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 gather assemblies are positioned on respective opposite sides of a longitudinal centerline of the article. Each leg gather assembly includes an outer sleeve having an upstanding portion within which are positioned at least two, and preferably at least three, elastically contractible elastic elements which effect conformance of the leg gather assemblies with a wearer for desired containment. A lowermost one of the elastic elements in each leg gather assembly exerts a relatively greater elastic gathering force than the other elastic elements to effect gathering of associated components of the article, thus enhancing fit.

Abstract: Absorbent panel structures that comprise a unitary pulp panel having a forward section and a rearward section, the rearward section comprising from about 20% to about 70% of the rearward panel length. One or more longitudinally elongated areas or grooves of reduced thickness and basis weight are formed in the panel. The rearward section preferably has a mean basis weight that is from about 30% to about 70% less than the mean basis weight of the forward section of the panel. The thickness of the elongated areas may be uniform along the length of the panel or may decrease along the panel length direction from the front edge to the rear edge. Superabsorbent particles may be uniformly dispersed throughout the panel or may be dispersed in longitudinal stripes that may or may not coincide with the elongated areas.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent garment, illustrated as a disposable diaper, includes a backsheet, an absorbent panel positioned on top of the backsheet, and a composite, three-component topsheet assembly positioned on top of the absorbent panel. The topsheet assembly includes a central portion generally overlying the absorbent panel, and a pair of side marginal portions joined to opposite side edges of the central portion. Each side marginal portion includes a plurality of segments, including an elasticized, standing gather segment for enhanced containment. The containment characteristics of the garment are further enhanced by joining the central portion of the topsheet assembly to each side marginal portion in spaced relationship to the associated backsheet of the garment.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent garment, illustrated as a disposable diaper, includes a backsheet, an absorbent panel positioned on top of the backsheet, and a composite, three-component topsheet assembly positioned on top of the absorbent panel. The topsheet assembly includes a central portion generally overlying the absorbent panel, and a pair of side marginal portions joined to opposite side edges of the central portion. Each side marginal portion includes a plurality of segments, including an elasticized, standing gather segment for enhanced containment. The containment characteristics of the garment are further enhanced by joining the central portion of the topsheet assembly to each side marginal portion in spaced relationship to the associated backsheet of the garment.

Abstract: A disposable diaper is particularly configured for improved fit and comfort, as well as provide enhanced absorptive capacity and leakage-resistant characteristics. Improved fit and comfort are achieved by providing the diaper with a relatively thin, narrow absorbent panel, with the panel configured to provide desirably high absorbency efficiency for enhanced performance characteristics. Additionally, the diaper is provided with elasticized leg openings each including a plurality of elastic members. The innermost ones of the elastic members are positioned relatively close together, thereby providing improved fit.

Abstract: An absorbent article embodied as a disposable diaper construction has been particularly configured for improved fit and comfort by the provision of a center gathering arrangement. In the illustrated embodiments, the diaper includes an absorbent panel structure which is positioned between associated facing and backing layers, and further includes an arrangement of one or more elastic elements which extend longitudinally of the diaper. By this arrangement, a longitudinal gathering force is created on the absorbent panel of the diaper, whereby the diaper is shortened to improve its fit, thus enhancing comfort for the wearer as well as inhibiting leakage from the diaper.