KR100266194B1 - Sanitary napkin having barrier means - Google Patents

Abstract

Barrier means 107 is provided for providing a barrier to the sanitary napkin 210 to prevent lateral movement of body fluids. Barrier means 107 are provided on sanitary napkin 210, which has no wings and comprises distal edges 278, 278 ′ within the shim during use of the sanitary napkin 212. Barrier means 107 may also be provided on a sanitary napkin having wings 224, 224 ′ and may be formed of a single portion of the sanitary napkin upper sheet 214 or may be formed of a separate piece of material.

Description

[Name of invention]

Sanitary napkins with barrier means

[Field of Invention]

The present invention relates to a sanitary napkin consisting of:

An absorbent core having a periphery consisting of a first side, a second side, two longitudinal sides and two transverse sides, a liquid permeable topsheet placed on the first side of the core, and a topsheet placed on the second side of the core A liquid impermeable backsheet in combination with the barrier means located along the longitudinal side to limit liquid movement in a direction generally parallel to the transverse side.

[Background of invention]

Such sanitary napkins are known from British patent application GB 2, 168, 253.

In this patent application, the barrier means are formed outside the periphery of the core and are formed by the elasticized uprights of the topsheet and the backsheet. The transverse liquid movement can be reduced by the barrier means, while the absorption of liquid trapped between the barrier means and the core can be reduced. Known sanitary napkins may also experience positional changes during use.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a barrier means in a sanitary napkin which is comfortable during use and which effectively limits transverse propagation of body fluids and allows for proper absorption.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a sanitary napkin that can be firmly positioned in a user's underwear.

[Purpose of invention]

The sanitary napkin according to the invention is characterized in that it consists of a wall having a free edge on which the barrier means can be raised above the plane of the first face of the core, the free edge being located at least in the periphery of the core during use of the sanitary napkin.

By arranging the barrier means such that at least the free edge is at the top of the absorbent core rather than next to the absorbent core during use, the liquid prevented from transversely propagating along the topsheet by the barrier means is readily absorbed by the core.

Another feature of the absorbent article according to the invention is that the backsheet extends over the periphery of the core to form a wing for attachment to the undergarment during use, the barrier means consisting of a wall connected to the wing adjacent the periphery of the core.

The wings can be folded up around the edge of the wearer's underwear, as disclosed in US-A-4,687,478, which is incorporated herein by reference. As found, the combination of barrier means and wings reduces transverse propagation of body fluids. The barrier means can be formed by liquid opaque walls or by absorbing strips connected to the wings, for example by gluing or melt bonding. The free edge of the wall is preferably located within the periphery of the core during sanitary napkin use for effective absorption of body fluids retained by the wall. However, it is also possible for the free edge of the wall to be located outside the periphery of the core, or, for example, if a shaped core is used, only a large part of the absorbent core is located in the periphery.

One embodiment of the absorbent article according to the invention is characterized in that the wall is formed by a spacer member located between the topsheet and the backsheet.

The spacer member may be formed by a cantilever of a flexible material disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet outside the periphery of the absorbent core and urging the topsheet upwards.

During the use of the sanitary napkin, the sanitary napkin is compressed in the transverse direction and the topsheet is lifted by the cantilever. Preferably, the free edge of the wall formed by the topsheet and the cantilever is pressed into the periphery of the absorbent core during use of the sanitary napkin to facilitate absorption of the body fluids held by the cantilever.

The barrier means may also comprise a foam strip, which is glued or otherwise connected between the topsheet and the absorbent core or adhered on top of the topsheet.

Another embodiment of the absorbent article according to the invention is characterized in that the barrier means comprise a topsheet, the topsheet having an edge portion forming a wall along the longitudinal side of the absorbent core and a central portion placed over the absorbent core. do.

The topsheet is fluid-permeable, but barrier means can limit transverse propagation of body fluids. Using the topsheet to form the wall reduces the need for separate barrier means and thus keeps the number of components used in the sanitary napkin less desirable during fabrication. The barrier means can extend along the entire periphery of the absorbent core, which also usually prevents fluid movement in the longitudinal side direction.

Preferably the free edge of the barrier means is contracted before use so that during use the barrier means is stretched and pulled away from the topsheet to stand upright. Shrinkage can result from the application of the elastic member in a pre-extended state along the free edge of the barrier means. The free edge of the barrier means (top sheet, back sheet may also be formed by a combination thereof) can also be retracted by shortening the free edge of the barrier means by heating. Free edge shortening in this manner also allows barrier means to stand up when stretching the sanitary napkin during use.

[Brief Description of Drawings]

Some embodiments of the sanitary napkin according to the invention are described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the drawing:

1 is a plan view of the sanitary napkin of the present invention,

2 is a cross-sectional view along the line 2-2 of FIG. 1 in the sanitary napkin of FIG. 1, wherein the barrier means is formed by the top sheet,

3 is a cross-sectional view of the sanitary napkin according to the invention, wherein the barrier means are formed by the topsheet and located within the periphery of the absorbent core,

4 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the sanitary napkin according to the invention, the barrier means being formed by the backsheet,

5 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the sanitary napkin, the barrier means being formed by a foam strip,

6 is an embodiment of the sanitary napkin, wherein the barrier means is formed by the cantilever,

7 is an embodiment of a sanitary napkin having wings, wherein the barrier means are formed by strips attached to the wings,

8 is a front view of a conventional panty that can use the sanitary napkin according to the present invention,

9 shows the sanitary napkin of FIG. 1 placed therein in a cross-sectional view of the panties of FIG. 8 taken along lines 6-6,

FIG. 10 is a partial top view showing the panties and sanitary napkin cross section of FIG. 8 when positioned to the user.

Detailed description of the invention

One preferred embodiment of the sanitary napkin of the present invention is shown in FIGS. The sanitary napkin 210 includes absorbent means, represented by a central absorbent pad 212 and two vanes 224 and 224 '. (The sanitary napkin has two vanes unless otherwise stated in the discussion below. Although not necessarily identical, it is more appropriate and preferable that they are mirror images of each other, that is, the description of the first one is the description of the second one, and therefore the discussion of the second one is omitted for the sake of clarity. Mark prime as a single sign.)

The wing 224 is coupled with the central absorbent pad 212 along a non-linear seam 226. Throughout this specification, "non-linear" refers to any of the various curves opposite to the straight line.

