Title of Invention

A SANITARY ABSORBENT ARTICLES SUCH AS SANITARY NALKIN HAVING IMPROVED ADHESIVE PATTERN

Abstract A sanitary absorbent article comprising a centra! absorbent element (11) with opposite longitudinal sides and opposite transverse ends, the absorbent article including a pair of flexible side flaps (12,12) one flap extending laterally outward from each respective longitudinal side of the absorbent element, the flaps being adapted to be folded over a crotch portion of a wearer's undergarment when in use, characterized in that a adhesive attachment means (20) on a garment faceable surface for securing the article to the undergarment, the adhesive attachment means having a pattern including two longitudinally extending strips (30, 30) one strip being located adjacent to each respective longitudinal side (14, 14) of the article and two laterally extending strips, one strip being located adjacent to each respective transverse end of the article said longitudinally extending strips and said laterally extending strips substantially surrounding a center region (40) that is non-tacky at room temperature and is incapable of adhesively securing that portion of the garment faceabie surface of the article to the wearer's undergarment in use.
Full Text -1-
This invention rotates to a sanitary absorbent article such as sanitary napkin having improved adhesive pattern
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present frtventkm relates to disposable absorbent articles, such as sanitary napkins wfth skte flaps and an improved adhesive pattern. More patfculany, the invention relates to a sanitary napkin having a centra! absorbent element and side flaps extending teteraRy outward from the central absorbent element An adhesive attachment means is disposed on a garment taceabte surface of the central absorbent element in a pattern that permits the sanitary napkin to better conform to the contours of a wearer's body during use.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Sanitary napkins having side flaps are disclosed in the literature and are generally ava&abfe tn the marketplace. Generally, the taps extend laterally from a central absorbent cor® and am intended to drape over the edges of the wearer's panties in the crotch region. Thus, the flaps are disposed between the edges of the wearer's panties in the crotch region and the wearer's thighs. Commonly, the flaps are provided with an attachment means for affixing the flaps to the underside of the wearer's panties. The flaps serve at least two purposes. First, the flaps prevent exudates from soiling the edges of the wearer's panties and second, She Haps, when affixed to the underside of the pant&s, he^i stabilize the napkm in the undergarment and prevent it shifting out of place.
Sanitary napkins having Hans are *sctosed in U.S. Pat No. 4,687,478, entitled "Shaped Sanitary NapSrin With Rapsm, to Van Tiburg on Aug. 18,1987, LhS.Pat No. 4,608,047, entitled "Sanitary Napkin Attachment Means",toMattingly

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on Aug. 26, 1986, U.S. Pat No. 4,589,876, entitled "Sanitary Napkin", to Van Tiiburg on May 20, 1986, U.S. Pat. No. 4,285,343. entitled "Sanitary Napkin", to McNair on Aug. 25, 1981, U.S. Pat. No. 3,397,697, entitled "Disposable Sanitary Shield For Undergarments", to Rickard on Aug. 20, 1968, U.S. Pat: No. 2,787,27L entitled "Sanitary Napkin", to Clark on Apr. 2, 1957 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,900,320, entitled "Sanitary Napkin With Panty Gathering Flaps, to McCoy on Feb. 13, 1990, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
SUMMAKY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel sanitary absorbent article that permits a center region of the napkin to better conform to a wearer's body when subjected to laterally compressive forces.
In accordance with the present invention, there has been provided a sanitary absorbent article having a central absorbent element with opposite longitudinal sides and opposite transverse ends, the absorbent article including a pair of flescible side flaps, one flap extending laterally outward from each respective longitudinal side of the absorbent element, the flaps being adapted to be folded over a crotch portion of a wearer's undergarment when in use, the absorbent article further including a adhesive attachment means on a garment feceable surface for securing the article to the undergarment, the adhesive attachment means having a pattern including two longitudinally extending strips, one strip being located adjacent to each respective longitudinal side of the article and two laterally extending strips, one strip being located adjacent to each respective transverse end of the article, said longitudinally extending strips and said laterally extending strips substantially surrounding a center region that is incapable of adhesively securing that portion of the garment feceable surfece of the article to the wearer's undergarment.

