Washable absorbent underwear

Abstract

A washable absorbent undergarment (1) comprises a body fabric (2) forming a front side, a rear side and a crotch region and defining a waist opening and leg openings. An absorbent liner (10) is located inside the underwear and includes a moisture barrier layer (12) facing the garment. The body fabric includes a single layer of double knit material extending to the leg openings.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to washable absorbent underwear including absorbent linings, particularly those designed for hygienic use to absorb bodily fluids such as urine and vaginal fluids. Specifically, this disclosure relates to improvements that make such garments more discreet and comfortable to wear, as well as simplified and cost-effective manufacturing methods. Background Technology

[0002] Washable absorbent underwear can be worn for the purpose of absorbing bodily fluids such as urine and vaginal fluid. This garment forms an environmentally friendly alternative to disposable sanitary napkins and disposable absorbent underwear. Washable absorbent underwear typically consists of a sheet of woven or knitted fabric. Conventionally, when worn, this washable absorbent underwear will also include an integrated absorbent component or lining located in the wearer's crotch area. After use, the underwear is washed or rinsed for reuse. An example of such washable absorbent underwear is found in WO2023169665A1, where the side edges are used to hold the absorbent component along the edge of the leg opening.

[0003] Depending on its intended use, the size and construction of absorbent linings can vary. It can extend over smaller or larger areas of clothing, depending on whether it's intended for daytime or nighttime use. It can also be thicker or thinner, with additional wicking, distribution, blocking, and absorbent layers. Nevertheless, in addition to being functional from an absorbency standpoint, the resulting underwear must inspire confidence and provide comfort for extended wear, as well as a good fit and aesthetic appeal.

[0004] A potential problem with these washable absorbent underwear is their relative volume. Not only do the multiple layers of lining increase the thickness of the underwear, but any seams and side edges used to hold the lining are visible through the outer garment layer. This visible panty line is particularly prominent where it coincides with the edge of the leg opening. There is a desire to provide washable absorbent underwear that is less visible through the outer garment layer. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This objective can be achieved, at least in part, with the underwear according to claim 1 and its manufacturing method according to claim 13.

[0006] The disclosed washable absorbent underwear includes a main fabric forming the front, back, and crotch areas and defining a waist opening and leg openings, wherein an absorbent lining inside the underwear includes a moisture-blocking layer facing the garment. The main fabric includes a single layer of double-knitted material extending to the leg openings.

[0007] As used herein, the term "absorbent underwear" refers to clothing worn and intended to be placed against the wearer's skin, with the intended function of absorbing and containing bodily fluids such as urine and vaginal fluids (including menstrual fluids) without leaving a noticeable external residue. Underwear can be, for example, underwear, trousers, or swimwear made of fabric. Underwear is intended for use by adolescents and adults. Underwear can be designed for men or women. It should be understood that most regular clothing will have a limited degree of absorbency, but for regular underwear, it is not intended to contain bodily fluids, and any significant volume of accidental leakage will be perceived externally as a damp patch or discoloration that may penetrate the outer garment.

[0008] The absorbent underwear according to this disclosure is washable, i.e., intended to be washed or otherwise restored after use for reuse as a hygiene item. The term "washable" means that the absorbent underwear can be cleaned by washing. Therefore, the absorbent underwear can withstand aqueous solutions containing detergent without losing its structural characteristics. As part of the washing process, the aqueous solution can be heated to, for example, 30°C or 60°C. The term is also intended to indicate that the absorbent underwear can be washed and reused more than once. Washable can be understood as suitable for at least 10, for example, at least 50 washing cycles at a temperature of at least 30°C without disintegration. During washing, the absorbent lining releases the absorbed fluid, thereby regenerating its absorbent function, allowing the absorbent lining to be reused for the same purpose. Disposable absorbent articles are not constructed to be washable and reusable, and are therefore intended for single use only.

