MXPA98002955A - Disposable absorbent article composed with g training element - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a disposable absorbent article composed for use adjacent to a discharge area of the body having a surface facing the body (32), a surface facing the garment (54), a longitudinal axis, a lateral axis, a primary absorbent member (30) with a length and a width, and a secondary absorbent member (50) with a length and a width. The primary absorbent member (30) and the secondary absorbent member (50) have their lengths each parallel to the longitudinal axis, the secondary absorbent member (50) being closer to the surface facing the garment than the primary absorbent member (50). 30). The primary absorbent member is attached to the secondary absorbent member by attachment means. The width of the secondary absorbent member being equal to or greater than the width of the primary absorbent member. The article further comprises a jig-forming element (31) beneath the absorbent element (30) to elevate the surface facing the body toward the debris.

Description

DISPOSABLE ABSORBENT ARTICLE COMPOSED WITH GIBA FORMING ELEMENT FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to disposable absorbent articles.

Disposable absorbent articles are considered to be absorbent devices designed to be used externally to a user's body, and to receive discharged fluids from the body. In particular, the present invention relates to sanitary napkins, catamenial products, incontinence inserts and pantiliners, disposable absorbers, composites, comprising a hump-forming element for raising the surface facing the body of the article towards the perineum area of the users.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In its simplest form, the disposable absorbent articles comprise an absorbent element (sometimes referred to as an absorbent core), interposed between a body-contacting element, permeable (sometimes referred to as a topsheet or a wrap envelope) and a barrier Waterproof protective (sometimes referred to as a back sheet). The absorbent element is, of course, intended to receive and contain the fluids discharged from the body. The element that makes contact with the body is intended to provide greater or lesser comfort and dry feeling contact with the surface of the body, while allowing free passage of fluids all the way to the absorbent element. The protective barrier is intended to prevent fluids that are expelled or escaping from the absorbent element from staining the wearer's garments. In addition to the three functional elements mentioned above, disposable absorbent articles are generally provided with means for supporting the device to the user's crotch area, as well as to the user's movements, where the user can more effectively develop their intended function. Typically, absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, catamenial products, incontinence inserts and panty-protectors, are provided with an adhesive attachment means to secure the device to the inner crotch area of a wearer's undergarments. Although previously known absorbent articles perform their intended function, each conventional design suffers from certain deficiencies in one or more of the absorbency of bodily fluids, protection of the wearer's garments against staining, and / or physical comfort for the wearer. With respect to disposable sanitary napkins, at least two general classes currently exist. One of these classes is identified as being intended for the absorption of medium to high menstrual flows. This sanitary napkin offers a relatively high absorbent capacity. The absorption capacity is commonly achieved by providing the sanitary napkin with a relatively thick and bulky absorbent member. While having a relatively high absorbent capacity, the volume of the absorbent member can cause a certain degree of discomfort of use. A second kind of sanitary napkin is intended for light or low menstrual flows, and are commonly referred to as pantyhose or shields for the panty. Sanitary pads of this kind, as a group, are thinner, a little more flexible and generally more comfortable than those of the first class. However, sanitary napkins of the second class typically lack the absorbent capacity of first class sanitary napkins. An attempt to provide the benefits of the two kinds of sanitary napkins previously described in a single composite sanitary napkin is disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,425,130. This composite sanitary napkin comprises a primary menstrual pad and a panty protector attached to each other at their corresponding ends, such that the two constituents are free to move relative to one another along essentially their length as a total . The primary menstrual pad is intended to absorb the volume of body fluids discharged by the user, while the protector of the panties is intended to protect against staining to the undergarments of the wearer. In use, the relative freedom of movement between the primary menstrual pad and the panty protector serves to keep the primary menstrual pad adjacent to the crotch region of the wearer, while the panty protector remains associated with the undergarment of the wearer. the user. Although the relative freedom of movement between the primary menstrual pad and the panty protector serves to keep the primary menstrual pad close to the crotch region of the wearer, this freedom of movement can lead to a lack of stability if the menstrual pad Primary moves laterally beyond the side edges of the panty liner, providing an opportunity to stain the wearer's undergarment. Moreover, the voluminous primary menstrual pad, while being able to provide contact with the narrow body, is not flexible enough to mold and conform to the wearer's anatomy, and therefore, may cause discomfort. Another attempt to combine the flexibility and comfort of a thin absorbent article with close contact with the body that is provided by a bulky article is disclosed in United States Patent Application 09 / 294,663 filed on August 19, 1994. and ceded to Mayer and others. The self-healing composite sanitary napkin described in this application comprises a primary absorbent member having a length and a width and a secondary absorbent member having a length and a width. The primary absorbent member and the secondary absorbent member have a common length. The primary absorbent member includes an absorbent core and a fluid pervious top sheet superimposed