Thong Sanitary Napkin with Self Folding Flaps

(19) TZZ_¥¥ _T

(11) EP 1 332 745 B1

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION

(45) Date of publication and mention (51) Int Cl.: of the grant of the patent: A61F 13/472 (2006.01) A61F 13/15 (2006.01) 06.07.2016 Bulletin 2016/27 A61F 13/56 (2006.01)

(21) Application number: 03001778.4

(22) Date of filing: 28.01.2003

(54) Thong sanitary napkin with self folding flaps Damenbinde für Tangaslip mit selbstfaltenden Seitenflügeln Serviette hygiénique à utiliser avec une culotte du type string pourvue de volets auto-pliables

(84) Designated Contracting States: • Ribeiro Carvalho, Antonio Carlos AT DE GB IT Taibate, SP (BR) • Fajolli, Marcia (30) Priority: 31.01.2002 US 62699 Sao Jose Dos Campos, Sao Pablo 12242-031 (BR) • Guimaraes Guaragna, Flavia (43) Date of publication of application: Pindamonhagaba, SP (BR) 06.08.2003 Bulletin 2003/32 (74) Representative: Metten, Karl-Heinz et al (73) Proprietor: McNeil-PPC, Inc. Boehmert & Boehmert Skillman, NJ 08558 (US) Anwaltspartnerschaft mbB Patentanwälte Rechtsanwälte (72) Inventors: Pettenkoferstrasse 20-22 • Killeen, Kristy M. 80336 München (DE) Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 (US) • Mavinkurve, Pramod S. (56) References cited: Princeton, NJ 08540 (US) EP-A- 0 511 905 EP-A- 1 016 393 • Cettina, Melinda G. WO-A-96/38110 DE-U- 20 002 192 Robbinsville, NJ 08691 (US) DE-U- 20 114 825 DE-U- 29 911 806 US-A- 5 713 886 US-A1- 2002 128 622

Note: Within nine months of the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent in the European Patent Bulletin, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to that patent, in accordance with the Implementing Regulations. Notice of opposition shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention). EP 1 332 745 B1

