阅读说明：本技术 具有具有增强的纵向挠曲和结构完整性的粘合性侧面延伸部的女性卫生制品 (Feminine hygiene article with adhesive side extensions having enhanced longitudinal deflection and structural integrity ) 是由 A.A.希恩 C.W.卢德尔 于 2018-06-29 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明公开了一种女性卫生衬垫,该女性卫生衬垫具有具有增强的纵向挠曲和结构完整性的粘合性侧面延伸部。每个粘合性侧面延伸部可设置有补充结构,该补充结构形成比内侧的、更低的基重和/或更柔性的纵向挠曲区更大的基重和/或挠曲刚度的外侧补充区。纵向挠曲区可具有有限的宽度,使得与补充区组合,纵向取向的挠曲有效地限制于挠曲区,并且促进侧面延伸部围绕使用者/穿着者的内裤的内腿部边缘可靠地整齐包裹,同时减少不希望的侧面延伸部的起皱、成束和/或误折叠的机会。所描述的附加特征可增强使用者/穿着者的舒适度和便利性。(A feminine hygiene pad having adhesive side extensions with enhanced longitudinal deflection and structural integrity is disclosed. Each adhesive side extension may be provided with a supplemental structure forming an outer supplemental region of greater basis weight and/or flexural rigidity than an inner, lower basis weight and/or more flexible longitudinal flexure region. The longitudinal flexure zones may have a limited width such that, in combination with the supplemental zones, the longitudinally oriented flexure is effectively limited to the flexure zones and promotes reliable, clean wrapping of the side extensions around the inner leg edges of the user/wearer's undergarment while reducing the chance of undesirable wrinkling, bunching, and/or misfolding of the side extensions. The additional features described may enhance user/wearer comfort and convenience.)

1. An absorbent feminine hygiene article (10) comprising a topsheet (11) comprising a liquid permeable topsheet web material, a backsheet (12) comprising a substantially liquid impermeable backsheet web material, and an absorbent core structure (13) disposed therebetween, said absorbent core structure having oppositely disposed left and right side edges (15) and associated respective left and right core 1/4 length chordlines (101); the article further comprises a pair of oppositely disposed left and right side extensions (100), each side extension extending laterally away from one of the side edges of the absorbent core structure, wherein:

each side extension comprises an extension of web material that is integral and continuous with one or both of the topsheet and backsheet web materials, or is attached directly or indirectly to at least one of the topsheet and backsheet web materials;

each side extension includes a longitudinal flexure zone (103) and an outer zone (104), the outer zone including a supplemental structure (105) having an inner supplemental structure tangent line (102) parallel to a closest left and right core 1/4 length chord line (101), the longitudinal flexure zone (103) being at least partially defined by the inner supplemental structure tangent line (102) and the closest 1/4 length chord line (101); the lateral region (104) is that portion of the lateral extension (100) that is outside of the medial supplemental structure tangent (102); the outer region (104) comprises a supplementary region (107) defined by an outer planar contour of the supplementary structure (105);

the longitudinally flexed regions (103) have a first basis weight and the supplemental regions (107) have a second basis weight at least 10%, more preferably at least 15%, still more preferably at least 20%, and even more preferably at least 25% greater than the first basis weight; and is

The supplemental region (107) has a laterally extending adhesive patch (108) at least partially disposed thereon, the laterally extending adhesive patch (108) being different from the supplemental structure (105).

2. The article of claim 1, wherein in each side extension, the supplemental region (107) occupies at least 60%, more preferably at least 75%, and even more preferably at least 85% of the planar surface area of the outer region.

3. The article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in each side extension the supplementary zone (107) is continuous.

4. The article of any of the preceding claims, wherein the side-extending adhesive patch (108) is disposed entirely within the supplemental region (107).

5. The article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the supplemental structure (105) comprises a layer of material different from the extended portion of web material.

6. The article of claim 5, wherein the supplemental structure (105) comprises a layer of nonwoven web material.

7. The article of any of claims 5 or 6, wherein the supplemental structure (105) comprises a film layer.

8. The article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the complementary structure (105) comprises a pattern of thermal bonds and/or a pattern of thermal embossments.

9. The article of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the supplemental structure (105) comprises a separate supplemental deposit of adhesive material.

