing toward the wearer, and the outward side points toward the outer cover, wherein at least one of the front segment and the rear segment of the insert, preferably each, includes a set of one or more cover fastening regions disposed on the inward side of the insert, each cover fastening region including surface fastening material for removably attaching the insert to the outer cover.

[0422] Therefore, when the insert is attached to the outer cover, it is securely held in place, allowing for the beneficial effects regarding comfort and aesthetics, as outlined above with respect to the outer cover. For example, when the insert is attached to the outer cover and worn by the wearer, the fastening area of ​​the cover is covered by the remainder of the insert, and thus they are protected from being torn or pulled out from the outside of the absorbent material.

[0423] Similarly, the fastening area of ​​the cover and therefore the position of the insert will be less likely to shift due to tearing or friction caused, for example, by the wearer's movement.

[0424] As defined above, the group of one or more cover fastening areas includes all cover fastening areas located in the front or rear section, on the inward side of the insert, and includes surface fastening material for removably attaching the outer cover.

[0425] Possibly, in addition to a set of cover fastening areas located on at least the inward side of the insert, the insert may also include additional fastening areas for providing a removable attachment between the outer cover and the insert. For example, additional fastening areas may be provided on the outward side of the insert. However, any such additional fastening areas should preferably be minimized, as additional attachment may impair the benefits obtained by using one or more set of cover fastening areas located on the inward side of the insert as presented herein.

[0426] Conversely, in at least one, preferably each, of the front and rear sections of the insert, a group or more cover fastening areas located on the inward side of the insert may constitute the only fastening element in the front and / or rear sections of the insert suitable for detachably attaching the insert to the outer cover.

[0427] Preferably, each of the front and rear sections of the insert includes a set of cover fastening regions positioned on the inward side of the insert, wherein the set of cover fastening regions constitutes the sole fastening element of the insert suitable for removably attaching the insert to the outer cover.

[0428] Optionally, the insert extends longitudinally between the front and rear edges, and in at least one, preferably each, of the front and rear segments of the insert, one or more cover fastening areas of the group are located at or near the respective front and rear edges of the insert.

[0429] By means of the flap members of the outer cover located near the front and rear edges, one or more cover fastening areas can be easily and completely covered by the flap members of the outer cover as described above, thereby preventing any contact with the wearer's skin during use.

[0430] When one or more cover fastening areas in the group are positioned at the corresponding front or rear edge of the insert, manufacturing advantages can be obtained, for example, when the insert includes one or more cover fastening members, the one or more cover fastening members can be cut to align with the front or rear edge of the insert during manufacturing.

[0431] Optionally, in at least one of the front and rear sections (of the insert), preferably each, the fastening area of ​​the group of one or more cover members spans a longitudinal length that does not exceed 20% of the longitudinal length of the insert, such as not exceeding 10% of the longitudinal length of the insert.

[0432] Therefore, when the insert is attached to the outer cover via one or more cover fastening areas of one or more of the front and rear sections, a large portion of the longitudinal length of the insert toward the inside will be available for absorbing bodily fluids, while the one or more cover fastening areas provide a secure attachment of the insert to the outer cover.

[0433] Furthermore, in at least one, preferably each, of the front and rear sections of the insert, the front edge portion or the rear edge portion may be defined as a portion of the insert extending from the respective front or rear edge and extending along a longitudinal length spanned by the set of one or more cover fastening regions. Therefore, when the insert is attached to the outer cover as described above, the flap member provided with the set of one or more insert fastening regions will be adapted to extend at least partially over the front or rear edge portion of the insert.

[0434] Optionally, in at least one of the front and rear segments of the insert, preferably each, the edge portion length of the front / rear edge portion may be less than 20% of the longitudinal length of the insert, for example, less than 10% of the longitudinal length of the insert.

[0435] When one or more cover fastening areas extend from the front or rear edge respectively, the length of the edge portion is therefore equal to the longitudinal length spanned by one or more cover fastening areas.

[0436] As described above, the absorbent assembly may be primarily located within the crotch section of the insert and has an absorbent assembly length. For example, the absorbent assembly length may 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.

[0437] Furthermore, in at least one, preferably each, of the front and rear sections of the insert, the front or rear end of the absorption component may be spaced apart from the front or rear edge portion by an absorption gap length (Lac), respectively. The absorption gap length may be, for example, 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 absorption gap length may be 3% to 10% of the longitudinal length of the insert, such as 5% to 10% of the longitudinal length of the insert.

[0438] Therefore, it can be ensured that the swelling of the absorbent component when absorbing fluid will not interfere with the connection between the insert and the outer cover.

[0439] Optionally, the sum of the longitudinal length spanned by any one or more cover fastening areas of the front section of the insert and the longitudinal length spanned by any one or more cover fastening areas of 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.

[0440] Therefore, when the insert is attached to the outer cover in use via one or more cover fastening areas in each of the front and rear sections, a large portion of the longitudinal length of the insert toward the inside will be available for absorbing bodily fluids, while the one or more cover fastening areas provide a secure attachment of the insert to the outer cover.

[0441] Similarly, the sum of the edge length of the front edge portion and the edge 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.

[0442] Optionally, in at least one of the front and rear sections of the insert, preferably each, the area of ​​each of the one or more cover fastening areas in the group is not greater than 10% of the area of ​​the insert, such as not greater than 5% of the area of ​​the insert, or not greater than 2% of the area of ​​the insert.

[0443] Therefore, when the insert is attached to the outer cover in use via one or more cover fastening areas in each of the front and rear sections, a large portion of the total inward-facing area of ​​the insert will be available for absorbing bodily fluids, while the one or more cover fastening areas provide a secure attachment of the insert to the outer cover.

[0444] Optionally, the total area of ​​all or one of the cover fastening areas of the insert shall not exceed 25% of the area of ​​the insert, for example, not more than 10% of the area of ​​the insert.

[0445] Therefore, when the insert is attached to the outer cover via one or more cover fastening areas in each of the front and rear sections during use, a large portion of the longitudinal region of the insert facing inward will be available for absorbing bodily fluids, while the one or more cover fastening areas provide a secure attachment of the insert to the outer cover.

[0446] Lateral fastening width of the insert

[0447] In at least one (preferably each) of the front and rear sections, the fastening area of ​​the group of one or more cover sections spans the lateral fastening width.

[0448] In some variations, when there is a set of one or more cover fastening areas in each of the front and rear sections, the lateral fastening width of the set of one or more cover fastening areas in the front section may be the same as the lateral fastening width of the set of one or more cover fastening areas in the rear section.

[0449] In some variations, when there is a set of one or more cover fastening areas in each of the front and rear sections, the lateral fastening width of the set of one or more cover fastening areas in the front section may differ from the lateral fastening width of the set of one or more cover fastening areas in the rear section.

[0450] Optionally, in at least one of the front and rear sections, preferably each, the lateral fastening width spanned by the set of one or more cover fastening areas is at least 70%, for example, at least 80% or at least 90%, of the maximum width (Wi) of the insert in the front or rear section. Therefore, when the insert is attached to the outer cover via the set of one or more cover fastening areas, it is ensured that the insert is stretched over at least a majority of the maximum width of the insert in the front and / or rear sections, respectively. This ensures proper positioning of the insert relative to the wearer.

[0451] Therefore, when the insert is attached to the outer cover via the fastening areas of one or more of the covers, it ensures that the insert is stretched over the width of the insert in the front and / or rear sections, respectively. This is sufficient to ensure that the inner surface of the insert faces the wearer with a sufficiently large width when the item is in use. This ensures proper positioning of the insert relative to the wearer.

[0452] The lateral fastening width may not be less than the minimum lateral width in the crotch section of the insert, such as not less than 110% or not less than 120% of the minimum lateral width.

[0453] Insert leg elastic member

[0454] The insert extends longitudinally between a front edge and a rear edge, and includes longitudinal side edges connecting the front and rear edges. Furthermore, the insert may include a pair of insert leg elastic members that extend substantially along the longitudinal direction of the insert and are arranged on both sides of the insert between the absorber assembly and the longitudinal side edges of the insert. For each of the front and rear sections of the insert, the width of the leg elastic member is defined as the maximum lateral width above the insert leg elastic member in the front or rear section, respectively. Optionally, the widths of the leg elastic members in the front and rear sections of the insert may be the same and correspond to the maximum lateral width above the insert leg elastic members.

[0455] The elastic leg members of the insert help form the insert around the user's body and provide sufficient fluid seal at the leg openings of the absorbent garment when attached to the wearer. Furthermore, the elastic leg members help ensure proper positioning of the insert during use. Therefore, the use of elastic leg members helps provide sufficient fluid seal when the insert is attached to an outer cover, allowing the outer cover to be liquid-impermeable.

[0456] In at least one, preferably each, of the rear and front sections, the lateral fastening width spanned by one or more cover fastening areas of the group may be not less than the width of the leg elastic element in the rear or front section, respectively.

[0457] The fact that the lateral fastening width is not less than the width of the leg elastic means that when the insert is attached to the outer cover, the insert leg elastic can be stretched in the lateral direction, thereby ensuring the correct function and positioning of the insert leg elastic.

[0458] Optionally, in at least one of the rear and front sections of the insert, preferably each, the insert may include a pair of leg edge portions, each leg edge portion extending longitudinally along the respective insert leg elastic member and laterally between the insert leg elastic member and the longitudinal side edge of the insert, so as to define a maximum lateral leg edge width between the insert leg elastic member and the respective longitudinal side edge, the maximum lateral leg edge width being at least 1 cm, such as at least 2 cm.

[0459] For example, the maximum lateral leg edge width can not exceed 4cm.

[0460] In this document, a maximum lateral leg edge width is defined in each of the front and rear sections of the absorbent article. Optionally, the maximum lateral leg edge width may be the same in the front and rear sections of the absorbent article and may correspond to the maximum lateral leg edge width of the insert.

[0461] The leg edge portion, extending laterally between the insert leg resilient member and the longitudinal side edge of the insert, provides additional leak safety for the absorbent article. In use, the leg edge portion extends laterally outward from the insert leg opening formed at the insert leg resilient member.

[0462] When combined with a lateral fastening width spanned by a set of cover fastening areas not less than the width of the leg elastic element, as described above, the leg edge portion can extend at least partially in the lateral direction when the insert is attached to the outer cover. Therefore, when the insert is attached to the outer cover, the leg edge portion can automatically unfold outward to the correct position. Thus, this set of cover fastening areas helps to unfold and maintain the leg edge portion in a laterally extended state during the fastening of the absorbent item to the wearer and during its use. Therefore, the manual manipulation required to unfold the leg edge portion can be eliminated. This is particularly beneficial for adult wearers, improving the wearer's dignity in care situations by avoiding manual manipulation of the leg edge portion located in the crotch area of ​​the wearer.

[0463] For example, the lateral fastening width may span at least 50% of the lateral width of each leg section, such as at least 75% of the lateral width of each leg section, or at least 80% of the lateral width of each leg section.

[0464] Optionally, the elastic members of the insert leg are sandwiched between the innermost layer of the insert and the substrate.

[0465] The insert leg elastic member extends along the longitudinal length of the insert leg elastic member. The length of the insert leg elastic member may be at least 50% of the total longitudinal length of the insert, such as at least 75% or at least 85% of the total longitudinal length.

[0466] The length of the insert leg elastic member is defined as the longitudinal length of the leg elastic member along the insert in which it is activated. That is, any portion of the leg elastic member that is tightened or weakened such that it no longer provides elasticity to the insert is ignored.

[0467] (Similarly, the width of the insert leg elastic member as defined above will be measured on the active portion of the leg elastic member.)

[0468] For example, the length of the insert leg elastic member may extend at least 60% of the total longitudinal length of the absorbent core, such as at least 80% or at least 90% of the total longitudinal length of the absorbent core.

