KR20010042393A - An Absorbent Article - Google Patents

Abstract

An absorbent article is disclosed that is designed to be secured to an underwear that includes a crotch portion with a pair of side edges. The absorbent article includes an absorbent surrounded by the cover and the baffle to make a liquid permeable cover, a liquid impermeable baffle, and a pad. The pad has first and second raised longitudinally extending sides, each of the raised sides having an outer surface in the vertical direction and having a garment facing surface. The absorbent article includes a pair of flaps extending and overlapping each other in cooperation with the crotch portion of the undergarment. Each flap has a proximal edge and a distal edge and the proximal edge is attached to the vertical outer surface and the distal edge extends downward inward around the crotch portion of the underwear. The flap pairs are held together by attachment. The absorbent article further comprises first and second channels formed on the garment facing surface of the pad. The first and second channels are sized and shaped to fit the side edges of the underwear.

Description

Absorbent Article

Absorbent products, such as sanitary napkins, menstrual pads, women's pads, panty liners, incontinence garments, and the like, are designed to absorb body fluids released by humans. Typical body fluids include urine, menstrual fluid, menstruation and sweat. Such absorbent products are generally classified as external devices that are fixed in a position opposite to the body by a garment attachment adhesive designed to be secured to the inner crotch portion of the underwear. Another method of attachment is a mechanical fastener designed to secure the absorbent article to other parts of the underwear or garment, for example a belt or girdle. Another method of attachment involves the use of one or more flaps or wings that surround and secure the crotch portion of the underwear. These products differ from tampons, which are classified as content devices and designed to be physically inserted into the vagina of women. Functionally, sanitary napkins, menstrual pads, and feminine pads are designed to absorb more fluid and are intended to be used for longer periods of time than small external products such as panty liners and panty shields.

These absorbent products must be kept close to the crotch of the human body to function well. The closer the absorbent product is to the human body, the better it can absorb the released body fluids without leakage. Therefore, it is desirable to manufacture an absorbent product having a structure that can be firmly fixed to the crotch portion of the human body and that moves with the body as the body and thigh move.

Summary of the Invention

In short, one form of the present invention relates to an absorbent product designed to be secured to an undergarment. Underwear includes a crotch portion having a pair of side edges. The absorbent article includes a liquid permeable cover, a liquid impermeable baffle, and an absorbent surrounded by the cover and the baffle to form a pad. The pad has first and second raised, longitudinally extending sides with the outer surface aligned vertically. This pad also has a garment facing side. The absorbent product also includes a pair of flaps that cooperate with one another and around the crotch portion of the underwear. Each flap has a proximal edge and a distal edge. The proximal edge is attached to one of the vertically aligned outer surfaces and each distal edge extends downward and inward to the crotch portion of the underwear. Flap pairs are attached and secured together. The absorbent article further includes first and second channels formed on the garment facing surface of the pad. The size and shape of the first and second channels are matched to the side edges of the underwear.

One object of the present invention is at least two grooves formed in the lower surface of the absorbent article, sized and shaped to receive the edges of the underwear and a pair of flaps extending downward and inward to prevent the underwear from being soiled. To provide absorbent products such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, incontinence garments and the like having grooves or channels.

A more specific object of the present invention is to provide an absorbent article having a pair of raised, longitudinally extending sides that are sized to fit into the inguinal part of the wearer and prevent side leakage.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an absorbent product which can be easily manufactured and has a relatively low cost.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an absorbent product that can functionally minimize leakage of body fluids.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an absorbent article with multiple grooves or channels formed in the lower surface, providing another way of engaging the side edges of the underwear.

Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an absorbent product comprising a structure which can be reliably held against the crotch portion of the human body in cooperation with adjacent underwear.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description and drawings.

The present invention relates to absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, incontinence garments and the like.

Figure 1 shows an absorbent product which is an approximate side of the torso of the human body cut vertically from the center and held adjacent to the crotch portion by the underwear.

2 shows a perspective view of a sanitary napkin having first and second channels, the size and shape of which are adapted to receive the side edges of the underwear.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the sanitary napkin shown in FIG. 2 along line 3-3, clearly showing that the channel is in an inverted U-shape.

4 is a cross-sectional view of an absorbent layer having a pair of channels, each having a V-shape that includes an inner wall with narrowed ends.

5 is a cross-sectional view of an absorbent layer with a pair of channels, each channel having a semicircular shape.

6 is a cross-sectional view of a thin absorbent layer, each channel having a semicircular shape and having a pair of channels having a depth extending into the absorbent layer.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a thin absorbent layer in which each channel has an inverted V-shaped shape and has a pair of channels spaced outwardly from the longitudinal center line.

8 is a cross-sectional view of an absorbent layer that outlines the human body, having a V-shaped channel shape with a narrowing inner wall.

9 is a schematic illustration of the crotch portion of the human body secured to the vulva by the side edges of the underwear in which the sanitary napkin engages the channel formed in the sanitary napkin.

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of the crotch portion of the human body fixed to the vulva by the side edges of the underwear in which a wider sanitary napkin is engaged with the channel formed in the sanitary napkin.

11 shows the bottom side of an absorbent article having a pair of grooves or channels extending longitudinally.

FIG. 12 shows the bottom side of an absorbent article having a pair of longitudinally extending grooves or channels which are narrowed laterally in the longitudinal direction and formed parallel thereto.

13 shows the bottom side of an hourglass shaped absorbent article having a pair of grooves or channels formed in the shape of a bow.

14 shows the bottom side of an absorbent article having a pair of straight grooves or channels formed over the entire length of the absorbent article.

FIG. 15 shows the bottom side of an absorbent article having a narrowing longitudinal side and a pair of straight grooves or channels formed over the entire length of the absorbent article.

FIG. 16 shows the bottom side of an absorbent article in the form of an hourglass with a pair of grooves or channels running a considerable distance along the entire length of the absorbent article.

FIG. 17 shows the bottom side of an absorbent article having a pair of non-linear grooves or channels formed over the entire length of the absorbent article.

FIG. 18 shows the bottom side of an absorbent article having a pair of non-linear grooves or channels formed over the entire length of the absorbent article and having a narrowing longitudinal side.

19 shows the bottom side of an absorbent article in the form of an hourglass with a pair of straight grooves or channels running along substantially the entire length of the absorbent article.

20 shows the bottom side of an absorbent article having several nonlinear grooves or channels formed therein.

21 shows the bottom side of an absorbent article having several straight grooves or channels formed therein.

22 shows the bottom side of an absorbent article having several nonlinear grooves or channels formed therein.

FIG. 23 is a schematic view of an absorbent article having a pair of protruding, longitudinally extending sides and a pair of flaps suspended from the protruding side and protruding downwardly and inwardly.

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along the 24-24 line of the absorbent article shown in FIG. 23.

25 is a cross-sectional view of the human torso with the absorbent article shown in FIG. 24 secured to the body by the underwear and having a pair of flaps surrounding the crotch portion of the underwear.

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an absorbent article in which the channel or groove is farther away from the central vertical axis z-z and the edge of the article hangs downwards.

27 is a view from above of an absorbent article in the form of an hourglass, with a pair of longitudinally extending projections running along the entire length of the absorbent article.

FIG. 28 is a top view of an absorbent article having an approximately oval shape, with a pair of longitudinally extending protruding sides being bowed.

29 is a cross sectional view of an absorbent article having a pair of flaps fixed to the surface of each of the first and second channels and not overlapping each other.

30 is a cross-sectional view of an absorbent article having a pair of flaps fixed to the surface of each of the first and second channels and designed to overlap one another.

31 is a cross sectional view of an absorbent article having a pair of flaps fixed to the bottom surface of the absorbent article and not overlapping each other.

