Washable absorbent assembly

Abstract

A washable, one-piece absorbent assembly for absorbent articles includes an absorbent layer and a liquid-blocking element. The absorbent layer is a knitted material having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface having a loop structure. The knitted absorbent material comprises a predominantly amount of viscose fiber and further comprises cotton and polyester.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a washable, one-piece absorbent assembly for absorbent articles, comprising a knitted absorbent material and a liquid barrier. Background Technology

[0002] Washable absorbent articles, such as washable absorbent underwear or washable absorbent pads, can be worn for the purpose of absorbing bodily fluids such as urine and vaginal fluid. This garment forms an environmentally and economically advantageous alternative to disposable sanitary napkins and disposable absorbent underwear. Washable absorbent articles typically comprise fabrics of woven or knitted materials. Conventionally, such washable absorbent articles will also include absorbent components, sometimes called linings, for absorbing bodily fluids, which are positioned in the wearer's crotch area when the article is worn. After use, the article is washed or rinsed before reuse. Examples of washable absorbent underwear can be found in WO2023 / 057096A1.

[0003] Depending on the intended use, absorbent components can vary in size and construction. They can extend over smaller or larger areas of clothing, depending on whether it is intended for daytime or nighttime use. They can also be thicker or thinner, with additional wicking layers, distribution layers, barrier layers, and absorbent layers. A variety of materials have been used in these washable absorbent items. For sustainability reasons, natural and untreated materials are desirable for such items, but may have different absorbency properties than treated or synthetic materials, and therefore may not meet the expected absorbency standards.

[0004] The selection of absorbent materials to be incorporated into absorbent components is one of the main challenges in developing washable and reusable absorbent articles. Therefore, it is desirable to find materials that improve the absorbency of washable absorbent components. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This objective can be at least partially achieved by the washable absorbent component according to claim 1 and the washable absorbent underwear according to claim 14. Further embodiments are set forth in the dependent claims and in the following description.

[0006] Therefore, this disclosure relates to a washable, monolithic absorbent assembly for absorbent articles, the assembly extending in a longitudinal direction and having a transverse direction, and including an absorbent layer and a liquid-blocking member. The absorbent layer is a knitted material having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface having a loop structure. The knitted absorbent material comprises a predominant amount of viscose fiber and further comprises cotton and polyester.

[0007] It has been discovered that, compared with known materials and combinations of materials used in the field, the knitted absorbent material of the present invention has an unexpected combination of high absorbency and high retention capacity.

[0008] Knitted absorbent materials comprise a major amount of viscose fiber and further comprise cotton and polyester. A major amount of viscose fiber means that more than 50% of the material in the absorbent layer is viscose fiber. Knitted absorbent materials may comprise 60%-85% viscose fiber by weight. Specifically, absorbent materials may comprise at least 60%-85% viscose fiber, 10%-25% cotton by weight, and 5%-20% polyester by weight, such as 65%-80% viscose fiber, 10%-20% cotton, and 5%-15% polyester.

[0009] The knitted absorbent material can be a weft-knitted fabric or a circular-knitted fabric. The absorbent layer is a knitted material having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The first surface has a loop structure, and the second surface may have multiple rows of V-shaped seams. The first loop surface may include viscose fiber yarns, and the second surface may include cotton and polyester yarns. The loops may have a predominantly horizontal orientation in the material. The knitted absorbent material can be a unilateral or double-sided stretched terry fabric. The absorbent material layer may have a density of 180 g / m². 2 -600g / m 2 The basis weight. This basis weight can be achieved through a single layer of absorbent material, but it is not excluded that multiple layers can be provided to increase the basis weight.

[0010] Absorbent materials made of viscose, cotton, and polyester can be used without functional treatments such as wetting agents, softeners, odor-proofing treatments, optical brighteners, and pesticides.

[0011] The absorbent component according to this disclosure is incorporated into washable absorbent underwear. This component can be permanently attached to the body panel of the underwear.

