CZ345099A3 - Compound sanitary towel adaptable to body - Google Patents

Abstract

The compound sanitary napkin (20) comprises a primary absorbent component (30) and secondary absorbent member (50). Primary the absorbent member (30) has a length (PL), a width (PW), and a thickness (PT), and includes a primary absorbent member (34) and a fluid a permeable casing (32) disposed over the primary absorbent element (34). The secondary absorbent member (50) has a length (SL) width (SW), thickness (ST), and includes body-permeable fluid a reversed layer (52), a liquid-impermeable fluid a rotated layer (54) attached to the body-permeable liquid a rotated layer (52), and a secondary absorbent element (56), positioned between the fluid permeable to the body facing the layer (52) and the fluid impervious to the garment facing the layer (54). The primary absorbent member (30) is attached the coupling means (70) to the liquid-permeable side to the body-facing layer (54) of the secondary absorbent member (50). The thickness ratio (PT) of the primary absorbent member (30) to the width (PW) of the primary absorbent member (30) is between 0.05 and 1.5. When the sanitary napkin is applied to the female body and used, the primary absorbent member (30) is capable of absorb secreted menstrual fluids.

Description

Technical field

The invention relates to disposable sanitary napkins and more particularly to disposable composite sanitary napkins comprising a primary absorbent member and a backing member wherein the primary absorbent member comprises a primary absorbent member.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In their simplest form, disposable sanitary napkins comprise a base absorbent element (sometimes referred to as an absorbent core) disposed between a liquid-permeable body-facing layer (sometimes called a topsheet) and a liquid-impervious undergarment-facing layer (sometimes called a backsheet). The absorbent element is, of course, intended to receive and contain menses and other vaginal effusions. The body-facing layer is intended to provide a more or less comfortable and dry feeling of contact with body surfaces, while allowing free passage of fluids into the absorbent element. The garment facing layer of the wearer is intended to prevent menses or other vaginal outflows that are repelled or leaking from the absorbent element to contaminate the wearer's garments.

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In addition to the three above-mentioned functional elements, disposable sanitary napkins are generally provided with means for supporting (supporting) the device adjacent the crotch area of the user even when the user is moving where they can best perform their intended function. The sanitary napkins are typically provided with adhesive attachment means for securing the device to the inner crotch surface of the wearer's undergarments.

Although the prior art sanitary napkins have indeed fulfilled their intended function, any traditional design suffers from more or less deficiencies in the ability to absorb body fluids, protect the wearer's garments from soiling, and / or the physical comfort of the wearer.

With respect to disposable sanitary napkins, at least two of their general classes currently exist. The first class is characterized in that it is intended to absorb moderate to strong menstrual flows. These sanitary napkins offer a relatively high absorption capacity. The absorbent capacity is generally achieved by providing the sanitary napkin with a relatively thick and bulky absorbent member. Although they have a relatively large absorbent capacity, the bulkiness of the absorbent member may cause some degree of discomfort when worn. The second class of sanitary napkins is intended for weak or small menstrual flows and is commonly referred to as pantie pads or panty liners. Sanitary napkins of this class as a group are thinner, somewhat more flexible and generally more comfortable than first-class napkins. However, sanitary napkins of this second class typically lack the absorbent capacity of sanitary napkins of first class.

One attempt to provide the benefits of the above two categories of sanitary napkins into a single, folded sanitary napkin is disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Patent No. 4,425,130, issued to DesMarais on January 10, 1984. The DesMaraise compound sanitary napkin includes a primary sanitary napkin and panty liner, connected to each other at their respective ends in such a way that the two

The forming elements are free to move towards each other along substantially their entire length. In use, the relative freedom of movement between the primary absorbent pad and the panty protector serves to maintain the primary menstrual pad adjacent the crotch region of the wearer while the panty protector remains associated with the wearer's undergarment. Although the relative unrestricted movement between the primary sanitary napkin and the panty protector serves to keep the primary sanitary napkin adjacent the crotch region of the wearer, this freedom of movement may result in lack of stability if the primary sanitary napkin moves laterally (sideways) beyond the side edges of the panty thus an opportunity to contaminate the wearer's underwear.

Although prior art absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins have faced some of the problems of manufacturing a composite sanitary napkin, they have not overcome these problems in the scope or method of the present invention. Thus, a primary object of the present invention is to provide an improved, folded sanitary napkin.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a body conformable, composite sanitary napkin comprising a primary absorbent member and a secondary absorbent member. The primary absorbent member has a length, width, thickness, a pair of longitudinal sides, and a pair of transverse ends, and includes a primary absorbent member (or core) and a liquid pervious cover positioned over the primary absorbent member. The secondary absorbent member has a length, width, thickness, a pair of longitudinal sides and a pair of transverse ends, and includes a liquid-permeable body-facing layer, a liquid-impervious garment facing layer attached to the liquid-permeable body-facing layer, and a secondary absorbent element positioned between the liquid-permeable. a body-facing layer and a liquid-impermeable liner facing layer. Primary Absorption •

The component is connected by connecting means to the fluid-permeable side of the body-facing layer of the secondary absorbent member. The ratio of the thickness of the primary absorbent member to the transverse width of the primary absorbent member is between 0.05 and 1.5. The primary absorbent member has a capacity to absorb at least 70% of the received menstrual fluid between 2 and 30 grams when the sanitary napkin is attached to the female body and used.

The invention also relates to a body conformable composite sanitary napkin comprising a primary absorbent member and a secondary absorbent member. The primary absorbent member has a length, width, thickness, a pair of longitudinal sides, and a pair of transverse ends, and includes a primary absorbent member and a liquid pervious cover positioned over the primary absorbent member. The primary absorbent element comprises hydrogel-forming polymers and hydrophilic fibers. The secondary absorbent member has a length, width, thickness, a pair of longitudinal sides and a pair of transverse ends, and includes a liquid-permeable body-facing layer, a liquid-impervious garment facing layer attached to the liquid-permeable body-facing layer, and a secondary absorbent element positioned between the liquid-permeable. a body-facing layer and a liquid-impermeable liner facing layer. The primary absorbent member is connected by the fasteners to the fluid-permeable side of the body-facing layer of the secondary absorbent member. The ratio of the thickness of the primary absorbent member to the width of the primary absorbent member is between 0.05 and 1.5. The primary absorbent element comprises between 10% and 60% hydrogel-forming polymers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the description is terminated by the claims specifically indicating and clearly claiming the invention, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate identical elements. and in which:

Giant. 1 is a plan view of one embodiment of the compound sanitary napkin of the present invention.

Giant. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the longitudinal center line L of the folded sanitary napkin of FIG. 1.

Giant. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the transverse centerline T of the folded sanitary napkin of FIG. 1.

Giant. 4 is a cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of the compound sanitary napkin of the present invention.

