CA2298108C - Absorbent article having flaps with gathered portions - Google Patents
Absorbent article having flaps with gathered portions Download PDFInfo
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- CA2298108C CA2298108C CA002298108A CA2298108A CA2298108C CA 2298108 C CA2298108 C CA 2298108C CA 002298108 A CA002298108 A CA 002298108A CA 2298108 A CA2298108 A CA 2298108A CA 2298108 C CA2298108 C CA 2298108C
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- flaps
- sanitary napkin
- body portion
- main body
- flap
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Abstract
Absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, adult incontinence devices, and the like which have side flaps are disclosed.
The absorbent articles having side flaps are provided with gathered portions that can expand to relieve stresses on the flaps when the flaps are wrapped around the curved side edges of a wearer's undergarment. A
releasable wrapper is also disclosed which covers adhesive fasteners on the garment-facing side of said absorbent article and provides an individual package for the sanitary napkin.
The absorbent articles having side flaps are provided with gathered portions that can expand to relieve stresses on the flaps when the flaps are wrapped around the curved side edges of a wearer's undergarment. A
releasable wrapper is also disclosed which covers adhesive fasteners on the garment-facing side of said absorbent article and provides an individual package for the sanitary napkin.
Description
ABSORBENT ARTICLE HAVING FLAPS
WITH GATHERED ppRTIONS
The present invention relates to absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, adult incontinence devican, and the like which have side flaps.
Morc particularly, the prexnt invention concerns absorbent articles having side flaps that are provided with gathered portions that can expand to provide improved fit and coverage of the weards undergarment when the flaps are wrapped around the side edges of a weareiJ's undergarzna~t.
All manner snd variety of absorbent articles configured for the absorption of body fluids such as menses, urine, and feces are, of course, well known.
Absortxnt articles, partiarlarly sanitary napkins, haring wings or Saps are disclosed in the literature and are available in the marketplace.
Gsr~eraUy, the flaps exttnd laterally from a caitral absorbent mans and are i~avded to be folded around the edges of the wearers panties in the crotch region.
Thus, the Saps are dispoxd between the edges of the wearers panties in the crotch region and the vveuer's thighs. Commonly, the flaps are provided with an attachment means for affixing the flaps to the underside of the wearer's panties.
The flaps serve at least two purposes. First, the flaps prevent exudates which otherwix would soil the edges of the wearers panties from doing such. Second, the Saps help stabilize the napkin from shifting out of place, especisljy when the gaps are aced to the underside of the panties.
Sanitary napkins having flaps of the various types are disclosed in U.S.
Patent 4,687,478, entitled "Shaped Sanitary Napkin With Flaps", which issued to Van T'~burg on August 18, 1987, U.S. Patent 4,608,047, entitled "Sanitary Napkin Attachment Means", which issued to Mattingiy on August 26, 1986, U.S. Patent 4,589,876, entitled "Sanitary Napkin", which issued to Van Tilburg on May Z0, 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.
While sanitary napkins having flaps are commonly viewed as providing better protection against soiling as compared to sanitary napkins without flaps, the flapped napkins commonly experience problems that keep them from being optimally effective. These problems generally result from the stresses exerted on the flaps when the sanitary napkins are worn.
When the flaps are folded down along the edga of the wearer's panties, stresses are created in the flaps, particularly when the $sps are relatively large in size.
The stresses are especially high along the fold line at the edges of the wearels panties where the flaps arc bent from the body side of the panty to the underside of the panty. These stresses are caused by fitting a flap around the curved edges of a panty crotch. The stresses are magnified when a wearer sits or crouches because the edges of the panties are pulled outward against the flaps thus uuxeasing the forces against this fold line. When the strasGS become too high, the Saps may become detached from the patsy and some portion of the aforementioned benefits of the flaps may be lost. In addition, even if the stresses arc not cuff dent to detach the flaps, they may still be sufficient to cause the flaps to bunch longitudinally inward. This effectively reduces the size of the flaps and the area of the wearers undergarments that the flaps ate able to cover. Thus, there is a commercial need for a way of eliminating or at tart reducing the stresses that develop in the flaps when folded, so as to prevent them from becoming detached from the wearer's panties and losing ability to cover a given arcs of the panties.
A number of variations on the types of flaps described above have been presented in an attempt to solve these problems. A sanitary napkin having flaps with stress relief means in the form of a notch or a slit is described in U.S.
Patent 4,917,697 which issued to Osborn, III, et al. on April 17, 1990. Absorbent articles having flaps and zones of differential extensibility for relieving the stresses which develop in the flaps are disclosed in U.S. Patent 5,344,416 issued to Nuhara on September 6, 1994, and U.S. Patent 5,354,400 issued to Lavash, et al. on October w0 96i'.3469 PC'ffC596~OW:
WITH GATHERED ppRTIONS
The present invention relates to absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, adult incontinence devican, and the like which have side flaps.
Morc particularly, the prexnt invention concerns absorbent articles having side flaps that are provided with gathered portions that can expand to provide improved fit and coverage of the weards undergarment when the flaps are wrapped around the side edges of a weareiJ's undergarzna~t.
All manner snd variety of absorbent articles configured for the absorption of body fluids such as menses, urine, and feces are, of course, well known.
Absortxnt articles, partiarlarly sanitary napkins, haring wings or Saps are disclosed in the literature and are available in the marketplace.
Gsr~eraUy, the flaps exttnd laterally from a caitral absorbent mans and are i~avded to be folded around the edges of the wearers panties in the crotch region.
Thus, the Saps are dispoxd between the edges of the wearers panties in the crotch region and the vveuer's thighs. Commonly, the flaps are provided with an attachment means for affixing the flaps to the underside of the wearer's panties.
The flaps serve at least two purposes. First, the flaps prevent exudates which otherwix would soil the edges of the wearers panties from doing such. Second, the Saps help stabilize the napkin from shifting out of place, especisljy when the gaps are aced to the underside of the panties.
Sanitary napkins having flaps of the various types are disclosed in U.S.
Patent 4,687,478, entitled "Shaped Sanitary Napkin With Flaps", which issued to Van T'~burg on August 18, 1987, U.S. Patent 4,608,047, entitled "Sanitary Napkin Attachment Means", which issued to Mattingiy on August 26, 1986, U.S. Patent 4,589,876, entitled "Sanitary Napkin", which issued to Van Tilburg on May Z0, 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.
While sanitary napkins having flaps are commonly viewed as providing better protection against soiling as compared to sanitary napkins without flaps, the flapped napkins commonly experience problems that keep them from being optimally effective. These problems generally result from the stresses exerted on the flaps when the sanitary napkins are worn.
When the flaps are folded down along the edga of the wearer's panties, stresses are created in the flaps, particularly when the $sps are relatively large in size.
The stresses are especially high along the fold line at the edges of the wearels panties where the flaps arc bent from the body side of the panty to the underside of the panty. These stresses are caused by fitting a flap around the curved edges of a panty crotch. The stresses are magnified when a wearer sits or crouches because the edges of the panties are pulled outward against the flaps thus uuxeasing the forces against this fold line. When the strasGS become too high, the Saps may become detached from the patsy and some portion of the aforementioned benefits of the flaps may be lost. In addition, even if the stresses arc not cuff dent to detach the flaps, they may still be sufficient to cause the flaps to bunch longitudinally inward. This effectively reduces the size of the flaps and the area of the wearers undergarments that the flaps ate able to cover. Thus, there is a commercial need for a way of eliminating or at tart reducing the stresses that develop in the flaps when folded, so as to prevent them from becoming detached from the wearer's panties and losing ability to cover a given arcs of the panties.
A number of variations on the types of flaps described above have been presented in an attempt to solve these problems. A sanitary napkin having flaps with stress relief means in the form of a notch or a slit is described in U.S.
Patent 4,917,697 which issued to Osborn, III, et al. on April 17, 1990. Absorbent articles having flaps and zones of differential extensibility for relieving the stresses which develop in the flaps are disclosed in U.S. Patent 5,344,416 issued to Nuhara on September 6, 1994, and U.S. Patent 5,354,400 issued to Lavash, et al. on October w0 96i'.3469 PC'ffC596~OW:
1-1, 1994. Although these sanitary napkins work quite well, the search for sanitary napkins having improved flaps hu continued.
Therefore, it is an object of an aspect of the present invention to provide an absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin, having flaps that provides the absorbent article with further improved means 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 another object of an aspect of the present invention to provide such an absorbent article with flaps that do not lose their ability to cover a given area of the wearer's undergarments during wear.
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.
The present invamon is dareaed to an absorber: artide, such as a sassitary napian, having 8sps that are prohded with gsthaed portions that an ocpand to rdirve the that develop is the 8sps when the Saps are folded down wound the edges of the cotch of the w~nre:'s unde:ganteerts.
The abamide oomprisa s maia body portioa having two spsad apart ioagtardioal edges and twro spaced apart transverse edge, and a pair of Saps uaodsted witti said tiuia body portioa, oae ea~die~ la~tQavy outward beyond each Io1 edge of the ma'a body portion. The tnaia body portion comprises a ~d pQViow top:hea, a iaquid impa~ious bsckshedto the topshat, and an absorbent coca positioned batvv~een the topshea and the b~ackshea. The main body portioa has s fast end rcgior~ a second end region, and a ~tral region disposed between the 5tst and second end regions. The absorbent article has a principal longatdinal ~a~e and a pcinaipal tran:vcse c~i~e. The Saps have a pr~al edge, a distal edge, and a Sap traa:vene centaiine that intersects the prindpai loagi~aal ansaiine of the absorbent article.
The sbsorbeat article is provided with a gsthaed portion positioned between the pritKipal longitudinal caualine artd the distil edge of the Saps. A
restraint.
which extatds along at lean part of the cawal region of the main body portion, restrains portions of the gathered portion from unfolding while allowing the ends of the gathered portion to unfold at locations disposed longitudinally away from said flap transverse centerline. In particularly preferred embodiments, the sanitary napkin also comprises one or more zones of differential extensibility. The zones of differential extensibility comprise material that has a greater range of extensibility outward than the points on the flaps that are located along the flap transverse centerline.
The zones of differential extensibility are preferably disposed laterally outward from the gathered portions and longitudinally away from the flap transverse centerline.
A novel releasable wrapper is also provided for enclosing and protecting the sanitary napkin prior to use.
In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a releasable wrapper for a sanitary napkin, which sanitary napkin has a main body portion having a pair of longitudinal side edges, the main body portion comprising a liquid pervious body-facing side, a liquid impervious garment-facing side, an absorbent core position between the body-facing side and the garment facing side, and an adhesive fastener on the garment-facing side of the main body portion, the sanitary napkin further comprising a pair of side flaps joined to the main body portion and extending laterally outward beyond the longitudinal side edges of the main body portion, the side flaps each having an adhesive fastener on their garment facing side, the releasable wrapper comprising:
a main wrapping sheet having an inside surface, an outside surface, and a releasable material on the inside surface for releasably securing the main wrapping sheet to the adhesive fastener on the garment-facing side of the main body portion;
and at least one flap release element having an inside surface, an outside surface, and a releasable material on the inside surface for releasably securing the flap release element to one of the adhesive fasteners on the sanitary napkin side flaps, the flap release element being pivotably joined to the main wrapping sheet so that the side flap with the flap release element releasably attached thereto may be folded over the body-facing side of the sanitary napkin while the main wrapping sheet is in a substantially planar configuration.
4a 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 invention will be better understood from the following description which is taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
Fig. 1 is a top plan view of a preferred sanitary napkin of the present invention.
Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 of Fig. 1 through the portions of the flaps which can expand when the sanitary napkin is wrapped around the edge of a wearer's panty.
Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of Fig. 1 which passes through the flip transverse centerline.
Fig. 3A is a perspective view of one particularly preferred releasable wrapper prior to the placement of the same on the sanitary napkin.
Fig. 3B is an end view of the sanitary napkin shown in Figs 1-3, which shows the folding of one of the flaps of the sanitary napkin into position before enclosing the same within the particularly preferred type of releasable wrapper.
Fig. 4 is a bottom plan view of the sanitary napkin shown in Fig. 1, with the releasable wrapper removed.
'8V0 96123469 PCT/US96/00472 Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the sanitary napkin shown in Figs. 1, 2, 3, and 4 in an in-use configuration.
DETAILED DE~CI~IpTION OF THE 1N~~E ;~Or1 FIGS. 1-3 show one preferred embodiment of a disposable absorbent article of the present invention, sanitary napkin, 20. As shown in Figure 1, the sanitary napkin 20 basically comprises a main body portion 22 and two flaps 24. (In the discussion that follows, unless otherwise noted, the sanitary napkin described herein will have two flaps. While it is not ne~sary 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 (and the main body portion thereof) has two surfaces, a liquid pervious body-contacting au6ce or "body s<rrface" 20A thst is intended to be worn adjacent to the body of the wearer and a liquid impervious gannait s<uface 20B. The sanitary napkin 20 is shown in FIG. 1 as viewod from its body surface 20A. The sanitary napkin 20 has two centerlines, s 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 g~~ ~>~ ~ (~~8-. aPPro~ely paraDel to) a ver'cical plane which bisects a standing wears into left and right body halves when the sanitary napkin 20 is worn.
Tire tams "transverse" or "lateral" used herein, are interchangeable, and refer to a lice, axis or direction which 4es within the plane of the sanitary napkin 20 that is ga~aalty perpendiculu to the longitudinal direction.
FIG. 1 shows that the main body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin 20 comprises the portion of the sanitary napkin without the Saps 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 of the sanitary napkin 20. The main body portion 22 also has two end regions, which are designated first end rtgion 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 detailed description of a sanitary WO 96lZ3i69 PCTIZ;596~OO.t'~
napkin having such a central region 36 and the rwo end regions 32 and 34 ~s contained in U.S. Patent 4,690,680 issued to Higgins on September 1, 1987.
The main body portion of the sanitary napkin 20 can be of any thickness, including relatively thid~ rdativdy thin, or even very thin. The embodiment of the sanitary napkin 20 shown in Figures 1-3 of the drawings is intended to be an example of a moderately thiclc sanitary napkin having a main body portion simile to that dacnbed in U.S. Patents 5.234,422 and 5,308,346 issued to Sndla, et al.
It should be understood thst the sanitary napkin shown is mcdy one pcefrrred embodiment, and that the praau invattion is not limited to absorbent uncles of the type or having the specific con5gurations shoam in the drawings. For example, the ausin body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin as alto be embossed with such as thox desatbed is the SneUa patents.
FIG. 2 the individual contpoeamts of the main body portion 22 of the y napiaa 20 of the pracat it~on. The maim body portaoa Z2 8a~a~aliy coatprisa at least three primaryr coe~oneau. Tlrae mchrde s liquid pervious top~ea 38, a frquid impervious 40, and as ab~ocbent core 42 poaaiooed bavveai the top:heet 38 and the bsclohea 40. Suitable msta~als for tbex components of the pry napioe 20 m dac~tbed err g~w detail in the pate~a pubiicanioe~ ~ Tire tapahea, the badnheet, sad the abeocbant cae may be auembled in a vuiay of configurations lmown is the art ('mchrd~ so aged 'sandwich' prod<rw and 'tube' p~roduets).
S~recal p~5wred saedtaty napkin ~figsuatior~ are described gmaaliy is U.S.
Patent 4,3I1,9?r4, 'Honder~ed Disposable Abaorb~a>< Article' isnred to Ahr on March 30; 19=2; U.S. Patent 4,4?.f,130, 'Compound Sarntary Napkin' isared to De:Marais net Js~r 10, 1984; U.S. Pataus 4,950,264 and 5,009,653, both ~d 'Thin, F7~oble Sarotny Napidn' isaied to Osborn on August 21, 1990 sad Apn'1 Z3, 1991 rape~ivdy; the aforementioned patent app~atioot iswred to Snella, et aL;
Canadian application 2140767 filed February 22, 1993, ~rc-r Pubu~ion rro. wo 9orozo96, published Fehruir5r 3, 1994); and Canadian application 2170492 filed October 12, 1994.
wo 96 x.3~169 PCT~TS96~OO.i'.
The main body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin may also be comprised of one or more extensible components such as thox sanitary napkins, and the like described in Canadian a~nlication 2192199 f i led July 2 3 , 19 9 2 , (PCT fubhcation Nos. WO 93/01785 and 93/01786, both pub4shed February 4, 1993 , The sanitary napkin 20, as shown in FIG. 2, is ssxmbled in a sandwich conscuction in which the topsheet 38 and the backshea 40 have length and width dima~ions ga~aliy large: than those of the ab~cb~ core 42. The top:heet 38 and the bscksheet 44 extend beyond the edgy of the absocban core 42 and arc joined together along a seam to form at least portions of the periphery 30 of the main body portion. The seam an be formed by any aims ply used in the art for this purpose, such as gluing, aimpirtg, or fusiag. It a to be understood thu the embodiment illustrated is only one pou~bie embodin~at, albeit a preferred one.
Other possible anbodiments ~e one in which as absor~t core 44 is nsq:t~iy campltsdy wrapped with topsbea before it is placed on a badcshee:. The maia body portion 2Z caa also wise an absorbatt core which ponasa su~dmt iateg:ity to stand alone and is Gquid pwious on oae strr6x wh0e the other stu5ae has been traced to rends it liquid itetpavious.
The santnry naplaa 20 of the praerrt invention cxxnpri:a a pair of Saps 24 joined to the main body portion Z'1. The gaps Z4 esund tom their proximal edges 44 lnaagy outerard beyond the longitudinal side edgy 26 of the main body portion a to their duta! edges 46. '/he term ~joioed~, as used herder, ancontpasses ~usatioos in which an dement is ~recdy warred to another danatt by ~g tb. de~c dareatr to the «~er d~ ~m w~ the den>ent is m,~t,xtlyr seaaod to the other danmt by aging the dement to intamediue m~be(s) wl~ in turn are axed to the otlKr dema~ and configuruions in which one dement is integral writh another dement, i.e., one dm>mt is part of the other dement.
'The Saps 24 of the one preferred anboditmrt shown in Fgures 1-3 are integral with the maim body portion 22 of the sanitary ruplon. Ia such a tax, the topsheet 38 may form the body-5cing of both the Saps Z4 and the main body porooa 22, and the baclcshea 40 may form the 8artnast~~'8 ~ of the same.
It is posa'ble for the sb:orbent material of the s:nitary napidn 20 to extend into the Saps 24 to form a gap absorbent core, as described in gr~ata desyl in U.S.
Puent 4,917,697 (although the embodiment shown in Figs. 1-3 does not utilize such a construction). In alternative embodiments, the flaps 24 may be comprised of separate pieces of material or elements which are attached to the main body portion 22. When the flaps comprix xparate elements, they can be joined to the main body portion 22 by any techniques known to thox skilled in the art. Such techniques include, but are not limited to adhesives, heat and/or pressure, ultrasonics, etc.
The flaps 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. This is typically a longitudinally-oriented (or "longitudinal") juncture, such as line of juncture 48. As uxd herein, the terms "juncture" (or "line of juncture") refer to regions where the flaps 24 extend from or are joined to the main body portion 22. The junctures can be arty of various curved or straight tines, but they are not limited to lines. Thus, the juncaues cut comprix regions, flanges, strips, intermittent lines, and the like. In the sanitary napkin 20 illustrated in Figure 1, lime of juncture 48 is a generally longitudinally oriented region that can range from being relatively straight to slightly concave. When the flaps 24 are integral with the main body portion 22, the lines of junctiue 30 may represent lines of derturcation bdwaxt the main body portion 22 and the flaps 24, although it is not necessary that there be a precise line of demarcation. Thus, it is also possible to either consider the line designated 48' in 1 ig. 1 as a line of juncarre stn which csse the flaps 24 arc indirectly joined to the main body portion through folded regions 50), or for the line of juncture to be considered to be located betwxn lines 48 and 48'.
It is also not necessary that the flaps 24 extend from (or be joined along) the longitudinal edges 26 of the main body portion 22. The flaps 24 race, for instance, be joined to the maim body portion 22 arty distance inward (or "inboard") from the longitudinal edges 26 toward the principal longitudinal centerline L. From the foregoing, it is apparent that the Saps 24 can each be joined to the main body portion 22 along the longitudinal edges 26 of the main body portion 22, or along the principal longitudinal centerline L, or at arty place betvvxrt the principal longitudinal centerline L and the longitudinal edges 26 of the main body portion 22.
The flaps 24 have a proximal edge 44 at or adjacent the line of juncture 48. A
distal edge (or "free end") 46 is remote from the tine of juncture 48. As shown in Figure 1, each flap 24 is divided into a front half 50, and a back half 52 by a flap transverse centerline T 1. The flap transverx centerline T 1 may coincide with the principal transverse centerline T of the sanitary napkin, but this is not absolutely required. In other embodiments, the flap transverse centerline T 1 may be offset either to the front or to the rear of the principal transverse centerline T.
The flap transverse centerline Tl extends through the principal longitudinal centerline I to divide the sanitary napkin into four quarters A, B, C, and D.
Figures I-3 show that the flaps 24 preferably each have at feast one gathered portion 54. The term "gathered portion" refers to a portion of the sanitary napkin which is gathered inward, preferably toward the principal longitudinal centerline L of the sanitary napkin. The gathered portion also preferably remains in a gathered condition during the time the sanitary napkin is worn. The gathered portion 54 can be formed entirely in the flaps 24, entirely in the main body portion 22, or partially in the flaps 24 and partially in the main body portion 22. Preferably, the sanitary napkin 20 has two gathered portions 54, one adjacent each flap 24.
The gathered portions 54, as shown in Figs. I-3, are preferably located in the regions surrounding and including the junct<rra 48 of the flaps 24 with the main body portion 22. Fig. 1 shows that the flaps 24 also have portions which are not gathered inward to the same extent as the gathered portions 54. The portions of the flaps 24 that are disposed longitudinally away from the gathered portions are referred to herein as "expar>daWe portions" 55. The expandable portions 56 should be capable of expanding (preferably generally in the transverse direction (as shown by the arrows in Figure I)) when the flaps 24 are folded around the edges of the wearer's parries.
The gstlwxed portions 54 and the expandable portions 56 can be formed in arty suitable manner. In the preferred embodiment shown in Figs. I-3, the gathered portions 54 are foamed by pleating or folding the flaps 24 with generally Ioagrtudintlly-oriented fold tines 58 to form folded or pleated sections (or "pleats") 60. The fold lines 58 can run along andlor inboard or outboard of the juncture 48 of the flaps and the main body portion 22: The folded sections 60 of the flaps 24 are preferably folded and arranged side-by-side. The folding of the Saps 24 creates an enclosed tube or casing which is left open at its ends. In alternative embodiments in which it is not desired to have the folded sections stead up, the folded sections 60 may be folded on top of each other (that is, stacked perpendicular to the plane of the sanitary napkin). The folded sections 60 preferably run the length of the juncture 48.
