MXPA97001275A - Sanitary towel composed anatomically form - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sanitary composite pad that includes a primary absorbent member and a secondary absorbent member. The absorbent primary member has a length and width. The absorbent secondary member has a length and width. The primary absorbent member and the secondary absorbent member have a common length. The primary absorbent member preferably includes an absorbent core and a liquid permeable top sheet superimposed on the absorbent core. The secondary absorbent member preferably includes a liquid-permeable topsheet, a fluid-impermeable backsheet attached to the topsheet, and an absorbent element is placed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The primary absorbent member is attached to the secondary absorbent member by attachment means. The width of the secondary absorbent member is at least 1.5 times the width of the primary member absorb

Description

SANITARY TOWEL COMPOSED ANATOMICALLY FORMED FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to disposable sanitary napkins. As used herein, sanitary napkins are considered to be absorbent devices designed to be used externally of the body by women, usually during their menstrual periods, and to receive and contain menstruation and other vaginal discharges. Disposable sanitary napkins are intended to be discarded after being used and stained, instead of being cleaned and reused.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In its simplest form, disposable sanitary napkins comprise an absorbent element (sometimes referred to as an absorbent core), interposed between a permeable element that contacts the body (sometimes referred to as an upper sheet or an overwrap) and a barrier protective waterproof (sometimes referred to as a back sheet). The absorbent element is, of course, intended to receive and contain menstruation and other vaginal discharges. The element that makes contact with the body is intended to provide greater or lesser comfort and dry feeling contact with body surfaces, while allowing free passage of fluids all the way to the absorbent element. The protective barrier is intended to prevent menstruation or other vaginal discharges that are expelled or that escape from the absorbent element from staining the undergarments of the wearers. In addition to the three functional elements mentioned above, disposable sanitary napkins are generally provided with means for supporting the device adjacent to the crotch area of the wearer, even while the user is moving, where he can more effectively perform or develop his intended function. Typically, sanitary napkins are provided with an adhesive attachment means to secure the device to the inner crotch area of the wearer's undergarment. Although previously known, sanitary napkins develop their intended function, each conventional design suffers from certain deficiencies in one or more of absorbency of body fluids, protection of the wearer's underwear and / or physical comfort to the wearer. With respect to sanitary napkins, there are at least two relevant general classes. One of these classes is identified as being intended for the absorption of menstrual fluids from medium to high. These sanitary napkins offer a very high absorbent capacity. Absorbent capacity is commonly achieved by providing the towel with a fairly thick and bulky absorbent member. Although having a relatively high absorbent capacity, the volume of the absorbent member can cause a certain degree of discomfort of use. A second class of sanitary napkins is intended for light or low menstrual flows, and is commonly referred to as panty liners or panty liners. Sanitary pads of this type, as a group, are thinner, somewhat more flexible and generally more comfortable than those of the first class. However, second-class sanitary napkins typically lack the absorbent capacity of first-class sanitary napkins. An attempt to provide the benefits of the two previously described kinds of sanitary napkins in a simple composite sanitary napkin is disclosed in the commonly assigned U.S. Patent No. 4,425,130 issued to DesMarais, on January 10, 1984. The sanitary napkin compound of DesMarais comprises a first menstrual pad and a pant liner attached to one another from their corresponding ends in such a way that the two constituents are free to move relative to one another along essentially their common total length. The primary menstrual pad is intended to absorb the volume of body fluid discharged by the user, while the pant shield is intended to protect the wearer's garments from staining. In use, the relative freedom of movement between the primary menstrual pad and the panty 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. . Although the relative freedom of movement between the primary menstrual pad and the pant liner serves to keep the primary menstrual pad close to the crotch region of the wearer, this freedom of movement can lead to a lack of stability if the primary menstrual pad it moves laterally beyond the side edges of the panty liner, providing an opportunity to stain the wearer's undergarments. In addition, the relative freedom of movement between the primary menstrual pad and the panty liner may only be insufficient to capture bodily fluids as they leave the vaginal opening of the wearer. The primary menstrual pad is preferably narrow enough to at least reside partially within the external genitalia. Optionally, the primary menstrual pad may be wider than the distance between the larger vaginal lips, but exhibits a lateral compression or conformation capacity at relatively low forces such as the forces exerted by the soft tissue of the external female genital organs, such that a part of the primary menstrual pad is capable of at least partially residing within the external female genital organs. By being conformable to relatively low forces, the absorbent primary member remains comfortable during use. In addition, the primary menstrual pad preferably exhibits an elastic recovery to enable or enable the pad to conform to the body as the pad and the body shell undergo form changes. While the primary menstrual pad is made narrower to adjust the body, the panty protector preferably remains sufficiently wide to provide a stable bond to the wearer's undergarment, and to sufficiently cover the undergarment to protect it from staining.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a sanitary towel composed of body fit. The sanitary composite pad comprises a primary absorbent member having a length and a width, and an absorbent secondary member having a length and a width. The absorbent primary member and the absorbent secondary member have a common length. The primary absorbent member includes an absorbent core and a fluid pervious top sheet superimposed on said absorbent core. The secondary absorbent member includes a fluid pervious topsheet, a fluid impermeable backsheet attached to said topsheet and an absorbent element positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent primary member is fixed to the secondary absorbent member by attachment means. The width of the secondary absorbent member is preferably less than 1.5 times the width of the absorbent primary member. Optionally, the width of the absorbent secondary member is at least twice the width of the absorbent primary member. Optionally, the width of the absorbent secondary member is in the range of about 3 to about 8 times the width of the primary absorbent member. The primary absorbent member is preferably attached to said absorbent secondary member by means of attachment in such a manner that the longest detached distance between the adjacent joint points is less than 75% of said common length. Optionally, the absorbent primary member is attached to said absorbent secondary member by means of joining in such a way that the distance is stuck longer between the adjacent points of the joint is less than 50% of said common length.

