A detachable insert and cover for an absorbent article

Abstract

This disclosure relates to an absorbent insert (200) for use with an outer cover (100) to form an absorbent article (1) suitable for wearing around the waist of a wearer. Each of the front section (iSf) and the rear section (iSb) of the insert (200) includes two or more cover fastener regions (221, 222; 241, 242) arranged in a front / rear group on the inward-facing side of the insert (200), wherein one or more cover fastener regions (221, 222; 241, 242) in the front / rear group are arranged on one of a first lateral side and a second lateral side of the insert (200) to form a first subset of one or more cover fastener regions (221; 241), the first subset of cover fastener regions (221; 241) including features for attaching the insert (100) to the waist of a wearer. A first surface fastening material is detachably attached to the outer casing, and one or more casing fastening regions (221, 222; 241, 242) in the front / rear group are arranged on the other of the first and second lateral sides of the insert to form a second subset of one or more casing fastening regions (222; 242). The second subset of casing fastening regions (222; 242) includes a second surface fastening material for detachably attaching the insert to the outer casing, and the first surface fastening material is different from the second surface fastening material and is complementary to the second surface fastening material to provide a detachable mechanical and / or frictional attachment therebetween. This disclosure also relates to an outer casing for use with such an absorbent insert, and an absorbent article formed by the outer casing and the absorbent insert.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a removable insert for an absorbent article. It also relates to an outer cover for an absorbent article. Furthermore, this invention relates to a package for encapsulating multiple inserts. Finally, this invention relates to an absorbent article comprising a removable insert and an outer cover. Background Technology

[0002] Absorbent products, in the form of diapers and incontinence pads, are commonly used by infants and incontinent adults to absorb bodily waste products such as blood, urine, sweat, and feces. Products specifically classified as adult severe incontinence items (those with relatively high absorbency) are often used by individuals with physical and / or psychological impairments. Typically, these severe incontinence products are handled by caregivers to put on and remove them from the wearer and are purchased by nursing homes, hospitals, and / or relatives providing care.

[0003] Requirements for these products may include: leak-proof, easy to use and replace, comfortable to wear, no negative impact on the wearer's skin health, and maintenance of the wearer's dignity during replacement and wear.

[0004] To meet these requirements, most incontinence products currently in use are still single-use products, with single-use products being the standard for severe incontinence. Single-use products are easy to use because they require very little disposal after use. However, the production and disposal of these products generate a significant amount of material waste. After use, these products either end up in landfills or (especially for adults taking 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 fiber webs and films. With increasing awareness of the limited availability of petroleum and the various pollution problems it causes during product manufacturing and disposal, the demand for more sustainable alternatives is also growing. To this end, products incorporating an outer frame and absorbent inserts have been proposed, where one or both of the outer frame and absorbent inserts are reusable. For this type of product, it is important to ensure that the absorbent insert is properly positioned relative to the wearer to maintain leak-proof safety and desired comfort during product use.

[0006] Therefore, one objective is to provide an absorbent article that can be a sustainable alternative to current disposable products.

[0007] In addition, one objective 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] In this article, "wearer" refers to a person who can wear absorbent items as described herein.

[0009] In this document, "user" refers to a person who handles absorbent articles as described herein, namely, who prepares absorbent articles for use and / or applies absorbent articles to the wearer. The user may be the wearer or the wearer's caregiver.

[0010] In this document, "liquid-permeable" means a material that is liquid-permeable 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 include, for example, materials used as topsheet materials in conventional disposable absorbent products. In another example, conventional textile materials (e.g., woven or knitted materials) are typically liquid-permeable. Liquid-permeable materials can be, for example, textile materials without any liquid-resistant coatings or treatments. Liquid-permeable materials can also be, for example, textile materials that do not absorb fluid to any significant extent.

[0011] In this article, "breathable" refers to a material that allows water vapor to escape through it.

[0012] For example, materials commonly used as backing materials in absorbent articles are both breathable and liquid-impermeable. Such backing materials can be breathable while preventing liquid from passing through. Examples of such breathable, liquid-impermeable materials include porous polymer membranes and laminates of porous polymer membranes with nonwoven fabrics.

[0013] Textile materials with perforations, such as knitted or woven textiles, are generally breathable.

[0014] 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 / m² / 24h at 37.8 degrees Celsius, according to ASTM E398.

[0015] In this article, “total absorbance” refers to the total absorbance measured according to the Rothwell method (ISO 11948).

[0016] The “cycle of use” for absorbent items in this article refers to a series of subsequent 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.

[0017] In this article, "reusable" refers to an item intended for use in more than one cycle of use. Therefore, a reusable item is one that can be used a repeated number of cycles of use. If necessary, a reusable item can be cleaned (e.g., washed) or otherwise restored between cycles of use.

[0018] 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.

[0019] In this article, "single-use" refers to items designed for use only in one cycle and then discarded. Therefore, items configured for single-use are typically disposed of after being used by the wearer for a limited period of time (e.g., during one or several urinations).

[0020] "Washable" means that an item can be cleaned by washing. Therefore, the item can withstand an aqueous solution containing detergent without losing its structural characteristics. This aqueous solution can be heated, for example, to 40°C or 60°C, as part of the washing process.

[0021] Washable items (e.g., overcoats) should be washable at least a predetermined number of times without significantly deteriorating their characteristics. In particular, washable overcoats should be washable a predetermined number of times without significantly impairing the function of fastening components (e.g., any insert fasteners or fasteners used to secure the overcoat around the wearer's waist). Furthermore, washable overcoats should preferably be washable a predetermined number of times without significantly impairing the elasticity of leg elastics and / or other materials of the overcoat (e.g., fabrics). Finally, washable overcoats should preferably be washable a predetermined number of times without significantly impairing the color of the overcoat.

[0022] For example, it is preferred in this document that the washable article (e.g., a washable cover) can withstand at least 20 washes at 60°C, and more preferably that the washable cover can withstand at least 50 washes at 60°C.

[0023] Furthermore, it is preferable that the washable item (e.g., a washable cover) is "machine washable," meaning that the washing described above can be performed in a washing machine.

[0024] In this article, "stretchable" refers to a material that can be stretched from its original size and return to substantially the same size when subjected to stress during normal use of the item.

[0025] In this document, "surface fastening material" refers to a material that can be distributed substantially uniformly on a surface of an area, thereby providing substantially uniform fastening in that area. Therefore, any portion of an area provided with surface fastening material will be ready for attachment via the surface fastening material.

[0026] In some examples, surface fastening materials can provide continuous fastening on the surface of the area containing the surface fastening material. Such surface fastening materials can be, for example, adhesives that can be applied to the area.

[0027] In some examples, the surface fastening material can provide fastening in multiple discrete fastening elements, the density of which allows for substantially uniform fastening over the area containing 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 .

[0028] For example, multiple discrete fastening elements can provide mechanical and / or frictional fastening over an area containing surface fastening material. Examples of surface fastening materials containing discrete fastening elements could be hook and / or ring materials used to form hook / hook or hook / loop connections.

[0029] "Fastening area containing surface fastening material" means a surface area on which the surface fastening material is distributed to provide substantially uniform fastening in the fastener area.

[0030] In this article, "removable" fastener means that the fastener area can be attached to and removed from the surface of another area, such as attaching to and removing from a corresponding fastener area multiple times without significantly impairing its function. For fastener areas on disposable products, providing a few attachment / removal cycles (e.g., at least 5 cycles or at least 2 cycles) may be sufficient. For fastener areas on reusable products, more attachment / removal cycles may be required. For example, for any reusable fastener area, it may provide at least 50 attachment / removal cycles, such as at least 150 or at least 300 times.

[0031] In this document, "complementary" surface fastening materials mean that two corresponding surface fastening materials are matched to allow for detachable fastening, i.e., allow for a detachable bond between them. For example, mechanical and / or frictional detachable attachment can be provided between complementary surface fastening materials. An example of complementary surface fastening materials is a first surface fastening material comprising a hook (e.g., a hook material) and a second surface fastening material comprising a ring (e.g., a ring material).

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

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

[0034] Jacquard is a woven or knitted system that utilizes a multi-functional pattern mechanism to create complex designs by controlling perforated cards that generate the patterns. Jacquard knitting can be applied to circular knitting, flat knitting, warp knitting, or weft knitting.

[0035] In the context of this disclosure, "nonwoven fabric" refers to a sheet, web, or mat of oriented or randomly oriented fibers bonded together by friction and / or cohesion and / or adhesive, excluding paper and products felted by wet-milling, whether or not additionally needle-punched, and is woven, knitted, tufted, or stitch-woven containing bonded yarns or filaments. Fibers can be of natural or man-made origin and can be short fibers or continuous filaments, or formed in situ. Commercially available fibers range in diameter from less than about 0.001 mm to greater than about 0.2 mm, and they come in several different forms: short fibers, continuous monofibers, untwisted bundles of continuous filaments, and twisted bundles of continuous filaments. Nonwoven fabrics can be formed by a variety of processes, such as meltblowing, spunbonding, solvent spinning, electrospinning, and carding.

[0036] The term "nonwoven fabric," when mentioned in relation to different parts of an insert, lies between the paper and paperboard group and the textile group in terms of its nature. A wide variety of production processes are used for nonwoven fabrics, such as air-laid, wet-laid, hydroentangling, spunbond, meltblown, etc. The fibers can be in the form of continuous fibers or pre-formed fibers of continuous length (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 set that includes one or more items (i.e., the length spanned by a set that includes one or more items), it refers to the maximum vertical length including all items in the set, regardless of whether the items are horizontally aligned. Similarly, when referring to the width of a collection that includes one or more items (i.e., the width spanned by a collection that includes one or more items), it refers to the maximum horizontal width including all items in the collection, regardless of whether the items are vertically aligned.

[0039] The term “completely contained within” in this article means that an item is “completely contained” within, for example, a section or segment, i.e., does not extend beyond (e.g., does not protrude from) that section or segment.

[0040] For the purposes of this disclosure, unless otherwise expressly stated, the length, width, and other dimensions of absorbent sanitary products, covers, or inserts are measured with the article laid flat on a flat surface, wherein any contractile elastic elements are deactivated. "Deactivated" means that the elastic element does not contract to any part to which it is attached. To deactivate an elastic element, it may be cut at one or more locations, or it may be removed. Alternatively, in some cases, the elastic element may be stretched such that the portion to which the elastic element is disposed is completely flattened. Measurements obtained in this stretched state may correspond to measurements obtained if the elastic element were deactivated.

[0041] To determine the length of the effective portion of an elastic element along another portion, the start and end points of the effective portion of the elastic element can be marked on the relevant portion. Then, the elastic element can be deactivated, and the distance between the marked start and end points can be measured while the relevant portion is in a flat position.

[0042] The effective portion of an elastic element is the part that can function to contract any part to which it is attached during use. Therefore, using the procedure described above, the inactive portions of the elastic element (e.g., the glued ends of the elastic wire) are ignored.

[0043] As used in this article, the “area” of a part of a product corresponds to the surface area of ​​the flat surface covered by that part when the product is placed flat on a flat surface (with any elastic elements removed or deactivated).

[0044] To determine the flat area of ​​an item such as an outer cover (which may include several joined panels or sections), it may be necessary to cut the item into several flat sheets to determine the area of ​​each sheet.

[0045] Note: In this article, when referring to the area of ​​the cover, or the length of the cover, or other dimensions of the cover, it refers to measurements taken when any flap components of the cover are in their operational position.

[0046] 1. Absorbent insert In a first aspect, this disclosure relates to an absorbent insert as claimed in claim 1.

[0047] Therefore, an absorbent insert is provided for use with an outer cover to form an absorbent article suitable for wearing around a wearer's waist. The insert, in use, is shaped to cover a predetermined portion of the wearer's pubic region and buttocks, and extends in a longitudinal direction and in a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, wherein a thickness direction is defined perpendicular to both the transverse and longitudinal directions, the thickness direction being an inward direction toward the wearer when the absorbent article is worn, and an outward direction away from the wearer when the article is worn. The insert has a longitudinal length extending in the 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 (as viewed in the thickness direction) between the backsheet and the topsheet, and the insert has an inward-facing side including the topsheet facing the wearer and an outward-facing side facing the outer cover when the article is used.

[0048] The longitudinal central axis divides the absorbent insert into a first transverse side and a second transverse side.

[0049] In the front section of the insert, the insert includes a front group of two or more cover fastener regions disposed on the inward-facing side of the insert. One or more cover fastener regions in the front group are disposed on one of a first lateral side and a second lateral side of the insert to form a first subset of one or more cover fastener regions, the first subset of cover fastener regions including a first surface fastening material for removably attaching the insert to the cover, and one or more cover fastener regions in the front group are disposed on the other of the first lateral side and the second lateral side of the insert to form a second subset of one or more cover fastener regions, the second subset of cover fastener regions including a second surface fastening material for removably attaching the insert to the cover.

[0050] Similarly, in the rear section of the insert, the insert includes a rear set of two or more cover fastener regions disposed on the inward-facing side of the insert. One or more cover fastener regions in the rear set are disposed on one of a first lateral side and a second lateral side of the insert to form a first subset of one or more cover fastener regions, the first subset including a first surface fastening material for removably attaching the insert to the cover, and one or more cover fastener regions in the rear set are disposed on the other of the first lateral side and the second lateral side of the insert to form a second subset of one or more cover fastener regions, the second subset including a second surface fastening material for removably attaching the insert to the cover.

[0051] The first surface fastening material is different from the second surface fastening material, and the first surface fastening material is complementary to the second surface fastening material to provide a detachable mechanical and / or frictional attachment between them.

[0052] The insert has a usage state in which the cover fastener regions of the first and second subsets of the front group and the cover fastener regions of the first and second subsets of the rear group are detachably attached to the outer cover.

[0053] Furthermore, the insert has a folded state in which it is folded approximately along a longitudinal axis, and in the front section, one or more cover fastener regions of the first subset of the front group are attached to one or more cover fastener regions of the second subset of the front group, and in the rear section, one or more cover fastener regions of the first subset of the rear group are attached to one or more cover fastener regions of the second subset of the rear group.

[0054] In absorbent articles, leak protection and absorbency 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 torso. At least a portion of the insert facing inward will be directly adjacent to the wearer's skin, thus serving to receive bodily waste from the wearer.

[0055] The outer cover and insert are detachable from each other, and the reusable outer cover can be used multiple times with a new insert.

[0056] Therefore, this document proposes to provide an absorbent insert that includes a set of two or more cover fastener regions on the inward-facing side of the insert in each of the front and rear sections of the insert, thereby enabling detachable connection to an outer cover via the inward-facing side of the insert to form an absorbent article as described above.

[0057] Each cover fastener area includes a surface fastening material that provides a removable attachment of the insert to the cover. As described above, the surface fastening material can be a first surface fastening material or a second surface fastening material.

[0058] The first and second surface fastening materials of two or more cover fastener regions can each differ from any other region on the inward-facing side of the insert; that is, the first and second surface fastening materials of both the front and rear cover fastener regions are different from any other material on the inward-facing side of the insert. For example, the first and second surface fastening materials of two or more cover fastener regions in the front and rear groups can differ from the top sheet material and / or leak-proof barrier forming material on the inward-facing side of the insert. Therefore, the connection between the cover and the insert is controlled, for example, in terms of the location of the connection and / or the strength of the formed connection.

[0059] Therefore, the position and / or surface area and / or type of the first and second surface fastening materials of, for example, two or more cover fastener regions are adapted to the insert fastener region of the cover to provide a suitable detachable connection between the insert and the cover. For example, as will be further mentioned below in the description of the absorbent article, the insert fastener region of the cover can be adapted to provide a greater adhesion force when attached to the cover fastener region than to any other inward-facing region of the insert. For example, as mentioned above in the description of the absorbent article, the insert fastener region of the cover can be adapted to not adhere to any inward-facing region of the insert other than the cover fastener region.

[0060] Two or more cover fastener areas in the front and rear groups can be arranged not to protrude beyond the extension of the insert's film. That is, two or more complete cover fastener areas in each of the front and rear groups can be arranged to overlap with the rest of the insert, rather than on any extensions, flaps, etc., protruding from the insert itself.

[0061] The insert can optionally be configured to be reusable, such as washable.

[0062] However, the insert can preferably be configured for single use. In other words, the insert can preferably be disposable.

[0063] General construction of absorbent inserts Top film As described above, the insert includes a liquid-impermeable bottom sheet, a liquid-permeable top sheet, and an absorbent assembly disposed between the top sheet and the bottom sheet.

[0064] Materials suitable for topsheets are well known in the field of disposable absorbent hygiene products, and for the purposes of this disclosure, any material commonly known as a topsheet material may be used, including but not limited to nonwoven materials and perforated polymer films.

[0065] The toppiece is suitably permeable to liquids, allowing excreted bodily fluids (such as urine) to pass through its thickness. Furthermore, the toppiece is suitably made of a material that is soft and gentle on the wearer's skin.

[0066] The top sheet can be made of various fiber web materials, such as woven and nonwoven fiber webs, perforated membranes, open-cell foams, or combinations or laminates of the above materials.

[0067] 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.

[0068] The nonwoven material used for the topsheet can be made of spunbond, spunbond / spunbond composites, or spunbond / meltblown composites, such as nonwoven materials of SMS, SSMS, SSMMS, SMMS, polypropylene, or bicomponent fibers of polypropylene and polyethylene, or combinations thereof. The topsheet may also have elastic properties.

[0069] The top sheet can be hydrophilized to reduce the tendency for urine to permeate 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; applying a hydrophilic monomer and a free radical polymerization initiator to the nonwoven material and then initiating a polymerization reaction on the nonwoven material; applying a coating of hydrophilic nanoparticles; or treating the surface of the nonwoven material with a high-energy treatment.

[0070] Surfactant coatings can be obtained by applying a surfactant composition to a nonwoven material, for example, by any suitable method, including spraying, tank coating, kiss-coating, and / or immersing the material in a bath containing the 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.

[0071] Top sheet materials can have a density of 8 to 20 g / m 2 Basis weight, for example, 12 to 17 g / m 2 However, this disclosure is not limited to topsheet materials having only this basis weight.

[0072] negative Suitable materials for use as backing sheets are well-known in the field of disposable absorbent hygiene products. Backing sheets can be virtually impermeable to liquids such as urine.

[0073] The backing sheet can be breathable. A breathable backing sheet is beneficial for the wearer's comfort and skin health. Since the inserts disclosed herein are intended for use with the outer cover disclosed herein to form an absorbent assembly, using a breathable backing sheet makes it possible to form an absorbent assembly that exhibits satisfactory breathability.

[0074] Film can be essentially liquid-impermeable and air-permeable, meaning that air and other gases can pass through the film while it is essentially liquid-impermeable.

[0075] For the purposes of this disclosure, any material commonly known 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.

[0076] The backing sheet may comprise one or more layers of material. For example, the backing sheet may be a liquid-impermeable polymer film facing the absorbent assembly and a laminate of nonwoven fabric facing the garment side to provide a textile-like soft feel to the outer surface of the disposable absorbent hygiene product.

[0077] It is also taken into consideration that the film may be made wholly or partially of elastic material or otherwise include elastic material to give the product a better fit when in use.

[0078] However, for the insert of the present invention, it is considered advantageous if the substrate comprises a nonwoven material (e.g., the substrate is a laminate of a porous polymer membrane and a nonwoven material).

[0079] Absorption core An 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 of the type that chemically binds a large amount of fluid upon absorption to form a fluid-containing 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 other components for improving the properties of the absorbent core. Examples of such components are bonded fibers, various types of fluid dispersion layers or fibers, size-stabilizing components, reinforcing fibers, etc.

[0080] Superabsorbent polymers are well known in the field of absorbent products and are used to help improve the absorbency of these 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 (measured according to method NSWP241.0.R2). The superabsorbent polymers used in 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, these superabsorbent polymers swell by absorbing the fluid into their structure. Typically, superabsorbent polymers can rapidly absorb fluids that rush into these products and can retain these fluids to prevent leakage, and also contribute to providing a feeling of dryness even after a fluid rush.

[0081] The type of superabsorbent polymer used in the absorbent assemblies of the embodiments discussed herein may be the same or may vary within the assembly. For example, a superabsorbent polymer having a first set of properties may be used in the front and rear regions of the absorbent assembly or in the first absorbent core, while a superabsorbent polymer having a second set of properties may be used in the central region of the absorbent assembly or in the second absorbent core. Properties mentioned in this section include, for example, centrifugal retention capacity, absorbance under load, and / or gel layer permeability.

[0082] Therefore, the absorbent assembly of the insert as proposed herein can advantageously include a superabsorbent polymer. For example, the absorbent assembly may include a superabsorbent polymer and cellulose fibers.

[0083] 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 the superabsorbent polymer.

[0084] The absorption assembly may include a first absorption layer and a second absorption layer, which are stacked between the film and the top film.

[0085] Therefore, the superabsorbent polymer can be present in one or both of the first and second absorbent layers.

[0086] Acquisition layer Furthermore, the insert may include a collection layer applied between the top sheet and the absorbent assembly. Suitable materials for use as collection layers (also technically referred to 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 usable as a collection layer may be used. The collection layer may, for example, be an air-laid layer, a spunlace layer, a high-loft layer, foam, or any other type of material layer that can be used in absorbent hygiene products as a liquid collection and absorption layer. The collection layer is suitably adapted to rapidly receive and temporarily store discharged liquid, which is then absorbed by the absorbent core. Such a collection layer may, for example, be composed of an air-laid nonwoven fabric, a spunlace nonwoven fabric, a high-loft nonwoven fabric, or a foam material. Air-laid nonwoven fabrics can be produced from fluff, wood pulp, and here the fluff fibers are dispersed into a rapidly moving airflow and condensed onto a moving screen by pressure and vacuum. The collection layer is preferably a breathable bonded nonwoven fabric of polyester fibers.

[0087] Further characteristics of the inserts related to the absorption assembly The absorbent assembly can be primarily positioned within the crotch section of the insert and has an absorbent assembly length not exceeding 70% (e.g., not exceeding 85% of the longitudinal length of the insert) of the longitudinal length of the insert.

[0088] 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 inside the flap assembly of the outer casing. This reduces the risk of soiling the outer casing and allows it to be reused without the need for cleaning.

[0089] For example, the fastener areas of the front and rear covers can be limited to portions of the insert that extend longitudinally beyond the absorbent core, respectively, toward the front or rear edge. Therefore, the attachment of the insert to the cover is constant regardless of whether the insert absorbs any amount of liquid.

[0090] 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.

[0091] In this article, "hourglass-shaped" means that the absorbent core has the narrowest width in the crotch section of the insert, and that the width of the absorbent core towards the front section and the width towards the rear section are both greater than the narrowest width.

[0092] In other alternatives, the absorbent core can have other shapes, such as rectangular or elliptical.

[0093] Optionally, the longitudinal edge of the insert partially corresponds to the hourglass shape of the absorption assembly.

[0094] Therefore, the insert can have the narrowest width in the lateral direction in the crotch section of the insert.

[0095] In other alternatives, the insert can have a rectangular shape.

[0096] The insert may have a length along the longitudinal axis that is greater than its width along the transverse axis.

[0097] For example, the insert may have a total absorbent capacity of at least 1000 ml, such as from 1000 to 4000 ml. Therefore, the insert is an insert suitable for use as an insert in an absorbent article, which is an incontinence item suitable for adult wearers.

[0098] In some variations, the absorbent components are arranged symmetrically about the central transverse axis of the insert. Therefore, the insert will provide similar absorbent functionality regardless of its front / back orientation relative to the wearer.

[0099] In some variations, the absorbent components are arranged asymmetrically about the central transverse axis of the insert. Therefore, depending on the front / back orientation of the insert relative to the wearer, the insert can exhibit different absorbent capabilities. For example, the absorbent components may provide greater absorbency in the region between the central transverse axis and the rear edge of the insert than in the region between the central transverse axis and the front edge of the insert.

