MXPA97006699A - Sanitary towel composed anatomically form - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention pertains to a composite sanitary napkin. The sanitary composite pad comprises a primary absorbent member that includes an absorbent core and an outer cover. The primary absorbent member has a second portion and a first portion, the first portion being. The width of the first portion is greater than the width of the second portion. The composite sanitary napkin further comprises a secondary absorbent member which is joined to the absorbent primary member, juxtaposed to the second portion. The secondary absorbent member preferably comprises a liquid-impermeable backsheet and an attached absorbent material. Optionally, the secondary absorbent member includes a backsheet, a top sheet attached to the backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the backsheet and the top sheet.

Description

SANITARY TOWEL COMPOSED ANATOMICALLY FORMED FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to disposable sanitary napkins. As used herein, sanitary napkins are considered to be absorbent devices designed to be used externally of the body by women, usually during their menstrual periods, and to receive and contain menstruation and other vaginal discharges. Disposable sanitary napkins are intended to be discarded after being used and stained, instead of being cleaned and reused.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In its simplest form, disposable sanitary napkins comprise an absorbent element (sometimes referred to as an absorbent core), interposed between a permeable element that contacts the body (sometimes referred to as a top sheet or an envelope) and a protective waterproof barrier (sometimes referred to as a back sheet). The absorbent element is intended to receive and contain menstruation and other vaginal discharges. The element that makes contact with the body is intended to provide greater or lesser comfort and dry feeling contact with body surfaces, while allowing free passage of fluids all the way to the absorbent element. The protective barrier is intended to prevent menstruation or other vaginal discharges that are expelled or that escape from the absorbent element from staining the undergarments of the wearers.

In addition to the three functional elements mentioned above, disposable sanitary napkins are generally provided with means for supporting the device adjacent to the crotch area of the wearer, even while the wearer is moving, where she can more effectively perform her intended function. Typically, sanitary napkins are provided with an adhesive attachment means to secure the device to the inner crotch area of the wearer's undergarment. Although previously known, sanitary napkins develop their intended function, each conventional design suffers from certain deficiencies in one or more of absorbency of body fluids, protection of the wearer's underwear and / or physical comfort to the wearer. With respect to sanitary napkins, there are at least two relevant general classes. One of these classes is identified as being intended for the absorption of menstrual fluids from medium to high. These sanitary napkins offer a very high absorbent capacity. Absorbent capacity is commonly achieved by providing the towel with a fairly thick and bulky absorbent member. Although having a relatively high absorbent capacity, the volume of the absorbent member can cause a certain degree of discomfort of use. A second class of sanitary napkins is intended for light or low menstrual flows, and is commonly referred to as panty liners or panty liners. Sanitary pads of this type, as a group, are thinner, somewhat more flexible and generally more comfortable than those of the first class. However, second-class sanitary napkins typically lack the absorbent capacity of first-class sanitary napkins. An attempt to provide the benefits of the two previously described kinds of sanitary napkins in a simple composite sanitary napkin is disclosed in the commonly assigned U.S. Patent No. 4,425,130 issued to DesMarais, on January 10, 1984. The sanitary napkin compound of DesMarais comprises a first menstrual pad and a pant liner attached to one another from their corresponding ends such that the two constituents are free to move relative to one another along essentially their common total length. The primary menstrual pad is intended to absorb the volume of body fluid discharged by the user, while the panty protector is intended to protect the user's clothes from staining. In use, the relative freedom of movement between the primary menstrual pad and the panty protector serves to maintain the primary menstrual pad adjacent to the crotch region of the wearer while the panty protector remains associated with the wearer's undergarment.

