WO2025082583A1

WO2025082583A1 - Reusable outer cover for an absorbent article

Info

Publication number: WO2025082583A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/078674
Authority: WO
Inventors: Annika HERMENIUS; Lina AUGUSTSSON
Original assignee: Essity Hygiene and Health AB
Current assignee: Essity Hygiene and Health AB
Priority date: 2023-10-16
Filing date: 2023-10-16
Publication date: 2025-04-24
Anticipated expiration: 2026-04-16

Abstract

A reusable outer cover for an absorbent article, comprising a garment portion and a flap member extending therefrom, having a use position wherein a pocket is formed having an inner surface comprising the outward facing inner side of the flap member and a section of the inward facing side of the garment portion and having an opening in a longitudinal direction towards the crotch section of the garment portion, and comprising one or more insert fastener areas located on a respective one of the outward facing inner side of the at least one flap member and the section of the inward facing side of the garment portion, for detachable fastening of an insert to said outer cover, and one or more flap fastener areas located opposite the one or more insert fastener areas, for detachably attaching to at least one corresponding insert fastener area.

Description

REUSABLE OUTER COVER FOR AN ABSORBENT ARTICLE

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a reusable outer cover for an absorbent article. The present invention further relates to an absorbent article.

Background

Absorbent articles, in the forms of diapers and incontinence pads, are generally used for babies and incontinent adults for the absorption of bodily exudates, such as blood, urine, sweat and feces. In particular when looking at products that are classified as heavy incontinence articles for adults, which articles have a relatively high absorption capacity, these products are often used by physically and/or mentally impaired persons. Generally, these heavy incontinence products will be handled by a caregiver to put on and remove from the wearer’s body and bought by care homes, hospitals and/or care giving relatives.

Requirements put on these products may include: being leakproof, being easy to use and change, being comfortable to wear, do not negatively affect the wearer’s skin health, and maintain the wearer’s dignity during changing and wearing.

To meet these requirements, currently used incontinence products are still mostly disposable products, with single-use products being the standard for heavy incontinence. Disposable products are easy to use, since they require very limited handling after use. Both the production and disposal of these products, however, result in a lot of material waste. After use, the products either end up as land fill, or, in particular for adults who are on one or more heavy medications, the absorbent articles may be incinerated.

Currently, most disposable products are made of, or contain a substantial amount of materials that are derived from petroleum, such as polypropylene and/or polyethylene, appearing in the form of cloth-like nonwoven web materials and films. Through the increasing awareness that petroleum has a limited availability and causes various pollution problems both during product manufacturing and products being discarded, there is also an increasing need for more sustainable alternatives. To this end, products have been proposed which comprises an outer chassis and an absorbent insert, wherein one or both of the outer chassis and the absorbent insert is/are reusable. For these types of products, it is of importance to ensure that the absorbent insert is correctly positioned in relation to the wearer, such that the security against leakage and the desired comfort is maintained during use of the product. Moreover, it is important to ensure that the reusable parts retain their performance throughout a substantial amount of use cycles.

Thus, it is an aim to provide an absorbent article that may be a sustainable alternative to current disposable products.

Further, it is an aim to provide an absorbent article that may satisfactory fulfil the above- mentioned requirements and/or provide an improvement in relation to current products. SUMMARY

Definitions:

With “wearer” is meant a person which may be wearing an absorbent article as described herein.

With “user” is meant a person handling the absorbent article as described herein, i.e. preparing an absorbent article for use and/or applying the absorbent article to the wearer. The user may be a wearer or a caregiver to the wearer.

With “liquid permeable” is meant herein a material being liquid permeable as understood in the sense of the art of absorbent articles. As such, the material is not intended to hinder fluids from leaking through the material to any significant degree. Known liquid permeable materials are for example such as being used as topsheet materials in conventional disposable absorbent products. In another example, conventional textile materials such as woven or knitted materials are generally liquid permeable. A liquid permeable material may for example be a textile material being free from any liquid resistant coatings or treatments. A liquid permeable material may for example be a textile material which do not absorb fluid to any significant degree.

With “breathable” is meant herein a material allowing water vapor to escape through the material.

For example, materials which are breathable while still being liquid-impermeable are commonly used in absorbent articles as backsheet materials. Such backsheet materials may be breathable while still preventing liquids from passing through the backsheet material. Such breathable, liquid impermeable materials may for example be porous polymeric films, and laminates from porous polymeric films and nonwovens.

Textile materials which form apertures, such as knitted or woven textile materials, are generally breathable.

The breathability of a material is normally measured by the water vapor transmission rate. For example, a breathable material suitable for absorbent articles may have a water vapor transmission rate of more than 1000 g/ms/24h at 37.8 degrees Celsius according to ASTEM; E398.

With “total absorption capacity” is meant herein the total absorption capacity, as measured according to the Rothwell method, ISO 1 1948.

With “use cycle” of an absorbent article is meant herein a series of subsequent steps comprising the application of the absorbent article to a wearer, the wearer wearing the article for a limited period of time (for example during one or a few urinary discharges), and the removal of the absorbent article from the wearer.

With “reusable” is meant herein an item which intended to be used for more than one use cycle. Thus, a reusable item is an item which may be used throughout a repeated number of use cycles. If required, the reusable item may be cleaned, for example washed, or otherwise restored between use cycles.

For example, a reusable item may be designed to be used for at least 50 use cycles, such as at least 100 use cycles, or at least 500 use cycles.

With “single-use” is meant herein an item which is intended to be used for only one use cycle, and then discarded. Thus, an item being configured for single-use is typically disposed after being used by a wearer for a limited period of time (for example during one or a few urinary discharges).

By “washable” it is meant that the outer cover may be cleaned by laundering. The outer cover may thus be subjected to an aqueous solution containing detergent without losing its structural features. This aqueous solution may be heated as part of the laundering process, e.g. to 40°C or 60°C.

A washable outer cover should be able to be washed at least a predetermined number of times, without significantly deteriorated features. In particular, the washable outer cover should be able to be washed a predetermined number of times without significant impairment of the fastening members, such as any insert fastener members or of fastening members for fastening the outer cover around the waist of the wearer. Also, the washable outer cover should preferably be able to be washed a predetermined number of times without significant impairment of the elasticity of the leg elastics and/or other materials, such as fabrics, of the outer cover. Finally, the washable outer cover should preferably be able to be washed a predetermined number of times without significant impairment of the colour of the outer cover.

For example, it is preferred herein that the washable outer cover is able to sustain at least 20 washes in 60°C, and yet more preferred that the washable outer cover is able to sustain at least 50 washes in 60°C.

Also, it is preferred that the washable outer cover is “machine washable”, i.e. that the washes mentioned in the above may take place in a washing machine.

With “stretchable” is meant herein a material which may be stretched from an original measure and is able recover to essentially the same measure, when subject to forces during normal use of the article.

With “surface fastening material” is meant herein a material which may be substantially uniformly distributed over the surface of an area, so as provide for substantially uniform fastening by said surface fastening material over the area. Thus, any portion of the area being provided with the surface fastening material will be ready for attachment via the surface fastening material.

In some examples, a surface fastening material may provide for continuous fastening over the surface of the area comprising the surface fastening material. Such a surface fastening material may for example be a statically charged and/or friction surface, which may be applied over the area. In some examples, a surface fastening material may provide for fastening in a plurality of discrete fastening elements, the density of the fastening elements being such that substantially uniform fastening is provided over the area comprising the surface fastening material. For example, a density of such discrete fastening elements may be at least 10 discrete fastening elements per cm2, or more preferred at least 50 discrete fastening elements per cm2.

For example, the plurality of discrete fastening elements may provide for mechanical and/or frictional fastening over the area comprising the surface fastening material. Examples of surface fastening materials comprising discrete fastening elements may be hook materials and/or loop materials for forming hook/hook type or hook/loop type connections. Hence the discrete fastening elements may be hook elements and/or loop elements.

With “matching surface fastening material” is meant herein a surface fastening material which attaches to another “surface fastening material”, i.e. a first surface fastening material and a second surface fastening material which are attachable to each other forms a pair of matching surface fastening materials.

With a “fastener area comprising a surface fastening material” is meant a surface area over which a surface fastening material is distributed, so as to provide for substantially uniform fastening over the fastener area.

With “detachable” fastening is meant herein that a fastener area may be used to attach and detach a corresponding fastener area multiple times without substantial impairment of their function. For a fastener area on a disposable product, it may be sufficient that the fastener area provides for a few cycles of attachment/detachment, such as at least 5 cycles or at least 2 cycles. For a fastener area on a reusable product, more cycles of attachment/detachment may be required. For example, for any reusable fastener area, the fastener area may provide for at least 50 cycles of attachment/detachment, such as at least 150 times or at least 300 times.

With “meeting area” is meant herein a surface area in which two corresponding fastener areas, such as an insert fastener area and a flap fastener area, overlap one another when placed on top of each other in the thickness direction (as when the flap member is in the use position), thereby defining an area of attachment over which the corresponding fastener areas may be detachably attached to one another.

With "accumulated area” is meant the total area, as added up, of a type of area as specified.

For example, the accumulated meeting area between a set of insert fastener areas and a set of flap fastener areas defines a total area of attachment between the insert fastener areas and the flap fastener areas of a pocket of the outer cover.

With “individual area” is meant the surface area of a single substantially continuous fastener area within a set.

“Knitting” is a method of constructing a fabric by interlocking a series of loops of one or more yarns. There are two major classes of knitting namely warp and weft knitting. “Weaving” is a method or process of interlacing two yarns of similar materials so that they cross each other at right angles to produce woven fabric. The warp yarns run lengthwise in the fabric and the filling threads or picks, run from side to side.

Jacquard is a system of weaving or knitting that utilizes a versatile pattern mechanism to produce intricate designs by using punch cards controlling the patterns produced. Jacquard knit may be valid for circular, flatbed, warp or weft knit.

In the context of the present disclosure, a “nonwoven” is a manufactured sheet, web or batt of directionally or randomly orientated fibers, bonded by friction, and/or cohesion and/or adhesion, excluding paper and products which are woven, knitted, tufted, stitch-bonded incorporating binding yarns or filaments, or felted by wet-milling, whether or not additionally needled. The fibers may be of natural or man-made origin and may be staple or continuous filaments or be formed in situ. Commercially available fibers have diameters ranging from less than about 0.001 mm to more than about 0.2 mm and they come in several different forms: short fibers, continuous single fibers, untwisted bundles of continuous filaments, and twisted bundles of continuous filaments. Nonwoven fabrics can be formed by many processes such as meltblowing, spunbonding, solvent spinning, electrospinning, and carding.

The term "nonwoven", mentioned in relation to the different parts of the insert, which in term of their properties are located between the groups of paper and cardboard on the one hand and textiles on the other hand. As regards nonwovens, a large number of extremely varied production processes are used, such as airlaid, wetlaid, spunlaced, spunbond, meltblown techniques etc.

The fibres may be in the form of endless fibres or fibres prefabricated with an endless length, as synthetic fibres produced in situ or in the form of staple fibres. Alternatively, they may be made from natural fibres or from blends of synthetic fibres and natural fibres.

In the context of the present disclosure, a longitudinal length is to be understood as the longest length of a specified part or sub part in the longitudinal direction. Analogously, a transversal width is to be understood as the widest width of a specified part or sub part in the transversal direction.

When referring to the length of a set comprising one or more items (i.e. a length spanned by a set comprising one or more items), it is referred to the maximum longitudinal length including all of the items in the set, i.e. regardless of whether the items are transversally aligned or not.

