FI85559B - SANITETSBINDA, SOM AER AVSEDD ATT ANVAENDAS MED STOEDJANDE UNDERBYXOR. - Google Patents

Description

1 85559

The present invention relates to a sanitary napkin for use with a supportive undergarment having a crotch region, the sanitary napkin comprising an absorbent member having two opposite longitudinal edges, a liquid a permeable body-contacting surface, and an opposite liquid-impermeable surface, the width 10 of the absorbent member being at least at a point between its ends, and two flaps projecting away from the longitudinal edges of the absorbent member, each flap being attached to the absorbent member by a non-linear joint line free, non-linear edge separated from the joint.

Sanitary napkins are absorbent devices designed to receive and contain vaginal eruptions, such as menstrual fluids. In modern society, these products are everywhere. Recently, disposable sanitary napkins designed to be held close to the human body by a garment, such as underwear or panties, have supplanted the more traditional type of sanitary napkin that required the use of a special belt.

In U.S. Patent 2,787,271, issued April 2, 1957, Clark describes a sanitary napkin comprising a rectangular center pillow and two side flaps made integral with the pillow. These flaps are designed to be folded downwardly in contact with opposite surfaces 30 of the wearer's thighs and to prevent overflow from the central cushion, which would otherwise stain the clothing. This sanitary napkin is made so that the side flaps can be folded downwards along straight, parallel hinge lines which define the position of the sides of the center pad. The center pad has a heart piece 35 which is a soft, absorbent, fibrous material, such as 2,855,559 absorbent cotton, and which extends without interruption to the side flaps. The hinges are formed by pressing (e.g., by steam crimping with relatively sharp-edged presses) along the side edges of the core body in the center pad.

5 In U.S. Patent 3,397,697, issued August 20, 1968, Rick ard describes a disposable health protection for underwear. This device comprises an elongate film of flexible material divided into at least two panels connected by a neck-shaped intermediate part. The edge portions of the panel adjacent to the neck-like portion 10 comprise opposing, wing-like flaps intended to be pivoted over each other and to surround the crotch portion of the panties. The width of the crotch portion of the trousers is thus limited by a surrounding, absorbent strip which is freely sliding relative to the crotch portion of the trousers.

In U.S. Patent 4,285,343, issued August 25, 1981, McNair describes a sanitary napkin comprising an elongate, absorbent central pad projecting from the side panels. The side panels can be formed either in one piece with the center portion 20 or separately and attached to the longitudinal edges of the absorbent center pad. The joining lines between the center part and the side panels must be flexible so that each side panel can be folded around the corresponding side edge of the absorbent center pad and towards the rear of the center part when the device is in use. In use, the central portion is adhesively attached to the inside of the undergarment leg portion and each side panel is folded so as to surround at least half of the outer surface of the undergarment leg portion.

The object of the present invention is to eliminate the problems encountered in known sanitary napkins. This object is achieved by a sanitary napkin which, according to the invention, is characterized in that the free edge of each flap is convex outwards, the ends of each free edge joining the flap joint line, the width of each flap being at most intersecting the free edges and said joint line. at each point in the transverse direction at a maximum distance from the absorbent member, each flap has a first axis of flexibility between the joint line and the free edge of the flap, and that each flap has a second axis of flexibility between the first axis of flexibility and the free edge of the flap, each flap , that it allows both flaps to be bent about the second axis of flexibility, the folding flap portion being intended to be folded around the corresponding edge of the undergarment leg portion 10.

The invention will be explained in more detail by means of one exemplary embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Fig. 1 shows a plan view of a sanitary napkin according to the invention, Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the sanitary napkin of Fig. 1 along line 2-2, and exaggerates the thickness of certain parts. a front view of conventional panties in which the sanitary napkin of the invention can be worn, and Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the pants of Fig. 3 taken along line 4-4 showing the sanitary napkin of Fig. 1 therein.

Figures 1 and 2 show a preferred embodiment of a sanitary napkin according to the invention. The sanitary napkin 310 comprises an absorbent means represented by an absorbent central pad 212 and two flaps 224 and 224 '. (Unless otherwise stated in the following description, sanitary napkins have two flaps. Although the flaps need not be identical or mirror images of each other, it is preferred that they be. Thus, the first description is the description of the second. the corresponding parts are omitted for the sake of clarity, the corresponding parts being identified in the drawings by reference numerals and. '.

