Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin, incontinent device, or the like. The absorbent article includes a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet, and an absorbent core that lies between the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent article further includes a pair of longitudinally extending bands of web material positioned on the body surface of the topsheet on each side of a longitudinal centerline of the absorbent article and joined to at least one of the topsheet and the backsheet in a longitudinally elastically elongated state. The bands of web material include first and second regions which are visibly distinct from each other. The first region has at least two substantially planar portions and the second has a plurality of rib elements.

Abstract: A disposable cover which, when used with an absorbent material, such as a pad of woven cloth, provides an absorbent article, such as a catamenial pad is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the disposable cover comprises a liquid pervious rewet barrier and an anti-stain barrier joined thereto. Preferably, the rewet barrier comprises a material having capillaries which allow bodily liquids to rapidly penetrate therethrough and the anti-stain barrier is provided in two portions, one of which is joined to each longitudinal edge of the fewer barrier. The disposable cover can also be provided with absorbent attachment means for securing the cover to the absorbent material and with garment attachment means for securing the assembly of the disposable cover and the absorbent material to a user's undergarment. Alternative embodiments of the invention can assume a pouch configuration.

Abstract: A disposable diaper having front and rear waist portions and comprising a liquid permeable topsheet; a liqid impermeable backsheet affixed to the topsheet; an absorbent core interposed between the topsheet and the backsheet; a crotch portion located intermediate the front and rear waist portions; a pair of side flaps; and crotch tensioning means associated with each of the side flaps. The absorbent core has oppositely disposed end portions and a pair of longitudinally disposed side edges therebetween. The crotch tensioning means further comprises one or more elasticized members extending from an attachment area in the crotch portion of the diaper, across the respective side flap, to a location longitudinally outside of the crotch portion. The crotch tensioning means thereby tend to impose outward lateral tension on the crotch portion of the diaper when in use.