In FIG. 1, the absorbent article 10 is located adjacent to the crotch portion of the human body 12. The absorbent article 10 may be a sanitary napkin, menstrual pad, feminine pad, panty liner, panty shield, incontinence garment or other type of absorbent product. For the sake of discussion, the absorbent product 10 will be referred to as a sanitary napkin. The sanitary napkin 10 is designed for use by women to absorb the released body fluids, in particular the menstrual fluid and urine. In FIG. 1, a side view of a human body 12 is shown that includes a torso 14 having a waist 16 and a crotch portion 18 located at the bottom of the torso. The pair of legs 20 rests downward from the crotch portion 18 and represents one of them. The absorbent article 10 is held close to the female vulva area by the underwear 22. Underwear 22 is a typical undergarment with a waist and two leg openings and a crotch portion located between the leg openings. The crotch portion has edges or seams 24 opposite the crotch portion. The edge or seam 24 extends around each leg opening. When pulling the underwear 22 around the torso 14 and fitting it to the waist 16, a portion of the edge or seam 24 contacts the inguinal part of the wearer. The force acting on the edge or seam 24 of the underwear 22 in the crotch portion 18 causes an upward force to contact and secure the edge or seam 24 to the wearer's body.

In FIG. 2, the sanitary napkin 10 includes a first groove or channel 26 and a second groove or channel 28 formed on the lower surface of the sanitary napkin. The two edges 24 of the leg openings of the underwear 22 are designed to enter or engage with each of the first and second channels 26 and 28, respectively. The sanitary napkin 10 also has a first end 30 adjacent the front portion of the sanitary napkin 10 and an opposite or posterior end 32 adjacent the rear portion of the sanitary napkin 10. The first and second ends 30 and 32 are equidistant from the center point 34 of the sanitary napkin 10, respectively. The center point 34 is located at the intersection of the longitudinal center axis x--x and the vertical center axis z--z. The grooves or channels 26 and 28 may deviate relative to the center point if desired.

In use, the sanitary napkin 10 will be located in the center along a vertical central axis z ₁ --z _one of the body and perpendicular to the central axis of the body or, depending on the wearer's preference --z z _{1 1} As shown in Figure 1 It can be placed either forward or backward. Although the shape of the sanitary napkin 10 is depicted to be the same symmetry from the center point 34 with respect to the first and second ends, 30 and 32, respectively, the shape of the sanitary napkin 10 varies from one end to the other. It is also possible to make.

In FIG. 3, the sanitary napkin 10 is shown in more detail. The sanitary napkin 10 includes a liquid permeable cover 36 and a liquid impermeable baffle 38 that together surround the absorbent 40. The cover 36 may be made of natural or synthetic material and should be easily penetrated by body fluids such as menstrual fluid, blood, urine and the like. Suitable materials for the lid 36 include soft materials such as olefin spunbonds manufactured and sold by Kimberly-Clark Corporation. The lid 36 may also be made of bonded carted webs, polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon or other similar fibers. Other polyolefins may also be used, such as linear low density polypropylene, linear low density polyethylene, finely perforated film webs and net materials. If a thermoplastic film is used, it is necessary to perforate or slit to allow the liquid to permeate.

The liquid-impermeable baffle 38 is designed to prevent liquid from leaking out of the sanitary napkin 10. However, the baffle 38 can be made to allow passage of air and steam while preventing the passage of fluid or liquid from the sanitary napkin. The baffle 38 may also be an air permeable porous film that permeates gas while preventing liquid permeation. The baffle 38 may be a foam, for example a polyolefin foam or a polyurethane foam. Polyolefin foams can be made of polyethylene or polypropylene. The baffle 38 may also be made of a liquid permeable foam that has been treated or coated to be liquid-impermeable. The baffle 38 is preferably a very thin thermoplastic film less than about 2 mm thick and more preferably less than 1 mm. Two thermoplastic films that work well are polyethylene and polypropylene. The film can be colored or made in a special color, for example rose or peach color, to make the sanitary napkin 10 more attractive.

It can also be seen in FIG. 3 that the lid 36 and baffle 38 are joined or sealed together to form a peripheral seal 42. This peripheral seal 42 extends completely around the absorbent 40 and surrounds the absorbent 40. If desired, it is possible to create a wrapped pad in which the baffle 38 is adjacent to the lower surface of the absorbent 40 and the cover 36 completely surrounds both the absorbent 40 and the baffle 38. have. The lid 36 is coupled or secured to itself along the lower surface of the sanitary napkin 10. Numerous methods for combining cover, absorbents and baffles are known to those skilled in the art, and various alternatives may be employed in the present invention.

The absorbent 40 is located between the lid 36 and the baffle 38. The absorbent 40 has a first side 44 extending in the first longitudinal direction and a second side 46 extending in the longitudinal direction. The absorbent 40 also has a first end 48 and a second end 50, shown in dashed lines in FIG. 2. The absorbent 40 also has a body facing surface 52 and a garment facing surface 54. The body facing surface 52 faces toward the wearer's body of the sanitary napkin 10 and may be in contact with the body, but is not necessarily in contact with the body. The body facing surface 52 of the absorbent 40 is usually covered with a lid 36. The garment facing surface 54 of the absorbent 40 faces the underwear 22 but is not necessarily in contact with the underwear 22. The garment facing surface 54 need not necessarily be, but is usually covered with a baffle 36.

To discuss, the absorbent 40 will be described as a single absorbent layer. However, the absorbent 40 may be a combination of one or more layers made of one or more absorbent layers or interspersed with superabsorbents. Absorbent 40 can be made from natural or synthetic fibers or blends thereof. Natural fibers include cellulose fibers such as wood pulp, cotton or recycled cellulose. Synthetic fibers include polyesters or polyolefins, of which polyethylene and polypropylene are preferred. The absorbent 40 can also be made of coform, which is a blend of wood pulp and synthetic meltblown fibers. When synthetic fibers are used, the fibers may be treated with a surfactant to increase the wettability.

Absorbent 40 may also include a hydrocolloidal material, generally referred to as superabsorbent. Superabsorbents are generally added to the absorbent to increase the amount of liquid the absorbent can contain and also increase the liquid retention capacity. Superabsorbents can be added as discrete particles or made into a laminated structure in which a superabsorbent material is included in a transport sheet.

Referring also to FIG. 3, first and second grooves or channels, 26 and 28, respectively, are formed on the lower surface of absorbent 40 and baffle 38 includes first and second channels, 26. And (28) along the outer periphery. This shape causes the first and second channels, 26 and 28, respectively, to be visible in the final product. Each of the first and second channels, 26 and 28, may be made on the lower surface of the sanitary napkin 10 and the baffles 38 may be stretched or bridged across the channels 26 and 28. have. In this way, the baffle 38 does not follow the perimeter of the channels 26 and 28. Engagement of the edges or seals 24 of the underwear 22 causes the baffle 38 to be stretched and forcibly pushed into the first and second channels, 26 and 28, respectively. The baffle 38 is preferably formed to enter into the first and second channels, 26 and 28, respectively, wherein the first and second channels, 26 and 28, respectively, are sanitary napkins 10. When this is used, it is visible to the end consumer. Especially in sanitary napkins, it is common to wrap each sanitary napkin in its own wrapper to keep it clean and sanitary. The wrapper may be made of thermoplastic material such as polyethylene or polypropylene.

4-8, various embodiments are depicted depicting different shapes, sizes, and shapes for the first and second channels, 26 and 28, respectively. For the sake of simplicity, only the absorbing layer 40 having the first and second channels, 26 and 28 formed on the garment facing surface 54 is shown. For the sake of discussion, through FIGS. 4 to 8, the longitudinally extending sides 44 and 46 of the absorbent 40, respectively, and the same for the body facing and garment facing surfaces, 52 and 54 respectively. Reference numerals will be used. The only difference is the reference numerals representing the channels.

