MXPA01006346A - Absorbent article for wearing in supporting garment - Google Patents

Abstract

An absorbent article for wearing in a supporting garment is disclosed. The absorbent article has a body facing side and a garment facing side. The absorbent article comprises a topsheet disposed at the body facing side, a backsheet disposed at the garment facing side, and an absorbent component. The absorbent article has an acquisition zone and a periphery zone. The absorbent component includes a storage layer and a distribution layer. The storage layer is disposed adjacent the body facing side and has an acquisition opening at the acquisition zone, and the storage layer extends at the periphery zone. The distribution layer is disposed adjacent the garment facing side, and the distribution layer extends underneath the acquisition opening and the storage layer. The distribution layer is exposed through the acquisition opening. The acquisition zone is capable of substantially maintaining sustained contact with andcovering at least a portion of the surface of the wearer's labia minora when the absorbent article is applied on the wearer's body. The periphery zone covers at least a portion of the surface of the wearer's labia majora when the absorbent article is applied on the wearer's body.

Description

ABSORBENT ARTICLE TO BE TAKEN IN THE SUPPORT GARMENT FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, pantiliners, incontinence pads, and the like. More particularly, the present invention relates to absorbent articles for use with a support garment, such as a menstrual pantyhose.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, pantiliners, and incontinence pads are devices that are typically worn in the crotch region of an undergarment. These devices are designed to absorb and retain fluid and other discharges from the human body and to prevent staining of the body and clothing. Sanitary napkins are a type of absorbent article worn by women in a pair of panties that are usually placed between the legs of the wearer, adjacent to the perineum. Sanitary pads of a wide variety of shapes and dimensions are currently used by women for the collection of menstruation and other body discharges. In the past, a number of efforts have been directed at providing sanitary napkins that maintain contact with the wearer's body. An attempt to provide such contact with the body was disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 2,747,575 issued May 29, 1956 to Mercer. The Mercer patent describes a catamenial band having a longitudinal hump that buckles toward and may be in contact with the wearer's body. The catamenial band described in the Mercer patent suffers from several disadvantages however. For example, the size and shape of the absorbent pad and the hump Mercer's bandage appear to limit the conditions under which the bandage is able to maintain contact with (and conform to) the wearer's body. U.S. Patent No. 4,425,130 issued to DesMarais on January 10, 1984, discloses a sanitary napkin comprised of a primary menstrual pad and a pant liner attached to each other at their corresponding ends so that the two constituents are free to move relative to each other along essentially their common length. The primary menstrual pad is adapted to absorb the volume of body fluids discharged by the wearer, while the panty pad is intended to protect the wearer's garments against staining. In use, the relative freedom of movement between the primary menstrual pad and the pant liner serves to maintain the primary menstrual pad adjacent to the crotch region of the wearer while the pant liner remains associated with the wearer's undergarment. . It is also desirable that sanitary napkins not only maintain contact with, but conform as closely as possible to the wearer's body. Such conformability to the body increases the effectiveness of the sanitary napkin by reducing the possibility of menstruation traveling around the perimeter of the sanitary napkin and fugue. There have been a number of recent efforts to provide sanitary napkins and other absorbent articles with improved body shaping characteristics. For example, U.S. Patent No. 4,950,264 issued to Osborn on August 21, 1990, is directed to a flexible, thin sanitary towel, which is capable of handling medium to high menstrual flows. The sanitary towel in the Osborn patent is described as being highly flexible and which conforms very well to the various forms of the female genitourinary region. The Osborn patent discloses a sanitary napkin having a flexural strength of less than about 130 grams; a test capacity of at least 8 grams approximately (per a section of 66.5 square centimeters); and a total capacity of at least 20 grams approximately. The sanitary napkin may have a caliber of 2 mm or less. The Osbom sanitary napkin is described as being worn on the wearer's undergarment, and is preferably scaled to the crotch width of the wearer's undergarment. In addition, the PCT publication of the international patent application No. WO 94/16658, entitled 'Flexible sanitary towel, generally thin, with an absorbent central hump', published on behalf of Osborn on August 4, 1994, describes a sanitary napkin flexible, usually thin, which has a central absorbent hump, and which is able to handle medium to high menstrual flows.The hump is particularly useful in adapting in the space between the user's lips to more easily intercept menstruation and other discharges When they leave the user's body, however, the search has continued with improved sanitary napkins, particularly sanitary napkins that achieve even better fit, and it is preferable that the absorbent articles provide reduced wet sensation (ie, reduced rewetting). ) to the user even when absorbent articles absorb copious amounts of fluid from the body. or a number of attempts to improve the rewet. For example, it has been considered that removing fluid from the body rapidly away from the upper surface of the absorbent core towards the bottom of the absorbent core improves rewetting on the surface that it gives to the body of the sanitary napkin. However, rewetting still exists because the body fluid deposited on the upper surface of the absorbent core sometimes goes back into the wearer's body before being absorbed into the lower part of the absorbent core. If the wet portion of the sanitary napkin makes contact with the wearer's body which is susceptible to perceiving moisture, the wearer may feel the humidity. Sanitary napkins are typically worn in a loose-fitting undergarment. Such sanitary napkins are necessarily designed to be sufficiently large so that in the event of any deviation of the sanitary napkins from their position under the vaginal introitus, they will still be able to intercept the user's coforal discharges. In addition, in the event of the displacement of the sanitary napkins, the wet portion of the sanitary napkins will have more opportunities to contact a portion of the user's body which is sensitive to perceiving moisture. Therefore, there is a need for an absorbent article that fits tightly, and comfortably against the wearer's subject that is not required to be designed to compensate for poorly adjusted undergarments. There is also a need for an anosorbent article that fits closely, and comfortably against the user's story and that provides reduced rewetting to the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an absorbent article to be carried in a support garment. The absorbent article has a side that gives the cuefo and a side that gives the garment. The absorbent article comprises a top sheet disposed on the side facing the body, a back sheet disposed on the side facing the garment, and an absorbent component. The absorbent article has an acquisition zone and a periphery zone. The absorbent component includes a storage layer and a distribution layer. The storage layer is disposed adjacent the side facing the building and has an acquisition opening in the acquisition zone, and the storage layer extends in the periphery zone. The distribution layer is disposed adjacent the garment-facing side, and the distribution layer extends below the acquisition opening and the storage layer. The distribution layer is exposed through the acquisition opening. The acquisition zone is capable of sustainably maintaining sustained contact with and covering at least a portion of the surface of the wearer's labia minora when the absorbent article is applied to the wearer's body. The periphery area covers at least a portion of the surface of the wearer's labia majora when the absorbent article is applied to the wearer's body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Although the description concludes with the claims pointing out in a particular manner and claiming differently the exposed matter that is considered as conceiving the present invention, it is believed that the invention will be understood from the following description which is taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an absorbent article of the present invention. Figure 2 is a top plan view of the absorbent article shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the absorbent article shown in Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent article shown in Figure 1 taken along the X-X line. Figure 5 is a bottom plan view of the absorbent article shown in Figure 1. Figure 6 is an enlarged side view of the mechanical fastening material on the garment-facing side of the absorbent article. Figure 7 is a bottom plan view of an alternative embodiment of the absorbent article. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the absorbent article shown in Figure 1 taken along the X-X line. Figure 9 is a front view of a preferred embodiment of a menstrual undergarment for use with the absorbent article of the present invention. Figure 10 is a rear view of a preferred embodiment of a menstrual undergarment for use with the absorbent article of the present invention. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view taken transversely through a portion of the wearer's body showing how a pair of conventional panties of the prior art frequently adjusts when the wearer's legs are separated. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view taken transversely through a portion of the wearer's body showing how a pair of prior art panties adjusts frequently when the wearer's legs are together. Figure 13 is a front photograph showing how a pair of conventional panties of the prior art frequently adjust when the wearer's legs are separated.

Figure 14 is a front photograph showing how a pair of conventional panties of the prior art frequently adjust when the wearer's legs are together. Figure 15 is a front photograph showing an example of how the menstrual undergarment for use with the absorbent article of the present invention adjusts when the wearer's legs are separated. Figure 16 is a front photograph showing an example of how the menstrual undergarment for use with the absorbent article of the present invention adjusts when the wearer's legs are together. Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view taken transversely through a portion of the wearer's body that provides an example of how the menstrual undergarment used with the absorbent article of the present invention adjusts when the wearer's legs are separated. Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view taken transversely through a portion of the wearer's body that provides an example of how the menstrual undergarment used with the absorbent article of the present invention adjusts when the wearer's legs are together. Figure 19 is a cross-sectional sagittal view of a female user showing the absorbent article of the invention present in an arrangement. Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view of a female user showing the absorbent article of the invention present in the arrangement shown in Figure 19. Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view of a female user showing the absorbent article of the invention present in the alternative provision. Figure 22 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of the absorbent article.

Figure 23 is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent article shown in Figure 22 taken along the Y-Y line. Figure 24 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the absorbent article shown in Figure 22 taken along the line Y-Y. Figure 25 in perspective of an alternative embodiment of the absorbent article. Figure 26 is a top plan view of the absorbent article shown in Figure 25.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION All the cited references will be listed here by reference in their totalities. The citation of any reference is not an admission with respect to any determination as to its availability as a prior art for the claimed invention. "Understanding" means that other steps and other elements can be added that do not affect the final result. This term encompasses the terms "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of". The present invention is directed to absorbent articles to be worn by women such as sanitary napkins, pantiliners, and adult incontinence pads ("absorbent pads") for use with a specially designed support garment (or undergarment), such as underpants menstrual (or panty) The absorbent article of the present invention has an acquisition zone and a periphery zone. The storage layer of the absoFente component has an opening in the acquisition zone so that the distribution layer of the absorbent component is exposed through the opening. When the absorbent article is applied to the wearer's body, the acquisition zone contacts and covers at least a portion of the surface of the wearer's labia minora. The distribution layer exposed in the acquisition zone contacts and directly and narrowly covers at least a portion of the surface of the user's lower lips. If the top sheet is absent in the acquisition zone, the distribution layer directly contacts the portion of the surface of the lower lips of the wearer. If the top sheet is present in the acquisition zone, the top sheet closely contacts the portion of the surface of the lower lips of the wearer through the topsheet. It is known that the fluid of the body eventually flows out of the wearer's body through the space between the surfaces of the lower lips of the wearer. The direct or narrow contact of the distribution layer with portions of the surfaces of the lower lips of the wearer provides an opportunity for superior acquisition of the body fluid at the source of the fluid of the body. In this way, the fluid of the core is first acquired by the distribution layer, which is arranged below the storage layer through the opening of the storage layer in the acquisition zone. The fluid of the spout is then distributed from the acquisition zone to another area of the distribution layer (i.e., the periphery zone of the distribution layer). When the body fluid reaches the contact surface between the distribution layer and the storage layer, the storage layer removes the fluid from the distribution layer layer in the storage layer so that preferably much of the capacity of the storage layer is removed. Distribution layer becomes available again for another stream of body fluid. The capacity of the storage layer is exhausted from the lower surface of the storage layer to the upper surface because the storage layer is on top of the distribution layer. Controlling the transfer rate of the fluid from the core from the distribution layer to the storage layer allows the upper surface of the storage layer to remain relatively clean visibly and dry for a prolonged period of time. After the acquisition layer acquires body fluid, the distribution layer gets wet. Typically, a distribution layer that has a high capacity to acquire body fluid is highly wettable. Although such a wet portion of the distribution layer makes direct and close contact with the wearer's body, the wearer does not perceive moisture or perceive minimal moisture because the portion where the distribution layer contacts is limited. It is believed that the wearer does not perceive moisture or is less sensitive to moisture on the surface of the labia less than a portion of the wearer's surface of the tongue outside the lower lips of the wearer. Typically, the wearer becomes more sensitive to moisture as it goes out from the surface of the wearer's labia toward the surface of the wearer's labia, more towards the surface of the wearer's body outside of the older lips of the user. Preferably, the acquisition zone in which the distribution layer is exposed covers the inner surfaces of the wearer's labia minora or the outer surfaces of the wearer's labia minora when the absorbent article is placed in a correct position with the body. of the user. More preferably, the acquisition zone is capable of covering both the inner surfaces and the outer surfaces of the lower lips of the wearer. The acquisition zone can cover a portion of the surface of the user's labia majora. The acquisition zone that is capable of covering a portion of the user's labia will tolerates to a degree the poor positioning of the absorbent article with the wearer's body. However, the acquisition zone should have a minimum to no extension beyond the labia majora to minimize the wet sensation to the wearer. The absorbent article is preferably worn with a menstrual pant that fits comfortably against and conforms to at least the surfaces of the wearer's lips. This conformation adjustment is present without considering whether the user's legs are separated or together. The menstrual panty preferably maintains a cross-sectional configuration in the form of a modified cusp in this area over a range of movements of the body. The absorbent article preferably does not alter or override the tendency of the menstrual pantyhose to achieve this adjustment. The acquisition zone of the absorbent article preferably flexes under the forces exerted by the menstrual panty so that it assumes a similar shape (and preferably the same modified cusp shape) in this region as the menstrual pantyhose. The flexibility in the acquisition zone of the absorbent article in cooperation with the forces exerted by the menstrual panty allows the acquisition zone to maintain sustained contact and cover at least a portion of the surface of the wearer's labia minora. The sustained contact ensures that the absorbent article acquires the fluid from the body near the source of the body fluid as long as possible during the period of use of the absorbent article. The absorbent article and the menstrual panty preferably function in a manner that can be thought of as being analogous to covering a cut with a bandage. The body fluids are preferably captured at or near their source using the narrow contact to the body and the comfortable forces to keep the absorbent article in place at the source of the body fluids. This can be contrasted with using the sanitary towel sized on a pair of loose-fitting panties, which operates in a manner that can be analogous to the use of a low garment beneath the source of the fluids of the spout.

