WO1994024973A1

WO1994024973A1 - Incontinence undergarment

Info

Publication number: WO1994024973A1
Application number: PCT/CA1994/000235
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jerry Friedman; Lilija Adomonis
Original assignee: Jerry Friedman; Lilija Adomonis
Priority date: 1993-04-27
Filing date: 1994-04-19
Publication date: 1994-11-10
Also published as: AU6674694A

Abstract

A reusable undergarment for incontinence is disclosed. The garment includes a pair of layers (12, 22) connected to provide a single open-ended body. A self-reversing pocket (36) is provided within the garment body to receive a disintegrating type or water soluble type absorbent pad (60, 74). The self-reversing pocket reverses during laundering of the garment and is easily removed from the garment body to facilitate thorough cleaning of the inside and outside of the garment and pocket. The pad is an environmentally acceptable absorbent insert suitable for a reusable incontinence product. The insert includes a moisture permeable outer cover (80) comprising a layer of flexible water soluble material adapted to be worn against the skin of a user and capable of substantially solubilizing in water at a temperature greater than about 40 °C; and an inner filler (82) of absorbent material, the absorbent material comprising a polymer capable of substantially dispersing in water at a temperature greater than about 40°C. According to the present invention, when the insert is laundered with a reusable incontinence product, the outer cover layer is solubilized and the absorbent material is dispersed in water having a temperature greater than 40 °C so as to leave the reusable incontinence product free from the insert.

Description

Incontinence undergarment

The present invention relates to a non-disposable undergarment and more particularly the present invention relates to an undergarment having a self-reversing pocket lining and an absorbent insert for use with incontinence products.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Generally, the prior art has previously proposed numerous forms of undergarment arrangements having various features all directed to convenience for use and improved comfort among other features.

The reusable type undergarments have returned to popularity due to environmental concerns. Generally, this type of undergarment has been preferred for use by incontinent individuals as well.

Although reusable undergarments are popular, one of the main limitations is the difficulty sometimes encountered during laundering. The laundering problem is compounded when dissolving or disintegrating type absorbent pads are used. Often, a gritty residue is left in the undergarment after washing since the garment may not be capable of reversing. This is not only inconvenient, but can also irritate infant and adult skin causing discomfort.

British Patent Specification 1,553,633, published October 3, 1979 discloses an assembly for the management of incontinence, the assembly being reusable and adapted to cover a patient-supporting surface of a bed, chair or the like. The device of this patent comprises at least one layer of a non-absorbent hydrophobic textile material through which urine can freely pass and at least one layer of absorbent hydrophillic textile material behind the non-absorbent layer or layers to receive and absorb urine passing through the non-absorbent layer or layers. As noted above, the assembly of this Patent is reusable and is simply laundered when soiled.

Another known type of absorbent insert is described in U.S. Patent 5,160,331. This patent discloses an absorbent insert for use with cloth diapers or the like where the insert comprises first and second webs constructed of non-toxic, biodegradable, pliable, liquid-absorbent tissue paper; the tissue paper webs being capable of disintegrating in hot water or on agitation. A layer of non- toxic, biodegradable, liquid-absorbent material in the form of a powder or granular material is sandwiched between the first and second webs of tissue paper. The insert is used in a diaper by sandwiching it between layers of the diaper cloth so that the insert does not come into contact with the skin of a wearer, thus preventing contact with the skin of a wearer, by the absorbent powder or granules. On soiling, the diaper cloth acts as a wick to draw fluids to the absorbent insert. The liquid-absorbent powder or granular material absorbs fluid and urine from the wearer and the insert is disposed of by simply depositing it into the sewage system, such as by laundering it with the diaper in a washing machine. The hot water and agitation of the washing machine will disintegrate the tissue webs so that the powder or granules absorbent material can easily pass through the waste pipes of the household as can the disintegrated tissue webs.