Optionally, the absorbent primary member is attached to said absorbent secondary member by means of joining in such a manner that the longest free distance between the adjacent junction points is less than 25% of said common length. Optionally, the primary absorbent member is attached to the secondary absorbent member by means of bonding extending along substantially the total common length. Optionally, the secondary absorbent member comprises an adhesive bonding means for securing the sanitary towel composed in the crotch region of the wearer's underpants or panties. Optionally, the primary absorbent member comprises an elastic member. Optionally, the absorbent primary member comprises a barrier against the fluid. Optionally, the primary absorbent member may comprise two or more segments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Since the specification concludes with the claims that particularly indicate and claim the subject of the present invention indistinctly, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from the following description, which is taken together with the attached drawings, in which the Reference numbers identify identical elements and where: Figure 1 is a top plan view of a modality of the sanitary napkin composed of the present invention; Figure 2 is a side elevational view of a composite sanitary napkin shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a composite sanitary napkin shown in Figures 1 and 2, taken along section line 3-3 of Figure 2; Figure 3A is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the composite sanitary napkin of the present invention; Figure 4 is a top plan view of another embodiment of a sanitary napkin composed of the present invention; Figure 5 is a top plan view of another embodiment of a sanitary composite towel of the present invention; Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a sanitary napkin composed of the present invention; Figure 6A is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a sanitary napkin composed of the present invention; Figure 7 and 8 are simplified schematic views of the fixed procedure of the resistance test; Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a sanitary napkin composed of the present invention; Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the longitudinal axis of a composite sanitary napkin of the present invention; Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a sanitary napkin composed of the present invention; Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the longitudinal axis of a composite sanitary napkin of the present invention; Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a sanitary napkin composed of the present invention; Figure 14 is a side elevation view of another embodiment of a sanitary napkin composed of the present invention; Figure 15 is a side elevational view of another embodiment of a composite sanitary napkin; Figure 16 is a side elevational view of another embodiment of a composite sanitary napkin of the present invention; and Figure 17 is a top plan view of the sanitary napkin composed of Figure 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention is a sanitary towel composed of an adjustment to the body that exhibits absorbency for body fluids, protection against staining of the wearer's undergarments and physical comfort for the wearer. The term "sanitary napkin", as used herein, refers to an absorbent article that is worn by women adjacent to the pudendal region, and that is intended to absorb and contain the exudates that are discharged from the body (e.g. , blood, menstruation and urine), and that are intended to be discarded after only one use (they are not intended to be washed or otherwise restored or reused). The term "composite sanitary napkin", as used herein, refers to a sanitary napkin comprised of separate constituents attached to one another to form a unitary structure. The interlabial devices that partially decide within and partially external to the wearer's vestibule are also within the scope of this invention. As used herein, the term "pudendal" refers to the externally visible genital organs, and the major vaginal lips, lower labia, clitoris, and vestibule are limited.

Referring now to Figures 1 to 3, there is shown a preferred embodiment of a composite sanitary napkin 20 of the present invention. As can be seen from Figures 1 to 3, the composite sanitary napkin 20 comprises a primary absorbent member 30 and an absorbent secondary member 50 joined together by the attachment means 70. The sanitary napkin composite has two surfaces, a contact surface with the body or surface facing the body, and a surface facing the garment or contact surface with the garment. Each of the primary and secondary absorbent members have corresponding surfaces facing the garment and facing the body. The composite sanitary napkin 20 has two center lines, a longitudinal center line and a transverse center line. As used herein, the term "longitudinal" refers to an axis line or direction in the plane of the composite sanitary napkin that is generally aligned with (i.e., approximately parallel to) a vertical plane that bisects a wearer stopping at left and right body halves when using the compound sanitary napkin. The terms "transverse" or "lateral" as used herein, are interchangeable and refer to an axis or direction line that lies within the plane of the composite sanitary napkin which is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

The absorbent primary member 30 has side edges 24 and end edges 25 which together form the periphery 26 of the absorbent primary member. The secondary absorbent member 50 has side edges 21 and end edges 22 that together form the periphery 23 of the absorbent secondary member and the sanitary composite pad 20. The sanitary composite pad 30 has a first end region 27, a central region 28, and a second end region 29. The primary absorbent member 30 is, as its name implies, that constituent of the sanitary napkin 20 intended to absorb the volume of body fluids discharged by the wearer. The absorbent primary member 30 comprises an absorbent means 33, such as the absorbent core 34 and a liquid-permeable top or cover sheet 32 superimposed on the absorbent core 34. Preferably, the topsheet 32 is deformable in soft feel and non-irritating to the user's skin. In addition, the topsheet 32 is permeable to liquids, allowing liquids (eg, menstruation and / or urine), to easily penetrate through its thickness. A suitable top sheet 32 can be manufactured from a wide range of materials such as woven and nonwoven materials; polymeric materials such as thermoplastic films formed with apertures, apertured plastic films, and hydroformed thermoplastic films; porous foams; cross-linked foams; thermoplastic films; and thermoplastic meshes. Suitable woven and nonwoven materials may comprise natural fibers (e.g. wood or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (e.g. polymer fibers, such as polypropylene or polyethylene polyester fibers) or a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. A preferred top sheet comprises a film formed with aperture. Films formed with openings are preferred for the upper sheet because they are permeable to body exudates but at the same time non-absorbent and have a reduced tendency to allow liquids to pass back through and re-wet the skin of the body. user. In this way, the surface of the formed film that is in contact with the body remains dry, thereby reducing the staining of the body and creating a more comfortable feeling to the wearer. Suitable shaped films are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,929,135 issued to Thomposon on December 30, 1975; U.S. Patent No. 4,324,246, issued to Mullane, and others on April 13, 1982; U.S. Patent 4,342,314, issued to Radel et al. on August 3, 1982; U.S. Patent No. 4,463,045 issued to Ahr et al. on July 31, 1984; and U.S. Patent No. 5,006,394, issued to Baird on April 9, 1991. Each of these patents is incorporated herein by reference. The preferred top sheet for the present invention is the formed film described in one or more of the above patents and marketed in sanitary napkins by The Procter & Gamble Company of Cincinnati, Ohio, as "DRI- EAVE". In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the exposed or body surface of the formed top sheet of film is hydrophilic, so as to assist liquids to transfer through the top sheet more quickly than if the body surface were not hydrophilic, to reduce the possibility that the menstrual fluid leaves the upper sheet instead of flowing into and being absorbed by the absorbent core. In a preferred embodiment, a surfactant is incorporated into the polymeric materials of the formed film topsheet, as described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 07 / 794,745, entitled "Absorbent article having a nonwoven web and a film cover with apertures ", filed November 19, 1991 by Aziz et al., which is incorporated herein by reference. Alternatively, the body surface of the topsheet can be made hydrophilic by treating it with a surfactant people as described in the aforementioned U.S. Patent No. 4,950,264 issued to Osborn on August 21, 1990, incorporated herein. by reference. The topsheet 32 may be associated with the absorbent core 34 in any suitable manner. Suitable manners include, but are not limited to, association of the topsheet 32 with the absorbent core 34 with adhesives such as gluing or spraying or application of lines or spots of adhesives between the topsheet 32 and the absorbent core 34. As alternatively, or additionally, the topsheet 32 may be associated with the absorbent core 34 by entangling the fibers of the absorbent core 34 with the topsheet 32, melting the topsheet 32 to the absorbent core 34 with a plurality of discrete, individual or by any means known in the art. To ensure proper transfer of fluid between the topsheet 32 and the absorbent core 34, it is preferred that the topsheet be substantially continuously secured to the underlying absorbent core 34., throughout its association or common area. By substantially continuously securing the topsheet 32 to the underlying absorbent core 34, the topsheet 32 will have a reduced tendency to separate from the absorbent core 34 during use. The separation of the absorbent core from the topsheet 32 can inhibit the transfer of fluid from the topsheet 32 to the underlying absorbent core 34. The absorbent core 34 can be any absorbent medium that is generally compressible, conformable, elastic, non-irritating to the user's skin and capable of absorbing and containing body exudates. The absorbent core 34 can be manufactured from a wide range of liquid absorbent materials commonly used in disposable sanitary napkins, and other disposable absorbent articles. Examples of suitable absorbent materials include ground wood pulp (which is generally referred to as an air filter), curled cellulose wadding, modified crosslinked cellulose fibers (such as those described in U.S. Patent No. 5,217,445 issued to Young et al., June 8, 1993), capillary channel fibers (i.e., fibers having interfiber capillary channels such as those described in U.S. Patent No. 5,200,248 issued to Thompson and others on April 6, 1993), absorbent foams (such as those described in U.S. Patent No. 5,260,345, issued to DesMarias et al. On November 9, 1993 and U.S. Patent No. 5,268,244 issued to DesMarias and others on December 7, 1993; December 1993), thermally bonded air-laid materials (such as those materials described in U.S. Patent Application No. 08 / 141,156, entitled "Structures abso catamenial rbentes that have thermally bonded layers to improve the management of menstrual fluids and their use in catamenial pads that have improved fit and comfort, presented in the name of Richards, and others on October 21, 1993 (P &; G Case 5051)), absorbent sponges, synthetic fibers, polymeric fibers, hydrogel-forming polymer gelling agent, peat moss, or any equivalent materials or combinations of materials. Suitable absorbent cores comprising foams are described in U.S. patent applications Serial No. 07 / 743,839, 07 / 743,950, 07 / 743,947 and 07 / 830,159 (Cases P & Nos. 4451, 4452, 4453 and 4453R). ) the first, third and fourth applications listed in the name of DesMarias and others, and the second application filed in the name of DesMarias and others. The first three applications were submitted on August 12, 1991, and the fourth on February 12, 1992. Additional cores comprising foam are described e? European Application 0 293 208 Bl. Absorbent cores comprising sponges are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,512,530 and 3,954,493; and French Patent No. 2,203,827. The total absorbent capacity of the absorbent core of the absorbent core 34 must be compatible with the intended charge of exudate for the sanitary composite pad 20. In addition, the absorbent capacity of absorbent core 34 may be varied to suit the users varying in the amount expected from the volume of fluid exuded. For example, a different absorbent capacity can be used for composite sanitary napkins intended for daytime use as compared to those intended for night use, or for composite sanitary napkins intended for use by adolescent women when compared to those intended for more mature women. The materials selected to be used as the absorbent core 34 are preferably deformable, soft, comfortable, compressible and elastic to improve or increase the fit and comfort to the body of the absorbent primary member. Preferably, the absorbent core is compressible such that the primary absorbent member will deform under relatively small forces that are experienced during normal use. In addition to being compressible, the materials comprising the absorbent core are preferably comfortable such that the primary absorbent member is able to provide improved fit to and around the vaginal and perineal lips. Although being generally compressible and conformable under relatively small forces, those forces exerted by the external female genital organs during use, it is also important that the primary absorbent member be sufficiently elastic or such that when subjected to forces of normal use it does not permanently collapse . Preferably, the primary absorbent member will be sufficiently elastic that it will conform to the contour of the body to provide intimate with the exposed genitals of the female user. Intimate contact with the exposed female genital organs helps to provide better fluid transfer from the user to the primary absorbent member, without allowing the fluid to bypass and / or exit the primary absorbent member. Although the elastic characteristics of the absorbent core 34 allow for an improved fit, it must be balanced against the need for the product that is both soft and comfortable for the wearer. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3, the absorbent core 34 is comprised of an air filter. The absorbent core of the air filter is manufactured in a generally cylindrical shape to provide the absorbent primary member 30 with a generally cylindrical shape. Referring now to Figure 3A, there is shown a cross-sectional view taken along the transverse axis of another embodiment of a sanitary napkin composed of the present invention. In this embodiment, the absorbent core 34 is preferably comprised of an absorbent foam such as those described in the aforementioned US patent applications Nos. 07 / 743,839, 07 / 743,950, 07 / 743,947 and 07 / 830,159.

