ABSORBENT ARTICLE

Abstract

The disclosure provides an absorbent undergarment comprising an integrated absorbent assembly, having an extension in the longitudinal and transverse directions. The assembly comprises an absorbent core comprising first and second absorbent layers, and having front, crotch and rear portions, and front and rear transverse edges. The first and second absorbent layers overlap in the crotch portion. The first absorbent layer has a first layer frontmost half and a rearmost half, the first absorbent layer having front and rear transverse edges. The second absorbent layer has a rearmost half and frontmost half, the second absorbent layer has a rear transverse edge and front transverse edge, wherein a maximum width of the first layer frontmost half is greater than that of the first layer rearmost half and wherein a maximum width of the second layer rearmost half is greater than that of the second layer frontmost half.

Claims

1. A washable and reusable absorbent undergarment comprising an integrated absorbent assembly, the absorbent undergarment having an extension in the longitudinal direction, the absorbent assembly comprising an absorbent core, the absorbent core comprising a first absorbent layer and a second absorbent layer, the absorbent core having a front portion, a crotch portion and a rear portion, the absorbent core having a core front transverse edge and a core rear transverse edge, wherein the first absorbent layer and the second absorbent layer overlap each other in the crotch portions of the absorbent core, the first absorbent layer has a first layer frontmost half and a first layer rearmost half, the first absorbent layer having a first layer front transverse edge, and a first layer rear transverse edge, the second absorbent layer has a second layer rearmost half and a second layer frontmost half, the second absorbent layer has a second layer rear transverse edge, and a second layer front transverse edge, wherein a maximum width of the first layer frontmost half is greater than a maximum width of the first layer rearmost half and wherein a maximum width of the second layer rearmost half is greater than a maximum width of the second layer frontmost half.

2. The washable and reusable absorbent undergarment according to claim 1, wherein the maximum width of the first layer frontmost half is at least 5% greater than the maximum width of the first layer rearmost half.

3. The washable and reusable absorbent undergarment according to claim 1, wherein the maximum width of the second layer rearmost half is at least 5% greater than the maximum width of the second layer frontmost half.

4. The washable and reusable absorbent undergarment according to claim 1, wherein the maximum width of the first layer rearmost half is within the range of from ?80% to +20% of a width of a first layer crotch part, the width of the first layer crotch part being measured at a smallest width of the absorbent core where the first absorbent layer and the second absorbent layer overlap each other in the crotch portion.

5. The washable and reusable absorbent undergarment according to claim 1, wherein the maximum width of the second layer frontmost half is within the range of from ?80% to +20% of a width of the second layer crotch part, the width of a second layer crotch part being measured at a smallest width of the absorbent core where the first absorbent layer and the second absorbent layer overlap each other in the crotch portion.

6. The washable and reusable absorbent undergarment according to claim 1 wherein a width of the first absorbent layer of the second absorbent layer along an area of the absorbent core where the first absorbent layer and the second absorbent layer overlap each other in the crotch portion.

7. The washable and reusable absorbent undergarment according to claim 1, wherein the first absorbent layer has a length, as measured along a longitudinal centerline of the absorbent undergarment, corresponding to from 35% to 100% of a total length of the absorbent core, between the front transverse edge of the absorbent core and the rear transverse edge of the absorbent core.

8. The washable and reusable absorbent undergarment according to claim 1, wherein the second absorbent layer has a length, as measured along a longitudinal centerline of the absorbent undergarment, corresponding to from 35% to 100%, such as within the range of from 35% to 95%, of a total length of the absorbent core, between the front transverse edge of the absorbent core and the rear transverse edge of the absorbent core.

9. The washable and reusable absorbent undergarment according to claim 1, wherein at least a section of the second layer rear transverse edge has a radius of curvature and wherein at least a section of a first layer rear transverse edge has a radius of curvature of from ?70% of the radius of curvature of the at least a section of the second layer rear transverse edge.

10. The washable and reusable absorbent undergarment according to claim 1, wherein at least a section of the first layer front transverse edge has a radius of curvature and wherein at least a section of a second layer front transverse edge has a radius of curvature of from ?70% of the radius of curvature of the at least a section of the first layer front transverse edge.

11. The washable and reusable absorbent undergarment according to claim 1, wherein the absorbent core comprises a third absorbent layer, the third absorbent layer extending over the crotch portion of the absorbent core.

12. The washable and reusable absorbent undergarment according to claim 11, wherein the third absorbent layer has a width being either smaller or greater than a respective width of the first and second absorbent layer in a respective first and second layer crotch part.