Although the relative freedom of movement between the primary menstrual pad and the pant liner serves to keep the primary menstrual pad close to the crotch region of the wearer, freedom from movement can lead to a lack of stability if the primary menstrual pad it moves laterally beyond the side edges of the panty liner, providing an opportunity to stain the wearer's undergarments. In addition, the relative freedom of movement between the primary menstrual pad and the pant liner may only be insufficient to capture bodily fluids as they leave the vaginal socket of the wearer. The primary menstrual pad is preferably narrow enough to at least reside partially within the external genitalia. Optionally, the primary menstrual pad may be wider than the distance between the larger vaginal lips, but exhibits a lateral compression or conformation capacity at relatively low forces such as the forces exerted by the soft tissue of the external female genital organs, such that a part of the primary menstrual pad is capable of at least partially residing within the external female genital organs. By being conformable to relatively low forces, the absorbent primary member remains comfortable during use. In addition, the primary menstrual pad preferably exhibits an elastic recovery to enable or enable the pad to conform to the body as the pad and the body shell undergo form changes. While the primary menstrual pad is made narrower to adjust the body, the panty protector preferably remains sufficiently wide to provide a stable bond to the wearer's undergarment, and to sufficiently cover the undergarment to protect it from staining.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a sanitary towel composed. The sanitary composite pad comprises a primary absorbent member that includes an absorbent core wrapped in an outer cover. The absorbent primary member has a first portion and a second portion; the first portion vertically opposite the second portion. The width of the first portion is greater than the width of the second portion. The composite sanitary napkin further comprises a secondary absorbent member which is attached to the absorbent primary member juxtaposed to the second portion. The secondary absorbent member preferably comprises a liquid impermeable backsheet and an absorbent material bonded thereto. Optionally, the secondary absorbent member comprises a backsheet, a topsheet attached to the backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the backsheet and the topsheet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Since the specification concludes with the claims that particularly indicate and claim the subject of the present invention indistinctly, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from the following description, which is taken together with the attached drawings, in which the reference numbers identify identical elements and where: Figure 1 is a top plan view of a modality of the sanitary napkin composed of the present invention. Figure 2 is a side elevational view of a composite sanitary napkin shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a composite sanitary napkin shown in Figures 1 and 2, taken along the line of section 3-3 of Figure 2. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the composite sanitary napkin shown in Figure 1, after it has been placed in position in the wearer. Figures 5 and 6 are cross-sectional views of alternate embodiments of the composite sanitary napkin of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention is a sanitary towel composed of an adjustment to the body that exhibits absorbency for body fluids, protection against staining of the wearer's undergarments and physical comfort for the wearer. The term "sanitary napkin", as used herein, refers to an absorbent article that is worn by women adjacent to the pudendal region, and that is intended to absorb and contain the exudates that are discharged from the body (e.g. , blood, menstruation and urine), and that are intended to be discarded after only one use (they are not intended to be washed or otherwise restored or reused). The term "composite sanitary napkin", as used herein, refers to a sanitary napkin comprised of separate constituents attached to one another to form a unitary structure. The interlabial devices that partially decide within and partially external to the wearer's vestibule are also within the scope of this invention. As used herein, the term "pudendal" refers to the externally visible genital organs, and the major vaginal lips, lower labia, clitoris, and vestibule are limited. Figures 1 to 3 show a preferred embodiment of a composite sanitary napkin 20 of the present invention. As can be seen from Figures 1 to 3, the composite sanitary napkin 20 comprises a primary absorbent member 30 and an absorbent secondary member 50 joined together by the attachment means 70. The sanitary napkin composite has two surfaces, a contact surface with the body or surface facing the body, and a surface facing the garment or contact surface with the garment 55. Each of the primary and secondary absorbent members have corresponding surfaces facing the garment and they give to the body. The composite sanitary napkin 20 has a longitudinal center line L and a transverse center line T. As used herein, the term "longitudinal" refers to an axis line or direction in the plane of the sanitary napkin compound that is generally aligned with (ie, approximately parallel to) a vertical plane that divides a user standing in left and right body halves when the composite sanitary napkin is used. The terms "transverse" or "lateral" as used herein, are interchangeable and refer to an axis or direction line that lies within the plane of the composite sanitary napkin which is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The absorbent primary member 30 has side edges 24 and end edges 25 which together form the periphery 26 of the absorbent primary member 30. The absorbent secondary member 50 has side edges 21 and end edges 22 which together form the periphery 23 of the absorbent secondary member and the compound sanitary napkin 20. The sanitary napkin 30 has a first end region 27, a central region 28, and a second end region 29. The absorbent primary member 30 is that constituent of the sanitary napkin 20 intended to absorb the volume of fluids bodily discharges by the user. The absorbent primary member 30 comprises an absorbent means 33, such as the absorbent core 34 and an outer cover 32 superimposed on the absorbent core 34. (As used herein, the term "overlay" means adjacent or juxtaposed, but not necessarily in contact with or attached to.) The total outer cover 32 may be permeable to liquid, however, other embodiments are contemplated where the outer cover portions are liquid impervious or hydrophobic. As shown in Figures 3 and 3A, the primary absorbent member has a vertical center line 200, a base 10 having a width B and a first portion 15 vertically opposite the second portion 10., the first portion having a width A. (The widths of A and B of the first portion 15 and the second portion 10, respectively, of a preferred composite sanitary napkin are best shown in Figure 3A.) The second portion 10 is that portion of the absorbent primary member 30 juxtaposed to the surface facing the body 87 of the absorbent secondary member 50. The first portion 15 is that portion of the absorbent primary member 30 vertically opposite to the second portion 10, which comprises the portion of the primary member absorbent 30 having the greatest width A. (The "width" at any given location is determined by measuring the lateral or transverse dimension at that location.) Therefore, a measurement is taken generally perpendicular to the vertical center line 200 and generally parallel to the transverse centerline T.) The first portion 15 and the second portion 10 can assume any shape and width, while the width A of the first portion 15 is greater than the width B of the second portion 10. Preferably, the outer cover 32 is deformable, of soft feel and non-irritating to the skin of the wearer. In addition, at least a portion of the outer cover 32 is permeable to liquids, allowing liquids to easily penetrate through their thickness. A suitable external cover 32 can be manufactured from a wide range of materials, such as woven and non-woven materials; polymeric materials such as thermoplastic films formed with apertures, apertured plastic films, and hydroformed thermoplastic films; porous foams; cross-linked foams; thermoplastic films; and thermoplastic meshes. Suitable woven and nonwoven materials may comprise natural fibers (for example wood or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (for example polymeric fibers, such as polypropylene or polyethylene polyester fibers) or a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. The outer cover 32 may be a unitary member or may be comprised of two or more elements joined together to form the outer cover 32. Furthermore, any portion of the materials comprising the outer cover may be coated, laminated or treated or otherwise manipulate to impart or improve the desired characteristics such as strength, flexibility, permeability or liquid impermeability. A preferred outer cover 32 comprises a formed film having openings. Films formed with openings are preferred for outer cover 32 because they are generally permeable to body exudates but at the same time non-absorbent, thereby reducing the likelihood that liquids will pass back through the film and return to rewet the user's skin. Accordingly, the surface of the formed film which is in contact with the body remains dry, thereby reducing the staining of the body and creating a more comfortable feeling to the wearer.

