Sanitary napkin with garment attachment panels

Abstract: An elongated sanitary napkin (10) has deflectable longitudinal side edges (34,36) formed by an edge or peripheral seal (28) along the opposite sides of an absorbent (18). A garment attachment panel (14,16) is secured to the underside of each side edge. A fixed portion (50) of the panel (14) is bonded flat against the side edge so that a free portion (52) of the panel (14), extending from the fixed portion (50), is directed inward and downward. During use, the panels (14,16) are fastened together beneath an undergarment crotch portion by hook (58) and loop (60) type fastener. Fastener (58,60) and panels (14,16) are sized so that when fastened the panels (14,16) exert a pull on the side edges, controlling their deflection and, for example, preventing them from folding in over the absorbent (18). The garment attachment panels (14,16) confine the undergarment crotch portion under the absorbent (18) so that, for example, an elasticized edge of the crotch portion is prevented from pulling up and onto the absorbent (18).

Description: This invention relates to sanitary napkins. The basic form of sanitary napkins, upon which the present invention is an improvement, are well known. In a typical structure, an absorbent is enclosed between a bodyside liquid-permeable cover and a garment side liquid-impermeable baffle. The cover and baffle may extend beyond the absorbent and be bonded together to form a "side edge" or peripheral seal. In use, the sanitary napkin is mounted on the crotch portion of an undergarment such as a panty and, for convenience in description, the working environment of the invention will be assumed to be in a panty as worn by a female. However, the inventive concept may also be applied to infant care, child care, and adult care incontinent garments. Another form of conventional sanitary napkin, a flat pad with garment attachment panels (wings or flaps), potentially offers some functional improvements and advantages over a plain pad. Typically, the form of this product before use is a flat pad with a pair of opposite garment attachment panels extending laterally outward from an absorbent. The garment attachment panels are often an extension of the conventional cover and baffle between which the absorbent is sandwiched. In use, the absorbent element overlays the crotch portion of the panty in the normal way and the garment attachment panels are folded under to encircle the crotch portion. The garment attachment panels may be secured beneath, to each other, and/or to the panty crotch portion, by suitable adhesive or mechanical fasteners. In use, the relative lateral disposition of the point at which each of the panels are folded (line of fold) is determined substantially by the user, in somewhat random fashion. Between users, or successive applications by a single user, there may be substantial variation in "fit" and working configuration with respect to the spacing of the fold in the panel from the edge of the absorbent and with respect to the disposition of the panty elastic relative to the edge of the absorbent (and to the fold). Performance of the napkin may vary accordingly. The garment attachment panels on flat conventional pads typically are designed to wrap around or fold over the panty elastic and form an upward element that fits into the groin of the wearer. Typically, the garment attachment panels are nonabsorbent or minimally absorbent and so this arrangement places additional nonabsorbent material in the crotch region and, during use, the added material has a tendency to fold over onto the absorbent element. For the comfort and protection of an appropriate fit in the groin, the user is dependent upon appropriate disposition and behavior of the panty elastic. Van Tilburg (U.S. Patents 4,589,876 and 4,687,478) and Mattingly (U.S. Patent 4,608,047) disclose variations on and potential improvements over the general form of a flat pad with garment attachment panels referred to above. The teachings in the two Van Tilburg patents are substantially similar. They show a flat pad with laterally extending panels which fold over the panty elastic (crotch portion edge) but do not encircle the crotch portion. Each panel has two substantially parallel "lines of juncture" which provide "axes of flexibility" to help determine where the panel folds - upward in relation to the absorbent edge and downward over the elastic edge of the panty. In use, it is intended that the panty elastic is pulled up into the groin so that the panel, enfolded about it, lies against the laterally outward facing surfaces of the labia majora, forming a dam against lateral flow of fluid. However, the desired configuration is not easily obtained in practice. Because the panty elastic is allowed to go up into the groin, the garment attachment panels must be of sufficient length to cover the panty elastic throughout the length of the labia majora. Making the garment attachment panels long can create a problem in that the end portions of the garment attachment panels (toward the front and back of the pad) which have been folded around the panty crotch are "fighting" with the panty elastic which is flaring out and cupping to the body. This can result in discomfort for the user and can cause the panels to come loose from the panty during wear. When the panels come loose the panty elastic will tend to push the panels up onto the absorbent. The teaching of Mattingly is essentially that described above for a conventional flat pad with garment attachment panels but the disclosure is directed particularly to the "drapability" or sufficient flexibility of the panels. The panels may be folded at any lateral point to match the width of the panty crotch portion and avoid wrinkling. The panels may be of sufficient length to encircle the crotch portion and adhere to each other or to the panty. Mattingly recognizes the problem of the tendency of the panty crotch edge "to enfold onto the body facing surface of the napkin" but he suggests allowing the folded panel configuration to be determined by panty crotch width rather than providing positive control of the juxtaposition of the panty elastic with the edge of the absorbent element. The teachings in McCoy (U.S. Patent 4,900,320), Salerno (U.S. Patent 4,940,462) and Seidy (U.S. Patent 5,125,918) depart substantially from the form of conventional flat pads with garment attachment panels described above. In that form and before use, the panels are essentially lateral extensions of the cover and/or baffle surfaces of the pad. But in McCoy, separate panels are affixed beneath the absorbent, each at a point inward from the longitudinal edge of the absorbent. This enables the panels to be folded around the crotch portion of the panty, gathering the crotch portion under the absorbent and removing its edges from proximity with the edges of the absorbent and the possibility of