Abstract: A pant type absorbent article such as a pant diaper, a sanitary pant or incontinence pant, the article having a core region including an absorbent core and a chassis region surrounding the core region. The article, at least in part of the chassis region, has a outer coversheet in the form of an elastic laminate having puncture resistance of at least 15N, wherein the laminate includes first and second layers of fibrous material and an elastic film layer located between the first and second fibrous layers and in which at least one of the layers of fibrous material has an elongation at maximum load greater than the elasticity of the elastic laminate.

Abstract: A method of producing disposable under-shorts having a fit gather laminate at high speeds. The method includes disposing an elastic member (1) between a pair of upper and lower non-woven fabric sheets (6, 7) in the width direction, intermittently securing the elastic member (1) to portions of the non-woven fabric sheets (6, 7) and cutting a non-secured section of the elastic member (1). The method also may include cutting the fabric sheets into pieces of a predetermined size and shape, folding the pieces along a center line, attaching together the left edges and attaching together the right edges to form a fit gather laminate. The method may further comprise attaching a reinforcing sheet (3) to the under-side of the fit gather laminate (2), and disposing an absorber (4) on the upper-side of the laminate (2), and a back sheet (5) on the under-side of the reinforcing sheet (3).

Abstract: The present invention provides an absorbent garment subassembly for attaching to an absorbent garment, the absorbent garment having a front portion, a back portion and two side portions. The subassembly has a first carrier layer and an elastic member operatively associated with the first carrier layer. The elastic member has a center portion and two end portions. The center portion has a greater area than either of the end portions.

Abstract: An absorbent article worn in the groin area, in which, when a compressive force is received from a lateral direction, a main absorbent region can oppose an excretion area of a wearer's body without twists or wrinkles occurring, and when the compressive force is relaxed, the article easily recovers to its original shape. An absorbent body provided in the absorbent article has a main absorbent region, reinforcing regions, and buffer regions. The bending stiffness of the reinforcing regions and the main absorbent region is larger than that of the buffer regions. When compressive force is received from a wearer's thigh areas in the lateral direction, the reinforcing regions that are positioned to the left and right deform in a curved shape, and the buffer regions that are to the left and right are compressed. The main absorbent region does not easily deform, and maintains a tight fit.

Abstract: Disposable hygiene pants with a front portion (2), a rear portion (3) and a crotch portion (4) provided with two leg openings (5, 6), the longitudinal edge portions (21, 22) of the front portion being connected by longitudinal weld seams (7, 8) to the longitudinal edge portions (31, 32) of the rear portion (3) in order to form a waist opening (9) and the two leg openings (5, 6) in the crotch portion, which leg openings are outwardly delimited in the transverse direction by the inner end portions of the weld seams as seen in the longitudinal direction of the hygiene pants. The hygiene pants have an outer elastic cover (10) and have an absorption unit (11). The cover is made of an elastic laminate having an elastic film applied between two nonwoven layers. The weld seams (7, 8) are each reinforced by at least one nonwoven strip (15, 16) containing thermoplastic fibers and have a tensile strength, in a direction transverse to the weld seam, in excess of 5 N/25.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article adapted to be worn about a lower torso of a human body and having a chassis, a non-removable absorbent core component disposed in a crotch region of the chassis, and a replaceable absorbent core component disposed in capillary liquid communication with the non-removable absorbent core component and having longitudinally disposed regions of liquid permeability and liquid impermeability on the same surface. The replaceable absorbent core component may be removed and a like component may be substituted without the removal of the absorbent article from the wearer. The replaceable absorbent core component may be disposed inside an openable chassis pocket, with access for its removal and replacement provided by an aperture in a backsheet, an openable end of an external pocket, or an openable end of an internal pocket formed at an area of a waist end edge where the backsheet and a topsheet may be separated.