In FIG. 4, the absorbent 40 includes a first groove or channel 26 ′ and a second groove or channel 28 ′. Each of the first and second channels 26 ′ and 28 ′ includes a vertical side wall 56, a horizontal base 58 and a narrowed side wall 60. The narrowing sidewall 60 extends from the horizontal base 58 to the garment facing surface 54. The narrowing sidewall 60 is aligned closest to the longitudinal central axis x--x and the vertical sidewall 56 is adjacent to and adjacent to each of the first and second longitudinal sides 44 and 46, respectively. Is located outside. The two channels (26 ') and (28') are located apart from each other and opposite the longitudinal center axis x--x. Each of the first and second channels 26 'and 28' may be straight or non-linear. Preferably, the first and second channels 26 'and 28' are mirror images of each other if each of them is parallel to each other or non-linear with respect to the longitudinal central axis x--x. The depth d of each of the first and second channels 26 'and 28' may vary but is preferably at least about 0.1 inches (about 2.5 mm), and about 0.1 to 0.5 inches (about 2.5 to 13 mm) Is most preferred. Since the thickness t of the absorbent 40 can vary along the longitudinal central axis x--x, other mentions the depth d of each of the first and second channels 26 'and 28'. As a scheme, the depths of the channels 26 'and 28' can be said to be between about 10 and 90% of the thickness t of the absorbent layer 40. It is preferred that the depth d is between about 10 to 75% of the thickness t of the absorbent 40. More preferably, the depths d of the channels 26 'and 28' are between about 20-50% of the thickness t of the absorber layer 40. Most preferably, the depth d of the channels 26 'and 28' is between about 25-50% of the thickness t of the absorbent layer 40.

If the absorbent 40 consists of one or more layers, the depth d of each of the first and second channels 26 'and 28' is the fraction (%) of the thickness t of the absorbent 40 at a particular location. You should know In addition, the first and second channels 26 'and 28', when the absorbent 40 is humped along the longitudinal central axis x--x or in a contoured shape in some way, It should be noted that the portion of absorbent 40 having each has a thickness t that is reduced than the maximum thickness of absorbent 40.

5, first and second channels of different shapes are shown. The absorber layer 40 includes a first groove or channel 26 "and a second groove or channel 28". Each of the first and second channels 26 "and 28" is in the form of an inverted semicircle with a radius "r" of at least about 0.01 inches (about 0.25 mm), with a radius "r" of about 0.01 to about 0.25 inches ( About 0.25 to 6.4 mm). Each of the first and second channels 26 "and 28" may be straight or nonlinear. The first and second channels 26 ″ and 28 ″ may extend along a portion of the length of the absorbent 40 or may extend along the entire length of the absorbent 40.

In Figure 6, another shape of the first and second channels is depicted. Thin absorbent 40 has first and second grooves or channels 26 "and 28" formed therein, respectively. Each of the first and second channels 26 "and 28" is in an inverted U-shape that extends further into the absorbent 40 than shown in FIG. For example, the depth d of each of the first and second channels 26 ″ and 28 ″ may be about 50-95% of the thickness t of the absorbent 40. The depth d of each of the first and second channels 26 "and 28" is preferably about 70 to 95% of the thickness t of the absorbent 40, and the first and second channels 26 Most preferably, the depth d of each of ") and (28") is about 75 to 90% of the thickness t of the absorbent 40. Each of the first and second channels 26 "and 28" may be straight or nonlinear. Each of the first and second channels 26 ″ and 28 ″ may extend along a portion of the length of the absorbent 40 or may extend along the entire length of the absorbent 40. The length of each of the first and second channels 26 ″ and 28 ″ may reach a distance of about 25-100% of the length of the absorbent 40. The length of each of the first and second channels 26 "and 28" preferably ranges from about 25 to 75% of the length of the absorbent 40, and from about 30 to 70 of the length of the absorbent 40. It is most desirable to reach a distance of%. It should be noted that when the sanitary napkin 10 has a peripheral seal 42, the overall length of the sanitary napkin 10 is greater than the total length of the absorbent 40.

In Fig. 7, a thin absorbent 40 is shown which is much larger in overall area. The first groove or channel 27 and the second groove or channel 29 are formed on the garment facing surface of the absorbent 40 and both have an inverted V-shape. The V-shaped depth extends into the absorbent 40 to be about 10 to 90% of the total thickness t of the absorbent 40. Preferably, the V-notch extends inward of the absorbent 40 to be about 20 to 75% of the total thickness t of the absorbent 40, and about the thickness t of the absorbent 40. Most preferably, it is 25 to 50%. Each of the first and second channels 27 and 29 correspond functionally to channels 26 and 28, 26 'and 28' and and 26 " and " 28 ". If each of the first and second channels 27 and 29 are straight, they are at least about 0.25 inches (about 6.4 mm) inward from each of the first and second longitudinally extending sides 44 and 46. It can be located as. Each of the first and second channels 27 and 29 is preferably positioned at least about 0.5 inches (about 13 mm) inward from each of the first and second longitudinally extending sides 44 and 46. Do. If the channels 26 and 28 are non-linear, the ends of each channel may extend to each of the first and second longitudinally extending sides 44 and 46.

6 and 7, the channels 27 and 29 are farther away from the longitudinal central axis x-x than in the case of FIG. 6 in the case of FIG. 7. This size difference may be advantageous in accepting different crotch portions of a woman where the distance between the groin is dependent on their body structure. Also for consumers wearing certain types of underwear, those absorbent products that wear such absorbent products are designed such that the side edges 24 of the underwear 22 fit comfortably in the first and second channels, 27 and 29 respectively. Would be advantageous.

In FIG. 8, the absorbent 40 is thicker along the longitudinal center axis x--x and has a thinner contour surface adjacent to the first and second longitudinally extending sides, 44, and 46, respectively. ) Is shown. In this embodiment, the first and second channels 27 'and 29' each have a shape similar to the first and second channels 26 'and 28' shown in FIG. However, the first and second channels 27 'and 29' are each located in the thinner outer region of the absorbent 40. Also in FIG. 8, the first and second channels, 27 'and 29', respectively, are longitudinally central axes x than the first and second channels, 26 'and 28', respectively, shown in FIG. You can see that it is farther away from --x. The width of the sanitary napkin 10 and the position of each of the first and second channels 27 ′ and 29 ′, when the lateral edges 24 of the underwear 22 come in contact with the sanitary napkin 10, reveal the underwear 22. Crotch portion 18) will be manufactured to a size such that it does not deform to a significant extent. In addition, the first and second channels, 27 'and 29', respectively, must be positioned such that the absorbent 40 contacts the wearer's inguinal part.

The first and second channels, 27 'and 29', as well as 26 and 28, 26 'and 28', 26 "and 28", 26 " ) And (28 "'), (27) and (29) may also be formed in the lower surface 54 of the absorbent 40 in a number of different ways. These channels can be carved into the absorbent using a knife or rotary cutter or embossed into the absorbent. These channels can also be made by forming two spaced and raised round hills in such a mold where the channels will be present after filling the absorbent material into the mold. These channels can also be prepared by other methods known to those skilled in the art. Embossing to form a channel is the easiest way to implement. The mold process is advantageous in that both channels can be made simultaneously.

In FIG. 9, the sanitary napkin 10 is shown in a position adjacent the crotch portion 18 of the wearer. The sanitary napkin 10 is held in an appropriate position by the underwear 22. The side edges 24 of the underwear 22 come into contact with the channels 26 "and 28" to raise and secure the sanitary napkin 10 against the wearer's body. The sanitary napkin 10 moves up until each of the first and second longitudinal sides 44 and 46 contacts the wearer's inguinal part. In FIG. 9, it can be seen that the thigh 20 is depicted to indicate the normal position of the sanitary napkin 10 when placed adjacent to the body. While the torso 14 and the leg 20 move normally, eg, walking, standing, not running, running, the thigh moves closer and the sanitary napkin 10 can be pinched in between. However, the force acting on the leg opening of the underwear 22 causes the side edge 24 to fix the sanitary napkin 10 to the body.

