Abstract: An absorbent article having two side edges (9, 10) and two end edges (11, 12), and comprising a liquid-permeable cover layer (2), a liquid-impermeable cover layer (3), and an absorption body (4) enclosed between the two cover layers (2, 3). The article further comprises a barrier layer (15) arranged outside the liquid-permeable cover layer (2). At least one elastic member (22, 23) is arranged with prestressing in direct contact with the absorption body (4) and extends in an arched curve across the absorption body (4) between the side edges (9, 10). The barrier layer (15) partly covers the liquid-permeable cover layer and is anchored in the liquid-permeable cover layer (2) only within areas of the barrier layer (15) which are situated along the edges (9-12) of the article.

Abstract: Method and device for stretching a web (8) of material in the manufacture of a liquid-absorbent article, having an absorption body (4) and a cover enclosing the same. The article is made from the web (8) of material being fed in its longitudinal direction, on which web one or more elongated elastic members (11-14) are fastened. The members extend at an angle to the longitudinal direction of the web and thereby subject the web to forces which are directed transversely to the longitudinal direction of the web. The web (8) of material is kept stretched in its longitudinal direction as well as in its transverse direction by mechanical restraint of the web of material adjacent to its longitudinal edge-portions (19,20).

Abstract: A disposable liquid-absorbing article, such as a diaper (10), sanitary towel or similar, having a substantially longitudinal shape and including an absorption body (12) and a cover (11) enclosing the absorption body with a liquid-pervious inner sheet (17) and an outer sheet (18) and contracting elastics members (23) in contact with at least one of the sheets to give the article its shape in an in-use position. The cover sheet on which the elastics members are applied, is connected to the inside and outside of the absorption body respectively, and the elastics members (23) extend with at least one substantially continually curved portion (24, 25) over at least an area of the absorption body. The strive of the elastics members to contract and the contact of the elastics members with one of the sheets, exert a tension force on the sheet in a direction towards the curvature center of the elastics members, whereby this force is transferred and absorbed by the absorption body.