13. The washable and reusable absorbent undergarment according to claim 1, wherein a minimum width of the first layer rearmost fourth is ?80% of a width of a first layer crotch part, the width of the first layer crotch part being measured at a smallest width of the absorbent core where the first absorbent layer and the second absorbent layer overlap each other in the crotch portion.

14. The washable and reusable absorbent undergarment according to claim 1, wherein a minimum width of the second layer frontmost fourth is ?80% of a width of the second layer crotch part, the width of the second layer crotch part being measured at a smallest width of the absorbent core where the first absorbent layer and the second absorbent layer overlap each other in the crotch portion.

15. The washable and reusable absorbent undergarment according to claim 1, wherein the first absorbent layer and the second absorbent layer together form a dog-bone shaped absorbent core.

16. The washable and reusable absorbent undergarment according to claim 1, wherein the absorbent assembly comprises a body-facing layer having a basis weight of from 100 gsm.

17. The washable and reusable absorbent undergarment according to any GAG s claim 1, wherein the absorbent assembly comprises one or more of the following; a woven material, a nonwoven and/or a knit material.

18. The washable and reusable absorbent undergarment claim 1, wherein the absorbent assembly according to comprises a backsheet barrier layer.

19. The washable and reusable absorbent undergarment according to claim 18, wherein the backsheet barrier layer comprises a plastic film.

20. A washable and reusable absorbent pad comprising an absorbent assembly comprising a body-facing layer, a backsheet barrier layer and an absorbent core interposed between the body-facing layer and the backsheet barrier layer, the absorbent core comprising a first absorbent layer and a second absorbent layer, the absorbent core having a front portion, a crotch portion and a rear portion, the absorbent core having a core front transverse edge and a core rear transverse edge, wherein the first absorbent layer and the second absorbent layer overlap each other in the crotch portion of the absorbent core, the first absorbent layer has a first layer frontmost half and a first layer rearmost half, the first absorbent layer having a first layer front transverse edge, and a first layer rear transverse edge the second absorbent layer has a second layer rearmost half and a second layer frontmost half, the second absorbent layer has a second layer rear transverse edge, and a second layer front transverse edge, wherein a maximum width of the first layer frontmost half is greater than a maximum width of the first layer rearmost half and wherein a maximum width of the second layer rearmost half is greater than a maximum width of the second layer frontmost half.

21. The washable and reusable absorbent pad, wherein the absorbent assembly is an absorbent assembly according to claim 2.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] The present invention will be further explained hereinafter by means of non-limiting examples and with reference to the appended drawings wherein:

[0041] FIG. 1 illustrates a washable and reusable absorbent undergarment according to the present disclosure,

[0042] FIG. 2 illustrates the washable and reusable absorbent undergarment shown in FIG. 1 in a plan view; and

[0043] FIG. 3 is a plan view of a washable and reusable absorbent undergarment according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] The invention will be described more closely below by reference to an exemplary embodiment. The invention may however be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth in the drawings and the description thereto.

[0045] FIG. 1 illustrates a washable and reusable undergarment 1 according to the present disclosure. The absorbent undergarment 1 comprises an integrated absorbent assembly 2. The integrated absorbent assembly 2 comprises a body-facing layer 3, a backsheet barrier layer 4 and an absorbent core 5 interposed between the body-facing layer 3 and the backsheet barrier layer 4. The integrated absorbent assembly 2 is attached to a main material, such as a main fabric, of the washable and reusable undergarment 1. The main material may be a conventional undergarment material, for example of a convention panty material. The washable and reusable undergarment 1 is provided with waist elastics 9 along a waist opening 10 of the washable and reusable absorbent undergarment 1.

[0046] The washable and reusable absorbent undergarment 1 is an absorbent undergarment 1 that is capable of being washed without essential shrinkage or other damage, such as after five and up to forty washing occasions. The absorbent undergarment 1 is made from a washable material such as a washable fabric. The integrated absorbent assembly 2 may comprise woven material, a nonwoven and/or a knit material. The fibers in the absorbent assembly material may be synthetic fiber, such as polyamid, polyester and polyolefin fibers, and/or wool fibers, and the other one of the first or the second absorbent layer comprises cotton fibers and/or rayon fibers. The backsheet barrier layer may comprise a plastic film, the plastic film may be a breathable plastic film. The body-facing layer may have a basis weight of from 100 gsm or from 120 gsm. The body-facing layer may have a basis weight of up to 250 gsm. The body-facing layer may be a woven material, a nonwoven and/or a knit material layer.