[0012] The yarn forming the absorbent layer can have any suitable construction or weight to achieve the desired absorbency. The yarn can be a short-fiber yarn and can be a single layer or multiple layers. The yarn can be relatively fine to facilitate tight knitting that is less prone to unraveling. The yarn count can be 45-65 S. One yarn can be viscose fiber, while the second yarn is a cotton / polyester 60:40 yarn.

[0013] The absorbent component may include further layers, such as a top layer facing the wearer, a wicking layer (multiple wicking layers), and one or more further absorbent layers.

[0014] Further layers may include a top layer facing the wearer. The top layer may include a water-permeable material that allows bodily fluids to migrate to the underlying absorbent layer. The top layer may be made of any suitable fabric, including natural and / or 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, or banana. Alternatively, the top layer may be made of synthetic fibers selected from the group consisting of polyamide, acrylic, polyester, or elastic fibers, such as blends of polyester and elastic fibers. Furthermore, the top layer may be made of blends or mixtures of naturally derived fibers 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 may be a textile material, such as a knitted material. The top layer can contain between 20% and 100% natural fibers or naturally derived fibers, such as between 40% and 100% natural fibers or naturally derived fibers, and between 60% and 100% natural fibers or naturally derived fibers. The top layer can have a basis weight of 80gsm-200gsm.

[0015] Further layers may include a moisture distribution layer or wicking layer, which may be placed directly beneath the top layer. The wicking layer may have wicking features to allow moisture to diffuse away from the wearer and into the absorbent layer. wicking allows moisture to diffuse effectively, allowing it to be received over a wider area of ​​the underlying absorbent layer. This feature is particularly relevant for users with stress incontinence, as the expulsion of urine can cause the absorbent layer to saturate rapidly at the point of impact. This feature is also important when the absorbent layer includes isolated or partially isolated sections or areas, thereby reducing wicking and fluid transfer between sections / areas. By distributing the volume of fluid over a wider receiving area in the absorbent layer, the wicking feature of the wicking layer increases the overall absorbency of the absorbent layer. The wicking layer may be made of any suitable fabric, including natural fibers and / or naturally derived fibers or mixtures thereof selected from the group consisting of: cotton, wool, silk, cellulose, regenerated cellulose, rayon, viscose, modal, lyocell, Tencel, bamboo, hemp, flax, ramie, coconut, or banana. Alternatively, the wicking layer may be composed of synthetic fibers selected from the group consisting of polyamide, acrylic, polyester, or elastic fibers, or mixtures thereof. Furthermore, the wicking layer may be composed of blends or mixtures of natural fibers, naturally derived fibers, and / or synthetic fibers. The wicking layer should be washable and made of textile material, such as knitted material. The wicking layer may contain between 20% and 100% natural fibers or naturally derived fibers, such as between 40% and 100% natural fibers or naturally derived fibers, and such as between 60% and 100% natural fibers or naturally derived fibers. The basis weight of the wicking layer may be between 180 gsm and 250 gsm.

[0016] The moisture barrier layer functions to prevent moisture from penetrating from the absorbent layer into the garment fabric. The moisture barrier layer can be an extruded layer. Suitable moisture-impermeable materials can include thermoplastic films, such as polyurethane or the like. Alternatively, it can include woven or knitted fabrics. Certain filaments and yarns are naturally hydrophobic, and thus a tightly woven or knitted structure achieves significant water repellency without the need for additional coatings. The moisture barrier layer can also comprise a moisture-impermeable material laminated or coated onto the woven or knitted material. The moisture barrier layer can have a surface weight between 50 gsm and 300 gsm, such as between 75 gsm and 200 gsm. Although the moisture barrier layer can be impermeable to liquid water, it can be breathable. It can have a breathability or wet vapor transmission rate (WVTR) greater than 500 g. WVTR is measured by the rate at which wet vapor passes through, expressed as grams of water vapor per square meter of fabric per 24 hours (g / m² / d), often abbreviated as "g only". The barrier layer should be washable.