‘; 35 The flap 224 is connected to the absorbent central pad 212 along a non-linear connecting line 226. • · · · • · · • 1 »· 1 1 · 1 · 4 85559. In this specification, the term "non-linear" means any of a variety of curved lines as opposed to straight lines.

The flap 224 has a distal edge 278 that is furthest 5 from the connecting line 226. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the connecting line 226 is concave with respect to the distal edge 278. That is, the connecting line 226 curves away from the distal edge 278. In this embodiment, the non-linear connecting lines 239 form a suction means 10 (absorbent central pad 212) having a central region narrower than its ends. The user generally finds a sanitary napkin with a center narrower at its ends more comfortable than a sanitary napkin with a flat width.

The flap 224 has a first axis of flexibility 356 and a second axis of flexibility 334. The axes of flexibility 356 and 334 are provided by strong flapping of the flap 224, as shown. The flap 224 of the sanitary napkin 310 thus has two individual shafts (or individual hinge means) along which the flap 224 can bend. The flexibility axes 356 and 356 '20 are preferably about 2 to 18 cm apart.

Figure 2, which shows a cross-sectional view of the sanitary napkin 310 along line 2-2, shows a preferred general structure of the sanitary napkin 310. As shown in Figure 2, the absorbent center pad 212 comprises an absorbent core 216. Both the absorbent center pad 212 and the flap 224 have a topsheet 214. The backsheet 218 is located on the opposite side of the suction core 216 and the flap 224 relative to the topsheet 214. The top film 214 substantially forms one surface of the flap 224 and the back film 218 forms the other surface; the top film 214 further forms one surface of the absorbent central pad 212 and the back film 218 the second.

* In the embodiment shown, the flap suction core 230 is located between the top membrane 214 and the back membrane 218. Structure. to simplify, the flap suction core 230 extends through the entire insertion 310 and is between the suction core 216 and the posterior membrane 218. Although this is considered to be the best embodiment mainly for structural reasons, the suction core 230 of the flaps need not be between the suction core 216 and the backsheet 218.

The topsheet 214 and backsheet 218 are joined together at 5 seams 239 along the entire circumference of the sanitary napkin 310. The purpose of this seam is to connect the different parts of the sanitary napkin into a whole. The topsheet 214 is secured to the flap suction core 230 and the backsheet 218 along non-rectilinear joining lines 226 and 226 'by attachment means not shown in Figure 2.

Figure 2 shows the adhesive fastening means, the center pad adhesive 220 and the flap adhesive 236 covered by the center pad release curtain 222 and the flap release curtain 238, respectively. These adhesive fasteners 15 are for securing the sanitary napkin 310 within the crotch area of the undergarment.

The topsheet 214 allows fluid to pass through and when the sanitary napkin 310 is in use, it is very close to the wearer's skin. The upper membrane 214 adapts to the wearer's skin, it feels soft and does not irritate the skin. It can be made from any material commonly used for this purpose. Non-limiting examples of suitable materials that can be used as the top film 214 include woven and fibrous type polyester, polypropylene, nylon, screed, and shaped core-25 foam films; shaped films are considered the best. The contract; shaped films are described in U.S. Patent 4,324,246, issued to Mullane and Smith on April 13, 1982, and U.S. Patent 3,342,314, issued to Radel and Thompson on August 3, 1982, both of which are incorporated herein by reference. For top film 214, shaped films are preferred because they are permeable to liquids but are not absorbent. Thus, the surface of the shaped film in contact with the body remains dry and is more comfortable / p for the wearer.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the outer surface of the top film 214 is treated with a surfactant. By treating the outer surface of the top film with a surfactant, the surface becomes more water-soluble, allowing liquid to penetrate faster through the top film than if the 5 surfaces were not treated. Thus, there is less risk of menstrual fluid draining from the upper membrane 214 instead of being absorbed into the lymphatic core 216. It is preferred that the surfactant be evenly and completely distributed throughout the outer surface of the upper membrane 214. This can be accomplished by any method well known to those skilled in the art. For example, the surfactant can be applied to the top film 214 by spraying, priming, or using transfer rollers.

