MXPA00005535A - Compound sanitary napkin having flaps and zone of extensibility - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a compound sanitary napkin (20) comprising a primary absorbent member (30), a base member (50), flaps (33) and at least one zone of extensibility (66). The compound sanitary napkin (20) has a longitudinal center line along a longitudinal direction and a transverse center line along a transverse direction. The primary absorbent member (30) has a longitudinal length (PL), a transverse width (PW), a thickness (PT), a pair of longitudinal sides (24) and a pair of transverse ends (25), and comprises a primary absorbent element (30) and a fluid pervious cover (32) superimposed on the primary absorbent element (30). The base member (50) has a longitudinal length, a transverse width, a thickness, a pair of longitudinal sides (21) and a pair of transverse ends, and comprises a fluid pervious body-facing sheet (52) and a fluid impervious garment-facing sheet (54) joined to the fluid pervious body-facing sheet (52). The primary absorbent member (30) is joined to the base member (50) at least at a part of the longitudinal direction of the primary absorbent member (30). Flaps (33) extend laterally outwardly from the longitudinal sides of the base member (50). Each of the flaps (33) has a proximal edge (40) joined with the longitudinal sides (21) of the base member (50), a distal edge (41) spaced laterally outwardly from the proximal edge (40). The flaps (33) cover a portion of the leg openings of the wearer's undergarment. At least one zone of extensibility (66) comprises at least a portion of the flaps (33), wherein at least a portion of the zone of extensibility (66) is spaced longitudinally away from the flap transverse centerline. The entire length of the proximal edge of the flaps (33) is not less than 20%of the length of the primary absorbent member (30). At least the zone of extensibility (66) is extensible to be capable of a stress given to the flap (33) when the compound sanitary napkin (20) is worn so that the flaps (33) are relatively free from shifting when at least a portion of the primary absorbent member (30) shifts away from the flap (33).

Description

COMPOSITE SANITARY TOWEL THAT HAS FINS AND EXTENSION CAPACITY AREA FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a sanitary composite pad that adjusts to the body having fins and zones of extension capacity. More particularly, the invention relates to a sanitary napkin comprising a primary absorbent member, a base member having fins and zones of extension capacity.

BACKGROUND In its simplest form, disposable sanitary napkins comprise an absorbent element (sometimes referred to as an absorbent core) interposed between a sheet permeable to the fluid that gives the body (sometimes referred to as a top sheet) and a sheet impermeable to the fluid that gives the garment (sometimes referred to as a back sheet). The absorbent element is, of course, intended to receive and contain menstruation and other vaginal discharges. The blade that gives the body is dedicated to providing more or less comfort and dry feeling contact with the surfaces of the body while allowing the free passage of fluids through it to the absorbent element. The sheet that gives the garment is intended to prevent menstruation and other vaginal discharges that are expelled or that escape the absorbent element from staining the user's undergarments. In addition to the three functional elements mentioned above, disposable sanitary napkins are generally provided with means for supporting the device adjacent to the wearer's crotch area, even as the user moves, where the user can more effectively perform his function tried. Typically, sanitary napkins are provided with an adhesive fastening means to secure the device to the inner crotch area of the wearer's undergarments. Although previously known sanitary napkins perform their intended function, each conventional design suffers from certain deficiencies in one or more of the absorbency of the body fluids, protection of the wearer's garments against staining and / or physical comfort for the wearer. With respect to disposable sanitary napkins, at least two general classes currently exist. A class is identified as being dedicated to the absorption of medium to high menstrual flows. These sanitary napkins offer a relatively high absorption capacity. The absorption capacity is commonly achieved by providing the sanitary napkin with a relatively thick and bulky absorbent member. Although having a relatively high absorption capacity, the volume of the absorbent member can cause a certain degree of discomfort to use. A second class of sanitary napkins is dedicated for light or low flows and are commonly referred to as pantyhose or panty liners. Sanitary pads of this kind, as a group, are thinner, a little more flexible and generally more comfortable than those of the first class. However, second-class sanitary napkins typically lack the absorption capacity of first-class sanitary napkins. An attempt to provide the benefits of the two kinds of sanitary napkins described above in a simple composite sanitary napkin is disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Patent No. 4,425,130 issued to DesMarais on January 10, 1984. The sanitary napkin composed of DesMarais comprises a primary menstrual pad and a panty protector attached to each other. On the other hand, sanitary napkins that have fins are widely known. These fins are bent to secure the outer side of the wearer's undergarment. The flaps serve to prevent staining of the edges of the undergarment. Therefore, the largest fins are expected, the minor spotting of the undergarment. However, as the fins become larger, it becomes difficult for the fins to be folded along the edges of the undergarment. Although the prior art sanitary napkins have addressed some of the problems of achieving a sanitary napkin, they have not addressed the problems to the extent of or in the manner of the present invention. Therefore, a primary objective of the present invention is to provide a sanitary composite pad having fins and zones of extension capacity.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a sanitary napkin comprising a primary absorbent member, a base member, fins and at least one zone of extension capacity. The composite sanitary napkin has a longitudinal center line along a longitudinal direction and a transverse center line along a transverse direction. The primary absorbent member has a longitudinal length, a transverse width, a thickness, and a pair of longitudinal sides and pair of transverse ends, and comprises a primary absorbent member and a fluid permeable cover superimposed on the primary absorbent member. The base member has a longitudinal length, a transverse width, a thickness, and a pair of longitudinal sides and a pair of transverse ends, and comprises a sheet permeable to the fluid that gives the body and a sheet impervious to the fluid that gives the garment unit to the sheet permeable to the fluid that gives the body. The primary absorbent member is attached to the base member at least in part of the longitudinal direction of the primary absorbent member. The fins extend laterally outward from the longitudinal sides of the base member. Each of the fins has a proximal edge joined with the longitudinal sides of the base member, a distant edge laterally spaced out from the proximal edge. The flaps cover a part of the leg openings of the wearer's undergarment. At least one area of extension capacity comprises at least a portion of the fins, wherein at least a portion of the area of extension capacity is longitudinally spaced away from the transverse center line of the fin. The total length of the proximal edge of the fins is not less than 20% of the length of the primary absorbent member. At least the area of extension capacity is extendable to be capable of a given tension to the fin when the sanitary pad is worn in such a way that the fins are relatively free to deflect when at least a part of the primary absorbent member deflects away of the fin.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Although the description concludes with the claims singling out and claiming the present invention differently, it is believed that the present invention will be understood from the following description in combination with the following drawings, in which like reference numbers identify elements identical and wherein: Figure 1 is a top plan view of a modality of the sanitary napkin composed of the present invention; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the longitudinal centerline L of the composite sanitary napkin shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the transverse center line T of the composite sanitary napkin shown in Figure 2; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IV-IV shown in Figure 1; Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the composite sanitary napkin; Figure 6 is a top plan view of a fluid permeable cover split with a primary absorbent member of a primary absorbent member; Figure 7 is a top plan view of a preferred weft material having a deformable network of the type used in the deformed hinge of the composite sanitary napkin shown in Figure 1, the weft material being shown in a substantially unstressed condition; Figure 8 is a segmented, enlarged perspective illustration of the weft material shown in Figure 7 in which the weft material is in a substantially unstressed condition; Figure 9 is a segmented, enlarged perspective illustration of the weft material shown in Figure 7 in which the weft material is subjected to tension in an amount that is sufficient for a substantial portion of the weft material deformations enter the plane of the applied elongation; Figure 10 is a segmented, enlarged perspective illustration of the weft material shown in Figure 7 in which the weft material is in a condition in which it will exhibit a second stage of elongation resistance forces; Figure 11 is a top plan view of a composite sanitary napkin comprising attachment means; Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XII-XII shown in Figure 1; Figure 13 is a perspective view of the crotch portion of an undergarment of the wearer with the sanitary napkin shown in Figure 1; Figure 14 is a top plan view of another embodiment of a sanitary napkin composed of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to composite sanitary napkins that conform to the body which exhibit absorbency for body fluids, protection against staining of the wearer's undergarments, and physical comfort for the wearer. More particularly, the present invention relates to a sanitary composite pad that fits the body comprising a primary absorbent member, a base member, fins, and zones of extensibility. The term "sanitary napkin7" as used herein, refers to an article that is worn by women adjacent to the pudenda region and which is intended to absorb and contain the various exudates that are discharged from the body (e.g., blood, menstruation and urine) and which is dedicated to being discarded after a simple use (ie, it is not intended to be washed or restored or reused in another way) .The term "compound sanitary napkin", as used herein, it relates to a sanitary napkin composed of separate constituents attached to each other to form a unitary structure The interlabial devices that reside partially within and partially external to the wearer's vestibule are also within the scope of this invention. term "pudendal" refers to the externally visible female genital organs and is limited to the labia majora, the labia minora, the clitoris, and The