Patent Publication Number: US-8114059-B2

Title: Absorbent article including barrier leg cuff structure and absorbent core with superabsorbent material

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
     The present application relates to absorbent articles and more particularly to an absorbent article that includes a barrier leg cuff structure and an absorbent core that includes superabsorbent material. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Infants and other incontinent individuals wear absorbent articles such as diapers to receive and contain urine and other body exudates. Absorbent articles function both to contain the discharged materials and to isolate these materials from the body of the wearer and from the wearer&#39;s garments. Disposable absorbent articles having many different basic designs are known to the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. Re. 26,152, entitled “Disposable Diaper” issued to Duncan and Baker on Jan. 31, 1967, describes a disposable diaper which has achieved wide acceptance and commercial success. U.S. Pat. No. 3,860,003, entitled “Contractable Side Portions For Disposable Diaper”, issued to Buell on Jan. 14, 1975, describes an elasticized leg cuff disposable diaper which has achieved wide acceptance and commercial success. 
     However, absorbent articles have a tendency to sag or gap away from and to slide or slip down on the body of the wearer during wear. This sagging or gapping and sliding or slipping is caused by the relative motions of the wearer as the wearer breathes, moves, bends and changes positions, by the downward forces generated especially when the absorbent article is loaded with body exudates, and by the deformation of the materials of the absorbent article itself when subjected to such wearer&#39;s motions. This sagging or gapping and sliding or slipping of the absorbent article can lead to premature leakage and poor fit of the absorbent article about the wearer in the waist regions and the leg regions of the absorbent article. 
     In order to more snugly fit absorbent articles about the waist of the wearer, certain commercially available absorbent articles have been provided with elastic waist features. An example of a disposable diaper with an elastic waist feature which has achieved wide acceptance and commercial success is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,515,595 issued to Kievit and Osterhage on May 7, 1985. Elastic waist features will typically include an elasticized waistband consisting of an elastic member contractibly affixed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The elasticized waistband is designed to expand and contract with the wearer&#39;s motions and to maintain the fit of the absorbent article about the waist of the wearer during use (i.e., provide sustained dynamic fit). 
     However, it has been found that absorbent articles having elastic waist features also have a tendency to sag or gap and slide or slip during use. Further, the elastic waist feature has a tendency to rollover or roll-in at the front of the diaper resulting in a lack of fit about the waist of the wearer. 
     Thus, it would be advantageous to provide an absorbent article having a waist feature that provides better fit, reduced leakage, and wearer comfort. It would further be advantageous to provide an absorbent article which has reduced sagging, gapping, rollover, or roll-in at the waist of the diaper as well as reduced overall sliding or slipping of the absorbent article or the absorbent core on the wearer during use. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In an aspect, the invention features an absorbent article that includes a chassis including a topsheet and a backsheet joined to the topsheet. The chassis has a front waist region, a back waist region, a crotch region located between the front waist region and the back waist region, a longitudinal axis extending through the front and back waist regions and a lateral axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. A barrier cuff strip extends in a longitudinal direction from the front waist region to the back waist region along the topsheet. The barrier cuff strip includes a front end at the front waist region, a back end at the back waist region and proximal and distal edges connecting the front end and the back end. The barrier cuff strip distal edge is attached to the topsheet at a cuff end bond region having an outer bond edge at one of the front and back ends of the barrier cuff strip and an inner bond edge spaced longitudinally from the outer bond edge. The inner bond edge is longitudinally spaced from the outer bond edge a longitudinal length of about ½ or more of a longitudinal length of the waist region at which the outer bond edge is located. An absorbent core is disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent core includes an absorbent layer including an absorbent material comprising a superabsorbent polymer material wherein at least about 60 percent by weight of the absorbent material is the superabsorbent polymer material. 
     In another aspect, the invention features an absorbent article that includes a chassis including a topsheet and a backsheet joined to the topsheet. The chassis has a front waist region, a back waist region, a crotch region located between the front waist region and the back waist region, a longitudinal axis extending through the front and back waist regions and a lateral axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. A barrier cuff strip extends in a longitudinal direction from the front waist region to the back waist region along the topsheet. The barrier cuff strip includes a front end at the front waist region, a back end at the back waist region and proximal and distal edges connecting the front end and the back end. The barrier cuff strip distal edge is attached to the topsheet at a cuff end bond region having an outer bond edge at one of the front and back ends of the barrier cuff strip and an inner bond edge spaced longitudinally from the outer bond edge a longitudinal length of about ½ or more of a longitudinal length of the waist region at which the outer bond edge is located. An absorbent core is disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent core includes an absorbent layer including an absorbent material comprising a superabsorbent polymer material such that the absorbent layer has a dry caliper of no more than about 5 mm. 
     In another aspect, the invention features an absorbent article having opposite longitudinally extending sides and opposite laterally extending ends extending between the longitudinally extending sides. The absorbent article includes a chassis including a topsheet and a backsheet joined to the topsheet. The chassis has a front waist region, a back waist region, a crotch region located between the front waist region and the back waist region, a longitudinal axis extending through the front and back waist regions and a lateral axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. A barrier cuff strip extends in a longitudinal direction from the front waist region to the back waist region along the topsheet. The barrier cuff strip includes a front end at the front waist region, a back end at the back waist region and proximal and distal edges connecting the front end and the back end. The barrier cuff strip distal edge is attached to the topsheet at a cuff end bond region that has an outer bond edge at one of the front and back waist regions and an inner bond edge spaced longitudinally from the outer bond edge. An absorbent core is disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent core includes an absorbent layer including an absorbent material comprising a superabsorbent polymer material wherein at least about 60 percent by weight of the absorbent material is the superabsorbent polymer material. A longitudinal distance from the inner bond edge to the laterally extending side at the one of the front and back waist regions is about ½ or more of a longitudinal length of the one of the front and back waist regions. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       While the specification concludes with claims pointing out and distinctly claiming the present invention, it is believed the same will be better understood by the following drawings taken in conjunction with the accompanying specification wherein like components are given the same reference number. 
         FIG. 1  is a plan view of an absorbent article embodiment having portions cut-away to reveal underlying structure; 
         FIG. 1A  is a detail view of an embodiment of a bonding pattern forming an end bond region; 
         FIG. 1B  is a detail view of another embodiment of a bonding pattern forming an end bond region; 
         FIG. 1C  is a detail view of another embodiment of a bonding pattern forming an end bond region; 
         FIG. 2  is a fragmentary sectional view taken along section line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a fragmentary sectional view taken along section line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the absorbent article embodiment of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a fragmentary coronal view showing the absorbent article of  FIG. 1  in place on a wearer; 
         FIG. 6  is a section view of an embodiment of an absorbent layer; 
         FIG. 7  is a section view of another embodiment of an absorbent layer; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the absorbent layer of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a diagrammatic view of a rheometer; 
         FIG. 10  is a front schematic view of a diaper as worn by a wearer; 
         FIG. 11  is a side schematic view of a diaper as worn by a wearer; 
         FIG. 12  is a plan view, in cross-section, of a diaper as worn by a wearer; 
         FIG. 13  is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of an absorbent article constructed in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 14  is a plan view of yet another alternative embodiment of an absorbent article constructed in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view taken along section line  15 - 15  of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a fragmentary sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a barrier cuff assembly; 
         FIG. 17  is a fragmentary sectional view of a further alternative embodiment of a barrier cuff assembly; 
         FIG. 18  is a fragmentary sectional view of a diaper embodiment having a dual cuff barrier cuff; 
         FIG. 19  is a plan view of another alternative embodiment of an absorbent article; and 
         FIG. 20  is a section view of an embodiment of an absorbent article showing an acquisition system. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     All documents cited herein are incorporated herein by reference. The citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior art with respect to the present invention. 
     As used herein, the following terms have the following meanings: 
     “Absorbent article” refers to devices that absorb and contain liquid, and more specifically, refers to devices that are placed against or in proximity to the body of the wearer to absorb and contain the various exudates discharged from the body. 
     “Longitudinal” is a direction running parallel to the maximum linear dimension of the article and includes directions within ±45° of the longitudinal direction. 
     The “lateral” or “transverse” direction is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. 
     The “Z-direction” is orthogonal to both the longitudinal and transverse directions. 
