MXPA00004731A

MXPA00004731A - Highly efficient absorbent article for use with menstrual pant

Info

Publication number: MXPA00004731A
Application number: MXPA/A/2000/004731A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Thomas Ward Osborn Iii; Letha Margie Hines; Nicholas Albert Ahr; Nona Jane Redwine; Deborah Catherine Schmitz; Jerry Edward Carstens; Diane Dunn Farris; Cynthia Lee Alvis; John Richard Noel; Ronald Ray Mcfall
Original assignee: Nicholas Albert Ahr; Cynthia Lee Alvis; Jerry Edward Carstens; Diane Dunn Farris; Letha Margie Hines; Ronald Ray Mcfall; John Richard Noel; Thomas Ward Osborn Iii; Nona Jane Redwine; Deborah Catherine Schmitz; The Procter & Gamble Company
Priority date: 1997-11-13
Filing date: 2000-05-15
Publication date: 2001-05-07

Abstract

Highly efficient absorbent articles for wearing by a human female such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, and adult incontinence pads ("absorbent pads") for use with a specially designed supporting garment, such as a menstrual pant (or panty) are disclosed. The supporting garment preferably fits so closely it resembles a comfortable"second skin". In use, the absorbent articles preferably maintain contact with and cover at least a portion of the inside surfaces of the wearer's labia, the exterior surfaces of the wearer's labia, and the supporting garment. The absorbent articles are highly flexible, having flexure resistance of less than or equal to about 100 grams so that they do not interfere with the"second skin fit"of the supporting garment. The absorbent articles may be flat or cup-shaped. In one embodiment, the absorbent article has a surface area measured in a flat condition of less than or equal to about 12.5 in2 (about 80 cm2) and a ratio of total capacity to surface area of greater than or equal to about 2g/in2 (about 0.30 g/cm2). The absorbent articles may be provided with a body-contacting surface having a plurality of elements that extend outward in the Z-direction and adjust to the body contours of individual women. These elements may also intercept menses flowing along the wearer's body, and to allow menses to be redirected into the absorbent article. The absorbent core may comprise an absorbent HIPE foam.The absorbent foam may be slit, in the form of strands, particles, or a plurality of upright, spaced apart columns to provide the desired flexibility. The absorbent articles may further be provided with a specially designed mechanical fastening material for engaging the specially designed supporting garment.

Description

ABSORBENT ARTICLE HIGHLY EFFICIENT TO BE USED WITH A MENSTRUAL PAD FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, pantiliners, incontinence pads, and the like. More particularly, the present invention relates to a highly efficient absorbent article for use with a support garment, such as a menstrual panty.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, pantiliners and incontinence pads are devices that are typically worn in the crotch region of an undergarment. These devices are designed to absorb and retain fluid and other discharges from the human body and to prevent staining of the body and clothing. Sanitary napkins are a type of absorbent article worn by women in a pair of panties that are usually placed between the legs of the wearer, adjacent to the perineum. These sanitary napkins of a variety of shapes and wide dimensions are currently used by women for the collection of menstruation and other bodily discharges. In the past, a number of efforts have been directed at providing sanitary napkins that maintain contact with the wearer's body. An attempt to provide such contact with the body is disclosed in United States Patent No. 2,747,575 issued May 29, 1956 to Mercer. The Mercer patent discloses a catamenial band having a longitudinal hump which buckles toward and may be in contact with the wearer's body. However, the catamenial band described in the Mercer patent suffers from several disadvantages. For example, the size and shape of the absorbent pad and hump in the Mercer band appear to limit the conditions under which the band is able to maintain contact with (and shape toward) the wearer's body. U.S. Patent No. 4,425,130 issued to DesMarais on January 10, 1984 discloses a sanitary napkin comprised of a primary menstrual pad and a pantiprotector attached to each other at their corresponding ends so that the two constituents are free. of moving in relation to one another along essentially their total common length. The primary menstrual pad is intended to absorb the volume of the bodily fluids discharged by the user, while the pant guard is intended to protect the wearer's garments against staining. In use, the relative freedom of movement between the primary menstrual pad and the panty protector serves to maintain the primary menstrual pad adjacent to the crotch region of the wearer while the panty protector remains associated with the undergarment of the wearer. the user. It is also desirable that sanitary napkins not only maintain contact with, but also conform as tightly as possible to the wearer's body. This ability to shape the body increases the effectiveness of the sanitary napkin by reducing the possibility of menstruation moving around the perimeter of the sanitary napkin and fugue. There have been a number of recent efforts to provide sanitary napkins and other absorbent articles with improved body shaping characteristics. For example, U.S. Patent No. 4,950,264 issued to Osborn on August 21, 1990, is directed to a thin, flexible sanitary napkin, which is capable of handling medium to high menstruation flows. The sanitary towel in the Osborn patent is described as being highly flexible and conforming very well to the various forms of the female genital region of the woman. The Osborn patent discloses a sanitary napkin having a lower flexural strength of approximately 130 grams; a test capacity of at least 8 grams (per a section of 66.5 square centimeters); and a total capacity of at least about 20 grams. The sanitary napkin may have a caliber of 2 mm, or less. The Osborn sanitary napkin is described as being worn on the undergarment of the wearer, and is preferably scaled to the crotch width of the wearer's undergarment. In addition, the publication of PCT International Patent Application No. WO 94/16658, entitled "Flexible sanitary towel, generally thin, with a central absorbent hump", published on behalf of Osborn on August 4, 1994, discloses a sanitary napkin flexible, usually thin, which has a central absorbent hump, and is able to handle menstrual flows from medium to high. The hump is particularly useful when adjusting within the space between the wearer's lips to more easily intercept menstruation and other bodily discharges when they leave the wearer's body. However, the search has continued with improved sanitary napkins, particularly sanitary napkins that will achieve even better adjustment. For example, current sanitary napkins are typically worn in a loose-fitting undergarment. These sanitary napkins are necessarily designed to be sufficiently large so that in the event of any deviation of the sanitary napkins from their position under the introitus of the vagina, they will still be able to intercept the user's bodily discharges. Thus, there is a need for an absorbent article that fits snugly, and comfortably against the wearer's body which is not required to be designed to compensate for poorly fitting undergarments. It has been theorized by the inventors that if an absorbent article with sufficiently high capacity is kept tightly but comfortably against the region of the wearer's pudendal, and in particular, it covers the introitus of the vagina, the surfaces of the labia majora, and the perineum, during the entire period in which the absorbent article is worn, then an absorbent article can be provided which is of a very small size compared to the current sanitary napkins. Said absorbent article needs to be large enough to cover these regions of the wearer's body, rather than being sized to accommodate the deviation of the product from the introitus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to highly efficient absorbent articles for use by female humans such as sanitary napkins, pantiliners, and adult incontinence pads ("absorbent pads") for use with specially designed support garments (or undergarments) ), such as a menstrual pant. The absorbent article of the present invention preferably maintains contact with and covers the internal surfaces of the wearer's lips, the outer surfaces of the wearer's lips, and covers the menstrual pantyhose. The protection of all three of these surfaces provides an absorbent article with the greatest opportunity to provide superior protection against leakage and maintain the wearer's body in a clean, menstrual-free condition. The absorbent article is preferably worn with a menstrual pant that fits comfortably against and conforms to the inner and outer surfaces of the wearer's larger lips. This conformation adjustment is present without considering whether the user's legs are separated or together. The menstrual panther preferably maintains a cross-sectional configuration in the form of a modified cusp in this area on a full scale of body movements. The absorbent article preferably does not alter or ignore the tendency of the menstrual pantyhose to achieve this adjustment. The absorbent article preferably flexes under the forces exerted by the menstrual panty so that it assumes a similar (and preferably modified cusp shape) in this region as the menstrual pantyhose. The absorbent article and the menstrual panties preferably work in a way that they can be taught as being analogous to cover a wound with a band. Body fluids are captured at or near their source using close contact to the body and comfortable forces retain the absorbent article in place at the source of body fluids. This may be contrasted with the use of the very oversized sanitary napkin on a pair of loose fitting panties, which operates in a manner that may be analogous to the use of a garment dropped below the source of the body fluids. The absorbent article is preferably small enough that it not only covers the pudendal region of the wearer and the immediately adjacent regions, and in particular, covers the introitus of the vagina and the surfaces of the labia majora. The absorbent article can also cover the wearer's perineum. The absorbent article preferably does not extend forward beyond the pubic mound of the wearer. The absorbent article preferably does not extend back to be in contact with the wearer's anus to avoid the sensitive nerve terminals thereof. This provides a more comfortable, and less noticeable, absorbent article as it occludes less of the crotch region of the wearer's body and allows air to circulate around it. The absorbent article preferably surrounds the lips from the front to the posterior. The absorbent article also preferably does not cover the areas of the wearer's body that are subject to substantial degrees of movement (i.e., the absorbent article will only be placed adjacent to "the low moving areas" of the wearer's body). In particular, it is desirable that the edges of the absorbent article will not be in contact with the inner surfaces of the wearer's thighs when the wearer walks, or otherwise moves. This overcomes a disadvantage of conventionally dimensioned sanitary and panty protection pads, which being cratively rigid with respect to the absorbent article of the present invention, will transfer the forces applied to the edges thereof to other parts of the sanitary napkin or pantyhose., causing it to double or crease and / or deviate from its desired position under the introitus of the user's vagina. In various embodiments, the absorbent article of the present invention comprises a liquid pervious top sheet, a liquid resistant or liquid impervious back sheet bonded to the top sheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the top sheet and the back sheet. In one embodiment, the absorbent article has a cup-shaped configuration. In other embodiments, the absorbent article may be generally planar before use. The absorbent article, as discussed above, is substantially smaller than conventional sanitary napkins. For example, if it is cup-shaped, the absorbent article can have a total length when measured in its curved configuration less than or equal to about 15 cm to about 18 cm, or even less than or equal to about 12.7 cm, and a width less than or equal to approximately 7.6 cam. In a preferred embodiment the absorbent article measures approximately 15 cm x 7.6 cm. The absorbent article of the present invention preferably has a surface area measured in the planar condition which may be less than or equal to approximately any of the following: approximately 130 cm 2; about 116 cm2; approximately 97 cm2; approximately 80 cm2; or approximately 65 cm2. The absorbent article is preferably highly flexible and preferably has a flexural strength of less than or equal to about 100 grams, more preferably less than or equal to about 70 grams, and most preferably between about 30 and about 50 grams. The absorbent article preferably has a total capacity greater than or equal to about 20 grams of liquid, more preferably greater than or equal to about 25 grams of liquid. The absorbent article preferably has a ratio of total capacity to surface area greater than or equal to about 0.3 g / cm2, more preferably greater than or equal to about 0.4 g / cm2. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the top sheet of the absorbent article comprises a fibrous, high-floor material. The absorbent article with the high-floor or high-bulk fibrous material is preferably composed of fine polymeric fibers that provide a plurality of filamentary members to be in contact with the body. The material of the fibrous upper sheet of high bulge serves several functions. This allows the absorbent article to achieve a "macro" fit that is able to fit virtually all women, and a "micro" fit that adjusts to the particular contour of the individual woman's body. The raised bulging upper sheet also tends to break the flow of menstruation along the wearer's body, and intercepts the menstruation that flows throughout the body, and allows these exudates from the body to be acquired towards the absorbent core. The absorbent core can comprise a variety of different absorbent cores of high efficiency. In a preferred embodiment, the absorbent core comprises a highly porous HIPE polymeric foam which is preferably, either, sliced, in the form of threads, particles or a plurality of upright columns, spaced apart. The term "HIPE polymeric foams" refers to flexible, hydrophilic open cell foam structures, which are preferably prepared by polymerizing high internal phase water-in-oil emulsions (HIPE). The backsheet may comprise a conventional liquid impervious film, or a breathable material. The absorbent article can be provided with other optional features. In some embodiments, the absorbent article may be provided with elastics, preferably in the form of a laminate of elastomeric film or non-woven material along the longitudinal edges thereof to form the absorbent article in the cup-shaped configuration, in a way that is comfortable for the user. The absorbent article may have a fastener for securing the absorbent article to the specially designed support garment. In a preferred embodiment, the absorbent article has a plurality of projections in the form of fine hair on the garment surface thereof which engages with and adhere to a specially designed woven support garment. In other embodiments, the absorbent article may be provided with a portion in relief on its side that faces the body. In such a case, the absorbent article may have an absorbent tube on its side facing the body such that it is in the form of a "composite" absorbent article.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Although the description concludes with the claims that point out in a particular way and claim differently the matter that is considered as formant of the present invention, it is believed that the invention will be understood better from the following description which it is taken into consideration with the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an absorbent article of the present invention. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent article shown in Figure 1, taken along line 2-2. Figure 3 is a bottom plan view of the absorbent article shown in Figure 1. Figure 4 is a top plan view of one embodiment of the absorbent article of the present invention having another type of topsheet. Figure 5 is an enlarged side view of the mechanical fastening material on the side facing the garment of the absorbent article. Figure 6 is a bottom plan view of an embodiment of the absorbent article of the present invention having the mechanical fastening material on the garment-facing side, which is arranged in a pattern that is complementary with portions of the garment. the menstrual undergarment shown in the following figures. Figure 7 is a front view of a preferred embodiment of a menstrual undergarment for use with the absorbent article of the present invention. Figure 8 is a rear view of a preferred embodiment of a menstrual undergarment for use with the absorbent article of the present invention. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken transversely through a part of the wearer's body showing how a conventional pair of panties of the prior art often adjusts when the user's legs separate. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view taken transversely through a part of the wearer's body which shows how the conventional panty pair of the prior art often adjusts when the wearer's legs are together. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view taken transversely through a part of the wearer's body that provides an example of how the menstrual undergarment used with the absorbent article of the present invention adjusts when the user's legs are separated. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view taken transversely through a part of the wearer's body that provides an example of how the menstrual undergarment used with the absorbent article of the present invention adjusts when the wearer's legs are together. Figure 13 is a front photograph showing how a pair of conventional prior art panties often adjust when the wearer's legs are apart. Figure 14 is a front photograph showing how the pair of conventional panties of the prior art often adjust when the wearer's legs are together. Figure 15 is a front photograph showing an example of how the menstrual undergarment for use with the absorbent article of the present invention adjusts when the user's legs are separated. Figure 16 is a front photograph showing an example of how the menstrual undergarment for use with the absorbent article of the present invention adjusts when the wearer's legs are together.