[0009] The main fabric according to this disclosure includes double-knitted materials, which in this context are intended to refer to fabrics produced by interlocking two layers of fabric during the knitting process. The knitting process involves using two sets of needles that work together to produce this double-layered fabric. These layers are knitted together, resulting in a fabric that is not only thicker but also more durable than other types of knitted fabrics and provides good stretch. Due to its double-layered construction, double-knitted fabrics are less likely to tear or fray compared to other knitted fabrics. It retains its shape well and is wrinkle-resistant. The main fabric can be an interlocking fabric. Interlocking knitted fabric is a variation of rib knitting. It has two rows of stitches formed one after another, using two rows of needles that cross each other, and the rows become “interlocked” as the fabric is knitted. Because of these two rows, interlocking knitted fabric is called double-knitted fabric. The interlocking double rows produce a fabric that is identified by rows or ribs that run downwards in a V-shape along the front and back of the fabric. It gives the fabric a smooth, consistent appearance on both sides, making it reversible. The fabric prevents fraying and does not fray or curl at the edges. In the context of this disclosure, interlocking knitted fabric is used to refer to double-knitted fabric, wherein the front and back sides are identical in all respects (but optionally in color), while in the more general case of double-knitted fabric, the two layers may be different, for example, in terms of knitting or yarn.

[0010] The lining can be spaced at least 2 mm, preferably at least 5 mm, from the leg opening. This represents the minimum distance between the edge of the lining and the corresponding edge of the leg opening, and can be the case in the crotch area. In this way, the thickness variation of the garment corresponding to the edge of the lining will never coincide with the pant line corresponding to the edge of the leg opening.

[0011] Depending on its intended use, the lining can have any suitable size and shape. Its relative extension to the garment will also depend on the style of the garment. The lining can extend from the crotch to the maximum height of the leg opening at the front and / or back. The maximum height of the leg opening is defined by the distance closest to the waist opening. The lining can extend from the crotch to the front and / or back and may terminate below the maximum height of the leg opening, for example, at 90%, 80%, or 70% of the distance from the midpoint to that point.

[0012] The lining can be rectangular. In this context, "rectangular" is intended to mean that the lining has a quadrilateral outer contour with two pairs of sides that are generally parallel to each other. Rectangular components or parts thereof can be easily cut multiple times from a source of main material (typically large sheets or rolls of fabric or foil), with a single cut line forming two edges of adjacent parts. Therefore, the use of rectangular lining reduces the number of cuts and minimizes waste. Furthermore, cutting rectangular contours from the main material source allows multiple parts to be cut directly adjacent to each other without having to consider the orientation of each individual part in the production line. Therefore, no material is wasted during production to accommodate orientation variations for each part.

[0013] At least 75% of the total length of the edges of at least one rectangular lining can be straight edges. Thus, at least 75% of the outer contour of the rectangular lining conforms to a rectangular shape, thereby limiting the amount of material waste while allowing some minimal shape variations in the layer that are necessary to ensure wearer comfort and prevent the item from swelling during use.

[0014] The width of the lining can also be chosen according to the purpose and style of the garment. It can extend over the entire width of the front and / or back sides up to the aforementioned minimum distance from the leg opening. It can also be narrower than the garment, with a gap between the lining and the leg opening on each side. This gap can gradually slope from the minimum distance in the crotch area to the maximum gap at the front or back edge of the lining. The maximum gap on each side can be less than 100mm, less than 30mm, or less than 20mm at the front and / or back sides. The side edges of the lining can be straight and can be offset from each other from the crotch area. They can diverge to a lesser extent than the corresponding portions between the leg openings on the front and / or back sides, thus increasing the gap between the lining and the leg opening.

[0015] The lining construction can typically be conventional for washable absorbent underwear. It may include a body-facing top layer that extends along with a moisture-blocking layer. It should be understood that precise overlap of the edges of different layers can be avoided to prevent bulging. The top layer itself may be moisture-wicking, or it may primarily serve to allow fluid to permeate to the optional layers below. Such layers may include intermediate wicking, trapping, and / or absorbing layers between the top layer and the moisture-blocking layer. These layers can form an absorbent core. The absorbent core may have a smaller extent of extension than the top layer and / or the moisture-blocking layer.