Abstract: An absorbent article has an elastic waist portion, an absorbent element (5), and a liquid-impermeable outer layer (3) which is intended to enclose the absorbent element on at least that side thereof which faces away from the wearer during use of the article. The absorbent element (5) is in its entirety arranged on the second piece (2). The liquid-impermeable outer layer (3) is breathable, at least over a portion of this which covers the absorbent element (5).

Abstract: A self-forming seal absorbent article is provided and includes a biaxially extensible outer cover, a biaxially extensible bodyside liner forming a wearer adjacent surface, a biaxially extensible absorbent core assembly interposed between the outer cover and the bodyside liner, and a pair of laterally-spaced apart and longitudinally-extending containment flap members disposed along the wearer adjacent surface of the bodyside liner.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin includes a napkin body containing a liquid absorbent layer and a three-dimensional structure is disposed on the skin-side surface of the napkin body. The three-dimensional structure is formed of a reinforcing member and a liquid-permeable sheet, and an elastic member is disposed along an apex to extend in a longitudinal direction. The reinforcing member has high-density portions and low-density portions alternating with each other in the longitudinal direction so that the apex can be shortened in the longitudinal direction by an elastic contractive force of the elastic member. Therefore, the napkin body can be easily kept curved.

Abstract: An absorbent structure and method for making the absorbent structure including an absorbent core made from a matrix of fibers, wherein the matrix is reinforced with a stretchable reinforcing member, such as scrim. The absorbent matrix may be secured to the web of scrim with the scrim in a stretched condition. When the web of scrim is in an unstretched condition, the web of scrim partially gathers the absorbent core to form rugosities on the core. The reinforcing member can have a non-uniform transverse width to conform to the shape of the absorbent core. The absorbent structure can have multiple layers of reinforcing members. The reinforcing member has strands arranged in a pattern to facilitate stretching. A first set of strands can cross a second set of strands at junction in a non-orthogonal relationship.

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent article including: a liquid-permeable topsheet on its skin surface; a backsheet on its garment surface; and an absorbent layer therebetween. First compressed portions and second compressed portions, in which the absorbent layer is compressed together with at least the topsheet, extend longitudinally of the absorbent article. The first compressed portions are disposed symmetrically about a longitudinal centerline of the absorbent article to define a central absorbent portion having the absorbent layer therebetween. The second compressed portions are disposed symmetrically about the longitudinal centerline and spaced outwardly apart from the first compressed portions. When the central absorbent portion is laterally compressed by an external force, resilient portions each defined between each adjacent pair of first and second compressed portions are permitted to exert a resilience against compression on the central absorbent portion.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin includes a napkin body containing a liquid absorbent layer and a three-dimensional structure is disposed on the skin-side surface of the napkin body. The three-dimensional structure is formed of an air-laid nonwoven fabric and a liquid-permeable sheet, and the air-laid nonwoven fabric is formed with upwardly extending compressed portions. The three-dimensional structure comes into close contact with the body's groove to effectively prevent lateral leakage of menstrual blood during sleep.

Abstract: Disclosed is a nonwoven web comprising a plurality of first regions and a plurality of second regions comprised of the same material and being visually distinct from each other, wherein the first regions will exhibit resistive forces in response to an applied elongation along at least one axis before a substantial portion of the second regions develop significant resistive forces to the applied elongation.

Abstract: An absorbent article including a cover layer, a barrier layer, and a stabilizing layer arranged between said cover layer and said barrier layer. The stabilizing layer has a Dry Stiffness Index of at least about 0.9 g/gsm and a Wet Stiffness Loss of at least about 80%.

