Absorbent articles having panty covering components that naturally wrap the sides of panties

• US 5,584,829 A
• Filed: 07/22/1993
• Issued: 12/17/1996
• Est. Priority Date: 05/21/1991
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
• Original Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
• Inventors: Mayer, Katherine L., Osborn, Thomas W. III, Hines, Letha M., Lavash, Bruce W., Olsen, Robb E.
• Primary Examiner(s): CLARKE, ROBERT A
• Application Number:
  US08/096,121
• Time in Patent Office: 1,244 Days
• Field of Search: 604/385.1-391, 604/393
• US Class Current: 604/387
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 13/47227 for interlabial use
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 13/475 characterised by edge leakage prevention means
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 13/4753 the barrier being not integral with the topsheet or backsheet
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 13/476 characterised by encircling the crotch region of the undergarment
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 13/49009 with elastic means
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 13/494 characterised by edge leakage prevention means
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 13/49413 the edge leakage prevention means being an upstanding barrier
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 13/51 characterised by the outer layers wicking or transfer layers A61F13/537
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 13/511 Topsheet, i.e. the permeable cover or layer facing the skin
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 13/51464 being stretchable or elastomeric
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 13/51466 providing stretchability without the use of elastic material
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 13/51478 being a laminate, e.g. multi-layered or with several layers
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 13/5148 having an impervious inner layer and a cloth-like outer layer
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 13/515 characterised by the interconnection of the topsheet and the backsheet
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 13/53 characterised by the absorbing medium A61F13/20 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 13/531 having a homogeneous composition through the thickness of the pad A61F13/538, A61F13/539 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 13/537 characterised by a layer facilitating or inhibiting flow in one direction or plane, e.g. a wicking layer A61F13/538 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 13/539 characterised by the connection of the absorbent layers with each other or with the outer layers
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 13/58 Adhesive tab fastener elements A61F13/5611, A61F13/5616, A61F13/66 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 13/64 Straps, belts, ties or endless bands A61F13/5605, A61F13/5622, A61F13/66 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 13/72 : with endless waist encircling band, e.g. panty type
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 13/74 : having means to retain absorbent pads
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/15292 : Resistance, i.e. modulus or strength
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/15325 : Stress relaxation or compression recovery
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/15373 : Calliper, i.e. thickness
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/15382 : Reduced thickness
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/1539 : being expandable
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/15406 : Basis weight
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/15414 : Bulk thickness
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/15447 : Fibre dimension, e.g. denier or tex
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/4708 : Panty-liner
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/49031 : being elastic in longitudinal direction
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/49033 : being elastic in transversal direction
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/49042 : with only stretchable part, i.e. part being not elastic but only extensible with not a full recovery of its original length
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/49063 : the diaper having decoupled components
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/5055 : Possibility of doubling or putting in new pieces
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/51061 : for rendering the surface hydrophobic
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/51066 : for rendering the surface hydrophilic
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/51409 : being a film
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/51429 : being elastomeric or stretchable sheet
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/51433 : being biodegradable
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/51441 : being a fibrous material
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/5147 : the outer layer being adhesive itself
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/51488 : for napkins
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/530007 : being made from pulp
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/530131 : being made in fibre but being not pulp
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/530226 : with polymeric fibres
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/530328 : being mineral fibres, e.g. glass
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/530335 : being in peat moss
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/530481 : having superabsorbent materials, i.e. highly absorbent polymer gel materials
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/530496 : being fixed to fibres
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/530547 : positioned in a separate layer or layers
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/530554 : and being fixed to a web
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/530569 : characterized by the particle size
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/530583 : characterized by the form
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/530613 : in fibres
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/530802 : characterized by the foam or sponge other than superabsorbent A61F2013/530649 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/530875 : having holes
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/530934 : having a density gradient
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/53795 : being a surge management layer
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/53908 : with adhesive
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/53916 : with epicyclical pattern
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/53925 : with intermittent pattern, e.g. spots
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/5395 : with thermoplastic agent, i.e. softened by heat
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/53966 : by needling, sewing, blow-needling
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/53975 : by Hydraulic entanglement
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/583 : with strips on several places
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/586 : on lateral flaps
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/8476 : with various devices or method

Abstract

The present invention relates to absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, and incontinence pads. More particularly, the present invention relates to absorbent articles, such as sanitary napkins, that have longitudinal side edge components that naturally wrap the sides of a wearer'"'"'s panties which provide an alternative to conventional side flaps.