Figure 17 is a cross-sectional sagittal view of a female human user showing the absorbent article of the present invention in place. Figure 18 is a partially fragmented top plan view of another embodiment of the absorbent article of the present invention. Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent article shown in the Figure 18 taken along line 19-19 of Figure 18. Figure 20 is a bottom plan view of the absorbent article shown in Figure 18. Figure 21 is a view of the wearer's pudendal region showing the absorbent article shown in Figures 18 to 20 in place. Figure 22 is a top plan view of an alternate embodiment of the absorbent article of the present invention having a hump-forming insert on the side facing the body. Figure 23 is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent article shown in Figure 22, taken along line 23-23 of Figure 22. Figure 24 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of the absorbent article of the present invention in the form of a composite absorbent article having a tube of material absorbent on the side that gives the body. Figure 25 is a cross-sectional view taken transversely through a part of the wearer's body showing how the absorbent tube of the composite absorbent article of Figure 24 could be used to fill any space that may occur if a garment is selected Alternative menstrual interior that has a wider lifting area that separates the distant surfaces of the user's lips.

Figure 26 is a perspective view of a composite web comprising materials for the topsheet, the backsheet, and the absorbent core of the absorbent article shown in Figures 18 to 20. Figure 27 is a perspective view of an apparatus used to form an absorbent material in the composite web shown in Figure 26 in the particulate material. Figure 28 is a partially fragmented perspective view of the composite screen shown in Figure 26 after it has been fed through the apparatus shown in Figure 27.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to absorbent articles to be worn by a female human such as sanitary napkins, pantiliners, and adult incontinence pads. The absorbent articles of the present invention are intended for use with a specially designed support garment (or undergarment), such as a menstrual pantyhose.

I. The absorbent article The term "absorbent article", as used herein, refers to articles that absorb and contain exudates from the body. More specifically, the term refers to articles that are placed against or close to the wearer's body to absorb and contain the various exudates discharged from the body. The term "absorbent article" is intended to include sanitary napkins, pantiliners, and incontinence pads (and other items worn in the crotch region of an article of clothing). The term "disposable" refers to articles that are intended to be discarded after a single use and preferably to be recycled, composted or otherwise disposed of in an environmentally compatible manner. (That is, they are not intended to be washed or restored or reused in another way as an absorbent article.) In the preferred embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the absorbent article is a designated menstrual pad 20 which is designated to replace conventional sanitary napkins. The term "sanitary napkin", as used herein, refers to an article that is worn by women adjacent to the pudendal region that is dedicated to absorbing and containing the various exudates that are discharged from the body (e.g., blood, menstruation and urine). Although the present invention is shown in the drawings as a menstrual pad that is dedicated to replacing conventional sanitary napkins, it should be understood that the present invention is limited to the particular types or configurations of absorbent articles shown in the drawings. The absorbent article 20 of the present invention has two surfaces, a liquid-permeable side, a surface that is in contact with the body or "body surface" 20A, and a liquid impervious side, a garment surface 20B. The absorbent article 20 shown in Figure 1 as seen generally from its body surface 20A. The body surface 20A is dedicated to be carried adjacent to the body of the wearer. The garment surface 20B is dedicated to be placed adjacent to the support garment when the absorbent article 20 is worn. The absorbent article 20 has two centerlines, a longitudinal centerline L and a transverse centerline T. "Longitudinal" term, as used herein, refers to a line, axis or direction in the plane of the absorbent article 20 that is generally aligned with (eg, approximately parallel to) a vertical plane that divides a user standing in left and right body halves when the absorbent article 20 is worn. The terms "transverse" or "lateral" used herein, are interchangeable, and refer to a line, axis or direction that is located within the plane of the absorbent article 20 that it is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The absorbent article has two separate longitudinal edges apart 22, two separate transverse or end edges 24 apart (or "ends"), which together form the periphery 26 of the absorbent article. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3, the absorbent article 20 has a cup-shaped configuration from the front to the rear and from side to side. In other embodiments, the absorbent article 20 may be in a planar configuration. The absorbent article 20 may also have any suitable configuration seen in plan. Suitable configurations include, but are not limited to: ovals, in the form of a race track, shapes having longitudinal lateral edges convexly inward (eg, hourglass shapes); key hole shapes which have a wider rounded or oval portion that is preferably carried towards the back of the wearer's body, preferably to cover at least a portion of the wearer's perineum and a generally rectangular extension therefrom (preferably with rounded edges) which is preferably carried towards the front of the wearer's body to cover at least a portion of the wearer's pudendal region. In the particularly preferred embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3, the absorbent article has a plan view configuration similar to the raceway with straight longitudinal side edges and convexly curved end edges.

The absorbent article is preferably substantially smaller than conventional sanitary napkins. For example, the absorbent article can have a total length when measured in its curved configuration less than or equal to about 15 cm to 18 cm, or even less than or equal to about 12.7 cm, and a width that is equal to or about 7.6. cm. In a preferred embodiment the absorbent article measures approximately 15 cm by approximately 7.6 cm. The absorbent article of the present invention preferably has a surface area measured in a flat and exclusive condition of any of the fins, wings, or side wrapping elements, which may be less than or equal to about any of the following: cm2; about 116 cm2; approximately 100 cm2; approximately 80 cm2; or approximately 65 cm2. The absorbent article is preferably highly flexible, and preferably has a flexural strength of less than or equal to about 100 grams, more preferably less than or equal to about 70 grams, and most preferably between about 30 and about 50 grams. This allows the absorbent article to conform very tightly to the wearer's body. This also allows the absorbent article according to the Figure assumed by the crotch region of the specially designed support garment. In other words, the absorbent article will bend under the body contact forces (described in greater detail below) applied by the support garment, and will not "smother" the second skin fit of the supporting garment. . The small size and high flexibility also provide the absorbent article with improved comfort. The absorbent article 20 is preferably also highly absorbent. The absorbent article preferably has a total capacity greater than or equal to about 10 grams, more preferably about 20 grams or greater than or equal to about 25 grams of liquid. The total capacity is measured according to the method described in the Test Methods section of this description. It is particularly desirable that the portion of the absorbent article 20 that is placed adjacent to the wearer's vaginal orifice has the aforementioned capacity, particularly a region measuring 5 cm by 3 cm which would be centered below the vaginal orifice when the absorbent article is worn. . To determine the capacity for this area of 5 cm by 13 cm, a rectangular area having these dimensions is cut from the part of the absorbent article to be tested which would be centered below the vaginal orifice. This test is carried on this 5 cm by 13 cm part of the absorbent article in the same manner as the capacity test described in the Test Methods section of this description. If the absorbent article is smaller than 5 cm by 13 cm in this region, then a sample of the absorbent article is used which would be located within a rectangle of 5 cm by 13 cm. The highly efficient nature of the absorbent article can also be expressed in terms of the ratio of the total capacity of the absorbent article to the surface area of the absorbent article. In some preferred embodiments, the absorbent article preferably has a ratio of total capacity to surface area (the last measurement being in a flat condition) greater than or equal to about 0.30 g / cm2, more preferably greater than or equal to about 0.39, or approximately 0.40 g / cm2. By way of comparison, the capacity ratio to the surface area of a thin sanitary towel ALWAYS ULTRA sold by The Procter & The Gamble Company of Cincinnati, Ohio is approximately 0.26 g / cm2. The absorbent article 20 is highly efficient, having a total capacity greater than or equal to a current ultra-thin sanitary napkin, while it is almost half the size.

Figure 2 shows the individual components of the absorbent article 20 of the present invention. This embodiment of the absorbent article 20 preferably comprises at least three primary components. These include a liquid-permeable upper sheet 28, a liquid-impermeable backsheet 30, and an absorbent component, such as the absorbent core 32 positioned between the topsheet 28 and the backsheet 30. The liquid-permeable topsheet, the backsheet liquid impervious, and the absorbent core may comprise a number of suitable materials, provided that the absorbent article 20 has the overall characteristics described herein. It should also be understood that the absorbent article 20 of the present invention is not limited to the structures having these three primary components. You can provide modalities that only have one or two of these components. For example, the absorbent article 20 does not need to have a top sheet if the surface that faces the body of the absorbent core is suitable for use as a top sheet. A liquid impervious component, such as a liquid impermeable backsheet, can be attached to the other side of the absorbent component. Alternatively, the absorbent article 20 may comprise an absorbent component having a liquid-permeable side and a liquid-impervious side. The liquid impermeable side can be provided by treating the garment surface of the absorbent component to make it impervious to liquid. The liquid permeable side defines the surface that is in contact with the body of the absorbent article 20. In some preferred embodiments, the liquid permeable side comprises a plurality of elements extending outwardly from the surface that is in contact with the body of the article. absorbent 20. That is, if it is considered that the surface that is in contact with the body is located within the XY plane in a Cartesian coordinate system, these elements will extend outward from this plane in the Z direction, although not necessarily perpendicular to this plane. These elements can form any suitable angle with the surface that is in contact with the body of the absorbent article 20. The elements can comprise any suitable type of components, including, but not limited to, fibers. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3, the liquid-permeable topsheet 28 comprises a fibrous material with a high bulge. The term "fibrous material", as used herein, refers to a low density fibrous material, but of relatively high caliber. The high bulking fibrous material preferably has a density less than or equal to about 0.01 g / cm 3. The high bulging fibrous material preferably has a gauge greater than or equal to about 3.2 mm, more preferably between about 6.4 mm and at least about 13 mm. The high bulging fibrous material preferably has a basis weight less than or equal to about 142 grams per square meter. These calibres and densities were measured under the INDA standard test method number IST 720.1-92, which specifies the measuring gauge under a pressure of 350 Pa. The high bulking fibrous material is preferably comprised of fine polymer fibers 34, which preferably have a denier per fiber of less than or equal to about 6. The material of the fibrous upper sheet of high bulge serves several functions. This allows the absorbent article to achieve a "macro" fit that is able to fit virtually all women, and a "micro" fit that adjusts to the particular body contour (which may be in the form of roughness) of the individual woman . Another advantage of the high bulging top sheet is that it is very soft and "cushioned". The upper bulging sheet is also advantageous because it has a low coefficient of friction against the user's body due to the discrete contact of the individual fibers comprising the same with the wearer's body. further, this often assumes that menstruation leaks from conventional sanitary napkins occur mainly as a result of the capacity of the absorbent articles that is exceeded. However, it has been found that a substantial number of stain accidents occur as a result of the menstrual fluid not uniformly entering the sanitary napkin. Often these spotting accidents result from menstruation that flows adjacent to the wearer's body, and which may flow in or near the pubic hair of the wearer. A high degree of "bulging" is preferred such that the fibers of the upper sheet will be in close contact with the wearer's body and between the pubic hairs of the wearer. This high bulging upper sheet tends to break the flow of menstruation along the wearer's body, and intercepts the menstruation that flows along the body, and allows these body exudates to be acquired towards the absorbent core. These raised bulging tops provide a capillary structure that effectively competes with the wearer's body of body fluids, such as menstruation, and directs these fluids toward the absorbent article. A good indicator that if an absorbent article has a surface that is in contact with the body with elements oriented in the Z direction is whether the elements on the surface that are in contact with the body are able to penetrate between the pubic hair of the body. user. Conversely, if the elements comprising the surface that is in contact with the body of the absorbent article lie flat against the pubic hairs of the wearer, and compress the pubic hairs, this is an indication that the absorbent article does not have a surface which is in contact with the body with elements oriented in the Z direction.