10. The article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the supplemental region (107) has a flexural stiffness of not greater than 200 μ N/m.

11. The article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the medial supplemental structure tangent (102) of each side extension is disposed entirely laterally outboard of the nearest left and right side edges of the absorbent material.

12. The article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the entire longitudinal flexure zone (103) has a substantially uniform basis weight.

13. The article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the longitudinal flexure zone (103) measured in a direction perpendicular to the medial supplemental structure tangent line (102) is at least 3mm, more preferably at least 4mm, and even more preferably at least 5mm wide at its narrowest location.

14. The article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the longitudinal flexure zone (103), measured in a direction perpendicular to the medial supplemental structure tangent line (102), is no greater than 15mm, more preferably no greater than 12mm, and even more preferably no greater than 10mm wide at its narrowest location.

15. The article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the absorbent core (13) has a first width WC, the outer zones (104) of the side extensions (100) each have a second width WS, and WS of at least one and preferably both side extensions is not more than half WC.

Background

Many types of feminine hygiene pads currently available have adhesive side extensions (often referred to as "wings") for wrapping over and around the inside leg opening edges of the user's panties and adhering to their underside in order to hold the pad in place within the panties and provide enhanced protection against soiling of the panties adjacent the leg openings. The user thinks these may be defective. The side extensions are typically formed from integral extensions of the topsheet and/or backsheet materials and have patches or layers of exposable adhesive deposited thereon for adhering the side extensions to the outer/underside surface of the undergarment. Formed of topsheet and/or backsheet materials, the side extensions are typically of a relatively low basis weight, low caliper material. Thus, the side extensions are typically very thin and flexible, and may be prone to misfolding, misapplication, wrinkling, bunching, and/or sticking to themselves along unintended fold lines during the process of unsealing the product and applying the product to the inside of the undergarment. This can result in loss of utility of the side extensions and even the entire pad, and lead to frustration and dissatisfaction of the user with the product. Any improvement that can reduce or eliminate such situations while maintaining the utility of the side extensions and the comfort of the product in use would benefit the user/consumer and provide a competitive advantage to the manufacturer.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a schematic plan view of a feminine hygiene pad.

Fig. 2A to 2C are schematic lateral cross-sections of alternative examples of feminine hygiene pads.

Fig. 3 is a schematic plan view of an absorbent core of a feminine hygiene product illustrating the method herein for identifying the length chord line of the left and right cores 1/4.

Detailed Description

Definition of

"inboard" with respect to the location of the first structure relative to the location of the second structure of the feminine hygiene pad means that the first structure is closer to the longitudinal axis of the pad than the second structure in plan.

"outboard" with respect to the location of the second structure of the feminine hygiene pad relative to the location of the first structure means that, in a plane, the first structure is farther from the longitudinal axis of the pad than the second structure.

"outboard-facing" or "garment-facing" with respect to a surface or web component of the feminine hygiene pad refers to a surface or web component on the exterior of the pad or on the surface away from the wearer when the pad is in use. With respect to the surface or web component of the feminine hygiene pad, "wearer-facing" refers to the surface or web component on the wearer-facing surface of the interior of the pad when the pad is in use. (with respect to the side extensions, the outer-facing surface or garment-facing surface is identified as having side extensions extending laterally outward prior to folding or wrapping, as they are shown in FIGS. 2A-2℃ in FIGS. 2A-2C, all outer-facing/garment-facing surfaces are at the bottom of the figure and all wearer-facing surfaces are at the top of the figure.)

"lateral" and its forms refer to a direction in a plane that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the feminine hygiene pad.

"longitudinal" and its forms refer to a direction in a plane that is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the feminine hygiene pad.

"x-direction" refers to a direction in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the feminine hygiene pad.

"y-direction" refers to a direction in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the feminine hygiene pad.

"z-direction" refers to a direction perpendicular to a plane defined by the x-axis and the y-axis.

Referring to fig. 1 and 2A-2C, a feminine hygiene pad 10 of the type contemplated herein generally comprises a topsheet 11, a backsheet 12, and an absorbent core 13 disposed therebetween. Examples of contemplated feminine hygiene pads include pads adapted to be worn at the crotch region inside the user's panties; as commercially available and sold pads that can be used to receive, contain and absorb exudates produced by menses; and/or for receiving, containing and absorbing urine from users who experience light urinary incontinence, including relatively thin, low caliper pads sometimes referred to as panty shields, lightweight pads, and the like.

