Absorbent article including an outer cover and a detachable insert

Abstract

An absorbent article (1) comprising a front section (aSf), a rear section (aSb), and a crotch section (aSc) extending between the front section (Sf) and the rear section (Sb), further comprising a reusable outer cover (100) including a garment portion (150), and an absorbent insert (200), the insert (200) comprising a pair of insert leg elastic members (210, 211), wherein in each of the rear section (aSb) and the front section (aSf), the leg elastic member width (iWI) is defined as the maximum lateral width of the insert leg elastic members (210, 211) in the front or rear section (aSf, aSb), respectively, and the front section (aSf) and rear section of the absorbent article In at least one of the (aSb), preferably each, the absorbent article includes a set of one or more mounting areas (21, 22; 41, 42) for attaching the front or rear edge (20T, 202') of the insert to the outer cover, wherein in each mounting area, the inward-facing or outward-facing surface area of ​​the insert (200) is detachably attached to the surface area of ​​the outer cover (100) via at least one surface fastening material, and the lateral fastening width (aWf) is the lateral width to which the set of one or more mounting areas (21, 22; 41, 42) extends, and is equal to or greater than the leg elastic width (iWI) in the front or rear section (aSf, aSb), respectively, the absorbent article (1). The disclosure further relates to an outer cover and an absorbent insert.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an absorbent article comprising an outer cover and a detachable insert. Furthermore, the present invention relates to the outer cover. Also, the present invention relates to an insert used in conjunction with the outer cover. Furthermore, the present invention relates to packaging for enclosing multiple inserts. [Background technology]

[0002] Absorbent products, in the form of diapers and incontinence pads, are commonly used for infants and incontinence adults to absorb bodily exudates such as blood, urine, sweat, and feces. Particular attention should be paid to products classified as severe adult incontinence products, as these have relatively high absorbency and are therefore often used by individuals with physical or mental disabilities. Generally, these severe incontinence products are handled by caregivers to attach and remove them from the wearer's body and are purchased by care facilities, hospitals, and / or family members providing care.

[0003] The requirements for these products include: being leak-free, easy to use and replace, comfortable to wear, not adversely affecting the wearer's skin health, and maintaining the wearer's dignity during replacement and wear.

[0004] To meet these requirements, incontinence products currently in use are still primarily disposable, with single-use products being the standard for severe incontinence. Disposable products are easy to use because their handling after use is very limited. However, the manufacture and disposal of these products generate a large amount of material waste. After use, the products are disposed of in landfills, or absorbent articles may be incinerated, especially for adults who have taken large amounts of one or more drugs.

[0005] Currently, most disposable products are made from, or contain, a significant amount of petroleum-derived materials (such as polypropylene and / or polyethylene) in the form of cloth-like nonwoven fabrics or films. With increasing awareness of the finiteness of petroleum and the various pollution problems caused by petroleum during product manufacturing and disposal, there is a growing demand for more sustainable alternatives. For this purpose, products comprising an outer support and an absorbent insert have been proposed, in which either or both the outer support and the absorbent insert are reusable. In such products, it is crucial to ensure that the absorbent insert is precisely positioned relative to the wearer, thereby preventing leakage and maintaining the desired comfort during product use.

[0006] Therefore, the objective is to provide absorbent materials that can serve as a sustainable alternative to current disposable products.

[0007] Furthermore, the objective is to provide absorbent articles that fully meet the above requirements and / or to provide improvements compared to current products. [Overview of the project] [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] definition "Wearer" means a person who may be wearing the absorbent article described herein.

[0009] "User" means any person who handles the absorbent articles described herein, i.e., any person who prepares the absorbent articles for use and / or applies the absorbent articles to the wearer. The user may be the wearer or the wearer's caregiver.

[0010] "Liquid permeable" as used herein means a material that is liquid permeable in the sense understood in the field of absorbent articles. Therefore, such a material is not designed to prevent significant leakage of fluid. Known liquid permeable materials include, for example, those used as top-sheet materials in conventional disposable absorbent products. In another example, conventional textile materials such as woven and knitted fabrics are generally liquid permeable. Liquid permeable materials may include, for example, textile materials that have not been treated with liquid-resistant coatings or finishes. Liquid permeable materials may also include, for example, textile materials that do not significantly absorb fluid.

[0011] In this specification, "permeability" means a material that allows water vapor to pass through and escape.

[0012] For example, materials that are breathable but impermeable to liquids are commonly used as backsheet materials in absorbent articles. Such backsheet materials are breathable while preventing liquids from passing through them. Such breathable yet impermeable materials may include, for example, porous polymer films and laminates of porous polymer films with nonwoven fabrics.

[0013] Textile materials that form an aperture, such as knitted or woven textile materials, are generally breathable.

[0014] The permeability of a material is usually measured by its water vapor transmission rate. For example, a permeable material suitable for absorbent articles may have a water vapor transmission rate of more than 1000 g / ms / 24h at 37.8°C, according to ASTEM;E398.

[0015] "Total absorption capacity" refers to the total absorption capacity measured according to the Rothwell method (ISO 11948).

[0016] In this specification, the “use cycle” of an absorbent article means a series of consecutive steps from applying the absorbent article to the wearer, to the wearer wearing the article for a limited period (e.g., until the wearer urinates once or several times), to removing the absorbent article from the wearer.

[0017] "Reusable" as used herein means an item intended for use in more than one use cycle. Therefore, a reusable item means an item that can be used through multiple use cycles. Where necessary, reusable items may be restored between use cycles by cleaning, for example, washing, or other means.

[0018] For example, a reusable item may be designed to last for at least 50 use cycles, for instance, at least 100 use cycles, or at least 500 use cycles.

[0019] "Single-use" as used herein means an item intended for use in only one cycle and then discarded. Therefore, items configured for single use are typically used by the user for a limited period (e.g., until one or a few urinations) and then disposed of.

[0020] "Washable" means that the outer cover can be cleaned by washing. The outer cover can be immersed in an aqueous solution containing detergent without losing its structural properties. This aqueous solution may be heated as part of the washing process, for example, up to 40°C or 60°C.

[0021] The washable outer cover should be washable at least a predetermined number of times without significant deterioration of its characteristics. In particular, the washable outer cover should be washable a predetermined number of times without significantly impairing the function of fastening members such as insert fastener members or fastening members for fastening the outer cover around the waist of the wearer. Also, the washable outer cover should preferably be washable a predetermined number of times without significantly impairing the elasticity of other materials such as leg elastomers and / or the fabric of the outer cover. Finally, the washable outer cover should preferably be washable a predetermined number of times without significantly impairing the color of the outer cover.

[0022] For example, in this specification, it is preferable that the washable outer cover can withstand at least 20 washes at 60 °C, and more preferably, it is preferable that the washable outer cover can withstand at least 50 washes at 60 °C.

[0023] Also, the washable outer cover is preferably "machine washable", that is, it is preferable that the washing mentioned above can be performed in a washing machine.

[0024] "Stretchable" means, in this specification, a material that can be stretched from its original dimensions and can return to substantially the same dimensions when subjected to force during normal use of the article.

[0025] "Surface fastening material" means, in this specification, a material that can be distributed substantially uniformly over the surface of an area, thereby achieving a substantially uniform fastening by the surface fastening material over the entire area. Thus, attachment via the surface fastening material is facilitated for any part of the area where the surface fastening material is provided.

[0026] In some examples, the surface fastening material can provide a continuous fastening over the surface of the area containing the surface fastening material. Such a surface fastening material can be, for example, an adhesive and can be applied over the area.

[0027] In some examples, a surface fastening material may provide fastening with multiple discrete fastening elements, and the density of the fastening elements is set so that substantially uniform fastening is provided across the area containing the surface fastening material. For example, the density of such discrete fastening elements may be 1 cm 2 At least 10 discrete fastening elements per unit, or more preferably 1 cm 2 There can be at least 50 discrete retaining elements.

[0028] For example, multiple discrete fastening elements may provide mechanical and / or frictional fastening in an area containing surface fastening material. Examples of surface fastening materials containing discrete fastening elements may be hook materials and / or loop materials for forming hook / hook or hook / loop connections.

[0029] "Fastener area including surface fastening material" refers to a surface area where the surface fastening material is distributed substantially uniformly.

[0030] "Detachable" fastening, as used herein, means that a fastening area can be used to attach and detach the corresponding fastening area of ​​an insert multiple times without substantially impairing its function. For example, in the case of a reusable fastening area, the fastening area can achieve at least 50 attachment / detachment cycles, such as at least 150 or at least 300.

[0031] Knitting is a technique of constructing fabric by intertwining a series of loops of one or more yarns. There are two main types of knitting: warp knitting and weft knitting.

[0032] "Weaving" is a technique or process of weaving together two yarns of similar material, crossing them at right angles to each other to create a woven fabric. The warp threads run vertically along the length of the fabric, while the weft threads run horizontally.

[0033] Jacquard is a weaving or knitting system that utilizes a versatile pattern mechanism to produce complex designs by using punch cards to control the resulting patterns. Jacquard knitting can be effective in circular knitting, planar knitting, warp knitting, or weft knitting.

[0034] In the context of this disclosure, “nonwoven” means a manufactured sheet, web, or butt consisting of directionally or randomly oriented fibers bonded together by friction and / or cohesive and / or adhesive, excluding paper and woven, knitted, tufted, stitched-bonded products incorporating bonding yarn or filaments, or felted products by wet milling with or without additional puncture processing. The fibers may be of natural or synthetic origin, may be staples or continuous filaments, or may be formed in situ. Commercially available fibers have diameters ranging from less than about 0.001 mm to more than about 0.2 mm and exist in several different forms: short fibers, continuous monofilaments, bundles of untwisted continuous filaments, and bundles of twisted continuous filaments. Nonwovens can be formed by many processes, including meltblown, spunbond, solvent spinning, electrospinning, and carding.

[0035] The term "nonwoven" refers to different parts of an insert, and in terms of its properties, it lies between the paper and corrugated cardboard group and the textile group. Regarding nonwoven fabrics, a wide variety of manufacturing processes are used, including airlaid, wetlaid, spunlace, spunbond, and meltblown technologies. Fibers can exist as synthetic fibers manufactured in situ, in the form of infinite fibers or pre-manufactured fibers of infinite length, or in the form of stapled fibers. Alternatively, they may be manufactured from natural fibers or from mixtures of synthetic and natural fibers.

[0036] In the context of this disclosure, vertical length is understood to mean the longest length of a specified portion or sub-portion in the vertical direction. Similarly, horizontal width is understood to mean the maximum width of a specified portion or sub-portion in the horizontal direction.

[0037] When referring to the length of a set containing one or more items (i.e., the length that a set containing one or more items extends to), it refers to the maximum vertical length that includes all items in the set, regardless of whether the items are aligned horizontally or not.

[0038] Similarly, when referring to the width of a set containing one or more items (i.e., the width that a set containing one or more items extends to), it refers to the largest horizontal width that includes all items in the set, regardless of whether the items are aligned vertically or not.

[0039] The term "completely contained within" means, for example, that an item "completely contained within" a part or component does not protrude from that part or component.

[0040] For the purposes of this disclosure, unless otherwise expressly stated, the length, width, and other dimensions of disposable absorbent sanitary products are measured with the product laid flat on a flat surface and the retractable elastic material in a non-functional state. “Non-functional” means that the elastic material is not acting to contract the connected portion. To render the elastic material non-functional, it may be cut, for example, in one or more places, or removed. Optionally, in some cases, it may be possible to stretch the elastic material so that the portion on which it is located is completely flat. Measurements obtained in such a stretched state may coincide with measurements obtained when the elastic material is non-functional.

[0041] When measuring the length of the functional portion of an elastic element along another part, the start and end points of the functional portion of the elastic element can first be marked on the relevant part. Then, with the elastic element in a non-functional state, the distance between the marked start and end points can be measured on the relevant part when it is laid flat.

[0042] The functional part of an elastic element is the portion that can function to contract the part to which it is connected when in use. Therefore, using the procedure described above, non-functional portions of the elastic element, such as the glued end sections of the elastic thread, are ignored.

[0043] As used herein, the term “area” of a part of the product corresponds to the surface area of ​​a flat surface covered by that part when the product is laid flat on a flat surface with the elastic material removed or non-functional.

[0044] To determine the flat area of ​​an item such as an outer cover that may include multiple joined panels or sections, it may be necessary to cut the item into multiple flat pieces and determine the area of ​​each piece.

[0045] Note: In this specification, when referring to the area of ​​the outer cover, the length of the outer cover, or other dimensions of the outer cover, the measurement refers to the measurement taken with the outer cover flap member in the position of use.

[0046] 1. Absorbent articles In a first embodiment, the disclosure relates to an absorbent article as described in claim 1. Thus, an absorbent article is provided that extends longitudinally and transversely perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, wherein the thickness direction is defined perpendicular to both the longitudinal and transverse directions, the thickness direction being an inward direction toward the wearer when the article is worn and an outward direction toward the wearer when the article is worn. The absorbent article comprises a front section, a rear section, and a crotch section extending longitudinally between the front and rear sections.

[0047] Furthermore, absorbent articles are A reusable outer cover comprising a garment portion extending at least into a front section and a rear section, wherein the front and rear sections of the garment portion are adapted to fit around the wearer's waist, and when the article is worn, the front section is positioned at or near the wearer's navel, and the rear section is positioned relative to the wearer's lower back, and An absorbent insert comprising a liquid-impermeable backsheet, a liquid-permeable topsheet, and an absorbent assembly provided between the backsheet and the topsheet, wherein the insert is molded to cover a predetermined portion of the wearer's pubic area and buttocks when in use, the inward-facing side of which is oriented toward the wearer and the outward-facing side of which is oriented toward the garment portion of the outer cover.

[0048] The insert extends longitudinally between its front and rear edges and includes longitudinal side edges connecting the front and rear edges. The insert further includes a pair of insert leg elastic members that extend essentially along the longitudinal direction of the insert, are positioned on both sides of the insert, and are located between the absorbent assembly and the longitudinal side edges of the insert. The leg elastic member length is defined as the longitudinal length along the insert leg elastic member. In the rear section and the front section, the leg elastic member width is defined as the maximum lateral width of the insert leg elastic member in the front or rear section, respectively.

[0049] In at least one of the front and rear sections of the absorbent article, preferably each section, the absorbent article includes one or more sets of mounting areas for attaching the front or rear edge of the insert to the outer cover. In each mounting area, the inward-facing or outward-facing surface area of ​​the insert is detachably attached to the surface area of ​​the outer cover via at least one surface-retaining material.

[0050] In at least one of the front and rear sections of the absorbent article, preferably each of them, the lateral fastening width, which is the lateral width over which one or more sets of mounting areas are located, is equal to or greater than the width of the leg elastic body within the front or rear section of the absorbent article.

[0051] Therefore, the front or rear edge of each insert is detachably attached to the outer cover in the set of mounting areas, while in at least the crotch section of the absorbent article, the side of the insert facing inward forms the innermost part of the absorbent article, thereby being in direct contact with the wearer's skin during use of the article.

[0052] In absorbent articles, leak prevention and absorption capabilities are primarily provided by the absorbent insert, while a reusable outer cover is fitted to hold the insert in place on the wearer's lower abdomen. At least a portion of the inward-facing side of the insert is in direct contact with the wearer's skin and is therefore available to receive bodily exudates from the wearer.

[0053] Since the outer cover and insert are detachable from each other, a reusable outer cover can be used multiple times in combination with a new insert.

[0054] Characteristics of absorbent materials The outer cover is reusable, meaning it is intended for use in more than one usage cycle. If necessary, the reusable outer cover can be cleaned, for example, by washing, or otherwise restored. For example, since a reusable outer cover can be used for multiple usage cycles, each cycle using a new insert, and subsequently becoming soiled, the reusable outer cover must be cleaned before being used in a new usage cycle.

[0055] Therefore, for example, the outer cover may be washable.

[0056] Absorbent inserts may also be at least partially reusable, for example, they may be washable. However, absorbent inserts typically become soiled after each use cycle. Therefore, absorbent inserts can be cleaned, for example, by washing, or otherwise restored after each use cycle.

[0057] However, preferably, absorbent inserts may be designed for single use, meaning they are intended for use in only one cycle and then discarded. Therefore, the inserts are designed for use over a limited period, such as receiving bodily waste only once or a few times. After use, absorbent inserts designed for single use are discarded.

[0058] Therefore, absorbent articles including a reusable outer cover and absorbent insert offer advantages over conventional single-use absorbent articles in that sustainability is improved because at least a portion of the absorbent article is reusable.

[0059] The absorbent article has a longitudinal length that extends along the longitudinal direction from the front edge to the rear edge of the absorbent article, through the crotch section. This longitudinal length is adjustable so that the absorbent article is sized to fit an adult.

[0060] Optionally, the absorbent article has a total absorbent capacity of at least 1000 ml, for example, 1000 ml to 4000 ml. Therefore, the article has an absorbent capacity intended for adult wearers.

[0061] Optionally, the article has a total absorbent capacity, and the insert accounts for at least 90%, for example, at least 95% or at least 99% of the total absorbent capacity of the absorbent article. Therefore, as stated above, the absorbent capacity of the absorbent article is mainly provided by the absorbent insert, and the outer cover is relatively non-absorbent and serves to hold the insert in the appropriate position relative to the wearer's body.

[0062] Breathable outer cover & insert As described above, the leak-proof and absorbent capabilities of absorbent articles are primarily provided by the absorbent insert, and the reusable outer cover is adapted to hold the insert in place on the wearer's lower abdomen.

[0063] Furthermore, the liquid-impermeable backsheet of the absorbent insert is responsible for most of the required liquid impermeability of the absorbent article. Therefore, the outer cover can be primarily liquid-permeable and may be made from a liquid-permeable material such as textile material.

[0064] For example, at least 50%, for instance, at least 70% or at least 90% of the total surface area of ​​the outer cover may be permeable to liquid.

[0065] The outer cover does not need to be liquid-impermeable and can be adapted to other desirable properties. For example, the outer cover can be made from a material with properties beneficial to the wearer's skin health. For example, the outer cover can be made from a material that provides desirable breathability, softness, and / or elasticity. Suitable materials can be found, for example, among textile materials.

[0066] Therefore, preferably, the outer cover may be primarily breathable.

[0067] For example, at least 50%, for instance, at least 70%, or at least 90% of the total surface area of ​​the outer cover may be breathable.

[0068] Therefore, the majority of the outer cover area can be made of a liquid-permeable and breathable material that is beneficial to the wearer's skin health. Preferably, the liquid-permeable and breathable material may also be washable.

[0069] As described above, the absorbent insert includes a liquid-impermeable backsheet. Therefore, the side of the absorbent insert facing outwards may include a liquid-impermeable backsheet. Optionally, the side of the absorbent insert facing outwards may consist of a liquid-impermeable backsheet.

[0070] The backsheet of the insert may be breathable to be beneficial to the user's skin health.

[0071] Therefore, absorbent articles may comprise an absorbent insert having a primarily breathable outer cover and a breathable, liquid-impermeable backsheet, as described above, and as a result, the absorbent article as a whole is primarily breathable.

[0072] One or more garment portions forming the outer cover may include one garment portion forming a front section, a rear section, and a crotch section extending longitudinally between the front and rear sections, the garment portion forming a pair of leg edges, each leg edge facing the respective leg opening when the article is worn. Thus, the garment portion of the outer cover may extend over the crotch section of the absorbent article and connect the front and rear sections of the outer cover. Thus, the garment portion can be adapted to fit around the wearer's waist, with the front section positioned at or near the wearer's navel, the rear section positioned against the wearer's lower back, and the crotch section positioned between the two leg openings formed by the outer cover.

[0073] Therefore, when an outer cover and insert are used in combination to form an absorbent article, the outer cover can almost completely cover the insert. Thus, the outer cover forms the entire outward-facing surface of the absorbent article, i.e., the side facing the clothing, almost completely concealing the insert from view. As a result, the absorbent article has an appearance similar to regular underwear when worn, which is perceived by the wearer as more dignified and comfortable than wearing disposable diapers currently in use.

[0074] Furthermore, the outer cover can protect the insert by providing an additional layer in the outward direction of the insert, so that any tears or friction from the outside caused by the wearer's movements are first absorbed by the outer cover rather than the outward-facing side of the insert (e.g., the backsheet). Thus, the insert can stay in place more securely and perform its function.

[0075] The outer cover may include a pair of leg elastic members positioned along the leg edges of the garment portion, at least in the crotch section.

[0076] The leg elastic members contribute to holding the absorbent article in the correct position relative to the wearer, in addition to the outer cover's ability to hold the absorbent insert in the correct position relative to the wearer in order to absorb bodily waste. Therefore, the leg elastic members contribute to controlling the crotch position of the absorbent insert when attached to the outer cover. Furthermore, the leg elastic members contribute to the comfort and fit of the outer cover and provide the absorbent article with an underwear-like appearance.

[0077] Elastic member for insert leg of absorbent article As described above, according to the first embodiment, the absorbent article includes an insert, the insert extending longitudinally between a front edge and a rear edge and including a longitudinal side edge connecting the front edge and the rear edge. Furthermore, the insert may include a pair of insert leg elastic members that essentially extend along the longitudinal direction of the insert, are positioned on both sides of the insert, and are located between the absorbent assembly of the insert and the longitudinal side edge. For each of the front and rear sections of the absorbent article, the leg elastic body width is defined as the maximum lateral width on the insert leg elastic member in the front or rear section, respectively. Optionally, the leg elastic body widths in the front and rear sections of the absorbent article may be the same and correspond to the maximum lateral width on the insert leg elastic member of the insert.

[0078] The insert leg elastic members contribute to forming the insert around the user's body and provide sufficient fluid sealing at the leg openings of the absorbent article when fitted to the wearer. As described above, the outer cover may also include leg elastic members. The insert can be fitted to the outer cover such that, when in use, the pair of leg elastic members of the insert extends laterally inward than the pair of leg elastic members of the outer cover. This allows the leg elastic members of the outer cover to contribute to the correct positioning of the insert and the insert leg elastic members, and the insert leg elastic members further provide sufficient fluid sealing at the leg openings of the absorbent article, reducing the risk of leakage.

[0079] In at least one of the rear and front sections, preferably each, the lateral fastening width of the mounting area is equal to or greater than the width of the leg elastic body in the front or rear section, respectively. Having a lateral fastening width equal to or greater than the leg elastic body width means that when the insert is attached to the outer cover, the insert leg elastic member may be stretched laterally, thereby ensuring proper function and positioning of the insert leg elastic member.

[0080] In this specification, the leg elastic width is defined in the front and rear sections of the absorbent article, respectively. Optionally, the leg elastic width may be the same in the front and rear sections of the absorbent article and may correspond to the maximum leg elastic width of the insert.

[0081] Optionally, in at least one of the rear or front sections of the absorbent article, preferably each, the insert comprises a pair of leg edges, each leg edge extending longitudinally along its respective insert leg elastic member and laterally between the insert leg elastic member and the longitudinal side edge of the insert, thereby defining a maximum lateral leg edge width between the insert leg elastic member and its respective longitudinal side edge, the maximum lateral leg edge width being at least 1 cm, for example, at least 2 cm. For example, the maximum lateral leg edge width may be 4 cm or less.

[0082] Along the insert leg elastic member, the lateral leg edge width is the distance measured parallel to the lateral direction from the longitudinal side edge to the part of the leg elastic member closest to the side edge. Therefore, the lateral leg edge width varies along the insert leg elastic member. The maximum lateral leg edge width is the maximum distance measured parallel to the lateral direction along the insert leg elastic member from the longitudinal side edge to the part of the insert leg elastic member closest to the side edge.

[0083] In this specification, the maximum lateral leg width is defined in the front and rear sections of the absorbent article, respectively. Optionally, the maximum lateral leg width may be the same in the front and rear sections of the absorbent article and may correspond to the maximum lateral leg width of the insert.

[0084] The insert leg elastic members and a pair of leg edges extending laterally between them and the respective longitudinal side edges of the insert provide additional leak-proofing for the absorbent material. When in use, the leg edges extend laterally outward from the insert leg openings formed along the insert leg elastic members of the insert.

[0085] As described above, when combined with a lateral fastening width that extends beyond the leg elastic body width, the leg edges can be extended laterally, at least partially, when the insert is attached to the outer cover. This allows the leg edges to automatically unfold to the correct position when the insert is attached to the outer cover. Therefore, the attachment area contributes to unfolding and holding the leg edges in a laterally extended state while securing the absorbent article to the wearer and during use. Thus, manual operation required to unfold the leg edges can be eliminated. This is particularly advantageous for adult wearers, as it improves the wearer's dignity in care situations by avoiding manual operation of the leg edges located in the wearer's groin area.

[0086] For example, the lateral fastening width may be at least 50% of the lateral width of each leg, for example, at least 75% of the lateral width of each leg, or at least 80% of the lateral width of each leg.

[0087] Optionally, in at least one of the front and rear sections of the absorbent article, preferably each, the lateral fastening width may be 70% or more of the maximum width of the insert at the front edge or rear edge, respectively. For example, the lateral fastening width may be 80% or more or 90% or more of the maximum width of the insert at the front edge or rear edge, respectively.

[0088] Furthermore, the pair of insert leg elastic members extend along the length of the leg elastic body. In at least one of the rear section and the front section, preferably each, each mounting area may be longitudinally positioned between the end of the insert leg elastic member and the respective front or rear edge of the insert. This can improve the functionality of the mounting areas in ensuring the longitudinal extension of the insert leg elastic member. For example, one or more sets of cover fastening areas may be limited to the longitudinal portion of the insert that does not extend to the length of the leg elastic body. In other words, one or more sets of cover fastening areas may be longitudinally positioned between the front end of the insert leg elastic member and the front edge of the insert, or between the rear end of the insert leg elastic member and the rear edge of the insert.

