Abstract: An assembled intermediate is described comprising a fluid transport element proximate an absorbent material is described. The fluid transport element comprises a thermoplastic nonwoven web comprising a plurality of bonded staple fibers having an average diameter of 20 to 500 microns and the web has a thickness of 3 to 20 mm, a density ranging from 0.01 to 0.10 g/cm3, and a work of compression no greater than 20 kJ/m3. Also described are articles comprising such assembled intermediate.

Abstract: In an absorbent part of an absorbent product, super absorbent materials located between two sheets in an absorbent area swell by absorption of moisture of excrement, and spaces extending in a longitudinal direction from an opening, which is formed at a portion of upper absorbent layer facing the crotch region of a wearer, are formed between a non-absorbent area where the super absorbent materials do not exist and the upper absorbent layer and between the non-absorbent area and a lower absorbent layer. In the absorbent product, through the spaces, moisture of excrement in the second excretion and later can be quickly diffused over a wide area along the longitudinal direction of the absorbent part, and the moisture of excrement can be absorbed in a wide area of the absorbent part. As a result, it is possible to maintain high absorbing ability in multiple excretions in the absorbent product.

Abstract: A disposable wearing article includes an absorber having a crotch region. The central curving unit that allows the absorber to be convex in the inner direction is formed at a center in the widthwise direction of the crotch region. The first curving unit that allows the absorber to be convex in the outer direction is formed in the crotch region and outboard of the central curving unit. The second curving unit that allows the absorber to be convex in the inner direction is formed in the crotch region and outboard of the first curving unit. The concave unit is formed in the absorber to be concaved inwardly in the widthwise direction at the outside in the longitudinal direction relative to the first curving unit. The second curving unit is arranged outboard of an inside edge in the widthwise direction of the concave unit in the widthwise direction.

Abstract: An absorbent hygiene product for acquiring fluids, having a flexurally yielding topsheet and a flexurally yielding backsheet, has, disposed between these sheets, an absorbent laminate, which in turn has two flexurally yielding outer plies, arranged adheringly between which are at least two diagonally intersecting, pre-tensioned plies of elastic filaments, a quantity of a superabsorbent polymer being incorporated in each of the discrete sections thus formed, and the topsheet-side outer ply of the laminate consists of a hydrophobic material, and the backsheet-side outer ply of the laminate consists of a hydrophilic material.

Abstract: The invention relates to an absorbent structure having a sequence of layers, comprising at least one first and one second outer layer and at least one liquid storage layer arranged therebetween, wherein the layers are arranged on top of each other and form a layer structure, wherein at least the liquid storage layer comprises a cellulose material, preferably cellulose fibers, and a super-absorbent polymer SAP, preferably SAP particles and/or SAP fibers, wherein the liquid storage layer comprises at least less, preferably no, binder than liquid-storing layers of the absorbent structure adjacent to the liquid storage layer. The absorbent structure has particularly high flexibility in the wet and the dry state. It can preferably be used in disposable items. The invention further relates to a method for producing the absorbent structure and to a device for producing same.

Abstract: An absorber of a disposable diaper includes a first region at least partially arranged in the crotch stretch unit and a second region arranged adjacent to the first region at an outer side from the first region in the product longitudinal direction and having a lower bending rigidity than that of the first region. A boundary between the first region and the second region is arranged at an outer side from an outer end of the crotch stretch unit in the product longitudinal direction and is arranged at an inner side from an outer end of the leg stretch unit in the product longitudinal direction.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a fluid pervious top sheet, a fluid impervious bottom sheet, and an absorbent core positioned therebetween. The absorbent core includes a plurality of superabsorbent sections defining a channel therebetween.

Abstract: Provided is an absorbent article capable of suppressing leakage in the widthwise direction from an absorbent article (1) of a bodily fluid (31) which has seeped from an absorbent body (4) as a result of the application of pressure to the absorbent article (1).

Abstract: An absorbent article comprising a pair of leg cuffs (32) with an raised section (34) and an absorbent core (28) comprising at least one channel (26, 26?) at least partially oriented in the longitudinal direction (80) of the article. The article has crotch width (Wd) before use as measured between the proximal edges of the leg cuffs at the level of the crotch point of from to 70 mm to 200 mm, and a Relative Crotch Width Reduction (RCWR) of at least 30 mm/kg.

