KR100839681B1 - Absorbent article having a fit guide - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a method for correctly placing an absorbent article intended to be worn in an underwear having a crotch portion having a longitudinal centerline and the opposite side bordering a curved leg opening portion. The absorbent article includes a body portion, the body portion comprising a liquid permeable body side surface, a liquid impermeable garment side surface, and an absorbent core positioned between the body side and the garment side surface. The absorbent article includes at least one indicator marker visible from the bodyside surface, which indicator marker is arranged to indicate proper alignment of the absorbent article to underwear specific features such as curved leg openings.

Description

ABSORBENT ARTICLE HAVING A FIT GUIDE}

The present invention relates to disposable absorbent articles, and more particularly, to methods of placing and positioning such disposable absorbent articles and such disposable absorbent articles to be worn in women's underwear.

Sanitary napkins are used primarily by women to receive and retain menstrual blood and other vaginal secretions during their menstrual cycle to prevent their clothing from being soiled. Sanitary napkins typically have adhesive attachment means for temporarily bonding the device to the user's underwear, usually the crotch region of her panties.

When placing an absorbent article in an undergarment, it is often important that the article is correctly positioned relative to the crotch portion of the undergarment. Inappropriate positioning of the absorbent article may result in body discharge contacting the wearer's clothing or underwear without entering the absorbent article. For example, if the absorbent article is placed away toward the front of the underwear, the rear portion of the underwear may not be covered by the absorbent article such that fluid such as menstrual blood may contaminate the underwear. This problem is aggravated when the front is wide and the rear is wide, or when the absorbent article is asymmetric, such as an absorbent article that is not symmetrical about the transverse centerline, and does not provide sufficient indication of proper placement. In addition, for articles having portions in the crotch region that are typically referred to as "wings" or "flaps" that wrap around the edges of the wearer's underwear and / or attach the article to the underwear, the article is misplaced. By arranging, the folding will not be sufficient and can be separated early.

Changing the size of the absorbent article can help to alleviate the problem of inappropriate placement. However, increasing the size of the article, such as length, adds cost, so that this solution is not commercially attractive.

Thus, there remains an unresolved need for feminine hygiene products such as sanitary napkins or panty liners that are designed to facilitate proper placement and positioning within a user's underwear.

There is also an unresolved need for a method of properly positioning and positioning feminine hygiene products, such as sanitary napkins, in a user's underwear.

There is also an unresolved need for means to properly position and position the absorbent article in the underwear when the absorbent article is not symmetrical about the longitudinal and / or transverse centerlines.

There is also an unresolved need for a method of properly placing and positioning feminine hygiene products, such as sanitary napkins, if the feminine hygiene products are not symmetrical about the longitudinal and / or transverse centerlines.

Summary of the Invention

An absorbent article is disclosed that has a longitudinal centerline and is adapted to be worn in an undergarment having opposite crotch portions that border opposite curved opening portions. The absorbent article includes a body portion, the body portion comprising a liquid permeable body side surface, a liquid impermeable garment side surface, and an absorbent core positioned between the body side and the garment side surface. The absorbent article includes at least one indicator marker visible from the bodyside surface, which indicator marker is arranged to indicate proper alignment of the absorbent article to underwear specific features such as curved leg openings. Also disclosed is a method of correctly placing an absorbent article in a crotch portion of an undergarment having a crotch portion, the opposite side bordering a curved leg opening portion.

1 is a partially cutaway plan view of an absorbent article of the present invention.

2 is a cross-sectional view of the section 2-2 shown in FIG.

3 is a plan view of the absorbent article of the present invention suitably positioned within the underwear.

4 is a plan view of another embodiment of an absorbent article of the present invention suitably positioned in an undergarment.

5 is an enlarged detail view of the indicator marker of the present invention.

6 is a partial plan view of an absorbent article of the present invention in proper alignment.
6A is an enlarged detail view of an indicator marker of the present invention.

7 is a partial plan view of an absorbent article of the present invention improperly aligned.

8-21 illustrate various alternative embodiments of a sanitary napkin having an indicator marker of the present invention.

In one embodiment of the absorbent article of the present invention, a sanitary napkin 10, which may be a panty liner or the like, is shown in partial cutaway plan view in FIG. 1 and in cross-sectional view in FIG. Preferred embodiments are feminine hygiene products such as sanitary napkins or panty liners. Although the present invention is disclosed as an embodiment of a particularly preferred sanitary napkin, the invention described may also be considered as a pantyliner, and all of the following descriptions relating to sanitary napkins also apply to pantyliners of varying degrees rather than of kind. May be related. The present invention may also be an adult urinary incontinence device, an anal discharge pad, an interlabial pad, or any other absorbent article that requires proper placement and positioning within the crotch portion of the underwear.