In addition, the formed films are easily manufactured with portions without openings, which provides areas impervious to liquids, which prevents the passage of any fluid therethrough. Suitable shaped films are described in U.S. Patent No. 3,929,135 issued to Thompson on December 30, 1975; the Patent of the United States. No. 4,324,246, issued to Mullane, and others on April 13, 1982; The Patent of the United States 4,342,314, issued to Radel et al. On August 3, 1982; U.S. Patent No. 4,463,045 issued to Ahr et al. on 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. An especially preferred outer cover 32 for the absorbent primary member 30 of the present invention comprises a formed film described in one or more of the above patents and marketed in sanitary napkins by The Procter & Gamble Company of Cincinnati, Ohio, as "DRI-WEAVE". In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the body-facing surface of at least the outer cover 32 is hydrophilic to help transfer liquids through the outer cover 32 more rapidly than if the body surface were not hydrophilic. . This decreases the possibility of the menstrual fluid coming out of the outer cover 32 instead of flowing into and being absorbed by the absorbent core 34. In a preferred embodiment, a surfactant is incorporated into the polymeric materials of the formed film topsheet. , as described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 08 / 072,660, entitled "Absorbent article having a nonwoven web and a film cover with openings", filed June 4, 1993 by Aziz and others, which is incorporated herein by reference. Alternatively, the surface facing the body of the outer shell can be made hydrophilic by treating it with a surfactant such as described in the aforementioned US Pat.

No. 4,950,264 issued to Osborn on August 21, 1990, incorporated herein by reference. As stated above, the outer cover 32 is preferably superimposed on the absorbent core 34. To ensure proper fluid transfer between the outer cover 32 and the absorbent core 34, it is preferred that the outer cover is substantially continuously bonded to the outer cover 32. absorbent core 34 underlying all along its association or between common face. (As used herein, the term "joined" encompasses configurations with which one element is directly secured to another element by attaching the element to another element, as well as configurations with which an element is indirectly secured to another element by fixing the element to a member or intermediate members, which in turn are attached to another element.) Attaching the outer cover 32 substantially continuously to the underlying absorbent core 34 , the outer cover 32 will have a reduced tendency to separate from the absorbent core 34 during use. The separation of the absorbent core 32 from the outer cover 32 can inhibit the transfer of fluid from the outer cover 32 to the underlying absorbent core 34. The outer cover 32 can be attached to the absorbent core 34 by any suitable means, including, but not limited to to the attachment of the outer cover 32 to the absorbent core 34 with adhesives such as spray-bonding or by the application of lines or spots of adhesives between the outer cover 32 and the absorbent core 34. Alternatively, or additionally, the cover external 32 can be attached to the absorbent core 34 simply by wrapping the outer cover 32 around the absorbent core 34, entangling the fibers of the absorbent core 34 with the outer cover 32, melting the outer cover 32 to the absorbent core 34 with a plurality of bonds of discrete, individual fusion or by any other means known in the art. Referring now to Figure 3, it can be seen that the outer cover 32, completely envelops the absorbent core 34 of the absorbent primary member 30. The outer cover 32 is shown in Figure 3 having a seam 85 adjacent the absorbent secondary member 50. Although such a configuration is advantageous to keep the seam 85 away from any contact with the absorbent member 50. the body, the Figure does not imply that the scope of the invention is limited. Other suitable embodiments are contemplated wherein the seam is disposed at any location around the absorbent core. In addition, any number of seams, folds, folds or joints in the outer cover 32 are acceptable as long as the absorbent primary member 30 is capable of functioning to absorb and contain bodily fluids, while being comfortable for the wearer. The outer cover 32 of the absorbent primary member is shown in Figure 3 to be a separate element and distinct from the upper sheet 52 of the absorbent secondary member 50. In said embodiments, the outer cover 32 is preferably attached preferably attached to the topsheet 52. of the absorbent secondary member 50 by the attachment means 70. In another embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the outer cover 34 does not completely enclose the absorbent core 34 of the absorbent primary member 30. Instead, the outer cover 32 encloses Substantially the absorbent core 34. (As used herein, the term "substantially encloses", implies that the outer covering covers more than half the absorbent core, and most preferably the majority of the absorbent core). Because the outer cover 32 does not completely enclose the absorbent core 34, a channel 80 is formed. The channel 80 provides a means for any liquid not retained by the absorbent primary member 30, to be deposited on the upper sheet 52, the element Absorbent 56 or any other element of the absorbent secondary member 50, such that it can be absorbed and contained therein. (An alternate embodiment of the present invention comprising a channel is shown in Figure 5). Optionally, as shown in Figure 6, the outer cover 32 of the absorbent primary member 30 and the upper sheet 52 of the absorbent secondary member 50 may comprise a single web of material, such as the web 100. In such embodiments, the web 100 substantially encloses the absorbent core 34 of the absorbent primary member 30 and extends outward therefrom to cover at least a portion of the absorbent secondary member 50. Materials suitable for use as the weft 100 are described above with respect to the cover external 32 of the absorbent primary member and the upper sheet 52 of the absorbent secondary member 50. Although the weft 100 as shown in Figure 6 can cover the entire surface facing the body of the absorbent secondary member 50, it is not necessary necessarily this.

