CZ75499A3 - Sanitary absorption article with flaps that are capable to gather underwear - Google Patents

Abstract

A sanitary absorbent article such as a sanitary article the liner (10) is able to protect the wearer ' s undergarments against by contamination with the menstrual fluid. Sanitary Pad (10) has a main body (30) with panels (24) extending therefrom longitudinal side edges. The far end of each panel (24), which is a continuous continuation of the respective longitudinal side edges, it is folded under the main barrier layer (20) the body (30) being fixed to form a loop member (50) and a freely extending flap (34) at least one a reinforcing element (70) that laterally reinforces at least a portion flaps (34) are sufficient to provide preferential bending lines at the point of the flange joint (22) of the flap (34) and the liner (10)

Description

Hygienic absorbent product with flaps capable of shirring underwear

Technical field

The invention relates to structures designed to absorb body exudate, and in particular to an improved sanitary absorbent article having increased capacity to protect underwear from contamination by body exudate.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The sanitary napkin typically comprises an elongate main body to be placed in the crotch portion of the undergarment so as to remain in contact with the perineal region of the wearer. The sanitary napkin includes a liquid pervious cover layer disposed on the absorbent core that is designed to collect and retain body exudate excreted by the user and a liquid impermeable barrier layer disposed below the absorbent core.

It has been found that sanitary napkins often do not prevent the exudate from flowing along the longitudinal sides of the napkin. Several attempts have been made to attempt to reduce the possibility of contamination of underwear or clothing by body exudates due to the flow of longitudinal sides. One attempt to solve this problem was to provide the main body of the sanitary napkin with flaps that fold over the edges of the undergarment to form! upwardly extending walls whose function is to prevent the above-mentioned leakage. These flaps extend from the side edges of the main body and are provided with adhesive zones,

01-489-99 which allow the flaps to be fixed to the outer surface of the undergarment so that if the menstrual fluid flows past the side edges of the main absorbent body of the sanitary napkin, the flaps will prevent the liquid from contaminating the undergarment.

However, this approach has a number of shortcomings. For example, in an attempt to provide increased side-flow protection, manufacturers have substantially increased the width of the flaps (measured along the length of the insert) to cover as much underwear as possible. The main problem observed with sanitary napkins having such wide flaps is the tension that occurs when the flap follows the curved edge of the undergarment and the inability of the flap to adhere well to that edge. As the edges of the undergarments are curved and outwardly, from the narrow central crotch portion, widen and span the legs, the wide flaps that are folded over the crotch portion will tend to move away from these edges and / or crumble , which may cause irritation and discomfort by rubbing against the wearer's inner thighs. This solution also undesirably disrupts the adhesive bond formed between the flaps and the undergarment, and is therefore another likely cause of the flaps to move away from the undergarment. One method that suggested a solution to this problem was the use of longitudinally extensible or elastic materials in the manufacture of the flaps, which can better accommodate the shape of the edges of the undergarment.

According to another approach, the main body of the sanitary napkin is provided with flaps which are fixed to the barrier layer, i.e. the garment-facing side of the sanitary napkin, at a point located internally from the respective side edge of the sanitary napkin.

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The flaps may be attached to the underside of the wearer's undergarment, or may be long enough to completely enclose the crotch portion of the undergarment, and in this case they are fixed to each other so that they overlap one another. As the flaps extend from a location adjacent to the respective side edges, they act to catch the underwear and hold it under the main body of the liner in an area located internally from the longitudinal side edges. This implies that the body-facing side of the main absorbent body has a primary protective function, while the flaps positively prevent the underwear edges from overlapping the main body cover layer where they would be exposed to body fluids. Examples of sanitary napkins designed according to this concept are described in U.S. Patent 4,900,320, granted to McNeil-PPC on February 13, 1990, and related U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 08 / 772,343 (PCT / CA97 / 00990, filed Dec. 22, 1997), incorporated herein by reference. links.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide a sanitary napkin capable of protecting a wearer's undergarments from contamination with body fluids.

The invention thus provides a sanitary absorbent article adapted to be worn in the crotch portion of an undergarment comprising:

(A) a main body having opposed longitudinal side edges and a longitudinal centerline and including a body-oriented, liquid-permeable topsheet to be positioned against the perineal portion of the wearer's body, the garment-oriented;

01-489-99 English • · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · a liquid impermeable backsheet and an absorbent layer disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet; and (B) a first panel and a second panel that are an integral continuation of either the topsheet or the backsheet or a combination of both the topsheet and the backsheet, each panel having a proximal end adjacent and extending from a respective opposed longitudinal side edge of said main body; and a distal end freely extending laterally from the proximal end of said panel; and the proximal end and the distal end define a central portion therebetween further comprising a longitudinally extending bending axis that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal side edge and about which each panel can be folded such that the distal end of the panel extends laterally inward toward the longitudinal centerline said main body, on the garment-facing side of the sanitary absorbent article, each panel further comprising (i) a joint zone located at a central portion adjacent a proximal end of said panel, the joint zone attaching a portion a panel to the barrier layer at a point located internally from the longitudinal side edge of the main body while defining a loop member and a free protruding flap, wherein (ii) the loop member adjoins the longitudinal side edges with which it is substantially parallel and defined by a central portion a panel that lies between the proximal end and the joint zone and comprises a bending axis, wherein the loop member is substantially unitized;

(iii) each flap is defined by a portion of the central portion of said panel between the joint zone and the distal end and is able to fold over the side edges of the crotch portion

The underwear and each flap further comprises a first transverse end and a second transverse end which is opposite the first transverse end and both ends in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal side edges of the main body define the width of the flap; and (iv) each flap has means for retaining at least a portion of one edge of the undergarment in an area extending internally from the longitudinal side edge of the main body when the flap is folded over the side edge of the undergarment, and a reinforcing element the bending line in the flap joint line.

In a preferred embodiment, the joint zone of said first panel is offset from the joint zone of said second panel by a distance that defines, at the respective transverse ends of said flaps, the possibility of folding the undergarments inwardly to the longitudinal centerline of the main body such that reduces by less than 25% of the original width.

In another preferred embodiment, the sanitary absorbent article is a sanitary napkin designed to absorb menstrual fluid.

The absorbent structure is generally an absorbent cellulosic fluff material. The absorbent structure may optionally comprise a bilayer structure comprising a highly porous transfer layer disposed on the absorbent core, which is made of peat moss. However, it will be understood that other absorbent systems may be used in the absorbent structure without departing from the scope of the invention.