Similarly, when referring to the width of a set comprising one or more items (i.e. a width spanned by a set comprising one or more items), it is referred to the maximum transversal width including all of the items in the set, i.e. regardless of whether the items are longitudinally aligned or not.

By the term “entirely contained within” is meant herein that an item being “entirely contained within” e.g. a part or portion does not extend beyond, e.g. does not protrude from, the part or portion.

For the purposes of the present disclosure, and unless otherwise explicitly mentioned, lengths, widths and other dimensions of a disposable absorbent hygiene product are measured with the disposable absorbent hygiene product in a flattened-out state on a flat surface with any contracting elastics being deactivated. With “deactivated” is meant that the elastics are not active to contract any parts to which it is attached. To deactivate the elastics, the elastics may for example be cut at one or more locations, or the elastics may be removed. Optionally, in some instances, it may be possible to stretch out the elastics such that the portions to which the elastics are arranged are completely flattened out. The measures obtained in such a stretched-out state may correspond to the measures as obtained if the elastics were deactivated.

When the length of an active part of an elastic element along another portion is to be determined, the start and end point of the active part of the elastic element may initially be marked on the relevant portion. Then, the elastic elements may be deactivated, and the distance between the marked start and end point may be measured on the relevant portion when in a flattened-out state.

The active part of the elastic element is the part which, in use, may be active to contract any part to which it is attached. As such, using the procedure in the above, parts of an elastic element which cannot be activated, such as glued down end sections of elastic threads, are disregarded.

As used herein, the term “area” of a portion of a product corresponds to the surface area of a flat surface covered by the portion when the product is placed on the flat surface in a flattened-out state with any elastics removed or deactivated.

To determine the flat area of an item such as the outer cover, which may comprise several joined panels or sections, it may be necessary to cut the item into several flat pieces to determine the area of each piece.

N. B. herein, when it is referred to the area of the outer cover, or the length of the outer cover, or other dimensions of the outer cover, it is referred to the measures as found when any flap members of the outer cover is/are in their use position.

1 . OUTER COVER

In a first aspect, the present disclosure relates to an outer cover according to claim 1 . Thus, there is provided a reusable outer cover for an absorbent article, extending along a longitudinal direction, and along a transversal direction, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and wherein a thickness direction is defined perpendicular to both the longitudinal and transversal directions, said thickness direction being an inward direction towards the wearer, when the article is worn, and an outward direction away from the wearer, when the article is worn. The outer cover comprises a garment portion having a longitudinal length that extends along the longitudinal direction, the garment portion being subdivided into a front section, a back section and a crotch section along said longitudinal length. The garment portion is adapted to fit around a wearer’s waist, with the front section being positioned at or close to the wearer’s belly, the back section being positioned against the wearer’s lower back, and the crotch section being positioned over the wearer’s pubic area and a predefined part of the buttocks, transversally extending between two leg openings formed by the outer cover, such that the garment portion defines an inward facing side intended to face towards the wearer, and an outward facing side, intended to face away from the wearer, when the outer cover is worn.

In at least one, preferably each, of the front section and the back section, the outer cover comprises a flap member extending from said garment portion. This flap member has a use position, wherein an outward facing inner side of the flap member is facing the inward facing side of the garment portion so as to form a pocket having an inner surface comprising the outward facing inner side of the flap member and a section of the inward facing side of the garment portion. The pocket has an opening at least in a longitudinal direction towards the crotch section when the flap member is in the use position. The inner surface of the pocket further comprises: a set of one or more insert fastener areas located on a respective one of the outward facing inner side of the at least one flap member and the section of the inward facing side of the garment portion, each insert fastener area in said set comprising a surface fastening material adapted for detachable mechanical and/or frictional fastening of an insert to said outer cover for forming an absorbent article such that, when the insert is attached to the outer cover, said one or more insert fastener areas allow detachable attachment to an inward facing side or an outward facing side of a respective front edge portion or a back edge portion of the insert received in said pocket, while the insert extends inwardly over at least part of the crotch portion of the garment portion, and a set of one or more flap fastener areas located opposite the set of one or more insert fastener areas, on a respective other one of the outward facing inner side of the at least one flap member and the section of the inward facing side of the garment portion, wherein each of said flap fastener areas in said set comprises a matching surface fastening material adapted for detachably attaching to at least one corresponding insert fastener area in the set of one or more insert fastener areas.

The outer cover has a longitudinal length extending along a longitudinal direction from a front edge to a back edge of the outer cover via the crotch section. The longitudinal length may be adapted such that the outer cover is sized to fit adults. The outer cover is adapted for having an insert attached so as to extend over an inner surface of the outer cover, such that the outer cover may substantially entirely cover an insert on an outward facing side.

The attachment of the insert to the outer cover takes place inside the pocket that is formed by the flap member in the front and/or back section. Hereto, the flap member has formed a pocket around a space for receiving a respective end of the insert therein. An inner surface of each respective pocket comprises an outward facing inner side of the respective flap member and a section of the inward facing side of the garment portion. The pocket has an opening at least in a longitudinal direction towards the crotch section. As a result, the longitudinal end(s) of the insert and the attachment surface for holding the insert, are covered by the pocket during use, thereby resulting in a relatively smooth surface being in direct contact with the wearers skin, reducing the risk of skin damage and thus promoting skin health. Additionally, the outer cover may form the entire outward facing surface, or garment facing side, of an absorbent article, substantially hiding the insert from view. As a result, the absorbent article has an appearance that is closer to regular underpants when being worn, which will be perceived by wearers are more dignified and comfortable than wearing disposable diapers.

Moreover, the outer cover may protect the insert and provide an additional layer, such that any tearing or friction from the outside, as could result from the movements of the wearer, will initially be taken up by the outer cover. Thus, the insert may stay more securely in place so as to perform its function.

Since the garment portion of the outer cover extends over the crotch portion of the outer cover, any friction or tearing to which the outer cover may be subject when worn, affects the garment portion of the outer cover rather than the absorbent insert attached to the outer cover. Thus, the position of the absorbent insert visavi the wearer may be secured, to the benefit of providing sufficient absorption and hindering leakage.

At least a portion of the inward facing side of the insert will be directly adjacent the wearer’s skin and thus available for receiving bodily exudates from a wearer. At the same time, the outer cover is reusable, i.e. intended to be used for more than one use cycle.

Through the outer cover and insert being detachable from one-another, the reusable outer cover may be used multiple times with fresh inserts. If required, the reusable outer cover may be cleaned, for example washed, or otherwise restored when necessary. As such, an absorbent article comprising the reusable outer cover and an absorbent insert presents advantages over prior art single use absorbent articles, in that sustainability is improved by at least a part of the absorbent article being reusable. For example, the reusable outer cover could be used for a number of use cycles, each use cycle involving use of a fresh insert, before becoming soiled such that the reusable outer cover requires cleaning before being used for new use cycles. Thus, for example, the outer cover may be washable.

As proposed herein, the outer cover comprises a set of one or more flap fastener areas, located opposite the set of one or more insert fastener areas, when the flap member is in a use position. The set of one or more flap fastener areas are located on a respective other one of the outward facing inner side of the at least one flap member and the section of the inward facing side of the garment portion. Each of the flap fastener areas in the set comprises a matching surface fastening material adapted for detachably attaching to at least one matching insert fastener area in the set of one or more insert fastener areas.

Through the presence of a set of one or more flap fastener areas inside a respective pocket, opposite from the set of one or more insert fastener areas in the same respective pocket, said pocket can be kept in a closed position through the surface fastening material and matching surface fastening material thereof being attached to one another, when no insert is attached to the set of one or more insert fastener areas. Thus, during handling of the outer cover without an insert attached, such as for example during cleaning, in particularly during washing, the surface fastening material of the set of one or more insert fastener areas can be protected and prevented from adhering to any other materials, such as for example any areas of stitching of the garment portion. Adhering to any other materials could result in the other material becoming damaged, (such as when being pulled loose from the surface fastening material), and/or the surface fastening material loosing capacity to attach by becoming damaged or permanently soiled with particles from the other material. Thus, the presence of the flap fastener areas further improve the sustainability of the outer cover through limiting deterioration of both the insert fastener areas and the garment portion of the outer cover.

Moreover, the adhering to any other materials could also extend to other materials of other products, which may include other outer covers, such as for example when the cleaning is carried out in bulk, such as is common when doing laundry. Thus, the presence of the flap fastener areas may also prevent the outer cover from becoming entangled with other products, which may include other outer covers, thereby preventing additional work for users otherwise having to detangle the washing as part of the use cycle.

Meeting area

As mentioned in the above, with “meeting area” is meant herein a surface area in which an insert fastener area and a flap fastener area overlap one another as seen in the thickness direction, and when placed on top of each other as when the flap member is in the use position. Thereby the meeting area is an area over which the insert fastener area and the flap fastener area may be adhered to one another.

An accumulated meeting area between the set of one or more insert fastener areas and the set of one or more flap fastener areas may be smaller than the accumulated area of the set of one or more insert fastener areas. The meeting area only needs to be sufficiently large to provide an attachment force required to keep the pocket closed when the outer cover is not being used as part of an absorbent article; i.e. when the outer cover is not being worn and holding an insert in place. The force required to keep the pocket closed is lower than the force required to hold an insert in place during use, thus the accumulated meeting area may be smaller than the accumulated area of the one or more insert fastener areas. Using a smaller size meeting area result in preventing unnecessarily high forces being required by users to open the pockets. For example, the accumulated meeting area may be no more than 80 % of the accumulated area of the set of one or more insert fastener areas.

For example, the accumulated area of the flap fastener areas may be smaller than the accumulated area of the insert fastener areas, resulting in a smaller meeting area. For example, each flap fastener area may be smaller than a corresponding insert fastener area. Using a smaller size flap fastener area limits material costs, as well as resulting in a smaller meeting area.

Additionally or alternatively, for at least one, such as each flap fastener area in said set of flap fastener areas, an individual meeting area, which is between the flap fastener area and a corresponding insert fastener area, may be smaller than the individual area of the corresponding insert fastener area.

For example, the individual meeting area may be no more than 80 % of the individual area of the insert fastener area.

Moreover, a width of the individual meeting area may be smaller at a position that is closest to the crotch section than a width of the individual meeting area at a position distal to the position that is closest to the crotch section. This causes the attachment force between a respective flap fastener area and insert fastener area to be lower towards the opening of the pocket, making the respective areas easier to peel away from one another to open the pocket.

Flap fastener area vs insert fastener area

Additionally or alternatively to the variations in the meeting area, one of or both advantages described there may be achieved with the accumulated area of the set of one or more insert fastener areas being larger than the accumulated area of the set of one or more flap fastener areas. For example, the accumulated area of the set of flap fastener areas in said set may be no more than 80 % of the accumulated area of the set of insert fastener areas.

In a further alternative or addition, each insert fastener area of the set of one or more insert fastener areas may be larger than a corresponding flap fastener area of the set of one or more flap fastener areas. For example, each flap fastener area in said set may have an individual area being no more than 80 % of the corresponding insert fastener area.

To achieve easier opening of a respective pocket, a width of each meeting area may be smaller at a position that is closest to the crotch section than a width of the corresponding insert fastener area at the corresponding position. For example, a width of each flap fastener area may be smaller at a position that is closest to the crotch section than a width of the corresponding insert fastener area at the corresponding position.

To enable easy opening of the pocket through having a lower attachment force, as described above, at least one, preferably each of the one or more meeting areas may have an outer edge having a convex polygon shape and/or comprising a convex curve proximal to the crotch section. For example, at least one, preferably each of the one or more flap fastener areas may have an outer edge having a convex polygon shape and/or comprising a convex curve proximal to the crotch section. Through this particular shaping of the outer edge of the meeting area and/or flap fastener area, it is achieved that the width of the meeting area/flap fastener area is narrowed towards the crotch section, making it easier to peel away.