lobby A preferred embodiment of a sanitary napkin is described. Referring to Figures 1 to 3, there is shown a preferred embodiment of a sanitary napkin 20. The sanitary napkin 20 has two surfaces, a surface that is in contact with or faces the body 20A, and a surface that is in contact with each other. or gives the garment 20B. In a preferred embodiment shown in Figure 1, the composite sanitary napkin 20 has a first end region 27, a central region 28, a second end region 29, longitudinal sides 16 and transverse ends 18. The sanitary napkin 20 has two center lines, a longitudinal center line L and a transverse center line T. The term "longitudinal", as used herein, refers to a line, axis or direction in the plane of the sanitary napkin compound that is generally aligned with (by example, approximately parallel to) a vertical plane that divides a user standing in left and right body halves when the sanitary towel is worn. The terms "transverse" or "lateral", as used herein, are interchangeable, and refer, to a line, axis or direction that is located within the plane of the composite sanitary napkin which is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. As can be seen in Figures 1 to 3, the sanitary composite pad 20 comprises a primary absorbent member 30 and a secondary absorbent member 50 (base member) joined together by the attachment means 70. The primary and secondary absorbent members each have surfaces that it gives to the body and that to the corresponding garment. As shown in Figure 1, the sanitary napkin 20 has fins 33 extending from the longitudinal sides of the secondary absorbent member 50 in the central region 28 of the sanitary napkin 20. The primary absorbent member 30 is, as its name implies, that constituent of the sanitary towel 20 intended to absorb the volume of the body fluids discharged by the user. The absorbent primary member 30 has a generally rectangular shape extending in the longitudinal direction along the longitudinal centerline L. The primary absorbent member 30 also has longitudinal sides 24 and transverse ends 25 which together form the periphery 26 of the primary absorbent member 30. and has a longitudinal length PL and a transverse width PW, and a thickness PT. The longitudinal length PL may be generally equal to the longitudinal length SL of the secondary absorbent member 50. The transverse width PW may be generally narrower than the transverse width SW of the secondary absorbent member 50. The primary absorbent member 30 comprises a primary absorbent member as a primary absorbent core 34, a fluid-permeable cover such as the fluid-permeable upper sheet 32 superimposed on the primary absorbent core 34. The topsheet 32 is preferably docile, soft-feeling, and non-irritating to the wearer's skin . In addition, the topsheet 32 is permeable to fluids, allowing fluids to easily penetrate through their thickness. A suitable top sheet 32 can be manufactured from a wide range of materials such as woven and nonwoven materials, polymeric materials such as thermoplastic films formed with openings, apertured plastic films, and hydroformed thermoplastic films; porous foams; crosslinked thermoplastic films; and thermoplastic canvases. Suitable woven and nonwoven materials may be composed of natural fibers (e.g., wood or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (e.g., polymer fibers such as polyester, polypropylene, or polyethylene fibers); or from a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. A preferred top sheet comprises a film formed with openings. Films formed with apertures for the topsheet are preferred because they are permeable to body exudates and not yet absorbent and have a reduced tendency to allow fluids to pass back through and wet the skin of the wearer. In this way, the surface of the formed film that is in contact with the body remains dry, thus reducing the staining of the body and creating a more comfortable feeling for the wearer. Suitable formed films are described in U.S. Patent No. 3,929,135 issued Thompson, December 30, 1975; U.S. Patent No. 4,324,246 issued to Mullane et al., April 13, 1982; U.S. Patent No. 4,342,314 issued to Radel, et al., August 3, 1982; U.S. Patent No. 4,463,045 issued to Ahr, et al., July 31, 1984 and U.S. Patent No. 5,006,394 issued to Baird, April 9, 1991. Each of these patents is incorporated here for reference. The preferred top sheet for the primary absorbent member is a formed film described in one or more of the above patents and sanitary napkins are marketed by The Procter & Gamble Company of Cincinnati, Ohio as "DRI-WEAVE". The exposed or exposed surface of the formed film topsheet can be hydrophilic to help transfer fluid through the topsheet faster than if the body surface were not hydrophilic to decrease the likelihood that the menstrual fluid will flow out of the top sheet instead of flowing into and being absorbed by the absorbent core. In a preferred embodiment, surfactant may be incorporated into the polymeric materials of the formed film topsheet as described in PCT Publication No. WO93 / 09741 published on May 23, 1993 in the name of Aziz, and others, the which is incorporated here by reference. Alternatively, the body surface of the topsheet can be made hydrophilic by treating it with a surfactant such as described in U.S. Patent No. 4,950,264 issued to Osborn, on August 21, 1990 and which is incorporated here for reference. In a preferred embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the topsheet 32 may comprise a non-woven material 37 and a formed film 36 superimposed on the non-woven material 37. The formed film 36 has a first surface 38 facing outwards, a second surface 39 giving the non-woven material 37 and the primary absorbent core 34, and openings 42 extending from the first surface 38 to the second surface 39. The area of the openings 42 in the second surface 39 adjacent the primary absorbent core 34 is generally smaller than the area of the openings 42 in the first surface 38. Because the opening area of the first surface 38 is generally greater than the opening area of the second surface 39, the fluid can easily penetrate the top sheet 32 towards the primary absorbent core 34. However, this inhibits the fluid acquired in the primary absorbent core 34 to transfer from the absorbent core. primary 34 to the outside and wet the wearer's skin. The nonwoven material 37 is superimposed on the second surface 39 of the formed film. The formed film 36 and the nonwoven material 37 each have a rectangular shape when the formed film 36 and the nonwoven material 37 are unfolded as shown in Figure 6. The topsheet 32 has longitudinal sides 45 and transverse ends 46. formed film 36 has corresponding longitudinal sides 43 and transverse ends 44 and nonwoven material 37 has corresponding longitudinal sides 47 and transverse ends 48. The formed film 36 and non-woven material 37 can be overlapped by any suitable manner. Preferably, the formed film 36 and the nonwoven material 37 can be joined to one another along the longitudinal sides 45 by a plurality of discrete points 49. The discrete points can be formed by applying pressure, heat, pressure and heat, and / or adhesive. Alternatively, the formed film 36 and the non-woven material 37 can be attached to one another along the total length of the longitudinal sides 45. The primary absorbent core 34 can be any absorbent means that is generally capable of compressing, able to conform, elastic, non-irritating to the wearer's skin and capable of absorbing and containing exudates from the body. The primary absorbent core 34 can be manufactured from a wide variety of fluid absorbent materials commonly used in disposable sanitary napkins, and other disposable absorbent articles. Examples of suitable absorbent materials include ground wood pulp (which is generally referred to as air felt), creped cellulose wadding, modified cross-linked cellulose fibers (such as those described in U.S. Pat. 5,217,445 issued to Young, et al., June 8, 1993), capillary channel fibers (i.e., fibers having intrafiber capillary channels such as those described in U.S. Patent No. 5,200,248 issued to Thompson, et al. on April 6, 1993), absorbent foams (such as those described in U.S. Patent No. 5,260,345 issued to DesMarais, and others on November 9, 1993 and in U.S. Patent No. 5,268,244 issued to DesMarais, et al. On December 7, 1993), materials laid with thermally bonded air (such as those materials described in U.S. Patent No. 5,607,414 issued to Richards, and others, March 4, 1997), hydrogel-forming polymer gelling agents (such as those materials described in U.S. Patent No. 4,673,402 issued to Weisman, et al., June 16, 1987 and in the US Pat. No. 4,935,022 issued to Lash et al., June 19, 1990), absorbent sponges, cut synthetic fibers, polymer fibers, peat moss, or any equivalent materials or combinations of materials. Suitable absorbent cores comprising foams are described in U.S. Patent No. 5,260,345 issued to DesMarais, and others, November 9, 1993; U.S. Patent No. 5,147,345 issued to Young, et al., September 15, 1992; U.S. Patent No. 5,1949,720 issued to DesMarais, et al., September 22, 1992; U.S. Patent No. 5,198,472 issued to DesMarais, and others on March 30, 1993 and U.S. Patent No. 5,250,576 issued to DesMarais, and others on October 5, 1993. Additional cores comprising foams they are described in the European application 0 293 208 B1. Absorbent cores comprising sponges are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,512,530 and 3,954,493 and in French Patent 2,203,827. The materials selected to be used as the primary absorbent core 34 are preferably docile, soft, comfortable, compressible and resilient to increase body fit and comfort to the body of the primary absorbent member 30. Preferably, the primary absorbent core 34 is capable of compress such that the primary absorbent member 30 will deform under relatively small forces that are experienced during normal use. In addition to being able to compress, the materials comprising the primary absorbent core 34 are preferably comfortable such that the primary absorbent member 30 is capable of providing improved fit in and around the lips and perineum. Although being generally compressible and conformable under relatively small forces, those forces exerted by the female external genital organs during use, it is also important that the primary absorbent member 30 be sufficiently elastic that when subjected to the forces of normal use it will not crush permanently. Preferably, the primary absorbent member 30 will be sufficiently elastic that it will conform to the contour of the body to provide intimate contact with the exposed genitals of the female user. Intimate contact with the exposed female genital organs helps to provide the best fluid transfer from the wearer to the primary absorbent member without allowing the fluid to bypass or leak from the primary absorbent member. Although the elastic characteristics of the primary absorbent core 34 allow for improved fit, these must be balanced against the need for the product to be both soft and comfortable for the wearer. In a preferred embodiment, the primary absorbent core 34 comprises hydrogel-forming polymers and hydrophilic fibers such as air felt. Preferably, the primary absorbent core 34 comprises hydrogel-forming polymers of between 10% and 60%. More preferably, the primary absorbent core 34 comprises hydrogel-forming polymers of between 15% and 50%. The primary absorbent core 34 may include air felt of between 40% and 90%. Preferably, the primary absorbent core 34 may include air felt of between 50% and 85%. If necessary, the primary absorbent core 34 may further include hydrophobic