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: 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: The present invention provides for the improved prevention of leakage of body exudates from a disposable absorbent article, such as a diaper, by providing a pair of standing leg cuffs on both sides of the absorbent core of the article. The cuffs are preferably ribbon cuffs attached to the diaper or fashioned from the top sheet of the diaper.

Abstract: The present invention improves the mechanism of blocking leakage of exudates from a diaper by providing a unitized double cuff along side edges of the diaper. The unitized double cuff comprises a liquid impermeable ribbon bonded to the diaper along its width with two bonds forming an inverted “V” structure and a fringe width of the ribbon extending beyond the inverted “V” structure. This unitized double cuff sticks tightly to a wearer's body and blocks exudates from leaking out of the diaper irrespective of the quantity of exudates or body posture of the wearer.

Abstract: Disposable protective undergarments and methods for manufacturing the same, in which the undergarments include a front portion and a back portion each having a stretchable waist area, a stretchable leg area longitudinally spaced from the waist area, and a stretchable belly area positioned between the waist area and the leg area is provided. The belly area is separated from the waist area thereby defining a substantially non-stretchable portion therebetween, and the belly area is also separated from the leg area thereby also defining a substantially non-stretchable portion therebetween. The undergarment optionally includes front and back portions with waist areas each having an outer layer folded over an inner layer, between which layers stretchable web material is sandwiched between.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved mechanism for preventing leakage of body exudates from a disposable absorbent article, such as a diaper, by providing a pair of unitized standing double cuff structures placed along laterally opposite sides of absorbent core of the absorbent article. The double cuff structure is made using a single ribbon, with each edge of the ribbon forming a standing leg gather, and the center portion of the ribbon being attached to the top sheet.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the improved prevention of leakage of body exudates from a disposable absorbent article, such as a diaper, by providing a pair of standing leg cuffs on both sides of the absorbent core of the article. The cuffs are preferably ribbon cuffs attached to the diaper or fashioned from the top sheet of the diaper.

Abstract: An elastic assembly for absorbent garments having a first carrier layer, a second carrier layer, and an elastic layer attached between the first and second carrier layers to impart elasticity to an elasticized portion of the elastic assembly. The elastic layer is made of elastic strands having a decitex of about 600 or less. The elastic strands are arranged generally in parallel with one another and with a spacing of about 1 to about 10 elastic strands per centimeter. The elasticized portion of the elastic assembly has a thickness of about 2.6 mm or less at a pressure of 0.05 p.s.i. and about 8 or more corrugations per centimeter when in an elastically relaxed state. The first and second carrier layers are attached to one another in the elasticized portion substantially only by a coating of adhesive on the elastic strands. Absorbent garments incorporating the elastic assembly and a method of making the elastic assembly are also provided.

Abstract: An absorbent article having front and rear regions corresponding to the front and rear of a wearer, respectively, and a crotch region between the front and rear regions. The article generally has a backsheet, a topsheet overlaying the backsheet, and a foam layer disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. An absorbent core also is located between the topsheet and the backsheet. The foam layer preferably extends from the front region, through the crotch, and into the back region. The foam layer is attached to the article, while in a laterally extended position, in at least one of the front and rear regions thereby elasticizing at least one region.

Abstract: An elastic assembly for absorbent garments having a first carrier layer, a second carrier layer, and an elastic layer attached between the first and second carrier layers to impart elasticity to an elasticized portion of the elastic assembly. The elastic layer is made of elastic strands having a decitex of about 600 or less. The elastic strands are arranged generally in parallel with one another and with a spacing of about 1 to about 10 elastic strands per centimeter. The elasticized portion of the elastic assembly has a thickness of about 2.6 mm or less at a pressure of 0.05 p.s.i. and about 8 or more corrugations per centimeter when in an elastically relaxed state. The first and second carrier layers are attached to one another in the elasticized portion substantially only by a coating of adhesive on the elastic strands. Absorbent garments incorporating the elastic assembly and a method of making the elastic assembly are also provided.

Abstract: A method for applying a fluid filament to a strand useful for bonding elastic strands to an absorbent garment is described. The strand is oscillated as it moves along an isolated path past a fixed fluid filament dispenser. The strand captures substantially all of the fluid filament, and at least partially all sides of the strand are coated with the filament. The filament coated strand may then be bonded to one or more substrates in some embodiments.

Abstract: A method for applying a fluid filament to a strand useful for bonding elastic strands to an absorbent garment is described. The strand is oscillated as it moves along an isolated path past a fixed fluid filament dispenser. The strand captures substantially all of the fluid filament, and at least partially all sides of the strand are coated with the filament. The filament coated strand may then be bonded to one or more substrates in some embodiments.

Abstract: The present invention provides an absorbent article having front and rear regions corresponding to the front and rear of a wearer, respectively, and a crotch region between the front and rear regions. The article generally comprises a backsheet, a topsheet overlaying the backsheet, and a foam layer disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. An absorbent core also is located between the topsheet and the backsheet. The foam layer preferably extends from the front region, through the crotch, and into the back region. The foam layer is attached to the article, while in a laterally extended position, in at least one of the front and rear regions thereby elasticizing at least one region.

Abstract: An absorbent garment includes a moisture impervious outer layer, a nonwoven moisture pervious inner layer having an upper waste receiving surface, and an absorbent layer between said inner and outer layers, each of which layers extends between said front and back edges. The garment further includes a pair of overlay strips applied over the upper waste receiving surface with the opposite ends of the strips superimposed. Each overlay strip typically has one substantially straight longitudinal edge and one longitudinal edge with an inset central portion whereby the strips provide an opening to expose a target region in a central portion of the garment body. This superimposition of the strips also forms a pair of end caps for preventing fluid leakage at the garment body front edge and the garment body back edge. A stretchable material is positioned in a stretched condition along the longitudinal edges to urge the overlay strips into contact with the wearer's body.

Abstract: An absorbent product is provided which is disposable, light weight, stable and potentially thin. It is comprised of a superstructure of resilient fibers in combination with superabsorbent, which combination is provided with apertures. The apertures and at least one side of the superstructure are covered with hydrophilic material.