     The “x-y plane” refers to the plane congruent with the longitudinal and transverse directions. 
     The term “disposable” is used herein to describe absorbent articles that generally are not intended to be laundered or otherwise restored or reused as an absorbent article (i.e., they are intended to be discarded after a single use and, preferably, to be recycled, composted or otherwise disposed of in an environmentally compatible manner). 
     As used herein, the term “disposed” is used to mean that an element(s) is formed Joined and positioned) in a particular place or position as a unitary structure with other elements or as a separate element joined to another element. 
     As used herein, the term “joined” encompasses configurations whereby an element is directly secured to another element by affixing the element directly to the other element, and configurations whereby an element is indirectly secured to another element by affixing the element to intermediate member(s) which in turn are affixed to the other element. The term “joined” further encompasses configurations where two elements are formed from a single material. 
     A “unitary” absorbent article refers to absorbent articles which are formed of separate parts united together to form a coordinated entity so that they do not require separate manipulative parts like a separate holder and liner. 
     As used herein, the term “diaper” refers to an absorbent article generally worn by infants and incontinent persons about the lower torso. 
     The terms “water-permeable” and “water-impermeable” refer to the penetrability of materials in the context of the intended usage of disposable absorbent articles. Specifically, the term “water-permeable” refers to a layer or a layered structure having pores, openings, and/or interconnected void spaces that permit liquid water to enter or pass through its thickness in the under typical use conditions (for example without the need to apply a significant or unrepresentative forcing pressure). Conversely, the term “water-impermeable” refers to a layer or a layered structure through the thickness of which liquid water cannot pass in the absence of a forcing pressure (for example, under typical in use conditions). A layer or a layered structure that is water-impermeable according to this definition may be permeable to water vapor, i.e., may be “vapor-permeable”. As is well known in the art, a common method for measuring the permeability to water of the materials typically used in absorbent articles is a hydrostatic pressure test, also called a hydrostatic head test or simply a “hydrohead” test. Suitable well known compendial methods for hydrohead testing are approved by INDA (formerly the International Nonwovens and Disposables Association, now The Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry) and EDANA (European Disposables And Nonwovens Association). 
     As used herein, the term “barrier cuff” refers to an elasticized flap which stands substantially upright, more preferably inwardly towards the longitudinal centerline, within the crotch region with the absorbent article in an contracted state ( FIG. 4 ). Typically, said barrier cuff envelopes/contains at least one elastic that is connected primarily at its opposing ends to the diaper (e.g., drawstring technique for better fit). 
     As used herein, the term “gasketing cuff” refers to an elasticized flap which does not stand substantially upright, or which more preferably is disposed outwardly towards the longitudinal side edges of the diaper, within the crotch region. Typically, said gasketing cuff envelopes/contains at least one elastic that is connected substantially throughout its length to the diaper (e.g., multiple bonds along length of elastic to create gathers). 
       FIG. 1  is a plan view of an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a diaper  20  in a flat-out, uncontracted state (i.e., without elastic induced contraction) with portions of the structure being cut away to more clearly show the underlying structure of the diaper  20  and with the portion of the diaper  20  which contacts the wearer facing the viewer. The diaper  20  is shown in  FIG. 1  to have a front waist region  22 , a back waist region  24 , a crotch region  26 , and a periphery  28  which is defined by the outer edges of the diaper in which the longitudinal edges are designated  30  and the end edges are designated  32 . The diaper  20  additionally has a lateral axis or centerline which is designated  34  and a longitudinal axis or centerline which is designated  36 . 
     A main body or chassis  23  of the diaper  20  has an outer covering including liquid permeable topsheet  38 , a top surface of the topsheet  38  being designated  40 ; a liquid impermeable backsheet  42 ; and an absorbent core  44  having side edges  46  and comprising an absorbent layer  48  and first and second tissue layers (or nonwoven wrapping layers)  50  and  52 , respectively, encased between the topsheet  38  and backsheet  42 . For unitary absorbent articles, the chassis  23  comprises the main structure of the diaper with other features added to form the composite diaper structure. For example, the diaper  20  may include a pair of fastener components  54 ; gasketing cuffs  56  each comprising side flap  58  and flap elastic members  60 ; barrier cuffs  62  each having a proximal edge  64 , a distal edge  66 , an inboard surface  68 , an outboard surface  70 , a first end  72  and a second end  74 ; and spacing means  76 , such as spacing elastic member  77  for spacing the distal edge  66  away from the topsheet top surface  40 . The diaper  20  additionally includes a bond  78  and/or multiple bonds  78 ,  120  such as an adhesive glue bead for securing closed the first and second ends  72  and  74  of each barrier cuff  62 . Other attachment means  78  may include thermal bonds, mechanical bonds, pressure bonds, ultrasonic bonds, combinations of these, or the like. The areas in which the bond  78  and, in some embodiments, bond  120  are disposed are designated the front bond region  80  and the back bond region  82 . The front bond regions  80  begin at an outer bond edge  81  located at the first end  72  and end at an inner bond edge  83  that is spaced longitudinally from the outer bond edge  81 . Similarly, back bond regions  82  begin at an outer bond edge  85  located at the second end  74  and end at an inner bond edge  87  that is spaced longitudinally from the outer bond edge  85 . In the illustrated embodiment, the outer bond edges  81 ,  85  are formed by bonds  78 , the inner bond edges  83  are formed by discrete, separate bonds  120  that are spaced longitudinally from the bonds  78  and the inner bond edges  87  are formed by bonds  78 . As shown, the bonds  120  and  78  may be offset laterally from each other. Alternatively, the bonds  120 ,  78  may be substantially laterally aligned. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1A , any one or more of the bond regions  80 ,  82  may be formed by a single, continuous bond  78  that extends continuously from an outer bond edge  81 ,  85  to an inner bond edge  83 ,  87 .  FIG. 1B  shows another embodiment where a bond region  80 ,  82  is formed by a continuous bond  93  having a first portion  95 , a second portion  97  and a third portion  101  connecting the first and second portions. As can be seen, the first portion  95  is offset laterally from the second portion  97 . As another exemplary embodiment,  FIG. 1C  shows more than two bonds forming the bond region  80 ,  82  where outermost bond  89  forms outer bond edge  81 ,  85  and innermost bond  91  forms inner bond edge  83 ,  87 . The terms “outer” and “inner” are relative to the lateral centerline  34 . 
     Referring back to  FIG. 1 , while the topsheet  38 , the backsheet  42 , and the absorbent core  44  may be assembled in a variety of well-known configurations, preferred diaper configurations are described generally in U.S. Pat. No. 3,860,003 entitled “Contractible Side Portions for Disposable Diaper” issued to Kenneth B. Buell on Jan. 14, 1975; U.S. Pat. No. 5,151,092 issued to Buell on Sep. 9, 1992; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,221,274 issued to Buell on Jun. 22, 1993; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,554,145 entitled “Absorbent Article With Multiple Zone Structural Elastic-Like Film Web Extensible Waist Feature” issued to Roe et al. on Sep. 10, 1996; U.S. Pat. No. 5,569,234 entitled “Disposable Pull-On Pant” issued to Buell et al. on Oct. 29, 1996; U.S. Pat. No. 5,580,411 entitled “Zero Scrap Method For Manufacturing Side Panels For Absorbent Articles” issued to Nease, et al. on Dec. 3, 1996; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,004,306 entitled “Absorbent Article With Multi-Directional Extensible Side Panels” issued to Robles et al. on Dec. 21, 1999. 
       FIG. 1  shows an embodiment of the diaper  20  in which the topsheet  38  and the backsheet  42  are coextensive and have length and width dimensions generally larger than those of the absorbent core  44 . The topsheet  38  is associated with and superposed on the backsheet  42  thereby to form the periphery  28  of the diaper  20 . The periphery  28  defines the outer perimeter or, in other words, the edges of the diaper  20 . The periphery  28  includes the end edges  32  and the longitudinal edges  30 . The topsheet  38  need not be generally coextensive with the backsheet  42 . For example, the topsheet  38  could be more narrow than the backsheet  42  or more wide than the backsheet  42 . The overall diaper structure could be a shaped structure with a narrowing in the crotch region  26  as shown in  FIG. 1 . Separate “ear” or side panels  154  are attached to the chassis  23  at the back waist region  24 . In some embodiments, such side panels  154  could be integral with the chassis or be separately attached. In some embodiments, side panels  154  may be attached to the chassis  23  at the front waist region  22 , for example, instead of or in addition to at the back waist region  24 . 
