Patent Publication Number: US-2003225385-A1

Title: Absorbent article with multiple core

Description:
BACKGROUND  
       [0001] 1. Technical Field  
       [0002] The present disclosure generally relates to disposable absorbent articles, and more particularly, to disposable absorbent articles having multiple absorbent cores in fluid communication.  
       [0003] 2. Background of the Related Art  
       [0004] Absorbent articles such as, for example, disposable diapers, adult incontinent pads, sanitary napkins, pantiliners, incontinent garments, etc. are generally worn, in cooperation with garments and disposed against a body surface, etc., by infants or adult incontinent individuals. The absorbent article is employed to collect, absorb, etc. body fluid discharge, such as, for example, blood, menses, urine, aqueous body fluids, mucus, cellular debris, etc. For example, the absorbent article may be disposed between the legs of an individual adjacent a crotch area. The absorbent article is positioned with a garment and drawn into engagement with a body surface of the crotch area to collect fluid discharge.  
       [0005] As is known, absorbent articles typically include a fluid permeable coverstock for engaging the body surface, a fluid impermeable back sheet and an absorbent core supported therebetween. The back sheet serves as a moisture barrier to prevent fluid leakage to the garment. The absorbent core usually includes a liquid retention material that faces the body surface. The absorbent core can include loosely formed cellulosic fibers, such as wood pulp, for acquiring and storing fluid discharge.  
       [0006] The absorbent core absorbs fluid discharge and with regard to adult absorbent articles, such as, incontinent pads, are made fairly thick to handle large quantities of fluid, such as urine. The absorbent cores, however, can be unseemly thick due to their size and bulk. One of the disadvantages of these absorbent articles is the thick, diaper-like appearance which may be embarrassing to an adult wearer.  
       [0007] More recently, to overcome bulkiness, other absorbent articles, particularly feminine pads, sanitary napkins, pantiliners, incontinent garments, etc., are manufactured as long, narrow and relatively flat. These absorbent articles are designed to be worn tightly against a contour of the body surface and held in place by an undergarment. Some of these designs, however, have a tendency to deform undesirably by, for example, bunching, roping, wrinkling, etc. as they conform to the contour of the body surface. Undesired deformity of the absorbent article may result in leakage of fluid discharge due to inefficiency in design.  
       [0008] Further, fluid discharge leakage typically results, not from over-saturation of the absorbent core, but from pooled fluid discharge run off. To wit, during a fluid discharge, such as a void, it is common for urine to deposit onto the coverstock to form a pool before it penetrates the absorbent core. If the absorbent article is undesirably deformed and pooling occurs, urine will not be absorbed because the core is bunched. Thus, run off occurs and premature leakage from the absorbent article results.  
       [0009] Attempts have been made to provide improved fitting absorbent articles. Some designs provide arcuate shaped pads incorporating elastic elements along longitudinal sides thereof. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,701,177 and 4,770,657. Other designs attempt to prevent leakage by utilizing a pair of embossed rows along longitudinal edges of a top sheet. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,655,759. Still further, other designs utilize an hour glass shape. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,032,121. Designs of this type, however, do not adequately address product and absorbent core deformity to facilitate fluid management. These prior art designs may not adequately prevent undesirable deformity which can impede absorbency performance. Undesired product deformity may alter the desired shape of the absorbent article and cause premature leakage.  
       [0010] It would therefore be desirable to overcome the disadvantages and drawbacks of the prior art by providing an absorbent article including multiple cores that are separate and in fluid communication. It is contemplated that the absorbent article would prevent undesired product deformity thereby improving absorbency performance. It is further contemplated that the absorbent article conforms to the contour of a body surface and allows for the quick dispersal of fluid discharge.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0011] Accordingly, an absorbent article is disclosed which includes multiple cores that are separate and in fluid communication. The absorbent article is configured to prevent undesired product deformity for improved absorbency performance. The absorbent article can conform to the contour of a body surface and allows for the quick dispersal of fluid discharge through advantageous fluid management.  
       [0012] Objects and advantages of the present disclosure are set forth in part herein and in part will be obvious therefrom, or may be learned by practice of the present disclosure which is realized and attained by the instrumentalities and combinations pointed out in the appended claims for the devices and methods of the present disclosure consisting of its constituent parts, constructions, arrangements, combinations steps and improvements herein shown and described.  
