Abstract: A film cover for use in absorbent materials such as feminine care products, surgical drapes, fenestration reinforcement, absorbent pads and the like including a polymeric film having a top planar surface and a bottom planar surface and forming a plurality of apertures, at least a portion of which have an aperture region having a higher wettability than a portion of the top planar surface of the polymeric film.

Abstract: An absorbent article such as sanitary napkin having an absorbent laminate is provided on a skin-noncontactable side of the laminate with deformation inducing means. The deformation inducing means include a hydrophobic panel member and an elastically stretchable member adapted to pull the panel member toward its middle under contractile force of the elastically stretchable member and thereby to convexly deform the panel member toward a skin-contactable side of the laminate. Convex deformation of the panel member by the deformation inducing means allows the laminate to be convexly deformed.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a topsheet and an absorbent core material. The acquisition distribution layer is located between the topsheet and the absorbent core material. The acquisition distribution layer is made of a three dimensional apertured film that defines a large void volume space between the acquisition distribution layer and the absorbent core material. The acquisition distribution layer provides high void volume for lateral spillage during repeated insult moments because the top sheet, which is in contact with the user, is held away from dispersing fluid that is unabsorbed by saturated core material. The void volume space provides a pathway for unabsorbed fluid to flow over the top plane of saturated core regions to unsaturated regions of the core material for absorption. The void volume space allows this migration of fluid to occur without the fluid coming into contact with the topsheet, thereby avoiding a feeling of wetness for a wearer.

Abstract: Provided is a liquid absorbent including a liquid-absorbing layer of synthetic fibers by hydrophilic treatment and/or hydrophilic fibers; and a synthetic resin film bonded to a surface of the liquid-absorbing layer and having a large number of through-holes. The synthetic resin film is laminated on the surface of the liquid-absorbing layer through melt extrusion thereon, and the liquid-absorbing layer and the synthetic resin film are airtightly bonded to each other.

Abstract: Fibrous sorbent media or pads are formed from non-woven mats of thermoplastic fibers, preferably polypropylene fibers, having a mean diameter between about 0.5 microns and about 25 microns. The mats have a weight between about 2 ounces/yd2 and about 25 ounces/yd2; a thickness of at least {fraction (1/20)} of an inch; an oil absorbency ratio of at least 5 to 1 or a water absorbency ratio of at least 5 to 1. The sorbent media have first and second major surfaces with abrasion resistant, liquid permeable, integral skins and fibrous cores. The liquid permeable skins of the media are formed by melting fibers at and immediately adjacent the major surfaces of the mats to form thermoplastic melt layers which are subsequently solidified into the skins on the major surfaces of the mats. For many applications, the thermoplastic fibers of the mats are point bonded together at spaced apart locations to increase the integrity of the mats.

Abstract: The invention relates to a material structure for use in absorbent articles, and an absorbent article comprising such a material structure. The material structure (1) comprises a liquid-pervious cover layer (2), a liquid-impervious cover layer (3), and an absorbent structure (4, 4′) enclosed between the cover layers (2, 3). Thereby, the absorbent structure (4, 4′) comprises polylactide fibres or filaments, the properties of which contributing to a rapid acquisition of liquid through the liquid-pervious cover layer (2) for absorption into the absorbent structure (4, 4′) also when the material structure (1) is subjected to repeated wettings. The invention can advantageously be applied within the field of absorbent hygiene articles, such as different types of diapers and incontinence guards, sanitary napkins, pantyliners, and the like.

Abstract: There is provided a feminine hygiene pad comprising a cover adjacent a capillarity fabric having regions of high and low capillarity, which is adjacent a retention layer. In a preferred embodiment, a creped spunbond layer is used as the cover material and a co-apertured intake/distribution layer and transfer delay layer are the capillarity fabric. Combining these improvements into an integrated absorbent system allows the successful achievement of variable flow management and a successful balance between intake and cover desorption properties. The result is improved multiple intake performance and a clean and dry cover surface during use.

Abstract: A multiple layer water-absorbent core is described which is suitable for use in an absorbent article. The water-absorbent core comprises a water-absorbent layer and a water-management layer which acts to reduce the exposure of the core to water. The water-management layer is preferably formed from the hydrophobic material. An absorbent article comprising a liquid pervious cover sheet, a liquid impervious backsheet and a multiple layer water-absorbent core of the invention is also described.

