Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, and incontinence pads. More particularly, the present invention relates to absorbent articles, such as sanitary napkins, that have longitudinal side edge components that naturally wrap the sides of a wearer's panties which provide an alternative to conventional side flaps.

Abstract: An absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin, having flaps and a recessed area wherein the flaps may be tucked.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a main body portion, a pair of flaps joined to the main body portion, and an adhesive patch joined to each flap. Each adhesive patch comprises a first half and a second half releasably secured to the first half. The first half comprises an adhesive and the second half comprises an adhesive which is releasably securable to the adhesive of the first half.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a main body portion, a pair of flaps joined to the main body portion, and a unitary release material joined to a portion of each of the flaps such that the unitary release material superposes the flap adhesive when the flap is folded along a fold line. Each of the flaps form an included angle of about 180.degree. to about 270.degree. relative to the perpendicular axis of the main body portion.

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin, having flaps and zones of differential extensibility for relieving the stresses that develop in the flaps when the flaps are folded down along the edges of crotch of the wearer's undergarments is provided.

Abstract: Absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, adult incontinence devices, and the like which have side flaps are disclosed. The absorbent articles having side flaps are provided with gathered portions that can expand to relieve stresses on the flaps when the flaps are wrapped around the curved side edges of a wearer's undergarment. A releasable wrapper is also disclosed which covers adhesive fasteners on the garment-facing side of said absorbent article and provides an individual package for the sanitary napkin.

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: The present invention relates to absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, and incontinence pads. More particularly, the present invention relates to absorbent articles, such as sanitary napkins, that have undergarment covering components (or "side wrapping elements") that automatically wrap the sides of a wearer's panties and provide an alternative to conventional side flaps. The side wrapping elements have at least one zone of extensibility and at a region therein that is stiffer than the zone of extensibility.

Abstract: An absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin, having flaps and a recessed area wherein the flaps may be tucked. The recessed area is formed by joining the inward longitudinal edge of the retaining members to the absorbent assembly at a point inboard of the longitudinal edge of the main body portion.