Abstract: Wearable disposable absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, having elastically extensible fastening members (also sometimes known as fastening “ears”) with particular features, extending from a chassis or main portion of the articles, are disclosed. The fastening members may be highly extensible and have an overall geometry characterized by greater length nearer the chassis or main portion and lesser length nearer the distal end. Examples disclosed may have a fastener zone having a Stiffness of at least about 1,500 N/m, and shape and dimensional characteristics, that help avoid problems of buckling and/or flipping of edges of the fastening members, dishing of fastener components, and fastening member tearing, while the articles are applied and worn.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes side panels for securing around the waist of the user. The absorbent article includes a first end, a second end, and an absorbent section therebetween. The first end has longitudinal side edges and a first waist line edge. A pair of side panels extend from longitudinal side edges of said first end of the absorbent article, and are shaped and dimensioned so as extend beyond the first waist line edge of the first end of the absorbent article a longitudinal extent so that the side panels may be secured above the hip joints of the user.

Abstract: A wearable article with an extensible fastening member having a fastener proximate its end is disclosed. The fastening member may be highly extensible, and may have construction features and shape characteristics that affect distribution of force components when the fastener is in use, and reduce the chances of buckling or flipping of the fastening member along its edges, and the chances that the edges of the fastener will be lifted away from a surface to which it is attached. The fastener and material forming an accompanying landing zone on the article may be selected to form a fastening combination having performance attributes that provide further resistance to unintended pop-off under wearing conditions.

Abstract: An absorbent article may comprise a chassis having a front waist region, a rear waist region, a crotch region between the front waist region and the rear waist region, a pair of longitudinal edges, and a pair of side panels extending between and connecting the front waist region and the rear waist region to form a leg opening. Each side panel may comprise a stretch laminate joined by a mechanical bond. The article may bear a chassis graphic disposed on a backsheet and a side panel graphic disposed on a side panel.

Abstract: A force focused fastening system maintaining a fastener element in plane during fastening. The force focused fastening system includes a force focused fastening member including an extensible region and an end region. The end region includes a fastener element and the extensible region includes a high modulus region aligned relative to a center portion of the fastener element. During fastening, the force focused fastening member directs forces toward the center portion of the fastener element, away from end portions, minimizing distortion of the fastener element.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article includes an absorbent chassis and a fastening system that together define a refastenable pant. The refastenable pant includes a pair of elastomeric front side panels extending from the waist opening to each leg opening, a pair of elastomeric back side panels extending from the waist opening to each leg opening, and a pair of refastenable seams extending from the waist opening to each leg opening and positioned between the elastomeric front and back side panels.

Abstract: Generally, a pre-fastened adjustable pant-like disposable absorbent undergarment including a fully severed front body panel and method of manufacturing is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a moving web for use as a body panel and first forming a first cut on the moving web at a first cutting station to define a leading portion of the moving web and a trailing portion of the moving web connected at the first cut. The moving web then passes through an attachment assembly station to bridge the connected leading portion and trailing portion together with a fastener assembly that extends over the first cut. Finally, the moving web is then passed through a second cutting station to provide a second cut through both the moving web and fastener assembly and intersecting with the first cut to completely separate the leading portion and trailing portion of the moving web.

Abstract: A disposable pull-on garment has a front waist region and a back waist region opposite the front waist region. The disposable pull-on garment also has a chassis and front and back waist members attached to the chassis in the front and back waist regions, respectively. The front waist member has a first retraction force and the back waist member has a second retraction force. The disposable pull-on garment also has a pair of side members attaching the front waist region to the back waist region, thereby forming a waist opening and a pair of leg openings. Each of the pair of side members includes a waist zone and a hip zone. The waist zones have retraction forces which are about equal to the first retraction force, and the hip zones have retraction forces which are greater than the first or second retraction forces.

Abstract: A fastening system comprising a closure member (tab) and one or more of an elastic/stretch member (ear), a release tape, and a landing member. The tabs and ears are divided into zones of certain dimensions. The angles at which the tabs transition the zones are defined. The system provides for improved fit of an absorbent article about the article's wearer.