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The panels extend from the central portion of the longitudinal side edges of the main body. Each panel has a base located at the proximal end which is a continuous continuation of the adjacent side edge of the main body, and a flap portion at the distal end which is a continuous continuation of the proximal end and which extends laterally outwardly from the longitudinal sides of the absorbent article. The length of the base is greater than the length of the tab portion. The distal end of the panel is bent under the barrier layer, i. the garment-facing surface of the absorbent article, and the panel is fixed to the barrier layer along its base at the joint zone adjacent the proximal end and inwardly from the longitudinal sides of the absorbent article so that it remains in a bent state. The bent portion of the flap forms a loop member which, when fixed to a barrier adjacent to the skirt, forms a first liquid barrier along the longitudinal sides of the liner. Thus, the distal end forms a flap that extends inwardly from the respective side edge to the longitudinal centerline of the absorbent article and is fixed in place inwardly of the side edge. As a result, if the flaps fold around the crotch portion of the undergarment, they have sufficient ability to retain or summarize portions of the side edges of the undergarment (these side edge portions of the undergarment are more susceptible to dirt) below the central region of the main body defined by the longitudinal side edges of the absorbent product. Accordingly, the main body of the absorbent article provides a major protective function and protects the underwear from wetting and soiling with menstrual fluid.

The portion of the panel between the proximal end and the joint zone defines a loop member. In order to reduce the manufacturing cost of the article, the loop member may be substantially unitized. In this context, the expression "essentially unitized" means that

The layers forming the loop member and all the other materials contained therein and all the layers forming the main body of the absorbent article are joined together to form a unit. The presence of unattached or free-moving structures in the loop member would substantially increase the manufacturing cost of the product.

Another advantage of the configuration of this sanitary napkin is the ability of the longitudinal side portions of the main body to resist a downward tendency due to the tension exerted by the flaps. That is, since the center portion of each flap extends inwardly from the respective side edge of the absorbent article, there is no tension in attaching the flap to the undergarment that acts against the barrier layer internally from the side edge. As a result, the peripheral edge portions of the main body are less likely to contract down compared to the structure in which the flap tension acts entirely on the side edges. As mentioned earlier, this drop in the edge portions is undesirable because it allows the liquid that forms the lozenges on the cover layer to flow laterally due to gravity.

Thus, the invention further provides a sanitary napkin comprising:

(A) a main body having opposed longitudinal side edges and comprising:

(i) a liquid pervious cover layer, (ii) an absorbent layer lying beneath the liquid pervious cover layer, and (iii) a liquid impermeable barrier layer located beneath the absorbent layer, wherein the cap

The layer and the barrier layer are connected to each other along their perimeter so as to close the absorbent layer therebetween;

(B) a longitudinally extending loop member that extends laterally outwardly from each respective longitudinal side edge and which is integral with the covering layer or barrier layer, or both covering and barrier layers, the loop member being formed by folding at least one of said layers and fixing said layer to a barrier layer at a joint zone that lies internally from a respective longitudinal side edge;

(C) a pair of flaps on opposite sides of the main body, the flaps being an integral continuation of the loop member and fixed to the barrier layer at a location extending internally from the respective longitudinal side edge of the main body and extending laterally from the main body in a direction generally transverse to the longitudinal side edges, each of said flaps comprising:

(i) a distal end that is a continuation of a respective joint zone that attaches at least a portion of said flap to the barrier layer, wherein the distal end is bent under the barrier layer and extends laterally inwards and outwards from the respective longitudinal side edge; a distal end that can be folded around the crotch portion of the undergarment on which the sanitary napkin is placed; (iii) stiffening elements that are located in the central portion of the flap and are capable of withstanding

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9 shows the deformation caused by the lateral compression forces acting on the flap.

Brief description of the pictures

Giant. 1 is a plan view of a sanitary napkin designed in accordance with the invention;

Giant. 2 is a bottom view of a sanitary napkin designed in accordance with the invention;

Giant. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

Giant. 4 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a sanitary napkin designed in accordance with the invention taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 1;

Giant. 5 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a sanitary napkin designed in accordance with the invention taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 1;

Giant. 6 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a sanitary napkin designed in accordance with the invention, taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

Giant. 7 illustrates sanitary napkins designed in accordance with the invention;

Giant. 8 is a bottom view of another embodiment of a sanitary napkin designed in accordance with the invention;

Giant. 9 is a bottom view of another embodiment of a sanitary napkin designed in accordance with the invention;

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Giant. 10 is a perspective view of a sanitary napkin designed in accordance with the invention that is placed in an undergarment;

Giant. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a sanitary napkin designed in accordance with the invention that is placed in an undergarment;

Giant. 12 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a sanitary napkin designed in accordance with the invention taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 1;

Giant. 13 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a sanitary napkin designed in accordance with the invention taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 1;

Giant. 14 is a perspective view of a sanitary napkin designed in accordance with the invention that is placed in an undergarment;

Giant. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a sanitary napkin designed in accordance with the invention that is placed in an undergarment;

Giant. 16 is a bottom view of another embodiment of a sanitary napkin designed in accordance with the invention;

Giant. 17 is a plan view of a flap having a reinforced relief pattern portion;

Giant. 18 is a plan view of a flap having a reinforced portion formed by another relief pattern;

Giant. 19 is a plan view of a flap having a reinforced portion formed by another relief pattern;

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Giant. 20 is a plan view of a flap having a reinforced portion formed by another relief pattern.

The following description relates to the accompanying drawings, in particular FIG. 1, 2 and 3 showing a sanitary napkin 10 according to the invention, characterized by its ability to better protect the wearer's undergarments from wetting and soaking the menstrual fluid.

More specifically, the sanitary napkin 10 comprises a liquid pervious cover layer 12 that lies on the absorbent system 14. The cover layer may be made of a relatively low density, bulky, highly fluffy, nonwoven fibrous material. The cover layer 12 may consist of only one type of fiber, for example polyester fiber, or may consist of bicomponent fibers containing a low melting point component and a high melting point component. The individual components of the bicomponent fibers may be arranged adjacent to each other, or one component may form a sheath and surround the core formed by the other component. Examples of low and high melting point components are polyethylene and polyester, polypropylene and polyester or polyethylene and high melting polyester. By using suitable two-component materials, fusible nonwovens are obtained. Examples of such fusible fabrics are described in US Patent 4,555,430, published Nov. 26, 1985 (Mays). The use of the meltable fabric facilitates the bonding of the cover layer to the adjacent transport layer and / or barrier layer. The fibers can also be selected from a variety of natural and synthetic materials, such as nylon, polyester, rayon (in combination with other fibers), cotton-acrylic fibers, and the like, and combinations thereof.