[0469] Optionally, in at least one, preferably each, of the front and rear sections of the insert, the fastening area of ​​the set of one or more cover members is confined to a longitudinal section of the insert that is not spanned by the length of the leg elastic member.

[0470] Therefore, the function of the cover fastening area in ensuring the longitudinal extension of the insert leg elastic member can be improved. For example, one or more cover fastening areas can be restricted to longitudinal sections of the insert that are not crossed by the length of the leg elastic member.

[0471] Therefore, when the lateral fastening width is greater than the leg elastic member width, and each cover fastening area is longitudinally positioned in the section between the front / rear end of the insert leg elastic member and the front / rear edge of the insert, the cover fastening area can ensure the stretching of the insert leg elastic member in both the lateral and longitudinal directions when the insert is in use and attached to the outer cover.

[0472] Each insert leg elastic member may include one or more elastic elements. For example, an elastic element may include one or more elastic wires, elastic membrane strips, or elastic foam strips. The elastic element may be attached to the insert when in a stretched state to provide elasticity to the insert.

[0473] The longitudinal extension of the insert leg elastic member, i.e., the length of the insert leg elastic member, refers herein to any effective extension of the leg elastic member, along which the insert leg elastic member actually provides elasticity. Therefore, when determining the extension of the leg elastic member, any portion of the elastic element where the elasticity is disabled will be ignored.

[0474] Inner leakage barrier of the insert

[0475] The inner side of the insert may include a pair of inner leakage barriers extending in the longitudinal direction of the insert.

[0476] The internal leakage barrier is also commonly referred to as the "upright closure".

[0477] The side leakage blocking element can extend approximately along the corresponding longitudinal side edge of the insert and be at a certain distance from the corresponding longitudinal side edge of the insert.

[0478] The inner leakage stop is adapted to move between a first position and a second position, in the first position where the inner leakage stop forms a flat surface parallel to the top plate, and in the second position where the inner leakage stop rises above the liquid-permeable top plate for at least 60% of the longitudinal length of the insert, spaced apart from both the front and rear edges of the insert.

[0479] The length of the side leakage barrier can be defined as the longitudinal length of the side leakage barrier as it rises freely over the liquid-permeable top plate. As mentioned above, the length of the side leakage barrier can be at least 60% of the longitudinal length of the insert. The length of the side leakage barrier can, for example, extend over the entire extension of the absorbent assembly.

[0480] However, to avoid obstructing the connection between the insert and the outer cover, the length of the side leakage barrier can be arranged not to extend into the rear and / or front edge portions of the insert. For example, the length of the side leakage barrier can be spaced apart from the rear and / or front edge portions of the insert. For example, the length of the side leakage barrier can be spaced apart from the rear and / or front edge portions 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.

[0481] For example, the length of the side leakage blocking element can be less than 80% of the longitudinal length of the insert, such as less than 70%.

[0482] Each inner leakage barrier may include a resilient element. For example, the resilient element may be one or more elastic wires.

[0483] Each side leakage barrier may include a sheet and an elastic element, such as an elastic thread. For example, each side leakage barrier may include more than one elastic thread, such as two to five elastic threads. The sheet of each side leakage barrier may include two layers of material. The sheet of each side leakage barrier may be attached to a top sheet. The attachment may be a longitudinal weld line and / or an adhesive line. The sheet of each side leakage barrier may include a portion attached to the top sheet and a portion not attached to the top sheet, including the elastic thread. The elastic threads of the first and second side leakage barriers may rise above the inward-facing surface of the top sheet, respectively. The elastic thread of each upright fold may rise above the inward-facing surface of the top sheet, for example, by at least 20 mm, such as 20 mm to 70 mm, or 30 mm to 50 mm.

[0484] 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. Therefore, each side leakage barrier can be a hydrophobic side leakage barrier.

[0485] Preferably, the insert includes the insert leg elastic members as described above and the inner leakage blocking members as described above. Thus, the pair of inner leakage blocking members will be arranged laterally closer to the longitudinal axis Y than the pair of insert leg elastic members.

[0486] The maximum width between each of the two inner leakage barriers is defined herein as the barrier width. The barrier width is the maximum lateral width measured between the positions of each inner leakage barrier where the raiseable portion of the leakage barrier is attached to the inward-facing remainder of the insert.

[0487] Therefore, the width of the blocking member can be, for example, smaller than the width of the leg elastic member.

[0488] The width of the raiseable portion (the part not attached to the top plate) of each side stop may be less than half the width of the stop; that is, when folded down, the side stops are not intended to completely cover the top plate between them. Instead, the width of the raiseable portion of each side stop may be, for example, less than 30% of the width of the stop, such as less than 25% of the width of the stop. For example, the width of the raiseable portion of each side stop may be 15 to 25% of the width of the stop.

[0489] Therefore, an insert comprising a pair of inner leakage barriers as described above and a pair of insert leg elastic members as described above provides a double barrier against leakage of bodily fluids from the insert during use. Thus, the insert is particularly useful in conjunction with an outer cover as described herein. For example, since the insert ensures reliable collection and absorption of bodily fluids, the outer cover can be made liquid-permeable, as its function is to provide proper positioning of the insert to the wearer, rather than to provide fluid permeability and / or fluid absorption. Therefore, the outer cover can be made of a liquid-permeable material such as textiles. This provides an absorbent assembly formed by the outer cover in which the insert is attached, which has a more underwear-like appearance and feel. Furthermore, the increased use of liquid-permeable, breathable materials such as textiles towards the wearer's body provides improved skin health.

[0490] Subgroup of the cover fastening area

[0491] Optionally, in at least one, preferably each, of the rear section (Sb) and the front section (Sf), the group of one or more cover fastening areas includes a first subgroup of one or more cover fastening areas and a second subgroup of one or more cover fastening areas, wherein the first subgroup and the second subgroup are spaced apart by a lateral spacing width around the longitudinal central axis of the insert. Preferably, the first subgroup and the second subgroup may be symmetrically spaced apart by a lateral spacing width around the longitudinal central axis.

[0492] Therefore, the insert can be installed without a cover fastening area on the interval width measured laterally between the subgroups of the region.

[0493] This facilitates the shaping of the insert during use, such as when attached to the outer cover to form an absorbent garment applied to the wearer. Notably, the front and / or rear sections of the insert can be extended across the lateral fastening width to secure the insert's position on the wearer while allowing relative movement between the outer cover and the insert across the spacing width. This allows the insert to shape relative to the wearer's body, for example, to form a slight cupping shape. Furthermore, the spacing arrangement of the cover's fastening areas allows for an arrangement that facilitates proper positioning of the insert onto the outer cover. Additionally, when the insert does not have fastening areas across the lateral spacing width, surface fastening material is provided only where needed, meaning a reduction in the amount of material on the outer cover.

[0494] As explained above, the set of cover fastening areas can each span a lateral fastening width close to the maximum width of the insert in the front or rear section, for example, spanning at least 80% of the maximum width of the insert in the front or rear section region. Therefore, when combined with this set of cover fastening areas comprising a first subgroup and a second subgroup spaced apart by a spacing width, it should be understood that the first and second subgroups can each be positioned adjacent to the respective longitudinal side edges of the insert.

[0495] For example, the lateral spacing width may be at least 50% of the maximum width of the insert at the corresponding rear or front section, such as at least 70% or at least 80% of the maximum width.

[0496] The lateral fastening width is naturally greater than the lateral spacing width. For example, the lateral fastening width may be greater than the lateral spacing width by at least 10% of the maximum width of the insert at the respective rear or front section.

[0497] For example, the lateral spacing width may be at least three times the lateral width of each cover fastening area, or at least four times the lateral width of each cover fastening area.

[0498] For example, the lateral spacing width can be at least 40% of the lateral fastening width, such as at least 50% or at least 60% of the lateral fastening width. Therefore, the position of the connection between the insert and the outer cover can be controlled to ensure the function of the insert in use, while enabling the use of a cover fastening area of ​​sufficient size to provide a sufficiently strong connection.

[0499] For example, when the absorbent insert includes a pair of inner leakage barriers spaced apart by the width of the barrier as described above, the lateral spacing width may be at least the width of the barrier.

[0500] For example, when the absorbent insert includes a pair of inner leakage barriers symmetrically spaced apart around a longitudinal axis by a barrier width and a pair of insert leg elastic members extending over the width of the maximum leg elastic member, the set of one or more cover fastening regions may span a transverse fastening width such that the leg elastic member width is greater than the barrier width, and the transverse fastening width is equal to or greater than the maximum leg elastic member width. Alternatively, when the absorbent insert further includes one or more cover fastening regions of a first subgroup and a second subgroup symmetrically spaced apart around a longitudinal axis by a spacing width, the spacing width may, for example, be greater than or equal to the barrier width.

[0501] As described above, the proposed positioning of the cover fastening area ensures proper tension of the elastic members in the insert legs when the insert is attached to the outer cover. Furthermore, the proposed positioning also ensures proper tension of the side leakage barriers and thus ensures elevation when the insert is attached to the outer cover. Therefore, the proposed positioning of the cover fastening area improves the leak-proof performance of absorbent articles and facilitates the process of positioning the absorbent article on the wearer.

[0502] As described 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 and rear edge portions of the insert when viewed in the lateral direction.

[0503] Therefore, at least in the corresponding lateral fastening width, the front edge portion and / or the rear edge portion can be adapted without folding. For example, the entire front edge portion and / or the rear edge portion can be adapted without folding.

[0504] Therefore, the front and / or rear edge portions of the insert, including, for example, the top sheet, the leak-blocking forming material, and the bottom sheet, are not folded. Thus, the front and / or rear edge portions are adapted to be attached to the outer cover in the unfolded state via one or more cover fastening members.

[0505] For example, when the cover fastening members of the corresponding group include cover fastening members of two subgroups spaced apart by a lateral spacing width, the front edge portion and / or the rear edge portion may not provide an elastic member that provides elasticity in the lateral direction of the insert over the lateral spacing width.

[0506] For example, at least over the corresponding lateral fastening width, the front edge portion and / or the rear edge portion may not contain an elastic member that provides elasticity in the lateral direction of the insert over the lateral spacing width. For example, the entire front edge portion and / or the rear edge portion may not have an elastic member that provides elasticity in the lateral direction of the insert.

[0507] For example, the insert as a whole may not have an elastic member that provides elasticity in the lateral direction of the insert.

[0508] The so-called elastic member that provides elasticity in the lateral direction of the insert refers to an elastic member, such as an elastic line, added to the rest of the insert, for example, to the top sheet, leakage blocking material, bottom sheet, or absorbent assembly, so as to retract the rest of the insert in the lateral direction when activated.

[0509] Subgroup regarding the cover fastening area of ​​the cover component

[0510] For example, in at least one of the front and rear sections, preferably each, the first and second subgroups of one or more cover fastening areas can be provided by a single cover fastening member, which thus has a surface including surface fastening material forming the two subgroups of one or more cover fastening areas.

[0511] However, preferably, the fastening areas of one or more covers in the first subgroup can be provided by one or more cover fastening members in the first subgroup, and the fastening areas of one or more covers in the second subgroup can be provided by cover fastening members in the second subgroup. Therefore, the fastening members of the first and second subgroups can be laterally spaced apart by a certain interval width. This helps to reduce the amount of material added to the insert. Furthermore, the correct positioning of the insert relative to the outer cover can be better controlled by providing fewer options for fastening to the outer cover through one or more cover fastening areas.

[0512] For example, the insert may include a single first cover fastening member providing one or more cover fastening regions in a first subgroup, and a single second cover fastening member providing one or more cover fastening regions in a second subgroup.

[0513] For example, each of the first and second subgroups may consist of only a single cover fastening area.

