Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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INDIVIDUAL PACKAGES FOR ABSORBENT ARTICLES
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins,
panty
liners, and adult incontinence pads. More particularly, the present invention
relates to
individual packages for absorbent articles of the foregoing type, including
absorbent
articles which have side wrapping elements that fold around or wrap the sides
of a
wearer's undergarments.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, and incontinence
pads
are devices that are typically worn in the crotch region of an undergarment.
These devices
are designed to absorb and retain liquid and other discharges from the human
body and to
prevent body and clothing soiling. Sanitary napkins are a type of absorbent
article worn
by women in a pair of panties that is normally positioned between the wearer's
legs,
adjacent to the perineal area of the body.
While there are a great many variations on the specific structural features of
absorbent articles, they are frequently presented to the consumer in the same
manner.
Essentially, the absorbent article, irrespective of what specific structural
features are used,
is packaged in a box or bag from which the consumer withdraws the ready-to-use
articles
as needed. Typically, the absorbent article comprises a fastener, such as a
pressure-
sensitive adhesive fastener on the garment-facing side of the absorbent
article, for
fastening the absorbent article to the wearer's undergarments. The adhesive
fastener must
be provided with a releasable cover strip for preventing the adhesive from
sticking to
surfaces other than the wearer's undergarments prior to use.
In addition, if the consumer needs only one article for later use, the
consumer must
take precautions to protect the article from soiling or contamination from the
time it is
removed from the box or bag until the article is used. This is a particular
problem with
respect to catamenial pads. For example, if a woman wishes to carry a
catamenial pad
with her for use away from home, she would have to take precautions to ensure
the pad
was not damaged or soiled when carried in her purse or pocket.
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The protection of individual absorbent articles has been addressed in the
prior art.
Bandages, for example, are commonly packaged individually and sold to the
consumer in
some sort of container which holds a convenient number of the individually
packaged
articles. Catamenial pads have likewise been individually packaged and sold to
the
consumer in a container holding a convenient number of the individually
packaged
articles. U.S. Patent 2,750,033 entitled "Napkin Packaging" which issued to
J.B. Pickens
on June 12, 1956 and U.S. Patent 3,973,567 entitled "Wrapped Sanitary Napkins"
which
issued to S.S. Srinivasan et al. on August 10, 1976 disclose examples of
individually
packaged sanitary napkins. Although these wrappers protect the enclosed
sanitary napkin,
they require a quantity of wrapper material which is sufficient to cover the
entire surface
area of both surfaces of the sanitary napkin.
Other attempts at protecting individual absorbent articles have reduced the
quantity of wrapper material required for the protection of each absorbent
article.
Notably, U.S. Patent 4,556,146 entitled "Individually Packaged Disposable
Absorbent
Article" which issued to Swanson et al. on December 3, 1985 and U.S. Patent
5,088,993
entitled "Sanitary Napkin with Individual Self Wrapping Means" which issued to
Gaur on
February 18, 1992 discloses examples of individually packaged catamenial pads
which
require wrapping material sufficient to cover only one major surface (i.e.,
either the body
facing side or the garment facing side) of the sanitary napkin to allow
protection for the
sanitary napkin in a folded position.
The types of packages described above, however, are not ideally suitable for
use
with absorbent articles such as compound sanitary napkins, that have regions
with
relatively large caliper portions along their longitudinal centerline and
relatively small
caliper portions on their longitudinal side edges. Compound sanitary napkins
are
described in commonly assigned U.S. Patent No. 4,425,130 issued to DesMarais
on
January 10, 1984, and in Statutory Invention Registration H 1614 entitled
"Body Fitting
Compound Sanitary Napkin," published in the name of Mayer, et al. on November
5,
1996. The compound sanitary napkin of DesMarais comprises a primary menstrual
pad (a
primary absorbent component) and a panty protector joined to one another at
their
corresponding ends in such a manner that the two constituents are free to move
relative to
one another along essentially their entire common length.
The packages described above are not ideal for use with absorbent articles
such as
compound sanitary napkins because when such articles are tri-folded, the
folding of the
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large caliper primary absorbent component will triple the thickness of the
absorbent
article along the longitudinal centerline while the thickness of the folded
longitudinal side
edges of the product will only increase slightly. These publications, also, do
not disclose
arrangements for packaging absorbent articles having flaps or other side
wrapping
elements.
Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide releasable
cover
arrangements for absorbent articles such as compound sanitary napkins that
have regions
with large caliper portions.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an individual package
for
such an absorbent article.
It is still another object to provide compact packaging that does not unduly
compress and maintains the caliper of such an absorbent article when removed
from the
package.
It is still another object of the present invention to avoid the formation of
wrinkles
or crease lines in the absorbent article during packaging.
These and other objects 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 PRESENT INVENTION
The present invention is directed to individual packages for absorbent
articles such
as sanitary napkins, panty liners, and adult incontinence pads.
The individually packaged absorbent article comprises an absorbent article and
a
wrapper. The absorbent article has a body-facing side and a garment-facing
side, and an
adhesive fastener on its garment-facing side. The absorbent article preferably
comprises a
primary absorbent component that forms at least a portion of the body-facing
side of the
absorbent article. The primary absorbent component has a longitudinal axis, a
width, and
a pair of longitudinal side edges. The primary absorbent component is joined
to a base
pad. In one preferred embodiment, the base pad is wider than the primary
absorbent
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component ~o that the base pad has portions that extend laterally outward
beyond each of -
the longitudinal side edges of the primary absorbent component. These portions
form
extensions of the base pad.
The wrapper for packaging the absorbent article comprises a flexible sheet.
The
extensions of the base pad are wrapped around the primary absorbent component
relative
to the longitudinal axis of the primary absorbent component. The extensions of
the base
pad can be wrapped in the same direction around the longitudinal axis of the
primary
absorbent component, or they can wrap around the primary absorbent component
in
opposite directions. When the extensions of the base pad are wrapped around
the primary
absorbent component, the wrapper forms a package, preferably a tubular package
for the
absorbent article.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and
distinctly claiming the subject matter which is regarded as forming the
present invention,
it is believed that the present invention will be better understood from the
following
description which is taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in
which Iike
reference numbers identify identical elements and wherein:
Fig. 1 is a top plan view of a preferred compound sanitary napkin.
Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the sanitary napkin shown in Fig. 1, taken
along
line 2-2.
Fig. 3 is a bottom plan view of the sanitary napkin shown in Fig. 1.
Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the sanitary napkin of Fig. 1 shown with
side
wrapping elements wrapped in an oppositely rotating direction around the
longitudinal
axis of the primary absorbent component.
Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the sanitary napkin
shown with side wrapping elements wrapped in the same rotating direction
around the
longitudinal axis of the primary absorbent component.