Giant. 5 is a plan view of a non-folded liquid-permeable package with a primary absorbent element of the present invention.

Giant. 6 is a plan view of a composite sanitary napkin of the present invention illustrating fasteners.

Giant. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VII-VII shown in FIG. 1.

Giant. 8 is a cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of the compound sanitary napkin of the present invention.

Giant. 9 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the compound sanitary napkin of the present invention.

Giant. 10 is a plan view of another embodiment of the compound sanitary napkin of the present invention.

Giant. 11 is a plan view of another embodiment of the compound sanitary napkin of the present invention.

Giant. 12 is a fragmentary view showing a portion of a sanitary napkin divided and a panty in position on a wearer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a body-conformable, folded sanitary napkin that exhibits the ability to absorb body fluids, protect the wearer's undergarments

• · · from pollution, and physical comfort for your wearer. The term sanitary napkin as used herein refers to a product worn by women adjacent to the pudendal area and is intended to absorb and contain various exudates excreted by the body (for example, blood, menses and urine) and which are contemplated. its deterioration after its sole use (ie, no washing or other reuse or reuse). The term composite sanitary napkin, as used herein, refers to a sanitary napkin comprised of separate base components joined together to form a unit structure. Interlabial devices resting partly inside and partly outside the wearer's vestibule also fall within the scope of the present invention. As used herein, the term labia refers to the externally visible female genitalia and is limited to labia major (labia minora), labia minora (labia minora), clicktoris and vestibule.

Giant. 1-3 illustrate one preferred embodiment of the compound sanitary napkin 20 of the present invention. The composite sanitary napkin 20 has two surfaces, a body contacting surface 20A, and a undergarment contacting surface 20B. The composite sanitary napkin 20 has a first end region 27, a central region 28, a second end region 29, longitudinal sides 16, and transverse ends 18. The composite sanitary napkin 20 has two central axes, a longitudinal centerline L and a transverse centerline T. refers to a line, axis or direction in the plane of a folded sanitary napkin that is generally aligned or aligned with (for example, approximately parallel to) a vertical plane that bisects the wearer on the left and right body halves when this sanitary napkin is worn. The terms transverse or lateral as used herein are interchangeable and refer to a line, axis or direction that lies within the plane of the composite sanitary napkin that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

As seen in FIG. 1-3, the composite sanitary napkin comprises a primary absorbent member 30 and a secondary absorbent member (underlying member) 50 that are joined together by connection means 22 The primary absorbent member and the secondary absorbent member each have corresponding faces facing body and facing the wearer's underwear. The primary absorbent member 30 has longitudinal sides 24 and transverse ends 25 that together form the periphery 26 of the primary absorbent member 30. The primary absorbent member 30 also has dimensions of length PL, width PW, and thickness PT. The secondary absorbent member 50 has longitudinal sides 21 and transverse ends 22 which together form the periphery 23 of the secondary absorbent member 50. The secondary absorbent member 50 also has dimensions of length SL, width SW and thickness ST. As shown in FIG. 1, the composite sanitary napkin 20 preferably has flaps 33 extending from the longitudinal sides 21 of the secondary absorbent member 50 in the central region of the composite sanitary napkin 20.

The primary absorbent member 30 is, as is apparent from its name, the forming member of the composite sanitary napkin 20 that is intended to absorb the volume of body fluids secreted by the user. The primary absorbent member 30 has a generally rectangular shape extending in the longitudinal direction along the longitudinal axis L. In a preferred embodiment, the length dimension PL may be generally equal to the length SL of the secondary absorbent member 50. The transverse width PW may be generally narrower than the transverse width SW The primary absorbent member 30 comprises a primary absorbent member such as an absorbent core 34 and a liquid pervious cover such as a liquid pervious topsheet 32 positioned over the absorbent core 34.

The topsheet 32 is preferably flexible, soft feeling and non-irritating to the wearer's skin. Further, the topsheet 32 is liquid pervious permitting liquid to readily penetrate through its thickness. A suitable topsheet 32 may be manufactured from a wide variety of materials such as woven and nonwoven materials; polymeric materials such as apertured formed thermoplastic films, apertured plastic films and hydroformed thermoplastic films; porous foams, reticulated foams, reticulated thermoplastic foils and thermoplastic scrims. Suitable woven and nonwoven materials may be comprised of natural fibers (e.g., wood or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (e.g., polymer fibers such as polyester, polypropylene or polyethylene fibers), or a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. A preferred topsheet comprises an apertured formed film. The apertured formed films are preferred for the topsheet because they are generally permeable to body exudates and still non-absorbent and have a limited tendency to allow liquids to pass back through the film and rewet the wearer's skin. Thus, the surface of the formed film that is in contact with the body remains dry, thereby reducing body contamination and creating a more comfortable feel for the wearer. Suitable formed films are described in U.S. Patent 3,929,135, issued to Thompson on December 30, 1975; in U.S. Patent 4,324,246, to Mullane et al. April 13, 1982; in U.S. Patent 4,342,314, issued to Radel et al. August 3, 1982; in U.S. Patent 4,463,045 issued to Ahr et al. July 31, 1984; and U.S. Patent No. 5,006,394, issued to Baird on April 9, 1991. Each of these patents is incorporated herein by reference. A preferred topsheet for the primary absorbent member of the present invention is the formed film described in one or the above patents, and sold to sanitary napkins by the Procter & Gamble Company of Cincinnati, Ohio under the designation DRI-WEAVE.

The body-facing or exposed surface of the formed topsheet film may be hydrophilic to assist fluid transfer through the topsheet faster than if its body surface was not hydrophilic, thereby reducing the likelihood that menstrual fluid would flow from the topsheet rather than In a preferred embodiment, a surface active agent may be incorporated into the polymeric materials of the formed film topsheet, as described in PCT Publication No. WO93 / 09741, published May 23, 1993 by Azize. et al., incorporated herein by reference. Alternatively, the body-facing surface of the topsheet 32 may be rendered hydrophilic by treating it with an active surfactant, as described in U.S. Patent No. 4,950,264, issued to Osborn on August 21, 1990, incorporated herein by reference.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 4, the topsheet 32 may include a nonwoven material 37 and a formed film 36 positioned over the nonwoven material 37. The formed film 36 has a first surface 38 facing outwardly, a second surface 39 facing the nonwoven material 37 and the absorbent core 34, and apertures 42 extending therethrough. from the first surface 38 to the second surface 39. The area of the holes 42 in the second surface 39 of the absorbent core 34 is generally smaller than the area of the holes 42 in the first surface 38. Since the area of the holes of the first surface 38 is generally larger than the area of the holes of the second surface 39 the fluid can readily penetrate the topsheet 32 toward the absorbent core 34. However, this limits or inhibits the fluid acquired into the absorbent core 34 to transfer out of the absorbent core 34 and rewet the wearer ' s skin. The nonwoven material 37 is positioned to the second surface 39 of the formed film. The formed film 36 and the nonwoven material 37 each have a rectangular shape when the formed film 36 and the nonwoven material 37 are not folded as shown in FIG. 5. The topsheet 32 has longitudinal sides 45 and transverse ends 46. The formed film 36 has corresponding longitudinal sides 43 and transverse ends 44, and the nonwoven material 37 has corresponding longitudinal sides 47 and transverse ends 48. The formed film 36 and the nonwoven material 37 may be stacked in any suitable way. Preferably, the formed film 36 and the nonwoven material 37 may be joined to each other along the longitudinal sides 45 by a plurality of separate (or fine) points 49. These separate points may be formed using pressure, heat, pressure and heat and / or adhesive. Alternatively, the formed film 36 and the nonwoven material 37 may be joined to each other along the entire length of the longitudinal sides 45.