[0514] For example, the insert may include a single first cover fastening member that provides a single cover fastening area and a single second cover fastening member that provides a single cover fastening area.

[0515] Further features and advantages of the insert will become apparent from the above description of the absorbent article and the above description of the outer cover for forming the absorbent article. It should be understood that features related to the fastening area of ​​the insert or the cover of the insert as described above with respect to the absorbent article may also be applied, alone or in combination, to the insert itself.

[0516] 4. Packaging

[0517] In a fourth aspect, packaging according to claim 92 is provided. Therefore, packaging comprising a plurality of inserts according to the third aspect disclosed herein is provided.

[0518] The packaging may also include an outer cover as disclosed in the second aspect herein.

[0519] This disclosure will cover, individually or in combination, all aspects as described herein.

[0520] Therefore, this disclosure covers, for example, absorbent articles according to the first aspect, 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.

[0521] As understood from the above description, various aspects of the present invention include several variations.

[0522] Furthermore, it should be understood that when referring to features present in either the front or rear section of an article, the features in the front section need not be identical to those in the rear section. For example, the width of a component in the front section need not be the same as the width of a component in the rear section, even if both widths meet the same general requirements.

[0523] In the following description, variations of different aspects of the invention (absorbent articles, outer covers, inserts, and packaging) will be described with reference to exemplary embodiments and accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the drawings are schematic and the items depicted are not necessarily drawn to scale. Attached Figure Description

[0524] Variations of the absorbent article, outer cover, and insert will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0525] Figure 1 An embodiment of the absorbent article according to the present invention is shown;

[0526] Figure 2a An embodiment of the insert according to the present invention is shown;

[0527] Figure 2b It shows crossing Figure 2a The cross-section of the horizontal axis X of the insert;

[0528] Figure 2c It shows crossing Figure 2a The cross-section of the line cc of the insert in the middle;

[0529] Figure 3a It shows Figure 1 The outer cover of the absorbent article shown;

[0530] Figure 3b It shows Figure 3aThe outer cover, wherein the wing member is shown as being removed from the rest of the outer cover;

[0531] Figures 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D show similar examples. Figure 1 The illustrated lifecycle of the absorbent article shows the packaging containing at least one insert, the attachment of the insert to the outer cover, the wearing of the absorbent article, the removal and disposal of the insert, and the cleaning of the outer cover.

[0532] In the accompanying drawings, for simplicity, some features (such as width or length) are labeled with reference numerals for only one of the front and rear sections of the absorbent article, outer cover, or insert. However, it should be noted that similar values ​​may be applied to the other of the front and rear sections. It should also be noted that even if features are indicated by the same reference numerals in the front and rear sections, the dimensions of these features (such as width and length) may differ between the front and rear sections. Detailed Implementation

[0533] The absorbent article as defined by the appended claims comprises a reusable outer cover and an insert. One embodiment of such absorbent article 1 is shown in... Figure 1 The absorbent article 1 has 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 a thickness direction Z, which defines an inward direction Z toward the wearer's skin when the article is worn. i and the outward direction Z away from the wearer's skin o Although in the illustrated embodiment, both the outer cover 100 and the insert 200 are substantially symmetrical about the longitudinal central axis Y1, alternative embodiments may be asymmetrical.

[0534] like 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 inward side of the outer cover 100, and the outer cover 100 forms the outermost surface of the absorbent article 1. Therefore, the innermost surface of the outer cover 100 faces the outermost surface of the insert 200, such that, for opposite surfaces, during use, the outward-facing surface of the outer cover 100 is intended to face away from the wearer, and the inward-facing surface of the insert 200 contacts the wearer's skin. In the depicted absorbent article 1, most 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 wearer's skin during use.

[0535] The absorbent article 1 has a front segment aSf, a rear segment aSb, and a crotch segment aSc disposed therebetween along a longitudinal central axis Y1. Together, they span a total longitudinal length aL measured along the longitudinal central axis Y1 from the front edge of the absorbent article 1 through the crotch segment Sc to the rear edge of the absorbent article 1. Therefore, the total longitudinal length aL is the maximum longitudinal length of the absorbent article 1 measured at the minimum width of the crotch segment aSc.

[0536] Similarly, the outer cover 100 has a front section oSf, a rear section oSb, and a crotch section oSc disposed therebetween along the longitudinal central axis Ya (see Figure 3a The total longitudinal length oL of the outer cover 100 is the maximum length from the front edge 101 to the rear edge 102 of the outer cover 100, measured at the minimum width of the crotch segment oSc of the outer cover 100. Therefore, when determining the longitudinal length oLc of the outer cover 100, the portion of the outer cover 100 that extends laterally beyond the minimum width of the crotch segment oSc of the outer cover is ignored.

[0537] The longitudinal length aL of the absorbent article 1 can approximately correspond to the longitudinal length oL of the outer cover 100. However, it should be understood that the presence of the absorbent insert 200 attached to the outer cover 100 in the absorbent article may mean that the outer cover is, for example, wrinkled or slightly contracted in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the longitudinal length aL of the absorbent article 1 can be less than the longitudinal length oL of the outer cover 100.

[0538] The crotch width aWc of the absorbent article 1 is the minimum width of the crotch segment aSc of the absorbent article 1, that is, the minimum width of the portion of the absorbent article intended to be positioned between the leg openings formed by the absorbent article during use. In the absorbent article, this can therefore be the minimum width of the crotch segment 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 minimum width of the crotch segment oSc of the outer cover 100.

[0539] Outer Cover - Overall

[0540] The crotch segment oSc of the outer cover 100 interconnects the front segment oSf and the rear segment oSb of the outer cover so that when the first side 110 and the second side 111 and the front segment Sf are attached to each other, they are shaped to form a trouser-like structure.

[0541] The outer cover 100 includes a garment portion 150 forming the main structure, namely a front section, a rear section, and a crotch section of the outer cover. For example, and as in the illustrated embodiment, the garment portion 150 may include a body 109 that forms a laterally central portion of the garment portion 150 and extends longitudinally from the rear edge 102 of the outer cover via the crotch section 0Sc to the front edge 101 of the outer cover. Thus, at least the central portions of the crotch section 0Sc, the front section 0Sf, and the rear section 0Sb of the outer cover may be formed by the body 109. In the front and / or rear sections of the outer cover, the body of the outer garment 150 may be provided with one or more laterally extending sides 110, 111.

[0542] In the rear segment oSb, the outer cover 100 may include a first side portion 110 and a second side portion 111 for attaching the outer cover 100 around the wearer's waist. In the illustrated embodiment, only the rear segment oSb has the first and second side portions adapted to fasten to the front segment oSf of the outer cover 100. However, in other embodiments, the front segment oSf may have side portions, and / or both the front segment oSf and the rear segment oSb may have side portions. However, the illustrated variant of the rear segment oSb with the first side portion 100 and the second side portion 111 is considered advantageous for ease of use by caregivers and for enhancing wearer comfort.

[0543] As shown in the embodiment, the side portions 110, 111 of the rear segment oSb can extend substantially symmetrically outward from the rear edge 102 in the lateral direction x, and each has an attachment device 115, 116 on its inner side at its respective distal end. The attachment devices 115, 116 are adapted to be detachably attached to the outer mating surface (117) of the front segment oSf of the outer cover 100. The attachment devices 115, 116 and the mating surface can, for example, consist of a hook-and-loop surface.

[0544] In the illustrated variant, the total lateral width between the distal edges of each of the side portions 110, 111 is greater than the total lateral 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 wrap around to attach to the front segment Sf of the outer cover 100 to form a trouser-like structure. The closure in the front segment allows the wearer to lie down when changed by a caregiver. The total lateral width spanned by the side portions 110, 111 and the total lateral width of the front edge 101 are selected to fit a predetermined waist size and allow the absorbent article 100 to be used in multiple size ranges.

[0545] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the same effect can be achieved by using sides 110, 111 that do not extend symmetrically from the rear edge 102, but rather by making the first lateral width of one side different from the second lateral width of the other side.

[0546] As discussed in the Summary of the Invention section of this application, the outer cover is configured to be washable, preferably machine washable.

[0547] As also discussed in the Summary of the Invention section of this application, the garment portion 150 may be made of a breathable, liquid-permeable material, such as textiles, so that the garment portion 150 can look and feel similar to regular underwear. The garment portion may include 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 may include one or more of cotton, viscose, polyamide, and polyester, or a combination thereof. When the outer cover needs to be washable, polyester is preferred because such materials are known to better retain their original size and shape. To ensure a close fit independent of the exact body shape and throughout the wearer's movement, the garment portion 150 is preferably made of a stretchable material with elastic properties in the longitudinal direction Y and / or the transverse direction X; this material may be a woven or knitted textile, with knitted textiles being preferred due to their better elasticity.

[0548] Therefore, garment part 150 can be made of one or more pieces of fabric. For example, one piece of fabric can form each of the main part 109 and the side parts 110, 111.

[0549] 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.

[0550] 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.

[0551] Inserts - Overall

[0552] 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.

[0553] The insert 200 extends along its longitudinal direction Y and lateral direction X. A top sheet 205 forms a portion of the innermost surface of the insert 200 facing inward direction Zi, and this portion is intended to point towards the wearer when the absorbent article is worn. A bottom sheet 206 forms at least a portion of the outermost surface of the insert 200 facing outward direction Zo. The absorbent assembly 230 is enclosed between the top sheet 205 and the bottom sheet 206. The bottom sheet may cover the entire surface area of ​​the insert 200, i.e., the bottom sheet forms the outermost surface of the insert 200. Therefore, the width iW and length iL of the insert 200 may be equal to the width and length of the bottom sheet.

[0554] The liquid-permeable topsheet 205 can be composed of any material suitable for this purpose. Examples of commonly encountered liquid-permeable topsheet materials are nonwoven fabrics (referred to as nonwoven materials), perforated plastic films, mesh made of plastic or fabric, and liquid-permeable foam layers. Liquid-permeable covering materials composed of continuous fine fibers extending primarily in the longitudinal or transverse direction of the article have also been encountered. Laminates composed of two or more of the above-mentioned possible covering materials are also commonly encountered, as are coverings composed of different materials in different parts of the surface.

[0555] A liquid-impermeable backing sheet 206 may extend beyond the periphery of the entire absorbent assembly 230. The backing sheet may be composed of a range of different materials. It may consist of a thin, liquid-tight plastic film, but other types of liquid-tight materials may also be used, such as nonwoven materials that have been made liquid-tight, for example, through plastic coatings, liquid-tight foam layers, liquid-tight adhesives, etc. The backing sheet may also be composed of a liquid-tight, vapor-permeable material known as a breathable material.

[0556] The innermost layer of the insert 100, including the liquid-permeable top sheet 205, is attached to the bottom sheet 206 outside the absorber assembly 230 along the entire periphery of the absorber assembly 230. The innermost layer of the liquid-permeable top sheet 205 and the bottom sheet can be attached to each other in a variety of different ways. Examples of attachment methods include gluing, thermal fusion, ultrasonic welding, etc.

[0557] As shown in the figure, the absorbent assembly 230 may have a length and width smaller than that of the innermost layer including the top sheet 205 and the bottom sheet 206, and thus be located in the central region of the insert 200 where liquids and feces are expelled from the wearer's body. This results in a smaller, more comfortable design, which is therefore preferred. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that alternative sizes, shapes, and configurations of the absorbent assembly 230 may also be suitable for absorbent articles as described herein. Figure 2a As shown, the absorption component 230 may have a longitudinal length iLc.

[0558] For example, and as shown, the absorbent assembly 230 may have an hourglass shape, intended to be positioned in the narrowest region between the wearer's thighs when worn. The innermost layer of the top piece 205 and the longitudinal sides 203, 204 of the bottom piece 206 also correspond to this hourglass shape. Compared to a rectangular shape, this results in a more fitted insert and is therefore more comfortable to wear.

