U.S. patent application number 10/397949 was filed with the patent office on 2004-01-01 for sanitary napkin with intergluteal strip.
Invention is credited to Barr, James P., Gell, Carol B., Glasgow, Tara, Louie, Lai Hing, Luizzi, Joseph, Mavinkurve, Pramod S., Rial, Robert, Shabazz-Houston, Safiyya.
Application Number | 20040002686 10/397949 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 28792488 |
Filed Date | 2004-01-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040002686 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Glasgow, Tara ; et
al. |
January 1, 2004 |
Sanitary napkin with intergluteal strip
Abstract
A sanitary napkin has a strip that extends rearwardly to reside
in the intergluteal crevice. The pad fits snugly against the body
without penetrating. Because the strip provides improved body
contact, similar protection is achieved with a smaller pad, thus
providing a discretion benefit to the wearer.
Inventors: |
Glasgow, Tara; (New Hope,
PA) ; Barr, James P.; (East Amwell, NJ) ;
Gell, Carol B.; (Belle Mead, NJ) ; Rial, Robert;
(Cranford, NJ) ; Shabazz-Houston, Safiyya;
(Philadelphia, PA) ; Luizzi, Joseph; (Newtown,
PA) ; Louie, Lai Hing; (Kendall Park, NJ) ;
Mavinkurve, Pramod S.; (Princeton, NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
AUDLEY A. CIAMPORCERO JR.
JOHNSON & JOHNSON
ONE JOHNSON & JOHNSON PLAZA
NEW BRUNSWICK
NJ
08933-7003
US
|
Family ID: |
28792488 |
Appl. No.: |
10/397949 |
Filed: |
March 26, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10397949 |
Mar 26, 2003 |
|
|
|
09747208 |
Dec 22, 2000 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
604/300 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 13/47272 20130101;
A61F 13/47245 20130101; A61F 13/82 20130101; A61F 13/5605 20130101;
A61F 13/47227 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
604/300 |
International
Class: |
A61M 035/00 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A feminine hygiene pad comprising: (a) a main pad body having an
absorbent core system positioned between a pad cover material and a
barrier layer, a rear end which in use is located in proximity to a
wearer's buttocks and an opposed front end, a first face adapted to
contact with the wearer's body and an opposing second face adapted
to face toward an undergarment of the wearer, a main pad body
thickness being defined as the dimension of the main pad body from
the first face to the second face, said main pad body adapted to be
worn in close proximity to the vagina of the wearer; (b) said
absorbent core system being adapted to not significantly extend
beyond the anterior portion of the perineum of the wearer in use;
(c) said pad further comprising a substantially planar tail, said
tail being relatively small in thickness compared to the thickness
of the main pad body, and said tail extending rearwardly from said
rear end of the main pad body, terminating at a distal end; and,
(d) wherein said pad being configured such that said tail is
adapted to be received between the buttocks of the wearer to
thereby facilitate retaining said main pad body adjacent to the
wearer's vagina.
2. A pad as recited in claim 1, wherein said main pad body is
adapted to be worn outside of the vagina of the wearer.
3. A pad as recited in claim 1, wherein said main pad body, when
worn, at least partially resides between the labia of the
wearer.
4. A pad as recited in claim 1, wherein said tail is substantially
free of rugosities.
5. A pad as recited in claim 1, wherein said main pad body is
between 8 and 13.1 cm in length.
6. A pad as recited in claim 1, wherein said tail is less than 1 cm
in thickness.
7. A pad as recited in claim 1, wherein said tail is between 0.5 cm
and 2.5 cm in width.
8. A pad as recited in claim 1, wherein said tail is between 10 and
30 cm in length.
9. A pad as recited in claim 1, wherein said opposing second face
comprises an area of adhesive to aid in retaining said main pad
body adjacent to the wearer's vagina.
10. A pad as recited in claim 1, wherein said pad further comprises
a front flap, extending forwardly from the front end of the main
pad body and terminating at a distal end, said flap adapted to aid
in retaining said main pad body adjacent to the wearer's
vagina.
