JP2002508693A - Absorber with multilayer extensible wings - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) Abstract An absorbent body having a wing (or side flap) for wearing in underwear, such as a sanitary napkin, a panty liner, or an incontinence pad, is disclosed. The absorber typically has a liquid-permeable topsheet, a liquid-impermeable backsheet joined to the topsheet, and an absorbent core located between the topsheet and the backsheet. In one embodiment, the flap comprises a topsheet and a backsheet extension. The extending portions of the topsheet and the backsheet have extensible portions. At least a portion of the extensible portions of the topsheet and the backsheet are located inside the longitudinal side edges of the absorbent core of the absorbent body.

Description

Description: FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, panty liners and incontinence pads. More particularly, the invention relates to an absorbent of the type described above which is extensible, preferably elastically extensible in multiple directions. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Absorbers, such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, and incontinence pads, are designed to absorb and retain liquids and other effluents from the human body and to prevent body and clothing from becoming dirty. Have been. Sanitary napkins are types of absorbers worn by women and are typically placed between the wearer's legs and adjacent to the perineum of the body. Typically, many of the disposable absorbers of the type described above are made of non-extensible materials. That is, the material (and the absorber itself) does not stretch under the forces that the absorber experiences during normal wear. Such absorbers have a number of significant disadvantages because the absorber cannot be stretched. One of the most significant drawbacks is that they are not comfortable for the wearer. Ideally, the wearer should be aware of the difference between an absorber that can stretch according to the body of the wearer and the movement of the wearer and an absorber that cannot stretch. Conventional sanitary napkins do not stretch and do not move with the wearer's underwear, which can shift the sanitary napkin therein. Providing stretch to the sanitary napkin will allow the napkin to better adapt to the wearer's underwear and stay in place. Some patents disclose absorbers having various components that can be stretched. Such efforts include U.S. Pat.No. 2,701,567 issued to Smith; U.S. Pat.No. 3,570,493 issued to Olsson; U.S. Pat.No. 3,653,382 issued to Easley et al .; Schwartz U.S. Pat.No. 3,717,150 issued to Sabee, U.S. Pat.No. 4,013,816 issued to Sabee, U.S. Pat.No. 4,041,949 issued to Kozak, U.S. Pat.No. 4,166,464 issued to Korpman, Hall U.S. Pat.No. 4,533,357 issued to Pieniak et al., U.S. Pat.No. 4,578,070 issued to Holtman, U.S. Pat.No. 4,596,570 issued to Jackson et al. U.S. Pat.No. 4,655,760 issued to Morman et al .; U.S. Pat.No. 4,731,066 issued to Korpman; U.S. Pat.No. 4,847,134 issued to Fahrenk rug et al. Issued to Fahrenkrug et al. U.S. Pat.No. 4,891,258 U.S. Pat.No. 4,965,122 issued to Morman, U.S. Pat.No. 4,992,324 issued to Dube, U.S. Pat.No. 5,011,480 issued to Gossens et al., European Patent published under the name of Morris et al. It is described in application No. 0450541 A2. Some of the above publications disclose the provision of absorbers with one or more stretchable components. More recently, various absorbent embodiments, such as sanitary napkins, composed entirely of components that can be stretched to accommodate the movement of the wearer and the wearer's underwear, were disclosed on March 18, 1997 in Osborn. No. 5,611,790 entitled "Stretchable Absorbent Articles" issued to U.S. Pat. Improved materials have also been developed for use in absorbers. For example, U.S. Pat.No. 5,518,801 entitled `` Web Materials Exhibiting Elastic-Like Behavior '' issued to Chappell et al. A web material to be presented and an absorber embodying such a material are disclosed. U.S. Pat.No. 5,560,878 entitled `` Method and Apparatus for Making Stretchable Absorbent Articles '' issued to Dragoo et al. Disclose body. PCT application WO95 / 20931, entitled `` Absor bent Articles '', published on August 10, 1995 under the name of Osborn et al., Is an improvement to hold the absorber in contact with the body of the wearer. The present invention is directed to an extensible absorber having a customized mechanism. However, the search for improved deformations of extensible absorbers and absorbent cores for such absorbers is still ongoing. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved absorbent, such as a sanitary napkin, which is extensible, and more preferably to provide an elastically extensible absorbent. Another object of the present invention is to provide an absorbent body such as a sanitary napkin that can be elastically extended in multiple directions. Another object of the present invention is to prevent some of the problems that generally affect very flexible absorbers, such as the undesirable tendency of the end portion of the absorber to fold over the rest of the absorber. It is to provide a stretchable absorber having an improved mechanism. Another object of the present invention is to provide an extensible absorber having diagonal extensibility to accommodate walking forces and similar movements acting on the absorber when worn on the wearer's underwear. It is to be. It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved absorbent core for an extensible absorbent. It is another object of the present invention to provide an absorbent body with side flaps or wings that reduces the stress on the sanitary napkin when it is wrapped around the side edge of the wearer's underwear. The object is to provide an absorbent body having a portion that is extensible for release. It is another object of the present invention to provide an extensible absorbent body having an improved type of extensible crimp seal that joins the extensible components of the absorbent body so that they can be further extended. is there. These and other objects of the present invention will become more readily apparent when considered in conjunction with the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is to provide a multidirectionally extensible, preferably elastically extensible, absorbent body for wearing in undergarments such as sanitary napkins, pantiliners and incontinence devices. . The multi-directionally extensible absorber includes a longitudinal centerline, a transverse centerline, a pair of longitudinal side edges, a pair of terminal edges, a first terminal region, and a second terminal region. And a central region between the first and second terminal regions. The multidirectionally extensible absorber preferably has a body portion with at least two regions that are extensible in different directions, and at least one of these regions, preferably two of these regions. One or more can grow 25% under a force of about 500 grams or less. The body portion of the multi-directionally extensible absorber is preferably a multi-directionally extensible liquid-permeable topsheet and a multi-directionally extensible liquid joined at least partially to the topsheet at the periphery. It has an impermeable backsheet and a multidirectionally stretchable absorbent core located between the topsheet and the backsheet. In one preferred embodiment, the body portion of the multi-directionally extensible absorbent body has a central region that is predominantly transversely extensible. The first and second end regions preferably each comprise three extensible regions, a first extensible region, a second extensible region, and a third extensible region. A first extensible region of the distal region is disposed along at least a portion of the longitudinal centerline adjacent one of the distal edges of the body portion. The first extensible region is primarily extensible in the transverse direction. A second extensible region is disposed on one side of the first extensible region, laterally outward of at least a portion of the first extensible region, and one longitudinal side of the absorber. Extending towards the edge. The second extensible region is extensible in a direction between the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction. The third extensible region is located on the other side of the first extensible region and laterally outside at least a portion of the first extensible region. A third extensible region extends toward the other longitudinal side edge of the absorbent body and is extensible in a direction between the longitudinal and transverse directions. In this and other embodiments, the multi-directionally extensible absorber may include side flaps or wings that extend laterally outward beyond the longitudinal side edges of the body portion of the absorber. The side flap has an improved structure therein that is extensible to relieve the stress of the flap when wrapped around the side edge of the wearer's underwear. More specifically, the side flap is integral with the body portion and has extensibility in a zone located inside the edge of the absorbent core of the absorbent body. The use of the flap described herein for a conventional non-extensible absorber is also within the scope of the present invention. In addition, the components that form the extensible absorber are preferably held together by the use of a novel liquid-impermeable seal having a sinusoidal shape that allows the components to be elastically extensible. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a top view of a preferred sanitary napkin embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a transverse cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1 through the corner region of one flap of the sanitary napkin. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken through line 3-3 of FIG. 1 through the central portion of one flap. FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the sanitary napkin shown in FIG. 1 with the pullable network region omitted from the backsheet for simplicity of illustration. FIG. 5 is a simplified plan view of the sanitary napkin after being extended. FIG. 6 is a schematic side view of a softly expandable sanitary napkin showing some of the problems that a sanitary napkin would suffer without the improvements of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a top view of a preferred composite sanitary napkin according to the present invention. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the composite sanitary napkin shown in FIG. 7 taken along line 8-8, with the corrugations of the topsheet and backsheet omitted for simplicity. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION FIGS. 1-4 show a preferred embodiment of the disposable absorbent article of the present invention. The present invention relates to an absorbent body worn in underwear such as a sanitary napkin, a panty liner, and an incontinence device. As used herein, the term "absorber" refers to a product that absorbs and contains bodily excretions. More specifically, the term refers to a product that is placed toward or near the wearer's body to absorb and contain various bodily discharges from the body. The term "absorbent" is intended to include sanitary napkins, panty liners and incontinence pads (and other products worn on the crotch of clothing). The term "disposable" means that they are discarded after a single use and are preferably recycled, rotten to compost, or otherwise disposed of in a manner that does not affect the environment Products that are being used. (That is, they are not intended to be washed or otherwise restored or reused as an absorbent body.) In the preferred embodiment shown, the absorbent body is a sanitary napkin indicated at 20 It is. As used herein, the term `` sanitary napkin '' is intended to be worn by women adjacent to the vulva and to absorb and contain various bodily exudates (such as blood, menstruation and urine). Product. However, the invention is not limited to the specific type and form of absorber shown in the drawings. The sanitary napkin 20 has two surfaces, a body contacting surface or "body surface" 20A and a clothing surface 20B. The sanitary napkin 20 is shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from the body surface 20A. The body surface 20A is to be worn adjacent to the wearer's body. The clothing surface 20B is to be placed adjacent to the wearer's underwear when the sanitary napkin 20 is worn. The sanitary napkin 20 has two centerlines, a main longitudinal centerline (or "longitudinal centerline") L and a main transverse centerline (or "transverse centerline") T. As used herein, the term `` longitudinal '' refers to a sanitary napkin 20 that, when worn, substantially aligns (e.g., is substantially parallel to) a vertical surface that bisects a standing wearer into a left half and a right half. A line, an axis, and a direction in the plane of the napkin 20 are referred to. As used herein, the terms "transverse" or "lateral" refer to lines, axes, or directions that are interchangeable and that are generally in the plane of the sanitary napkin 20 that are perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. As shown in FIG. 1, the sanitary napkin 20 preferably comprises a body portion 22 and two flaps 24. FIG. 1 shows that the body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin 20 is a portion of the sanitary napkin without the flap 24. The body portion 22 has two spaced apart longitudinal edges 26 and two spaced apart transverse or distal edges (or "distal portions") 28, which together are the body portions. Is formed at the peripheral portion 30 of FIG. The body portion 22 has four corners 27 where a longitudinal edge 26 and a distal edge 28 converge. Body portion 22 further has two end regions, referred to as a first end region 32 and a second end region 34. The central region 36 is located between the terminal regions 32 and 34. End regions 32 and 34 extend longitudinally outward from both ends of central region 36 about 1/8 to about 1/3 or more of the length of the body portion. A detailed description of the features of the central region and the two terminal regions of the sanitary napkin is contained in US Pat. No. 4,690,680 issued to Higgins on September 1, 1987. The body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin 20 may be of any thickness, such as relatively thick, intermediate, relatively thin, or very thin (or `` ultra-thin ''). It may be. The characteristics of a substantially non-stretchable "ultra-thin" sanitary napkin are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,950,264 and 5,009,653 issued to Osborn. The embodiment of the sanitary napkin 20 shown in FIGS. 1-3 of the drawings is shown as an example of an ultra-thin sanitary napkin having a caliper of about 4 millimeters. For comfort to the wearer, the body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin 20 is also preferably relatively flexible. The sanitary napkin 20 shown in the figures is extensible, preferably extensible, and more preferably elastically extensible, in multiple directions. The term "extensible" as used herein refers to products that can increase in at least one of their dimensions in the xy plane. The xy plane is a plane substantially parallel to the surface of the sanitary napkin 20. The term "extensible" includes extensible and elastically extensible products. As used herein, the term "extensible" refers to a product that is extensible when a tensile force is applied to the product, and that exhibits moderate resistance to tension. The terms "elastically extensible" or "elastically extensible" are intended to indicate the same. These terms are illustrated in a simplified schematic diagram of the sanitary napkin of FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the sanitary napkin 20 can extend to an extended length LS and an extended width WS. As used herein, the term "elastically extensible" or "elastically extensible" refers to the size of a sanitary napkin that is unstretched or unstretched when the tensile force designated "F" is removed. (Ie, the "original" dimensions Lu and Wu). However, sanitary napkin 20 need not return to its unstretched dimensions. As shown in FIG. 5, the unstretched dimensions (LU and WU) and the stretched (or stretched dimensions) may return to the loose dimensions between LS and WS (LR and WR). FIG. 2 shows the individual components of the body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin 20 of the present invention. The body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin preferably comprises at least three main components. These main components include a liquid-permeable topsheet 38, a liquid-impermeable backsheet 40, and an absorbent core 42 located between the topsheet 38 and the backsheet 40. The liquid-permeable topsheet and the liquid-impermeable backsheet and absorbent core may comprise any suitable material that is extensible as described below, or are identified herein to provide extensibility. And a base material that is suitable to be modified to In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the base material for the liquid-permeable topsheet 38 comprises an apertured film. Suitable molded films are disclosed in U.S. Pat.No. 3,929,135 issued to Thompson on December 30, 1975, U.S. Pat.No. 4,324,245 issued to Mullane et al. On April 13, 1982, 1982 U.S. Pat.No. 4,342,314 issued to Radel et al. On Aug. 3, U.S. Pat.No. 4,463,045 issued to Ahr et al. On Jul. 31, 1984 and Baird on Apr. 9, 1991 U.S. Pat. No. 5,006,394 issued to U.S. Pat. One particularly preferred base material for the topsheet 38 is described in one or more of the above-mentioned patents, and is referred to as the "DRI-WEAVE" topsheet by The Procter & Gample of Cinclnnati, Ohlo. Includes molded films sold in the sanitary napkin market by The Procter & Gamble Company. The base material for the topsheet 38 has a hydrophilic surfactant incorporated therein during manufacture. As will be described in more detail below, the base material for the topsheet 38 is modified to allow it to be stretched in multiple directions. The absorbent core 42 can include various absorbent materials. The absorbent materials are suitable for being extensible or modified to make them extensible. For example, a suitable material for use as the absorbent core 42 can be a knit material or a nonwoven material that is modified to make it multidirectionally extensible. As used herein, the phrase “multi-directional” extensible refers to extensible in at least two directions in the xy plane. (It should be understood that the materials described herein for use in absorbent core 42 may optionally be used as the absorbent core of other types of disposable absorbent articles, such as disposable diapers, if desired. One suitable multidirectional elastically extensible nonwoven material is a polymer fiber, such as polyester fiber, and a fibrous superabsorbent hydrogel-forming polymer material (or "absorbent gelling material") of 50150. It is a mixture. A suitable fibrous absorbent gelling material is available from Camelot Superabsorbents, Ltd. of Calgary, Alberta, Canada as product # 1161. The nonwoven material is preferably embossed in the pattern described in US Pat. No. 4,781,710 issued to Megison et al. The embossed nonwoven material is then preferably heated to a temperature slightly below the glass transition temperature of the polyester (about 280 ° F.) and then, on September 14, 1993, Hassenboehler, Jr. et al. U.S. Pat.No. 5,244,482 to the University of Tennessee entitled `` Post-Treatment of Nonwoven Webs '' issued to The nonwoven web is preferably then cooled to about 200 ° F. (about 93 ° C.) to provide extensibility in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. A suitable method of mechanically compressing a nonwoven web is described in U.S. Patent No. 3,260,778 issued to Walton on July 12, 1966, February 1969. U.S. Patent No. 3,426,405, issued to Walton on November 11, Walton et al. On June 2, 1992. No. 5,117,540 issued to U.S. Pat. No. 5,117,540.The entire process is performed under a force of about 200 grams / inch (about 80 g / cm) or less, preferably about 100 grams / inch (about 40 g / cm). Below), more preferably under a force of between about 25 and about 100 grams / inch (about 10-40 g / cm), most preferably about 60 grams / inch (about 24 g / cm), in the machine direction (sanitary In the manufacturing process of the napkin 20, a nonwoven absorbent core material can be created that can be stretched about 25% in both directions, the direction in which the fabric unwinds from the rolls (in the direction in which the fabric unwinds) and the machine cross direction (in the direction perpendicular to the unwinding direction). The absorbent core 42 of the embodiment shown in the drawings preferably comprises a knit material that is elastically extensible in all directions, as used herein, the phrase "extensible" in the xy plane. Refers to the extensibility in all directions within.In a particularly preferred embodiment, The absorbent core 42 is a laminate of two or more knit materials, preferably the absorbent core 42 comprises a layer of knit nylon material and knit polyester material and 20/1 knit acrylic material sewn together by stitching. It has a three-layer construction, which provides a laminate with a Jacquard quilt-like pattern, such a material is known as product number B7112 and is available from Burlington, NC, Burlington, NC.・ Available from Flytex Amtex, Inc. 24mg / cm for Flynt material <sup>Two</sup> Has a basis weight of about 5 grams or more per gram of fabric, and a caliper of about 2 mm. A simple test to determine the capacity of such a material is described in the Test Methods section below. Absorbent core 42 (e.g., flint material) is preferably about 35 grams / inch with a 5% elongation under a force of about 20 grams / inch (about 8 g / cm) or less, at the specified force, at A force of about 200 g / inch (about 80 g / cm) or less, preferably a force of about 100 g / inch (about 40 g / cm) or less at a 10% elongation under a force of about (about 14 g / cm) More preferably, at 25% elongation under a force of about 85 grams / inch (about 33 g / cm) or less, and at 50% elongation under a force of about 225 grams / inch (about 90 g / cm) or less. It has the ability to extend in the direction. All forces specified herein are measured using 1 inch (2.54 cm) wide strips of absorbent material as described in the Test Methods section below. For simplicity, omni-directional extensibility is measured using strips cut at 45 ° diagonal, longitudinal, transverse. The absorbent core 42 (eg, flint material) is preferably elastically extensible in all directions. The absorbent core 42 may return to its unstretched dimension when the stretching force is removed, but need not return to that dimension. This feature can be expressed in percent (%) warpage (set) of the core material. The flint material has less than about 10% warpage in the longitudinal, transverse, and oblique directions. The absorbent core 42 (eg, flint material) is preferably highly flexible and can be covered with loose pleats. The flint material has a Taber Stiffness of about 0.11 or 0.12 g / cm, a bending stiffness of about 26 mg cm / cm, and a test detailed in U.S. Pat.No. 5,009,653 issued to Osborn. It has a flexural resistance of about 14 or 15 grams measured on flint material alone. The flint material has a "gritty" appearance on one side and is relatively flat on one side. The flint material can be placed on either side adjacent to the topsheet 