KR890000197Y1 - Shaped sanitary napkin with flap - Google Patents

Abstract

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Description

Sanitary Napkin with Flap

1 is a plan view of a preferred example of the sanitary napkin of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1, showing the thickness of certain members enlarged.

3 is a plan view of another example of the sanitary napkin of the present invention

4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3, showing the thickness of certain members enlarged.

5 is a front view of the general panties in which the sanitary napkin of the present disclosure can be used.

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of the panties taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5, with the sanitary napkin of FIG.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the sanitary pad of FIG. 6 worn on a user. FIG.

* Explanation of symbols for main parts of the drawings

210: sanitary napkin 212: central absorbent pad

214: upper sheet 216: absorbent core

218: lower sheet 224,224 ': flap

226.226 ': connecting line 234.256: bending line

230: flap absorbent core 239: junction

220.236: Adhesive 244: Crotch portion of the panties

The present invention relates to absorbers, more particularly sanitary napkins. Sanitary napkins are absorbers designed to receive secretions from women, such as menstruation. Sanitary napkins are a popular item in modern society. Recently, disposable sanitary napkins designed to be held intimately with the body by clothing such as undergarments or panties have been effectively used in place of typical types of sanitary napkins requiring specially designed belts.

Clark's US Pat. No. 2, 787, 271, issued April 4, 1957, describes a sanitary napkin consisting of a rectangular central pat and a pair of side flaps integrally coupled to the pad. The flap is folded down and supported by the inner portion of the wearer's thigh so as to be suitable for stopping secretions that can flow out of the center pad and soil the garment. This sanitary napkin is adapted such that the side flaps bend down along a straight parallel fold line forming each side of the center pad. The central pad is a soft, absorbent fibrous material, such as cotton wool, and has a core that extends continuously into the side flaps. The fold lines are formed by squeezing (eg steam pressing by a press tool with a relatively sharp blade) along the side of the center of the center pad.

Richard, US Pat. No. 3,397, 697, issued August 20, 1968, describes a disposable sanitary shield for internal use. The shield consists of a long sheet of flexible material divided into at least two panels joined by a middle neck portion. The edge of one of the panels adjacent to the neck calls for an opposite wing flap that overlaps each other and is suitable for limiting and enclosing the crotch portion of the panty. That is, the width of the crotch portion of the panty is surrounded by an absorbent band that is freely slidable relative to the crotch portion.

McNair's US Patent No. 4. 285. 343 (August 25, 1981) describes a sanitary napkin with a central, long absorbent pad with side panels extending sideways. The side panel may be formed integrally with the central portion or separately formed and attached to the longitudinal edges of the central pad. The connecting lines between the center portion and the side panels should be flexible so that in use each fold panel can be folded back of the center pad around each side edge of the center absorbent pad. In use, it is mounted by adhesion to the inside of the crotch portion of the center pad. Each side panel is folded to enclose at least half of the outer surface of the crotch portion in the inner.

The present invention relates to an absorbent member comprising an absorbent member and two flaps extending outwardly from the member. Each flap is connected to the absorptive member along a nonlinear line, and has a glass terminal edge away from the connecting line. Each flap has two bends, the first bend being halfway between the connecting line and the distal edge, and the second bend being halfway between the first bend and the distal edge.

A preferred aspect of the present invention is a sanitary napkin comprising two opposing longitudinal edges comprising absorbent means with a liquid permeable body contact surface and an opposing liquid impermeable surface. The sanitary napkin also has two flaps extending outward from each longitudinal edge of the absorbent means. As described above, each flap is connected to the absorbent means along a non-linear connection line, and has a glass end edge away from the connection line. Each flap has 32 bends, the first bent line being in the middle of the connecting line and the terminal edge, and the second bent line being in the middle of the first bending line and the terminal edge. The first bend allows the end edges of the flap to rotate independently in a direction from the liquid impermeable surface to the liquid permeable body contact surface, and the second bend line is generally liquid impervious from the liquid permeable body contact surface. It is dripped so that a terminal edge may rotate in circular arc shape in the direction of a permeable surface.

In a preferred embodiment, the flaps must be flexible over the entire surface to provide countless bends. In other aspects, at least one of the bends is uniquely formed by specific structural features.

In order to mount the sanitary napkin to the crotch portion of the undergarment, it is desirable to provide an adhesive attachment member optionally to the absorbent means and each flap.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings for a more detailed understanding of the present invention.