···

The absorbent core 34 may be any absorbent means that is generally compressible, conformable, volume resilient, non-irritating to the wearer's skin, and capable of absorbing and retaining body exudates. The absorbent core 34 can be manufactured from a wide variety of liquid absorbent materials commonly used in disposable sanitary napkins and other absorbent disposable articles. Examples of suitable absorbent materials include comminuted wood pulp (commonly referred to as airfelt), crepe cellulose wadding, modified cross-linked cellulose fibers (such as those described in U.S. Patent No. 5,217,445, issued to Young et al. On June 8). , 1993), capillary channel fibers (i.e., fibers having intracellular capillary channels such as those described in U.S. Patent No. 5,200,248, issued to Thompson on April 6, 1993), absorbent foams (such as those described in U.S. Pat. U.S. Patent No. 5,260,345, issued to DesMaraise et al. On November 9, 1993 and U.S. Patent No. 5,268,224, granted to DesMarais et al. On December 7, 1993); thermally bonded, airlaid materials (such as those described in U.S. Patent No. 5,607,414, issued to Richards et al. on March 4, 1997); hydrogel-forming polymer gel compositions (such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,673,402 issued to Weisman et al. on June 16, 1987; and U.S. Patent No. 4,935,022 issued to Lash et al. on June 19, 1990. ); absorbent sponges, synthetic staple fibers, polymer fibers, sphagnum moss, or any equivalent materials or combinations thereof. Suitable absorbent cores containing foams are described in U.S. Patent No. 5,260,345 to DesMarais et al. November 9, 1993; U.S. Patent No. 5,147,345 to Young et al. September 15, 1992; U.S. Patent No. 5,149,720 to DesMarais et al. September 22, 1992; in U.S. Patent No. 5,198,472 issued to DesMarais et al. March 30, 1993; and U.S. Patent No. 5,250,576 to DesMarais et al. On October 5, 1993. Additional cores containing foams are described in European application 0 293 208 B1. Absorbent cores containing sponges are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,512

444

44 • 4 4 · 4 * 4

444 444

4

530, and 3 954 493, and in French Patent No. 2,203,827.

The materials selected for use as the absorbent core 34 are preferably compliant, soft, conformable, compressible, and resilient to improve fit to the body and comfort of the primary absorbent member 30. The absorbent core 34 is preferably compressible such that the primary absorbent member 30 will deform based on the relatively small forces that occur during normal use. In addition to being compressible, the materials contained in the absorbent core 34 are preferably adaptable so that the primary absorbent member 30 is capable of providing improved fit to and around the labia and perineum. Although generally compressible and adaptable under relatively small forces, these are the forces exerted by the female external genitalia during wear, it is also important that the primary absorbent member 30 be sufficiently resilient so that it will not collapse permanently when subjected to normal wear forces. Preferably, the separate absorbent member 30 will be sufficiently resilient to conform to the contours of the body to ensure intimate contact with the exposed genitalia of the female user. Tight contact with the exposed female genitalia helps to provide better fluid transfer from the user to the primary absorbent member 30 without allowing the fluid to bypass and / or flow down the primary absorbent member 30. While the volumetric elasticity characteristics of the absorbent core 34 allow improved fit, they need to balance to be both soft and comfortable for the wearer.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the absorbent core 34 comprises hydrogel-forming polymers and hydrophilic fibers such as airfelt (airlaid, ground cellulosic fibers). The absorbent core 34 preferably comprises hydrogel-forming polymers in an amount of between 10% and 60%. More preferably, the absorbent core 34 comprises hydrogel-forming polymers in an amount of between 15% and 50%. The absorbent core 34 may comprise airfelt in an amount of between 40% and 90%, preferably the absorbent core 34 may comprise an absorbent core 34 containing airfelt in an amount of between 40% and 90%. Mezi φ φ between 50% and 85% of this material. If necessary, the absorbent core 34 may further comprise hydrophobic fibers. As shown in FIG. 3, the absorbent core 34 is manufactured in a generally cylindrical shape to provide the primary absorbent member 30 with a generally cylindrical shape. Although the absorbent core 34 shown in FIG. 3 has a generally circular cross-section, the absorbent core can be manufactured in a wide variety of shapes such as rectangular, triangular, oval, square, pentagonal, U-shaped, Z-shaped, etc.

The topsheet 32 may surround the absorbent core 34 as shown in FIG. 2 and 3. The topsheet 32 has a greater length and a greater width than the absorbent core 34 (shown in FIG.

5). The transverse width of the topsheet 32 is more than twice the transverse width of the absorbent core 34. This allows the longitudinal sides 45 of the topsheet 32 to overlap the absorbent core 34 and surround the absorbent core 34 as shown in FIG. 3. The longitudinal sides 45 of the topsheet 32 may be secured in any suitable manner to maintain this surrounding (encircling) shape. Suitable methods include, but are not limited to, adhesives applied as a line adhesive, a spiral adhesive, or a spot adhesive. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 3 and 5, a line adhesive (in lines) is applied to one of the longitudinal sides 45 of the topsheet 32 along the entire length dimension. Alternatively, in-line adhesive may be used along the entire length.

The topsheet 32 may be associated with the absorbent core 34 in any suitable manner. Suitable methods are, but are not limited to, bonding the topsheet 32 to the absorbent core 34 by means of adhesives such as a spray adhesive, or by applying adhesives at the rows or points of adhesive between the topsheet 32 and the absorbent core 34. associated with the absorbent core 34 by entangling the fibers of the absorbent core 34 with the topsheet 32, fusing the topsheet 32 to the absorbent core 34 with a plurality of fine,

Individual melting joints, or by any means known in the art. In order to ensure appropriate fluid transfer between the topsheet 32 and the absorbent core 34, it is preferred that the topsheet 32 be substantially continuously attached to the underlying absorbent core 34 along their common connection or interface. By virtually uninterrupted attachment of the topsheet 32 to the underlying absorbent core 34, the topsheet 32 will have a reduced tendency to separate from the absorbent core 34 during use. Separation of the absorbent core from the topsheet 32 can prevent fluid transfer from the topsheet 32 to the underlying absorbent core. Thus, the body-facing side of the absorbent core 34 may be attached to the topsheet 32, for example, with adhesive, while the body-facing side of the absorbent core 34 may not be attached to the topsheet 32 to delay fluid transfer from the absorbent core 34 to the core. secondary absorbent members 50.