Sanitary napkin 10 has two end regions 12, 14 and one central region 16. The sanitary napkin 10 has a bodyside surface 150 in contact with the user's body and a garment side surface 17 in contact with the inner surface of the user's underwear. In general, it can be said that each component layer of sanitary napkin 10 has a body side surface and a garment side surface, which are determined by their orientation with respect to the use of the article. The sanitary napkin 10 has a longitudinal center line L and a transverse center line T that are perpendicular to each other in the plane of the sanitary napkin when in the unfolded shape as shown in FIG. 1. In one embodiment, the sanitary napkin is generally symmetric about both the longitudinal axis (L) and the transverse axis (T). However, in other embodiments, the sanitary napkin 10 may be asymmetric about either axis.

The sanitary napkin 10 may have any shape known in the art, but one preferred shape is the central region from the relatively wide transverse width of the portion of one of the end regions as shown in FIG. 1. It is a generally "hourglass" shape that gradually decreases inward with a relatively narrow transverse width of. The transverse width is generally defined as the dimension across the article and measured parallel to the transverse centerline (T). As discussed in more detail below, sanitary napkins are typically "flaps" or "wings" (not shown in FIG. 1) in the art, which are folded and covered over panty elastics in the crotch region of the user's underwear. Lateral extensions, which are known as

The sanitary napkin 10 may have an absorbent core 20 that absorbs and stores body fluid discharged during use. Absorbent core 20 may be formed of any material well known to those skilled in the art. Examples of such materials include several layers of creped cellulose wadding, fluffed cellulose fibers, wood pulp fibers, also known as airfelt, and textile fibers. ), Blends of fibers, chunks or batts of fibers, webs of polymer fibers, blends of polymer fibers.

In one embodiment, the thickness of the absorbent core 20 may be relatively thin, less than about 2 mm, preferably less than about 1 mm, more preferably less than about 0.5 mm. Thickness measurement can be performed by any method known in the art to accomplish this. The absorbent core may comprise an absorbent gelling material (AGM), including AGM fibers, as known in the art.

The absorbent core 20 may be formed or cut into a shape having an outer edge forming the core periphery 30. The shape of the absorbent core 20 may generally be rectangular, circular, oval, oval, or the like. The absorbent core 20 may generally be centered with respect to the longitudinal center line L and the transverse center line T. FIG.

To prevent the absorbed body exudate from contacting the wearer's clothing, the sanitary napkin 10 may have a liquid impermeable backsheet 22. In order to provide some softness and vapor permeability to the garment-side surface of sanitary napkin 10, backsheet 22 may be a vapor permeable outer layer on the garment-side surface of sanitary napkin 20. The backsheet 22 may be formed of any vapor permeable material known in the art. The backsheet 22 may comprise a microporous film, an apertured molded film, or other polymer film that is vapor permeable or vapor permeable as is known in the art. One suitable material is a soft, smooth, flexible vapor permeable material such as a nonwoven web that is hydrophobic or rendered hydrophobic to be virtually liquid impermeable. Nonwoven webs provide softness and compliance for comfort, and generate less noise to prevent unwanted sounds from being moved.

To provide softness in contact with the body, sanitary napkin 10 may have a bodyside layer, referred to herein as topsheet 26. Topsheet 26 may be formed of any soft, smooth, flexible porous material that is comfortable for human skin and capable of passage of fluids such as vaginal discharge. Topsheet 26 may comprise a fibrous nonwoven web and may include fibers such as those known in the art, including bicomponent and shaped fibers. Topsheet 26 may also be a liquid permeable polymer film, such as an apertured molded film or an apertured film, as is known as a sanitary napkin, such as a sanitary napkin of the ALWAYS® brand.

At least one, preferably both, of the topsheet 26 and the backsheet 22 is formed into a shape having an edge forming the outer periphery 28 of the sanitary napkin. In a preferred embodiment, both topsheet 26 and backsheet 22 form the outer periphery 28 of the sanitary napkin. The two layers can be die cut, as known in the art, for example after combining all the components into the structure of the sanitary napkin as described herein.

A fluid permeable secondary topsheet 24 may be interposed between the absorbent core 20 and the topsheet 26. Secondary topsheet 24 may aid in the rapid acquisition and / or dispensing of fluid, and is preferably in fluid communication with absorbent core 20. In one embodiment, secondary topsheet 24 may extend up to core periphery 30 without completely covering absorbent core 20.

In one embodiment, the absorbent core 20 does not extend laterally outward to the same extent as either the topsheet 26 or the backsheet 22, with the sanitary napkin outer periphery 28 being the core outer periphery 30. Can actually be larger than. In this way, the area of the sanitary napkin 10 between the core outer periphery 30 and the sanitary napkin outer periphery 28 passes through the steam to the portion of the sanitary napkin and is vented to provide a dryer comfort when worn. Can be formed. Sanitary napkins with breathable zones and breathable zones may follow the teachings of US Patent Application No. 10 / 790,418, filed March 1, 2004.

All components may be glued together with an adhesive including a hot melt adhesive as is known in the art. The adhesive can be Findlay H2128 UN and Savare's PM 17 can be applied using a Dynafiber HTW system.

