KR20000029718A - Absorbent article - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: An absorbent article is provided which enables a widening of the protected region of the leg opening side edges of the undergarment when a portion of a flap is folded over around the undergarment. CONSTITUTION: An absorbent article includes a first flap (100) extending laterally outward from longitudinal side edges (26) of a main body portion (22). A second flap (102) is offset to one of longitudinal end edges (28) of the absorbent article (22), and formed with a larger width than a transverse width of the main body portion (22) at which the first flap (100) is positioned. The first flap (100) is folded over along a side edge of a leg opening of a wearer's undergarment. The second flap (102) is maintained in a broadened condition within the wearer's undergarment. A joining part (104) is provided to connect the first flap (100) with the second flap (102) on the outside of the longitudinal side edges (26) of the main body portion (22). A zone of extensibility (116) is provided in a region of at least a portion of the joining part (104) where the side edge of the leg opening of the undergarment is placed when the absorbent article is used.

Description

Absorbents {ABSORBENT ARTICLE}

The absorbent article is particularly useful for use as a sanitary napkin having wings or flaps formed to overlap below the back of the underwear along the lateral edges of the leg openings of the wearer's underwear. Sanitary napkins of the first type include Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 60-75058 (US Pat. No. 4,589,876), Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 60-199446 (US Pat. No. 4,687,478), and Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication H2. -501710 (International Patent No. 88/04546) and Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. H-505122 (International Patent No. 91/14415). Sanitary napkins with flaps having elastics along the entire length of the longitudinal side are disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. H2-7956 (US Pat. No. 4,940,462). When using such sanitary napkins, the entire flap is folded along the side edges of the leg openings of the undergarment.

Sanitary napkins of the second type are disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publications H2-168949, H4-128728, H7-12120 and H7-33314. The sanitary napkin disclosed as prior art in this patent specification includes a front flap that is folded in use along the side edges of the leg openings of the wearer's underwear, a rear flap positioned in a longitudinally offset portion relative to the back of the sanitary napkin, and between these flaps. It is provided with a constriction center part formed in.

The first type of sanitary napkin described above has the effect of preventing leakage at the side edges of the leg openings of the underwear, but does not provide sufficient leakage protection at the rear of the sanitary napkin. In the sanitary napkin of the second type described above, when using the sanitary napkin, the front flap is folded up along the side edges of the leg openings of the underwear, to prevent contamination of the side edges of the underwear. However, since the constriction center does not protect the side edges of the undergarment, sufficient contamination protection is not provided for a portion of the leg opening side edges of the underwear corresponding to the constriction center.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an absorbent article which is capable of expanding the protective area of the side edges of the leg openings of the underwear when a portion of the flap is folded around the underwear.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an absorbent article in which a portion of the flap may extend when the portion of the flap is folded around the underwear.

Summary of the Invention

An absorbent article according to the present invention is an absorbent article comprising a main body portion, wherein the main body portion includes a liquid permeable face facing the human body, a liquid impermeable face facing the garment, and an absorbent core between the liquid permeable face and the liquid impermeable face, The absorbent article being offset laterally from the longitudinal side edges of the body portion and adapted to fold along the side edges of the leg openings of the wearer's underwear, offset with respect to one of the longitudinal ends of the absorbent article; A second flap arranged at a predetermined position and having a width greater than the transverse width of the body portion in which the first flap is positioned and adapted to remain in an unfolded state in the wearer's underwear, and at the outside of the longitudinal side edge of the body portion; Couplings connecting the first flap with the second flap and the side edges of the leg openings of the undergarment when the absorbent article is used. Includes an extensible region provided in an area of at least a portion of the engaging member, wherein the extensible region provided in the engaging member extends from the side edge of the leg opening of the underwear when the first flap is folded along the side edge of the leg opening of the underwear. It extends to surround.

Preferably, the absorbent article according to the present invention is configured as follows. In particular, the engagement member may be a longitudinally enclosed area between the first flap and the second flap, the stretchable area comprising a corrugated area imparted to at least a portion of the engagement portion. The first flap and the second flap may comprise a region having a stretchability lower than the stretchability of the stretchable region. The body portion may be formed by a top sheet disposed on a surface facing the human body, a back sheet disposed on a surface facing the garment, and an absorbent core positioned therebetween, wherein the first flap, the second flap, and the coupling member are provided. Is formed by a portion of the backsheet extending from at least the side edges of the absorbent core. The stretchable region may be formed by a pleated region imparted to a portion of the elongated backsheet, wherein the pleated region is not provided in the major portion of the first and second flaps adjacent the pleated region.

