Patent Publication Number: US-2005124957-A1

Title: Means to secure and align absorbent products and maintain fresh feeling for users

Description:
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Applications Nos. 60/520,987, filed Nov. 18, 2003; 60/520,989, filed Nov. 18, 2003; and 60/520,990, filed Nov. 18, 2003, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
      This invention is directed to means for providing a fresh feeling to users of absorbent articles, more particularly to absorbent articles that have an additional topsheet and are optionally packaged with a cleansing apparatus. The invention also relates to absorbent products, and more particularly to a target area marker that indicates where to effectively place the absorbent products. The invention further relates to absorbent products, and more particularly to a device for securing and aligning absorbent products.  
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      It is known in the art that users of absorbent articles can feel uncomfortable after prolonged use of the absorbent article even though the absorbent capabilities of the absorbent article have not been exhausted. This problem exists, for example, for users of absorbent articles for feminine hygiene during the menses. However, this problem also exists for users of other absorbent articles, such as undergarments, absorbent pads, protective undergarments, diapers, nursing pads, and medical dressings. It is also known in the art that users of absorbent articles generally cleanse the area targeted by the absorbent article prior to using an absorbent article and when changing a soiled absorbent article for a fresh one. It is further more known, that many women use very thin absorbent articles like pantiliners daily, to capture feminine discharges, e.g., menses, and maintain fresh feeling. However, these thin pads are sometimes ‘over kill’ for the job. Therefore, it would be beneficial to provide means for establishing a fresh feeling for the users of absorbent articles.  
      There are also many reasons why an absorbent product may be worn. For example, absorbent products may be worn for feminine hygiene, incontinence, or medical purposes. Frequently, the absorbent product will move out of the desired location. This movement may occur when an individual using the absorbent product moves. For example, an absorbent product attached to the individual&#39;s underpants may shift as the individual walks. As a result, leakage may occur.  
      Typically, adhesive strips are used to hold the absorbent product in place. In addition to the adhesive strips, wings and/or tabs may be added to the absorbent product. For example, the adhesive strips may be used to attach a feminine hygiene pad to the inside crotch section of underpants, while the wings and/or tabs wrap around the edge of the underpants affixing to the outside crotch section of the underpants.  
      However, the adhesive strips and wings indicate a specific positioning of the feminine hygiene pad according to the underpants and wings design. Unfortunately, this limited variance in position does not always suit a user&#39;s body. In addition, the adhesive on the wings tend to stick to the individual&#39;s legs. Further, the wings tend to cause the absorbent product to bend into a bridge or inverted “U” shape. This tendency to bend the outer edges of the absorbent product towards the undergarment may cause leakage. Furthermore, being unified with the absorption device, the wings tend to “collect” menses from the absorbent device edges and move them towards the outer side of the undergarment, thus soiling the user&#39;s undergarment and garment.  
      Therefore, it would be beneficial to secure absorbent products. Further, it would be beneficial if the device securing absorbent products can also align the absorbent product in the desired position. By securing and aligning the absorbent product, leakage may be reduced. Furthermore, it is beneficial if the securing device and absorption device are separate articles so that the absorption device having its own sealed edges would force fluids to move longitudinally towards the devices remote areas, and leakage may be reduced. The securing device serves as an additional barrier between the absorption device and the undergarment.  
      Frequently, the absorbent product is not fully utilized. This lack of utilization may occur when the absorbent product is not placed in the most effective position. For example, absorbent products are frequently attached to undergarments prior to getting dressed. As a result, the absorbent products are not always placed in an accurate position. This may lead to waste, higher costs, and leakage problems. Therefore, it would be beneficial to provide an indication of the most effective position for placing absorbent products.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention provides means for users of absorbent articles to establish a fresh feeling prior to using the absorbent article, during prolonged use of the absorbent article, and when interchanging absorbent articles. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a stand alone, attachable, liquid permeable topsheet article to cover absorbent articles, wherein the topsheet contains an adhesive to attach the topsheet to the absorbent article. In another embodiment, the stand alone topsheet can be used to cover absorbent articles such as undergarments, absorbent pads, protective undergarments, diapers, nursing pads, or medical dressings.  