[0100] Cover fastener area As described above, in a first aspect of this disclosure, an absorbent insert is provided having an inward-facing side, including a top panel, facing the wearer during use, and an outward-facing side, facing the outer cover. In the front section, the insert includes a front group of two or more cover fastener regions disposed on the inward-facing side of the insert. Similarly, in the rear section, the insert includes a rear group of two or more cover fastener regions disposed on the inward-facing side of the insert. As described in the introduction, the cover fastener region is a region including surface fastening material for removably attaching the insert to the outer cover.

[0101] Therefore, when the insert is attached to the cover, it can be securely held in place, allowing for the benefits of comfort and aesthetics described above regarding the cover. For example, when the insert is attached to the cover and worn by the wearer, the cover fastener areas will be covered by the remainder of the insert, thus protecting them from tearing or pulling from the outside of the absorbent material.

[0102] Similarly, the area of ​​the cover fastener and therefore the position of the insert will be less likely to shift due to tearing or friction caused by, for example, the wearer's movement.

[0103] By the above definition, a group of two or more cover fastener regions includes all cover fastener regions in the front or rear section respectively, these cover fastener regions are positioned on the inward-facing side of the insert and include surface fastening material for removably attaching the cover.

[0104] It is possible that, in addition to the set of cover fastener regions located on the inward-facing side of the insert, the insert may also include additional fastener regions for providing a removable attachment between the cover and the insert. For example, the additional fastener regions may be located on the outward-facing side of the insert. However, any such additional fastener regions should preferably be minimized, as additional attachment may impair the benefits obtained by using two or more cover fastener regions, such as the front and rear sets located on the inward-facing side of the insert as presented herein.

[0105] Conversely, two or more cover fastener regions, front and rear, positioned on the inward-facing side of the insert, may constitute the only fastener elements in the front and / or rear sections of the insert suitable for detachably attaching the insert to the cover.

[0106] Preferably, the front and rear cover fastener areas constitute the only fastener elements of the insert suitable for removably attaching the insert to the cover.

[0107] Optionally, the insert extends longitudinally between the front and rear edges, and two or more cover fastener regions in the front group are located at or near the respective front edge of the insert, and two or more cover fastener regions in the rear group are located at or near the respective rear edge of the insert.

[0108] By being located near the front and rear edges, two or more cover fastener areas can be easily and completely covered by the flap members of the cover (as described below), thereby preventing any contact with the wearer's skin during use.

[0109] When two or more cover fastener regions in the front and rear groups of the insert are positioned at the respective front or rear edges of the insert, manufacturing advantages can be obtained, for example, when the insert includes two or more cover fastener members that can be cut in alignment with the front or rear edges of the insert during manufacturing. For instance, the front edge of each of the two or more cover fastener members forming the two or more cover fastener regions in the front group can coincide with the front edge of the insert, and the rear edge of each of the two or more cover fastener members forming the two or more fastener regions in the rear group can coincide with the rear edge of the insert.

[0110] Optionally, in at least one (preferably each) of the front and rear sections of the insert, two or more cover fastener regions of the front and / or rear groups span a longitudinal length not exceeding 20% ​​of the longitudinal length of the insert, for example, not exceeding 10% of the longitudinal length of the insert. Therefore, when the insert is attached to the outer cover by a set of two or more cover fastener areas in each of the front and rear sections, a large portion of the longitudinal length of the insert facing inward will be available for absorbing bodily fluids, while the front set of two or more cover fastener areas and the rear set of two or more cover fastener areas provide a secure attachment of the insert to the outer cover.

[0111] Furthermore, in each of the front and rear sections of the insert, the front edge portion or rear edge portion can be defined as an insert portion extending from the respective front or rear edge and spanning a longitudinal length traversed by two or more cover fastener regions of the front or rear group. Therefore, when the insert is attached to the cover (as described below), the front or rear flap member of the cover will be suitably adapted to extend at least partially onto the front or rear edge portion of the insert, respectively. Each of the front or rear flap member may be provided with a set of two or more insert fastener regions corresponding to two or more cover fastener regions of the front or rear group of the insert.

[0112] Optionally, the front edge portion and / or the rear edge portion may have an edge portion length that is less than 20% of the longitudinal length of the insert (e.g., less than 10% of the longitudinal length of the insert).

[0113] When two or more cover fastener regions in the current or rear group extend from the front or rear edge of the insert, the length of the front or rear edge portion is therefore equal to the longitudinal length spanned by the two or more cover fastener regions in the current or rear group.

[0114] As described above, the absorption component can be primarily positioned in the crotch section of the insert.

[0115] The absorber assembly has an absorber assembly length. For example, the absorber assembly length may not exceed 70% of the longitudinal length of the insert, such as not exceeding 85% of the longitudinal length of the insert.

[0116] Furthermore, in the front and rear sections of the insert, the front or rear end of the absorbing component can be spaced apart from the front or rear edge portion by an absorbing interval length, respectively. The absorbing interval length can be, for example, at least 3% of the longitudinal length of the insert, or at least 4% or 5% of the longitudinal length of the insert. For example, the absorbing interval length can be from 3% to 10% of the longitudinal length of the insert, or from 5% to 10% of the longitudinal length of the insert. (The absorbing interval length can be the same in the front and rear sections of the insert, but does not have to be.) Therefore, it can be ensured that the expansion of the absorbent assembly when absorbing fluid will not interfere with the connection between the insert and the outer casing.

[0117] Optionally, the sum of the longitudinal length spanned by two or more cover fastener regions in the front group and the longitudinal length spanned by two or more cover fastener regions in the rear group 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.

[0118] Therefore, when the insert is attached to the outer cover via two or more cover fastener areas in the front and rear groups during use, a large portion of the longitudinal length of the insert facing inward will be available for absorbing bodily fluids, while the two or more cover fastener areas in the front and rear groups provide a secure attachment of the insert to the outer cover.

[0119] 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.

[0120] Optionally, each cover fastener region in the front group and each cover fastener region in the rear group has an area not exceeding 10% of the insert area (e.g., not exceeding 5% or 2% of the insert area).

[0121] Therefore, when the insert is attached to the outer cover via two or more cover fastener areas of the front and rear groups during use, a large portion of the total inward-facing area of ​​the insert will be available for absorbing bodily fluids, while the two or more cover fastener areas of the front and rear groups provide a secure attachment of the insert to the outer cover.

[0122] Optionally, the total area of ​​all cover fastener areas of the insert shall not exceed 25% of the insert area, for example, not more than 10% of the insert area.

[0123] Therefore, when the insert is attached to the outer cover via two or more cover fastener areas in the front and rear groups during use, a large portion of the longitudinal area of ​​the insert facing inward will be available for absorbing bodily fluids, while the two or more cover fastener area groups provide a secure attachment of the insert to the outer cover.

[0124] Lateral fastening width of the insert In the front section, two or more front cover fastener areas span a lateral fastening width, and in the rear section, two or more rear cover fastener areas span a lateral fastening width.

[0125] In some variations, the lateral fastening width of the two or more cover fastener regions in the front group can be the same as the lateral fastening width of the two or more cover fastener regions in the rear group.

[0126] In some variations, the lateral fastening width of the front two or more cover fastener areas may differ from the lateral fastening width of the rear two or more cover fastener areas.

[0127] Optionally, in the front and / or rear groups, the lateral fastening width spanned by two or more cover fastener regions of the front or rear group 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 cover via two or more cover fastener regions of the front and rear groups, it can be ensured that the insert is stretched at least over a substantial portion 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. A subset of the cover fastener area As described above, each of the two or more cover fastener regions in the front and rear groups is divided into a first subset cover fastener region and a second subset cover fastener region. The first subset cover fastener region includes the cover fastener region of the front / rear group located on a first lateral side of the longitudinal axis, and the second subset cover fastener region includes the cover fastener region of the front / rear group located on another lateral side of the longitudinal axis. Therefore, each first subset and second subset cover fastener region includes one or more cover fastener regions.

[0128] In at least one (or preferably each) front and rear group, the first and second subsets may advantageously be spaced apart in the lateral direction.

[0129] The front / rear edge portion of the insert, spaced apart by the fastener areas of the first and second subsets, may not have a fastener area along the lateral width of the gap measured between the first and second subsets. This facilitates shaping of the insert in use, as it attaches to the outer cover that forms an absorbent material applied to the wearer. Notably, the front and / or rear segments of the insert may be spread across the lateral fastening width to secure the insert's position relative to 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, by assuming a slight cupping shape.

[0130] Furthermore, when the insert does not have a cover fastener area in the lateral spacing width, the surface fastening material of the cover fastener area is only placed where needed, which means that the amount of material on the insert can be reduced.

[0131] Preferably, the first and second subset cover fastener regions are symmetrically spaced around a longitudinal central axis. For example, the cover fastener region of the first subset may mirror the cover fastener region of the second subset, as seen along the longitudinal central axis. Therefore, preferably, the lateral distance relative to the longitudinal central axis is equal for both the first and second subsets in one of the front and rear segments. This ensures that the insert can be attached to the cover symmetrically and with a uniformly distributed retaining force.

[0132] As described above, the front and rear cover fastener regions can each span a lateral fastening width that is close to the maximum width of the insert in the front or rear segment, for example, spanning a lateral fastening width that is at least 80% of the maximum width of the insert in the front or rear segment. Therefore, when the front and rear cover fastener regions are combined with a first subset and a second subset spaced apart by a spacing width, it can be understood that the first subset and the second subset can each be positioned adjacent to the corresponding longitudinal side edge of the insert.

[0133] The lateral fastening width must naturally be greater than the lateral spacing width. For example, the lateral fastening width can be at least 10% larger than the lateral spacing width by the distance corresponding to the maximum width of the insert at the respective rear or front section.

[0134] 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.

[0135] For example, the lateral spacing width may be at least three times the lateral width of each cover fastener area, or at least four times the lateral width of each cover fastener area.

[0136] 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 cover can be controlled to ensure the function of the insert during use, while allowing the use of a cover fastener area of ​​sufficient size to provide a sufficiently strong connection.

[0137] For example, when the absorbent insert includes a pair of spaced-apart internal leak-proof barriers (described further below), the spaced distance is the barrier width, and the lateral spacing width may be at least the barrier width.

[0138] For example, when the absorbent insert includes a pair of inner-side leak-proof barriers symmetrically spaced apart around a longitudinal axis by a barrier width, and a pair of insert leg resilient members spanning the width of the maximum leg resilient, the two or more cover fastener regions of the front and rear groups can each span a transverse fastening width such that the leg resilient width is greater than the barrier width, and the transverse fastening width is equal to or greater than the width of the maximum leg resilient. Alternatively, when the front and rear groups each include a first subset and a second subset of cover fastener regions symmetrically spaced apart around a longitudinal axis by a spacing width, the spacing width can, for example, be greater than or equal to the barrier width.

[0139] The proposed positioning of the cover fastener area ensures, as described above, proper tension of the insert leg elastic member when the insert is attached to the cover. Furthermore, the proposed positioning also ensures proper tension and thus lifting of the side leak-proof barrier when the insert is attached to the cover. Therefore, the proposed positioning of the cover fastener area improves the leak-proof performance of absorbent articles and facilitates the process of positioning the absorbent article on the wearer.

[0140] As described above, the insert is preferably attached to the cover in a flattened state in the lateral direction and in the front and rear edge portions of the insert.

[0141] Therefore, at least across the corresponding lateral fastening width, the front and / or rear edge portions can be suitably wrinkle-free when the insert is in use. For example, the entire front and / or rear edge portions can be suitably wrinkle-free when the insert is in use.

[0142] Therefore, the front and / or rear edge portions of the insert, including, for example, a top sheet, any leak-proof barrier forming material, and a bottom sheet, are wrinkle-free when the insert is in use. Thus, the front and / or rear edge portions are adapted to be attached to the outer cover in an unfolded state by a set of two or more cover fastener members when the insert is in use.

[0143] For example, when the corresponding front and rear cover fastener components include two subset cover fastener components spaced apart by a lateral spacing width, the front edge portion and the rear edge portion may each not have an elastic member component that provides elasticity in the lateral direction of the insert at the lateral spacing width. For example, at least over the corresponding lateral fastening width, the front and rear edge portions may not have elastic members that provide elasticity in the lateral direction of the insert over the lateral spacing width. For example, the entire front and rear edge portions may not have elastic members that provide elasticity in the lateral direction of the insert.

[0144] For example, the entire insert may not have an elastic member that provides elasticity in the lateral direction of the insert.

[0145] The elastic element that provides elasticity in the lateral direction of the insert refers to an elastic element (such as an elastic line, etc.) added to the rest of the insert, such as an element added to the top sheet, leak-proof barrier forming material, bottom sheet, or absorbent assembly, so as to shrink the rest of the insert in the lateral direction when activated.

[0146] A subset of the cover fastener region associated with the cover fastener component For example, in at least one (preferably each) of the front and rear sections of the insert, the first subset and the second subset of cover fastener regions can be provided by a single cover fastener component. Therefore, the cover fastener component can include a sheet-like substrate comprising a first surface fastening material forming one or more cover fastener regions of the first subset, and a second surface fastening material forming one or more cover fastener regions of the second subset.

[0147] However, preferably, one or more cover fastener regions of the first subset can be provided by one or more cover fastener members of the first subset, and one or more cover fastener regions of the second subset can be provided by one or more cover fastener members of the second subset. Therefore, the cover fastener members of the first and second subsets can be laterally spaced apart by a spacing width. This is advantageous for reducing the amount of material added to the insert.

[0148] For example, each of the front and / or rear segments of the insert may include a single first cover fastener member providing one or more cover fastener regions of a first subset, and a single second cover fastener member providing one or more cover fastener regions of a second subset.

[0149] For example, each of the first and second subsets may consist of only a single cover fastener area.

[0150] For example, each of the front and / or rear segments of the insert may include a single first cover fastener member on a first lateral side of the longitudinal central axis, the single first cover fastener member including a single cover fastener region forming a first subset of the front / rear group; and a single second cover fastener member on a second lateral side of the longitudinal lateral axis, the single second cover fastener member including a single cover fastener region forming a second subset of the front / rear group.

[0151] Insert leg elastic component The insert extends longitudinally between a front edge and a rear edge and includes a longitudinal side edge connecting the front and rear edges. Furthermore, the insert may include a pair of insert leg resilient members extending substantially along the longitudinal direction of the insert. One of the leg resilient members in the pair is arranged on each lateral side of the insert. Each leg resilient member is laterally positioned between the absorber assembly and the corresponding longitudinal side edge of the insert. For each of the front and rear segments of the insert, the leg resilient width is defined as the maximum lateral width spanned by the insert leg resilient member in the front or rear segment, respectively. Optionally, the leg resilient widths in the front and rear segments of the insert may be the same and correspond to the maximum lateral width on the insert leg resilient member.

[0152] The insert leg elastic member helps to shape the insert around the user's body and provides sufficient fluid seal at the leg openings of the absorbent item when attached to the wearer. Furthermore, the insert leg elastic member helps to ensure proper positioning of the insert during use. Therefore, using the insert leg elastic member can help provide sufficient fluid seal when the insert is used as an attachment to an outer cover, allowing the outer cover to be liquid-proof.

[0153] In at least one (preferably each) of the rear and front sections of the insert, the lateral fastening width spanned by two or more cover fastener regions in the rear / front group may be not less than the width of the leg elastic member in the rear or front section respectively.

[0154] 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 cover, the insert leg elastic can be stretched in the lateral direction, thereby ensuring the correct function and positioning of the insert leg elastic.

[0155] Optionally, in at least one (preferably each) of the rear and front sections of the insert, the insert may include a pair of leg edge portions, each leg edge portion extending longitudinally along the respective 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 respective longitudinal side edge, said maximum lateral leg edge width being at least 1 cm, for example at least 2 cm.

[0156] For example, the maximum lateral leg edge width can not exceed 4 cm.

[0157] In this document, the 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.

[0158] The leg edge portion, extending laterally between the insert leg resilient member and the longitudinal side edge of the insert, provides additional leak-proof 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.

[0159] When combined with the lateral fastening width spanned by the cover fastener area group as described above, which is not less than the width of the leg elastic element, the leg edge portion can extend at least partially in the lateral direction when the insert is attached to the cover. Therefore, the leg edge portion can automatically fold into the correct position when the insert is attached to the cover. Thus, the cover fastener area group helps to fold and hold the leg edge portion in a laterally extended state during the fastening of the absorbent item to the wearer and during its use. This eliminates the need for manual operation that would otherwise be required to fold out the leg edge portion. This is particularly beneficial for adult wearers, improving their dignity in care situations by avoiding manual operation of the leg edge portion in the wearer's crotch area.

[0160] For example, the lateral fastening width may extend to at least 50% of the lateral width of each leg portion, such as at least 75% of the lateral width of each leg portion, or at least 80% of the lateral width of each leg portion.

[0161] Optionally, the insert leg elastic member is sandwiched between the innermost layer of the insert and the bottom plate.

[0162] The insert leg elastic member extends along the longitudinal length of the insert leg elastic member. The length of the insert leg elastic member can be at least 50% of the total longitudinal length of the insert, for example, at least 75% or at least 85% of the total longitudinal length.

[0163] The length of the insert leg elastic member will be defined as the longitudinal length of the insert along which its leg elastic member is active. That is, any portion of the leg elastic member that is tightened or deactivated such that it no longer provides elasticity to the insert will be ignored.

[0164] (Similarly, the width of the insert leg elastic member as defined above will be measured over the effective portion of the leg elastic member component.) For example, the length of the insert leg elastic element may extend along at least 60% of the total longitudinal length of the absorber core (e.g., at least 80% or at least 90% of the total longitudinal length of the absorber core).

[0165] Optionally, in at least one (preferably each) of the front and rear sections of the insert, two or more cover fastener regions of the front / rear group are confined in a longitudinal section of the insert that is not spanned by the length of the leg elastic member.

[0166] Therefore, the function of the cover fastener region in ensuring the extension of the insert leg elastic member in the longitudinal direction can be improved. For example, the set of two or more cover fastener regions can be confined to a longitudinal section of the insert that is not crossed by the length of the leg elastic member.

[0167] Therefore, when the lateral fastening width is greater than the leg elastic member width, and each cover fastener area is longitudinally positioned in the portion between the front / rear end of the insert leg elastic member and the front / rear edge of the insert, the cover fastener 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 cover.

[0168] Each insert leg elastic component 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 in a stretched state to provide elasticity to the insert.

[0169] For the longitudinal extension of the insert leg elastic member, i.e., the insert leg elastic member length in this document, it means any active extension of the leg elastic member, i.e., along which the elasticity is indeed provided by the insert leg elastic member. Therefore, in determining the extension of the leg elastic member, any portion of the elastic element where elasticity is disabled is ignored.

[0170] Internal leak-proof barrier of the insert The inner-facing side of the insert may include a pair of inner-side leak-proof barriers extending along the longitudinal direction of the insert.

[0171] Internal leak-proof barriers are also often referred to as "standing gathers".

[0172] The side leakage barrier can extend approximately along and a certain distance from the corresponding longitudinal side edge of the insert.

[0173] The internal leak-proof barrier can be adapted to be movable between: a first position in which the internal leak-proof barrier forms a flat surface parallel to the top plate; and a second position in which the internal leak-proof barrier is raised from the liquid-permeable top plate at least 60% of the longitudinal length of the insert, spaced apart from both the front and rear edges of the insert.

[0174] The length of the side leak-proof barrier can be defined as the longitudinal length of the side leak-proof barrier as it freely extends above the liquid-permeable top plate. As mentioned above, the length of the side leak-proof barrier can be at least 60% of the longitudinal length of the insert. The length of the side leak-proof barrier can, for example, extend over the entire extension of the absorbent assembly.

[0175] However, to avoid interfering with the connection between the insert and the outer casing, the length of the side leak-proof 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 leak-proof barrier can be spaced apart from the rear and / or front edge portions of the insert. For example, the length of the side leak-proof 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.

[0176] For example, the length of the side leakage barrier can be less than 80% of the longitudinal length of the insert, such as less than 70%.

[0177] Each internal leak-proof barrier may include a resilient element. For example, the resilient element may be one or more elastic threads.

[0178] Each side leak barrier may include a sheet and an elastic element, such as an elastic thread. For example, each side leak barrier may include more than one elastic thread, such as two to five elastic threads. The sheet of each side leak barrier may include two layers of material. The sheet of each side leak 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 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 leak barriers may be raised above the inward-facing side of the top sheet, respectively. The elastic thread of each standing assembly may be raised, for example, at least 20 mm above the inward-facing side of the top sheet, for example, from 20 mm to 70 mm, or from 30 mm to 50 mm.

[0179] 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 leak barrier can be a hydrophobic side leak barrier.

[0180] Preferably, the insert includes the insert leg resilient members as described above and the internal side leak-proof barriers as described above. Therefore, the pair of internal side leak-proof barriers are arranged laterally closer to the longitudinal axis than the pair of insert leg resilient members. For example, each of the pair of internal side leak-proof barriers may extend along a corresponding longitudinal side edge portion of the absorbent assembly. Therefore, the absorbent assembly may have a predetermined lateral width that extends beyond the internal side leak-proof barriers toward the leg resilient members. The predetermined width extending beyond the internal side leak-proof barriers is preferably less than 30% of the lateral width of the absorbent assembly.

[0181] In this document, the maximum width between each of the inner side leak-proof barriers in the pair is defined as the barrier width. The barrier width is the maximum lateral width measured between the following locations of each side leak-proof barrier: at these locations, the liftable portion of the leak-proof barrier is attached to the inward-facing remainder of the insert.

[0182] Therefore, the barrier width can be, for example, smaller than the width of the leg elastic element.

[0183] The width of the liftable portion (the part not attached to the top panel) of each side barrier can be less than half the width of the barrier—that is, the side barriers are not intended to completely cover the top panel between them when folded. Instead, the width of the liftable portion of each side barrier can be, for example, less than 30% of the barrier width, or less than 25% of the barrier width. For example, the width of the liftable portion of each side barrier can be between 15% and 25% of the barrier width.

[0184] Therefore, an insert comprising a pair of internal leak-proof barriers as exemplified above and a pair of insert leg elastic members as exemplified above will provide a double barrier against leakage of bodily fluids from the insert during use. Thus, the insert is particularly useful when used in conjunction with the outer cover described herein. For example, since the insert ensures reliable collection and absorption of bodily fluids, the outer cover can be liquid-permeable, as its function is to provide proper positioning of the insert relative to the wearer, rather than providing fluid permeability and / or absorbency. Therefore, the outer cover can be made of a liquid-permeable material (e.g., textiles). This provides the absorbent assembly formed by the outer cover and the insert attached thereto with a more underwear-like appearance and feel. Furthermore, the increased use of liquid-permeable, breathable materials (e.g., textiles) facing the wearer's body facilitates improved skin health.

[0185] Usage status and folded status As described above, according to a first aspect of this disclosure, an insert according to claim 1 is provided.

[0186] Therefore, an absorbent insert is provided for use with an outer cover to form an absorbent article suitable for wearing around a wearer's waist. The insert is shaped to cover a predetermined portion of the wearer's pubic region and buttocks during use, and extends in a longitudinal direction and in a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, wherein a thickness direction is defined perpendicular to both the transverse and longitudinal directions, the thickness direction being an inward direction toward the wearer when the absorbent article is worn, and an outward direction away from the wearer when the article is worn. The insert has a longitudinal length extending in the 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 between the backsheet and the topsheet, and the insert has an inward-facing side including the topsheet facing the wearer and an outward-facing side facing the outer cover when the article is used.

[0187] The longitudinal central axis divides the absorbent insert into a first transverse side and a second transverse side.

[0188] In the front section of the insert, the insert includes a front group of two or more cover fastener regions disposed on the inward-facing side of the insert. One or more cover fastener regions in the front group are disposed on one of a first lateral side and a second lateral side of the insert to form a first subset of one or more cover fastener regions, the first subset of cover fastener regions including a first surface fastening material for removably attaching the insert to the cover. Furthermore, one or more cover fastener regions in the front group are disposed on the other of the first lateral side and the second lateral side of the insert to form a second subset of one or more cover fastener regions, the second subset of cover fastener regions including a second surface fastening material for removably attaching the insert to the cover.