Abstract: The invention relates to an absorbent incontinence diaper (2) with a rear area (8), a front area (6) and a crotch area (12) lying between these, and with first and second side edges (5), and with a main part (4) having an inner face directed towards the body and an outer face directed away from the body during use of the diaper, the main part (4) comprising an absorption body (14) and a backsheet (10) on the side of the absorption body (14) directed away from the body, the absorption body (14) having a smaller width than the backsheet (10), and with side parts (16, 17) joined to the first and second side edges (5), the side parts (16, 17) having an inner face and an outer face, and the side parts (17) in the rear area having closure means (32) with mechanical closure aids (31).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a pre-fastened adjustable pant-like disposable absorbent undergarment including a fully severed front body panel is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a moving web and first creating a line of weakness on the moving web at a weakening station to define a leading portion of the moving web and a trailing portion of the moving web connected at the line of weakness. The moving web then passes through an attachment assembly station to bridge the connected leading portion and trailing portion together with a fastener assembly that extends over the line of weakness. Finally, the moving web is then passed through a web breaking station to completely separate the leading portion and trailing portion of the moving web at the line of weakness, such that the leading portion and trailing portion remains bridged together by the fastener assembly.

Abstract: A novel diaper, or other protective undergarment, is disclosed where the undergarment includes multiple absorbent layers that can be individually deployed once a first layer has been wetted or soiled. Each absorbent layer protects against the leakage of bodily fluids both laterally and vertically and once each of such layers is wetted or soiled, it can be removed from the undergarment thereby exposing a ready and dry second layer.

Abstract: A force focused fastening system maintaining a fastener element in plane during fastening. The force focused fastening system includes a force focused fastening member including an extensible region and an end region. The end region includes a fastener element and the extensible region includes a high modulus region aligned relative to a center portion of the fastener element. During fastening, the force focused fastening member directs forces toward the center portion of the fastener element, away from end portions, minimizing distortion of the fastener element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reusable diaper shaped as a pair of pants and designed to house a removable absorbent insect (6). The diaper comprises an elongated central piece (5) impermeable to water and designed to house said insert, and two side pieces (12,13) arranged on opposite sides of the central piece, wherein at least one of the side pieces is made of a material permeable to water and is arranged stretchable to allow stretching of waist and leg openings of the diaper when the diaper is put on and taken off, and the central piece and the side piece are joined together by means of a joint (15,16) forming a liquid barrier.

Abstract: An absorbent article may comprise a chassis having a front waist region, a rear waist region, a crotch region between the front waist region and the rear waist region, a pair of longitudinal edges, and a pair of side panels extending between and connecting the front waist region and the rear waist region to form a leg opening. Each side panel may comprise a uniformly colored stretch laminate. The stretch laminate may comprise a colored elastomeric member and a first substrate joined to the elastomeric material. The side panels may be joined by a mechanical bond which may form an informational indicia.

Abstract: A female member for a hook-and-loop fastener is provided. Even when the hook-and-loop fastener part is deformed or an instantaneous impact peel force is applied to the fastener part, the female member does not peel off the male member. When the male member is peeled from the female member, no fluffing caused by shedding of a fibrous material occurs. The female member for a hook-and-loop fastener is constituted of a fibrous material and can engage with a mating male member. The female member is composed of: dense fiber portions arranged in rows and having a high density of the fibrous material; and sparse fiber portions arranged in rows alternately with these dense fiber portions and having a lower density of the fibrous material than the dense fiber portions. The dense fiber portions deform elastically, and this prevents undesirable peeling and diminishes fluffing.

Abstract: A two-piece wearable absorbent article (such as a diaper) including an outer cover, and particularly, an absorbent insert for use therewith, are disclosed. The insert has a fastener component disposed at either or both a forward region and a rearward region thereof, for fastening the insert within the outer cover. The end of the insert associated with the region bearing the fastener component may have a specified stiffness, to help the insert to retain structural integrity while fastened within an outer cover and while being worn. The insert may include an end support stiffener that helps impart stiffness.