[0559] Absorption component 230 is depicted ( Figures 2a-2cThe absorbent assembly 230 comprises a first layer 231, a second layer 232, and a receiving layer 233. The receiving layer 233 is positioned directly below the top sheet 205 and is adapted to rapidly receive a substantial amount of liquid and temporarily retain it for subsequent release 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 and independent of each other. Thus, the absorbent assembly can be constructed similarly to known absorbent assemblies and can be constructed from one or more layers of cellulose fluff pulp. For this purpose, the cellulose fluff pulp can be mixed with fibers or particles of a highly absorbent polymer material (referred to as a superabsorbent material), which is of the type that chemically bonds (in conjunction with absorption) a large amount of liquid to form a liquid-containing gel. The absorbent assembly 230 may also contain highly absorbent polymer material disposed in layers within the absorbent body or bonded to one or more surfaces of the absorbent body. Additional components for improving the properties of the absorbent assembly 230 may also be present in the absorbent assembly 230. Examples of such components include bonding fibers, different types of liquid distribution layers or fibers, shape-stabilizing components, reinforcing fibers, etc. The absorbent assembly 230 may also naturally consist of other types of absorbent materials, such as absorbent nonwoven materials, absorbent foams, textile materials, peat, or mixtures of different kinds of absorbent materials.

[0560] Insert leg elastic member

[0561] like Figures 2a to 2c As shown, the elastic members 210, 211 of the insert leg are arranged on both sides of the insert 200 between the longitudinal outer edge of the absorption assembly 230 and the longitudinal outer edge 203, 204 of the insert 200, extending substantially in the longitudinal direction of the insert 200. Figure 2a As 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.

[0562] 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.

[0563] 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.

[0564] Inner leakage barrier of insert

[0565] To further prevent leakage of liquid or feces through the side edge of the insert 200, the insert 200 may be provided with inner leakage blocking elements 220, 221 on its inner surface, such as... Figure 2a and 2b As shown.

[0566] Inner leakage barriers 260, 261 are arranged on and adjacent to either side of the longitudinal edge of the absorbent assembly 230, and extend substantially in the longitudinal direction of the insert 200. The inner leakage barriers 260, 261 include a raiseable portion that, when the insert is used, rises in an inward direction from the top plate 205 to form a barrier preventing lateral leakage. The raiseable portions of the inner leakage barriers 260, 261 extend at least over a portion of the crotch segment iSc of the insert 200.

[0567] The maximum lateral barrier width iWg is measured between the attachment edges 260b, 261b of the raiseable portions of the inner leakage barriers 260, 261. The maximum lateral barrier width iWg may be less than the maximum lateral width iWl on the insert leg elastic members 210, 211 (if present), and optionally greater than the maximum lateral width of the absorber assembly 230. The respective inner leakage barriers 260, 261 may be implemented by separate material strips having two substantially parallel longitudinal edges. The material strips may be double-folded, with the parallel longitudinal edges arranged adjacent to each other. At least one longitudinal edge of each material strip is attached to the innermost layer including the top sheet 205 and constitutes the attachment edge 260b, 261b of the respective inner leakage barriers 260, 261. The folded edges of the material strips constitute the free edges of the inner leakage barriers 260, 261. The inner leakage blocking members 260, 261 are folded down on the innermost layer during manufacturing and storage, and have a raised configuration during use, wherein at least in the crotch segment iSc of the insert, the free edge rises from the innermost layer including the top piece 205.

[0568] In the insert 200 shown, the longitudinal ends of the material strip are attached to the innermost layer, including the top piece 205, on the front edge 201 and rear edge 202 of the insert 200.

[0569] 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.

[0570] 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 3bAs 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.

[0571] 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.

[0572] 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.

[0573] The fastening area of ​​the insert cover

[0574] 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.

[0575] Each cover fastening area 221, 222; 241, 242 includes surface fastening material for providing removable attachment between the insert and the outer cover.

[0576] In the illustrated variant, each of the set of cover fastening areas in the rear segment iSb and the set of cover fastening areas in the front segment iSf includes two laterally spaced cover fastening areas 241, 242; 221, 222. However, other variants are possible, such that at least one set of the multiple sets of cover fastening areas includes only a single cover fastening area, or at least one set of the multiple sets of cover fastening areas includes more than two cover fastening areas.

[0577] Regardless of the number of cover fastening areas included in a group, the lateral fastening width iWf can be defined as the lateral width spanned by one or more cover fastening areas in that group.

[0578] In the illustrated variant, each of the cover fastening regions in the group is arranged at the same longitudinal position, and each of the cover fastening regions also has the same length iA1 as seen in the longitudinal direction. However, other variants are possible, in which, for example, at least one cover fastening region in the group is arranged at a different longitudinal position than another cover fastening region in the group. Furthermore, one or more cover fastening regions in the group span the longitudinal length iA1 along the longitudinal axis L.

[0579] The front edge portion 201' and / or the rear edge portion 202' are defined as portions of the insert 200 that extend from the front edge 201 or the rear edge 202 of the insert 200, respectively, and extend by a longitudinal length iA1 spanned by the one or more cover fastening regions 221, 222; 241, 242 of the front segment iSf or the rear segment iSb, respectively.

[0580] Each of the front edge portion 201' and / or the rear edge portion 202' may extend in the length of the edge portion, which is, for example, less than 20% of the longitudinal length of the insert, or for example, less than 10% of the longitudinal length of the insert.

[0581] Therefore, it can be ensured that a large portion of the inward-facing surface of the insert 200 remains available for direct contact with the wearer's genital area, thereby limiting the risk of contamination of the outer cover 100. As illustrated in the illustrated embodiment, in the longitudinal direction Y, each of the removable cover fastening regions 221, 222; 241, 242 in this group can be positioned at the front edge 201 or the rear edge 202, respectively, i.e., directly adjacent to the front edge 201 or the rear edge 202. This is advantageous in manufacturing because a single fastener material can be arranged on two successive inserts when formed on a continuous insert material line. In this case, a cutting operation divides the fastening member material sheet into two while the continuous insert material line is cut into individual inserts. In this case, the longitudinal length iA1 spanned by the group of cover fastening regions will correspond to the longitudinal length of the corresponding edge portions 201', 202' of the insert 200. For example, each group of one or more cover fastening areas 221, 222; 241, 242 may span a longitudinal length iA1 that is less than 20% of the longitudinal length of the insert, such as less than 10% of the longitudinal length of the insert.

[0582] In the lateral direction X, each set of cover fastening areas 221, 222; 241, 242 in the front segment iSf and the rear segment iSb extends along the lateral fastening width iWf. As shown in the figure, the lateral fastening width iWf can be not less than and preferably greater than the leg elastic member width iWl.

[0583] This specific positioning allows for sufficient tension of the insert when the absorbent article 1 is worn on the wearer, thereby ensuring the reliable function of the elastic members 210, 211 in the insert's legs.

[0584] The insert leg elastic member extends along the longitudinal length of the insert leg elastic member. The front edge portion 201' and the rear edge portion 202' can be advantageously arranged not to overlap with the longitudinal length of the insert leg elastic member. In other words, the fastening area of ​​each group of one or more cover members is restricted to the front edge portion 201' or the rear edge portion 202' that is not crossed by the length L1 of the leg elastic member.

[0585] As shown in the embodiment, the lateral fastening width iWf may extend over at least a portion of the leg edge portions 212, 213 of the insert to ensure that the leg portions automatically fold outward when the insert is attached to the outer cover. For example, the lateral fastening width may span at least 50% of the lateral width of each leg portion, or at least 80% of the lateral width of each leg portion.

[0586] As shown in the example, in the rear segment iSb and / or the front segment iSf of insert 200, the group of one or more cover fastening areas may include a first subgroup of one or more cover fastening areas 221, 241, and a second subgroup of one or more cover fastening areas 222, 242. In the rear segment iSb, the first subgroup of one or more cover fastening areas 241 and the second subgroup of one or more cover fastening areas 242 are spaced apart by a lateral spacing width iWs. Similarly, in the front segment iSf, the first subgroup of one or more cover fastening areas 221 and the second subgroup of one or more cover fastening areas 222 are spaced apart by a lateral spacing width iWs. Therefore, in both the front segment iSf and the rear segment iSb, insert 200 has no cover fastening area at the spacing width iWs measured between the subgroups in the front or rear segment, respectively.

[0587] This facilitates proper shaping of the insert during use, as the insert will not be attached to the outer cover across the lateral spacing width. Furthermore, by providing cover fastening areas essentially only in the most critical locations for ensuring the insert is correctly positioned within the outer cover, proper assembly of the insert and outer cover is facilitated.

[0588] The lateral spacing width can be, for example, at least 70% of the lateral fastening width.

[0589] In the illustrated embodiment, each subgroup of one or more cover fastening areas includes a single cover fastening area. Thus, the first subgroup of one or more cover fastening areas together with the second subgroup form a pair comprising two cover fastening areas (one cover fastening area in each subgroup) spaced apart by a spacing width iWs.

[0590] As shown in the example, cover fastening regions 221, 222; 241, 242 can be disposed on the innermost layer including the top sheet 205, each located at a corresponding corner of the innermost layer including the top sheet 205, for removably attaching the insert 200 to the outer cover 100. The cover fastening regions 221, 222; 241, 242 are located outside the crotch segment oSc, thereby preventing any overlap between the attachment to the outer cover 100 and the crotch segment oSc, thus reducing the risk of contamination of the outer cover. The cover fastening regions 221, 222; 241, 242 together can cover less than 5% of the total surface area of ​​the innermost layer including the top sheet 205. This has been found to be sufficient to reliably attach the insert to the interior of the outer cover 100, therefore using more material would result in unnecessary waste. Furthermore, this means that the relatively small portion of the innermost layer of the insert is occupied by the fastening areas 221, 222; 241, 242 of the cover, so that when the absorbent article 1 is in use, the relatively large portion of the innermost layer of the insert can be used to receive bodily excretions.

[0591] As described above, each cover fastening region 221, 222; 241, 242 includes a surface fastening material. For example, and as shown herein, the surface fastening material provides frictional and / or mechanical attachment. For example, the surface fastening material may be a surface fastening material comprising multiple discrete elements for providing frictional and / or mechanical attachment. A known type of such surface fastening material is a ring material, which is compatible with hook materials and is known together as…

[0592] In absorbent item 1 (e.g., as Figure 1 As shown), the cover fastening areas 221, 222; 241, 242 are attached to the outer cover 100 in the front wing member 120 and the rear wing member 140.

[0593] Flange components of the outer cover

[0594] like Figure 1 and 3a As shown, in each of the front section oSf and rear section oSb of the outer cover 100, flap members 120, 140 are arranged to extend from the garment portion 150. The outer surfaces of the flap members, in the use position, face towards the crotch section S in the longitudinal direction Y. C An opening space is provided for receiving a corresponding rear edge portion 202' or front edge portion 201' of the insert 200, while the insert 200 extends over at least a portion of the crotch segment Sc of the absorbent article 1. The inward side of the insert 200 is attached to the outer cover 100 via the front flap member 120 and the rear flap member 140.

[0595] In the outer cover 100, the front wing member 120 and the rear wing member 140 may be made of the same material as the garment part 150. In particular, a single piece of material may form at least one layer of the front wing member 120, the rear wing member 140, and the garment part 150.

[0596] Having wing members 120, 140 in both the rear and front sections is advantageous because it allows the insert to be fully secured to the crotch area, thus ensuring good positioning throughout use. However, depending on the specific material and configuration selection of the outer cover and insert, a single wing member in either the front or rear section may suffice.

[0597] In the variant shown, individual blade members 120, 140 are arranged in each of the rear and front sections oSb, oSf.