In preferred embodiments, the high-bulging topsheet comprises a thermally bonded carded polyester fibrous nonwoven material having a gauge of about 4 mm and a basis weight of about 50 grams / m2. The fibers 34 of this high bulging top sheet material are preferably in a random orientation. A particularly preferred material for the high bulging top sheet has a gauge of 4.1 mm, and a density of 0.0077 g / cm 3, and is obtained as product code # W-4635 from Stearns Technical Textile of Cincinnati, Ohio. Another preferred material of high-bulging top sheet has a gauge of 5.8 mm, and a density of 0.0098 g / cm3 (after re-bulking), and is obtained as product code # 68317 (re-ignited) of Fibertex A / S, Box 8029 , Svendborgvej 16, DK-9220 Aalborg Ost, Denmark. If the material of the high-bulging top sheet has a side that is relatively flat, and a side that is "fluffy", it is preferred that the flat side be oriented towards the absorbent core. The fibers of the high-bulked top sheet material are preferably slightly hydrophobic. Once the body exudates are in contact with the fibers of the upper bulging sheet, they are transported down through the upper bulging sheet and penetrate very rapidly towards the absorbent core. For example, the top sheet of high bulge may have an acquisition rate of about 0.27 ml / sec to about 0.75 ml / sec, while the films formed with current openings, such as the upper sheet material DRI-WEAVE described below , it can have an acquisition rate of approximately 0.15 ml / sec. The fibers, although thin, lie on top of one another to form a top layer with large openings in there. Menstruation falls through the large openings between the fibers of the upper bulging sheet elevated towards the underlying absorbent core. The material of the high bulging top sheet has considerable depth and, as a result, is able to keep the user's body relatively dry (or reduce "rewetting") by separating the absorbent core (and the liquids retained therein) away from the body of the user. In other embodiments, the fibers of the high-bulging topsheet may have a degree of hydrophilic capacity, or may be treated with a surfactant to provide them with a degree of hydrophilic capacity. This can allow the fibers to effectively pull the menstruation away from the wearer's skin. In other embodiments such as the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the liquid permeable upper sheet 28 may comprise a film with openings, such as a film formed with openings. Suitable shaped films are described in U.S. Patent No. 3,929,135, issued to Thompson on December 30, 1975; U.S. Patent No. 4,324,245, issued to Mullane, and others on April 13, 1982; U.S. Patent No. 4,342,314, issued to Radel, and others on August 3, 1982; U.S. Patent No. 4,463,045, issued to Ahr, and others on July 31, 1984; and in U.S. Patent No. 5,006,694, issued to Baird, on April 9, 1991. A particularly preferred material for the topsheet 28 comprises a formed film described in one or more of the above patents and which are marketed as sanitary napkins by The Procter & Gamble Company of Cincinnati, Ohio, as the top sheet "DRI-WEAVE". The topsheet 28 preferably has a hydrophilic surfactant incorporated therein during manufacture. Other films with preferred openings suitable for use as the topsheet 28 are films with openings made in accordance with U.S. Pat. Nos. 4., 609,518 and 4,629,643, the last one entitled "Polymeric screen with micro-apertures that exhibit soft and silky touch printing", both issued to Curro, et al., On September 2, 1986, and December 16, 1986, respectively, and the films formed in the form of cloth made in accordance with U.S. Patent No. 4,637,819 entitled "Three-dimensional macroscopically expanded polymeric weft to transmit both of the dynamically deposited and statically placed fluids from one surface to the other", which was issued to Ouellette, and others on January 20, 1987; and in U.S. patent application Serial No. 08 / 442,935 entitled "Fluid transport pattern showing surface energy gradients" filed in the name of Ouellette, et al. on May 31, 1995 (PCT publication). WO 96/00548, published January 11, 1996). If such an upper film sheet material with openings is used, it can be used as the upper sheet 28 per se. However, preferably, it is used in combination with the material of the raised bulging top sheet wherein the material of the raised bulging top sheet is above such as a film with openings. The film with openings, if properly perforated, will provide a reduced tendency for liquids to pass back through and re-wet the wearer's skin. By combining both the high bulging top sheet material and the film formed with cloth shaped openings, additional thickness is added to the high bulge layer described above and further separates the absorbent core and the liquids therefrom from the user's body, contributing more to keep the user's body dry. In another embodiment, the film with openings in the embodiments described above can be replaced by a fibrous screen with openings having a portion with openings and a portion without openings. The fibrous web with openings has a body surface provided with a plurality of fibrils or "hairs" on the portion without openings thereof. Preferably, the apertured fibrous web is wet laid and has a temporary wet strength resin incorporated therein, and the fibrils comprise a resinous water resistant material. In a preferred version of this embodiment, the fibrous web comprises a cellulosic tissue with openings with fibrils printed thereon. The fibrils reduce the surface moisture characteristics of the fibrous tissue by separating the wearer's body from any bodily fluids that may remain on the body side of the fibrous tissue. The wet-laid, printed tissue, the method for producing the tissue, and the method of application of the resin are more fully described in U.S. Patent No. 5,763,044 entitled "Fluid-permeable webs, capable of dispersing and capable of flowing and spreading, which has improved functional surface ", issued to Ahr, and others. The absorbent core 32 can be manufactured in a wide variety of sizes and shapes (e.g., rectangular, oval, hourglass, dog bone, asymmetric, etc.) and from a wide variety of liquid absorbent materials commonly used in sanitary napkins and other absorbent articles. The absorbent core 32, however, should preferably be adapted such that it has the capacity specified herein. Examples of suitable absorbent materials include ground wood pulp, which is generally referred to as air felt; creped cellulose wadding; meltblown polymers including coform; chemically hardened, modified, or crosslinked cellulosic fibers, synthetic fibers such as hooked polyester fibers; peat moss; tissue including tissue wraps and tissue laminates; absorbent foams; absorbent sponges; superabsorbent polymers; gelling absorbent materials; or any equivalent material or combinations of materials, or mixtures thereof. The configuration and construction of the absorbent core can also be varied (e.g., the absorbent core may have variable gauge zones (eg profiled to be thicker in the center), hydrophilic gradients, superabsorbent gradients, or lower density acquisition zones and lower average basis weight, or may comprise one or more layers or structures Examples of suitable absorbent core materials with sufficient capacity are described below., the absorbent core 32 comprises a weave laid with air with hydrogel-forming polymeric material, in particles or superabsorbent fibers dispersed therein. The wet laid web may comprise a number of different types of materials. In one version of this embodiment, the absorbent core may comprise a blend of synthetic polymer fibers, cellulosic fibers, and fibrous or particulate superabsorbent hydrogel-forming polymeric material. In another version of this embodiment, the absorbent core may comprise only synthetic polymer fibers and fibrous or particulate superabsorbent hydrogel-forming polymer material. In yet another version of this embodiment, the absorbent core may be composed entirely of cellulosic fibers (such as air felt) and particulate or fibrous superabsorbent material. However, it is preferred that the absorbent core comprises at least some synthetic material to increase its resistance to compression and elasticity. A suitable fibrous superabsorbent polymeric material is sold as the FIBERDRI superabsorbent by Camelot Technologies Ltd. of High River, Canada. The fibrous superabsorbent material FIBERDRI is preferred because it has greater capacity than many of the current particle superabsorbent materials. For example, it may have a capacity of approximately 25 grams of liquid per gram of superabsorbent material, while current particulate superabsorbent materials may have a capacity of approximately 20 grams / gram. The FIBERDRI material, in this way, provides the advantage that a relatively small amount (e.g., about 0.7 grams) of the FIBERDRI material will provide a total amount of capacity for the small size absorbent core used in the present invention, which is equal or the same as the total amount of the capacity of full-size sanitary napkins. In another embodiment, the absorbent core 32 may comprise a tissue laminate and a superabsorbent hydrogel-forming polymeric material. Absorbent cores comprising tissue laminates and superabsorbent hydrogel-forming polymer material, which can be modified for use herein are generally described in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,950,264 and 5,009,653, both issued to Osborn. In one version of this embodiment, the absorbent core 32 has three longitudinally oriented trisections, a central trisection flanked by two trisections laterally off center. The absorbent core is formed of a single layer of tissue: The single layer of tissue is folded over itself to provide a thickness of two sheets in each of the trisections outside the center of a single thickness in the central resection. The two layers of the trisections outside the center are preferably adhered together. The gelling absorbent materials are arranged in each of the trisections outside the center. The central trisection can be substantially free of the gelling absorbent materials. The absorbent cores laminated in this configuration are described in U.S. Patent No. 5,460,623 entitled "Sanitary towel in three sections" issued to Emenaker, and others on October 24, 1995. In order to provide increased capacity in the smaller absorbent core used in the present invention, instead of applying a single layer of gelling absorbent material, two layers of particulate gelling absorbent material are added to the tissue layer. Preferably, a total amount of about 0.8 to about 0.9 grams of particulate absorbent material is used. A further operation is preferably performed on said laminate of the absorbent core to provide it with the desired flexibility. The laminated absorbent core can be perforated, cut into strips, or otherwise manipulated to provide it with increased flexibility. In a preferred embodiment, the laminated absorbent core is provided with a plurality of grooves oriented in the longitudinal direction to provide increased flexibility. Of course, the slots can be oriented in any suitable direction, in more than one direction. An example of a slit rolled absorbent core can be modified as described above for use herein, described in U.S. Patent No. 5,658,269 issued to Osborn, and others on August 17, 1997. In another embodiment, the Absorbent core 32 may comprise a non-woven web spread with needle punched air. In a preferred embodiment of this embodiment, the nonwoven web spread with needle punched air comprises about 40% by weight of the hydrogel-forming, superabsorbent, fibrous polymeric material, and about 60% polyester fibers. (Unless stated otherwise, all percentages specified herein are based on weight.) In a particularly preferred embodiment, the absorbent core 32 comprises a needle-punched non-woven material with a high bulging needle comprising rayon fibers and forming polymeric material. of hydrogel, superabsorbent, fibrous. Said absorbent core preferably comprises between about 50% to about 70%, preferably about 65% viscose rayon fibers of cut length, and between about 30% and about 50%, preferably about 35% hydrogel-forming polymer material superabsorbent, fibrous. Suitable viscose rayon fibers are the LYOCELL viscose rayon fibers, TYPE 18453, obtained from Courtaulds Fibers, Inc. of North Axis, Alabama. The suitable, fibrous, superabsorbent hydrogel-forming polymeric material is the fibrous superabsorbent material FIBERDRI discussed above. The needle-punched nonwoven material with high bulging needle preferably has a basis weight of about 90 g / m2. This nonwoven material is preferably needle punched with approximately 60 needles / cm 2, or more. The greater use of needles, the greater the flexibility of the finished material. Although a single layer of this high bulking material can be used for the absorbent core 32, at least two layers are preferably used. More than two layers can be used, particularly if the high bulking material is made in lower basis weights. The layers can be joined together, if desired. However, it has been found that the layers properly retained in position relative to one another when they are simply placed adjacent one to the other. It is believed that this is due to the entanglement of the fiber between the fibers on the surfaces of the layers. In another embodiment, the absorbent core 32 may comprise a nonwoven web laid with thermally bonded, carded air. An example of such a material comprises about 20% fibers of FIBERDRI superabsorbent material, about 25% bicomponent fibers, and about 55% cellulose fluff, and has a basis weight of about 84 g / m 2. The absorbent core 32 of the absorbent articles described herein may also comprise others, for example, conventional elements or materials. For example, any of the absorbent articles described herein can utilize an absorbent core 32 in which the underlying layer of particles or fibers of the polymeric gelling agents is provided to increase the absorbent capacity of the absorbent core 32. In still other embodiments, the types of absorbent core structures such as those described above can be removed, and a layer of particulate or fibrous superabsorbent hydrogel-forming polymer material can be placed along the lower surface of the raised bulge upper sheet material to provide to the absorbent article 20 with the desired absorbent capacity. The backsheet 30 can be any flexible material, impervious to liquid. Preferably, the backsheet 30 is a polyethylene film having a thickness of about 0.012 mm to about 0.015 mm. Exemplary polyethylene films are manufactured by Clopay Corporation of Cincinnati, Ohio, under the designation P18-0401 and microflex 1401. The backsheet 30 can be embossed and / or dull finished to provide a more fabric-like appearance. In addition, the backsheet 30 can allow the vapors of the absorbent core 32 to escape (ie, this can be breathable) while still preventing the exudates from passing through the backsheet. A suitable breathable backsheet material comprises an adhesively bonded laminate of an apertured film having tapered capillaries, such as that described in U.S. Patent 3,929,135 issued to Thompson on December 30, 1975, and a microporous film. A suitable microporous film is supplied by Exxon Chemical USA, and described in the Exxon Patent No. 4,777,073. The breathable backsheet is disposed in such a way that the smaller openings of the tapered capillaries face towards the absorbent core 32. The microporous film is bonded to the side of the apertured film having the larger openings to form the surface that gives the the garment 20B of the absorbent article. The use of a breathable back sheet in combination with the menstrual pantyhose (described in greater detail below), which preferably has a breathable crotch portion, allows a global breathability of the absorbent article system and the menstrual pantyhose to be controlled and established to an optimal level. This eliminates any variation caused by using the absorbent article in a random manner with commercially available undergarments having different amounts of vapor permeability and non-vapor permeability. The topsheet 28, the backsheet 30, and the absorbent core 32 can be assembled in a variety of configurations known in the art (including layered or "sandwich" configurations and wrapped or "tube" configurations). In the preferred embodiments shown in the drawings, the absorbent article 20 assembled in a sandwich construction in which the topsheet 28 and the backsheet 30 have length and width dimensions generally greater than those of the absorbent core 32. The topsheet 28 and the backsheet 30 extend beyond the edges of the absorbent core 32 to form part of the periphery 26. The topsheet 28 can be attached to the side facing the body of the absorbent core 32. In other embodiments, the topsheet 28 does not it needs to be attached to the absorbent core 32 to increase the flexibility of the absorbent article 20. The term "attached", as used herein, encompasses configurations in which one element is directly secured to the other element by fixing the element directly to the other element.; configurations in which the element is indirectly secured to the other element by fixing the element to a member or intermediate members which in turn are fixed to the other element; and configurations in which one element is integral with the other element, that is, one element is essentially part of the other element. The backsheet 30 need not be, and in the shown embodiment is preferably not, attached to the absorbent core 32 to increase the flexibility of the absorbent article 20. The portions of the topsheet 28 and the backsheet 30 that extend beyond the edges of the absorbent core 32 forming the periphery 26 are preferably joined together. If the topsheet 28 is attached to the absorbent core 32, the topsheet 28 may be attached to the absorbent core 32 in any suitable manner known in the art for this purpose. The topsheet 28 may be attached to the absorbent core 32 by a continuous uniform adhesive layer, a patterned adhesive layer, or an array of separate lines, coils, or spots of adhesive. An adhesive that has been found to be satisfactory for this purpose is manufactured by Findley Adhesive Company of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin as the number 2031 adhesive. The adhesive is preferably applied as an adhesive filament pattern network as disclosed in the patent of United States No.4,573,986 entitled "Disposable waste containment garment", which was issued to Minetola, and others on March 4, 1986. Other open-pattern networks of adhesive filaments comprising several lines of adhesive filaments twisted in a spiral patterns are illustrated by the apparatus and methods shown in U.S. Patent No. 3,911,173 issued to Sprague, Jr. on October 7, 1975; U.S. Patent No. 4,785,996 issued to Ziecker, and others on November 22, 1978; and U.S. Patent No. 4,842,666 issued to Werenicz on June 27, 1989. Alternatively, the components of the absorbent article can be joined by heat bonds, pressure joints, ultrasonic joints, mechanical dynamic joints, or any other suitable joining means or combinations of these joining means as are known in the art. The portions of the topsheet 28 and of the backsheet 30 extending beyond the edges of the absorbent core 32 to form the periphery 26 can be joined together in any of the manners described herein. The components of the absorbent article can be described as forming a "unit structure." The term "unit structure", as used herein, refers to a construction in which the components are joined together, or integrated together as a unit. "Unitary structure" includes constructions such as those described above where the topsheet, the absorbent core and the backsheet comprise separate components that are joined together.These also cover constructions in which the liquid-permeable side and the liquid-impervious side. of the absorbent articles do not comprise a separate upper and / or backsheet, For example, in the latter case, the liquid-permeable side, the liquid-impervious side, or both, may comprise a surface of the absorbent core having the characteristics desired, instead of a separate component, in the modality shown in Figures 1 to 3, the absorbent article 20 is provided with optional elastic members 36 that are wrapped around the longitudinal edges 22 of the absorbent article. The optional elastic members 36 form the absorbent article 20 in the desired cup-shaped configuration and provide smooth longitudinal edges 22 in the event that the longitudinal edges are in contact with the user during use. If used, the optional elastic members 36 preferably comprise an elastomeric laminate comprising an elastomeric layer and a layer of covering material., with the layer of the cover material being on the outer side of the product. Suitable elastomeric laminates are disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,234,422 and 5,308,346, both entitled "Elastic Sanitary Towel" issued to Sneller, and others on August 10, 1993 and May 3, 1994, respectively. The garment-facing surface 20B of the absorbent article 20 can include, and preferably includes a fastener for securing the absorbent article to the specially designed undergarments. The fasteners comprising adhesives, particularly pressure sensitive adhesives, which have been used to secure the absorbent articles, such as sanitary napkins, to the crotch region of conventional panties can be used for this purpose. Preferably, however, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the garment-facing surface 20B of the absorbent article 20 comprises a mechanical fastening material 70 that is particularly suitable for coupling woven materials, such as the material to which it is attached. from which the specially designed inner support garment is preferably made. One type of mechanical fastening material is shown in Figures 2, 3 and 5. The mechanical fastening material 70 can be located on any suitable part of the garment surface 20B. Preferably, as shown in Figure 3, the mechanical fastening material 70 is located on the total part of the garment facing surface 20B that is located between the optional elastic members 36. In other embodiments, the fastener material mechanical fastener 70 can cover all or any other suitable part of the garment facing surface 20B of the absorbent article, including the elastic members 36. The mechanical fastening material 70 shown in Figures 2, 3 and 5 comprises a substrate or surface 72 with a barbed arrangement in the form of a plurality of small filamentous (or hair-shaped) projections 74 extending therefrom. The hair projections 74 may be in any suitable form. Figure 5 shows a preferred form of the projections 74 in greater detail. The hair-shaped projections 74 may, but need not, have a conventional VELCRO hook fastening material in the form of a hook figure. In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the hair-shaped projections 74 preferably do not have a hook shape. The hair-shaped projections 74 preferably have a straight shank 76 that tapers so that it generally decreases in diameter from the base 78 of the shank 76 to the distal end of the shank. More specifically, the rod 76 decreases in diameter from the base 78 of the rod 76 towards the distal end of the rod to approximately the midpoint of the rod. The diameter of the rod 76 remains constant from about the midpoint of the rod to the distal end of the rod 76. The distal end of the rod 76 preferably has a small spherical coupling means 80 thereon. The hair-shaped projections 74 in the preferred embodiment shown in the drawings preferably extend at a slight angle from an orientation that is perpendicular (ie, at an angle of approximately 90 °) to the substrate. Preferably, the hair-shaped projections 74 are oriented at an angle that is about 10% less than a perpendicular orientation relative to the substrate. The mechanical fastening material 70 can be distributed in any suitable pattern through the garment surface 20B. In a particularly preferred embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the mechanical fastening material 70 is distributed in several zones (e.g., three zones) each approximately 2 cm wide) and in which the orientation of the projections in the form of hair differs between adjacent areas. More specifically, in the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the hair-shaped projections in the central area running along the longitudinal center line L are oriented at an angle that is approximately 10 ° less than a perpendicular orientation relative to the substrate, which is oriented towards one end of the absorbent article. The hair-shaped projections in the adjacent longitudinal side areas form a similar angle with respect to the substrate, but these are oriented towards the opposite end edge of the absorbent article 20. The orientation of the hair-shaped projections in these different areas is shown by the arrows in Figure 3. In other embodiments, the mechanical fastening material 70 may be distributed in a pattern that matches the pattern of one or more previously selected portions of the specially designed support garment. For example, the mechanical fastening material 70 may be arranged in a pattern that corresponds to and aligns with the longitudinal stretch control member 52 and / or the angled stretch control members 54 of the menstrual undergarment 38 shown in FIGS. and 8. (The menstrual undergarment is described in more detail below.) For example, as shown in Figure 6 parts of the mechanical fastening material 70 at each end of the absorbent article may be arranged in a chevron pattern to correspond to the members of the angled stretch control 54 of the menstrual undergarment. In a variation of this embodiment, the mechanical fastening material 70 and / or the other parts of the support garment may be designed such that the mechanical fastening material 70 will not engage a particular part of the garment. of support, such as the longitudinal or angled stretch control members. The alignment of the mechanical fastening material 70 with these parts of the supporting garment can be used as a positioning aid to ensure that the absorbent article 20 is properly positioned on the garment of the support garment. The pattern of the mechanical fastening material 70 can also be used to assist the absorbent article 20 to fit snugly against the wearer's body in certain areas. The mechanical fastening material 70 shown in Figure 5 provides the garment surface 20B of the absorbent article with a fastener that is capable of easily adhering to the woven material, and has a sufficiently high retaining force even if the garment of Stand stretches and contracts. The mechanical fastening material 70 described herein is particularly preferred for use with the specially designed woven backing garment since it will not become disengaged when the backing garment stretches and contracts during the application of the absorbent article to the undergarment, like some of the pressure sensitive adhesives. The mechanical fastening material 70 can be made by printing or spraying a material to form small knots on a surface or a substrate, such as a film. The knots are then formed in the projections 74. The substrate 72 can be of any thickness or density. The substrate 72 may even include relatively rough or corrugated sections, such as the regions of the optional elastic members 56 that are formed into shirred portions. The mechanical fastening material 70 described herein is particularly useful because it can be printed directly onto the substrates such as the backsheet. Alternatively, the mechanical fastening material can be printed on a separate component that is attached to a part of the absorbent article. In the preferred embodiment shown in the drawings, however, the substrate to which the mechanical fastening material is applied is the side that gives the garment 20B of the absorbent article. The material that is used to form the knots can be any suitable material that can be printed or sprayed onto the substrate and formed in the projections described herein. Suitable materials include, but they are limited to thermal plastics and thermal fusion resins. The material used to form the projections 74 can be applied by any suitable printing or spraying method (for example, spiral, nebulized, in-line spray, gravure, rotary screen, or flexographic printing). Suitable methods for forming the projections 74 of the fastening material 70 are described in greater detail in U.S. Patent 5,392,498 issued to Goulait, and others on February 28, 1995. The projections 74 may have any suitable cross-sectional shape , including but not limited to oval, round, diamond, and pyramidal. The pattern of printing or spraying can be applied in any suitable pattern that produces dots, circles, lines, dimples, and the like, or a combination of patterns can be understood. The material can be printed regular or random patterns. The projections 74 thus formed preferably extend outwardly at a distance of about 0.05 mm to about 3 mm from the surface of the substrate 72. In the embodiment described above, the substrate 72 is backsheet material of polyethylene film and the resin Printing is polyester. The two suitable polyester resins that can be used for this purpose are a resin known as A-3 obtained from Eastman Chemical Products, Inc. of Kingsport, TN and a resin known as CA-X105 obtained from Century International Adhesives and Coatings Corporation of Columbus, OH. The last polyester resin has a tackifying agent thereon to provide the mechanical fastening material with superior adhesive tack. This helps the mechanical fastening material 70 by adhering to the inner support garment. In this preferred embodiment, the mechanical fastening material 70 is printed by a rotary screen printing process. The printing can take place at any suitable stage in the manufacture of the absorbent article. The polyester resin can be printed in such a way that the hair-shaped projections 74 are distributed in any suitable density. Preferably, the hair projections 74 are distributed in the densities described in U.S. Patent No. 5,392,498 issued to Goulait, and others referred to above. More preferably, the hair-shaped projections 74 are distributed in densities that are at, or above, the upper end of the scale described in the Goulait patent, and others. For example, in the preferred embodiments, the hair-shaped projections 74 are preferably distributed such that there are approximately 105 rows of projections in both the transverse and longitudinal directions per square inch (or approximately 11.00 projections per square inch). ). In another embodiment, the mechanical fastening material 70 may comprise a material having a "T" or mushroom-shaped appearance when viewed from the side. A particularly preferred "T" shaped mechanical fastening material for use in the absorbent article of the present invention is the material known as TP200 available from 3M Personal Care and Related Products Division of Menomonie, Wl. The mechanical fastening materials 70 described herein differ in several respects from conventional mechanical fastening material, such as the VELCRO hook material and other fasteners commonly used in absorbent articles, such as adhesive fasteners. The mechanical fastening material 70 does not require a splice-joint fastening component such as the VELCRO hook material. The mechanical fastening material can, on the other hand, directly attach the fabric of the inner support garment. The mechanical fastening material 70 used in the absorbent article of the present invention It differs in addition to conventional mechanical fasteners due to the fact that it has projections that are substantially smaller than conventional VELCRO hooks. The projections are virtually imperceptible to the human eye. The mechanical fastening material 70 used in the present invention has improved tactile properties due to the small size and narrow spacing of the projections. As a result of small size and narrow separation of projections, if the user comes in contact with these projections, they have only to feel the tips of the projections in such a way that the mechanical material tends to have a sensation similar to velvet. The mechanical fastening materials 70 described herein are smoother, softer, and more flexible than the conventional VELCRO fastening material. The mechanical fastening materials, therefore, are less aggressive (scratchy) than the conventional VELCRO fastening material. The mechanical fastening materials 70, because these can be printed directly on a substrate, can also use a greater variety of substrates (and are especially preferred for use with more flexible substrates). The mechanical fastening material 70 can, in some embodiments, also maintain the garment surface 20B in place by friction and / or by adhesive attachment, in addition to the mechanical coupling. However, even when the mechanical fastening material 70 is provided with a tackiness similar to the adhesive, there is generally no need to apply separate release papers to cover the fastening material 70, as with conventional pressure sensitive adhesives. In this way, the normal inconvenience of handling and arranging said release papers is eliminated. In addition, the use of the mechanical fastening material avoids certain undesirable tendencies associated with the use of the absorbent articles having adhesive fasteners on their garment surface. For example, the mechanical fastening material eliminates the tendency of the adhesive on the side that gives the garment of an absorbent article to stick to itself and / or to the wearer's body. This is potentially a problem when the absorbent article is first put into use. It is also potentially a problem during use if the adhesive fastener should be disengaged from the wearer's undergarment, as the wearer pulls the undergarment down to check the absorbent article and during vigorous movements of the wearer. In addition to the mechanical fastening material described above, and the pressure sensitive adhesives, the garment facing side 20B of the absorbent article 20 can employ other types of alternative fasteners. In a non-limiting example, the absorbent article 20 may be provided with an adherent material adhering to an adherent material on the crotch portion side of the undergarment of the support. As used herein, an "adherent material" is one that preferably adheres to itself and not to other materials. This material can be used as a positioning aid to ensure that the absorbent article 20 is properly positioned in the supporting garment.