Abstract: A sanitary absorbent article and a method for manufacturing the same, wherein the article includes an absorbent sheet containing “wet laid” paper. This wet laid paper is treated with adhesive, coated with subperabsorbent material and folded about the absorbent core of the article.

Abstract: A dispersible absorbent product comprises a mechanically weakened fibrous web. The dispersible absorbent product can absorb a sufficient amount of fluid without becoming overloaded and suffering from leakage, and is dispersible using a standard toilet. The mechanically weakened regions of the web enhance the dispersibility of the product. Additionally, the dispersible absorbent products may be pre-moistened with a composition. The pre-moistened products are stable in storage, easily dispersible down a toilet, and deliver cleaning, conditioning, and like benefits. Methods of making such dispersible absorbent products are also disclosed.

Abstract: A disposable undergarment is provided on inside of a waist-opening's peripheral edge with a sweat-absorbent sheet comprising an inner layer destined to come in contact with a wearer's skin and an outer layer opposed to the inner layer. The inner layer contains hydrophobic fibers of 70˜98 w% and hydrophilic fibers of at least 2 w%. The outer layer contains hydrophilic fibers of 50˜100 w% of which a part extends outward from the outer layer through interstices of the hydrophobic fibers to the skin contacting surface of the inner surface.

Abstract: A tampon having a relatively high density, compressed core (16) and a plurality of lower density longitudinal ribs (17) is disclosed. The longitudinal ribs (17) have a softer fiber structure and a coarser capillary structure and extend radially from the core (16). The longitudinal ribs (17) are separated one from another by outwardly open longitudinal grooves (18). A process for preparing the tampon and an apparatus useful in the process are also disclosed.

Abstract: An adult brief garment for use in controlling incontinence is provided. The brief has a chassis which includes a front portion, back portion and an interposed crotch portion. The chassis consists of a fluid-impervious, cloth-like laminate along the central region of the chassis and hydrophobic, cloth-like, nonwoven side panels at each side of the central region. An liquid absorbent core is positioned over the central region. Plural fastening tapes are applied to the side panels at the back portion of the chassis. The front portion of the chassis includes soft, flexible landing zones for releasable receipt of the tapes to hold the brief in place. Each landing zone takes up a substantial portion of its associated side panel and contiguous portions of the central region of the chassis and each includes a myriad of small (e.g., micro-sized) apertures or holes therein for breathability, e.g., to allow moisture vapor to pass therethrough.

Abstract: The invention concerns an absorbent article (10) which comprises: a front region (12); a rear region (14); a center part (16) disposed between the front and rear regions; an upper, fluid-permeable layer (18) which faces the body when the absorbent article (10) is in use; a lower layer (20) which is impervious to fluid and is remote from the body when the absorbent article (10) is in use: a fluid-distribution layer (22) which is disposed between the fluid-permeable layer (18) and the layer (20) which is impervious to fluid, the fluid-distribution layer (22) extending from the front region (12) to the rear region (14) of the absorbent article (10); and a fluid-storage layer (24) disposed between the layer (20) which is impervious to fluid and the fluid-distribution layer (22).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an absorbent article comprising a liquid pervious topsheet, an absorbent core and a breathable backsheet. The absorbent article has a fluid contact angle gradient between the topsheet and absorbent core and exhibits a reduced tendency to adhere to the skin of the wearer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the selection of materials which are particularly useful as fluid distribution material for being used in disposable absorbent articles by being characterized in that they have a wicking time of less than 120 seconds and a cumulative flux of more than 0.075 grams/cm2/second for said preferential fluid distribution direction at 12.4 cm height, when applying the Vertical Wicking Test. A further useful selection criteria for such materials is a non-isotropic fluid distribution behavior, expressed in that the wicking time in the preferential distribution direction is less than 80% of the wicking time of perpendicular direction at 8.3 cm height, when applying the same test.

Abstract: A sanitary article having a multi-layered absorbent member includes a panel stacked in two layers each having a plurality of openings extending through this member in its thickness direction and a plurality of fibrous assembly regions extending between each pair of the adjacent openings, the openings in the upper layer of the panel are out of alignment with the corresponding openings in the lower layer of the panel and each of the openings in the upper layer of the panel is divided in two or more sections by the fibrous assembly regions in the lower layer of the panel.