The wing 224 has a distal edge 278 spaced away from the seam 226. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the seam 226 is concave with respect to the distal edge 278. That is, the seam 226 is curved away from the distal edge 278. In this embodiment, the non-straight seams 226 and 226 'and the seam 239 partition the absorbing means (central absorbent pad 212) narrower at its center than at its ends. A sanitary napkin that is narrower in the center than at the end is generally more comfortable to the user than a sanitary napkin with a uniform butterfly.

The wing 224 is equipped with a first virtual bending axis 256 and a second bending axis 234.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the sanitary napkin 210 generally taken along line 2-2 and shows generally the preferred structure of the sanitary napkin 210. As shown in FIG. 2, the central absorbent pad 212 includes an absorbent core 216. The central absorbent pad 212 and the vanes 224 both include a topsheet 214. The backsheet 218 is disposed on the side of the absorbent core 216 and the wing 224 opposite the topsheet 214. In fact, the top sheet 214 forms one surface of the wing 224 and the back sheet 218 forms the other surface; The topsheet 214 also forms one surface of the central absorbent pad 212 and the backsheet 218 forms the other surface.

In the illustrated embodiment, the wing absorbent core 230 is sandwiched between the top sheet 214 and the back sheet 218. To simplify the structure, the wing absorbent core 230 extends throughout the sanitary napkin 210 and fits between the absorbent core 216 and the backsheet 218. This is a preferred embodiment primarily for structural reasons, but the wing absorbent core 230 need not necessarily fit between the absorbent core 216 and the backsheet 218.

Topsheet 214 and backsheet 218 are joined at seams 239 around the entire periphery of sanitary napkin 210. The purpose of this seam is to bring together the members of the sanitary napkin. The top sheet 214 is secured to the wing absorbent core 230 and the back sheet 218 along non-linear bond lines 226 and 226 'by attachment means not shown in FIG.

2 shows a center pad adhesive 220 and a wing adhesive 236, which are adhesive attachment means covered by a center pad release liner 222 and a wing release liner 238, respectively. These adhesive attachment means are suitable for securing the sanitary napkin 210 in the crotch portion of the underwear.

The top sheet 214 is liquid permeable and is in close proximity to the user's skin while the sanitary napkin 210 is in use. The top sheet 214 is flexible, soft to the touch, and has no irritation to the user's skin. It may be made of any material customary for this type of use. Non-limiting examples of suitable materials that can be used as the topsheet 214 are woven and nonwoven polyesters, polypropylene, nylon, and rayon and molded thermoplastic films; Molded films are preferred. Suitable molded films are described in US Pat. No. 4,324,246 (Mullane and Smith, published April 13, 1982) and US Pat. No. 4,342,314 (Radel and Thompson, published August 3, 1982), see these patents. Quote as. The reason why the molded film is preferred for the top sheet 214 is that it is permeable to the liquid and non-absorbent. Thus, the surface of the molded film in contact with the body is kept dry and more comfortable for the wearer.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the outer surface of the topsheet 214 is treated with a surfactant. Treating the outer surface of the topsheet with a surfactant makes the surface more hydrophilic, which allows the liquid to permeate the topsheet faster than if the surface was not treated. This reduces the tendency for menstrual fluid to flow out of the topsheet 214 without being absorbed by the absorbent core 216. The surfactant is preferably distributed almost uniformly and completely across the outer surface of the topsheet 214. This can be accomplished by any conventional technique known to those skilled in the art. For example, a surfactant may be applied to the topsheet 214 using spraying, padding or transfer rolls.

In a preferred embodiment, the inner surface of the topsheet 214 is connected in contact with and fixed to the absorbent core 216. This contact allows the liquid to pass through the topsheet 214 faster than when it is not in contact with the absorbent core 216. The adhesive may be applied to the inner surface of the top sheet 214, preferably in a limited spaced apart portion, to maintain contact between the top sheet 214 and the absorbent core 216. Examples of suitable adhesives for this use are acrylic emulsion E-1833 BT manufactured by Rohm and Hass Company (Philadelphia, Pa.) And acrylic emulsion WB3805 manufactured by H.B Fullar Company (St. Paul, Minn.). These adhesives may be applied in the same manner as applying the surfactant to the outer surface of the topsheet 214.

Referring to FIG. 2, it can be seen that the absorbent core 216 is located between the top sheet 214 and the back sheet 218. Absorbent core 216 provides a means for menstrual fluid absorption. Absorbent core 216 is generally compressible, deformable and has no irritation to the user's skin.

This may consist of any material used in the art for this purpose. Examples of suitable materials are filling of tissues (such as cotton) and fiberized pulp mill (air felt), with fiberized pulp mill.

The backsheet 218 is impermeable to liquid and thus prevents menstrual fluid from being absorbed from the absorbent core 216 from soiling the user's underwear. Any material used in the art for this purpose can be used here. Suitable materials are uneven or uneven polyethylene films and laminated tissues.

In general, the outer surface of the backsheet 218 coinciding with the absorbent core 216 is covered with a center pad adhesive 220. The central pad adhesive 220 provides adhesive attachment means for securing the central absorbent pad 212 to the crotch portion of the panty. Any adhesive or glue used in the art for this purpose can be used here, with pressure sensitive adhesives being preferred. Suitable adhesives are Century A-305-IV manufactured by Century Adhesives Corporation and Instant Lok 34-2823 manufactured by National Starch Company.

As shown in FIG. 2, the center pad adhesive 220 is generally the same butterfly as the absorbent core 216; Butterflies are not critical and suitable butterflies can be easily selected by one skilled in the art as well as length. The pressure sensitive adhesive of the center pad adhesive 220 should be covered with the center pad release liner 222 to prevent the adhesive from drying out and sticking to the remaining surface prior to use. Any commercially available release liner commonly used for this purpose can be used here. Non-limiting examples of suitable release liners are BL 30 MG-A Silox E1 / 0 and BL 30 MG-A Silox 4 P / O (both manufactured by Akrosil Corporation).

As can be seen in the discussion above, the central absorbent pad 212 has a liquid permeable body contact surface (represented by the top sheet 214 in FIG. 2) and a liquid impermeable surface opposite the back sheet 218 in FIG. 2. ) Is an absorbing means. The illustrated embodiments are of course only one possible embodiment, although preferred. Another possible embodiment includes the absorbent core being essentially completely encased in the topsheet before being placed on the backsheet. The absorbent means may also comprise an absorbent core which has sufficient integration to be isolated and is liquid permeable on one surface while the other surface is treated to be liquid impermeable.