Preferred aspects of the sanitary napkin of the present invention are shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Sanitary napkin 210 consists of absorbent means, represented by central absorbent pad 212, and two flaps 224 and 224 '(unless otherwise noted in the following description, the sanitary napkin has two flaps. It does not have to be identical or symmetrical to one another, but such a structure need not be desirable or symmetrical to one another, ie, the description of one flap also applies to other peels, so that the description of the other flaps is omitted. Absences are indicated with a reference number and primed numbers).

The flap 224 is connected to the central absorbent pad 212 along a non-linear connection line 226. As used herein, the term "non-linear" refers to any of the curves that are not straight.

The flap 224 has a distal edge 278 away from the connecting line 226. In the aspect shown in FIG. 1, the connecting line 226 is concave with respect to the distal edge 278. In other words, the connecting line 226 has a concave curve from the terminal edge 278. In this aspect, the connecting lines 226 and 226 'and the junction portion 239 form an absorbing member (central absorbent pad 212) that is narrower at the center portion than at the end portion. In general, a sanitary napkin that is narrower at the center than at the end is more comfortable to the user than a uniformly width sanitary napkin.

The flap 224 has a first bend line 256 and a second bend line 234.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the sanitary napkin 210 taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1 to generally show the preferred structure of the sanitary napkin 210. As shown in FIG. 2, the central absorbent pad 212 has an absorbent core 216. The central absorbent pad 212 and the flap 224 both include an upper sheet 214. The lower sheet 218 is located on the side of the absorbent core 216 and the flap 224, opposite the upper sheet 214. In practice, the upper sheet 214 forms one side of the flap 224 and the lower sheet 218 forms the other surface, and the upper sheet 214 forms one side of the central absorbent pad 212. And the lower sheet 218 forms the other side.

In the aspect shown, the absorbent core 230 of the flap is disposed between the upper sheet 214 and the lower sheet 218. To simplify the structure, the absorbent core 230 of the flap extends throughout the sanitary napkin 210 and is located between the absorbent core 216 and the lower sheet 218. While this is primarily a preferred aspect in structure, the absorbent core 230 of the flap need not be located between the absorbent core 216 and the lower sheet 218.

The upper sheet 214 and the lower sheet 218 are joined to each other by the junction 239 at all edges of the sanitary napkin 210. The purpose of this junction is to unite the various constituent members of the sanitary napkin. The upper sheet 214 is attached to the absorbent core portion 230 and the lower sheet 218 of the flap along non-linear connecting lines 226 and 226 'by attachment means not shown in FIG.

2 shows adhesive attachment means, such as a central pad adhesive 220 and a flap adhesive 236, each covered by a central pad release liner 222 and a flap release liner 238, respectively. These adhesive attachment means are adapted to mount the sanitary napkin 210 inside the crotch portion of the undergarment.

Top sheet 214 is liquid permeable and, when using sanitary napkin 210, is in intimate contact with the user's skin. The upper sheet 214 is soft to the touch and flexible and non-irritating to the user's skin. This sheet can be made from any of the materials customary for this kind of use. Examples of suitable materials that can be used as the top sheet 214 include woven and nonwoven polyesters, polypropylene, nylon, rayon and thermoplastic molding films, with molding films being preferred. Suitable molded films are described in Mulan United States Patent No. 4, 324, 246 issued April 13, 1982 and Lamel and Thompson, United States Patent No. 4, 342, 314 issued August 3, 1982 . Molded films are preferred for the upper sheet 214 because they are liquid permeable and nonabsorbent. Thus, the surface of the molded film in contact with the body remains dry and provides more comfort to the wearer.

In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the outer face of the top sheet 214 is treated with a surfactant. By this treatment, hydrophilicity is imparted to the surface, so that the liquid penetrates the upper sheet faster than when the surface is not treated. This eliminates the possibility of menstrual fluid flowing out of the upper sheet 214 without being absorbed by the absorbent core 216. The surfactant is preferably distributed substantially uniformly and completely through the outer face of the top sheet 214. This can be accomplished by general techniques known to those skilled in the art. For example, the surfactant may be added to the top sheet 214 by spraying, dipping, or by using a transfer roll.