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Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the preferred sanitary napkin within the
packaging.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
1. General Characteristics
The present invention is directed to individual packages for absorbent
articles such
as sanitary napkins, panty liners, interlabial devices, and adult incontinence
pads. The
individual package is preferably used for packaging an absorbent article that
has at least
one relatively large caliper portion and other relatively smaller caliper
portions. In one
preferred embodiment, the wrapper forming the individual package for the
absorbent
article comprises a flexible sheet that is used to form a tubular package for
the absorbent
article.
FIGS. 1-3 show one preferred embodiment of a sanitary napkin 20 that can be
packaged in the individual package of the present invention. As shown in FIGS.
1-3, the
sanitary napkin is in the form of a compound sanitary napkin. As shown in FIG.
1, the
sanitary napkin 20 basically comprises a main body portion 22 and two side
extensions or
side wrapping elements 24. The main body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin 20
comprises
a primary absorbent member (or "primary absorbent component" or "core tube")
40 and a
secondary absorbent member (or "secondary absorbent component" or "base pad")
60 that
are joined together by union means 70. The compound sanitary napkin 20 has two
surfaces, a body-contacting or body-facing surface 20A, and a garment-facing
or garment-
contacting surface 20B. The primary absorbent member 40 and secondary
absorbent
member 60 also each have corresponding body-facing and garment-facing
surfaces.
The compound sanitary napkin 20 has two centerlines, a longitudinal centerline
L
and a transverse centerline T. The term "longitudinal," as used herein, refers
to a line, axis
or direction in the plane of the compound sanitary napkin 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 compound sanitary napkin is worn. The terms
"transverse" or "lateral," as used herein, are interchangeable, and refer, to
a line, axis, or
direction which lies within the plane of the sanitary napkin that is generally
perpendicular
to the longitudinal direction.
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FIG. 1 shows that the main body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin 20 comprises
the
portion of the sanitary napkin without the side wrapping elements 24. The main
body
portion 22 has two spaced apart longitudinal edges 26, two spaced apart
transverse or end
edges {or "ends") 28, which together form the periphery 30 of the main body
portion 22 of
the sanitary napkin 20. The main body portion 22 also has two end regions,
which are
designated first end region 32 and second end region 34. A central region 36
is disposed
between the end regions 32 and 34. The end regions 32 and 34 extend outwardly
from the
edges of the central region 36 about 1/8 to about 1/3 of the length of the
main body
portion. A more detailed description of the central region and two end regions
for a
sanitary napkin is contained in U.S. Patent 4,690,680 issued to Higgins on
September 1,
1987. The main body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin 20 is preferably
hourglass shaped
or dog bone shaped so that the main body portion 22 is narrower in width when
measured
across the central region 36 than at its end regions 32 and 34.
The embodiment of the sanitary napkin 20 shown in FIGS. 1-3 of the drawings
comprises a relatively thick, but compressible and conformable, primary
absorbent
member 40 disposed on top of a relatively thin secondary absorbent member 60.
The
sanitary napkin 20 shown in FIG. 1 can be of any suitable size. Preferably,
the
embodiment of the sanitary napkin 20 shown in the drawings is relatively large
in size so
that it is able to cover the maximum area of the wearer's panties to reduce or
eliminate
soiling of the same by the wearer's bodily fluids, particularly for night time
usage. It
should be understood that the sanitary napkin shown is merely one preferred
embodiment,
and that the present invention is not limited to use with absorbent articles
of the type or
having the specific configurations shown in the drawings.
2. Individual Components of the Absorbent Article.
FIG. 2 shows the individual components of the main body portion 22 of the
sanitary napkin 20. The main body portion 22 of the compound sanitary napkin
shown in
the drawings, as discussed above, basically comprises a primary absorbent
member 40
and a secondary absorbent member 60.
A. The Primary Absorbent Member.
1. General Characteristics.
The primary absorbent member {or "primary absorbent component") 40 is the
portion of the compound sanitary napkin 20 that is intended to absorb the bulk
of bodily
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fluids discharged by the user. The primary absorbent member 40 has side edges
44 and
- end edges 46 which together form the periphery 48 of the primary absorbent
member 40.
The primary absorbent member 40 comprises an absorbent structure, such as
absorbent
core 50, and an outer cover 52 superimposed on the absorbent core 50. (As used
herein,
the term "superimposed" means adjacent or juxtaposed, but not necessarily in
contact
with or joined to.) As shown in FIG. 2, the primary absorbent member 40 has a
longitudinal axis, a vertical centerline V, a base B and an apex A vertically
opposed to the
base B. As used herein, the term "base" refers to that portion of the primary
absorbent
member 40 which is juxtaposed with the body-facing surface 60A of the
secondary
absorbent member 60.
The primary absorbent member 40 may be provided in a variety of suitable
shapes. The shape of the primary absorbent member 40 will often be dictated by
the shape
of the absorbent core 50 (described below). Suitable shapes for the primary
absorbent
member 40 are cylindrical, rectangular, oval and trapezoidal. In the preferred
embodiment
shown in the drawings, the primary absorbent member 40 is generally
cylindrical with an
oval cross-section.
The primary absorbent member 40 is preferably roughly centered along the
longitudinal and transverse centerlines L and T of the sanitary napkin 20. At
least a
portion of the base B of the primary absorbent member 40 is preferably joined
with, or in
face-to-face contact with the body facing surface 60A of the secondary
absorbent member
60. (As used herein, the term "joined" encompasses configurations whereby an
element is
directly secured to another element by affixing the element to the other
element;
configurations whereby an element is indirectly secured to another element by
affixing
the element to an intermediate member or members which in turn are affixed to
the other
element; and configurations in which one element is integral with another
element, i.e.,
one element is essentially part of the other element.}
The primary absorbent member 40 can be of any suitable size. In the preferred
embodiment shown, the primary absorbent member 40 and the secondary absorbent
member 60 are of the same length. However, it is quite possible for the
primary absorbent
member 40 to be shorter than the secondary absorbent member 60 and still
function
effectively. Thus, the length of the primary absorbent member 40 can range up
to the
lengths described herein for the secondary absorbent member 60. In
conventionally sized
embodiments, such as those intended for day time use, the primary absorbent
member 40
is preferably from about 2 to 35 cm long, more preferably from about 10 to 35
cm long,
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8
and most preferably from about 20 to 35 cm long. A particularly preferred
primary
absorbent member 40 for use in such a day time embodiment has a length of
about 17 to
20 cm. The primary absorbent member 40 is preferably from about 0.5 to 5 cm
wide at its
base B, more preferably from about 0.5 to 4 cm wide, and most preferably from
about 0.5
to 3 cm wide.