The stretchable region may be stretchable in at least one direction and is stretchable according to the tension applied to the engagement portion when the first flap is folded along the lateral edge of the leg opening of the undergarment. The stretch ratio of the stretchable region may be 10% or more, and may be preferably 30% or more.

In addition, the extension range of the engagement portion from the longitudinal side of the body portion to the distal edge of the engagement portion is 10% or more of the smaller of the extension ranges from the body portion to the distal ends of the first and second flaps. The extension range of the joining portion from the longitudinal side edges of the body portion to the terminal edge of the stretchable region is only 140% of the greater of the extension range from the body portion to the distal ends of the first and second flaps. Preferably, the extension range of the engagement portion from the longitudinal side of the body portion to the distal end of the stretchable region is 30% or more of the smaller of the extension ranges from the body portion to the distal ends of the first and second flaps. Further, the extent of stretching of the joining portion from the longitudinal side of the body portion to the distal end of the stretchable region is only 120% of the greater of the extent of stretching from the body portion to the distal ends of the first and second flaps. Preferably, the extent of stretching of the joining portion from the longitudinal side of the body portion to the distal end of the stretchable region may be about the same as the extent of stretching from the body portion to the distal ends of the first and second flaps, connecting the distal ends to each other. The line may be nearly parallel to the longitudinal side edge of the body portion.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to absorbent articles, such as sanitary napkins, panty liners or adult incontinence products, and more particularly, to absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins configured to have a portion of a flap superimposed beneath the wearer's underwear.

1 is a plan view of one embodiment of the sanitary napkin according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II of FIG. 1;

3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III of FIG. 1,

4 is a partial cutaway plan view of another embodiment of a flap shape;

5 is a partial cutaway plan view of another embodiment of a flap shape;

6 is a partial cutaway plan view of another embodiment in a flap stretch direction;

7 is a partial cutaway plan view of yet another embodiment in the flap stretch direction;

8 is a simplified perspective view of a device for imparting stretchability to a sanitary napkin according to the present invention;

9 is a partially enlarged exploded view of a device for imparting stretchability to a sanitary napkin according to the present invention;

10 is a partial cross-sectional view to give extensibility to the sanitary napkin according to the present invention,

11 is a half cut plan view showing the state of a sanitary napkin according to the present invention located on an underwear;

12 is a perspective view showing a state of the sanitary napkin according to the present invention located on the underwear;

13 is a plan view showing a sanitary napkin according to the present invention located on the underwear as viewed from the inside of the underwear;

Fig. 14 is a plan view showing a sanitary napkin according to the present invention located on the underwear as viewed from the outside of the underwear;

A preferred embodiment of the sanitary napkin 20 according to the present invention is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, the sanitary napkin 20 is basically formed by an absorbing means (ie, a “main body portion”) 22 and two flaps 24. The sanitary napkin 20 has a surface 20A facing the human body and a surface 20B facing the garment. In FIG. 1, the sanitary napkin 20 is shown to be able to see the surface 20A facing this human body. The surface 20A facing the human body is placed in intimate contact with the wearer's body, and the surface 20B facing the garment is placed in intimate contact with the wearer's underwear when using a sanitary napkin.

The sanitary napkin 20 has a longitudinal center line L and a transverse center line T. As shown in FIG. As used herein, the term "longitudinal" means a line, axis or direction in the plane of the sanitary napkin 20 aligned with a vertical plane that bisects the wearer upright when wearing the sanitary napkin into the left and right body halves. The term "transverse" as used herein means a line, axis or direction in the plane of the sanitary napkin 20 that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

As shown in FIG. 1, the body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin 20 includes a portion of the sanitary napkin without the flap 24. This body portion 22 is substantially equal in shape to the absorbent core 42 and has two longitudinal side edges 26 arranged to be spaced therebetween, and two transversely arranged to be spaced therebetween. Directional edge 28 is provided. The main body portion 22 also has two end regions designated as the first region 32 and the second region 34, and a central region 36 disposed between these two end regions 32, 34. The central region 36 further has a first central region 36A in intimate contact with the first end region 32 and a second central region 36B in intimate contact with the second end region 34. .