[0189] Similarly, in the rear section of the insert, the insert includes a rear group of two or more cover fastener regions disposed on the inward-facing side of the insert. One or more cover fastener regions in the rear group are disposed on one of a first lateral side and a second lateral side of the insert to form a first subset of one or more cover fastener regions, the first subset of cover fastener regions including a first surface fastening material for removably attaching the insert to the cover. Furthermore, one or more cover fastener regions in the rear group are disposed on the other of the first lateral side and the second lateral side of the insert to form a second subset of one or more cover fastener regions, the second subset of cover fastener regions including a second surface fastening material for removably attaching the insert to the cover.

[0190] The first surface fastening material is different from the second surface fastening material, and the first surface fastening material is complementary to the second surface fastening material to provide a detachable mechanical and / or frictional attachment between them.

[0191] The insert has a usage state in which the cover fastener regions of the first and second subsets of the front group and the cover fastener regions of the first and second subsets of the rear group are detachably attached to the outer cover.

[0192] Furthermore, the insert has a folded state in which it is folded approximately along a longitudinal axis, and in the front section, one or more cover fastener regions of the first subset of the front group are attached to one or more cover fastener regions of the second subset of the front group, and in the rear section, one or more cover fastener regions of the first subset of the rear group are attached to one or more cover fastener regions of the second subset of the rear group.

[0193] Therefore, in use, the insert can be held relative to the outer cover in a position such that the inward-facing side of the insert can be used to receive bodily waste from the wearer. In use, the cover fastener areas of the first subset of the front and rear groups and the cover fastener areas of the second subset of the front and rear groups are detachably attached to the outer cover. It can be noted that in use, the insert can be in a generally unfolded condition. Therefore, when attached to the outer cover, the insert (including, for example, the insert's backing sheet) will be generally flat. In use, the insert can adapt to the wearer's body, for example, by assuming a cup shape.

[0194] Furthermore, in each of the front and rear sections of the insert, the cover fastener region of the first subset is detachably attachable to the cover fastener region of the second subset via mechanical and / or frictional attachment of the first and second surface fastener materials.

[0195] Therefore, the insert has a folded state, wherein the insert is folded generally along the longitudinal axis, and the cover fastener region of the first subset is attached to the cover fastener region of the second subset in each of the front and rear sections of the insert. Thus, the insert can be in a folded state after its attachment to the cover is removed, i.e., the folded state is the post-use state of the insert.

[0196] Preferably, in the folded state, the insert is folded generally along the longitudinal axis, such that the inward-facing side of the insert is inside the fold. Therefore, after use, the insert can be folded and closed around the soiled inward-facing side, leaving only the outward-facing (film side) side exposed. Thus, the insert in its folded, post-use state can be easily and conveniently handled, for example, by the wearer or caregiver and disposed of, for example, by discarding it.

[0197] In some variations, the insert can be configured for multiple uses; for example, the insert can be a washable insert. In this case, the insert can be washed in its folded state, for example, machine washed. It is attached to the cover fastener areas of the second subset via the cover fastener areas of the first subset, and all cover fastener areas are protected during insert washing, preventing unwanted attachment, for example, to other items in the same washing batch.

[0198] In some variations, the insert is configured for single use, meaning it is intended to be used only once and then discarded; in this case, the insert can be discarded in its folded state.

[0199] Since the front and rear groups of two or more cover fastener regions are positioned on the inward-facing side of the insert, it provides particularly easy attachment of the first subset cover fastener region to the second subset cover fastener region, wherein the insert is folded generally along the longitudinal axis such that the inward-facing side of the insert is located inside the fold.

[0200] Optionally, according to a variant of the first type, in the front section of the insert, a first lateral side of the insert includes one or more cover fastener regions of a first subset, the first subset including a first surface fastening material for removably attaching the insert to the cover, and a second lateral side of the insert includes one or more cover fastener regions of a second subset, the second subset including a second surface fastening material for removably attaching the insert to the cover; and in the rear section of the insert, a first lateral side of the insert includes one or more cover fastener regions of the first subset, the first subset including a first surface fastening material for removably attaching the insert to the cover, and a second lateral side of the insert includes one or more cover fastener regions of a second subset, the second subset including a second surface fastening material for removably attaching the insert to the cover.

[0201] Therefore, in both the front and rear sections, one or more cover fastener regions of the first subset are preferably located on the first side of the longitudinal central axis, and one or more cover fastener regions of the second subset are preferably located on the second side of the longitudinal central axis. As a result, the fastening material on the intended left side of the insert is the same in both the front and rear sections, and vice versa for the intended right side of the insert.

[0202] When a first surface fastening material is present on the first side of the longitudinal axis as described above, and a second surface fastening material is present on the second side of the longitudinal axis, it can be ensured that the user can only fold the insert approximately along the longitudinal axis in the intended direction.

[0203] Furthermore, when a first surface fastening material is present on a first side of the longitudinal axis as described above, and a second surface fastening material is present on a second side of the longitudinal axis, in-line manufacturing is facilitated because a sheet material containing the first / second surface fastening material can be applied only on one side of the longitudinal central axis. During manufacturing, the sheet material containing the first / second surface material can be applied, extending across the intended cut line between the two consecutive inserts during production, and then cut along the cut line to separate the two consecutive inserts into a single article.

[0204] Furthermore, when a first surface fastening material is present on the first side of the longitudinal axis as described above and a second surface fastening material is present on the second side of the longitudinal axis, it can be ensured that the insert can only be attached to the cover in the intended front / back orientation.

[0205] Optionally, the absorber assembly is asymmetrical about the central transverse axis of the insert. When the absorber assembly is asymmetrical, for example, greater absorbency can be provided in the rear of the insert than in the front. In this case, it is further beneficial to ensure that the insert can only be attached to the cover in the intended front / rear orientation.

[0206] For example, each cover fastener region arranged on the first lateral side of the insert may include a first surface fastening material, and each cover fastener region arranged on the second lateral side of the insert may include a second surface fastening material.

[0207] Optionally, each cover fastener region in the first subset includes a first surface fastening material, and each cover fastener region in the second subset includes a second surface fastening material. Therefore, the first surface fastening material may be present only in the first subset of cover fastener regions, and the second surface fastening material may be present only in the second subset of cover fastener regions. This again facilitates manufacturing, because the first surface fastening material may be disposed only on a first side of the longitudinal axis, and the second surface fastening material may be disposed only on a second side of the longitudinal axis.

[0208] In a second type of variation, in the front group, a first subset including a first surface fastening material is arranged on the first lateral side of the insert, and a second subset including a second fastening material is arranged on the second lateral side of the insert; while in the rear group, a first subset including a first surface fastening material is arranged on the second lateral side of the insert, and a second subset including a second fastening material is arranged on the first lateral side of the insert. In such a variation, the insert can be folded not only along its longitudinal axis to a closed position, but also along its lateral central axis. However, as will be explained below, folding along the longitudinal axis of the insert may be preferred because this direction means that the folded end is farther from the contaminated area of ​​the insert than when folded along its lateral axis. When in the folded position, the folded end is more prone to leakage than other parts of the insert.

[0209] Furthermore, in the second type of variation, the specific front / back orientation of the insert is not implied by the location of a subset. Instead, for example, when the insert includes an absorbent component that is asymmetrical about the central transverse axis of the insert, this variation allows the user to choose how the insert is oriented in the front-back direction according to the wearer's needs. For example, if the absorbent component is asymmetrical about the central transverse axis of the insert and provides greater absorbency, for example, in the rear than in the front, the user can choose whether to apply the insert to the outer cover such that the greater absorbency is directed towards the front or the rear of the outer cover.

[0210] For example, in a variant of the second type, the front group of two or more cover fastener regions and the rear group of two or more cover fastener regions can be mirror images of each other as seen with respect to the transverse central axis of the insert.

[0211] In light of the above, the first type of variation provides a mistake-proofing solution, allowing users to easily and intuitively use the insert as intended, whether in its attached position to the cover or in a folded position. The second type of variation offers greater versatility, but at the cost of the insert not being as easily and intuitively used correctly.

[0212] The fact that the first fastening material and the second fastening material are different from each other means that the first fastening material and the second fastening material are structurally different from each other, that is, the structure providing mechanical and / or frictional detachable fastening is different in the first fastening material and the second fastening material.

[0213] Preferably, the first surface fastening material is not attached to itself, and the second surface fastening material is not attached to itself.

[0214] The fact that the first and second fastening materials are different from each other can also mean that the first and second fastening materials can be visually and / or tactilely distinguished from each other, further improving the operation and correct positioning of the insert relative to the cover, for example in low light conditions.

[0215] In addition, the first and second fastening materials may be provided with different distinguishable colors and / or visual markings to further facilitate the operation of the insert.

[0216] For example, the first surface fastening material may include a hook, and the second surface fastening material may include a ring.

[0217] As described above regarding the cover fastener region, the cover fastener region can be provided, for example, by a cover fastener component. For instance, the cover fastener component can be a piece of hook or ring material. The hook / ring material can be a material comprising a sheet-like substrate having a surface on which hooks / rings are arranged. For example, the cover fastener component can be formed from a sheet of hook / ring material cut from a strip of hook or ring material.

[0218] Optionally, in at least one of the front and rear sections of the insert (preferably each), the insert includes two or more cover fastener members, each cover fastener member providing at least one of two or more cover fastener regions in the front or rear group.

[0219] Optionally, at least one (e.g., each) of two or more cover fastener components in the front and / or rear groups includes a sheet-like base having a length in the longitudinal direction and a width in the transverse direction, the sheet-like base including one or more surface fastening material regions.

[0220] Optionally, in at least one (preferably each) of the front and rear sections of the insert, one or more cover fastener members on the first side of the longitudinal axis Y include a ring material, and one or more cover fastener members on the second side of the longitudinal axis Y include a hook material.

[0221] Optionally, the first subset and the second subset may be spaced apart by a lateral spacing width around the longitudinal central axis of the insert, as described above.

[0222] Optionally, the first and second subsets can be symmetrically spaced apart by the lateral spacing width around the longitudinal central axis. In addition to the advantages gained as described above when the insert is in the use position, the symmetrical spacing ensures that the insert folds along the central longitudinal axis in the folded position to form a symmetrical closed fold around the interior of the insert.

[0223] In the front and rear groups, the cover fastener regions of the first subset can mirror the cover fastener regions of the second subset, as seen along the longitudinal central axis. In other words, in the folded state, the insert is folded along the longitudinal central axis, and each cover fastener region of the first subset meets the complementary cover fastener region of the second subset.

[0224] It should be understood that this disclosure covers all the features related to the insert as described above in order to provide various advantages.

[0225] For example, the insert may include a pair of insert leg resilient members as described above, the leg resilient members extending substantially along the longitudinal direction of the insert, one of the leg resilient members being arranged laterally on each lateral side of the insert between the absorber assembly and the longitudinal side edge of the insert. In each of the front and rear sections of the insert, the leg resilient width is defined as the maximum lateral width on the leg resilient member in the front or rear section, respectively. Furthermore, in each of the rear and front sections, the lateral fastening width spanned by a set of two or more cover fastener regions may not be less than the leg resilient width. In this variation, in addition to the aforementioned advantages gained in the use state when the insert is attached to the cover, the position of the cover fastener region relative to the leg resilient members ensures that when the insert is in a folded state, the leg resilient members help to keep the insert closed around the inward-facing side, including the soiled top plate.

[0226] For example, the insert may include a pair of leg edge portions in each of the rear and front sections, each leg edge portion extending longitudinally along a corresponding leg resilient member and laterally between the leg resilient member and the corresponding longitudinal side edge of the insert to define a maximum lateral leg edge width between the leg resilient member and the corresponding longitudinal side edge, said maximum lateral leg edge width being at least 1 cm, for example, at least 2 cm. Similarly, in addition to the advantages gained when the insert is in use and attached to the cover, when the insert is folded, the leg edge portions help to securely keep the insert closed around the inward-facing side, including the soiled top plate.

[0227] For example, the inward-facing side of the insert may include a pair of internal leak-proof barriers extending along the longitudinal direction of the insert. Similarly, in addition to the advantages gained when the insert is in use and attached to the cover, the internal leak-proof barriers help to keep the insert securely closed around the inward-facing side, including the soiled top plate, when the insert is folded.

[0228] For example, when the lateral fastening width spanned by a set of two or more cover fastener regions in at least one (preferably each) of the front and rear sections of the insert is at least 70% (e.g., at least 80% or at least 90%) of the maximum width of the insert in the front or rear section, it can be ensured that when in the folded state, the inward-facing main portion of the insert is held inside the folded portion secured by the attachment of the first subset of cover fastener regions to the corresponding second subset of cover fastener regions.

[0229] For example, the insert may have a minimum lateral width in its crotch section, and in at least one (preferably each) of the front and rear sections of the insert, the lateral fastening width spanned by a group of two or more cover fastener regions in the front / rear group may be no less than the minimum lateral width, for example, no less than 110% or no less than 120% of the minimum lateral width. Similarly, this ensures that when the insert is folded, a sufficiently large portion of the insert is held within the folded portion secured by the cover fastener regions. Therefore, it can be ensured that a large portion of the lateral width of the insert is secured within the fold, and thus the soiled portion of the insert is located within the fold.

[0230] 2. Outer cover In a second aspect, this disclosure relates to an outer cover according to claim 27. Therefore, this disclosure relates to a reusable outer cover for an absorbent article extending in a longitudinal direction and in a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, wherein a thickness direction is defined as 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.

[0231] The outer cover has a longitudinal length extending in a longitudinal direction. The outer cover includes a garment portion extending along the longitudinal length, the garment portion forming a front section, a rear section, and a crotch section of the outer cover, the crotch section being arranged between the front section and the rear section along the longitudinal length.

[0232] The garment portion is adapted to fit snugly around the wearer's waist, with a front section positioned at or near the wearer's abdomen, a rear section positioned against the wearer's lower back, and a crotch section positioned over a predetermined portion of the wearer's pubic area and buttocks. The garment portion defines an inward-facing orientation toward the wearer and an outward-facing orientation away from the wearer when the outer garment is worn.

[0233] In each of the front and rear sections, the outer cover includes at least one flap member extending from the garment portion. Each flap member has a usage position in which the outward-facing inner side of the flap member faces the inward-facing inner side of the garment portion, thereby forming a space between the outward-facing inner side of the flap member and the inward-facing inner side of the garment portion, which is open in the longitudinal direction toward the crotch section.

[0234] The longitudinal central axis divides the outer cover into a first transverse side and a second transverse side.

[0235] In the front section of the outer casing, the outer casing includes a front group of two or more insert fastener regions disposed on the outwardly inward side of the at least one flap member. One or more insert fastener regions in the front group are disposed on one of a first lateral side and a second lateral side of the outer casing to form a first subset of the one or more insert fastener regions, the first subset including a first surface fastening material for removably attaching an insert to the outer casing. One or more insert fastener regions in the front group are disposed on the other of the first lateral side and the second lateral side of the outer casing to form a second subset of the one or more insert fastener regions, the second subset including a second surface fastening material for removably attaching an insert to the outer casing.

[0236] In the rear section of the outer casing, the outer casing includes a rear group of two or more insert fastener regions disposed on the outwardly inward side of the at least one flap member. One or more insert fastener regions in the rear group are disposed on one of a first lateral side and a second lateral side of the outer casing to form a first subset of the one or more insert fastener regions, the first subset including a first surface fastening material for removably attaching the insert to the outer casing. One or more insert fastener regions in the rear group are disposed on the other of the first lateral side and the second lateral side of the outer casing to form a second subset of the one or more insert fastener regions, the second subset including a second surface fastening material for removably attaching the insert to the outer casing.

[0237] The first surface fastening material is different from the second surface fastening material, and the first surface fastening material is complementary to the second surface fastening material to provide a detachable mechanical and / or frictional attachment between them.

[0238] When the flap members in the front section of the outer cover are in the use position and the flap members in the rear section of the outer cover are in the use position, the insert is detachably attached to the outer cover, wherein the insert fastener regions of the first and second subsets of the front group are attached to the corresponding front edge portions of the insert, and the insert fastener regions of the first and second subsets of the rear group are attached to the rear edge portions of the insert, and the insert extends inward over at least a portion of the crotch section of the garment portion.

[0239] In addition, the outer cover has a non-use position in which one or more insert fastener regions of the first subset of the front group are attached to one or more insert fastener regions of the second subset of the front group, and one or more insert fastener regions of the first subset of the rear group are attached to one or more insert fastener regions of the second subset of the rear group.

[0240] Features of the outer cover The outer cover is reusable, meaning it is designed for use with absorbent articles 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 disposed of or cleaned. Furthermore, the outer cover can be configured to be cleanable between use cycles. Thus, the outer cover can be cleaned between each use cycle if necessary. However, it may be preferable to clean the outer cover only when deemed necessary, i.e., when, after one or more use cycles, the outer cover is deemed dirty enough to require cleaning.

[0241] To provide effective cleaning, the cover can be configured to be washable.

[0242] For example, the cover can be configured to be machine washable.

[0243] For example, the cover can be configured for at least 20 washing cycles, such as for at least 20 machine wash cycles as defined herein.

[0244] Optionally, the cover can be configured for at least 50 washing cycles, such as for at least 50 machine wash cycles as defined herein.

[0245] Optionally, the cover can be configured for at least 20 machine wash cycles at 60 degrees Celsius, for example, at least 50 machine wash cycles at 60 degrees Celsius.

[0246] Washing allows for hygienic cleaning of the cover, further increasing its reusability. Machine washability is preferred because it makes the product easier for caregivers to clean and reuse.

[0247] As mentioned above, the outer cover is not primarily intended to collect bodily waste (such as urine or feces) from the wearer. Instead, when the absorbent article is in use, the absorbent inserts attached to the outer cover will perform the function of absorbing and collecting bodily waste from the wearer.

[0248] Therefore, the outer cover can be primarily permeable to liquids.

[0249] The outer cover is primarily permeable to liquids, meaning that the outer cover is essentially permeable to liquids such as urine.

[0250] 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.

[0251] The fact that the outer cover can be primarily permeable to liquids means that suitable materials for the outer cover can be selected from materials that are permeable to liquids.

[0252] Therefore, the outer cover can be made of a liquid-permeable material, such as textile fabric. This gives the absorbent item, which combines the outer cover and absorbent insert, a look and feel closer to underwear.

[0253] The outer cover can be primarily breathable. This is beneficial for the wearer's skin health.

[0254] Therefore, at least 50% of the total area of ​​the outer cover can be breathable. For example, at least 70% or at least 90% of the total area of ​​the outer cover can be breathable.

[0255] Preferably, the outer cover can be primarily liquid-permeable and primarily air-permeable. Therefore, the outer cover can be made of a liquid-permeable and air-permeable material (e.g., textile material).

[0256] Suitablely, the outer cover can be primarily liquid-permeable, primarily air-permeable, and washable, as described above. For this purpose, suitable materials that are liquid-permeable, air-permeable, and washable can be selected to form the outer cover. Similarly, suitable materials can be found among liquid-permeable, air-permeable, and washable textile materials.

[0257] For example, the outer garment portion may include forming one or more panels that form a front section, a back section, and a crotch section of the garment portion.

[0258] Therefore, the one or more fabric panels may be selected from liquid-permeable, breathable, and / or washable materials. For example, the one or more fabric panels may comprise textile fabrics. Suitable textile fabrics may be liquid-permeable, breathable, and / or washable.

[0259] For example, the one or more fabric panels may include knitted textile fabrics.

[0260] Knitted textiles can be suitable for providing elasticity for outerwear, as discussed below.

[0261] For example, the one or more fabric panels may include weft-knitted textile materials, such as weft-knitted single-sided knitted fabrics.

[0262] For example, the outer cover may include a textile fabric with a basis weight ranging from 150 to 300 gsm, such as 200 to 250 gsm. For example, the one or more fabric panels may include a textile fabric with a basis weight ranging from 150 to 300 gsm (e.g., 200 to 250 gsm). This fabric may be a knitted textile fabric, such as a weft-knitted textile fabric as described above, such as a weft-knitted single-sided knit fabric.

[0263] The outer cover may comprise a material that is elastic in at least one direction (preferably two directions). For example, the one or more fabric panels may comprise a material that is elastic in at least one direction (preferably two directions). Such material may be, for example, a knitted fabric as described above.

[0264] For example, the outer cover may include a textile fabric containing polyester.

[0265] Therefore, one or more fabric panels of the garment portion may include a textile fabric comprising polyester. For example, a significant portion of the garment portion may include a textile fabric comprising polyester, such as at least 60%, at least 80%, or at least 90% of the area.

[0266] For example, the one or more fabric panels may include a textile fabric comprising a mixture of polyester and elastic fibers. For example, the one or more fabric panels may include a textile fabric comprising not less than 70% polyester (e.g., not less than 80% polyester). For example, the one or more fabric panels may include a textile fabric comprising 70% to 90% polyester and 30% to 10% elastic fibers. For example, the one or more fabric panels may include a fabric comprising 80% polyester and 20% elastic fibers.

[0267] Polyester materials have been found to have advantageous properties throughout the entire use and washing cycle, such as in terms of shrinkage, as well as in terms of maintaining their shape and stretchability.

[0268] For example, the outer cover may include textile fabric containing recycled materials. Therefore, one or more fabric panels 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%, at least 80%, or at least 90% of the area.

[0269] For example, the amount of recycled materials in textile fabrics can be at least 20%, such as at least 50%, or at least 70%.

[0270] In one example, the garment portion may include a single fabric panel forming a front section, a back section, and a crotch section of the garment portion.

[0271] In another example, the garment portion includes more than one fabric panel joined together to form a front, back, and crotch section of the garment portion. Using more than one fabric panel provides more options for controlling the shape and / or other properties of the garment, such as elasticity.

[0272] Fabric panels can be joined using any suitable joining components. For example, the joining components can be selected based on requirements such as the washability and / or breathability of the cover.

[0273] For example, fabric panels can be joined using adhesive bonding components (such as tape).

[0274] For example, fabric panels can be joined by mechanical joining components (such as stitches or seams).

[0275] Fabric panels can be permanently bonded, meaning they are designed to remain bonded throughout the entire lifespan of the cover.

[0276] Alternatively, when the garment portion includes more than one fabric panel, the fabric panels can be made of different fabrics. Therefore, the different properties of different fabrics can be used to give the garment portion and the outer garment different functional and / or aesthetic effects.

[0277] In another option, when the garment portion includes more than one fabric panel, the fabric panels can be made from the same fabric. Therefore, the fabric panels will have similar properties, namely liquid permeability and / or breathability, and will behave similarly during use (e.g., washing and wearing). This can be advantageous for the durability of reusable outerwear. Furthermore, using the same fabric material for the fabric panels allows for efficient use of fabric material during manufacturing, reducing fabric waste.

[0278] As described above, when the absorbent insert is attached to the outer cover, the absorbency of the absorbent article formed by the outer cover will be primarily provided by the absorbent insert.

[0279] For example, the crotch section of the outer cover may be essentially non-absorbent, meaning that the crotch section is not designed to absorb any bodily waste to any significant extent.

[0280] For example, the clothing portion of the outer cover may be substantially non-absorbent, and / or the entire outer cover may be substantially non-absorbent.

[0281] The phrase "substantially non-absorbent" in this article means that the outer casing is not designed to absorb or retain fluid to any significant extent.

[0282] Therefore, one or more fabric panels of the clothing and / or outer covering may be made of one or more materials, each of which is substantially non-absorbent.

[0283] Outer cover The garment portion of the outer cover may include a body that forms the transverse center portion of the garment portion and extends longitudinally from the rear end of the outer cover between the wearer's legs when the outer cover is in use. Therefore, the crotch section, at least the center portion of the front section, and at least the center portion of the rear section of the outer cover may be formed by the body.

[0284] 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 attach to another pair of sides arranged in the rear section of the outer cover. In other examples, a pair of sides may be 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 one or a pair of attachable sides to form a closed circumference, i.e., a waistband, around the wearer, and then the opposite front or rear section of the outer cover may be attached to said one or more sides.