Abstract: An absorbent article of pants shape including an elastic waist portion, an absorbent element (5), and a liquid-impermeable outer layer (3) which is intended to enclose the absorbent element on at least that side thereof which faces away from the wearer during use of the article. Elastic members are arranged along the edges of a second piece, along at least the crotch portion for the forming of leg elastics.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sanitary napkin having extensions, parts of which are to be folded back and fixed on an undergarment in use. The sanitary napkin includes: a liquid-permeable topsheet disposed on one side of the sanitary napkin to cover a central region thereof; a backsheet; an absorbent layer disposed therebetween; and leakage preventing portions disposed on laterally opposed side portions of the topsheet and extending in a longitudinal direction of the sanitary napkin. Joints between the respective leakage preventing portions and the topsheet are formed to extend in the longitudinal direction. The extensions are portions of the sanitary napkin extending laterally outwardly beyond the joints. Each extension includes a flexible region for facilitating folding thereof, which is spaced laterally outwardly apart from corresponding one of the joints and has a stiffness lower than that of a region between the flexible region and the corresponding joint.

Abstract: An article having a surface fastening system and a primary direction of load bearing. The surface fastening system includes at least one first fastening element and at least on second fastening element. The first fastening element further includes an attached portion, partially joined to the article, at least one liftable portion extending from the attached portion, and at least one hinge line disposed at an angle less than 90 degrees relative to the primary direction of load bearing, the hinge line is positioned between the attached portion and the liftable portion. At least one second fastening element is affixed at a second position to the article and configured to be engageable with the liftable portion of the first fastening element. Articles such as disposable diapers, bibs, clothing, etc. are disclosed.

Abstract: Absorbent articles suitable for use as diapers or other hygiene products are provided. The absorbent articles include a pair of refastenable tabs that have a non-elastic portion and a fastener portion. The non-elastic portion has a top edge and a bottom edge that are asymmetrical to each other with respect to a horizontal axis. Products according to the invention may provide any of several benefits, including a high performance in terms of at least one of fit, comfort, producibility, and ease of use.

Abstract: An incontinence article having a bumper is provided. In particular, the present invention provides an incontinence article having a bumper positioned along a top edge thereof. The bumper prevents waste from leaking out of the article. The bumper could optionally be used in conjunction with a front guard and/or a back guard.

Abstract: A refastenable absorbent garment comprises a body panel comprising a non-woven material, and preferably a non-woven spunbond material having a pattern of discrete bonded areas. The body panel has a non-elasticized area. A hook-type fastener member comprises a high-density array of hooks with a hook density of at least about 60 hooks per square centimeter. At least a portion of the array of hooks is engaged with the non-woven material at the non-elasticized area of the body panel. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, between about 5% and 25% of the non-woven spunbond material comprises the bonded area. In another preferred embodiment, the non-woven spunbond material has a basis weight of between about 0.3 osy and about 2.0 osy. A method for making the absorbent garment, and for securing the absorbent garment to a user, also are provided.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprising a stretchable fastening member is disclosed. The absorbent article comprises a chassis and a stretchable fastening member. The chassis extends longitudinally and laterally and comprises a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet and an absorbent core disposed therebetween. The stretchable fastening member comprises a fixed portion permanently joined to the chassis, a distal portion provided with a fastening material and a stretchable panel positioned between the fixed portion and the distal portion. The stretchable fastening member is joined to the chassis such that the distal portion is positioned laterally outwardly from the fixed portion in the flat-out configuration of the stretchable fastening member. The stretchable panel of the stretchable fastening member comprises a first stretchable zone and a second stretchable zone disposed in the lateral direction.

Abstract: Absorbent article, such as a sanitary towel, with a stiffening element which is intended to contribute to the three-dimensional shape of the article during its use. The stiffening element is in a plane state before use of the article. The stiffening element has in the rear portion an elongate through-hole which extends in the longitudinal direction of the article and along the centre line of the article, as a result of which the article is during use provided, by virtue of lateral forces arising in the rear portion of the article, with a fold along the longitudinal direction of the article along the hole. The fold extends into the cleft between the buttocks of the wearer during use of the article and in this way stabilizes the article in position on the wearer.