The topsheet 11 may be formed of any generally soft, conformable and porous material that is comfortable against human skin and through which body exudates can pass. Examples of materials suitable for forming the topsheet include nonwovens and apertured polymeric films known and disclosed in the art of designing and manufacturing feminine hygiene pads, disposable diapers, and disposable absorbent pants.

The backsheet is generally configured to impede or prevent bodily exudates from passing completely through the liner and soiling the user's underwear or outer garments. The materials forming the backsheet 12 may be designed, selected and/or assembled so as to be substantially liquid impermeable under normal use conditions, and may be formed from a polymeric film or a film/nonwoven laminate. The materials forming the backsheet 12 may be designed, selected, and/or assembled so as to be vapor permeable while being liquid impermeable under normal use conditions to help make the article more breathable. Examples of vapor permeable materials include microporous films, apertured formed films, and nonwovens, also known and disclosed in the art of feminine hygiene pads, disposable diapers, and disposable absorbent pants. Such materials may include additives (e.g., waxes or surfactants) or treatments to increase their hydrophobicity or hydrophilicity.

The absorbent core 13 may be formed from any of the materials known to those of ordinary skill in the art of designing and manufacturing feminine hygiene pads, disposable diapers, and disposable absorbent pants. Examples of such materials include, but are not limited to, plies of creped cellulose wadding, fluffed cellulose fibers, wood pulp fibers (sometimes referred to as "airfelt"), a mass or batt of fibers, an airlaid web or web, a web of polymeric fibers, and blends of polymeric fibers. The absorbent core may also comprise high capacity materials such as polyacrylate particles (often referred to as "superabsorbents" or Absorbent Gelling Materials (AGMs)) and High Internal Phase Emulsion (HIPE) foams such as, but not limited to, U.S. patent nos. 5,550,167; 5,387,207, respectively; 5,352,711, respectively; and 5,331,015.

Optionally, one or more intermediate layers between the topsheet and the backsheet may be included. In one configuration, an intermediate layer may be disposed between the topsheet and the absorbent core. Such layers are included in many known absorbent article designs and can be identified as "secondary topsheets", "impact layers", "acquisition layers", "distribution layers", "transport layers", "wicking layers", and the like. The intermediate layer may be used to facilitate rapid acquisition of body exudates entering through the topsheet and distribution of body exudates across and into the absorbent core, and/or to temporarily hold body exudates as a means for managing large loading capacity or rapid loading rates. Non-limiting examples of strike layers are disclosed in U.S. patents 5,843,063 and 5,879,343. In another configuration, an intermediate layer may be disposed between the absorbent core and the backsheet. In this position, the intermediate layer may provide a number of benefits including, for example, structural integrity, flexibility, body shaping, and body exudate management.

The absorbent articles of the present invention may be individually wrapped. They can help provide cleanliness and tailoring when the wrapping material is carried outdoors. The wrapper generally at least partially encloses the absorbent article, and preferably substantially completely encloses the article. In some examples, the wrap is configured to receive the article of use to facilitate handling thereof. The wrap may be constructed from a variety of materials including, for example, polymeric films, fibrous materials (including nonwovens and wovens), paper, cardstock, and combinations thereof. In one particular example, the wrap is comprised of a flexible polymer film. The polymer film may be based on polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, nylon, polyvinyl alcohol, or blends thereof. One example of a material is 32 gauge polypropylene film. The material may be a single layer or more than one layer. The wrapper may be formed from a single material stock that is manipulated into the container, such as by folding, or may be formed from multiple stocks that are joined together to ultimately form the finished wrapper.