     It may be desirable to provide the diaper  20  with extensibility or elasticity in all or a portion of the side panels  154 . As used herein, the terms “extensible” and “stretchable” refer to materials that are capable of extending in at least one direction to a certain degree without rupture. The terms “elasticity”, “elastically extensible” and “elastically stretchable” refer to extensible materials that have the ability to return to approximately their original dimensions after the force that extended the material is removed. As used herein, any material or element described as extensible or as stretchable may also be elastically extensible or elastically stretchable unless otherwise provided. Extensible side panels  154  may provide a more comfortable and contouring fit by initially conformably fitting the diaper  20  to the wearer and sustaining this fit throughout the time of wear even after the diaper has been loaded with exudates since extensible side panels  154  can allow the sides of the diaper  20  to expand and contract. Extensible side panels  154  may also further provide more effective application of the diaper  20  since even if one pulls one side panel  154  farther than the other side panel  154  during application of the diaper, the diaper may self-adjust during wear. Fasteners, such as fasteners  54  may be attached to or integral with such side panels  154  if they are included. 
     While the extensible side panels  154  may be constructed in a number of configurations, examples of diapers with extensible side panels are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,857,067, entitled “Disposable Diaper Having Shirred Ears” issued to Wood, et al. on Aug. 15, 1989; U.S. Pat. No. 4,381,781 issued to Sciaraffa, et al. on May 3, 1983; U.S. Pat. No. 4,938,753 issued to Van Gompel, et al. on Jul. 3, 1990; in U.S. Pat. No. 5,151,092 issued to Buell et al. on Sep. 29, 1992; U.S. Pat. No. 6,677,258 issued to Carroll et al. on Jan. 13, 2004 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/396,977 filed on Mar. 25, 2003. 
     Side panels  154  may be joined to the diaper  20  in any suitable manner. Side panels  154  may be affixed directly to the backsheet  42  at a panel joint region  155 , e.g., formed by adhesive, pressure bonding or any other attachment material and/or process. In some embodiments, the joint region  155  may be formed by more than one process, such as by an adhesive bond and a pressure bond. Certain attachment methods are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,677,258 already referred to above. Joint region  155  has an outer panel joint edge  147  formed at an outermost bond location between the side panel  154  and the backsheet  42  and an inner panel joint edge  149  formed at an innermost bond location between the side panel  154  and the backsheet  42 . Joint region  155  may be formed by several, longitudinally spaced-apart bonds  151  and/or joint region  155  may be formed by a single, continuous bond. 
     The diaper  20  has front and back waist regions  22  and  24  extending respectively from the end edges  32  of the diaper periphery  28  toward the lateral axis  34  of the diaper  20  a distance from about ¼ to about ⅓ the length of the diaper  20 . The waist regions comprise those portions of the diaper  20  which, when worn, encircle the waist of the wearer. The crotch region  26  is that portion of the diaper  20  between the waist regions  22  and  24 , and comprises that portion of the diaper  20  which, when worn, is positioned between the legs of the wearer and covers the lower torso of the wearer. 
       FIG. 2  is a fragmentary sectional view taken along line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1  and depicts the diaper construction in the back waist region  24  of the diaper  20 . The absorbent core comprises the absorbent layer  48  that is shown as being completely enveloped by the first and second tissue layers (or nonwoven layers)  50  and  52 . The absorbent core  44  is disposed between the topsheet  38  and the backsheet  42 ; both the topsheet  38  and the backsheet  42  extend beyond the side edge  46  of the absorbent core  44  to define the side flap  58 . The juxtaposed areas of the topsheet  38  and the backsheet  42  are secured together such as by adhesive  88 . In the illustrated embodiment, the flap elastic members  60  do not extend into the waist region so that the gasketing cuff  56  is not formed in this region. The barrier cuff  62  is shown as being a separate element secured to the topsheet  38 ; the proximal edge  64  being formed by securing the element to the topsheet  38  by bond  92 . Bond  92  could be any suitable attachment mechanism such as adhesive, mechanical bonding, thermal bonding, pressure bonding, ultrasonic bonding, combinations of these, or the like. The inboard surface  68  of the barrier cuff  62  is secured to the topsheet top surface  50  by bond  78  such as the glue bead  79 . This bond  78  could also be accomplished through a variety of mechanisms such as adhesive, mechanical bonding, thermal bonding, pressure bonding, ultrasonic bonding, or the like. Therefore, the distal edge  66  is closed (i.e., it is not spaced away from the topsheet top surface  40 ). It should be noted that the spacing elastic member  77  is not disposed in this region because the distal edge  66  is not designed to be spaced away from the topsheet top surface  40  in the waist regions. Therefore, the barrier cuff  62  is neither open nor ready to constrain the flow of body exudates in this region. 
       FIG. 3  is a fragmentary sectional view taken along line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 1  and depicts the diaper construction in the crotch region  26  of the diaper  20  as it is shaped before being applied to the wearer (i.e., the diaper  20  is subjected to elastic contraction). The absorbent core  44  comprises the absorbent layer  48  that is shown as being completely enveloped by the first and second tissue or nonwoven layers  50 ,  52 . The absorbent core  44  is disposed between the topsheet  38  and the backsheet  42 ; both the topsheet  38  and the backsheet  42  extend beyond the side edge  46  of the absorbent core  44  to define the side flap  58 . The juxtaposed areas of the topsheet  38  and the backsheet  42  are secured together by a joint such as an adhesive bond  88 . The topsheet  38  and the backsheet  42  also enclose the flap elastic members  60  adjacent the longitudinal edge  30  in the periphery  28 . The flap elastic members  60  are secured in the topsheet-backsheet formed side flap  58  by elastic attachment means  90 . The elastically contractible gasketing cuff  56  is thereby formed by the side flap  58  by elastic attachment means  90 . The barrier cuff  62  is shown as being formed by securing an element to the topsheet  38  between the flap elastic members  60  and the side edge  46  of the absorbent core  44 . The proximal edge  64  of the barrier cuff  62  is formed by securing the barrier cuff element to the topsheet  38  by attachment means  92 . The spacing elastic members  77  are enclosed in a tunnel that is formed when an end of the barrier cuff element is folded back on itself; the spacing elastic members  77  being secured in the barrier cuff  62  by elastic attachment bond  94 , the elastic members  77  being unattached in the crotch region  26  or, alternatively, may be attached in the crotch region  26  as well, for example, with an extension of the elastic attachment bond  94  or with a separate bond. The distal edge  66  of the barrier cuff is spaced away from the topsheet top surface  40  by the elastic gathering action of the spacing elastic members  77 ; a channel  96  thereby being formed by at least the proximal edge  64 , the distal edge  66  and the inboard surface  68  of the barrier cuff  62 . The channel  96  is shown as being ready to restrain, contain, and hold body exudates until the diaper  20  is removed from the wearer. 
     The topsheet  38  may be fully or partially elasticized or may be foreshortened so as to provide a void space between the topsheet  38  and the core  44 . Exemplary structures including elasticized or foreshortened topsheets are described in more detail in U.S. Pat. No. 4,892,536 issued to DesMarais et al. on Jan. 9, 1990 entitled “Absorbent Article Having Elastic Strands”; U.S. Pat. No. 4,990,147 issued to Freeland on Feb. 5, 1991 entitled “Absorbent Article With Elastic Liner For Waste Material Isolation”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,037,416 issued to Allen et al. on Aug. 6, 1991 entitled “Disposable Absorbent Article Having Elastically Extensible Topsheet”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,269,775 issued to Freeland et al. on Dec. 14, 1993 entitled “Trisection Topsheets For Disposable Absorbent Articles and Disposable Absorbent Articles Having Such Trisection Topsheets.” 