The folded sections 60 are gathered in and restrained from opening by a restraint, such as a fold or pleat restraint 66 that preferably extends the length of the entire central region 36 of the main body portion 22, but does not extend into the end regions 32 and 34. This provides the sanitary napkin 20, and particularly the flaps 24, with expandable end portions 56 which are generally extensible in the transverse direction and with center portions (along the central region 36 of the main body portion 22) which are not transversely extensible.
In such a folded embodiment, the folded sections 60 of the sanitary napkin can be provided with any number of fold lines. For instance, in the most basic form of the folded embodiment, the $sps 24 can simply be folded inward toward the principal longitudinal centerline L at a single line along the juncture 48 and tacked to the main body portion 22 in the region of the junctwe 48. Typically, however, as shown in Figwes 1-3, the sanitary napkin will have st least three fold lines 58, which are designated 58A, 58B, and 58C. Fold lines 58A and 58C will be referred to as the outer fold lines, and fold line S8B is referred to as the center fold line.
The folded portions 60 of the sanitary napkin are preferably arranged so that the center fold line 58B is approximately evenly spaced between the outer fold lines 58A and 58C.
The folded portions 60 of the saniwy napkin are preferably restrained so that the outer fold lines 58A and 58C sre both joined to the side of the main body portion 22 as shown in Fig. 3 in approximatdy the same plane as the bottom of the backsheet of the sanitary napkin. The fold lines 58 are preferably spaced so that the folded portions 60 between the outer fold lines 58A and 58C and the center fold line extend vertically upward above the plane defined by the topsheet of the sanitary napkin to foam s pair of double wall barriers (or "barrier leg w$s") 68 along the longitudinal edges 26 of the main body portion 22 of the sanitary nspkin. The restraint 66 should preferably extend subs<antia>!y the entire length of the central portion 36 of the main body portion in order to foam these barriers 68.
The restraint 66 can be any suitable type of dement that is capable of keeping a portion of the folded rnataiaf fi~om unfolding. Suitable restraints 66 include, but are not limited to adhesives, ultrasonic bonds, heat and/or pre~we bonds, tapes, etc.
These different types of restraints can be in an unlimited number of configurations.
Such configurations can include spots, lines, patches, err. The ends 66A and 66B of the restraint 66 are preferably spaced equal distance away from the flap transverse centerline Tl. This creates flaps with expandable portions 56 which are able to open up an equal amount in both the front and back halves 50 and 52. In alternative embodiments, however, it may be desirable for the restraint 66 to be offset more toward one end of the sanitary napkin than the other to adapt the sanitary napkin to fit various types of panties.
The sanitary napkin can have two restraints 66, one for each flap, or it can have a single restraint that spans from one flap to the other. In alternative embodiments, the sanitary napkin could have more than one restraint 66 for each flap 24. In the preferred embodiment shown in Figs. 1-3, the sanitary napkin has one restraint 66 for each flap. The restraint 66 shown in Figures 1-3 is an "interior"
restraint (i.e., it is located in between two folded sections 60 of the flaps 24). In alternative embodiments, the restraint 66 can be of a type which secures the folded sections 60 of the flaps 24 from the outside (or exterior) of the folded sections 60.
The restraint 66 may be of any size provided it is no larger than the length of the juncture 48. This allows the expandable portions 56 of the flaps 24 to open properly.
This is the case since the expandable portions 56 of the flaps 24 will typically open from the ends 48A and 48B of the lines of juncture 48 to the ends 66A and 66B
of the restraint 66.
The sanitary napkin 20 can also be provided with an optional means for elastically contracting the double-wall barrier 68, such as elastic strand 67 inside each of the folded portions 60. The elastic strands 67 car, be used to assist the stand-up barriers in staying upright so that they form a tight seal against the wearer's body to prevent leakage of exudates. One suitable cocuxruction for an elasticized stand-up barrier is described in U.S. Patent 4,909,803 issued to Aziz on March 20, 1990.
The sanitary napkin 20 preferably also has st least one zone of differential extensibility (or "zone of aaensibility") 70. The tam "zone of differential extensibility", as used herd refers to a portion of the sanitary napkin 20 which is capable of exta~ding s differing amount (preferably a greater amount), than surrounding portions of the sanitary napkin 20. Preferably, as shown in Figure l, the sarritsty napkin 20 has four zones of differential rxtau~ility 70, one in each quarter of the unitary napkin 20. The zones of di$a~auial extensibility 70 act to further relieve the straaes which develop in the flaps 24 when they are folded around the sides of the wearers panty crotch.
The zones of diffenerttial extensibility 70 are preferably primarily extensible in a greater amount generally outward in the transverx direction. This is generally in the direction of the arrows shown in Figure 1. As used herein, the phrase "generally in the transverse direction" means that the extensibility has a transverse component. All of the extension, however, need not be exactly parallel to the principal transverse centerline, T, of the sanitary napkin. For example, in the embodiment shown in Fig.
l, the zones of differential extensibility 70 are extensible in a direction between the R~O 96P23~69 PCTIC596~OO.t'.:
longitudinal and transverse directions. The extensibility of the zones of differential extensibility 70, however, is preferably oriented more in the transverse direction than in the longitudinal direction so that it is still generally in the transverse direction.
Although, it is also possible that in other mtbodiments, the extensibility of the zones of differential extensibility can be oriented more in the longitudinal diradon than the transverx diraiion, or even amrety in the longitudinal dirxvon.
The zone(:) of diffaen:>s1 exteruability 70 can comprise any structure capable of eaaending s grater amourrt in the transvax direcxion than the surrounding portions of the sanitary napkin. Suitable structures for the zones of differential extensibility 70 include, but tie not limited to zones of rastaial that tie mechanicaUv strained, conugsted, "rind rolled'. folded, 'SELFed' as described in C~1 apple. 2170492 filed October 12, 1994, I pleated, or joined along a auvad juncture. These s:nrcaues (alttvough shown is Ftgs 1-3 as only being P~
of the 8sps 24), an comprise portions of the maser body portion ZZ, portions of the Saps Z4, or both Examples of sanitary tnplcn: with ~ of diffaarbal cctam'bdity are &rrthc dex~ed is the afocanentiooed U.S. Pst~ 5,354,400 sawed to Lavasl~
a al. oa October 11, 1994, and U.S. Patmt 5,3E9,094 to be i:wud to Lvsul~ a al.
on February 14, 1995.
The Duty napmt ZO shoarn in F>gura 1-3 has Saps with ~ regions 62 that hsv~e been provided arith diffaentW a~'brTity by ring rolling the corns 'f bs otaar room are ring roiled is aarocdanoe with methods described in U.s. Pateot 4,107,364 i:ved to S'tssoa oa August 15, 19?E, U.s. Patmt 4,834,741 istwd to Sabee on May 30, 1919, U.S. Patent 5,143,6T9 isrued to Gerald M Webs, at aL on Septaimbar 1, 1992, U.S. Patent 5,156,793 issued to Kameth B. Buell, et al.
oa October m, 1992, and U.S. Pataat 5,167,x97 isrued to Gerald M Webs, et al.
on December 1, 1992. The ring roiling (or pr~acon~u~ should be applied so that dc fold litres 72 in the comrgatior~~ are oriented ganaally is the long'rtudirul darec:ioa. The phrase 'gmaa>ty in the longiardina! datectioo' (acrd similar Phr~s).
a used hae4 ~ ~m ~ the longinrdinal diauauion than in the trsnsvax ion. Thos, the fold lines 72 may angle away from the Principal longitudinal caualine L. Ia the preferred embodira~att shown in Figs. 1-3, the fold lines 72 form an angle of between about 40' - 45' with the principal longitudinal ceraaline L This wdl provide the desired transverse direction extensibility. -The zones of differential extensibility 70 are generally located laterally outboard of the gathered portions 54 and expandable portions 56 of the sanitary napkin in the embodiment shown in Figs. 1-3. The zones of differential extensibility 70 are also preferably located in the corner regions 62 of the sanitary napkin 20. The sanitary napkin 20 has four corner regions 62 (two corner regions either in and/or by each flap, and one in each quarter). The team "corner regions" 62, as used hereic~
refers to portions of the sanitary napkin 20 that are generally located along or adjacent a portion of the juncture 48 of the flaps 24 with the main, body portion 22.
The corner regions 62 for each flap 24 are located in two areas in the regions of the ends 48A and 488 (or 48A' and 48B~ of each juncture 48 (or 48~. One corner region 62 is located adjacent the longitudinal juncture 48 in the front half 50 of the flap 24. The other is adjacent the longitudinal juncture 48 in the back half 52 of the flap 24. The corner regions 62 are preferably at least partially disposed longitudinally away from the flap transverse centerline T 1 in each direction. (Thus, the corner regions 62 may be described ss being longitudinally "remote" from the flap transverse centerline T1.) In the most preferred case (as will be subsequently described in greater detail), the zones of differential extensibility 70 are located along a porrion of the fold line where the flaps 24 are folded around the wearers panty notch. The fold line will typically be located along or adjacent the longitudinal juncture 48 of each flap 24.
Since the terms "portions", "zones", and "regions", as used herein, refer to general areas, the zones of differerttia! extensibility 70 and the corner regions 62 are, thus, not limited to points- which lie precisely on the lines of juncture 48.
Typically, they will inchide both those points which Ge on the lines of juncture 48 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 zones of differential extensibility 70.
In alternative embodiments, the zones of differential extensibility 70 need not be located laterally outboard of the gathered portions 54 and the expandable portions 56. It is also possible for the zones of differential extensibility 70 to be at least located laterally inward of the expandable portions 56, or even at least partially within the boundaries of the expandable portions 56. The location of a zones of differential extensibility 70, or a portions thereof, within the boundaries of the expandable portions 56 can be advantageously used to further increase the amount of extension provided by the zone of differential extensibility. Any of these types of WO 96/Z3469 PCT.T596~04i':
arrangements can be beneficial provided the operation of each of the differem types of structures do not unduly interfere with the other.
The sanitary napkin 20 preferably also has fastener: that are adapted to secure the sanitary napkin 20 to the crotch region of an undergarment. Figwes 2, 3, and 4 show one preferred type of faaa~a, adhesive attachment means, such as central pad ' adhesive 74 and fisp adhesive 76. The fasteners used with the sanitary nspkin of the presort invention are, howewc, not limited to adhesive attschment means. Any type of 5.stata used in the art ties be used for such use. For example, the saniury napkin 20 could be secured to the vwearears urtderganttart by mechanical fasteners, or a combination of adhesive and mechanical fasteners. For simplicity, however, the fish will be dacnbed in tams of sttachment means and are prcferabiy P~'e sassitive adhesive fastmas. Suitable prelude sensitive adtk,9ve isnaesz are dearn'bed in grates detar~ err U.S. Patent 4,917,697.
The adhesive f>srmQS ties be estranged in any suitabk con5guratioa Ia the preferred embodiment :irovvn, the oantral pad adhmv~e 74 aid Sap adhesive 76 form one continuous adhesive patch that ~ is the shape of a croes. The coal psd adhesive 74 pro~idas an att:c~t means for seauiug main body portion Z2 in the crotch portion of a peaty. 'The Sap adhnive 76 portion of the adhesive pa:tan is used to s~ in maiettaiainS the Saps 24 is potion after they are wrapped around the adSes of the c~otdt portion of the panty. The gaps 24 cra be maintained in position by the 8apa Z4 to the undergaenent, or to the opposing Sap.