Printed by Jouve, 75001 PARIS (FR) 1 EP 1 332 745 B1 2

Description [0007] In accordance with the present invention, there has bee provided a sanitary napkin adapted to be worn FIELD OF THE INVENTION in a thong undergarment. The sanitary napkin has a body faceable surface and a garment faceable surface and [0001] The present invention relates to disposable ab- 5 comprises a central absorbent pad, the central absorbent sorbent articles, such as sanitary napkins that are adapt- pad having a liquid pervious cover layer, a liquid imper- ed to be worn in a thong undergarment. The sanitary vious barrier layer and an absorbent core between the napkin is provided with a pair of side flaps along each cover layer and barrier layer. The sanitary napkin has a longitudinal side edge of the napkin and two preferential longitudinal centerline, a lateral centerline, a pair of op- bending axes, each axis being inward from and adjacent 10 posite longitudinal side edges, a first distal end having a to a respective longitudinal side edge and extending ob- relatively narrow width and adapted to be worn in a pos- liquely with respect to the longitudinal centerline, the axes terior portion of the thong undergarment in use and an converging towards the longitudinal centerline in the first opposite second distal end having a relatively wider width distal end of the central absorbent pad. and adapted to be worn in an anterior portion of the thong 15 undergarment in use and a pair of flaps extending later- BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION ally outward from each longitudinal side edge along a respective line of juncture, including; [0002] Sanitary napkins having side flaps are dis- a first flap being substantially adjacent the lateral center- closed in the literature and are generally available in the line, the first flap being adapted to fold over a crotch por- marketplace. Generally, the flaps extend laterally from 20 tion of the thong undergarment in use along a first pref- the side edges of a central absorbent structure and are erential bending axis and to contact the garment faceable intended to drape over the edges of the wearer’s panties surface of the thong undergarment, and inthe crotchregion. Thus, theflaps are disposedbetween a second flap being intermediate the first flap and the the edges of the wearer’s panties in the crotch region first distal end, the second flap being adapted to fold over and the wearer’s thighs. Commonly, the flaps are provid- 25 the posterior portion of the thong undergarment in use ed with an attachment means for affixing the flaps to the along a second preferential bending axis and to contact underside of the wearer’s panties. the garment faceable surface of the thong undergarment; [0003] The flaps serve at least two purposes. First, the the first flap being separated from the second flap by a flapsprevent exudatesfrom so ilingthe edgesof the wear- flange portion, the flange portion having a lateral dimen- er’s panties and second, the flaps, when affixed to the 30 sion that is insufficient to allow the flange portion to be underside of the panties, help stabilize the napkin in the folded over an edge of the thong undergarment or to con- undergarment and prevent it shifting out of place. tact the garment faceable surface thereof in use, wherein [0004] Sanitary napkins having flaps are disclosed in the first preferential bending axis is substantially collinear U.S. Pat. No. 4,687,478, entitled "Shaped Sanitary Nap- with the second preferential bending axis within the kin With Flaps", to Van Tilburg on Aug. 18, 1987, U.S. 35 flange portion. Pat. No. 4,608,047, entitled "Sanitary Napkin Attachment [0008] These and otherobjects of thepresent invention Means", to Mattingly on Aug. 26, 1986, U.S. Pat. No. will be more readily apparent when considered in refer- 4,589,876, entitled "Sanitary Napkin", to Van Tilburg on ence to the following description and when taken in con- May 20, 1986, U.S. Pat. No. 4,285,343, entitled "Sanitary junction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be un- Napkin", to McNair on Aug. 25, 1981, U.S. Pat. No.40 derstood, however, that the drawings are provided for 3,397,697, entitled "Disposable Sanitary Shield For Un- purposes of illustration only and not as a definition of the dergarments", to Rickard on Aug. 20, 1968, U.S. Pat. No. boundaries of the invention, for which reference should 2.787,271. entitled "Sanitary Napkin", to Clark on Apr. 2, be made to the appending claims. 1957 andU.S. Pat.No. 4,900,320, entitled "Sanitary Nap- kin With Undergarment Gathering Flaps, to McCoy on 45 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Feb. 13, 1990, DE-20002192U and WO 9638110. [0005] While sanitary napkins having flaps are com- [0009] monly viewed as providing better protection against soiling as compared to sanitary napkins without flaps, these FIGURE 1 is a top plan view of a sanitary napkin napkins commonly experience a problem that keeps50 according to the present invention; them from being optimally effective. FIGURE 2 is a side cut away view of the sanitary SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION napkin of FIGURE 1 taken through lines 2-2;

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide 55 FIGURE 3 is a bottom plan view of a sanitary napkin a sanitary napkin having flaps that is adaptable for use according to the present invention. in a variety of styles of women’s undergarments, including briefs, bikinis, thongs, and the like.