The body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin 20 may be formed to a predetermined thickness, for example, relatively thick or medium thickness, relatively thin or extremely thin. The thickness of the ultra-thin sanitary napkin 20 as disclosed in US Pat. Nos. 4,950,264 and 5,009,653 to Osborn is 3 mm or less. The embodiment of the sanitary napkin 20 shown in the figure shows an embodiment of the sanitary napkin having an intermediate thickness. This body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin 20 is manufactured to be relatively flexible, and does not give the wearer a feeling of discomfort.

2 shows an individual member of the body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin 20 according to the invention. The body portion of the sanitary napkin 20 is formed by at least three main elements. This element includes a liquid permeable topsheet 38, a liquid impermeable backsheet 40, and an absorbent core 42 positioned between the topsheet 38 and the backsheet 40. The topsheet, backsheet and absorbent core can be assembled using various known methods.

There are a number of preferred materials for use as elements of the body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin 20, and the assembly form of such elements is given to Ahr on March 30, 1982, with a "border-shaped disposable absorbent article ( US Patent No. 4,321,924 entitled "Bordered Disposable Absorbent Article" and US Patent No. 4,425,130 entitled "Compound Sanitary Napkin" to Des Marais, issued January 10, 1984; , US Patent No. 4,950,264 entitled "Thin, Flexible Sanitary Napkin," issued to Osborne, April 21, 1990, and "Sneller, et al., May 3, 1994." Absorbent Article Having Flaps and U.S. Patent 5,308,346, entitled "Elasticized Sanitary Napkin," and "Absorbent Article Having Different Extensible Flaps and Areas" issued to Lavash et al. Zones of Different ial Extensibility, "US Pat. No. 5,389,094. The body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin as disclosed in WO 93/01785 and 93/01786 may also consist of a combination of one or more stretchable elements.

1 to 3 illustrate a preferred embodiment of the sanitary napkin 20, wherein the topsheet 38 and backsheet 40 having a length and width of dimensions larger than the length and width of the absorbent core 42 are The absorption core 42 is supported in between. Topsheet 38 and backsheet 40 extend past the edge of absorbent core 42. The top sheet 38 is preferably connected to the surface of the absorbent core 42 facing the human body, and the backsheet 40 is preferably connected to the surface of the absorbent core 42 facing the garment. Topsheet 38 and backsheet 40 are coupled to absorbent core 42 by a variety of known means, such as by adhesive attachment with adhesive. A portion of the topsheet 38 and backsheet 40 extending beyond the edges of the absorbent core 42 are also joined together. The top sheet 38 and the back sheet 40 are joined by various known methods. Preferably, in the embodiment shown in the figures, portions of the topsheet 38 and backsheet 40 extending beyond the edges of the absorbent core 42 extend substantially beyond the edges of the absorbent core 42. Bonded with adhesive over the whole part. The transverse edge 28 of the main body is sealed to the top sheet 38 and the back sheet 40 by applying pressure and heat.

The sanitary napkin 20 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 as described above further includes a pair of flaps 24 coupled to the body portion 22. The flap 24 has a proximal end 44 arranged at the longitudinal side edge 26 of the main body 22 and a distal end 46 arranged laterally outside of the proximal end 44. Extends transversely outward from 44 to distal end 46. As shown by the double dashed lines in FIG. 1, the proximal end 44 of the flap 24 may be nearly straight along the lateral edge 26 of the body portion 22. The proximal end of the flap 24 is formed in a straight line in this manner, but is not limited thereto, and may also be in the shape of a curve that is not parallel to the side edges 26 of the body portion 22, and the body portion 22 If the side edge of the curve is curved, it may be a curve parallel to the side edge. The distal end 46 is a straight line parallel to the proximal end 44.

The flap 24 extends longitudinally continuously along the second end region 34 and the central region 36 of the body portion 22 and laterally outward from the longitudinal side edge 26 in this region. It can be configured to extend. As shown in FIG. 1, each such flap 24 has a first flap 100 extending from the first central region 36A of the body portion 22 and a second end of the body portion 22. It has a second flap portion 102 extending from the region 34 and a joining flap portion 104 extending from the second central region 36B of the body portion 22.