[0089] Thus, when the lateral fastening width is greater than the leg elastic body width, and each mounting area is positioned longitudinally in the portion of the insert between the front / rear end of the insert leg elastic member and the front / rear edge of the insert, the mounting area ensures the lateral and longitudinal extension of the insert leg elastic member.

[0090] The side of the insert facing inward may include a pair of internal leak-proof barriers extending along the longitudinal direction of the insert.

[0091] An insert comprising a pair of internal leak-proof barriers as illustrated above and a pair of insert leg elastic members as illustrated above provides a double barrier against leakage of bodily fluids from the insert during use. Lateral leak-proof barriers (also known as “standing gathers”) are described in more detail below with respect to the insert. Lateral leak-proof barriers may be stretched and lifted from the inward-facing surface of the top sheet.

[0092] Thus, the proposed position of the mounting area has the additional advantage that this position helps to lift the lateral leakage prevention barrier during use of the absorbent articles and hold them in place.

[0093] In particular, if the insert includes a pair of insert leg elastic members as described herein, and a pair of internal leak-proof barriers as defined herein, the proposed location of the mounting area as described herein is useful not only for extending the insert leg elastic members, but also for further contributing to lifting the internal leak-proof barriers at the same time.

[0094] Subset of mounting areas for absorbent materials Optionally, in at least one of the rear section and the front section, preferably each, one or more sets of mounting areas include a first subset of one or more mounting areas and a second subset of one or more mounting areas, wherein the first and second subsets are spaced apart around the longitudinal central axis of the insert. Preferably, the first and second subsets are spaced symmetrically around the longitudinal axis of the insert.

[0095] Therefore, the absorbent article has no mounting area between the outer cover and the insert over a gap width measured laterally between the first and second subsets of the mounting area.

[0096] This contributes to the molding of the insert of the absorbent article during use. In particular, the front and / or rear sections of the insert can be held in an expanded state over the lateral fastening width, thereby fixing the position of the insert relative to the wearer while allowing relative movement between the outer cover and the insert over the spacing width. This allows the insert to mold to the wearer's body, for example, to take on a slight cup shape.

[0097] For example, the lateral spacing width may be at least 40% of the lateral fastening width, for example, at least 50% or at least 60%.

[0098] Flap member for absorbent article In at least one of the front or rear sections of the absorbent article, the outer cover includes at least one flap member extending from the garment portion. The flap member has a position of use in which a space is formed between the outward-facing inner side of the flap member and the inward-facing side of the garment portion, the space opening longitudinally toward the crotch section to receive the respective rear or front end of an insert, respectively, the insert extending over the crotch of the absorbent article.

[0099] The flap members extend from the garment portion in either the rear section or the front section. For example, the flap members can be attached to the inward-facing surface of the garment portion in the rear section and / or front section.

[0100] As described above, in the modifications of the absorbent articles proposed herein, for one or more mounting areas within a set of one or more mounting areas, the mounting between the insert and the outer cover may be performed via the inward-facing side of the insert. In each such mounting area, the inward-facing surface area of ​​the insert may be detachably attached, in the use position, to the outward-facing inner surface area of ​​the flap member.

[0101] Optionally, in at least one of the front and rear sections of the absorbent article, preferably in each, all mounting areas within a set of one or more mounting areas are mounting areas in which, in the use position, the surface area facing inward of the insert is detachably attached to the inner surface area facing outward of the flap member.

[0102] This contributes to ensuring a secure bond between the insert and the outer cover. Therefore, when viewed from the outside while the item is worn, the attachment area is covered by both the insert itself and the outward-facing layer of the outer cover. Consequently, the attachment area is difficult to reach with the wearer's curious, pulling fingers. Furthermore, the garment portion of the outer cover that forms the outward-facing surface of the absorbent item is also movable relative to the insert at the location of the attachment area, independently of the insert without directly affecting the attachment area. Therefore, even if the wearer's movements may pull or rub the outward-facing side of the absorbent item, it is less likely to adversely affect the attachment of the insert to the outer cover.

[0103] As described above, in other modifications of the absorbent articles proposed herein, in one or more mounting areas within a set of one or more mounting areas, the attachment between the insert and the outer cover may be made via the outward-facing side of the insert. In each such mounting area, the outward-facing surface area of ​​the insert can be detachably attached to the inward-facing inner surface area of ​​the garment portion of the outer cover. Similarly, in such modifications, the outer cover may optionally comprise one or more flap members, as described above. In such modifications, the flap members may serve the purpose of covering, for example, the front or rear edge of the insert when attached to the outer cover, thereby reducing the occurrence of discomfort or chafing. Furthermore, it may be desirable that at least one flap member extend to at least cover the insert fastening area of ​​the garment portion, thereby reducing the risk of chafing or discomfort from the insert fastening area if the insert accidentally comes loose from the insert fastening area during use of the article.

[0104] Optionally, the insert has a longitudinal length, and in at least one of the rear section and the front section, preferably each, each flap member has a longitudinal flap length such that when the insert is attached to the outer cover in the use position, the flap member extends over less than 20%, for example less than 15%, preferably less than 10%, of the longitudinal length of the insert.

[0105] Therefore, each flap member covers a limited length of the insert's longitudinal length, leaving most of the inward-facing side of the insert, including the top sheet, exposed, so that at least a portion of the top sheet is in direct contact with the wearer's skin.

[0106] For example, the portion of the top sheet directly adjacent to the wearer's skin may be the main portion of the top sheet. Therefore, the longitudinal length of the main portion of the top sheet directly adjacent to the wearer's skin may be at least 50% of the total top sheet length, for example, at least 75% or at least 80% of the total top sheet length.

[0107] The total top sheet length may be substantially equal to the longitudinal length of the insert, meaning the top sheet may extend along the entire length of the insert.

[0108] Therefore, for example, if the outer cover includes at least one front flap member in the front section and at least one rear flap member in the rear section, the respective longitudinal lengths of the front and rear flap members may be set such that, in the use position and with the insert attached to the outer cover, the front and rear flap members together extend to less than 50% of the insert's longitudinal length. For example, the front and rear flap members together may extend to less than 75% of the insert's longitudinal length, such as less than 80% of the insert's longitudinal length.

[0109] Optionally, the insert has an insert area, and in at least one of the rear section and the front section, preferably each, the inner flap area of ​​the flap member of the outer cover facing outwards is set such that, in the use position and when the insert is attached to the outer cover, the flap member extends over less than 20%, for example less than 15%, or preferably less than 10%, of the insert area.

[0110] Therefore, for example, if the outer cover includes at least one flap member in each of the front and rear sections of the outer cover, the one or more front flap members and the one or more rear flap members may have areas configured such that, in the use position and with the insert attached to the outer cover, the one or more front flap members and the one or more rear flap members together extend over less than 50% of the insert area. For example, all the flap members of the absorbent article together may extend over less than 75% of the insert area, such as less than 80% of the insert area.

[0111] Installation between the insert and the outer cover in absorbent articles The mounting area for the absorbent article is the area where the inward-facing or outward-facing surface area of ​​the insert is detachably attached to the surface area of ​​the outer cover via at least one surface-fastening material.

[0112] Therefore, it is understood that the surface fastening material is distributed throughout the entire mounting area, i.e., distributed across the inward-facing or outward-facing surface area of ​​the insert and / or the corresponding surface area of ​​the outer cover.

[0113] Therefore, attachment between the insert and the outer cover is performed across the entire attachment area, and thus the forces acting on the attachment area during use of the absorbent article are distributed across the entire attachment area. This results in a favorable distribution of load between the insert and the outer cover, avoiding peak loads that may occur when using point connections such as buttons or snaps. Furthermore, attachment via surface fastening material provided in that area may be easier for the user to use because attachment between the inward-facing side of the insert and the outward-facing side of the outer cover can be achieved with a certain tolerance for the precise relative position between the insert and the outer cover, again in contrast to point connections such as buttons or snaps. Moreover, as will be described in more detail below, attachment using one or more surface fastening materials is achievable using relatively thin and flexible surface fastening materials, which contributes to wearer comfort and avoids the risk of chafing.

[0114] Therefore, by definition, one or more sets of mounting areas each include all mounting areas within the front or rear section, where the inward-facing or outward-facing surface area of ​​the insert is detachably attached to the surface area of ​​the outer cover via at least one surface-fastening material.

[0115] Depending on the circumstances, the absorbent article may provide additional detachable attachments between the outer cover and the insert, in addition to the set of attachment areas within the front or rear sections, such additional attachments provide detachable attachments between the inner or outward-facing surface area of ​​the insert and the outer cover. For example, additional attachments may be provided between the insert and the outer cover in the crotch portion of the absorbent article. However, such additional attachments should preferably be kept to a minimum, as they may impair the benefits obtained by using one or more sets of attachment areas proposed herein.

[0116] Preferably, each of the front and rear sections of the absorbent article includes a set of mounting areas that provide a detachable attachment between the inward-facing or outward-facing surface area of ​​the insert and the outer cover, the set of mounting areas constituting the sole attachment between the insert and the outer cover in the absorbent article.

[0117] For example, in at least one of the front and rear sections of an absorbent article, preferably in each, each mounting area within a set of one or more mounting areas may provide a detachable attachment between the inward-facing surface area of ​​the insert and the outward-facing inner surface of the flap member, and the set of mounting areas constitutes the sole attachment between the insert and the outer cover in the front or rear section.

[0118] For example, each of the front and rear sections of the absorbent article includes a set of mounting areas that provide a detachable attachment between the inward-facing surface area of ​​the insert and the outward-facing inner surface of the flap member, wherein the set of mounting areas constitutes the sole attachment between the insert and the outer cover in the absorbent article.

[0119] Therefore, in at least one of the front and rear sections of the absorbent article, preferably each, the outer cover may include one or more sets of insert fastening areas, each insert fastening area including surface fastening material for providing a detachable attachment to an inward-facing or outward-facing surface of the insert. The insert fastening area is therefore the area where the surface fastening material is distributed.

[0120] Alternatively, or additionally, in at least one of the front and rear sections of the absorbent article, preferably each, the side facing inward and / or outward of the insert may include one or more sets of cover fastening areas, each cover fastening area including surface fastening material for providing a detachable attachment to the outer cover in at least one of the set of at least one attachment areas. The cover fastening areas are therefore areas where the surface fastening material is distributed.

[0121] Preferably, the outer cover includes one or more sets of insert fastening areas, each insert fastening area includes a surface fastening material, and the inward-facing and / or outward-facing sides of the insert include one or more sets of cover fastening areas, the surface fastening material of the set of insert fastening areas and the surface fastening material of the set of cover fastening areas are corresponding surface fastening materials for forming the detachable connection. Thus, the set of mounting areas is formed in the portion where the set of one or more insert fastening areas overlaps with the set of one or more cover fastening areas.

[0122] As described above, each insert fastening area of ​​the outer cover may include a surface fastening material. In this case, for example, the surface fastening material can provide a detachable attachment to a material layer on the inward-facing or outward-facing side of the insert, and the material layer can be directly attached to the surface fastening material of the insert fastening area. For example, such a material layer may be formed from the insert's top sheet material or a leak-proof barrier forming material. This allows the insert fastening area to be attached to any position on the material layer, such as either on the inward-facing side of the insert or either on the top sheet.

[0123] Similarly, each cover fastening area of ​​the insert may include surface fastening material to provide a detachable attachment to any position on the outer cover.

[0124] However, as described above, preferably, the insert includes a set of one or more cover fastening areas containing a surface fastening material, and the outer cover includes a set of one or more insert fastening areas containing a corresponding surface fastening material for detachably attaching the insert to the outer cover.

[0125] Therefore, preferably, the insert includes a set of cover fastening areas that include a surface fastening material different from the rest of one or more material layers on the inward-facing or outward-facing side of the insert where the cover fastening areas are located. For example, the cover fastening areas may include a surface fastening material different from the top sheet material layer and / or leak-proof barrier forming layer on the inward-facing side of the insert. This allows the mounting area to be adapted so that possible connections between the insert and the outer cover are provided only in the cover fastening areas. Thus, the connection between the outer cover and the insert can be controlled, for example, with respect to the location of the connection and / or the strength of the connection formed.

[0126] For example, the insert fastening area of ​​the outer cover can be adapted to provide a more secure connection when attached to the cover fastening area than when attached to any other part of the insert, either facing inward or outward.

[0127] For example, each of the insert fastening areas of the outer cover can be fitted so as not to adhere to the inward-facing or outward-facing side of the insert, except for the cover fastening area. This may facilitate handling and ensure that the insert is properly positioned relative to the outer cover.

[0128] Preferably, one or more cover fastening areas of the insert include a first surface fastening material, and one or more insert fastening areas of the outer cover include a second surface fastening material that cooperates with the first surface fastening material to form a detachable connection.

[0129] For example, each of the one or more sets of cover fastening areas of an insert may have substantially the same size and shape as the corresponding area of ​​the one or more set of insert fastening areas.

[0130] Detachable mounting In this specification, “detachable” fastener means that the mounting area can be used multiple times for mounting and detachment without substantially impairing its function.

[0131] For example, the mounting area is capable of performing at least 50 mounting / disconnection cycles, for example, at least 150 cycles or at least 500 cycles of mounting / disconnection.

[0132] If an absorbent insert is a single-use insert, it should be understood that retaining the insert detachably on the outer cover over multiple use cycles may mean retaining a new insert on the outer cover after each use cycle.

[0133] Therefore, in the case of single-use inserts, it may be sufficient for one or more cover fastening areas to be adapted to be detachable from the corresponding one or more insert fastening areas for a relatively small number of use cycles (e.g., at least 10 use cycles). However, when used in combination with a reusable outer cover, one or more insert fastening areas can be adapted to be detachable from the corresponding one or more insert fastening areas (from multiple individual single-use inserts) for a relatively large number of use cycles (e.g., at least 50 use cycles, or at least 150 use cycles, or at least 500 use cycles).

[0134] Therefore, it may be desirable that one or more cover fastening areas of the insert be detachable from the corresponding one or more insert fastening areas of the outer cover without impairing the function of one or more reusable insert fastening areas of the outer cover.

[0135] For example, one or more cover fastening areas may be non-disassemblable fastening areas, that is, cover fastening areas may be designed not to disassemble when removed from their attachment to insert fastening areas.

[0136] For example, it may be desirable that one or more cover fastening areas of an insert be detachable from the corresponding one or more insert fastening areas of the outer cover without leaving any residue, such as fragments, on one or more reusable insert fastening areas of the outer cover. If residue from the disassembled cover fastening area of ​​an insert remains on the insert fastening area of ​​the outer cover, it may impede the function of the insert fastening area when it is desirable to perform subsequent installation of a new insert onto the outer cover.

[0137] For example, surface fastening materials such as adhesives tend to leave residue when removed after installation.

[0138] For example, adhesive residue left in the insert fastener area of ​​the outer cover may impair the function of attaching to subsequent insert fastener areas, and / or the residue may be difficult to remove from the insert fastener area by washing.

[0139] Therefore, the surface fastening material for each mounting area in a set of one or more mounting areas may preferably be a non-adhesive surface fastening material. (Non-adhesive means that the surface fastening material is neither an adhesive nor a glue.)

[0140] Similarly, the surface fastening material for each insert fastening area in a set of one or more insert fastening areas of the outer cover may preferably be a non-adhesive surface fastening material.

[0141] Similarly, the surface fastening material for each cover fastening area in a set of one or more cover fastening areas of an insert may preferably be a non-adhesive surface fastening material.

[0142] For example, each of at least one surface fastening material of one or more sets of mounting areas of an absorbent article can provide a detachable mounting by mechanical fastening and / or frictional fastening.

[0143] For example, in at least one of the insert fastening areas within a set of one or more insert fastening areas of an outer cover, preferably in each of them, the surface fastening material can be adapted to allow for detachable mechanical and / or frictional fastening by the corresponding fastening material.

[0144] For example, in at least one of a set of one or more cover fastening areas of an insert, preferably each one, the surface fastening material can be adapted to allow detachable mechanical and / or frictional fastening by the corresponding fastening material.

[0145] The fact that the fastening material is adapted to allow for mechanical and / or frictional fastening means that it can provide a disconnectable connection through a relatively large number of use cycles. Furthermore, it can provide mechanical and / or frictional fastening that maintains its function well even through multiple washing cycles.

[0146] For example, a surface fastening material adapted to enable detachable mechanical and / or frictional fastening may include multiple discrete fastening elements. For example, the density of such discrete fastening elements may be 1 cm 2 At least 10 discrete fastening elements per unit, more preferably 1 cm 2 There can be at least 50 discrete retaining elements.

[0147] For example, a surface fastening material adapted to enable detachable mechanical and / or frictional fastening by a corresponding fastening material may be a fastening material comprising a plurality of discrete fastening elements, each including an axis protruding from the upper surface of a dispersed fastening area.

[0148] For example, discrete fastening elements including protruding axes may take the form of hooks. A surface fastening material including hooks may be adapted to allow detachable mechanical and / or frictional fastening with, for example, another surface fastening material including hooks, i.e., to form a hook / hook connection. In another example, a surface fastening material including hooks may be adapted to allow detachable mechanical and / or frictional fastening with another surface fastening material including loops, i.e., to form a hook / loop connection.

[0149] A "hook" refers to a discrete, protruding fastening element. Hooks can have any shape. Examples of hooks include pins, such as straight pins, angled pins, curved pins, tapered pins, limbed or multi-limbed pins, hooks, limbed or multi-limbed hooks, mushroom-shaped projections, and palm tree-shaped projections. Hooks can have any cross-sectional shape, such as circular, elliptical, square, rectangular, or polygonal. Hooks can have a solid core. Within the same surface fastening material, all hooks can have the same shape. Alternatively, the same surface fastening material can contain multiple hooks of different shapes.

[0150] In surface fastening materials that include "loops," discrete fastening elements may take the form of, for example, fibrous loops.

[0151] The surface fastening material can be placed directly on the substrate surface, for example, on the outward-facing surface of the flap member of the outer cover or on the inward-facing side of the insert.

[0152] By selecting the surface fastening materials proposed herein, the cover fastening area and / or insert fastening area, as well as the mounting area, can be flexible, that is, have sufficient flexibility to conform appropriately to the wearer's body without causing unnecessary chafing or discomfort.

[0153] Furthermore, by selecting the surface fastening material proposed herein, the cover fastening area and / or insert fastening area, as well as the mounting area, can be made relatively thin, thereby avoiding unnecessary discomfort from friction in this case as well.

[0154] For example, optionally, the height of the mounting area is less than 3 mm, e.g., less than 2 mm, when it is installed.

[0155] For example, if the fastening material includes a plurality of discrete fastening elements, such as discrete fastening elements including axes protruding outward, the height of the discrete fastening elements may be less than 3 mm, for example, less than 2 mm or less than 1.5 mm.

[0156] For example, if the outer cover includes one or more insert fastener members (as described later), the height of each insert fastener member may be less than 3 mm, for example, less than 2 mm, or less than 1.5 mm.

[0157] For example, if the insert includes one or more cover fastener members (as described later), the height of each cover fastener member may be less than 3 mm, for example, less than 2 mm, or less than 1.5 mm.

[0158] Fastener component Optionally, the insert includes one or more cover fastener members positioned on the inward-facing and / or outward-facing sides of the insert, each cover fastener member providing at least one of the one or more cover fastener areas in the set.

[0159] One or more cover fastener members may be attached to the inward-facing side of the insert, for example, by adhesive or welding. For example, ultrasonic welding or heat seal welding may be used.

[0160] Alternatively, or additionally, the outer cover includes one or more insert fastener members positioned on the outer cover, each insert fastener member providing at least one of the insert fastener areas in the set.

[0161] One or more insert fastener members may be attached to the outer cover, for example, by stitching or welding.

[0162] Therefore, the surface fastening material may be arranged on either a cover fastening member or an insert fastening member. The surface fastening material may be arranged to form one or more areas on either a cover fastening member or an insert fastening member, and the areas of the fastening material therefore correspond to one or more cover fastening areas or insert fastening areas provided by either a cover fastening member or an insert fastening member.

[0163] For this purpose, the cover fastener member or insert fastener member may include a base formed from a sheet.

[0164] For example, at least one, or all, of the one or more insert fastener members may include a base formed of a sheet having a longitudinal length and a transverse width, and containing one or more areas of surface fastening material.

[0165] For example, at least one, or all, of the one or more cover fastening members may include a base formed of a sheet having a longitudinal length and a transverse width, and containing one or more cover fastening areas of surface fastening material.

[0166] The base of the insert fastener member / cover fastener member, formed from a sheet, may have generally parallel first and second surfaces, the first surface being attached to the outward-facing or inward-facing side of the outer cover / insert.

[0167] Therefore, each insert fastener member or cover fastener member may include a base formed from a sheet containing one or more insert fastener areas or one or more cover fastener areas.

[0168] Preferably, at least one, for example, of the one or more insert fastener members or cover fastener members may each include a base formed of a sheet containing one or fewer insert fastener areas or cover fastener members.

[0169] For example, a surface fastening material may include a plurality of discrete fastening elements, each containing an axis protruding from the surface of a sheet-formed base. These axes may be, for example, hooks adapted to be attached to corresponding loops.

[0170] Cover fastening area and insert fastening area It may be preferable to position the surface retaining material, including a protruding shaft, on the side of the insert or outer cover that faces outward during use, i.e., away from the wearer. For example, the surface retaining material, including a protruding shaft, may be selected for the insert retaining surface located on the inside of the flap member, facing outward. This is to prevent the protrusion from coming into contact with the wearer's skin.

[0171] Therefore, for example, for at least one, or for all, of the insert fastener areas of the set, the surface fastening material may include a plurality of discrete fastening elements, such as discrete fastening elements that include axes projecting outward when viewed when the flap member is in use.

[0172] Surface fastening material positioned on the inward-facing side of the insert may preferably be free of protrusions. Therefore, even if it is improperly fastened to the outer cover and part of the cover fastening area is not covered by the flap member, there is no risk of the cover fastening area damaging the wearer's skin.

[0173] For example, at least one, or all, of the cover fastening members in the set may include loop material.

[0174] Outer cover insert fastener area For example, as mentioned above, one or more insert fastening areas may include protruding members such as hooks. For example, one or more insert fastening members may include hook material. By positioning the insert fastening areas on the side facing outward from the flap member, such hooks are oriented away from the wearer's skin during use, reducing the risk of causing frictional damage to the wearer's skin during use.

[0175] Furthermore, hook materials have generally been found to maintain their properties better than loop materials even after multiple washing cycles. Therefore, in the case of a washable outer cover, by providing an insert fastening area on the outward-facing side of the flap member that includes multiple discrete fastening elements, such as hooks, which include axes protruding from the surface, the risk of the protrusions coming into contact with the wearer's skin is reduced, while ensuring the functionality of the insert fastening area throughout the lifespan of the washable outer cover.

[0176] As described above, one or more insert fastening areas can be adapted to be attached to either the inward-facing surface of the insert that faces the wearer, for example, to a nonwoven surface such as the top sheet surface of the insert. However, it has been found that when the insert is removed from the insert fastening area, there is a risk that debris from the nonwoven surface, such as from the top sheet material, may detach from the insert. Such debris can accumulate in the insert fastening area and gradually impair its function. Furthermore, it has been found that such debris is difficult to remove from the fastening area, even during washing.

[0177] Therefore, it may be preferable to adapt one or more insert fastening areas to be detachably attached to one or more corresponding designated cover fastening areas, which include the corresponding surface fastening material and are located on the side facing inward from the insert.

[0178] Furthermore, if the insert is installed via the designated cover fastening area of ​​the insert, more reliable accuracy in positioning the insert relative to the outer cover can be ensured.

[0179] Optionally, the garment portion of the outer cover and the set of insert fastener areas of the outer cover are non-adhesive to each other.

[0180] Therefore, the materials of the insert fastener area and the garment portion (e.g., the fabric panel of the garment portion) can be selected such that the insert fastener area is non-adherent to the garment portion. Thus, the risk of the insert fastener area unintentionally becoming attached to the garment portion is eliminated.

[0181] Furthermore, the flap member and one or more insert fastening areas may be non-adherent to each other.

[0182] As mentioned above, the flap member and the garment portion can contain the same material, for example, the fabric material is non-adhesive to the insert fastener area.

[0183] The same applies to any further fastening members of the outer cover.

[0184] For example, the rear section of the outer cover may include one or more first waist attachment means, and the front section of the outer cover may include one or more second waist attachment means corresponding to the first waist attachment means, thereby allowing the outer cover to be detachably attached around the wearer's waist. For example, such waist attachment means may include hook and / or loop material. Thus, the first and / or second waist attachment means may be non-adhesive to the garment portion and / or flap member.

[0185] Insert cover fastening area For example, at least one, or all, of the one or more cover fastening areas can be formed by a material layer of loop material.

[0186] Because loop materials can be relatively soft to the touch, the risk of causing frictional damage is relatively low even if the material accidentally comes into contact with the wearer's skin.

[0187] Furthermore, loop materials can be manufactured from materials that are less expensive than the corresponding hook materials and / or offer advantages in terms of environmental sustainability. Therefore, it is advantageous to be able to provide loop materials on single-use inserts for use in combination with hook materials on reusable outer covers.

[0188] It should be understood that the above features and descriptions relating to the fastening material, mounting area, cover fastening area, and insert fastening area apply equally to the absorbent article of the first embodiment described herein, the outer cover of the second embodiment described below, and the insert of the third embodiment described below.

[0189] Further features and advantages of the absorbent articles will become apparent from the following descriptions of the outer cover and insert for forming the absorbent articles. It should be understood that the features described for the outer cover and the features described for the insert are applicable to the absorbent articles described above, either individually or in combination.