Abstract: An absorbent product, such as a sanitary towel, includes a stiffening element (6) which is intended to contribute to the three-dimensional shape of the product during its use. The stiffening element (6) is in a plane state before use of the product and has a stiffness in the dry state of in the order of 1-15 N measured according to ASTM D 4032-82. The stiffening element has a width at the transition between the crotch portion (3) and the front portion (1) on the sanitary towel which is adapted to the distance between the muscle tendons of the wearer on both sides of the crotch of the wearer in the groin of the latter and which is of the order of 15-45 mm. The product has different stiffness along a center line extending in the longitudinal direction thereof, as a result of which the product is predestined to curve in predetermined places along the center line when the product is fitted on the wearer.

Abstract: An absorbent product, such as a sanitary towel, has a stiffening element (6) which is intended to contribute to the three-dimensional shape of the product during its use. The stiffening element (6) is in a plane state before use of the product and extends in the longitudinal direction of the product over the crotch portion (3) and at least some way in over the front portion (1). The stiffening element (6) has a width (M) at the transition (12) between the crotch portion (3) and the front portion (1) which is adapted to the distance between the muscle tendons of the wearer on both sides of the crotch of the wearer in the groin of the latter and which is of the order of 15-45 mm. The stiffening element (6) extends some way in over the rear portion (2) and there consists of two separate portions (14, 15), one on each side of a longitudinal center line (L).

Abstract: A form-fitting, pant-like, absorbent garment that does not result in bagging and wrinkling of the bodyside liner. The garment has a stretchable outer cover and a non-stretchable bodyside liner with a free-floating absorbent assembly located between the stretchable outer cover and the non-stretchable bodyside liner. A pair of highly stretchable side panels and/or at least one highly stretchable waist member are attached to the non-stretchable bodyside liner. The total transverse stretchability of the side panels is roughly equal to the transverse stretchability of the outer cover, thereby enabling the outer cover to stretch freely without inhibiting the non-stretchable bodyside liner. Alternatively, or additionally, the total longitudinal stretchability of the waist members is roughly equal to the longitudinal stretchability of the outer cover, thereby also enabling the outer cover to stretch freely without inhibiting the non-stretchable bodyside liner.

Abstract: Absorbent product, such as a sanitary towel, with a stiffening element (6) which is intended to contribute to the three-dimensional shape of the product during its use. The stiffening element (6) is in a plane state before use of the product and extends in the longitudinal direction of the product over the crotch portion (3) and at least some way in over the front portion (1). The stiffening element (6) has a width (M) at the transition between the crotch portion (3) and the front portion (1) which is adapted to the distance between the muscle tendons of the wearer on both sides of the crotch of the wearer in the groin of the latter and which is of the order of 15-45 mm, and is designed with sufficient stiffness in order to resist disadvantageous creasing thereof in the lateral direction.

Abstract: A disposable adult diaper that protects against hip injuries, and in particular those resulting from impact to the bony prominence known as the greater trochanter, comprises a center panel that extends from the wearer's anterior waist, under the wearer's crotch, to the wearer's posterior waist, and ventral and dorsal wings that extend out from the center panel to cover the wearer's abdomen and backside, respectively. The ventral and dorsal wings are supplied with cushioning means and extend from the wearer's waistline to below the wearer's crotch line. The cushioning means can take the form of closely packed air filled cells, foam, or other shock-absorbing materials. The lateral aspects of the cushioned dorsal and ventral wings overlap one another and overlay the upper and lower bony prominence of the structures of the hip. The center panel may contain a moisture absorbent means to absorb moisture from human waste. Briefs and pull-ups having the same design and construction are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent article having a longitudinal centerline and a lateral centerline, comprising; (a) a containment assembly having a rear waist region, a crotch region, a front waist region, a pair of longitudinal edges, a body facing surface and a garment facing surface opposite to the body facing surface, the containment assembly comprising a topsheet, a backsheet joined to the topsheet, an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, and a pair of barrier leg cuffs having a proximal edge and a distal edge and being positioned adjacent to the longitudinal edges of the containment assembly; (b) a pair of rear ear panels extending laterally outwardly from the proximal edges of the barrier leg cuff in the rear waist region; (c) a pair of front ear panels extending laterally outwardly from the proximal edges of the barrier leg cuff in the front waist region; and (d) a reinforcement nonwoven joined to at least one of either the rear ear panels or the front ear panels, the reinforceme

Abstract: A protective garment and method for preventing spinal injury in a child learning to walk in which an underpants garment is put on the child when walking, the garment cushioned in the lower seat area so as to substantially attenuate shock to the spine when the child suddenly sits down.

