Abstract: Absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, incontinent briefs, diaper holders, training pants, and the like, that provide dynamic fit about the wearer by the use of extensible, outwardly extending side panels. The side panel includes at least one discontinuity for dividing the tensile force extending the side panel into a waist-directing force and a leg-directing force. The waist-directing force is transmitted by the side panel to the waist area of the article to maintain the waist area in a snug, but comfortable, fit against the waist of the wearer. The leg-directing force is transmitted by the side panel to the leg cuff area of the article to prevent leakage between the leg cuff and the wearer's leg.

Abstract: A disposable diaper including a topsheet, and a topsheet is covered, at least in one of front and rear waist regions, with a liquid-resistant sheet bonded to a longitudinal end and transversely opposite side edges of that one of the front and rear waist regions; an elastic foamed member which is folded in two along a folding axis zone extending longitudinally thereof and has a first portion placed against the upper surface of the topsheet and a second portion placed against the lower surface of a liquid-resistant sheet is disposed between the topsheet and the liquid-resistant sheet in such a manner that the foamed member lies on an upper portion of a core in that one of the front and rear waist regions.

Abstract: Absorbent articles having improved sustained fit on the body, improved appearance through the period of use, and improved comfort for the wearer. The absorbent article has a containment assembly, a waist feature and a diagonal support member feature disposed so as to lie in the diagonal support zone of the wearer's body when the article is worn. The diagonal support member is designed to support the article from the small of the back, over the hip, and to the lower abdomen. The diagonal support member is distinct from the waist feature, which is designed to provide only enough circumferential tension to hold itself in position on the body. The absorbent article has a garment-like high-waisted appearance, gentle tension around the waist to avoid discomfort and/or pressure marking, good leakage protection, good sustained fit, and easy application and removal.

Abstract: A disposable undergarment a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core disposed therebetween. The core placed in a crotch region having front and rear end zones and a middle zone. Bath side portions of a first elastic member extend in the vicinity of front ends of transversely opposite side edge portions while a middle portion of the first elastic member extend across the front end zone of the core. Bath side portions of a second elastic member extend in the vicinity of rear ends of the transversely opposite side edge portions while a middle portion of the second elastic member extends across the rear end zone of the core. By such an arrangement of the first and second elastic members, 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: An absorbent article having a main body which includes a backsheet formed of a liquid impermeable sheet, a topsheet formed of a liquid permeable sheet, an absorbent core interposed between the backsheet and the topsheet, and leg gathers disposed along leg holes. Two sets of elastic members are, in a stretched state, bonded to a non-woven fabric along the leg holes. Each set of elastic members is not bonded to the non-woven fabric in a region which traverses a crotch region to extend from one of the leg holes to the other, and is cut in the non-bonded region so that the elastic members snap back toward crossing points where the two sets of the elastic members meet to form tails.

Abstract: A disposable diaper according to the present invention includes a liquid permeable top sheet, a liquid impermeable back sheet, and a liquid retentive absorbent member interposed between the top sheet and the back sheet, and having a pair of inner sheets which are connected to the back sheet and are provided at opposite longitudinal side portions of the disposable diaper on its top sheet side such that the longitudinal inner side edges of the inner sheets are located inwardly along the longitudinal side edges of the absorbent member. Each of the inner sheets includes a laminate of a non-woven fabric and a film, and each inner sheet is arranged such that the non-woven fabric is located on the skin-contacting surface side of the diaper, and wherein the back sheet includes a laminate of non-woven fabric and a film. The back sheet is arranged such that the non-woven fabric is located on the outer skin-noncontacting surface side of the laminate.

Abstract: A disposable pull-on garment includes each of front and rear waist-encircling regions which has a first elasticized zone and a second elasticized zone extending in a waist-encircling direction. Auxiliary elastic members include plural lines of first auxiliary elastic members extending in the waist-encircling direction in the first elasticized zone, and plural lines of second auxiliary elastic members extending in the waist-encircling direction in the second elasticized zone. A tensile stress of the first auxiliary elastic members is greater that that of the second auxiliary elastic member. A tensile stress of the first elasticized zones is greater than that of the second elasticized zone.

