Abstract: Absorbent articles having a central absorbent element that is adapted to be worn in a crotch portion of a wearer's undergarment are provided with a pair of flaps, one flap extending laterally from each respective longitudinal side of the central absorbent element. The flaps are flexible and adapted to be folded over the edges of a wearer's undergarment. A central portion of the flap is formed from a flexible, elastic material having an elastic modulus and an adjacent corner region of the flap is formed from a substantially non-extensible, non-elastic flexible material.

Abstract: Absorbent articles having a central absorbent element that is adapted to be worn in a crotch portion of a wearer's undergarment are provided with a pair of flaps, one flap extending laterally from each respective longitudinal side of the central absorbent element. The flaps are flexible and adapted to be folded over the edges of a wearer's undergarment. A central portion of the flap is formed from a substantially non-extensible, non-elastic flexible material and adjacent corner regions of the flap are formed from flexible, elastic materials having an elastic modulus.

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin, is disclosed which has a stabilizing element having a length and a width sufficient to conform to the longitudinal dimensions of a wearer's labia majora. The stabilizing element provides the article with enhanced resistance to bunching and inward collapse due to lateral compressive forces imparted by a user's thighs. The stabilizing element is resistant to wet collapse so that a central absorbent portion of the article maintains contact with the perineal area of the user.

Abstract: An absorbent article is provided for use in the perineal area of the body. Compliant sealing cuffs are pre-formed to extend outward from the central portion of the article. The cuffs may be formed by looping a strip of resilient highloft material covered with a porous material so as to form a compliant cuff which bears against the user's body in a comfortable manner. An elastic member placed in tension so as to impart an arcuate shape to the article may be placed inside a cavity formed by the cuff. The cuffs may be applied to an article having wings attached to the central portion so as to form pockets for retaining the elasticized portions of the panty crotch. The proximal ends of the cuffs are disposed outward of the pockets and the distance between the pockets is less than the width of the panty crotch so that the body faceable side of the article is placed in tension.

Abstract: Sanitary napkins are disclosed which include at least one flap having a portion that may be expanded longitudinally for permitting the flap to expand when folded over a side of an undergarment. This enables the flap to fold outwardly to the back of the undergarment and conform to the contour along the curved line of the crotch. Thus, an improved sanitary product is provided that provides side-protection along the entire longitudinal edges of the napkin.

Abstract: Hot melt pressure sensitive prepared from (a) a rubbery block copolymer containing a rubbery polyisoprene midblock portion and a plurality of crystalline poly(vinylarene) endblocks; (b) a tackfying resin compatible with the midblock portion and (c) poly(alkyloxazoline); and (d) an antioxidant. These adhesives are characterized by exceptional elastic memory, high tensile strength and excellent peel adhesion and, as such, are especially suited for use in elasticized bands for disposable items.

Abstract: Hot melt pressure sensitive adhesive prepared from (a) a rubbery block copolymer containing a rubbery polyisoprene midblock portion and a plurality of crystalline poly(vinylarene) endblocks; (b) a tackifying resin compatible with the midblock portion and (c) poly(alkyloxazoline); and (d) an antioxidant. These adhesives are characterized by exceptional elastic memory, high tensile strength and excellent peel adhesion and, as such, are especially suited for use in elasticized bands for disposable items.

Abstract: The invention is directed to thermoplastic hot melt adhesive compositions which function as elastic bands for disposable items.