       [0013] The absorbent article may include a plurality of compartments and core sections. The compartments and core sections may be evenly spaced and sandwiched between a top sheet and a back sheet. The core sections may include fluid retention materials, such as, for example, wood pulp fibers, super absorbent polymer particles, etc. It is contemplated that acquisition layers or elastics may be disposed along longitudinal sides of the absorbent article to facilitate formation of a reservoir with absorbent barriers so that large voids can be managed until the absorbent core can absorb excess fluid. The separate absorbent compartments and core sections cooperate with the elastics to provide spring-like hinges within the absorbent core to resist undesired deformity. This results in an absorbent article which folds in a desired configuration and provides comfort, improved absorbency protection and structural flexibility.  
       [0014] Advantageously, fluid permeable channels may be formed and separate the compartments and core sections to channel overflow fluid discharge from leaking from the absorbent article. The channels allow fluid to move throughout the absorbent material. This configuration advantageously improves fluid retention, results in less overflow and provides a more even distribution of fluids. The channels may also facilitate folding the absorbent article in a bucket-like configuration to create barriers between the compartments and core sections.  
       [0015] In one particular embodiment, in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, an absorbent article is provided which includes a fluid permeable top sheet and a first absorbent core that is separate and in fluid communication with a second absorbent core. The second absorbent core is separate and in fluid communication with a third absorbent core. The first, second and third absorbent cores are supported between the fluid permeable top sheet and a fluid impermeable back sheet. The second absorbent core defines at least two separate absorbent core sections in fluid communication. The separate absorbent core sections define a body facing surface that engages the fluid permeable top sheet. The absorbent cores may be separated by fluid flow channels. The absorbent core sections may also be separated by fluid flow channels.  
       [0016] In an alternate embodiment, the absorbent article has a longitudinal length and includes a fluid permeable top sheet and a first absorbent core disposed adjacent a side of a central second absorbent core and pivotable, along the longitudinal length, relative to the second absorbent core. The first absorbent core is separate and in fluid communication with the second absorbent core. A third absorbent core is disposed adjacent to an opposing side of the second absorbent core and pivotable, along the longitudinal length, relative to the second absorbent core. The third absorbent core is separate and in fluid communication with the second absorbent core. The first, second and third absorbent cores are enclosed between the fluid permeable top sheet and a fluid impermeable back sheet. The second absorbent core has a mid-section and lateral sections disposed on opposing sides of the mid-section. The mid-section and lateral sections are separate, in fluid communication and define a body-facing surface that engages the fluid permeable top sheet. In another alternate embodiment, fluid flow channels are disposed between the absorbent cores and core sections for fluid management. 
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     [0017] The objects and features of the present disclosure are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The present disclosure, as to its organization and manner of operation, together with further objectives and advantages may be understood by reference to the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:  
     [0018]FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of one particular embodiment of an absorbent article in accordance with the principals of the present disclosure;  
     [0019]FIG. 2 is a side view, in part perspective, of the absorbent article shown in FIG. 1;  
     [0020]FIG. 3 is a top view of the absorbent article shown in FIG. 1; and  
     [0021]FIG. 4 is a top view of an alternate embodiment of the absorbent article shown in FIG. 1. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS  
     [0022] The exemplary embodiments of the absorbent article and methods of use disclosed are discussed in terms of fluid absorbent articles, and more particularly, in terms of multiple absorbent core configurations that provide maximum protection and comfort to an individual wearing the absorbent article. It is contemplated that the absorbent article, in accordance with the principals of the present disclosure, prevents undesired product deformity, such as, for example, roping, bunching, breaks, wrinkling, etc. The presently disclosed article thereby avoids premature leakage, overflow, etc., of fluid discharge, such as, for example, blood, menses, urine, acqueous body fluids, mucus, cellular debris, etc. It is contemplated that the absorbent article may be employed with disposable diapers, adult incontinent pads, feminine pads, sanitary napkins, pantiliners, incontinent garments, etc. It is further contemplated that the present disclosure can also be used with bedding and furniture underpads, wound dressings, etc.  
