Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
PCTIUS94104927
Wo 94n7~4~ 216 319 5
1
ABSORBENT ARTICLE HAVING A
UNITARY RELEASE MATERIAL
JOINED TO EACH SIDE FLAP
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to disposable absorbent'
articles, such as female sanitary napkins, adult incontinence
devices, and the like. Still more particularly, the present
invention concerns such disposable absorbent articles having side
flaps and flap adhesive for joining the flaps to the underside of
a wearer's panty.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
All manner and variety of absorbent articles configured for
the absorption of body fluids such as menses, urine, and feces
are, of course, well known. Absorbent articles, particularly
sanitary napkins," having wings or flaps are disclosed in the
literature and are available in the marketplace.
Generally, the flaps extend laterally from a central
absorbent means and are intended to be folded around the edges of
the wearer's panties in the crotch region. Thus, the flaps are
disposed between the edges of the wearer's panties in the crotch
region and the wearer's thighs.
The flaps serve at least two purposes. First, the flaps
prevent exudates which otherwise would soil the edges of the
wearer's panties from doing such. Second, the flaps help
stabilize the napkin from shifting out of place, especially when
the flaps are affixed to the underside of the panties.
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Sanitary napkins having flaps of various types are disclosed
in U.S. Patent 4,687,478, entitled 'Shaped Sanitary Napkin With
Flaps', which issued to Van Tilburg on August 18, 1987, U.S.
Patent 4,608,047, entitled 'Sanitary Napkin Attachment Means',
which issued to Mattingly on August 26, 1986, U.S. Patent
4,589,876, entitled 'Sanitary Napkin', which issued to Van Tilburg
on May 20, 1986, U.S. Patent 4,285,343, entitled 'Sanitary
Napkin', which issued to McNair on August 25, 1981, U.S. Patent
3,397,697, entitled 'Disposable Sanitary Shield For
Undergarments', which issued to Rickard on August 20, 1968, and
U.S. Patent 2,787,271, entitled 'Sanitary Napkin', which issued to
Clark on April 2, 1957.
Cortmonly, the flaps are provided with an adhesive attachment
means, or flap adhesive, for affixing the flaps to the underside
of the wearer's panties. The flap adhesive is generally provided
with a release liner to protect the adhesive from dirt, keep the
adhesive from drying out and to keep it from sticking to
extraneous surfaces prior to use. The release liner is peeled
from the flap adhesive to expose the adhesive surface which is
then applied to the underside of the panties to secure the flap in
place. After being peeled from the flap adhesive, the release
liner is discarded. However, this arrangement requires the use of
two hands to remove the release liner from each flap, i.e., the
user must hold the flap with one hand and peel the release liner
with the other hand. This also requires the user to dispose of
the release liners-which have been removed from the flaps of the
sanitary napkin. Therefore, there is a need for a sanitary napkin
having flaps which can be manipulated and applied using one hand.
There is also a need for a sanitary napkin with a protective
release material which does not have to be thrown-away or
discarded.
While flaps greatly improve the effectiveness of a sanitary
napkin, the flaps of a sanitary napkin may hinder or impede
application of the sanitary napkin to the crotch of the wearer's
panty. Currently, each of the flaps of a sanitary napkin have an
end, the distal end, which may move freely relative to the
sanitary napkin. Once the release paper of the central pad
I T
CA 02163195 1999-08-18
3
adhesive is removed by the wearer, the distal ends of the flaps may fall
between the
crotch portion of the wearer's panty and the sanitary napkin and may become
adhered to the central pad adhesive. Therefore, there is a need for a sanitary
napkin
having flaps positioned so that they will not interfere with the application
of the
sanitary napkin to the panty.
Accordingly, it is an object of an aspect of the present invention to provide
an absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin, having folded flaps and a
unitary
release material for the flap adhesive which allows the flap adhesive to be
exposed
using only one hand, eliminates the need to dispose of pieces of release
liner, and
maintains the flap in a folded configuration until the flap is used, so that
the flap
will not interfere with the application of the sanitary napkin to the panty.
It is also an object of an aspect of the present invention to provide an
absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin, having flaps which are folded
and
tucked into a recessed area and having an unitary release material for the
flap
adhesive.
It is an additional object of an aspect of the present invention to provide an
absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin, having folded flaps, an unitary
release
material, and zones of differential extensibility for relieving the stresses
that develop
in the flaps when they are folded down along the edges of the crotch of the
wearer's undergarments and affixed to the underside of the undergarments.
It is an additional object of an aspect of the present invention to provide an
absorbent article having folded and tucked side flaps, an unitary release
material,
and zones of differential extensibility.
These and other objects of aspects of the present invention will be more
readily apparent when considered in reference to the following description and
when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
CA 02163195 1999-08-18
4
In accordance with the present invention, an absorbent article, such as a
sanitary napkin, having folded flaps and an unitary release material, is
provided.
The absorbent article comprises a main body portion, a pair of flaps joined to
the
main body portion, and an unitary release material joined to a portion of the
absorbent article such that the flap adhesive of at least one of the flaps is
superposed by the unitary release material when the flap is folded along a
fold line.
Each of the flaps forming an included angle of at least about 180°
relative to the
main body portion.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, an absorbent
article for wearing in a user's undergarment, the absorbent article having a
principal
longitudinal centerline and a principal transverse centerline comprises:
a main body portion having a perpendicular axis and comprising an
absorbent assembly comprising an absorbent core and two spaced apart
longitudinal edges; and
a first flap and a second flap, each flap being joined along a line of
juncture
to the main body portion, the flaps having a proximal edge adjacent the line
of
juncture, a distal edge disposed away from the line of juncture, the absorbent
article being characterized in that the flaps comprise a first flap securement
member
and a second flap securement member joined thereto such that the first flap
securement member superposes the second flap securement member and is
removably secured thereto when the flap is folded along a fold line; and
the distal edge of the first flap and the distal edge of the second flap are
visible to the user when the flaps are folded and the absorbent article is
viewed
from above.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a top plan view of a sanitary napkin embodiment of the present
invention having portions cut-away to show the absorbent core.
Figure 1A is a cross-sectional view of the sanitary napkin of Figure 1 taken
along section line A-A.
CA 02163195 1999-08-18
4a
Figure 1B is a cross-sectional view of the sanitary napkin of Figure 1A
showing the flaps in a folded configuration with the unitary release material
superposing the flap adhesives.
Figure 2 is a top plan view of an alternate sanitary napkin embodiment of the
present invention having portions cut-away to show the absorbent core.
Figure 2A is a cross-sectional view of the sanitary napkin of Figure 2 taken
along section line A-A.
Figure 2B is a cross-sectional view of the sanitary napkin of Figure 2A
showing the flaps tucked into the recessed areas in a folded configuration
with the
unitary release material superposing the flap adhesives.
Figure 3 is a top plan view of an alternate sanitary napkin embodiment of the
present invention.
Figure 3A is a transverse cross-sectional view of the sanitary napkin of
Figure
3.
Figure 3B is a cross-sectional view of the sanitary napkin of Figure 3 showing
the flaps tucked into the recessed areas in a
... WO 94/27541 . PCT/US94104927
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folded configuration with the unitary release material superposing
the flap adhesives.
Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of another sanitary napkin
embodiment taken from an angle similar to that of Figure 2A.
Figure 4A is a cross-sectional view of the sanitary napkin of
Figure 4 showing the flaps tucked into the recessed areas in a
folded and rolled configuration with the unitary release material
superposing the flap adhesives.
Figure 5 is a top plan view of an alternate sanitary napkin
embodiment of the present invention having the garment side facing
the viewer, having portions cut-away to show the underlying
structures, and having the flaps folded over the garment side of
the main body such that the flap adhesives superpose the unitary
release material.
Figure SA is a cross-sectional view of the sanitary napkin of
Figure 5 taken along section line A-A.
Figure 6 is a perspective view of the crotch portion of a
women's panties.
Figure 6A is the same perspective view of the wo~oen's panties
shown in Figure 6 with the sanitary napkin embodiment of the
present invention being placed therein for use with the flaps
extended and affixed to the underside of the panties.
Figure 6B is the same perspective view of the women's panties
shown in Figure 6 with the a sanitary napkin embodiment of the
present invention having tucked flaps, being placed therein for
use.
Figure 7 is a transverse cross-sectional view of a portion of
an alternate embodiment of the present invention, showing one of
the flaps and part of the main body portion.
Figure 7A is a transverse cross-sectional view of a portion
of another alternate embodiment of the present invention, showing
one of the flaps and part of the main body portion.
Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a sanitary napkin
embodiment of the present invention having flaps which form an
included angle of about 90o relative to the main body portion.
WO 94/27541 PCT/US94/04927
s 2163195
Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a sanitary napkin
embodiment of the present invention having flaps which form an
included angle of about 180o relative to the main body portion.
Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of a sanitary napkin
embodiment of the present invention having flaps which form an
included angle of about 270o relative to the main body portion.
Figure 11 is a top plan view of a sanitary napkin embodiment
of the present invention with the body-facing side facing the
viewer.
Figure IlA is a partial cross-sectional view of the sanitary
napkin of Figure 11 taken along section line A-A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
1. Introduction
A. jhe Absorbent Article 1n General
The present invention relates to disposable absorbent
articles, such as female sanitary napkins. More particularly, the
present invention relates to such disposable absorbent articles
having flaps with a flap adhesive which secures the flap to the
underside of a user's panty.
The tern 'absorbent article', as used herein, refers to
articles which absorb and contain body exudates. More
specifically, the term refers to articles wrhich are placed against
or in proximity to the body of the wearer to absorb and contain
the various exudates discharged from the body. The term
'absorbent article' is intended to include sanitary napkins,
pantiliners, and incontinent pads (and other articles worn in the
crotch region of a garment). The term 'disposable' refers to
articles which are intended to be discarded after a single use and
preferably recycled, composted, or othe prise disposed of in an
environmentally compatible manner. (That is, they are not
intended to be laundered or otherwise restored or reused as an
absorbent article.)
1 r
... WO 94127541
216 319 5 ~T'~594~~492'
The term 'sanitary napkin', as used herein, refers to an
article which is worn by females ad,)acent to the pudendal region
that is intended to absorb and contain the various exudates which
are discharged from the body (e. g., blood, menses, and urine).
The present invention, however, is not limited to the particular
types or configurations of absorbent articles shown in the
drawings.