becoming wet or stained. But attachment of the panels inward of the absorbent risks gathering the panty crotch so much that the user feels some discomfort. The thinner the pad and the wider the panty crotch, the more likely this is to occur. If the absorbent is made wider to avoid this problem, users with narrow crotch widths will experience some discomfort. In Salerno, the garment attachment panels, which may comprise extensions of the cover or baffle portions of the sanitary napkin, are longitudinally expandable. Such panels, folded over a side of the crotch portion of an undergarment, may more readily conform to the contour of the undergarment and "provide lateral protection without bunching of the undergarment." But Salerno does not suggest use of the garment attachment panels to control lateral disposition of the undergarment crotch portion edge and, particularly, not of an elasticized edge in relation to an absorbent element in such a way as to prevent the elasticized edge from pulling in on top of the absorbent. Salerno's design does not particularly limit the disposition of the garment attachment panels when secured. They do not overlap and fasten together to establish a predetermined configuration when in use. In Seidy, the "garment attachment panels" are truncated and supported at the opposite lateral edges of the absorbent, extending inwardly and somewhat stiffly in a "prefolded flexible position." This enables the panty crotch portion to be manoeuvred into position under the absorbent and retained by the panels without the need for additional attachment adhesive. As with Mattingly, the McCoy, Salerno and Seidy patents are primarily concerned with various aspects of treatment of the panty crotch portion in relation to the sanitary napkin. Mattingly teaches the avoidance of wrinkling; McCoy teaches a particular approach to shielding the crotch portion from wetting and staining; Salerno teaches "side-protection along the entire longitudinal edges of the napkin" without bunching of the undergarment; and Seidy teaches the provision of panty edge shielding flaps without requiring "additional attachment adhesive." Document US-A-4 701 178, which represents the closest prior art, discloses an absorbent product having a central absorbent element. Flaps extend from each of the longitudinal edges of the product. Pressure sensitive adhesive is centrally located on the garment facing side of the flaps. A single release strip has a first side covering the centrally located adhesive. The flaps are folded over the release strip with the flap adhesive contacting the second side of the release strip. None of these references suggest making use of garment attachment panels to enhance directly the performance of the sanitary napkin as a whole. It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a sanitary napkin having improved properties over known products. This object is solved by the sanitary napkin according to independent claim 1. Further advantageous features, aspects and details of the invention are evident from the dependent claims, the description, the described preferred embodiments and the drawings. This invention refers more particularly to a sanitary napkin with an elongated absorbent pad and a pair of garment attachment panels. The garment attachment panels control the lateral disposition of the edges of the crotch portion of an undergarment and the deflection or configuration assumed by the side edges of the absorbent pad. According to a general aspect of the invention, there is provided a sanitary napkin with garment attachment panels which perform their intended function of protecting the undergarment crotch portion and anchoring the sanitary napkin to it while permitting the absorbent portion of the napkin to conform to the body of the user. This aspect may be achieved in a sanitary napkin which includes an elongated absorbent pad having opposite longitudinal side edges which are deflectable with respect to a central portion of the pad. The pad includes an absorbent contained between a liquid-permeable cover and a liquid-impermeable baffle. The pad includes a control means carried by the pad, adjacent the side edges, for selectively controlling the deflection of at least one of said side edges during use, said control means being anchorable under said crotch portion of said undergarment, said anchoring at least potentially establishing a generally downward pull on said side edge and preventing said side edge from folding in towards said absorbent. The control mechanism may comprise at least one garment attachment panel, normally extending generally downward and inward from its attachment at or adjacent to one of the deflectable side edges. In use, the garment attachment panel is anchorable under the crotch portion of an undergarment so as to confine the crotch portion and substantially define its lateral disposition relative to the pad, and particularly to the absorbent portion of the pad. The garment attachment panel may include a fixed portion attached to the underside of the pad and a free portion extending as a continuation of the fixed portion and diverging from the underside of the pad. In use, the lateral disposition of the fixed portion of the panel with respect to the pad may define an outer lateral limit of disposition for a side edge of the crotch portion of an undergarment. An anchoring mechanism for securing the garment attachment panels beneath the undergarment crotch portion may provide only a limited range of adjustment so as to facilitate accurate mounting of the sanitary napkin on the undergarment. Another aspect of the invention is to provide a sanitary napkin with a mechanism for positively controlling the disposition of the side edges of the crotch portion of an undergarment and particularly an elasticized edge (panty elastic). A more specific aspect of the invention is to provide a sanitary napkin with a control mechanism for pulling the panty elastic and holding it under the absorbent or at least no higher than closely alongside a lateral edge of the absorbent. Still another aspect of the invention is to provide a sanitary napkin in which the control exercised on the side edges by a pair of garment attachment panels helps to bias the pad convexly upwards, conforming more closely to the body and bringing it closer to the source of menstrual flow. Yet another aspect of the invention is to provide a sanitary napkin having a control mechanism which prevents the elasticized edge of an undergarment crotch portion from folding up and over the absorbent. Yet another aspect of the invention is to provide a sanitary napkin in which the absorbent is free to conform to the body. A further specific aspect is to provide a sanitary napkin which controls panty elastic disposition so that bias of the panty elastic may assist in conforming the absorbent to the body. Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the following description and the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 is a top or bodyside view of a sanitary napkin according to the invention with its garment attachment panels spread open as they may be before installation. Fig. 2 is a bottom or garment side view of the sanitary napkin with the garment attachment panels closed. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of Fig. 2 taken on line 3-3. Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 2 of an alternative embodiment of the invention. Fig. 5 is a partial, enlarged cross-sectional view of the sanitary napkin shown in Figs. 1-3 showing the attached relationship of a garment attachment panel to the edge seal. Figs. 6 and 7 are views similar to Figs. 1 and 2 of a third embodiment of a sanitary napkin of the invention. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the third embodiment of the invention taken on line 8-8 of Fig. 7. Fig. 9 is a view similar to Fig. 8 of a fourth embodiment of the invention. Fig. 10 is a bottom or garment side view of a fifth embodiment of the invention. Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the fifth embodiment, similar to a view taken on line 11-11 of Fig. 10 but with the garment attachment panels closed. Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a typical in-use configuration of the sanitary napkin shown in Figs. 1-3. Figs. 13 and 14 are cross-sectional views of typical in-use configurations of the sanitary napkin shown in Figs. 6, 7 and 8. Referring to Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 5, a sanitary napkin 10 is shown which represents an exemplary embodiment of the invention. It comprises an elongated absorbent pad 12 and a pair of garment attachment panels 14 and 16. The form and construction of the absorbent pad 12 is generally conventional and it will be described only briefly. An absorbent 18 is enclosed between a liquid-permeable cover 20 and a liquid-impermeable baffle 22. The baffle 22 carries a longitudinally central strip of garment adhesive 24, covered before use by a conventional peel strip or release paper 26. The cover 20 and the baffle 22 extend beyond the absorbent 18 and are bonded together to form an edge or peripheral seal 28 extending from a seal line 30, closely bordering the absorbent 18, to an outer peripheral edge 32. Along the opposite longitudinal sides of the absorbent pad 12, the edge seal 28 defines opposite longitudinal side edges 34 and 36 of the absorbent pad 12, extending laterally from closely adjacent opposite longitudinal side edges 38 and 40 of the absorbent 18. The side edges 34 and 36 have upper and lower walls 42, 44 and 46, 48 respectively, formed by the respective extensions of the cover 20 and the baffle 22. Referring to Fig. 5, the garment attachment panels 14 and 16 are identical apart from the anchoring elements they carry and, therefore, only one will be described. The garment attachment panel 14 consists of a generally rectangular sheet of material which, in assembly, has a fixed or attachment portion 50 and, extending from it, a free portion 52. The attachment portion 50 overlays and is bonded to the lower wall 46 of the side edge 34. The attachment area extends from an outer edge 54 adjacent to the peripheral edge 32, to an inner edge or effective point of attachment 56. The effective point of attachment is equivalent to the lateral limit of the garment attachment panel. The free portion 52 of the garment attachment panel 14 diverges from or hinges at the effective point of attachment 56 and normally extends generally downward and inward. The anchoring elements of the garment attachment panels 14 and 16, referred to above, comprise a mechanical fastener of conventional hook and loop type fabric--a relatively small patch 58 of loop material on the garment attachment panel 14 and a smaller patch 60 of hook material on panel 16. The fastener elements 58 and 60 are located so that the panels 14 and 16 may be anchored together under the absorbent 18 as shown, for example, in Fig. 12. The invention may be practiced successfully with absorbent pads of a wide range of sizes and proportions as indicated in the following exemplary Table 1. Dimensions (cm) (inches): Nominal Range Preferred Range Pad 12: Length 22.86 (9.0) 17.78-33.02 (7.0-13.0) 20.32-27.94 (8.0-11.0) Width 8.89 (3.5) 5.08-11.43 (2.0-4.5) 6.35-10.16 (2.5-4.0) Panel 14, 16: Length 5.08 (2.0) 2.54-12.7 (1.0-5.0) 3.81-7.62 (1.5-3.0) Width 5.715 (2.25) 3.81-6.895 (1.5-2.75) 4.445-6.35 (1.75-2.5) Attachment Width (Wa) 0.635 (0.25) 0.317-1.27 (0.125-0.5) 0.317-1.27 (0.125-0.5) Exemplary ranges of size (dimensions in inches) for the loop and hook fastener elements 58 and 60 are as indicated in the following Table 2. Range Preferred Range Hook Element 60 - Width Wh 0.635-2.54 (0.25-1.0) 0.635-1.27 (0.25-0.5) Loop Element 58 - Width Wl 0.635-3.81 (0.25-1.5) 1.27-2.54 (0.5-1.0) Hook Element 60 - Length Lh 2.635-7.62 (0.25-3.0) 0.635-3.81 (0.25-1.5) Loop Element 58 - Length L1 0.635-7.62 (0.25-3.0) 1.27-3.81 (0.5-1.5) The scope of the invention also permits the use of a variety of materials, as well as variations in configuration. Other pad outline shapes are possible, such as barrel, rectangular or hourglass. In alternative designs, absorbent material could extend into the side edges 34 and 36. Suitable materials for the garment attachment panels 14 and 16 include polymeric foams, nonwovens, elastomerics, or composites of these materials. With regard to the anchoring means 58 and 60 for the garment attachment panels 14 and 16, alternative mechanical fasteners are possible. Adhesive fastening may also be used but the potential precision of a mechanical fastener is preferred as will be discussed further below. Referring to Fig. 4, a second embodiment of the invention is shown. Here, a sanitary napkin 210 is shown having an absorbent pad 212 with a second exemplary size and shape of garment attachment panels 214 and 216. The panels 214 and 216 are carried by the longitudinal side edges 234 and 236 of absorbent pad 212. In this example, the garment attachment panels 214 and 216 are longer at their effective attachment points 256. There are many suitable alternative arrangements for making the juncture between the absorbent pad and the garment attachment panel. Preferably, any arrangement should provide an "effective attachment point" on the underside of a side edge 34, 36 and 234, 236 respectively, and inset from its outer periphery, as exemplified at 256 and 56, see Figs. 4 and 5, respectively. The garment attachment panel may, for example, be formed from an extension of the cover and/or the baffle of the absorbent pad. It may be a separate piece of material, wrapping over the side edges 34 and 36 with the free portion of panel diverging from the underside of the side edge. The fixed portion 50 of the garment attachment panel may be bonded between the layered components of the side edge, the