      In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides a stand alone attachable topsheet article having opposed inwardly and outwardly oriented faces comprising a liquid permeable cover positioned on the inwardly oriented face; a layer of absorption particles positioned on the outwardly oriented face; and an adhesive layer on the outwardly oriented face of the topsheet. In another embodiment, the stand alone topsheet further comprises at least one of a freshening material, an odor-control material, or both. In one embodiment, the stand alone topsheet article can be produced in a white or non-white color.  
      In another embodiment, the present invention provides an absorbent article comprising: a liquid permeable cover; a liquid impermeable backsheet joined to the cover, said backsheet having opposed inwardly and outwardly oriented faces; an adhesive layer on the outwardly oriented face of the backsheet; an absorption layer positioned between the cover and the backsheet; and a liquid permeable topsheet capable of covering at least a part of the cover.  
      In another embodiment, the topsheet of the absorbent article is integrated into the absorbent article by fixedly attaching a portion of the topsheet to a portion of the cover. In yet another embodiment, the topsheet of the absorbent article is provided in a condensed state in a new absorbent article, such that the topsheet does not fully cover the cover of the absorbent article. In another embodiment, the topsheet of the absorbent article further comprises a tab for engagement and alignment of the folded topsheet over the cover.  
      In a further embodiment, the topsheet of the absorbent article contains an adhesive for securing the topsheet to the cover of the absorbent article and optionally contains absorption particles to absorb moisture. In another embodiment, the topsheet of the absorbent article is a fully separable from the absorbent article.  
      In another embodiment, the additional topsheet optionally contains freshening materials and materials that are capable of absorbing odors.  
      In another embodiment, the absorbent article is enclosed in a packaging and wherein a cleansing apparatus is optionally provided with the absorbent article. In one embodiment, the optional cleansing apparatus is attached to the packaging for the absorbent article. In another embodiment, the optional cleansing apparatus is integrated into the packaging for the absorbent article.  
      In yet another embodiment, the topsheet is enclosed in a packaging and wherein a cleansing apparatus is optionally provided with the topsheet. In one embodiment, the optional cleansing apparatus is attached to the packaging for the topsheet. In another embodiment, the optional cleansing apparatus is integrated into the packaging for the topsheet.  
      In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method for providing a fresh feeling to a user of an absorbent article, comprising covering a soiled cover of an absorbent article with the topsheet. In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides a method for providing a fresh feeling to a user of an absorbent article, comprising: freshening a target area with a cleansing apparatus and covering a soiled cover of the absorbent article with a topsheet.  
      The present invention also provides a device for placement between an absorbent product and an undergarment. The device secures and aligns the absorbent product. As a result, the device reduces the movement of the absorbent product, which may prevent leakage.  
      Thus, in one embodiment of the invention, the device may include a center portion, two end sections, a first protruding end, and a second protruding end. The center portion has an adhesive for attaching the absorbent product to the device. The adhesive is composed of a first adhesive strip and a second adhesive strip. The first adhesive strip is positioned in the center portion to be substantially parallel to a length of the absorbent product and the second adhesive strip is positioned in the center portion to be substantially perpendicular to the length of the absorbent product.  
      The two end sections attach the device to an undergarment. The two end sections fold around an edge of the undergarment and attach to an outside of the undergarment using an adhesive. The first protruding end extends towards a front of a crotch area of the undergarment and the second protruding end extends towards a back end of the crotch area of the undergarment.  
      The present invention further provides a target area marker. A target area marker is used to effectively position an absorbent product. Absorbent products include, but are not limited to, feminine hygiene pads, medical dressings, nursing pads, and diapers. The target area marker may be placed on the absorbent product itself; another article, such as an article of clothing, in which the target area marker is attached; and/or a dedicated marking article, such as a sticker. The target area marker may be placed on the absorbent product or other article with a colored “+” mark or any other position guidance shape. The target area marker may be embossed onto the absorbent product or other article. Alternatively, the target area marker may be added to the absorbent product and/or the article of clothing after manufacture using a dedicated marking article. More than one target area marker may be placed on the absorbent product or other article.  
