Absorbent article having multiple topsheets

The present invention provides an absorbent article having multiple topsheets. The absorbent article includes a first, apertured, macroscopically expanded, three-dimensional, polymeric topsheet and a second, apertured, macroscopically expanded, three-dimensional polymeric topsheet underlying the first topsheet. The multiple topsheets provide improved masking of bodily fluids absorbed and retained by the absorbent core.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention relates to absorbent articles such as sanitary 
napkins, disposable diapers, adult incontinent briefs, and the like, and 
more particularly, the present invention relates to absorbent articles 
having multiple topsheets. 
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
It has long been known in tile disposable absorbent bandage art that it is 
extremely desirable to construct absorptive devices such as disposable 
diapers, catamenial pads, sanitary napkins, incontinent briefs, and the 
like, which present a dry surface feel to the user to improve wearing 
comfort and to minimize the development of undesirable skin conditions due 
to prolonged exposure to moisture absorbed within the bandage. 
One viable prior art solution to the aforementioned problem is disclosed in 
commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 4,342,314 issued to Radel, et al. on Aug. 
3, 1982 and hereby incorporated herein by reference. Radel, et al. 
discloses an absorbent bandage with a wearer-contacting topsheet 
comprising a resilient, macroscopically expanded, three-dimensional 
plastic web exhibiting a combination of fiber-like and plastic properties. 
In a preferred embodiment, the macroscopically expanded, 
three-dimensional, plastic web topsheet disclosed in Radel, et al. 
exhibits a fine scale three-dimensional microstructure comprising a 
regulated continuum of capillary networks originating in and extending 
from one surface of the web and terminating in the form of apertures in 
the opposite surface thereof to promote rapid fluid transport. The web's 
fiber-like appearance is comprised of a continuum of fiber-like elements, 
the opposed ends of each of the fiber-like elements are interconnected to 
at least one other of the fiber-like elements. 
A typical capillary network in the Radel, et al. structure comprises an 
uppermost capillary opening or aperture formed by a multiplicity of 
fiber-like elements interconnected to one another in the uppermost plane 
of the web. Each of the fiber-like elements exhibits a substantially 
uniform U-shaped cross-section along its length. The cross-section of the 
fiber-like element comprises a base portion located in the 
wearer-contacting plane and a sidewall portion joined to each edge of the 
base portion, tile sidewall portions extend generally in the direction of 
the absorbent pad-contacting surface of the web. The sidewall portions 
which intersect one another are joined to one another intermediate the 
wearing contacting surface and the absorbent pad contacting surface of the 
web, thereby forming a capillary network interconnecting the opposed 
surface of the web. 
A topsheet of the type generally disclosed by Radel, et al. is highly 
effective in promoting rapid fluid transfer from the first, 
wearer-contacting surface to the second, absorbent pad-contacting surface 
of the topsheet. Accordingly, topsheets of this type have enjoyed 
widespread commercial success on catamenial pads due to their clean and 
dry appearance in use when contrasted to conventional nonwoven fibrous 
topsheets. While an absorbent article having a topsheet of the type 
disclosed in Radel, et al. is highly effective in promoting rapid transfer 
of bodily fluids from the first, wearer-contacting surface to the second, 
absorbent pad-contacting surface, the degree of masking of bodily fluids, 
e.g., menses, retained within the absorbent core is dependent upon the 
size of the capillary networks. As the size of the capillary networks 
decrease the amount of masking provided by the topsheet increases. 
However, if the capillary networks are too small bodily fluids are not 
able to pass through the topsheet into the absorbent core thereby exposing 
the skin to moisture. 
Accordingly, it is an object of tile present invention to provide an 
absorbent article with a topsheet or multiple topsheets having superior 
fluid handling properties while providing increased masking of bodily 
fluids retained within the absorbent core. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention pertains, in a preferred embodiment, to an absorbent 
article, e.g., sanitary napkin, pantiliner, diaper, adult incontinent 
brief, bandage, and the like having multiple topsheets. Preferably, the 
absorbent article comprises a first topsheet including a first apertured, 
macroscopically expanded, three-dimensional, polymeric web. The 
macroscopically expanded, three-dimensional, polymeric web has a body 
facing surface and a garment facing surface which are located in planes 
remote from one another. The absorbent article also includes a second 
topsheet underlying the first topsheet. The second topsheet includes a 
second apertured, macroscopically expanded, three-dimensional, polymeric 
web having a body facing surface and a garment facing surface which are 
located in planes remote from one another. The absorbent article includes 
an absorbent core underlying the second topsheet. The absorbent core 
includes a body facing surface and a garment facing surface. The absorbent 
article also includes a backsheet underlying the absorbent core. The 
backsheet has a body facing surface and a garment facing surface. 
