MXPA00000054A - Multi-directionally extensible sanitary napkin - Google Patents

Abstract

Multi-directionally extensible absorbent articles for wearing in an undergarment, such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, incontinence pads, and the like, are disclosed. Multi-directionally extensible absorbent cores, and omni-directionally extensible absorbent cores for such absorbent articles are also disclosed. The absorbent articles with the omni-directionally extensible absorbent core are provided with an overall diagonal extensibility to accommodate the forces exerted on the absorbent article by the wearer's undergarments when the wearer walks, and otherwise moves about. The absorbent articles may also be provided with regions of extensibility that are oriented in certain directions to reduce the forces acting on the absorbent article when worn.

Description

MULTIDIRECTIONALLY EXTENSIBLE SANITARY TOWEL FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, pantiliners, incontinence devices, and the like. More particularly, the present invention relates to absorbent articles of the above type extensible and extensible, preferably elastically in multiple directions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Absorbent items such as sanitary napkins, pantiliners, and incontinence pads are designed to absorb and retain fluid and other discharges from the human body and to prevent body and clothing from becoming soiled. Sanitary napkins are a type of absorbent article worn by women that is normally placed between the user's legs, adjacent to the perineal area of the body. Typically, most disposable absorbent articles of the types mentioned above are made of materials that will not stretch. That is, the materials (and the article itself) will not stretch under the forces to which the absorbent article is normally subjected when used. The inability to stretch of the absorbent article causes such articles to have a number of serious disadvantages. One of the most serious is that they are not as comfortable for the user as they could be. Ideally, the user should notice a difference between an absorbent article that is stretched to fit the wearer's body and with the movements of the wearer and an absorbent article that does not stretch. Conventional sanitary napkins will also not stretch and move with the user's underwear, which can cause sanitary napkins to change there. Provide the sanitary towel with stretch properties that will allow the towel to better adapt to the wearer's underwear and will remain in place. Several patent publications describe absorbent articles with various components that are capable of stretching. Such efforts are described in U.S. Patent No. 2,701, 567, issued to Smith, U.S. Patent No. 3,570,493, issued to Olsson, U.S. Patent No. 3,653,382, issued to Easley, and others, U.S. Patent No. 3,717, 1 50, issued to Schwartz, U.S. Patent No. 4,01 3,816, issued to Sabee, U.S. Patent No. 4,041, 949, issued to Kozak, U.S. Patent No. 4, 166,464, issued to Korpman, U.S. Patent No. 4,533,357, issued to Hall, U.S. Patent No. 4,573,991, issued to Pieniak et al., U.S. Pat. United States of America No. 4,578,070, issued to Holtman, United States Patent No. 4,596,570, issued to Jackson et al., United States of America No. 4,655,760, issued to Morman et al., United States Patent of America No. 4,731, 066, expedi Korpman, U.S. Patent No. 4,847, 1 34, issued to Fahrenkrug et al., U.S. Patent No. 4,891, 258, issued to Fahrenkrug et al., U.S. Patent No. 4,965 , 122, issued to Morman, U.S. Patent No. 4,992,324, issued to Dube, U.S. Patent No. 5,011,480, issued to Gossens et al., And European Patent Application 0 450 541. A2 published in the name of Morris and others. Some of the publications listed above describe providing absorbent articles with one or more components that can be stretched. More recently, in U.S. Patent No. 5,61 1, 790 entitled "Stretchable Absorbent Articles", issued to Osborn et al. On March 18, 1997, various embodiments of absorbent articles have been described. , such as sanitary napkins, composed entirely of components capable of stretching to accommodate the movements of the wearer and the wearer's underwear. Improved materials have also been developed for use in absorbent articles. For example, U.S. Patent No. 5,518,801 entitled "Fabric Materials Exhibiting Elastic-Type Behavior", issued to Chappell et al. on May 21, 1996, discloses fabric materials exhibiting elastic-type behavior and articles absorbents that cover said materials. U.S. Patent No. 5,560,878 entitled "Method and Apparatus for Making Stretchable Absorbent Articles", issued to Dragoo et al. On October 1, 1996, describes an absorbent material that can be stretched. PCT publication No. WO 95/20931, entitled "Absorbent Articles" published in the name of Osborn et al. On Aug. 1, 1995, is directed to absorbent articles. Therefore, an object of this invention is to provide an improved absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin, that is capable of extending, or more preferably, an elastically extensible. Another object of this invention is to provide an absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin, that is capable of elastically extending in multiple directions. Another object of the present invention is to provide extensible absorbent articles that are provided with improved mechanisms to prevent some of the problems affecting such generally highly flexible absorbent articles, such as the undesirable tendency of the end regions of the absorbent articles. to bend over the rest of the absorbent article. Another object of the present invention is to provide an extensible absorbent article with diagonal extension to accommodate the forces that walking and similar movements exert on the absorbent article when attached to the wearer's underwear. Another object of the present invention is to provide improved absorbent cores for extensible absorbent articles. Another object of the present invention is to provide an absorbent article with fins or side wings having extensible portions for releasing stresses in the sanitary napkin when the wings are wrapped around the side edges of the wearer's underwear. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an extensible absorbent article with an improved type of stretchable seal that joins the extensible components of the absorbent article but still allows them to extend. These and other objects of the present invention will be apparent upon consideration with reference to the following description and taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides an extensively extendable, and preferably elastically extensible, absorbent article for use in underwear, such as a sanitary napkin, panty protector, incontinence device, or the like. The multi-directional extensible absorbent article has a longitudinal centerline, a transverse centerline, a pair of longitudinal side edges, a pair of end edges, a first end region, a second end region, and a center region between the first and second regions. extreme regions. The absorbent article extensively in multiple directions preferably has a main body portion comprising at least two regions that are extensible in different directions, and at least one of these regions, and preferably two or more of these regions, is capable of of 25% elongation under forces less than or equal to approximately 500 grams. The main body portion of the multi-directional extensible absorbent article preferably comprises a liquid permeable extensible top sheet in multiple directions, a liquid-resistant extensible backsheet in multiple directions at least partially attached at the periphery to the topsheet, and an absorbent core extensible in multiple directions placed between the top sheet and the back sheet. In a preferred embodiment, the main body portion of the absorbent article extensible in multiple directions has a central region that is extensible mainly in the transverse direction. The first and second end regions preferably comprise three regions with extension capacity: a first region with extension capacity, a second region with extension capacity and a third region with extension capacity. The first region with extension capacity in the end regions is disposed over at least a portion of the longitudinal centerline adjacent one of the end edges of the main body portion. The first region with extension capacity is extensible mainly in the transverse direction. The second region with extension capacity is laterally disposed outwardly from at least part of the first region with extension capacity on one side of said first region with extension capacity, and extends towards one of the longitudinal side edges of the absorbent article. . The second region with extension capacity is extendable in a direction that is between the longitudinal and transverse directions. The third region with extension capacity is disposed laterally outwardly from at least part of the first region with extension capacity on the other side of the first region with extension capacity. The third region with extension capacity extends towards the other longitudinal side edge of the absorbent article, and is extensible in a direction that is between the longitudinal and transverse directions. In this and other embodiments, the multi-directional extensible absorbent article may be provided with lateral flaps or wings extending laterally outwardly beyond the longitudinal side edges of the main body portion of the absorbent article. The side flaps have an improved configuration of portions that are extensible to release tensions in the flaps when they are wrapped around the side edges of the wearer's underwear. More specifically, the side flaps are integral with the main body portion, and are provided with extension capability in areas that are located inboard of the edge of the absorbent core of the absorbent article. Also within the scope of the present invention are the fins described for use in conventional non-extensible absorbent articles. In addition, the components forming the extensible absorbent article are preferably held together by the use of a novel liquid impervious seal having a sinusoidal configuration that allows the components to be elastically extended.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a top plan view of a preferred embodiment of a sanitary napkin of the present invention. Figure 2 is a side cross-sectional view taken on line 2-2 of Figure 1 through the corner region of one of the fins of the sanitary napkin. Figure 3 is a side cross-sectional view taken on line 3-3 of Figure 1 through the central portion of one of the fins. Figure 4 is a bottom plan view of the sanitary napkin shown in Figure 1 with the net regions that can be deformed omitted from the backsheet for simplicity of illustration. Figure 5 is a simplified plan view of a sanitary napkin after stretching. Figure 6 is a schematic side view of a flexible and extensible sanitary napkin showing some of the problems to which the sanitary napkin may be subject if it is not provided with the improved features of the present invention. Figure 7 is a top plan view of a sanitary napkin of preferred compound in accordance with the present invention. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the compound sanitary napkin shown in Figure 7 taken on line 8-8, and shown without wrinkles on the topsheet and backsheet for simplicity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Figures 1 to 4 show a preferred embodiment of a disposable absorbent article of the present invention. The present invention relates to absorbent articles that are used in underwear, such as sanitary napkins, pantiliners, incontinence devices and the like. The term "absorbent article," as used herein, refers to articles that absorb and contain exudates from the body. More specifically, the term refers to articles that are placed against or in proximity to the user's body to absorb and contain various exudates that the body discharges. The term "absorbent articles" should include sanitary napkins, pantiliners and incontinence pads (and other articles used in the crotch region of an undergarment). The term "disposable" refers to items that must be thrown away after use and preferably must be recycled, compounded, or otherwise disposed of in a manner compatible with the environment. (That is, they should not be washed or restored or reused as an absorbent article). In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the absorbent article is a sanitary napkin with the number 20. The term "sanitary napkin", as used herein, refers to an article that women wear adjacent to the pudendal region that must absorb. and contain several exudates that the body discharges (for example, blood, menstruation and urine). However, the present invention is not limited to the particular types or configurations of absorbent articles shown in the drawings. The sanitary towel 20 has two surfaces, a surface that makes contact with the body or "body surface" 20A and a surface of the garment 20B. The sanitary towel 20 is shown in Figure 1 as viewed from its body surface 20A. The surface of the body 20A should be used adjacent to the body of the user. The surface of the garment 20B should be placed adjacent to the wearer's underwear when the sanitary napkin 20 is used. The sanitary napkin 20 has two centerlines, a main longitudinal centerline (or "longitudinal centerline") L and a line main transverse center (or "transverse center line") T. The term "longitudinal", as used herein, refers to a line, axis or direction in the plane of the sanitary napkin 20 which is generally aligned with (for example, approximately parallel to) a vertical plane that divides a user standing in halves of the left and right body when using the sanitary napkin 20. The terms "transverse" or "lateral" used in the present, are interchangeable, and refer to a line, axis or direction that lies within the plane of the sanitary napkin 20 which is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. As shown in Figure 1, the sanitary napkin 20 preferably comprises a main body portion 22 and two flaps 24. Figure 1 shows that the main body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin 20 comprises the portion of the sanitary napkin without the fins 24. The main body portion 22 has two separate longitudinal edges 26, two separate end or transverse edges (or "ends") 28, which together form the periphery 30 of the main body portion. The main body portion 22 has four corners 27 where the longitudinal edges 26 and the end edges 28 converge. The main body portion 22 also has two end regions, which are designated as the first end region 32 and second end region 34. One Central region 36 is disposed between end regions 32 and 34. End regions 32 and 34 extend outwardly in the longitudinal direction from the edges of central region 36 about 1/8 to about 1/3, or more, of the length of the main body portion. U.S. Patent No. 4,690,680, issued to Higgins on September 1, 1987, contains a detailed description of the characteristics of a central region and two end regions for a sanitary napkin. The main body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin 20 can be of any thickness, including relatively thick, relatively thin or very thin (or "ultra-thin") intermediate thickness. The characteristics of "ultra-thin" sanitary napkins generally not extensible are described in the Patents of E. U.A. 4,950,264 and 5,009,653, issued to Osborn. The modality of the sanitary napkin 20 shown in Figures 1 to 3 of the drawings, should be an example of an ultra-thin sanitary napkin having a caliber of approximately 4 millimeters. The main body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin 20 is also preferably relatively flexible, so that it is comfortable for the user.