[0017] The absorbent layer can be attached to one or more further layers in any suitable manner. The absorbent layer can be attached to one or more further layers at its side edges, which may also correspond to the edges of the component. This may be sufficient if the absorbent layer extends uninterruptedly across the entire width of the component. The absorbent layer can be attached to one or more further layers only at its longitudinal side edges. It can also, or alternatively, be attached to one or more further layers at its lateral ends. These layers can be joined by stitches, nails, adhesives, welding, tape, or the like. The absorbent layer can be attached to only one of the further layers, for example, attached to the top layer or wicking layer on the wearer-facing side. Alternatively, it can be attached to further layers on either side. The absorbent layer can be attached to all layers of the component and / or the fabric panel of the underwear.

[0018] The component can have an area suitable for underwear size and intended use. The component can have at least 10cm. 2 Such as 10cm 2 With 400cm 2 Between or 50cm 2 With 100cm 2 The area between the components. The absorbing layer may have a similar area to the component and may extend along with or substantially along with the component over the entire area of ​​the component. The absorbing layer may occupy at least 40% or more of the component area, or more than 90% or more than 95% of the component area.

[0019] This disclosure also relates to a washable absorbent underwear comprising one or more fabric panels and components located in the crotch area as described above and below.

[0020] 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 trace. Underwear can be, for example, fabric underwear, briefs, or swimwear. Underwear is intended for use by adolescents and adults. Underwear can be designed for male or female use. It will 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 externally perceptible as a damp patch or discoloration that may penetrate the outer garment. Underwear can be made of natural fibers or synthetic materials, or mixtures thereof.

[0021] The absorbent underwear and absorbent components according to this disclosure are washable, meaning they are intended to be washed or otherwise restored for reuse as sanitary articles after use. "Washable" means that the absorbent underwear can be cleaned by washing. Thus, the absorbent underwear can withstand aqueous solutions containing detergent without losing its structural characteristics. The aqueous solution can be heated to, for example, 30°C or 60°C as part of the washing process. This term is also intended to mean that the absorbent underwear can be washed and reused more than once. Washable can be understood as suitable for undergoing at least 10 washing cycles, for example, at least 50 washes at a temperature of at least 30°C, without disintegration. During washing, the absorbent component releases the absorbed fluid, thereby regenerating its absorbent function, allowing the absorbent component 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.

[0022] As used in this disclosure, the term "fabric" can refer to a single or multiple layers of flexible planar material constructed from solutions, fibers, yarns, fabrics, or any combination thereof. Fabrics include knitted or woven materials. The term textiles refers to any flexible material consisting of films or fibers, yarns, or fabrics, or products made from films, fibers, yarns, or fabrics. Although other terms such as material, fabric, and cloth are synonymous, textiles are most commonly used in the global textile complex. Fibers are any substance that is natural or manufactured, has a high aspect ratio, possesses characteristics suitable for processing into fabrics, and is the smallest component removable from fabrics, and is essentially fuzzy. Fibers constitute most fabrics. Yarn is a group of fibers that are twisted or laid together to form a continuous strand that can be made into a woven fabric.

[0023] The component can be permanently attached to at least one of one or more fabric panels of the underwear. "Permanently attached" means that no part is intended to be detached from the fabric panel during or after use. Thus, all parts of the component are intended to be washed with the garment. Alternatively, the component can be constructed as a padding suitable for detachable attachment to the panels of the underwear. Therefore, the component may include an adhesive layer or hook patch or any other suitable attachment method on its garment-facing surface. Alternatively, the garment may be provided with suitable pockets or recesses for receiving the component.