Abstract: Disposable underpants 1 according to the invention has an improved sealability at the crotch of user by providing a fitting elastic member 55 and has an absorbent core 7 having an improved shape retention by providing a first nonwoven fabric 73 as an intermediate layer inside the absorbent core 7 and adhering it to the upper and lower layers thereof. Since the absorbent core needs not be heated, inexpensive disposable underpants can be produced. Further, according to an inventive production method, a step of adhering elastic members to an outer sheet 2 and a step of producing inner absorbent members 6 are separately performed, and no heating treatment is performed in the absorbent core production step. Accordingly, the disposable underpants can be produced at a remarkably higher speed.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent undergarment such as a diaper includes short pants and a liquid-absorbent pad attached to an inner surface of the short pants. The short pants has a front waist section, a rear waist section, a crotch section interposed therebetween, a waist-opening and a pair of leg-openings. The crotch section, the waist-opening and the leg-openings are elastically stretchable. A circumferential region defined by portions of the front and rear waist sections between the waist opening and upper ends of the leg-openings is also elastically stretchable.

Abstract: An integral absorbent article (10) has a longitudinal length direction (27), a lateral width direction (25), and at least one edge margin (20, 22). The article includes a substantially liquid-impermeable backsheet layer (30), a liquid permeable topsheet layer (28), and a retention portion (48) sandwiched between the backsheet and topsheet layers. The edge margin (20, 22) can include an elastomeric member (34) joined to provide elastomerically contracted gathers (66) in the edge margin. The edge margin (20, 22) can also include a restraint (84) applied to an appointed portion of its corresponding gathers (66) to operatively restrict a re-expansion of a constrained section (94) of the corresponding gathers (66).

Abstract: Disposable underpants 1 according to the invention has an improved sealability at the crotch of user by providing a fitting elastic member 55 and has an absorbent core 7 having an improved shape retention by providing a first nonwoven fabric 73 as an intermediate layer inside the absorbent core 7 and adhering it to the upper and lower layers thereof. Since the absorbent core needs not be heated, inexpensive disposable underpants can be produced. Further, according to an inventive production method, a step of adhering elastic members to an outer sheet 2 and a step of producing inner absorbent members 6 are separately performed, and no heating treatment is performed in the absorbent core production step. Accordingly, the disposable underpants can be produced at a remarkably higher speed.

Abstract: A washable absorption element (1) is 1

Abstract: A disposable pull-on diaper includes a pair of tape fasteners which are adapted to hold the diaper in rolled up state, the tape fasteners are provided at transversely opposite side edges of a rear waist region so as to extend along the side edges in a longitudinal direction, each of the tape fasteners has an upper end portion lying adjacent a waist-opening and a lower end portion lying adjacent each of leg-openings, and the upper end portions are bonded to the diaper by means of bonding zones which obliquely extend inward in a waist-surrounding direction from the transversely opposite side edges of the rear waist region toward the lower end portions.

Abstract: A disposable undergarment includes a pair of elastically stretchable first wings extending outward from transversely opposite side edge portions of a rear waist region, proximal side edge portions of the respective first wings are contiguous to transversely opposite side edge portions of a crotch region. The undergarment further includes a pair of elastically stretchable second wings placed upon the first wings and extending outward from the transversely opposite side edge portions of the rear waist region, proximal side edge portions are not contiguous to the transversely opposite side edge portions of the crotch region. A stretch stress generated in the first wings as the front and rear waist regions are connected to each other is exerted upon the undergarment in a waist-surrounding direction as well as in a thigh-surrounding direction but a stretch stress generated at the same time is exerted upon the article only in the waist-surrounding direction.