The feminine hygiene pad 10 can comprise one or more primary adhesive patches 14 disposed about the pad's longitudinal axis 200, underlying the absorbent core and disposed on the garment-facing side/outward-facing side of the backsheet 12. One or more primary adhesive patches 14 may be provided to enable the user to attach the pad in place within the panty such that the adhesive will cause the pad to remain in place during wear. Preferably, the primary adhesive patch or patches 14 do not extend laterally from the longitudinal axis away beyond the longitudinal edge 15 of the absorbent core 13 to maintain a relatively uniform surface on the bottom of the pad for securement to the undergarment. The adhesive material may be selected so as to be suitable for securing the pad in place on the inner surface of the panty material during wearing conditions, and also to allow the pad to be removed from the panty after wearing without any substantial damage to the panty material. The pad 10 may have a removable cover sheet applied over the primary adhesive patch or patches 14 to prevent contamination of the patch surface or patches and to prevent premature/undesired contact and adhesion with other surfaces before the pad is placed in the undergarment for use. Alternatively, the liner may be supplied within a wrapper that is removably adhered to the one or more primary adhesive patches 14, whereby removal of the liner from the wrapper exposes the one or more primary adhesive patches 14 for use.

Still referring to fig. 1 and 2A-2C, the feminine hygiene pad 10 can comprise a pair of corresponding left and right side extensions 100. Each side extension 100 may also include a side extension adhesive patch 108. When a suitably sized pad is so provided, and the pad 10 is applied in place within the user's undergarment between the leg openings, the respective left and right side extensions will each extend laterally over the inner edge of the respective left or right leg opening in the undergarment, and may be wrapped over and around the leg openings in the crotch region toward the lower/outer surface of the undergarment. Each extension 100 can then be attached to the lower/outer surface of the panty material using a side extension adhesive patch 108. When so attached, the side extensions 108 serve two purposes: first, by covering the edges of the pant at the interior of the leg openings, they provide additional protection to the pant from soiling caused by exudates around the interior portion of the leg openings. Second, the attached side extensions provide an additional mechanism for holding the pad in place within the undergarment during wear. The pad 10 may be packaged and/or supplied with one or more removable cover sheets applied over the laterally extending adhesive patches 108 to prevent contamination of the patch surfaces and premature/undesired contact and adhesion with other surfaces prior to placement of the pad in the undergarment for use. In some examples, a single removable cover sheet may be provided to cover all of the adhesive patches 108 and patches 14 included with the liner 10.

In some examples, the side extensions 100 may be formed from a unitary continuous extension of one or more materials forming the topsheet 11 and/or backsheet 12. In some examples, the side extensions 100 may be formed of a unitary continuous extension of each of the materials forming the topsheet 11 and the backsheet 12, laminated together by adhesive, thermal bonding, or a combination thereof. In other examples, the side extensions 100 may be formed from discrete sections of one or more materials that have been attached along their longitudinal sides to the primary structure of the cushion.

The material forming the side extensions 100 (e.g., topsheet and/or backsheet materials) may be a relatively low thickness, low basis weight material for the purposes of wearer comfort and economy of material usage in manufacturing. Thus, these materials can be quite thin and flexible. Thus, they can easily wrinkle or be misfolded except along a line that is best suited for wrapping around the leg opening edge of the pant. If this occurs when the side extension adhesive patch 108 is exposed, the side extensions may stick to themselves or may become misaligned, thereby compromising their utility and causing frustration and dissatisfaction to the user.

However, the utility of the side extensions may be maintained and/or improved if the structure provided will promote linear folding or flexing along a single suitable folding or flexing location and help prevent wrinkling. Still referring to fig. 1 and 2A-2C, a supplemental structure 105 may be included and added to each of the side extensions 100, thereby forming a supplemental region 107 on the side extensions. The supplemental structure 105 may be formed from any material that provides added basis weight and/or stiffness to the supplemental region. The supplemental structure 105 may be formed from and/or include one or more layers of nonwoven web material, polymeric film material, or even cellulose/pulp-based paper material that are different from the one or more layers forming the side extension 100 in its longitudinal flexure zone 103. It may also be formed of and/or include a deposit of add-on or supplemental adhesive material, such as a hot melt adhesive material that is otherwise used to laminate and hold together the other layers of the side extensions. In this latter example, the supplemental adhesive material will be different from the adhesive material used to form the side extension adhesive patch 108, and will be disposed at a location within the side extension structure such that when the liner is in use, it is physically isolated from contact with the exterior surface (and thus distinguished from the side extension adhesive patch 108 and the primary adhesive patch 14). The supplemental structure 105 may be disposed on the exterior surface of the backsheet 12 material, or otherwise on the outer-facing surface/garment-facing surface of the side extension 100 (as shown in fig. 2A), on the exterior surface of the topsheet 11 material, or otherwise on the wearer-facing surface of the side extension 100 (as shown in fig. 2C), or between the topsheet 11 material and the backsheet 12 material, or otherwise between the wearer-facing layer and the outer-facing layer/garment-facing layer, thereby forming the side extension 100 (as shown in fig. 2B). The supplemental structure 105 may be secured, adhered, or bonded between one or more layers or layers forming the side extension 100 via an adhesive, such as a hot melt adhesive, via a pattern of thermal bonds, a pattern of mechanical bonds, a pattern of thermal embossments, or a combination thereof.