In a preferred aspect, the inner face of the upper sheet 214 is mounted to contact the absorbent core 216. This contact allows liquid to permeate the upper sheet 214 faster than when not in contact with the absorbent core 216. The upper sheet 214 can be held in contact with the absorbent core 216 by applying an adhesive to the inner face of the upper sheet 214 in limited areas that are remote from each other. Examples of suitable amount of adhesives used for this purpose are acrylic emulsions E-1833 BT, manufactured by Rohm and HaasCompany, USA, and acrylic emulsions WB 3805, manufactured by H. B. Fluor Company, USA. The adhesives may be added in the same manner as applying the surfactant to the outer side of the top sheet 214.

In FIG. 2, it can be seen that the absorbent core 216 is disposed between the upper sheet 214 and the lower sheet 218. Absorbent core 216 provides a means for absorbing menstrual fluid. This absorbent core 216 is generally compressible, comfortable and non-irritating to the user's skin. The core may be made of any material used in the art for this purpose. Examples of suitable materials are tissue (such as filler) layers and ground pulp (air felt), with milled pulp being preferred.

The lower sheet 218 is liquid impermeable, preventing menstrual fluid from the absorbent core 216 from soiling the user's clothing. Any material used in the art for this purpose can be used as the bottom sheet. Suitable materials are embossed or unprocessed polyethylene films and laminated tissues.

The outer face of the lower sheet 218, which coincides with the absorbent core 216, is covered with a central pad adhesive 220. The central pad adhesive 220 provides adhesive attachment means for attaching the central absorbent pad 212 to the crotch portion of the panty. Any adhesive or glue used in the art can be used for this purpose, with pressure sensitive adhesives being preferred. Suitable adhesives are Century A-305-IV (manufactured by Century Adesives Corporation) and Instant Lok 3-2823 (manufactured by National Starch Company). As shown in FIG. 2, the central pad adhesive 220 generally has the same width as the absorbent core 216, which is not critical and suitable widths and lengths may be readily selected by those skilled in the art. Can be. The pressure sensitive adhesive of the center pad adhesive 220 must be covered with the center pad release liner 222 to prevent the adhesive from drying and adhering to foreign material prior to use. Any commercially available separation liner commonly used for this purpose may be used. Examples of suitable liners are BL 30Mg-A Silox E 1/0 and BL 30 MG-A Silox 4 P / O from Akrosil Corporation.

As can be seen from the foregoing, the central absorbent pad 212 is formed of a liquid permeable body contact surface [the upper sheet 214 in FIG. 2 and the liquid impermeable table aus (opposite the lower site in FIG. 2). 218 is an absorbent means having a view. The sun shown is one possible sphere sun and a preferred sun. Another possible aspect is that the absorbent core is almost completely surrounded by the upper sheet before it is placed on the lower sheet. This absorbent means also has sufficient integrity to maintain its own shape, and one surface may include an absorbent core that is liquid permeable while the other surface is treated to be liquid impermeable.

In the overall form and use of sanitary napkin 210, the narrow central absorbent pad 212 is effective because the central absorbent pad 212 is held close to the body. The central absorbent pad 212 may absorb most of the menstrual fluid before it flows out along the central absorbent pad 212.

It should be noted that the connecting line 226.226 'is the line where the flap 225.224' connects with the absorbent means (shown by the central absorbent pad 212), which represents the boundary between the absorbent means and the flap. It should also be noted that these lines are not straight lines. These lines are preferably concave with respect to the distal edges 278. 278 'and the central absorbent pad 212 mass. That is, the absorbent means has a form in which the width of the center is smaller than the width of the ends. The shape of this contour closely matches the anatomical dimensions of the user's crotch portion. Thus, the sanitary napkin provides a more comfortable fit, while at the same time being worn less effectively by the user's legs. Although non-linear connections that are concave with respect to the terminal edge and the central absorbent pad mass can be used, this is undesirable.

It is preferred that the width of the central absorbent pad 212 in their closest portion between the connecting lines 226.226 'is between about 1 and about 8 cm. The width of the central absorbent pad 212 at its end is about 2 to about 9 cm. The central absorbent pad 212 is about 7.6-38 cm in length.