The storage layer extends in the periphery area of the absorbent article. The periphery area covers at least a portion of the surface of the wearer's labia majora when the absorbent article is applied to the wearer's body. Preferably, the periphery zone covers the entire surface of the user's labia majora. The periphery area can cover the surface of the outer user's tongue to the labia minora. The fluid of the core is first acquired in the acquisition zone by direct or close contact of the distribution layer with the surface of the lower lips of the user, and is not preferably deposited on the periphery area when the absorbent article is placed in an exact position with the user's story. This reduces the opportunity for the fluid in the core to be absorbed in the distribution layer through the upper surface of the storage layer in the periphery zone. Therefore, the upper surface of the storage layer remains relatively clean visually and relatively dry. It is important to maintain dryness in the periphery area because the periphery area makes contact with the surface of the user's larger lips that are more sensitive to perceiving moisture. The storage layer also helps to isolate the fluid from the absorbed material in the skin distribution layer of the wearer over a prolonged period of time. The visual cleaning in the periphery area of the upper sheet gives the wearer a perception of safety against leakage of the fluid from the body in the lateral direction and / or in the longitudinal direction because the periphery area of the absorbent article visually remains clean The absorbent article preferably acquires a majority of the fluid in the body, more preferably all of the body fluid through the acquisition zone. In this way, the acquisition zone serves as a vestibule for the fluid of the body to enter the absorbent article. The fluid of the acquired line through the acquisition zone is preferably distributed towards the periphery zone. In this way, the periphery zone provides storage capacity of the fluid of the body. 1 . The absorbent article The term "absorbent article", as used herein, refers to articles that absorb and contain exudates from the body, such as coforal fluid. More specifically, the term refers to articles that are placed or close to the user's body to absorb and contain the various exudates discharged from the cell. The term "absorbent article" is intended to include sanitary napkins, pantiliners, and incontinence pads (and other articles worn in the crotch region of an article of clothing). The term "disposable" refers to articles that are intended to be disposed of after a single use and preferably to be recycled, composted, or disposed of in another manner in an environmentally compatible manner. (That is, these are not intended to be washed or restored or otherwise reused as an absorbent article.) In the preferred embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 to 5, the absorbent article is a designated menstrual pad 20 which is designated for replace conventional sanitary napkins The term "sanitary napkin", as used herein, refers to an article that is worn by women adjacent to the pudendal region that is intended to absorb and contain the various exudates that are discharged from the body (e.g., blood, menstruation, and urine). Although the present invention is shown in the drawings as a menstrual pad which is intended to replace conventional sanitary napkins, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular types or configurations of the absorbent articles shown in the drawings.