In preferred embodiments, the inner surface of the topsheet 15 214 is secured in contact with the suction core 216. As a result of this contact ratio, the liquid penetrates more rapidly through the upper membrane 214 than if it were not in contact with the suction core 216. The topsheet 214 can be maintained in contact with the suction core 216 by applying adhesives, preferably in discrete, restricted areas, to the inner surface of the topsheet 214. Suitable adhesives for this purpose include e.g. acrylic emulsion E-1833BT, manufactured by Rohm and Haas Company, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and acrylic emulsion. WB3805, manufactured by H.B. Fuller Company, St.Paul, Minnesota.

25 The adhesives can be applied by the same methods as those applied to the surfactant 214 in the top film.

Figure 2 shows that the suction core 216 is located between the top membrane 214 and the back membrane 218. The suction core 216 forms a means 30 for absorbing menstrual fluid. The suction core 216 is generally compressible and adaptable and does not irritate the wearer's skin. It can be any substance used in the art for this purpose. Suitable materials include, for example, tissue paper layers (such as cellulose wadding) and fibrillated, chopped cellulose (air felt), of which fibrillated, 7,855,559 chopped cellulose is preferred.

The posterior membrane 218 does not allow liquids to pass through and thus prevents any suction core 216! escaping menstrual fluid from staining the wearer's clothing. Any substance used in the art for this purpose can be used for this purpose. Suitable materials include forced or non-forced polyethylene films and laminated tissue paper.

The outer surface of the backsheet 218, which is substantially aligned with the suction core 216, is coated with a central pad adhesive 220, which is an adhesive attachment means that secures the absorbent central pad 212 to the crotch portion of the pants. Any adhesive or binder used in the art for this purpose can be used for this, and contact adhesives are considered to be the best. Suitable adhesives include Century A-305-IV, manufactured by Century Adhesives Corporation, and Instant Lok 34-2823, manufactured by National Starch Company. As shown in Figure 2, the width of the center pad adhesive 220 is approximately the same as that of the suction pad 216; the width is not critical and both suitable widths and lengths can be readily selected by those skilled in the art. The center pad contact adhesive 220 must be covered with a center pad release layer 222 that prevents the adhesive from drying out and adhering to other surfaces prior to use. For this purpose, any commercially available release surface -'- V 25 layer commonly used for such purposes can be used. Non-limiting examples of suitable release liners include BL 30 MG-A Silox E / O and BL 30 MG-A Silox 4 P / O, both manufactured by Akrosil Corporation.

As will be apparent from the foregoing description, the suction-capable centering means 212 has a liquid-permeable body-contacting surface (represented in Figure 2 by an upper - *: ··: membrane 214) and an opposite surface which is impermeable to liquid. (represented by the backsheet 218 in Figure 2). It is clear, .* . that the embodiment shown is only one possible, if at least. Other possible embodiments 8 85559 are e.g. one in which the top membrane is wrapped substantially completely around the lymphatic core before being placed on the posterior membrane. The suction means may also comprise a suction core which is sufficiently stable to be separated and whose second surface 5 allows liquid to pass through, while the other surface has been treated so as not to allow liquid to pass through.

It should be noted that the narrow, absorbent center 212 is effective because the general shape and use of the sanitary napkin 310 ensures that the absorbent center 212 remains close to the body. This proximity of the absorbent center pad 212 places it in exactly the right place; very close to the body to the vaginal opening. The absorbent pad 212 can thus absorb the majority of the menstrual fluid before it can run along the absorbent pad 212.

It should be noted that the connecting lines 226 and 226 'are the lines along which the flaps 224 and 224' are connected to the suction means (represented by the absorbent center 212); thus, they represent the boundary lines between the suction device and the flaps. In addition, it should be noted that the connecting lines are not 20 straight lines. They are preferably concave with respect to the distal edges 278 and 278 'and with respect to the mass of the absorbent center pad 212. Thus, the suction means adopts a shape in which the width at its center is smaller than the width at its ends. This contour shape is closely adapted to the anatomical dimensions of the user's haa-25 ra region. It makes the use of a sanitary napkin more comfortable and at the same time more effective because the user's thighs do not compress it so easily. Although non-linear joint lines that are convex with respect to the distal edges and the mass of the absorbent centering pad may be used, they are not considered best.