In particular, at least one of, such as each, of the one or more meeting areas may have one of an elliptical, a semi-elliptical, a circular, a semi-circular or a polygon shape, in particular a triangular shape. For example, at least one of, such as each, of the one or more flap fastener areas may have one of an elliptical, a semi-elliptical, a circular, a semi-circular or a polygon shape, in particular a triangular shape. Advantageously, at least one of, such as each, of the one or more meeting areas and/or flap fastener areas may have a polygon shape, with a corner of the polygon shape protruding towards the crotch direction. As such, the width of the meeting area/flap fastener aera may be made to increase as seen in a direction away from the crotch section, resulting in a desired opening force gradient.

In other alternatives, at least one of, such as each, of the one or more meeting areas and/or flap fastener aeras may form a shape having a convex curve, with the convex apex protruding towards the crotch direction. As such, the width of the meeting area/flap fastener aera may be made to increase as seen in a direction away from the crotch section, resulting in a desired opening force gradient.

Alternatively, at least one, such as each of the one or more meeting areas may have an outer edge proximal to the crotch section which comprises one or more of: an opening, a concave polygon shape and a concave curve. For example, at least one, such as each of the one or more flap fastener areas may have an outer edge proximal to the crotch section which comprises one or more of: an opening, a concave polygon shape and a concave curve. Thus the edge proximal to the crotch section may contain matching surface fastening material over a predetermined width proximal to both longitudinal sides and no matching surface fastening material in the center.

This provides an alternative configuration that is easier to peel away to open the pocket, where the center advantageously guides the finger of a user to and through the center of the surface. This guiding to and though the center results in the finger automatically being located in an optimal position for pull-force distribution as well as allows the surfaces to be separated from one another by the user pushing their finger longitudinally in between both surfaces.

Pocket

On the inner surface of a respective pocket, a width spanned by the set of one or more insert fastener areas may be 95 % - 105 % of a width spanned by the set of one or more flap fastener areas.

The flap fastener area of a respective pocket may be a single area, to which all insert fastener areas of the same pocket are to be attached for closing the pocket. Alternatively, the inner surface of the pocket may comprise a plurality of flap fastener areas. For example, the inner surface of the pocket may comprise an equal amount of insert fastener areas and flap fastener areas, such that for each insert fastener area a corresponding flap fastener area is present. Thus it may be ensured that each insert fastener area is detachably attachable to a flap fastener area while avoiding unnecessarily large flap fastener areas.

Preferably, in said at least one, preferably each, of the front section and the back section, the flap member is located at a front edge or a back edge, respectively, of the outer cover, and/or the flap member in said at least one, preferably each, of the front section and the back section, is extending from the respective front edge or back edge of the garment portion, such that the pocket extends from a respective front or back edge towards the crotch section. This ensures that the insert attachment areas are positioned relatively close to the front and/or back edge, such that most of the longitudinal inner surface of the outer cover is covered by an insert during use.

In at least one, preferably each, out of the front section and the back section of the outer cover, the flap member may be a single flap member. The single flap member may extend in a transversal direction between a first and a second side joint, joining the flap member to the garment portion, such that said pocket is open in a longitudinal direction towards the crotch section over a flap member width defined between said first and second side joints. As a result, the pocket is relatively large, allowing easy access by a user for correct attachment of an insert to the outer cover, while the joining by the side joints simultaneously ensure that the closed position of the pocket is the default position of the pocket. This closed position being the default position is advantageous during moments of use, as the outer cover will normally automatically close the pocket(s) and prevent skin contact with any insert fastener area or flap fastener area. Additionally, outside moments of use, such as during washing, the closed position being the default position means that the one or more insert fastener areas are held in a position opposite the one or more flap fastener areas, and thus are easily attachable to the flap fastener area(s) by a gentle pressure on the pocket.

Insert fastener members and flap fastener members

In said at least one, preferably each, of the front section and the back section, the one or more insert fastener areas may be provided directly on the inside of the pocket, i.e. the surface fastening material is directly provided on the inside of the pocket.

Alternatively, in said at least one, preferably each, of the front section and the back section, the outer cover may comprise one or more insert fastener members, each insert fastener member carrying at least one insert fastener area. An insert fastener member may carry only one insert fastener area, or an insert fastener member may carry two or more insert fastener areas. For example, each insert fastener member may carry one single insert fastener area.

Similarly, in said at least one, preferably each, of the front section and the back section, the one or more flap fastener areas may be provided directly on the inside of the pocket, i.e. the matching surface fastening material is directly provided on the inside of the pocket.

Alternatively, in said one, preferably each, of the front section and the back section, the outer cover may comprise one or more flap fastener members, each flap fastener member carrying one or more flap fastener areas. A flap fastener member may carry only one flap fastener area, or a flap fastener member may carry two or more flap fastener areas. For example, each flap fastener member may carry one single flap fastener area.

Hereto, at least one, such as each, of the one or more insert fastener members and/or flap fastener members may comprise a sheet formed base having a length in the longitudinal direction and a width in the transversal direction when the flap member is in the use position. This sheet formed base comprises one or more areas of surface fastening material, so as to form one or more insert fastener areas or one or more flap fastener areas. The sheet formed base allows for the surface fastening material and/or matching surface fastening material to be acquired as an off-the-shelve material, which can be incorporated into the outer cover in a relatively simple manufacturing step, such as for example through stitching. The sheet formed base can be pre-provided with a predefined area of surface fastening material, covering the sheet formed base entirely or partially. Moreover, the sheet formed base can be provided with the surface fastening material in a particular pattern, such as a polygon shape. Thus, a polygon shaped (e.g. triangular or pentagonal) fastener area may be provided on e.g. a square shaped fastener member. This allows the insert fastener members and/or flap fastener members to be permanently connected to the rest of the outer cover along a minimum amount of linear lines, such as using two courses of linear stitching in the longitudinal direction of the outer cover per sheet formed base or a single linear line of adhesive material.

For example, the one or more areas of surface fastening material and/or matching surface fastening material could cover less than 80 % of the surface area of the sheet formed base. This could, for example, leave an edge of the sheet formed base free from (matching) surface fastening material to allow for sewing on of the base without risk of interfering with or damaging the (matching) surface fastening material. Moreover, both the surface fastening material and matching surface fastening material could be provided on a sheet formed base of the same dimensions. Accordingly, a smaller meeting area may be provided through one or more of the above-described options, although the insert fastener member and the flap fastener member may have similar dimensions, whilst having a lower flap attachment force than an insert attachment force.

In an embodiment, the surface fastening material of at least one, such as each, of the one or more insert fastener area(s) comprises hooks, and the matching surface fastening material of a corresponding flap fastener member comprises loops.

Further outer cover properties

In an example, the set of one or more insert fastener areas, respectively in the front section and/or the back section of the outer cover, comprises a first subset of one or more insert fastener areas and a second subset of one or more insert fastener areas, wherein the first subset and the second subset are spaced by a transversal spacing width, preferably the first subset and the second subset are symmetrically spaced around a longitudinal central axis of the outer cover by said spacing width. When being worn, the longitudinal central axis of the outer cover substantially corresponds to a longitudinal central axis of the wearer. Thus, when an insert is attached in the outer cover, the spacing of the attachment points is substantially symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal central axis, resulting in an even distribution of forces resulting therefrom and experienced by the wearer.

To ensure the outer cover substantially looks and feels like regular underwear, at least 50%, such as at least 70% or at least 90 % of a total area of the outer cover may be liquid permeable and/or breathable. Moreover, hereto, the garment portion may comprise one or more fabric panels, wherein preferably at least one, such as each, of the one or more fabric panels comprise(s) a textile fabric, said textile fabric preferably being a knitted fabric.

Preferably, the outer cover is configured to be washable, preferably machine-washable, and configured for at least 20 wash cycles. This ensures that the outer cover can indeed be used for a substantial time, even after having been inadvertently soiled.

2. ABSORBENT ARTICLE

In a second aspect, the disclosure relates to an absorbent article according to claim 29.

Thus, the disclosure relates to an absorbent article comprising an outer cover according to the first aspect of the invention and an absorbent insert comprising a liquid impermeable backsheet, a liquid permeable topsheet, and an absorbent assembly provided in between said backsheet and said topsheet, the insert being shaped to, in use, cover a wearer’s pubic area and a predefined part of the buttocks with an inward facing side comprising said topsheet directed towards the wearer, and an outward facing side directed towards the garment portion of the outer cover, wherein a surface area of the insert in a respective front edge portion or a back edge portion is detachably attached to a surface area of the pocket via the set of one or more insert fastener areas.

For example, the front and/or back edge portion of the insert may be provided with a set of one or more cover fastener areas being detachably attachable to the corresponding set of one or more insert fastener areas of the outer cover.

Preferably, the flap fastener area(s) are non-adherend to the insert, when the insert is attached to the outer cover via the set of one or more insert fastener areas. For example, when the insert fastener area(s) are located on the outward facing inner side of the flap member, the flap fastener area(s) are non-adherend to the outward facing side of the insert. Thus, the one or more flap fastener areas may be optimised for holding the pocket closed during washing and handling of the outer cover, while the one or more insert fastener areas may be optimised for attaching the insert to the outer cover and holding the insert in place during use of the absorbent article.

Optionally, the insert may comprise one or more visual indicia, corresponding in shape and/or position to the flap fastener area(s) of the outer cover. As such, the visual indicia may assist a user when attaching the insert to the outer cover, enabling a user to match the visual indicia of the outer cover with the flap fastener area(s) to apply the insert in a correct position visavi the outer cover. Once in the correct position, the insert may be attached to the outer cover via the insert fastener member(s). To this end, the front and/or back portion of the insert may comprise a set of one or more cover fastener members being detachably attachable to the corresponding set of one or more insert fastener members of the outer cover. 3. ABSORBENT INSERT

The disclosed outer cover may be used with any suitable absorbent insert. Preferably the absorbent insert comprises, in at least one, preferably each, of the front section and back section thereof, a set of one or more cover fastener areas for enabling detachable connection to the set of one or more insert fastener areas an outer cover to form an absorbent article, as outlined in the above.

4. PACKAGING

A packaging may be provided, comprising an outer cover according to the second aspect as disclosed herein. The packaging may further comprise a plurality of inserts, suitable for use with the respective outer cover.

The present disclosure is to encompass all of the aspects as described herein, alone or in combination.

As such, the disclosure is to encompass for example an absorbent article according to the second aspect, wherein the outer cover is in accordance with the first aspect, as combined with any of the applicable features.

Several variants are encompassed by the various aspects of the invention, as understood by the above description.

Moreover, it will be understood that when referring to a feature that exists in each of the front section or the back section of the article, the feature in the front section need not be identical to the feature in the back section. For example, a width of a member in the front section need not be identical to a width of a member in the back section, even if both widths are to fulfil the same general requirement.

In the following, variants of the different aspects (absorbent article and outer cover) of the invention will be described with reference to exemplary embodiments and to the drawings. It is to be understood that the drawings are schematical and that the items depicted are not necessarily drawn to scale.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Variants of an absorbent article, outer cover, and insert will be described by way of example, with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of an absorbent article according to the invention;

Figs. 2a shows the outer cover of the absorbent article depicted in Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 2b shows a detailed view of portion B of Fig. 2a;

Fig. 2c shows the outer cover of Fig.2a with the flap members shown as having all edges thereof detached from the remainder of the outer cover, to provide a detailed view of the insides of the pockets; Figs 3a to 3c show an alternative embodiment to the embodiment depicted in Fig. 2a - 2c.