11. A pad as recited in claim 10, wherein said front flap is
stretchable.
12. A pad as recited in claim 10, wherein said distal end of said
front flap contains an area of adhesive adapted for attaching said
distal end to said undergarment of the wearer.
13. A pad as recited in claim 10, wherein said front flap contains
an area of body adhesive adapted for attaching said distal end to
the wearer's body.
14. A pad as recited in claim 13, comprising an additional front
flap extending forwardly from the main pad body and containing an
area of body adhesive adapted for attaching to the wearer's body,
wherein said front flap and said additional front flap are attached
to the main pad body in a "Y-shaped" configuration.
15. A pad as recited in claim 13, wherein said opposing second face
comprises an area of adhesive for use in positioning the main pad
body in the wearer's underwear.
16. A pad as recited in claim 10, wherein both said front flap and
said tail are connected to the main pad body in a position between
the absorbent core system and the barrier layer.
17. A pad as recited in claim 10, wherein the front flap, the tail
or both the front flap and tail are formed by extending the barrier
layer.
18. A pad as recited in claim 10, wherein both said front flap and
said tail are formed from one continuous piece of material that has
been attached to said second face of the main pad body.
19. A pad as recited in claim 2, wherein said main pad body is
substantially planar.
20. A pad as recited in claim 19, wherein said main pad body has a
central region that is substantially planar which tapers towards
its edges.
21. A pad as recited in claim 1, wherein said tail is flexible.
22. A pad as recited in claim 1, wherein said tail is
stretchable.
23. A pad as recited in claim 1, wherein said tail comprises an
absorbent material.
24. A pad as recited in claim 1, wherein said tail is
nonabsorbent.
25. A pad as recited in claim 1, wherein said tail is adjustable in
length.
26. A pad as recited in claim 1, wherein said tail comprises an
area of adhesive at its distal end, said adhesive adapted to secure
said tail to the wearer's undergarment.
27. A pad as recited in claim 1, wherein said tail comprises an
area of adhesive at its distal end, said adhesive adapted to secure
said tail to the wearer's body.
28. A pad as recited in claim 1, wherein said tail comprises a
region of body adhesive along its length.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to a sanitary napkin having a strip of
material that extends rearwardly to reside in the intergluteal
crevice. This arrangement permits the pad portion of the napkin to
fit more snugly against the body thereby providing improved
protection.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] External sanitary protection is known to greatly depend upon
the proximity of the napkin to the perineal area. A close fit
allows the napkin to collect fluid near the source of the exit from
the body and minimizes fluid traveling along the body. However,
despite the importance of fit to sanitary protection, prior art
napkins adhesively secured to the crotch of the garment rely on the
relatively loose fit of the user's undergarments. Panties worn
while menstruating are often older, well-worn garments which fit
poorly. New panties, unless specially designed to do so, rarely
hold and maintain the napkin close enough to be effective. Even
specially designed undergarments are deemed by many women to be
binding and uncomfortable.
[0003] In addition, reliance on adhesive systems that secure
sanitary napkins to the garment essentially demand that the
securing means of the napkin tenaciously adhere to the garment at
all times. Accordingly, they must resist moisture, sudden torques
generated by movements of the body and frictional shearing forces
exerted by the movements of the various layers of clothing worn by
the user. Not surprisingly, the actual performance of the napkin
fails to satisfactorily meet these conditions.
[0004] One prior art solution to the fitting problem has been to
use sanitary belts to independently support the napkin. Napkins
with long tab ends worn with sanitary belts achieve the necessary
closeness to the body but are often uncomfortable, inconvenient to
use, and cause an indiscreet appearance which women find
objectionable. Moreover, belts suspend a napkin in such a way that
it is allowed to shift and twist, greatly reducing its
effectiveness.