[0047] FIG. 2 illustrates the washable and reusable undergarment 1 from FIG. 1 in a plan view and as seen from a user facing side.

[0048] The absorbent undergarment 1 has an extension in the longitudinal direction L and in the transverse direction T. The absorbent assembly 2 comprises a body-facing layer 3 and a backsheet 4 and an absorbent core 5 interposed between the body-facing layer 3 and the backsheet 4. The absorbent core 5 comprises a first absorbent layer 6 and a second absorbent layer 7. The absorbent core 5 has a front portion 5a, a crotch portion 5b and a rear portion 5c. The absorbent core 5 has a core front transverse edge 5a and a core rear transverse edge 5c. The first absorbent layer 6 and the second absorbent layer 7 overlap each other in the crotch portion 5b of the absorbent core 5 thus providing an improved absorbency in the crotch portion 5b of the absorbent core 5.

[0049] The first absorbent layer 6 has a first layer frontmost half 6a and a first layer rearmost half 6c, the first absorbent layer 6 furthermore has a first layer front transverse edge 6a, and a first layer rear transverse edge 6c. The second absorbent layer 7 has a second layer rearmost half 7c and a second layer frontmost half 7a, the second absorbent layer 7 furthermore has a second layer rear transverse edge 7c, and a second layer front transverse edge 7a. The first layer front transverse edge 6a corresponds to the core front transverse edge 5a and the second layer rear transverse edge 7c corresponds to the core rear transverse edge 5c.

[0050] Each of the first absorbent layer 6 and the second absorbent layer 7 are asymmetrical as seen over a transverse centerline T.sub.c of the absorbent assembly 2. A maximum width W.sub.1f of the first layer frontmost half 6a is greater than a maximum width W.sub.1r of the first layer rearmost half 6c and a maximum width W.sub.2r of the second layer rearmost half 7c is greater than a maximum width W.sub.2f of the second layer frontmost half 7a. The maximum width W.sub.1f of the first layer frontmost half 6a may be at least 15% greater, or at least 20% greater than the maximum width W.sub.1r of the first layer rearmost half 6c. The maximum width W.sub.1f of the first layer frontmost half 6a may be from 15% to 350% greater, or from 20% to 200% greater, than the maximum width W.sub.1r of the first layer rearmost half 6c. The maximum width W.sub.2r of the second layer rearmost half 7c may be from 15% to 350% greater, or from 20% to 200% greater, than the maximum width W.sub.2f of the second layer frontmost half 7a.

[0051] As may be seen in FIG. 2, the maximum width W.sub.1r of the first layer rearmost half 6c is within the range of from ?80% to ?20% of a width w.sub.1c of a first layer crotch part 6b, the width w.sub.1c of a first layer crotch part 6b being measured at a smallest width of the absorbent core 5 where the first absorbent layer 6 and the second absorbent layer 7 overlap each other in the crotch portion 5b. The maximum width W.sub.2f of the second layer frontmost half 7a is within the range of from ?80% to ?20% of a width w.sub.2c of the second layer crotch part 7b, the width w.sub.2c of a second layer crotch part 7b being measured at a smallest width of the absorbent core 5 where the first absorbent layer 6 and the second absorbent layer 7 overlap each other in the crotch portion 5b.

[0052] A minimum width W.sub.min1r of the first layer rearmost fourth 6d may be ?80% of the width w.sub.1c of a first layer crotch part 6b. The minimum width W.sub.min1r of the first layer rearmost fourth 6d may be within the range of from ?80% to ?20% of the width w.sub.1c of a first layer crotch part 6b. The minimum width being measured in the transverse direction T of the absorbent undergarment 1.

[0053] A minimum width W.sub.min2f of the second layer frontmost fourth 7d may be ?80% of a width w.sub.2c of the second layer crotch part 7b. The minimum width W.sub.min2f of the second layer frontmost fourth 7d may be within the range of from ?80% to ?20% of a width w.sub.2c of the second layer crotch part 7b.

[0054] The minimum width being measured in the transverse direction T of the absorbent undergarment 1.

[0055] FIG. 3 illustrates a washable and reusable absorbent undergarment 1 according to the present disclosure. The same reference signs are used in FIG. 3 as in FIGS. 1 and 2 to denote the same or similar features.