38 of the sanitary napkin 20. Since the absorbent core material is inherently extensible in all directions, no modification of the absorbent core material is required. In some cases, it may be desirable to provide the flint material with additional absorption capacity for use as absorbent core 42. This can be done in several non-limiting ways. In one embodiment, an additional web or strip of extensible material may be joined to the underside of the flint material. In this embodiment, the additional web or strip of extensible material may have a surface on which the absorbent gelling material is placed adjacent (ie, on its inner surface) to the flint material provided thereon. Thus, the additional web or strip "captures" or retains the absorbent gelling material adjacent to the underside of the flint material. In one preferred version of such an embodiment, the extensible material is air-through bonded composed of bicomponent fibers manufactured under the trademark HAVIX S2146 by Havix Corporation of Gifu, Japan. It has a square strip of about 2 inches (about 5 cm) wide and about 6.25 inches (about 16 cm) long of air-through bonded nonwoven material. HAVIX material is extensible in one direction, preferably in its width direction. The avix material is preferably mechanically compressed (or "micrexed") as described in connection with the multi-directionally extensible nonwoven material described above, such that it is also extensible in the longitudinal direction. The absorbent gelling material is preferably Nalco 1180 absorbent gelling material, available from Nalco Chemical Company of Naperville, Ill., And Williamsport, Pennsylvania. It is applied to Havix materials as a mixture with PEGOSPERSE surfactant available from PA). Both of these components are preferably mixed in a ratio of about 10 grams of absorbent gelling material to about 1 gram of surfactant. Preferably, about 0.3-0.4 grams of this mixture is applied to a strip of Havix material. The strip of avix material may be joined to the underside of the flint material in a suitable manner. Preferably, the Havix material is stretched and the flint material is cured using an adhesive such as Adhesive No. 2031 manufactured by Findley Adhesives Company of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. Joined on the lower side. If additional protection is desired, a double-sided adhesive tape can be placed around the avix material for attachment to the flint material. The use of this additional web of material with the absorbent gelling material preferably approximately doubles the absorbent capacity of the sanitary napkin 20, from a total capacity of about 12 grams to about 23 grams. These absorption capacities are preferably measured by the tests detailed in US Pat. No. 5,009,653 issued to Osborn. In another embodiment, the absorbent core 42 may have additional capacity in other ways. For example, instead of adding a strip of material to the underside of the absorbent core as described above, the absorbent gelling material may include one or more of the layers of the absorbent core (such as one of the different layers of flint material). Could be added to the surface. Alternatively, one or more of the layers of the absorbent core could at least partially comprise a fibrous absorbent gelling material. The backsheet 40 may be any suitable liquid-impermeable material that is extensible and includes a base material that can be modified as specified herein to provide it with extensibility. You may. Preferably, the base material for the backsheet 40 is a polyethylene film having a thickness of about 0.012 mm (0.5 mil) to about 0.015 mm (2.0 mil). Exemplary polyethylene films are manufactured by Clopay Corporation of Cincinnati, Ohio under the trade names P18-0401 and microflex 1401. The backsheet 40 may preferably be embossed or matt to provide a more cloth-like appearance. Further, the backsheet 40 may be able to escape vapor from the absorbent core 42 (i.e., may be breathable) while preventing excrement from passing through the backsheet. In a preferred embodiment, when the base material for the backsheet 40 is manufactured, it is subjected to a corona discharge treatment to help glue the desired portion of the base material to the topsheet. Methods of treating film materials with corona discharge are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,351,784, 4,456,570, and 4,535,020 issued to Thomas et al. The base material for the backsheet 40 is modified to allow it to be stretched in multiple directions, as described in more detail below. Topsheet 38, backsheet 40, and absorbent core 42 may be assembled into various structures known in the art (including laminated or "sandwich" structures and wrapped or "tube" structures). . FIGS. 1-4 show a preferred embodiment of the sanitary napkin 20 assembled in a sandwich configuration, wherein the topsheet 38 and the backsheet 40 have length and width dimensions that are somewhat larger than the dimensions of the absorbent core 42. Have. The topsheet 38 and the backsheet 40 extend beyond the edge of the absorbent core 42 and form a peripheral portion 30. Topsheet 38 is preferably bonded to the body-facing side of absorbent core 42. Topsheet 38 may be joined to absorbent core 42 in any suitable manner known in the art for this purpose, such as by an open pattern adhesive. The backsheet 40 need not be joined to the absorbent core 42 and is preferably not joined in the illustrated embodiment. The portions of the topsheet 38 and the backsheet 40 that extend beyond the edge of the absorbent core 42 and form the perimeter 30 are preferably joined together, as will be described in greater detail below. The topsheet 38 may be joined to the absorbent core 42 by a uniform continuous layer of adhesive, a patterned adhesive layer, or a line of adhesive lines, spirals or spots. One adhesive that has proved satisfactory for this purpose is manufactured by Findley Adhesives Company, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, as Adhesive No. 2031. The adhesive is preferably as disclosed in U.S. Pat.No. 4,573,986 entitled `` Disposable Waste-Containment Garment '' issued to Minetola et al. On March 4, 1986. Applicable to open pattern network of adhesive filament. Another exemplary adhesive filament open pattern network comprising a number of spirally spirally wound adhesive filament lines is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,911,173; U.S. Pat.No. 4,785,996 issued to Zieker et al. On Nov. 22, 1978; U.S. Pat.No. 4,842,666 issued to We renicz on Jun. 27, 1989. And method. Alternatively, the components of the sanitary napkin may be joined by thermal bonding, pressure bonding, ultrasonic bonding, dynamic mechanical bonding, or any other suitable bonding means or combinations of these bonding means known in the art. The entire sanitary napkin 20, or portions thereof, may extend in various directions. The multi-directionally extensible absorber preferably has a body portion with at least two regions that are extensible in different directions, at least one of these regions, preferably two or more, having about 500 A 25% elongation is possible under sub-gram forces. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4, the central region 36 of the sanitary napkin 20 is substantially extensible in the transverse direction. This is approximately in the direction of the blind spot shown in FIG. As shown in the figures, when the sanitary napkin 20 includes the flap 24, the extensibility of the central region 36 can extend into the flap 24. The central region 36 extends transversely to help fold the flap 24 around the curved side edge of the wearer's underwear. As used herein, the phrase "substantially transverse" (or approximately another direction) means that the major component of extensibility is in the specified direction. However, not all of the stretch need be in the exact specified direction. Thus, when said to be substantially transversely extensible, the extensibility need not be exactly parallel to the main transverse centerline of the sanitary napkin. However, the extensibility is preferably more transverse than longitudinal. The first and second end regions 32 and 34 of the sanitary napkin 20 shown in FIGS. 1-4 each preferably comprise three extensible regions. The three extensible regions comprise a first extensible region 44, a second extensible region 46, and a third extensible region 48. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the extensible regions of the first end region 32 of the sanitary napkin 20 are symmetric with each of the same regions in the second end region 34, but in another embodiment. It doesn't have to be. Preferably, the first extensible region 44 of the distal regions 32 and 34 is located along at least a portion of the longitudinal centerline L of the sanitary napkin. A portion of the first extensible region 44 is preferably located adjacent one of the distal edges 28 of the body portion 22. Preferably, first extensible region 44 is a generally pie-shaped region centrally located with respect to the longitudinal centerline. The first extensible region 44 preferably has a tip or apex 50 located along the longitudinal centerline L. Preferably, the tip 50 extends substantially all the way to the distal edge 52 of the central region 36. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the first extensible region 44 is preferably primarily extensible in the transverse direction (as indicated by the arrow). This causes the first region to be stretched with the wearer's panties, especially in the region of the wearer's buttocks. The first and second end regions 32 and 34 preferably have the same extensibility so that the wearer can wear any end of the sanitary napkin 20 on the back crotch of the panty. The second extensible region 46 is located transversely outside at least a portion of the first extensible region 44. The second extensible region 46 is located on one side of the first extensible region 44. The second extensible region 46 extends toward the longitudinal side edge 26 of the body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin 20, and preferably toward one. As shown, if the sanitary napkin 20 includes a flap 24, this area of extensibility may extend beyond the longitudinal side edge 26 of the body portion into the side flap 24. In the embodiment shown, the portion of the second extensible region 46 that overlaps the body portion 22 is preferably roughly in the shape of a right triangle. In the embodiment shown, the second extensible region 46 is extensible in a direction between the longitudinal and transverse directions. Preferably, in this embodiment, the second extensible region 46 has an angle between about 45 ° and about 55 ° with respect to the longitudinal centerline L, as shown in FIG. It can be stretched in a direction having a principal vector component forming an angle A of 48 °. The open portion at angle A is oriented such that the angle faces the transverse centerline T of the sanitary napkin 20. As long as the angle A is less than 90 °, this provides an “inward” extensibility, i.e. an extensibility with the principal vector component directed inward towards the transverse centerline T. This is symmetrical with an "outward" extensible region having a principal vector component oriented away from the transverse centerline. If the extensibility is perpendicular to the arrow shown in region 46, there will be outward extensibility. The terms "inward" and "outward" refer to a direction of extensibility, rather than a direction in which the area indicated by one head of each arrow in FIG. 1 may tend to contract. . The third extensible region 48 is preferably located on the other side of the first extensible region 44 and transversely outside at least a portion of the first extensible region 44. The third extensible