Abstract: A disposable wearing article has a first surface and a second surface. The second surface is provided with a tape fastener attached thereto. The tape fastener may be folded so as to be unfoldable in a longitudinal direction and includes a first tape strip and a second tape strip underlying the first tape strip. The first tape strip has a free end zone and a first end zone and is adhesively attached to the second tape strip. The second tape strip has a fixed end zone secured to the second surface and a second end zone. The first end zone of the first tape strip has an extension that extends beyond the second end zone of the second tape strip and is adhesively attached to the second surface either directly or via a third tape strip of the tape fastener.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing fastener ears for absorbent articles and other garments includes the step of cutting a wave-shaped pattern along the longitudinal axis of an elongated strip of material. The wave-shaped cutting pattern is substantially centered along the strip and divides the strip into a first web and a second web. Each web has a series of ear shapes, with each ear shape having a wave crest portion. Each wave crest portion has a first edge with a convex curvature. The method also includes the step of cutting each of the ear shapes out of its respective web to form a plurality of fastener ears. A fastener ear formed by such method is also contemplated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to disposable absorbent articles including one or more discrete components. Representative discrete components include the nonwoven layer of the outer cover, the absorbent core, the bodyside liner, fasteners, ears and attachment panels. The discrete components include a material having a Surface Topographic Variance value of 30 micrometers or greater. The material includes a printed block having a Printed Block Sensor Value that is about three times greater than a Sensor Value for the area of the material outside of the printed block.

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: An adjustable absorbent article is provided according to exemplary aspects of this invention. The absorbent article includes a body portion configured to be positioned adjacent a wearer of the absorbent article. The absorbent article includes at least one belt having end portions, at least one of which end portions is configured to be engaged to the body portion. A first means is positioned on at least one of the end portions of the belt for releasable engagement of the end portion to the body portion, and a second means is positioned at a location spaced from the end portions of the belt for releasable engagement to the belt or the body portion to adjust the length of the belt.

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 one 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 such as disposable diapers, incontinent briefs, diaper holders, training pants and the like, having elastomeric ear panels and a fastening system that provides the user with different options as to how the absorbent article may be fitted to and removed from the wearer. The absorbent articles allow the wearer to choose between conventional and pull-on diaper configurations, or combinations thereof, and properly and comfortably fit a large range of wearer sizes. Further, the absorbent articles can be pulled on and/or off as a pant. This feature is provided by the ear panels which maintain sufficient tension to hold the diaper on the wearer throughout the period of use without harming the wearer's skin, while providing enough stretch to allow the diaper to be pulled up or down over the wearer's hips. The fastening system is refastenable for convenience yet strong enough to maintain the diaper in a fastened configuration without becoming detached if the diaper is pulled on or off the wearer.

Abstract: Absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, incontinent briefs, diaper holders, training pants and the like, having elastomeric ear panels and a fastening system that provides the user with different options as to how the absorbent article may be fitted to and removed from the wearer. The absorbent articles allow the wearer to choose between conventional and pull-on diaper configurations, or combinations thereof, and properly and comfortably fit a large range of wearer sizes. Further, the absorbent articles can be pulled on and/or off as a pant. This feature is provided by the ear panels which maintain sufficient tension to hold the diaper on the wearer throughout the period of use without harming the wearer's skin, while providing enough stretch to allow the diaper to be pulled up or down over the wearer's hips. The fastening system is refastenable for convenience yet strong enough to maintain the diaper in a fastened configuration without becoming detached if the diaper is pulled on or off the wearer.

Abstract: Absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, incontinent briefs, diaper holders, training pants and the like, having elastomeric ear panels and a fastening system that provides the user with different options as to how the absorbent article may be fitted to and removed from the wearer. The absorbent articles allow the wearer to choose between conventional and pull-on diaper configurations, or combinations thereof, and properly and comfortably fit a large range of wearer sizes. Further, the absorbent articles can be pulled on and/or off as a pant. This feature is provided by the ear panels which maintain sufficient tension to hold the diaper on the wearer throughout the period of use without harming the wearer's skin, while providing enough stretch to allow the diaper to be pulled up or down over the wearer's hips. The fastening system is refastenable for convenience yet strong enough to maintain the diaper in a fastened configuration without becoming detached if the diaper is pulled on or off the wearer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a closure tape tab for an absorbent article, particularly for a disposable diaper, for fastening the article on the body of a person. The closure tape tab comprises a proximal end portion and a distal end portion being connected by an inner tab portion, wherein the inner tab portion has a first major surface and a second major surface. The proximal and distal end portions are connected to the inner tab portion and the first major surface thereof such that opposing ends of the proximal and distal end portions are spaced apart from each other. The distal end portion is folded over toward the proximal end portion such that at least a part of the first major surface of the inner tab portion in the space is covered. The proximal end portion is preferably not folded. The present invention furthermore relates to a prelaminated closure tape, preferably in a stable roll, from which such closure tape tabs can be cut.