material of the panel emerging to fold downward and inward under the pad, to function as the garment attachment panel. Another mode of attachment of a garment attachment panel is shown in Fig. 11. Here, compared with the first embodiment shown in Fig. 5, the attachment configuration for a garment attachment panel has been reversed. The fixed portion of the panel has been laid on the underside of a "side edge" with the panels initially directed outward. This embodiment will be discussed in more detail below. Referring to Figs. 6, 7 and 8, a third embodiment of the invention is shown. Here, a sanitary napkin 310 is depicted having a generally conventional elongated absorbent pad 312 and a pair of garment attachment panels 314 and 316. An absorbent 318 is contained between a liquid-permeable cover 320 and a liquid-impermeable baffle 322. The cover 320 completely wraps the absorbent, overlapping on the garment side 323 of the pad and thus overlaying the baffle 322. A strip of garment adhesive 324 which is protected by a peel strip 326 are provided on the garment side 323 of the pad. The cover 320 is sealed at each of its opposite ends by an end seal 328. In this third embodiment, the garment attachment panels 314 and 316 may be similar in construction and range of size and shape to those suggested above for the garment attachment panels 14 and 16. The mechanical fastener provided for the garment attachment panels 314 and 316 may also be similar in all respects to that of the first embodiment and is represented by the hook and loop type fastener elements. The fastener includes a loop patch 358 and hook patch 360 carried by the panels 314 and 316, respectively. The mounting of the garment attachment panels 314 and 316 on the longitudinally central portions of the opposite side edges 334 and 336 of the pad 312 is similar and, therefore, only one will be described. As is conventional, the pad 312 has a generally smooth outer surface and the side edges 334 and 336 are well rounded. A fixed portion 350 of the panel 314 wraps an upper portion of the side edge 334 extending from a fixed portion outer edge 354 to an effective point of attachment 356. The effective point of attachment 356 is at the side of the rounded side edge 334 so that a free portion 352 of the garment attachment panel, before use, may extend generally tangentially downward from the side edge. The garment attachment panel 314 may be secured to the side edge 334 by any suitable means such as the spaced apart strips of construction adhesive 362 and 364 shown in Fig. 8. Still referring to Figs. 6, 7 and 8, satisfactory performance of the wrapped pad 312 is obtained with some variation of the degree of wrap of the fixed portions 350, of the garment attachment panels 314 and 316, about the rounded side edge 334. Referring to Fig. 9, an absorbent pad 412 is shown having a pair of garment attachment panels 414 and 416 carried by the opposite longitudinal rounded side edges 434 and 436 of the pad 412. The attachment of the garment attachment panel 414 is typical and includes a fixed or attached portion 450 and a free portion 452. The free portion 452 diverges from the pad 414 at an effective attachment point 456. The limits of the fixed portion 450 are defined substantially by spaced apart upper and lower construction adhesive strips 462 and 464. Taken together, the embodiments shown in Figs. 8 and 9 represent a preferred range of disposition of an effective attachment point for a garment attachment panel on a wrapped pad. This range varies from being aligned approximately horizontal alongside the rounded edge, as at 356 in Fig. 8, to a disposition at a lower portion of the rounded edge, as at 456 in Fig. 9. Referring to Figs. 10 and 11, a fifth embodiment of a sanitary napkin 510 is shown. This is in effect a sanitary napkin with "double panels". The sanitary napkin 510 includes an elongated absorbent pad 512 and a pair of garment attachment panels 514 and 516. The pad 512 is in most respects conventional. An absorbent 518 is contained between a liquid-permeable cover 520 and a liquid-impermeable baffle 522. A garment adhesive strip 524 is protected by a conventional peel strip 526. Lateral extensions of the cover 520 and the baffle 522 are bonded together to form an edge seal 528. The edge seal 528 extends from a seal line 530 surrounding the absorbent 518. Unconventionally, the longitudinal side portions of the edge seal 528 are broadened to define opposite longitudinal side edges 534 and 536 of the pad 512 and to give the pad 512 an oval or diamond shaped ("Stealth") appearance, see Fig. 10. Major longitudinal central portions of the extended side edges 534 and 536 define opposite outer garment attachment panels 513 and 515. These panels have upper and lower walls 542, 544 and 546, 548 respectively, and are bounded outwardly by opposite peripheral edges 532 and 533 and inwardly, approximately, by the opposite lateral side edges 538 and 540 of the absorbent 518. The inner or main garment attachment panels 514 and 516 may be similar in all respects to those described above, for example, in connection with the first embodiment. As a mechanical fastener, they carry relatively small patches of hook and loop type fastener; in particular a loop portion 558 and a hook portion 560. The panels 514 and 516 are similar and, therefore, only the attachment arrangement of the garment attachment panel 514 will be described. A fixed or attachment portion 550 of the panel is bonded to the lower or inner wall 546 of the outer panel 513. It extends from an inner edge 554 to an effective attachment point 556, from which a free portion 552 of the garment attachment panel diverges to extend, during use, inwardly and somewhat downwardly. The embodiment of the invention represented by Figs. 10 and 11 may be used successfully with a wide range of dimensions, as indicated by the examples given in Table 3. Dimensions (cm) (inches) Nominal Range Preferred Range Pad 512 - length 22.86 (9.0) 17.78-33.02 (7.0-13.0) 20.32-27.94 (8.0-11.0) Absorbent 518 - width 7.62 (3.0) 5.08-11.43 (2.0-4.5) 6.35-10.16 (2.5-4.0) Outer panel 513, 515 length 12.7 (5.0) 7.62-17.78 (3.0-7.0) 10.16-15.24 (4.0-6.0) width 3.175 (1.25) 1.905-4.445 (0.75-1.75) 1.905-3.81 (0.75-1.5) Garment Attachment Panel 514, 516 length 5.08 (2.0) 2.54-12.7 (1.0-5.0) 3.81-7.62 (1.5-3.0) width 5.08 (2.0) 3.81-6.985 (1.5-2.75) 4.445-6.35 1.75-2.5) attachment width 0.635 (0.25) 0.317-1.27 (0.125-0.5) 0.317-1.27 (0.125-0.5) The modes of using and performance characteristics of all embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are similar and will be described first with reference to the first embodiment, the sanitary napkin 10 shown in Figs. 1, 2, 3, 5 and 12. In preparation for use, the peel strip 26 is removed from the absorbent pad 12 exposing the garment adhesive 24. With the garment attachment panels 14 and 16 in an open position, the absorbent