Figures 7 and 8 show front and rear views of a support garment in the form of a menstrual undergarment 38 that is preferred for use with the present invention. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the menstrual undergarment 38 comprises a front portion 39 which may be in the form of a front panel, a back portion 40 which may be in the form of a back panel, a region or crotch portion 50 which can be in the form of a crotch panel, a pair of leg openings 60 that can be elasticated and an elasticised waistband 44. The menstrual undergarment 38 is also provided with a waist opening 46 for to allow entry of the menstrual undergarment 38. The menstrual undergarment 38 further comprises an extensible lifting member such as the lifting strip 42 disposed along the longitudinal center line at the rear portion 40, a stretch control member longitudinal 52 disposed along the longitudinal center line in the crotch portion 50, and a plurality of angled stretch control members 54 contend these at an angle A with respect to the longitudinal stretch control member 52 and extending therefrom to the leg elastics 62. It should be noted that any seam or gusset 48 at the front end of the crotch portion 50 is preferably located in such a way that it is located below or behind (ie, backwards) of the pubic bone in such a way that the pubic bone does not interfere with the adjustment of the menstrual undergarment. It should also be understood that any or all of the features of the menstrual undergarment 38 described herein may be woven into the menstrual undergarment, and do not need to comprise sewing together the parts of the menstrual undergarment. The absorbent article 20 is used by placing the absorbent article 20 in the crotch portion of the menstrual undergarment 38. The absorbent article 20 is placed in the crotch portion of the menstrual undergarment with one end extending toward the front section of the garment. menstrual interior and the other end towards the posterior section of the menstrual undergarment. The backsheet 30 is placed in contact with the inner surface of the center of the crotch portion 50 of the menstrual undergarment. The hair-shaped projections 74 of the mechanical fastening material 70 on the garment-facing side 20B of the absorbent article engage with the woven material from which the crotch portion 50 of the menstrual garment 38 is made. The wearer then puts on the menstrual undergarment 38. The menstrual undergarment 38 will typically stretch and contract, until it adjusts as shown in Figures 15 and 16. Figures 9 and 10, respectively, show examples of how a pair of Conventional panties of the prior art fit in the crotch region when the wearer's legs, LG, are separated and when they are worn together. As shown in Figure 9, when the legs of the wearer are separated, the crotch region of a pair of conventional panties "makes a gap" along the longitudinally oriented area centered around the space between the wearer's lips (the which are designated by the reference letter J). As shown in Figure 10, the crotch region of these conventional panties loosen when the wearer's legs are worn together. A similar comparison is shown photographically in Figures 13 and 14. Figure 13 shows how a conventional pair of panties fits within the crotch region when the wearer's legs are separated. Figure 14 shows how the panties adjust when the user's legs are worn together. The menstrual panties as shown schematically in Figures 11 and 12, on the other hand, they adjust comfortably against and conform to the inner and outer surfaces of the labia majora if the user's legs are separated or together. The menstrual panty maintains the protection of the desired areas of the wearer's body without applying a significant "band-shaped" force. As shown in Figures 11 and 12, in cross section, the menstrual panty preferably retains a modified cusp shaped configuration in this area on a full scale of body movements (i.e., dynamically). A similar comparison is shown photographically in Figures 15 and 16. The cross-sectional configuration of the menstrual pantyhose is described as being a "modified" cusp shape because it can, but preferably does not form a tip, P, where they find the curved portions of the cuspal shaped figure in the longitudinally oriented area within the space between the wearer's lips, but it is more rounded, and preferably convex in this area. The menstrual panty fits against the wearer's body so tightly, particularly in the crotch region, which is like a "comfortable second skin". The absorbent article 20 preferably does not alter or ignore the tendency of the menstrual pantyhose to achieve this "second skin" fit. The absorbent article 20 is preferably sufficiently flexible in such a way that it assumes a configuration similar to the crotch region of the menstrual pantyhose. Preferably, the absorbent article 20 also forms the figure of the pudenda region of the wearer in use. The absorbent article preferably conforms to the shape of the pudenda region of the wearer without considering whether the user's legs are together or separate. The absorbent article 20 preferably flexes under the forces applied by the menstrual panty 38 which are used to retain the absorbent article comfortably against the wearer's body. If the absorbent article flexes under these forces, it will not ignore the tendency of the menstrual pantyhose to achieve the desired fit, and the absorbent article 20 will assume a figure similar to the crotch region of the menstrual pantyhose 38. The menstrual pantyhose 38 described here preferably it applies contact pressures to the user's body less than or equal to about 20 g / cm2, more preferably less than or equal to about 15 g / cm2. A contact pressure to the body of 20 g / cm2 applied by the menstrual panty 38 is a pressure that is sufficiently high that it is on the border line to be uncomfortable for the wearer. It is recognized that there are other garments, such as the Japanese menstrual shorts, that are tight fitting. However, these garments tend to apply forces that are uncomfortable, particularly in the wearer's legs in those places where the wearer's legs are in contact with the elasticized edges of the menstrual shorts. The menstrual pantyhose 38 described herein, on the other hand, is particularly preferred because it is capable of applying contact forces to the body along the crotch region thereof, which keep the absorbent article 20 in close contact with the body. the pudenda region of the user without creating uncomfortable forces on the user's legs (greater than or equal to approximately 20 g / cm2) in the places where the user's legs are in contact through the leg openings of the menstrual pant leg 38 Preferably, the edges of the crotch region of the menstrual pantyhose described herein apply in a contact force to the body to these regions of the wearer's body that is less than or equal to about 20 g / cm2. The absorbent article 20 and the menstrual panty 38 also differ from previous sanitary napkins and conventional undergarments in the sustained nature of the contact of the absorbent article with the wearer's body. Some current sanitary napkins may occasionally assume a "W" shaped cross-sectional configuration during use, just as when the user sits down. However, conventional undergarments do not provide a constant force against the wearer's body to hold the sanitary napkin in place under all circumstances, such as when the user is walking or sitting, or when the user's legs are separated. . The absorbent article 20 and the menstrual panty 38, on the other hand, provide such sustained contact with the wearer's body. The absorbent article can be described as being substantially maintained in sustained contact with the wearer's body, in which case the absorbent article need not be in complete and / or continuous contact with the wearer's body, but is kept in contact with the wearer. the user's body more than what is out of contact with the user's body. The absorbent article 20 is preferably able to maintain contact and cover at least a portion of the internal surfaces of the wearer's lips, the outer surfaces of the wearer's lips, and the menstrual panty 38. The absorbent article 20 preferably covers an area centered around the wearer's lips having a projected width of at least about 2.5 cm. The absorbent article can cover substantially all of the interior surfaces of the wearer's lips up to and including contact with and cover the bottom of the wearer's vestibule. The absorbent article can also cover substantially all of the outer surfaces of the wearer's lips. Another way of describing the configuration of the absorbent article 20 that can be taken during use is by observing in the different regions of the absorbent article 20. The absorbent article 20 preferably has a longitudinal central region centered around its longitudinal centerline, L, which is capable of being placed inside the space between the user's lips. This longitudinal central region may be of any suitable width that is less than the width of the total absorbent article. The longitudinal center region may, for example, correspond to the size and location of the tube of the absorbent material 90 shown in Figure 24. The longitudinal center region may extend the total length of the absorbent article 20, or less than the total length of the absorbent article. The longitudinal center region preferably has at least a portion (typically along the longitudinal center line of the absorbent article) that is capable of residing within the space between the wearer's lips at an elevation that is higher (when standing the user) that at least some parts of the absorbent article that are located laterally outside the center of the longitudinal central region. The absorbent article 20 is preferably capable of assuming said configuration without compression by the internal portions of the wearer's thighs. Figure 17 shows a preferred embodiment of the absorbent article 20 of the present invention used against the body of a user W. The urinary genital members shown in Figure 17 include bladder B, vagina V, urethra U, clitoris C, the large intestine I, the anus AN, the introitus of the vagina VI, the hymen ring H, the labia minora N, and the labia majora J. Figure 17 shows an example of the relationship of these anatomical characteristics of the user W with respect to the absorbent article 20 when the absorbent article is properly worn. The absorbent article 20 preferably cup-shaped lips from the front to the back. The absorbent article 20 shown in Figure 17 is preferably sufficiently small that it only covers the pudendal region of the wearer and the immediately adjacent regions, and in particular, covers the vaginal introitus and the surfaces of the labia majora. The absorbent article 20 can also cover the wearer's perineum. The absorbent article 20 shown in Figure 17 preferably does not extend appreciably beyond these body parts of the wearer. The absorbent article can cover the clitoris of the user, but preferably does not extend substantially forward beyond the pubic mound of the user. The absorbent article 20 may be separated slightly away from the clitoris, or the clitoris may fit snugly against the clitoris, since it does so relative to other regions of the wearer's body. The absorbent article 20 preferably does not extend back to be in contact with the wearer's anus to avoid the sensitive nerve terminals thereof. When the absorbent article 20 is of this preferred size, it provides a more comfortable, and less perceptible, absorbent article, since it lessens the crotch region of the wearer's body and allows air to circulate around it. The absorbent article 20 also preferably does not cover areas of the wearer's body that are subjected to substantial degrees of movement (ie, the absorbent article will be placed adjacent to "the low moving areas" of the wearer's body). In particular, it is desirable that the lateral edges of the absorbent article 20 will not be in contact by the internal surfaces of the thighs of the wearer when the wearer walks, or otherwise moves. This overcomes a disadvantage of conventionally dimensioned sanitary napkins and pads, which being comparatively rigid with respect to the absorbent article 20 of the present invention, will transfer the forces applied to the edges thereof to other parts of the sanitary napkin or pantyhose, causing that the same flexes or wrinkles and / or deviates from the desired position under the introitus of the vagina of the user. The absorbent article 20 of the present invention can be made a little larger if its edge portions which can be in contact by the inner surfaces of the wearer's thighs, LG, will not translate the forces acting on it to the rest of the absorbent article to cause the absorbent article to flex or wrinkle, and / or deviate from the desired position beneath the vaginal introitus of the wearer. For example, it is also contemplated here that an absorbent article 20 can be constructed which has the desired flexibility, fit, and an absorbent region with the preferred small size described herein (e.g., covering the pudendal region and the perineum) but the which has regions that are located outside the center of these regions which will only serve as a "loose garment" function, which has minimal or no absorbency. For example, these regions may be comprised only of the materials of the topsheet and of the backsheet, and possibly a thin layer of absorbent material therebetween. It is considered that said embodiment will also fall within the scope of the present invention. Alternatively, the absorbent article 20 of the present invention may have a region, typically in the center thereof, that is stiffer than the portions of the absorbent article that are located outside of this central region. In other words, the absorbent article 20 can have a central area of movement under which it has a greater thickness and less flexibility than the regions of the absorbent article that are in the upper moving areas (the upper moving areas are those areas that could be in contact by the sides of the thighs of the user). In each of these embodiments, the absorbent article 20 preferably deviates no more than about 3.8 cm, more preferably about 2.5 cm, and most preferably about 1.3 cm from its position relative to the vaginal introitus of the wearer when the absorbent article is worn. in the support garment during the following protocol. For purposes of determining how far the absorbent article deflects relative to the user's vaginal introitus, a five minute walk protocol is used. The user must place the absorbent article on the menstrual undergarment, and pull the menstrual underwear to the place. The user can then indicate where her vaginal introitus is by pointing with her finger towards the outer surface of the menstrual undergarment. This part of the undergarment is marked with a suitable washable felt tip marker. If desired, marks can also be made on one or more parts of the periphery of article 20, and corresponding marks can be made on the immediately adjacent portions of the wearer's body. The user then walks normally for five minutes. After this walk test, the user again indicates where her vaginal introitus is, and this position is marked. The distance that the marks are separated after the cycle of use is the amount that the absorbent article has deviated. Other embodiments of the absorbent article described herein are also possible. For example, Figures 18 to 20 show another embodiment of the absorbent article 20 of the present invention in which the absorbent core 32 comprises absorbent material disposed within a flexible structure, preferably a highly flexible structure. In order to arrange the absorbent core 32 in a flexible structure, the absorbent core 32 is preferably either: crevice, in the form of yarns, particles, or in a plurality of columns. The absorbent material can be any suitable absorbent material that is capable of being formed in said structure. Suitable absorbent materials that are capable of being formed in such a structure include, but are not limited to, nonwoven materials, such as thermally bonded nonwoven webs, absorbent sponges, and absorbent foam materials. Preferred thermally bonded air laid materials are described in U.S. Patent No. 5,607,414 entitled "Catamenial absorbent structures having thermally bonded layers for improved management of menstrual fluid, and their use in sanitary napkins having fit and comfort. Improved "issued to Richards, et al. on March 4, 1997. In the embodiment shown in Figures 18 to 20, the absorbent core 32 preferably comprises a highly porous absorbent HIPE polymer foam that is formed into a plurality of column particles. of foam material 82 erect, separated apart. Suitable absorbent HIPE foam materials are described in U.S. Patent No. 5,260,345 issued to DesMarais, and others on November 9, 1993; U.S. Patent No. 5,268,224 issued to DesMarais, and others on December 7, 1993; U.S. Patent No. 5,387,207 issued to Dyer, and others on February 7, 1995; U.S. Patent No. 5,550,167 issued to DesMarais on August 27, 1996; U.S. Patent No. 5,563,179 issued to Stone, and others on October 8, 1996; U.S. Patent No. 5,650,222 issued to DesMarais, and others on July 22, 1997; and U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 08 / 542,497 filed October 13, 1995, by Dyer, et al. (Case P &G 5546R). These absorbent foam materials are particularly preferred because they can provide good compressive strength and exhibit good elasticity following compression. The foam absorbent materials described in these different patents can also be made in such a way that they are provided with the ability to absorb particular types of body exudates (e.g., menstruation and / or urine). The absorbent article 20 shown in Figures 18 to 20 can be formed by adhesively bonding one of the preferred high bulge fibrous materials described above to one side of the foam absorbent material, and one of the backsheet materials (described herein) to the other of the foam absorbent material to form a composite web. The composite web is preferably then mechanically deformed as described in more detail below. This will crack the foam absorbent material. The process for mechanically deforming the foam absorbent material, however, will not destroy the integrity of the high bulge top sheet material or the backsheet, and will provide a self-contained slit or particulate absorbent foam material between the top sheet 28 and the backsheet 30. If the thickness of the foam absorbent material is larger than the dimensions in which the weft of the foam absorbent material is cut, then the mechanical deformation process (described below) will form the foam absorbent material in a plurality of columns of absorbent material. The absorbent material can, in this way, be referred to herein as comprising "column" material. The term "column", as used herein, refers to absorbent structures comprising more than one, and preferably a plurality of three-dimensional elements having a pair of ends, a height, and a cross-sectional area, wherein the ratio of the height to the dimensions of the cross-sectional area (aspect ratio) is greater than 1: 1. To complete the formation of the absorbent article 20 shown in Figures 18 to 20, the topsheet 28 and the backsheet 30 are preferably joined peripherally (outside of the foam absorbent material). The topsheet 28 and the backsheet 30 may be bonded together around their peripheries in any suitable manner, including, but not limited to: pleating, bonding with heat and / or pressure, adhesives, double-sided adhesive tapes. Numerous variations of the alternative embodiment shown in Figures 18 to 20 are possible. For example, the top sheet of the embodiment shown in Figures 18 to 20 can be removed, and the foam absorbent material can be placed directly against the body of the user. The foam absorbent material, particularly if it is in a column material form, can provide a plurality of columns oriented in the Z direction of absorbent material that can be adjusted to the outline of the individual woman's body, and fit within the spaces between the user's pubic hair to break the flow of menstruation along the body of the user. Figure 21 shows a non-limiting example of a manner in which the absorbent article in the form of key hole 20 shown in Figures 18 to 20 can fit adjacent to the wearer's body. As shown in Figure 21, the absorbent article 20 has a rounded or oval portion and a generally rectangular extension therefrom. The absorbent article 20 in the form of a key slot can be carried with any end placed in the front part of the wearer's body. Preferably, however, the absorbent article is worn in the form of a key hole 20 with the rectangular extension on the front of the wearer's body, and the wider rounded or oval portion at the rear of the wearer's body. The wider rounded or oval portion may bend upward to fit and the crevice between the user's buttocks (the "gluteal groove"), and the extra width still provides an adequate degree of protection of the menstrual pantyhose. Figures 22 and 23 show another embodiment of the absorbent article of the present invention. The embodiment shown in Figures 22 and 23 is devoted to providing the absorbent article with an increased capacity to intercept liquid body exudates at the location of the wearer's body which is the source of the exudates. The embodiment shown in Figures 22 and 23 preferably comprises a base pad in the form of a keyhole similar to that shown in Figures 18 to 20. The absorbent core can, but need not, comprise a plurality of particles of material of absorbent foam. The absorbent core in this embodiment may comprise any of the highly efficient absorbent core materials described herein. Preferably, in the embodiment shown in Figures 22 and 23, (although schematically shown as a single layer) the absorbent core comprises two layers of a nonwoven web comprising a blend of about 60% to about 90%, preferably about 75%, of rayon viscose fibers, and from about 10% to about 40%, preferably about 25%, of fibers of superabsorbent material FIBERDRI obtained from Camelot Technologies Ltd.

