ABSORBENT ARTICLE WITH EXTENSIBLE AND ARTICULATING PORTIONS

Abstract: Absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, and incontinence pads are disclosed that have a main body portion with extensible regions therein. In one embodiment, the absorbent article is a sanitary napkin that has portions that are able to move relative to each other and articulate about flexible and extensible portions so that the product has an overall extensibility.

Description: ABSORBENT ARTICLE WITH EXTENSIBLE AND ARΗCULATLNG PORTIONS FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, pantiliners, and incontinence pads. More particularly, the present invention relates to absorbent articles that have portions that are able to move and articulate about flexible and extensible portions. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, pantiliners, and incontinence pads are devices that are typically worn in the crotch region of an undergarment. These devices are designed to absorb and retain liquid and other discharges from the human body to prevent body and clothing soiling. Sanitary napkins are a type of absorbent article worn by women in a pair of panties that is normally positioned between the wearer's legs, adjacent to the perineal area ofthe body. A wide variety of different types of such absorbent articles are known and described in the art. Examples of commercially successful sanitary napkins are described in U.S. Patents 4,950,264 and 5,009,653 issued to Osbom on August 21, 1990, and April 23, 1991, respectively. The search for improved absorbent articles has, however, continued. For example, recent efforts have been directed to providing sanitary napkins that more closely conform to the wearer's body. Other efforts have been directed to providing sanitary napkins with extensibility for this purpose and for improved comfort. One effort to provide a sanitary napkin that conforms closely to the wearer's body is described in PCT Intemational Publication No. WO 92/10984 entitled "Sanitary Napkin Having Transversely Segmented Core", published in the name of Osborn, et al. on July 9, 1992. Another example which contains a similar disclosure is described in EPO Patent Publication No. 0 605 017 A2, published in the name of Tong-ho J. Hsieh on July 6, 1994. Examples of extensible and stretchable sanitary napkins are described in PCT Intemational Publication No. WO 93/01785 entitled "Stretchable Absorbent Articles", published in the name of Osborn, et al. on February 4, 1993. It is believed, however, that manufacturing fiilly extensible or stretchable absorbent articles, such as catamenial products, on a large scale in a high speed operation may be fairly difficult and expensive. The difficulties and expenses arise from the fact that making an entire absorbent article extensible involves the use of more expensive extensible materials as the components ofthe article and the fact that these materials will stretch, oftentimes in different amounts relative to each other, when being assembled on a high speed manufacturing line. Thus, a need exists for an absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin, that is provided with an improved structure that conforms closely to the wearer's body and is less expensive and complex to manufacture than a fully extensible sanitary napkin. In particular, a need exists for a sanitary napkin that can be easily and inexpensively assembled on a high speed manufacturing line, and which is provided with an amount of extensibility that is sufficient to provide the sanitary napkin with improved comfort. It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide an absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin, that has an improved structure that conforms closely to the wearer's body. It is another object of the present invention to provide an absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin, which is provided with an amount of extensibility that is sufficient to provide the sanitary napkin with improved comfort and performance. It is still another object of the present invention to provide an absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin, which achieves the objects described above and which is less expensive and complex to manufacture on a high speed manufacturing line than a fully extensible sanitary napkin. These and other objects of the present invention will be more readily apparent when considered in reference to the following description and when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides an absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin, pantiliner, or incontinence pad (an "absorbent pad") that has portions that are able to move and articulate about flexible and extensible portions. The absorbent article preferably comprises a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet joined to the topsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent article comprises at least one portion or region ("expandable portion(s)") that can expand more than other regions ofthe absorbent article. The expandable portion(s) of the absorbent article can comprise a portion or region ofthe topsheet, the backsheet, or both. Preferably, the topsheet, backsheet, the absorbent core, and any other components of the absorbent article are extensible in the expandable portion(s) of the absorbent article so that the absorbent article is extensible through its full thickness in the expandable region(s). The expandable portion(s) of the absorbent article can be located in any desired place on the absorbent article, such as along a portion ofthe perimeter ofthe absorbent article. The expandable portion(s) can be extensible in the longitudinal direction, the transverse direction, some direction between the longitudinal and transverse directions, or in more than one of these directions. When the absorbent article comprises more than one expandable portion, the expandable portions can all be expandable in the same direction, or they can be expandable in different directions. In one embodiment, the absorbent article comprises at least a first portion and a second portion which are separated by a flexible and extensible intermediate portion that serves as a joint about which the first and second portions may move relative to each other and articulate. This allows the different portions of the absorbent article to adjust more closely to the configuration ofthe wearer's body. In a preferred version of this embodiment, the absorbent article comprises a sanitary napkin having a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion with a first flexible and extensible intermediate portion between the first and second portions, and a second flexible and extensible intermediate portion between the second and third portions. The sanitary napkin is preferably provided with absorbent component structures that are extensible and stretchable (i.e., can retract). The sanitary napkin is preferably also provided with an overall extensibility and stretchability. Numerous altemative embodiments that employ the features of the present invention are also described. For example, all portions of the expandable regions need not be extensible in the same amount. In addition, the various embodiments described herein can have an overall extensibility that ranges from that of current commercially-available sanitary napkins (for those embodiments which have expandable regions but not an overall extensibility) to that of fully extensible sanitary napkins. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which is regarded as forming the present invention, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from the following description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1 is a simplified, partially cut away top plan view ofthe sanitary napkin of the present invention which has three relatively inextensible portions that are joined by a pair of flexible and extensible intermediate portions. FIG. 2 is a side view ofthe sanitary napkin shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a top plan view ofthe sanitary napkin shown in FIG. 1 shown in an extended condition. FIG. 4 is a side view ofthe sanitary napkin shown in FIG. 1 in one possible articulated configuration. FIG. 5 is a top plan view of an altemative embodiment ofthe sanitary napkin shown in FIG. 1 that is additionally provided with flexible and laterally extensible portions in each end region ofthe sanitary napkin. FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the sanitary napkin shown in FIG. 5 in an extended condition. FIG. 7 is a top plan view ofa web material having a strainable network which is used in the flexible and extensible intermediate portions of the sanitary napkin shown in FIGS. 1-6. FIGS. 7 A-C are enlarged segmented perspective illustrations of the web material shown in FIG. 7 in which the web material moves from an untensioned condition to progressively greater tensioned conditions. FIG. 8 is a schematic side cross-sectional view ofa sanitary napkin according to the present invention that has a segmented absorbent core. FIG. 9 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the sanitary napkin shown in FIG. 8 in an extended condition. FIG. 10 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a sanitary napkin having an altemative construction in which a layer is placed between the absorbent layer and the core segments to reduce interference between such components when they move relative to each other. FIG. 11 is a schematic side cross-sectional view ofthe sanitary napkin shown in FIG. 10 in an extended condition. FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the absorbent components and backsheet of a sanitary napkin having an altemative arrangement of absorbent elements, one of which is partially cut away to show the underlying absorbent core. FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the absorbent components and backsheet of a sanitary napkin having another altemative arrangement of absorbent elements also having one of the absorbent components partially cut away to show the underlying absorbent core. FIG. 14 is a bottom plan view of a sanitary napkin which may use the arrangement of absorbent elements shown in FIG. 13, which shows one preferred adhesive fastener configuration. FIG. 15 is a simplified, partially cut away top plan view of a sanitary napkin having expandable portions. FIG. 16 is a simplified top plan view of a sanitary napkin having an expandable region in the topsheet which has a different pattem than the expandable region in the backsheet. FIG. 17 is a simplified bottom plan view ofthe sanitary napkin shown in FIG. 16. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to absorbent articles, such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, and incontinence pads. FIGS. 1-4 are simplified illustrations of one preferred embodiment of a disposable absorbent article of the present invention, sanitary napkin 20. The sanitary napkin 20 has a first portion 6, a second portion 8, and a third portion 10. The first portion 6 and second portion 8 are separated by an expandable portion, such as a flexible and extensible intermediate portion, which will be referred to as first intermediate portion 12. The second portion 8 and third portion 10 are similarly separated by an expandable portion, flexible and extensible second intermediate portion 14. The sanitary napkin 20 has two surfaces, a liquid pervious body-contacting surface or "body surface" 20 A and a liquid impervious garment surface 20B. The sanitary napkin 20 is shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from its body surface 20A. The body surface 20A is intended to be worn adjacent to the body of the wearer. The garment surface 20B ofthe sanitary napkin 20 (shown in FIG. 2) is intended to be placed adjacent to the wearer's undergarments when the sanitary napkin 20 is worn. The sanitary napkin 20 has two centeriines, 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 ofthe 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" used herein, are interchangeable, and refer to a line, axis or direction which lies within the plane ofthe sanitary napkin 20 that is generally peφendicular to the longitudinal direction. FIG. 1 shows that the sanitary napkin 20 has two spaced apart longitudinal edges 22, two spaced apart transverse or end edges (or "ends") 24, which together form the periphery 26 ofthe sanitary napkin. The sanitary napkin also has two end regions, which are designated first end region 28 and second end region 30. A central region 32 is disposed between the end regions 28 and 30. The end regions 28 and 30 extend outwardly from the edges ofthe central region 32 about 1/8 to about 1/3 of the length of the sanitary napkin 20. A more detailed description of the characteristics of a central region and two end regions for a sanitary napkin is contained in U.S. Patent 4,690,680 issued to Higgins on September 1, 1987. The sanitary napkin 20 can be of any thickness, including relatively thick, relatively thin, or even very thin. The embodiment of the sanitary napkin 20 shown in Figures 1-4 of the drawings is intended to be an example of a relatively thin sanitary napkin, preferably an "ultra-thin" sanitary napkin as described in U.S. Patents 4,950,264 and 5,009,653 issued to Osbom. The sanitary napkin 20 shown should preferably also be relatively flexible, so that it is comfortable for the wearer. It should be understood that the sanitary napkin shown in FIGS. 1-4 is merely one preferred embodiment ofthe present invention, and that the present invention is not limited to absorbent articles of the type or having the specific configurations shown in the drawings. FIG. 1 shows the individual components of the sanitary napkin 20 of the present invention. The sanitary napkin 20 shown in FIG. 1 generally comprises at least three primary components. These include a liquid pervious topsheet 38, a liquid impervious backsheet 40, and an absorbent core 42 positioned between the topsheet 38 and the backsheet 40. The topsheet, backsheet, and absorbent core can comprise many of the basic materials commonly used for such purposes. Such materials can either be relatively inextensible, or relatively extensible under the forces associated with wearing the sanitary napkin. Preferably, however, if such materials are relatively inextensible, at least portions of such materials are mechanically modified or otherwise altered as described in greater detail below to provide the sanitary napkin with the flexible and extensible intermediate portions 12 and 14. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4, the topsheet 38 comprises an apertured formed film made in accordance with U.S. Patent 4,342,314 issued to Radel, et al. and U.S. Patent 4,463,045 issued to Ahr, et al. The absorbent core 42 comprises a laminate of absorbent gelling material (or "superabsorbent hydrogel- forming material") placed between two layers of airlaid tissue. The backsheet 40 comprises a polyethylene film. The sanitary napkin 20 shown in FIGS. 1-4 is assembled in a sandwich construction in which the topsheet 38 and the backsheet 40 have length and width dimensions generally larger than those of the absorbent core 42. The topsheet 38 and the backsheet 40 extend beyond the edges ofthe absorbent core 42 and are joined together to form portions of the periphery 26 of the sanitary napkin 20. The first portion 6, second portion 8, and third portion 10, comprise the relatively inextensible portions of the sanitary napkin. Because of their location in the sanitary napkin, the first portion 6, second portion 8, and third portion 10 may also be referred to as a front portion, central portion, and rear portion, respectively. These portions can comprise parts of the sanitary napkin that are made of conventional materials which are assembled in a conventional manner and are otherwise unaltered by mechanical modifications. These relatively inextensible portions of the sanitary napkin may, thus, have the flexibility and very low extensibility of any currently marketed sanitary napkins. Suitable flexibilities for some ofthe more flexible currently marketed sanitary napkins are described in U.S. Patents 4,950,264 and 5,009,653 issued to Osbom. Currently marketed sanitary napkins typically are relatively inextensible under the forces acting on the sanitary napkin during wear. Typically, such sanitary napkins are less than about 5% extensible under stretching forces of between about 50 gramsf to about 1,500 gramsf without destroying the integrity ofthe sanitary napkin. In altemative embodiments, however, instead of being relatively inextensible, the first portion 6, second portion 8, and third portion 10, can be provided with greater extensibility than conventional sanitary napkins (e.g., greater than or equal to about 5% extensibility under the above range of forces). If the first, second, and third portions 6, 8, and 10 are provided with a degree of extensibility, these portions of the sanitary napkin 20 should preferably still be less flexible and extensible than the flexible and extensible intermediate portions 12 and 14. Because of this, the first, second, and third portions 6, 8, and 10, ofthe sanitary napkin 20 may be referred to as the "less extensible portions" of the sanitary napkin. The term "less extensible portions" will, therefore, cover situations where these first, second, and third portions are relatively inextensible, and situations where they are extensible, but less extensible that the extensible intermediate portions. The flexible and extensible intermediate portions 12 and 14 may be any suitable type of structure of the sanitary napkin that is more flexible and extensible than the adjacent less extensible portions of the sanitary napkin. The intermediate portions 12 and 14 provide the sanitary napkin with regions of extensibility (and preferably, stretchability) so that the sanitary napkin 20 can stretch with the wearer's panties and be more comfortable when placed adjacent to the wearer's body. The intermediate portions 12 and 14 also provide the advantage that they serve as flexible and extensible expansion joints about which the adjacent less extensible portions can articulate to conform to the different regions ofthe wearer's body. The extensibility ofthe intermediate portions 12 and 14 ofthe sanitary napkin 20 is shown in FIG. 3. The terms "extensible" or "expandable", as used herein refer to articles or at least portions of entire absorbent articles, that can be increased in at least one of their dimensions in the X-Y plane. The X-Y plane, as defined herein, is a plane that is oriented generally parallel to the faces 20A and 20B of the sanitary napkin 20. The X axis, as shown in FIG. 3, is longitudinally oriented (parallel to the longitudinal centerline, L) and the Y axis is transversely oriented (parallel to the transverse centerline, T). Since the extensibility referred to herein is in the X-Y plane, it can be distinguished from any increase in length of a curved absorbent article that results from straightening such an article in order to place it into a flat configuration. The extensibility referred to herein, since it is generally planar, can also be distinguished from any increase in length the may result from the mere unfolding ofa folded absorbent article or components thereof. The expandable portions, such as intermediate portions 12 and 14, may contain, but are preferably free of folded overlapping sections that are stacked on top of one another in the Z-direction. Any ridges formed in the expandable portions 12 and 14 are preferably arranged in a generally side-by-side relationship, and are preferably so small in height that they do not appreciably alter the surface characteristics ofthe sanitary napkin or deviate from the plane ofthe topsheet. Any such ridges are preferably less than or equal to about 1.5 mm in height, and more preferably less than or equal to about 1 mm in height. This will enable the expandable portions to extend and contract in use without any gross movements, such as unfolding, that would be noticed