(Cases P &G Nos. 4451, 4452, 4453 and 4453R), the first, third and fourth applications listed in the name of DesMarias and others, and the second application filed on behalf of Young and others. The absorbent foam core is folded or rolled such that it exhibits a generally circular cross section. The bent core provides the absorbent primary core 30, with a generally cylindrical shape. Although the core 34 shown in Figure 3 and 3A has a generally circular cross section, the absorbent core can be manufactured in a wide range of shapes such as rectangular, triangular, oval, square, pentagon, U-shaped, folded into Z, etc. Optionally, the absorbent primary member 30 may comprise an elastic member 45 as illustrated in Figure 3A. The elastic member 45 may comprise a single member or a plurality of individual members. Suitable materials that can be used as the elastic member 45, include, but are not limited to, nylon, polypropylene, polyurethane, polyethylene, polyester, synthetic double, and other synthetic materials such as foamed films, natural materials such as rubber, sponges and the like or any suitable material that is capable of withstanding collapse under conditions of normal use of the sanitary napkin during use. The elastic member 45 can be manufactured in a wide variety of shapes such as rectangular, triangular, oval, square, pentagonal, U-shaped, Z-shaped, etc. The elastic member 45 may extend the entire length of the total length of the absorbent primary member 30. The elastic member 45 may only extend through a portion of the length of the absorbent primary member 30. The elastic member 45 may be placed within the first end region 27, the central region 28, the second end region 29 or any combination of the foregoing. For example, the elastic member 45 can be placed in either the first end region 27 or the second end region 29 of the primary absorbent member, both of the first end region 27 and the second end region 29 of the primary absorbent member, in the central region 28 of the absorbent primary member, or in the central regions 28 and in the end regions 27, 29 of the primary absorbent member. Optionally, the absorbent primary member 30 may comprise a barrier against the fluid 35. The barrier against the fluid 35 tends to contain fluids absorbed within the absorbent core 34 and may be constructed from materials having the same properties as the waterproof backsheet to the liquid on the secondary absorbent member described later. Optionally, the absorbent primary member 30 may comprise an acquisition layer 46 positioned between the topsheet 32 and the absorbent core 34. The acquisition layer 46 may have various functions including improving the passage of exudates over and toward the absorbent core 34, by improving the passage of exudates, the acquisition layer provides a more even distribution of the exudates throughout the entire absorbent core. The acquisition layer 46 may be comprised of several different materials including the non-woven webs of synthetic fibers including polyester, polypropylene or polyethylene; natural fibers that include cotton or cellulose, mixtures of such fibers or any equivalent material or combinations of materials. Examples of sanitary napkins having an acquisition layer and a topsheet are fully described in U.S. Patent No. 4,950,264, issued to Osborn and U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 07 / 810,774, "Article absorbent that has sunken layers ", presented on December 17, 1991, in the name of Cree and others. Each of these references are incorporated herein by reference. In a preferred embodiment, the acquisition layer 46 may be joined to the topsheet by any of the conventional means for joining plots together, very preferably by fusion links as is more fully described in the above-mentioned Cree Application. Although the absorbent primary member can generally be of any cross-sectional shape in its unstressed condition, it is preferably of circular or oval cross-section. The length 40 and the width 41 of the absorbent primary member 30 may be of any convenient dimension. The absorbent primary member 30, is preferably from about 2 to 35 cm. long, more preferably from about 10 to 35 cm long, and more preferably from about 20 to 35 cm. long. A particularly preferred absorbent primary member has a length of about 24 cm. The absorbent primary member 30, is preferably from about 0.5 to 5 cm. in width, more preferably from about 0.5 to about 4 cm in width, and most preferably from about 0.5 to about 3 cm. Wide. With reference to Figures 1 to 3A, the second necessary constituent of the composite sanitary napkin of the present invention is the secondary absorbent member 50. The secondary member 50 preferably comprises a liquid-permeable upper sheet 52, a liquid-impermeable back sheet 54 with the top sheet 52 and an absorbent element 56 positioned between the top sheet 52 and the back sheet 54. The top sheet 52 can be of any fluid-permeable material commonly used in sanitary napkins, disposable diapers, and the like. It can be of any of the materials described above as being useful in the topsheet 32 of the absorbent primary member 30. A preferred topsheet 52 comprises a film formed with openings. Films formed with openings are preferred for the topsheet because they are permeable to body exudates and not yet absorbent, and have a reduced tendency to allow the liquid to pass back through and rewet the user's skin. In this way, the surface of the formed films that are in contact with the body remain dry thereby reducing the staining of the body and creating a more comfortable feeling for the wearer. Suitable formed films are described in US Pat. 3,929,135, issued to Thompson on December 30, 1975, U.S. Patent No. 4,324,246, issued to Mullane, and others on April 13, 1982, U.S. Patent No. 4,342,314, issued to Radel et al. on August 3, 1982; U.S. Patent No. 4,463,045, issued to Ahr et al. on July 31, 1984; and U.S. Patent No. 5,006,394, issued to Baird on April 9, 1991. Each of these patents is incorporated herein by reference. The preferred top sheet for the absorbent primary member of the present invention is a formed film described in one or more of the above patents and marketed in sanitary napkins by The Procter & Gamble Co. of Cincinnati, Ohio as "DRI- EAVE". The absorbent element 56 can be any absorbent material commonly used in sanitary napkins, disposable diapers and the like. This can be any of the materials described above as being useful in the absorbent core 34 of the absorbent primary member 30. As a practical matter, most bodily fluids are absorbed by and are contained within the absorbent core of the absorbent primary member. A primary function of the secondary member 50 is to protect the wearer's undergarments from staining by the absorbed fluids, which may be expelled from the absorbent primary member, or which may inadvertently deviate from the absorbent primary member. Because the absorbent member 56 of the absorbent secondary member 50 performs a function different from that of the absorbent core 34, the absorbent member 56 can be and most preferably is somewhat thinner and less bulky than the absorbent core 34. Because the Absorbent element 56 has different requirements than those of absorbent core, it can be formed of different materials. For example single layer or multiple layers of toilet paper as commonly used in paper towels or bath paper can be used to form the absorbent element.