on said absorbent core. The secondary absorbent member includes a fluid pervious topsheet, a fluid impermeable backsheet attached to the topsheet and an absorbent element positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet. The primary absorbent member is attached to the secondary absorbent member by attachment. The width of the secondary absorbent member is preferably at least 1.5 times the width of the primary absorbent member. Although this type of design is effective in that it has more absorbent material along the centerline of the pad where it can quickly absorb the volume of body fluids discharged by the user, it may still have the disadvantage of a poor fit. to anatomy. In an attempt to solve this problem, the primary absorbent member may be made bulky enough to be in intimate contact with the wearer's body, or, alternatively, an elastic member may optionally be comprised within the primary absorbent member by itself; the elastic member may be constituted by, for example, a fibrous material, or by a hollow and elastic structure. In any case, the additional volume of the primary absorbent member does not completely solve the problem of a poor fit to the wearer's anatomy, since these bulky structures, although capable of pushing the side facing the body of the sanitary napkin in a Close contact with the user's body, they are not flexible enough to mold and shape effectively and tend to crush when wet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a disposable absorbent article composed of a hump-forming element. The composite disposable absorbent article is intended to be used adjacent to a body discharge area and comprises a body facing surface, a garment facing surface, a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis, a primary absorbent member that it has a length and a width, and a secondary absorbent member having a length and a width. The primary absorbent member and the secondary absorbent member each have their lengths parallel to the longitudinal axis. The secondary absorbent member is closer to the garment facing surface than the primary absorbent member, and the primary absorbent member is attached to the secondary absorbent member by attachment means. The width of the secondary absorbent member is equal to or greater than the width of the primary absorbent member. The composite disposable absorbent article further comprises a hump forming element beneath the primary absorbent member for raising the body facing surface toward the discharge area. The hump-forming element is longer along the longitudinal axis than along the lateral axis, but preferably does not extend beyond the periphery of the primary absorbent member. The maximum height of the hump forming element is preferably greater than the maximum height of the primary absorbent member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Although the description concludes with the claims pointing out in a particular manner and claiming differently from the present invention, it is believed that the present invention will be better understood from the following description in combination with the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 is a view in top plant of a sanitary napkin embodiment composed in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view as taken along section line 2-2 of the composite sanitary napkin shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the composite sanitary napkin shown in Figures 1 and 2, as taken along section line 3-3 of Figure 2; Figure 4 is a top plan view of another embodiment of a sanitary napkin composed of the present invention; Figure 5 is a top plan view of another embodiment of a sanitary napkin composed of the present invention; Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a sanitary napkin composed of the present invention; Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a sanitary napkin composed of the present invention; Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a sanitary napkin composed of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention is a composite disposable absorbent article exhibiting absorbency of bodily fluids, protection against staining of users' garments and improved physical comfort for the wearer. The composite disposable absorbent article is described below with reference to a sanitary napkin or catamenial product the term "sanitary napkin" as used herein, refers to an article that is worn by women, adjacent to the pudendal region and the which are intended to absorb and contain the various exudates that are discharged from the body (for example, blood, menstruation and urine) and that are destined to be discarded after a single use. The term "composite sanitary napkin", as used herein, refers to a sanitary napkin composed of separate constituents attached to one another to form a unitary structure. Interlabial devices that reside partially within and partially external to the wearer's vestibule are also within the scope of this invention. As used herein, the term "pudendo" refers to the externally visible female genital organs and is limited to the greater lip, to the lower lip, to the clitoris and to the vestibule. In Figures 1 to 3, a preferred embodiment of a sanitary napkin 20 composed of the present invention is shown. As can be seen in Figures 1 to 3, the sanitary composite pad 20 comprises a primary absorbent member 30 and a secondary absorbent member 50 fixed together by the attachment means 70, and a hump forming element 31 comprised between the primary absorbent member 30. and the secondary absorbent member 50. The sanitary composite pad has two surfaces, a surface that faces or makes contact with the body, and a surface that contacts or faces the garment. The primary and secondary absorbent members each have mating surfaces and corresponding body facing surfaces. In use, the secondary absorbent member 50 is intended to remain closer to the sanitary napkin garment 20 than the primary absorbent member 30, which, in turn, is in direct contact with the anatomy. of the user. The sanitary composite pad 20 has two axes, a longitudinal axis, and a transverse axis, the term "longitudinal", as used herein, refers to a line, axis or direction within the plane of the composite sanitary napkin that is generally aligned with (e.g., approximately parallel to a vertical plane that divides a user standing in left and right body halves when using the compound sanitary napkin.