It is important that the narrow central absorbent pad 212 is effective due to its overall shape and the use of the sanitary napkin 210 keeps the central absorbent pad 212 in close proximity to the body. The proximity of this central absorbent pad 212 is placed in the exact location it should be (very close to the body in the vagina). Most of the menstrual fluid may be absorbed before the menstrual fluid flows along the central absorbent pad 212.

The bond lines 226 and 226 'connect the lines with the vanes 224 and 224' with absorbing means (represented by the central absorbent pad 212); As they can be seen it represents the boundary between the absorbing means and the wing. It can also be seen that the seam in this embodiment is non-linear, but may also be straight. Preferably, they are concave relative to the distal edges 278 and 278 ′ and the body of the central absorbent pad 212. In other words, the absorbing means has a shape in which the butterfly at the center thereof is smaller than the butterfly at the end portion. The shape of this contour fits the anatomical dimensions of the user's crotch area. This makes the sanitary napkin more comfortable to wear and at the same time less effective by the user's legs. Convex non-linear seams may be used compared to the body of the distal edge and the central absorbent pad, but this is not preferred.

Preferably, the butterfly of the central absorbent pad 212 between the bond lines 226 and 226 'is about 1 to about 8 centimeters from the narrowest. The butterfly of the central absorbent pad 212 should be about 2 to about 9 centimeters at its distal end. The length of the central absorbent pad 212 should be about 7.6 to about 38 centimeters.

The central absorbent pad 212 need not have an absorbent capacity that is too large than the total amount of menstrual fluid to be absorbed. That is, the central absorbent pad 212 may be relatively thin in addition to being narrow. In addition, the narrow and thin absorbent means is very comfortable for the user. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the topsheet 214 does not function as a topsheet for the vanes 224 and 224 ′. Generally, the wing does not require a top sheet to function properly, but the use of the top sheet is preferred. The wing topsheet may be integrated with the body contacting surface of the absorbing means or may be an independent member as shown; The former is preferred. All of the specific physical properties mentioned above for the topsheet 214 apply to all wing topsheets used. However, the wing top sheet need not be the same material as the top sheet connected to the central absorbent pad. In a preferred embodiment, the wing sheet may be a nonwoven material while the top sheet associated with the central absorbent pad is a molded film.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the backsheet 218 functions as a backsheet for the wings 224 and 224 '. The wing requires a backsheet (or more generally a liquid impermeable material) to be able to function properly. The wing backsheet may be integrated with the liquid opaque surface of the absorbing means as shown or may be an independent member; The former is preferred. All of the specific physical properties mentioned above with respect to backsheet 218 apply to all wing backsheets.

The overall size of the wing 224 is readily selectable by those skilled in the art. Preferably, the butterfly of sanitary napkin 210 is about 10 to about 23 centimeters in the widest portion between distal edges 278 and 278 '. Preferably, the length of the wing 224 is about 7.6 to about 18 centimeters in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sanitary napkin.

A wing adhesive 236 is coated on the outer surface of the wing 224 adjacent to the distal edge 278.

The wing adhesive 236 is an adhesive attachment means used to assist in maintaining the wing 234 in position after the wing is wrapped around the edge of the crotch portion of the panty. Any adhesive used for the center pad adhesive 220 can be used as the wing adhesive 236. The wing adhesive 236 is also covered with a removable wing release liner 238. Any release liner material used for the center pad release liner 222 can be used for the wing release liner 238.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the top sheet 214 is secured to the back sheet 218 along the seam 239. Seam 239 may be formed by any means commonly used for this purpose in the art, such as bonding, crimping, or heat sealing.

Seam 239 is shown extending all around the periphery of sanitary napkin 210; This is a preferred embodiment for convenience of construction. (Other means of uniting the various members of the device may be used.)

Topsheet 214 may be secured to bowel sheet 218 along bond lines 226 and 226 ′ by any technique used to form seam 239.

The wing 224 has a first bending axis 256 and a second bending axis 234. These two bending axes allow the wings 224 to form walls in use as follows. The bending axis may be formed by a separate hinge line or may be located along a continuous range within the wing 224, which is flexible to bend around any desired line.

The first bend axis 256 is fabricated such that the wings can be bent along the first bend axis 256. The wing bending direction is upward when the sanitary napkin 210 is in the form of FIG. More generally, the bending direction generally starts from the extended position of the wing 224 portion, including the distal edge 278, as shown in FIG. 2, so that the fluid permeable body contact surface of the absorbing means (in FIG. Toward the liquid opaque surface of the absorbing means (shown as part of the backsheet 218 coinciding with the absorbent core 216 in FIG. 2) towards the absorbent core 216 Far away from it, it will rotate in a semicircle around the first bending axis 256.

The second bending axis 234 is manufactured so that the wings can be bent along the second bending axis 234. The bending direction is downward when the sanitary napkin 210 is in the form of FIG. More generally, the bending direction generally starts from the extended position of the wing 224 portion, including the distal edge 278, as shown in FIG. 2, so that the liquid opaque surface of the absorbing means (center in FIG. The topsheet (coupling with the absorbent core 216 in FIG. 2) of the liquid permeable body contacting surface of the absorbing means towards the portion of the backsheet 218 coinciding with the absorbent core 216 constituting the absorbent pad 212. 214) to rotate in a semicircular shape around the second bending axis 234.

The first and second bending axes may be provided in various ways. Preferred methods are shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the material of construction of the wing 224 is chosen such that the wing 224 is essentially extremely flexible over its entirety. Bend axes 256 and 234 as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are thus not a single unique structure, but rather necessarily represent an unspecified number of axis pairs. This arrangement is particularly desirable because the sanitary napkin 210 is easy to adjust to suit the anatomy below, in use with underwear of various dimensions during use.

The overall flexibility of the wing 224 allows the wing 224 to be positioned around the edge of the crotch portion of the panty without changing the natural path of the edge of the crotch portion of the panty. In particular, the garrings of the panties need not pull the edges of the area in order to fit the second bending axis of the wing. In addition, the natural path of the edge of the crotch portion of the panty causes a high wall (described below) to form when the sanitary napkin is placed for use; This thus provides a maximum barrier to menstrual flow.

In the embodiment of the sanitary napkin 210 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the material from which the wing 224 is made is produced by a PCA Score Bend Tester (Thwing-Albert Instrument Company of Philadelphia, Pa. It is preferred to select to be less than about 200 g, more preferably less than about 50 g, and most preferably less than about 25 g, as measured by a). These values were obtained when a 7.6 cm long wing segment (maintained 2.5 cm above the bottom edge of the inclined plate of the test apparatus) under TAPPI standard conditions.