     [0023] In the discussion that follows, the term “body facing surface” refers to a portion of a structure that is oriented towards a body surface, and the “garment facing surface” refers to a portion of the structure which is oriented towards a garment and is typically opposing the body facing surface and may be referred to as such. As used herein, the term “body surface” refers to a portion of an individual&#39;s body that the absorbent article is disposed with for collecting, absorbing, etc. fluid discharge from the individual.  
     [0024] The following discussion includes a description of the absorbent article, followed by a description of the method of use therefor in accordance with the present disclosure. Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, which are illustrated in the accompanying figures.  
     [0025] Turning now to the figures, wherein like components are designated by like reference numerals throughout the several views. Referring initially to FIGS.  1 - 3 , there is illustrated an absorbent article  10 , constructed in accordance with the principals of the present disclosure, including a fluid permeable top sheet  12 . Absorbent article  10  further includes a first absorbent core  14  that is separate and in fluid communication with a second absorbent core  16 . Second absorbent core  16  is separate and in fluid communication with a third absorbent core  18 . First absorbent core  14 , second absorbent core  16  and third absorbent core  18  are supported between top sheet  12  and a fluid impermeable back sheet  20 .  
     [0026] Second absorbent core  16  defines a mid-section  22  and a pair of opposing lateral sections  24  which define a body facing surface  26  configured to engage top sheet  12 . Absorbent article  10  is advantageously configured to prevent undesired product deformity, improving absorbency performance, and thereby avoiding premature leakage, overflow, etc. due to fluid discharge. Most advantageously, absorbent article  10  conforms to the contour of a body surface and allows for quick dispersal of fluid discharge through its fluid management features, as will be discussed below.  
     [0027] First absorbent core  14 , second absorbent core  16  and third absorbent core  18  are disposed along a longitudinal length of absorbent article  10 . As shown in FIG. 3, absorbent article  10  can be flattened to a planar configuration to define a longitudinal axis x. Absorbent core sections  22 ,  24  are disposed along an axis y substantially transverse to longitudinal axis x. Top sheet  12  and back sheet  20  define fluid permeable channels  28 , as will be discussed, between absorbent cores  14 ,  16 ,  18  and absorbent core sections  22 ,  24 . It is envisioned that channels  28  may be disposed between cores only, core sections only, or alternatively to separate predetermined areas of absorbent article  10  according to the requirements of a particular absorbent article application.  
     [0028] Channels  28  are configured to facilitate flexibility of absorbent article  10  relative to a body surface (not shown). Channels  28  advantageously distribute fluid flow outward to longitudinal sides  30  of absorbent article  10  to utilize more absorbent media of absorbent cores  14 ,  16 ,  18  to prevent leakage. The formation of channels  28  facilitates conformance of absorbent article  10  to the contour of the body surface and allows for quick dispersal of fluid discharge. This provides an absorbent article which folds in a desired configuration for comfort, improved absorbency protection and structural flexibility. It is contemplated that the orientation of channels  28  may alternatively be directed to various positions on absorbent article  10 , such as, for example, an interior area, etc., according to the requirements of a particular absorbency application.  
     [0029] Absorbent article  10  is contemplated for fluid retention of discharged body fluids. More particularly, absorbent article  10  is envisioned to be a disposable absorbency device employing, among other things, absorbency and body conforming features to prevent leakage and overflow of fluids, as well as resistance to undesired deformity. The above advantages, among others, realized from the present disclosure are attained by the disclosed absorbent article  10 , which is flexibly conforming to a body surface, as discussed herein below. These features of the present disclosure advantageously facilitate fluid retention of discharged fluids and prevent consequent overflow.  
     [0030] Top sheet  12  is disposed adjacent to a body facing surface  32  of absorbent core  14 , body facing surface  26  of absorbent core  16  and a body facing surface  34  of absorbent core  18  and is configured to be worn against the body surface of the individual. In use, top sheet  12  is body fluid permeable, resilient, relatively non-absorbing and configured to direct fluid discharge to absorbent cores  14 ,  16 ,  18 . Consequently, top sheet  12  is easily permeated by fluid discharge. Further, top sheet  12  retains minimal or no fluid in its structure to provide a relatively dry surface adjacent the body surface. It is also designed for comfort and conformability to an individual.  
     [0031] Top sheet  12  can be fabricated from a woven or non-woven, natural or synthetic material easily penetrated by fluid discharge. Top sheet  12  is a single sheet of material having a width sufficient to cover surfaces  26 ,  32  and  34 . It is envisioned that top sheet  12  may include a multiple layer coverstock.  