Abstract: An absorbent article is constructed with a discontinuous absorbent core strengthened by a reinforcing scrim material embedded in the absorbent material of the core. The scrim facilitates maintenance of the integrity of the core in use although the core may be weakened by the provision of ventilation openings or other discontinuities. The scrim also helps to keep the proper location of the absorbent core within the article. Moreover, use of scrim or other reinforcing material facilitates the manufacture of the absorbent core and of the absorbent article.

Abstract: An article having a surface fastening system and a primary direction of load bearing. The surface fastening system includes at least one first fastening element and at least on second fastening element. The first fastening element further includes an attached portion, partially joined to the article, at least one liftable portion extending from the attached portion, and at least one hinge line disposed at an angle less than 90 degrees relative to the primary direction of load bearing, the hinge line is positioned between the attached portion and the liftable portion. At least one second fastening element is affixed at a second position to the article and configured to be engageable with the liftable portion of the first fastening element. Articles such as disposable diapers, bibs, clothing, etc. are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for personal cleaning and, in particular, for cleaning and/or drying following defecation or urination, or for cleaning and freshening during menstruation. Devices according to the invention are unitary, in the sense that they do not require any configuring or formatting prior to use, and have two distinct zones of varying functional performance, one zone being configured with the principal objective of absorbing and retaining faeces, urine or menses, and the other zone being configured with the principal objective of protecting the user's hand. The devices drape over the user's hand and can be manipulated into body crevices.

Abstract: A disposable diaper that has a panel member which is flexible and substantially non-stretchable and attached to an end flap in a rear waist region and extends in a transverse direction of the diaper. The panel member has a stiffness higher than that of the end flap so that shrinkage and/or distortion of the end flap can be restrained by the panel member.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin having a napkin body comprising a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core disposed therebetween and a pair of wings at both side edges of the napkin body. The wings comprise a portion of the backsheet extending transversely outward from a middle zone of the side edge of the napkin body and a reinforcing member bonded to an upper surface of the backsheet's portion. Elastically stretchable and contractable cover sheets are bonded to an upper surface of the napkin body.

Abstract: An absorbent structure can include a matrix of fibers, wherein the matrix is reinforced with a reinforcing member, such as scrim. Preferably, the scrim is secured to the fibrous matrix by entanglement of fibers with the scrim and entanglement of fibers in the matrix from opposite sides of the scrim with each other. The scrim layer can be restricted to a longitudinally extending, medial region of the absorbent. In a particular arrangement, the scrim has a cross-directional width dimension which is less than a narrowest width dimension of the fibrous matrix. The scrim can be located between two, opposed, major surfaces of the fibrous matrix.

Abstract: Absorbent article such as a diaper and an incontinence guard comprising a liquid permeable topsheet (2), a liquid impermeable backsheet (3) and an absorbent body (4) enclosed therebetween, said article having a front portion (5), a rear portion (6) and a crotch portion (7), therebetween, whereby the front and rear portion exhibits side flaps (8, 9), which are intended to attach the article to a pantlike shape around the waist of the user. The article has at least one pre-stressed elastic means (11a) and at least attached to the back sheet, that said first elastic means (11a) is brought in an essentially V-shaped pattern having the peak of the pattern located to a first point (13) being essentially located on a imagined longitudinal center line (12) in said crotch portion (7) and that the V-shaped elastic means (11a) diverge in the direction from said longitudinal center line (12) toward the front portion (5).