Figs. 4a to 4f depict alternative configurations for the insides of the pockets, shown as a portion corresponding to portion B of Fig. 2b or Fig. 3b.

Fig. 5 shows a variant of the insert of the absorbent article depicted in Fig. 1 .

In the drawings, for reasons of simplicity, reference numbers of some features (e.g. widths or lengths) are noted for only one out of a front and back section of an absorbent article, an outer cover, or an insert, respectively. However, it is to be noted that similar measures may be applied to the other one out of the front and back sections. It is further to be noted that even if a feature is denoted with the same reference number in the front section and in the back section, dimensions such as widths and lengths of such features may differ between the front and the back section.

DESCRIPTION OF VARIANTS

Absorbent articles as defined by the appended claims consist of a reusable outer cover and an insert. An embodiment of such an absorbent article 1 is shown in Fig. 1 , having a reusable outer cover 100 and insert 200. Two different variants of the outer cover 100 is shown independently from the insert 200 in more detail in Figs. 2a to 2c and 3a to 3c. The insert 200 may be any type of insert that is suitable for use with the outer cover. The absorbent article 1 exhibits a longitudinal direction X and transverse direction Y and has a thickness direction Z, which, when the article is worn, defines an inward direction Zi towards the wearer’s skin and an outward direction Z_o away from the wearer’s skin. Although in the depicted embodiment, both the outer cover 100 and the insert 200 are substantially symmetrical around a longitudinal central axis Y1 , alternative embodiments thereof may be non-symmetrical.

As depicted in Fig. 1 , in the absorbent article 1 , the insert 200 is detachably attached to the outer cover 100, such that the insert 200 covers an inward facing side of said outer cover 100, and the outer cover 100 forms an outermost surface of the absorbent article 1 . Thus, an innermost surface of the outer cover 100 faces an outermost surface of the insert 200, such that for the opposite surfaces holds that, during use, an outward facing surface of the outer cover 100 is intended to face away from the wearer and the inward facing surface of the insert 200 is directed towards the wearer’s skin. In the depicted absorbent article 1 , a substantial part of both the innermost surface of the outer cover 100 and the innermost surface of the insert 200 are visible, together forming the innermost surface of the absorbent article that is directed towards the wearer’s skin during use.

The absorbent article 1 has a front section aSf, a back section aSb, and a crotch section aSc provided there between along the longitudinal central axis Y1 , together spanning a total longitudinal length aL measured along said longitudinal central axis Y1 , from a front edge of the absorbent article 1 to a back edge of the absorbent article 1 , via the crotch section Sc. As such, the total longitudinal length aL is the maximum longitudinal length of the absorbent article 1 as measured over a minimum width of the crotch section aSc of the absorbent article 1 . Accordingly, portions of the absorbent article 1 extending transversally beyond the minimum width of the crotch section aSc of the absorbent article 1 are disregarded when determining the longitudinal length aSc of the absorbent article 1 .

Similarly, the outer cover 100 has a front section oSf, a back section oSb, and a crotch section oSc provided therebetween along the longitudinal central axis Y1 (see Fig. 2a). The total longitudinal length oL of the outer cover 100 is the maximum length from a front edge 101 of the outer cover 100 to a back edge 102 of the outer cover, as measured over a minimum width of the crotch section oSc of the outer cover 100. Accordingly, portions of the outer cover 100 extending transversally beyond the minimum width of the crotch section oSc of the outer cover are disregarded when determining the longitudinal length oLc of the outer cover 100.

The longitudinal length aL of the absorbent article 1 may correspond approximately to the longitudinal length oL of the outer cover 100. However, it is to be understood that the presence of the absorbent insert 200 attached to the outer cover 100 in the absorbent article may imply that the outer cover is e.g. wrinkled or slightly contracted in the longitudinal direction. Accordingly, the longitudinal length aL of the absorbent article 1 may be less than the longitudinal length oL of the outer cover 100.

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

Absorbent article - general

The depicted absorbent article 1 is an example of an absorbent article wherein, in each of the front section Sf and the back section Sb of the absorbent article, the outer cover comprises a flap member 120, 140 extending from a garment portion 150 of the outer cover 100. The flap member 120, 140 has a use position wherein an outward facing inner side 120a, 140a of the flap member 120, 140 is facing the inward facing side of the insert 200 in a front or back edge portion 201 ’, 202’, respectively of the insert, to form a pocket around a space for receiving the front or back edge portion 201 ’, 202’ of the insert 200 therein. An inner surface of each respective pocket comprises an outward facing inner side 120a; 140a of the respective flap member 120; 140 and a section of the inward facing side 120b; 140b of the garment portion 150. Said section of the inward facing side 120b; 140b of the garment portion 150 is overlapped as seen in the thickness direction by the flap member 120; 140, when the flap member 120; 140 is in its use position. The pocket has an opening at least in a longitudinal direction towards the crotch section Sc.

Further, in the front section Sf and the back section Sb of the absorbent article, the absorbent article comprises a set of one or more attachment areas 21 , 22; 41 , 42. In each attachment area, a surface area, preferably of the inward facing side, of the insert 200 is detachably attached to a surface area of, preferably said outward facing side of, the flap member 120, 140 via at least one surface fastening material. Accordingly, the front or back edge portion 201 ’, 202’, respectively, of the insert 200 is detachably attached to the outer cover 100 in said set of attachment areas 21 , 22; 41 , 42 while, in at least said crotch section Sc of the absorbent article 1 , the inward facing side of the insert 200 forms the innermost side of the absorbent article 1 , so as to be directly adjacent the wearer’s skin, when the article is in use. Alternative embodiments are foreseen, wherein only in the front section or in the rear section the absorbent article comprises a flap member and/or an attachment area.

Moreover, the depicted absorbent article 1 is an example of an absorbent article wherein the insert 200 extends longitudinally between a front edge 201 and a back edge 202, and comprises longitudinal side edges 203, 204 connecting the front edge 201 and the back edge 202, and the insert 200 comprises a pair of insert leg elastic members 210, 21 1 extending essentially along the longitudinal direction Y of the insert, and arranged on both sides of the insert 200, between the absorbent assembly and the longitudinal side edges 203, 204 of the insert.

In each of the front section aSf and the back section aSb of the depicted absorbent article 1 , the absorbent article 1 comprises a set of attachment areas 21 , 22; 41 , 42 for attaching a front or back edge portion 201 ’, 202’, respectively, of the insert 200 to the outer cover 100, wherein, in each attachment area, a surface area of the inward facing side or the outward facing side of the insert 200 is detachably attached to a surface area of the outer cover 100 via at least one surface fastening material. As stated before, alternative embodiments are foreseen, in which one or more attachment areas are provided, in at least one of the front section aSf and the back section aSb.

Further, a transversal fastening width aWf, being the transversal width spanned by the set of one or more attachment areas 21 , 22; 41 , 42, is no less than a width in between the leg elastic members 210, 21 1 in said front or back section aSf, aSb, respectively, such that the front or back edge portion 201 ’, 202’, respectively, of the insert 200 is detachably attached to the outer cover 100 in said set of attachment areas 21 , 22; 41 , 42 while, in at least said crotch section aSc of the absorbent article 1 , the inward facing side of the insert 200 forms the innermost side of the absorbent article 1 , so as to be directly adjacent the wearer’s skin, when the article is in use.

Accordingly, the article presents the advantages obtained by the set of attachment areas having a transversal fastening width being no less than the leg elastics width, such that the leg elastics of the insert are stretched when the article is in use, i.e. advantages contributing to a correct and secure position of the insert in relation to the wearer when the absorbent article is worn.

The set of attachment areas 21 , 22; 41 , 42 in the depicted variant of the absorbent article 1 is formed by insert fastener areas 121 , 122; 141 , 142 of the outer cover (as indicated in Figs. 2a - 2c and 3a to 3c) being detachably attached to cover fastener areas that are provided on the insert (not further specified) via surface fastening material of the insert fastener areas being for example a hook material, and the surface fastening material of the cover fastener areas being for example a loop material. Preferably, the dimensions of the outer cover 100 and the insert 200 are such that, when the insert is normally attached in the outer cover, the front and back flap members 120, 140 do not overlap with an absorbent assembly of the insert 200.

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

For example, the total area of the front and back flap members 120, 140 may cover less than 80 %, preferably less than 85%, of a total insert area. The front and back flap members 120, 140 may be sized such that less than 15% of the total insert area is covered during use, preferably less than 10%.

Absorbent article - insert

Since the outer cover 100 is reusable, it may be teamed with various different inserts, that may have features that look or are different from the insert 200 depicted in Fig. 1 . The depicted insert 200 has a liquid-permeable topsheet 205, a liquid-impermeable backsheet 206, an absorbent assembly, inner side leakage barriers, and insert leg elastic members 210, 21 1 . The insert 200 further comprises and a set of cover fastener areas arranged in the front section of the insert, and another set of cover fastener areas arranged in the back section of the insert.

To reliably and comfortably hold the insert 200 in the outer cover 100, forming the absorbent article 1 , the insert 200 and outer cover 100 are detachably attachable to one another. Hereto, preferably the insert is provided with a set of cover fastener areas in the back section, and with another set of cover fastener areas in the front section, for detachably attaching to corresponding insert fastener areas of the outer cover 100.

Each insert fastener area 121 , 122, 141 , 142 of the outer cover 100 comprises a surface fastening material, for example a hook material. For example, and as in the illustrated variant, each insert fastener area 121 , 122, 141 , 142 may be provided by an insert fastener member 121 a, 122a, 141 a, 142a comprising a fastening material being a hook material. Each insert fastener area may be arranged on the outward facing inner side 120a, 140a of the respective front and back flap members 120, 140 of the outer cover, as depicted in the exemplary variants. Alternatively, the insert fastener area 121 , 122, 141 , 142 in one or both of the front section Sf and the back section Sb may be arranged on the inward facing side 120b; 140b of the garment portion 150 of the respective pocket.

In the insert, each cover fastener area comprises a surface fastening material, for example a loop material, matching the surface fastening material of the insert fastener areas, such that a detachable connection between the insert and the outer cover may be formed via the cover fastener areas and the insert fastener areas. For example, each cover fastener area may be provided by a cover fastener member comprising a surface fastening material being a loop material. Each cover fastener area may be arranged on the inward facing side of the insert, or alternatively on the outward facing side of the insert.

Preferably, and as in the illustrated variants, the set or sets of cover fastener areas are arranged on the inward facing side of the insert 200. Consequently, the set or sets of insert fastener areas are arranged on the outward facing side of the flap member 120, 140 of the outer cover 100,

In the use position, the flap members 120, 140 fully cover the cover fastener areas of the insert 200, thereby also preventing any contact between the wearer’s skin and the surface fastening material, thereby reducing the risk of chafing.

When the set or sets of insert fastener areas comprises a surface fastening material being a hook material, and the set of insert fastener areas is arranged on the outward facing side of the flap member 120, 140, the hooks thereof are facing away from the wearer’s body, when in use, thereby further reducing the risk of chafing of the skin, which is already lower due to the insert fastener areas and cover fastener areas being covered by the flap members 120, 140.

Although the depicted embodiment shows hook and loop fasteners being used, alternative surface fastening materials may also be suitable and may be used instead of some or all of the insert fastener areas and cover fastener areas. Such alternative surface fastening materials provide substantially uniform fastening over a predetermined surface area, rather than point connections, such as buttons, snaps, rivets, etc, thereby minimizing the risk of chafing to the skin associated with these point connections.