In FIG. 10, a sanitary napkin 10 is shown having a wider absorbent 40 as depicted in FIG. 6. Since the absorbent 40 is wider than the absorbent depicted in FIG. 9, each of the first and second longitudinal sides 44 and 46 of the absorbent 40 extends downward from the inguinal portion and provides additional protection against liquid leakage. You will know that it will provide. The function of the underwear 22 relative to the sanitary napkin 10 is the same as shown above in connection with FIG. 9. It should be noted that the lid 36 and baffle 38 in Figures 9 and 10 have been removed for simplicity. If the sanitary napkin 10 includes both a lid 36 and a baffle 38, both will be present in practical use.

In Figures 11-22, different arrangements for channels 26 and 28 are depicted. For ease of understanding, all products will be referred to as sanitary napkins 10 having absorbent 40 and having first and second grooves or channels, 26 and 28, respectively. If more than one channel is present, additional reference numerals will be shown for additional channels.

In FIG. 12, the bottom of the sanitary napkin 10 has a pair of longitudinally extending channels 26 and 28 arranged parallel to each of the first and second longitudinal sides 44 and 46. Seen from the Each of the first and second channels 26 and 28 is straight and does not extend to the full length of the absorbent 40. Instead, each of the first and second channels 26 and 28 extends to a significant length of about 50 to about 90% of the total length of the absorbent 40. Each of the first and second channels 26 and 28 preferably extends from about 60 to about 80% of the total length of the absorbent 40, and from about 70 to about the full length of the absorbent 40. Most preferably it is extended to a length of 75%. The reason why each of the first and second channels 26 and 28 need not extend to the full length of the absorbent 40 is that the lower surface of the sanitary napkin 10 is convex relative to the body and thus the center of the sanitary napkin 10. This is because the site is an important part where the side edges 24 of the underwear 22 must enter each of the first and second channels 26 and 28.

A sanitary napkin 10 is shown having a longitudinal central axis x--x and a transverse central axis y--y. Each of the first and second channels 26 and 28 can be formed into the lower surface 54 of the absorbent 40 such that they extend equally outwardly in the longitudinal direction from the transverse central axis y-y. In addition, they can be spaced equidistantly from the longitudinal central axis x-x. Further, each of the first and second channels 26 and 28 may be positioned inward of at least about 0.25 inches (about 6.4 mm) from each of the first and second longitudinally extending sides 44 and 46. It is preferred to be positioned inwards of at least about 0.5 inches (about 13 mm). Each of the first and second channels 26 and 28 may be arranged parallel to each other. Each of the first and second channels 26 and 28 is about 0.1 inches (about 2.5 mm) to about 0.5 inches (about 13 mm) wide, about 0.1 inches (about 2.5 mm) to about 0.5 inches (about 13 mm) and a length of about 3 inches (about 7.6 mm) or more. Preferably, the length of each of the first and second channels 26 and 28 is from about 3 inches (about 7.6 mm) to the same length as the length of the sanitary napkin 10. Most preferably, each of the first and second channels 26 and 28 is about 3.5 inches (about 8.9 mm) to about 4.5 inches (about 11.4 mm).

In FIG. 12, embodiment of the sanitary napkin 10 which has the side surface 44 and 46 which narrows is shown is shown. The sanitary napkin 10 has such asymmetric shape that the front end 30 is wider than the opposite or rear end 32 because the ends of the sides 44 and 46 are narrowed. Each of the first and second channels 26 and 28 are formed at a constant angle with each other such that they are formed in the lower surface 54 of the absorbent 40 and parallel to each of the side surfaces 44 and 46 that are narrowed at their ends. . As in FIG. 11, the first and second channels 26 and 28 each do not extend over the entire length of the absorbent 40 but only along a substantial portion of the absorbent 40. The term “significant portion” means an amount greater than about 50% to the total length of the absorbent 40.

13, the sanitary napkin 10 which has an hourglass form is shown. The sanitary napkin 10 has first and second grooves or channels, 26 and 28, respectively, which are preferably non-linear and bow-shaped. The first and second longitudinally extending sides 44 and 46 are each nonlinear and the first and second channels 26 and 28 are each parallel to each of these nonlinear sides 44 and 46. To be aligned. Further, each of the first and second channels 26 and 28 may be aligned to mirror each other with respect to the longitudinal central axis x--x. An hourglass-shaped sanitary napkin 10 is preferred because there is less absorbent material in the middle region of the inguinal part along the transverse central axis y--y because it is more comfortable when the sanitary napkin is worn. Each of the first and second channels 26 and 28 does not extend to the full length of the absorbent article 10. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, each of the first and second channels 26 and 28 may extend along a significant length of the sanitary napkin 10. By “significant length” is meant a length that is greater than about 50% of the length of the absorbent 40.

14-16, it can be seen that sanitary napkins tend to match those depicted in FIGS. 11, 12 and 13, respectively. The only difference is that each of the first and second grooves or channels 26 and 28 extend essentially to the full length of the absorbent 40. Depending on the individual shape of each sanitary napkin, the term “essentially up to the full length” means about 90-100% of the length of the absorbent 40. The reason why each of the first and second channels 26 and 28 may not extend to the full length of the absorbent article 10 is that the ends of the sanitary napkin 10 can be curved and also the first and second channels ( 26) and (28) may each be a bow. Thus, it is difficult to make each of the first and second channels 26 and 28 extend to the curved end of the absorbent 40.

In FIGS. 14 and 15, it can be seen that the first and second channels 26 and 28 are each aligned in parallel with each of the straight and longitudinally extending sides 44 and 46. On the other hand, in FIG. 16, the first and second channels 26 and 28 are each aligned parallel to the non-linear and non-linear longitudinally extending sides 44 and 46.

In Figures 17-19, it can be seen that the sanitary napkin 10 is similar to that depicted in Figures 14-16, except that the arrangement of the first and second grooves or channels 26 and 28 are different. have. In FIG. 17, the first and second channels 26 and 28 are each non-linear in shape. It is preferred that the first and second channels 26 and 28 are each bow-shaped and thus cannot be aligned parallel to each of the longitudinally extending sides 44 and 46. In FIG. 18, each of the first and second channels 26 and 28 are also not parallel to each of the longitudinally extending sides 44 and 46, which are also bow-shaped and narrow at the ends. In FIG. 19, the first and second channels 26 and 28 are each straight and thus cannot be parallel with each of the hourglass-shaped sides 44 and 46. 17 to 19, it can be seen that each of the first and second channels 26 and 28 extends essentially to the full length of the absorbent 40.

20 to 22, three embodiments are shown in which each sanitary napkin 10 includes multiple channels formed on the garment facing surface 54 of the absorbent 40. In FIG. 20, two pairs of arched channels 62 and 64, 66, and 68 are made, with the first and second channels 62 and 64 being the first and second channels. (66) and (68) are further away from and smaller than the longitudinal central axis x--x, respectively. The first and second channels 66 and 68 are each longer in total length than the first and second channels 62 and 64 respectively. Two pairs of channels 62 and 64, 66 and 68 can be arranged symmetrically about the longitudinal center axis x--x or the transverse center axis y--y, if desired.