[0005] Another solution, contemplated by the prior art, is to
attach the product ends to the skin. Several patents have been
directed to devices for collecting body fluids that employ adhesive
attachments to the skin. Zamist, U.S. Pat. No. 3,906,952, is
directed to an anatomically contoured sanitary napkin having
adhesive patches which attach to the skin of the wearer. These
patches have non-disposable, die-cut grippers to receive the ends
of the napkin. Levine, U.S. Pat. No. 4,072,151 describes a
catamenial napkin having a long, full-sized napkin with adhesive
strips on its longitudinal ends for attaching to the body. Sohn,
U.S. Pat. No. 4,484,919, teaches a rectal area dressing for anal
incontinence. This rectoperineal device has pressure-sensitive
adhesive on an elongated absorbent pad and on extending end members
that adhere to the skin surfaces.
[0006] While these inventions generally provide a close fit to the
wearer's body, many women are adverse to the use of body adhesive.
Further these prior art uses of adhesives do not permit stretching
in the longitudinal direction to adjust to the wearer's individual
sizing needs. Such devices, moreover, are not flexible enough to
allow the pad to move with the body and return to its original
position during stooping, bending and twisting. This can lead to
uncomfortable binding and twisting of the napkin. Furthermore, the
attachment sites of these products, being susceptible to sudden
torques and shearing forces, are not always reliable in securing
product placement.
[0007] The present invention relates to a sanitary napkin whose
securing means comprises an intergluteal strip. While use of
intergluteal pads has been disclosed in the prior art, their use
has been for increased absorbency of fluids present in this area.
Examples include U.S. Pat. No. 5,520,675 in the name of Knox-Sigh,
U.S. Pat. No. 4,900,319 in the name of Richwine, PCT publication WO
90/04956 in the name of Muller, and U.S. Re. Pat. No. 24,385 in the
name of Flanders.
[0008] The present invention relates to a sanitary napkin whose
securing means comprises an intergluteal strip which thereby makes
use of the wearer's intergluteal crevice to help secure the napkin.
By using the wearer's body in this manner, the present invention
reduces many of the sudden torques and shearing forces associated
with the prior art. Further, it does so in a manner that does not
require adhesive on that intergluteal strip portion. In addition it
permits flexibility of the intergluteal strip. Consequently, an
improved fit of the sanitary napkin is obtained.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The invention provides a sanitary napkin which achieves a
dynamic body fit. The pad of the napkin is closely fit to the
user's body by means that comprises an intergluteal strip. When the
user moves, the user's panty may move, but the pad stays snugly
against the body because of this attachment means.
[0010] More specifically, in accord with one aspect of the
invention, there is provided a feminine hygiene pad comprising:
[0011] (a) a main pad body having an absorbent core system
positioned between a pad cover material and a barrier layer, a rear
end which in use is located in proximity to a wearer's buttocks and
an opposed front end, a first face adapted to contact with the
wearer's body and an opposing second face adapted to face toward an
undergarment of the wearer, a main pad body thickness being defined
as the dimension of the main pad body from the first face to the
second face, said main pad body adapted to be worn in close
proximity to the vagina of the wearer;
[0012] (b) said absorbent core system being adapted to not
significantly extend beyond the anterior portion of the perineum of
the wearer in use;
[0013] (c) said pad further comprising a substantially planar tail,
said tail being relatively small thickness compared to the
thickness of the main pad body, and said tail extending rearwardly
from said rear end of the main pad body, terminating at a distal
end; and,
[0014] (d) wherein said pad being configured such that said tail is
adapted to be received between the buttocks of the wearer to
thereby facilitate retaining said main pad body adjacent to the
wearer's vagina.
[0015] These and other features of the invention will be more fully
understood by reference to the following drawings
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a top view of the inventive pad.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the pad of FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of an alternative
embodiment of the invention illustrating the barrier material
forming the tail and flap.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of another alternative embodiment in
which a continuous piece of material which forms the tail and flap
is attached to the barrier layer.
[0020] FIG. 5 is a front view of the inventive pad as worn by a
wearer.
[0021] FIG. 6 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the
invention illustrating a body-adhesive area on the front flap.
[0022] FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of the pad of FIG. 6.
[0023] FIG. 8 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the
invention illustrating a dual front flap arrangement having a
body-adhesive area on each front flap.
