Sanitary and incontinence underpants

Abstract

The present invention relates primarily to underpants having a multilayer structure in the gusset area, the multilayer structure comprising an outer textile layer in the shape of underpants, an absorbent core secured to the underpants and optionally, an inner layer.

Description

[0001] Eisenfuhr Speiser i

[0002] Munich, 27 June 2024

[0003] Our Ref.: MM 5422-02WO RF / TWS / krf

[0004] Applicant: Seamprint GmbH & Co. KG

[0005] Serial Number: Priority application based on PCT / EP2023 / 067537

[0006] Seamprint GmbH & Co. KG Schulstr. 8a, 82541 Munsing Germany

[0007] SANITARY AND INCONTINENCE UNDERPANTS

[0008] Technical field of the invention

[0009] The present invention primarily relates to underpants having a multilayer structure in the 5 gusset area, the multilayer structure comprising an outer layer; optionally, an inner layer; and an absorbent core.

[0010] Background of the Invention

[0011] Articles capable of absorbing fluid including blood are regularly needed by menstruating women. Feminine hygiene products are personal care products used during menstruation,0 vaginal discharge, and other bodily functions related to the vulva and vagina. Products that are used during menstruation may also be called menstrual hygiene products or sanitary articles.

[0012] A pantyliner is an absorbent piece of material used for feminine hygiene. It is worn in the gusset of a woman's panties for absorbance of daily vaginal discharge, light menstrual flow,5 tampon and menstrual cup backup, spotting, post-intercourse discharge, and urinary incontinence. Pantyliners are related to menstrual pads in their basic construction, but are usually thinner and often narrower than pads. As a result, they absorb less liquid than pads, making them ideal for light discharge and everyday cleanliness. They are generally unsuitable for the menstruation medium to heavy flow, which requires them to be changed more often.

[0013] Most sanitary articles including pantyliners are disposable and create an immense amount of waste. Further, it may happen that there is no trash can in the toilet room. This can lead to uncomfortable situations when looking for a possibility to discard used sanitary articles.

[0014] Thus, an object of the present invention is to mitigate the above problems. In particular, it is an object to provide sanitary articles that allow to decrease waste and / or ease disposal. Moreover, it is an aim that the sanitary articles are comfortable and maintain discreteness. A further object is to keep complexity, and hence production costs, of the article at a minimum. These, and other objects, which will become apparent from the following, are accomplished by means of the present invention and its embodiments as described herein.

[0015] Summary of the Invention

[0016] In a first aspect, the present invention concerns underpants having a multilayer structure in the gusset area. The multilayer structure comprises an outer layer and an absorbent core. The underpants are preferably female underpants. The absorbent core is secured to the underpants. The absorbent core may be permanently or removably secured to the underpants. For instance, the absorbent core can be sutured and / or glued to the underpants, in particular to the outer layer. In another example, the absorbent core is removably secured to the outer layer by means of Velcro, button, or zipper fastener.

[0017] The underpants of the invention provide an alternative to common pantyliners. They provide the opportunity to decrease waste in that the absorbent core is arranged in and integrated into the gusset area of the underpants. Thereby, it becomes possible to make the absorbent core small and / or utilize a reusable absorbent core. However, as described herein, a reusable absorbent core is not essential to the invention. The absorbent core can be reusable (i.e. at least washable) and permanently secured to the underpants. This way, waste can be additionally reduced.

[0018] The outer layer is preferably an outermost layer of the underpants made of a textile and providing the typical shape of underpants. The textile provides a common appearance. The textile can be made of natural fibers, of synthetically or chemically produced threads, and can also include mixed forms.

[0019] The multilayer structure preferably further comprises an inner layer. The inner layer is nearest to the skin of the wearer, and takes up and rapidly transports the body fluid into the interior of the multilayer structure. Its surface structure is preferably perforated but can also be textured or smooth. The inner layer is preferably formed from a textile. The term “textile” as used herein denotes a woven, knitted or stitch-bonded, or any otherwise prepared fabric. The textile can be made from natural fibers, from synthetically or chemically produced threads and also includes mixed forms.

