Abstract: The present invention provides an absorbent garment subassembly for attaching to an absorbent garment, the absorbent garment having a front portion, a back portion and two side portions. The subassembly has a first carrier layer and an elastic member operatively associated with the first carrier layer. The elastic member has a center portion and two end portions. The center portion has a greater area than either of the end portions.

Abstract: A stretchable composite sheet used in a waist region of a disposable wearing article. The stretchable composite sheet has a stretchable sheet and a non-stretchable sheet, and the stretchable sheet is stretched. Nip roll mechanisms are respectively arranged on one end side in the stretch direction (SD) and the other end side, and the stretchable sheet is bonded to the non-stretchable sheet by the nip roll mechanisms with the stretchable sheet contracted in the direction (CD) orthogonal to the stretching direction (SD). The above processes provide the stretchable composite sheet with basic weight change regions in which the basis weight of the stretchable sheet is changed depending on stretch conditions of the stretchable sheet. The basic weight of the basic weight change regions is greater than that of a center region of the stretchable composite sheet.

Abstract: Absorbent articles with waist seals are disclosed. The seals are formed from folded stacks, discrete segments, or pleated material arranged to provide a resiliently compressible seal that can be located at one or more locations within the absorbent article, e.g., along a central portion of the rear waist region of a diaper. The seals may be constructed from relatively thin materials that (through folding, stacking, pleating, etc.) can provide a resiliently compressible seal that is thick enough and appropriately shaped to conform to the wearer's anatomy well enough to provide the desired sealing. At the same, time, the continuous web material used to form the seal is preferably thin enough to be economically delivered to the manufacturing line in roll form.

Abstract: [Problems] To prevent a hip cover portion of a back-side outer sheet from swelling and curling [Means for Solving Problems] In an underpants type disposable diaper, a ventral-side outer sheet 12F and a back-side outer sheet 12B are not connected but separated at a crotch portion, the back-side outer sheet 12F has a main unit section 13 that corresponds to joined sections 12A in an up-down direction and a back-side extension section 14 that extends below the back-side main unit section 13, the ventral-side outer sheet 12F is composed of only a ventral-side main unit section that corresponds to the joined sections 12A in the up-down direction, the back-side extension section 14 has a central portion 14M in the width direction overlapping the absorber 20 and hip cover portions 14C extending on both sides of the central portion 14M, in the back-side main unit section 13, first elongated resilient and elastic members 15 are fixed in a state of being extended in the width direction at a predetermined extension rati

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article includes two laterally opposing longitudinally extending barrier cuff strips attached to an absorbent assembly in laterally opposing attachment zones. Each barrier cuff strip includes an upper layer and a lower layer at least between its proximal edge and the attachment zones. A longitudinally extending elastic gathering member is attached to each barrier cuff strip adjacent to its proximal edge. When the article is worn, the elastic gathering members contract and raise the barrier cuff strips 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 barrier cuff strip attachment zones may be extensible and may include a water-impermeable layer. The laterally opposing attachment zones may act as dams preventing a lateral flow of liquid bodily waste.

Abstract: A feminine hygiene device offers full protection from heavy menstrual flow by securely covering the inner thigh, buttocks and pelvic area against menstrual leakage. The hygiene device is in the nature of a pair of shorts having vertical elastic seams on each side to hold the device snug on the wearer's pelvic region and legs. Elastic elements on the bottom of each leg of the short secure against downward leakage. The short is made of a liquid impervious cloth having an absorbent cotton blend layer and an outer plastic layer. Additional absorbent padding is incorporated in the short to provide normal coverage in the vaginal region. An elastic waist element aides in supporting the device on the wearer. The cloth may be vapor permeable and the side vertical seams air permeable for cooling effects. A diaper may be readily fashioned of the device.

Abstract: A disposable diaper[[1]] is provided with a skin-contactable sheet piece[[33b]] above a liquid-pervious topsheet[[32]]. The skin-contactable sheet piece[[33b]] is formed with openings extending in a back-and-forth direction through which body waste is guided toward the topsheet[[32]] and both lateral zones[[40]] of the sheet piece[[33b]] on both sides of these openings as viewed in a transverse direction B are provided with elastic members[[37]] attached under tension. Outside the skin-contactable sheet piece[[33b]] as viewed in the transverse direction B, leak-barriers[[58]] are provided and the lateral zones [[40]] of the skin-contactable sheet piece[[33b]] are bonded to the leak-barriers[[58]] along regions defined between proximal edges and free edges of the respective leak-barriers[[58]].

