Abstract: The present invention relates to a disposable absorbent article, e.g. a diaper, having a backsheet, an absorbent core and a topsheet, said absorbent article having a length L, said topsheet having an opening and primary elasticated areas and secondary elasticated areas, the latter being curved or angled, having an overall curvature with a radius of from 0.3 L to 3.2L, wherein the average transverse distance between a primary elasticated area and a secondary elasticated area of a crotch side portion is preferably at least 15 mm.

Abstract: A disposable diaper having an attachment assembly including a subassembly bonded or attached to an exterior surface of a front waist region of the diaper and extending laterally from opposing side edges of the front waist region to form laterally opposing front ears. A reduced-size attachment panel is properly positioned and bonded to the subassembly to improve the functionality of a fastening system of the diaper without interfering with or limiting the extensibility of the diaper chassis, while minimizing the use of relatively expensive attachment panel material.

Abstract: A pull-on disposable diaper is composed of a front waist region, a rear waist region, a crotch region extending between these waist regions and a body fluid absorbing component formed on an inner side of these regions. The absorbing component is formed in the crotch region with a V-shaped first folding guide, a V-shaped second folding guide and a third folding guide extending in a transverse direction between the first and second folding guides. The absorbing component is folded along the third folding guide so that a core forming a part of the component may have its outer surface sections facing each other and along the first and second folding guides so that the core may have its inner surface sections facing each other.

Abstract: An absorbent article for personal wear has an outer cover, a bodyside liner adapted for contiguous relationship with the wearer's skin, and an absorbent structure disposed between the liner and the outer cover. The absorbent structure is secured to at least one of the liner and the outer cover within a securement zone. A central portion of the securement zone is disposed generally within a central region of the article and at least one outer portion of the securement zone is disposed longitudinally outward of the central portion thereof.

Abstract: A disposable diaper includes a backsheet comprising an elastic inner layer and an inelastic outer layer. The elastic inner layer, in a transversely stretched state, is joined to the inelastic outer layer at a plurality of intermittently disposed spots. The spots are lined up to form a series of imaginary lines disposed on a bias between the longitudinal and transverse directions of the disposable diaper. In each of areas between the spots, defined by a plurality of intersecting imaginary lines that pass through a plurality of the spots that are closely arranged in succession, the inelastic outer layer is free to separate from the elastic inner layer upon contraction (relaxation) of the elastic inner layer, and thereupon the outer layer forms a plurality of longitudinal pleats. The pleats, formed by relaxing the transversely stretched inner layer, are disposed in a direction that is substantially normal to the direction of stretching.

Abstract: An absorbent garment includes a body panel comprising a liquid permeable, non-woven material. The non-woven material is elastically gathered and is elongatable between a non-elongated condition and an elongated condition in response to an application of a tensile force. Preferably, the body panel is elongatable at least 75% between the non-elongated condition and the elongated condition upon the application of the tensile force. A fastener includes an adhesive that releasably engages the elastically gathered non-woven material. The fastener is releasably disengageable from the body panel in response to an application of a disengaging shear force. Preferably, the disengaging shear force is greater than the tensile force. Methods for manufacturing and using the absorbent garment are also provided.

Abstract: A disposable undergarment includes liquid-impervious skin-contactable sheets actually having a pair of belt-like strips spaced apart from and opposed to each other in a transverse direction of an undergarment and extending in a longitudinal direction of the undergarment along transversely opposite side edge portions of the undergarment. The skin-contactable sheets are attached to a skin-contactable surface of the undergarment so as to cover a panel. The skin-contactable sheets have fixed surface areas secured to longitudinally opposite end portions of the undergarment and free surface areas adapted to be spaced upward from the panel so that the skin-contactable surface may be partially surfaced between these skin-contactable sheets.

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 undergarment having a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core disposed therebetween. The core is placed in a crotch region and has front and rear end zones and a middle zone. Side portions of a first elastic member extend in the vicinity of front ends of transversely opposite side edge portions of the crotch region while a middle portion of the first elastic member extends across the front end zone. Side portions of a second elastic member extend in the vicinity of rear ends of the edge portions while a middle portion of the second elastic member extends across the rear end zone. The contraction of the first and second elastic members in the middle portions thereof is effectively used to maintain the front and rear end zones of a core in close contact with the wearer's skin.

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: Elastically stretchable disposable pants that include first and second lateral waist regions, which are formed in at least a front waist region with substantially inelastic guide zones arranged intermittently in the longitudinal direction. The pants thus constructed can be smoothly pulled up to a desired level at which the pants are properly worn.

