Abstract: Absorbent articles with stretch direction properties are disclosed, having at least three stretch zones. A first edge zone and a second edge zone are separated by a middle zone. The middle zone, which may the same length as each edge zone, has different stretch-direction characteristics than the edge zones. The middle zone may stretch in a single direction, whereas the edge zones may stretch in a different single direction or in bi- or multi-axial directions. The flaps may be created from the edge zones. Through this construction, the absorbent article exhibits improved fit and appearance.

Abstract: An absorbent article has a front region, a rear region, and a crotch region extending longitudinally between and interconnecting the front and rear regions. The absorbent article includes a liquid impermeable outercover, a liquid permeable bodyside liner, and an absorbent assembly having a front portion and a rear portion. The absorbent assembly front portion is disposed intermediate the outercover and the liner in the front region of the article. The absorbent assembly rear portion is disposed intermediate the outercover and the liner in the rear region of the article and at least partially spaced from the absorbent assembly front portion to provide a first gap between the rear and front portions of the absorbent assembly. A temperature change member containing a temperature change substance is disposed within the first gap.

Abstract: An improved mechanical fastening system that includes a male component and a female component is disclosed. The female component is adapted for releasable engagement with the male component, and the female component comprises a fibrous web, wherein the fibrous web comprises a layer of elastomeric fibers. A disposable absorbent article employing the improved mechanical fastening system is also disclosed.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a built-in size indicator is disclosed. The size indicator, for instance, comprises a stretchable panel that changes color when stretched. The panel may change color to indicate that the article is the correct size for the wearer or may change color to indicate that the article is too small. Still another embodiment, the stretchable panel may change from a first color indicating that the article is too large, to a second color that indicates the article is the correct size, and to a third color that indicates the article is too small. The stretchable panel may be made from any suitable color changing materials. For example, in one embodiment, the panel may include a gathered layer that is printed with a particular color only at the peaks of the gathered layer. As the gathered material is stretched, the material changes color due to the newly exposed regions. In other embodiments, the stretchable panel comprises a film that changes color when stretched.

Abstract: Absorbent articles with carefully controlled stretch properties are disclosed. In particular, the articles exhibit stretch not only in the lateral direction but also in the longitudinal direction. Specifically, the articles have a biaxial stretch ratio, which refers to a ratio of stretch along the hip circumference of the article to the amount of stretch in the longitudinal direction, that is from about 1.0 to about 2.5, and particularly from about 1.1 to about 1.5. Absorbent articles made in accordance with the present invention are capable of accommodating a relatively large size range of wearers. The articles also exhibit improved fit and prevent sagging or drooping of the crotch region, even after the crotch region has been wetted.

Abstract: Absorbent articles with carefully controlled stretch properties are disclosed. In particular, the absorbent articles have a percentage of stretch in the lateral direction at the widest portion in the front region of the article and/or in the back region in the range of from about 25% to about 150%. Additionally, at least about 70% of the above stretch resides in a first edge zone and in a second edge zone of the chassis. The first edge zone and the second edge zone are separated by a middle zone. The middle zone, which has the same length as each edge zone, is stretchable, but to a lesser extent than the edge zones. Through this construction, the absorbent article exhibits improved fit and appearance. Of particular advantage, the carefully controlled stretch properties prevent sagging or drooping of the crotch region, even after the crotch region has been wetted.

Abstract: Absorbent articles with carefully controlled stretch properties are disclosed. In particular, the absorbent articles have a percentage of stretch in the longitudinal direction from the midpoint of the crotch region to a front waistband and/or to a back waistband in the range of from about 5% to about 30%. Additionally, about 80% of the above stretch resides in a front waist zone and/or in a back waist zone. Through this construction, the absorbent article exhibits improved fit and appearance. Of particular advantage, the carefully controlled stretch properties prevent sagging or drooping of the crotch region, even after the crotch region has been wetted.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing and methods of marketing gender-specific absorbent articles having liquid-handling properties tailored to each gender are disclosed. In certain embodiments, the properties of one or more fluid handling components used in disposable absorbent articles adapted for use by males is different than the properties of the corresponding component or components used in disposable absorbent articles adapted for use by females. Examples of the properties that can differ include permeability, capacity, void volume, basis weight, density, and the like. Examples of fluid handling components whose properties differ include surge materials, superabsorbent materials, absorbent cores, absorbent composites, and the like.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing and methods of marketing gender-specific absorbent articles having liquid-handling properties tailored to each gender are disclosed. In certain embodiments, the properties of one or more fluid handling components used in disposable absorbent articles adapted for use by males is different than the properties of the corresponding component or components used in disposable absorbent articles adapted for use by females. Examples of the properties that can differ include permeability, capacity, void volume, basis weight, density, and the like. Examples of fluid handling components whose properties differ include surge materials, superabsorbent materials, absorbent cores, absorbent composites, and the like.

Abstract: An absorbent structure made at least in part from a superabsorbent material having a retention capacity (CRC) as determined by a Centrifuge Retention Capacity Test of at least about 25 g/g and a free swell gel bed permeability (GBP) as determined by a Free Swell Gel Bed Permeability Test of at least 575×10?9 cm2. In another embodiment, the absorbent structure is made at least in part from a superabsorbent material having a retention capacity (CRC) as determined by a Centrifuge Retention Capacity Test of at least about 25 g/g, an absorbency under load (AUL) at 0.9 psi as determined by an Absorbency Under Load Test of at least 18 and a free swell gel bed permeability (GBP) as determined by a Free Swell Gel Bed Permeability Test of at least about 350×10?9 cm2.

Abstract: Absorbent structures 50 suitable for incorporation into a variety of disposable absorbent articles are disclosed. The absorbent structures 50 feature a relatively high concentration of superabsorbent material, a relatively high density and a relatively high level of flexibility.

Abstract: An in-line formed web or other material (such as foams) having major surfaces in the X-Y plane and a depth in the Z direction is suitable for use as an integral fluid distribution and fluid retention material in a disposable absorbent article. The web or material contains multiple zones of material which may have both thermoplastic fibers/materials and absorbent material components. The multiple zones can have different compositions of thermoplastic fibers/materials and absorbent material as applied in-line by various arrangements of thermoplastic melt dies and absorbent fiber/material dispensers. By arranging at least two of the multiple zones in an opposing relation overlaid in the Z-axis direction of the web/material, a gradient can be formed in the Z-direction of the web/material.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a stretchable substrate and an absorbent composite comprising a layer of adhesive composition in contact with the stretchable substrate. A layer of particulate superabsorbent material is applied to and held by the adhesive composition. The absorbent composite is secured to the substrate by the adhesive composition. The stretchable substrate has a recovery in at least one of the lateral direction and the longitudinal directions of the article as determined by an Elongation and Recovery Test, and the absorbent article has a recovery in the at least one of the lateral direction and the longitudinal direction as determined by the Elongation and Recovery Test that is at least about 60 percent of the recovery of the substrate in the at least one of the lateral direction and the longitudinal direction.