Furthermore, the exact configuration of the weft 100 may vary while it substantially encloses the absorbent core 34 of the absorbent primary member 30. In the embodiment of Figure 6, the weft should as a connecting means connecting the absorbent primary member 30. and the absorbent secondary member 50 together. The composite sanitary napkin may also include additional attachment means for connecting the primary absorbent member 30 to the absorbent secondary member. Additional suitable attachment means include but are not limited to adhesive bonds and fusion bonds. The absorbent core 34 of the present invention functions primarily to absorb and contain body exudates. However, in some preferred embodiments, the absorbent core 34 functions as a forming member that maintains the shape of the absorbent primary member 30. In this manner, it may be desirable for the absorbent primary member 30 to comprise an absorbent core that includes more than one absorbent core. core member, such as the first core member 36 and the second core member 38, shown in Figure 3. (As used herein, the term "core members" is used to describe different elements comprised in the absorbent core 34). or different regions within the absorbent core 34 that can perform different functions.) The absorbent core 34 can comprise any number of first core members 36 and / or second core members 38. Preferably, the first core member (s) 36 will be sufficiently elastic to provide the absorbent primary member 30 with intimate contact with the exposed female genitals of the wearer. Intimate contact with the exposed female genital organs helps to provide better fluid transfer from the user to the primary absorbent member 30, without allowing the fluid to bypass and / or exit the absorbent primary member 30. In addition, it is important that the first The absorbent member (s) 36 is sufficiently resilient that when subjected to normal forces of use, the absorbent secondary member 30c will permanently collapse. Although the elastic characteristics of the absorbent core 34 allow for an improved fit, it must be balanced against the need for the product that is both soft and comfortable for the wearer. In this way, the materials selected to be used as the second core member (s) 38, are preferably deformable, soft, comfortable, compressible and elastic under relatively small forces to improve or increase the fit and comfort to the body of the primary absorbent member 30. In addition to being compressible, the materials comprising the second member (s) of core 38 are preferably capable of shaping, such that the absorbent primary member 30 is capable of providing improved fit to and around the labia and perineum. (An example of the composite sanitary napkin 20 of Figures 3 and 3A, after it has been used is shown in Figure 4.) As shown in Figures 3 and 5, preferred embodiments of the present invention comprise an absorbent core. 34 having a first core member 36 of generally arcuate cross section. The first core members 36 are preferably elongated, having a dimension in the length direction of the sanitary napkin 20. However, the first core member (s) 36 may comprise a wide variety of shapes such as rectangular, oval, trapezoidal, pentagonal, U-shaped, bent at Z, and still provide the primary absorbent member 30 with a width A of the first portion greater than the width B of the second portion. In Figure 6, the core 34 comprises a plurality of first core members 36 that provide the preferred body fit shape of the primary absorbent member 30. In a preferred embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, at least one of the first core members 36 are in the form of elongate parallelepipeds. However, the shape, size, number and arrangement of the first core members 36 may vary while the primary absorbent member 30 may be provided with a width A of the first portion greater than the width B of the second portion. In addition, the first core members 36 may comprise any material as described herein, with respect to the absorbent core, the absorbent layer, the acquisition layer or any other absorbent material as is known in the art. In a preferred embodiment, the first core members 36 are wrapped within a containment layer 35. The containment layer 35 can comprise any material that will absorb and contain fluids, including, but not limited to, those described herein with respect to the cores. absorbent and acquisition layers. An especially preferred containment layer comprises air-laid, thermally bonded fibers, as described above, and in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 08/141, 156. In addition, the first core members 36 are preferably wrapped in an acquisition layer 46. The acquisition layer 46 can comprise any of the materials as further described with respect to the acquisition layers. A particularly preferred acquisition layer 46 comprises a non-woven web, such as the non-woven web available from Fiberweb North America under the trade designation P-9. As shown in Figure 6, the outer cover is superimposed on the array of the first core members 36 to form the primary absorbent member 30 of the present invention. Examples of other suitable core member materials, shapes, sizes, and arrangements are described in greater detail in U.S. Patents 4,340,058 entitled "Sanitary Towel" issued to Pierce et al. On July 20, 1982 (describing elongated absorbent pads). with generally circular cross sections); and 4,490,147 entitled "Absorbent Sanitary Towel" issued to Pierce et al. on December 25, 1984; each of which is incorporated herein by reference. The absorbent core 34 may be any absorbent means that is generally compressible, conformable, elastic, non-irritating to the wearer's skin and capable of absorbing and