In summary, the axis is generally considered to be a straight member. The bending axis may also be straight, but the bending axis may not be straight under the influence of external forces as the blade fabrication materials are generally flexible enough to bend and fold easily by hand.

As shown in FIG. 1, the first bending axis 256 is close to the seam 226. In fact, the first bend axis 256 may intersect the seam 226 at the point where the seam contacts the outer margin of the sanitary napkin (extra represented by seam 239).

In general cases, this is the only situation where the first bending axis 256 and the seam line 226 are in contact or coincident. However, when an external force is applied during use, the first bending axis may be shifted towards the seam so that in some cases both may contact or coincide.

A central absorbent pad comprising a liquid permeable topsheet, a liquid opaque backsheet and an absorbent core sandwiched between the topsheet and the backsheet, the blade having wings extending from each longitudinal edge of the central absorbent pad (of each wing and of the central absorbent pad); The seam between the longitudinal edges is straight), each wing having a bending axis located within the body of the wing, the sanitary napkin preferably having a straight edge of the longitudinal edge of each wing and the central absorbent pad as well as at the bending axis located within the wing body. It can be produced to bend preferentially at the seam. Such sanitary napkins will function in a manner similar to those of the present invention, although apparently different from those of the present invention.

The exact shape of the wing 224 as well as the overall shape of the sanitary napkin 210 can be selected by the person skilled in the art without unnecessary experimentation. In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 3, the wings are disposed symmetrically along the longitudinal axis of the sanitary napkin; This is not a preferred embodiment or a mandatory design feature.

As noted above, the wings are generally mirror images of each other; This situation is desirable, but likewise not a mandatory design condition.

In addition, the sanitary napkin shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 is an embodiment in which the wings are formed by integrating the top sheet and the back sheet of the sanitary napkin. Again, this is a desirable manufacturing method, but not mandatory. Wings and central absorption means can be formed independently by techniques known to those skilled in the art, so that the resulting sanitary napkins can be combined in a manner that can function essentially the same as the embodiments shown herein.

In use, the sanitary napkin of the present invention may be held in place by any supporting means known for this use. A belt worn around the user's waist can be used. However, it is highly desirable to be located in the panty underwear of the user as described below.

8 is an underwear known as panties of the type that many women usually wear. It consists of a front portion 240, a back portion 242 and a crotch portion 244 that joins the front and rear portions 240 and 242. Crotch portion 244 consists of two lateral edges 246 and 246 ′ and a central crotch portion 248.

The sanitary napkin of the present invention as shown by 210 in FIGS. 1 and 2 is used by removing the release liners 222, 238 and 238 'and then placing the sanitary napkin in the panties as shown in FIG. The middle absorbent core of the central absorbent pad 212 is placed in the crotch 244 portion of the panty so that one end of the central absorbent pad 212 faces the front portion 240 and the other end faces the back portion 242 of the pant. The sheet 218 is brought into contact with the inner surface of the middle crotch portion 248 of the panty. The central pad adhesive 220 holds the central absorbent pad 212 in place. The distal portions of the wings 224 and 224 'are folded around the lateral edges 246 and 246' of the panties, respectively, by bending along the second bending axes 234 and 234 '. Wing adhesives 236 and 236 'hold the wings 224 and 224' in this position. Thus, wings 224 and 224 'are folded over themselves, respectively, sandwiching portions of the panty, including lateral edges 246 and 246'.

Many advantages are gained from the use of the sanitary napkin of the present invention. The wings 224 and 224 'are wrapped around each edge 246 and 246' of the crotch portion 244 of the panty as shown in FIG. This encapsulation of the pant edges prevents menstrual fluid from contacting the central crotch portion of the panties. Therefore, the center crotch of the panties is not contaminated.

There are two other advantages as well. One is that portions of the wing comprising the second bend axes 234 and 234 'provide a good gasket-like seal to the body. The other is to maintain a central absorbent means such as central absorbent pad 212 in good contact with the body.

The edge of the crotch portion of the panty generally contains an elastic material. When wearing panties, the elasticity of the edge of the crotch portion generates an upward force, ie toward the body, due to the elastic energy and the fit of the panties. Placing a second bend axis, such as second bend axes 234 and 234 ', between the edge of the crotch portion of the panty and the body, creates an upward force by the edge of the crotch portion of the panty, thereby creating a wing portion including the second bend axis. Press comfortably against your body. This allows a gasket-like-sealing to be formed along the bending axis between the wing and the body. This is shown in FIG. 10, which is a partial top view representing the cross-section of the panties and sanitary napkin of FIG. 8 positioned at the user. (Top view is the anterior plane passing through the long axis of the body.) The gasket-like-sealing is made of menstrual fluid. 2 prevents passage over the bending axis, thus minimizing contamination of the legs and adjacent underwear. Another advantage obtained from the wing that is comfortably pressed against the body along the second bending axis is that force is applied to bring the absorbing means (central absorbent pad) into close proximity to the body. This is also shown in FIG. The maintenance of the central absorbent pad against the body is known as "good body contact." Good physical contact is beneficial because it provides a barrier to transverse flow of menstrual fluid. Without this barrier, menstrual fluid will flow rapidly along the topsheet, reducing the time taken by the absorbent core.

Inherent bunching is wrinkling along the abscissa of the sanitary pad resulting from first placing the sanitary napkin in the panty for use (the abscissa of the sanitary napkin is generally parallel to the 2-2 line in FIG. 1 " Extends across the crotch "). This inherent wrinkle is due to the fact that the sanitary napkin is essentially straight along its longitudinal axis and that the anatomical contour of the body on which the sanitary napkin is placed is essentially "U" (the longitudinal axis of the sanitary napkin is 2-2 in FIG. 1). Generally perpendicular to the line, extending from end to end of the central absorbing means). That is, as soon as the sanitary napkin is in place, its shape changes essentially from straight to "U" shape along its longitudinal axis. This shape change creates wrinkles along the transverse axis of the sanitary napkin and most of the wrinkles are at the maximum bending point of the body, ie the crotch region.

Pressure crease is the crease of a sanitary napkin along its transverse or longitudinal axis caused by a user's leg movement.

Wrinkles in sanitary napkins caused by intrinsic and pressure wrinkles are known as flow passages because menstrual fluid can easily flow along the grooves of the wrinkles without significant physical contact along the wrinkles.