[0285] The attachment between sides or between a side and the front or rear section of the outer cover can be achieved through a waist attachment device. For example, a waist attachment device can be provided on the side for attachment to a corresponding waist attachment device provided on another side or the front or rear section of the outer cover to close the item around the wearer's waist.

[0286] For example, when a pair of sides are arranged in one of the front and rear sections of the outer cover, the inward-facing side of the sides may be provided with a waist attachment device for attaching to a corresponding attachment device provided on the outer side of the opposite front or rear section of the outer cover to close the item around the wearer's waist.

[0287] In some examples, the rear section of the 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 cover. For example, the inward-facing side of the side may be provided with a waist attachment for attaching to a corresponding attachment provided on the outer side of the front section of the cover to close the item around the wearer's waist.

[0288] Waist attachment device of the outer cover Typically, in the front or rear section of the outer cover, a pair of waist attachment devices can be provided on the inward-facing side of the clothing portion to fasten to a corresponding waist attachment device on the outer side of the clothing portion on the corresponding 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 side of the clothing portion to fasten to a corresponding waist attachment device on the outer side of the clothing portion.

[0289] The waist attachment device may include a mating attachment area, such as a fastener area or attachment area similar to those described below regarding the insert fastener area of ​​the outer cover or the cover fastener area of ​​the insert. For example, the waist attachment device may include corresponding hooks and loops.

[0290] outer flap components As described in the second aspect of this disclosure, in each of the front and rear sections, the flap member may be located at the front edge or the rear edge of the outer cover, respectively.

[0291] Therefore, the flap members in the front section can extend longitudinally from the front edge of the outer cover toward the crotch section. Similarly, the flap members in the rear section can extend longitudinally from the rear edge of the outer cover toward the crotch section.

[0292] Therefore, in at least one of the front section and the rear section (preferably each), each flap member may, for example, have a longitudinal length not exceeding 20% ​​of the longitudinal length of the outer cover (e.g., not exceeding 15% or 10% of the longitudinal length of the outer cover).

[0293] The longitudinal length of the overcoat refers to the maximum longitudinal length from the front edge to the rear edge, measured through the crotch section. In other words, the longitudinal length is the maximum longitudinal length as seen across the crotch width of the overcoat. Therefore, when determining the longitudinal length of the overcoat, the portion of the overcoat 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 disregarded. The longitudinal length of the overcoat is measured with any of the overcoat's flap members in their used position.

[0294] Optionally, each of the front section and the rear section includes at least one flap member, and the sum of the maximum longitudinal length of the flap member in the front section and the maximum longitudinal length of the flap member in the rear section does not exceed 30% of the total longitudinal length of the outer cover, for example, not exceeding 20% ​​of the total longitudinal length of the outer cover.

[0295] The sum of maximum longitudinal lengths refers to the sum of the maximum longitudinal length of the flap components in the front section and the maximum longitudinal length of the flap components in the rear section.

[0296] The flap component is relatively short relative to the longitudinal length of the outer cover, meaning that when in the use position, the flap component will leave a considerable portion of the inner-facing side of the outer cover uncovered, as seen from the inward direction of the outer cover. Therefore, in use, the insert attached to the outer cover will form the inner-facing side of the absorbent material on this considerable portion. Thus, the flap component will leave a considerable portion of the inner-facing side of the insert freely receiving bodily waste from the wearer. Furthermore, in the crotch section of the absorbent material, the inner-facing side of the outer cover (the crotch section of the outer cover) will be substantially covered by the insert, protecting the outer cover from soiling.

[0297] The connection between the flap component and the clothing part As described above, in the front and / or rear sections of the outer cover, at least one flap member extends from the clothing portion.

[0298] 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 attached to the garment portion via one or more joints and / or one or more folds.

[0299] For example, each flap component may be formed from a separate material piece (e.g., a fabric panel) that is attached to the garment portion via one or more joints (e.g., seams, welds, adhesive joints, etc.). Preferably, the one or more joints may be seams.

[0300] In another example, the flap member can be formed from a part of a material that also forms part of the garment. For example, a fabric panel 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.

[0301] In addition, in some examples, the flap component may extend from the garment portion via one or more folds and one or more joints.

[0302] 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, thereby forming a space 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.

[0303] Therefore, when in use, the flap member may include a free edge facing the crotch section that is not attached to the clothing portion, so as to allow the rear or front portion of the insert to be introduced into the space.

[0304] The flap component extends from the free edge along the longitudinal direction toward the front or rear edge of the cover or outer cover.

[0305] For example, the flap member may extend from the garment portion at least along its rear edge or front edge, respectively. In other words, the flap member may be connected to the garment portion at least along its rear edge or front edge. As described above, the connection may be made through, for example, a fold or one or more joints.

[0306] In addition, the flap member may include laterally spaced side edges connecting the free edge and the front / rear edge of the flap member. The side edges may extend generally along the longitudinal direction of the outer casing.

[0307] For example, the flap member may extend from the garment portion at least along one of the side edges of the lateral spacing of the flap member. In other words, the flap member may be connected to the garment portion at least along one of the side edges of the lateral spacing. As described above, the connection may be made by, for example, one or more folds and / or one or more joints. The free edge of the flap member toward the crotch section of the absorbent article may extend between the side edges of the lateral spacing of the flap member.

[0308] As described above, each flap member has a usage position in which the outward-facing inner side of the flap member faces a space that is open in the longitudinal direction toward the crotch section for receiving the corresponding rear edge and / or front edge of the insert therein.

[0309] In some variations, the flap member can have a pre-use position in which it does not face or define a space. For example, in the pre-use position, the flap member can be folded so that in the use position, the outer side of the flap member (i.e., the side of the flap member carrying the insert fastener area) faces inward. For example, the flap member can be in such a pre-use position while the absorbent insert is arranged with its outer side facing inward toward the garment portion. Once the insert is correctly positioned relative to the cover, the flap member can be brought into the use position, forming a space to receive the edge of the insert.

[0310] For example, a flap member with a front position can be a flap member that extends only along the rear or front edge of the flap member from the garment portion, and not along the laterally spaced side edges.

[0311] However, the flap assembly may optionally remain permanently in the service position.

[0312] For example, the flap member extends from the garment portion at two laterally spaced side edges, and its position of use can be the default position in which the flap member is held toward the garment portion. In use, the front and / or rear edges of the insert can be introduced into the flap member space between the first and second lateral joints or folds provided at the laterally spaced side edges.

[0313] Therefore, the outer-facing insert fastener area of ​​the flap component is covered to prevent any accidental contact between the surface fastening material of the insert fastener area and the wearer's skin.

[0314] In addition, by connecting the flap component to the garment portion at the side edge, it can be ensured that the flap component is held in the use position when the outer garment is worn.

[0315] Furthermore, for each flap member, it may be desirable for the flap member to extend from the garment portion at at least a pair of locations, wherein one location in the pair is on a first lateral side of the longitudinal central axis of the garment portion, and the other location in the pair is on a second lateral side of the longitudinal central axis of the garment portion. (The longitudinal central axis of the garment portion passes through the longitudinal central axis of the crotch segment of the outer cover.) When the outer garment is worn, its front and back sections are subjected to opposing lateral forces in a direction away from the garment's longitudinal central axis due to its attachment around the wearer's waist. These opposing lateral forces applied to the garment sections can be transferred to the flap members by means of flap members connected at least at least on each side of the central longitudinal axis, ensuring that the flap members are stretched in the lateral direction and remain close to the wearer's body.

[0316] For example, when, as described above, 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 to the garment portion can extend laterally along the longitudinal central axis of the outer cover, such that the flap member is connected at at least one location on each side of the longitudinal axis.

[0317] For example, when, as described above, the flap member extends from the garment portion at least at two laterally spaced side edges, one side edge may be located on a first lateral side of the longitudinal central axis of the outer cover, and the other side edge may be located on a second lateral side of the longitudinal central axis of the outer cover.

[0318] As described above, in the front and / or rear sections of the outer garment, the main body may be provided with one or more laterally extending sides for attaching the outer garment around the wearer's waist. For example, flap members may be arranged to extend from the garment portion such that lateral forces applied to the laterally extending sides are transmitted via the flap members.

[0319] 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 length of which is such that the connection spans at least the length traversed by the group of insert fastener areas of the flap member. For example, the connection can substantially span the entire longitudinal length of the two laterally spaced side edges.

[0320] In one example, the flap member may extend from the garment portion at the rear / front edge and at the laterally spaced side edges, such that the space between the inward-facing side of the flap member and the wearer-facing side of the garment portion is open only in the longitudinal direction toward the crotch segment. Therefore, it is facilitated to correctly position the rear or front edge of the insert in the space, respectively. Furthermore, the advantages related to permanent use position and force distribution, as described above, can be obtained.

[0321] Therefore, the material of the flap component can be selected to be washable, breathable, and / or liquid-permeable to the same extent as the material of the clothing portion of the outer cover, as described above. Thus, the material properties and materials discussed above regarding the entire outer cover or clothing portion are also preferred for the flap component.

[0322] For example, each flap member may include one or more fabric panels, in the same manner described above regarding the garment section of the overcoat. For instance, each flap member may each include a single fabric panel. This may be preferred for ease of manufacture.

[0323] Preferably, the one or more insert fastener areas may be completely contained within the one or more flap members, for example, completely contained within one or more fabric panels of the flap member, preventing any direct contact between the fastener areas and the wearer's skin. For example, a flap member may include one or more fabric panels and one or more insert fastener areas contained within the one or more fabric panels. "Completely contained" means that the one or more insert fastener areas do not extend beyond (e.g., do not protrude from) the one or more flap members / fabric panels.

[0324] For example, the insert fastener area may be provided by insert fastener components attached to one or more fabric panels, as will be further described below.

[0325] Similar to clothing components, flap members can comprise woven fabrics, preferably knitted fabrics. Therefore, flap members can comprise one or more fabric panels having any of the features described above regarding one or more fabric panels for clothing components.

[0326] Advantageously, the garment portion and the flap member may include one or more fabric panels, wherein at least some of the fabric panels of the garment portion are made of the same material as the fabric panels of the flap member. For example, the garment portion and the flap member may include one or more fabric panels, wherein all fabric panels are made of the same material.

[0327] As described above, at least one flap member is provided in at least one (preferably each) of the front and rear sections of the outer casing. Therefore, in some variations, multiple (e.g., two or more) flap members can be arranged in at least one (preferably each) of the front and rear sections of the outer casing. In this case, one or more insert fastener regions of a set of insert fastener regions can be distributed on the multiple flap members, such that each of the two or more flap members includes one or more insert fastener regions positioned on the corresponding outward facing side of the flap member. For example, two or more laterally spaced flap members can be arranged in the front and / or rear sections of the outer casing.

[0328] However, it may be preferable to arrange a single flap member in the front section of the outer casing and / or in the rear section of the outer casing.

[0329] In this case, all or one insert fastener areas of the group will be positioned on the outward-facing side of a single flap member.

[0330] A single flap member 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, a single flap member may have a lateral width of at least 120% of the minimum lateral width of the outer cover. Alternatively, a single flap member may have a lateral width of at least 130% (e.g., at least 140% of the minimum crotch width of the outer cover).

[0331] Therefore, a single flap member can have a lateral width that is greater than the lateral width of the insert to be used with the cover.

[0332] For example, when the garment portion includes a body and laterally extending sides in the front and / or rear sections, a single front and / or rear flap member may extend across the width of the body. For example, a single front and / or rear flap member may be attached to the garment portion via a lateral joint, wherein the lateral joint may be formed, for example, together with a joint that attaches the laterally extending sides to the body of the garment member.

[0333] For example, a single flap member can engage with the garment portion at the front / rear joint and at 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 cover. This allows for simple and accurate insert positioning. Furthermore, the engagement of the single flap member with the garment portion at the front / rear joint and the pair of side joints ensures that the flap member has no unnecessary free edges that could easily cause chafing.

[0334] For example, the front and rear sections of the outer cover may each include a set of insert areas and a single flap member including the set of insert areas, 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, for example, not more than 30% or not more than 20%.

[0335] Each individual flap member in the front and rear sections may each include one or more insert fastener areas of the front or rear group, as will be described in more detail below.

[0336] For example, a single flap component may include a first subset and a second subset of insert fastener regions, the first subset and the second subset being laterally spaced apart.

[0337] Insert fastener area of ​​the outer cover As described above, according to a second aspect of this disclosure, in 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 use position in which the outer-inner facing side of the flap member faces the inner facing side of the garment portion, thereby forming a space between the outer-inner facing side of the flap member and the inner facing side of the garment portion, the space being open in the longitudinal direction toward the crotch section for receiving a corresponding rear edge portion and / or front edge portion of an insert therein. Furthermore, in the front section, the outer cover includes a front group of two or more insert fastener regions arranged on the outer-inner facing side of the at least one flap member, and in the rear section, the outer cover includes a rear group of two or more insert fastener regions arranged on the outer-inner facing side of the at least one flap member. Each insert fastener region in the front and rear groups includes a first surface fastening material for removably attaching the insert to the outer cover or a second surface fastening material for removably attaching the insert to the outer cover.

[0338] Therefore, in each of the front and rear sections of the garment, the flap member is arranged such that, at least in the use position, the flap member defines a space that is open in the longitudinal direction toward the crotch section for receiving the corresponding rear or front edge of the insert.

[0339] Therefore, in the rear section of the outer cover, the rear edge portion of the absorbent insert can be positioned in this space, i.e., on the outside of the flap member and the inside of the garment portion. Two or more insert fastener areas of the rear group arranged on the outward-inward side of the flap member can then be attached to the inward-facing side of the rear edge portion of the insert (preferably via corresponding cover fastener members).

[0340] Similarly, in the front section of the outer cover, the front edge portion of the absorbent insert can be positioned in this space, i.e., on the outside of the flap member and the inside of the garment portion. Two or more insert fastener areas of the front group arranged on the outward-inward side of the front flap member can then be attached to the inward-facing side of the front edge portion of the insert (preferably via corresponding cover fastener members).

[0341] Therefore, the insert is attached to the front and rear sections of the outer cover, while the absorbent insert extends from the front and rear spaces and extends on the crotch section of the outer cover so that it can be used to absorb bodily fluids when the absorbent article is in use.

[0342] Two or more insert fastener areas in the front and rear groups are positioned on the outer side of at least one flap member, facing the garment portion. Therefore, the second side of the flap member, opposite to the outer inner surface, is the inner side facing the intended wearer in the use position.

[0343] The flap component can be a generally planar component that extends in a plane defined by a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis.

[0344] Therefore, when the cover is in use, one or more sets of insert fastener areas located on the outward-facing sides of the front and rear flap members will be away from the wearer and towards the garment portion. Thus, even if the inserts accidentally detach from the insert fastener areas, the risk of the wearer experiencing chafing or discomfort from the surface fastening material of the insert fastener areas is significantly reduced. Furthermore, the outward-facing positioning of the insert fastener areas on the flap members means that when the item is in use, the flap members will be securely held towards the inward-facing side of the inserts. Therefore, any risk of the flap members unintentionally folding or wrinkling (potentially causing discomfort to the wearer) is reduced.

[0345] Furthermore, with two or more insert fastener areas positioned on the flap members, any undesirable aesthetic effects on the cover (such as due to seams attaching the insert fastener members to the cover) will only appear on the flap members and will not be visible from the outside of the garment portion when the cover is worn. The outside of the garment portion is intended to be the outside of the fully absorbent item, so that when the cover is in use, it will face the wearer's regular clothing.

[0346] Furthermore, two or more insert fastener areas are positioned on the outward-facing surface of the flap member, spaced apart from the garment portion. This means that when the cover is in use, the movement of the garment portion is less restricted by the insert fastener areas and therefore the inserts. For example, any area of ​​the garment portion extending from the flap member will be able to follow the general movement of the garment portion, thus the garment portion will look more like underwear, without the tension visible in the garment portion due to the inserts being attached to the cover.

[0347] Similarly, the fastener area of ​​the insert, and therefore the position of the insert, will be less likely to shift due to tearing or friction of the clothing, for example, caused by the wearer's movement.

[0348] The two or more insert fastener regions of the front and rear groups located on the outwardly inward side of the at least one flap member may be the only insert fastener elements in the front and rear sections of the outer cover for removably attaching the insert to the outer cover.

[0349] Preferably, each of the front and rear sections of the outer cover includes a front / rear insert fastener region positioned on the outwardly inward side of the at least one flap member, wherein the front and rear insert fastener regions are the only insert fastener elements of the outer cover for removably attaching the insert to the outer cover.

[0350] The outer facing of the flap member may face at least a portion of the inner facing of the garment portion, that is, the area facing the wearer on the garment portion on which the flap member extends. Therefore, a space can be formed between the outer facing of the flap member and the inner facing of the garment portion.

[0351] For example, in the usage position, the inward-facing area of ​​the garment portion on which the flap member extends may not have an insert fastener area. Alternatively, the entire garment portion may not have an insert fastener area. Thus, the sole attachment between the cover and the insert can be made via the flap member including a set of insert fastener areas that can be configured to fasten toward the inward-facing side of the insert.

[0352] Extension of the insert fastener area In at least one of the front and rear sections (preferably each), the front / rear insert fastener area may span a maximum longitudinal length not exceeding 20% ​​of the longitudinal length of the cover, for example not exceeding 15% or 10% of the longitudinal length of the cover.

[0353] Optionally, the two or more insert fastener regions of the front / rear group can be restricted to the front or rear region of the cover, the front or rear region extending longitudinally from the front or rear edge of the cover, with a maximum longitudinal length not exceeding 20% ​​of the longitudinal length of the cover, for example not exceeding 15% or 10% of the longitudinal length of the cover.

[0354] Therefore, the attachment of the insert to the cover is limited to the front or rear area of ​​the front or rear section of the cover. Thus, when the item is worn, the front or rear edge area can be securely held by the cover, while the crotch section of the insert may not be attached to the cover.

[0355] Lateral fastening width of the outer cover In each of the front and rear sections of the absorbent article, the front group of two or more insert fastener areas or the rear group of two or more insert fastener areas spans a lateral fastening width.

[0356] The crotch section of the outer cover defines the minimum lateral width of the outer cover. Optionally, two or more insert fastener areas of the front and rear groups span a corresponding lateral fastening width that is greater than the minimum lateral width.

[0357] Therefore, the two or more insert fastener areas in the front group and the two or more insert fastener areas in the rear group allow the insert to be attached in a position such that the insert is laterally spread to a sufficient width in the front and rear sections respectively, while in at least a portion of the crotch section, the insert can be adapted to a cup shape, approximately within the minimum lateral width of the cover.

[0358] For example, the corresponding lateral fastening width can 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.

[0359] The outer cover may include a pair of leg elastic members arranged at least in its crotch section along the leg opening of the garment portion.

[0360] The leg elastic member components 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 effective elastic portions of the leg elastic member components.

[0361] Similarly, the leg elastic members are separated by a minimum leg elastic member spacing width. The minimum leg elastic member spacing width is the minimum lateral width between the elastically effective portions of the leg elastic member. Therefore, the minimum leg elastic member spacing width is usually located in the crotch section of the garment portion, and the minimum leg elastic member spacing width can be close to or equal to the minimum lateral width (crotch width) of the outer garment.

[0362] For example, the front group of two or more insert fastener areas and the rear group of two or more insert fastener areas can each span a corresponding lateral fastening width, which is less than the maximum leg resilient spacing width. Therefore, it can be ensured that the leg resilient members of the outer casing are laterally positioned outside the inserts attached to the group of two or more insert fastener areas.

[0363] For example, when two or more insert fastener areas in the front / rear group span a corresponding lateral fastening width in at least one (preferably each) of the front and rear sections of the cover, which is less than the maximum leg elastic spacing width and greater than the minimum lateral width of the cover, it can facilitate the correct positioning of the inserts relative to the cover when the absorbent article is in use.

[0364] Therefore, it can be understood from the above that the crotch section of the outer cover can advantageously be without an insert fastener area. In fact, apart from the front group of two or more insert fastener areas in the front section of the outer cover and the rear group of two or more insert fastener areas in the rear section of the outer cover, the entire outer cover can be without an insert fastener area.

[0365] Subset of the insert fastener area According to a second aspect of this disclosure, one or more insert fastener regions in the front group are arranged on one of a first lateral side and a second lateral side of the outer casing to form a first subset of one or more insert fastener regions, the first subset including a first surface fastening material for removably attaching the insert to the outer casing, and one or more insert fastener regions in the front group are arranged on the other of the first lateral side and the second lateral side of the outer casing to form a second subset of one or more insert fastener regions, the second subset including a second surface fastening material for removably attaching the insert to the outer casing.

[0366] Furthermore, one or more insert fastener regions in the rear group are arranged on one of the first and second lateral sides of the outer casing to form a first subset of one or more insert fastener regions, the first subset including a first surface fastening material for removably attaching the insert to the outer casing, and one or more insert fastener regions in the rear group are arranged on the other of the first and second lateral sides of the outer casing to form a second subset of one or more insert fastener regions, the second subset including a second surface fastening material for removably attaching the insert to the outer casing.

[0367] In each of the front and rear groups, the first and second subsets may be separated by a lateral spacing width. For example, the lateral spacing widths in the insert fastener areas of the front and rear groups may be equal.

[0368] 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 in the front and rear groups can be no less than the minimum lateral width. For example, the lateral spacing width in the front and rear groups can be at least 120% of the minimum lateral width.

[0369] Therefore, one or more insert fastener regions of the first and second subsets in the front and rear groups can ensure that when the insert is attached to the fastener region, the insert extends at least in the crotch width of the cover.

[0370] For example, in the front and / or rear groups, the lateral spacing width may be at least three times the lateral width of each insert fastener region, or at least four times the lateral width of each insert fastener region.

[0371] For example, in the front and / or rear groups, the lateral spacing width may be no less than 40% of the lateral fastening width, such as no less than 50% or no less than 60% of the lateral fastening width.

[0372] In some variations, in at least one (preferably each) of the front and rear sections of the cover, the cover may include more than one flap member, such as a pair of flap members. For example, the first flap member of the pair may extend partially or only on a first lateral side of the longitudinal axis, and the second flap member of the pair may extend partially or only on a second lateral side of the longitudinal axis. In this case, in at least one (preferably each) of the front and rear sections of the cover, a first subset insert fastener region may be arranged on the first flap member of the pair, and a second subset insert fastener region may be arranged on the second flap member of the pair.

[0373] In other variations, in at least one (preferably each) of the front and rear sections of the outer cover, the first and second subset insert fastener areas of the front or rear group can be disposed on the same flap member, preferably disposed on individual flap members of the front or rear section respectively.

[0374] For example, the front and rear sections of the outer casing may each include a single flap member: a single front flap member comprising two or more insert fastener regions in the front group, and a single rear flap member comprising two or more insert fastener regions in the rear group. Each of the front and rear groups includes a first subset of one or more insert fastener regions and a second subset of one or more insert fastener regions, the first and second subsets being spaced apart by a lateral spacing width around the longitudinal central axis of the insert, preferably symmetrically spaced. For example, the first and second subsets may each include a single fastener region.

[0375] Furthermore, in at least one of the front and rear sections of the outer casing (preferably each), the front / rear flap member may include one or more insert fastener members, each insert fastener member including at least one of two or more insert fastener regions of the front / rear group, and being part of a first subset or a second subset.

[0376] In one example, in at least one (preferably each) of the front and rear sections of the outer casing, one or more insert fastener regions of the first and second subsets may be freely attached to a single insert fastener member of a single flap member.

[0377] For example, such an insert fastener component may include a sheet-like base having a length in the longitudinal direction and a width in the transverse direction, the sheet-like base including one or more surface fastening material regions, i.e., a first or second surface fastening material.

[0378] Preferably, each insert fastener component includes a single insert fastener region comprising a surface fastening material, i.e., a first or second surface fastening material. This may be advantageous for reducing the amount of material added to the insert and / or reducing any additional stiffness implied by the insert fastener components present on the outer casing.

[0379] Use location and non-use location As stated above, in a second aspect, this disclosure relates to a cover according to appended claim 27.

