Abstract: A disposable absorbent article is provided which includes a substantially liquid-impermeable outer cover, a liquid permeable bodyside liner, an absorbent body located between the outer cover and the bodyside liner, and a pair of leg elastics located on the laterally opposed side edges of the article in at least the intermediate section of the article. The outer cover 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. The permanent deformation of the outer cover in use can result in the article having a substantially permanent leg elastic deformation value of at least about 3 percent when subjected to the Product Deformation Test set forth herein.

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 disposable absorbent article is provided which includes a substantially liquid-impermeable outer cover, a liquid permeable bodyside liner, an absorbent body located between the outer cover and the bodyside liner, and a pair of fasteners located on the laterally opposed side edges in one of the waist sections of the absorbent article. The outer cover 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. The outer cover can further define a water vapor transmission rate of at least about 800 g/m2/24 hr. The permanent deformation of the outer cover in use can result in a longitudinal breathability gradient ratio between the outer cover in the waist section and the crotch or intermediate section of the article of at least about 1.25 according to the Product Deformation Test set forth herein.

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: A pant-like, prefastened, disposable absorbent article having two leg openings which are directly below and visible through a waist opening. The waist opening has a relaxed waist opening measurement or relaxed waist diameter that is greater than a width of a chassis of the absorbent article in a crotch region. As such, the wearer's legs are positioned within and through the leg openings for easy application of the pant-like prefastened, disposable absorbent article. After initial application of the absorbent article, a waist size adjustment feature allows the waist perimeter dimension to be adjusted to conform the waist opening to the waist of the wearer.

Abstract: A pant-like, prefastened, disposable absorbent article having elastic and/or extensible components to provide a Percent Fit Range of at least about 33%, more desirably about 80% to about 150%. The disposable absorbent article has prefastened fasteners to allow for easy donning of the article. After initial donning of the article, a waist size adjustment feature allows the waist perimeter dimension to be adjusted to conform the waist opening to the waist of the wearer.

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: 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 disposable diaper includes a backsheet consisting essentially of an elastic inner layer and an inelastic outer layer made of fibrous material. The inelastic outer layer is joined to the elastic inner layer in its stretched state at a plurality of spots for joining intermittently arranged on the elastic inner layer in its stretched state. In each of areas enclosed by a plurality of intersecting lines each defined by a plurality of the spots for joining closely arranged in succession, the inelastic outer layer is free to float off from the elastic inner layer and thereupon to form a plurality of pleats as the elastic inner layer is made free to contact.

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: 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: A personal care article for preventing exudates from contacting the body of a user comprises a substrate including an extensible bodyside liner layer, and an aperture support structure limiting extensibility of the bodyside liner layer along the length of the aperture support structure. One support band of an aperture support structure runs through the gluteal fold between the buttocks of a user. The aperture support structure positions an aperture in the bodyside liner layer in the gluteal fold of a user, in alignment with the anus, so that fecal material enters a containment receptacle upon leaving the anus. In another embodiment, the personal care article can include a comfort stretch layer comprising an elastomeric, hot melt, pressure-sensitive adhesive located between a bodyside liner layer and an outer layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a nonwoven web comprising a plurality of first regions and a plurality of second regions comprised of the same material and being visually distinct from each other, wherein the first regions will exhibit resistive forces in response to an applied elongation along at least one axis before a substantial portion of the second regions develop significant resistive forces to the applied elongation.

Abstract: Hot-melt adhesive compositions of atactic polypropylene and isotactic polypropylene are particularly suitable for bonding non-woven elastic composites. A selected amount of isotactic polypropylene is blended with a selected amount of atactic polypropylene to prepare an adhesive composition having one or more performance properties (e.g., bond strength) that are superior to the performance properties of conventional hot-melt adhesives.

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 personal care article for preventing exudates from contacting the body of a user comprises a substrate including an extensible bodyside liner layer, and an aperture support structure limiting extensibility of the bodyside liner layer along the length of the aperture support structure. One support band of an aperture support structure runs through the gluteal fold between the buttocks of a user. The aperture support structure positions an aperture in the bodyside liner layer in the gluteal fold of a user, in alignment with the anus, so that fecal material enters a containment receptacle upon leaving the anus. In another embodiment, the personal care article can include a comfort stretch layer comprising an elastomeric, hot melt, pressure-sensitive adhesive located between a bodyside liner layer and an outer layer.