[0056] The absorbent undergarment 1 has an extension in the longitudinal direction L and in the transverse direction T. The absorbent assembly 2 comprises a body-facing layer 3, a backsheet 4 and an absorbent core 5 arranged between the body-facing layer 3 and the backsheet 4. The absorbent assembly 2 may be attached to the undergarment by for example sewing. The absorbent core 5 comprises a first absorbent layer 6 and a second absorbent layer 7. The absorbent core 5 has a front portion 5a, a crotch portion 5b and a rear portion 5c. The absorbent core 5 has a core front transverse edge 5a and a core rear transverse edge 5c. The first absorbent layer 6 and the second absorbent layer 7 overlap each other in the crotch portion 5b of the absorbent core 5. The absorbent core 5 additionally comprises a third absorbent layer 8 extending over the crotch portion 5b of the absorbent core 5. The third absorbent layer 8 has a width W.sub.3c being smaller than a respective width W.sub.1c, W.sub.2c of the first and second absorbent layer 6,7 in a respective first and second layer crotch part 6b,7b. The width of the third absorbent layer 8 is smaller along the entire length of the third absorbent layer 8 than the widths of the first and second absorbent layers 6,7. Alternatively, he third absorbent layer 8 may have a width W.sub.3c being greater than a respective width W.sub.1c, W.sub.2c of the first and second absorbent layer 6,7 in a respective first and second layer crotch part 6b,7b.

[0057] The first absorbent layer 6 has a first layer frontmost half 6a and a first layer rearmost half 6c, the first absorbent layer 6 furthermore has a first layer front transverse edge 6a, and a first layer rear transverse edge 6c. The second absorbent layer 7 has a second layer rearmost half 7c and a second layer frontmost half 7a, the second absorbent layer 7 furthermore has a second layer rear transverse edge 7c, and a second layer front transverse edge 7a. The first layer front transverse edge 6a corresponds to the core front transverse edge 5a and the second layer rear transverse edge 7c corresponds to the core rear transverse edge 5c.

[0058] Each of the first absorbent layer 6 and the second absorbent layer 7 are asymmetrical as seen over a transverse centerline T.sub.c of the absorbent assembly 2. A maximum width W.sub.1f of the first layer frontmost half 6a is greater than a maximum width W.sub.1r of the first layer rearmost half 6c and a maximum width W.sub.2r of the second layer rearmost half 7c is greater than a maximum width W.sub.2r of the second layer frontmost half 7a. The maximum width W.sub.1f of the first layer frontmost half 6a may be at least 15% greater, or at least 20% greater than the maximum width W.sub.1r of the first layer rearmost half 6c. The maximum width W.sub.1r of the first layer frontmost half 6a may be from 15% to 350% greater, or from 20% to 200% greater, than the maximum width W.sub.1r of the first layer rearmost half 6c. The maximum width W.sub.2r of the second layer rearmost half 7c may be from 15% to 350% greater, or from 20% to 200% greater, than the maximum width W.sub.2r of the second layer frontmost half 7a.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 3, the maximum width W.sub.1r of the first layer rearmost half 6c is greater than a width w.sub.1c of a first layer crotch part 6b, the width w.sub.1c of a first layer crotch part 6b being measured at a smallest width of the absorbent core 5 where the first absorbent layer 6 and the second absorbent layer 7 overlap each other in the crotch portion 5b. The maximum width W.sub.2f of the second layer frontmost half 7a is greater than a width w.sub.2c of the first layer crotch part 7b, the width w.sub.2c of a first layer crotch part 7b being measured at a smallest width of the absorbent core 5 where the first absorbent layer 6 and the second absorbent layer 7 overlap each other in the crotch portion 5b.

[0060] The first absorbent layer 6 has a length 11, as measured along a longitudinal centerline L.sub.c of the absorbent undergarment 1, corresponding to from 35% to 95% of a total length l.sub.ac of the absorbent core 5, between the front transverse edge 5a of the absorbent core 5 and the rear transverse edge 5c of the absorbent core 5.

[0061] The second absorbent layer 7 has a length 12, as measured along the longitudinal centerline L.sub.c of the absorbent undergarment 1, corresponding to from 35% to 95% of the total length l.sub.ac of the absorbent core 5, between the front transverse edge 5a of the absorbent core 5 and the rear transverse edge 5c of the absorbent core.

[0062] The first layer front transverse edge 6a has a radius of curvature and the second layer front transverse edge 7a has a radius of curvature of from ?70% of the radius of curvature of the first layer front transverse edge 6a. However, alternatively at least a section of the first layer front transverse edge 6a may have a radius of curvature and the second layer front transverse edge 7a may have a section having radius of curvature of from ?70% of the radius of curvature of the section of the first layer front transverse edge 6a.