fibers. As shown in Figure 3, the primary absorbent core 34 is manufactured in a generally cylindrical shape to provide the primary absorbent member 30 with a generally cylindrical shape. Although the primary absorbent core 34 shown in Figure 3 has a generally circular cross section, the absorbent core can be manufactured in a wide variety of shapes such as rectangular, triangular, oval, square, pentagonal, U-shaped, Z-shaped. , etc. The topsheet 32 can encircle the primary absorbent core 34 as shown in Figures 2 and 3. The topsheet 32 has a longer and wider width wider than the primary absorbent core 34 (shown in Figure 6). The transverse width of the upper sheet 32 is more than double the transverse width of the primary absorbent core 34. This allows the longitudinal sides 45 of the upper sheet 32 to overlap below the primary absorbent core 34 to encircle the primary absorbent core 34 as shown in FIG. shown in Figure 3. The longitudinal sides 45 of the upper sheet 32 can be secured by any suitable way to maintain the enclosed shape. The right ways include, but are not limited to adhesives such as adhesive lines, spiral adhesive, or adhesive in points. In a preferred embodiment shown in Figures 3 and 6, in-line adhesive 51 is applied to one of the longitudinal sides 45 of the topsheet 32 along the total length of the longitudinal length. Alternatively, intermittent in-line adhesive may be applied along the total length of the longitudinal length. The topsheet 32 may be associated with the primary absorbent core 34 in any suitable manner. Suitable manners include, but are not limited to associating the topsheet 32 with the primary absorbent core 34 with adhesives such as by spraying adhesive, in-line adhesives or adhesive at points between the topsheet 32 and the primary absorbent core 34. alternatively, or additionally the topsheet 32 may be associated with the primary absorbent core 34 by entangling the fibers of the primary absorbent core 34 with the topsheet 32, melting the topsheet 32 to the primary absorbent core 34 with a plurality of individual melt bonds. discrete, or by any means known in the art. To ensure the transfer of the appropriate fluid between the topsheet 32 and the primary absorbent core 34, it is preferred that the topsheet 32 be substantially continuously secured to the underlying absorbent primary 34 in its entire association or common interface. By substantially continuously making the top sheet 32 to the underlying primary absorbent core 34, the top sheet 32 will have a reduced tendency to separate from the primary absorbent core 34 during use. The separation of the absorbent core from the topsheet 32 can inhibit the transfer of fluid from the topsheet 32 to the underlying absorbent primary core 34. Therefore, the side facing the body of the primary absorbent core 34 can be secured to the topsheet 32 by, i.e., adhesive while the side facing the body of the primary absorbent core 34 can not be secured to the topsheet 32. to delay the transfer of fluid from the primary absorbent core 34 to the secondary absorbent member 50. The primary absorbent member 30 is preferably of circular or oval cross-section while the primary absorbent member 30 may be generally of any cross-sectional shape in its condition not stressed. The length PL, the width PW and the thickness PT of the primary absorbent member 30 may be of any convenient dimension. The length PL is preferably about 10 to 30 cm, and more preferably about 20 to 35 cm. Preferably, the length PL of the primary absorbent member 30 can be generally equal to the length SL of the secondary absorbent member 50. The width PW is preferably from about 0.5 to 5 cm, more preferably from about 1 to about 5 cm, and most preferably from about 2 to about 4 cm. The width PW of the primary absorbent member 30 may be less than the width SW of the secondary absorbent member 50. The thickness PT is preferably from about 0.2 to 2.0 cm, more preferably from about 0.2 to 1.5 cm, and most preferably from about 0.4 to 1.2. cm. Preferably, the thickness PT of the primary absorbent member 30 may be greater than the thickness ST of the secondary absorbent member.50. A ratio of the thickness PT to the width PW, or the ratio (PT / PW) can be between 0.05 and 1.5. Preferably, the ratio can be between 0.08 and 1.00. More preferably, the ratio can be between 0.08 and 0.5. The size of the primary absorbent member 30 is determined by the following test. A comparative instrument, and specifically the Peacock Gage No. 307 model, available from Ozaki Manufacturing Co., LTD can be used. The comparator instrument it must have a circular comparison area made of aluminum and it has a weight of 9.0 grams and a contact surface of 16 square cm. The comparator instrument is set to zero. A 60-gram stainless steel weight is placed on the axle or use that extends above the comparator disk. The base of the comparator is raised and the primary absorbent member and the secondary absorbent member is placed with the garment surface down on the base plate. The primary absorbent member is placed on the base plate such that when the support is lowered it is in the region of the primary absorbent member for which the measurement is desired. Trying to smooth or avoid any wrinkles in the primary absorbent member. Gently lower the support on the primary absorbent member. Determine the gauge of the primary absorbent member by reading the comparator disk 5 seconds after the seat comes into contact with the primary absorbent member. The primary absorbent member 30 is preferably relatively comfortable. It is preferred to keep the primary absorbent member relatively comfortable so that it will easily fit into the labial groove during use. It has been found that a primary absorbent member having a width and / or thickness is able to fit comfortably near the area of the lips. Although the primary absorbent members have been described above as having width and thickness greater than the previous width and thickness, these can also fit inside the labial groove if these are conformable enough. It is not necessary for all of the primary absorbent member to fit within the labial groove, however, a portion of the primary absorbent member is preferably able to fit within the labial groove. The primary absorbent member 30 may include optional elements. The primary absorbent member 30 may optionally comprise an elastic member with the primary absorbent core 34. The elastic member may comprise a single member or a plurality of individual members. Suitable materials that can be used as the elastic member include, but are not limited to, nylon, polypropylene, polyurethane, polyethylene, synthetic polyester rubbers, and other synthetic materials such as formed films or natural materials such as rubber, sponges, and similar or any suitable material that is able to withstand crushing during normal conditions of use of sanitary napkins during use. The elastic member can be manufactured in a wide variety of shapes such as rectangular, triangular, oval, square, pentagonal, U-shaped, Z-folded, etc. The elastic member may extend through the total length of the primary absorbent member 30. The elastic member may only extend through a portion of the length of the primary absorbent member 30. The elastic member may be placed within the first end region. 27, the central region 28, the second end region 29 or any combination of the foregoing. For example, the elastic member may be placed in either the first end region 27 or the second end region 29 of the primary absorbent member, both of the first end region 27 and the second end region 29 of the primary absorbent member 30. , in the central region 28 of the primary absorbent member, or in the central region 28 and the end regions 27, 29 of the primary absorbent member 30. Optionally, the primary absorbent member 30 may comprise an acquisition layer positioned between the topsheet 32. and the primary absorbent core 34. The acquisition layer can serve several functions including the capillary action or improved wicking effect of the exudates on and towards the primary absorbent core 34. Improving the capillary action or wicking effect of the exudates, the The acquisition layer provides a more even distribution of the exudates throughout the primary absorbent core. The acquisition layer may be composed of several different materials including nonwoven or woven synthetic fiber webs including polyester, polypropylene or polyethylene; of natural fibers including cotton or cellulose; mixtures of these fibers, or any of the equivalent materials or combinations of materials. Examples of sanitary napkins having an acquisition layer and an upper sheet are more fully described in U.S. Patent No. 4,950,264 issued to Osborn and in PCT Publication No. WO93 / 11725 published June 24, 1993. on behalf of Cree, and others. Each of these references are incorporated herein by reference. In a preferred embodiment, the acquisition layer may be joined to the topsheet by any of the conventional means for joining webs together, most preferably by fusion bonding as described more fully in the Cree application referred to above. The second necessary constituent of the composite sanitary napkin 20 is the secondary absorbent member 50 (base member). Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the secondary absorbent member 50 has a generally rectangular shape extending in the longitudinal direction along the longitudinal centerline L The secondary absorbent member 50 also has longitudinal sides 21 and transverse ends 22 which together form the periphery 23 of the secondary absorbent member 50 and has a longitudinal length SL and a transverse width SW, and a thickness ST. In a preferred embodiment, the longitudinal length SL can generally be equal to the longitudinal length PL of the primary absorbent member 30. The transverse width SW can generally be wider than the transverse width PW of the primary absorbent member 30. The secondary absorbent member 50 has two surfaces, a surface that is in contact with the body or "body surface" 50A and a garment surface 50B. The secondary absorbent member 50 is shown in Figure 1 as seen from its body surface 50A with the primary absorbent member thereon. The body surface 50A is dedicated to the user's body when the composite sanitary napkin 20 is worn by interposing the primary absorbent member 30 between the body of the user and the body surface 50A. The garment surface 50B is dedicated to be positioned adjacent to the wearer's undergarments when the sanitary napkin 20 is worn. Figure 1 shows that the secondary absorbent member 50 of the sanitary napkin 20 comprises the part of the secondary absorbent member. 50 without the fins 33. The secondary absorbent member 50 also has two end regions, which are designated as the first end region 27A and the second end region 29A. The central region 28A is disposed between the end regions 27A and 29A. The end regions 27A and 29A extend outwards in the longitudinal direction from the edges of the central edge 28A. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the secondary absorbent member 50 preferably comprises a fluid permeable sheet that gives the body or upper sheet permeable to fluid 52, a sheet impermeable to the fluid that gives the garment or back sheet fluid impermeable 54 joined with the upper sheet 52, and a secondary absorbent member 56 such as a secondary absorbent core 56 positioned between the upper sheet 52 and the rear sheet 54. The secondary absorbent member 50 may further have a secondary upper sheet between the upper sheet 52 and secondary absorbent core 56. Upper sheet 52, back sheet 54, and absorbent core 56 can be assembled in a variety of configurations known in the art (including layered and "sandwich" configurations and configurations). wrapped or "tube"). Figures 1 to 3 show a preferred embodiment of the secondary absorbent member 50 assembled in a sandwich construction in which the upper sheet 52 and the back sheet 54 have dimensions of length and width generally greater than those of the secondary absorbent core 56. The topsheet 52 and the backsheet 54 extend beyond the edges of the secondary absorbent core 56 to form part of the periphery 23. The topsheet 52 preferably attached to the side facing the body of the secondary absorbent core 56 and the backsheet 54 is preferably attached to the garment side of the secondary absorbent core 56. The topsheet 52 and the backsheet 54 can be attached to the core secondary absorbent 56 in any manner known in the art for this purpose, such as by an open pattern of adhesives. If the secondary absorbent member 50 has the secondary topsheet, the topsheet 52 can be attached to the secondary topsheet and the secondary topsheet can be attached to the absorbent core 56. This attachment of each layer increases the integrity of the secondary absorbent member 50. The portions of the upper sheet 52 and the rear sheet 54 extending beyond the edges of the secondary absorbent core 56 are also joined together. The top sheet 52 and the back sheet 54 can be joined in any manner known in the art for this purpose. Preferably, in the embodiment shown, these portions of the topsheet 52 and backsheet 54 are preferably bonded using adhesives over substantially the total portions extending beyond the edges of the secondary absorbent core 56, and / or a latch seal. at the transverse ends 22 of the secondary absorbent member 50 where the topsheet 52 and the backsheet 54 are densified by the application of pressure or heat and pressure. The topsheet 52 can be any fluid-permeable material commonly used in sanitary napkins, disposable diapers, and the like. This may be any of the materials described above as being useful in the topsheet 32 of the absorbent member of the primary absorbent member 30. A preferred topsheet 52 comprises a film formed with openings. Films formed with apertures for the topsheet are preferred because they are permeable to body exudates and still non-absorbent and have a reduced tendency to allow fluids to pass back through and re-wet the wearer's skin . In this way, the surface of the formed film that is in contact with the body remains dry, thereby reducing the staining of the body and creating a more comfortable feeling for the user. Suitable formed films are described in U.S. Patent No. 3,929,135 issued to Thompson, December 30, 1975; U.S. Patent No. 4,324,246 issued to Mullane, et al., on April 13, 1982; U.S. Patent No. 4,342,314, issued to Radel, et al., August 3, 1982; U.S. Patent No. 4,463,045 issued to Ahr, et al., July 31, 1984 and U.S. Patent No. 5,006,394 issued to Baird, April 9, 1991. Each of these patents is incorporated here for reference. The preferred top sheet for the primary absorbent member is a formed film described in one or more of the above patents and sanitary napkins are marketed by The Procter & Gamble Company of Cincinnati, Ohio as "DRI-WEAVE". The secondary absorbent core 56 can be any absorbent material commonly used in sanitary napkins, disposable diapers, and the like. This can be any of the materials described above as being useful in the primary absorbent core 34 of the primary absorbent member 30. As a practical matter, most body fluids are absorbed by and are contained within the primary absorbent core 34 of the absorbent member. primary 30. A primary function of the secondary absorbent member 50 is to protect the undergarments of the wearer against soiling by the absorbed fluids, which may be expelled from the primary absorbent member 30 or which may inadvertently divert the primary absorbent member 30. The overall absorption capacity of the secondary absorbent core 56 may therefore be somewhat less than that of the primary absorbent core 34. Because the primary absorbent core 34 is preferably dedicated to absorbing most or substantially all of the body fluids during the use, its absorption capacity s It will be a little bit but significantly larger than that of the secondary absorbent core 56. Because the secondary absorbent core 56 performs a function different from that of the primary absorbent core 34, the secondary absorbent core 56 can be, and most preferably is, a little more thin and less bulky than the primary absorbent core 34. Because the secondary absorbent core 56 has different requirements than the primary absorbent core 34, it can be formed of different materials. For example, a multiple layer or layers of tissue paper as commonly used in paper towels or toilet paper may be used to form the secondary absorbent core 56. Preferably, the secondary absorbent core 56 is formed from about 1 to about 5. layers of toilet paper. The toilet paper comprising one or more folds having a basis weight of about 24 to about 48 grams per square meter and a bulk density of about 0.10 to about 0.12 grams per cubic centimeter as is done by the process described in the US Pat. United States No. 3,303,746 issued to Sanford and Sisson on January 31, 1967 and whose patent is hereby incorporated by reference, has been found to be very satisfactory for use as the secondary absorbent core 56. Wet strength resins and the latex binders can be, and preferably are, used to provide additional strength to the toilet paper used in the absorbent core. Toilet paper or tissue paper made by the process described in United States Patent No. 3,994,771 issued to Morgan et al. On November 30, 1976, and whose patent is hereby incorporated by reference, may also be used to have good advantage as the secondary absorbent core 56. The secondary absorbent core 56 can have any suitable shape including, but not limited to, oval, hourglass, dog bone, asymmetric, etc. In a preferred embodiment shown in Figure 1, the secondary absorbent core 56 has a generally rectangular shape surrounded by the longitudinal edges 55 and the transverse edges 57. The secondary absorbent core 56 also has a longitudinal length CL, a transverse width CW and a thickness CT. The longitudinal length CL may be shorter than the longitudinal length PL and SL. The length CL may be from about 10 to about 33 cm, preferably from about 15 to about 33 cm. The transverse width CW may be wider than the transverse width PW of the primary absorbent member 30 in at least the central region 28A (i.e., the crotch region corresponding to the crotch region of an undergarment when the sanitary napkin is used compound). More preferably, the transverse width CW may be wider than the transverse width PW of the primary absorbent member 30 over the entire total length. The width CW may be from about 3 to about 12 cm, preferably from about 4 to about 10 cm, more preferably from about 5 to about 8 cm. The backsheet 54 is impervious to fluids (eg, menstruation and / or urine) and is preferably manufactured from a thin plastic film, although other flexible fluid impervious materials may also be used. As used herein, the term "flexible" refers to materials that are docile and that will easily conform to the figure and general contour of the human body. In use, the backsheet 54 is interposed between the secondary absorbent core 56 and the wearer's undergarments. The function of the backsheet 54 is to prevent exudates that can be expelled from or inadvertently bypassing the primary absorbent core 30 and the exudates absorbed and contained within the secondary absorbent core 56 contacting and staining the user's undergarments. . The backsheet 54 can thus comprise a woven or non-woven material, polymeric films such as polyethylene or polypropylene thermoplastic films, or composite materials such as a film-coated nonwoven material. Preferably, the backsheet 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 designation P-18-0401 and by Ethyl Corporation, Visqueen, division of Terre Haute, Indiana, under the designation XP-39385. The backsheet is preferably embossed and / or finished without gloss to provide a more fabric-like appearance. In addition, the backsheet can allow the vapors of the absorbent core 56 (ie, breathable) to escape while still preventing the exudates from passing through the backsheet 54. The shape of the secondary absorbent member 50 can be generally rectangular surrounded by the longitudinal edges 21 and the transverse edges 22. Other suitable shapes include, but are not limited to, oval, hourglass, dog bone, asymmetric, etc. The sanitary composite pad 20 shown in Figures s1 to 4 also comprises a pair of fins 33 that are attached to the secondary absorbent member 50. The fins 33 extend laterally outwardly beyond the longitudinal edges 21 of the secondary absorbent member 50 from their proximal edges 40 to the distant edges 41 (or "free end") . The flaps 33 extend outwardly from at least the central region 28A of the secondary absorbent member 50. As shown in Figure 1, each flap 33 is divided into a front half 60, and a rear half 61 by the transverse center line the fin Ti. The transverse center line of the flap ^ may coincide with the main transverse center line T of the sanitary napkin, but this is not absolutely required. The fins 33 are provided with fasteners or fin adhesive attachment means 62 to secure the fins 33 to the wearer's undergarment. The fins 33 can be attached to the secondary absorbent member 50 in any suitable manner. The term "united", as used here, 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 of the other element. Preferably, in the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4, the fins 33 are integral with the secondary absorbent member 50 (ie, the fins 33 comprise integral extensions of the topsheet 52 and the backsheet 54). In other alternative embodiments, the fins 33 may comprise one or more separate components that are attached to the garment-facing side of the secondary absorbent member 50. Preferably, in such a case, the fins 33 each comprise a separate component that is attached to the garment-facing side of the secondary absorbent member 50. In said alternative embodiments, the flaps 33 are preferably otherwise disengaged to the garment-facing side of the secondary absorbent member 50 of the composite sanitary napkin 20. between the points where these are attached to the secondary absorbent member 50 and the longitudinal sides 26 of the secondary absorbent member 50. The fins 33 in these latter embodiments can be attached to the garment-facing side of the secondary absorbent member 50 by any mechanism of proper fixation. Suitable fixation mechanisms include, but are not limited to adhesives, and the like. The fins 33 are each attached to (or associated with) the secondary absorbent member 50 along a joint. This is typically a longitudinally oriented (or "longitudinal") juncture, such as joint lines 31. As used herein, the terms "joint" (or "joint line") refers to the regions where the fins 33 extend from or are attached to the secondary absorbent member 50. These regions may be any of several curved or straight lines, but these are not limited to lines. Therefore, these regions may comprise tabs, strips, intermittent lines, and the like. The joint line 31 in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1 can be considered to be defined by regions or concave lines oriented inwardly if the proximal edges 40 of the fins 33 are considered to coincide with a very inward boundary of the joint. 