Abstract: A laminate including an elastic nonwoven layer and a barrier film layer can stretch freely and provide a high level of breathability. The elastic layer and the film layer can be minimally bonded to one another, such as around a periphery of one or both layers. The laminate is particularly suitable for making absorbent articles.

Abstract: A disposable pant-like garment for absorbing human discharge is provided, and comprises an absorbent assembly comprising a liquid-impervious outer cover, a liquid-pervious liner, and an absorbent medium therebetween. The absorbent assembly also has generally opposite side edges and generally opposite end edges. A pair of stretchable side panels are joined to each one of the side edges to form with the absorbent assembly a waist opening and a pair of leg openings. A gathering means is joined along at least a portion of each leg opening for gathering that portion. The stretchable side panels provide generally inwardly directed force vectors against a wearer to maintain the garment snugly against the wearer's body and the absorbent assembly snugly in place against the crotch area both before and after a discharge.

Abstract: A disposable pant-like garment for absorbing human discharge comprises an absorbent assembly including a liquid impervious outer cover, a liquid pervious liner, and an absorbent medium therebetween. A pair of stretchable side panels are joined to the absorbent assembly to form a waist opening and a pair of leg openings, and an intermediate portion of each stretchable side panel is generally peripherally disposed about a respective leg opening. The stretchable side panels provide generally inwardly directed force vectors against a wearer to maintain the garment snugly against the wearer's body and the absorbent assembly snugly in place against the crotch area both before and after a discharge.

Abstract: A seam construction for an absorbent article comprises a layered composite portion of the absorbent article including a liquid pervious liner, a liquid impervious outer cover, and an absorbent medium therebetween. A pair of stretchable members are joined to the layered composite portion between respective side portions of the outer cover and the liner. The stretchable side members also extend outwardly beyond the opposite side portions of the outer cover and liner. The layered composite portion and each stretchable member form a seam construction that is resistant to liquid leakage and that provides a gentle transition between the layered composite portion and the stretchable members.

Abstract: The present invention provides a protective garment which comprises a base sheet member having a neck opening aperture formed in a selected neckband section thereof. A neck elastic member is located in an overlying relation with a selected portion of the neckband section and is positioned at least partially adjacent to the neck opening aperture. An attaching mechanism secures the elastic member to the neckband section.

Abstract: A composite with an adjustable, conformable opening therein, comprising a base web of less extensible, lower elastic recovery material, joined to a second web, of more extensible, higher elastic recovery material, wherein the base web has a first opening therein, and the second web has a second opening therein generally concentric with the first opening and of smaller size than the first opening, so that the second opening is circumferentially peripherally bounded by an annular-shaped segment of the second web, and the annular-shaped segment of the second web in turn is circumferentially peripherally bounded by the base web. The composite is advantageously employed to form garments and similar articles wherein the opening serves as a conformable, adjustable body part opening, such as in gloves, shirts, socks, shoe covers, slippers, disposable diapers, training pants, etc.

Abstract: The present invention provides a protective garment which comprises a base sheet member having a neck opening formed in a selected neckband section thereof. A layer of elastomeric material is bonded and laminated to at least a portion of the neckband section to provide an elastic strap which spans across the neck opening.