pad 12 is centered and mounted on the crotch portion 130 of an undergarment in the usual way. Next, after ensuring that the panty crotch portion 130 is uniformly distributed over the underside of the baffle 22, the garment attachment panels 14 and 16 are closed by bringing together the hook and loop fastener elements 58 and 60. As seen in the drawings, these fastener elements are relatively small. In fastening the panels 14 and 16, the degree of overlap of the fastener elements 58 and 60 may vary somewhat, providing some adjustability or variation in the tightness or snugness with which the panels 14 and 16 are fastened and a user may choose to make some individual use of this factor. However, the range of adjustment is intentionally limited. The range provided in a given pad is large enough to make it easy for the user to install the product, but small enough to ensure that it is always installed so that it will function as intended. Some preferred ranges of adjustment are indicated in Table 2 for the fastener elements 58 and 60. The range of lateral adjustment is determined by the corresponding width dimensions (Wl) of the loop element 58 and width dimension (Wh) of the hook element 60. Normally, the garment attachment panels 14 and 16 are fastened so that the fastener elements 58 and 60 are approximately centered, one on the other, as indicated in Fig. 12. The configuration of the sanitary napkin of the invention, including the range of adjustment provided for the fasteners 58 and 60, is such that when the garment attachment panels 14 and 16 are properly fastened, the panty crotch portion 130 is always confined beneath the pad. This means that the crotch portion edge and the panty leg elastic 132 are disposed laterally substantially no further out than the edges 38 and 40 of the absorbent 18. Alternatively, the crotch portion 130 should be no higher than alongside its lateral sides. The limit of the lateral disposition of the panty elastic 132 is determined by the "stop" provided at the effective attachment point 56 of the respective garment attachment panels 14 and 16. The chosen location for the effective attachment point 56 is important to the function of the sanitary napkin. If it is too far in on the side edges 34 and 36, and hence too close to the longitudinal side edges 38 and 40 and to the seal line 30, the pull or tension set up in the garment attachment panels 14 and 16 when they are fastened will have relatively little effect in controlling deflection of the side edges 34 and 36. If the effective attachment point 56 is too far out on the side edges 34 and 36, the pull of the garment attachment panels 14 and 16, when fastened, may cause an undesirable extreme downward distortion of the side edges. Referring to Fig. 5, when the effective width (We) of the side edges 34 and 36 is in the range from about 0.63 to about 2.5 cm (about 0.25 to about 1.0 inches), a preferred range of width (Wa) for the fixed attachment portion 50 of the panel is from about 0.31 to about 1.3 cm (about 0.125 to about 0.5 inches). A preferred spacing (D) between the effective point of attachment 56 and the absorbent side edges 38 and 40 is in the range of about one third to three quarters of the width (We) of the side edges 34 and 36. When the panty leg elastic 132 is shielded by controlling its position rather than by simply covering it with a simple long garment attachment panel, as is taught in Van Tilburg, a shorter garment attachment panel may be used effectively. See the preferred range of panel lengths of about 3.8 to about 7.6 cm (about 1.5 to about 3.0 inches) shown in Table 1 above. With shorter panels, the possible discomfort of longer panels and inconvenience of their "popping open" is avoided. Referring to Fig. 12, the sanitary napkin 10 is mounted on the crotch portion 130 of the undergarment. Before the undergarment is pulled up, the garment attachment panels 14 and 16 are fastened with the fastener elements 58 and 60 approximately centered, one on the other, and the side edges 34 and 36 of the pad are thus pulled down slightly and the absorbent 18 arches convexly upwards. Fig. 12 shows how a sanitary napkin so adjusted may appear during use. The side edges 34 and 36 are folded downward and "gasket" comfortably against the thighs 134. The upwardly convex form of the absorbent 18 fits more closely to the source of the menstrual flow and more comfortably against the labia 136. Important aspects of the invention are control of the deflection of the side edges, such as the side edges 34 and 36, of the absorbent pad and control of the edges 132 of the crotch portion 130 of an undergarment. As discussed above, fastening the garment attachment panels 14 and 16 helps configure the absorbent pad 12 for effective use. In addition, when they are properly fastened, the downward pull of the garment attachment panels 14 and 16 on the side edges of the absorbent pad 12 prevent the edges of the pad 12 from collapsing against or folding in on top of the absorbent during preparation for, or during use. The key to the control of the edges of the crotch portion 130 of the undergarment, particularly when the edges are elasticized, is the disposition, during use, of the effective attachment point 56 of the garment attachment panel. The disposition of this attachment point 56 establishes a limit or stop for lateral disposition of the panty elastic 132. Preferably, and as shown in Figs. 12, 13 and 14, the panty elastic is confined to being under the absorbent side edges 38 and 40, or no higher than alongside the absorbent side edge. This control prevents the panty elastic from pulling in onto the top of the absorbent. Another positive result of the panty elastic disposition control is that with the elastic held under the absorbent side edges, the panty elastic may help to bias the absorbent upwards for a better fit to the body. Another advantage of the invention is that the configuration of the sanitary napkin, and particularly that of the fastened garment attachment panels 14 and 16, is such that, in preparation for use, a user cannot inadvertently fold and fasten the garment attachment panels 14 and 16 over the panty elastic 132 in such a way as to allow the panty elastic to pull the panel itself up into the groin. Turning now to Figs. 6, 7, 8, 13 and 14, a third embodiment of the invention is shown wherein the garment attachment panels 314 and 316 force or hold the panty elastic 132 under the absorbent 318. Particularly in this case, the sides 338 and 340 of the absorbent are allowed to fold and fit into the groin and thighs of the wearer. The garment attachment panels 314 and 316 also protect the panty elastic from side stain or smear by preventing the elastic from overlapping the side edges 338 and 340 of the absorbent core. The pull of the garment attachment panels may also buckle the absorbent into a convex shape for better fit to the body. Figs. 13 and 14 