The primary absorbent member 30 is preferably circular or oval in cross-section, although the primary absorbent member 30 may have any cross-sectional shape in its unladen condition. The length PL, width PW and thickness PT of the primary absorbent member 30 may be of any suitable dimension. The length of the PL is preferably from about 2 to 35 cm, more preferably from about 10 to 35 cm, and most preferably from about 20 to 35 cm. Preferably, the length PL of the primary absorbent member 30 may be generally equal to the length SL of the secondary absorbent member 50. The width of the PW is preferably from about 0.5 to 5 cm, more preferably from about 1 to about 5 cm, and most preferably from about 2 to about 4 cm. The width PW of the primary absorbent member 30 may be less than the width SW of the secondary absorbent member 50. The thickness of the PT is preferably from about 0.2 to 2.0 cm, more preferably from about 0.2 to 1.5 cm, and most preferably from about 0 to 2.0 cm. 4 to 1.2 cm. The thickness PT of the primary absorbent member 30 may preferably be greater than the thickness ST of the secondary absorbent member 50. The ratio of the thickness of the PT to the width of the PW, or the ratio of the PT / PW may be between 0.05 and 1.5. Preferably, the ratio may be between 0.08 and 1.00, and more preferably, the ratio may be between 0.08 and 1.00. · Mezi ·· ·· ·· between 0.08 and 0.5.

The caliper (thickness) of the primary absorbent member 30 is determined by the following test. Gauge gauge, specifically Peacock Gage Model No. 307, available from Ozaki Manufacturing Co., LTD. The gauge block should have a circular comparator foot made of aluminum and weighing 0.9 grams and a contact surface area of 16 square centimeters. The comparator scale is reset to zero. A 60 gram stainless steel weight is placed on a spindle extending above the dial of the instrument. The comparator foot is raised and the primary absorbent member and primary absorbent member are placed down on the backing sheet with their garment surface facing down. The primary absorbent member is positioned on the backing plate such that when the bead is lowered, it is in the region of the primary absorbent member for which measurement is desired. Try to smooth out or avoid any wrinkles in the primary absorbent component. Gently lower the shoe onto the primary absorbent member. Determine the thickness (tactile strength) of the primary absorbent component by reading the comparator dial 5-10 seconds after its bead has come into contact with the primary absorbent component.

The primary absorbent member 30 of the present invention is preferably relatively adaptable. It is preferred to keep the primary absorbent member relatively adaptable so as to fit easily in use in the labial groove. It has been found that a primary absorbent member with a certain width and / or thickness can comfortably fit (fit) to the labial area (labia area). Although the primary absorbent members are described above as having width or thickness dimensions greater than the aforementioned width or thickness, they may also fall inside the labial groove if they are sufficiently adaptable. It is not necessary for the entire primary absorbent member to sit within the labial groove, but at least a portion of the primary absorbent member preferably has the ability to sit there.

The primary absorbent member 30 may include optional

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0 · · elements. Optionally, the primary absorbent member 30 may include a resilient member at the absorbent core 34. The resilient member may comprise a single or a plurality of the resilient member. Suitable materials that may be used as the resilient portion include, but are not limited to, nylon, polypropylene, polyurethane, polyethylene, polyester, synthetic rubber, and other man-made materials such as formed films; or natural materials such as rubber, sponges and the like, or any other suitable material that is capable of withstanding collapse under normal wear conditions of sanitary napkins. The resilient member may be manufactured in a wide variety of shapes such as rectangular, triangular, oval, square, pentagonal, U-shaped, bent to Z, etc. The resilient member may extend the entire length of the primary absorbent member 30. The resilient member may extend only a portion of the length of the primary absorbent member 30. The resilient portion may be positioned between the first end region 27, the central region 28, the second end region 29, or in any combination above. For example, the resilient member may be positioned either in the first end region 27 or in the second end region 29 of the primary absorbent member; in both the first end region 27 and the second end region 29 of the primary absorbent member 30; in the central region 28 of the primary absorbent member, or in the central region 28 and in the end regions 27 and 29 of the primary absorbent member 30.

Optionally, the primary absorbent member 30 may include a acquisition layer disposed between the topsheet 32 and the absorbent core 34. This acquisition layer may serve several functions, including improved leakage of exudates through and into the absorbent core 34. By improving the exudate leakage, the acquisition layer ensures more even distribution of exudates throughout the absorbent. core. The acquisition layer may be comprised of several different materials comprising nonwoven and woven synthetic fiber structures comprising polyester, polypropylene or polyethylene; natural fibers containing cotton or cellulose; mixtures of these fibers; or any equivalent materials and combinations thereof. Examples of sanitary napkins having a receiving layer and a topsheet are described in more detail in U.S. Patent No. 4,950,264 to Osborn and PCT Publication No. WO93 / 11725, issued June 24, 1993, to Cree et al. Each of these documents is incorporated herein by reference. In a preferred embodiment, the acquisition layer may be bonded to the topsheet 32 by any conventional means for joining structures together, most preferably by fusible bonds, as described in more detail in the above reference to Cree et al.

Referring now to FIG. 1-3A, the second necessary component of the sanitary napkin 20 of the present invention is the secondary absorbent member (backing member) 50. The secondary absorbent member 50 has a generally rectangular shape extending in the longitudinal direction along the longitudinal centerline L. In a preferred embodiment, the length dimension SL generally equal the length PL of the primary absorbent member 30. The transverse width SW may be generally wider than the transverse width PW of the primary absorbent member 30. The secondary absorbent member 50 has longitudinal sides 21 and transverse ends 22. In a preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a pair of flaps 33 extends from (z) the longitudinal sides 21 in the central region 28. The secondary absorbent member 50 preferably comprises a liquid-permeable body-facing layer or a liquid-permeable topsheet 52, a liquid-impermeable garment-facing layer or a backsheet 54 associated with the topsheet. and a secondary absorbent member 56 disposed between the topsheet 52 and the backsheet 54.

The topsheet 52 may be any fluid permeable material commonly used in sanitary napkins, disposable diapers, and the like. It may be of any material described above as useful in the topsheet 32 of the primary absorbent member 30. A preferred topsheet 52 comprises a apertured formed film. The apertured formed films are preferred for the topsheet because they are permeable to body exudates and still non-absorbent and have a reduced tendency to allow liquids to pass back and rewet the wearer's skin.

