Abstract: A spacer for use in a disposable absorbent article is disclosed. The spacer has an outer cover and a plurality of discrete elements enclosed by the outer cover. The discrete elements can move relative to one another within the outer cover. Relative movement of the discrete elements permits the spacer to plastically deform in response to flexural loading, while maintaining a fecal void space in the absorbent article under compressive loading.

Abstract: A topsheet for use in a disposable absorbent article. The topsheet is divided into three trisections disposed in a particular arrangement along the longitudinal axis of the disposable absorbent article. The front trisection has no elastic extensibility. The central trisection has elastic extensibility in the transverse direction. The rear trisection has elastic extensibility in the longitudinal direction. If desired, the topsheet may be further provided with an aperture for communicating fecal material through the topsheet into a void space in the disposable absorbent article. An exemplary disposable absorbent article is also included in the disclosure.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article, such as a diaper, is disclosed. The topsheet of the diaper is elastically extensible and provides a relatively low contact pressure against the skin of the wearer at relatively high elongations. This arrangement provides a diaper topsheet which can be elongated to conform to the shape of the wearer without causing undue discomfort or irritation. The relatively low ultimate contact pressure at relatively high elongation may be accomplished either through a low contact force differential material, or through a material which exhibits stress relaxation over a relatively short period of time. The topsheet may be a laminate having one elastomeric lamina and an inelastic lamina. Also disclosed is a method for making such a laminate.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article, such as a diaper, is disclosed. The diaper has two lengthwise extending longitudinal marginal portions, each longitudinal marginal portion having two elastically extensible leg cuffs, a barrier cuff and a gasket cuff. The leg cuffs serve to help contain body exudates within the disposable article. Each leg cuff is elasticized to provide a relatively low ultimate contact force against the skin of the wearer at relatively high elongations. This arrangement provides a diaper with leg cuffs which can be elongated to conform to the shape of the wearer, without causing undue discomfort or irritation to the legs of the wearer. The relatively low ultimate contact force at relatively high elongations may be accomplished either through a low contact force differential material, or through a material which exhibits stress relaxation over a relatively short period of time.

Abstract: A unitary disposable absorbent article such as a diaper is provided with an absorbent core; a liquid impervious backsheet; a liquid pervious topsheet; and a waistpanel positioned over and joined to said topsheet adjacent at least one of the end edges of the absorbent article. The waistpanel provides a waist feature that reduces the potential of liquids to wick between the skin of the wearer and the topsheet, reduces the potential for rollover of the waist portion of the absorbent article, and provides a soft, skin friendly, breathable waist feature.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article, such as a diaper, having a liquid impervious backsheet, a urine pervious liner, and absorbent core intermediate the backsheet and liner is disclosed. The liner has a passageway to allow communication of solid waste materials to the core, thereby isolating such waste from the skin of the wearer. The liner is longitudinally contracted by elastic strands disposed longitudinally nonadjacent the passageway, improving the fit of the article to the wearer without sacrificing leakage protection and allowing various sections of the article to assume independent functions.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article such as a diaper having an outer covering layer comprising a liquid pervious topsheet and a liquid impervious backsheet, an absorbent core encased in the outer covering layer, and at least one cuff member extending outwardly from and along an edge of the absorbent core. The cuff member comprises an upper layer, a base layer, a cantilever flap interposed between the upper layer and the base layer and having a fixed edge and a distal edge, and gathering means such as a plurality of elastic members secured to the cantilever flap. The cuff member enhances containment and fit of the absorbent article and minimizes cuff roll-out and collapse during use.