In FIG. 21, the sanitary napkin 10 can be seen in which two pairs of first and second channels are formed on the garment facing surface 54 of the absorbent 40. The first channel pairs 62 and 64 are straight and extend essentially to the full length of the absorbent 40. The first channel pairs 62 and 64 are further away from the longitudinal center axis x-x than the second channel pairs 66 and 68. The second channel pair 66 and 68 are also straight and extend along the entire length of the absorbent 40. Since the end of the sanitary napkin 10 is non-linear, the total length of the second channel pairs 66 and 68 is slightly longer than the first channel pairs 62 and 64. All channels may be aligned parallel to each other and may also be aligned parallel to each of the longitudinal sides 44 and 46 if desired. The advantage of providing multiple channels to the lower surface 54 of the absorbent 40 is that the sanitary napkin 10 can be used with underwear 22 with different widths of the crotch portion 18. Some underwears 22 have a narrower crotch portion 18. By making two or more channel pairs in the absorbent 40, the sanitary napkin 10 can be used with a number of underwear 22 with different widths of the crotch portion 18. As such, some consumers may find it more advantageous to align the edges 24 of the underwear 22 with their inguinals, while other consumers believe that the edges 24 of the underwear 22 are not the type of sanitary napkin 10. It may be preferred to be located closer to the direction center axis x--x.

In FIG. 22, a sanitary napkin having three pairs of channels 62 and 64, 66 and 68, 70, and 72 formed on the garment facing or lower surface 54 of the absorbent 40 ( 10). All three pairs of channels are bow-shaped and vary in length depending on their position in the absorbent article 10. The first bow-shaped channels 62 and 64 are the shortest and are located on the outermost side of the sanitary napkin 10. The second pair of channels 66 and 68 is located inward and slightly longer than the first pair of channels 62 and 64. The third pair of channels 70 and 72 is the longest and is located inside each of the first and second pairs 62 and 64, 66 and 68, respectively. As mentioned above, forming multiple channels on the lower surface of the absorbent 40 provides various functions to the end consumer. It also allows the end consumer to use the sanitary napkin 10 with a variety of underwear with different crotch widths.

23 and 24, an absorbent article 74 is shown having a body contact surface 76, a first raised longitudinally extending side 78 and a second raised longitudinally extending side 80. This absorbent article also has a first end 82 and a second end 84. As best seen in FIG. 24, the absorbent article 74 has a liquid permeable cover 86 and a liquid impermeable baffle 88 that cooperate to surround the absorbent 90. The cover 86, the baffle 88 and the absorbent 90 are made in the absorbent pad 92. Each of the first and second raised longitudinally extending sides 78 and 80 is made on an upper or body contact surface 76. Each of the raised longitudinally extending sides 78 and 80 has a respective outer surface 94 and 96 in the vertical direction. The term "in the vertical direction" means that the outer surfaces 94 and 96 can each be aligned parallel to the central vertical axis z-z or can be aligned at an acute angle. It should be appreciated that the vertical outer surfaces 94 and 96 can be straight or nonlinear. If non-linear, they can be bent or bowed. The pad 92 also has a garment facing surface 98 aligned opposite the body facing surface 76. The garment facing side 98 is designed to face the inner groin of the underwear.

In FIG. 24, it can be seen that the cover 86 and the baffle 88 overlap together at positions 100 and 102 on the garment facing surface 98. However, the overlapping portions may follow the vertical outer surfaces 94 and 96, if desired. Alternatively, if desired, the cover 86 may completely surround the baffle 88 and the absorbent 90.

The absorbent article 74 also includes a pair of flaps 104 and 106 that are of sufficient size to extend to at least a portion of the inguinal portion of the undergarment. It is preferable that the flaps 104 and 106 overlap and are attached to each other. Alternatively, flaps 104 and 106 can be attached or secured to the outer surface of the inguinal portion of the undergarment. Flaps 104 and 106 each have proximal edges 108 and 110 and distal edges 112 and 114. The proximal edges 108 and 110 are attached to one of the outer surfaces 94 and 96 in the vertical direction. Distal edges 112 and 114 wrap around the groin of the underwear and extend inwardly downward. It should be noted that the flaps 104 and 106 are not designed to extend upward into the wearer's inguinal tract because each of the raised longitudinally extending sides 78 and 80 will function. Rather, the pair of flaps 104 and 106 extends inwardly around the groin of adjacent underwear to prevent the underwear from being soiled by body fluids that may leak from the absorbent product 74.

The flaps 104 and 106 can be made in any desired size and shape, but should have enough width to overlap one another along the transverse center axis y-y when they wrap the underwear. However, for best results, flaps 106 and 108 should be positioned in the center of absorbent article 74 in two to divide the central transverse axis y--y. To make longer than the flaps 104 and 106, the length L ₁ (the distal edge 112 and 114, the thus determined) the length L ₂ (thus measuring the proximal edges 108 and 110) is advantageous . The length L ₁ of the flaps 104 and 106 can vary between about 2.5 to about 5 inches (about 6.4 to about 12.7 mm), while the length L ₂ is about 1 to about 2.5 inches (about 2.5 to about 6.4 mm). For best results, the ratio of L ₂ / L ₁ should be about 50 to about 80%, preferably the ratio of L ₂ / L ₁ should be about 60 to about 80%, most preferably L ₂ / L ₁ The ratio should be about 70 to about 75%. Using this ratio, the viewer will get an absorbent product 74 that gives a visual impression that the flap pairs 104 and 106 are larger than their actual size. This is beneficial because it allows the producer to use the least amount of material while the consumer recognizes that the flap pairs 104 and 106 are larger and can better prevent the underwear from being soiled.

23 and 24 again, flaps 104 and 106 include attachment means 114 and 116 to secure flap pairs 104 and 106 to each other. 23 and 24, the attachment means 116 is an adhesive patch located on the outer surface of the flap 106 while the attachment means 118 is an adhesive patch located on the inner surface of the flap 106. The flaps 104 are designed to fold around the undergarment first and then the second flap 106 allows the adhesive 118 to contact the adhesive 116 such that the pair of flaps 104 and 106 are securely secured around the undergarment. It was designed to fold around the underwear. The flaps 104 and 106 may be shorter to have attachment means 116 and 118 designed to attach directly to the outer surface of the undergarment rather than overlap each other. If flaps 104 and 106 are to be attached to the undergarment, attachment means 116 and 118 are located on the inner surface of each flap 104 and 106. In addition to the use of adhesives, the bonding means 116 and 118 may be mechanical fasteners, such as hook and loop type fasteners. VELCRO ^™ is a type of hook and loop fastener. "VELCO" is a registered trademark of Velcro USA, with offices at 406 Brown Avenue, New Hampshire 03103, Manchester. Other forms of fasteners are those that adhere to each other. For example, one or more of the flaps 104 and 106 may be made of materials that adhere to each other. A sticky adhesive can be used to make the two flaps 104 and 106 stick together but can fall off. Further, button holes, snaps, or other mechanical principles mated with the buttons may be used to secure the pair of flaps 104 and 106 together. All these attachment means and other means known to those skilled in the art are contemplated by the present invention.

The absorbent article 74 further includes first and second channels 120 and 122 formed in the garment facing surface 98 of the pad 92. Each of the first and second channels 120 and 122 is sized and arranged to mate with the side edges of the underwear. Typical underwear has a waist opening, two leg openings and an inguinal portion between them. The inguinal part usually includes lateral edges or seams that continue along the perimeter of each leg side opening. Two side edges or seams are designed to contact the first and second channels 120 and 122, respectively, as the underwear is pulled up around the wearer's torso. When the underwear is in place, the side edge enters into each of the first and second channels 120 and 122 to securely hold the absorbent article 74 to the body. By fixing the absorbent article 74 close to or in contact with the body, it is possible to minimize the outflow of liquid that may occur. This is very advantageous if the body fluid pools up on the cover 86 and essentially reduces the likelihood of spillage in the absorbent 90.