[0020] Although being preferred, an inner layer is not essential to the invention. In particular, the function of taking up and transporting body fluid into the interior of the multilayer structure may also be assumed by the absorbent core itself. To this end, the absorbent core may itself have a multilayer structure including a layer corresponding to the inner layer as described herein. Another possibility is that a layer corresponding to an inner layer as described herein is not permanently attached to the underpants or to the absorbent core, but a separate, e.g. replaceable element. In use, this separate layer may be placed into the underpants on top of the absorbent core so as to separate the absorbent core from the user’s skin.

[0021] A joint may connect the inner layer and the outer layer, and in certain embodiments also the absorbent core, to each other along a perimeter of the gusset area, or a part thereof. The joint may be fluid tight.

[0022] In preferred embodiments, the absorbent core is secured to the underpants by being received and / or sandwiched in a slot-shaped clamping portion. To this end, the underpants include a slot-shaped clamping portion sized and shaped to receive and / or sandwich the absorbent core. The clamping portion is preferably formed between the inner layer and the outer layer.

[0023] The inner layer may at least partially cover the inner surface of the absorbent core, and be shaped and sized to retain (e.g., hold down or clamp) the absorbent core. In a first embodiment, the inner layer frames (e.g., holds down or clamps) the absorbent core along its perimeter, i.e. completely covers the absorbent core along its perimeter. In a second embodiment, the inner layer partly covers the absorbent core along its perimeter. In a third embodiment, the inner layer completely covers the absorbent core over its surface area. In the latter case, it is preferred that the inner layer is permeable to body fluid.

[0024] Preferred underpants further comprise an opening for introducing the absorbent core. The opening provides access to the clamping portion. The opening may provide access for the absorbent core in the thickness direction of the multilayer structure. The opening may also provide access for the absorbent core in a direction parallel to the surface area of the inner layer and / or the outer layer, i.e. substantially perpendicular to the thickness direction of the multilayer structure. In the region of the clamping portion, the inner layer may include one or more cutouts. That is, if the opening is generally annular, the inner layer may include one or more cutouts in the generally annular portion.

[0025] Moreover, in the region of the clamping portion, the outer surface of the inner layer is preferably spaced apart from the inner surface of the outer layer (in the thickness direction of the multilayer structure). The spacing is preferably formed (in the thickness direction of the multilayer structure) by a thickness of one or more intermediate layers sized and shaped to circumferentially extend around the perimeter of the absorbent core. Conversely, in the area occupied, or to be occupied, by the absorbent core, the multilayer structure, in its thickness direction, is free of the one or more intermediate layers.

[0026] The absorbent core has a generally planar surface and may include one or more absorbent layers. The absorbent core takes up and retains body fluid in its interior. Depending on needs and absorption capacity, it can have a single-layered or multilayered structure. For instance, the absorbent core may include one, two, three, four, five or more than five absorbent layers. Instead of or in addition to the number of absorbent layers, the absorption capacity can be modulated via the thickness of the absorbent core. If there are more than one absorbent layer, the absorbent layers can be the same or different. The absorbent core is preferably formed from one or more layers of woven, knitted, stitch-bonded, fleece or other fabrics. The fabric can be made from natural fibers, from synthetically or chemically produced threads and also includes mixed forms. In a specific embodiment of the invention, the absorbent core includes one or more layers independently formed of terry cloth, fleece, molton or polyester, or any other material. Though not being limited thereto, the present invention is intended to replace common panty liners. In these cases, the absorption capacity is rather low to moderate. Therefore, it is also not necessary to actively seal the multilayer structure against leakage. Still, the underpants may incorporate anti-leakage measures, in particular those described herein.

[0027] In preferred embodiments, the absorbent core includes a body portion and a stiffened edge portion around the body portion. The stiffened edge portion is preferably shaped and sized to fit between the clamping portion. The stiffened edge portion may be formed using ultrasonic embossing, ultrasonic laminating and / or ultrasonic welding. It is further preferred that the stiffened edge portion is thinner than the body portion. The stiffened edge portion may be along the whole circumference of the absorbent core, or along a part thereof.