[0598] In some variations, flap members 120, 140 may extend from garment portion 150 via, for example, folding. For example, flap members 120, 140 may include fabric pieces that also form at least a portion of the main portion 109 of garment portion 150.

[0599] In other variations, such as the one shown, flap members 120, 140 may be attached to garment portion 150 via a joint (e.g., seam or stitch). For example, the flap member may comprise a piece of fabric attached to the garment portion.

[0600] As shown in the variant, the wing members 120 and 140 may extend from the front edge 101 or the rear edge 102 of the outer cover 100, respectively.

[0601] For example, flap members 120, 140 may be joined to garment portion 150 along at least one of the rear edge or front edge and / or a pair of side edges (via folding or via joining members such as seams or stitches).

[0602] exist Figure 3a In the illustrated configuration, the front flap member 120 and the rear flap member 140 each extend laterally between a pair of side joints 148, 149; 128, 129, thereby engaging the inward-facing surface of the garment portion 150 of the outer cover 100 with the flap member. Thus, the side joints engage the side edges of the respective front flap member 120 and rear flap member 140 to the garment portion 150, causing the flap members to automatically be in a closed position forming the wearing position. However, to make the details of the inner flap member more visible, the sides are not attached to the outer cover 100, as... Figure 3b As depicted, both the front wing member 120 and the rear wing member 140 are shown in an open position, making their interiors visible, which consist of a body-facing side and a clothing-facing side.

[0603] The presence of connectors 148, 149; 128, 129 ensures that the front wing member 120 and the rear wing member 140 maintain the correct orientation for use, thereby protecting the wearer's skin from contact with any insert attachments inside the wing members. Furthermore, the presence of connectors 148, 149; 128, 129 ensures that lateral forces introduced into the outer cover when it is closed around the wearer's waist are transferred to the wing members. Therefore, the wing members 120, 140 can extend in the lateral direction.

[0604] In other variations of the outer cover, one or more flap members may be connected to the garment portion 150 via, for example, a side-only joint or a rear-only joint or a fold.

[0605] When the flap members 120, 140 extend in the lateral direction X between the first and second side joints 128, 129; 148, 149 that attach the flap members to the garment portion 150, the space opening toward the crotch section in the longitudinal direction 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 rear edge 202 of the insert 200. The space width oWt of the rear flap member 140 may be substantially equal to the space width of the front flap member 120. In the depicted outer cover 200, the front flap member 120 has a space width substantially equal to the width of the front section. In the rear section 200, 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 the second side portion 111 closest to the longitudinal central axis Y1. Advantageously, this configuration allows the joints 148, 149 of the rear wing member 140 to be attached at or to the seam where one or more material layers of the first side 110 and the second side 111 are attached to the garment portion 150. A flat seam can be used to further reduce the risk of skin chafing for the wearer.

[0606] Insert fastening area of ​​outer cover

[0607] For example, as in the illustrated variant, in order to removably fasten the insert 200 to the outer cover 100, in each of the front section Sf and the rear section Sb, the outer cover may include a flap member, wherein each flap member is provided with a set of one or more insert fastening regions 121, 122; 141, 142 on its outer surface (i.e., the surface adjacent to the space formed by the respective flap member when in the use position). In the depicted outer cover, in the front section Sf, the front flap member 120 is provided with a set of two insert fastening regions 121, 122 on the outer side 120a of the flap member 120. Similarly, in the rear section Sb, the rear flap member 140 is provided with a set of two insert fastening regions 141, 142 on the outer 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 corresponding front wing member 120 or rear wing member 140 in the closed position, that is, the longitudinal length of the outward-facing inner sides 120a, 140a of the wing members 120, 140.

[0608] Therefore, 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, such as Figure 3b As shown. Therefore, each flap member 120, 140 includes a fabric sheet providing insert fastening members 121a, 122a; 141a, 142a are attached to the fabric sheet to provide insert fastening areas.

[0609] Preferably, and as in the illustrated version, the insert fastening member of the flap member is completely confined within the area of ​​the fabric sheet.

[0610] As in the illustrated embodiment, the wing members 120, 140 may have a maximum longitudinal length oLt less than 20% of the longitudinal length of the outer cover. For example, the sum of the maximum longitudinal lengths of the front wing member 120 and the rear wing member 140 may be less than 30% of the longitudinal length of the outer cover. Therefore, the attachment of the insert to the outer cover occupies only a small portion of the length of the outer cover.

[0611] Each flap member 120, 140 includes, outwardly, a set of one or more insert fastening regions 121, 122; 141, 142, each insert fastening region including surface fastening material for providing removable attachment to the insert.

[0612] Each set of insert fastening areas spans a lateral fastening width oWf. The lateral fastening width oWf is preferably not less than the minimum lateral width oWc of the outer cover, i.e., not less than the crotch width oWc of the outer cover. Therefore, the lateral fastening width oWf will be not less than the minimum leg elastic member spacing width measured between the leg elastic members 151, 152 of the outer cover 100.

[0613] The lateral fastening width oWf can preferably be less than the maximum leg elastic member spacing width oWl measured between the leg elastic members 151, 152 of the outer cover.

[0614] Therefore, it can be ensured that when the insert 200 is attached to the outer cover 100, the leg elastic elements 152, 152 of the outer cover help to provide the correct position of the insert relative to the wearer.

[0615] In addition, it can be ensured that the outer cover provides the required tension to the insert in the lateral direction during use so as to stretch the insert leg elastic members 210, 211 (and the inner barrier members 220, 221) to their correct positions when in the insert 200 as described above.

[0616] For example, and as in the variant shown, the set of insert fastening regions may include a first sub-group insert fastening region 121; 141 and a second sub-group insert fastening region 122, 142, the first and second sub-groups being laterally spaced apart by a lateral spacing width oWs. To further ensure proper positioning and shaping of the insert relative to the outer cover, the lateral fastener spacing width oWs may not be less than the minimum lateral width oWc of the outer cover.

[0617] In the variant shown, each subgroup insert fastening area includes a single insert fastening area.

[0618] absorbent materials

[0619] In view of the above description of variations of the absorbent insert 200 and the outer cover 100, the following also describes... Figure 1 A variant of the absorbent material 1 shown.

[0620] The absorbent article 1 extends along a longitudinal direction Y and a transverse direction X perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Y, wherein a thickness direction Z is defined as perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction X and the transverse direction Y, the thickness direction being an inward direction Zi toward the wearer when the article is worn, and an outward direction Zo away from the wearer when the article is worn. The absorbent article includes a front section Sf, a rear section Sb, and a crotch section Sc extending along the longitudinal direction Y between the front section Sf and the rear section Sb. The absorbent article 1 includes a reusable outer cover 100, which includes extending in at least the front section Sf and the rear section Sb of the absorbent article 1. The garment portion 150 is adapted to fit around the wearer's waist. When the garment is worn, the front section Sf is positioned on or near the wearer's abdomen, and the rear section Sb is positioned against the wearer's lower back. The garment also includes a liquid-impermeable backsheet, a liquid-permeable topsheet 205, and an absorbent insert 200 disposed between the backsheet and the topsheet. The insert 200 is shaped to cover a predetermined portion of the wearer's pubic region and buttocks during use, wherein the topsheet is directed inward toward the wearer and outward toward the outer cover 100.

[0621] The absorbent article 1 is an example of an absorbent article, wherein in at least one, preferably each, of the front section Sf and the rear section Sb of the absorbent article, the outer cover includes flap members 120, 140 extending from the garment portion 150, the outwardly facing inner sides 120a, 140a of the flap members 120, 140 facing the inward side of the insert 200 in the front edge portion 201' or the rear edge portion 202' of the insert, respectively. Furthermore, in at least one, preferably each, of the front segment Sf and rear segment Sb of the absorbent article, the absorbent article includes a set of one or more attachment regions 21, 22; 41, 42, wherein, in each attachment region, the inward surface region of the insert 200 is detachably attached to the outward surface region of the flap members 120, 140 via at least one surface fastening material, 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 the set of attachment regions 21, 22; 41, 42, respectively, and in at least the crotch segment Sc of the absorbent article 1, the inward 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.

[0622] Therefore, the article exhibits the advantage of attachment between the outer cover and the insert, which occurs via the outward-facing inner side of the wing member and the inward-facing inner side of the insert, namely, the advantage of facilitating the correct and secure positioning of the insert relative to the wearer when the absorbent article is worn.

[0623] Furthermore, 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 includes longitudinal side edges 203, 204 connecting the front edge 201 and the rear edge 202, and the insert 200 includes a pair of insert leg elastic members 210, 211 that extend substantially along the longitudinal direction Y of the insert and are arranged on both sides of the insert between the absorbent assembly 230 and the longitudinal side edges 203, 204 of the insert, wherein the length iLl of the leg elastic members is defined as the longitudinal length along the insert leg elastic members 210, 211, and wherein in each of the rear segment aSb and the front segment aSf, the width iWl of the leg elastic members is defined as the maximum lateral width on the insert leg elastic members 210, 211 in the front segment or the rear segment (aSf, aSb), respectively. In at least one, preferably each, of the front segment aSf and the rear segment aSb of the absorbent article, the absorbent article includes a set of one or more attachment regions 21, 22; 41, 42 for attaching the front edge portion 201' or the rear edge portion 202' of the insert to the outer cover, respectively, wherein in each attachment region, an inward or outward 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. Furthermore, the lateral fastening width aWf is the lateral width spanned by the set of one or more attachment regions 21, 22; 41, 42, which is not less than the leg elastic width iWl in the front segment aSf or the rear segment aSb, 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 the set of attachment regions 21, 22; 41, 42, and in at least the crotch segment aSc of the absorbent article 1, the inward 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.

[0624] Therefore, the article exhibits the advantage of having a set of attachment areas with a lateral fastening width not less than the width of the leg elastic, such that when the article is in use, the leg elastic of the insert is stretched, that is, when the absorbent article is worn, it helps to correctly and securely position the insert relative to the wearer.

[0625] The advantages gained from the attachment between the outer cover and the insert via the outward-facing inner side of the flap member and the inward-facing inner side of the insert, and the advantages gained from a set of attachment areas having a lateral fastening width not less than the width of the leg elastic member, can be achieved one after another. However, as in the variant shown, the combination of features that leads to the combination of advantages may be particularly preferred. For example, when the leg elastic member is stretched due to a lateral fastening width not less than the width of the leg elastic member, the attachment areas may have an increased need to be protected from tearing or pulling out of the article when it is worn, which is satisfied by the attachment via the inward-facing inner side of the insert and the outward-facing inner side of the flap member.

[0626] It should be understood that in the illustrated variant of the absorbent article 1, a set of attachment regions 21,22; 41,42 are formed by attaching the insert fastening regions 121,122; 141,142 to the cover fastening regions 221,222; 241,242 via the surface fastening material (e.g., hook material) of the insert fastening regions and the surface fastening material (e.g., ring material) of the cover fastening regions.

[0627] Preferably, the dimensions of the outer cover 100 and the insert 200 are such that when the insert is properly attached to the outer cover, the front wing member 120 and the rear wing member 140 do not overlap with the absorption assembly 230.

[0628] For example, each wing member 120, 140 may have a longitudinal wing length iLt, such that in the use position, when the insert 200 is attached to the outer cover 100, the wing member 120, 140 extends by less than 20% of the longitudinal length iL of the insert, preferably by less than 10% of the longitudinal length iL of the insert.

[0629] For example, the total area of ​​the front wing member 120 and the rear wing member 140 may cover less than 80%, preferably less than 85%, of the total insert area. The dimensions of the front wing member 120 and the rear wing member 140 may be set such that they cover less than 15%, preferably less than 10%, of the total insert area during use.