As used herein, the terms 'release material' or 'release
member' refer to any material which can be used to protect
adhesives, such as the flap adhesives, from dirt, keep adhesives
from drying out, and/or to keep adhesives from sticking to
extraneous surfaces prior to use. As used herein, the terms
'unitary release material' or 'unitary release member' refer to a
release material that is joined to a portion of the disposable
absorbent article. As used herein, the term 'joined' encompasses
configurations whereby an element is directly secured to the other
element by affixing the element directly to the other element;
configurations whereby the element is indirectly secured to the
other element by affixing the element to intermediate members)
which in turn are affixed to the other element; and configurations
whereby one element is integral with another element, i.e., one
element is essentially part of the other element. Examples of
joining a release member to the sanitary napkin would include:
securing a release liner (such as the release liner 58 used for
the central pad adhesive 54) to at least a portion of the sanitary
napkin; applying (E.g., spraying, painting, impregnating, etc.) a
substance, such as silicone, to at least a portion of the sanitary
napkin; joining an element (i.e., backsheet, topsheet, flaps,
etc.) to the sanitary napkin, which is comprised of a suitable
material such that at least a portion of the element will function
as a suitable release member; and the like. Part or all of the
unitary release member 57 may be joined to the sanitary napkin 20.
For example, the unitary release member 57 may be joined to the
sanitary napkin by a perimeter bond, single or multiple bond
lines, single or multiple spot bonds, or a surface bond wherein
the entire surface of the unitary release member 57 is bonded to a
portion of the sanitary napkin 20.
WO 94127541 PCT/US94104927
s 2163195
A preferred embodiment of a sanitary napkin 20 of the present
invention is shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 1, the
sanitary napkin 20 basically comprises a main body portion 22 and
two flaps 24 (shown in the extended position) joined to the main
body portion 22. Each flap 24 comprises a flap adhesive 56 and a
unitary release member 57. The main body portion 22 comprises an
absorbent means represented by an absorbent assembly 46. In the
preferred embodiment shown in Figure 1, the unitary release member
57 will comprise a portion of the flap 24. However, the unitary
release member 57 may comprise a portion of the main body portion
22, i.e., the topsheet 40, the backsheet 42, etc. (In the
discussion that follows, unless otherwise noted, the sanitary
napkin described herein wil l have two flaps.- While it is not
necessary that the napkin have two flaps, two flaps are preferred-
over one flap. Also, while it is not necessary that the flaps be
mirror images of one another, they preferably are. Thus, the
description of one flap will be a description of the other, and,
for clarity, discussion of the second flap may be omitted.)
The sanitary napkin 20 has two centerlines, a principal
longitudinal centerline L and a principal transverse centerline T.
The term 'longitudinal', as used herein, refers to a line, axis or
direction in the plane of the sanitary napkin 20 that is generally
aligned with (e. g., approximately parallel to) a vertical plane
which bisects a standing wearer into left and right body halves
when the sanitary napkin 20 is worn. The terms 'transverse' or
'lateral' used herein, are interchangeable, and refer to a line,
axis or direction which lies within the plane of the sanitary
napkin 20 that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal
direction.
The sanitary napkin 20 is comprised of a topsheet 40, a
backsheet 42, an absorbent core 44, and a pair of flaps 24. At
least a part of the topsheet 40, backsheet 42, and absorbent core
44 comprise the absorbent assembly 46 of the main body portion 22.
The flaps 24 shown in Figures 1 and lA are comprised of discrete
pieces of material which are affixed to the main body portion 22.
(In alternative embodiments, such as those shown in U.S. Patent
4,917,697 issued to Osborn, the flaps 24 may be integral with the
T T
WO 94127541 PCT/US94I04927
2163195
main body portion 22. In such a case, the topsheet 40 may form
one surface of both the flaps 24 and the main body portion 22, and
the backsheet 42 may form the other surface of the same. In
addition, the absorbent material of the sanitary napkin 20 may
extend into the flaps 24 to form a flap absorbent core, as
described in greater detail in U.S. Patent 4,917,697.) In a
particularly preferred embodiment, the main body portion 22 will
additionally comprise a restraining member 78 which is joined to
the absorbent assembly 46 to form a recessed area 68 between the
restraining member 78 and the absorbent assembly 46 of the main
body portion 22.
2. The Individual Components of the Absorbent Article
The individual components of the sanitary napkin 20 will
first be looked at in greater detail.
A. The Topsheet
The topsheet 40 is liquid permeable and when the sanitary
napkin 20 is in use, the topsheet 40 is in close proximity to the
skin of the user. The topsheet 40 is compliant, soft feeling, and
non-irritating to the user's skin. It can be made from any of the
materials conventional for this type of use. Nonlimiting examples
of suitable materials that can be used as the topsheet 40 are
woven and nonwoven polyester, polypropylene, nylon, and rayon and
formed thermoplastic films, with formed films being preferred.
Suitable formed films are described in U.S. Patent 3,929,135,
entitled "Absorptive Structure Having Tapered Capillaries', which
issued to Thompson on December 30, 1975, U.S. Patent 4,324,426,
entitled "Disposable Absorbent Article Having A Stain-Resistant
Topsheet", which issued to Mullane and Smith on April 13, 1982,
U.S. Patent 4,342,314, entitled "Resilient Plastic Web Exhibiting
Fiber-Like Properties', which issued to Radel and Thompson on
August 3, 1982, and U.S. Patent 4,463,045, entitled
"Macroscopically Expanded Three-Dimensional Plastic Web Exhibiting
Non-Glossy Visible Surface and Cloth-Like Tactile Impression',
WO 94/27541 PCT/US94/04927
to ~~~~~95
which issued to Ahr, Louis, Mullane, and Ouellette on July 31,
1984. Formed films are preferred for the topsheet 40 because they
are pervious to liquids and yet non-absorbent. Thus, the surface
of the formed film which is in contact with the body remains dry
and is more comfortable to the wearer.
The sanitary napkin 20 may also be comprised of components
that are extensible (i.e., capable of stretching, particularly in
the longitudinal direction) when the sanitary napkin is worn. The
sanitary napkin 20 may capable of elongating between about 15X and
about 40X of its unstretched length. This extensibility provides
better in-use fit, comfort, and decreased staining. In other
embodiments, only limited portions of the components of the
sanitary napkin 20 are capable of stretching. Such an embodiment
(without the unitary release material of the present invention) is
described in greater detail in co-pending, commonly-assigned U.S.
Patent Application Serial No. 07/769,891, 'Absorbent Article
Having Flaps and Zones of Differential Extensibility', filed
October 1, 1991, in the name of Bruce Lavash, et al.
A particularly preferred topsheet 40 for use in such an
embodiment is one which is made in accordance with U.S. Patent
4,463,045 and ring rolled to provide it with a degree of
longitudinal extensibility. Suitable processes for ring rolling
or 'pre-corrugating' are described in U.S. Patent 4,107,364 issued
to Sisson on August 15, 1978, U.S. Patent 4,834,741 issued to
Sabee on May 30, 1989 and in co-pending, conmonly assigned U.S.
Patent Application-Serial No. 07/662,536 entitled 'Improved Method
And Apparatus For Incrementally Stretching A Zero Strain Stretch
Laminate Web To Impart Elasticity Thereto' filed by Gerald M.
Weber et al. on February 28, 1991, U.S. Patent Application Serial
No. 07/662,537 entitled 'Improved Method and Apparatus For
Incrementally Stretching Zero Strain Stretch Laminate Web In A
Non-Uniform Manner To Impart A Varying Degree of Elasticity
Thereto' filed by Kenneth B. Buell et al. on February 28, 1991,
and U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 07/662,543 entitled
'Improved Method And Apparatus For Sequentially Stretching Zero
Strain Stretch Laminate Web To Impart Elasticity Thereto 4lithout
Rupturing The Web' filed by Gerald M. 4leber et al. on February 28,
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1991. The fold lines in the corrugations of the topsheet should
run in the transverse direction so the topsheet is longitudinally
extensible.
Such a topsheet is described in greater detail in the
following patent applications which were filed on June 23, 1991:
U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 07/734,404 entitled 'Absorbent
Articles, Especially Catamenials, Having Improved Fluid
Directionality, Comfort and Fit' filed in the names of Thompson,
et al.; U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 07/734,392 entitled
'Fluid Handling Structure for Use in Absorbent Articles' filed in
the names of Thompson, et al.; and, U.S. Patent Application
Serial No. 07/734,405 entitled 'Absorbent Core for Use in
Catamenial Products" filed in the names of Buenger, et al. These
patent applications may be referred to collectively as the-
'Capillary Channel Fiber' patent applications.
In addition, in preferred embodiments of the present
invention, at least a portion of the outer surface 40a of the
topsheet 40 is treated with a surfactant. It is preferred that
the surfactant be substantially evenly and completely distributed
across at least the portion of the outer surface 40a of topsheet
40 that overlays the main body portion 22. This can be
accomplished by any of the common techniques well known to those
skilled in the art. For example, the surfactant can be applied to
topsheet 40 by spraying, by padding, or by the use of transfer
rolls.
Treating the- outer surface 40a of the topsheet 40 with a
surfactant renders the surface of the topsheet 40 more
hydrophilic. This results in liquid penetrating the topsheet 40
faster than it would if the surface were not treated. This
diminishes the likelihood that menstrual fluids will flow off
topsheet 40 rather than being absorbed by the absorbent core 44.
Preferably, any portions of the topsheet 40 that overlay the flaps
24 are not treated with the surfactant. This will minimize any
tendencies fluids may have to spread laterally across the flaps
and to come in contact with the wearer's thighs and other parts of
the wearer's body.
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12 2163195
In preferred embodiments, the inner surface 40b of the
topsheet 40 i s secured i n contact i ng rel at i on wi th the absorbent
core 44. This contacting relationship results in liquid
penetrating the topsheet 40 faster than if the topsheet 40 were
not in contact with the absorbent core 44. The topsheet 40 can be
maintained in contact with the absorbent core 44 by applying
adhesive to the inner surface 40b of the topsheet 40. Suitable
adhesives useful for this purpose are described in U.S. Patent
4,917,697. The adhesives can be applied by the same methods as
the surfactant is applied to the outer surface 40a of the topsheet
40.
- B. The Absorbent Core
The absorbent core 44 is positioned between the topsheet 40
and the backsheet 42. The absorbent core 44 provides the means
for absorbing menstrual fluid. The absorbent core 44 need not
have an absorbent capacity much greater than the total amount of
menstrual fluid anticipated to be absorbed. The absorbent core 44
is generally compressible, conformable, and non-irritating to the
user's skin. It can comprise any material used in the art for
such purpose. Examples include comminuted wood pulp which is
generally referred to as airfelt, creped cellulose wadding,
absorbent foams, absorbent sponges, synthetic staple fibers,
polymeric fibers, hydrogel-forming polymer gelling agents, peat
moss, or any equivalent material or combinations of materials.