Abstract: A two-piece wearable absorbent article (such as a diaper) including an outer cover, and particularly, an absorbent insert for use therewith, are disclosed. The insert has a fastener component disposed at either or both a forward region and a rearward region thereof, for fastening the insert within the outer cover. The end of the insert associated with the region bearing the fastener component may have a specified stiffness, to help the insert to retain structural integrity while fastened within an outer cover and while being worn. The insert may include an end support stiffener that helps impart stiffness.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a fit system having fasteners and friction elements. The fasteners are located in the front waist area and the back waist area and are adapted to fasten the article about the waist of a wearer to define a waist opening, a pair of leg openings, and a pair of overlap regions. The friction elements are located in the overlap regions and are adapted to provide friction between the front waist area and the back waist area in the overlap regions. The friction elements have an upper portion oriented towards the waist opening and a lower portion oriented towards the leg opening. The upper portion and the lower portion have different concentrations of surface treatment, thicknesses, and/or surface areas.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a chassis having a substantially rectangular shape a first portion, a second portion and a crotch portion extending between the first and second portion, a portion of the chassis being configured to absorb fluids. The absorbent article includes a first securement portion operatively coupled to the first portion of the chassis. The absorbent article includes a second securement portion operatively coupled to the second portion of the chassis and configured to releasably attach to the first securement portion. The chassis is configured to include one of a first chassis length or a second chassis length. When the chassis includes the first length, the chassis includes a first width and the first securement portion includes a second width, and when the chassis includes the second length, the chassis includes the first width and the first securement portion includes a third width, greater than the second width.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a fit system having fasteners and friction elements. The fasteners are located in the front waist area and the back waist area and are adapted to fasten the article about the waist of a wearer to define a waist opening, a pair of leg openings, and a pair of overlap regions. The friction elements are located in the overlap regions and are adapted to provide friction between the front waist area and the back waist area in the overlap regions. The friction elements have an upper portion oriented towards the waist opening and a lower portion oriented towards the leg opening. The upper portion and the lower portion have different concentrations of surface treatment, thicknesses, and/or surface areas.

Abstract: An absorbent article, in particular a diaper. The rear portion thereof includes a pair of elastic side panels attached to opposing longitudinal edges thereof. The front portion of the article includes at least two landing zones upon which the elastic side panels overlap when the article is fastened. An area of the front portion located at least around each landing zone includes a plurality of first indicia in a first pattern. Each of said elastic side panels also includes a plurality of second indicia in a second pattern. The distance between adjacent second indicia including the second pattern increases as the elastic side panel is stretched. When the elastic side panels are stretched by a predetermined force, the second pattern on the elastic side panels matches the first pattern around each landing zone.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a front waist region, a back waist region and a crotch region. The front and back waist regions are permanently attached or releasably attachable to each other by an article fastening system to define a wear configuration of the absorbent article. The article is configurable from the wear configuration to a disposal configuration. A disposal tab has an attachment region attached to one of the sides of the article and extends a greatest length La along at least a portion of a length Lp of one of the sides. A tab region extends transversely outward from the attachment region a greatest distance Dt and is attachable to the article in at least the disposal configuration of the article. The attachment region has a first surface attached to one of the sides of the article and a second surface that defines part of the article fastening system.

Abstract: A folded disposable absorbent garment has an absorbent chassis, a pair of front side panels extending from a front region of the absorbent chassis, and a pair of back side panels extending from a back region of the absorbent chassis. A first fastening component is disposed on each of the front side panels and a second fastening component is disposed on each of the back side panels. Each of the second fastening components is releasably attached to a respective one of the first fastening components to define a pair of refastenable seams. The front side panels and the back side panels are folded such that each of the refastenable seams overlies an outer surface of one of the front region and the back region of the absorbent chassis in a plane generally parallel to the front and back regions of the absorbent chassis.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article is disclosed having a wide breathable backsheet formed of a single layer of material, preferably in an hourglass configuration, and a narrow containment assembly attached to the backsheet along its longitudinal axis. The placement of the containment assembly creates two regions on either side of the backsheet which form wings which extend laterally beyond the margins of the containment assembly. Fasteners provided on the wings permit attachment of the wings together to form breathable side panels. The fasteners may be configured to engage limited areas of the backsheet and to resist engagement of other areas thereof. The containment assembly comprises a pervious topsheet and an impervious backing film sandwiching an absorbent core. The backing film is generally as narrow as the top sheet, maximizing the breathable area of the absorbent article, and minimizing the use of environmentally persistent plastic films.

Abstract: A personal care article including a thermoplastic magnetic member. The thermoplastic magnetic member is formed of a thermoplastic material with magnetic particles dispersed therethrough. The thermoplastic material comprises a resin selected from the group consisting of polyolefins, thermoplastic elastomers, polyamides, polyacetals, polyethers, polyesters, polyurethanes, poly(meth)acrylates, and compatible mixtures thereof. The magnetic particles are selected from the group consisting of magnetoplumbite-structure ferrite particles, rare-earth magnet particles, and mixtures thereof. The thermoplastic material may be disposed on a surface of a fibrous substrate. A surface of the thermoplastic magnetic member may be profiled. A second thermoplastic magnetic member may have an opposite magnetic polarity and a complementary surface profile such that the two thermoplastic magnetic members may be magnetically joined and mechanically interlocked when in a mated configuration.