2. The Outer Cover.
The outer cover 52 comprises a component, at least a portion of which is
liquid
pervious to permit liquids to readily penetrate through its thickness. When
the sanitary
napkin 20 is in use, the outer cover 52 is in close proximity to the skin of
the user. The
outer cover 52 is preferably as compliant, soft feeling, and non-irritating to
the user's skin
as possible. The outer cover 52 should further exhibit good strikethrough and
a reduced
tendency to rewet, permitting bodily discharges to rapidly penetrate it and
flow toward the
core 50, but not allowing such discharges to flow back through the outer cover
52 to the
skin of the wearer.
A suitable outer cover 52 may be manufactured from a wide range of materials
such as woven and nonwoven materials; polymeric materials such as apertured
formed
thermoplastic films, apertured plastic films, and hydroformed thermoplastic
films; porous
foams; reticulated foams; reticulated thermoplastic films; and thermoplastic
scrims.
Suitable woven and nonwoven materials can be comprised of natural fibers
(e.g., wood or
cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (e.g., polymeric fibers such as polyester,
polypropylene, or
polyethylene fibers); or from a combination of natural and synthetic fibers.
The outer
cover 52 may be a unitary member or it may be comprised of two or more
elements
joined together to form the outer cover 52. Further, any portion of the
materials
comprising the outer cover 52 may be coated, laminated, treated or otherwise
manipulated
to impart or enhance any desired characteristics such as strength,
flexibility, or liquid
perviousness of the outer cover.
A preferred outer cover 52 comprises an apertured formed film. Apertured
formed
films are preferred for the outer cover 52 because they are generally pervious
to body
exudates and if properly apertured, will reduce the likelihood of liquids
passing back
through the film and rewetting the wearer's skin. Accordingly, the surface of
the formed
film which is in contact with the body remains dry, thereby reducing body
soiling and
creating a more comfortable feel for the wearer. Further, if desired, formed
films can be
easily manufactured with non-apertured portions or regions that provide liquid
impervious
areas that prevent any liquids from passing therethrough. Suitable formed
films are
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described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,929,135, issued to Thompson on December 30, 1975;
U.S.
Pat. No. 4,324,246, issued to Mullane, et al. on April 13, 1982; U.S. Pat. No.
4,342,314,
issued to Radel, et al. on August 3, 1982; U.S. Pat. No. 4,463,045, issued to
Ahr, et al. on
July 31, 1984; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,006,394, issued to Baird on April 9, 1991.
One
especially preferred outer cover 52 for the primary absorbent member 40
comprises a
formed film described in one or more of the above patents and marketed on
sanitary
napkins by The Procter & Gamble Company of Cincinnati, Ohio as the "DRI-WEAVE"
topsheet.
In a preferred embodiment, the body-facing surface of at least a portion of
the
outer cover 52 is made hydrophilic to help transfer exudates through the outer
cover 52
more easily than if the body-facing surface was not hydrophilic. This
diminishes the
likelihood that body exudates will flow off the outer cover 52 rather than
flowing into and
being absorbed by the absorbent core 50. The body-facing surface of the outer
cover 52
can be made hydrophilic by treating it with a surfactant. In a preferred
embodiment,
surfactant is incorporated into the polymeric materials of the formed film
such as is
described in such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,950,264 issued to Osborn on
August 21,
1990.
The primary absorbent member 40 may comprise a wrapping for the absorbent
core 50, such as acquisition layer 58 shown in F1G. 2. The acquisition layer
58 may be a
separate component positioned between the outer cover 52 and the absorbent
core 50, or it
may be an integral part of a composite outer cover. The acquisition layer 58
may serve
several functions including improving wicking of exudates over and into the
absorbent
core 50 andlor containing absorbent material in the absorbent core 50. By
improving the
wicking of exudates, the acquisition layer 58 provides a more even
distribution of the
exudates throughout the absorbent core 50. The acquisition layer 58 may be
comprised of
a variety of materials including tissues and nonwoven or woven webs of
synthetic fibers
including polyester, polypropylene, or polyethylene; natural fibers including
cotton or
cellulose; blends of such fibers; or any equivalent materials or combinations
of materials.
Examples of sanitary napkins having an acquisition layer are more fully
described in U.S.
Pat. No. 4,950,264 issued to Osborn and U.S. Pat. Application Serial No.
07/944,764,
"Absorbent Article Having Fused Layers," filed October 7, 1992 in the name of
Cree, et
al. (PCT Publication No. WO 93/11725, published June 23, 1993). In preferred
embodiments, the acquisition layer 58 may be joined to the outer cover 52.
These
components can be joined by any of the conventional means for joining webs
together,
including, but not limited to joining the outer cover 52 to the acquisition
layer 58 with
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adhesives such as by spray-gluing, by applying lines or spots of adhesives
between the
outer cover 52 and the acquisition layer 58, by wrapping the outer cover 52
about the
acquisition layer 58, by fusing the outer cover 52 to the acquisition layer 58
with a
plurality of discrete individual fusion bonds, or by any other means known in
the art.
Referring now to FIG. 2, it can be seen that outer cover 52 completely wraps
the
absorbent core 50 of the primary absorbent member 40. In other embodiments,
the outer
cover 52 need not completely encircle the absorbent core 50. In such
embodiments, the
outer cover 52 may substantially encircle the absorbent core 50. {As used
herein, the term
"substantially encircle" means that the outer cover overlays more than half of
the
absorbent core, and more preferably most of the absorbent core.) In the
embodiments
where the outer cover 52 does not completely encircle the absorbent core 50, a
channel or
liquid passageway may be formed between the primary absorbent member 40 and
the
secondary member 60. The channel can provide a passageway for any liquids not
retained
by the primary absorbent member 40 to pass through to the secondary absorbent
member
60 so that they may be absorbed and contained therein.
3. The Absorbent Core.
The absorbent core (or absorbent component) 50 used in the sanitary napkin 20
shown in the drawings acquires, absorbs, and contains body exudates. The
absorbent core
50 also preferably maintains the shape of the primary absorbent member 40 so
that the
primary absorbent member 40 conforms to the shape of the wearer's body. Thus,
the
absorbent core 50 is preferably capable of absorbing and containing body
exudates, and is
compressible, conformable, resilient, and non-irritating to the wearer's skin.
The total absorbent capacity of the absorbent core 50 should be compatible
with
the intended exudate loading for the primary absorbent member 40. The primary
absorbent member 40 preferably has a capacity equal to, and more preferably,
greater than
at least the lower end of the range of capacities of the sanitary napkins
described in U.S.