     The absorbent core  44  may comprise any absorbent material that is generally compressible, conformable, non-irritating to the wearer&#39;s skin, and capable of absorbing and retaining liquids such as urine and other certain body exudates. The absorbent core  44  may include first and second opposed faces and comprise an absorbent layer  48  and first and second tissue or nonwoven layers  50 ,  52 . The first and second tissue or nonwoven layers  50 ,  52  may overlay the major surfaces of the absorbent layer  48  to form the first and second opposed faces of the absorbent core. The absorbent core  44  may comprise a wide variety of liquid-absorbent materials commonly used in disposable diapers and other absorbent articles such as comminuted wood pulp, which is generally referred to as air felt. Examples of other suitable absorbent materials include creped cellulose wadding; melt blown polymers, including co-form; chemically stiffened, modified or cross-linked cellulosic fibers; tissue, including tissue wraps and tissue laminates; absorbent foams; absorbent sponges; superabsorbent polymers; absorbent gelling materials; or any other known absorbent material or combinations of materials. The absorbent core  44  may be comprised of multiple layers including a layer or multiple layers forming an acquisition  45  and/or distribution system (see, for example,  FIG. 20 ). Such an acquisition or distribution layer may be coextensive with the remaining layers of the core, or may be or different dimensions or positioning. The absorbent core  44  may be made predominately of superabsorbent material (e.g., about 50 weight percent or more, such as about 60 weight percent or more, such as about 70 weight percent or more, such as about 80 weight percent or more, such as about 90 weight percent) without the addition of absorbent fibers (such as a “airfelt free” core). Such an airfelt free core may comprise predominately superabsorbent particles, and a microfiber glue. Superabsorbent materials are those which are capable of absorbing at least about 10 grams, e.g., at least about 20 grams or more, of Synthetic Urine (0.9 percent NaCl aqueous solution) per gram of superabsorbent material. The core structure may also include wetness sensation members or a combination of wetness sensation member (or members) and an acquisition layer or layers. Any or all of the core structures (such as the optional wetness sensation member(s) or acquisition layer(s)) may be tinted or highlighted for visibility if desired. 
     Exemplary absorbent structures for use as the absorbent assemblies are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,610,678 entitled “High-Density Absorbent Structures” issued to Weisman et al. on Sep. 9, 1986; U.S. Pat. No. 4,673,402 entitled “Absorbent Articles With Dual-Layered Cores” issued to Weisman et al. on Jun. 16, 1987; U.S. Pat. No. 4,834,735, entitled “High Density Absorbent Members Having Lower Density and Lower Basis Weight Acquisition Zones”, issued to Alemany et al. on May 30, 1989; U.S. Pat. No. 4,888,231 entitled “Absorbent Core Having A Dusting Layer” issued to Angstadt on Dec. 19, 1989; U.S. Pat. No. 5,137,537 entitled “Absorbent Structure Containing Individualized, Polycarboxylic Acid Crosslinked Wood Pulp Cellulose Fibers” which issued to Herron et al. on Aug. 11, 1992; U.S. Pat. No. 5,147,345 entitled “High Efficiency Absorbent Articles For Incontinence Management” issued to Young et al. on Sep. 15, 1992; U.S. Pat. No. 5,342,338 entitled “Disposable Absorbent Article For Low-Viscosity Fecal Material” issued to Roe on Aug. 30, 1994; U.S. Pat. No. 5,260,345 entitled “Absorbent Foam Materials For Aqueous Body Fluids and Absorbent Articles Containing Such Materials” issued to DesMarais et al. on Nov. 9, 1993; U.S. Pat. No. 5,387,207 entitled “Thin-Until-Wet Absorbent Foam Materials For Aqueous Body Fluids And Process For Making Same” issued to Dyer et al. on Feb. 7, 1995; U.S. Pat. No. 5,397,316 entitled “Slitted Absorbent Members For Aqueous Body Fluids Formed Of Expandable Absorbent Materials” issued to LaVon et al. on Mar. 14, 1995; U.S. Pat. No. 5,625,222 entitled “Absorbent Foam Materials For Aqueous Fluids Made From high Internal Phase Emulsions Having Very High Water-To-Oil Ratios” issued to DesMarais et al. on Jul. 22, 1997; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 2004/0162536 published on Aug. 19, 2004 entitled “Comfortable Diaper.” 
     The backsheet  42  is generally that portion of the diaper  20  positioned adjacent the garment-facing surface of the absorbent core  44 . Backsheet  42  prevents the exudates absorbed and contained therein from soiling articles that may contact the diaper  20 , such as bed sheets and undergarments. In preferred embodiments, the backsheet  26  is substantially impermeable to liquids (e.g., urine) and comprises a laminate of a nonwoven and a thin plastic film such as a thermoplastic film having a thickness of about 0.012 mm (0.5 mil) to about 0.051 mm (2.0 mils). Suitable backsheet films include those manufactured by Tredegar Industries Inc. of Terre Haute, Ind. and sold under the trade names X15306, X10962, and X10964. Other suitable backsheet materials may include breathable materials that permit vapors to escape from the diaper  20  while still preventing exudates from passing through the backsheet  42 . Exemplary breathable materials may include materials such as woven webs, nonwoven webs, composite materials such as film-coated nonwoven webs, and microporous films such as manufactured by Mitsui Toatsu Co., of Japan under the designation ESPOIR NO and by EXXON Chemical Co., of Bay City, Tex., under the designation EXXAIRE. Suitable breathable composite materials comprising polymer blends are available from Clopay Corporation, Cincinnati, Ohio under the name HYTREL blend P18-3097. Such breathable composite materials are described in greater detail in PCT Application No. WO 95/16746, published on Jun. 22, 1995 in the name of E. I. DuPont and U.S. Pat. No. 5,865,823 issued to Curro on Feb. 2, 1999. Other breathable backsheets including nonwoven webs and apertured formed films are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,571,096 issued to Dobrin et al. on Nov. 5, 1996. An exemplary, suitable backsheet is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,107,537 entitled “Disposable absorbent articles providing a skin condition benefit” issued to Elder et al on Aug. 22, 2000. Other suitable materials and/or manufacturing techniques may be used to provide a suitable backsheet  42  including, but not limited to, surface treatments, particular film selections and processing, particular filament selections and processing, etc. 
     Backsheet  42  may also consist of more than one layer, as exampled in  FIG. 1 , wherein a backsheet outer layer (often referred to as the backsheet) may be made of a soft, non-woven material and a backsheet inner layer may be made of a substantially impermeable film. Adhesive or any other suitable material or method may be used to join layers and together. While a variety of backsheet configurations are contemplated herein, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 
     The diaper  20  may also include a flexible fastening system. The fastening system preferably maintains the front waist region  22  and the back waist region  24  in a configuration so as to provide lateral tensions about the circumference of the diaper  20  to hold the diaper  20  on the wearer. Flexible fastening system includes a first fastener component  54  and a second, fastener component  55  capable of releasably mating with the first fastener component  54 . The fastener components  54  and  55  such as a base of the fastener components can be formed of a flexible material, e.g., having a flexural modulus of 80 Kpsi or less, such as between about 10 Kpsi and about 80 Kpsi. In some embodiments, the fastener components may be formed of a material having a relatively low modulus of elasticity, such as about 1 Gpa or less, such as about 0.5 Gpa or less. 
     By forming fastener components  54  and  55  of a relatively flexible material, greater body conformity can be achieved. “Body conformity” refers to the percent deflection of a fastening device in the fastened configuration per force (kgf) of compressive deflection load of a fastening device. The body conformity of a fastening device may be measured with the fastening device in a fastened configuration with the fastener components  54  and  55  of the fastening device interlocked. In some embodiments, it is preferable to have a body conformity of greater than about 500 percent per kilogram force of load (%/kgf), such as greater than about 1000%/kgf. Details of measuring body conformity of a fastening device is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 2003/0233082, entitled “Highly Flexible And Low Deformation Fastening Device”, Published on Dec. 18, 2003. 