The sanitary towel 20 shown in the drawings is extendable, preferably can be stretched, and more preferably can be elastically stretched, in multiple directions. The term "extensible", as used herein, refers to articles that can be increased by at least one of their dimensions in the x-y plane. The x-y plane is a plane usually parallel to the sides of the sanitary napkin 20. The term "spreadable" includes stretchable and elastically stretchable articles. The term "stretchable", as used herein, refers to articles that are extensible when stretch forces are applied to the article and often some resistance to stretching. The terms "that can be stretched elastically" or "elastically extensible" must be synonymous. These terms are illustrated with the simplified schematic view of the sanitary napkin in Figure 5. As shown in Figure 5, the sanitary napkin 20 can be extended to a stretched length Ls and stretched width Ws. As used herein, the terms "elastically stretchable" or "elastically extensible" mean that when the stretching forces designated "F" are removed, the sanitary napkin will tend to return to its non-stretched or undrawn dimensions ( or "original" Lu and Wu dimensions). However, the sanitary napkin 20 does not need to return to all its undrawn dimensions. As shown in Figure 5, it can return to relaxed dimensions (such as LR and WR) between its unstretched dimensions (Lu and Wu) and its extended Ls and Ws (or stretched dimensions). Figure 2 shows the individual components of the main body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin 20 of the present invention. The main body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin preferably comprises at least three primary components. These include a liquid-permeable top sheet 38, a liquid-impermeable backsheet 40, and an absorbent core 42 positioned between the topsheet 38 and the backsheet 40. The liquid-permeable top sheet, the liquid-impermeable backsheet, and The absorbent core may comprise a number of suitable materials, provided that they are extensible as described below, or comprise base materials that are suitable to be modified as specified herein to have extension capacity. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the base material for the liquid permeable top sheet 38 comprises an open formed film. Suitable shaped films are described in U.S. Patent No. 3,929,135, issued to Thompson on December 30, 1975; U.S. Patent No. No. 4,324,245, issued to Mullane et al. On April 1, 1982; U.S. Patent No. No. 4,342,314, issued to Radel et al. On August 3, 1982; U.S. Patent No. No. 4,463,045, issued to Ahr et al. On July 31, 1984; and U.S. Patent No. No. 5,006,394, issued to Baird on April 9, 1 991. A particularly preferred base material for the topsheet 38 comprises a formed film described in one or more of the above patents and manufactured in sanitary napkins from The Procter & Gamble Company of Cincinnati, Ohio, as the top sheet "DRI-WEAVE". The base material for the topsheet 38 preferably has a hydrophilic surfactant incorporated therein during manufacture. The base material for top sheet 38 is modified to be extensible in multiple directions as discussed in more detail below.

The absorbent core 42 may comprise a variety of absorbent materials that are capable of spreading, or are suitable to be modified and made extensible. For example, materials suitable for use as the absorbent core 42 may comprise a woven material, or a non-woven material that is modified to extend it in multiple directions. The phrase "in multiple directions", as used herein, refers to the extension capacity in at least two directions in the x-y plane. (It should also be understood that the materials described herein for use in the absorbent core 42 may optionally be used as absorbent cores in other types of disposable absorbent articles, such as disposable diapers, and the like, if desired). A suitable multi-direction elastically extensible nonwoven material is a 50/50 blend of polymeric fibers, such as polyester fibers and a fibrous, superabsorbent polymeric material that forms hydrogel (or "gel-solidifying absorbent material"). A suitable absorbent, fibrous solidification gel material is obtained as product # 1 161 from Camelot Superabsorbents, Ltd. of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The nonwoven material is preferably embossed with the pattern described in U.S. Patent No. 4,781, 710, issued to Megison et al. The embossed non-woven material is then preferably heated to a temperature of just less than the vitreous transition temperature of the polyester (about 1 38 ° C) and laterally consolidated as described in U.S. Pat. No. of the University of Tennessee 5,244,482 entitled "Subsequent Treatment of Non Woven Fabrics", issued to Hassenboehler, Jr. and others on September 14, 1993, so that it will be extendable in a first direction. Then, the non-woven fabric is preferably cooled to about 93 ° C and mechanically compressed to give it extension capacity in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Suitable methods for mechanically compressing non-woven fabrics are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 3,260,778, issued to Walton on July 2, 1966; U.S. Patent No. 3,426,405, issued to Walton on February 1, 1969; and U.S. Patent No. 5,151,540, issued to Walton et al. on June 2, 1992. The entire process can produce a non-woven absorbent core material that is extensible approximately 25% both in the direction of the machine (the direction in which the fabric is unwound from a roll in the process of manufacturing the sanitary napkin 20) as in the opposite direction to the machine (perpendicular to the unwinding direction) under forces of less than or equal to about 80 g / cm, preferably less than or equal to about 40 g / cm, more preferably between about 10 to about 40 grams / cm, and most preferably about 24 grams / cm. The absorbent core 42 in the embodiment shown in the drawings preferably comprises an elastically stretchable fabric material in a single direction. The phrase "in one direction", as used herein, refers to the ability to extend in all directions in the x-y plane. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the absorbent core 42 is a sheet of two or more woven materials.

Preferably, the absorbent core 42 comprises a three layer structure comprising layers of woven nylon material, woven polyester material, and woven acrylic 20/1 material that are sewn together with seam that provides the sheet with a cushioned pattern. Said material is known as product number B71 12 and is obtained from Flynt Amtex, Inc. of Burlington, NC. The Flynt material has a basis weight of 24 mg / cm2, an absorbent capacity greater than or equal to approximately 5 grams of water per gram of fabric, and a gauge of approximately 2 mm. A simple test to determine the capacity of such material in the Test Methods section is described below. The absorbent core 42 (eg, the Flynt material) is preferably capable of extending in a single direction in the following quantities at the specified forces: 5% elongation under a force of less than or equal to about 8 g / cm; 1 0% elongation under a force of less than or equal to about 14 g / cm; 25% elongation under a force of less than or equal to about 80 g / cm, preferably less than or equal to about 40 g / cm, more preferably less than or equal to about 33 g / cm; and 50% elongation under a force of less than or equal to about 90 g / cm. All forces specified herein are measured with a 2.54 cm wide strip of absorbent material as described in the Test Methods section. For simplicity, the capacity of extension in a single direction is measured by using strips cut in the longitudinal direction, the transverse direction, and a diagonal direction of 45 degrees.