[0028] In further preferred embodiments, the absorbent core comprises one or more fasteners for fastening the absorbent core to the inner layer and / or to the outer layer of the underpants. The fastener may provide a permanent or removable / releasable connection to the underpants. For instance, the absorbent core can be permanently sutured and / or glued to the underpants, in particular to the outer layer. In another example, the absorbent core is removably secured to the outer layer by means of Velcro, button, adhesive or zipper fastener.

[0029] Underpants of the invention may further include an indicator, for instance in the form of one or more marker lines, and or marked areas, for indicating a proper position of the absorbent core. The indicator helps to place a removable / replaceable absorbent core in the proper position and thereby helps to prevent leakage. In certain embodiments, the marked area may correspond to the area of a sealing portion, which may be included in the gusset area of the outer layer.

[0030] As mentioned above, the outer layer may include a sealing portion in the gusset area. The sealing portion provides a barrier to body fluid. The sealing portion is preferably composed of a textile coated with an adhering coating material that has sealing properties such as an adhesive or sealant. The main purpose of the coating is to renderthe outer layer impervious for body fluid. The sealing portion preferably adheres directly to the outer layer. A selfadhering elastomer, in particular silicone, is preferred.

[0031] The elastomer used, for example, is a thermoplastic elastomer that becomes soft or liquid when heated and hardens when cooled. When heated, this elastomer can be applied in dots, lines or areas and penetrates into the fabric of the fabric layer so that, after the elastomer has cured, there is a strong and permanent bond with the fabric layer. Silicone is preferred. It is available in medical grade. It has substantially no allergenic activity. Preferably, the coating is adhered to the outer layer by screen printing, but other manufacturing process, such as rolling, spraying, transfer printing, are envisaged, too. This results in a very uniform coating. Other coatings that can be used include rubber, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, fluoropolymers and / or wax.

[0032] The coating is preferably contiguous at least in the gusset area. However, it can also be applied over the entire surface of the outer layer, or consist of several partial surfaces that are sealed to each other. A contiguous coating renders the textile impervious to body fluids. Advantageously, a membrane is not required. Thus, the underpants make little noise and can be repeatedly washed and dried at up to 90°C, without losing fluid retaining performance. The coating is capable of penetrating the textile structure and thus adheres thereto without any further means. The coated textile can thus be handled like a single layer. This is a great advantage over membrane-based technologies. Handling of the coated textile during production of the underpants is simplified. Moreover, a stretchable layer of waterproofed textile is obtained. Preferably, the surface area of the sealing portion corresponds to the surface area of the absorbent core (±20 %).

[0033] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sealing portion extends beyond the gusset area. Preferably the sealing portion extends across substantially the whole area of the underpants. This means, the sealing portion extends over the entire surface of the outer layer. Moreover, the sealing portion may be arranged between the outer layer and a further textile layer. The further textile layer may extend at least across the gusset area. In some embodiments, the further textile layer extends beyond the gusset area, preferably across substantially the whole area of the underpants. This means, the further fabric layer may extend over the entire surface of the outer layer. In particularly preferred embodiments, the further fabric layer and the sealing portion extend over the entire surface of the outer layer.

[0034] Although the presence of a sealing portion is preferred, it is not essential to the present invention. Depending on the amount of body fluid that needs to be absorbed, the capacity of the absorbent core alone may be sufficient that no body fluid leaks through the underpants. Moreover, the absorbent core itself may include a layer corresponding to a sealing portion. Another option is that the sealing portion is provided on a separate element, e.g. fabric layer. This means, the sealing portion is not permanently attached to the underpants or to the absorbent core, but a separate, e.g. replaceable element. In use, this separate layer may be placed into the underpants below the absorbent core so as to arrange the separate layer between the outer layer and the absorbent core.