are cross-sectional views of two typical configurations of sanitary napkins according to the third embodiment during use. In Fig. 14, the garment attachment panels 314 and 316 are fastened together somewhat more tightly than in Fig. 13, resulting in a greater upward convexity of the absorbent 318. Note the difference in overlap of the panels 314 and 316 and the fastener elements 358 and 360 in the two drawings. In the resulting configuration of Fig. 13, the edges 338 and 340 of the absorbent are raised and folded somewhat to fit into the groin 138 of the wearer without any interference from the panty elastic or the garment attachment panel. The panty leg elastic 132 is protected under the absorbent and helps to force the absorbent edge into the groin. The disposition of the effective attachment point 356 prevents the panty leg elastic from going up into the groin. In Fig. 14, the relatively tighter fastening of the garment attachment panels 314 and 316 tends to pull the side edges 338 and 340 of the absorbent somewhat downward, arching the absorbent, and allowing the absorbent edges to fit closely to the thighs. The panty leg elastic 132, held under the absorbent by the garment attachment panels, assists in biasing the center of the absorbent into an arch that fits into the labia. Referring now to Figs. 10 and 11, a "double panel" embodiment is shown. This embodiment is not shown in use, but the basic configuration of this embodiment apart from the addition of the outer panels 513 and 515, is very similar to that of the first embodiment, see Fig. 3. In use, the basic function of the garment attachment panels 514 and 516 is similar to that of the first embodiment but the addition of the outer panels 513 and 515 provides some modification of the performance. In use, the garment attachment panels 514 and 516 pull the outer panels 513 and 515 down against the edge of the panty elastic 132 and the user's thighs 134 allowing these panels to protect the panty from side staining or smearing. The garment attachment panels 514 and 516 also assist with protection, fit, and comfort by forcing the panty elastic 132 under the absorbent 518 and preventing the panty elastic from pushing the outer panels or the elastic itself onto the top of the absorbent. Collectively, the panels also enhance fit and protection by reducing pad bunching during wear. Additional material may be incorporated into the outer panels 513 and 515 for absorbency. However, the panels are designed to be soft and conformable for optimum fit to the body and for comfort. The garment attachment panels 514 and 516 may be made from a variety of materials but are preferably stiffer than the outer panels, to assist in their function of holding the panty elastic under the pad. The stiffness and outwardly directed attachment of the garment attachment panels 514 and 516 makes it less likely that they will be caught on the garment adhesive 524 during installation. Another feature of sanitary napkins of the fifth embodiment is that, given the extra protection afforded by the outer panels 513 and 515, the garment attachment panels 514 and 516 may be sized so that they do not bunch the distal portions of the panty crotch elastic, thereby enhancing comfort. The garment attachment panels 514 and 516 also reduce pad bunching by helping to maintain the width of the pad and preventing its sides from collapsing in towards the center. While the garment attachment panels hold the center portions of the panty crotch under the pad, the longer outer panels 513 and 515 provide additional coverage of the distal portions of the panty elastic. The outer panels 513 and 515 are preferably soft and flexible and do not fasten to each other or to the undergarment so that they are free to comfortably gasket against the thighs for improved protection. Referring to Fig. 11, the outwardly directed attachment of the garment attachment panel 514 may be moved or extended so that the effective attachment point is further out on the outer panel 513. Such an arrangement would exercise more direct control of a longitudinally central portion of the outer panel 513. The garment attachment panels 514 and 516 would still maintain the function of controlling panty elastic disposition under the absorbent as long as the garment attachment panels 514 and 516 and their fastener arrangement were sized appropriately, as described above.

Claims: A sanitary napkin (10;210;310;510) for mounting onto the bodyside of a crotch portion (130) of an undergarment and, during use, absorbing bodily excretions, comprising: an elongated absorbent pad (12;212;312;512) having a longitudinal axis, a longitudinally central portion and opposite longitudinal side edges (34,36; 234,236; 334,336; 534,536) said side edges (34,36; 234,236; 334,336; 534,536) being deflectable with respect to said central portion, and including an absorbent (18;318;518) contained between a bodyside, liquid-permeable cover (20;320;520) and a garment side, liquid-impermeable baffle (22;322;522); and control means for selectively controlling deflection of at least one of said side edges (34,36;234,236;334,336;534,536) during use, said control means being anchorable under said crotch portion (130) of said undergarment, said anchoring at least potentially establishing a generally downward pull on said side edge (34,36; 234,236; 334,336; 534,536) and preventing said side edge from folding in towards said absorbent (18;318;518). The sanitary napkin (10;210;310;510) of claim 1 wherein said control means comprises a garment attachment panel (14;214;314;514), normally extending generally downward and inward from said absorbent pad (12;212;312;512) adjacent to at least one of said side edges (34;234;334;534), and in use, anchorable under said crotch portion (130) of said undergarment so as to confine said crotch portion (130) and substantially define its lateral disposition. The sanitary napkin (10;210;310;510) of claim 2 wherein said undergarment has leg openings and said crotch portion (130) has generally longitudinally oriented side edges defined by said leg openings, and said garment attachment panel (14;214;314;514) includes a fixed portion (50;350;550) attached to the underside of said absorbent pad (12;212;312;512) towards said at least one side edge (34;234;334;534) and defining a garment attachment panel and a free portion (52;352;552) diverging from the underside of said absorbent pad (12;212;312;512) for, during use, extending under said crotch portion (130) of said undergarment, the lateral disposition of said fixed portion (50;350;550) of said garment attachment panel with respect to said absorbent pad (12;212;312;512) defining an outer lateral limit for disposition of said side edge (34;234;334;534) of said crotch portion (130) of said undergarment. The sanitary napkin (10;210;310;510) of claim 3, further comprising a second garment attachment panel (16;216;316;516), normally