Sanitary Napkin for Dynamic Body Fit

Abstract

An absorbent article providing improved body fit. The absorbent article includes an extensible fluid permeable facing layer and a first absorbent layer joined to the facing layer. Each zone of extensibility is a region of the first absorbent layer of relatively higher extensibility than regions of first absorbent layer adjacent to the zone of extensibility. A liquid impermeable backsheet is joined to the facing layer at the periphery. The liquid impermeable backsheet has a garment facing surface. A fastening means is disposed on at least a portion of the garment facing surface of the liquid impermeable backsheet. The first absorbent layer is decoupled from the fluid impermeable backsheet.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An absorbent article having a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis, and a periphery, the absorbent article comprising:
 a. a fluid permeable facing layer, at least portions of which are extensible;   b. a first absorbent layer comprising a zone of extensibility, the zone of extensibility being a region of the first absorbent layer of relatively higher extensibility than regions of the first absorbent layer adjacent to the zone of extensibility and allowing the first absorbent layer to be extensible in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis and in a direction parallel to the transverse axis;   c. a liquid impermeable backsheet joined to the facing layer at the periphery, the liquid impermeable backsheet having a garment facing surface;   d. fastening means disposed on at least a portion of the garment facing surface of the liquid impermeable backsheet, the fastening means defining attachment zones; and   e. wherein the first absorbent layer is decoupled from the fluid impermeable backsheet.   
     
     
         2 . The absorbent article of  claim 1 , wherein the zone of extensibility comprise openings defining slits. 
     
     
         3 . The absorbent article of  claim 1 , wherein the zone of extensibility comprises incrementally-stretched rib-like elements. 
     
     
         4 . The absorbent article of  claim 1 , further comprising a second absorbent layer, the second absorbent layer being joined to the liquid impermeable backsheet, and wherein the at least a portion of the first absorbent layer is decoupled from both the second absorbent layer and the fluid impermeable backsheet. 
     
     
         5 . The absorbent article of  claim 1 , wherein the first absorbent layer is substantially continuously joined to the facing layer. 
     
     
         6 . The absorbent article of  claim 1 , wherein the zone of extensibility of the first absorbent layer are in registry with the extensible portions of the facing layer. 
     
     
         7 . The absorbent article of  claim 6 , wherein the facing layer is joined to the first absorbent layer adjacent the zone of extensibility. 
     
     
         8 . The absorbent article of  claim 1 , wherein the zone of extensibility defines a generally linear pattern of openings defining slits, the generally linear pattern being oriented obliquely to the longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         9 . The absorbent article of  claim 8 , wherein the zone of extensibility defines a V-shaped pattern symmetric about the longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         10 . The absorbent article of  claim 1 , wherein the facing layer comprises a topsheet and a secondary topsheet. 
     
     
         11 . The absorbent article of  claim 1 , wherein the facing layer comprises an apertured, formed film. 
     
     
         12 . The absorbent article of  claim 1 , wherein the facing layer comprises a nonwoven web. 
     
     
         13 . The absorbent article of  claim 1 , wherein the absorbent article is a catamenial device. 
     
     
         14 . An absorbent article having a longitudinal axis, transverse axis, and a periphery, the absorbent article further comprising,
 a. an extensible fluid permeable facing layer;   b. a first absorbent layer being extensible at least in part allowing the absorbent article to bend about multiple axes and such that in use, the absorbent article forms a ridge substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, the ridge being able to articulate in an un-crumpled manner;   c. a liquid impermeable backsheet joined to the facing layer at the periphery, the liquid impermeable backsheet having a garment facing surface;   d. fastening means disposed on at least a portion of the garment facing surface of the liquid impermeable backsheet, the fastening means defining attachment zones; and   e. wherein the first absorbent layer is decoupled from the fluid impermeable backsheet.   
     
     
         15 . The absorbent article of  claim 14 , wherein the first absorbent layer comprises openings defining slits. 
     
     
         16 . The absorbent article of  claim 14 , wherein the first absorbent layer comprises incrementally-stretched rib-like elements. 
     
     
         17 . An absorbent article for absorption of human exudate comprising:
 an extensible liquid impermeable backsheet, an extensible fluid permeable facing layer, and an absorbent layer therebetween;   a front portion adapted to form a flattened or concave portion for positioning exterior of the clitoris and pubic mons; and   a rearward portion adapted to yield a raised peak having a length and forming the pad into an inverted V shape for positioning in alignment with the creases of the perineum and buttocks;   wherein the backsheet, the facing layer, and the absorbent layer are adapted to permit the raised peak to multi-axially articulate.