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: 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: 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: An absorbent mixture, as made from fibers formed into a fibrous web and a polymerizable, cross-linkable material, in a liquid carrier. The material, when polymerized and cross-linked, results in a superabsorbent polymer. The material, in the liquid carrier, is dispersed within the fibrous web, as dispersed inclusions, and is polymerized and cross-linked in situ, within the fibrous web, so as to form a composite web comprising the fibrous web and the superabsorbent polymer, as dispersed particles, at least some of which are bound to fibers from the fibrous web. The composite web is ground, so as to cause some of the superabsorbent polymers to become particulate while fragments of the superabsorbent polymer remain bound to fibers from the fibrous web. Before the composite web is ground, it may be provided with a fibrous layer or fibrous layers in intimate contact therewith, and also compressed.

Abstract: An absorbent mixture, as made from fibers formed into a fibrous web and a polymerizable, cross-linkable material, in a liquid carrier. The material, when polymerized and cross-linked, results in a superabsorbent polymer. The material, in the liquid carrier, is dispersed within the fibrous web, as dispersed inclusions, and is polymerized and cross-linked in situ, within the fibrous web, so as to form a composite web comprising the fibrous web and the superabsorbent polymer, as dispersed particles, at least some of which are bound to fibers from the fibrous web. The composite web is ground, so as to cause some of the superabsorbent polymers to become particulate while fragments of the superabsorbent polymer remain bound to fibers from the fibrous web. Before the composite web is ground, it may be provided with a fibrous layer or fibrous layers in intimate contact therewith, and also compressed.

Abstract: An absorbent mixture, as made from fibers formed into a fibrous web and a polymerizable, cross-linkable material, in a liquid carrier. The material, when polymerized and cross-linked, results in a superabsorbent polymer. The material, in the liquid carrier, is dispersed within the fibrous web, as dispersed inclusions, and is polymerized and cross-linked in situ, within the fibrous web, so as to form a composite web comprising the fibrous web and the superabsorbent polymer, as dispersed particles, at least some of which are bound to fibers from the fibrous web. The composite web is ground, so as to cause some of the superabsorbent polymers to become particulate while fragments of the superabsorbent polymer remain bound to fibers from the fibrous web. Before the composite web is ground, it may be provided with a fibrous layer or fibrous layers in intimate contact therewith, and also compressed.

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.

Abstract: A disposable infant diaper is provided having a modified "T" configuration with a substantially rectangular absorbent core making the stem of the "T" and breathable fabric making the top of the "T". The breathable fabric is substantially non-yielding in a cross-direction. The closure means are integral inside the top of the "T" which forms the back waistband portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to the product and process for making an absorbent structure having a facing sheet and an absorbent batt in superposed relationship. The facing sheet is a nonwoven fabric. Some of the fibers of the batt extend into and are integral with the facing fabric. The extended fibers promote wicking of a liquid through the facing into the batt and stabilize the batt.

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.

Abstract: A superthin absorbent disposable product is provided having an absorbing layer containing superabsorbent and a wicking layer. The product is suitable for use in disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, incontinent pads, wipes and the like.

Abstract: A laminated structure adapted to be gathered for improved fit about a portion of the human body, said laminated structure comprising an elastic member disposed between first and second substrates of flexible gatherable material, said elastic member including a plurality of interconnected elastic elements defining apertures therebetween, and the first and second substrates of said laminated structure being secured together through at least some of said apertures.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent product is provided in the form of a layered structure. A first fibrous layer of resilient fibers contains superabsorbent and is superposed on a layer of hydrophilic material. The layers are unpressed and slit followed by extrusion to open the slits to provide apertures. The structure is used as the absorbent core in diapers, sanitary napkins, wound dressings and the like.

Abstract: A superthin absorbent disposable product is provided having an absorbing layer containing superabsorbent and a wicking layer. The product is suitable for use in disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, incontinent pads, wipes and the like.

Abstract: A superthin absorbent disposable product is provided having an absorbing layer containing superabsorbent and a wicking layer. The product is suitable for use in disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, incontinent pads, wipes and the like.

Abstract: A superthin absorbent disposable product is provided having an absorbing layer containing superabsorbent and a wicking layer. The product is suitable for use in disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, incontinent pads, wipes and the like.

Abstract: This invention comprises pleating a fabric, securing an elastic member in a relaxed state to the pleated fabric and then removing the pleats from the fabric. On removing the pleats, the elastic member is stretched to provide elastic areas in the previously pleated portions and non-elastic areas in the previously unpleated portions of the fabric.