[0190] The longitudinal length of an absorbent article refers to the maximum longitudinal length of the absorbent article, i.e., the outer cover to which the insert is detachably attached, measured through the crotch section of the absorbent article, from front edge to back edge. In other words, the longitudinal length is the maximum longitudinal length of the absorbent article when viewed across the crotch width Wc. Therefore, when determining the longitudinal length of an absorbent article, portions of the absorbent article that extend laterally beyond the crotch width can be ignored. For example, laterally extending side portions provided for attaching the absorbent article around the wearer's waist can be ignored. The crotch width of an absorbent article is the minimum width of the crotch section of the absorbent article, i.e., the minimum width of the portion of the absorbent article intended to be positioned between the leg openings formed by the absorbent article when in use.

[0191] Furthermore, it should be understood that the longitudinal length of the absorbent material may deviate from the longitudinal length of the outer cover, for example, because the outer cover may wrinkle longitudinally when the insert is attached to it.

[0192] 2. Outer cover In a second embodiment, the disclosure relates to the outer cover described in claim 27.

[0193] Accordingly, this disclosure relates to a reusable outer cover for an absorbent article, wherein the outer cover extends along the longitudinal direction and along the transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the inward direction is defined as the direction toward the wearer when the article is worn, and the outward direction is defined as the direction toward the wearer when the article is worn, and the inward and outward directions are perpendicular to the transverse and longitudinal directions. The outer cover has a longitudinal length extending along the longitudinal direction and is divided into a front section, a rear section, and a crotch section. The crotch section of the outer cover determines the minimum transverse crotch width of the outer cover.

[0194] The outer cover includes a front section, a rear section, and a garment portion extending into the crotch area, the front and rear sections of the garment portion being adapted to fit around the wearer's waist, the front section positioned near the wearer's navel, the rear section positioned relative to the wearer's lower back, and the crotch section positioned between two leg openings formed by the outer cover, so that when the outer cover is worn, the garment portion has an inward-facing surface that faces toward the wearer and an outward-facing surface that faces toward the away from the wearer.

[0195] In at least one of the front section and the rear section, preferably each, the outer cover includes a set of one or more insert fastening areas, each insert fastening area in the set including a surface fastening material for detachably attaching an insert to the outer cover.

[0196] Furthermore, in at least one of the front and rear sections, preferably each, one or more sets of insert fastener areas extend to a lateral fastening width that is greater than or equal to the minimum lateral crotch width of the outer cover.

[0197] Therefore, the garment portion of the outer cover can be adapted to fit around the wearer's waist, with the front section positioned near the wearer's abdomen, the rear section positioned against the wearer's lower back, and the crotch section positioned between the two leg openings formed by the outer cover.

[0198] Therefore, when used together with an absorbent article, the outer cover can substantially completely cover the insert. Thus, the outer cover forms the entire outward-facing surface of the absorbent article, or the entire side facing the clothing, substantially concealing the insert from view. As a result, the absorbent article has an appearance similar to regular underwear when worn and is perceived by the wearer as more dignified and comfortable than wearing a disposable diaper.

[0199] Furthermore, the outer cover can protect the insert and provide an additional layer, so any tears or friction from the wearer's movements are first absorbed by the outer cover. This allows the insert to stay more securely in place and perform its function.

[0200] Because the garment portion of the outer cover extends across the crotch area, friction and tearing during wear act on the garment portion of the outer cover, rather than on the absorbent insert attached to it. Therefore, the positioning of the absorbent insert relative to the wearer can be ensured to provide sufficient absorbency and prevent leakage.

[0201] Outer cover part The garment portion of the outer cover may include a main body, which forms the transverse central portion of the garment portion and, when the outer cover is in use, extends longitudinally from the rear end of the outer cover, through the wearer's legs, to the front end of the outer cover. Thus, the crotch section, at least the central portion of the front section, and at least the central portion of the rear section of the outer cover may be formed by the main body.

[0202] In the front and / or rear sections of the outer cover, one or more laterally extending side portions may be provided on the main body for attaching the outer cover around the wearer's waist. For example, the front section of the outer cover may have a pair of side portions that attach to another pair of side portions located in the rear section of the outer cover. In another example, a pair of side portions may be located in one of the front and rear sections of the outer cover and attach to the other front and rear section of the outer cover. In yet another example, the front or rear section of the outer cover may have one or a pair of side portions that can be attached to form a closed circumference, i.e., a belt, around the wearer, and the opposite front or rear section of the outer cover may then be attached to one or more side portions.

[0203] Attachment between side sections, or between a side section and the front or rear section of the outer cover, may be performed via waist attachment means. For example, a side section may be equipped with waist attachment means for attachment to a corresponding waist attachment means provided on another side section or the front or rear section of the outer cover, thereby closing the article around the wearer's waist.

[0204] For example, if a pair of side sections are provided on one of the front and rear sections of the outer cover, the side sections facing inward may be provided with waist attachment means for attachment to corresponding attachment means provided on the outward-facing side of the opposite front or rear section of the outer cover, thereby closing the article around the wearer's waist.

[0205] In certain examples, the rear section of the outer cover may be provided with a pair of side sections, each extending laterally on either side of the main body and intended to be fastened to the front section of the outer cover. For example, the inward-facing side of the side section may be provided with a waist attachment means for attachment to a corresponding attachment means provided on the outward-facing side of the front section of the outer cover, thereby closing the article around the wearer's waist.

[0206] Outer cover waist attachment method Generally, the front or rear section of the outer cover may be provided with a pair of waist attachment means on the surface facing inward of the garment portion, which are fastened to corresponding waist attachment means on the surface facing outward of the garment portion in the opposite rear or front section. For example, the rear section of the outer cover may be provided with a pair of waist attachment means on the surface facing inward of the garment portion, which are fastened to corresponding waist attachment means on the surface facing outward of the garment portion.

[0207] The waist attachment means may include corresponding attachment areas, for example, fastening areas or attachment areas similar to those described below with respect to the insert fastening area of ​​the outer cover or the cover fastening area of ​​the insert. For example, the waist attachment means may include corresponding hooks and loops.

[0208] Characteristics of the outer cover The outer cover is reusable, meaning it is intended to be used across multiple use cycles of the absorbent article. Therefore, at the start of each use cycle, a new absorbent insert can be attached to the outer cover to form the absorbent article, and after each use cycle, the absorbent insert can be removed from the outer cover and discarded. The outer cover can be configured to be cleanable between use cycles. Therefore, the outer cover can be cleaned between use cycles as needed. However, it may be preferable to clean the outer cover only when deemed necessary, i.e., only after one or more use cycles if the outer cover is deemed to be soiled enough to require cleaning.

[0209] To provide efficient purification, the outer cover may be configured to be washable.

[0210] For example, the outer cover may be configured to be machine washable.

[0211] For example, the outer cover may be configured to withstand at least 20 washing cycles, such as at least 20 machine washing cycles as defined herein.

[0212] Optionally, the outer cover may be configured to accommodate at least 50 washing cycles, such as at least 50 machine washing cycles as defined herein.

[0213] Optionally, the outer cover may be configured to withstand at least 20 machine wash cycles, such as at least 50 machine wash cycles at 60°C.

[0214] Washing allows for hygienic cleaning of the outer cover, further improving its reusability. While machine washing is desirable, it also makes it easier for caregivers to clean and reuse the product.

[0215] As mentioned above, the outer cover is not primarily intended to contain bodily waste such as urine or feces from the wearer. Instead, the absorbent insert attached to the outer cover during use of the absorbent article is responsible for absorbing bodily waste from the wearer.

[0216] Therefore, the outer cover may be primarily liquid-permeable.

[0217] The fact that the outer cover is primarily liquid-permeable means that the outer cover is substantially permeable to liquids such as urine.

[0218] Therefore, at least 50% of the total surface area of ​​the outer cover may be liquid permeable. For example, at least 70% or at least 90% of the total surface area of ​​the outer cover may be liquid permeable.

[0219] The fact that the outer cover can be primarily liquid-permeable means that a suitable material for the outer cover can be selected from among liquid-permeable materials.

[0220] Therefore, the outer cover can be manufactured from a liquid-permeable material such as textile fabric. This provides an absorbent article with a more underwear-like appearance and feel, resulting from the combination of the outer cover and the absorbent insert.

[0221] The outer cover can be primarily breathable. Being breathable, or gas-permeable, means that air and other gases can pass through the outer cover. This is beneficial to the wearer's skin health.

[0222] Therefore, at least 50% of the total surface area of ​​the outer cover may be breathable. For example, at least 70% or at least 90% of the total surface area of ​​the outer cover may be breathable.

[0223] Preferably, the outer cover may be primarily liquid-permeable and primarily breathable. Therefore, the outer cover may be made of a liquid-permeable and breathable material, such as textile material.

[0224] Preferably, the outer cover may be primarily liquid-permeable, primarily breathable, and washable as described above. For this purpose, a suitable material that is liquid-permeable, breathable, and washable can be selected to form the outer cover. In this case as well, a suitable material can be found among liquid-permeable, breathable, and washable textile materials.

[0225] For example, the garment portion of the outer cover may include one or more fabric panels that form the front section, back section, and crotch section of the garment portion.

[0226] Therefore, one or more fabric panels can be selected from materials that are liquid-permeable, breathable, and / or washable.

[0227] For example, one or more fabric panels may include textile fabric. A suitable textile fabric may be liquid permeable, breathable, and / or washable.

[0228] For example, one or more fabric panels may include woven textile fabric.

[0229] Knitted textile fabrics may be suitable for imparting elasticity to the outer cover.

[0230] For example, one or more fabric panels may include weft-knit textile fabric materials such as weft-knit single jersey.

[0231] For example, the outer cover may include textile fabrics with a basis weight in the range of 150 to 300 gsm, for example, in the range of 200 to 250 gsm. For example, one or more fabric panels may include textile fabrics with a basis weight in the range of 150 to 300 gsm, for example, in the range of 200 to 250 gsm. Such fabrics may be knitted textile fabrics such as the weft-knitted textile fabrics described above, for example, weft-knitted single jersey.

[0232] The outer cover may include a material that is elastic in at least one direction, preferably two directions. For example, one or more fabric panels may include a material that is elastic in at least one direction, preferably two directions. Such a material may be, for example, a knitted fabric as described above.

[0233] For example, the outer cover may include a textile fabric containing polyester.

[0234] Therefore, one or more fabric panels of the garment portion may include a textile fabric containing polyester. For example, a large portion of the area of ​​the garment portion, e.g., at least 60%, or at least 80%, or at least 90%, of the area may include a textile fabric containing polyester.

[0235] For example, one or more fabric panels may include a textile fabric containing a mixture of polyester and elastane. For example, one or more fabric panels may include a textile fabric containing 70% or more polyester, for example, 80% or more polyester. For example, one or more fabric panels may include a textile fabric containing 70% to 90% polyester and 30% to 10% elastane. For example, one or more fabric panels may include a fabric containing 80% polyester and 20% elastane.

[0236] Polyester materials have been shown to possess advantageous properties throughout the use and washing cycle, such as shrinkage, shape retention, and elasticity.

[0237] 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 large portion of the area of ​​the garment portion, e.g., at least 60%, or at least 80%, or at least 90%, of the area may include textile fabric containing recycled materials.

[0238] For example, the amount of recycled material in the textile fabric may be at least 20%, for example, at least 50%, or at least 70%.

[0239] In one example, the garment portion may include a single fabric panel that forms the front section, back section, and crotch section of the garment portion.

[0240] In another example, the garment portion comprises multiple fabric panels, which are joined together to form the front, back, and crotch sections of the garment portion. Using multiple fabric panels may provide additional options for controlling the shape of the outer cover and / or other properties of the outer cover, such as its elasticity.

[0241] The fabric panels may be joined by any suitable joining members. For example, the joining members can be selected considering requirements for the outer cover, such as washability and / or breathability.

[0242] For example, fabric panels can be joined together using adhesive bonding materials such as adhesive tape.

[0243] For example, fabric panels can be joined together by mechanical fasteners such as stitches or seams.

[0244] Fabric panels may be permanently bonded, meaning they may be intended to be bonded throughout the lifespan of the outer cover.

[0245] If the garment portion includes multiple fabric panels, the fabric panels may be manufactured from different fabrics. This allows for the use of different properties of different fabrics to impart different functions and / or aesthetics to the garment portion and outer cover.

[0246] In another option, if the garment portion includes multiple fabric panels, the fabric panels may be manufactured from the same fabric. This ensures that the fabric panels have similar properties, namely liquid permeability and / or breathability, and exhibit similar behavior during use, such as during washing or wearing. This can be advantageous for the durability of a reusable outer cover. Furthermore, using the same fabric material for the fabric panels allows for efficient use of the fabric material during manufacturing, reducing fabric waste.

[0247] As described above, when an absorbent insert is attached to the outer cover, the absorbency of the absorbent article formed by the outer cover is provided primarily by the absorbent insert alone.

[0248] For example, the crotch area of ​​the outer cover may be inherently non-absorbent, meaning that the crotch area is not intended to absorb bodily waste to a significant degree.

[0249] For example, the clothing portion of the outer cover may be inherently non-absorbent, and / or the entire outer cover may be inherently non-absorbent.

[0250] "Non-absorbent in nature" means, as used herein, that the outer cover is not intended to absorb and retain fluid to a significant degree.

[0251] For this purpose, one or more fabric panels of the garment portion and / or outer cover may consist of one or more materials, each of which is inherently non-absorbent.

[0252] Width of the outer cover in the horizontal direction As described above, according to the second embodiment, an outer cover is provided in which, in at least one of the front and rear sections of the outer cover, preferably each, a set of one or more insert fastener areas extends over a lateral fastening width that is equal to or greater than the minimum lateral crotch width.

[0253] Similarly, as described above, the crotch section of the outer cover determines the minimum lateral crotch width of the outer cover.

[0254] Therefore, one or more sets of insert fastening areas allow the insert to be mounted in place in at least a portion of the crotch section such that it can conform to the cup shape within the minimum lateral width of the outer cover, while holding the insert with sufficient width laterally in the front and / or rear sections, respectively.

[0255] For example, each lateral fastening width may be 110% or more, for example 120% or more, of the minimum lateral width (crotch width) of the outer cover.

[0256] The outer cover may include a pair of leg elastic members positioned along the leg openings of the garment portion, at least in its crotch section.

[0257] The leg elastic members can be separated by the maximum leg elastic body spacing width. The maximum leg elastic body spacing width is the maximum lateral width between the elastic functional portions of the leg elastic members.

[0258] Similarly, the leg elastic members can be separated by the minimum leg elastic body spacing width. Therefore, the minimum leg elastic body spacing width is typically located in the crotch section of the garment portion and may be close to the minimum lateral width (crotch width) of the outer cover.

[0259] For example, in at least one of the front and rear sections of the outer cover, preferably each, one or more sets of insert fastening areas extend over their respective lateral fastening widths, which are less than the maximum leg elastic body spacing width. Thus, it can be ensured that the leg elastic members of the outer cover can be positioned laterally as desired outside the inserts attached to the set of one or more insert fastening areas.

[0260] For example, if, in at least one of the front and rear sections of the outer cover, preferably each, a set of one or more insert fastening areas extends over a respective lateral fastening width that is less than the maximum leg elastic body spacing width and greater than the minimum lateral width of the outer cover, it may be possible to facilitate the correct positioning of the insert relative to the outer cover during use of the absorbent article.

[0261] Therefore, as can be understood from the above, the crotch section of the outer cover may, advantageously, not have an insert fastening area. In fact, the entire outer cover may not have an insert fastening area, except for at least one of the front and rear sections of the outer cover, preferably one or more sets of insert fastening areas in each.

[0262] Subset of insert fastener area In at least one of the front and rear sections of the outer cover, preferably each, a set of one or more insert fastener areas may include a first subset of one or more insert fastener areas and a second subset of one or more insert fastener areas, wherein the first and second subsets are spaced apart by a lateral spacing width around the longitudinal central axis of the outer cover. Preferably, the first and second subsets may be spaced symmetrically around the longitudinal axis by a lateral spacing width.

[0263] Therefore, the insert may lack a fastening area across the lateral spacing. This means that the insert may not have attachment to the outer cover in the central lateral region, which may be beneficial for forming the insert during use. For example, a spaced arrangement may allow the insert to take on a slight cup shape when viewed from the side, improving the insert's retention capacity. Furthermore, a spaced arrangement of the insert fastening area allows for an arrangement that may facilitate the correct positioning of the insert to the outer cover. In addition, if the insert lacks an insert fastening area across the lateral spacing, surface fastening material is provided only where necessary in the insert fastening area, which means that the amount of material on the outer cover may be reduced.

[0264] As described above, the crotch section of the outer cover may have a minimum lateral width (crotch width). For example, the lateral spacing may be greater than or equal to the minimum lateral width. For example, the lateral spacing may be at least 120% of the minimum lateral width.

[0265] Therefore, the first and second subsets of one or more insert fastening areas may ensure that the insert extends at least across the crotch width of the outer cover when attached to the insert fastening area.

[0266] For example, the lateral spacing may be at least three times, or at least four times, the lateral width of each insert fastener area.

[0267] For example, the lateral spacing width may be 40% or more of the lateral fastening width, for example, 50% or more, or 60% or more.

[0268] For example, in at least one of the front section and the rear section, preferably each, one or more first and second subsets of insert fastener areas may be provided on the same flap member, preferably each on a single flap member of the front or rear section.

[0269] For example, the front and rear sections of the outer cover may each comprise a single flap member, each comprising a first subset of one or more insert fastening areas and a second subset of one or more insert fastening areas, wherein the first and second subsets are 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 comprise a single fastening area.

[0270] In one example, a subset of insert fastening areas may be provided by a single insert fastening member attached to a single flap member. For example, such an insert fastening member may include a base formed of a sheet that supports a first subset of one or more insert fastening areas containing surface fastening material and a second subset of one or more insert fastening areas containing surface fastening material, with the first and second subsets spaced apart by a lateral spacing width.

[0271] However, in another example, each of the insert fastening areas may be provided by a separate insert fastening member, each insert fastening member containing one insert fastening area with surface fastening material. This may be advantageous in reducing the amount of material added to the insert and / or in reducing the additional rigidity implied by the presence of the insert fastening members on the outer cover.

[0272] Extension of the insert fastener area In at least one of the front and rear sections, preferably each, the set of insert fastener areas may extend over a maximum longitudinal length of 20% or less, for example, 15% or less, or 10% or less, of the longitudinal length of the outer cover.

[0273] Optionally, one or more sets of insert fastener areas may be limited to the front or rear end region of the outer cover, the front or rear end region extending longitudinally from the front or rear edge of the outer cover over a maximum longitudinal length of 20% or less of the longitudinal length of the outer cover, for example, 15% or less of the longitudinal length of the outer cover, or 10% or less of the longitudinal length of the outer cover.

[0274] Therefore, attachment of the insert to the outer cover is limited to the front or rear end region of the front or rear section of the outer cover. Thus, when the article is worn, the front or rear edge region can be reliably held in place by the outer cover, while the crotch section of the insert may not be attached to the outer cover.

[0275] Insert fastener area when positioned on the flap member Optionally, in at least one of the front or rear sections of the outer cover, preferably each, the outer cover includes at least one flap member extending from the garment portion. Each 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 creating a space between the outward-facing inner side of the flap member and the inward-facing side of the garment portion, and this space is longitudinally open in the direction of the crotch section to receive the rear and / or front edges of the insert.

[0276] In some variations, each insert fastening area in a set of one or more insert fastening areas is positioned inward and facing outward from at least one flap member. Each insert fastening area in the set includes a surface fastening material for detachably attaching the insert to the outer cover.

[0277] Therefore, in the front and / or rear sections of the garment portion, flap members are positioned so as to define a space that opens longitudinally toward the crotch section to receive the respective rear or front edge of the insert, at least in the use position. The space opens longitudinally toward the crotch section. This allows the rear or front edge of the absorbent insert to be positioned within the space, and the side of the insert facing inward may be attached by one or more insert fastening areas (each insert fastening area includes surface fastening material), while the absorbent insert extends outward from the space onto the crotch section of the outer cover, thereby being available to absorb bodily fluids when the absorbent article is used.

[0278] One or more insert fastening areas in the above set are positioned on the outward-facing side of the flap member and facing the garment portion. The second side of the flap member, opposite the outward-facing inward side, is therefore the inward-facing surface facing the intended wearer in the position of use.

[0279] The flap member may be a generally planar member that extends within a plane stretched by a vertical axis and a horizontal axis.

[0280] Therefore, when the outer cover is in use, one or more insert fastening areas positioned on the outward-facing side of the flap member are oriented away from the wearer and toward the garment portion of the outer cover. Thus, the risk of the wearer experiencing chafing or discomfort from the surface fastening material of the insert fastening areas is significantly reduced, even if the insert accidentally comes out of the insert fastening area. Furthermore, positioning the insert fastening areas on the outward-facing side of the flap member means that the flap member is securely held toward the inward-facing side of the insert during use of the item. This reduces the risk of the flap member unintentionally bending or creasing and causing discomfort to the wearer.

[0281] Furthermore, because one or more insert fastening areas are positioned on the flap member, any undesirable aesthetic impact on the outer cover from the insert fastening areas (e.g., seams attaching the insert fastening members to the outer cover) is only visible on the flap member and not visible from the outside of the garment portion when the outer cover is worn. The outward-facing surface of the garment portion is intended to be the outward-facing surface of the finished absorbent article, and therefore, when the outer cover is in use, it is oriented towards the wearer's normal clothing.

[0282] Furthermore, the positioning of one or more insert fastening areas on the outward-facing surface of the flap member, separated from the garment portion, means that when the outer cover is in use, the movement of the garment portion is less restricted by the insert fastening areas, and therefore by the insert. For example, the area of ​​the garment portion over which the flap member extends can follow the overall movement of the garment portion, and thus the appearance of the garment portion is more like underwear, and no visible tension on the garment portion is caused by the attachment of the insert to the outer cover.

[0283] Similarly, the insert fastening area, and therefore the position of the insert, is less likely to be displaced, for example, by tearing or friction caused by the wearer's movements.

[0284] By definition above, a set of one or more insert fastening areas includes all insert fastening areas in the front or rear section, each positioned on the inside facing outward of at least one flap member, and includes a surface fastening material for detachably mounting the insert.

[0285] In some cases, in addition to a set of insert fastener areas positioned on the inner side facing the outside of at least one flap member, the outer cover may include additional fastener areas for providing a detachable attachment between the outer cover and the insert. For example, it is possible to provide additional fastener areas on the clothing portion of the outer cover. However, such additional fastener areas should preferably be minimized. This is because additional attachments may compromise the advantages obtained by using a set of one or more insert fastener areas positioned on the inner side facing the outside of the flap as proposed herein.

[0286] Rather, in at least one, preferably each, of the front section and the rear section of the outer cover, a set of one or more insert fastener areas positioned on the inner side facing the outside of at least one flap member may constitute the only insert fastener elements for detachably attaching the insert to the outer cover in the front and / or rear section of the outer cover.

[0287] Preferably, each of the front section and the rear section of the outer cover includes a set of insert fastener areas positioned on the inner side facing the outside of at least one flap member, and the said set of insert fastener areas constitutes the only insert fastener elements for detachably attaching the insert to the outer cover of the outer cover.

[0288] The side facing the outside of the flap member may face at least a part of the surface facing the inside of the clothing portion, that is, it may face the area of the surface facing the inside of the wearer on which the flap member extends. Thus, a space may be formed between the side facing the outside of the flap member and the surface facing the inside of the clothing portion.

[0289] For example, the area of the surface facing the inside of the clothing portion over which the flap member extends (when in the use position) may have no insert fastener area. Optionally, the entire clothing portion may have no insert fastener area. Thus, the only attachment between the outer cover and the insert can be made via a flap member that includes a set of insert fastener areas configured to stay towards the side facing the inside of the insert.

[0290] Insert fastener areas positioned on the clothing portion In some variations, each insert fastener area in a set of one or more insert fastener areas is positioned on the side facing the inside of the clothing portion. In some such variations, the outer cover may be provided with a flap member as described above, such that in the use position the insert is covered by at least one flap member. Each insert fastener area within the set includes a surface fastening material for detachably attaching the insert to the outer cover.

[0291] In such variations, the attachment of the insert to the outer cover can be made via the side facing the outside of the insert, i.e., the backsheet side. In such variations, the flap member may, for example, cover the leading or trailing edge of the insert when attached to the outer cover, thereby serving the purpose of reducing the occurrence of discomfort or friction. Further, at least one flap member extends to cover at least the insert fastener area of the clothing portion, such that in case the insert unintentionally comes off the insert fastener area during use of the article, it may be desirable to reduce the risk of rubbing or discomfort from the insert fastener area.

[0292] Flap members of the outer cover For example, in at least one of, preferably each of, the front section and the rear section, each flap member can be disposed at the leading or trailing edge of the outer cover, respectively.

[0293] Therefore, the flap member of the front section may extend longitudinally from the leading edge of the outer cover toward the crotch section. Similarly, the flap member of the rear section may extend longitudinally from the trailing edge of the outer cover toward the crotch section.

[0294] Thus, the inserts can be mounted in positions within the front and / or rear sections of the outer cover, near the front and / or rear edges of the outer cover. This ensures the position of the insert fastening area, and therefore the position of the inserts mounted to the outer cover.

[0295] Thus, in at least one of the front section and the rear section, preferably each one, each flap member may have a longitudinal length of, for example, 20% or less, for example, 15% or less, or 10% or less of the longitudinal length of the outer cover.

[0296] The vertical length of the flap member refers to the maximum vertical length of the flap member when it is freely extended vertically in the position of use. For example, the free length can be measured vertically between the joint that attaches the flap member to the garment portion and the free end of the flap member.

[0297] The longitudinal length of the outer cover refers to the maximum longitudinal length of the outer cover from the front edge to the rear edge, measured through the crotch section of the outer cover. In other words, the longitudinal length is the maximum longitudinal length of the outer cover when viewed across the crotch width. Therefore, any portion of the outer cover that extends laterally beyond the crotch width can be ignored when determining the longitudinal length of the outer cover. For example, laterally extending side portions provided to fasten the outer cover around the wearer's waist can be ignored. The longitudinal length of the outer cover can be measured when the flap member of the outer cover is in use.