The absorbent article shown in Figures 22 and 23 further comprises a longitudinally oriented central absorbent hump 100 on the side facing the body. The hump 100 is formed by a hump-forming element (or "insert") 102 which is preferably inserted between the upper bulging top sheet 28 and the absorbent core 32. The hump forming element 102 is sized to fit completely with the space Nterlabial of the user. In a preferred embodiment, the hump-forming element 102 has a length as measured along its base of approximately 50 mm. As shown in Figure 22, the hump-forming element has an upper portion having its rounded ends 104 (especially apparent when viewed from the side) for improved comfort. The length of the upper portion as measured where it begins to round is preferably about 40 mm. The hump forming element 102, in this embodiment, preferably has a maximum height or gauge of about 20 mm. The width of hump forming element 102 as measured at its base is preferably about 20 mm. In this particular embodiment, as shown in Figure 23, the insert 102 comprises several elements. These include a first web of material such as the first folded weft of absorbent material 106, an underlying layer 108, and several pieces of resilient material 110. The first folded weft of absorbent material 106 preferably comprises a material that is capable of moving rapidly the exudates of the body away from the user's body. In the embodiment shown in Figures 22 and 23, the first web of material 106 may comprise a hydroentangled nonwoven web composed of natural fibers, polymer fibers, copolymer fibers, or mixtures thereof. A suitable material for the first bent weft 106 is known as FIBRELLA-Suominen made by J.W. Suominen Oy from Nakkila, Finland. The first folded weft of absorbent material 106 is gradually bent or folded around a plurality of bending lines longitudinally oriented in the cross-sectional configuration shown in Figure 23. As shown in Figure 23, the first folded weft 106 has an inverted U-shaped configuration along its longitudinal center line. The longitudinal side margins of the first folded weft are bent inwardly and upwardly within the inverted U-shaped portion of the folded weft to define two smaller U-shaped portions. The underlying layer 108 preferably comprises a material which is capable of carrying liquids from the first folded weft of the absorbent material 106 and storing these liquids. In the embodiment shown in Figures 22 and 23, the underlying layer 108 preferably comprises a non-woven web having thermally bonded wet. Suitable thermally bonded wet laid nonwoven webs are described in U.S. Pat. 5,549,589 entitled "Member of fluid distribution for absorbent article exhibiting high suction and high capacity" issued to Horney, et al. On August 27, 1996. The underlying layer 108 in the embodiment shown in Figures 22 and 23, is narrower wide that the first folded weft of the absorbent material 106 and ends closer to the longitudinal side margins of the first folded weft of absorbent material 106 such that it is below only the inverted U-shaped portion of the first folded weft of absorbent material 106. The underlying layer 108 may or may not be attached to the first folded weft of absorbent material 106. The pieces of elastic material 110 are used in such a way that the hump-forming element 102 maintains its maximum height even when the menstrual underwear presses the absorbent article towards the tight contact with the wearer's body. This allows the hump 100 to continuously cover a maximum amount of the inner surfaces of the major and minor lips of the wearer during use. Preferably, the hump forming element maintains a maximum height greater than or equal to at least one of the following quantities in use: approximately 10 mm, approximately 12 mm, approximately 14 mm, approximately 16 mm, approximately 18 mm, or approximately 20 mm . The pieces of the elastic material 110 may comprise any material that is suitable for the above purposes. The pieces of the elastic material 1 10 can either be absorbent or non-absorbent. Suitable elastic materials include, but are not limited to, absorbent and non-absorbent foams. In a version of the embodiment shown, the pieces of the elastic material 1 10 comprise a polyethylene foam crosslinked by radiation known as VOLARA, type 2A manufactured by Voltek, Inc. of Lawrence, Massachusetts. The VOLARA foam material is three pieces. Each piece is a rectangular parallelepiped having a square cross section measuring approximately 6 mm x 6 mm, and a length of approximately 50 mm. One of the pieces of the elastic material is placed in each of the U-shaped portions and the inverted U-shaped portions of the first folded weft. The pieces of the elastic material 110 are fixed to the underside of the underlying layer 108. The pieces of the elastic material 110 can be fixed to the underside of the underlying layer 108 in any suitable manner, such as by adhesives or double-sided adhesive tape. . The total hump forming member 102 is preferably secured to the absorbent core 32 in a similar manner. In another embodiment, the absorbent article can be provided with a structure in which an absorbent member can separate (or "uncouple") the backsheet of the absorbent article. This will allow the absorbent member to move toward the closest contact with the wearer's body within the space between the wearer's lips while the backsheet remains in the place adjacent to the menstrual undergarment. Said embodiment may be composed of any of the suitable materials that are combined to have the capacity and flexibility described herein. In a preferred embodiment of said embodiment, the absorbent article comprises: a top sheet of film with DRI-WEAVE openings, an underlying layer of material such as a nonwoven web, in particular a non-woven web rotatably as manufactured by He DuPont Nemours &; Company of Wilmington, Delaware, which is known as a SONTARA 8407 material. (SONTARA is a registered trademark of E.l. Dupont Nemours &Company); a laminated absorbent core comprising tissue and hydrogel-forming superabsorbent polymeric material which is provided with the high capacity described herein, a layer comprising a PUFFS facial paper patch marketed by The Procter & Gamble Company of Cincinnati, Ohio; and, a back sheet comprising a stretchable laminate. Although the stretchable backsheet may be very flexible, the remainder of the absorbent article typically will have to be modified as described herein to provide it with the desired flexibility. The absorbent article can be provided with the ability to decouple if the components with the similar characteristics are provided, those described in U.S. Patent No. 5,007,906, issued to Osborn, and others on April 16, 1991 and in the patent of United States No. 5,324,278 entitled "Sanitary towel having components capable of separating in use", issued to Visscher, et al. on June 28, 1994. The absorbent article may also be provided with structural features that allow its central portion to assume a convex configuration upwards. These features are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. ,171, 302 and 5,197,959, issued to Buell on December 15, 1992 and March 30, 1993, respectively. Still other non-limiting embodiments of the present invention are possible. For example, Figure 24 shows a "composite" absorbent article 88 having the features of the present invention. The composite absorbent article 88 comprises a tube of absorbent material, the primary absorbent component (or "core tube") 90 which is attached to the side that faces the body 92A of an absorbent secondary component (or "base pad") 92 The primary absorbent compound 90 is preferably dedicated to absorbing the volume of body fluids discharged by the user. In the embodiment shown in Figure 24, the absorbent primary component 90 comprises an absorbent structure, such as a tube of absorbent material, and an outer cover 96 that surrounds the absorbent material. The outer cover 96 may comprise any of the materials described above as being suitable for the top sheet of the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 4. In the preferred embodiment of the embodiment shown in Figure 24, the outer cover 96 of the primary component absorbent 90 comprises the same material used for top sheet 28 of base pad 92. The absorbent material may comprise any of the materials described as being suitable for use in the absorbent core of the embodiments described herein. The absorbent primary component 90 may further comprise an optional acquisition layer. The acquisition layer may be a separate component placed between the outer cover 96 and the absorbent material, or this may be an integral part of the composite outer cover. The acquisition layer can serve several functions including improving the capillary action or wicking effect of the exudates on and towards the absorbent material and / or containing the material in the absorbent primary component 90.