Claims

1. An absorbent article for wearing in a crotch region of an undergarment, said absorbent article having a longitudinal dimension extending in a longitudinal direction and a transverse dimension extending in a transverse direction, a longitudinal centerline, and a transverse centerline, said absorbent article comprising:

a main body portion comprising an absorbent core, said main body portion having a body-facing side, a garment-facing side, and a pair of longitudinal side edges; and

an undergarment covering component, said undergarment covering component being joined to the garment-facing side of said main body portion inboard of the longitudinal side edges of said main body portion at affixation points and being otherwise unattached to said main body portion laterally outboard of at least some of said affixation points, said undergarment covering component comprising a pair of side wrapping elements for folding around a side of a crotch region of an undergarment, said side wrapping elements extending laterally outward beyond the longitudinal side edges of said main body portion a distance of less than one-half the width of said main body portion to distal edges, wherein at least a portion of said undergarment covering component is extensible generally in the longitudinal direction between said affixation points and said distal edges of said side wrapping elements when said side wrapping elements are folded around a side of a crotch portion of an undergarment, and said extensible portion of said undergarment covering component has a return force of less than or equal to about 100 grams.

2. The absorbent article of claim 1 wherein said return force is less than or equal to about 50 grams.

3. The absorbent article of claim 2 wherein said return force is less than or equal to about 25 grams.

4. An absorbent article for wearing in a crotch region of an undergarment, said absorbent article having a longitudinal dimension extending in a longitudinal direction and a transverse dimension extending in a transverse direction, a longitudinal centerline, and a transverse centerline, said absorbent article comprising:

a main body portion comprising an absorbent core, said main body portion having a body-facing side, a garment-facing side, and a pair of longitudinal side edges; and

undergarment covering component, said undergarment covering component being joined to the garment-facing side of said main body portion inboard of the longitudinal side edges of said main body portion at affixation points and being otherwise unattached to said main body portion laterally outboard of at least some of said affixation points, said undergarment covering component comprising a pair of side wrapping elements for folding around a side of a crotch region of an undergarment, said side wrapping elements extending laterally outward beyond the longitudinal side edges of said main body portion a distance of less than one-half the width of said main body portion to distal edges, wherein at least a portion of said undergarment covering component is extensible generally in the longitudinal direction between said affixation points and said distal edges of said side wrapping elements when said side wrapping elements are folded around a side of a crotch portion of an undergarment, wherein said extensible portions have a set of greater than or equal to about 10%.

5. The absorbent article of claim 4 wherein said extensible portions have a set of greater than or equal to about 20% .

6. An absorbent article for wearing in a crotch region of an undergarment, said absorbent article having a longitudinal dimension extending in a longitudinal direction and a transverse dimension extending in a transverse direction, a longitudinal centerline, and a transverse centerline, said absorbent article comprising:

a main body portion comprising an absorbent core, said main body portion having a body-facing side, a garment-facing side, and a pair of longitudinal side edges; and

undergarment covering component, said undergarment covering component being joined to the garment-facing side of said main body portion inboard of the longitudinal side edges of said main body portion at affixation points and being otherwise unattached to said main body portion laterally outboard of at least some of said affixation points, said undergarment covering component comprising a pair of side wrapping elements for folding around a side of a crotch region of an undergarment, said side wrapping elements extending laterally outward beyond the longitudinal side edges of said main body portion a distance of less than one-half the width of said main body portion to distal edges, wherein at least a portion of said undergarment covering component is extensible generally in the longitudinal direction between said affixation points and said distal edges of said side wrapping elements when said side wrapping elements are folded around a side of a crotch portion of an undergarment, wherein said side wrapping elements each have a resistance to edge compression of greater than or equal to about 5 grams force.

7. An absorbent article for wearing in a crotch region of an undergarment, said absorbent article having a longitudinal dimension extending in a longitudinal direction and a transverse dimension extending in a transverse direction, a longitudinal centerline, and a transverse centerline, said absorbent article comprising:

a main body portion comprising an absorbent core, said main body portion having a body-facing side, a garment-facing side, and a pair of longitudinal side edges; and

undergarment covering component, said undergarment covering component being joined to the garment-facing side of said main body portion inboard of the longitudinal side edges of said main body portion at affixation points and being otherwise unattached to said main body portion laterally outboard of at least some of said affixation points, said undergarment covering component comprising a pair of side wrapping elements for folding around a side of a crotch region of an undergarment, said side wrapping elements extending laterally outward beyond the longitudinal side edges of said main body portion a distance of less than one-half the width of said main body portion to distal edges, wherein at least a portion of said undergarment covering component is extensible generally in the longitudinal direction between said affixation points and said distal edges of said side wrapping elements when said side wrapping elements are folded around a side of a crotch portion of an undergarment, wherein said side wrapping elements each have a resistance to edge compression of greater than or equal to about 10 grams force.