      These as well as other aspects and advantages will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art by reading the following detailed description, with reference where appropriate to the accompanying drawings. Further, it is understood that this summary is merely an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention as claimed.  
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following description, taken in conjunction with the drawing in which:  
       FIG. 1  is a top or bodyside view of an absorbent article for feminine hygiene, a sanitary napkin, according to an exemplary embodiment.  
       FIG. 2A  is a top or bodyside view of an absorbent article for feminine hygiene, a sanitary napkin, according to an exemplary embodiment.  
       FIG. 2B  is a side view of the absorbent article for feminine hygiene, a sanitary napkin, depicted in  FIG. 2A , according to an exemplary embodiment.  
       FIG. 3  is a plan view of a device for securing and aligning absorbent products in accordance with an example;  
       FIG. 4  is a plan view of the device for securing and aligning absorbent products as depicted in  FIG. 3  affixed to an undergarment in accordance with an example.  
       FIG. 5  is a plan view of an absorbent product affixed to the device for securing and aligning absorbent products as depicted in  FIG. 3  in accordance to an example.  
       FIG. 6  is a side view of the device for securing and aligning absorbent products as depicted in  FIG. 3  in accordance with an example.  
       FIG. 7  is a front view of the undergarment depicted in  FIG. 4  with the device depicted in  FIG. 3  securing the absorbent product depicted in  FIG. 5  in accordance with an example.  
       FIG. 8  is a packaging diagram for packaging the device for securing and aligning absorbent products depicted in  FIG. 3  in accordance with an example.  
       FIG. 9  is a plan view of a target area marker in one example.  
       FIG. 10  is a plan view of a target area marker in another example.  
       FIG. 11  is a plan view of a target area marker in another example.  
       FIG. 12  is a plan view of a target area marker in another example.  
       FIG. 13  is a plan view of a target area marker in another example.  
       FIG. 14  is a plan view of a target area marker in another example. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
      The invention relates to means for providing a fresh feeling to absorbent article users, a device for securing and aligning absorbent articles, and a target area marker that indicates where to effective place absorbent articles. Each aspect of the invention is described in detail below.  
      (a) Means To Obtain A Fresh Feeling For Absorbent Article Users  
      In a typical absorbent article, an absorption layer is enclosed between a bodyside liquid-permeable cover and a liquid-impermeable layer. Optionally, an acquisition layer and a transfer layer may be placed between the cover and the absorption layer.  
      In one embodiment, an additional topsheet for the absorbent article is provided to regenerate a fresh interface between the user and the absorbent article. This additional topsheet can be placed over the existing cover of an absorbent article that is being used by the user, thereby allowing the user to use the absorbent article to its maximum absorbent capacity while still maintaining a fresh interface between the user and the absorbent article.  FIG. 1  is a top or bodyside view of an absorbent article for feminine hygiene, a sanitary napkin  100 , according to an exemplary embodiment. In  FIG. 1 , the sanitary napkin  100  is depicted with one end  104  of an additional topsheet  102  partially appended to one end  110  of the sanitary napkin  100 . The arrow in  FIG. 1  indicates that the unappended second end  106  of the additional topsheet  102  can be aligned with the second end  112  of the sanitary napkin  100  to provide a fresh interface between the user and the sanitary napkin  100 .  