The absorbent core 42 (e.g., the FIynt material) is preferably elastically extensible in a single direction. The absorbent core 42 can, but does not have to, return to its non-extended dimensions when the extension forces are removed. This characteristic can be expressed in terms of percentage (%) of the core material. The FIynt material has less than or equal to about 10% in the longitudinal direction, transverse direction and diagonal direction. The absorbent core 42 (for example, FIynt material) is preferably highly flexible. The FIynt material has a Taber stiffness of about 0.1 1 or 0.12 g cm; a stiffness of approximately 26 mg cm / cm; and a flexural strength of approximately 14 or 15 grams measured in the FIynt material when using the test set forth in U.S. Patent No. 5,009,653, issued to Osborn. FIynt material has a side with a "fluffed" appearance, and a side that is relatively flat. The FIynt material can be placed in the sanitary napkin 20 with either side adjacent to the topsheet 38. No modification of this absorbent core material is needed since it is inherently extensible in a single direction. In certain cases, it may be desired to provide the FIynt material with additional absorbent capacity to be used as the absorbent core 42. This can be done in several non-limiting ways. In one embodiment, an additional fabric or strip of extensible material can be attached to the bottom side of the FIynt material. In this embodiment, the additional fabric or strip may have its surface that will be placed adjacent to the FIynt material (ie, its inner surface) provided with gel-solidifying absorbent material. Therefore, the additional fabric or strip "encloses" or holds the gel solidifying absorbent material adjacent to the bottom side of the FIynt material. In a preferred embodiment of said embodiment, the extensible material comprises a rectangular strip of approximately 5 cm in width and approximately 16 cm in length of a non-woven material, joined with air passage composed of two-component fibers that is manufactured under the name commercial HAVIX S2146 by Havix Corporation, Gifu-City, Japan. The HAVIX material will have a degree of extension capacity in one direction, which is preferably its width direction. The HAVIX material is preferably mechanically compressed as described together with the multi-directional extensible nonwoven material discussed above, so that it is also extensible in the longitudinal direction. The gel solidifying absorbent material is preferably applied to the HAVIX material as a mixture of Nalco 1 1 80 gel solid absorbing material obtained from Nalco Chemical Company, Naperville, IL, and PEGOSPERSE surfactant obtained from Lonza, Inc., Williamsport , PA. These components are preferably mixed in a ratio of about 10 grams of gel-solidifying absorbent material to about 1 gram of surfactant. Preferably, from about 0.3 to about 0.4 grams of this mixture is applied to the strip of HAVIX material. The strip of HAVIX material can be attached to the underside of the FIynt material in any suitable manner. Preferably, the HAVIX material is stretched and attached to the underside of the FIynt material by the use of an adhesive, such as adhesive number 2031 manufactured by Findley Adhesive Company of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. A double-sided tape can be placed around the perimeter of the HAVIX material to be fixed to the FIynt material if additional security is desired. The use of this additional material web with the gel solidifying absorbent material preferably almost doubles the absorbent capacity of the sanitary napkin 20 from an overall capacity of about 1 2 grams to about 23 grams. These absorbent capacities are preferably measured in accordance with the test set forth in U.S. Patent No. 5,009,653, issued to Osborn. In other embodiments, the absorbent core 42 may be provided with additional capacity in other ways. For example, instead of adding a strip of material to the underside of the absorbent core as described above, the solidification absorbent gel material can be added to the surface of one or more of the layers of the absorbent core (such as the different layers of FIynt material). Alternatively, one or more of the layers of the absorbent core may comprise at least in part fibrous absorbent material of gel solidification. The backsheet 40 can be any suitable liquid impervious material that is extensible, or comprises a base material that can be modified as specified herein to give it extension capacity. Preferably, the base material for backsheet 40 is a polyethylene film having a thickness of about 0.012 mm to about 0.01 5 mm. Clopay Corporation of Cincinnati, Ohio, manufactures polyethylene films under the designation P18-0401 and microflex 1401. The backsheet 40 can be embossed and / or finished in matte to provide an appearance more of the type of clothing. In addition, the backsheet 40 can allow the vapors to escape from the absorbent core 42 (i.e., able to breathe) even preventing the exudates from passing through the backsheet. In a preferred embodiment, when base material is produced for the backsheet 40, it is subjected to a light discharge treatment in order to assist in gluing the desired portions thereof to the top sheet. Methods for treating a film material with a light discharge are described in U.S. Patents. 4,351, 784, 4,456,570 and 4,535,020, issued to Thomas et al. The base material for backsheet 40 is modified to be extensible in multiple directions as discussed below in detail. The topsheet 38, the backsheet 40, and the absorbent core 42 can be assembled in a variety of configurations known in the art (including layered or "walled" configurations). and wrapped or "tubed" configurations). Figures 1-4 show a preferred embodiment of the sanitary napkin 20 assembled in a sandwich construction wherein the topsheet 38 and the backsheet 40 have dimensions of length and width that are generally larger than those of the absorbent core 42. upper sheet 38 and rear sheet 40 extend beyond the edges of absorbent core 42 to form portions of periphery 30. Upper sheet 38 is preferably attached to the side facing the body of absorbent core 42. Upper sheet 38 it can be attached to the absorbent core 42 in any suitable manner known in the art for this purpose, such as by an open pattern of adhesives. The backsheet 40 does not need to be joined by the absorbent core 42, and in the preferred embodiment it is not found that way. The portions of the upper sheet 38 and the back sheet 40 that extend beyond the edges of the absorbent core 42 to form the periphery 30, as will be described later in more detail, are preferably joined together. The topsheet 38 can be attached to the absorbent core 42 by a uniform continuous layer of adhesive, a patterned layer of adhesive, or an arrangement of separate lines, spirals, or spots of adhesives. An adhesive that has been found satisfactory for this purpose is manufactured by Findley Adhesive Company of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin as adhesive number 2031. Adhesive is preferably applied to an open-pattern network of filaments of adhesive as described in U.S. Patent No. 4,573,986, entitled "Disposable Waste-Containment Garment," which was issued to Minetola et al. March 1986. Other examples of open-pattern networks of adhesive filaments comprising several lines of adhesive filaments wound in a spiral pattern are illustrated by the apparatus and methods shown in United States Patent No. 3,91 1, 1 73, issued to Sprague, Jr. on October 7, 1 975; U.S. Patent No. 4,785,996, issued to Ziecker et al. On November 22, 1978; and U.S. Patent No. 4,842,666, issued to Werenicz on June 27, 1989. Alternatively, the components of the sanitary napkin can be joined by heat bonds, pressure bonds, ultrasonic bonds, dynamic mechanical bonds, or any other suitable fixation means or combinations of these fixation means as are known in the art. All sanitary napkin 20, or regions thereof, may be extensible in several directions. The absorbent article extensively in multiple directions preferably has a main body portion comprising at least two regions that are extensible in different directions, and at least one of these regions, and preferably two or more of these regions, are capable of of 25% elongation under forces of less than or equal to approximately 500 grams. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1-4, the central region 36 of the sanitary napkin 20 is generally extensible in the transverse direction. This is generally in the direction of the arrows shown in Figure 1. As shown in the drawings, if the sanitary napkin 20 is provided with fins 24, the extension of the central region 36 may extend into the vanes 24. The central region 36 expands laterally to assist the vanes 24 to be bent around the vanes. edges with curved sides of the user's underwear. As used herein, the phrase "usually in the transverse direction" (or usually in another direction) means that a primary component of the extension capacity is in the specified direction. However, the entire extension does not need to be exactly in the specified direction. Therefore, when it is said that the extension capacity is generally in the transverse direction, the extension capacity need not be exactly parallel to the main transverse centerline of the sanitary napkin. However, the extension capacity preferably is oriented more in the transverse direction than in the longitudinal direction. The first and second end regions 32 and 34 of the sanitary napkin 20 shown in Figures 1-4, each preferably comprises three regions with extension capacity. The three regions with extension capacity comprise a first region with extension capacity 44, a second region with extension capacity 46, and a third region with extension capacity 48. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the regions with extension capacity in the first end region 32 of the sanitary napkin 20 are symmetrical with those same respective regions in the second end region 34, although in other embodiments, this does not have to be the case. The first extension region 44 of the end regions 32 and 34 is preferably disposed over at least a portion of the longitudinal centerline L of the sanitary napkin. A portion of the first region 44 with extensibility preferably is located adjacent one of the end edges 28 of the main body portion 22. Preferably, the first region 44 with extensibility is a region generally in the form of pay that is centered relative to the longitudinal center line. The first extension region 44 preferably has a tip or tab 50 that rests on the longitudinal center line L. Preferably, the tip 50 extends substantially along the entire end edge 52 of the central region 36. In the mode shown in the drawings, the first region with extension 44 is also preferably extensible mainly in the transverse direction (as shown by the arrows). This allows the first region to stretch with the wearer's panties, particularly in the wearer's glute region. The first and second regions 32 and 34 preferably have the same extension capacity, so that the user can use either end of the sanitary napkin 20 in the rear crotch portion of his or her panties.

The second region with extension 46 is disposed laterally outwardly from at least part of the first extension region 44. The second extension region 46 is located on one side of the first extension region 44. The second region with extension 46 extends towards and preferably to one of the longitudinal side edges 26 of the main body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin 20. As shown in the drawings, if the sanitary napkin 20 is provided with fins 24, this region with extension capacity can extend even beyond the longitudinal side edge 26 of the main body portion in the lateral fins 24. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the portion of the second region capable of extension 46 covering the main body portion 22 is preferably almost in the form of a right triangle.