[0024] The component can be attached to the fabric panel of the underwear, for example, by lamination or adhesive over its entire surface. In other embodiments, the absorbent component may not be directly attached to the fabric panel, but instead may be attached to the fabric via auxiliary parts such as selvage strips or reinforcing patches. In some embodiments, the absorbent component is attached to one or more fabric panels by one or more bonding members. These may include one or more of front bonding members, back bonding members, and side bonding members.

[0025] Underwear can be any suitable form and reference described above, and in the following text, "garment" is not intended to mean anything other than underwear (i.e., the innermost garment intended to come into contact with the wearer's body). The garment has a waist opening and two leg openings. However, it is not excluded that closure elements, for example, may be provided between the waist opening and the leg openings, allowing for easy removal or putting on of the garment. Underwear can have various designs, such as shorts, boxer briefs, high-waisted, drawstring, Brazilian style, or other suitable and conventional underwear designs. Fabric panels may form a front area, a back area, and an intermediate area extending between the front and back areas, which join at the sides, such that the underwear forms a waist opening and a pair of leg openings. The central longitudinal axis of the underwear is defined along one or more fabric panels from the back area toward the front area, and the transverse crotch axis of the underwear is defined in the direction extending between the leg openings. The transverse crotch axis may be located at the narrowest point of the garment and / or may be located at the midpoint of the central longitudinal axis. The transverse crotch axis divides the central region into a front central region extending longitudinally between the transverse crotch axis and the front end of each leg opening, and a rear central region extending longitudinally between the transverse crotch axis and the rear end of each leg opening. The transverse crotch axis is perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis and the absorbent layer, and further layers are stacked along a height axis that is perpendicular to both the longitudinal axis and the transverse crotch axis.

[0026] The component can be located in the central region. It can also be positioned solely in the central region, meaning it may not extend into the front and back regions that together form the waist region. The component can be approximately symmetrical along the central longitudinal axis.

[0027] The shape and size of the component are such that at least the crotch section of the underwear is covered during use. The crotch section is a surface segment of size and shape having the dimensions and shape to cover part or all of the user's genital area, i.e., a surface segment shaped to fit snugly between the user's legs, having a length sufficient to extend at least from the mons pubis to the perineum and a width varying along that length. Thus, the crotch section has a width that substantially corresponds to the lateral width between the leg openings of the underwear. Therefore, the entire crotch section is protected from contamination by the component.

[0028] The area of ​​the garment containing the component can be adjusted according to the garment and intended use. This component can cover at least 10cm of the garment. 2 Preferably 10cm 2 With 400cm 2 Between or 50cm 2 With 100cm 2 The area between.

[0029] Depending on the intended use and shape of the underwear, the component can have any suitable shape. It can be dog-bone shaped, with curved sides and slightly flared ends. It can be quadrilateral, with a front edge, a back edge, and two side edges. The side edges can be positioned to coincide with the corresponding leg opening. In this context, "coinciding" means being roughly aligned and adjacent to the side edge within the boundaries of normal manufacturing practice. The component, or a portion thereof, can wrap around the side edge with a seam, or vice versa. The component can also terminate just short of the side edge and be covered by a selvage strip. The absorbent layer can have the same size and shape as the component, or it can have the same shape but be slightly smaller.

[0030] Components can be rectangular. In this context, "rectangular" is intended to refer to a component having a quadrilateral outer contour with two pairs of generally parallel sides. Rectangular components or parts thereof can be easily cut multiple times from a main material source (typically a large sheet or roll of material), with a single cut line forming two edges of adjacent parts. Thus, the use of rectangular components 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. Consequently, no energy is wasted during production to address orientation changes for each part.

[0031] At least 75% of the total length of the edges of at least one rectangular component may be straight edges. Thus, at least 75% of the outer contour of the rectangular component follows a rectangular shape, thereby limiting the amount of material wasted, while allowing some minimal shape variation in the layer required to ensure wearer comfort and prevent the item from bulging out during use.