2 3 EP 1 332 745 B1 4

DETAILED DESCRIPTION crimping, or heat-sealing. Seam 39 is illustrated extending completely around the periphery of sanitary napkin [0010] The present invention relates to sanitary nap- 20; this is a suitable embodiment for ease of construction. kins adapted to be worn in a crotch portion of a wearer’s However, other means of uniting the various elements thong undergarment in use. The napkin comprises a cen- 5 can be used. As shown in FIGURE 2, central absorbent tral absorbent pad having a liquid pervious cover layer, pad 12 comprises absorbent core 16, topsheet 14 and a liquid impervious barrier layer and an absorbent core backsheet 18, wherein backsheet 18 is disposed on a between the cover layer and barrier layer. The sanitary side of absorbent core 16 that is opposite that of topsheet napkin has a longitudinal centerline, a lateral centerline, 14. a pair of opposite longitudinal side edges, a first distal 10 [0013] Topsheet 14 is liquid permeable and, when san- end having a relatively narrow width and adapted to be itary napkin 10 is in use, is in close proximity to the skin worn in a posterior portion of the thong undergarment in of the user. Topsheet 14 is compliant, soft feeling, and use and an opposite second distal end having a relatively non-irritating to the user’s skin. It can be made from any wider width and adapted to be worn in an anterior portion of the materials conventional for this type of use. Non- of the thong undergarment in use. A pair of flaps extends 15 limiting examples of suitable materials that can be used laterally outward from each longitudinal side edge along as topsheet 14 are woven and nonwoven fabrics formed a respective line of juncture. A first flap, being located from polyester, polypropylene, nylon, and/or rayon fibers substantially adjacent the lateral centerline, is adapted or the topsheet may be an apertured thermo-plastic film. to fold over a side edge of a crotch portion of the thong Apertured formed films are preferred for topsheet 14 be- undergarment in use along a first preferential bending 20 cause they are pervious to liquids and yet non-absorbent. axis and to contact the garment faceable surface of the Thus, the surface of the formed film that is in contact with thong undergarment. A second flap, being located inter- the body remains dry and is more comfortable to the mediate the first flap and the first distal end, is adapted wearer. to fold along a second preferential bending axis over a [0014] Backsheet 18 is impervious to liquids and, thus, rear portion of the thong undergarment in use and to con- 25 prevents menstrual fluid from soiling the clothing of the tact the garment faceable surface of the thong undergar- user. Any material used in the art for such purpose can ment. The first flap is separated from the second flap by be utilized herein. Suitable materials include embossed a flange portion. The flange portion has a lateral dimen- or non embossed polyethylene films and laminated tis- sion that is insufficient to allow the flange portion to be sue. folded over an edge of the thong undergarment or to con- 30 [0015] Absorbent core 16 provides the means for ab- tact the garment faceable surface thereof in use. The first sorbing menstrual fluid. Absorbent core 16 is generally preferential bending axis is substantially collinear with compressible, comfortable and non-irritating to the user’s the second preferential bending axis within the flange skin. It can comprise any material used in the art for such portion. purpose. Examples include comminuted wood pulp that [0011] As used herein, the term "sanitary napkin" re- 35 is generally referred to as airfelt, creped cellulose wad- fers to an article which is worn by females in an under- ding, absorbent foams, absorbent sponges, absorbent garment adjacent to the pudendal region and which is hydrogel materials, polymeric fibers, or any equivalent intended to absorb and contain the various exudates material or combinations of materials. In a preferred em- which are discharged from the body (e.g., blood menses, bodiment, as shown in Figures 1 and 3, the absorbent and urine) and which is intended to be discarded after a 40 core 16 is wider in the second distal end 95 and tapers single use (i.e., it is not intended to be laundered or oth- continuously towards the first distal end 93. By tapering erwise restored or reused). the absorbent core 16 yet maintaining substantially the [0012] A specific example of implementation of a san- same width of the other components in the central ab- itary napkin according to the present invention is illus- sorbent pad 12, a pair of opposite preferential bending trated in FIGURE 1. The sanitary napkin designated by 45 axes 30, 30’ are formed along the edges of the absorbent the reference numeral 10 basically comprises a main core in the region from at least the central region 94 to body represented by central absorbent pad 12. The cen- the first distal end 93. tral absorbent pad 12 has an imaginary longitudinal cen- [0016] In an alternative embodiment not forming part terline 80, an imaginary lateral centerline 85, a pair of of the present invention the longitudinally extending side opposite longitudinal side edges 90, 90’, a first distal end 50 edges of the absorbent core extend substantially parallel 93 and an opposite second distal end 95 and a central to and slightly inward from the longitudinal side edges of region 94, intermediate the distal ends. Topsheet 14 and the central absorbent pad. In accordance with this em- backsheet 18 are joined at seam 39 (also commonly re- bodiment, the preferential bending axes may be formed ferred to as a flange seal) around the entire periphery of by embossing the absorbent core to form longitudinally sanitary napkin 10. The purpose of this seam is to unite 55 extending channels that are capable of acting as a hinge. the various elements of the sanitary napkin into a unitary [0017] Referring now to Figures 2 and 3, the portion of structure. Seam 39 can be formed by any means com- the outer surface of backsheet 18 that is generally in ver- monly used in the art for this purpose such as by gluing, tical registration with absorbent core 16 is provided with