[0035] In a further embodiment, the sealing portion comprises an elastomer layer secured to the outer layer. The elastomer layer is preferably secured to the outer layer’s inner surface. Preferably, the elastomer is a thermoplastic elastomer, in particular silicone. The securing of the elastomer layer is not limited, and may be effected, for instance, by adhering the elastomer layer directly to the outer layer, e.g. across its whole surface, by suturing the elastomer layer to the outer layer, by sandwiching the elastomer layer between the outer layer and another layer of the multilayer structure, such as the absorbent core or the inner layer or any other additional layer optionally comprised in the multilayer structure between the absorbent core and the outer layer, or by a combination of the aforementioned techniques. Accordingly, the elastomer layer is not necessarily a coating, e.g. silicone coating, adhering to a textile layer such as the outer layer, but may be a separate layer essentially consisting of the elastomer, e.g. silicone. The elastomer layer can thus be provided independently from, and assembled as a layer with, the other layers.

[0036] The absorbent core may take any of a variety of shapes. Preferably, the absorbent core has a circular, oval or angular surface area. The opening may have a corresponding shape. That is, the opening may define a circular, oval or angular surface area. The clamping portion is preferably formed adjacent to the opening. Further, to ease withdrawing and introducing a replaceable absorbent core, the absorbent core may comprise one or more tabs for grasping the absorbent core.

[0037] The absorbent core may be permanent or replaceable. Permanent absorbent cores are reusable and washable at 60°C, preferably up to 90°C. Replaceable absorbent cores can be disposable and / or biodegradable. Replaceable absorbent cores can also be reusable and / or washable at 60°C, preferably up to 90°C.

[0038] Preferred absorbent cores are relatively small as compared to common pantyliners. In preferred embodiments, the absorbent core has a surface area of less than 50 cm2, preferably less than 40 cm2, more preferably less than 30 cm2, yet more preferably less than 20 cm2, most preferably less than 15 cm2. The absorbent core preferably has a surface area of at least 5 cm2, more preferably at least 10 cm2, most preferably at least 15 cm2. In specific examples, each upper limit shall be understood to form a respective range with each lower limit.

[0039] The inner layer may comprise a circumferential edge portion, which may in part or completely be connected to the outer layer. In preferred embodiments, the circumferential edge portion, and in particular the side edge portions, of the inner layer is / are indented relative to (offset from) leg cut out portions of the outer layer, for instance by at least 3 mm, preferably by at least 5 mm, more preferably by at least 7 mm, yet more preferably by at least 10 mm.

[0040] It is further preferred that the absorbent core has a length, or diameter, of less than 8 cm, preferably less than 6 cm, more preferably less than 5 cm, most preferably less than 4 cm.

[0041] A width of the absorbent core is preferably less than 6.0 cm, preferably less than 5.5 cm, more preferably less than 5.0 cm, yet more preferably less than 4.5 cm, yet more preferably less than 4.0 cm, most preferably less than 3.5 cm.

[0042] A thickness of the absorbent core is preferably less than 5.0 mm, preferably less than 4.5 mm, more preferably less than 4.0 mm, yet more preferably less than 3.5 mm, yet more preferably less than 3.0 mm, most preferably less than 2.5 mm and / or at least 0.6 mm, preferably at least 0.8 mm, more preferably at least 1.0 mm, yet more preferably at least 1 .2 mm, yet more preferably at least 1 .4 mm, most preferably at least 1 .6 mm. In specific examples, each upper limit shall be understood to form a respective range with each lower limit. It shall be further understood that each of the specific values described for two or more of the surface area, length / diameter, width and thickness can be combined with each other to form further specific embodiments.

[0043] The outer layer may further include side edge portions folded over, or seemingly connected to, the inner layer. Folded and / or sealed side edge portions help to prevent that body fluid spreads outside the sealing portion, creates a wet feeling on the skin, or lifts discretion. To this end, the side edge portions may extend from opposite sides outside the gusset area, be folded over side edges of and connected to the inner layer. This means, opposite side edge portions (left and right portions from the perspective of the wearer) of the outer layer are folded over side edges of the inner layer and connected thereto. In another example, one or more layers of the multilayer structure may be adhered to each other using an adhering coating material, preferably elastomer, in particular silicone. In this example, the side edge portions do neither need to extend from opposite sides outside the gusset area, nor need to be folded over side edges to prevent leakage of body fluid through the side portions of the multilayer structure.