'fhe fact that tHere are no ape betw~em the omaal pad adhaiv~e 74 and the Sap adbnive 76 bas the e~eCx of holdi~ the ~ napion in plane better and reducing nay teod~cy Sot the nasia body portion 2Z to buxh t:ansvQady inarard and make tbs >3apa I4 come unattached from the w~nre:'s peaty.
'Ib omdral pad adhesive 74 and the Sap adhesives 76 may each be covered by aepacate removabk rdmse !laws to keep the adhesives from :ticjdng to actraneous sutssoa prig to tree. Prefaabiy, howevc, the adhe:rve atuchmeat means are both covered by a sinSle tdease litrat (or 'edeasabla wrsppd') 7E. Evm more prefaabty, the rdmae liner 7E also scves as as individual pckage for the sanitary napkin.
Suitable rdease liners that also save a an individual pacinge for a sanitary napkin are dacnbed is U.S. Patent 4,556,146 iuued to Swanson, et al. (which dixloses a ~'~Y ~P~ ~ ~'sPPa) arid U. S . Patent 5 , 569 , 22 8 .
Fig. 3A shows an especially preferred version of a releasable wrapper 78 for use with the sanitary napkin 20 of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 3A, the releasable wrapper, generally designated by reference number 78 comprises several components. These include: a ruin wrapping sheet 78A; an optional release component, such as a release paper or release coating 788; and, a pair of flap release dements 78C.
The main wrapping shett 78A can comprise any material known in the art as being suitable for use as s releasable wrapper material. It may have a release coating thereon (that is, on its inside surface) so that it can be releasably attached to the central pad adhesive 74. Alternatively, the main wrapping sheet 78A may have a release paper adhered to its inside surface as shown in Fig. 3A, and the central pad adhesive 74 is adhered to the release paper rather than directly to the main wrapping sheet 78A The flap release dements 78C are joined to the main wrapping sheet such as by flap release demem seau~ement means 79. The flap release dements are positioned so that they will underlie the flap adhesives 76 when the main body portion 22 is placed on the main wrapping sheet 78A It should be understood that, although the flap release dements 78C are shown a9 comprising two separate dements, it is also possrble that the flap release dements 78C can comprise a single element or strip of material that has two portions, one at each of its ends which comprise the flap release denunts. The flap release dements 78C are preferably pivotally connected to the main wrapping sheet 78A
The key to the furtcxioning of this pr~eferTed releasable wrapper 78 is that the end portions comprising the release dements 78C cover the flap adhesive 76 and are abk to pivot relative to the main wrapping sheet 78A as shown in Fig. 4A The pivoting enables the flaps 24 to be folded over the body surface 20A of the sanitary r~aplaa. This allows the flaps 24A to be foldod so that the resrrliing package is smalia and more corrveniertt for the user to carry than if the releasable wrapper were folded around the sanitary napkin with the flaps extended as shown in Fig. 1.
The sanitary napkin 20 is prepared for packaging when the sanitary napkin and its flaps 24 are placed flat on the releasable wrapper 78 a shown in Fig. 1.
The flaps 24 and the releasably attached flap release elements ?8C covering the flap adhesives 76 are folded over the body siuface 20A of the sanitary napkin. The flaps 24 can be retained in this body surface-facing relationship (or topshett-facing relationship) in a number of di$arent ways. One way to maintain the flaps 24 folded over the topshcct is by placing a spot of adhesive between the flaps 24 and the body surface 20A
of the sanitary napkin. Preferably, however, the flaps 24 are temporarily maintained in a topsheet-facing relationship by placing a folding bar on top of the flaps during the packaging process, and then tri-folding the main body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin 20 and wrapper 78 about transverse axes with the flaps 24 folded so that the tri-folding of the main body portion 22 around the flaps 24 holds the flaps in place.
In such a configuration, the advantage of the releasable wrapper 78 is that when the rdeasable wrapper 78 is unfolded from a tri-folded configuration, the sanitary napkin 20 can be conveniently removed Gom the rdeassble wrapper 78 in a one-piece motion. The user can, for example, hold one end of the releasable wrapper 78 with one hand and then grasp the end of the sar>itary napkin 20 which is adjacent thereto with the other hand, and simply peel the sanitary napkin 20 from the wrapptr 78.
While a preferred sanitary napkin embodimatt has been described, numerous other sanitary napkin embodiments having flaps are available and are disclosed in the literature. Thex could be provided with the gsthaed portions of the present irrvention. In particular, sanitary napkins having flaps are dixlosed in U.S.
Patent 5,346,486 entitled "Sanitary Napkin Having Latently Extenstible Means for Attachment to the Undergarment of the Wearer", issued Septanba 13, 1994, in the name of Osborn, et al., U.S. Patents 5,009,653 and 4,950,264, both entitled "Thin, Flexible Sanitary Napkin" which issued to Osborn on April Z3, 1991 and August 21, 1990, rvely. U.S. Patent 4,917,697 entitled "Sanitary Napkin Having Flaps and Stress Relief Mesas" which issued to Osborn, III, et al. on April 17, 1990, U.
S.
Patent 4,687,478, entitled "Shaped Sanitary Napkin With Flaps", which issued to Van T'ilburg on August 18, 1987, U.S. Patent 4,608,047, emitted "Sanitary Napkin Atta~chntent Meaat", 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 Aunt 25, 1981, U.S. Patent 3,397,697, entitled "Disposable Sanituy Shield For Undergarntatts", 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 that could be provided with such flaps are dixlosed in U.S. Patent 4,738,676 entitled "Pantiliner" issued to Osborn on April 19, 1988. Suitable absorbent articles, at least some of which are in the form of adult incontinence products, are described in U.S. Patents 5,300,054 issued to Feint, et al. on April 5, 1994, and 5,304,161 issued to Nod, et al. on April 19, 1994.
In addition, in one particularly preferred version of the sanitary napkin of the present imrention, the flaps 24 can be provided with two doublo-wall barriers along each side of the napkin. One of these double-wall barriers (preferably the interior barrier) is constructed as described herein, and the other double-wall barrier is provided as described in U.S. Patent 4,589,876 issued to Van Tilburg. Having now described some sanitary napkins that can be provided with gathered portions, the sanitary napkin of the present invention will now be described in greater detail with relation to the function of the same in the wearer's undergarments.
Figure 5 is a depiction of the sanitary napkin 20 of the present invention in place in an undergarment of the type commonly worn by many women and well known as a panty 10. The configuration of the sanitary napkin 20 shown in Fig.
5 is presented primarily for purposes of discussion, rather than to limit the possible configurations the sanitary napkin may take in ux. It should be understood that the sanitary napkin of the present invention may also take other configurations in use.
The panty 10 comprises a crotch portion 12, a front section 14, and s back section 16. The crotch portion I2 joins the front and back sections and comprises two elasticized side edges 18. The salutary napkin 20 is utilized by removing the releasable wrapper 78 and placing the sanitary napkin 20 in the panty 10 as shown in Figure 5. The center of main body portion 22 is placed in the crotch portion 12 of the panty 10 with the backsheet 40 in contact with the inner surface of crotch portion 12 of the panty and one end of main body portion 22 extending towards the front section 14 of the panty and the other end towards the back section 16. Central pad adhesive 74 maintains main body portion 22 in position. The distal portions 46 of flaps 24 are folded around the elasticized side edges 18 of the panty. The flap adhesive portions 76 secure the flaps 24 to the underside of the panty.
The sanitary napkin of the present imrention is believed to provide a number of ba>~ts over prior sanitary napkins. In prior sanitary napkins, when the flaps are folded down around the arrved edges 18 of the crotch portion 12 of the panty, stt~a developed in the flaps, Particularly in the corner regions of the same.
These straws are rnagnified when the flaps are attached to the pants underside. The stresses are further magnified when the panty is pulled up into position and the elastics in the partly edgy 18 force the folded portions of the flaps into the uppermost part of the wearer's crotch and thigh. The straw are most highly concentrated along the fold 19 where the flap 24 change from being disposed on the body side of the panty to being located on the underside of the panty. In other words, the stress are concentrated at the edges 18 of the crotch portion 12 of the panty 10. The stresses in the flaps 24 generally follow the arc formed by the edges 18 of the crotch portion 12. These stresses may cause the corner regions of the flaps 24 to bunch longitudinally inward. This reduces the area of the wearer's undergarments the flaps are able to cover. If the stresxs are great enough, the flaps 24 can become detached from the panty and the flaps 24 will be less than optimally effective.
In order to eliminate, or at least reduce these stresses, the sanitary napkin 20 is provided with the expandable portions 56 and zones of differential extensibility 70.
The expandable portions 56 and zones of differential extensibility 70 preferably reduce the stresses siong the fold 19 to such a degree that the flaps 24 will remain attached to the underside of the panty and will not lox their ability to cover a given area of the wearers undergarments.
The sanitary napkin of the present invention provides a number of advantages ova a sanitary napkin provided with a single type of zone of differaitial extensibility, such as either ring rolled regions or pleated regions. The gath«ing .inward of portions of the sanitary napkin, as noted above, ailowa the sanitary napkin to additionally expand transversely to ft around the elasticized side edges of the wearers panty crotch to further reduce stresses on the 8sps 24.
Providing the sanitary napkin with expandable portions 56 eau also be used to overcome potential design limitations that can occur when attempting to achieve optional amounts of exterwbility using only ring rolled zones of diff~er~tial extensibility. In order to provide the optirtul fit around the wearer's panties, it has been found to be neoawy to build a rdativdy large amount of extensibility into such ring rolled regions (preferably about 26 mm in each zone of differential exteatrbility). The extenstbitity is particwlarly important in the region betwxn the narrowest part of the panty crotch and the pLce where the elasticized edges 18 of the vveare~s panties cross the distal edges 46 of the flaps. The flaps 24 need to expand transverxly an amount equal to the distance D in Fig. 5 in order to fit smoothly around the curved side edges 18 of the wearers panties.
There are potentially inherent limitations on the amount of extensibility that can be added to a material by ring rolling the material. These limitations are due to the properties of the material as well as the ring rolling process. The materials generally used in sanitary napkin flaps typically have to be rdat'rvely low cost and readily available. Thus, the materials have to be cost-effective for ux on disposable absorbent articles. When thex materials are ring rolled, any attempt to deform the material in order to impart greater amounts of extensibility to such materials may run the risk of rupturing or creating holes in the material.
One way previously used to achieve the necessary amount of extensibility was to form the flaps 24 as separate elements and then to attach the flaps 24 to the main body portion 22 laterally ittward of the longitudinal edges 26 of the main body portion 22. This way allowed the ring rolled regions to start underneath the absorbent core 42. Starting the ring rolling underneath the absorbent core 42 is necessary because it is generally di~cult to achieve the desired extensibility by ring rolling the main body portioa 22 of the sanitary napkin through the topsheet, backshxt, and core. Forming the flaps 24 from separate elements also allowed greater flexibility in the types of materials that could be used for the flaps (i.e., the flaps would not be limited to the material used in the topsheet 38 and backsheet 40).
However, attaching separate Sap elements to the main body portion had the disadvantage that it complicated the process of making the sanitary napkin because of the need to make, handle, and attach separate pieces of material to the main body portion of the sanitary napkin.
The structure of the presatt invention, however, solves these problems, and allows a sanitaryr napkin having integrally-formed flaps to be made with an optimal amount of extensibility. The structure described herein also allows the optimal amount of extensibility to be achieved with a broader range of materials without aicountering the aforane~ioned cnataial and processing limitations. The gathering of tfte flaps of the praatt invattion further effecdvdy doubles the amount of flap material that can be ring rolled, if desired, for additional extensibility.