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article comprises a first crotch elastic member adjacent a first crotch edge and a second crotch elastic member adjacent a second crotch edge, each crotch elastic member extending generally in a longitudinal direction, each crotch elastic member having a front terminal point and a rear terminal point. In one embodiment, at least one of the terminal points of the first crotch elastic member is positioned transversely inward from a remaining portion of the first crotch elastic member, and at least one of the terminal points of the second crotch elastic member is positioned transversely inward from a remaining portion of the second crotch elastic member. In another embodiment, front end portions of the first and second crotch elastic members or rear end portions of the first and second crotch elastic members converge transversely inward toward each other.

Abstract: A diaper wherein at least one of the waist band, side panels, leg cuffs and fastening system landing zone includes a textile material of stitch bonded construction. The textile material includes selectively applied zones of stitches formed from elastomeric yarns with adjacent zones having stitches formed from inelastic yarns. The textile material provides stretch of a desired degree in the cross-machine direction while maintaining substantial dimensional stability in the machine direction.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article adapted to be worn about a lower torso of a human body and having a chassis, a non-removable absorbent core component disposed in a crotch region of the chassis, and a replaceable absorbent core component disposed in capillary liquid communication with the non-removable absorbent core component and having longitudinally disposed regions of liquid permeability and liquid impermeability on the same surface. The replaceable absorbent core component may be removed and a like component may be substituted without the removal of the absorbent article from the wearer. The replaceable absorbent core component may be disposed inside an openable chassis pocket, with access for its removal and replacement provided by an aperture in a backsheet, an openable end of an external pocket, or an openable end of an internal pocket formed at an area of a waist end edge where the backsheet and a topsheet may be separated.

Abstract: Absorbent garment includes a containment assembly (8) having first and second transverse end edges (8a, 8b). The containment assembly includes a liquid pervious inner coversheet (6) on a wearer facing side, a liquid impervious outer coversheet (7) and an absorbent core (5) positioned between the inner and outer coversheets. The garment further includes at least one waist panel (9, 10) joined to one of the transverse end edges of the containment assembly (8), said waist panel (9, 10) is joined to the containment assembly (8) along a seam (11, 12) in which the wearer facing side of the waist panel faces the inner coversheet (6) of the containment assembly. The garment may be packed and stored folded in transverse direction (x) along said seam (11, 12). The invention also relates to methods for making the garment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in structure of disposable garments. The disposable garments of the invention may include an outer layer and an elastic inner layer. The elastic inner layer has an elastic inner layer perimeter and defines an opening, which may be in the form of a slit or aperture, located in an internal position to the elastic inner layer perimeter. The elastic inner layer perimeter may be bonded to the outer layer.

Abstract: A product line of absorbent articles includes a first absorbent article with a first elective component secured to the first absorbent article in a first configuration of the component. The first elective component is selectively configurable to a second configuration different from the first configuration of the component. A second absorbent article of the product line has a second elective component that is selectively configurable from a first configuration of the second elective component to a second configuration different from the first configuration of the second elective component.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article has front and back panels, each having an elastic film layer and 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. 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: An absorbent article may comprise a web comprising at least one continuous layer that forms a portion of a backsheet and a portion of laterally opposing side flaps. The web may be folded laterally inward to form the side flaps. The article may further comprise an exteriorly viewable first design field disposed on a surface of a backsheet, interiorly viewable second and third design fields disposed on a surface of first and second side flaps, respectively, viewable fourth and fifth design fields disposed on a surface of first and second abdominal stretch panels, respectively, and an absorbent assembly.

Abstract: An absorbent article may comprise an absorbent assembly comprising an absorbent core. The article may also comprise a chassis formed by a web comprising at least one continuous layer that forms a portion of a water-impermeable backsheet and a portion of laterally opposing side flaps. The chassis may further comprise a longitudinal axis, a lateral axis, a front waist region comprising a front waist edge, a back waist region comprising a back waist edge, a crotch region between the waist regions, laterally opposing side edges extending between the front waist edge and the back waist edge, an exterior surface, and an interior surface to which the absorbent assembly is attached. The attachment of the absorbent assembly may be shaped. The chassis may further comprise a continuously activated region disposed in one or both of the front and back waist regions of the article.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article comprising an absorbent assembly comprising an absorbent core. The chassis may also comprise a water-impermeable backsheet and laterally opposing side flaps. Each of the side flaps may have a longitudinally extending first elastic gathering member attached at or adjacent to its proximal edge. The chassis may also comprise a second elastic gathering member attached at or adjacent the side edge of the chassis. The chassis may further comprise a first activation pattern in the front waist region and/or the back waist region, but the crotch region of the chassis may not be activated or may, alternatively, comprise a second activation pattern which is different from the first activation pattern. The article may further comprise at least one abdominal stretch panel attached to the interior surface or the exterior surface of the chassis in the front waist region or the back waist region.