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These and other embodiments 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. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are provided for purposes of illustration only and not as a definition of the boundaries of the invention, for which reference should be made to the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THETORAWINGS
FIGURE 1 is a bottom plan view of a sanitary napkin according to the present invention;
FIGURE 2 is a lateral cross-sectional view of the sanitary napkin shown in FIGURE 1 taken along line 2-2 of FIGURE 1;
FIGURE 3 is a bottom plan view of a central absorbent element showing a variant of an adhesive pattern of the present invention;
FIGURE 4 is a bottom plan view of a central absorbent element showing another variant of an adhesive pattern of the present invention;
FIGURE 5 is a bottom plan view of a central absorbent element showing
¦i
another variant of an adhesive pattern of the present invention;
FIGURE 6 is a bottom plan view of a central absorbent element showing another variant of an adhesive pattern of the present invention;

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FIGURE 7 is a bottom plan view of a central absorbent element showing another variant of an adhesive pattern of the present invention;
FIGURE 8 is a bottom plan view of a central absorbent element showing another variant of an adhesive pattern of the present invention;
FIGURE 9 is a bottom plan view of a central absorbent element showing another variant of an adhesive pattern of the present invention;
FIGURE 10 is a bottom plan view of another embodiment of a sanitary napkin according to the present invention; and
FIGURE 11 is a lateral cross-sectional view of the sanitary napkin shown in FIGURE 10 taken along line 11-11 of FIGURE 10;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The present invention relates to sanitary absorbent articles such as sanitary
napkins, panty liners or incontinence devices and the like. Hie sanitary absorbent
articles have a central absorbent element with opposite longitudinal sides and
opposite transverse ends and a pair of side flaps, one flap extending laterally
outward from each respective longitudinal side of the central absorbent element.
The flaps are formed from a flexible material and are adapted to be folded over a
crotch portion of a wearer's undergarment when in use. The absorbent article
further includes an adhesive attachment means on a garment feceable surface of the
central absorbent element for releasably securing the absorbent article to a wearer's
undergarment. Hie adhesive attachment means comprises a pattern having two
longitudinally extending strips and two laterally extending strips. Each
longitudinally extending strip is located adjacent to a respective longitudinal side of

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the central absorbent element and extends substantially from one transverse end region across a central region of the central absorbent element to an opposite transverse end region. Each laterally extending strip is located adjacent to a respective transverse end 32, 32' of the article and extends laterally across at least a portion of the central absorbent element. The two longitudinally extending strips 30, 30* are spaced apart relative to one another. Similarly, the laterally extending strips 31* 31* are spaced apart relative to one another. The longitudinally extending strips may contact the laterally extending strips as shown in FIGURE 1 or may be slightly" separated from each other as shown in the embodiments in FIGURES 4-8, In any of these embodiments, it is important that the longitudinally extending strips and the laterally extending strips define a central region intermediate the longitudinally extending strips and the laterally extending strips wherein the central region is non-tacky at room temperature (i.e. about 25° C) and is capable of separating from a wearer's undergarment. In a preferred embodiment the central region intermediate the longitudinally extending strips and the laterally extending strips is substantially free of any adhesive attachment means. Alternatively, the central region may have an adhesive attachment means; that is rendered non-tacky at room temperature to permit the center region to separate from a wearer's undergarment when the sanitary absorbent article is in use. In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the adhesive attachment means is inward from both the longitudinal edges and the transverse ends and has a pattern that resembles a "picture frame" wherein the "frame" comprises the adhesive pattern which surrounds a central "picture" region that is capable of separating from a wearer's undergarment when the article is in use.