The ring r~oUittg is shown, for instance, as extending into the expandable portion 56 of the flap (ao that the zone of differ~dal extensibility and expandable rtion ov po erlap), in the iaw~a right hand comer of Figure 1. In addition, since the structure of the sanitary napkin of the present invention does allow the flaps to be provided with such greater amounts of extensibility, it is possible to. effectively make flaps which are even longer (measured in the longitudinal direction). This allows the flaps to cover a larger portion of the wearer's panty elastics, and to preferably cover a length of the panty elastics that nuts substantially the entire length of the main body portion.
The present invention also provides the sanitary napkin with a flap structure which has advantages over a flap which is pleated and retrained only in the area of the flap transverse centerline T1. One advantage over such a structure is that the restraining of the flaps ova a larger distance reduces the tendency of the flaps to WO 9611.3169 PCTlL;S96i00.1'.:
become sloppy and unwieldy where they are not restrained. Thus, more efficient ux is made of the flap material. In addition, the unrestrained flap rtuurial can be positione=d more closely along the weareras parry elastics where it is needed to cover and protect the same from soiling.
The gsthaed portions can, as described above, also provide double-wall barriers to the Sow of bodily exudsta in the transvexx dirxrion across the:
body sutfux 20A of the sanitary napkin 20. In addition, the underside of the double-walleai barrios 68 can form tuned-Nice struc:iua that can fit over the dastics on the edges l8 of the wards paatid to aid in holding the s;nitary napkin 20 in props position during weir. This is eAspeaaUy tare for the expandable portions 56 a the ends of the Saps 24.
The :aoitary napkin of the pr~a~t invatdon is also capable of being made comrestiexttly on s mararfiuxuring voe. One non.timitmg way of malting s<rcb a sanitary napkin is to 5rst ais~biy the compoomts for the :~itary aapkin into a pre-formed :arritary napkia that looks vexy much liioe the sudtary rapids shown is fig. 1 woedd look with the rat:~s 66 punad out and the $~ 24 aixmded. The ring rolling is than added to the ~ region 62 of the :amta:y napkin to provide the mne: of diffa~ial oaexnnbilrty 70. FoOowing the ring rol>mg step, the pre'formeed sa~tar~r napkin a pasted through a mans, such a folding boards to form the folded aectioas 60. '11e raa~raints 66 are th~ added to bold the folded sections in place, the adhesive s are apptied~, and that the rdexnbk 78 is placed oa top of tb adhaaive mss.
Wl~e partiaalar eanbodimatts of the pre: Lion have bexa dlustnted sad deaatbed, it arould be obvious to those skt'lled in the art that vuiexrs othex doings and modi8extions catr be made: without departing from the spirit and scope of the imrenvoa
Therefore, it is an object of an aspect of the present invention to provide an absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin, having flaps that provides the absorbent article with further improved means 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 another object of an aspect of the present invention to provide such an absorbent article with flaps that do not lose their ability to cover a given area of the wearer's undergarments during wear.
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.
The present invamon is dareaed to an absorber: artide, such as a sassitary napian, having 8sps that are prohded with gsthaed portions that an ocpand to rdirve the that develop is the 8sps when the Saps are folded down wound the edges of the cotch of the w~nre:'s unde:ganteerts.
The abamide oomprisa s maia body portioa having two spsad apart ioagtardioal edges and twro spaced apart transverse edge, and a pair of Saps uaodsted witti said tiuia body portioa, oae ea~die~ la~tQavy outward beyond each Io1 edge of the ma'a body portion. The tnaia body portion comprises a ~d pQViow top:hea, a iaquid impa~ious bsckshedto the topshat, and an absorbent coca positioned batvv~een the topshea and the b~ackshea. The main body portioa has s fast end rcgior~ a second end region, and a ~tral region disposed between the 5tst and second end regions. The absorbent article has a principal longatdinal ~a~e and a pcinaipal tran:vcse c~i~e. The Saps have a pr~al edge, a distal edge, and a Sap traa:vene centaiine that intersects the prindpai loagi~aal ansaiine of the absorbent article.
The sbsorbeat article is provided with a gsthaed portion positioned between the pritKipal longitudinal caualine artd the distil edge of the Saps. A
restraint.
which extatds along at lean part of the cawal region of the main body portion, restrains portions of the gathered portion from unfolding while allowing the ends of the gathered portion to unfold at locations disposed longitudinally away from said flap transverse centerline. In particularly preferred embodiments, the sanitary napkin also comprises one or more zones of differential extensibility. The zones of differential extensibility comprise material that has a greater range of extensibility outward than the points on the flaps that are located along the flap transverse centerline.
The zones of differential extensibility are preferably disposed laterally outward from the gathered portions and longitudinally away from the flap transverse centerline.
A novel releasable wrapper is also provided for enclosing and protecting the sanitary napkin prior to use.
In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a releasable wrapper for a sanitary napkin, which sanitary napkin has a main body portion having a pair of longitudinal side edges, the main body portion comprising a liquid pervious body-facing side, a liquid impervious garment-facing side, an absorbent core position between the body-facing side and the garment facing side, and an adhesive fastener on the garment-facing side of the main body portion, the sanitary napkin further comprising a pair of side flaps joined to the main body portion and extending laterally outward beyond the longitudinal side edges of the main body portion, the side flaps each having an adhesive fastener on their garment facing side, the releasable wrapper comprising:
a main wrapping sheet having an inside surface, an outside surface, and a releasable material on the inside surface for releasably securing the main wrapping sheet to the adhesive fastener on the garment-facing side of the main body portion;
and at least one flap release element having an inside surface, an outside surface, and a releasable material on the inside surface for releasably securing the flap release element to one of the adhesive fasteners on the sanitary napkin side flaps, the flap release element being pivotably joined to the main wrapping sheet so that the side flap with the flap release element releasably attached thereto may be folded over the body-facing side of the sanitary napkin while the main wrapping sheet is in a substantially planar configuration.
4a 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 invention will be better understood from the following description which is taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
Fig. 1 is a top plan view of a preferred sanitary napkin of the present invention.
Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 of Fig. 1 through the portions of the flaps which can expand when the sanitary napkin is wrapped around the edge of a wearer's panty.
Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of Fig. 1 which passes through the flip transverse centerline.
Fig. 3A is a perspective view of one particularly preferred releasable wrapper prior to the placement of the same on the sanitary napkin.
Fig. 3B is an end view of the sanitary napkin shown in Figs 1-3, which shows the folding of one of the flaps of the sanitary napkin into position before enclosing the same within the particularly preferred type of releasable wrapper.
Fig. 4 is a bottom plan view of the sanitary napkin shown in Fig. 1, with the releasable wrapper removed.
'8V0 96123469 PCT/US96/00472 Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the sanitary napkin shown in Figs. 1, 2, 3, and 4 in an in-use configuration.
DETAILED DE~CI~IpTION OF THE 1N~~E ;~Or1 FIGS. 1-3 show one preferred embodiment of a disposable absorbent article of the present invention, sanitary napkin, 20. As shown in Figure 1, the sanitary napkin 20 basically comprises a main body portion 22 and two flaps 24. (In the discussion that follows, unless otherwise noted, the sanitary napkin described herein will have two flaps. While it is not ne~sary 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 (and the main body portion thereof) has two surfaces, a liquid pervious body-contacting au6ce or "body s<rrface" 20A thst is intended to be worn adjacent to the body of the wearer and a liquid impervious gannait s<uface 20B. The sanitary napkin 20 is shown in FIG. 1 as viewod from its body surface 20A. The sanitary napkin 20 has two centerlines, s 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 g~~ ~>~ ~ (~~8-. aPPro~ely paraDel to) a ver'cical plane which bisects a standing wears into left and right body halves when the sanitary napkin 20 is worn.
Tire tams "transverse" or "lateral" used herein, are interchangeable, and refer to a lice, axis or direction which 4es within the plane of the sanitary napkin 20 that is ga~aalty perpendiculu to the longitudinal direction.
FIG. 1 shows that the main body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin 20 comprises the portion of the sanitary napkin without the Saps 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 of the sanitary napkin 20. The main body portion 22 also has two end regions, which are designated first end rtgion 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 detailed description of a sanitary WO 96lZ3i69 PCTIZ;596~OO.t'~
napkin having such a central region 36 and the rwo end regions 32 and 34 ~s contained in U.S. Patent 4,690,680 issued to Higgins on September 1, 1987.
The main body portion of the sanitary napkin 20 can be of any thickness, including relatively thid~ rdativdy thin, or even very thin. The embodiment of the sanitary napkin 20 shown in Figures 1-3 of the drawings is intended to be an example of a moderately thiclc sanitary napkin having a main body portion simile to that dacnbed in U.S. Patents 5.234,422 and 5,308,346 issued to Sndla, et al.
It should be understood thst the sanitary napkin shown is mcdy one pcefrrred embodiment, and that the praau invattion is not limited to absorbent uncles of the type or having the specific con5gurations shoam in the drawings. For example, the ausin body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin as alto be embossed with such as thox desatbed is the SneUa patents.
FIG. 2 the individual contpoeamts of the main body portion 22 of the y napiaa 20 of the pracat it~on. The maim body portaoa Z2 8a~a~aliy coatprisa at least three primaryr coe~oneau. Tlrae mchrde s liquid pervious top~ea 38, a frquid impervious 40, and as ab~ocbent core 42 poaaiooed bavveai the top:heet 38 and the bsclohea 40. Suitable msta~als for tbex components of the pry napioe 20 m dac~tbed err g~w detail in the pate~a pubiicanioe~ ~ Tire tapahea, the badnheet, sad the abeocbant cae may be auembled in a vuiay of configurations lmown is the art ('mchrd~ so aged 'sandwich' prod<rw and 'tube' p~roduets).
S~recal p~5wred saedtaty napkin ~figsuatior~ are described gmaaliy is U.S.
Patent 4,3I1,9?r4, 'Honder~ed Disposable Abaorb~a>< Article' isnred to Ahr on March 30; 19=2; U.S. Patent 4,4?.f,130, 'Compound Sarntary Napkin' isared to De:Marais net Js~r 10, 1984; U.S. Pataus 4,950,264 and 5,009,653, both ~d 'Thin, F7~oble Sarotny Napidn' isaied to Osborn on August 21, 1990 sad Apn'1 Z3, 1991 rape~ivdy; the aforementioned patent app~atioot iswred to Snella, et aL;
Canadian application 2140767 filed February 22, 1993, ~rc-r Pubu~ion rro. wo 9orozo96, published Fehruir5r 3, 1994); and Canadian application 2170492 filed October 12, 1994.
wo 96 x.3~169 PCT~TS96~OO.i'.
The main body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin may also be comprised of one or more extensible components such as thox sanitary napkins, and the like described in Canadian a~nlication 2192199 f i led July 2 3 , 19 9 2 , (PCT fubhcation Nos. WO 93/01785 and 93/01786, both pub4shed February 4, 1993 , The sanitary napkin 20, as shown in FIG. 2, is ssxmbled in a sandwich conscuction in which the topsheet 38 and the backshea 40 have length and width dima~ions ga~aliy large: than those of the ab~cb~ core 42. The top:heet 38 and the bscksheet 44 extend beyond the edgy of the absocban core 42 and arc joined together along a seam to form at least portions of the periphery 30 of the main body portion. The seam an be formed by any aims ply used in the art for this purpose, such as gluing, aimpirtg, or fusiag. It a to be understood thu the embodiment illustrated is only one pou~bie embodin~at, albeit a preferred one.