Abstract: An adjustable, form fitted, reusable diaper for infants that includes a reusable or disposable pad insertable between a soft permeable inner panel and an impermeable outer panel laminated with either a soft pile or a waterproof breathable or non-breathable elastomeric non-woven material. The diaper, having an hourglass configuration when open, is provided with expandable leg openings and waistband and fitted with hidden snap closures uniquely arranged to provide waist adjustment independently of leg opening adjustment and vise-versa. The diaper's use of a high pile, permeable inner panel such as polar fleece wicks moisture quickly away from the infants body where it is absorbed by the washable, reusable pad located between the inner and outer panels. The pad is then easily removed and replaced with a clean and dry pad, often without removal of the diaper from the infant.

Abstract: A method of securing an elastic band between two material layers which are at least partially defined by meltable material includes forming perforations in the elastic band, placing the elastic band between two material layers, and bonding the material layers to one another through the perforations by heat fusion, wherein the perforations in the elastic band are formed at the same time as the material layers are fused together (i.e., the formation of the perforations in the elastic band is directly followed by bonding together, through the perforations, portions of the material layers). An elastic band secured between two material layers for inclusion in articles of one-time use includes the use of material layers that are at least partially defined by meltable material and an elastic band having perforations formed therein. The material layers are positioned on opposite sides of the elastic band and are joined together by heat fusion in a punctiform and/or linear bonding pattern.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes at least one fit panel which is located in one of the waist sections of the absorbent article adjacent an end edge of the absorbent article. The fit panel extends laterally beyond both of the side edges of an absorbent chassis of the absorbent article. The fit panel may include a center bridge panel and a pair of laterally opposed side panels which are connected to opposed lateral edges of the bridge panel. Desirably, the bridge panel and side panels provide individual zones of elasticity across the width of the fit panel which have different elastic properties.

Abstract: The disposable pull-on undergarment has first and second waist regions and a crotch region extending between these two waist regions. The waist regions are connected with each other in bonding zones extending along transversely opposite side edge portions thereof so as to define a waist-opening and a pair of leg-openings. First elastic members are bonded under tension to peripheral edge of the waist-opening and second elastic members are bonded under tension to peripheral edges of the leg-openings so that respective opposite ends of the first elastic members are positioned and fixed at first zones defined immediately inside the bonding zones in a circumferential direction of the waist-opening and respective opposite ends of the second elastic members are positioned and fixed at second zones defined immediately inside the bonding zones in a circumferential direction Y of the leg-openings.

Abstract: A stretch-activated elastic composite includes a non-woven fabric having a potential elongatability of higher than 100% in a predetermined direction, and an elastically recoverable, elastic sheet. The elastic sheet in its unstretched state is partially bonded to the non-woven fabric in its unelongated state. The elastic composite exhibits, per unit width of 5 cm, (1) a stress of lower than 1000 g at 30% stretch, (2) a stress of higher than 400 g at 100% stretch, (3) a breaking point of higher than 400 g and (4) an elastic limit of higher than 200%. The elastic composite after being stretched at a rate of lower than 200% exhibits, per unit width of 5 cm, (1) a stress of lower than 500 g at 30% stretch and (2) a stress of higher than 100 g at 100% stretch. The elastic composite after three repeated cycles of 150% stretching and relaxing exhibits an elastic recovery rate of higher than 60%.

Abstract: A disposable wearing article including a liquid-permeable topsheet, an outermost layer sheet located on an outer surface of the disposable wearing article, and a liquid retentive absorbent member, a waist-surrounding elastic member being arranged at a waist-surrounding portion, wherein the waist-surrounding elastic member is fixed to other members than the outermost layer sheet in an expanded state to thereby form gathers inwardly of the outermost layer sheet, a non-bonding area is provided between the waist-surrounding elastic member and the outermost layer sheet, and no gathers are formed on an outer surface of the waist-surrounding portion.