In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the second extension region 46 is extendable in a direction that is between the longitudinal and transverse directions. Preferably, in this embodiment, the second region with extension 46 is extendable in a direction having a primary vector component that forms an angle, A, as shown in Figure 1, of about 45 ° and about 55 °, more preferably about 48 ° with the longitudinal center line L. The open portion of the angle A is turned so that the angle looks at the transverse center line, T, of the sanitary napkin 20. As long as the angle A is less than 90 ° , this provides "inward-oriented" extension capacity, or extension capacity with a primary vector component that faces inward toward the transverse center line T. This may be a contrast to regions that have an "extension-oriented" extension capacity. outside ", which have a primary vector component that is oriented away from the transverse center line. Outward-facing extension capacity would be present if the extension capacity were perpendicular to the arrows shown in region 46. The terms "oriented inward" and "oriented outwardly" refer to the direction of extension capacity, instead of the direction in which the region may tend to retract, which is also shown by one of the heads in each of the arrows in Figure 1. The third region with extension 48 is preferably disposed laterally outwardly from at least part of the first region with extension capacity 44 on the other side of the first region with extension capacity 44. The third region with extension capacity 48 extends towards, and preferably to one of the longitudinal side edges 26 of the main body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin 20. The third spreadable region 48 may also extend into the side flaps 24. The portion of the third region with extension 48 that covers the main body portion 22 is also almost in the shape of a right triangle. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the third region with extension 48 is extendable in a direction that is between the longitudinal and transverse directions. Preferably, in this embodiment, the third extension region 48 also has an inwardly facing extension capacity in a direction having a primary vector component that forms an angle of about 45 ° and about 55 °, more preferably about 48 °. ° with the longitudinal center line, L. In the preferred embodiment shown in the drawings, the second and third extension regions 46 and 48 are arranged symmetrically on either side of the first region with extension capacity 44. The towel sanitary 20 differs from many previous absorbent articles in that it preferably has a global extension capacity that runs in diagonal directions. As used in this, "diagonal" generally means from a corner 27 of the main body portion to the corner 27 on the opposite side of the longitudinal and transverse center lines. This is illustrated in Figure 5. As shown in Figure 5, the primary direction of overall extension capacity of the main body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin 20 is preferably oriented in a direction that makes an angle B with the longitudinal center line L. The angle B is greater than 0 ° and less than 45 °, and preferably is between about 1 5 ° and about 30 °, and for the embodiment shown in the drawings, it is preferably about 20 ° . It should be understood that the sanitary napkin 20 is preferably extensible in both diagonal directions running between the four corners of the main body portion 22. In this way, not only the sanitary napkin 20 has a primary component of extension capacity that is Orient at the angle B shown in Figure 5 (where the angle is turned in a leftward direction relative to the longitudinal centerline L), but also at a similar angle turned in a clockwise direction relative to the longitudinal center line L. The amount The extension capacity of the sanitary napkin 20 is also important. The sanitary napkin 20 shown in the drawings is preferably capable of having longitudinal extension capacity on the longitudinal centerline L, in the following quantities at the specified forces: 5% elongation under a force of less than or equal to about 200 grams; 1 0% elongation under a force of less than or equal to about 550 grams; 15% elongation under a force of less than or equal to approximately 900 grams; and 25% elongation under a force of less than or equal to about 1, 600 grams. The sanitary towel 20 is preferably extensible elastically in the longitudinal direction. The sanitary napkin 20 may have a small amount of fixation (up to about 10%) after it has extended in the longitudinal direction. The sanitary napkin 20 shown in the drawings is preferably capable of transverse extension capacity in the central region 36 of the main body portion 22 measured on the transverse center line, T, in the following quantities at the specified forces: 5% of elongation under a force of less than or equal to about 75 grams; 1 0% elongation under a force of less than or equal to about 150 grams; 1 5% elongation under a force of less than or equal to about 250 grams; and 25% elongation under a force of less than or equal to about 400 grams. The sanitary napkin 20 shown in the drawings is preferably capable of transverse extension capability in the end regions 32 and 34 of the main body portion 22 measured parallel to the transverse center line in approximately the same amounts and at the same forces. The sanitary napkin 20 is preferably extensible elastically in the transverse direction in the central region 36 and the end regions 32 and 34. The sanitary napkin 20 may have a small amount of fixation (up to about 10%) after it has been spread transversely in these regions.

The sanitary napkin 20 shown in the drawings preferably is capable of having diagonal extension capacity in the following amounts at the specified forces: 5% elongation under a force of less than or equal to about 200 grams; 10% elongation under a force of less than or equal to approximately 500 grams; 15% elongation under a force of less than or equal to about 850 grams; and 25% elongation under a force of less than or equal to about 1,500 grams. All forces specified herein are measured with 2.54 cm wide clamps as described in the Test Methods section below. The sanitary towel 20 is preferably extensible elastically in the diagonal direction. The sanitary napkin 20 may have a small amount of fixation (up to about 10%) after having spread diagonally. In the case of all the directions of extension capacity discussed in the preceding paragraphs, the sanitary napkin 20 is preferably not so highly extensible at low strength levels which is difficult to place on the user's pant. Preferably, the sanitary napkin 20 is not extensible in an amount greater than or equal to about 10% under forces less than or equal to about 50 grams in each of the directions for which the spreadability was specified above. However, it should be understood that this, as the extension capabilities specified herein are preferred amounts, and the absorbent articles of the present invention are not limited to those that have extension capabilities in the amounts described herein, unless specify otherwise in the appended claims. The ability to stretch diagonally is made possible due to the direction of the extension capacity of the different regions of the topsheet 38 and the backsheet 40, and the ability to extend in a single direction of the preferred absorbent core 42 described herein . The overall diagonal extension capacity provides several advantages to the sanitary napkin 20. The diagonal extension capacity assists the sanitary napkin to accommodate diagonal stretch of the user's panties associated with walking, and similar movements. The overall diagonal extension capacity reduces the tension in the sanitary napkin, which may cause unwanted tendency of the end edge portions of the sanitary napkin to bend over the remainder of the main body portion 22 (i.e. avoids "winding"). "From the extreme edge, a problem that can lead to loss of coverage, and dirt from the user's underwear). Without being bound by any particular theory, it is believed that the reduction in winding is at least partially attributable to the fact that the sanitary napkin 20 is capable of accommodating the aforementioned diagonal stretch. In addition, the design of a sanitary napkin with greater extension capacity in a diagonal direction than in the longitudinal direction gives more rigidity to the sanitary napkin on the longitudinal centerline (than a sanitary napkin having its greater extension capacity in the longitudinal direction ), which will also tend to reduce the winding of the extreme edge.

The extension capacity of the sanitary napkin 20 and the different regions thereof may be provided in any suitable manner. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, extension capacity is provided by forming a network in the desired portions of the upper sheet 38 and back sheet 40 of the sanitary napkin 20. The network is formed by a process that can be referred to herein. as forming the base materials of the top sheet and back sheet in an elastic type film that can be stretched (or "uniform" the base materials of the top sheet and back sheet). A suitable process for forming a network in the upper sheet 38 and back sheet 40 is described in U.S. Patent No. 5,51 8,801 entitled "Web Materials Exhibiting Elastic-Like Behavior" which was issued to Chappell and others. May 21, 1996 As shown in Figure 1, the top sheet 38 and backsheet 40 preferably have several network regions formed therein. A network region is formed for the central region 36 of the main body portion 22, and a network region is formed for each of the three extension regions in the end regions 32 and 34 of the sanitary napkin 20. The different network regions preferably comprise portions of a single base material of the upper sheet and back sheet having a pattern of regions formed therein. In this embodiment, both the topsheet 38 and the backsheet 40 have identical network regions formed therein (although the web is not shown on the backsheet 40 in Figure 4 for simplicity of illustrating the adhesive pattern). Preferably, the nets on the topsheet 38 and backsheet 40 are aligned directly on top of each other.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, each of the networks comprises at least two visually distinct regions, first and second network regions 64 and 66. Preferably, each of the networks comprises several first and second network regions 64. and 66. In the preferred embodiment shown, the first network regions 64 are substantially planar. The second network regions 66 preferably comprise a plurality of deformations in the form of raised projection type elements 74.

The characteristics of the first and second network regions 64 and 66 can also be expressed in terms of the length of the respective regions measured topographically on the surfaces of these regions when the network is in a non-voltage condition (or the "surface path"). "of the first and second network regions). The second network region 66 has a surface path that is greater than that of the first network region 64. When elongation forces are applied to the networks, the projection type elements 74 will undergo a geometric deformation under which they will flatten and extend, while the first regions will go through a molecular level deformation.

This will cause the network regions to exhibit an elastic behavior in the direction of the arrows when they are subjected to an applied and subsequently released elongation. The general characteristics of network regions are described in more detail in U.S. Patent No. 5,518,801, issued to Chappell et al.

The net (s) can be formed by separately feeding the base materials for the top sheet and back sheet between rolls in mesh pattern, when pressing the base material between mating plates with a pattern, or by welding. The network (s) can be formed in several stages in the assembly of the components of the sanitary napkin 20 shown in the drawings. The network (s) can be formed in the components of the sanitary napkin before joining to form the sanitary napkin. Alternatively, the network (s) can be formed in the entire assembled sanitary napkin. Preferably, in the embodiment shown in the drawings, the net (s) is formed (n) in the upper sheet 38 and back sheet 40 before joining to enclose the absorbent core 42 therebetween. The absorbent core 42 can, but does not have to, have a network formed there, since it preferably has the ability to extend in multiple directions as described above. Preferably, in the embodiment illustrated in the drawings, the absorbent core 42 does not have a network formed therein.

The portions of the topsheet 38 and backsheet 40 that extend beyond the edges of the absorbent core 42, form a ridge 76. These portions of the topsheet 38 and backsheet 40 can be joined in any manner that does not interfere with the ability of the sanitary towel to stretch. Preferably, in the embodiment shown, the topsheet 38 and backsheet 40 are joined by using an extensible adhesive on substantially all of the portions extending beyond the edges of the absorbent core 42., and a curl seal 78 for added strength at the end edges 28 of the main body portion 22 where the topsheet 38 and backsheet 40 are densified by the application of pressure or heat and pressure. A suitable extensible adhesive is the Fuller 2352 adhesive available from H. B. Fuller Company of Badnais Heights, M N. Preferably, a small amount of adhesive contacts the edges of the absorbent core 42 to keep the absorbent core 42 in place.

The curl seal 78 should not interfere with the ability of the sanitary pad components to stretch. Preferably, the stretchable portions of the sanitary napkin which are joined by the curl seal 78 are capable of extending the quantities and under the forces specified above for the sanitary napkin 20 (see, for example, the transverse extension capacity in the end regions). ). (However, the curl seal 78 is capable of allowing the components to extend in multiple directions). In this way, the curl seal 78 can be referred to as an extensible curl seal (although the curl seal 78 does not provide any inherent extensibility if it is not used with extensible components). The curl seal 78 preferably comprises a liquid impervious seal. The curl seal 78 preferably comprises a sinusoidal seal line on which portions of at least one of the topsheet 38 and backsheet 40 are compressed and / or fused together. The curl seal 78 shown in Figure 1 is in a sinusoidal pattern that is preferably arranged in a generally curved configuration. Other configurations, such as straight sinusoidal patterns, can also be used. Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, it is believed that the curl seal 78 allows the portions of the sanitary napkin adjacent thereto to extend since the waves of the sinusoidal configuration "loosen" the curl seal 78 to stretch at less until it is partially straightened.