     [0032] Top sheet  12  overlays and covers a greater surface area than absorbent cores  14 ,  16  and  18  to form top sheet outer edge  38 . Outer edge  38  is sealed with back sheet  20  to fully enclose absorbent cores  14 ,  16  and  18 . It is contemplated that top sheet  12  may be disposed over one or all of the absorbent cores used. It is further contemplated that top sheet  12  may be disposed over only a portion of a particular absorbent core. Top sheet  12  may be fabricated from fibers or filaments of thermoplastic polymers, such as, for example, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), bicomponent fibers (such as PE/PET or PE/PP), polyester (PET), etc. Top sheet  12  may also be made from other materials which allow the ready passage of fluid through to the absorbent core, as is known to one skilled in the art.  
     [0033] Back sheet  20  is disposed adjacent to a garment facing surface  40  of absorbent core  14 , a garment facing surface  42  of absorbent core  16  and a garment facing surface  44  of absorbent core  18 . Back sheet  20  generally faces away from the body surface and towards an undergarment worn by an individual.  
     [0034] Back sheet  20  permits passage of air and vapor from absorbent article  10  while preventing passage of fluid discharge therefrom. Back sheet  20  can be fabricated from a fluid impermeable material such as, for example, polymeric films such as polyethylene, polypropylene, cellophane, microporous films, SMS (spunbond-meltblown-spunbond), etc. or from a bi-component film such as ethel-vinyl-acetate polyethelyne coextruded film. A treated material may also be used such as impregnated fluid repellent paper or a non-woven fabric. Other materials, however, may be used as is known to one skilled in the art.  
     [0035] Back sheet  20  extends a sufficient surface area to include a back sheet outer edge  46  that attaches to top sheet outer edge  38  for enclosing absorbent cores  14 ,  16 ,  18 . Outer edges  38 ,  40  may be joined by pressure sensitive adhesives, heat sensitive adhesives, ultrasonics or by other known joining applications which prevent fluid discharge flow beyond outer edges  38 ,  40  and, consequently, from absorbent article  10 .  
     [0036] The sealing engagement of outer edges  38 ,  40  extends continuously around the periphery of absorbent article  10 . It is contemplated however that the sealing engagement may be discontinuous, staggered etc. Outer edges  38 ,  40  have a soft, pliable configuration which is easily deformed by body movement and engagement with adjacent body areas, adding comfort quality to absorbent article  10 . It is envisioned that outer edges  38 ,  40  may extend variable lengths from cores  14 ,  16 ,  18  or, alternatively, absorbent article  10  may not include edges  38 ,  40 .  
     [0037] Absorbent cores  14 ,  18  are disposed on opposing sides of absorbent core  16  and connected thereto via channels  28 . Absorbent cores  14 ,  18  are disposed longitudinally along absorbent article  10  relative to absorbent core  16  to facilitate placement adjacent a body surface. The longitudinal configuration of absorbent article  10  permits placement between an individuals&#39; thigh area and can by drawn up to cover the crotch area.  
     [0038] Absorbent cores  14 ,  18  have linear edges  48  for alignment with corresponding surfaces of absorbent core  16 . At their outer ends, absorbent cores  14 ,  18  have arcuate edges  50 . Edges  48 ,  50  are also flexible for conforming to the body surface. It is envisioned that absorbent article  10 , and absorbent cores  14 ,  16 ,  18  individually, may be manufactured in various configurations and dimensions, such as, for example, rectangular, oval, hourglass, etc. Absorbent cores  14 ,  16  and  18  are soft and configured for comfort to an individual.  
     [0039] Absorbent cores  14 ,  16  and  18  are fabricated from materials capable of absorbing and retaining fluid discharge, for example, a hydrophilic material such as cellulose fibers, wood pulp, re-generated cellulose, cotton fibers, cellulose acetate or a blend of pulp and other fibers. Bulk of absorbent article  10  can be reduced, due to the size of the absorbent cores, by adding superabsorbent polymer materials, having high liquid retention properties such as, for example, hydrocolloidal material, cross-linked acrylete polmers, etc., according to the requirements of a particular absorbency application. Super absorbent polymer particles can be permeated, desirably in granular form, through absorbent cores  14 ,  16 ,  18 . It is contemplated that super absorbent polymer particles used are in the range of 3 to 8 grams, although other ranges are envisioned.  