region 48 extends toward the longitudinal side edge 26 of the body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin 20, and preferably toward one. A third extensible region 48 may extend into the side flap 24. The portion of the third extensible region 48 that overlaps the body portion 22 is preferably generally in the shape of a right triangle. In the illustrated embodiment, the third extensible region 48 is extensible in a direction between the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction. Preferably, in the present embodiment, the third extensible region 48 also forms an angle between about 45 ° and about 55 ° with respect to the longitudinal centerline L, more preferably about 48 °. It has inward extensibility in the direction having the vector component. In the illustrated preferred embodiment, the second and third extensible regions 46 and 48 are symmetrically disposed on either side of the first extensible region 44. Sanitary napkin 20 differs from many prior art absorbers in that it has an overall extensibility, preferably extending in an oblique direction. As used herein, “oblique” generally refers to the direction from one corner 27 of the body portion to the corner 27 opposite the longitudinal and transverse centerlines. This is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the main direction of extensibility of the body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin 20 is preferably oriented in a direction that forms an angle B with the longitudinal centerline L. Angle B is greater than 0 ° and less than 45 °, preferably between about 15 ° and about 30 °, and is preferably about 20 ° in the illustrated embodiment. It should be understood that the sanitary napkin 20 is preferably diagonally extensible, extending between the four corners of the body portion 22. Accordingly, the sanitary napkin 20 is not only oriented at the angle B shown in FIG. 5 (the angle is oriented counterclockwise with respect to the longitudinal centerline L), but also with respect to the longitudinal centerline L. It has a major extensibility component that can be oriented at the same angle clockwise. The amount of extensibility that the sanitary napkin 20 has is also important. The illustrated sanitary napkin 20 preferably elongates 5% under a force of about 200 grams or less and a force of about 550 grams or less along a longitudinal centerline L, at a specified force and at the following amounts: It is extensible with a 10% elongation under, a 15% elongation under a force of about 900 grams or less, and a 25% elongation under a force of about 1,600 grams or less. The sanitary napkin 20 is preferably elastically extensible in the longitudinal direction. The sanitary napkin 20 may have a small amount of warpage (up to about 10%) after being stretched in the longitudinal direction. The illustrated sanitary napkin 20 preferably elongates 5% under a force of about 75 grams or less, at the following amounts at a particular force, measured along the transverse centerline T, about 150 grams: Transverse to the central region 36 of the body part 22, with 10% elongation under the following force, 15% elongation under the force of about 250 g or less, and 25% elongation under the force of about 400 g or less It has extensibility. The illustrated sanitary napkin 20 preferably has a transverse extensibility in the distal regions 32 and 34 of the body portion 22, measured in approximately the same amount and with the same force and parallel to the transverse centerline. . Sanitary napkin 20 is preferably elastically extendable transversely at central region 36 and distal regions 32 and 34. The sanitary napkin 20 may have a small amount of warpage (up to about 10%) after being stretched transversely in these areas. The sanitary napkin 20 shown is preferably 5% elongation under a force of about 200 grams or less, 10% elongation under a force of about 500 grams or less, at the following amounts at a particular force: It is diagonally extensible with a 15% elongation under a force of less than 850 grams and a 25% elongation under a force of less than about 1,500 grams. All forces specified here are measured using a 1 inch (2.54 cm) wide clamp of absorbent material, as described in the test method section below. The sanitary napkin 20 is preferably elastically stretchable diagonally. The sanitary napkin 20 may have a small amount of warpage (up to about 10%) after being stretched diagonally. For the omnidirectional extensibility discussed in the previous section, it is difficult to place the sanitary napkin on the wearer's underwear, as the sanitary napkin 20 preferably does not have high extensibility at low force levels. Preferably, the sanitary napkin 20 is not extensible in an amount of about 10% or more under a force of about 50 grams or less in each of the directions specified above for extensibility. However, unless otherwise specified in the appended claims, the absorbent of the present invention may have the amount of extensibility described herein such that the extensibility specified elsewhere herein is the preferred amount. It should be understood that the invention is not limited to those having. The direction of extensibility of the various regions of the topsheet 38 and the backsheet 40 and the omnidirectional extensibility of the preferred absorbent core 42 described herein allow for the ability to stretch at an angle. The overall oblique extensibility provides the sanitary napkin 20 with several advantages. The diagonal extensibility helps the sanitary napkin adapt to the diagonal stretch of the wearer's panties associated with walking and similar movements. The overall diagonal extensibility reduces the tension in the sanitary napkin, which may create an undesirable tendency for the distal edge portion of the sanitary napkin to fold over the rest of the body portion 22 (i.e., Prevents the terminal edges from "turning up" and problems that could cause soiling of the wearer's underwear and loss of coverage.) While not wishing to be bound by any particular theory, it is believed that the reduction in end turn-up is due, at least in part, to the fact that the sanitary napkin 20 can accommodate the aforementioned diagonal stretch. In addition, designing a sanitary napkin with greater extensibility in the diagonal direction than in the longitudinal direction requires more rigidity along the longitudinal centerline (than the sanitary napkin with the greatest longitudinal extensibility). For sanitary napkins, which also tend to reduce distal edge turn-up. The extensibility of the sanitary napkin 20 and its different regions can be provided in any suitable manner. In the illustrated embodiment, extensibility is provided by forming a stretchable network in desired portions of the topsheet 38 and backsheet 40 of the sanitary napkin 20. The stretchable network is formed by a process referred to herein as forming the base material of the topsheet and backsheet into a stretchable elastic film (or `` SELFing '' the base material of the topsheet and backsheet). You. A suitable process for forming the stretchable network into the topsheet 38 and the backsheet 40 is described in Web Materials Exhibiting Elasticity, published May 21, 1996, by Chappell et al. -LikeBehavior) in US Pat. No. 5,518,801. As shown in FIG. 1, the topsheet 38 and the backsheet 40 preferably have several tensionable network regions formed therein. One tensionable network region is formed for the central region 36 of the body portion 22 and one tensionable network is formed for each of the three extensible regions in the distal regions 32 and 34 of the sanitary napkin 20. Is formed. The different tensileable network regions preferably all comprise a single base topsheet or backsheet material portion having a pattern of regions formed therein. In this embodiment, the topsheet 38 and the backsheet 40 are included therein (although the pullable network is not shown in the backsheet 40 in FIG. 4 for simplicity of illustrating the adhesive pattern thereon). Having the same stretchable network region formed therein. Preferably, the pullable networks in the topsheet 38 and the backsheet 40 are arranged directly on top of each other. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, each tensionable network includes at least two visually distinct regions, first and second network regions 64 and 66. In the preferred embodiment shown, the first network region 64 is substantially planar. The second network region 66 is provided with a plurality of deformations, preferably in the form of a raised rib-like component 74. A feature of the first and second network regions 64 and 66 is also the length (or the length of each region, geographically measured over the surface of these regions when the tensionable network is in tension). "Surface path length" of the first and second network regions). The second network region 66 has a surface path length greater than the surface path length of the first network region 64. When the tensionable network region is subjected to extensional tension, the rib-like component 74 will undergo geometric deformation and will flatten out under the influence thereof while the first region will undergo molecular-level deformation. . This causes the stretchable network region to exhibit an elastic action in the direction of the arrow when stretched and subsequently released. The general features of the tensionable network region are described in detail in US Pat. No. 5,518,801 issued to Chappell et al. The tensionable network is formed by separately supplying a base material for the topsheet and the backsheet between the mesh pattern rolls and pressing or casting the base material between mating plates having a pattern therein. Can be done. The tensionable network may be formed at several stages in the assembly of the components of the illustrated sanitary napkin 20. The tensionable network may be formed in the components of the sanitary napkin before they are joined to form a sanitary napkin. Alternatively, the pullable network may be formed within the entire assembled sanitary napkin. Preferably, in the illustrated embodiment, the tensionable network is formed in the topsheet 38 and the backsheet 40 before they are joined and enclose the absorbent core 42 therebetween. The absorbent core 42 preferably has, but need not have, a stretchable network formed therein, as it is multidirectionally extensible, as described above. Preferably, in the illustrated embodiment, the absorbent core 42 does not have a tensionable network formed therein. The portion of the topsheet 38 and the backsheet 40 extending beyond the edge of the absorbent core 42 forms a flange 76. Topsheet 38 and backsheet 40 may be joined in any manner that does not interfere with the ability of the sanitary napkin to stretch. Preferably, in the embodiment shown, the topsheet 38 and the backsheet 40 are substantially fully extensible with adhesive extending beyond the edge of the absorbent core 42, and the topsheet 38 and the backsheet 40 is joined using a crimp seal 78 to add strength to the distal edge 28 of the body portion 22 which is compacted by pressure or heat and pressure. A suitable extensible adhesive is Fuller Adhesive 2352, available from HB Fuller Company, Badnais Heights, MN. Preferably, a small amount of adhesive contacts the edges of the absorbent core 42 and holds the absorbent core 42 in place. Crimp seal 78 should not interfere with the ability of the sanitary napkin component to stretch. Preferably, the extensible portion of the sanitary napkin joined by the crimp seal 78 can extend a specific amount under the specific forces described above for the sanitary napkin 20 (e.g., to provide transverse extensibility in the distal region). reference). (However, the crimp seal 78 can allow the component to extend in multiple