The sanitary napkin of the present invention provides many advantages since the wings are bent at the first bending axis. In particular, the advantages provided are:

(1) inherent pleating allows flow passages to be formed only substantially within the central absorbent pad and not the wing body;

(2) the sanitary napkin of the present footing can withstand a lot of pressure wrinkles before the flow passage occurs;

(3) Although press wrinkles are severe enough to create flow passages, the passages formed are essentially confined to the central absorbent pad;

(4) Even if the compression wrinkle is so severe that flow passages occur in both the central absorbent pad and the wing, menstrual fluid is prevented from passing beyond the second bending axis of the wing.

These four advantages are obtained because the sanitary napkin of the present invention has a barrier means or wall 107 and is bent along the bending axis. The anatomical features of the crotch region of a woman are that the crotch portion is substantially inequality and the central portion of the crotch located in the vaginal sphere is the bottom of the inequality. When using the sanitary napkin of the present invention, such as the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the anatomical features of the crotch region force the sanitary napkin to bend upward at the first bending axis. This allows the sanitary napkin to form walls on each side of the central absorbent pad; The wall extends from the first bending axis to the second bending axis as shown in FIG. That is, in use, the sanitary napkin of the present invention is well-like in shape and the face formed by the second bend axes 234 and 234 'wrapped around the edges 246 and 246' of the crotch portion of the panty is removed from the position in which the user stands. It is higher than the face formed by one bending axis 256 and 256 '.

Intrinsic pleating in the sanitary napkin of the present invention is substantially limited to the central absorbent pad; Essentially no flow passages are formed in the walls. Although not bound by any theory, it is believed that when the flow passages are formed, the energy that produces them is transferred across the central absorbent pad and the flow passages extend. This proceeds until the flow passage reaches the first bending axis. The flow passages do not extend further than this, and the first bending axis relieves the energy of extending the flow passages. The flow passage thus does not reach the gasket-like seal formed between the wing and the body at the second bending axis, so that the seal is maintained completely. Gasket-like seals form dams and block the flow of menstrual fluid. The menstrual fluid can then be absorbed (or absorbed) by the absorbent core.

The sanitary napkin of the present invention can withstand many pressure wrinkles before any flow passage occurs, because the energy transferred to the sanitary napkin by pressure wrinkle causes the walls to rotate around each first bending axis. Because. Without this rotation, flow passages are formed.

Although press wrinkles are severe enough to create a flow passage, the passage is substantially confined to the central absorbent pad. This is true for the same reason that intrinsic corrugation forms a flow passage only within the central absorbent pad. Thus, the gasket-like seal remains intact and forms a dam to block the flow of menstrual fluid until it is absorbed by the absorbent core.

Although pressure wrinkles are severe enough to create flow passages in both the central absorbent pad and the wing, menstrual fluid is prevented from passing beyond the wall 107 and beyond the second bending axis of the wing. Such flow passages can destroy gasket-like seals. However, since the wall itself forms a barrier to the flow of menstrual fluid, it prevents passage of menstrual fluid beyond the second bending axis of the wing. To pass the barrier in the gasket-like seal, the menstrual fluid must flow over the wall, which is almost directly against gravity at the user's upright position. Thus the wall itself prevents the flow of menstrual fluid.

In summary, the sanitary napkin of the present invention essentially forms a flow passage only within the central absorbent pad, which allows the gasket-like seal to be maintained completely. Thus, menstrual fluid does not flow beyond the gasket-like seal. However, if the pressure wrinkle is so severe that the gasket-like seal is broken, the wall itself can prevent the flow of menstrual fluid.

It is important to note that in FIG. 10 the adhesive 236 is shown only in contact with the edge of the panty only on its “outside” surface. This is a preferred way of securing a sanitary napkin within the panty, but wing adhesives may only be used with the edges of the panties on their "in" surface or on their "in" and "out" surfaces, as long as portions of the wings extend around and around the edges of the panties. Contact.

The sanitary napkin of the present invention has been described as a design with two wings each forming a wall in use. While these embodiments are highly preferred, one can assume a design without wings or with only one wing. This one wing is engaged with the central absorption means along the non-linear seam. The wings have at least two, preferably at least four, bending axes that allow for the formation of both walls when folded completely around the crotch portion of the panty. The wing is then engaged with the central absorption means along a non-linear seam opposite to that mentioned above.

In the above illustrated and discussed embodiments of the sanitary napkin of the present invention, an adhesive attachment means is present in correspondence with the central absorbent pad near the distal edge of the wing. These members, which are designed to hold a sanitary napkin in the crotch portion of the underwear, are highly desirable members. Without degrading in its position, embodiments of the invention that do not effectively have one or more of the described adhesive attachment means can also be claimed to be useful, novel and effective designs.

The embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 can be readily modified to function as embodiments of the invention that do not effectively have one or more of the adhesive attachment means.

For example, the central pad adhesive 220 (and the central pad release liner 222 connected thereto) may be omitted from the sanitary napkin 210 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In use, this modified embodiment is placed in the inner crotch region of the panties the same as the unmodified embodiment, except that the central absorbent pad 220 is not fixed to the inner crotch region of the panties. The wings 224 and 224 'may be secured around the elastic edges of the panties as described above with wing adhesives 236 and 236'. The panty and the modified sanitary napkin connected thereto can be worn by the user as before. The elastic edges of the panties and the wing adhesives 236 and 236 'cooperate to keep the strainer in place.

In a non-numerical manner, the sanitary napkin 210 can be modified by omitting only wing adhesives 236 and 236 '(and release liners 238 and 238'). The modified sanitary napkin is secured to the crotch region of the panty with a central pad adhesive 220 and the wings are simply folded around the elastic edges.

In a similar manner, sanitary napkin 210 can be modified by omitting all wing and center pad adhesives. In use, these sanitary napkins are left alone in place by coordination between the wings, the elastic edges of the panties and the user's body.

3 shows an embodiment in which the top sheet 40 includes a central pad 105 and is folded over its edge portion 103. At the periphery of the absorbent core 48, the topsheet comprises two layers joined together, for example, by adhesive or ultrasonic welding. The free edge 109 of the wall 107 formed by the topsheet is located on top of the absorbent core 48 in its periphery, as defined by the sides 226 and 226 ', as shown in FIG. At the free edge 109 a shrinking member is connected in the form of a rubber band 77.

In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the wall 107 is formed by a backsheet 42 wrapped around the absorbent core 48 and connected to the topsheet 40 of the coupling portion 108 at the top of the absorbent core.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the wall 107 is formed by a foam strip 100 located directly below the topsheet above the top of the absorbent core 48. The sanitary napkin of FIG. 5 has wings 43 for connecting to the user's underwear as shown in FIG.

In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the wall 107 is formed by a flexible cantilever 102 connected between the topsheet 40 and the backsheet 42.

