Alternative leakproof construction for reusable underwear gusset

Abstract

An absorbent garment includes one or more functional layers with a body side surface, a barrier layer on a garment side of the one or more functional layers, a body fabric on the garment side of the one or more functional layers, and a barrier strip cut overlapping a portion of the body side surface. In certain embodiments, the barrier strip cut is a material that is or is treated to be hydrophobic and / or liquid repellant. A stitch connects the barrier strip cut, the one or more functional layers, and the barrier layer, and the stitch may extend through the barrier layer. The absorbent garment may additionally include a liquid impermeable sealing element overlapping a garment side of the barrier strip and sealing the stitch and / or covering a side edge of the one or more functional layers.

Description

ALTERNATIVE LEAKPROOF CONSTRUCTION FOR REUSABLE UNDERWEARGUSSETREFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 639,485, filed on April 26, 2024, and entitled ALTERNATIVE LEAKPROOF CONSTRUCTION FOR REUSABLE UNDERWEAR GUSSET, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to absorbent articles intended for personal wear, and more particularly to absorbent articles with gusset constructions that resist leaks.BACKGROUND

[0003] Many absorbent articles intended for personal wear, such as diapers, training pants, feminine hygiene products, adult incontinence products, bandages, medical garments, and the like are designed to be sufficiently absorbent to absorb moisture from liquid body exudates including urine, menses, blood, etc., away from the wearer to reduce skin irritation caused by prolonged wetness exposure. Reusable underwear and other similar garments are typically constructed like regular underwear (or other garment), but with added layers for absorbent and barrier properties with the layers being fully sewn into the underwear (or other garment). However, leakage often occurs via stitching holes and / or via wicking across the material components due to a lack of an edge barrier between the sewn gusset and the surrounding fabric. Some reusable garments offer sealed seams (i.e., non-stitched) as an alternative to sewn seams, and while this approach eliminates stitching holes and leakage through stitching holes, it does not prevent leakage due to material wicking across components. An additional drawback of sealed seams is that they lock up the stretch of the leg elastics, which compromises fit and / or comfort.SUMMARY

[0004] The terms “invention,” “the invention,” “this invention” and “the present invention” used in this patent are intended to refer broadly to all of the subject matter of this patent and the patentclaims below. Statements containing these terms should be understood not to limit the subject matter described herein or to limit the meaning or scope of the patent claims below. Embodiments of the invention covered by this patent are defined by the claims below, not this summary. This summary is a high-level overview of various embodiments of the invention and introduces some of the concepts that are further described in the Detailed Description section below. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used in isolation to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. The subject matter should be understood by reference to appropriate portions of the entire specification of this patent, any or all drawings, and each claim.

[0005] According to certain embodiments, an absorbent garment includes a functional layer, a barrier layer, a barrier strip cut, and a body fabric layer. The functional layer includes a body side surface on a body side of the absorbent garment, and the barrier strip cut may partially overlap the body side surface. The barrier layer may be provided on a garment side of the functional layer. In certain embodiments, a stitch connects the functional layer, the barrier layer, and the barrier strip cut, and the stitch extends through the barrier layer.

[0006] According to some embodiments, an absorbent garment includes a functional layer, a barrier layer, a barrier strip cut, a body fabric layer, and a sealing element. The functional layer includes body side surface on a body side of the absorbent garment, and the barrier strip cut overlaps a portion of the body side surface. The barrier layer may be provided a garment side of the functional layer. The sealing element may be liquid impermeable and overlaps a portion of a garment side of the barrier layer.

[0007] According to various embodiments, an absorbent garment includes a functional layer, a barrier layer, a barrier strip cut, a body fabric layer, and a sealing element. The functional layer includes body side surface on a body side of the absorbent garment, and the barrier strip cut extends partially over of the body side surface. The sealing element may extend from a garment side of the barrier layer to a garment side of the barrier strip cut.

[0008] According to some embodiments, an absorbent garment includes a functional layer with a body side surface on a body side of the absorbent garment. The absorbent garment additionally includes a barrier layer on a garment side of the functional layer, a barrier strip cut extendingpartially over the body side surface of the functional layer, and a body fabric layer. In certain embodiments, the absorbent garment includes a sealing element extending from a garment side of the barrier layer to the barrier strip and covering a side edge of the functional layer.

[0009] According to certain embodiments, an absorbent garment includes a functional layer with a body side surface on a body side of the absorbent garment, a barrier layer on a garment side of the functional layer, and a barrier strip cut extending partially over the body side surface of the functional layer. In certain embodiments, the absorbent garment includes a body fabric layer, a first stitch connecting the functional layer, the barrier layer, and the barrier strip cut, and a second stitch connecting the barrier strip cut and the body fabric layer. In certain embodiments, the absorbent garment includes a sealing element extending from a garment side of the barrier layer and overlapping the first stitch to a garment side of the barrier strip cut between the first stitch and the second stitch.

