Abstract: A disposable absorbent article includes an absorbent core that is substantially cellulose free and a chassis that includes a topsheet and a backsheet, with the absorbent core located between the topsheet and the backsheet. The chassis may include a pair of side panels joined with the chassis, the side panels extending laterally outwardly beyond the longitudinal edges, each side panel having at least one zone extensible in a direction having a vector component in the lateral direction.

Abstract: Absorbent articles having a liquid permeable topsheet, a liquid impermeable backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between said topsheet and said backsheet are disclosed. The absorbent articles include a thermoplastic elastomer joined to or disposed in a stretch zone on at least one component or region of the absorbent article to impart an elastic resistance that provides sizing or shaping capabilities to the article. The absorbent article can be in the form of diapers, pull-on diapers, training pants, sanitary napkins, wipes, bibs, incontinence briefs or inserts.

Abstract: An absorbent article constructed to isolate skin from absorbed moisture and promote ventilation. The article, which has particular application in the form of an absorbent garment worn to capture body wastes, has an absorbent body and liquid impermeable outer cover which stretch under the weight of the loaded absorbent body. A bodyside liner between the absorbent body and the skin of the wearer stretches, but to a lesser extent than the absorbent body and the outer cover. Accordingly, a gap between the bodyside liner and the absorbent body is created. The gap removes the moisture ladened absorbent body from the skin and forms a gap which helps air and vapor to circulate around the skin, promoting dryness.

Abstract: A diaper accessory including a non-woven fibrous absorptive layer adapted to absorb and retain waste expelled by an infant that is not captured by the disposable diaper. The diaper accessory also includes a water resistant layer positioned adjacent to the non-wove fibrous layer. Attached to the water resistant layer is an adhesive layer that is used to secure the diaper pad to the article of clothing worn by the infant. The adhesive layer is covered by a release liner. The release line is removed prior to using the diaper pad to expose the adhesive layer. The diaper pad can be coupled to the disposable diaper or can be used in combination with a disposable diaper to capture waste created by the infant. The diaper pad is modular, in that it includes a plurality of removable strips that allow portions of the diaper pad to be removed to allow for sizing of the diaper pad to the infant.

Abstract: An incontinence article having a bumper is provided. In particular, the present invention provides an incontinence article having a bumper positioned along a top edge thereof. The bumper prevents waste from leaking out of the article. The bumper could optionally be used in conjunction with a front guard and/or a back guard.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes (a) an absorbent article body having at least: a top sheet portion disposed on a first side of the absorbent article in the thickness direction, at least a portion of the top sheet portion being liquid permeable; and a liquid retainable absorbent body portion disposed on a second side of the top sheet portion in the thickness direction; and (b) a belt-shaped member disposed on a second side of the absorbent article body in the thickness direction so as to follow the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article body. One end of the belt-shaped member in the longitudinal direction is connected to the absorbent article body. This improves contact between the wearer's excretory part or the like and the absorbent article, thereby preventing the leakage of excrement such as menstrual blood.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sanitary napkin including: a backsheet; a liquid-permeable topsheet; and an absorbent layer which is capable of absorbing a liquid and disposed between the backsheet and the topsheet. At least a part of a region in which the absorbent layer is provided is adapted to receive a liquid. The liquid-receiving region includes a raised region in which a hydrophilic material layer is provided. The raised region is continuously elongated in a longitudinal direction of the sanitary napkin. The raised region includes a front region for coming into contact with a vaginal opening of a wearer and a rear region for coming into contact with buttocks of the wearer. When the front region and the rear region are respectively depressed with a given pressure, an amount of the depression of the rear region is larger than an amount of the depression of the front region.

Abstract: A method of assembling an expandable absorbent garment includes providing an absorbent composite having a length, opposite ends and opposite side regions. The absorbent composite includes a backsheet, a topsheet and a retention portion disposed between the backsheet and topsheet. The backsheet includes at least one fold formed along at least one of the opposite side regions, wherein the absorbent composite is laterally expandable at least at the opposite ends thereof. The at least one fold of the backsheet is unfoldable along at least the opposite ends of the absorbent composite.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides means for extending a chafing barrier through a leg opening down the upper inner thigh of the wearer of an absorbent device. The chafing barrier comprises a layer of soft padded material, such as foam plastic, wadding, elastic gel, or a similar material. In one embodiment of the present invention, the chafing barrier is attached to a disposable pad. In another embodiment of the present invention, the chafing barrier is attached to the inside of an undergarment that surrounds or is integrated with an absorbent device. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the chafing barrier further comprises a top surface of absorbent material having a dermatological agent disposed thereon. Optionally, the dermatological agent comprises a moisturizing lotion, a drying agent, an antibiotic, a fungicide, or a topical steroid to aid in healing and/or soothing chafed skin.