     First fastener component  54  is in the form of tape tabs  54 , which may be applied to the back waist region  24  (or front waist region  22 ) of the diaper  20 . Alternatively, the fastening system may employ adhesive fasteners, cohesive fasteners, selective adhesive fasteners, mechanical fasteners, hook and loop fastening components, interlocking fasteners such as tabs &amp; slots, buckles, buttons, snaps, macro-fasteners, and/or hermaphroditic fastening components, and combinations of any of these although any other known fastening means are generally acceptable. Some exemplary surface fastening systems are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,848,594 entitled “Tape Fastening System for Disposable Diaper” issued to Buell on Nov. 19, 1974; U.S. Pat. No. B1 4,662,875 entitled “Absorbent Article” issued to Hirotsu et al. on May 5, 1987; U.S. Pat. No. 4,846,815 entitled “Disposable Diaper Having An Improved Fastening Device” issued to Scripps on Jul. 11, 1989; U.S. Pat. No. 4,894,060 entitled “Disposable Diaper With Improved Hook Fastener Portion” issued to Nestegard on Jan. 16, 1990; U.S. Pat. No. 4,946,527 entitled “Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive Fastener And Method of Making Same” issued to Battrell on Aug. 7, 1990; the herein before referenced U.S. Pat. No. 5,151,092 issued to Buell on Sep. 9, 1992; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,221,274 issued to Buell on Jun. 22, 1993. An exemplary interlocking fastening system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,432,098 entitled “Absorbent Article Fastening Device” in the names of Kline et al. issued on Aug. 13, 2002. The fastening system  55  may also provide a means for holding the article in a disposal configuration as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,963,140 issued to Robertson et al. on Oct. 16, 1990. The fastening system may also include primary and secondary fastening systems, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,699,622 entitled “Disposable Diaper Having An Improved Side Closure” issued to Toussant et al. on Oct. 13, 1987. to reduce shifting of overlapped portions or to improve fit as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,242,436 entitled “Absorbent Article With Fastening System Providing Dynamic Elasticized Waistband Fit” issued to Weil et al. on Sep. 7, 1993; U.S. Pat. No. 5,499,978 entitled “Absorbent Article With Dynamic Elastic Waist Feature Having A Predisposed Resilient Flexural Hinge” issued to Buell et al. on Mar. 19, 1996; U.S. Pat. No. 5,507,736 entitled “Absorbent Article With Dynamic Elastic Waist Feature Comprising An Expansive Tummy Panel” issued to Clear et al. on Apr. 16, 1996; U.S. Pat. No. 5,591,152 entitled “Absorbent Article With Dynamic Elastic Waist Feature Having A Predisposed Resilient Flexural Hinge” issued to Buell et al. on Jan. 7, 1997. 
     In some embodiments, the article may be preformed by the manufacturer to create a pant. The term “pant”, as used herein, refers to disposable garments having a waist opening and leg openings designed for infant or adult wearers. A pant may be placed in position on the wearer by inserting the wearer&#39;s legs into the leg openings and sliding the pant into position about the wearer&#39;s lower torso. A pant may be preformed by any suitable technique including, but not limited to, joining together portions of the article using refastenable and/or non-refastenable bonds (e.g., seam, weld, adhesive, cohesive bond, fastener, etc.). While the term “pant” is used herein, pants are also commonly referred to as “closed diapers”, “prefastened diapers”, “pull-on diapers”, “training pants” and “diaper-pants”. Suitable pants are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,246,433, issued to Hasse, et al. on Sep. 21, 1993; U.S. Pat. No. 5,569,234, issued to Buell et al. on Oct. 29, 1996; U.S. Pat. No. 6,120,487, issued to Ashton on Sep. 19, 2000; U.S. Pat. No. 6,120,489, issued to Johnson et al. on Sep. 19, 2000; U.S. Pat. No. 4,940,464, issued to Van Gompel et al. on Jul. 10, 1990; U.S. Pat. No. 5,092,861, issued to Nomura et al. on Mar. 3, 1992; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 2003/0233082, entitled “Highly Flexible And Low Deformation Fastening Device”, Published on Dec. 18, 2003; U.S. Pat. No. 5,897,545, issued to Kline et al. on Apr. 27, 1999; U.S. Pat. No. 5,957,908, issued to Kline et al on Sep. 28, 1999. 
     The diaper  20  may also include such other features as are known in the art including graphics, front and rear ear panels, waist cap features, elastics and the like to provide better fit, containment and aesthetic characteristics. Such additional features are well known in the art and are described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,860,003; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,151,092. 
     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , each barrier cuff  62  is a flexible member having a proximal edge  64 , a distal edge  66 , an inboard surface  68 , and an outboard surface  70 . As used herein, the term flexible refers to materials which are compliant and will readily conform to the general shape and contours of the body. In addition, if the spacing means  76  comprise spacing elastic members  77 , the barrier cuff  62  should be contractible so that the distal edge  66  may be sufficiently spaced away from the topsheet top surface  40  so that a channel  96  is formed to restrain, contain, and hold body exudates within the article. The barrier cuff  62  may be manufactured from a wide variety of materials such as polypropylene, polyester, rayon, nylon, foams, plastic films, formed films, and elastic films. The barrier cuff  62  may also include absorbent materials including absorbent glue, if desired. A number of manufacturing techniques may be used to manufacture the barrier cuff. For example, the barrier cuff  62  may be woven, non-woven, spunbonded, carded, or the like. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , the barrier cuff  62 , and more particularly the proximal edge  64 , is disposed inboard of and preferably adjacent to the gasketing cuff  56 . The term “inboard” is defined as the direction toward the centerline ( 34  or  36 , respectively) of the diaper that is parallel to the respective edge of the diaper  20  along which the particular gasketing cuff  56  is disposed. The barrier cuff  62  is disposed inboard of the gasketing cuff  56  so that exudates, especially loose fecal material which is not easily absorbed and tends to float along the topsheet top surface  40 , will contact the barrier cuff  62  before it can contact the gasketing cuff  56 . The barrier cuff  62  is disposed adjacent the gasketing cuff  56  to provide a more effective dual restraint against the flow of body exudates. 
     The proximal edge  64  and the distal edge  66  are in spaced relation to each other and define the width of the barrier cuff  62 . The proximal and distal edges  64 ,  66  may be in a parallel, non-parallel, rectilinear, or curvilinear relationship. In addition, the barrier cuff  62  may have a variety of different cross-sectional areas including circular, square, rectangular, or any other shape such as shown in  FIG. 3 . The proximal edge  64  may be spaced from the distal edge  66  in a parallel and rectilinear relationship to provide a barrier cuff  62  having uniform width. Each barrier cuff  62  may have a width of at least 5 mm and may be approximately 10-50 mm. The barrier cuff  62  may be formed from a folded structure in which portions of the cuff material may be folded back upon itself at one or more locations. In such constructions the distal and proximal edges usually are the most inboard and outboard locations of the cuff material with regard to any folding back of such cuff material. 
     Each barrier cuff  62  may be joined to the topsheet  38 . As noted above, the term joined includes any means for affixing the barrier cuff  62  to the diaper  20 , and includes embodiments wherein the barrier cuff  62  is a separate element having a proximal edge  64  directly or indirectly attached to the topsheet  38  or embodiments wherein the barrier cuff  62  is made from the same element or material as the topsheet  38  so that the proximal edge  64  is a continuous and undivided element of the topsheet  42 . The barrier cuff  62  may alternatively be joined to the backsheet  42 , the absorbent core  44 , the topsheet  38 , or any combination of these or other elements of the diaper  20 . If provided integrally with the topsheet  38 , the barrier cuff  62  may be formed by a single strip of material which is secured to the topsheet  38  by attachment means  92 , the distal edge  66  being formed by folding an end of the material back upon itself. The barrier cuff  62  can also be formed out of the same material as the topsheet  38  or the backsheet  42  or by the combination of the topsheet and backsheet materials. Additionally, the barrier cuff  62  may be formed out of a portion of the core assembly. 
     The distal edge  66  may be disposed inboard of the proximal edge  64  to present a more effective barrier against the flow of exudates. The distal edges  66  are maintained inboard of the proximal edges  64  by attachment means  78  (such as adhesive, thermal bonds, pressure bonds, ultrasonic bonds, etc.) so as to obviate their inversion. The distal edge  66  may be unsecured to any other element in at least the crotch region  26  of the diaper  20  so that it may be spaced away from the top surface  40  of the topsheet  38 . The distal edge  66  may be spaced from the topsheet top surface  40  so that the barrier cuff  62  may form a channel  96  to enhance containment of the article. As used herein, “spaced” includes embodiments wherein the distal edges  66  may assume one or more positions relative to the topsheet top surface  40  including at some times assuming a position adjacent the topsheet top surface. The distance between the distal edge  66  to the topsheet top surface  40  is measured along a line drawn from the distal edge  66  to the closest part of the topsheet  38  when the distal edge  66  is positioned so as to be spaced away from the topsheet as far as possible (i.e., in the elastically contracted position). The distal edge  66  may be spaced away from the topsheet  38  by a height of at least 2 mm, and more may be spaced from about 5 mm to about 50 mm. 