Again in FIG. 23, each of the first and second raised longitudinally extending sides 78 and 80 does not extend along the entire length of the absorbent article 74. Rather, each of the first and second raised longitudinally extending sides 78 and 80 extends along a “significant portion of length” of the absorbent article 74. By "significant portion of length" is meant a length that extends from about 50 to about 90% of the length of the absorbent article 74. Each of the first and second longitudinally extending sides 78 and 80 preferably extends to a length of about 60 to about 80% of the length of the absorbent article 74.

Again in FIG. 24, the outer surfaces 94 and 96 of the first and second longitudinally extending sides 78 and 80 each have a height H ₁ that can vary between about 2 and about 25 mm. Have Preferably, the height H ₁ is at least about 0.2 inches (about 5 mm) and more preferably about 0.25 inches (about 6.4 mm). For thick absorbent article 74, the height H ₁ should be about 0.5 inches (about 12.7 mm). Each of the raised longitudinally extending sides 78 and 80 has an internal height H ₂ measured from the apex of the sides 78 and 80 to the body contact surface 76. The height H ₂ is smaller than H ₁ and usually becomes 25 to 75% of H ₁ . The height H ₂ is preferably 50% or less of the height H _1.

The size and arrangement of the height H ₁ of each of the first and second longitudinally extending sides 78 and 80 are at least partially and preferably completely into the inguinal part of the wearer. Flaps 104 and 106 hang only inwardly downward from outer surfaces 94 and 96. The flaps 104 and 106 are not pushed upward by the underwear.

In FIG. 25, a human body with a torso 124 and thigh pairs 126 and 128 from it is depicted. Inside each thigh 126 and 128 are groin 130 and 131, respectively, formed by the connection of each thigh 126 and 128 to the body 124. Inguinal portions 130 and 131 each include wrinkles 132 and 134, respectively. A crotch portion of the undergarment 136 having two side edges or seams 138 and 140 respectively is depicted, which forms part of the leg opening in the undergarment 136. When the underwear 136 is pulled around the torso 124, the side edges 138 and 140 are secured to the channels or grooves to securely secure the absorbent article 74 to the inguinal portions 130 and 131. 120) and 122, or paired with. Forces acting on the side edges 138 and 140 of the underwear 136 impinge the first and second raised longitudinally extending sides 78 and 80, respectively, on the pleats 132 and 134, respectively. It enters the inside and thus forms a gasket with the body. This gasket will surely reduce liquid spillage when wearing the absorbent article 74.

In FIG. 25, the absorbent 90 is shown without a cover 86 and a baffle 88. This is solely for the purpose of showing the absorbent article 74. The size and arrangement of each of the first and second raised longitudinally extending sides 78 and 80 should allow for easy entry into the groin 130 and 131. This means that the height, width and length of each of the first and second raised longitudinally extending sides 78 and 80 are arranged to match the wearer's groin 130 and 131. The transverse spacing between the first raised side 78 and the second raised side 80 should fit vertically with the pleats 132 and 134. Each of the first and second raised longitudinally extending sides 78 and 80 need not fully enter into pleats 132 and 134 of inguinal portions 130 and 131, but at least partially. Into pleats 132 and 134. Because the female body structure varies, it may be advantageous to shape each of the first and second raised longitudinally extending sides 78 and 80 in a straight line for some products and non-linear for others. For example, in the case of an absorbent article 74 having a straight side shown in FIG. 23, it may be advantageous to straighten each of the first and second raised longitudinally extending sides 78 and 80. On the other hand, in the hourglass-shaped absorbent article, each of the first and second raised longitudinally extending sides 78 and 80 may be non-linear or bow-shaped.

Careful observation of FIG. 25 shows that the underwear 136 is in a position adjacent the absorbent article 74 and the pairs of flaps 104 and 106 extend downward inward to overlap each other. Flap pairs 104 and 106 are bonded to each other by fasteners 116 and 118. In this state, the flaps 104 and 106 completely surround the crotch portion of the underwear 136 and prevent the underwear, particularly the edges 138 and 140 from being soiled by body fluids.

In FIG. 26, the absorbent article 74 is covered 86 to more clearly show the raised sides 78 and 80 engaged with the pleats 132 and 134 of the groin 130 and 131, respectively. ) And baffle 88 are shown as removed. In this embodiment, the first and second channels 120 and 122 are each further away from the vertical central axis z--z so that they are more vertically aligned with the corrugations 132 and 134. This embodiment has the distal side edges 142 and 144 of the absorbent 90 extending downward and away from the pleats 132 and 134. This downward alignment will cause the flaps 104 and 106 to move inward toward each other, more than depicted in FIG. 25. However, as in FIG. 25, flaps 104 and 106 do not extend upward but extend only downward and inward to enclose and enclose underwear 136. The distance between channels 120 and 122 may vary but should be within about 2 to 4 inches (about 51 to (102) mm). More preferably, the distance between channels 120 and 122 is within about 2-3 inches (about 51-76 mm).

In FIG. 27, another embodiment of an absorbent article 146 having an hourglass shape is shown. This hourglass shape has a first raised longitudinally extending side 148 and a second raised longitudinally extending side 150. Each of the raised sides 148 and 150 is non-linear. Because of this, the first and second raised longitudinally extending sides 148 and 150 are each aligned closely together near the transverse centerline y--y and distanced toward distal ends 82 and 84. Is far away. Each of the first and second raised longitudinally extending sides 148 and 150 also extends to essentially the entire length of the absorbent article 146. In a typical hourglass shape, the raised sides 148 and 150 can be bowed or curved.

28, another embodiment of the absorbent article 152 having an egg shape is shown. The absorbent article 152 has a first raised longitudinally extending side 154 and a second raised longitudinally extending side 156. The two raised longitudinally extending sides 154 and 156 are curved or nonlinear and extend a length slightly shorter than the full length of the absorbent article 152. Each of the first and second raised longitudinally extending sides 154 and 156 is further near the transverse centerline y--y and closer to the distal ends 82 and 84. Due to differences in size, shape, and position in the first and second raised longitudinally extending sides 148 and 150 and 154 and 156, the manufacturing company has numerous women with different body structures. It can produce the absorbent product that best suits your needs. Some women may prefer an absorbent product 146 in the form of an hourglass, others may prefer an egg shaped product 152 and others may prefer an absorbent product 74 in a more rectangular form. .

In Figures 29 to 31, three additional embodiments are shown. In FIG. 29, the absorbent article 158 has been removed with the cover 86 and baffles 88 removed to more clearly depict the entry of the underwear 136 into the channels 120 and 122. Each of the channels 120 and 122 has inner walls 160 and 162, respectively, to which the flaps 164 and 166 are fixed. Flaps 164 and 166 each have proximal edges 168 and 170, and distal edges 172 and 174, respectively. Proximal edges 168 and 170 are each designed to be secured to inner walls 160 and 162 of channels 120 and 122. The flaps 164 and 166 also have attachment means designed to be secured to the bottom surface of the underwear 136, such as adhesive spots or patches, or mechanical fasteners. The flaps 164 and 166 extend inwardly below a portion of the underwear 136 without overlapping each other and are sized and shaped to attach directly to the underwear.

The unique advantage of attaching flaps 164 and 166 to the surfaces of channels 120 and 122 is that the first and second raised longitudinally extending sides 78 and 80 have a It can enter the pleats and also prevent the flaps 164 and 166 from being biased downward by attaching to the underwear 136. Another advantage of this design is that the absorbent 90 can be made as wide as needed and at the same time the size of the flaps 164 and 166 can be reduced. This is because the flaps 164 and 166 extend inwardly downwardly from the channels 120 and 122 instead of the outer edges of the absorbent 90. The third benefit of allowing flaps 164 and 166 to extend downward from channels 120 and 122 is that they help to hold the side edges 138 and 140 of underwear 136 in place. will be. As shown in FIG. 29, since the flaps 164 and 166 are fixed, the underwear 136 cannot easily move outward from the channels 120 and 122.