65 (described below). In the preferred embodiment shown in Figure 1, the total length of the joint 31 may not be less than 20% of the total length of the primary absorbent member 30. More preferably the total length of the joint 31 may not be less than 25% of the length of the primary absorbent member 30. Therefore, if the joint 31 is coincident with the proximal edge 40 of the fins 33, the total length of the proximal edge 40 may not be less than 20%, more preferably not less than 25% of the primary absorbent member 30. The sanitary composite pad 20 having the joint 31 not less than 20% of the total length of the primary absorbent member 30 allows the sanitary composite pad 20 to form a wider cover or wider protection for the leg openings of the wearer's undergarment and remain in the correct place on the wearer's undergarment by the retention function of the vanes 33 having the relatively longer joint 31. In this way, the sanitary towel 20 also allows the primary absorbent member 30 to remain adjacent to the wearer's body where the exudates which are discharged from the body are expected. The sanitary napkin 20 shown in Figures 1 to 4 preferably has a hinge 65 between the secondary absorbent member 50 and at least a portion of the vanes 33. The secondary absorbent member 50 of the sanitary napkin 20 preferably also has at least a zone of extension capacity (or "zone of differential extension capacity") 66 for releasing stresses on the fins 33 when they are folded around a crotch of the undergarment. Each of these are described later. In the sanitary towel shown in Figures 1 to 4, the joint 65 preferably comprises a mechanically deformed region, generally oriented longitudinally. The hinge 65 provides a region of the secondary absorbent member 50 with increased flexibility to create preferred bending axes for the wings 33 to flex or bend. The hinge 65 is preferably located within a region along the juncture 31 of the fins 33 with the secondary absorbent member 50. The hinge 65, however, does not have to exactly match the joint 31 of the fins 33 with the hinge 33. secondary absorbent member 50. Joint 65 may be located laterally within juncture 31 of the fins with secondary absorbent member 50, over the joint, laterally outside of the joint, or any combination of the above. If the joint 65 is located laterally within the joint or over the joint, the joint 65 can be considered to be formed in at least part of the secondary absorbent member 50 (and, in the latter case, also in part of the fins 33) . The joint 65 may extend along the entire joint 31 of the fins with the secondary absorbent member, or along only a portion thereof. If the joint 65 is provided only along a portion of the joint 31, it is preferably provided in the region of the surrounding sanitary towel 20 and that includes the transverse centerline of the fin. The joint 65 can be in many possible configurations. The hinge 65 may comprise a continuous region, or a plurality of separate intermittent regions. The joint 65 may be rectilinear, curvilinear, or it may comprise portions that are rectilinear and portions that are curvilinear. The joint 65 has a boundary laterally further inward, or close, 65A and an outermost, or distant boundary, 65B. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4, at least the inboard boundary 65A of the joint 65 is preferably concave inwardly relative to the distal edge of the fins 54. The hinge 65 can be formed in any suitable manner that Provide the desired region of the sanitary napkin with increased flexibility. Preferably, the joint 65 is formed by mechanically deforming the desired regions of the secondary absorbent member. It has been found that many processes suitable for providing the regions of the secondary absorbent member with extension capability are particularly suitable for providing regions of the secondary absorbent member 50 selected for the joint 65 with increased flexibility. The joint 65 can, for example, be formed by a process that has been described as pre-corrugated (or "ring rolled"). Suitable methods for ring rolling are described in U.S. Patent No. 4,107,364 issued to Sisson on August 15, 1978, U.S. Patent No. 4,834,741 issued to Sabee on May 30, 1989, patent of the United States No. 5,143,679 issued to Gerald M. Weber, and others the 1st. September 1992, United States Patent No. 5,156,793 issued to Kenneth B. Buell, and others on October 20, 1992, and United States Patent No. 5,167,897 issued to Gerald M. Weber, and others the 1o. of December 1992. Alternately, as shown in Figure 1 for purposes of illustration, the joint 65 is provided by forming a deformable network in the region along the juncture 31 of the fins 33 with the secondary absorbent member 50. The process for forming a region with deformable network, and the structures formed thus are described in greater detail in combination with Figures 7 to 10. This technology is further described in the United States patent application granted serial No. 08. / 203,087 filed in the name of Chappell, and others on February 28, 1994 (PCT publication No. 95/03765, published on February 9, 1995). These structures (ring-rolled structures and materials with deformable network regions formed therein) are especially preferred for the hinge 65 because the crests and alternating valleys can form a plurality of bending axes for the fins 33. These types of structures also provide the joint 65 with a degree of extension capacity. The extension capability allows portions of the flap 33 in the region of the joint 65 to expand slightly in the transverse direction to better bend around the curved sides of the crotch of the wearer's undergarment. Providing the hinge 65 by forming regions with a deformable network in the secondary absorbent member 50 may also be preferred when it is desired to provide the formed regions with slightly greater integrity such that the fins 33 will be less likely to hang excessively in the hinge 65 due to to the first unformed regions or to the less extensible bands 84 (described below) of the deformable network that will serve as "trabes" that tend to provide the fins 33 with slightly greater structural rigidity and better appearance.

The process for forming a deformable network is preferred to provide the secondary absorbent member 50 with a hinge 65 due (as ring-rolled) that said operation can be easily adapted for use in high speed manufacturing operations. In addition, the process of forming a deformable network in a material is highly preferred because it can be adapted to produce virtually unlimited pattern numbers to make the configuration and characteristics of the hinge 65 and the extension capacity zones 66. Typically , the base material in which the deformable network is formed comprises a layer of simple material or laminate of materials, at least one of which is a film. Preferably, in the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4, the material having the deformable network formed therein comprises a laminate formed by an extension of the upper sheet 52 and the rear sheet 54 of the secondary absorbent member 50. The characteristics of the deformable web 67 in the hinge 65 of the sanitary napkin shown in Figures 1 to 4 will be discussed with reference to Figures 7 to 10. Figures 7 to 10 are enlarged views of a simplified version of a raster material 81 that it has a deformable network 67 formed therein. The term "deformable network", as used herein, refers to a group of interconnected and interrelated regions which are capable of extending to a useful degree in a predetermined direction. Figures 7 and 8 show the weft material 81 in a non-stressed condition. The deformable network 67 comprises at least two distinct and different regions which are designated as first region 84 and second region 85.

In the simplified embodiment shown in Figures 7 and 8, the weft material 81 includes a plurality of first regions 84 and a plurality of second regions 85. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, first regions 84 are substantially planar regions . That is, the material within the first region 84 is in substantially the same condition before and after the forming step submitted by the weft material 81. The second regions 85 include a plurality of rib-shaped, continuous, interconnected deformations. 86 which extend alternately beyond the plane of both the first and second surfaces (84A and 84B, respectively) of the first region 84. In other embodiments, the deformations 86 may extend beyond the plane of only one of the first surfaces 84A or second 84B of first region 84. Figure 7 shows that the weft material 81 having deformable network 67 formed thereon has a longitudinal center line (or axis), I, and a lateral center line (or axis), t. In the sanitary napkin embodiment shown in Figure 1, the longitudinal centerline, I, of the deformable network 67 is shown as being rectilinear and oriented generally in the transverse direction. However, the longitudinal center line, I, is not limited to said configuration and orientation. The longitudinal centerline, I, can be rectilinear, curvilinear, or partially rectilinear and partially curvilinear. The longitudinal center line, I, of the deformable network 67 may also be oriented in other directions, if desired. Figure 7 shows that the first regions 84 of the deformable network 67 have a first axis 87 and a second axis 88, wherein the first axis 87 is preferably longer than the second axis 88. In the simplified embodiment shown, the first axis 87 of the first region 84 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, I, of the weft material 81 while the second axis 88 is substantially parallel to the transverse axis, t, of the weft material 81. The second regions 85 of the deformable network 67 they also have a first axis 97 and a second axis 98. The first axis 97 of the second region 85 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, I, of the weft material 81, while the second axis 98 is substantially parallel to the transverse axis, t, of the weft material 81. In the version of the weft material shown in Figure 7 and 8, the first regions 84 and the second regions 85 are substantially linear, extending continuously in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, I, of the deformable weft material. In other embodiments, the second regions 85 may be curvilinear, or partially rectilinear and partially curvilinear. While the improved flexibility of the deformable network is of primary interest in forming the crosslink 65, the deformable network also provides portions of the fins 33 with a degree of extension capacity. Figures 8 to 10 show the manner in which the weft material 81 with a deformable network 67 formed thereon can exhibit at least two significantly different stages of controlled resistance forces to elongation when subjected to an elongation applied in one direction parallel to a predetermined axis. The deformable network 67 exhibits first resistance forces to the applied elongation (which develops between the stage shown in Figure 8 and the stage shown in Figure 9). The first resistance forces occur until the elongation of the weft is sufficient to cause a substantial portion of the second regions 85 to enter the plane of the applied elongation, as shown in Figure 9. After the raster material 81 reaches the stage shown in Figure 9, this exhibits second strength forces for further elongation (as illustrated by Figure 10). Typically, when used in the regions of the secondary absorbent member 50 described herein, the weft material will be within the first stage of elongation resistance such that different portions of the deformable network 67 will extend only to the stage shown in the Figure 9 and will adjust to relax back to the stage shown in Figure 8.