8. An absorbent article for wearing in a crotch region of an undergarment, said absorbent article having a longitudinal dimension extending in a longitudinal direction and a transverse dimension extending in a transverse direction, a longitudinal centerline, and a transverse centerline, said absorbent article comprising:

a main body portion comprising an absorbent core, said main body portion having a body-facing side, a garment-facing side, and a pair of longitudinal side edges; and

a pair of side wrapping elements for folding at least partially around a side of a crotch region of an undergarment, said side wrapping elements being joined to the garment-facing side of said main body portion inboard of the longitudinal side edges of said main body portion at affixation points and being otherwise unattached to said main body portion laterally outboard of at least some of said affixation points, said side wrapping elements extending laterally outward beyond the longitudinal side edges of said main body portion, wherein at least a portion of said side wrapping elements is extensible between said affixation points and said distal edges of said side wrapping elements when said side wrapping elements are folded around a side of a crotch portion of an undergarment, and said extensible portion of said side wrapping elements has a return force of less than or equal to about 100 grams.

9. A sanitary napkin for wearing in a crotch region of a pair of panties, said sanitary napkin having a longitudinal dimension extending in a longitudinal direction and a transverse dimension extending in a transverse direction, said sanitary napkin comprising:

a main body portion comprising an absorbent core, said main body portion having a body-facing side, a garment-facing side, and a pair of longitudinal side edges; and

a pair of side wrapping elements for folding at least partially around a side of a crotch region of an undergarment, said side wrapping elements being joined to the garment-facing side of said main body portion at affixation points that are inboard of the longitudinal side edges of said main body portion and being otherwise unattached to said main body portion laterally outboard of at least some of said affixation points, said side wrapping elements extending laterally outward beyond the longitudinal side edges of said main body portion, wherein at least a portion of said side wrapping elements is extensible when said side wrapping elements are folded at least partially around a side of a crotch portion of a pair of panties, and said extensible portions of said side wrapping elements have a return force of less than or equal to about 100 grams.

10. A sanitary napkin for wearing in a crotch region of a pair of panties, said sanitary napkin having a longitudinal dimension extending in a longitudinal direction and a transverse dimension extending in a transverse direction, said sanitary napkin comprising:

a main body portion comprising an absorbent core, said main body portion having a body-facing side, a garment-facing side, and a pair of longitudinal side edges; and

a pair of side wrapping elements for folding at least partially around a side of a crotch region of a pair of panties, said side wrapping elements being joined to the garment-facing side of said main body portion inboard of the longitudinal side edges of said main body portion at affixation points and being otherwise unattached to said main body portion laterally outboard of at least some of said affixation points, said side wrapping elements extending laterally outward beyond the longitudinal side edges of said main body portion a distance of less than one-half the width of said main body portion to distal edges, wherein at least a portion of each of said side wrapping elements is extensible generally in the longitudinal direction in an amount between about 10% and about 40% under any force within the range of between about 50 grams and about 1,500 grams between said affixation points and said distal edges of said side wrapping elements when said side wrapping are folded when said side wrapping elements are folded at least partially around a side of a crotch portion of a pair of panties and said extensible portions of said side wrapping elements have a return force of less than or equal to about 100 grams.

11. An absorbent article for wearing in a crotch region of an undergarment, said absorbent article having a longitudinal dimension extending in a longitudinal direction and a transverse dimension extending in a transverse direction, a longitudinal centerline, and a transverse centerline, said absorbent article comprising:

a main body portion comprising an absorbent core, said main body portion having a body-facing side, a garment-facing side, and a pair of longitudinal side edges; and

a pair of side wrapping elements for folding at least partially around a side of a crotch region of an undergarment, said side wrapping elements being joined to the garment-facing side of said main body portion inboard of the longitudinal side edges of said main body portion at affixation points and being otherwise unattached to said main body portion laterally outboard of at least some of said affixation points, said side wrapping elements extending laterally outward beyond the longitudinal side edges of said main body portion, wherein at least a portion of said side wrapping elements is extensible generally in the longitudinal direction between said affixation points and said distal edges of said longitudinal side portions when said side wrapping elements are folded at least partially around a side of a crotch portion of an undergarment, and said extensible portion of said side wrapping elements has a set of greater than or equal to about 10%.

12. A sanitary napkin for wearing in a crotch region of a pair of panties, said sanitary napkin having a longitudinal dimension extending in a longitudinal direction and a transverse dimension extending in a transverse direction, said sanitary napkin comprising:

a main body portion comprising an absorbent core, said main body portion having a body-facing side, a garment-facing side, and a pair of longitudinal side edges; and

a pair of side wrapping elements for folding at least partially around a side of a crotch region of a pair of panties, said side wrapping elements being joined to the garment-facing side of said main body portion inboard of the longitudinal side edges of said main body portion at affixation points and being otherwise unattached to said main body portion laterally outboard of at least some of said affixation points, said side wrapping elements extending laterally outward beyond the longitudinal side edges of said main body portion a distance of less than one-half the width of said main body portion to distal edges, wherein at least a portion of each of said side wrapping elements is extensible generally in the longitudinal direction in an amount between about 10% and about 40% under any force within the range of between about 50 grams and about 1,500 grams between said affixation points and said distal edges of said side wrapping elements when said side wrapping elements are folded at least partially around a side of a crotch portion of a pair of panties and said extensible portions of said side wrapping elements have a set of greater than or equal to about 10%.