The central absorbent pad 212 need not have an absorbent capacity greater than the total expected amount of menstrual fluid to be absorbed. That is, the central absorbent pad 212 can be made relatively thin in addition to making it narrow. Narrow and thin absorbent pads also provide greater comfort for the user. In the aspect shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the top sheet 214 acts as the top sheet for the flaps 224. 224 ′. Generally, flaps do not require an upper sheet to allow them to function properly, but it is preferred to use an upper sheet. The upper sheet of flap may be integral with the body contacting surface of the absorbent means or may be a separate member, as shown. However, the former case is preferable. Specific physical property descriptions described above for the top sheet 214 apply to any top sheet of the flap used. However, the top sheet of the flap need not be the same material as the top sheet connected to the central absorbent pad. In a preferred embodiment, the top sheet of the flap may be made of nonwoven, while the top sheet of the central absorbent pad is made of molded film.

A flap absorbent core 230 is located between the upper sheet 214 and the lower sheet 218, more importantly the flap 224.244 ′. In the aspect shown, the flap absorbent core is also located below the absorbent core 216. This is the preferred structure, because this facilitates the manufacture of the sanitary napkin 210. In this arrangement, the absorbent capacity of the absorbent core 216 is enhanced. The flap absorbent core 230 provides a means for absorbing menstrual fluid that flows out without being absorbed by the absorbent core 216. Flap absorbent core 230 is generally compressible, comfortable and non-irritating to the skin. This may be made of a material that may be used to fabricate the absorbent core 216 as described above. The flap absorbent core portion 230 is preferably a tissue sheet. The flap absorbent core portion 230 is preferably a tissue sheet. The use of flap absorbent cores is highly preferred but may be omitted.

In the aspect shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the bottom sheet 218 acts as a bottom sheet for the flaps 224. 224 ′. The flaps require a bottom sheet (or more generally a liquid impermeable material) to allow them to function properly. The lower sheet of flap may be formed integrally with the liquid impermeable surface of the absorbent means as shown, or may be formed as a separate member. The former case is preferable. Specific physical properties described above with respect to the bottom sheet 218 also apply to the bottom sheet of the flap.

The overall size of flap 224 can be readily selected by one of ordinary skill in the art. The sanitary napkin 210 preferably has a width of about 10 to about 23 cm at the furthest distance between the distal edges 278 and 278 ', with the flap 224 about 7.6 to about parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sanitary napkin. It is preferred to have a length of 18 cm.

The outer face of flap 224 adjacent to distal edge 278 is covered with flap adhesive 236.

Flap adhesive 236 is adhesive attachment means used to assist in holding flap 224 in place after the flap has wrapped around the edges of the crotch portion of the panty, as described below. The adhesive used for the center pad adhesive 220 may also be used as the flap adhesive 236. Flap adhesive 236 is also covered with detachable flap separation liner 238. Separation liner material used for the central pad release liner 222 may also be used for the flap liner 238.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the upper sheet 214 is mounted to the lower sheet 218 along the junction 239. Junction 239 may be such as by glue, crimping or heat sealing. It may be formed by means commonly used in the art for this purpose. The junction 239 is shown extending fully along the edge of the sanitary napkin 210, which is a preferred aspect in terms of ease of manufacture (other means of joining the various components of the sanitary napkin may be used). Absorbent core 230 of the flap is shown extending into the junction 239, which is an arrangement to simplify manufacturing. The three components, namely the upper sheet, the absorbent core of the flap, and the lower sheet can be marked so that the absorbent cores are properly positioned therebetween, the junction is formed and the shape of the sanitary napkin with one or two manipulations. Formed by cutting.

Upper sheet 214 may be attached to lower sheet 218 (and absorbent core 230 of the flap) along bond line 226.226 'by the technique used to form bond 239.

The flap 224 has a first bend line 256 and a second bend line 234, and these bends form a wall in use when the flap 224 is used, as described below.

The first bend line 256 is made such that the flap can be bent along the bend line. The bending direction of the flap is upward when the sanitary napkin 210 is in the state of FIG. More specifically, this bending direction is such that the portion of the flap 224 with the distal edge 278 starts from the extended position as shown in FIG. Towards the portion of the upper sheet 214 that coincides with the absorbent core 216, and as a portion of the lower sheet 218 that coincides with the absorbent core 216 in FIG. 2. To rotate around the first bend line 256 in an arc shape away from the load).