[0380] Therefore, this disclosure relates to a reusable cover for an absorbent article extending in a longitudinal direction and in a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, wherein the thickness direction is defined as 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.

[0381] The outer cover has a longitudinal length extending in a longitudinal direction. The outer cover includes a garment portion extending along the longitudinal length, the garment portion forming a front section, a rear section, and a crotch section of the outer cover, the crotch section being arranged between the front section and the rear section along the longitudinal length.

[0382] The garment portion is adapted to fit snugly around the wearer's waist, with a front section positioned at or near the wearer's abdomen, a rear section positioned against the wearer's lower back, and a crotch section positioned over a predetermined portion of the wearer's pubic area and buttocks. The garment portion defines an inward-facing orientation toward the wearer and an outward-facing orientation away from the wearer when the outer garment is worn.

[0383] In each of the front and rear sections, the outer cover includes at least one flap member extending from the garment portion. Each flap member has a usage position in which the outward-facing inner side of the flap member faces the inward-facing inner side of the garment portion, thereby forming a space between the outward-facing inner side of the flap member and the inward-facing inner side of the garment portion, which is open in the longitudinal direction toward the crotch section.

[0384] The longitudinal central axis divides the outer cover into a first transverse side and a second transverse side.

[0385] In the front section of the outer casing, the outer casing includes a front group of two or more insert fastener regions disposed on the outwardly inward side of the at least one flap member. One or more insert fastener regions in the front group are disposed on one of a first lateral side and a second lateral side of the outer casing to form a first subset of the one or more insert fastener regions, the first subset including a first surface fastening material for removably attaching an insert to the outer casing. One or more insert fastener regions in the front group are disposed on the other of the first lateral side and the second lateral side of the outer casing to form a second subset of the one or more insert fastener regions, the second subset including a second surface fastening material for removably attaching an insert to the outer casing.

[0386] In the rear section of the outer casing, the outer casing includes a rear group of two or more insert fastener regions disposed on the outwardly inward side of the at least one flap member. One or more insert fastener regions in the rear group are disposed on one of a first lateral side and a second lateral side of the outer casing to form a first subset of the one or more insert fastener regions, the first subset including a first surface fastening material for removably attaching the insert to the outer casing. One or more insert fastener regions in the rear group are disposed on the other of the first lateral side and the second lateral side of the outer casing to form a second subset of the one or more insert fastener regions, the second subset including a second surface fastening material for removably attaching the insert to the outer casing.

[0387] The first surface fastening material is different from the second surface fastening material, and the first surface fastening material is complementary to the second surface fastening material to provide a detachable mechanical and / or frictional attachment between them.

[0388] When at least one flap member in the front section of the outer cover is in the use position, and at least one flap member in the rear section of the outer cover is in the use position, the insert is detachably attached to the outer cover, wherein the insert fastener regions of the first and second subsets of the front group are attached to the corresponding front edge portions of the insert, and the insert fastener regions of the first and second subsets of the rear group are attached to the rear edge portions of the insert, and the insert extends inward over at least a portion of the crotch section of the garment portion.

[0389] In addition, the outer cover has a non-use position in which one or more insert fastener regions of the first subset of the front group are attached to one or more insert fastener regions of the second subset of the front group, and one or more insert fastener regions of the first subset of the rear group are attached to one or more insert fastener regions of the second subset of the rear group.

[0390] When the flap assembly is in the use position, and when the insert is detachably attached to the cover via two or more insert fastener areas in each of the front and rear sections of the cover, as described above, the cover can cover most of the insert, as seen from the outside. Therefore, the cover can substantially form the entire outside-facing or garment-facing side of the absorbent article, thus essentially concealing the insert from view. As a result, the absorbent article has an appearance more closely resembling regular underwear when worn, which will be perceived by the wearer as more presentable and comfortable than wearing disposable diapers.

[0391] Furthermore, because the insert fastener area is located on the outward-facing inner side of the flap member, the outer garment portion protects the insert and provides an additional layer, so that any tearing or friction from the outside (potentially caused by the wearer's movement) will initially be absorbed by the outer garment. Therefore, the insert can be more securely held in place to function.

[0392] Because the garment portion of the outerwear extends over the crotch section, any friction or tearing that the outerwear may experience while worn affects the garment portion rather than the absorbent insert attached to it. Therefore, the absorbent insert can be positioned fixed relative to the wearer, which is beneficial for providing adequate absorption and preventing leaks.

[0393] Furthermore, when no inserts are attached to the cover, such as during washing the cover after one or more use cycles, the cover can be presented in a non-use position, wherein the complementary first and second subset insert fastener areas of the front group are detachably attached to each other, and the complementary first and second subset insert fastener areas of the rear group are detachably attached to each other. This prevents the insert fastener areas of the cover from unintentionally attaching to other items and / or clothing portions of the cover itself, thereby protecting the cover and any other items from damage, for example, during cover washing.

[0394] It should be understood that when the outer cover is in its non-use position, the clothing portion of the cover is likely to be wrinkled or folded. However, this is not a problem, as the non-use position only appears when the outer cover is not in use (e.g., when the outer cover is washed).

[0395] In some variations, the outer cover includes only a single flap member extending from the garment portion in each of the front and rear sections. Two or more insert fastener regions of the front group are arranged on the outward-inward facing side of the single flap member in the front section. Two or more insert fastener regions of the rear group are arranged on the outward-inward facing side of the single flap member in the rear section. In the non-use position, the flap members in the front section of the outer cover are folded generally along the longitudinal axis, and one or more insert fastener regions of a first subset of the front group are attached to one or more insert fastener regions of a second subset of the front group; similarly, the flap members in the rear section of the outer cover are folded generally along the longitudinal axis, and one or more insert fastener regions of a first subset of the rear group are attached to one or more insert fastener regions of a second subset of the rear group.

[0396] Therefore, in the non-use position of the outer cover, each flap member can be folded to present a folded position, wherein complementary first and second subset insert fastener regions arranged on the flap member are detachably attached to each other.

[0397] Furthermore, the first surface fastening material of the first subset is complementary to the second surface fastening material of the second subset, making the cover suitable for use with the insert of the first aspect of this disclosure.

[0398] Optionally, according to a variant of the first type, in the front section of the housing, a first lateral side of the housing includes one or more insert fastener regions of a first subset, the first subset including a first surface fastening material for removably attaching the insert to the housing, and a second lateral side of the housing includes one or more insert fastener regions of a second subset, the second subset including a second surface fastening material for removably attaching the insert to the housing; and in the rear section of the housing, a first lateral side of the housing includes one or more insert fastener regions of the first subset, the first subset including a first surface fastening material for removably attaching the insert to the housing, and a second lateral side of the housing includes one or more insert fastener regions of a second subset, the second subset including a second surface fastening material for removably attaching the insert to the housing.

[0399] Therefore, in both the front and rear sections, one or more insert fastener regions of the first subset are preferably located on the first side of the longitudinal central axis, and one or more insert fastener regions of the second subset are preferably located on the second side of the longitudinal central axis. As a result, the fastening material on the intended left side of the cover is the same in both the front and rear sections, and vice versa for the intended right side of the cover.

[0400] As explained above with respect to the first aspect of the invention, when a first surface fastening material is provided on a first side of the longitudinal axis and a second surface fastening material is provided on a second side of the longitudinal axis as described above, it can be ensured that the insert can only be attached to the cover in the intended front / rear orientation. This may be desirable, for example, when the insert includes an absorbent component arranged asymmetrically with respect to the central transverse axis of the insert.

[0401] Furthermore, when the cover includes a single flap member in the front section and a single flap member in the rear section, in a variant of the first type, the user is prompted to attach the insert fastener area of ​​the first subset to the insert fastener area of ​​the second subset on the same flap member, thereby ensuring that the user can easily fold the flap member to its folded position.

[0402] For example, each insert fastener region arranged on the first lateral side of the housing may include a first surface fastening material, and each insert fastener region arranged on the second lateral side of the housing may include a second surface fastening material.

[0403] Optionally, each insert fastener region in the first subset includes a first surface fastening material, and each insert fastener region in the second subset includes a second surface fastening material.

[0404] In a second type of variation, in the front group, a first subset including the first surface fastening material is arranged on the first lateral side of the housing, and a second subset including the second fastening material is arranged on the second lateral side of the housing; while in the rear group, a first subset including the first surface fastening material is arranged on the second lateral side of the housing, and a second subset including the second fastening material is arranged on the first lateral side of the housing. As described above with respect to the first aspect of this disclosure, in the second type of variation, the specific front / rear orientation of the insert is not implied by the position of the subsets.

[0405] For example, in a second type of variant, the front group of two or more insert fastener regions and the rear group of two or more insert fastener regions can be mirror images of each other as seen with respect to the transverse central axis of the outer casing.

[0406] The fact that the first fastening material and the second fastening material are different from each other means that the first fastening material and the second fastening material are structurally different from each other, that is, the structure providing mechanical and / or frictional detachable fastening is different in the first fastening material and the second fastening material.

[0407] Preferably, the first surface fastening material is not attached to itself, and the second surface fastening material is not attached to itself.

[0408] The fact that the first and second fastening materials are different from each other can also mean that the first and second fastening materials can be visually and / or tactilely distinguished from each other, further improving the operation and correct positioning of the insert relative to the cover, for example in low light conditions.

[0409] In addition, the first and second fastening materials may be provided with different distinguishable colors and / or visual markings to further facilitate the operation of the insert.

[0410] For example, the first surface fastening material may include a hook, and the second surface fastening material may include a ring.

[0411] As described above regarding the insert fastener region, the insert fastener region can be provided, for example, by an insert fastener component. For instance, the insert fastener component can be a piece of hook or ring material. The hook / ring material can be a material comprising a sheet-like base having a surface on which hooks / rings are arranged. For example, the insert fastener component can be formed from a sheet of hook / ring material cut from a strip of hook or ring material.

[0412] Optionally, in at least one of the front and rear sections of the cover (preferably each), the cover includes two or more insert fastener members, each insert fastener member providing at least one of two or more insert fastener regions in the front or rear group.

[0413] Optionally, at least one (e.g., each) of two or more insert fastener components in the front and / or rear groups includes a sheet-like base having a length in the longitudinal direction and a width in the transverse direction, the sheet-like base including one or more surface fastening material regions (i.e., a first surface fastening material or a second surface fastening material).

[0414] Optionally, in at least one (preferably each) of the front and rear sections of the outer casing, one or more insert fastener members on a first side of the longitudinal axis include ring material, and one or more insert fastener members on a second side of the longitudinal axis include hook material.

[0415] Optionally, the first or second surface fastening material (preferably both) does not adhere to the clothing portion. This avoids unintentional attachment of the first and / or second surface fastening materials to the clothing portion. Such unintentional attachment may be impractical when handling outerwear and could potentially lead to damage to the clothing portion and / or loss of function of the surface fastening material itself.

[0416] Optionally, the first subset and the second subset may be spaced apart by a lateral spacing width around the longitudinal central axis of the outer casing, as described above.

[0417] Therefore, the outer casing may have no fastener area across the lateral spacing width. This means the insert may not be attached to the outer casing in the central lateral region, which can be beneficial for shaping the insert during use. For example, a spaced arrangement can allow the insert to have a slight cupping shape in the lateral direction, thereby improving the insert's retention ability. Furthermore, when the outer casing has no insert fastener area across the lateral spacing width, the surface fastening material in the insert fastener area is only applied where necessary, meaning the amount of material on the outer casing can be reduced.

[0418] Optionally, one or more insert fastener areas of the first and second subsets are symmetrically spaced around the longitudinal central axis. This ensures that the inserts can be attached to the cover in a symmetrical manner with a uniformly distributed retaining force. Furthermore, when the cover includes a single flap member in each of the front and rear sections, folding can be performed along the longitudinal central axis when the flap member is folded to the non-use position, which facilitates folding.

[0419] Optionally, the insert fastener regions of the first subset mirror the insert fastener regions of the second subset, as seen along the longitudinal central axis. Therefore, it can be ensured that each insert fastener region in the first subset meets a complementary insert fastener region in the second subset.

[0420] It should be understood that this disclosure covers all the features related to the cover as described above in order to provide various advantages.

[0421] For example, the crotch section of the outer cover may define the minimum lateral width of the outer cover, and the first and second subsets of insert fastener areas in the front and / or rear sections of the outer cover may be separated by a lateral spacing width that is not less than the minimum lateral width.

[0422] For example, in at least one (preferably each) of the front and rear sections of the cover, a group of two or more insert fastener areas span a lateral fastening width that is not less than a minimum lateral width, for example, not less than 110% or not less than 120% of the minimum lateral width.

[0423] For example, in at least one (preferably each) of the front and rear sections, the flap member is a single flap member with a width not less than the minimum lateral width of the cover, such as at least 120% of the minimum lateral width of the cover.

[0424] 3. Packaging In a third aspect, packaging according to claim 46 is provided. Therefore, packaging comprising a plurality of inserts according to the first aspect of this disclosure is provided.

[0425] The packaging may further include an outer cover according to the second aspect of this disclosure.

[0426] 4. Absorbent materials In a fourth aspect, this disclosure relates to an absorbent article according to claim 48. Therefore, an absorbent article is provided comprising an outer cover according to a second aspect disclosed herein and an insert according to a first aspect disclosed herein, the insert being removably attached to the outer cover via two or more cover fastener regions of a front group and a rear group of the insert being removably attached to two or more insert fastener regions of a front group and a rear group of the outer cover.

[0427] Preferably, in the front section, one or more cover fastener regions of the corresponding first and second subsets of the insert are complementary to one or more insert fastener regions of the corresponding first and second subsets of the outer casing, and in the rear section, one or more cover fastener regions of the corresponding first and second subsets of the insert are complementary to one or more insert fastener regions of the corresponding first and second subsets of the outer casing. Therefore, when both the outer casing and the insert have their respective front and rear sections, with the outer face of the insert facing outwards towards the inner face of the outer casing, the corresponding insert fastener regions and cover fastener regions on each side of the longitudinal axis are complementary to each other to provide a removable mechanical and / or frictional attachment. For example, the insert may be provided with hook material on a first side of the longitudinal axis, and the outer casing may be provided with ring material, while the insert may be provided with ring material on a second side of the longitudinal axis, and the outer casing may be provided with hook material.

[0428] Various aspects of the present invention encompass several variations, as understood from the above description.

[0429] 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 must meet the same general requirements.

[0430] The first, second, third and fourth aspects of this disclosure cover an absorbent insert, an outer cover and an absorbent article including an insert and an outer cover, wherein the desired detachable attachment between the insert and the outer cover is made by the inward-facing side of the insert and the outward-inward-facing side of the flap member of the outer cover.

[0431] In the first, second, third and fourth aspects of the alternative, that is, in the alternative disclosure, an absorbent insert, an outer cover and an absorbent article comprising the insert and the outer cover are envisioned, wherein the desired detachable attachment between the insert and the outer cover is made by the outer-facing side of the insert and the inner-facing side of the outer cover, that is, by the inner-facing side of the clothing portion of the outer cover.

[0432] Therefore, an absorbent insert is provided for use with an outer cover to form an absorbent article suitable for wearing around a wearer's waist. The insert is shaped to cover a predetermined portion of the wearer's pubic region and buttocks during use, and extends in a longitudinal direction and in a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, wherein a thickness direction is defined perpendicular to both the transverse and longitudinal directions, the thickness direction being an inward direction toward the wearer when the absorbent article is worn, and an outward direction away from the wearer when the article is worn. The insert has a longitudinal length extending in the 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 (as viewed in the thickness direction) between the backsheet and the topsheet, and the insert has an inward-facing side including the topsheet facing the wearer and an outward-facing side facing the outer cover when the article is used.

[0433] The longitudinal central axis divides the absorbent insert into a first transverse side and a second transverse side.

[0434] In the front section of the insert, the insert includes a front group of two or more cover fastener regions disposed on the outward-facing side of the insert. One or more cover fastener regions in the front group are disposed on one of a first lateral side and a second lateral side of the insert to form a first subset of the cover fastener regions, the cover fastener regions of the first subset including a first surface fastening material for removably attaching the insert to the cover, and one or more cover fastener regions in the front group are disposed on the other of the first lateral side and the second lateral side of the insert to form a second subset of the cover fastener regions, the cover fastener regions of the second subset including a second surface fastening material for removably attaching the insert to the cover.

[0435] Similarly, in the rear section of the insert, the insert includes a rear group of two or more cover fastener regions disposed on the outward-facing side of the insert. One or more cover fastener regions in the rear group are disposed on one of a first lateral side and a second lateral side of the insert to form a first subset of one or more cover fastener regions, the cover fastener regions of the first subset including a first surface fastening material for removably attaching the insert to the cover, and one or more cover fastener regions in the rear group are disposed on the other of the first lateral side and the second lateral side of the insert to form a second subset of one or more cover fastener regions, the cover fastener regions of the second subset including a second surface fastening material for removably attaching the insert to the cover.

[0436] The first surface fastening material is different from the second surface fastening material, and the first surface fastening material is complementary to the second surface fastening material to provide a detachable mechanical and / or frictional attachment between them.

[0437] The insert has a usage state in which the cover fastener regions of the first and second subsets of the front group and the cover fastener regions of the first and second subsets of the rear group are detachably attached to the outer cover.

[0438] Furthermore, the insert has a folded state in which it is folded approximately along a longitudinal axis, and in the front section, one or more cover fastener regions of the first subset of the front group are attached to one or more cover fastener regions of the second subset of the front group, and in the rear section, one or more cover fastener regions of the first subset of the rear group are attached to one or more cover fastener regions of the second subset of the rear group.

[0439] In this alternative disclosure, in the folded state, the insert can be folded generally along the longitudinal axis, with the inward-facing side of the insert located inside the fold and the outward-facing side of the insert forming the exterior of the folded insert. This folded state can be achieved, for example, by a first folding step followed by a second folding step. In the first folding step, the front and rear edge portions of the insert, i.e., the portion of the insert including the front and rear cover fastener areas, can be folded towards the inward-facing side of the insert along a generally transverse fold line. After this first folding step, the front and rear cover fastener areas can thus face, for example, the user of the article, as will the main inward-facing portion of the insert, which will be soiled after use. In the second folding step, the insert can be folded along the longitudinal axis, such that the main inward-facing portion of the insert is positioned inside the fold. In the front section, one or more cover fastener regions of the first subset of the front group (located on the front edge portion of the fold) are attached to one or more cover fastener regions of the second subset of the front group. In the rear section, one or more cover fastener regions of the first subset of the rear group (located on the rear edge portion of the fold) are attached to one or more cover fastener regions of the second subset of the rear group.

[0440] Those skilled in the art will readily understand how this first aspect of the alternative disclosure combines with the features and advantages described above with respect to this disclosure.

[0441] In particular, the alternative disclosed first aspect may be combined with any of the features according to appended claims 2 to 26.

[0442] Similarly, in an alternative disclosure of the second aspect, a reusable cover for an absorbent article is provided, extending in a longitudinal direction and in a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, wherein a thickness direction is defined as 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.

[0443] The outer cover has a longitudinal length extending in a longitudinal direction. The outer cover includes a garment portion extending along the longitudinal length, the garment portion forming a front section, a rear section, and a crotch section of the outer cover, the crotch section being arranged between the front section and the rear section along the longitudinal length.

[0444] The garment portion is adapted to fit snugly around the wearer's waist, with a front section positioned at or near the wearer's abdomen, a rear section positioned against the wearer's lower back, and a crotch section positioned over a predetermined portion of the wearer's pubic area and buttocks. The garment portion defines an inward-facing orientation toward the wearer and an outward-facing orientation away from the wearer when the outer garment is worn.

[0445] In each of the front and rear sections, the outer cover includes at least one flap member extending from the garment portion. Each flap member has a usage position in which the outward-facing inner side of the flap member faces the inward-facing inner side of the garment portion, thereby forming a space between the outward-facing inner side of the flap member and the inward-facing inner side of the garment portion, which is open in the longitudinal direction toward the crotch section.

[0446] The longitudinal central axis divides the outer cover into a first transverse side and a second transverse side.

[0447] In the front section of the outer cover, the outer cover includes a front group of two or more insert fastener regions disposed on the inward-facing side of the garment portion. One or more insert fastener regions in the front group are disposed on one of a first lateral side and a second lateral side of the outer cover to form a first subset of the one or more insert fastener regions, the first subset including a first surface fastening material for removably attaching an insert to the outer cover. One or more insert fastener regions in the front group are disposed on the other of the first lateral side and the second lateral side of the outer cover to form a second subset of the one or more insert fastener regions, the second subset including a second surface fastening material for removably attaching an insert to the outer cover.

[0448] In the rear section of the outer cover, the outer cover includes a rear group of two or more insert fastener regions disposed on the inward-facing side of the garment portion. One or more insert fastener regions in the rear group are disposed on one of a first lateral side and a second lateral side of the outer cover to form a first subset of the one or more insert fastener regions, the first subset including a first surface fastening material for removably attaching the insert to the outer cover. One or more insert fastener regions in the rear group are disposed on the other of the first lateral side and the second lateral side of the outer cover to form a second subset of the one or more insert fastener regions, the second subset including a second surface fastening material for removably attaching the insert to the outer cover.

[0449] The first surface fastening material is different from the second surface fastening material, and the first surface fastening material is complementary to the second surface fastening material to provide a detachable mechanical and / or frictional attachment between them.

[0450] When at least one flap member in the front section of the outer cover is in the use position, and at least one flap member in the rear section of the outer cover is in the use position, the insert is detachably attached to the outer cover, wherein the insert fastener regions of the first and second subsets of the front group are attached to the corresponding front edge portions of the insert, and the insert fastener regions of the first and second subsets of the rear group are attached to the rear edge portions of the insert, and the insert extends inward over at least a portion of the crotch section of the garment portion.

[0451] In addition, the outer cover has a non-use position in which one or more insert fastener regions of the first subset of the front group are attached to one or more insert fastener regions of the second subset of the front group, and one or more insert fastener regions of the first subset of the rear group are attached to one or more insert fastener regions of the second subset of the rear group.

[0452] Therefore, according to the second aspect of the alternative disclosure, in the non-use position, the garment portion is folded approximately along the longitudinal axis.

[0453] Those skilled in the art will readily understand how the alternative disclosed housing combines with the features and advantages described above with respect to this disclosure. Here, the flap member is used to cover the insert fastener member when no insert is attached to the housing, and also to cover the outermost front and rear edges of the insert when the insert is attached to the housing. In particular, the alternative disclosed cover may be combined with the features of any one of the appended claims 29 to 45.

[0454] Therefore, the absorbent insert of the alternative first aspect is detachably attachable to the reusable outer cover of the alternative second aspect, thereby forming an absorbent article according to the alternative third aspect. Furthermore, according to the alternative fourth aspect, a package is provided comprising one or more inserts according to the alternative first aspect, and optionally also including an outer cover according to the alternative second aspect.

[0455] In the following description, variations of different aspects of this disclosure (absorbent articles, 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 articles depicted are not necessarily drawn to scale. Attached Figure Description

[0456] Variations of absorbent articles, covers, and inserts will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 Embodiments of an absorbent article including an insert embodiment and an outer cover embodiment are shown, the insert and the outer cover being in accordance with the first and second aspects of this disclosure, respectively; Figure 2a It shows Figure 1 Inserts for absorbent materials; Figure 2b It shows Figure 2a A cross-sectional view of the insert along line AA (i.e., through the transverse axis X); Figure 2c It shows Figure 2a A sectional view along line BB of the insert; Figure 3a It shows Figure 1 The outer cover of the absorbent material depicted in the image; Figure 3b It shows Figure 3a The outer casing, in which the flap components are shown as being removed from the rest of the casing; Figures 4a to 4d Depicting something similar to Figure 1 The illustrated lifecycle of the absorbent article includes packaging containing at least one insert, attaching the insert to the outer cover, the absorbent article being worn by the wearer, and removing and disposing of the insert and cleaning the outer cover. Detailed Implementation

[0457] In the accompanying drawings, for simplicity, some features (such as width or length) are indicated by reference numerals only in one of the front and rear sections of the absorbent article, cover, or insert. However, it should be noted that similar dimensions may apply to the other of the front and rear sections. It should also be noted that even if a feature is indicated by the same reference numerals in both the front and rear sections, the dimensions of these features (such as width and length) may differ between the front and rear sections.

