Sanitary Napkin with Braid

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sanitary napkin whose securing means includes a braid of absorbent material. The braid structure maximizes absorbency, while minimizing bulk and thus allows the pad to be comfortably held in place during use, in much the same way that the popular thong underwear are held.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a Continuation Application of U.S. application Ser. No. 12 / 440,920 filed Mar. 11, 2009, which is a 35 U.S.C. Section 371 of PCT / US2007 / 078171 filed Sep. 11, 2007, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 825,244 filed Sep. 11, 2006, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH[0002]Not applicable.REFERENCE TO MICROFICHE APPENDIX[0003]Not applicable.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0004]The invention relates to sanitary napkins improved with an extending braid, to be worn like a thong. The braid provides much improved absorbency protection and fit, and yet is comfortable to wear.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0005]The effectiveness of external feminine sanitary protection products such as sanitary napkins depends upon a good fit, which serves to minimize discomfort and provide the maximum absorbent surface area. However, despite the importance of fit to sanitary protec...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]The invention provides a sanitary napkin which achieves a dynamic body fit because the pad is securely held in place by a braid positioned toward the middle of the pad. An intergluteal strip or “braid” of absorbent material maximizes absorbency, while minimizing bulk. The braid allows the pad to be comfortably held in place during use, in much the same way that the popular thong underwear are held, and provides a secure yet comfortable fit. Further, the braid has superior absorbency and improves the functioning of the pad.

[0011]By “braid” or “braided” what is meant is that one or more separate strands of material are knitted, braided, plaited or woven to form a series of “interlocking loops.” This provides maximum strength and absorbency, while minimizing bulk.

[0013]Fibers may be constructed of natural, manufactured, synthetic or blended materials. Fibers may be fabrics, threads, yams or other formed materials. Natural materials include, but are not limited to, cotton, hemp, wool, wood-pulp or other natural materials. Manufactured fibers like cellulose may be processed to increase absorbency or change the texture of the material. Synthetic materials may include polyacrylate, polypropylene, polyester, polyethylene, polyurethane, and LYCRA™. In one embodiment a super-absorbent is incorporated into the material. In another embodiment a wicking material is incorporated to facilitate the movement of moisture.

Problems solved by technology

However, despite the importance of fit to sanitary protection, most prior art napkins are secured either by adhesion to an undergarment or rely on the use of belts, safety pins or clips and other attachment means.

Typically the undergarment itself doesn't fit well, and even if it does, nothing prevents the pad from bunching and minimizing the absorbent surface area.

Further, the adhesives often fail, and the pad shifts and fails in its primary task.

Belts provide greater security, but they are bulky, restrictive, uncomfortable, and few women use them.

However, each of these suffers from the same disadvantage, in that the protrusion is either too bulky for comfort, or if sufficiently slender for comfort, then it lacks sufficient absorbency.

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