extending generally downward and inward from said absorbent pad and positioned adjacent to the other side edge (36;236;336;536) of said absorbent pad (12;212;312;512), and during use, anchorable under said crotch portion (130) of said undergarment, said second garment attachment panel (16;216;316;516) comprising a fixed portion attached to the underside of said absorbent pad (12;212;312;512) towards a second side edge (36;236;336;536) of said absorbent pad (12;212;312;512) and a free portion diverging from the underside of said absorbent pad (12;212;312;512) for, during use, extending under said crotch portion (130) of said undergarment, and including means for anchoring said free portions of said garment attachment panels (14,16; 214,216; 314,316; 514,516) so as to establish a predetermined deflection of said absorbent side edges and to facilitate accurate mounting of said sanitary napkin (10;210;310;510) on said undergarment. The sanitary napkin (10;210;310;510) of claim 4 wherein said means for anchoring said free portions of said garment attachment panels (14,16; 214,216; 314,316; 514,516) comprises mating fastener elements (58,60; 358,360; 558,560), one on each of said garment attachment panels (14,16; 214,216; 314,316; 514,516), said fastener elements (58,60; 358,360; 558,560) being configured as to provide substantially only a single predetermined lateral relationship of one garment attachment panel (14,16; 214,216; 314,316; 514,516) to the other. The sanitary napkin (10;210;310;510) of claim 4 or 5 wherein the predetermined deflection of said side edges and the predetermined particular confinement of said side edges of said crotch portion (130) of said undergarment biases said absorbent pad (12;212;312;512) into an upwardly convex form, closely fitting the body. The sanitary napkin (10;310;510) of one of claims 3 to 6 wherein said absorbent (18;318;518) is longitudinally extending and has opposite longitudinal side edges (38,40; 338,340; 538,540) and the deflectable side edges of the absorbent (12;312;512) pad normally extend generally laterally with respect to said absorbent (18;318;518) and, during use, the anchoring of said garment attachment panel (14,16; 314,316; 514,516) configures said sanitary napkin (10;310;510) so that each side edge of said crotch portion (130) of said undergarment is supported approximately no higher than a side edge (38,40; 338,340; 538,540) of said absorbent (18;318;518). The sanitary napkin (10; 310; 510) of one of claims 3 to 7 wherein the lateral disposition of said fixed portion (50;350;550) of said garment attachment panel (14;314;514) and the anchoring of said garment attachment panel (14;314;514) configure said sanitary napkin (10;310;510) so that each side edge of said crotch portion (130) of said undergarment is supported approximately beneath a side edge of said absorbent (18;318;518) and said absorbent (18;318;518)is free to conform to the body of the user. The sanitary napkin (10;310;510) of one of claims 3 to 7 wherein each side edge of said crotch portion (130) of said undergarment is, in use, under tension and biases each side edge (38,40; 338,340; 538,540) of said absorbent upwards. The sanitary napkin (10; 310; 510) of one of claims 4 to 9 wherein said fixed portions (50;350;550) of said garment attachment panels (14;314;514) are disposed so that each side edge of said crotch portion (130) of said undergarment is restrained adjacent to a side edge (34;334;534) of said absorbent pad (12;312;512) and prevented from overlaying said absorbent pad (12;312;512). The sanitary napkin (10; 310; 510) of one of claims 3 to 10 wherein at least one of said side edges (34; 334; 534) of said absorbent pad (12; 312; 512) has a lateral periphery and said absorbent (18; 318; 518) has a longitudinally extending lateral side contiguous with said side edge and said attachment of said garment attachment panel (14; 314; 514) has an inner lateral limit from which said free portion (52; 352; 552) of said garment attachment panel (34; 334; 534) diverges and said inner lateral limit is disposed between said lateral side of said absorbent (18; 318; 518) and said lateral periphery of said side edge of said absorbent pad (12; 312; 512). The sanitary napkin (10;310;510) of claim 11 wherein said inner lateral limit of said attachment panel is disposed towards but spaced apart from said lateral side of said absorbent (18;318;518). The sanitary napkin (10;310;510) of claim 11 or 12 wherein said baffle (22;322;522) extends laterally outwardly to approximately said lateral periphery of said at least one of said side edges (34;334;534) and said garment attachment panel (14;314;514) is secured to said baffle (22;322;522). The sanitary napkin (10;310;510) of one of the preceding claims wherein said cover (20;320;520) and said baffle (22;322;522) extend laterally beyond said absorbent (18;318;518) to define said side edges (34,36; 334,336; 534,536) and said control means comprises a garment attachment panel (14,16; 314,316; 514,516) which is secured to said baffle (22;322;522) outwardly of said absorbent (18;318;518). The sanitary napkin (10;310;510) of claim 14 wherein, in at least a portion of said side edges (34,36; 334,336; 534,536), said cover (20;320;520) and said baffle (22;322;522) are bonded together to form an edge seal (28;328;528). The sanitary napkin (10;210;310;510) of one of the preceding claims wherein said side edges (34;234;334 534) of said absorbent pad (12;212;312;512) have an outer peripheral edge and are of sufficient width that, during use, at least a portion of each of said side edges may extend beyond an edge of said undergarment crotch portion (130) and extend generally downward and said control means includes a garment attachment panel (14;214;314;514) attached to said garment side of said at least one side edge (34;234;334;534) at an effective attachment point (56;256;356;556) disposed between its outer peripheral edge and said absorbent (18;318;518), said garment attachment panel (14;214;314;514) being anchorable under said crotch portion (130) to confine said crotch portion (130) and substantially define its lateral disposition. The sanitary napkin (10;210;310;510) of claim 1, further comprising: at least one of said cover (20;320;520) and said baffle (22;322;522) extending laterally beyond said absorbent (18;318;518) to define said side edges (34,36; 334,336; 534,536); and said control means comprising at least one garment attachment panel (14,16; 214,216; 314,316; 514,516), carried by one of said opposite side edges (34,36; 234,236; 334,336; 534,536) and normally extending generally downward and inward, during use. The sanitary napkin (510) of claim 1 in which said crotch portion (130) has opposite lateral side edges further comprising: said longitudinal side edges (534,536) of said absorbent pad (512), at least in a longitudinally central portion of their length, being widened laterally to