Abstract: For use in combination with an incontinence garment, a protection device includes a generally planar deflection shield formed of a moisture impervious material. The deflection shield is of sufficient length to extend from above the penis shaft downwardly to the approximate level of the scrotum of the male. The deflection shield includes a clearance aperture permitting the penis shaft to extend through the deflection shield to assure urine is deflected away from the scrotum of the male. The deflection shield includes a sack-like structure extending from a lower portion of the deflection shield adapted to at least partially enclose the scrotum of the male. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, a lower portion of the deflection shield is directly attached to the incontinence garment.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent undergarment comprising: leg-hole surrounding elastic members including first and second front-half elastic portions extending primarily along front-halves of first and second leg-hole defining edges, first and second rear-half elastic portions extending primarily along rear-halves thereof, and bridging elastic portion(s) intersecting the first front- and rear-half elastic portions, and the second front- and rear-half elastic portions, respectively, so that these elastic portions may surround the first and second leg-hole defining edges without interruption, respectively.

Abstract: A disposable article, such as a diaper, for absorbing and containing urine and other body exudates has an absorbent insert pad that may be flushed in a toilet. The article preferably includes a backing sheet and a bodyside liner that are substantially coterminous. In one embodiment of the invention, a secondary absorbent body, which is disposed between the backing sheet and the bodyside liner, has a pocket formed therein. The absorbent insert pad is positioned against the bodyside liner and located generally within the pocket. A cover is releasably attached to the bodyside liner to maintain the insert pad within the pocket.

Abstract: An absorbent article embodied as a disposable diaper construction has been particularly configured for improved fit and comfort by providing an absorbent structure attached in a substantially free-floating suspended manner within the diaper. In the illustrated embodiments, the diaper includes an outer cover or back sheet and an absorbent structure or core which is supported within the outer cover by a supporting member which extends along a side of the absorbent structure and includes opposite ends which are secured to the outer cover. The supporting member suspends and supports the absorbent structure for substantially independent movement with respect to the outer cover so that the absorbent structure can conform to the wearer during use thus improving the fit and comfort to the wearer as well as inhibiting leakage from the diaper.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article for wearing about a wearer's lower torso is provided. The disposable absorbent article comprises: a chassis; an absorbent assembly joined to the chassis; and seams joining the front portion of the chassis to the rear portion of the chassis so as to form two leg openings and a waist opening. A bloused outer layer has a pattern imprinted thereon such that the inner layer with the absorbent assembly joined thereto is substantially unnoticeable to a viewer thereby providing a very garment like appearance to the absorbent article.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article for wearing about a wearer's lower torso is provided. The disposable absorbent article comprises: a chassis; an absorbent assembly joined to the chassis; and seams joining the front portion of the chassis to the rear portion of the chassis so as to form two leg openings and a waist opening. The garment comprises an outer layer having at least a portion of its periphery joined to at least a portion of the periphery of the inner layer of the chassis so that the outer layer can blouse away from the central area at selected portions. The bloused outer layer has a pattern imprinted thereon such that the inner layer with the absorbent assembly joined thereto is substantially unnoticeable to a viewer thereby providing a very garment like appearance to the absorbent article.

Abstract: A disposable article, such as a diaper, for absorbing and containing urine and other body exudates has an absorbent insert pad that may be flushed in a toilet. The article preferably includes a backing sheet and a bodyside liner that are substantially coterminous. In one embodiment of the invention, a secondary absorbent body, which is disposed between the backing sheet and the bodyside liner, has a pocket formed therein. The absorbent insert pad is positioned against the bodyside liner and located generally within the pocket. A cover is releasably attached to the bodyside liner to maintain the insert pad within the pocket.

Abstract: A disposable article, such as a diaper, for absorbing and containing urine and other body exudates has an absorbent insert pad that may be flushed in a toilet. The article preferably includes a backing sheet and a bodyside liner that are substantially coterminous. In one embodiment of the invention, a secondary absorbent body, which is disposed between the backing sheet and the bodyside liner, has a pocket formed therein. The absorbent insert pad is positioned against the bodyside liner and located generally within the pocket. A cover is releasably attached to the bodyside liner to maintain the insert pad within the pocket.