As is typical of sanitary napkins and the like, sanitary napkin 10 of the present invention may have a panty fastening adhesive 32 disposed on the garment-side surface 17 of the backsheet 22. The panty fastening adhesive 32 may be any known adhesive used in the art for this purpose and may be covered by a release paper until use, as is well known in the art.

The foregoing disclosure is intended to provide an overview of the basic parts of feminine hygiene products, such as sanitary napkins, because they are known in the art. This description is not intended to be limiting. Any and all various known elements, features, and processes, such as known sanitary napkins, panty liners, incontinence pads, and the like, can be included in the absorbent articles of the present invention when desired or required for a particular use benefit. Now, with respect to the remaining disclosure, the novel features and advantages of the present invention will be described.

As shown in FIG. 1, the absorbent article of the present invention has at least one indicator marker 34 visible from the body side surface 150. This indicator marker 34 provides instructions for proper fit when positioning and positioning the sanitary napkin 10 in an undergarment, such as a wearer's panties. The indicator marker 34 performs the function of a printed indicia, such as inkjet printed lines or line segments, embossed ridges or bumps, folds, creases, or indicator markers 34. And any other means known in the art to provide a visual indication of how to assist the user in determining whether the article is properly placed in the undergarment. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the indicator marker 34 may be arranged to indicate the proper placement of the absorbent article relative to underwear specific features such as underwear 39. For example, the crotch portion 38 of the undergarment 39 may have a seam 37 associated therewith, with the opposite sides elasticized leg elastics 36 of the curved leg openings 35. And border.

Indicator marker 34 may be disposed to be visible from bodyside surface 150 to provide a user with instructions regarding proper positioning in the undergarment. Underwear typically includes sewn seams, hemmed edges, elasticized leg openings, additional crotch panel materials, and other visually distinct portions that can be used for alignment with indicator markers 34. To have. Therefore, in some embodiments of the invention, indicator marker 34 may be arranged to indicate alignment with a sewn seam, such as seam 37 of the crotch panel of the wearer's panties. The crotch panel can be, for example, an additional cotton material portion sewn into the crotch portion 38 of the undergarment 39 in the form of panties. However, in a preferred embodiment, the indicator marker 34 is arranged to indicate the alignment and fit of the sanitary napkin to the leg elastics 36 of the underwear as will be discussed in more detail below.

FIG. 3 shows the outer periphery 28 of the sanitary napkin 10 as seen when properly positioned within the crotch portion 38 of the panty 39. The sanitary napkin 10 shown in FIG. 3 is an example of an article of the present invention that does not have a flap to wrap around the edge of the leg opening of the undergarment. As shown in FIG. 3, the portion of the panties 39 that form the leg openings 35, such as the leg elastics 36, may be formed when the sanitary napkin 10 is properly disposed within the crotch region 38 of the panties. It may be located below a part of 10). To help properly position and position the sanitary napkin 10, in one embodiment the indicator marker 34 indicates proper alignment of the absorbent article 10 with respect to the curvature of the leg opening 35 of the underwear 39. It may be arranged to.

As shown in FIG. 3, the indicator marker 34 may be arranged to provide a visual indication to the user about the proper placement of the article in the undergarment. Since the actual curvature of the leg elastics of the panty leg openings may be asymmetrical with respect to the transverse axis T of the article 10, in one embodiment the indicator marker 34 is sized based on their position relative to the panty leg opening. And orientation may be different. For example, in FIG. 3, indicator marker 34A may be associated with a forward facing or “front” portion of the leg opening (ie, a portion of the leg opening that is more forward toward the wearer's front). Similarly, indicator marker 34B may be associated with the rearward or "backward" portion of the leg opening.

The shape of the underwear may vary greatly, and the shape of the underwear, such as panties, may affect the curvature of the leg openings 35 bordering the crotch portion 38 of the underwear. For this reason, an absorbent article such as sanitary napkin 10 may have a width as indicated by the length of the indicator marker 34 in length 40 as shown in dimension 40 in FIG. 3 and in dimensions 42 and 44 in FIG. By varying in the direction it can be designed to fit a variety of panties sizes. Dimensions 42 and 44 may be different or substantially the same. Dimensions 42 and 44 may be in any convenient way that is most appropriate for the type of indicator marker, such as "between" (minimum dimension between transverse centerline T and markers measured laterally parallel) or "outside". Can be measured as "(maximum dimension including markers measured laterally parallel to the transverse centerline T) or" between centers ". In one embodiment, the minimum inter median measurement may be 20 mm, the maximum inter median measurement may be 85 mm, and the medial inter median dimension may have any increments of 1 mm between the maximum and minimum dimensions. It can be a measure of. For example, for panties of the “thong” type, the indicator marker 34B may be separated by a minimum inter-inner dimension of about 20 mm.