[0010] Various implementations described in the present disclosure can include additional systems, methods, features, and advantages, which cannot necessarily be expressly disclosed herein but will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. It is intended that all such systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within the present disclosure and protected by the accompanying claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The features and components of the following figures are illustrated to emphasize the general principles of the present disclosure. Corresponding features and components throughout the figures can be designated by matching reference characters for the sake of consistency and clarity.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a front outer view of an absorbent garment with a gusset according to embodiments.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a rear outer view of the absorbent garment of FIG. 1.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a front inner view of the absorbent garment of FIG. 1.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a rear inner view of the absorbent garment of FIG. 1.

[0016] FIG. 5 is an inner view of the absorbent garment of FIG. 1.

[0017] FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a portion of the gusset of FIG. 1.

[0018] FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a portion of the gusset of FIG. 1.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Described herein are improved gussets for absorbent garments as well as absorbent garments incorporating such gussets. In certain embodiments, the gussets described herein may provide comparable and / or improved leakage performance compared to traditional approaches while providing a simplified construction. In some embodiments, the gussets described herein may provide an improved fit that minimizes and / or prevents leakage compared to traditional approaches. In various embodiments, the gussets described herein may utilize an internal, liquid impermeable sealing element in combination with a stitch that penetrates a functional layer and a barrier layer of the gusset, which provide improved leakage performance and improved fit. In some embodiments, the gussets described herein may provide improved leakage control while maintaining leg elastic function and thereby maintaining comfort and fit of the garment and / or openings of the gusset to a wearer. Various other benefits and advantages may be realized with the systems and methods provided herein, and the aforementioned advantages should not be considered limiting.

[0020] FIGS. 1-5 illustrate an example of an absorbent garment 100 with a gusset 102 according to certain embodiments. In FIGS. 1-4, the absorbent garment 100 is illustrated as a boyshort. However, the particular boyshort illustrated should not be considered limiting, and in further embodiments, other types of boyshorts and / or absorbent garments 100 may be utilized with the gusset 102 as desired, such as but not limited to a brief, an undergarment, a bathing suit, a pajama, a shorts, a leotard, a legging, a pants, a skort, a panty, a boyshort, a bikini, a thong, an overalls, a bodysuit, a leotard, a tights, a pantyhose, a boxers, a biking shorts, and / or a compression shorts, among others. Additionally, the absorbent garment 100 may be a reusable garment, a non-reusable garment, a single-use garment, a throw-away garment, etc. and / or may be sized to be worn by an infant, a toddler, a child, a teen, an adult, etc.

[0021] As illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, the absorbent garment 100 may include a front body portion 104 and a rear body portion 106. As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the gusset 102 may be arranged at least partially between the front body portion 104 and the rear body portion 106. Leg openings may be defined by the reusable garment 100.

[0022] The front body portion 104 and the rear body portion 106 may be formed of one or more body fabric layers (discussed in detail below) and generally have garment side surfaces 108, 110 (FIGS. 1 and 2) and body side surfaces 112, 114 (FIGS. 3-5). In certain embodiments, the front body portion 104 and the rear body portion 106 form the garment side (or exterior) surface of the absorbent garment 100 that faces away from a wearer when the absorbent garment 100 is worn, and the gusset 102 forms a portion of a body side (or interior) surface of the absorbent garment 100 that faces and / or contacts a wearer when the absorbent garment 100 is worn.

[0023] The gusset 102 may have various shapes as desired with one or more edges. In some embodiments, and as best illustrated in FIG. 5, the gusset 102 may include a front edge 116, a rear edge 118, and side edges 120, 122. In certain embodiments, one or more of the edges 116, 118, 120, 122 may be curved or non-linear as illustrated in FIG. 5, although in other embodiments, the one or more edges 116, 118, 120, 122 may include one or more linear portions. However, in other embodiments, the gusset 102 may have other shapes as desired, and the particular shape of the gusset 102 illustrate should not be considered limiting. In addition to one or more edges, and as best illustrated in FIG. 6, the gusset 102 generally includes a body side (or top side) 124 that faces a user 101 when worn, and a garment side (or bottom side) 126 that faces away from the user 101 when worn.