[0458] Figure 1 An absorbent article 1 is shown, having a reusable outer cover 100 and an insert 200 detachably attached to the outer cover 100. The outer cover 100 and the insert 200 are respectively located at... Figures 3a-3b and Figures 2a-2c The absorbent article 1 is shown in more detail, independently of each other. It 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 Y, alternative embodiments may be asymmetrical.

[0459] like Figure 1As shown, in the absorbent article 1, the insert 200 is detachably attached to the outer cover 100 such that the insert 200 at least partially covers the inward-facing side of the outer cover 100, and the outward-facing side of 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 the opposite surfaces, during use, the outward-facing side of the outer cover 100 is intended to move away from the wearer, and the inward-facing side of the insert 200 contacts the wearer's skin. In the depicted absorbent article 1, most of 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.

[0460] The absorbent article 1 has a front section aSf, a rear section aSb, and a crotch section aSc disposed therebetween along the longitudinal central axis Y. Together, they span the total longitudinal length aL measured along the longitudinal central axis Y from the front edge to the rear edge of the absorbent article 1 via the crotch section Sc. Therefore, the total longitudinal length aL is the maximum longitudinal length of the absorbent article 1 measured at the minimum width of the crotch section aSc.

[0461] 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, as measured over 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.

[0462] 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 wrinkled or slightly contracted in the longitudinal direction, for example. Therefore, the longitudinal length aL of the absorbent article 1 may be less than the longitudinal length oL of the outer cover 100.

[0463] The crotch width aWc of absorbent article 1 is the minimum width of the crotch segment aSc of absorbent article 1, that is, the minimum width of the portion of absorbent article intended to be positioned between the leg openings formed when absorbent article is in use. In absorbent article, this can therefore be the minimum width of the crotch segment of one or both of insert 200 and cover 100. Similarly, the crotch width oWc of cover 100 is the minimum width of the crotch segment oSc of cover 100.

[0464] Outer cover - general situation Figure 3a It shows Figure 1 The outer casing 100 itself, that is, without any attached inserts 200. For example... Figure 3a As shown, the crotch section oSc of the outer cover 100 connects the front section and the rear sections oSf and oSb of the outer cover 100.

[0465] In the rear section oSb, the outer cover 100 may include first and second side portions 110, 111 for attaching the outer cover 100 around the wearer's waist. In the illustrated variant, only the rear section oSb has the first and second side portions, adapted to be fastened to the front section oSf of the outer cover 100. However, in other variants, the front section oSf may have side portions, and / or both the front section oSf and the rear section oSb may have side portions. However, it is believed that the illustrated variant with the rear section oSb having the first and second side portions 110, 111 is advantageous for ease of use by caregivers and for improving wearer comfort.

[0466] The side portions 110 and 111 of the rear section oSb can extend substantially symmetrically from the rear edge 102 and outward in the lateral direction X, as shown in the variant. Each of the side portions 110 and 111 has an attachment device 115 and 116 at its respective distal end on its inward-facing side. The attachment devices 115 and 116 are adapted to be detachably attached to a matching attachment device 117 on the outward-facing side of the front section oSf of the outer casing 100. The attachment devices 115 and 116 and the matching attachment device can, for example, consist of hook and ring surfaces.

[0467] In the illustrated variant, the total lateral width between the distal edges of each side section 110, 111 is greater than the total lateral width of the front edge 101 of the outer cover 100, allowing the sides to wrap around and attach to the front section Sf of the outer cover 100, forming a panty-like structure. The closure of the front allows the wearer to lie down while being changed by a caregiver. The total lateral width spanned by the sides 110, 111 and the total lateral width of the front edge 101 are selected to fit a predetermined waist size, and the absorbent article 100 can be provided in a variety of sizes.

[0468] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the same effect can be achieved with sides 110, 111 that do not extend symmetrically from the rear edge 102, wherein the first lateral width of one side is different from the second lateral width of the other side.

[0469] The outer cover 100 is configured to be washable, preferably machine washable, as discussed in the summary section of this application.

[0470] The outer cover 100 includes a garment portion 150 that forms the main structure, namely the front section, rear section, and crotch section of the outer cover. Furthermore, the garment portion 150 forms the sides 110, 111 of the outer cover 100. For example, and as in the illustrated embodiment, the garment portion 150 may include a body 109 that forms the lateral central portion of the garment portion 150 and extends longitudinally from the rear edge 102 of the outer cover via the crotch portion 0Sc to the front edge 101 of the outer cover. Therefore, at least the central portion 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 garment portion 150 may be provided with one or more laterally extending sides 110, 111.

[0471] As described in the Summary of the Invention section of this application, the garment portion 150 may be made of a breathable, liquid-permeable material (e.g., textile material), making the appearance and feel of the garment portion 150 similar to ordinary underwear. The garment portion may include one or more panels that together form at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, of the surface area of ​​the outer cover 100. The material suitable for the garment portion 150 may include or consist of one or more of cotton, viscose fiber, polyamide, and polyester. When the outer cover needs to be washable, polyester material is preferred because these materials are known to better retain their original size and shape. To ensure a comfortable 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. For this purpose, the material may be woven or knitted textiles, with knitted textiles being preferred due to their better elastic properties.

[0472] Therefore, the garment portion 150 can be made of one or more fabric panels. For example, a fabric panel can form each of the body 109 and the sides 110, 111.

[0473] To ensure that the outer cover 100 remains in the proper position within the crotch segment OSC when the absorbent garment 1 is worn, outer leg elastic members 151, 152 can be provided at the outer edge of the crotch segment OSC of the outer cover 100, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, to secure the outer cover in the proper position around the wearer's legs. Since the garment portion 150 of the outer cover 100 is made of a liquid-permeable material, these outer leg elastic members 151, 152 do not provide fluid tightness and therefore do not act as a fluid barrier. The outer leg elastic members 151, 152 can be elastic threads, ropes, strips, cords, etc., which are attached to the edge of the garment portion 150 in the crotch segment OSC by sewing, gluing, heat welding, etc., or sandwiched between layers of material forming the edge of the garment portion 150.

[0474] The outer cover 100 is made of a breathable, liquid-permeable material that provides the absorbent item with an underwear-like shape, allowing it to be worn like underwear by the wearer and facilitating caregivers to change the wearer. This particular material is closer to ordinary underwear than the backing material that typically forms the outermost surface of a diaper, making this particular absorbent item more comfortable to wear and giving the wearer a sense of dignity. Therefore, the outer cover 100 holds the insert 200 in place, and the insert 200 provides the absorbent item 1 with leak-proof safety and absorbency for retaining liquid and fecal materials; that is, the outer cover 100 has no fluid barrier.

[0475] Inserts - General Case Figures 2a-2c A variation of insert 200 is shown. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, since the outer cover 100 is reusable, it can be used with a variety of different inserts, which can have... Figures 2a-2c Different or similar features are shown. Some non-limiting possible variations have been indicated in this specification. The depicted insert 200 has a liquid-permeable top sheet 205, a liquid-impermeable bottom sheet 206, and an absorbent assembly 230. The insert 200 may include internal side leak-proof barriers 220, 221 as shown in the variations. The insert 200 may include insert leg elastic members 210, 211 as shown in the variations. The insert 200 includes front cover fastener regions 221, 222 arranged in the front section iSf of the insert, and rear cover fastener regions 241, 242 arranged in the rear section iSb of the insert.

[0476] The insert 200 extends along the longitudinal direction Y and the transverse direction X. A top sheet 205 forms a portion of the innermost surface of the insert 200, facing inwards (Zi) and intended to face 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 outwards (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; that is, 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.

[0477] The liquid-permeable top sheet 205 can be composed of any material suitable for this purpose. Common examples of liquid-permeable top sheet materials are nonwoven materials, perforated plastic films, meshes made of plastic or textiles, 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 are also common. Laminates composed of two or more of the above-mentioned possible covering materials are also common, as are coverings composed of different materials on different surfaces.

[0478] The liquid-impermeable film 206 can extend beyond the entire periphery of the absorber assembly 230. The film can be composed of a range of different materials. It can be made of a thin, liquid-impermeable plastic film, although other types of liquid-impermeable materials can also be used, such as nonwoven materials that become liquid-impermeable through plastic coatings, liquid-impermeable foam layers, liquid-impermeable adhesives, etc. The film can also be made of a liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable material, i.e., a liquid-impermeable yet breathable material.

[0479] The innermost layer of the insert 100, including the liquid-permeable top sheet 205, is attached to the bottom sheet 206 outside 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.

[0480] The absorbent assembly 230 can have a length and width smaller than that of the innermost layer including the top sheet 205 and the bottom sheet 206, as depicted, and thus exist in the central region of the insert 200, in which liquids and feces exit 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 other dimensions, shapes, and configurations of the absorbent assembly 230 may also be suitable for the absorbent articles presented herein. Figure 2a As shown, the absorption component 230 may have a longitudinal length iLc.

[0481] For example, and as shown in the accompanying drawings, the absorbent assembly 230 can have an hourglass shape, designed to be positioned in the narrowest region between the wearer's thighs when worn. The longitudinal side edges 203, 204 of the innermost layers, including the top piece 205 and the bottom piece 206, also correspond to this hourglass shape. This results in a more fitted insert than if it had a rectangular shape, and therefore more comfortable to wear.

[0482] The absorption component 230 can be modified as shown ( Figures 2a-2cThe absorbent assembly 230 includes a first layer 231 and a second layer 232. Additionally, the absorbent assembly may include a receiving layer 233. The receiving layer 233 is located 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 constructions 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. The absorbent assembly itself may resemble known absorbent assembly constructions and thus may consist of one or more layers of cellulose fluff pulp. For this purpose, the cellulose fluff pulp may 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 binds a large amount of liquid upon absorption 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 that improve the properties of the absorbent assembly 230 may also be present in the absorbent assembly 230. Examples of such components include binding fibers, different types of liquid distribution layers or fibers, shape-stabilizing components, reinforcing fibers, etc. The absorbent component 230 can also be composed of other types of absorbent materials, such as absorbent nonwoven materials, absorbent foam, textile materials, peat, or mixtures of different types of absorbent materials. like Figure 2a The central transverse axis X shown divides the insert 200 into the front and rear halves.

[0483] In some variations, insert 200 may be symmetrical about a central transverse axis X. Therefore, absorber assembly 230 may also be symmetrical about the central transverse axis X of insert 200. In this case, insert 200 may provide substantially the same absorbent function in both its front and rear halves.

[0484] In some variations, insert 200 may be asymmetrical about the central transverse axis X. Therefore, the absorption assembly 230 may also be asymmetrical about the central transverse axis X of insert 200. In this case, insert 200 may provide different absorption functions in its front and rear halves.

[0485] Insert leg elastic component like Figures 2a to 2c As shown, the insert 200 may include insert leg elastic members 210, 211. The insert leg elastic members 210, 211 are arranged between the longitudinal outer edge of the absorption assembly 230 and the longitudinal outer edges 203, 204 of the insert 200, extending substantially along the longitudinal direction of the insert 200 on both sides of the insert 200. Figure 2aAs shown, the insert leg resilient members 210 and 211 can be partially bent. For example, when the absorbent assembly is hourglass-shaped, the insert leg resilient members can be partially bent to follow the shape of the absorbent assembly 230. The maximum lateral width on the insert leg resilient members 210 and 211 is defined as the leg resilient width iWl. As shown, the lateral width on the insert leg resilient members 210 and 211 is the measured width in the lateral direction including the two insert leg resilient members 210 and 211 of the pair. The lateral width on the insert leg resilient members 210 and 211 can vary along the length of the insert leg resilient members 210 and 211 as in the illustrated embodiment. In each of the front segment iSf or the rear segment iSb of the insert, the maximum lateral width on the leg elastic member 210, 211 is the maximum lateral width that can be found along the length of the insert leg elastic member 210, 211 in the front segment or the rear segment iSf, iSb.

[0486] The insert 200 includes insert leg elastic members 210, 211 to prevent leakage of liquids and feces from the longitudinal edges of the insert, ensuring a close fit around the wearer's legs. Therefore, the inner leg elastic members 210, 211 contribute to the leak-proof nature of the insert 200 when used to form the absorbent article 1, allowing the entire outer cover 100 to be made of a liquid-permeable material. Each insert leg elastic member 210, 211 may consist of one or more elastic elements (e.g., 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 210, 211 has a longitudinal leg elastic length iL1 that may extend at least 60% of the insert length. For example, the leg elastic 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 top sheet 205 by gluing, ultrasonic welding, or other methods.

[0487] like Figure 2a As shown, in each of the front segment iSf and the rear segment iSb of the insert 100, the insert 100 has a maximum width iW, and the leg elastic member width iWl, which is the maximum lateral width between the leg elastic member members 210 and 211, is less than the maximum width W of the insert. i And it is greater than the maximum lateral width of the absorption component 230.

[0488] Between each insert leg resilient member 210, 211 and adjacent side edges 203, 204 of insert 200, a leg edge portion 212, 213 is defined in each of the front and rear segments iSf, iSb of insert 200. The leg edge portions 212, 213 may have a maximum width along the respective insert leg resilient member 210, 211, which is at least 1 cm, for example, at least 2 cm. The leg edge portions 212, 214 provide additional fluid leakage protection and increased wearer comfort. Leakage barrier inside the insert To further prevent leakage of liquid or feces through the side edges of the insert 200, the insert 200 may be provided with a pair of internal side leak-proof barriers 260, 261 on its inner surface, such as... Figure 2a and 2b As shown.

[0489] An internal side leakage barrier 260, 261 is arranged on each side of the central longitudinal axis Y, and the internal side leakage barriers 260, 261 extend substantially along the longitudinal direction of the insert 200. The internal side leakage barriers 260, 261 include liftable portions that, when the insert is in use, lift inward from the top plate 205 to form a barrier against side leakage. The liftable portions of the internal side leakage barriers 260, 261 extend at least a portion of the crotch segment iSc of the insert 200.

[0490] The maximum lateral barrier width iWg is measured between the attachment edges 260b and 261b of the liftable portions of the inner side leak-proof barriers 260 and 261. The maximum lateral barrier width iWg may be less than (if present) the maximum lateral width iWl on the insert leg resilient members 210 and 211. As in the illustrated variant, the maximum lateral barrier width iWg may be greater than the minimum lateral width of the absorber assembly 230. In some variants, the maximum lateral barrier width iWg may optionally be greater than the maximum lateral width of the absorber assembly 230. The corresponding inner side leak-proof barriers 260 and 261 may be implemented by separate strips of material exhibiting two substantially parallel longitudinal edges. The strips may be double-folded, with the parallel longitudinal edges arranged adjacent to each other. At least one longitudinal edge of each strip is attached to the innermost layer including the top sheet 205 and forms the attachment edges 260b and 261b of the corresponding inner side leak-proof barriers 260 and 261. As in the illustrated variant, a portion of the material strip may extend from the attachment edges 260b, 261 through the interior of the insert 200 to the adjacent longitudinal side edges 203, 204. The folded edges of the material strip form the free edges of the inner side leak-proof barriers 260; 261. The inner side leak-proof barriers 260, 261 are folded down over the innermost layer (i.e., the top sheet 205) during manufacturing and storage, and have a raised configuration during use, wherein, at least in the crotch segment iSc of the insert, the free edges are raised from the innermost layer including the top sheet 205.

[0491] In the depicted insert 200, the longitudinal front and rear ends of the material strip are attached to the innermost layer, including the top piece 205, at the front edge 201 and rear edge 202 of the insert 200. Therefore, the longitudinal front and rear ends are not liftable.

[0492] The internal leak-proof barriers 260, 261 further include elastic elements 260a, 261a, which are attached to the internal leak-proof barriers 260, 261 in a pre-tensioned state. The elastic elements 260a, 261a are conveniently arranged adjacent to the free edges of the internal leak-proof barriers 260, 261, for example, within a fold of the material strip as shown in the variant. When the pre-tensioned elastic elements 260a, 261a are released, they contract together with the free edges of the internal leak-proof barriers 260, 261, thereby causing the internal leak-proof barriers 260, 261 to be brought into a raised configuration away from the liquid-permeable top plate 205. For example, the internal leak-proof barriers 260, 261 can be brought into the raised position in a crotch section 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.

[0493] like Figure 3aAs shown, the internal leak-proof barriers 260 and 261 form a liftable portion, wherein the internal leak-proof barriers 260 and 261 can be brought into the liftable configuration over most of the longitudinal length of the insert 200. Figure 3b As shown, the internal leak-proof barriers 260 and 261 can be attached to the top plate 205 in attachment regions adjacent to the front and rear ends of the insert, respectively. In the attachment regions, strips of material forming each internal leak-proof barrier 260 and 261 are attached to the top plate, for example by welding or adhesive, so that the internal leak-proof barriers cannot be lifted in the attachment regions. For example, the internal leak-proof barriers 260 and 261 can be attached to the inward-facing side of the insert 200 in the front edge portion 201' and / or the rear edge portion 202' of the insert.

[0494] Alternatively, the longitudinal end of the material strip may not be attached to the innermost layer, so that the free edge of the material strip forming the inner side leak-proof barriers 220, 221 can be freely lifted from the innermost layer when the insert is bent to the use position, ultimately without the help of a pre-tensioned elastic element.

[0495] To reliably and comfortably retain the insert 200 within the cover 100, an absorbent article 1 is formed, wherein the insert 200 and the cover 100 are detachably attached to each other.

[0496] Insert cover fastener area Therefore, such as Figure 2a and 2c As shown, the insert 200 includes rear cover fastener regions 241 and 242 in the rear segment iSb and front cover fastener regions 221 and 222 in the front segment iSf.

[0497] Each cover fastener region 221, 222, 241, 242 includes a surface fastening material for providing a removable attachment of the insert to the cover. As will be described in more detail below, all cover fastener regions 221, 222, 241, 242 within the same front or rear group need not include the same surface fastening material. Rather, according to this disclosure, and as will be further described below, cover fastener regions within the same front or rear group include different surface fastening materials, namely a first surface fastening material and a second surface fastening material.

[0498] In the illustrated variant, the rear cover fastener region in the rear segment iSb and the front cover fastener region in the front segment iSf each include two laterally spaced cover fastener regions 241, 242; 221, 222. However, other variants are also possible, for example, where at least one set of cover fastener regions includes more than two cover fastener regions, such as four cover fastener regions.

[0499] Regardless of how many cover fastener regions are included in a group, the lateral fastening width iWf can be defined as the lateral width spanned by two or more cover fastener regions in that group.

[0500] In the illustrated variant, each cover fastener region in the front group and each cover fastener region in the rear group are arranged in the same longitudinal position. Furthermore, each cover fastener region has the same length iAl in the longitudinal direction. However, other variants are also possible, wherein, for example, at least one cover fastener region in the front / rear group is arranged in a different longitudinal position than another cover fastener region in the front / rear group. Nevertheless, a group of two or more cover fastener regions spans a longitudinal length iAl along the longitudinal axis L. However, it may be preferable that each front and rear group cover fastener region is symmetrical about the longitudinal central axis Y.

[0501] The front edge portion 201' is defined as the portion of the insert 200 extending from the front edge 201 of the insert 200 and spanned by the front group of two or more cover fastener regions 221, 222 in the front segment iSf, and the rear edge portion 202' is defined as the portion of the insert 200 extending from the rear edge 202 of the insert 200 and spanned by the rear group of two or more cover fastener regions 241, 242 in the rear segment iSb, and spanned by the rear group of two or more cover fastener regions 241, 242.

[0502] Each of the front edge portion 201' and / or the rear edge portion 202' may extend by an edge portion length, 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.

[0503] Therefore, it can be ensured that a large portion of the inward-facing side of the insert 200 remains usable for direct contact with the wearer's genitals, thereby limiting the risk of soiling the cover 100. As illustrated in the illustrated embodiment, in the longitudinal direction Y, each cover fastener region 221, 222, 241, 242 can be positioned (i.e., directly adjacent to) the front edge 201 or rear edge 202 of the insert. This is advantageous in manufacturing because, when formed on a continuous insert material line, one fastener component material piece can be arranged on two subsequent inserts. In this case, a single cutting operation will divide the fastener component material piece in half, simultaneously cutting the continuous insert material line into individual inserts. In this case, the longitudinal length iA1 spanned by the set of cover fastener regions will correspond to the longitudinal length of the corresponding edge portions 201', 202' of the insert 200. For example, each group of two or more cover fastener regions 221, 222; 241, 242 can span a longitudinal length iA1 that is less than 20% of the longitudinal length of the insert, for example, less than 10% of the longitudinal length of the insert.

[0504] In the lateral direction X, each set of cover fastener regions 221, 222; 241, 242 in each of the front and rear segments iSf, iSb extend over the lateral fastening width iWf. As illustrated in the figures, the lateral fastening width iWf may be not less than (and preferably greater than) the leg elastic width iWl.

[0505] This specific positioning allows the insert to be fully tensioned when the absorbent article 1 is worn on the wearer, ensuring the reliable function of the insert leg elastic members 210, 211.

[0506] Insert leg elastic members 210, 211 extend along the longitudinal insert leg elastic length iLl. The front edge portion 201' and the rear edge portion 202' can be advantageously arranged not to overlap with the longitudinal insert leg elastic length iLl. In other words, each group of two or more cover fastener regions is confined to the front edge portion 201' or the rear edge portion 202' that is not crossed by the leg elastic length iLl.

[0507] The lateral fastening width iWf can extend to at least a portion of the leg edge portions 212, 213 of the insert, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, to ensure that the leg portions automatically fold outward when the insert is attached to the cover. For example, the lateral fastening width can extend to at least 50% or at least 80% of the lateral width of each leg portion.

[0508] As shown in the example, in the rear segment iSb, the rear group of two or more cover fastener regions includes one or more cover fastener regions 241 of a first subset arranged on a first lateral side of the longitudinal axis Y, and one or more cover fastener regions 242 of a second subset arranged on a second lateral side of the longitudinal axis Y. Similarly, in the front segment iSf, the front group of two or more cover fastener regions includes one or more cover fastener regions 221 of a first subset arranged on a first lateral side of the longitudinal axis Y, and one or more cover fastener regions 222 of a second subset arranged on a second lateral side of the longitudinal axis Y.

[0509] In the rear segment iSb, one or more cover fastener regions 241 of the first subset are separated from one or more cover fastener regions 242 of the second subset by a lateral spacing width iWs. Similarly, in the front segment iSf, one or more cover fastener regions 221 of the first subset are separated from one or more cover fastener regions 222 of the second subset by a lateral spacing width iWs. Therefore, in both the front segment iSf and the rear segment iSb, the insert 200 has no cover fastener region on the spacing width iWs measured between the subsets in the front or rear segment.

[0510] This facilitates proper shaping of the insert during use, as the insert is not attached to the cover across the lateral spacing width. Furthermore, by providing the cover fastener area essentially at the location most critical for ensuring proper positioning of the insert within the cover, proper assembly of the insert and cover is facilitated.

[0511] The lateral spacing width iWs can be, for example, at least 70% of the lateral fastening width iWf. In the illustrated embodiment, one or more cover fastener regions of each first subset or second subset include a single cover fastener region. Thus, one or more cover fastener regions of the first subset and second subset in each front and rear group together form a pair comprising two cover fastener regions (one cover fastener region in each subset) spaced apart by the spacing width iWs.

[0512] As illustrated in the example in the accompanying drawings, cover fastener regions 221, 222, 241, and 242 may be disposed on the inward-facing side of the insert 200, each at a corresponding corner of the insert 200, for removably attaching the insert 200 to the outer cover 100. The cover fastener regions 221, 222, 241, and 242 are located outside the crotch segment oSc, thereby preventing the attachment to the outer cover 100 from overlapping with the crotch segment oSc, and thus reducing the risk of soiling the outer cover. Together, the cover fastener regions 221, 222, 241, and 242 can cover less than 5% of the total surface area including the innermost layer of the top piece 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 smaller portion of the innermost layer of the insert is occupied by the cover fastener areas 221, 222, 241, 242, so that the relatively larger portion of the innermost layer of the insert can be used to receive bodily excretions when the absorbent article 1 is in use.