     The channel  96  is formed at least along the proximal and distal edges  64 ,  66  and the inboard surface  68  of the barrier cuff  62 . The channel  96  forms a barrier to the flow of exudates as they tend to move or float across the topsheet  38 . Thus, the channel  96  holds and contains exudates until the diaper  20  can be removed. The barrier cuffs  62  may be provided with absorbent means and/or may be rendered liquid impermeable as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,743,246 which issued to Lawson on May 10, 1988. 
     The spacing means  76  for spacing the distal edge  66  away from the topsheet top surface  40  is any member which gathers, contracts, stiffens, shortens, or otherwise acts on the barrier cuff  62  so as to cause a channel  96  to be formed along the barrier cuff  62  to provide a constraint against the leakage of exudates. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the spacing means  76  may comprise a spacing elastic member  77  secured adjacent the distal edge  66  inside the barrier cuff  62 . The spacing elastic member  77  is preferably secured to the barrier cuff  62  in an elastically contractible condition so that in a normally unrestrained configuration, the spacing elastic member  77  effectively contracts or gathers the barrier cuff  62 . The spacing elastic member  77  can be secured to the barrier cuff  62  in an elastically contractible condition in at least two ways as is discussed in the above-referenced U.S. Pat. No. 3,860,003 issued to K. B. Buell. In addition, the length of the spacing elastic member  77  in general is dictated by the diaper design. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the spacing elastic member  77  extends essentially the entire length of the barrier cuff  62  in the crotch region  26 , although other lengths are cognizable. Additional details and alternatives for the spacing means are discussed in the above-referenced U.S. Pat. No. 4,743,246 to Lawson. 
     Bonds  78  for securing end portions  72  and  74  of the barrier cuff  62  closed are shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The bonds  78  provide a more comfortable fit for the wearer and obviate inversion of the distal edges  66  of the barrier cuff  62  during application and use. Inversion is generally defined as the inboard disposed distal edge  66  turning outwardly when the diaper  20  is applied to the wearer. In the embodiment illustrated at  FIGS. 1 and 2 , such bonds  78  are disposed in the front waist region  22  and the back waist region  24  of the diaper in the front bond region  80  and the back bond region  82 , respectively. The remaining portions of the barrier cuff  62  may not be secured closed so that the distal edges  66  are generally left freely openable. 
       FIG. 4  is a sectional view of the diaper  20  in its elastically contracted position prior to being placed on the wearer. The topsheet  38  is shown as the body contacting surface of the diaper  20 , the backsheet  42  being disposed away from the body of the wearer. The gasketing cuffs  56  are shown to be gathered or contracted. The diaper  20  is shown as having two barrier cuffs  62  extending adjacent to and inboard of the gasketing cuffs  56 . The distal edges  66  are shown to be gathered and contracted by the spacing elastic members (not shown) in the crotch region  26  so as to provide a longitudinally extending channel  96  along the diaper  20 . In addition, the ends  72 ,  74  of the barrier cuff are secured closed in the front and back bond regions  80 ,  82 , respectively, so as to provide comfort for the wearer, to obviate inversion of the barrier cuffs, and for ease of application of the diaper. 
     One way of applying the diaper  20  is by positioning the back waist region  24  under the wearer&#39;s back, and drawing the remainder of the diaper  20  between the wearer&#39;s legs so that the front waist region  22  is positioned across the front of the wearer. The ends of the tape-tab fasteners  54  are then secured to outwardly facing areas  55  (or mating fastener components) of the diaper  20 . In this manner the barrier cuffs  62  should be disposed in the crotch region of the wearer and should provide the dispositions and functions described hereinbefore. The diaper  20  may also be applied with the wearer standing up, if desired. Once applied, the distal edges  66  of the barrier cuffs  62  extend through the groin area and diverge upwardly along both of the buttocks of the wearer. Neither of the barrier cuffs  62  encircles the thighs of the wearer. However, the gasketing cuffs  56  will encircle the thighs and create a gasketing action against the thighs. The ends  72 ,  74  of the barrier cuff  62  are secured to the topsheet  38  to obviate the inversion of the barrier cuffs, for comfort to the wearer during application and use, and for ease of application. 
       FIG. 5  is a fragmentary coronal view showing a section of the diaper  20  of  FIG. 1  in place on a wearer. A coronal view is a frontal plane that passes through the long axis of the body. As shown in  FIG. 5 , the gasketing cuffs  56  ride down on the legs and encircle the thighs of the wearer. The barrier cuffs  62  ride up on the legs and run through the crotch region and diverge upwardly over both the buttocks of the wearer. The distal edges  66  are spaced away from the topsheet top surface  40  and lie against the perineum of the wearer. The barrier cuffs  62  are, therefore, pushed snugly against the perineum of the wearer in the crotch region  26  of the diaper  20 . The size of the channel  96  is enhanced by the resiliency of the absorbent core  44  because the core tends to push itself away from the perineum. This results in the diaper  20  having channels  96  extending along the crotch region of the wearer. Therefore, body exudates are restrained from penetrating beyond the barrier cuffs  62  because the channels  96  form a barrier to the flow of exudates. As loose fecal material is discharged onto the topsheet  38 , the material flows or floats along the topsheet top surface  40  (hereinafter referred to as “surface material”). The surface material moves from the point of discharge toward the longitudinal edges  30  and will contact the barrier cuffs  62  along the inboard surfaces  68 . In normal use, gravitational forces will tend to cause the surface material to collect in the channel  96  formed by the standing barrier cuff  62 ; the material being held in the channels  96  until the diaper  20  can be removed. Containment is achieved because the surface material would have to flow up the channel  96 , which direction is substantially directly against the force of gravity when the wearer is in an upright position, in order to penetrate and flow over the distal edges  66  of the barrier cuffs  62 . However, should such material flow beyond the barrier cuffs  62 , it is retarded from leaking out of the diaper  20  by the gasketing effect achieved by the gasketing cuffs  56 , as they draw and gather the side flaps  58  about the legs of the wearer, thereby providing a second and independent effective barrier against leakage. 
     Absorbent core  44  may include an absorbent layer formed to provide comfort while providing desired absorptive properties. Turning to  FIG. 6 , in an embodiment, absorbent layer  48  includes a substrate layer  61 , absorbent polymer material  63  and a fibrous layer of adhesive  69 . The substrate layer  61  can be provided from a non-woven material. The absorbent polymer material  63  may be immobilized when wet such that the absorbent core  44  achieves a wet immobilization of more than 50 percent, preferably of more than 60 percent, 70 percent, 80 percent or 90 percent according to the Wet Immobilization Test described in 10/776,851 (Becker et. al), published as U.S. Publication No. 2004/0162536. 
     The substrate layer  61  has a first surface  65  and a second surface  67 . At least portions of the first surface  65  of the substrate layer  61  are in direct contact with a layer of absorbent polymer material  63 . This layer of absorbent polymer material  63  may be a discontinuous layer. As used herein, a discontinuous layer is a layer having openings. Typically these openings have a diameter or largest span of about 10 mm or less, preferably about 5 mm or less, about 3 mm or less, about 2 mm or less and of about 0.5 mm or more, 1 mm or 1.5 mm. At least portion of the absorbent polymer material  63  layer is in contact with at least portions of the first surface  65  of the substrate layer material  61 . The absorbent polymer material  63  defines a certain height H of the layer of absorbent polymer material  63  above the first surface  65  of the layer of substrate material  61 . When the absorbent polymer material  63  layer is provided as a discontinuous layer, portions of the first surface of the substrate layer  61  are not covered by absorbent polymer material  63 . The absorbent layer  48  further includes the adhesive in the form of thermoplastic composition  69 . This thermoplastic composition  69  serves to at least partially immobilize the absorbent polymer material  63 . 