Numerous variations of the expandable curl seal 78 are possible. For example, the curl seal may be located around the whole, or any portion of the periphery of the sanitary napkin including the distant edges of the fins (described below). In addition to sinusoidal patterns, other suitable patterns that provide the desired "loosening" may also be used, including, but not limited to, zigzag patterns. The extensible 78 curl seal may have a sinusoidal (or other) pattern that varies in width, width and frequency. In addition, multiple sinusoidal waves (or waves with other configurations) can be aligned adjacent each other. Such multiple curl seals can be used to ensure that a continuous curl is present around the desired portion of the perimeter of the sanitary napkin after processing. For example, it is possible to cut through a curl seal during manufacturing. This would often occur when a sanitary napkin fabric is cut at the end edges into individual sanitary napkins by the last cutting operation (or by the "final knife"). The multiple curl seals will ensure that liquids do not stick through the curl seal 78 even if a portion of the curl seal is cut during manufacture.

In other embodiments, the continuous sinusoidal curl seal may be combined with non-continuous (or intermittent) bonding patterns. The non-continuous bonding patterns may be in the form of non-continuous sine waves, and other suitable non-continuous patterns. The non-continuous patterns must be in configurations, so that if any pattern of the curl seal is cut during manufacture, the non-continuous pattern will provide a tortuous flow to trap any liquid that tries to stick through the curl seal. These patterns can also provide increased manufacturing flexibility since the place where the cutting placement with the final knife falls on the curl is not critical.

The expandable 78 curl seal provides a number of advantages. These include, but are not limited to, the following. Of course, the expandable curl seal 78 forms a liquid impervious barrier which sticks outside the ends 28 of the sanitary napkin 20. It also allows the components of the sanitary napkin to extend, albeit continuous. It was previously believed that a non-continuous bonding pattern had to be used to avoid interference with the ability to extend the components of an extensible absorbent article. The extensible curl seal 78 also helps prevent the undesirable tendency of the end edge portions to bend over the remainder of the main body portion. Without wanting to be limited to any particular theory, this is believed to occur because the extensible curl seal 78 eliminates any difference in extension capacity between the flange 76 and the remainder of the main body portion 22 which would cause curling of the flange 76 when the main body portion is stretched. .

The sanitary napkin 20 shown in Figures 1-4 also comprises a pair of fins 24 which are attached to the main body portion 22. The wings 24 extend laterally outwardly beyond the longitudinal side edges 26 of the portion of main body 22 from its proximal ends 24A to its distal ends (or "free ends") 24B. The fins 24 extend outwardly from at least the central region 36 of the main body portion 22. As shown in Figure 1, each fin 24 is divided into a front half 54, a rear half 56 by a center line The T-fin transverse centerline may coincide with the main transverse centerline T of the sanitary napkin, but is not required at all. The fins 24 join (or associate with) the main body portion 22 on a joint. This is typically a longitudinally oriented (or "longitudinal") joint, such as the lines of the joint 68. As used herein, the terms "joint" (or "joint line") refer to regions wherein the fins 24 extend from or join the main body portion 22.

The fins 24 can be attached to the main body portion 22 in any suitable manner. The term "join", as used herein, encompasses configurations wherein one element is directly secured to another element by fixing the element directly to the other element; configurations wherein the element is indirectly secured to the other element by fixing the element to the intermediate member which in turn is fixed to the other element; and configurations where one element is integral with another element, that is, one element is essentially part of the other element. Preferably, in the embodiment shown in Figures 1-4, the fins 24 are integral with the main body portion 22 (ie, the fins 24 comprise integral extensions of the topsheet 38 and backsheet 40).

The extensions of the upper sheet 38 and backsheet 40 comprising the fins 24 can be joined together in any suitable manner. For example, the extensions of the topsheet 38 and backsheet 40 that form the vanes can be adhesively bonded over their entire interface, or any suitable portion thereof, to form the vanes 24. Preferably, the extensions of the topsheet 38 and backsheet 40 comprising the fins 24 (like those portions forming the flange 76) are bonded over the entire interface with a continuous layer of extensible adhesive such as Fuller 2352 adhesive.

The fins 24 may be in any suitable configuration. Suitable fins are described in re-examined Patent No. B1 4,589,876 entitled "Sanitary Napkin", issued to Van Tilburg, Reexamination Certificate issued on April 27, 1993; U.S. Patent No. 4,687,478 entitled "Shaped Sanitary Napkin with Flaps", which was issued to Van Tilburg on August 8, 1987; U.S. Patent No. 5,389,094 entitled "Absorbent Article Having Flaps and Zones of Differential Extensibility" issued to Lavash et al. On February 14, 1995; and in the international patent application Series No. PCT US 96/1 5957 entitled "Absorbent Article Having Flaps With Step Configuration and Zones of Extensibility", filed on October 3, 1996, in the name of Lash et al.

In a preferred embodiment, the sanitary napkin 20 has several improved features for releasing stresses in the main body portion 22 and in the vanes 24 when the vanes 24 are wrapped around the side edges of the wearer's panties.

An improved feature described above is that the central region 36 of the main body portion 22 is provided with lateral extension capability. This allows the central region 36 to expand to assist the fins 24 to bend around the curved side edges of the wearer's pant. As shown in figure 1, the transverse extension capacity also preferably extends from the central region 36 of the main body portion 22 laterally outwardly beyond the longitudinal side edges 26 of the main body portion 22 in the fins 24. In the embodiment shown , this laterally extensible region preferably ends in a region 70 surrounding the fin adhesive 82. The region surrounding the fin adhesive 70 is preferably stiffer than the remainder of the fin 24 to assist in handling the fins 24 when the consumer uses them.

Another improved feature is that in the embodiment shown, although the side flaps 24 are integral with the main body portion 22, they are provided with extension capability zones 72 that originate at a point located inward of the longitudinal side edge 42A of the core. absorbent 42 of sanitary napkin 20 (ie, in the second and third regions with extension 46 and 48). It is desired to have extension capacity zones 72 located inward of the longitudinal side edges 42A of the absorbent core 42 for various reasons. First, as the inward extension capacity of the longitudinal edges 42A of the absorbent core 42 begins, the overall amount of extension capacity that the fins 24 can have can increase significantly relative to fins that have their full extension capacity located laterally outwardly of the absorbent core 42. Second, the extension capacity can be better coupled in a wider variety of panty sizes and styles when it is located inwardly of the longitudinal edges 42A of the absorbent core. The difficulty in providing extension capacity to the sanitary napkin with integral fins that is located inward of the edges of the absorbent core was that the absorbent core was typically both extensible and very thick to form network regions there. However, in the embodiment shown in the drawings, these difficulties are overcome by using an extensible absorbent core 42 which is surrounded by an upper sheet 38 and rear sheet 40 having the desired extensible regions formed therein, and attaching the upper sheet 38 and back sheet 40 together.

The extensible portions of the topsheet and the backsheet are vertically aligned with the net regions on the topsheet 38 that lie directly over those in the backsheet 40. The extensible portions of the topsheet 38 and backsheet 40 can be joined together. to the absorbent core 42 and extend with the absorbent core.

Alternatively, either or both of the top sheet 38 and back sheet 40 may be loose from the absorbent core 42 in these regions. Preferably, at least the backsheet 40 is loose from the absorbent core 42 in these regions.

Yet another improved feature of the sanitary napkin 20 in the embodiment shown in the drawings is the direction of the primary vector component with extension capacity in the corner regions 86 of the vanes 24 and the adjacent portions of the main body portion 22 (the second and third regions with extension capacity 46 and 48). The corner regions 86 of the fins occur where the outer edges of the fins 24 intersect the longitudinal side edges 26 of the main body portion 22 when the sanitary napkin 20 is shown in plan view. The corner regions 86 include not only these corners, but also surround adjacent regions and regions within the edges of the fins 24. Also, an acute angle formed at the intersection of these edges is not needed nor designate the demarcation lines. A more detailed description of the corner regions for a finned sanitary napkin is found in U.S. Patent No. 5,389,094, issued to Lavash et al. The corner regions 86 of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 are located in the same region as the zones with extension capacity 72.

The direction of the primary vector component with extension capability in the corner regions 86 in various embodiments may be mainly in the transverse direction, primarily in the longitudinal direction, or in a direction between the transverse and longitudinal directions. In the preferred embodiment shown in the drawings, the direction of the primary vector composite with extension capability in the corner regions 86 is preferably in the same direction as that of the adjacent region with extension capability of the main body portion 22. The adjacent region with extension capacity will be the second or third region with extension capacity 46 and 48. Since these two regions with extension capacity are preferably symmetrical, the relative direction of this primary vector component will generally be the same for both corner regions 86 of each flap 24. The term "relative direction" refers to the angle that the primary vector component makes with the longitudinal center line L. The relative direction of the primary vector component with extension capacity of the corner regions 86 is thus at an angle A facing inwardly to the transverse center line T of the sanitary napkin 20.

The inward orientation of the primary vector component with extension capability in the corner regions 86 provides several advantages. The extension capacity is designed to more efficiently release the tensions in the fins 24 when they are folded around the curved side edges of the wearer's panties than a number of previous attempts to solve this problem. In particular, the extension capacity must solve problems that are caused by the forces acting on both the main body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin 20 and the vanes 24 when the vanes 24 are wrapped around the curved side edges of the body. . the crotch region of the user's panties.