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: An absorbent article including an absorbent structure is disclosed. The absorbent structure has an absorbent core and a plurality of discrete entities deposited on the absorbent core, wherein the combination of absorbent core and discrete entities form a body facing surface of the absorbent article.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article and method of forming the article are disclosed. The article has front and back panels, each having first and second zones. The first zone of each panel is extensible and retractable and the second zone of each panel is non-extensible and non-retractable. Each of the front and back panels has first and second side edges. An absorbent assembly is secured to the front and back panels. The absorbent assembly has a first end secured to the second zone of the front panel and a second end secured to the second zone of the back panel. The absorbent assembly is capable of being folded to enable the first and second side edges of the front panel to align with the first and second side edges of the back panel, respectively. A pair of seams join the front and back panels together at the first and second side edges to form a disposable absorbent article having a waist opening and a pair of leg openings.

Abstract: A disposable pant-like undergarment is disclosed which has a stretchable front panel and a stretchable back panel. An absorbent assembly having a liquid pervious bodyside liner, a liquid-impervious outer cover, and an absorbent positioned therebetween is secured to an outer surface of the front and back panels. The bodyside liner is partially overlapped by the front and back panels such that a physical barrier is established between a portion of the bodyside liner and the user's skin. The absorbent assembly is folded to enable the first and second panels to overlap one another and a pair of seams are formed which join the front and back panels together to create a pant-like undergarment having a waist opening and a pair of leg openings.

Abstract: 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 has 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: 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: An elastic absorbent article such as a sanitary towel, a panty liner or an incontinence pad includes an inner layer and an outer layer which are elastic and an intermediate absorption body which is non-elastic. The absorption body is connected to at least one of the inner and outer layers only in a central and small region and in that the region is visibly marked on the inner layer.

Abstract: An absorbent article having extensibility at waist panel is disclosed. The absorbent article includes a liquid pervious topsheet, an absorbent core disposed underneath the topsheet, and a chassis layer. A first or second waist panel includes a portion of the chassis layer. The chassis layer includes a plurality of spaced discontinuities regularly disposed in at least a portion of the first or second waist panel. The discontinuities are open to provide the chassis layer with extensibility in the transverse direction when the first or second waist panel is subjected to tension. The absorbent article also includes an extensibility controlling means to control the extensibility of the chassis layer.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a chassis having a front waist region with a front waistband, a back waist region with a back waistband, and a crotch region extending longitudinally between the front and back waist regions. An absorbent pad structure is sandwiched between an outer cover member and a bodyside liner. A suspension member is disposed at each longitudinal end of the absorbent pad structure, the suspension members having one end fusably bonded with a fusable thermoplastic material within the absorbent pad structure, and an opposite end attached to a respective waistband of the chassis. Upon the article being worn by a user, the absorbent pad structure is slideably disposed against the outer cover member such that the absorbent article is form-fitting without the absorbent pad structure impeding stretchability of the outer cover member.

Abstract: A pant-like absorbent article, such as a child's training pant, includes an outercover with at least three elastic regions, that is two in the side seam areas, and one in the central crotch areas. In an alternative, such articles include a fourth elastic region in the article waist band area. In this fashion, the article can demonstrate progressive stretch functionality to help accommodate various consumer body sizes and provide for more conforming fit and reduced leakage.

Abstract: A disposable undergarment includes a body panel and an absorbent insert having a back sheet connected to a top sheet and a retention portion disposed between the back sheet and the top sheet. At least one of the back sheet and the top sheet is stretchable and includes an elastic material. At least one of the back sheet and the top sheet is connected to the body panel. A method of using a disposable undergarment includes stretching at least one of the back sheet and the top sheet. A method of instructing a user on the use of the disposable undergarment is also provided.

Abstract: A disposable diaper having an attachment assembly including a subassembly bonded or attached to an exterior surface of a front waist region of the diaper and extending laterally from opposing side edges of the front waist region to form laterally opposing front ears. A reduced-size attachment panel is properly positioned and bonded to the subassembly to improve the functionality of a fastening system of the diaper without interfering with or limiting the extensibility of the diaper chassis, while minimizing the use of relatively expensive attachment panel material.