The first flap 100 is arranged to be offset in the longitudinal direction of the sanitary napkin (upper side in FIG. 1), and when the sanitary napkin is used, the flap is folded along the side edge of the leg opening of the underwear. The second flap 102 is arranged to be offset to the longitudinal rear of the sanitary napkin 20 (lower side in FIG. 1) and maintains its unfolded state in the underwear upon use of the sanitary napkin 20. In addition, the transverse width between the second flaps 102 is formed to be wider than the portion of the body portion 22 sandwiched between the first flaps 100. By doing so, the first flap is folded over the underwear in the crotch region of the underwear, thereby protecting the side edges of the leg openings of the underwear. In addition, a wider second flap at the rear of the underwear located behind the crotch region is unfolded in the underwear to increase the protective effect of the rear.

The engagement flap 104 connects the first flap 100 and the second flap 102 extending from the body portion 22 in the longitudinal direction, respectively. In the embodiment shown in the figure, the extension range of the first flap 100 and the second flap 102 from the proximal end 44 is the same. The extension range of the joining flaps 104 connecting these flaps is also the same. By doing so, the distal ends of the first flap 100, the second flap 102 and the engaging flap 104 are connected in a straight line and are parallel to the proximal end 44, respectively.

However, the distal end of each flap need not be parallel to each proximal end 44, and may be formed in a straight line, i.e., curved or short, not parallel to proximal end 44. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, in the case where the extension range of the flap 24 from the proximal end 44 gradually increases from the first flap 100 toward the second flap 102, the flap 24 is used. The distal end 46 of is a straight line (solid line in FIG. 4) that is inclined to increase a predetermined distance along the direction from the proximal end 44 toward the second flap 102. On the other hand, in the case where the extension range gradually increases from the first flap 100 toward the second flap 102, the distal end 46 of the flap 24 extends the second flap 102 from the proximal end 44. It is a straight line (dashed line in FIG. 4) that is inclined to decrease by a predetermined distance in the facing direction.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 5, it is possible to configure the distal end portions 106, 108, 110 of each flap in a step shape. In the illustrated embodiment, the extension range of each flap increases in the order of engagement flap 104, first flap 100, and second flap 102. Thus, the distal end 46 of the flap 24 is in the form of a stage closest to the proximal end 44 at the engaging flap 104 portion. In addition, since the extension range of the engagement flap 104 is the maximum as shown by the dotted line in FIG. 5, the distal end 46 of the flap 24 is formed in a step shape, and the engagement flap 104 is separated from the proximal end 44. The farthest part.

The stretching range from the proximal end to the distal end of the engagement flap 104 may be appropriately set. However, if this stretch range is too small, it may not provide sufficient protection around the leg openings of the undergarment when the first flap 100 is folded. If the stretch range is too large, it becomes difficult to position the engagement flap on the underwear. Therefore, the value S of the extension | stretch range of a coupling flap is not restrict | limited by this, It is preferable to set as follows. Obviously, the lower limit of the extension range S is preferably 10% or more of the small value of the extension range P of the first flap 100 and the extension range Q of the second flap 102, 30 It is more preferable that it is% or more. The upper limit of the stretching range S is preferably about 140% of the large value of the stretching range P of the first flap 100 and the stretching range Q of the second flap 102, only 120% of it. It is more preferable that it is a degree.

The flap 24 is coupled to the body portion 22 by various methods. The term "join" as used herein refers to a form in which a given element is directly mounted to another element, a form in which a given element is mounted to another element by an intervening element therebetween, and a certain element to another element. And forms that are integrally formed together (eg, where one element is part of another). Preferably, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, the flap 24 is part of the body portion 22. In other words, the flap 24 is configured as an extension of the top sheet 38 and the back sheet 40.

In other embodiments, the flap 24 may be formed from one or more elements coupled to a surface facing the garment of the body portion 22. For example, the flap on both side edges of the body portion may be formed from a separate element coupled to the surface facing the garment of the body portion 22. In this type of embodiment, the flap 24 is preferably not bonded to the surface facing the garment of the body portion of the sanitary napkin between the portion of the body portion to which the flap is joined and the longitudinal edge of the body portion. In such an embodiment, the flap can be secured to the surface facing the garment of the body portion using an appropriate method. One of them is to adhesively fix the flap using an adhesive or the like.