3 5 EP 1 332 745 B1 6 central absorbent pad adhesive 20. Central absorbent about 45 mm to about 75 mm. It is preferred that the width pad adhesive 20 provides an adhesive attachment of the central region 94 of the central absorbent pad 12 means for securing central absorbent pad 12 to a body is less than or equal to the width of the undergarment in faceable side of the crotch portion of a undergarment. this region. The width of the absorbent core preferably Any adhesive or glue used in the art for such purpose 5 continuously tapers from the second distal end toward can be used herein, with pressure-sensitive adhesive be- the first distal end, the first distal end having a width of ing preferred. Suitable adhesives are Century A-305IV less than 30 mm, preferably about 15 to 20 mm. While manufactured by the Century Adhesives Corporation and the taper is illustrated as being a substantially straight instant LOK 34-2823 manufactured by National Starch line and such constitutes a preferred embodiment, other Company. The central absorbent pad adhesive may be 10 variations are considered to be within the scope of the the same width as absorbent core, or as shown in Figure present invention such as curved or arcuate lines. In use, 3 it may be a plurality of relatively narrow stripes. How- if the wearer chooses an undergarment style such as a ever, the width is not critical and appropriate widths, as brief style, both of the distal end regions of the sanitary well as lengths, can be readily selected by those skilled napkin remain substantially planar within the undergar- in the art. It is important, however, that the central ab- 15 ment, and thus remain in contact with the wearer’s body. sorbent pad adhesive not extend beyond the edges of However, if the undergarment style is a thong or tanga the absorbent core 16. The pressure-sensitive adhesive type undergarment, then the sanitary napkin of the of central absorbent pad adhesive 20 should be covered present invention is adapted to fold along the preferential with central absorbent pad liner 22 to keep the adhesive bending lines 30, allowing the relatively narrow distal end from drying out and to keep it from sticking to extraneous 20 region of the absorbent core to remain on a body-facing surfaces prior to use. Any commercially available release side of the wearer’s undergarment while the side margins liner commonly used for such purposes can be used 33,33’of thefirst distalend region ofthe centralabsorbent herein. Nonlimiting examples of suitable release liners pad function as a second pair of flexible side flaps to are BL30MG-A SILOXE/1/0 and BL 30 MG-A SILOX comfortably fold around the edges of a posterior portion 4/P/O both of which are manufactured by the Akrosil Cor- 25 of the thong undergarment in use. In accordance with poration. this embodiment, the terminology "side margins" will be [0018] As can be observed from the foregoing, central used interchangeably with the terminology "side flaps" absorbent pad 12 comprises an absorbent core having since they perform the same function, viz. to fold over an upper surface covered by a fluid pervious body con- the side edges of a thong undergarment Thus, the side tacting surface (represented in FIGURE 2 by topsheet 30 margins, when adapted to function as side flaps, should 14) and an opposed liquid impervious surface (represent- have a lateral dimension sufficient to enable the side mar- ed in FIGURE 2 by backsheet 18). It is to be understood gin to be folded around the edges of the undergarment. that the embodiment illustrated is only one possible em- Accordingly, the side margins have a lateral dimension bodiment. Other possible embodiments include one in as measured from the preferential bending line 30 to the which an absorbent core is essentially completely35 longitudinal side edge 90 in the first distal end that is wrapped with topsheet before it is placed on a backsheet. sufficient to allow the side margin to fold over the edges The absorbent core can also comprise an absorbent lay- of a thong style undergarment in use. In general, a lateral er which possesses sufficient integrity to stand-alone and dimension of at least 7 mm has been found to be sufficient which is fluid permeable on one surface while the other and the lateral dimension is preferably about 10 to 20 surface has been treated to render it liquid impervious. 40 mm. As shown in Figure 3, it is preferred that the side [0019] It should be noted that a relatively narrow cen- margins 33, 33’ have an adhesive attachment means 20 tral absorbent pad 12 is effective because the overall on agarment faceable side of the backsheetthat is adapt- configuration and use of sanitary napkin 10 results in ed to allow a wearer to adhesively affix the side margins central absorbent pad 12 being maintained in close prox- to their undergarment in use. imity to the body. Such proximity of central absorbent 45 [0020] The central absorbent pad 12 has a first pair of pad 12 places it precisely where it should be: very near flaps 24 and 24’ extending laterally outward from the lon- the body at the vaginal opening. Central absorbent pad gitudinal side edges of the central absorbent pad 12 in a 12 can then absorb the vast majority of the menstrual central portion thereof adjacent the lateral centerline and fluid (menses) before it has an opportunity to flow along a second pair of flaps 33, 33’ extending laterally outward the central absorbent pad 12. As shown in Figure 1, the 50 from the longitudinal side edges of the central absorbent absorbent core 16 is generally tapered from a relatively pad 12 in the first distal end region which are adapted to wide distal end region to a relatively narrow opposite dis- fold around the edges of a posterior portion of the thong tal end region so as to conform generally to the wearer’s undergarment in use. As used herein, the terminology thighs and to be easily conformable to a variety of un- "central portion" and "lateral centerline refer generally to dergarment styles. The width of the wider second distal 55 a region of the central absorbent pad 12 that is intended end is preferably less than 75 mm, more preferably from to be placed in a crotch portion of a wearer’s undergar- about 60 mm to 70 mm. Generally, the width of a central ment. Thus, for some embodiments of the invention portion of the crotch portion of an undergarment is from wherein the sanitary napkin is asymmetrical, such as in