[0024] FIGS. 9A and 9B are bottom views of alternative embodiments
of the invention in which a garment adhesive area is located on the
main pad body.
[0025] FIG. 10 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the
invention illustrating a garment-adhesive area on the distal end of
the tail for attachment to the rear of the user's panties.
[0026] FIG. 11 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the
invention illustrating a body adhesive area on the distal end of
the tail for securing the tail to the user's body.
[0027] FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate alternative embodiments of the
invention in which a stabilizer area of the tail is depicted.
[0028] FIGS. 13A, 13B and 13C depict a rear view of a user's
buttocks and the intergluteal crevice therein. FIG. 13B further
depicts the placement of the intergluteal tail in an embodiment of
the invention wherein the tail does not contain a stabilizer area,
while FIG. 13C depicts the placement of the intergluteal tail in an
embodiment in which a stabilizer area is present.
[0029] FIGS. 14 and 15 depict alternative embodiments of the
invention wherein the stabilizer area has alternative shapes.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0030] During the course of this description, like numbers will be
used to identify like elements according to different figures which
illustrate the invention.
[0031] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention and FIG.
2 shows a corresponding cross-sectional view. The depicted sanitary
napkin 1 has a central longitudinal axis 16. As depicted in these
Figs., the main pad body 17 of this sanitary napkin 1 extends from
point P.sub.2 to point P.sub.3 on the longitudinal axis 16 and
comprises an absorbent core system 2 positioned between a pad cover
material 4 and a barrier layer 6. This main pad body has a front
end 18 located adjacent to point P.sub.3 and a rear end 19 located
adjacent to point P.sub.2. In the embodiment shown the cover 4 and
barrier 6 are slightly larger than the absorbent system, leaving
room to heat seal along the perimeter of the pad.
[0032] In the depicted embodiment the intergluteal tail 8 is
connected to the main pad body and is placed underneath the
absorbent core system so as not to interfere with absorbency.
Construction adhesives as well as heat are exemplary means to
attach the tail 8 to the main pad body. In the preferred embodiment
the tail is composed of a polyester knit fabric such as that
manufactured by Tomen Corporation under the designation AQ 7500. An
alternative embodiment the tail may be composed of a nonwoven
material which has been microcreped, an example of which being the
microcreped material available from Micrex corporation. Use of such
a microcreped material allows the material to expand in use to
accommodate the user's body. The invention is not limited to these
material as alternative materials, to include stretchable or
absorbent materials, are contemplated by the inventors.
[0033] Moreover, the invention is not limited to positioning of the
intergluteal tail between the cover material 4 and the barrier
layer 6. An alternative embodiment depicted in FIG. 3 has the
barrier layer material itself extended to form both the tail and
the optional front flap 10. Alternative embodiments would be having
the barrier layer extending to form only one of these appendages
while the remaining appendage being an attached material.
Accordingly, the materials used in the construction of the tail and
or the optional front flap could be selected to best match the
desired physical characteristics (e.g. elasticity, absorbency,
etc.), to minimize cost, or to simplify construction.
[0034] Alternative embodiments (not shown) of the sanitary napkin
would comprise the presence of channeling or embossing on the cover
material. Such channeling is well known in the sanitary napkin
industry.
[0035] FIG. 4 shows the garment facing side of an additional
alternative embodiment of the invention in which the intergluteal
tail 8 and the front flap are one continuous piece of material that
has been attached to the barrier layer 6. Construction adhesives as
well as heat are exemplary attachment means. In this embodiment
construction of the pad is simplified while not limiting the
barrier layer to be of the same material as both appendages.
[0036] As depicted in FIG. 2 the optional front flap 10, located at
the front end 18 of the main pad body 17, comprises positioning
adhesive 12 and release paper 14 on the garment-facing side. In the
preferred embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, the front flap is
sandwiched between the cover 4 and barrier 6, and is attached using
construction adhesive as well as heat. In this preferred embodiment
it is envisioned that this front flap is constructed of a
stretchable material to aid in both comfort and fit of the pad.