containing body exudates. Preferably, the total absorbent capacity of the absorbent core of the absorbent core 34, must be compatible with the intended exudate charge for the absorbent primary member 30 of the sanitary composite pad 20. In addition, the absorbent capacity of absorbent core 34 can be varied to suit users who vary in the expected amount of fluid volume exuded. For example, a different absorbent capacity can be used for composite sanitary napkins intended for daytime use as compared to those intended for night use, or for composite sanitary napkins intended for use by adolescent women when compared to those intended for more mature women. The absorbent core 34 can be manufactured from a wide range of liquid absorbent materials commonly used in disposable sanitary napkins, and other disposable absorbent articles. In addition, the first core member (s) 36 may comprise the same or different material as the second core member (s) 38. Examples of suitable absorbent materials include ground wood pulp (which is generally referred to as an air filter) , curled cellulose wadding, reticulated, modified cellulose fibers (such as those described in U.S. Patent No. 5,217,445 issued to Young et al., June 8, 1993), capillary channel fibers (i.e., fibers) having interfiber capillary channels such as those described in U.S. Patent No. 5,200,248 issued to Thompson et al. on April 6, 1993), absorbent foams (such as those described in U.S. Patent No. 5,260,345, issued to DesMarais et al. on November 9, 1993 and United States Patent No. 5,268,244 issued to DesMarais and others on December 7, 1993. 1993; United States Patent no. 5,331,015 issued to DesMarais et al. On July 19, 1994; and U.S. Patent No. 5,387,207 issued to Dyer et al. on February 7, 1995), materials placed in thermally bonded air (such as those materials described in U.S. Patent Application No. 08/141, 156 , entitled "Catamenial absorbent structures that have thermally bonded layers to improve the management of menstrual fluids and their use in catamenial pads that have improved fit and comfort, presented in the name of Richards, et al. on October 21, 1993 (P &G Case 5051)), polyurethanes, absorbent sponges, synthetic fibers, polymeric fibers, hydrogel-forming polymer gelling agent, peat moss, glass fiber or any equivalent materials or combinations of materials, all of the above patents and patent applications. identified herein are incorporated herein by reference herein.A suitable first core member 36 comprises available polyurethane foam. Foamex under the trade designation Foamex 08-8982. Other suitable absorbent cores comprising foams are described in the State patent No. 5,260,345 issued November 9, 1993, United States Patent No. 5,147,345 issued September 15, 1992, and United States Patent No. 5, 149,720 issued September 22, 1992. The first and third patents listed in the name of DesMarais and others, and the second patent granted in the name of Young and others. Additional cores comprising foam are described in the European Application 0 293 208 B1. Absorbent cores comprising sponges are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,512,530 and 3,954,493; and French Patent No. 2,203,827. Examples of suitable alternating absorbent cores are described in detail in copending U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 08 / 277,733 (P &G Case 5395). All of the patents and patent applications identified above are incorporated herein by reference herein. The absorbent primary member 30 may comprise an elastic member 45 as illustrated in Figure 5. The elastic member 45 may comprise a single member or a plurality of individual members. Suitable materials that can be used as the elastic member 45, include, but are not limited to, nylon, polypropylene, polyurethane, polyethylene, polyester, synthetic rubber, and other synthetic materials such as foamed films, natural materials such as rubber, sponges and the like or any suitable material that is capable of withstanding collapse under conditions of normal use of the sanitary napkin during use. A preferred elastic member comprises polyurethane foam available from Foamex under the trade designation Foamex 08-8982. The elastic member 45 can be manufactured in a wide variety of shapes such as rectangular, triangular, oval, square, pentagonal, U-shaped, Z-shaped, or any other shape as is known in the art. The elastic member 45 may extend the entire length of the total length of the absorbent primary member 30. The elastic member 45 may only extend through a portion of the length of the absorbent primary member 30. The elastic member 45 may be placed within the first end region 27, the central region 28, the second end region 29 or any combination of the foregoing. For example, the elastic member 45 can be placed in either the first end region 27 or the second end region 29 of the absorbent primary member 30, both of the first end region 27 and the second end region 29 of the absorbent primary member 30, in the central region 28 of the absorbent primary member 30, or in the central regions 28 and in the end regions 27, 29 of the absorbent primary member 30. The elasticity of the elastic member 45 is not preferentially affected by the presence of body exudates absorbed by and contained within the absorbent core. The sustained elasticity of the elastic member 45 allows the absorbent primary member 30 to maintain intimate contact with the wearer's body during the suo. The absorbent primary member 30 may include an elastic member 45 similar to the forming component, internal, disclosed in U.S. Patent Applications Nos. 08 / 225,441 (P &G Case 5109R), entitled "Sanitary Towel that has an Internal Trainer Component", presented on April 8, 1994, to name of Cari L.

