Hygiene and incontinence underwear

Abstract

The present invention relates mainly to underpants having a multilayer structure in the gusset area, wherein the multilayer structure includes an outer woven fabric layer in the shape of underpants, an absorbent core fixed to the underpants, and optionally an inner layer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention mainly relates to underpants having a multilayer structure within a gusset area, the multilayer structure including an outer layer and optionally an inner layer and an absorbent core.

Background Art

[0002] Articles capable of absorbing liquids including blood are regularly required by women during menstruation. Feminine hygiene products are personal care products used during the menstrual period, vaginal secretions, and other body functions related to the vulva and vagina. Products used during menstruation may be referred to as menstrual hygiene products or sanitary articles.

[0003] A pantiliner is an absorbent piece of material used for feminine hygiene. It is worn in the gusset of a woman's panties for daily absorption of vaginal secretions, light menstrual flow, assistance with tampons and menstrual cups, spotting, post - coital secretions, and urinary incontinence. Pantiliners are related to menstrual pads in their basic structure but are usually thinner and often narrower than pads. As a result, they do not absorb as much liquid as pads and are ideal for light secretions and daily cleanliness. They are generally not suitable for heavy flow during mid - menstruation and need to be changed more frequently.

[0004] Most sanitary articles including pantiliners are disposable and generate a huge amount of waste. Also, it can happen that there is no trash can in the toilet room. This can lead to an unpleasant situation when looking for a place to discard used sanitary articles.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the present invention aims to alleviate the above-mentioned problems. In particular, it aims to provide sanitary articles that enable the reduction of waste and / or the facilitation of disposal. Furthermore, it aims to keep the sanitary articles comfortable and inconspicuous. A further objective is to keep the complexity of the articles, and therefore the manufacturing cost, to a minimum. These and other objectives, which will become apparent below, are achieved by the present invention and its embodiments as described herein. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The first embodiment relates to underpants having a multilayer structure in the gusset area. The multilayer structure includes an outer layer and an absorbent core. The underpants are preferably women's underpants. The absorbent core is fixed to the underpants. The absorbent core may be permanently or removablely fixed to the underpants. For example, the absorbent core can be sewn and / or bonded to the underpants, particularly the outer layer. In another example, the absorbent core is removablely fixed to the outer layer by Velcro®, buttons, or zipper fasteners.

[0007] The underpants of the present invention provide an alternative to conventional panty liners. They offer an opportunity to reduce waste in that the absorbent core is located and integrated within the gusset area of ​​the underpants. This allows for miniaturization of the absorbent core and / or the use of a reusable absorbent core. However, as described herein, a reusable absorbent core is not essential to the present invention. The absorbent core is reusable (i.e., at least washable) and can be permanently fixed to the underpants. In this way, waste can be further reduced.

[0008] The outer layer is preferably the outermost layer of the underpants, made of woven fabric and providing the typical shape of the underpants. Woven fabric provides a common appearance. Woven fabric can be made of natural fibers, synthetic or chemically manufactured yarns, and may also include mixed forms.

[0009] The multilayer structure preferably further includes an inner layer. The inner layer is closest to the wearer's skin and captures bodily fluids, which are then rapidly transported into the interior of the multilayer structure. Its surface structure is preferably perforated, but it can also be textured or smoothed. The inner layer is preferably formed from a woven fabric. As used herein, the term “woven fabric” refers to a cloth that is woven, knitted, stitch-bonded, or otherwise prepared. Woven fabrics may be made from natural fibers, synthetic or chemically produced yarns, and may also be in mixed forms.

[0010] While preferable, the inner layer is not essential to the present invention. In particular, the function of absorbing bodily fluids and transporting them into the multilayer structure may be assumed by the absorbent core itself. For this purpose, the absorbent core itself may have a multilayer structure including a layer corresponding to the inner layer described herein. Another possibility is that the layer corresponding to the inner layer described herein is attached to a separate, for example, replaceable element, rather than being permanently attached to the underpants or absorbent core. When in use, this separate layer may be placed inside the underpants above the absorbent core to separate the absorbent core from the user's skin.