In one embodiment, the indicator marker 34 is generally elongated and may be generally straight or have some curvature. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, indicator marker 34 may be a generally straight rectangular mark or line segment. The indicator marker 34 may be formed by printing, stamping, embossing, folding, or any other known method that can form a visual or tactile impression that instructs the user in proper alignment. have. In the case of a generally straight mark, this marker may be at an angle with respect to the longitudinal center line (L). This angle may be the same for all indicator markers, or different angles may be used for the front indicator marker 34A and the rear indicator marker 34B. As shown in FIG. 3, the front indicator marker 34A can be oriented at an angle α from the longitudinal center line L, and the rear indicator marker 34B is at an angle β from the longitudinal center line L. FIG. Can be oriented as: As used herein, all angular measurements are positive values, having a vertex oriented closer to the transverse centerline (T), increasing with distance from the line parallel to the longitudinal centerline (L). Is taken. The angle α may be oriented at 1 degree intervals within the range of about 5 degrees to about 45 degrees. Likewise, angle β may be oriented at 1 degree intervals within a range of about 5 degrees to about 45 degrees.

The indicator marker 34 of the present invention is a flap that is folded around the leg elastics 36 of the absorbent article and / or underwear 39 which is asymmetric with respect to either the transverse centerline T or the longitudinal centerline L. It is particularly effective when included on an absorbent article comprising a.

FIG. 4 shows a sanitary napkin 10 having a flap 15 that is folded over and envelops the leg elastics (flap 15 of FIG. 4 is shown in an unfolded and unfolded state). The flap 15 may have attachment means (not shown) for attaching the sanitary napkin to the underside of the underwear as is known in the art. Any of various attachment means known in the art can be used with the present invention, including pressure sensitive adhesive means, in which case a release strip can also be included. It is known to form a line of weakness or flexible zone to facilitate folding of the flap on the sanitary napkin. However, this fold is not to be confused with the indicator marker 34 of the present invention. Since the fold lines can be shaped so that they can simply be folded around over a wide range of panty sizes and shapes (if the consumer is aware of them), they must be sufficient to be a custom guide for proper placement and positioning. It does not need to be shaped, placed or otherwise designed. Therefore, they allow for incorrect placement and positioning of sanitary napkins, so they are not indicator markers 34. In some embodiments, the indicator marker 34 of the present invention may be added in addition to the flap fold line to distinguish it from the flap fold line. That is, the indicator marker 34 may be visually or tactilely distinguished from any fold lines for the flap.

4 also shows a sanitary napkin 10 which is asymmetrical with respect to the transverse centerline T. FIG. One way of describing this sanitary napkin 10 is that the end region 12 or 14 of one of the end regions is longer than the other end region in terms of dimensions parallel to the longitudinal center line L. Such sanitary napkins can further increase the absorbent capacity to the back of the user's underwear to better prevent the user's underwear from being soiled when properly placed in the underwear. In general, the central region 16 is designed to be placed within the narrowest portion of the crotch region of the user's underwear. However, asymmetrical design presents certain problems for the user. Since the pad is not designed such that the transverse centerline T is in the center of the crotch region 38, the user can very easily misplace the article in her underwear. In general, for asymmetric sanitary napkins of the type shown in FIG. 4, it has been found that users typically position the article too far forward in their underwear. This is believed to be due to the influence of the habit of placing the absorbent article such that the user typically places the pad generally centered with respect to the center portion of the crotch of the underwear. This misplacement has been shown to directly correlate with increased soiling conditions, such as poor fit, poor comfort, and staining of the user's underwear.

The indicator marker 34 of the present invention assists in proper placement by providing the user with a visual cue of proper positioning relative to the crotch portion of the undergarment. In particular for asymmetric sanitary napkins, these visual cues have been found to significantly increase the frequency of proper placement among menstrual pad users. As shown in FIG. 4, and as will be clearer in the enlarged portion shown in FIG. 5, the indicator marker 34 may indicate proper positioning of the curvature of the leg elastics 36 on the sanitary napkin 10. have. Each indicator marker 34 may include a plurality of straight indicators, such as the three line segments shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, which may be generally parallel to each other, or they may be shown in FIG. 5. It may not be parallel as shown. If the individual markers of the indicator marker 34 are not parallel, each marker may be oriented at an increasing angle proportional to the increased distance measured from the longitudinal center line L. In this case, the angle α for the plurality of markers may be regarded as the average of the angles for a given plurality of indicator markers constituting one indicator marker 34.