[0024] In certain embodiments, and as best illustrated in FIG. 6, the gusset 102 generally includes one or more functional layers 128, a barrier layer 130, a barrier strip cut 132, and one or more body fabric layers 134. In some embodiments, the gusset 102 additionally includes a sealing element 136. FIG. 6 illustrates a sectional view taken at one of the edges 116, 118, 120, 122. In certain embodiments, each edge 116, 118, 120, 122 of the gusset 102 may have a construction and arrangement similar to that illustrated in FIG. 6. In other embodiments, the construction and arrangement at each edge 116, 118, 120, 122 of the gusset 102 need not be the same.

[0025] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the one or more functional layers 128 include two functional layers 128A-B. However, the number of functional layers 128 should not be considered limiting, and in other embodiments, the gusset 102 may include a single functional layer 128, two functional layers 128, and / or more than two functional layers 128 as desired. Regardless of the number of functional layers 128, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the one or more functional layers 128 generally include a body side surface 138, a garment side surface 140, and a side edge 142.

[0026] The one or more functional layers 128 may be various absorbent materials and / or moisture-wicking materials as desired. As non-limiting examples, the one or more functional layers 128 may be a material including, but not limited to, fabric, natural yarn, synthetic yam, synthetic fabric, nonwovens, wovens, microfiber terry fabrics, super absorbent fabrics, cellulose, spacer fabrics, polyurethane, wool, polypropylene, polyamide, polyester, cotton, silk, elastane, rubber, plastic, metal, merino wool, rayon, linen, bamboo, taffeta, Gore-Tex®, X-static®, Tencel™, lyocell, modal, combinations thereof, or other suitable materials as desired. In certain embodiments, a single functional layer 128 may be constructed via various techniques as desired such that the functional layer 128 provides both moisture-wicking and absorbent properties. As a non-limiting example, the functional layer 128 A may be constructed from a material or combination of materials such that the functional layer 128A provides both moisture-wicking and liquid absorption. In other embodiments, the moisture-wicking material and the absorbent material may be provided as discrete layers. As non-limiting examples and referring to FIG. 6, the functional layer 128A may be a moisture-wicking layer and the functional layer 128B may be an absorbent layer, or, alternatively, the functional layer 128A may be an absorbent layer and the functional layer 128B may be a moisture-wicking layer.

[0027] The barrier layer 130 is provided on the garment side 126 of the one or more functional layers 128 and generally includes a body side surface 144, a garment side surface 146, and a side edge 148. In various embodiments, the barrier layer 130 may be constructed from various materials such that the barrier layer 130 is substantially liquid-impervious (e.g., natively or due to treatment) and / or may have hydrophobic and / or liquid repellent properties. In certain embodiments, the barrier layer 130 may minimize or prevent moisture from penetrating through the gusset 102 from the one or more functional layers 128. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, waterproof materials, water resistant materials, coated materials, laminated materials, nonwovens, films,combinations thereof, and / or other barrier technologies as desired. Such materials may be provided in one or more layers to form the barrier layer 130.

[0028] As a non-limiting example, the barrier layer 130 may be a laminate having a barrier side and a fabric side. In this embodiment, the fabric side may be a material such as but not limited to a fabric, natural yarn, synthetic yarn, synthetic fabric, polyurethane, wool, polypropylene, polyamide, polyester, cotton, silk, elastane, rubber, plastic, metal, merino wool, rayon, linen, bamboo, taffeta, Gore-Tex®, X-static®, Tencel™, lyocell, modal, combinations thereof, or other suitable materials as desired. The barrier side may be a film or coating, such as but not limited to a polyurethane coating and / or other suitable material as desired. In these embodiments, the barrier side and the fabric side may be provided in various orientations or configurations relative to the one or more functional layers 128. As a non-limiting example, the fabric side may form the body side surface 144 and the barrier side may form the garment side surface 146, or vice versa. Optionally, the barrier layer 130 may be constructed from a material that is treated to be hydrophobic and / or liquid repellant. Optionally, the material of the barrier layer 130 may be treated to be stain-resistant.

[0029] The barrier strip cut 132 includes a cover portion 150 that at least partially overlaps the body side surface 138 of the one or more functional layers 128 and includes a body side surface 152 and a garment side surface 154. In some embodiments, the body side surface 152 of the barrier strip cut 132 may be a surface that is most proximate to the user 101 when the absorbent garment 100 is worn. Optionally, and as discussed in greater detail below with reference to FIG. 7, the barrier strip cut 132 may include an edge portion 766. However, in other embodiments, and as illustrated in FIG. 6, the edge portion 766 may be omitted. The barrier strip cut 132 may be various widths as desired and suitable for coupling with the one or more functional layers 128 and the barrier layer 130 on one side and for coupling with the one or more body fabric layers 134 on the other side as discussed in detail below. In some non-limiting examples, the cover portion 150 of the barrier strip cut 132 may have a width of at least 6 mm, such as at least 7 mm, at least 8 mm, at least 9 mm, at least 10 mm, at least 11 mm, at least 12 mm, at least 13 mm, at least 14 mm, at least 15 mm, and / or at least 16 mm. In other embodiments, the cover portion 150 may have other dimensions as desired.