Preferably the absorbent element is formed from about 1 to about 5 layers of toilet paper. Preferably, the total absorbent capacity of the absorbent member 56 is somewhat less than that of the absorbent core 34. Because the absorbent core 34 is preferably intended to absorb most or substantially all of the body fluids during use, its absorbent capacity will be somewhat if not significantly greater than that of the absorbent element 56. The toilet paper comprises one or more layers having a basis weight of from about 24 to about 48 g per square meter and a bulk density of from about 0.10 to about 0.12 g. per cubic centimeter as is done by the process described in U.S. Patent 3,301,746 issued to Sanford and Sisson on January 31, 1967 and whose patent is hereby incorporated by reference, has been found to be very satisfactory to be used as the Absorbent Element 56. Moisture-resistant resins and latex binders can be, and preferably are, used to provide additional strength to the toilet paper used in the absorbent element. Toilet paper made by the process described in United States Patent NO. 3,994,771 issued to Morga et al., November 30, 1976, and whose patent is incorporated herein by reference, to obtain advantageous benefits such as the absorbent member 56. Optionally, the absorbent secondary member may be manufactured without an absorbent element. Since most, if not all, body fluid is preferably absorbed by and contained within the absorbent number of the absorbent primary member, the absorbent secondary member 50 only needs to protect the user's undergarments from staining by relatively small amounts of fluid. which may be expelled from the primary absorbent member, or which may inadvertently deviate from the primary absorbent member. Accordingly, because the expected amounts of fluid that may come into contact with the secondary absorbent are relatively small, an absorbent element may not be necessary to contain the fluids within the absorbent secondary member and prevent them from staining the undergarments of the absorbent. user. The backsheet 54 is impervious to liquids (eg, menstruation and / or urine) and is preferably manufactured from a thin plastic film, although other flexible, liquid impervious materials may also be used. As used herein, the term "flexible" refers to materials that are deformable and will readily conform to the general shape and contour of the human body. In use, the backsheet 54 is interposed between the absorbent member 56 and the wearer's undergarment. The function of the backsheet is to prevent the exudates expelled from or inadvertently deviating from the primary absorbent member, and prevent the exudates absorbed and contained in the absorbent member 56 from contacting or staining the wearer's undergarment. The backsheet 54 can thus comprise a woven or non-woven material, polymeric films such as polyethylene or polypropylene thermoplastic films, or composite materials such as a film-coated nonwoven material. Preferably, the backsheet is a polyethylene film having a thickness of about 0.012 mm (0.5 mil) to about 0.015 mm (2.0 mil). Exemplary polyethylene films are manufactured by Clopay Corporation of Cincinnati, Ohio, under the designation P18-0401 and by Ethyl Corporation, Visqueen Division, of Terre Haute, Indiana, under the designation XP.39385. The backsheet is preferably highlighted or embossed and / or finished in matter to provide a fabric-like appearance. further, the backsheet may allow vapors to escape from the absorbent member 56 (i.e., breathe), but at the same time prevent the exudates from passing through the backsheet. Preferably, the absorbent secondary member 50 is provided with a support means or attachment means, such as adhesive attachment means 58. The attachment adhesive means 58 provides a means for securing the composite sanitary napkin 20 in the crotch portion of the fastener. the user's undergarment or panties. In this manner, part or all of the garment surface or outer surface 55 of the backsheet 54 is coated with adhesive. In a preferred embodiment, at least a portion of the adhesive 58 is placed on the garment surface 55 of the backsheet 54, adjacent the side edges 21 of the absorbent secondary member. Any adhesive or glue used in the art can be used for such purposes, such as the adhesive herein, being preferred with pressure sensitive adhesives. Suitable adhesives are Century A-305-IV manufactured by the Century Adhesives Corporation of Columbus, Ohio; and Instant Lock 34-2823 manufactured by the National Starch and Chemical Company of Bridgewater, New Jersey. Suitable adhesive fasteners are also described in U.S. Patent No. 4,917,697. The pressure sensitive adhesive is typically covered with a removable removable liner 59 in order to prevent the adhesive from drying or adhering to a different surface of the crotch portion of the panty before being used. Suitable release liners are also described in the aforementioned U.S. Patent No. 4,917,697. Any removable, commercially available liner commonly used for such purpose can be used herein. Non-limiting examples of suitable release liners are BL30MG-A Silox El / 0 and BL30MG-A Silox 4P / 0 both of which are manufactured by Akrosil Corporation of Menasha, Wisconsin. The composite sanitary napkin 20 of the present invention is used by removing the release liner 50 and subsequently placing the sanitary napkin in a panty so that the adhesive 58 contacts the panty. The adhesive 58 holds the sanitary napkin in place within the pant during use. The secondary absorbent member of the present invention is preferably relatively thin and flexible. The secondary absorbent member may have a caliber of approximately 1.9 mm. The gauge of the secondary absorbent member, or several regions thereof, is determined by the following test. A comparator gauge is needed, and specifically the Ames, Model 130 with a Model 482 dial indicator, available from B.C. Ames Company of Waltham, Massachusetts. The comparator gauge must have a circular comparator foot made of aluminum and have a weight of 10 grms. and a contact surface of 5.16 cm2. The comparator calibrator is set to zero. It is placed 80 grms. Stainless steel weight over the use that extends above the comparator dial. The comparator foot is raised and the secondary absorbent member, with any removable panty adhesive paper that is removed and the adhesive is sprayed with corn starch, and the absorbent secondary member is placed the garment surface down on the base plate. The secondary absorbent member is placed on the base plate in such a way that when the foot is lowered it is in the region of the absorbent secondary member for which measurement is desired. It is a question of de-creasing or avoiding any wrinkles in the secondary absorbent member. The foot is gently lowered onto the absorbent secondary member. The gauge of the secondary absorbent member is determined by reading the comparator quadrant 30 seconds after the foot becomes contact with the absorbent secondary member. Preferably, the secondary absorbent member will have a gauge of less than about 3.0 mm, more preferably less than about 2.6 mm, more preferably less than about 2.2 mm, and most preferably less than about 2.0 mm. The absorbent primary member of the present invention is preferably relatively conformable. It is preferred to keep the absorbent primary member relatively conformable in such a way that it will fit easily into the groove of the vaginal lips during use. It has been found that a primary absorbent member having a width and / or dimensions of diameter of about 3/8 of an inch is capable of conformably fitting within at least a portion of the groove of the vaginal lips. Although the absorbent primary members have been described above as obtaining dimensions of width and diameter greater than 3/8 of an inch, this may fit too much into the groove of the vaginal lips if they are sufficiently conformable. It is not necessary for all of the absorbent primary member to fit within the groove of the vaginal lips, however, a part of the primary absorbent member is preferably able to fit within the groove of the vaginal lips. The forming ability of a primary absorbent member, or several regions thereof, is determined by the following test. A computer controlled voltage tester, and specifically the EME, Model 599A, available from EME, Inc. of Newbury, Ohio, is preferred, however, other voltage testers may be used. The tension tester should have a pair of circular contact surfaces made of aluminum and have a diameter of 4.0 cm. The primary absorbent member is placed on the lower contact surface with one of its side edges receiving downward and the opposite lateral edge facing up towards the upper contact surface. The instrument is set to 0, the upper contact surface is lowered until there is a distance of 3/8 of an inch between the two opposing contact surfaces. A convenience reading is taken at 3/8 of an inch to determine the force that is exerted on the absorbent primary member. The primary absorbent member may have a convenience at 3/8 of an inch of less than about 1.0 psi. Preferably, the primary absorbent member will have a 3/8 inch agreement of less than about 0.5 psi, more preferably less than about 0.25 psi, and most preferably less than about 0.1 psi. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the secondary absorbent member may be of generally rectangular shape. Other suitable forms include but are not limited to ovals, hourglass shape, dog bone, asymmetric, etc. Optionally the absorbent secondary member 50 may have two fins 58, each of which is adjacent to and laterally extending from the lateral edge of the absorbent core, as shown in Figure 4. The fins 58 are configured to hang over the edges of the absorbent core. the wearer's panties in the crotch region, in such a way that the fins are disposed between the edges of the wearer's panties and the thighs of the wearer. The fins serve at least two purposes. First, the fins help prevent the spotting of the panties and the wearer's body by the menstrual fluid, preferably forming a double-walled barrier along the edges of the pantyhose. Second, the flaps are preferably provided with fastening means on their facing surface facing the garment such that the flaps can be folded into the back under the panty and fastened to the side facing the garment of the panty . In this way, the fins serve to keep the sanitary napkin properly placed in the pantyhose. In a preferred embodiment, the fins are comprised of the topsheet, the absorbent element, and the backsheet. In addition, the fins are preferably unitary to the sheets of the absorbent secondary element. In other words, the topsheet, the absorbent element, and the backsheet will simply extend laterally outwards to form the fins. However, the fins need not be unitary with the secondary absorbent member, but may be separate elements that are attached to the secondary absorbent member. In addition, the fins may be comprised of a single substrate or other lamination configurations. It is recommended, however, that the fins have a liquid impermeable backsheet to prevent the exudates from reaching the fins staining the edges of the wearer's panties. In addition, it is preferable that the fins are provided with an absorbent member, at at least one point beyond the edges of the wearer's panties. Theoretically, only a relatively small amount of menstruation should reach the fins, therefore, only a relatively small amount of absorbent material is desirable in the fins. NeverthelessAt least some absorbent material is recommended in order to prevent any exudate that reaches the fins from being able to flow in addition to unprotected areas. The absorbent material may be a fabric, or an extension of the absorbent element 56. However, the absorbent material in the fins must be relatively highly flexible. A number of sanitary napkins having suitable or adaptable fins for use with the absorbent secondary member 50 of the composite sanitary napkin 20 of the present invention are described in U.S. Patent No. 4,687,478 issued to Van Tilburg on August 18. of 1987, U.S. Patent No. 4,589,876, issued to Van Tilbrug on May 20, 1986; and U.S. Patent No. 4,608,047, issued to Mattingly on August 26, 1986. Each of these patents is incorporated herein by reference. Optionally, the secondary absorbent member may have components that naturally envelop the sides of a wearer's panties. A sanitary napkin having components that naturally surround the sides of a wearer's panties suitable for use with the absorbent secondary member of the sanitary napkin 20 of the present invention are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. of Series 08 / 096,121, (Case P &G 4961) entitled "Absorbent articles having panty cover components that naturally surround the sides of the pantyhose", filed on July 22, 1993, in the name of Lavash, and others, and the Patent Application of the States United Series No. (Case P &G 5354), entitled "Absorbent article having cover components of the undergarment with area of extension capacity", filed July 20, 1994 in the name of Weinberger, and others. The disclosure of the preceding publications are incorporated herein by reference. The individual components of the absorbent primary member 30 and the secondary absorbent member 50 may be comprised of components that are extensible (preferably capable of stretching) particularly in the longitudinal direction when the sanitary composite pad is used. Preferably, the composite sanitary napkin is capable of elongating in the longitudinal direction between about 15% and about 40% of its length without stretching. That extension capacity provides greater adjustment of use, comfort and decrease in staining when the composite sanitary towel is attached to the wearer's undergarments. Preferably, the secondary absorbent member is comprised of components that are also extensible in the lateral direction when the sanitary composite pad is used. Preferably, the composite sanitary napkin is capable of elongating in the lateral direction between about 15% and about 40% of its length without stretching. The top sheet for both, the absorbent primary member, the secondary absorbent member, comprises a three dimensional, elastic, fluid permeable polymeric fabric, as described in co-pending US Patent Application Serial No. 07 / 936,195. on August 25, 1992, on behalf of Curro, and others, and which is incorporated herein by reference. A particularly preferred extensible backsheet is an extended adhesive film known as Formula # 198-388 manufactured by the Findley Adhesives Company of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. Sanitary napkins having extensible components are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 07 / 915,133 and 07 / 915,284 both filed July 23, 1992, in the name of Osborn, et al., (PCT Publications) Nos. W0 93/01785 and 93/01786, both published on February 4, 1993). The disclosure of the preceding publications are incorporated herein by reference. Referring to Figure 1, the secondary absorbent member 50 preferably has a length 60 and a width 61. The secondary absorbent member is preferably approximately 20 to 40 cm long, more preferably from approximately 25 to 35 cm. long, and most preferably about 30 cm long. Although it may be of any cross section in its unstressed condition, the primary absorbent member is preferably rectangular in cross section. The secondary absorbent member is preferably about 5 to 15 cm wide, more preferably about 5 to 10 cm wide, and most preferably about 5 to 8 cm wide. The thickness of the absorbent secondary member 50, as shown in the cross section of Figures 2 and 3, is generally somewhat less than its width. Because the primary absorbent member performs different functions than those of the secondary absorbent member, the properties and characteristics of the materials forming the primary absorbent member and the secondary absorbent member may be different from each other. A primary function of the absorbent primary member is to absorb and contain body fluids. In addition, the primary member is dimensioned and shaped preferably such that it will fit within the vaginal lips. Accordingly, the width and / or diameter of the primary absorbent member must be dimensioned such that it remains at least partially within the vaginal lips. That is, a part of the absorbent primary member will preferably fit within the vaginal lips during use. Since the female genital organs exposed, including the vaginal lips, are generally referred to as soft body tissues, it is important that the materials comprising the primary absorbent member be conformable and relatively soft, such that they do not irritate and / or are uncomfortable for the user. In contrast, a primary function of the absorbent secondary member is to protect the wearer's undergarments from staining by absorbed fluids that may be expelled from the primary absorbent member or that may inadvertently exit the absorbent primary member. Because the secondary absorbent member performs a function different from that of the primary absorbent member, its dimensions and properties may be slightly different than those of the absorbent primary member. Preferably, the width of the absorbent secondary member is at least 1.5 times the width of the absorbent primary member. More preferably, the width of the secondary absorbent member is at least twice the width of said absorbent primary member. Most preferably, the width of the secondary absorbent member is in scale from about 3 to about 8 times the width of the primary absorbent member.