      In this embodiment, the additional topsheet can be integrated into the new absorbent article in an unused form. This unused form can be designed such that the unused topsheet does not or only minimally interferes with the absorptive action of the absorbent article. The unused form can also be designed such that the unused form is virtually undetectable to the user. The integrated unused topsheet can be designed such that the topsheet can be quickly and easily converted into a useable additional topsheet. One way to ensure that an integrated unused topsheet can quickly and easily be converted into a useable form is to provide a means to securely handle the integrated unused topsheet, such as a tab that is accessible in the unused form. By way of example, the unused additional topsheet could be attached to an edge of the absorbent article in a folded form. When this additional topsheet is needed, the user can simply unfold the integrated additional topsheet over the existing cover of the absorbent article to regenerate a fresh interface between the user and the absorbent article. In the case of an absorbent article for feminine hygiene, such as a sanitary napkin, the additional topsheet can be attached in any suitable manner to the front or back edge of the sanitary napkin. In the unused position, this additional topsheet can be folded or otherwise compacted such that it does not or only minimally interferes with the absorptive process, and is virtually undetectable by the user. This unused form of the topsheet could easily be converted by the user to the useable form by simply unfolding or uncompacting the additional topsheet and positioning it over the existing cover of the sanitary napkin, thereby providing a fresh interface between the user and the sanitary napkin.  
       FIG. 2A  is a top or bodyside view of an absorbent article for feminine hygiene, a sanitary napkin  100 , according to an exemplary embodiment. In  FIG. 2A , the sanitary napkin  100  is depicted with an additional topsheet  102  attached at one end  104  of the additional topsheet  102  to one end  110  of the sanitary napkin  100 . In this exemplary embodiment, the additional topsheet  102  is folded in the unused position and a tab  114  is integrated in the additional topsheet  102  as a means to quickly and easily convert the additional topsheet  102  from the unused to the useable form. In this embodiment, the user can convert the additional topsheet  102  from the unused to the useable form by extending the additional topsheet  102  over the sanitary napkin  100  such that the second end  106  of the additional topsheet  102  is aligned with the second end  112  of the sanitary napkin  100 .  
       FIG. 2B  is a side view of the absorbent article for feminine hygiene, a sanitary napkin  100  depicted in  FIG. 2A . In  FIG. 2B , the additional topsheet  102  is depicted in an unused form, in this case folded at one end  110  of the sanitary napkin  100 . The unused additional topsheet  102  depicted in  FIG. 2B  can be converted to the useable form by unfolding the additional topsheet  102  and extending it over the existing cover of the sanitary napkin  100  such that the second end  106  of the additional topsheet  102  is aligned with the second end  112  of the sanitary napkin  100 .  
      In this embodiment, the additional topsheet can alternatively be supplied separately from the absorbent articles. In this form, the user can align the separate additional topsheet over the existing cover of the absorbent article to provide a fresh interface between the user and the absorbent article. Alternatively, the user can apply the separate topsheet directly on the user&#39;s underpants to improve their fresh feeling while the small amount of discharges, e.g., menses, moves away from the topsheet and absorbed partly by the topsheet and mostly by the underpants itself.  
      In another embodiment, the additional topsheet can have an adhesive capable of establishing a secure bond with the absorbent article. This adhesive is applied to the side of the additional topsheet intended to contact the absorbent article to secure the additional topsheet to the absorbent article. Moreover, this adhesive can provide a means to maintain an integrated additional topsheet in an unused form. The adhesive can be composed of any material suitable to adhere the additional topsheet to the existing cover of the absorbent article, including but not limited to, water-based pressure-sensitive adhesives such as acrylate adhesives, rapid setting thermoplastic “hot melt” adhesives, or two-sided adhesive tape. The adhesive can be applied to at least a portion of the side of the additional topsheet intended to contact the existing cover of the absorbent article in various patterns including but not limited to parallel longitudinal lines, a line of adhesive following the perimeter of the additional topsheet, or traverse lines of adhesive.  
      The additional topsheet can be made of any material that allows for rapid acquisition and temporary absorption of the fluids intended to be collected by the absorbent article. In the case of absorbent articles for feminine hygiene, such as sanitary napkins, the materials for the topsheet could include, but are not limited to, cotton fibers, cellulose fibers, synthetic fibers such as polyester or polypropylene, or mixtures of cellulose and synthetic fibers. The topsheet may also be an apertured polymeric film, a perforated plastic film, or any other suitable permeable film material. In practicing this invention, the topsheet is preferably a permeable, hydrophobic film such as aperture polyethylene films such as the ones produced by Tredegar Corp., South Wales, Great Britain; perforated polypropylene nonwovens such as the ones produced by Tredegar Corp.; or nonwoven distribution/acquisition sheets such as the ones produced by Shalag Industries, Upper Galilee, Israel).  