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The cover layer preferably has a relatively high degree of wettability, although the individual fibers making up the cover need not be particularly hydrophilic. The liner should also contain a large number of relatively large pores that rapidly absorb body fluid and transport it from the body and from the site of absorption. Preferably, the fibers that form the cover layer should not lose their physical properties when wetted, in other words, they should not collapse or lose their elasticity when exposed to water or body fluid. The cover layer may be treated with, for example, a surfactant and / or a discharge, such as a corona discharge, penetrating the layer. Since a further function of the cover layer is the rapid transfer of fluid to other layers of the absorbent structure, the cover layer is preferably wettable, hydrophilic and porous, so that if the layer is made of synthetic hydrophobic fibers such as polyester or bicomponent fibers, it may be treated with a surfactant. it provides the desired degree of wettability.

high energy to facilitate

Alternatively, the cover layer 12 may be made of a perforated polymeric film. Due to hydrophobicity and high porosity, perforated polymeric films can rapidly transfer body fluids from the cover layer to the inner layers of the absorbent structure. Perforated films made of coextruded polymers such as RETICULON as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,690,679 can be used as cover layers in absorbent structures according to the invention.

The cover layer 12 may be provided with a microscopic or macroscopic relief pattern which improves the texture

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Polymer φ φ · · φ φ φ φ φ · φ φ φ · · · · φ φ φ φ φ φ φ φ φ φ φ φ φ φ φ φ φ φ φ φ polymer polymer polymer polymer Optionally, the cover layer may be fixed to the bottom absorbent layer, further improving fluid transfer from the cover layer to the next layer.

An absorbent system 14 is connected to the inner side of the cover layer 14, which includes an optional liquid transport layer 16 and an absorbent core 18 which together form the absorbent system 14. The transport layer 16 provides a means for rapidly receiving body fluid from the cover layer 12 and for retention until the slower absorbing absorbent core 14 has the opportunity to absorb liquid. The transfer layer 16 preferably has a lower density than the cover layer 12 and a greater number of smaller pores than this layer. These features allow the transport layer 16 to absorb body fluid and keep it away from the outside of the cover layer 12, preventing the fluid from rewetting the cover layer 12 and its outer surface. However, the transport layer 16 is preferably not dense enough to prevent rapid passage of fluid through the layer into the absorbent core.

The transfer layer 16 is typically made of fibrous materials, for example, pulp, polyester, rayon, flexible foam or the like, or combinations thereof. The transfer layer 16 may also comprise thermoplastic fibers to stabilize the layer and maintain its structural integrity. The transfer layer 16 may be treated with a surfactant on one or both sides to increase its wettability, although generally the transfer layer 16 is relatively hydrophilic and does not require treatment. The transfer layer 16 is preferably connected on both sides to adjacent layers, i.e. the upper cover layer 12 and the lower absorbent core 18.

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Adjacent to this transport layer 16 is an absorbent core 18 attached to the layer. The absorbent core 18 is preferably a high density layer having fine pores. It has a high absorption capacity in terms of liquid retention and extreme retention. The absorbent core 18 may be generally rectangular, with substantially straight parallel side edges, or may be shaped to conform to the body of the wearer and may be, for example, an hourglass or a dog bone. Further, the absorbent core 18 may have at least one channel embossed therein which stabilizes the absorbent product due to capillary action and improves liquid distribution within the absorbent core. In one embodiment, the absorbent core 18 comprises cellulosic fluff material. In another embodiment, the absorbent core 18 comprises compressed sphagnum moss. In yet another embodiment, the absorbent core 18 comprises a combination of cellulosic fluff material and compressed sphagnum moss. According to a preferred embodiment, the compressed sphagnum is in the form of a pneumatically or hydraulically laid plate which is calendered to provide a relatively thin, i.e. about 0.254 mm to 2.54 mm, and a relatively dense, i.e.

A 1.0 g / cm ³ , film structure, comprising a layer of graphite paper that is laminated to one or both surfaces of the sphagnum moss layer. Preferably, the fibrous component is mixed with the peat moss material. The fibrous component is preferably a natural or synthetic textile fiber, for example, rayon, polyester, nylon, acrylic fiber and the like, having a length of about 7.62 mm to 38.1 mm and a denier of about 1.0 to 5. The fiber component may represent about 2 to 20 wt. % and most preferably 4 to 8 wt. The absorbent core 18 may also contain other components, such as wood cellulose, synthetic to about 0.2 g / cm ^3.

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Cellulose, thermomechanical pulp, mechanically ground pulp, polymers, surfactants, conjugated fibers, fusible fibers, binders, peat moss particles, deodorants, superabsorbents and the like, and combinations thereof.

Underneath the absorbent system 14 is a barrier layer 20 that includes a liquid impermeable sheet material and that prevents liquid trapped within the absorbent core from escaping from the sanitary napkin and soiling the wearer's undergarments. Most preferably, the barrier layer 20 is made of a polymeric film, such as a coextruded EVA / polyethylene laminate, which is not expensive and readily available. This film is able to completely block the passage of liquid or gases that may escape from the absorbent system 14. In the barrier layer variant 20, breathable films can be used which allow the passage of gases but block the passage of liquids.

The cover layer 12 and the barrier layer 20 are joined to each other to form a circumferential joint line or skirt 22, as shown in FIG. 3 to 6, which maintains the absorbent system 14 between the cover layer 12 and the barrier layer 20.

The sanitary napkin 10 also includes a pair of panels 24 that extend laterally outwardly from the longitudinal edges of the sanitary napkin. The panels 24 are folded along the longitudinal side edges of the sanitary napkin under the garment facing side of the sanitary napkin and fixed to the barrier layer along a joint line located internally from the longitudinal side edge of the sanitary napkin. The freely extending distal ends of the panels form outwardly extending flaps. Referring to FIG. 10 and 11, the sanitary napkin is positioned in the crotch portion of the undergarment in use, and the flaps are folded over the edges

01-489-99 English ·· ··

The crotch portion of the undergarment retains at least a portion of the edges in the crotch portion of the undergarment in a position which is located internally from the longitudinal side edges of the sanitary napkin and below the main body, and preferably maintain at least a portion of the edges in a position below the absorbent system.