Abstract: A disposable diaper pant having laterally opposing side seams connecting a front waist region of the absorbent article to a back waist region of the absorbent article, and forming a chassis. The chassis having a percent extension at a waist region of at least about 40% in the cross-machine direction as measured between the side seams. Each side seam bonding an edge portion of the front waist region including a first portion of an extensible outer cover and an edge portion of the back waist region including a second portion of the extensible outer cover. An extensible fastener is bonded at each side seam.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a disposable undergarment includes elongating a body panel material in a first direction to an elongated condition, attaching a crotch member to the body panel material while the body panel material is in the elongated condition, and retracting the body panel material in the first direction from the elongated condition to a relaxed condition. A disposable undergarment, and a method for using the garment, are also provided.

Abstract: An undergarment includes a body panel and an crotch member. The crotch member includes first and second terminal edges and laterally opposed side edges. The crotch member has a longitudinally extending length defined between the first and second terminal edges. The crotch member is connected to the body panel at an attachment location, which is longitudinally spaced along the length of the crotch member from the first terminal edge thereof. The crotch member includes an unattached end portion that extends between the attachment location and the first terminal edge and that is unattached to the body panel. Methods of using and manufacturing the undergarment are also provided.

Abstract: An absorbent garment includes an extensible backsheet having opposite side regions, a liquid permeable topsheet having opposite side portions, and a retention portion having opposite side edges and an inner surface defining an area. The retention portion is disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet with the inner surface facing the topsheet and with the opposite side portions of the backsheet and the topsheet extending beyond the side edges of the retention portion. The opposite side portions of the topsheet are attached to the opposite side portions of the backsheet on opposite sides of the retention portion. Less than 30% of the area of the inner surface of the retention portion is attached to the topsheet. A method for absorbing bodily exudates with an absorbent garment is also provided.

Abstract: An absorbent garment includes a body panel comprising a liquid permeable, non-woven material. The non-woven material is elastically gathered and is elongatable between a non-elongated condition and an elongated condition in response to an application of a tensile force. Preferably, the body panel is elongatable at least 75% between the non-elongated condition and the elongated condition upon the application of the tensile force. A fastener includes an adhesive that releasably engages the elastically gathered non-woven material. The fastener is releasably disengageable from the body panel in response to an application of a disengaging shear force. Preferably, the disengaging shear force is greater than the tensile force. Methods for manufacturing and using the absorbent garment are also provided.

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: An absorbent garment includes an extensible backsheet, a liquid permeable topsheet, a retention portion, and an outer surface. The retention portion is between the topsheet and the backsheet with the outer surface facing the backsheet and with the opposite side portions of the backsheet and the topsheet extending beyond the side edges of the retention portion. The opposite side portions of the topsheet are attached to the opposite side portions of the backsheet on opposite sides of the retention portion. Less than 30% of the area of the outer surface of the retention portion is attached to the backsheet. In one embodiment, the retention portion is freefloating between the backsheet and topsheet. In one embodiment, the topsheet is extensible. In another embodiment, less than 30% of an inner surface of the retention portion is attached to the topsheet. In another embodiment, the retention portion includes at least one fold.

Abstract: A disposable diaper including a laminated panel that includes a liquid-pervious topsheet, a liquid-impervious backsheet and a liquid-absorbent core disposed therebetween. Side flaps of the panel are provided with leg-opening elastic members rectilinearly extending longitudinally thereof between the front and rear waist regions and secured under tension to the respective side flaps, the rear waist regions of the panel is provided between the respective side edges of the core and the respective leg-opening elastic members with a pair of stretchable regions being elastically stretchable transversely of the panel.

Abstract: Here is disclosed a disposable diaper improved to be easily put on the wearer. Top- and backsheets in front and rear waist regions of the diaper includes the top- and backsheets that have an elastic stretchability transversely of the diaper, and transversely opposite side edges of the diaper includes top- and backsheets intended to surround the wearer's legs having elastic stretchability longitudinally and transversely of the diaper.

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 laminate including an elastic nonwoven layer and a barrier film layer can stretch freely and provide a high level of breathability. The elastic layer and the film layer can be minimally bonded to one another, such as around a periphery of one or both layers. The laminate is particularly suitable for making absorbent articles.

Abstract: A disposable diaper includes a cover member having an hourglass-shape and a-separate liquid-absorbent member composed of a liquid-permeable topsheet, a liquid-impermeable backsheet and a liquid-absorbent core. The cover member has an elastic stretchability along the upper ends of front and waist regions, and these front and rear waist regions are connected or connectable along transversely opposite side edges thereof. The liquid-absorbent member includes first and second elastically stretchable members that extend circumferentially across portions of the front and rear waist regions lying immediately above the crotch region. Longitudinally opposite ends of these elastically stretchable members are bonded to the transversely opposite side edges of the cover member.