[0032] One or more further layers may all be substantially equal in size and shape, and may all have an outer contour forming the outer contour of the component. In this way, leak-proof protection is obtained over the same area that is also directly visible to the user, thus giving the user a good indication of the leak protection provided by the component. In other embodiments, the layers do not need to extend together. The top layer may extend beyond the moisture barrier layer, for example, to a fabric panel attached to the garment. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Embodiments of the washable absorbent underwear according to the present disclosure will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 A front view of an exemplary absorbent underwear including absorbent components is shown; Figure 1A Show Figure 1 A magnified view of region IA in the image; Figure 2 Show Figure 1 The top view of the underwear laid flat, with the joint between the back and front areas removed; Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of absorbent underwear; Figure 4 It is through the crotch area Figure 1 A sectional perspective view of the underwear; Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Details of the absorption layer; Different aspects of this disclosure will be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the absorbent underwear disclosed herein can be implemented in many different forms, such as different sizes and absorbency levels, and should not be construed as limited to the aspects set forth herein. In all the drawings described in the following detailed description, the same reference numerals will be used to indicate the same elements. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Figure 1 An example of washable and reusable absorbent underwear 1 is shown. However, as outlined above, the underwear 1 presented herein can have various designs, such as shorts, boxer briefs, bodycon, high-waisted, drawstring, Brazilian style, or other suitable underwear designs. Underwear 1 can be designed for male or female use.

[0035] The underwear 1 includes one or more fabric panels 2 forming a front region 3, a back region 4, and a middle region 7 extending between the front region 3 and the back region 4. The front region 3 and the back region 4 join together to form a waist opening 5 and a pair of leg openings 6a, 6b. Thus, when the underwear 1 is worn, the front region 3 is visible from the front of the user, and when the underwear 1 is worn, the back region 4 is visible from the back of the user. Figure 1 The example lingerie includes a fabric panel 2, which is cut to form a front region 3, a back region 4, and a middle region 7. However, in other variations, multiple fabric panels may be joined together to form the front region 3, back region 4, and middle region 7. For example, lingerie 1 may include a front panel, a back panel, and a middle panel. The one or more fabric panels may all comprise the same fabric, giving the lingerie an overall appearance, or the one or more panels may comprise different fabrics, for example, to provide aesthetically pleasing lingerie including, for example, lace fabric.

[0036] The fabric of one or more fabric panels 2 can be any suitable fabric, 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, or banana. Alternatively, the fabric can be made of synthetic fibers or blends thereof selected from the group consisting of polyamide, acrylic, and polyester. Furthermore, the fabric can be made of blends or mixtures of naturally derived fibers and / or synthetic fibers. The fibers can be recycled fibers. The fabric can include stretchable fabrics, such as elastic fibers, so that the absorbent underwear provides a firm fit while adapting to the wearer's movement, thereby preventing any leakage from migrating through the leg openings and keeping the absorbent components in place. The fabric can be breathable to allow vapor to escape from the wearer's skin.

[0037] In the illustrated embodiment, the fabric panel is made of a single-layer interlocking knitted fabric. Figure 1 and Figure 1A It terminates at the waist opening 5, without any waistband or additional elastic element. There are also no seams, elastic elements, or stitching around the leg openings 6a, 6b. A characteristic of interlocking knitted fabrics is that they can be cut, and the cut edges are stable against wear without requiring any form of seam. Nevertheless, it will be understood that in other embodiments, the absorbent underwear 1 may include a waistband arranged along the waist opening 5 of the absorbent underwear 1, which may be elastic and / or provided with a friction inner surface.

[0038] To join the front region 3 and the back region 4 to form the waist opening 5 and leg openings 6a, 6b, a pair of side joints 17 may be provided, as in the example shown. The side joints 17 and any other joints joining one or more fabric panels 2 can be conventional joints in the art, such as seams made by conventional adhesives and / or conventional mechanical bonding (such as sewing techniques). Figure 1 As shown, the fabric panel 2 has an outer surface 9 facing away from the wearer and an inner surface 8 facing towards the wearer. The absorbent component 10 is positioned in the crotch area 7 on the inner surface 8.