The second bend line 234 is manufactured so that the flap can be bent along the second bend line. This bending direction is downward when the sanitary napkin 210 is in the state of FIG. More specifically, the bending direction is defined by the liquid impermeable side of the absorbent means (the central absorbent pad in FIG. 2) from the position where the portion of the flap 224 having the distal edge 278 extends as shown in FIG. Towards the liquid-permeable body contact surface of the absorbent means (shown as part of the lower sheet 218 coinciding with the absorbent core 216 constituting 212), the upper sheet 214 coinciding with the absorbent core 216 in FIG. 2. Is rotated around the second bend line 234 in an arc shape away from the center.

The first and second bend lines can be provided in a number of ways. Preferred methods are shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In the aspect shown, the material of the flap 224 is selected to have great flexibility throughout the flap. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the bend lines 256.234 are not unitary structures, but are represented by a myriad of lines. This arrangement is particularly desirable because it allows the sanitary napkin 210 to be easily adjusted to fit a number of different sizes of internal and anatomical structures in use as described below.

The overall flexibility of the flap 224 allows the flap 224 to be positioned around the edge of the crotch portion of the panty without changing the original position of the edge of the crotch portion of the panty. That is, it is not necessary to extend the edge of the crotch portion of the panties in accordance with the second bend line of the flap. Furthermore, when sanitary napkins are placed in place for use, the edges of the crotch portion of the panties form the highest wall (described below), in situ, which also provides the largest barrier to menstrual flow. .

In the aspect of the sanitary napkin 210 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the material of the flap 224 is less than about 200 g, preferably measured by PCA Score Bend Tester (Thwing-Albert Instrument Company, USA). The flap is selected to have a resistance to arc bending of less than about 50 g, more preferably less than about 25 g. These values are obtained when the flap portion is evaluated to be 7.6 cm long (maintained 2.5 cm above the low edge of the tester ramp) under TAPPI standard conditions.

Bending lines are generally considered straight lines. This bend is also generally straight, but since the material constituting the flap has a degree of flexibility that allows the flap to be conveniently folded by hand force, the bend can be non-linear under the influence of external forces.

Another aspect of sanitary napkin 310 with first and second bend lines 356. 334 in flap 224 is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. (Reference numerals used in FIGS. 3 and 4 denote the same parts as in FIGS. 1 and 2). In this aspect, the bend lines 356. 334 are provided by severely crimping the flap 224 as shown. Thus, the flap 224 of the sanitary napkin 310 has two unique bends that the flap 224 can bend along its lines, as shown in the first and second degrees shown in FIG. Preferably, the bend lines 356. 356 'are spaced about 2 to about 18 centimeters apart, and the bend lines 234. 256 and 234'. 256 'are spaced about 1 to about 5 centimeters apart. desirable. While this is a satisfactory aspect of the present invention, it is less desirable than the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, because the crotch in the undergarment must be stretched or compressed when the sanitary napkin 310 is attached. Nevertheless, using the aspects shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, all the advantages obtained with the use of the aspects shown in FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 1, the first bend line 256 is located closely to the connecting line 226. The first bend line 256 may actually intersect the connection line 226 at a point where the connection line 226 contacts the outer edge of the sanitary napkin (the edge indicated by the junction 239). In general, this is the only state where the first bend line 256 and the connecting line 226 are in contact or coincident. However, it should be appreciated that by using an external force in use, the first bend can be moved towards the connecting line and in some cases can contact or match them.

A central absorbent pad comprising a liquid permeable upper sheet, a liquid impermeable lower sheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the upper sheet and the lower sheet, and flaps extending from each longitudinal edge of the central absorbent pad; Sanitary napkins with a straight line between the longitudinal edges of the central absorbent pad and each flap having a bent line, wherein the sanitary napkin has a straight line between each flap and the longitudinal edge of the central absorbent pad and at the bend line located at the flap It can be made to bend selectively. This sanitary napkin differs significantly from that of the present invention, but operates in a similar manner to that of the present invention.

The exact shape of the flap 224 and the overall shape of the sanitary napkin 210 can be selected by one of ordinary skill in the art without experimenting. In the aspects shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the flap is located symmetrically along the longitudinal axis of the sanitary napkin, which is the preferred embodiment, but is not a mandatory structural feature. As mentioned above, the flaps are mirror images of one another and this is desirable, but not a mandatory design condition.

