GB2543024A - Nappy and insert therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

A reusable insert for a reusable nappy comprises an outer cover and an inner absorbent core, the core consisting of multiple absorbent sheets 1-6 of different sizes. The absorbent sheets are rectangular, all with the same width but different lengths. The absorbent sheets are stacked, alternating between two long length sheets 5 and 6, three short length sheets 1-3, and then one long length sheet 4. The absorbent sheets are sewn together and then sewn to the cover. An additional absorbent pad may be able to be inserted into the cover when needed. The insert is removeably attached to a nappy by fasteners. The cover is made from a cloth and preferably sueded cotton, and the core layers are preferably made from cotton micrcofibre. Also a reusable nappy comprising the reusable insert is claimed.

Description

NAPPY AND INSERT THEREFOR

Background to the Invention [0001] This invention relates to a reusable insert for a reusable nappy (diaper).

[0002] A known reusable cloth nappy consists two parts: a nappy outer layer and a cloth nappy insert. The nappy insert is the part of the nappy that absorbs urine and is removable attachable to the outer layer, for example by means of one or more press-studs or hook-and-loop fasteners.

Summary of the Invention [0003] The present invention seeks to provide a cloth nappy insert that is more absorbent for babies who produce greater than normal amounts of urine whilst not increasing the bulk associated with adding extra layers of absorbent material to a nappy insert.

[0004] The invention provides a reusable insert for a reusable nappy, the insert comprising an outer cloth, e.g. sueded cotton, envelope and an inner absorbent core, the absorbent core being provided by a plurality of absorbent sheets of different sizes.

[0005] The absorbent sheets can be provided by microfibre, e.g. cotton microfibre, fabric. The sheets can be generally rectangular, equal in width but of different lengths. A first length can be substantially equal to the length of the insert. A second length can be approximately half of the first length to provide an approximately square sheet. The sheets of the second, shorter length can be placed on at least one of the sheets of the first, longer length, near one end of the longer sheet(s). The sheets are stacked and in a particular embodiment, the stack consists of two longer sheets, then three shorter sheets and finally one longer sheet. The sheets can be sewn together and the assembled sheets can be sewn to the inside of the envelope.

[0006] In a particular embodiment of the invention an additional pad of absorbent material is provided and can be inserted into the envelope to increase the liquid- retaining capacity of the insert and removed therefrom to reduce the bulk. The pad can for example, be equal in shape and size to the shorter sheets.

[0007] The invention thus provides a two-part cloth nappy insert.

[0008] The first part is an inner absorbent layer. It contains an internal buffer section, formed from the shorter sheets, which absorbs the majority of the urine and distributes it around the rest of the insert to avoid compression wicking.

[0009] The second part is the cloth envelope section which encases the inner absorbent layer. The envelope section acts as a "stay-dry" layer that wicks moisture away from the skin. The envelope includes an opening at the back to allow insertion of a booster insert to be used during the night.

[0010] The insert can be provided with removable attachment means for attaching the insert to a nappy.

[0011] The invention also provides a reusable nappy assembly comprising an outer nappy layer and an insert as defined above.

Brief Description of the Drawings [0012] The invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example only, with respect to the accompanying drawings, in which: [0013] Figure 1 is an exploded view of the inner absorbent core; [0014] Figure 2 shows the sheet for forming the envelope with the inner core attached thereto; [0015] Figure 3 shows the finished insert; and [0016] Figure 4 is a cross section view of the insert.

Detailed Description of Particular Embodiments [0017] Figure 1 shows the layers of microfiber, e.g. cotton microfibre, which form the absorbent core. Three smaller length buffer pads 1, 2, 3, are sewn to a first full length microfibre layer 4, near one end, and two remaining full length microfibre layers 5, 6 are sewn to the assembled layers to sandwich the buffer pads 1, 2, 3 between the longer sheets 4 and 5, 6.

[0018] The envelope of the insert is formed from a sheet of suede cotton 7, in this example, shown in Figure 2. The complete inner absorbent core 8 formed from the sheets 1-6 is sewn centrally to this sheet as shown. This leaves flaps 9 on either side of the core 8. The flaps 9 are folded over and sewn to the sheet 7 along their short edges.

[0019] The finished insert, shown in Figures 3 and 4, has an opening along the entire edge 10, into which an additional booster pad (not shown) can be inserted. The additional booster pad can be formed from further microfibre sheets. It could be identical to the absorbent core 8 or could be a shorter length pad formed solely from sheets of the same size as the sheets 1, 2, 3. Insertion of this booster pad is more ergonomic than known nappies where an insert is inserted into the short side of a pocket in the nappy.

[0020] A press stud 11 is provided for securing the insert to the nappy.

[0021] The cloth suede envelope acts as a "stay-dry layer" which wicks moisture away from the skin. The booster pad can be inserted for use at night.

Claims (15)

1. A reusable insert for a reusable nappy, the insert comprising an outer cloth envelope and an inner absorbent core, the absorbent core being provided by a plurality of absorbent sheets of different sizes.

2. A reusable insert according to claim 1, wherein the outer cloth envelope is of sueded cotton.

3. A reusable insert according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the absorbent sheets are provided by microfibre fabric.

4. A reusable insert according to claim 3, wherein the absorbent sheets are provided by cotton microfibre fabric.

5. A reusable insert according to any preceding claim, wherein the sheets are rectangular, and equal in width but of different lengths.

6. A reusable insert according to any claim 5, wherein a first length of at least one of the sheets is substantially equal to the length of the insert.

7. A reusable insert according to claim 6, wherein a second length of at least one other of the sheets is approximately half of the first length to provide an approximately square sheet.

8. A reusable insert according to claim 7, wherein the sheet(s) of the second, shorter length are placed on at least one of the sheets of the first, longer length, near one end of the longer sheet(s).

9. A reusable insert according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the absorbent sheets are provided in a stack consisting of two longer sheets, then three shorter sheets and finally one longer sheet.

10. A reusable insert according to any preceding claim, wherein the absorbent sheets are sewn together and the assembled absorbent sheets are sewn to the inside of the envelope.

11. A reusable insert according to any preceding claim, wherein an additional pad of absorbent material is removably inserted into the envelope.

12. A reusable insert according to claim 11, when dependent on claim 7, wherein the additional pad is equal in shape and size to the shorter sheets.

13. A reusable insert according to any preceding claim, provided with removable attachment means for attaching the insert to a nappy.

14. A reusable insert for a reusable nappy, substantially as described herein with respect to the accompanying drawings.

15. A reusable nappy assembly comprising an outer nappy layer and an insert according to any preceding claim.