by and objectionable to the wearer. The flexibility of the intermediate portions 12 and 14 also allows the less extensible first, second, and third portions, 6, 8, and 10, to articulate in the Z- direction as shown in FIG. 4. The presence of the intermediate portions 12 and 14 allows the less extensible portions to articulate in any manner described in the aforementioned PCT Publication WO 92/10984 (allowed U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 08/129,900), now U.S. Patent 5,484,430 entitled "Sanitary Napkin Having Transversely Segmented Core". The less extensible portions can also assume any ofthe configurations disclosed in the aforementioned EPO Publication No. 0 605 017 A2 published in the name of Tong-ho J. Hsieh. The intermediate portions 12 and 14, however, may, in addition, provide the sanitary napkin 20 with an overall extensibility, which is not present, in the sanitary napkin shown in the above described EPO reference published in the name of Tong- ho J. Hsieh. More specifically, the sanitary napkin shown in EPO Publication 0 605 017 A2 is described as a stmcture which allows the front and rear portions of the article to freely bend upward into contact with the user's body. The stmcture ofthe sanitary napkin is said to also prevent lateral compression in the central portion of the sanitary napkin from being transmitted to the front and rear portions of the sanitary napkin. The front and rear portions of conventional sanitary napkins are said to undesirably increase the stiffness of the article in the longitudinal direction which makes it more difficult for such sanitary napkins to assume the desired curved configuration. The EPO publication describes the article as having an "expansion joint" formed between first and second portions ofthe sanitary napkin. However, a careful review of the EPO publication reveals that no tme "expansion" in the form of elongation of the sanitary napkin occurs at these joints. The "expansion joints" described in the EPO publication comprise portions of the sanitary napkin where notches are provided in the absorbent core to create preferential bending axes so that the sanitary napkin can assume a curved configuration. The fluid pervious cover is provided with a slit in the portions ofthe cover that lies within each ofthe notches. The fluid impervious barrier layer has a pleat formed therein which is able to expand in the portion of the barrier that lies between the edges of the notches. Thus, the only portion of the sanitary napkin shown in the EPO reference that could be considered to "expand" is the pleated portion ofthe fluid impervious barrier that lies with the notches on the sides of the product. That portion of the barrier will only "expand" when the front and rear portions of the sanitary napkin fold upward to place the sanitary napkin in a curved configuration, or when the central portion of the sanitary napkin is compressed and the pleated section of the barrier rotates to isolate this compression from the front and rear portions of the sanitary napkin. There is no overall extensibility ofthe product in the longitudinal direction along the longitudinal centerline of the product due to the "expansion joints" because the absorbent core is generally inextensible along the longitudinal centerline of the product. The extensible intermediate portions 12 and 14 ofthe sanitary napkin 20 ofthe present invention shown in FIGS. 1-4, however, unlike the product described in the EPO publication, provides the sanitary napkin with regions that are extensible across the full width ofthe sanitary napkin. The extensible intermediate portions 12 and 14 ofthe sanitary napkin are preferably each extensible in an amount that is greater than about 5% up to about 50%, more preferably between about 10% and about 40%, and most preferably between about 25% and about 40% under the forces associated with wearing the sanitary napkin in a pair of panties. Therefore, the sanitary napkin is preferably capable of such extension under forces of between about 50 - 100 grams to about 1,000 - 1,500 grams, more preferably under forces of between about 250 grams and about 800 grams. In this regard, it should be understood that all of the limits and ranges specified herein include all narrower ranges, limits, and amounts tht are within the specified limits and ranges. The extensible intermediate portions 12 and 14 also provide the sanitary napkin with an overall extensibility. The sanitary napkin 20, as shown in FIG. 3, is preferably extensible at least in the longitudinal direction. FIG. 3 also shows that different portions ofthe extensible regions 12 and 14 can extend in different amounts so that the less extensible portions ofthe sanitary napkin can shift laterally relative to each other. For example, the first portion 6 is capable of moving so that it may be displaced laterally relative to the second portion 8 so that the longitudinal side edge of one side ofthe first portion is shifted laterally outboard ofthe longitudinal side edge ofthe same side ofthe second portion 8. This is useful in providing the sanitary napkin with the ability to more closely conform to the wearer's body and the wearer's panties when the wearer's body goes through a range of body movements. In other embodiments, the sanitary napkin 20 may have extensible portions that are extensible in the transverse (or "y-direction"), or in more than one direction. For example, the sanitary napkin 20 shown in Figures 5 and 6 has both regions that are extensible in the longitudinal direction (extensible portions 12 and 14), and in the transverse direction (transversely extensible intermediate portions 16 and 18). (In this regard, it should be understood that although the description may primarily refer to the extensible intermediate portions 12 and 14 ofthe embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4 for simplicity, the characteristics decribed herein of the extensible intermediate portions may also be applicable to any of the other expandable portions shown and described herein.) The extensible portions 12 and 14 of the sanitary napkin 20 may in some preferred embodiments, in addition to being extensible, also be stretchable. The term "stretchable", as used herein, refers to articles, or portions thereof, that are extensible when stretching forces are applied to the article and offer some resistance to stretching. More preferably still, the extensible portions 12 and 14 of the sanitary napkin 20 may be elastically stretchable. The terms "elastically stretchable" or "elastically extensible" are intended to be synonymous. These terms, as used herein, mean that when the stretching forces are removed, these portions of the sanitary napkin will tend to return toward their unextended or unstretched (or "original" dimensions). The extensible portions 12 and 14 ofthe sanitary napkin 20 need not retum all the way to their unstretched dimensions, however. These extensible portions may retum to relaxed dimensions between their unstretched dimensions and extended (or stretched dimensions). Preferably, the extensible portions 12 and 14 are made elastically stretchable without utilizing conventional elastics in which elastic strands are extended and attached to generally inextensible components. Making the extensible portions 12 and 14 ofthe sanitary napkin elastically stretchable will reduce the undesirable tendency of the lengthened extensible portions 12 and 14 of the sanitary napkin to develop excessive slack therein when the forces which tend to stretch the sanitary napkin are removed. This is particularly of interest when the wearer's panties contract after extension. The extensible portion 12 and 14 of the embodiment shown in FIGS 1-4 are preferably located in regions adjacent to, and containing, the boundary between each of the end regions, 28 and 30, and the central region 32. This allows the less extensible first, second, and third regions, 6, 8, and 10, to move and articulate relative to each other to conform to the distinct regions ofthe wearer's body that are described in greater detail in the aforementioned patent application entitled "Sanitary Napkin Having Transversely Segmented Core". In other embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 15, the expandable regions can be located along portions ofthe periphery ofthe sanitary napkin (such as along its longitudinal edges 22, end edges 24, or both). The size of the expandable portions useful in the various embodiments described herein can vary widely. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4, the dimension ofthe expandable portions measured in the transverse or lateral direction can range in size up to that ofthe full width ofthe sanitary napkin. In other embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 15, the transverse direction dimension of the expandable portions may extend only a portion of the width of the sanitary napkin. The dimension of the expandable portions measured in the longitudinal direction can, likewise, extend only a portion ofthe length ofthe sanitary napkin, and can range in size up to the full length of the sanitary napkin. Preferably, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4, the dimension of the extensible intermediate portions measured in the longitudinal direction is less than the full length of the sanitary napkin, and more preferably, is substantially less than the full length of the sanitary napkin so that the sanitary napkin will be easier to manufacture. Suitable dimensions measured in the longitudinal direction for the extensible intermediate portions, for example, may be less than or equal to about 1 inch (about 2.5 cm). As noted above, the extensible portions 12 and 14 in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4 may, and preferably do, provide the sanitary napkin 20 with an overall extensibility. The sanitary napkin 20 is preferably extensible in the amounts described in P&G PCT Publication No. WO 93/01785. To summarize the same, the sanitary napkin is preferably capable of extending about 