The present invention relates to re-usable cloth absorbent articles and more particularly to washable articles such as nappies (diapers), feminine care aids (panty liners and panty protectors), incontinent pads, and fitted undergarments.

BACKGROUND ART

Incontinent garments and pads, and feminine care products have developed more recently into one use disposable products. Earlier re-usable (washable) items tended to be manufactured from a single cloth sheet.

A washable nappy is described in British Patent 2,194,878, which nappy is of a particular configuration. However there is no analysis of the problems in respect of the materials to be employed.

Similarly British Patent 2,164,542 discusses the particular configuration of the nappy but merely states that it is to consist of absorbent material such as cotton. US Patent 4,516,975 also describes a washable nappy. However in this particular instance attention is paid to the material from which the nappy is formed. More particularly, the nappy has an outer layer forming a moisture barrier, a moisture absorbent felt layer, a middle layer of batting forming the frame of the diaper, and a soft inner facing layer made of a non-irritating absorbent washable fabric.

European Patent Publication 0 122 803 describes an incontinence article. The article consists of an elongated pad containing absorbent material retained within a water-pervious cover. The pad has at least one strip of transmitting material having substantially no resistance to liquid flow. The absorbent layer would consist of wood flock and the strip or strips would be formed of skeleton polyester foam. A cotton wool layer extends over the entire upper surface of the wood flock and foam.

US Patent 4,402,690 also describes a nappy which may be laundered. The nappy has a central absorbent layer preferably comprising two layers of cotton material or cotton gauze. Immediately adjacent the inner layer is a quantity of padding which can be made from polyester blended batting or any other suitable non-absorbent padding.

Australian Patent 125203 also describes a cloth nappy. The nappy has a cotton outer sheeting which encompasses cotton wool.

International Patent Publication No W091/14812 describes a washable nappy. The nappy is of a laminated structure having an inner layer and outer layer both formed of absorbent fabric material,

encompassing an intermediate layer of synthetic material which aids in transferring moisture from the inner layer to the outer layer. The outer layer may be formed of plush cotton towelling, while the inner layer is formed of brushed cotton or flannelette. The intermediate layer is bonded polyester.

The above discussed articles do not provide an efficient ncontinence garment which will generally withstand repeated laundering.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION It i the object of the present invention to overcome or substantially ameliorate the above disadvantage.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION There is disclosed herein a washable incontinence article comprising a laminated structure including: a body side layer of absorbent fabric consisting of cotton or fl nnelette; a layer of polyester knit overlaying said body side layer; and a layer of viscose overlaying said polyester knit layer. Preferably the article would have a water Impervious outer layer which may consist of a urethane coated polyester.

In a further preferred form, a polyester wadding would be provided with the polyester knit.

In a still further preferred form the viscose layer would be overlaid with a further polyester knit layer which in turn would be overlaid with a cotton or flannelette layer.

Preferably the viscose layer consists of 70% viscose rayon (regenerated cellulose fibre - wood pulp), 20% polyethylene, and 10% polyester.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Preferred forms of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein

Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of an incontinence pad; Figure 2 is a schematic plan view of a garment to receive the pad of Figure 1 ;

Figure 31s a schematic front elevation of a nappy; and

Figure 4 is a schematic rear elevation of the nappy of Figure 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In Figure 1 there is schematically depicted an incontinence pad 10. The pad 10 may be of an oval configuration as generally depicted, or an "hour-glass" configuration if so required.

The pad 10 comprises an outer layer 11 of cotton or flannelette. The layer 10 would weigh approximately 240 grams per square metre. Preferably the cotton, if employed, would be 100% brushed cotton.

The next layer 12 is 100% polyester, lock knit netting fabric, approximately 80 grams per square metre. The middle layer 13 is a viscose rayon regenerated cellulose fibre material. The next layer 14 is the same as layer 12, while the layer 15 is the same as layer 11.

The various layers 11 to 15 are held together by the layers 11 and 15 forming an envelope sewn along the edges.

The garment 20 of Figure 2 is a nappy having a rear portion 21 tapering to a crutch portion 22. Extending from the crutch portion 22 is a front portion 23. The garment 10 would have an outer layer consisting of a water impervious sheet such as urethane coated polyester or vinyl. Sewn to that would be an inner layer of cotton. The upper and lower edges 24 and 25 may be provided with elastic if needed together with the sides 26 which form the leg openings. Fasteners such as Velcro* strips 27 may be provided. Alternatively press tabs or other fasteners are also envisaged.

In Figures 3 and 4 a nappy of a unitary construction is provided, not requiring an insert pad such as discussed with reference to Figures 1 and 2. In this embodiment the nappy 30 would have an outer layer comprising a sheet of water impervious material such as urethane coated polyester or vinyl. The outer layer 31 would be sewn to an inner layer of cotton 32. As an alternative, the inner layer 32 may be flannelette. Abutting the inner layer 32 would be a layer of 100% polyester, lock knitted netting fabric. The next layer would consist of viscose rayon regenerated cellulose fibre. More preferably this layer would be 70% viscose rayon, 20% polyethylene and 10% polyester. If so required viscose padding could also be added. This viscose layer would then abut the outer layer 31.

The outer layer 31 would be preferably 70 denier knit polyester coated with urethane.

As a still further alternative, the nappy of Figures 3 and 4 could be provided with an elasticised top and/or sides so as to constitute a "pull-on" garment.

The above described preferred embodiment by providing a 100% brushed cotton or flannelette inner lining, present to the skin of the user a soft pliable layer that will not irritate. Still further the garment would not be hot to wear. The polyester netting creates a

separate air pocket between the two adjacent layers and will stick to the centre padding when wet. The presence of this polyester netting helps to provide air circulation for quicker drying after laundering. The additional wadding which may be added provides a cushion for the wearer and absorbs excess moisture.

The centre layer, that is the layer of viscose regenerated cellulose fibre is provided to absorb moisture. The outer plastics layer (polyurethane/vinyl) provides an outer moisture shield to protect outer garments.

The present invention in its preferred embodiments provides a garment whi h is comfortable and easy to wear. Still further the article is re-usable and therefore is more environmentally sensitive. That is, by being washable the garment may be re-used.