In a preferred embodiment, the first and second topsheets include a 
continuum of interconnected, fiber-like elements forming a network of 
capillaries. To transmit fluids through the first and second topsheets and 
into the absorbent core, the apertures in the first topsheet are larger 
than the apertures in the second topsheet. In a particularly preferred 
embodiment, the apertures in the first topsheet are substantially 
non-aligned with the apertures in the second topsheet. 
Preferably, the first and second topsheets are each comprised of a 
multilayer polymeric film. To increase the masking of bodily fluids 
absorbed and retained in the absorbent core the multilayer polymeric film 
includes titanium dioxide.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
As used herein, the term "absorbent article" refers to devices which absorb 
and contain body exudates, and, more specifically, refers to devices which 
are placed against or in proximity to the body of the wearer to absorb and 
contain the various exudates discharged from the body. The term 
"disposable" is used herein to describe absorbent articles which are not 
intended to be laundered or otherwise restored or reused as an absorbent 
article (i.e., they are intended to be discarded alter a single use, and, 
preferably, to be recycled, composted or otherwise disposed of in an 
environmentally compatible manner). A "unitary" absorbent article refers 
to absorbent articles which are formed of separate parts united together 
to form a coordinated entity so that they do not require separate 
manipulative parts like a separate holder and pad. 
A preferred embodiment of a unitary disposable absorbent article of the 
present invention is the catamenial pad, sanitary napkin 20, shown in FIG. 
1. As used herein, the term "sanitary napkin" refers to an absorbent 
article which is worn by females adjacent to the pudendal region, 
generally external to the urogenital region, and which is intended to 
absorb and contain menstrual fluids and other vaginal discharges from the 
wearer's body (e.g., blood, menses, and urine). Interlabial devices which 
reside partially within and partially external of the wearer's vestibule 
are also within the scope of this invention. As used herein, the term 
"pudendal" refers to the externally visible female genitalia. It should be 
understood, however, that the present invention is also applicable to 
other feminine hygiene or catamenial pads such as pantiliners, or other 
absorbent articles such as incontinence briefs, and the like. 
FIG. 1 is a plan view of the sanitary napkin 20 of the present invention in 
its flat-out state with portions of the structure being cut-away to more 
clearly show the construction of the sanitary napkin 20 and with the 
portion of the sanitary napkin 20 which faces or contacts the wearer, 
oriented towards the viewer. As shown in FIG. 1, the sanitary napkin 20 
preferably comprises a first, fluid pervious topsheet 21, a second, fluid 
pervious topsheet 22, a fluid impervious backsheet 23 joined with 
topsheets 21 and 22, and an absorbent core 24 positioned between the 
second topsheet 22 and the backsheet 23. 
The sanitary napkin 20 has two surfaces, a body-contacting surface or body 
facing surface 20a and a garment facing surface 20b. The sanitary napkin 
20 is shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from its body facing surface 20a. The body 
facing surface 20a is intended to be worn adjacent to the body of the 
wearer while the garment facing surface 20b is on the opposite side and is 
intended to be placed adjacent to the wearer's undergarments when the 
sanitary napkin 20 is worn. The sanitary napkin 20 has two centerlines, a 
longitudinal centerline "l" and a transverse centerline "t". The term 
"longitudinal", as used herein, refers to a line, axis or direction in the 
plane of the sanitary napkin 20 that is generally aligned with (e.g., 
approximately parallel to) a vertical plane which bisects a standing 
wearer into left and right body halves when the sanitary napkin 20 is 
worn. The terms "transverse" or "lateral" as used herein, are 
interchangeable, and refer to a line, axis or direction which lies within 
the plane of the sanitary napkin 20 that is generally perpendicular to the 
longitudinal direction. FIG. 1 also shows that the sanitary napkin 20 has 
a periphery 30 which is defined by the outer edges of the sanitary napkin 
20 in which the longitudinal edges (or "side edges") are designated 31 and 
the end edges (or "ends") are designated 32. 
FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the sanitary napkin 20 in which the 
topsheets 21 and 22 and the backsheet 23 have length and width dimensions 
generally larger than those of the absorbent core 24. The topsheets 21 and 
22 and the backsheet 23 extend beyond the edges of the absorbent core 24 
to thereby form not only portions of the periphery but also side flaps. 
Sanitary napkin 20 preferably includes optional side flaps or "wings" 34 
that are folded around the crotch portion of the wearer's panties. The 
side flaps 34 can serve a number of purposes, including, but not limited 
to protecting the wearer's panties from soiling and keeping the sanitary 
napkin secured to the wearer's panties. 
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the sanitary napkin 20 taken along 
section line 2--2 of FIG. 1. As can be seen in FIG. 2, the sanitary napkin 
20 preferably includes an adhesive fastening means 36 for attaching the 
sanitary napkin 20 to the undergarment of the wearer. Removable release 
liners 37 cover the adhesive fastening means 36 to keep the adhesive from 
sticking to a surface other than a crotch portion of the undergarment 
prior to use. 
The absorbent core 24 may be any absorbent means which is capable of 
absorbing or retaining liquids (e.g., menses and/or urine). As shown in 
FIG. 1, the absorbent core 24 has a body facing surface, a garment facing 
surface, side edges, and end edges. The absorbent core 28 may be 
manufactured in a wide variety of sizes and shapes (e.g., rectangular, 
oval, hourglass, dog bone, asymmetric, etc.) and from a wide variety of 
liquid-absorbent materials commonly used in sanitary napkins and other 
absorbent articles such as comminuted wood pulp which is generally 
referred to as airfelt. Examples of other suitable absorbent materials 
include creped cellulose wadding; meltblown polymers including coform; 
chemically stiffened, modified or cross-linked cellulosic fibers; 
synthetic fibers such as crimped polyester fibers; peat moss; tissue 
including tissue wraps and tissue laminates; absorbent foams; absorbent 
sponges; superabsorbent polymers; absorbent gelling materials; or any 
equivalent material or combinations of materials, or mixtures of these. 
The configuration and construction of the absorbent core may also be 
varied (e.g., the absorbent core may have varying caliper zones (e.g., 
profiled so as to be thicker in the center), hydrophilic gradients, 
superabsorbent gradients, or lower density and lower average basis weight 
acquisition zones; or may comprise one or more layers or structures). The 
total absorbent capacity of the absorbent core should, however, be 
compatible with the design loading and the intended use of the sanitary 
napkin. Further, the size and absorbent capacity of the absorbent core may 
be varied to accommodate different uses such as incontinence pads, 
pantiliners, regular sanitary napkins, or overnight sanitary napkins. 
Exemplary absorbent structures for use as the absorbent core 24 of the 
present invention are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,950,264 issued to 
Osborn on Aug. 21, 1990; U.S. Pat. No. 4,610,678 issued to Weisman et al. 
on Sep. 9, 1986; U.S. Pat. No. 4,834,735 issued to Alemany et al. on May 
30, 1989; and European Patent Application No. 0 198 683, The Procter & 
Gamble Company, published Oct. 22, 1986 in the name of Duenk, et al. Each 
of these patents are incorporated herein by reference. 
The backsheet 23 and the second topsheet 22 are positioned adjacent the 
garment facing surface and the body facing surface, respectively, of the 
absorbent core 24 and are preferably joined thereto and to each other by 
attachment means (not shown) such as those well known in the art. For 
example, the backsheet 23 and/or the second topsheet 22 may be secured to 
the absorbent core 24 or to each other by a uniform continuous layer of 
adhesive, a patterned layer of adhesive, or an array of separate lines, 
spirals, or spots of adhesive. Adhesives which have been found to be 
satisfactory are manufactured by H. B. Fuller Company of St. Paul, Minn. 
under the designation HL-1258 or H-2031. The attachment means will 
preferably comprise an open pattern network of filaments of adhesive as is 
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,573,986 issued to Minetola, et al. on Mar. 4, 
1986, and which is incorporated herein by reference. An exemplary 
attachment means of an open pattern network of filaments comprises several 
lines of adhesive filaments swirled into a spiral pattern such as 
illustrated by the apparatus and method shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,911,173 
issued to Sprague, Jr. on Oct. 7, 1975; U.S. Pat. No. 4,785,996 issued to 
Zieker, et al. on Nov. 22, 1978; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,842,666 issued to 
Werenicz on Jun. 27, 1989. Each of these patents are incorporated herein 
by reference. Alternatively, the attachment means may comprise heat bonds, 
pressure bonds, ultrasonic bonds, dynamic mechanical bonds, or any other 
suitable attachment means or combinations of these attachment means as are 
known in the art. 