Abstract: A disposable diaper having a cover sheet lying above a topsheet thereof, the cover sheet being formed in a transversely middle zone thereof with an opening, the opening being surrounded by a first elastic member and a second elastic member, the first and second elastic members intersecting each other in proximity of the opening and further extending respective halves of leg-surrounding side edges and the other halves of the leg-surrounding side edges.

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 including a topsheet, a backsheet and a core disposed therebetween, adjacent transversely opposite side edges and longitudinally of the diaper, there being formed a pair of outer side barrier cuff and a pair of inner side barrier cuffs lying more inwardly of the outer side barrier cuffs. Each of the outer side barrier cuffs has its longitudinally opposite ends covered with a pair of end barrier flaps placed adjacent longitudinally opposite ends of the diaper so as to form a front pocket and a rear pocket, respectively. A longitudinal dimension of the inner side barrier cuff is shorter than that of the outer side barrier cuff.

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 is provided on its inner side with an opening extending across a crotch region into a rear waist region over a predetermined area of a core and being normally biased to protrude from the inner surface of the diaper. The opening comprises a pair of cushioning pad members spaced apart from each other and a pair of liquid-resistant side flaps spaced apart from each other transversely of the diaper and extending longitudinally of the diaper.

Abstract: A pull-on disposable diaper is provided, in vicinity of transversely opposite side edges in a rear waist region, with fastening tape strips adapted to hold the diaper in its rolled up state for disposal after the diaper has been used, each of the tape strips includes a first portion extending longitudinally of the diaper parallel to the associated one of transversely opposite side edges and a second portion branched from the first portion and extends longitudinally of the diaper, longitudinally opposite end regions of the first portion are bonded to edges of waist- and leg-openings, and an anchoring zone adapted to be separably anchored on the outer peripheral surface of the rolled up diaper is defined on the second portion.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article has a liquid impermeable backsheet, a liquid permeable topsheet, and an absorbent structure therebetween. The backsheet defines a liquid barrier zone on both sides of the absorbent structure, and a pair of liquid impermeable containment flaps overlie the liquid barrier zones. Leg elastic members are disposed along the side edges of the backsheet, and flap elastic members are disposed in the liquid impermeable containment flaps. A liquid barrier is in each liquid barrier zone, and extends between the front edge and back edge of the liquid impermeable backsheet. Each liquid barrier is desirably between a respective leg elastic member and flap elastic member.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes an improved waist flap which includes a central zone and a pair of laterally opposed side zones which extend laterally outward from the central zone to the side edges of the absorbent article. The side zones of the waist flap are elasticized such that they are capable of being elongated in the lateral direction when the side edges of the absorbent article are extended to fasten the absorbent article about the waist of a wearer. The central zone of the waist flap may be substantially inelastic such that it conforms to the wearers body and, in particular, to the small of the wearer's back.

Abstract: A shorts type disposable diaper includes a body having a liquid permeable topsheet, a liquid impermeable backsheet, and an absorbent member interposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The body includes a stomach-side portion which is located on the stomach side of a diaper wearer when the diaper is worn, a back-side portion which is located on the back side of the wearer when the diaper is worn, and a crotch portion which is located between the stomach-side portion and the back-side portion. The body has a pair of first expansible side panels, each of the first expansible side panels being affixed to each longitudinal side of the stomach-side portion and a pair of second expansible side panels, each of the second expansible side panels being affixed to each longitudinal side of the back-side portion.

Abstract: A disposable diaper includes a topsheet, a backsheet and a core disposed therebetween to define a front waist region, a rear waist region and a crotch region extending therebetween, a first elastic member extending longitudinally of the diaper across a middle zone of the core between the front and rear waist regions is disposed between the backsheet and the core and secured to the backsheet and second elastic members extending longitudinally of the diaper across the transversely opposite side zones of the core, respectively, between the front and rear waist regions are disposed between the backsheet and the core and bonded to the backsheet.