[0630] Fastening area

[0631] For example, and as in the variant shown, each insert fastening region 121, 122; 141, 142 may be provided by insert fastening members 121a, 122a; 141a, 142a, which include a fastening material as a hook material. Each insert fastening member may be attached to the outwardly facing inner side 120a, 140a of the respective front wing member 120 and rear wing member 140 of the outer cover.

[0632] In the insert, each cover fastening region 221, 222; 242, 242 may be provided by cover fastening members 221a, 222a; 241a, 242a, which include fastening material as ring material. Each cover fastening member may be attached to the inward side of the insert.

[0633] Due to the placement of the hook component, its hook faces away from the wearer's body during use, thereby further reducing the risk of skin abrasions. Since the fastening areas of the insert and the cover are covered by the wing component, the risk of skin abrasions is already low.

[0634] In the position of use, the flap members 120, 140 completely cover the cover fastening areas 221, 222; 241, 242 of the insert 200, thereby also preventing any contact between the wearer's skin and the attachment material. Since such materials are generally relatively rough compared to the top sheet material and the material used for the garment portion 150 of the outer cover 100, their coverage reduces the risk of chafing.

[0635] Although the depicted embodiments show the use of hook-and-loop fasteners, alternative surface fastening materials may also be suitable and may be used in place of some or all of the insert fastening areas and cover fastening areas. Such alternative surface fastening materials provide substantially uniform fastening over the predetermined surface area, rather than point connections such as buttons, snaps, rivets, etc., thereby minimizing the risk of skin abrasion associated with these point connections.

[0636] To ensure that the outer cover is washable, the surface fastening material on it should be reusable and washable.

[0637] Another advantage of using a fastening area that includes surface fastening material (including the depicted hook-and-loop member) is that it provides fastening over a surface area, which allows for greater placement tolerances when attaching the insert to the outer cover. Therefore, attaching the insert to the outer cover is easier because it requires less precision and is thus faster than using point connections.

[0638] Figures 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D show similar... Figure 1 The illustrated lifecycle of the absorbent article 1 includes the following: packaging 300 containing at least insert 200; insert 200 being attached to outer cover 100; the absorbent article being worn by the wearer; removal and disposal of insert 200; and cleaning of outer cover 1.

[0639] The packaging in Figure 4A can be used to accommodate a predetermined number of inserts and / or one or more outer covers. Figure 4B shows the insert 200 being detachably attached to the corresponding flap member of the outer cover 100. Attachment is achieved as described above. Next, the absorbent article is worn by the wearer, as shown in Figure 4C. For a particular embodiment of the outer cover 100, when the article is worn by the wearer, the sides 110, 111 are arranged on the rear end of the article and attached to the front end of the article on the outward-facing surface of the outer cover 100. Preferably, the outer cover 100 is provided with special receiving surfaces 117, 118 at the front end (see...). Figure 4c and Figure 3a The special receiving surfaces 117 and 118 are located on the surface opposite to the wearer, as shown in the figure. These special receiving surfaces are adapted to receive attachment devices 115 and 116 (see Figure 117) disposed on the first side 110 and the second side 111. Figure 4c and Figure 3a This ensures good removable attachment without potentially damaging the main material of the outward-facing surface forming the outer cover 100.

[0640] After use, the entire absorbent article 1 is removed from the wearer by separating the first and second sides and then separating the insert from the outer cover as shown in FIG. 4D. In this embodiment, the insert 200 is a disposable insert that is discarded after use, while the outer cover 100 is washable, allowing it to be washed as shown. In subsequent use cycles, the same outer cover 100 is subsequently used with a new insert 200. It should be understood that the use cycle will be the same for all absorbent articles according to the invention, regardless of the specific shape of the outer cover and the insert. Furthermore, it should be understood that for absorbent articles according to this specification where the outer cover is non-washable but reusable, the use cycle will be substantially the same, except that it is washed before reuse in subsequent use cycles.

[0641] The invention has been described with reference to several illustrative embodiments as shown in the accompanying drawings. Upon reading and understanding the foregoing detailed description, obvious modifications and alternatives to some parts or elements will be apparent to those skilled in the art. In particular, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various alternatives expressly mentioned in the detailed description can be implemented independently of other expressly mentioned alternatives not explicitly described in relation to them. The invention is intended to be construed as covering all such modifications and alternatives, provided they fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An absorbent article (1) extending along a longitudinal direction (Y) and a transverse direction (X) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (Y), wherein a thickness direction (Z) is defined as perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction (X) and the transverse direction (Y), the thickness direction being an inward direction (Zi) toward the wearer when the article is worn and an outward direction (Zo) away from the wearer when the article is worn, the absorbent article comprising a front section (aSf), a rear section (aSb), and a crotch section (aSc) extending along the longitudinal direction (Y) between the front section (Sf) and the rear section (Sb), and comprising: A reusable outer cover (100) comprising a garment portion (150) extending at least in a front section (aSf) and a rear section (aSb) of an absorbent article (1), the garment portion (150) being adapted to fit around the waist of a wearer, wherein when the article is worn, the front section (aSf) is positioned on the abdominal side of the wearer and the rear section (aSb) is positioned against the lower back of the wearer; 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 a predetermined portion of the wearer's pubic area and buttocks in use, including a portion (150) of the topsheet (205) that faces inward toward the wearer and outward toward the outer cover (100). In at least one, preferably each, of the front section (aSf) and the rear section (aSb) of the absorbent article, The outer cover (100) also includes at least one flap member (120, 140) extending from the garment portion (150), wherein the outwardly facing inner sides (120a, 140a) of the flap members (120, 140) face the inward side of the insert (200) in the front edge portion (201') or rear edge portion (202') of the insert (200), respectively, and In at least one, preferably each, of the front section (aSf) and rear section (aSb) of the absorbent article, the absorbent article includes a set of one or more attachment regions (21, 22; 41, 42), wherein in each attachment region, the inwardly facing surface region of the insert (200) is detachably attached via at least one surface fastening material to the outwardly facing inner surface region (120a, 140a) of the flap member (120, 140), 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 the set of attachment regions (21, 22; 41, 42), and in at least the 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.

2. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein in at least one, preferably each, of the front section (aSf) and rear section (aSb) of the absorbent article (1), the outwardly facing inner side (120a, 140a) of the flap member (120, 140) of the outer cover (100) includes a set of one or more insert fastening regions (121, 122; 141, 142), each insert fastening region (121, 122; 141, 142) including a surface fastening material for providing removable attachment to the inner surface of the insert (200) in at least one of the set of one or more attachment regions (21, 22; 41, 42).

3. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in at least one, preferably each, of the front section (aSf) and rear section (aSb) of the absorbent article (1), the inner side of the insert (200) includes a set of one or more cover fastening regions (221, 222; 241, 242), each cover fastening region (221, 222; 241, 242) including a surface fastening material for removably attaching to the outer surface of the flap member (120, 140) in at least one of the set of one or more attachment regions (21, 22; 41, 42).

4. The absorbent article according to claims 2 and 3, wherein the surface fastening material of the one or more insert fastening regions (121, 122; 141, 142) and the surface fastening material of the one or more cover fastening regions (221, 222; 241, 242) are corresponding surface fastening materials for forming the detachable connection, and the set of attachment regions (21, 22; 41, 42) are formed at the location where the one or more insert fastening regions (121, 122; 141, 142) overlap with the one or more cover fastening regions (221, 222; 241, 242).

5. The absorbent article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flap members (120, 140) have a use position in which a space is formed between the outwardly facing inner side (120a, 140a) of the flap members (120, 140) and the inwardly facing side of the garment portion (150), the space being open in the longitudinal direction toward the crotch section (Sc) for receiving, respectively, the rear edge portion (202') or front edge portion (201') of the insert (200) therein, while the insert extends over the crotch section (aSc) of the absorbent article (1).

6. The absorbent article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the insert (200) has an insert longitudinal length (iL), and wherein in at least one of the rear section (aSb) and the front section (aSf), preferably each, 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 above less than 20% of the insert longitudinal length (iL), preferably above less than 10% of the insert longitudinal length (iL).

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

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

9. The absorbent article (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein in at least one, preferably each, of the rear section (aSb) and the front section (aSf), the absorbent article (1) includes one or more cover fastening members (221a, 222a; 241a, 242a) disposed on the inward side of the insert (200), each cover fastening member (221a, 222a; 241a, 242a) providing at least one of the one or more cover fastening regions (221, 222a, 241, 242) of the group. In one and / or at least one of the rear section (aSb) and the front section (aSf), preferably each, the absorbent article (1) includes one or more insert fastening members (121a, 122a; 141a, 142a) disposed on the outwardly facing inner side (120a, 140a) of the at least one flap member (120, 140), each insert fastening member (121a, 122a; 141a, 142a) providing at least one of the one or more cover fastening areas (121, 122; 141, 142) in the group.

10. The absorbent article (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 9, wherein, In at least one, preferably each, of the rear section (aSb) and front section (aSf) of the absorbent article (1), at least one (e.g., all) of the one or more insert fastening regions (121, 122; 141, 142) comprises a surface fastening material of hook or loop material, and at least one (e.g., all) of the corresponding cover fastening regions (221, 222; 241, 242) comprises a surface fastening material of corresponding loop or hook material, respectively, for providing the removable attachment.

11. The absorbent article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, in at least one of the rear section (aSb) and the front section (aSf), preferably each, when in the attached state, the height of each attachment region in the group is less than 3 mm, for example less than 2 mm.

12. The absorbent article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in at least one, preferably each, of the front section (aSf) and rear section (aSb) of the absorbent article (1), the set of one or more attachment regions (21, 22; 41, 42) spans a lateral fastening width (aWf), which is preferably not less than 70%, such as not less than 80% or not less than 90%, of the maximum width (iW) of the insert (200) in the front edge portion (201') or the rear edge portion (202').

13. The absorbent article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, In at least one, preferably each, of the rear segment (aSb) and the front segment (aSf), the group of one or more attachment regions (21, 22; 41, 42) includes a first subgroup of one or more attachment regions (21; 22; 41, 42). 41) and one or more attachment regions (22; 42) of the first and second subgroups, wherein the first and second subgroups are spaced apart, preferably symmetrically spaced, around the longitudinal central axis of the insert.

14. The absorbent article of claims 12 and 13, wherein the first subgroup of one or more attachment regions (21; 41) and the second subgroup of one or more attachment regions (22; 42) are spaced apart by a lateral spacing width (aWs), the lateral spacing width (aWs) being at least 40%, for example at least 50% or at least 60% of the lateral fastening width (aWf).

15. The absorbent article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the insert (200) extends longitudinally between a front edge (201) and a rear edge (202) and includes longitudinal side edges (203, 204) connecting the front edge (201) and the rear edge (202), and the insert (200) includes a pair of insert leg elastic members (210, 211) extending substantially along the longitudinal direction (Y) of the insert and disposed on both sides of the insert. Between the absorption assembly (230) and the longitudinal side edges (203, 204) of the insert, the leg elastic length (iLl) is defined as the longitudinal length along the leg elastic member (210, 211) of the insert, and in at least one, preferably each, of the rear section (aSb) and the front section (asf), the leg elastic width (iWl) is defined as the maximum lateral width in the front section or the rear section (aSf, aSb) on the leg elastic member (210, 211) of the insert.

16. The absorbent article (1) according to claim 15, wherein, In at least one, preferably each, of the rear section (aSb) and the front section (aSf), the lateral fastening width (aWf) spanned by the set of one or more attachment areas (21, 22; 41, 42) is not less than the leg elastic width (iWl) in the front section or the rear section (aSf, aSb).