The hinge 65 is created by forming the deformable network 67 on the desired portion of the secondary absorbent member 50. As used herein, the term "formation" refers to the creation of the desired structure or geometry on a weft or laminate material that will retain substantially the desired structure or geometry when it is not subjected to any of the elongations or externally applied forces. Suitable methods for forming a deformable network in a weft material include, but are not limited to, enhanced embossing by coupling plates or rolls, thermal forming, high pressure hydraulic forming, and casting. The portion of the secondary absorbent member 50 in which the deformable network 67 is formed may comprise a base (or laminate) material that has a relatively low extension capacity under the forces that are normally subjected to the sanitary napkin when used. When the deformable web 67 is formed there, however, the base material can be made extensible under previously selected forces such as those that the sanitary napkin is normally subjected to when it is used. The depth and number of deformations 86 in the deformable network 67 can be varied to control the applied force or elongation required to spread the material in the hinge regions 65 of the secondary absorbent member 50. In one embodiment, the deformations 86 can be formed by two rigid plates that have a gear tooth pattern. The external dimensions of the tooth pattern cover a surface area of the plates that is approximately 20 cm x 4 cm for each fin. On the surface of each plate is a series of teeth which are substantially triangular in cross-section and taper to a radiating apex or apex. The teeth in this embodiment preferably have a height of 3,175 mm, and are evenly spaced with the centerlines of the teeth spaced apart at 1.9 mm increments. On the "toothed" side of a plate, a series of slots (preferably three slots for constructing the embodiment shown in Figure 1) are cut which are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the uniformly spaced teeth. These grooves correspond to the undeformed regions of the base material. The preferred base material is placed between the plates in a hydraulic press that has larger plates than the plates for evenly distributed pressure. The plates are compressed in such a way that the teeth only partially engage (or mesh). Preferably, the plates are moved in such a way that the teeth in the opposing plates are pressed towards each other at approximately 80% of the distance to the total coupling (the point where the teeth would otherwise touch). Typically, in order to do this when the base material comprises a film laminate formed with openings and polyethylene backsheet material laminated together by adhesives that was described in conjunction with the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4, the plates will be compressed under a load of between about 1, 750 to 4,900 g / cm2. The formed web material is then removed from between the plates. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4, the weft material formed with approximately 75% extension capacity is provided. The available stretch or elongation is increased if for a given number of deformations, the height or degree of deformation imparted to the weft material is increased. Similarly, the stretching or elongation available is increased if, for a given height or degree of deformation, the number or frequency of deformations increases. The coupling plates may be configured to create any of the patterns for the joint 65 on the sanitary napkins shown in the drawings. The secondary absorbent member 50 also has zones of extension capacity 66 to release the tensions that develop in the fins when they bend down and under the wearer's undergarment and when at least one part of the primary absorbent member 30 diverts away from the fins 33. The terms "extension capacity zone" or "differential extension capacity zones", as used herein, refer to a portion of the secondary absorbent member 50 of the composite sanitary napkin 20 that is capable of extending (and are preferably capable of extending at an amount greater than the surrounding portions of the secondary absorbent member 50). The secondary absorbent member 50 preferably has at least one zone of extension capacity 66 for each fin 33, and more preferably has four zones of extension capacity 66. As the zones of differential extension capacity 66 release the tensions in the fins, these can be referred to here as a kind of "stress releasing medium". The extension capacity zones 66 may be extensible in any desired direction, or in more than one direction. However, the extension capacity zones 66 are preferably primarily extensible generally outwardly in the transverse direction. As used herein, "usually in the transverse direction" means that the extension capacity has a transverse component. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, this is generally in the direction of the arrows which are generally at a right angle to the longitudinal direction of the primary absorbent member 30. Alternatively, the extension capacity zones 66 are primarily extendable at an angle to the longitudinal direction of the primary absorbent member 30. All of the extension need not be exactly oriented in the same direction. However, the extension capacity is preferably more oriented in the transverse direction than in the longitudinal direction.

Preferably, the zones of extension capacity 66 are extensible at least in the same direction as the primary absorbent member 30 can deflect. The extension capacity zones 66 also preferably have sufficient extension capacity which is capable of giving a tension to the fin. Preferably, extension capacity zones 66 may have the extension capacity of at least 20% compared to their original length. More preferably, the extension capacity zones 66 can have an extension capacity of at least 25%. The zones of extension capacity are extensible to be able to pay attention to the fin when the sanitary composite pad 20 is worn. The fins 33 are also substantially free of deflection when a portion of the primary absorbent member 30 deflects away from the fin. 33. Generally, when the sanitary towel 20 is worn and the user moves, for example, walks, a part of the primary absorbent member 30 can deflect. For example, the transverse end 25 of the primary absorbent member 30 can deflect away from the fin when the primary absorbent member 30 deflects with the wearer's body. Because the flap is secured to the undergarment by the adhesive attachment member 62, said deviation from the primary absorbent member 30 can give a tension to the flap 33. However, because the flaps 33 are substantially free of deviation when a portion of the primary absorbent member 30 deflects away from the flap 33, the flaps 33 may remain on the undergarment without disengaging therefrom. The zones of extension capacity 6 may comprise any structure capable of extending in the transverse direction (or in any other desired direction). The extension capacity referred to herein may preferably be without elastic. That is, this can be achieved without the use of separate pieces, threads or elastic materials to contract one or more parts of the sanitary napkin. Alternatively, this can be achieved with the use of separate pieces, threads or elastic materials to contract one or more parts of the sanitary napkin. The zones of extension capacity can also be achieved without grooved or notched portions of the sanitary napkin that cover the wearer's undergarments. Areas of extension capacity 66, therefore, comprise continuous material. This will have the advantage that the exudates will not be able to move through the slots or notches to stain the wearer's undergarments. Alternatively, this can be accomplished by grooving or notching the parts of the sanitary napkin that cover the wearer's undergarments. Structures suitable for extension capacity zones 66 include, but are not limited to, areas of the material that are mechanically deformed, corrugated, "ring-rolled", formed with a deformable network therein, formed with a network of corrugations without any less extensible band in it, bent, folded, or joined along a curved joint. These structures (although shown solely as being part of the fins 33) may comprise portions of the secondary absorbent member 50, portions of the fins 33, or both. These may be integral parts of these components of the sanitary napkin, or separate elements, such as pieces of material, attached to the sanitary napkin. The structures suitable for extension capacity zones are described in greater detail in U.S. Patent No. 5,389,094 issued to Lavash, and others on February 14, 1995. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the zones of extension capacity 66 may either comprise rolled regions with annular fins or a network of corrugations without any of the less extensible bands therein. In any case, the extension capacity zones 66 preferably have corrugations with ridges that are generally joined in the longitudinal direction of the primary absorbent member 30 such that the areas of extension capacity will be extensible mainly in the transverse direction which are generally at a right angle to the direction where the primary absorbent member 30 extends. Alternatively, the ridges may be oriented generally at an angle to the longitudinal direction of the primary absorbent member 30. There are many possible arrangements and configurations that the zones of extension 66 may have relative to one another and relative to the joints 65. The extension capacity zones 66 (or at least parts thereof) are preferably longitudinally spaced away from the transverse center line of the fin T1. As shown in Figure 1, the portions of the extension capacity zones 66 that are laterally spaced farther outward from the joint 31 of the fins 33 with the secondary absorbent member 50 are separated by an intermediate region 68. The portions of the extension capacity zones 66 that are closer to the joint 31 of the fins 33 with the secondary absorbent member 50 may also be longitudinally spaced away from the transverse center line of the fin T1 such that they do not bump into each other . Alternatively, these portions of extension capacity zones 66 may bump into each other. The intermediate region 68 comprises a region of the fin 33 that includes the transverse centerline of the fin T1 and laterally adjacent regions. The intermediate region 68 is preferably more rigid than the regions of the sanitary napkin comprising the hinge 65 and the extensibility zones 66. This provides the fins 33 with greater integrity such that they will be easier for the user to handle. . Therefore, the secondary absorbent member 50 of the sanitary napkin is preferably the stiffer portion of the sanitary napkin. The intermediate region 68 is preferably the stiffer portion of the fins 33, and is preferably not as rigid as the secondary absorbent member 50. The hinge 65 is preferably more flexible than any of those portions of the sanitary napkin. The sanitary towel composite 20 having the joint 31 of not less than 20% of the total length of the primary absorbent member 30 gives the larger fins of the sanitary napkin 20 and the larger intermediate region 68. The larger intermediate region 68 allows the composite sanitary napkin 20 to have larger (or longer) adhesive attachment means 62 the larger adhesive attachment means 62 are useful for keeping the vanes in place in the desired position on the garment inside of the user. The extension capacity zones 66 may be spaced apart from the joint 65, or to be adjacent to the joint 65. Preferably, as shown in Figure 1, the joint 65 is contiguous (i.e., touching or connected throughout an uninterrupted sequence) with the extension capacity zones 66. The joint 65 and the preferred ring-rolling extension areas 66 are, thus, parts of a composite, deformed continuous region. As shown in Figure 1, the joint 65 gradually transits into portions of the secondary absorbent member 50 that comprise the extension capacity zones 66. The composite deformed region, in this manner, comprises continuous corrugations having ridges that are generally oriented in the longitudinal direction with a plurality of non-extensible bands 84 in the central direction adjacent the transverse center line of the fin T1. As shown in Figure 1, the composite deformed region preferably has a proximal limit along the juncture 31 of the fins 33 with the secondary absorbent member 50 which is concave relative to the proximal edges 40 of the fins 33. The composite deformed region preferably has a distant boundary which is also concave relative to the distant edges 46 of the fins 33. Figure 1 shows that the distant boundary of the composite deformed region defines the boundary of the intermediate region 68 as a generally semicircular area . In addition, as shown in Figure 1, the radius of curvature of the boundary distant from the composite deformed region is preferably less than the radius of curvature of the proximal edge of the composite deformed region. It is believed that this provides the flaps 33 with a smooth fold line around the crotch sides of the wearer's undergarment when the sanitary napkin 20 is in place there (as shown in Figure 13). Many variations of the modalities described herein are possible. For example, instead of comprising corrugations with linear ridges that are oriented in the longitudinal direction, the deformations forming these regions may be arranged in the form of a series of concentric concave ridges and valleys that are aligned with the boundaries of these regions. Alternatively, the hinge 65 and / or extensibility zones 66, instead of comprising deformed regions of the sanitary napkin, may comprise some other type of suitable structure that provides the secondary absorbent member 50 with the desired properties of flexibility and increased extension capacity in these regions. The garment surface 20B of the sanitary napkin 20 may include, and preferably includes, fasteners for securing the sanitary napkin to the undergarment of the wearer. Figure 1 shows the central pad fastener 58 which is adapted to secure the secondary absorbent member 50 of the sanitary napkin 20 to the crotch region of an undergarment. Any of the types of fasteners known in the art, such as adhesive fasteners and mechanical fasteners, can be used. Fasteners comprising adhesives have been found to work well for this purpose, with pressure sensitive adhesives being preferred. The outer surface of the fins 33, adjacent to the distant edges 41 of the fins, is preferably provided with a fin fastener such as a fin adhesive 62. The fin adhesive 62 is used to assist in keeping the fins 33 in the air. position after they have wrapped around the edge of the crotch portion of the undergarment. Suitable adhesive fasteners are described in greater detail in U.S. Patent No. 4,917,697. The flaps 33 can be held in position by fixing the flaps 33 to the undergarment, or to the opposite flap. The fasteners used with the present invention are not limited to adhesive fastening means. Any type of fastener used in the art can be used for that purpose. For example, the composite sanitary napkin 20 can be secured to the wearer's undergarment by mechanical fasteners, such as VELCRO, or the fasteners described in U.S. Patent No. 4,946,527 entitled "Adhesive Pressure-Sensitive Fastener and Methods for Making the same "issued to Battrell on August 7, 1990, or in U.S. Patent No. 5,392,498 entitled" Beneficial Non-abrasive Clamping System with Skin "issued to Goulait, et al. on February 28, 1995. Without However, for simplicity, the fasteners will be described in terms of the adhesive fastening means. The adhesive attachment means are respectively covered by removable release liners, central pad release liner and flap release liners, 59 and 63. The pressure sensitive adhesives must be covered with release liners 59 and 63 for Prevent the adhesive from sticking to foreign surfaces before use. Suitable release liners are described in U.S. Patent No. 4,917,697. A particularly preferred release liner that also serves as an individual package for wrapping the sanitary napkin is described in U.S. Patent No. 4,556,146 issued to Swanson, et al. In other embodiments, the fins 33 can be bent and bent as described in U.S. Pat. No. ,281, 208 issued to Osborn, and others on January 25, 1994. The adhesive attachment means in the fins can, instead of being covered with a release liner, be removably adhered to a release surface provided in some another part of the sanitary napkin, including the secondary absorbent member, or the fins, or a separate component attached to the secondary absorbent member or fins. The length SL, the width SW and the thickness ST of the secondary absorbent member 50 may be of any convenient dimension. The length SL is preferably from about 10 to 35 cm, and more preferably from about 20 to 35 cm. Preferably, the length SL of the secondary absorbent member 50 can be generally equal to the length PL of the primary absorbent member 30. The width SW is preferably from about 4 to 13 cm, more preferably from about 5 to about 1 cm, and preferably from about 6 to about 9 cm. The secondary absorbent member 50 is preferably thin and relatively flexible. The thickness ST is preferably from about 0.1 to 2.0 cm, more preferably from about 0.1 to 1.0 cm, and most preferably from about 0.1 to 0.4 cm. Preferably, the thickness ST of the secondary absorbent member 50 can be smaller than the thickness PT of the primary absorbent member 30. The secondary absorbent member (base member 50) can optionally be manufactured without an absorbent core 56. Since most but all of the bodily fluids are preferably absorbed by and are contained within the primary absorbent core 34 of the primary absorbent member 30, the base member 50 only needs to protect the wearer's undergarments against stains by the relatively small amounts of fluid that can be expelled from the body. primary absorbent member 30 or which can inadvertently divert primary absorbent member 30. Therefore, since the expected amounts of fluid which may be in contact with the base member are relatively small, a base core may not be necessary to contain the fluids within the 50 base member and Vitarles that stain the user's undergarments. To form the composite sanitary napkin 20, the primary absorbent member 30 and the secondary absorbent member 50 are joined by attachment means generally indicated as 70 in Figures 1 to 3, 11 and 12. The attachment means 70 serves to attach the member primary absorbent 30 and secondary absorbent member 50 in a sanitary composite pad 20 with sufficient toughness that the primary absorbent member 30 and the secondary absorbent member 50 are not disconnected during use. Any suitable joining means can be used as well as adhesive bonding, pressure bonding, heat bonding, or ultrasonic bonding. The primary absorbent member 30 may be attached to the secondary absorbent member 50 at least along not more than 10% of the longitudinal length of the primary absorbent member 30, preferably at the center in the longitudinal direction. Preferably, the primary absorbent member 30 can be attached to the secondary absorbent member 50 at least along the length where it extends the proximal edge 40 of the fins 33. More preferably, the primary absorbent member can be attached to the secondary absorbent member 50 by the joining means 70 along the total common length. Alternatively, the primary absorbent member 30 may be attached to the secondary absorbent member 50 intermittently along the common length. In a preferred embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3, 11 and 12, the primary absorbent member 30 is attached to the secondary absorbent member 50 by the attachment means 70 which includes a first attachment means 72 and the second attachment means 74.