     In one embodiment, the thermoplastic composition  69  can be disposed essentially uniformly within the polymeric absorbent material  63 . However, as an alternative embodiment, the thermoplastic composition  69  is provided as a fibrous layer which is partially in contact with the absorbent polymer material  63  and partially in contact with the substrate layer  61 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , the absorbent polymer material  63  is provided as a discontinuous layer, the layer of fibrous thermoplastic composition  69  is laid down onto the layer of absorbent polymeric material  63 , such that the thermoplastic composition  69  is in direct contact with the first surface of the layer of absorbent polymer material  63 , but also in direct contact with the first surface  65  of the substrate layer  61  where the substrate layer  61  is not covered by the absorbent polymeric material  63 . This imparts an essentially three-dimensional structure to the fibrous layer of thermoplastic composition  69  which, in itself, is essentially a two-dimensional structure of relatively small measured thickness. 
     The thermoplastic composition  69  provides cavities  71  to hold the absorbent polymer material  63 , and thereby immobilizes this material  63 . In a further aspect, the thermoplastic composition  69  bonds to the substrate layer  61  and thus affixes the absorbent polymer material  63  to the substrate  61 . In some implementations, thermoplastic composition  69  will also penetrate into both the absorbent polymer material  63  and the substrate layer  61 , thus providing for further immobilization and affixation. While the thermoplastic materials disclosed herein provide a much improved wet immobilisation (i.e., immobilisation of absorbent material when the article is wet or at least partially loaded), these thermoplastic materials also provide a very good immobilisation of absorbent material when the article is dry. 
     In some embodiments, the absorbent polymer material  63  may also be mixed with absorbent fibrous material, such as comminuted wood pulp generally referred to as airfelt material, which can provide a matrix for further immobilization of the super-absorbent polymer material. However, a relatively low amount of fibrous cellulose material may be used, preferably less than 40 weight percent, 20 or 10 weight percent of cellulose fibrous material as compared to the weight of absorbent polymer material  63 . Substantially airfelt free cores are preferred having about five weight percent or less airfelt material, such as no airfelt material. Core  44  can be, for instance, an airfelt free core as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/776,851 (Becker et. al), published as U.S. Publication No. 2004/0162536. As used herein, the term “absorbent fibrous material” is not meant to refer to any thermoplastic material even if such thermoplastic material is fiberized and partially absorbent. 
     An alternative storage layer embodiment is shown in  FIG. 7 . The absorbent layer  48  shown further includes a cover layer  73 . This cover layer  73  may be provided of the same material as the substrate layer  61 , or may be provided from a different material. Preferred materials for the cover layer  73  are non-woven materials. In this embodiment, portions of the cover layer  73  bond to portions of the substrate layer  61  via the thermoplastic composition  69 . Thereby, the substrate layer  61  together with the cover layer  73  provides cavities to immobilize the absorbent polymer material  63 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 6 and 7  the areas of direct contact between the thermoplastic composition layer  69  and the substrate material  61  are referred to as areas of junction  75 . The shape number and disposition of the areas of junction  75  will influence the immobilization of the absorbent polymer material  63 . The areas of junction  75  can be of squared, rectangular or circular shape. Preferred areas of junction  75  are of circular shape. In some embodiments, circular shaped areas of junction  75  have a diameter of more than 0.5 mm, or 1 mm, or 1.5 mm and of less than 10 mm, or 5 mm, or 3 mm, or 2 mm. If the areas of junction  75  are not of circular shape, they may be of a size as to fit inside a circle of any of the preferred diameters given above. 
     The areas of junction  75  can be disposed in a regular or irregular pattern. For example, the areas of junction  75  may be disposed along lines as shown in  FIG. 8 . These lines may be aligned with the longitudinal axis of the absorbent core  44 , or alternatively they may have a certain angle in respect to longitudinal edges of the absorbent core  44 . It has been found, that a disposition along lines parallel with the longitudinal edges of the absorbent core  44  create channels in the longitudinal direction which lead to a lesser wet immobilization. Preferably, therefore the areas of junction  75  are arranged along lines which form an angle of 20 degrees, 30 degrees, 40 degrees, or 45 degrees with a longitudinal line of the absorbent core  44 . Another preferred pattern for the areas of junction  75  is a pattern comprising polygons, for example pentagons and hexagons or a combination of pentagons and hexagons. Also preferred are irregular patterns of areas of junction  75 , which also have been found to give a good wet immobilization. 
     Two fundamentally different patterns of areas of junctions  75  can be chosen in accordance with the present invention. In one embodiment, the areas of junctions  75  are discrete and are positioned within the areas of absorbent material  63 , like islands in a sea. The areas of absorbent materials  63  are then referred to as connected areas. In an alternative embodiment, the areas of junctions  75  can be connected. Then, the absorbent material  63  can be deposited in a discrete pattern, or in other words the absorbent material  63  represents islands in a sea of thermoplastic material  69 . Hence, a discontinuous layer of absorbent polymer material  63  may comprise connected areas of absorbent polymer material  63  or may comprise discrete areas of absorbent polymer material  63 . In a some embodiments, it has been found that absorbent cores  44  providing for a good wet immobilization can be formed by combining two layers as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     The thermoplastic layer  69  can be formed of any suitable thermoplastic composition, such as adhesive thermoplastic compositions, also referred to as hot melt adhesives. A variety of thermoplastic compositions are suitable to immobilize absorbent material. 
     Some initially thermoplastic materials may later lose their thermoplasticity due to a curing step, e.g., initiated via heat, UV radiation, electron beam exposure or moisture or other means of curing, leading to the irreversible formation of a crosslinked network of covalent bonds. Those materials having lost their initial thermoplastic behaviour are herein also understood as suitable for forming thermoplastic composition  69 . 
     Without wishing to be bound by theory it has been found that those thermoplastic compositions which may be useful for immobilizing the absorbent polymer material  63  are those that combine sufficient cohesion and adhesion behaviour. Sufficient adhesion can ensure that the thermoplastic composition layer  69  maintains contact with the absorbent polymer material  63  and in particular with the substrate  61 . Sufficient adhesiveness can be a challenge to achieve, namely when a non-woven substrate  61  is used. Sufficient cohesion can ensure that the adhesive does not rupture, in particular in response to external forces, and namely in response to strain. The adhesive is subject to external forces when the absorbent product has acquired liquid, which is then stored in the absorbent polymer material  63  which in response swells. A preferred adhesive will allow for such swelling, without breaking and without imparting too many compressive forces, which would restrain the absorbent polymer material  63  from swelling. Desirably, the adhesive should not rupture, which may deteriorate the wet immobilization. In some instances, thermoplastic compositions meeting these requirements have the following features: 
     The thermoplastic composition may comprise, in its entirety, a single thermoplastic polymer or a blend of thermoplastic polymers, having a softening point, as determined by the ASTM Method D-36-95 “Ring and Ball”, in the range between 50° C. and 300° C., or alternatively the thermoplastic composition may be a hot melt adhesive comprising at least one thermoplastic polymer in combination with other thermoplastic diluents such as tackifying resins, plasticizers and additives such as antioxidants. 
     The thermoplastic polymer has typically a molecular weight (Mw) of more than 10,000 and a glass transition temperature (Tg) usually below room temperature. Typical concentrations of the polymer in a hot melt are in the range of 20-40 percent by weight. A wide variety of thermoplastic polymers are suitable. Such thermoplastic polymers may be water insensitive. Exemplary polymers are (styrenic) block copolymers including A-B-A triblock structures, A-B diblock structures and (A-B)n radial block copolymer structures wherein the A blocks are non-elastomeric polymer blocks, typically comprising polystyrene, and the B blocks are unsaturated conjugated diene or (partly) hydrogenated versions of such. The B block is typically isoprene, butadiene, ethylene/butylene (hydrogenated butadiene), ethylene/propylene (hydrogenated isoprene), and mixtures thereof. 
     Other suitable thermoplastic polymers that may be employed are metallocene polyolefins, which are ethylene polymers prepared using single-site or metallocene catalysts. Therein, at least one comonomer can be polymerized with ethylene to make a copolymer, terpolymer or higher order polymer. Also applicable are amorphous polyolefins or amorphous polyalphaolefins (APAO) which are homopolymers, copolymers or terpolymers of C2 to C8 alphaolefins. 
     The thermoplastic resin has typically a Mw below 5,000 and a Tg usually above room temperature, typical concentrations of the resin in a hot melt are in the range of 30-60 percent. The plasticizer has a low Mw of typically less than 1,000 and a Tg below room temperature, a typical concentration is 0-15 percent. 