Abstract: There is provided an absorbent article with excellent absorption performance. The absorbent article 1 of the invention comprises two or more absorbers 4, 5 that absorb body fluids of a user and are stacked in the thickness direction, a liquid-permeable sheet 2 covering one side of the two or more absorbers, through which body fluid of a user permeates, and a liquid-impermeable sheet 3 covering the other side of the two or more absorbers, through which body fluid of the user does not permeate, wherein the absorber 5 on the liquid-impermeable sheet 3 side of the two or more absorbers 4, 5 contains non-wood pulp and SAP, and the settling velocity of the non-wood pulp in water is between 2 seconds and 5 seconds.

Abstract: An absorbent article to be worn the lower torso is provided. The absorbent article comprises a chassis comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, an absorbent core, and a pair of longitudinal barrier cuffs attached to the chassis. Each of the longitudinal barrier cuffs comprises a web of material. The web of material comprises a first nonwoven component layer, and a second nonwoven component layer. Each of the longitudinal barrier cuffs comprises a longitudinal zone of attachment where each of the longitudinal barrier cuff attaches to the chassis, a longitudinal free edge, and a plurality of mechanical bonds disposed between the longitudinal zone of attachment and the free edge. The plurality of mechanical bonds attach one of a first portion of the web of material to a second portion of the web of material, and the web of material to a portion of the absorbent article.

Abstract: Particular embodiments of the inventive technology may provide an incontinence pad that includes projection, such as a raised ridge, or a short length projection, that extends from a pad base of and effects application of a force against the urethra of a user (the force, typically upward, that may result from sitting by the user and/or tight fitting shorts and/or pulling a cord attached to the projection); the projection may act to transfer a force from the projection to the urethra. This force may partially or entirely obstruct flow of urine through, or out of the urethra, that might occur otherwise (i.e., without the projection). Another example of the many independent aspects of the inventive technology relates to the provision, as part of an incontinence pad, of a cord that is attached to part of the pad, such as (in only certain embodiments) the aforementioned upward projection.

Abstract: An absorbent article including a fluid permeable topsheet, a fluid impermeable backsheet and an absorbent core enclosed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent core includes a first absorbent layer having an opening extending therethrough. A fluid flow control structure is arranged between the first absorbent layer and the backsheet. The fluid flow control structure is a layered structure including a non-perforated fibrous polymeric layer and a first perforated polymeric layer having a basis weight of from 50 g/m2 to 100 g/m2.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a liquid-permeable top sheet, a liquid-impermeable back sheet, and an absorbent body between the liquid-permeable top sheet and liquid-impermeable back sheet. The top sheet exhibits a color difference in a range of 37-80, based on the L*a*b* color system and measured from a skin contact surface of the top sheet in a liquid dropping test. Further, the top sheet has a color-reducing agent having an IOB of 0.00-0.35, a melting point of no higher than 45° C. and a water solubility of 0.00-0.05 g in 100 g of water at 25° C. The absorbent article is configured to allow a user to visually confirm reduction in residue of highly viscous menstrual blood on the top sheet after its absorption, thereby providing reassurance to the user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an absorbent structure, preferably for use in absorbent articles as used in the personal hygiene industry such as feminine hygiene garments, baby diapers and pants or adult incontinence garments. The present invention also relates to an absorbent article comprising such absorbent structure and to a method of manufacturing the absorbent structure. The absorbent structures comprise a carrier layer, an auxiliary layer and an absorbent material there between wherein substantially permanent primary attachments and substantially temporary secondary attachments join the carrier layer and auxiliary layer at least partially together, whereby the substantially temporary secondary attachments are loosened as a result of exposing the absorbent structure to a liquid whereas the substantially permanent primary attachments remain substantially intact.

Abstract: A feminine hygiene absorbent personal care article includes a topsheet layer, a backsheet layer, at least one absorbent core layer positioned between the topsheet layer and the backsheet layer and a decolorizing structure positioned along the article side edges, with the decolorizing structure extending laterally beyond the lateral most side edges of the absorbent core layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a regenerated cellulose fiber, which is characterized by the combination of the following features: the fiber has in its dry condition a collapsed hollow cross-sectional structure the fiber has in its wet condition a cross-sectional structure with cavities the fiber is segmented in the longitudinal direction by dividing walls there is incorporated into the fiber an absorbent polymer, in particular carboxymethylcellulose. The fiber may be obtained by a process, wherein there is admixed a carbonate as well as an absorbent polymer, in particular carboxymethylcellulose, to a viscose dope.

