Abstract: Absorbent products having integral belt means for retaining the absorbent product in a position to absorb body fluids are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, a napkin is provided wherein straps are cut from the material of the napkin. These straps are then tied around the body of the user when the napkin is applied. The straps are flexible enough to allow them easily to be tied to each other on the side. The straps may or may not be retained by the waistband of an undergarment. Alternatively, a second embodiment is provided wherein long flap-like straps extend longitudinally away from the transverse ends of the absorbent product. These straps are then engaged by the elastic waistband on an undergarment, to retain the napkin in place. Methods of manufacturing absorbent products are also disclosed.

Abstract: Form retentive absorbent pads are disclosed which comprise fluid absorbent material and at least one bendable element which can be deformed by the user and which will retain its shape during use. The preferred embodiments, the bendable element provides at least a degree of conformation in the critical central area of the pad, most preferably at least in the longitudinal (y axis) direction. Conformability created in this area allows the user of the pad to mold the pad to the body to maximize comfort and fluid absorption. Preferred embodiments include bendable elements which form winglets which are bent around the edges of the undergarment to hold the pad in place during use.

Abstract: Absorbent products, such as sanitary napkins, are Provided which include mechanical attachment means for securing the undergarment-facing side of these products to an undergarment for minimizing shifting during movements by a wearer. The mechanical attachment means includes male and female fastening elements which engage to capture a portion of the thickness of the undergarment and may include slide fasteners, snap fasteners and fasteners including apertured rings with protruding button male portions.

Abstract: Absorbent products for absorbing body fluids which are worn in conjunction with an undergarment are disclosed. The absorbent product comprises an absorbent core having a body facing surface, a garment facing surface and longitudinal edges. The absorbent products of the present invention utilize semi-rigid clip means for retaining the absorbent product with respect to the undergarment. Most preferably, such clip means are disposed on the garment facing surface and approximately at each lateral edge of the absorbent core. Twisting and other undesirable movement of the pad is thus reduced by a portion of the undergarment being retained between the semi-rigid clip means and the garment facing surface. Numerous alternate embodiments of clip means which grip the garment edge, as well as those which extend transversely across the garment facing surface are disclosed.

Abstract: Absorbent products, such as sanitary napkins are provided which include pocket means disposed on an undergarment-facing side of a central absorbent element. The products further include tab means extending laterally from one of the longitudinally extending sides of the absorbent element for a distance greater than about a width of the absorbent element and sized to be partially inserted into the pocket means after being wrapped around the crotch area of the undergarment for aiding in securing the sanitary napkin to an undergarment.