define a pair of first side panels (513,515), each panel (513,515) having a bodyside and a garment side and said panels (513,515) extending sufficiently beyond said absorbent (518) that, during use, said panels extend beyond and depend below said side edges of said crotch portion (130); and said control means comprising a pair of opposite, garment attachment panels (514,516) secured to said garment side of said absorbent pad (512) for, in use, selectively controlling deflection of said side edges (534,536) of said absorbent pad (512). The sanitary napkin (510) of claim 18 wherein said garment attachment panels (514,516) are anchorable under said crotch portion (130) of said undergarment to confine said crotch portion (130) and substantially define its lateral disposition. The sanitary napkin (510) of claim 19 further including means for anchoring said garment attachment panels (514,516) to establish a predetermined deflection of said side edges (534,536) of said absorbent pad (512) and to facilitate accurate mounting of said sanitary napkin (510) on said undergarment. The sanitary napkin (510) of claim 20 wherein said means for anchoring said garment attachment panels (514,516) comprises mating fastener elements (558,560), one on each panel (514,516), said elements being configured to provide substantially only a single predetermined lateral relationship of one panel to the other. The sanitary napkin (510) of one of claims 18 to 21 wherein said garment attachment panels (514,516) are anchorable under said crotch portion (130) of said undergarment and said sanitary napkin (510)is configured so that, in use, said crotch edges are contained, spaced apart, under said absorbent (518). The sanitary napkin (510) of one of claims 18 to 22 wherein said cover (520) and said baffle (522) are bonded together to form an edge seal (528) and said garment attachment panels (514,516) are attached to said baffle side of said edge seal (528). The sanitary napkin (510) of one of claims 18 to 23 wherein each of said first side panels (513,515) at least partially longitudinally overlays one of said garment attachment panels (514,516) and each of said first side panels (513,515) has a greater longitudinal extent than the garment attachment panel (514,516) which it overlays. The sanitary napkin (310) of claim 1, further comprising: said cover (320) and baffle (322) cooperating to wrap said absorbent (318) so that said absorbent pad (312) has a generally smooth outer surface and so that said side edges (334,336) are rounded; and said control means comprising at least one garment attachment panel (314) attached at one of said rounded side edges (334) so that, before the mounting of said sanitary napkin (310) onto said undergarment, said garment attachment panel (314) may extend generally tangentially and downwardly from said rounded side edge (334). The sanitary napkin (310) of claim 25 wherein said crotch portion (130) of said undergarment includes a pair of opposite, generally longitudinally extending side edges and, during use, said garment attachment panel (314) is anchorable under said crotch portion (130) so as to confine said crotch portion (130) and control the lateral disposition of at least one of said side edges of said crotch portion of said undergarment. The sanitary napkin (310) of claim 25 or 26, further comprising a second garment attachment panel (316) attached at the other of said rounded side edges (336) so that, before the mounting of said sanitary napkin (310) onto said undergarment, said second garment attachment panel (316) may extend generally tangentially and downwardly from said other of said rounded side edges (336) and mating fastener elements (358,360), one on each of said garment attachment panels (334,336), and wherein said fastener elements (358,360) and said garment attachment panels (314,316) are configured so that, during use, said garment attachment panels (314,316) may be fastened together under said crotch portion (130) of said undergarment and, when fastened, provide only a single predetermined lateral relationship of one garment attachment panel (314,316) to the other. The sanitary napkin (310) of claim 27 wherein the fastening together of said garment attachment panels (314,316) biases said absorbent pad (312) into an upwardly convex form. The sanitary napkin (310) of claim 27 or 28 wherein, during use, the fastening together of said garment attachment panels (314,316) controls the lateral disposition of both side edges of said crotch portion (130) of said undergarment and defines opposite outer lateral limits of disposition for said side edges of said crotch portion (130) adjacent each of said rounded side edges (334,336) of said absorbent pad (312). The sanitary napkin (310) of claim 1, further comprising: said cover (320) and baffle (322) cooperating to wrap said absorbent (318) so that said absorbent pad (312) has a generally smooth outer surface and so that said side edges (334,336) are rounded; and said control means comprising at least one garment attachment panel (314) comprising a sheet of flexible material having contiguous fixed (350) and free (352) portions, said fixed portion (350) being attached to said absorbent pad (312) in such a way that, before the mounting of said sanitary napkin (310) onto said undergarment, said free portion (352) of said garment attachment panel (314) may diverge generally tangentially from the surface of said absorbent pad (312) at an effective point of attachment (356) and in such a direction that reducing the divergence would wrap said garment attachment panel (314) under said absorbent pad (312). The sanitary napkin (310) of claim 30 wherein said effective point of attachment (356) is laterally alongside one of said rounded side edges (334,336). The sanitary napkin (310) of claim 30 wherein said effective point of attachment (356) is at a lower portion of one of said rounded side edges (334,336). The sanitary napkin (310) of one of claims 30 to 32 wherein said fixed portion (350) of said garment attachment panel (314) at least partially wraps one of said rounded side edges (334,336) of said absorbent pad (312). The sanitary napkin (310) of one of claims 30 to 33 wherein said crotch portion (130) of said undergarment includes a generally longitudinally extending side edge and, during use, said garment attachment panel (314) extends under said crotch portion (130) and the lateral disposition of said effective point of attachment (356) of said garment attachment panel (314) defines an outer lateral limit for disposition of said side edge of said crotch portion (130).

Inventors: BROCKER JULIE TERESE, SCHUTKOSKE LORI SUE, VANGOMPEL PAUL THEODORE, WESTLAKE BETSY CAROLYN, BROCKER, JULIE TERESE, SCHUTKOSKE, LORI SUE, VANGOMPEL, PAUL THEODORE, WESTLAKE, BETSY CAROLYN
Applicants: KIMBERLY CLARK CO, KIMBERLY-CLARK CORPORATION
Application year: 1993
Main classification: A61F13
IPC codes: A61F13