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In a specific example of implementation as illustrated in FIGURE 1, tiie sanitary absorbent article is a sanitary napkin. As used herein, the term "sanitary napkin" refers to an articJe which is worn by females in an undergarment adjacent to the pudenda! region and which is intended to absorb and contain the various exudates which are discharged from the body (e.g., blood menses, and urine) and which is intended to be discarded after a single use (i.e., it is not intended to be laundered or otherwise restored or reused). The sanitary napkin 10 has an imaginary longitudinal centerline that conceptually divides the sanitary napkin into two substantially symmetrically opposite halves. As used herein, the terminology "longitudinal centerline" refers to an imaginary line, axis or direction of the sanitary napkin 103 which line, axis or direction is typically centered between the longitudinal side edges of the napkin and is generally aligned with the vertical plane which bisects a standing wearer into left and right body halves. The sanitary napkin 10 also has a lateral centerline. The terminology "lateral centerline" refers to an imaginary line, axis or direction generally orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, within the plane of the sanitary napkin 10, and is generally sideways aligned relative to the wearer.
As shown in FIGURE 1, the sanitary napkin 10 comprises a main body represented by central absortxrot element 11 and two flaps 12 and 12', one flap extending laterally outward from each respective opposite longitudinal side edge of the central absorbent element 11 in a central portion thereof. Flaps 12, 12* are associated with central absorbent element 11 along respective lines of juncture 15, 15*. The line of juncture may be along the longitudinal edge of the central absorbent element or may be at a location that is juxtaposed to the longitudinal edge and may be in the form of any various curved or straight lines. Each flap has a proximal edge that is coincident with and defined by the line of juncture 15. Each flap extends laterally outward from the line of juncture and terminates as a distal edge. In the

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embodiment illustrated in FIGURE I, line of juncture 15 is concave relative to the distal edge, thus the line of juncture 15 curves away from the distal edge. The flaps 12, 12* are located substantially in a central region of each longitudinal edge and are adapted to be folded over a crotch portion of a wearer's undergarment is use. The shape of the flaps 12, 12% as well as the overall shape of the sanitary napkin 10 is not, per se, critical to the invention, provided of course that the sanitary napkin is capable of being comfortably worn in a wearer's undergarment and that the flaps 12, 12s are capable of being readily folded over the crotch portion of the undergarment. Suitable shapes are well known in the art and can be selected by those skilled in the art without undue experimenlatioa In the embodiment illustrated in FIGURE 1, the flaps are generally trapezoidal in shape and are substantially symmetrically disposed along the longitudinal axis of the sanitary napkin.
Referring to FIGURE. 2, there is shown a cross-sectional view of sanitary
napkin 10 taken along line 2-2 of FIGURE 1, which illustrates a preferred
embodiment of sanitary napkin 10. As shown in FIGURE % central absorbent
element 11 comprises topsheet 17, backsheet 18, and absorbent core 16 intermediate
topsheet 17 and backsheet IS. Flaps 12, 12' extend laterally outward from central
absorbent element 21 and both comprise continuous extensions of topsheet 17 and
backsheet 18. Thus, topsheet 17 forms one surface of flap 12 while backsheet 18
forms the other surface, topsheet 17 also forms one surface of central absorbent
element H while backsheet 18 forms the other surface. In an alternative
embodiment, (not shown), the flaps may be formed from materials that are separate
and distinct from topsheet 17 and/or backsheet 18 and which are affixed to the
central absorbent element.
Topsheet 17 and backsheet 18 are joined at seam 19 (also commonly referred to as a flange seal) around the entire periphery of sanitary napkin 10, The purpose

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of this seam is to unite the various elements of the sanitary napkin into a unitary structure. Seam 19 may also join topsheet 17 to backsheet 18 immediately adjacent to absorbent core 16 along the proximal edge of the flaps along lines of juncture IS and IS1 (not shown) in FIGURE 2.
As further illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 2, at least a portion of the outer, garment faceable surface of backsheet 18, preferably in a region that is generally in vertical registration with absorbent core 16, is coated with central element adhesive 20 in a pattern substantially as shown. The central element adhesive 20 is adapted to releasably secure the central absorbent element 11 of sanitary napkin 10 within the crotch region of an undergarment. It is preferred that at least a portion of the garment faceable surface of flaps 12,12% in a region intermediate the proximal edge and the distal edge, also be coated with flap adhesive 13, 13% respectively. Any adhesive used for central element adhesive 20 can also be used as flap adhesive 13, 13'. The flap adhesive 33, 13' is adapted to releasably secure tire flaps to an underside of the crotch region of aa undergarment. Any of the conventional adhesives or glues that are used in the art for releasably securing sanitary napkins to undergarments is suitable for use herein, with pressure-sensitive adhesives being preferred. Suitable adhesives include, but are not limited to Century A-305IV manufactured by the Century Adhesives Corporation, Instant LOK 34-2823 manufactured by National Starch Company, and the like. The central element adhesive 20 and flap adhesive 13 are typically covered by respective release liners 21. The release liners keep the adhesive from drying out and keep it from sticking to extraneous siir&ces prior to use. Any commercially available release liner material commonly used for such purposes can be used herein. Non-limiting examples of suitable release liners are BL30MG-A SILOXE1/0 and BL 30 MG-A SDLOX 4/P/O, both of which are manufactured by the Akrosil Corporation.