Patents 4,950,264 and 5,009,653 issued to Osborn. The primary absorbent member
40
may, for example, have a total capacity of between about 20 - 60 grams of
sterile saline
measured according to the procedure set out in U.S. Patent 5,009,653 issued to
Osborn.
Further, the absorbent capacity of the absorbent core 50 may be varied to
accommodate
wearers ranging in the expected amount of exudate fluid volume. For instance,
a different
absorbent capacity may be utilized for sanitary napkins intended for day time
use as
compared with those intended for night time use, or for sanitary napkins
intended for use
by teenage females as compared with those intended by more mature women.
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The materials selected for use as the absorbent core 50 are preferably
compliant,
soft, comfortable, compressible, and resilient to enhance body fit and comfort
of the
primary absorbent member 40. Preferably, the absorbent core 50 is compressible
so that
the primary absorbent member 40 will deform under relatively small forces
exerted by the
external female genitalia that are experienced during normal use. In addition
to being
compressible, the materials comprising the absorbent core 50 are preferably
conformable
so that the primary absorbent member 40 is able to provide improved fit into
and around
the wearer's labia and perineum. It is also important that the primary
absorbent member
40 be sufficiently resilient such that when subjected to normal wearing forces
it does not
permanently collapse. The absorbent core 50 provides the primary absorbent
member 40
with the desired resilient characteristics so that the primary absorbent
member 40
conforms to the contours of the body to provide intimate contact with the
exposed
genitalia of the female user. Intimate contact with the exposed female
genitalia helps
provide better transfer of liquid exudates from the user into the primary
absorbent
member 40 without allowing such liquids to bypass and/or run-off the primary
absorbent
member 40. While the resilient characteristics of the absorbent core 50 allow
for
improved fit, they must be balanced against the need for the product to be
both soft and
comfortable for the wearer.
The absorbent core SO may comprise any material which is capable of absorbing
or retaining liquids (e.g., menses and/or urine). The absorbent core 50 may be
manufactured from a wide variety of liquid-absorbing materials commonly used
in
sanitary napkins and other absorbent articles such as comminuted wood pulp
which is
generally referred to as airfelt. Examples of other suitable absorbent
materials include
creped cellulose wadding; meltblown polymers including coform; chemically
stiffened,
modified or cross-linked cellolosic fibers; synthetic fibers such as crimped
polyester
fibers; peat moss; tissue including tissue wraps and tissue laminates;
absorbent foams;
absorbent sponges; superabsorbent polymers; absorbent gelling materials; or
any
equivalent material or combinations of materials, or mixtures of these. The
configuration
and construction of the absorbent core may also be varied. (i.e., the
absorbent core may
have varying caliper zones (e.g., profiled so as to be thicker in the center),
hydrophilic
gradients, superabsorbent gradients, or lower density and lower average basis
weight
acquisition zones; or may comprise one or more layers or structures). It
should be
understood, however that for the purposes of the individual package described
herein, the
material comprising the absorbent core is not critical.
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In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the absorbent core 50 comprises an
absorbent foam material. The absorbent foam material used in the absorbent
core 50 can
be made from the material described in the U.S. Patent Application Serial No.
081542,497, "Foams Made From High Internal Phase Emulsions Useful as Absorbent
Members For Catamenial Pads" filed in the names of John C. Dyer, et al., on
October 13,
1995. Preferably, the foam material has been chopped into small pieces for
ease of
processing.
B. The Secondary Absorbent Member.
The second main component of the compound sanitary napkin embodiment shown
in FIGS. 1 - 3, is the secondary absorbent member 60. The secondary absorbent
member
60 primarily functions to protect the user's garments from soiling by absorbed
fluids
which may be expelled from the primary absorbent member 40 or which may
inadvertently bypass the primary absorbent member 40. Thus, the secondary
absorbent
member 60 generally performs a different function from that of the primary
absorbent
member 40 and is preferably somewhat thinner and less bulky than the primary
absorbent
member 40.
The secondary absorbent member 60 can be of any suitable plan view shape and
size. For instance, the plan view shape of the secondary absorbent member 60
can include
but is not limited to generally rectangular, oval, hourglass, dog-bone,
asymmetric and
other shapes that are known in the art. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3,
the
secondary absorbent member 60 is preferably generally hourglass-shaped. The
width of
the secondary absorbent member 60 is preferably at least 1.5 times the width
of the
primary absorbent member 40. More preferably, the width of the secondary
absorbent
member 60 is at least 2 times the width of said primary absorbent member 40.
Most
preferably, the width of the secondary absorbent member 60 is in the range
from about 3
to about 8 times the width of the primary absorbent member 40. Since the base
pad 60 is
wider than the primary absorbent component 40, the base pad 60 has portions
that extend
laterally outward beyond each of the longitudinal side edges 44 of the primary
absorbent
component 40 to form extensions 38 of the base pad 60. The side wrappings
elements 24
preferably extend laterally outward from the longitudinal side edges of the
extensions of
the base pad 60.
The secondary absorbent member 60 can be of a variety of thicknesses. In the
embodiment shown, the secondary absorbent member 60 is preferably very thin
and
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flexible or "ultra thin." The secondary absorbent member 60 preferably has a
caliper of
less than about 3.0 millimeters, more preferably less than about 2.6
millimeters, even
more preferably less than about 2.2 millimeters, and most preferably less than
about 2.0
millimeters. Examples of sanitary napkins that could serve as the secondary
absorbent
member 60 are described in U.S. Patents 4,950,254 and 5,009,653 issued to
Osborn.
The secondary absorbent member 60, however, in an alternative embodiment may
have significantly less absorbent capacity than the primary absorbent member
40. For
example, the secondary absorbent member 60 may have a total capacity of
between about
- I 5 grams of bodily exudates. Preferably, the ratio of the total capacity of
the primary
absorbent member 40 to the total capacity of the secondary absorbent member 60
is
between about 1:1 and about 10:1, and more preferably, is about 5:1.
The secondary absorbent member 60 preferably comprises at least two
components. They comprise an absorbent element 62 and a liquid impervious
backsheet
66 joined to the absorbent element 62. The absorbent element 62 may form the
body
contacting surface 60A of the secondary absorbent member 60. In other
preferred
embodiments, the secondary absorbent member 60 may comprise a liquid
impervious
backsheet 66, a liquid pervious topsheet 64 joined to the backsheet 66, and
the absorbent
element 62 may be positioned between the topsheet 64 and the backsheet 66. In
yet other
embodiments, the secondary absorbent member 60 may comprise an acquisition
layer 68
in addition to or in place of the topsheet 64. These components of the
secondary absorbent
member 60 will now be examined in greater detail.