Abstract: A disposable wearing article has longitudinally extending side edges of a front waist region. The side edges are defined by a pair of hydrophobic fibrous nonwoven fabric layers having mutually opposed surfaces tightly bonded to each other. Fastening zones are formed by an adhesive applied on longitudinally extending side edges of the rear waist region. Landing zones are formed from plastic film strip tightly bonded to the side edges of the front waist region.

Abstract: An absorbent pad including a chassis having a first side edge and a second side edge. The chassis includes a liquid pervious topsheet and a liquid impervious backsheet. An absorbent system is disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. An elastic element is disposed along each of the first and second side edges of the chassis and attached to at least one of the topsheet and the backsheet, the elastic elements generating a cupping action so that the absorbent pad is biased towards a cup-like shape. A first side adhesive element is attached to the chassis inwardly from the first side edge of the chassis. A second side adhesive element is attached to the chassis inwardly from the second side edge of the chassis. A central adhesive element is attached to the chassis between the first and second side adhesive elements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a closure tape tab for an absorbent article, particularly for a disposable diaper, for fastening the article on the body of a person. The closure tape tab comprises a proximal end portion and a distal end portion being connected by an inner tab portion, wherein the inner tab portion has a first major surface and a second major surface. The proximal and distal end portions are connected to the inner tab portion and the first major surface thereof such that opposing ends of the proximal and distal end portions are spaced apart from each other. The distal end portion is folded over toward the proximal end portion such that at least a part of the first major surface of the inner tab portion in the space is covered. The proximal end portion is preferably not folded. The present invention furthermore relates to a prelaminated closure tape, preferably in a stable roll, from which such closure tape tabs can be cut.

Abstract: A stretch activated disposable article, such as a wipe or mitt, includes an upper material layer, and a lower material layer joined to the upper material layer such that a space is defined between the material layers. A functional element, for example a fluid composition, is stored in the space between the upper and lower material layers and becomes functional upon being exposed through the upper material layer with use of the article. The upper material layer includes a plurality of materially weakened positions along the surface thereof that are configured to part or separate upon stretching of the upper material layer to expose the functional element through the upper material layer.

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: A disposable absorbent article has a front waist edge, a back waist edge, a topsheet, a backsheet attached to at least a portion of the topsheet, and an absorbent core disposed therebetween. A waist member is attached to a wearer-facing surface of the disposable absorbent article or between the topsheet and the backsheet adjacent to the front waist edge and the back waist edge. The waist member is unattached to an outer-facing surface of the disposable absorbent article. The waist member extends outward from the front waist edge and the back waist edge such that at least a region of the waist member is visible from a vantage point external to the disposable absorbent article, thereby providing the appearance of a finished front waist edge or the appearance of a finished back waist edge.

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: A method of preparing closure components and a method of preparing a stable roll of such components.

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, intuitive change by aligning the article relative to an anatomical feature of the wearer or relative to a component of the article thereby enhancing the fit and corresponding performance of the article.

Abstract: A fastener tab includes a tab substrate having a first side and a second side. A first adhesive region is applied to an installation portion of the first side and a second adhesive region is applied to a fastening portion of the first side. The first and second adhesive regions are configured to provide different adhesion characteristics. A disposable absorbent article includes at least one fastener tab and may also include release and attachment substrates that releasably retain the second adhesive region for storage and use, respectively.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, an article has a mechanical fastener and configured is to be worn by a user. The article comprises a body portion configured to be worn by a user. The body portion may include a fibrous landing layer wherein the fibrous landing layer comprises a plurality of fibers. The body portion may also include a foam layer, such that the foam layer has a first surface comprising a plurality of free-stranding struts adapted for engaging at least a portion of the plurality of fibers of the landing layer. The foam layer and fibrous landing layer are capable of being engaged with a Shear Resistance of about 100 grams of force or greater per square centimeter and a Peel Resistance of about 50 grams or less of force per square centimeter.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin includes a surface element that is formed of a liquid-permeable topsheet covering a liquid absorbent layer. The surface element is raised from the skin-side surface of a napkin body by an elastic force of an elastic member to form a protuberance having a front end and a rear end. The protuberance fits in the intergluteal cleft and prevents rearward leakage of menstrual blood.