Other possible anbodiments ~e one in which as absor~t core 44 is nsq:t~iy campltsdy wrapped with topsbea before it is placed on a badcshee:. The maia body portion 2Z caa also wise an absorbatt core which ponasa su~dmt iateg:ity to stand alone and is Gquid pwious on oae strr6x wh0e the other stu5ae has been traced to rends it liquid itetpavious.
The santnry naplaa 20 of the praerrt invention cxxnpri:a a pair of Saps 24 joined to the main body portion Z'1. The gaps Z4 esund tom their proximal edges 44 lnaagy outerard beyond the longitudinal side edgy 26 of the main body portion a to their duta! edges 46. '/he term ~joioed~, as used herder, ancontpasses ~usatioos in which an dement is ~recdy warred to another danatt by ~g tb. de~c dareatr to the «~er d~ ~m w~ the den>ent is m,~t,xtlyr seaaod to the other danmt by aging the dement to intamediue m~be(s) wl~ in turn are axed to the otlKr dema~ and configuruions in which one dement is integral writh another dement, i.e., one dm>mt is part of the other dement.
'The Saps 24 of the one preferred anboditmrt shown in Fgures 1-3 are integral with the maim body portion 22 of the sanitary ruplon. Ia such a tax, the topsheet 38 may form the body-5cing of both the Saps Z4 and the main body porooa 22, and the baclcshea 40 may form the 8artnast~~'8 ~ of the same.
It is posa'ble for the sb:orbent material of the s:nitary napidn 20 to extend into the Saps 24 to form a gap absorbent core, as described in gr~ata desyl in U.S.
Puent 4,917,697 (although the embodiment shown in Figs. 1-3 does not utilize such a construction). In alternative embodiments, the flaps 24 may be comprised of separate pieces of material or elements which are attached to the main body portion 22. When the flaps comprix xparate elements, they can be joined to the main body portion 22 by any techniques known to thox skilled in the art. Such techniques include, but are not limited to adhesives, heat and/or pressure, ultrasonics, etc.
The flaps 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. This is typically a longitudinally-oriented (or "longitudinal") juncture, such as line of juncture 48. As uxd herein, the terms "juncture" (or "line of juncture") refer to regions where the flaps 24 extend from or are joined to the main body portion 22. The junctures can be arty of various curved or straight tines, but they are not limited to lines. Thus, the juncaues cut comprix regions, flanges, strips, intermittent lines, and the like. In the sanitary napkin 20 illustrated in Figure 1, lime of juncture 48 is a generally longitudinally oriented region that can range from being relatively straight to slightly concave. When the flaps 24 are integral with the main body portion 22, the lines of junctiue 30 may represent lines of derturcation bdwaxt the main body portion 22 and the flaps 24, although it is not necessary that there be a precise line of demarcation. Thus, it is also possible to either consider the line designated 48' in 1 ig. 1 as a line of juncarre stn which csse the flaps 24 arc indirectly joined to the main body portion through folded regions 50), or for the line of juncture to be considered to be located betwxn lines 48 and 48'.
It is also not necessary that the flaps 24 extend from (or be joined along) the longitudinal edges 26 of the main body portion 22. The flaps 24 race, for instance, be joined to the maim body portion 22 arty distance inward (or "inboard") from the longitudinal edges 26 toward the principal longitudinal centerline L. From the foregoing, it is apparent that the Saps 24 can each be joined to the main body portion 22 along the longitudinal edges 26 of the main body portion 22, or along the principal longitudinal centerline L, or at arty place betvvxrt the principal longitudinal centerline L and the longitudinal edges 26 of the main body portion 22.
The flaps 24 have a proximal edge 44 at or adjacent the line of juncture 48. A
distal edge (or "free end") 46 is remote from the tine of juncture 48. As shown in Figure 1, each flap 24 is divided into a front half 50, and a back half 52 by a flap transverse centerline T 1. The flap transverx centerline T 1 may coincide with the principal transverse centerline T of the sanitary napkin, but this is not absolutely required. In other embodiments, the flap transverse centerline T 1 may be offset either to the front or to the rear of the principal transverse centerline T.
The flap transverse centerline Tl extends through the principal longitudinal centerline I to divide the sanitary napkin into four quarters A, B, C, and D.
Figures I-3 show that the flaps 24 preferably each have at feast one gathered portion 54. The term "gathered portion" refers to a portion of the sanitary napkin which is gathered inward, preferably toward the principal longitudinal centerline L of the sanitary napkin. The gathered portion also preferably remains in a gathered condition during the time the sanitary napkin is worn. The gathered portion 54 can be formed entirely in the flaps 24, entirely in the main body portion 22, or partially in the flaps 24 and partially in the main body portion 22. Preferably, the sanitary napkin 20 has two gathered portions 54, one adjacent each flap 24.
The gathered portions 54, as shown in Figs. I-3, are preferably located in the regions surrounding and including the junct<rra 48 of the flaps 24 with the main body portion 22. Fig. 1 shows that the flaps 24 also have portions which are not gathered inward to the same extent as the gathered portions 54. The portions of the flaps 24 that are disposed longitudinally away from the gathered portions are referred to herein as "expar>daWe portions" 55. The expandable portions 56 should be capable of expanding (preferably generally in the transverse direction (as shown by the arrows in Figure I)) when the flaps 24 are folded around the edges of the wearer's parries.
The gstlwxed portions 54 and the expandable portions 56 can be formed in arty suitable manner. In the preferred embodiment shown in Figs. I-3, the gathered portions 54 are foamed by pleating or folding the flaps 24 with generally Ioagrtudintlly-oriented fold tines 58 to form folded or pleated sections (or "pleats") 60. The fold lines 58 can run along andlor inboard or outboard of the juncture 48 of the flaps and the main body portion 22: The folded sections 60 of the flaps 24 are preferably folded and arranged side-by-side. The folding of the Saps 24 creates an enclosed tube or casing which is left open at its ends. In alternative embodiments in which it is not desired to have the folded sections stead up, the folded sections 60 may be folded on top of each other (that is, stacked perpendicular to the plane of the sanitary napkin). The folded sections 60 preferably run the length of the juncture 48.
The folded sections 60 are gathered in and restrained from opening by a restraint, such as a fold or pleat restraint 66 that preferably extends the length of the entire central region 36 of the main body portion 22, but does not extend into the end regions 32 and 34. This provides the sanitary napkin 20, and particularly the flaps 24, with expandable end portions 56 which are generally extensible in the transverse direction and with center portions (along the central region 36 of the main body portion 22) which are not transversely extensible.
In such a folded embodiment, the folded sections 60 of the sanitary napkin can be provided with any number of fold lines. For instance, in the most basic form of the folded embodiment, the $sps 24 can simply be folded inward toward the principal longitudinal centerline L at a single line along the juncture 48 and tacked to the main body portion 22 in the region of the junctwe 48. Typically, however, as shown in Figwes 1-3, the sanitary napkin will have st least three fold lines 58, which are designated 58A, 58B, and 58C. Fold lines 58A and 58C will be referred to as the outer fold lines, and fold line S8B is referred to as the center fold line.
The folded portions 60 of the sanitary napkin are preferably arranged so that the center fold line 58B is approximately evenly spaced between the outer fold lines 58A and 58C.
The folded portions 60 of the saniwy napkin are preferably restrained so that the outer fold lines 58A and 58C sre both joined to the side of the main body portion 22 as shown in Fig. 3 in approximatdy the same plane as the bottom of the backsheet of the sanitary napkin. The fold lines 58 are preferably spaced so that the folded portions 60 between the outer fold lines 58A and 58C and the center fold line extend vertically upward above the plane defined by the topsheet of the sanitary napkin to foam s pair of double wall barriers (or "barrier leg w$s") 68 along the longitudinal edges 26 of the main body portion 22 of the sanitary nspkin. The restraint 66 should preferably extend subs<antia>!y the entire length of the central portion 36 of the main body portion in order to foam these barriers 68.
The restraint 66 can be any suitable type of dement that is capable of keeping a portion of the folded rnataiaf fi~om unfolding. Suitable restraints 66 include, but are not limited to adhesives, ultrasonic bonds, heat and/or pre~we bonds, tapes, etc.
These different types of restraints can be in an unlimited number of configurations.
Such configurations can include spots, lines, patches, err. The ends 66A and 66B of the restraint 66 are preferably spaced equal distance away from the flap transverse centerline Tl. This creates flaps with expandable portions 56 which are able to open up an equal amount in both the front and back halves 50 and 52. In alternative embodiments, however, it may be desirable for the restraint 66 to be offset more toward one end of the sanitary napkin than the other to adapt the sanitary napkin to fit various types of panties.
The sanitary napkin can have two restraints 66, one for each flap, or it can have a single restraint that spans from one flap to the other. In alternative embodiments, the sanitary napkin could have more than one restraint 66 for each flap 24. In the preferred embodiment shown in Figs. 1-3, the sanitary napkin has one restraint 66 for each flap. The restraint 66 shown in Figures 1-3 is an "interior"
restraint (i.e., it is located in between two folded sections 60 of the flaps 24). In alternative embodiments, the restraint 66 can be of a type which secures the folded sections 60 of the flaps 24 from the outside (or exterior) of the folded sections 60.
The restraint 66 may be of any size provided it is no larger than the length of the juncture 48. This allows the expandable portions 56 of the flaps 24 to open properly.
This is the case since the expandable portions 56 of the flaps 24 will typically open from the ends 48A and 48B of the lines of juncture 48 to the ends 66A and 66B
of the restraint 66.
The sanitary napkin 20 can also be provided with an optional means for elastically contracting the double-wall barrier 68, such as elastic strand 67 inside each of the folded portions 60. The elastic strands 67 car, be used to assist the stand-up barriers in staying upright so that they form a tight seal against the wearer's body to prevent leakage of exudates. One suitable cocuxruction for an elasticized stand-up barrier is described in U.S. Patent 4,909,803 issued to Aziz on March 20, 1990.
The sanitary napkin 20 preferably also has st least one zone of differential extensibility (or "zone of aaensibility") 70. The tam "zone of differential extensibility", as used herd refers to a portion of the sanitary napkin 20 which is capable of exta~ding s differing amount (preferably a greater amount), than surrounding portions of the sanitary napkin 20. Preferably, as shown in Figure l, the sarritsty napkin 20 has four zones of differential rxtau~ility 70, one in each quarter of the unitary napkin 20. The zones of di$a~auial extensibility 70 act to further relieve the straaes which develop in the flaps 24 when they are folded around the sides of the wearers panty crotch.
The zones of diffenerttial extensibility 70 are preferably primarily extensible in a greater amount generally outward in the transverx direction. This is generally in the direction of the arrows shown in Figure 1. As used herein, the phrase "generally in the transverse direction" means that the extensibility has a transverse component. All of the extension, however, need not be exactly parallel to the principal transverse centerline, T, of the sanitary napkin. For example, in the embodiment shown in Fig.
l, the zones of differential extensibility 70 are extensible in a direction between the R~O 96P23~69 PCTIC596~OO.t'.:
longitudinal and transverse directions. The extensibility of the zones of differential extensibility 70, however, is preferably oriented more in the transverse direction than in the longitudinal direction so that it is still generally in the transverse direction.
Although, it is also possible that in other mtbodiments, the extensibility of the zones of differential extensibility can be oriented more in the longitudinal diradon than the transverx diraiion, or even amrety in the longitudinal dirxvon.