17. The absorbent article (1) according to claim 15 or 16, wherein, In at least one, preferably each, of the rear segment (aSb) and the front segment (aSf), the insert (200) includes a pair of leg edge portions (212, 213), each leg edge portion extending longitudinally along a corresponding insert leg elastic member (210, 211) and laterally between the insert leg elastic member (210, 211) and a corresponding longitudinal side edge (203, 204) of the insert (200) to define a maximum lateral leg edge width (iWlp) between the insert leg elastic member (210, 211) and the corresponding longitudinal side edge (203, 204), the maximum lateral leg edge width (iWlp) being at least 1 cm, for example at least 2 cm.

18. The absorbent article (1) according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein in at least one of the front section (aSf) and the rear section (aSb), preferably each, the set of one or more cover fastening regions ((221, 222; 241, 242) are restricted to a longitudinal portion of the insert (200) that is not spanned by the length (iL1) of the leg elastic member.

19. The absorbent article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner side of the insert (200) includes a pair of inner leakage barriers (260, 261) extending in the longitudinal direction (Y) of the insert.

20. The absorbent article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The garment portion (150) extends in the front section (aSf), rear section (aSb) and crotch section (aSc) of the absorbent article, wherein the crotch section (aSc) extends longitudinally between the front section (aSf) and the rear section (aSb), and the garment portion (159) forms a pair of leg edges, each leg edge facing the corresponding leg opening when the article (1) is worn.

21. The absorbent article (1) as claimed in claim 20, characterized in that, The outer cover (100) includes a pair of leg elastic members (151, 152) arranged at least in their crotch section (aSc) along the leg edge of the garment portion (150).

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

23. The absorbent article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least 50%, for example at least 70%, or at least 90% of the total area of ​​the outer cover (100) is breathable.

24. The absorbent article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the substrate of the insert (200) is breathable.

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

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

27. 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 ml to 4000 ml.

28. A reusable outer cover (100) for an absorbent article (1) extending along a longitudinal direction (Y) and a transverse direction (X) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (Y), wherein a thickness direction (Z) is defined as perpendicular to both the longitudinal and transverse directions (X, Y), said thickness direction being an inward direction (Zi) toward the wearer when the article is worn and an outward direction (Zo) away from the wearer when the article is worn. The outer covering (100, 100') includes a garment portion (150) having a longitudinal length (oL) extending in a longitudinal direction (Y). The garment portion (150) is subdivided along the longitudinal length (oL) into a front section (oSf), a rear section (oSb), and a crotch section (oSc). The garment portion (150) is adapted to fit around the wearer's waist, wherein the front section (oSf) is positioned at or near the wearer's abdomen, the rear section (oSb) is positioned against the wearer's lower back, and the crotch section (oSc) is positioned over a predetermined portion of the wearer's pubic area and buttocks, extending laterally between two leg openings formed by the outer covering, such that when the outer covering (100) is worn, the garment portion (150) defines an inward side intended to face the wearer and an outward side intended to turn away from the wearer. in, In at least one of the front section (oSf) and the rear section (oSb), preferably each, the outer cover (100) includes at least one flap member (120, 140) extending from the garment portion (150), each flap member (120, 140) having a use position in which the outwardly facing inner side (120a, 140a) of the flap member (120, 140) faces the inwardly facing side of the garment portion (150) 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), the space opening longitudinally toward the crotch section (Sc), and wherein In at least one, preferably each, of the front section (oSf) and the rear section (oSb), the outer cover includes a set of one or more insert fastening regions (121, 122; 141, 142) positioned on the outwardly facing inner side (120a, 140a) of the at least one flap member (120, 140), each insert fastening region (121, 122; 141, 142) in the set including a surface fastening material for removing the insert. The insert is attached to the outer cover such that when the insert is attached to the outer cover in the absorbent article, the one or more insert fastening regions (121, 122; 141, 142) of the at least one flap member (120, 140) are allowed to be detachably attached to the inward side of the corresponding front edge portion (201') or rear edge portion (202') of the insert received in the space, while the insert extends inward over at least a portion of the crotch section (oSc) of the garment portion (150).

29. The outer cover (100) according to claim 28, wherein, In at least one of the front section (oSf) and the rear section (oSb), preferably each, each flap member (120) is located at the front edge (101) or the rear edge (102) of the outer cover (100), and / or wherein, in at least one of the front section (oSf) and the rear section (oSb), preferably each, each flap member (120, 140) extends from the garment portion (150) at least along the rear edge or the front edge of the flap member (120, 140).

30. The outer cover (100) according to any one of claims 28 to 29, wherein in at least one of the front section (oSf) and the rear section (oSb), preferably each, the longitudinal length (oLt) of each flap member ((120, 140) does not exceed 20% of the longitudinal length (oL) of the outer cover, for example, not exceeding 10% of the longitudinal length (oL) of the outer cover.

31. The outer cover (100) according to any one of claims 28 to 30, wherein each of the front section (oSf) and the rear section (oSb) includes at least one flap member (120, 140), and the sum (oLt) of the maximum longitudinal lengths of the flap members in the front section (oSf) and the rear section (oSb) does not exceed 30% of the longitudinal length (oL) of the outer cover, for example, not exceeding 20% ​​of the longitudinal length (oL) of the outer cover.

32. The outer cover (100) according to any one of claims 28 to 31, wherein in at least one of the front section (oSf) and the rear section (oSb), preferably each, the area of ​​each flap member ((120, 140) does not exceed 20% of the area of ​​the outer cover, for example, not more than 10% of the area of ​​the outer cover.

33. The outer cover (100) according to any one of claims 28 to 32, wherein the total area of ​​all the flap members (120, 140) of the outer cover (100) does not exceed 30% of the area of ​​the outer cover, for example, not exceeding 20% ​​of the area of ​​the outer cover.

34. The outer cover according to any one of claims 28 to 33, wherein in at least one, preferably each, of the front section (oSf) and the rear section (oSb) of the outer cover, the at least one wing member (120, 140) is a single wing member (120, 140).

35. The outer cover (100) according to claim 34, wherein the individual flap member (120, 140) extends in the lateral direction (X) between a first side joint (128, 129) and a second side joint (148, 149) that join the flap member to the garment portion (150), such that the space is open in the longitudinal direction toward the crotch section in the width (oWt) of the flap member defined between the first side joint (128, 129) and the second side joint (148, 149).

36. The outer cover (100) according to claim 34 or 35, wherein the crotch section (oSc) of the outer cover defines the minimum lateral width (oWc) of the outer cover, and the width (oWt) of the flap member is not less than the minimum lateral width (oWc) of the outer cover, for example, at least 120% of the minimum lateral width (oWc) of the outer cover.

37. The outer cover (100) according to any one of claims 28 to 36, wherein in at least one of the front section (oSf) and the rear section (oSb), preferably each, and in at least one of the one or more insert fastening regions ((121, 122; 141, 142) of the group, preferably each, the surface fastening material is adapted to allow removable mechanical and / or frictional fastening to the surface by means of a mating surface fastening material.

38. The outer cover (100) according to any one of claims 28 to 37, wherein in at least one of the front section (oSf) and the rear section (oSb), preferably each, and in at least one, for example all, of the one or more insert fastening regions (121, 122; 141, 142) of the group, the surface fastening material comprises a plurality of discrete fastening elements, such as discrete fastening elements comprising rods protruding in the outward direction (Zo) when the flap members (120, 140) are in the use position.

39. The outer cover (100) according to any one of claims 28 to 38, wherein in at least one of the front section (oSf) and the rear section (oSb), preferably each, the outer cover includes one or more insert fastening members (121a, 122a; 141a, 142a) attached to the outwardly facing inner side (120a, 140a) of the respective flap member (120, 140), each insert fastening member (121a, 122a; 141a, 142a) providing at least one of the one or more insert fastening regions (121, 122; 141, 142) of the group.

40. The outer cover (100) according to claim 39, wherein at least one (e.g., each) of the one or more insert fastening members (121a, 122a; 141a, 142a) includes a sheet-formed base having a length in the longitudinal direction (Y) and a width in the transverse direction (X) when the flap member (120, 140) is in the use position, the sheet-formed base including one or more surface fastening material regions.

41. The outer cover (100) according to claim 39 or 40, wherein at least one (e.g., 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.

42. The outer cover (100) according to any one of claims 39 to 41, wherein at least one (e.g., each) of the one or more insert fastening members (121a, 122a; 141a, 142a) comprises hook material.

43. The outer cover (100) according to any one of claims 28 to 42, wherein the surface fastening materials of at least one (e.g., each) of the garment portion (150) and the one or more insert fastening regions (121, 122; 141, 142) are not adhered to each other.

44. The outer cover (100) according to any one of claims 28 to 43, wherein, in at least one of the front section (oSf) and rear section (oSb) of the outer cover, preferably in each case, the set of one or more insert fastening regions (121, 122; 141, 142) spans the lateral fastening width (oWf).

45. The outer cover (100) according to claim 44, wherein the crotch section (oSc) of the outer cover defines a minimum lateral width (oWc) of the outer cover, and wherein in at least one, preferably each, of the front section (oSf) and the rear section (oSb) of the outer cover, the lateral fastening width (oWf) is not less than the minimum lateral width (oWc), for example, the lateral fastening width (oWf) is not less than 110% of the minimum lateral width (oWc), or not less than 120% of the minimum lateral width (oWc).

46. ​​The outer cover (100) according to any one of claims 28 to 45, wherein the outer cover comprises a pair of leg elastic members (151; 152) arranged at least in their crotch section (oSc) along the leg opening of the garment portion (150).

47. The outer cover (100) according to claims 46 and 44 or claims 46 and 45, wherein in at least one, preferably each, of the front section (oSf) and the rear section (oSb) of the outer cover, the lateral fastening width (oWf) is less than the maximum leg elastic spacing width (oWL), the maximum leg elastic spacing width (oWL) being the maximum lateral distance between the leg elastics (151; 152) in the outer cover.

48. The outer cover (100) according to any one of claims 28 to 47, wherein in at least one of the front section (oSf) and the rear section (oSb), preferably each, the group of one or more insert fastening regions (121, 122; 141, 142) includes a first subgroup of one or more insert fastening regions (121; 141) and a second subgroup of one or more insert fastening regions (122; 142), wherein the first subgroup and the second subgroup are spaced apart by a lateral spacing width (oWs), preferably the first subgroup and the second subgroup are symmetrically spaced apart by the spacing width (oWs) about the longitudinal central axis (Y1) of the outer cover (100).

49. The outer cover according to claim 48, wherein the lateral spacing width (oWs) is not less than the minimum lateral width (oWc) of the outer cover.

50. The outer cover according to claim 48 or 49, wherein the lateral spacing width (oWs) is not less than 40% of the lateral fastening width (oWf), for example, not less than 50% or 60% of the lateral fastening width (oWf).

51. The outer cover (100) according to any one of claims 28 to 50, wherein at least 50%, for example at least 70% or at least 90% of the total area of ​​the outer cover is liquid permeable.

52. The outer cover (100) according to any one of claims 28 to 51, wherein at least 50%, for example at least 70% or at least 90% of the total area of ​​the outer cover is breathable.

53. The outer cover (100) according to any one of claims 28 to 52, wherein the outer cover is configured to be washable, preferably machine washable, and wherein the outer cover is preferably configured for at least 20 washing cycles.

54. The outer cover (100) according to any one of claims 28 to 53, wherein the garment portion (150) comprises one or more fabric pieces, wherein preferably at least one of the one or more fabric pieces comprises, for example, each of them, a textile fabric, which is preferably a knitted fabric.

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

56. The outer cover (100) according to any one of claims 28 to 55, wherein the outer cover is substantially non-absorbent.