4 7 EP 1 332 745 B1 8 a product intended for overnight use, the central portion central absorbent pad 12 along a line of juncture 26. As and lateral centerline may not be located in the exact used herein, the term "line of juncture" refers to any of geometric center of the central absorbent pad. While it various curved or straight lines. Each flap 24, 24’ has a is not necessary that the flaps be mirror images of one distaledge 78 that isremote from a proximaledge defined another they preferably are. Topsheet 14 forms one sur- 5 by the line of juncture 26. face of flaps 24, 24’ while backsheet 18 forms the other [0023] It is to be observed that lines of juncture 26 and surface. In general, the flaps do not require a topsheet 26’ are the lines along which flaps 24 and 24’ are asso- to enable them to function properly, but the use of a top- ciated with the absorbent core (represented by central sheet is preferred. Flap topsheet can be integral with the absorbent pad 12); as such they represent lines of de- central absorbent body, as illustrated, or it can be an10 marcation between the absorbent core and the flaps. In independent element; the former being preferred. All of the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 3, the lines of the specific physical properties of the topsheet 14 previ- juncture 26, 26’ are coincident with the preferential bend- ously described, apply to any flap topsheet that is used. ing lines 30, 30 in the central region 94 of the central There is, however, no requirement that the flap topsheet absorbent pad 12. be the same material as the topsheet associated with the 15 [0024] The sanitary napkin shown in FIGURES 1 and central absorbent pad. In one possible embodiment, the 2 has a substantially linear line of juncture 26. The precise flap topsheet may be nonwoven material while the top- shape of flap 24, as well as the overall shape of the san- sheet over the central absorbent pad is an apertured pol- itary napkin 10 can be selected by those skilled in the art ymeric film. In the embodimentillustrated in Figure 2, without undue experimentation. In the embodiment illus- backsheet 18 serves as a backsheet for flaps 24 and 24’. 20 trated in FIGURE 1, the flaps are symmetrically disposed The flaps require a backsheet (or more generally, a liquid along the longitudinal axis of the sanitary napkin. impervious materials) to enable them to function proper- [0025] The sanitary napkin of the present invention, ly. The flap backsheet can be integral with the absorbent such as the one illustrated in Figures 1-3, is utilized by core liquid impervious surface or they can be independ- removing the release liners 22 and 38 and 38’ and there- ent elements. All of the specific physical properties of the 25 after placing the sanitary napkin in a undergarment. The backsheet 18 previously described apply to the flap back- center region of central absorbent pad 12 is placed in sheet. crotch portion (not shown) of the undergarment with one [0021] Intermediate the side flaps 24, 24’ and side mar- end of central absorbent pad 12 extending towards the gins 33, 33’ are flange portions 99, 99’. Thus, the first front section of the undergarment and the other end to- flap 24 is separated from the second flap (side margin 30 wards the back section and with the backsheet 18 in con- 33) by a flange portion 99. The flange portion 99 has a tact with the inner surface of center crotch portion of the lateral dimension that is insufficient to allow the flange undergarment. Central absorbent pad adhesive 20 main- portion 99 to be folded over an edge of the thong under- tains central absorbent pad 12 in position. The distal por- garment or to contact the garment faceable surface tions of flaps 24 and 24’ are folded around, respectively, thereof in use. As illustrated in FIGURE 1, the preferential 35 side edges and of the crotch portion of the undergarment. bending axes 30, 30’ extend through the side flaps 24, Flap adhesive 36 and 36’ secure flaps 24 and 24’ in such 24’ and through side margins 33, 33’ and the preferential position, thus,flaps 24and 24’ areeach folded overthem- bending axis in flap 24 is substantially collinear with the selves with a portion of the undergarment. preferential bending axis in the second flap 33 within the flange portion. The preferential bending axis in flap 24 40 (the first flap) is parallel with the preferential bending axis Claims in flap 33 (the second flap). [0022] At least a portion of the outer, garment faceable 1. A sanitary napkin adapted to be worn in a thong un- surface of flap 24, in a region adjacent distal edge 78, is dergarment, the undergarment having a body face- coated with flap adhesive 36. Flap adhesive 36 is an ad- 45 able surface and a garment faceable surface, the hesive attachment means which is used to assist in main- sanitary napkin comprising a central absorbent pad, taining flap 24 in position after it is wrapped around the the central absorbent pad having a liquid pervious edge of the crotch portion of the undergarment as de- cover layer, a liquid impervious barrier layer and an scribed below. The flap adhesive 36 is spaced apart from absorbent core between the cover layer and barrier the central absorbent pad adhesive and is also spaced 50 layer, the sanitary napkin having a longitudinal cen- apart from the absorbent core 16. As such, the flap ad- terline, a lateral centerline, a pair of opposite longi- hesive 36 is not in vertical alignment with any portion of tudinal side edges, a first distal end having a rela- the absorbent core 16. Any adhesive used for central tively narrow width and adapted to be worn in a pos- absorbent pad adhesive 20 can be used as flap adhesive terior portion of the thong undergarment in use and 36. Also, flap adhesive 36 is covered with a removable 55 anopposite second distalend having a relatively wid- flap release liner 38. Any release liner material used for er width and adapted to be worn in an anterior portion central absorbent pad release liner 22 can be used for of the thong undergarment in use and a pair of flaps flap release liner 38. Each flap 24, 24’ is associated with extending laterally outward from each longitudinal