directions.) Thus, the crimp seal 78 can be stretched (although crimp seal 78 does not provide inherent extensibility when not used with an extensible component). It may be referred to as a sex crimp seal. Crimp seal 78 preferably comprises a liquid-impermeable seal. Crimp seal 78 preferably includes a sinusoidal sealing line along which at least one portion of topsheet 38 or backsheet 40 is compressed and / or fused together. The crimp seal 78 shown in FIG. 1 is preferably in a sinusoidal pattern that is arranged in a generally curved profile. Other contours, such as a straight sine pattern, may also be used. While not wishing to be bound by any particular theory, the sinusoidal wave gives the crimp seal 78 a "looseness" that can be stretched until the crimp seal 78 is at least partially straightened, so that the crimp seal 78 is It is believed that the portion of the napkin can also be stretched. Numerous variations of the extensible crimp seal 78 are possible. For example, the crimp seal may be placed around all or a portion of the perimeter of the sanitary napkin, including the distal end of the flap (described below). In addition to the sine pattern, any other suitable pattern that provides the desired "looseness" may be used, including but not limited to a zigzag pattern. The extensible crimp seal 78 may have a sinusoidal (or other) pattern of varying bandwidth, amplitude and frequency. In addition, multiple sinusoids (or waves having other shapes) may be aligned with adjacent phases. Such multiple crimp seals can be used to ensure that a continuous crimp is present at a desired portion of the perimeter of the treated sanitary napkin. For example, it is possible to cut the crimp seal during manufacture. This will often occur when the web of sanitary napkin is cut into individual sanitary napkins at the distal edge by a final cutting operation (or "final knife"). The multiple crimp seals 78 ensure that liquids do not wick through the crimp seals 78 if a portion of the crimp seal is cut during manufacture. In another embodiment, a continuous sine crimp seal may be combined with a discontinuous (or intermittent) adhesive pattern. The discontinuous bonding pattern can be in the form of a discontinuous sine wave or any other suitable discontinuous pattern. The discontinuous pattern is such that whatever part of the crimp seal is cut during manufacturing, the discontinuous pattern provides a tortuous flow path to capture liquid that is about to wick through the crimp seal. Should be structure. These patterns increase manufacturing flexibility because the location where the final knife cut hits the crimp is less critical. The extensible crimp seal 78 offers a number of advantages. These include, but are not limited to: Of course, the extensible crimp seal 78 forms an impermeable barrier to wicking of liquid from both ends 28 of the sanitary napkin 20. In addition, the components of the sanitary napkin can be extended even when the extensible crimp seal is continuous. Previously, it was thought that a discontinuous bond pattern had to be used to avoid hindering the components of the extensible absorber from being able to stretch. The extensible crimp seal 78 also helps prevent the undesirable tendency of the sanitary napkin's distal edge portion to fold over the rest of the body portion. While not wishing to be bound by a particular theory, this is capable of stretching the difference in extensibility between the flange 76 and the rest of the body portion 22, which would cause the flange 76 to curl when the body portion 22 is stretched This is considered to be due to the removal of the crimp seal 78. The sanitary napkin 20 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 also includes a pair of flaps 24 joined to the main body portion 22. The flap 24 extends laterally outward beyond its longitudinal side edge 26 of the body portion 22 from its proximal edge 24A to a distal edge (or "free end") 24B. The flap 24 extends outwardly from at least a central region 36 of the body portion 22. As shown in FIG. 1, each flap 24 has a transverse centerline T <sub>1</sub> Is divided into a front half 54 and a rear half 56. Flap transverse centerline T <sub>1</sub> May coincide with the main transverse centerline T of the sanitary napkin, but this is not an absolute requirement. The flaps 24 are joined (or joined) to the body portion 22 along respective joining points. This is typically a longitudinally oriented (or "longitudinal") junction, such as a junction line 68. As used herein, the term "join point" (or "join line") refers to the area where the flap 24 extends from or is joined to the body portion 22. Flap 24 may be joined to body portion 22 in any suitable manner. As used herein, the term "joined" refers to a form in which one component is directly fixed to another component, or one component is directly attached to another component, by attaching one component directly to another component. However, by attaching it to another component, the component is indirectly fixed to the other component, or one component is integral with the other component, that is, one component is essentially Includes forms that are part of other ingredients. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4, flap 24 is preferably integral with body portion 22 (i.e., flap 24 includes an integral extension of topsheet 38 and backsheet 40). There). The extensions of the topsheet 38 with the flap 24 and the backsheet 40 may be joined together in any suitable manner. For example, the extensions of the topsheet 38 and the backsheet 40 forming the flap may be glued together over their entire interface or at a suitable portion thereof to form the flap 24. Preferably, the extension of topsheet 38 and backsheet 40 with flap 24 (such as forming flange 76) is a continuous layer of an extensible adhesive such as fuller adhesive 2352 over its entire interface. Joined together. Flap 24 may be in any suitable form. A suitable flap is a reexamined U.S. Patent No.B 4,589,876 entitled "Sanitary Napkin" issued to Van Tilburg, a reexamination certificate issued April 27, 1993, August 1987. U.S. Pat.No. 4,687,478 entitled `` Shaped Sanitary Napkin With Flaps '' issued to Van Tilburg on the 18th, issued to Lavash et al. U.S. Pat.No. 5,389,094, entitled `` Absorbent Article Having Flaps and Zones of Differential Extensibility '', filed on Oct. 3, 1996 under the name International Patent Application No. PCTUS96 / 15957, entitled "Absorbent Article Having Flaps With Step Configuration and Zones of Extensibility". In a preferred embodiment, the sanitary napkin 20 has several improved features that release the stress on the body portion 22 and the flap 24 when the flap 24 is wrapped around the side edge of the wearer's underwear. are doing. One of the improved features described above is that central region 36 of body portion 22 is transversely extensible. This allows the central region 36 to be enlarged and helps the flap 24 to be woven around the curved side edges of the wearer's underwear. As shown in FIG. 1, the transverse extensibility is preferably greater than the longitudinal side edge 26 of the body portion 22 and from the central region 36 of the body portion 22 laterally outwardly into the flap 24. Extending. In the embodiment shown, this laterally extensible region preferably terminates in region 70 surrounding flap adhesive 82. The area surrounding the flap adhesive 70 is preferably stiffer than the rest of the flap 24 to assist the consumer in processing the flap 24 when using the flap. Another improved feature is that, in the illustrated embodiment, even though the side flaps 24 are integral with the body portion 22, they are not attached to the longitudinal side edges 42 A of the absorbent core 42 of the sanitary napkin 20. It is provided with an extensible zone 72 (ie, second and third extensible regions 46 and 48) beginning at a point located on the inside. For several reasons, it is desirable to have an extensible zone 72 located inside the longitudinal side edge 42A of the absorbent core 42. First of all, by starting the extensibility inside the longitudinal side edges 42A of the absorbent core 42, the total amount of extensibility that can be provided to the flap 24 will Can be significantly increased compared to a flap having all of the extensibility located at Second, when the extensibility is located inside the longitudinal side edges 42A of the absorbent core 42, it can effectively accommodate a wide variety of panty sizes and styles. A problem in providing a sanitary napkin with an integral flap with extensibility located inside the edge of the absorbent core is that the absorbent core is typically inextensible and the stretchable network region is not It was too thick to form inside. However, the illustrated embodiment utilizes an extensible absorbent core 42 surrounded by a topsheet 38 having a desired extensible area formed therein and a backsheet 40, wherein the topsheet 38 and the backsheet By joining 40 together, these difficulties have been overcome. The extensible portions of the topsheet and the backsheet are vertically aligned with the stretchable network region in the topsheet 38 directly overlying the stretchable network region in the backsheet 40. The extensible portions of the topsheet 38 and the backsheet 40 are joined to the absorbent core 42 and may extend with the absorbent core. Alternatively, one or both of the topsheet 38 and the backsheet 40 may not be attached to the absorbent core 42 in these areas. Preferably, at least the backsheet 40 is not attached to the absorbent core 42 in these areas. Another improved feature of the sanitary napkin 20 of the illustrated embodiment is that the flap 24 has a corner region 86 and an adjacent portion of the body portion 22 (second and third extensible regions 46 and 48). The direction of the primary vector component of some extensibility. The flap corner region 86 occurs where the outer edge of the flap 24 intersects the longitudinal side edge 26 of the body portion 22 when the sanitary napkin 20 is shown in plan view. The corner region 86 not only includes these corners, but also includes the surrounding region and the adjacent region inside the edge of the flap 24. Also, there need not be a sharp angle formed at the intersection of these edges, or a boundary line representing it. A detailed description of the corner region for a sanitary napkin with flaps is contained in US Pat. No. 5,389,094 issued to Lavash et al. The corner region 86 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is located in the same region as the extensible zone 72. The direction of the primary vector components in the corner regions 86 of various embodiments may be predominantly transverse, predominantly longitudinal, or a direction between the transverse and longitudinal directions. In the preferred embodiment shown, the direction of the extensible primary vector component in the corner region 86 is preferably the same as the direction of the adjacent extensible region of the body portion 22. The adjacent extensible region is either the second extensible region 46 or the third extensible region 48. Since the two extensible regions are preferably symmetric, the relative orientation of this primary vector component for both corner regions 86 of each flap 24 is approximately the same. The term "relative direction" refers to the angle formed by the longitudinal centerline L and the primary vector component. Accordingly, the relative direction of the extensible primary vector component of the corner region 86 forms an angle A that faces inward toward the transverse centerline T of the sanitary napkin 20. The inward orientation of the extensible primary vector component of the angular region 86 offers several advantages. The extensibility reduces the stress on the flap 24 as