[0016] The moisture barrier layer can be a woven layer, a fibrous layer, or a polymer membrane. It can be airtight or breathable, meaning air and vapor can permeate it. It can include thermoplastic films, such as polyurethane. The moisture barrier layer can comprise or consist of woven or knitted fabrics of activated carbon. The fibers used in the weaving or knitting can be filaments, broken fibers, or short fibers, and can be present in any filamentary form, including fibers and yarns that can contain activated carbon filaments of any length. Such activated carbon woven or knitted fabrics can be commercially produced by chemically or thermally activating the filaments within existing fabrics.

[0017] As mentioned above, the size of the lining can depend on the intended use, but also on its absorbency per unit area. A lining with a thicker, more absorbent core can have a smaller area than a lining with a thinner core but the same total capacity for absorbing fluid. A wicking layer can be used to distribute fluid from the delivery point throughout the lining, thus allowing for the use of thinner linings. The lining can cover at least 10cm of the garment. 2 The area, for example, in 10cm 2 and 400cm 2 Between, or 50cm 2 and 100cm 2 between.

[0018] Typically, the lining is permanently attached to the main fabric. However, it is not excluded that a detachable lining can be provided, which can be washed or replaced separately. The lining can be attached to the main fabric over its entire area, or it can be attached only at individual points. The lining and the main fabric can be attached together along the edges of the lining. Some or all edges can be attached, for example, only the side edges or only the front and back edges.

[0019] Various methods can be used to attach the lining to the main fabric. The lining can be attached to the main fabric by an adhesive bond between the barrier layer and the main fabric. The barrier layer may have a pressure-sensitive adhesive or a heat-activated adhesive applied to its garment-facing surface at the desired bonding location. The adhesive can be applied by spraying, laminating, or any other suitable procedure. Alternatively, a bonding member may be used, which may be double-sided tape applied to the garment-facing side of the barrier layer or single-sided tape applied to the top panel side of the lining. The single-sided tape may adhere to the inside of the garment or may wrap around at least in the crotch area to bond the top layer of the lining to the outside of the main fabric. The tape may be elastic, for example, to allow it to stretch together with the main fabric. As an alternative or supplement to the bonding member, the main fabric may extend and wrap around the first and second side edges of the lining in the crotch area and bond to the top layer of the lining. Alternative connections may include sewing, welding, heat sealing, and combinations thereof. In particular, sewing may be applied in combination with adhesive bonding at the corners of the lining.

[0020] According to an important aspect of this disclosure, by using a double-knitted material, garments can be implemented without seams at the edges of the main fabric. In this case, seamless means that there are no folds, turns, seams, joints, edges, or straps of other material at the corresponding locations in a single layer that is not a double-knitted fabric. Leg openings may be seamless for at least a quarter of their perimeter, for example, having a seam only along the longitudinal extension of the lining in the crotch area. Alternatively, leg openings may be seamless for one-third or two-thirds of their perimeter, for example, around their entire perimeter. The same applies to waist openings, which can also be seamless.

[0021] Different knitting techniques can be used to provide double-knitted fabrics. The double-knitted material can be an interlocking knit fabric. The main fabric can consist of a single layer of interlocking knit fabric running through the garment.

[0022] The base fabric can be knitted with any suitable yarn, such as yarn commonly used in underwear. This yarn can include natural and / or synthetic fibers. Natural fibers can include cotton, silk, wool, cellulose, regenerated cellulose, rayon, viscose, modal, lyocell, Tencel, bamboo, hemp, flax, ramie, coconut fiber, or banana fiber. Suitable synthetic fibers can be selected from the group including polyamide, acrylic, polyester, and elastane. Fibers can also be recycled fibers and can include filaments and staple fibers. The yarn can be relatively fine because double-knitted fabrics will inherently have a greater weight than their single-knit counterparts. The yarn can be below 100 dtex, for example, below 50 dtex or below 30 dtex.