[0044] A glue tape may attach the edge portion of the inner layer to adjacent portions of the outer layer.

[0045] The sealing portion may be flocked. Flocking is well known to the skilled person. Several advantages are associated with a flocked outer layer, in particular a flocked sealing portion. If the flock attaches to the inner surface of the sealing portion, the flock helps to absorb body fluid and thus serve as a sole or an additional means of absorption. Further, some known types of incontinence articles make a rustling noise as the person moves, arising from plastic membranes around the absorbent core. Thus, flock attached to the inner surface of the outer layer may further help to reduce such noise. The length of the flock may vary depending on needs, but preferably ranges between 0.2 and 20 mm, preferably 0.4 to 15 mm, more preferably 0.6 to 10 mm (referring to the visible portion of the flock). Viscose flock is particularly preferred. Other flocking materials include flock from natural and / or chemical raw materials or mixed forms.

[0046] Typically, the gusset area can be described as substantially rectangular, in particular pyramidal or hourglass-shaped, or any other shape, with a mayor, longitudinal axis extending towards the front and the rear and a minor, axial axis extending towards the sides (towards the left and the right), relative to the perspective of a wearer, and can have a one-part or multi-part design. As already mentioned above, the sealing portion may extend outside the gusset area. Specifically, the sealing portion may extend outside the gusset area beyond opposite side edges of the gusset area, orthe sealing layer may extend outside the gusset area beyond the front and the rear edges of the gusset area. Preferably, the sealing portion extends outside the gusset area beyond the side edges of the gusset area.

[0047] Sewing punctures connecting the outer layer and the inner layer may be sealed by subsequently applying an adhesive coating material, preferably elastomer, in particular silicone, and / or threads that provide a sealing effect through heat or mechanical action. For instance, threads made of a thermoplastic elastomer may be heated so that the softened material fills the gaps. A swelling thread can also be used. The sewing punctures can also be sealed by applying, e.g. spraying, an adhering coating material as defined herein, such as silicone. In this case, conventional threads may be used. Using ultrasound, threads may be heated and softened, thereby filling any remaining gaps.

[0048] Various edge finishing forms can be included in the underpants of the invention. For instance, the underpants can include flocked leg cut edges and / or flocked waist cut edges. As another example, the underpants can include folded leg cut edges and / or folded waist cut edges. For example, leg cut edge portions and / or waist cut edge portions of the underpants are folded over and connected to respective portions of the inner layer and / or of the underpants. Moreover, the underpants can include trimmed leg cut edges and / or trimmed waist cut edges. To this end, leg cut edges and / or waist cut edges may be trimmed by folding a ribbon or tape over and connecting it to respective edges. Leg cut edges at or adjacent the gusset area may be equally processed as in other leg cut edge regions. Leg cut edges can also be formed in such a way that an adhering coating material, preferably elastomer, in particular silicone, is introduced between the different layers of the multilayer structure to seal the layers against each other.

[0049] Finally, it is noted that each feature or embodiment is meant to be combinable with each other feature or embodiment, unless the combination is technically meaningless or impossible.

[0050] Brief description of the drawings

[0051] The inventive concept, non-limiting embodiments, and further advantages of the inventive concept will now be described with reference to the drawings in which:

[0052] Fig. 1 shows a prototype of underpants comprising a permanently integrated mini pantyliner.

[0053] Fig. 2a-b illustrate exemplary underpants comprising mini pantyliners that are removably secured by a circumferential clamping portion. Figs. 3a-b illustrate further examples of underpants comprising mini pantyliners. In these cases, the mini pantyliners are removably secured by a clamping portion that forms an open pocket.

[0054] Fig. 4a-b show multilayer structures of exemplary underpants in cross sectional views.

[0055] Figs. 5 illustrates how a removable absorbent core can be placed into the multilayer structure and between a circumferential clamping portion.