Abstract: A folded absorbent article is provided. The folded absorbent article includes an absorbent assembly having a liquid permeable inner layer, an outer layer, and an absorbent body between the inner and outer layers. The folded absorbent article further includes a pair of ears extending outward from absorbent assembly in the back waist region, with each ear including a loop fastening component, and a pair of spaced-apart hook fastening components on the outer layer in the front waist region. A pair of longitudinally extending foldlines are also provided in the front waist region. An outboard-most longitudinal edge of each of the hook fastening components is spaced apart from a respective side of the absorbent assembly, and an inboard-most longitudinal edge is spaced apart from a respective longitudinally extending foldline at least a distance equal to a predetermined process range.

Abstract: An absorbent structure including a composite absorbent laminate is disclosed, with the structure suitable for use in disposable absorbent products such as for infant or incontinence care. Notably the laminate comprises discrete acquisition cells each comprising particles of preferably cellulosic absorbent material. The absorbent structure further comprises particulate superabsorbent polymer which can either be blended with the particulate discrete acquisition cells in the absorbent laminate, or provided in a separate absorbent layer of the absorbent structure. The discrete acquisition cells desirably generate free volume for rapid capillary absorption in an ultra-thin absorbent structure.

Abstract: The present invention describes a novel absorbent core for the absorbent article in which the top surface of the core is embossed in a pattern that is made from curves rather than straight lines or polygons. In a preferred embodiment, the top surface is embossed with a pattern made by circles with spacing between consecutive circles. The novel article is not only less rigid and smoother on the body surface, but also exhibits better absorptive capacity. Various other embodiments are described and are within the scope of the invention.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article may include a chassis, an absorbent core, a pair of elastically elongatable ears and a pair of fastening tabs. The elastically elongatable ears and the fastening tabs have a transverse axis. The ears are connected to the chassis such that the transverse axis of the fastening tabs is located in specific portions of the article. The absorbent core is free of cellulosic fibers.

Abstract: Deformed web materials are disclosed. The web materials have discrete deformations formed therein. The deformations may be features in the form of portions of a web with apertures therein, protrusions, depressed areas, and combinations thereof. These features may extend out from the surface on one side of the web, or from both of the surfaces of the web. Different features may be intermixed with one another.

Abstract: A composition for producing an optically clear, well bonded superhydrophobic coating includes a plurality of hydrophobic particles comprising an average particle size of about 200 nm or less, a binder at a binder concentration of from about 0.1 wt. % to about 0.5 wt. %, and a solvent. The hydrophobic particles may be present in the composition at a particle concentration of from about 0.1 wt. % to about 1 wt. %. An optically transparent, superhydrophobic surface includes a substrate, a plurality of hydrophobic particles having an average particle size of about 200 nm or less dispersed over the substrate, and a discontinuous binder layer bonding the hydrophobic particles to the substrate, where the hydrophobic particles and the binder layer form an optically transparent, superhydrophobic coating.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a leakage preventing wall that includes a fixing unit and an erection unit. A heightened middle unit is disposed inside in the longitudinal direction more than a wing unit. Fold positions are provided in proximity to a base position of the wing unit. An end pan in the longitudinal direction of compression grooves are configured so as to be disposed outside in the longitudinal direction more than an end part in the longitudinal direction of the erection unit. The end part in the longitudinal direction of the erection unit and a site at which a dimension in the widthwise direction W is the greatest in the compression groove are disposed in proximity to the base position of the wing unit.

Abstract: A system including a menstrual pant and an absorbent article. The menstrual pant can have a front part; a back part; a crotch part provided so as to bridge between the front part and the back part, the crotch being utilized for fitting a sanitary napkin, a waist opening part provided in an upper edge of the front part and an upper edge of the back part, a pair of leg openings provided below both side edges of the front part and both side edges of the back part; and a lifting strip disposed along the longitudinal centerline in the rear portion. The menstrual pant can apply body-contacting pressures to the wearer's body longitudinally through the crotch of 25 g/cm2 to 100 g/cm2. The absorbent article can have a topsheet having a body facing surface, a backsheet joined to said topsheet; and an absorbent core disposed between said topsheet. The absorbent article can exhibit a 30-minute Vertical Wicking Height of at least about 12 cm.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a liquid-permeable top sheet, a liquid-impermeable back sheet provided at a location opposing the top sheet, an absorbent provided between the top sheet and the back sheet, and a side sheet provided on both sides of the top sheet in the widthwise direction and having an area that overlaps the top sheet and the absorbent, wherein the absorbent contains an airlaid layer and a crushed pulp layer, the crushed pulp layer is provided on the top sheet side, the airlaid layer is provided on the back sheet side, and the absorbent article has a plurality of indentations formed by pin-embossing the top sheet, the side sheet and the absorbent, and a plurality of indentations formed by pin-embossing the top sheet and the absorbent.