Abstract: An apertured polymeric film web having a first surface, a second surface generally parallel to and spaced apart from said first surface, and a plurality of fluid passageways extending between the first surface and the second surface to place the first surface and the second surface in fluid communication with one another. The web is formed of a polymeric film comprising at least one bulk modified layer, the bulk modified layer comprising a substantially homogeneous, stabilized dispersion comprising a comparatively low surface energy material in a polymeric material. The comparatively low surface energy material, referred to herein as a hydrophobic additive, imparts hydrophobicity to the web's first surface, thereby promoting enhanced effectiveness in transporting fluid away from the first surface of the web, particularly when used in combination with a hydrophilic adhesive applied to the web's second surface in a topsheet system of the present invention.

Abstract: Provided is a top sheet for absorbent articles including a number of perforations for covering a liquid-receiving surface of an absorbent article. The top sheet is formed of a thermoplastic resin containing a particulate material. The top sheet is provided with fine convex portions of the particulate material on the surface thereof and a plurality of protrusions extending from the surface thereof, and the height of each protrusion from the surface is larger than that of each fine convex portion therefrom.

Abstract: A topsheet for body fluids absorbent article having a plurality of liquid-pervious apertures, the topsheet including an upper fibrous layer having a relatively low density and a lower fibrous layer having a relatively high density. Around each of the apertures, the first and second fibrous layers are integrated together so that the topsheet has a density progressively increasing from an upper surface towards a lower surface of the topsheet and has, in the proximity of the lower surface, a density further higher than in the second fibrous layer. The topsheet thus formed improves so that an upper surface thereof can be maintained in a dry state during use of the article having the topsheet.

Abstract: An absorbent article adapted to be worn about the lower torso of a wearer. The article includes a liquid-impervious, flexible backsheet adapted to face outwardly relative to the body a wearer, a liquid-pervious topsheet adapted to face the body of the wearer, and an absorbent core positioned between the backsheet and the topsheet. The topsheet is preferably elastically extensible and includes a plurality of slits or cuts that extend through the topsheet material and that enlarge to define a plurality of openings in the topsheet when it is subjected to tensile forces as it is worn. The openings permit solid and semi-solid bodily exudates to pass through the topsheet to the absorbent core as the diaper is worn. Upon removal of the diaper from the body of the wearer the tensile forces within the topsheet are relaxed, thereby causing the openings in the topsheet to close and substantially conceal from view the bodily exudates that have passed through the topsheet.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for the directed drainage of fluids emerging in a localized manner and further an absorbent article (10) which comprises: a front region (12); a rear region (14); a center part (16) disposed between the front and rear regions; an upper, fluid-permeable layer (18) which faces the body when the absorbent article (10) is in use; a lower layer (20) which is impervious to fluid and is remote from the body when the absorbent article (10) is in use: a fluid-distribution layer (22) which is disposed between the fluid-permeable layer (18) and the layer (20) which is impervious to fluid, the fluid-distribution layer (22) extending from the front region (12) to the rear region (14) of the absorbent article (10); and a fluid-storage layer (24) disposed between the layer (20) which is impervious to fluid and the fluid-distribution layer (22).

Abstract: An apertured, compression-resistant web is disclosed, the web comprising a first surface having a plurality of microapertures forming volcano-shaped surface aberrations, a second surface generally parallel to and spaced apart from the first surface. A plurality of fluid passageways extend between the first surface and the second surface to place the first surface and the second surface in fluid communication with one another. The web is formed of a multilayer polymeric film comprising at least one rigid layer and at least one substantially less rigid layer joined to the rigid layer. In a preferred embodiment, a rigid layer has an elastic modulus of at least 120 kpsi a substantially less rigid layer has an elastic modulus of not greater than 75 kpsi. The multilayer film is preferably formed by coextuding a rigid layer comprising a blend of polystyrene and polypropylene, and a substantially less rigid layer comprising a blend of LDPE and LLDPE.

Abstract: The invention relates to liquid-absorbent articles, including diapers, training pants, incontinence guards, and sanitary napkins. Characteristic for the invention is that at least one of the end portions of the absorbent body has a longitudinally tapering shape with a rounded outer edge and that an elastic means is pretensionally applied in a cover enclosing the absorbent body and extends across the article and in a curved path outside the rounded end portion of the absorbent body and equidistantly from the rounded edge. Due to its striving to contract, the elastic means in the curved path section exerts tensile forces across the elastic in a direction towards the center of curvature of the curved path section. When the article is in use, the elastic means, due to the tensile force, lifts the cover around the rounded edge of the absorbent body for formation of a leakage barrier which projects vertically above the absorbent body.

