Patent ID: 7090666

Claim:
A launderable and reusable moisture management incontinence pad adapted for placement within an undergarment worn by a user, said incontinence pad comprising: (a) a multi-layer fabric composite having an inside major surface for residing nearest the body of the user and an outside major surface for residing nearest the undergarment, said fabric composite comprising a plurality of overlying absorbent layers having respective first and second opposing end edges and first and second opposing longitudinal side edges; (b) said absorbent layers of said fabric composite being substantially unattached to one another along respective first and second longitudinal side edges to promote circulation between said layers during laundering; (c) a liquid impermeable jacket affixed to at least one of the absorbent layers and residing adjacent the outside major surface of said fabric composite and covering the opposing end edges and opposing side edges of said absorbent layers, said jacket adapted for trapping moisture within said composite, and forming a moisture barrier between said composite and the undergarment, and wherein said fabric composite is substantially unattached to said jacket along respective first and second longitudinal side edges of said absorbent layers and along at least one of said end edges of said fabric composite, such that prior to laundering, said fabric composite is extendable outwardly from said jacket for improved cleaning and drying of said absorbent layers; and (d) said jacket defining an open moisture entry zone communicating with a portion of the inside major surface of said fabric composite, whereby moisture is received through said entry zone and into said fabric composite for transport away from the body of the user.