Abstract: A disposable absorbent article includes a main body, a sleeve-like member extending adjacent the waist edge of the front or rear portions, and an adjustable elastomeric waist belt having a central portion and a pair of opposite free ends each defining ear-like projections. The central portion of the elastomeric member can be disposed in a sleeve-like member with each ear-like projection extending out from opposite sides. The central portion can be attached to the sleeve-like member and/or the main body near a longitudinal axis of the main body or adjacent the waist edge of the main body. The ear-like projections can be attachable to each other or the main body to form the desired waist size of the wearer of the absorbent article.

Abstract: An absorbent article is provided that includes a top sheet and a back sheet joined to form side seam regions. An absorbent core is disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet; and laterally oriented elastics are disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet. The elastics include a first elastic region disposed adjacent to the front end and a second elastic region disposed adjacent the first elastic region. The second elastic region includes one or more elastic elements that extend between the side seam regions. The elastic elements have internal cuts adjacent the side seams in a configuration that relieves elastic tension adjacent the side seams regions.

Abstract: An absorbent article is provided that includes an absorbent core disposed between a body-facing surface and a garment-facing surface wherein the two surfaces are joined to form side seams in a bonding pattern. The bonding pattern of the surfaces at the side seams increases the softness and flexibility of the side seam while maintaining a high side seam tear strength.

Abstract: An absorbent article is provided that includes a liquid pervious top layer, a liquid impervious back layer and an absorbent core disposed therebetween. A plurality of acquisition members are disposed between the top layer and the core. The acquisition members are disposed parallel with a longitudinal length of the core in a configuration that retards strikethrough time. A portion of the top layer may be deformed to form a predetermined pattern. The predetermined pattern may be in spatial alignment with the acquisition members in a configuration that retards strikethrough time. Alternatively, the absorbent article includes a film layer disposed between the core and the back layer.

Abstract: The use of a drawstring-like design for the elastomeric member in an absorbent article is disclosed. The elastomeric member is attached to the longitudinal axis of the article near its center and covers the back portion of the article forming ear-like structures that have fasteners attached to them so as to fix them to the front portion of the article.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article, which can be configured as a disposable diaper, a panty-type garment, or an adult incontinent product, includes a backsheet, an absorbent panel positioned on top of the backsheet, and a liquid permeable topsheet positioned on top of the absorbent panel. A pair of longitudinally extending, elasticized unitary leg cuff assemblies are positioned on respective opposite sides of a longitudinal centerline of the article. Each leg cuff assembly includes an outer sleeve having an upstanding inner gather and an upstanding outer gather.

Abstract: An absorbent article is provided that includes a top sheet and a back sheet joined to form side seam regions. An absorbent core is disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet; and laterally oriented elastics are disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet. The elastics include a first elastic region disposed adjacent to the front end and a second elastic region disposed adjacent the first elastic region. The second elastic region includes one or more elastic elements that extend between the side seam regions. The elastic elements have internal cuts adjacent the side seams in a configuration that relieves elastic tension adjacent the side seams regions.

Abstract: An elasticized panel for a training pant or other absorbent article is disclosed. The panel is of a laminated structure and includes first and second non-woven layers. An elastomeric film is positioned between the first and second non-woven layers. A plurality of elastic strands is positioned between the first and the second non-woven layer. The panel provides improved fit, comfort, and leak resistance for the absorbent article.

Abstract: An absorbent article is provided that includes a liquid pervious top layer, a liquid impervious back layer and an absorbent core disposed therebetween. A plurality of acquisition members are disposed between the top layer and the core. The acquisition members are disposed parallel with a longitudinal length of the core in a configuration that retards strikethrough time. A portion of the top layer may be deformed to form a predetermined pattern. The predetermined pattern may be in spatial alignment with the acquisition members in a configuration that retards strikethrough time. Alternatively, the absorbent article includes a film layer disposed between the core and the back layer.

Abstract: Decorative components of various sizes and uses for assembly into absorbent articles are manufactured using a decorative component material. The absorbent articles have a variety of decorative appearances. A method for producing absorbent articles from the decorative component material, as well as a method for preparing a package of absorbent articles having varied outer covers, is also disclosed.

Abstract: Absorbent articles that have wetness indicator graphics positioned thereon are disclosed, whereby the articles preferably include diapers, training pants, and adult incontinence products. The article includes a character graphic positioned in a waist region of the article, and a wetness indicator graphic that may be positioned in a crotch region. The character graphic is related to the wetness indicator graphic. The arrangement of the respective graphics preferably allow a caregiver to interact with a child to promote toilet training.