Abstract: A method of making an elastic composite entails conveying a first sheet on a conveyor, and wrapping a section of elastic about the first sheet and the conveyor, thereby applying elastics cross directionally across the sheet. A second sheet is then applied onto the first sheet thereby creating a subcomposite including the two sheets and elastics sandwiched therebetween, wherein two elastics extend outward from one side of the subcomposite, about the conveyor, and return into an opposite side of the subcomposite. The subcomposite is cut through the first and second sheets and the elastics, thereby separating the subcomposite into a first carrier and a second carrier, each carrier including a material layer, whereby spaced apart elastics extend from the first carrier to the second carrier, the first and second carriers defining an exposed elastic region therebetween formed by the elastics.

Abstract: A self-forming seal absorbent article is provided and includes a biaxially extensible outer cover, a biaxially extensible bodyside liner forming a wearer adjacent surface, a biaxially extensible absorbent core assembly interposed between the outer cover and the bodyside liner, and a pair of laterally-spaced apart and longitudinally-extending containment flap members disposed along the wearer adjacent surface of the bodyside liner.

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 a lower covering sheet that is doubled by folding and thereby includes a first layer and a second layer. The absorbent assembly also includes laterally opposing side flaps which are formed by folding doubled portions of the lower covering sheet 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.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a leg elastic member captured between a biaxially extensible outer cover and a biaxially extensible bodyside liner.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention relates to an array of gender-specific disposable absorbent articles having gender-specific containment flaps. In one embodiment, the array of articles comprises a first disposable absorbent article adapted to be worn by males, and a second absorbent article adapted to be worn by females. The first disposable absorbent article comprises a first pair of containment flaps, and the second disposable absorbent article comprises a second pair of containment flaps. The first pair of containment flaps differs from the second pair of containment flaps in at least one structural feature. In particular embodiments, the structural feature that differs is selected from the group consisting of flap active length, flap active-portion longitudinal position, flap tension, flap height, distal-to-distal spacing, and proximal-to-proximal spacing.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a first liquid permeable surface layer, a essentially liquid impermeable backing layer and, located between said liquid permeable surface layer and said liquid impermeable backing layer, an absorbent body having at least one layer. The absorbent article has cavities which are essentially cone-shaped and extend at least through part of the absorbent body, said cavities having a tip part and a base, the tip part being located towards or in the liquid permeable surface layer and the base being located away from the liquid permeable surface layer. A method of production of an absorbent article with cone-shaped cavities is also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of manufacturing absorbent articles suitable for use as training pants or other hygiene products are provided. The absorbent article includes a chassis having a front section, a rear section, and a crotch section extending between the front section and the rear section. The front section is connected to the rear section to define a waist opening, leg openings, and a belly region positioned between the waist opening and the leg openings. The absorbent article also includes an absorbent core coupled to the crotch section of the chassis. An adjustable tensioner is coupled to the chassis and is positioned for snugging the chassis against a wearer of the absorbent article. The tensioner is configured to be adjusted by the wearer from a first tension to a second, selected tension.

Abstract: A diaper with legs is a lower torso garment worn by a user to retain excreted waste matter. The diaper may have fasteners to close the waist and legs, or may be of the pull-on type. The diaper includes a flat sheet wrapped around the torso with legs extending from the sides of the sheet. A front waist arch and a rear waist arch are disposed at an upper portion of the edges of the sheet. The arches extend the height of the diaper in front and back. An elastic material is disposed at the waist arches, at the junction between the legs and the central portion of the diaper, and at the end of the legs. The elastic material disposed at the end of the legs and at the junction between the legs and the central portion provides double leak protection at the legs.

Abstract: The composite material comprises an elastic film (F), made of polymer material, and a coating made of flocked fibers (13) on at least one face. The fibers are fixed to the film by a layer (C) of bonding material.