The following geometric references are identified and used herein as follows: the outermost portion of each side extension is an outer region 104. The outer region 104 is the portion of the side extension that is laterally outward of the longitudinal flexure region 103. The maximum extent of the longitudinal flexure zone 103 is bounded by the inboard supplemental structure tangent line 102, which is tangent to the supplemental structure 105 on its innermost edge and is parallel to the closest 1/4 length chord line 101. Referring to fig. 3, the left and right 1/4 length chord lines 101 are identified by equally dividing the length L of the absorbent core 13 into four equal sub-lengths 1/4L, and the intersections 110 between the lateral quarter and three quarter length division lines of the absorbent core 13 and the respective left and right longitudinal edges are identified. Each of the left and right 1/4 length chord lines 101 is a line adjacent the left or right longitudinal edge of the absorbent core that connects the intersections 110 on that edge. (recognizing 1/4 length strings in this manner provides the most suitable demarcation of the longitudinal flexure zone 103 for differently shaped absorbent cores it should be understood that the left and right 1/4 length strings may be parallel to each other but not necessarily parallel to each other-depending on the shape of the absorbent core.) thus, referring again to FIG. 1, the longitudinal flexure zone 103 of each of the left and right sides is the zone between the 1/4 length string 101 on that side and the near-medial supplemental structure tangent line 102. Accordingly, the outboard region 104 of each side extension is that portion of the side extension that is located laterally outboard of the adjacent medial supplemental structural tangent 102.

The supplemental structures 105 (and resulting supplemental regions 107) may be appropriately sized and positioned to promote orderly linear folding or flexing of the side extensions 100 within the longitudinal flexing regions 103 substantially along the longitudinal direction. (for purposes herein, supplemental regions 107 are considered coextensive with those of supplemental structure 105 in terms of planar profile, planar dimensions, and planar surface area).

At the same time, it may be desirable to prevent wrinkling and/or undesired folding of the side extensions 100 along lines or areas other than the longitudinal flex zones 103. In addition, the longitudinal flexure zone 103 should be wide enough to provide a sufficient area of relatively highly flexible material to wrap around the leg opening edges of the pant, including any elastic material and/or trim material that forms leg bands in the pant to accommodate the curvature of the leg opening edges and to accommodate a range of pant leg opening spacings. Thus, it may be desirable for each longitudinal flexure zone 103 to be at least 3mm, more preferably at least 4mm, and even more preferably at least 5mm wide, but not more than 15mm, more preferably not more than 12mm, and even more preferably not more than 10mm wide, where its width is the distance between lines 101 and 102. For similar reasons, it may be desirable for the medial supplemental structure tangent (the innermost extent of the nominal supplemental structure 105) to be disposed completely laterally outboard of the closest left or right longitudinal side edge 15 of the absorbent core 13 in the x-direction. In order to maintain the effect of the structure on consistently promoting folding or flexing by the longitudinal flexure zone 103, it may be preferred that the entire longitudinal flexure zone 103 have a substantially uniform structure and/or have a substantially uniform basis weight. For purposes of promoting flexibility, it may be desirable for the one or more materials forming the longitudinally flexed regions 103 to have a basis weight that is limited to an amount less than the basis weight of the supplemental regions 107. Thus, for the purposes described herein, it may be desirable and effective that the basis weight of the supplemental regions 107 be at least 10%, more preferably at least 15%, still more preferably at least 20%, and even more preferably at least 25% greater than the basis weight of the longitudinally flexed regions 103. Alternatively or in combination with such relationships, it may also be desirable for the basis weight of the longitudinal flexure zones to be no greater than 75gsm, more preferably no greater than 70gsm, and even more preferably no greater than 65 gsm.