[0039] exist Figure 2 middle, Figure 1 The absorbent underwear 1 is shown in a flat, laid-out state, with the side seams 17 of the underwear 1 removed. As seen in this laid-out state, the central longitudinal axis y runs along one or more fabric panels 2 and is defined in a direction from the back side 4 of the underwear 1 toward the front side 3 of the underwear 1. Figure 2 In the image, absorbent underwear 1 is shown from the wearer-facing side of article 1. (As shown...) Figure 1 As shown, one or more fabric panels 2 will have an outer side 9 facing away from the wearer and an inner side 8 facing towards the wearer. Thus, Figure 2 The image shows the underwear 1 laid flat as seen from the inside side 8. 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 where the distance between the leg openings 6a and 6b is the smallest.

[0040] Component 10 includes a top layer 15 facing the wearer, which visually shows the extent of component 10 to the user. A transverse crotch axis x divides the crotch area 7 into a front component area 7a extending longitudinally forward from the transverse crotch axis x to the front edge 10a of component 10, and a rear component area 7b extending longitudinally between the transverse crotch axis x and the rear edge 10b of component 10. The longitudinal extent of component 10 may depend on, for example, the design of underwear 1.

[0041] Thus, component 10 defines the crotch area 7, which is generally located where absorption needs are most prevalent. For underwear primarily intended for nighttime use, component 10 can extend further rearward, and a portion of component 10 can be positioned at the rear portion extending further upward toward the waist opening 5 along the transverse crotch axis x.

[0042] As exemplified by the illustrated bra 1, component 10 also forms a pair of side edges 11a, 11b. Each side edge 11a, 11b points at least partially toward the corresponding leg openings 6a, 6b. Thus, each side edge 11a, 11b connects the front edge 10a and the back edge 10b. Each side edge 11a, 11b is arranged to follow the contour of the corresponding leg openings 6a, 6b of the bra 1.

[0043] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the shape of component 10 can alternatively be adapted to various absorption needs and designs of the underwear 1 to provide sufficient absorbency and a satisfactory fit. For example, the side edges 11a, 11b can be straight or may include recesses, as seen toward the central longitudinal axis y. Thus, component 10 can better fit between the wearer's legs. The front edge 10a of component 10 can be a curved convex shape, as shown. This can be beneficial for the fit of the underwear to the body and helps to avoid undesirable wrinkles in the fabric panel. The front edge 10a can also be straight to reduce production and material costs. The same applies to the back edge 10b.

[0044] Figure 3 Shown in Figure 2 The cross-section taken along direction III-III through the post-assembly region 7b shows that the fabric panel 2 comprises a single layer of interlocking knitted fabric without any seams or other reinforcements at the leg openings 6a, 6b. Below the top layer 15 are the absorbent layer 14 and the moisture-blocking layer 12. The absorbent layer 14 extends together with the moisture-blocking layer 12 and the top layer 15. The top layer 15, the absorbent layer 14, and the moisture-blocking layer 12 are connected around the side edges 11a, 11b and the front edge 10a and rear edge 10b by single-sided tape 13. The assembly 10 is attached to the fabric panel 2 by adhesive. It will be understood that other methods can be used to join the layers of the assembly 10, such as using double-sided tape. Stitching can be provided along critical edges or at specific points where additional reinforcement is required.

[0045] The component 10 shown includes only a top layer 15, an absorbent layer 14, and a moisture barrier layer 12, but it will be understood that any number of additional layers may be provided depending on requirements. Thus, further absorbent layers may be provided with different sizes and absorbent characteristics. A wicking layer and a distribution layer may also be provided. Any layer between the top layer 15 and the barrier layer 12 may be referred to as an intermediate layer.