[0011] The joint may connect the inner layer and the outer layer, and in certain embodiments, the absorbent core may also be connected to each other along the perimeter or a portion of the gusset area. The joint may be liquid-tight.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the absorbent core is secured to the underpants by being received and / or clamped in a slot-shaped clamping portion. For this purpose, the underpants include a slot-shaped clamping portion of a size and shape that receives and / or clamps the absorbent core. The clamping portion is preferably formed between an inner layer and an outer layer.

[0013] The inner layer may be shaped and sized to at least partially cover the inner surface of the absorbent core and to hold the absorbent core (e.g., by pressing down or clamping it). In the first embodiment, the inner layer surrounds the absorbent core along its periphery (e.g., by pressing down or clamping it), i.e., completely covers the absorbent core along its periphery. In the second embodiment, the inner layer partially covers the absorbent core along its periphery. In the third embodiment, the inner layer completely covers the absorbent core across its surface area. In the latter case, the inner layer is preferably permeable to body fluids.

[0014] Preferred underpants further include an opening for introducing an absorbent core. The opening provides access to the clamping portion. The opening may also provide access to the absorbent core in the thickness direction of the multilayer structure. The opening may also provide access to the absorbent core in a direction parallel to the surface area of ​​the inner and / or outer layers, i.e., substantially perpendicular to the thickness direction of the multilayer structure.

[0015] In the clamping region, the inner layer may have one or more notches. That is, if the opening is substantially annular, the inner layer may have one or more notches in the substantially annular portion.

[0016] Furthermore, in the clamping region, it is preferable that the outer surface of the inner layer is spaced apart from the inner surface of the outer layer (in the thickness direction of the multilayer structure). The spacing is preferably formed (in the thickness direction of the multilayer structure) by the thickness of one or more intermediate layers of a size and shape that extends circumferentially around the absorbent core. Conversely, in the area occupied or to be occupied by the absorbent core, the multilayer structure does not contain one or more intermediate layers in its thickness direction.

[0017] The absorbent core has a substantially flat surface and may contain one or more absorbent layers. The absorbent core absorbs and retains bodily fluids internally. Depending on the need and absorbency, it can have a single-layer or multi-layer structure. For example, the absorbent core may contain one, two, three, four, five, or more than five absorbent layers. Instead of, or in addition to, the number of absorbent layers, the absorbency can be adjusted by the thickness of the absorbent core. If there are multiple absorbent layers, the absorbent layers may be the same or different. The absorbent core is preferably formed from one or more layers of woven, knitted, stitch-bonded, fleece-covered, or other fabrics. The fabric can be made from natural fibers, synthetic or chemically produced yarns, and also includes mixed forms. In certain embodiments of the present invention, the absorbent core includes one or more layers formed independently from terry cloth, fleece, molton or polyester, or any other material. The present invention is intended to replace general panty liners, in which case the absorbency is fairly low to moderate. Therefore, there is no need to actively seal the multilayer structure against leakage. Furthermore, the underpants may incorporate the leak-proof means described herein in particular.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the absorbent core includes a body portion and a reinforcing edge portion around the body portion. The reinforcing edge portion is preferably shaped and sized to fit between the clamping portions. The reinforcing edge portion may be formed using ultrasonic embossing, ultrasonic lamination and / or ultrasonic welding. The reinforcing edge portion is more preferably thinner than the body portion. The reinforcing edge portion may run along the entire circumference of the absorbent core or along only a portion of it.

[0019] In a more preferred embodiment, the absorbent core includes one or more fasteners for securing the absorbent core to the inner and / or outer layers of the underpants. The fasteners may provide a permanent or removable / peeled connection to the underpants. For example, the absorbent core can be permanently sewn and / or bonded to the underpants, particularly the outer layer. In another example, the absorbent core is removablely secured to the outer layer by Velcro®, buttons, adhesive, or a zipper fastener.