The absorbent article 20 of the present invention has two sides or two surfaces, one side facing the body or surface facing the body 20A and one side facing the garment or surface that gives the garment 20B. The absorbent article 20 is shown in Figures 1 and 2 as seen generally from its side facing the 20A. The side facing the 20A is intended to be brought adjacent to the wearer's body. The side that gives the garment 20B (referred to Figure 4) is intended to be placed adjacent to the support garment when the absorbent article 20 is worn. The absorbent article 20 has two centerlines, a longitudinal centerline L and a transverse center line T. The term "longitudinal", as used herein, refers to a line, axis or direction in the plane of the absorbent article 20 that is generally aligned with (eg, approximately parallel to) a vertical plane that divides a user standing in left and right halves when carrying the absorbent article 20. The terms "transverse" or "lateral" used herein, are interchangeable, and refer to a line, axis or direction that is located within the flat of the absorbent article 20 which is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The absorbent article also has two separate apart longitudinal edges 22, two separate transverse ends or edges 24 (or "ends"), which together form the periphery 26 of the absorbent article. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the absorbent article 20 has a planar configuration. The absorbent article 20 can have any suitable configuration seen in plan. Suitable configurations include, but are not limited to: oval; in the form of a racetrack; shapes that have longitudinal lateral edges convexly in (eg, hourglass shapes). In the particularly preferred embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the absorbent article has a lock shape having a rounder or oval portion that is preferably carried tos the back of the wearer's body, preferably to cover at least a portion of the wearer's perineum and a generally rectangular extension thereafter (preferably with rounded edges) which is preferably carried tos the front of the wearer's body to cover at least a portion of the wearer's pudendal region. The absorbent article may have an overall length less than or equal to about 280 mm, preferably less than or equal to about 220 mm, more preferably less than or equal to about 160 mm, and greater than or equal to about 80 mm, preferably larger that or equal to about 100 mm, more preferably greater than or equal to about 120 mm. The absorbent article (not including the size of the wings or wings if any) may also have a width less than or equal to about 160 mm, preferably less than or equal to about 140 mm, more preferably less than or equal to about 120 mm, and greater than or equal to about 40 mm, preferably greater than or equal to about 50 mm, more preferably greater than or equal to about 60 mm. In the preferred embodiment shown in Figure 2, the absorbent article 20 may have a width T1 in the widest rounded portion of between about 80 mm and about 140 mm, and a width T2 in the rectangular extent of between about 50 mm and about 80 mm The absorbent article 20 of the present invention has an acquisition zone 25 and a periphery zone 27. The acquisition zone 25 is generally positioned in the center of the absorbent article 20 so that the acquisition zone 25 includes at least a portion thereof. of the absorbent article 20 along the longitudinal center line L. The periphery zone 27 is generally positioned at the periphery in the acquisition zone 25 so that the periphery zone 27 includes at least a portion of the absorbent article 20 transversely or longitudinally out of the acquisition zone 25. Suitable configurations of the acquisition zone 25 include, but is not limited to, in oval form, race track shape, or circular shape. Alternatively, the configuration of the acquisition zone 25 can have the rectangular shape, triangular shape, or polygonal shape, or any other shape that is suitable as an acquisition zone to effectively acquire the fluid from the source fluid body. of the body. Preferably, the periphery zone 27 is the remainder of the absorbent article 20 different from the acquisition zone 25. However, the periphery zone 27 may be only a portion of the absorbent article 20 transversely and / or longitudinally external to the acquisition zone. 25. In the particularly preferred embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the acquisition zone 25 has an oval shape and is generally positioned in the center in the longitudinal direction and in the transverse direction of the absorbent article 20. The main axis of the The oval shape of the acquisition zone 25 is arranged to align with the longitudinal centerline L of the absorbent article 20. The periphery zone 27 is the remainder of the absorbent article 20 and is positioned to surround the acquisition zone 25. The acquisition zone 25 can extend along the total length of the longitudinal center line L between the end edges 24 so that the article ab sorbent 20 has three regions extending in the longitudinal direction; the central acquisition zone and two longitudinal zones of opposite periphery. If the acquisition zone 25 does not extend between the end edges 24, the acquisition zone 25 may be biased towards either of the end edges 24. The acquisition zone 25 may also extend transversely, for example, along the the total length of the transverse centerline T between the longitudinal edges 22 so that the absorbent article 20 has three regions extending in the transverse direction; the central acquisition zone and two transverse zones of opposite peripheries. The acquisition zone 25 can be deviated from the transverse centerline T to either end edge 24. The acquisition zone 25 should be placed in a specific position relation to the area of typical fluid deposition of the body of the article. absorbent 20 and with respect to a specific portion of the user's tissue where the coforal fluid is discharged. Therefore, the acquisition zone 25 is positioned near the point of discharge of the coforal fluid to be able to rapidly acquire a majority of the body fluid in its contact zone. It is preferable that the acquisition zone 25 cover at least a portion of the surface of the lower lips of the wearer. The acquisition zone 25 preferably covers portions of the inner surfaces of the lower lips of the wearer such that the acquisition zone adjusts electronically between the inner surfaces of the wearer's labia minora. More preferably, the acquisition zone 25 substantially covers all of the interior surfaces of the user's labia minora up to and including contacting and covering the user's vestibule surfaces. The acquisition zone 25 can cover portions of the outer surfaces of the lower lips of the wearer. The acquisition zone 25 can cover portions of both the inner surface and the outer surface of the lower lips of the wearer. The acquisition zone 25 can cover a portion of the surface of the user's labia majora. The acquisition zone that is capable of covering a portion of the user's labia majora tolerates a degree of misplaced placement of the absorbent article with the wearer's tissue, still covers the desired portion of the wearer's body, thus ensuring that a majority, preferably all, of the coforal fluid is acquired through the acquisition zone. The absorbent article 20 preferably acquires more than or equal to 50%, preferably more than or equal to 60%, more preferably more than or equal to 70%, of the coforal fluid absorbed by the absorbent article 20, through the acquisition zone 25. Preferably, the absorbent article 20 acquires all of the coforal fluid through the acquisition zone 25 when the absorbent article 20 is placed in the correct position with the wearer's body. Since the coforal fluid is sometimes discharged in jets, the acquisition zone 25 must be able to rapidly acquire and transport the coforal fluid from the wearer's body to an absorbent article 20 element, such as preferably to the absorbent component 32 with a minimum of flow resistance of coforal fluid. The acquisition zone 25 also preferably provides improved fluid velocity acquisition rates. As explained below, the element of the absoFente component 32 (i.e., the distribution layer 33) is exposed in the acquisition zone 25 and makes contact directly with the lower lips of the user, therefore it is capable of acquiring direct and quickly the fluid discharged from the body without a resistance against the flow of fluid from the body. The acquisition zone 25 is also so flexible that the acquisition zone 25 is able to maintain sustained contact with a portion of the surface of the lower lips of the user. The sustained contact ensures that the acquisition zone acquires the fluid of the spout without leaking or with minimal leakage of the fluid from the spout out of the acquisition zone 25 over a period of use of the absorbent article. The dimension of the acquisition zone 25 is preferably designed to fit the size of the surface of the lower lips of the wearer. The acquisition zone 25 can extend toward a portion of the surface of the user's labia majora. Nevertheless, it is preferable that the acquisition zone 25 does not extend beyond the labia majora of the user and does not cover the body surface of the external user to the labia majora. The overall length of the acquisition zone 25 is preferably chosen to cover at least a portion of the surface of the wearer's labia minora, preferably to cover the total length of the wearer's labia minora, when the absorbent article is applied to the user's story The width of the acquisition zone 25 is preferably chosen to have a width that covers at least a portion of the wearer's labia minora, preferably the surface of the wearer's labia minora taking into account the depth of the labia minora. The user when the acquisition zone 25 of the absorbent article 20 is interiabially inserted between the user's labia minora. More preferably, the overall length and / or width of the acquisition zone 25 are chosen to be able to allow some tolerance of the placement of the absorbent article against the wearer's body. In one embodiment, when the acquisition zone 25 has an oval shape as shown in Figure 2, the acquisition zone 25 may have an overall length less than or equal to about 120 mm, preferably less than or equal to about 100 mm. , more preferably less than or equal to about 80 mm, and more than or equal to about 30 mm, preferably greater than or equal to about 40 mm, more preferably greater than or equal to about 50 mm. The acquisition zone 25 may have a width less than or equal to about 60 mm, preferably less than or equal to about 50 mm, more preferably less than or equal to about 40 mm, and more than or equal to about 10 mm, preferably greater than or equal to about 15 mm, more preferably greater than or equal to about 20 mm. The periphery zone 27 is positioned in a specific positional relationship with respect to the area in the absorbent article 20 where the coforal fluid is not typically deposited and with respect to a portion of the wearer's body where the coforal fluid is not loaded, when the absorbent article 20 is placed in a correct place with the user's body. It is preferable that the periphery zone 27 of the absorbent article 20 cover at least a portion of the surface of the wearer's labia. More preferably, the periphery area covers the entire surface of the user's labia majora. The periphery area can cover a portion of the surface of the outer user's tongue to the labia minora. When the acquisition zone 25 covers only a portion of the surface of the lower lips of the wearer, the periphery zone 27 may extend toward a portion of the wearer's labia minora (although this is less preferable). It is believed that the wearer becomes more sensitive to perceiving moisture as it goes out from the surface of the wearer's labia minora to the surface of the labia majora, and further to the surface of the wearer's body outside the labia. big lips Therefore, it is important to provide reduced rewetting (i.e., maintaining dryness) in the periphery area because the periphery area makes contact with the surface of the wearer's labia that is more sensitive to the perception of humidity. As explained below, the topsheet 28 covers the periphery zone 27 of the absorbent article 20 and the storage layer 31 is disposed in the periphery zone 27. The topsheet 28 and the storage layer 31 function as an insulating means to isolate the user's skin from the absorbent component 32, thereby reducing or preventing rewetting in the periphery zone 27. The periphery zone 27 does not directly contact a portion of the user's duct where the coforal fluid is discharged when placed the absorbent article 20 in a correct portion with the user's story. The body fluid is typically not deposited on the periphery zone 27. This reduces the opportunity for the coforal fluid to be absorbed in the absorbent component 32 in the periphery zone 27. Therefore,, the periphery zone 27 remains relatively clean visually and relatively dry. The dryness in the periphery zone helps to isolate the absorbed body fluid in the absorbent component 32 of the wearer's skin over a prolonged period of time. The visual cleaning in the periphery zone 27 gives the user a sense of security against leakage of the coforal fluid because the periphery zone 27 remains visually clean. The acquisition zone 25 of the absorbent article 20 is preferably very flexible, and preferably has a flexural strength of less than or equal to about 100 grams, more preferably less than or equal to about 70 grams, and most preferably between about 10 and about 50 grams. This allows the acquisition zone 25 of the absorbent article 20 to conform very closely to the wearer's body, for example, a portion of the surface of the wearer's labia minora, thereby maintaining sustained contact with a portion of the wearer's surface. the user's lower lips. The periphery zone 72 may have the same or similar flexibility in the acquisition zone 25. In a preferred embodiment, the acquisition zone 25 must be more flexible than the periphery zone 27 so that the acquisition zone 25 is capable of conform to the form of the attempted portion of the user's story. Preferably, the total portion of the absorbent article 20 is also very flexible and has a flexural strength of less than or equal to about 100 grams, more preferably less than or equal to about 70 grams, and most preferably between about 10 and about 50 grams . This allows the absorbent article to conform to the shape assumed by the crotch region of the specially designed support garment. In other words, the absorbent article will bend under the contact forces with the fabric applied by the support garment, and will not "press" the second skin fit of the support garment. The small size and high flexibility also provide the absorbent article with improved comfort. The periphery zone 27 of the absorbent article 20 is preferably very absorbent. The periphery zone 27 of the absorbent article preferably has a total capacity greater than or equal to about 10 grams, more preferably greater than or equal to about 20 grams or greater than or equal to about 25 grams of liquid. The absorbent article 20 is also preferably very absorbent. The absorbent article preferably has a total capacity greater than or equal to about 10 grams, more preferably greater than or equal to about 20 grams or greater than or equal to about 25 grams of liquid. The total capacity is measured according to the method described in the Test Methods section of this description. To determine the capacity of the periphery zone 27, the periphery zone is cut off from the absorbent article to be tested. The test is performed on the periphery zone in the same manner as the capacity test described in the Test Methods section of this description. The highly efficient nature of the periphery zone 27 of the absorbent article 20 can also be expressed in terms of the ratio of the total capacity of the periphery zone 27 of the absorbent article 20 to the surface area of the periphery zone 27 of the absorbent article. 20. In some preferred embodiments, the periphery zone 27 of the absorbent article 20 preferably has a ratio or ratio of total capacity to surface area greater than or equal to about 0.3 g / cm2, more preferably greater than or equal to about 0.4 g / cm2. By way of comparison the proportion or capacity ratio to surface areas of a thin sanitary towel ALWAYS ULTRA sold by The Procter & amp;; Gamble Company of Cincinnati, Ohio is approximately 0.25 g / cm2. Figures 1 to 5 show the individual components of the absorbent article 20 of the present invention. This embodiment of the absorbent article 20 preferably comprises at least 3 main components. These include a topsheet 28 that gives the story, a back sheet 30 that gives the garment, and an absorbent component 32 positioned between the top sheet 28 and the backsheet 30. The absorbent component 32 includes a storage layer 31 and a distribution layer 33. The topsheet giving the article, the backsheet giving the garment and the absorbent component may comprise a number of suitable materials, provided that the absorbent article 20 has the general characteristics described herein. The topsheet 28 is disposed on the absorbent component 32. The topsheet 28 has a hollow area, such as a top sheet opening or opening of the top sheet, 28A, and a cover portion 28B. The opening 28A of the upper sheet is generally disposed in the longitudinal and transverse center of the upper sheet 28 and disposed in the acquisition zone 25 of the absorbent article 20. The opening 28A of the upper sheet can be generally coextensive with the acquisition zone. 25. The cover portion 28A can extend to a portion of the acquisition zone 25 to the extent that the cover portion 28B does not interfere with the coforal fluid flowing into the absorbent component 32. However, this should not extend toward a majority of the acquisition zone 25 due to the risk that the cover portion 28B interferes with the flow of the fluid in the acquisition zone 25 will become greater as it extends into the acquisition zone 25. Preferably, the opening 28A of the top sheet defines the acquisition zone 25 and the cover portion 28B defines the periphery zone 27. The appropriate configurations of the aber 28A of the topsheet include, but are not limited to, an oval shape, runway shape, or circular shape. Alternatively, the configuration of the opening 28A of the top sheet may be rectangular in shape, triangular in shape, or polygonal in shape. In the preferred embodiment shown in Figure 3, the opening 28A of the upper sheet preferably has an oval shape and generally has the same shape as the acquisition zone 25. The opening 28A of the upper sheet can also extend along the length of the longitudinal center line L between the opposite end edges 24. If the aperture 28A of the top sheet has such a configuration, the cover portion 28B may be formed by two strips of the top sheet disposed along the opposite longitudinal edges 22. The opening 28A of the upper sheet serves as a vestibule in the acquisition zone 25 for the fluid to be acquired towards the absorbent component 32 (ie, the distribution layer 33). The distribution layer 33 is exposed from the opening 28A of the upper sheet so that it makes direct contact with the wearer's body, such as a portion of the surface of the wearer's labia minora. Because there is no barrier to the flow of fluid from the body to the distribution layer 33 in the acquisition zone 25, a majority of the fluid in the body can be rapidly acquired by the distribution layer 33 through the opening 28A of the body. top sheet Preferably, all the fluid in the body enters the distribution layer 33 through the opening 28A of the upper sheet without being interfered with the cover portion 28B when the absorbent article 20 is placed in a correct position with the wearer's body. . Therefore, the body fluid will readily and readily pass through the opening 28A of the topsheet into the distribution layer 33 without having an opportunity to flow along the surface of the topsheet 28. The cover portion 28B is arranged to surround the opening 28A of the upper sheet and extends in the periphery region 27. The cover portion 28B of the upper sheet 28 may include at least a portion of the upper sheet 28 different from the opening 28A of the sheet higher. Preferably, the cover portion 28B includes the total portion of the upper sheet 28 different from the opening 28A of the upper sheet. The cover portion 28B isolates the absorbent component 32 (i.e., the storage layer 31) from the wearer's skin and is preferably able to prevent rewetting. The cover portion 28B is preferably smooth and may be relatively high. A portion of or all of the cover portion 18B does not necessarily need to have a function that allows the penetration of the fluid of the core, that is, the cover portion 28B may be impermeable to the liquid to completely prevent rewetting in the periphery area. 27, since the fluid of the core is not deposited in the cover portion 28B when the absorbent article is placed in the correct position with the wearer's body. However, the fluid in the body can be accidentally deposited on the cover portion 28B by, for example, misplacing the absorbent article 20 with the wearer's body. Therefore, it is preferable that the cover portion 28B be permeable to the liquid. The cover portion 28B permeable to the liquid may have vapor permeability. The cover portion 28B can be optimized to prevent rewetting and / or to improve softness to the user's skin without a need to compromise with inconsistent functions, such as acquisition of superior coforal fluid. In order to avoid rewetting, the cover portion 28B may have less hydrophilic capacity than the absorbent component element 32. Preferably, the cover portion 28B has lower hydrophilic capacity than the storage layer 31 which is contiguous with the portion of the cover portion 28B. cover 28B. The cover portion 28B may even be hydrophobic. The topsheet 28 is preferably docile, of soft feel and non-irritating to the wearer's skin. A suitable top sheet 28 can be manufactured from a wide range of materials such as woven and non-woven materials; polymeric materials such thermoplastic films formed with openings, apertured plastic films, and hydroformed thermoplastic films; porous foams; cross-linked foams; crosslinked thermoplastic films; and thermoplastic canvases. Suitable woven and nonwoven materials may be composed of natural fibers (eg, wood or cotton fibers) of synthetic fibers (e.g., polymer fibers such as polyester, polypropylene or polyethylene fibers) or a combination of fibers natural and synthetic The topsheet 28 is preferably made of a hydrophobic material to isolate the user's skin from the fluids of the body that have been absorbed within the absorbent component 32 (ie, prevent rewetting). However, in the event that the coforal fluid discharged from the user is accidentally deposited onto the topsheet 28, at least the top surface of the topsheet 28 can be treated to be hydrophilic so that the liquids will transfer. more quickly through the top sheet. This decreases the likelihood that the coforal fluid will flow out of the topsheet 28 instead of being carried through the topsheet 28 and be absorbed by the absorbent component 32. The topsheet 28 can be made hydrophilic by treating it with a surfactant. Suitable methods for treating the topsheet 24 with a surfactant include spraying the top sheet material 28 with the surfactant and immersing the material in the surfactant. A more detailed discussion of such treatment and hydrophilic capacity is contained in U.S. Patent No. 4,988,344 entitled "Absorbent articles with multilayer absorbent layers" issued to Reising, January 29, 1991 and in U.S. Patent No. 4,988,345 entitled "Absorbent articles with fast-absorbing absorbent cores" issued to Reising on January 29, 1991. Alternatively, the surfactant may be impregnated into the fibers or in the resin and the upper sheet 28 can be formed by the fibers with the impregnated surfactant. In a preferred embodiment, the cover portion 28B of the topsheet 28 may comprise a film formed with openings. Films formed with openings for the topsheet 28 are preferred because they are permeable to the coforal fluid and still non-absorbent and have a reduced tendency to allow liquids to pass back through and re-wet the skin of the wearer. Therefore, the surface of the formed film that is in contact with the core remains dry, thus reducing staining of the core and creating a more comfortable feeling for the wearer. Suitable formed films are described in U.S. Patent No. 3,929,135, entitled "Absorption structures having tapered capillaries", which was issued to Thompson on December 30, 1975; U.S. Patent No. 4,324,246 entitled "Disposable absorbent article having a stain-resistant top sheet", which was issued to Mullane, et al. on April 13, 1982; U.S. Patent No. 4,342,314 entitled "Resilient plastic weft exhibiting fiber-like properties", which was issued to Radel et al. on August 3, 1982; U.S. Patent No. 4,463,045 entitled "Macroscopically expanded three-dimensional plastic screen exhibiting non-glossy visible surface and fabric-like fingerprint" which was issued to Ahr et al. on July 31, 1984; and in U.S. Patent No. 5,006,394"Multilayer Polymer Film" issued to Baird on April 9, 1991. An especially preferred material for the topsheet 28 comprises a formed film described in one or more of the above patents and that sanitary napkins are marketed by The Procter & Gamble Company of Cincinnati, Ohio as the top sheet "DRI-WEAVE". The cover portion 28B may have a hydrophilic surfactant incorporated therein during manufacture if necessary. Other films with preferred apertures suitable for use as the cover portion 28B of the topsheet 28 are apertured films made in accordance with U.S. Patent Nos. 4,609,518 and 4,629,643, the latter entitled "Polymeric Screen with Micro-Openings Exhibiting soft and silky touch printing ", both issued to Curro et al., September 2, 1986, and December 16, 1986, respectively, and the cloth-like formed films made in accordance with the United States patent No. 4,637,819 entitled 'Three-dimensional macroscopically expanded polymeric weft to transmit both dynamically deposited and statically contacted fluids from one surface to the other', which was issued to Ouellette, et al. On January 20, 1987, and the patent application of the United States Serial No. 08 / 442,935 entitled "Frames for transporting fluid that exhibit energy gradients in the surface "submitted in the name of Ouellette, et al. on May 31, 1995 (PCT publication No. WO 96/00548, published on January 11, 1996). If such an apertured film top sheet material is used, it can be used as the cover portion 28B per se. Preferably, however, it is used in conjunction with the nonwoven top sheet material wherein the nonwoven material of the top sheet lies on the apertured film. The apertured film, if punctured appropriately, will provide a reduced tendency for liquids to pass back through and re-wet the wearer's skin. Combining both the non-woven material of the upper sheet and the film formed with fabric-like openings separates the absolute component and the liquids therefrom from the user's body, further contributing to keeping the wearer's dry. In another embodiment, the top sheet can be a fibrous material of high resilience of textile fibers. Here, the term "fibrous material of high resilience of textile fibers" refers to a fibrous material of low density, but of relatively high caliber. Frequently it is assumed that the leakage of menstruation from conventional sanitary napkins occurs mainly as a result of the capacity of absorbent articles that is exceeded. However, it has been found that a substantial number of spotting accidents occur as a result of menstrual fluid that does not uniformly enter the sanitary napkin. Often these spotting accidents result from menses that flow adjacent to the wearer's body, and which may flow in or near the pubic hair of the wearer. The absorbent article of the present invention tends to rapidly and directly acquire the coforal fluid at the source of the fluid of the wearer's body, for example, on the surface of the wearer's labia minora. Therefore, the risk of body fluid flowing adjacent to the user's body is reduced. However, this can happen accidentally when the user moves, such as walking. For this case, an upper sheet with a high degree of resilience is preferred in such a way that the fibers of the upper sheet will be in contact with the wearer's body and between the pubic hairs of the wearer. The high resilience upper sheets tend to break the flow of menstruation along the wearer's body, and intercept the menstruation that flows along the wearer's body, and allow such body exudates to be acquired in the absorbent core. . Said high resilience top sheets can also provide a capillary structure that effectively contends with the wearer's body for coforal fluids, such as menstruation, and directs said fluids towards the absorbent article. A good indicator of whether the absorbent article has a surface that is in contact with the body with the elements oriented in the Z direction is if the elements on the surface that are in contact with the body are able to penetrate between the pubic hair of the body. user. Conversely, if the elements comprising the surface that is in contact with the absorbent article lie flat against the pubic hairs of the wearer, and compress the pubic hairs, this is an indication that the absorbent article does not have a surface which is in contact with the body with the elements oriented in the Z direction. One of the preferred top sheet materials is obtained as product code # W-4635 by Stearns Technical Textile of Cincinnati, Ohio. Another preferred material for the high-resilience top sheet is obtained as product code r # 68317 (re-flushing) by Fibertex A / S, Box 8029, Svendborgvej 16, DK-9220 Aalborg Ost, Denmark. In still other embodiments, the cover portion 28B of the topsheet 28 can be formed by a thin plastic film that is impermeable to the liquid. The plastic film may have a vapor permeability.