[0030] Similar to the barrier layer 130, the barrier strip cut 132 may be constructed from various materials such that the barrier strip cut 132 is substantially liquid-impervious (e.g., natively or due to treatment) and / or may have hydrophobic and / or liquid repellent properties. In some embodiments, the barrier strip cut 132 may include the same materials and / or similar construction as the barrier layer 130, although it need not in other embodiments. As non-limiting examples, the barrier strip cut 132 may be waterproof materials, water resistant materials, coated materials, laminated materials, nonwovens, films, combinations thereof, and / or other barrier technologies as desired, and such materials may be provided in one or more layers to form the barrier strip cut 132. As a non-limiting example, the barrier strip cut 132 may be a laminate having a barrier side and a fabric side. In this embodiment, the fabric side may be a material similar to those suitable for the fabric side of the barrier layer 130, and the barrier side may be a material similar to those suitable for the barrier side to the barrier layer 130. Similar to the barrier layer 130, the barrier side and the fabric side of the barrier strip cut 132 may be provided in various orientations or configurations relative to the one or more functional layers 128. As a non-limiting example, the fabric side may form the body side surface 152 and the barrier side may form the garment side surface 154, or vice versa.

[0031] The one or more body fabric layers 134 may form the front body portion 104 and / or the rear body portion 106 and may be provided on the garment side 126 ofthe barrier layer 130. While two body fabric layers 134A-B are illustrated in FIG. 6, the number of body fabric layers 134 should not be considered limiting. As non-limiting examples, the absorbent garment 100 may include one body fabric layer 134 (see, e.g., FIG. 7), two body fabric layers 134, and / or more than two body fabric layers 134. In certain embodiments, the one or more body fabric layers 134 may include any suitable material for use in a garment, including but not limited to fabric, natural yarn, synthetic yarn, synthetic fabric, polyurethane, wool, polypropylene, polyamide, polyester, combinations thereof, and / or other suitable materials as desired. Optionally, the one or more body fabric layers 134 (and / or leg band coverings) may also have hydrophobic and / or liquid repellent properties. As a non-limiting example, the one or more body fabric layers 134 may be treated with a fabric softener or other liquid repellent. Various other materials may be used as the one or more body fabric layers 134 as desired, and the aforementioned examples should not be considered limiting.

[0032] As illustrated in FIG. 6, in various embodiments, first stitching forming a first seam 156 may couple the one or more functional layers 128, the barrier layer 130, and the barrier strip cut 132. In various embodiments, and as illustrated in FIG. 6, the first seam 156 may extend through the barrier layer 130. In FIG. 6, edges of the first seam 156 are represented by dashed lines, and the first seam 156 has a first seam width 158. The first seam width 158 may be various widths as desired and suitable for joining the one or more functional layers 128, the barrier layer 130, and the barrier strip cut 132. As non-limiting examples, the first seam width 158 may be at least 1 mm, such as at least 2 mm, at least 3 mm, at least 4 mm, at least 5 mm, and / or at least 6 mm. In other embodiments, the first seam width 158 may be other dimensions as desired.

[0033] Second stitching forming a second seam 160 may couple the barrier strip cut 132 with the one or more body fabric layers 134. As illustrated in FIG. 6, in certain embodiments, the second seam 160 may be formed at a location offset outwards relative to the side edges 142, 148. Similar to the first seam 156, edges of the second seam 160 are represented by dashed lines in FIG. 6, and the second seam 160 has a second seam width 162. In some embodiments, the second seam width 162 is greater than the first seam width 158, although it need not be in other embodiments. As nonlimiting examples, the second seam width 162 may be at least 3 mm, such as at least 4 mm, at least 5 mm, at least 6 mm, at least 7 mm, and / or at least 8 mm. In other embodiments, the second seam width 162 may be other dimensions as desired. In one non-limiting example, the first seam width 158 may be 4 mm and the second seam width 162 may be 6 mm. However, in other embodiments, other seam widths 158, 162 may be utilized as desired.