Abstract: Absorbent article with a stiffening element to contribute to the three-dimensional shape of the article during its use. The stiffening area is planar before use and comprises a first stiffening part area in the front portion. The first stiffening part area in the front portion has a width which, at least at some point in the longitudinal direction of the article, exceeds the distance between the muscle tendons of the wearer on both sides of the crotch of the wearer in the groin. The article comprises an elongate absorbent crotch area to be fitted in the crotch of the wearer over the genitals of the latter. The absorbent crotch area is attached to the first part area and held in place by the latter so as to avoid the absorbent crotch area sliding backwards and out of the intended position over the genitals of the wearer when the wearer moves.

Abstract: Absorbent article, such as a sanitary towel, with a stiffening element which is intended to contribute to the three-dimensional shape of the article during its use. The stiffening element is in a plane state before use of the article. The stiffening element has in the rear portion an elongate through-hole which extends in the longitudinal direction of the article and along the centre line of the article, as a result of which the article is during use provided, by virtue of lateral forces arising in the rear portion of the article, with a fold along the longitudinal direction of the article along the hole. The fold extends into the cleft between the buttocks of the wearer during use of the article and in this way stabilizes the article in position on the wearer.

Abstract: Absorbent article, such as a sanitary towel, with a stiffening area which is intended to contribute to the three-dimensional shape of the article during its use. The stiffening area is in a plane state before use of the article. The stiffening area comprises a first part area and a second part area which extends in the longitudinal direction of the article over the crotch portion and is separate from the first part area. The first stiffening part area has a width which exceeds the distance between the muscle tendons of the wearer on both sides of the crotch of the wearer in the groin of the latter.

Abstract: Absorbent article with a stiffening element in a planar state before use to contribute to the three-dimensional shape during use of the article. The stiffening element has a first cutout arranged to enable pressing-together of the stiffening element in the lateral direction at a transition between the front and crotch portions. The shapes of the stiffening element and first cutout are adapted so that the stiffening element, after pressing-together and positioning, has a transitional width adapted to the distance between the muscle tendons on both sides of the crotch in the groin of about 15-45 mm. The stiffening element is arranged so that the side edges in the front portion of the article, in the pressed-together state, diverge in the direction from the crotch portion at least part of the way in over the front portion, forming an acute angle with a line in the longitudinal direction of the article.

Abstract: Highly efficient absorbent articles for wearing by a human female such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, and adult incontinence pads. In use, the absorbent articles preferably maintain contact with and cover at least a portion of the inside surfaces of the wearer's labia, the exterior surfaces of the wearer's labia, and the supporting garment. The absorbent articles are highly flexible, having flexure resistance of less than or equal to about 100 grams. The absorbent articles may be flat or cup-shaped.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article having a body facing surface and a garment facing surface, a longitudinal symmetry plane, a front end edge and a rear end edge, and comprising a liquid pervious topsheet, a backsheet joined to said topsheet and an absorbent core intermediate the backsheet and the topsheet. The disposable absorbent articles of the present invention are applied directly to the user's body, and comprise improved side features which extend laterally and are capable of staying in close contact with the user's inner thigh area, and adjacent to that, when the disposable absorbent article is applied to the user's body, and until an undergarment has been pulled up, while at the same time said side flaps have an increased comfort.