Bergman The disclosure of the aforementioned application is incorporated herein by reference. The absorbent primary member 30 may comprise an acquisition layer 46, as shown in Figure 6, placed between the outer cover 32 and the absorbent core 34. The acquisition layer 46 may have several functions including improving the passage through the effect of wicking exudates on and towards the absorbent core 34. Improving the passage of exudates by wicking effect, the acquisition layer 46 provides a more even distribution of the exudates throughout the entire absorbent core 34. The acquisition layer 46 may be comprised of several different materials including nonwoven webs of synthetic fibers including polyester, polypropylene or polyethylene; natural fibers that include cotton or cellulose, mixtures of such fibers or any equivalent material or combinations of materials. Examples of sanitary napkins having an acquisition layer are more fully described in U.S. Patent No. 4,950,264, issued to Osborn and U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 07 / 810,774, "Absorbing article having layers. melted ", presented on December 17, 1991, in the name of Cree and others. Each of these references are incorporated herein by reference. In a preferred embodiment, the acquisition layer 46 may be attached to the outer cover 32 by any of the conventional means for joining frames together, most preferably by fusion links as is more fully described in the above-mentioned Cree Application. Although the absorbent primary member 30 may be generally of any cross-sectional shape in its unstressed condition, the first portion 15 has a width A greater than the width B of the second portion 10. The length 40 and the width 41 of the absorbent primary member 30 can be of any convenient dimension. The absorbent primary member 30, is preferably from about 2 to 35 cm. long, more preferably from about 10 to 35 cm long, and more preferably from about 20 to 35 cm. long. A particularly preferred absorbent primary member 30 has a length of approximately 24 cm. The absorbent primary member 30, is preferably from about 0.5 to 5 cm. in width, more preferably from about 0.5 to about 4 cm in width, and most preferably from about 0.5 to about 3 cm. Wide. It may be desirable to provide a sanitary composite pad having a primary absorbent member with varying widths or gauge lengths along its entire length. For example, the absorbent primary member may be relatively thicker in the central region 28 as compared to the end regions 27 and 29. Alternatively, the absorbent primary member may be relatively thinner in the central region 28 as compared to the end regions 27 and 29. The second constituent of the composite sanitary napkin 20 of the present invention is the absorbent secondary member 50. The absorbent secondary member 50 may be of generally rectangular shape. However, other suitable forms include but are not limited to oval, hourglass, dog bone, asymmetric and other shapes that are known in the art. In addition, the absorbent secondary member 50 of the present invention is relatively thin and preferably flexible. The secondary absorbent member 50 preferably has a caliper of less than about 3.0 millimeters, more preferably less than about 2.6 millimeters, still more preferably less than about 2.2 millimeters, and most preferably less than about 2.0 millimeters. The absorbent secondary member 50 preferably comprises an absorbent member 56 and a liquid impermeable backsheet 54 bonded to the absorbent member 56. As shown in Figure 3, the absorbent member 56 can shape the surface contacting the body 87 of the absorbent secondary member 50. In other preferred embodiments, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the absorbent secondary member 50 comprises a liquid impermeable backsheet 54. , a liquid permeable upper sheet 52 joined to the backsheet 54 and an absorbent element 56 positioned between the upper sheet 52 and the backsheet 54. In still other embodiments, as in Figure 6, the secondary absorbent member 50 may comprise an acquisition layer 88, in addition to or in place of the upper sheet 52. The upper sheet 52 may be of any fluid-permeable material commonly used in sanitary napkins, disposable diapers, and the like. The topsheet 52 can be any of the materials described above as being useful in the outer cover 32 of the absorbent primary member 30, including, but not limited to, films formed with openings. The acquisition layer 88 of the absorbent secondary member 50 may comprise any of the materials described above with respect to the acquisition layer 46 of the absorbent primary member 30. In preferred embodiments, the absorbent secondary member 50 comprises an acquisition layer 88 disposed therebetween. upper sheet 52 and absorbent element 56 as