57. An absorbent insert (200) used with an outer cover (100) to form an absorbent article (1) suitable for wearing around the waist of a wearer, the insert (200) being shaped to cover a predetermined portion of the wearer's pubic region and buttocks in use, 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) toward the wearer when the absorbent article is worn and an outward direction (Zo) away from the wearer when the article is worn. in 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 segment (iSf), a rear segment (iSb), and a crotch segment (iSc). The insert (200) includes a liquid-impermeable substrate (206), a liquid-permeable top sheet (205), and an absorbent assembly (230) located between the substrate (106) and the top sheet (205). The insert (200) has an inward-facing side (203) including the top piece (205) pointing towards the wearer when the article is in use, and an outward-facing side (204) pointing towards the outer cover (100), wherein At least one of the front section (iSf) and rear section (iSb) of the insert (200), preferably each, the insert (200) includes a set of one or more cover fastening regions (221, 222; 241, 242) disposed on the inner side of the insert (200), each cover fastening region (221, 222; 241, 242) including surface fastening material for removably attaching the insert (100) to the outer cover (200).

58. The absorbent insert (200) according to claim 57, wherein, The insert (200) extends longitudinally between a front edge (201) and a rear edge (202), and wherein, in at least one, preferably each, of the front segment (iSf) and rear segment (iSb) of the insert (200), the set of one or more cover fastening regions (221, 222; 241, 242) are located at or near the respective front edge (201) or rear edge (202) of the insert (200).

59. The absorbent insert (200) according to any one of claims 57 to 58, wherein, In at least one of the front section (iSf) and the rear section (iSb), preferably each, and in at least one of the one or more cover fastening areas (221, 222; 241, 242) in the group, for example each, the surface fastening material is adapted to allow removable mechanical and / or frictional fastening to the surface by means of a matching surface fastening material.

60. The absorbent insert (200) according to any one of claims 57 to 59, wherein, At least one of the front section (iSf) and rear section (iSb) of the insert (200), preferably each, includes one or more cover fastening members (221a, 222a; 241a, 242a) attached to the inward side of the insert, each cover fastening member (221a, 222a; 241a, 242a) providing at least one of the one or more cover fastening regions (221, 222; 241, 242) in the group.

61. The absorbent insert (200) according to claim 60, wherein, In at least one, preferably each, of the front section (iSf) and the rear section (iSb), at least one, for example all, of the one or more cover fastening 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.

62. The absorbent insert (200) according to any one of claims 57 to 61, wherein, In at least one of the front section (iSf) and the rear section (iSb), preferably each, at least one of the one or more cover fastening members (221a, 222a; 241a, 242a), for example each, has a height in the thickness direction of less than 3 mm, for example less than 2 mm or less than 1.5 mm.

63. The absorbent insert (200) according to any one of claims 57 to 62, wherein, In at least one of the front section (iSf) and the rear section (iSb), preferably each, at least one of the one or more cover fastening members (221a, 222a; 241a, 242a) in the group, for example each, includes ring material.

64. The absorbent insert (200) according to any one of claims 57 to 63, wherein, In at least one, preferably each, of the front section (iSf) and rear section (iSb) of the insert (200), the set of one or more cover fastening regions (221, 222; 241, 242) spans a longitudinal length (iA1) that does not exceed 20% of the longitudinal length (iL) of the insert, for example, not exceeding 10% of the longitudinal length of the insert.

65. The absorbent insert (200) according to any one of claims 57 to 64, wherein, The sum of the longitudinal length (iA1) spanned by any one or more cover fastening regions (221, 222; 241, 242) in the front segment (iSf) of the insert and the longitudinal length (iA1) spanned by any one or more cover fastening regions (242, 243) in the rear segment (iSb) of the insert shall not exceed 30% of the longitudinal length (iL) of the insert, for example, not exceeding 20% ​​of the longitudinal length of the insert.

66. The absorbent insert (200) according to any one of claims 57 to 65, wherein, In at least one of the front section (Sf) and the rear section (Sb) of the insert (200), preferably in each one, the area (iAl×Aw) of each of the one or more cover fastening areas (221, 222; 241, 242) in the group does not exceed 10% of the insert area, for example, not more than 5% of the insert area, or not more than 2% of the insert area.

67. The absorbent insert (200) according to any one of claims 57 to 66, wherein, The total area of ​​one or more cover fastening areas (221, 222; 241, 242) of the insert (200) does not exceed 25% of the area of ​​the insert, for example, not more than 10% of the area of ​​the insert.

68. The absorbent insert (200) according to any one of claims 57 to 67, wherein, In at least one of the front and rear sections (iSf, iSb), preferably in each, the lateral fastening width (iWf) spanned by the set of one or more cover fastening areas (221, 222; 241, 242) is at least 70% of the maximum width (Wi) of the insert in the front or rear section, for example, at least 80% or at least 90% of the maximum width (Wi).

69. The absorbent insert (200) according to any one of claims 57 to 68, wherein, The insert (200) has a minimum lateral width (iWc) in the crotch section (iSc) of the insert (200), and in at least one of the front section and the rear section (iSf, iSb), preferably in each, the lateral fastening width (iWf) spanned by the set of one or more cover fastening areas (221, 222; 241, 242) is not less than the minimum lateral width (iWc), for example, not less than 110% or not less than 120% of the minimum lateral width (iWc).

70. The insert according to any one of claims 57 to 69, wherein, The insert (200) extends longitudinally between a front edge (201) and a rear edge (202) and includes longitudinal side edges (203, 204) connecting the front edge and the rear edge. The insert includes a pair of insert leg elastic members (210, 211) that extend substantially along the longitudinal direction (Y) of the insert and are disposed on both sides of the insert, between the absorber assembly (230) and the longitudinal side edges (203, 204) of the insert. In each of the front segment (iSf) and the rear segment (iSb) of the insert (200), the width (iWl) of the leg elastic member is defined as the maximum lateral width on the leg elastic member (210, 211) in the front segment or the rear segment (iSf, iSb), respectively.

71. The insert (1) according to claim 70, wherein, In at least one of the rear section (iSb) and the front section (iSf), preferably in each, the lateral fastening width (iWf) spanned by the set of one or more cover fastening areas (221, 222; 241, 242) is not less than the leg elastic width (iWl).

72. The insert according to any one of claims 70 to 71, wherein, In at least one, preferably each, of the rear segment (iSb) and the front segment (iSf), the insert (200) includes a pair of leg edge portions (212, 213), each leg edge portion extending longitudinally along a corresponding leg elastic member (210, 211) and laterally between the leg elastic member and a corresponding longitudinal side edge (203, 204) of the insert, thereby defining a maximum lateral leg edge width (iWlp) between the leg elastic member (210, 211) and the corresponding longitudinal side edge (203, 204), the maximum lateral leg edge width (iWlp) being at least 1 cm, for example at least 2 cm.

73. The absorbent insert (200) according to any one of claims 70 to 72, wherein, Each of the pair of leg elastic members (210, 211) is sandwiched between the innermost layer of the insert and the substrate (206).

74. The absorbent insert (200) according to any one of claims 70 to 73, wherein, The length (iLl) of the insert leg elastic member is defined as the longitudinal length of the insert leg elastic member (210, 211) along the activated insert (200), and the length (iLl) of the insert leg elastic member is at least 50% of the total longitudinal length (iL) of the insert, for example, at least 75% or at least 85% of the total longitudinal length (iL) of the insert.

75. The absorbent insert according to any one of claims 70 to 74, wherein, In at least one of the front section (iSf) and the rear section (iSb) of the insert (200), preferably in each, the set of one or more cover fastening areas (240, 241; 242, 243) is confined within a longitudinal section of the insert that is not spanned by the leg elastic length (iLl) of the pair of insert leg elastic members (210, 211).

76. The absorbent insert according to any one of claims 57 to 75, wherein, The insert (200) includes a pair of inner leakage barriers (260, 261) extending along the longitudinal direction (Y) of the insert on its inner side.

77. The absorbent insert (200) according to claim 76, wherein, The inner leakage blocking member (260, 261) is adapted to move between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position, the inner leakage blocking member (260, 261) forms a flat surface parallel to the top plate (205), and in the second position, the inner leakage blocking member (260, 261) rises above the liquid-permeable top plate (205) for at least 60% of the longitudinal length (iL) of the insert (200) and is spaced apart from both the front edge (201) and the rear edge (202) of the insert.

78. The absorbent insert (200) according to any one of claims 76 and 77, wherein, Each inner leakage stopper (260, 261) includes an elastic element (260a, 261a).

79. The absorbent insert according to any one of claims 57 to 78, wherein, In at least one of the rear section (iSb) and the front section (iSf), preferably in each, the group of one or more cover fastening areas includes a first subgroup of one or more cover fastening areas (221, 241) and a second subgroup of one or more cover fastening areas (222, 242), wherein the first subgroup and the second subgroup are spaced apart by a lateral spacing width (iWs) around the longitudinal central axis (Y1) of the insert (200), preferably symmetrically spaced.

80. The absorbent insert (200) according to claim 79, wherein, The set of one or more cover fastening areas spans a lateral fastening width (iWf), and the lateral spacing width (iWs) 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).

81. The absorbent insert (200) according to claim 79 or 80, when combined with at least claims 70 and 76, wherein, A pair of inner leakage blocking members (260, 261) are symmetrically spaced about a longitudinal axis (Y) by a blocking member width (iWg), the blocking member width (iWg) being the lateral distance between the attachments (260b, 261b). The raiseable portion of the leakage blocking member (260, 261) is attached at the attachment to the inwardly facing remainder of the insert. The leg resilient members (210, 211) have a maximum leg resilient width (iWl). The fastening area of ​​one or more cover members spans a lateral fastening width (iWf), wherein the leg resilient width (iWl) is greater than the blocking member width (iWg), and the lateral fastening width (iWf) is equal to or greater than the maximum leg resilient width (iWl).

82. The absorbent insert (200) according to any one of claims 57 to 81, wherein, The absorbent component (230) is located at least in the crotch section (iSc) of the insert, and the length (iLc) of the absorbent component spans no more than 80% of the longitudinal length (iL) of the insert, for example, no more than 70% of the longitudinal length of the insert.

83. The absorbent insert (200) according to any one of claims 57 to 82, wherein, The substrate includes a nonwoven fabric, for example, the substrate is a laminate composed of a porous polymer film and a nonwoven fabric.

84. The absorbent insert (200) according to any one of claims 57 to 83, wherein, The film is breathable.

85. The absorbent insert (200) according to any one of claims 57 to 84, wherein, The absorbent assembly (230) includes an hourglass-shaped absorbent core, which has a narrowest width in the transverse direction (X) at the longitudinal center of the crotch segment (iSc).

86. The absorbent insert (200) according to claim 85, wherein, The longitudinal edges of the front sheet and the back sheet partially correspond to the hourglass shape of the absorption assembly (230).

87. The absorbent insert (200) according to any one of claims 57 to 86, wherein, The absorbent core includes a first absorbent layer (231) and a second absorbent layer (232), which are stacked between the substrate and the top sheet (205).

88. The absorbent insert (200) according to any one of claims 57 to 87, wherein the total absorbent capacity is at least 1,000 ml, for example, 1,000 to 4,000 ml.

89. The absorbent insert (200) according to any one of claims 57 to 88, wherein, The absorption component (230) comprises a superabsorbent polymer, such as cellulose fibers and superabsorbent polymers.

90. The absorbent insert (200) according to claim 89, wherein, The concentration of the superabsorbent polymer in the absorbent component (230) is at least 15% by weight based on the total weight of the cellulose fibers and the superabsorbent polymer.

91. The insert according to any one of claims 57 to 90, wherein, The insert is configured for single use.

92. A package (300) comprising a plurality of inserts (200) according to any one of claims 57 to 91.

93. The packaging (300) according to claim 92, further comprising an outer cover (100) according to any one of claims 28 to 56.

94. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 27, wherein, The outer cover is as claimed in any one of claims 28 to 56, and / or the insert is as claimed in any one of claims 57 to 91.

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