A further known type of absorbent disposable insert currently in use if of a "flushable type". As normally considered in this art, "flushable" products include those which may be disposed of through a conventional toilet system, whether they are biodegradable or not, and whether or not they include components which have been broken down into smaller pieces by e.g. tearing. Normally, flushable products would not include any materials which would tend to block the system. This "flushable type" insert includes an absorbable portion which is itself flushable; the absorbable portion is, however, contained within a plastic pouch and the absorbable portion must be removed therefrom prior to disposal. The plastic pouch is not flushable and must be separately disposed of by throwing the same into the garbage. With such an insert, it can be very difficult and messy to remove the inside flushable unit from the plastic pouch and if there is any fecal matter, the outside plastic pouch could not be readily thrown into any garbage container. It is a feature of an embodiment of the present invention to provide a disposable insert which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art and which insert is adapted to be worn against the skin of a user and can be readily disposed of in a simple and harmless manner by throwing the same into the laundry together with the reusable incontinence product with which it is used. Such a disposable insert can be utilized with a wide range of incontinence products, including bed pads, chair pads, adult incontinence garments, infant diapers and the like.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment of the present invention is to provide an improved undergarment capable of self-reversing to permit thorough cleaning of the inside and outside of the undergarment, while at the same time removing residual material from within the garment.

In accordance with one aspect of one embodiment of the invention there is provided a reusable garment for incontinence having a top layer and a bottom layer connected to provide a hollow garment body having an opening, characterized in that the garment body includes a self-reversing pocket adapted to receive an absorbent pad means, the pocket being reversible during laundering from a use position within the garment body to a second position outwardly of the garment body.

In respect of the pocket, it is preferred that the same comprise a material which can self-reverse. Such material is desirable since it is easily laundered and does not retain debris. Suitable fabrics permitting thorough laundering such as mesh, satin, silk or any other suitable lightweight, non-bulky material capable of easy self-reversal during a wash cycle, will be useful. In addition, combinations of such material are contemplated for use.

Conveniently, the pocket is connected to the garment body only at one area of the garment body. This is particularly advantageous, since the pocket is effectively "free floating" thus permitting easy self-reversal during laundering. Clearly, this is an advantageous arrangement since the pocket will turn inside out to release all material, including residual non-dissolved absorbent pad material if employed for use, from within the garment body. The result is a thoroughly cleaned, hygienic garment.

The material of which the undergarment may be composed will vary depending on intended use. In the case where the undergarment is intended for use as a diaper, the materials may comprise suitable cloth material, e.g. cotton.

In terms of incontinent use, any suitable material may be employed such as 100% cotton, cotton blends, polyester, etc.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention there is provided an environmentally acceptable absorbent insert suitable for a reusable incontinence product comprising: a moisture permeable outer cover comprising a layer of flexible water soluble material adapted to be worn against the skin of a user and capable of substantially solubilizing in water at a temperature greater than about 40^*C; an inner filler of absorbent material, the absorbent material comprising a polymer capable of substantially dispersing in water at a temperature greater than about 40*C; whereby when the insert is laundered with a reusable incontinence product, the outer cover layer is solubilized and the absorbent material is dispersed in water having a temperature greater than 40*C so as to leave the reusable incontinence product free from said insert.

The incontinence products of preferred embodiments of the present invention utilize an insert in which the insert includes an outer cover layer adapted to be worn against the body of a wearer; the cover layer preferably completely surrounds the absorbent material to form a continuous outer covering layer. However, in certain embodiments, the outer cover may only partially surround the absorbent material with an additional material, such as a dispersible or disintegratable layer of flexible fabric, forming the balance of the layer.

In general terms, the outer cover layer must be made of a material that will be totally water soluble, in water at temperatures above about 40°C; but the outer cover layer should not lose its integrity below this temperature. Generally, for practical purposes and although no upper limit may be necessary, preferably the materials are chosen to solubilize at temperatures above about 40°C and below about 75"C, preferably below about 54*C.

Typical of materials that may be used as a covering layer, and which are water soluble, are various types of polyvinylalcohols and acetates; depending on the particular polymer composition, cover layers can be made of such alcohols and acetates so as to dissolve over a selected temperature range. Other examples of materials from which the cover layer can be made include polyacrylics, polyethylene oxide, plasticized methyl- and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose films, heat sealable plasticized films cross-linked with aldehydes such as hydroxyethyl cellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone or mixtures thereof.

In accordance with this invention, there is provided a reusable garment for incontinence, characterized in that the garment comprises: a first layer and a second layer in facing relation, the first layer and the second layer being connected to provide a hollow garment body having an opening associated therewith; and a self-reversing pocket adapted to receive a soluble and/or disposable absorbent pad means, the pocket being reversible during laundering from a use position within the garment body to a second position outwardly of the garment body; and an absorbent insert comprising: a moisture permeable outer cover of flexible material being substantially soluble in water at a temperature greater than about 40"C; an innerwater soluble absorbentmaterial, the absorbent material capable of substantially solubilizing in water at a temperature greater than about 40^βC; wherein when the garment is laundered the pocket self-reverses to release the absorbent material in wash water, the absorbent material being soluble in the wash water at a temperature above about 40"C, so as to leave the garment free from the insert.