Preferably, the secondary absorbent member is approximately the same length as the primary absorbent member while the sanitary composite pad is in an unstressed condition. However, it is quite possible for the secondary absorbent member to be a little longer than the primary absorbent member and still to function effectively. Referring to Figure 1, it can be seen that in the absorbent primary member 30 and the secondary member 50 share a common length 65. The common length refers to the length that the absorbent primary member and the secondary member have in length. common. To form the composite sanitary napkin of the present invention, the primary absorbent member and the absorbent secondary member are joined by means of attachment generally indicated as 70 in Figures 2 and 3. The precise nature of the attachment means is unimportant while the selected bonding means serves to join the absorbent primary member and the secondary absorbent member to the composite sanitary napkin of the present invention, with sufficient tenacity that the absorbent primary member and the absorbent secondary member are not disconnected during use. The bonding means such as the adhesive bonds with pressure sensitive adhesives and the well-known hot function are very satisfactory. If the nature of the components selected to build the composite sanitary towel constituents thus allow, heat welding, ultrasonic welding or a combination of both heat and ultrasonic welding can be used. The primary absorbent member may be attached to said absorbent secondary member by means of attachment in such a manner that the longest detached distance between the adjacent joint points is less than 75% of said common length. Optionally, the absorbent primary member is attached to said absorbent secondary member by means of attachment in such a manner that the longest detached distance between the adjacent junction points is less than 50% of said common length. Optionally, the absorbent primary member is attached to said absorbent secondary member by means of attachment in such a manner that the longest detached distance between the adjacent junction points is less than 25% of said common length. Optionally, the primary absorbent member is attached to the secondary absorbent member by means of bonding which extend along substantially the total common length. Referring now to Figure 5, there is shown another preferred embodiment of a composite sanitary napkin 20 of the present invention. The absorbent primary member 30 has a length 40 that is slightly smaller than the length 60 of the absorbent secondary member 50. Accordingly, the common length 65 corresponds to the length 40 of the absorbent primary member 30. Referring now to Figure 3, in this it can be seen that the upper sheet 32 completely encloses the absorbent core 34 of the absorbent primary member 30. In this embodiment, the upper sheet 32 for the absorbent primary member 30 is separate and distinct from the upper sheet 52 for the absorbent secondary member. 50. Optionally, the topsheet for the absorbent primary member 30 and the secondary member 50 can be made from a single web of material, such as the topsheet 100 as seen in Figure 6. In this embodiment, the topsheet 100 is used for the upper sheet in both the absorbent primary member 30 and the absorbent secondary member 50. In the embodiment of Figure 6, the upper sheet 100 serves as or a joining means 70 connecting the absorbent primary member and the absorbent secondary member together. The composite sanitary napkin may also include additional attachment means for connecting the primary absorbent member to the secondary absorbent member. Additional suitable attachment means include, but are not limited to, adhesive bonds and fusion bonds. The absorbent primary member 30 has a width 41. The sanitary composite pad has a width of attachment means 541, which is the distance through the joining means 70. The width of the joining means 541 is less than the width of the absorbent primary member. Preferably the width of the joining means 541 is less than 75% of the width of the absorbent primary member 30. More preferably, the width of the joining means 541 is less than 50% of the width of the absorbent primary member 30. Most preferably the width of the joining means 541 is less than 25% of the width of the absorbent primary member 30. As can be seen in Figure 6, the absorbent core 34 is positioned between the topsheet 100 and the elastic member 45 of the absorbent primary member 30. The elastic member 45 has a substantially U-shaped cross section and causes the absorbent primary member 30 to have a generally U-shaped cross section. The elasticity of the elastic member 45 is preferably not affected by the presence of body exudates absorbed by the body. and contained within the absorbent core. The sustained elasticity of the elastic member 45 allows the absorbent primary member 30 to maintain intimate contact with the wearer's body during use. Referring now to Figure 6A, the elastic member 45 and the absorbent primary member 30 have a generally circular or oval cross-sectional configuration.

