Abstract: The present invention generally relates to absorbent articles and to methods for forming the absorbent articles. The absorbent articles of the present invention include an absorbent core that is disposed between a top sheet and a backsheet, whereby the articles have improved stiffness and an improved stiffness index.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent garment includes a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core disposed therebetween. A pair of inboard leg gathers are attached to the topsheet on opposite sides of a longitudinal centerline of the absorbent article and extend at least through the crotch area. The absorbent garment further includes an upper, partial length absorbent structure. The upper absorbent structure has a front edge extending near the front waist opening and a rear edge terminating in the area of the crotch region. A second pair of inboard leg gathers are positioned inboard of the first pair of leg gathers, and disposed on top of the upper absorbent structure. A BM containment pocket is formed beneath the upper absorbent structure. The BM containment pocket reduces mixing of urine and BM and prevents soiling of genitals, thereby reducing the incidence and severity of diaper rash.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an absorbent article that includes a top sheet, a back sheet and an absorbent laminate core disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet. The absorbent laminate core preferably is comprised of at least four layers, whereby two of the layers are outer layers, (an upper layer and a lower layer), one of the inner layers is a central fibrous layer containing from about 30 to about 50% by weight SAP, and the other inner layer is at least one layer selected from an acquisition layer, a distribution layer, an additional fibrous layer optionally containing SAP, a wicking layer, a storage layer, or combinations and fragments thereof.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent garment has barrier elements on its inner liner to form barriers to flow of urine across the liner surface. In one embodiment, the barrier elements are loops formed by rows of slits through the liner material, such that the slits form rows of strips. Central portions of the strips are forced out of the plane of the liner to form wide based loops or humps on the inner surface of the garment when the garment is in place about the body of a wearer. These elevated loops form rows of raised obstructions that act as urine flow interference barriers. In other embodiments, the loops are preformed on the surface of the liner layer, or are formed from interdigitating strips. The loops are preferably provided in a target area of the garment where urine impinges the liner surface. Garments intended to be worn by males may have the loops distributed primarily throughout a front crotch region, to interfere with the substantially tangential movement of urine across the liner layer.