     [0040] Surfaces  26  (as will be discussed),  32 ,  34  may include an acquisition layer(s) which aids in the transfer of fluid discharge to absorbent cores  14 ,  16 ,  18 . This layer may include a tissue layer embossed or adhered to the absorbent cores. Other acquisition layers include Adhesive Bonded Polyester (ABPET), Through Air Bonded BiComponent (TABICO) fibers, 3-D aperatured films, 3-D aperatured Films and nonwoven (dual layer), high denier spunbond Polypropylene, chemical bonded nonwovens, etc. Absorbent cores  14 ,  16 ,  18  may also be chemically or physically modified. It is contemplated that the absorbent cores may include such materials in combination with other materials both natural and synthetic, such as airlaid materials, creeped cellulose wadding, melt blown polymers, tissue layers, tissue wraps, tissue laminates, foams, sponges, jelling material, etc.  
     [0041] Alternate designs are also envisioned whereby absorbent cores  14 ,  16 ,  18  may have varying caliper zones, hydrophilic gradients, super absorbent gradients, low-density acquisition zones, multiple layers or structures, etc., according to the particular requirements of an absorbent article application.  
     [0042] Second absorbent core  16  includes mid-section  22  and lateral sections  24 . Mid-section  22  extends longitudinally along absorbent article  10 . Mid-section  22  includes opposing concave sides  52  which are correspondingly aligned to convex sides  54  of lateral sections  24 . Mid-section  22  is disposed adjacent lateral sections  24 , in cooperation with top sheet  12  and back sheet  20 , to form channels  28 . Concave sides  52  and convex sides  54  define the boundaries of channels  28  and are substantially flexible. This configuration advantageously facilitates conformity to a body surface and prevents undesired deformity of absorbent article  10 .  
     [0043] Channels  28  are configured to facilitate contour conformity to a body surface and desired deformity of absorbent article  10  relative to a body. Channels  28  distribute surplus fluid discharge flow to outer ends  38 ,  50  and therefore utilize more of absorbent core material as needed before failure can occur due to leakage. Channels  28  aid absorbent article  10  in achieving these advantages by moving with the body surface during wear. The configuration of channels  28  allows absorbent article  10  to quickly disperse fluids and perform effective fluid management.  
     [0044] Channels  28  include materials of the structural components which bound them, however, they may include other absorbent materials. It is envisioned that channels  28  may have various dimensions and configurations, such as, for example, circular, rectangular, polygonal cross-section, etc., according to the particular requirements of an absorbency application. It is further envisioned that channels  28  may be disposed adjacent various portions of absorbent article  10  or, alternatively, may be staggered, perforated, etc.  
     [0045] Absorbent article  10  includes elastic members  56  disposed with longitudinal sides  30 . Elastic members  56  are configured to desirably deform the planar configuration of absorbent article  10 . This desirable deformation resiliently pulls absorbent cores  14  and  18  toward each other relative to absorbent core  16 . This resilient tendency of absorbent article  10  forms a cup or bucket shaped configuration, which is further facilitated by midsection  22 , lateral sections  24  and channels  28  formed therebetween. As elastic members  56  draw absorbent cores  14  and  18  toward the body surface, lateral sections  24  are also drawn towards the body surface relative to mid-section  22 .  
     [0046] It is contemplated that varying lengths of elastic may be used. It is further contemplated that varying widths, individual strands or threads, round, square, or rectangular configurations, multiple strands grouped together, etc. may be used. The degree of elasticity, stiffness and flexibility of elastic members  56  may be altered according to the requirements of a particular absorbent article application. Elastic members  56  may also form elastic leg gathers to form a cuff-like shape about the thighs of an individual. The elastic members may be fabricated from any suitable material, such as, for example, synthetic or natural rubbers, such as heat sealable and heat shrinkable, latex, polyurethane, spandex, elastic foam, etc. It is contemplated that slot coating, spiral spray, meltblown or other adhesive applications may be used to secure elastic members  56  with absorbent article  10 .  