The flap 24 is coupled to the body portion 22 along the engagement portion. This is typically a longitudinal bond. As used herein, the term "join part" (or "join line") means an area extending from or contacting the main body part 22. This area is not limited to lines and may be various curves or straight lines. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the bond line can be considered to coincide with the proximal end of the flap 24.

As shown in FIG. 1, sanitary napkin 20 has a stretchable region 116 on a portion of flap 24. This stretchable region 116 is a region that is made stretchable by mechanical deformation as described below. In the diagram illustrating this embodiment, the mechanically deformable stretchable region 116 is shown as a collection of lines. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the stretchable region 116 includes a curve 114 defining the lateral outside, a curve 112 defining the lateral inside, and a line defining the outside of the sanitary napkin. It forms as an area | region where a boundary is set by. The curve 114 coincides with the semicircle of the intermediate region 118 which is almost semicircle laterally outward of the first flap 100. At the front of the sanitary napkin 20 (top of FIG. 1), the curve 112 curves close to the proximal end 44 of the flap 24 and is closest to the proximal end 44 at the first flap 100 portion. . At the rear of the sanitary napkin (bottom of FIG. 1), the curve 112 is curved to increase a predetermined distance from the proximal end 44 toward the distal end 46.

The stretchable region 116 further includes a stretchable front region 120, a stretchable central region 54, and a stretchable rear region 122. The main portion of the stretchable rear region 122 is disposed within the engagement flap 104. A portion of the stretchable posterior region 122 extends adjacent to the stretchable central region 54 located proximal to the proximal end of the first flap 100. The shape of the stretchable rear region 122 is not limited to that shown in the illustrated embodiment. Thus, in the use of the sanitary napkin 20, it is sufficient to have a stretchable region in the region of the bonding flap 104 where the elastic element of the underwear is disposed. In addition, in the illustrated embodiment, the sanitary napkin 20 has a stretchable anterior region 120 offset towards the front portion (top of FIG. 1) of the first flap 100.

Referring to FIG. 1, the region in which the mechanical deformation does not occur in the flap 24 includes an almost semicircular intermediate region 118 of the flap 100, a main portion of the second flap 102, and a joining flap adjacent to the main portion ( It is the base end 44 side part of 104. Since the intermediate region 118 is not subjected to mechanical deformation, the intermediate region is higher in strength than the region subjected to mechanical deformation. Due to this strength, when the first flap 100 is folded around the underwear, the first flap 100 is easily handled and the first flap 100 is easily folded up. Since the main portion of the second flap 102 is also high in strength without being subjected to mechanical deformation, the tendency to keep it unfolded in the underwear is increased. The shape of the region of the flap 24 that is subjected to mechanical stress (eg, the intermediate region 118) is not limited to the shape of the above-described embodiment, but may take some other shape. Some, all, or major portions of the first flap 100 and the second flap 102 may be made stretchable regions subject to mechanical deformation.

The stretchable rear region 122 is stretchable in the direction indicated by arrow X in FIG. 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the stretching direction X of the stretchable posterior region 122 is inclined at an angle of 45 ° with respect to the transverse centerline of the sanitary napkin 20. In the present specification, the "inclination" angle is 0 ° in the direction parallel to the lateral center line T of the sanitary napkin 20, and 90 degrees in the direction parallel to the longitudinal center line L of the sanitary napkin 20. It becomes °. In Fig. 1, the " inclined " angle of the flap 24 arranged on the right side of the longitudinal center line L is positive when the straight line indicating the direction is higher on the right side, and the straight line indicating the direction is on the oil side. Lower is negative. In Fig. 1, the " inclined " angle of the flap 24 arranged on the left side of the longitudinal center line is positive when the straight line indicating the direction is higher on the opposite side, and the straight line indicating the direction is on the left side. Lower is negative. Therefore, the extension direction X mentioned above in FIG. 1 becomes an inclination angle of + 45 °.