Further, the sanitary napkin shown in FIGS. 1-4 is an embodiment in which the flaps are formed together in the lower sheet of the upper sheet of the sanitary napkin. This is the preferred manufacturing method, but it is not mandatory. The flaps and the central absorbent member may be formed separately and then joined to each other by techniques known to those skilled in the art in such a way that the finished sanitary napkins necessarily work the same as the aspects shown herein.

In use, the sanitary napkin of the present invention can be held in place by supporting means known for that purpose. A belt worn around the waist of the user can be used. However, as described below, it is highly desirable to attach the panties of the user.

5 shows a type of undergarment worn by most women and known as panties. The panty consists of a crotch portion 244 that joins the front portion 240, the rear portion 242, and the front and rear portions 240, 242. The crotch portion 244 consists of two side edges 246. 246 'and a central crotch portion 248.

Sanitary napkins of the present invention, such as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, are utilized by removing the separation liner 2222.238.238'and then attaching the sanitary napkin in the panty as shown in FIG. do. The center of the central absorbent pad 212 is located in the crotch portion 244 of the panty, with one end of the central absorbent pad 212 extending toward the front portion 240 of the panty and the other end of the back portion 42 of the panty. Extending toward). The lower sheet 218 is in contact with the inner surface of the center crotch portion 248 of the panty. A central pad adhesive 220 holds the central absorbent pad 212 in place. The distal ends of the flaps 224. 224 'are folded around the side edges 246. 246' of the panties by bending along the second bend line 234. 234 ', respectively. Flap adhesive 236. 236 'attaches flap 224. 224' in this position. Thus, the flaps 224. 224 'are each folded with portions of the panties including the side edges 246. 246' positioned between them.

There are many benefits to using the sanitary napkin of the present invention. Flaps 224. 224 ′ wrap around each edge 246. 246 ′ of the crotch portion 244 of the panty, as shown in FIG. 6. By enclosing the panty crotch in this way, the menstrual fluid is prevented from coming into contact with the center crotch portion of the panty, so that the central crotch portion is not soiled.

There are also two other advantages. One is that the portions of the flap with the second bend line 234.234 'provide a good gasketed seal to the body, and the other is that the central absorbent means, such as the central absorbent pad 212, is applied to the body. Is closely maintained at.

The edge of the crotch portion of the panty generally has an elastic material. When the panties are worn, the elasticity of the edges of the crotch portion generates an upward force on the body due to the elastic energy and fit of the panties. By the arrangement of the second curves 234.234 'between the body and the edges of the panty crotch portion, the flap portion having the second curve is pressed against the body by an upward force generated at the edge of the panty crotch portion. As a result, a gasketed seal is formed along the bends between the flap and the body. This is shown in FIG. 7, which is a tubular cross section showing the cross section of the panties of FIG. This gasketed seal acts to prevent menstrual fluid from penetrating past the second bend line, minimizing soiling of the legs and adjacent garments. Another advantage arising from the flaps pressed against the body along the second bend is that the absorbent means (central absorbent pad) are pressed against the body. This is also shown in FIG. The maintenance of the central absorbent pad on the body is known as "good body contact." Good physical contact is beneficial because it provides a barrier to the lateral flow of menstrual fluid. Without such a barrier, menstrual fluid would flow rapidly along the upper sheet and would not be absorbed by the absorbent core.

The first time a sanitary napkin is attached to the panties during use, wrinkles are inherently formed along the transverse axis of the sanitary napkin. (The abscissa of the sanitary napkin extends across the crotch portion of the sanitary napkin parallel to line 2-2 in FIG. 1). This inherent fold is because the sanitary napkin is almost straight along its longitudinal axis and the anatomical shape of the body where the sanitary napkin is located is almost "U" (the longitudinal axis of the sanitary napkin is perpendicular to the line 2-2 of FIG. 1 and is a central absorbent means. Extends from end to end). As soon as the sanitary napkin is in place, its shape changes along its longitudinal axis from straight to "U" shape. This change in form forms wrinkles along the transverse axis of the sanitary napkin, most of which occurs on the largest curved surface of the body, the area of the crotch.

Forced creases are formed along the abscissa or longitudinal axis of the sanitary napkin by the user's leg movement. The wrinkles in the sanitary napkin caused by the intrinsic and forced wrinkles form flow channels because menstrual fluid can easily flow along the grooves of the wrinkles without much contact with the body along the wrinkles.

The sanitary napkin of the present invention provides many advantages because the flap is bent at the first bend line. In particular, the following advantages are provided.