Abstract: An incontinence article having a back guard is provided. In particular, the present invention provides an incontinence article in which a back guard extends from a rear portion of the article to a middle back area of a user. The back guard article preferably includes an absorbent material and optional elastic.

Abstract: A personal care article includes a resiliently stretchable outer cover and a first and second substantially non-stretchable grasping panels attached to the article. The outer cover is resiliently stretchable in at least the cross-direction to conform to the body of a wearer. The absorbent structure is secured to the outer cover by extendible attachment elements.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin has a strip that extends rearwardly to reside in the intergluteal crevice. The pad is sized and configured to fit snugly against the wearer's body without penetrating the vaginal orifice. The strip provides improved body contact thus providing similar protection with a smaller pad and a discretion benefit to the user. The invention provides various alternative mechanisms for varying the length of the strip by the user.

Abstract: A biaxial stretch, form-fitting, pant-like, absorbent garment has a stretchable outer cover, a stretchable body side liner, and a stretchable absorbent assembly. The outer cover and the body side liner are desirably biaxially stretchable. The absorbent assembly can either be biaxially stretchable or segmented with longitudinal stretch. The absorbent garment is easy to apply, has a self-adjusting feature, and delivers enhanced fit and comfort during use without restricting a wearer's movement.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article includes two laterally opposing longitudinally extending backsheet strips attached to an exterior surface of an absorbent assembly in laterally opposing attachment zones. Each backsheet strip may include a water-impermeable layer and may be extensible. The absorbent assembly includes laterally opposing side flaps which may be formed by folding portions of the absorbent assembly laterally inward. A longitudinally extending elastic gathering member is attached to each side flap adjacent to its proximal edge. When the article is worn, the elastic gathering members contract and raise the side flaps to form side barriers. The absorbent assembly includes an absorbent core that may contain superabsorbent particles, which may be contained inside pockets. A portion of the absorbent assembly such as the portion that lies between the backsheet strip attachment zones may be extensible and may include a water-impermeable layer.

Abstract: A personal care absorbent article, such as an infant diaper, a training pant, an incontinence garment and the like, having at least one swellable structure attached thereto for use as a containment dam or support structure. The swellable structure having a swellable layer and a cover material adapted to expand upon swelling of the swellable layer. The pleated cover material allows the swellable layer to swell freely in a z-direction.

Abstract: Highly efficient absorbent articles for wearing by a human female such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, and adult incontinence pads. In use, the absorbent articles preferably maintain contact with and cover at least a portion of the inside surfaces of the wearer's labia, the exterior surfaces of the wearer's labia, and the supporting garment. The absorbent articles are highly flexible, having flexure resistance of less than or equal to about 100 grams. The absorbent may be flat or cup-shaped.

Abstract: An absorbent article which minimizes or avoid component bonding within the interior area thereof is provided to improve or increase the independence of the components which constitute the article.

Abstract: There is provided an improved tab member for a closure system comprising a tab portion and a slot member. The slot member includes a slit or a loop, with the slot located between an inboard portion and an outboard portion. The tab portion has a tab member having a length, an inner edge, an outer edge and at least one lip portion. The tab member outer edge is passed through the slot of the slot member to engage the fastening device. Once passed through the slot, at least one lip portion of the tab member overlaps or catches the outboard portion of the slot member to prevent the tab member from disengaging from the slot member. The slot member outward portion is retained between the lip portion(s) and the underlying generally flexible tab carrier substrate.