[0034] Optionally, and as illustrated in FIG. 6, the first seam 156 and the second seam 160 may be separated by an uncovered width 164 of the barrier strip cut 132. The uncovered width 164 may be various dimensions as desired. As non-limiting examples, the uncovered width 164 may be at least 8 mm, at least 9 mm, at least 10 mm, at least 11 mm, and / or at least 12 mm. In other embodiments, the uncovered width 164 may be other dimensions as desired.

[0035] In certain embodiments, with the first seam 156 and the second seam 160, the barrier strip cut 132 may provide a simplified and efficient coupling of the gusset 102 with the body fabric layer(s) 134 with improved strength and fit for the user 101 when worn.

[0036] In addition to providing the improved coupling, the gusset 102 may provide comparable and / or improved leakage performance compared to traditional approaches. The improved leakage performance may be at least partially achieved by the hydrophobic barrier strip cut 132. In certain embodiments, and as illustrated in FIG. 6, the sealing element 136 may provide additional comparable and / or improved leakage performance.

[0037] The sealing element 136 may be a material that is liquid impermeable and suitable for sealing the first seam 156. Various materials may be utilized as the sealing element 136 as desired. In one non-limiting example, the sealing element 136 may be a polyurethane-based sealing element such as but not limited to a polyurethane sealing tape. In certain embodiments, a thickness of the sealing element 136 may be less than a thickness of the barrier layer 130 and / or a thickness of the barrier strip cut 132. However, in other embodiments, the thickness of the sealing element 136 may be other dimensions as desired.

[0038] In certain embodiments, and as illustrated in FIG. 6, the sealing element 136 overlaps a portion of the barrier layer 130 on the garment side 126 and includes a covering portion 174 and an extension portion 176. In some embodiments, the sealing element 136 is provided on at least a portion of the garment side surface 146 of the barrier layer 130 with the first seam 156, which in turn may seal the first seam 156 on the garment side 126 of the barrier layer 130.

[0039] In addition to overlapping the barrier layer 130 between the barrier layer 130 and the body fabric layer 134, the sealing element 136 extends outwards from the side edges 142, 148 and to the barrier strip cut 132. Thus, in certain embodiments, the sealing element 136 may have various widths as desired and suitable for overlapping the barrier layer 130 and extending to the barrier strip cut 132. As non-limiting examples, the sealing element 136 may be at least 8 mm, such as at least 9 mm, at least 10 mm, at least 11 mm, and / or at least 12 mm. In other embodiments, the width of the sealing element 136 may be other dimensions as desired.

[0040] In various embodiments, the sealing element 136 extends to the garment side surface 154 of the barrier strip cut 132. In certain embodiments, the sealing element 136 extends from the garment side surface 146 to a portion of the garment side surface 154 of the barrier strip cut 132 between the location of the first seam 156 and the location of the second seam 160. In other embodiments, the sealing element 136 may extend to the location of the second seam 160 on thegarment side surface 154 of the barrier strip cut 132. As illustrated in FIG. 6, by extending from the garment side surface 146 of the barrier layer 130 to the barrier strip cut 132, the sealing element 136 may cover the side edges 142, 148, thereby minimizing and / or preventing leakage from the side edges.

[0041] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of an absorbent garment 700 with a gusset 702 that is similar to the gusset 102 except that the barrier strip cut 132 additionally includes an edge portion 766. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the edge portion 766 may cover the side edges 142, 148, optionally such that the sealing element 136 is between the edge portion 766 and the side edges 142, 148. In other embodiments, the sealing element 136 may extend to a portion of the barrier strip cut 132 other than the cover portion 150, such as but not limited to the edge portion 766.

[0042] Optionally, and as illustrated in FIG. 7, the edge portion 766 includes a folded portion 768. In certain embodiments, the second seam 160 may be in the edge portion 766, such as but not limited to in the folded portion 768. When the folded portion 768 is included, the location of the second seam 160 may be below that of the first seam 156 (e.g., the second seam 160 optionally is on the garment side 126 of the barrier layer 130.

[0043] Compared to the gusset 102, the gusset 702 additionally includes leg elastic 770, although it need not in other embodiments. As used herein, “elastic,” “elastomeric,” and the like refer to the ability of a material or composite to be elongated by at least about 50 percent and upon relaxation to return to within at least 50 percent of its original length. Referring to FIG. 7, in some embodiments, the leg elastic 770 may be provided in a folded portion 772 of the body fabric layer 134, although it need not be and may be provided at other locations and / or orientations relative to the body fabric layer 134 as desired. In certain embodiments, and as illustrated in FIG. 7, the second seam 160 may couple the barrier strip cut 132, the body fabric layer 134, and the leg elastic 770. As mentioned, the leg elastic 770 is optional, and in other embodiments, gussets may omit leg elastic. As a non-limiting example, in another embodiment, a gusset may appear substantially as illustrated in FIG. 7 except that the leg elastic is omitted. In such embodiments, the gusset may rely on the main body and / or chassis materials for the stretch and / or fit to the body of the user 101.

