Abstract: A method for manufacturing absorbent sanitary products, comprising the steps of: forming a first and a second continuous elastic band, which are movable parallel to each other in a machine direction, fixing a plurality of absorbent panels between said first and second continuous elastic bands, arranged in a direction transverse to the machine direction, and spaced apart in said machine direction, wherein each of said elastic bands is formed by means of a method comprising the steps of: continuously feeding a plurality of tensioned elastic threads (30) in said machine direction, continuously feeding a pair of non-elastic webs arranged on opposite sides of said plurality of elastic threads, welding said pair of non-elastic webs to each other by means of a welding pattern comprising anchoring welds and/or containing and guiding welds.

Abstract: Disposable absorbent articles are disclosed herein having a first and second fold line. The disposable absorbent articles have a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent system disposed therebetween. The absorbent system has a first absorbent core and a second absorbent core which may be configured in an offset manner. And, the absorbent system and/or the first and second fold lines may be configured with respect to the absorbent article to effect a caliper change in the folded article.

Abstract: An absorbent article may have a Product Hip-to-Side Silhouette from 0.5 to about 1.8 and a Relaxed Product Side Length that is greater than about 65% of the Relaxed Product Length. An array of absorbent articles may have an Array Average Product Hip-to-Side Silhouette from about 0.5 to about 1.8.

Abstract: An absorbent article may have a Product Length-to-Side Silhouette from about 1.8 to about 6. An array of absorbent articles may have an Array Average Product Length-to-Side Silhouette from about 1.8 to about 6.

Abstract: A sanitary article comprises a longitudinal main body defining opposite longitudinal ends and opposite lateral sides and comprising an upper part, a lower part and an absorbent core therebetween attached together at a common central portion of the longitudinal main body. The upper part and the lower part are separated from each other at the lateral sides of longitudinal main body to define separate lateral upper part and lower part portions at each of the lateral sides. The upper part comprises a liquid pervious body contacting surface. The lower part comprising a garment contacting surface.

Abstract: Configurable absorbent articles with improved bodily exudate separation and sampling are provided.

Abstract: A highly predicable quality shared distributed memory process is achieved using less than predicable public and private internet protocol networks as the means for communications within the processing interconnect. An adaptive private network (APN) service provides the ability for the distributed memory process to communicate data via an APN conduit service, to use high throughput paths by bandwidth allocation to higher quality paths avoiding lower quality paths, to deliver reliability via fast retransmissions on single packet loss detection, to deliver reliability and timely communication through redundancy transmissions via duplicate transmissions on high a best path and on a most independent path from the best path, to lower latency via high resolution clock synchronized path monitoring and high latency path avoidance, to monitor packet loss and provide loss prone path avoidance, and to avoid congestion by use of high resolution clock synchronized enabled congestion monitoring and avoidance.

Abstract: In a dot pattern, both sufficient strength during the use of a diaper and the ease of tearing can be achieved, while inhibiting sticking of fiber waste of a non-woven fabric in the sealing device. The problems can be solved by the underpants-type disposable diaper characterized by a side seal section 13 is formed in a dot pattern in which a plurality of rows of dot-shaped welded parts 13s, 13b, disposed with intervals in a vertical direction, are disposed in a transverse direction, and non-welded parts 13n, disposed all over in the transverse direction, are disposed on both sides of each welded part 13s, 13b, in the vertical direction; the side seal section 13 has at least partly in the vertical direction a non-densely welded region LD and a densely welded region HD; and each welded part 13b in the densely welded region HD is larger in area than each welded part 13s in the non-densely welded region LD.

Abstract: The method comprises the steps of: preparing a first suction-holding section and a second suction-holding section; positioning the first suction-holding section and the second suction-holding section in such a manner that respective surfaces of the first suction-holding section and the second suction-holding section are aligned side-by-side while facing the same side; suction-holding a forward surface of a main body of an developed module by the first suction-holding section, and suction-holding a rearward surface of the main body of the developed module by the second suction-holding section; closing the first suction-holding section and the second suction-holding section to fold the main body in half; and releasably joining superimposed portions of the developed module half-folded by the half-folding step.

