Abstract: A disposable pull-on undergarment includes a pair of leg-openings provided with elastic members. Each of the elastic members extends along a peripheral edge of the leg-openings and is spaced outward from each of transversely opposite side edges of the core by a distance which is larger in any one of the front and rear waist regions than the other of them as measured in a substantially middle zone of a crotch region. Along a folding line Y extending in the transverse direction to divide the undergarment in upper and lower halves, the undergarment is folded toward any one of the front and rear waist regions in which the distance is relatively large.

Abstract: A disposable diaper includes a top sheet, a back sheet, and a liquid absorbent core disposed therebetween. The diaper has openings, which pass through the top sheet and the core, and are formed in at least the crotch region of the diaper. The back sheet has a free portion which is disposed beneath the core and extendible downwards in its thickness direction. The back sheet further has a fixed edge portion which is outside an outer periphery of the free portion and fixed to the top sheet. A plurality of longitudinally extending contractible elastic members are disposed at least in the free portion and the fixed edge portion. A plurality of transversely extending gathers are formed under the contraction of the elastic members.

Abstract: A disposable pull-on wearing article wherein: a body fluid absorbent assembly of a disposable pull-on wearing article is formed in a crotch region with a pair of inwardly folded portions on both sides of a longitudinal center line. The body fluid absorbent assembly comprises an hourglass-shaped core and a cover sheet used to cover this core. The core is formed its both side edges with notches and respective regions of the cover sheet lying in these notches are provided with a pair of crotch region elastic members extending in a back-and-forth direction and intersecting folding guide lines.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article is disclosed having a waist opening and a pair of leg openings. The absorbent article has first, second and third pairs of leg elastics secured between an outer cover and an inner liner. The first, second and third leg elastics are arranged around each of the pair of leg openings with each of the third pair of leg elastics being positioned intermediate one of each of the first and second pairs of leg elastics. Each of the third pair of leg elastics is also separated from one of the first pair of leg elastics by a first gap and from one of the second pair of leg elastics by a second gap.

Abstract: An absorbent article (10) such as a sanitary napkin includes an elongate absorbent core (12) delimited by an upper surface (14) and a lower surface (16). A pair of opposed longitudinal edge portions (18, 20) terminates in longitudinal edges (22, 24) and a pair of opposed transverse edges (26, 28). The core has a first end portion (30), a second end portion (32) and a central portion (34) located between the end portions. A liquid permeable topsheet (36) extends over the upper surface (14), and a liquid barrier backsheet (42) covers the lower surface (16) of the absorbent core (12). Leakage barriers (68, 70), each barrier covering a longitudinal edge portion (18, 20) in a respective longitudinal edge portion (18, 20), forms liquid-retaining pockets along each longitudinal edge portion.

Abstract: An open-type disposable wearing article composed of a front waist region, a rear waist region and a crotch region. These regions are all elastically stretchable. The article includes first and second stretchable zones respectively bifurcated at a transverse middle of the crotch region so as to extend to lateral zones of the front and rear waist regions, respectively, and third stretchable zones defined by zones other than the first and second stretchable zones. The first and second stretchable zones exhibit a stretch stress higher than a stretch stress of the third stretchable zones. Loop members are provided to the second stretchable zone in the lateral zones of the rear waist region and hook members are provided to the first stretchable zone in the lateral zones of the front waist region.

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: The present invention pertains to a porous, macroscopically-expanded, three-dimensional, elastomeric web suitable for use in elasticized portions of disposable absorbent articles such as bandages, diapers and pull-up diaper training pants. In a preferred embodiment the web has a continuous first surface and a discontinuous second surface remote from first surface. An elastomeric web of the present invention preferably comprises a formed film having at least two polymeric layers, with at least one of the layers being an elastomer and at least one of the other layers being a substantially less elastomeric skin layer. In a preferred embodiment the elastomeric web exhibits a multiplicity of primary apertures in the first surface of the web, the primary apertures being defined in the plane of the first surface by a continuous network of interconnecting members. Each interconnecting member exhibits an upwardly concave-shaped cross-section along its length.