In order to ensure that the outer cover is washable, the surface fastening materials provided thereon should be both reusable and washable.

A further advantage to using fastener areas comprising a surface fastening material, including the depicted hook and loop members, is that the fastening is provided over a surface area, which provides more placement tolerance when attaching the insert to the outer cover. As a result, attaching of the insert to the outer cover is easier, since it requires less precision, and therefore faster than when point connections are being used.

Absorbent article - Flap fastener areas

As already mentioned, the outer cover 100 is intended to be reusable, and therefore preferably washable. In between uses, the insert fastener areas 121 , 122; 141 , 142 are un-attached to an insert 200. Thus, during handling of the outer cover 100, such as for example during washing thereof, the insert fastener areas 121 , 122; 141 , 142 may be exposed and unintentionally attach to for example any other part of the outer cover 100, such as to the seams or linings thereof, or for example to another outer cover 100. It has been found that after washing of an outer cover 100, such exposed insert fastener areas 121 , 122; 141 , 142 may cause the outer cover 100 to form a bundle, which needs to be detangled before the outer cover 100 is ready to use again.

Depending on the particular surface fastening material chosen for the insert fastener areas 121 , 122; 141 , 142, one or both of garment portion 150 and the insert fastener areas 121 , 122; 141 , 142 could also potentially suffer degeneration and/or damage during this period in between uses, such as from becoming attached to one another during washing.

This is particularly the case when the set of one or more insert fastener areas 120, 140 comprises a surface fastening material comprising protruding fastening elements. For example, the set of one or more insert fastener areas 120, 140 may comprise a surface fastening material comprising hook-shaped or mushroom shaped protruding fastening elements. This is because protruding fastening elements may be prone to attaching to other parts of the outer cover 100. For example, the protruding fastening elements may be such that they are attachable to the material making up the panels of the outer cover, e.g. the garment portion 150 of the outer cover 100. Further, even when the protruding fastening elements are such that they are unattachable to the panels of the outer cover, they may be attachable to other parts of the outer cover, such as to the seams of the outer cover.

To prevent this from occurring, the outer cover 100 is further provided with a set of one or more flap fastener areas 125, 145 in one or both of the front section Sf and back section Sb.

These flap fastener areas are.located opposite the set of one or more insert fastener areas 121 , 122; 141 , 142, on the inner surface of the respective pocket. Thus the flap fastener areas may be located on the outward facing inner side 120a; 140a of the flap member 120; 140, or on the section of the inward facing side 120b; 140b of the garment portion 150, depending on which of these parts of the inner surface of the pocket has the insert fastener area(s) positioned thereon.

The flap fastener area(s) 125, 145 in a respective pocket comprise a matching surface fastening material adapted for detachably attaching to the surface fastening material of the one or more insert fastener areas that are located in the same pocket 121 , 122; 141 , 142. Thus when no insert is fastened to the insert fastener areas 121 , 122; 141 , 142, said insert fastener areas 121 , 122; 141 , 142may be attached to the flap fastener area(s) 125, 145, to keep the pocket closed and prevent the insert fastener areas 121 , 122; 141 , 142 from attaching to any other surfaces and/or materials. Further details of the flap fastener area(s) are discussed in relation to the outer cover below.

Outer cover - general

Further features of an outer cover 100, suitable for use in the absorbent article 1 as described in the above, will now be described with reference to Figs 2a to 2c, depicting a first variant of an outer cover 100 and Figs 3a to 3c, depicting a second variant of the outer cover. It is to be understood that features and advantages as described in the above description of an absorbent article 1 and which relates to the outer cover 100, are equally applicable to the outer cover 100 per se.

As outlined in the above, the outer cover comprises a front section oSf, back section oSb, and a crotch section oSc. The crotch section oSc of the outer cover 100 interconnects the front and back sections oSf, oSb, of the outer cover together being shaped to form a pant-like structure when the first and second side portions 110, 111 and front section Sf are attached to one another. The outer cover 100 comprises a garment portion 150, that forms the main structure, i.e. the front, back and crotch sections of the outer cover. For example, and as in the illustrated embodiment, the garment portion 150 may comprise a main body 109, forming a transversally central portion of the garment portion 150, and extending longitudinally from the back edge 102 of the outer cover, via the crotch portion oSc and to the front edge 101 of the outer cover. As such, the crotch section oSc of the outer cover, at least a central portion of the front section oSf of the outer cover, and at least a central portion of the back section of the outer cover oSb may be formed by the main body

109. In the front and/or back section of the outer cover, the main body of the outer garment 150 may be provided with the one or more transversally extending side portions 110, 111.

In the back section oSb, the outer cover 100 may comprise first and second side portions 110, 111 for enabling attachment of the outer cover 100 around the waist of a wearer. In the illustrated embodiment, only the back section oSb is provided with first and second side portions, adapted to be fastened to the front section oSf of the outer cover 100. However, in other embodiments, the front section oSf may be provided with side portions, and/or the front section oSf and the back section oSb may be provided with side portions. However, the illustrated variant with the back section oSb having first and second side portions 100, 111 is believed to be advantageous for facilitating use by a caregiver and enhancing comfort for the wearer.

The side portions 110, 111 in the back section oSb may, as in the illustrated embodiments, extend, substantially symmetrical, outward from the back edge 102 in transverse direction x, and are each provided with attachment means 115, 116 on the inward facing side, at a respective distal end thereof. The attachment means 115, 116 are adapted to detachably attach to matching surfaces 117 on the outward facing side of the front section oSf of the outer cover 100. Said attachment means 115, 116 and matching surfaces may for example consist of hook and loop surfaces.

In the illustrated variant, a total transversal width between a distal edge of each of the side portions 110, 111 is larger than a total transversal width of the front edge 101 of the outer cover 100, such that the side portions clearly indicate the back edge 102 of the outer cover 100 and can be reached around to attach to the front section Sf of the outer cover 100 for forming the pant-like structure. The closure in the front allows for a wearer lying down when being changed by a caregiver. The total transversal width spanned by the side portions 110, 111 and the total transversal width of the front edge 101 are chosen to fit a predetermined range of waist sizes of a person and the absorbent article 100 may be made available for a number of size ranges.

It will be obvious to the skilled person that the same effects can be achieved with side portions

110, 111 that are not symmetrically extending from the back edge 102, but instead have a first transversal width of one side portion be different from a second transversal width of another side portion.

The outer cover is configured to be washable, preferably machine-washable, as discussed in the Summary section of this application. As also discussed in the Summary section of this application, the garment portion 150 may be made from a breathable, liquid permeable material, such as a textile material, enabling the garment portion 150 to look and feel similar to regular underwear. The garment portion may comprise one or more panels, that together form at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, of the surface area of the outer cover 100. Suitable materials for the garment portion 150 may comprise or consist of one or more of cotton, viscose, polyamide and polyester. Use of polyester materials is preferred when the outer cover needs to be washable, since such materials are known to retain their original size and shape better. To ensure a snug fit, independent of exact body-shape and throughout a wearer’s movements, the garment portion 150 preferably is made of stretchable material, having elastic properties in the longitudinal direction Y and/or the transverse direction X. Hereto, the material may be either a woven or knitted textile, with knitted textiles being preferred due to having better elastic properties.

As such, the garment portion 150 may be made by one or more fabric panels. For example, one fabric panel may form each out of the main portion 109 and the side portions 110, 111.

To ensure the outer cover 100 staying in place in the crotch section oSc when the absorbent article 1 is worn, outer leg elastic members 151 , 152 may, as in the illustrated embodiment, be provided at the outer edges of the crotch section oSc of the outer cover 100, for securing the outer cover in place around the legs of a wearer. Through the garment portion 150 of the outer cover 100 being made from a breathable material, these outer leg elastic members 151 , 152 do not provide fluid tightness and thus act not as fluid barriers. The outer leg elastic members 151 , 152 may be elastic wire, cord, strip, thread, etc, that is attached to the edges of the garment portion 150 in the crotch section oSc or interposed in between layers of material that form said edges of the garment portion 150, by sewing, gluing, thermal welding, etc.

The outer cover 100 is made from a breathable, liquid permeable material that provides the absorbent article with an undergarment shape, allowing the article being worn by a wearer similar to underpants whilst enabling easy changing of said wearer by a care-taker. This particular material used resembles regular underpants more closely than the backsheet material of diapers normally forming the outermost surface thereof, making this particular absorbent article more comfortable to wear and giving the wearer an increased feeling of dignity. Thus the outer cover 100 holds the insert in place, while the insert 200 provides the absorbent article 1 with leakage security and the absorptive capacity for retaining liquid and fecal material, i.e. the outer cover 100 has no fluid barriers.

Flap Member of Outer Cover

As seen in Figs. 1 , 2a - 2c and 3a-3c, in each one of the front section oSf and the back section oSb of the outer cover 100, a flap member 120, 140 is arranged so as to extend from the garment portion 150. Each flap member 120, 140 may be folded over, on top of the inner surface of the garment portion 150, for forming a pocket having a space therein. An inner surface of each respective pocket comprises an outward facing inner side 120a; 140a of the respective flap member 120; 140 and a section of the inward facing side 120b; 140b of the garment portion 150. The pocket has an opening at least in a longitudinal direction Y towards the crotch section Sc, for receiving the respective back edge portion 202’ or a front edge portion 201 ’ of the insert 200 therein, while the insert 200 extends over at least part of the crotch section Sc of the absorbent article 1 . Preferably, the inward facing side of the insert 200 is to be attached to the outer cover 100 via the front and back flap members 120, 140.

In the outer cover 100, the front and back flap members 120, 140 may be made from the same material as the garment portion 150. In particular, a single sheet of material may form at least one layer of the front and back flap members 120, 140, and the garment portion 150.

Having a flap member 120, 140 in both the back and the front section is advantageous, as it allows the insert being fully secured over the crotch area, ensuring good positioning throughout use. However, depending on the particular material and configuration choices for the outer cover and insert, having only one flap member present in the front or back section may suffice.

In the illustrated variant, a single flap member 120, 140 is arranged in each of the back and front section oSb, oSf.

In some variants, the flap member 120, 140 may extend from the garment portion 150 via e.g. a fold. For example, the flap member 120, 140 may comprise a fabric panel also forming at least part of the garment portion 150.

In other variants, as in the illustrated variant, the flap member 120, 140 may be attached to the garment portion 150 by a joint, such as e.g. seams or stitches. For example, the flap member 120, 140 may comprise a fabric panel being attached to the garment portion 150.

As in the illustrated variant, the flap member 120, 140 may extend from the front edge 101 or back edge 102, respectively, of the outer cover 100.

For example, the flap member 120, 140 may be joined (either via a fold or via joint members such as e.g. seams or stitches) to the garment portion 150 along at least one out of a back or front edge, respectively, and/or a pair of side edges.

In the depicted configuration shown in Fig. 2a or Fig. 3a, the front and back flap members 120, 140 each extend transversally between a pair of side joints 148, 149; 128, 129, joining an inward facing surface of the garment portion 150 of the outer cover 100 with the flap member. Thus, the side joints join the side edges of the respective front and back flap members 120, 140 to the garment portion 150 such that the flap members are automatically in a closed position that forms the use position. However, to make details on the inside flap member more easily visible, the sides are unattached in the outer cover 100 as depicted in Figs. 2c and 3c, such that both the front and back flap members 120, 140 are shown in an open position, making the insides thereof, consisting of a body facing and a garment facing side, visible.