[0023] The base fabric can be naturally stretched by means of the applied knitting technique. Double-knit and interlocking fabrics have good drape and stretch properties even when knitted with non-elastic yarns, allowing absorbent underwear to provide a firm fit while accommodating the wearer's movements. At least some of the yarns constituting the knitted fabric can have elastic properties, and thus can contribute to the overall elasticity of the garment, further improving the fit and avoiding the need for separate elastic pieces at the waist and leg openings. Elastic fibers or yarns can include elastic fibers in any suitable form and amount, and can be incorporated throughout the base fabric or only in certain sections of the base fabric. Elastic and non-elastic yarns can be knitted together from a single feed or different feeds.

[0024] Underwear can be any suitable form, and the term "clothing" as used above and below is not intended to refer to anything other than underwear, i.e., the innermost garment intended to come into contact with the wearer's body. This clothing has an opening at the waist and two leg openings. However, it is not excluded that closure elements, such as those between the waist and leg openings, may be provided, allowing for easy removal or putting on of the garment. Underwear can have a variety of designs, such as briefs, boxer briefs, low-rise pants, high-rise pants, thongs, Brazilian-style underwear, or other suitable and conventional underwear designs.

[0025] The main fabric can be knitted as a single piece of material forming the front, back, and crotch areas. The single piece of material can be joined to itself at the waist using conventional seams. In the above discussion of seamless leg and waist openings, the presence of joining seams extending perpendicular to the openings can still be considered seamless because the seams do not extend in a direction surrounding the edge of the opening. Alternatively, the garment can be manufactured by circular knitting the main fabric and joining the front and back, for example, at the crotch. Alternatively, the garment can be formed from multiple pieces joined together in place. Those skilled in the art will appreciate this alternative distribution of pieces and its advantages.

[0026] The central longitudinal axis of the underwear can be defined from the back to the front, and the transverse crotch axis of the underwear can be defined in the direction extending between the leg openings. The transverse crotch axis can be located at the narrowest point of the garment and / or at the midpoint of the central longitudinal axis. The transverse crotch axis divides the crotch area into a front lining area extending longitudinally between the transverse crotch axis and the front edge of the lining, and a rear lining area extending longitudinally between the transverse crotch axis and the rear edge of the lining. The transverse crotch axis is perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis. For the purposes of this disclosure, the crotch area is therefore defined by the forward and backward extensions of the lining.

[0027] A method for manufacturing washable absorbent underwear is also disclosed, comprising: providing a width of double-knitted material; cutting one or more pieces from the width; attaching the one or more pieces to themselves or to each other to form a body fabric of underwear having a waist opening and leg openings; and attaching an absorbent lining to the inside of the crotch area of ​​the underwear. By using double-knitted materials, such as the interlocking knitted fabric described above, underwear can be produced in a simplified manner because the pattern can be cut without hemming or terminating the edges of the pieces to prevent wear.

[0028] In this way, underwear can be completed without additional stitches or seams extending around the leg openings. Furthermore, underwear can be completed without additional stitches or seams extending around the waist openings.

[0029] In one construction, the underwear may comprise a single piece. In this case, the method may include attaching the piece to itself at the hips to form leg openings and waist openings.

[0030] The steps of this method can be performed in any suitable order. In particular, the lining can be attached to the body fabric before, during, or after joining one or more pieces. Attaching the lining may include adhering a moisture-barrier layer of the lining to the body fabric. Attached Figure Description

[0031] The washable absorbent underwear according to this disclosure will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0032] Figure 1 A front view of an exemplary absorbent underwear including an absorbent lining is shown;

[0033] Figure 1A yes Figure 1 Details;

[0034] Figure 2 It shows the flat, unfolded state. Figure 1 A top view of the underwear, in which the seam between the back and front has been removed;

[0035] Figure 3 It passes through in the direction of III-I II Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the underwear;

[0036] Figure 4 This is a cut view of a portion of absorbent underwear;

[0037] Figure 5 It passes through along direction VV Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the underwear; and

[0038] Figure 6 It passes through along direction V I-VI Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the underwear. Detailed Implementation

[0039] Different aspects of this disclosure will be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the reusable absorbent underwear disclosed herein can be implemented in many different forms, such as different sizes and absorbency levels, and should not be construed as limited to the aspects described herein. Reusable absorbent underwear provides a more sustainable alternative to commonly used disposable hygiene products that are not intended for reuse.