5% to less than about 50%. The sanitary napkin of the present invention can also be provided with any of the other features of the sanitary napkins described in the PCT Publication No. WO 93/01785 including, a stmcture that provides a "force wall" to prevent elongation past a certain amount without substantial increases in the amount of force applied to the sanitary napkin. The flexible and extensible portions 12 and 14 can comprise any suitable type of stmcture that provides the sanitary napkin with the properties described herein. The flexible and extensible portions 12 and 14 can be integral with one or more of the components ofthe sanitary napkin, or separate elements that are joined thereto. For example, suitable stmctures for the flexible and extensible intermediate portions 12 and 14 could comprise one or more separate pieces of material that are more flexible and extensible than the material comprising the adjacent portions. Such separate elements or pieces could be joined to and bridge the adjacent first, second, and third portions of the sanitary napkin. Such a material can be a material that is inherently more flexible and extensible than the material comprising the adjacent portions (e.g., an elastic material), or it can be some suitable material that is folded, pleated, or otherwise mechanically modified to provide it with greater flexibility and extensibility. Alternatively, the extensible portions 12 and 14 can be integral with the various layers or components ofthe adjacent portions, but which are physically (e.g., mechanically, chemically, or otherwise) modified to provide them with greater flexibility and extensibility than the portions of such a material that comprise the less extensible adjacent portions. Preferably, the extensible portions 12 and 14 are formed in this manner for ease of manufacture. The extensible portions 12 and 14 can be mechanically modified at any suitable stage of the manufacturing process. The extensible portions 12 and 14 can be provided with flexibility and extensibility by either modifying one or more of the individual components of the sanitary napkin before assembling such components together to form the sanitary napkin, or by mechanically modifying regions of the sanitary napkin after the sanitary napkin has been completely assembled. Preferably, the topsheet 38 and backsheet 40 are mechanically modi ied in separate operations prior to assembling the sanitary napkin 20. The portions of the topsheet 38 and backsheet 40 that comprise part of the extensible portions 12 and 14 may be provided with increased flexibility and extensibility by creping, or altematively, by ring rolling (or pre-corrugating) desired regions of the topsheet 38 and backsheet 40. Suitable methods for ring rolling are described in U.S. Patent 4,107,364 issued to Sisson on August 15, 1978, U.S. Patent 4,834,741 issued to Sabee on May 30, 1989, U.S. Patent 5,143,679 issued to Gerald M. Weber, et al. on September 1, 1992, U.S. Patent 5,156,793 issued to Kenneth B. Buell, et al. on October 20, 1992, and U.S. Patent 5,167,897 issued to Gerald M. Weber, et al. on December 1, 1992. More preferably, the portions ofthe topsheet and backsheet 40 that comprise part ofthe extensible portions 12 and 14 are provided with increased flexibility and extensibility by forming strainable networks in the desired regions ofthe topsheet 38 and backsheet 40. FIGS. 1-4 show the strainable network 62 that is formed in the portions of the topsheet 38 and backsheet 40 that lie in the extensible portions 12 and 14 ofthe sanitary napkin 20. The process of forming a strainable network in a material is particularly preferred for this purpose because (like ring rolling) such an operation can be readily adapted for use in high speed manufacturing operations. There is no need to pleat or fold the entire absorbent article, or portions thereof. Further, the process of forming a strainable network in a material is highly preferred because it can be adapted to produce a virtually unlimited number of pattems to tailor the extensibility ofthe strainable network. This process can also provide the extensible regions of the sanitary napkin with elastic-like stretchability without the use of added elastic materials. Because the base material into which the strainable network is formed is often a film (or has at least one component which is a film), the formed material may be referred to herein for convenience as a Stmctural Elastic- Like Film or "SELF" material. The characteristics ofthe strainable network 62 of such a SELF material will be discussed with reference to FIGS. 7-7C. FIGS. 7-7C show enlarged views of a web material 60 having a strainable network 62 formed therein. The web material 60 shown in FIGS. 7-7C can comprise a portion of the topsheet 38 or backsheet 40 in the intermediate portions 12 and 14 ofthe sanitary napkin. (Altematively, the entire topsheet and/or backsheet of the sanitary napkin can comprise a "SELF" web material 60 having a strainable network formed therein.) To the extent the web material 60 shown in FIGS. 7-7C comprises a topsheet material, the web material is shown in a form without any apertures for simplicity. FIGS. 7 and 7 A show the web material 60 in an untensioned condition. The web material 60 having a strainable network 62 formed therein has a longitudinal centerline (or axis), 1, and a lateral centerline (or axis), t. The longitudinal centerline, 1, is shown in FIG. 7 as being rectilinear. However, the longitudinal centerline, 1, is not limited to such a configuration. The longitudinal centerline, 1, can be rectilinear, curvilinear, or partially rectilinear and partially curvilinear. FIGS. 7 and 7 A show that the web material 60 which includes the strainable network 62 comprises at least two distinct and dissimilar regions. The term "strainable network", as used herein, refers to an interconnected and interrelated group of regions which are able to be extended to some useful degree in a predetermined direction. FIGS. 7 and 7 A show that the two distinct regions of the strainable network 62 comprise at least a first region 64 and a second region 66. The two distinct regions provide the web material 60 with a first elastic-like, relatively low resistive force stage to stretching forces, and a second relatively high resistive force stage. The strainable network 62 is created by forming the network into the web material 60. As used herein, the term "formed" refers to the creation of a desired stmcture or geometry upon the web material 60 that will substantially retain the desired stmcture or geometry when it is not subjected to any externally applied elongations or forces. Suitable methods for forming a strainable network into a web material include, but are not limited to embossing by mating plates or rolls, thermoforming, high pressure hydraulic forming, or casting. The strainable network 62 is configured so that the first region 64 will exhibit resistive forces in response to an applied axial elongation in a direction parallel to a predeteπnined axis (which, in this case, is the longitudinal axis 1) before a substantial portion of the second region 66 develops significant resistive forces to the applied elongation. The first and second regions, 64 and 66, of the strainable network 62 each have a first surface and an opposing surface. The configuration of the web material 60 having a strainable network 62 formed therein is described in terms the surface-pathlengths (i.e., distance measured across topography) of the different regions. As shown in FIG. 7 A, the first region 64 has a surface-pathlength which is less than that of the second region 66. The surface-pathlengths are measured substantially parallel to the predetermined axis over the topography ofthe surface of each region while the material is in an untensioned condition. As shown in FIG. 7 A, the second region 66 includes one or more deformations 74 which extend beyond the plane ofthe first region 64. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 and 7 A, the strainable network 62 includes a plurality of first regions 64 and a plurality of second regions 66. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 and 7 A, the first regions 64 are substantially planar regions. That is, the material within the first region 64 is in substantially the same condition before and after the formation step undergone by web material 60. The second regions 66 include a plurality of continuous, interconnected, deformations 74 which extend alternately beyond the plane of both the first and second surfaces (64A and 64B, respectively) of the first region 64. In other embodiments, the deformations 74 may extend beyond the plane of only one of the first 64A or the second 64B surfaces ofthe first region 64. FIG. 7 shows that the first regions 64 of the strainable network 62 have a first axis 68 and a second axis 69, wherein the first axis 68 is preferably longer than the second axis 69. In the simplified embodiment shown, the first axis 68 ofthe first region 64 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, 1, of the strainable web material 60 while the second axis 69 is substantially parallel to the transverse axis, t, of the strainable web material 60. The second regions 66 of the strainable network 62 also have a first axis 70 and a second axis 71. The first axis 70 of the second region 66 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 1 of the web material 60, while the second axis 71 is substantially parallel to the transverse axis t of the web material 60. In the version of the web material shown in FIGS. 7 and 7 A, the first regions 64 and the second regions 66 are substantially linear, extending continuously in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 1 of the strainable web material. In the sanitary napkin embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4, the longitudinal centerline 1 of the strainable network 62 in the web material, topsheet 38 and backsheet 40, is generally oriented in the longitudinal direction. In other