The topsheet 64 can be any liquid pervious material commonly used in sanitary
napkins, disposable diapers, and the like. The topsheet 64 can be any of the
materials
described above as being useful in the outer cover 52 of the primary absorbent
member
40, including, but not limited to nonwovens and apertured formed films.
The acquisition layer 68 of the secondary absorbent member 60 may comprise any
of the materials described above with regard to the acquisition layer 58 of
the primary
absorbent member 40. In preferred embodiments, the secondary absorbent member
60
comprises an acquisition layer 68 disposed between the topsheet 64 and the
absorbent
element 62. However, embodiments are contemplated wherein the acquisition
layer 68
replaces the topsheet 64, the absorbent element 62 or both. In such
embodiments, the
acquisition layer 68 provides any absorption characteristics desired in the
secondary
absorbent member 60.
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14
The absorbent element b2 may be manufactured from a wide variety of liquid
absorbent materials commonly used in disposable sanitary napkins, and other
disposable
absorbent articles. Examples of suitable absorbent materials include
comminuted wood
pulp, which is generally referred to as airfelt; creped cellulose wadding,
modified
cross-linked cellulose fibers such as those described in U.S. Patent No.
5,217,445 issued
to Young, et al. on June 8, 1993; capillary channel fibers (fibers having
infra-fiber
capillary channels such as those described in U.S. Patent No. 5,200,248 issued
to
Thompson, et al. on April 6, 1993); absorbent foams such as those described in
U.S.
Patent No. 5,260,345, issued to DesMarais, et al. on November 9, 1993; U.S.
Patent No.
5,268,244 issued to DesMarais, et al. on December 7, 1993; U.S. Patent No.
5,331,015
issued to DesMarais et al., on July 19, 1994; and U.S. Patent No. 5,387,207
issued to
Dyer et al., on February 7, 1995); thermally bonded airlaid materials such as
those
material described in U.S. Patent No. 5,607,414, entitled "Catamenial
Absorbent
Structures Having Thermally Bonded Layers For Improved Handling of Menstrual
Fluids
and Their Use In Catamenial Pads Having Improved Fit and Comfort" issued to
Richards,
et aI. on March 4, 1996; polyurethane foams, absorbent foams, absorbent
sponges;
synthetic staple fibers; polymeric f hers; hydrogel-forming polymer gelling
agents
("absorbent gelling materials"); peat moss, or any equivalent materials or
combinations of
materials. In addition, since the absorbent capacity requirements of the
secondary
absorbent member 60 may be relatively low, the absorbent element 62 may
comprise any
of the materials described above as being useful in the acquisition layers 58
and 68. For
this, paper tissue (either single or multiple plies) is also suitable for use
in the absorbent
element 62.
In one preferred embodiment, the absorbent element 62 is formed of from about
1
to about 5 plies of paper tissue. Paper tissue comprising one or more plies
having a basis
weight of from about 24 to about 48 grams per square meter and an apparent
density of
from about 0.10 to about 0.12 grams per cubic centimeter as made by the
process
described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,301,746 issued to Sanford, et al. on Jan. 31,
1967, has been
found to be quite satisfactory for use as the absorbent element 62. Paper
tissue made by
the process described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,994,771 issued to Morgan, et al. on
Nov. 30,
1976, can also be used to good advantage as the absorbent element 62. Wet
strength
resins and latex binders can be, and preferably are, used to provide
additional strength to
the paper tissue used in the absorbent element 62.
The backsheet 66 of the secondary absorbent member 60 is preferably impervious
to liquids (e.g., menses and/or urine) and is preferably manufactured from a
thin plastic
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WO 99/03436 PCT/US98I14882
film, although other flexible liquid impervious materials may also be used. As
used
herein, the term "flexible" refers to materials which are compliant and will
readily
conform to the general shape and contours of the human body. In use, the
backsheet 66 is
interposed between the absorbent element 62 and the user's undergarments. The
function
of the backsheet 66 is to prevent exudates which may be expelled from or which
inadvertently bypass the absorbent core 50 and exudates absorbed and contained
in the
absorbent element 62 from contacting and soiling the user's undergarments.
The backsheet 66 may comprise a woven or nonwoven material, polymeric films
such as thermoplastic films of polyethylene or polypropylene, or composite
materials
such as a film-coated nonwoven material. Preferably, the backsheet is a
polyethylene film
having a thickness of from about 0.012 mm (0.5 mil) to about 0.01 S mm (2.0
mil).
Exemplary polyethylene films are manufactured by Clopay Corporation of
Cincinnati,
Ohio under the designation P18-0401 and microflex 1401. The backsheet is
preferably
embossed and/or matte finished to provide a more cloth like appearance.
Further, the
backsheet may permit vapors to escape from the absorbent element 62 (i.e.,
breathable)
while still preventing exudates from passing through the backsheet.
The topsheet 64, the backsheet 66, and the absorbent element 62 may be
assembled
in a variety of configurations known in the art (including so called
"sandwich" products
and "tube" products). Several preferred configurations and features that the
secondary
absorbent member 60, or overall sanitary napkin can be provided with are
described
generally in the following patents: U.S. Patent 4,321,924, "Bordered
Disposable
Absorbent Article" issued to Ahr on March 30, 1982; U.S. Patent 4,425,130
issued to
DesMarais on January 10, 1984; U.S. Patents 4,950,264 and 5,009,653, both
entitled
"Thin, Flexible Sanitary Napkin" issued to Osborn on August 21, 1990 and April
23,
1991, respectively; and U.S. Patents 5,234,422 and 5,308,346 issued to
Sneller, et al.
The components of the secondary absorbent member 60, as shown in FIGS. 1 - 3,
are preferably assembled in a sandwich construction in which the topsheet 64
and the
backsheet 66 have dimensions that are generally larger than those of the
absorbent
element 62. The topsheet 64 is joined to the acquisition layer 68. The
topsheet 64 is
joined to the backsheet 66 in the region of the sanitary napkin that lies
outboard of the
absorbent element 62. Preferably, the topsheet 64 is joined to these
components by a core
bonding adhesive that is applied in a spiral pattern. The absorbent element 62
is
preferably joined to the backsheet 66. Preferably, the absorbent element 62
and the
backsheet 66 are joined using a core integrity adhesive applied in a plurality
of strips of
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16
adhesive, each of which comprises spirals of adhesive. Exemplary means for
joining these
components of the secondary absorbent member 60 comprises several lines of
adhesive
filaments swirled into a spiral pattern such as illustrated by the apparatus
and method
shown in U.S. Patent 3,911,173 issued to Sprague, Jr. on October 7, 1975; U.S.