[0513] Insert usage status and folded status According to this disclosure, Figures 2a to 2c A variation of the insert 200 depicted includes, in the front segment iSf of the insert 200, two or more front cover fastener regions 221, 222 arranged on the inward-facing side of the insert 200. One or more cover fastener regions 221, 222 are arranged on a first lateral side of the longitudinal central axis Y to form a first subset 221 of the one or more cover fastener regions, and one or more cover fastener regions 221, 222 are arranged on a second lateral side of the longitudinal central axis Y to form a second subset 222 of the one or more cover fastener regions. The first subset cover fastener region 221 includes a first surface fastening material for removably attaching the insert 200 to the cover, and the second subset cover fastener region 222 includes a second surface fastening material for removably attaching the insert 200 to the cover.

[0514] Similarly, in the rear segment iSb of insert 200, two or more cover fastener regions 241, 242 are arranged on the inward-facing side of insert 200. One or more cover fastener regions 241, 242 are arranged on a first transverse side of the longitudinal central axis Y to form a first subset 241 of one or more cover fastener regions, and one or more cover fastener regions 241, 242 are arranged on a second transverse side of the longitudinal central axis Y to form a second subset 242 of one or more cover fastener regions. The first subset cover fastener region 241 includes a first surface fastening material for removably attaching insert 200 to the cover, and the second subset cover fastener region 242 includes a second surface fastening material for removably attaching insert 200 to the cover.

[0515] The first surface fastening material is different from the second surface fastening material, and the first surface fastening material is complementary to the second surface fastening material to provide a detachable mechanical and / or frictional attachment between them.

[0516] Therefore, as described above, the insert has a usage state in which the cover fastener regions 221, 222, 241, 242 of the first and second subsets of each of the front and rear groups are detachably attached to the outer cover 100. In the usage state, the insert 200 is in a generally unfolded condition, such as... Figure 2a As depicted, when the absorbent article 1 is in use, the insert 200 can adapt to the wearer and form, for example, a cup shape.

[0517] In addition, such as Figures 2a to 2c As depicted in the variant, in each of the front segment iSf and the rear segment iSb of the insert 200, the cover fastener regions 221, 241 of the first subset include at least a first surface fastening material, and the cover fastener regions 222, 242 of the second subset include at least a second surface fastening material, the first surface fastening material being different from the second surface fastening material, and the first surface fastening material being complementary to the second surface fastening material to provide a removable mechanical and / or frictional attachment therebetween.

[0518] Therefore, the insert has a folded state, wherein the insert is folded approximately along the longitudinal axis Y, and the cover fastener regions 221, 241 of the first subset are attached to the cover fastener regions 222, 242 of the second subset.

[0519] Therefore, as Figure 4dAs shown, this illustrates the usage cycle of an absorbent article. After use, the soiled insert 200 can be detached from the outer cover 200 and folded along a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis Y. The cover fastener regions 221, 241 of the first subset can be attached to the cover fastener regions 222, 242 of the second subset. Thus, in the folded state, the insert 200 is provided as a closed bag-like structure, with the soiled insert facing inward inside the fold, and the backing side, including the backing sheet, facing outward on the outside. Therefore, in the folded state, the closed fold of the insert can accommodate any residual urine or feces on the inward-facing side of the insert and also removes the soiled inward-facing side itself from exposure for easy disposal of the insert after use.

[0520] In the illustrated variant, the first and second subsets can be spaced apart by a lateral spacing width iWs around the longitudinal central axis Y of the insert, preferably symmetrically spaced. Furthermore, in the illustrated variant, the cover fastener regions 221, 241 of the first subset mirror the cover fastener regions 222, 242 of the second subset, as seen along the longitudinal central axis Y. Therefore, in the folded state, the insert 100 can be folded along the longitudinal axis Y, and each cover fastener region 221, 241 of the first subset encounters a corresponding cover fastener region 222, 242 of the second subset.

[0521] As described above, each cover fastener region 221, 222, 241, 242 includes a first surface fastening material or a second surface fastening material. For example, the first and second surface fastening materials may each be surface fastening materials comprising multiple discrete elements for providing frictional and / or mechanical attachment, wherein the discrete elements of the first surface fastening material are complementary to the discrete elements of the second surface fastening material. A well-known type of such complementary surface fastening material is ring materials and hook materials, such as those commonly referred to as Velcro©.

[0522] According to a variant of the first type, and as shown in the figures, in the front segment iSf of the insert, the first lateral side of the insert 200 includes one or more cover fastener regions 221 of a first subset, which includes a first surface fastening material for removably attaching the insert to the cover, and the second lateral side of the insert includes one or more cover fastener regions 222 of a second subset, which includes a second surface fastening material for removably attaching the insert to the cover; and in the rear segment iSb of the insert, the first lateral side of the insert includes one or more cover fastener regions 241 of the first subset, which includes a first surface fastening material for removably attaching the insert to the cover, and the second lateral side of the insert includes one or more cover fastener regions 242 of the second subset, which includes a second surface fastening material for removably attaching the insert to the cover.

[0523] Therefore, in both the front and rear sections, one or more cover fastener regions 221, 241 of the first subset are located on a first side of the longitudinal central axis, and one or more cover fastener regions 222, 242 of the second subset are located on a second side of the longitudinal central axis. As a result, the fastening material on the intended left side of the insert is the same in both the front and rear sections, and vice versa for the intended right side of the insert. As described in the summary section, this variation may offer advantages in terms of user-friendliness, manufacturing, and control of the insert's front / rear orientation. Alternatively, in this first type of variation, the absorber assembly may be asymmetrical about the central transverse axis of the insert.

[0524] For example, each cover fastener region arranged on the first lateral side of the insert may include a first surface fastening material, and each cover fastener region arranged on the second lateral side of the insert may include a second surface fastening material.

[0525] However, as also mentioned in the summary of the invention, a second type of variation is also possible, wherein one or more cover fastener regions 221 of the first subset in the front section are located on the same longitudinal central axis side as one or more cover fastener regions 242 of the second subset in the rear section, and vice versa.

[0526] In the illustrated variant, the first fastening material in the cover fastener regions of the first subsets 221, 241 includes hooks, and the second fastening material in the cover fastener regions of the second subsets 222, 242 includes rings. (Note: The illustrations are schematic and do not reflect the intended density of hooks / rings in the cover fastener regions.) Furthermore, as in the illustrated variant, the insert may be provided with cover fastener members 221a, 241a, 222a, 242a that provide cover fastener regions 221, 241, 222, 242. For example, one cover fastener member 221a, 241a, 222a, 242a may provide a first or second subset of the cover fastener regions 221, 241, 222, 242.

[0527] As described above, the insert may include a pair of insert leg elastic members 210, 211 and / or a pair of leg edge portions 212, 213, and / or a pair of internal side leak-proof barriers 260, 261.

[0528] Each of these features contributes (in addition to the advantages gained when the insert is in use and attached to the cover) to securely keep the insert closed around the inward-facing side, including the soiled top plate, when the insert is folded. This is especially true when the lateral fastening width iWf spanned by a set of two or more cover fastener regions 221, 222, 241, 242 in each of the front and rear sections of the insert is greater than the width of the leg resilient and / or the barrier width, respectively.

[0529] Each first subset or second subset cover fastener region can include only a single cover fastener region, as shown in the variant.

[0530] In absorbent material 1 (e.g., as Figure 1 As shown), cover fastener areas 221, 222, 241, and 242 are attached to the cover 100 in the front and rear flap members 120 and 140 of the cover.

[0531] outer flap components Returning to the description of the outer cover, such as... Figure 1 and 3a As shown, in each of the front section oSf and the rear section oSb of the outer cover 100, flap members 120 and 140 are arranged to extend from the garment portion 150. In the position of use, the outward-facing side of the flap member faces a space that is directed towards the crotch section S in the longitudinal direction Y. C The opening is for receiving the corresponding rear edge portion 202' or front edge portion 201' of the insert 200 therein, while the insert 200 extends over at least a portion of the crotch segment Sc of the absorbent article 1. The inward-facing side of the insert 200 is attached to the cover 100 via the front flap members and the rear flap members 120, 140.

[0532] In the outer cover 100, the front flap members and the rear flap members 120, 140 can be made of the same material as the clothing portion 150. In particular, a single sheet of material can form at least one layer of the front flap members and the rear flap members 120, 140 and the clothing portion 150.

[0533] In the variant shown, individual flap members 120, 140 are arranged in each of the rear and front sections oSb, oSf.

[0534] In some variations, flap members 120, 140 may extend from garment portion 150 via, for example, a fold. For example, flap members 120, 140 may include a fabric panel that also forms at least a portion of the body 109 of garment portion 150.

[0535] 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 stitching). For example, the flap member may include a fabric panel attached to the garment portion.

[0536] As shown in the variant, flap members 120 and 140 may extend from the front edge 101 or the rear edge 102 of the outer cover 100, respectively.

[0537] For example, flap members 120, 140 may be joined to garment portion 150 (via a fold or via a joint member, such as a seam or stitch) along at least one of the rear edge or front edge and / or a pair of side edges.

[0538] exist Figure 3a In the illustrated configuration, the front flap members and rear flap members 120, 140 each extend laterally between a pair of lateral joints 148, 149; 128, 129, engaging the inward-facing side of the garment portion 150 of the outer cover 100 with the flap members. Therefore, the lateral joints engage the side edges of the corresponding front flap members and rear flap members 120, 140 with the garment portion 150, causing the flap members to automatically be in a closed position forming the usage position. However, to more easily see the details on the internal flap members, Figure 3b The outer cover 100 shown is not attached to the sides, so that the front flap members and the rear flap members 120, 140 are both displayed in the open position, making their interior (consisting of the body-facing side and the clothing-facing side) visible.

[0539] The presence of connectors 148, 149, 128, and 129 ensures that the front and rear flap members 120 and 140 are held in the use position, thereby protecting the wearer's skin from contact with any insert attachments inside the flap members. Furthermore, the presence of connectors 148, 149, 128, and 129 ensures that lateral forces introduced into the outer cover when it is closed around the wearer's waist are transmitted to the flap members. Therefore, the flap members 120 and 140 can be stretched open in the lateral direction.

[0540] In other variations of the outer cover, flap members or multiple flap members may be connected to the garment portion 150 only via, for example, a side joint or only via a rear joint or fold.

[0541] When the flap members 120, 130 extend in the lateral direction X between the first and second lateral joints 128, 129; 148, 149 that engage the flap members to the garment portion 150, the space open in the longitudinal direction toward the crotch section has a space width oWt as defined between the first and second lateral 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 or rear edge 201, 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 overlay 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 and second sides 110, 111 closest to the longitudinal central axis Y. Advantageously, this configuration allows the joints 148, 149 of the rear flap member 140 to be attached at or together with the seam where one or more material layers of the first and second sides 110, 111 are attached to the garment portion 150. A flush seam can be used to further reduce the risk of skin chafing to the wearer.

[0542] Insert fastener area of ​​the outer cover For example, as in the illustrated variant, to removably fasten the insert 200 to the cover 100, in each of the front section Sf and the rear section Sb, the cover may include a flap member, wherein each flap member has a set of two or more insert fastener regions 121, 122; 141, 142 on its outer surface facing the space formed by the respective flap member when in the use position. In the depicted cover, in the front section Sf, the front flap member 120 has a set of two insert fastener regions 121, 122 on its outwardly inward side 120a. Similarly, in the rear section Sb, the rear flap member 140 has a set of two insert fastener regions 141, 142 on its outwardly inward side 140a. The longitudinal length of each insert fastener region 121, 122, 141, 142 is less than the longitudinal length of the corresponding front flap member or rear flap member 120, 140 in the closed position, that is, the longitudinal length of the outward-facing inner side 120a, 140a of the flap members 120, 140.

[0543] Therefore, as in the illustrated embodiment, each insert fastener region 121, 122, 141, 142 can be provided by a corresponding insert fastener component 121a, 122a, 141a, 142a, such as Figure 3bAs shown. Therefore, each flap member 120, 140 includes a fabric panel providing insert fastener members 121a, 122a, 141a, 142a for insert fastener areas attached to the fabric panel.

[0544] Preferably, and as in the version shown, the insert fastener of the flap member is completely contained within the area of ​​the fabric panel.

[0545] As shown in the embodiment, the flap 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 flap member 120 and the rear flap 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 outer cover length.

[0546] Each flap member 120, 140 has an outwardly facing inner side 120a, 140a including a set of two or more insert fastener regions 121, 122; 141, 142, each insert fastener region including surface fastening material for providing removable attachment to the insert. Each set of insert fastener areas spans a lateral fastening width oWf. The lateral fastening width oWf can preferably be no less than the minimum lateral width oWc of the outer cover, that is, no less than the crotch width oWc of the outer cover. Therefore, the lateral fastening width oWf will be no less than the minimum leg elastic member spacing width measured between the leg elastic members 151, 152 of the outer cover 100.

[0547] The lateral fastening width oWf can preferably be smaller than the maximum leg elastic member spacing width oWl measured between the leg elastic members 151 and 152 of the outer cover.

[0548] Therefore, it can be ensured that when the insert 200 is attached to the cover 100, the leg elastic members 152, 152 of the cover help to provide the correct position of the insert relative to the wearer.

[0549] In addition, it can be ensured that the outer cover provides the required tension in the lateral direction to the insert 200 attached thereto during use, so as to stretch any insert leg elastic members 210, 211 and any internal side barriers 260, 261 to their correct positions.

[0550] For example, and as in the variant shown, each set of front and rear insert fastener regions may include a first subset of insert fastener regions 121; 141 and a second subset of insert fastener regions 122; 142, the first and second subsets being laterally spaced apart by a lateral spacing width 0Ws. To further ensure proper positioning and shaping of the inserts relative to the outer casing, the lateral fastener spacing width 0Ws may be not less than the minimum lateral width 0Wc of the outer casing.

[0551] The location of the outer cover and the position of the folding flaps As stated above, and as Figure 1 and Figure 3a As depicted, in each of the front section oSf and the rear section oSb of the outer cover 100, flap members 120, 140 have a working position, wherein the outwardly facing inner sides 120a, 140a of the flap members 120, 140 face the inwardly facing side of the garment portion 150, thereby forming a space between the outwardly facing inner sides 120a, 140a of the flap members 120, 140a and the inwardly facing side of the garment portion 150, which is open in the longitudinal direction toward the crotch section oSc.

[0552] In the front section oSf, the outer cover includes a front group of two or more insert fastener regions 121, 122 arranged on the outwardly inward side 120a of the (front) flap member 120. Similarly, in the rear section oSb, the outer cover includes a rear group of two or more insert fastener regions 141, 142 arranged on the outwardly inward side 140a of the (rear) flap member 140.

[0553] Therefore, when the flap member 120 in the front section of the outer cover osf is in the use position and the flap member 140 in the rear section of the outer cover osb is in the use position, the insert 200 is detachably attached to the inner side of the outer cover 100, wherein two or more insert fastener regions 121, 122 in the front group are attached to the front edge portion 201' of the insert 200, and two or more insert fastener regions 141, 142 in the rear group are attached to the rear edge portion 202' of the insert, while the insert extends inward over at least a portion of the crotch section osc of the clothing portion 150.

[0554] Furthermore, according to this disclosure, in the front section 0Sf, one or more insert fastener regions 121, 122 of the front group are arranged on one of the first lateral side and the second lateral side of the outer cover 100 to form a first subset 121 of one or more insert fastener regions, the first subset of insert fastener regions 121 including a first surface fastening material for removably attaching the insert 200 to the outer cover 100, and one or more insert fastener regions 121, 122 of the front group are arranged on the other of the first lateral side and the second lateral side of the outer cover 100 to form a second subset 122 of one or more insert fastener regions, the second subset of insert fastener regions 122 including a second surface fastening material for removably attaching the insert 200 to the outer cover 100. Similarly, in the rear section osb, one or more insert fastener regions 141, 142 in the rear group are arranged on one of the first lateral side and the second lateral side of the outer cover 100 to form a first subset 141 of one or more insert fastener regions, the first subset of insert fastener regions 141 including a first surface fastening material for removably attaching the insert 200 to the outer cover 100, and one or more insert fastener regions 141, 142 in the rear group are arranged on the other of the first lateral side and the second lateral side of the outer cover 100 to form a second subset 142 of one or more insert fastener regions, the second subset of insert fastener regions 142 including a second surface fastening material for removably attaching the insert 200 to the outer cover 100.

[0555] The first surface fastening material is different from the second surface fastening material, and the first surface fastening material is complementary to the second surface fastening material to provide a detachable mechanical and / or frictional attachment between them. Therefore, the outer casing has a non-use position in which, in the front section oSf, the (front) flap member 120 is folded generally along the longitudinal axis Y, and the insert fastener region 121 of the first subset is attached to the insert fastener region 122 of the second subset; and, in the rear section oSb, the (rear) flap member 130 is folded generally along the longitudinal axis Y, and the insert fastener region 141 of the first subset is attached to the insert fastener region 142 of the second subset.

[0556] like Figure 4d As shown, it illustrates the lifecycle of an absorbent article. Once the soiled insert 200 is removed from the cover 100, the user can fold the flap members 120, 140 in a direction parallel to the transverse axis Y, so that the insert fastener members 121, 141 of the first subset are attached to the insert fastener members 122, 142 of the second subset.

[0557] In the illustrated variant, the first and second subsets in the front and rear groups can be spaced apart by a lateral spacing width 0Ws around the longitudinal central axis Y of the outer casing, preferably symmetrically. Furthermore, in the illustrated variant, the insert fastener regions 121, 141 of the first subset mirror the insert fastener regions 122, 142 of the second subset, as seen along the longitudinal central axis Y. Therefore, in the folded state, the flap members 120, 140 can fold along the longitudinal axis Y, and each insert fastener region 121, 141 of the first subset encounters a corresponding insert fastener region 122, 142 of the second subset.

[0558] As described above, each insert fastener region 121, 122, 141, 142 includes a first surface fastening material or a second surface fastening material. For example, and as shown herein, the first surface fastening material provides a frictional and / or mechanically detachable attachment to the second surface fastening material. For example, the first and second surface fastening materials may each be surface fastening materials comprising a plurality of discrete elements for providing frictional and / or mechanical attachment, wherein the discrete elements of the first surface fastening material are complementary to the discrete elements of the second surface fastening material. A well-known type of such complementary surface fastening material is ring materials and hook materials, also commonly referred to collectively as Velcro©.

[0559] As shown in the variant, each insert fastener region 121; 141 in the first subset may include a first surface fastening material, and each insert fastener region 122; 142 in the second subset includes a second surface fastening material.

[0560] As shown in the variant, optionally in the first type of variant, in the front segment of the outer casing 100, the first lateral side includes one or more insert fastener regions 121 of a first subset, the first subset including a first surface fastening material for removably attaching the insert 200 to the outer casing 100, and the second lateral side of the outer casing 100 includes one or more insert fastener regions 122 of a second subset, the second subset including a second surface fastening material for removably attaching the insert 200 to the outer casing 100, and In the rear section of the outer casing 100, the first lateral side of the outer casing 100 includes one or more insert fastener regions 141 of a first subset, the first subset including a first surface fastening material for removably attaching the insert 200 to the outer casing 100, and the second lateral side of the outer casing 100 includes one or more insert fastener regions 142 of a second subset, the second subset including a second surface fastening material for removably attaching the insert 200 to the outer casing 100.

[0561] However, as described in the invention description section, other types of variations are also possible.

[0562] In the illustrated variant, the first fastening material in the insert fastener regions of the first subsets 121, 141 includes rings, and the second fastening material in the insert fastener regions of the second subsets 122, 142 includes hooks. (Note: The illustrations are schematic and do not reflect the intended density of hooks / rings in the insert fastener regions.) Furthermore, as in the illustrated variant, the insert may be provided with insert fastener components 121a, 141a, 122a, 142a that provide insert fastener regions 121, 141, 122, 142. For example, a single insert fastener component 121a, 141a, 122a, 142a may provide a first or second subset of the insert fastener regions 121, 141, 122, 142.

[0563] Each first subset or second subset insert fastener region can include only a single insert fastener region, as shown in the variant.

[0564] Advantageously, the first and second surface fastening materials do not adhere to the clothing portion 150.

[0565] In the variant shown, each subset of insert fastener regions comprises a single insert fastener region.

[0566] absorbent materials It should be understood that in the depicted variant of the absorbent article 1, a set of attachment regions 21, 22; 41, 42 are formed by insert fastener regions 121, 122; 141, 142 attached to cover fastener regions 221, 222; 241, 242. In the respective front or rear sections, the insert fastener regions of the first subset are attached to the cover fastener regions of the first subset, and the insert fastener regions of the second subset are attached to the cover fastener regions of the second subset. Therefore, the first fastening material of the cover fastener regions 221, 241 of the first subset is complementary to the first fastening material of the insert fastener regions 121, 141 of the first subset, and the second fastening material of the cover fastener regions 222, 242 of the second subset is complementary to the second fastening material of the insert fastener regions 122, 142 of the second subset.

[0567] 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 flap members and the rear flap members 120, 140 do not overlap with the absorption assembly 230.

[0568] For example, each flap member 120, 140 may have a longitudinal flap length oLt such that, in the use position, when the insert 200 is attached to the cover 100, the flap members 120, 140 extend over less than 20% of the longitudinal length iL of the insert, preferably over less than 10% of the longitudinal length iL of the insert.

[0569] For example, the total area of ​​the front and rear flap members 120 and 140 can cover less than 80% (preferably less than 85%) of the total insert area. The dimensions of the front and rear flap members 120 and 140 can ensure that they cover less than 15% of the total insert area during use, preferably less than 10%.

[0570] Fastener area For example, and as in the illustrated variant, each insert fastener region 121, 122, 141, 142 may be provided by insert fastener components 121a, 122a, 141a, 142a, a first subset of which 121a, 141a includes fastening material of hook material, and a second subset of which 122a, 142a includes fastening material of ring material. Each insert fastener component may be attached to the outwardly inwardly facing side 120a, 140a of the corresponding front flap component and rear flap component 120, 140 of the outer casing.

[0571] In the insert, each cover fastener region 221, 222, 242, 242 may be provided by cover fastener components 221, 222a, 241a, 242a, a first subset 221a, 241a comprising a ring material fastening material, and a second subset 222a, 242a comprising a hook material fastening material. Each cover fastener component may be attached to the inward-facing side of the insert.

[0572] In the position of use, the flap members 120, 140 completely cover the cover fastener areas 221, 222, 241, 242 of the insert 200, thereby also preventing any contact between the wearer's skin and the attached material. Since this material is generally relatively rough compared to the top sheet material and the material of the garment portion 150 used for the outer cover 100, covering them reduces the risk of chafing. While the depicted embodiments use hook-and-loop fasteners, alternative surface fastening materials can also be suitable and can replace some or all of the insert fastener areas and cover fastener areas. Such alternative surface fastening materials provide substantially uniform fastening over a predetermined surface area, rather than point connections (e.g., buttons, snaps, rivets, etc.), thereby minimizing the risk of skin abrasion associated with these point connections.

[0573] To ensure the outer cover is washable, the surface fastening materials installed on it should be both reusable and washable.

[0574] Another advantage of using a fastener area that includes surface fastening material (including the depicted hook-and-loop component) is that the fastening is provided over a single surface area, which allows for greater placement tolerances when attaching the insert to the housing. As a result, attaching the insert to the housing is easier because it requires less precision and is therefore faster than using point connections. Figures 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D depict similar... Figure 1 The usage cycle of the absorbent article 1 shown is illustrated by the following steps: packaging 300 containing at least one insert 200, attaching the insert 200 to the outer cover 100, the absorbent article being worn by the wearer, and removing and disposing of the insert 200 and cleaning the outer cover 1.