Abstract: An absorbent product has a fluid permeable top sheet, a fluid impermeable backing sheet, and an absorbent core having an upper side, a bottom side, two longitudinally running sides and two laterally running sides. The product further has two longitudinally running barrier flaps at the longitudinally running sides of the absorbent core. The top sheet covers the upper side of the absorbent core. The top sheet, with the upper side of the absorbent core, also covers the longitudinally running sides of the absorbent core and part of the bottom side of the absorbent core, the top sheet extending between at least a portion of the bottom side of the absorbent core and the backing sheet. The top sheet is connected to the backing sheet at the bottom side of the absorbent core. The barrier flaps are connected to the backing sheet at the longitudinally running sides of the absorbent core.

Abstract: A diaper comprising adjustable leg openings, which inhibit leakage through the leg openings. The diaper may be a pull-on type diaper or a sheet structure comprising a front waist portion and rear waist portion that attach to each other in a manner that allows the sheet structure to form a pair of leg openings and a waist opening. The diaper may comprise an elastic structure adjacent to or abutting the leg openings and the waist opening. In any variation of the diaper the periphery of the leg openings are adjustable. Furthermore, the diaper may include strips that seal the leg openings to a thigh of a person wearing the diaper.

Abstract: A disposable wearing article has its outer surface formed from a nonwoven fabric of thermoplastic synthetic fibers. A tape strip constituting each of the tape fasteners is folded in Z- or inverted Z-shape and attached in such folded state to the outer surface of the wearing article by means of first adhesive. As for a spot at which the tape strip is attached to the outer surface of the wearing article, the nonwoven fabric at least partially presents a film-like outer surface.

Abstract: In a feminine care absorbent article and method for donning the same, an absorbent structure is configured for disposition adjacent a female wearer's vaginal region. A shell supports the absorbent structure at the vaginal region and has an adhesive thereon for adhering the shell directly to the wearer. The article has a peripheral edge defined at least in part by the shell and the absorbent structure is attached to the shell. At least one removal tab is attached to at least one of the absorbent structure and the shell and extends outward beyond the peripheral edge of the article. The article may also have adhesive on its garment-facing surface for attaching the article to a wearer's undergarment for use in placing the article on the wearer.

Abstract: A disposable diaper, which has fastening sheets on two side portions of a back side and which can be used with an ordinary fastening method but also a cross fastening method. The diaper has fastening sheets individually formed on the two side portions of the back side of the diaper and each including: joint ears formed to extend from outer side edges of each one of the sheets and to protrude sideward at two upper and lower stages; and facing fasteners disposed on inner sides of said joint ears, whereby the disposable paper diaper is worn on a body by fixing joint ears on a surface of an abdomen side of the diaper. Perforations leading from an outer side edge to an inner side are formed in a portion of the fastening base sheet between the joint ears.

Abstract: A dental towel has at least four edges, a straight tear line and a surrounding band. One of the edges is oriented edge that is oriented forward a patient. The straight tear line is parallels the oriented edge, is near the oriented edge and has two ends and a length shorter than a length of the oriented edge. One of the ends is formed on an adjacent edge that is adjacent to the oriented edge. The surrounding band is mounted between the straight tear line and the oriented edge, surrounds conveniently a patient's neck and has an adhesive member sticking on the dental towel. The dental towel can be torn to obtain the surrounding band with a desired length to fit patient's neck. Thus, the dental towel can be positioned in front of patient's chest to prevent water or other agents from spraying to contaminate patient's clothes and neck.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article such as, e.g., a T-shaped diaper comprising two portions, a lateral portion (backwaist) having two lateral segments or wings for wrapping around the waist of a wearer of the diaper, and a second vertical portion or insert which is adapted to be passed under the crotch of the wearer and folded thereover. A uniquely designed tape tab located at the outer lateral end of one wing assures more perfect and comfortable fit. Tape tabs are also provided at the distal ends of vertical portion for engagement onto landing zones disposed on the surface of each wing. These tape tabs may have the same general construction as the tape tab on the diaper wing. The dimensions of the diaper and several of its components and the relative locations of these components are important factors which contribute to improved fitness and functions of the diaper.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fastening film system 1 comprising a backing 7 and an adhesive layer 6 on one of the two major surfaces of the backing 7, the backing 7 bearing on its exposed major surface 3a opposite to the adhesive layer 6 a plurality of male fastening elements 4 capable of engaging with fibrous materials 32 having a plurality of complementary female fastening elements, and a plurality of through-holes 2 extending through the thickness 11 of the backing 7 so that the adhesive layer 6 attached to the backing 7 is exposed through such through-holes 2 wherein at least one of said through-holes 2 is encompassed by the backing 7, and wherein the fastening film system 1 releasably adheres to said fibrous materials 32 through a combination of a mechanical and an adhesive bonding mechanism.

