Abstract: Absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, and incontinence pads that are provided with mechanical fasteners are disclosed. Preferred embodiments have undergarment covering components (or "side wrapping elements") that automatically fold along the sides of a wearer's panties and provide an alternative to conventional side flaps. The side wrapping elements of such embodiments have at least one zone of extensibility and at a region therein that is stiffer than the zone of extensibility. The side wrapping elements are provided with mechanical fasteners in the form of hair-like projections that have improved tactile properties.

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin, incontinent device, or the like. The absorbent article comprises a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent article further comprises a pair of longitudinally extending cuffs disposed on the body surface of the topsheet on each side of a longitudinal centerline of the absorbent article The cuffs comprise an elastic member and a resilient member and are joined to at least one of the topsheet and the backsheet in a longitudinally elastically elongated state. The elastic member preferably comprises first and second regions which are visibly distinct from each other. The first region comprises at least two substantially planar portions and the second comprises a plurality of raised, rib-like elements.

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin, incontinent device, or the like. The absorbent article includes a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet, and an absorbent core that lies between the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent article further includes a pair of longitudinally extending bands of web material positioned on the body surface of the topsheet on each side of a longitudinal centerline of the absorbent article and joined to at least one of the topsheet and the backsheet in a longitudinally elastically elongated state. The bands of web material include first and second regions which are visibly distinct from each other. The first region has at least two substantially planar portions and the second has a plurality of rib elements.

Abstract: Absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, and incontinence pads that are provided with mechanical fasteners are disclosed. Preferred embodiments have undergarment covering components (or "side wrapping elements") that automatically fold along the sides of a wearer's panties and provide an alternative to conventional side flaps. The side wrapping elements of such embodiments have at least one zone of extensibility and at a region therein that is stiffer than the zone of extensibility. The side wrapping elements are provided with mechanical fasteners in the form of hair-like projections that have improved tactile properties.