The first attachment means 72 includes the application of pressure to the overlapped transverse ends 22 and 25 at the plurality of discrete points. By applying pressure to the overlapped transverse ends 22 and 25, the topsheet 32 of the primary absorbent member 30, the topsheet 52 and the backsheet 54 of the secondary absorbent member 50 are secured together at the overlapped transverse ends 22 and 25. alternately, the first attachment means 72 may include the application of heat in a plurality of discrete points, lines or areas. Although the application of heat works well to join multiple layers, the heat transfer between the layers to join the layers can become lower as the layers become thick. In the preferred embodiment shown in Figure 2, since the longitudinal sides 45 of the topsheet 32 of the primary absorbent member 30 are overlapping one another below the primary absorbent core 34, five layers comprising three top sheet layers 32, one top sheet layer 52 and a layer of back sheet 54 are joined. If the top sheet 32 comprises two layers having the formed film 36 and the non-woven material 37, eight layers can be joined together as shown in Figure 12. Since the layers are thick, it is preferable to apply pressure, or pressure and heat to join the layers. Alternatively, the first attachment means 72 may include the application of adhesive between the layers, or applying the combination of pressure, heat and adhesive. In the preferred embodiment, the adhesive 72A can be applied to the inner surface of the upper sheet 32 at the transverse end 36 as shown in Figures 2 and 12. Alternatively, adhesive 72 can be applied between the formed film 36 and the non-woven material 37 at the transverse ends 44 and 48 as shown in Figure 7. Alternatively, both the adhesive 72A and the adhesive 72B can be applied. The second attachment means 74 includes the application of adhesive such as spiral adhesive, in-line adhesive, or adhesive in spots between the primary absorbent member 30 and the secondary absorbent member 50. As shown in Figure 11, in a preferred embodiment , spiral adhesive 74 is applied as the second bonding means continuously between the primary absorbent member 30 and the secondary absorbent member 50 to fix the primary absorbent member 30 with the upper sheet 52 of the secondary absorbent member 50. When the primary absorbent member 30 and secondary absorbent member 50 which are fixed to one another along the total common length, it is preferable to use spiral adhesive since the application of the spiral adhesive prevents the absorbent member 30 and 50 from fixing in a unnoticed. The primary absorbent member 30 and the secondary absorbent member 50 are preferably fixed in the narrowest width AW than in the transverse width PW of the primary absorbent member 30. Preferably, the width AW may be less than 70% of the width PW. This allows the primary absorbent member 30 to conform to the figure of the female body and the movement of the female body. The composite sanitary napkin 20 of the present invention is used by removing the release liners 59 and 63 and placing the sanitary napkin 20 in an undergarment 82 as shown in Figure 13. The secondary absorbent member 50 is placed in the portion of the sanitary napkin. crotch of the undergarment with one end of the secondary absorbent member 50 extending toward the front section of the undergarment and the other end toward the back section of the undergarment. The backsheet 54 is placed in contact with the inner surface of the center of the crotch portion of the undergarment 82. The central adhesive fastener of the pad 58 holds the composite sanitary napkin 20 in place. The distal portions of the vanes 33 they are folded around the lateral edges 80 of the undergarment 82. The flap adhesives 62 secure the flaps 33 to the underside of the undergarment or to the opposite flap. The primary absorbent member 30 attached to the secondary absorbent member held in the undergarment 82 by the fins remains adjacent to the wearer's body where the exudates that are discharged from the body are expected. While wearing the sanitary pad composed 20, a portion of the primary absorbent member 30 can deflect away from the flap 33 as shown by the arrow A in Figure 13. This deflection can pay attention to the flap 33 such that the flap 33 disengages from the undergarment. Since the extension capacity zone 66 is extensible, being capable of tensioning the fins 33, the fins 33 are substantially free to deflect when the portion of the primary absorbent member 30 deflects with the wearer's body. Figure 14 shows another preferred embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 14, the sanitary napkin 120 may comprise a primary absorbent member 130, the secondary absorbent member 150, the fins 133 (or first fins) and the additional fins 134 (or second fins). The composite sanitary napkin 120 may have a length greater than the sanitary napkin 20 shown in Figure 1 since the sanitary napkin 120 has the second vanes 134. The first vanes 133 may be inclined toward a transverse end 118A of the sanitary napkin composed 20 and having the proximal edge 140 and the distant edge 141. Preferably, the total length of the first proximal edge 140 may not be less than 20% of the length of the primary absorbent member 130. At the opposite transverse end 118B, the second flaps 134 may extend laterally outwardly beyond the longitudinal sides 121 of the secondary absorbent member 150. The second flaps 134 remain extended in the wearer's undergarment when the composite sanitary napkin 120 is worn. The first flaps 134 may comprise the same component as the first fins 133 and may be attached to the secondary absorbent member 150 by the m ism method. Preferably, the second fins 134 may comprise the extensions of the top sheet and the backsheet of the secondary absorbent member 150. The composite sanitary pad 120 is provided with the link 165 between the secondary absorbent member 150 and at least the portion of the absorbent members 150. fins 133. Secondary absorbent member 150 of composite sanitary napkin 120 preferably has four zones of extension 166 on first fins 133. It may be desirable to provide a sanitary napkin composite having a primary absorbent member with width or gauge grades variables throughout its length. For example, the primary absorbent member may be relatively thicker in the central region as it is the opposite of the end regions. Alternatively, the primary absorbent member may be relatively thinner in the central region as is the opposite of the end regions. Although the particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, attempts are made to protect all these changes and modifications within the scope of the invention in the appended claims.

Claims (10)

1. A sanitary napkin having a longitudinal center line along a longitudinal direction of a transverse center line along a transverse direction, the sanitary napkin comprising: a) a primary absorbent member having a longitudinal length, a transverse width , a thickness, a pair of longitudinal sides and a pair of transverse ends, and comprising a primary absorbent member and a fluid permeable cover superimposed on the primary absorbent member, b) a base member having a longitudinal length, a transverse width , a thickness, a pair of longitudinal sides and a pair of transverse ends, and comprising a sheet permeable to the fluid that gives the body and a sheet impermeable to the fluid that gives the garment attached to the sheet permeable to the fluid that gives the body, and the primary absorbent member attached to the base member in at least a part of the longitudinal direction of the absorber member. primary bent, c) fins extending laterally outward from the longitudinal sides of the base member, each of the fins having a proximal edge joined to the longitudinal sides of the base member and a distant edge laterally spaced towards the proximal edge, the fins covering a portion of the leg openings of the wearer's undergarment, d) at least one area of extension capacity comprising at least a portion of the fins, wherein at least a portion of the area of extension capacity is longitudinally separated away from the transverse center line of the fin, where e) the total length of the proximal edge of the fins is not less than 20% of the length of the primary absorbent member, f) at least the capacity zone of extension is extendable to be able to pay attention to the fin when the sanitary pad is worn in such a way that the fins are relatively free from deviation r or tipping when at least a portion of the primary absorbent member tilts away from the fin. The composite sanitary napkin according to claim 1, wherein the composite sanitary napkin further includes a hinge comprising a portion of the sanitary napkin composed between the base member and the wings. The composite sanitary napkin according to claim 1, wherein the primary absorbent member is attached to the blade that faces the body of the base member along the length of no more than 10% of the member's longitudinal length. primary absorbent. 4. The sanitary napkin composed in accordance with the claim 3, wherein the primary absorbent member is attached to the blade that faces the body of the base member at least along the length of the proximal edge of the fins. 5. The sanitary pad composed in accordance with the claim 4, wherein the fin comprises extending portions of the sheet permeable to the fluid that gives the body and the sheet impervious to the fluid that it gives to the garment, and the articulation and extension zone provide the extension portions. of the fluid-permeable sheet that gives the body and the sheet impermeable to the fluid that gives the garment. 6. The sanitary towel composed in accordance with the claim 5, wherein the zone of extension capacity has a direction of extensibility, the zone of extensibility is provided in such a way that the direction is arranged at an angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of the primary absorbent member. 7. The sanitary towel composed in accordance with the claim 6, wherein the zone of extension capacity comprises a plurality of corrugations, the corrugations comprise ridges that are oriented generally in the longitudinal direction of the primary absorbent member. 8. The composite sanitary napkin according to claim 6, wherein the zone of extension capacity comprises a plurality of corrugations, the corrugations comprise ridges that are oriented at an angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of the primary absorbent member. The composite sanitary napkin according to claim 1, wherein the vanes are generally placed in the longitudinal center of the primary absorbent member. The composite sanitary napkin according to claim 1, wherein the vanes are deflected or inclined toward a transverse end of the base member, wherein additional vanes are provided along the longitudinal sides of the base member adjacent to each other transverse end of the base member. SUMMARY The present invention relates to a sanitary composite pad (20) comprising a primary absorbent member (30), a base member (50), fins (33) and at least one zone of extension capacity (66). The composite sanitary napkin (20) has a longitudinal center line along a longitudinal direction and a transverse center line along a transverse direction. The primary absorbent member (30) has a longitudinal length (PL), a transverse width (PW), a thickness (PT), and a pair of longitudinal sides (24) and a pair of transverse ends (25), and comprises a primary absorbent element (30) and a fluid permeable cover (32) superimposed on the primary absorbent element (30). The base member (50) has a longitudinal length, a transverse width, a thickness, a pair of longitudinal sides (21) and a pair of transverse ends, and comprises a fluid-permeable sheet that faces the body (52) and a fluid impervious sheet that gives the garment (54) attached to the fluid-permeable sheet that gives the body (52). The primary absorbent member (30) is attached to the base member (50) in at least a part of the longitudinal direction of the primary absorbent member (30). The fins (33) extend laterally outwardly from the longitudinal sides of the base member (50). Each of the fins (33) has a proximal edge (40) attached to the longitudinal sides (21) of the base member (50), a distant edge (41) laterally spaced away from the proximal edge (40). The flaps (33) cover a portion of the leg openings of the wearer's undergarment. At least one area of extension capacity (66) comprises at least a portion of the fins (33), wherein at least a portion of the extension capacity zone (66) is longitudinally spaced away from the transverse center line of the fin. The total length of the proximal edge of the fins (33) is not less than 20% of the length of the primary absorbent member (30). At least the extension capacity zone (66) is extendable to be able to pay attention to the fins (33) when the sanitary composite pad (20) is worn such that the fins (33) are relatively free of deflect or tilt when at least a portion of the primary absorbent member (30) deflects away from the fin (33).