7 is a partial cross-sectional view and shows the structure at the crotch region of another embodiment of the sanitary napkin according to the present invention in its shape before being used for the wearer (ie, the sanitary napkin is elastically retracted). The absorbent core 44 includes an absorbent layer 48, which is shown to be completely enclosed by the first and second tissue layers 50 and 52. The absorbent core 44 is disposed between the top sheet 38 and the backsheet 42, and the topsheet 38 and the backsheet 42 both extend over the side edge 46 of the absorbent core 44. The side wings 58 are partitioned. The parallel portions of the top sheet 38 and the back sheet 42 are adhesively fixed together by the adhesive 88.

The barrier means 62 is shown to be formed by securing the member to the topsheet 38 between the side edges of the absorbent core 44 at the outer edge of the wing. The proximal edge 64 of the barrier means 62 is formed by fixing the barrier means element to the top sheet 38 by means of an adhesive 92. The spaced apart elastic member 77 is sealed in the passageway formed when the end of the barrier means element is folded back on itself; The spaced elastic member 77 is fixed in the barrier means 62 by the elastic attachment means 94. The distal edge 66 of the barrier means is separated from the top sheet upper surface 40 by the elastic collection action of the spaced apart elastic member 77; In this way a passage 96 is formed by at least the proximal edge 64, the distal edge 66 and the inner surface 68 of the barrier means 62. The passage 96 appears ready to confine, contain and retain body fluids until the wearer removes the sanitary napkin 210.

The upper sheet 38 is soft, soft to the touch, and has no irritation to the wearer's skin. In addition, the upper sheet 38 is liquid permeable, so that the liquid can easily pass through the thickness thereof. Suitable topsheets from various materials such as porous foams, reticulated foams, perforated plastic films, natural fibers (such as wood or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (such as polyester or polypropylene fibers), or combinations of natural and synthetic fibers It can manufacture. Preferably, it is made of hydrophobic material to separate the wearer's skin from the liquid in the absorbent core 44.

Particularly preferred topsheet 38 is staple length polypropylene fibers having about 1.5 denier, such as Hercules Inc. of Wilmington. Del. It is made of Hercules Type 151 polypropylene commercially available from. As used herein, “staple length fiber” refers to a fiber that is at least about 15.9 mm (0.625 inches) in length.

There are many fabrication techniques that can be used to make the topsheet 38. For example, the top sheet 38 may be a woven fabric, a nonwoven fabric, a spun bond, a carded fabric, or the like. Useful topsheets 38 are kart fabrics and are thermally bonded by means known to those skilled in the textile arts. Preferably, the topsheet 38 has a weight of about 18 to 25 grams per square meter, a minimum dry tensile strength of at least about 400 grams per centimeter in the machine direction, and a wet tensile strength of about 55 grams per centimeter in the cross machine direction. That's it.

Absorbent core 44 is generally compressible, deformable, non-irritating to the user's skin, and may be any means capable of absorbing and retaining body fluids. Preferred absorbent cores 44 have first and second opposite faces and consist of absorbent layers 48 and first and second tissue layers 50 and 52, respectively. The first and second tissue layers 50 and 52 are placed on the major surface of the absorbent layer 48 to form first and second opposite surfaces of the absorbent core.

The absorbent layer 48 can be fabricated in a variety of sizes and shapes (eg, rectangular, hourglass, etc.) from a wide variety of liquid absorbent materials commonly used in absorbent articles, such as crushed wood pulp, commonly referred to as air felt. Examples of other suitable absorbent materials include axially processed cellulose cotton, absorbent foam, absorbent sponge, superabsorbent polymer or any corresponding material or combination of materials. However, the total absorbent capacity of the absorbent layer 84 should be comparable to the desired body fluid load in the use of sanitary napkins. In addition, the size and absorbent capacity of the absorbent layer 48 can be modified to suit the wearer.

The dimensions, shape and shape of the absorbent layer 48 can vary (eg, the absorbent layer can have various thicknesses or hydrophilic gradients, or can contain superabsorbent materials or synthetic fibers).

The first and second tissue layers 50 and 52 improve the tensile strength of the absorbent core 44 and reduce the tendency of the absorbent layer 48 to crack, clump and round when wet. The first and second tissue layers 50 and 52 also improve lateral wicking of the absorbed body fluid so that the body fluid is better distributed throughout the absorbent layer 48. Although a number of materials and fabrication techniques can be used to make the first and second tissue layers 50 and 52, the basis weight is about 16 grams per square meter (10 lbs./3000 square feet) and the air permeability per minute per square meter. Satisfactory results are obtained at about 12.8 millimeters (0.5 inches) of hydraulic differential with a resting sheet of about 30.5 cubic meters (100 cubic feet / minute / square feet). The first and second tissue layers 50 and 52 are preferably adjacent to the absorbent layer 48, but they may have different dimensions, different shapes, or omit all of them.

The absorbent core 44 is placed on the backsheet 42 and is preferably attached by attachment means (not shown) known in the art. For example, the absorbent core 44 may be secured to the backsheet 42 by a uniform continuous layer of adhesive, a patterned layer of adhesive, or an arrangement of discrete lines or dots of adhesive. Adhesives that have been found to be satisfactory include Eastman Chemical Products Company of Kingsport, Tenn. Is manufactured under the trade name Eastobond A-3.

The backsheet 42 is impermeable to liquid and is preferably made from a plastic thin film, although other flexible liquid impermeable materials may also be used. The backsheet 42 prevents the body fluid absorbed and contained in the absorbent core 44 from wetting articles in contact with a sanitary napkin such as underwear. Preferably, the backsheet 42 is a polyethylene film having a thickness of about 0.012 mm (0.5 mil) to about 0.051 cm (2.0 mils), but other flexible liquid impermeable materials may be used. The term "flexible" as used herein refers to a material that is flexible and easy to fit into the general shape and contour of the human body.

Suitable polyethylene films are manufactured by Monsanto Chemical Corporation and are manufactured using Film NO. 8020 is available under the trade name. The backsheet 42 is uneven and / or mat finished to provide a more garment-like appearance. The backsheet 42 also allows vapor to exit the absorbent core 44 while still preventing body fluids from passing through the backsheet 42.

