Patent ID: 6451001
Filing Date: 2002-09-17
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
A disposable absorbent article having a symmetric shape with respect to a longitudinal center line thereof, comprising:a liquid-permeable topsheet; a liquid-impermeable backsheet; a liquid-absorbent core disposed therebetween; and elastically stretchable/contractile side flaps being contiguous to and extending along transversely opposite side edges of said core, wherein: each of said side flaps has a first proximal edge, a first distal edge, an upper surface for contacting a wearer's skin and an opposite lower surface, each of said side flaps having a plurality of pleats formed on its upper surface, said plurality of pleats extending longitudinally of the associated one of said side flaps and spaced one from another between said first proximal edge and said first distal edge; and each of said plurality of pleats has a second proximal edge located at said upper surface of the associated one of said flaps and a second distal edge normally biased to rise up above said upper surface of the associated one of said flaps in a direction adapted to be toward the wearer's skin, said upper surface of each of said side flaps defining a common base to which the second proximal edge of each associated pleat is secured spaced from the other proximal edges associated with said side flap.