Absorbent component

A method of forming a washable and reusable absorbent component for use in a garment, the method comprising:

• forming an unmoulded layer composite comprising:
• a first layer composite comprising a first foam layer and a first liquid impermeable layer;
• and
• an absorbent layer composite bonded to the first liquid impermeable layer for absorbing bodily fluids;
• and
• moulding the unmoulded layer composite to thereby form the absorbent component, the absorbent component comprising a second liquid impermeable layer bonded to the absorbent layer composite and first layer composite to contain the bodily fluids absorbed by the absorbent layer composite,
• wherein the second liquid impermeable layer forms an opening for receiving the bodily fluids to the absorbent layer composite;
• and
• wherein the first foam layer is moulded to shape the absorbent component.

A garment comprising:

• a fabric body configured to be worn by a user;
• and
• an absorbent component for including within the fabric body, the absorbent component comprising:
• a first layer composite comprising a first foam layer and a first liquid impermeable layer;
• an absorbent layer composite bonded to the first liquid impermeable layer for absorbing bodily fluids;
• and
• a second liquid impermeable layer bonded to the absorbent layer composite and first layer composite to contain the bodily fluids absorbed by the absorbent layer composite,
• wherein the second liquid impermeable layer forms an opening for receiving the bodily fluids to the absorbent layer composite;
• and
• wherein the first foam layer is moulded to shape the absorbent component,
• and wherein the absorbent component is washable and reusable.

A method of forming a garment, comprising:

• forming a fabric body of the garment configured to be worn by a user;
• forming a washable and reusable absorbent component for use in the garment, comprising:
• forming an unmoulded layer composite comprising:
• a first layer composite comprising a first foam layer and a first liquid impermeable layer;
• and
• an absorbent layer composite bonded to the first liquid impermeable layer for absorbing bodily fluids;
• and
• moulding the unmoulded layer composite to thereby form the absorbent component, the absorbent component comprising a second liquid impermeable layer bonded to the absorbent layer composite and first layer composite to contain the bodily fluids absorbed by the absorbent layer composite;
• and
• including the absorbent component within the fabric body,
• wherein the second liquid impermeable layer forms an opening for receiving the bodily fluids to the absorbent layer composite;
• and
• wherein the first foam layer is moulded to shape the absorbent component.

An absorbent component for use in a garment, the absorbent component comprising:

• a first layer composite comprising a first foam layer and a first liquid impermeable layer, each of the first foam layer and the first liquid impermeable layer comprising one or more edges;
• and
• an absorbent layer composite bonded to the first liquid impermeable layer for absorbing bodily fluids, the absorbent layer composite comprising one or more edges,
• wherein the first liquid impermeable layer forms a liquid-impenetrable barrier between the first foam layer and the absorbent layer composite;
• wherein none of the edges of the first liquid impermeable layer extends beyond the edges of the first foam layer and the absorbent layer composite to form an edge seal;
• wherein the first foam layer is moulded to shape the absorbent component;
• and
• wherein the absorbent component is washable and reusable.