[0298] Optionally, each of the front and rear sections includes at least one flap member, and the sum of the maximum longitudinal lengths of the flap members of the front and rear sections is 30% or less of the total longitudinal length of the outer cover, for example, 20% or less of the total longitudinal length of the outer cover.

[0299] "Total maximum longitudinal length" refers to the sum of the maximum longitudinal length of the flap members in the front section and the maximum longitudinal length of the flap members in the rear section.

[0300] The fact that the flap member is relatively short compared to the longitudinal length of the outer cover means that, in the position of use, the flap member leaves a considerable portion of the inward-facing side of the outer cover uncovered when viewed from the inward direction of the outer cover. Therefore, when in use, the insert attached to the outer cover forms the inward-facing surface of the absorbent article for a considerable portion of this uncovered area. Thus, the flap member leaves a considerable portion of the inward-facing surface of the insert unobstructed for receiving bodily waste from the wearer. Furthermore, in the crotch area of ​​the absorbent article, the inward-facing surface of the outer cover (the crotch area of ​​the outer cover) is substantially covered by the insert, thereby protecting the outer cover from soiling.

[0301] For example, the longitudinal length of each flap member may be shorter than the longitudinal length of the respective front or rear section in which it is positioned. This may result in each flap member being confined to its respective front and rear section, leaving the crotch section of the outer cover unobstructed.

[0302] The outer cover may be designed such that, when each flap is in its use position, the garment portion is not covered by any flap over at least 50% of the length of the outer cover (when viewed from the side facing inward on the outer garment). For example, the garment portion may be not covered by any flap over at least 70%, or at least 80%, of the length of the outer cover.

[0303] Therefore, over at least 50% of the vertical length of the outer cover, for example, over more than 70%, or at least 80%, the side of the garment portion facing the wearer forms the side of the outer cover facing the wearer when each flap member of the outer cover is in use.

[0304] In some variations, the longitudinal length of the flap member may be chosen to provide sufficient area for one or more insert fastening areas located on the garment-facing, inward-facing surface of the flap member, while not over-covering the wearer-facing side of the inserts that are attached to the outer cover.

[0305] In some modifications, the longitudinal length of the flap member may be selected to provide sufficient area to cover one or more insert fastener areas located on the garment portion of the outer cover when the flap member is in use, while not excessively covering the wearer-facing side of the inserts attached to the outer cover.

[0306] In at least one of the front and rear sections, preferably each, the area of ​​each flap member may be 20% or less, for example, 15% or less, of the area of ​​the outer cover. Preferably, the area of ​​each flap member may be 10% or less of the area of ​​the outer cover.

[0307] The total area of ​​all flap members of the outer cover may be 40% or less of the area of ​​the outer cover. For example, the total area of ​​the flap members may be 30% or less of the total area of ​​the garment portion. Preferably, the total area of ​​the flap members may be 20% or less of the total area of ​​the garment portion.

[0308] In some variations, when in the use position, if one or more insert fastener areas are arranged on the side facing the outside of the flap member, at least one of the one or more insert fastener areas, for example each, may respectively have an area smaller than the area of the flap member it is provided on. Further, the total area of all the insert fastener areas on the flap member may be less than the area of the flap member.

[0309] In some variations, if one or more insert fastener areas are arranged on the side facing the inside of the clothing part and are thereby covered by the flap member when in the use position, at least one of the one or more insert fastener areas, for example each, may respectively have an area smaller than the area of each flap member it is provided on. Further, the total area of all the insert fastener areas covered by the flap member (when in the use position) may be less than the area of the flap member.

[0310] The advantages of the limited area of the flap member / insert fastener area described above with respect to the flap member, outer cover, or clothing part are similar to the advantages described above with respect to length.

[0311] Joining of the flap member and the clothing part At least one flap member may extend from the clothing part via one or more joints and / or one or more folds. In other words, at least one flap member may be connected to the clothing part via one or more joints and / or one or more folds.

[0312] For example, each flap member may be formed by connecting a separate piece of material such as a fabric panel to the clothing part via one or more joints such as seams, welding, adhesive bonding, etc. Preferably, the one or more joints may be seams.

[0313] In another example, the flap member may be formed from a piece of material that also forms part of the garment portion. For example, a fabric panel may be folded so that part of the garment portion is formed on one side of the fold and the flap member is formed on the other side of the fold.

[0314] In some examples, the flap member may extend from the garment portion via one or more folds and one or more joints.

[0315] At least one flap member has a usage 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 that opens vertically towards the crotch section between the outward-facing inner side of the flap member and the inward-facing side of the garment portion.

[0316] Therefore, in the position of use, the flap member may include a free edge directed toward the crotch section, and since this free edge is not attached to the garment portion, a part of the insert can be introduced into the space.

[0317] The flap member may extend longitudinally from the free edge toward the front or rear end of the outer cover, to the front or rear edge, respectively.

[0318] For example, a flap member may extend from the garment portion along at least the rear or front edge of the flap member. In other words, a flap member may be connected to the garment portion along at least the rear or front edge. As described above, the connection may be made, for example, via a fold or one or more joints.

[0319] Furthermore, 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 longitudinally along the outer cover.

[0320] For example, the flap member may extend from the garment portion along at least the laterally spaced side edges of the flap member. In other words, the flap member may be connected to the garment portion along at least the laterally spaced side edges. As described above, the connection may be made, for example, via one or more folds and / or one or more joints. The free edge of the flap member directed toward the crotch section of the outer cover may extend between the laterally spaced side edges of the flap member.

[0321] As described above, each flap member has a usage position, in which the inner side of the flap member facing outward faces a space that is longitudinally open toward the crotch section for receiving the respective rear and / or front edges of the insert.

[0322] In some variations, the flap member may have a non-use position in which it neither faces nor defines such a space. For example, in the non-use position, the flap member is folded so that the side of the flap member that faces outward in the use position, i.e., the side of the flap member that carries the insert fastener area, faces inward. For example, the flap member may be in such a non-use position, during which time the absorbent insert is positioned with its outward-facing side facing the inward-facing side of the outer cover. Once the insert is correctly positioned relative to the outer cover, the flap member is moved to the use position, forming a space to receive the edge of the insert.

[0323] For example, a flap member having a non-used position may be a flap member that extends only along the rear edge or front edge of the flap member from the garment portion, and not along the side edges that are spaced apart laterally.

[0324] However, the flap member can be optionally kept in a permanent position.

[0325] For example, if the flap member extends from the garment portion at a laterally spaced side edge, the position in which the flap member is used may be the default position in which the flap member is pressed toward the garment portion. When in use, the front and / or rear edges of the insert can be introduced into the space of the flap member between first and second edge joints or folds provided at the laterally spaced side edge.

[0326] Therefore, in examples where the set of insert fastener areas is positioned on the side facing outward from the flap member, the set of insert fastener areas is covered, preventing unintended contact between the surface fastening material of the insert fastener areas and the wearer's skin.

[0327] Similarly, in an example where the set of insert fastener areas is positioned on the side facing inward to the garment portion and is covered by a flap member in the position of use, the set of insert fastener areas is covered.

[0328] Furthermore, the fact that the flap member is connected to the garment portion at its side edge ensures that the flap member is held in place when the outer cover is worn.

[0329] Furthermore, for each flap member, it may be desirable that the flap member extend from the garment portion at at least one pair of positions, one of which is located on the first transverse side of the vertical central axis of the garment portion, and the other is located on the second transverse side of the vertical central axis of the garment portion. (The vertical central axis of the garment portion is the vertical central axis passing through the crotch portion of the outer cover.)

[0330] When the outer cover is worn, the front and rear sections of the outer cover are subjected to a lateral force in the opposite direction to the longitudinal central axis of the outer cover, as the outer cover is attached around the wearer's waist. The connection of the flap member to at least one position on each side of the central longitudinal axis allows the lateral force acting on the garment portion to be transmitted to the flap member, ensuring that the flap member is stretched laterally and held in close contact with the wearer's body.

[0331] For example, as described above, if the flap member extends from the garment portion along at least the front / rear edge of the flap member, the fold or joint forming the connection with the garment portion may extend laterally across the longitudinal central axis of the outer cover, and as a result the flap member is connected at at least one position on both sides of the longitudinal axis.

[0332] For example, as described above, if the flap member extends from the garment portion along at least two laterally spaced side edges, one side edge may be positioned on one lateral side of the longitudinal central axis of the outer cover, and the other side edge may be positioned on the other lateral side of the longitudinal central axis of the outer cover.

[0333] As described above, the front and / or rear sections of the outer cover may have one or more laterally extending side portions on the main body to provide attachment of the outer cover around the wearer's waist. For example, a flap member may be positioned to extend from the garment portion so that lateral forces acting on the laterally extending side portions are transmitted through the flap member.

[0334] If the flap member extends from the garment portion along at least two transversely spaced side edges, the flap member may be connected to the garment portion along the longitudinal length of each side edge, such that at least the connection portion extends over the length covered by the set of insert fastener areas of the flap member. For example, the connection portion may extend over the nearly entire longitudinal length of the two transversely spaced side edges.

[0335] In one example, the flap member may extend from the garment portion at the rear / front edge and at the laterally spaced side edges, resulting in a space between the inward-facing surface of the flap member and the wearer-facing side of the garment portion that opens only longitudinally toward the crotch section. This facilitates the correct positioning of the rear edge or the rear edge of the insert within the space. The advantages in terms of permanent use position and force distribution described above can also be obtained.

[0336] The material of the flap member may be selected to be washable to the same extent as the material of the garment portion of the outer cover, as described above. Furthermore, although the flap member covers a relatively smaller area of ​​the wearer than the garment portion during use of the article, it may still be desirable for the flap member to be breathable and / or liquid permeable.

[0337] Therefore, the material of the flap member may be selected to be washable, breathable, and / or liquid permeable. Thus, the material properties and materials discussed above for the entire outer cover or garment portion are also preferable for the flap member.

[0338] For example, each flap member may include one or more fabric panels, as described above with respect to the garment portion of the outer cover. For example, each flap member may include a single fabric panel. This may be preferable for ease of manufacture.

[0339] Preferably, in the example, one or more insert fastening areas may be entirely contained within one or more fabric panels of the flap member, preventing direct contact between the fastening areas and the wearer's skin. For example, the flap member may include one or more fabric panels and one or more insert fastening areas contained within one or more fabric panels. "Entirely contained" means that one or more insert fastening areas do not extend beyond one or more fabric panels, for example, do not protrude from them.

[0340] In other examples, the flap member may include one or more fabric panels and one or more insert fastening areas, where optionally one or more insert fastening areas extend beyond one or more fabric panels.

[0341] For example, the insert fastening area may be provided by insert fastening members attached to one or more fabric panels, as described later.

[0342] Similar to the garment portion, the flap member may include textile fabric, preferably knitted fabric. Thus, the flap member may include one or more fabric panels having any of the features described above in relation to one or more fabric panels of the garment portion.

[0343] Advantageously, the garment portion and the flap member may comprise one or more fabric panels, and at least some of the fabric panels of the garment portion may be made of the same material as the fabric panels of the flap member. For example, the garment portion and the flap member may comprise one or more fabric panels, and all of the fabric panels may be made of the same material.

[0344] As outlined above, at least one flap member is provided in at least one of the front and rear sections of the outer cover, preferably in each. Therefore, in some modifications, multiple, for example, two or more flap members may be arranged in at least one of the front and rear sections of the outer cover, preferably in each. In this case, one or more insert fastener areas in a set of insert fastener areas may be distributed across multiple flap members, so that each of the two or more flap members includes one or more insert fastener areas positioned on the outward-facing side of each flap member. For example, two or more laterally spaced flap members can be arranged in the front and / or rear sections of the outer cover.

[0345] However, it may be preferable to have a single flap member positioned on the front section of the outer cover and / or on the rear section of the outer cover.

[0346] In this case, in some variations, all of one or more insert fastening areas of the set may be positioned on the outward-facing side of a single flap member. For example, a single flap member may include a first subset and a second subset of insert fastening areas, which are spaced apart laterally.

[0347] In other variations, all of the insert fastening areas of the set may be positioned to face inward towards the portion of the garment covered by a single flap member when the flap member is in use.

[0348] A single flap member may have a width that is, for example, greater than or equal to the minimum width determined by the crotch section of the outer cover. For example, a single flap member may have a width of at least 120% of the minimum width of the outer cover. Optionally, a single flap member may have a width of at least 130% of the minimum crotch width of the outer cover, for example, at least 140% of the minimum crotch width of the outer cover.

[0349] Thus, a single flap member may have a width that is adapted to exceed the width of the insert used with the outer cover.

[0350] For example, if a garment portion includes a main body and laterally extending side portions in the front and / or rear sections, a single front and / or rear flap member may extend across the width of the main body. For example, a single front and / or rear flap member may be attached to the garment portion by a side joint, which may be formed together with a joint that attaches the laterally extending side portion to the main body of the garment portion.

[0351] For example, a single flap member may be connected to the garment portion at the front / rear joint and a pair of side joints. Thus, the entire front / rear edge of the insert can be introduced into the space formed by the single flap member for attaching the insert to the outer cover. In this way, simple and precise positioning of the insert can be achieved. Furthermore, since the single flap member is connected to the garment portion at the front / rear joint and a pair of side joints, it is ensured that there are no unnecessary free edges of the flap member that could cause abrasion.

[0352] For example, the front and rear sections of the outer cover may each include a set of insert areas and a single flap member containing the set of insert areas, and the total area of ​​the single flap member of the front section and the single flap member of the rear section is 40% or less of the area of ​​the outer cover, for example, 30% or less or 20% or less.

[0353] Further features and advantages of the outer cover will become apparent from the above description of the absorbent article and the following description of the insert for forming the absorbent article. It will be understood that the features relating to the outer cover, or the features relating to the insert fastening area of ​​the outer cover described above with respect to the absorbent article, are applicable to the outer cover itself, either individually or in combination.

[0354] 3. Absorbent insert In a third embodiment, the disclosure relates to the absorbent insert described in claim 56.

[0355] Accordingly, this disclosure relates to an absorbent insert for use with an outer cover to form an absorbent article adapted to be worn around the waist of a wearer. The insert is molded to cover a predetermined portion of the wearer's pubic region and buttocks when in use. The insert extends along the longitudinal direction and along the transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, with the inward direction defined as the direction in which the absorbent article faces the wearer when worn, and the outward direction defined as the direction in which the absorbent article moves away from the wearer when worn, and the inward and outward directions are perpendicular to the transverse and longitudinal directions.

[0356] The insert has a longitudinal length extending along the longitudinal direction, and the insert is divided along the longitudinal direction into a front section, a rear section, and a crotch section. The insert includes a liquid-impermeable back sheet, a liquid-permeable top sheet, and an absorbent assembly provided between the back sheet and the top sheet.

[0357] The insert extends longitudinally between its front and rear edges and includes longitudinal side edges connecting the front and rear edges. Furthermore, the insert includes a pair of insert leg elastic members that extend essentially along the longitudinal direction of the insert, are positioned on both sides of the insert, and are located between the absorbent assembly and the longitudinal side edges of the insert. In each of the front and rear sections of the insert, the leg elastic member width is defined as the maximum lateral width of the insert leg elastic member in the front or rear section, respectively.

[0358] The insert has an inward-facing side, which includes the top sheet and is directed towards the wearer when the article is in use, and an outward-facing side that is directed towards the outer cover.

[0359] In at least one of the front and rear sections of the insert, preferably each, the insert includes a set of one or more cover fastening areas, each cover fastening area including a surface fastening material for detachably attaching the insert to the outer cover, and the one or more cover fastening areas are provided on the inward-facing side and / or outward-facing side of the insert.

[0360] Furthermore, in at least one of the rear and front sections of the insert, preferably each, the lateral fastening width to which one or more cover fastening areas extend is equal to or greater than the leg elastic body width of the front or rear section, respectively.

[0361] The one or more cover fastening areas may differ from other areas on the inward-facing side of the insert. That is, the surface fastening material of each of the one or more cover fastening areas may differ from other materials on the inward-facing side of the insert. For example, the surface fastening material of one or more cover fastening areas may differ from the top sheet material and / or leak-proof barrier forming material on the inward-facing side of the insert. This allows the connection between the outer cover and the insert to be controlled, for example, with respect to the location of the connection and / or the strength of the connection formed.

[0362] Therefore, for example, the position and / or surface area and / or type of the surface fastening material of one or more cover fastening areas can be adapted to the insert fastening area of ​​the outer cover so as to provide a suitable detachable connection between the insert and the outer cover. For example, as described above in the description of absorbent articles, the insert fastening area of ​​the outer cover can be adapted to provide a greater fastening force when attached to the cover fastening area than to any other area on the inward-facing side of the insert. For example, as described above in the description of absorbent articles, the insert fastening area of ​​the outer cover can be adapted to be non-adhesive to any area on the inward-facing side of the insert other than the cover fastening area. This may facilitate handling and ensure that the insert is properly positioned relative to the outer cover.

[0363] One or more cover fastening areas may be positioned so as not to protrude beyond the spread of the insert's backsheet. That is, the entirety of one or more cover fastening areas may be positioned to overlap with the rest of the insert, rather than being an extension, flap, or similar protrusion from the insert itself.

[0364] The insert can be configured to be optionally washable.

[0365] However, the insert may preferably be configured for single use. In other words, the insert may preferably be disposable.

[0366] General structure of absorbable inserts Top sheet As described above, the insert includes a liquid-impermeable backsheet, a liquid-permeable topsheet, and an absorbent assembly provided between the topsheet and the backsheet.

[0367] Suitable materials for top sheets are those commonly known in the field of disposable absorbent hygiene products, and for the purposes of this disclosure, any material commonly used as a top sheet material may be used, but is not limited to nonwoven materials and porous polymer films.

[0368] The top sheet has adequate liquid permeability to allow excreted bodily fluids, such as urine, to pass through its thickness. Furthermore, the top sheet is appropriately manufactured from a flexible material that provides a soft feel against the wearer's skin.

[0369] The top sheet can be manufactured from web materials such as woven webs and nonwoven webs, porous films, open-cell foams, or combinations or laminates of the above materials.

[0370] Nonwoven fabric materials suitable for top sheets can be manufactured from synthetic fibers such as polyester or polypropylene, or natural fibers such as cotton fibers. Mixtures of synthetic and natural fibers can also be used.

[0371] The nonwoven material used for the top sheet can be manufactured from, for example, spunbond, spunbond / spunbond composite, or spunbond / meltblown composite, such as SMS, SSMS, SSMMS, SMMS, polypropylene nonwoven material, or a nonwoven material of two-component fibers of polypropylene and polyethylene, or a combination of these materials. The top sheet may have elastic properties.

[0372] The top sheet can be hydrophilized to improve the tendency of urine to penetrate from the top sheet to the lower layer structure. Methods for hydrophilizing nonwoven fabrics are known and include coating the nonwoven material with a hydrophilic coating, for example, by applying a surfactant coating; applying a hydrophilic monomer composition and a radical polymerization initiator to the nonwoven fabric and then initiating a polymerization reaction on the nonwoven fabric; applying a coating of hydrophilic nanoparticles; or treating the surface of the nonwoven fabric with a high-energy treatment.

[0373] Surfactant coatings can be obtained by applying a surfactant composition to a nonwoven material by any suitable means, such as spraying, slot coating, kiss-roll coating, or immersion in a bath containing a surfactant. Hydrophilization treatment can be performed in-line during the assembly of absorbent sanitary products or separately, and top sheets can be supplied as ready-to-use rolls to disposable absorbent sanitary product manufacturing plants.

[0374] The basis weight of the top sheet material is 8-20 g / m². 2 For example, 12-17 g / m 2 This is possible. However, this disclosure is not limited to top sheet materials having only this basis weight.

[0375] Back seat Suitable materials for backsheets are commonly known in the field of disposable absorbent hygiene products. Backsheets can be substantially impermeable to liquids such as urine.

[0376] The backsheet may be breathable. A breathable, i.e., gas-permeable backsheet is beneficial for the wearer's comfort and skin health. The inserts disclosed herein are intended to be used together with the outer cover disclosed herein to form an absorbent assembly. By using a breathable backsheet, it may be possible to form an absorbent assembly with sufficient breathability.

[0377] The backsheet may be substantially impermeable to liquids while being permeable to gases, meaning that air and other gases can pass through the backsheet, but it is substantially impermeable to liquids.

[0378] For the purposes of this disclosure, any material commonly used as a backsheet material may be included in the backsheet, and this includes, but is not limited to, polymer films, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or copolymers of polyethylene or polypropylene, hydrophobic nonwoven materials, liquid-impermeable foams, and liquid-impermeable laminates.

[0379] The backsheet may comprise one or more layers of material. For example, the backsheet may be a laminate consisting of a liquid-impermeable polymer film suitable for the absorbent assembly and a nonwoven fabric suitable for the clothing side, providing a textile-like soft feel to the outward-facing surface of the disposable absorbent hygiene product.

[0380] Furthermore, the backsheet may be manufactured from or contain, either entirely or partially, elastic material to provide a better fit to the product during use.

[0381] However, in the insert of the present invention, it is considered advantageous if the backsheet is a nonwoven fabric or contains a nonwoven fabric. For example, it is considered advantageous if the backsheet is a laminate of a porous polymer film and a nonwoven fabric.

[0382] Absorbent core An absorbent assembly may contain 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 superabsorbent polymer material (so-called superabsorbent polymer) that chemically binds large amounts of liquid upon absorption to form a liquid-retaining gel. The absorbent core may also include superabsorbent polymer material arranged as a layer within the absorbent core, or superabsorbent polymer material connected to one or more surfaces of the absorbent core. The absorbent core may further contain additional components to improve its properties. Examples of such components include binding fibers, various liquid dispersion layers or fibers, dimensional stabilizing components, reinforcing fibers, etc.

[0383] Superabsorbent polymers are well-known in the field of absorbent products and are used to improve the absorbency of such products. Superabsorbent polymers are composed of water-swellable and water-insoluble polymers that can absorb large amounts of fluid when forming hydrogels, and can absorb at least five times their weight in a 0.9% saline solution, for example, as measured according to the method of NSWP 241.0.R2. Superabsorbent polymers used according to this disclosure may be inorganic or organic crosslinked hydrophilic polymers such as polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene oxide, crosslinked starch, guar gum, xanthan gum, crosslinked polyacrylate, etc. These polymers may exist in the form of powders, granules, microparticles, films, foams, or fibers, for example. When in contact with a liquid, such superabsorbent polymers absorb the liquid into their structure and swell. In general, superabsorbent polymers can help to rapidly absorb liquids injected into such products, retain the liquid to prevent leakage, and provide a dry feeling even after liquid injection.

[0384] The types of superabsorbent polymers used in the absorbent assemblies of the embodiments discussed herein may be the same or different 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, and 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. The properties referred to in this section include, for example, centrifugal retention capacity, absorbency under load, and / or permeability of the gel layer.

[0385] Therefore, the absorbent assemblies of inserts proposed herein may advantageously include superabsorbent polymers. For example, an absorbent assembly may include a superabsorbent polymer and cellulose fibers.

[0386] For example, the absorbent assembly may contain at least 15% by weight of the superabsorbent polymer based on the total weight of the cellulose fibers and the superabsorbent polymer.

[0387] The absorbent assembly may include a first absorbent layer and a second absorbent layer, which are laminated between a back sheet and a top sheet.

[0388] Therefore, the superabsorbent polymer may be present in either or both of the first and second absorbent layers.

[0389] Acquisition layer Furthermore, the insert may include an acquisition layer applied between the top sheet and the absorbent assembly. Suitable materials for the acquisition layer are also called transfer layers or ADLs in the art, and are widely known in the field of disposable absorbent sanitary products. Any material that a person skilled in the art would recognize as useful as an acquisition layer for the purposes of this disclosure is usable. The acquisition layer may be, for example, an airlaid layer, a spunlace layer, a high-loft foam, or any other type of material layer that can be used to function as a liquid acquisition and absorption layer in absorbent sanitary products. The acquisition layer is appropriately adapted to rapidly receive and temporarily store liquids discharged before they are absorbed by the absorbent core. Such acquisition layers may consist of, for example, airlaid nonwovens, spunlace nonwovens, high-loft nonwovens, or foam materials. Airlaid nonwovens can be made from fluff, wood pulp, where fluff fibers are dispersed in a high-speed airflow and condensed onto a screen moving by pressure and vacuum. The acquisition layer may preferably be an air-permeable adhesive nonwoven made of polyester fibers.

[0390] Further characteristics of inserts related to absorbent assemblies The absorbent assembly may be positioned primarily in the crotch section of the insert and may have an absorbent assembly length that spans 70% or less of the longitudinal length of the insert, for example, 85% or less of the longitudinal length of the insert.

[0391] Thus, the absorbent assembly does not extend to the leading and trailing edges of the insert, preventing liquid from accumulating near the edges positioned within the flap member of the outer cover. This reduces the risk of contamination of the outer cover and allows for reuse without the need to clean it.

[0392] For example, the detachable cover fastening area may be limited to portions of the insert that extend longitudinally from the absorbent core towards the leading or trailing edge, respectively. This ensures that the attachment of the insert to the outer cover remains unchanged regardless of whether the insert has absorbed liquid or not.

[0393] The absorbent core may have an hourglass shape, with its narrowest width in the lateral direction at the longitudinal center of the crotch section of the insert.

[0394] In this specification, an hourglass shape means that the absorbent core is narrowest in the crotch section of the insert, and the width of the absorbent core toward the front and rear sections is wider than the narrowest width.

[0395] In other alternatives, the absorbent core may have other shapes, such as rectangles or ovals.

[0396] Optionally, the longitudinal edge of the insert partially coincides with the hourglass shape of the absorbent assembly.