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: Disclosed herein are fasteners for disposable absorbent articles and disposable absorbent articles that include the fasteners. The disclosed fasteners generally are free of release tape and adhesives requiring those tapes. At the same time, the disclosed fasteners can be maintained in a closed position prior to the fastener's (and the disposable absorbent article's) use and during the process by which the article is manufactured. While maintainable in this closed position, the fastener may be easily opened by the consumer such that the fastener can be then used for its intended purpose, such as, for example to form a side closure on a diaper around the waist and legs of an infant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in structure of disposable garments. The disposable garments of the invention may include an outer layer and an elastic inner layer. The elastic inner layer has an elastic inner layer perimeter and defines an opening, which may be in the form of a slit or aperture, located in an internal position to the elastic inner layer perimeter. The elastic inner layer perimeter may be bonded to the outer layer. The elastic inner layer may include a fastener on an inner surface in a back waist region of the garment and the outer layer may include a fastener on an outer surface in a front waist region of the garment.

Abstract: A disposable wearing article is provided on its garment facing surface with tape fasteners. The tape member forming each of the tape fastener has a fixed end portion and a free end portion adapted to be taken between the fingers longitudinally opposed to each other. The free end portion at least partially extend beyond the lateral edge of the wearing article.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mechanical closure tape in roll form. The closure tapes are useful in the manufacture of disposable articles, particularly disposable diapers. The closure tape includes a fastening tape having a mechanical closure member and a release tape that completely covers the mechanical closure member during storage and transport of the tape and/or the disposable article.

Abstract: The invention relates to disposable incontinence diapers for adults. At least two closure means (24, 26) are provided on each respective side section (22, 24) or longitudinal edge section (18, 20) and are distanced from each other in a longitudinal direction (30) in order to adapt the diapers in a more effective manner to the actual requirements made thereof. The invention is characterized in that the respective closure means (26) which is located further away from the edge of the hip (16) and the impact section (34) associated therewith are configured in such a way that the adhesive connection, beginning with the closed state of the diapers, only becomes detached when the force is higher than that of the adhesive connection of the closure means (24) located nearer to the edge of the hip (16) and the impact section (32) associated therewith.

Abstract: A disposable garment having a localized retention zone for retention of the garment in its initial position on the body of a wearer. The retention zone has a higher coefficient of static friction than does the major area of the body-facing surface of the garment. The garment may also include localized areas having a lower coefficient of static friction than that of the major area to facilitate placement of the garment in a desired wearing position. Such lower coefficient of static friction areas can include the areas adjacent the leg openings and the area of the waistband that overlies the stomach of the wearer. Additionally, the garment can also include areas wherein the coefficient of static friction varies from high to low to provide improved retention and comfort over a wide range of wearing conditions and a wide range of movements of the wearer.

Abstract: An elongated sanitary napkin has deflectable longitudinal side edges formed by an edge or peripheral seal along the opposite sides of an absorbent. A garment attachment panel is secured to the underside of each side edge. A fixed portion of the panel is bonded flat against the side edge so that a free portion of the panel, extending from the fixed portion, is directed inward and downward. During use, the panels are fastened together beneath an undergarment crotch portion by hook and loop type fastener. Fastener and panels are sized so that when fastened the panels exert a pull on the side edges, controlling their deflection and, for example, preventing them from folding in over the absorbent. The garment attachment panels confine the undergarment crotch portion under the absorbent so that, for example, an elasticized edge of the crotch portion is prevented from pulling up and onto the absorbent.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a fastener includes forming a preform sheet having a sheet-form base and an array of hook-shaped fastener elements extending from a broad side of the base, and securing a cover sheet with an aperture across the array of fastener elements, with fastener elements exposed for engagement in an engaging zone corresponding to the aperture of the cover sheet, and the engaging zone surrounded by a contiguous covered preform region. A fastener product includes a preform having a sheet-form base and an array of fastener elements extending from a broad side of the base, and a cover with and aperture secured across the array of fastener elements, the cover defining an aperture there through, with fastener elements exposed for engagement in an engaging zone corresponding to the aperture of the cover, and the engaging zone being surrounded by a contiguous covered preform region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an absorbent article for managing bodily fluids, comprising a high coefficient of friction (“COF”) backsheet and at least one tape tab extending therefrom. The tape tab comprises a minimum amount of pressure sensitive adhesive sufficient to maintain the position of the article when a user's undergarments are away from her body. When the undergarments are near her body, the high COF backsheet acts as the predominant means for maintaining the position of the article due to normal forces exerted by the user's body and undergarments. When the user wants to remove the article from her undergarments, the tape tab provides additional advantages. The user may grasp the tape tab itself for removing the article as an alternative to grasping a portion of the soiled article. In addition the soiled article may be folded or rolled up, and then held in that configuration with the tape tab, for convenient and discreet disposal.