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 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: Absorbent article such as a diaper and an incontinence guard comprising a liquid permeable topsheet (2), a liquid impermeable backsheet (3) and an absorbent body (4) enclosed therebetween, said article having a front portion (5), a rear portion (6) and a crotch portion (7), therebetween, whereby the front and rear portion exhibits side flaps (8, 9), which are intended to attach the article to a pantlike shape around the waist of the user. The article has at least one pre-stressed elastic means (11a) and at least attached to the back sheet, that said first elastic means (11a) is brought in an essentially V-shaped pattern having the peak of the pattern located to a first point (13) being essentially located on a imagined longitudinal center line (12) in said crotch portion (7) and that the V-shaped elastic means (11a) diverge in the direction from said longitudinal center line (12) toward the front portion (5).

Abstract: Provided is a sanitary panty including a front part, a back part, a crotch part positioned between the front part and the back part, and a waist portion formed by upper end portions of the front part and the back part. A pair of leg openings are formed below joining portions between side edges of the front part and side edges of the back part. A suspending member is formed with a stretchable material and extended from the front part, the crotch part and the back part. The suspending member is gradually reduced a width from the waist portion to the crotch part in the back part. An extension cloth extends from both sides of the suspending member to the leg openings at least in the crotch part.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a liquid impervious backsheet joined to a liquid permeable topsheet with an absorbent core disposed therebetween. The joined topsheet and backsheet includes an extensible portion that is non-elastically, laterally extensible having a percent elongation of at least about 125%. A pair of elastomeric side panels is joined to a portion of the joined topsheet and backsheet near the extensible portion. Each of the side panels is elastically laterally extensible such that the force required to elongate the side panels a select percent elongation is less than the force required to elongate the extensible portion of the joined topsheet and backsheet an equivalent select percent elongation.

Abstract: A shorts-type absorbent article having leg region forming members 71, 71 arranged in an elongated state at a pair of leg regions 70 arranged around a wearer's leg, wherein each of the leg region elastic members comprises a first and a second elastic member 71a, 71b and the first and second elastic members do not exhibit elastic expansible/contractible property at least at a central area of the portion where the absorbent core exists, and the predetermined parts of the first and second elastic members are fixed to the component of the absorbent article by a second fixing means S, S.

Abstract: The present invention provides a disposable absorbent article comprising a stretchable multilayer chassis that defines an inner surface and an outer surface, an absorbent body having an inner surface and an outer surface wherein the stretchable multilayer chassis is stretchable in at least the cross-machine direction, and the absorbent body is affixed to the inner surface of the multilayer stretchable chassis such that in use, the inner surface of the absorbent body lies against the wearer and the stretchable multilayer chassis stretches about the wearer independently in at least the cross-machine direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides an absorbent core defining a surface area, a stretchable multilayer chassis defining a surface area, wherein the multiplayer chassis is stretchable in at least the cross-machine direction, wherein the stretchable multilayer chassis comprises at least a stretchable bodyside liner and stretchable outer cover such that the absorbent core is affixed to at least one layer of the stretchable multilayer chassis, wherein the percentage ratio of the surface area of the absorbent core to the surface area of the stretchable multilayer chassis is less than about 50%.

Abstract: A disposable, one-piece swimsuit for girls includes a bodice attached to a chassis. The bodice is designed to provide upper torso coverage while the chassis can include absorbent and containment features. The upper torso coverage contributes to social decency and also protects the wearer's skin against excessive exposure to the sun. The absorbent and containment features can either be integrated within the chassis or can be in the form of a separate, pant-like, absorbent garment covered by the chassis.

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: The present invention relates to absorbent articles and non-absorbent articles which comprise at least one improved double-sided soft and elastic material composite. The composites according to the invention may also be breathable. The composites are produced by incrementally stretching a laminate of an elastic layer between two non-elastic cloth-like layers. The non-elastic cloth-like layers tear during stretching such that the elasticity of the laminate after stretching is substantially the same as the elasticity of the film elastic layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides an absorbent garment including a main chassis having an attachment region, an absorbent portion attached to the main chassis at an attachment region, and an elastic portion operatively associated with the main chassis. The attachment region is substantially inelastic prior to the absorbent portion being attached to the main chassis.

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: A disposable absorbent article is provided which includes a substantially liquid-impermeable, extensible outer cover, a liquid permeable, extensible bodyside liner, and an absorbent body located between the outer cover and the bodyside liner. The extensible outer cover and extensible bodyside liner can be configured to provide a substantially permanent deformation of at least about 10 percent 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.