Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin, incontinent device, or the like. The absorbent article comprises a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent article further comprises a pair of longitudinally extending cuffs disposed on the body surface of the topsheet on each side of a longitudinal centerline of the absorbent article The cuffs comprise an elastic member and a resilient member and are joined to at least one of the topsheet and the backsheet in a longitudinally elastically elongated state. The elastic member preferably comprises first and second regions which are visibly distinct from each other. The first region comprises at least two substantially planar portions and the second comprises a plurality of raised, rib-like elements.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for forming a sanitary napkin having a multi-segment core. Such a core is formed using a mold having a deposition cavity which is divided into cavity segments by at least one partition. Each partition can comprise a passageway for interconnecting adjacent cavity segments.

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin, incontinent device, or the like. The absorbent article includes a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet, and an absorbent core that lies between the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent article further includes a pair of longitudinally extending bands of web material positioned on the body surface of the topsheet on each side of a longitudinal centerline of the absorbent article and joined to at least one of the topsheet and the backsheet in a longitudinally elastically elongated state. The bands of web material include first and second regions which are visibly distinct from each other. The first region has at least two substantially planar portions and the second has a plurality of rib elements.