As shown in FIG. 5, the indicator marker 34A (and generally indicator marker 34) may be a single marker (or emboss, fold, wrinkle, etc.) or a plurality of individual markers. In either case, indicator marker 34 may be measured and quantified in at least two ways. As shown in FIG. 5, the indicator marker 34 may have a length dimension indicated by 50 and a width dimension indicated by 52. These dimensions, measured parallel to the longitudinal centerline L and the transverse centerline T, to the ends of the indicator marker 34 (including the individual markers, if necessary), are each angle α (or rear indicator marker ( 34B) defines the ratio R1 of the length 50 / width 52 defined by the angle β) and 1 / tanα. For non-parallel “fanned-out” markers (or creases, etc.) as shown in FIG. 5, the angle α may correspond to an intermediate angle equal to the average angle of all markers. In one embodiment, the ratio R1 may be greater than 1 and greater than 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15 or more. In general, the angle α needed for proper fit guidance will be determined by the size of the article, its symmetry about either the longitudinal or transverse axis, and the type and size of the underwear the article design is intended for. It has been found that the angle α (or angle β for the rear indicator marker 34B) that can vary from about 10 degrees to about 30 degrees in 1 degree increments is sufficient. In one embodiment having an “open” marker (or crease, etc.) as shown in FIG. 5, the angle α or β may vary for each individual marker from about 10 degrees to about 30 degrees.

A second way of quantifying the shape of indicator marker 34 is shown in relation to FIGS. 6 and 6A. As shown, the effective length dimension is indicated at 51 and the effective width dimension is indicated at 53. As measured in this manner, the second ratio R2 of dimension 51 / dimension 53 can be defined. By defining the ratio R2, the indicator marker 34 can be specified by the ratio R2 and the independently determined angle Θ. In general, the ratio R2 may be greater than 1 and greater than 2, 3, 4 or 5. The angle Θ is at least about 10 degrees as measured with respect to the line parallel to the longitudinal center line L and the first marker (or crease) laterally outside of the indicator marker 34, as shown in FIG. 6A. Can be. The angle Θ may be at least about 15 degrees, at least about 20 degrees, at least about 25 degrees, and at least about 30 degrees. Preferably, the angle Θ is less than about 45 degrees.

In general, indicator markers 34 having a relatively high ratio (R1 or R2) of about 2 to 5 and a relatively low angle (α or β or Θ) of about 10 degrees to about 30 degrees are suitable for a wide range of panty sizes. It was found to provide an absorbent article having 34). When a plurality of inclined markers as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6A are used, the minimum and maximum angles α or β or Θ are in the range of about 15 to 30 degrees and rearward in the case of the front indicator marker 34A. In the case of the indicator marker 34B, it is preferably included in the range of about 10 to 20 degrees. In general, the placement of the indicator marker 34, including the placement associated with the length dimension 40 or the width dimension 42 or 44, can be varied to correlate with the desired panty size.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the indicator marker 34 may serve as a fitting guide for properly positioning the sanitary napkin 10 within the underwear by indicating proper alignment to the leg elastics 36. As shown in FIG. 6, a properly positioned sanitary napkin 10 aligns the indicator marker 34 with the leg elastics 36, in which case the leg elastics 36 intersect the periphery 28 of the sanitary napkin. In this way, by visual cues, the user can position the sanitary napkin 10 appropriately relative to the crotch portion 38 of the undergarment 39, such as the lateral portion 55 of the crotch portion 38 of the undergarment 39. You can. If the sanitary napkin 10 is improperly positioned, for example too far forward as shown in FIG. 7, the indicator marker 34 is no longer aligned with the leg elastics 36. Then, a user who is aware of this misalignment can re-arrange the sanitary napkin as needed. By configuring the indicator marker 34 as a plurality of markers or folds, any suitable placement range may be provided that allows the sanitary napkin to fit a range of underwear sizes and types.

As also shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the sanitary napkin 10 need not include both anterior and posterior indicator markers 34A, 34B. In practice, only front or rear indicator markers are needed. In fact, the sanitary napkins that are available need only one indicator marker 34, such as only one of the left or right indicator markers of either the front or rear indicator markers 34A, 34B. However, it is believed that having more than one marker makes the positioning easier for the user.

As shown in FIGS. 8-11, the indicator marker 34 may be printed on a surface visible from the bodyside surface of the sanitary napkin 10. The indicator marker 34 may be printed on the surface under the topsheet as long as the user can see it while placing and positioning the article in the undergarment. Thus, indicator marker 34 may be printed or otherwise placed on a secondary topsheet, surge layer, acquisition layer, absorbent core, or the like. The indicator marker 34 may be formed as a line, line segment, curve, band, arrow, word, picture, or any other printed indication for the purpose of providing a custom guide indication. In addition, the visual indication does not need to be printed on the body contact surface, and from the body contact surface so that the user can see the indicator marker 34 when the female, the user, places the sanitary napkin 10 in her underwear 39. All you need to see is it.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the indicator marker 34 may provide an indication of where the elastic of the underwear should be placed by providing a visual representation of where the elastic of the underwear should be under the article. . 9 shows an embodiment in which the indicator marker 34 is arranged to rest on a seam 37 of underwear, such as a seam of a sewn crotch panel. The indicator marker 34 overlying the seam 37 may be used alone or in combination with other indicator markers 34 as shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment in which one continuous indicator marker 34 provides an indication of all four positions where the leg elastic 36 lies under the sanitary napkin 10 to achieve the benefit of proper fit. The indicator marker 34 of FIG. 10 may be a solid colored band that extends across the entire article including the flap, if used. Alternatively, the indicator marker 34 of FIG. 10 may be shaded, striped, stippled, or other non-continuous to provide the effect of continuously colored bands. It may be a belt. In one embodiment, the “corner” of the straps as shown in FIG. 10 may be aligned in line with the edges of the article that intersect the leg elastics 36 of the underwear 39.