A problem as such, in which the orientation of the extension capacity described herein must be resolved, is referred to herein as a "shot" of a wing or fin. This involves the fin adhesive 82 (described in more detail below), which is designed to secure the fins 24 around the panther by attaching the fins 24 to the underside of the wearer's pant leg, or to the opposite fin. Folding the fins 24 around the side edges of the wearer's panty causes tension in the fins. This tension can cause the flap adhesive 82 to lose its bond with the underside of the wearer's pantyhose or with the opposite flap, and be released or "tripped" therefrom. One way to attempt to eliminate the wing shot is to increase the strength of the wing adhesive 82. However, increasing the strength of the wing adhesive 82 can lead to other problems.

Another problem that the orientation of the extension capacity described herein must resolve, results from the fact that the tension created by folding the flaps 24 around the side edges of the wearer's panties can also put tension on the main body portion. 22 of the sanitary napkin 20. This is important in particular with highly flexible sanitary napkins, such as the extendable sanitary napkin described herein. The tension placed on the main body portion 22 by the wrapper of the fins 24 can cause the end regions 32 and 34 of the main body portion 22 to be released from the adhesive attachment to the wearer's pant. This results in the end edges 28 of the main body portion 22 bending or curling up from other portions of the main body portion 22.

Yet another problem observed in highly flexible sanitary napkins that the tension creates when folding the flaps 24, is shown in Figure 6. Figure 6 shows a highly flexible sanitary napkin 20. Although it is understood that the sanitary napkin 20 has fins, it is shown in Figure 6 without fins for simplicity since the effect of the forces on the main body portion 22 is primarily of interest. As shown in Figure 6, the tension created by folding the flaps 24 can pull one or both ends of the main body portion 22 inwardly to the transverse center line and cause portions of the main body portion 22 to bend over. on the other. The panty-secure adhesive on the garment-facing side 20B of the sanitary napkin can cause the folded portions to adhere to the underlying portions of the main body portion 22. This can be referred to herein as "fold in Z "in view of the form adopted by the main body portion.

The direction of the primary vector component with extension capability in the corner regions 86 substantially reduces or eliminates these problems. It has been determined that most of these problems can be attributed to the tensile forces exerted between the end regions of the main body portion 22 and the portions of the fins 24 secured by the wing adhesives 82. The direction of the component The primary vector with extension capacity in the corner regions 86 is preferably in a direction that is generally parallel to the line of tension between these portions of the sanitary napkin. This extension capability reduces the tension between the end regions of the main body portion 22 and the portions of the fins 24 secured by the wing adhesives 82. In addition, the direction with extension capacity of the corner regions 86, like that of the second and third regions with extension capacity, is also oriented inward toward the transverse center line Ti of the fin. Some efforts were directed towards the orientation of the extensible portions of the fins in the same direction as the capacity of extension of the elastics of the wearer's panties. The extension capacity provided to the sanitary napkin described herein is in a direction that crosses that of the elastic of the wearer's panties, and is almost perpendicular thereto. It should be noted that in the preferred embodiment shown in the drawings, the corner regions 86 and the second and third extension regions 46 and 48 are preferably elastically extensible due to the formation of the network regions there. This is achieved without setting conventional elastic strands to the material comprising these portions of the sanitary napkin. In addition, the less extensible webs (first network regions) do not stress these regions of the sanitary napkin in such a manner as to cause the tabs to bend under the absorbent core. The corner regions 86 of the fins of the sanitary napkin 20 shown in the drawings together with the second and third adjacent regions with extension capacity 46 and 48, are preferably capable of having an extension capacity in a direction parallel to the first regions. of network 64 there, in the following quantities at the specified forces: 5% elongation under a force of less than or equal to approximately 75 grams; 1 0% elongation under a force of less than or equal to about 150 grams; 15% elongation under a force of less than or equal to approximately 175 grams; and 25% elongation under a force of less than or equal to about 250 grams. The corner regions 86 of the fins 24 and the second and third adjacent regions 46 and 48, in the embodiment shown, are preferably elastically extensible. The corner regions 86 of the fins 24 and the second and third adjacent regions with extension 46 and 48 shown in the drawings may have a small amount of fixation (up to about 10%) after they have been extended.

Numerous alternative embodiments of the fins 24 shown in the drawings are possible. In (less preferred) embodiments, the corner regions of the vanes 24, instead of having the inwardly oriented extension capacity described herein, may have regions that are fully extensible in the transverse direction, completely in the direction longitudinal, or outward in a direction between the longitudinal and transverse directions. Furthermore, it is also possible in less preferred embodiments to eliminate the less extensible bands comprising the first regions 64 of the network from the corner regions 86 of the fins. The less extensible bands can also be removed from the other portions of the sanitary napkin, including the main body portion 22.

The garment surface 20B of the sanitary napkin 20 may include, and preferably does not include, insurance to secure the sanitary napkin to the wearer's underwear. Figure 1 shows the central pad lock 80 which is adapted to secure the main body portion 22 of the sanitary pad to the crotch region of a panty. Any type of insurance known in the art, such as adhesive insurance and mechanical insurance can be used as the central pad insurance 80. It has been discovered that the insurance comprising adhesives work well for this purpose, preferred pressure sensitive adhesives. The central pad lock 80 can be in any suitable configuration. Preferably, as shown in Figure 4, the central pad lock 80 has a configuration comprising a longitudinally oriented area of adhesive 80A with several "branches" 80B, 80C and 80D extending therefrom. The branches 80B, 80C and 80D are located in the end regions 32 and 34 of the main body portion 22 and preferably extend from the longitudinal centerline L, to the periphery 30 of the main body portion 22. In each region In the extreme, one of the adhesive branches 80B, 80C and 80D extends in each of the three extension regions 44, 46 and 48. Preferably, the adhesive branches 80B, 80C and 80D are oriented in a direction that is usually perpendicular to the primary direction of extension capacity of the respective regions. It has been found that this allows extension capacity in the desired directions at the same time firmly anchoring the sanitary towel 20 in place in the wearer's underwear. The adhesive can be applied to the backsheet 40 in any suitable manner. Preferably, in the embodiment shown, the adhesive comprising the different areas and branches of adhesive is a hot melt extensible adhesive, such as Fuller 2238 adhesive obtained from The HB Fuller Company, which is applied in a spiral pattern to provide a degree with extension capacity. The outer surface of the fins 24, adjacent to the distant edges 24B of the fins, is preferably provided with a fin latch, such as fin adhesive 82. The fin adhesive 82 is used to help keep the fins 24 in place. position after wrapping around the edge of the crotch portion of the pantyhose. Although the fin adhesive 82 may be of any suitable size, it is preferably between about 60% and about 80% of the length of the distal portion 24B of the fins 24. Suitable adhesive insulations are described in greater detail in the Patent. of United States of America No. 4,91 7,697. The fins 24 can be held in position when fixing the fins 24 to the panty, or to the opposite fin. The insurance, central pad 80 and flap lock 82 insurance, used with the present invention is not limited to adhesive fastening means. Any type of insurance used in the art can be used for that purpose. For example, the sanitary napkin 20 can be secured to the user's underwear by mechanical locks, such as VELCRO hook material, or the insurances described in U.S. Patent No. 4,946,527 entitled "Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive Fastener and Method of Making the Same", issued to Battrell on August 7, 1990; or U.S. Patent No. 5,392,498 entitled "Non-Abrasive Skin Friendly Mechanical Fastening System", issued to Goulait et al. on February 28, 1995. However, for simplicity, insurances will be described in terms of attachment means of adhesive.