Abstract: An absorbent article has a chassis assembly with a front region, a rear region, a crotch region disposed between the front and rear region, and a pair of longitudinal edges. A chamber is positioned adjacent to each longitudinal edge and extends from the front region to the rear region with each chamber being substantially enclosed. Drawstring members extend through each of the chambers and exit the chassis assembly from an opening in the rear region. A waist fit member extends across the rear region and is connected to a portion of the drawstring member. The drawstring members are substantially unattached to their respective chambers such that a more secure fit is provided about the legs and the waist of the wearer upon tensioning of the drawstring members.

Abstract: An absorbent product has a fluid permeable top sheet, a fluid impermeable backing sheet, and an absorbent core having an upper side, a bottom side, two longitudinally running sides and two laterally running sides. The product further has two longitudinally running barrier flaps at the longitudinally running sides of the absorbent core. The top sheet covers the upper side of the absorbent core. The top sheet, with the upper side of the absorbent core, also covers the longitudinally running sides of the absorbent core and part of the bottom side of the absorbent core, the top sheet extending between at least a portion of the bottom side of the absorbent core and the backing sheet. The top sheet is connected to the backing sheet at the bottom side of the absorbent core. The barrier flaps are connected to the backing sheet at the longitudinally running sides of the absorbent core.

Abstract: A disposable pull-on garment includes an absorbent main body and a ring-like elastic belt forming a waist opening and two leg openings. The absorbent main body has longitudinal side edges and transverse end edges. The elastic belt includes a front belt and a back belt each having a transverse waist border and a transverse abdomen border. In the back belt, a waist border elastic material is disposed adjacent to the waist border between the waist border and the end edge of the absorbent main body, a side elastic material is disposed adjacent to the abdomen border, and a waist anchoring elastic material is disposed between them. A leg opening angle formed by the abdomen border and each of the longitudinal side edges of the absorbent main body is greater when the disposable pull-on garment is in a contracted configuration than when the disposable pull-on garment is in an uncontracted configuration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a disposable diaper (2), used more particularly in the event of incontinence, comprising a hip band (10) forming a hip opening in the diaper which is closed in the direction of the periphery whereby said hip band can be opened in at least one place and can be closed, also comprising a front area, a rear area and a main diaper part (4) which has a crotch area located there between and which comprises an absorbing body (6) for liquids. The main part (4) of the diaper can be detachably fixed to the hip band using the longitudinal end of the front area or rear area, by means of first closing means (34) such that a user can place the main part (4) of the diaper between his/her legs when the hip band is worn (10) and can detachably fix the free longitudinal end of the main part (4) of the diaper to the hip band (10).

Abstract: A disposable diaper is provided which includes an absorber, a top sheet which is at least partially formed of a liquid permeable material disposed to cover an upper surface of the absorber, a back sheet formed of a liquid impermeable material disposed to cover a lower surface of the absorber, a skin contact sheet disposed above the top sheet and having a stool passing opening capable of passing a stool therethrough formed therein, and a urine/stool separation wall formed of a breathable water repellent sheet disposed in a space between the skin contact sheet and the top sheet so that the space is separated into a front body part side space and a back body part side space.

Abstract: The invention concerns an incontinence article (2) in the form of pants, for receiving body excrements, comprising a front belly section (4) and a rear back section (6) which are connected to each other at side seam areas (14) on both sides during production to form a belly and back band, which is continuous in the transverse or peripheral hip direction and has a hip opening (18) which is closed in the peripheral hip direction, and a crotch section (8) comprising an absorbent body (7) and liquid impermeable backsheet material (62), the absorbent body (7) extending in a longitudinal direction (9) between the belly section (4) and the back section (6) and is attached to the belly section (4) and the back section (6) during manufacture, wherein the crotch section (8) as well as the belly section (4) and the back section (6) define leg openings (19) of the incontinence article, wherein first elastification means (28) are provided in the belly section (4) and the back section (6), which extend at a separation from

Abstract: Absorbent articles are disclosed having extended waistbands. More particularly, the absorbent articles include a back waistband and/or a front waistband that encircle a portion of the circumference of the waist opening. The absorbent article includes a front portion attached to a back portion by a pair of stretchable side areas. Each of the side areas are made from at least two panels that are connected together along a vertical attachment area. In accordance with the present disclosure, a waistband is incorporated into the article that extends over the entire front portion or the entire back portion and terminates at opposite ends on opposing side areas. Each end of the waistband, however, terminates prior to the vertical attachment areas leaving a gap in between. The presence of the gap has been found to provide various benefits and advantages including improved stretch properties for donning the article.