FIG. 11 shows an embodiment where printed arrows indicate where seams 37 should intersect underneath article 10. In one embodiment, multiple indicator markers 34 may be used and appropriately displayed to indicate fit for underwear of various sizes.

Rather than using printed marks for indicator markers 34, articles of the present invention may use other visual or tactile indications. For example, the indicator marker 34 is issued to International Patent Publication No. WO 97/12577 issued to Lash et al. On April 10, 1997 or to Gelich et al. On October 19, 1995. As taught in WO 96/12461, it may be a different expandable area on the flap 15. Differently expandable zones are formed by mechanically straining portions of the sanitary napkin to permanently stretch and deform the ridges and bones. Such deformation may be made by a method commonly referred to as ring-rolling, or the area to be deformed may be a locally deformable tissue formed by a method referred to in the art as SELF'ing. network). However, these embodiments appear to be expandable regions having a shape that is not suitable for use as the indicator marker 34 of the present invention. In general, the deformed area suitable for the expandable area extends farther laterally outward into the wing area, and does not provide reliable fit guidance.

The deformed area modified to become indicator marker 34 may be an expandable area that helps the wings wrap around and conform to the leg elastics within the crotch area of the underwear, while the indicator marker 34 may have a flap that is better for the underwear. It is clear that there is no need to perform any stretching or extension functions that help the wrapper to conform properly. They simply need to provide visual indications of proper fit, such as when the floor is properly inclined and of sufficient length to align with the panty elastic when worn in underwear of the appropriate size.

In addition to the printed marks, other indicator markers 34 may be used. For example, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, notches or indentations may be used with other indicator markers 34. In FIG. 12, the notch in the flap 15 may indicate, for example, by "pointing" where the center of the crotch portion 38 of the underwear 39 should be relative to the sanitary napkin 10. This pointer may reinforce the correct placement in the user's mind, for example, as indicated by the indicator marker 34 printed to indicate the point of intersection with the panty elastic 36. In FIG. 13, the notch in the base of the flap 15 is printed in the wing 15 as an indicator marker 34 by providing a user with an indication of where the leg elastics 36 should be placed relative to the sanitary napkin 10. Can function with instructions.

For example, other embodiments may be used, such as a combination of centrally printed marks, seam indicator markers, and notches as shown in FIG. 14. As shown in FIG. 14, a centrally placed indication, such as a shaded circular shape, can function as the indicator marker 34 and can be used alone or in combination with other indicator markers as shown.

Figure 15 illustrates an embodiment using printed representations in the form of lines, words and numbers. In this embodiment, an indicator marker 34 may be provided that is a series of lines corresponding to typical shapes of leg openings and crotch widths for underwear of various sizes. Even if the user's underwear does not exactly match the provided indicator marker 34, this shape will eventually provide a visual cue to the central area of the absorbent pad, which is the crotch portion 38 of the underwear 39. It can be used to place it appropriately.

17 and 18 illustrate another embodiment of the present invention combining other methods known in the art for embossing, printing, or imparting color to form indicator marker 34. As shown in FIG. 17, the sanitary napkin 10 may include an indicator marker 34 comprising a plurality of embossing portions that together form a generally linear indicator marker 34. As shown in FIG. 18, one or more embossing impressions, preferably all embossing depressions, may have a visible color 46 therein. The visible color can be printed in registration with the embossed portion or printed simultaneously when the embossed portion is formed. Color 46 may be by printing ink or colored adhesive. The color 46 is also shown at the time of embossing so that the color 46 is visible through the embossed portion, thereby matching the embossed indicator marker 34 to provide a printed appearance or a separate layer (both shown in FIG. 18). May not be formed).

19 and 20 illustrate further embodiments in which printing and embossing are used together. As shown in FIG. 19, the indicator marker 34 may be a recognizable image such as a butterfly, such as the tip of a wing of a butterfly that coincides with the intersection of the sanitary napkin 10 and the leg elastics 36. Has a component that indicates alignment. As shown in FIG. 20, certain features of the image are embossed (as in the wings of the illustrated embodiment) or by divo (ie forming a raised portion as in the body of the butterfly of the illustrated embodiment). It can be colored by printing visible colored portions 46 in the printed image that can be enhanced by debossing. As discussed in connection with FIGS. 17 and 18, the colored portion 46 formed by other methods known in the art for printing or imparting color is disposable for mating with embossed or debossed areas. It is possible to provide an image with a synergistic effect of the indicator marker 34 useful as a custom guide in an absorbent article.