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 sanitary napkin that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The primary absorbent member 30 has two side edges 24 and end edges 25, which together form the periphery 26 of the primary absorbent member. The secondary absorbent member 50 has side edges 21 and end edges 22 which together form the periphery 23 of the secondary absorbent member and the sanitary composite pad 20. The sanitary composite pad 30 has a first end region 27, a central region 28 and a second region. end region 29. The primary absorbent member 30 is that constituent of the composite sanitary napkin 20 intended to first receive the bodily fluids discharged by the wearer. This comprises a fluid receiving layer 33 and an upper sheet or liquid permeable cover material 32 placed on the fluid receiving layer 33. The fluid receiving layer 33 can be constituted by any material that is flexible, conformable and capable of maintain its integrity when moistened for the purpose of increasing the fit and comfort to the body of the primary absorbent member; it may be comprised of several different materials including woven or non-woven webs of synthetic fibers including polyester, polypropylene, or polyethylene, natural fibers including cotton or cellulose; mixtures of these fibers; or any of the equivalent materials or combinations of materials. For the purpose of increasing the wet integrity of the structure, the primary absorbent member 30 should preferably comprise 10% by weight, preferably at least 15% of fibers that provide wet stability. Preferably, the primary absorbent member 30 is flexible such that it will deform under relatively small forces that are experienced during normal use.

In addition to being flexible, materials comprising the primary absorbent member 30 are preferably conformable such that the primary absorbent member is capable of providing improved fit in and around the lips and perineum. Although being generally flexible and conformable under relatively small forces, those forces exerted by the external female genital organs during use, it is also important that the primary absorbent member 30 have sufficient integrity when subjected to the forces of normal use so that it does not contract. when it gets wet Preferably, the primary absorbent member 30 will have sufficient integrity to conform to the contour of the body to provide intimate contact with the exposed genitals of the wearer without shrinking or disintegrating when wetted. The intimate contact with the exposed female organs helps to provide better fluid transfer from the user to the primary absorbent member without allowing the fluid of the primary absorbent member to bypass or flow out. Although the flexibility and wet integrity characteristics of the primary absorbent member 30 allow for improved fit, these must be balanced against the need for the product to be both soft and comfortable for the wearer. This balance can be provided by those skilled in the art, for example, with the help of trial and error tests with a small group of users. The upper sheet 32 is docile, soft feeling and non-irritating to the wearer's skin. In addition, the topsheet 32 is permeable to liquid, allowing liquids to easily penetrate through its thickness. A suitable top sheet 32 can be manufactured from a wide range of materials such as woven and nonwoven materials; polymeric materials such as thermoplastic films formed with openings, plastic films with openings and hydroformed thermoplastic films; porous foams; cross-linked foams; crosslinked thermoplastic films; and thermoplastic canvases. Suitable woven and nonwoven materials may be comprised of natural fibers (for example wood or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (for example polymer fibers such as polyester, polypropylene or polyethylene fibers); or from a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. A preferred top sheet comprises a film formed with openings. Films formed with openings 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 through and rewet the user's skin . In this way, the surface of the formed film that is in contact with the body remains dry, thus reducing the staining of the body and creating a softer feeling for the wearer. Suitable formed films are described in U.S. Patent 3,929,135 issued to Thompson on December 30, 1975; U.S. Patent 4,324,246, issued to Mullane et al. on April 13, 1982; U.S. Patent 4,342,314 issued to Radel et al. on August 3, 1982; U.S. Patent 4,463,045 issued to Ahr et al. on July 31, 1984; U.S. Patent 5,006,394, issued to Barid on April 9, 1991. The preferred top sheet for the primary absorbent member of the present invention is a formed film described in one or more of the above patents and sanitary napkins are marketed by The Procter & Gamble Co., of Cincinnati, Ohio as "DRI-WEAVE". In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the exposed or exposed surface of the formed film topsheet is hydrophilic to aid liquid transfer through the upper sheet faster than if the body surface were not hydrophilic, for decrease the likelihood that the menstrual fluid will flow out of the upper sheet instead of moving towards and being absorbed by the absorbent core. The top sheet 32 may be associated with the fluid receiving layer 33 in any suitable manner. Suitable manners, include but are not limited to, attaching the topsheet 32 to the fluid receiving layer 33 with adhesive such as by spraying or applying lines or spots of adhesives between the topsheet 32 and the fluid receptor layer 33. Alternatively, or additionally the upper sheet 32 can be associated with the fluid receiving layer 33, entangling the fibers of the receiving layer 33 with the upper sheet 32, melting the upper sheet 32 with the fluid receiving layer 33 with a plurality of discrete individual fusion joints. To ensure proper transfer of fluid between the topsheet 32 and the fluid receiving layer 33, it is preferred that the topsheet be substantially continuously secured to the underlying fluid receiving layer 33 along its entire common weave. By substantially continuously securing the topsheet 32 to the underlying fluid receptor layer 33, the topsheet 32 will have a reduced tendency to separate from the fluid receiver layer 33 during use. The separation of the fluid receiving layer 33 from the topsheet 32 can inhibit the transfer of fluid from the topsheet 32 to the underlying fluid receptor layer 33. In a preferred embodiment illustrated in Figure 3, the fluid receiving layer 33 of the primary absorbent member is completely enveloped by the top sheet 32. The jig-forming element 31 is placed below the primary absorbent member 30 and provides the volume needed to lift the surface facing towards the body of the composite sanitary towel 30 towards the anatomy of the wearer; in addition the jigger forming food 31 may be preferably absorbent. The jig-forming element 31 can be any medium that is generally compressible, elastic, non-irritating to the skin of the wearer and preferably capable of absorbing and containing body exudates. The jig forming element 31 can be made from a wide variety of materials commonly used in disposable sanitary napkins, and other disposable absorbent articles with the proviso that they are compressible, elastic and do not squeeze when wetted. Particularly preferred are those materials, such as absorbent foams or absorbent sponges, which are both absorbent and elastic, compressible and do not tend to crush in wet. Suitable absorbent materials comprising foams are described in European patent applications EP-A-0 598 833, EP-A-0 598 823 and EP-A-0 598 834. In the preferred embodiment, the total absorbent capacity of the element jíba former 31, together with the other absorbent materials in the primary and secondary members, must be compatible with the exudate load for the sanitary composite pad 20. In addition, the absorbent capacity of the jib forming element 31 can be varied to fit users who They 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 when compared to those intended for night use or for composite sanitary napkins for use with adolescent women as compared to those for more mature women. The materials selected to be used as the jib forming element 31 are preferably docile, soft, conformable, compressible, and resilient to increase fit and comfort to the body of the composite sanitary napkin, while raising the surface facing the body of the member. primary absorbent 30 towards the user's discharge area. Although the jig-forming element 31 can be generally of any cross-sectional shape in its unstressed condition, it is preferably of semicircular or oval cross-section. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the jig-forming element 31 is composed of an absorbent foam and is manufactured in a generally cylindrical shape with an approximately semioved cross-section. The jig-forming element 31 is typically longer along the longitudinal axis of the sanitary napkin than along the lateral axis, and does not extend beyond the periphery 26 of the approximately primary member 30. The hump-forming element 31 it is preferably placed in such a way that in use, it corresponds to the discharge area of the user. As shown in Figure 2, the jig-forming element 31 is shorter than the primary absorbent member 30, and extends substantially along the central region 28 of the sanitary napkin. The jig-forming element 31 can have a constant height substantially along its total length, as illustrated in Figure 2, or, alternatively, the height of the jig-forming element 31 can change along its length .