Abstract: A disposable wearing article improved so that leakage of body waste can be prevented, a change in color which might develop in an unused state of the wearing article can be inhibited and actually discharged body exudates can immediately cause an indicator to develop a change of color. A disposable diaper includes a topsheet, a backsheet and a liquid-absorbent structure interposed between these top- and backsheets. The backsheet includes first and second backsheets and the first backsheet is formed on its side facing the liquid-absorbent structure with an indicator adapted to develop a color reaction when the indicator comes in contact with at least one of moisture and body exudates. A plurality of such indicators is arranged to extend in a longitudinal direction and to be spaced apart from each other in a transverse direction. The liquid-absorbent structure includes a liquid-absorbent core and a wrapping sheet adapted to wrap the core.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an absorbent article includes forming a pair of side flap-folded sections by folding a continuous sheet such that end sections in a width direction of the continuous sheet are folded inwardly in the width direction, while the continuous sheet is being transported in a continuous direction of the continuous sheet, producing a flap segment by segmenting the continuous sheet at a predetermined pitch in the continuous direction, joining the flap segment to a continuous body of absorbent main bodies in an overlapped manner, while the continuous body of absorbent main bodies is being transported in a transport direction corresponding to a continuous direction of the continuous body, and dividing the flap segment into a section having the pair of first side flaps and a section having the pair of second side flaps by segmenting the continuous body of absorbent main bodies.

Abstract: A folded absorbent article is provided. The folded absorbent article includes an absorbent assembly including a liquid permeable inner layer, an outer layer, and an absorbent body. Each of a pair of ears extend outward from the back waist region and include a loop fastening component. A pair of spaced-apart hook fastening components are located on the outer layer in the front waist region, each being selectively engageable with a respective one of the loop fastening components in a wear configuration of the article. The absorbent article is folded such that the hook fastening components engage the back waist region, and such that a peak force required to disengage each of the hook fastening components from the back waist region is less than 120 grams-force when measured using a Diaper Opening Force Test.

Abstract: Provided are a bodily fluid absorbent article improved to absorb bodily fluids quickly and a method for making a core for the bodily fluid absorbent article. A bodily fluid absorbent core for a bodily fluid absorbent article is formed with one or more elongated depressions. The core 40 includes one or more surface layers and one or more inner sections lying inside the one or more surface layers. The one or more surface layers are formed primarily of liquid-absorbent fibers and the one or more inner sections are formed of the liquid-absorbent fibers and superabsorbent polymer particles.

Abstract: A method of driving an electro wetting display panel includes applying a first data voltage to a pixel part of the display panel during a first section of a frame and applying a second data voltage different from the first data voltage to the same pixel part during a second section of the frame. The first data voltage is converted from display data based on a first gamma curve. The second data voltage is converted from the display data based on a second gamma curve. Light transmittance through the pixel part is changed based on movement of a fluid within the pixel part.

Abstract: A disposable personal care article includes a shell having a unitary structure for disposition adjacent a wearer's vulva region; wherein the shell has a first side and a second side, the first side having a first area and a second area, the first area including body adhesive properties; wherein at least a portion of the first area comprises a body attachment means for adhering the shell directly to the skin and/or hair of the wearer; and wherein the shell has an anterior portion and a posterior portion where the posterior portion exhibits a higher % Extension relative to the anterior portion when a stretching force of 454 grams is applied, as measured by the % Strain Differential Test; and an absorbent structure present in the second area of the shell, wherein the first area is longitudinally separated from the second area.

Abstract: In an incontinence article in pant form, a crotch section having an absorption body, is connected to stomach and back sections in respective overlapping regions of the crotch section and the stomach section, and the crotch section and the back section, wherein the incontinence article has a first fold axis formed by a transverse center axis of the incontinence article, second fold axes extending outside on either side of the absorption body, and a third fold axis in a region of the absorption body, wherein regions of the stomach section and the back section which laterally protrude over the crotch section are folded about the second fold axes toward the longitudinal center axis, wherein after folding the incontinence article about the third folding axis, the border of the stomach and back band does not protrude over the first fold axis wherein a mass per area of the absorption body decreases from a region of the transverse center axis toward stomach-section side and back-section side ends of the absorption bo