Thus, the surface of the formed film that is in contact with the body remains dry, thereby reducing body contamination and creating a more comfortable feel for the wearer. Suitable formed sheets are described in U.S. Patent No. 3,929,135, issued to Thompson on December 30, 1975; U.S. Patent No. 4,324,246 to Mullane et al. April 13, 1982; in U.S. Patent No. 4,342,314 to Radel et al. August 3, 1982; in U.S. Patent No. 4,463,045, to Ahr et al. July 31, 1984; and U.S. Patent No. 5,006,394, issued to Baird on April 9, 1991. Each of these patents is incorporated herein by reference. A preferred topsheet for the primary absorbent member of the present invention is the formed film described in one or more of the patents above and sold to sanitary napkins by the Procter & Gamble Company of Cincinnati, Ohio, under the trademark DRI-WEAVE.

The absorbent member 56 may be any absorbent material commonly used in sanitary napkins, disposable diapers and the like. It may be any material described above as useful in the absorbent core 34 of the primary absorbent member 30. Virtually most body fluids are absorbed and retained within the absorbent core 34 of the primary absorbent member 30. One of the main functions of the secondary absorbent member 50 is to protect the wearer's undergarments from Thus, the total absorbent capacity of the absorbent member 56 may be somewhat less than that of the absorbent core 34. Because the absorbent core 34 is preferably intended to be will absorb most or substantially all of the body fluid in use, its absorbent capacity will be somewhat, if not significantly greater than that of the absorbent element 56. The absorbent member 56 may be, and most preferably is, somewhat thinner and less bulky than the absorbent core 34.

Since the absorbent member 56 has different requirements than the absorbent core 34, it can be formed from different materials.

• · · · · · ·

For example, single or multiple layers of tissue paper that is commonly used in paper towels or toilet papers may be used for the absorbent element 56. Preferably, the absorbent member 56 is formed from from about 1 to about 5 layers of paper web. Paper web comprising one or more layers having a basis weight of from about 24 to about 48 grams per square meter and a density (specific gravity) of from about 0.10 to about 0.12 grams per cubic centimeter as produced by the process described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,301,774, issued to Sanford and Sisson on January 31, 1967, which is incorporated herein by reference, has been found to be completely satisfactory for use as absorbent member 56. The wet strength resins and latex binders may be, and preferably are: used to provide the additional strength of the paper web used in the absorbent member 56. The paper web produced by the process described in U.S. Patent No. 3,994,771 issued to Morgan et al. on November 30, 1976, and incorporated herein by reference, may also be used with good results as an absorbent element 56.

The absorbent element 56 may have any suitable shape including, but not limited to, an oval shape, an hourglass shape, a dog bone shape, an asymmetric shape, etc. In a preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the absorbent element 56 has a generally rectangular shape surrounded by longitudinal sides 55 and transverse edges 57. The absorbent element 56 also has a longitudinal length CL, a transverse width CW and a thickness CT. The longitudinal length CL may be shorter than the longitudinal length PL and SL. The length CL may be from about 10 to about 33 cm, preferably from about 15 to about 33 cm. The transverse width CW may be greater than the transverse width PW of the primary absorbent member 30 at least in the central region 28 (i.e. the crotch region corresponding to the crotch region of the undergarment when a composite sanitary napkin is used). More preferably, the transverse width CW may be greater than the transverse width PW of the primary absorbent member 30 over its entire length. The width CW may be from about 3 to about 12 cm, preferably from about 4 to about 10 cm, more preferably from about 5 to about 8 cm. Giant. 10 and 11 show an alternative shape of the composite sanitary napkin and the secondary absorbent member. The folded sanitary napkin 90 shown in FIG. 10 has the narrowest portion (i.e. the crotch region) in the center in the longitudinal direction and has no flaps on both longitudinal sides. The secondary absorbent member 95 of the folded sanitary napkin 90 may have a patch-type absorbent member 91 generally positioned in the crotch region as shown in FIG. The patch-type absorbent element 91 may have an oval shape having the widest portion in the center in the longitudinal direction. The widest portion of the absorbent member 91 may preferably coincide with the narrowest crotch region of the folded sanitary napkin 90.

The folded sanitary napkin 90 shown in FIG. 11 has rear flaps 94 in addition to the flaps -33 located on the crotch region. The secondary absorbent member 96 of the folded sanitary napkin 92 shown in FIG. 11, the shaped absorbent member 93 may have the narrowest portion in the crotch region of the folded sanitary napkin 90. The narrowest portion of the shaped absorbent member 93 may preferably coincide with the crotch region of the folded sanitary napkin 92. In both cases, the transverse width CW is preferably greater than the transverse width PW of the primary absorbent member 30 in the crotch region of the folded sanitary napkin. Preferably, the width of the PW may be less than about 80% of the width of the CW. More preferably, the width of the PW may be less than about 70% of the width of the CW.

The backsheet 54 is liquid impervious (e.g., menses and / or urine) and is preferably made of a thin plastic film, although other flexible liquid impervious materials may also be used. As used herein, the term flexible refers to those materials that are compliant and easily conform to the overall shape and contours of the human body. In use, the backsheet 54 is positioned between the absorbent member 56 and the wearer's undergarment. The function of the backsheet 54 is to prevent the exudates which may be repelled from or irreversibly bypass the primary absorbent element 30 and the exudates absorbed and retained in the absorbent element 56 from contacting and contaminating the wearer ' s undergarments. The backsheet 54 may thus be:

consist of a woven or nonwoven material, polymeric films such as thermoplastic films of polyethylene or polypropylene, or composite materials such as a film-coated nonwoven material. Preferably, the backsheet is a polyethylene film having a thickness of from about 0.012 mm (0.5 mils) to about 0.015 mm (2.0 mils). Exemplary polyethylene films are manufactured by Clopay Corporation of Cincinnati, Ohio under the designation P18-O4O1 and by Ethyl Corporation, Visqueen Division of Terre Haute, Indiana under the designation XP-39385. The backsheet is preferably embossed and / or matte coated to provide a more fabric appearance. Further, the backsheet may allow vapor to escape from the absorbent member 56 (i.e., is breathable), while still preventing the exudates from passing through the backsheet 54.