Other embodiments of the top sheet 28 are possible. For example, the top sheet 28 may not be provided with a hollow area, such as an opening 28A of the top sheet. If the opening of the upper sheet 28 is not provided in the upper sheet 28, the central portion of the upper sheet 28 is preferably secured to the distribution layer 33 through the acquisition opening 31 A (explained below) in the region of acquisition 25 by fastening elements, such as adhesives, to provide intimate contact between the distribution layer 33 and the top sheet 28 such that the liquids will not puddle or collect on the upper sheet 28 but be acquired in the layer of distribution 33. In this arrangement that is without the hollow area, the topsheet 28 can have a positive gradient of hydrophilic capacity from a portion of the topsheet 28 in the periphery zone 27 to a portion of the topsheet in the region of acquisition 25 (ie, a portion of the topsheet 28 in the acquisition zone 25 is more hydrophilic than a portion of the topsheet 28 in the periphery zone 27). The topsheet 28 may have a positive capillarity gradient from a portion of the topsheet 28 in the periphery zone 27 to a portion of the topsheet in the acquisition zone 25 (i.e., a portion of the topsheet 28 in the acquisition zone 25 has greater capillarity than a portion of the upper sheet 28 in the periphery zone 27.) This arrangement helps the body fluid to easily penetrate the upper sheet 28 in the acquisition zone 25 while the upper sheet 28 tends to avoid rewetting in the periphery zone 27. The topsheet 28 may be attached to the distribution layer 33 through the acquisition opening 31 A of the storage layer 31 by any means of attachment such as those well known in the art. For example, the topsheet 28 may be attached to the distribution layer 33 by a continuous uniform adhesive layer, a patterned adhesive layer, or an array of separate lines or spots of adhesive, or by ultrasonically welding or bonding such as is known in the art. Preferably, the fixing means comprise thermal joints or thermo-mechanical joints using heat and / or pressure. The absorbent component 32 preferably includes a storage layer 31 and a distribution layer 33. The storage layer 31 and the distribution layer 33 have smaller dimensions than the upper sheet 28 and the rear sheet 30. In the embodiment shown in the Figures 3 and 4, the storage layer 31 and the distribution layer 33 generally have the same shape and size one another, although the storage layer 31 has a hollow area as explained below. The distribution layer 33 is disposed on the garment-facing side 20B, ie, on the side of the backsheet 30 and disposed between the backsheet 30 and the storage layer 31. The storage layer 31 is disposed at the side facing the 20A, that is, on the side of the upper sheet 28 and disposed between the upper sheet 28 and the distribution layer 31. At least a portion of the storage layer 31 and at least a portion of the distribution layer 33 are arranged in contact with one another to form a contact surface. The fluid of the core is capable of transferring from the distribution layer 33 to the storage layer 31 through the contact surface. Preferably, the total portion of the storage layer 31 is disposed in contact with the distribution layer 33. The storage layer 31 and the distribution layer 33 are preferably bonded together to maintain the integrity of the absorbent component. These can be joined by a layer of adhesive with regular or irregular pattern, or any arrangement of lines, spirals or points of adhesive separated. Alternately, these can be joined by other methods, such as bonding by applying pressure. It should be understood that for the purposes of this invention, these types of layers are not necessarily limited to individual layers or sheets of material. Therefore, the storage layer 31 and the distribution layer 33 may actually comprise laminates or combinations of various sheets or webs of the type of materials required. Thus, here, the term "layer" includes the term "layers and" in layers. "The storage layer 31 has a hollow area, such as the acquisition opening or acquisition gap, 31 A, and a portion of B. The acquisition opening 31 A is generally arranged in the longitudinal and transverse center of the storage layer 28 and is disposed in the acquisition zone 25 of the absorbent article 20. The acquisition opening 31 A may be generally coextensive with the acquisition zone 25. When the acquisition zone 25 is defined by the opening of the upper sheet 28A, the storage portion 31 B preferably does not extend in a portion of the opening 28A of the upper sheet so that the storage portion 31 B does not interfere with the fluid of the body flowing to the absorbent component 32 in the acquisition zone 25 and does not intercept the fluid in the body before the fluid in the body reaches and the distribution layer 33. Preferably, the acquisition opening 31 A is slightly larger than the opening 28A of the upper sheet to ensure that there is no interference from the flow of the coforal fluid through the storage portion 31 B in the area of acquisition 25. Suitable configurations of the acquisition aperture 31 A include, but are not limited to, oval shape, race track shape, or circular shape. Alternatively, the configuration of the acquisition aperture 31 A may be rectangular in shape, triangular in shape, or polygonal in shape. In the preferred embodiment shown in Figure 4, the acquisition opening 31 A preferably has an oval shape and generally has the same shape as the opening 28A of the upper sheet, although the size of the acquisition opening 31 A is a little more larger than the opening of the top sheet 28A. The storage portion 31 B of the storage layer 31 extends in the periphery zone 27. The acquisition opening 31 A may also extend along the longitudinal center line L between the opposite end edges 24. If the opening acquisition 31 A has such a configuration, the storage layer 31 can be formed by two strips arranged along the opposite longitudinal edges 22. The acquisition opening 31 A serves as a vestibule in the acquisition zone 25 in cooperation with the opening of the upper sheet 28A of the upper sheet 28 so that the fluid is acquired in the absorbent component 32 (ie, the distribution layer). 33). The distribution layer 33 is exposed through the acquisition opening 31 A and the opening 28A of the upper sheet so as to be in direct contact with the wearer's body, such as a portion of the surface of the lower lips of the user. the user. The majority of the fluid in the body can be quickly acquired by the distribution layer 33 through the opening 28A of the upper sheet and the acquisition opening 31 A because of the acquisition operation and intimate contact with the body of the distribution layer. 33. Because of the acquisition opening 31 A, the storage portion 31 B has a lower tendency to be exposed to jets of fluid from the body. In this way, the body fluid is acquired by the distribution layer 33 which is the lower layer of the absorbent component 32 and is distributed below the storage portion 31 B. The storage portion 31 B of the storage layer 31 is arranged to surround the acquisition opening 31 A and extends in the periphery zone 27. The storage portion 31 B includes at least a portion of the storage layer 31 other than the acquisition opening 31 A. Preferably, the storage portion 31 B includes the total portion of the storage layer 31. The storage portion 31 B has an upper surface 31 C and the lower surface 31 D. The upper surface 31 C is disposed on the side of the sheet 28 and the lower surface 31 D is arranged on the side of the distribution layer 33. The body fluid is first absorbed by the distribution layer 33 in the acquisition zone 25 and the storage portion 31 B has a lower tendency to be exposed to the body fluid jet. The storage portion 31 B serves to absorb the coforal fluid distributed to the storage portion 31 B by the distribution layer 33 and / or the fluid from the overflowing body from the distribution layer 33. In this way, the storage portion B draws the coforal fluid away from the distribution layer 33 so that preferably much of the capacity of the distribution layer 33 becomes available again for another jet of the coforal fluid. Further, because the coforal fluid is absorbed from the lower surface 31 D which is in contact with the distribution layer 33, the capacity of the storage portion 31 B is exhausted from the lower surface 31 D towards the upper surface 310 This allows that the upper surface 31 C of the storage portion 31 B remains visually clean in a relative and dry manner. In order to sustain these benefits as much as possible during a period of use of the absorbent article 20, the storage portion 31 B must not absorb fluid from the body too quickly and have sufficient capacity. It is preferable to control the absorption of the storage portion 31 B so that the coforal fluid does not reach the upper surface 31 C during a period of use of the absorbent article. The dryness on the upper surface of the storage portion 31 B serves to isolate the fluid from the skin of the wearer in the periphery 27 and prevent the coforal fluid from leaving the absorbent component 32 back through the sheet upper 28 and on the wearer's skin. The storage portion 31 B also helps to provide the visually clean impression on the side facing the area 20A of the periphery zone 27 of the absorbent article 20. Although it is preferable that the body fluid is not deposited on the periphery zone 27 when the absorbent article is placed in a correct position with the user's body, the storage layer 31 can collect the coforal fluid deposited on the storage layer 31 through the cover portion 28B of the upper sheet 28. The storage portion 31 B has sufficient capacity to draw fluid from the body of the distribution layer 33. Preferably, the storage layer 31 B has a capacity greater than or equal to the amount of fluid from the discharged cuvee of the user over a period of use of the absorbent article. . The storage portion 31 B preferably has a capacity greater than or equal to about 10 grams, more preferably greater than or equal to about 20 grams, or greater than or equal to about 25 grams. In order to impart high capacity to the storage portion 31 B, the storage portion 31 B can include highly absorbent material such as hydrogel-forming superabsorbent polymeric material. The storage portion 31 B may preferably have generally the same capillarity as the distribution layer 33. Preferably, the storage portion 31 B may have a little more capillarity than the distribution layer 33. This helps to establish a positive force gradient. of capillary from the distribution layer 33 to the storage portion 31 B. The positive capillary force allows a positive force of liquid transfer from the distribution layer 33 to the storage portion 31 B. Although the capillary action of the liquid can be defined. in several ways (for example, pore size, density, basis weight, etc.), the density and the base weight of the structure are the preferred parameters to define the liquid capllarity. The storage portion 31 B has a density and a basis weight per unit area. The values of the density and the basis weight of the storage portion 31 B include the weight of the particles of the hydrogel-forming material, so that the values of the density and the basis weight will vary depending on the amount of dispersed particles throughout. the storage portion 31 B. In this manner, the storage portion 31 B will generally have a density of about 0.03 to about 0.3 g / cm3, and more preferably within the range of about 0.05 to about 0.2 g / cm3, wherein the storage layer contains up to 60% by weight of the particles of the gelling absorbent material. The basis weight of said storage portion 31 B may vary from about 0.01 to about 0.1 g / cm2, preferably from about 0.015 to about 0.03 g / cm2. The density of the handling area is calculated from its basis weight and the gauge measured in an absorbent article recently unpacked, unfolded and divided. The gauge is measured using a standard meter with a sample under a load of 70.2 g / cm2. The basis weight is measured by die cutting a sample of a certain size and weighing this sample on a standard scale, the weight and the area of the sample determining the basis weight. (It should be noted that the density and base weight values include the basis weight of the particles of the hydrogel-forming material). Various types of hydrophilic material can be used in the storage layer 31. Any type of hydrophilic fibers that are suitable for use in conventional abso- lute products are also suitable for use in the storage layer 31. Examples of suitable absorbent materials include pulp of crushed wood which is usually referred to as air felt, plywood cellulose acreage; meltblown polymers including coform; chemically hardened, modified or interlaced cellulosic fibers, synthetic fibers such as pleated polyester fibers; peat moss, tissue including tissue wraps or tissue laminates; absorbent foams; absorbent sponges; hydrogel-forming superabsorbent polymeric material; gelling absorbent materials; or any equivalent material or combinations of materials, or mixtures thereof. The configuration and construction of the absorbent component can also be varied (eg, the absorbent component can have varying gauge zones (eg, profiled to be thicker in the center), hydrophilic gradients, superabsorbent gradients, or density acquisition zone. minor and average average base weight); or may comprise one or more layers or structures. In one embodiment, the storage layer 31 comprises an air-laid weave with particles or hydrogel-forming superabsorbent polymeric fibrous material dispersed therein. The web laid with air may comprise a number of different types of materials. In one version of this embodiment, the absorbent component may comprise a blend of polymeric synthetic fibers, cellulosic fibers, and particles or hydrogel-forming superabsorbent polymeric fibrous material. In another version of this embodiment, the storage portion 31 B may comprise only polymeric synthetic fibers and fibers or particles of hydrogel-forming polymeric superabsorbent material. In yet another version of this embodiment, the storage layer 31 may be composed entirely of cellulosic fibers (such as air felt) and particles or fibers of hydrogel-forming superabsorbent polymeric material. However, it is preferred that the storage layer 31 comprises at least some synthetic material to increase its resistance to compression and its resilience. A suitable hydrogel-forming superabsorbent polymeric fibrous material is sold as superabsorbent FIBERDRI by Camelot Technologies Ltd. of High River, Canada. The superabsorbent fibrous material FIBERDRI is preferred because it has higher capacity than many of the superabsorbent materials in current particles. For example, it may have a capacity of approximately 25 grams of liquid per gram of superabsorbent material, while current particulate superabsorbent materials may have a capacity of approximately 20 grams / gram. The FIBERDI material, in this way, provides the advantage that a relatively small amount (eg, about 0.7 grams) of the FIBERDRI material will provide a total amount of capacity for the small size absorbent component used in the present invention, which is greater or the same as the total amount of the capacity of full-size sanitary napkins. In another embodiment, the storage layer 31 may comprise a tissue laminate and a hydrogel-forming superabsorbent polymeric material. Absorbent cores comprising tissue laminates and super-absorbent polymeric hydrogel-forming polymer material that can be modified for use herein are generally described in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,950,264 and 5,009, 653, both issued to Osbom. In another embodiment, the storage layer 31 may comprise a nonwoven web spread with needle punched air. In a preferred embodiment of the embodiment, the nonwoven web spread with needle punched air comprises about 40% by weight hydrogel-forming superabsorbent fibrous polymeric material and about 60% polyester fibers. (Unless stated otherwise, all percentages specified herein are based on weight.) In a particularly preferred embodiment, the storage layer 31 comprises the needle-punched nonwoven material comprising rayon fibers and superabsorbent fibrous polymeric material hydrogel former Such non-woven material preferably comprises from about 50% to about 70% preferably about 65% viscose rayon fibers of cut length, and between about 30% and about 50%, preferably about 35% of hydrogel-forming super-absorbent fibrous polymeric material. Suitable rayon viscose fibers are the LYOCELL rayon viscose fibers, type 18453, obtained from Courtaulds Fibers, Inc. of North Axis, Alabama. The suitable hydrogel-forming superabsorbent fibrous polymeric material is the FIBERDRI superabsorbent fibrous material discussed above. The needle-punched nonwoven material preferably has a basis weight of about 0.02 g / cm2. This nonwoven material is preferably needle punched with approximately 60 needles / cm2, or greater. The use of higher degree of needles, will be superior the flexibility of the finished material. Although a single layer of this material can be used for the storage layer 31, at least two layers can be used. More than two layers can be used, particularly if the material is made in smaller base weights. The layers may be joined together, if desired. However, it has been found that the layers are properly retained in position one relative to the other when they are simply placed adjacent to each other. It is believed that this is due to fiber entanglement between the fibers on the surfaces of the layers. In another embodiment, the storage layer 31 may comprise a non-woven web laid with thermally bonded carded air. An example of such material comprises about 20% fibers of superabsorbent FIBERDRI material, about 25% bicomponent fibers, and about 55% cellulose fluff, and has a basis weight of about 0.04 g / cm 2. The distribution layer 33 is disposed below the acquisition opening 31 A and the storage layer 31 (ie, the storage portion 31 B). The distribution layer 33 is exposed in the acquisition opening 31 A, therefore it is able to directly cover and make contact with a portion of the surface of the lower lips of the wearer through the acquisition opening 31 A and the opening of the top sheet 28A. The distribution layer 33 is also in contact with at least a portion of the storage layer 31, therefore it is capable of transferring the fluid acquired in the distribution layer 33 towards the storage layer 31. Preferably, the distribution 33 is disposed below the total area of the acquisition opening 31 A and the total area of the storage portion 31 B. Alternatively, the distribution layer 33 may be disposed below only a portion of the opening acquisition 31 A. For example, the distribution layer 33 may have openings or be formed by strips of material in the region of the acquisition zone 25. The distribution layer 33 serves to collect and quickly transport the coforal fluid discharged to and through of the same. Since said coforal fluid is frequently discharged in jets, the distribution layer 33 must have some jet handling capability to allow the coforal fluid to move freely and rapidly in the distribution layer 33 and the ability to transport liquids from the point of initial contact in the distribution layer 33 towards other parts of the distribution layer 33. The distribution layer 33 can also provide a member that quickly contains and acquires subsequent liquid jets. The distribution layer 33 must have some jet handling capability such that the distribution layer 33 can quickly receive practical amounts of coforal fluid. The handling capacity of the jet of the distribution layer 33 is related to the hollow volume of the structure of the distribution layer 33. Therefore the distribution layer 33 must be made of a material having sufficient hollow volume in the interstices or capillaries between the material or fibers to contain practical amounts of coforal fluid. The hollow volume within the distribution layer 33 serves as a reservoir or "bucket" for larger jets of body fluid with minimal resistance to flow into the structure so that the distribution layer 33 can rapidly acquire and transport the coforal fluid evacuated It has been found that the distribution layer 33 must have a hollow volume percentage greater than or equal to approximately 80%, preferably greater than or equal to about 90%, more preferably greater than or equal to about 95% (typically between about 93% and 99%), so that there is sufficient void volume to contain the amounts of liquids or body exudates in use . The percentage of the hollow volume is calculated by the equation: Percentage of hollow volume = (1 -Vm / VS) x 100% where Vm is the volume of the material determined by dividing the weight of the material or fibers in a given sample by the density of the material or fibers, and where Vs is the volume of the sample calculated by multiplying its area by its caliber measured under a load of 70.2 g / cm2. Preferably, the distribution layer 33 has a hollow volume of at least about 5 cm 3, more preferably at least about 10 cm 3, and most preferably at least about 15 cm 3. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the distribution layer has a hollow volume of approximately 20 cm3. In order to maintain a high void volume and a high level of liquid transport, it is believed that the distribution layer 33 must have the gauge, measured under a load of 70.2 g / cm2, greater than or equal to about 0.5 mm, preferably greater than or equal to about 1.0 mm, more preferably greater than or equal to about 1.5 mm, and more preferably greater than or equal to about 2.0 mm. The basis weight of the distribution layer 33 is preferably within about 0.005 to about 0.04 g / cm2, more preferably about 0.015 g / cm2 to about 0.025 g / cm2. The distribution layer 33 is also flexible especially in a portion of the acquisition zone 25, preferably in the total portion of the acquisition zone 25. Because there is no top sheet and no storage layer in the acquisition zone 25 of the absorbent article 20, the distribution layer 33 and the backsheet 30 substantially define the flexibility in the acquisition zone 25 of the absorbent article 20. The flexibility of the distribution layer 33 in the acquisition zone 25 allows the absorbent article 20 to maintain the contact held with and covers a part of the surface of the lower lips of the wearer preferably in cooperation with the specially designed support garment. Various types of hydrophilic material may be used in the distribution layer 33 of the absorbent component 32. Any type of hydrophilic fibers that are suitable for use in conventional absorbent products are also suitable for use in the distribution layer 33. The examples of the materials Suitable absorbers include ground wood pulp which is generally referred to as air felt; crushed cellulose wadding; meltblown polymers including coform; chemically hardened, modified or interlaced cellulosic fibers, synthetic fibers such as pleated polyester fibers; fibers with a high surface area, moss peat, tissue including tissue wraps and tissue laminates; absorbent foams; absorbent sponges; superabsorbent polymers; gelling absorbent materials; or any material or combinations of materials, or mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, the distribution layer 33 may be formed by thick, chemically hardened, twisted and crimped fibers; fibers with high surface area; and binder fibers. The distribution layer comprising these elements is generally described in U.S. Patent No. 5,549,589 issued to Homey et al. On August 27, 1996. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the distribution layer 33 comprises a nonwoven material comprising rayon fibers such as viscose rayon fibers and fibers with high surface area such as eucalyptus fibers. These fibers with high surface area are useful for increasing the distribution of the fluid of the foam in the distribution layer 33. Such nonwoven material preferably comprises between about 50% to about 70%, preferably about 65% of rayon viscose fibers of cut length , and between about 30% and about 50%, preferably about 35% eucalyptus fibers. Suitable viscose rayon fibers are rayon viscose fibers LYOCELL type 18453, obtained by Courtaulds Fibers, Inc. of North Axis, Alabama. Suitable eucalyptus fibers are Eucalyptus grandis, obtained from Aracruz, Brazil. The fibers can be mixed together and formed into a web by a variety of methods including wet laying method, air laying method, carding, needle punching or other methods. Particularly preferred are the method of air laying and needle punching. Other embodiments of the absorbent component 32 are possible. Figure 8 shows an alternative embodiment of the absorbent component 32. The absorbent component 32 shown in Figure 8 has an acquisition layer 37 in the acquisition zone 25 of the absorbent article 20. The acquisition layer 37 is preferably able to quickly acquire the body fluid and have some ability to manage the jet. The acquisition layer 37 may have a hollow volume percentage greater than or equal to about 80%, preferably greater than or equal to about 90%, more preferably greater than or equal to about 95% (typically between about 93% and 99% ), so that there is enough hollow volume to contain quantities of liquids or exudates from the cell during use. Preferably, the distribution layer 33 has a hollow volume of at least about 5 cm 3, more preferably at least about 10 cm 3. In order to maintain a high void volume and a high level of liquid transport, it is believed that the acquisition zone 37 should have a gauge (measured under a load of 70.2 g / cm2, greater than or equal to about 0.5 mm, preferably greater than or equal to about 1.0 mm, more preferably greater than or equal to about 1.5 mm, and more preferably more than or equal to about 2.0 mm The basis weight of the acquisition layer 37 is preferably from about 0.0025 to about 0.04 g / cm2, more preferably about 0.01 g / cm2 The acquisition layer 37 is also capable of vertically transferring the coforal fluid to the next layer which is the distribution layer 33 faster than transferring the coforal fluid horizontally It is preferable that the acquisition layer 37 be able to vertically transfer the coforal fluid more quickly than the distribution layer 33. It is also possible to It is also possible for the distribution layer 33 to be able to transfer the coforal fluid horizontally more quickly than the acquisition layer 37. Suitable material for the acquisition layer 37 is obtainable from Rengo Non-Woven Products Co. Ltd., Japan under No. 623609. The material preferably has a basis weight of about 0.0025 g / cm2 and a density of about 0.04 g / cm3. In another embodiment, the absoFente component 32 may have an additional storage layer which is disposed below the distribution layer 33. The additional storage layer provides the additional capacity to the absorbent article 20 and aids in entraining the acquired coforal fluid in the distribution layer 33 so that the distribution layer 33 becomes available for the second jet. The additional storage layer may have the size and shape generally the same or similar with the distribution layer 33. However, the additional layer may have different size and shape from the distribution layer 33. For example, the additional storage layer may have an oval shape similar to the shape of the acquisition zone 25 and may be disposed below the distribution layer 33 in the acquisition zone 25. When the additional storage layer is arranged in the acquisition zone 25, the The additional layer must have flexibility so that the acquisition zone 25 of the absorbent article 20 has the flexibility as defined above. Preferably, the total portion of the additional storage layer is flexible so that the absent article 20 has the flexibility as defined above. Alternately, the additional storage layer may have a shape similar to the shape of the periphery zone 27 and may be disposed below the distribution layer 33. The additional storage layer may be formed by any of the known materials. Preferably, the additional layer is formed by the materials described above for the storage layer 31 of the absorbent component 32. In another embodiment, the absent component 32 can be formed by a single layer. In a version of such an embodiment, the absent component 32 has three longitudinally oriented sections, one of the three central sections flanked by two of the trisections laterally outward. The absofent component is formed of a single tissue layer. The individual tissue layer is folded over itself to provide a thickness of two sheets in each of the outwardly resections and a simple thickness in the central resection. Preferably, the outwardly bent trisections are disposed on the side facing the body of the absent article and provide a storage portion of the storage layer. The longitudinally extending interval between the outwardly sided trisections provides an acquisition opening of the storage layer. The central trisection is arranged on the side that gives the garment and provides a distribution layer. The two layers of the outwardly shaped trisections are preferably adhered together. Absolding gelling materials are arranged in each of the outwardly facing trisections. The central trisection may be substantially free of gelling absorbent materials. An additional operation is preferably performed on such laminate of the absent component to provide it with the desired flexibility. The laminated absorbent component can be perforated, grooved, or otherwise manipulated to provide it with increased flexibility. In a preferred embodiment, the laminated absorbent component is provided with a plurality of grooves oriented in the longitudinal direction to provide increased flexibility. Of course, slots or slots can be oriented in any other direction, or in more than one direction. An example of a grooved absofent component that can be modified as described above for use herein is described in U.S. Patent No. 5,658,269 issued to Osbom, et al., On August 17, 1997. The backsheet 30 can be Any flexible material, impervious to liquid. Preferably, the backsheet 30 is a polyethylene film having a thickness of about 0.012 mm to about 0.015 mm. Exemplary polyethylene films are manufactured by Clopay Coforation of Cincinnati, Ohio, under the designation P18-0401 and microf lex 1401. The backsheet 30 may be finished in highlight and / or dull to provide a more fabric-like appearance. In addition, the backsheet 30 can allow the vapors of the absorbent components 32 to escape (ie, this can be breathable) while still preventing the exudates from passing through the backsheet. A suitable breathable backsheet material comprises an adhesively bonded laminate of an apertured film having tapered capillaries, such as that described in U.S. Patent No. 3,929,135 issued to Thompson on December 30, 1975, and a film microporous A suitable microporous film is supplied by Exxon Chemical USA, and described in U.S. Patent No. 4,777,073 to Exxon. The breathable backsheet is arranged so that the smaller openings of the tapered capillaries face toward the absorbent component 32. The microporous film is bonded to the side of the film with openings having the largest openings to form the side that gives the garment 20B of the absent article. Alternately, the breathable backsheet material may comprise a vapor permeable monolithic film. The monolithic film is advantageous since it can provide high levels of latent heat transfer while preventing staining and also while reducing the stiffness of the absent article. The use of a breathable back sheet in combination with the menstrual pantyhose (described in greater detail below), which preferably has a breathable crotch portion, allows the overall breathability of the absorbent article system and the menstrual pantyhose to be controlled and fixed to an optimal level. This eliminates any variation caused by using the absorbent article in a random manner with commercially available undergarments having different amounts of vapor permeability and non-permeability. Top sheet 28, back sheet 30, and absorbent component 32 can be assembled in a variety of configurations known in the art (including layered or "sandwich" configurations and wrapped or "tube" configurations). In the preferred embodiments shown in the drawings, the absorbent article 20 assembled in a sandwich construction in which the topsheet 28 and the backsheet 30 have dimensions of length and width greater than those of the absorbent component 32. The topsheet 28 and the backsheet 30 extends more edges of the edges of the absorbent component 32 to form portions of the periphery 26. The topsheet 28 can be attached to the side facing the absent component 32. The cover portion 28B of the topsheet 28 can being attached to the side facing the absorbent component 32 in the periphery zone 27. In other embodiments, the topsheet 28 need not be attached to the absorbent component 32 to improve the flexibility of the absent article. The term "joined", as used herein, encompasses configurations in which one element is directly secured to the other element by attaching the element directly to the other element; configurations in which the element is indirectly secured to the other element by fixing the element to a member or intermediate members which in turn are fixed to the other element; and configurations in which one element is integral with the other element, that is, one element is essentially part of the other element. The backsheet 30 need not be, and in the shown embodiment is preferably not, attached to the absent component 32 for better flexibility of the absorbent article 20. The portions of the topsheet 28 and the backsheet 30 extend beyond the webs. edges of the absorbent component 32 to form the periphery 26, are preferably joined together. If the top sheet 28 is attached to the absorbent component 32, the top sheet 28 may be attached to the absent component 32 in any suitable manner known in the art for this purpose. The upper sheet 28 may be attached to the absent component 32 by a layer of adhesive with regular or irregular pattern, or an array of separate lines, spirals or spots of adhesive. An adhesive that has been found to be satisfactory for this purpose is manufactured by Findley Adhesive Company of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin as the number 2031 adhesive. The adhesive is preferably applied in an open network pattern of adhesive filaments as disclosed in the patent. No. 4,573,986 entitled "Disposable garment for containment of waste" which was issued to Minetola, and others on March 4, 1986, Other open-pattern networks of illustrative adhesive filaments comprising several lines of adhesive filaments twisted in a spiral pattern are illustrated by the apparatus and methods shown in United States Patent No. 3,91,1733 issued to Sprague, Jr. on October 7, 1975; U.S. Patent No. 4,785,996 issued to Ziecker, and others on November 22, 1978; and in U.S. Patent No. 4,842,666 issued to Werenicz on June 27, 1989.