Abstract: An absorbent pant garment including a pair of front and back side panels on opposite transverse sides of the garment, with a refastenable seam formed between the front and back side panels including a fastening component on the front side panel and a mating fastening component on the back side panel, with elasticity in the front and/or back side panel. Each of the front and back side panels includes a waist and a leg end edge, with a portion of the waist end edge and a portion of the leg end edge substantially parallel to one another adjacent a distal edge for a distance greater than a transverse width of the fastening component or mating fastening component bonded thereto. These parallel portions of the side panel edges space the fastening and mating fastening components away from major stress points of the garment, thereby reducing the likelihood of fastener pop-opens.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent incontinence diaper (2) has a main part (4), with a front area (6), a rear area (8) and a crotch area (10) as well as rear side sections (20) joined on both sides to the rear area (8) and front side sections (22) joined on both sides to the front area (6) and extending in a transverse direction (30) past lateral front and rear longitudinal edges (42, 41) of the main part (4) to connect the front area (6) and the rear area (8) when the disposable incontinence diaper has been applied. The article is shaped by one single respective separating process and holding forces between closing elements (32) and the outer side of the first front side sections (22) are larger than holding forces between the closing elements and the outer side of the main part (4).

Abstract: An absorbent article for personal wear includes inner and outer surfaces, an absorbent body disposed therebetween, and front waist, back waist, and crotch regions. The article also includes front and back side panels that are releasably attachable at a seam using an article fastening component and an article fastener landing zone to define a wear configuration of the absorbent article. The article also includes a finger tab attached to one of the front and back side panels, wherein the tab includes a tab fastening component, wherein a front or back side panel includes a tab landing zone, wherein the tab fastening component is fastened to the tab landing zone to form a tab connection when the article is in a wear configuration, and wherein the tab connection has lower peel and shear strengths per unit area than the peel and shear strengths per unit area of the seam.

Abstract: A wearing article having a front waist region provided along a pair of opposite side edges with first fastening members, and a rear waist region provided along a pair of opposite side edges with second fastening members adapted to be engaged with the associated first fastening members. Each of the second fastening members is formed with an uneven structure having a plurality of crests extending in a transverse direction and spaced one from another in a longitudinal direction. A degree of engaging force between the uneven structure and the first fastening member is extremely weak and the uneven structure can be easily disengaged from the first fastening member. The uneven structure may be unfolded in the longitudinal direction and put in close contact with the first fastening member to achieve firm engagement over an area as large as possible between the flattened uneven structure and the first fastening member.

Abstract: A method of making an elastic composite entails conveying a first sheet on a conveyor, and wrapping a section of elastic about the first sheet and the conveyor, thereby applying elastics cross directionally across the sheet. A second sheet is then applied onto the first sheet thereby creating a subcomposite including the two sheets and elastics sandwiched therebetween, wherein two elastics extend outward from one side of the subcomposite, about the conveyor, and return into an opposite side of the subcomposite. The subcomposite is cut through the first and second sheets and the elastics, thereby separating the subcomposite into a first carrier and a second carrier, each carrier including a material layer, whereby spaced apart elastics extend from the first carrier to the second carrier, the first and second carriers defining an exposed elastic region therebetween formed by the elastics.

Abstract: An attachment member for use with absorbent articles is disclosed. The attachment member for a disposable absorbent article has a first side section securely attached to the disposable absorbent article, the first side having a first graphic. The attachment member has a second side releasably attached to the disposable article, the second side having a second graphic. In one embodiment, the first graphic has a first Pattern Complexity Value and the second graphic having a second Pattern Complexity Value. In another embodiment, the first graphic has a first color and the second graphic has a second color, and the first color and the second color are different. The change in appearance of the graphic on the attachment member allows for a user to more easily detect the presence of the releasable edge and allows for adjustment of the fit of the absorbent article.