Through the presence of the joints 148, 149, 128, 129, it is ensured that the front and back flap members 120, 140 are held towards the use position, thereby protecting a wearer’s skin from contacting any insert fastener areas inside the flap members. Further, the presence of the joints 148, 149, 128, 129 ensures that transversal forces to the outer cover as introduced when the outer cover is closed around the waist of a wearer are transmitted to the flap member. Accordingly, the flap member 120, 140 may be stretched out in a transversal direction.

In other variants of an outer cover, the flap member or flap members may be connected to the garment portion 150 via e.g. only side joints or only a rear joint or fold. It is to be understood that also in such variants, a “pocket” as used herein is formed between the garment portion 150 and the flap member 120, 140, when the flap member 120, 140 is in its use position.

When the flap member 120, 130 extends in a transversal direction X between a first and a second side joint 128, 129; 148, 149 joining the flap member to the garment portion 150, the space being open in a longitudinal direction Y towards the crotch section has a space width oWt as defined between the first and second side joints 128, 129; 148, 149. The space width oWt of each respective flap member 120, 140, is equal to or larger than the width of the respective front or back edge 201 , 202 of the insert 200 and may also be referred to as the pocket width. The space width oWt of the back flap member 140 may be substantially equal to the space width of the front flap member 120. In the depicted outer cover 200, the front flap member 120 has a space width substantially equal to the width of said front section. In the back section Sb, the space width of the flap member 140 is such that the first and second sides are attached to a respective edge of the first and second side portions 1 10, 1 1 1 that is nearest to the longitudinal central axis Y1 . Advantageously, this configuration allows the joints 148, 149 of the back flap member 140 being attached at or with the seam that attaches one or more material layers of the first and second side portions 1 10, 1 1 1 to the garment portion 150. Flat seams may be used, to further reduce the risk of skin chafing for the wearer.

Outer Cover - Insert fastener areas

For detachably fastening the insert 200 to the outer cover 100, in each of the front section Sf and the back section Sb, each flap member is provided with a set of one or more insert fastener areas 121 , 122; 141 , 142 on a surface that is part of the inner surface of the pocket formed by the respective flap member 120, 140 and the section of the garment portion 150, when the flap member 120, 140 is in the use position. In the depicted outer cover, in the front section oSf, the front flap member 120 is provided with a set comprising two insert fastener areas 121 , 122 on an outward facing side 120a of the flap member 120. Similarly, in the back section Sb, the back flap member 140 is provided with a set comprising two insert fastener areas 141 , 142 on an outward facing inner side 140a of the flap member. A longitudinal length of each of the insert fastener areas 121 , 122, 141 , 142 is smaller than a longitudinal length of a respective front or back flap member 120, 140 in the use position, i.e. a longitudinal length of an outward facing inner side 120a, 140a of the flap members 120, 140.

For example, as in the illustrated embodiment, each insert fastener area 121 , 122, 141 , 142 may be provided by a corresponding insert fastener member 121 a, 122a, 141 a, 142a, as shown in Fig. 2c or Fig. 3c. As such, each flap member 120, 140 comprises a fabric panel to which the insert fastener members 121 a, 122a; 141 a, 142a providing the insert fastener areas are attached.

The set of insert fastener areas 121 , 122, 141 , 142 is entirely confined within the pocket. Hereto, and as in the illustrated version, the insert fastener areas 121 , 122, 141 , 142 of the flap member may be completely confined within the area of the flap member 120, 140, such as within the area of the fabric panel forming the flap member 120, 140.

As in the illustrated embodiment, the flap member 120, 140 may have a maximum longitudinal length oLt being less than 20% of the longitudinal length of the outer cover. For example, a sum of the maximum longitudinal lengths of the front flap member 120 and the back flap member 140 may be less than 30% of the longitudinal length of the outer cover. Thus, the attachment of the insert to the outer cover takes up only a minority of the length of the outer cover.

As mentioned in the above, each insert fastener area 121 , 122, 141 , 142 comprises a surface fastening material for providing detachable attachment to the insert. For example, as in the illustrated variants, the outward facing side of each flap member 120, 140 may comprise a set of one or more insert fastener areas 121 , 122; 141 , 142, each insert fastener area comprising a surface fastening material for providing detachable attachment to the insert.

Each set of insert fastener areas spans a transversal fastening width oWf. The transversal fastening width oWf may preferably be no less than a minimum transversal width oWc of the outer cover, i.e. no less than the crotch width oWc of the outer cover. As such, the transversal fastening width oWf will be no less than a minimum leg elastics spacing width as measured between the leg elastics 151 , 152 of the outer cover 100.

The transversal fastening width oWf may preferably be less than a maximum leg elastics spacing width oWI as measured between the leg elastics 151 , 152 of the outer cover.

As such, it may be ensured that, when an insert 200 is attached to the outer cover 100, the leg elastics 152, 152 of the outer cover assists in providing a correct position for the insert visavi the wearer.

Moreover, it may be ensured that the outer cover, when used, provides the required tension in transversal direction to the insert so as to stretch leg elastic members 210, 211 (and inner side barriers) of an attached insert to their correct position, when in the insert 200 is as depicted in Fig. 1.

For example, and as in the illustrated variant, the set of insert fastener areas 121 , 122; 141 , 42 may comprise a first subset of insert fastener areas 121 ; 141 and a second subset of insert fastener areas 122; 142, the first and seconds subsets being transversally spaced by a transversal spacing width oWs. To further ensure correct positioning and shaping of the insert visavi the outer cover, the transversal fastener spacing width oWs may be no less than the minimum transversal width oWc of the outer cover. In the illustrated variant, each subset of insert fastener areas comprises one single insert fastener area.

Outer cover - Flap fastener areas

The outer cover 100 is further provided with a set of one or more flap fastener areas 125, 145 in one or both of the front section Sf and back section Sb. These flap fastener areas are.located opposite the set of one or more insert fastener areas 121 , 122; 141 , 142, on the inner surface of the respective pocket, as seen when the flap member 120, 140 is in the use position. Thus the flap fastener areas may be located on the outward facing inner side 120a; 140a of the flap member 120; 140, or on the section of the inward facing side 120b; 140b of the garment portion 150, depending on which of these parts of the inner surface of the pocket has the insert fastener area(s) positioned thereon. In the exemplary variants depicted in Figs. 2a - 2c and 3a-3c, the flap fastener areas 125, 145 are located on the section of the inward facing side 120b; 140b of the garment portion 150.

Each flap fastener area 125, 145 in a respective pocket comprises a matching surface fastening material adapted for detachably attaching to the surface fastening material of the one or more insert fastener areas 121 , 122;141 , 142 that are located in the same pocket. Thus, when no insert is fastened to the insert fastener areas, said insert fastener areas may be attached to the flap fastener area(s), to keep the pocket closed and prevent the insert fastener areas from attaching to any other surfaces and/or materials. Accordingly, handling and washing of the outer cover is facilitated.

The flap fastener areas 125, 145 are entirely confined within the pocket. Hereto, and as in the illustrated version, the insert fastener areas 121 , 122; 141 , 144 may be entirely confined within the pocket, for example the insert fastener areas 121 , 122; 141 , 144 may be arranged on the outward facing side of the flap member 120, 140 and may be completely confined within the area of the flap member 120. 140.

In some variants, such as the one depicted in Figs. 2a-2c, a single flap fastener area 125; 145 may be arranged opposite more than one insert fastener area 121 , 122; 141 , 144. For example, as in the variant of Figs. 2a to 2c, a single flap fastener area 125; 145 may be arranged opposite the entire set of one or more insert fastener areas 121 , 122; 141 , 144. This single flap fastener area 125; 145 thus contains a single area of matching surface fastening material, onto which the set of insert fastener areas of the same pocket can be attached. For example, the single flap fastener area 124, 145 may be provided by one single flap fastener member.

In some variants, such as the one depicted in Figs. 3a-3c, a set of two or more flap fastener areas may be arranged opposite a set of two or more insert fastener areas, such that each insert fastener area is located opposite at least one flap fastener area. For example, as illustrated in Figs. 3a-3c, one single flap fastener area 125, 145 may be arranged opposite each single insert fastener area 121 , 122; 141 , 144. In some variants, one flap fastener member may provide more than one flap fastener area 125, 145. For example, the pocket may comprise one single flap fastener member which comprises a set of flap fastener areas 125, 145, such that one single flap fastener area 125, 145 of said set is arranged opposite each single insert fastener area 121 , 122; 141 , 144. In other variants, such as the one depicted in Figs 3a-3c, each flap fastener member may provide one single flap fastener area 125, 145, for example, one single flap fastener area 125, 145 arranged opposite each single insert fastener area 121 , 122;141 , 144.

Preferably, a width spanned by the set of one or more flap fastener areas oWm is 95 % - 105 % of a width spanned by the set of one or more insert fastener areas oWf, thereby ensuring the fastening surface(s) materials and matching fastening surface(s) materials meeting each other upon folding the flap 120; 140 into the closed position and thus attaching to one another, without requiring much precision from the user.

As exemplified in the variant of Figs. 2a-2c as well as in the variant of Figs 3a-3c, the set of one or more flap fastener areas 125, 145 may advantageously be arranged opposite the set of one or more insert fastener areas 121 , 122; 141 , 144 such that each insert fastener area 121 , 122; 131 , 144 is arranged opposite a flap fastener area 125, 145. In other words, the set of one or more flap fastener areas 125, 145 and the set of one or more insert fastener areas are arranged opposite one another such that each insert fastener area 121 , 122;131 , 144 is attachable to at least one flap fastener area in said set so as to form a meeting area 144 with said flap fastener area.

The area of attachment between a flap fastener area 125; 145 and an insert fastener area 121 ; 122; 141 ; 142 is referred to as a meeting area 144, of which an example is depicted in Fig. 2b, and another example in Fig. 3b.

The sum of meeting areas between a set of insert fastener areas and an opposite set of flap fastener areas may be referred to as the accumulated meeting area.

In general, the force required to keep the pocket closed when the article is not being worn is lower than the force required to keep the insert attached to the outer cover. Thus, using the attachment force for holding the insert also for keeping the pocket closed is unnecessary and not user- friendly, since it may result in the pocket being hard to open (i.e. it is hard to remove the insert fastener areas from attachment to the flap fastener areas). Therefore, an accumulated meeting area, i.e. meeting area within one pocket, between the set of one or more insert fastener areas and the set of one or more flap fastener areas may be smaller than the accumulated area of the set of one or more insert fastener areas. For example, the accumulated meeting area may be no more than 80 % of the accumulated area of the set of one or more insert fastener areas in the same pocket. This may for example be achieved through the flap fastener area having a smaller maximum longitudinal length than the maximum longitudinal length oLt of the flap member 120, 140, such as depicted in Figs. 2a, 2b and 2c. Additionally, or alternatively, an individual meeting area, i.e. a meeting area between a single flap fastener area and insert fastener area, may be smaller than the insert fastener area associated with that meeting area, to achieve the same.

For example, and as illustrated in the variants of Figs. 2a-2c and Figs. 3a to 3c, for each individual insert fastener area in the set of one or more insert fastener areas, the individual meeting area may be smaller than the insert fastener area 121 ; 122;141 ; 142.

Although the accumulated and/or individual meeting area is hence smaller than the accumulated and/or individual insert fastener area, it may still provide a sufficiently large attachment force between both areas to keep the pocket closed during washing.

For example, the individual meeting area may be no more than 80% of the individual area of the insert fastener area.