Alternatively, the components of the absorbent article can be joined by thermal bonds, pressure joints, ultrasonic joints, mechanical dynamic joints, or any suitable joining method or combinations of these joining methods as are known in the art. The portions of the upper sheet 28 and of the rear sheet 30 extending beyond the edges of the absent component 32 forming the periphery 26, may be joined together by any of the manners described herein. The components of the absent article can be described as forming a "unitary structure". The term "unit structure", as used herein, refers to a construction in which the components are joined together, or integrated together as a unit. The term "unit structure" includes constructions such as those described above wherein the topsheet, the absofent core and the backsheet comprise separate components that are joined together. This also covers constructions in which the liquid permeable side and the liquid impervious side of the absent articles do not comprise a separate upper and / or backsheet. For example, in the latter case, the liquid-permeable side, the liquid-impermeable side, or both, may comprise a surface of the absorbent component having the desired characteristics, rather than being a separate component. The side that gives the garment 20B of the absent article 20 can include, and preferably includes a fastener for attaching the absent article to a specially designed backing garment. Fasteners comprising adhesives, preferably pressure sensitive adhesives, which have been used to secure absorbent articles, such as sanitary napkins, to the crotch region of conventional panties can be used for this purpose. Preferably, however, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the garment-facing side 20B of the absorbent article 20 comprises a mechanical fastening material 70 that is particularly suitable for engaging woven materials, such as material from the which is preferably made the specially designed support garment. A type of mechanical fastening material is shown in Figures 4 to 6. The mechanical fastening material 70 can be located on any suitable portion of the side facing the garment 20B. Preferably, as shown in Figure 5, the mechanical fastening material 70 is located on the total portion of the surface that gives the garment 20B. In other embodiments, the mechanical fastening material 70 can cover everything, or any other suitable portion of the garment-facing side 20B of the absent article. The mechanical fastening material 70 shown in Figure 6 comprises a substrate or surface 72 with an array of barbs or tips in the form of a plurality of filamentous (or hair-like) projections 74 extending therefrom. The hair-like projections 74 can be of any suitable form. Figure 6 shows a preferred form of the projections 74 in greater detail. The hair-like projections 74 can, but need not, have a hook shape like the conventional hook fastener material VELCRO. In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the hair-like projections 74 preferably do not have a hook shape. Hair-like projections 74 preferably have a straight shank 76 that tapers so that it generally decreases in diameter from the base 78 of the shank 76 to the distal end of the shank. More specifically, the rod 76 decreases in diameter from the base 78 of the rod 76 to the distal end of the rod to approximately the midpoint of the rod. The diameter of the rod 76 remains constant from about the midpoint of the rod to the distal end of the rod 76. The distal end of the rod 76 preferably has a small spherical engagement means 80 therein. The hair-like projections 74 in the preferred embodiment shown in the drawings preferably extend at a small angle from an orientation that is pedendicular (i.e., at an angle of approximately 90 degrees) of the substrate. Preferably, the hair-like projections 74 are oriented at an angle that is about 10 ° less than a pedendicular orientation relative to the substrate. The mechanical fastening material 70 can be distributed in any suitable pattern through the side facing the garment 20B. In a particularly preferred embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the mechanical fastening material 70 is distributed in several zones (for example, three zones, each 2 cm wide) in which the orientation of the projections similar to the Hair differs between adjacent areas. More specifically, in the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the hair-like projections in the central zone running along the longitudinal centerline L are oriented at an angle that is approximately 10 ° less than the pedendicular orientation. relative to the substrate that is oriented to one end of the absorbent article. The hair-like projections in the adjacent longitudinal side areas form a similar angle with respect to the substrate, but these are oriented towards the opposite end edge of the absent article 20. The orientation of the hair-like projections in these different zones is shown by the arrows in Figure 5. In other embodiments, the mechanical fastening material 70 may be distributed in a pattern that splices with the pattern of one or more previously selected portions of the specially designed support garment. For example, the mechanical fastening material 70 may be arranged in a pattern that corresponds to and aligns with the longitudinal stretch control member 52 and / or the angled stretch control members 54 of the menstrual garment 38 shown in FIGS. and 10. (The menstrual undergarment is described in more detail below). For example, portions of the mechanical fastening material 70 on each of the end edges 24 of the absorbent article 20 may be arranged in a V pattern to correspond to the angled stretch control members 54 of the menstrual undergarment. In a variation of this embodiment, the mechanical fastening material 70 and / or the other parts of the support garment may be designed such that the mechanical fastening material 70 will not engage with a particular portion of the support learn, such as The members of longitudinal or angled stretch control. The alignment of the mechanical fastening material 70 with these portions of the support garment can be used as a positioning aid to ensure that the absent article 20 is properly positioned in the support garment. The pattern of the mechanical fastening material 70 can also be used to assist the absent article 20 in tightly fitting against the wearer's body in certain areas. The mechanical fastening material 70 may be arranged in a configuration of two strips 71 as shown in Figure 7. The mechanical fastening material 70 shown in Figure 6 provides the garment-facing side 20B of the absent article 20 with a a fastener that is capable of easily adhering to the woven material, and has a sufficiently high holding force even if the supporting garment stretches and contracts. The mechanical fastening material 70 described herein is particularly preferred for use with a specially designed woven backing garment since this will not become disengaged when the backing garment stretches and contracts during application of the absent article to the undergarment, as they will some pressure sensitive adhesives. These and other features are described in PCT application No. US 98/23861 entitled "Very efficient absent article for use with menstrual pants" filed in the name of Carstens, and others on November 9, 1998.