Abstract: A wearable absorbent article comprises a reusable outer cover and a disposable absorbent insert. The reusable outer cover comprises a first insert fastener component in a front waist region proximate to a waist opening edge of the reusable outer cover. The first insert fastener component comprises a first end positioned most proximate to the waist opening edge and a second end positioned most distal from the waist opening edge. An insert-gripping recess is formed in the first end in an area covering a longitudinal axis of the reusable outer cover. The disposable absorbent insert comprises a first fastener component in a forward region of the insert and configured to be joined to the first insert fastener component to attach the insert to the reusable outer cover.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article is provided having an absorbent core located in a chassis and including absorbent particulate polymer material defining at least one cavity for improved isolation of fecal matter or other body exudates. The absorbent core may be substantially cellulose free. Methods for making such an absorbent core and corresponding disposable absorbent article are also disclosed.

Abstract: A unitary fabric structure for use within a personal care absorbent article includes a composite of at least two functional components for fluid intake. The two functional components include a fibrous, liner functional component and at least one fibrous, surge functional component. The functional components are positioned immediately adjacent one another within the composite and held together directly to one another.

Abstract: An absorbent article (20;620;720;820;920;1020) capable of inhibiting leakage of a fluid insult generally extends in a plane defined by a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction. The absorbent article (20;620;720;820;920;1020) contains fluid-shrinkable members (60. 61), a topsheet (11;611;711;811), and a base pad (12;812) that includes a baffle (28;828) and an absorbent core (30) positioned between the topsheet (11;611;711;811) and the baffle (28;828). The topsheet (11;611;711;811) extends in the longitudinal direction to define a distal end (153) and an opposing proximal end (152). At least a portion of the proximal end (152) remains generally unbonded to the baffle (28;828). The fluid-shrinkable members (60,61) extend in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article (20;620;720;820;920;1020) so that at least a portion of the fluid-shrinkable members (60,61) are located adjacent to the proximal end (152) of the topsheet (11;611;711;811).

Abstract: A liquid absorbent article includes an absorbent core including a liquid absorbent member and a unitary liquid distribution sheet disposed against a surface of the liquid absorbent member. The liquid absorbent member includes a first absorbent layer surface, a second absorbent layer surface, a third absorbent layer surface in contact with the second absorbent layer surface, and a fourth absorbent layer surface. The unitary liquid distribution sheet includes a first distribution layer surface in contact with the first absorbent layer surface of the liquid absorbent member and a second distribution layer surface in contact with the fourth absorbent layer surface of the liquid absorbent member.

Abstract: A fluid management device for use in a mammalian body has at least one fluid transport element capable of interfacing with a mammalian body element to provide a substantially uninterrupted fluid conduit. The fluid conduit provides a fluid path between at least one fluid transport element and the storage element. A distal portion of the at least one fluid transport element is capable of extending away from the fluid storage element, and the at least one fluid transport element has a Wing Stiffness of less than about 10 gf.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a disposable wearing article improved so that front and rear waist regions may assure desired fitness without adversely affecting an absorption capacity of a bodily fluid-absorbent core assembly. At least one of front and rear waist regions includes an inner sheet lying on a skin-facing side and having stretch properties and an outer sheet lying on a non-skin-facing side and having a low elastic contractile force. In a section of this one waist region occupied by a liquid-absorbent core assembly including a bodily fluid-absorbent core, the inner sheet is partially cut to define a perforated region. Adhesive used to bond the liquid-absorbent core assembly to the inner sheet and adhesive used to bond the inner sheet to the outer sheet are put in contact with and joined to each other through openings developed by partially cutting the inner sheet.

Abstract: A fluid management device for use in a mammalian body has at least one fluid transport element capable of interfacing with a mammalian body element to provide a substantially uninterrupted fluid conduit. The fluid conduit provides a fluid path between at least one fluid transport element and the storage element. A distal portion of the at least one fluid transport element is capable of extending away from the fluid storage element, and the at least one fluid transport element has a Wing Stiffness of less than about 10 gf.

Abstract: An absorbent article is provided. The article includes at least one additional layer non-integral with the absorbent layer, and positioned upon the absorbent layer. The additional layer includes at least first and second discrete portions positioned along the longitudinal direction. The at least first and second discrete portions are spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction. The portions are constructed of the same base sheet material and the first portion at least partially defines an opening therein with an opening inner edge. The second portion is of a shape mated to fit along its periphery edge, at least partially within the opening. The second portion is of a shape complementary with the opening shape. Edges of the first and second portion are complementary, the inner edge of the first portion being complementary with the periphery edge of the second portion.