The embossed and debossed portions of the custom guides can provide a tactile effect that can also be used as the custom guides. For example, the user may gently follow the line of the embossing portion by gently grabbing the edge of the sanitary napkin, for example, with the visual recognition that the leg elastics 36 follow the path felt by the user's fingers. As a separate but related advantage, the debossed or raised portions of the image, such as the butterfly of FIG. 19, can help evaluate an appropriate fit by providing tactilely clear positioning guidance to the user. The raised portion is adapted to fit over or within the labia area of the wearer's anatomy, for example, and the wrong placement can be detected immediately by pulling the underwear in place.

In another embodiment, the custom guide can be achieved by having an indicator marker that is only tactilely sensed, ie not visually sensed. This tactile alignment guide may serve as indicator marker 34 by a change in the smoothness of the surface, a change in the coefficient of friction or other tactilely perceived change in material properties. In general, the change in material properties may correspond to the positioning of the indicator indicator 34 visible as disclosed herein.

In another embodiment, the custom guide can be achieved by having the indicator marker 34 dictated by the variation in the bending stiffness of the flap 15 on the sanitary napkin 10. In this embodiment, the indicated area of the previously discussed embodiment corresponding to the indicator marker 34 may have a relatively low resistance to bending around the leg elastics 36 of the underwear 39. When attempting to fold the flap over the crotch portion of the underwear, the user may feel resistance to bending if the sanitary napkin is not correctly positioned in the underwear. For example, the flap 15 is relatively rigid and resists bending, except around the junction with the sanitary napkin 10 corresponding to the path of the leg elastics 36 of the underwear 39.

An example of a sanitary napkin (or pantyliner) that is not symmetric about both the longitudinal and transverse axes is shown in FIG. 21. FIG. 21 shows a sanitary napkin 10 designed for and worn on the crotch portion of a so-called thong or string panty. Very narrow crotch widths require flaps 15 which are offset relative to one another to prevent overlap when used. As shown, the indicator marker 34 printed and colored in this case in the form of a “V” may indicate proper placement and positioning relative to the front leg elastics 36.

Many changes to the indicator markers described above are contemplated. For example, the indicator marker may comprise a sufficient amount of sensory perceptual agent, such as menthol lactate, to provide a cool and refreshing feel to the user when the sanitary napkin is properly placed and worn. The indicator marker may be formed so that the material is deformed to have a different reflectance or even transparent in the area intended to be the indicator marker rather than printing with ink. Similarly, color can be imparted by adding colored material, in place of ink, an additional film, a nonwoven fabric, or an adhesive comprising glue and a hot melt adhesive, in an appropriate location. This color may be added to or in any component of the sanitary napkin so long as it is visible to the user when the user, the user, places the sanitary napkin in her underwear.

In one embodiment, the disposable absorbent articles of the present invention may be packaged alone or in a package with other similar articles. Such a package may be labeled with respect to the size of the undergarment for which the article is intended to be fitted and the instructions for use, ie, how to properly position and position the absorbent article within the undergarment.

Sanitary napkins of the present invention can be used by following the methods described herein. First, when the sanitary napkin is to be selected to be distinguished by the intended underwear size, the user can select the sanitary napkin according to the size of the underwear to be worn.

The user preferably places the sanitary napkin within her underwear by pulling the underwear down around her legs while wearing the underwear so that the user can see and access the crotch portion of the underwear. The user can then separate one sanitary napkin from the package containing any individual wrapper, if any. If the sanitary napkin is provided with a pressure sensitive adhesive attachment means, the user can remove any back strip, release paper or other cover to expose the adhesive.

After unpacking, unfolding, or otherwise preparing for placement of the sanitary napkin, the user can observe (feel tactile) the indicator markers provided on the sanitary napkin and visible (or felt) from the body surface of the sanitary napkin. The leg is used to extend the crotch portion of the underwear and visually line up the indicator marker with the crotch portion of the underwear, such as at least one leg elastic at a position where the leg elastic should intersect or be placed under the sanitary napkin. The sanitary napkin can be placed in her underwear, preferably in line with at least two leg elastics. Because the leg elastics are stretched while the user is placing the sanitary napkin, the indicator markers of the sanitary napkin can be designed for the orientation of the leg elastics during placement rather than while wearing.

Placement can be accomplished by known methods such as exposing a pressure sensitive adhesive on the garment-side surface of the sanitary napkin (such as removing the release paper) and forcing the sanitary napkin into the crotch portion of her underwear.

After placement, the user can confirm proper positioning and, if necessary, separate and reposition the sanitary napkin for better alignment of the crotch portion of the underwear and the indicator marker. This step can be repeated as needed.

If the sanitary napkin is provided with a flap, the user can fold the flap down to fold it under the crotch portion of the underwear, and if provided with an adhesive attachment means, the flap can be attached to the underwear by means provided.