Patent
4,785,996 issued to Ziecker, et al. on November 22, 1978; and U.S. Patent
4,842,666
issued to Werenicz on June 27, 1989. The core integrity adhesive can be
applied over the
entire garment facing side of the secondary absorbent, over the whole product
width
(including the extensions of the backsheet that will lie beyond the edges of
the absorbent
element 62) or any portion thereof. Preferably, the core integrity adhesive is
applied to the
entire interface between the garment facing side of the topsheet 64 and the
backsheet 68.
To form the compound sanitary napkin shown in the drawings, the primary
absorbent member 40 and the secondary absorbent member 60 are joined by union
means
generally indicated as 70 in FIGS. 1 and 2. The precise nature of the union
means is
immaterial so long as the union means selected serves to join the primary
absorbent
member 40 and the secondary absorbent member 60 into the compound sanitary
napkin
20 shown in the drawing with sufficient tenacity that the primary absorbent
member 40
and the secondary absorbent member 60 are not disconnected during use. Union
means
such as adhesive attachment with well-known hot melt and pressure sensitive
adhesives
are quite satisfactory. If the nature of the components selected to construct
the
constituents of the compound sanitary napkin 20 so permit, heat welding,
ultrasonic
welding, dynamic mechanical bonds or a combination of any of the above-
mentioned
means can be used.
The sanitary napkin 20 shown in FIGS. 1-3 preferably also comprises a pair of
side
extensions (or "side wrapping elements") 24 for folding around the side edges
of the
wearer's panties (or other undergarment). As shown in FIG. 1, the main body
portion 22 is
narrower in width measured across its central region 36 than at its end
regions 32 and 34.
The side wrapping elements 24 extend from at least the central region 36 of
the main
body portion 22.
The side wrapping elements 24 each have a proximal edge 74 and a distal edge
76.
The side wrapping elements 24 are joined to the main body portion 22 at their
proximal
edges 74. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the proximal edges 74 of
the side
wrapping elements 24 are preferably concave (relative to the distal edges 76).
The distal
edges 76 of the side wrapping elements 24 are preferably approximately
parallel to the
longitudinal centerline L.
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17
The side wrapping elements 24 of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3 are
preferably integral with the main body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin. In
such a case,
the topsheet 64 of the secondary absorbent member 60 may form a portion of the
side
wrapping elements 24 and the backsheet 66 may also form a portion thereof. For
example,
the topsheet 64 may form the body-facing surface of both the side wrapping
elements 24
and the main body portion 22, and the backsheet 66 may form the garment-facing
surface
of the same. In alternative embodiments, the side wrapping elements 24 may be
comprised of separate pieces of material or elements which are attached to the
main body
portion 22. When the side wrapping elements 24 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.
The side wrapping elements 24, whether they are integral with the main body
portion or separate elements attached thereto, are each associated with main
body portion
22 along a juncture. The juncture is typically a longitudinally oriented (or
"longitudinal")
juncture, such as line of juncture 78. As used herein, the terms "juncture"
(or "line of
juncture") refer to regions where the side wrapping elements 24 extend from or
are joined
to the main body portion 22. The junctures 78 can be any of various curved or
straight
lines, but they are not limited to lines. Thus, the junctures can comprise
regions, flanges,
strips, intermittent lines, and the like. In the sanitary napkin 20
illustrated in FIG. l, line
of juncture 78 is a generally longitudinally oriented region that is concave
relative to the
distal edges 76 of the side wrapping elements. When the side wrapping elements
24 are
integral with the main body portion 22, the lines of juncture 78 may represent
lines of
demarcation between the main body portion 22 and the side wrapping elements
24,
although it is not necessary that there be a precise line of demarcation.
As shown in Figure 1, each side wrapping element 24 is divided into a front
half 80, and a back half 82 by a side wrapping element transverse centerline
T1. The side
wrapping element transverse centerline T1 may coincide with the principal
transverse
centerline T of the sanitary napkin, but this is not absolutely required. In
other
embodiments where the main body portion 22 is not symmetrical along its
length, the side
wrapping elements 24 may be located more toward one end of the main body
portion, and
. the side wrapping element transverse centerline T 1 may, thus, be offset
either to the front
or to the rear of the principal transverse centerline T.
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18
The side wrapping elements 24 are provided with weakened regions 84 that are
more flexible than the adjacent regions 86 of the side wrapping elements. The
weakened
regions 84 are located so that on each side wrapping element 24, at least one
weakened
region, or portion thereof, lies on each side of the side wrapping element
transverse
centerline Tl and are at least partially disposed longitudinally away from the
flap
transverse centerline TI in both directions. In the most preferred case, the
weakened
regions 84 are located along a portion of the fold line where the side
wrapping elements
24 are folded around the wearer's panty crotch. In this preferred case, the
weakened
regions 84 may be located on or near the transverse centerline TI. The fold
line will
typically be located along or adjacent the longitudinal juncture 78 of each
side wrapping
element 24. Since the terms "portions," "zones," and "regions," as used
herein, refer to
general areas, the weakened regions 84 are, thus, not limited to points which
lie precisely
on the line of juncture 78. Typically, they will include both those points
which lie on the
lines of juncture 78 as well as the surrounding areas of the sanitary napkin
20 which
include the aforementioned fold lines. The longitudinal junctures, thus, may
merely serve
as approximations for the location of the weakened regions 84.
The weakened regions 84 are preferably also extensible. The weakened regions
84
may, thus, be thought of as comprising zones of differential extensibility (or
"zones of
extensibility"). The term "zones of differential extensibility," as used
herein, refers to a
portion of the side wrapping element 24 which is capable of extending a
differing amount
(preferably a greater amount), than adjacent regions 86 of the side wrapping
element 24.
The extensibility of the weakened regions 84 relieves the stresses which
develop in the
side wrapping elements 24 when they are folded around the sides of the
wearer's panty
crotch.
The weakened regions 84 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, are extensible in a
direction between the longitudinal and transverse directions. In other
embodiments, the
extensibility of the weakened regions 84 can be oriented entirely in the
transverse
direction, more in the transverse direction than in the longitudinal
direction, more in the
longitudinal direction than the transverse direction, or entirely in the
longitudinal
direction. The side wrapping elements 24 may be provided with other optional
weakened
regions such as those shown along the transverse centerline T in FIG. 1.
The weakened regions 84 can comprise any structure that is more flexible and
extensible than the adjacent regions 86 of the side wrapping elements 24.
Suitable
structures for the weakened regions 84 include, but are not limited to zones
of material
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WO 99/03436 PCT/US98/14882
19
that are mechanically strained, corrugated, "ring rolled" (the term "ring
rolled" refers to a
straining and/or activation achieved by feeding a material through
intermeshing
corrugated rolls), folded, formed into a Structural Elastic-Like Film (or
"SELFed"
structure) as described in U.S. Patent 5;518,801 entitled "Web Materials
Exhibiting
Elastic-Like Behavior," issued to Chappell, et aI. on May 21, 1996, and in
U.S. Patent
Application Serial No. 08/124,180 filed by Mansfield, et al. (PCT Publication
No. WO
94/ 10200).