shown in Figure 6. However, embodiments are contemplated where the acquisition layer 88 replaces the topsheet 88, the absorbent core or both. In such configurations, the acquisition layer 88 provides any of the desired absorption characteristics in the absorbent secondary member 50. The absorbent member 56 of the absorbent secondary member 50 functions primarily to protect the wearer's undergarments from staining by the absorbed fluids, which may be expelled from the absorbent primary member 30, or which may inadvertently deviate from the absorbent primary member 30. In this manner, the absorbent member 56 of the absorbent secondary member 50 generally performs a function different from that of the absorbent core 34, and is preferably somewhat thinner and less bulky than the absorbent core 34. The absorbent member 56 may comprise any of the materials described above as being useful in the absorbent core 34 or the acquisition layers 46 and 88. However, the toilet paper (already either single or multiple layers) is also Suitable for use in the absorbent element 56. In a preferred embodiment, the absorbent element is formed from about 1 to about 5 layers of toilet paper. The toilet paper comprising one or more layers having a basis weight of from about 24 to about 48 g per square meter and a bulk density of from about 0.10 to about 0.12 g. per cubic centimeter as is done by the process described in U.S. Patent 3,301,746 issued to Sanford and Sisson on January 31, 1967 and whose patent is hereby incorporated by reference, has been found to be very satisfactory to be used as the absorbent element 56. Toilet paper made by the process described in US Patent NO. 3,994,771 issued to Morga et al., November 30, 1976, and whose patent is incorporated herein by reference, to obtain advantageous benefits such as the absorbent element 56. Moisture resistant resins and latex binders can be, and preferably they are used to provide additional resistance to the toilet paper used in the absorbent element 56. The backsheet 54 of the absorbent secondary member 50 is impervious to liquids (e.g., menstruation and / or urine) and is preferably fabricated from a thin plastic film, although other flexible materials can also be used, impervious to liquids. As used herein, the term "flexible" refers to materials that are deformable and will readily conform to the general shape and contour of the human body. The function of the backsheet is to prevent the exudates expelled from or inadvertently deviating from the primary absorbent member, and prevent the exudates absorbed and contained in the absorbent member 56 from contacting or staining the wearer's undergarment. The backsheet 54 can thus comprise a woven or non-woven material, polymeric films such as polyethylene or polypropylene thermoplastic films, or composite materials such as a film-coated nonwoven material. Preferably, the backsheet is a polyethylene film having a thickness of about 0.012 mm (0.5 mil) to about 0.015 mm (2.0 mil). Exemplary polyethylene films are manufactured by Clopay Corporation of Cincinnati, Ohio, under the designation P18-0401 and by Ethyl Corporation, Visqueen Division, of Terre Haute, Indiana, under the designation XP-39385. A suitable extensible backsheet is an extended adhesive film known as Formula # 198-388 manufactured by Findley Adhesives Company of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. The backsheet is preferably highlighted or embossed and / or finished without gloss to provide a fabric-like appearance. In addition, the backsheet can allow vapors to escape from the absorbent member 56 (i.e., breathe), but at the same time prevent the exudates from passing through the backsheet. In preferred embodiments, the secondary absorbent member 50 is provided with a support means or attachment means, such as adhesive attachment means. 58. The fixing adhesive means 58 provides a means for securing the sanitary towel 20 comprised in the crotch portion of the wearer's undergarment or panties. In this manner, part or all of the garment surface or outer surface 55 of the backsheet 54 is coated with adhesive. In a preferred embodiment, at least a portion of the adhesive 58 is placed on the garment surface 55 of the backsheet 54, adjacent the side edges 21 of the absorbent secondary member 50. Any adhesive or glue used in the present invention can be used. art for such purposes, such as the adhesive herein, being preferred with pressure sensitive adhesives. Suitable adhesives are Century A-305-IV manufactured by Century Adhesives Corporation of Columbus, Ohio; and Instant Lock 34-2823 manufactured by the National Starch and Chemical Company of Bridgewater, New Jersey. Other suitable adhesive fasteners are also disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,917,697.