The user can then pull up her underwear and confirm that the sanitary napkin is properly positioned to function optimally with maximum absorption while minimizing soiling of the garment.

Instructions may be provided on the sanitary napkin to assist the user in properly positioning the absorbent article, such as the sanitary napkin with the indicator marker, that is, to assist the user in using the indicator marker as a personalized guide. Instructions for use may be provided on or within the packaging in which the sanitary napkin is sold, on an associated advertising or display medium, or on the sanitary napkin itself. The description may be printed on the package, such as the outer surface of the package, or on a separate paper disposed within the package. The package may comprise a plurality of absorbent articles, each absorbent article may be individually wrapped or packaged as is commonly known in the art. The usage description may include an indication such as a phrase or a figure. The printed description may include instructions for selecting an absorbent article of the present invention based on the size of the user's underwear.

All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the Invention are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference, and no citation of any document should be construed as an admission to the prior art for the invention.

While specific embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will be apparent 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. Accordingly, all such changes and modifications that fall within the scope of the invention are intended to be included in the appended claims.

Claims (10)

An absorbent article (10) having a longitudinal center line (L), the opposite side being adapted to be worn in an undergarment (39) having a crotch portion (38) bordering a curved leg opening portion (35), (1) a body portion comprising a liquid permeable body side surface 150, a liquid impermeable garment side surface 17, and an absorbent core 20 positioned between the body side surface and the garment side surface; And (2) an indicator marker 34 visible from the body-side surface, wherein at least one indicator marker is positioned at a position such that the leg elastics 36 of the curved leg opening portions intersect or lie under the absorbent article. At least one indicator marker disposed to indicate alignment of the absorbent article by aligning with the leg elastics Absorbent article comprising a. The method of claim 1, Absorbents are feminine hygiene products, An absorbent article, wherein the indicator marker is selected from the group consisting of printed marks, colored marks, visible marks, visible line segments, tactile areas, folds, creases, notches, debossed portions, embossed portions, and combinations thereof. The method of claim 1, And at least two indicator markers aligned in line with the leg elastics at a position where the leg elastics of the curved leg opening portion intersect with or beneath the absorbent article when the absorbent article is placed in the undergarment. The method according to claim 1 or 2, An absorbent article having a transverse centerline (T) perpendicular to a longitudinal centerline, wherein the absorbent article is not symmetric about at least one of the longitudinal centerline or the transverse centerline. It has a longitudinal center line (L) and a transverse centerline (T) perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline, not symmetrical with respect to the transverse centerline, the opposite side borders the curved leg opening portion (35). As an absorbent article 10 adapted to be worn in an undergarment 39 having a crotch portion 38, (1) a body portion comprising a liquid permeable body side surface 150, a liquid impermeable garment side surface 17, and an absorbent core 20 positioned between the body side surface and the garment side surface; (2) first and second flaps (15) extending laterally outward from the longitudinal edge of the absorbent article and each being adapted to be folded over one of the curved leg opening portions; And (3) an indicator marker 34 visible from the body-side surface, wherein at least one indicator marker is positioned at a position such that the leg elastics 36 of the curved leg opening portions intersect or lie under the absorbent article. At least one indicator marker disposed to align the absorbent article by lining with the leg elastics, having a ratio of length to width of at least 1.5 and oriented at an angle of 10 to 30 degrees relative to the longitudinal centerline Absorbent article comprising a. The method of claim 5, wherein An absorbent article in which the indicator marker is selected from the group consisting of printed marks, colored marks, visible marks, visible line segments, tactile areas, folds, creases, notches, debossed portions, embossed portions, and combinations thereof. A method of disposing an absorbent article (10) in the crotch portion of an undergarment (39) having a crotch portion (38) whose opposite side borders the curved leg opening portion (35). (1) an indicator marker 34 visible from the liquid permeable body side surface 150 of the absorbent article, wherein the leg elastics 36 of the curved leg opening portions intersect with or beneath the absorbent article. Providing an absorbent article comprising at least one indicator marker disposed to indicate alignment of the absorbent article by aligning the indicator marker with the at least one leg elastic in position; (2) the absorbent article is aligned such that the leg elastics of the curved leg opening portion intersect with or be placed under the absorbent article to align the at least one indicator marker with the at least one leg elastic in line. Positioning in the crotch portion; And (3) attaching the absorbent article to the crotch portion of the underwear How to include. The method of claim 7, wherein A method of performing while the underwear is on the wearer by surrounding the wearer's legs by respective leg elastics of the curved leg openings, In step (2), spreading the legs to maintain the crotch portion of the undergarment to position the absorbent article within the crotch portion of the undergarment; How to further include. The method of claim 7, wherein A method in which an absorbent article includes flaps 15 extending laterally, Wrapping the circumference of a curved leg opening with the flap How to further include. The method of claim 7, wherein The absorbent article is a sanitary napkin or pantyliner.

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