The zone(:) of diffaen:>s1 exteruability 70 can comprise any structure capable of eaaending s grater amourrt in the transvax direcxion than the surrounding portions of the sanitary napkin. Suitable structures for the zones of differential extensibility 70 include, but tie not limited to zones of rastaial that tie mechanicaUv strained, conugsted, "rind rolled'. folded, 'SELFed' as described in C~1 apple. 2170492 filed October 12, 1994, I pleated, or joined along a auvad juncture. These s:nrcaues (alttvough shown is Ftgs 1-3 as only being P~
of the 8sps 24), an comprise portions of the maser body portion ZZ, portions of the Saps Z4, or both Examples of sanitary tnplcn: with ~ of diffaarbal cctam'bdity are &rrthc dex~ed is the afocanentiooed U.S. Pst~ 5,354,400 sawed to Lavasl~
a al. oa October 11, 1994, and U.S. Patmt 5,3E9,094 to be i:wud to Lvsul~ a al.
on February 14, 1995.
The Duty napmt ZO shoarn in F>gura 1-3 has Saps with ~ regions 62 that hsv~e been provided arith diffaentW a~'brTity by ring rolling the corns 'f bs otaar room are ring roiled is aarocdanoe with methods described in U.s. Pateot 4,107,364 i:ved to S'tssoa oa August 15, 19?E, U.s. Patmt 4,834,741 istwd to Sabee on May 30, 1919, U.S. Patent 5,143,6T9 isrued to Gerald M Webs, at aL on Septaimbar 1, 1992, U.S. Patent 5,156,793 issued to Kameth B. Buell, et al.
oa October m, 1992, and U.S. Pataat 5,167,x97 isrued to Gerald M Webs, et al.
on December 1, 1992. The ring roiling (or pr~acon~u~ should be applied so that dc fold litres 72 in the comrgatior~~ are oriented ganaally is the long'rtudirul darec:ioa. The phrase 'gmaa>ty in the longiardina! datectioo' (acrd similar Phr~s).
a used hae4 ~ ~m ~ the longinrdinal diauauion than in the trsnsvax ion. Thos, the fold lines 72 may angle away from the Principal longitudinal caualine L. Ia the preferred embodira~att shown in Figs. 1-3, the fold lines 72 form an angle of between about 40' - 45' with the principal longitudinal ceraaline L This wdl provide the desired transverse direction extensibility. -The zones of differential extensibility 70 are generally located laterally outboard of the gathered portions 54 and expandable portions 56 of the sanitary napkin in the embodiment shown in Figs. 1-3. The zones of differential extensibility 70 are also preferably located in the corner regions 62 of the sanitary napkin 20. The sanitary napkin 20 has four corner regions 62 (two corner regions either in and/or by each flap, and one in each quarter). The team "corner regions" 62, as used hereic~
refers to portions of the sanitary napkin 20 that are generally located along or adjacent a portion of the juncture 48 of the flaps 24 with the main, body portion 22.
The corner regions 62 for each flap 24 are located in two areas in the regions of the ends 48A and 488 (or 48A' and 48B~ of each juncture 48 (or 48~. One corner region 62 is located adjacent the longitudinal juncture 48 in the front half 50 of the flap 24. The other is adjacent the longitudinal juncture 48 in the back half 52 of the flap 24. The corner regions 62 are preferably at least partially disposed longitudinally away from the flap transverse centerline T 1 in each direction. (Thus, the corner regions 62 may be described ss being longitudinally "remote" from the flap transverse centerline T1.) In the most preferred case (as will be subsequently described in greater detail), the zones of differential extensibility 70 are located along a porrion of the fold line where the flaps 24 are folded around the wearers panty notch. The fold line will typically be located along or adjacent the longitudinal juncture 48 of each flap 24.
Since the terms "portions", "zones", and "regions", as used herein, refer to general areas, the zones of differerttia! extensibility 70 and the corner regions 62 are, thus, not limited to points- which lie precisely on the lines of juncture 48.
Typically, they will inchide both those points which Ge on the lines of juncture 48 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 zones of differential extensibility 70.
In alternative embodiments, the zones of differential extensibility 70 need not be located laterally outboard of the gathered portions 54 and the expandable portions 56. It is also possible for the zones of differential extensibility 70 to be at least located laterally inward of the expandable portions 56, or even at least partially within the boundaries of the expandable portions 56. The location of a zones of differential extensibility 70, or a portions thereof, within the boundaries of the expandable portions 56 can be advantageously used to further increase the amount of extension provided by the zone of differential extensibility. Any of these types of WO 96/Z3469 PCT.T596~04i':
arrangements can be beneficial provided the operation of each of the differem types of structures do not unduly interfere with the other.
The sanitary napkin 20 preferably also has fastener: that are adapted to secure the sanitary napkin 20 to the crotch region of an undergarment. Figwes 2, 3, and 4 show one preferred type of faaa~a, adhesive attachment means, such as central pad ' adhesive 74 and fisp adhesive 76. The fasteners used with the sanitary nspkin of the presort invention are, howewc, not limited to adhesive attschment means. Any type of 5.stata used in the art ties be used for such use. For example, the saniury napkin 20 could be secured to the vwearears urtderganttart by mechanical fasteners, or a combination of adhesive and mechanical fasteners. For simplicity, however, the fish will be dacnbed in tams of sttachment means and are prcferabiy P~'e sassitive adhesive fastmas. Suitable prelude sensitive adtk,9ve isnaesz are dearn'bed in grates detar~ err U.S. Patent 4,917,697.
The adhesive f>srmQS ties be estranged in any suitabk con5guratioa Ia the preferred embodiment :irovvn, the oantral pad adhmv~e 74 aid Sap adhesive 76 form one continuous adhesive patch that ~ is the shape of a croes. The coal psd adhesive 74 pro~idas an att:c~t means for seauiug main body portion Z2 in the crotch portion of a peaty. 'The Sap adhnive 76 portion of the adhesive pa:tan is used to s~ in maiettaiainS the Saps 24 is potion after they are wrapped around the adSes of the c~otdt portion of the panty. The gaps 24 cra be maintained in position by the 8apa Z4 to the undergaenent, or to the opposing Sap.
'fhe fact that tHere are no ape betw~em the omaal pad adhaiv~e 74 and the Sap adbnive 76 bas the e~eCx of holdi~ the ~ napion in plane better and reducing nay teod~cy Sot the nasia body portion 2Z to buxh t:ansvQady inarard and make tbs >3apa I4 come unattached from the w~nre:'s peaty.
'Ib omdral pad adhesive 74 and the Sap adhesives 76 may each be covered by aepacate removabk rdmse !laws to keep the adhesives from :ticjdng to actraneous sutssoa prig to tree. Prefaabiy, howevc, the adhe:rve atuchmeat means are both covered by a sinSle tdease litrat (or 'edeasabla wrsppd') 7E. Evm more prefaabty, the rdmae liner 7E also scves as as individual pckage for the sanitary napkin.
Suitable rdease liners that also save a an individual pacinge for a sanitary napkin are dacnbed is U.S. Patent 4,556,146 iuued to Swanson, et al. (which dixloses a ~'~Y ~P~ ~ ~'sPPa) arid U. S . Patent 5 , 569 , 22 8 .
Fig. 3A shows an especially preferred version of a releasable wrapper 78 for use with the sanitary napkin 20 of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 3A, the releasable wrapper, generally designated by reference number 78 comprises several components. These include: a ruin wrapping sheet 78A; an optional release component, such as a release paper or release coating 788; and, a pair of flap release dements 78C.
The main wrapping shett 78A can comprise any material known in the art as being suitable for use as s releasable wrapper material. It may have a release coating thereon (that is, on its inside surface) so that it can be releasably attached to the central pad adhesive 74. Alternatively, the main wrapping sheet 78A may have a release paper adhered to its inside surface as shown in Fig. 3A, and the central pad adhesive 74 is adhered to the release paper rather than directly to the main wrapping sheet 78A The flap release dements 78C are joined to the main wrapping sheet such as by flap release demem seau~ement means 79. The flap release dements are positioned so that they will underlie the flap adhesives 76 when the main body portion 22 is placed on the main wrapping sheet 78A It should be understood that, although the flap release dements 78C are shown a9 comprising two separate dements, it is also possrble that the flap release dements 78C can comprise a single element or strip of material that has two portions, one at each of its ends which comprise the flap release denunts. The flap release dements 78C are preferably pivotally connected to the main wrapping sheet 78A
The key to the furtcxioning of this pr~eferTed releasable wrapper 78 is that the end portions comprising the release dements 78C cover the flap adhesive 76 and are abk to pivot relative to the main wrapping sheet 78A as shown in Fig. 4A The pivoting enables the flaps 24 to be folded over the body surface 20A of the sanitary r~aplaa. This allows the flaps 24A to be foldod so that the resrrliing package is smalia and more corrveniertt for the user to carry than if the releasable wrapper were folded around the sanitary napkin with the flaps extended as shown in Fig. 1.
The sanitary napkin 20 is prepared for packaging when the sanitary napkin and its flaps 24 are placed flat on the releasable wrapper 78 a shown in Fig. 1.
The flaps 24 and the releasably attached flap release elements ?8C covering the flap adhesives 76 are folded over the body siuface 20A of the sanitary napkin. The flaps 24 can be retained in this body surface-facing relationship (or topshett-facing relationship) in a number of di$arent ways. One way to maintain the flaps 24 folded over the topshcct is by placing a spot of adhesive between the flaps 24 and the body surface 20A
of the sanitary napkin. Preferably, however, the flaps 24 are temporarily maintained in a topsheet-facing relationship by placing a folding bar on top of the flaps during the packaging process, and then tri-folding the main body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin 20 and wrapper 78 about transverse axes with the flaps 24 folded so that the tri-folding of the main body portion 22 around the flaps 24 holds the flaps in place.
In such a configuration, the advantage of the releasable wrapper 78 is that when the rdeasable wrapper 78 is unfolded from a tri-folded configuration, the sanitary napkin 20 can be conveniently removed Gom the rdeassble wrapper 78 in a one-piece motion. The user can, for example, hold one end of the releasable wrapper 78 with one hand and then grasp the end of the sar>itary napkin 20 which is adjacent thereto with the other hand, and simply peel the sanitary napkin 20 from the wrapptr 78.
While a preferred sanitary napkin embodimatt has been described, numerous other sanitary napkin embodiments having flaps are available and are disclosed in the literature. Thex could be provided with the gsthaed portions of the present irrvention. In particular, sanitary napkins having flaps are dixlosed in U.S.
Patent 5,346,486 entitled "Sanitary Napkin Having Latently Extenstible Means for Attachment to the Undergarment of the Wearer", issued Septanba 13, 1994, in the name of Osborn, et al., U.S. Patents 5,009,653 and 4,950,264, both entitled "Thin, Flexible Sanitary Napkin" which issued to Osborn on April Z3, 1991 and August 21, 1990, rvely. U.S. Patent 4,917,697 entitled "Sanitary Napkin Having Flaps and Stress Relief Mesas" which issued to Osborn, III, et al. on April 17, 1990, U.
S.