Abstract: To provide an absorbent article that can further reduce leakage of body fluid from an end portion in a longitudinal direction. An elongated shaped absorbent article includes: a top sheet that has a skin contacting surface; a back sheet; and an absorbent core that is disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet, in which a compressed groove is formed on the skin contacting surface; the skin contacting surface has an excretory contact region, a front region, and a rear region; the compressed groove has a pair of first central grooves and a first circular groove that is provided in at least any one of the front region and the rear region; and the first circular groove is arranged at a position overlapping a vertical center line.

Abstract: A pet diaper is equipped with a front surface layer, a back surface layer, and an absorbent layer disposed between the front surface layer and the back surface layer. The pet diaper has a back portion, an abdominal portion, and a crotch portion disposed between the back portion and the abdominal portion. The pet diaper is further equipped with: a first cut portion that is provided on the back portion and that is formed as a convex curve rounding towards the end portion of the back portion; a second cut portion that is provided closer to the crotch portion than the first cut portion and that is formed as a convex curve rounding towards the end portion of the back portion; and a first perforated portion that is formed so as to extend from the second cut portion towards the first cut portion.

Abstract: A disposable diaper utilizing graphics to visually confirm whether the waist elastics are properly cut or cut off. A disposable diaper has a skin-facing side and a non-skin-facing side defining front and rear waist members, and includes an inner sheet lying on the skin-facing side, an outer sheet lying on the non-skin-facing side, waist elastics interposed between the inner and outer sheets and extending under a potential contractility in a transverse direction of the front and rear waist members, front and rear inelastic regions in which none of the waist elastics is present and graphic sheets having graphics adapted to be visually recognized through the outer sheet. End portions of the waist elastics interposed between the graphic sheets and the outer sheet extend from the outside of the graphic sheets across opposite side edges of the respective graphic sheets into the respective graphic sheets.

Abstract: A disposable diaper is disclosed. The diaper includes a colored topsheet. The topsheet has a basis weight of from 12 to 18 gsm and comprises a plurality of bonded points. Each of the bonded points has a surface area of from 2 mm2 to 5 mm2 and the cumulated surface area of the plurality of bonded points is from 10 to 25% of the total surface area of the topsheet.

Abstract: The absorbent article provides a signal viewable from the top surface of the absorbent article which gives a perception of depth within the absorbent article. This creation of depth perception is accomplished by the use of a colored portion having at least a first shade and a second shade.

Abstract: Absorbent articles are disclosed having extended waistbands. More particularly, the absorbent articles include a back waistband and/or a front waistband that encircle a portion of the circumference of the waist opening. The absorbent article includes a front portion attached to a back portion by a pair of stretchable side areas. Each of the side areas are made from at least two panels that are connected together along a vertical attachment area. In accordance with the present disclosure, a waistband is incorporated into the article that extends over the entire front portion or the entire back portion and terminates at opposite ends on opposing side areas. Each end of the waistband, however, terminates prior to the vertical attachment areas leaving a gap in between. The presence of the gap has been found to provide various benefits and advantages including improved stretch properties for donning the article.

Abstract: A disposable worn article diaper includes: a central slit formed in an absorber such that the absorber is curved to be convex toward an inward direction toward a wearer in a crotch region; side curved portions formed in the absorber along the lengthwise direction such that the absorber is curved to be convex toward the outward direction. The disposable worn article diaper includes a crossing elastic member crossing the absorber in middle crotch regions and fixed to the absorber. The absorber is contracted by the crossing elastic member toward a center of the absorber in the widthwise direction.

Abstract: An absorbent article has longitudinal side edges, transversal end edges, and an absorbent core. The absorbent core comprises a first absorbent layer having an opening and a fluid flow control structure between said first absorbent layer and a backsheet. An elastic member is arranged along each longitudinal side edge. The first absorbent layer has a longitudinal front portion, a longitudinal back portion and a narrow transversal transition located between said front and back portions. The width of the narrow transversal transition is 50-75% of the widest transversal width of the front portion, and 20-50% of the longitudinal length of the opening is located in the front portion. The front portion constitutes 20-40% of the total longitudinal length of the first absorbent layer. An interspace is located in an area between the elastic member and the first absorbent layer at least in an area laterally outside the narrow transversal transition.