Topsheet 38 and backsheet 42 may be joined together in any suitable manner. The term " bonding " as used herein refers to a form in which the top sheet 38 is directly bonded to the back sheet 42 by directly attaching the top sheet 38 to the back sheet 42, and the top sheet 38 is bonded. The upper sheet 38 is indirectly attached to the rear sheet 42 by being attached to the intermediate member and attached to the rear sheet 42. In a preferred embodiment, the topsheet 38 and backsheet 42 are bonded directly to each other at the periphery by attachment means such as adhesive 88 or any other attachment means known in the art. For example, a uniform continuous layer of adhesive, a patterned layer of adhesive, or an array of discrete lines or dots of adhesive can be used. Lateral wings 58 should be very flexible.

Lateral wing 58 is the sanitary napkin portion between the edge and periphery of absorbent core 44. In other words, in the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 7, the flanks 58 are formed from the extension of the backsheet 42 and the topsheet 28 and from the lateral edge 46 of the absorbent core 44 and accordingly. .

Each barrier means 62 is a flexible member having a proximal edge 64, a distal edge 66, an inner side 68 and an outer side 70. As used herein, the term flexible refers to a material that is flexible and easily fits into the general shape and contour of the body. In addition, the spacing means 76 consists of a spacing elastic member 77, and the barrier means 62 confines, contains and contains bodily fluid in a product whose distal edge 66 is sufficiently far from the top sheet upper surface 40. It must be shrinkable so that a passage 96 that can be retained can be formed.

The barrier means 62 can be fabricated from a variety of materials such as polyester, rayon, nylon, foam, plastic film, molded film, and elastomeric foam. Many fabrication techniques can be used to fabricate barrier means. For example, the barrier means 62 may be a woven fabric, a nonwoven fabric, a card weave, or the like. Particularly preferred barrier means 62 are made of a material that is uncoated or rendered liquid impermeable. Particularly preferred material is Celestra manufactured by Crown Zellerbach Company.

As shown in FIG. 7, the barrier means 62, and more particularly the proximal edge 64, is preferably arranged adjacent to the inside of the wing.

The term "inner" is defined in the direction towards the centerline 36 parallel to each edge 226, 226 ′ disposed along a particular barrier means 62.

Barrier means 62 are arranged to provide more effective confinement to body fluid flow. The barrier means 62 is preferably arranged between the outer edge of the wing of the sanitary napkin and the longitudinal center line 36.

The proximal edge 64 and the distal edge 66 define a butterfly of the barrier means 62 spaced apart from each other. Proximal and distal edges 64 and 66 may be parallel, non-parallel, straight or correlated, respectively. In addition, the barrier means 62 may have a variety of different cross-sectional areas, including round, square, rectangular or any other shape. Preferably, the proximal edge 64 is spaced apart in parallel and in a straight line relationship from the distal edge 66 to provide a uniform butterfly barrier means 62.

The embodiment of the sanitary napkin of FIG. 7 includes barrier means 62 coupled to the topsheet 38. The term "bonding" includes any means for attaching barrier means 32 to a sanitary napkin, wherein barrier means 62 is a separate member having a proximal edge 64 attached directly or indirectly to the topsheet 38. (Ie, integrated) embodiments or barrier means 62 are fabricated from the same member or material as topsheet 38 such that proximal edge 64 is a continuous and non-separable member of the topsheet (ie, a single) embodiment. Include. Barrier means 62 may alternatively be coupled to side wings 58, backsheet 42, absorbent core 44, topsheet 38, or a combination of these or other members of the sanitary napkin. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the barrier means 62 is integrated with the top sheet 38. The integrated barrier means 62 is preferably formed by a single strip of material secured to the topsheet by the adhesive 92, and the distal edge 66 is formed by folding the end of the material back over itself.

Distal edge 66 is preferably disposed inside of proximal edge 64 to provide a more effective barrier to flow. The distal edge 66 is retained inside the proximal edge 64 by the gluing means 78 to prevent the opposite. Alternatively, the distal edge 66 may be placed in a different position relative to the proximal edge 64, although this arrangement is not desirable.

The distal edge 66 is preferably not secured to any other member at least at the center of the sanitary napkin so that it can be spaced away from the top surface 40 of the top sheet 38. The distal edge 66 is preferably spaced away from the upper surface 40 of the upper sheet 38 so that the barrier means 62 can form a passage 96 which can increase the content of the product. As used herein, “spaced apart” may have the distal edge 66 in one or more positions with respect to the top surface of the top sheet 38 and sometimes in a position adjacent to the top surface 40 of the top sheet 38. Embodiments are included. The distance between the distal edge 66 with respect to the top surface 40 of the top sheet 38 is such that the distal edge 66 is positioned so that the distal edge 66 is as far away from the top sheet as possible (ie, in the retracted position). It is measured along the line shown from the closest to the top sheet 38 from. Preferably, the distal edge 66 is spaced apart from the topsheet 38 by a height of at least about 2 mm, more preferably about 5 mm, to about 10 mm.

The passage 96 is formed along at least the inner side 68 and the proximal and distal edges 64 and 66 of the barrier means 62. Passage 96 forms a barrier to fluid flow that tends to move across topsheet 38.

The barrier means 62 may also be provided with absorbing means fixed to or provided with the barrier means 62. The absorbing means absorbs or contains the body fluid in contact with the barrier means 62. Absorbing means can be any means capable of absorbing and retaining liquid and can have any dimension, shape, shape or absorbent capacity. The absorbing means may be located with respect to the barrier means 62 or within the barrier means 62 along the inner side 68. Preferably the absorbing means is an air felt layer fixed in the tunnel formed by the integrated barrier means and fixed along the entire length of the inner face 68 of the barrier means 62 and along the butterfly.

In addition, the barrier means 62 may be made liquid impermeable to prevent body fluids. The liquid impermeable barrier means 62 is more resistant to leakage by preventing liquid movement through the barrier means 62. The barrier means 62 may be made liquid impermeable in any manner known in the art, such as by selectively treating the barrier means, or by securing a separate material to the barrier means.

Spacer means 76 to allow distal edge 66 to be spaced apart from top sheet top surface 40 may act on barrier means 62 along vowels, contractions, stiffnesses, shortenings or otherwise along barrier means 62. Any member that results in a passage 96 that provides confinement for leakage.

As shown in FIG. 7, the spacing means 76 consists of a spacing elastic member 77 fixed adjacent to the distal edge 66 inside the barrier means 62.

The spaced apart elastic member 77 is preferably secured to the barrier means 62 in a contracted state so that in a normal, non-bound form, the spaced apart elastic member 77 effectively contracts or gathers the barrier means 62.