Patent 4,687,478, entitled "Shaped Sanitary Napkin With Flaps", which issued to Van T'ilburg on August 18, 1987, U.S. Patent 4,608,047, emitted "Sanitary Napkin Atta~chntent Meaat", 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 Aunt 25, 1981, U.S. Patent 3,397,697, entitled "Disposable Sanituy Shield For Undergarntatts", 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 that could be provided with such flaps are dixlosed in U.S. Patent 4,738,676 entitled "Pantiliner" issued to Osborn on April 19, 1988. Suitable absorbent articles, at least some of which are in the form of adult incontinence products, are described in U.S. Patents 5,300,054 issued to Feint, et al. on April 5, 1994, and 5,304,161 issued to Nod, et al. on April 19, 1994.
In addition, in one particularly preferred version of the sanitary napkin of the present imrention, the flaps 24 can be provided with two doublo-wall barriers along each side of the napkin. One of these double-wall barriers (preferably the interior barrier) is constructed as described herein, and the other double-wall barrier is provided as described in U.S. Patent 4,589,876 issued to Van Tilburg. Having now described some sanitary napkins that can be provided with gathered portions, the sanitary napkin of the present invention will now be described in greater detail with relation to the function of the same in the wearer's undergarments.
Figure 5 is a depiction of the sanitary napkin 20 of the present invention in place in an undergarment of the type commonly worn by many women and well known as a panty 10. The configuration of the sanitary napkin 20 shown in Fig.
5 is presented primarily for purposes of discussion, rather than to limit the possible configurations the sanitary napkin may take in ux. It should be understood that the sanitary napkin of the present invention may also take other configurations in use.
The panty 10 comprises a crotch portion 12, a front section 14, and s back section 16. The crotch portion I2 joins the front and back sections and comprises two elasticized side edges 18. The salutary napkin 20 is utilized by removing the releasable wrapper 78 and placing the sanitary napkin 20 in the panty 10 as shown in Figure 5. The center of main body portion 22 is placed in the crotch portion 12 of the panty 10 with the backsheet 40 in contact with the inner surface of crotch portion 12 of the panty and one end of main body portion 22 extending towards the front section 14 of the panty and the other end towards the back section 16. Central pad adhesive 74 maintains main body portion 22 in position. The distal portions 46 of flaps 24 are folded around the elasticized side edges 18 of the panty. The flap adhesive portions 76 secure the flaps 24 to the underside of the panty.
The sanitary napkin of the present imrention is believed to provide a number of ba>~ts over prior sanitary napkins. In prior sanitary napkins, when the flaps are folded down around the arrved edges 18 of the crotch portion 12 of the panty, stt~a developed in the flaps, Particularly in the corner regions of the same.
These straws are rnagnified when the flaps are attached to the pants underside. The stresses are further magnified when the panty is pulled up into position and the elastics in the partly edgy 18 force the folded portions of the flaps into the uppermost part of the wearer's crotch and thigh. The straw are most highly concentrated along the fold 19 where the flap 24 change from being disposed on the body side of the panty to being located on the underside of the panty. In other words, the stress are concentrated at the edges 18 of the crotch portion 12 of the panty 10. The stresses in the flaps 24 generally follow the arc formed by the edges 18 of the crotch portion 12. These stresses may cause the corner regions of the flaps 24 to bunch longitudinally inward. This reduces the area of the wearer's undergarments the flaps are able to cover. If the stresxs are great enough, the flaps 24 can become detached from the panty and the flaps 24 will be less than optimally effective.
In order to eliminate, or at least reduce these stresses, the sanitary napkin 20 is provided with the expandable portions 56 and zones of differential extensibility 70.
The expandable portions 56 and zones of differential extensibility 70 preferably reduce the stresses siong the fold 19 to such a degree that the flaps 24 will remain attached to the underside of the panty and will not lox their ability to cover a given area of the wearers undergarments.
The sanitary napkin of the present invention provides a number of advantages ova a sanitary napkin provided with a single type of zone of differaitial extensibility, such as either ring rolled regions or pleated regions. The gath«ing .inward of portions of the sanitary napkin, as noted above, ailowa the sanitary napkin to additionally expand transversely to ft around the elasticized side edges of the wearers panty crotch to further reduce stresses on the 8sps 24.
Providing the sanitary napkin with expandable portions 56 eau also be used to overcome potential design limitations that can occur when attempting to achieve optional amounts of exterwbility using only ring rolled zones of diff~er~tial extensibility. In order to provide the optirtul fit around the wearer's panties, it has been found to be neoawy to build a rdativdy large amount of extensibility into such ring rolled regions (preferably about 26 mm in each zone of differential exteatrbility). The extenstbitity is particwlarly important in the region betwxn the narrowest part of the panty crotch and the pLce where the elasticized edges 18 of the vveare~s panties cross the distal edges 46 of the flaps. The flaps 24 need to expand transverxly an amount equal to the distance D in Fig. 5 in order to fit smoothly around the curved side edges 18 of the wearers panties.
There are potentially inherent limitations on the amount of extensibility that can be added to a material by ring rolling the material. These limitations are due to the properties of the material as well as the ring rolling process. The materials generally used in sanitary napkin flaps typically have to be rdat'rvely low cost and readily available. Thus, the materials have to be cost-effective for ux on disposable absorbent articles. When thex materials are ring rolled, any attempt to deform the material in order to impart greater amounts of extensibility to such materials may run the risk of rupturing or creating holes in the material.
One way previously used to achieve the necessary amount of extensibility was to form the flaps 24 as separate elements and then to attach the flaps 24 to the main body portion 22 laterally ittward of the longitudinal edges 26 of the main body portion 22. This way allowed the ring rolled regions to start underneath the absorbent core 42. Starting the ring rolling underneath the absorbent core 42 is necessary because it is generally di~cult to achieve the desired extensibility by ring rolling the main body portioa 22 of the sanitary napkin through the topsheet, backshxt, and core. Forming the flaps 24 from separate elements also allowed greater flexibility in the types of materials that could be used for the flaps (i.e., the flaps would not be limited to the material used in the topsheet 38 and backsheet 40).
However, attaching separate Sap elements to the main body portion had the disadvantage that it complicated the process of making the sanitary napkin because of the need to make, handle, and attach separate pieces of material to the main body portion of the sanitary napkin.
The structure of the presatt invention, however, solves these problems, and allows a sanitaryr napkin having integrally-formed flaps to be made with an optimal amount of extensibility. The structure described herein also allows the optimal amount of extensibility to be achieved with a broader range of materials without aicountering the aforane~ioned cnataial and processing limitations. The gathering of tfte flaps of the praatt invattion further effecdvdy doubles the amount of flap material that can be ring rolled, if desired, for additional extensibility.
The ring r~oUittg is shown, for instance, as extending into the expandable portion 56 of the flap (ao that the zone of differ~dal extensibility and expandable rtion ov po erlap), in the iaw~a right hand comer of Figure 1. In addition, since the structure of the sanitary napkin of the present invention does allow the flaps to be provided with such greater amounts of extensibility, it is possible to. effectively make flaps which are even longer (measured in the longitudinal direction). This allows the flaps to cover a larger portion of the wearer's panty elastics, and to preferably cover a length of the panty elastics that nuts substantially the entire length of the main body portion.
The present invention also provides the sanitary napkin with a flap structure which has advantages over a flap which is pleated and retrained only in the area of the flap transverse centerline T1. One advantage over such a structure is that the restraining of the flaps ova a larger distance reduces the tendency of the flaps to WO 9611.3169 PCTlL;S96i00.1'.:
become sloppy and unwieldy where they are not restrained. Thus, more efficient ux is made of the flap material. In addition, the unrestrained flap rtuurial can be positione=d more closely along the weareras parry elastics where it is needed to cover and protect the same from soiling.
The gsthaed portions can, as described above, also provide double-wall barriers to the Sow of bodily exudsta in the transvexx dirxrion across the:
body sutfux 20A of the sanitary napkin 20. In addition, the underside of the double-walleai barrios 68 can form tuned-Nice struc:iua that can fit over the dastics on the edges l8 of the wards paatid to aid in holding the s;nitary napkin 20 in props position during weir. This is eAspeaaUy tare for the expandable portions 56 a the ends of the Saps 24.
The :aoitary napkin of the pr~a~t invatdon is also capable of being made comrestiexttly on s mararfiuxuring voe. One non.timitmg way of malting s<rcb a sanitary napkin is to 5rst ais~biy the compoomts for the :~itary aapkin into a pre-formed :arritary napkia that looks vexy much liioe the sudtary rapids shown is fig. 1 woedd look with the rat:~s 66 punad out and the $~ 24 aixmded. The ring rolling is than added to the ~ region 62 of the :amta:y napkin to provide the mne: of diffa~ial oaexnnbilrty 70. FoOowing the ring rol>mg step, the pre'formeed sa~tar~r napkin a pasted through a mans, such a folding boards to form the folded aectioas 60. '11e raa~raints 66 are th~ added to bold the folded sections in place, the adhesive s are apptied~, and that the rdexnbk 78 is placed oa top of tb adhaaive mss.
Wl~e partiaalar eanbodimatts of the pre: Lion have bexa dlustnted sad deaatbed, it arould be obvious to those skt'lled in the art that vuiexrs othex doings and modi8extions catr be made: without departing from the spirit and scope of the imrenvoa
Claims
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. ~A releasable wrapper for a sanitary napkin, which sanitary napkin has a main body portion having a pair of longitudinal side edges, said main body portion comprising a liquid pervious body-facing side, a liquid impervious garment-facing side, an absorbent core position between said body-facing side and said garment facing side, and an adhesive fastener on said garment-facing side of said main body portion, said sanitary napkin further comprising a pair of side flaps joined to said main body portion and extending laterally outward beyond the longitudinal side edges of said main body portion, said side flaps each having an adhesive fastener on their garment facing side, said releasable wrapper comprising:
a main wrapping sheet having an inside surface, an outside surface, and a releasable material on said inside surface for releasably securing said main wrapping sheet to said adhesive fastener on said garment-facing side of said main body portion;
and at least one flap release element having an inside surface, an outside surface, and a releasable material on said inside surface for releasably securing said flap release element to one of said adhesive fasteners on said sanitary napkin side flaps, said side flap release element being pivotably joined to said main wrapping sheet so that said side flap with said flap release element releasably attached thereto may be folded over said body-facing side of said sanitary napkin while said main wrapping sheet is in a substantially planar configuration.
a main wrapping sheet having an inside surface, an outside surface, and a releasable material on said inside surface for releasably securing said main wrapping sheet to said adhesive fastener on said garment-facing side of said main body portion;
and at least one flap release element having an inside surface, an outside surface, and a releasable material on said inside surface for releasably securing said flap release element to one of said adhesive fasteners on said sanitary napkin side flaps, said side flap release element being pivotably joined to said main wrapping sheet so that said side flap with said flap release element releasably attached thereto may be folded over said body-facing side of said sanitary napkin while said main wrapping sheet is in a substantially planar configuration.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US38076995A | 1995-01-30 | 1995-01-30 | |
| US08/380,769 | 1995-01-30 | ||
| CA002210289A CA2210289C (en) | 1995-01-30 | 1996-01-05 | Absorbent article having flaps with gathered portions |
Related Parent Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002210289A Division CA2210289C (en) | 1995-01-30 | 1996-01-05 | Absorbent article having flaps with gathered portions |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2298108A1 CA2298108A1 (en) | 1996-08-08 |
| CA2298108C true CA2298108C (en) | 2003-09-30 |
Family
ID=29216670
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002298108A Expired - Fee Related CA2298108C (en) | 1995-01-30 | 1996-01-05 | Absorbent article having flaps with gathered portions |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2298108C (en) |
-
1996
- 1996-01-05 CA CA002298108A patent/CA2298108C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2298108A1 (en) | 1996-08-08 |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |