Abstract: The present disclosure includes an embodiment wherein a disposable wearable absorbent article comprises an anchoring subsystem configured to at least assist in holding the article in place on a wearer.

Abstract: A disposable undergarment according to the present invention includes an outer element having a waistband and defining two leg holes, the outer element presenting inner and outer surfaces. The disposable undergarment includes an absorbent inner element removably coupled to the outer element inner surface. The inner element is disposable in a toilet and the outer element is disposable as solid refuse. The inner element is removably coupled to the outer element with an adhesive. In addition, the inner element may include a plurality of absorbent layers. The outer element waistband may include fasteners for separating the outer element into front and rear portions.

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: Various embodiments of this invention disclose disposable undergarments, such as women's panties or men's briefs, which are lined with local anesthetics that create an area or areas of numbness on the body.

Abstract: A disposable diaper includes a front panel and a rear panel connected to each other, tear-apart zones provided at side edges of a waist region, in which the front and rear panels can be disconnected from each other, fastening members provided on the side of inner surface of the rear panel in a vicinity of the respective tear-apart zones and adapted to reconnect the disconnected front and rear panels to each other and cover members provided on the side of the inner surface of the rear panel so as to cover the tear-apart zones as well as the fastening members.

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. The replaceable absorbent core component may be removed and a like component may be substituted in place of the removed component 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. Additional replaceable absorbent core components may also be incorporated.

Abstract: An absorbent garment has an absorbent assembly disposed within a garment shell configured for encircling a wearer's waist. The absorbent assembly has an inner surface adapted for contiguous relationship with the wearer's body, a front waist region in opposed relationship with a front waist region of the garment shell, a back waist region in opposed relationship with a back waist region of the garment shell, and a crotch region extending longitudinally between and interconnecting the front and back waist regions of the absorbent assembly. The absorbent assembly is releasably attached generally at a front waist end thereof to the garment shell generally at the front waist end of the garment shell, and is also releasably attached generally at a back waist end thereof to the garment shell generally at the back waist end of the garment shell.

Abstract: A pant-type absorbent article having a first body panel and a second body panel, the first and second body panels being interconnected by side panels. The respective side panel is formed by a bridge member having a first longitudinal edge portion attached to the first body panel and a second longitudinal edge portion attached to the second body panel, the bridge before use of the article being folded in an accordion-like fashion and can be extended and unfolded when the article is to be used so as to form the side panels of the article. In one embodiment at least one of the bridge members is refastenably attached to one body panel, wherein a first fastening member is arranged on the bridge member at or close to one longitudinal edge portion thereof and a complementary second fastening member is arranged on the respective body panel.

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: A disposable pant-type diaper according to the present invention includes a front portion, a back portion, and a crotch portion which is positioned between the front and back portions, in which a waist opening and a pair of leg openings are formed by joining both longitudinal side-edge portions of the front and back portions which face each other, and stretchable elastic members are disposed along at least a part of each opening, wherein a cutout portion is formed in at least a portion of the side-edge portion of at least one of the front and back portions, and the front and back portions assume a non-joining state at the portion where the cutout portion is formed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a stretchable sleeve having a medicinal section that can be loaded with a medicinal composition and a perforated section comprising a plurality of openings, wherein the medicinal section and the perforated section overlap, and wherein the sleeve is sized so that the interior surface of the medicinal section comfortably fits a body portion and the medicinal section contacts the body portion at the site of pain. Embodiments of the invention also provide methods for preparing a sleeve by applying a medicinal composition to the inner surface of the medicinal section through the openings at the perforated section. Embodiments of the invention also provide methods for relieving pain in a body portion by pulling the sleeve in an outside-out configuration straight up a body portion without having to roll and flip its exterior surface outside.

Abstract: A pull-on disposable diaper of which the crotch portion snugly fits the wearer's groins to have a neat appearance is provided. The disposable diaper 1 has a waist opening 5 and a pair of leg openings 6. The diaper 1, in its flat-out state, has a length M of 210 to 280 mm between the lower end of the flap F in the longitudinal front portion and the lower end of the flap F in the longitudinal rear portion. A width N ranges 50 to 160 mm in the narrowest part of the diaper near the longitudinal central portion thereof.

Abstract: A system comprising a thong-shaped holder for holding an absorbent article in close bodily contact in the pudendal region of the wearer. The holder comprises a front region, a crotch region having a specified Crotch Holding Force, and a rear region. The crotch region of the holder typically is elastically extensible in both the longitudinal and lateral directions. The holder provides an upward holding force against the absorbent article in the crotch region to hold the article in close bodily contact. A method for holding such an article in close bodily contact by wearing the holder is also disclosed.

Abstract: An absorbent article of pants shape including an elastic waist portion, an absorbent element (5), and a liquid-impermeable outer layer (3) which is intended to enclose the absorbent element on at least that side thereof which faces away from the wearer during use of the article. Elastic members are arranged along the edges of a second piece, along at least the crotch portion for the forming of leg elastics.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent core comprises first and second absorbent layers each comprising an absorbent particulate polymer material such that the absorbent particulate polymer material is substantially continuously distributed across an absorbent particulate polymer material area. A disposable absorbent article and method for making the absorbent core are also disclosed.

Abstract: A substantially cellulose free absorbent core comprising absorbent polymer material having a saline flow conductivity greater than about 100×10?7 cm3·sec/g and a centrifuge retention capacity of greater than about 20 g/g. A disposable absorbent article is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system comprising a thong-shaped holder for holding an absorbent article in close bodily contact in the pudendal region of the wearer. The holder comprises a front region, a crotch region having a specified Crotch Holding Force, and a rear region. The crotch region of the holder typically is elastically extensible in both the longitudinal and lateral directions. The holder provides an upward holding force against the absorbent article in the crotch region to hold the article in close bodily contact. A method for holding such an article in close bodily contact by wearing the holder is also disclosed.

Abstract: A thong-shaped holder for holding an article, such as an absorbent article, in close bodily contact in the pudendal region of the wearer. The holder comprises a front region, a crotch region having a specified Crotch Holding Force, and a rear region. The crotch region of the holder typically is elastically extensible in both the longitudinal and lateral directions. The holder provides an upward holding force against the article in the crotch region to hold the article in close bodily contact. A system comprising the thong-shaped holder and an article for use therewith, and a method for holding such an article in close bodily contact by wearing the holder, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A wearing article includes a pair of connector sheet strips extending inward from transversely opposite side edges of the wearing article and serving to connect front and rear waist regions. The connector sheet strips can be easily turned around so as to extend outward from the side edges. Each of the connector sheet strips includes a proximal end overlapped and bonded together with an inner surface of a lateral margin of the wearing article and a deformable flap portion extending inward from the proximal end in a transverse direction of the wearing article and provided with a fastener element. The proximal end bows together with the lateral margin so that the proximal end lies on the convex side and the lateral margin lies on the concave side.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article such as, e.g., a T-shaped diaper comprising two portions, a lateral portion (backwaist) having two lateral segments or wings for wrapping around the waist of a wearer of the diaper, and a second vertical portion or insert which is adapted to be passed under the crotch of the wearer and folded thereover. A uniquely designed tape tab located at the outer lateral end of one wing assures more perfect and comfortable fit. Tape tabs are also provided at the distal ends of vertical portion for engagement onto landing zones disposed on the surface of each wing. These tape tabs may have the same general construction as the tape tab on the diaper wing. The dimensions of the diaper and several of its components and the relative locations of these components are important factors which contribute to improved fitness and functions of the diaper.

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: A disposable pull-on type wearing article has a front waist region and a rear waist region which are overlapped with each other along side edges thereof and integrated together at sealing spots so as to form lateral waist zones. A surface to come in contact with the wearer's skin in the respective lateral waist zones is provided with cover sheets each bonded to the front and rear waist regions so as to cross a border line between these front and rear waist region. Such an arrangement prevents the sealing spots from coming in contact with the wearer's skin.

Abstract: A fastening device for an absorbent article has a receiving portion with an opening, and a tab element which is shaped so that it can be inserted into the opening of the receiving portion upon closing the article. It is characteristic that both the tab element and the receiving portion have fasteners. By the fact that both the receiving portion and the tab element have fastener, a strong and stable connection is formed between the components of the fastening device.

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: A combined disposable panty and sanitary pad undergarment includes a panty body having a front part, a rear part forming in combination with the front part a top edge of the panty body, and a crotch part joining the rear and front part and forming a pair of leg openings. An absorption pad is overlaid over and secured to the crotch part and a lower portion of each front and rear part. The absorption pad has a fluid-permeable human body facing layer, a fluid-impermeable panty body engaging layer and an absorbent layer disposed intermediate the fluid-permeable and the fluid-impermeable layers. A front end of the absorption pad is positioned above external genital organs of a wearer and a rear end thereof is positioned in close proximity to an anus. The side edges of the absorption pad are tapered to follow contour and style of the panty body.

Abstract: The present invention comprises underwear incorporating a sanitary pad. In one or more embodiments, the sanitary pad is made of a cotton-like material with velcro straps that can adjust the fit of the underwear. The pad is nestled in the crotch of the underwear with the cotton-like material encasing it. The pad preferably cannot be removed from the undergarment as it is sewn inside with the cotton-like material. The velcro straps are adjustable to fit most anyone. In one or more embodiments, the pad is intended to be disposable and can be disposed of in a trash bin after use. In one or more embodiments, the underwear is not intended to be re-used after the pad has been soiled and it is not washable. In one or more other embodiments, the undergarment and pad are both made of washable materials and may be washed and reused.

Abstract: Absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, incontinent briefs, diaper holders, training pants and the like, having elastomeric ear panels and a fastening system that provides the user with different options as to how the absorbent article may be fitted to and removed from the wearer. The absorbent articles allow the wearer to choose between conventional and pull-on diaper configurations, or combinations thereof, and properly and comfortably fit a large range of wearer sizes. Further, the absorbent articles can be pulled on and/or off as a pant. This feature is provided by the ear panels which maintain sufficient tension to hold the diaper on the wearer throughout the period of use without harming the wearer's skin, while providing enough stretch to allow the diaper to be pulled up or down over the wearer's hips. The fastening system is refastenable for convenience yet strong enough to maintain the diaper in a fastened configuration without becoming detached if the diaper is pulled on or off the wearer.

Abstract: A reusable, launderable, moisture control undergarment comprises a brief portion made mostly of a first material. The brief portion generally includes a waist opening, two leg openings and a crotch area. A moisture protection pad is disposed in at least the crotch area of the brief portion. The moisture protection pad comprises a first layer formed of a non-woven, absorbent material, and a second layer which is moisture impermeable. The second layer is disposed on the outer side of the first layer and covers substantially the entire outer side of the first layer. The second layer may be comprised of the first material which has been made moisture impermeable through a Teflon® treatment. A third layer formed of the first material is disposed over inner side of the first layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a disposable pants-type diaper including on a crotch region thereof a separator adapted to prevent feces from coming in contact with the wearer's skin. A basic structure has the crotch region, which is provided with a folded sheet piece attached thereto so as to form the separator. The folded sheet piece is obtained by folding back the sheet piece along a first transverse center line thereof to define a first half and a second half placed upon each other and bonding end edges of these two halves to each other at responsive middles of these end edges in a transverse direction. With the first transverse center line brought close to a second transverse center line, the folded sheet piece is placed upon the crotch region and the lateral edges of the first half are bonded to the crotch region while a region of the first half defined by the lateral edges is kept to be spaced from the crotch region.

Abstract: A pants-type diaper includes a crotch region which is provided on the inner surface in a zone put aside toward a front waist region and in a zone put aside toward a rear waist region with belt-like members, respectively, both extending across a body fluid absorbent structure. Each of the belt-like members has distal ends bonded to leakage barrier means formed along side edges of the body fluid absorbent structure. Intermediate segment extending between the distal ends is free from the inner surface of the crotch region. The belt-like members are integrated with each other only along respective middle segments thereof as viewed in a transverse direction.

Abstract: A disposable pants-type diaper includes a separator interposed between the inner surface of a pants-type skin-covering assembly and the wearer's skin so as to protect the wearer's skin from being soiled with feces. The separator comprises a separator extending from a bottom of a crotch region of the diaper toward a front waist region and a rear waist region and fixed to the crotch region along transversely opposite margins thereof. The separator has a front end and a rear end both extending in a transverse direction of the crotch region and elastically extensible and contractible. In a transversely middle of the crotch region, these front and rear end edges are spaced from the inner surface of the absorbent chassis and joined integrally with each other.

Abstract: A body panel for an adjustable pant-like disposable absorbent undergarment is disclosed. The body panel includes first, second and third regions separated by first and second lines of weakness. A tear facilitation member is secured to one of the region. The tear facilitation member has at least one unattached portion of sufficient size to be grasped between a person's thumb and index finger. The body panel also has an attachment member being secured to one of the other regions and being removeably secured to the tear facilitation member. As the attachment member is opened, the unattached portion can be grasped and pulled in an opposite direction to break the respective line of weakness.

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: The invention relates to an absorbent article (100) such as a diaper or an incontinence protector, which absorbent article is designed like underpants, with a first leg opening (120) and a second leg opening (130) and a waist opening (110), where the article comprises at least a first openable seal line (140) arranged at the first leg opening, and first (150?, 170?) and second (150, 170) opening and closing means arranged to be able to cooperate with one another when the openable seal line (140) is broken. The first (150?, 170?) and second (150, 170) closing means are situated on respective sides of the seal line (140) and are arranged on the surface of the underpants (100), the first closing means (150?, 170?) being arranged on the inside of the underpants and the second closing means (150, 170) being arranged on the outside of the underpants.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a pair of front ear regions as part of a front waist region, a pair of back ear portions including a mechanical fastener as part of a back waist region, a crotch region connecting the front waist region and the back waist region, and a landing zone including a base material and a first discrete fastener element group embedded in the base material. The first discrete fastener element group includes at least one first discrete fastener element having a profile height. The base material has a profile height that is greater than the profile height of the first discrete fastener element. The landing zone may be associated with the outer cover in the front waist region between the front ear regions.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a pant-type absorbent article with flat side seams, and a method for manufacturing the same. The absorbent article comprises of a front waist panel, a back waist panel, a crotch region having an absorbent pad and a pair of leg openings disposed between the front panel and the back panel on both sides of the crotch region. The body facing side of one waist panel is bonded to the non-body facing side of the other panel. This kind of bonding ensures that the side seams of the absorbent article stay flat during wear. The bonding is done by using adhesives, hook and loops, or by mechanical/ultrasonic means. In one embodiment of the present invention, the panels are bonded by using a perforated layer of adhesive, thereby enabling easy removal of the article by the wearer.

Abstract: Here is disclosed a disposable pull-on wearing article improved so that a body fluid absorbent core may be curved about a crotch region toward front and rear waist regions without forming thick creases creating a feeling of discomfort against a wearer, and wherein a concavity bulging downward may be quickly formed in the crotch region as the core is curved. The article includes a body fluid absorbent core which includes a first core lying on a transverse middle of a crotch region and a pair of second cores lying on both sides of the first core. Front and rear end portions of the respective second cores are spaced apart from the first core by slit-like gaps and intermediate portions extending between the front and rear end portions are contiguous to the first core. Outer side edges of the respective second cores are formed with laid down V-shape cutouts.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article having laterally opposing interiorly attached barrier cuff strips and at least one deployable belt strip. Each barrier cuff strip is attached to an interior surface of an absorbent assembly and has a longitudinally extending elastic gathering member attached adjacent to its proximal edge. The belt strip has a fixed end portion and opposing first and second edges connecting the fixed end portion and an opposing free end portion. The belt strip is attached in the fixed end portion and is deployed by being folded laterally outward such that the first edge extends laterally outward from one end point of a diagonal fold line and the second edge extends laterally outward from the opposing end point of the diagonal fold line. The belt strip may be tied to another belt strip or may be fastened to the waist region of the article or to another belt strip.

Abstract: The disposable pull-on garment has a longitudinal centerline, a front region, a crotch region, and a back region, the front region and the back region being joined at seams to form a waist opening and leg openings. The pull-on garment comprises a main portion, a side portion, and a waist portion. The side portion is disposed transversely outboard of the main portion. The waist portion comprises a center waist portion, an outer side waist portion, and an inner side waist portion. The center waist portion is disposed longitudinally outboard of the main portion. The outer side waist portion is disposed longitudinally outboard of the side portion, transversely outboard of the center waist portion, and contiguous with the seam. The inner side waist portion is disposed longitudinally outboard of the side portion, transversely inboard of the outer side waist portion, and transversely outboard of the center waist portion.

Abstract: A three-piece disposable absorbent article is disclosed having a longitudinal central axis and a transverse central axis. The disposable absorbent article includes front and back panels, each panel capable of being stretched and retracted in multiple directions. The back panel is also distinct and spaced apart from the front panel. The disposable absorbent article further includes an absorbent assembly situated between the front and back panels and which is attached to each by a first attachment member. The first attachment member is aligned along the longitudinal central axis. The disposable absorbent assembly includes a non-elastic absorbent that is capable of being elongated and contracted in only one direction, that direction being aligned approximately parallel to the transverse central axis.

Abstract: A rear elastic area formed by a rear waist region with rear waist elastic members stretchable laterally across the rear waist region. A front elastic area formed by a front waist region with front waist elastic members stretchable laterally across the front waist region. The rear waist region and the front waist region are capable of stretching or contracting in unison. A greater number of rear waist elastic members than front waist elastic members are provided. The rear elastic area is broader than the front elastic area with respect to the longitudinal direction of the diaper body. The body-hugging capability of the diaper body at the rear waist side of the wearer is increased so that the diaper body is prevented from slipping down. This configuration reduces constructive feeling by ensuring that the diaper body is not excessively tight at the front waist side of the wearer.

Abstract: A method of forming a waist band on an absorbent article is disclosed. The method includes forming stretchable front and back panels and attaching an elastic band to at least one of the panels. Each elastic band is cantilevered outward from a distal end of the panel to which it is attached. An absorbent assembly is also secured between the front and back panels. The method further includes folding one panel over the other panel so that the outer ends of the elastic bands are aligned approximately even to one another. The first and second side edges of the front panel, back panel and elastic bands are then joined together by a pair of seams to form an absorbent article having a waist opening and a pair of leg openings.

Abstract: The present invention discloses and claims a system and method for disguising a personal care product. The personal care product includes a pattern that matches a design on an undergarment so that the personal care product blends into the background of the undergarment. The method for disguising the personal care product includes creating a pattern to match the design on the undergarment and placing the pattern on the personal care product.

Abstract: A pull-on disposable wearing article has a first waist region and a second waist region. The first waist region is elastically stretch- and contractible in the transverse direction. The second waist region is formed with a pair of finger-grip zones which are non-stretchable in the transverse direction and an elastically stretch- and contractible middle zone. The finger-grip zones respectively have a dimension in a range of 10 to 100 mm as measured in the transverse direction and extend from a peripheral edge of the waist-hole to peripheral edges of the respective leg-holes, along a pair of bonded zones where transversely opposite side edges of the waist regions are bonded together. The middle zone extends between the finger-grip zones is elastically stretch- and contractible in the transverse direction.

Abstract: A diaper has two pairs of means adapted to connect transversely opposite side edge portions of a front waist region and a rear waist region. These connecting means are elastically stretchable in a transverse direction of the diaper and the connecting means lying at a lower portion of the side edge portions have a stretch stress a great as that of the connecting means lying at a upper portion of the side edge portions.

Abstract: A pull-on disposable article has a liquid-absorbent first panel interposed between a liquid-absorbent sheet and liquid-impervious sheets, a waist-hole and a pair of leg-holes. The leg-holes are surrounding by leg-surrounding flaps extending in a leg-surrounding direction outside transversely opposite side edges of the first panel. A transverse dimension between the transversely opposite side edges is minimized in the vicinity of bottoms of the respective leg-holes. The leg-surrounding flaps are formed with first folding lines extending in the leg-surrounding direction and second folding lines extending in a transverse direction. The leg-surrounding flaps are tucked along the first and second folding lines into the respective leg-holes.

Abstract: A refastenable absorbent garment includes a first body panel having a body side and a garment side and a second body panel having a body side and a garment side. A fastener member is attached to the body side of the first body panel and is releasably attached to the body side of the second body panel. A method for assembling a refastenable absorbent garment includes applying a garment side of a first portion of the fastener member to a body side of a first body panel, and releasably applying the body side of the second body panel to a garment side of a second portion of the fastener member. A method of manufacturing and using the absorbent garment is also provided.

Abstract: An absorbent article has a fastening arrangement for fastening the absorbent article. The fastening arrangement is an extendable fastening arrangement formed by the material strip being folded in a Z along two transversely extending fold lines which divide the material strip into a first end portion at the first short end, a second end portion at the second short end, and a middle portion between the end portions. The first end portion of the material strip is secured to the middle portion by a first breakable attachment, and the second end portion of the material strip is secured to the middle portion by a second breakable attachment, and the fastening device is arranged on the second end portion on a surface directed away from the middle portion.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for assembly of extensible composite webs and web sausages, and personal care articles manufactured from such webs. The invention comprises fabricating a resiliently extensible web by bringing together and securing to each other as discrete elements, intervening web substrate elements between resiliently stretchable elastic elements. Securement between elastic elements and web substrate elements is defined by alternating zones of securement and non-securement along a length of the web substrate. The invention comprises deactivating elastic elements in the non-securement zones thereby to retract elastic strands in the non-securement zones without retracting the corresponding web or webs in such non-securement zones, and correspondingly, to distinguish the securement zones as relatively more resiliently stretchable and the non-securement zones as relatively less resiliently stretchable.

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.