Abstract: An improved sanitary napkin is disclosed. The sanitary napkin has a laterally extensible flap which extends outwardly from one of the longitudinal edges of the sanitary napkin or a laterally extensible backsheet. The backsheet or flap may be laterally extended from the neutral, retracted position and will return to the retracted position upon release of the disturbing force. This arrangement provides the advantage that any adhesive strips or patches associated with the flaps or backsheet more easily move with the undergarment of the wearer and are less likely to be stressed or become detached from the undergarment of the wearer due to the forces encountered during typical wearer movements.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin, is disclosed that has components which may separate in the Z-direction with relation to other components of the article when the absorbent article is worn. The sanitary napkin of the present invention comprises a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet, an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, and a liquid pervious spacing structure for moving the topsheet away from the core. The spacing structure is generally positioned between the topsheet and the core. The spacing structure has a longitudinal centerline, and opposed lateral sides which may move inwardly toward the longitudinal centerline when the spacing is compressed from the sides. This results in at least a portion of the spacing structure moving the topsheet apart from the absorbent core. In an alternative embodiment, the sanitary napkin of the present invention also has an absorbent core which separates from the backsheet of the sanitary napkin.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a compound sanitary napkin. The compound sanitary napkin includes a primary absorbent member secured to a secondary absorbent member. The primary absorbent member includes an absorbent core wrapped in an outer cover, at least a portion of the outer cover being liquid impervious. The secondary absorbent member includes a liquid impervious backsheet and an absorbent material joined thereto. Optionally, the secondary absorbent member includes a backsheet, a topsheet joined to the backsheet and an absorbent core disposed between the backsheet and the topsheet.