[0040] Figure 1 An example of a slip-on, washable, and reusable absorbent underwear 1 is shown. However, as outlined above, underwear 1 as presented herein can have various designs, such as briefs, boxer briefs, leggings, high-waisted, thongs, Brazilian style, or other suitable underwear designs. Underwear 1 can be designed for use by teenagers, men, or women.

[0041] The underwear 1 comprises a main fabric provided as one or more fabric pieces 2, which form a front side 3, a back side 4, and a crotch area 7 extending between the front and back sides 3 and 4. The front side 3 and the back side 4 are joined at the hips, such that the underwear 1 forms a waist opening 5 and a pair of leg openings 6a and 6b. Thus, when the underwear 1 is worn, the front side 3 is visible from the front of the user, and when the underwear 1 is worn, the back side 4 is visible from the back of the user. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The example underwear includes a single fabric piece 2, which is cut to form a front side 3, a back side 4, and a crotch area 7. However, in other variations, multiple fabric pieces may be joined together, for example, as a front piece, a back piece, and a crotch piece. The one or more fabric pieces may all comprise the same fabric, giving the underwear an overall appearance, or the one or more fabric pieces may comprise different fabrics. In addition to the fabric pieces, the underwear may include additional body elements, such as to provide an aesthetically pleasing garment including, for example, lace fabric. However, generally, for the intended purpose, the garment may be the simplest possible design.

[0042] The main fabric is a single-layer interlocking knit fabric, ending at waist opening 5, without any waistband or additional elastic. For example... Figure 1A As shown, there are no seams, elastic elements, or stitching around the leg openings 6a and 6b. A characteristic of interlocking knitted fabrics is that they can be cut and the cut edges are stable relative to the thread without requiring any form of seam.

[0043] The base fabric may include any suitable fibers, including naturally derived fibers and blends thereof selected from the group consisting of cotton, wool, silk, cellulose, regenerated cellulose, rayon, viscose, modal, lyocell, Tencel, bamboo, hemp, flax, ramie, coconut fiber, or banana fiber. Alternatively, the fabric may be composed of synthetic fibers or blends thereof selected from the group consisting of polyamide, acrylic, and polyester. Furthermore, the fabric may be composed of blends or mixtures of naturally derived and / or synthetic fibers. The fibers may be recycled fibers. The fabric may include stretchable fabrics, such as elastic fibers, so that the absorbent underwear can provide a firm fit while adapting to the wearer's movement, thereby preventing any leakage migration through the leg openings and keeping the absorbent lining in place. The fabric may be breathable to allow vapor to escape from the wearer's skin and from the absorbent structure.

[0044] To join the front side 3 and the rear side 4 to form the waist opening 5 and leg openings 6a, 6b, a pair of side joints 17 can be provided, as in the example shown. The side joints 17 that join one or more fabric pieces 2, and any other joints, can be conventional joints in the art, such as seams made by conventional adhesives and / or conventional mechanical bonding (e.g., sewing techniques). Figure 1 As shown, the fabric sheet 2 has an outer surface 9 facing away from the wearer and an inner surface 8 facing the wearer. The absorbent lining 10 is located in the crotch area 7 on the inner surface 8.

[0045] exist Figure 2 middle, Figure 1 The absorbent underwear 1 is shown in a flat, unfolded state when viewed from the inner surface 8, and splits at the side joint 17. The central longitudinal axis y of the underwear 1 is defined along the fabric piece 2 from the back side 4 toward the front side 3. Furthermore, the transverse crotch axis x of the underwear 1 is defined in the direction extending between the leg openings 6a and 6b, and the transverse crotch axis x is perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis y at the crotch, which is the position of the minimum distance between the leg openings 6a and 6b.

[0046] The lining 10 includes a top layer 15 facing the wearer, which visually indicates the extent of the lining 10's extension to the user. A transverse crotch axis x divides the crotch area 7 into a front lining area 7a extending longitudinally forward from the transverse crotch axis x to the front edge 10a of the lining 10, and a rear lining area 7b extending longitudinally between the transverse crotch axis x and the rear edge 10b of the lining 10. The longitudinal extent of the lining 10 can depend on, for example, the design of the underwear 1.