     [0047] Elastic members  56  are disposed with longitudinal sides  30  to advantageously provide a reservoir, in connection with channels  28  due to the cup shape formed. These reservoirs provide absorbent barriers so that large fluid discharges can be managed by absorbent article  10 . This configuration allows absorbent cores  14 ,  16  and  18  adequate time to perform fluid retention of the fluid discharge.  
     [0048] Elastic members  56 , along with channels  28 , define barriers between the separate absorbent cores  14 ,  16 ,  18  and separate core sections  22 ,  24  of absorbent core  16 . This configuration provides spring like hinges within absorbent article  10  which results in a resistance to undesired deformity during use. Absorbent article  10  beneficially folds in a desired pad configuration providing comfort, improved absorbency protection and structural flexibility.  
     [0049] Separate absorbent core sections  22 ,  24  include three dimensional acquisition film layers  58 ,  60  and  62 . Layer  60  is adhered to mid-section  22  and layers  58 ,  62  are adhered to lateral sections  24 . Layer  60  is separated by channels  28  from layers  58 ,  62 , similar to underlying sections  22 ,  24 . As such, layers  58 ,  60 ,  62  cooperate with top sheet  12  to form channels  28 . Layers  58 ,  60 ,  62  include apertures or cones  63  which facilitate fluid discharge flow to absorbent core  16 . Thus, layers  58 ,  60 ,  62  manage, transport, accommodate and/or direct high volumes and high flow rates of fluid discharge to absorbent core  16 . It is contemplated that layers  58 ,  60 ,  62  can be a through air bonded web, a bi-component non-woven web, cellulosic fibers, etc. Layers  58 ,  60 ,  62  may be adhesively secured in place by any suitable construction adhesive for absorbent core applications.  
     [0050] Back sheet  20  is a moisture barrier laminate positioned adjacent to garment facing surfaces  40 ,  42 ,  44  of absorbent cores  14 ,  16  and  18 . Back sheet  20  includes a release strip  64  affixed thereto. Release strip  64  fixes absorbent article  10  to the outer crotch portion of an undergarment (not shown). Release strip  64  includes an adhesive element  66  which adheres back sheet  20  to the undergarment. It is envisioned that adhesive  66  may include a pressure sensitive adhesive material such as, for example, a water based adhesive such as, acrylic adhesives, etc. It is further envisioned that rapid setting thermoplastic adhesives, two-sided adhesive tape, adhesives based on natural or synthetic rubbers, etc. may be used. It is contemplated that adhesive  66  may include alternative shapes such as lines, squares, circles, etc.  
     [0051] In use, absorbent article  10  is properly prepared, sterilized and packaged for consumer application. Release strip  64  is removed to expose adhesive  66 . Adhesive  66  is brought into engaging contact with an undergarment of an individual for attachment therewith. Absorbent article  10 , with the undergarment, is disposed between the thighs of the individual. Absorbent cores  14  and  18  are oriented towards the front and the rear of the individual and absorbent core  16  is oriented directly below the crotch area. Absorbent cores  14  and  18  are drawn towards the body surface by elastic members  56 . Channels  28  cooperate with elastic members  56  in a spring-like hinge arrangement to facilitate flexibility such that absorbent article  10  forms a cup-like configuration about the body surface. During use, channels  28  provide flexibility to absorbent article  10  to prevent undesired deformity thereof. Absorbent cores  14 ,  16 ,  18  absorb and retain fluid discharge. Other methods of use are also contemplated.  
     [0052] Referring to FIG. 4, an alternate embodiment of an absorbent article  110  is shown. Absorbent article  110 , similar to absorbent article  10  discussed with regard to FIGS.  1 - 3 , includes absorbent cores  114 ,  116 ,  118 . Absorbent core  116  includes separate core sections  122 ,  124 . Absorbent cores  114 ,  116  and  118  define fluid flow channels  128 , similar to those described. Fluid flow channels  128 , disposed along the arcuate surface of sections  124 , extend longitudinally beyond the longitudinal length of mid-section  122 . Thus, lateral sections  124  have a greater length than mid-section  122  and as such can accommodate a larger body surface area. This configuration advantageously provides greater flexibility to absorbent article  110 , for example, in applications for individuals with larger thigh surface area, to prevent undesired deformity thereof.  
     [0053] It will be understood that various modifications may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplification of the various embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.