[0037] As illustrated in FIG. 5 the intergluteal tail extends
rearwardly into the area of space between the buttocks of the
wearer. The placement of the intergluteal tail in this position
thus provides an additional anchoring means for the pad. An
important feature of the present invention is that in use, the
absorbent core system 2 of the pad does not extend significantly
beyond the anterior portion of the user's perineum. As is well
known, the perineum of a user is defined to be that area that
extends between the anus and the posterior part of the external
genitalia. Consequently, in normal use the absorbent core system of
the pad does not rearwardly extend significantly beyond the user's
anus, and accordingly extends minimally, if at all, into the
intergluteal crevice of the user. Preferably, when the pad is worn,
the absorbent core system extends less than 25 mm beyond the
anterior portion of the user's perineum; and most preferably does
not extend beyond the anterior portion of the user's perineum.
[0038] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention the
sanitary pad of the present invention provides dynamic fit by
anchoring the front end of the pad to the body through the use of
just one attachment point to the panty. The pad is draped closely
to the body through the use of the intergluteal tail. Once in
place, the pad moves with the body, not with the panty. Hence,
dynamic fit is achieved. Because of this optimal fit, the user can
achieve the same protection in a smaller, more discreet pad.
[0039] Alternative embodiments utilize a body adhesive to secure
the front end of the pad without the necessity of attaching it to
the user's panty. One such embodiment is depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7
and wherein the front flap 10 is of sufficient length such that
when worn, the body adhesive area 20 of the flap extends above and
hence is not in contact with the pubic hair area of the user. As
depicted in FIG. 7 this adhesive area is covered by release paper
22 prior to its use. An alternative embodiment of this aspect of
the invention is depicted in FIG. 8 in which two front flaps are
utilized to form the pad into a "Y" shape. Consequently when worn,
the ends of the flaps extend both up and away from the user's
crotch area to avoid contact of the body adhesive with pubic hair
area.
[0040] FIG. 9A depicts yet another alternative pad in which the
body of the pad is secured to the user's undergarment by use of a
position adhesive area 30 on the barrier layer and hence on the
garment facing side of the pad. Consequently, the front flap is not
required.
[0041] An alternative use of garment adhesive is shown in FIG. 9B.
This figure depicts a smaller position adhesive area 30 that is
located near the tail. This adhesive area is used chiefly to help
properly position the pad in the wearer's undergarment just prior
to use. Once the undergarment is pulled up into a wearing position
and the tail 8 is placed in the intergluteal crevice; it is
contemplated that this adhesive area would no longer secure the pad
to the user's undergarment.
[0042] In the preferred embodiment, the tail lacks any presence of
adhesive on its distal end. As illustrated in FIG. 5 the
intergluteal tail is placed by the wearer in her intergluteal
crevice. This positioning of the tail into this area is sufficient
to secure the tail end of the pad. Alternative embodiments are
contemplated in which the intergluteal tail is of sufficient length
to employ an adhesive on its distal end. As depicted in FIG. 10
this adhesive area 40 may be positioned on the garment facing side
for attachment to the user's undergarment. Alternatively a body
adhesive area 50 on the body facing side could be employed for
securing the distal end of the tail as depicted in FIG. 11. A
napkin containing such adhesive areas would preferably utilize an
adhesive release paper to facilitate packaging and handling of the
napkin prior to its use.
[0043] In the following discussion length measures correspond to
distances along the central longitudinal axis 16 of the pad as
depicted in FIG. 1. Width measures relate to distances along a
corresponding horizontal axis perpendicular to this longitudinal
axis. Accordingly, the length of the intergluteal tail 8 is the
distance from point P.sub.1 to point P.sub.2 along longitudinal
axis 16. Similarly, the main body of the pad extends in length from
point P.sub.2 to point P.sub.3 along this axis. And finally, the
length of the front flap is the measure from point P.sub.3 to point
P.sub.4.