Abstract: A pull-on absorbent article including a front outer cover to be worn around a wearer's front side, a rear outer cover to be worn around the wearer's rear side, and an absorbent assembly fixed to the front and the rear outer cover so as to bridge them and having a pair of side seals. The length of each of the front and the outer cover in the longitudinal direction of the article is uniform in the lateral direction and larger than that of the side seals so that the front and the outer cover have extension portions that extend downward from the side seals. The extension portions of the front and/or the rear outer cover have an elasticized region extensible in the lateral direction in a region located laterally outward of each side edge of the absorbent assembly.

Abstract: An absorbent article such as disposable diaper, training pant, and adult incontinence undergarment comprising superabsorbent polymer particles able to absorb and contain body exudates having improved absorption properties and, therefore, reduce leakage, especially at the first gush, i.e. when the article starts to be wetted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to disposable absorbent articles such as diapers and adult incontinence products, which collect and retain urine and fecal material deposited thereon by the wearer. The disposable absorbent articles of the present invention comprise a color-pigmented backsheet, which further comprises visually discernible ornamental designs printed thereon.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a wound covering having a first strip-like element forming a first periphery and a second strip-like element that faces away from the first periphery, runs approximately parallel thereto, forming a second periphery, and is joined to the first strip-like element, there being formed between the first inner periphery of the strip-like element, facing away from the first periphery, and a second inner periphery of the second strip-like element, facing away from the second periphery, a drainage chamber, the depth of which in a depth direction extending at right angles to the periphery ensures a capillary action on bodily fluids received in the drainage chamber, in particular exudates.

Abstract: A disposable diaper in the present invention is configured in such a manner that a section corresponding to a first portion at the longitudinal intermediate of the inner elastic members is designated as an unfixed section where a back sheet and an outer sheet are not fixed; a section corresponding to a second portion on the both longitudinal sides of the unfixed section is designated as a fixed section, where the back sheet and the outer sheet are fixed; the unfixed section with the inner elastic members is not fixed to the back sheet or the outer sheet, or is fixed only to the outer sheet; and the fixed section with the inner elastic members is fixed to the back sheet and the outer sheet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disposable absorbent pad comprising multiple layers. In particular, the absorbent pad of the present invention maintains skin dryness by absorbing moisture while preventing leakage to the skin or the bed linens, allowing air circulation at the surface of the patient's skin to prevent heat buildup, and is strong enough to allow the patient to be repositioned, even when the pad is wet. In a particular embodiment the first layer is comprised of a fluid-permeable, porous material, the second layer is disposed under the first layer and is comprised of at least one super absorbent material, and a base layer disposed under the second layer.

Abstract: A contoured absorbent pad for a diaper comprising a liquid permeable inner layer, impermeable outer layer, and a moulded absorbent core. The inner and outer layers are adhered together with the moulded absorbent core located between the inner and outer layers. The absorbent core includes fibers and superabsorbent materials and is moulded in a shape that is contoured to complement the human anatomy in the area of the upper buttocks and lower back.

Abstract: An expandable diaper having storage for containing wipes, the diaper including a front end and a back end, opposing lateral edges extending between the front end and the back end, each of the opposing lateral edges including an inwardly curved portion configured for engaging a wearer's leg, a liquid impermeable outer layer, a liquid permeable, exposed inner layer, an absorbent material disposed between the outer layer and the inner layer, and a longitudinal fold formed in the inner layer extending between the front end and the back end and between the opposing lateral edges. An adhesive is applied within the fold, and is configured for allowing the fold to be pulled apart when desired for increasing a width of the diaper. A pocket is located about the front end of the diaper for storing a plurality of moist wipes.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article, such as a diaper having a pair of waist sections, a crotch section disposed between the waist sections, a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet, an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, a leg cuff attached to the topsheet at least in part parallel to a longitudinal axis at a first attachment region, a leg gather section which runs along an outer edge region of the crotch section, wherein the leg gather section comprises an outer boundary and an inner boundary, wherein the outer boundary is defined by the edge of the crotch region and the inner boundary is defined by the first leg cuff attachment region; and wherein the leg gather region and leg cuff are attached together at least in part at a second attachment region.