Abstract: A disposable diaper includes a backsheet and a topsheet connected to form front and rear bodies. First and second elastic members are attached to the backsheet around first and second leg-openings thereof to so that the first elastic member provided around the first leg-opening further extends along a curved course into the front and rear bodies and terminates at one side edge of front and rear bodies. The second elastic member provided around the second leg-opening further extends along a curved course into the front and rear bodies and terminates at the other side edge of the front and rear bodies. The respective elastic members comprise a plurality of elastic threads extending in parallel with one another.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to disposable underpants including an underpant body having an inner surface and an outer surface, a longitudinal undercrotch portion, and front and rear end portions positioned at opposing ends of the longitudinal undercrotch portion and transverse thereto. A sanitary napkin member is positioned over the longitudinal undercrotch portion and extends substantially a length of the longitudinal undercrotch portion, the sanitary napkin including front, rear, and longitudinal edges. The sanitary napkin member is secured to the longitudinal undercrotch portion of the underpant body on the inner surface thereof and only along the rear and longitudinal edges of the sanitary napkin. An increased density of material is provided within the underpant body at the rear end portion thereof and coextensive with the longitudinal undercrotch portion, thus resisting tearing of the rear end portion during flexing of the disposable underpants.

Abstract: A disposable diaper so improved that an uppermost sheet 14 is formed at its central zone with an opening 16, first and second elastic members 17, 18 are attached to the sheet 14 along halves of the opening's periphery, respectively, with the longitudinally opposite ends of these elastic members intersecting each other at the longitudinally opposite ends of the opening 16, respectively, and the uppermost sheet 14 is torn off from these intersections.

Abstract: A disposable article, such as a diaper, for absorbing and containing urine and other body exudates has an absorbent insert pad that may be flushed in a toilet. The article preferably includes a backing sheet and a bodyside liner that are substantially coterminous. In one embodiment of the invention, a secondary absorbent body, which is disposed between the backing sheet and the bodyside liner, has a pocket formed therein. The absorbent insert pad is positioned against the bodyside liner and located generally within the pocket. A cover is releasably attached to the bodyside liner to maintain the insert pad within the pocket.

Abstract: A diaper configured with an inner panty enclosed within an outer panty, the inner panty having an absorbent pad inserted in an opening in the inner panty. The inner panty holds the absorbent pad snugly between the legs of the wearer but in spaced relationship to the outer panty. The outer panty is secured around its periphery to the inner panty and encloses both the absorbent pad and inner panty in spaced relationship. The spaced relationship forms an overflow reservoir beneath the absorbent pad.

Abstract: In an underpants type disposable diaper comprising a liquid permeable top sheet, a liquid impermeable back sheet, an absorbent member disposed therebetween, an elastic expansible member for forming a gather each to a pair of leg portions and front and rear waist body portions formed around the absorbent member, the front and rear waist body portions being connected and fixed together at both sides to form a waist opening portion and a pair of leg opening portions, respectively, at least a part of each area formed between the waist opening portions and the pair of leg opening portions at both side portions of the waist portion is provided with a vertical split portion, respectively and connection means are provided to each of the side portions.

Abstract: A reusable leakproof diaper which is as convenient in use as a disposable diaper and includes a one-or-more layered absorbent rectangular liner attached by strips of liquid impervious material to a liquid impervious outer shell. A closure system, such as snap fasteners, single looped closures, buttons, or hooks is mounted on the outer shell. The sides of the outer shell include elastic strips along the portion of the shell that forms a leg opening when the diaper is in use. The unique design for attaching the inner absorbent liner to the liquid impervious outer shell provides the diaper with improved resistance to leakage.