[0046] The top layer 15 comprises a water-permeable material, allowing bodily fluids to migrate to the underlying absorbent 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, or banana. Alternatively, the top layer can be made of synthetic fibers selected from the group consisting of polyamide, acrylic, polyester, or elastic fibers (such as mixtures of polyester and elastic fibers). Furthermore, the top layer 15 can be made of blends or mixtures of naturally derived fibers 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 knitted. The top layer 15 can have an area weight of 80 gsm–200 gsm.

[0047] The absorbent layer 14 in the example shown is a washable weft-knitted material having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The first surface has a loop structure, and the second surface has multiple rows of V-shaped stitches. The absorbent material comprises 70% viscose fiber, 18% cotton, and 12% polyester by weight. The first surface, serving as the loop surface, contains viscose fiber yarns, and the second surface contains cotton and polyester yarns. The loops have a predominantly horizontal orientation in the material. The knitted absorbent material is a single-sided, single-knitted stretch-terry fabric. The absorbent material layer has a density of 280 g / m². 2 The basis weight. Viscose, cotton, and polyester absorbent materials are not subject to functional treatments such as wetting agents, softeners, odor-resistant treatments, optical brighteners, and pesticides. Yarns include short-staple fiber spinning. Yarn count is 45-65 S. One yarn is viscose fiber, and the second yarn is a cotton / polyester 60:40 yarn.

[0048] The moisture barrier layer 12 may comprise a membrane or laminate of any suitable construction, such as an extruded polymer material or a woven or knitted material, to prevent liquid migration from component 10 to fabric panel 2. In the illustrated variant, the moisture barrier layer 12 is a tightly woven activated carbon fabric that is inherently impermeable. A suitable material is Flexzorb® from ChemvironSA. Laminates with polymer membranes may also be used. Activated carbon materials may be highly desirable in terms of odor reduction. The moisture barrier layer 12 may also comprise a coating of a moisture-impermeable material. The coating may be, for example, a polymer, such as polyurethane wax or polyurethane, applied to the surface of the moisture barrier layer 12 facing away from the wearer.

[0049] The moisture-blocking layer 12 is also preferably breathable to allow vapor to escape from the absorbent underwear 1 while preventing liquid from passing through the fabric layer. Air and vapor permeability can be achieved by woven or knitted materials or by an additional rate control layer attached thereto.

[0050] Figure 4 A portion of the garment 1 is shown in a cross-sectional perspective view, viewed from the inner surface 8 facing the front 3. The top layer 15 is partially removed to expose the underlying absorbent layer 14 and moisture-blocking layer 12. (As shown in...) Figure 4 Details Figure 5 As can be seen, the absorbent layer 14 has a ring on its wearer-facing side, such as Figure 5 As shown in Figure a, and with a V-shaped seam on the side facing the garment, as shown in Figure a. Figure 5 As shown in b.

[0051] Example FSC and CRC measurements Absorption characteristics were assessed using methods derived in part from the EDANA and INDA standard methods NWSP 240.0.R2 (commonly referred to as free swelling capacity or FSC test) and NWSP 241.0.R2 (commonly referred to as centrifugation retention capacity or CRC test).