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The central element adhesive 20 has a pattern that includes two longitudinally extending strips 30, 30* and two laterally extending strips 31, 31'. Each longitudinally extending strip is located adjacent to a respective longitudinal side 14 ,14' of the central absorbent element 20 and extends generally parallel to the longitudinal centerline from one transverse end region across a central region of the central absorbent element 20 to an opposite transverse end region. In a preferred embodiment as shown in FIGURE 3, each longitudinally extending strip is located inward from each respective longitudinal side 14, 14'. Each laterally extending strip 31, 31' is located adjacent to a respective transverse end region of the napkin and extends across at least a portion of the width of the central absorbent element in a direction generally parallel to the lateral centerline of the napkin. In a preferred embodiment as shown in FIGURE 3, each laterally extending strip is located inward from each respective transverse end. The two longitudinally extending strips 30, 30' are spaced apart relative to one another. Similarly, the laterally extending strips 31, 31' are spaced apart relative to one another. As shown in Figure 1, the two longitudinally extending strips 30, 30' contact the two laterally extending strips 31, 31' to form a complete rectangular adhesive pattern which fully encloses a central region 40. Thus, together the longitudinally extending strips 30, 30' and the laterally extending strips 31, 31'define central region 40 which is intermediate the longitudinally extending strips 30, 30' and the laterally extending strips 31, 3 V. The central region 40 is non-tacky at room temperature and thus does not include an adhesive attachment means to releasably secure that region of the central absorbent element 11 to a wearer's undergarment. It is an important feature of the present invention that the central region 40 be non-tacky at room temperature and is thus capable of separating from a wearer's undergarment when the sanitary napkin 10 is in use. The central region 40 permits the center portion of the sanitary napkin to deform upward when subjected to laterally compressive forces and enables the napkin to better conform to the wearer's body. Thus, the central element adhesive

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20 has a pattern that generally resembles a "picture frame" wherein the longitudinally extending strips 30, 30' and the laterally extending strips 31, 31' define the frame which surrounds a central region 40 (picture) that is capable of separating from a wearer's undergarment when the article is in use.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the central region 40 has a length of from about 10 cm to about 12 cm, more preferably from about 10.5 cm to 11.5 cm and most preferably about 11 cm. The central region 40 generally has a width of from about 1 cm to about 5 cm, preferably about 1.5 cm to about 4 cm and most preferably from about 2 cm to about 3 cm. The total length of the central element adhesive 20 can vary widely, depending of course on the length of the central absorbent element 11 and is generally from about 18 cm to 20 cm for a sanitary napkin having a length of about 22 cm. For sanitary napkins having longer lengths, such as sanitary naplcins designed for overnight use, it is preferred that the lengths of the lateral strips 31, 31* are extended to cover the additional length of material in the transverse end region of the sanitary napkin rather than extend the longitudinal strips 30, 30'. Accordingly, the length of the center region 40 is preferably maintained within the above-described ranges. The expedient of extending the length of the lateral strips 31, 31' while maintaining a central region length of between about 10 cm to about 12 cm has been found to provide enhanced conformance to the wearer's tody and better stability and resistance to deformation in the transverse end regions of the napkin and thereby prevent bunching or roping of the napkin.
The adhesive on the longitudinally extending strips 30, 30\ as well as the laterally extending strips 31, 31' may be continuous throughout their respective lengths or widths or may be intermittent, provided of course that there is sufficient adhesive present in these regions to maintain a substantial portion of the longitudinal