Polymeric gelling agents are those materials which, upon
contact with fluids (i.e., liquids) such as water or body fluids,
imbibe such fluids and thereby form hydrogels. In this manner,
fluids discharged into the absorbent core 44 can be acquired and
held by the polymeric gelling agent, thereby providing the
articles herein with enhanced absorbent capacity and/or improved
fluid retention performance.
The polymeric gelling agent which is employed in the
absorbent core 44 will generally comprise particles of a
substantially water-insoluble, slightly cross-linked, partially
neutralized, hydrogel-forming polymer material. The term
r T '
WO 94117541 PC'TIUS94/04927
13 21 63195
'particles', as used herein, can refer to particles in any form,
suc h as in the form of pellets, flakes, or fibers. The
characteristics of the absorbent core 44 (including, but not
limited to the preferred types of polymer materials used therein,
and types of methods which can be used for preparing these polyaer
particles) are described in greater detail in U.S. Patent
5,009,653 issued to Osborn
In one preferred embodiment, the absorbent core 44 is a
laminate comprised of a layer of superabsorbent polymer material,
such as in the form of particles, disposed between two air-laid
tissues, first and second tissue layers (or 'upper' and 'lower"
tissue layers). The first and second tissue layers provide
containment of the superabsorbent polymer material, improve
lateral wicking of the absorbed exudates throughout the absorbent
core 44 and provide a degree of absorbency.
A suitable laminate is the superabsorbent laminate WATER-LOCK
L-535 available from the Grain Processing Corporation of
Muscatine, Iowa (WATER-LOCK registered TH by Grain Processing
Corporation). Such superabsorbent laminates are disclosed in U.S.
Patent 4,467,012, entitled 'Composition For Absorbent Film And
Method Of Preparation', which issued to Pedersen et al. on August
21, 1984, and U.S. Patent 4,260,443, entitled 'Laminated Absorbent
Process', which issued to Lindsay et al. on April 7, 1981.
The absorbent core 44 a~ay be a laminate, as described above,
which is slatted or partially slatted for longitudinal
extensibility. This slttted or partially slatted core is
described in greater detail in the Capillary Channel Fiber patent
applications.
C. The Backsheet
The backsheet 42 is impervious to liquids and, thus, prevents
menstrual fluid from soiling the clothing of the user. Any
material used in the art for such purpose can be utilized herein.
Suitable materials include embossed or nonembossed polyethylene
.~<
WO 94127541 PC'T/US94104927
'4 21 63195
films and laminated tissue. A suitable polyethylene film is
manufactured by Monsanto Chemical Corporation and marketed in the
trade as Film No. 8020*
In one alternative embodia~ent of the sanitary napkin 20
(typically in which the topsheet 40 overlays only the main body
portion 22 and does not extend out to form the top surface of the
flaps), the backsheet 42 may be comprised of two layers. In such
a case, the backsheet 42 may comprise a first layer of lofted
material disposed on the core-facing side 42a of the backsheet.
The purpose of the first layer is to provide a comfortable,
non-irritating surface against the body of the wearer. The lofted
layer may be comprised of any suitable material, such as a
nonwoven material. Preferably, the lofted layer comprises a
hydrophobic nonwoven material. The second layer pay be disposed
on the ganaent side 42b of the backsheet 42, and may comprise a
fluid impervious film. A low density polyethylene eaterial about
0.01 to about 0.05 millimeters in thickness, preferably about 0.02
millimeters in thickness, has been found to work well as this
second layer. A polyethylene file, such as is sold by the Ethyl
Corporation, Yisqueen Division, under model XP-39385 has been
found particularly well suited for this second layer. The
backsheet 42 may also be made of a soft, cloth-like material which
is hydrophobic relative to the topsheet 40. A polyester or
polyolefinic fiber backsheet 42 has been found to work well. A
particularly preferred soft, cloth-like backsheet 42 material is a
laminate of a polyester nonwoven material and a film such as
described in U.S. Patent 4,476,180 issued to Wnuk on October 9,
1984.
A particularly preferred extensible backsheet 42 is an
extended adhesive film Formula ~198-338* manufactured by the
Findley Adhesives Company of wauwatosa, Wisconsin which is
described in greater detail in the Capillary Channel Fiber patent
applications.
3. Assembly of Components into a Sanitary Napkin and
formation of the Flacs
* Trade-mark
~, ~,; .~.
WO 94127541 PCT1US94104927
. I5 2i63~9~
A. Assembly of Components
As shown in Figures 1 and lA, the topsheet 40 is secured to
the backsheet 42 along a first seam, such as seam 36. The seam 36
can be formed by any means commonly used in the art for this
purpose such as by gluing, crimping, or heat-sealing. The seam 36
is illustrated in Figure 1 as extending completely around the
periphery 23 of the main body portion 22. This is a preferred
embodiment for ease of construction. (Other means of uniting the
various elements can be used.)
The main body portion 22 is the portion of the sanitary
napkin 20 that contains an absorbent means, such as an absorbent
core 44. The main body portion 22 has a liquid pervious body
contacting surface (represented in Figure lA by the topsheet 40)
and an opposed liquid impervious surface (represented in Figure lA
by the backsheet 42). It is to be understood that the embodiment
illustrated is only one possible embodiment, albeit a preferred
one. Other possible embodiments include one in which an absorbent
core 44 is essentially completely wrapped with topsheet before it
is placed on a backsheet. The main body portion 22 can also
comprise an absorbent core which possesses sufficient integrity to
stand alone and is liquid pervious on one surface while the other
surface has been treated to render it liquid impervious.
The main body portion 22 may be relatively thick or
relatively narrow and thin. A narrow main body portion 22 may be
effective because the overall configuration and use of the
sanitary napkin 20 results in the main body portion 22 being
maintained in close proximity to the body. Such proximity of the
main body portion 22 places it precisely where it should be: very
near the body at the vaginal opening. The main body portion 22
can then absorb the vast majority of the menstrual fluid (menses)
before it has an opportunity to flow along the sides of the main
body portion 22. A thin main body portion may also be desired
because it is typically comfortable to the user.
Figures I and lA also show the~fasteners, such as adhesive
attachment means, central pad adhesive 54 and flap adhesive 56,
WO 94!27541 PCTIUS94/04927
21 63195 '6
which are adapted to secure the sanitary napkin 20 to the crotch
_ region of an undergarment.
The central pad adhesive 54 provides an adhesive attachment
means for securing the main body portion 22 in the crotch portion
of a panty. The outer surface of the flap 24, adjacent the distal
edge 34 of the flap, is preferably coated with a flap adhesive 56.
The flap adhesive 56 is used to assist in oaintaining the flap 24
in position after it is wrapped around the edge of the crotch
portion of the panty as described below. The flaps 24 can be
maintained in position by attaching the flaps 24 to the
undergarment, or to the opposing flap. Suitable adhesive
fasteners are described in greater detail in U.S. Patent
4,917,697.
The central pad adhesive 54 of the present invention is not
limited to adhesive attachment means. Any type of fastener used
in the art can be used for such purpose. For example, the pain
body portion 22 of sanitary napkin 20, could be secured to the
wearer's undergarment by the fastener described in U.S. Patent
4,946,527 entitled 'Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive fastener and
Method of Making the Same' issued to Battrell on August 7, 1990.
The main body portion 22 of sanitary na~ki.n 20, could also be
secured to the wearer's undergarment by other types of
fasteners.
For
simplicity, however, the fasteners will be described in terms of
adhesive attachment means.
The central pad adhesive 54 is covered by a removable release
liner, central pad release liner 58. The pressure-sensitive
adhesive should be covered with a release liner to protect the
adhesive from dirt, to keep the adhesive from drying out, and to
keep the adhesive form sticking to extraneous surfaces prior to
use. Suitable release liners are described in U.S. Patent
4,917,697.
._.s .,~
WO 94127541 PCTlUS94104927
1' 21 6 319 g ~'
The flap adhesive 56 is protected by the unitary release
member 57, as shown in Figure 1B. The unitary release member 57
is discussed in greater detail herein below.
4lhile a preferred sanitary napkin embodiment of the present
invention has been described, numerous other sanitary napkin
embodiments having flaps are available and are disclosed in the
literature. These could be provided with the unitary release
material of the present invention. In particular, sanitary
napkins having flaps are disclosed in u.s.
Patents 5,009,653 and 4,950,264, both entitled 'Thin, Flexible
Sanitary Napkin" which issued to Osborn on April 23, 1991 and
August 21, 1990, respectively, U.S. Patent 4,917,697 entitled
"Sanitary Napkin Having Flaps and Stress Relief Means' which
issued to Osborn, III, et al. on April 17, 1990, U.S. Patent
4,687,478, entitled 'Shaped Sanitary Napkin With Flaps", which
i ssued to Van Ti 1 burg on August 18, 1987, U. S. Patent 4, 589, 876,
entitled "Sanitary Napkin', which issued to Van Tilburg on May 20,
1986, U.S. Patent 4,285,343, entitled "Sanitary Napkin', which
issued to McNair on August 25, 1981, U.S. Patent 3,397,697,
entitled "Disposable Sanitary Shield For Undergarments", which
issued to Rickard on August 20, 1968, and U.S. Patent 2,787,241,
entitled 'Sanitary Napkin', which issued to Clark on April 2,
1957.
Suitable absorbent articles in the form of pantiliners are
disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,738,676 entitled 'Pantiliner" issued to
Osborn on April 19, 1988. Suitable absorbent articles, at least
A
WO 94127541 PCT/US94104927
18
21 83195
some of which are in the form of adult incontinence products, are
-described in International Published Patent Application Serial No.
W092/11831 entitled "Absorbent Article Having Rapid Acquiring
Wrapped Multiple Layer Absorbent Body".
8. ~nstructton of the Flans
The characteristics of the flaps 24 trill now be looked at in
greater detail. The general construction of flaps 24 suitable for
use in the present invention (without the unitary release oiember
57 of the present inventions is described in greater detail in
U.S. Patent
4,917,697 issued to Osborn .
The overall size of the flaps 24 can be readily selected by
those skilled in the art. Preferably, the flaps 24 ire sized so
that the sanitary napkin 20 is from about 10 to about 23
centimeters wide between the distal edges 34 of the flaps at their
greatest separation. Preferably each flap 24 is from about S to
at least about 19 centimeters long in the direction parallel to
the principal longitudinal centerline L of the sanitary napkin.
However, the flaps 24 may be as small as 0.5 centimeters long in
the direction parallel to the principle longitudinal centerline 1.
