CA2103537A1

CA2103537A1 - Detachable diaper system with adjustable liner

Info

Publication number: CA2103537A1
Application number: CA002103537A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Peter H. T. Lee
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1993-08-06
Filing date: 1993-08-06
Publication date: 1995-02-07

Abstract

DETACHABLE DIAPER SYSTEM WITH ADJUSTABLE LINER
ABSTRACT
A diaper assembly including a washable, reusable over-garment having opposite side edges and two opposite ends, an inner and outer surfaces. A detachable, washable, reusable moisture proof sheet is adapted for positioning on the inner surface side of the over-garment. There is a detachable, washable, reusable, adjustable absorbent liner adapted for positioning on the inner surface side of the moisture proof sheet. This adjustable absorbent liner also has opposite ends and inner and outer surfaces. There is a separate washable, reusable non-absorbent cover member adapted to cover the inner surface of the absorbent liner and having opposite ends.
Preferably the over-garment have an elasticized breathable crescent shape garment piece located centrally on the side edges. Preferably the over-garment have an elasticized piece located between the over-garment and a protruding garment piece positioned at the rear end of the over-garment. Preferably a combination of snap fasteners and hook and loop type velcro fasteners are provided for detachably connecting the opposite ends on the inner surface of the over-garment to respective opposite ends on the outer surface of the moisture proof sheet. Preferably snap fasteners are provided for detachably connecting the opposite ends of both the absorbent liner and the cover member to respective opposite ends of the garment to enhance stability.

Description

21~3537 , BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention is an improvement on our existing Canadian patent 1,282,904 issued April 16, 1991 and U.S. patent 5,217,447 issued June 8, 1993 to Michael E. Fedryna and Peter H.T. Lee which describe a waste-containment garment both for infants and adults.
In the existing Canadian and U.S. Patent, the diaper assembly was easy to launder and clean. However, durinq laundering, the force of the water from the washer and the centrifugal force from the dryer along with the weight of the wet clothes being caught between the moisture proof sheet and the diaper over-garment could cause the sewing of the over-garment to become loose and eventually reducing the life expectancy of the over-garment.
A feature in the Canadian and U.S. patent that was issued to us is the detachable absorbent lin~r. Approximately four separate sizes could be made for each of the infant style and the geriatric styles, but unfortunately these sizes would not accommodate all users in each of the two classes since each user is physically different. Also, for each over-garment size used, a corresponding absorbent liner size is needed which adds to the cost of having a cloth diaper system. In recent years, conventional one-size-fit-all cloth diapers have been proposed. In some cases Velcro (trademark) type fasteners are used to hold these diapers in place. Such diapers requires the use of an outer plastic pant which is often needed to prevent moisture penetration and leakage. The primary reason why these diapers have become less popular is the amount of laundering required to clean the diapers as they are used. Another problem is the maintenance of hygiene while using and cleaning these diapers.
Another feature in both the existing Canadian and U.S. patent employs a disposable topsheet or sleeve for use with the diaper assembly. The topsheet or sleeve could be slipped out of place and therefore the it is difficult to position and there is no assurance that it will remain in the appropriate position.
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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the invention a diaper assembly comprises a washable, reusable over-garment having opposite side edges and two opposite ends and inner and outer surfaces. There is a detachable, washable, reusable moisture proof sheet adapted for positioning on the inner surface side of the over-garment and having two opposite side edges and two opposite ends. A detachable, washable, reusable, adjustable absorbent liner is adapted for positioning on the inner surface side of the moisture proof sheet and having opposite ends and inner and outer surfaces as well.
There is also a separate, washable, reusable, liquid pervious, non-absorbent, thin, flexible cover member adapted to cover the inner surface of the absorbent liner and having opposite ends. There are means for detachably connecting the opposite ends of the moisture proof sheet to respective opposite ends of the over-garment. The connecting means comprise Velcro fasteners which could be either the standard sew-on type or an adhesive type, (herein after referred to as Velcro fasteners) and snap fasteners attached at opposite ends on the inner surface of the over-garment and at opposite ends on the outer surface of the moisture proof sheet.
There are also means for detachably connecting the opposite ends of the absorbent liner and the cover member to respectivé opposite ends on the inner surface of the moisture proof sheet. The connecting means comprise snap fasteners attached at opposite ends of the moisture proof sheet and at opposite ends of the absorbent liner.
Because the preferred over-garment, the moisture proof sheet, the absorbent liner and the cover member is removable, washable and reusable, this eliminates the clothes being caught in the over-garment which allows a longer life expectancy on the diaper. It also minimizes the laundry and time required to clean the diapers.
The diaper assembly disclosed herein is very convenient to use and is less costly than the use of common disposable diapers since material waste is substantially reduced.