Abstract: A pant-like absorbent garment having removable side panels that are releasable and refastenable, such that the resulting garment can be opened and closed on either a front side of the garment or a back side of the garment on either a left side or a right side of the garment. Furthermore, the removable side panels can be reused with a disposable chassis portion of the garment.

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.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article is provided which includes a substantially liquid-impermeable outer cover, a liquid permeable bodyside liner, an absorbent body located between the outer cover and the bodyside liner, and a pair of fasteners located on the laterally opposed side edges in one of the waist sections of the absorbent article. The outer cover 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. The outer cover can further define a water vapor transmission rate of at least about 800 g/m2/24 hr. The permanent deformation of the outer cover in use can result in a lateral breathability gradient ratio between the outer cover in the waist section and the crotch or intermediate section of the article of at least about 1.25 according to the Product Deformation Test set forth herein.

Abstract: A disposable undergarment 1A includes an absorbent panel and a stretchable skin-facing sheet 7 positioned on a skin-facing side 2 of the panel 6. The skin-facing sheet 7 has fixed regions 7a lying on longitudinally opposite end regions 1a of the undergarment 1A, a middle region 7b normally biased to be spaced apart upward from the panel 6, transversely opposite side edge regions 7c transversely inward to define leg-holes and an opening 8 formed in the middle region 7b in a manner that a basis weight of the skin-facing sheet 7 is higher in the transversely opposite side edge regions 7c than in the remaining region and a tensile stress of the skin-facing sheet 7 is higher in the transversely opposite side edge regions 7c than in the remaining region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an elastic absorbent article such as a sanitary towel, a panty liner or an incontinence pad. The invention is characterized in that the inner layer 1 and the outer layer 2 are elastic and in that the intermediate absorption body 3 is non-elastic, in that the absorption body 3 is connected to at least one of the said inner and outer layers only in a central and tiny region and in that the said region 4 is visibly marked on the liquid-permeable inner layer 1.

Abstract: A disposable, absorbent pants-type diaper includes a front-part (1), a back-part (2), a crotch-part (3) between the front and back parts (1, 2), at least two side-closure parts (12, 13) which mutually join parts of the side-edges (4, 5) of respective front and back parts, so that the pants will present a waist opening (9) and two leg openings (10, 11). The diaper pants further include an elongated absorbent pad (14), an inner casing layer (15), and an outer casing layer (16). At least one of the respective front and back parts (1, 2) has at least one elastically stretchable region (29, 30). The crotch-part (3) is essentially non-stretchable in relation to the stretchable region (29, 30). At least one of respective end-parts (17, 18) of the absorbent pad (14) is disposed within one of the elastically stretchable regions (29, 30), while the center-part (19) of the absorbent pad is disposed within the relatively non-stretchable crotch-part (3) of the pants.

Abstract: Disclosed elastically stretchable disposable pants 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 ready-to-wear pull-up type absorbent article such as a diaper is provided which has a waist region comprising a front waist region and a back waist region, and a pair of complimentary fasteners in the respective regions. The front waist region comprises a pair of loop fasteners and the back waist region comprises a pair of hook strips each aligned for releasable engagement with a corresponding loop strip in the front waist region. In lieu of hook strips, the back waist region may include one or more tape tabs each having one surface attached to the back waist region and an opposed hook surface for releasable engagement with a correspondingly aligned loop surface. A weakened line, e.g., a perforated line may be provided in the front waist region which can be readily torn away in order to inspect the diaper.

Abstract: A disposable pants-type diaper is composed of a pair of sheets each having longitudinally opposite end portions extending in a transverse direction and transversely opposite side edge portions extending in a longitudinal direction. The pair of sheet are bonded together in desired zones including the transversely opposite side portions to form a disposable pants-type diaper. The pair of sheets are placed upon each other so that one of the transversely opposite side edge portions is destined to lie on a belly side of the diaper and the other thereof is destined to lie on the rear side of the diaper.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hydrogel-forming polymeric material including a first compound which is a superabsorbent polymer and a second compound present in the first as a dispersed phase including an elastomeric material effective to increase the fracture resistance of the superabsorbent. The material is prepared from a first compound including carboxylic-functional polyelectrolytes in combination with a crosslinkers reactive with carboxyl or carboxylate groups and an effective amount of a second compound including an aqueous dispersion of a rubbery material. In one preferred embodiment, the fracture resistant polymer is prepared from monomer/crosslinker solution mixed with latex.