      The topsheet can contain absorption particles of any suitable material, such as fluff; super absorbent fibers (SAF); treatment material to treat existing conditions or prevent infection (including, but not limited to antibiotics, antifungal compounds, antiviral compounds, and analgesics); diagnostic material (including, but not limited to compounds that test for chemical adulterants, pH indicators, and labeled antibodies); odor control material; liquid absorbing particulate gels; odor absorbing gels; or any other absorbent material. The topsheet can optionally contain any suitable skin freshening material such as aloe vera or gentle moisturing lotions, and any suitable odor control material, such as baking soda, or fragrance.  
      In another embodiment, an optional cleaning towel or other cleansing apparatus is provided with absorbent articles. This cleansing towel or other cleansing apparatus allows the user of the absorbent article to freshen the target area of the absorbent article prior to the initial use of the absorbent article. This embodiment also allows the user of the absorbent article to freshen the target area prior to interchanging one absorbent article for another one. The cleansing towel or other cleansing apparatus can be attached to the packaging of the absorbent article or integrated into the packaging of the absorbent article. For example, absorbent articles for feminine hygiene, such as sanitary napkins, are typically packaged separately. In this embodiment, a separately packaged cleansing towel or other cleansing apparatus could be attached to the outside or inside of the individual sanitary napkin package. Alternatively, the cleansing towel or other cleansing apparatus could be integrated into the individual sanitary napkin package. This would provide the user of the sanitary napkin with a means of freshening the perineal area prior to the initial use of the sanitary napkin or when interchanging one sanitary napkin for another one.  
      The topsheet of the invention can be produced in any color or combination of colors. Furthermore, the topsheet can be produced in any suitable shape and size.  
      (b) Device For Securing And Aligning Absorbent Products  
       FIG. 3  is a plan view of a device  100  for securing and aligning absorbent products. The device  100  includes a center portion  102  and two end sections  104 ,  106 . The device  100  may be composed of a variety of liquid impermeable materials. Additionally or alternatively, the device  100  may be covered with smooth hydrophobic materials. The size and shape of the device  100  may vary according to planned usage.  
      Adhesive  108  may be added to the center portion  102 . The adhesive  108  may be composed of a variety of materials including, but not limited to, water-based pressure-sensitive adhesives, such as acrylate adhesives; rapid setting thermoplastic hot-melt adhesives; body-sensitive adhesives, or double-sided tape. Alternatively, a Velcro® material may be added to the center portion  102 . The Velcro® material may be used on the device  100  with an absorbent product also having a Velcro® layer.  
      The center portion  102  may support an absorbent product as further described with reference to  FIG. 5 . The center portion  102  may include the adhesive  108  for attaching the absorbent product. As depicted in  FIG. 3 , the adhesive  108  may be composed of two adhesive strips  110 ,  112 . The adhesive strip  110  may be positioned on the center portion  102  approximately in the same direction (i.e., parallel to) as the length of the absorbent product to be attached to the device  100 . The adhesive strip  112  may be positioned on the center portion  102  substantially perpendicular to the length of the absorbent product to be attached to the device. More than or less than two adhesive strips may be used as well.  
      The center portion  102  may include two protruding ends  114 ,  116 . The first protruding end  114  may extend towards a front of a crotch area of an undergarment, while the second protruding end  116  may extend towards a back of the crotch area of the undergarment. The shape and/or the length of the protruding ends  114 ,  116  may depend on the type and/or size of the undergarment that the device  100  will be attached to.  
      The two end sections  104 ,  106  may be used for attaching the device  100  to an undergarment. The two end sections  104 ,  106  may be described as “flaps” or “wings.” The two end sections  104 ,  106  may fold around an edge of the undergarment and attach to the outside of the undergarment. The two end sections  104 ,  106  may be attached using an adhesive. The adhesive may be the same or a different type of adhesive in the center portion  102  of the device  100 .  