Abstract: A prefastened disposable absorbent article includes child resistant refastenable seams. The absorbent article includes mechanical fastening components and mating mechanical fastening components such that the opposite waist regions can be overlapped and refastenably engaged to form refastenable mechanical seams. The overlapping waist region forms overlapping flaps outward from the refastenable mechanical seams. To inhibit child access to the refastenable seams, the overlapping flaps are adhesively bonded to the opposite waist region.

Abstract: An infant accessory system and method of making the same for providing an array of necessary infant care items. The infant accessory system and method of making the same includes a base layer, an intermediate layer, and a top layer. The base layer includes a plurality of diapers rolled to form a cylindrical base. The base layer includes a first diameter. The intermediate layer includes a second diameter less than the first diameter. The intermediate layer includes a second plurality of diapers rolled to form a cylindrical intermediate stage. The intermediate layer is positioned on top of the base layer. The top layer includes a third diameter less than the second diameter. The top layer includes a third plurality of diapers rolled to form a cylindrical top layer. The top layer is positioned on top of the intermediate layer.

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: A disposable diaper includes tape fasteners extending outward from transversely opposite side edges of the diaper and provided on their inner surfaces with hook members. The hook members have their inner surfaces partially coated with adhesive layers by which the hook members are peelably bonded to release zones defined in the proximity of the transversely opposite side edges of the diaper.

Abstract: A method for positioning side panels during manufacture of a pant includes positioning the side panels within fluid flow devices. The side panels can move parallel or perpendicular to a pant transport plane as the pant is transported in the machine direction and the side panels reside within the fluid flow devices. The side panels can include refastenable fastening components. The method and apparatus can move the fastening components closer together in the cross-machine direction while the side panels reside within the fluid flow devices.

Abstract: An absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin, a panty liner and an incontinence napkin for the absorption of urine or faeces and intended to be carried inside the crotch part of the wearer's underwear, wherein said article has two long sides (15, 16), a first short side (17), a second short side (18), a liquid-permeable casing sheet (3) intended to lie proximal to the wearer in use, a liquid-impermeable casing sheet (2) intended to lie distal from the wearer in use, an absorbent core (4) between said sheets (2, 3), said core comprising one or more layers of material, an adhesive fastener means (6) which functions to affix the article to the wearer's underwear and which is disposed on that side of the liquid-impermeable casing sheet (2) that lies distal from the wearer in use, and a removable protective layer (40) which covers the adhesive fastener means (6) and which has a first short side that faces towards the first short side of said article and a second short side which faces towards the secon

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: 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: A ready-to-wear pull-up type absorbent article such as a diaper is provided which has a waist region comprising a front waist region and a back waist region, and a pair of complimentary fasteners in the respective regions. The front waist region comprises a pair of loop fasteners and the back waist region comprises a pair of hook strips each aligned for releasable engagement with a corresponding loop strip in the front waist region. In lieu of hook strips, the back waist region may include one or more tape tabs each having one surface attached to the back waist region and an opposed hook surface for releasable engagement with a correspondingly aligned loop surface. A weakened line, e.g., a perforated line may be provided in the front waist region which can be readily torn away in order to inspect the diaper.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a refastenable absorbent garment includes moving a continuous body panel web in a machine direction and successively fixedly securing a plurality of discrete fastener pieces, spaced along the machine direction, to the body panel web. Each of the fastener pieces comprises a first and second end also spaced along the machine direction. The method further includes successively cutting said body panel web and each of the fastener pieces along a cross direction between the first and second ends of each of the fastener pieces and thereby forming a plurality of discrete body panels each comprising opposite side edges and a plurality of pairs of fastener members fixedly secured to one of the plurality of body panels and a next successive body panel.