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side edges and transverse end regions of the central absorbent element in adhesive
contact with the wearer's undergarment. The spacing between the intermittently
applied adhesive should not be so great so as to permit the sanitary napkin to
separate from the undergarment in use and create a folding axis within the sanitary
napkin. The adhesive may be applied directly onto the backsheet 18 or may be
applied indirectly, A convenient way to indirectly apply the adhesive to the
backsheet is to hot melt the adhesive onto a release liner and then bring the adhesive
coated release liner into contact with the backsheet 18 of the sanitary napkin 10
whereby the adhesive preferentially transfers to the surface of the backsheet.
Referring again to Figures I and 2, the sanitary napkin 10 includes a topsheet 17 that is in close proximity to the skin of the user when sanitary napkin 10 is in use. Topsheet 17 is liquid permeable and is preferably compliant, soft feeling, and non-irritating to the user's skin. It can be made from any of the materials conventional for this type of use. Non-limiting examples of suitable materials that can be used as topsheet 17 are woven and nonwoven polyester, polypropylene, nylon, and/or rayon fabrics and apertured thermo-plastic films. Aperrured formed films are preferred for topsheet 17 because they are pervious to liquids and yet non-absorbent. Thus, the sur&ce of the formed film that is in contact with the body remains dry and is more comfortable to the wearer. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS 1 and 2, topsheet 17 serves as a topsheet for flaps 12 and 12*.
The sanitary napkin 10 also includes a backsheet 18. Backsheet 18 is impervious to liquids aod thus prevents menstrual fluid from soiling the clothing of the user. Any conventional materials used in the art for such purpose are suitable for use herein. Suitable maieri£uV*3clude embossed or non-embossed polymeric films such as polyethylene films, polypropylene fikns and the like. In the embodiment

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illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 2, backsheet 18 serves as a backsheet for flaps 12 and
12'.
Absorbent core 16 provides the means for absorbing menstrual fluid. Absorbent core \6 is generally compressible, comfortable and non-irritating to the user's skin. It can comprise any materialised uHhe-art fbrisuefc purpose. Examples include comminuted wood pulp that is generally referred to as air-felt, creped cellulose wadding, absorbent foams* absorbent sponges, absorbent hydrogel materials, polymeric fibers, or any equivalent material or combinations of materials. Absorbent core 16 will generally have an absorbent capacity sufficient to absorb the anticipated totaJ amount of menstrua! fluid.
Absorbent core 16 is preferably narrow, i.e. less than about 75 mm and is
preferably thin, Le, less than about 5 mm in caliper, preferably less than 4 mm and
most preferably less than 3 mm in caliper. It has been found that a sanitary napkin
having a narrow, this absorbent core is extremely comfortable to the user. It should
be noted that a narrow, thin absorbent core 16 is most effective because the overall
configuration and use of sanitary napkin 10 results in a central portion of the central
absorbent element 11 that is capable of easily separating from a wearer's
undergarment to better maintain a close proximity to the body while the transverse
end regions are secured to the wearer's undergarment to better resist bunching,
folding or twisting of the centra] absorbent element 11. Such proximity of central
absorbent element 11 places it precisely where it should be: very near the body at the
vaginal opening. Absorbent core 16 can then absorb the vast majority of the
menstrual fluid (menses) before it has an opportunity to flow along the central
absorbent element 11. In a preferred embodiment, the absorbent core 16 has a
central region with a caliper that exceeds the caliper of the peripheral edge regions.
These shaped absorbent cores are commonly referred to as a "raised center" core.

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The thicker caliper center region is adapted to be located adjacent to the wearer's
vaginal orifice to better maintain close proximity thereto. The thinner caliper edge
margins are capable of easily deforming when subjected to any laterally compressive
forces that may be imparted by the wearer's thighs. The combination of the present
adhesive pattern on a raised center absorbent core enhances the ability of the napkin
to maintain body contact without any discomfort to the wearer. In accordance with
this embodiment, the caliper of the center region of the absorbent core is from about
3 cm to about 8 cm and the caJiper of the surrounding peripheral edge margins is
from about 2 cm to about 5 cm, with the proviso that the caliper of the center region
exceeds the caliper of the peripheral edge margins by at least 1 cm, preferably by at
least 2 cm.
The central absorbent element 11 may be provided with one or more
longitudinally extending hinges 22, 22', preferably vertically aligned with the
longitudinally extending strips 30, 30% to enable the central absorbent element to
preferentially bend in a pre-determined region. The longitudinally extending hinges
may be in the form of compressed, embossed channels that are slightly inward from
the longitudinal side edges 15, 15* of the central absorbent element. The
compressed, embossed channels are formed by highly densifying a portion of the
absorbent core 16, optionally with the topsheet and/or backsheet to form a defined
valley within the absorbent core. The hinges 22, 22' may extend along the entire
length of the central absorbent element or preferably are located solely in a center
region of the central absorbent element, one hinge being located adjacent to each
respective longitudinal side edge 15, 15'. In a most preferred embodiment, the
hinges 22, 22'comprise embossed channels that are arcuate, having a concave
inward orientation with respect to the longitudinal side edges 15, 15' to create the
impression of an hour-glass shape.