[0047] Therefore, the lining 10 defines the crotch area 7, which is typically located where absorption is most needed. For underwear intended primarily for nighttime use, the lining 10 may extend further back, and more of the lining 10 may be located at the rear of the transverse crotch axis x, extending further upward toward the waist opening 5.

[0048] As illustrated in the underwear 1, the lining 10 also forms a pair of side edges 11a, 11b. Each side edge 11a, 11b points at least partially to the corresponding leg openings 6a, 6b. Thus, each side edge 11a, 11b connects the front edge 10a and the back edge 10b.

[0049] Near the transverse crotch axis x and in the front lining area 7a, each side edge 11a, 11b is arranged to follow the contour of the corresponding leg openings 6a, 6b of the underwear 1 at intervals of approximately 2 mm. In the rear lining area 7b, the interval between the lining 10 and the leg openings 6a, 6b gradually slopes to a maximum interval of approximately 25 mm on the rear side.

[0050] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the shape of the lining 10 can alternatively be adapted to various absorption needs and designs of the underwear 1 to provide adequate absorption and a satisfactory fit. For example, the side edges 11a, 11b can be straight, or may include recessed portions, as seen toward the central longitudinal axis y. Thus, the lining 10 can be better adapted to fit between the wearer's legs. As shown, the front edge 10a of the lining 10 can be a curved convex shape. This can be beneficial for the fit of the underwear to the body and helps to avoid unwanted creases in the fabric. The front edge 10a can also be straight to reduce production and material costs. The same applies to the back edge 10b.

[0051] Figure 3 It shows along Figure 2 The cross-section taken through the rear lining region 7b in direction III-III shows that the main body piece 2 comprises a single layer of interlocking knitted fabric, without any seams or other reinforcements at the leg openings 6a and 6b. Below the top layer 15 are the absorbent core layer 14 and the moisture-blocking layer 12. The top layer 15 extends together with the barrier layer 12, while the core layer 14 has a slightly smaller area. The top layer 15 and the barrier layer 12 are joined together by single-sided tape 13 around the side edges 11a and 11b and at the front edge 10a and rear edge 10b. It should be understood that other methods can be used to join the layers of the lining 10.

[0052] Figure 3The lining 10 is permanently attached to the body sheet 2 by adhesive 18 at the side edges 11a, 11b and also around the front edge 10a and rear edge 10b, and spaced S from the leg openings 6a, 6b. Those skilled in the art will understand that alternative or additional connections can be provided, for example, using double-sided tape. Stitching can be provided along critical edges or at specific points where additional reinforcement is needed. The lining 10 shown includes only the top layer 15, the absorbent core layer 14, and the moisture-blocking layer 12; however, it should be understood that any number of additional layers can be provided as needed. Therefore, additional core layers can have different dimensions and absorbency properties. A wicking layer and a distribution layer can also be provided. Any layer between the top layer 15 and the moisture-blocking layer 12 can be referred to as an intermediate layer and together form the core layer 14. Although in Figure 3 In the variant, an intermediate layer is shown, but it should be understood that different numbers of layers can be provided, as discussed elsewhere.

[0053] The top layer 15 comprises a water-permeable material, thereby allowing bodily fluids to migrate to the underlying core layer 14. The top layer 15 can be made of any suitable fabric, including naturally derived fibers selected from the group consisting of cotton, wool, silk, cellulose, regenerated cellulose, rayon, viscose, modal, lyocell, Tencel, bamboo, hemp, flax, ramie, coconut fiber, or banana fiber. Alternatively, the top layer can be made of synthetic fibers selected from the group consisting of polyamide, acrylic, polyester, or elastic fibers, such as a blend of polyester and elastic fibers. Furthermore, the top layer 15 can be made of blends or mixtures of naturally derived and / or synthetic fibers. The material used to construct the top layer should be soft and non-irritating to the skin, and readily permeable to any bodily fluids. The top layer is washable and can be a textile material, such as a knitted material. The top layer 15 may have a basis weight of 80-200 gsm.