[0020] The underpants of the present invention may further include indicators, for example, in the form of one or more marker lines and / or marked areas, to indicate the proper position of the absorbent core. The indicators help to position the removable / replaceable absorbent core correctly, thereby helping to prevent leakage. In certain embodiments, the marked areas may correspond to areas of sealing portions that may be included in the gusset area of ​​the outer layer.

[0021] As described above, the outer layer may have a sealing portion within the gusset area. The sealing portion provides a barrier to bodily fluids. Preferably, the sealing portion is made of a fabric coated with an adhesive coating material having sealing properties, such as an adhesive or sealant. The main purpose of the coating is to make the outer layer impermeable to bodily fluids. Preferably, the sealing portion is directly bonded to the outer layer. Self-adhesive elastomers, particularly silicone, are preferred.

[0022] The elastomer used is, for example, a thermoplastic elastomer that becomes soft or liquid when heated and hardens when cooled. When heated, this elastomer can be applied in dots, lines or areas and penetrate the fabric of the fabric layer, so that after the elastomer hardens, it binds strongly and permanently to the fabric layer. Silicone is preferred. It is available in medical grade. It has substantially no allergenic activity. Preferably, the coating is adhered to the outer layer by screen printing, but other manufacturing processes such as rolling, spraying, transfer printing, etc. are also envisaged. This results in a very uniform coating. Other coatings that can be used include rubber, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, fluoropolymers and / or waxes.

[0023] The coating is preferably continuous at least within the gusset area. However, this may be applied over the entire surface of the outer layer or may consist of several partial surfaces sealed to each other. The continuous coating makes the fabric impermeable to body fluids. Advantageously, no membrane is required. Therefore, the underpants are quiet, can be repeatedly washed and dried at high temperatures up to 90 °C without losing their liquid retention performance. The coating can penetrate the fabric structure and thus adhere to the fabric structure without further means. Therefore, the coated fabric can be handled as a single layer. This is a major advantage over membrane-based technologies. It simplifies the handling of the coated fabric during the manufacture of the underpants. Furthermore, a stretchable layer of waterproof fabric is obtained.

[0024] It is preferred that the surface area of the sealing portion corresponds to the surface area of the absorbent core (±20%).

[0025] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sealing portion extends beyond the gusset area. Preferably, the sealing portion extends across substantially the entire area of the underpants. This means that the sealing portion extends across the entire surface of the outer layer. Further, the sealing portion may be disposed between the outer layer and a further fabric layer. The further fabric layer may extend at least across the gusset area. In some embodiments, the additional fabric layer extends beyond the gusset area, preferably across substantially the entire area of the underpants. This means that the further fabric layer may extend across the entire surface of the outer layer. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the further fabric layer and the sealing portion extend across the entire surface of the outer layer.

[0026] The presence of the sealing portion is preferred but not essential to the present invention. Depending on the amount of body fluid to be absorbed, the capacity of only the absorbent core may be sufficient to prevent the body fluid from leaking out of the underpants. Also, the absorbent core itself may have a layer corresponding to the sealing portion. Another option is that the sealing portion is provided as a separate element, for example a fabric layer. This means that the sealing portion is not permanently attached to the underpants or the absorbent core, but is attached to a separate, for example replaceable, element. In use, this separate layer may be placed within the underpants under the absorbent core so as to dispose a separate layer between the outer layer and the absorbent core.

[0027] In further embodiments, the sealing portion includes an elastomer layer fixed to the outer layer. The elastomer layer is preferably fixed to the inner surface of the outer layer. Preferably, the elastomer is a thermoplastic elastomer, particularly silicone. Fixation of the elastomer layer is not limited and can be achieved, for example, by directly bonding the elastomer layer to the outer layer, for example across its entire surface, by stitching the elastomer layer to the outer layer, by sandwiching the elastomer layer between the outer layer and another layer of the multilayer structure, such as an absorbent core or inner layer, or any other additional layer optionally included in the multilayer structure between the absorbent core and the outer layer, or by a combination of the techniques described above. Therefore, the elastomer layer does not have to be a coating, such as a silicone coating, that adheres to a woven layer such as the outer layer, but may be a separate layer essentially made of an elastomer, such as silicone. Thus, the elastomer layer can be provided independently of other layers and assembled as a layer with other layers.