Abstract: An absorbent article, preferably a disposable absorbent article such as a diaper, is disclosed having an absorbent core which imparts increased wearing comfort to the article and makes it thin and dry. The absorbent core useful for an absorbent article comprises a substrate layer, a discontinuous layer of absorbent material, and a layer of thermoplastic material. A second surface of the discontinuous layer of absorbent material is in at least partial contact with a first surface of the substrate layer. Portions of a second surface of the layer of thermoplastic material are in direct contact with the first surface of the substrate layer and portions of said second surface of the layer of thermoplastic material are in direct contact with a first surface of the discontinuous layer of absorbent material. A process for providing a storage layer for an absorbent core useful in an absorbent article is further disclosed.

Abstract: A disposable wearing article includes a liquid-absorbent structure that is adapted to be spaced from the wearer's skin to protect the wearer's skin from being soiled with body waste. A crotch member defining parts of front and rear waist regions and a crotch region has a front end lying in the front waist region and a rear end lying in the rear waist region wherein at least one of the front and rear ends defines non-bonded regions in an intermediate zone as viewed in the transverse direction X of the crotch member and is attached to the outer surface of an elastic waist panel by the intermediary of square U-shaped bonded regions opening toward the crotch region. In areas defining the non-bonded regions, body waste retaining space(s) are formed between the elastic waist panel and the crotch member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a particulate superabsorbent polymer comprising a monomer and an internal crosslinker agent wherein the particulate superabsorbent polymer has a Centrifuge Retention Capacity Increase of 2 g/g or more as set forth herein in the Centrifuge Retention Capacity Increase Test. The present invention further relates to a superabsorbent polymer comprising an internal crosslinker agent comprising a silane compound comprising at least one vinyl group or one allyl group attached to a silicon atom, and at least one Si—O bond. The present invention further relates to an absorbent article that includes such particulate superabsorbent polymers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to disposable absorbent articles such as diapers and adult incontinence products, which collect and retain urine and fecal material deposited thereon by the wearer. The disposable absorbent articles of the present invention comprise a color-pigmented backsheet, which further comprises visually discernible ornamental designs printed thereon.

Abstract: Aspects of the methods herein relate to the fabrication of absorbent articles wherein a continuous topsheet web is advanced in a machine direction. A liquid acquisition layer and an absorbent core are combined with the continuous topsheet web. The combined continuous topsheet web, liquid acquisition layer, and absorbent core advance through the embossing nip to emboss a pattern in the continuous topsheet web. As the combined continuous topsheet web, liquid acquisition layer, and absorbent core advance through the embossing nip, the rotating patterned embossing roll contacts the continuous topsheet web. And the rotating anvil roll contacts the absorbent core. By advancing the topsheet together with the acquisition layer and absorbent core through the embossing nip, a relatively deep pattern can be embossed into the topsheet than otherwise might be possible when embossing relatively thin topsheet web materials.

Abstract: A bandage for improved wound care is disclosed. The bandage comprises a non-adherent, deformable inner layer, a leak-proof outer layer that is substantially coextensive with the inner layer, and an absorbent middle layer contacting both the inner and outer layers. An adhesive strip and adhesive tabs along the bandage's side attach and adjust the fit of the bandage to securely hold the absorbent layer in contact with the wound, without any adhesive touching the skin, thereby eliminating pain and discomfort upon removal or replacement. The bandage allows substantial freedom of motion without slipping. The adhesive strip and tabs secure the bandage in place without any adhesive touching the skin, thereby providing convenience and causing no pain or discomfort upon removal or replacement of the bandage. The bandage may use a non-stick netting material layer to improve patient comfort, and elastic cuffs to improve fit and leakage.

Abstract: The absorbent article provides a signal viewable from the top surface of the absorbent article which gives a perception of depth within the absorbent article. This creation of depth perception is accomplished by the use of at least two tones within a color and/or by the use of multiple tones and multiple colors operating together to create a perception of depth within the absorbent article.