The base pad 92 functions primarily to protect the wearer's clothing against staining by the absorbed fluids which may be expelled from the primary absorbent component 90 or which inadvertently divert the primary absorbent component 90. The base pad 92 of the composite absorbent article 88 shown in Figure 24 preferably comprises the absorbent article 20 shown in Figure 4. The composite absorbent article shown in Figure 24 is a less preferred embodiment for use with a menstrual undergarment such as that shown in FIG. Figures 7 and 8, which have an extendable lifting strip 42 along its longitudinal center line. The lifting strip 42 places the absorbent article in close contact with the wearer's body within the space between the wearer's lips without providing a tube of absorbent material on the surface that faces the body of the absorbent article. However, as shown in Figure 25, the menstrual undergarment can be provided with a wider lifting area that separates the distant surfaces of the wearer's lips. This wider area can not rise convexly upward to enter the space between the user's lips. In such a case, the tube of absorbent material 90 in the composite absorbent article 88 will preferably work in combination with the menstrual undergarment as shown in Figure 25, to provide the desired interlabial fit. The absorbent article of the present invention can be provided with still other features. For example, the absorbent article can be provided with a pair of optional fins that attach to and extend laterally outwardly from the longitudinal side edges of the absorbent article. In this case, the absorbent article without the fins can be considered to comprise the main body portion of the total absorbent article which has the optional fins. The fins preferably extend laterally outwardly from at least the central region along the main body portion. Nevertheless, since the main body portion may be relatively small in size, it is possible that the fins may extend outwardly along the total length of the main body portion. In other embodiments, the fins may even be larger than the main body portion. If the optional fins are provided, they can be attached to the main body portion of the absorbent article in any suitable manner. The fins may be integral with the main body portion (i.e., the fins may comprise integral extensions of the upper leaf and the back leaf). In other embodiments, the fins may comprise separate components that are attached to the main body portion of the absorbent article. The fins can be in any suitable configuration. Suitable fins are described in reexamined patent No. B1 4,589,876 entitled "Sanitary towel", issued to Van Tilburg, certificate of reexamination issued on April 27, 1993; U.S. Patent No. 4,687,478 entitled "Sanitary towel formed with fins", which was issued to Van Tilburg on August 18, 1987; U.S. Patent No. 5,389,094 entitled "Absorbing article having fins and zones of differential extension capacity" issued to Lavash, et al. on February 14, 1995; U.S. Patent No. 5,558,663 entitled "Absorbent article having undergarment cover components with extensibility zones" issued to Weinberger, et al. on September 24, 1996, and in U.S. Patent No 5,584,829 entitled "Absorbent articles having pant covering components that naturally wrap the sides of the pantyhose", issued to Lavash, and others on December 17, 1996 (which describes the alternative of the fins being applied by a user ); PCT publication No. WO 97/12576 entitled "Absorbent article having fins with a deformed joint and areas of extensibility", published on April 10, 1997; and in International Patent Application Serial No. PCT US 96/15957 entitled "Absorbent article having fins with stepped configuration and zones of extension capacity" filed on October 3, 1996, in the name of Lash, et al. In still other embodiments, an interlabial absorbent device may be worn with the absorbent article of the present invention and the menstrual undergarment described herein. Suitable interlabial devices are described in U.S. Patent No. 5,762,644 entitled "Toilet Disposable Interlabial Absorbent Device", issued to Osborn, et al. On June 9, 1998 and in the United States Patent Application No. of series 09/071, 425 entitled "Interlabial absorbent device" presented in the name of Brown, and others on 1 st. May 1998. Alternatively, said interlabial absorbent device may be worn on said menstrual undergarment without the absorbent article of the present invention. 2. Method for making the absorbent article shown in Figures 18 to 20 The absorbent article of the present invention can be made in any suitable manner. Appropriate methods to elaborate the modalities shown in Figures 1 to 4 and Figures 22 to 24 were described above. Since the method for making the embodiment of the absorbent article shown in Figures 18 to 20 differs, it will be described separately. A preferred embodiment of a method of developing the embodiment of the absorbent article 20 shown in Figure 18 to 20 is described in more detail below.