The adhesive fixing means are respectively covered by removable release protectors, central pad release shield and fin release shield, both designated 84. Pressure sensitive adhesives must be covered with release protectors 84 so that the adhesives do not stick to foreign surfaces before use. Suitable release protectants are described in U.S. Patent No. 4,91,797. In a preferred embodiment, the wings 24 are folded over the top sheet and the wing adhesives 82 are covered by a single release paper. The adhesive fastening means in said fins, instead of being covered with a release guard, may be adhered to a release surface provided in some other portion of the sanitary napkin, including the main body portion, or the fins, or a separate component attached to the main body portion of the fins. For example, the fins 24 can be folded and capped as described in U.S. Patent No. 5,281, 209, issued to Osborn et al. On January 25, 1994. The sanitary napkin 20 can also be provided with a particular preferred release protector that also serves as an individual package for wrapping the sanitary napkin as described in U.S. Patent No. 4,556,146, issued to Swanson et al. The sanitary napkin 20 is used when removing the release protectors 84 and placing the sanitary napkin 20 in a pantyhose. The main body portion 22 is placed in the crotch portion of the panty with one end of the main body portion 22 extending toward the front section of the panty and the other end towards the rear section of the panty. The backsheet 40 is placed in contact with the inner surface of the center of the crotch portion of the panty. The central pad adhesive lock 80 keeps the main body portion 22 in its position. The fins 24 are then folded around the side edges of the panty. The flap adhesives 82 secure the flaps 24 to the underside of the panty or the opposite flap. Other embodiments of the absorbent articles described herein are also possible. For example, Figures 7 and 8 show an embodiment of an absorbent article in the form of a sanitary napkin of compound 720. The sanitary napkin of compound 720 comprises a primary absorbent component (or "core tube") 790 which is attached to the sanitary napkin. side facing the body of a secondary absorbent component (or "base pad") 792. The primary absorbent component 790 should preferably absorb the volume of body fluids that the user discharges. The base pad 792 functions primarily to protect the wearer's garment from soiling by absorbed fluids which may be expelled from the primary absorbent component 790 or inadvertently passing the primary absorbent component 790. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 7 and 8, the primary absorbent component 790 comprises an absorbent structure, such as absorbent core 794, and an outer cover 796 surrounding absorbent core 794. Outer cover 796 may comprise any of the materials described above as suitable for the top sheet of the embodiment shown in figures 1 -4. The absorbent core 794 may comprise any material suitable for absorbing or retaining liquids (e.g., menstruation and / or urine). Examples of suitable absorbent material include wood pulp which is generally referred to as air felt; cellulose; meltblown polymers including coform; chemically hardened, modified or interlaced cellulosic fibers; synthetic fibers such as polyester fibers; swamp moss; tissue including tissue wraps and tissue sheets; absorbent foams; absorbent sponges; superabsorbent polymers; absorbent gel solidification materials; or any equivalent material or combinations of materials, or mixtures thereof. The configuration and construction of the absorbent core can also vary (for example, the absorbent core may have areas of different caliber, (for example, in profile to be thicker in the center), hydrophilic gradients, superabsorbent gradients, or acquisition zones of base weight of lower and lower average density, or may comprise one or more layers or structures). The primary absorbent component 790 may further comprise an optional acquisition layer 798 shown in Figure 9. The acquisition layer 798 may be a separate component placed between the outer cover 796 and the absorbent core, or may be a part. integral of an external cover of mixed body. The acquisition layer 798 may serve several functions including improving the tackiness of exudates on and in the absorbent core 794 and / or containing absorbent material in the absorbent core 794. The base pad 792 of the composite sanitary napkin 720 shown in FIGS. and 8, preferably comprises the sanitary napkin 20 shown in Figures 1-4. The elements of the base pad 792 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 which have been discussed above together with FIGS. 1-4 are designated with the number 700 preceding the same reference numbers used in FIGS. 1-4. The primary absorbent component 790 can, but does not have to, be extensible. As shown in Figure 7, in a preferred embodiment, the outer cover 796 of the primary absorbent component 790 comprises the same material used for the upper sheet 738 of the base pad. Preferably, after wrapping the outer cover 796 around the primary absorbent component 790, the extensibility regions on the outer cover 796 are directly aligned over those of the top sheet 738 in the base pad 792 as shown in Figure 7. Compound sanitary napkins (without the extension capability described herein) are described in U.S. Patent No. 4,425,130, issued to DesMarais on January 1, 1884, and in the statute inventorial register. H 1614 titled "Body Fitting Compound Sanitary Napkin", published on behalf of Mayer and others on November 5, 1 996.

In alternative embodiments, the components, such as the topsheet and the backsheet of the absorbent articles described herein may optionally be replaced with any suitable (extensible) component described in the patents and patent applications incorporated herein by reference. . For example, in a non-limiting example, the backsheet with the network regions described herein may be replaced with a liquid impervious adhesive film, if desired. In addition, the absorbent articles described herein may optionally be provided with any of the features and / or aspects described in the patents and patent applications incorporated herein by reference. For example, other embodiments of the sanitary napkin 20 may be extendable in the different directions specified herein in the amounts described in U.S. Patent No. 5,61 1, 790 under the forces associated with the use of the sanitary towel in a pair of panties. The sanitary napkin of the present invention can also be provided with any of the other characteristics of the sanitary napkins described in United States of America Patent No. 5,61 1, 790 including, a structure that provides a "strength wall" to prevent elongation after a certain amount without substantial increases in the amount of force applied to the sanitary napkin. In these or other embodiments, the absorbent articles described herein may be provided with zones of extension in any other suitable configuration, or stretched in any other suitable direction. The absorbent articles described herein may also be provided with several regions that are stretched more or less than other regions for improved contact with the wearer's body, or for other purposes. Some examples of absorbent articles having such regions are described in the patents and patent applications incorporated herein by reference. For example, sanitary napkins having regions with differential spreading capability are described in U.S. Patent No. 5,61 1, 790, issued to Osborn et al. Sanitary napkins with improved mechanisms for keeping the sanitary napkin in contact with the body of the user are described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 08 / 383,536, filed in the name of Osborn et al., On 2 February 1995 (P &G Case 5151 R) PCT Publication No. WO 95/20931, published August 1, 1995. The absorbent articles described herein may also be provided with regions that are stiffer and more Flexible than other regions for improved contact with the body or other purposes. For example, Figure 4 shows that the sanitary napkin 20 can be provided with optional hardeners 90. The optional hardeners 90 are preferably provided on at least a portion of the perimeter of the absorbent core 42, in particular on the longitudinal side edges 42A of the absorbent core 42. However, preferably, as shown in Figure 4, optional hardeners 90 are not present on the longitudinal centerline L of sanitary napkin 20. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, optional hardeners 90 they comprise a 60% polyester / 40% rayon material available from fabric stores known as PELLÓN® Craft-Bond material sold by Freudenbert Nonwovens. The PELLON hardener material preferably has a gauge of 0.35 mm, a flexural strength of approximately 33 grams, and a Taber hardness of approximately 0.85 g / cm. The PELON hardening material can be placed between any of the layers of the sanitary napkin 20. The PELON hardening material is preferably placed below the absorbent core 42 and attached to the underside of the absorbent core by adhesives., such as Fuller 2031 adhesive. The optional hardeners 90 shown in Figure 4 provide the longitudinal side sides of the absorbent core and the end regions 32 and 34 of the sanitary napkin 20 with an additional degree of hardness to reduce undesirable bulge formation and reduce or eliminate the problem of "curl" of extreme edge discussed above. The optional hardeners 90 will also provide the area of the sanitary napkin lying on the longitudinal centerline thereof with increased "enhancement" for improved contact with the wearer's body. Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, it is believed that the enhanced enhancement can be attributed to the fact that the presence of the hardeners 90, all of the enhancement is concentrated in the region on the longitudinal centerline between the inner edges of the hardeners. The stiffer areas on the outer perimeter or sides of the sanitary napkin can also help to secure the sanitary napkin to the wearer's pant. However, it is recognized that if a non-extensible material such as PELON was used for stiffness, the extension capacity of the stiff regions of the sanitary napkin 20 would be reduced or eliminated. However, this embodiment of the sanitary napkin 20 can still work effectively in particular when a cavity is left between the hardeners 90 on the longitudinal centerline L. Said shape is still capable of extension over the longitudinal centerline, and in the diagonal direction as specified before. This embodiment also allows the first region with extension capacity 44 in the end regions 32 and 34 to extend transversely. If it is not desired to affect the extension capacity of the sanitary napkin, a hardener material having a degree with extension capacity can be chosen. In addition, in alternative embodiments, instead of providing fins, the absorbent article may be provided with components that cover the pantyhose or ("side wrapping elements") that preferably have a smaller turn than fins of conventional size and that do not. They have to be handled by the user when they are placed in the wearer's underwear. Absorbent articles with side wrapping elements are described in U.S. Patent No. 5,584,829, entitled "Absorbent Articles Having Panty Covering Components That Naturally Wrap the Sides of Panties", issued to Lavash et al. On December 7, 1996.; U.S. Patent No. Ser. No. 08/124, 1 80 entitled "Absorbent Articles Having Panty Covering Components Comprising Extensible Web Materials Which Exhibit Elastic-Like Behavior", filed on September 17, 1993, in the name of of Mansfield et al. (PCT Publication No. WO 95/07675, published March 23, 1995); and U.S. Patent No. 5,558,663 entitled "Absorbent Articles Having Undercover Covering Components With Zones of Extensibility", issued to Weinberger et al. on September 24, 1996. Descriptions of all patents, patent applications (and any patent that has been issued on the same, as well as any corresponding published foreign patent application), and publications mentioned in this patent application are hereby incorporated by reference. However, it is not expressly admitted that any of the documents incorporated herein by reference teach or describe the present invention. Also, it is not expressly admitted that any of the commercially available materials or products described herein teach or describe the present invention.

Also, it should be understood that all limits and scales specified herein include all scales, limits and narrower quantities that are within specified limits and scales and that such narrower limits and scales may be claimed even when those limits and Scales are not listed separately.

TEST METHODS Unless otherwise indicated, all of the following tests are performed on samples that have been conditioned by leaving them in a room at 50% relative humidity and at 23 aC for a period of two hours before the test. The tests must be carried out under similar conditions.

Absorbent Material Capacity An absorbent capacity of the absorbent material can be determined in the following manner. A rectangular sample measuring 6.4 cm by 7.6 cm of absorbent material is obtained. The sample is weighed to the nearest 0.1 gram. The sample is then completely immersed in distilled water by sinking it in a tray with distilled water, so that the sample does not bend, roll or stick. The sample is immersed for 20 minutes. The sample is removed from the distilled water and suspended for two minutes in order to drain the water from the sample. The sample is then weighed to the nearest 0.1 gram and the dry weight of the sample is subtracted. Then, the absorbent capacity can be expressed as a ratio of the absorbent capacity to the dry weight of the sample in grams / gram.

Extension Capacity Tests The following tensile strength tests of the absorbent material or sanitary napkin (or other absorbent article) use a constant speed of the elongation strain testing apparatus such as an instrument testing the Instron Model No. 122 stress, or a Tensile EME. Tester, Model No. 559A obtained from EME, Inc., PO Box 187, Newbury, OH 44065. The test instrument is preferably provided with a computer that provides an LCD reading of the distance at which the ends of the fasteners are separated from a reference base position and the forces in the sample when the fastener separates several distances from the base position. The samples are handled with care to avoid stretching them before performing the tests. If tests are performed on absorbent articles, the tests should be repeated with samples taken from five separate products of the same type. If any of the samples falls within the scale or limit claimed, the product will be considered as within the scope of the appended claims.