Abstract: A method of making a slitted or particulate absorbent material for an absorbent article such as sanitary napkins, diapers, incontinence devices, and the like. The method can be carried out in situ on another component of the absorbent article in a manufacturing process without cutting the other component. In one embodiment, the absorbent material is placed between two canier webs, and a force is applied to the composite of the absorbent material and the carrier webs. The force breaks the absorbent material, but only deforms the carrier webs to provide a self-contained web of particulate material between two carrier webs.

Abstract: An absorbent pack for absorbing body fluids is provided. The absorbent pack includes an absorbent member and an enclosure assembly that surrounds the absorbent member. Apertures are formed in the enclosure member to permit body fluid to pass therethrough and be absorbed by the absorbent member. The enclosure assembly is made of a material that avoids unwanted adherence between the absorbent pack and a patient's skin or other body tissue. The enclosure assembly has a size to allow the absorbent member to expand without being impeded when it absorbs body fluid. A retention member can be joined to an anterior end of the absorbent member to assist in the removal of the absorbent pack from a body cavity. A cap member can be joined to the anterior end in order to avoid the possibility of separation of the anterior end from remaining portions of the absorbent member when the absorbent pack is removed from a body cavity.

Abstract: A multilayer material suitable for use as a cover or topsheet for personal care absorbent articles such as diapers, sanitary pads, adult incontinence garments, training pants and the like having a top layer and a bottom, where the top layer forms a plurality of apertures and contacts the bottom layer in land areas disposed between the apertures. The bottom layer has a permeability substantially equivalent to, or higher than, the top layer.

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as the shown diaper (10), has a front waistband portion (14), a back waistband portion (12) and an intermediate portion (16) interconnecting said front and back waistband portions. The article includes a backsheet member (30), a liquid permeable topsheet layer (28), and an absorbent body (32) sandwiched between the topsheet layer (28) and backsheet member (30). The backsheet member includes an air permeable, polymer sheet layer (96), and a first, outward nonwoven fibrous web (94) attached to or otherwise operatively joined with a major facing surface (78) of the polymer sheet layer (96) at a plurality of individual, spaced apart thermal bonds (98).

Abstract: A urine-receiving pad for men including a bag of a laminated sheet which includes an inner sheet, an outer sheet and an absorbent core therebetween, and a pair of elastic members provided along the opening. By holding and pushing both ends of the elastic members with fingers, the elastic members are buckling-deformed to open the opening. When a penis is inserted into the opening and then the fingers are released, the penis is suitably pressed by elastic restoration forces of the elastic members, to prevent easy coming out of the penis therefrom. Since the pressing force resulting from the buckling-deformation of the elastic members is so small, too much pressure onto the penis is prevented. Further, the urine-receiving pad can be attached with only one hand.

Abstract: An apertured web for a topsheet of disposable garments includes a plurality of flat portions extending in parallel one to another in one direction and a plurality of aperture rows defined between respective pairs of the adjacent flat portions. Each pair of the adjacent flat portions with the aperture row therebetween are interconnected by a plurality of bridge-like portions extending from these adjacent flat portions across the aperture defined by them. Each of the flat portions is partially deformed upward to a level above the upper surface of the flat portion along peripheral edges of the respective apertures so as to form a plurality of substantially saw-tooth-shaped rising portions which make the upper surface of the web relatively rough.

Abstract: A coversheet is provided for covering an absorbent body of an absorbent sanitary article. The coversheet is elastic in at least one direction and has perforations which extend therethrough. The coversheet has an upper layer including a nonwoven material intended to face outwardly of the absorbent body, an intermediate layer including an elastic film, and a lower layer including a nonwoven material intended to face towards the absorbent body. The upper and lower layers are connected to the intermediate layer only around the perimeters of the perforations.

Abstract: A topsheet for body exudates absorbent article includes a hydrophilic nonwoven fibrous sheet and a plurality of thermoplastic synthetic resin filaments extending in one direction parallel to one another and continuously bonded to an upper surface of the nonwoven fibrous sheet so that a composite sheet of these sheet and filaments have crests and troughs alternately repeating longitudinally of the filaments and respectively extend transversely of the filaments. An apparatus and a method for manufcturing the topsheet are also disclosed, wherein a pair of mutually engageable embossing rolls are used for forming the crests and the troughs onto the coposite sheet.