Abstract: Absorbent articles are described comprising an absorbent composite. The absorbent composite comprises a first absorbent layer comprising a polymeric foam having an average cell size of at least 100 microns and discrete pieces of superabsorbent polymer dispersed within the polymeric foam; and a second absorbent layer in fluid communication with the first absorbent layer. Favored articles include disposable diapers, feminine hygiene articles, and adult incontinence articles. Also described is a polyurethane foam is described having an average cell size of at least 100 microns. The polyurethane foam is the reaction product of a polyether polyol having polyethylene oxide units and at least one polymeric polyisocyanate that lacks urethane linkages. The polyureth ane foam comprises at least 5 wt-% of discrete pieces of superabsorbent polymer.

Abstract: An absorbent article. The absorbent article includes a topsheet having a body contacting surface, a backsheet joined to said topsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, wherein the absorbent core has an upper layer and a lower layer. The lower layer has two density zones.

Abstract: A simple disposable absorbent article including a chassis and an absorbent assembly. The chassis includes a water-impermeable sheet folded laterally inward at both of its side edges to form opposing side flaps. Each side flap is attached to the interior surface of the chassis adjacent to its end edges. Each side flap has a longitudinally extending elastic gathering member attached adjacent to its proximal edge. The absorbent assembly is smaller in width and in length than the chassis. The side edges and end edges of the absorbent assembly may be disposed proximally relative to the respective side edges and end edges of the chassis. The absorbent assembly includes an absorbent core that may contain superabsorbent particles, which may be contained inside pockets. The chassis may be extensible. The absorbent assembly may be in a cruciform pattern to the chassis to allow portions of the chassis to extend laterally.

Abstract: An absorbent article for wearing about the lower torso of a wearer includes a topsheet, a backsheet joined to at least a portion of the topsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent core includes a first layer and a second layer, wherein the first layer is disposed in fluid communication with the second layer. The first layer has a first shape and the second layer has a second shape. The first shape is different from the second shape. Each of the first layer and second layer comprise less than about 20 percent airfelt.

Abstract: An absorbent article that includes: a liquid-permeable topsheet; a liquid-impermeable backsheet; and an absorbent sheet which is arranged between the topsheet and the backsheet and which has a pulp. A plurality of hole portions passing through from the topsheet side to the backsheet side are formed in the absorbent sheet. The topsheet is arranged so as to cover the hole portions of the absorbent sheet. The absorbent sheet has: a plurality of first regions which are bonded with the backsheet at a periphery of the hole portions; and a second region between the plurality of first regions. At least a part of the second region is spaced from the backsheet, and is arranged at the topsheet side more significantly than the first region.

Abstract: Unitary films and laminates thereof are provided having at least first and second film segments which extend adjacent one another and are permanently joined together. The multi-segment films include a pattern of surface embossments on a surface of the first film segment and a pattern of apertures extending through the second film segment. The first and second segments have different compositions whereby the unitary film includes distinct segments having varied physical properties such as, for example, varied levels of breathability and/or elasticity. The unitary films and laminates thereof are well suited, for example, for use as outer covers in personal care articles.

Abstract: An absorbent article providing improved body fit. The absorbent article includes an extensible fluid permeable facing layer and a first absorbent layer joined to the facing layer. Each zone of extensibility is a region of the first absorbent layer of relatively higher extensibility than regions of first absorbent layer adjacent to the zone of extensibility. A liquid impermeable backsheet is joined to the facing layer at the periphery. The liquid impermeable backsheet has a garment facing surface. A fastening means is disposed on at least a portion of the garment facing surface of the liquid impermeable backsheet. The first absorbent layer is decoupled from the fluid impermeable backsheet.

Abstract: The purpose of this disclosure is to provide an absorptive article which can deform while following the movement of the wearer's legs and which can restore to the original shape. The absorptive article of this disclosure has the following configuration. The absorptive article (1) includes a liquid permeable top sheet (4), a liquid impermeable back sheet, and an absorption body (7). The absorptive article (1) is characterized in that the absorptive article (1) has, in the region thereof which is in contact with the excretory opening, a medium-high section (2) protruding in the thickness direction of the absorptive article (1) and including a cushion section, and in that the absorption body (7) has one or more compressed sections (3) which form a folding axis about which the absorptive article (1) is folded in the width direction thereof so that the skin contact surface of the top sheet (4) protrudes.