Kimberly-clark Corporation

Kimberly-clark Worldwide, Inc.

Frederich O Lassen

Robert J Peerenboom

Cheri L Schultz

Jane Marilyn Anton

Linda Jean Chmielewski-Larsen

Earle Harry Sherrod

Paul John Serbiak

Russell L Johnson

Thomas P Van Iten

Ann M Nichols

Dawn Marie Huffman

Dianne S Masten

Anna M Cesco-Cancian

An absorbent article for absorbing body fluids is provided having an absorbent core positioned between a fluid-permeable cover and a fluid-impermeable baffle. The absorbent core includes a central, longitudinal flexure axis which substantially extends the length of the absorbent core. The central, longitudinal axis generally divides the absorbent core into first and second longitudinal members having an outer boundary and wherein the first member has a second flexure axis and the second member has a third flexure axis. Flanking the outer boundary of the first and second members are a third and a fourth longitudinal absorbent member, respectively. The third and fourth absorbent members are positioned so that, when said absorbent article is subjected to lateral compressive forces, the first and second members preferentially bend convexly upward, and said absorbent core generally acquires a &ldquo;W&rdquo; shaped configuration.

Absorbent article having a body-accommodating absorbent core

An absorbent article for absorbing body fluids is provided having an absorbent core positioned between a fluid-permeable cover and a fluid-impermeable baffle. The absorbent core includes a central, longitudinal flexure axis which substantially extends the length of the absorbent core. The central, longitudinal axis generally divides the absorbent core into first and second longitudinal members having an outer boundary and wherein the first member has a second flexure axis and the second member has a third flexure axis. Flanking the outer boundary of the first and second members are a third and a fourth longitudinal absorbent members, respectively. The third and fourth absorbent members are positioned so that, when said absorbent article is subjected to lateral compressive forces, the first and second members preferentially bend convexly upward, and said absorbent core generally acquires a &ldquo;W&rdquo; shaped configuration.

An absorbent article for absorbing body fluids is provided having an absorbent core positioned between a fluid-permeable cover and a fluid-impermeable baffle. The absorbent core includes a central, longitudinal flexure axis which substantially extends the length of the absorbent core. The central, longitudinal axis generally divides the absorbent core into first and second longitudinal members having an outer boundary and wherein the first member has a second flexure axis and the second member has a third flexure axis. Flanking the outer boundary of the first and second members are a third and a fourth longitudinal absorbent member, respectively. The third and fourth absorbent members are positioned so that, when said absorbent article is subjected to lateral compressive forces, the first and second members preferentially bend convexly upward, and said absorbent core generally acquires a 'W' shaped configuration.

A sanitary napkin assembly is disclosed having a second absorbent pad that is superposed over and movably secured to a first absorbent pad. Each absorbent pad has a centrally positioned, longitudinal axis. The securement device securing the second absorbent pad to the first absorbent pad allows the second absorbent pad to move along one of the longitudinal axes and preferably permits the second absorbent pad to rotate through an angle of about 90 degrees.

Absorbent article having moveable attachment means

An absorbent article is disclosed having a pair of absorbents positioned adjacent to each other. Each absorbent has a first surface facing the body of a user and a second surface aligned opposite to the first surface. A fluid-impermeable baffle is positioned adjacent to the second surface of each absorbent and extends upward around a portion of the absorbents. A fluid permeable cover is positioned adjacent to the first surface of each absorbent and can be sealed to the baffle. The absorbent article further includes a transfer member for facilitating movement of body fluids from the cover downward and outward to distant areas of the absorbents. The transfer member is positioned above, between and below at least a portion of the absorbents and is coaxially aligned the the longitudinal central axis of the article. The transfer member is also spaced apart from the periphery of the absorbents.

Absorbent article having a fluid transfer member

A labial pad (30) having an anatomically conformable configuration with a generally ovate geometry defined by a principal longitudinal axis (L), a minor transverse axis (T) and a generally orthogonal lateral or height axis (H), is comprised of a laterally upwardly directed projection (52) lying generally along the longitudinal axis within the posterior region (54) of the pad and having a prominence (64) proximate the distal end (60) thereof tapering toward the proximal end (58) along the longitudinal axis and to the opposed sides (62) along the transverse axis, wherein the projection is configured for disposition within the vestibule (32) of a wearer over a region bounded generally by the posterior labial commissure (36) and the labia terminating at or about the latter and extending forwardly therefrom over the vulva, to occlude the vestibule against flow of menses or the like while protecting the urogenitals from chafing contact.

Labial sanitary pad

The invention is generally accomplished by forming a three-dimensionally shaped, externally worn feminine protection device which has been mechanically shaped by folding, molding or other forming techniques in such a way that it has a raised portion located within the back one-half to two-thirds of the device that functions to cause the pad to readily fit to and generally align itself within the inverted V-shaped regions of the woman's lower abdominal region, vulva, perineum and the anterior portion between the buttocks. The forward portion of the device of the invention generally is flattened in use to cover externally the area of the pubic mons and the area exterior of the clitoris. The back portion of the device is formed in a peak like shape which readily adjusts to and molds to the inverted V-shape of the rear portion of the labia, the perineum and the forward portion of the area between the buttocks.

Anatomically shaped, self-aligning, sanitary protection device

An absorbent web is provided with spaced apertures which have been formed by slitting, tensioning, and setting fusible material which forms a part of the web. The web preferably includes absorbent material which is capable of increased absorbency when compared to conventional cellulosic fibers.

Web with enhanced fluid transfer properties and method of making same

The invention is generally accomplished by providing an incontinent garment or feminine pad having an indicator thereon to aid in proper placement of the pad onto the body of the wearer. The invention in preferred form provides a sanitary napkin configured for partial labial disposition within the vestibule of the wearer, and for at least partially occluding said vestibule respecting fluid flow therefrom, said napkin comprises a fluid-absorbent body having a posterior region including a raised profile for projection within the vestibule intermediate the labia majora inwardly bounding the same from a position posteriorly remote from the clitoris and extending to the rearwardmost aspect of said vestibule, and anterior region merging with said posterior region and for generally external disposition about the vulvar region over said labia majora and spaced from said clitoris with a visual and/or tactile indicator located in the area of the pad that is to be placed immediately below the vestibule of the wearer.

Method and pad allowing improved placement of catamenial device

A sanitary napkin as provided with a multilayer absorbent, the top layer of which is designed to transfer fluid rapidly from the cover to secondary layers. The top layer contains at least 60% thermoplastic fiber and is oriented 90.degree. from the axis of deposition of the web from which it was derived.

Sanitary napkin with fluid transfer layer

An anatomical liner is provided which is ellipsoidal in both horizontal and vertical cross-section and is designed to be positioned and maintained within the vulva without penetrating the vaginal canal.

Anatomical pad

A sanitary napkin is provided with a positioning strap in slideable contact with a low friction baffle which is attached to the bottom of the napkin. The contact between the positioning strap and the baffle is maintained by a retention strap attached to the napkin which encircles the positioning strap. Attachment means are provided at each end of the positioning strap on the surface opposite that in slidable contact with the baffle.

Growing community of inventors

Winnebago County, WI, United States of America

Frederich O Lassen