In another embodiment, the mechanical fastening material 70 may comprise a material having a "T" or mushroom-shaped appearance when viewed from the side. A particularly preferred "T" shaped mechanical fastening material for use in the absent article of the present invention is a material known as TP200 available from 3M Personal Care and from the Related Products Division of Menomonie, Wl. In addition to the mechanical fastening material described above and the pressure sensitive adhesives, the garment-facing side 20B of the absent article 20 can employ other types of alternative fasteners. In a non-limiting example, the absent article 20 may be provided with an adherent material adhering to an adherent material on the inside of the crotch portion of the undergarment. As used herein, an "adherent material" is one that adheres preferentially to itself and not to other materials. Said material can be used as a placement aid to ensure that the absorbent article 20 is properly positioned within the support garment. Figures 9 and 10 show front and rear views of a support garment in the form of a menstrual undergarment 38 that is preferred for use with the present invention. As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the menstrual undergarment 38 comprises a front portion 39 which may be in the form of a front panel, a back portion 40 that may be in the shape of a back panel, and a region or crotch portion 50 which may be in the form of a crotch panel, a pair of leg openings 60 that may be elasticated, and an elasticized waistband 44. Menstrual undergarment 39 is also provided with a waist opening 46 which allows entry into the menstrual undergarment 38. The menstrual undergarment 38 further comprises an expandable lifting member such as the lifting strip 42 disposed along the longitudinal center line Li at the rear portion 40, a control member of longitudinal stretch 52 disposed along the longitudinal center line in the crotch portion 50, and a plurality of angled stretch control members 54 arranged at an angle A with respect to the longitudinal stretch control member 52 and extending therefrom to the elastics of the leg 62. It should be noted that any seam or gusset 48 at the front end of the crotch portion 50 is preferably located so that it is located below or behind (ie, backward) of the pubic bone in such a way that the pubic bone does not interfere with the fit of the menstrual undergarment. It should also be understood that any or all of the features of the menstrual undergarment 38 described herein may be woven or woven into the menstrual undergarment, and do not need to comprise seams along with portions of the menstrual undergarment. The absent article 20 is used by placing the absent article 20 in the crotch portion of the menstrual undergarment 38. The absent article 20 is placed within the crotch portion of the menstrual undergarment with one end extending toward the front section of the pantyhose. menstrual undergarment and the other end towards the posterior section of the menstrual undergarment. The backsheet 30 is placed in contact with the inner surface of the center of the crotch portion 50 of the menstrual undergarment. The hair-like projections 74 of the mechanical fastening material 70 on the garment-facing side 20B of the absorbent article 20 engage or engage with the woven material from which the crotch portion 50 of the menstrual garment 38 is made. Then the user places the menstrual undergarment 38. The menstrual undergarment 38 will typically stretch and contract., until it fits as shown in Figures 15 and 16. Alternately, the absent article 20 can be first applied to the user's body, then the user can place the menstrual undergarment 38. Since the absent item 20 is flexible , especially in the acquisition zone 25, the acquisition zone 25 of the absent article 20 will remain in place by a force to retain the acquisition zone 25 of the absorbent article 20 there. The menstrual undergarment 38 helps the acquisition zone 25 of the absorbent article 20 maintain the fit and sustained contact with the wearer's body. The menstrual undergarment 38 also helps the flexible absorbent article 20 conform to the figure of the body and maintain the sustained fit with the wearer's body. Figures 11 and 12, respectively, show examples of how a pair of conventional prior art panties fits within the crotch region when the legs of the wearer, LG, are separated and when they are worn together. As shown in Figure 11, when the legs of the wearer are separated, the crotch region of a pair of conventional panties "hollows" along the longitudinally oriented area centered around the space between the wearer's lips (the which is designated by reference letter J). As shown in Figure 12, the crotch region of these conventional panties warps when the legs of the wearer are driven together. A similar comparison is shown photographically in Figures 13 and 14. Figure 13 shows how a pair of conventional panties fits in the crotch region when the legs of the wearer are separated. Figure 14 shows how the panties adjust when the user's legs are carried or driven together. The menstrual panty shown schematically in Figures 17 and 18, on the other hand, comfortably fit against and conform to the inner and outer surfaces of the labia majora if the wearer's legs are separated, or together. The menstrual panty maintains the protection of the desired areas of the wearer's body without applying significant "belt-like" forces. As shown in Figures 17 and 18, in cross-section, the menstrual panty preferably maintains a modified cusp shaped configuration in this area throughout the range of movements of the cue (ie, dynamically). A similar comparison is shown photographically in Figures 15 and 16. The cross-sectional configuration of the menstrual pantyhose is described as being a "modified" cusp shape because it can, but preferably does not form a point, P, where the Curved portions of the cusp-like shape are located in the longitudinally oriented area within the space between the wearer's lips, but are more rounded, and preferably convex in this area. The modified cusp shape of the menstrual pantyhose is especially useful for serving the acquisition zone 25 of the absorbent article 20 to maintain the fit and sustained contact with the wearer's labia minora, especially the sustained fit and interlabial contact with the inner surfaces of the lower lips of the user. The menstrual panty fits against the wearer's body so closely, particularly in the crotch region, which is like a comfortable "second skin". The absorbent article 20 preferably does not alter or override the tendency of the menstrual pantyhose to achieve this "second skin" fit. The absorbent article 20 is preferably flexible enough so that it assumes a configuration similar to the crotch region of the menstrual pantyhose. Preferably, the absent article 20 also conforms to the shape of the pudendal region of the user during use. The absent article preferably conforms to the figure of the pudendal region of the user without considering whether the user's legs are separated or together. The acquisition zone 25 of the absorbent article 20 preferably forms the shape of the surface of the lower lips of the wearer. The absent article 20 preferably flexes under the forces applied by the menstrual panty 38 which are used to retain the absent article comfortably against the wearer's body. If the absorbent article flexes under these forces, this will not override the tendency for the menstrual pantyhose to achieve the desired fit, and the absent article 20 will assume a shape similar to the shape of the pudendal region of the wearer and the crotch region of the menstrual panther 38 The menstrual pantyhose 38 described herein preferably applies pressures of contact with the body to the wearer's body of less than or equal to about 20 g / cm2, more preferably less than or equal to about 15 g / cm2. A pressure of contact with the 20 g / cm2 cell applied by the menstrual panty 38 is a pressure that is sufficiently high that it is at the limit of being uncomfortable for the wearer. It is recognized that there are other garments, such as short Japanese menstrual shorts, which are tight fitting. However, such garments tend to apply uncomfortable forces, particularly on the wearer's legs in those places where the wearer's legs are in contact with the elasticized edges of the menstrual short pants. The menstrual pantyhose 38 described herein, on the other hand, is particularly preferred because it is capable of applying contact forces with the yarn along the crotch region thereof which keep the absent article 20 in close contact with the region. pudendo of the user, without creating uncomfortable forces in the user's legs (greater than or equal to approximately 20 g / cm2) in places where the wearer's legs are in contact through the leg openings of the menstrual pant leg 38 Preferably, the edges of the crotch region of the menstrual pantyhose described herein apply at a contact pressure with the body to these regions of the wearer's body that are less than or equal to about 20 g / cm2. The absorbent article 20 and the menstrual pantyhose 38 also differ from conventional sanitary napkins and undergarments of the prior art by the sustained nature of the contact of the article absoFente with the wearer's body.