30 shows an absorbent article 180 that differs greatly from the embodiment shown in FIG. 29. First, the flap pairs 104 and 106 are designed to overlap one another and to be joined together by the bonding means 116 and 118. Second, the first and second raised longitudinally extending sides 78 and 80 are located inward from the vertical outer surfaces 94 and 96, respectively. The first and second raised longitudinally extending sides 78 and 80 are each disposed closer so that the absorbent article 180 is better suited for women with narrower inguinal spacing. In addition, flaps 104 and 106 are attached to walls 160 and 162 of channels 120 and 122 to help secure underwear 136 in place.

Finally, in FIG. 31, an absorbent article 182 with flap pairs 164 and 166 is shown. Flaps 164 and 166 each have proximal edges 168 and 170, and distal edges 172 and 174, respectively. The difference between the embodiment shown in FIG. 31 and the embodiment shown in FIG. 29 is that the proximal edges 168 and 170 of the flaps 164 and 166 attach to the lower surface of the absorbent article 182 in FIG. 31. Is that it is. Flaps 164 and 166 are secured to extend inward toward the vertical centerline z--z. The size and shape of these flaps are such that the flaps do not overlap each other. Each of the flaps 164 and 166 has attachment means 176 and 178, such as an adhesive, and is used to releasably secure the flaps 164 and 166 to the underwear 136. As depicted in FIG. 31, it should be appreciated that matching the flaps 164 and 166 to the lower surface of the absorbent article may be easier than trying to attach to the inner surfaces of the channels 120 and 122.

Although the present invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments, many other ways, modifications, and variations are apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to embrace all such other ways, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the claims.

Claims (58)