[0044] In the preferred embodiment the front flap has a rounded
shape that flows from the contours of the main pad body as depicted
in FIG. 1. Its width varies along the length of the flap. The
widest portion is adjacent to the main pad body and the narrowest
portion is at the distal end, ending in a rounded point. The widest
portion has a width of 7 cm, but can vary with the width of the
main pad body, from 7 to 10 cm. The length of the flap extends 4 cm
beyond the end of the main pad body. The length of the flap can
range from 3 to 7 cm.
[0045] The tail extends 15 cm from the rear end 19 of the main pad
body. A range in length from 10 to 30 cm would be acceptable.
Preferably, the tail's length ranges from 12 to 18 cm. The width of
the tail can vary from 0.5 to 2.5 cm. Preferably, the tail has a
width of 1.5 to 2 cm. The thickness of the tail is preferable less
than 1 cm and most preferably less than 5 mm. This thickness range
is an important feature of the present invention as it relates to
the user's comfort. The distal end of the intergluteal tail can
have adhesive in a range of patterns, including full coverage of
the tail contour, strips, dots, or other.
[0046] In the preferred embodiment the main body of the pad is
adapted to be worn outside of and in close proximity to the vagina
of a wearer. Accordingly, in this embodiment the main pad body is
substantially planar on its body facing side. Additional
embodiments, while also substantially planar, have some taper in a
front to back direction, or in a side to side direction, or both.
However, the invention is not limited to being worn outside of the
vagina. Additional alternative embodiments are contemplated in
which the main pad body comprises a raised area for insertion into
the vagina. Such an interlabial feature yields several advantages
to include aiding in proper positioning of the pad and/or
permitting a concentration of absorbent materials at the fluid
discharge location.
[0047] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
absorbent core system is of sufficient length to only cover the
length of the user's labia, that is, it is in the range 8.0 to 13.1
cm in length. The length of the main pad body is preferably greater
than the length of the absorbent core system 2, so that a perimeter
of barrier layer 6 and cover material 4 surrounds the absorbent
core. The width of the perimeter can range from 0.5 to 2 cm. This
means the length of the main pad body can range from 9.0 to 17.1
cm. Most preferably, the width of the perimeter is 1 cm. With a
most preferred length of absorbent body of 11.5 cm, this means that
the most preferable length of the main pad body is 13.5 cm.
[0048] The width of the main pad body most preferably varies along
the length, becoming narrower at the rear end 19 of the main pad
body. It could be relatively constant in width as well. In the
preferred embodiment with a variable width, the maximum width
occurs near the front end 18. The width there is in the range 8 cm
to 10 cm. In the preferred embodiment, the main pad body is most
narrow, at the rear end 19 near the tail to thereby provide a more
comfortable fit. Accordingly, this width is preferably between 0.5
and 4 cm. Most preferably, this width is 2 cm. Further, in the
preferred embodiment the narrowest part of the main pad body should
approximately equal the width of the intergluteal tail 8, which can
vary from 0.5 to 2.5 cm.
[0049] In accordance with alternative embodiments the present
invention relates to full size napkins wherein the main pad body
has a length of 200 cm to 250 cm and overnight napkins whose main
pad body has a length of 250 cm to 350 cm. In addition, alternative
embodiments are contemplated in which the napkin has one or more
wings extending from each lateral side of the main pad body, these
wings to be used to further secure the napkin to the user's
undergarments. Such wings are well known in the sanitary napkin
industry.
[0050] Additional embodiments of invention relate to a widened
distal end of the tail thereby forming a stabilizer area 60 of the
tail. FIGS. 12A and 12B depict alternative embodiments of this
invention in which the width (w and w', respectively) of the
stabilizer area 60 is greater than the width of the intergluteal
tail 8. This arrangement helps stabilize the tail by providing a
larger attachment area that distributes the forces acting upon the
tail by spreading them laterally. As illustrated in these figures,
both the width of the stabilizer portion, and the angle of
stabilization, .beta., combine to determine the surface area of the
stabilizer area 60.