Abstract: An absorbent body of a diaper has a central absorbent core, a pair of side absorbent cores and a pair of side elastic members. The side elastic members lie left and right of a front portion of the central absorbent core. The side absorbent cores lie left and right of rear and middle portions of the central absorbent core. In the diaper, by contraction of the side elastic members, the side absorbent cores come into close contact with the insides of thighs of a wearer, and urine is prevented from leaking from leg circumferences. Since the side absorbent cores are positioned left and right of the rear and middle portions of the central absorbent core, portions of the wearer's leg circumferences in the vicinity of the front are not covered with the side absorbent cores, and interference with leg movement of the wearer is prevented.

Abstract: The disposable pull-on garment has a longitudinal centerline, a front region, a crotch region, and a back region. The front and back regions are joined at seams to form a waist opening and leg openings. The pull-on garment comprises a main portion, a side portion, and a waist portion. The side portion is disposed transversely outboard of the main portion. The waist portion comprises a center waist portion, an outer side waist portion, and an inner side waist portion. The contraction rate of the inner side waist portion is less than that of the center waist portion, and the contraction rate of the side portion longitudinally inboard of the inner side waist portion is greater than that of the inner side waist portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a disposable diaper by supplying a continuous web of flat material in a longitudinal direction for the forming of the side portions, forming first material clearances along a first cutting line at a side edge) of the web of flat material to produce contoured cutouts in the web of flat material, an imaginary parallel line PL, which is parallel to the longitudinal direction and placed at the point P of maximum extent of the cutout transversely in relation to the longitudinal direction, defining an outer sub-region and an inner sub-region of the web of flat material, folding the web of flat material about at least one first folding line running in the longitudinal direction, the folding line running within the outer sub-region, severing longitudinal portions of the folded web of flat material, undetachably fixing the portions of material to a respective longitudinal edge of a web for the main part of the diaper for the forming of side portions, forming sec

Abstract: The present invention relates to a particulate superabsorbent polymer comprising a monomer and an internal crosslinker agent wherein the particulate superabsorbent polymer has a Centrifuge Retention Capacity Increase of 2 g/g or more as set forth herein in the Centrifuge Retention Capacity Increase Test. The present invention further relates to a superabsorbent polymer comprising an internal crosslinker agent comprising a silane compound comprising at least one vinyl group or one allyl group attached to a silicon atom, and at least one Si—O bond. The present invention further relates to an absorbent article that includes such particulate superabsorbent polymers.

Abstract: A disposable urine collection pouch made from diaper-like material formed in the shape of an elongated tube having an open top end and a closed bottom end. The open top end includes a funnel that leads from the opening down into the elongated tube. The elongated tube includes a superabsorbent layer to lock in and retain moisture introduced into the pouch. The funnel is made from a resilient material that flexes between a default closed position and an open position upon the exertion of sufficient and appropriate pressure by a user. After use, the pouch may be folded and disposed of in a plastic bag or otherwise deposited in a trash receptacle.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprises an absorbent interposed between a liquid-permeable surface sheet and a back sheet. The absorbent is constituted of a set of left and right absorbent elements arranged substantially along the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article. The absorbent element of one side is formed as a dogleg to the right in a top plan view whereas the absorbent element of the other side is formed as a dogleg to the left in a top plan view, so that the absorbent elements have an intersecting portion intersecting in at least the region containing the portion corresponding to the blood discharge opening of the wearer.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes an enclosure with an aperture which is adapted for being placed in communication with an anus for the purpose of directing fecal matter into the enclosure. In one embodiment, the enclosure may include a polyethylene material with a thickness of less than 50 microns. In another embodiment, the enclosure may include an air hole formed therein for remaining open to allow air to escape therefrom upon the receipt of the fecal matter into the enclosure. In still yet another embodiment, the aperture may be circular and the enclosure may include a flexibility sufficient to allow the enclosure to be placed on an intended wearer in any orientation about an axis defined by the aperture.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprising an absorbent body, wherein the absorbent body has multiple linear or curved fold regions with a flexural rigidity lower than average flexural rigidity and with a flexural rigidity lower than that in adjacent regions. Accordingly, there is provided an absorbent article that can change its morphology along the configuration of wear object. Absorbent article has multiple linear or curved first fold regions with a flexural rigidity lower than the average flexural rigidity of the absorbent article and with a flexural rigidity lower than that in adjacent regions, which multiple first fold regions are provided in approximately symmetric relationship with respect to the center line in the direction of width.