Abstract: An absorbent article (20) includes a first pad section (26), and a smaller second pad section (28) which is operatively joined to the first pad section. The first pad section (26) includes a first body-side cover (30), a first backsheet (32), a first absorbent body (34) located between the first cover and the first backsheet, and a first garment-attachment mechanism (36) located on a garment-side surface of the first backsheet (32). The second pad section (28) includes a second body-side cover (38), a second backsheet (40), a second absorbent body (42) located between the second cover and the second backsheet, and a second garment-attachment mechanism (44) located on the garment-side surface of the second backsheet (40). In a desired arrangement, the first pad section (26) can overlap at least a portion of the second pad section (28), and at least a portion of the first garment-attachment mechanism (36) can operatively attach the first pad section (26) to the second pad section (28).

Abstract: An absorbent article is provided in the form of a sanitary napkin, a panty liner or an incontinence protector, having an elongated body that includes an expansion element for permitting the body to expand in a direction generally transversely to the elongated body. The elongated body is flat and has a liquid-permeable sheet that is intended to face toward the wearer's body, a liquid-impermeable sheet that is intended to face towards a wearer's garment, and an absorbent layer disposed between the liquid-permeable sheet and the liquid-impermeable sheet. The liquid-impermeable sheet may include a fastener for enabling the absorbent article to be releasably fastened to the garment. The expansion element may include a pleat which extends only partially along the elongated body.

Abstract: A pant-like absorbent garment having an absorbent pad attached to a front region and a back region of an outer cover, wherein the absorbent pad is at least partially suspended therebetween to provide a close or customized fit for the wearer. The pant-like absorbent garment is suitable as a low capacity training pant for late stage toilet training.

Abstract: Variable stretch composites having one or more first elastomeric members disposed on a first region of an extensible substrate, and one or more second elastomeric members disposed on a second region of the extensible substrate which different from the first elastomeric members to provide variable properties to said regions of the composite. The composite has been incrementally stretched to at least partially break up the structure of the substrate in order to reduce its resistance to stretch. The variable stretch composites are useful for disposable and durable articles, such as disposable absorbent articles including diapers, pull-on diapers, training pants, incontinence briefs, catamenial garments, baby bibs, and the like; and durable articles like garments including sportswear, outerwear and the like. The present invention also relates to methods of forming such variable stretch composites.

Abstract: A pant-like absorbent article, such as a child's training pant, includes laterally extending front and back ear portions defined at opposed lateral sides of front and back waist regions. An absorbent body structure extends longitudinally along the crotch region between at least a partially stretchable outercover and at least a partially stretchable liner, from the front waist region to the back waist region, the absorbent body structure including laterally extending wing portions that extend laterally along the front and back ear portions. The laterally extending wing portions are stretchable and absorbent, to allow for the transfer of liquid from the front to the back of the article while a user is in a reclining or sleeping position.

Abstract: An absorbent garment comprising a longitudinally extending and laterally expandable absorbent composite having opposite ends and opposite side regions. The absorbent composite comprises a backsheet, a topsheet and a retention portion disposed between the backsheet and the topsheet. In one preferred embodiment, the backsheet and retention portion each comprise at least one fold formed along at least one of the opposite side regions, with the folds being interfolded. A pair of front body panels are attached to the opposite side regions of the absorbent composite adjacent one of the opposite ends of said absorbent composite and a pair of rear body panels are attached to the opposite side regions adjacent the other of the opposite ends of the absorbent composite. In a preferred embodiment, the front and rear body panels are joined to form a pair of side body panels. A method for using the absorbent garment also is provided, together with a method for assembling the absorbent garment.

Abstract: An absorbent garment includes a chassis having first and second layers and an elastic core sandwiched therebetween. The chassis defines front and rear body panels each having elastic regions exhibiting a substantially permanent deformation of at least about 10% when elongated 80% for a period of 30 minutes at 37° C and 60% relative humidity and then allowed to relax under a zero applied force. An absorbent composite is coupled to the chassis.

Abstract: A form-fitting, pant-like, absorbent garment that delivers an optimal amount and direction of stretch to provide optimal fit and comfort. The absorbent garment has an outer cover with a back panel, a crotch panel and a front panel. The back panel and the front panel can each stretch in a transverse direction, and the crotch panel can stretch in a longitudinal direction. Seams joining the front and back panels to the crotch panel provide non-stretch zones that may be positioned to control fit forces. The garment provides enhanced fit and comfort during use, and ease of application with a self-adjusting feature.