[0056] Fig. 6 shows another multilayer structures of exemplary underpants in cross sectional view.

[0057] Fig. 7 illustrates another way of reversibly securing an absorbent core to the inner layer using a Velcro fastener as an example.

[0058] Fig. 8 shows another multilayer structures of exemplary underpants in cross sectional view.

[0059] Detailed description of the drawings

[0060] The description of the invention to be provided herein is given purely by way of example and is not to be taken in any way as limiting the scope or extent of the invention. The invention will be described with reference to an example range of undergarments, as underpants, shorts, briefs or panties, or slips.

[0061] In the following description, the present inventive concept is described with reference to reusable, washable and dryable sanitary and incontinence articles.

[0062] Fig. 1 illustrates a prototype of exemplary female underpants 100, which comprises a permanently integrated mini panty liner as absorbent core 20. Absorbent core 20 is arranged in the gusset area and covered by a mesh as inner layer 30. Inner layer 30 is covered with glue tape 40 along its circumference. Outer layer 10 may optionally comprise a sealing portion beneath absorbent core 20. As further illustrated in Fig. 1 , outer layer 10 may include flocked leg cut out portions 14.

[0063] Fig. 2a-b illustrate underpants 200, 300. The structures of underpants 200, 300 are similar to that of underpants 100, and the description of identical features is omitted. They differ from structure 100 in that absorbent core 20 is removably secured in the gusset region. In the example of underpants 200, 300, absorbent core 20 is clamped between clamping portion 50 extending circumferentially around absorbent core 20. Further, underpants 300 has a tab 22 for grasping the absorbent core. Tab 22 facilitates introduction and removal of absorbent core 20.

[0064] Fig. 3a-b illustrate underpants 400, 500. The structures of underpants 400, 500 are similar to that of underpants 200, 300, and the description of identical features is omitted. Structures 400, 500 differ from structures 200, 300 in how absorbent core 20 is removably secured in the gusset region. In the example of underpants 400, absorbent core 20 is clamped between clamping portion 50 extending partly around the circumference of absorbent core 20. In the example of underpants 500, inner layer 30 forms an open pocket 32 for removably receiving absorbent core 20 between inner layer 30 and outer layer 10.

[0065] Fig. 4a-b illustrate exemplary multilayer structures 600, 700 of underpants. The main difference between structure 600 and structure 700 is that structure 600 has a clamping portion 50 formed from the inner layer (elastic knitwear) and the outer layer (elastic knitwear) and being spaced apart from each other using glue film. Further, structure 700 illustrates positions of seam connections between the inner and the outer layers.

[0066] Figs. 5 illustrates how a removable absorbent 20 core can be placed between the clamping portion of underpants 300 of Fig. 2b.

[0067] Fig. 6 shows another multilayer structure 800 of exemplary underpants in cross sectional view. Multilayer structure 800 is similar to multilayer structure 600, but differs in that it comprises first and second inner layers and a glue film in between. Moreover, an additional glue film is beneath the absorbent layer.

[0068] Fig. 7 illustrates another way of reversibly securing absorbent core 20 to the inner layer of underpants 900 using a Velcro fastener 70 as an example.

[0069] Fig. 8 is a cross sectional view of a multilayer structure 1000 that is similar to multilayer structure 800, but differs from structure 800 in that a glue film 1020 extends outside of the gusset region between two layers of elastic knitwear 1050. That is, the glue film 1020 is layered between, and thereby attaches and holds together the two layers 1050. Preferably, the two layers 1050 extend across the whole area of the underpants. Preferably, the glue film 1020 extends across the whole area of the underpants. The two layers 1050 and the glue film 1020 may form the basic structure of the underpants. Should the body fluid exceed the capacity of the absorbent core 1080 and leak outside the gusset area, this configuration has the advantage that, first, the additional elastic knitwear 1050 may help to absorb leaking body fluid and the glue film 1020 may prevent the body fluid from leaking through the underpants and becoming visible on the outer surface as wet spots. Multilayer structure 1000 may further comprises a glue film 1022 for sealing the absorbent core 1080 towards the sides / along the perimeter. The absorbent core 1080 can be overlayered by a gusset fabric 1090, whereby the gusset fabric 1090 may be part of, e.g. attached to, the absorbent core 1080, or a separate layer.