Since the insert fastener areas serve the purpose of holding the insert in place in the outer cover during use of the absorbent article, the size and location of the insert fastener areas may be optimised to this function. Since, as mentioned in the above, the required force for holding the insert in place in the outer cover is larger than the force required for keeping the pocket closed during washing, an accumulated flap fastener area, i.e. the sum of the flap fastener areas within one pocket, may be smaller than the accumulated area of the set of one or more insert fastener areas in the same pocket. For example, the accumulated flap fastener area may be no more than 80 % of the accumulated area of the set of one or more insert fastener areas in the same pocket.

This may for example be achieved through each individual flap fastener area having a smaller area than the corresponding opposite individual insert fastener area, such as depicted in Figs. 3a, 3b and 3c.

For example, when each individual insert fastener area has a corresponding opposite individual flap fastener area, each individual flap fastener area may be no more than 80 % of the corresponding individual insert fastener area.

For example, when each individual insert fastener member has a corresponding opposite individual flap fastener member, the accumulated flap fastener area of the individual flap fastener member may be no more than 80% of the accumulated insert fastener area of the corresponding insert fastener member.

Moreover, to facilitate easier opening of the pocket, the attachment between an insert fastener area and a corresponding flap fastener area may be such that the attachment force is lowered towards the opening of the pocket. As such, the attachment between the insert fastener area and the flap fastener area provides less resistance to being released at a position closer towards the opening of the pocket than at a position further away from the opening of the pocket. Thus, the manoeuvre of opening the pocket is rendered easier for a user. For example, a width of an individual meeting area may be smaller than the width of the corresponding insert fastener area, at least at a position that is closest to the crotch section (as seen when the insert fastener area is attached to a corresponding flap fastener area).

This may also be achieved through a width of the individual meeting area being smaller at a position that is closest to the crotch section than a width of the individual meeting area at a position distal to the position that is closest to the crotch section oSc. This results in the pocket having a closing-force gradient in the longitudinal direction, said gradient being the lowest at a position closest to the crotch section oSc. This may also be achieved through a section of the accumulated meeting area at a position that is closest to the crotch section being smaller than a section of the accumulated meeting area at a position distal to the position that is closest to the crotch section.

Moreover, this may be achieved through a width of each flap fastener area being smaller at a position that is closest to the crotch section than a width of the corresponding insert fastener area at a position distal to the position that is closest to the crotch section.

Thus, for example, the easier opening of the flap member may be achieved through a flap fastener area having an outer edge that is of a convex polygon shape and/or comprises a convex curve proximal to the crotch section. Hereto, for example, the flap fastener area may have one of an elliptical, a semi-elliptical, a circular, a semi-circular or a triangular shape. A particular example thereof is depicted in Fig. 3, wherein the flap fastener areas 125’, 145’ are two sets of triangular shaped surfaces, each triangle being positioned such that a narrowest width thereof is oriented towards the crotch section oSc.

The outer shape of the insert fastener area(s) may be selected as desired, for example, insert fastener areas could be rectangular, polygon shaped, triangular, circular, etc. Since the purpose of the insert fastener area(s) is to securely attach an insert to the outer cover, the size and outer shape of the insert fastener area(s) may be selected primarily to that purpose. For example, the insert fastener area(s) may advantageously be rectangular.

The size and outer shape of the flap fastener area(s) may be selected such that the outer shape of each flap fastener area forms the outer shape of a meeting area with a corresponding insert fastener area. For example, each flap fastener area may be arranged opposite a corresponding insert fastener area being such that when connected, the outer shape of the insert fastener area circumscribes the outer shape of the flap fastener area - i.e. the size and outer shape of the flap fastener area determines the size and outer shape of the meeting area between the flap fastener area and the corresponding insert fastener area.

An additional or alternative feature that aids the opening of the flap member may be provided through an outer edge of matching surface fastening material on a flap fastener member, proximal to the crotch section, having one or more of: an opening, a concave polygon shape and a concave curve. The opening or concave shape allows inserting of a user’s finger, such that the matching fastening surface of the flap fastener member may be pried or pushed off of the fastening surface of the insert fastener member attached thereto.

Each individual or accumulated flap fastener area 125, 145; 125’, 145’ may be provided by one or more flap fastener members 125a, 145a. As such, each flap fastener member comprises a sheet formed base onto which the matching surface fastening material is provided to form one or more flap fastener areas which the insert fastener members 121 a, 122a; 141 a, 142a are attachable.

These various aspects and options for the configuration of the flap fastener areas/members, as well as for the insert fastener areas/members, are further described with reference to the exemplary non-limiting configurations depicted in Figs 4a-f. It should be noted that the particular features described for a flap fastener member may also be applicable to an insert fastener member and vice versa, and/or may be combined into a single flap fastener member or insert fastener member as is apparent from the claims and unless specified otherwise. Moreover, it will be apparent to the skilled person that any positions described as being proximal or distal to the crotch section, in relation to the opening and closing of the flap members, are intended to be viewed as such with the flap member in the closed position.

In each depicted configuration, an exemplary set of an insert fastener member 141 and a flap fastener member 145 is shown, which are positioned onto respective inner surfaces of the pocket such that, in a closed position of the pocket, an indicated transversal midline Ax of the respective insert fastener member substantially aligns with an indicated transversal midline Fx of the respective flap fastener member.

For example, the outer contour of the insert fastener area may correspond to the outer contour of the insert fastener member, such as in the depicted examples. Alternatively, the outer contour of the insert fastener area may differ from the outer contour of the insert fastener member.

Similarly, as illustrated in the variants depicted in Fig. 4 a, b, c, and e, each flap fastener member 145a may carry no more than one flap fastener area 145.

Again, other variants are possible, such as for example illustrated in Fig. 4a, d and f, where a flap fastener member 145a may carry more than one flap fastener area 145. For example, a flap fastener member could comprise an elongated sheet formed base extending transversally along the pocket, the elongated sheet formed base comprising at least two flap fastener areas comprising a surface fastening material, such as hooks, where the two flap fastener areas are arranged with a transversal spacing on the sheet formed base.

The shape of the outer contour of the flap fastener area may correspond to the outer contour of the flap fastener member, such as depicted in Figs. 4a and 4b. Alternatively, the shape of the outer contour of the flap fastener area may differ from the outer contour of the flap fastener member, such as for example shown in Figs. 4c-4f.

The depicted configurations each described more specifically: Fig. 4a shows an example with an insert fastener member 141 a that is provided with a surface fastener area 141 . In this example, the surface fastener area 141 is provided over the entire area of the insert fastener member 141 a. However, as outlined in the above, other variants are possible.

The accompanying flap fastener member 145a likewise comprises a flap fastener area 145, covering the entire area of the flap fastener member 145a. In this example, the individual area of the flap fastener area 145 is less than the corresponding insert fastener area 141 . Accordingly, it may be understood, that when the insert fastener area 141 meets the flap fastener area 145, the resulting meeting area will likewise be less than the corresponding insert fastener area 141 .

Further, as exemplified in Fig. 4a, the width of the flap fastener area 145 is smaller at a position that is closest to the crotch section of the outer cover than a width of the corresponding insert fastener area 141 at the corresponding position. In other words, when the insert fastener area 141 meets the flap fastener area 145, a portion of the width of the insert fastener area 141 closest to the crotch section will remain unattached to the flap fastener area 145. Thus, the attachment force between the insert fastener area 141 and the flap fastener area may be reduced at the position closest to the crotch section.

The transversal width of the flap fastener area 145 increases continuously from the position closest to the crotch section and in a longitudinal direction away from the crotch section. This results in the meeting area, and thus the attachment force, between the insert fastener area 141 and the flap fastener area 145 increasing in the direction away from the crotch section. Accordingly, a force gradient as discussed in the above may be achieved when opening the pocket by removing the insert fastener area(s) 141 from the flap fastener area(s) 145.

As in the illustrated variant, the flap fastener area 145 may have a polygon shape, preferably arranged with a corner of the polygon shape protruding in a longitudinal direction towards the crotch section.

In the example of Fig. 4a, the flap fastener area 145 is in the form of a triangle having one corner protruding in a longitudinal direction towards the crotch section, such that the transversal width of the triangular flap fastener area increases as seen along the longitudinal direction away from the crotch section. Accordingly, the desired force gradient and sufficient holding force may be achieved by a flap fastener area 145 having a relatively simple shape which may be easily manufactured and/or attached to the outer cover 100.

Further, with a flap fastener area 145 having a polygon shape, such as the triangle shape, the flap fastener area 145 may form a visual indicium assisting a user when positioning an absorbent insert in the pocket for attachment of the insert to the outer cover. To this end, the absorbent insert 200 may be provided with a corresponding visual indicia 270, such as a print. Such a visual indicia 270 may be provided on the inward facing side and/or the outward facing side of the insert 200. Fig. 4b illustrates another variant, similar to the one of Fig. 4c, but for that the flap fastener area 145 having an outer contour being another polygon shape, this time a pentagon shape, with substantially equal length edges. Again, a corner of the pentagon shape is arranged so as to protrude towards the crotch section of the outer cover, so as to form the desired force gradient.

Fig. 4c shows an insert fastener member 141 a that is also provided with a surface fastener area 141 . The accompanying flap fastener member 145a is depicted as having substantially the same length and width as the length and width of the insert fastener member, allowing it to be attached to the outer cover by the same machine and optionally during the same manufacturing step. However, the flap fastener area 145 has a smaller area than the flap fastener member 145a. For example, the flap fastener member 145a may comprise a sheet formed base 145b forming the outer contour of the flap fastener member 145, where a surface fastening material is arranged on the sheet formed base 145b so as to form the flap fastener area 145. As illustrated in Fig. 4c, the outer contour of matching surface fastening material of the flap fastener area 145 has a polygon shape, in particular a pentagon shape. In this example, the flap fastener area 145 extends below the transversal midline Fx, and the section of the flap fastener area 145 closest to the crotch section is triangular, with a corner protruding longitudinally towards the crotch section, to achieve the desired closing force gradient. The particular size and shape of the polygon shaped outer contour of matching surface fastening material may be chosen such as to achieve a particular fastening force and closing-force gradient.

Fig. 4d shows an insert fastener member 141 a that is also provided with a surface fastener area 141 . The accompanying flap fastener member 145a is depicted as being provided with two flap fastener areas 145, each flap fastener area 145 being shown as a substantially homogeneous area of surface fastening material that is provided as a stripe on a sheet formed base 145b. Each flap fastener area 145 extends along a longitudinal length of the flap fastener member 145a. The two flap fastener areas 145 are spaced apart by a gap having a transversal width oGw. Thus, an opening is formed between the two flap fastener areas 145, having a width oGw that is preferably sufficiently wide for receiving a tip of a finger for ease of detaching the insert fastener member 141 a from the flap fastener member 145 a. Hereto, the longitudinal gap 126 is located along a longitudinal centreline of the flap fastener member 145.

Fig. 4e shows an alternative example of a flap fastener member 145a , wherein the member itself has substantially straight outer edges. The flap fastener member 145a comprises a sheet formed base 145b carrying a matching surface fastening material forming a single flap fastener area 145, that covers approximately 55 - 80 % of the surface area of the flap fastener member 145a. The section of the flap fastener area 145 below the centre line Fx is having an outer edge proximal to the crotch section shaped as a concave curve. The concave curved shape of the outer edge causes the cumulative flap fastener area to decrease in width as seen in a longitudinal direction from the centre line Fx towards the crotch section, thereby contributing to a closing-force gradient in the longitudinal direction of the pocket. Further, the concave curved outer shape provides a finger placement gap 126. Fig. 4f shows an alternatively configured flap fastener member 145 to the one depicted in Fig. 4e . However, rather than the outer edge of the accumulated, substantially homogeneous, area of surface fastening material proximal to the crotch section being a concave curve, the outer edge has a concave polygon shape. In the particular example depicted, this results in a finger placement gap 12’ that is shaped as a triangle with the narrow point being distal from the crotch section. The matching surface fastening material forms two substantially homogeneous triangular surface areas, i.e. flap fastener areas 145, having their narrowest points proximal the crotch section and together covering approximately 45 - 75 % of the surface area of the flap fastener member 145a.