The sanitary napkin 20 shown in FIGS. 1-3 has side wrapping elements 24 that
have been provided with weakened regions 84 by ring rolling the desired
regions of the
side wrapping elements 24. The weakened regions 84 are ring rolled in
accordance with
methods described in U.S. Patent 4,107,364 issued to Sisson on August 15,
1978, U.S.
Patent 5,143,679 issued to Gerald M. Weber, et al. on September 1, 1992, U.S.
Patent
5,156,793 issued to Kenneth B. Buell, et al. on October 20, 1992, and U.S.
Patent
5,167,897 issued to Gerald M. Weber, et aI. on December 1, 1992. The ring
rolling (also
known as "pre-corrugating") forms corrugations in the weakened regions 84. The
corrugations comprise ridges and valleys that are defined by fold lines 88.
The fold lines
88 may form any angle desired relative to the principal longitudinal
centerline L. In the
preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, the fold lines 88 form an angle of
between
about 40° - 80° with the principal longitudinal centerline L.
This will provide the desired
direction of extensibility.
The sanitary napkin 20 preferably also has fasteners that are adapted to
secure the
sanitary napkin 20 to the crotch region of an undergarment. FIGS. 2 and 3 show
one
preferred type of fastener, in the form of an adhesive attachment means, such
as central
pad adhesive 94 and side wrapping element adhesive 96. The fasteners used with
the
sanitary napkin shown in the drawings are, however, not limited to adhesive
attachment
means. Any type of fastener used in the art can be used for such purpose. For
example,
the sanitary napkin 20 could be secured to the wearer's undergarment by
frictional
fasteners, mechanical fasteners, or a combination of any of the foregoing
types of
fasteners. For simplicity, however, the fasteners will be described in terms
of adhesive
attachment means and are preferably pressure sensitive adhesive fasteners.
Suitable
pressure sensitive adhesive fasteners are described in greater detail in U.S.
Patent
4,917,697.
The adhesive fasteners 94 and 96 can be arranged in any suitable
configuration.
FIG. 3 shows one possible panty fastener pattern. The panty fastener pattern
shown in
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FIG. 3 comprises a pair of longitudinally oriented central pad fasteners 94
that lie on
opposite sides of the principal longitudinal centerline L. The longitudinally
oriented
central pad fasteners 94 shown in FIG. 3 preferably extend substantially the
entire length
of the absorbent element 62 of the secondary absorbent member 60. The
longitudinally
oriented central pad fasteners 94 preferably each have an inside edge 94A
which is
generally linear. The inside edges 94A of the longitudinally oriented
fasteners 94 are
preferably spaced away from each other and from the principal longitudinal
centerline L
of the sanitary napkin 20. This allows a longitudinally oriented central
region of the
sanitary napkin 20 (that does not have a fastener thereon) to move apart from
the wearer's
panties and move into close contact with the wearer's body. The longitudinally
oriented
central pad fasteners 94 preferably have outside edges 94B and ends 94C that
are shaped
similarly to the outer edges of the absorbent element 62 of the secondary
absorbent
member 60. This provides a central pad fastener 94 that is generally hourglass
shaped
with a longitudinally oriented gap in the center. In addition to the
longitudinally oriented
central pad fasteners 94, the sanitary napkin 20 preferably has two side
wrapping element
fasteners 96 on each side wrapping element 24 one of which lies on each side
of the side
wrapping element transverse centerline T. It is to be understood that this is
only one
possible fastener configuration, and that many other configurations are
possible.
The adhesive attachment means, such as the central pad adhesive 94 and the
side
wrapping element adhesive fasteners 96, may each be covered by separate
removable
release liners to keep the adhesives from sticking to extraneous surfaces
prior to use. A
suitable release liner that can be used for the side wrapping element
fasteners 96 is
described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 08/247,912 filed May 23, 1994,
entitled
"Absorbent Article Having Flaps With Unitary Release Strip" in the name of
Osborn,
which was originally filed June 5, 1990 (PCT Publication No. WO 91118574,
published
December 12, 1991 ). As FIGS. 4 and S show, in this embodiment, the central
pad
adhesive 94 and the side wrapping element adhesive fasteners 96 are covered by
a unitary
releasable liner 110.
FIGS. 4 and 5 show two possible ways of covering the adhesive fasteners on the
garment facing side of the sanitary napkin. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4,
the side
wrapping elements 24 are wrapped in an oppositely rotating direction around
the primary
absorbent component 40. The side wrapping elements 24 are preferably wrapped
about
1/4 to 3/4 of a revolution, relative to the longitudinal axis, LA, of the
primary absorbent
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21
component 40, and more preferably about 2/3 of a revolution. In this
embodiment, the
central pad adhesive fasteners 94 and at least one side wrapping element
adhesive fastener
96 are releasably attached to the inwardly oriented face 114 of the unitary
release liner
110. FIG. 4 shows one of the longitudinal side edges 112 of the unitary
release liner 110
can be folded back onto itself so that the outwardly oriented face 116 of the
unitary
release liner 110 is releasably attached toat least one side wrapping element
adhesive
fastener 96. The unitary release liner 110 is positioned in such a way as to
provide a
unitary covering for the adhesive fasteners 94 and 96.
The embodiment in FIG. 5 shows the side wrapping elements 24 are wrapped in
the same rotating direction around the primary absorbent component 40 relative
to the
longitudinal axis of the primary absorbent component 40 preferably about I/4
to 3/4 of a
revolution, and more preferably 2/3 of a revolution. In this embodiment, the
adhesive
fasteners 94 and 96 that are positioned on one side of the sanitary napkin 20
relative to the
longitudinal axis of the primary absorbent component 40 are attached to the
outwardly
oriented face 116 of the unitary releasable liner 110. (The description of the
adhesive
fasteners being on one side of the sanitary napkin refers to when the side
wrapping
elements are extended outward to the sides of the sanitary napkin prior to
wrapping the
same.) The adhesive fasteners on the opposite side of the sanitary napkin 20
relative to
the longitudinal axis of the primary absorbent component 40 are attached to
the same
unitary release liner 110 on the liner's inwardly oriented face 114 while the
side wrapping
elements 24 are wrapped in the same rotating direction around the primary
absorbent
component 40 relative to the longitudinal axis, Lp, of the primary absorbent
component
40. The unitary release liner 110 is positioned in such a way as to provide a
unitary
covering for the adhesive fasteners 94 and 96.