Preferably, all materials of the insert, including the outer cover material and the absorbent material, are totally water soluble or dispersible in a normal laundry load at water temperatures above about 40^βC; and, once dispersed or solubilized, are easily flushed out of the laundry equipment and are acceptable for normal sewage treatment.

In a preferred embodiment, the outer cover layer is expandable to accommodate the expansion or "ballooning" of the absorbent material as it absorbs moisture. Thus, the outer covering material may include pleats, gussets, gathering or similar arrangements.

To permit passage of liquids through the outer cover to the absorbent material, the outer cover may have its entire surface, or parts of its surface, punctured in such a fashion that moisture may pass to the absorbent material, but the punctures would be of a configuration which would not permit passage of the absorbent material to .the exterior of the outer cover.

The outer cover preferably is comprised of a material which has sufficient strength to be weight bearing and not collapse or break open from the type of pressure that might be extracted on the insert, for example, when sat upon by a wearer weighing up to 400 lbs.

The insert may be inserted into a protective receptacle that would aid in alleviating direct pressure and maintain its integrity under such pressures. As an example, the reusable incontinence product with which the insert is to be used may include a cut-away portion or pocket adapted to receive the insert.

The insert of the present invention may be secured to the reusable incontinence product by any suitable means. As an example, adhesive strips could be utilized, the adhesive preferably being of the type which would dissolve at temperatures of greater than about 40*C.

The insert may be in the shape of a rectangle, an oval or the insert may be of a contoured configuration or any other desired configuration. In the case of a heavily incontinent person, two or more inserts of the same or different dimensions may be utilized with an incontinence product at the same time.

The insert of the present invention may be utilized with a wide variety of incontinence products, including but not limited to pads, adult briefs, infant diapers, etc.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the pocket includes a flexible length of material connected to a pocket to assist in reversing the pocket and therefore removing an absorbent member from within the garment body.

In accordance with this further embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a reusable garment for incontinence comprising: a first layer and a second layer in facing relation; the first layer and the second layer being connected to provide a hollow garment body having an open end; a self-reversing pocket for receiving an absorbent pad means; a soluble absorbent pad means positioned within the pocket, the pad means including: a moisture permeable outer cover of flexible water soluble material and capable of substantially solubilizing in water at a temperature greater than about 40^*C; and an inner layer of water soluble absorbent material capable of substantially solubilizing in water at a temperature greater than about 40^βC; whereby when the garment and insert are laundered the pocket self-reverses to release the water soluble absorbent material, said absorbent material being capable of dissolving in water temperatures greater than about 40^βC.

Clearly, the undergarment arrangement disclosed herein will have utility in a variety of undergarments including, for example, diapers, briefs, demi-briefs, inserts, etc.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present invention has applicability in the incontinence product art.

Having thus generally described the invention, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, illustrating preferred embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the undergarment according to one embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is an exploded view of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a perspective view illustrating the pocket in a reversed position to that illustrated in Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the arrangement showing an absorbent member positioned therein;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the undergarment according to another embodiment of the invention;

Figure 6 is a perspective view illustrating the pocket in a reversed position to that illustrated in Figure 5;

Figure 7 is a front perspective view of a conventional reusable incontinence garment or diaper;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of an incontinence garment or diaper, in an open position, including the absorbent insert of the present invention;

Figure 9 is an exploded view of the central portion of the incontinence garment or diaper showing one embodiment of the insert removed therefrom;

Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the insert of the present invention in position in the central portion of the incontinence garment or diaper;

Figure 11 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the insert of the present invention; Figure 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the insert of the present invention; and

Figure 13 is a perspective view of a bed pad or chair pad with which the insert of the present invention may be utilized.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the drawings, the garment 10 comprises an outside layer 12 having an outside surface 14, an inside surface 16 and opposed ends 18 and 20.

An inside layer 22, i.e. a layer for positioning against a user's skin, has outside surface 24, an inside surface 26 and opposed ends 28 and 30.

Layers 12 and 22 are disposed in facing relation and stitched together along their respective peripheries as generally denoted by numeral 32 in Figure 1. The stitching is continuous along three sides leaving the garment 10 open at one end, denoted by numeral 34. In this manner, the garment 10 subscribes to a hollow, single open ended structure.

Turning to the pocket member 36, the pocket provides a top layer 38 having an outside surface 40 and an inside surface 42 and opposed ends 44 and 46. Similarly, a bottom layer 48 is provided having an outside surface 50, an inside surface 52 and opposed ends 54 and 56.

The top and bottom layers 38 and 48 are disposed in facing relation and stitched at their peripheries as indicated by numeral 58. One end of the pocket member 36 is open which end includes ends 44 and 54 of pocket member 36.

The pocket member 36 is connected to garment 10 at open end 34 thereof. More particularly, end 44 is stitched to end 18 of layer 14 of the garment and end 54 of pocket member 36 is stitched to end 28 of the garment. As such, the pocket member 36 is connected to one location on the garment 10 and accordingly, the former is easily removable from its normal use position within garment 10 in general coaxial relation therewith to a second position outwardly of garment 10 as shown in Figure 3. The pocket 36 is self-reversing, i.e. capable of reversing from within garment 10 to a position outwardly thereof. This is a particularly advantageous feature during the laundering process since maximum exposure of the entire surfaces of garment 10 and pocket 36 are exposed to cleaning materials.

Generally, super absorbent pad material discussed hereinafter in greater detail and denoted by numeral 74, as illustrated in Figure 4, known to self-disintegrate during laundering, i.e. soluble material or agitation sensitive material, may be used with garment 10 and may easily be accommodated within pocket 36. The absorbent material may comprise a polymeric material in the form of fibers, filaments, grains, powders or mixtures thereof and in which the polymer is chosen so as to be either dispersible or soluble in water in conventional cleaning cycles at temperatures of above about 40*C, and preferably below about 75'C. Such an absorbent material may be made of polymers such as sulphite cooked hemlock pulp, saponified starch graft polyacrylonitrile copolymer, alkenyl phosphonic and phosphinic acid esters of polyvalent alcohols and water swellable hydrogels made therefrom, the products obtained by alcoholysis of a copolymer of vinyl acetate, unsaturated dicarboxylate ester and unsaturated acid, cross-linked sodium acrylate implanted on starch, isobutylene-maleic acid- anhydride copolymers or hydrolyzed copolymers of polyacrylonitrile implanted on starch, sodium polyacrylate or mixtures thereof. Still further, mixtures of different polymers, each having a range of water dispersibility or solubility temperatures varying between 36^βC and 75^βC may be employed. Other suitable absorbency material will be readily known to those skilled in the art.

Preferably, all materials of the absorbent insert, including the_. outer cover material and the absorbent material, are totally water soluble or dispersible in a normal laundry load at water temperatures above about 40^βC; and, once dispersed or solubilized, are easily flushed out of the laundry equipment and are acceptable for normal sewage treatment. The outer cover preferably is comprised of a material which has sufficient strength to be weight bearing and not collapse or break open from the type of pressure that might be exerted on the insert, for example, when sat upon by a wearer weighing up to 180 kg.

In terms of materials of which the pocket 36 may be made, any suitable material which is capable of unencumbered reversal from within garment 10 may be employed such as those discussed herein previously.

To assist in comfort, the garment body may include side members 62 comprising a soft material, e.g. combed cotton, for contact with a user's skin.

Further, the garment body may be elasticized at its ends and/or sides and may optionally include fasteners, e.g. snaps, buttons, velcro arrangements, etc. to permit conformity about a user.

End 46 of pocket member 36 includes a flexible length of cord 47 connected thereto. Cord 47 includes a free-end 49, which end extends outwardly of the garment 10 for grasp by a user.

By making use of cord 47, the pocket member 36 may be reversed from within garment 10 to a point exteriorly thereof. This is a particularly advantageous feature during the laundering process since maximum exposure of the entire surfaces of garment 10 and pocket 36 are exposed to cleaning materials.

The user may simply pull cord 47 in order to reverse pocket 36, while additionally removing an absorbent pad 60, shown in Figure 4, therefrom.

Conveniently, layers 12 and 38 of garment 10 and pocket member 36, respectively include registering apertures 13 and 13'. The apertures are positioned to receive free end 49 of cord 47. The cord 47 may be knotted to prevent slipping through apertures 13 and 13' . It will be appreciated that numerous possible methods may be employed to retain free end 49 of cord 47. Suitable arrangements may include Velcro arrangements, snaps, etc. Further, the cord 47 may be positioned with the pocket member 36 or exteriorly thereof, i.e. within garment body 10.

In terms of materials of which the pocket 36 may be made, any suitable material which is capable of unencumbered reversal from within garment 10 may be employed.

Further still, pocket 36 and garment 10 may be made from a suitably folded sheet or from a tubularly-shaped starting material.

Refering now to Figure 7 which illustrates a conventional reusable diaper or incontinence garment 70 shown in a "use" position. Such a reusable incontinence garment typically includes velcro tabs 72 or other suitable attachment means, e.g. snap fasteners, for adjustment of the garment around the torso of a wearer. The garment 70, once soiled, is removed from the wearer, laundered in a conventional manner and once laundered is ready for reuse.

Figure 8 illustrates a conventional reusable diaper or incontinence garment 70 in combination with an insert of the present invention, the insert being generally designated by reference numeral 74. As illustrated in Figure 8, the insert 74 may be attached to the reusable incontinence garment 70 at a central area 76. The insert 74 may be attached to the garment 70 by any suitable means, such as by suitable adhesive strips (not shown) applied to the back or bottom of the insert 74.

The insert 74 includes an outer cover layer 80 which is adapted to be worn against the body of a wearer. The outer cover layer 80 is preferably of a material that will be totally water soluble, in water at temperatures above about 40"C; but the material of the outer cover layer 80 should not lose its integrity below this temperature.

As noted above, the outer cover layer 80 is composed of materials which are substantially,water spluble and iissolvable in wash water at temperatures above about 40^βC, such as, for example, various polyvinylalcohols and acetates which are some of the preferred materials.

The inner absorbent material 82 is a polymeric material and could be in the form of fibers, filaments, grains, powders or any mixtures thereof. The absorbent material 82 is dispersible or soluble in water in a conventional laundry operation at temperatures above about 40°C.

The materials of the insert 84, including the outer cover 80 and the inner absorbent material 82, are dispersible and/or soluble in water in a normal laundry load at temperatures above about 40*C and are, once dispersed and/or solubilized in the wash water, easily flushed out of the laundry equipment together with the wash water and are acceptable for normal sewage treatment.

The outer cover layer 80 preferably completely surrounds the inner absorbent material 82 (as best seen in Figure 10) to form a continuous outer covering.

Figure 9 and 10 illustrate an alternate embodiment of the present invention where the central portion 76 of the diaper or incontinence garment 70 includes a cut-away portion or pocket 78 adapted to receive and retain the insert 74 therein. Such a pocket 78 forms a protective receptacle which aids in alleviating direct pressure, caused by being sat upon by a wearer, on the insert 74 and helps maintain the integrity of the insert 74 under such pressure. Again, the insert 74 may be fastened and releasably retained in the pocket 78 by any suitable adhesive means (not shown) .

As best illustrated in Figures 9 and 10, the insert 74 may be of a rectangular configuration and may include pleats 86 which would allow for full expansion of the inner absorbent material 82 as it absorbs moisture. Although, as noted previously and hereinafter, various other configurations may be utilized for the insert. Figures 12 and 13 illustrate various forms of the insert 74. As illustrated in Figure 11, the insert 74 may have a contoured configuration or, as illustrated in Figure 12, the insert 74 may be of an oval shape. The outer cover may include gathering 88 to allow for the expansion of the inner absorbent material 82 as it absorbs moisture.

For use, the insert 74 is fastened or releasably attached to the central portion 76 of the garment 70 by way of any suitable adhesive; the incontinence garment 70 is now ready for use by a wearer. Once the garment 70 has been soiled, i.e. the absorbent material 72 of the insert 74 has absorbed moisture (in the form or urine) , the garment 70 is simply removed from the wearer and can be placed in a conventional laundry load.

On laundering the garment 70 (with the insert 74 still in place) at water temperatures above about 40*C, the outer cover 80 of the insert 74 will disintegrate or dissolve into the wash water and the absorbent material will dissolve in the wash water. Thus, after the laundering cycle is complete, the garment 10 will be free from the insert 80 and will be ready for reuse with the insertion of a new insert.

Figure 13 illustrates a conventional chair pad or bed pad 90 with which the insert of the present invention may be utilized. As in the case of the incontinence garment described with reference to Fig. 8, the pad 90 may include a cut out portion or pocket (not shown) within which the insert may rest when in use. Such a pocket aids in alleviating direct pressure to the insert. Alternatively, the insert may simply be releasably adhered to the pad 90 by suitable adhesive in any desired location.

It will be appreciated that the self-reversing pocket may be employed with a host of incontinent oriented garments including, for example, briefs, diapers, etc.

Although embodiments of the invention have been described above, it is not limited thereto and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous modifications form part of the present invention insofar as they do not depart from the spirit, nature and scope of the claimed and described invention.

Claims

WE CLAIM ;

1. In a reusable garment for incontinence having a top layer and a bottom layer connected to provide a hollow garment body having an opening, characterized in that said garment body includes a self-reversing pocket adapted to receive an absorbent pad means, said pocket being reversible during laundering from a use position within said garment body to a second position outwardly of said garment body.

2. The garment as set forth in claim 1, characterized in that said pocket is connected to said garment body at an opening.

3. The garment as set forth in claim 2, characterized in that said pocket is coaxial with said garment body when in said use position.

4. The garment as set forth in claim 2, characterized in that said pocket is at least partially coextensive with said garment body in said second position.

5. The garment as set forth in claim 1, characterized in that said garment comprises a reusable diaper.

6. An environmentally acceptable absorbent insert suitable for a reusable incontinence product comprising: a moisture permeable outer cover comprising a layer of flexible water soluble material adapted to be worn against the skin of a user and capable of substantially solubilizing in water at a temperature greater than about 40*C; an inner filler of absorbent material, said absorbent material comprising a polymer capable of substantially dispersing in water at a temperature greater than about 40°C; whereby when said insert is laundered with a reusable incontinence product, said outer cover layer is solubilized and said absorbent material is dispersed in water having a temperature greater than 40°C so as to leave said reusable incontinence product free from said insert.

7. The insert as defined in claim 6, characterized in that said outer cover is expandable to thereby accommodate expansion of said absorbent material as it absorbs moisture.

8. The insert as defined in claim 7, characterized in that said outer cover is expandable to thereby accommodate expansion of said absorbent material as it absorbs moisture.

9. A reusable garment for incontinence, characterized in that said garment comprises: a first layer and a second layer in facing relation, said first layer and said second layer being connected to provide a hollow garment body having an opening associated therewith; and a self-reversing pocket adapted to receive a soluble and/or disposable absorbent pad means, said pocket being reversible during laundering from a use position within said garment body to a second position outwardly of said garment body; and an absorbent insert comprising: a moisture permeable outer cover of flexible material being substantially soluble in water at a temperature greater than about 40*C; an inner water soluble absorbent material, said absorbent material capable of substantially solubilizing in water at a temperature greater than about 40*C; wherein when said garment is laundered said pocket self- reverses to release said absorbent material in wash water, said absorbent material being soluble in said wash water at a temperature above about 40"C, so as to leave the garment free from said insert.

10. The garment as set forth in claim 9, characterized in that said pocket is connected to said garment body at an open end thereof.

11. The garment as set forth in claim 10, characterized in that said pocket is coaxial with said garment body when in said use position.

12. The garment as set forth in claim 10, characterized in that said pocket is coextensive with said garment body in said second position.

13. A reusable garment for incontinence comprising: a first layer and a second layer in facing relation; said first layer and said second layer being connected to provide a hollow garment body having an open end; a self-reversing'pocket for receiving an absorbent pad means; a soluble absorbent pad means positioned within said pocket, said pad means including: a moisture permeable outer cover of flexible water soluble material and capable of substantially solubilizing in water at a temperature greater than about 40^βC; and an inner layer of water soluble absorbent material capable of substantially solubilizing in water at a temperature greater than about 40'C; whereby when said garment and insert are laundered said pocket self-reverses to release said water soluble absorbent material, said absorbent material being capable of dissolving in water temperatures greater than about 40*C.

14. The garment as defined in claim 13, characterized in that said inner central portion of said reusable incontinence product includes a cut-away portion adapted to receive said insert therein.

15. The garment as defined in claim 13, characterized in that said outer cover of said insert is expandable to accommodate expansion of said absorbent material as it absorbs moisture.

16. The garment as defined in claim 15, characterized in that said outer cover is expandable by way of pleats, gathering or gussets.

17. The garment as defined in claim 13, characterized in that said insert includes at least one adhesive strip to permit fastening to said reusable diaper.

18. The garment as defined in claim 13, characterized in that said outer cover of said insert is comprised of polyvinylalcohols or acetates.

19. The garment as defined in claim 13, characterized in that said absorbent material of said insert is a polymeric material.

20. The garment as defined in claim 19, characterized in that said polymeric material is in the form of fibers or filaments.