A
WO 94IZ7541. . PCTILTS94/04927
... I9 2163195
The shape of the flaps 24 can be selected by those skilled in
the art. Preferably, not only are the flaps 24 mirror images of
each other, the two halves of each flap 26 and 28 are also
symmetrical about the flap transverse centerline TI. (It should
be understood that the shape and orientation of the flaps
described herein are those of a preferred embodiment. They are
not mandatory design features.)
Preferably, as in the sanitary napkin 20 illustrated in
Figure 3, the flaps 24 are positioned slightly for~rard of the
principal transverse centerline T of the sanitary napkin. (In
such a case, the flap transverse centerline TI does not coincide
with the principal transverse centerline T of the sanitary napkin
20.) The flaps 24, however, are preferably evenly spaced from the
principal longitudinal centerline L of the sanitary napkin.
In a preferred embodiment, the flaps 24 are joined with the
main body portion 22 along lines of juncture 30. The lines of
juncture can be concave, straight, (or, but preferably not,
convex) relative to the principal longitudinal centerline L. The
lines of juncture 30 gay comprise those lines or areas where
separate flap elements are joined to the main body portion 24.
Alternatively, when the flaps 24 are integral with the main body
portion 22, the lines of juncture 30 may represent lines of
demarcation between the main body portion 22 and the flaps 24
(although it is not necessary that there be a precise line of
demarcation).
The flaps 24__can be joined with the main body portion 22 in a
number of different manners. Many of the different ways a
component (such as the flaps 24) can be 'joined to' or 'associated
with', etc. another component, are set forth in the definitions of
these terms contained in U.S. Patent 5,007,906 entitled 'Decoupled
Sanitary Napkin' which issued to Osborn, et al. on April 16, 1991.
When the flaps comprise separate elements, they can be joined to
the main body portion 22 by any techniques known to those skilled
in the art. Such techniques include, but are not limited to
adhesives, heat and/or pressure, ultrasonics, etc.
It is not necessary that the flaps 24 extend from (or be
joined along) the longitudinal edges 22a of the main body portion
WO 94127541 2 ~ PCT/US94/04927
216319
22. The flaps 24 can joined inward (or "inboard') from t a
longitudinal edges 22a toward the longitudinal centerline. The
flaps 24 can, thus, each be joined to the main body portion 22
along the principal longitudinal centerline L, or along the
longitudinal edges 22a of the main body portion 22, or at any
place between the principal longitudinal centerline L and the
longitudinal edges 22a of the main body portion 22. The flaps 24
will, of course, generally be on opposite sides of the principal
longitudinal centerline L.
C. Unitary Release Member
Figures 1, IA and IB show a preferred embodiment of a
sanitary napkin of the present invention. The sanitary napkin 20
of the present invention has at least one unitary release member
57 joined thereto. Preferably, as shown in Figure 1, the sanitary
napkin 20 has two unitary release members 57, one for the flap
adhesive 56 of each flap 24.
The overall size and shape of the unitary release member 57
can be readily selected by those skilled in the art. Preferably,
the unitary release member 57 is sized and shaped so that it will
at least superpose the flap adhesive 56. However, the unitary
release member 57 may also be larger than the flap adhesive 56.
It is also possible to have one unitary release member 57 for the
flap adhesives 56 of both flaps 24. (It should be understood that
the size, shape, and orientation of the unitary release member 57
described herein are those of a preferred embodiment. They are
not mandatory design features. For example, each flap 24 could
comprise a unitary release material 57 which is positioned closer
to the distal edge 34 of the flap 24 and a flap adhesive 56
positioned laterally inboard of the unitary release material 57.)
The unitary release member 57 will be any material that will
protect the flap adhesive 56 from dirt, keep the flap adhesive 56
from drying out, and keep the flap adhesive 56 from sticking to
extraneous surfaces. The unitary release member 57 should also
adhere with sufficient tenacity to the flap adhesive to remain in
I 1
WO 94127541 PCTIUS94/04927
2I 21 631 95
place prior to use, but should be readily removable Then the flap
24 is ready to be used. Additionally, the unitary release member
57 is preferably flexible so as not to inhibit the flexibility of
the flap 24.
The unitary release member S7 comprises a release material
that is ,joined to at least a portion of the sanitary napkin 20,
and may be formed in several different ways. For example, the
unitary release member 57 uy be formed by securing any
cortmercially available release liner to a portion of the sanitary
napkin 20. An example of a suitable release liner is a
semi-bleached kraft paper, the adhesive contacting side of which
has been silicone treated to provide easy release from the flap
adhesive 56. Other examples of suitable release liners are BL 30
MG-A SILOX E1/0* and BL 30 MG-A SILOX 4 P/~ both of which are
manufactured by the Akrosil Corporation. The release liner can be
joined to the sanitary napkin 20 by any of the techniques known to
those skilled in the art. Such techniques include, but are not
limited to adhesives, heat and/or pressure, ultrasonics, etc.
The unitary release member 57 may also be formed by joining
an element (e.g., topsheet 40, backsheet 42, flaps 24, etc.) to
the sanitary napkin 20, which consists entirely or partially of a
material which can act as a suitable release member. Examples of
materials which can act as a suitable release member.and which can
be used to form portions of the sanitary napkin 20, would include
woven and nonwoven polyester, polypropylene, nylon, and
polyethylene, as well as plastic films, which have been treated
with a silicone such as SILOX EI/0; SIIOX 4 P/0*, SILOX H1A/0, and
SILOX HZA/0; all of which ire manufactured by the Akrosil
Corporation of Menasha, Wisconsin.
Preferably, the unitary release member 57 is formed by
treating (e.g., coating, painting, spraying, impregnating, etc.) a
portion of the sanitary napkin 20 with a substance, such as
silicone, so that the treated portion of the sanitary napkin 20
will function as a suitable release member. Suitable substances
for treating portions of the sanitary napkin 20 would include a
silicone such as SILOX E1/0, SILOX 4 P/0, SILOX H1A/0, and SILOX
H2A/0, all of which are manufactured by the Akrosil Corporation.
* Trade-mark
a ar
WO 94/27541 PCTIUS94/04927
22
z ~ 63 ~ ~~
Preferably, the unitary release member 57 is forged by
spray-coating a portion of the flap 24 with SILOX H21~/0.
In a preferred embodiment, the flap 24 will comprise a
polyethylene film having a thickness of about 0.001 inch (0.0003
millimeters)
The unitary release member 57 is positioned on the sanitary
napkin 20 such that the flap adhesive 56 will overlie the unitary
release member 57 when the flap 24 is in a folded configuration.
The unitary release member 57 also maintains the flap 24 in a
folded configuration until the flap 24 is ready to be used.
Referring to Figures 1 and lA, there is shown a sanitary
napkin 20 embodiment of the present invention. The sanitary
napkin 20 comprises a main body portion 22 comprising a topsheet
40, a backsheet 42, an absorbent core 44 positioned between the
backsheet 42 and the topsheet 40; and a pair of flaps 24 extending
from each longitudinal side 22a of the main body portion 22. Each
of the flaps 24 comprises a flap adhesive 56 positioned ad,~acent
to the distal edge 34 of the flap 24 and a unitary release member
57 positioned adjacent the proximal edge 32 of the flap 24. The
unitary release member 57 is positioned such that it superposes
the flap adhesive 56 when the flap 24 is folded along a
longitudinally extending fold line 62 as shown in Figure 18.
Although the flap adhesive 56 is shown positioned
substantially ad,~acent to the distal edge 34 of the flap 24 in
Figure 1, the flap adhesive 56 aay be positioned adjacent to the
proximal edge 32 of the flap Z4, or anywhere between the distal
edge 34 and the proximal edge 32. Additionally, although the flap
adhesive 56 is positioned laterally outboard of the unitary
release member 57, the unitary release member 57 may be positioned
laterally outboard of the flap adhesive 56. However, it is
preferred that the flap adhesive 56 be positioned outboard of the
unitary release member 57. It is also possible for each flap 24
to have more than one flap adhesive 56 and/or more than one
unitary release member 57. However, a single patch of flap
adhesive 56 and a single unitary release member 57 for each flap
24 is preferred.
I T
WO 94/27541 PCT/US94/04927
' 23 2163195
When the user of the sanitary napkin 20 wishes to expose the
unitary release member 57 and secure the flap 24 to the underside
of the user's undergarment, the user simply pulls the distal edge
34 of the flap 24 thereby unfolding the flap 24 from its folded
configuration and simultaneously peeling the flap adhesive 56 from
the unitary release member 57. The unitary release material 57
remains joined to the sanitary napkin 20, and does not adversely
effect the functionality of the sanitary napkin 20. Preferably,
the act of unfolding the flap 24 from its folded configuration and
simultaneously peeling the flap adhesive 56 from the unitary
release member 57, can be accomplished using only one hand.
The function of the sanitary napkin of the present invention
will now be described in greater detail with relation to the
wearer's undergarments.
Figure 6 is a depiction of the crotch portion 14 of an
undergarment 11 of the type commonly worn by many women and well
known as a panty. A panty 11 comprises a front section 10, a back
section 12, and a crotch portion 14 which loins the front and back
sections. The crotch portion 14 comprises two side edges 16 and
center crotch portion 18.
The sanitary napkin 20 of the present invention may be
utilized by removing the release liner 58 of the central pad
adhesive 54 and placing the sanitary napkin 20 in _a panty 11 as
shown in Figure 6B. The center of main body portion 22 is placed
in crotch portion 14 of the panty with one end of main body
portiod'22 extending towards the front section 10 of the panty and
the other end towards the back section 12. The backsheet 42 is
placed in contact with the inner surface of center crotch portion
18 of the panty. Central pad adhesive 54 maintains main body
portion. 22 in position. The user grasps and pulls the distal edge
34 of the flap 24, thereby peeling the flap adhesive 56 from the
the unitary release member 57. The distal portions of flaps 24
are then folded around the side edges 16 of the panty. The flap
adhesives 56 secure the flaps 24 to the underside of the panty as
shown in Figure 6A. The unitary release members 57 remain joined
to the flap 24, but do not adversely effect the functionality of
the sanitary napkin 20.
WO 94127541 PCT/US94/04927
24
216395
Although the unitary release member 57 is shown 1n Figures
1-1B as being joined to a portion of the flap 24, it is not
necessary that the unitary release member 57 be secured to a
portion of the flap 24. The unitary release member 57 may be
joined to the flap 24, main body portion 22, or any other portion
of the sanitary napkin 20. An example of a sanitary napkin
embodiment of the present invention having an unitary release
member 57 joined to the main body portion 22, is shown in Figures
5-5b.