The absorbent article 20 shown in Figures 18 to 20 comprises an absorbent core that is preferably in the form of a plurality of particles or columns of absorbent foam material. In a preferred embodiment, the absorbent foam material is formed into foam particles or columns when placed between the topsheet 28 and the backsheet 30 to provide a web of self-contained particulate or columnar material for the absorbent core 32. Said mode it can be easily constructed as described herein since the absorbent foam material is more easily destructible than the materials of the top sheet or the back sheet. In the preferred embodiment of the method of making the absorbent article shown in Figures 18 to 20, the method of forming the absorbent foam material in the particulate or columnar material involves the process of mechanical deformation. For convenience, the following description will only refer to the process as the formation of the particulate material (instead of both of the particulate and columnar material). The process of forming the absorbent foam material in the particulate material comprises several steps. A non-limiting but preferred embodiment of this process is shown in Figures 26 to 28. Figure 26 shows that a first step in this process involves the formation of a composite frame 120. The composite frame 120 comprises from top to bottom: a frame of top sheet material 122, a web of absorbent foam material 124, and a web of backsheet material 126. The web of top sheet material 122 and the web of backsheet material 126 act as "carrier webs" for the weft of the absorbent foam material 124 to contain the same when it is formed in the particulate material. The weft of the upper sheet material 122 and the weft of the backsheet material 126 may be composed of any of the materials specified above as being suitable for use as those components, provided that the materials have a yield to the breaking point under forces of tension that is greater than that of the weft of the absorbent foam material 124. The absorbent foam material 124 has a yield at the point of rupture under stresses that is less than the yield at the breakpoints of the weft of the weft. material of the upper sheet 122 and the web of the backsheet material 126. For the purpose of developing the preferred embodiment shown in Figures 18 to 20, the web of the upper sheet material 122 will comprise a web of the raised bulking material described above. previously. The weft of the absorbent foam material comprises one of those absorbent foam materials specified above in combination with the description of the embodiment shown in Figures 18 to 20. Preferably, the weft of the absorbent foam material 124 is approximately 2 mm thick. . The web of the backsheet material 126 preferably comprises a polyethylene film. The webs of the upper sheet material 122, the absorbent foam material 124, and the backsheet material 126 may be joined together in any manner specified above to form the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3. An apparatus for mechanically deforming the composite web 120 is provided. The apparatus preferably comprises a mechanical device having at least one component with a patterned surface thereon. The composite web 120 is then preferably subjected to a mechanical deformation processing using the apparatus by printing a pattern surface on the composite web 120 such that the absorbent foam material 124 is at least partially formed in the non-cut particulate material or forming the web of the top sheet material 122 and the web of the back sheet material 126 in the particulate material.

Figure 27 shows an embodiment of an apparatus 130 that is used to form the absorbent material 124 in the composite web 120 in the particulate material. The apparatus 130 shown in Figure 27 comprises two pairs of cylindrical rollers, first pairs of rollers 132 and second pairs of rollers 162. Each of the rollers has a patterned surface thereon. The patterns are preferably formed by a plurality of valleys and ridges on the rollers defining a plurality of triangularly formed teeth. The rollers in the first pair of rollers 132 preferably have triangularly formed teeth that are formed by ridges and valleys that are oriented around the circumference of the rollers. The upper roller 134 and the lower roller 136 in the first pair of rollers 132 are aligned in such a way that the ridges 138 of the upper roller 134 align with the valleys 140 in the lower roller 136. In a preferred embodiment, the triangular-shaped teeth which form the crests in the upper roller 134 and the valleys in the lower roller are separated such that these teeth do not touch each other or "couple" completely. The degree to which the teeth on the opposed rollers partially mesh internally is referred to herein as the "coupling" of the teeth. The coupling is the distance between a position where the vertices of the teeth on the respective rollers are in the same plane (0% coupling) to a position where the vertices of the teeth of a roller extend inwardly beyond the plane toward the teeth. valleys on the opposite roller. The coupling of the teeth can be expressed as a percentage of the distance (distance between the apexes of the teeth in one of the rollers) or in terms of a measured distance. Since the height of the teeth can be greater than the spacing, the coupling can be a value that is greater than 100% (for example, if the coupling is larger than the spacing). Preferably, the coupling is between about 15% and about 120% of the separation length, more preferably it is about 100% of the separation length. Examples of coupling expressed in terms of a measured distance may be between about 0.25 mm to about 1.8 mm, and between about 1 mm to about 1.5 mm. As shown in Figure 27 in the designated step 1, the composite web 120 is fed in a machine direction (MD) to the gripping space between the rollers 134 and 136. The rollers 134 and 136 subject the composite web 120 to a mechanical deformation process by printing the patterned surfaces thereon in the composite weft 120. The mechanical deformation process applies a force that is greater than the yield to the point of rupture of the weft of the absorbent foam material 124, but less than the yield at break point of the web of the upper sheet material 122 and the web of the backsheet material 126 such that the web of the absorbent foam material 124 is at least partially cut without cutting the weft of the web material. upper sheet 122 and the web of the backsheet material 126. Figure 27 shows the condition of the composite web in step 2, after it passes through the gripping space between the first pair of rollers 132. As shown in Figure 27, the weft of the upper sheet material 122 and the weft of the backsheet material 126 will have a pattern formed therein which corresponds to the combination of the patterns on the rolls adjacent, 134 and 136 in the first pair of rollers 132. However, the weft of the upper sheet material 122 and the weft of the backsheet material 126, however, are not cut or scored. The intermediate web of the absorbent foam material 124 has a plurality of slits 150 formed therein. The slits 150 are oriented in the machine direction (or "MD"). In the particular mode shown, the slits are intermittent and separated by strips of ungrooved material in the machine's transverse direction (or "CD"). This is due to the presence of the optional channels 144 in the lower roll 136. The weft of the absorbent foam material 124 is grooved while the weft of the upper sheet material 122 and the weft of the backsheet material 126 are not scored. that the weft of the absorbent foam material 124 has a yield to the breaking point less than the weft of the upper sheet material 122 and the weft of the backsheet material 126, and breaks, under tensile forces (the deformation process) while the web of the upper sheet material 122 and the web of the back sheet material 126 do not. The composite web 120 is then fed into a gripping space between the second set of rollers 162 of the apparatus 130 to mechanically deform the composite web. The second set of rollers 162 also comprises upper and lower roller, 164 and 166, respectively. Each of these rollers also has a pattern on its surface. As shown in Figure 27, rollers 164 and 166 in the second set of rollers 162 have ridges and valleys running parallel to the axes, AX, of these rollers. The crests and valleys on these rollers also define triangular-shaped teeth 168. The teeth on the second pair of rollers 162 engage in a manner similar to the teeth on the first pair of rollers 132. The upper roller 164 may also have several channels optional separate 170 that are oriented around the circumference of the cylindrical roller. Patterned rolls suitable for use as the second pair of rollers 162 in the apparatus shown in Figure 27 (although not for this purpose) are described in greater detail in U.S. Patent No. 5,518,801 entitled "Screen materials that exhibit "elastic behavior" issued to Chappell, et al. on May 21, 1996. Figure 27 shows that when the composite web 120 leaves the gripping space between the second set of rollers 162, at least a portion of the material Absorbent foam 124 is further provided with a plurality of grooves 180 that are oriented in the transverse direction of the machine (CD). This initial grooving in the machine direction and subsequent grooving in the machine transverse direction causes the absorbent material 124 to be formed or crushed into a plurality of particles 82. In the preferred embodiment shown in the drawings, the particles 82 have a square surface area that is approximately 1.5 mm x 1.5 mm. The particles 82 are preferably approximately 2 mm thick (the thickness of the weft of the absorbent foam material). The absorbent material 124 may optionally have ungrooved strips 184 left there due to the presence of the channels 170 in the second pair of rollers 162. Again, the weft of the upper sheet material 122 and the weft of the backsheet material 126 do not they are grooved, but they have another pattern formed in them. The overall pattern formed there resembles a grid with a combination of the impressions created by the first and second roll sets 132 and 162. Figure 28 shows the composite screen 120 after it has been fed through the apparatus shown in FIG. Figure 27. It should be understood that in Figure 28, the pattern printed on the web of the top sheet material 122 and the web of the backsheet material 126 by the first and second roll sets has been omitted for simplicity. In addition, the absorbent foam material 124 is shown as comprising only particles 82 for simplicity (ie, the non-slotted strips are not shown as being left in the absorbent foam material 124). Such an embodiment can be created by providing the rollers in the first and second sets of rollers 132 and 164 with continuous teeth and omitting the channels 144 and 170 between the teeth. The methods of forming a web of particulate material in greater detail are described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 09/027., 039 and 09 / 027,379 entitled "Methods for making absorbent material grooved into particles and structures formed in this way" and "Method for making grooved or particulate absorbent material" filed in the name of McFall, et al. On February 20, 1998. The composite web 120 with particles of absorbent foam material 82 inside can then be cut into individual absorbent articles in the manner shown in Figures 18 through 20. If desired, the components of the cut absorbent articles, such as the top sheet and the backsheet can be joined at least partially peripherally, and the fastening material can be added to the side that gives the garment of the absorbent articles. 3. TEST METHODS A. Resistance to Bending The flexural strength of an absorbent article is measured by peak bending stiffness. Peak bending stiffness is determined by a test that is modeled after ASTM D4032.82 Circular Bend Procedure, the procedure being substantially modified and performed as follows: the circular bending procedure is a simultaneous multiple directional deformation of a material in which one face of a sample becomes concave and the other face becomes convex. The circular bending procedure gives a force value related to the flexural strength, simultaneously averaging the stiffness in all directions.