Preferably, the primary absorbent member exhibits a fixed strength sufficient to provide increased development. As used herein, the term "fixed strength" refers to the resistance exhibited by the absorbent primary member at the forces applied to the primary absorbent member within the central region, such that the side edges of the absorbent primary member are not extend beyond the lateral edges of the absorbent secondary member. In other words, the fixed resistance describes the relative movement of the primary absorbent member compared to the secondary absorbent member. It is preferred that the side edges of the absorbent primary member do not extend beyond the absorbent secondary member even under relatively high forces. By keeping the side edges of the primary absorbent member within the side edges of the absorbent secondary member, under relatively high forces, the opportunity for the fluid to bypass or be ejected from the primary absorbent member and on a different surface of the secondary absorbent member is substantially reduced. , for example the user's skin or undergarments. The apparatus necessary for the termination of the fixed resistance includes a scale and a resistance member. A suitable scale is a Sartorius universal scale. The resistance member is a cylindrical bar that has a diameter of one inch (2.54 cm). The resistance member preferably has a length of about (15.24 cm.). The resistance member can be made of any suitable material capable of withstanding the forces during the fixed resistance process. Suitable materials include but are not limited to, steel, aluminum, plastic and wood, etc. The procedure for the fixed resistance test is as follows: Referring now to Figures 7 and 8, a resistance member 400 is placed on the balance 402. Then, the balance 402 is zeroed. A sanitary composite pad such as the towel 410 having a primary absorbent member and an absorbent secondary member is placed on the test apparatus such that the absorbent primary member 412 resides on the strength member 400. The portion of the backsheet of the secondary member Absorbent 414 should be substantially aligned parallel to the axis of resistance member 400. A force, generally indicated as F in Figures 7 and 8, is applied to each end of absorbent secondary member 414. Force should be applied until side edges 420 of the primary absorbent member are matched to the lateral edge of the absorbent secondary member 418, as seen substantially perpendicular to the upper sheet portion of the absorbent secondary member 414. Once the side edges of the absorbent primary member and the absorbent secondary member are aligned , respectively, a closer reading of force in grams is recorded. This reading indicates the fixed resistance of the absorbent primary member. The primary absorbent member may exhibit a fixed strength greater than about 600 grams. Preferably, the primary absorbent member exhibits a fixed strength greater than or equal to 50 grams, more preferably greater than or equal to 100 grams, and most preferably greater than or equal to 150 grams. Figures 9 to 17 show several specific, non-limiting modalities of composite sanitary napkins. An example of an absorbent primary member having an elastic element bent at Z 45 is shown in Figure 9. As can be seen from Figure 9, the absorbent core 34 is preferably placed between the upper sheet 32 and the elastic member 45. By placing the absorbent core 34 between the topsheet 32 and the elastic member 45, it helps to provide intimate contact between the absorbent core 34 and the topsheet 32. The intimate contact between the topsheet and the absorbent core through the Union or pressure applied by the elastic member, to promote the transfer of fluid from the topsheet to the underlying absorbent core. In some embodiments, it is desirable to have an elastic member 45 that is capable of absorbing bodily fluids. Such materials may include but are not limited to absorbent foams and sponges.