Claims

Claims1 . Underpants having a multilayer structure in the gusset area, the multilayer structure comprising: an outer textile layer in the shape of underpants; an absorbent core secured to the underpants; and an inner layer.

2. Underpants of claim 1 , wherein the underpants include a slot-shaped clamping portion sized and shaped to receive and / or sandwich the absorbent core, wherein the clamping portion is preferably formed between the inner layer and the outer layer.

3. Underpants of claim 1 or 2, wherein the inner layer is shaped and sized to retain the absorbent core along its perimeter, or a part thereof.

4. Underpants of any of the previous claims, wherein the underpants include an opening for introducing the absorbent core.

5. Underpants of any of the previous claims, wherein, in the region of the clamping portion, the outer surface of the inner layer is spaced apart from the inner surface of the outer layer, wherein the spacing is preferably formed by a thickness of one or more intermediate layers sized and shaped to circumferentially extend around the perimeter of the absorbent core.

6. Underpants of any of the previous claims, wherein the absorbent core includes a central body portion and a stiffened edge portion around the body portion, wherein the stiffened edge portion is preferably shaped and sized to fit between the clamping portion.

7. Underpants of any of the previous claims, wherein the area occupied, or to be occupied, by the absorbent core is circular, oval or angular, and / or wherein the absorbent core has a circular, oval or angular surface area.

8. Underpants of any of the previous claims, wherein the absorbent core, the inner layer and / or the outer layer comprises one or more fasteners for permanently or removably fastening the absorbent core to the inner layer and / or to the outer layer, wherein the one or more fasteners are preferably selected from the group consisting of suture, Velcro, adhesive, button, and zipper fasteners.

9. Underpants of any of the previous claims, wherein the underpants comprises an indicator for indicating a position of the absorbent core.

10. Underpants of any of the previous claims, wherein the outer layer includes a sealing portion in the gusset area, providing a barrier for body fluid.

11. Underpants of claim 10, wherein (i) the sealing portion extends beyond the gusset area, preferably across substantially the whole area of the underpants; and / or (ii) the sealing portion is between the outer textile layer and a further textile layer, preferably the further textile layer extends beyond the gusset area, more preferably the further textile layer extends across substantially the whole area of the underpants.

12. Underpants of claim 10 or 11 , wherein the sealing portion comprises an elastomer layer secured to the outer layer.

13. Underpants of any of the previous claims, wherein the absorbent core: comprises one or more tabs for grasping the absorbent core, is permanently or removably secured to the underpants, and / or is disposable or reusable.

14. Underpants of any of the previous claims, wherein a circumferential edge portion of the inner layer is indented relative to leg cut out portions of the outer layer.

15. Underpants of any of the previous claims, wherein the absorbent core: has a surface area of less than 50 cm2, preferably less than 40 cm2, more preferably less than 30 cm2, yet more preferably less than 20 cm2, most preferably less than 15 cm2, and / or has a surface area of at least 5 cm2, preferably at least 10 cm2, more preferably at least 15 cm2, and / or has a length, or diameter, of less than 8 cm, preferably less than 6 cm, more preferably less than 5 cm, most preferably less than 4 cm, and / or has a width of less than 6.0 cm, preferably less than 5.5 cm, more preferably less than 5.0 cm, yet more preferably less than 4.5 cm, yet more preferably less than 4.0 cm, most preferably less than 3.5 cm, and / or has a thickness of less than 5.0 mm, preferably less than 4.5 mm, more preferably less than 4.0 mm, yet more preferably less than 3.5 mm, yet more preferably less than 3.0 mm, most preferably less than 2.5 mm, and / orhas a thickness of at least 0.6 mm, preferably at least 0.8 mm, more preferably at least 1 .0 mm, yet more preferably at least 1 .2 mm, yet more preferably at least 1 .4 mm, most preferably at least 1 .6 mm.

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