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Alternatively or in addition to the above longitudinally extending hinges, the
central absorbent element 11 may be provided with one or more laterally extending
hinges 23, 23% preferably vertically aligned with the laterally extending strips 31,
31f in the transverse end regions of the sanitary napkin. The laterally extending
hinges 23, 23' permit the sssitary napkin to preferentially laterally fold to allow the
end regions of the napkin to conform to the wearer's body. The laterally extending
hinges are preferably in the form of compressed, embossed channels that are slightly
inward from the longitudinal side edges 15, 15' and transverse ends of the central
absorbent element- The laterally extending embossed channels provide lateral
stifmess to the transverse end regions that enables these regions to resist
deformation due to laterally oompressive forces.
As shown in FIGURES 1 and 2, topsheet 17 is secured to backsbeet along seam 19, also called flange seal. Seam 19 can be formed by any means commonly used in the art for this purpose such as by gluing, crimping, or heat-sealing. Seam 39 is illustrated extending completely around the periphery of sanitary napkin 20; this is a suitable embodiment for ease of construction. (Other means of uniting the various elements can be used.)
The sanitary napkin sfeown m HGUKES 1 and 2 bas a curvilinear line of juncture 15. As shown absorbent core 16 is generally hourglass shaped so as to conform generally to the wearer's thighs. Thus, the line of juncture 15 between the flap 12 and the absorbent core !6 is curvilinear. It should be noted that Hues of juncture 15 and 15! are the lines along which flaps 12 and 12f are associated with the absorbent core (represented by central absorbent element 11); as such they represent lines of demarcation between the absorbent core and the flaps.
?FPC-7S3

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The sanitary napkin of the present invention, such as the one illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 2, is utilized by removing the release liners 21 and thereafter placing the sanitary napkin in a panty such that the center region of central absorbent element 11 is placed in crotch portion of the panty with one end of central absorbent element 11 extending towards the front section of the panty and the other end towards the back section and with the backsheet 18 in contact with the inner surface of center crotch portion of the panty. Central element adhesive 20 maintains central absorbent element 11 in position. The distal portions of flaps 12 and 12' are folded around, respectively, the opposite side edges of the crotch portion of the panty. Flap adhesive 13 and 13' releasably secure flaps 12 and 12' in such position, thus, flaps 12 and 12' are each folded over themselves with a portion of the panty, including the side edges interposed therebetween.
Referring now to FIGURE 3, there is shown another embodiment of the sanitary napkin 10 of the present invention. Flaps 12, 12' extend laterally outward from a central region of central absorbent element 11. Central adhesive element 20 has longitudinally extending strips 30, 30' and laterally extending strips 31, 31*. The longitudinally extending strips 30, 30' and laterally extending strips 31, 31* are spaced inward from respective longitudinal sides 14, 14* and transverse ends 32, 32'. The longitudinally extending strips 30, 30' and laterally extending strips 31, 31' contact one another to define a fully enclosed central region 40.
FIGURE 4 shows another embodiment of the invention wherein the longitudinally extending strips 30, 30' and the laterally extending strips 31, 31' are separated one from the other and together define a central region 40. The longitudinally extending strips 30, 30* are longitudinally co-tenninous with the laterally extending strips 31, 31', and the laterally extending strips 31, 3T are substantially intermediate the longitudinally extending strips 30, 30*.