Abstract: A protective undergarment having an outer shell of fluid resistant material and a fluid containment sling of fluid resistant material connected to the inner surface of the shell and adapted to receive and retain a fluid absorbent pad. The ends of the shell are folded in to establish frontal and rear bumpers. One end of the sling is folded under the frontal bumper to form a pocket that is attached to and hidden beneath the frontal bumper, and remains open to receive one end of the fluid absorbent pad. The other end of the sling is attached to the rear bumper. This construction accommodates a pad of greater length for improved absorption without increasing the length of the shell. Methods of constructing protective undergarments with unique hidden pocket slings and fasteners are described.

Abstract: A diaper includes a topsheet, a backsheet and a core disposed therebetween to define a front and rear waist regions and a crotch region, and an elastic member extending to surround a predetermined zone of the core about the vicinity of a longitudinal center line is placed in a rear half of the diaper defined between the vicinity of a transverse center line and the end of the rear waist region and secured under tension to the upper surface of the core so that the zone of the core is depressed downward to form a depression as the elastic member contracts.

Abstract: In a disposable diaper, a topsheet covering a top surface of a liquid-absorbent core is folded along side edges of the core so as to cover a bottom surface of the core. On the bottom surface of the core, the topsheet is bonded to a backsheet along zones respectively spaced from side edges of the core towards a center line of the diaper. Elastic members provided in association with leg-openings are secured to the backsheet in vicinity of the respective side edges of the core.

Abstract: A sanitary undergarment for providing a disposable undergarment to protect a female user during menstruation. The garment includes an undergarment having front and back portions, a pair of side portions, a crotch portion, a waist opening and a pair of leg openings. The undergarment has an upper region extending around the front, back, and side portions of the undergarment adjacent the outer periphery of the waist opening. The undergarment also has a middle region extending around the front, back, and side portions of the undergarment adjacent the upper region. The middle region includes a resiliently elastic material adapted for constricting the middle region around a wearer. The undergarment has a lower region beneath the middle region in which the crotch portion and the leg openings are located. The lower region includes a substantially water impermeable material for preventing the passage of menstrual fluids therethrough between the inside and outside of the undergarment.

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.

Abstract: An absorbent article'such as a pair of absorbent pants, a nappy, an incontinence protection article or the like having a substantially elongated shape is provided. The absorbent article includes a front waist region, a rear waist region and a crotch region positioned therebetween having two leg edge-portions. The absorbent article includes an inner fluid-permeable layer, a fluid-barrier layer and an absorbent core enclosed therebetween. The article also includes elastic elements which are arranged along four different paths. One segment of each path follows at least a portion of a leg edge-portion and the paths together enclose a collection region positioned between the article's leg edge-portions, which region, under the influence of the elastic elements, bulges and forms a fluid-collecting basin.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article defines an outer cover, an absorbent chassis and a dual fastening system. The dual fastening system includes a pair of primary fasteners located on the outer cover in one of the waist regions of the absorbent article and a pair of secondary fasteners located on the outer cover in the opposite waist region of the absorbent article. The primary fasteners are configured to engage an outer surface of the absorbent article to maintain the article about the waist of the wearer and the secondary fasteners are configured to engage a body facing surface of the absorbent chassis to support the absorbent chassis. The absorbent chassis is attached to the outer cover at the waist edges and remains at least partially unattached from the outer cover between the waist edges to allow the outer cover to have a blousy appearance. Thus, the disposable absorbent article has an aesthetically pleasing garment-like appearance and improved fit and containment during use.

Abstract: A body waste disposable article adapted to receive feces and/or urine discharged thereon, the article having a body fluids absorbent means above which an opening is formed by a surrounding wall partially covering the body fluids absorbent means and surrounding the opening. The article is longitudinally composed of a front end, a rear end and an intermediate region extending between these two ends. The article is configured so as to have the largest width in its intermediate region.