[0052] Representative samples were stamped from the knitted fabric under study. The samples should be disc-shaped and approximately 10 cm in diameter. 2The area of ​​the sample was determined. Before testing, the sample was conditioned for 24 hours at 23°C and 50% relative humidity (subsequent tests were conducted under the same conditions). The sample was weighed to three decimal places. The sample was then placed in a tea bag-shaped pouch, approximately 60 × 60 mm in size, made of heat-sealable porous fabric. The edges of the pouch were then sealed using a heat sealer. The pouch was immersed in an excess of 0.9% (by mass) NaCl solution. After a 5-minute absorption time, the pouch was removed. The pouch was then suspended diagonally from one of the double-sealed corners in a clamp, allowing excess fluid to drip. After a 2-minute dripping time, the first weight was recorded to three decimal places. The pouch was then placed in a centrifuge for a period of 3 minutes at a centrifugal acceleration of 250 g. After centrifugation, the second weight was recorded to three decimal places. Appropriately, two pouches of the sample were used in a single test. However, the absorbability of the sample must be corrected for the weight of the bag fabric material and the brine retention. This is why two blank (empty) bags can be tested and weighed together with the bag containing the sample. In the case of repeated testing, the absorbability of the bag fabric material can be pre-established appropriately. The free swelling capacity (FSC) is determined after a 2-minute drop time. The amount of brine in the sample is obtained by taking the first recorded weight and then subtracting the weight of the dry sample and the weight of the wet bag fabric material. The amount of brine absorbed in the sample is then divided by the weight of the dry sample to obtain the FSC absorbability based on g / g. The centrifugation retention capacity (CRC) is determined after centrifugation. The amount of brine in the sample is obtained by taking the second recorded weight and then subtracting the weight of the dry sample and the weight of the centrifuged bag fabric material. The amount of brine absorbed in the sample is then divided by the weight of the dry sample to obtain the CRC absorbability based on g / g.

[0053] Four knitted material samples with different fiber compositions as outlined in Table 1 were tested according to the above procedure. The knitted materials are weft-knitted fabrics with a first surface having a loop structure. The test results are shown in the same table.

[0054] Table 1

[0055] FSC - Test absorption capacity.

[0056] CRC - Tests the ability to retain absorbed liquid.

[0057] Table 1 shows that samples A1 and A2 of the knitted absorbent materials according to this disclosure have the highest combined inlet and rewetting values, resulting in improved product performance related to liquid handling. It is believed that the ring structure of the viscose fibers improves liquid retention, and the cotton / polyester structure of the material's technical face improves the absorption and diffusion of added liquids. Other tested materials (B and C) show lower values ​​for one of the two test values, resulting in generally poorer product performance related to liquid handling.

[0058] 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 component may vary, as described herein.

Claims

1. A washable, one-piece absorbent assembly for absorbent articles, the assembly extending in a longitudinal direction and having a transverse direction, and including an absorbent layer and a liquid barrier, the absorbent layer being a knitted material having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface having a ring structure, wherein the knitted absorbent material comprises a predominant amount of viscose fiber and further comprises cotton and polyester.

2. The absorbent component of claim 1, wherein the knitted absorbent material comprises at least 60% viscose fiber by weight.

3. The absorbent component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the knitted absorbent material comprises 60%-85% viscose fiber, 10%-25% cotton, and 5%-20% polyester by weight.

4. The absorbent component according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the knitted absorbent material comprises 65%-80% viscose fiber, 10%-20% cotton, and 5%-15% polyester.

5. The absorbent component according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the knitted absorbent material comprises a first yarn comprising viscose fibers and a second yarn comprising cotton and polyester.

6. The absorbent component according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the ring structure is a yarn comprising viscose fibers.

7. The absorbent component according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the second surface has multiple rows of V-shaped stitches.

8. The absorbent component according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the knitted absorbent material is a weft-knitted fabric or a circular knitted fabric.

9. The absorbent component according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein the knitted absorbent material has a density of 180 g / m². 2 -600g / m 2 The base weight.

10. The absorbent component according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein the ring structure has a ring having a predominantly horizontal orientation on the material.

11. The absorbent component according to any one of claims 1-10, wherein the knitted absorbent material is a unilateral or bilateral stretch terry fabric.

12. The absorbent component according to any one of claims 1-11, wherein the first surface of the knitted absorbent material comprises viscose fibers and the second surface comprises cotton and polyester.

13. The absorbent component according to any one of claims 1-12, wherein the component further comprises a top layer facing the wearer.

14. A washable absorbent underwear comprising an absorbent component according to any one of the preceding claims, said absorbent component being permanently attached to a fabric panel of said underwear.

Images