Abstract: A stretchable absorbent garment having a fluid-pervious inner layer, an outer layer, and an absorbent structure located between said inner and outer layers, and at least two generally parallel elastomeric strands stretch bonded to the garment along its length such that when in a relaxed state, all of the above described elements are reduced in length.

Abstract: The method comprises the steps of providing a liquid-pervious bodyside layer, a liquid-impervious outer layer, a stretchable layer, and an absorbent layer; forming the layers into a configuration designed generally to fit conformably to the body; stretching the stretchable layer; bonding the stretched stretchable layer to the other layer; releasing the bonded layer; and forming a plurality of rugosities in the bodyside layer, outer layer, and absorbent layer upon relaxation of the stretchable layer. Apparatus for practicing the method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A diaper comprises a rectangular disposable chassis assembly capable of absorbing and containing bodily wastes, including front, crotch and rear portions and a liquid-previous liner and liquid-impermeable barrier formed together about a liquid-absorbing core. A reusable elasticized cloth belt is removably retained by the chassis assembly, holding the diaper in place against the body during use. When fastened about a wearer, the belt provides a line of support extending transversely across the body of the core in the front portion of the chassis assembly corresponding to the lower abdominal region of the wearer. The belt cinches to snugly position the chassis assembly for absorbing discharged wastes. Preferably, the core contains a lower pledget with hydrogel that swells outwardly against the belt. Breathable elasticized leg cuffs extend along the side margins of the chassis assembly.

Abstract: An absorbent article is disclosed for absorbing and retaining human exudate. The article includes a liquid permeable bodyside liner, a baffle and an absorbent positioned therebetween. The baffle is constructed of a liquid-impermeable inner layer and a cloth-like outer layer. The baffle and liner are joined together about their outer peripheries to enclose the absorbent. The absorbent has an hourglass shape with enlarged end portions separated by a narrow center portion. A pair of walls are formed on opposite sides of the center portion of the absorbent by securing an elastic strip between the liner and the baffle. The walls extend upward and outward from the center portion and are separated by a distance approximately equal to the width of one of the end portions. The upstanding walls prevent side leakage of body fluid, especially during periods of high fluid flow.

Abstract: The stretchable composite comprises a liquid-pervious layer, liquid-impervious layer, an absorbent layer, and a stretchable layer. The stretchable layer is stretch-bonded to the other layers and, upon relaxing the stretched layer, a plurality of rugosities are formed in the liquid-pervious layer, liquid-impervious layer, and absorbent layer. A method is provided for making the composite.

Abstract: The stretchable undergarment comprises a liquid-previous bodyside layer, liquid-impervious outer layer, an absorbent layer, and a stretchable layer. The stretchable layer is stretch-bonded to the other layers and, upon relaxing the stretchable layer forms a plurality of rugosities in the bodyside layer, outer layer, and absorbent medium. The bonded layers are of a generally trapezoidal shape and have a front end portion that diverges toward a rear end portion, wherein the front end portion is from about 20% to about 90% of the width of the rear end portion, and the rear end portion is about 20% to about 60% of the length of the bonded layers.

Abstract: The invention is generally accomplished by providing an elongated, curved, better-fitting absorbent pad for absorption of bodily excretions comprising a liquid-impermeable backing member, an absorbent inner member and a liquid-permeable body-side member. The absorbent member is shaped generally in a manner that provides a narrower middle portion of absorbent material. The middle portion also in the preferred embodiment is somewhat thicker than the absorbent portions at the ends of the pad. The pad is provided with upstanding side portions in the middle of each long edge in the area where the absorbent is narrower. The pad further is curved so as to generally conform to the pudendum.