5 9 EP 1 332 745 B1 10

side edge along a respective line of juncture, includ- Patentansprüche ing; a first flap being substantially adjacent the lateral 1. Damenbinde, die dazu ausgelegt ist, in einem Tan- centerline, the first flap being adapted to fold over a ga-Unterwäschestück getragen zu werden, wobei crotch portion of the thong undergarment in use5 das Unterwäschestück eine dem Körper zuwendba- along a first preferential bending axis and to contact re Oberfläche und eine der Kleidung zuwendbare the garment faceable surface of the thong undergar- Oberfläche aufweist, wobei die Damenbinde ein mit- ment, and tiges saugfähiges Kissen umfasst, wobei das mittige a second flap being intermediate the first flap and saugfähige Kissen eine flüssigkeitsdurchlässige the first distal end, the second flap being adapted to 10 Deckschicht, eine flüssigkeitsundurchlässige Barri- fold over the posterior portion of the thong undergar- ereschicht und einen saugfähigen Kern zwischen ment in use along a second preferential bending axis der Deckschicht und der Barriereschicht aufweist, and to contact the garment faceable surface of the wobei die Damenbinde aufweist: thong undergarment; the first flap being separated from the second flap 15 eine längs verlaufende Mittellinie, eine quer ver- by a flange portion, characterized in that the flange laufende Mittellinie, ein Paar gegenüberliegen- portion has a lateral dimension that is adapted to not der längs verlaufender Seitenränder, ein erstes allow the flange portion to be folded over an edge of distales Ende, das eine relativ schmale Breite the thong undergarment or to contact the garment aufweist und dazu ausgelegt ist, bei Gebrauch faceable surface thereof in use wherein the first pref- 20 in einem hinteren Abschnitt des Tanga-Unter- erential bending axis is substantially collinear with wäschestücks getragen zu werden, und ein ge- the second preferential bending axis within the genüberliegendes zweites distales Ende, das flange portion, and wherein the first preferential eine relativ breitere Breite aufweist und dazu bending axis is parallel to the second preferential ausgelegt ist, bei Gebrauch in einem vorderen bending axis. 25 Abschnitt des Tanga-Unterwäschestücks getragen zu werden, und ein Paar Flügel, die sich 2. A sanitary absorbent article as defined in claim 1, von jedem längs verlaufenden Seitenrand aus wherein the central absorbent pad has a central ab- entlang einer jeweiligen Verbindungslinie seit- sorbent pad adhesive that is in vertical alignment lich nach außen erstrecken, umfassend: with at least a portion of the absorbent core and is 30 adapted to contact a body faceable side of the thong einen ersten Flügel, der im Wesentlichen undergarment in use, each flap having flap adhesive der quer verlaufenden Mittellinie benach- adapted to contact an underside of the thong under- bart ist, wobei der erste Flügel dazu ausge- garment in use, the flap adhesive being spaced apart legt ist, sich bei Gebrauch entlang einer ers- from the central absorbent pad adhesive and is not 35 ten bevorzugten Biegeachse über einen vertically aligned with any portion of the absorbent Schrittabschnitt des Tanga-Unterwäsche- core. stücks zu falten und mit der der Kleidung zuwendbaren Oberfläche des Tanga-Un- 3. A sanitary absorbent article as defined in claim 1, terwäschestücks in Kontakt zu stehen, und wherein the absorbent core has a width and the cen- 40 einen zweiten Flügel, der sich zwischen tral absorbent pad adhesive has a width that is the dem ersten Flügel und dem ersten distalen same as the width of the absorbent core. Ende befindet, wobei der zweite Flügel dazu ausgelegt ist, sich bei Gebrauch entlang 4. A sanitary absorbent article as defined in claim 1, einer zweiten bevorzugten Biegeachse wherein the central absorbent pad adhesive is a plu- 45 über den hinteren Abschnitt des Tanga-Un- rality of relatively narrow stripes. terwäschestücks zu falten und mit der der Kleidung zuwendbaren Oberfläche des 5. A sanitary absorbent article as defined in claim 1, Tanga-Unterwäschestücks in Kontakt zu wherein the first distal end has a width of less than stehen; 30 mm. 50 wobei der erste Flügel von dem zweiten Flügel 6. A sanitary absorbent article as defined in claim 1, durch einen Flanschabschnitt getrennt ist, da- wherein the first distal end has a width of about 15 durch gekennzeichnet, dass der Flanschab- mm to 20 mm. schnitt eine laterale Ausdehnung aufweist, die 55 dazu ausgelegt ist, nicht zu gestatten, dass der Flanschabschnitt bei Gebrauch über einen Rand des Tanga-Unterwäschestücks gefaltet wird oder mit der der Kleidung zuwendbaren