13. An absorbent article for wearing in a crotch region of an undergarment, said absorbent article having a longitudinal dimension extending in a longitudinal direction and a transverse dimension extending in a transverse direction, a longitudinal centerline, and a transverse centerline, said absorbent article comprising:

a main body portion comprising an absorbent core, said main body portion having a body-facing side, a garment-facing side, and a pair of longitudinal side edges; and

a pair of side wrapping elements for folding at least partially around a side of a crotch region of an undergarment, said side wrapping elements being joined to the garment-facing side of said main body portion inboard of the longitudinal side edges of said main body portion at affixation points and being otherwise unnattached to said main body portion laterally outboard of at least some of said affixation points and extending laterally outward beyond the longitudinal side edges of said main body portion to a distal edge, wherein at least a portion of said side wrapping elements is extensible when said side wrapping elements are folded at least partially around a side of a crotch portion of an undergarment and said side wrapping elements have a resistance to edge compression of greater than or equal to about 5 grams force.

14. A sanitary napkin for wearing in a crotch region of a pair of panties, said sanitary napkin having a longitudinal dimension extending in a longitudinal direction and a transverse dimension extending in a transverse direction, said sanitary napkin comprising:

a main body portion comprising an absorbent core, said main body portion having a body-facing side, a garment-facing side, and a pair of longitudinal side edges; and

a pair of side wrapping elements for folding at least partially around a side of a crotch region of an undergarment, said side wrapping elements being joined to the garment-facing side of said main body portion at affixation points that are inboard of the longitudinal side edges of said main body portion and being otherwise unattached to said main body portion laterally outboard of at least some of said affixation points, said side wrapping elements extending laterally outward beyond the longitudinal side edges of said main body portion, wherein at least a portion of said side wrapping elements is extensible when said side wrapping elements are folded at least partially around a side of a crotch portion of a pair of panties, and said extensible portions of said side wrapping elements have a resistance to edge compression of greater than or equal to about 5 grams force.

15. A sanitary napkin for wearing in a crotch region of a pair of panties, said sanitary napkin having a longitudinal dimension extending in a longitudinal direction and a transverse dimension extending in a transverse direction, a longitudinal centerline, and a transverse centerline, said sanitary napkin comprising:

a main body portion comprising an absorbent core, said main body portion having a body-facing side, a garment-facing side, and a pair of longitudinal side edges; and

a pair of side wrapping elements for folding at least partially around a side of a crotch region of a pair of panties, said side wrapping elements being joined to said main body portion inboard of the longitudinal side edges of said main body portion at affixation points and being otherwise unnattached to said main body portion laterally outboard of at least some of said affixation points and extending laterally outward beyond the longitudinal side edges of said main body portion a distance of less than about one-half the width of said main body portion to a distal edge, wherein at least a portion of said side wrapping elements is extensible when said side wrapping elements are folded at least partially around a side of a crotch portion of an undergarment and said side wrapping elements have a resistance to edge compression of greater than or equal to about 5 grams force.

16. A sanitary napkin for wearing in a crotch region of a pair of panties, said sanitary napkin having a longitudinal dimension extending in a longitudinal direction and a transverse dimension extending in a transverse direction, a longitudinal centerline, and a transverse centerline, said sanitary napkin comprising:

a main body portion comprising an absorbent core, said main body portion having a body-facing side, a garment-facing side, and a pair of longitudinal side edges; and

a pair of side wrapping elements for folding at least partially around a side of a crotch region of a pair of panties, said side wrapping elements being joined to said main body portion inboard of the longitudinal side edges of said main body portion at affixation points and being otherwise unnattached to said main body portion laterally outboard of at least some of said affixation points and extending laterally outward beyond the longitudinal side edges of said main body portion a distance of less than about one-half the width of said main body portion to a distal edge, wherein at least a portion of said side wrapping elements is extensible between about 10% and about 40% in the longitudinal direction under any force within the range of between about 50 grams and about 1,500 grams when said side wrapping elements are folded at least partially around a side of a crotch portion of a pair of panties, and said extensible portion has a return force of less than or equal to about 100 grams and a set of greater than or equal to about 10%, and said side wrapping elements have a resistance to edge compression of greater than or equal to about 5 grams force.