Abstract: An absorbent article having improved leg cuffs. The absorbent article includes a topsheet, a backsheet joined to the topsheet; and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent core can have longitudinal edges and end edges, and the absorbent article can have a leg cuff extending along each longitudinal edge of the absorbent core. The leg cuff can have a lifted position and a flat position, a height, a width, a length, a volume, an upper surface, an inner barrier, an outer barrier, a lower surface, and a cross-sectional area that is a trapezoid shape in the lifted position. The cross-sectional area is defined by the upper surface, the inner barrier, the outer barrier, and the lower surface.

Abstract: An absorbent article having improved leg cuffs. The absorbent article includes a topsheet, a backsheet joined to the topsheet; and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent core can have longitudinal edges and end edges, and the absorbent article can have a leg cuff extending along each longitudinal edge of the absorbent core. The leg cuff can have a lifted position and a flat position, a height, a width, a length, a volume, an upper surface, an inner barrier, an outer barrier, a lower surface, and a cross-sectional area that is a generally quadrilateral shape in the lifted position. The cross-sectional area is defined by the upper surface, the inner barrier, the outer barrier, and the lower surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates in one aspect to absorbent articles that maintain or increase fluid acquisition rates when subjected to successive fluid loads. In another aspect, the invention relates to an absorbent article useful for absorbing discharges of aqueous body fluids which has a fluid pervious topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core, the absorbent core including at least one upper storage component in direct fluid communication with the topsheet capable of expanding in the z-direction to form a fluid acquisition zone when contacted with aqueous body fluids, the acquisition zone being at least partially surrounded by the upper fluid storage component and beneath the fluid discharge region of the core, and a fluid acquisition/distribution component having at least a portion positioned underneath and in fluid communication with the storage component and acquisition zone.

Abstract: Absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, adult incontinence devices, and the like, which have flaps are disclosed. The absorbent articles have flaps with a step configuration. The absorbent articles may also have a deformed hinge that is located between at least a portion of the main body portion of the absorbent article and the flaps, and zones of extensibility for relieving the stresses that develop in the flaps when the flaps are folded down and under a wearer's undergarment.

Abstract: The invention relates to an absorbent core capable of absorbing discharged aqueous body fluids, said absorbent core comprising:(1) an upper fluid acquisition/distribution component capable of receiving aqueous fluids, the fluid acquisition/distribution components being positioned in the fluid discharge region of the absorbent core;(2) at least one upper fluid storage component positioned at least partially underneath and in fluid communication with the upper fluid acquisition/distribution component(s), the upper fluid storage component being capable of expanding in the z-direction when contacted with aqueous body fluids to form a fluid acquisition zone;(3) a fluid acquisition zone capable of receiving aqueous body fluids, the fluid acquistion zone being at least partially surrounded by said a least one upper fluid storage component(s);(4) a lower fluid acquisition/distribution component capable of acquiring and transporting aqueous body fluids being positioned at least partially underneath and in fluid commun