6 11 EP 1 332 745 B1 12

Oberfläche desselben in Kontakt steht, wobei rieure de la culotte du type string utilisée et une die erste bevorzugte Biegeachse innerhalb des deuxième extrémité distale opposée ayant une lar- Flanschabschnitts im Wesentlichen in einer Li- geur relativement plus large et adaptée pour être nie mit der zweiten bevorzugten Biegeachse portée dans une portion antérieure de la culotte du liegt und wobei die erste bevorzugte Biegeach- 5 type string utilisée et une paire de volets s’étendant se zu der zweiten bevorzugten Biegeachse pa- latéralement vers l’extérieur à partir de chaque bord rallel ist. latéral longitudinal le long d’une ligne de jonction respective, incluant : 2. Saugfähiger Hygieneartikel nach Anspruch 1, wobei das mittige saugfähige Kissen einen Klebstoff des 10 un premier volet essentiellement adjacent à la mittigen saugfähigen Kissens aufweist, der sich in ligne centrale latérale, le premier volet étant vertikaler Ausrichtung mit wenigstens einem Ab- adapté pour se replier sur une portion d’entre- schnitt des saugfähigen Kerns befindet und dazu jambe de la culotte du type string utilisée le long ausgelegt ist, bei Gebrauch mit einer dem Körper d’un premier axe de flexion préférentiel et pour zuwendbaren Seite des Tanga-Unterwäschestücks 15 entrer en contact avec la surface de la culotte in Kontakt zu stehen, wobei jeder Flügel Flügelkleb- du type string pouvant faire face au vêtement, et stoff aufweist, der dazu ausgelegt ist, bei Gebrauch un deuxième volet en position intermédiaire en- mit einer Unterseite des Tanga-Unterwäschestücks tre le premier volet et la première extrémité dis- in Kontakt zu stehen, wobei der Flügelklebstoff von tale, le deuxième volet étant adapté pour se re- dem Klebstoff des mittigen saugfähigen Kissens be- 20 plier sur la portion postérieure de la culotte du abstandet ist und nicht vertikal mit einem Abschnitt type string utilisée le long d’un deuxième axe de des saugfähigen Kerns ausgerichtet ist. flexion préférentiel et pour entrer en contact avec la surface de la culotte du type string pou- 3. Saugfähiger Hygieneartikel nach Anspruch 1, wobei vant faire face au vêtement ; der saugfähige Kern eine Breite aufweist und der 25 Klebstoff des mittigen saugfähigen Kissens eine le premier volet étant séparé du deuxième volet par Breite aufweist, die gleich der Breite des saugfähi- une portion de bride, caractérisé en ce que la por- gen Kerns ist. tionde bride a une dimension latérale qui est adaptée pour ne pas permettre à la portion de bride d’être 4. Saugfähiger Hygieneartikel nach Anspruch 1, wobei 30 repliée sur un bord de la culotte du type string ou der Klebstoff des mittigen saugfähigen Kissens als d’entrer en contact avec la surface de celle-ci utilisée eine Mehrzahl relativ schmaler Streifen vorliegt. pouvant faire face au vêtement, où le premier axe de flexion préférentiel est essentiellement colinéaire 5. Saugfähiger Hygieneartikel nach Anspruch 1, wobei avec le deuxième axe de flexion préférentiel à l’in- das erste distale Ende eine Breite von weniger als 35 térieur de la portion de bride, et où le premier axe 30 mm aufweist. de flexion préférentiel est parallèle au deuxième axe de flexion préférentiel. 