Abstract: A brief-type diaper includes an outer layer sheet, an inner layer sheet, an absorber, an elastic member, and a pair of leg openings. The outer layer sheet has a substantially cirqular external shape, the elastic member is stretched on the upper surface of the outer layer sheet along the outer circumferential fringe thereof. When the elastic member contracts, the brief-type diaper is formed with a waist opening free of joints.

Abstract: A disposable undergarment includes a front body panel having a body side and a garment side, a rear body panel having a body side and a garment side, and an absorbent composite connected to the front body panel and having a front terminal edge and a rear terminal edge. The rear terminal edge of the absorbent composite is connected to the garment side of the rear body panel. The front terminal edge of the absorbent composite may be connected to the body side of the front body panel. The front body panel and/or the rear body panel may be stretchable and may include an elastic material. A method of using the disposable undergarment includes stretching at least one of the front body panel and the rear body panel.

Abstract: A disposable pants-type diaper includes a front waist region sheet, a rear waist region sheet and a body fluid absorbent pad. The front and rear waist region sheets are bonded together in the vicinity of transversely opposite side edges thereof and the pad is curved in a U-shape and has longitudinally opposite ends bonded to the inner side of the front and rear waist region sheets. Periphery of a lower edge of the front waist region sheet draws a curve which is convex upward and this-lower edge intersects transversely opposite side edges of the pad to define tops of a pair of leg-holes. A first elastic member extending along the lower edge of the front waist region sheet intersects third elastic members of the pad in the vicinity of the tops and then descend rearward of the diaper.

Abstract: A method of producing an elasticized member having two different degrees of stretch, to be used in an absorbent product. The method involves stretching an elastic member by a first amount and securing part of it in the stretched condition to an inelastic web, while a second portion of the elastic member is stretched by a second amount and secured in the stretched position to the first web or to a second web. Differentially stretched products produced by the method can be used to provide advantages in terms of material savings and elasticity effects in absorbent products.

Abstract: An integral disposable elasticized absorbent article has a front waist portion, a back waist portion, a crotch portion, a pair of spaced apart leg openings, an absorbent core member, and means for tightly fitting the absorbent body to the body of the wearer. The absorbent article has a barrier layer which comprises one or more segments overlying portions of the absorbent core member, and defining one or more retaining enclosures between the barrier layer segments and the underlying portion of the absorbent core member.

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 disposable pant-like undergarment is disclosed having stretchable front and back panels. An elastic band is secured to at least one of the front and back panels. The elastic band has a retracted length less than the retracted length of the panel to which it is secured. An absorbent assembly including a liquid pervious bodyside liner, a liquid-impervious outer cover, and an absorbent positioned therebetween, is secured to the front and back panels. The absorbent assembly is capable of being folded to enable the front panel to overlap the back panel. A pair of seams joins the front panel, the back panel and the elastic band together at their side edges to form a pant-like undergarment having a waist opening and a pair of leg openings. The elastic band creates a snug fit at the waist opening.

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: An absorbent article includes a liquid-permeable top layer, a liquid-impermeable back layer, and a liquid retentive absorbent member, interposed between the top layer and the back layer. The absorbent member is arranged to form an opposing pair of barrier cuffs which are within longitudinal edges of the top layer and extend along the longitudinal edges. A pocket portion is formed between the pair of barrier cuffs.

Abstract: Disclosed is a film formed from an elastomeric, hot melt, pressure-sensitive adhesive, with at least two different dimensions in the Z axis resulting in areas of differential tension when the film is stretched. The elastomeric and adhesive film further forms a liquid barrier. The elastomeric, hot melt, pressure-sensitive adhesive film with differential tension is particularly suitable for making a disposable absorbent garment.