embodiments, however, the longitudinal centerline 1 of the web material can be oriented in other directions, depending on the direction of extensibility desired. FIGS. 7 A, B, and C show the manner in which the web material 60 with the strainable network 62 exhibits at least two significantly different stages of controlled resistive force to elongation when subjected to an applied elongation in a direction parallel to a predetermined axis. The strainable network 62 exhibits first resistive forces to the applied elongation (which develop between the stage shown in FIG. 7A and the stage shown in FIG. 7B). The first resistive forces occur until the elongation of the web is sufficient to cause a substantial portion of the second regions 66 to enter the plane of applied elongation, as shown in FIG. 7B. After the web material 60 reaches the stage shown in FIG. 7B, it exhibits second resistive forces to further elongation (as illustrated by FIG. 7C). Typically, when used in the topsheet 38 and backsheet 40 ofthe sanitary napkin ofthe present invention, the web material will be within the first stage of resistance to elongation so the various portions of the strainable network 62 will only extend to the stage shown in FIG. 7B and adjust sp as to relax back to the stage shown in FIG. 7A. The topsheet and backsheet material into which the strainable network 62 is formed can comprise a base material that has a relatively low extensibility under the forces that the sanitary napkin is normally subjected to when worn. When the strainable network 62 is formed therein, however, the base material will be extensible under the forces the sanitary napkin is normally subjected to when worn. The base material used as the topsheet 38 and backsheet 40 can respectively comprise the apertured formed film and the polyethylene film, described above. These base materials, however, are preferably comprised substantially of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE). The base materials may also be comprised of other polyolefins such as polyethylenes, including low density polyethylene (LDPE), ultra low density polyethylene (ULDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE), or polypropylene and blends thereof with the above and other materials. Examples of other suitable polymeric materials which may also be used as base materials include, but are not limited to polyester, polyurethanes, compostable or biodegradable polymers, heat shrink polymers, thermoplastic elastomers, and breathable polymeric stmctures. The depth and number of deformations 74 in the strainable network 62 can be varied to control the applied force or elongation required to extend the extensible portions of the topsheet 38 and backsheet 40. In one preferred embodiment, the deformations 74 are formed by two rigid plates having outer dimension of 5.0" by 12" by 0.75" (12.7 cm by 30.5 cm by 2 cm). On one surface of each plate are a series of meshing teeth which are substantially triangular in cross section and measure 0.030" (0.76 mm) at their bases and taper to a vertex with a radius of 0.008" (0.2 mm) at the top. The centeriines of the teeth are spaced evenly and at 0.030" (0.76 mm) increments. On the "toothed" side of one plate, a series of grooves are cut which are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the evenly spaced teeth. These grooves measure 0.031" (0.8 mm) wide and are continuous over the entire length ofthe plate, and are spaced at a distance of 0.25" (6.4 mm) on center. These grooves correspond to the undeformed regions of the base material. The preferred base material is placed between the plates in a hydraulic press having platens larger than the plates to evenly distribute pressure. The plates are compressed under a load of at least 4,000 pounds (1,800 Kg). The formed web material is then removed from between the plates. The available stretch or elongation is increased if for a given number of deformations, the height or degree of deformation imparted to the web material is increased. Similarly, the available stretch or elongation is increased if for a given height or degree of deformation, the number or frequency of deformations is increased. Methods for forming a strainable network into a portion of a material such as a topsheet or backsheet suitable for the sanitary napkin 20 of the present invention are described in greater detail in U. S. Patent Application Serial Number 08/203,087 entitled "Web Materials Exhibiting Elastic-Like Behavior" filed in the name of Chappell, et al. (PCT Publication No. WO 95/03765 published Febmary 9, 1995), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The above-described method for providing the topsheet 38 and backsheet 40 with a strainable network is particularly well suited to providing the sanitary napkin 20 with different regions of extensibility. The mating plates can be configured to create any ofthe patterns of extensibility within the topsheet 38 and backsheet 40 of the sanitary napkins 20 shown in the drawings. If desired, it is also possible to eliminate the first regions 64 of the strainable network from the topsheet and backsheet (in which case the second regions 66 will be continuous). The elimination of the first regions 64 has the effect of substantially reducing or eliminating the elastic-like tendency for the various regions ofthe topsheet and backsheet to retract (and, thus, to also reduce or eliminate the two different stages of controlled resistive force to elongation). Having looked at the characteristics that allow regions of the topsheet and backsheet to be extensible in the intermediate regions 12 and 14 ofthe sanitary napkin 20, the characteristics ofthe absorbent core and the assembly ofthe same in the sanitary napkin will now be examined. FIGS. 8 and 9 show one preferred way of providing an absorbent core 42 for the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4 that will be extensible in the intermediate portions 12 and 14 ofthe sanitary napkin 20. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the absorbent core 42 is transversely divided into a plurality of independent segments, 42A, 42B, and 42C. The sanitary napkin 20 is also preferably provided with one or more overlying absorbent layers 44 that span the gaps between the adjacent core segments 42A, 42B, and 42C. The overlying layer or layers 44 may be considered to comprise part ofthe absorbent core 42, or as a separate component of the sanitary napkin. FIGS. 8 and 9 show that the overlying layer 44 is preferably joined to the topsheet 38 between the SELFed regions of the topsheet so that the inextensibility, or lesser extensibility of the overlying layer 44 does not interfere with the extensibility of the SELFed intermediate regions 12 and 14. The joinder can be accomplished in any suitable manner, such as by adhesive bonds 46. The underlying independent core segments 42A, 42B, and 42C are similarly joined to the backsheet 40 between the SELFed regions of the same. The overlying absorbent layer 44, however, is preferably not joined to the independent core segments 42A, 42B, and 42C or to any other component ofthe sanitary napkin 20 inside the periphery ofthe sanitary napkin 20 so that the overlying absorbent component 44 can slide freely relative to the independent absorbent core segments 42A, 42B, and 42C when the sanitary napkin is stretched as shown in FIG. 9. The term "joined", as used herein, encompasses configurations in which an element is directly secured to another element by affixing the element directly to the other element; configurations in which the element is indirectly secured to the other element by affixing the element to intermediate member(s) which in turn are affixed to the other element; and configurations in which one element is integral with another element, i.e., one element is essentially part ofthe other element. The absorbent components of the sanitary napkin 20 such as the independent core segments and the overlying absorbent layer can be joined to the desired component ofthe sanitary napkin, such as the topsheet and backsheet in any suitable manner. Suitable means include joining such components by adhesives, stitching, heat and/or pressure bonds, dynamic mechanical bonds, ultrasonic bonds, mtermingling or entanglement of the fibers or other stmctural elements comprising the components ofthe sanitary napkin, such as by meltblowing the fibers comprising one component onto another component, extruding one component onto another, or by any other means known in the art. Several of these means for attaching the components of the sanitary napkin are described in greater detail in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 07/810,744 filed in the name of Cree, et al. on December 17, 1991 (PCT Patent Pubhcation No. WO 93/11725 published on June 24, 1993). The topsheet 38 and backsheet 40 can be joined together in any suitable manner that allows the intermediate portions 12 and 14 of the sanitary napkin to extend. As shown in Figure 1, the topsheet 38 is preferably secured to backsheet 40 along a peripheral edge seal, such as seal 90. Seal 90 is preferably liquid impervious. The seal 90 can be formed by any means commonly used in the art for this purpose such as by gluing, crimping, or heat-sealing. There are a number of approaches that can be used to produce fluid impermeable, stretchable edge seals between the topsheet 38 and the backsheet 40. In a particularly preferred sanitary napkin embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4, the portions ofthe topsheet 38 and backsheet 40 along the edges ofthe topsheet and backsheet 40 are joined together using an extensible adhesive 92 around the perimeter of the sanitary napkin and in addition, a preferred distribution of mechanical bonds 94 in the perimeter area. The extensible adhesive 92 provides an extensible impervious seal around the perimeter 26 of the sanitary napkin. The mechanical bonds 94 provide added strength. The mechanical bonds 94 are arranged in intermittent zones (or regions) of bonded areas 96 and bonded areas 98. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the bonded areas 96 comprise a plurality of spaced apart line segments that are approximately peφendicular to the periphery 26 of the sanitary napkin 20. The bonded areas 96 should be spaced apart in the desired direction of extensibility for the completely assembled absorbent article and be separated by unbonded areas 98. The bonded areas 96 are not extensible and the unbonded areas 98 are extensible. The bonded areas 96 are preferably formed by a heat and pressure process in which the application of temperature and pressure are controlled so that neither the material comprising the topsheet nor the material comprising the backsheet are melted in the process. A suitable seal ofa polyethylene formed film topsheet having SELFed regions therein and a polyethylene film backsheet having SELFed regions therein can be formed by a heated plate having raised areas in the pattem of the bonded areas shown in Fig. 1 which are approximately 6 mm x 2 mm which are spaced 5 mm apart. The plate is heated to 170°F for 5 seconds and the seal is formed using hand pressure. Other methods suitable for joining the components of an extensible absorbent article are described in greater detail in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 08/192,240 filed in the name of Osborn, et al. on Feburary 4, 1994 (P&G Case 5151). The above manners of joining the components of the sanitary napkin 20 are preferred for ease of constmction. (Other means of uniting the various components can be used.) For instance, the present invention also includes so-called "tube" products. In these products, a liquid pervious cover material (such as topsheet material) can be wrapped completely around the absorbent core and the backsheet, and then the components can be secured together. In altemative arrangements, the topsheet could be wrapped around the core, and the wrapped core could be placed on and secured to the backsheet. FIGS. 10 and 11 show a highly preferred additional feature that for the sanitary napkin 20 shown in the preceding figures. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the sanitary napkin 20 can additionally be provided with a component such as a separation component (or "stabilization layer") 48 that is positioned between the overlying absorbent layer 44 and the independent absorbent core segments 42A, 42B, and 42C. The stabilization layer 48 serves to prevent any undesirable tendency for interference to occur between the ends ofthe independent core segments and the overlying absorbent component 44 when these components slide past each other. That is, the stabilization layer 48 prevents the ends ofthe independent core segments 42A, 42B, and 42C and the overlying absorbent component 44 from engaging each other so as to prevent such a sliding motion. Preferably, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the stabilization layer 48 is provided in a form that facilitates the relative sliding action between the independent core segments 42A, 42B, and 42C and the overlying absorbent component 44. The stabilization layer 48 is preferably liquid pervious so that body exudates can pass through the stabilization layer 48 to the underlying absorbent core segments 42A, 42B, and 42C. The stabilization layer 48 can be made of any material that satisfies these criteria. Suitable materials for use as the stabilization layer 48 include, but are not limited to nonwoven webs at least a portion of which are creped, extensible scrims, or extensible apertured films. Two particularly preferred nonwoven webs are an air-through bonded nonwoven material comprised of bi-component fibers which is manufactured under the tradename HAVD S2156 by the Havix Coφoration, Gifu- City Japan (formerly known as Fukumura) which is micrex creped which can be performed by the Micrex Coφoration of Walpole, MA, and a nonwoven web known as COROLIND PE, which was obtained from Corovin GMBH of Germany and then SELFed. The stabilizing layer 48 is preferably joined at its ends to one or more of the adjacent components of the sanitary napkin and is preferably not secured to any other component in the central region 32 ofthe sanitary napkin. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the stabilizing layer 48 can be provided with extensibility, such as by creping or SELFing a region ofthe same. The extensible region 50 ofthe stabilizing layer 48 can be located on any suitable portion of the stabilizing layer. Preferably, however, the extensible region 50 is located in a central region ofthe stabilizing layer 48 so that when the sanitary napkin stretches as shown in FIG. 10, the extensible region 50 bridges the gaps between the adjacent independent core segments 42A, 42B, and 42C. Having, thus, described the assembly of the components of a preferred sanitary napkin embodiment, some of the additional features that are preferably provided on the sanitary napkin 20 will be examined. The garment surface 20B ofthe sanitary napkin 20 may include, and preferably does include, fasteners for attaching the sanitary napkin to the wearer's undergarments. Figure 2 shows the fastener 52 which is adapted to secure the sanitary napkin to the crotch region of an undergarment. Fasteners comprising adhesives have been found to work well for this puφose, with pressure sensitive adhesives being preferred. The adhesive fastener is typically covered with a removable cover strip or release liner in order to keep the adhesive from sticking to a surface other than the crotch portion of the panty prior to use. Suitable adhesives and release liners are described in greater detail in U.S. Patent 4,917,697. One preferred release liner which also serves as a package for individually wrapping a sanitary napkin is described in U.S. Patent 4,556,146 issued to Swanson. The sanitary napkin 20 ofthe present invention is used by removing any release liner and placing the sanitary napkin 20 in a panty so that the adhesive (or other fastener) 52 contacts the panty and maintains the sanitary napkin in position within the panty during use. Various altemative embodiments of the sanitary napkin of the present invention are also possible. FIG. 12, for example, shows a backsheet 40 and absorbent core 42 that are in a particularly preferred shape for the sanitary napkin of the present invention. This preferred shape, and the advantages thereof, are described in greater detail in the aforementioned U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 08/192,240 (P&G Case 5151). FIG. 12 also shows an altemative absorbent core 42 embodiment in which the absorbent core is provided with a plurality of slits 100. The slits 100 are preferably transversely-oriented and arranged in rows wherein the slits 100 in adjacent rows are staggered relative to each other so that the slit regions of the absorbent core 42 can expand in the longitudinal direction. In other embodiments, however, such as to create the transverse extensibility in the end regions of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the absorbent core may have slits, at least some groups of which are longitudinally-oriented so that at least portions of the absorbent core 42 and sanitary napkin 20 can expand in the transverse direction. In addition, as shown in FIG. 12, in preferred versions of this embodiment, a layer of pervious, preferably absorbent material, which is not slit can be provided on top of the slit absorbent core 42 so that liquids will not be able to travel through the slits, and so that the slits will be hidden from the wearer's view when the sanitary napkin is extended. In embodiments where it is not important for the slits to be hidden from view, however, the pervious absorbent material can be positioned beneath the absorbent core 42. FIG. 13 shows another altemative embodiment of the sanitary napkin of the present invention in which the absorbent core is provided with slits over nearly its entire surface with the exception of a region at each end. In this embodiment, the topsheet 38 is preferably "SELFed" over its entire surface (although it is also possible for the topsheet 38 to only be "SELFed" in selected regions or zones). The backsheet 40 is preferably SELFed in zones that preferably correspond to the extensible intermediate portions 12 and 14 of the sanitary napkin 20. A less extensible absorbent insert 44 may also is placed on top of the absorbent core 42 in this embodiment. Preferably, the unslit regions 102 of the core extend about one inch (about 2.5 cm) inward from each end edge of the core. This type of core is useful particularly when the sanitary napkin is highly flexible to aid in handling the sanitary napkin. Stiffening the ends ofthe sanitary napkin by not slitting the ends of the absorbent core 42 tends to eliminate any tendency for the ends of the sanitary napkin to fold over on themselves. FIG. 13, thus, also shows that it is possible for some of the components of the absorbent article, such as the topsheet 38, to be provided with complete extensibility across their entire area, while other components, such as the backsheet 40 and absorbent core 42, may only be provided with extensibility in selected regions of their total area. Preferably, the extensible regions ofthe various components are aligned to form entire regions ofthe sanitary napkin that are extensible. However, in order to create different effects, or product performance characteristics, it is also possible to provide embodiments in which the extensible portions ofthe various components ofthe sanitary napkin are not aligned. FIG. 14 shows a particularly preferred fastener pattem for the fastener 52 that is used to attach the sanitary napkin 20 to the wearer's panties when the sanitary napkin is provided in the preferred configuration shown. The fastener 52 comprises a plurality of separate spaced-apart zones of fastener material on the garment-facing side 20B ofthe sanitary napkin 20. In the preferred embodiment shown, the fastener 52 is a pressure sensitive adhesive. Preferably, the adhesive fastener is located on the