[0044] As mentioned, the gussets described herein and absorbent garments incorporating such gussets may have improved leakage control compared to traditional approaches while providing asimplified construction. The gussets described herein may include a hydrophobic barrier strip cut overlapping a body side surface of one or more functional layers, a first seam coupling the barrier strip layer, the one or more functional layers, and the barrier layer, and an internal sealing element sealing the first seam. The arrangement of the hydrophobic barrier strip cut, the first seam, and the sealing element may provide an improved construction while providing leakage control comparable to and / or improved compared to traditional approaches. In certain embodiments, a second seam may couple the barrier strip cut to one or more body fabric layers. The gusset with the barrier strip cut having the first seam and the second seam may facilitate leakage control by the gusset while providing improved fit and comfort to a user when worn. The gussets described herein may be utilized with various absorbent garments as desired, such as but not limited to a brief, an undergarment, a bathing suit, a pajama, a shorts, a leotard, a legging, a pants, a skort, a panty, a boyshort, a bikini, a thong, an overalls, a bodysuit, a leotard, a tights, a pantyhose, a boxers, a biking shorts, and / or a compression shorts. Additionally, the absorbent garment may be a non-reusable garment, a single-use garment, a throw-away garment, etc. and / or may be sized to be worn by an infant, a toddler, a child, a teen, an adult, etc. Various other benefits and advantages may be realized with the systems and methods provided herein, and the aforementioned advantages should not be considered limiting.

[0045] A collection of exemplary embodiments is provided below, including at least some explicitly enumerated as “Embodiments” providing additional description of a variety of example embodiments in accordance with the concepts described herein. These embodiments are not meant to be mutually exclusive, exhaustive, or restrictive; and the disclosure not limited to these example embodiments but rather encompasses all possible modifications and variations within the scope of the issued claims and their equivalents.

[0046] Embodiment 1. An absorbent garment comprising: a functional layer comprising a body side surface on a body side of the reusable garment; a barrier layer on a garment side of the functional layer; a barrier strip cut overlapping the body side surface of the functional layer; and a body fabric layer, wherein a stitch connects the functional layer, the barrier layer, and the barrier strip cut, and the stitch extends through the barrier layer.

[0047] Embodiment 2. The absorbent garment of any of the preceding or subsequent embodiments or combination of embodiments, wherein the functional layer comprises at least one of a wicking layer, an absorbent layer, or a wicking and absorbent layer.

[0048] Embodiment 3. The absorbent garment of any of the preceding or subsequent embodiments or combination of embodiments, further comprising a sealing element overlapping a garment side of the barrier layer and extending outwards relative to a side edge of the functional layer, wherein the sealing element is liquid impermeable.

[0049] Embodiment 4. The absorbent garment of any of the preceding or subsequent embodiments or combination of embodiments, wherein the sealing element extends from the garment side of the barrier layer to a garment side of the barrier strip cut.

[0050] Embodiment 5. The absorbent garment of any of the preceding or subsequent embodiments or combination of embodiments, wherein the sealing element is between the stitch and the body fabric.

[0051] Embodiment 6. The absorbent garment of any of the preceding or subsequent embodiments or combination of embodiments, wherein the barrier strip cut is a laminate comprising a barrier side and a fabric side.

[0052] Embodiment 7. The absorbent garment of any of the preceding or subsequent embodiments or combination of embodiments, wherein the stitch is a first stitch, and wherein the absorbent garment comprises a second stitch connecting the barrier strip cut with the body fabric.

[0053] Embodiment 8. The absorbent garment of any of the preceding or subsequent embodiments or combination of embodiments, wherein a width of the first stitch is less than a width of the second stitch.

[0054] Embodiment 9. The absorbent garment of any of the preceding or subsequent embodiments or combination of embodiments, wherein a width of the first stitch is 4 mm and a width of the second stitch is 6 mm.

[0055] Embodiment 10. An absorbent garment comprising: a functional layer comprising a body side surface on a body side of the absorbent garment; a barrier layer on a garment side of the functional layer; a barrier strip cut overlapping the body side surface of the functional layer; a bodyfabric layer; and a sealing element overlapping a garment side of the barrier layer, wherein the sealing element is liquid impermeable.

[0056] Embodiment 11. The absorbent garment of any of the preceding or subsequent embodiments or combination of embodiments, wherein the sealing element extends from the garment side of the barrier layer to a garment side of the barrier strip cut.

