Abstract: A method of integrating a fluid-absorbing component into a holding component of an anatomically form-fitting, generally self-adjusting absorbent garment is disclosed. An elastomeric outer cover is provided for holding a relatively inelastic absorbent insert in selected bodily registration for absorbing and containing bodily fluids. A slidable hem retaining arrangement operatively connects the insert to the outer cover, including cooperating fasteners engageable with one another through a plurality of fenestrations, allowing unrestricted elongation or retraction of the outer cover relative to the insert. The fasteners are releasably engageable with one another to allow removal and replacement of the insert when soiled. Alternatively, ultrasonic bonds may be used instead of refastenable closures, where a single-use disposable garment is contemplated.

Abstract: An anatomatically form-fitting, generally self-adjusting disposable absorbent garment comprises a breathable elastomeric nonwoven outer cover wherein an elastic nonwoven web is joined to one or more gatherable nonwoven webs, including leg and waist openings and cooperating full-length fastening closures extending from the waist to each leg opening. The leg elastics extend about the outermost portions of the leg openings and are tensioned adjacent the inner thighs of the wearer. The leg elastics are routed so that they direct tensile stresses away from the leg opening, thereby reducing detrimental stress concentrations associated with the fastening closures.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin is formed of a plurality of vertically stacked layers comprising an underply of fluid impervious material, an intermediate ply of absorbent material, an underply of fluid impervious material and a peripheral binding ply of fluid impervious material having an inner and outer peripheral edge and defining a central opening into the body. The plies are adhered together about their outer peripheral edge and include an elastomeric member along each of the longitudinal side edges of the body, which resiliently contracts the body in the longitudinal direction drawing the body into a cup shape providing a deep compartment for retaining fluid between the underply and the intermediate ply and at the same time, raising the inner peripheral edge of the binding ply to form a continuous encircling wall against the flow of fluid from the compartment.

Abstract: The invention relates principally to a package adapted for disposable sanitary articles, preferably sanitary napkins and incontinence articles, and secondly to a method of manufacturing such a product.The primary distinguishing feature thereof is that, in a manner known per se, it is designed as a bag of a liquid impervious material, which bag in its packaging stage compactly encloses a disposable article, and that pleats or the like are arranged allowing the bag, after opening and removal of the enclosed article, to expand by one or more pleats spreading out for the accommodation of a used article of the kind in question.

Abstract: A pair of incontinence pants or briefs includes a pocket located in the crotch region and defined by an outer wall of a liquid-impermeable material which is longer than it is wide and an inner wall of like material whose edges define a substantially oval hole. A portion of the inner wall overlaps, but it not connected to another thereof and the edges are crossed over one another at one end of the pocket.

Abstract: An inexpensive washable reusable catamenial pouch or sanitary napkin pad is formed from a single sheet of absorbent fabric, such as flannel, into a generally rectangular strip with a bottom and folded over sides forming top flaps overlying the bottom. These flaps overlap each other along the length of the pouch at the longitudinal central portion of the bottom in a closed position of the pouch. Stitching secures together the flaps and bottom at each end of the pouch. The pouch is openable to receive liners such as impervious plastic and absorbent strips on the bottom thereof by lifting and spreading the flaps apart. Tapes extend from the ends of the pouch to be attached to a support belt or the like and when pulled away from the ends, the tapes are effective to close the pouch by pulling the top flaps into their overlapped position.

Abstract: A disposable waterproof encasement for an absorbent sanitary pad may be releasably secured to an undergarment to convert an everyday undergarment into a sanitary panty or stress incontinence garment. Preferably, the encasement is secured to the panty with the Velcro-type fasteners. The encasement includes a waterproof back and a waterproof marginal front portion secured to the marginal portion of the back to form a water-tight fold. The marginal front portion forms an opening to expose the absorbent pad. The encasement may include an elongated strap bridging the central portion of the opening for retaining the absorbent pad within the encasement. One end portion of the strap may be releasably secured to the front marginal portion to facilitate insertion and removal of the absorbent pad. To ease removing the absorbent pad, the encasement may include an elasticized rubber pad.

Abstract: A waste-containment garment comprising a disposable, elasticized waste-containment insert secured inside an over-garment such as a conventional reuseable diaper, or a disposable diaper, or overpants, or the combination of a reuseable diaper covered with overpants. The insert comprises an absorbent core and a liquid impervious backsheet. Preferably, it also includes a liquid pervious, hydrophobic topsheet. The insert has a width less than one-half the midsection girths of intended users and, preferably, the absorbent core has front and back waist portions which have widths of from about fifteen to about thirty-five percent of the midsection girths of intended users or, nominally, about one-quarter of the midsection girth of an average size intended wearer.

Abstract: A disposable, elasticized waste-containment insert for use inside an over-garment such as a conventional resuseable diaper, or a disposable diaper, or overpants, or the combination of a reuseable diaper covered with overpants. The insert comprises an absorbent core and a liquid impervious backsheet. Preferably, it also includes a liquid pervious, hydrophobic topsheet. The insert has a width less than one-half the midsection girths of intended users and, preferably, the absorbent core has front and back waist portions which have widths of from about fifteen to about thirty-five percent of the midsection girths of intended users or, nominally, about one-quarter of the midsection girth of an average size intended wearer.

Abstract: A composite waste-containment garment comprising a disposable, elasticized waste-containment insert secured by means integral with the insert inside a non-elasticized over-garment such as a conventional reuseable diaper, or a disposable diaper, or overpants, or the combination of a non-elasticized reuseable diaper covered with an outer-garment such as overpants having elasticized leg cuffs. The insert comprises an absorbent core and a liquid impervious backsheet. Preferably, it also includes a liquid pervious, hydrophobic topsheet. The insert has a width less than one-half the midsection girths of intended users and, preferably, the absorbent core has front and back waist portions which have widths of from about fifteen to about thirty-five percent of the midsection girths of intended users, or about one-quarter the midsection girth of nominally sized intended wearer.

Abstract: A method of using a composite waste-containment garment comprising a disposable, elasticized waste-containment insert secured by means integral with the insert inside a non-elasticized over-garment such as a conventional reuseable diaper, or a disposable diaper, or overpants, or the combination of a non-elasticized reuseable diaper covered with an outer-garment such as overpants having elasticized leg cuffs. The insert is so elasticized along its longitudinal side edges that, when properly secured inside a suitable over-garment, and the over-garment is properly applied to a wearer, the elasticized side edges of the insert are sufficiently tensioned to form liquid seals or leg cuffs along upper thigh regions of the wearer: particularly, along the inner spans of the upper thigh regions of the wearer.

Abstract: A catamenial bandage pad having a soft, curved-sided shell with an elongate transverse plate, made of a molded plastic material which is form-retaining and has a characteristic to return to its original shape even though momentarily deformed by body position. The shell is filled with an absorbent material and enveloped in a retaining gauze. A self-wrapping end retainer holds a folded used pad in a double back position.