[0028] The absorbent core can take on any of the following shapes. Preferably, the absorbent core has a circular, elliptical, or angular surface area. The opening may have a corresponding shape; that is, the opening can define a circular, elliptical, or angular surface area. The gripping portion is preferably formed adjacent to the opening. Furthermore, to facilitate the withdrawal and introduction of the replaceable absorbent core, the absorbent core may have one or more tabs for gripping the absorbent core.

[0029] The absorbent core may be permanent or replaceable. Permanent absorbent cores are reusable and washable at 60°C, preferably up to 90°C. Replaceable absorbent cores may be disposable and / or biodegradable. Replaceable absorbent cores may also be reusable and / or washable at 60°C, preferably up to 90°C.

[0030] A preferred absorbent core is relatively small compared to a typical panty liner. In a preferred embodiment, the absorbent core is 50 cm². 2 Less than 40 cm, preferably 40 cm 2 Less than, more preferably 30 cm 2 Less than, and more preferably 20 cm 2 Less than 15 cm, most preferably 15 cm 2 It has a surface area of ​​less than 5 cm. The absorbent core is preferably at least 5 cm. 2 , more preferably at least 10 cm 2 , most preferably at least 15 cm 2 It has a surface area of ​​[value]. In certain examples, each upper bound should be understood to form its respective range with each lower bound.

[0031] The inner layer may include an outer edge portion in the circumferential direction, and the outer edge portion may be partially or completely connected to the outer layer. In a preferred embodiment, the circumferential edge portion of the inner layer, particularly the side edge portion, is recessed (offset) from the leg notch portion of the outer layer by, for example, at least 3 mm, preferably at least 5 mm, more preferably at least 7 mm, and even more preferably at least 10 mm.

[0032] The absorbent core is more preferably less than 8 cm in length or diameter, preferably less than 6 cm, more preferably less than 5 cm, and most preferably less than 4 cm.

[0033] The width of the absorbent core is preferably less than 6.0 cm, preferably less than 5.5 cm, more preferably less than 5.0 cm, even more preferably less than 4.5 cm, even more preferably less than 4.0 cm, and most preferably less than 3.5 cm.

[0034] The thickness of the absorbent core is preferably less than 5.0 mm, preferably less than 4.5 mm, more preferably less than 4.0 mm, even more preferably less than 3.5 mm, even more preferably less than 3.0 mm, most preferably less than 2.5 mm and / or at least 0.6 mm, preferably at least 0.8 mm, more preferably at least 1.0 mm, even more preferably at least 1.2 mm, even more preferably at least 1.4 mm, and most preferably at least 1.6 mm. In specific examples, each upper limit should be understood to form each lower limit and their respective ranges.

[0035] It should be further understood that each of the specific values ​​described for two or more of the surface area, length / diameter, width, and thickness can be combined with each other to form further specific embodiments.

[0036] The outer layer may further include lateral edge portions that fold over or appear connected to the inner layer. The folded and / or sealed lateral edge portions help prevent bodily fluids from spreading outside the sealed portion, creating a wet feeling on the skin or compromising concealment. For this purpose, the lateral edge portions may extend from both sides outside the gusset area, fold over and connect to the lateral edge of the inner layer. This means that the opposite lateral edge portions of the outer layer (the left and right portions from the wearer's perspective) fold over and connect to the lateral edge of the inner layer. In another example, one or more layers of the multilayer structure may be bonded to each other using an adhesive coating material, preferably an elastomer, particularly silicone. In this example, the lateral edge portions do not need to extend from both sides outside the gusset area, nor do they need to fold over the lateral edge to prevent bodily fluids from leaking through the periphery of the multilayer structure.