Abstract: Here is disclosed a composite sheet comprising substantially non-stretchable nonwoven fabric sheets and a plurality of elastic members extending in a transverse direction and spaced one from another in a longitudinal direction by a given spacing wherein the elastic members are secured in a stretched state to the nonwoven fabric sheets. The composite sheet has a plurality of gathers formed by slightly undulated surface of the nonwoven fabric sheets and the elastic members and these gathers are substantially continuous in the longitudinal direction and arranged at substantially regular intervals in the transverse direction.

Abstract: A disposable diaper having a front section, rear section, crotch portion, and a waist band. A soft padding is provided on the waist band. Padding is also provided on the edge portions surrounding the leg holes.

Abstract: A disposable diaper including a fluid-permeable topsheet, a fluid-impermeable backsheet and a fluid-retentive absorbent core interposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, the disposable diaper being formed in a substantially vertically elongated configuration and having a stomach side, a back side and a crotch region positioned between the stomach side and the back side, wherein a second absorbent core is disposed at an outside region of each opposite side edge of the absorbent core at the crotch region along a longitudinal direction of the diaper, and an elastic member disposed at the region where the lateral absorbent cores are disposed along a longitudinal direction of the diaper.

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 form-fitting, pant-like, absorbent garment that does not result in bagging and wrinkling of the bodyside liner. The garment has a stretchable outer cover and a non-stretchable bodyside liner with a free-floating absorbent assembly located between the stretchable outer cover and the non-stretchable bodyside liner. A pair of highly stretchable side panels and/or at least one highly stretchable waist member are attached to the non-stretchable bodyside liner. The total transverse stretchability of the side panels is roughly equal to the transverse stretchability of the outer cover, thereby enabling the outer cover to stretch freely without inhibiting the non-stretchable bodyside liner. Alternatively, or additionally, the total longitudinal stretchability of the waist members is roughly equal to the longitudinal stretchability of the outer cover, thereby also enabling the outer cover to stretch freely without inhibiting the non-stretchable bodyside liner.

Abstract: A disposable waste containment article includes a waste containment structure that has an absorbent composite which is positioned between the wearer and cover, and a pair of containment flaps operatively joined to the waste containment structure. The waste containment structure defines an open volume well formed between the absorbent core and the containment flaps for receiving directly and holding solid body exudates. Methods are provided for making the waste containment article.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article for personal wear has an inner layer, an outer layer and an absorbent body disposed therebetween. Containment flaps are secured to the inner layer of the article, with each flap having a first layer extending outward from the inner layer of the article to a distal end of the flap. A generally liquid permeable second layer of the flap extends in opposed relation with a medial surface of the flap first layer of the flap and is free from fixed engagement therewith along at least a portion thereof whereby the flap second layer and the portion of the medial surface of the flap first layer define a surge chamber therebetween for receiving liquid body waste. The inner layer of the disposable article is interposed between the surge chamber and the absorbent body.

Abstract: A semi-disposable and/or non disposable diaper system for babies and adults comprises a non-disposable diaper cover, made of PVC and polypropylene completed by a double diaper system. The double diaper system comprises one non-disposable diaper made of layers of gauze one on top of the other or of layers of gauze and absorbent material of polypropylene. Another disposable diaper of the double diaper system is made of cellulose and super-absorbent polymer. Both diapers are designed in an anatomical shape and size that together with the diaper cover work as only one piece.

Abstract: A disposable diaper includes antislip elements having a frictional force higher than those of end flaps and side flaps. These antislip elements are attached to portions of the end flap extending immediately outside transversely opposite ends of a waist elastic member on the side of these portions facing away from the diaper wearer's skin. The waist elastic member is, in turn, attached to the end flap.

Abstract: A targeted elastic laminate material is provided having at least one low tension zone with first filaments having a first basis weight and at least one high tension zone having second filaments with a second basis weight greater than the first basis weight. The second basis weight is greater due to increased average thickness of the second filaments and/or increased frequency of second filaments relative to the first filaments. Methods and modifications of those methods are provided to produce a targeted elastic laminate material according to the preferred embodiments of this invention.