Referring to Figure 5-5b, there is shown an alternate
sanitary napkin 20 embodiment of the present invention. The
sanitary napkin 20 comprises a main body portion comprising a
topsheet 40, a backsheet 42, an absorbent core 44 positioned
between the topsheet 40 and the backsheet 42; and a pair of flaps
24 extending from each longitudinal edge 22a of the main body
portion 22. Each of the flaps 24 comprises a flap adhesive 56
positioned adjacent to the distal edge 34 of the flap 24.
The sanitary napkin 20 of Figure 5 comprises an unitary
release member 57 positioned on the garment side 20b of the main
body portion 22. The unitary release member 57 is shown positioned
between the longitudinal centerline l and the longitudinal edges
22a of the main body portion 22. The unitary release member 57 is
positioned such that it superposes the flap adhesive 56 when the
flap 24 is folded along a longitudinally extending fold line 62,
and maintains the flaps 24 in their folded configuration, as shown
in Figure 5A.
The central pad adhesive 54 comprises two discrete patches of
pressure sensitive adhesive disposed at opposite ends of the main
body portion 22. Because of the configuration and arrangement of
the central pad adhesive 54 and the flaps 24, the flaps 24 do not
interfere with or obstruct the central pad adhesive 54.
Therefore, the flaps 24 may or may not be used while the sanitary
napkin is being used, and will not adversely effect the
functionality of the sanitary napkin 20, i.e., will not obstruct
the absorbency of the body-facing side 20a and will not obstruct
the central pad adhesive 54 of the garment side 20b.
f T
WO 94!27541 PCTILIS94104927
2s 21 63199
Although the central pad adhesive 54 is shown as two discrete
patches positioned substantially adjacent opposite transverse
edges 22b of the main body portion 22, the central pad adhesive 54
may be arranged in other configurations which provide the same
result. For example, the central pad adhesive 54 may be generally
rectangular in shape and extend along the longitudinal centerline
between the distal edges 34 of the flaps 24 in their folded
configuration. Alternatively, the central pad adhesive 54 may
have a generally hourglass shape and be positioned on the garment
side 20b of the main body portion 22 such that the edges of the
central pad adhesive 54 are substantially adjacent the edged 35 of
the flaps 24 and the transverse edges 22b of the main body portion
22. The particular size and shape of the central pad adhesive 54
can be readily selected by those skilled in the art.
A sanitary napkin having flaps and having a release surface
disposed on the underganoent-facing side of the sanitary napkin is
disclosed in E.P.O. Publication 0 471 587,A1 which claios priority
from U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 568,937, filed August 17,
1990.
In an alternate embodiment, the sanitary napkin 20 may have a
unitary release member 57 that can be removably secure to the flap
adhesive 56 without the flap 24 being folded onto .itself or the
main body portion 22. Figure 7 is a lateral cross-sectional view
of a portion of a sanitary napkin 20 showing one of the flaps 24
and a portion of t>1e main body portion 22. In this embodiment, a
portion of the unitary release member 57 is joined to the flap 24
at bond area 97. When the unitary release member is peeled from
the flap adhesive 56, it remains attached to the flap 24 at the
bond area 97 so the user does not need to further handle or
dispose of the release material. The bond area 97 may be a single
discrete spot bond, group of spot bonds, a solid line of bonding
or a segmented tine of bonding. The bond area 97 may be located
laterally inboard or outboard, or longitudinally forward or behind
the flap adhesive 56.
A further alternate embodiment is shown in Figure 7A. After
peeling the unitary release member 57 from the flap adhesive 56,
WO 94127541 PCT/US94104927
26 216315
the user would reattach the loose end of the unitary release
member 57 to the flap 24 with a bonding material 98. This
prevents the loose end of the unitary release member 57 from
moving freely and potentially interfering with the application of
the flap 24. Bonding material 98 could be originally located on
either the back of the unitary release member ,57, in the flap 24
or be a cohesive material originally located on both the unitary
release member 57 and the flap 24.
D. Sanitary Na~,kins Having Tucked Flaps and a Unitary
Release Member
In the most preferred case (as will be subsequently described
in greater detail), the sanitary napkin will have the flaps tucked
into a recessed area and will have at least one zone of
differential extensibility. However, it is also possible to have
a sanitary of the present invention with the flaps tucked into a
recessed area without having zones of differential extensibility.
Figures 2, 2A, and 2B show a preferred embodiment of a sanitary
napkin 20 of the present invention having a unitary release member
57 and a recessed area 68 for receiving the flaps 24.
As used herein the terms 'optional flaps' or 'tucked flaps'
shall refer to the flaps of an absorbent article, which are tucked
or are capable of being tucked into a recessed area 68. A flap is
capable of being tucked into a recessed area if it is joined to
the sanitary napkin' such that at least a portion of the flap may
be positioned between the decoupled portion of a retaining member
and the absorbent assembly of the main body portion. Referring to
Figure 2, the sanitary napkin 20 basically comprises a main body
portion. 22 and two flaps 24 (shown in the extended position)
joined to the main body portion 22. The main body portion 22
comprises an absorbent means represented by an absorbent assembly
46 and two retaining members 78 joined to the absorbent assembly
46.
The retaining member 78 comprises a pair of end regions 93
and a center region 94 positioned between and joined to the end
regions 93. At least .a port.fon of 'the end regions 93 are joined
i r
WO 94127541 PCTIUS94104927
27 21 ~ 319 5
to the absorbent assembly 46. At least a portion of the center
region 94 is detached or decoupled from the absorbent assembly 46.
The area between the decoupled center region 94 and the absorbent
assembly 46, forms a recessed area 68 wherein a portion of at
least one of the flaps 24 may be tucked. The end regions 93 are
each joined to the absorbent assembly 46 at a point of connection
72. As used herein, the term 'point of connection' refers to
regions where the retaining member 78 is joined to the absorbent
assembly 46 of the main body portion 22. These regions can be of
any shape or configuration, but they are not limited to spots or
points. Thus, these regions can comprise flanges, strips,
intermittent lines, spots, and the like.
The absorbent assembly 46 preferably comprises a liquid
pervious topsheet 40, a liquid impervious backsheet 42 joined to
the topsheet 40, and an absorbent core 44 positioned between the
topsheet 40 and the backsheet 42.
The sanitary napkin 20 comprises two recessed areas in which
the flaps 24 may be tucked. Each recessed area 68 is formed
between the decoupled portion of the center region 94 of the
retaining member 78 and the absorbent assembly 46 of the main body
portion 22. Each recessed area 68 has a mouth 76. The mouth 76
is formed between the longitudinal edge 78a of the decoupled
portion of the retaining member 78 and the absorbent assembly 46
of the main body portion 22.
The retaining member 78 can be joined to the absorbent
assembly 46 of the~main body portion 22 in a number of different
manners. Many of the different ways a component (such as the
retaining member 78) can be 'joined to' or 'associated with', etc.
another component are set forth in the definitions of these terms
contained in U.S. Patent 5,007,906 entitled 'Decoupled Sanitary
Napkin' which issued to Osborn, et al. on April 16, 1991. When
the retaining member is comprised of an element discrete from the
absorbent assembly 46, i.e, is not integral with the topsheet,
backsheet, etc, it can be joined to the absorbent assembly 46 by
any techniques known to those skilled in the art. Such techniques
include, but are not limited to adhesives, heat and/or pressure,
ultrasonics, etc. The point of connection 72 may comprise
WO 94/27541 PCT/US94/04927
28 213195
flanges, strips, intermittent lines, spots, and the like, or may
comprise combinations of flanges, strips, intermittent lines,
spots, and the like. Therefore, the point of connection 72 may be
a line which is concave, straight, or convex and pay form any
angle relative to the principal longitudinal centerline L.
The retaining members 78 can each be joined to the absorbent
assembly 46 of the main body portion 22 along the principal
longitudinal centerline L, or along the longitudinal edges 46a of
the absorbent assembly 46, or at any place between the principal
longitudinal centerline L and the longitudinal edges 46a of the
absorbent assembly 46. The retaining members 78 will, of course,
generally be on opposite sides of the principal longitudinal
centerline L.
The retaining member 78 is generally longitudinally oriented
on the absorbent assembly 46. The retaining member is
longitudinally oriented on the absorbent assembly 46 when the
longitudinal edge 78a of the retaining member 78 is oriented in a
direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal centerline L
or in a direction having a vector component substantially parallel
to the longitudinal centerline 1.
The retaining member 78 is generally compliant soft feeling
and non-irritating to the users skin. The retaining oember 78 is
,preferably made from any of the materials conventioaally used for
sanitary napkins 20. Examples of suitable materials that can be
used for the retaining member 78 are woven and nonwoven polyester,
polypropylene, nylon, and polyethylene, as well as plastic films.
The retaining member 78 may be comprised of one or pore of the
elements of the absorbent assembly 46, e.g., topsheet 40,
backsheet 42, etc. Preferably, the retaining member 78 will
comprise a piece of material discrete from the topsheet,
backsheet, etc.
The overall size and shape of the retaining members 78 may be
readily selected by those skilled in the art and will be dependent
upon the desired size and shape of the recessed area 68 and the
size and shape of the flaps 24 as they are tucked into the
recessed area 68. Although it is not necessary that the retaining
members 78 be mirror images of each other, it is preferred that
I
WO 94/27541 PCT/US94/04927
' 2 2~~3~~~
the retaining members 78 are mirror images of each another.
Whether or not the retaining members 78 are symmetrical about the
principal transverse centerline T is also dependent upon the
desired size and shape of the recessed area 68, as well as the
location and symmetry of the flaps 24. However, it should be
understood that the retaining members 78 need not have a shape,
size, or location which exactly corresponds to the size, shape,
and location of the flaps 24. It is only required that the
retaining members 78 be sited, shaped, and positioned such that
the retaining member 78 forms a recessed area 68 which can
accommodate the flap 24 in a tucked configuration.
It is not necessary that both retaining members 78 be formed
of -~a single piece of material as shown in Figures 2-2B. Each
retaining member 78 may each be formed from a separate piece of
material. It is also not necessary that the retaining uembers 78
be joined to the backsheet 42 of the absorbent assembly 46. The
retaining members 78 may be joined to any element of the absorbent
assembly 46 . Many various configurations which provide a
recessed area 68 between the retaining member 78 and the absorbent
assembly 46 of the main body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin 20,
will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.