Some current sanitary napkins may occasionally assume a "W" shaped cross-sectional configuration during use, such as when the wearer sits. However, the conventional undergarment does not provide a constant force against the wearer's body to retain the sanitary napkin in place under all circumstances, such as when the wearer is walking or standing, or when the wearer's legs they are seperated. The absorbent article 20 and the menstrual panty 38, on the other hand, provide such sustained contact with the user's story. The absorbent article can be described as being substantially maintained in sustained contact with the wearer's body, in which case the absorbent article need not be in complete and / or continuous contact with the user's body, but is kept in contact with the user. the user's story more than those who are out of touch with the user's story. Figures 19 to 21 show a preferred embodiment of the absent article 20 of the present invention carried against a user W. The genitourinary members shown in Figure 19 include bladder B, vagina V, urethra U, clitoris C , the large intestine I, the anus AN, the vaginal introitus VI, the perineum P, the labia minora N including the inner surface of the labia minora NI and the outer surface of the labia minora NE (not shown in Figure 19), and the labia majora J. The inner surface NI of the labia minora N extends continuously from the introitus of the vagina VI. Therefore, body fluid such as menstruation is known to be uniformly discharged through the space between the interior surfaces NI of the labia minora N. The contact of a portion of the absorbent article with the interior surfaces NI provides an opportunity for intercept the fluid of the body flowing through the space between the interior surfaces NI and directly acquire the body fluid from them before the fluid of the body reaches the surface of the user's body outside the labia minora. The contact of a portion of the absorbent article with the outer surfaces NE also provides an opportunity to acquire the body fluid discharged through the space between the inner surfaces NI of the lower lips N before the fluid of the body reaches the surface of the body. of the user outside the labia minora. Figures 19 to 21 show an example of the relationship of these anatomical characteristics of the user W with respect to the absent article 20 when the absent article 20 is appropriately carried (in Figures 19 to 21, the undergarment 38 is removed). Figures 19 and 20 show a non-limiting example of the manner in which the absent article 20 can fit adjacent to the wearer's body. In the embodiment shown in Figures 19 and 20, the acquisition zone 25 of the absorbent article 20 resides within the space between the portions of the inner surfaces NI of the lower lips of the user N so that the acquisition zone 25 covers the portions of the inner surfaces NI of the lower lips of the user N. The distribution layer 33 exposed in the acquisition zone 25 makes contact directly with the portions of the inner surfaces NI of the lower lips N of the wearer and is capable of directly acquiring the fluid of the core in the distribution layer 33. The distribution layer 33 of the acquisition zone functions as if "sealing" the space between the interior surfaces NI of the lower lips N. This reduces the opportunity of the fluid of the that reaches the surface of the body of the outer user to the lower lips N. Although the distribution layer 33 exposed in the acquisition zone 25 becomes wet , the user does not feel the humidity or feels minimal moisture because the wet distribution layer mainly makes contact with portions of the inner surfaces of the lower lips N of the wearer. The acquisition zone 25 maintains sustained contact with portions of the interior surfaces of the lower lips of the wearer. Preferably, the absent article 20 maintains sustained contact with the portions of the surfaces of the user's body. In Figures 19 to 21, there are some gaps or gaps between the absorbent article 20 and the portions of the wearer's body. This is to show more clearly the shape of each absent item 20 and the portions of the user's story. However, in the actual use situation, the absent article 20 can be adjusted and more closely in contact with the portions of the wearer's body. As shown in Figure 19, the periphery zone 27 is arranged to be in contact with and cover the surface of the wearer's pubic mound and the perineum P of the wearer. The absent article may cover the clitoris of the wearer, but preferably does not extend substantially forward beyond the pubic mound of the wearer. The absent article 20 may be slightly spaced away from the clitoris, or it may be tightly adjusted against the clitoris, since it is in relation to the other regions of the user's body. The absent article 20 preferably does not extend back to be in contact with the wearer's anus to avoid the sensitive nerve terminals therefrom. When the absent article 20 is of this preferred size, it provides greater comfort and a less perceptible absorbent article since it obstructs less of the crotch region of the wearer's body and allows air to circulate around it. As shown in Figure 20, the periphery zone 27 is arranged to make contact with the surface portion of the major lips J of the wearer and the surface of the skin of the external user to the labia major labia J . The fluid of the core is not directly deposited on the periphery zone 27. Therefore, the periphery zone 27 remains relatively clean visually and relatively dry. Figure 21 shows another example of the manner in which the absorbent article 20 can fit adjacent to the wearer's body. In this example, although the acquisition zone 25 does not reside within the space between the portions of the inner surfaces NI of the lower lips N up to the limit shown in Figure 20, the acquisition zone 25 covers the distant portion ND of the lips N minor of the wearer and portions of the outer surfaces NE of the lower lips N of the wearer. In this example, the distribution layer 33 of the acquisition zone 25 directly contacts the portions of the outer surfaces NE of the lower lips N of the wearer. The distribution layer functions as if sealing the lower lips by covering the portions of the outer surfaces NE of the lower lips N of the wearer. The distribution layer 33 exposed in the acquisition zone 25 directly acquires a majority of the body fluid flowing through the space between the inner surface NI of the lower lips N of the wearer. This prevents the body fluid that flows past the outer surface NE of the lower lips N of the wearer. In this embodiment, the periphery zone 27 is arranged to be in contact with the surface portion of the major lips J of the wearer and of the skin surface of the external user to the labia major lips J of the wearer. Figures 22 to 24 show another embodiment of the absent article of the present invention. The embodiment shown in Figures 22 and 24 is intended to provide the absent article that is capable of maintaining sustained contact with and covering at least a portion of the surface of the wearer's labia minora. The absent article 120 shown in Figures 22 and 23 further comprises a longitudinally oriented central absorbent hump 100 on its side facing the lumen 20A. The hump 100 is formed by a hump-forming element (or "insert") 102 that is preferably inserted between the distribution layer 33 and the backsheet 30. The hump-forming element allows the distribution layer 33 to protrude beyond the upper surface of the upper sheet 28 through the opening of the upper sheet 28A and the acquisition opening 31 A in the acquisition zone 25. The hump forming element 102 is dimensioned to fit completely with the interlabial space of the user (that is to say, the space between the inner surfaces of the labia minora). In a preferred embodiment, the hump-forming element 102 has a length as measured along its base of approximately 50 mm. As shown in Figure 22, the hump-shaped element has an upper portion having its ends 140 entirely rounded (especially apparent when viewed from the side) for improved comfort. The length of the upper portion as measured where this rounding begins is preferably about 30 mm. The hump forming element 102, in this embodiment, preferably has a maximum height or gauge of about 20 mm. The width of the hump-shaped element 102 as measured at its base is preferably about 10 mm. In this particular embodiment, as shown in Figure 23, the insert 102 comprises several elements. These include a first web of material such as the first folded web of the absent material 106, an underlying layer 108, and several pieces of resilient material 110. The first folded web of the absorbent material 106 preferably comprises a material that is capable of rapidly moving the webs. body exudates away from the user's body. In the embodiment shown in Figures 22 and 23, the first web of material 106 may comprise a hydroentangled nonwoven web composed of natural fibers, polymer fibers, copolymer fibers, or mixtures thereof. A suitable material for the first bent weft 106 is known as FIBRELLA-Suominen made by J.W. Suominen Oy from Nakkila, Finland. The first folded weft of the absent material 106 is preferably folded in a gradual manner or is folded around a plurality of longitudinally oriented bending lines in the cross sectional configuration shown in Figure 23. As shown in Figure 23, the first frame bent 106 has an inverted U configuration along its longitudinal centerline: The longitudinal side margins of the first bent weft are bent inwardly and upwardly within the inverted U-shaped portion of the bent weft to define two portions in the form of smaller U's. The underlying layer 108 preferably comprises a material that is capable of drawing liquids away from the first folded weft of the absorbent material 106 and storing said liquids. In the embodiment shown in Figures 22 and 23, the underlying layer 108 preferably comprises a thermally bonded non-woven wet laid web. Suitable thermally bonded wet laid nonwoven webs are described in U.S. Patent No. 5,549,589 entitled "Fluid distribution member for absorbent article exhibiting high suction and high capacity" issued to Horney, and others on August 27 of 1996. The underlying layer 108 in the embodiment shown in Figures 22 and 23, is narrower in width than the first folded weft of the absorbent material 106 and terminates near the longitudinal side margins of the first folded weft of the absorbent material 106 of FIG. In this case, only the inverted U-shaped portion of the first folded weft of the absent material 106 is underneath. The underlying layer 108 may or may not be attached to the first folded weft of the absent material 106. The pieces of the resilient material 110 are used in such a way that the hump forming element 102 maintains its maximum height even when the menstrual underwear presses the absorbent article in close contact with the user's story. This allows the hump 100 to continuously cover a maximum amount of the inner surfaces of the wearer's labia minora during use. Preferably, the hump-forming element maintains a maximum height greater than or equal to at least one of the following quantities in use: approximately 10 mm, approximately 12 mm, approximately 14 mm, approximately 16 mm, approximately 18 mm, or approximately 20 mm.