[0054] The absorbent core 14 comprises any material capable of absorbing fluids, such as woven or nonwoven microfibers or polymer knitted fabrics, fabrics formed from hydrophilic fibers, absorbent fibers, or powders. The absorbent core 14 may be a natural or synthetic fiber as described above for the top layer 15, but may also be polyester and polyamide.

[0055] The absorbent core layer 14 may also comprise a material with an open-cell porous structure, such as a high-loft or synthetic fiber with memory properties. The core layer may contain 20%-100% naturally sourced fibers, more preferably 40%-100% naturally sourced fibers, and most preferably 60%-100% naturally sourced fibers. The basis weight of the core layer 14 may be 150-450 gsm.

[0056] The moisture barrier layer 12 may comprise a film or laminate, such as an extruded polymer material or any suitably constructed woven or knitted material, to prevent liquid migration from the lining 10 to the fabric sheet 2. In the illustrated variant, the moisture barrier layer 12 is a tightly woven activated carbon cloth that is substantially impermeable. A suitable material is from Chemviron SA. Laminates with polymer films can also be used. Activated carbon materials may be ideal for reducing odors. The moisture barrier layer 12 may also include a coating of a moisture-impermeable material. The coating may be a polymer, such as polyurethane wax or polyurethane, which is applied to, for example, a surface opposite to that of the wearer of the moisture barrier layer 12.

[0057] The moisture-blocking layer 12 is also preferably breathable to allow vapor to escape from the absorbent underwear 1 while preventing liquid from penetrating the fabric layer. Air and vapor permeability can be achieved through woven or knitted materials or through an additional rate control layer attached thereto.

[0058] Figure 4 A portion of a different garment 101 is shown, with the same reference numeral 100 in front. Garment 101 is viewed from the inner surface 108 facing the front side 103. Figure 5 It shows along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of direction VV. Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional view along direction VI-VI.

[0059] exist Figure 4 In the clothing 101, one can perceive the relationship with Figure 2 The garment 1 has many differences. At the waist opening 105, an elastic seam 130 is provided to ensure better retention.

[0060] In addition, the absorbent lining 110 is provided with an additional layer. Besides the top layer 115, the barrier layer 112, and the absorbent core 114, a wicking layer 116 is provided. The wicking layer 116 is disposed directly below the top layer 115 and may have wicking features to allow moisture to diffuse from the wearer and enter the absorbent core 114. The wicking allows moisture to diffuse effectively, thus allowing moisture to be received over a wider area of ​​the underlying core layer 114. This feature is particularly relevant for users suffering from stress urinary incontinence, as a sudden urination can cause the core layer 114 to saturate rapidly at the point of impact. By distributing the volume of fluid over a wider receiving area, the wicking feature of the wicking layer increases the overall absorbency of the lining 110. The wicking layer 116 may be made of any suitable fabric, including naturally derived fibers or blends thereof selected from the group consisting of cotton, wool, silk, cellulose, regenerated cellulose, rayon, viscose, modal, lyocell, Tencel, bamboo, hemp, flax, ramie, coconut fiber, or banana fiber. Optionally, the wick layer 116 may be composed of synthetic fibers or mixtures thereof selected from the group consisting of polyamide, acrylic, polyester, or elastic fibers. Furthermore, the wick layer 116 may be composed of blends or mixtures of naturally derived and / or synthetic fibers. According to this disclosure, the wick layer 116 should be washable. The wick layer 116 may comprise between 20% and 100% naturally derived fibers, more preferably between 40% and 100% naturally derived fibers, and most preferably between 60% and 100% naturally derived fibers. The basis weight of the wick layer may be 180-250 gsm.

[0061] The lining 110 of the absorbent underwear 101 shown also includes two absorbent core sublayers 114A and 114B, each capable of absorbing liquid and releasing it during washing. The release of absorbed liquid is beneficial because it allows the absorbent underwear 101 to recover for reuse. The first core layer 114A, the second core layer 114B, and the wicking layer 116 can be referred to as intermediate layers and together form the core 125. Although in Figure 4 Three intermediate layers are shown, but it should be understood that different numbers of layers can be provided, as discussed elsewhere.