The shape of the secondary absorbent member 50 may have a generally rectangular shape surrounded by longitudinal sides 21 and transverse ends 22. Other suitable shapes include, but are not limited to, an oval shape, an hourglass shape, a dog bone shape, an asymmetric shape, etc. the flaps 33, each adjacent to and extending laterally from the longitudinal sides 21 of the secondary absorbent member 50 in the central region 28, as shown in FIG. The flaps 33 are configured. (arranged) so as to fold over the edges of the wearer's panties in the crotch region such that the flaps are arranged between the edges of the wearer's panties and the wearer's thighs. The flaps 33 serve at least two purposes. First, these flaps help to prevent fluid contamination of the wearer's body and panty with fluid, preferably by forming a double-wall barrier along the edges of the panty. Second, the flaps 33 are preferably provided with fasteners on their garment facing surface so that the flaps 33 can be folded back under the panty and fastened to the garment facing side of the panty. In this way, the flaps 33 serve to maintain the sanitary napkin 20 properly positioned in the panty.

In a preferred embodiment, the flaps 33 are comprised of a topsheet and a backsheet. Further, the flaps 33 are preferably unitary with the layer of secondary absorbent member 50. In other words, the upper layer 52 of the secondary absorbent member 50 and the lower layer 54 of the secondary absorbent member may simply extend laterally outwardly from the longitudinal sides 21 to form the flaps 33. the flaps 33 need not be unitary to the secondary absorbent member 50, but may be separate elements that are attached to the secondary absorbent member 50. Furthermore, the flaps 33 may be comprised of a single backing layer or other layer arrangements. However, it is recommended that the flaps 33 have a liquid impervious backsheet to prevent exudates from reaching the flaps so as not to pollute the edges of the wearer's panties.

It is further preferred that the flaps 33 be provided with an absorbent member, at least to some point beyond the edges of the wearer's panties. In theory, only a relatively small amount of menses should reach the flaps 33, therefore, only a relatively small amount of absorbent material is desired in these flaps. However, the flaps 33 preferably have at least some absorbent material to prevent exudates that reach the flaps 33 from further flowing into unprotected areas. The absorbent material may be a fabric or some kind of stretch of the absorbent element 56. Preferably, the absorbent material in the flaps 33 is relatively highly flexible.

A number of sanitary napkins having flaps suitable or adaptable for use with the secondary absorbent member 50 of the compound sanitary napkin 20 of the present invention are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,687,478 issued to van Tilburg on Aug. 18, 1987; 4,589,876, issued to van Tilburg on May 20, 1986; and U.S. Patent No. 4,608,047, issued to Mattingly on August 26, 1986. Each of these is incorporated herein by reference. Optionally, the secondary absorbent member 50 may include components that naturally wrap the sides of the wearer's panties. Sanitary napkins having naturally wrapping components of the wearer ' s panties, suitable for use with a secondary absorbent component of a compound sanitary napkin.

The pads 20 of the present invention are described in U.S. Patent No. 5,584,829 to Lavash et al. on December 17, 1996; and U.S. Patent No. 5,558,663, to Weinberger et al. on September 24, 1996. The contents of these previous publications are hereby incorporated by reference.

The secondary absorbent member 50 is preferably provided with support means such as attachment means 58 and 62. Adhesive attachment means 58 provide means for securing the folded sanitary napkin 20 in the crotch portion of the wearer's undergarment or panties. The adhesive fastening means 62 provides means for attaching the flaps 33 of the folded sanitary napkin 20 to the garment facing side of the panty so that the flaps 33 can be folded back under the panty. Thus, part or all of the exterior of the garment surface of the backsheet 54 may be covered with adhesive. In a preferred embodiment, at least a portion of the adhesive 58 may be disposed on the garment side of the backsheet 54 along the longitudinal direction of the secondary absorbent member 50 and may, without limitation, be in the form of a line along the longitudinal direction. The adhesive 62 may be disposed on the garment facing surface of the backsheet 54 of the flaps 33 and may, but is not limited to, a rectangular shape. Any adhesive used in the art for these purposes can be used herein, preferably for self-adhesive adhesives. Suitable adhesives are those of Century A-3O5-IV manufactured by Century Adhesives Corporation of Columbus, Ohio; and the brand Instant Lock 34-2823, manufactured by National Starch and Chemical Company of Bridgewater, NJ. Suitable adhesive fasteners are also described in U.S. Patent No. 4,917,697.

Prior to use, the self-adhesive adhesive is typically coated with some removable release covers 59 and 63 to protect the adhesive from drying out or adhering to a surface other than the crotch region of the panty. Suitable release shields are also described in the above-referenced U.S. Patent No. 4,917,697. Any commercially available release shields may be used herein.

· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·· ·· ··

Non-limiting examples of suitable release liners are BL30MG-A Silox E1 / O and BL30MG-A Silox 4P / 0, both manufactured by Akrosil Corporation of Menasha, WI. The folded sanitary napkin 20 of the present invention is used by removing the release liner 59 and 63 and then placing it in the panty such that the adhesive 58 and the adhesive 62 contact the panty. Adhesives 58 and 62 keep the sanitary napkin in position within the pantie during use.

The topsheet 52 and the backsheet 54 of the secondary absorbent member 50 may be joined together in any suitable manner. The topsheet 52 may be attached to the backsheet 54 along the perimeter 64 or may be attached to the backsheet over the entire region except for the region where the absorbent member 56 is.

In the region where the absorbent member 54 exists, the topsheet 52 and the backsheet 54 may each be attached to the absorbent member 56. Suitable methods include, but are not limited to, applying pressure, heat, heat and pressure, or adhesives such as row adhesive ), spiral, or points. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the topsheet 52 and the backsheet 54 may be joined by applying heat along the perimeter 64 of the sanitary napkin 20.

The length SL, width SW and thickness ST of the secondary absorbent member 50 may have any suitable dimension. The length SL is preferably from about 5 to 35 cm, more preferably from about 10 to 35 cm, and most preferably from about 20 to 35 cm. Preferably, the length SL of the secondary absorbent member 50 is generally equal to the length PL of the primary absorbent member 30. The width SW is preferably from about 4 to 13 cm, more preferably from about 5 to about 11 cm, and most preferably from about 6 to about 9 cm. The secondary absorbent member 50 of the present invention is preferably relatively thin and flexible. The thickness ST is preferably from about 0.1 to 2.0 cm, more preferably from about 0.1 to 1.0 cm, and most preferably from about 0.1 to 0.4 cm. The thickness ST of the secondary absorbent member 50 may be less than the thickness PT of the primary absorbent member 30.

The secondary absorbent member (backing member) 50 may

Because most, if not all, body fluids are preferably absorbed and retained within the absorbent core 34 of the primary absorbent member 30, the backing member 50 only needs to protect the wearer's undergarments from contamination by relatively small amounts of fluid that can be repelled from the primary absorbent member 30 or which can inevitably bypass the primary absorbent member 30. Accordingly, since the expected amounts of fluids that may come into contact with the backing member are relatively small, it may not be necessary for some backing member to retain fluids within the backing member 50 and prevent them from contaminating the wearer's underwear.