The pressure sensitive adhesive is typically covered with a removable removable liner 59 in order to prevent the adhesive from drying or adhering to a different surface of the crotch portion of the panty before being used. Suitable release liners are also described in the aforementioned U.S. Patent No. 4,917,697. Any removable, commercially available liner commonly used for such purpose can be used herein. Non-limiting examples of suitable release liners are BL30MG-A Silox E1 / 0 and BL30MG-A Silox 4P / 0 both of which are manufactured by Akrosil Corporation of Menasha, Wisconsin. The composite sanitary napkin 20 of the present invention is used by removing the release liner 50 and subsequently placing the sanitary napkin in a panty so that the adhesive 58 contacts the panty. The adhesive 58 holds the sanitary napkin in place within the pant during use. The secondary absorbent member 50 may also have fins extending laterally from the side edge of the absorbent core 34. A number of sanitary napkins having fins suitable or adaptable for use with the absorbent secondary member 50 of the composite sanitary napkin 20 of the present invention, are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,687,478 issued to Van Tilburg on August 18, 1987, U.S. Patent No. 4,589,876, issued to Van Tilbrug on May 20, 1986; and U.S. Patent No. 4,608,047, issued to Mattingly on August 26, 1986. Each of these patents is incorporated herein by reference. Optionally, the secondary absorbent member may have components that naturally envelop the sides of a wearer's panties. A sanitary napkin having components that naturally surround the sides of a wearer's panties suitable for use with the absorbent secondary member of the sanitary napkin 20 of the present invention are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. of Series 08 / 096,121, (Case P &G 4961) entitled "Absorbent articles having panty cover components that naturally surround the sides of the pantyhose", filed on July 22, 1993, in the name of Lavash and others, and U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 08 / 277,733 (Case P &G 5354), entitled "Absorbent article having cover components of the undergarment with zone of extension capacity", filed on July 20, 1994 in the name of Weinberger, and others. The disclosures of the preceding publications are incorporated herein by reference. Referring now to Figure 1, the secondary absorbent member 50 preferably has a length 60 and a width 61. The secondary absorbent member 50 is preferably about 20 to 40 cm long, more preferably about 25 to 35 cm. long, and most preferably about 30 cm long. The absorbent secondary member 50 is preferably about 5 to 15 cm wide, more preferably about 5 to 10 cm wide, and most preferably about 5 to 8 cm wide. The thickness of the absorbent secondary member 50, as shown in the cross section of Figures 2 and 3, is generally somewhat less than its width. The individual components of the absorbent primary member 30 and the secondary absorbent member 50 may be comprised of components that are extensible (preferably capable of stretching) particularly in the longitudinal direction when the sanitary composite pad is used. Preferably, the composite sanitary napkin is capable of elongating in the longitudinal direction between about 15% and about 40% of its length without stretching. That extension capacity provides greater adjustment of use, comfort and decrease in staining when the composite sanitary towel is attached to the wearer's undergarments. Sanitary napkins having extensible components are described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 07 / 915,133 and 07 / 915,284 both filed July 23, 1992, in the name of Osborn, et al., (PCT Publications) Nos. WO 93/01785 and 93/01786, both published on February 4, 1993). The disclosure of the preceding publications are incorporated herein by reference. In a preferred embodiment, the primary absorbent member 30 and the secondary member 50 share a common length 65. The common length refers to the length that the absorbent primary member 30 and the absorbent secondary member 50 have in common. However, it is quite possible for the secondary absorbent member to be a little longer than the primary absorbent member and still to function effectively. Preferably, the width of the absorbent secondary member 50 is at least 1.5 times the width of the absorbent primary member 30. More preferably, the width of the absorbent secondary member 50 is at least twice the width of said absorbent primary member 30. Most preferably , the width of the absorbent secondary member 50 is on a scale of about 3 to about 8 times the width of the absorbent primary member 30. To form the composite sanitary napkin of the present invention, the absorbent primary member 30 and the absorbent secondary member 50 are joined by means of bonding generally indicated as 70 in Figures 2 and 3. The precise nature of the bonding means is unimportant as long as the selected bonding means serves to join the absorbent primary member 30 and the absorbent secondary member 50 to the towel composite 20 of the present invention, with sufficient tenacity that the absorber primary member e 30 and the absorbent secondary member 50 are not disconnected during use. Bonding means such as the adhesive bonds with well-known pressure sensitive and hot melt adhesives are very satisfactory. If the nature of the components selected to form the constituents of the composite sanitary napkin 20, thus allow, pressure bonding, heat welding, ultrasonic welding, mechanical dynamic joints or a combination of any of the aforementioned means can be used. . Since the particular embodiments of this invention have been described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made to this invention, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is intended to cover, in the appended claims, such changes and modifications that are within the scope of the invention.

Claims (1)

1. - A sanitary napkin comprising: a primary absorbent member that includes an absorbent core and an outer shell; and a secondary absorbent member including a liquid impermeable backsheet and an absorbent member attached to said backsheet, said absorbent secondary member being joined to said absorbent primary member; the sanitary napkin characterized by a first portion having a width and a second portion having a width, said first portion being vertically opposite said second portion, said second portion being juxtaposed to said absorbent sub-member, said width of the first portion being greater than said width of the second portion. 2 - The composite sanitary napkin according to claim 1, wherein said primary absorbent member comprises a plurality of absorbent core members, preferably at least a first core member and at least a second core member, said second member of core being compressible under normal forces of use and said first core member being sufficiently elastic such that when subjected to normal forces of use it does not permanently collapse. 3. The sanitary napkin composed in accordance with any of the preceding claims, wherein said primary absorbent member comprises a containment layer, an acquisition layer or both. 4. The composite sanitary napkin according to claim 2 or 3, wherein said first core member is wrapped in an acquisition layer, a containment layer or both. 5. The sanitary napkin composed in accordance with claims 2 to 4, wherein at least one of said first core members is generally in the form of a parallelepiped, wherein at least one of said first core members comprises an elongate absorbent pad of generally circular cross section, or wherein at least one of said first core members is of generally arcuate cross section. 6. The sanitary napkin composed in accordance with claims 2 to 5, wherein said first core members comprise a foam. 7. The composite sanitary napkin according to claims 2 to 6, wherein said first core members comprise a different material than said second core member. 8. The sanitary napkin composed according to any of the preceding claims, comprising an elastic member, said elastic member preferably comprising a polyurethane foam.