In order to attach the flaps to the wearer's undergarments comfortably, the flaps should preferably not fold the undergarments by more than 25% of the original width of the undergarments measured in the crotch portion. More specifically, as is well known, the crotch portion of an undergarment exhibits a substantially parabolic shape, wherein the crotch center is relatively narrow and substantially expands towards the front and rear panels of the undergarment. Thus, an absorbent article having flaps that are adapted to fold the crotch portion of the garment toward the longitudinal centerline of the absorbent product will tend to fold the garments in those areas of the crotch portion that extend back and forth. It follows from the above that it is the transverse end regions of each flap (i.e., the corner regions of the flap adjacent the joint zone that are folded over the edges of the wearer's undergarment) that will have the greatest tendency to fold the underwear edge toward the longitudinal centerline. the absorbent product line. The distance between the flaps of the invention, measured across the main body of the absorbent article, from one joint zone to the opposite joint zone, in an area close to the transverse ends of the flaps, should be such that the garment does not deform or fold more than 25 % of its original width, preferably not more than 20% and most preferably not more than 10% of its original width.

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The flaps may have a length sufficient to fully encircle the crotch portion of the undergarment, or alternatively may be of a length sufficient to be adhesively fixed while the garments are shrunk under the main body 30 of the sanitary napkin. As a result, the underwear sides are trapped under the sanitary napkin and thus protected from wetting and / or soiling.

The structure of each valve is best illustrated in FIG. 2 and 3. The side panels extend from respective side edges of the main body 30 and include a longer base portion adjacent the longitudinal sides of the sanitary napkin that taper toward the distal ends of the panels. The panels may comprise a cover layer 26 that is a continuous continuation of the cover layer 12, or a barrier layer 28 that is a continuous continuation of the barrier layer 20, or may include both a cover layer 26 and a barrier layer 28. The cover layer 26 may optionally include a separate nonwoven , which provides a softer texture and eliminates the "plastic feel" generally associated with the use of perforated polymeric films.

The cover layer 26 and the barrier layer 28 may be joined to each other by a joint line 22 (see Fig. 3) adjacent to a flange joint extending along the longitudinal sides of the liner. The joint in the joint line 22 may be achieved by adhesives, heat weld, ultrasonic weld, radio frequency weld, mechanical stitching and the like or a combination thereof. The panel 24 may comprise another material between the cover layer 26 and the barrier layer 28, for example the material of which the absorbent core, the transport layer, or the highly fluffy material is made.

01-489-99 Polymeric foamed fibrous material, flexible sheet of material or combinations thereof.

Each panel 24 is comprised of a plurality of contiguous portions to be defined below, which are a distal end 44 and a proximal end 32 that define between each other a flap central portion 34 and a connection zone 36 adjacent the proximal end 32. the end 32 extends from the side edge toward the longitudinal centerline of the main body of the sanitary napkin. The connection zone 36, defined between the proximal end 32 and the center portion 34 of the flap, is in the form of a line substantially parallel to the side edge of the main body 30. Between the proximal end 32 and the center portion 34 is at least one bending surface 40 around which the panel bends under the barrier layer in the longitudinal centerline of the sanitary napkin.

The panel 24 is at least partially fixed to the barrier layer 20 in the joint zone 36 lying beneath the main body 30 by means of adhesives, heat welds, ultrasonic welds, radiofrequency joints, mechanical stitching or the like, or a combination thereof. The connection zone may be substantially straight, or may be arcuate in shape, either convex inwards or outwards, relative to the longitudinal centerline of the sanitary napkin.

The portion of the panel 24 that is located between the proximal end 32 and the connection zone 36 defines a loop member 50. The loop member 50 is substantially unitized. If the flap has a single-layer construction, for example it is formed by a continuous continuation of the cover layer, then the loop member will generally be substantially unitized. If the panel has a multilayer construction, then it will be substantially unitized as long as the layers that form the loop member 50 suitably

01-489-99 Fixed. Any suitable method may be used for fixation. In FIG. 3 to 6, the cover layer 26 and the barrier layer 28 are fixed to each other by their entire surface area.

The flap central portion 34 may extend freely from the joint zone 36 that extends internally from a respective side edge of the main body 30. Each of the flaps 34 has stiffening elements 70 that form a side stiffener of at least a portion of the flap and provide a preferential bending line. The stiffening elements 70 form reinforced areas 71 in the flap that provide increased control when the user bends the flaps around the crotch portion of the undergarment. More specifically, if the flap 34 has stiffening elements 70 substantially throughout the central portion of the flap and is bent around the elastic panty, it will bend in a single predetermined bending line. Due to the undergarment contour, the flap is preferably bent in the longitudinally oriented direction, but some of the folding components also bend in the transverse direction. The term "bending in the longitudinal direction" as used herein refers to bending that takes place particularly in the longitudinal direction. According to the invention, the reinforced areas of the flap 34 provide greater control when the flaps 34 are folded over the edges of the undergarment. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the stiffening elements 70 form a lateral stiffener of the flap, but do not increase the longitudinal stiffness of the flap.

The stiffened portion 71 of the flap 34 covers substantially the entire central portion of the flap. The stiffened portion 71 need not extend to the edges of the flap (including opposing transverse edges as well as the distal end 33 of the flap) and may terminate not far from these edges, provided the stiffened flap portion retains its increased lateral stiffness over the rest of the flap. The reinforced portion 71 may be

01-489-99 is terminated substantially in a straight line as shown in FIG. 2, which is substantially parallel to the line of the joint 29, or may preferably terminate in an arc line, as shown in FIG. 16, which allows the flap 34 to conform more readily to the rounded shape of the crotch portion of the wearer's undergarment. In the most preferred embodiment, the absorbent core is substantially hourglass-shaped, i. the wider transverse end regions 27 and the narrower central regions with arcuate longitudinal sides, and the stiffened portions 71 terminate in an arcuate line that is substantially parallel to the arcuate longitudinal sides of the absorbent core. Preferably, the reinforced portion 71 extends over the entire width of the flap. The reinforced portion 71 may be continuous or discontinuous, provided, of course, that the discontinuous regions do not form a second preferential bending zone over the length of the flap.