Referring to Figures 2 - 2B, the sanitary napkin 20 has two
recessed areas 68, one on each side of the longitudinal centerline
L. It can be seen from Figures 2A and 2B that the flaps 24 are
integral with the retaining members 78. The point of connection
72 of each retaining member 78 comprises a combination of a
straight line bond 92 and two spot bonds 91. The line bond 92
joins a portion of the center region 94 of the retaining member 78
to the absorbent assembly 46. The two spot bonds 91 join a
portion. of the end regions to the absorbent assembly 46. The
portion of the center region 94 which is decoupled from the
absorbent assembly 46 of the main body portion 22 forms the
recessed area 68. Although the spot bonds 91 are shown in Figure
2 as being positioned adjacent to the longitudinal edge 22a of the
main body portion 22, the spot bonds 91 may be positioned anywhere
between the longitudinal edge 22a of the main body portion 22 and
the longitudinal centerline L.
WO 94/27541 PCTIUS94104927
30 ~~63195~..
Figure 2B is a lateral cross-sectional view of the sanitary
- napkin 20 of Figure 2A showing the flaps 24 tucked into the
recessed areas 68 in a folded configuration. Each flap 24 of the
sanitary napkin 20 has a first longitudinal fold 62' which is made
upward toward the absorbent assembly 46 and a second fold 62 "
which is again made upward toward the absorbent assembly 46. This
forms a tucked flap 24 which is configured in an S-fold. This
configuration allows the distal edge 34 of the flap 24 to form a
graspable tab member 90.
Preferably each tucked flap 24 will be provided with a
graspable tab member 90. As used herein, the term 'tab member'
will refer to an element or component of the sanitary napkin 20
whictr=protrudes form the recessed area 68 and may be used to
remove the flap 24 from the recessed area 68. The graspable tab
member 90 may extend laterally beyond the longitudinal edge 46a of
the absorbent assembly 46 or oay extend laterally beyond the
longitudinal edge 78a of the retaining member 78. Preferably, the
graspable tab member 90 extends laterally beyond the longitudinal
edges of both the absorbent assembly 46 and the retaining aember
78. The graspable tab member 90 preferably extends from the
recessed area 68 at least between about 2 millimeters to about 5
millimeters. More preferably, the tab member 90 extends from the
recessed area 68 between about 5 millimeters to about l0
millimeters. A preferred tab member 90 is fornied by folding,
pleating, or corrugating the flap 24 such that the distal edge 34
of the=flap 24 protrudes from the mouth 76 of the recessed area
68. There are many different fold configurations which will
result in the distal edge 34 of the flap 24 protruding from the
mouth 76 of the recessed area 68. An example of particularly
preferred fold configurations which results in the distal edge of
the flap 24 fo naing a tab member 90, are shown in Figure 28, 3B,
and 7A. Other suitable fold configurations will be readily
apparent to those skilled in the art.
Sanitary napkins having tucked flaps 24 and various methods for
forming the recessed areas 68, are discussed in greater detail in the
commonly-assigned, co-pending, International Published Patent Appln.
Serial No. W094/00091, "Absorbent Article Having Tucked Flaps",
A
_ WO 94127541 PCTIUS94104927
31
21 63195
priority application filed June 30, 1992, in the name of Thomas W.
Osborn, III and Bruce W. Lavash.
The flap 24 comprises a flap adhesive 56 and an unitary
release member 57 joined thereto. The flap adhesive 56 is
positioned substantially adjacent to the distal edge 34 of the
flap 24. The unitary release member 57 is positioned on the
garment side 20b of the flap 24 between the distal edge 34 and the
proximal edge 32 of the flap 24. To tuck the flap 24 into the
recessed area 68, the flap 24 is folded along a first
longitudinally extending fold line (referred to in Figure 2B as
fold line 62') such that the flap adhesive 56 overlies and is
removably secured to the unitary release member 57. The flap 24
is then folded along a second longitudinally extending fold line-
(referred to in Figure 2B as fold line 62 " ) such that the first
fold line 62' is positioned vithin the recessed area 68.
Preferably, the distal edge 34 of the flap 24 extends from the
mouth 76 to fono a graspable tab member 90.
The sanitary napkin 20 of Figures 2-2B a~ay be utilized by
removing the release liner 58 of the central pad adhesive 54 and
placing the sanitary napkin 20 in a panty 11 as shown in Figure 6.
The center of main body portion 22 is placed in crotch portion 14
of the panty with one end of the pain body portion 22 extending
towards the front section 10 of the panty and 'the other end
towards the back section 12. The backsheet 42 is placed in
contact with the inner surface of the center crotch portion 18 of
the panty. The central pad adhesive 54 maintains the main body
portion 22 in position. The flaps 24 remain positioned in the
recessed areas 68. The panty is pulled up into position on the
wearer's lower-torso. Although the flaps 24 have not been used
and remain tucked into the recessed areas 68, the flaps 24 vill
not adversely affect the functionality of the sanitary napkin 20.
Alternatively, the sanitary napkin 20 of Figures 2-2B may be
utilized by removing the release liner 58 from the central pad
adhesive 54 and placing the sanitary napkin 20 in the panty 11
with one end of the main body portion 22 extending towards the
front section 10 of the panty and the other end of the main body
A
WO 94/27541 PCT/US94/04927
32 263195
portion 22 extending towards the back section 12. The user may
then grasp the tab member 90 to draw the flap 24 from the recessed
area 68 and simultaneously peel the flap adhesive from the unitary
release member 57. The distal edges 34 of the flaps 24 are folded
around the side edges 16 of the panty, and the flap adhesives 56
are secured to the underside of the panty as shown in Figure 6A.
The panty is then pulled up into position on the wearer's lower
torso.
E. 5anitarv Napkin Having Flaos With Zones of
differential Extensibility and a Unitary Release
emb
In the most preferred case the sanitary napkin will have at
least one zone of differential extensibility (or 'zone of
extensibility', or simply 'zone') 50. Preferably, as shown in
Figure 3, the sanitary napkin 20 has four tones of differential
extensibility S0, one in each quarter of the sanitary napkin 20.
The zones of differential extensibility 50 are preferably located
along a portion of the fold line where the flaps 24 are folded
around the wearer's panty crotch. The fold line will typically be
located along or adjacent the longitudinal juncture 30 of each
flap 24. Since the terms 'portions', 'zones', and 'regions', as
used herein, refer to general areas, the zones of differential
extensibility 50 and the corner regions 52 are, thus, not limited
to points which lie precisely on the lines of juncture 30.
Typically, they will include both those points which lie on the
lines of juncture 30 as well as the surrounding areas of the
sanitary napkin 20 (which include the aforementioned fold lines).
The longitudinal junctures, thus, typically serve as good
approximations for the location of the zones of differential
extensibility 50.
The corner regions 52 are designated as such because they
typically include the "corners' formed along the periphery 23 of
the sanitary napkin 20. The corners' occur where the edges 35 of
the flaps 24 intersect with the longitudinal side edges 22a of the
main body portion 22 when the sanitary napkin 20 is shown in a
T ' - T
WO 94/27541 PCTIUS94I04927
33 2163195
plan view. It is not necessary for there to be a sharp angle
formed at the intersection of these edges, or for lines of
demarcation to designate the same, however. (Another way to
describe the corner regions 52 is with reference to U.S. Patent
4,917,697 issued to Osborn, III, et al. The corner regions 52
described herein are typically comprised at least of those areas
shown as having slits or notches in the Osborn, et al. patent.
(For simplicity, these areas may be referred to herein as 'notch
regions'). However, the corner regions 52 in the present
invention preferably encompass a larger area than the slits or
notches shown in the Osborn patent.)
The portions of the flaps 24 in the corner regions 52 of the
sanitary napkin 20 may be referred to as the 'corner regions of
the flaps' or 'flap corner regions'. These may be separately
designated 52' although they are still considered to comprise the
corner regions 52, per se.
Figures 3, 3A, and 3B show an embodiment of the present
invention which has one preferred type of zones of differential
extensibility 50. In the embodiment shown in Figures 3, 3A, and
3B the zones of differential extensibility 50 comprise portions of
the sanitary napkin 20 that have slack provided therein. These
portions of the sanitary napkin 20 comprise at least the flap
corner regions 52'.
The slack is provided to the sanitary napkin 20 in the
embodiment shown in Figures 3, 3A, and 3B by pleating and then
gathering in portions of the flaps. The flaps 24 are pleated or
folded with generally longitudinally-oriented fold lines 62. The
fold lines 62 can run along and/or outboard (or even inboard) of
the juncture 30 of the flaps and the main body portion 22. The
pleated sections of the flaps (the 'pleats') 64 are preferably
folded'on top of each other (that is, stacked perpendicular to the
plane of the sanitary napkin). In alternative embodiments, they
may be folded and arranged side-by-side. The pleated sections are
gathered in or restrained from opening by a flap pleat restraint
66 located along the flap transverse centerline T1. This provides
the sanitary napkin, and particularly the flaps 24, with corner
regions which are extensible in the transverse direction and with
WO 94/27541 PCT/US94/04927
34 2~~3~95
center portions 27 (along the flap transverse centerline T1) which
are not.
The zones of differential extensibility 50 are most
preferably located at those points where the edges 35 of the flaps
24 intersect the edges 16 of the panty when the sanitary napkin 20
is worn.
The total area covered by the zones of differential
extensibility 50 can vary widely. The area can cover a relatively
large portion of the sanitary napkin, provided there remain some
portions of the sanitary napkin adjacent at least portions of the
principal longitudinal centerline and the flap transverse
centerline that are less extensible. The zones of differential
extensibility SO can be provided along the entire juncture 30 of
the flaps 24 with the main body portion 22. In alternative
embodiments, the zones of differential extensibility 50 can be
provided throughout the entire flap (for instance, if the entire
flap is pleated with longitudinally-oriented pleats).
Again referring to Figures 3, 3A, and 3B, the flaps 24 are
pleated or folded with generally longitudinally-oriented fold
lines 62. The fold lines 62 can run along and/or outboard (or
even inboard) of the juncture 30 of the flaps and the main body
portion 22. The pleats preferably run the length of the juncture
30. The pleated sections of the flaps (the 'pleats') 64 are
preferably folded on top of each other (that 'is, stacked
perpendicular to the plane of the sanitary napkin). In
alternative embodiments, they may be folded and arranged
side-by-side. The pleated sections are gathered in or restrained
from opening by a flap pleat restraint 66 located along the flap
transverse centerline T1, This provides the sanitary napkin, and
particularly the flaps 24, with corner regions which are
extensible in the transverse direction and with center portions 27
(along the flap transverse centerline T1) which are not.