regions ofthe backsheet 40 that are not "SELFed" since it is easier to apply adhesive to these smooth surfaces than to the surfaces that have SELFed regions formed therein. More specifically, the fastener 52 is applied in three zones comprising a U- shaped or horseshoe shaped zone in each end region of the sanitary napkin designated 52A and 52B, respectively, and a pair of spaced apart longitudinally- oriented zones designated 52C adjacent each longitudinal side edge 22 ofthe sanitary napkin in the central region 32 ofthe sanitary napkin. FIG. 15 shows another sanitary napkin 20, although less preferred, that utilizes some ofthe features ofthe present invention. The sanitary napkin 20 shown in FIG. 15 is provided with a plurality of transversely segmented independent core segments 42 A, 42B, and 42C, that can optionally be joined by isthmic connections 104 as described in P&G PCT Publication No. WO 92/10984. The isthmic connections 104, as shown in FIG. 15, provide recessed areas 106 in the absorbent core 42 along the sides of the sanitary napkin 20. The recessed areas 106 can be in any suitable shape, including cut outs of various shapes, notches, and slits. The sanitary napkin 20 has a topsheet 38 and backsheet 40 that are both provided with extensible portions 12 and 14 that span the recessed areas 106 along the sides ofthe absorbent core 42. Instead of being notched like the topsheet ofthe sanitary napkin shown in the Tong-ho J. Hsieh publication, the topsheet 38 of the sanitary napkin shown in FIG. 15 is made of a continuous extensible material that spans the recessed areas along the sides of the absorbent core 42. The expandable portions of the topsheet and backsheet are preferably not joined to the absorbent core. The expandable portion of the topsheet 38 and the expandable portion of the backsheet 40 preferably also extend longitudinally beyond the portion of the absorbent core that contains the recessed areas 106 so that they overlie and underlie at least a portion of the absorbent core 42, respectively. This will allow more extensibility to be provided in the topsheet and backsheet in these areas than if the boundaries ofthe expandable portions were limited to that ofthe recessed areas 106. This arrangement ofthe components ofthe sanitary napkin enables the topsheet and backsheet to form an expandable cover on both sides ofthe absorbent article that can stretch around the absorbent core in the expandable portions ofthe sanitary napkin. In other embodiments, the topsheet 38, the backsheet 40, or both, may be provided with extensibility across additional portions of their surfaces. The triangular-shaped regions 12 and 14 along the longitudinal side edges 22 of the sanitary napkin are shown as being extensible in the longitudinal direction. The triangular-shaped region along the rear end edge 24 of the sanitary napkin is shown as being extensible in the transverse direction. The sanitary napkin 20 could also be provided with a similar triangular-shaped region at the front end edge ofthe sanitary napkin. The extensible portions of the topsheet 38 and backsheet 40 ofthe sanitary napkin shown in FIG. 15 are provided with extensibility by "SELFing" these regions. In other embodiments, these regions can be provided with extensibility by ring rolling, or any of the other manners described herein. In still other embodiments, the ridges or raised rib-like elements in the extensible portions can be oriented in any other desired direction to change the direction of extensibility. For example, the ridges in the triangular-shaped regions along the longitudinal side edges 22 ofthe sanitary napkin could be oriented in the longitudinal direction so that these regions are extensible in the transverse direction. The ridges in the triangular-shaped region at the end edge of the sanitary napkin could be oriented in the transverse direction so that this region is extensible in the longitudinal direction. The ridges in any ofthe various regions could be provided in any other suitable pattern, such as a radial pattem. The absorbent core ofthe embodiment shown in FIG. 15, in addition to being notched, could be slit or segmented. In other embodiments, the recessed areas 106 can be filled by a separate piece of absorbent material. If this separate piece of absorbent material is not extensible, it is preferably not joined to the remainder ofthe absorbent core in the recessed areas 106. Such a non-extensible separate piece of absorbent material may instead be joined to the topsheet 38, or more preferably, to the backsheet 40. If the separate piece of absorbent material is extensible, then it can be joined to the remainder ofthe absorbent core 42 in the recessed areas 106. Such a constmction allows the absorbent core 42 to be provided with selected portions which are extensible without having to constmct the entire absorbent core using potentially more expensive extensible absorbent material. The separate pieces of absorbent material can be provided in any suitable shape and in any desired location in the sanitary napkin. The various embodiments described herein could also be provided with any combination of regions shown in the drawings or otherwise described herein. For example, a sanitary napkin could be provided which has some extensible regions like those shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4, and some triangular-shaped extensible regions like those shown in FIG. 15. The shape and location ofthe extensible portions described herein, however, is not limited to those shapes and locations shown in the drawings. The extensible portions of the absorbent article, or the components thereof, can be positioned at any suitable location on the main body portion of the absorbent article where extensibility is desired. The sanitary napkin 20 shown in FIG. 15 provides the advantage that the regions of the sanitary napkin located at the recessed areas 106 along the edges of the absorbent core 42 can fan open and articulate without having to notch the topsheet 38 as described in Tong-ho J. Hsieh EPO Publication No. 0 605 017 A2. This allows the desired movement in these regions without altering the surface configuration ofthe sanitary napkin. Because of this, the embodiment shown in FIG. 15 represents an improvement over the device described in the Tong-ho J. Hsieh EPO publication, wherein the slits in the cover of the sanitary napkin described therein provide a path for hquids to pass directly through toward the barrier layer with no access to an intervening absorbent layer. FIG. 15 can also be used to show another possible embodiment of a sanitary napkin that can have a topsheet and backsheet that have portions that have extensible portions therein. The sanitary napkin shown in FIG. 15 can be provided with a topsheet 38 and backsheet 40 that are bonded to the absorbent core 42 at a bonded region, such as the region designated 108. The sanitary napkin can be constmcted so that the topsheet 38 and backsheet 40 are bonded to each other at the periphery of the sanitary napkin, but are not bonded to the absorbent core outboard ofthe bonded region 108. The topsheet 38 in such a case, is preferably either provided with a liquid transporting component or is in hquid transporting communication with the absorbent core. In such an embodiment, instead of only being extensible in the regions which are shown as being "SELFed" in FIG. 15, the topsheet 38 and backsheet 40 can be provided with extensibility in any, or all portions thereof that he outboard of the bonded region 108. This will create a sanitary napkin having a topsheet, backsheet, and core that are bonded together as a unit in the area of typical liquid deposition. The portions of the topsheet and backsheet that lie outboard of the bonded region 108 may provide an extensible "bag" around the remainder of the absorbent core. The extensible portions ofthe topsheet that form this extensible bag can adjust to the wearer's body, and the extensible portions of the backsheet can adjust when the wearer's body moves relative to the adjacent portions ofthe wearer's panties. FIGS. 16 and 17 show the body-facing side 20 A and garment-facing side 20B of a sanitary napkin embodiment having components with different expandable regions therein. The embodiment shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrates that the expandable regions of the topsheet 38 and of the backsheet 40 do not have to coincide in orientation or position, or may only have portions that coincide in orientation and position. The expandable regions of the topsheet 38 and backsheet 40 also do not have to coincide in shape or direction of extensibility. As shown in FIG. 16, the embodiment has a topsheet 38 with a pair of V-shaped expandable regions 12 A and 14A therein in which the bases ofthe V-shaped regions point away from each other and toward the end edges 24 ofthe sanitary napkin 20. As shown in FIG. 17, the backsheet 40 has a pair of V-shaped regions 12B and 14B therein in which the bases of the V-shaped regions point toward each other. As seen by comparing FIG. 16 with FIG. 17, a portion of the expandable regions 12A and 14A in the topsheet 38 (along the longitudinal side edges 22 of the sanitary napkin) overlies a portion of the expandable regions 12B and 14B in the backsheet 40. FIGS. 16 and 17 also show that the remaining portions of the expandable regions 12A and 14A ofthe topsheet 38 do not overlie the expandable regions 12B and 14B ofthe backsheet 40. In other embodiments, however, the expandable regions of the topsheet 38 may not overlie any portion of the expandable regions in the backsheet 40. In addition, although FIGS. 16 and 17 show both the expandable region of the topsheet and the expandable region of the backsheet as being expandable in the longitudinal direction, in other embodiments, the expandable regions of these components ofthe sanitary napkin could be expandable in different directions. Numerous other embodiments of the sanitary napkin of the present invention are possible. In other altemative embodiments, for