Referring now to Figure 10, there is shown a cross-sectional view taken along the longitudinal axis of another embodiment of a composite sanitary napkin 20 of the present invention. The absorbent primary member 20 includes an absorbent core 34 comprised of a relatively low density layer 72, a relatively high density layer 73, a plurality of elastic fibers 74, a gelling absorbent material 75 dispersed on and within the density layer elevated 73. The gelling absorbent material 76 is dispersed primarily within the first and second end regions 27, 29 of the absorbent primary member 30. The relatively low density layer 72 is preferably comprised of a material placed in thermally bonded air. The relatively high density layer 73 is preferably comprised of a material placed in thermally bonded air. The elastic fibers are preferably capillary channel polyester fibers. Referring to Figure 11, there is shown a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a composite sanitary napkin 20 of the present invention. The absorbent core 34 comprises a non-woven layer carded with capillary channel fibers. The non-woven layer is wound on itself to form multiple layers. Preferably, a masking element 77 is placed within the non-woven layer of capillary channel fibers. A suitable masking element is a fluid impervious film. Another suitable masking element is a formed film. Optionally, absorbent materials such as gelling absorbent materials can be incorporated into the non-woven layer of capillary channel fibers. Although the non-woven layer of capillary channel fibers is shown in Figure 11 as having a generally circular cross section, the capillary channel fiber layer can be manufactured in a wide range of shapes such as rectangular, triangular, oval, shaped of U, doubled in Z, etc. Referring now to Figure 12, there is shown another embodiment of a composite sanitary napkin 120. The sanitary napkin 120 comprises a primary absorbent member 130 and an absorbent secondary member 150. The absorbent primary member 130 includes an upper sheet of film formed with apertures 132, an acquisition member 140, a distribution element 145, an absorbent core layer 150, a first elastic member 155 and a second elastic member 157. The first elastic member 155 extends substantially along the length of the absorbent primary member 130. First elastic member 155 preferably comprises capillary channel polymer fibers as described in U.S. Patent No. 5,200,248 issued to Thompson et al. on April 6, 1993. The second elastic member 157 preferably comprises nylon monofilament arranged in a substantially circular cross-section, secured to the not another near the acquisition element 140 and close to the inner surface of the absorbent core 150. As can be seen in Figure 12, the elastic secondary members 157 are placed substantially in the central part of the absorbent primary member 130. The primary member absorbent 130 may include an elastic member 145 similar to the internal forming component described in United States Patent Application Serial No. 08 / 225,441 (Case P &G 5109R), entitled "Sanitary Towel having an Internal Training Component ", presented on April 8, 1994, in the name of Carl L. Bergman. The disclosure of the aforementioned application is incorporated herein by reference. In Figure 13, there is shown another preferred embodiment of a composite sanitary napkin 200. The sanitary napkin 200 comprises a primary absorbent member 210 and an absorbent secondary member 220. The absorbent primary member 210 preferably comprises a topsheet 212, an absorbent core 214 and an elastic member 216. As can be seen in Figure 8, the elastic member 216 has a substantially inverted V-shaped cross section. Accordingly, the absorbent primary member 210 also has a substantially inverted V-shaped cross section. Preferably, the elastic member 216 extends substantially along the entire length of the absorbent primary member 210. Referring to Figure 14, there is shown another preferred embodiment of a composite sanitary towel 240 of the present invention. The sanitary napkin 240 preferably comprises a primary absorbent member 245 and an absorbent secondary member 250. As can be seen in Figure 14, the sanitary napkin 240 preferably has a substantially horizontal segment 255 and a curved upward segment 257. substantially horizontal segment 255 resides within the first end region 27 and the central portion 28. The upwardly curved segment 257 resides within the second end portion 29. Preferably, the upwardly curved segment 257 includes tensioning means that provide ample tension to create the curvature in the second segment 257. Suitable tensioning means include, but are not limited to, a tensioned top sheet, an elastic material, filament, film, or any suitable means for providing the desired tension. Optionally, the segment that resides within the first end region 27 may also be curled upward. As seen in Figure 15, the absorbent primary member 245 and the absorbent secondary member 250 are joined together throughout their common total length. That is, they are joined together throughout the segments 255 and 257. Optionally, these may be joined together in the first end region 255 and may be separated from each other in the rear segment 257, as shown in Figure 15. In this embodiment, the secondary absorbent member 250 remains substantially in the same plane along the entire length of the segments 255 and 257, albeit in an unstressed condition. The absorbent primary member 245 positioned within the second segment 257 is bent upwardly away from and separated from itself from the absorbent secondary member 250. The segment 257 generally corresponds to the second end portion 29. The absorbent primary member may also corrugate upwardly within of the first end region 27. Referring now to Figures 16 and 17, there is shown another embodiment of the composite sanitary napkin 320 of the present invention. The sanitary composite pad 320 comprises a segmented absorbent primary member 330 and an absorbent secondary member 340. The absorbent primary member comprises individual absorbent components 331, 332 and 333. As shown in Figures 16 and 17, the segment 331 lies entirely within the first end region 27, the segment 3332 resides entirely within the central region 28, and the segment 333 resides entirely within the second end region 39. Optionally, the primary absorbent member may comprise two components extending from the end regions 27 and 29, to the central region 28. Optionally, the primary absorbent member may be comprised of 4 or more individual components. Although the absorbent primary member having multiple components is shown in Figures 16 and 17, as extending throughout the length of the composite sanitary napkin, it may be desirable to have some segments or some regions of the sanitary napkin composed that do not have primary absorbent element. For example, the first end region 27 and the central region 28 may comprise a primary absorbent constituent where the second end region 29 comprises only one secondary absorbent member. Moreover, the absorbent primary members can be designed within the various regions to develop specific functions and therefore, they can be made of materials that develop the desired functions. For example, the absorbent primary segment 332 within the central region 28, may contain a greater capacity of absorbent material than those segments 331 or segments 33, because the likely segment 332 will be placed such that it will directly receive the bodily fluids, for example. which elements or segments 331 or 333 will likely receive and therefore have less capacity than that of segment 332 within central region 28. It may be desirable to provide a sanitary composite pad having a primary absorbent member with varying degrees of width or caliber all along its length. For example, the primary absorbent member may be relatively wider in the central region as opposed to the end regions. Alternatively, the primary absorbent member may be relatively thinner in the central region as opposed to the end regions. Since the particular embodiments of this invention have been described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made to this invention, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is intended to cover, in the appended claims, such modifications that are within the scope of the invention.

