Multifunctional absorbent article

Abstract

An absorbent article that is adaptable for use with different types of underwear, the absorbent article having an absorbent core having a length and a width; a backsheet having a length and a width underlying the absorbent core; and a first perforation line positioned between a first portion of the absorbent article and a second portion of the absorbent article, whereby separation of the first portion from the second portion along the first perforation line provides at least one newly shaped absorbent article wherein the length or width of the absorbent core is shorter and the length or width of the backsheet layer is shorter.

We claim:  
     
         1 . An adaptable absorbent article comprising 
 (a) an absorbent core having a length and a width and    (b) a first perforation line positioned between a first portion of the absorbent article and a second portion of the absorbent article, wherein prior to separation of the first portion from the second portion along the first perforation line, the absorbent article has a length of less than about 200 mm and after such separation there is provided at least one newly shaped absorbent article wherein the length or width of the absorbent core is shorter.    
     
     
         2 . An absorbent article of  claim 1 , wherein the first portion comprises an outer perimeter having at least one longitudinal end and at least one lateral edge.  
     
     
         3 . An absorbent article of  claim 1 , wherein said first portion comprises two longitudinal ends and two lateral edges.  
     
     
         4 . An absorbent article of  claim 1 , wherein the absorbent article is a conventional pantiliner and the first portion, the second portion, or both is a thong-type pantiliner.  
     
     
         5 . An absorbent underwear of  claim 4 , wherein the thong-type pantiliner further comprises wings.  
     
     
         6 . An absorbent article of  claim 2 , wherein the outer perimeter comprises a sealed portion.  
     
     
         7 . An absorbent article of  claim 1 , wherein the second portion further comprises an outer perimeter having at least one longitudinal end and at least one lateral edge.  
     
     
         8 . An absorbent article of  claim 1 , wherein the second portion comprises two longitudinal ends and two lateral edges.  
     
     
         9 . An absorbent article of  claim 8 , wherein the outer perimeter comprises a crimp seal.  
     
     
         10 . An absorbent article of  claim 1 , further comprising a third portion releasably attached to the second portion.  
     
     
         11 . An absorbent article of  claim 10 , wherein the third portion is an interlabial absorbent article.  
     
     
         12 . An absorbent article of  claim 10 , further comprising a second perforation line that is positioned between the second portion and the third portion.  
     
     
         13 . An absorbent article of  claim 10 , wherein the third portion comprises an outer perimeter.  
     
     
         14 . An absorbent article of  claim 13 , wherein the outer perimeter comprises a sealed portion.  
     
     
         15 . An absorbent article of  claim 1 , wherein the second portion is an interlabial absorbent device.  
     
     
         16 . An absorbent article that is adaptable for use with different types of underwear, the absorbent article comprising: 
 (a) an absorbent core having a length and a width;    (b) a backsheet having a length and a width underlying the absorbent core; and    (c) a first perforation line positioned between a first portion of the absorbent article and a second portion of the absorbent article, wherein separation of the first portion from the second portion along the first perforation line provides at least one newly shaped absorbent article wherein the length or width of the absorbent core is shorter and the length or the width of the backsheet is shorter.