The stretching direction X of the rear stretching region 122 includes + 45 ° described above and must be greater than 0 ° and not greater than + 90 ° (ie, 0 ° <tilt angle <= + 90 °). . FIG. 6 illustrates a case in which the stretch direction X of the stretchable rear region 122 is + 90 °. The direction angle of the stretching direction X is within the range of angles defined in this manner, and the extension of the engaging flap 104 acts in the proper direction with respect to the tension generated in the engaging flap 104 when the flap 100 is folded. To adjust the tension. Moreover, it is preferable to make it the angle of the extension direction X become +45 degrees <= inclination angle <= +90 degrees.

The stretchable front region 120 is stretchable in the direction indicated by arrow Y in FIG. 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the stretching direction Y of the stretchable anterior region 120 is parallel to the transverse centerline T of the sanitary napkin 20 which is 0 °. The stretching direction Y of the stretchable front region 120 is not limited to this embodiment, but is an angle of −45 ° with respect to the stretching direction 120 of the stretchable front region 120 shown in the embodiment of FIG. 7. 0 ° or less and −90 ° or more including the case (ie, 0 °> = tilt angle> = − 90 °). The stretching direction Y of the stretchable front region 120 is within the range of the angles defined in this manner with respect to the tension generated in the front portion of the first flap 100 when the first flap 100 is folded, so that the tension In order to adjust the front portion of the first flap 100 is extended in the appropriate direction. Moreover, it is preferable to make it the angle of extension direction Y be -45 degrees> = inclination angle> = -90 degrees.

The stretch direction of the stretchable central region 54 is the direction of FIG. 1 parallel to the transverse center line T of the sanitary napkin 20 which is 0 °. However, there is no restriction on the stretching direction of the stretchable central region 54. In the illustrated embodiment, the stretchable central region 54 has three undeformed regions 55 along the vertical direction that are not subject to mechanical deformation. In the illustrated embodiment, the front undeformed region 55 (upper part of FIG. 1) defines a boundary to the stretchable front area 120, and the rear undeformed region (lower part of FIG. 1) is rearward stretchable. Define a border line for region 122. The non-deformed region 55 is not subjected to mechanical deformation and therefore has a higher strength than the stretchable region 116. For this reason, the area near the base end of the first flap 100 is relatively difficult to bend. Thus, the first flap 100 does not bend in an unexpected manner. Although the undeformed region 55 is provided in this embodiment, the undeformed region 55 can also be omitted. It is also possible to provide one or two undeformed regions and to provide four or more undeformed regions.

The preferred ratio of stretchable posterior region 122 of the present invention is 10% or more. When the stretch ratio of the stretchable back region 122 is less than 10%, the stretchable back region 122 is not sufficiently stretched against the tension created when the first flap 100 is folded under the underwear. Thus, this tension cannot change the path of the elastic element of the undergarment or acts to pull the body portion 22 further, resulting in the incorporation (body portion). On the other hand, if the stretch ratio is 10% or more, the stretchable rear region 122 is sufficiently stretched in response to tension. Therefore, there is less risk of changing the path of the elastic element of the underwear, and the elastic element portion of the underwear can be properly closed. In addition, since the pulling force of the main body part 22 is small, it is difficult for the main body part 22 to merge. In addition, the stretch ratio of the stretchable posterior region is preferably 30% or more, more preferably 50% or more. Stretchable front region 120 and stretchable central region 54 may be formed to have the same type of stretching ratio.

The stretchable region 116 of the sanitary napkin 20 described above can be formed by various methods that provide a high degree of flexibility for the desired region of the sanitary napkin 20. Stretchable region 116 is preferably formed by mechanically modifying a defined region of sanitary napkin 20.

The stretchable region 116 may be formed by a method known as ring rolling. Preferred ring rolling methods are described in US Pat. No. 4,107,364 to Sisson, Aug. 15, 1978, US Pat. No. 4,834,741 to Sabee, May 30, 1989, and Sep. 1, 1992. US Patent No. 5,143,679 to Gerald M. Weber et al., US Patent No. 5,156,793 to Kenneth B. Buell et al. October 20, 1992, 12 1992 US Patent No. 5,167,897 to Gerald M Weber et al.

