Abstract: A distinctive article can include an elastomerically stretchable side panel having a longitudinal dimension and a lateral dimension. A member of hook material is operably connected to a first, laterally outboard edge portion of the side panel, and each member of hook material includes a hook base layer which has an appointed fastening region and an appointed grip region. The fastening region has a plurality of hook elements which are integrally formed with the base layer and extend away from a base plane of the hook base layer. The hook elements are configured to operably engage a selected, cooperating loop material. The grip region has a relatively lower density of the hook elements per unit area, as compared to the fastening region. The fastening region is interposed between the side panel and the grip region. The grip region provides a laterally terminal edge of the article.

Abstract: An article has a fastening system connected thereto, and the fastening system includes a panel member which is composed of a panel material. The panel member has first and second, opposed major facing surfaces, an appointed inboard region, and an appointed outboard region which includes a terminal outboard edge thereof. A reinforcement strip is composed of a reinforcement material, and is laminated to the first surface of the side panel at the outboard region of the side panel. The reinforcement strip has a terminal outboard edge thereof which is coterminous with the outboard edge of the panel member. A fastener tab is laminated to the second surface of the side panel, and has a user-bond region thereof which extends from the panel member. The fastener tab includes first and second, opposed major surfaces, and includes a securing means located on at least one of the major surfaces of the fastener tab.

Abstract: An absorbent article including an absorbent body capable of absorbing a liquid and a flow-modulating layer in liquid communication with the absorbent body. The flow-modulating layer is formed from hydrophilic meltblown fibers having an average diameter of from about 20 to about 60 microns. The flow-modulating layer has an average pore size of from about 90 to about 300 microns and a basis weight of from about 50 to about 600 grams per square meter. The average pore size of the absorbent body is less than the average pore size of the flow-modulating layer. The flow-modulating layer is capable of rapidly receiving multiple liquid insults and distributing the liquid in its X-Y plane prior to said liquid being absorbed by the absorbent body.

Abstract: An anatomically form-fitting, self-adjusting disposable garment comprising a stretchable outer cover (20), fixed position fasteners (70) (72) (74) (76) attached to the outer cover (20) and an absorbent structure (22) with elastic members 56 in the crotch area causing the absorbent structure (22) to assume a cupped shape when secured on a wearer.

Abstract: A distinctive absorbent article includes a backsheet layer and an absorbent body superposed in adjacent, facing relation with the backsheet layer. An actuating member connects to the article in liquid communication with the absorbent body and is composed of a liquid-contractible material. The liquid-contractible material is capable of shrinking upon contact with an aqueous liquid while maintaining a substantially unitary configuration. An indicating mechanism is connected to the actuating member for designating a wetness condition of the absorbent body, and is translatable along a selected path in response to the shrinkage of the actuating member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a distinctive absorbent garment which comprises a backsheet having waistband portions at each longitudinal end thereof, and intermediate portion interconnecting the waistband portions, and marginal portions along each lateral side edge of the backsheet. A liquid permeable liner sheet is located in facing relation with the backsheet, and an absorbent body is located between the backsheet and liner sheet. The absorbent body delimits waistband sections at each longitudinal end thereof, delimits an intermediate section interconnecting the waistband sections, and delimits a marginal contour at each lateral side edge of the absorbent body. Each marginal side contour has at least one collapsible notch section formed therein. A fastening mechanism is connected to the garment for securing the garment on a wearer.