Abstract: A topsheet for body fluids absorbent article is made of thermoplastic synthetic fibers mechanically entangled so as to extend substantially in a desired one direction and formed with liquid-permeable openings. The openings comprise a first group of openings each having a substantially oval shape defined by its major axis extending substantially in parallel to the direction in which the fibers extend and its minor axis extending orthogonally to the major axis and a second group of openings each having a substantially oval shape defined by its minor axis extending substantially in parallel to the direction in which the fibers 11 extend and its major axis extending orthogonally to the minor axis.

Abstract: A liquid-permeable topsheet used in a disposable body fluids absorbent garment has planar portions substantially extending in a horizontal plane, a plurality of ribs rising from the planar portions and extending parallel one to another, each presenting a cross-section in an inverted v-shape, and liquid-passages extending downward from the planar portions and thereby eliminate any appreciation that eruption and/or stuffiness might be caused by contact of the topsheet with the skin of a wearer.

Abstract: The invention relates to absorbent products (1) like baby diapers, adult incontinence products and particularly to sanitary napkins or pantyliners. These absorbent products all have absorbent cores (4) which according to the present invention comprise absorbent gelling materials (5) in granular form or other particles. A problem associated with such cores is that these particles can migrate out of the article along the paths of liquid entry into the product. Therefore, a shield (8) positively separating the paths of liquid transport into the product from the particles is provided for absorbent structures according to the invention.

Abstract: An apertured film for use as a topsheet in absorbent products wherein the film is apertured and includes a plurality of micro-holes and a plurality of large-sized holes. A method of forming the film is disclosed, as well as an absorbent product incorporating the apertured film as a topsheet.

Abstract: A body fluids absorbent article has a liquid-permeable topsheet formed by a nonwoven fabric of thermoplastic synthetic fibers. The topsheet is formed with a plurality of openings each having a diameter of 0.5.about.3 mm. These openings queue up so as to form plural columns of openings extending in parallel one to another. One half or more of a total number of the openings are reinforced by strands of thermoplastic synthetic resin each having a diameter of 0.1.about.0.5 mm and extending circumferentially of the respective openings.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sheathing laminate for an absorbent product, such as a sanitary napkin, a diaper, an incontinence protector or the like, and which is to be used as a liquid permeable top layer, which, when the product is in use, faces the body of the user. The laminate (30) comprises a web (10) of plastic film, to one side of which are fixed two mutually spaced, longitudinal strips (14, 16) of non-woven material, while to the other side of the plastic film web (10)--in an area between the two strips (14, 16) on the opposite side of the plastic film web--there is fixed a longitudinal intermediate strip (26) of non-woven material. When used on an absorbent product, the laminate has perforations (42) at least within a portion of the area of the intermediate non-woven strip (26). The invention also relates to a process for manufacture of the sheathing laminate.

Abstract: This invention relates to absorbent pads, and methods for fabricating absorbent pads, having improved fluid intake and preferential wicking in the longitudinal direction. The absorbent pads have patterns of apertures which encourage the preferential wicking. The apertures are characterized by size, spacing from each other, and depth of penetration into the absorbent pad, such that fluid intake rate is increased and distribution of fluid in the longitudinal direction is improved. Apertures are preferably spaced close enough to each other that aqueous liquid is preferentially transferred from aperture to aperture by capillary effect, along the length of the absorbent pad. Preferential wicking between apertures in the longitudinal direction increases the overall effective liquid absorption rate of the absorbent pad, thereby increasing overall effective liquid capacity of the respective absorbent article.