Abstract: This diaper comprises at the level of each of its transverse edges, a strip of open cell foam material extending transversely with respect to the diaper and fixed between the support and upper sheets of the latter. These elastic strips are designed to come into elastic contact with the body of a user at the level of the latter's waist. The longitudinal inner and outer edges of each strip communicate respectively with the inner space of the napkin and with the outside of the latter to permit this inner space to communicate thus with the outer space through the thickness of the strips so as to permit the internal ventilation of the napkin.

Abstract: A pleated, adjustable strap member is useful in securing a garment to a wearer. The strap member has first and second strap ends and can be attached to the garment adjacent the strap ends. The strap member also includes an elastic region and a pleated region, both located between the strap ends. The pleated region includes at least one Z-fold that is maintained with a releasable bond.

Abstract: A moisture-management garment having a moisture management panel constructed of a moisture management fabric which extends generally between a crotch area of the garment and a waist area of the garment. The moisture management panel includes a first fabric having an inner moisture transport fabric layer constructed of hydrophobic yarns for residing in skin contact during garment wear and an inner dispersal fabric layer constructed of hydrophilic yarns and positioned adjacent to the inner moisture transport layer to receive and disperse moisture transported to it by the inner moisture transport layer. A second fabric is provided having an outer moisture vaporization fabric layer constructed of hydrophobic yarns which is the outermost surface of the moisture management fabric during wear, and an outer moisture dispersal fabric layer constructed of hydrophilic yarns and positioned adjacent to the outer moisture vaporization layer.

Abstract: A diaper configured with an inner panty enclosed within an outer panty, the inner panty having an absorbent pad inserted in an opening in the inner panty. The inner panty holds the absorbent pad snugly between the legs of the wearer but in spaced relationship to the outer panty. The outer panty is secured around its periphery to the inner panty and encloses both the absorbent pad and inner panty in spaced relationship. The spaced relationship forms an overflow reservoir beneath the absorbent pad.

Abstract: An improved infant and toddler diaper comprising a symmetrical anatomical pad designed to facilitate disposal by flushing and a reusable garment for use therewith, the pad having an absorbent dam and parallel longitudinal lines of perforation. The two fabric, anatomically shaped, and reusable garment having a waterproof dual strand elasticized fence of same shape around inside border for retaining all edges of pad, the waterproof fabric separates and extends at crotch and leg regions where the edges house multi and parallel strands of elastic thread.

Abstract: A low cost disposable pair of training pants formed substantially entirely of paper. These pants include an outer paper sheet that defines the waist opening and leg openings, and an inner paper liner secured to inner surfaces of the outer sheet. The liner is selected for its water absorbency characteristics. The outer sheet may be selected primarily for its strength and flexibility.

Abstract: A garment comprising combination diaper and training pants includes an outer layer formed of water impervious material, an inner liner formed of thin absorbent material, and a core formed of water absorbent material sandwiched between the outer layer and the inner liner. The garment has a back section, a front section and an intermediate section. The back section of the garment extends partially around the waist of a wearer and is fastened to the front section. The intermediate section of the garment is generally hourglass shaped with a special contour to cover the wearer's seat and crotch areas without excessive bulkiness in the crotch area while forming a pocket in the garment adjacent the seat area for collecting waste.

Abstract: An anatomically form-fitting generally self-adjusting disposable absorbent garment and methods of integrating and using the garment. The garment comprises a breathable elastomeric nonwoven fabric outer cover resiliently stretchable in cross-body direction, including a pair of leg openings, front and rear waist sections fastenable with one another defining a waist opening, a crotch section situated between the leg openings and opposing front and rear panels separated by the crotch section. An absorbent insert structure is substantially superposable on the front and rear panels and the crotch section, including a liquid impermeable barrier, a liquid permeable body side liner and an absorbent composite disposed therebetween.