Abstract: A dynamic-fitting absorbent article that includes a liquid impermeable outer cover (42), a liquid permeable bodyside liner (44) in superimposed relation to the outer cover (42) and a continuous elastic absorbent core (28) disposed between the outer cover (42) and the bodyside liner (44). The continuous elastic absorbent core (28) can extend from about 80 to about 400 percent upon application of a force of from about 60 to about 325 grams. The continuous elastic absorbent core (28) can have a tension reducing geometry in the crotch section of the article. Additionally, the continuous elastic absorbent core can have a dry tensile strength and a wet tensile strength that is at least 95% of the dry tensile strength.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin which includes a liquid-pervious topsheet, a liquid-impervious backsheet and a liquid-absorbent core disposed therebetween. The topsheet extends to transversely opposite side edges of the napkin with interposition of pleats, along which side edges the topsheet is bonded to the backsheet. The core includes a lower absorbent core and an upper absorbent core. The pleats lie between transversely opposite side edges of the lower absorbent core and transversely opposite side edges of the upper absorbent core. The topsheet are provided along the opposite side edge of the upper absorbent core with elasticity being effective longitudinally of the napkin.

Abstract: A personal care absorbent article, such as an infant diaper, a training pant, an incontinence garment and the like, having a structure for opening a support channel adjacent a gluteal fold when the wearer is in a sitting position. The structure having an expandable element hingedly connected to a compressible element whereby the expandable element forms the support channel upon compression of the compressible element.

Abstract: A disposable diaper that includes a briefs-shaped cover member having an elastic stretchability in a vertical direction of the diaper, and an absorbent member that includes a topsheet and a backsheet both of which are not elastically stretchable at least in the vertical direction, and a liquid-absorbent core disposed therebetween. The absorbent member is suspended inside the cover member by suspender sheets that are elastically non-stretchable sheets, at least in the vertical direction, and have pleats which can be flattened out in a vertical direction of the diaper.

Abstract: A reusable diaper is made of two sheets of fabric. One sheet is an absorbant rectangular sheet. The second sheet is an inverted bell-shape and may be of resilient material. The absorbant sheet is stitched along one edge to the bell-shaped sheet along the length of the axis of symmetry of the bell-shaped sheet. The absorbant sheet is only stitched to the bell-shaped sheet adjacent one comer of the absorbant sheet so that, when unfolded, the absorbant sheet is at least twice the length of the axis of symmetry of the bell-shaped sheet. The absorbant sheet may thus be folded into a narrow rectangular absorbant pad lying along the axis of symmetry of the bell-shaped sheet. The opposite tapered ends of the bell-shaped sheet are wrapped around an infant's waist and are drawn to the front of the infant through a loop on the vertex of the bell-shape once the vertex has pulled lifted up between the infant's legs.

Abstract: An absorbent article has a liquid permeable top sheet, a substantially liquid impermeable, preferably water vapor permeable back sheet, and a selectively stretchable absorbent composite between the top sheet and the back sheet. The selectively stretchable absorbent composite is more stretchable in a first direction than in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and can be stretched to at least 150% of an initial length in the first direction. The absorbent composite has a selectively stretchable substrate layer and a plurality of pockets in or on the substrate layer. The pockets each contain a quantity of superabsorbent material, which can swell when exposed to a liquid insult. When the substrate is stretched, the pockets become spaced further apart, thereby promoting comfort and alleviating gel blocking caused by adjacent pockets swelling toward each other.

Abstract: A dynamic-fitting absorbent article that includes a liquid impermeable outer cover (42), a liquid permeable bodyside liner (44) in superimposed relation to the outer cover (42) and a continuous elastic absorbent core (28) disposed between the outer cover (42) and the bodyside liner (44). The continuous elastic absorbent core (28) can extend from about 80 to about 400 percent upon application of a force of from about 60 to about 325 grams. The continuous elastic absorbent core (28) can have a tension reducing geometry in the crotch section of the article. Additionally, the continuous elastic absorbent core can have a dry tensile strength and a wet tensile strength that is at least 95% of the dry tensile strength.

Abstract: An absorbent article (10) has a longitudinal direction (26), a lateral, transverse direction (24), an article front portion (14), an article back portion (12), and an intermediate portion (16) interconnecting the front and back portions. The article includes an elastomerically stretchable backsheet member (30), a liquid-permeable topsheet layer (28), and an elastomerically stretchable retention portion (48) sandwiched between the backsheet member (30) and the topsheet layer (28). The topsheet layer can be elastomerically stretchable, and the absorbent article (10) can also provide a selected combination of physical properties, such as a composite-article elongation-at-peak-load value which is at least about 50 percent.