it is wrapped around the curved side edge of the wearer's undergarment more efficiently than many previous attempts to solve this problem. Designed to release. In particular, the extensibility solves the problem caused by the forces acting on both the body portion 22 and the flap 24 of the sanitary napkin 20 when the flap 24 is wrapped around the curved side edge of the crotch of the wearer's underwear. It is for. One such problem that the orientation of extensibility described herein seeks to solve is referred to herein as wing or flap "pop off." This includes a flap adhesive 82 (described in detail below) that secures the flap 24 around the underwear by attaching the flap 24 to the underside of the wearer's underwear or to the opposing flap. Involved. Folding the flap 24 around the side edge of the wearer's underwear causes tension to be applied to the flap. This tension may cause the flap adhesive 82 to lose adhesion to the underside of the wearer's underwear, or to the opposing flaps, causing them to not adhere or to "pop-off." One way to eliminate wing pop-off is to increase the strength of the flap adhesive 82. However, increasing the strength of the flap adhesive 82 may lead to another problem. Another problem that the orientation of extensibility described herein seeks to solve is that the tension created by folding the flap 24 around the side edge of the wearer's underwear also causes tension on the body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin 20. Arising from the fact that This is particularly important for highly flexible sanitary napkins, such as the extensible sanitary napkins described herein. The tension placed on body portion 22 by the entrapment of flap 24 may cause distal regions 32 and 34 of body portion 22 to dislodge adhesive from the wearer's undergarment. This results in the distal edge 28 of the body portion 22 folding or rolling over the other portions of the body portion 22. Another problem seen with very flexible sanitary napkins caused by the tension created by folding the flap 24 is shown in FIG. FIG. 6 shows a very flexible sanitary napkin. Although sanitary napkin 20 is understood to have flaps, the flaps are not shown in FIG. 6 for simplicity, as the effect of the forces on body portion 22 is primarily an issue. As shown in FIG. 6, the tension created by folding back flap 24 pulls one or both of the distal ends of body portion 22 inwardly toward the transverse centerline such that portions of body portion 22 fold over one another. To A panty fixing adhesive on the garment-facing side 20B of the sanitary napkin may cause the fold to adhere to the portion below body portion 22. This is referred to herein as "Z-folding" because of the shape taken by the body. The direction of the extensible primary vector components in the corner regions 86 substantially reduces or eliminates these problems. It has been found that most of these problems can be due to the tension acting between the distal region of the body portion 22 secured by the flap adhesive 82 and the portion of the flap 24. The direction of the extensible primary vector component in the corner region 86 is preferably in a direction generally parallel to the line of tension between these portions of the sanitary napkin. This extensibility reduces the tension between the distal region of body portion 22 secured by flap adhesive 82 and the portion of flap 24. In addition, the direction of extensibility of the corner region 86, as well as the second and third directions of extensibility, is the transverse centerline T f of the flap. <sub>1</sub> It is oriented inward toward. Some prior efforts have been directed at orienting the extensible portion of the flap in the same direction as the extensibility of the rubber of the wearer's panties. The extensibility of the sanitary napkin described herein is in a direction that intersects and is substantially perpendicular to the direction of the rubber of the wearer's panties. It should further be noted that in the illustrated embodiment, the corner regions 86 and the second and third extensible regions 46 and 48 are preferably provided for the formation of a tensile network region therein. It is elastically extensible. This is achieved without attaching conventional elastic strands to the material comprising these parts of the sanitary napkin. Further, in a manner such that the flaps underlie the absorbent core, the less extensible bands (the first network region) do not tension these regions of the sanitary napkin. The flap corner regions 86 of the sanitary napkin 20, illustrated with adjacent second and third extensible regions 46 and 48, are at the following amounts at a particular force, under a force of about 75 grams or less. % Elongation, 10% elongation under a force of about 150 grams or less, 15% elongation under a force of about 175 grams or less, 25% elongation under a force of about 250 grams or less, preferably It is extensible in a direction parallel to the first network region therein. In the embodiment shown, the second and third extensible regions 46 and 48 adjacent the corner region 86 of the flap 24 are preferably elastically extensible. The second and third extensible regions 46 and 48 adjacent to the corner region 86 of the flap 24 shown may have a small amount of warpage (up to about 10%) after being extended. Many alternative embodiments of the illustrated flap 24 are possible. In a (less preferred) embodiment, the corner regions of the flap 24 do not have the inward extensibility described herein, but rather are fully transverse, fully longitudinal, or longitudinal and transverse. It would be possible to have an outwardly extensible area in the direction between. In addition, in a less preferred embodiment, it is possible to remove the less extensible band comprising the first region 64 of the pullable network from the corner region 86 of the flap. The less extensible band can also be removed from other portions of the sanitary napkin, including the body portion 22. It is also within the scope of the present invention that the flaps described herein may be utilized in conventional non-extensible absorbers. The clothing surface 20B of the sanitary napkin 20 may, and preferably does, include a fastener for attaching the sanitary napkin to the wearer's underwear. FIG. 1 shows a central pad fastener 80 adapted to secure the sanitary napkin body portion 22 to the crotch of the underwear. Any type of fastener known in the art may be used as the center pad fastener 80, such as an adhesive fastener or a mechanical fastener. Fasteners with adhesives have been found to work well for this purpose, and pressure sensitive adhesives are preferred. The center pad fastener 80 may be in any suitable form. Preferably, as shown in FIG. 4, the central pad fastener 80 has a structure with a longitudinally oriented zone of adhesive 80A having a number of `` branches '' 80B, 80C and 80D extending therefrom. ing. The branches 80B, 80C, and 80D are within the distal regions 32 and 34 of the body portion 22 and preferably extend from the longitudinal centerline L toward the periphery 30 of the body portion 22. At each end region, one of the adhesive branches 80B, 80C and 80D extends into each of the three extensible regions 44, 46 and 48. Preferably, the adhesive branches 80B, 80C and 80D are oriented in a direction generally perpendicular to the main extensibility direction of each region. This allows the sanitary napkin 20 to be stretched in the desired direction while firmly securing the sanitary napkin 20 in place on the wearer's underwear. The adhesive may be applied to the backsheet 40 in any suitable manner. In the illustrated embodiment, the adhesive, preferably with various zones and adhesive branches, is an extensible hot melt adhesive, such as Fuller adhesive 2238 available from HB Fuller Company, which comprises Spiral applied to give extensibility. The outer surface of flap 24 adjacent to flap distal edge 24B preferably has a flap fastener, such as flap adhesive 82. Flap adhesive 82 is used to help hold flap 24 in place after flap 24 has been wrapped around the edge of the crotch of the panty. The flap adhesive 82 may be of any suitable size, but is preferably about 60% to 80% of the length of the distal portion 24B of the flap 24. Suitable adhesive fasteners are described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 4,917,697. The flap 24 may be held in place by attaching the flap 24 to underwear or an opposing flap. The fasteners, center pad fasteners 80, and flap fasteners 82 used with the present invention are not limited to adhesive application means. Any type of fastener used in this field can be used for this purpose. For example, mechanical fasteners such as Velcro (VELCRO) hook material and the like, and `` Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive Fastener and Method of Making '' issued to Battrell on August 7, 1990. U.S. Patent No. No. 5,392,498, entitled "U.S. Pat. No. 5,392,498." However, for simplicity, the fastener will be described by means of an adhesive attachment. The adhesive application means is covered by a removable release liner, a center pad release liner and a flap release liner, both indicated at 84. The pressure sensitive adhesive should be covered with a release liner 84 to prevent the adhesive from sticking to the outer surface before use. Suitable release liners are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,917,697. In a preferred embodiment, the flap 24 is folded over the topsheet and the flap adhesive 82 is covered by a single strip. Instead of being covered by a release liner, the adhesive application means on such flaps may be attached to the body portion, the flap, or other portions of the sanitary napkin, including separate components attached to the body portion or flap. It may be detachably attached to the provided peeling surface. For example, flap 24 may be folded and pressed in as described in US Pat. No. 5,281,209 issued Jan. 25, 1994 to Osborn. Sanitary napkin 20 is additionally provided with a particularly preferred release liner, which acts as an individual package for wrapping the sanitary napkin, as described in U.S. Pat.No. 4,556,146 issued to Swanson et al. Is also good. The sanitary napkin 20 is utilized by removing the release liner 84 and placing the sanitary napkin 20 on panties. The body portion 22 is disposed at the crotch of the panty, with one end of the body portion 22 extending toward the front of the panty and the other end extending toward the rear of the panty. The backsheet 40 is placed in contact with the central inner surface of the crotch of the panty. A central pad adhesive fastener 80 holds the body portion 22 in place. The flap 24 is then folded around the side edges of the panty. Flap adhesive 82 secures flap 24 to the underside of the panties or to the opposing flap. Other embodiments of the absorber described herein are possible. For example, FIGS. 7 and 8 show one embodiment of an absorbent body in the form of a composite sanitary napkin 720. FIG. The composite sanitary napkin 720 includes a primary absorbent component (or "core tube") 790, which is bonded to the body-facing side of the secondary absorbent component (or "base pad") 792. The primary absorption component 790 is preferably for absorbing a mass of secretion fluid discharged by the user. The base pad 792 serves primarily to prevent the user's clothing from being soiled by the absorbed fluid, which may be drained from the primary absorbent component 790 or inadvertently bypass the primary absorbent component 790. I do. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the primary absorbent component 790 comprises an absorbent structure such as an absorbent core 794, and an outer cover 796 enclosing the absorbent core 794. The outer cover 796 may comprise any of the materials described as suitable for the topsheet of the embodiment shown in FIGS. Absorbent core 794 may also comprise any material suitable for absorbing or retaining liquids (eg, menstruation and / or urine). Examples of suitable absorbent materials include finely divided wood pulp or crepe cellulose wadding, commonly referred to as air felt, meltblown polymers including coforms, chemically cured or modified or crosslinked cellulose. Fibers, synthetic fibers such as crimped polyester fibers, peat moss, tissue, including tissue wraps and tissue laminates, absorbent foam, absorbent sponges, superabsorbent polymers, absorbent gelling materials, or equivalent materials or combinations of these materials Or mixtures of these materials. The profile and configuration of the absorbent core may also vary (e.g., the absorbent core may be a varying caliper zone (e.g., profiled to be thicker in the center), a hydrophilic gradient, or a superabsorbent gradient). Low density and low average basis weight acquisition area, or may comprise one or more layers or structures). Further, the primary absorbing component 790 may include an additional acquisition layer 798 shown in FIG. The acquisition layer 798 may be another component located between the outer cover 796 and the absorbent core 794, or may be an integral part of the composite outer cover. The trapping layer 798 may serve several functions, including improved wicking of waste into the absorbent core 794 and / or inclusion of absorbent material within the absorbent core 794. The base pad 792 of the composite sanitary napkin 720 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 preferably comprises the sanitary napkin 20 shown in FIGS. The components of the base pad 792 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 described above in connection with FIGS. 1-4 are indicated by the same reference numerals used in FIGS. 1-4 and preceded by 700. . Primary absorbent component 790 may be extensible, but need not be. As shown in FIG. 7, in one preferred embodiment, the outer cover 796 of the primary absorbent component 790 comprises the same material used for the base pad topsheet 738. Preferably, after the outer cover 796 is folded around the primary absorbent component 790, the extensible area of the outer cover 796 is over the extensible area of the topsheet 738 on the base pad 792 shown in FIG. Directly aligned. Composite sanitary napkins (without the extensibility described herein) are further described in U.S. Patent No. Body Fitting Compound Sanitary Napkin), which is described in the statutory invention registration H1614 published on May 5, 1996 under the name of Mayer et al. In another embodiment, components such as the topsheet and backsheet of the absorber described herein are optional and may be suitable (stretchable) as described in patents and patent applications incorporated herein by reference. It may be replaced by an ingredient. For example, in one non-limiting example, a backsheet with a stretchable network region described herein can be replaced with a liquid-impermeable, extensible adhesive film, if desired. There will be. In addition, the absorber described herein may have the features and / or features described in the patents and patent applications incorporated herein by reference. For example, another embodiment of the sanitary napkin 20 is identified herein under the forces associated with wearing a sanitary napkin on a pair of panties, in amounts described in U.S. Patent No. 5,611,790. It may be extensible in various directions. The sanitary napkins of the present invention also include a structure that provides a "force wall" to prevent elongation beyond a certain amount without substantial increase in the amount of force applied to the sanitary napkin. It may have any other features of the sanitary napkin described in US Pat. No. 5,611,790. In these and other embodiments, the absorbent described herein may include other suitable contoured extensible zones and may have elongation in other suitable directions. Good. The absorbent described herein may include various regions that extend slightly beyond other regions for improved contact with the body of the wearer, or for other purposes. Examples of absorbers having such regions are described in patents and patent applications incorporated herein by reference. For example, sanitary napkins with regions of different extensibility are described in US Pat. No. 5,611,790 issued to Osborn et al. A sanitary napkin with an improved mechanism for maintaining the sanitary napkin in contact with the wearer's body is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 081383,536, filed on February 2, 1995 under the name of Osborn et al. (P & G Case 5151R), described in PCT Publication WO95 / 20931 published August 10, 1995. The absorbers described herein may include regions that are harder or more flexible than other regions, for improved contact with the body, or for other purposes. For example, FIG. 4 illustrates that the sanitary napkin 20 can include additional stiffeners 90. The additional stiffener 90 is preferably provided along at least a portion of the perimeter of the absorbent core 42, and particularly along the longitudinal side edge 42A of the absorbent core 42. Additional stiffeners may be located inside the entire circumference of the absorbent core 42. Preferably, however, no additional stiffener 90 is present along the longitudinal centerline L of the sanitary napkin 20, as shown in FIG. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the additional stiffener 90 is a Peren Kraft Bolt sold by Freudenbert Nonwovens. Equipped with polyester / 40% rayon material. The peron stiffener preferably has a caliper of 0.35 mm, a bending resistance of about 33 grams and a Taber stiffness of about 0.85 g / cm. The peron stiffener may be located between any layers of the sanitary napkin 20. The peron stiffener is preferably located below the absorbent core 42 and joined to the underside of the absorbent core by an adhesive such as fuller adhesive 2031. The additional stiffener 90 shown in FIG. 4 provides additional stiffness to the longitudinal side edges of the absorbent core and the distal regions 32 and 34 of the sanitary napkin 20 to reduce undesirable bumpiness. To reduce or eliminate the aforementioned "rollover" problem of the distal edge. Also, additional stiffeners 90 provide increased `` lift '' (lifting range) in the sanitary napkin zone along the longitudinal centerline of the sanitary napkin for improved contact with the wearer's body. )I will provide a. While not wishing to be bound by any particular theory, the increased lift is due to the presence of the stiffener 90 so that all lifts It can be attributed to the fact of concentration. Rigid areas on the perimeter or sides of the sanitary napkin may also help secure the sanitary napkin to the wearer's panties. However, when non-extensible materials such as perons are used for stiffness, the extensibility of the stiffened area of the sanitary napkin 20 is reduced or eliminated. However, this embodiment of the sanitary napkin 20 may work effectively, especially if a gap remains between the stiffeners 90 along the longitudinal centerline L. Such embodiments can extend along the longitudinal centerline, and can also extend diagonally as described above. This embodiment also allows the first extensible region 44 of the distal regions 32 and 34 to extend in the transverse direction. If one does not want to affect the extensibility of the sanitary napkin, a stiffener with some extensibility can be selected. In addition, in another embodiment, instead of having a flap, the absorber preferably has a smaller span than a conventionally sized flap and is manipulated by the wearer when placed in the wearer's underwear. An optional underwear coating component or ("side wrapping component") may be provided. Absorbents having a side wrapping component are disclosed in Lavash et al. On December 17, 1996, `` Absorbent Articles Having Panty Covering Components That Naturally U.S. Pat.No. 5,584,829 entitled `` Wrap the Sides of Panties '', filed on September 17, 1993 in the name of Mansfield et al. US Patent Application No. 08 1124,180 entitled `` Absor bent Articles Having Panty Covering Components Comprising Extensible Web Materials Which Exhibit Elastic-Like Behavior '' `` Absorbent Articles Having Undergarment Covering Components WithZones of Extensib, issued to Weinberger et al. On September 24, 1996. ility) "in U.S. Patent No. 5,558,663. The disclosures of all patents and patent applications (and published foreign patent applications corresponding to those issued therein), and the publications mentioned through this patent application, are hereby incorporated by reference. It is expressly recognized, however, that none of the documents incorporated herein by reference teach or disclose the invention. It is further expressly acknowledged that none of the commercially available materials and products described herein teach or disclose the invention. Also, all limits and ranges specified herein include all narrower ranges, limits, and amounts that fall within the specified limits and ranges, and such narrower ranges and limits are inferred from those limits. It is to be understood that claims may be made even if the scope is not otherwise specified. Test Methods Unless otherwise noted, all of the following tests are performed on samples conditioned by leaving them in a room at 73 ° F (23 ° C) at 50% relative humidity for 2 hours prior to testing. Testing should be performed under similar conditions. Absorbent material capacity The absorbent material absorption capacity is determined as follows. Obtain a 2.5 inch × 3 inch (6.4 cm × 7.6 cm) square sample of absorbent material. 0.1 Weigh the absorber in 1g increments. The sample is then completely submerged in distilled water by immersing the sample in a tray containing distilled water so that the sample is not bent or otherwise twisted or folded. Let the sample submerge for 20 minutes. Remove the sample from the distilled water, hang for 2 minutes, and drain the distilled water from the sample. The sample is then weighed to the nearest 0.1 gram and the dry weight of the sample is subtracted. The difference, expressed in grams, is the absorption capacity of the sample. The absorption capacity is expressed in grams / gram as the ratio of the absorption capacity to the dry weight of the sample. Extensibility Testing The following extensibility tests for absorbent materials or sanitary napkins (or other absorbents) are performed using an Instron model # 1122 tensile test instrument, or Newbury, OH440 65, PO. An EME tensile tester available from EME (Inc.), Box 187, a constant rate elongation tensile tester, such as model number 559A, is utilized. The test instrument preferably provides an LCD readout of the force of the sample when both ends of the clamp are spaced from the reference home position and when the clamp is spaced at various distances from the home position. It has a computer to provide. Handle the sample carefully to avoid stretching the sample before performing the test. If the test is performed on an absorbent, the test shall be repeated with each sample taken from five separate products of the sample type. If any sample falls within the claims or limits, the product will be considered to be in the appended claims. A. Extensibility of absorbent material-1 inch (2.5 cm) strip test Sample to measure extensibility Take a sample from the web of absorbent material, preferably before incorporating the web of absorbent material into the absorber . If this is not possible, a sample of the absorbent material may be obtained by carefully removing the absorbent material from the absorber. This can be done by peeling off other parts of the absorbent body, while taking care not to