In alternative embodiments, the sanitary napkin 20 need not have side wrapping
elements 24. For example, the sanitary napkin can be provided in the
configuration of any
of those sanitary napkins described in Statutory Invention Registration H1614
entitled
"Body Fitting Compound Sanitary Napkin," published in the name of Mayer, et
al. on
November S, 1996. A suitable individually packaged article of the present
invention
without side wrapping elements can be accomplished by wrapping the extensions
38 of
the secondary absorbent member in either the same or oppositely rotating
direction in the
manner described herein, and providing a unitary covering for the adhesive
fasteners
therein.
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22
FIG. 6 shows an absorbent article packaged in a cover arrangement (also
referred
to as a "releasable wrapper") 120 wherein the sanitary napkin can be suitably
wrapped as
described in the embodiments of FIGS. 4 and 5 to form a tubular package 130.
The
releasable wrapper 120 may be made of one or more sheets of material. The
wrapper 120
may comprise a two component arrangement comprising the wrapper 120 that is
combined with the unitary releasable liner 110 as described herein by
attaching the
releasable liner 110 to the releasable wrapper 120 with an adhesive means. In
alternative
embodiments, the releasable wrapper 120 may comprise a single sheet that both
covers
the adhesive fasteners 94 and 96 and provides an individual package for the
sanitary
napkin 20.
In the particular embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the releasable wrapper 120 has a
pair of end edges (or "ends") 122 which extend beyond the end edges 28 of the
sanitary
napkin 20. The releasable wrapper 120 also has a pair of longitudinal side
margins 126.
The side wrapping elements 24 are wrapped in an oppositely rotating direction
around the
primary absorbent component and the adhesive fasteners in the sanitary napkin
are
covered with a unitary release liner. The sanitary napkin with release liner
thereon is
placed in the releasable wrapper 120. The releasable wrapper 120 is wrapped
around the
folded sanitary napkin to form tubular package. One of the longitudinal side
margins 126
of the releasable wrapper is folded back onto itself to form a narrow strip
132. The
longitudinal seam 128 is formed by superimposing the longitudinal side margin
126 of
the wrapper 120 onto the narrow strip 132 and sealing using an adhesive. The
end edges
122 are preferably frangibIy sealed together to close off the ends of the
package. Suitable
methods for frangibly sealing the end edges 122 of a package are described in
U.S. Patent
4,556,146 issued to Swanson, et al., U.S. Patent 5,181,610 issued to Quick,
and U.S.
Patent 5,462,166 issued to Minton, et al. In alternate embodiments, suitable
for use with
either folded configuration of FIGS. 4 or 5, the releasable wrapper 120 could
be omitted,
and the unitary release liner 110 could be made of sufficient size that it
overlaps itself and
extends beyond the end edges 28 of the sanitary napkin and is sealed as
described above
to serve as a releasable wrapper for the sanitary napkin.
The sanitary napkin 20 is removed for use by peeling open the longitudinal
seam
128. Pulling the narrow strip 132 breaks the frangible seals 134 along the end
edges 122
and opens the longitudinal seam 128. In a preferred embodiment, the narrow
strip has
resealable qualities that is provided by an adhesive means that has releasable
and
resealable qualities, which will allow the user to use the cover arrangement
120 for
disposal of a soiled sanitary napkin by rewrapping the sanitary napkin in the
cover
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WO 99/03436 PCT/US98I14882
23
arrangement and resealing the package with the narrow strip. Suitable methods
for
providing a disposal means is described in U.S Statutory Invention
Registration H1363
issued to Leeker on October 4, 1994.
The releasable wrapper or cover arrangement 120 may be made from
thermoplastic films, preferably water impervious, and may be coated to
facilitate easy and
convenient manipulation from adhesive fasteners. These and other properties of
a suitable
releasable wrapper are described in U.S. Patent 5,484,636 issued to Berg, et
al. and U.S.
Patent 5,462,166 issued to Minton, et al.
In other alternative embodiments, the sanitary napkin 20 need not be in the
form
of a compound sanitary napkin. For example, a sanitary napkin can be provided
in the
configuration of any of those sanitary napkins described in allowed U.S.
Patent
Application Serial No. 08/563,879, filed November 21, 1995 (PCT International
Publication No. WO 94/16658, entitled "Generally Thin, Flexible Sanitary
Napkin With
Central Absorbent Hump," published in the name of Osborn, et al. on August 4,
1994). In
other alternative embodiments, the sanitary napkin can be provided in the
configuration of
the sanitary napkin described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No.
08/531,533, entitled
"Absorbent Article With Clean Appearance and Capacity Signal Means" filed
September
21, 1995, in the name of Hammons, et al. (P&G Case 5823} with the foam
described
herein in the center region of the sanitary napkin. Thus, the present
invention can
copmprise a package for any variety of types of absorbent articles having a
raised portion
along its longitudinal centerline, and portions that lie laterally outboard of
the raised
portion which are wrapped around the raised portion for packaging.
In other alternative embodiments, rather than having the side wrapping
elements
24 described herein, the sanitary napkin 20 may have flaps which extend
laterally from
the side edges of the main body portion 22. Patents describing flaps suitable
or adaptable
for use with the secondary absorbent member 60 of the sanitary napkin 20 shown
in the
drawings include U.S. Pat. No. 4,687,478 issued to Van Tilburg on Aug. 18,
1987; U.S.
Pat. No. 4,589,876 issued to Van Tilburg on May 20, 1986; and U.S. Patent No.
5,389,094 issued to Lavash, et al. on February 14, 1995.
Optionally, the secondary absorbent member 60 may comprise components that
naturally wrap the sides of a wearer's panties. A sanitary napkin having
components that
naturally wrap the sides of a wearer's panties suitable for use with the
secondary
absorbent member of the compound sanitary napkin 20 shown in the drawings are
disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,584,829, entitled "Absorbent Article having
Panty
CA 02296404 2000-O1-14
WO 99/03436 PCT/US98/14882
24
Covering Components that Naturally Wrap the Sides of Panties", issued to
Lavash, et al
on December 17, 1996 and U.S. Patent No. 5,558,663 entitled "Absorbent
Articles
Having Undergarment Covering Components with Zones of Extensibility", issued
to
Weinberger, et al on September 24, 1996.
The disclosures of all patents, patent applications (and any patents which
issue thereon, as well as any corresponding published foreign patent
applications), and
publications mentioned throughout this description are hereby incorporated by
reference
herein. It is expressly not admitted, however, that any of the documents
incorporated by
reference herein teach or disclose the present invention.
While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated
and
described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other
changes and
modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention.