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FIGURE 5 shows another embodiment of the present invention wherein the longitudinally extending strips 30, 30' and the laterally extending strips 31, 31s are separated one from the other and together define a central region 40. In accordance with this embodiment, the longitudinally extending strips 30, 30" terminate inward from the longitudinally extending strips 30, 30' and are thus intermediate the laterally extending strips 31,3 V.
FIGURE 6 shows another embodiment of the present invention wherein the longitudinally extending strips 30, 30* and the laterally extending strips 31, 3 V are separated one from the other and together define a central region 40. In accordance with this embodiment, the laterally extending strips 31, 31* are in the general shape of a triangle.
FIGURE 7 shows another embodiment of the present invention wherein the longitudinally extending strips 30, 30* and the laterally extending strips 31, 31* are separated one from the other and together define a central region 40. In accordance with this embodiment, the laterally, extending strips 31, 31' are io the general shape ofatrapezoid.
FIGURE 8 shows another embodiment of the present invention wherein the longitudinally extending strips 30, 30* and the laterally extending strips 31, 31' are separated one from the other and together define a central region 40. In accordance with this embodiment, the longitudinally extending strips 30, 30* terminate inward from the longitudinally extending straps 30, 30* and the laterally extending strips 31, 31* have a width that extends laterally beyond the longitudinal sides of the longitudinally extending str^js 30,30'.

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Referring now to FIGURE 9, there is shown another embodiment of the
sanitary napkin 10 of the present invention. Flaps 12, 12' extend laterally outward
from a central region of central absorbent element 11. Central adhesive element 20
has longitudinally extending strips 30, 30' and laterally extending strips 31, 31*.
Both the longitudinally extending strips 30. 30' and laterally extending strips 31,31*
are spaced inward from respective longitudinal sides 14, 14* and transverse ends 32,
32*. The longitudinally extending strips 30, 30' and laterally extending strips 31,
31' contact one another to define a fully enclosed central region 40. In accordance
with this embodiment, the laterally extending strips 31, 3T have a width that
extends laterally beyond the longitudinal sides of the longitudinally extending strips
30, 30'. The wider laterally extending strips 31, 31' have been found to provide
additional stability to the end regions of the sanitary napkin and thus prevent or
substantially inhibit bunching or roping of the sanitary napkin.
Referring now to FIGURES 10 and 11, there is shown another embodiment of tbe sanitary napkin 10 of the present invention. In accordance with this embodiment, flaps 12, 12' are affixed to a garment feceable surface of the sanitary napkin 10 in a centra] region of central absorbent element 11. Central adhesive element 20 has longitudinally extending strips 30, 30' and laterally extending strips 31, 31*. The longitudinally extending strips 30, 30* and laterally extending strips 31, 31' are spaced inward from respective longitudinal sides 14, 14* and transverse ends 32, 32'. The longitudinally extending strips 30, 30' and laterally extending strips 31,31' contact one another to define a fully enclosed central region 40.
Referring to FIGURE 11, there is shown a cross-sectional view of sanitary napkin 10 taken along line 11-11 of FIGURE 10, which illustrates a preferred embodiment of sanitary napkin 10. As shown in FIGURE 11, central absorbent element 11 comprises topsheet 17, backsheet 18, and absorbent core 16 intermediate

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topsheet 17 and backsheet 18. Flaps 12, 12' extend laterally inward from a
respective opposite longitudinal side 14, 14' of central absorbent element 11 and
both comprise continuous extensions of topsheet 17 and backsheet 18 that have been
affixed to the backsheet 18, inward from the longitudinal sides 14, 14*, respectively.
Thus, topsheet 17 forms one surface of flap 12 while backsheet 18 forms the other
surface, topsheet 17 also forms one surface of central absorbent element 11 while
backsheet 18 forms the other surface. In an alternative embodiment, (not shown),
the flaps may be formed from materials that are separate and distinct from topsheet
17 and/or backsheet 18 and which are affixed to the central absorbent element.
Topsheet 17 and backsheet .18 are joined at seam 19 (also commonly referred to as a
flange seal) around the entire periphery of sanitary napkin 10. The purpose of this
seam is to unite the various elements of the sanitary napkin into a unitary structure.
7