As shown in FIG. 8, the stretchable region 116 is formed in the sanitary napkin 20 by passing the sanitary napkin 20 through the wrinkle forming apparatus 300 such that the prescribed region is mechanically wrinkled. The wrinkle forming apparatus 300 includes an upper roll 302 and a lower roll 304. The upper roll 302 has a pair of wheels 306 each having a partially circumferential outer circumferential surface. In order to provide a pleat shape to the flap 24 to form the stretchable region 116 of the sanitary napkin 20, the protruding surface of the wheel 306 has a number of teeth 308 provided thereon. In FIG. 8, tooth 308 is hidden behind the wheel 306. The shape of the tooth 308 is shown in FIG. 9. 9 shows a flat deployment of the pattern of teeth 308 cut into the wheel 306. As can be clearly seen from FIG. 9, the pattern of the teeth 308 cut into one of the wheels 306 is characterized by the shape of the stretchable area 116 provided in one of the flaps 24 of the sanitary napkin 20. Matches. The surface of the other wheel 306 has a pattern (not shown) that is symmetrical with respect to the pattern shown in FIG. 9. The surface of the lower roller 304 has a pattern of teeth 310 engaged with the pattern of teeth 308 of the upper roll (see FIG. 10). The wheels 306 are mounted on the roll 302 at predetermined intervals to position them on the two flaps 24 of the sanitary napkin 20. Teeth 310 of lower roll 304 are mounted on roll 304 to engage teeth 308 of upper roll 302. 10, the wheel 306 has an upper contact piece 314 and the corrugated lower roll 304 has a lower contact piece 316. These contact pieces 314 and 316 may form mutual contact to maintain a certain amount of engagement between the teeth 308 and the teeth 310. By adjusting such a contact amount, a desired elongation ratio can be provided to a workpiece.

The sanitary napkin 20 is transferred to the wrinkle forming apparatus 300 having the shape as described above in the direction shown by the arrow in FIG. 8. The flap 24 portion passes between the wheel 306 and the lower roll 304. When this operation is performed, the stack 312 comprising the top sheet 38 and the back sheet 40 is mechanically deformed by the upper teeth 308 and the lower teeth 310, thereby stacking the stack 312. Has a permanent fold shown in FIG. Extensibility to the extent that the shape of the wrinkles on the surface of the laminate can be flattened is applied to the laminated body 312 (flap 24) in which the wrinkles are deformed. Since the shape of the wrinkle portion is provided in the direction orthogonal to the stretching direction of the teeth 308 and 310 (that is, the direction in which the protrusions and settlements of the teeth 308 and 310 extend), the extensibility is such that the teeth 308 and 310 are stretched. It is provided in a direction perpendicular to the direction. By varying the stretching direction of the teeth 308, 310, the stretching direction of the stretchable regions 122, 54, 120 described above can be obtained. As described above, in the present embodiment, the stretchable region 116 is represented by a set of lines. These lines represent the permanently formed corrugated acids and valleys of the stretchable region 116.

Next, the state of the sanitary napkin according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 14. In FIG. 11, the sanitary napkin 20 is disposed in the undergarment 200, wherein an elastic element 202 secured to the side edge of the leg opening of the undergarment 200 is located in the stretchable region 116 of the flap 24. It is arranged to be. As shown in FIG. 12, the first flap 100 is folded along the elastic element 202. When folding the first flap 100, the engagement flap 104 is also folded to enclose the elastic element 202. Thus, in contrast to conventional sanitary napkins that do not have a binding flap, it is possible to cover the protective area at the side edge of the opening of the underwear 200. 12 and 13, the enlarged protective area of the engagement flap 104 is indicated by the letter S. In FIG. When the first flap 100 is folded, tension is applied to the flap 24 in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. However, the various stretch regions of the flap 24 have the stretch direction and stretch ratio described above. Accordingly, the risk of changing the path of the elastic element 202 of the undergarment is eliminated by folding the flap 100, and the elastic element 202 of the undergarment can be properly sealed. Moreover, since the pulling force on the main body part 22 is small, it is difficult for the main body part 22 to merge (refer FIG. 13 and FIG. 14).

The surface facing the garment of the sanitary napkin has means for attaching the sanitary napkin to the wearer's underwear. 1 shows a central fixation means 80 provided for attaching the body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin to the crotch region of the undergarment. As such fixing means, known means can be used. For example, an adhesive layer or a mechanical fastener can be used. Fixing means having an adhesive layer have been found to function suitably for this purpose. FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment using a pair of spaced and longitudinally oriented strips or adhesive layers 80 concentrated around a longitudinal center line L. As shown in FIG.