In such a pleated embodiment, the flaps 24 can be provided
with any number of fold lines. For instance, in the most basic
form of the pleated embodiment, the flaps can simply be folded
inward toward the principal longitudinal centerline L along a
single line along the juncture 30 and tacked to the main body
r
PCTIUS94/04927
.. wo 94i2~s4i 216 319 5
portion 22, the restraining member 78, or the flap itself, at a
point inboard of the juncture 30 (which is preferably in the area
of the flap transverse centerline TI). Typically, however, as
shown in Figure 3A, the flaps will have at least two pleat fold
lines 62.
The flap pleat restraint 66 can be any suitable type of
element capable of keeping a portion of the pleated material from
unfolding. The flap pleat restraint 66 can be located along the
flap transverse centerline TI, or it can be spaced some distance
away from the flap transverse centerline TI. The flap pleat
restraint 66 is, however, preferably located at some place along
the flap transverse centerline TI. This creates flaps with pleats
-whii'h'-are able to open up an equal amount in both the front and
back halves 26 and 28 for a preferred fit around the panty crotch.
The flap pleat restraint 66 is also preferably located more toward
the mouth 65 of the fold as opposed to the crease 67 of the fold
as shown in Figure 3. The amount of differential extensibility of
the flap will increase as the flap pleat restraint 66 is
positioned close to the mouth 65 of the fold. The flaps 24 can
have two flap pleat restraints 66, one located along (or spaced
some distance away from) the flap transverse centerline TI for
each flap, or they can have a single flap pleat restraint that
spans from one flap to the other. -
The flap pleat restraints 66 shorn in Figure 3A are
"interior' restraints, i.e., they are located in between two
pleated or folded sections 64 of the flaps 24. In alternative
embodiments, the flap pleat restraint 66 can be of a type which
secures the pleated sections 64 of the flaps 24 from outside (or
exterior) of the pleated sections.
The, flap pleat restraint 66 can be of any suitable
construction. Suitable flap pleat restraints 66 include, but are
not limited to adhesives, ultrasonic bonds, heat and/or pressure
bonds, tapes, etc. These different types of flap pleat restraints
can be in an unlimited number of configurations. Such
configurations can include spots, lines, patches, etc.
Figure 3 shows an embodiment of the present invention having
two recessed areas 68, one on each side of the principal
WO 94/27541 PCTIUS94/04927
36 2163195
longitudinal centerline l, and having four zones of differential
extensibility, one in each quarter of the sanitary napkin 20. The
zones of differential extensibility 50 are formed by folding the
flaps 24 to form a pleat and securing each fold of the pleat along
the principal transverse centerline T, using a flap pleat
restraint 66.
Each of the flaps 24 of the sanitary napkin 20 of Figure 3,
is joined along a line of juncture 30 to the retaining member 78.
The retaining member 78 is joined to the sanitary napkin 20 along
lines of connection 72 to form the recessed areas 68. The line of
juncture 30 of the flap 24 is represented by a line of demarcation
between the flaps 24 and the retaining member 78. Although there
-fis'no a precise line of demarcation between the retaining member
78 and the fl ap 24, the 1 ine of juncture 30 for each fl ap 24 i s
located generally between the line of connection 72 of the
retaining member 78 and that portion of the flap 24 which
generally corresponds with the longitudinal edge 22a of the main
body portion 22 when the flap 24 is extended out in an unfolded,
unpleated configuration.
It is not necessary for the flaps 24 to be joined to the
retaining member 78, and it should be understood that the flaps 24
may be joined to the topsheet 40, backsheet 42, or both, or may be
joined to any other element of the sanitary napkin 20. However,
in the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the flaps
24 will be joined to the retaining member 78. In the most
preferred embodiment the flaps 24 will be integral with and
extensions of the retaining member 78.
Referring to Figure 3A and 3B, each flap 24 of this
embodiment has a first portion 95 and a second portion 96. The
first portion 95 comprises a pleat 64 which is secured by flap
pleat restraints 66. The second portion 96 comprises the flap
adhesive 56 and the unitary release material 57.
The first portion 95 of each flap 24 has two fold lines 62
that form the pleat 64. The first fold that forms the pleat 64 is
made inward toward the garment side 20b of the sanitary napkin 20.
The second fold that forms the pleat 64 is also made inward
towards the garment side 20b of the sanitary napkin 20. The fold
r
-- WO 94127541 PCTIUS94I04927
37 2163195
1 i ne 62 that i s cl osest to the proximal edge 32 of the fl ap 24
when the first portion 95 is unfolded, comprises a first
pleat-forming fold line 62'. The fold line 62 that is located
farther away from the proximal edge 32 of the flap 24 when the
first portion 95 is unfolded, comprises a second pleat-forming
fold line 62".
The pleat 64 of the first portion 95 of the flap 24, is
positioned inboard of the longitudinal edge 22a of the main body
portion 22 when the sanitary napkin 20 is looked at from a top
plan view such as in Figure 3. This results in the pleat 64 of
the first portion 95 being positioned in the recessed area 68
between the retaining member 78 and the backsheet 42 of the main
body portion- 22-when--tfie flap-24 is extended as shown in Figure 3A
or when the flap is tucked as shown in Figure 38.
Again referring to Figures 3, 3A, and 3B, the second portion
96 of each flap 24 comprises a flap adhesive 56 and an unitary
release member 57. The flap adhesive 56 is positioned adjacent to
the distal edge 34 of the flap 24 and the unitary release member
57 is positioned adjacent to the first portion 95 of the flap 24,
such that when the second portion 96 is folded along a
longitudinally extending fold line 62, the flap adhesive 56 will
superpose the unitary release member 57 and be removably secured
thereto.
When the flap 24 is tucked into the recessed area 68 as shown
in Figure 38, the second portion 96 rill cooprise two
longitudinally extending fold line 62. The fold line 62 located
closest to the first portion 95 when the second portion is
unfolded, comprises a first tuck-forming fold line 63. The fold
line located farther away from the first portion of the flap 24
when the second portion is unfolded, comprises a second
tuck-forming fold line 63'. The first tuck-forming fold line 63
is formed by folding the flap material of the second portion 96
towards the garment side 42b of the backsheet 42. The second
tuck-forming fold line 63' is formed by folding the flap material
of the second portion 96 toward the garment side 42b of the
backsheet 42 and brings the flap adhesive 56 in face to face
relation with the unitary release member 57 such that the flap
WO 94!27541 PCT/US94/04927
38 2163195
adhesive is removably secured thereto. This results in the second
portion 96 of the flap 24 being configured in an S-fold and being
positioned in the recessed area 68 between the first portion 95 of
the flap 24 and the backsheet 42 of the main body portion 22 with
the distal edge 34 of the flap 24 being positioned at or near the
mouth 76 of the recessed area 68. Preferably, when the flap is
tucked into the recessed area 68 as shown in Figure 3B, the distal
edge 34 of the flap 24 will form a graspable tab member 90 which
can be used to pull the second portion 96 of the flap 24 from the
recessed area 68 and simultaneously peel the flap adhesive 56 from
the unitary release member 57.
A transverse, cross-sectional view of a particular preferred
sanitary napkin embodiment-of-the present invention, is shown in
Figure 4 and 4A. The embodiment shown in Figures 4 and 4A is
similar to the embodiment shown in Figures 3-3B, i.e., the flaps
24 are extensions of the retaining member 78 which is joined to
the backsheet 42 of the main body portion 22 along the lines of
connection 72. However, the flaps 24 are arranged in a different
configuration when they are tucked, as shown in Figure 4A, and
when they are extended, as shown in Figure 4.
Referring to Figure 4, each flap 24 may again be thought of
as having a first portion 95 and a second portion 96. The first
portion 95 of the flap 24 comprises a pleat 64 which is secured by
the flap pleat restraints 66, and comprises an unitary release
member 57 joined to the body-facing side 95b of the first portion
95. The second portion 96 comprises a flap adhesive 56 joined to
the garment-facing side 96b of the second portion 96.
The pleat 64 of the first portion 95 of the flap 24, has two
longitudinally extending fold lines 62. The fold line that is
closest to the proximal edge 32 of the flap 24 when the first
portion 95 is unfolded, comprises a first pleat-forming fold line
62'. The fold line 62 that is located farther away from the
proximal edge 32 of the flap 24 when the first portion 95 is
unfolded, comprises a second pleat-forming fold line 62 " . The
first pleat-forming fold line 62' is formed by folding the flap
material toward the garment-facing side 42b of the backsheet 42.
The second pleat-forming fold line 62 " is also formed by folding
T T
WO 94/27541 PCTIUS94/04927
21 63199 39
the flap material towards the garment-facing side 42b of the
= backsheet 42. The pleat 64 of the first portion 95 1s secured by
flap pleat restraints 66 which are located substantially adjacent
the mouth of each fold. The first portion 95 of the flap 24 also
comprises an unitary release member 57 which is joined to the
garment-facing side 95b of the first portion 95.
The first portion 95 of the flap 24 is positioned outboard of
the longitudinal edge 22a of the main body portion 22 when the
sanitary napkin 20 is looked at from a top plan view. This
results in the first portion 95 being positioned outside of the
recessed area 68 when the flap 24 is extended as shown in Figure
4. The second portion 96 of each flap 24 comprises a flap
adhesive 56. The flap-~adhesive-~6-~s positioned substantially
adjacent to the distal edge 34 of the flap 24 and 1s positioned on
the garment-facing side 96b of the second portion 96.
When the flap 24 is tucked into the recessed area 68 as shown
in Figure 4A, the second portion 96 will be folded along a first
tuck-forming fold line 63 such that the flap adhesive 56 of the
second portion 96 superposes the unitary release member 57 of the
first portion 95. The first portion 95 and the second portion 96
are then folded toward the garment-facing side 42b of the
backsheet 42 to form a second tuck-forming fold line 63' prime.
. As shown in Figure 4A, this results in the body-facing side 95a of
the first portion 95 being in substantially face to~f~ce relation
with the body-facing side 78' of the retaining aember 78, and the
body-facing ~ side ._ 96a of the second portion 96 being in
substantially face to face relation with the garment side 42b of
the backsheet 42. Accordingly, this results in the first portion
95 and second portion 96 of the flap 24, being positioned in the
recessed area 68 between the retaining member 78 and the backsheet
42 of the sanitary napkin 20. Preferably, as shown in Figure 4A,
when the flap 24 is tucked into the recessed area 68, the distal
edge 34 of the flap 24 will form a graspable tap member 90.