[0397] Therefore, the insert may have a shape in which the crotch section of the insert has the narrowest width in the lateral direction.

[0398] In other alternatives, the insert may have a rectangular shape.

[0399] The length of the insert along the vertical axis may be greater than the width along the horizontal axis.

[0400] For example, the insert may have a total absorption capacity of at least 1000 ml, for example, 1000 ml to 4000 ml. Therefore, the insert is suitable for use in absorbent articles that are incontinence products suitable for adult wearers.

[0401] Lateral retaining width of the insert As described above, in at least one of the front and rear sections, preferably each, one or more sets of cover fastening areas extend to the lateral fastening width. The lateral fastening width is therefore the maximum width to which the one or more sets of cover fastening areas extend.

[0402] In some variations, if there are one or more sets of cover fastening areas in each of the front and rear sections, the lateral fastening width of one or more sets of cover fastening areas in the front section may be the same as the lateral fastening width of one or more sets of cover fastening areas in the rear section.

[0403] In some variations, if there are one or more sets of cover fastening areas in each of the front and rear sections, the lateral fastening width of one or more sets of cover fastening areas in the front section may differ from the lateral fastening width of one or more sets of cover fastening areas in the rear section.

[0404] As described above, according to the second embodiment, the insert extends longitudinally between a front edge and a rear edge and includes a longitudinal side edge connecting the front edge and the rear edge. Furthermore, the insert may include a pair of insert leg elastic members that essentially extend along the longitudinal direction of the insert, are positioned on both sides of the insert, and are located between the absorbent assembly and the longitudinal side edge of the insert. For each of the front and rear sections of the insert, the leg elastic member width is defined as the maximum lateral width of the insert leg elastic member in the front or rear section. Optionally, the leg elastic member widths in the front and rear sections of the insert may be the same and coincide with the maximum lateral width of the insert leg elastic member of the insert.

[0405] The insert leg elastic members contribute to the formation of the insert around the user's body and contribute to providing sufficient liquid sealing at the leg opening of the absorbent article when attached to the wearer. Furthermore, the insert leg elastic members of the insert contribute to ensuring the correct positioning of the insert during use. Therefore, the use of insert leg elastic members can contribute to providing sufficient liquid sealing when the insert is used attached to the outer cover, and as a result, the outer cover may be liquid impermeable.

[0406] As described above, according to the second embodiment, in at least one of the rear section and the front section of the insert, preferably each of them, the lateral fastening width to which one or more cover fastener areas in the set extend may be equal to or greater than the leg elastic body width in the rear section or the front section, respectively.

[0407] The fact that the lateral fastening width is greater than or equal to the width of the leg elastic body indicates that the insert leg elastic member can be stretched laterally when the insert is attached to the outer cover, thus ensuring the proper function and position of the insert leg elastic member.

[0408] Optionally, in at least one of the rear and front sections of the insert, preferably each, the insert may include a pair of leg edges, each leg edge extending longitudinally along its respective insert leg elastic member and laterally between the insert leg elastic member and the longitudinal side edge of the insert, thereby defining a maximum lateral leg edge width between the leg elastic member and its respective longitudinal side edge, the maximum lateral leg edge width being at least 1 cm, for example, at least 2 cm.

[0409] For example, the maximum lateral leg edge width may be 4 cm or less.

[0410] In this specification, the maximum lateral leg width is defined in the front and rear sections of the absorbent article, respectively. Optionally, the maximum lateral leg width may be the same in the front and rear sections of the absorbent article and may correspond to the maximum lateral leg width of the insert.

[0411] The leg edges extending laterally between the insert leg elastic members and the respective longitudinal side edges of the insert provide additional leak-proofing for the absorbent material. When in use, the leg edges extend laterally outward from the insert leg opening formed along the insert leg elastic members.

[0412] As described above, when combined with the fact that the lateral fastening width of the cover fastening area is greater than or equal to the leg elastic body width, the leg edges can be extended laterally, at least partially, when the insert is attached to the outer cover. This ensures that the leg edges automatically unfold to the correct position when the insert is attached to the outer cover. Therefore, the cover fastening area contributes to keeping the leg edges unfolded and extended laterally while the absorbent article is attached to the wearer and during its use. Consequently, the manual operation normally required to unfold the leg edges can be eliminated. This is particularly advantageous for adult wearers, as avoiding manual operation of the leg edges located in the wearer's groin area improves the wearer's dignity in caregiving situations.

[0413] For example, the lateral fastening width may be at least 50% of the lateral width of each leg, for example, at least 75% of the lateral width of each leg, or at least 80% of the lateral width of each leg.

[0414] Optionally, the insert leg elastic member is sandwiched between the innermost layer of the insert and the backsheet.

[0415] The insert leg elastic member extends along the longitudinal length of the insert leg elastic body. The length of the insert leg elastic body may be at least 50% of the total longitudinal length of the insert, for example, at least 75% or at least 85%.

[0416] The insert leg elastic length is defined as the longitudinal length of the insert along which the insert leg elastic member functions. That is, portions of the insert leg elastic member that are retained or disabled and no longer provide elasticity to the insert are ignored.

[0417] (Similarly, the leg elastic width defined above is measured between the functional parts of the leg elastic member. In this case as well, portions where the insert leg elastic member is retained or disabled and no longer provides elasticity to the insert are ignored.)

[0418] For example, the length of the insert leg elastic body may extend along at least 60%, for example, at least 80%, or at least 90% of the total longitudinal length of the absorbent core.

[0419] Optionally, in at least one of the front and rear sections of the insert, preferably each, one or more sets of cover fastener areas are limited to the longitudinal section of the insert beyond the length of the leg elastic body.

[0420] Therefore, the functionality of the cover fastening area that ensures the longitudinal extension of the insert leg elastic member can be improved. For example, one or more sets of cover fastening areas may be limited to the longitudinal section of the insert that does not extend to the length of the leg elastic member.

[0421] Therefore, if the lateral fastening width is greater than the leg elastic body width, and each cover fastening area is positioned longitudinally in the section between the front / rear end of the insert leg elastic member and the front / rear edge of the insert, the cover fastening area ensures the lateral and longitudinal extension of the insert leg elastic member when the insert is in use and attached to the outer cover.

[0422] Each insert leg elastic member may include one or more elastic elements. For example, the elastic elements may include one or more elastic threads, elastic film strips, or elastic foam strips. The elastic elements may be attached to the insert when it is in an extended state to impart elasticity to the insert.

[0423] In this specification, the longitudinal elongation of the insert leg elastic member, i.e., the insert leg elastic body length, means the elongation of the insert leg elastic member that is functioning, i.e., along which elasticity is actually provided by the insert leg elastic member. Therefore, portions of the elastic element that have lost their elasticity are not considered when determining the elongation of the leg elastic body.

[0424] Inner leak-proof barrier of the insert The side of the insert facing inward may include a pair of internal leak-proof barriers extending along the longitudinal direction of the insert.

[0425] The internal leak-proof barrier is often also called a "standing gather."

[0426] The lateral leakage prevention barrier generally extends along each longitudinal side edge of the insert, and then at a certain distance from there.

[0427] The internal leak-proof barrier may be configured to move between a first position (where the internal leak-proof barrier forms a plane parallel to the top sheet) and a second position (where the internal leak-proof barrier is lifted away from the liquid-permeable top sheet over at least 60% of the longitudinal length of the insert, away from the front and rear edges of the insert).

[0428] The length of the lateral leak-proof barrier is defined as the longitudinal length over which the lateral leak-proof barrier can freely rise above the liquid-permeable top sheet. As mentioned above, the length of the lateral leak-proof barrier can be at least 60% of the longitudinal length of the insert. The length of the lateral leak-proof barrier may extend, for example, over the entire extension of the absorbent assembly.

[0429] However, to avoid interfering with the connection between the insert and the outer cover, the length of the lateral leak-proof barrier may be positioned so as not to extend into the trailing and / or leading edges of the insert. For example, the length of the lateral leak-proof barrier may be spaced apart from the trailing and / or leading edges of the insert. For example, the length of the lateral leak-proof barrier may be spaced apart from the trailing and / or leading edges of the insert by at least 5%, for example, at least 7%, of the total length of the insert.

[0430] For example, the length of the lateral leakage prevention barrier may be less than 80% of the longitudinal length of the insert, for example, less than 70%.

[0431] Each internal leak-proof barrier may include an elastic element. For example, the elastic element may be one or more elastic threads.

[0432] Each lateral leak-proof barrier may include a sheet material and elastic elements (e.g., elastic threads). For example, each lateral leak-proof barrier may include multiple elastic threads, such as 2 to 5 elastic threads. The sheet material of each lateral leak-proof barrier may include two layers of material. The sheet material of each lateral leak-proof barrier may be attached to the top sheet. This attachment may be a longitudinal weld line and / or adhesive line. The sheet material of each lateral barrier may include a portion attached to the top sheet and a portion not attached to the top sheet, which includes elastic threads. The elastic threads of the first and second lateral leak-proof barriers may be lifted upward from their surfaces facing inward to the top sheet. The elastic threads of each standing gather may be lifted at least 20 mm, for example, 20 mm to 70 mm, or 30 mm to 50 mm, from their surfaces facing inward to the top sheet.

[0433] The sheet material may be a hydrophobic material. For example, the sheet material may be a hydrophobic nonwoven fabric, or a nonwoven fabric coated with a hydrophobic coating. Therefore, each lateral leak prevention barrier may be a hydrophobic lateral leak prevention barrier.

[0434] Preferably, the insert includes the insert leg elastic members described above and the inner leak-proof barrier described above. Therefore, the pair of inner leak-proof barriers are positioned closer to the longitudinal axis Y in the lateral direction than the pair of insert leg elastic members.

[0435] In a pair of internal leak-proof barriers, the maximum width between each internal leak-proof barrier is defined herein as the barrier width. The barrier width is the maximum lateral width measured between the positions of each lateral leak-proof barrier attached to the remaining portion on the side of the leak-proof barrier facing inward.

[0436] Therefore, the barrier width may be smaller than, for example, the width of the leg elastic body of the insert.

[0437] The width of the liftable portion of each lateral barrier (the portion not attached to the top sheet) may be less than half the width of the barrier. In other words, when folded, the lateral barriers are not designed to completely cover the top sheet between them. Instead, the width of the liftable portion of each lateral barrier may 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 lateral barrier may be in the range of 15% to 25% of the barrier width.

[0438] An insert comprising the pair of internal leak-proof barriers illustrated above and the pair of insert leg elastic members illustrated above provides a double barrier against leakage of bodily fluids from the insert during use. Therefore, this insert is particularly useful in combination with the outer cover described herein. For example, the outer cover can be made of a liquid-permeable material so that the insert can reliably acquire and absorb bodily fluids, and the function of the outer cover is to provide correct positioning of the insert relative to the wearer rather than providing liquid permeability and / or liquid absorption. Thus, the outer cover can be made of a liquid-permeable material such as textile fabric. This provides an absorbent assembly formed by an outer cover with the insert attached, having a more underwear-like appearance and feel. Furthermore, the increased use of liquid-permeable, breathable materials such as textile material on the wearer's body side improves skin health.

[0439] Lateral retaining width relative to insert width Optionally, in at least one of the front and rear sections, preferably each, the lateral fastening width covered by one or more sets of cover fastening areas is at least 70% of the maximum width (Wi) of the insert in the front or rear section, for example, at least 80% or at least 90% of the maximum width. This ensures that when the insert is attached to the outer cover via one or more sets of cover fastening areas, the insert extends over at least a large portion of the maximum width of the insert in the front and / or rear sections, respectively. Thus, it can be ensured that the insert is properly positioned relative to the wearer.

[0440] Therefore, if the insert is attached to the outer cover via a set of one or more cover fastening areas, it can be ensured that the insert extends across its width in each front and / or rear section, which is sufficient to ensure that a sufficiently wide inner surface of the insert faces the wearer during use of the product. Thus, it can be ensured that the insert is properly positioned relative to the wearer.

[0441] The lateral fastening width may be greater than or equal to the minimum lateral width in the crotch section of the insert, for example, 110% or more or 120% or more of the minimum lateral width.

[0442] Subset of cover fastener area Optionally, in at least one of the rear section (Sb) and the front section (Sf), preferably each, the set of one or more cover fastener areas comprises a first subset of one or more cover fastener areas and a second subset of one or more cover fastener areas, wherein the first and second subsets are spaced apart by a lateral spacing width around the longitudinal central axis of the insert. Preferably, the first and second subsets may be spaced symmetrically around the longitudinal central axis by a lateral spacing width.

[0443] Therefore, when measured laterally between the subsets of the cover fastening area, the insert may lack a cover fastening area across a certain width.

[0444] This contributes to the molding of the insert during use when attached to an outer cover forming an absorbent article applied to the wearer. In particular, the front and / or rear sections of the insert are held in an extended state beyond the lateral fastening width, thereby ensuring the position of the insert relative to the wearer while allowing relative movement across the gap width between the outer cover and the insert. This allows the insert to mold to the wearer's body, for example, to take on a slight cup shape. Furthermore, a spaced arrangement of the cover fastening areas allows for an arrangement that can facilitate the correct positioning of the insert relative to the outer cover. Moreover, if there is no insert fastening area on the insert across the lateral gap width, surface fastening material of the insert fastening area is provided only where necessary, which means that the amount of material in the outer cover can be reduced.

[0445] As described above, each set of cover fastening areas may extend to a lateral fastening width close to the maximum width of the insert in the front or rear region, such as each set extending to a lateral fastening width that is at least 80% of the maximum width of the insert in the front or rear region. Therefore, when combined with a set of cover fastening areas including a first subset and a second subset spaced apart by a spacing width, it is understood that the first and second subsets may be positioned adjacent to the respective longitudinal side edges of the insert.

[0446] For example, the lateral spacing width may be at least 50% of the maximum width of the insert in each rear or front section, for example, at least 70% or at least 80% of the maximum width.

[0447] The lateral fastening width is, naturally, greater than the lateral spacing width. For example, the lateral fastening width may be greater than the lateral spacing width by a distance equivalent to at least 10% of the maximum width of the insert in each rear or front section.

[0448] For example, the lateral spacing 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.

[0449] For example, the lateral spacing width may be at least 40% of the lateral fastening width, for example, at least 50% or at least 60%. Thus, by controlling the connection position between the insert and the outer cover, it is possible to ensure the function of the insert during use while simultaneously allowing the use of a cover fastening area of ​​sufficient size to provide a connection of sufficient strength.

[0450] For example, if the absorbent insert includes a pair of inner leak-proof barriers spaced apart from each other by the barrier width as described above, the lateral spacing width may be at least the barrier width.

[0451] For example, if the absorbent insert includes a pair of internal leak-proof barriers spaced symmetrically by the barrier width around the longitudinal axis, the leg elastic width may be greater than the barrier width, and the lateral fastening width may be equal to or greater than the leg elastic width. Optionally, if the absorbent insert further includes first and second subsets of one or more cover fastening areas spaced symmetrically by the barrier width around the longitudinal axis, the spacing width may be greater than or equal to, for example, the barrier width.

[0452] The proposed arrangement of the cover fastener area means that, as described above, the appropriate tension of the insert leg elastic members is ensured when the insert is attached to the outer cover. Furthermore, the proposed arrangement means that the correct tension and therefore lift of the lateral leak prevention barrier is ensured when the insert is attached to the outer cover. Thus, the proposed arrangement of the cover fastener area improves the leak prevention performance of the absorbent article and facilitates the process of positioning the absorbent article on the wearer.

[0453] As described above, the insert is preferably attached to the outer cover at at least one of its front edge and rear edge, preferably each of them, while being flattened when viewed from the side.

[0454] Therefore, the front and / or rear edges may be preferably crease-free, at least across each lateral fastening width. For example, the entire front and / or rear edge may be preferably crease-free.

[0455] Therefore, the front and / or rear edges of the insert, including, for example, the top sheet, the material forming the leak-proof barrier, and the back sheet, are crease-free. Thus, the front and / or rear edges are adapted to be attached to the outer cover via one or more sets of cover fasteners when unfolded.

[0456] For example, if each set of cover fastener members includes two subsets of cover fastener members spaced apart by a lateral spacing width, the leading edge and / or trailing edge may lack elastic members that provide lateral elasticity to the insert across the lateral spacing width.

[0457] For example, the leading edge and / or trailing edge may lack elastic members that provide lateral elasticity to the insert over the lateral spacing width, at least over each lateral fastening width. For example, the entire leading edge and / or trailing edge may lack elastic members that provide lateral elasticity to the insert.

[0458] For example, the entire insert may lack an elastic component that provides lateral elasticity to the insert.

[0459] An elastic member that imparts lateral elasticity to an insert refers to an elastic member, such as an elastic thread, that is added to the rest of the insert, such as a top sheet, leak-proof barrier forming material, back sheet, or absorbent assembly, thereby causing the rest of the insert to contract laterally when in function.

[0460] Subset of cover fastener areas for cover components For example, in at least one of the front section and the rear section, preferably each of them, a first and second subset of one or more cover fastening areas may be provided by a single cover fastening member, and the cover fastening member has a surface containing a surface fastening material that forms two subsets of one or more cover fastening areas.

[0461] However, preferably, a first subset of one or more cover fastening areas may be provided by a first subset of one or more cover fastening members, and a second subset of one or more cover fastening areas may be provided by a second subset of cover fastening members. Thus, the first and second subsets of cover fastening members may be spaced laterally apart by a spacing width. This is advantageous in reducing the amount of material added to the insert. Furthermore, this arrangement allows for better control over the correct positioning of the insert relative to the outer cover by reducing the options for one or more cover fastening areas to remain on the outer cover.

[0462] For example, the insert may include a single first cover fastener member that provides a first subset of one or more cover fastener areas, and a single second cover fastener member that provides a second subset of one or more cover fastener areas.

[0463] For example, each of the first and second subsets may include only a single cover fastening area.

[0464] For example, the insert may include a single first cover fastener member that provides a single cover fastener area, and a single second cover fastener member that provides a single cover fastener area.

[0465] Cover fastening area located on the side facing inward of the insert In some modifications, in at least one of the front and rear sections of the insert, one or more, preferably each cover fastener area, within a set of one or more cover fastener areas is provided on the side facing inward of the insert. Each cover fastener area includes a surface fastening material for detachably attaching the insert to the outer cover.

[0466] Accordingly, the present invention proposes to provide an absorbent insert that includes, at least one of the front section and the rear section, preferably each, a set of cover fastening areas on the inward-facing side of the insert, thereby enabling a detachable connection to an outer cover for forming an absorbent article via the inward-facing side of the insert, as outlined above.

[0467] Therefore, once the insert is attached to the outer cover, it is securely held in place, providing the comfort and aesthetic benefits outlined above with respect to the outer cover, for example. For instance, once the insert is attached to the outer cover and worn by the wearer, the cover fastening area is covered by the rest of the insert, thus protecting it from tearing or being pulled from the outside of the absorbent material.

[0468] Similarly, the cover fastening area, and therefore the position of the insert, is less likely to be displaced by tearing or friction resulting from the wearer's movements, for example.

[0469] As described above, a set of one or more cover fastening areas may include cover fastening areas positioned on the side facing inward from the insert.

[0470] Depending on the circumstances, the insert may include additional cover fastening areas to provide a detachable attachment between the outer cover and the insert, in addition to cover fastening areas located at least on the inward-facing side of the insert. For example, the additional fastening areas may be provided on the outward-facing side of the insert. However, such additional fastening areas should preferably be kept to a minimum, as they may impair the advantages obtained by using a set of one or more cover fastening areas located on the inward-facing side of the insert, as proposed herein.

[0471] Rather, in at least one of the front and rear sections of the insert, preferably in each, a set of one or more cover fastening areas positioned on the side facing inward from the insert may constitute the single fastening element in the front and / or rear section of the insert that is adapted to detachably attach the insert to the outer cover.

[0472] Preferably, each of the front and rear sections of the insert includes a set of cover fastening areas positioned on the side facing inward of the insert, the set of cover fastening areas constituting the sole fastening element of the insert adapted to detachably attach the insert to the outer cover.

[0473] Extension of the cover fastening area Optionally, the insert extends longitudinally between its front and rear edges, and in at least one of the front and rear sections of the insert, preferably each, one or more cover fastener areas in the set are positioned at or adjacent to the respective front and rear edges of the insert.

[0474] By being positioned near the front and rear edges, one or more cover fastener areas are easily and completely covered by the flap members of the outer cover described above, thus preventing contact with the wearer's skin during use.

[0475] Manufacturing advantages can be obtained when one or more cover fastening areas within a set are positioned at the respective front or rear edge of the insert, for example, when the insert includes one or more cover fastening members that can be cut at the time of manufacture to coincide with the front or rear edge of the insert.

[0476] Optionally, in at least one of the front and rear sections (of the insert), preferably each, one or more sets of cover fastener areas extend to a longitudinal length of 20% or less of the longitudinal length of the insert, for example, 10% or less of the longitudinal length of the insert.

[0477] Therefore, when the insert is attached to the outer cover via one or more cover fastening areas in either the front section or the rear section, the majority of the longitudinal length of the insert facing inward is available for the absorption of bodily fluids, while the set of one or more cover fastening areas securely attaches the insert to the outer cover.

[0478] Furthermore, in at least one of the front and rear sections of the insert, preferably each, the front edge or rear edge can be defined as a portion of the insert that extends from the respective front or rear edge over the longitudinal length covered by the set of one or more cover fastener areas. Thus, when the insert is attached to the outer cover as described above, the flap member (optionally comprising one or more sets of insert fastener areas) can be appropriately fitted to extend at least partially over the front or rear edge of the insert.

[0479] Optionally, in at least one of the front and rear sections of the insert, preferably each, the edge length of the front / rear edge may be less than 20% of the longitudinal length of the insert, for example, less than 10%.

[0480] If one or more sets of cover fastening areas extend from the front or rear edge, the edge length is therefore equal to the longitudinal length covered by one or more cover fastening areas.

[0481] As described above, the absorbent assembly may be primarily positioned in the groin section of the insert and may have an absorbent assembly length. For example, the absorbent assembly length may be 70% or less of the longitudinal length of the insert, for example, 85% or less.

[0482] Furthermore, in at least one of the front and rear sections of the insert, preferably each, the front or rear end of the absorbent assembly is spaced apart from the front or rear edge by an absorber spacing length (Lac), respectively. The absorber spacing length may be, for example, at least 3% of the longitudinal length of the insert, for example, at least 4% or at least 5% of the longitudinal length of the insert. For example, the absorber spacing length may be 3% to 10% of the longitudinal length of the insert, for example, 5% to 10% of the longitudinal length of the insert.

[0483] Therefore, it can be ensured that the connection between the insert and the outer cover is not obstructed when the absorbent assembly absorbs liquid and expands.

[0484] Optionally, the sum of the longitudinal lengths of any one or more cover fastener areas in the front section of the insert and any one or more cover fastener areas in the rear section of the insert is 30% or less of the longitudinal length of the insert, for example, 20% or less of the longitudinal length of the insert.

[0485] Therefore, when the insert in use is attached to the outer cover via a set of cover fastening areas provided in each of the front and rear sections, the majority of the longitudinal length of the insert facing inward is available for the absorption of bodily fluids, while the set of cover fastening areas securely attaches the insert to the outer cover.

[0486] Similarly, the sum of the leading edge length and the trailing edge length may be 30% or less of the longitudinal length of the insert, for example, 20% or less of the longitudinal length of the insert.

[0487] Optionally, in at least one of the front and rear sections of the insert, preferably each of them, the area of ​​one or more cover fastener areas in the set is 10% or less of the area of ​​the insert, for example, 5% or less of the area of ​​the insert, or 2% or less of the area of ​​the insert.

[0488] This ensures that when the insert in use is attached to the outer cover via one or more sets of cover fastening areas provided in the front and rear sections, the majority of the total surface area on the inward-facing side of the insert is available for absorbing bodily fluids, while the one or more sets of cover fastening areas securely attach the insert to the outer cover.

[0489] Optionally, the total area of ​​one or more cover fastening areas of the insert is 25% or less of the area of ​​the insert, for example, 10% or less of the area of ​​the insert.

[0490] Therefore, when the insert in use is attached to the outer cover via one or more sets of cover fastening areas provided in the front and rear sections, the majority of the longitudinal area on the inward-facing side of the insert is available for the absorption of bodily fluids, while the one or more sets of cover fastening areas securely attach the insert to the outer cover.

[0491] From the above descriptions concerning absorbent articles and outer covers for forming absorbent articles, further features and advantages of the insert become apparent. It is understood that the features of the insert or the features of the cover fastening area of ​​the insert described above with respect to the absorbent article are applicable to the insert itself, either individually or in combination.

[0492] 4. Packaging In a fourth embodiment, the packaging described in claim 90 is provided, which provides packaging comprising a plurality of inserts according to the third embodiment disclosed herein.

[0493] The packaging may further include an outer cover according to the second embodiment disclosed herein.

[0494] This disclosure encompasses all aspects disclosed herein, either individually or in combination.

[0495] Accordingly, this disclosure includes, for example, an absorbent article according to a first embodiment, wherein the outer cover is according to a second embodiment described herein, and / or the insert is according to a third embodiment described herein, and is combined with any of the applicable features.

[0496] As can be understood from the above description, multiple modifications are encompassed by various aspects of the present invention.

[0497] Furthermore, when referring to features present in either the front or rear section of an article, the features of the front section do not need to be identical to those of the rear section. For example, the width of a component in the front section does not need to be the same as the width of a component in the rear section, even if both widths meet the same general requirements.

[0498] The following describes variations of different aspects of the present invention (absorbent articles, outer covers, inserts, and packaging) with reference to exemplary embodiments and drawings. It should be understood that the drawings are schematic and the illustrated items are not necessarily drawn to actual size.