Abstract: A method for simplified donning of a refastenable garment. The method includes configuring the article such that the first transverse side is open and such that the second transverse side is closed; thereafter positioning and fastening the first front and back side panels around a first leg; thereafter opening the second transverse side; thereafter positioning and fastening the second front and back side panels around a second leg; and thereafter drawing the article up into a wear position on the subject. Also disclosed is a method for simplifying the application of a refastenable garment that includes providing specific instructions to a user, such as via graphical images. Also disclosed is a package of refastenable garments, the package including secondary information for simplifying the application of a refastenable garment to a wearer.

Abstract: An absorbent includes inner and outer surfaces, an absorbent body disposed therebetween, and front waist, back waist, and crotch regions. The article also includes pairs of front and back side panels, each side panel having an attachment edge and a free edge, the front and back side panels being releasably attachable to define a wear configuration of the absorbent article. The article also includes a finger tab having a distal end, a tab line where the finger tab intersects the free edge, and a proximal end attached to the free edge, wherein the distal end has a distal end longitudinal midpoint, wherein the tab line has a tab line longitudinal midpoint, and wherein the distal end longitudinal midpoint is longitudinally offset from the tab line longitudinal midpoint.

Abstract: An open-type absorbent disposable incontinence diaper, includes a main part which includes an absorbent element, a front region having front lateral longitudinal edges, a rear region having rear lateral longitudinal edges, and a crotch region arranged between the front and rear regions. The diaper also includes rear side sections joined to the rear region on both sides and front side sections joined to the front region on both sides, said sections extending in the transverse direction beyond the lateral front and rear longitudinal edges of the main part. For forming rear side-section leg opening regions, a lower edge of a rear side section is curve-shaped. A ration of a length of the lower edge to a width of the lower edge is 0.40-0.90 and a ratio of a longitudinal extent of an extreme point of a convex portion of the lower edge to a transverse extent of the extreme point is 0.15-0.80.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include disposable wearable absorbent articles with extensible sides. In an embodiment of the present disclosure a disposable wearable absorbent article includes a front, a back, and an extensible side configured to connect the front and the back, wherein the extensible side has a substantially laterally extensible area, which includes a first area, bounded in part by at least a portion of a longitudinally outboard side edge. An overall lateral extensibility of the first area is substantially less than an overall lateral extensibility of the substantially laterally extensible area.

Abstract: A diaper comprising a garment facing side and a wearer facing side, the diaper further comprising closure elements, at least one closure element comprising: a carrier layer (1) comprising a nonwoven or woven material, and comprising a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, a first side edge and a second side edge opposite the first side edge, and a first end edge and a second end edge opposite the first end edge, the first surface of the carrier layer (1) comprising a bonding layer (2), the bonding layer (2) not extending over the entire first surface of the carrier layer (1) and the first surface of the carrier layer (1) further comprising an anchoring layer (3) suitable for the attachment of a hook patch (5), the second surface of the carrier layer (1) comprising a separation layer (4). A closure element and a method of manufacture are further aspects of the invention.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a longitudinal centerline and adapted to be worn in an undergarment having a crotch portion bounded on opposite sides by portions of curved leg openings. The absorbent article comprises a main body portion, the main body portion comprising a liquid pervious body-facing surface, a liquid impervious garment facing surface, and an absorbent core positioned between the body-facing surface and the garment-facing surface. The absorbent article comprises at least one indicator marker visible from the body-facing surface, the indicator markers disposed to indicate proper alignment of the absorbent article with respect to undergarment-specific features such as the curved leg openings.

Abstract: One or more fastener tabs using particular spunlace materials are described. The fastener tabs find wide application as closure systems and can be used in products such as in disposable diapers.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article to be worn about the lower torso of a wearer that facilitates an easy, intuitive change is provided. The disposable absorbent article includes at least one serviceable indicium that facilitates an easy change by providing alignment of the article relative to an anatomical feature of the wearer or by externally highlighting one or more components of the article thereby indicating alignment and fit about the wearer's lower torso.

Abstract: A flexible pneumostoma management device maintains the patency of a pneumostoma while controlling the flow of material through the pneumostoma. The pneumostoma management device includes flange attaches to the chest of the patient to secure the device in position. The pneumostoma management device also includes a tube which enters the pneumostoma to allow gases to escape the lung. The length of the tube is selected to match the dimensions of the pneumostoma of a patient. In order to manufacture devices having different tube lengths, the tube is formed at a longer length than required, cut to size and tipped. The tube may be formed by molding or extrusion.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent product extends along a longitudinal axis between front and back longitudinal ends of the product, and along a transverse axis. The product has a topsheet defining an interior face of the product configured to face a wearer thereof during use, and a backsheet overlaying the topsheet, the backsheet defining an exterior face of the product. An absorbent core is disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet for storing fluid secreted by the wearer of the product. The product also includes a first pair of fastening components, each being formed from a partially cut-out portion of the disposable absorbent product so as to be pivotally coupled to a remainder of the product, such that pivotal movement of the fastening components relative to a remainder of the product defines at least one aperture that extends between the interior and exterior faces of the product.