WO 9427541 PCTIUS94/04927
21 63195
F. ~anitarv Napkin Having Flaps 4lhich Comprise A
y;t~r~ Release Material And which Are Easily
~rrpssible To The User
As stated herein before, the flaps 24 are preferably provided
with graspable tab portions so that the distal edges 34 of the
flaps 24 are accessible to the user and can be easily drawn out of
the recessed areas. Hovever, because the flap adhesive 56 and the
unitary release material 57 are separated from each other by
pulling upon the distal edge 34 of the flap 24, it is ioportant
for the distal edge 34 of each flap 24 to be accessible to the
user even in embodiments wherein the flaps are not tucked into a
recessed area. Therefore, embodiments of the present invention
which are not provided with recessed areas, will preferably have
flaps which form an included angle A of at least about 1800,
preferably greater than 1800 and core preferably about 2700. In a
particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention the
distal edges 34 of the flaps 24 will be visible to the user when
the sanitary napi~in is viewed frov above.
In a particularly preferred sanitary napkin embodiment of the
present invention wherein recessed areas are not provided, the
flaps 24 will form an included angle 8 relative to a perpendicular
axis of at least about 1800, preferably greater than 1800 and more
preferably about 2700. This will ensure that the flap 24 is
positioned so that the user can easily access and pull upon the
distal edge 34 of the flap 24 to peel the flap adhesive 56 from
the unitary release material 57.
Referring to Figures 8, 9, and 10, it can be seen that each
folded flap 24 forms an included angle 8 relative to the
perpendicular axis 69 or a line parallel to the perpendicular axis
A
WO 94127541 PCT/US94104927
41 2163195
69. A line parallel to the perpendicular axis and used to neasure
the included angle A of the flaps, will be referenced by the
numeral 69'. As used herein, the term 'included angle 8' refers
to the angular deviation between the perpendicular axis 69 and the
distal edge projection 71 of the flap, as seen when the sanitary
napkin is viewed in a cross sectional view taken at about the flap
transverse centerline T1. The phrase 'distal edge projection" (or
simply 'projection") refers to the imaginary continuation of the
flap axis 73 in a straight line through the distal edge 34 of the
flap 24 if such axis were continued at substantially the same
angle present at the distal edge 34 of the flap 24. As used
herein, the term 'distal edge' refers generally to the portion of
the flap which is farthest form the longitudinal centerline L when
the flap 24 is looked at in a cross-sectional view taken at aboufi
the flap transverse centerline T1 with the flap fully extended,
i.e., unfolded. Minor fold, creases, or inconsistencies at the
edge of the flap can be ignored for the purpose of determining the
distal edge 34. As used herein the tens 'flap axis' refers to an
imaginary line generally centered between the body-facing side 24a
and the garment side 24b of the flap 24 when the flap 24 is looked
at in a cross-sectional view taken at about the flap transverse
centerline T1.
As used herein, the teno 'perpendicular axis' refers to an
imaginary line projecting generally through the main body portion
22 and being substantially perpendicular to the principal
longitudinal centerline L and perpendicular to the flap transverse
centerline T1. The absorbent assembly 46 and the flaps 24 are
generally concentric with the perpendicular axis 69 when the
sanitary napkin.20 is viewed in a cross sectional view taking
along the flap transverse centerline T1.
Various included angles 8 are illustrated by the examples
shown in Figures 8, 9, and 10. Referring to Figure 8, there is
shown a partial cross-sectional view of a sanitary napkin 20,
taken at about the flap transverse centerline T1. The flap 24
forms an included angle 8 of about 90 degrees. It can be
recognized that the flap 24 is located under the main body portion
22 when the flap forms an included angle A of 90 degrees, and the
WO 94127541 - PCTlUS94/04927
42
216319.5
distal edge 34 of the flap 24 is generally inaccessible when the
pad adhesive 54 is secured to the crotch portion of a wearer's
panty.
Referring to Figure 9, there is shown a partial
cross-sectional view of a sanitary napkin 20 taken at about the
flap transverse centerline T1. The flap 24 forms an included
angle 8 of about 1800. It can be seen that when the flap forms an
included angle 8 of about 1800, the distal edge 34 of the the flap
24 is accessible to the user. It can also be seen that because
the distal edge 34 of the flap 24 extends outwardly in a lateral
direction beyond the longitudinal edge 22a of the main body
portion 22 and the fold line 62 of the flap 24, the distal edge 34
of the flap 24 will be 'easily accESSiblewto the user even after
the pad adhesive 54 has been secured to the crotch portion of a
wearer's panty.
In a particularly preferred embodiment shown in Figure 10,
the flap will form an included angle 8 of about 2700. In such an
embodiment the flap 24 is easily accessible to the user after the
pad adhesive 54 has been secured to the crotch portion of the
wearer's panty. Preferably, the flap 24 will be secured to the
topsheet 40 by a flap retaining bond 82. The flap retaining bond
82 may comprise adhesive bonding, ultrasonic bonding, or any other
securement or bonding means well known in the art.
In a particularly preferred embodiment of- the present
invention, the distal edges 34 of the flaps will be visible to the
user when the sanitary napkin is viewed from above. An absorbent
article of the present invention is said to be 'viewed from above'
when it is looked at in a direction substantially perpendicular to
the longitudinal centerline L and substantially perpendicular to
the transverse centerline T (i.e., a top plan view) with the
body-facing side facing the viewer. The distal edge 34 of a flap
24 is said to be "visible to the user' when the distal edge 34 of
the flap 24 extends outwardly in a lateral direction beyond the
longitudinal edge 22a of the main body portion 22 and the fold
line 62 of the flap 24.
Figure 11 is a top plan view of a sanitary napkin embodiment
of the present invention with the body-facing side 20a of the
T 1
m W0 94127541 216 3594/04927
43
sanitary napkin 20 facing the viewer. Figure 11A is a partial
cross-sectional view of the sanitary napkin embodiment of Figure
11 taken along section line A-A. The flaps 24 of the sanitary
napkin are folded such that the unitary release material of each
flap 24 superposes and is releasably secured to the flap adhesive
56. The distal edge 34 of each flap 24 extends outwardly in a
lateral direction beyond the longitudinal edge 22a of the vain
body portion 22 and the fold line 62 of the flap 24. Therefore,
the distal edge 34 of the flap 24 is visible to the user when the
sanitary napkin 20 is viewed from above.
Preferably, in addition to the distal edge 34, at least about
1/8 inch to about 1 inch of the flap material adjacent to the
distal edge 34 will also be visible to-the-user when the absorbent
article is viewed from above. More preferably, at least about 1/4 -
inch to about 1/2 inch of the flap material adjacent to the distal
edge 34 will also be visible to the user when the absorbent
article is viewed from above. In a preferred embodio~ent, the
distal edge 34 and about 3/8 inch of the flap material adjacent to
the distal edge 34 will be visible when the absorbent article is
viewed from above.
Figure 11A is a partial cross-sectional view of the sanitary
napkin embodiment of Figure I1 taken along section line A-A.
Figure 11A is also example of a sanitary napkin 20 eiobodioent
having a flap 24 which forms an included angle 8 of about 2700
relative to the perpendicular axis 69 of the main body portion 22.
Although Figures 9 and 10 show preferred embodiments of the
present invention wherein the distal edges 34 of the flaps 24
extend outwardly in a lateral direction beyond the longitudinal
edges 22a of the main body portion 22 and the fold lines 62 of the
flaps 24, it should be understood that a flap 24 having a distal
edge 34 which does not extend outwardly in a lateral direction
beyond the longitudinal edge 22a and the fold line 62, will still
be accessible to the user if the flap 24 forms an included angle 8
of at least about 1800 relative to the perpendicular axis 69.
However, it is preferred that the distal edges 34 of the flaps 24
extend outwardly in a lateral direction beyond the longitudinal
edges 22a of the main body portion 22 and the fold lines 62 of the
WO 94127541 PCT/US94/04927
44
21 G3 ~ 95
flaps 24 so that the distal edges 34 of the flaps 24 are visible
to the user when the sanitary napkin 20 is viewed from above.
In embodiments of the present invention wherein the flaps 24
form an included angle 8 of at least about 180o but the distal
edges 34 of the flaps 24 do not extend outwardly in a lateral
direction beyond the longitudinal edges 22a of the main body
portion 22 and the fold lines 62 of the flaps 24, the distal edge
34 of each flap 24 will, preferably, be disposed less than 1/2
inch from the longitudinal edge 22a of the main body portion 22
and the fold line 62 of the flap 24. More preferably, the distal
edge 34 of each of the flaps 24 will be disposed less than a 1/4
inch from the longitudinal edge 22a and the fold line of the flap
62. In a preferred embodiment,~the distal edge 34 of each of the
flaps 24 will be substantially vertically aligned with the
longitudinal edge 22a of the main body portion 22 or the fold line
62 of the flap 24, whichever is positioned farthest from the
longitudinal centerline L of the sanitary napkin 20.
Although the sanitary napkin embodioents described herein
comprise a flap adhesive 56 and a unitary release material 57
joined to each of the flaps 24, embodiaents wherein the flap
adhesive and the unitary release material have been replaced with
the first and second portions, respectively, of a self-releasable
adhesive patch are also contemplated. The flap adhesive 56 and
the unitary release material 57 may each be referred to herein,
generically, as a 'flap securement member'. As used herein, the
term 'self-releasable adhesive patch' will refer to an adhesive
patch comprising a first portion and a second portion each of
which comprise an adhesive joined to at least a portion thereof
such that the first and second portions can be releasably secured
together.
One example of such a self-releasable adhesive patch is an
adhesive patch wherein the first and second portions each comprise
adhesive zones and release zones arranged such that the adhesive
zones of the first portion can be superposed by and releasably~
secured to the release zones of the second portion, and the
adhesive zones of the second portion can be superposed by and
releasably secured to the release zones of the first portion.
WO 94117541 PCT/US9s/0Q927
21 63195
Another example of a self-releasable adhesive patch is an
adhesive patch wherein the first and second portions each comprise
a layer of adhesive joined thereto vhich is cohesive rith itself,
but is also releasable from itself. An example of a suitable
self-releasable adhesive is Nori/Nori PA40~' available from the
Nitto/Denko Company of Japan. Another example of a suitable
self-releasable adhesive is manufactured by the Fuller Adhesive
Company of 1200 Wolters Blvd., Ifadnais Heights, lfinnesota, SS11Q
and is available under the name Release Free Adhesive*
Thus, the present invention provides a sanitary napkin having
flaps with a flap adhesive and a unitary release oaterial vhich
overlies the flap adhesive wrhen the flap is folded along a fold
line.
I~hile particular embodiments of the present invention hive
been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those
skilled in the art that various other changes and aodifications
can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention.
* Trade-mark