Abstract: A disposable incontinent underwear product can comprise areas having different stretch characteristics and thereby fit persons of varying body shape in a more comfortable and/or visually appealing manner. Additionally, in some embodiments, the different areas of stretch can aid in positioning absorbent components, such as an absorbent insert or core that is included in the undergarment to absorb body exudates. For example, a garment may feature at vertical stretch in an area above the crotch and below the waist while featuring horizontal stretch at the hip areas at its front and back sides. As another example, a garment may feature horizontal stretch across the front of the garment and vertical stretch across the back of the garment in areas above the crotch and below the waist. In some embodiments, the crotch also features horizontal, vertical, or biaxial stretch.

Abstract: Starting from an elastic material web and an absorbent product web, the method includes removing a first material piece from the elastic material web to provide a second material piece with an aperture and applying the first piece to a first portion of the absorbent product web. The second piece is supplied to a second application station and a section of the second piece is stretched and applied to a second portion of the absorbent product web. In this way an absorbent product with elastic waist portions is manufactured efficiently and with a minimum of waste.

Abstract: The absorbent article has an outer sheet that provides an outer surface of the absorbent article, an inner sheet disposed on the inner side of the outer sheet, and elastic members for making below-waist gathers disposed between the two sheets. A patterned sheet is disposed between the outer and inner sheets such that the pattern of the patterned sheet may be seen through the outer sheet from the outside of the diaper. The elastic members for below-waist gathers each have a portion contributory to elastic extensibility and contractibility in the regions outside the lateral sides of the patterned sheet and a portion substantially non-contributory to elastic extensibility and contractibility in the region inside the lateral sides of the patterned sheet. The latter portion of the elastic member is disposed between the patterned sheet and the inner sheet and preferably is kept out of sight from the outside.

Abstract: An absorbent article such as a disposable diaper is provided with an indicator adapted to become visible as soon as bodily fluid is discharged. The indicator includes a composite nonwoven fabric composed of a hydrophilic melt blown nonwoven fabric layer and a hydrophilic spun bond nonwoven fabric layer on which a display element is depicted and laminated on one surface of the hydrophilic melt blown nonwoven fabric layer. A first surface of the composite nonwoven fabric facing an absorbent core of the diaper is held together with the display element and a second surface of the composite nonwoven fabric facing a backsheet of the diaper is held in close contact with the inner surface of the backsheet.

Abstract: A disposable diaper is formed in a crotch region with a body fluid absorbent panel extending in a back-and-forth direction of the diaper and in the vicinity of transversely opposite side edges of the crotch region with elastic leak-barrier cuffs extending in the back-and-forth direction. The leak-barrier cuffs are normally under a tension in the back-and-forth direction. The body fluid absorbent panel is formed with first folding guide means extending across the body fluid absorbent panel, along which the body fluid absorbent panel can be folded to bring the body fluid absorbent panel close to the diaper wearer.

Abstract: A disposable undergarment for use by a female during a menstruation period includes a soft, stretchable, breathable material having a waist opening and two extended leg openings. The disposable undergarment extends from the waist opening arranged substantially at a navel region of the female to mid-thigh. The extended leg openings include an elastic edge around each open end for preventing leakage of menstrual flow. An absorbent region extends from the back region of the undergarment through the crotch region and upward to midway of the front region.

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

Abstract: An absorbent article 10 having an absorbent body 17 including a liquid permeable topsheet 15, a liquid impermeable leak-preventive sheet, and a liquid retentive absorbent member 16 and an exterior material 14 including a rear portion B, a front portion A, and a crotch portion C. The absorbent article 10 has both side edge portions 18b of the rear portion B and both side edge portions 18a of the front portion A joined via respective mechanical fasteners 13 to take on the shape of pants. The male member 19 is attached to the inner side of the side edge portion 18b of the rear portion B. The female member 20 is a strip-shaped sheet attached by its outer edge portion 20a to the inner side of the side edge portion 18a of the front portion A, with the portion inward of the outer edge portion 20a left free as a flap 20b. The male member 19 engages the flap 20b of the female member 20 to join each side edge portion 18b of the rear portion B and each side edge portion 18a of the front portion A.