       FIG. 4  is a plan view of the device  100  for securing absorbent products affixed to an undergarment  200 . As seen in  FIG. 4 , the center portion  102  for supporting an absorbent product is positioned in the inside crotch area of the undergarment  200 . The two end sections  104 ,  106  are not visible in  FIG. 4  as the two end sections  104 ,  106  have been folded around the edge of the undergarment  200  and attached to the outside crotch area of the undergarment  200 . The two end sections  104 ,  106  secure the device  100  to the undergarment  200 .  
       FIG. 5  is a plan view of an absorbent product  300  affixed to the device  100  for securing absorbent products. The absorbent product  300  may have a center portion  302  and two end sections  304 ,  306 . The center portion  302  of the absorbent product  300  may be attached with the adhesive  108  to the center portion  102  of the device  100 . The first end section  304  may extend towards the front of the crotch area of the undergarment  200 , while the second end section  306  may extend towards the back of the crotch area of the undergarment  200 .  
      The device  100  is shown in  FIG. 5  with dashed lines to indicate that the absorbent product  300  is placed on the device  100 . The method of placing the absorbent product  300  on the device  100  may vary. Preferably, a user places the device  100  in the crotch area of the undergarment  200  first, then places the absorbent product  300  near the most appropriate location of the user&#39;s body, then brings the undergarment  200  towards the absorbent product  300  attaching the device  100  to the absorbent product  300 . However, other methods of attaching the device  100 , the undergarment  200 , and the absorbent product  300  may be used.  
       FIG. 6  is a side view of the device  100  for securing absorbent products. The side view depicts that the absorbent product  300  is attached to the top of the device  100  with the adhesive  108 . Further, the device  100  is attached to the inside of the undergarment  200  with the two end sections  104 ,  106 .  
       FIG. 7  is a front view of the undergarment  200  with the device  100  securing the absorbent product  300 . The absorbent product  300  and part of the device  100  are shown in  FIG. 7  with dashed lines to indicate that the absorbent product  300  and part of the device  100  are inside the undergarment  200  and are not visible in this view. Further, the first end  304  of the absorbent product  300  and the first protruding end  114  of the center portion  102  of the device  100  are depicted in  FIG. 7 , as the first end  304  and the first protruding end  114  extend towards the front of the crotch area of the undergarment  200 . The second end  306  of the absorbent product  300  and the second protruding end  116  of the center portion  102  of the device  100  are not depicted in  FIG. 7  as the second end  306  and the second protruding end  116  extend towards the back of the crotch area of the undergarment  200 . The two end sections  104 ,  106  are located on the outside  200  and are visible in this view.  
       FIG. 8  is a packaging diagram for packaging the device  100  for securing absorbent products. The device  100  and the absorbent product  300  may be supplied together or separately. The device  100  may be supplied separately from the absorbent product  300  as the device  100  may be reusable for more than one absorbent product. For example, one device  100  may be used to secure four different feminine hygiene pads in a single day. When the device  100  is supplied separately, the device  100  may be folded such that the two end sections  104 ,  106  of the device  100  are folded under or above the center portion  102  of the device  100 .  
      When the device  100  and the absorbent product  300  are supplied together the device  100  and the absorbent product  300  may be packaged as depicted in  FIG. 8 . The device  100  may be folded such that the two end sections  104 ,  106  of the device  100  are folded under the center portion  102  of the device  100 . The absorbent product  300  may be folded such that the two end sections  304 ,  306  of the absorbent product  300  may be folded above the center portion  302  of the absorbent product  300 . The device  100  and the absorbent product  300  may be packaged so that the side of the device  100  that is attached to the undergarment  200  and the side of the absorbent product  300  that is attached to the device  100  are adjacent to each other. Further, the folds of the end sections  104 ,  106  of the device  100  and the folds of the end sections  304 ,  306  of the absorbent product  300  may be on opposite ends. A common release strip  600  may be used to cover the adhesive on the bottom of the absorbent product  300  and the adhesive strip  110  on the center portion  102  of the device  100 .  