[0037] The adhesive tape may be attached to the edge portion of the inner layer and the adjacent portion of the outer layer.

[0038] The sealing portion may be flocked. Flocking is well known to those skilled in the art. Several advantages relate to the flocked outer layer, particularly the flocked sealing portion. When the flock is attached to the inner surface of the sealing portion, the flock helps to absorb bodily fluids and thus serves as the sole or additional means of absorption. Furthermore, some known types of incontinence articles produce a rubbing sound when a person moves, which arises from the plastic film around the absorbent core. Therefore, flocks attached to the inner surface of the outer layer can further help to reduce such sounds. The length of the flock may vary as needed, but is preferably in the range of 0.2 to 20 mm, preferably 0.4 to 15 mm, and more preferably 0.6 to 10 mm (referring to the visible portion of the flock). Viscose flocks are particularly preferred. Other flock-forming materials include flock formation from natural and / or chemical raw materials or mixed forms.

[0039] Typically, the gusset area can be described as substantially rectangular, particularly pyramidal or hourglass-shaped, or any other shape, with a primary, longitudinal axis extending front-to-back and a secondary, axial axis extending laterally (left-to-right) relative to the wearer's viewpoint, and may have a design consisting of one or more parts. As already mentioned above, the sealing portion may extend outside the gusset area. Specifically, the sealing portion may extend outside the gusset area beyond the opposite edge of the gusset area, or the sealing layer may extend outside the gusset area beyond the front and rear edges of the gusset area. Preferably, the sealing portion extends outside the gusset area beyond the side edges of the gusset area.

[0040] A suture puncture connecting the outer and inner layers can then be sealed by applying an adhesive coating material, preferably an elastomer, particularly silicone, and / or a thread that provides a sealing effect by heat or mechanical action. For example, a thread made of a thermoplastic elastomer may be heated so that the softened material fills the gap. Swelling thread can also be used. The puncture hole can also be sealed by applying, for example, spraying, an adhesive coating material as defined herein, such as silicone. In this case, conventional thread may be used. Ultrasound may be used to heat and soften the thread, thereby filling the remaining gap.

[0041] The underpants of the present invention may include various edge finishing configurations. For example, the underpants may include flocked leg edges and / or flocked waist edges. As another example, the underpants may include folded leg edges and / or folded waist edges. For example, the leg edges and / or waist edges of the underpants may be folded and connected to the inner layer and / or parts of the underpants. Furthermore, the underpants may include trimmed leg edges and / or trimmed waist edges. For this purpose, the leg edges and / or waist edges may be trimmed by folding a ribbon or tape and connecting it to the respective edges. The gusset area or the leg edge adjacent thereto may be treated equally with other leg edge areas. The leg edges may also be formed by introducing an adhesive coating material, preferably an elastomer, particularly a silicone, between different layers of a multilayer structure to seal the layers together.

[0042] Finally, it should be noted that each feature or embodiment is combinable with respect to the fact that the combination is not technically meaningful or impossible.

[0043] Herein, the concept of the present invention, non-limiting embodiments, and further advantages of the concept of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0044] [Figure 1] This shows a prototype of underwear that includes a permanently integrated mini panty liner. [Figure 2a] Exemplary underpants include a mini panty liner that is removably secured by a circumferential clamping portion. [Figure 2b] Exemplary underpants include a mini panty liner that is removably secured by a circumferential clamping portion. [Figure 3a] Further examples of underpants including a mini panty liner are shown. In these cases, the mini panty liner is removably secured by a clamping portion that forms an opening pocket. [Figure 3b] Further examples of underpants including a mini panty liner are shown. In these cases, the mini panty liner is removably secured by a clamping portion that forms an opening pocket. [Figure 4a] A cross-sectional view shows the multi-layered structure of an example pair of underwear. [Figure 4b] A cross-sectional view shows the multi-layered structure of an example pair of underwear. [Figure 5] This demonstrates how a removable absorbent core can be incorporated into a multilayer structure and between circumferential clamping portions. [Figure 6] A cross-sectional view shows another multi-layered structure of the example underwear. [Figure 7] This figure shows another method for reversibly securing an absorbent core to an inner layer using a Velcro fastener as an example. [Figure 8] A cross-sectional view shows another multi-layered structure of the example underwear. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0045] The descriptions of the invention provided herein are given purely as examples and should not be construed in any way as limiting or restricting the scope of the invention. The invention is described with reference to an exemplary range of underwear, such as underpants, shorts, briefs or panties, or slips.