To help prevent wrinkling and/or folding in the unsuitable regions, it may be desirable for supplemental structure 105 and resulting supplemental region 107 to occupy at least 60%, more preferably at least 75%, and even more preferably at least 85% of the planar surface area of outer region 104. For similar reasons, it may be desirable for the supplemental region 107 of each side extension to be continuous and singular, rather than being divided into more than one discrete sub-region, for example by the presence of more than one discrete supplemental structure 105.

It may be desirable for the side extensions 100 to be limited in overall lateral width. This may be desirable to further reduce the likelihood of wrinkling, folding or flexing along undesired locations. In addition, it may be considered desirable that the side extensions do not substantially overlap and/or adhere to each other under the wearer's undergarment when the pad is applied within the wearer's undergarment, which may complicate removal from the undergarment after use. Thus, it may be desirable for the outer region 104 of each side extension 100 to have a width WS that is no more than half the width WC of the absorbent core 13, as measured along the x-direction at the length midpoint (see fig. 3); and wherein the width WS of the outer region 104 of each side extension is measured in the x-direction and is the distance between the medial supplemental structural tangent 102 along the lateral axis 201 and the outermost edge of the side extension (see fig. 1).

Another feature that may be incorporated to facilitate folding or flexing only along longitudinal flex zone 103 and to inhibit folding or flexing in lateral zone 104 may be an appropriate aspect ratio of supplemental structure 105 and resulting supplemental zone 107. In this regard, it may be desirable for the supplemental structures to have an aspect ratio of length (measured in the y-direction) to width (measured in the x-direction) that is greater than 1.0, more preferably at least 1.5, and more preferably at least 2.0.

To help prevent the formation of a flex or fold between the supplemental area 107 and the portion of the side extension that supports the side extension adhesive patch 108, it may be desirable for the surface area of the side extension adhesive patch 108 to be at least partially disposed within the supplemental area 107. It may be more preferred that the surface area of the adhesive patch 108 is mostly or even more preferably completely disposed within the supplemental area 107.

While providing supplemental structure 105 to increase the basis weight and/or stiffness of supplemental region 107 may provide the described benefits, as described above, supplemental region 107 should not be too stiff and/or bulky to be a potential source of wearer discomfort. The side extensions 100 should be flexible enough to comfortably conform to the curvature around the wearer's body and to comfortably accommodate wearer movement during wear/use of the pad 10, and should not be perceived as a localized pile under the panties during wear.

Accordingly, it may be desirable for the supplemental region 107 to have a basis weight of no greater than 125gsm (grams per square meter), more preferably no greater than 100gsm, and even more preferably no greater than 80gsm, while having a basis weight greater than the basis weight of the longitudinal flexure region 103. Alternatively or in combination, it may be desirable for supplemental regions 107 to have a flexural stiffness of no greater than 200 μ N/m, more preferably no greater than 150 μ N/m, and even more preferably no greater than 100 μ N/m, while having a flexural stiffness greater than the flexural stiffness of the longitudinal flexure regions 103, when measured using the flexural stiffness measurement methods listed below.

In some examples, the cushion 10 may be provided with visible indicia that readily visually define the outer region 104 of the side extension 100. This can be used to provide an intuitive signal to the user/consumer that the side extensions 100 can be easily wrapped over the inner leg edges of the pant, which further promotes neatness and wrapping around it when designed and avoids folding or wrapping along unsuitable areas. In one example, the supplemental regions 107 may be imparted a color that visually contrasts with the coloration of the longitudinal flexure region. Color may be imparted via, for example, printing, or by dyeing or coloring the material used to form the layer component of supplemental region 107. In a more specific example, the supplemental structure 105 may be imparted a visually contrasting color, thereby imparting a contrasting color to the supplemental region. Herein, visually contrasting colors are identified according to the visual contrast methods listed below. In another example, the side extension 100 and/or one or more layers thereof, and/or the longitudinal flex zone 103 may each be imprinted with one or more visible lines extending in the longitudinal direction, thereby suggesting that a line or longitudinally extending region along which the fold and/or flexible wrap is appropriate.