It is preferred that the width of the absorbent center pad 212 between the connecting lines 226 and 226 'at their nearest point be about 1-8 cm. The width of the absorbent central pad 212 at its ends should be about 2 to 9 cm. The length of its absorbent 35 central pad 212 should be about 7.6 to 38 cm.

li g 85559

The absorbent capacity of the absorbent central pad 212 need not be much greater than the total amount of menstrual fluid presumably being sucked. Thus, the absorbent center pad 212 may be not only narrow but also relatively thin. In addition, the 5 narrow and thin suction device is very comfortable for the user. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the top film 214 acts as the top film of the flaps 224 and 224 '. The flaps generally do not need an upper membrane to function properly, but the use of an upper membrane is preferred. The upper membranes of the flaps may be the same as the body-contacting surface of the suction device as shown, or they may be separate parts; the former is considered the best. All of the physical properties mentioned above for the top film 214 apply to any top flap film used. However, the top membrane of the flaps need not be the same material as the top membrane combined with the absorbent central pad. In preferred embodiments, the topsheet of the flaps may be a fibrous material, whereas the topsheet of the absorbent central pad is a topsheet.

The suction core 230 of the flaps is located between the top membrane 214 and the back membrane 218, closest to the flaps 224 and 224 '. In the embodiment shown, the flap suction core is also below the suction core 216; this arrangement is considered the best because it is easy. pot to manufacture sanitary napkin 310. In this arrangement, the suction capacity of the suction core 216 is enhanced. The flap suction core 230 forms a means for absorbing menstrual fluid which is not absorbed by the suction core 216 or which is discharged therefrom. The flap suction core 230 is compressible and conformable and does not irritate the wearer's skin. It can be prepared from any of the materials from which the suction core 216 can be prepared, as described above. The flap suction core 230 is preferably a sheet of tissue paper. Although the use of *: **: the lymph heart of the flaps is considered the best, it can be omitted.

. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the rear *; The membrane 218 acts as a backing membrane for the flaps 224 and 224 '. The flaps 10 85559 need a backing membrane (or at least a substance that does not allow liquid to pass through) in order for them to function properly. The backsheets of the flaps may be integral with the surface of the suction means that is impermeable to liquid, as shown, or they may be separate parts; the former is considered the best. All of the physical properties mentioned above for the backsheet 218 apply to any backsheet 218 of the flaps.

Those skilled in the art can easily select the overall dimensions of the flap 224. The width of the sanitary napkin 310 is preferably about.

10 10 to 23 cm between the distal edges 278 and 278 'at their furthest points. The width of the flap 224 is preferably about 7.6 to 18 cm parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sanitary napkin.

The outer surface of the flap 224 near the distal edge 278 is coated with the flap adhesive 236.

The flap adhesive 236 is an adhesive fastening means that helps hold the flap 224 in place as it is wrapped around the edge of the crotch portion of the pants, as described below. As the flap adhesive 236, any adhesive used as the center pad adhesive 220 can be used. The flap adhesive 236 is also covered with a flap release layer 238. Any release layer used as the center pad release layer 22 can be used as the flap release layer 238. .

According to Figures 1 and 2, the top film 214 is attached to the back film 218 along the seam 239. The seam 239 can be formed by any means commonly used in the art for this purpose, such as glue, grouting, or heat sealing. The seam 239 is shown extending completely around the circumference of the sanitary napkin 310; this embodiment 30 is preferred because it facilitates manufacture. (Other means of connecting different parts of the device may be used). The flap suction core 230 is shown extending into the seam 239; TA; ·. the hill is an arrangement resulting from a simplified manufacturing method. The three parts: the top membrane, the flap suction core 35 and the posterior membrane can be aligned so that the suction core is properly positioned between them and the seam can be formed and the appearance of the sanitary napkin obtained by cutting in one or two steps.

The topsheet 214 may be secured to the backsheet 218 (and the flap suction core 230) along the lines 226 and 226 'by one of the methods of forming the seam 239.