The reinforced portion 71 of the flap 34 has a higher resistance to lateral compression forces than the laminate of the cover and barrier layer from which the flaps are made. The reinforced portion 71 should have a lateral pressure resistance which is generally 1.5 to 200 times greater than the lateral pressure resistance in the laminate of the cover layer and the flap barrier layer 34, preferably 1.5 to 50 times greater, and most preferably 2 to 8 times greater. The relative stiffness or resilience of the flap resistance to lateral pressure may be characterized by a measured bending resistance, which can be measured using the Gurley Precision Genuine Gurley Bending Tester, Model 4171 D.

Instruments, Inc., Troy New York. If the reinforced portion 71 of the flap 34 of the present invention was evaluated on this apparatus, then the samples had dimensions of 2.52 cm x 5.04 cm

Resistance / Stiffness commercially available

01-489-99 Če • · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · Bending resistance greater than 3 g to about 250 g, preferably greater than 4 g to 50 g and most preferably 5 to 20 g.

Referring to FIG. 16, the stiffened portion 71 may optionally include a plurality of individual stiffening elements 70 that are separated from one another by one or more laterally extending elastic axes 72, for example, in a banded pattern of two or more stiffening element strips 70 forming stiffened portion 71 that extends substantially over the length dimension. valves. By detaching the reinforced portions 71 across the width of the flap, the distal end of the flap resists the pressure exerted by the lateral compression forces and at the same time resilient along the flap width (i.e., does not inhibit longitudinal deformation of the sanitary napkin 10). This embodiment allows the sanitary napkin 10 to easily adapt to the wearer's body when placed in the crotch portion of the wearer's underwear, but at the same time provides resistance to lateral compression forces.

In accordance with this embodiment of the invention, the reinforced flap portion 71 is freely resilient along its width, but resists bending along its length. In this method, not only does each flap advantageously bend in the line of joint 29 and resists lateral bending in the reinforced portion 71 of the flap 34, but is also resilient in the longitudinal direction of the insert.

The stiffened portion 71 of the flap 34 may be formed by incorporating any material into the flap that will increase the stiffness of the flap over areas of the flap that do not contain the material. Examples of suitable materials include, but are not limited to, tissue paper, nonwoven, polymeric film, pneumatic pulp, polymeric foam, pressure-sensitive adhesive, embossing, and the like, and combinations thereof. The added materials are preferably so high

01-489-99 is flexible so as not to cause discomfort to the wearer of the sanitary napkins and will generally range in thickness from about 0.02 mm to 2 mm, preferably from about 0.025 mm to 0.25 mm. Although it is preferred that non-wicking materials are incorporated into the flap, it is possible to use materials that collapse when exposed to the body fluid, since the material does not come into contact with body fluids. It is also preferred that the materials incorporated in the flaps 34 be flexible. The elasticity of the distal regions of the flaps 34, if the flaps 34 fold over the wearer's undergarments and fixed to the undergarment by the central region of the absorbent pad, then provides the pad more resilient to lateral compression forces, which is better able to regenerate. That is, since the central region of the sanitary napkin is exposed to the lateral compression forces of the user's thighs, the resilient material will allow the sanitary napkin 10, when folded and fixed to the napkin, to retain its original shape and reduce destruction liner material (crushing, twisting).

Combining the fact that the effective flap fastening joint 34 is located internally from the longitudinal side edge and that the flap is reinforced provides a number of advantages. If the flaps 34 fold over to encircle the crotch portion of the undergarment, depending on the width of the crotch portion of the undergarment, the tabs 34 will collapse or retain the undergarment material between the two opposite joint zones 36. Consequently, the undergarment is well secured under the main body 30 that protect this part of underwear from soiling. In a preferred embodiment, the fixation points in this joint zone are at least 71 mm apart, measured from one

The flaps are opposed to the flap, more preferably at least 75 mm apart, and most preferably 75 to 85 mm apart. If the joint zone is in the form of a non-linear line, such as a convex curve, then the distance between the fixation points should be determined at the opposite transverse end regions 70 and 71 of the flap.

In addition, the fact that the effective fixation point of each flap 34 is positioned internally from the side edges of the absorbent article completely eliminates or substantially reduces the likelihood that the sides of the main body 30 will be pulled down due to the tension transmitted by the flaps. That is, when the flap tension vectors act on the side edges of the absorbent product, it is apparent that the main body is sliding down the sides. This downwardly descending configuration is undesirable as it may cause liquid that does not immediately absorb by the cover layer 12 to leak laterally out of the liner and onto the wearer's undergarments or clothing due to gravity. In accordance with the invention, the tension transmitted to the flaps, which are attached at a point lying inwardly from the longitudinal side edges of the absorbent article, is not transmitted to the side edges and thus does not cause the sides of the main body to sag.

The base of each panel adjacent to the proximal end 32 of the flap 34 is slightly shorter (dimension measured along a line transverse to the side edges of the main body 30) than the length of the main body. Preferably, the longitudinal dimension of the proximal end 32 is 50% to 90% of the length of the main body, and most preferably about 60% to 85% of the total length of the main body. The central portion of the panel, which forms the free-running flaps, tapers longitudinally in the region between the proximal end and the distal end away from the base, and is preferably 25% to 75% of the length

01-489-99 The central part, most preferably 30% to 50% of the length of the central part. For large flaps, it is advantageous if they are longitudinally extensible and allow the flaps to conveniently conform to the complex three-dimensional shape of the crotch portion of the wearer's undergarment. According to the invention, the flaps may comprise longitudinally elastic materials or, as shown in FIG. 8, may comprise a pleat 58 that allows the flap to conform to the crotch portion of the undergarment.

The joining zone 36 is offset from the inward side by a distance that may vary depending on the final destination of the product, provided that the inner offset is sufficient to hold at least a portion of the crotch portion of the undergarment below the main body and internally from the longitudinal side edges of the sanitary napkin. In a preferred embodiment, the distance is from about 3.175 mm to 12.7 mm. Most preferred is a length of 3.175 mm. Also, the shape of the joint zone may vary depending on the final product designation. For example, the junction zone may include a plurality of discrete fixation points. Thus, a plurality of joint zones may be formed along the flap that fix the flap to the barrier layer in a plurality of spaced apart regions. According to this aspect of the invention, one or more separate joint zones may be located between mutually opposed longitudinal end regions of the flaps. Alternatively, the joint zone may comprise a single continuous joint that extends from one longitudinal end region to the opposite longitudinal end region of the flap.