In order to form the composite sanitary napkin 20 of the present invention, the primary absorbent member 30 and the secondary absorbent member 50 are joined by connection means, generally indicated by reference 70 in FIG. 1-3, 6 and 7. The fasteners 70 serve to connect the primary absorbent member 30 and the secondary absorbent member 50 to the composite sanitary napkin 20 of the present invention with sufficient toughness so that the primary absorbent member 30 and the secondary absorbent member 50 do not detach each other during use. . Any suitable connection means such as adhesive attachment, pressure attachment, thermal connection or ultrasonic welding may be used. The primary absorbent member 30 may be coupled to said secondary absorbent member 50 by connection means 70 along the entire common length. Alternatively, the primary absorbent member 30 could be attached to the second absorbent member 50 along a common length intermittently.

In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1-3, 6 and 7, the primary absorbent member 30 is coupled to the secondary absorbent member 50 by fasteners 70 comprising first fasteners 72 and second fasteners 74.

The first connecting means 72 comprises applying pressure to the overlapping transverse ends 22 and 25 in an amount of

separate (fine) points. By applying pressure to the overlapping transverse ends 22 and 25, the topsheet 32 of the primary absorbent member 30, the topsheet 52, and the backsheet 54 of the secondary absorbent member 50 are joined to each other at the overlapping transverse ends 22 and 25. the use of heat in a number of separate points, lines (lines) or areas. Although the use of heat works well to bond multiple layers, the heat transfer between the layers to be bonded may deteriorate when these layers become stronger. In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 2, since the longitudinal sides 45 of the backsheet 32 of the primary absorbent member 30 overlap each other below the absorbent core 34, five layers comprising three layers of the topsheet 32, one layer of the topsheet 52 and one layer of the backsheet 54 are joined. two layers having a formed film 36 and a nonwoven material 37, eight layers must be attached to each other, as shown in FIG. 7. When the layers become thicker, it is preferable to use pressure or pressure and heat to join the layers. Alternatively, the first bonding means 72 may comprise the use of adhesive between layers or applying a combination of pressure, heat and adhesive. In a preferred embodiment, adhesive 72A may be applied to the inner surface of the topsheet 32 at the transverse end 46, as shown in FIG. 2, 5 and 7. Alternatively, adhesive 72B may be applied between the formed film 36 and the nonwoven material 37 at the transverse ends 44 and 48, as shown in Figs. Alternatively, both adhesive 72A and adhesive 72B may be used.

The second bonding means 74 comprises applying adhesive in a spiral, line, or points of adhesive between the primary absorbent member 30 and the secondary absorbent member 50. As shown in the preferred embodiment of FIG. 6, an adhesive 74 in a spiral is used continuously as a second bonding means between the primary absorbent member 30 and the secondary absorbent member 50. When desired

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Attached to the primary absorbent member 30 and the secondary absorbent member 50 along the entire common length, it is preferred to use a spiral adhesive as the use of the spiral adhesive prevents the absorbent members 30 and 50 from being intermittently attached. The primary absorbent member 30 and the secondary absorbent member 50 are preferably coupled at a narrower width AW than the transverse width PW of the primary absorbent member 30. The width of the AW may preferably be less than 70% of the width of the PW. This allows the primary absorbent member 30 to adapt to the shape of the female body and its movements.

The folded sanitary napkin 20 may include a variety of alternatives and / or options. The primary absorbent member 30 may include a fluid barrier 35 as shown in FIG. 8. This fluid barrier 35 may be located on the half underside of the absorbent core 34 and inhibit fluid from transferring through the absorbent core towards the secondary absorbent member 50. The fluid barrier 35 tends to retain absorbed fluids from transferring the absorbent core 34 and may be composed of materials having the same properties as the liquid-impermeable backsheet on the secondary absorbent members 50 described above. The liquid barrier 35 may extend along the entire length of the primary absorbent member 30 or may extend only in the central region 28 of the primary absorbent member 30, or in the first end region 27 and the second end region 29.

Alternatively, the topsheet 32 of the primary absorbent member 30 may include a layer having a liquid permeable zone 76 and a liquid impermeable zone 78. When the topsheet 32 comprises a molded film, the liquid permeable zone 76 may be an apertured zone and the liquid impermeable zone 78 may be an unperforated zone. As shown in FIG. 9, the liquid-impermeable zone 78 of the topsheet 32 may be disposed on the half-underside of the absorbent core 34 to limit fluid from transfer through the absorbent core toward the secondary absorbent member 50. The liquid-permeable zone 76 tends to retain absorbed fluids within the absorbent core 34.

9 9 9

9,999 ·· ·

The folded sanitary napkin 20 may be extensible. The individual components of the primary absorbent member 30 and the secondary absorbent member 50 may be comprised of components that are extensible (preferably capable of resilient expansion), particularly in the longitudinal direction when the folded sanitary napkin 20 is worn. Preferably, the folded sanitary napkin 20 is capable of extending in the longitudinal direction between about 15% and about 40% of its unstretched length. This extensibility provides improved fit in use, comfort, and reduced staining when the compound sanitary napkin is attached to the wearer's undergarment. The secondary absorbent member 50 is preferably comprised of components that are also extensible laterally when the composite sanitary napkin 20 is worn. Preferably, the folded sanitary napkin 20 is capable of extending sideways between about 15% and about 40% of its unstretched length. The topsheet 32 for both the primary absorbent member 30 and the secondary absorbent member 50 may include an elastic, three-dimensional, liquid-permeable polymeric structure as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,366,782 to Curro et al. on November 22, 1994, which is incorporated herein by reference. A particularly preferred extensible backsheet is an expanded adhesive film known as Formula # 198-388, manufactured by the Findley Adhesives Company of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. Sanitary napkins having extensible components are described in U.S. Patent No. 5,661,790 to Osborn et al. on March 4, 1997 and PCT Publication No. WO93 / 01786, published February 4, 1993, on behalf of Osborn et al. The content of each of the preceding publications is incorporated herein by reference.

The folded sanitary napkin 20 may conform to the female body. Since the primary absorbent member 30 preferably has its size and shape so as to fit next to the area of the labia, the primary absorbent member 30 will rest at least partially between the labs. As shown in FIG. 10, when the pleated sanitary napkin 20 is worn by a woman and supported by an undergarment 82, a portion of the primary absorbent member 30 will preferably sit in use while in use. · Next to labia. In contrast, one of the main functions of the secondary absorbent member 50 is to protect the wearer's underwear components from contamination by absorbed fluids that may be repelled by the primary absorbent member 30 or that inevitably bypass the primary absorbent member 30. Preferably, the secondary absorbent member 50 is spaced from the body such that the secondary absorbent member 50 does not contact the body. The shape of the primary absorbent member 30 is sized and shaped to move the secondary absorbent member 50 away from the body and provide a space (gap) 80 between the body and the secondary absorbent member 50. This allows the longitudinal sides of the secondary absorbent member 50 to remain white.