Abstract: A disposable pull-on garment is disclosed. The pull-on garment has a waist opening and leg openings. The pull-on garment comprises an absorbent main body and a ring-like elastic belt. The absorbent main body comprises a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet and an absorbent core disposed therebetween. The absorbent main body has a longitudinal centerline, longitudinal side edges, transverse end edges, a front waist panel, a back waist panel and a crotch panel. The front waist panel and the back waist panel are not joined directly. The ring-like elastic belt comprises an outer layer having a transverse waist end and a transverse abdomen end. The ring-like elastic belt is joined to the front waist panel and the back waist panel of the absorbent main body to form one waist opening and two leg openings. The ring-like elastic belt is not disposed in the crotch panel of the absorbent main body. The disposable pull-on garment further comprises a patch printed with a graphic thereon.

Abstract: This disclosure describes an absorbent article, preferably a diaper, having improved stretchability. Specifically, a portion of the waist region of the absorbent article that contains a connection mechanism is stretched by applying a predetermined force to the waist region and connection mechanism. The waist region stretches more than about 125% of its original width when an 800 gram force is applied, and the connection mechanism stretches by more than about 200% of its original width, when an 800 gram force is applied. The absorbent article has improved flexibility and is capable of fitting a variety of wearer sizes.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article is provided in a generally flat, open condition. The disposable absorbent article has a central body that includes an absorbent core, a front longitudinal edge, and a rear longitudinal edge opposite the front longitudinal edge. The front and rear edges partially define front and rear waist portions, respectively, of the central body. The central body is further characterized by a longitudinal centerline extending across the front and rear edges. The disposable absorbent article also has a pair of elasticized side panels that extend longitudinally adjacent opposite lateral sides of the central body. Each side panel has a front longitudinal edge and a rear longitudinal edge opposite the front longitudinal edge, and a front or rear fastening element positioned adjacent the front or rear edge. The front edge of the side panel is positioned closer to the front waist portion than the rear edge.

Abstract: A disposable undergarment includes first, second and third elastic members. The first elastic members have first both side portions extending in a longitudinal direction and a first middle portion extending across a crotch region. A second elastic member has second both side portions and a middle portion extending across the crotch region. The third elastic members have first connecting portions merged into the first both side portions and second connecting portions extending to be merged into the second both side portions. By such an arrangement, tensile stress of the third elastic member can be adequately utilized to keep the undergarment in tight contact with the wearer's thigh.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a porous, macroscopically-expanded, three-dimensional, elastomeric web suitable for use in elasticized portions of disposable absorbent articles such as bandages, diapers and pull-up diaper training pants. In a preferred embodiment the web has a continuous first surface and a discontinuous second surface remote from first surface. An elastomeric web of the present invention preferably comprises a formed film having at least two polymeric layers, with at least one of the layers being an elastomer and at least one of the other layers being a substantially less elastomeric skin layer. In a preferred embodiment the elastomeric web exhibits a multiplicity of primary apertures in the first surface of the web, the primary apertures being defined in the plane of the first surface by a continuous network of interconnecting members. Each interconnecting member exhibits an upwardly concave-shaped cross-section along its length.