A. Absorbent Material Extension Capacity - 2.53 cm Strip Tests Samples to Measure Extension Capacity Samples are preferably taken from a web of absorbent material before being incorporated into the absorbent article. If this is not possible, samples of absorbent material can be obtained by carefully removing the absorbent material from the absorbent article. This can be done by stripping other portions of the absorbent article with care so as not to damage the absorbent material or to do something that would affect the capacity of the absorbent article. Samples are obtained by cutting a 2.54 cm wide strip of absorbent material using a JDC Precision Sample Cutter, Model No. 1 -12 available from Thwing-Albert, Philadelphia, PA. The term "absorbent material", as used herein, refers to the material that is generally used as the primary absorbent component of the product, such as the absorbent core of the product. It also includes absorbent materials that serve as a storage function. The strip used as the sample to measure the extension capacity should be taken from a portion of the absorbent article that is centered over the longitudinal centerline of the absorbent article. The length of the strip must run the entire length of the portion of the absorbent article from which the sample is taken.

If the sample can be taken from a cloth of absorbent material before placing the absorbent material in the absorbent article, a strip of fabric of 2.54 x 10.1 6 cm must be cut, so that its extension capacity runs in the same direction as it will be oriented in the assembled absorbent article. A sample to measure the longitudinal extension capacity must be cut from a first sample of the absorbent article. The sample for measuring transverse extension capacity must be cut from a second sample of the same type absorbent material (ie, an identical material or product). Also, the sample for measuring diagonal extension capacity must be cut from a third sample of the absorbent material or absorbent article of the same type as the first (ie, an identical material or product). The strip used as the sample to measure transverse extension capacity is a 2.54 cm wide strip that is cut from the absorbent material that runs (or will be placed in the absorbent article assembled so that it runs) parallel to the transverse center line of the absorber. absorbent article. The strip used to measure the transverse extension capacity can be cut through any 2.54 cm wide section of the absorbent material running parallel to the transverse center line. The sample does not need to run on the transverse center line. The strip used as the sample to measure the diagonal extension capacity is cut through a 2.54 cm wide section of the absorbent material that runs (or will be positioned to run) at a 45 degree angle to the longitudinal centerline of the absorbent article.

Procedure Place the unrestricted sample on a table. Measure the length of the sample (the dimension of the sample running perpendicular to the 2.54 cm wide dimension) to the nearest 0.25 cm. Hold each end of the sample on the apparatus to test the tension when using 2.54 cm wide fasteners. The clamps of the tension tester are adjusted, so that they will pull each other in opposite directions (ie, they will pull at an angle of 1 80 degrees). The sample should be centered on the fasteners and the clamping pressure should be sufficient to prevent any slippage of the sample in the fasteners (this applies to all extension capacity test methods). The sample should be clamped so that the end edge (ie, the free edge) of the fasteners is approximately 1.27cm in from the end edges of the absorbent material. Set the gauge length of the tension tester to the length of the absorbent material (as measured before) minus the amount of absorbent material held in each of the fasteners (typically 2.54 cm). It has been found that a gauge length of 5 cm is suitable. Start the elongation with a cross-head velocity of 51 cm / minute. When the sample reaches the gauge length, change the load cell of the test set to zero. Set the trigger point to start collecting data at the strength of 5 grams. The measures of strength and extension capacity are taken at the desired moments, and the test is completed. Force, for the purpose of the appended claims, is the actual force that is read on the test apparatus when the above procedure is followed. The results are expressed in grams / cm. If the 2.54 cm strips of absorbent material are extensible in the amounts and under the specific forces in the claims in the following three directions: the longitudinal direction, over any cross section in the transverse direction, and in the diagonal direction of 45 degrees, The absorbent material will be considered as extensible in only one direction.

B. Method for Measuring Absorbent Article Extension Capacity or Various Portions thereof This test is used to measure the extension capacity of the absorbent article, or several regions thereof. The type of test used for this purpose is known as a "grab test." It involves holding portions of the absorbent article in the fasteners of the tension tester and exerting a tension force on the entire absorbent article, or the desired regions thereof. The sample used for this test is all absorbent article. Separate samples of the absorbent article of the same type (ie, identical products) should be used to measure the different directions of extension capacity of the absorbent article, or the extension capacity of the different regions thereof. The absorbent article can be tested for: the longitudinal extension capacity of the absorbent article; the extension capacity in the transverse direction of the absorbent article (on the transverse centerline, and in the end regions of the absorbent article); the diagonal extension capacity of the absorbent article; the extension capacity in the corner regions of the fins and those regions with extension capacity of the main body portion adjacent to the fins; and the extension capacity of the curl seal. In this test, fasteners of 2.54 wide are used in the test machine. If the absorbent article has regions with different directions of extension capacity, and it is desired to measure the extension capacity of the different regions, then care must be taken when placing the fasteners within the desired region. If this is not possible, fasteners should be placed as close to the desired region as possible. In the test of the longitudinal extension capacity of the absorbent article, the fasteners should be centered on the longitudinal centerline of the absorbent article. In the test of the transverse extension capacity of the central region of the absorbent article, the fasteners should be centered on the transverse center line. In the transverse extension capacity test of the end regions of the absorbent article, the fasteners should be placed in the end regions so that the elongation will be parallel to the transverse center line. In the test of the diagonal extension capacity of the absorbent article, the fasteners are placed in opposite corners of the main body portion of the absorbent article, so that the primary vector component of the elongation forces will pass through the intersection of the longitudinal and transversal center lines of the absorbent article.

In the test of the extension capacity between the corner regions of the fins and adjacent regions with extension capacity of the main body portion of the absorbent article, the fasteners should be aligned with the applicable angle, A. A fastener is placed in the fin and the other fastener is placed in the region with the capacity to extend the main body portion. In the test of extension capacity of the curl seal, the fasteners are placed centered on the curl seal, so that the elongation will be applied in the direction with extension capacity of the region containing the curl seal. The absorbent article must be fastened, so that the outer edge (i.e., the free end) of the fasteners is approximately 2.54 cm inwards from the end edges of the absorbent material in the different regions. However, if there is no corner region of the fins, or if the fasteners are in the region of the curl seal), clamping is not required within the edges of the absorbent material. Set the gauge length of the tension tester to the length of the absorbent material minus the amount of absorbent material attached to each of the fasteners. Start the elongation with a cross-head velocity of 51 cm / minute. When the sample reaches the gauge length, change the load cell of the test set to zero. The measures of strength and extension capacity are taken at the desired moments, and the test is completed. The results are expressed in grams. Although particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (10)

1. - An absorbent core extendable in a single direction for a disposable absorbent article, said absorbent core characterized in that it is capable of at least 25% elongation in all directions under forces of less than or equal to 80 grams / cm, and Preferably it has an absorbent capacity of more than or equal to 5 grams of water per gram of said absorbent core.

2. An absorbent core extendable in a single direction according to claim 1, wherein it comprises a woven material.

3. An absorbent core extensible in multiple directions for a disposable absorbent article, said absorbent core comprising at least one non-woven fabric extensible in multiple directions comprised of a mixture of polymeric fibers and superabsorbent fibrous material forming hydrogel, and is preference of at least 25% extendable under forces of less than or equal to 80 grams / cm.

4. The absorbent core extensible in multiple directions according to claim 3, which has been consolidated laterally in a first direction and treated with compression longitudinally in a second direction that is perpendicular to said first direction.

5. An absorbent core extensible in multiple directions for use in a panty, said absorbent core extensible in multiple directions has a longitudinal centerline, a transverse center line, a pair of longitudinal side edges, said absorbent article characterized in that it comprises: a sheet permeable to liquid extensible in multiple directions; a backsheet impermeable to liquid extendable in multiple directions joined at least partially at the periphery to said top sheet; and an absorbent core extendable in a single direction positioned between said top sheet and said back sheet.

6. The extendable absorbent article according to claim 5, wherein said topsheet, backsheet, and absorbent core comprise a main body portion comprising at least two regions that are extensible in different directions, wherein less a region is capable of 25% elongation under forces of less than or equal to 500 grams.

7. The absorbent article extensible in multiple directions according to claim 5, which is capable of extension in multiple directions greater than 5% and less than or equal to 25% under forces of more than or equal to 50 grams and less that or equal to 2000 grams.

8. The absorbent article extensible in multiple directions according to claim 5, wherein said absorbent core extensible in a single direction comprises a sheet comprising woven layers of nylon, polyester and acrylic materials.

9. The absorbent article extensible in multiple directions according to claim 5, having a longitudinal extension capacity under a first force measured on said longitudinal center line and a diagonal extension capacity under a second force measured on a line forming an angle of less than or equal to 45 ° with said longitudinal centerline, wherein said first force required to extend said longitudinally absorbent article is greater than said second force required to extend said absorbent article diagonally.

10. The absorbent article extensible in multiple directions according to claim 5, having a first end region, a second end region, and a central region between said first and second end regions, said absorbent article wherein said central region of said absorbent article is extensible primarily in the transverse direction and said first and second end regions comprise three regions with extension capacity, said three regions with extension capacity comprising: (a) a first region with extension capacity disposed on at least one portion of said longitudinal central line adjacent one of said end edges, said first region with extension capacity being extensible primarily in the transverse direction; (b) a second region with extension capacity disposed laterally outwardly of at least part of said first region with extension capacity on one side of said first region with extension capacity, said second region extending towards one of said lateral edges longitudinals of said absorbent article, and being extensible in a direction lying between said longitudinal and transverse directions; and (c) a third region with extension capacity disposed laterally outwardly of at least part of said first region with extension capacity on the other side of said first region with extension capacity, said second region extending to one of said longitudinal side edges of said absorbent article, and being extensible in a direction lying between said longitudinal and transverse directions, wherein said first region with extension capacity is preferably a region generally in the shape of a pay that is centered around the longitudinal central line and has a tip that lies on said longitudinal central line, and said second and third regions with extension capacity preferably are almost in the shape of right triangles, and are arranged symmetrically on either side of said first region with capacity of extension.