-19-WE CLAIM:
1. A sanitary absorbent article comprising a central absorbent element (11)
with opposite longitudinal sides and opposite transverse ends, the
absorbent article including & par of flex&te side Haps (12,12) one flap
extending $atsra$y outward from each respective longitudinal side of the
absorbent element, the flaps being adapted to be folded over a crotch
portion of a wearer's undergarment when in use, characterized in that a
adhesrve attachment means (20) on a jjarment faceabfe surface for
securing the article to the undergarment, the adhesive attachment means
having a pattern {nducfcrcg two longrtucftnaSy extending strips (30, 30} one
strip being located adjacent to each respective longitudinal side (14,14) of
the article and two laterally extending strips, one strip being located
adjacent to each respective transverse end of the article said longitudinally
extending strips and said laterally extending strips substantially
surrounding a center region (40) that is non-tacky at room temperature
and is incapable of adfresfvefy securing that pardon of the garment
faceable surface of the article to the wearer's imdergarmertt In use.
2. A sanitary absorbent article as datmed in claim 1, the two longrtudinally
extencSng strips contact the two teteraffy erfendng strtps to futfy enclose
the center region.
3. A sanitary absorbent article as claimed \n claim 1, wherein said center
region has a length of from about 10 cm to about 12 cm.
A. A sanitary absorbent article JJS claimed in daim 1, wherein said sanitary absorbent article is a sanitary napkin.

-20-
5. A sanitary absorbent article as claimed in claim 4, wherein said central
absorbent element has a caliper Jess than 5 cm.
6. A sanitary absorbent article as claimed m claim 4, wherein said centra!
absorbent element has a fongftudtrratfy extending fringe adjacent each
longitudinal side edge,
7. A sanitary absorbent article as datmed in claim 6, wherein the
longitudinally extenc&tg hinge comprises an embossed channel.
8. A sanitary absorbent article as claimed m claim 7, wherein the ambossed
channel has an arcuate shaf >e which is concave toward wrrh respect to the
longitudinal side edge.
9. A sanitary absorbent article as claimed m claim 1, wherein the two
tongfaKfcnafty extending strips are separated from and do not contact the
two laterally extending strips.
10. A sanitary absorbent article as claimed in claim 9, wherein the two
longitud&iaSy extending strips; are Intermediate the two laterally extending
strips.
11. A sanitary absorbent article as claimed in claim 10, wherein the two
laterally extending strips are intermediate the two longitudinally extending
strips.
12. A sanitary absorbent article as claimed in claim 1, wherein each
longrtudanafKy "jfts"U"ty strips is inward from the each respective
longitudinal side.
13. A sanitary absorbent article as claimed in claim 1, wherein each laterally
extending strips is inward from ihe each respective transverse end.
A sanitary absorbent article comprising a centra! absorbent element (11) with opposite longitudinal sides and opposite transverse ends, the absorbent article including a pair of flexible side flaps (12,12) one flap extending laterally outward from each respective longitudinal side of the absorbent element, the flaps being adapted to be folded over a crotch portion of a wearer's undergarment when in use, characterized in that a adhesive attachment means (20) on a garment faceable surface for securing the article to the undergarment, the adhesive attachment means having a pattern including two longitudinally extending strips (30, 30) one strip being located adjacent to each respective longitudinal side (14, 14) of the article and two laterally extending strips, one strip being located adjacent to each respective transverse end of the article said longitudinally extending strips and said laterally extending strips substantially surrounding a center region (40) that is non-tacky at room temperature and is incapable of adhesively securing that portion of the garment faceabie surface of the article to the wearer's undergarment in use.

Documents:

00469-cal-2001 abstract.pdf

00469-cal-2001 claims.pdf

00469-cal-2001 correspondence.pdf

00469-cal-2001 description(complete).pdf

00469-cal-2001 drawings.pdf

00469-cal-2001 form-1.pdf

00469-cal-2001 form-18.pdf

00469-cal-2001 form-2.pdf

00469-cal-2001 form-3.pdf

00469-cal-2001 form-5.pdf

00469-cal-2001 letters patent.pdf

00469-cal-2001 priority document.pdf


Patent Number 205519
Indian Patent Application Number 469/CAL/2001
PG Journal Number 14/2007
Publication Date 06-Apr-2007
Grant Date 05-Apr-2007
Date of Filing 23-Aug-2001
Name of Patentee MCNEIL PPC ,INC
Applicant Address GRANDVIEW AVENUE , SKILLMAN ,NJ-08558
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 ENDO MARI 41 RODNEY PALCE, DEMAREST, NJ0-07627
PCT International Classification Number A 61 F 13/15
PCT International Application Number N/A
PCT International Filing date
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 09/648,872 2000-08-25 U.S.A.