As shown in FIG. 7, the spaced apart elastic member 77 is connected with the barrier means 62 by fixing it in the barrier means with the elastic attachment means 94. The spaced apart elastic member 77 may be fixed to the barrier adjacent to only the end of the spaced apart elastic member 77, but it is preferable to fix the entire length of the spaced apart elastic member 77 to the barrier means 62. The elastic attachment means 94 here is preferably a glue bead made of a hot melt adhesive such as Adhesives 581 manufactured by Adhesives Incorporated., Wis.

A suitable spaced apart elastic member 77 is a rubber band having a cross section of 0.18 mm x 1.5 mm made from natural rubber sold by the Rubber Company of Va. Under the trade name L-1900 Rubber Compound. Another suitable spaced apart elastic member 77 is from Company of Scotland. It can be prepared from natural rubber such as elastic tape sold under the trade name 9211 by N. C. The spaced apart elastic member 77 may also be made of any heat shrinkable elastic material known in the art. Other suitable elastic materials can be made from a wide variety of materials known in the art, including films, polyurethane films, foams, and molded elastic materials.

In addition, the spaced apart elastic member 77 may take multiple forms. For example, the butterfly of the spaced apart elastic member 77 can be changed; The spaced apart elastic member may consist of one strand of elastic material or several parallel or non-parallel strands; Alternatively, the spaced apart elastic member 77 may be straight or curved. In addition, the spacing elastic member 77 may be attached to the barrier means 62 by any one of several ways known in the art. For example, the spaced apart elastic member 77 may be bonded or heat sealed into the barrier means 62 using various bonding patterns, or the spaced apart elastic member 77 may simply be glued to the barrier means 62. have.

The spacing means 76 that separates the distal edge 66 from the top sheet upper surface 40 may alternatively comprise several other members. For example, the barrier means 62 can have rigidification means disposed in or on each barrier means 62. The stiffening means should be stiff enough that the distal edge 66 is spaced apart from the top sheet top surface. Suitable materials for the stiffening means include high loft materials, such as foams, fabrics, batting, polyethylene film forming films, spray glue, foam polyester, or Carolina Formed Fabrics.

The spacing means 77 can also comprise means for shortening the length of the distal edge 66 relative to the length of the edge of the sanitary napkin. By folding or crimping at the distal edge, the distal edge 66 can be shortened. This fold or crease is secured to any retaining means known to those skilled in the art, such as adhesives or heat seals. Alternatively, the end edge and the cross section of the edge can be cut to form an edge or seam together. The tip edge 66 may also be shortened by attaching the length of the tip edge 66 to the topsheet 38 at a location different from where the tip edge 66 is placed when the sanitary napkin is in the unfolded state. Other shortening techniques known in the art can also be used.

Adhesive means for securing the end portion of the barrier means 62 in close contact with the side edge of the sanitary napkin fits the wearer more comfortably and prevents dislocation of the distal edge 66 of the barrier means 62 during wear and use. Dislocation is generally defined as turning the inner distal end edge 66 outward when the sanitary napkin is worn to the wearer. In a preferred embodiment such adhering means is arranged at the front and back of the sanitary napkin. The remaining part of the barrier means 62 is not tightly fixed so that the distal edge 66 can be freely separated.

Adhesive means 78 is preferably Adhesives Incorporated., Wis. Glue Beads 79 are hot melt adhesives available as Adhesives 581.

Claims (18)

(a) a liquid permeable topsheet having a pair of longitudinal edges, a body contact surface, a central region and a pair of ends; A liquid impermeable back sheet bonded to the top sheet; A central absorbent pad comprising an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet; (b) extending outwardly from each longitudinal edge of the central absorbent pad in the central region, joining the central absorbent pad and placing each wing around the edge of the underwear on a flexible axis to form a wall in use; Wings having a size and shape capable of; And (c) (i) a barrier element having a proximal edge joining the wing and a free edge spaced from the proximal edge and not fixed to at least a portion of the wing and the central absorbent pad; And (ii) a second wall bonded adjacent to the free edge to space the free edge up around the proximal edge and bonded away from the body contact surface of the central absorbent pad to provide a barrier to transverse flow of body fluid in use. And a barrier means for limiting liquid movement in a generally transverse lateral direction, the spacer means including spaced apart means for forming a sanitary napkin. 2. The sanitary napkin of claim 1, wherein the spacing means comprise a spacing elastic member secured to the barrier element in an elastic contraction state that gathers or contracts a barrier element adjacent to the free edge. The sanitary napkin of claim 2, wherein each barrier element is liquid impermeable. 4. The sanitary napkin of claim 3, further comprising a central pad adhering means located over the backsheet, and wing adhering means located over each wing to secure the sanitary napkin to the wearer's underwear. 5. The sanitary napkin of claim 4, wherein the free edge of the barrier element is maintained inside of the proximal edge by means of dislocation preventing adhesion of the barrier element. 6. The sanitary napkin of claim 5, wherein the top sheet of the central absorbent pad extends to the wings to form a portion of the top sheet for the wings. 3. The sanitary napkin of claim 2, further comprising a central pad adhering means located on the backsheet and wing adhering means located on each wing to secure the sanitary napkin to the wearer's underwear. 3. The sanitary napkin of claim 2, wherein the top sheet of the central absorbent pad extends to the blades to form part of the top sheet for the wings. The sanitary napkin of claim 1, wherein each barrier element is liquid impermeable. 10. The sanitary napkin of claim 9, further comprising a central pad adhering means located over the backsheet, and wing adhering means located over each wing to secure the sanitary napkin to the wearer's underwear. 10. The sanitary napkin of claim 9, wherein the top sheet of the central absorbent pad extends to the wings to form part of the top sheet for the wings. The sanitary napkin of claim 1, further comprising a central pad adhering means located over the backsheet, and wing adhering means located over each wing to secure the sanitary napkin to the wearer's underwear. 13. The sanitary napkin of claim 12, wherein the spacing means comprises a spacing elastic member secured to the barrier element in an elastic contraction state that gathers or contracts a barrier element adjacent to the free edge. 13. The sanitary napkin of claim 12, wherein the top sheet of the central absorbent pad extends to the wings to form part of the top sheet for the wings. The sanitary napkin of claim 1, further comprising a second bending axis in the wing such that the wing is extremely flexible with respect to its entirety. The sanitary napkin of claim 1, wherein the wing is formed independently of the central absorbent pad and bonded to the central absorbent pad. The sanitary napkin according to claim 1, wherein the top sheet of the central absorbent pad extends to the blades to form part of the top sheet for the wings. The sanitary napkin of claim 1, wherein the free edge of the barrier element is maintained inside of the proximal edge by means of dislocation preventing adhesion of the barrier element.