Abstract: A method of applying leg elastics to absorbent garments involves varying the number and position of feed nips and idler rolls and optimizing the tension between multiple elastic members. The elastic members are bonded to a substrate with variable tension. More particularly, higher tension is provided in the areas of the garment where greater gasketing pressure is required, while lower tension is provided in areas where greater comfort is desired and high gasketing pressure is not needed. Furthermore, each elastic member may vary in degrees of tension from the other elastic members. The resulting garments have optimized comfort, fit and containment about the 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: Stretchable film laminates including a layer of elastomeric openwork, such as a plurality of elastic strands or an elastomeric mesh structure. The stretchable film laminates may include a film layer bonded to the layer of elastomeric openwork, with the film layer having cross-directional stretch and the laminate having a multi-phase stretchability profile. The stretchable film laminates may be made by extruding a film from a die, stretching the film, forming and stretching a layer of elastomeric openwork, conveying the stretched elastomeric openwork onto the film while the film is stretched, and passing the film and the elastomeric openwork through a nip. The invention also includes a machine capable of producing machine-direction, cross-direction, and biaxial stretch materials. The machine includes at least one extruder, at least one filament die and at least one film die both attached to the extruder(s), and at least one nip downstream of the extruder(s).

Abstract: A diaper type undergarment for a semi-incontinent male is disclosed. The diaper type undergarment includes overlapping absorbent panels that create an opening through which a male wearer may urinate. The opening allows a semi-incontinent user to wear the undergarment and use a urinal in a public restroom without the need for removing pants or the undergarment.

Abstract: A pant shaped garment having a rear portion, a front portion, and a crotch portion, a waist opening with a waist edge and two leg openings bordered by a leg edge having a front part located generally on the front portion and a rear part located generally on the rear portion and on the crotch portion. Front and rear portions are mutually connected in two side joins which run from the waist opening to each leg opening. An elongated elastic element is pre-stretched along the rear part of the leg edge of each leg opening. The front portion comprises an elastically extensible material and the elongated elastic element constricts the rear part of the leg edge, thereby stretching the elastic material along the front part of the leg edge. The side joins exhibit a curvature in a direction towards the rear portion that increases in a direction from the waist opening towards the leg opening.

Abstract: An arrangement for applying elastic elements (1a, 1b, 1c) to a continuous material web (7) includes a first roll device (4, 5; 4, 5′) for advancing the elastic elements (1a, 1b, 1c) in series and at a first predetermined speed (v1) and a second roll device (6; 11, 12) for advancing the material web (7) at a second predetermined speed (v2). The second speed (v2) exceeds the first speed (v1) and the arrangement includes an abutment surface (6; 10a) arranged at a distance (d) from the first roll device (4, 5; 4, 5′) which is less than the combined thickness of the elastic elements (1a, 1b, 1c) and the material web (7), an elongation of the elastic elements (1a, 1b, 1c) in their longitudinal direction being realized as they pass between the first roll device (4, 5; 4, 5′) and the said abutment surface (6; 10a).

Abstract: The present invention provides an absorbent article capable of suppressing rash of skin in regions which come into contact with a gather portion of the absorbent article, by applying a water-soluble skin care agent and oily skin care agent on the gather portion to be contacted with the skin of a wearer in wearing the absorbent article, and allowing at least a part of the above mentioned oily skin care agent to be transferred to the skin of a wearer when wearing before the above mentioned water-soluble skin care agent is transferred to the skin of a wearer.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a narrow crotch portion and elasticized shield shields is disclosed. The absorbent article has a fit factor defined as the minimum crotch width divided by the effective height of the side shields. In one embodiment, the absorbent article includes and an absorbent structure having a central portion defined by a width about 65 millimeters or less, and a length about 50 millimeters or greater, and the absorbent article having a fit factor less than about 7.0.

Abstract: A disposable wearing article that includes a substantially liquid-impervious leak-barrier cuff associated with a waist-opening, which has a fixed end portion lying on a side of one longitudinal end portion of an article, a free end portion extending from the fixed end portion toward a crotch region and fixed side portions lying on the transversely opposite side edge portions of the article. A rising fulcrum zone of the leak-barrier cuff lies in a substantially non-contractible region of the article extending between the elastic member associated with the waist-opening and elastic members associated with leg-openings.