Abstract: A breathable, substantially liquid impermeable laminate is provided that is permanently conformable to the contours of a wearer's body when used in a personal care absorbent article or a medical article. The laminate includes a breathable (preferably microporous) film and a fibrous nonwoven web. Both the film and the web are extendible in a cross direction to a width at least 25% greater than an original, unstretched width upon application of a stretching force. The web and the film, and the overall laminate, exhibit little or no retractive force once they have been stretched. A diaper or other garment can be constructed in undersized fashion using the laminate, permitting material savings. When the garment is worn, the laminate stretches only where needed to provide a substantially perfect fit on the wearer. The minimal retractive force avoids the skin marks, rashes, etc. that can result from elastic garments.

Abstract: An absorbent article is provided with a central region which is selectively stretchable in the longitudinal direction, and two end regions adjacent to the central region which are selectively stretchable in the lateral direction. When employed as a garment, such as a disposable diaper or pant-like absorbent garment, the central region provides selective longitudinal (front-to-back) stretching in the crotch area of the wearer, and the two end regions provide selective lateral (side-to-side) stretching in the front and back waist areas of the wearer.

Abstract: In disposable diaper, an absorbent product is composed of fluffed pulp, synthetic fibers, a super absorbent material, and the like, and includes elastic means disposed adjacent to both sides of the absorbent core so as to longitudinally traverse the absorbent core extending from the back to the stomach through the crotch when the disposable diaper is applied to the human body. Thus, when urine, feces, body fluids, and the like are discharged, even if the weight of the absorbent core is increased by absorbing the substances, the leakage of the substances can be prevented because the shape retention property of the disposable diaper can be maintained by the tension of the elastic materials longitudinally traversing the absorbent core.

Abstract: The present invention provides an absorbent article having front and rear regions corresponding to the front and rear of a wearer, respectively, and a crotch region between the front and rear regions. The article generally comprises a backsheet, a topsheet overlaying the backsheet, and a foam layer disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. An absorbent core also is located between the topsheet and the backsheet. The foam layer preferably extends from the front region, through the crotch, and into the back region. The foam layer is attached to the article, while in a laterally extended position, in at least one of the front and rear regions thereby elasticizing at least one region.

Abstract: The invention relates to an absorbent product having a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction, two side edges (414, 415) extending essentially in the longitudinal direction, two end edges (416, 417) extending essentially in the transverse direction, and comprising a liquid-permeable surface layer (405), a liquid impermeable surface layer (406), and an absorption body (407) arranged between the surface layers (405, 406), the absorption body (407) comprising a compressible absorbent material layer (418).

Abstract: An absorbent disposable undergarment comprises pants and an absorbent pad detachably attached to the pants. First suspending flaps hang down from an inner side of a stretchable waist-opening peripheral edge toward a crotch section of the pants. The first suspending flaps are provided with first fastening means. Second suspending flaps extend from longitudinally opposite end of an absorbent core of the pad. The second suspending flaps are provided with second fastening means which are releasably engaged with the first fastening means.

Abstract: An primary liquid retention layer material suitable for use in an incontinence garment includes a plurality of pleats defined by fold lines in at least one region of the composite. The fold lines are oriented in a first direction. The primary liquid retention layer is stretchable in a second direction perpendicular to the fold lines, between a first position where the pleats are substantially folded and a second position where the pleats are substantially unfolded or extended due to liquid loading, while the primary liquid retention layer remains substantially in the plane of the garment so as to not distort the wetted appearance of the garment. The primary liquid retention layer material is useful in incontinence garments where controlled regional stretching in a selected direction is desired.