[0499] Modifications of the absorbent article, outer cover, and insert are described as examples with reference to the attached drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0500] [Figure 1] Embodiments of the absorbent article according to the present invention are shown. [Figure 2a] An embodiment of the insert according to the present invention is shown. [Figure 2b]Figure 2a shows a cross-section of the insert along the horizontal axis X. [Figure 2c] Figure 2a shows a cross-section along line cc of the insert. [Figure 3a] Figure 1 shows the outer cover of the absorbent material. [Figure 3b] Figure 3a shows the outer cover, with the flap member removed from the rest of the outer cover. [Figure 4A-D] Figure 1 shows the same usage cycle for an absorbent article as shown in Figure 1, each illustrating at least the packaging including the insert, the attachment of the insert to the outer cover, the absorbent article being worn by a person, and the removal and disposal of the insert and cleaning of the outer cover. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0501] For simplification, the reference numbers for some features (e.g., width or length) in the drawings are indicated only in one of the front or rear sections of the absorbent article, outer cover, or insert. However, it should be noted that similar scales may apply to the other front or rear section. Furthermore, even if a feature has the same reference number in both the front and rear sections, its dimensions, such as width and length, may differ between the front and rear sections.

[0502] Explanation of variations The absorbent article as defined in the attached claims comprises a reusable outer cover and an insert. An embodiment of such an absorbent article 1 is shown in Figure 1, having a reusable outer cover 100 and an insert 200, which are shown in more detail independently of each other in Figures 3 and 2, respectively. The absorbent article 1 has a longitudinal direction X and a transverse direction Y, and a thickness direction Z, the thickness direction Z being the inward direction towards the wearer's skin when the article is worn. i And, in the outward direction Z, away from the wearer's skin. oThis defines the outer cover 100 and the insert 200, which are substantially symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal central axis Y1, but may be asymmetrical in alternative embodiments.

[0503] As shown in Figure 1, in the absorbent article 1, the insert 200 is detachably attached to the outer cover 100, so that the insert 200 covers the side of the outer cover 100 facing inward, and the outer cover 100 forms the outermost surface of the absorbent article 1. Thus, the innermost surface of the outer cover 100 faces the outermost surface of the insert 200, and as a result, with respect to their opposite sides, during use, the outward-facing surface of the outer cover 100 is oriented away from the wearer, and the inward-facing surface of the insert 200 is in contact with the wearer's skin. In the shown absorbent article 1, a considerable portion of the innermost surface of the outer cover 100 and the innermost surface of the insert 200 can be seen, and together they form the innermost surface of the absorbent article that comes into contact with the wearer's skin during use.

[0504] The absorbent article 1 has a front section aSf, a rear section aSb, and a crotch section aSc positioned between them along a longitudinal central axis Y1, and these sections extend to a total longitudinal length aL measured along the longitudinal central axis Y1 from the front edge of the absorbent article 1 through the crotch section Sc to the rear edge. Therefore, the total longitudinal length aL is the maximum longitudinal length of the absorbent article 1 when measured across the minimum width of the crotch section aSc of the absorbent article 1.

[0505] Similarly, the outer cover 100 has a front section oSf, a rear section oSb, and a crotch section oSc located between them 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 when measured across the minimum width of the crotch section oSc of the outer cover 100. Therefore, any portion of the outer cover 100 that extends laterally beyond the minimum width of the crotch section oSc of the outer cover is ignored when determining the longitudinal length oLc of the outer cover 100.

[0506] The longitudinal length aL of the absorbent article 1 may be approximately the same as the longitudinal length oL of the outer cover 100. However, it should be understood that if an absorbent insert 200 attached to the outer cover 100 is present inside the absorbent article, the outer cover may wrinkle or shrink slightly in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the longitudinal length aL of the absorbent article 1 may be shorter than the longitudinal length oL of the outer cover 100.

[0507] The crotch width aWc of absorbent article 1 is the minimum width of the crotch section aSc of absorbent article 1, i.e., the minimum width of the portion of absorbent article intended to be positioned between the leg openings formed by the absorbent article during use. In absorbent article, this may be the minimum width of the crotch section of either or both of the insert 200 and the outer cover 100. Similarly, the crotch width oWc of the outer cover 100 is the minimum width of the crotch section oSc of the outer cover 100.

[0508] Outer cover - Overview The crotch section oSc of the outer cover 100 connects the front section oSf and the rear section oSb of the outer cover, and is molded to form a pant-like structure when the first and second side sections 110, 111 and the front section Sf are attached to each other.

[0509] The outer cover 100 includes garment portions 150 that form the main structure of the outer cover, namely the front, rear, and crotch sections. For example, as in the illustrated embodiment, the garment portion 150 may include a main 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 through the crotch oSc to the front edge 101 of the outer cover. Thus, the crotch oSc of the outer cover, at least the central portion of the front section oSf of the outer cover, and at least the central portion of the rear section oSb of the outer cover may be formed by the main body 109. In the front and / or rear sections of the outer cover, the main body of the outer garment 150 may be provided with one or more laterally extending side portions 110, 111.

[0510] 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 embodiment, the first and second side portions are provided only in the rear section oSb and are adapted to be fastened to the front section oSf of the outer cover 100. However, in other embodiments, the side portions may be provided in the front section oSf, and / or in both the front section oSf and the rear section oSb. However, the illustrated modification in which the first and second side portions 100, 111 are provided in the rear section oSb is considered advantageous in that it facilitates use by caregivers and improves wearer comfort.

[0511] The side portions 110, 111 of the rear section oSb extend substantially symmetrically outward from the rear edge 102 in the lateral x direction, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, and each is provided with mounting means 115, 116 on the inward-facing side at its respective distal end. The mounting means 115, 116 are adapted to be detachably attached to the corresponding surface (117) on the outward-facing side of the front section oSf of the outer cover 100. The mounting means 115, 116 and the corresponding surface may be, for example, a hook-and-loop surface.

[0512] In the illustrated modification, the total lateral width between the distal edges of the side portions 110 and 111 is greater than the total lateral width of the front edge 101 of the outer cover 100, so that the side portions clearly define the rear edge 102 of the outer cover 100 and can wrap around to reach the front section Sf of the outer cover 100 to form a pant-like structure. The front closure allows the wearer to lie down when a caregiver is changing the garment. The total lateral width of the side portions 110 and 111 and the total lateral width of the front edge 101 are selected to fit a given waist size of a person, and the absorbent article 100 may be made to accommodate multiple size ranges.

[0513] It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the same effect can be obtained even if the side portions 110 and 111 are not symmetrically extended from the trailing edge 102, but rather configured such that the first lateral width of one side portion is different from the second lateral width of the other side portion.

[0514] The outer cover is configured to be washable, preferably machine washable, as discussed in the abstract section of this application.

[0515] Similarly, as discussed in the abstract section of this application, the garment portion 150 may be made from a breathable and liquid-permeable material (e.g., a textile material) to allow the garment portion 150 to have the same appearance and feel as ordinary underwear. The garment portion may comprise one or more panels, which together form at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, of the surface area of ​​the outer cover 100. Suitable materials for the garment portion 150 may include, or consist of, one or more of cotton, viscose, polyamide, and polyester. If the outer cover needs to be washable, the use of polyester material is preferred because these materials are known to better retain their original size and shape. To ensure a comfortable fit regardless of the exact body shape and during the wearer's movements, the garment portion 150 is preferably made from a stretchable material having elastic properties in the longitudinal Y and / or transverse X directions. For this purpose, the material may be woven or knitted, with knitted being preferred because it has better elastic properties.

[0516] Therefore, the garment portion 150 can be made from one or more fabric panels. For example, one fabric panel may form the main portion 109 and the side portions 110 and 111, respectively.

[0517] To ensure that the outer cover 100 remains in place in the crotch section oSc when the absorbent article 1 is worn, outer leg elastic members 151 and 152 can be provided on the outer edge of the crotch section oSc of the outer cover 100, as shown in the illustrated embodiment. This secures the outer cover in place around the wearer's legs. Since the garment portion 150 of the outer cover 100 is made of a breathable material, these outer leg elastic members 151 and 152 do not provide fluid sealing and therefore do not function as a fluid barrier. The outer leg elastic members 151 and 152 may be elastic wires, cords, strips, threads, etc., attached to the edge of the garment portion 150 in the crotch section oSc by sewing, bonding, heat welding, etc., or sandwiched between layers of material forming the edge of the garment portion 150.

[0518] The outer cover 100 is made of a breathable, liquid-permeable material that provides the absorbent article with an underwear-like shape, allowing the wearer to wear the absorbent article like underwear, while also facilitating easy replacement by a caregiver. The specific material used is more similar to regular pants than the backsheet material that typically constitutes the outermost layer of a diaper, thereby increasing comfort and the wearer's sense of dignity when wearing this particular absorbent article. Thus, the outer cover 100 holds the insert in place, and the insert 200 provides the absorbent article 1 with leak-proof functionality and the ability to hold liquids and feces. In other words, the outer cover 100 does not have a fluid barrier.

[0519] Insert - Overview Those skilled in the art will notice that, since the outer cover 100 is reusable, it can be combined with a variety of different inserts that may look like or have different features than those shown in Figures 2a-2c. Several non-limiting possible modifications have already been shown in this description. The shown insert 200 comprises a liquid-permeable top sheet 205, a liquid-impermeable back sheet 206, an absorbent assembly 230, internal leak-proof barriers 220, 221, insert leg elastic members 210, 211, and a set of cover fastening areas 221, 222 located in the front section iSf of the insert, as well as another set of cover fastening areas 241, 242 located in the rear section iSb of the insert.

[0520] The insert 200 extends along its longitudinal direction Y and transverse direction X. The top sheet 205 forms part of the innermost surface of the insert 200, facing inward direction Zi, and is intended to face the wearer when the absorbent article is worn. The back sheet 206 forms at least part of the outermost surface of the insert 200 and faces outward direction Zo. The absorbent assembly 230 is enclosed between the top sheet 205 and the back sheet 206. The back sheet can cover the entire surface area of ​​the insert 200, i.e., the back 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 back sheet.

[0521] The liquid-permeable top sheet 205 can consist of any material suitable for the purpose. Common examples of liquid-permeable top sheet materials include nonwoven textile materials (known as nonwoven fabrics), perforated plastic films, meshes made of plastic or textile, and liquid-permeable foam layers. Liquid-permeable cover materials consisting of continuous fine fibers that predominantly extend in the longitudinal or transverse direction of the article are also seen. Laminates consisting of two or more of the above possible cover materials are also commonly seen, such as covers with different materials in different parts of the surface.

[0522] The liquid-impermeable backsheet 206 may extend beyond the absorbent assembly 230 around the entire periphery of the absorbent assembly 230. The backsheet can consist of a variety of materials. The backsheet may consist of a thin liquid-tight plastic film, but other types of liquid-tight materials can also be used, such as nonwoven fabrics processed to be liquid-tight with a plastic coating, liquid-tight foam layers, liquid-tight adhesives, or the like. The backsheet can also consist of a liquid-tight vapor-permeable material (known as a breathable material).

[0523] Along the entire periphery of the absorbent assembly 230, the innermost layer of the insert 100, including the liquid-permeable top sheet 205, is attached to the back sheet 206 on the outside of the absorbent assembly 230. The innermost layer, including the liquid-permeable top sheet 205, and the back sheet may be attached to each other by several different means. Examples of attachment means include gluing, heat fusion, ultrasonic welding, and the like.

[0524] The absorbent assembly 230, as shown in the figure, has a smaller length and width than the innermost layer and back sheet 206, including the top sheet 205, and is therefore located in the central region of the insert 200 where liquids and feces are discharged from the wearer's body. This results in a thinner and more comfortable design, which is preferable. However, those skilled in the art will notice that alternative sizes, shapes, and configurations of the absorbent assembly 230 may also be suitable for use in the absorbent articles presented herein. As shown in Figure 2a, the absorbent assembly 230 may have a longitudinal length iLc.

[0525] For example, as shown in the drawing, the absorbent assembly 230 may have an hourglass shape and is designed to be positioned in the narrowest area between the wearer's thighs when worn. The longitudinal side edges 203, 204 of the innermost layer, including the top sheet 205, and the back sheet 206 also correspond to this hourglass shape. This allows the insert to fit the shape better than if it were rectangular, thus improving comfort when worn.

[0526] The absorbent assembly 230 is depicted having a first layer 231, a second layer 232, and a liquid-receiving layer 233 (Figures 2a-2c). The liquid-receiving layer 233 is positioned directly beneath the top sheet 205 and is adapted to rapidly absorb and temporarily hold a large amount of liquid, and then release the temporarily stored liquid to the other parts of the absorbent assembly 230. Alternative configurations of the absorbent assembly 230 can be considered, and the second layer 232 and the liquid-receiving layer 233 may be considered independently of each other as optional. The absorbent assembly itself may be constructed similarly to known absorbent assemblies and thus can 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 superabsorbent polymer material (known as a superabsorbent material) of the type that chemically binds large amounts of liquid upon absorption to form a liquid-containing gel. The absorbent assembly 230 may also include a superabsorbent polymer material arranged as a layer inside the absorbent body, or a superabsorbent polymer material arranged in combination with one or more surfaces of the absorbent body. Additional components to improve the properties of the absorbent assembly 230 may also be present within the absorbent assembly 230. Examples of such components include binding fibers, different types of liquid dispersion layers or fibers, shape-stabilizing components, reinforcing fibers, etc. The absorbent assembly 230 may, of course, consist of other types of absorbent materials, such as absorbent nonwoven fabrics, absorbent foams, textile materials, peat, or mixtures of different types of absorbent materials.

[0527] Insert leg elastic member As shown in Figures 2a-2c, the insert leg elastic members 210, 211 are positioned on both sides of the insert 200, between the longitudinal outer edge of the absorbent assembly 230 and the longitudinal outer edges 203, 204 of the insert 200, and essentially extend along the longitudinal direction of the insert 200. As shown in Figure 2a, the insert leg elastic members 210, 211 may be partially bent. For example, if the absorbent assembly is hourglass-shaped, the insert leg elastic members may be partially bent to conform to the shape of the absorbent assembly 230. The maximum lateral width of the insert leg elastic members 201, 211 is defined as the leg elastic width iWl. As shown in the figure, the lateral width of the insert leg elastic members 210, 211 is the width measured laterally including both insert leg elastic members 210, 211 in a pair of insert leg elastic members 210, 211. The lateral width of the insert leg elastic members 210, 211 may vary along the longitudinal direction of the insert leg elastic members 210, 211, as shown in the illustrated embodiment. The maximum lateral width of the leg elastic members 210, 211 in each of the front section iSf or rear section iSb of the insert is the maximum lateral width that can be found along the longitudinal direction of the insert leg elastic members 210, 211 in the front or rear section iSf or iSb, respectively.

[0528] The insert leg elastic members 210, 211 are incorporated into the insert 200 to prevent liquids or feces from leaking beyond the longitudinal edges of the insert, ensuring that the insert 200 is leak-proof and allowing the entire outer cover 100 to be made of a liquid-permeable material. Each of the insert leg elastic members 210, 211 may consist of one or more elastic threads applied in an extended state between the innermost layer, which includes the liquid-permeable top sheet 205, and the back sheet. A pair of insert leg elastic members has a longitudinal leg elastic body length iLl that can extend along at least 60% of the length of the insert. For example, the leg elastic body length may be approximately equal to the length iLc of the absorbent assembly 230. The elastic members 210, 211 can be attached to the back sheet and top sheet 205 by gluing, ultrasonic welding, or the like.

[0529] As shown in Fig. 2a, in each of the front section iSf and the rear section iSb of the insert 100, the insert 100 has a maximum width iW, and the leg elastic body width iWl, which is the maximum lateral width between the leg elastic members 210 and 211, is smaller than the maximum width W of the insert and larger than the maximum lateral width of the absorbent assembly 230. In each of the front section iSf and the rear section iSb of the insert 200, leg edge portions 212 and 213 are defined between each of the insert leg elastic members 210 and 211 and the adjacent side edges 203 and 204 of the insert 200. The leg edge portions 212 and 213 can have a maximum width of at least 1 cm, for example at least 2 cm, and provide an additional fluid leakage prevention function and an improvement in wearer comfort. i As shown in Fig. 2a, in each of the front section iSf and the rear section iSb of the insert 100, the insert 100 has a maximum width iW, and the leg elastic body width iWl, which is the maximum lateral width between the leg elastic members 210 and 211, is smaller than the maximum width W of the insert and larger than the maximum lateral width of the absorbent assembly 230. In each of the front section iSf and the rear section iSb of the insert 200, leg edge portions 212 and 213 are defined between each of the insert leg elastic members 210 and 211 and the adjacent side edges 203 and ......

[0530] Inner leak prevention barrier of the insert To further prevent liquid and feces from leaking out from the side edges of the insert 200, inner leak prevention barriers 220 and 221 can be provided on the inner surface of the insert 200 as shown in Figs. 2a and 2b.

[0531] The inner leak prevention barriers 260 and 261 are arranged on both sides of and adjacent to the longitudinal edges of the absorbent assembly 230 and essentially extend along the longitudinal direction of the insert 200. The inner leak prevention barriers 260 and 261 include a liftable portion that lifts inward from the top sheet 205 during use of the insert, thereby forming a barrier against lateral leakage. The liftable portion of the inner leak prevention barriers 260 and 261 extends over at least a part of the crotch section iSc of the insert 200.

[0532] The maximum lateral barrier width iWg is measured between the attached edges 260b, 261b of the liftable portions of the inner leak-proof barriers 260, 261. The maximum lateral barrier width iWg is less than the maximum lateral width iWl of the insert leg elastic members 210, 211 (if present) and optionally greater than the maximum lateral width of the absorbent assembly 230. Each inner leak-proof barrier 260;261 can be formed from separate material strips having two essentially parallel longitudinal edges. The material strips may be double-folded, in which case the parallel longitudinal edges are arranged adjacent to each other. At least one longitudinal edge of each material strip is attached to the innermost layer, including the top sheet 205, and constitutes the attached edges 260b, 261b of each inner leak-proof barrier 260, 261. The folded edges of the material strips constitute the free edges of the inner leak-proof barriers 260;261. The inner leak-proof barriers 260 and 261 are folded onto the innermost layer during manufacturing and storage, and are raised during use, so that at least in the crotch section iSc of the insert, the free edge is raised away from the innermost layer including the top sheet 205.

[0533] In the illustrated insert 200, the longitudinal ends of the material strip are attached to the innermost layer, including the top sheet 205, at the front edge 201 and rear edge 202 of the insert 200.

[0534] The internal leak-proof barriers 260, 261 further include elastic elements 260a, 261a attached to the internal leak-proof barriers 260, 261 when pre-tensioned. The elastic elements 260a, 261a are conveniently positioned adjacent to the free edges of the internal leak-proof barriers 260, 261. 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 raised away from the liquid-permeable top sheet 205. For example, the internal leak-proof barriers 260, 261 may be in a raised position at least in the crotch portion of the insert, corresponding to at least 60% of the longitudinal length of the insert, with the crotch portion spaced apart from both the front end 201 and the rear end 202 of the insert.

[0535] As shown in Figure 3a, the internal leak-proof barriers 260, 261 form liftable portions that can be configured to be raised over most of the longitudinal length of the insert 200. As shown in Figure 3b, the internal leak-proof barriers 260, 261 can be attached to the top sheet 205 in attached regions adjacent to the front and rear ends of the insert, respectively. In these attached regions, the material strips forming each internal leak-proof barrier 260, 261 are attached to the top sheet, for example, by welding or adhesive, so that the internal leak-proof barriers are not liftable in these attached regions. For example, the internal leak-proof barriers 260, 261 can be attached to the inward-facing side of the insert 200 at the front edge 201' and / or rear edge 202' of the insert.

[0536] Alternatively, the longitudinal ends of the material strip may not be attached to the innermost layer, and as a result, the free edges of the material strip forming the inner leak-proof barriers 220, 221 will eventually lift freely from the innermost layer when the insert is bent into use position, without the help of a pretensioned elastic element.

[0537] To securely and comfortably hold the insert 200 in the outer cover 100 and form the absorbent article 1, the insert 200 and the outer cover 100 are detachably attached to each other.

[0538] Insert cover fastening area In the exemplary embodiments shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3, the insert 200 comprises a set of cover fastening areas 241, 242 in the rear section iSb and a set of cover fastening areas 221, 222 in the front section iSf.

[0539] Each cover fastening area 221, 222, 241, and 242 is provided with surface fastening material for detachably attaching the insert to the outer cover.

[0540] In the illustrated modification, the set of cover fastening areas of the rear section iSb and the set of cover fastening areas of the front section iSf each comprise two laterally spaced cover fastening areas 241, 242; 221, 222. However, other modifications are possible, such as at least one of the sets of cover fastening areas comprising only a single cover fastening area, or at least one of the sets of cover fastening areas comprising more than two cover fastening areas.

[0541] Regardless of the number of cover fastening areas included in the set, the lateral fastening width iWf can be defined as the width that one or more sets of cover fastening areas extend laterally.

[0542] In the illustrated modification, each cover fastener area in the set is positioned in the same longitudinal location, and each cover fastener area has the same length iAl when viewed in the longitudinal direction. However, other modifications are possible, for example, at least one cover fastener area in the set is positioned in a different longitudinal location from the other cover fastener areas in the set. Nevertheless, one or more sets of cover fastener areas extend along the longitudinal axis L to a longitudinal length iAl.

[0543] The leading edge 201' and / or trailing edge 202' are defined as portions of the insert 200 that extend from the leading edge 201 or trailing edge 202 of the insert 200, respectively, and that extend over a longitudinal length iAl over which one or more sets of cover fastener areas 221, 222; 241, 242 extend in the front section iSf or the rear section iSb, respectively.

[0544] Each of the leading edge 201' and / or trailing edge 202' may extend over an edge length of less than 10% of the longitudinal length of the insert, for example, less than 20% of the longitudinal length of the insert.

[0545] This ensures that a large portion of the inward-facing surface of the insert 200 remains available for direct contact with the wearer's genital area, thus limiting the risk of soiling of the outer cover 100. As illustrated in the illustrated embodiment, in the longitudinal direction Y, each of the removable cover fastener areas 221, 222, 241, 242 in the set can be positioned on either the front edge 201 or the rear edge 202, i.e., directly adjacent to either the front edge 201 or the rear edge 202. This is a manufacturing advantage because, when formed on a continuous line of insert material, one piece of fastener member material can be placed on two subsequent inserts. In this case, a single cutting operation divides the piece of fastener member material into two while the continuous line of insert material is cut into individual inserts. In this case, the longitudinal length iAl over which the set of cover fastener areas extends coincides with the longitudinal lengths of the corresponding edges 201', 202' of the insert 200. For example, each set of one or more cover fastening areas 221, 222; 241, 242 may extend to a longitudinal length iAl less than 20% of the longitudinal length of the insert, such as less than 10% of the longitudinal length of the insert.

[0546] In the lateral direction X, the sets of cover fastener areas 221, 222; 241, 242 located in the front section iSf and rear section iSb, respectively, extend across the lateral fastener width iWf. As illustrated in the figure, the lateral fastener width iWf may be greater than or equal to the leg elastic body width iWl, and preferably greater than that.

[0547] This specific positioning ensures that sufficient tension is applied to the insert when the absorbent article 1 is fitted to the wearer, guaranteeing the reliable function of the insert leg elastic members 210, 211.

[0548] The insert leg elastic member extends along the longitudinal length of the insert leg elastic body. The leading edge 201' and trailing edge 202' can be advantageously positioned so as not to overlap with the longitudinal length of the insert leg elastic body. In other words, each set of one or more cover fastening areas is limited to the leading edge 201' or trailing edge 202' that does not extend to the leg elastic body length Ll.

[0549] The lateral fastening width iWf may extend over at least a portion of the leg edges 212, 213 of the insert, as in the illustrated embodiment, so that when the insert is attached to the outer cover, the legs automatically fold outwards. For example, the lateral fastening width may be at least 50% of the lateral width of each leg, or at least 80% of the lateral width of each leg.

[0550] As illustrated in the example, in the rear section iSb and / or front section iSf of insert 200, a set of one or more cover fastener areas may include a first subset of one or more cover fastener areas 221;241 and a second subset of one or more cover fastener areas 222;242. In the rear section iSb, the first subset of one or more cover fastener areas 241 is spaced laterally apart by a distance iWs from the second subset of one or more cover fastener areas 242. Similarly, in the front section iSf, the first subset of one or more cover fastener areas 221 is spaced laterally apart by a distance iWs from the second subset of one or more cover fastener areas 222. Thus, in the front section iSf and the rear section iSb, the insert 200 does not have a cover fastening area over a spacing width iWs measured between subsets in the front or rear section, respectively.

[0551] This allows the insert to take on the correct shape when in use, because the insert is not attached to the outer cover across the lateral spacing. Furthermore, accurate assembly of the insert and outer cover can be facilitated by providing cover fastening areas only in the most critical locations to ensure the precise positioning of the insert within the outer cover.

[0552] The lateral spacing can be, for example, at least 70% of the lateral fastening width.

[0553] In the illustrated embodiment, each subset of one or more cover fastener areas includes one single cover fastener area. Thus, the first and second subsets of one or more cover fastener areas together form pairs, each containing two cover fastener areas (one in each subset), and these pairs are spaced apart by a spacing width iWs.

[0554] As shown in the example in the figure, cover fastener areas 221, 222, 241, and 242 may be provided at each corner of the innermost layer, including the top sheet 205, to detachably attach the insert 200 to the outer cover 100. The cover fastener areas 221, 222, 241, and 242 are located outside the crotch section iSc, so that the attachment to the outer cover 100 does not overlap with the crotch section oSc, and thus reduces the risk of soiling of the outer cover. The cover fastener areas 221, 222, 241, and 242 may cover less than 5% of the total surface area of ​​the innermost layer, including the top sheet 205. This has been found to be sufficient to securely attach the insert within the outer cover 100, and therefore using more material may result in unnecessary waste. Furthermore, this means that a relatively small portion of the innermost layer of the insert is occupied by the cover fastening areas 221, 222, 241, and 242, and therefore a relatively large portion of the innermost layer of the insert may be available for the absorbent article 1 to receive bodily exudate during use.