The backsheet 23 has a body facing surface and a garment facing surface. 
The backsheet 23 is impervious to liquids (e.g., menses 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 which are compliant and will readily 
conform to the general shape and contours of the human body. The backsheet 
23 prevents the exudates absorbed and contained in the absorbent core 24 
from wetting articles which contact the sanitary napkin 20 such as pants, 
pajamas and undergarments. The backsheet 23 may thus comprise a woven or 
nonwoven material, polymeric films such as thermoplastic films of 
polyethylene or polypropylene, or composite materials such as a 
film-coated nonwoven material. Preferably, the backsheet is a polyethylene 
film having a thickness of from about 0.012 mm (0.5 mil) to about 0.051 mm 
(2.0 mils). 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, Ind., under the 
designation XP-39385. The backsheet is preferably embossed and/or matte 
finished to provide a more clothlike appearance. Further, the backsheet 23 
may permit vapors to escape from the absorbent core 24 (i.e., breathable) 
while still preventing exudates from passing through the backsheet 23. 
The first and second topsheets, 21 and 22, are compliant, soft feeling, and 
non-irritating to the wearer's skin. Further, the topsheets are liquid 
pervious permitting liquids (e.g., menses and/or urine) to readily 
penetrate through their thickness. Preferred topsheets comprise an 
apertured formed film. Apertured formed films are preferred for the 
topsheets because they are pervious to body exudates and yet non-absorbent 
and have a reduced tendency to allow liquids to pass back through and 
rewet the wearer's skin. Thus, the surface of the formed film which is in 
contact with the body remains dry, thereby reducing body soiling and 
creating a more comfortable feel for the wearer. Suitable formed films are 
described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,929,135, issued to Thompson on Dec. 30, 1975; 
U.S. Pat. No. 4,324,246 issued to Mullane, et al. on Apr. 13, 1982; U.S. 
Pat. No. 4,342,314 issued to Radel. et al. on Aug. 3, 1982; U.S. Pat. No. 
4,463,045 issued to Ahr et al. on Jul. 31, 1984; and U.S. Pat. No. 
5,006,394 issued to Baird on Apr. 9, 1991. Each of these patents are 
incorporated herein by reference. 
FIG. 3 is an enlarged, partially segmented, perspective illustration of a 
particularly preferred embodiment of an apertured, macroscopically 
expanded, three-dimensional, fiber-like, fluid pervious, polymeric web 40, 
generally in accordance with the teachings of commonly assigned U.S. Pat. 
No. 4,342,314 issued to Radel et al. on Aug. 3, 1982, which has been found 
suitable for use as the first topsheet 21 and the second topsheet 22 on 
sanitary napkin 20. The term "macroscopically expanded", when used to 
describe three-dimensional plastic webs of the present invention, refers 
to webs, ribbons and films which have been caused to conform to the 
surface of a three-dimensional forming structure so that both surfaces 
thereof exhibit a three-dimensional forming pattern of surface aberrations 
corresponding to the macroscopic cross-section of the forming structure, 
the surface aberrations comprising the pattern are individually 
discernible to the normal naked eye, i.e., a normal naked eye having 20/20 
vision unaided by an instrument that changes the apparent size or distance 
of an object or otherwise alters the visual powers of the eye, when the 
perpendicular distance between the viewer's eye and the plane of the web 
is about 12 inches. The term "fiber-like", as utilized herein to describe 
the appearance of plastic webs of the present invention, refers generally 
to any fine scale pattern of apertures, random or non random, reticulated 
or non-reticulated, which connote an overall appearance and impression of 
a woven or nonwoven fibrous web when viewed by the human eye. As can be 
seen in FIG. 3, the webs fiber-like appearance is comprised of a continuum 
of fiber-like elements, the opposed ends of each of the fiber-like 
elements are interconnected to at least one other of the fiber-like 
elements. In the embodiment disclosed in FIG. 3, the interconnected 
fiber-like elements form a pattern network of pentagonally shaped 
capillaries 41. The web 40 which exhibits a fiber-like appearance, 
embodies a three-dimensional microstructure extending from the webs 
uppermost, wearer-contacting or body facing surface 42 in plane 43 to its 
lowermost or garment facing surface 44 in plane 45 to promote rapid fluid 
transport from the uppermost surface 42 to the lowermost surface 44 of the 
web without lateral transmission of fluid between adjacent capillaries 41. 