Abstract: An absorbent garment comprising a longitudinally extending and laterally expandable absorbent composite having opposite ends and opposite side regions. The absorbent composite comprises a backsheet, a topsheet and a retention portion disposed between the backsheet and the topsheet. In one preferred embodiment, the backsheet and retention portion each comprise at least one fold formed along at least one of the opposite side regions, with the folds being interfolded. A pair of front body panels are attached to the opposite side regions of the absorbent composite adjacent one of the opposite ends of said absorbent composite and a pair of rear body panels are attached to the opposite side regions adjacent the other of the opposite ends of the absorbent composite. In a preferred embodiment, the front and rear body panels are joined to form a pair of side body panels. A method for using the absorbent garment also is provided, together with a method for assembling the absorbent garment.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin has a strip that extends rearwardly to reside in the intergluteal crevice. The pad is sized and configured to fit snugly against the wearer's body without penetrating the vaginal orifice. The strip provides improved body contact thus providing similar protection with a smaller pad and a discretion benefit to the user. The invention provides various alternative mechanisms for varying the length of the strip by the user.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article is provided which includes a substantially liquid-impermeable, stretchable outer cover, a liquid permeable, stretchable top surface, and an absorbent body located between the outer cover and the top surface. The stretchable top surface can further include a first zone and a second zone. The stretchable outer cover can be configured to provide a first level of elongation when subjected to a tensile force of 100 gmf per inch (per 2.54 cm) of width according to the Material Elongation and Deformation Tensile Test set forth herein, while the first zone provides a second level of elongation that is less than the first level of elongation.

Abstract: There is disclosed an absorbent article including: a liquid absorbing member having an absorbent core; a support body positioned on the lower side of the liquid absorbing member; and an elastic member for supporting the liquid absorbing member. The elastic member extends in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article and is fixed at its front and rear end portions on the support body. The elastic member is positioned at the widthwise central portion of the absorbent article. The support body is bent in the longitudinal direction by the tension of the elastic member, and the liquid absorbing member is deformed to bulge at its widthwise central portion away from the support body by the central elastic member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite laminated structure comprising a substrate and an apertured layer joined together by means of a layer of an adhesive composition. The laminated structure is made extensible in designated zones by mechanical straining and the adhesive composition provides both an effective connection of the layers forming the composite laminated structure and an improved processability of the laminated structure by mechanical straining. The composite laminated structure preferably constitutes side flaps in a disposable absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin.

Abstract: There is disclosed an absorbent article including: a support body for confronting an external wear; a liquid absorbing member positioned on the liquid-receiving side of the support body; two side wall sheets disposed on two sides of the support body lying opposite one another in the widthwise direction, the side wall sheets being separated from one another in the widthwise direction and being longitudinally attached at their root ends to the support body; and a connecting sheet connecting the two side wall sheets. The side wall sheets are individually subjected to elastic shrinking forces in the longitudinal direction for shrinking to raise the free ends thereof from the support body to the liquid-receiving side, and the liquid absorbing member is supported by the connecting sheet so that the liquid absorbing member is movable over the support body while being unattached directly to the support body.

Abstract: A personal care article including a resiliently stretchable outer cover and a substantially nonelastomeric grasping panel attached to the front portion of the article. The outer cover is resiliently stretchable in at least the cross-direction to conform to the body of a wearer. The grasping panel has a sufficient stiffness to allow a user to properly fasten a fastening apparatus onto a landing zone. The stiffness of the grasping panel is sufficient to prevent roll-up or wrinkling of the grasping panels or the front portion of the personal care article. The stiffness of the grasping is not too large such that the comfort of the wearer is compromised. In one embodiment the absorbent structure is secured to the outer cover by extendible attachment elements and the bodyside liner is not secured to the outer cover. In another embodiment the bodyside liner is extensible in at least the cross-direction and secured about the periphery to the outer cover.

Abstract: There is disclosed an absorbent article including: a surface structure having a liquid-permeable surface sheet located on a liquid-receiving side; a back sheet; and an absorbent core sandwiched between the surface structure and the back sheet. In an area including at least a centerline extending in a longitudinal direction of the absorbent article, the surface sheet is corrugated to form recesses and ridges extending in the longitudinal direction and alternating with each other in a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The ridges are given an elastically shrinking function in the longitudinal direction at least at their crests or vicinities thereof so that the surface structure is formed into a curved shape. The surface structure thus curved can fit the shape of a crotch. Therefore, the liquid is hard to flow in the transverse direction to prevent the leakage.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a support member comprising a top sheet, a backsheet, or an absorbent core, and a translational operative member for enhancing the capacity for containing bodily waste. The translational operative member is capable of being moved from one region of the article to another or within a region via a translating device. The translating device comprises a moisture sensitive element capable of expanding or contracting when wetted.