Abstract: A reusable diaper may include an inner layer to wick moisture and an outer layer substantially impervious to liquids. A waist portion may include a corner region for securing the diaper in a desired position. The corner region may be resiliently stretchable and substantially impervious to liquids, and may include first and second layers coupled to the respective inner and outer layers. The coupled first layer and inner layer define a first seam allowance, and the coupled second layer and outer layer define a second seam allowance. The first and second seam allowances may be positioned within the corner region to help inhibit wicking of liquid through the seam allowances into the corner region. And a fluid-resistant region may be provided to help resist wicking of moisture through the inner layer past the fluid-resistant region.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article including a chassis and an absorbent assembly in combination with abdominal stretch panels extending circumferentially around the waist of the wearer. The chassis includes a water-impermeable backsheet that may be folded laterally inward at both of its side edges to form opposing side flaps. Each side flap is attached to the interior surface of the chassis adjacent to its end edges. Each side flap has a longitudinally extending elastic gathering member attached adjacent to its proximal edge. The chassis may include an extensible formed web material. The absorbent assembly may be attached in a cruciform pattern to the chassis to allow unattached portions of the chassis to extend laterally. Frangible tear lines and/or tear locator lines may be formed to facilitate removal of the article from the wearer.

Abstract: A reusable diaper may include an inner layer and an outer layer. A fluid-absorbing insert may be coupled to the inner layer for use in absorbing fluids. The inner layer may be disposed generally between the outer layer and the fluid-absorbing insert such that both the fluid-absorbing insert and the inner layer are in position for absorbing fluids. The fluid-absorbing insert may be adjustable relative to the inner layer for accommodating use by a male and/or a female. The reusable diaper may also include forward and rearward waist portions generally defined by the inner and outer layers. Liquid-resistant regions may be disposed adjacent the waist portions, generally between the waist portions and the fluid-absorbing insert, for resisting movement of fluid from the fluid-absorbing insert to the waist portions.

Abstract: An integral waistband for a disposable absorbent article having a waist opening is disclosed, along with a disposable absorbent article and a method of forming the article. The integral waistband includes an inner layer, an outer layer, and at least two elastic members positioned therebetween. Each of the inner and outer layers has a first end and a first surface. The inner and outer layers are bonded together such that the first end of the inner layer initially extends beyond the first end of the outer layer and the portion of the first surface of the inner layer bonded to the first surface of the outer layer forms a laminate. The remainder of the inner layer is a non-laminate. The non-laminate is folded over the outer layer and is bonded thereto to form an integral waistband located on the outer layer away from the waist opening.

Abstract: The present invention provides an absorbent article having a composite sheet with a plurality of gathers on an inner surface facing a wearer's body, which fits and adheres comfortably to the wearer's skin. The composite sheet is provided which includes a stretchable non-woven fabric which expands and contracts in at least one direction, a non-stretchable non-woven fabric, a junction which binds intermittently the stretchable non-woven fabric to the non-stretchable non-woven fabric in the stretching direction, and a plurality of gathers which is formed by loosening a unbounded area of the non-stretchable non-woven fabric in a contracted state, and is arranged along a direction intersecting the stretching direction, in which an apex of each gather does not reach the neighboring gather when the gathers lean to one side of the stretchable direction.

Abstract: The invention discloses an integrated absorbent chassis for an absorbent article. The back sheet of the disclosed absorbent article is made from a single sheet of composite material that has elastomeric characteristics in predetermined regions. For example, the ear portions of the article are extendable for a better fit of the article. Other zones such as leg areas may also be elasticized if required.

Abstract: Absorbent articles suitable for use as diapers or other hygiene products are provided. The absorbent articles include a pair of refastenable tabs that have a non-elastic portion and a fastener portion. The non-elastic portion has a top edge and a bottom edge that are asymmetrical to each other with respect to a horizontal axis. Products according to the invention may provide any of several benefits, including a high performance in terms of at least one of fit, comfort, producibility, and ease of use.

Abstract: Absorbent pants with a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction at right angles to the longitudinal direction and having an absorption core arranged between a liquid-tight cover sheet and a liquid-permeable cover sheet. The diaper pants have a front portion, a rear portion and an intermediate crotch portion, and a front edge and a rear edge extending substantially in the transverse direction and forming a waist opening, two side edges extending substantially in the longitudinal direction and forming two leg openings. An elastic sheet material is arranged at least along the waist opening of the diaper pants and extends at least from the waist opening to the leg openings, the elastic sheet material being secured to the absorption core in a substantially unstretched state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in structure of disposable garments. The disposable garments of the invention may include an outer layer and an elastic inner layer. The elastic inner layer has an elastic inner layer perimeter and defines an opening, which may be in the form of a slit or aperture, located in an internal position to the elastic inner layer perimeter. The elastic inner layer perimeter may be bonded to the outer layer. The elastic inner layer may include a front piece, a back piece and a crotch piece.