The maximum height of the jig forming element 31 is greater than the maximum height of the maximum height of the primary absorbent member 30, and preferably, it is at least 1.5 times the maximum height of the primary absorbent member 30. In case the forming element If the jig 31 is comprised of loose material, for example, fibrous material, it is preferably wrapped within a layer 36, which is selected from those described as the above upper sheets, for example, a non-woven layer, as illustrated in Figure 3. Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the composite sanitary napkin of the present invention further comprises a secondary absorbent member 50. The secondary absorbent member 50 preferably comprises a liquid-permeable upper sheet. 52, a liquid-impermeable backsheet 54 joined with the topsheet 52, and an absorbent element 56 positioned 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. This can be any of the materials described above as being useful in the topsheet 32 of the approximately primary member 30. The absorbent member 56 can be any absorbent material commonly used in sanitary napkins, disposable diapers and the like. As a practical matter, most bodily fluids are absorbed and are contained within the absorbent material of the jib forming element. A main function of the secondary absorbent member 50 is to protect the wearer's garments against soiling by the absorbed fluids, which can be expelled from either the primary absorbent member or the hump-forming member, or which can deviate in a manner unnoticed. Because the ab element 56 of the secondary absorbent member 50 performs a function different from that of the absorbent material of the jig forming element 31, the absorbent member 56 can be and most preferably is, a little thinner and less bulky than the forming element. of jiba 31 Optionally, the secondary absorbent member can be manufactured without an absorbent element. Since in the preferred embodiment most, if not all, of the body fluids are preferably absorbed by and are contained within the absorbent material of the jig-forming element 31, the secondary absorbent member 50 only needs to protect the wearer's garments against staining by amounts of relatively small fluid. Accordingly, an absorbent element may be not required to contain the fluids within the secondary absorbent member for the purpose of preventing them from staining the wearer's clothing. The backsheet 54 is impervious to liquids (eg, menstruation and / or urine and is preferably manufactured from a thin plastic film, although other flexible liquid impervious materials may also be used.) In use, the backsheet 54 is interposed between the absorbent member 56 and the user's undergarments The function of the backsheet 54 is to prevent exudates that have been expelled from or inadvertently diverted from the jib forming element, and the absorbed exudates. and contained in the absorbent member 56 contact and stain the user's undergarments, the backsheet 54 can thus comprise a woven or non-woven material, polymeric films such as polyethylene thermoplastic films and semi-permeable polypropylene films that provide breathability but that avoid the transport of liquid or composite materials such as a material non-woven film coated. Preferably the backsheet is a polyethylene film having a thickness of from about 0.12 to about 0.015 mm. The backsheet is preferably embossed and / or finished without gloss to provide a more fabric-like appearance. In addition, the backsheet can allow the vapors to escape from the absorbent element 56 (ie, breathable), while still preventing the exudates from passing through the backsheet.

Preferably, the secondary absorbent member 50 is provided with a support means or attachment means, such as the adhesive attachment means 58. The adhesive attachment means 58 provide a means for securing the composite sanitary napkin 20 in the crotch portion of the adhesive. the user's undergarment or panties. The adhesive is typically covered with a removable release 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. Any of the commercially available release liners commonly used for these purposes can be used herein. The sanitary napkin 20 composed of the present invention is used by removing the release liner 50 and subsequently placing the sanitary napkin in a panty, in such a way that the adhesive 58 contacts the panty. The adhesive 58 holds the sanitary napkin in place within the pant during use. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the secondary absorbent member may be of generally rectangular shape. Other suitable forms include, but are not limited to oval, hourglass, dog bone, asymmetric, etc. Referring now to Figure 1, the secondary absorbent member 50, preferably has a length 60 and a width 61. The secondary absorbent member is preferably from about 20 to 40 cm long, more preferably from about 25 to 35 cm long, and most preferably is about 30 cm long. Although this may be of any cross section generally in its unstressed condition, the secondary absorbent member is preferably rectangular in cross section. The secondary absorbent member is preferably from about 5 to 15 cm wide, more preferably from about 5 to 10 cm wide, and most preferably from about 5 to 8 cm wide. The thickness of the secondary absorbent