The first flap adhesive layer 82 is provided on the outer surface of the middle region 118 of the first flap 100. After folding the first flap adhesive layer 82 around the leg openings of the undergarment, this adhesive layer is used to hold the first flap in place. One example of a suitable adhesive layer is described in more detail in US Pat. No. 4,917,697.

In addition, a second flap adhesive layer 83 is provided on an outer surface of the second flap 110. This second flap adhesive layer 83 is used to help keep the second flap unfolded in the underwear. This adhesive layer may also be the same as the first flap adhesive layer 82.

The adhesive layer is protected by a central fastening means release liner and a flap release liner 84. This release liner 84 prevents the adhesive layer from contacting other members before use. Suitable release liners are disclosed in US Pat. No. 4,917,697. Preferred release liners for use as separate packages for securing the sanitary napkin itself are disclosed in US Pat. No. 4,556,146 to Swanson et al.

While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (13)

An absorbent article having a body portion comprising a liquid permeable face facing the human body, a liquid impermeable face facing the garment, and an absorbent core positioned between the liquid permeable face and the liquid impermeable face, A first flap extending laterally outwardly from the longitudinal side edge of the body portion and adapted to fold along the side edge of the leg opening of the wearer's underwear, A second, disposed in an offset portion with respect to one of the longitudinal ends of the absorbent core, the second flap being formed with a width longer than the transverse width of the body portion in which it is located, and adapted to remain unfolded in the wearer's underwear; With flap, An engaging portion connecting the first flap to the second flap outside the longitudinal side edge of the body portion; A stretchable area provided in an area of at least a portion of said joining portion where the side edges of the leg openings of the underwear are disposed when using the absorbent article, The stretchable area provided in the joining portion extends to surround the side edge of the leg opening of the underwear when the first flap is folded along the side edge of the leg opening of the underwear. Absorbent products. The method of claim 1, The engaging portion is a longitudinally enclosed region between the first flap and the second flap, the extensible region comprising a corrugated region provided in at least a portion of the engaging portion; Absorbent products. The method of claim 2, The first flap and the second flap comprise a region having a stretchability lower than the stretchability of the stretchable region. Absorbent products. The method of claim 3, wherein The main body portion is formed by a top sheet disposed on a surface facing the human body, a back sheet disposed on a surface facing the garment, and an absorbent core positioned therebetween, wherein the first flap and the second flap are formed. Is formed by a portion of the backsheet extending from at least a side portion of the absorbent core Absorbent products. The method of claim 4, wherein The stretchable region is formed by a pleated region provided in a portion of the elongated backsheet, wherein a major portion of the first and second flaps adjacent the pleated region is not provided with a pleated region. Absorbent products. The method of claim 1, The stretchable region is extensible in at least one direction and is extensible according to the tension applied to the engagement portion when the first flap is folded along the lateral edge of the leg opening of the undergarment. Absorbent products. The method of claim 6, The stretch ratio of the stretchable region is 10% or more Absorbent products. The method of claim 6, The stretch ratio of the stretchable region is 30% or more Absorbent products. The method of claim 1, The extension range of the engagement portion from the longitudinal side edge of the body portion to the distal portion of the coupling portion is 10% or more of the smaller of the extension ranges from the body portion to the distal ends of the first and second flaps. Absorbent products. The method of claim 9, The extension range of the engagement portion from the longitudinal side edge of the body portion to the distal end of the stretchable region is only 140% of the greater of the extension range from the body portion to the distal end of the first flap and the second flap. Absorbent products. The method of claim 10, The extension range of the engagement portion from the longitudinal side edge of the body portion to the distal end of the stretchable region is 10% or more of the smaller of the extension ranges from the body portion to the distal end of the first flap and the second flap. Absorbent products. The method of claim 11, The extension range of the engagement portion from the longitudinal side edge of the body portion to the distal end of the stretchable region is only 120% of the greater of the extension range from the body portion to the distal end of the first flap and the second flap. Absorbent products. The method of claim 12, The extension range of the engagement portion from the longitudinal edge of the body portion to the distal end of the stretchable region is substantially the same as the extension range from the body portion to the distal end of the first flap or the second flap, connecting the distal ends. Line is substantially parallel to the longitudinal side edge of the body portion. Absorbent products.