Abstract: A post-operative garment is provided for patients who have just been through lower abdominal, groin, or rectal operations such as Caesarean sections, hemorrhoidectomies, and hernia operations. The garment is somewhat diaper-like, having a soft, absorbent inner portion and an impermeable membrane on the outside. The garment passes through the crotch and expands laterally outwardly both front and rear, with the front and back being fastened to one another up above the abdominal region in the rib cage area. This eliminates the need for belts of the type that are used for sanitary napkins, which cut into the incision area, and also provides a greater degree of privacy for the patient as well as a greater degree of overall comfort.

Abstract: A diaper for a dog or other small quadruped comprises a textile body band and tail band forming a T with fasteners at one or both ends of the body band and the end of the tail band and an absorbent pad affixed to the inside surface of the tail band at its junction with the body band. The body band is wrapped around the dog's body with its ends on its back and those ends are connected by their fasteners. The tail band is brought over its rump and back and fastened to the body band ends at their junction so that the absorbent pad is against the dog's genital and anal areas. The tail band may be unitary with an opening for the dog's tail, or bifurcated.

Abstract: A fastener for disposable diapers having a first pair of fastener members (70,72) attached to an outer cover (20) of the disposable diaper, a second pair of fastener members (74,76) attached to the outer cover (20). The fastener members (70,72 and 74,76) have a complementary cross section for mating engagement and are releasably interlockable. Each of the fastener members (70,72,74,76) are sufficiently flexible to prevent skin irritation of a wearer and sufficiently inflexible to prevent unwanted unfastening of the fastener members during normal use. A value (E) (I), the product of the Modulus of Elasticity and the Moment of Inertia is utilized as a measure of the flexibility and inflexibility of the fastener. Each fastener member, for example, fastener member 70 has an essentially flat base portion (90) with an aperture (92) separating a pair of clasps (94,96).

Abstract: Various embodiments of a diaper adapter to fit adults as well as infants up to three years of age comprise absorbent material having an inner surface adapted to contact the user and an outer surface. Tabs carrying a filamentary type attachment material extend from the corners at one end of the diaper. At the opposite end, an elongated bar of a complementary filamentary type attachment material is on the inner surface of the diaper and parallel to the end. The bar, termed a "frontal movable fastening bar", is front folded onto the outer surface of the diaper and moved longitudinally toward the middle of the diaper until the proper length for the user is established. Side portions of the diaper are optionally folded to the proper width and the tabs are pulled around the waist and coupled to the bar.

Abstract: Disposable training pants for a young child is provided and consists of a one piece configuration to be worn by children of an age between one to two years old. The training pants has a plastic outer cover and an inner absorbent lining being thin at the sides and thick in the middle crotch area from front to back. In a modified form the inner absorbent lining is removable from the plastic outer cover so as to be replaceable when needed.

Abstract: The invention concerns the field of hygiene and relates to a disposable article (1) combined removably with a removable belt (12), the attachment of one to the other being obtained by means of "Velcro".RTM. attachment elements.The article comprises a first attachment element (11) fixed near each longitudinal edge on the external face of a trunk area (4); the means of attachment combined removably consist of a belt (12) provided at each extremity with a complementary second attachment element (16) of the first attachment element (11), and the other external trunk area (4) and/or at least one area (13) of the belt coming into contact with this external trunk area has a coefficient of friction sufficient to maintain the article in position by the combination of the first attachment elements (11) by means of the belt provided with the complementary second attachment elements (16).

Abstract: A universal combination diaper/training pant for children and adults is disclosed. The combination may be made in a one-piece configuration which would be disposable and may also be made in a two-piece configuration which would be washable. An outer water-resistant portion is formed in the shape of a pair of training pants and has an inner water-absorbing portion attached or positioned on the outer portion. An inner padding is positioned between the outer water-resistant portions and the inner water-absorbing portion.When formed thusly the combination diaper/training pant may be used universally by children as well as adults and may be used as a diaper and/or training pant without requiring the necessity of stocking both types of garments. By varying the basic size of the novel configurations, all sizes from infants to adults can be made using the same structure, thus requiring a minimum of merchandize stocking for different types of garments.