      The device  100  secures and aligns the absorbent product  300 . For example, the device  100  may be used with absorbent products having a width greater than the crotch area of the undergarment  200 . In this way, a large absorbent product  300 , such as an incontinence pad, can be secured and aligned. As a result, the device  100  reduces the movement of the absorbent product  300 , which may prevent leakage.  
      (c) Target Area Marker For Absorbent Products  
       FIG. 9  is a plan view of a target area marker  100 . The target area marker  100  is depicted in  FIG. 9  on a feminine hygiene pad  101 ; however, as will be fully discussed below, this is only one example of where the target area marker  100  may be located.  
      The target area marker  100  may be placed on a variety of articles. As shown in  FIG. 9 , the target area marker  100  may be place on the absorbent product itself. For example, the target area marker  100  may be placed on the feminine hygiene pad  101 , a protective undergarment, a medical dressing, a nursing pad, a diaper, underwear, and so on.  
      In another embodiment, the target area marker  100  may be placed on an article, such as an article of clothing, in which an absorbent product is to be attached. The article of clothing may be for a man or a woman. Additionally, the article of clothing may be for an individual of any age, such as an adult, a child, or an infant. As an example, the target area marker  100  may be placed in the crotch area on the inside of a pair of pants.  
      In another embodiment, the target area marker  100  may be placed on a dedicated marking article, such as a sticker. In this embodiment, the target area marker  100  may be easily added to an absorbent product and/or an article of clothing after manufacture. In this manner, the absorbent product and/or article of clothing may be modified to indicate where to effectively place absorbent products.  
      The target area marker  100  may be placed on an article using a colored “+” or cross mark. Any variety of colors may be used so as to distinguish the target area marker  100  from the article. For example, if the article is white, a black target area marker  100  may be placed on the article. Additionally, a variety of shapes may be used to guide the placement of the mark. For example, a circle may be used on a nursing pad to correspond to the location of a woman&#39;s nipple. As a result, the absorbent product may be effectively placed by sight. The colors can be made of any suitable material such as pigments, dyes, or colored polymers, preferably of the type that will not stain or irritate skin.  
      In another embodiment, the target area marker  100  may be embossed onto an article. As a result the target area marker  100  may have a distinct feel. The embossed target area marker  100  may provide placement guidance to a person who has difficulty seeing or is trying to position an absorbent product in an area that is not well lit. As a result, the absorbent product may be effectively placed by touch.  
      As shown in  FIG. 9 , the “+” mark extends from one edge of the feminine hygiene pad  101  to the other. However, the size of the target area marker  100  may be adjusted to provide adequate guidance for effective placement of an absorbent product.  
      The articles may be disposable or washable. Accordingly, the target area marker  100  may be affixed to the article in an appropriate manner. For example, the target area marker  100  may be affixed on the article in a manner that will withstand repeated washings when placed on washable articles. If the article is disposable, the target area marker  100  may not be affixed to the article in a manner to withstand repeated washings.  
      The target area marker  100  may be placed on the side of the absorbent product facing an individual&#39;s body when the absorbent product is in place. The target area marker  100  may also be placed on the side of the absorbent product facing the individual&#39;s clothing when the absorbent product is in place. When the target area marker  100  is placed on the side of the absorbent product facing the individual&#39;s body, the individual may place the target area marker  100  so as to touch or be adjacent to the appropriate place on the individual&#39;s body. The individual may then secure the absorbent product with their clothing or other means. For example, a woman may place a target area marker  100  located on the feminine hygiene pad  101  closest to her source of menses. The woman may then secure the feminine hygiene pad  101  with her underpants.  
      When the target area marker  100  is placed on the side of the absorbent product facing the individual&#39;s clothing, the individual may place the target area marker  100  touching the appropriate place on the individual&#39;s clothing. In this manner, the absorbent product may be effectively placed when the clothing is not on the individual. Effectively placing the absorbent product on the clothing prior to donning the clothing may be useful when the individual placing the absorbent product on the clothing is not the same individual that will be wearing the clothing. Further, effectively placing the absorbent product on the clothing prior to donning the clothing may be useful when the individual placing the absorbent product on the clothing has difficulty dressing themselves.  