Abstract: Absorbent article having a containment assembly and highly extensible leg openings. The leg opening margins may have portions having differential properties, such as differential elastic extensibility. The absorbent article may also have highly extensible outer leg cuffs. Additionally, the absorbent article may have a narrow crotch region. The absorbent article may thus provide ease of application and removal, sustained dynamic fit, prevention of leakage, sustained wearer comfort, and desirable appearance.

Abstract: An elastic laminate having at least one layer of non-elastic material and an elastic layer including a dry-blended elastomer made from a blend of olefinic plastomers and elastomeric styrenic block copolymers and essentially free of tackifiers and fillers yields an inexpensive elastomeric blend material with adequate elastic properties for use in personal products while permitting greater flexibility and control of material to the manufacturer of thermoplastic materials for personal products.

Abstract: An elastic blend is made from at least two incompatible polymers and a compatibilizer selected to improve miscibility of the incompatible polymers. For example, a blend of olefinic plastomers and elastomeric styrenic block copolymers, and a compatibilizer having components of the olefinic plastomer and sytrenic block copolymer elastomer yields an inexpensive elastic blend material with adequate elastic properties for use in personal care products.

Abstract: A containment liner assembly is provided having first and second elongated elasticized members and a containment liner member. The first and second elongated elasticized members are adapted to be disposed along first and second longitudinal sides of an absorbent article chassis, respectively, with a first end portion of each of the first and second elongated elasticized members coterminous with one of the front and back edges of the absorbent article. The containment liner member has opposed first and second ends with the first end joined with the first elongated elasticized member first end portion and the second end joined with the second elongated elasticized member first end portion. Also, provided are associated absorbent articles and methods for providing a containment liner to an absorbent article.

Abstract: A material is provided that is particularly suited for use in absorbent articles. The material has a base layer of a generally non-elastic material and at least two strips or regions of elastomeric material attached to the base layer material with a space therebetween such that a center region of the base layer material is bordered on at least two sides by composite regions of the elastomeric materials and the base layer material. The center region of base layer material remains generally non-extensible and the composite regions are stretchable in at least a first direction as a result of tensioning and necking-in the base layer material prior to attaching the elastomeric materials. The invention includes methods for making the material, as well as absorbent articles incorporating the materials.

Abstract: A pant-like absorbent garment having a combined leg elastic and leak guard flap feature. A chassis of the absorbent garment includes an outer cover and a body side liner with at least one elastomeric member folded within the body side liner around each of two leg openings defined by the chassis to form a finished edge around each leg opening. The folded edge of the body side liner is then folded again to create a fully functional flap with the appearance of a leg elastic in the crotch area. The resulting absorbent garment has a three-dimensional leg elastic assembly that creates a bucket for containing body fluids, and furthermore, creates a tailored, soft, comfortable leg and side seal.

Abstract: A disposable diaper according to the invention include a liquid-impermeable topsheet, a liquid-permeable backsheet and an absorbent core therebetween. A pair of barrier cuffs which are elastically extendable in a longitudinal direction of the diaper are provided to a transversely opposite side flaps of the diaper. Front and rear ends of the barrier cuff are bonded to the diaper at longitudinally opposite ends thereof. Outer side edges of the barrier cuffs are bonded to outer edges of the flaps and inner side edges of the barrier cuff are bonded to the flaps along lines defined between the outer side edges and transversely opposite side edges of the core. Each of the barrier cuffs has a dimension between the outer and inner side edges thereof selected to be larger than a dimension of the flap between the outer and inner side edges thereof.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a liquid-permeable topsheet, a liquid-impermeable antileakage sheet, a liquid-retentive absorbent core, having a substantially elongate shape, and having upstanding guards formed on longitudinal left and right opposing side portions of the absorbent article, the upstanding guards are provided with a plurality of upstanding guard elastic members so as to form a gather over the entire region in the widthwise direction of the upstanding guard, the upstanding guard is sectioned into a free end region, a central region and a basal end region so as to trisect it in its widthwise direction, and the stress of the free end region is larger than that of the other regions.