(1) The intrinsic pleat forms a flow path only in the central absorbent pad, not in the flap.

(2) The sanitary napkin of the present invention prevents many forced wrinkles from forming before the flow path is formed.

(3) Even when the forced pleats are rough enough to form the flow path, the flow path formed is limited to the central absorbent pad only.

(4) Although the forced pleats are large so as to form a flow path in both the central absorbent pad and the flap, the menstrual fluid is restricted from penetrating past the second bend of the flap. These four advantages are obtained because the sanitary napkin of the present invention is bent along the bends. The anatomical feature of the crotch region of a woman is that the crotch region is a nearly trapezoidal shape in which the central region of the crotch, which is located in the vagina, becomes the trapezoid base. When using the sanitary napkin of the present invention, such as the sun shown in Figures 1 and 2, the sanitary napkin is bent upward at the first bend line by the anatomical features of the crotch region. As a result, the sanitary napkin forms walls on each side of the central absorbent pad, which extends from the first bend to the second bend as shown in FIG. In other words, the sanitary napkin of the present invention in use has a shape such that the surface formed by the second bend line 234.234 'surrounding the edge of the panty crotch portion is higher than the surface formed by the first bend line when the user stands. Has

Intrinsic folds in the sanitary napkin of the present invention are almost limited by the central absorbent pad, and there are almost no flow paths formed in the wall. Although not established in theory, when the flow paths are formed, the energy that forms them is transferred across the central absorbent pad and is considered to extend. This proceeds until the flow path reaches the first bend line. The flow path no longer extends because it is believed that the first bend curve removes the energy that extends the flow path. That is, the flow path does not reach the gasketed seal formed between the flap and the body at the second bend, so that the seal remains intact. This gasketed seal forms a dam and blocks the menstrual flow. The menstrual fluid can then be absorbed (or reabsorbed) by the absorbent core.

The sanitary napkin of the present invention can resist many forced wrinkle formation before the flow path is formed because the energy transmitted to the sanitary napkin by the forced wrinkle causes the wall to rotate around the first bend line. Without this rotation, a flow path will be formed.

Even when the crimp is rough enough to form the flow path, the flow path is almost limited to the central absorbent pad. This is because the intrinsic wrinkles are the same as forming the flow path only in the central absorbent pad. Thus, the gasketed seal is maintained completely and forms a dam until menstrual fluid can be absorbed by the absorbent core and blocks the flow of menstrual fluid.

Even when the forced pleats are large enough to form a flow path in both the central absorbent pad and the flap, the menstrual fluid is restricted from penetrating past the second bend of the flap. Such flow paths can break the gasketed seal. However, menstrual fluid is limited from penetrating past the second bend of the flap, since the wall itself forms a barrier to the flow of menstrual fluid. Menstrual fluid must flow over the wall, and the gasketed seal must counter gravity directly when the user is standing in order to penetrate the fracture. Thus, the wall itself blocks the flow of menstrual fluid.

In summary, the sanitary napkin of the present invention forms a flow path only in the central absorbent pad so that the gasketed seal remains intact. That is, menstrual fluid does not flow out of the gasketed seal. However, if the forced pleats are large enough to break through the gasketed seal, the wall itself inhibits the flow of menstrual fluid.

It is important to note that if the size of the flap absorbent core 230 is small or not at all, it is not disadvantageous for preventing contamination by menstrual fluid. This is because the main function of the walls formed by the flap is to accept rather than menstrual fluid absorption. Central absorbent means absorb most of the menstrual fluid. Moreover, the smaller sized flap absorbent core is less bulky, providing greater comfort for the user.

It is also important to note that in FIG. 7 the flap adhesive 236 is shown attached to the edge of the panties only on the outer surface of the panties. While this is the preferred method of mounting the sanitary napkin in the panty, the flap adhesive may be attached to the edge of the panty only on the inner side of the panty, or as long as a portion of the flap extends around the edge of the panty.

The sanitary napkin of the present invention has been described as having two flaps each forming a wall in use. While this aspect is very desirable, it can also be expected to have only one flap. One such flap will be connected to the central absorbent means along a non-linear connection line. The flap will have at least two, preferably at least four bends so that it can form the aforementioned walls when completely encircling the crotch portion of the panty. This flap is connected to the central absorbent means along a non-linear connecting line opposite to that described above.

