Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin, that is for attaching to and wearing in an undergarment is provided. The sanitary napkin of the present invention has a fastener that aids the sanitary napkin in assuming a body-conforming configuration during wear. The fastener comprises at least two zones of fastener material located only in the end regions of the sanitary napkin. In one embodiment, the zones of fastener material are arranged in an overall configuration that resembles a modified letter "X" without any fastener material in the portion of the configuration that would form the center of the letter X, and the ends of the "X" located in the corner regions of the sanitary napkin.

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin is provided. The sanitary napkin of the present invention has a body-conforming configuration that is provided at least in part by a longitudinally-oriented resilient hump-forming element. The hump-forming element is positioned to form a hump along the longitudinal centerline on the body surface of the sanitary napkin. The sanitary napkin may also be provided with bending axes. The sanitary napkin may also be provided in a curved configuration.

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin having a body-conforming portion or component that is capable of continuously adusting is provided. The body-conforming component, in one embodiment, is in the form of a resilient insert which has multiple arcuate portions in use. The insert has a central arcuate portion that provides the sanitary napkin with a convex upward shape in use and a pair of lateral arcuate portions that form barriers to the flow of liquid exudates. The multiple arcuate portions can either be pre-formed into the insert, or the insert can be provided in the form of a relatively flat piece that is provided with areas of different stiffness that form arcuate portions during use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, and incontinence pads. More particularly, the present invention relates to absorbent articles, such as sanitary napkins, that have longitudinal side edge components that naturally wrap the sides of a wearer's panties which provide an alternative to conventional side flaps.

Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, and incontinence pads. More particularly, the present invention relates to absorbent articles, such as sanitary napkins, that have undergarment covering components (or "side wrapping elements") that automatically wrap the sides of a wearer's panties and provide an alternative to conventional side flaps. The side wrapping elements have at least one zone of extensibility and at a region therein that is stiffer than the zone of extensibility.