Abstract: A disposable diaper has a covering member adapted to cover a wearer's crotch and waist regions. The covering member includes an elastically stretchable first layer and an inelastically stretchable second layer formed with a plurality of continuous fibers. The continuous fibers are fixed to the first layer in at least two bonding zones. The covering member presents a particularly large value of L/D, a ratio of a length L of each continuous fiber and a distance D in straight line between each pair of the adjacent bonding zones.

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 outer surface defining an area. The retention portion is disposed 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 preferred embodiment, the retention portion is freefloating between the backsheet and topsheet. In one preferred embodiment, the topsheet is extensible. In another preferred embodiment, less than 30% of an inner surface of the retention portion is attached to the topsheet.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a breathable microporous film is disclosed. The breathable microporous film is made by stretching a mixture of a thermoplastic resin and inorganic fillers at least in one direction. At least a part of the breathable microporous film is deformed such that Z number specified by equation (1) is 3.0 or above, wherein MS: average material strain at break of breathable microporous film; AS: average applied strain for deformation; N: neck down prevention coefficient; &sgr;MS: standard deviation of material strain at break; &sgr;AS: standard deviation of applied strain.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin includes an absorbent body enclosed between an outer, liquid-impermeable casing sheet and an inner liquid-permeable casing sheet that lies proximal to the wearer's body when the napkin is in use; two side-bodies disposed laterally outside the side-edges of the absorbent body on both sides thereof, at least in the central part of the napkin, the side-bodies being separate from the absorbent body and joined to at least the outer casing sheet; and a pre-stretched elastic extending transversely between the two side-bodies which is disposed exterior to the outer casing sheet and distal to the wearer's body when the napkin is in use. The pre-stretched elastic extends laterally outside the absorbent body on both sides thereof and is attached at portions thereof to at least one of the outer casing sheet and the side-bodies.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a liquid permeable topsheet 2, a liquid impermeable backsheet 3, and a liquid retentive absorbent member 4 interposed between the topsheet 2 and the backsheet 3, the topsheet 2 and the backsheet 3 being joined by sealing to form sealed parts S, in which the backsheet has a tear strength of 120 to 500 cN.

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: A disposable diaper includes a briefs-type cover component having an elastic stretchability in a vertical direction of the diaper, and an absorbent component including topsheet and backsheet both being not elastically stretchable and a liquid-absorbent core disposed therebetween. The absorbent component is suspended inside the cover component by suspender means made of non-stretchable sheets and having pleats adapted to be flattened out in a vertical direction of the diaper.

Abstract: A disposable diaper includes a cover member presenting 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 end of front or rear waist region 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 circumferentially extending across portions of the front and rear trunk 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: An integral absorbent article has a longitudinal article length and a lateral article width. The article includes an absorbent composite having first and second longitudinally opposed end regions, laterally opposed side regions, a bodyside surface, an outward surface, and a first longitudinally terminal end edge. The absorbent composite further includes a substantially liquid-impermeable backsheet layer; a liquid permeable topsheet layer; and a retention portion sandwiched between said backsheet and topsheet layers. An extensible outercover is joined to extend over a major portion of said outward surface of the said absorbent composite. The extensible outercover is desirably capable of providing a the selected elongation when subjected to a tensile force. The extensible outercover is also desirably capable of providing a selected, sustained deformation, when subjected to an applied tensile force and then allowed to relax after a removal of the applied force.

Abstract: A three dimensional disposable panty for holding a sanitary pad. The panty may have elasticized leg and waist openings and be stretchable about the hip and stomach regions of a user. The panty provides backup leakage protection to the sanitary pad. The panty includes an absorbent barrier composite positioned in the crotch area and extending into the body of the disposable panty front and back and over the leg elastics to trap pad leakage inside the pant and prevent liquid strike through onto outer clothing and bed linen.

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 disposable pull-on garment is provided along at least one of front and rear regions an auxiliary flap. The auxiliary flap is elastic circumferentially of the garment and has its circumferentially opposite side edges unitized with the waist region along transversely opposite side edges of this waist region.