      The target area marker  100  may also be placed on an article of clothing. The article of clothing may be purchased with the target area marker  100  already affixed to the garment. For example, nursing bras may be purchased with the target area marker  100  already in place. A woman may be able to effectively place a nursing pad on the nursing bra using the target area marker  100 .  
      Alternatively, the target area marker  100  may be added to the article of clothing after the article is purchased. As an example, the target area marker  100  may be placed in the undergarments of a nursing home patient after the patient is admitted to the facility. The staff at the nursing home may determine the most effective placement of incontinence pads that are used at their facility. As a result, the nursing home can maximize the usage of the incontinence pads, which may reduce waste and result in a cost savings. Additionally, leakage problems may be reduced, which may also lead to costs savings due to reduced staff time needed to clean after a leak has occurred.  
      Additionally, the target area marker  100  may be placed on both the absorbent product and the article of clothing. In this embodiment, the individual may align both target area markers  100  with each other to effectively positioning the absorbent product on the article of clothing.  
      More than one target area marker  100  may be placed on one article. This may be useful when an article has more than one purpose. For example, a hygiene pad may be used for both menses and incontinence. There may be two target area markers  100  on the hygiene pad, one for menses and one for incontinence. The two target area markers  100  may have different colors and/or shapes to distinguish the two uses of the hygiene pad. The hygiene pad may be effectively positioned based on its current use.  
      Additionally, more than one target area marker  100  on an article may be useful for certain types of clothing. For example, pants may be marked with a target area marker  100  in several locations. The target area markers  100  may be placed so that an absorbent product may be effectively positioned in the pants, such as on both sides of the leg openings.  
       FIG. 10  is a plan view of the target area marker  103 . In this example, the target area marker  103  is located in a crotch area of a female&#39;s undergarment  102 . The target area marker  103  may include two lines  104  forming a cross. One of the lines  104  may be thicker at each end closest to an internal side of leg openings of the undergarment 102 . The thicker ends of the line  104  may provide guidance for aligning an absorbent product on the undergarment  102  from side to side. The thinner segments of the lines  104  may provide guidance for aligning the absorbent product on the undergarment  102  from front to back. The target area marker  103  may be added to the undergarment  102  at the time of manufacture. Alternatively, the target area marker  103  may be added to the undergarment  102  after manufacture using a dedicated marking article.  
       FIG. 11  is a plan view of the target area marker  103  having an arrow head  105  at an end of one of the lines  104 . The arrow head  105  is located on the line  104  providing guidance for aligning the absorbent product on the undergarment  102  from front to back. The arrow head  105  may provide directional guidance indicating where the front of the absorbent product should be placed on the undergarment  102 . Using an arrowhead  105  on the target area marker  103  may be useful when a person has difficulty determining which end of the absorbent product should be placed at the front or back sides of their bodies.  
       FIG. 12  is a plan view of the target area marker  100  depicted in  FIG. 9  having an arrow head  106  at the end of one of the lines of the target area marker  100 . The arrow head  106  has the same function as the arrow head  105  as described with reference with  FIG. 11 .  FIG. 12  shows that the arrow head  106  can be used with a target area marker  100  located on a feminine hygiene pad  101 , as well as an undergarment.  
       FIG. 13  is a plan view of the target area marker  103  located on a male undergarment  107 . The target area marker  103  includes the arrow head  105 .  FIG. 13  shows that the target area marker  103  may be placed on male undergarments, as well as female undergarments.  
       FIG. 14  is a plan view of the target area marker  100  located on a male absorbent product  110 . The target area marker  100  includes the arrow head  106 .  FIG. 14  shows that the target area marker  100  may be placed on absorbent products designed for males, as well as females.  
      By effectively placing the absorbent product, the absorption capacity of the product may be maximized. As a result, waste, costs, and leakage problems may be reduced.  
      It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described herein. Rather the scope of the invention includes variations and modification of the various features described in the specification and shown in the drawings which may occur to a person of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description.