An absorbent product designed to be secured to an undergarment that can be worn around the torso of a human body, wherein the undergarment has a crotch portion with a pair of side edges. a) liquid permeable cover; b) liquid impermeable baffles; c) an absorbent enclosed by said lid and said baffle to make a pad, said pad having first and second raised longitudinally extending sides, each of said raised sides having an outer surface in a vertical direction, said The pad has a garment facing surface); d) a pair of flaps overlapping each other with a size sufficient to extend around a portion of the crotch portion of the undergarment, the flaps having a proximal edge and a distal edge, each proximal edge attached to the vertical outer surface; And the distal edge extends downwardly inward around the crotch portion of the underwear); e) attachment means for securing the flap pair together; And f) first and second channels formed on the garment facing surface of the pad, the first and second channels being sized and shaped to fit the side edges of the undergarment; Absorbent product comprising a. The absorbent article as in claim 1, wherein said vertical outer surface has a height of at least 0.25 inches. 2. The absorbent article as in claim 1, wherein said first and second raised longitudinally extending sides are non-linear. 4. The absorbent article as in claim 3, wherein each of said first and second raised longitudinally extending sides is bow-shaped. 2. The absorbent article as in claim 1, wherein said first and second raised longitudinally extending sides are straight. 2. The absorbent article as in claim 1, wherein said absorbent article has first and second ends spaced apart from one another and said first and second raised longitudinally extending sides extend between said ends. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the absorbent article has a length and the first and second raised longitudinally extending sides extend to a substantial portion of the length. An absorbent product designed to be secured to an undergarment that can be worn around the torso of a human body, wherein the torso has a pair of thighs and groin, each groin comprising wrinkles formed at the junction of each thigh and torso The underwear has a crotch portion with a pair of side edges, and the absorbent article is a) liquid permeable cover; b) liquid impermeable baffles; c) an absorbent enclosed by said lid and said baffle to make a pad, said pads having first and second raised longitudinally extending sides sized and shaped to enter the inguinal part, each of said raised sides being Has an outer surface in a vertical direction, the pad having a garment facing surface); d) a pair of flaps overlapping each other with a size sufficient to extend around a portion of the crotch portion of the undergarment, the flaps having a proximal edge and a distal edge, the proximal edge being attached to the outer surface in the vertical direction and distal The edge extends inward downwardly around the crotch portion of the underwear); e) attachment means for securing the pair of flaps together; And f) first and second channels formed on the garment facing surface of the pad, the first and second channels being sized and shaped to fit the side edges of the undergarment; Absorbent product comprising a. 10. The absorbent article as in claim 8, wherein the size and shape of each of said first and second raised longitudinally extending sides is at least partially defined into one of said respective folds. An absorbent product designed to be secured to an undergarment, wherein the undergarment has a crotch portion with a pair of side edges, a) liquid permeable cover; b) liquid impermeable baffles; c) an absorbent enclosed by said lid and said baffle to make a pad, said pads having first and second raised longitudinally extending sides, each of said raised sides having a height of at least 0.2 inches. The outer surface, wherein the pad has a garment facing surface); d) a pair of flaps overlapping each other with a size sufficient to extend around a portion of the crotch portion of the undergarment, the flaps having a proximal edge and a distal edge, the proximal edge being attached to the outer surface in the vertical direction and distal The edge extends downwardly inward around the crotch portion of the underwear); e) attachment means for securing the flap pair together; And f) first and second channels formed on the garment facing surface of the pad, the first and second channels being sized and shaped to fit the side edges of the undergarment; Absorbent product comprising a. The absorbent article as in claim 10, wherein each of the first and second channels has a depth of about 0.1 to about 0.5 inches. The absorbent article of claim 10 wherein each of said vertical outer surfaces has a height of at least about 0.5 inches. The absorbent article of claim (10), wherein each of said first and second channels has an area of about 0.1 to about 0.5 inches. The absorbent article of claim (10), wherein each of said first and second channels has a length of at least 3 inches. An absorbent product designed to be secured to an undergarment, wherein the undergarment has a crotch portion with a pair of side edges, a) liquid permeable cover; b) liquid impermeable baffles; c) an absorbent enclosed by said lid and said baffle to make a pad, said pads having first and second raised longitudinally extending sides, each of said raised sides having an outer surface in a vertical direction, said The pad has a garment facing surface); d) a pair of flaps that are large enough to extend around a portion of the crotch portion of the undergarment and overlap each other (these flaps have a proximal edge of length L _{2 and} a distal edge of length L ₁ , where L ₂ / The ratio of L ₁ is from about 50 to about 80%, the proximal edges are each attached to one of the vertical outer surfaces and the distal edges each extend inward downward around the crotch portion of the underwear; e) attachment means for securing the flap pair together; And f) first and second channels formed on the garment facing surface of the pad, the first and second channels being sized and shaped to fit the side edges of the undergarment; Absorbent product comprising a. 16. The absorbent article of claim 15 wherein the ratio of L ₂ / L ₁ is about 60 to about 80%. 16. The absorbent article of claim 15 wherein the ratio of L ₂ / L ₁ is about 70 to about 75%. 16. The absorbent article as in claim 15, wherein said garment facing surface of said pad has a plurality of channels formed therein. 16. The absorbent article as in claim 15, wherein said attachment means is a mechanical fastener attached to each of said flaps. An absorbent product designed to be secured to an undergarment, wherein the undergarment has a crotch portion with a pair of side edges, a) liquid permeable cover; b) liquid impermeable baffles; c) an absorbent enclosed by said lid and said baffle to make a pad, said pads having first and second raised longitudinally extending sides, each of said raised sides having a height of at least 0.5 inches. The outer surface, wherein the pad has a garment facing surface); d) a pair of flaps overlapping each other with a size sufficient to extend around a portion of the crotch portion of the undergarment, these flaps each having a proximal edge and a distal edge, each proximal edge being one of the vertical outer surfaces; Each distal edge extends downwardly inward around the crotch portion of the underwear; e) attachment means for securing the flap pair together; And f) first and second channels formed on the garment facing surface of the pad, the first and second channels being sized and shaped to fit the side edges of the undergarment; Absorbent product comprising a. 21. The absorbent article of claim 20 wherein the proximal edge of each flap has a length L ₂ and the distal edge of each flap has a length L ₁ and the ratio of L ₂ / L ₁ is about 50 to about 80%. The absorbent article of claim 21 wherein said ratio L ₂ / L ₁ is from about 60 to about 80%. The absorbent article of claim 21 wherein said ratio L ₂ / L ₁ is from about 70 to about 75%. An absorbent product designed to be secured to an undergarment, the undergarment having a crotch portion with a pair of side edges, wherein the absorbent product a) liquid permeable cover; b) liquid impermeable baffles; c) an absorbent enclosed by said lid and said baffle to make a pad, said pad having first and second raised longitudinally extending sides and a garment facing surface; d) a pair of flaps sized to extend around a portion of the underwear, each of which has proximal and distal edges and each proximal edge is attached to the garment facing surface; e) attachment means for securing a pair of flaps to said underwear; And f) first and second channels formed on the garment facing surface of the pad, the first and second channels being sized and shaped to fit the side edges of the undergarment; Absorbent product comprising a. 25. The absorbent article of claim 24 wherein the proximal edge of each flap has a length L ₂ and the distal edge of each flap has a length L ₁ and the ratio of L ₂ / L ₁ is about 50 to about 80%. 27. The absorbent article of claim 25 wherein the ratio of L ₂ / L ₁ is about 60 to about 80%. 27. The absorbent article of claim 25 wherein said ratio of L ₂ / L ₁ is from about 70 to about 75%. An absorbent product designed to be secured to an undergarment, wherein the undergarment has a crotch portion with a pair of side edges, a) liquid permeable cover; b) liquid impermeable baffles; c) an absorbent enclosed by said lid and said baffle to make a pad, said pad having first and second raised longitudinally extending sides and a garment facing surface; d) first and second channels formed on the garment facing surface of the pad, the first and second channels being sized and shaped to fit the side edges of the underwear; e) a pair of flaps sized to extend around a portion of the underwear, the flaps having a proximal edge attached to one of the channels; And f) attachment means for securing a pair of flaps to the underwear; Absorbent product comprising a. 29. The absorbent article of claim 28 wherein the proximal edge of each flap has a length L ₂ and the distal edge of each flap has a length L ₁ and the ratio of L ₂ / L ₁ is about 50 to about 80%. 30. The absorbent article of claim 29 wherein the ratio of L ₂ / L ₁ is about 60 to about 80%. 30. The absorbent article of claim 29 wherein the ratio of L ₂ / L ₁ is about 70 to about 75%. An absorbent product designed to be secured to an undergarment, the undergarment having a crotch portion with a pair of side edges, wherein the absorbent product a) liquid permeable cover; b) liquid impermeable baffles; c) an absorbent enclosed by said lid and said baffle to make a pad, said pad having first and second raised longitudinally extending sides and a garment facing surface; d) first and second channels formed on the garment facing surface of the pad, the first and second channels being sized and shaped to fit the side edges of the underwear; e) a pair of flaps sized to extend around a portion of the underwear, the flaps having a proximal edge attached to one of the channels; And f) attachment means for securing the pair of flaps together; Absorbent product comprising a. 33. The absorbent article of Claim 32, wherein the proximal edge of each flap has a length L ₂ and the distal edge of each flap has a length L ₁ and the ratio of L ₂ / L ₁ is about 50 to about 80%. 34. The absorbent article of claim 33 wherein the ratio of L ₂ / L ₁ is about 60 to about 80%. 34. The absorbent article of claim 33 wherein the ratio of L ₂ / L ₁ is about 70 to about 75%. a) an absorbent having first and second longitudinally extending sides and first and second remotely spaced ends, wherein the absorbent has a garment facing surface; And b) means for retaining the absorbent in the crotch portion of the human body, the means comprising first and second channels formed on the garment facing surface of the absorbent, sized and shaped to receive the edges of the underwear; Absorbent products. 37. The absorbent article as in claim 36, wherein said first and second channels are straight. 37. The absorbent article as in claim 36, wherein said first and second channels are nonlinear. 37. The absorbent article as in claim 36, wherein said first and second channels are aligned parallel to one another. a) cover b) an absorbent located underneath the cover having first and second longitudinally extending sides and first and second remote ends, wherein the absorbent has a garment facing surface; And c) means for retaining the lid in the crotch portion of the human body, the means including first and second channels formed on the garment facing surface of the absorbent, sized and shaped to receive the edge of the undergarment; Absorbent products. 41. The absorbent article as in claim 40, wherein said first and second channels are bowed. 41. The absorbent article of claim 40 wherein the longitudinally extending side of the absorbent is nonlinear and the first and second channels are aligned parallel to the nonlinear side. 41. The absorbent article as in claim 40, wherein said first and second channels are aligned at a particular angle to each other. 41. The absorbent article of claim 40 wherein said first and second channels extend between first and second ends of said absorbent. 41. The absorbent article as in claim 40, wherein said absorbent has a particular length and extends to a length wherein each of said first and second channels is 25-100% of said length. 41. The absorbent article of claim 40 wherein each of said first and second channels are spaced at least about 0.25 inches inward from said first and second longitudinally extending sides. 41. The absorbent article of claim 40 wherein each of said first and second channels are spaced at least about 0.25 inches inward from said first and second longitudinally extending sides. a) cover b) an absorbent located underneath the cover having a longitudinally extending central axis, first and second longitudinally extending sides and first and second far spaced ends, wherein the absorbent has a garment facing surface ; And c) means for retaining the lid in the crotch portion of the human body, the means including first and second channels formed on the garment facing surface of the absorbent, the size and shape being adapted to receive the edges of the undergarment, the first And second channels each located opposite the longitudinal axis. 49. The absorbent article of claim 48 wherein each of said first and second channels have a length of at least 3 inches. 49. The absorbent article of claim 48 wherein each of said first and second channels have a depth of about 0.1 to about 0.5 inches. 49. The absorbent article of claim 48 wherein each of said first and second channels is an embossment formed into said absorbent. 49. The absorbent article of claim 48 wherein said absorbent has a plurality of channels formed therein. a) liquid permeable cover; b) liquid impermeable baffles; And c) an absorbent located between the lid and the baffle, wherein the absorbent has first and second longitudinally extending side surfaces and first and second remotely spaced ends; And d) means for maintaining the lid in the crotch portion of the human body, wherein the means comprises first and second channels formed in the absorbent and the baffle, sized and shaped to receive the edges of the underwear, the first And a second channel is located adjacent to one of the first and second longitudinally extending sides, respectively. 54. The absorbent article of claim 53 wherein the first and second channels have a width of about 0.1 to about 0.5 inches. 54. The absorbent article of claim 53 wherein the first and second channels have a depth of about 0.1 to about 0.5 inches. 54. The absorbent article as in claim 53, wherein said first and second longitudinal sides are straight and said first and second channels are nonlinear. 55. The absorbent article as in claim 53, wherein said first and second longitudinal sides are non-linear and said first and second channels are straight. a) underwear having a crotch portion located between the pair of leg-side openings, wherein the crotch portion has side edges; And b) an absorbent article comprising an absorbent having first and second longitudinally extending sides and first and second remotely spaced ends, wherein the absorbent is directed against the garment facing surface and the crotch portion of the human body; Means for retaining, the means including at least first and second channels formed on the garment facing surface of the absorbent, sized and shaped to receive a lateral edge of the crotch portion of the undergarment). Combination.