Multi-layer absorbent product with peel away components

Abstract

The present invention provides an absorbent article which includes a first absorbent article and a second absorbent article releasably secured to one another. The first absorbent article includes a grasping member having a portion that extends outwardly from the periphery of the first absorbent article. The grasping member is used to separate the first absorbent article from the second absorbent article after the first absorbent article has become soiled.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An absorbent article comprising: a first absorbent article having a periphery comprising a pair of end edges and a pair of longitudinal edges, a body facing surface and a garment facing surface, said first absorbent article comprising a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet joined to said topsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between said topsheet and said backsheet;   a second absorbent article having a periphery comprising a pair of end edges and a pair of longitudinal edges, a body facing surface and a garment facing surface, said second absorbent article comprising a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet joined to said topsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between said topsheet and said backsheet;   releasable securement means for releasably securing said first and second absorbent articles together, said first and second absorbent articles being releasably secured together at their peripheries; and   at least one grasping member, disposed on at least said first absorbent article, comprising a tab having a fixed portion joined to said first absorbent article and an extended portion connected to said fixed portion and extending longitudinally outwardly from said end edge of said periphery of said first absorbent article, said extended portion comprising a first surface and a second surface.   
     
     
       2. The absorbent article of claim 1 further comprising disposal means joined to said first surface of said extended portion of said grasping member for allowing the first absorbent article to be secured in a configuration that provides convenient disposal of said first absorbent article. 
     
     
       3. The absorbent article of claim 2 wherein said disposal means comprises an adhesive layer. 
     
     
       4. The absorbent article of claim 3 further comprising a release member joined to said adhesive layer. 
     
     
       5. The absorbent article of claim 1 wherein said first absorbent article and said second absorbent article are releasably secured together by heat-sealing. 
     
     
       6. The absorbent article of claim 1 wherein said first absorbent article and said second absorbent article are releasably secured together by a water soluble adhesive. 
     
     
       7. The absorbent article of claim 1 wherein said backsheet of said second absorbent article comprises a panty fastening adhesive and a release liner joined to said panty fastening adhesive. 
     
     
       8. The absorbent article of claim 1 wherein at least said second absorbent article comprises at least two flaps disposed adjacent to and extending laterally outwardly from each said longitudinal edge, thereby having at least one of said flaps on each said longitudinal edge. 
     
     
       9. The absorbent article of claim 1 wherein said first and second absorbent articles are sanitary napkins. 
     
     
       10. The absorbent article of claim 1 wherein said first and second absorbent articles are incontinence pads. 
     
     
       11. The absorbent article of claim 1 wherein said first absorbent article is positioned above said second absorbent article such that said backsheet of said first absorbent article is adjacent to said topsheet of said second absorbent article.