The continuous joint line may be linear or curved. In a preferred embodiment, the continuous joint line comprises a curve having a convex, outwardly rounded curve

01-489-99 Ce • aa aaa aaa aaa aaa aaa · aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa Shape, relative to the longitudinal centerline of the absorbent article.

As shown in FIG. 3 to 6, the longitudinal dimension of the flaps 34 may optionally be such as to allow the flaps to overlap each other when folded over the undergarment. In order to retain the flaps in this overlapping state, the flaps are provided with adhesive zones 38 located on portions formed by the barrier layer. When the flaps of the invention fold and overlap, the adhesive zone 38 on one tab is joined to the cover sheet of the other tab. Thus, the undergarment is completely enclosed so that it remains stably in a collapsed state below the main body 30. It is also contemplated that the placement of the flaps will also provide a stable function in preventing the main body 30 from moving away from the undergarment or moving freely with respect to to this underwear.

In an alternative embodiment, a Velcro (available under the VELCRO brand) can be used to connect the flaps to each other. For example, the barrier layer of one flap may be provided with a square surface of the hook surface of the Velcro while the cover layer of the other portion will be covered with a square of the loop surface of the Velcro.

As shown in FIG. 10 and 11, the flaps 34 need not fully encircle the crotch portion of the undergarment to bring the undergarments underneath the main body 30 as desired. The flaps 34 may for example be adhered to the wearer's undergarments or may be designed to flex over the undergarment laundry will not tend to return to its original configuration.

01-489-99 Jun · 9 99

999 9 99 99 9 9 9 9 • 9 9 9 9 9 9 • 9 99 9 9 999999

9 9 9 9 9

999 99 999

The above-described embodiment of the sanitary napkin acts on the undergarment by pulling the undergarment under the main body 30 of the napkin in the region of the flaps 34, while at the longitudinal ends of the main body 30, the sanitary napkin is loosely placed on the undergarment. Thus, the undergarment has the shape of a bow tie, i.e. the narrowest portion of the undergarment is located in the central region in which the flaps 34 are located. The length of this narrowest zone can be controlled by selecting the width of the flap 34; the wider the flaps, the longer the narrowest crotch zone of the undergarment. For some applications, for example in the case of sanitary napkins for heavy menstruation, wide flaps may be advantageous which will retain a greater part of the undergarment below the main body 30 than the narrow flaps.

As shown in FIG. 6, the bending axis 40 extends outwardly, laterally from the proximal end 32 and the joining zone 36, thereby defining a cavity 42. The cavity 42 may be closed and filled with fluid at opposite longitudinal ends to provide a resilient, continuously conformable side edge. Suitable fluids include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following continuously adapting media: gases, such as air, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide; liquids such as water and oils; gels that are not very stiff and can flow in a fluently adaptable component; and a combination of one or more of these media. The fluidly adaptive component may contain, in addition to the fluid, some solid or semi-solid substances or thixotropic gels. However, the nature and amount of these substances should not be such as to prevent the fluid-filled component from dynamically and temporarily conforming to the contours of the user's body. Use is preferred.

01-489-99 English • 99 • 9 9 9

9 9

9 9 9

9 9

999 99

9 9

9 9

999 9

Relatively high molecular weight materials that do not readily diffuse through polymeric film materials.

Alternatively, instead of liquid, one or more elastic strips 46 may be placed in the cavity that are fixed to the inner surface of the cavity, see FIG. According to this embodiment, the joint zone 36 is positioned laterally, internally from the longitudinal side faces of the absorbent article, thereby providing a cavity. The presence of a cavity along the longitudinal side edges of the absorbent article has a sealing function between the absorbent article and the wearer's thighs. One or more elastic strips 46 may be disposed within the cavity, the elastic strips 46 extending longitudinally along the side edges of the absorbent article adjacent the absorbent core. Each elastic strip 46 is preferably fixed to the inner surface of the cavity in an elastically contracted state, i. to the inner surface of the skirt so as to maintain the side skirts in an upward-facing, body-facing position, and bring the longitudinal sides of the absorbent product into a curved configuration. According to this embodiment, the elastic strips 46 may extend over the entire length of the absorbent article and may be fixed to the cover layer 12, the barrier layer 20, or both, in a plurality of joints spaced along the length of the absorbent article. The advantages of incorporating elastic strips 46 into the side edges of absorbent articles are described in more detail in U.S. Patent 5,234,422 to Sneller et al.

5,074,856 (Coe et al et al., 5,032,121 (Mokry et al.) A No. 4,770,657 (Ellis et al col.), which are here said form links. Alternatively, it may be in the cavity 42 placed thin absorbent strip material 48, viz Giant. 5, who provide protective side cuffs longitudinal parties

01-489-99 English • · · · · · · · · · · · · 0 ·

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 000.000

0 0 0 0 0 0

000 00 ·· 00 «00 0« 00 absorbent article. In a preferred embodiment, the thin strip of absorbent material 48 comprises a highly resilient, resilient, fibrous material that is capable of absorbing and retaining fluid.

As shown in FIG. 7, slits 56 may be provided at the side edges of the flap 34 near the proximal end 32. In some cases, the adhesive zone 38 of the flap 34 may become non-adherent to the surface to which it has been fixed. In this case, the edges of the crotch portion of the wearer's undergarment may become detached from the fixed position below said pad. This may cause the flap to slide up onto the wearer's leg or into the undergarment, both of which will contaminate the undergarment. The notches 56 provide a means to prevent the above problems by engaging and retaining the elastic edge of the panty. An alternative embodiment of the notches 60 having a rectangular shape is shown in FIG. 9.

Providing a sanitary napkin 30 with an adhesive, such as a hot melt adhesive, capable of forming a temporary bond between the undergarment and the napkin can help further increase the stability of the sanitary napkin. These adhesives can be applied to the garment-facing surface of the barrier layer 20 in various patterns. These patterns may include complete adhesive coating, adhesive placement in parallel longitudinal lines, adhesive placement in a line that follows the perimeter of the structure, adhesive placement in the transverse lines, and the like.

