Abstract: The present invention provides an absorbent device insertable into the interlabial space of a female wearer. The absorbent device comprises a main absorbent portion comprising an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion has a top surface facing toward the vestibule floor of the wearer during insertion into the interlabial space. The upper portion leads the lower portion during insertion of the absorbent device; i.e., the lower portion is spatially opposed to the upper portion, and upon insertion of the absorbent device into a wearer's interlabial space, the lower portion faces away from the vestibule floor of the wearer. Additionally, a fluid acquisition/transfer complex is positioned about and extends at least from the upper portion of the main absorbent portion. The fluid acquisition/transfer complex is configured to be in intimate contact with the folds and creases of the interlabial space of the female wearer.

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: A polymeric multilayer film having a high percentage of fillers to increase the opacity of the film is disclosed. The fillers are concentrated in a separate filler containing layer having about 20 to about 60 weight percent fillers uniformly dispersed therein and about 30 to about 70 percent of the thickness of the total multilayer film. The filler containing layer is coextruded with the outer layers comprising the balance of the thickness of the multilayer film. The multilayer film has at least 15 weight percent fillers.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent brief having substantially straight parallel elastic members on either side of the crotch and separate means to secure the brief to the wearer's thighs and to the wearer's waist, said brief being especially adapted for use by wearers having adult leg configurations. The securement means which forms a thigh seal is placed within an anchoring region of the brief comprising the area between the edge of the brief and two line segments which lie transversely outward of the elastic member and which form angles of about 90 and about 140 degrees, respectively, in the plane of the diaper with respect to the elastic member. The apex of these angles is at one functional endpoint of the elastic member.