member 50, as shown in the cross section of Figures 2 and 3, is generally less than its width. Preferably, the secondary absorbent member will be thin and have a caliper of less than about 3.0 mm, more preferably less than about 2.6 mm, more preferably less than about 2.2 mm, and most preferably less than about 2.0 mm. The primary absorbent member of the present invention is thin and flexible due to its lack of volume; it works in combination with the underlying elastic jib forming element which raises the surface facing the body of the primary absorbent member towards the discharge area of the wearer. Due to this thinness and flexibility, the primary absorbent member is capable of effectively shaping the anatomy of the wearer, and is provided with the respective training force by the underlying jib forming element. The primary absorbent member and the underlying jib forming element are preferably formed and dimensioned such that at least a portion of the primary absorbent member will fit within the lips, with the primary absorbent member comfortably conforming to the user's anatomy and the jib forming element that provides volume and, preferably, absorbent capacity, while elevating the primary absorbent member toward the wearer's anatomy. Accordingly, the width of the primary absorbent member must be sized such that it will receive at least partially within the lips. That is, a part of the primary absorbent member will preferably fit inside the lip during use. Since the exposed female genital organs, including the lips, are generally referred to as soft body tissue, it is important that the materials comprising the primary absorbent member and the jib forming element be comfortable and relatively smooth such that they are not irritating and / or uncomfortable for the user. It has been found that a primary absorbent member having a width of about 40 mm and a hump-forming element having a width of 15 to 25 mm, preferably about 15 mm, constitutes a preferred combination such that at least part of the primary absorbent member will comfortably fit within at least a portion of the lip groove for most women. Although the width of the primary absorbent member is generally no greater than the width of the secondary absorbent member, it is preferred that the minimum width of the secondary absorbent member be at least 1.25 times the maximum width of the primary absorbent member. More preferably the minimum width of the secondary absorbent member is at least 1.5 times the maximum width of the primary absorbent member. More preferably, the minimum width of the secondary absorbent member is approximately 2 times the maximum width of the primary absorbent member. Preferably, the secondary absorbent member is of approximately the same length, as the primary absorbent member while the sanitary composite pad is in an unstressed condition. However, it is quite possible that the secondary absorbent member will be longer than the primary absorbent member and still work effectively. The width of the jib forming element is generally not greater than the width of the primary absorbent member, and, therefore, is not greater than the width of the secondary absorbent member as well. It is preferred that the minimum width of the secondary absorbent member be at least 1.5 times the maximum width of the jib forming element. More preferably, the minimum width of the secondary absorbent member is at least 2 times the maximum width of the jib forming element. Most preferably, the minimum width of the secondary absorbent member is in the range of about 3 to about 8 times the maximum width of the jib forming element. Optionally the secondary absorbent member 50 may have two fins 19, each of which are adjacent to and extend laterally from the side edge of the absorbent core as shown in Figure 4. The fins 19 are configured to drape over the edges of the absorbent core. The wearer's panties in the crotch region, in such a way that the fins are arranged between the edges of the wearer's panties and the thighs of the wearer. The fins serve at least two purposes. First, the fins help to avoid the staining of the body and the wearer's panties by the menstrual fluid preferably forming a double-walled barrier along the edges of the panty. Second, the flaps are preferably provided with fastening means on their garment facing surface such that the flaps can be folded back under the pantyhose and attached to the garment facing side of the panty . In this way, the flaps serve to keep the sanitary napkin properly placed in the pantyhose. In a preferred embodiment, the fins are comprised of the topsheet, the absorbent element and the backsheet. In addition, the fins are preferably unitary to the laminates of the secondary absorbent element. In other words, the topsheet, the absorbent element and the backsheet simply extend laterally outwards to form the fins. However, the fins need not be unitary with the secondary absorbent member, but these may be separate elements that are attached to the secondary absorbent member. In addition, the fins may be composed of a single substrate or other laminated configurations. However, it is recommended that the fins have a back sheet impervious to the liquid to prevent the exudates that reach the fins from staining the edges of the wearer's panties.