Claims (13)

1. A sanitary composite pad that includes a primary absorbent member having a length and a width, and a secondary absorbent member having a length and a width, said absorbent primary member and said absorbent secondary member having a common length, said absorbent primary member including an absorbent core and a liquid permeable top sheet superimposed on said absorbent core, said secondary absorbent member including a liquid permeable top sheet and a fluid impermeable back sheet bonded to said top sheet, said absorbent primary member being attached to said secondary member absorbent by joining means, said sanitary composite pad characterized in that said width of said absorbent secondary member is at least 1.5 times the width of the absorbent primary member.

2. A sanitary composite pad that includes a primary absorbent member having a length and a width, and a secondary absorbent member having a length and a width, said absorbent primary member and said absorbent secondary member having a common length, said primary member absorbent including an absorbent core and a liquid permeable upper sheet superimposed on said absorbent core, said absorbent secondary member including a liquid permeable top sheet and a fluid impermeable back sheet bonded to said top sheet, said composite sanitary napkin characterized in that said The primary absorbent member is attached to said absorbent secondary member by attachment means such that the longest detached distance between the adjacent joint points is less than 75% of said common length.

3. A sanitary composite pad that includes a primary absorbent member having a length, a width, a periphery and an unstressed original configuration, and a secondary absorbent member having a length and a width, said absorbent primary member and said secondary member absorbent having a common length, said absorbent primary member including an absorbent core and a liquid permeable upper sheet superimposed on said absorbent core, said absorbent secondary member including a liquid permeable upper sheet and a fluid impermeable back sheet bonded to said top sheet said absorbent primary member is attached to said absorbent secondary member by means of attachment, said sanitary composite pad characterized in that said primary absorbent member is compressible when subjected to a compression force exerted around its periphery and, which is sufficiently elastic such that said member pr The absorbent material is capable of substantially returning to its original, unstressed configuration once the compression force is removed.

4. A sanitary composite pad that includes a primary absorbent member having a length and a width, and a secondary absorbent member having a length and a width, said absorbent primary member and said absorbent secondary member having a common length, said primary member absorbent including an absorbent core and a liquid-permeable upper sheet superimposed on said absorbent core, said absorbent secondary member including a liquid-permeable top sheet, a fluid-impermeable back sheet bonded to said top sheet, and an absorbent element positioned between said sheet upper and said backsheet, said absorbent primary member is attached to said absorbent secondary member by attachment means, said sanitary composite pad characterized in that the primary absorbent member exhibits a fixed strength greater than or equal to about 50 grams. The composite sanitary napkin, according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that said width of said absorbent secondary member is at least 2 times said width of said absorbent primary member. 6. The composite sanitary napkin, according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that said primary absorbent member is attached to said absorbent secondary member by joining means in such a way that the longest detached distance between the adjacent junction points is less than 50% of said common length The composite sanitary napkin, according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that said primary absorbent member is attached to said absorbent secondary member by attachment means extending substantially continuously along said common length. The composite sanitary napkin, according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that said secondary absorbent member comprises an absorbent element positioned between said upper sheet and said back sheet. The composite sanitary napkin according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that said primary absorbent member comprises a barrier against the fluid. The composite sanitary napkin according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that said primary absorbent member comprises at least one elastic member. The composite sanitary napkin according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that said primary absorbent member comprises two or more segments. The composite sanitary napkin according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that said sanitary composite pad comprises a first end region, a central region and a second end region, said absorbent primary member positioned within said first end region includes a portion curled up. The composite sanitary napkin according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that said primary absorbent member has a compliance at 3/8 of an inch of less than 1.0 psi.