As utilized herein, the term "microstructure" refers to a structure of 
such fine scale that its precise detail is readily perceived by the human 
eye only upon magnification by microscopic or other means well known in 
the art. 
Apertures 47 in the body surface 42 are formed by a multiplicity of 
intersecting fiber-like elements, e.g., elements 48, 49, 50, 51, and 52, 
interconnected to one another in the body facing surface of the web. Each 
fiber-like element comprises a base portion, e.g., base portion 54, 
located in plane 43. Each base portion has a sidewall portion, e.g., 
sidewall portions 56, attached to each edge thereof. The sidewall portions 
56 extend generally in the direction of the second surface 44 of the web. 
The intersecting sidewall portions of the fiber-like elements are 
interconnected to one another intermediate the first and second surfaces 
of the web and terminate substantially concurrently with one another in 
the plane 45 of the second surface. 
In the particularly preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the 
interconnected sidewall portions 56 terminate substantially concurrently 
with one another in the plane of the second surface 45 to form apertures 
58 in the second surface 45 of the web. The network of capillaries 41 
formed by the interconnected sidewall portions 56 between apertures 47 and 
58 allows for free transfer of fluids from the body facing surface of the 
web directly to the garment facing surface of the web without lateral 
transmission of the fluid between adjacent capillaries. 
The base portion 54 preferably includes a microscopic pattern of surface 
aberrations 60, generally in accordance with the teachings of commonly 
assigned U.S. Pat. No. 4,463,045 issued to Ahr et al. on Jul. 31, 1984. 
The microscopic pattern of surface aberrations 60 provide a substantially 
non-glossy visible surface when the web 40 is struck by incident light 
rays. 
To increase the masking of bodily fluids retained in the absorbent core, 
the capillaries of the first topsheet 21 are not of the same size, shape 
and/or in alignment with the capillaries of the underlying second topsheet 
22. Accordingly, if the first and second topsheets are made from the same 
forming structure, thus creating similar topsheets, the first topsheet is 
preferably placed over the second topsheet such that the capillaries of 
the first and second topsheets are substantially non-aligned with one 
another. Alternatively, different forming structures can be used to form 
the first and second topsheets, respectively, such that they have 
different patterns, thus preventing alignment of the respective 
capillaries. 
While non-alignment of the capillaries of the first topsheet 21 with those 
of the second topsheet 22 provides increased masking of bodily fluids 
retained by the absorbent core 24, bodily fluids must be allowed to 
transmit from the first topsheet 21 to and through the second topsheet 22 
into the absorbent core 24. Therefore, the second topsheet cannot be 
sized, shaped or aligned such that it completely obstructs the apertures 
in the garment facing surface of the first topsheet 21. There must be a 
path for fluids to travel along between the first and second topsheets. 
Preferably, the capillaries of the second topsheet 22 are slightly smaller 
in size than the capillaries of the first topsheet. By having the 
capillaries of the first topsheet 21 slightly larger than those of the 
second topsheet 22 a capillary gradient is created. The capillary gradient 
assists in the transmission of fluid deposited on the first topsheet 21, 
to and through the second topsheet 22 and into the absorbent core 24. 
The first and second topsheets 21 and 22, are each preferably comprised of 
a multilayer polymeric film which exhibits an opaque appearance. The 
multilayer film includes a first outer layer comprised substantially of a 
polymeric material and a central filler-containing polymeric layer 
substantially continuously joined to one side of the first outer layer. 
The central filler-containing layer preferably has about 20 to 60 weight 
percent fillers relative to the filler-containing layer which are 
substantially uniformly dispersed therein. A filler such as titanium 
dioxide or carbonate may be used to give the topsheet a whitish, opaque 
appearance. The central filler-containing layer has a thickness from about 
30 to about 70 percent of the total thickness of the multilayer film. A 
second outer layer comprised substantially of a polymeric material has one 
side substantially continuously joined to the second side of the central 
filler-containing layer. The total multilayer film preferably has at least 
20 weight percent filler relative to the total multilayer film. A suitable 
example of such a multilayer topsheet is found in commonly assigned U.S. 
patent application Ser. No. 07/863,936, entitled "Multilayer Film 
Exhibiting an Opaque Appearance", filed Apr. 6, 1992, in the names of 
Visscher and Perry, and which is incorporated herein by reference. 