damage the absorbent material or to affect the extensibility of the absorbent material. Cut a 10 inch (254 cm) wide strip from absorbent material using a JDC precision sample cutter, model # 1-12, available from Thwing-Albert, Philadelphia, PA To obtain a sample. As used herein, the term "absorbent material" refers to a material commonly used as the primary absorbent component of a product, such as the absorbent core of the product. It also includes an absorbent material that performs a wicking or storage function. The strip used as a sample for measuring the longitudinal extensibility is taken from a portion of the absorber about the longitudinal centerline of the absorber. The length of the strip shall be the full length of the part of the absorber from which the sample is taken. If a sample is taken from a web of absorbent material prior to placing the absorbent material in the absorbent body, a 1 "x 4" is applied so that its extensibility extends in the same direction as oriented in the assembled absorbent body. Cut the fabric strip. A sample for measuring longitudinal extensibility is cut from a first sample of the absorbent material. The sample for measuring the transverse extensibility is cut from a second sample of the same type of absorber as the first sample (ie the same material or product). Similarly, the sample for measuring oblique extensibility shall be cut from the same type of absorber (ie, the same material or product) as the third or first sample of the absorber. The strip used as a sample for measuring the transverse extensibility was cut from an absorbent material extending parallel to the transverse centerline of the absorber (or positioned on an absorber so assembled). It is an inch wide strip. Strips used as samples for measuring transverse extensibility may cut any one inch wide portion of absorbent material extending parallel to the transverse centerline. The sample need not extend along the transverse centerline. Strips used as samples for measuring diagonal extensibility include 1-inch wide sections of absorbent material that extend at (or are so positioned at) a 45-degree angle to the longitudinal centerline of the absorber. Disconnect. Procedure Place the sample on the table in an unobtrusive manner. The length of the sample (the dimension of the sample extending perpendicular to the dimension of 1 inch width) is measured to the nearest 0.1 inch (0.25 cm). Clamp both ends of the sample into a tensile tester using a 1 inch (2.54 cm) wide clamp. The clamps of the tensile tester are set to pull away from each other in opposite directions (ie, pull at a 180 degree angle). The sample is placed in the center of the clamp and the clamping pressure is sufficient to prevent the sample from slipping in the clamp (this applies to all extensibility test methods). The sample is clamped so that the outermost edge (ie, the free end) of the clamp is approximately 0.5 inches (about 1.3 cm) inside the distal edge of the absorbent material. Set the gauge length of the tensile tester to the length of the absorbent material minus the amount (typically 1 inch) of the absorbent material clamped to each of the clamps (measured as described above). A gauge length of 2 inches (5 cm) has been found to be appropriate. Initiate stretching at a crosshead speed of 20 inches / minute (51 cm / minute). When the sample reaches the gauge length, deduct the load cell of the test equipment. Set a trigger point to begin data collection with 5 grams of force. At the desired time, measure the force and extensibility and end the test. For the purposes of the appended claims, force is an indication of the actual force of the test device when following the procedure described above. The results are expressed in grams per inch (g / inch) or grams per cm (g / cm). A 1-inch strip of absorbent material can be stretched in the following three directions, longitudinally, transversely, along the cross-section, at a 45-degree diagonal direction, by the amount specified under the force specified in the claim Is considered that the absorbent material is extensible in all directions. B. Method of Measuring the Extensibility of the Absorbent or Its Various Parts The present test is used for measuring the extensibility of the absorbent or its various parts. The type of test used for this purpose is known as a "grab test". The test involves clamping a portion of the absorber to a clamp of a tensile tester and exerting a tensile force on either the entire absorber or a desired portion of the absorber. The sample used for this test is the entire absorber. Separate samples of the sample type absorber (ie, the same product) shall be used to measure the extensibility of the absorber in different directions or different areas of the absorber. The longitudinal extensibility of the absorber, the transverse extensibility of the absorber (along the transverse centerline and in the end region of the absorber), the oblique extensibility of the absorber, the corner areas and flaps of the flap The absorbent body can be tested for extensibility in the extensible area of the adjacent body portion, extensibility of the crimp seal. In this test, a 1 inch (2.54 cm) wide clamp is used on the tester. If the absorber has different directions of extensibility and it is desired to measure the extensibility of different areas, care is taken to place both clamps in the desired areas. If this is not possible, try to place the clamp as completely as possible in the desired area. When testing the longitudinal extensibility of the absorber, a clamp is placed about the longitudinal centerline of the absorber. In testing the transverse extensibility of the central region of the absorbent body, a clamp is placed about the transverse centerline. When testing the transverse extensibility of the distal region of the absorber, a clamp shall be placed in the distal region such that the elongation is parallel to the transverse centerline. When testing the diagonal extensibility of the absorber, clamp it to the opposite corner of the body of the absorber so that the primary vector component of the stretching force passes through the intersection of the longitudinal and transverse center lines of the absorber. Put. In testing the extensibility between the corner region of the flap and the adjacent extensible region of the body portion of the absorber, the clamp is aligned with the applicable angle A. Place one clamp in the flap and another clamp in the extensible area of the body portion. When testing the extensibility of the crimp seal, the clamp is placed about the crimp seal so that elongation is applied in the direction of extensibility in the area containing the crimp seal. The sample is clamped so that the outermost edge (ie, the free end) of the clamp is approximately 0.5 inches (about 1.3 cm) in various directions inside the distal edge of the absorbent material. However, if there is no absorber in that area (e.g., one clamp is in the corner area of the flap or both clamps are in the area of the crimp seal), clamp the inside of the edge of the absorbent material with a clamp. It is not necessary to tighten. Set the gauge length of the tensile tester to the length of the absorbent material minus the amount of absorbent material clamped to each of the clamps. Initiate extension at a crosshead speed of 20 inches / minute (51 cm / minute). When the sample reaches the gauge length, deduct the load cell of the test apparatus. At the desired time, measure the force and extensibility and end the test. The result is expressed in grams. While particular embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page    (81) Designated country EP (AT, BE, CH, CY, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, IE, I T, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE), OA (BF, BJ , CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG), AP (GH, GM, KE, L S, MW, SD, SZ, UG, ZW), EA (AM, AZ , BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, TM), AL , AM, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BR, BY, CA, CH, CN, CU, CZ, DE, DK, E E, ES, FI, GB, GE, GH, GM, GW, HU , ID, IL, IS, JP, KE, KG, KP, KR, KZ, LC, LK, LR, LS, LT, LU, LV, M D, MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, NO, NZ, PL , PT, RO, RU, SD, SE, SG, SI, SK, SL, TJ, TM, TR, TT, UA, UG, UZ, V N, YU, ZW (72) Inventors Osborne, Thomas Word the Sir             Do             45224, Ohio, USA             Nsinachi, Deanview Drive             400 (72) Inventors Hirschberger, Michael Nile             45242 Ohio, USA             Ncinati, Blusher Avenue             5505 (72) Inventors Wilkins, Leslie Ann             United States, Ohio 45246, Gu             Rendale, Glen Meadow Court 4

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. An absorber for wearing in the crotch of underwear,     A longitudinal centerline, a transverse centerline, a pair of longitudinal side edges,     A first terminal region, a second terminal region, a first terminal region and a second terminal region.     A body portion having a central region between the zones, wherein the body portion comprises a liquid.     A permeable topsheet and a liquid impervious bag bonded to the topsheet.     Backsheet and the absorbent located between the topsheet and the backsheet     A core, wherein the absorbent core has a pair of longitudinal side edges,     At least in the central region of the body portion, joined to the body portion     A pair of side flags extending outward in the lateral direction beyond the longitudinal side edges.     A flap, wherein the flap is provided with an extension of the topsheet and the cover.     The backsheet, the topsheet and the backsheet.     The extension of the seat has an extensible part therein, and the topsheet and     At least a portion of the extended portion of the backing sheet has a longitudinal size of the absorbent core.     An absorbent body, which is located inside the edge of the absorber. 2. The extensible portion of the topsheet and the backsheet is a differentially stretchable zone.     The absorber according to claim 1, further comprising: 3. The extensible portions of the topsheet and backsheet are primarily in the transverse direction     The absorbent body according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the absorbent body is extensible. 4. The extensible portions of the topsheet and the backsheet may be     Any one of the preceding claims, having a main direction of extensibility at an angle.     The absorbent body according to item 1. 5. The extensible portions of the topsheet and backsheet have a plurality of extendable portions therein.     An absorption according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an area having a corrugation.     body. 6. The extensible portions of the topsheet and backsheet are formed therein.     An area having an extended tensionable network, wherein said tensionable network comprises     At least two visually distinguishable regions, some of said regions being     An area having a larger surface path length than other areas and exhibiting a longer surface path length     Have one or more rib-like components, regions with short surface path lengths are preferred     5. The absorbent body according to claim 1, wherein the absorbent body is almost flat. 7. Each of the flaps has a flap fastener disposed thereon.     The substantially flat area of the tensionable network is in front of the body portion.     Oriented in a direction extending between the distal end region and the flap fastener.     7. The absorber according to claim 6, wherein 8. The main body part is at least one under a force of not less than 50 grams and not more than 500 grams     Any one of the preceding claims, which is capable of stretching between 10% and 50%.     The absorbent body according to any one of the above.