01-489-99 Če

9 99 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 • 9 9 9 ·

9

999 999

In the construction of the sanitary napkin 10 having flaps 34 with reinforcing elements 70, it is important to determine where the preferential bending line will be located relative to the central absorbent element. By controlling the position of the preferential bending region on the flap relative to the central absorbent element, it is easier to control the ability of the flap to push and hold the edges of the insert toward the edges of the central absorbent element. That is, the closer the two opposing preferential bending lines are closer to each other, the more the flaps 34 tend to fold the edges of the undergarment toward the longitudinal centerline of the sanitary napkin. It is generally known in the art that average underwear has a mean crotch width of approximately 7.5 cm. It is also known that the crotch portion of the undergarment extends substantially towards the front and back. The distance between the preferential bending lines in the opposedly attached flaps 34 is preferably about 7 cm to 8.5 cm. It has been found that in an absorbent article with opposed flaps 34 having stiffening elements 70 wherein the preferential bending lines of each respective flaps are separated from each other by a distance of approximately 7 cm to 8.5 cm, the flaps 34 more easily fold the wider portions of the undergarment toward to the center, to the longitudinal side edges 26 of the insert. The flaps 34 of the article may be fixed around the side edges of the undergarment and adhesively fixed below the absorbent element of the liner and not below the adjacent flap portion as shown in FIG. 5. It has also been found that providing the flaps 34 with stiffening elements 70 helps to facilitate attachment, reduces the folding and squeezing of the flaps, thereby helping to hold the flap in place in the crotch portion of the undergarment.

01-489-99 · · • 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4-

Referring to FIG. 17 to 20, in another embodiment of the invention, the flaps 34 are provided with stiffening elements 70 that are formed by the relief of the flaps 34 in a pattern in which the relief 40 begins a short distance from the joint line 29 (internally from the joint line means extending into the loop member). The relief 40 is preferably terminated slightly in front of the distal edge of the flap, more preferably approximately 2 mm to 10 mm from the distal edge of the flap. A preferred embossing pattern is a series of loops 41 that begin next to the joint line and extend outwardly to the distal edge of the flap and are curved back toward the joint line where they terminate.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the central absorbent core has a width that exceeds the width of the large labia of the wearer. Although the width of the labia may vary considerably from one user to another, it has been found that the width of the absorbent core at least 70 mm, preferably about 75 mm, generally exceeds the width of the large labia of most users since the average crotch width is generally 7.5 cm. . The flaps 34 of the invention, when used on a sanitary napkin 10 having a core width of at least 70 mm, and when used in conventional panty, will more easily fold over the crotch portion of the panty and more easily fix than conventional sanitary napkins with flaps. Thus, since the flap joint line determines where the flap folds, the flaps 34 may be adapted to secure them to the underside of the wearer's undergarment in an area below the absorbent element and not under the adjacent flap portion as discussed above. The core width of at least 70 mm sufficiently separates the resilient portion 11 of the flaps 34 to reduce or eliminate the tension that is

01-489-99 • • · · · · · · · · · ♦ ♦ ♦ • • • • • 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 · · Applied to the flaps 34 by the side edges of the wearer's undergarments (which often include an elastic member) and thereby provide the flaps 34 with increased stability when attached to the wearer's undergarments.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the absorbent article comprises an absorbent element comprising an upper garment facing layer 12, a garment facing layer 20, a garment facing layer 20, and an absorbent core disposed between the facing layer and the barrier layer 20, said absorbent element further comprising: at least one locking element. More specifically, the absorbent element has a central region, a first or front end region, and a second or rear end region. The central region has longitudinal edges that are identical to the edges of the absorbent element and the first and second mutually opposed distal ends defined by an area sufficient to at least cover the female vaginal atrium and the large labia. The first or front end region extends from the first distal end of the central portion and is adapted to overlap at least a portion of the female pubic bump in use. The second or rear end region extends from the second distal end of the central region and is adapted to overlap at least a portion of the female back wall in use. The absorbent element has at least one securing means disposed in at least one of the end regions of the absorbent element, i.e. either in the first end region or in the second end region or in both the first and second end regions. Still referring to FIG. 1, the securing means comprises a reinforced element 80 and a non-reinforced region 81. The non-reinforced region 81 is adjacent the distal end of the central region and is located between the central region and the reinforced element 80.

01-489-99 Če • Φ Φ • * 9

999 999 is located internally from the transverse and longitudinal edges of the absorbent element, between the unreinforced region 81 and the distal end of the absorbent element. The unreinforced region 81 extends transversely across the end region, generally in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the absorbent product, to the central longitudinal axis of the absorbent product, from one longitudinal edge of the absorbent element to the opposite longitudinal edge of the absorbent element. The reinforcing element 80 extends transversely across the end region, generally perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the absorbent article, at least at their intersection with this axis and centrally occupies at least 50% of the width of the absorbent element. The stiffening element 80 in use resists cross-folding, i.e., the cross-sectional structure. it has a higher resistance to lateral compression forces than the unreinforced region 81. The combination of the reinforced element 80 and the unreinforced region 81, when used, allows the end region of the absorbent article to be edge-bent in the longitudinal direction, thereby providing the pad with the ability to closely conform to the contour of the wearer. The reinforced element 80 may also act as a liquid wicking barrier and conducts the liquid so that it is retained only in the absorbent element. Thus, the locking member provides a bending axis that is identical to the transverse axis of the liner, bending resistance and compression in a direction perpendicular to that axis, i. along the longitudinal axis of the liner, and a relatively uncompressed region that can swell outward and conform to the body of the wearer. Optionally, the reinforced element 80 may be adapted to prevent fluid from flowing over the edges of the insert. The reinforcing element 80 may itself be a flexible means or may comprise a separate flexible means, for example a relief channel, or may include a projection, folds, slit, bending element or weakened area that provides a bending axis identical to the bending axis of such bending means and also provides

01-489-99 English · 0 ♦ 0

0 0 00 00 0 * 0 · 4 · 0

0 0 0 0 · 0

0 0 0 0 0 0

000 00 «00 400 00 00 reinforcement and compression resistance in the transverse direction to the bending axis.

Optionally, the central region may comprise one or more reinforcing means, such as an absorbent material, an insert comprising sphagnum moss, a component having an embossed channel therein that is parallel to the central longitudinal axis, and combinations thereof. The extruded channels are preferably located between the central longitudinal axis and the longitudinal edge, provided, of course, that the stiffening means in the central region is offset from the stiffened element 80 in the end region. The reinforcing means keeps the center of the absorbent element in a relatively straight profile along the longitudinal axis and resists bending of the absorbent element in a direction perpendicular to this axis, so that it effectively adheres to the user's body in this region, resists transverse bending and folding. In the most preferred embodiment, the central region, as compared to the end regions of the absorbent element, comprises another absorbent material having a pair of embossed arcuate channels therein and which forms a reinforced central region and a locking means disposed in both end regions of the absorbent element. . Preferably, the flap width dimension is equal to or greater than the length of the extruded channel. The preferred length of the extruded channel is approximately 75 mm.

