Abstract: A disposable absorbent article or pad provides improved wearer comfort because it is shaped to provide an optimal fit to the user's undergarment, it has soft, flexible sides to prevent chafing of the user's thighs, and it has relatively stiff ends to prevent the ends from curling up during use. The difference in flexibility between the pad's ends and sides is achieved by placing a core of absorbent material end to end along the longitudinal axis of the product and centered in the midsection of the product so that the absorbent material is present in the peripheral sections of the product's ends but is absent in the peripheral sections of the product's sides.

Abstract: A cover for a sanitary napkin or other absorbent product is provided which includes an outer layer of a hydrophobic material. The outer layer contains fluid passageways which are small enough so that the outer layer alone will not pass liquid therethrough. A second, liner layer is bonded to the interior surface of the outer layer and is comprised of a nonwoven web which is at least slightly wettable so as to draw liquids through the passageways of the outer layer. The liner layer contains large capillaries so that at least a majority of the liquid entering the liner layer from the fluid passageways will pass through the liner to the absorbent core of the product.

Abstract: A cover for a sanitary napkin or other absorbent product is provided which includes an outer layer of a hydrophobic material. The outer layer contains fluid passageways which are small enough so that the outer layer alone will not pass liquid therethrough. A second, liner layer is bonded to the interior surface of the outer layer and is comprised of a nonwoven web which is at least slightly wettable so as to draw liquids through the passageways of the outer layer. The liner layer contains large capillaries so that at least a majority of the liquid entering the liner layer from the fluid passageways will pass through the liner to the absorbent core of the product.

Abstract: A napkin pad liner is provided which is designed to be used with a conventional sanitary napkin to provide more rapid fluid take-up and reduced fluid strikeback. The liner includes a cover of a non-wettable, fluid permeable hydrophobic material which covers a thin layer of absorbent fabric. Pressure sensitive adhesive is located on the napkin-facing side of the absorbent fabric. The adhesive is protected prior to use of the liner by a release strip. In a preferred embodiment the liner is embossed with a central channel to promote rapid longitudinal fluid distribution at the time of fluid take-up.

Abstract: A facing is provided for a body fluid absorbent product which facing is not only substantially nonwettable and pervious to body fluid, but which also enhances the clean and dry appearance of the product after it has absorbed body fluids. The facing comprises a polyolefin having an open area of from about 1.3 to about 35 percent of the total area intended for the passage of body fluids and having incorporated therein a sufficient quantity of opacifying agent so as to have the sheet exhibit a brightness of at least 45 percent.

Abstract: An absorbent product has a central absorbent element. Flaps extend from each of the longitudinal edges of the product. Pressure sensitive adhesive is centrally located on the garment facing side of the product and on the garment facing side of the flaps. A single release strip has a first side covering the centrally located adhesive. The flaps are folded over the release strip with the flap adhesive contacting the second side of the release strip.

Abstract: A smooth edged, "C"-folded sanitary napkin is provided, there being a tuck in each longitudinal edge so as to produce a body contoured product.

Abstract: A cover is provided for a body fluid absorbing product which has a pattern of depressed and undepressed areas imposed on its exterior surface, which pattern presents a highly visible color contrast between the depressed and undepressed areas. The cover comprises a relatively light colored, relatively opaque outer cover having an interior layer of relatively dark color placed in face-to-face relationship with the interior surface of said outer cover and co-embossed.

Abstract: A thin absorbent undergarment liner is provided which exhibits a clear, aesthetically pleasing embossed pattern on the body facing surface thereof while still maintaining the longitudinal edges soft and comfortable. The liner is provided to have areas of deep depressions on the body facing surface and shallow impressions on the longitudinal edges.