The composite sanitary napkin 20 can absorb body fluids. The total absorbent capacity of the primary absorbent member 30 should be compatible with the intended exudate load for a particular composite sanitary napkin 20. Furthermore, the absorbent capacity of the absorbent core 30 may be varied to accommodate wearers moving in the expected amount of exudate fluid. Typically, a secreted fluid of between 2 and 20 grams is expected during normal wear time of the sanitary napkin. When the composite sanitary napkin 20 is exposed to this fluid loading between 2 and 20 grams, the primary absorbent member 30 can absorb 80% of the fluid between 2 and 20 grams in the actual wear situation. Further, when the composite sanitary napkin 20 is exposed to a fluid load of between 20 and 30 grams in excess of the normal amount, the primary absorbent member 30 can absorb 70% of the fluid between 20 and 30 grams. Since the primary absorbent member 30 has an absorbing capacity of at least 70% of the absorbed fluid between 2 and 30 grams when the sanitary napkin is worn and worn, the primary absorbent member 30 having such capacity allows the longitudinal sides of the secondary absorbent member 50 to remain white. This provides the customer with a visual signal that enhances their confidence in the ability to absorb and not leak the sanitary napkin product.

Preferably, the primary absorbent member 30 comprises 99 9 9 99 99 9999

9 9 9 9 9

9999 9 9 9 999 999

9 9 9 9 9

999 99 999 999 99 99 hydrogel-forming polymers to increase the absorbent capacity of the primary absorbent member 30. The more hydrogel-forming polymers the primary absorbent member 30 contains, the greater the absorbent capacity of the primary absorbent member 30. As the hydrogel-forming polymers become swollen after absorbing the fluid, the primary absorbent member 30 extends in the transverse direction and thickness. This extension of the primary absorbent member 30 provides better fit and fit between the primary absorbent member 30 by the female body. However, too many hydrogel-forming polymers result in problems with so-called gel blocking, resulting in reduced absorbency. More importantly, too many hydrogel-forming polymers in absorbing the fluid cause a straight cylindrical shape of the primary absorbent member 30 that will not easily bend without much bending force. When this happens, the primary absorbent member 30 may not fit the curvature of the female body, as the transverse ends of the folded sanitary napkin 20 tend to move away from the body. Thus, a suitable amount of hydrogel-forming polymers in terms of absorbency, conformability, and fit of the composite sanitary napkin having a primary absorbent member 30 is preferred.

It may be desirable to provide a composite sanitary napkin having a primary absorbent member with varying degrees of width or feel over its length. For example, the primary absorbent member may be relatively thicker in the central region than in the end regions. Alternatively, the primary absorbent member may be relatively thinner in the central region than in the end regions.

Although particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is intended in the appended claims to cover all such changes and modifications within the scope of the present invention.

Claims (10)

PATENT CLAIMS A composite sanitary napkin comprising a primary absorbent member and a secondary absorbent member, the primary absorbent member having a length, width, thickness, a pair of longitudinal sides, and a pair of transverse ends, and comprising a primary absorbent member (core) and a liquid pervious cover disposed on the primary absorbent member; the secondary absorbent member has a length, width, thickness, a pair of longitudinal sides, and a pair of transverse ends, and includes a liquid-permeable body-facing layer, a liquid-impermeable garment-facing layer attached to the liquid-permeable body-facing layer, and a secondary absorbent element positioned between the liquid-permeable a body-facing layer and a liquid-impervious liquid facing layer; the primary absorbent member is coupled to the liquid-permeable body-facing side of the secondary absorbent member by coupling means comprising applying pressure to the transverse ends of the primary absorbent member and applying adhesive to the at least liquid-permeable package of the primary absorbent member at the transverse ends of the primary absorbent member; characterized in that the ratio of the thickness of the primary absorbent member to the width of the primary absorbent member is between 0.05 and 1.5 and the primary absorbent member has the ability to absorb at least 70% of the absorbed menstrual fluid between 2 and 30 grams when the sanitary napkin is deployed female body and used. 2. The compound sanitary napkin of claim 1 wherein the width of the primary absorbent member is less than about 80% of the width of the secondary absorbent member in the crotch region of the compound sanitary napkin. • 4 4 i 4 4 4 4 4 44 4 « The compound sanitary napkin of claim 1, wherein the respective ratio is between 0.08 and 1.00. The compound sanitary napkin of claim 1, wherein the liquid-permeable package of the primary absorbent member comprises barrier means for inhibiting the transfer of menstrual fluid from the primary absorbent member to the secondary absorbent member. The composite sanitary napkin of claim 4, wherein the liquid pervious wrapper has longitudinal sides, the longitudinal sides overlapping each other between the primary absorbent member and the secondary absorbent member, the barrier means comprising the overlapped longitudinal sides. The compound sanitary napkin of claim 5, wherein the liquid pervious cover comprises two or more layers. The composite sanitary napkin of claim 4, wherein the barrier means comprises a formed film having a first surface, a second surface, and apertures extending from the first surface to the second surface, the aperture area of the second surface being generally smaller than the aperture area of the first surface. and that the second surface is facing the primary absorbent element. The composite sanitary napkin of claim 4, wherein the barrier means comprises a liquid impermeable material disposed between the primary absorbent member and the secondary absorbent member. The composite sanitary napkin of claim 8, wherein the barrier means comprises a formed film having a apertured zone and a non-apertured zone, and wherein the non-apertured zone is disposed between the primary absorbent member and the secondary absorbent member. A compound sanitary napkin comprising a primary absorbent member and a secondary absorbent member; the primary absorbent member has a length, width, thickness, a pair of longitudinal sides, and a pair of transverse ends, and includes a primary absorbent member and a liquid pervious cover positioned over the primary absorbent member, the primary absorbent member including hydrogel-forming polymers and hydrophilic fibers; the secondary absorbent member has a length, width, thickness, a pair of longitudinal sides, and a pair of transverse ends, and includes a liquid-permeable body-facing layer, a liquid-impermeable garment-facing layer attached to the liquid-permeable body-facing layer, and a secondary absorbent element positioned between the liquid-permeable a body-facing layer and a liquid-impervious liquid facing layer; the primary absorbent member is coupled to the liquid-permeable side of the body-facing layer of the secondary absorbent member by fasteners comprising applying pressure at the transverse ends of the primary absorbent member and applying adhesive to the at least liquid-permeable envelope of the primary absorbent member at the transverse ends of the primary absorbent member; characterized in that the ratio of the thickness of the primary absorbent member to the width of the primary absorbent member is between 0.05 and 1.5 and the primary absorbent member comprises between 10% and 60% hydrogel-forming polymers. // 'Z Z / sj