Finally, Fig. 5 illustrates an example of an insert 200 which may be detachably attachable to the outer cover 200 to form an absorbent article as depicted in Fig. 1 . The front and/or end section 20T, 202’ of the insert 200 comprises a set of one or more cover fastener areas 241 , 242; 221 , 222, being attachable to the corresponding set of one or more insert fastener areas 141 , 142; 121 , 122 of the outer cover 200. As illustrated in Fig. 5, the insert 200 may comprise one or more visual indicia 270, serving to assist a user when positioning the insert 200 in the outer cover 200, by matching the visual indicia 270 of the insert 200 with the flap fastener areas of the outer cover. As mentioned in the above, the flap fastener areas of the outer cover are preferably unattachable to the insert 200, when the insert 200 is arranged to form an absorbent article 1 together with the outer cover 200 and with the flap member 140 being in its use position. Thus, the visual indicia 270 is to be a visual guide only, and not to provide any attachment between the insert and the outer cover. For example, the visual indicia 270 may be provided as a print on the outermost side of the outer cover, to be matched with flap fastener areas being arranged on the garment portion of the outer cover.

The present invention has been described with reference to a number of explanatory embodiments as shown in the figures. Obvious modifications and alternative implementations of some parts or elements will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the foregoing detailed description. In particular, it will be obvious to the skilled person that various alternatives explicitly mentioned in the detailed description may be implemented independently from other explicitly mentioned alternatives that are not explicitly described as being related thereto. The invention is intended to be construed as encompassing all such modifications and alternative implementations to the extent that they fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1 . A reusable outer cover (100) for an absorbent article (1 ), extending along a longitudinal direction (Y), and along a transversal direction (X), which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (Y), and wherein a thickness direction (Z) is defined perpendicular to both the longitudinal and transversal directions (X, Y), said thickness direction being an inward direction (Zi) towards the wearer, when the article is worn, and an outward direction (Z_o) away from the wearer, when the article is worn, the outer cover (100, 100’) comprising a garment portion (150) having a longitudinal length (oL) that extends along the longitudinal direction (Y), the garment portion (150) being subdivided into a front section (oSf), a back section (oSb) and a crotch section (oSc) along said longitudinal length (oL), and the garment portion (150) being adapted to fit around a wearer’s waist, with the front section (oSf) being positioned at or close to the wearer’s belly, the back section (oSb) being positioned against the wearer’s lower back, and the crotch section (oSc) being positioned over the wearer’s pubic area and a predefined part of the buttocks, transversally extending between two leg openings formed by the outer cover, such that the garment portion (150) defines an inward facing side intended to face towards the wearer, and an outward facing side, intended to face away from the wearer, when the outer cover (100) is worn, wherein, in at least one, preferably each, of the front section (oSf) and the back section (oSb), the outer cover (100) comprises a flap member (120,140) extending from said garment portion (150), the flap member (120, 140) having a use position wherein an outward facing inner side (120a, 140a) of the flap member (120,140) is facing the inward facing side of the garment portion (150) so as to form a pocket having an inner surface comprising the outward facing inner side (120a, 140a) of the flap member (120, 140) and a section of the inward facing side (120b, 140b) of the garment portion (150), the pocket having an opening at least in a longitudinal direction towards the crotch section (Sc) in the use position, and the inner surface of the pocket further comprising a set of one or more insert fastener areas (121 , 122; 141 , 142) located on a respective one of the outward facing inner side (120a; 140a) of the at least one flap member (120, 140) and the section of the inward facing side (120b, 140b) of the garment portion (150), each insert fastener area (121 , 122; 141 , 142) in said set comprising a surface fastening material adapted for detachable mechanical and/or frictional fastening of an insert to said outer cover for forming an absorbent article such that, when the insert is attached to the outer cover, said one or more insert fastener areas (121 , 122; 141 , 142) allow detachable attachment to an inward facing side or an outward facing side of a respective front edge portion (201 ’) or a back edge portion (202’) of the insert received in said pocket, while the insert extends inwardly over at least part of the crotch portion (oSc) of the garment portion (150), and a set of one or more flap fastener areas (125, 145) located opposite the set of one or more insert fastener areas (121 , 122; 141 , 142), on a respective other one of the outward facing inner side (120a; 140a) of the at least one flap member (120, 140) and the section of the inward facing side (120b, 140b) of the garment portion (150), wherein each of said flap fastener areas in said set comprises a matching surface fastening material adapted for detachably attaching to at least one corresponding insert fastener area in the set of one or more insert fastener areas (121 , 122; 141 , 142).

2. The outer cover (100) according to claim 1 , wherein an accumulated meeting area between the set of one or more insert fastener areas and the set of one or more flap fastener areas is smaller than the accumulated area of the set of one or more insert fastener areas.

3. The outer cover (100) according to claim 2, wherein the accumulated meeting area is no more than 80 % of the accumulated area of the set of one or more insert fastener areas.

4. The outer cover (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein , for at least one, such as each flap fastener area in said set of flap fastener areas, an individual meeting area (144) between the flap fastener area (145) and a corresponding insert fastener area (141 , 142) is smaller than the individual area of the corresponding insert fastener area (141 , 142).

5. The outer cover (100) according to claim 4, wherein the individual meeting area (144) is no more than 80 % of the individual area of the insert fastener area (142).

6. The outer cover (100) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein a width of the individual meeting area (144) is smaller at a position that is closest to the crotch section than a width of the individual meeting area (144) at a position distal to the position that is closest to the crotch section.

7. The outer cover (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the accumulated area of the set of one or more insert fastener areas (141 , 142) is larger than the accumulated area of the set of one or more flap fastener areas (145).

8. The outer cover (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the accumulated area of the set of flap fastener areas (145) is no more than 80 % of the accumulated area of the set of insert fastener areas (141 , 142).

9. The outer cover (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one, preferably each insert fastener area (141 , 142) of the set of one or more insert fastener areas has an individual area being greater than the individual area of a corresponding flap fastener area (145) of the set of one or more flap fastener areas.

10. The outer cover (100) according to claim 9, wherein at least one, preferably each flap fastener area in said set has an individual area being no more than 80 % of the corresponding insert fastener area.

1 1 . The outer cover (100) according to any one of claims 9-10, wherein for at least one, preferably each flap fastener area, a width of the flap fastener area is smaller than the width of the corresponding insert fastener area, at a position that is closest to the crotch section.

12. The outer cover (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one, preferably each of the one or more flap fastener areas has an outer edge having a convex polygon shape and/or comprising a convex curve proximal to the crotch section.

13. The outer cover (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one, preferably each of the one or more flap fastener areas has one of an elliptical, a semi-elliptical, a circular, a semi-circular or a triangular shape.

14. The outer cover (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one, preferably each of the one or more flap fastener areas has an outer edge proximal to the crotch section which comprises one or more of: an opening, a concave polygon shape and a concave curve.

15. The outer cover (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, on the inner surface of a respective pocket, a width spanned by the set of one or more insert fastener areas (oWf) is 95 % - 105 % of a width spanned by the set of one or more flap fastener areas (oWm).

16. The outer cover (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner surface of the pocket comprises an equal amount of insert fastener areas and flap fastener areas.

17. The outer cover (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, in said at least one, preferably each, of the front section (oSf) and the back section (oSb), the flap member (120) is located at a front edge (101 ) or a back edge (102), respectively, of the outer cover (100), and/or wherein the flap member (120, 140) in said at least one, preferably each, of the front section (oSf) and the back section (oSb), is extending from the respective front edge or back edge of the garment portion (150).

18. The outer cover according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, in at least one, preferably each, out of the front section (oSf) and the back section (oSb) of the outer cover, the flap member (120, 140) is a single flap member (120, 140), which extends in a transversal direction (X) between a first and a second side joint (128, 129; 148, 149) joining the flap member to the garment portion (150), such that said pocket is open in a longitudinal direction towards the crotch section over a flap member width (oWt) defined between said first and second side joints (128, 129; 148, 149).

19. The outer cover (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, in said at least one, preferably each, of the front section (oSf) and the back section (oSb), the outer cover comprises one or more insert fastener members (121 a; 122a; 141 a; 142a), each insert fastener member carrying at least one of said one or more insert fastener areas.

20. The outer cover (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in said one, preferably each, of the front section (oSf) and the back section (oSb), the outer cover comprises one or more flap fastener members (125a, 145a; 125a’, 145a’), each flap fastener member carrying at least one of said one or more flap fastener areas.

21 . The outer cover (100) according to claim 19 or 20, wherein at least one, such as each, of the one or more insert fastener members (121 a; 122a; 141 a; 142a) and/or flap fastener members (125a, 145a; 125a’, 145a’) comprises a sheet formed base having a length in the longitudinal direction (Y) and a width in the transversal direction (X) when the flap member (120, 140) is in the use position, the sheet formed base comprising one or more areas of surface fastening material or matching surface fastening material, so as to form said one or more insert fastener areas or one or more flap fastener areas.

22. The outer cover (100) according to claim 21 , wherein the one or more areas of surface fastening material and/or matching surface fastening material cover less than 80 % of the surface area of the sheet formed base.

23. The outer cover (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the surface fastening material of at least one, such as each, of the one or more insert fastener area(s) (121 ; 122; 141 ; 142) comprises hooks, and wherein the matching surface fastening material of a corresponding flap fastener member comprises loops.

24. The outer cover (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the garment portion (150) and the insert fastener area(s) (121 , 122, 141 , 142) are non-adherend to one another.

25. The outer cover (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the set of one or more insert fastener areas (121 , 122; 141 , 142), respectively in the front section (oSf) and/or the back section (oSb) of the outer cover, comprises a first subset of one or more insert fastener areas (121 ; 141 ) and a second subset of one or more insert fastener areas (122, 142), wherein the first subset and the second subset are spaced by a transversal spacing width (oWs), preferably the first subset and the second subset are symmetrically spaced around a longitudinal central axis (Y1 ) of the outer cover (100) by said spacing width (oWs).

26. The outer cover (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least 50%, such as at least 70% or at least 90 % of a total area of the outer cover is liquid permeable and/or breathable.

27. The outer cover (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer cover is configured to be washable, preferably machine-washable, and wherein the outer cover is preferably configured for at least 20 wash cycles.

28. The outer cover (100) according to any one the preceding claims, wherein the garment portion (150) comprises one or more fabric panels, wherein preferably at least one, such as each, of the one or more fabric panels comprise(s) a textile fabric, said textile fabric preferably being a knitted fabric.

29. An absorbent article, comprising a reusable outer cover according to any one of the preceding claims and an absorbent insert (200) comprising a liquid impermeable backsheet (206), a liquid permeable topsheet (205), and an absorbent assembly (230) provided in between said backsheet (206) and said topsheet (205), the insert (200) being shaped to, in use, cover a wearer’s pubic area and a predefined part of the buttocks with an inward facing side comprising said topsheet (205) directed towards the wearer, and an outward facing side directed towards the garment portion (150) of the outer cover (100), wherein a surface area of the insert (200) in a respective front edge portion (201 ’) or a back edge portion (202’) is detachably attached to a surface area of the pocket via the set of one or more insert fastener areas (121 , 122; 141 , 142).

30. The absorbent article according to claim 29, wherein the flap fastener area(s) are nonadherend to the insert.