[0575] The packaging shown in Figure 4A can be available, comprising a predetermined number of inserts and / or one or more covers. In Figure 4B, the inserts 200 are first detachably attached inside the corresponding flap members of the cover. Attachment is performed as described above. Next, the absorbent article is worn on the wearer, as depicted in Figure 4C. For a particular embodiment of the cover 100, sides 110, 111 are arranged on the rear end portion of the article and are attached to the front end portion of the article when the article is worn on the wearer. Preferably, the cover 100 has complementary attachment devices 117, 118 (e.g., landing zones) at the front end portion, on the surface facing away from the wearer (see...). Figure 4c and Figure 3a Complementary attachment devices 117, 118 are adapted to receive attachment devices 115, 116 disposed on the first and second sides 110, 111 (see...). Figure 4c and Figure 3a This ensures good removable attachment without potentially damaging the outer-facing main material forming the outer casing 100.

[0576] After use, the entire absorbent article 1 can be removed from the wearer by disassembling the first and second sides. The insert can then be detached from the outer cover, as depicted in Figure 4D.

[0577] Once removed from the outer cover 100, the insert 100 can be folded approximately along the longitudinal axis Y, and the cover fastener regions 121, 141 of the first subset of the front segment iSf and the rear segment iSb of the insert can be attached to the cover fastener regions 122, 142 of the corresponding second subset of the front segment iSf and the rear segment iSb, respectively, so that the insert 100 presents its folded state.

[0578] In this embodiment, the insert 200 is a disposable insert. Therefore, the insert 100 can be folded into its folded state to hold any bodily waste within the compartment formed by the folded insert 100, and then discarded.

[0579] In a variant where insert 200 is a reusable insert (e.g., a washable insert), the folded state can also be used to hold residual urine or feces within the formed compartment for subsequent disposal. However, in this case, the folded state may also be advantageous during insert washing, as all cover fastener areas are protected by being attached to each other in the folded state. It can be noted that while a folded state in which the inward-facing side of the insert is inside the fold may be advantageous, it is also possible to fold the insert such that the inward-facing side is exposed and the outward-facing side is inside the fold, attaching the cover fastener areas of the first subset to the cover fastener areas of the second subset (albeit somewhat cumbersome). Depending on the washing requirements of the insert, this option may be preferred.

[0580] The outer cover 100 is washable, allowing it to be washed as described above, even when the flap members are folded to protect the insert fastener area.

[0581] In subsequent use cycles, the same cover 100 was then used with another new insert 200.

[0582] It should be understood that the described usage cycle can be the same for many variations of absorbent articles, regardless of the specific shape of the cover and insert. Furthermore, it should be understood that for variations of absorbent articles where the cover is reusable according to this specification, the usage cycle will be substantially the same, except that the insert is washed before being reused in subsequent usage cycles, rather than being discarded.

[0583] The invention has been described with reference to several illustrative embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. Upon reading and understanding the foregoing detailed description, obvious modifications and alternative implementations of certain 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 practiced independently of other expressly mentioned alternatives not explicitly described in relation to them. The invention is intended to be construed as including all such modifications and alternative implementations falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An absorbent insert (200) for use 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, The thickness direction (Z) is defined as perpendicular to the transverse and longitudinal directions (X, Y), and the thickness direction (Z) is the inward direction toward the wearer when the absorbent article is worn. i ) and the outward direction away from the wearer when the item is worn (Z o ), 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 section (iSf), a rear section (iSb), and a crotch section (iSc) disposed between the front section (iSf) and the rear section (iSb). The insert (200) includes a liquid-impermeable substrate (206), a liquid-permeable top sheet (205), and an absorbent assembly (230) between the substrate (106) and the top sheet (205). The insert (200) has an inward-facing side (203) including the top piece (205) facing the wearer when the article is in use, and an outward-facing side (204) facing the outer cover (100), wherein The longitudinal central axis (Y) divides the absorbent insert (200) into a first lateral side and a second lateral side, and In the front section (iSf) of the insert (200), the insert (200) includes two or more cover fastener regions (221, 222) arranged on the inward-facing side of the insert (200). In this arrangement, one or more of the cover fastener regions (221, 222) in the front group are disposed on one of the first lateral side and the second lateral side of the insert (200) to form a first subset of one or more cover fastener regions (221). The first subset of cover fastener regions (221) includes a first surface fastening material for removably attaching the insert (100) to the cover. One or more of the cover fastener regions (221, 222) in the front group are arranged on the other of the first lateral side and the second lateral side of the insert to form a second subset of one or more cover fastener regions (222), the second subset of cover fastener regions (222) including a second surface fastening material for removably attaching the insert to the cover, and In the rear section (iSb) of the insert (200), the insert (200) includes two or more cover fastener regions (241, 242) arranged on the inward-facing side of the insert (200). One or more of the cover fastener regions (241, 242) in the rear group are arranged on one of the first lateral side and the second lateral side of the insert (200) to form a first subset of one or more cover fastener regions (241). The first subset of cover fastener regions (241) includes a first surface fastening material for removably attaching the insert (200) to the cover. One or more of the cover fastener regions (241, 242) in the rear group are arranged on the other of the first lateral side and the second lateral side of the insert to form a second subset of one or more cover fastener regions (242), the second subset of cover fastener regions (242) including a second surface fastening material for removably attaching the insert (200) to the cover. in The first surface fastening material is different from the second surface fastening material, and the first surface fastening material is complementary to the second surface fastening material to provide a detachable mechanical and / or frictional attachment therebetween. Thus, the insert has a use state in which the cover fastener regions (221, 222) of the first and second subsets in the front group and the cover fastener regions (241, 242) of the first and second subsets in the rear group can be detachably attached to the outer cover, and the insert has a folded state in which the insert is folded substantially along the longitudinal axis (Y), and, In the front section (iSf), one or more cover fastener regions (221) of the first subset of the front group are attached to one or more cover fastener regions (222) of the second subset of the front group, and, In the rear section (bSf), one or more cover fastener regions (241) of the first subset of the rear group are attached to one or more cover fastener regions (242) of the second subset of the rear group.

2. The absorbent insert (200) according to claim 1, wherein, In the front segment (iSf) of the insert (200), the first lateral side of the insert (200) includes a first subset of one or more cover fastener regions (221) comprising a first surface fastening material for removably attaching the insert (200) to the cover (200), and the second lateral side of the insert (200) includes a second subset of one or more cover fastener regions (222) comprising a second surface fastening material for removably attaching the insert (200) to the cover (100), and In the rear section (iSb) of the insert (200), the first lateral side of the insert (200) includes a first subset of one or more cover fastener regions (241) including a first surface fastening material for removably attaching the insert (200) to the cover (100), and the second lateral side of the insert (200) includes a second subset of one or more cover fastener regions (242) including a second surface fastening material for removably attaching the insert (200) to the cover (100).

3. The absorbent insert (200) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, Each cover fastener region (221; 241) arranged in the first lateral side of the insert (200) includes a first surface fastening material, and each cover fastener region (222, 242) arranged in the second lateral side of the insert (200) includes a second surface fastening material.

4. The absorbent insert according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first surface fastening material includes a hook, and the second surface fastening material includes a ring.

5. The absorbent insert (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, In each of the front segment (iSf) and the rear segment (iSb), the first subset and the second subset (221, 222; 241, 242) are spaced apart by a lateral spacing width (iWs) around the longitudinal central axis (Y) of the insert, preferably symmetrically spaced.

6. The absorbent insert (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, In each of the front section (iSf) and the rear section (iSb), one or more cover fastener regions in the first subset mirror the one or more cover fastener regions in the second subset as seen relative to the longitudinal central axis (Y).

7. The insert 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 and the rear edge. The insert includes a pair of insert leg resilient members (210, 211) extending generally along the longitudinal direction (Y) of the insert. One of the leg resilient members (210, 211) is arranged laterally on each side of the insert between the absorption assembly (230) and the longitudinal side edges (203, 204) of the insert. In each of the front section (iSf) and the rear section (iSb) of the insert (200), the leg elastic width (iWl) is defined as the maximum lateral width on the leg elastic member (210, 211) in the front section or the rear section (iSf, iSb), and preferably wherein, in each of the rear section (iSb) and the front section (iSf), the lateral fastening width (iWf) spanned by two or more cover fastener regions (221, 222; 241, 242) of the front / rear group is not less than the leg elastic width (iWl).

8. The insert according to claim 7, wherein, In each of the rear section (iSb) and the front section (iSf), the insert (200) includes a pair of leg edge portions (212, 213), each leg edge portion extending longitudinally along a corresponding leg resilient member (210, 211) and extending laterally between the leg resilient member and the corresponding longitudinal side edge (203, 204) of the insert to define a maximum lateral leg edge width (iWlp) between the leg resilient 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.

9. The absorbent insert (200) according to any one of claims 7 to 8, wherein, The length (iLl) of the insert leg elastic member is defined as the longitudinal length along which the insert leg elastic member (210, 211) is effective, 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.

10. The absorbent insert according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein, In at least one of the front section (iSf) and the rear section (iSb) of the insert (200), preferably in each, two or more cover fastener regions (240, 241, 242, 243) of the front and / or rear groups are confined in 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).

11. The absorbent insert according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The insert (200) includes a pair of internal leak-proof barriers (260, 261) extending along the longitudinal direction (Y) of the insert. Preferably, each of the pair of internal leak-proof barriers (260, 261) extends along a corresponding longitudinal side edge portion of the absorbent assembly (230).

12. The absorbent insert (200) according to claim 11, wherein, The internal leak-proof barrier (260, 261) is adapted to be movable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the internal leak-proof barrier (260, 261) forms a flat surface parallel to the top plate (205), and in the second position the internal leak-proof barrier (260, 261) is raised from the liquid-permeable top plate (205) at at least 60% of the longitudinal length (iL) of the insert (200), and spaced apart from both the front edge (201) and the rear edge (202) of the insert.

13. The absorbent insert (200) according to any one of claims 11 and 12, wherein, Each internal leak-proof barrier (260, 261) includes an elastic element (260a, 261a).

14. The absorbent insert (200) 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 wherein, in at least one of the front segment (iSf) and the rear segment (iSb) of the insert (200), preferably in each, a set of two or more cover fastener regions (221, 222; 241, 242) are located at or adjacent to the respective front edge or rear edge (201, 202) of the insert (200).

15. The absorbent insert (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, In at least one of the front section (iSf) and the rear section (iSb), preferably in each, the insert (200) includes two or more cover fastener members (221a, 222a; 241a, 242a), each cover fastener member (221a, 222a; 241a, 242a) providing at least one of two or more cover fastener regions (221, 222; 241, 242) in the front / rear group.

16. The absorbent insert (200) according to claim 15, wherein, At least one of two or more cover fastener components (221a, 222a, 241a, 242a), for example each, includes a sheet-like substrate having a length in the longitudinal direction (Y) and a width in the transverse direction (X), the sheet-like substrate including one or more surface fastening material regions.

17. The absorbent insert (200) according to any one of claims 15-16, wherein, In at least one of the front section (iSf) and the rear section (iSb), preferably in each one, one or more cover fastener members (221a; 241a; 241a; 242a) on a first side of the longitudinal axis (Y) include ring material, and one or more cover fastener members (222a; 242a; 221a; 241a) on a second side of the longitudinal axis (Y) include hook material.

18. The absorbent insert (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, In at least one of the front section (iSf) and the rear section (iSb) of the insert (200), preferably in each one, a group of two or more cover fastener 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.

19. The absorbent insert (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The sum of the longitudinal length (iA1) spanned by any two or more cover fastener regions (221, 222) of the front section (iSf) and the longitudinal length (iA1) spanned by any one or more cover fastener regions (242, 243) of the rear section (iSb) of the insert does not exceed 30% of the longitudinal length (iL) of the insert, for example, not exceeding 20% ​​of the longitudinal length of the insert.

20. The absorbent insert (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, In at least one of the front section (Sf) and the rear section (Sb) of the insert, preferably in each of them, each of two or more cover fastener regions (221, 222; 241, 242) in a group has an area (iAl x Aw) of no more than 10% of the area of ​​the insert, for example no more than 5% of the area of ​​the insert, or no more than 2% of the area of ​​the insert.

21. The absorbent insert (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The total area of ​​all regions in two or more cover fastener regions (221, 222; 241, 242) of the insert (200) shall not exceed 25% of the area of ​​the insert, for example, not exceed 10% of the area of ​​the insert.

22. The absorbent insert (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, In at least one of the front and rear sections (iSf, iSb), preferably in each, the lateral fastening width (iWf) spanned by a set of two or more cover fastener regions (221, 222; 241, 242) 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.

23. The absorbent insert (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The insert (200) has a minimum lateral width (iWc) in the crotch segment (iSc) of the insert (200), and in at least one of the front segment and the rear segment (iSf, iSb), preferably in each of them, the lateral fastening width (iWf) spanned by a set of two or more cover fastener regions (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).

24. The absorbent insert (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, A group of two or more cover fastener regions 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).

25. The absorbent insert (200) according to any one of the preceding claims has a total absorbent capacity of at least 1,000 ml, for example, 1,000 to 4,000 ml.

26. The insert according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The insert is configured for single use.

27. A reusable cover (100) for an absorbent article (1) extending in a longitudinal direction (Y) and in a transverse direction (X) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (Y), wherein, The thickness direction (Z) is defined as perpendicular to both the longitudinal and transverse directions (X, Y), and is the inward direction (Z) toward the wearer when the item is worn. i ) and the outward direction away from the wearer when the item is worn (Z o ), The outer cover (100) has a longitudinal length (oL) extending along the longitudinal direction (Y), the outer cover (100) includes a garment portion (150) extending along the longitudinal length (oL), the garment portion (150) forming a front section (oSf), a rear section (oSb), and a crotch section (oSc) of the outer cover (100), the crotch section (oSc) being arranged along the longitudinal length (oL) between the front section and the rear section, and the garment portion (150) being adapted to fit around the waist of the wearer, wherein the front section (oSf) is positioned at or near the abdomen of the wearer, the rear section (oSb) is positioned against the lower back of the wearer, and the crotch section (oSc) is positioned on a predetermined portion of the pubic region and buttocks of the wearer, the garment portion (150) defining an inward facing direction toward the wearer and an outward facing direction away from the wearer when the outer cover (100) is worn. In each of the front section (oSf) and the rear section (oSb), 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 outer inner side (120a, 140a) of the flap member (120, 140) faces the inner side of the garment portion (150) to form a space between the outer inner side (120a, 140a) of the flap member (120, 140) and the inner side of the garment portion (150), the space being open in the longitudinal direction toward the crotch section (Sc), wherein The longitudinal central axis (Y2) divides the outer cover (100) into a first lateral side and a second lateral side, and In the front section (oSf) of the outer cover (100), the outer cover (100) includes a front group of two or more insert fastener regions (121, 122) arranged on the outwardly facing inner side (120a) of the at least one flap member (120), and In this configuration, one or more of the insert fastener regions (121, 122) in the front group are arranged on one of the first lateral side and the second lateral side of the outer casing (100) to form a first subset of one or more insert fastener regions (121). The insert fastener regions (121) of the first subset include a first surface fastening material for removably attaching the insert (200) to the outer casing (100). One or more of the insert fastener regions (121, 122) in the front group are arranged on the other of the first lateral side and the second lateral side of the outer casing (100) to form a second subset of one or more insert fastener regions (122), the second subset of insert fastener regions (122) including a second surface fastening material for removably attaching the insert (200) to the outer casing (100), and In the rear section (oSb) of the outer cover (100), the outer cover (100) includes a rear group of two or more insert fastener regions (141, 142) arranged on the outwardly facing inner side (140a) of the at least one flap member (140), and In this arrangement, one or more insert fastener regions (141, 142) in the rear group are disposed on one of the first lateral side and the second lateral side of the outer casing (100) to form a first subset of one or more insert fastener regions (141), the first subset of insert fastener regions (141) including a first surface fastening material for removably attaching the insert (200) to the outer casing (100), and One or more insert fastener regions (141, 142) in the rear group are arranged on the other of the first lateral side and the second lateral side of the outer casing (100) to form a second subset of one or more insert fastener regions (142), the second subset of insert fastener regions (142) including a second surface fastening material for removably attaching the insert (200) to the outer casing (100), and The first surface fastening material is different from the second surface fastening material, and the first surface fastening material is complementary to the second surface fastening material to provide a detachable mechanical and / or frictional attachment therebetween. Specifically, when the flap member (120) in the front section (oSf) of the outer cover is in the use position, and the flap member (140) in the rear section (oSb) of the outer cover is in the use position, The insert (200) is detachably attached to the outer cover (100), wherein the insert fastener regions (121, 122) of the first and second subsets of the front group are attached to the corresponding front edge portions (201') of the insert, and the insert fastener regions (141, 142) of the first and second subsets of the rear group are attached to the rear edge portions (202') of the insert, while the insert extends inward over at least a portion of the crotch segment (oSc) of the garment portion (150), and The outer cover has a non-use position, wherein One or more insert fastener regions (121) of the first subset of the front group are attached to one or more insert fastener regions (122) of the second subset of the front group, and One or more insert fastener regions (141) of the first subset of the rear group are attached to one or more insert fastener regions (142) of the second subset of the rear group.

28. The outer cover (100) according to claim 27, wherein, The outer cover (100) includes, in each of the front section (oSf) and the rear section (oSb), a single flap member (120, 140) extending from the garment portion (150), with two or more insert fastener regions (121, 122) in the front group arranged on the outwardly inward side (120a) of the single flap member (120) in the front section (oSf), and two or more insert fastener regions (141, 142) in the rear group arranged on the outwardly inward side (140a) of the single flap member (140) in the rear section (oSb). In the non-use location, The flap member (120) in the front section (oSf) of the outer casing is folded generally along the longitudinal axis (oY), and one or more insert fastener regions (121) of the first subset (121) of the front group are attached to one or more insert fastener regions (122) of the second subset of the front group, and The flap member (140) in the rear section (oSb) of the outer cover is folded generally along the longitudinal axis (oY), and one or more insert fastener regions (141) of the first subset of the rear group are attached to one or more insert fastener regions (142) of the second subset of the rear group.

29. The outer cover (100) according to claim 27 or 28, wherein, In the front section (oSf) of the outer cover (100), the first lateral side of the outer cover (100) includes a first subset of one or more insert fastener regions (121) comprising a first surface fastening material for removably attaching the insert (200) to the outer cover (100), and the second lateral side of the outer cover (100) includes a second subset of one or more insert fastener regions (122) comprising a second surface fastening material for removably attaching the insert (200) to the outer cover (100), and In the rear section (oSb) of the outer cover (100), the first lateral side of the outer cover (100) includes a first subset of one or more insert fastener regions (141) including a first surface fastening material for removably attaching the insert (200) to the outer cover (100), and the second lateral side of the outer cover (100) includes a second subset of one or more insert fastener regions (142) including a second surface fastening material for removably attaching the insert (200) to the outer cover (100).

30. The reusable outer cover (100) according to any one of claims 27 to 29, wherein, In the front section (oSf) and the rear section (oSb) of the outer cover, each insert fastener region (121; 141) arranged on the first lateral side of the outer cover (100) includes a first surface fastening material, and each insert fastener region (122; 142) arranged on the second lateral side of the outer cover (100) includes a second surface fastening material.

31. The reusable outer cover according to any one of claims 27 to 30, wherein, The first surface fastening material includes a ring, and the second surface fastening material includes a hook.

32. The reusable outer cover (100) according to any one of claims 27 to 31, wherein, The first surface fastening material and the second surface fastening material do not adhere to the garment portion (150).

33. The reusable outer cover (100) according to any one of claims 27 to 32, wherein, In the front section (oSf) and the rear section (oSb) of the outer casing, two or more insert fastener regions (121, 122; 141, 142) of the first subset and the second subset of the front section / rear section group are spaced apart by a lateral spacing width (iWs) around the longitudinal central axis (Y), preferably symmetrically spaced.

34. The reusable outer cover according to any one of claims 27 to 33, wherein, In each of the front section (oSf) and the rear section (oSb), one or more insert fastener regions (121, 141) of the first subset mirror one or more insert fastener regions (122, 142) of the second subset as seen relative to the longitudinal central axis (Y).

35. The outer cover (100) according to any one of claims 27 to 34, wherein, The crotch section (oSc) of the outer cover defines the minimum lateral width (oWc) of the outer cover, and wherein a group of two or more insert fastener regions (121, 122; 141, 142) in the front section and / or the rear section of the outer cover are separated by a lateral spacing width (oWs) that is not less than the minimum lateral width (oWc).

36. The outer cover (100) according to claim 35, wherein, In at least one of the front section (oSf) and the rear section (oSb) of the outer casing, preferably in each one, a group of two or more insert fastener regions (121, 122; 141, 142) spans a lateral fastening width (oWf) that 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).

37. The outer cover (100) according to any one of claims 27 to 36, wherein, In at least one of the front section (oSf) and the rear section (oSb), preferably in each, the outer casing (100) includes one or more insert fastener members (121a, 122a; 141a, 142a), each insert fastener member (121a, 122a; 141a, 142a) providing at least one of two or more insert fastener regions (121, 122; 141, 142) in a set, and is part of the first subset or the second subset.

38. The outer cover (100) according to claim 37, wherein, At least one of the front section (oSf) and the rear section (oSb), preferably each of them, at least one, for example all of the one or more insert fastener components (121a; 122a; 141a; 142a) includes a sheet-like substrate having length in the longitudinal direction (Y) and width in the transverse direction (X), the sheet-like substrate including one or more surface fastening material regions.

39. The outer cover (100) according to any one of claims 37 to 38, wherein, The insert fastener components of the first subset include hook material (121a, 142a), and the insert fastener components of the second subset (122a, 142a) include ring material.

40. The outer cover (100) according to any one of claims 27 to 39, wherein, The outer cover includes a pair of leg elastic members (151; 152) arranged along the leg opening of the garment portion (150) at least in the crotch section (oSc) of the garment portion (150), and wherein the maximum leg elastic spacing width (oWL) is the maximum lateral distance between the leg elastic members (151; 152) in the outer cover, and wherein, in at least one of the front section (oSf) and the rear section (oSb) of the outer cover, preferably in each, the lateral fastening width (oWf) is smaller than the maximum leg elastic spacing width (oWL).

41. The outer cover (100) according to any one of claims 27 to 40, wherein, At least 50%, for example at least 70% or at least 90%, of the total area of ​​the outer cover is permeable to liquid.

42. The outer cover (100) according to any one of claims 27 to 41, wherein, At least 50%, for example at least 70% or at least 90%, of the total area of ​​the outer cover is breathable.

43. The outer cover (100) according to any one of claims 27 to 42, wherein, The cover is configured to be washable, preferably machine washable, and wherein the cover is preferably configured for at least 20 washing cycles.

44. The outer cover (100) according to any one of claims 27 to 43, wherein, The garment portion (150) includes one or more fabric panels, wherein preferably, at least one of the one or more fabric panels, for example each, includes a textile fabric, which is preferably a knitted fabric.

45. The outer cover (100) according to any one of claims 27 to 44, wherein, The outer cover is essentially non-absorbent.

46. ​​A package (300) comprising one or more inserts (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 26.

47. The packaging (300) according to claim 46, further comprising an outer cover (100) according to any one of claims 27 to 45.

48. An absorbent article comprising an outer cover (100) according to any one of claims 27 to 45 and an insert (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein, Each of the front and rear segments (iSf, iSb) of the insert (200) is detachably attached to the front and rear segments (oSf, oSb) of the outer cover (100), wherein a first subset cover fastener region (221, 241) of the insert (200) is detachably attached to a first subset insert fastener region (121, 141) of the outer cover (100), and a second subset cover fastener region (222, 242) of the insert (200) is detachably attached to a second subset insert fastener region (122, 142) of the outer cover (100).

49. The absorbent article according to claim 48, wherein, The corresponding first and second subset fastener regions (221, 222; 241, 242) of the insert (200) are complementary to the corresponding first and second subset insert fastener regions (121, 122; 141, 142) of the outer cover (100) to provide a removable mechanical and / or frictional attachment therebetween.

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