The absorbent articles of the invention may be made by a process comprising:

01-489-99 English · · · · · ·

. T t t * * 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4

444 44 494 444 44 94 • fixing the absorbent core to the surface of the liquid-permeable cover layer having a width greater than the width of the absorbent core;

Coating the absorbent core with a liquid-impermeable barrier layer whose width is substantially equal to the width of the cover layer;

Bonding the cover layer to the barrier layer along the periphery of the absorbent core to form a flange joint;

Cutting the cover layer and barrier layer around the flange joint in a pattern that provides a sanitary napkin having a pair of laterally extending flaps, the individual flaps extending from each respective longitudinal side edge of the sanitary napkin, integrally formed of the cover layer and barrier layer and having a proximal end adjacent with a respective longitudinal side edge of the sanitary napkin and a distal end extending laterally outwardly from the respective longitudinal side edge of the sanitary napkin;

Folding the flaps along the bending axis below the barrier layer and fixing the flaps of the barrier layer according to the joint zone located internally from the longitudinal side edges of the sanitary napkin so that the distal end of the flaps extends laterally inward to the longitudinal centerline of the sanitary napkin.

The order of the operations described above is not in itself critical, provided, of course, that the final product comprises an upper liquid-permeable cover layer, a lower barrier layer and an absorbent layer between the upper and lower layers. This implies that the flap fixation to • k · · · ··· · ···

The 01-489-99 Ce barrier layer can be applied prior to cutting the cover and barrier layers. Similarly, the absorbent core may first be fixed to the barrier layer and then to the cover layer. Thus, the only critical step in the described method is to fix the integrally formed flaps to the barrier layer at the joint zone. Most preferably, the bending axis is an imaginary line parallel to the longitudinal side edge of the sanitary napkin, which is disposed approximately in the center of the skirt, the joint zone fixing the flaps to at least a portion of the skirt.

The products and methods of the invention can be used for conventional, hygienic, medical and incontinent protection and can be used in medical methods that are now or will be known. The foregoing exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrative only and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims (10)

PATENT CLAIMS 1. A sanitary absorbent article comprising: (A) a main body having opposed longitudinal side edges and a longitudinal centerline comprising: (i) a body-oriented, liquid-permeable topsheet to be placed against the wearer's perineal region, (ii) a garment-oriented, liquid-impermeable backsheet, and (iii) an absorbent layer oriented between the topsheet and the backsheet; (B) at least one panel integrally formed from the topsheet, the backsheet, or a combination of both the topsheet and the backsheet that extends from the longitudinal side edge of the main body, said panel further comprising: (i) a proximal end region adjacent to the longitudinal side edge of said main body, (ii) a distal end region extending laterally from the longitudinal side edge of the sanitary absorbent article, the proximal end and the distal end defining a central portion therebetween having at least one reinforcing element which laterally reinforces at least a portion of the flap to an extent sufficient to provide a preferential bending line at the joint line of the flap and the article, wherein the flap is able to bend around the preferential bending line at the joint line such that 01-489-99 The distal end of the panel extends in a direction generally transverse to said longitudinal side edge, laterally inwardly to the longitudinal centerline of said main body, on the garment facing side of the sanitary absorbent article, (iii) a joint zone in the central portion adjacent with a proximal end of said panel and fixes a portion of said panel to the barrier layer at a location which extends inwardly from the longitudinal side edge of said main body, thereby defining a free-running flap, (iv) a loop member defined by a linking zone that is substantially unitized; wherein said flap is able to fold over the rim of the undergarment in its crotch portion, and when a portion of the flap is in a folded state over the rim of the undergarment, the tab provides means for retaining at least a portion of the rim of the undergarment internally from said longitudinal side edge. A sanitary absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the continuous line of fixation is rounded and has a convex inward orientation relative to the longitudinal centerline of the main body. 3. The absorbent article of Claim 1 wherein the joint zone of each panel is located below the absorbent layer. • · · ··· 01-489-99 Če A sanitary absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the joint zone of each panel is located below the flange joint formed between the topsheet and the backsheet along their peripheral edge. The sanitary absorbent article of claim 4, wherein the bending axis is adjacent the bead joint and the joint zone is located laterally, inwardly of the bending axis of each panel, defining a cavity along the longitudinal edges of said main body. The sanitary absorbent article of claim 5, wherein the joint zone extends longitudinally along the length of the skirt and the cavity extends along the longitudinal sides of said main body. A sanitary absorbent article according to claim 6, wherein the cavity comprises an elastic member that is fixed in a tensioned state along its length to the skirt joint. 8. A sanitary absorbent article according to claim 1 which is a sanitary napkin. 9. A sanitary absorbent article according to claim 1 wherein one of said flaps 98 9 · 9 9 01-489-99 includes an adhesive zone disposed on the side of the flap that is oriented toward the undergarment when the flap is folded over the undergarment, the adhesive zone being capable of forming a bond with the side of the other flap that is oriented away from the undergarment if the second flap is folded around the undergarment. 10. A sanitary absorbent article comprising: (A) a main body having opposed longitudinal side edges, comprising: (i) a liquid pervious cover layer, (ii) an absorbent layer underlying the liquid pervious cover layer, and (iii) a liquid impermeable barrier layer underlying the absorbent layer; (B) a pair of panels on opposite sides of said main body that are integrally formed of a cover layer, a barrier layer, or a combination of both a cover and a barrier layer that extend laterally from said main body in a direction generally transverse to the longitudinal side edges; panels include: (i) a proximal end which is a continuous continuation of the longitudinal side edge and which is bent under the barrier layer and extends laterally, inwards, away from the respective longitudinal side edge, (Ii) a central portion fixed to the proximal end, the central portion having at least one stiffening element that forms a stiffened area with lateral stiffening at least in the flap portion and which provides a preferential bending line in the flap joint line and an insert, said flap being able to fold over the crotch portion of the undergarment on which the sanitary napkin is positioned, (iii) a joint zone that attaches at least a portion of said panel to the barrier layer and thereby defines a loop member that is substantially unitized.