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2~03~37 According to a second aspect of the invention, a diaper assembly comprises a reusable, washable over-garment having opposite side edges and two opposite ends and inner and outer surfaces. The side edges of the over-garment has a breathable crescent shape garment piece attached at the centre edge of the over-garment. The top of the breathable crescent shape garment piece are elasticized. The combination of the breathable crescent shape garment piece and the side edges tend to pull the opposite ends of the over-garment towards one another, forming a hammock-like effect. There is also a protruding garment piece attached by an elasticized piece position at each side edges on the top rear portion of the over-garment. The protruding piece is in the shaped of an elliptical ear, where Velcro fasteners are located. There is also a detachable, washable, reusable moisture proof sheet adapted for positioning on the inner surface of said over-garment and having opposite ends and inner and outer surface. A detachable, washable, reusable, ad~ustable absorbent liner is adapted for positioning on the inner surface of the moisture proof sheet and having opposite ends and inner and outer surfaces. A separate, washable, reusable, liquid pervious, non-absorbent, thin, flexible cover member is adapted to cover the inner surface of the absorbent liner and having opposite ends.
Because the present invention consist of a breathable crescent shape garment piece located centrally at side edges of the over-garment that have numerous holes for quick passage of air flow, then it can provide a stable temperature control environment which reduces the possibility of a diaper rash from developing and also forms a hammock-like shape to hold the shape of the diaper assembly together.

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According to a third aspect of the invention a diaper assembly comprises a washable, reusable over-garment having opposite side edges, two opposite ends and inner and outer surfaces. There is a moisture proof sheet adapted for positioning on the inner surface of the over-garment and having two opposite side edges and two opposite ends. There are means for detachably connecting the opposite ends on the outer surface of the moisture proof sheet to respective opposite ends on the inner surface of the over-garment, while the opposite side edges are substantially free of attachment to the over-garment. There is also a detachable, washable, reusable, adjustable absorbent liner adapted for positioning over the moisture proof sheet and devices for detachably connecting the absorbent liner to the moisture proof sheet. There are two methods in creating the moisture proof sheet. The first option being the side edges of the moisture proof sheet having a crescent shape moisture proof piece attached at ths centre edges of the moisture proof sheet. The top of the crescent shape moisture proof piece are elasticized. The side edges of the moisture proof sheet are located at a sufficient distance apart that the absorbent liner can be positioned at least substantially between the side edges. The combination of the crescent shape moisture proof piece and the side edges tend to pull the opposite ends of the moisture proof sheet towards one another, forming a hammock like effect. The second option being a contoured moisture proof sheet design to fit the leg opening of the wearer and having the side edges fully elasticized.
The side edges tend to pull the opposite ends of the moisture proof sheet towards one another, forming a hammock like effect.

;~ , :-:. ~ :``~`,' ,, ,, `` 21~3~37 According to a fourth aspect o~ the invention, a diaperassembly comprises a washable, reusable over-garment having opposite side edges, two opposite ends, and inner and outer surfaces. A detachable, washable, reusable moisture proof sheet is adapted for positioning on the inner surface of the over-garment and having opposite ends and inner and outer surface. There is a detachable, washable, reusable, adjustable absorbent liner adapted for pGsitioning on the inner surface of the moisture proof sheet and having opposite ends. This absorbent liner has a narrower section comprising of three smaller units, the smaller central unit being proportionally larger than the two smaller end units which extends from one end thereof and through a central portion thereof of the absorbent liner and a wider section forming an end portion thereof. The smaller end units sandwiches the smaller central unit having opposite ends substantially free of attachment to the absorbent liner. This arrangement of the narrower section creates a foldable absorbent liner allowing adjustability of the crotch width for a wearer. The wider section of the absorbent liner comprise of a top and bottom portion creating a foldable absorbent liner allowing adjustability on the length. There are also means for detachably connecting the opposite ends of the absorbent liner to respective opposite ends of the moisture proof sheet. The wider section of the absorbent liner can be placed selectively at either end of the moisture proof sheet.
In this present invention a detachable, washable, reusable, and adjustable absorbent liner is designed so that user could adjust the length and width according to their own size where maximum absorbency could be utilized and having a comfortable fit from the different over-garment size available. Different sizes of the over-garment is still preferred since it could form the appropriate liquid seals or leg cuffs along the upper thigh regions of the wearer. It will ~e appreciated that a diaper assembly can be made for either infant or geriatric users with about four separate sizes for each of these two classes of users.
The primary difference between the geriatric waste-containment garment over the infant diapers would be the provision of . ~ .

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2 ~ ~3~37 additional Velcro type fasteners on opposite sides of the diaper so as to improve the fit and appearance of the larger garment.
According to a fifth aspect of the invention, a diaper assembly comprises a reusable, washable over-garment having opposite side edges and two opposite ends and inner and outer surfaces. A detachable, washable, reusable moisture proof sheet is adapted for positioning on the inner surface of the over-garment and having opposite ends and inner and outer surface. There is a detachable, washahle, reusable, adjustable absorbent llner adapted for positioning on the inner surface of the moisture proof sheet and having opposite ends and inner and outer surfaces. There is also a separate, washable, reusable, liquid pervious, flexible cover member which could come in two types of styles. The first being in the shape of a sleeve and contoured to that of an absorbent liner and sized to permit insertion of the absorbent liner only one way so that the inner and outer surfaces of the absorbent liner are covered. The second style is contoured to that of an absorbent liner and being a single piece of topsheet which is placed on top of the absorbent liner covering the inner surface of the absorbent liner. There are means for detachably connecting the opposite ends of the absorbent liner to respective opposite ends of the moisture proof sheet. `
Further features and advantages of the present diaper assembly will be apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

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~ ~ ~3537 The invention is illustrated in particular and preferred embodiments by reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view o~ an exemplary waste-containment garment constructed in accordance with the invention which comprises a washable, reusable over-garment; a detachable, washable, reusable moisture proof sheet positioned on the inner surface of the over-garment; a detachable, washable, reusable, adjustable absorbent liner positioned on the inner surface of the over-garment; and a washable, reusable, liquid pervious non-absorbent inner sheet adapted to cover the inner surface of the adjustable absorbent liner;
Figure 2 is a plan view is one method in creating a detachable, washable, reusable moisture proof sheet;
Figure 3 is a plan view of another method in creating a detachable, washable, reusable moisture proof sheet;
Figure 4 is a plan view of an absorbent liner that is detachable, washable, reusable and is adjustable;
Figure 5 is a plan view of a detachable, washable, reusable and adjustable absorbent liner folded one way.
Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the detachable, washable, reusable, and adjustable liner of Figure 2 taken along the line I-I;
Figure 7 is a longitudinal edge view of a detachable absorbent liner showing the manner in which the washable, reusable non-absorbent sheet or cover member is placed therein;
Figure 8 is a plan view of a waste-containment garment constructed in accordance with the invention, which view shows the inside of the garment with the absorbent liner (shown in dashed lines) and a non-absorbent inner sheet or cover member placed therein;
Figure 9 is a plan view similar to Figure 8 but showing the absorbent liner without an inner sheet covering same and showing the absorbent liner with an expanded end located at the front of the garment;

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21035~7 Figure lo is a plan view similar to Figure 9 but showing the expanded end of the absorbent liner positioned at the rear of the garment;
Figure 11 is a plan view similar to Figure 9 but showing the expanded end of two absorbent liner on top of each other at the front of the garment for night time use or heavy wetter, providing maximum absorbency at one end.
Figure 12 is a plan view similar to Figure 10 but showing the expanded end of two absorbent liner on top of each other at the rear of the garment for night time use or heavy wetter, providing maximum absorbency at one end;
Figure 13 is a plan view similar to Figure 11 but showing the expanded end of two absorbent liner with the wider end facing opposite to each other. This arrangement allows the wearer to be position on its stomach or its back providing maximum absorbency at either end. This set-up also allows one size absorbent liner to be used in a larger size garment;
Figure 14 is a plan view similar to Figure 9 but the absorbent liner is folded in a manner shown in Figure 5 to be position in a small size garment;
Figure 15 is a perspective view of an alternate form of cover member in the shape of a sleeve and contoured to that of an absorbent liner having the wider end open and the narrower end closed; and Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view similar to Figure 4 but showing the placement of the cover member of Figure 15 around the washable, reusable, and adjustable absorbent liner.

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2~ o 3~37 DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A preferred composite diaper assembly or waste-containment garment 10 is shown in Figure 1 and 8. This diaper assembly includes a washable, reusable over-garment 11 having opposite side edges 12 and 13, two opposite ends 14 and 15 and inner and outer surfaces 16 and 17; a detachable, washable, reusable moisture proof sheet 200 having opposite side edges 201 and 202, two opposite ends 203 and 204 and inner and outer surfaces 205 and 206; a detachable and adjustable absorbent liner or insert 300 having opposite ends 301 and 302 and inner and outer surfaces 303 and 304; and preferably a separate, washable, reusable, non-absorbent, liquid pervious inner sheet 400, which is thin and flexible, is also referred to herein as a cover member.
The preferred construction of the over-garment 11 will be described with particular r~ference to Figure 1 and 8 of the drawings. The over-garment 11 can be a cotton weave material, patterned or decorated as desired. As shown it has straight edges at the rear and front ends 14 and 15 and contoured side edges 12 and 13 in the manner illustrated clearly in Figure 8 so as to form a narrower central section 20 and wider, front section 21 and a much wider rear section 22. This contoured shape creates leg openings for the user and thus provides a more comfortable fit when the diaper is in place. However the over-garment has a cut-out notch in the shape of a semi-circle 23 positioned centrally at the top front end for a newborn or infant over-garment. This cut-out notch 23 is designed to accommodate the umbilical cord of the newborn or infant. The side edges 12 and 13 of the over-garment 11 has a breathable crescent shape over-garment piece 24 and 25 attached at the centre edge of the over-garment 11. The preferred material for these breathable crescent shape garment piece 24 and 25 is a heavy knit-like cotton jersey material having numerous holes 310 formed therein for the quick passage of air flow providing a stable temperature control thus reducing the chances of a diaper rash from developing. The top of the breathable crescent shape garment piece 24 and 25 are elasticized 26 and 27. The ' '~ , ~, .

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combination of the breathable crescent shape piece 24 and 25 and the side edges 12 and 13 tend to pull the opposite ends 14 and 15 of the over-garment 11 towards one another, forming a hammock-like effect. There is also a protruding garment piece 28 and 29 attached by an elasticized piece 30 and 31 therein between the over-garment piece and the protruding garment piece that is position at the rear section 22 of the over-garment 11. The protruding garment piece is in the shape~ of an elliptical ear, where Velcro fasteners 32, 34 and 33, 35 are located on each of the corresponding protruding garment piece 28 and 29. The elasticized piece 30 and 31 allows greater adjustability and better fit to the wearer. Preferably the over-garment is hemmed around its perimeter to improve its appearance and to provide a longer wear life for the garment.
In the preferred embodiment, a moisture proof sheet 200 having opposite side edges 201 and 202, two opposite ends 203 and 204 adapted ~or positioning on the inner surface to opposite ends 14 and 15 of the over-garment 11. This moisture proof sheet which can be generally rectangular has a width which is approximately equal to the width of the over-garment 11 in its central section 20. The moisture proof sheet 200 is attached at each end by Velcro fasteners 217 and 218 of the loop type on the outer top surface to respective opposite ends on the inner surface of the over-garment 11 having the hook type Velcro fastener 18 and 19, while the opposite side edges 201 and 202 are substantially free of attachment to the over-garment 11. The snap fasteners 36, 37 and 38, 39 of the stud type is position at opposite ends of the hook type Velcro fastener 18 and 19 located on opposite ends on the inner surface o~ the over-garment 11 as shown in Figure 1, which engages with the respective snap fastener 213, 214 and 215, 216 of the dome type position at opposite ends of the loop type Velcro fastener 217 and 218 located on the outer surface of the moisture proof sheet 200. The snap fastener re-enforces and provides the necessary strength to secure the moisture proof sheet 200 and the over-garment 11 together, especially for the geriatric waste-containment garment and still having easy access in removing the moisture proof sheet 200 from the over-garment 11 for laundry a3~37 purpose. There is also a detachable, washable, reusable absorbent liner 300 adapted for positioning over the moisture proof sheet 200 and devices for detachably connecting the absorbent liner 300 to the moisture proof sheet 200. The side edges 201 and 202 of the moisture proof sheet 200 are located at a sufficient distance apart that the absorbent liner 300 can be positioned at least substantially between the side edges 201 and 202. As can be seen in Figure 1, the dome portion of the snap fastener indicated at 207 and 208 extends through the outer surface 206 of the moisture proof sheet 200 and the Velcro fastener of the loop type 217 and 218. In this way the central recess of the fastener is clear and open for attachment of the stud type on the other part of the fastener, item 305 and 306 at opposite ends 301 and 302 of the absorbent liner 300. ~:
Both the side edges 201 and 202 of the moisture proof sheet 200 has a crescent s~ape waterproof piece 209 and 210 attached at :
the centre edges of the moisture proof sheet 200 shown in Figure 2. ~-The top of the crescent shape waterproof piece 209 and 210 are elasticized, as shown at 211 and 212 in Figure 2. Thus these elasticized edges tend to pull up or raise up the ends 203 and 204 of the moisture proof sheet 200. The elasticized edges 211 and 212 themselves tend to rise up above the central section of the :.
moisture proof sheet 200 and central section 20 of the over-garment 11. The combination of the crescent shape moisture proof piece 209 and 210 and the side edges 201 and 202 tend to pull the opposite ends 203 and 204 of the moisture proof sheet 200 towards one another, forming a hammock-like shape.
The preferred construction of the moisture proof sheet 200 is shown in Figure 3 wherein the moisture proof sheet 200 is a contoured shape, one piece sheet. This narrower central section and wider end section contoured shape creates leg openings for the user providing a comfortable fit when the diaper assembly is in place.
The opposite ends 20~ and 204 have rounded corners with both side edges being elasticized 211 and 212. The elasticized side edges 201 ~. :and 202 tends to pull the opposite ends 203 and 204 of the moisture proof sheet 200 towards one another, forming a hammock-like shape.
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2 ~ 7 Also, this desirable shape for the moisture proof sheet/over-garment combination helps to locate and position both the absorbent liner 300 and the inner sheet 400. In this way, the moisture proof sheet 200 fits snugly around the upper thighs of the user helping to prevent any leakage or escape of any human excrement.
Preferably the moisture proof sheet 200 is made from treated plastic, vinyl or nylon material which is not only waterproof but resists cracking and tearing. Other materials that are waterproof and breathable could be used for the moisture proof sheet 200.
Velcro type fasteners are attached at two corners of the protruding garment piece 28 and 29 for securing same in place on the wearer. Preferably these hook fasteners 32 and 33 are attached to the inner surface of the protruding garment piece 28 and 29 located at the rear end 14 of the over-garment 11. The hook side of each fastener faces upwardly and inwardly when the over-garment 11 is arranged in the manner shown in Figure 1. Located at the top front end 15 of the over-garment 11 is a Velcro type fasteners 40 of the loop variety. This Velcro strip runs along the width of the over-garment 11 located on the outer surface 17 of the over-garment 11 near the end 15. It will be readily seen that the hook fasteners 32 and 33 can be engaged with the loop fasteners 40 when the over-garment 11 has been put in place on the infant or other user. There is an elasticized piece 30 and 31 therein between the over-garment 11 and the protruding garment piece 28 and 29 that allows greater adjustability and better fit for the wearer. Also in order to assist in the washing of the over-garment 11, two additional loop fasteners 34 and 35 can be secured to the inner surface 16 of the over-garment 11 close to the hook fastener 32 and 33. Thus when the over-garment 11 is to be washed, it is easy to engage each hook fastener 32 and 33 with its respective loop fastener 34 and 35 in order that the hooks of the fastener strips 32 and 33 will not be exposed during washing. This will help to prevent the hook type fasteners 32 and 34 from being attached to other clothes while the over-garment 11 is heing washed or dried.

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The preferred construction of the adjustable absorbent liner 300 will now be described with particular reference to Figures 4 and 6 of the drawings. The preferred absorbent liner 300 is detachable, washable, reusable and adjustable as is the aforementioned over-garment 11. There are also means for detachably connecting the opposite ends 301 and 302 of the adjustable absorbent liner 300 to respective opposite ends 203 and 204 of the moisture proof sheet 200. The wider section of the adjustable absorbent llner 300 can be placed selectively at either end of the moisture proof sheet 200. There are means for detachably connecting the opposite ends 301 and 302 of the adjustable absorbent liner 300 to respective opposite ends 14 and 15 of the over-garment 11. The preferred connecting means at each end is one half of a plastic snap fastener indicated at 305 and 306. The fastener part 305 is adapted to connect to a co-operating fastener part 207 or fastener part 208, the latter being attached centrally at opposite ends 203 and 204 on the outer surface 206 of the moisture proof sheet 200.
The absorbent liner 300 having top and bottom cloth layers 307 and 308 wherein the top and bottom edges are sealed or sew together around the perimeter for securing the inner pad 309 in place. The preferred material for these top and bottom layers is a heavy knit-like cotton jersey material having numerous holes 310 formed therein for the quick passage of fluid to a thick inner absorbent layer or pad 309. The inner pad has a high capacity for absorbing liquids, thereby reducing the likelihood of any leakage from the assembled diaper. Because the outer layers are highly porous, liquid will pass quickly into the absorbent inner pad 309 and this will help to keep the user dry. A preferred material for the inner pad 309 is recycled cloth or an absorbent cloth-like material.
Preferably the outer layers of material 307 and 30~ used on the absorbent liner 300 are selected to have low capillary action in order to assist in containment of fluids passing into the inner pad 309 and to prevent the adjustable absorbent liner 300 from becoming unduly damp.

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2~3~37 Preferably the outer layers are connected together by a line of stitching indicated at 311 and 312. This stitching adds stability to the adjustable absorbent liner 300, forms a guideline for smaller sections 313 and 314 to fold onto the outer surface 304 and meeting at the middle of the narrower portion 315 of the adjustable absorbent liner 300, forms moisture banks to contain the spread of liquid, and increases the comfort because this arrangement adjusts the crotch width for the wearer. Another continuous line of stitching indicated at 317 runs across the wider portion 316 of the adjustable absorbent liner 300. This stitching adds stability to the adjustable absorbent liner 300, forms a guideline for the top section 318 to fold onto the outer surface 304 under the bottom section 319 of the adjustable absorbent liner 300, forms moisture banks to contain the spread of liquid, and increases the comfort because this arrangement adjusts the length for the wearer. One continuous line 321 runs along the length of the absorbent liner 300 in order to secure the inner pad in position.
Because the adjustable absorbent liner 300 is detachably connected to the moisture proof sheet 200, it will be appreciated that one size adjustable absorbent liner 300 can be used with difrerent moisture proof sheet 200 and over-garment 11 and having the benefit of a one-size-fit-all diaper system along with a greater fit to the wearer. For example, if the wearer wishes to move from a middle size adjustable absorbent liner 300 and its corresponding over-garment 11 to the next size up being the larger size, then the wearer needs two middle size adjustable absorbent liner 300 placed on top of one another on the larger size over-garment 11. The wider end 316 of the top adjustable absorbent liner 300 is secured to one end of the over-garment 11 while the wider end 316 of the bottom adjustable absorbent liner 300 is secured to the other end of the over-garment 11 as shown in Figure 13. If the wearer wishes to move from a middle size adjustable absorbent liner 300 and its corresponding over-garment 11 to the next size down being the smaller size, then the wearer needs only to adjust by folding the middle size absorbent liner 300 to the appropriate size . - , ~ . . . : - ~ :
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~ 2103~37 needed as shown in Figure 5 and position into a smaller size over-garment 11 shown in Figure 14. The one-size adjustable absorbent liner 300 could be adapted to three different sizes of the over-garment which reduces material waste and the cost of a the cloth diaper syste~. Also a detachable, washable, reusable, absorbent liner of uniform width can be used in the present diaper assembly, the preferred shape of the adjustable absorbent liner 300 is that shown in Figures 1 and 4. The preferred absorbent liner 300 construction has a narrower section 315 comprising of three smaller units, the smaller central units 320 being proportionally larger than the two s~aller end units 313 and 314 which extends from one end thereof and through a central portion thereof of the adjustable absorbent liner 300 and a substantially wider section 316 forming an end portion thereof. The smaller end units 313 and 314 sandwiches the smaller central units 320 having opposite ends 321, 322 and 323, 324 substantially free of attachment to the adjustable absorbent liner 300. The arrangement of the narrower section 315 creates a foldable absor~ent liner along the line of stitching indicated at 311 and 312 allowing adjustability for the crotch width on the wearer shown in Figure 5 and 14.
Because the detachable, washable, reusable, adjustable absorbent liner 300 is of the above configuration in which the wider section 316 could be rounded as shown can selectively be placed either at the rear or the front of the assembly as illustrated in Figures 9 and 10 of the drawings. The orientation of the absorbent liner 300 will depend upon whether the diaper is being used on a male or female person. The arrangement of Figure 9 with the wider section 316 at the front 15 of the diaper accommodates the normal urine flow for a male user. In this arrangement maximum capacity for absorbing fluid is located at the front of a diaper. The arrangement of Figure 10 wherein the wider section 316 is at the rear 14 of a diaper assembly accommodates the normal urine flow for a female. The preferred choice for night time or for heavy wetters is shown in Figure 11, 12 and Figure 13. The arrangement of Figure 11 and 12 wherein two absorbent liners 300 placed on top of one another with the top absorbent liner 300 being . : .. , ~ : : ~:

2~ 03~37 larger than the bottom absorbent liner 300 and both wider ends 316 of the absorbent liners 300 faces in the same direction. The opposite ends 301 and 302 of the top larger absorbent liner 300 is secured to respective opposite ends of the moisture proof sheet 200, while the bottom absorbent liner 300 fits snugly in place between the top absorbent liner 300 and the bottom side edges 201 and 202 of the moisture proof sheet 200. Placing the wider section 316 at the front 15 of the over-garment 11 accommodates the heavy urine flow accumulated at night for the male user, providing maximum capacity for absorbing fluid which is located at the front 15 of the over-garment 11. Placing the wider section 316 at the back 14 of the over-garment 11 accommodates the heavy urine flow accumulated at night for the female user, providing maximum capacity for absorbing fluid which is located at the back 14 of the over-garment 11. The positioning of the absorbent liner 300 may also depend upon the positioning of the infant in the crib or bed.
For example if the infant normally lies on its stomach when sleeping the wider section 316 can be placed at the front 15 of a diaper assembly. On the other hand if the infant or child is lying on its back, the wider section 316 can be placed at the rear 14 of the diaper where maximum absorbency may be required. However, if the infant or child lies on its stomach then switches to lying on its back and vice versa, then the arrangement shown in Figure 13 is preferred wherein two absorbent liners 300 of the same size are placed on top of one another having the wider section 316 of the top absorbent liner 300 securing to one end of the moisture proof sheet 200 while the wider section 316 of the bottom absorbent liner 300 is secured to the other end of the moisture proof sheet 200. In this arrangement, maximum absorbency could be utilized at both ends of the absorbent liner 300 and still maintaining the comfort fit around the leg opening that is provided by the narrower portion 315 of the absorbent liner 300. The snap fastener used in the diaper assembly can be made of cheaper, metal material, rather than plastic, in order to reduce the cost of the absorbent liner.

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_ An alternative feature of the present diaper assembly 10 is the provision of a washable, reusable, non-absorbent, liquid pervious inner sheet or cover nember 400 having opposite ends 401 and 402 and contoured to that of an absorbent liner 300. The length of this inner sheet 400 exceeds the length of the absorbent liner 300. In this way end portions 401 and 402 of the inner sheet 400 can be folded back over the ends 301 and 302 of the absorbent liner 300 in order to be disposed between the absorbent liner 300 and the moisture proof sheet 200 during use of the diaper. Because the opposite ends 401 and 402 of the inner sheet has punctured-out holes 403 and 404 located centrally and sized to that of snap fastener, the domes of the snap fasteners 207 and 208 fits into the punctured-out hole and secured in by the stud fastener parts 305 and 306 on the moisture proof sheet 200. In this way not only do the snap fasteners secure the absorbent liner 300 in place but they also secure opposite ends 401 and 402 of the inner sheet 400 in place.
Preferably the inner sheet 400 is made from a hydrophobic non-woven polyester-nylon or polypropylene material. In addition to help keep the skin of the infant or other user dry, the washable, reusable inner sheet 400 has a distinct additional advantage that arises from the fact that it can be removed from the rest of the diaper and be launder. Quite often the inner sheet 400 will become soiled in use and will need to be launder while the rest of the diaper assembly 10 is still clean and dry. In such cases it is not necessary to wash or dispose of the remainder of the diaper assembly 10, there being only the need to replace the inner sheet 400. It will be appreciated that this arrangement tends to leave the absorbent liner 300 cleaner so that it is left in a more desirable condition for laundering.

- 2la3~37 A preferable form of cover member is identlfied by reference 450 in Figures 15 and 16 having a sleeve shape and contoured that of an absorbent liner 300, having opposite ends 451 and 452, and a top surface 455 and bottom surface 456. The wider end 451 could be sealed up while the narrower end 452 is open for insertion, but preferably the narrower end of 452 is sealed up or closed off and the wider end 451 belng open allowing the preferred absorbent liner 300 to fit into cover member 450 only one way when assembled for use, which reduces the chances of the absorbent liner 300 from soiling and having easy access to removing the soiled cover member 450 from the absorbent liner 300 as shown in Figure 7. The cover member 450 have punctured holes located at 459, 460, 461 and 462, with holes 459 and 460 positioned at the ends 451 and 452 centrally on the top surface 455, and holes 461 and 462 positioned at the ends 451 and 452 centrally on the bottom surface 456. The holes 459 and 461 are aligned on top of each other at one end 451, while holes 460 and 462 are aligned on top of each other at opposite end 452. The use of the cover member 450 allows both inner and outer surfaces 303 and 304 of the absorbent liner 300 to become covered.
The absorbent liner 300 is protected by the preferred cover member 450 by inserting the narrower section 315 of the absorbent liner 300 into the wider opening end 451 of the cover member 450. The absorbent liner 300 is properly placed when the narrower section 315 meets the sealed end 4S2. The cover member 450 is secured in place by the use of snap fasteners of the stud type 305 and 306 going through the respective holes 461 and 462 of the bottom surface 456. If the top surface 455 of the cover member 450 is worn down, the top surface 455 can be flip over becoming the bottom surface. Thus the snap fasteners 305 and 306 can secure the cover member 450 by using the new holes 459 and 460 respectively. The configuration of the cover member 450 also helps substantially in maintaining the proper position of the cover member 450. It is prevented from bunching up in the centre of the diaper and exposing the absorbent liner 300. ~-- : :, ~ ::: -: :: : ~ . . - ~ .
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2103~37 It will be appreciated by those skilled in the diaper art that instead of using the described moisture proof sheet 200 attached to the inside of the over-garment 11, it would be possible to dispense with the use of such a sheet and to replace it with plastic outer pants of known construction. However a disadvantage of using these known outer pants is that the over-garment 11 will become soiled more easily because of fluids leaking through the absorbent liner 300 and therefore the over-garment 11 will have to be washed or cleaned more often. In the preferred construction using a moisture proof sheet 200 on the inside of the over-garment 11, it is generally possible to use the over-garment 11 a number of times without the need for laundering. The detachability of the moisture proof sheet 200 allows very easy laundering and faster drying if the over-garment 11 or the moisture proof sheet 200 needs to be launder. The user can easily detach the soil garment pant or diaper or moisture proof sheet and replace it with a clean one and still using the remaining unsoiled garment pant or diaper and/or moisture proof sheet. Using this way of laundering, the diapering system is much more cost effective than the disposable diapers and some other cloth diapers.
Preferably the absorbent liner 300 is sized so that it fits readily within the bounds of the moisture proof sheet 200. Also instead of using cloth-like material having high absorbency, one can use recycled cloth.
It will be clear to those skilled in the construction and use of diapers that various modifications and changes can be made to the diaper assembly described herein. All such modifications and changes as fall within the scope of the appended claims are intended to be part of this invention.
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Claims

1. A diaper assembly comprising:
a washable, reusable over-garment having opposite side edges and two opposite ends and an inner and outer surface, having a breathable crescent shape garment piece disposed centrally at side edges on the said inner surface of said over-garment, the top portion of said breathable crescent shape garment piece are elasticized and with the combination of side edges tends to pull opposite ends of said over-garment towards one another and having the back end consisting of a protruding garment piece in the shape of an elliptical ear secured by an elasticized piece therein between said over-garment and said protruding garment piece positioned at said opposite sides on the rear portion of said over-garment, and connecting means are positioned at each of the inner surface of said protruding garment piece located at the rear portion of said over-garment and at the front portion on the outer surface of said over-garment, said connecting means comprising Velcro fasteners;
a washable, reusable waterproof sheet adapted for positioning on the inner surface of said over-garment and having opposite sides and two opposite ends, said waterproof sheet being completely detachable from said over-garment to permit ease of laundry after use of said over-garment or said waterproof sheet or both and having an inner and outer surfaces, and means for detachably connecting said opposite ends of said waterproof sheet to respective opposite ends of the over-garment, said connecting means comprising Velcro fasteners and snap fasteners attached at opposite ends on the outer surface of said waterproof sheet and at opposite ends on the inner surface of said over-garment;
an elongate, washable, reusable, adjustable absorbent liner adapted for positioning on the inner surface of said waterproof sheet and having opposite ends and inner and outer surfaces;
an elongate, separate, washable, reusable, non-absorbent, liquid pervious, thin, flexible cover member, contoured to that of an absorbent liner adapted to cover said inner surface of said absorbent liner and having the wider portion end being open and the narrower portion end closed, the length of said cover member substantially equal to that of the said absorbent liner and said cover member being completely detachable from said absorbent liner, said waterproof sheet and said over-garment to permit laundry of said cover member after use of said assembly, and means for detachably connecting said opposite ends of said absorbent liner and said cover member to respective opposite ends of said waterproof sheet, said connecting means comprising snap fasteners attached at opposite ends of said waterproof sheet and at opposite ends of said absorbent liner, wherein the said connecting means of the said absorbent liner are disposed into the punctured out holes that are located centrally on the end portions of said cover member in order to be disposed between said absorbent liner and said waterproof sheet.

2. A diaper assembly according to claim 1 wherein said over-garment is made of cloth and is contoured along its side edges to provide leg openings.

3. A diaper assembly according to claim 1 wherein said breathable crescent shape garment piece is made of a heavy knit-like cotton jersey material having numerous holes formed therein for the quick passage of air flow providing a stable temperature control thus reducing the possibility of a diaper rash from developing.

4. A diaper assembly according to claim 1 wherein top portion of said breathable crescent shape garment piece are elasticized and disposed centrally at side edges on the inner surface of said over-garment and having said top portion of breathable crescent shape garment piece with combination of side edges tending to pull said opposite ends of said over-garment towards one another thus holding the shape of the diaper assembly together.

5. A diaper assembly according to claim 1 wherein a washable, reusable hook and loop type fasteners attached to said opposite front and back ends of said over-garment for securing said over-garment in place on a wearer.

6. A diaper assembly according to claim 1 wherein stud type snap fastener are position at opposite ends of the hook type Velcro fastener located on opposite ends on the inner surface of said over-garment which engages with respective dome type snap fastener position at opposite ends of the loop type Velcro fastener located on opposite ends on the outer surface of the waterproof sheet.

7. A diaper assembly according to claim 1 wherein either a waterproof sheet having top portion of said crescent shape moisture proof piece are elasticized and disposed centrally at side edges on the inner surface of said waterproof sheet with the elasticized top portion of crescent shape moisture proof piece tending to pull the opposite ends of said moisture proof sheet towards one another, having a length substantially equal to that of said over-garment, having two opposite ends being completely detachable from said over-garment or a one piece waterproof sheet having a narrower central section and a wider end section contoured shape creating leg openings for the wearer while the opposite ends have rounded corners with both side edges being elasticized, having a length substantially equal to that of said over-garment and having two opposite ends being completely detachable from said over-garment, having said side edges tending to pull said opposite ends of said waterproof sheet towards one another.

8. A diaper assembly according to claim 1 wherein said absorbent liner having opposite ends and non-overlapping narrower and wider sections, said narrower section comprising of three smaller units, the central unit being proportionally larger than the two smaller end units which extends from one end thereof and through a central portion thereof and terminating at said wider section which forms the other end thereof, the smaller end units sandwiches the smaller central units having opposite ends substantially free of attachment to said absorbent liner, the narrower section creates a foldable absorbent liner allowing adjustability of the crotch width for the wearer and said wider section comprising of top and bottom portions approximately of the same size creating a foldable and adjustable on the length of said absorbent liner.

9. A diaper assembly according to claim 1 wherein said opposite ends of said waterproof sheet each have a transverse centre and said connecting means are snap fasteners comprise two plastic snap fastener sets attached in said centres of said opposite ends of said waterproof sheet and at opposite ends of said absorbent liner and said cover member.

10. A diaper assembly according to claim 1 wherein said absorbent liner comprises top and bottom layers of washable, reusable, hydrophobic cloth material separated by a highly absorbent inner layer of cloth material.

11. A diaper assembly according to claim 9 wherein said top and bottom layer of cloth material has numerous holes formed therein for quick passage of fluid therethrough.

12. A diaper assembly according to claim 1 wherein said cover member is made of nonwoven, hydrophobic polyester-nylon.

13. A diaper assembly according to claim 1 wherein said cover member contoured to that of an absorbent liner and is in the form of a sleeve and said absorbent liner fits into said cover member when the diaper assembly is ready for use.

14. A diaper assembly according to claim 13 wherein said cover member having the wider portion end open and the narrower portion end close allowing the said absorbent liner to fit into said cover member only one way and reducing the chance of said absorbent liner from soiling and thus lasting longer.

15. A diaper assembly according to claim 13 wherein said cover member having opposite ends and each having puncture hole disposed at transverse centre, said snap fastener sets of said absorbent liner fits into said transverse centres inside said cover member and secured respectively to said opposite ends of said waterproof sheet.

16. A diaper assembly comprising:
a washable, reusable over-garment having opposite side edges, two opposite ends, and inner and outer surfaces;
a washable, reusable waterproof sheet having opposite side edges adapted for positioning on the inner surface of said over-garment, having a crescent shape moisture proof piece disposed centrally at side edges on the inner surface of the waterproof sheet, the top portion of said crescent shape moisture proof piece are elasticized, having a length substantially equal to that of the said over-garment and having two opposite ends being completely detachable from said over-garment to permit ease of laundry after the use of said waterproof sheet and/or said over-garment while the opposite side edges are substantially free of attachment to said over-garment and having an inner and outer surface, or having a waterproof sheet being a one piece contoured in shape having a narrower central section and wider end section contoured shape creating leg openings for the user when the diaper assembly is in place and having rounded corners at opposite ends with elasticized contoured side edges wherein elasticized side edges tends to pull said opposite ends of said waterproof sheet towards one another, and means for detachably connecting said opposite ends of said waterproof sheet to respective opposite ends of said over-garment, while said opposite side edges are substantially free of attachment to said over-garment, said connecting means comprising Velcro fasteners and snap fasteners attached on the outer surface at opposite ends of said waterproof sheet and on the inner surface at opposite ends of said over-garment;