6. Saugfähiger Hygieneartikel nach Anspruch 1, wobei das erste distale Ende eine Breite von ca. 15 mm 2. Article absorbant hygiénique selon la revendication bis 20 mm aufweist. 40 1, dans lequel le coussin absorbant central a un ad- hésif de coussin absorbant central qui est aligné verticalement avec au moins une portion du noyau ab- Revendications sorbant et qui est adapté pour entrer en contact avec une surface de la culotte du type string utilisée pou- 1. Serviette hygiénique adaptée pour être portée dans 45 vant faire face au corps, chaque volet ayant un ad- une culotte du type string, la culotte ayant une sur- hésif de volet adapté pour entrer en contact avec un face pouvant faire face au corps et une surface pou- côté inférieur de la culotte du type string utilisée, l’ad- vant faire face à un vêtement, la serviette hygiénique hésif de volet étant espacé de l’adhésif de coussin comprenant un coussin absorbant central, le coussin absorbant central et n’étant aligné verticalement absorbant central ayant une couche de couverture 50 avec aucune portion du coussin absorbant. perméable au liquide, une couche barrière imper- méable au liquide et un noyau absorbant entre la 3. Article absorbant hygiénique selon la revendication couche de couverture et la couche barrière, la ser- 1, dans lequel le noyau absorbant a une largeur et viette hygiénique ayant une ligne centrale longitudi- l’adhésif de coussin absorbant central a une largeur nale, une ligne centrale latérale, une paire de bords 55 qui est la même que la largeur du noyau absorbant. latéraux longitudinaux opposés, une première extré- mité distale ayant une largeur relativement étroite et 4. Article absorbant hygiénique selon la revendication adaptée pour être portée dans une portion posté- 1, dans lequel l’adhésif de coussin absorbant central

7 13 EP 1 332 745 B1 14

est une pluralité de bandes relativement étroites.

5. Article absorbant hygiénique selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la première extrémité distale a une largeur inférieure à 30 mm. 5

6. Article absorbant hygiénique selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la première extrémité distale a une largeur d’environ 15 mm. à 20 mm. 10

8 EP 1 332 745 B1

9 EP 1 332 745 B1

10 EP 1 332 745 B1

REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader’s convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.

Patent documents cited in the description

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