The flap 224 has a first flexibility axis 356 and a second flexibility axis 334. These two flexibility axes allow the flap 224 to form a wall in use, as will be explained below.

The structure of the first flexibility shaft 356 is such as to allow the flap to bend along the first flexibility shaft 356. The direction of bending of the flap is upwards when the sanitary napkin 310 is in the state shown in Figure 2. The general direction of the bend is such that the portion of the flap 224 including the distal edge 278 rotates about the first axis of flexibility 356 in an arc beginning approximately from its extended position, as shown in Figure 2, toward the body-contacting surface of the absorbent fluid 20 (represented by the upper membrane in Figure 2). 214 the portion aligned with the suction core 216) and away from the liquid-tight surface of the suction means (represented in Figure 2 by the portion of the posterior membrane 218 that is aligned with the suction core 216).

The structure of the second axis of flexibility 334 is such as to allow the flap to bend along the second axis of flexibility 334. The bending direction is downward when the sanitary napkin 310 is in the state of Figure 2. The general direction of the bend is such that the portion of the flap 224 that includes the distal edge 278, 30 rotates about the second axis of flexibility 334 in an arc, approximately from its extended position, as shown in Figure 2, ·: · *: toward the fluid-tight surface of the suction means * f '; in part 2, the part of the posterior membrane 218 which is in line with the suction. *. core 216 and comprises an absorbent central pad 212) * "· 35 and away from the liquid-permeable surface of the suction means which touches the body. (represented in Figure 2 by the portion of the top membrane 214 that is aligned with the suction core 216).

As shown in Figure 1, the first bending axis 356 is very close to the joint line 226. The first bending axis 356 may in fact intersect the joint line 226 at the point where the latter contacts the outer edge of the sanitary napkin (the edge of which is represented by the seam 239). Generally, this is the only situation in which the first axis of flexibility 356 and the joint line 226 touch or coincide. However, it is clear that the application of external forces during use can cause the first axis of flexibility to move towards the joint line, so that in some cases the two may touch or collide with each other.

Sanitary napkins comprising an absorbent central pad comprising a liquid-permeable topsheet, a liquid-tight backsheet and a lymphatic core between the topsheet and the backsheet, and having a flap extending from each longitudinal edge of the absorbent pad and each connecting line The flap edge 20 is rectilinear and each flap is provided with an axis of flexibility in the flap body, such that the sanitary napkin preferably bends at the straight line of connection of each flap and absorbent center and further at the axis of flexibility of the flap body. Although such bandages are clearly different from the bandages of the invention, they function in the same manner as the bandages of the invention.

• 'Those skilled in the art can, without undue experimentation, select the exact shape of the flap 224 and the overall shape of the sanitary napkin 310 30. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the flaps are located symmetrically along the sanitary napkin: ·· along the longitudinal axis; but although this embodiment is considered the best, it is not a defining feature of the structure.

. *. As stated above, the flaps are more or less mirror images of each other, but although this is considered to be the best, ·· # • · · · · 13 8 5 559 is also not a determining factor in the structure.

In addition, the sanitary napkin shown in Figures 1 and 2 is an embodiment in which the flaps are formed in one piece with the upper and back membranes of the sanitary napkin. Although this is also considered to be the best method of preparation, it is not prescriptive. The flaps and absorbent mounts may be formed separately and joined together in ways well known to those skilled in the art so that the resulting sanitary napkin performs substantially as well as the embodiments shown herein. In use, the sanitary napkins of the invention may be held in place by some means of support well known for this purpose. Waist belts can be used. However, it is much preferred that they be placed in the user's panties, as described below.

Figure 3 shows an undergarment worn by many women called panties. It comprises a front piece 240, a back piece 242 and a leg portion 244 connecting the front and back pieces 240 and 242. The hook portion 244 of the hook-20 has two side edges 246 and 246 'and a center branch portion 248.