example, the extensible portions 12 and 14 of the sanitary napkin 20 can be located outboard of the less extensible portions of the sanitary napkin 20 at the ends of the sanitary napkin, rather than between less extensible portions of the sanitary napkin. In addition, in any of the embodiments described herein, there can be any number of extensible portions and less extensible portions (i.e., there can be a plurality of each). The extensible portions and less extensible portions of various sanitary napkin embodiments can also be arranged in an unlimited number of different pattems. An absorbent article could also be constmcted exactly like the product shown and described in the Tong-ho J. Hsieh EPO patent pubhcation. In addition, an absorbent article could be created in which the less extensible portions of the main body portion are joined together by elastic members. The elastic members would preferably not be continuous elastic members that have been joined to the topsheet or backsheet that merely contract the entire topsheet or backsheet, or a portion thereof in order to induce curvature into the same. Instead, they would preferably be joined to the less extensible portions of the absorbent article, or one of the components thereof, so that the both sides of the absorbent article are equally in tension and the elastic members would serve to bridge the adjacent less extensible portions ofthe absorbent article and allow them to move and articulate with respect to each other. The absorbent article of the present invention can also be provided with optional features, such as side flaps (or wings), or other types of side wrapping elements that are joined to the main body portion ofthe absorbent article (that is, to the absorbent article shown in the drawings) for protecting the wearer's undergarments from soiling and maintaining the absorbent article in place in the wearer's undergarments. Absorbent articles having flaps and/or side wrapping elements of various types are described in U.S. Patent 4,589,876, issued May 20, 1986, to Van Tilburg, U.S. Patent 4,687,478, issued August 18, 1987, to Van Tilburg, U.S. Patent 5,267,992 issued to Van Tilburg on December 7, 1993, U.S. Patent 5,344,416 issued September 6, 1994, to Niihara, U.S. Patent 5,346,486 issued September 13, 1994, to Osborn, et al., and U.S. Patent 5,389,094 entitled "Absorbent Article Having Flaps and Zones of Differential Extensibility" issued Febmary 14, 1995, to Lavash, et al., U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 07/915,133 filed July 23, 1992 (PCT Pubhcation No. WO 94/02096, published Febmary 3, 1994, in the name of Lavash, et al.), U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 08/124,180 filed September 20, 1993 (PCT Publication No. 94/10200, published in the name of Mansfield, et al.), U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 08/277,733 filed July 20, 1994 (PCT Pubhcation No. WO 95/03025, published in the name of Weinberger, et al. on Febmary 2, 1995). The present invention is also applicable to other types of absorbent articles worn in the crotch region of an undergarment such as pantiliners and incontinence articles. The terms "panty liner" or "pantiliner" refer to absorbent articles that are less bulky than sanitary napkins which are generally worn by women between their menstrual periods. Examples of suitable absorbent articles in the form of pantiliners that can be provided with the extensible and articulating portions described herein are disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,738,676 entitled "Pantiliner" issued to Osbom on April 19, 1988. The term "incontinence article" refers to pads, undergarments (pads held in place by a suspension system of same type, such as a belt, or the like), inserts for absorbent articles, capacity boosters for absorbent articles, briefs, bed pads, and the like, regardless of whether they are worn by adults or other incontinent persons. Examples of suitable incontinence articles that can be provided with the extensible and articulating portions described herein are disclosed in U.S. Patent 5,300,054 issued to Feist, et al. on April 5, 1994 and U.S. Patent 5,304,161 issued to Noel, et al. April 19, 1994. The disclosures of all patents, patent applications (and any patents which issue thereon, as weU as any corresponding published foreign patent applications), and pubUcations mentioned throughout this patent appUcation are hereby incorporated by reference herein. It is expressly not admitted, however, that any of the documents incoφorated by reference herein teach or disclose the present invention. It is also expressly not admitted that any of the commercially available materials or products described herein teach or disclose the present invention. 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 ofthe invention. WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

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, said absorbent article characterized in that it comprises: a Uquid pervious topsheet comprising at least one expandable region and at least one region that is less expandable than said expandable region, said topsheet being substantiaUy free of overlapping portions in said expandable region of said topsheet; a Uquid impervious backsheet joined to said topsheet, said Uquid impervious backsheet also comprising at least one expandable region and at least one region that is less expandable than said expandable region, said backsheet being substantially free of overlapping portions in said expandable region of said backsheet; and an absorbent core positioned between said topsheet and said backsheet, wherein at least one expandable region of said topsheet overUes at least a portion of said absorbent core and at least one expandable region of said backsheet underlies at least a portion of said absorbent core. 2. The absorbent article of Claim 1 wherein at least one expandable region of said topsheet and said at least one expandable region of said backsheet are located in a single portion of said absorbent article, and said absorbent core is also expandable in said portion of said absorbent article so that said absorbent article has at least one expandable portion therein that is more expandable than other portions ofthe absorbent article. 3. The absorbent article of Claims 1 or 2 wherein said topsheet and said backsheet each define a plane, and said at least one expandable region of said topsheet and said at least one expandable region of said backsheet are generally expandable in the plane of said topsheet and said backsheet, respectively. 4. An absorbent article for wearing in a crotch region of an undergarment, said absorbent article having a longitudinal centerline, a transverse centerline, a first end edge, a second end edge, and two spaced apart longitudinal side edges, a first portion disposed adjacent said first end edge, and a second portion disposed adjacent said second end edge, said first portion and said second portion being separated by at least one intermediate portion, said absorbent article comprising: a Uquid pervious topsheet; a Uquid impervious backsheet joined to said topsheet; and an absorbent core positioned between said topsheet and said backsheet, said absorbent article being characterized in that said intermediate portion comprises a flexible and extensible expansion joint located between said first and second portions, wherein said expansion joint defines a region that extends transversely across said entire absorbent article from one longitudinal side edge to the other longitudinal side edge, wherein said expansion joint is more extensible than at least some ofthe remaining portions of said absorbent article. 5. The absorbent article of Claim 4 wherein said absorbent article defines a plane, and said extensible expansion joint is generally extensible in the longitudinal direction in the plane of said absorbent article. 6. The absorbent article of Claim 4 which also has a first end region, a second end region, and a central region disposed between said first and second end regions, said absorbent article further comprising a second intermediate portion, wherein said intermediate portion is located between said first end region and said central region and said second intermediate portion is located between said central region and said second end region. 7. The absorbent article of Claim 6 wherein at least one of said first and second end regions has a transversely extensible portion therein that is located in a region that surrounds and includes a portion of said longitudinal centerUne. 8. An absorbent article according to any ofthe preceding claims wherein at least one of said topsheet and said backsheet in at least said expandable region or said expansion joint has a network of at least two distinct regions formed in a portion thereof so that said portion of said at least one of said topsheet and said backsheet in the region of said expansion joint exhibits an elastic-Uke behavior along at least one predetermined axis. 9. The absorbent article of Claim 4 wherein said first portion is capable of moving laterally relative to said longitudinal centerline and relative to said second portion so that the longitudinal side edge on one side of said first portion is shifted laterally outboard of the longitudinal side edge of said second portion on the same side of said absorbent article. 10. The absorbent article of Claims 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9 wherein said absorbent core is provided with extensibility in at least said intermediate portion by a region of said core having a plurality of slits therein, or by a segmented core stmcture wherein the segments ofthe core are at least partially overlapping.

Inventors: LAVASH BRUCE WILLIAM, MANSFIELD MICHELE ANN, OSBORN THOMAS WARD III, LAVASH, BRUCE, WILLIAM, MANSFIELD, MICHELE, ANN, OSBORN, THOMAS, WARD, III
Applicants: PROCTER & GAMBLE, THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY
Application year: 1996
Main classification: A61F13
IPC codes: A61F5, A61F13