[0046] In the following description, the concept of the present invention will be described with reference to reusable, washable, and dryable sanitary and incontinence articles.

[0047] Figure 1 shows a prototype of exemplary women's underpants 100, which includes a mini panty liner permanently integrated as an absorbent core 20. The absorbent core 20 is located in the gusset area and is covered with mesh as an inner layer 30. The inner layer 30 is covered with adhesive tape 40 along its perimeter. The outer layer 10 may optionally include a sealing portion beneath the absorbent core 20. As further shown in Figure 1, the outer layer 10 may include a flocked leg cutout portion 14.

[0048] Figures 2a and 2b show the underpants 200 and 300. Note that the structure of the underpants 200 and 300 is the same as that of the underpants 100, so a detailed explanation is omitted. They differ from structure 100 in that the absorbent core 20 is removably fixed within the gusset region. In the examples of underpants 200 and 300, the absorbent core 20 is held between clamping portions 50 that extend circumferentially around the absorbent core 20. The underpants 300 also have a tab 22 for gripping the absorbent core. The tab 22 facilitates the introduction and removal of the absorbent core 20.

[0049] Figures 3a and 3b show the underpants 400 and 500. Note that the structure of the underpants 400 and 500 is the same as that of the underpants 200 and 300, so a detailed explanation is omitted. Structures 400 and 500 differ from structures 200 and 300 in how the absorbent core 20 is removably secured within the gusset region. In the example of underpants 400, the absorbent core 20 is held by a clamping portion 50 that partially extends around the absorbent core 20. In the example of underpants 500, the inner layer 30 forms an opening pocket 32 ​​between the inner layer 30 and the outer layer 10 for removably receiving the absorbent core 20.

[0050] Figures 4a and 4b show exemplary multilayer structures 600 and 700 of the underpants. The main difference between structure 600 and structure 700 is that structure 600 is formed from an inner layer (elastic knitted fabric) and an outer layer (elastic knitted fabric) and has spaced-apart clamping portions 50 using an adhesive film. Furthermore, structure 700 shows the location of the seam connection between the inner and outer layers.

[0051] Figure 5 shows how a removable absorbent core 20 can be inserted between the clamping portions of the underpants 300 in Figure 2b.

[0052] Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of another multilayer structure 800 of exemplary underwear. The multilayer structure 800 is similar to the multilayer structure 600, but differs in that it comprises first and second inner layers with an adhesive film between them. Furthermore, an additional adhesive film is located beneath the absorbent layer.

[0053] Figure 7 shows, as an example, another method of reversibly securing the absorbent core 20 to the inner layer of the underpants 900 using a Velcro fastener 70.

[0054] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the multilayer structure 1000, which is similar to the multilayer structure 800, but differs from structure 800 in that the adhesive film 1020 extends outside the gusset area between the two layers of elastic knitted fabric 1050. That is, the adhesive film 1020 attaches and holds the two layers 1050 together by being laminated between them. Preferably, the two layers 1050 extend over the entire area of ​​the underpants. Preferably, the adhesive film 1020 extends over the entire area of ​​the underpants. The two layers 1050 and the adhesive film 1020 can form the basic structure of the underpants. If bodily fluids exceed the capacity of the absorbent core 1080 and leak outside the gusset area, this configuration has the advantage that, first, the additional elastic knitted fabric 1050 may help absorb the leaked bodily fluids, and the adhesive film 1020 can prevent the bodily fluids from leaking through the underpants and appearing as wet spots on the outside.