[0057] Embodiment 12. The absorbent garment of any of the preceding or subsequent embodiments or combination of embodiments, wherein the sealing element covers a side edge of the functional layer.

[0058] Embodiment 13. The absorbent garment of any of the preceding or subsequent embodiments or combination of embodiments, wherein a width of the sealing element is 10 mm.

[0059] Embodiment 14. The absorbent garment of any of the preceding or subsequent embodiments or combination of embodiments, further comprising a stitch connecting the functional layer, the barrier layer, and the barrier strip cut, wherein the sealing element overlaps the stitch on the garment side of the barrier layer.

[0060] Embodiment 15. The absorbent garment of any of the preceding or subsequent embodiments or combination of embodiments, wherein the stitch is a first stitch, and wherein the absorbent garment further comprises a second stitch connecting the barrier strip cut and the body fabric, wherein the sealing element extends to a garment side of the barrier strip cut between the first seam and the second seam.

[0061] Embodiment 16. The absorbent garment of any of the preceding or subsequent embodiments or combination of embodiments, wherein the body fabric is a first body fabric, wherein the second stitch connects the barrier strip cut, the first body fabric, and a second body fabric.

[0062] Embodiment 17. An absorbent garment comprising: a functional layer comprising a body side surface on a body side of the absorbent garment; a barrier layer on a garment side of the functional layer; a barrier strip cut extending partially over the body side surface of the functional layer; a body fabric layer; and a sealing element extending from a garment side of the barrier layer to a garment side of the barrier strip.

[0063] Embodiment 18. The absorbent garment of any of the preceding or subsequent embodiments or combination of embodiments, wherein the sealing element is liquid impermeable.

[0064] Embodiment 19. The absorbent garment of any of the preceding or subsequent embodiments or combination of embodiments, wherein the sealing element covers a side edge of the functional layer.

[0065] Embodiment 20. The absorbent garment of any of the preceding or subsequent embodiments or combination of embodiments, further comprising a stitch extending through the barrier layer and connecting the functional layer, the barrier layer, and the barrier strip cut, wherein the sealing element overlaps the stitch on the garment side of the barrier layer.

[0066] Embodiment 21. The absorbent garment of any of the preceding or subsequent embodiments or combination of embodiments, wherein a width of the sealing element is less than a width of the barrier strip cut.

[0067] Embodiment 22. An absorbent garment comprising: a functional layer comprising a body side surface on a body side of the absorbent garment; a barrier layer on a garment side of the functional layer; a barrier strip cut extending partially over the body side surface of the functional layer; a body fabric layer; and a sealing element extending from a garment side of the barrier layer to the barrier strip and covering a side edge of the functional layer.

[0068] Embodiment 23. The absorbent garment of any of the preceding or subsequent embodiments or combination of embodiments, wherein the sealing element is liquid impermeable.

[0069] Embodiment 24. The absorbent garment of any of the preceding or subsequent embodiments or combination of embodiments, further comprising a stitch extending through the barrier layer and connecting the functional layer, the barrier layer, and the barrier strip cut, wherein the sealing element overlaps the stitch on the garment side of the barrier layer.

[0070] Embodiment 25. The absorbent garment of any of the preceding or subsequent embodiments or combination of embodiments, wherein the barrier strip cut is a laminate comprising a barrier side and a fabric side.

[0071] Embodiment 26. An absorbent garment comprising: a functional layer comprising a body side surface on a body side of the absorbent garment; a barrier layer on a garment side of thefunctional layer; a barrier strip cut extending partially over the body side surface of the functional layer; a body fabric layer; a first stitch connecting the functional layer, the barrier layer, and the barrier strip cut; a second stitch connecting the barrier strip cut and the body fabric layer; and a sealing element extending from a garment side of the barrier layer and overlapping the first stitch to a garment side of the barrier strip cut between the first stitch and the second stitch.

[0072] Embodiment 27. The absorbent garment of any of the preceding or subsequent embodiments or combination of embodiments, wherein a width of the first stitch is less than a width of the second stitch.

[0073] Embodiment 28. The absorbent garment of any of the preceding or subsequent embodiments or combination of embodiments, wherein a width of the barrier strip cut between the first stitch and the second stitch is less than a width of the sealing element.

[0074] Embodiment 29. The absorbent garment of any of the preceding or subsequent embodiments or combination of embodiments, wherein the sealing element is liquid impermeable.

[0075] Embodiment 30. The absorbent garment of any of the preceding or subsequent embodiments or combination of embodiments, wherein the barrier strip cut is a laminate comprising a barrier side and a fabric side.