The pieces of the resilient material 110 may comprise any material that is suitable for the above purposes. The pieces of the resilient material 10 can either be absent or non-absorbent. Suitable resilient materials include, but are not limited to, absorbent and non-absorbent foams. In a version of the embodiment shown, the pieces of the resilient material 110 comprise a polyethylene foam interlaced by radiation known as VOLARA; Type 2A manufactured by Voltek, Inc. of Lawrence, Massachusetts. The VOLARA foam material is three pieces. Each piece is a rectangular parallelepiped having a square cross section measuring approximately 6 mm x 6 mm, and a length of approximately 50 mm. A piece of the resilient material is placed in each of the U-shaped portions and the inverted U-shaped portions of the first folded weft. The pieces of the resilient material 110 are fixed to the underside of the underlying layer 108. The pieces of the resilient material 110 can be attached to the underside of the underlying layer 108 in any suitable manner, such as by adhesives or double-sided adhesive tape. The total hump forming element 102 is preferably secured to the absorbent component 32 in a similar manner. Figure 24 shows another embodiment of the absorbent article 220. The absorbent article 220 has the distribution layer 233 protruding beyond the upper surface of the upper sheet 28 through the upper sheet opening 28A and the acquisition opening 31 A in the acquisition zone 25. In this embodiment, the distribution layer 233 is formed to be thicker in the acquisition zone 25 than the periphery zone 27. The thick portion of the distribution layer 233 in the acquisition zone 25 it can be obtained by means of superior base weight. The thick portion of the distribution layer 233 fits into the interlabial space of the wearer.

In another embodiment, the absorbent article can be provided with a structure in which an absent element can separate (or "uncouple") the back sheet of the absent article. This will allow the absent element to move in close contact with the wearer's body within the space between the wearer's labia minora while the back sheet remains in the place adjacent to the menstrual undergarment. The detail of said modality is described in the PCT application No. US 98/23861 entitled "Absent article highly efficient to be used with a menstrual pant" presented in the name of Carstens, and others on November 9, 1998. Figures 25 and 26 show another alternative embodiment of the absorbent article of the present invention. The absorbent article 320 has a generally oval shape extending in the longitudinal direction L. The absent article 20 is provided with optional elastic members 336 that are wrapped around the longitudinal edges 322 of the absorbent article. The optional elastic members 336 form the absorbent article 320 in the desired cup-like configuration and provide smooth longitudinal edges 322 in the event that the longitudinal edges contact the wearer during use. If used, the optional elastic members 336 preferably comprise an elastomeric laminate comprising an elastomeric layer and a cover supply layer, the cover supply layer being on the outer side of the product. Suitable elastomeric laminates are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,234,422 and 5,308,346 both entitled "Elastic Sanitary Towel" issued to Sneller, and others on August 10, 1993 and May 3, 1994, respectively. The absorbent article of the present invention can be provided with still other features. For example, the absorbent article may be provided with a pair of optional fins that are attached to and extend laterally outwardly from the longitudinal lateral edges of the absent article. In this case, the absorbent article without the fins can be considered to comprise the main body portion of the total absorbent article having the optional fins. The fins preferably extend laterally outwardly from at least one central region along the length of the main core portion. However, since the main body portion may be relatively small in size, it is possible that the fins may extend outwardly along the total length of the main body portion. In other embodiments, the fins may even be longer or larger than the main feature portion. If the optional fins are provided, they may be attached to the main feature portion of the absent article in any suitable manner. The fins may be integral with the main body portion (i.e., the fins may comprise integral extensions of the upper sheet and the posterior sheet). In other embodiments, the fins may comprise separate components that are attached to the main body portion of the absent article. The fins can be in any suitable configuration. Suitable fins are described in reexamined patent No. B1 4,589,876 entitled "Sanitary towel", issued to Van Tilburg, reexamination certificate issued on April 27, 1993; U.S. Patent No. 4,687,478 entitled "Towel sanitary finned", which was issued to Van Tilburg on August 18, 1987; U.S. Patent No. 5,389,094 entitled "Absent article having fins and zones of differential extension capacity" issued to Lavash, et al. on February 14, 1995; U.S. Patent No. 5,558,663 entitled "Absorbent article having liner cover components with extensibility zones" issued to Weinberger, et al. on September 24, 1996 and U.S. Patent No. 5,584,829 entitled " Absofent articles that have components that cover the pants that naturally wrap the sides of the pants "issued to Lavash, and others on December 17, 1996 (which describes alternatives for the fins that are applied by a user); PCT publication No. WO 97/12576 entitled "Absorbent article having fins with a deformed joint and zones of extensibility" published on April 10, 1997; and international patent application Serial No. PCT US 96/15957 entitled "Absent article having fins with stepped configuration and areas of extension capacity" filed on October 3, 1996, in the name of Lash, et al. 2. TEST METHODS A. Flexural strength The flexural strength of an absent article is measured by the maximum stiffness of bending. The maximum stiffness to bending is determined by a test that is modeled after the circular bending procedure ASTM D 4032.82, the procedure being considerably modified and performed as follows: the circular bending procedure is a simultaneous deformation in multiple directions of a material in the which one face of a sample becomes concave and the other becomes convex. The circular bending procedure gives a force value related to the flexural strength, simultaneously averaging rigidity in all directions.

Apparatus The apparatus required for the circular bending procedure is a modified circular bending stiffness tester, having the following parts: A polished smooth steel plate platform that is 102.0 X 102.0 X 6.35 mm having a hole of 18.75 mm in diameter. The overlap edge of the hole should be at a 45 degree angle to a depth of 4.75 mm. A plunger having a total length of 72.2 millimeters, a diameter of 6.25 millimeters, a spherical projection having a radius of 2.97 millimeters and a pointed needle extending 0.88 millimeters from it having a base diameter of 0.33 millimeters and a tip having a radius less than 0.5 millimeters, the piston being concentric with the hole and having an equal space on all sides. Note that the tip needle is only to prevent lateral movement of the test sample during the test. Therefore, if the pointed needle significantly adversely affects the test sample (e.g., piercing an inflatable structure), then the pointed needle should not be used. The lower part of the plunger must be fixed well above the top of the orifice plate. From this position, the downward stroke of the spherical protrusion must be exact to the bottom of the hole in the plate. A force measuring gauge and more specifically an Instron inverted compression load cell. The load cell has a loading scale of approximately 0.0 to approximately 2000.0 grams. An actuator, and more specifically the Instron model No. 1 12 having an inverted compression load cell. The Instron 1 122 is manufactured by Instron Engineering Corporation, Canton, Mass.

Number and preparation of samples In order to perform the procedure for this test, as explained below, five representative absofent items are necessary. From one of the five articles (of course, any adhesive release paper to the removed pantyhose and any blocked adhesive) that is going to be tested, some "Y" numbers of 37.5 X 37.5 millimeters of the samples of proof. If the size of the acquisition zone to be tested is smaller than the size of 37.5 X 37.5 millimeters, then the acquisition zone with a part of the periphery zone can be cut out so that the sample size reaches be 37.5 X 37.5 millimeters In this case, the center of the acquisition zone is adjusted to align with the center of the sample of 37.5 X 37.5 millimeters. Samples having portions in which a top sheet is directly attached to a barrier sheet or which are a laminate of a topsheet, two or less sheets of tissue and a barrier sheet, should not be tested. The reason that these samples are not tested is due to the realization that absorbent articles of the prior art exist in which a topsheet is attached to a barrier sheet beyond the edges of an absorbent component at the periphery of the towel, said portions of which are highly flexible. Nevertheless, the present invention is more interested with the overall flexibility of the absent article and not merely the peripheral portions thereof and, therefore, the flexibility of the present invention is more interested in the flexibility of significant absent portions of the absorbent article. If any of these significant absent portions of the absorbent article satisfy the parameters of this test, then the absent article satisfies the test. Therefore, a number of different samples must be tested from each absorbent article. Certainly, the structurally more flexible portion of the absorbent article must be tested, excluding those portions excluded above. The test samples should not be folded or folded by the test person, and the handling of the samples should be kept to a minimum and to the edges to avoid affecting the properties of the flexural strength. From the remaining four absorbent articles, an equal number "Y" of samples of 37.5 X 37.5 millimeters identical to the samples cut from the first absorbent article is cut. In this way, the person performing the test must have a "Y" number of sets of five identical samples. The procedure for the circular bending procedure is as follows. The samples are conditioned by leaving them in a room that has 21 ± 1 ° C and a relative humidity of 50 ± 2% during a period of two hours. The tests described here are conducted under similar conditions. The test plate is level. The piston speed is set at 50.0 centimeters per minute for a total length of the stroke. A sample is centered on the hole below the plunger so that the sample's surface area is giving the plunger and the sample garment surface is facing the platform. Of course, any adhesive release paper from the pantyhose (if present) is removed to simulate the conditions of use. Any panty adhesive (if present) should be blocked, using means well known to those skilled in the art, such as glycerin and / or talcum, to prevent the sample from adhering to the platform and to obtain maximum rigidity when bending artificially elevated. If desired, the sample may be centered over the hole with the surface area giving the platform and the garment surface giving the plunger to obviate the need to block any adhesive that may be present. The zero indicator is checked and adjusted, if necessary. The plunger is activated. Avoid touching the sample during the test. The reading of the maximum force to the nearest gram is recorded. The previous steps are repeated until all five of the identical samples have been tested.

Calculation The maximum stiffness for bending for each sample is the maximum reading of the force for that sample. Each set of five identical samples is tested and the five values received for that series are averaged. Therefore, the person performing the test now has an average value for each of the "Y" series tested. The flexural strength for an absorbent article is the highest flexibility of these maximum rigidities at the average bend.

B. Capacity The total capacity of an absent item is determined as follows. Any release paper for the adhesive is removed from the screen of the article to be tested. The item is weighed to the nearest 0.1 gram. The article is then immersed in a weighted beaker of sterile saline (obtainable by Baxter Travenol Company of Deerfield, Illinois), so that the article is completely submerged and not bent or otherwise twisted or folded. The article is submerged for 10 minutes. The article is removed from the saline solution and suspended for two minutes in a vertical position to allow the saline solution to drain from the article. The article is then placed with the surface facing downwards on absorbent blotting paper, such as filter paper # 631 available from Filtration Science Corp., Eaton-Dikeman, a division of Mount Holly Springs, PA. A uniform load of 17.6 grams per square centimeter is placed on the article to squeeze the excess fluid. The absofent blotting paper is replaced every 30 seconds until the quantity of fluid transferred to the absent blotting paper is less than 0.5 grams in a period of 30 seconds. Next, the item is weighed to the nearest 0.1 gram and the dry weight of the item is subtracted. The difference in grams is the total capacity of the item. This concludes the test. Disclosures of all patents, patent applications (and any of the patents issued thereon, as well as any of the corresponding published foreign patent applications), and the publications mentioned throughout this patent application are hereby incorporated by reference. by reference here. However, it is not expressly admitted that any of the documents incorporated by reference herein teach or disclose the present invention. It is also not expressly admitted that any of the commercially available materials or products described herein teach or disclose the present invention. It should also be understood that all of the limits and scales specified here include all scales, limits and more limited quantities that are within the specified limits and scales and that those more limited scales and limits can be claimed even when those limits and scales are not are listed separately. Although the particular embodiments of the 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.

Claims (10)

1. An absorbent article to be carried in a support garment, the absorbent article having a side that to the body and a side that gives the garment, the absorbent article comprising a top sheet disposed on the side facing the body, a back sheet disposed in the side that gives the garment, and an absorbent component, wherein: the absorbent article has an acquisition zone and a periphery zone, the absent component includes a storage layer and a distribution layer, the storage layer is disposed adjacent to the side facing the building and having an acquisition opening in the acquisition zone, and the storage layer extends in the periphery area, the distribution layer is disposed adjacent to the garment-facing side, and the distribution extends below the acquisition opening and the storage layer, the distribution layer is exposed through the acquisition opening, the area of This device is capable of maintaining substantially sustained contact with and covering at least a portion of the surface of the wearer's labia minora when the absent article is applied to the wearer's body, and the periphery area covers at least a portion of the surface of the user's labia majora when the absorbent article is applied to the wearer's body.

2. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition zone has a flexural strength of less than or equal to 100 grams to maintain substantially sustained contact with at least a portion of the surface of the lower lips of the user.

3. The absent article according to claim 2, wherein the acquisition zone covers a portion of the inner surface of the user's lower lips.

4. The absent article according to claim 3, wherein the acquisition zone covers a portion of the outer surface of the lower lips of the wearer.

5. The absent article according to claim 4, wherein the acquisition zone covers a portion of the surface of the user's labia majora.

6. The absent article according to claim 5, wherein the periphery area covers a portion of the surface of the external user's tongue to the user's labia majora.

7. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition zone has a side width of between 10 mm and 60 mm. The absorbent article according to claim 7, wherein the acquisition zone has a longitudinal length of between 30 mm and 120 mm. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the top sheet has a top sheet opening in the acquisition zone. The absorbent article according to claim 9, wherein the acquisition opening is larger than the opening of the upper sheet so that the distribution layer does not extend into the opening of the upper sheet.