[0055] The multilayer structure 1000 may further include an adhesive film 1022 for sealing the absorbent core 1080 toward the sides / around the periphery. The absorbent core 1080 may be laminated with a gusset fabric 1090, thereby the gusset fabric 1090 may be part of the absorbent core 1080, for example, attached to the absorbent core, or may be a separate layer.

Claims

1. Underpants having a multilayer structure in the gusset area, wherein the multilayer structure is The outer fabric layer in the shape of the aforementioned underpants, The absorbent core fixed to the aforementioned underpants, The inner layer, Underpants, including

2. The underpants according to claim 1, wherein the underpants include a slot-shaped clamping portion of a size and shape for receiving and / or holding the absorbent core, the clamping portion preferably formed between the inner layer and the outer layer.

3. The underpants according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the inner layer has a shape and size such that it holds the absorbent core along its periphery or a portion thereof.

4. The underwear according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the underwear includes an opening for introducing the absorbent core.

5. The underpants according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein in the region of the clamping portion, the outer surface of the inner layer is spaced apart from the inner surface of the outer layer, and the space is preferably formed by the thickness of one or more intermediate layers having a size and shape that extends circumferentially around the periphery of the absorbent core.

6. The underpants according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the absorbent core includes a central body portion and a reinforcing edge portion around the body portion, and the reinforcing edge portion is preferably shaped and sized to fit between the clamping portions.

7. The underpants according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the area occupied or to be occupied by the absorbent core is circular, elliptical, or angular in shape, and / or the absorbent core has a circular, elliptical, or angular surface area.

8. The underpants according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the absorbent core, the inner layer and / or the outer layer include one or more fasteners for permanently or removably securing the absorbent core to the inner layer and / or the outer layer, the one or more fasteners being preferably selected from the group consisting of sutures, Velcro, adhesive, buttons and zipper fasteners.

9. The underwear according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the underwear is equipped with an indicator for indicating the position of the absorbent core.

10. The underwear according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the outer layer includes a sealing portion in the gusset area, providing a barrier for bodily fluids.

11. (i) The sealing portion extends beyond the gusset area, preferably over substantially the entire area of ​​the underpants, and / or (ii) The sealing portion is located between the outer fabric layer and an additional fabric layer, preferably the additional fabric layer extends beyond the gusset area, and more preferably the additional fabric layer extends over substantially the entire area of ​​the underpants, according to claim 10.

12. The underpants according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the sealing portion includes an elastomer layer fixed to the outer layer.

13. The absorbent core, Including one or more tabs for gripping the absorbent core, and permanently or removablely fixed to the underpants, and / or Disposable or reusable, The underpants according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The underpants according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the circumferential edge portion of the inner layer is recessed relative to the leg cutout portion of the outer layer.

15. The absorbent core, 50 cm ２ Less than 40 cm ２ Less than, more preferably 30 cm ２ Less than, and more preferably 20 cm ２ Less than 15 cm, most preferably 15 cm ２ Having a surface area less than and / or at least 5 cm ２ Preferably at least 10 cm ２ , more preferably at least 15 cm ２ It has a surface area and / or Having a length or diameter of less than 8 cm, preferably less than 6 cm, more preferably less than 5 cm, and most preferably less than 4 cm, and / or Having a width of less than 6.0 cm, preferably less than 5.5 cm, more preferably less than 5.0 cm, even more preferably less than 4.5 cm, even more preferably less than 4.0 cm, and / or Having a thickness of less than 5.0 mm, preferably less than 4.5 mm, more preferably less than 4.0 mm, even more preferably less than 3.5 mm, even more preferably less than 3.0 mm, and / or Underpants according to any one of claims 1 to 14, having a thickness of at least 0.6 mm, preferably at least 0.8 mm, more preferably at least 1.0 mm, even more preferably at least 1.2 mm, even more preferably at least 1.4 mm, and most preferably at least 1.6 mm.

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