The apparatus required for the circular bending procedure is a Modified Circular Bending Stiffness Tester, which has the following parts: A smooth, polished steel plate platform, which is 102.0 x 102.0 x 6.35 mm. hole with 18.75 millimeters in diameter. The edge to overlap the hole should be at an angle of 45 degrees to a depth of 4.75 mm. A plunger that has an overall length of 72.2 millimeters, a diameter of 6.25 millimeters, a spherical nozzle having a radius of 2.97 millimeters and a needle point extending 0.88 millimeters from it having a base diameter of 0.33 millimeters and a point having a radius of less than 0.5 millimeters, the piston being concentric with the hole and having an equal space on all sides. Note that the needle tip is only to prevent lateral movement of the test sample during the test. Therefore, if the needle tip significantly affects the test sample adversely (for example, by drilling an inflatable structure), then the needle tip should not be used. The lower part of the plunger must be fixed well above the top of the plate with hole. From this position, the downward stroke of the spherical nozzle will be to the exact lower part of the hole in the plate. A force measuring instrument and more specifically an Instron inverted compression load cell. The cell load has a charge range of about 0.0 to about 2000.0 grams. An actuator, and more specifically the Instron Model 1122 that has an inverted compression load cell. The Instron is made by Instron Engineering Corporation, Canton, Mass.

Number and Preparation of M u stras In order to perform the procedure for this test, as explained below, five samples of the representative absorbent articles are necessary. From one of the five items (which have, of course, any peel-off paper from the removed pantyhose and any blocked adhesive) that is to be tested, a "Y" number of test samples of 37.5 x is cut. 37.5 millimeters Samples having parts in which the top sheet is attached directly to the barrier sheet or which are a laminate of the top sheet, two or less tissue sheets and a barrier sheet, should not be tested. The reason that these samples are not tested is due to the realization that absorbent articles of the prior art exist, in which a top sheet is attached to a barrier sheet beyond the edges of an absorbent core at the periphery of the towel, such parts of which are highly flexible. However, the present invention is more interested in the overall flexibility of the absorbent article and not only the peripheral portions thereof and, therefore, the flexibility of the present invention is more interested in the flexibility of the significant absorbent portions of the absorbent article. . If any of these significant absorbent portions of the absorbent article meet the parameters of this test, then the absorbent article satisfies the test. Therefore, a number of different samples must be tested from each absorbent article. Certainly, the structurally more flexible portion of the absorbent article must be tested, excluding those portions previously excluded. The test samples should not be bent or flexed by the test personnel, and the handling of the samples should be kept to a minimum and on the edges to avoid affecting the properties of resistance to bending. From four remaining absorbent articles, an equal number "Y" of 37.5 x 37.5 mm samples, identical to the samples cut from the first absorbent article, are cut. In this way, the test staff must have a "Y" number of sets of five identical samples. The procedure for the Circular Doubling Procedure is as follows. The samples are conditioned by leaving them in a room which is at 21 ± 1 ° C and 50 + 2% Relative Humidity during a period of two hours. The tests described here are conducted under similar conditions. The test plate is level. The piston speed is stable at 50.0 centimeters per minute for the total stroke length. A sample is centered over the hole under the plunger in such a way that the body surface of the sample is giving the plunger and the garment surface of the sample is giving to the platform. Of course, any release paper from the panty adhesive (if present) is removed to simulate the conditions of use. Any panty adhesive (if present) should be blocked, using means well known to those skilled in the art, such as glycerin and / or powder, to prevent the sample from adhering to the platform and obtaining peak bending stiffness artificially elevated. If desired, the sample can be centered over the hole with the body surface giving the platform and the garment surface facing the plunger to obviate the need to block any adhesive that may be present. The zero indicator is checked and adjusted, if necessary. The plunger is activated. Avoid touching the sample during the test. The reading of the maximum force is recorded to the nearest gram. The previous steps are repeated until all five of the identical samples have been tested.

Calculation The peak bend stiffness for each sample is the maximum force reading for that sample. Each set of five identical samples is tested and the five values received for that game are averaged. In this way, the test staff now has an average value for each of the "AND" games tested. The flexural strength for the absorbent article is the greater flexibility of this stiffness to the average peak bend.

B. Capacity The total capacity of an absorbent article is measured as follows. Any release paper is removed from the panty of the article to be tested. The item is weighed to the nearest 0.1 gram. The article is then immersed in a beaker of sterile saline (obtainable from Baxter Travenol Company of Deerfield, Illinois), such that the article is completely submerged and is not flexed or bent or otherwise bent. The article is submerged for 10 minutes. The article is removed from the saline solution and hung for two minutes in an upright position to allow the saline solution to drain from the article. The article then places the body-facing surface down on an absorbent blotter paper, such as filter paper # 631 available from Filtration Science Corp., Eaton-Dikeman Division of Mount Holly, Springs, PA. A uniform load of 17.6 grams per cm2 is placed on the article to drain excess fluid. The absorbent paper is replaced every 30 seconds until the amount of fluid transferred to the absorbent paper is less than 0.5 grams in a period of 30 seconds. Next, the article is weighed to the nearest 0.1 gram and the dry weight of the item is subtracted. The difference in grams is the total capacity of the item. This concludes the test. The descriptions of all patents, patent applications (and any patents issued therefrom, as well as any corresponding published foreign patent applications), and the publications mentioned in this description are incorporated herein by reference. However, it is not expressly admitted that any of the documents incorporated herein by reference teach or describe the present invention. It should also be understood that all limits and scales specified here include all scales, limits and narrower quantities that are within the specified limits and scales and that these narrower scales and limits may be claimed even if those limits and scales are not listed. in a separated way. Since particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it is intended to cover in the appended claims all changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. An absorbent article to be carried in a support garment, said absorbent article comprising: a liquid permeable side; a side impermeable to the liquid opposite the liquid permeable side; and an absorbent component between the liquid-permeable side and the liquid-impervious side, wherein the liquid-permeable side and the liquid-impermeable side are arranged to form a unitary structure, wherein the absorbent article is characterized in that it has a resistance to the flexion less than or equal to 100 grams and is capable of substantially maintaining sustained contact with and covering at least a portion of the internal surfaces of the wearer's lips, at least a portion of the outer surfaces of the wearer's lips , and at least a part of the support garment.

The absorbent article according to claim 1, which has a longitudinal central region that is capable of being placed within the space between the lips of the wearer, said longitudinal central region being able to reside within said space between the lips of the wearer at an elevation that is greater than at least some of the parts of the absorbent article that are located laterally outside the longitudinal central region.

3. An absorbent article according to claim 2, wherein the absorbent article is capable of assuming said configuration without compression by the inner portion of a user's thighs.

4. An absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, which is generally planar before being used.

5. An absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, which has a side that gives the body a portion in relief therein.

The absorbent article according to claim 5, wherein the relief portion comprises a tube of absorbent material attached to the liquid permeable side of the absorbent article.

The absorbent article according to claim 5, wherein the relief portion comprises a hump-forming element, and the liquid-permeable side comprises a liquid-permeable top sheet, wherein the hump-forming element is under the liquid permeable upper sheet.

The absorbent article according to claim 2, wherein part of the absorbent article and outside the longitudinal central region are capable of cupping the user's lips from the front of the lips toward the back of the cup. the lips.

9. An absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, which has a cup-shaped configuration before being used.

An absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the support garment has a crotch region within which the absorbent article is worn assumes a modified cusp shaped configuration when used, wherein the cusp shaped configuration is modified because the supporting garment assumes a rounded convex upward shape in the longitudinally oriented area centered around the space between the wearer's lips which is located between two curved convex portions downwardly, and The absorbent article assumes a similar configuration as the crotch region of the support garment.

11. An absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least some of the parts of the absorbent article that are capable of maintaining contact with and covering at least a portion of the inner surfaces of the wearer's lips and surfaces outside of the user's lips, will flex under a pressure less than or equal to 20 g / cm2.

12. An absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, which is of a size and configuration to cover only a vaginal pudenda region and the user's perineum and does not extend forward beyond the wearer's pubic mound or back of the wearer's anus.

13. An absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, which is less than or equal to 18 cm in length.

An absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, in which it has a capacity greater than or equal to 10 grams of liquid in an area measuring 5 cm wide by 13 cm in length that will be centered below the vaginal orifice when the absorbent article is worn.

15. An absorbent article according to claim 14 having a capacity in said area greater than or equal to 20 grams of liquid.

16. An absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims that is capable of covering substantially all of the interior surfaces of the wearer's lips, up to and including the bottom of the wearer's vestibule.

17. An absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, which is capable of covering substantially all of the outer surfaces of the wearer's lips.

18. An absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, which has a surface area less than or equal to 130 cm2.

19. An absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, which has a ratio of total capacity to surface area greater than equal to 0.3 g / cm2.

20. An absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims having a flexural strength of between 20 and 75 grams.

21. An absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the absorbent article is of a size and configuration that is resilient to be in contact within the upper portions of a user's thighs and does not deviate more than 3.8. cm of its position in relation to the vaginal introitus of the wearer when the absorbent article is worn in a support garment.

22. An absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid impervious side of the absorbent article comprises a plurality of elements extending outward from the surface that is in contact with the body of said liquid permeable side.

23. The absorbent article according to claim 22, wherein said elements are capable of penetrating the pubic hairs of the wearer.

24. The absorbent article according to claim 22 or 23 wherein said elements comprise fibers.

25. The absorbent article according to claim 22 wherein said liquid permeable side comprises an apertured nonwoven web, which is generally planar, said non-woven web with openings having portions with openings and portions without openings, and said elements they comprise a plurality of fibrils on said portions without openings of the nonwoven web extending outwardly from the plane of the non-woven web.

26. The absorbent article according to claim 22, wherein the liquid-permeable side comprises an upper sheet comprising a non-woven fibrous web having a maximum caliper measured under a pressure of 350 Pa of more than or equal to 3.2 mm, and a basis weight less than or equal to 142 g / m2.

27. The absorbent article according to claim 2, wherein the top sheet has a maximum gauge of between 6.4 mm and 13 mm.

28. An absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a mechanical fastening material on the side that gives the garment for coupling at least a part of the supporting article of clothing, said fastening material Mechanical comprising an array of tines, each of the tines comprising a base attached to a substrate, a coupling means, and a rod comprising a proximal end attached to the base and a distal end attached to the coupling means.

29. The absorbent article according to claim 28, wherein said mechanical fastening material is arranged in a pattern on the side that gives the garment corresponding to a previously selected portion of the garment of support.

30. An absorbent article comprising: a plurality of columns of absorbent material; and a base material wherein said columns of the absorbent material are oriented generally perpendicular to the base material and bonded to the base material.

31. The absorbent article according to claim 30, wherein said columns of absorbent material comprise an absorbent foam material.

32. The absorbent article according to claim 30 or 31, wherein the base material comprises a material selected from the group consisting of: a non-woven material, a film with openings, and a film without openings.

33. The absorbent article according to claims 30, 31 or 32, wherein said columns of absorbent material comprise a portion that is in contact with the body of the absorbent article.

34. An absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims for being worn by a female human, said absorbent article having a lock eye configuration seen in plan, which has a wider oval portion that is worn on the back of the user's body and a generally rectangular extension therefrom which is brought to the front of the user's body, where the rectangular extension has rounded edges.