The sanitary napkin of the invention is used by removing the release layers 222, 238 and 238 'and then placing the sanitary napkin on the pants as shown in Figure 4. The center of the absorbent central pad 212 is positioned in the crotch portion of the pants * - 244 so that one end of the suction pad 212 extends toward the front piece 240 and the other end toward the backsheet portion 242 of the pants and the backsheet 218 contacts the inner surface of the central leg portion 248 of the pants. The center pad adhesive 220 pi-30 holds the absorbent center pad 212 in place. The distal portions of the flaps 224 and 224 'are folded around the respective side edges 246 and 246' of the pants by bending them along the second axes of flexibility 234 and 234 '. Flap adhesive 236 and. ' . 236 'holds flaps 224 and 224' in this position. Thus the flaps ‘; 35 224 and 224 'are folded over themselves so that the part of the trousers i4 85559 containing the side edges 246 and 246' is between them.

By using the sanitary napkin according to the invention, many advantages are achieved. The flaps 224 and 224 'are wrapped around each side edge 246 and 246' of the leg portion 244 of the pants 5 as shown in FIG. This encapsulation of the crotch part of the trousers helps to prevent menstrual fluid from coming into contact with the middle crotch part of the trousers. Thus, the middle leg portion of the pants does not stain.

10 There are two other benefits. The other is that the parts of the flaps which contain the second axes of flexibility 334 and 334 'form an excellent seal against the body. Another is that the absorbent center, such as the absorbent center 212, remains in excellent, close relationship with the body.

There is usually an elastic material at the edge of the crotch section of the pants. When pants are used, the elastic material at the edge of the crotch provides an upward force against the body due to the energy of the elastic material and the fit of the pants. By placing a second axis of elasticity 20, such as the second axes of elasticity 334 and 334 ', between the body and the edges of the leg portion of the pants, an upward force generated by the edge of the leg portion of the pants is pushed firmly against the body. In this case, a seal is formed along the axes of flexibility between the flaps and the body. The seal helps prevent menstrual fluid from penetrating past the other axes of flexibility, which in turn keeps staining of feet and nearby clothing to a minimum. Another advantage of the ends being pushed firmly against the body along the other axes of flexibility is that the suction means (absorbent center) is forced very close to the body in accordance with this. Holding the absorbent pad against the body is known as "good body contact." Good touch. · 35 to the body is an advantage because it is a barrier to the lateral flow of menstrual B5559 tea. Without such a barrier, menstrual fluid would tend to flow rapidly along the upper membrane, leaving less time for its absorption into the lymphatic heart.

The inherent accumulation is the formation of wrinkles 5 along the side axes of the sanitary napkin as a result of the initial placement of the sanitary napkin in the pants for use. (The side axes of the sanitary napkin extend across the "branch portion" of the dressing approximately in the direction of line 2-2 in Figure 1). This inherent accumulation is due to the fact that the sanitary napkin is substantially rectilinear along its longitudinal axis and that the anatomy of the body at the point where the sanitary napkin is placed is substantially U-shaped. (The longitudinal axis of the sanitary napkin extends from end to end of the absorbent central portion approximately perpendicular to line 2-2 of Figure 1). 15 Thus, as soon as a sanitary napkin is inserted, its shape changes along its longitudinal axis from a substantially rectilinear shape to a U-shape. This deformation causes wrinkles along the side axes of the sanitary napkin, with a large majority of the wrinkles being at the point where the body curvature is greatest, i.e., in the 20 branch region.

Forced accumulation is the wrinkling of a sanitary napkin along either its lateral or longitudinal axes caused by the movement of the user's feet.

Wrinkles caused by natural or forced accumulation in the sanitary napkin are referred to as flow channels because menstrual fluid can easily flow along the wrinkle trough when there is no significant contact with the body along the wrinkle.

The sanitary napkin of the invention has many advantages because the flaps bend at the first axes of flexibility. These advantages are in particular the following: 1) the inherent accumulation leads to the formation of flow channels - essentially only to the absorbent center pad · *. and not to the mass of the flaps, *. 2) the sanitary napkin of the invention can withstand much of the forced accumulation of ie 85559 before flow channels are formed, 3) even if the forced accumulation is strong enough to form flow channels, the channels formed are substantially confined to the absorbent center pad, and 4) even if the forced accumulation is so large that flow channels are formed in both the absorbent center pad and the flap, menstrual fluid cannot penetrate past the other axes of flexibility of the flaps.