[0555] As described above, each of the cover fastening areas 221, 222, 241, and 242 includes a surface fastening material. For example, as shown herein, the surface fastening material provides frictional and / or mechanical fastening. For example, the surface fastening material may be a surface fastening material comprising a plurality of discrete elements that provide frictional and / or mechanical fastening. A well-known type of such surface fastening material is a hook material and a compatible loop material, which together are commonly known as Velcro®.

[0556] In the absorbent article 1 (for example, as shown in Figure 1), the cover fastening areas 221, 222, 241, and 242 are attached to the outer cover 100 at the front and rear flap members 120 and 140.

[0557] Outer cover flap member As shown in Figures 1 and 3a, in the front section oSf and rear section oSb of the outer cover 100, flap members 120 and 140 are positioned to extend from the garment portion 150. The outward-facing side of the flap members faces a space open toward the crotch section Sc in the longitudinal direction Y when in use, and is designed to receive the rear edge 202' or front edge 201' of the insert 200 as it extends over at least a portion of the crotch section Sc of the absorbent article 1. The inward-facing side of the insert 200 is attached to the outer cover 100 via the front flap member 120 and the rear flap member 140.

[0558] In the outer cover 100, the front flap member 120 and the rear flap member 140 can be made from the same material as the garment portion 150. In particular, a single sheet material can form at least one layer of the front flap member 120, the rear flap member 140, and the garment portion 150.

[0559] Placing flap members 120 and 140 in both the rear and front sections is advantageous in that it completely secures the insert over the crotch area and ensures good positioning throughout use. However, depending on the choice of special materials and structures for the outer cover and insert, it may be sufficient to place only one flap member in either the front or rear section.

[0560] In the illustrated modified example, a single flap member 120, 140 is positioned in the rear and front sections oSb, oSf, respectively.

[0561] In some variations, the flap members 120, 140 may extend from the garment portion 150, for example, through folds. For example, the flap members 120, 140 may include fabric panels that also form at least a portion of the main portion 109 of the garment portion 150.

[0562] In other modifications, similar to the illustrated modifications, the flap members 120, 140 may be attached to the garment portion 150 by joints such as seams or stitches. For example, the flap members may include fabric panels attached to the garment portion.

[0563] Similar to the illustrated modified example, the flap members 120 and 140 may extend from the front edge 101 or the rear edge 102 of the outer cover 100, respectively.

[0564] For example, the flap members 120 and 140 can be joined to the garment portion 150 (via folds or via joints such as seams or stitches) along at least one of the rear edge or front edge and / or a pair of side edges, respectively.

[0565] In the configuration shown in Figure 3a, the front flap member 120 and the rear flap member 140 each extend laterally between pairs of side joints 148, 149; 128, 129, and the side joints connect the flap members to the inward-facing surfaces of the outer cover 100's garment portion 150. Thus, the side joints connect the side edges of the respective front and rear flap members 120 and 140 to the garment portion 150, causing the flap members to automatically be placed in a closed position that forms the usage position. However, in order to easily check the details of the inner flap members, the sides are not attached to the outer cover 100 as shown in Figure 3b, and as a result, the front and rear flap members 120 and 140 are shown in the open position, making their interiors (consisting of the side facing the body and the side facing the clothing) visible.

[0566] The presence of joints 148, 149, 128, and 129 holds the front flap member 120 and the rear flap member 140 in the correct configuration for use, thereby preventing the insert mounting means within the flap members from coming into contact with the wearer's skin. Furthermore, the presence of joints 148, 149, 128, and 129 transmits to the flap members the lateral forces acting on the outer cover introduced when the outer cover is closed around the wearer's waist. In response, the flap members 120 and 140 may be stretched laterally.

[0567] In other variations of the outer cover, one or more flap members may be connected to the garment portion 150, for example, only via side joints, or only via rear joints or folds.

[0568] If the flap members 120, 130 extend laterally X between the first and second side joints 128, 129; 148, 149 that join the flap members to the garment portion 150, the space open longitudinally toward the crotch section has a space width oWt defined between the first and second side joints 128, 129; 148, 149. The space width oWt of each 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 illustrated outer cover 200, the front flap member 120 has a space width substantially equal to the width of the front section. In the rear section Sb, the spatial width of the flap member 140 is set so that the first and second sides are attached to the respective edges of the first and second side portions 110, 111 that are closest to the longitudinal central axis Y1. Advantageously, this configuration allows the joints 148, 149 of the rear flap member 140 to be attached in or by seams that attach one or more material layers of the first and second side portions 110, 111 to the garment portion 150. Flat seams can be used to further reduce the risk of chafing against the wearer's skin.

[0569] Outer cover insert fastener area For example, as shown in the illustrated modification, in order to detachably fasten the insert 200 to the outer cover 100, the outer cover may include flap members in each of the front section Sf and rear section Sb, and each flap member has a set of one or more insert fastening areas 121, 122; 141, 142 on its outer surface, i.e., on the surface that contacts the space formed by each flap member in the position of use. In the illustrated outer cover, in the front section oSf, the front flap member 120 has a set of two insert fastening areas 121, 122 on the outward-facing side 120a of the flap member 120. Similarly, in the rear section Sb, the rear flap member 140 has a set of two insert fastening areas 141, 142 on the outward-facing inner side 120a of the flap member. The longitudinal lengths of the insert fastener areas 121, 122, 141, and 142 are shorter than the longitudinal lengths of the respective front or rear flap members 120 and 140 in the closed state, i.e., shorter than the longitudinal lengths of the outer-facing inner sides 120a and 140a of the flap members 120 and 140.

[0570] Therefore, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, each insert fastening area 121, 122, 141, 142 can be provided by corresponding insert fastening members 121a, 122a, 141a, 142a, as shown in Figure 3b. Thus, each flap member 120, 140 includes a fabric panel to which the insert fastening members 121a, 122a; 141a, 142a providing the insert fastening areas are attached.

[0571] Preferably, as shown in the illustrated version, the insert fastener member of the flap member is completely contained within the area of ​​the fabric panel.

[0572] Similar to the illustrated embodiment, the maximum longitudinal length oLt of the flap members 120 and 140 may be 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 length of the outer cover.

[0573] The outward-facing side of each flap member 120, 140 includes one or more sets of insert fastening areas 121, 122; 141, 142, each insert fastening area including a surface fastening material for providing a removable attachment to an insert.

[0574] Each set of insert fastener areas extends to a lateral fastening width oWf. The lateral fastening width oWf is preferably greater than or equal to the minimum lateral width oWc of the outer cover, i.e., greater than or equal to the crotch width oWc of the outer cover. Therefore, when measured between the leg elastic bodies 151, 152 of the outer cover 100, the lateral fastening width oWf is greater than or equal to the minimum spacing width of the leg elastic bodies.

[0575] The lateral fastening width oWf is preferably less than the maximum spacing width oWl of the leg elastic bodies when measured between the leg elastic bodies 151, 152 of the outer cover.

[0576] Therefore, when the insert 200 is attached to the outer cover 100, it can be ensured that the leg elastic bodies 152, 152 of the outer cover help to provide the insert to the wearer in the correct position.

[0577] Furthermore, when the outer cover is used, it can provide the necessary lateral tension to the insert, thereby ensuring that the insert's leg elastic members 210, 211 (and inner barriers 220, 221) are stretched to the correct position, assuming that the insert 200 is as described above.

[0578] For example, as shown in the illustrated modification, the set of insert fastener areas may include a first subset of insert fastener areas 121;141 and a second subset of insert fastener areas 122;142, with the first and second subsets separated laterally by a lateral spacing width oWs. To further ensure correct positioning and molding of the inserts relative to the outer cover, the lateral fastener spacing width oWs may be greater than or equal to the minimum lateral width oWc of the outer cover.

[0579] In the illustrated modified example, each subset of the insert fastener area includes a single insert fastener area.

[0580] Absorbent articles In light of the above description of modifications of the absorbent insert 200 and the outer cover 100, a modification of the absorbent article 1 shown in Figure 1 is also described.

[0581] The absorbent article 1 extends along the longitudinal direction Y and along the transverse direction X perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Y, where the thickness direction Z is defined to be perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction Y and the transverse direction X, and the thickness direction has an inward direction Zi toward the wearer when the article is worn and an outward direction Zo toward the wearer when the article is worn, the absorbent article includes a front section Sf, a rear section Sb, and a crotch section Sc extending between the front section Sf and the rear section Sb along the longitudinal direction Y, the absorbent article 1 includes a reusable outer cover 100, the outer cover 100 includes a garment portion 150 extending at least into the front section Sf and the rear section Sb of the absorbent article 1, and the garment Part 150 is adapted to fit around the wearer's waist, with the front section Sf positioned on or near the wearer's ventral side when worn, and the rear section Sb positioned against the wearer's lower back. The absorbent article 1 also includes an absorbent insert 200, which includes a liquid-impermeable backsheet, a liquid-permeable topsheet 205, and an absorbent assembly 230 provided between the backsheet and the topsheet, the insert 200 being molded to cover a predetermined portion of the wearer's pubic area and buttocks when in use, with the inward-facing side including the topsheet facing the wearer and the outward-facing side facing the outer cover 100.

[0582] The absorbent article 1 described herein is an example of an absorbent article, in which an insert 200 extends longitudinally between a front edge 201 and a rear edge 202 and includes longitudinal side edges 203, 204 connecting the front edge 201 and the rear edge 202, the insert 200 includes a pair of insert leg elastic members 210, 211 that essentially extend along the longitudinal direction Y of the insert, are positioned on both sides of the insert and are located between the absorbent assembly 230 and the longitudinal side edges 203, 204 of the insert, the leg elastic member length iLl is defined as the longitudinal length along the insert leg elastic members 210, 211, and in each of the rear section aSb and the front section aSf, the leg elastic member width iWl is defined as the maximum lateral width of the insert leg elastic members 210, 211 in the front or rear section (aSf, aSb), respectively. In at least one of the front section aSf and rear section aSb of the absorbent article, preferably in each, the absorbent article includes one or more sets of mounting areas 21, 22; 41, 42 for mounting the front or rear edge 201', 202' of the insert to the outer cover, wherein in each mounting area, the inward-facing or outward-facing surface area of ​​the insert 200 is detachably attached to the surface area of ​​the outer cover 100 via at least one surface-retaining material. Furthermore, the lateral fastening width aWf, which is the lateral width of one or more mounting areas 21, 22; 41, 42, is greater than or equal to the leg elastic body width iWl in the front or rear sections aSf, aSb, respectively, so that the front or rear edges 201', 202' of the insert 200 are detachably attached to the outer cover 100 in the set of mounting areas 21, 22; 41, 42, while in at least the crotch section aSc of the absorbent article 1, the side of the insert 200 facing inward forms the innermost part of the absorbent article 1 so that the article is in direct contact with the wearer's skin when in use.

[0583] Therefore, the article exhibits the advantage obtained by having a lateral fastening width greater than or equal to the width of the leg elastic body in the set of mounting areas, and as a result the leg elastic body of the insert is stretched when the article is used, that is, the article exhibits the advantage of contributing to the correct and stable position of the insert relative to the wearer when the absorbent article is worn.

[0584] Furthermore, the absorbent article 1 described is an example of an absorbent article, wherein in at least one of the front section Sf and rear section Sb of the absorbent article, preferably each, the outer cover includes flap members 120, 140 extending from the garment portion 150, and the outward-facing inner sides 120a, 140a of the flap members 120, 140 face the side facing inward of the insert 200 at the front edge 201' or rear edge 202' of the insert, respectively. Furthermore, in at least one of the front section Sf and rear section Sb of the absorbent article, preferably each, the absorbent article includes one or more sets of mounting areas 21, 22; 41, 42, in each mounting area, the inward-facing surface area of ​​the insert 200 is detachably attached to the outward-facing surface area of ​​the flap members 120, 140 via at least one surface-fastening material, so that the front or rear edges 201', 202' of the insert 200 are detachably attached to the outer cover 100 in the set of mounting areas 21, 22; 41, 42, while in at least the crotch section Sc of the absorbent article 1, the inward-facing side of the insert 200 forms the innermost part of the absorbent article 1 so as to be in direct contact with the wearer's skin when the article is used.

[0585] Therefore, the article offers advantages obtained by the attachment between the outer cover and the insert occurring via the outward-facing inner side of the flap member and the inward-facing side of the insert, namely, the advantage of contributing to the correct and stable positioning of the insert relative to the wearer when the absorbent article is worn.

[0586] The advantages obtained by the attachment between the outer cover and the insert occurring via the outward-facing inner side of the flap member and the inward-facing side of the insert, and the advantages obtained by the attachment area having a lateral fastening width greater than or equal to the leg elastic body width, can be achieved one by one. However, as illustrated in the modified example, a combination of features that results in a combination of these advantages may be particularly preferred. For example, if the leg elastic body is stretched by the lateral fastening width being greater than or equal to the leg elastic body width, the attachment area may have a greater need to be protected from tearing or sudden pulling from the outside of the article when the article is worn, and this need is met by the attachment occurring via the inward-facing side of the insert and the outward-facing inner side of the flap member.

[0587] It is understood that the set of mounting areas 21, 22; 41, 42 in the illustrated modified form of absorbent article 1 is formed by the attachment of insert fastener areas 121, 122; 141, 142 to cover fastener areas 221, 222; 241, 242 via surface fasteners of the insert fastener areas, such as hook material, and surface fasteners of the cover fastener areas, such as loop material.

[0588] Preferably, the dimensions of the outer cover 100 and the insert 200 are set such that, when the insert is standardly attached to the outer cover, the front and rear flap members 120 and 140 do not overlap with the absorbent assembly 230.

[0589] For example, each flap member 120, 140 may have a longitudinal flap length oLt set such that when the insert 200 is attached to the outer cover 100 in the use position, the flap members 120, 140 extend over less than 20% of the longitudinal length iL of the insert, preferably less than 10% of the longitudinal length iL of the insert.

[0590] For example, the total area of ​​the front and rear flap members 120, 140 may cover less than 80%, preferably less than 85%, of the total area of ​​the insert. The front and rear flap members 120, 140 may be sized so that they cover less than 15%, preferably less than 10%, of the total area of ​​the insert when in use.

[0591] Fixed area For example, as shown in the illustrated modified example, each insert fastener area 121, 122, 141, 142 can be provided by insert fastener members 121a, 122a, 141a, 142a, which include a fastening material that is a hook material. Each insert fastener member can be attached to the outward-facing inner surfaces 120a, 140a of the respective front and rear flap members 120, 140 of the outer cover.

[0592] In the insert, each cover fastening area 221, 222, 242, 242 can be provided by cover fastening members 221a, 222a, 241a, 242a, which include a fastening material that is a loop material. Each cover fastening member can be attached to the side of the insert facing inward.

[0593] As a result of this arrangement of the hook members, the hooks face away from the wearer's body when in use, further reducing the risk of skin abrasion, which is already reduced due to the insert fastener area and cover fastener area being covered by the flap member.

[0594] In the position of use, the flap members 120 and 140 completely cover the cover fastening areas 221, 222, 241, and 242 of the insert 200, thereby preventing contact between the wearer's skin and the attachment material. Since such materials are often relatively rougher than the materials used for the top sheet material and the garment portion 150 of the outer cover 100, the covering reduces the risk of abrasion.

[0595] In the illustrated embodiment, a hook-and-loop fastener is used, but alternative surface fastening materials may be suitable and may be used in place of part or all of the insert fastening area and cover fastening area. Such alternative surface fastening materials provide substantially uniform fastening over a given surface area rather than point connections such as buttons, snaps, rivets, etc., thus minimizing the risk of skin abrasion associated with these point connections.

[0596] To ensure that the outer cover is washable, the surface fastening material provided to it must be reusable and washable.

[0597] A further advantage of using a fastening area that includes surface fastening material (including the hook-and-loop type component shown in the illustration) is that the fastening is provided across the entire surface area, thus improving the positional tolerance when attaching the insert to the outer cover. As a result, attaching the insert to the outer cover is simpler and therefore faster than when using point connections, as it requires less precision.

[0598] Figures 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D show a usage cycle of the absorbent article 1 similar to that shown in Figure 1, each illustrating at least the packaging 300 including the insert 200, the attachment of the insert 200 to the outer cover 100, the absorbent article being worn by the wearer, and the removal and disposal of the insert 200 and the cleaning of the outer cover 1.

[0599] A package as shown in Figure 4A may be available, including a predetermined amount of inserts and / or one or more outer covers. Figure 4B first shows how the inserts 200 are detachably attached to the inside of the corresponding flap members of the outer cover 100. The attachment is performed as described above. Next, the absorbent article is put on the wearer, as shown in Figure 4C. In a particular embodiment of the outer cover 100, the side portions 110, 111 are positioned at the rear end of the article and attach to the front end of the article with the outward-facing surface of the outer cover 100 when the article is put on the wearer. Preferably, the outer cover 100 has special receiving surfaces 117, 118 at the front end, on the surface facing away from the wearer, as shown (see Figures 4c and 3a). The special receiving surfaces 117 and 118 are adapted to receive the mounting means 115 and 116 (see Figures 4c and 3a) provided on the first side portion 110 and the second side portion 111, ensuring a good, detachable mounting without potentially damaging the main material forming the outward-facing surface of the outer cover 100.

[0600] After use, the entire absorbent article 1 is removed from the wearer by detaching the first and second side portions, and then the insert is separated from the outer cover as shown in Figure 4D. In this embodiment, the insert 200 is a disposable insert and is discarded after use, while the outer cover 100 is washable and can be washed as shown in the figure. In the next use cycle, the same outer cover 100 is used with a new, different insert 200. It will be understood that for all absorbent articles according to the present invention, regardless of the special shapes of the outer cover and insert, the use cycle is the same. Furthermore, for absorbent articles according to this description in which the outer cover is not washable but is reusable, it will be understood that the use cycle is substantially the same, except that it is washed before being reused in the next use cycle.

[0601] The present invention has been described with reference to several explanatory embodiments as shown in the figures. Those skilled in the art will see, after reading and understanding the above detailed description, that some obvious modifications and alternative embodiments of parts or elements will be apparent.

[0602] For example, the illustrated modification shows an example where the insert fastener area of ​​the outer cover is located on the outward-facing inner side of the flap member of the outer cover, and the cover fastener area is located on the side facing inward of the insert. However, other alternatives are possible, in which the insert fastener area of ​​the outer cover is instead located on the side facing inward of the garment portion 150 of the outer cover 100, and the cover fastener area is located on the side facing outward of the insert 200. In such modifications, the outer cover may optionally include a flap member.

[0603] In particular, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the various alternatives explicitly described in the detailed description are implementable independently of other explicitly described alternatives that are not explicitly described as being related thereto. The present invention is construed to encompass all such modifications and alternative embodiments within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An absorbent article (1) extending along a longitudinal direction (Y) and along a transverse direction (X) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (Y), wherein the thickness direction (Z) is defined perpendicular to both the longitudinal and transverse directions (X, Y), the thickness direction is an inward direction (Zi) toward the wearer when the article is worn and an outward direction (Zo) toward the wearer when the article is worn, and the absorbent article includes a front section (aSf), a rear section (aSb), and a crotch section (aSc) extending along the longitudinal direction (Y) between the front section (Sf) and the rear section (Sb), A reusable outer cover (100) comprising a garment portion (150) extending into at least the front section (aSf) and the rear section (aSb) of the absorbent article (1), wherein the garment portion (150) is fitted to fit around the wearer's waist, and when the article is worn, the front section (aSf) is positioned on the wearer's abdominal side and the rear section (aSb) is positioned against the wearer's lower back, and An absorbent insert (200) comprising a liquid-impermeable backsheet (206), a liquid-permeable topsheet (205), and an absorbent assembly (230) provided between the backsheet (206) and the topsheet (205), wherein the insert (200) is molded to cover a predetermined portion of the wearer's pubic region and buttocks when in use, the inward-facing side of which includes the topsheet (205) facing the wearer, and the outward-facing side facing the garment portion (150) of the outer cover (100), The insert (200) extends longitudinally between a front edge (201) and a rear edge (202), and includes longitudinal side edges (203, 204) connecting the front edge (201) and the rear edge (202). The insert (200) includes a pair of insert leg elastic members (210, 211) that essentially extend along the longitudinal direction (Y) of the insert, are positioned on both sides of the insert, and are located between the absorbent assembly (230) and the longitudinal side edges (203, 204) of the insert, the leg elastic member length (iLl) is the length of the insert leg elastic member Defined as the longitudinal length along (210, 211), in each of the rear section (aSb) and the front section (aSf), the leg elastic body width (iWl) is defined as the maximum lateral width of the insert leg elastic member (210, 211) in the front or rear section (aSf, aSb), respectively, and in at least one of the front section (aSf) and the rear section (aSb) of the absorbent article, preferably each, the absorbent article is defined as the front edge or rear edge (201') of the insert, respectively. The set includes one or more mounting areas (21, 22; 41, 42) for attaching the insert (200) to the outer cover, wherein in each mounting area, the inward-facing or outward-facing surface area of ​​the insert (200) is detachably attached to the surface area of ​​the outer cover (100) via at least one surface fastening material, and the lateral fastening width (aWf), which is the lateral width to which the set of one or more mounting areas (21, 22; 41, 42) extends, is the front or rear section (aSf, aS b) The leg elastic body width (iWl) within the insert (200) is greater than or equal to the leg elastic body width (iWl), and as a result, the front edge or rear edge (201', 202') of each of the insert (200) is detachably attached to the outer cover (100) in the set of mounting areas (21, 22; 41, 42), while in at least the crotch section (aSc) of the absorbent article (1), the inward-facing side of the insert (200) forms the innermost part of the absorbent article (1), thereby being in direct contact with the wearer's skin during use of the absorbent article (1).

2. Absorbent article (1) according to claim 1, wherein in at least one of the rear section (aSb) and the front section (aSf), preferably each, the insert (200) includes a pair of leg edges (212, 213), each leg edge extending longitudinally along its respective insert leg elastic member (210, 211) and laterally between the insert leg elastic member (210, 211) and the respective longitudinal side edges (203, 204) of the insert (200), thereby defining a maximum lateral leg edge width (Wlp) between the insert leg elastic member (210, 211) and the respective longitudinal side edges (203, 204), the maximum lateral leg edge width (Wlp) being at least 1 cm, for example, at least 2 cm.

3. The absorbent article (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in at least one of the front section (aSf) and the rear section (aSb), preferably each, one or more sets of mounting areas (221, 222; 241, 242) are limited to the longitudinal section of the insert (200) to which the leg elastic body length (iLl) does not extend.

4. The absorbent article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the inward-facing side of the insert (200) includes a pair of internal leak-proof barriers (260, 261) extending in the longitudinal direction (Y) of the insert.

5. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein in at least one of the front section (aSf) and the rear section (aSb) of the absorbent article (1), preferably in each, the lateral fastening width (aWf) is 70% or more, for example 80% or more or 90% or more of the maximum width (iW) of the insert (200) at the front edge (201') or the rear edge (202'), respectively.

6. Absorbent article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein in at least one of the rear section (aSb) and the front section (aSf), preferably each, the set of one or more mounting areas (21, 22; 41, 42) comprises a first subset of one or more mounting areas (21; 41) and a second subset of one or more mounting areas (22, 42), the first and second subsets being spaced apart, preferably symmetrically, around the longitudinal central axis of the insert.

7. The absorbent article according to claim 6, wherein the first subset (21; 41) of one or more mounting areas and the second subset (22; 42) of one or more mounting areas are spaced apart by a lateral spacing width (aWs), the lateral spacing width (aWs) being at least 40%, for example, at least 50% or at least 60% of the lateral fastening width (aWf).

8. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein in at least one of the front section (aSf) and the rear section (aSb) of the absorbent article (1), preferably each, the outer cover (100) includes one or more sets of insert fastening areas (121, 122; 141, 142), each insert fastening area (121, 122, 141, 142) includes a surface fastening material for providing a detachable attachment of the insert (200) to the inward-facing surface in at least one of the sets of one or more mounting areas (21, 22; 41, 42).

9. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein in at least one of the front section (aSf) and the rear section (aSb) of the absorbent article (1), preferably each, the inward-facing side and / or the outward-facing side of the insert (200) includes one or more sets of cover fastening areas (221, 222; 241, 242), and each cover fastening area (221, 222; 241, 242) includes a surface fastening material for providing a detachable attachment to the outer cover (100) in at least one of the sets of one or more mounting areas (21, 22; 41, 42).

10. The absorbent article according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the surface fastening material of the set of one or more insert fastening areas (121, 122; 141, 142) and the surface fastening material of the set of one or more cover fastening areas (221; 222; 241, 242) are corresponding surface fastening materials for forming the detachable connection, and the mounting area within the set of mounting areas (21, 22; 41, 42) is formed in a position where the set of one or more insert fastening areas (121, 122; 141, 142) overlaps with the set of one or more cover fastening areas (221; 222; 241, 242).

11. The absorbent article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein in at least one of the rear section (aSb) and the front section (aSf), preferably each, each of the at least one surface fastening material in the set of one or more mounting areas (21, 22; 41, 42) provides a detachable mounting via mechanical fastening and / or frictional fastening.

12. In at least one of the rear section (aSb) and the front section (aSf), preferably each, the absorbent article (1) includes one or more cover fastener members (221a, 222a: 241a, 242a) positioned on the inward-facing and / or outward-facing sides of the insert (200), each cover fastener member (221a, 222a; 241a, 242a) providing at least one of the one or more cover fastener areas (221, 222; 241, 242) in the set, and / or The absorbent article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein in at least one of the rear section (aSb) and the front section (aSf), preferably each, the absorbent article (1) includes one or more insert fastener members (121a, 122a: 141a, 142a) disposed on the outer cover (100), and each insert fastener member (121a, 122a; 141a, 142a) provides at least one of the one or more cover fastener areas (121, 122; 141, 142) in the set.