Providing a supplemental structure to the side extensions comprising adhesive patches as described herein has the effect of creating a natural longitudinal flexure zone around which the side extensions can reliably, easily and neatly flex and/or fold in a manner well suited for wrapping around the proximal leg opening edge of a user's undergarment. The supplemental structure may also increase the stiffness of the outer portion of the side extension and the adhesive portion. These effects significantly reduce the chance that the side extensions will be misfolded, misapplied, wrinkled or bunched, or adhere to themselves during the unsealing and application of the product in the panty. Thus, customer/user satisfaction with the liner product may be improved, and its manufacturer and/or distributor may thereby realize a competitive advantage.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Rather, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm".

Bending rigidity measuring method

Flexural stiffness of material samples taken from the longitudinal flexure zones and/or from the supplemental zones can be measured using "pear" loop technology, according to textile physical test (1999) (section 10.1.3 — sling method) of b.p. saville (b.p. saville, Physical Testing of Textiles(1999) (Section 10.1.3-Hanging loop method)). The sample size may be suitably selected in accordance with the dimensions of the longitudinal flexure zone and the supplemental zone of the subject product.

Visual contrast

The color difference measurements are based on the CIE L a b color system (CIELAB). Images were acquired using a flat-bed scanner capable of scanning a minimum of 24 bits of color at 1200dpi with manual control of color management (one suitable scanner is Epson Perfection V750 Pro from Epson american Inc. The scanner was calibrated against the color reflecting targets to construct a scanner profile following ANSI method IT8.7/2-1993 using color management software (a suitable software package is MonacoEZColor from X-Rite Grand Rapids (MI)). The resulting calibrated scanner profiles were opened within an imaging program supporting sampling in CIEL a b (one suitable program is Photoshop S4 available from Adobe Systems Inc.

The scanner was turned on for 30 minutes before calibration. Place IT8 target face down onto the scanner glass and close the scanner cover. The MonacoEZColor software is opened and the Twain software included with the scanner is used to select the acquisition image. The fuzzy mask settings and any automatic color correction or color management options that may be included in the software are deselected within the Twain software. If automatic color management cannot be disabled, the scanner is not suitable for this application. Preview scans were acquired at 200dpi and 24 bit color. It is ensured that the scanned image is straight and the first outer surface faces upwards. The image is cropped to the edge of the target, excluding all white space around the target, and the final image is acquired. The MonacoEZColor software uses the image to compare to the included reference file to create and derive calibrated color features compatible with Photoshop. After the features are created, the scan resolution (dpi) can be changed, but all other settings must remain constant during imaging of the sample.

A rectangular sample of the corresponding same dimensions of each subject portion (i.e., supplemental and longitudinal flexure zones) of the product is provided having the maximum length and width available. Prior to testing, the samples were preconditioned at about 23 ℃ ± 2 ℃ and about 50% ± 2% relative humidity for 2 hours.

The scanner lid is opened and a first sample is placed on the scanner glass with the first outer surface facing the glass. Samples were covered with a white background (white is defined as having L in this test method)>94、-2<a*<2. And-2<b*<2) And closing the cover. A scan of the first sample was taken at 600dpi and 24 bit color and introduced into Photoshop. The calibrated scanner profile was assigned to the image and the pattern was changed to Lab Color ("Lab Color" in Photoshop corresponds to CIE L a b standard). Select the "eyedropper" color selection tool. The sampling size of the tool is set to include as many pixels as possible within a sample 2mm x 2mm square area. The eyedropper tool was used to measure and record the la b values in 10 different 2mm x 2mm square regions (without holes) in the sample image. The 10 individual values of La b are averaged and recorded as L ₁、a ₁And b ₁。

The steps in the above paragraph are repeated for the second sample and the average is recorded as L ₂、a ₂And b ₂. The color difference (Δ Ε) between the bonded and unbonded areas was calculated and reported using the following formula:

and reported to the nearest 0.01 units. For each sample set, a total of three substantially identical samples for each layer are measured. The three Δ E values were averaged and reported to the nearest 0.1 units.

It is contemplated that one of ordinary skill in the relevant art can make any suitable adjustments to the sampling and/or data collection required by the method, depending on the size of the subject product, to make a relevant comparison between the respective colors of the longitudinal flexion zones and the supplemental zones to determine if the visual contrast specified herein is present.

Each document cited herein, including any cross referenced or related patent or patent application and any patent application or patent to which this application claims priority or its benefits, is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with any disclosure of the invention or the claims herein or that it alone, or in combination with any one or more of the references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.