Abstract: An article, including disposable articles and durable articles, includes one or more shaped thermoplastic members, which can be at least partially impregnated into one or more fibrous substrates forming a composite material of the article having regions of breathability, elasticity, and/or stiffening to provide desired functions of the article. The shaped thermoplastic members have a profiled thickness and/or basis weight providing variation in material properties. A percent variation of the profiled thickness of the thermoplastic member can vary from about 5% to about 95%. A process for manufacturing the composite material of the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disposable under-shorts having a fit-gather laminate that are capable of being produced at high speeds without complicating the construction of a production device. The disposable under-shorts comprise a fit-gather laminate (2) formed by disposing an elastic member (1) between a pair of upper and lower non-woven fabric sheets (6, 7) in the width direction, fixing the elastic member (1) to portions of the non-woven fabric sheets (6, 7) except in a width-wise center part of the non-woven fabric sheets (6, 7) and cutting the elastic member (1) in the region of the width-wise center parts of the sheets (6, 7). The disposable under-shorts further comprise a reinforcing sheet (3) fixed to the under-side of the width-wise center parts of the fit-gather laminate (2), an absorber (4) disposed on the upper-side of the laminate (2), and a back sheet (5) disposed on the under-side of the reinforcing sheet (3).

Abstract: Bonded composites, absorbent articles comprising such bonded composites, and processes for bonding thin-section elements. The bonded composite has first and second thin-section elements bonded to each other, at least in part by bond elements and at least in part by adherent material. The adherent material is disposed between the first and second thin-section elements proximate and about the bond elements. The adherent material, at least in part, bonds the thin-section elements to each other at loci of the adherent material. The bond patterns are arranged and configured to preferentially direct stresses imposed on the bond pattern, inwardly into the interior of the bond pattern for distribution, dissipation, and termination.

Abstract: A pants-type disposable diaper basically comprises pants and a liquid-absorbent pad laid on an inner surface of the pants. The pad is contoured by longitudinally opposite end portions bonded to the pants in the vicinity of waist-hole's peripheral edge portions of the pants and transversely opposite side edge portions extending across a crotch region of the pants toward the waist-hole's peripheral edge portions in a longitudinal direction. First and second stretchable elastic members extending in the longitudinal direction are bonded in a stretched state to an outer surface of a backsheet forms the pad so that the area of the pad defined between the longitudinally opposite end portions thereof is lifted off from the inner surface of the pants as these elastic members contact.

Abstract: The invention relates to an absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin, an incontinence guard, or a panty-liner, which article has a substantially elongated shape with a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction and also exhibits two side edges (9, 10), a front edge (11) and a rear edge (12), a front portion (6) and a rear portion (7), and a crotch portion (8) situated between the front portion (6) and the rear portion (7), which article furthermore exhibits a liquid-impervious surface (2) and a liquid-impervious surface (3). At least within the front portion (6) and the crotch portion (8), the article exhibits high bending stiffness against bending along transversely extending bending lines, whereby the front portion (6) and the crotch portion (8) of the article exhibit high shape permanence during use of the article.

Abstract: An absorbent article with a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction, at least one elastic member (14) being arranged with prestressing in the crotch area (8) of the article, extending essentially in the transverse direction of the article. The elastic member (14) is arranged between the liquid-permeable surface layer (2) of the article and its absorption body (4) on a first surface of the absorption body (4). A shaping element (16) which is rigid to bending in the transverse sense of the article is arranged on a second surface of the absorption body (4), the shaping element (16) counteracting contraction of the elastic member (14).

Abstract: A sanitary absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin is disclosed having a main body with opposite longitudinal side edges and a looping member that originates from and extends laterally outward from each longitudinal side edge and a pair of flaps affixed to a garment faceable surface of the napkin. Each flap has at least one stiffening element which creates lateral stiffness in at least a portion of the flap in an amount sufficient to provide a preferential bending line at the line of juncture between the flap and the napkin.

Abstract: There is disclosed an absorbent article including: a liquid absorbing member having an absorbent core; a support body positioned on the lower side of the liquid absorbing member; and an elastic member for supporting the liquid absorbing member. The elastic member extends in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article and is fixed at its front and rear end portions on the support body. The elastic member is positioned at the widthwise central portion of the absorbent article. The support body is bent in the longitudinal direction by the tension of the elastic member, and the liquid absorbing member is deformed to bulge at its widthwise central portion away from the support body by the central elastic member.