A number of sanitary napkins having suitable or adaptable fins for use with the secondary absorbent member 50 of the composite sanitary napkin 20 of the present invention are disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,687,478 issued to Van Tilburg on August 18, 1987; U.S. Patent 4,589,876 issued to Van Tilburg on May 20, 1986; and U.S. Patent 4,608,047 issued to Mattingly on August 26, 1986. Optionally, the secondary absorbent member may comprise components that naturally wrap the sides of a wearer's panties. A sanitary napkin having components that naturally wrap the sides of the wearer's panties suitable for use with the secondary absorbent member of the composite sanitary napkin 20 of the present invention are disclosed in the United States patent application Serial No. 08 / 096,121 (Case P &G 4961) entitled "Absorbent article having covering components of the pantyhose that naturally surrounds the sides of the pantyhose", filed on July 22, 1993, in the name of Lavash et al. And patent application of the United States Non-Series (Case P &G 5354) entitled "Absorbent articles having covering components of the undergarment with areas of extension capacity", filed July 20, 1994 in the name of Weiberger et al. The individual components of the primary absorbent member 30 and the secondary aba member 50 may be comprised of components that are extensible or elastically stretchable in the longitudinal and / or lateral direction when the sanitary composite pad is used. Referring now to Figures 2 and 3 it can be seen that jig-forming element 31 is comprised between the primary absorbent member 30 and the secondary absorbent member 50, positioned asymmetrically in the transverse direction along its longitudinal axis of the sanitary napkin 20. The jig-forming element is attached to the secondary absorbent member 50 along the longitudinal axis by the attachment means generally indicated 71 in Figures 2 and 3. It is preferred that the jig-forming element 31 be fixed along from its total longitudinal length to the secondary absorbent member 50. Referring to Figure 1, it can be seen that the primary absorbent member 30 and the secondary absorbent member 50 have their lengths each perpendicular, and in fact corresponding to the longitudinal axis of the towel 20. To form the composite sanitary napkin of the present invention, the primary absorbent member 30 is attached to the absorbent member. secondary 50 by the joining means generally indicated as 70 in Figures 2 and 3, preferably, the primary absorbent member is not attached to the jig-forming element 31 although there may be discrete points of attachment therebetween. The precise nature of the attachment means is immaterial as long as the selected attachment means serves to attach the primary absorbent member to the secondary absorbent member and optionally but not preferably the jig-forming member in the composite sanitary napkin of the present invention with sufficient tenacity so that the primary absorbent member and the secondary absorbent member are not disconnected during use. Bonding means such as adhesive bonding with well known thermal and pressure sensitive adhesives are very satisfactory. If the nature of the components selected to build the constituents of the composite sanitary napkin so permit, heat welding, ultrasonic welding or a combination of both heat welding and ultrasonic welding may be used. Preferably the primary absorbent member is fixed to the secondary absorbent member substantially continuously along the length where they are in direct contact. As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, this length corresponds to both end edges 25 of the sanitary napkin and to at least part of the first and second end regions 27 and 29. The primary absorbent member 30 has a width of 41. The sanitary napkin has a width of 50 cm. Union 541. The width of the joining means 541 is less than the width 41 of the primary absorbent member 30. Preferably, the width of the joining means 541 is less than 75% of the width of the primary absorbent member 30. More preferably, the width of the jointing means 541 is less than 50% of the width of the primary absorbent member 30. Most preferably the width of the jointing means 541 is less than 25% of the width of the primary absorbent member 30. Referring now to Figure 5, and shown another preferred embodiment of a sanitary napkin 20 of the present invention. The primary absorbent member 30 has a length 40 that is less than the length 60 of the secondary absorbent member 50. Any other element of this embodiment is similar to that which has already been described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. In Figure 3 , it can be seen that the upper sheet 32 completely encloses the fluid receiving layer 33 of the primary absorbent member 30. Also, the upper sheet 36 is completely enclosed to the jig-forming element 31. In this embodiment, the upper sheet 32 for the member primary absorbent 30 is separate and distinct from upper sheet 52 for secondary absorbent member 50 and upper sheet 36 of jib forming element 31. Optionally, the upper sheet for primary absorbent member 30 and secondary absorbent member 50 can be processed of a single web of material such as the top sheet 100 as seen in Figure 6. In this embodiment, the top sheet 100 is used for the top sheet in a Both of the primary absorbent member 30 and the secondary absorbent member 50. In the embodiment of Figure 6, the topsheet 100 can serve as a joining means 70 connecting the primary absorbent member and the secondary absorbent member together. The composite sanitary napkin may also include