[0062] The second core layer 114B extends substantially together with the wicking layer 116. The area of ​​the wicking layer 116 is slightly smaller than that of the top layer 115. The first core layer 114A is narrower than the second core layer 114B, thereby ensuring additional absorption capacity along the central longitudinal axis y of the garment 101, while reducing the thickness of the lining 110 at its edges 111a, 111b.

[0063] exist Figure 4 and Figure 5The diagram also shows bonding members 120a and 120b, thereby bonding the lining 110 to the crotch region 107 using an elastic bonding membrane that wraps around the first side edge 111a and the second side edge 111b. It should be understood that other options for forming the bonding members may also be used. As an alternative to or supplement to the bonding members 120a and 120b, the body fabric 102 may extend and wrap around the first side edge 111a and the second side edge 111b and be bonded to the top layer 115. Thus, the garment 101 has a connection along the edge of the lining 110 that forms an effective seam for the leg openings 106a, 106b located in at least a portion of the crotch region 107 (such as a quarter of the periphery of the leg opening). The remaining portions of the leg openings 106a, 106b may be seamless.

[0064] Figure 6 It shows along Figure 4 The cross-sectional view in directions V I-VI shows how the front edge 110a of the lining 110 is attached to the fabric piece 102. Figure 5 The bonding members 120a and 120b extend only along the first and second side edges 111a, 111b and terminate at the front edge 110a and the rear edge 110b. In the illustrated embodiment, the front and rear edges of the lining 110 are joined together by an adhesive 118 that bonds the top layer 115 to the barrier layer 112. Additionally, the barrier layer 112 is adhered to the fabric sheet by tape 113. It should be understood that other forms of bonding may be used, and additional stitching may be applied if local reinforcement is required.

[0065] This disclosure may be varied within the scope of the appended claims. For example, the materials and dimensions of the different layers used to form the absorbent insert may vary, as described above.

Claims

1. A washable absorbent underwear (1) comprising a body fabric (2) forming a front, back and crotch area and defining a waist opening and a leg opening, an absorbent lining (10) inside the absorbent underwear comprising a moisture-blocking layer (12) facing the garment, wherein the body fabric comprises a single layer of double-knitted material extending to the leg opening.

2. The absorbent underwear according to claim 1, wherein, The lining is spaced at least 2 mm from the leg opening, preferably at least 5 mm.

3. The absorbent underwear according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The lining is rectangular.

4. The absorbent underwear according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The spacing between the lining and the leg opening gradually slopes from the minimum distance in the crotch area to the maximum spacing.

5. The absorbent underwear according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The lining includes a top layer facing the body and one or more optional intermediate collection and / or absorption layers between the top layer and the moisture barrier layer.

6. The absorbent underwear according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The main fabric extends and wraps around the first and second side edges of the lining in the crotch area.

7. The absorbent underwear according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The leg opening is seamless for at least a quarter of its perimeter.

8. The absorbent underwear as described in any one of claims 1-5, wherein, The leg opening is seamless around its entire perimeter.

9. The absorbent underwear according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The waist opening is seamless.

10. The absorbent underwear according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The double-knitted material is an interlocking knitted fabric.

11. The absorbent underwear according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The lining is permanently attached to the main fabric.

12. The absorbent underwear according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The main fabric consists of a single layer that extends throughout the absorbent underwear.

13. A method for manufacturing washable absorbent underwear, comprising: Provide widths of double-knitted materials; Cut one or more slices from the width; The one or more pieces are joined together on their own or to form a body fabric of underwear having a waist opening and a leg opening, the fabric comprising a single layer of double-knitted material extending to the leg opening; as well as - An absorbent lining is attached to the inside of the crotch area of ​​the underwear.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein, The underwear is finished without any additional folds, stitches, or joins extending at least a quarter of the perimeter around the leg opening.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the underwear is finished without any additional folds, joins, or stitches extending around the entire periphery of the leg opening and the waist opening.

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