Abstract: An animal incontinence device comprises a base layer of a liquid-impervious polymer film, an intermediate absorbent layer comprising superabsorbent polymer particles intermediate a plurality of layers of tissue, and a top layer comprising a porous, hydrophilic, woven or non-woven polymer fiber mat.

Abstract: An absorbent article (1), such as an incontinence protector, sanitary napkin or the like, includes a liquid permeable top sheet (3), a backing sheet (4) and an absorbent core (5,6,7) enclosed therebetween. The absorbent core includes an upper absorbent layer (5) proximal to the top sheet and a lower absorbent layer (6) distal to the top sheet. An elongated hole (8) extending in the longitudinal direction of the article is made in the absorbent core. First and second elastic elements (9,10) attached to opposite lateral edges of the absorbent core (5,6,7) extend along the hole in a longitudinal direction and the top sheet (3) is affixed to the elastic elements and to the bottom of the hole (8).

Abstract: A method for improving the barrier properties of a material. The method includes providing a material, applying a hydrophobic surface coating thereto, and incorporating the material into an absorbent article. The hydrophobic surface coating includes a non-aqueous, solventless, multicomponent silicone composition. The hydrophobic surface coating may be substantially free of aminosilicones.

Abstract: A disposable diaper is provided with a skin-contactable sheet piece above a liquid-pervious topsheet. The skin-contactable sheet piece is formed with openings extending in a back-and-forth direction through which body waste is guided toward the topsheet and both lateral zones of the sheet piece on both sides of these openings as viewed in a transverse direction are provided with elastic members attached under tension. Outside the skin-contactable sheet piece as viewed in the transverse direction, leak-barriers are provided and the lateral zones of the skin-contactable sheet piece are bonded to the leak-barriers along regions defined between proximal edges and free edges of the respective leak-barriers.

Abstract: An article to be worn on the lower torso of a wearer, such as pants or diapers. The article exhibits snug fit on a wearer through a particular cooperative arrangement of the side panels and the centre strip. It may further exhibit a particular bulging such as in the hip region of the wearer, and/or may include hoops such as for encircling the legs of a wearer. The article relates further to a simple manufacturing process for such articles. In a particular variant of the process, “multilane” manufacturing may be employed also to larger size article. In another particular variant, side margins of parts of the article can be connected without connecting these to further underlying parts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent articles and non-absorbent articles which comprise at least one improved double-sided soft and elastic material composite. The composites according to the invention may also be breathable. The composites are produced by incrementally stretching a laminate of an elastic layer between two non-elastic cloth-like layers. The non-elastic cloth-like layers tear during stretching such that the elasticity of the laminate after stretching is substantially the same as the elasticity of the film elastic layer.

Abstract: A pant has a garment shell. The garment shell includes a front region, a back region, a contracted crotch region, side seams connecting the front region to the back region, two leg openings, and hanging legs. At least a portion of each of the front region, the back region, the contracted crotch region and the hanging legs include portions of a single flat web. The hanging legs include no elasticization around a full periphery of the leg openings and are adapted to hang loosely about a wearer's thigh.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a front region (2), a back region (3) and a crotch region (4) there between. The article further includes substantially longitudinally extending inner (12) and outer (13) leak barriers alongside each side of the absorbent core (9). The inner and outer leak barriers are spaced from each other in the transverse direction (x) of the article. The inner leak barriers (12) extend at least along the part of the crotch region (4) having the narrowest width (w1) in the transverse direction (x), and along a length (b) of at least 5 cm, and the outer leak barriers (13) extend along at least a part of the front region (2) and/or back region (3) of the article, while at least a part of the crotch region (4) along which said inner leak barriers (12) extend is free from raised outer leak barriers (13).

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article, such as a disposable diaper. The disposable absorbent article has a topsheet with apertures large enough for low-viscosity fecal material to pass through to a fecal material storage element. The fecal material storage element immobilizes the fecal material in position for dewatering, so that the solid components of the fecal material are separated from the liquid components of the fecal material and the liquid components can be absorbed by an absorbent core. This arrangement provides for easier cleaning of the wearer when the soiled disposable absorbent article is removed. The fecal material storage element may extend beyond one or more edges of the absorbent core.