These four advantages are achieved because the sanitary napkin of the invention bends along the axes of flexibility. The anatomical features of the female branch region are such that the branch portion is substantially trapezoidal in shape and the central region of the branch located at the vaginal opening is the base of the orthogonal. When the sanitary napkin of the invention is in use, the anatomical properties of the crotch region force the sanitary napkin to bend upward at the first axis of wood. As a result, the sanitary napkin forms an absorbent central pad on each side of the wall; 20 The wall extends from the first axis of flexibility to the second axis of wood. Thus, the sanitary napkin according to the invention has a hollow shape, with the trousers 246 and 246 'wrapped around the edge of the crotch. . ·. the level 25 formed by the second axes of flexibility 334 and 334 'is higher than the level formed by the first axes of flexibility 356 and 356' when the user is in an upright position.

The inherent accumulation in the sanitary napkin of the invention is substantially limited to the absorbent central pad; substantially no flow-30 channels are formed in the walls. Without wishing to be bound by any theory, it is believed that as flow channels form, the energy that develops them is transferred across the absorbent center and the flow channels lengthen. This continues until the flow channels reach. first axes of flexibility. Flow channels do not extend *; 35 beyond these, presumably because the first wood axes dissipate the energy that lengthens the flow channels. Thus, the flow channels do not extend to the seal, such as a sealing ring, formed between the flap and the body at the second axis of flexibility, and therefore the seal remains intact. A seal resembling a sealing ring forms a dam and prevents the flow of menstrual fluid. The lymphatic heart can then absorb (or re-absorb) the menstrual fluid.

The sanitary napkin of the invention can withstand a lot of forced agglomeration before flow channels are formed therein, because the energy transferred to the sanitary napkin by the forced agglomeration results in the walls tending to rotate about each axis of flexibility. Without this rotation, flow channels would form.

15 Although forced accumulation is sufficient force to immerse to provide flow channels, the channels are substantially confined to the absorbent central pad. This is due to the same reasons that the natural accumulation forms flow channels only in the absorbent central pad. Therefore, a seal similar to a tii-20 bellows ring remains intact and forms a dam that prevents the flow of menstrual fluid until it can be absorbed by the lymphatic heart.

Even if the forced accumulation is strong enough to form flow channels in both the absorbent central pad and the flap, the penetration of menstrual fluid past the other axes of flexibility of the flaps is prevented. Such flow channels are likely to break the annular seal. However, menstrual fluid cannot penetrate past the other axes of flexibility of the flaps because the walls 30 themselves impede the flow of menstrual fluid.

The menstrual fluid should flow up along the walls, which * - “is essentially against gravity when the user is in an upright position to penetrate the annular seal. *. through a breaking point. Thus, the walls themselves prevent the moon-; 35 distillate flow.

is 8 5 559

In summary, the sanitary napkin according to the invention essentially forms flow channels only in the absorbent central cushion, as a result of which the annular seal remains intact. Thus, the menstrual fluid does not flow past its ring-5 seal. But if the forced accumulation is so great that the annular seal breaks, the walls themselves block the flow of menstrual fluid.

It is important to note that even if only a very small lymph core 230 of the flaps is used, or no suction core at all, this would not throw away the staining caused by menstrual fluid. This is because the main function of the walls formed by the flaps is to keep the menstrual fluid inside, rather than sucking it. The absorbent core absorbs a large majority of the menstrual fluid. The very small suction core of the Li-15 ski flaps takes up much less space and is therefore more comfortable for the user.

The sanitary napkin of the present invention has been described as having a device with two flaps, which in use both form a wall. Although these embodiments are considered to be much better, devices with only one flap are also conceivable. This single flap would be connected to the absorbent central pad along a non-linear joint line. The flap would have at least two, and preferably at least four, axes of flexibility that would allow it to form both of the walls described above when folded completely around the crotch portion of the pants. The flap would then be connected to the absorbent center pad along a non-linear joint line opposite to the above.

The embodiments of the sanitary napkin of the present invention sampled and described above had adhesive fastening means near the distal edges of the flaps in line with the absorbent center pad. These parts, which are designed to hold the sanitary napkin firmly in place in the crotch area of the undergarment, are considered the best. Here! Nevertheless, it may be noted that embodiments of the invention

II

i9 85559 which do not effectively have one or more of the fasteners described above are also useful, new and effective devices.

The embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2 is readily applicable to operate as an embodiment of the invention that does not effectively have one or more adhesive fastening means. For example, the central pad adhesive 220 (and, of course, the associated central pad release layer 222) may be omitted from the sanitary napkin 310 shown in Figures 1 and 2. In use, this modified embodiment would be placed in the inner crotch region of the pants, just as in the original embodiment. ny 220 is not attached to the inner crotch area of the pants. The flaps 224 and 224 'may be secured around the elastic edge 15 of the pants, as described above, with the flap adhesive 236 and 236'. The user would then wear the pants and a modified sanitary napkin attached to them, as above. The flap adhesive 236 and 236 'in conjunction with the elastic edges of the pants holds the modified sanitary napkin in place.

Similarly, the sanitary napkin 310 can be modified by omitting only the flap adhesive 236 and 236 '(and the release layers 238 and 238'). The modified sanitary napkin would be attached to the crotch region of the pants with a centralized adhesive ai-25 220 and the flaps would be folded around the elastic edges.

In the same way, the sanitary napkin 310 can be modified by omitting all flap and center pad adhesives. In use, such a modified sanitary napkin would remain in place only through the interaction between the flaps, the elastic edges of the pants and the wearer's body 30.

Two points need to be emphasized in the recent description of modified embodiments of the invention.

First, only clinging to the stick is left out. modified sanitary napkins. All of the device; 35 other necessary parts, such as suction means, flaps, non-linear connecting lines, first and second axes of flexibility, are necessary.

Second, it is said in the description of the modified sanitary napkins that they do not have "effectively" adhesive fastening means. This condition, which does not "effectively" have these parts, can be achieved by completely omitting the adhesive fastening means as described during the manufacture of the device. It can also be accomplished by applying the entire sanitary napkin 310 to the pants 10 as shown in Figures 1 and 2 such that one or more adhesive fastening means are covered with a release liner. The sanitary napkin 310 thus in place would function in substantially the same manner as if covered, adhesive fasteners were not present. This would achieve, as desired, the benefits of a sanitary napkin completely or partially free of fasteners.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that reference is made in the description of the invention to embodiments which may be modified and modified within the scope and spirit of the invention.

Claims (5)

A sanitary napkin (310) which is intended to be used with supportive panties having a branch area (244), and the sanitary napkin comprising: - an absorbent member (212) having two opposing elongated edges, a surface (214) which permits liquid and comes into contact with the body, and an opposing surface (218) which does not allow liquid, the width of the absorbent portion being at least at a point between its ends; and - two tabs (224,224 ') projecting from the elongate edges of the absorbent member (212), each tab being secured to the absorbent member along a non-linear joining line (226,226') and each tab having a free, separate joint non-linear edge (278,278 '); characterized in that - the free edge (278,278 ') of each tab (224, 224') curves unevenly, the ends of each free edge 20 being joined to the tab's joining line (226,226 '), the width of each tab being greatest at one point between the intersection points of the free edges and said joining line, which point in the transverse direction is at a maximum distance from the absorbent member (212); 25. each tab (224,224 ') has a first bending axis (356,356') between the joining line (226,226 ') and the free edge of the tab (278,278'); and - each tab (224,224 ') has a second bending axis (334,334') between the first bending axis (356,356 *) and the free edge of the tab (278,278 '), the width of each tab being such that it allows bending of each tab around the second bending axis, where the flexible portion of the tab is intended to bend around the corresponding edge (246,246 ') in the branch portion (248) of the pantyhose. 2. A sanitary napkin according to claim 1, characterized in that a particular folding part forms at least one tab of the bending shafts (356,356 ', 334,334'). 3. A sanitary napkin according to claim 2, characterized in that the special folding parts 5 form the first or second bending axis (356,356 ', 334, 334') in each tab. Sanitary napkin according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that it comprises an adhesive fastener (220) which is fixed to the surface (218) which does not pass through liquid and which on its side is intended to be attached to the branch area (248) in the supporting panties. Sanitary napkin according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that an adhesive fastener (236,236 ') is attached to each tab (224, 224').