13. The absorbent article (1) according to claim 8 or 9, which can be optionally combined with any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein at least one of the rear section (aSb) and the front section (aSf) of the absorbent article (1), preferably each, includes a surface fastening material which is a hook or loop material, for example, all of the one or more insert fastening areas (121, 122; 141, 142), and each of the corresponding cover fastening areas (221, 222; 241, 242), for example, all of the corresponding surface fastening material which is a loop or hook material, in order to provide the detachable attachment.

14. The absorbent article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein in at least one of the rear section (aSb) and the front section (aSf), preferably each, the height of each mounting area in the set is less than 3 mm, for example, less than 2 mm, when mounted.

15. The absorbent article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the garment portion (150) extends into the front section (aSf), the rear section (aSb), and the crotch section (aSc) of the absorbent article, the crotch section (aSc) extends longitudinally between the front section (aSf) and the rear section (aSb), the garment portion (150) forms a pair of leg edges, each leg edge facing the respective leg opening when the article (1) is worn, the crotch section (oSc) of the outer cover defines a minimum lateral width (oWc) between the leg edges, and preferably the lateral fastening width (aWf) is greater than or equal to the minimum lateral width (oWc) of the outer cover (100).

16. The absorbent article (1) according to claim 15, wherein the outer cover (100) includes a pair of leg elastic members (151, 152) arranged along the leg edges of the garment portion (150) in at least the crotch section (aSc).

17. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein in at least one of the front section (aSf) and the rear section (aSb) of the absorbent article, the outer cover (100) further includes at least one flap member (120, 140) extending from the garment portion (150), the flap member (120, 140) having a use position in which a space is formed between the outward-facing inner side (120a, 140a) of the flap member (120, 140) and the inward-facing side of the garment portion (150), the space being longitudinally open toward the crotch section (Sc) to receive, respectively, the rear edge (202') or front edge (201') of the insert (200) while the insert (200) extends across the crotch section (aSc) of the absorbent article (1).

18. The absorbent article according to claim 17, wherein in each mounting area of ​​the set of mounting areas, the inward-facing surface area of ​​the insert (200) is detachably attached to the outward-facing inner (120a, 140a) surface area of ​​the flap members (120, 140) via the at least one surface fastening material, and as a result, the leading edge or trailing edge (201', 202') of the insert (200) is detachably attached to the outer cover (100) in the set of mounting areas (21, 22; 41, 42).

19. The absorbent article (1) according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the insert (200) has an insert longitudinal length (iL), and in at least one of the rear section (aSb) and the front section (aSf), preferably each, each flap member (120, 140) has a longitudinal flap length (oLt) designed to extend over less than 20% of the insert longitudinal length (iL), preferably less than 10% of the insert longitudinal length (iL), when the insert is attached to the outer cover (100) in the use position.

20. The absorbent article (1) according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the insert (200) has an insert area, and in at least one of the rear section (aSb) and the front section (aSf), preferably each, the outward-facing inner (120a; 140a) flap area of ​​each flap member (120; 140) of the outer cover (100) is designed such that, in the use position, when the insert is attached to the outer cover, the flap member extends over less than 20% of the insert area, preferably less than 10% of the insert area (Ai).

21. The absorbent article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein at least 50%, for example, at least 70% or at least 90% of the total area of ​​the outer cover (100) is permeable to liquid.

22. The absorbent article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein at least 50%, for example, at least 70%, or at least 90% of the total surface area of ​​the outer cover (100) is breathable.

23. The absorbent article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the back sheet of the insert (200) is breathable.

24. The absorbent article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the outer cover (100) is washable.

25. The absorbent article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the insert (200) is adapted for single use.

26. An absorbent article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 25, having a total absorption capacity of at least 1,000 ml, for example, 1,000 ml to 4,000 ml.

27. A reusable outer cover (100) for an absorbent article (1), extending along a longitudinal direction (Y), extending along a transverse direction (X) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (Y), with a thickness direction (Z) defined perpendicular to both the longitudinal and transverse directions (X, Y), wherein the thickness direction is inward (Z) toward the wearer when the article is worn. ｉ ), and the outward direction (Z) away from the wearer when the article is worn. ｏ ) and The outer cover (100, 100') includes a garment portion (150) having a longitudinal length (oL) extending along the longitudinal direction (Y), the garment portion (150) is divided along the longitudinal length (oL) into a front section (oSf), a rear section (oSb), and a crotch section (oSc), the crotch section (oSc) of the outer cover determines the minimum lateral crotch width (oWc) of the outer cover. The garment portion (150) is adapted to fit around the wearer's waist, with the front section (oSf) positioned at or near the wearer's abdomen, the rear section (oSb) positioned relative to the wearer's lower back, and the crotch section (oSc) positioned across the wearer's pubic area and a predetermined portion of the buttocks, extending laterally between the two leg openings formed by the outer cover, so that the garment portion (150) has an inward-facing side intended to face the wearer and an outward-facing side intended to face away from the wearer when the outer cover (100) is worn. In at least one of the front section (oSf) and the rear section (oSb), preferably each, the outer cover includes one or more sets of insert fastening areas (121, 122; 141, 142), each insert fastening area (121, 122; 141, 142) of the set includes a surface fastening material for detachably attaching an insert to the outer cover. In at least one of the front section (oSf) and the rear section (oSb) of the outer cover, preferably each set of one or more insert fastener areas (121, 122; 141, 142) of the outer cover, the outer cover (100) extends to a lateral fastening width (oWf) that is greater than or equal to the minimum lateral crotch width (oWc), for example, 110% or more of the minimum lateral crotch width (oWc), or 120% or more of the minimum lateral crotch width (oWc).

28. The outer cover covers at least the crotch section (oS) of the garment portion (150). ｃ The outer cover (100) according to claim 27, comprising a pair of leg elastic members (151; 152) arranged along the leg opening of the garment portion (150) in the outer cover (100) according to claim 27.

29. The outer cover (100) according to claim 28, wherein in at least one of the front section (oSf) and the rear section (oSb), preferably each of them, the lateral fastening width (oWf) is less than the maximum leg elastic body spacing width (oWL), which is the maximum lateral distance between the leg elastic members (151; 152) in the outer cover.

30. The outer cover (100) according to any one of claims 27 to 29, wherein in at least one of the front section (oSf) and the rear section (oSb), preferably each, the set of one or more insert fastener areas (121, 122; 141, 142) comprises a first subset (121; 141) of one or more insert fastener areas and a second subset (122, 142) of one or more insert fastener areas, the first subset and the second subset are spaced apart by a lateral spacing width (oWs), preferably the first subset and the second subset are spaced apart symmetrically by the lateral spacing width (oWs) around the longitudinal central axis (Y1) of the outer cover (100).

31. The outer cover according to claim 30, wherein the lateral spacing width (oWs) is greater than or equal to the minimum lateral crotch width (oWc) of the outer cover.

32. The outer cover according to claim 30 or 31, wherein the lateral spacing width (oWs) is 40% or more of the lateral fastening width (oWf), for example, 50% or more or 60% or more of the lateral fastening width (oWf).

33. The outer cover according to any one of claims 27 to 32, wherein in at least one of the front section (oSf) and the rear section (oSb), preferably each, the outer cover (100) includes at least one flap member (120, 140) extending from the garment portion (150), each flap member (120, 140) having a position for use, where the outward-facing inner side (120a, 140a) of the flap member (120, 140) faces the inward-facing side of the garment portion (150), thereby forming a space between the outward-facing inner side (120a, 140a) of the flap member (120, 140) and the inward-facing side of the garment portion (150), the space opening longitudinally toward the crotch (Sc) section.

34. In at least one of the front section (oSf) and the rear section (oSb), preferably each, the one or more insert fastening areas (121, 122; 141, 142) of the set are positioned on the inner side (120a; 140a) of the at least one flap member (120, 140) facing the outer surface, so that when the insert is attached to the outer cover in the absorbent article, the one or more insert fastening areas (121, 122; 141, 142) of the flap member (120, 140) allow for detachable attachment to the inward-facing side of each front edge (201') or rear edge (202') of the insert received in the space, during which the insert extends inward over at least a portion of the crotch (oSc) of the garment portion (150), the outer cover according to claim 33.

35. The outer cover (100) according to claim 33 or 34, wherein in at least one of the front section (oSf) and the rear section (oSb), preferably each, each flap member (120) is positioned on the front edge (101) or rear edge (102) of the outer cover (100), respectively.

36. The outer cover (100) according to any one of claims 33 to 35, wherein in at least one of the front section (oSf) and the rear section (oSb), preferably each, each flap member (120, 140) has a vertical length (oLt) which is 20% or less of the vertical length (oL) of the outer cover, for example, 10% or less of the vertical length (oL) of the outer cover.

37. An outer cover (100) according to any one of claims 33 to 36, wherein each of the front section (oSf) and the rear section (oSb) includes at least one flap member (120, 140), and the sum of the maximum longitudinal lengths (oLt) of the flap members in the front section (oSf) and the rear section (oSb) is 30% or less of the longitudinal length (oL) of the outer cover, for example, 20% or less of the longitudinal length (oL) of the outer cover.

38. The outer cover (100) according to any one of claims 33 to 37, wherein in at least one of the front section (oSf) and the rear section (oSb), preferably each, each flap member (120, 140) has an area of ​​20% or less of the area of ​​the outer cover, for example, 10% or less of the area of ​​the outer cover.

39. The outer cover (100) according to any one of claims 33 to 38, wherein the total area of ​​all the flap members (120, 140) of the outer cover (100) is 30% or less of the area of ​​the outer cover, for example, 20% or less of the area of ​​the outer cover.

40. The outer cover according to any one of claims 33 to 39, wherein in at least one of the front section (oSf) and the rear section (oSb) of the outer cover, preferably in each, the at least one flap member (120, 140) is a single flap member (120, 140).

41. The outer cover (100) according to claim 40, wherein the single flap member (120, 140) extends laterally (X) between first and second side joints (128, 129; 148, 149) that join the flap member to the garment portion (150), and as a result the space opens longitudinally toward the crotch section over a flap member width (oWt) defined between the first and second side joints (128, 129; 148, 149).

42. The outer cover (100) according to claim 40 or 41, wherein the crotch section (oSc) of the outer cover determines the minimum lateral width (oWc) of the outer cover, and the flap member width (oWt) is greater than or equal to the minimum lateral width (oWc) of the outer cover, for example, at least 120% of the minimum lateral width (oWc) of the outer cover.

43. In at least one of the front section (oSf) and the rear section (oSb), preferably each, and in at least one of the one or more insert fastener areas (121, 122, 141, 142) of the set, preferably each, the surface fastening material is adapted to allow detachable mechanical and / or frictional fastening by the corresponding surface fastening material, the outer cover (100) according to any one of claims 27 to 42.

44. The outer cover (100) according to any one of claims 27 to 43, wherein in at least one of the front section (oSf) and the rear section (oSb), preferably each, and in at least one, for example all, of the one or more insert fastener areas (121, 122, 141, 142) of the set, the surface fastening material includes a plurality of discrete fastening elements, such as discrete fastening elements having axes that protrude outward (Zo) during use of the outer cover.

45. The outer cover (100) according to any one of claims 27 to 44, wherein in at least one of the front section (oSf) and the rear section (oSb), preferably each, the outer cover includes one or more insert fastener members (121a, 122a; 141a, 142a) attached to the outward-facing inner side (120a; 140a) of each flap member (120; 140), and each insert fastener member (121a, 122a; 141a, 142a) provides at least one of the one or more insert fastener areas (121, 122; 141, 142) in the set.

46. The outer cover (100) according to claim 45, wherein at least one of the one or more insert fastener members (121a; 122a; 141a; 142a), for example each, includes a base formed of a sheet having the length in the vertical direction (Y) and the width in the horizontal direction (X) when the flap members (120, 140) are in use, and the sheet-formed base includes one or more areas of surface fastening material.

47. The outer cover (100) according to claim 45 or 46, wherein at least one of the one or more insert fastener members (121a; 122a; 141a; 142a), for example each, has a height in the thickness direction of less than 3 mm, for example less than 2 mm or less than 1.5 mm.

48. The outer cover (100) according to any one of claims 45 to 47, wherein at least one of the one or more insert fastener members (121a; 122a; 141a; 142a), for example each, includes a hook material.

49. The outer cover (100) according to any one of claims 27 to 48, wherein the garment portion (150) and at least one of the one or more insert fastener areas (121, 122, 141, 142), for example, each of the surface fastening materials, are non-adherent to each other.

50. The outer cover (100) according to any one of claims 27 to 49, wherein at least 50%, for example, at least 70% or at least 90% of the total surface area of ​​the outer cover is liquid permeable.

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

52. The outer cover (100) according to any one of claims 27 to 50, wherein the outer cover is configured to be washable, preferably in a washing machine, and the outer cover is configured to withstand at least 20 washing cycles.

53. The outer cover (100) according to any one of claims 27 to 52, wherein the garment portion (150) comprises one or more fabric panels, preferably at least one of the one or more fabric panels, for example, each comprising a textile fabric, the textile fabric preferably being a knitted fabric.

54. The outer cover (100) according to claim 53, wherein the textile fabric, such as a knitted fabric, has a basis weight in the range of 150 to 300 gsm, for example, in the range of 200 to 250 gsm.

55. The outer cover (100) according to any one of claims 27 to 56, wherein the outer cover is essentially non-absorbent.

56. An absorbent insert (200) used in conjunction with an outer cover (100) to form an absorbent article (1) adapted to be worn around the waist of a wearer, wherein the insert (200) is molded to cover a predetermined portion of the wearer's pubic region and buttocks when in use, the insert extends along a longitudinal direction (Y), extends along a transverse direction (X) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (Y), and has a thickness direction (Z) defined perpendicular to the transverse and longitudinal directions (X, Y), the thickness direction (Z) is defined in an inward direction (Z) toward the wearer when the absorbent article is worn. ｉ ) and the outward direction (Z) away from the wearer when the article is worn. ｏ ) and The insert has a longitudinal length (iL) extending along the longitudinal direction (Y), and the insert is divided along the longitudinal length (iL) into a front section (iSf), a rear section (iSb), and a crotch section (iSc). The insert (200) includes a liquid-impermeable backsheet (206), a liquid-permeable topsheet (205), and an absorbent assembly (230) between the backsheet (106) and the topsheet (205). 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 and rear ends, the insert includes a pair of insert leg elastic members (210, 211), the pair of insert leg elastic members (210, 211) essentially extend along the longitudinal direction (Y) of the insert, are positioned on both sides of the insert, and are positioned between the absorbent assembly (230) and the longitudinal side edges (203, 204) of the insert, and in each of the front section (iSf) and rear section (iSb) of the insert, the leg elastic member width (iWl) is defined as the maximum lateral width of the insert leg elastic members (210, 211) in the front or rear section (iSf, iSb), respectively. The insert (200) has an inward-facing side (203) that includes the top sheet (205) which is directed toward the wearer when the article is in use, and an outward-facing side (204) which is directed toward the outer cover (100). In at least one of the front section (iSf) and the rear section (iSb) of the insert (200), preferably each, the insert (200) includes one or more sets of cover fastening areas (221, 222; 241, 242), each cover fastening area (221, 222; 241, 242) includes surface fastening material for detachably attaching the insert (100) to the outer cover (200), and the one or more cover fastening areas (221, 222; 241, 242) are inside the insert (200) An absorbent insert (200) provided on the side facing outwards and / or on the outward-facing side of the insert (200), wherein in at least one of the rear section (iSb) and the front section (iSf), preferably each, the lateral fastening width (iWf) to which the set (221, 222; 241, 242) of cover fastening areas extends is at least the leg elastic body width (iWl) in the front section (iSf) or the rear section (iSb), for example, 110% of the leg elastic body width (iWl) or 120% of the leg elastic body width (iWl).

57. In at least one of the front section (iSf) and the rear section (iSb), preferably each, the insert (200) includes a pair of leg edges (212, 213), each leg edge extending longitudinally along its respective insert leg elastic member (210, 211) and laterally between the insert leg elastic member and its respective longitudinal side edge (203, 204) of the insert, thereby defining a maximum lateral leg edge width (Wlp) between the inert leg elastic member (210, 211) and its respective longitudinal side edge (203, 204), the absorbent insert according to claim 56, wherein the maximum lateral leg edge width (Wlp) is at least 1 cm, for example, at least 2 cm.

58. The absorbent insert (200) according to claim 56 or 57, wherein each of the pair of leg elastic members (210, 211) is sandwiched between the innermost layer of the insert and the back sheet (206).

59. The insert leg elastic body length (iLl) is defined as the longitudinal length of the insert (200) along which the insert leg elastic members (210, 211) function, and the insert leg elastic body length (iLl) 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, according to any one of claims 56 to 58.

60. The absorbent insert according to any one of claims 56 to 59, wherein in at least one, preferably each, of the front section (iSf) and the rear section (iSb) of the insert (200), the set of one or more cover fastener areas (240, 241, 242, 243) is limited to a longitudinal section of the insert to which the leg elastic length (iLl) of the pair of insert leg elastic members (210, 211) does not extend.

61. The absorbent insert according to any one of claims 56 to 60, wherein the inward-facing side of the insert (200) includes a pair of internal leak-proof barriers (260, 261) extending in the longitudinal direction (Y) of the insert.

62. The absorbent insert (200) according to claim 61, wherein the internal leak-proof barriers (260, 261) are configured to be movable between a first position in which the internal leak-proof barriers (260, 261) form a plane parallel to the top sheet (205) and a second position in which the internal leak-proof barriers (260, 261) are lifted from the liquid-permeable top sheet (205) over at least 60% of the longitudinal length (iL) of the insert (200), spaced apart from both the front edge (201) and the rear edge (202) of the insert.

63. The absorbent insert (200) according to claim 61 or 62, wherein each inner leak-proof barrier (260, 261) includes an elastic element (260a, 261a).

64. The absorbent insert according to any one of claims 56 to 63, wherein in at least one of the rear section (iSb) and the front section (iSf), preferably each, the set of one or more cover fastening areas comprises a first subset (221; 241) of one or more cover fastening areas and a second subset (222, 242) of one or more cover fastening areas, wherein the first and second subsets are spaced apart by a lateral spacing width (iWs) around the longitudinal central axis (Y1) of the insert (200), preferably symmetrically spaced.

65. The absorbent insert (200) according to claim 64, wherein the set of one or more cover fastening areas extends to 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).

66. The absorbent insert (200) according to claim 64 or 65, when combined with at least claim 61, wherein the pair of inner leak-proof barriers (260, 261) are spaced symmetrically around the longitudinal axis (Y) by a barrier width (iWg), which is the lateral distance between mounting portions (260b, 261b) to which the liftable portions of the leak-proof barriers (260, 261) are attached to the remaining portions of the insert facing inward, and the leg elastic body width (iWl) is greater than the barrier width (iWg).

67. The absorbent insert (200) according to any one of claims 56 to 66, wherein in at least one of the front and rear sections (iSf, iSb), preferably each, the lateral fastening width (iWf) to which the set of one or more cover fastening areas (221, 222; 241, 242) extends is at least 70% of the maximum width (Wi) of the insert in the front or rear section, for example, at least 80% or at least 90% of the maximum width (Wi).

68. The absorbent insert (200) according to any one of claims 56 to 67, wherein the insert (200) has a minimum lateral width (Wc) in the crotch section (iSc) of the insert (200), and in at least one of the front and rear sections (iSf, iSb), preferably each, the lateral fastening width (iWf) to which one or more sets of cover fastening areas (221, 222; 241, 242) extend is greater than or equal to the minimum lateral width (Wc), for example, 110% or more of the minimum lateral width (Wc) or 120% or more of the minimum lateral width (Wc).

69. The absorbent insert (200) according to any one of claims 56 to 68, wherein the insert (200) extends longitudinally between a front edge (201) and a rear edge (202), and in at least one of the front section (iSf) and the rear section (iSb) of the insert (200), preferably each, one or more sets of cover fastener areas (221, 222; 241, 242) are positioned on or adjacent to the respective front edge (201) or rear edge (202) of the insert (200).

70. The absorbent insert (200) according to any one of claims 56 to 69, wherein in at least one of the front section (iSf) and the rear section (iSb), preferably each, each cover fastener area within the set of one or more cover fastener areas (221, 222; 241, 242) is positioned on the inward-facing side of the insert.

71. The absorbent insert (200) according to any one of claims 56 to 70, wherein in at least one of the front section (iSf) and the rear section (iSb), preferably each, and in at least one of the one or more cover fastening areas (221, 222; 241, 242) in the set, for example each, the surface fastening material is adapted to allow detachable mechanical and / or frictional fastening by the corresponding surface fastening material.

72. The absorbent insert (200) according to any one of claims 56 to 71, wherein at least one of the front section (iSf) and the rear section (iSb) of the insert (200), preferably each, includes one or more cover fastener members (221a, 222a; 241a, 242a) attached to the inward-facing side and / or the outward-facing side of the insert, each cover fastener member (221a, 222a; 241a, 242a) provides at least one of the one or more cover fastener areas (221, 222; 241, 242) in the set.

73. The absorbent insert (200) according to claim 72, wherein in at least one of the front section (iSf) and the rear section (iSb), preferably each, at least one, for example all, of the one or more cover fastener members (221a, 222a, 241a, 242a) includes a base formed of a sheet having the length in the longitudinal direction (Y) and the width in the transverse direction (X), the sheet-formed base includes one or more areas of surface fastening material.

74. The absorbent insert (200) according to claim 72 or 73, wherein in at least one of the front section (iSf) and the rear section (iSb), preferably each, at least one of the one or more cover fastener members (221a; 222a; 241a; 242a), for example each, has a height in the thickness direction of less than 3 mm, for example less than 2 mm or less than 1.5 mm.

75. The absorbent insert (200) according to any one of claims 71 to 74, wherein in at least one of the front section (iSf) and the rear section (iSb), preferably each, at least one of the one or more cover fastener members (221a; 222a; 241a; 242a) in the set, for example each, comprises a loop material.

76. The absorbent insert (200) according to any one of claims 55 to 75, wherein in at least one of the front section (iSf) and the rear section (iSb) of the insert (200), preferably each, the set of one or more cover fastener areas (221, 222; 241, 242) extends to a longitudinal length (Al) which is 20% or less of the longitudinal length (iL) of the insert, for example, 10% or less of the longitudinal length of the insert.

77. The absorbent insert (200) according to any one of claims 56 to 76, wherein the sum of the longitudinal length (Al) over which one or more cover fastener areas (221, 222; 241, 242) in the front section (iSf) and the longitudinal length (Al) over which one or more cover fastener areas (242, 243) in the rear section (iSb) of the insert is 30% or less of the longitudinal length (iL) of the insert, for example, 20% or less of the longitudinal length of the insert.

78. The absorbent insert (200) according to any one of claims 56 to 77, wherein in at least one of the front section (Sf) and the rear section (Sb) of the insert (200), preferably each of the one or more cover fastener areas (221, 222; 241, 242) in the set, each has an area (Al × Aw) of 10% or less of the area of ​​the insert, for example, 5% or less of the area of ​​the insert, or 2% or less of the area of ​​the insert.

79. The absorbent insert (200) according to any one of claims 56 to 78, wherein the total area of ​​all the one or more cover fastener areas (221, 222; 241, 242) of the insert (200) is 25% or less of the area of ​​the insert, for example, 10% or less of the area of ​​the insert.

80. The absorbent insert (200) according to any one of claims 56 to 79, wherein the absorbent assembly (230) is positioned in at least the crotch section (iSc) of the insert and has an absorbent assembly length (iLc) that is 80% or less of the longitudinal length (iL) of the insert, for example, 70% or less of the longitudinal length of the insert.

81. The absorbent insert (200) according to any one of claims 56 to 80, wherein the back sheet includes a nonwoven fabric, for example, the back sheet is a laminate of a porous polymer film and a nonwoven fabric.

82. The absorbent insert (200) according to any one of claims 56 to 81, wherein the back sheet is breathable.

83. The absorbent assembly (230) includes an absorbent core, the absorbent core is hourglass-shaped, and the crotch section (iS ｃ The absorbent insert (200) according to any one of claims 56 to 82, having the narrowest width in the horizontal direction (X) at the vertical center position of the insert (200).

84. The absorbent insert (200) according to claim 83, wherein the longitudinal edges of the front sheet and the back sheet partially coincide with the hourglass shape of the absorbent assembly (230).

85. The absorbent insert (200) according to any one of claims 56 to 84, wherein the absorbent core comprises a first absorbent layer (231) and a second absorbent layer (232), and the first and second absorbent layers are laminated between the back sheet and the top sheet (205).

86. An absorbent insert (200) according to any one of claims 56 to 85, having a total absorption capacity of at least 1000 ml, for example, 1000 ml to 4000 ml.

87. The absorbent insert (200) according to any one of claims 56 to 86, wherein the absorbent assembly (230) comprises a superabsorbent polymer, for example, cellulose fibers and a superabsorbent polymer.

88. The absorbent insert (200) according to claim 87, wherein the absorbent assembly (230) contains an absorbent polymer concentration of at least 15% by weight based on the total weight of the cellulose fibers and the superabsorbent polymer.

89. The insert according to any one of claims 56 to 88, wherein the insert is configured for single use.

90. A package (300) comprising a plurality of inserts (200) according to any one of claims 56 to 89.

91. The packaging (300) according to claim 88, further comprising the outer cover (100) according to any one of claims 27 to 55.

92. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein the outer cover is as described in any one of claims 27 to 55, and / or the insert is as described in any one of claims 56 to 89.

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