Preferred polymeric materials for the outer layers and the central 
filler-containing layer include polyolefins, particularly polyethelenes, 
polypropylenes and copolymers having at least one olefinic constituent. 
Other materials such as polyesters, nylons, copolymers thereof and 
combinations of any foregoing may also be suitable. 
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the body facing surface 
of the formed film topsheets are hydrophilic so as to help liquid to 
transfer through the topsheets faster than if the body facing surface was 
not hydrophilic so as to diminish the likelihood that menstrual fluid will 
flow off the topsheets rather than flowing into and being absorbed by the 
absorbent core. In a preferred embodiment, surfactant is incorporated into 
the polymeric materials of the first and second formed film topsheets such 
as is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/794,745, "Absorbent 
Article Having A Nonwoven and Apertured Film Coversheet" filed on Nov. 19, 
1991 by Aziz, et al., which is incorporated herein by reference. 
Alternatively, the body facing surfaces of the topsheets can be made 
hydrophilic by treating them with a surfactant such as is described in the 
above referenced U.S. Pat. No. 4,950,254 issued to Osborn, incorporated 
herein by reference. 
In use, the sanitary napkin 20 can be held in place by any support means or 
attachment means well-known for such purposes. Preferably, the sanitary 
napkin is placed in the user's undergarment or panty and secured thereto 
by a fastener such as an adhesive 36. The adhesive 36 provides a means for 
securing the sanitary napkin 20 in the crotch portion of the panty. Thus, 
a portion or all of the outer surface of the backsheet 23 is coated with 
adhesive. Any adhesive or glue used in the art for such purposes can be 
used for the adhesive herein, with pressure-sensitive adhesives being 
preferred. 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, 
N.J. Suitable adhesive fasteners are also described in U.S. Pat. No 
4,917,697. Before the sanitary napkin is placed in use, the 
pressure-sensitive adhesive 36 is typically covered with a removable 
release liner 37 in order to keep the adhesive 36 from drying out or 
adhering to a surface other than the crotch portion of the panty prior to 
use. Suitable release liners 37 are also described in the above-referenced 
U.S. Pat. No. 4,917,697. Any commercially available release liners 
commonly used for such purposes can be utilized herein. Non-limiting 
examples of suitable release liners are BL30MG-A Silox E1/0 and BL30MG-A 
Silox 4P/O both of which are manufactured by the Akrosil Corporation of 
Menasha, Wis. The sanitary napkin 20 of the present invention is used by 
removing the release liner 37 and thereafter placing the sanitary napkin 
20 in a panty so that the adhesive 36 contacts the panty. The adhesive 36 
maintains the sanitary napkin in its position within the panty during use. 
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sanitary napkin 20 
has two flaps 34 each of which are adjacent to and extend laterally from 
the side edge of the absorbent core. The flaps 34 are configured to drape 
over the edges of the wearer's panties in the crotch region so that the 
flaps are disposed between the edges of the wearer's panties and the 
thighs. The flaps 34 serve at least two purposes. First, the flaps 34 help 
serve to prevent soiling of the wearer's body and panties by menstrual 
fluid, preferably by forming a double wall barrier along the edges of the 
panty. Second, the flaps 34 are preferably provided with attachment means 
on their garment surface so that the flaps can be folded back under the 
panty and attached to the garment facing side of the panty, In this way, 
the flaps 34 serve to keep the sanitary napkin 20 properly positioned in 
the panty. The flaps 34 can be constructed of various materials including 
materials similar to the topsheet, backsheet, tissue, or combination of 
these materials. Further, the flaps 34 may be a separate element attached 
to the main body of the napkin or can comprise extensions of the topsheet 
and backsheet (i.e., unitary). A number of sanitary napkins having flaps 
suitable or adaptable for use with the sanitary napkins of the present 
invention are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,687,478 issued to Van Tilburg 
on Aug. 18, 1987; U.S. Pat. No. 4,589,876 issued to Van Tilburg on May 20, 
1986; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,608,047 issued to Mattingly on Aug. 26, 1986. 
Each of these patents are incorporated herein by reference, 
While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated 
and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that 
various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from 
the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover 
in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within 
the scope of this invention.