additional attachment means for connecting the primary absorbent member to the secondary absorbent member and the hump forming member to the secondary absorbent member. The width of the joining means 541 is less than the width 541 of the primary absorbent member . In the embodiment of Figure 6, the jig-forming element 31 can be provided without the top sheet unless the top sheet is required to maintain the jig-forming element 31 with the necessary integrity to provide the desired upward elevation for the member. primary absorbent 30. An alternate embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in Figure 7, which is similar to that disclosed in Figure 3 but with jib forming element 31 integrally formed with secondary absorbent member 150; an upper sheet 152 is superimposed on the common structure constituted by the jib forming element 131 and the secondary absorbent member 150; the primary absorbent member 130 is similar to the primary absorbent member 30 and that described with reference to Figure 3. A further alternate embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in Figure 8. The jig-forming element 31 is placed on the side that gives towards the garment of the secondary absorbent member 250; more particularly this is comprised between the absorbent member 56 of the secondary absorbent member 250 and the backsheet 54. In this embodiment, the jig-forming element 31 is provided without the topsheet in a manner similar to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 6. It is desirable to provide a sanitary composite pad having a primary absorbent member with varying degrees of width or gauge along its entire length. For example, the primary absorbent member may be relatively thicker in the central region as it is compounded to the end regions. Alternatively, the primary absorbent member may be relatively thinner in the central region as it forms into the end regions.

Claims (13)

1. - A disposable absorbent article composed to be used adjacent a discharge area of the body, the article having a surface facing the body, a surface facing the garment, a longitudinal axis, a lateral axis, a primary absorbent member having a length and a width and a secondary absorbent member having a length and a width, said primary absorbent member and said secondary absorbent member having their lengths each parallel to said longitudinal axis, the secondary absorbent member being even closer to the the garment facing surface of the primary absorbent member, said primary absorbent member being attached to the secondary absorbent member by attachment means, the width of the secondary absorbent member being equal to or greater than the primary absorbent width, characterized in that the article further comprises a jib forming element beneath the primary absorbent element for elev ar the surface that faces the body towards the discharge area.

2. A disposable absorbent article composed in accordance with any preceding claim, characterized in that the maximum height of the jig-forming element is greater than the maximum height of the primary absorbent member.

3. A disposable absorbent article composed in accordance with any preceding claim, characterized in that the jig-forming element has a maximum capacity that is at least 1.5 times the maximum height of the primary absorbent member. 4.- A disposable article composed in accordance with the claim 1, characterized in that the jig-forming element is longer along the longitudinal axis than along the lateral axis, and does not extend beyond the periphery of the primary absorbent member. 5. A disposable absorbent article composed in accordance with any preceding claim, characterized in that the minimum width of the primary absorbent member is greater than the maximum width of the hump forming element and the length of the hump forming element is shorter than the length of the primary absorbent member. 6. A disposable absorbent article composed in accordance with any preceding claim, characterized in that the jig-forming element comprises an absorbent foam material. 7. A disposable absorbent article composed in accordance with any preceding claim, characterized in that the primary absorbent member follows the topography of said underlying jig-forming element. 8. A disposable article composed in accordance with any preceding claim, characterized in that the primary absorbent member comprises at least 10% by weight, preferably at least 15% by weight of fibers that provide the wet stability. 9. A disposable absorbent article composed in accordance with any preceding claim, characterized in that the jig-forming element is placed between the primary absorbent member and the secondary absorbent member. 10. A disposable absorbent article composed in accordance with any preceding claim, characterized in that the minimum width of the secondary absorbent member is at least 1.25 times, preferably 1.5 to 2 times, the maximum width of the primary absorbent member. 11. A disposable absorbent article composed in accordance with any preceding claim, characterized in that the length of the secondary absorbent member is at least equal to the length of the primary absorbent member. 12. A disposable absorbent article composed in accordance with any preceding claim, characterized in that the jig-forming element is fixed to the secondary absorbent member along the longitudinal axis, preferably continuously along the total longitudinal extension of the element jiba trainer 13. A disposable absorbent article composed in accordance with any preceding claim, characterized in that the jig-forming element is integral with the secondary absorbent member.