Abstract: The present invention refers to an absorbent product, especially a sanitary napkin (1), including an absorbent body (2) characterised by having a first portion (5) of perforated plastic film (6) and, on the surface (13) adapted to come into contact with the user's body, a longitudinal layer which includes a second central portion (7) of woven or non-woven material on the body contact surface (13), the first portion (5) being at least near the side edges (11) of the absorbent body (2) at the contact surface and having the thickness of the absorbent body (2)

Abstract: An absorbent article is disclosed which exhibits improved fluid management. The article includes an absorbent having first and second oppositely aligned surfaces and a longitudinally extending central axis. A bicomponent cover is positioned over the first surface of the absorbent and includes a first and a second material. The first material has openings formed therein and is aligned along the longitudinally extending central axis of the absorbent. The second material is nonapertured and is secured to, or positioned adjacent to, the outer periphery of the first material. The first and second materials cooperate to enclose the absorbent. Positioned between the first material and the first surface of the absorbent is a separation means. The separation means directs fluid from the body downward, in the z direction, away from the bicomponent cover, and outward in the x and y directions to provide a more efficient use of the absorbent material.

Abstract: A disposable, absorbent article such as a diaper or an incontinence guard includes an absorbent pad disposed between inner and outer casing layers. At least one of the inner and outer casing layers is made of an elastic material having areas from which material has been removed while leaving coherent material parts in order to impart different elastic properties to different parts of the material. The material removed can be in the form of through holes or blind holes.

Abstract: A facing sheet (10) for absorbent articles is disclosed in the form of a laminate made up of at least a first layer (12) and a second layer (14). The first layer is intended to face a wearer when the absorbent article is in use and presents a plurality of through holes (16) delimited by an upper perimeter (18) and a lower perimeter (20) to thereby permit liquid to migrate through to the second layer (14). The second layer presents first depressions (22) which are arranged such that the lower perimeter (20) of each hole in the first layer (12) is aligned with an associated depression in the second layer (14). The invention further relates to a method which may be used to produce such a facing sheet.

Abstract: An absorbent article for absorption of bodily fluids is provided, including a layer of non-absorbent material defining a tunnel shaped loop and a central portion enclosed by the loop, and an absorbent material retained within the tunnel-shaped loop. The non-absorbent material includes a plurality of apertures through which fluid can flow to reach the absorbent material, and an overwrap material overlies the non-absorbent material to transport fluid over the surface of the non-absorbent material. Preferably the absorbent article is a tampon and the loop is ring shaped.

Abstract: A fluid pervious topsheet suitable for use on an absorbent article is disclosed. The topsheet includes an apertured, three-dimensional, macroscopically expanded, fluid pervious web having a textured wearer-contacting surface. The composite web permits liquids to penetrate while providing an improved, less plastic-like feel and visual aesthetics.

Abstract: This invention relates to absorbent pads, and methods for fabricating absorbent pads, having improved fluid intake and preferential wicking in the longitudinal direction. The absorbent pads have patterns of apertures which encourage the preferential wicking. The apertures are characterized by size, spacing from each other, and depth of penetration into the absorbent pad, such that fluid intake rate is increased and distribution of fluid in the longitudinal direction is improved. Apertures are preferably spaced close enough to each other that aqueous liquid is preferentially transferred from aperture to aperture by capillary effect, along the length of the absorbent pad. Preferential wicking between apertures in the longitudinal direction increases the overall effective liquid absorption rate of the absorbent pad, thereby increasing overall effective liquid capacity of the respective absorbent article.

Abstract: There is provided a cushioned absorbent material which may be used as a bodyside liner for a personal care product which is made from a lofty nonwoven fabric onto which is extruded a film to form a laminate. The laminate is then apertured and has an 8 cc intake rate of at most 20 sec and a rewet of less than 1 gm. Such a liner may be used in personal care products like diapers, training pants, feminine hygiene products, absorbent underpants, adult incontinence products, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for selectively aperturing a nonwoven web.

Abstract: A stitch bonded fabric sheet (10) has a felt web (12) with hydrophobic layer (14) and a hydrophilic layer (16) stitch bonded with yarns (18) to create yarn faces (24 and 26) over the respective outer surfaces (20 and 22) of the felt web (12). Sheet (10) may be used as a fluid-retention fabric such as to replace the facing fabric and felt layer in an incontinent pad.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article such as a diaper is provided with a continuous upper layer, an absorbent element, an impermeable plastics sheet, elastic parts positioned along the lateral edges to either side of the absorbent element and two elasticized flaps positioned inwardly of the elastic parts. Each flap is formed out of the continuous upper layer by use of an elastic element fixed along its entire length to the inner surface of the continuous layer. The continuous upper layer is liquid-permeable in the zone between the two elastic elements of the flaps and impermeable in the two adjacent zones located between the elastic elements and the lateral edges of the absorbent article.