[0051] This stabilizing area may contain an area of adhesive 64. In
the preferred embodiment this adhesive would be covered by a
release paper (not shown) prior to use. In FIG. 12 panty adhesive
is depicted on the garment facing side of the tail. In the
preferred embodiment body adhesive, for directly attaching the tail
to the user's body, would be utilized. Moreover, while FIGS. 12A
and 12B illustrate the adhesive area essentially taking the same
shape as the stabilizing area, this is not required. Any number of
adhesive pattern area shapes, including but not limited to, square,
rectangular, circular, or even linear are contemplated by the
invention.
[0052] FIGS. 13A, B and C each depict a rear view of a user's
buttocks. FIG. 13A illustrates the user's intergluteal crevice 65.
FIG. 13B depicts an intergluteal tail 8, which lacks a stabilizing
area, positioned in the intergluteal crevice 65. FIG. 13C
illustrates a user wearing an intergluteal tail 8 having a
stabilizing area 60. Such a stabilizing area not only stabilizes
the forces acting upon the tail, but also helps prevent the tail
from residing too far in the intergluteal crevice, a situation
which users may find uncomfortable.
[0053] FIG. 13C further illustrates how the width of the stabilizer
area, W, and the angle of stabilization, .beta., combine to effect
the surface area of the stabilizer area. The lower limits of these
parameters are influenced by the stability of the material used.
The upper limits of these parameters are influenced by discretion
since, as illustrated in FIG. 13C, the stabilizer area resides
outside of the intergluteal crevice when the tail is in position.
In the preferred embodiment the angle of stabilization, .beta., can
range from 5.degree. to 80.degree.. While for a 20 mm wide tail,
the preferred range of w is from 30 to 120 mm.
[0054] FIG. 14 depicts an alternative embodiment of the stabilizer
area 60. In this embodiment, the height, h, preferentially ranges
from 6 mm to 40 mm and for a 20 mm wide tail, the width, w,
preferentially ranges from 30 to 120 mm. FIG. 15 depicts yet
another alternative embodiment of the shape of the stabilizer area
60. The invention is not limited to these illustrated shapes as any
non-insignificant widening of the distal end of the intergluteal
tail 8 will perform as a stabilization area and help prevent the
tail from residing too far in the intergluteal crevice.
[0055] Further, in situations in which an adhesive is desired at
the distal end of the intergluteal tail, this stabilizing area
provides an increased surface area upon which such adhesive can be
placed. Finally, the stabilization area provides a convenient tab
to aid the wearer in the placement of the tail at time of use.
[0056] The above discussion of the stabilization area relates
primarily to that area being a widening of the tail material at the
distal end of the tail. The invention is not limited in this regard
as it is contemplated that a separate stabilizing strip of material
can be attached to the distal end of the intergluteal tail to
thereby form the stabilization area. In the preferred embodiment
this stabilizing strip would be readily stretchable. Non-limiting
examples of suitable materials include: LYCRA XA Q-3, a laminate of
two layers of low basis weight spunbond PP sandwiching lycra
strands, which is manufactured by the DuPont Corporation; AQ 3005,
a polyester/polyurethane knit laminate, and AQ 7500, a polyester
knit fabric, both commercially available from the Tomen
Corporation; FABRIFLEX 102, a laminate of PP nonwoven and a high
stretch elastic film, manufactured by Tredagar Corporation; and a
cotton/rayon bandage material, with the yarns mechanically twisted
to provide stretch available from Conco under the trade designation
ARTICLE 207.
[0057] An additional alternative embodiment of the invention is
that the tail comprise a gentle body adhesive along at least part
of its length. Use of such an adhesive helps to secure the tail
(and thereby the pad) in place. In addition, the use of such an
adhesive helps to form an impervious gasket thereby minimizing any
potential leakage from occurring towards the posterior of the
wearer. Examples of such adhesives include, but are not limited to,
hydrogel adhesives, TPE/Oil gel adhesives, and polyethelyene
glycol/polyacrylate adhesives.
[0058] While the invention has been described with reference to the
above alternative embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated by
those of ordinary skill in the art that various modifications can
be made to the structure and function of the individual parts of
the system without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention as a whole.
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