[0076] Embodiment 31. The absorbent garment of any of the preceding or subsequent embodiments or combination of embodiments, wherein the absorbent garment is a boyshort.

[0077] The various aspects, embodiments, implementations or features of the described embodiments can be used separately or in any combination. It should be appreciated that the various elements of concepts from the figures may be combined without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

[0078] The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Directional references such as “up,” “down,” “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,” “front,” and “back,” among others, are intended to refer to the orientation as illustrated and described in the figure (or figures) to which the components and directions are referencing. The terms“comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, or gradients thereof, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate embodiments of the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

[0079] As used herein, the term “substantially” refers to the complete or nearly complete extent or degree of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. For example, an object that is “substantially” enclosed would mean that the object is either completely enclosed or nearly completely enclosed. The exact allowable degree of deviation from absolute completeness may in some cases depend on the specific context. However, the nearness of completion will be so as to have the same overall result as if absolute and total completion were obtained.

[0080] Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. The invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, and certain shown exemplary embodiments thereof are shown in the drawings and have been described above in detail. Variations of those preferred embodiments, within the spirit of the present invention, may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, it should be understood that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form or forms disclosed, but on the contrary, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the abovedescribed elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

[0081] The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the described embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.

Claims

AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on 21 August 2025 (21 .08.2025)1 . An absorbent garment comprising: a functional layer comprising a body side surface on a body side of the absorbent garment; a barrier layer on a garment side of the functional layer; a barrier strip cut overlapping the body side surface of the functional layer; a body fabric layer; and a sealing element overlapping a garment side of the barrier layer and extending outwards relative to a side edge of the functional layer, wherein a first stitch connects the functional layer, the barrier layer, and the barrier strip cut, and the stitch extends through the barrier layer, wherein the absorbent garment comprises a second stitch connecting the barrier strip cut with the body fabric, and wherein the sealing element extends to barrier strip cut between a location of the first stitch and a location of the second stitch.

2. The absorbent garment of claim 1 , wherein the functional layer comprises at least one of a wicking layer, an absorbent layer, or a wicking and absorbent layer.

3. The absorbent garment of claim 1 , wherein the sealing element is liquid impermeable.

4. The absorbent garment of claim 3, wherein the sealing element extends from the garment side of the barrier layer to a garment side of the barrier strip cut.

5. The absorbent garment of claim 3, wherein the sealing element is between the stitch and the body fabric.

6. The absorbent garment of claim 1 , wherein the barrier strip cut is a laminate comprising a barrier side and a fabric side.

7. The absorbent garment of claim 1 , wherein a width of the first stitch is less than a width of the second stitch.

8. An absorbent garment comprising: a functional layer comprising a body side surface on a body side of the absorbent garment; a barrier layer on a garment side of the functional layer; a barrier strip cut overlapping the body side surface of the functional layer;a body fabric layer; and a sealing element provided on and overlapping a portion of a garment side of the barrier layer, wherein the sealing element is liquid impermeable.

9. The absorbent garment of claim 8, wherein the sealing element extends from the garment side of the barrier layer to a garment side of the barrier strip cut.

10. The absorbent garment of claim 8, wherein the sealing element covers a side edge of the functional layer.11 . The absorbent garment of claim 8, further comprising a stitch connecting the functional layer, the barrier layer, and the barrier strip cut, wherein the sealing element overlaps the stitch on the garment side of the barrier layer.

12. The absorbent garment of claim 11 , wherein the stitch is a first stitch, and wherein the absorbent garment further comprises a second stitch connecting the barrier strip cut and the body fabric, wherein the sealing element extends to a garment side of the barrier strip cut between the first seam and the second seam.

13. The absorbent garment of claim 12, wherein the body fabric is a first body fabric, wherein the second stitch connects the barrier strip cut, the first body fabric, and a second body fabric.

14. An absorbent garment comprising: a functional layer comprising a body side surface on a body side of the absorbent garment; a barrier layer on a garment side of the functional layer; a barrier strip cut extending partially over the body side surface of the functional layer; a body fabric layer; and a sealing element extending from a garment side of the barrier layer to a garment side of the barrier strip and covering a side edge of the functional layer.

15. The absorbent garment of claim 14, wherein the sealing element is liquid impermeable.

16. The absorbent garment of claim 14, further comprising a stitch extending through the barrier layer and connecting the functional layer, the barrier layer, and the barrier strip cut, wherein the sealing element overlaps the stitch on the garment side of the barrier layer.

17. (Original) The absorbent garment of claim 14, wherein a width of the sealing element is less than a width of the barrier strip cut.

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