In the aspect of the sanitary napkin of the present invention described above, the adhesive attachment means is disposed coincident with the central absorbent pad near the distal edge of the flap. Such members designed to attach a sanitary napkin to the crotch portion of the undergarment are very preferred members. Without compromising this position, it can be argued that aspects of the present invention that do not effectively have one or more of the aforementioned adhesive attachment means also constitute useful, novel and effective absorbents.

1 and 2 can be readily adapted to serve as an aspect of the present invention in which the illustrated aspect is effectively devoid of one or more adhesive attachment means.

For example, the center pad adhesive 220 (and the central pad separation liner 222 naturally attached thereto) may be omitted from the sanitary napkin 210 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In use, in this modified aspect, the central absorbent pad 220 will be placed in the inner crotch portion of the panty as described above, except that it is not mounted in the inner crotch portion of the panty. Flap 224. 224 ′ may be mounted around the elastic edge of the panty as described above by flap adhesive 236. 236 ′. The panties with these modified sanitary napkins are then worn to the user as before. Flap adhesive 236. 236 'holds the modified sanitary napkin in place with the elastic edge of the panties.

In a similar manner, sanitary napkin 210 may be retrofitted by omitting only flap adhesive 236.236 '(and separation liner 238.238'). This modified sanitary napkin is mounted to the crotch portion of the panties by the central pad adhesive 220 and the flaps will be folded around the elastic edges.

In a similar manner, sanitary napkin 210 can be retrofitted by omitting both flap and center pad adhesives.

In use, these modified sanitary napkins will only be held in place by the cooperation between the flaps, the elastic edges of the panties and the user's body.

In the following two points should be emphasized for the modified aspect of the present invention.

First, only the adhesive attachment means are omitted from the modified sanitary napkin. All other necessary members such as absorbent means, flaps, non-linear connecting lines, first and second bends are needed.

Second, modified sanitary napkins have been generally described as having no effective means of adhesive attachment. The term "effectively absent" can be achieved by completely omitting the adhesive attachment means during the manufacture of the sanitary napkin described above.

The grout can also be accomplished by attaching the complete sanitary napkin 210 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 to the panty by one or more adhesive attachment means covered with a separation liner. The sanitary napkin 210 thus attached will act as if there is no adhesive attachment means. Thus, the benefits of a full or partial flow sanitary band can be obtained.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention has been described with reference to specific aspects and that modifications and variations thereof may be achieved without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims (6)

Absorbent means 216 and at least one flap 224 extending laterally outward from the absorbent means, wherein the flap and the absorbent means are connected along a non-linear connecting line 226 The flap has a glass terminal edge 278 away from the connecting line, the flap includes a first bend line 256 between the connecting line and the terminal edge, and the flap includes a first bend line and a second bending line between the terminal edge. Sanitary napkin 210 worn between the wearer's body and the body, adjacent to the body. The sanitary napkin according to claim 23, wherein the connecting line is concave with respect to the terminal edge. 24. The menstrual zone of claim 23, wherein at least one of the first and second bend lines is uniquely defined. 27. The sanitary napkin of claim 25, wherein each of the first and second bend lines is uniquely formed. The sanitary napkin of claim 23, wherein the flap is flexible at most of its surface. Absorbent means 216 equipped with two opposite longitudinal edges, a liquid-permeable body contact surface 214 and an opposing liquid-impermeable surface 218, wherein the width of the absorbent means is at least at its midpoint from its distal end. And two flaps 224.224 'extending outward from each longitudinal edge of the absorbent means, wherein each flap is attached to the absorbent means along a non-linear connection line 226.266' and In the sanitary napkin 210 worn in the support having the crotch portion 244, which includes a non-linear glass end edge (278.278 '), the flap and the absorbency are each flap end. It has a convex outward shape for each end thereof crossing the connecting line of the means, whereby the width of each flap is maximum at the midpoint of the intersection of the terminal edge and the connecting line, and this point is outside the maximum width of the absorbent means. Next to The flap includes a first bend line (256.256 ') between the junction and the distal edge, each flap includes a first second bend (234.234') between the first bend and the distal edge, and each flap The width of the sanitary napkin is such that a portion of each flap can be folded around the second bend line, wherein the folded portion surrounds the edge 246. 246 'of the crotch portion 244 of the corresponding inner thigh.