Abstract: A refastenable disposable garment defines a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction, and comprises a first waist region contiguous with a first waist edge. The first waist region defines first and second side edges transversely spaced apart and defines first and second surfaces. The first waist region is elastomeric proximal both the first and second side edges. The garment can include a second waist region and a crotch region that interconnects the first and second waist regions. The garment comprises non-extensible, relatively rigid first and second fastening components attached to the first surface of the first waist region adjacent the first and second side edges, respectively. The first waist region defines first and second flange portions transversely outward of the first and second fastening components, respectively. Each flange portion is transversely curled toward the second surface. A process for making such an article is also disclosed.

Abstract: A pneumostoma management system which includes a pneumostoma management device and a cover. The pneumostoma management device maintains the patency of a pneumostoma while controlling the flow of material through the pneumostoma. The pneumostoma management device includes a hydrophobic filter and/or a one-way filter. The cover serves to protect the pneumostoma management device and/or provide a cosmetic skin to make the pneumostoma management device more acceptable to the patient and thereby encourage patient compliance with a pneumostoma treatment regimen.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article may include a chassis comprising a liquid permeable topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and backsheet; and an ear joined to the rear waist region of the chassis such that at least a portion of said ear extends laterally outward from the longitudinal edge of the chassis in the rear waist region. The article further comprises a fastening system including an engaging member disposed proximate to distal edge of the ear and a receiving member disposed on the chassis in the front waist region, wherein the ear interconnects the front waist region and the rear waist region upon engagement of the engaging member with the receiving member. The ear has a Front Edge Displacement and a Rear Edge Displacement such that a sum of the Front Edge Displacement and the Rear Edge Displacement is no greater than about 12 mm.

Abstract: A pneumostoma management system for maintaining the patency of a pneumostoma while controlling the flow of material through the pneumostoma. The pneumostoma management system includes a two-part pneumostoma management device and associated insertion and removal tools. The pneumostoma management device includes a pneumostoma vent and a chest mount for positioning and securing the vent into a pneumostoma. The pneumostoma vent includes a hydrophobic filter and/or a one-way valve.

Abstract: A flexible pneumostoma management device maintains the patency of a pneumostoma while controlling the flow of material through the pneumostoma. The pneumostoma management device includes a pneumostoma vent having a tube which enters the pneumostoma to allow gases to escape the lung, a flange and a filter/valve to control flow of materials through the tube. The flange is a thin flexible patch which conforms and attaches to the chest of the patient. The flange secures the tube in position in the pneumostoma. The flange is formed in one piece with the tube.

Abstract: A disposable nappy includes a disposable nappy body portion (3) and a separate belt (5) to secure the nappy body to the person. The belt includes a number of Velcro-type fastener portions that attach to a cover stock material of the nappy. The cover stock material is of a material that includes fibers that can retain the Velcro-type fasteners. Also defined are leg guards (19) formed from outer edges of a laminate cover layer.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes front and back side panels, a closure component coupled to or integral with the front side panel, an anchor component coupled to or integral with one of the front and back side panels, a closure landing zone coupled to or integral with the back side panel, and an anchor landing zone coupled to or integral with the side panel opposite the anchor component. The closure component is fastened to the closure landing zone to form a closure connection and the anchor component is fastened to the anchor landing zone to form an anchor connection when the article is in a wear configuration, wherein the refastenable seam includes the closure and anchor connections, and wherein the anchor connection has higher peel and shear strengths per unit area than the peel and shear strengths per unit area of the closure connection.

Abstract: Methods of forming fasteners are disclosed. One method comprises dispersing polymer particles into a contact release surface, transforming the polymer particles into an at least semiliquid state of a suitable viscosity for a time sufficient to transform into preform projections having contact edges, contacting and fixing a front surface of the base with the terminal ends of at least some of the preform projections, removing the base, thereby separating the preform projections, from the release surface, and forming engaging projections projecting from the front surface of the base.