     Preferably the adhesive is present in the forms of fibers throughout the core. Preferably, the fibers will have an average thickness of 1-50 micrometer and an average length of 5 mm to 50 cm. To improve the adhesion of the thermoplastic composition  69  material to the substrate layer  61  or to any other layer, in particular any other non-woven layer, such layers may be pre-treated with an auxiliary adhesive. In some implementations, the adhesive will meet at least one, and more preferably several or all of the following parameters: 
     The adhesive will have a storage modulus G′ measured at 20° C. of at least 30,000 Pa and less than 300,000 Pa preferably less than 200,000 Pa, more preferably less than 100,000 Pa. The storage modulus G′ at 20° C. is a measure for the permanent “tackiness” or permanent adhesion of the thermoplastic material used. Sufficient adhesion will ensure a good and permanent contact between the thermoplastic composition  69  material and for example the substrate layer  61 . In a further aspect, the storage modulus G′ measured at 60° C. should be less than 300,000 Pa and more than 18,000 Pa, preferably more than 24,000 Pa, most preferably more than 30,000. The storage modulus measured at 60° C. is a measure for the form stability of the thermoplastic composition  69  material at elevated ambient temperatures. This value is particularly important if the absorbent article  20  is used in a hot climate where the thermoplastic composition  69  material would lose its integrity if the storage modulus G′ at 60° C. is not sufficiently high. 
     G′ is typically measured using a rheometer  93  as schematically shown in  FIG. 9  for the purpose of general illustration only. The rheometer  93  is capable of applying a shear stress to the adhesive and measuring the resulting strain (shear deformation) response at constant temperature. The adhesive is placed between a Peltier-element acting as lower, fixed plate  103  and an upper plate  105  with a radius R of e.g., 10 mm, which is connected to the drive shaft of a motor to generate the shear stress. The gap between both plates has a height H of e.g., 1500 micron. The Peltier-element enables to control the temperature of the material (+0.5° C.). 
     In a further aspect, the loss angle tan delta of the adhesive at 60° C. should be below the value of 1, preferably below the value of 0.5. The loss angle tan delta at 60° C. is correlated with the liquid character of an adhesive at elevated ambient temperatures. The lower tan delta, the more an adhesive behaves like a solid rather than a liquid, i.e., the lower its tendency to flow or to migrate and the lower the tendency of an adhesive superstructure as described herein to deteriorate or even to collapse over time. This value may be particularly important if the absorbent article  20  is used in a hot climate. 
     In a further aspect, the adhesive can have a glass transition temperature Tg of less than 25° C., e.g., less than 22° C., less than 18° C., and less than 150° C. A low glass transition temperature Tg is beneficial for good adhesion. In some instances, a low glass transition temperature Tg ensures that the adhesive thermoplastic material does not become too brittle. 
     In yet a further aspect, an adhesive will have a sufficiently high cross-over temperature Tx. A sufficiently high cross-over temperature Tx has, in some cases, been found beneficial for high temperature stability of the thermoplastic layer and can ensure performance of the absorbent article  20  and in particular good wet immobilization even under conditions of hot climates and high temperatures. In some embodiments, Tx is above 80° C., such as above 85° C., such as above 90° C. 
     In some embodiments, an adhesive material useful as the thermoplastic material  69  as described herein will meet most or all of the above parameters. Specific care must be taken to ensure that the adhesive provides good cohesion and good adhesion at the same time. A suitable process for producing the absorbent layer  48  is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/776,851 (Becker et. al) referred to above. 
     In some embodiments, the distribution of absorbent polymeric material  63  varies along the absorbent layer  48 , for example, in the longitudinal direction. Hence, along the longitudinal axis of the absorbent core  44 , which is normally coincident with the longitudinal axis  36  of the absorbent article  20  ( FIG. 1 ), the basis weight of the absorbent polymer material  63  will change. In some implementations, crotch region of the absorbent layer  48  may have a higher basis weight of absorbent material  63  (e.g., 50 percent or more) than at the ends of the absorbent layer  48 . In other embodiments, distribution of absorbent polymeric material may not be profiled and may be substantially constant along the longitudinal axis of the absorbent core  44 . 
     In some embodiments having a varying distribution of absorbent polymer material  63 , the basis weight of absorbent polymer material  63  in at least one freely selected first square measuring 1 cm 2  is at least 10 percent, or 20 percent, or 30 percent, 40 percent or 50 percent higher than the basis weight of absorbent polymer material in at least one freely selected second square measuring 1 cm 2 . The front half of the absorbent layer  48  may include most of the absorbent capacity of the core. In some embodiments, the front half of said absorbent core comprises more than 60 percent of the absorbent capacity, more preferably more than 65 percent, 70 percent, 75 percent, 80 percent, 85 percent, or 90 percent. 
     Optionally, the absorbent core  44  can also comprise an absorbent fibrous material, for example cellulose fibers. This fibrous material can be pre-mixed with the absorbent polymeric material  63  and be laid down in one process step or it can alternatively be laid-down in separate process steps. 
     It has been found beneficial to use a particulate absorbent polymer material  63  for absorbent cores  44 . Without wishing to be bound by theory it is believed that such material, even in the swollen state, i.e., when liquid has been absorbed, does not substantially obstruct the liquid flow throughout the material, especially when the permeability as expressed by the saline flow conductivity of the absorbent polymer material  63  is greater than 10, 20, 30 or 40 SFC-units, where 1 SFC unit is 1×10 −7  (cm 3 s)/g. 
     As to achieve a sufficient absorbent capacity (e.g., at least about 1 g/cm 2  or more of 0.9 percent NaCl solution, at least about 2 g/cm 2  or more of 0.9 percent NaCl solution, such as between 2 g/cm 2  and 4 g/cm 2  of 0.9 percent NaCl solution, such as about 2.5 g/cm 2  of 0.9 percent NaCl solution) in the absorbent article  20 , superabsorbent polymer material  63  will be present with an average basis weight of about 50 g/m 2  or more. In some embodiments, density of absorbent material of the storage layer  24  may be about 400 g/m 3 , such as about 500 g/m 3 , such as about 600 g/m 3 , such as about 700 g/m 3 , such as about 800 g/m 3 , such as about 900 g/m 3 . 
     In some embodiments, absorbent layer  48  (and absorbent core  44 ) formed of regions of absorbent polymer material  63  as described above may have a relatively small dry caliper. In some embodiments, absorbent layer  48  may have a dry caliper of about 5 mm or less, such as about 4 mm or less, such as about 2 mm or less. In some of these embodiments, the total dry caliper of the diaper  20  at the core region  26  may be about 6 mm or less, such as about 5 mm or less. In some embodiments, the absorbent layer  48  may expand to a caliper of about 5 times or more than its dry caliper as the absorbent layer  48  absorbs liquid. In some instances, the absorbent layer  48  may swell to a caliper of about 2 cm or more at full capacity, such as between about 2 cm and about 6 cm, such as about 2.5 cm. In some embodiments, absorbent layer  48  may have a dry caliper that is about 50 percent or less (e.g., about 40 percent or less, about 30 percent or less, about 25 percent or less, about 20 percent or less, about 15 percent or less, about 10 percent or less, about 5 percent or less, and the like) of the total dry caliper of the absorbent core  44 . In some embodiments, at full capacity, the absorbent layer  48  may swell to a wet caliper that is about 60 percent or greater (e.g., about 65 percent or greater, about 70 percent or greater, about 75 percent or greater, about 80 percent or greater, about 85 percent or greater, about 90 percent or greater) of the total caliper of the absorbent core  44 . 
     Caliper, basis weight and density is determined using a specimen of a defined area such as by cutting with a sample cutter is weighed to at least 0.1 percent accuracy. Caliper is measured under an applied pressure of 2.3 kPa (0.33 psi) by using a conventional caliper measurement device with a flat plate with a radius of 2 cm, which can be loaded with defined weights. The test specimen can then be placed between this plate and a flat surface and the distance between the plate and the base surface can be measured. The standard caliper measurement is executed by carefully (to avoid over compression) applying a weight of 295 g. The weight is left for at least about 5 seconds, upon which the distance reading is taken. This procedure is repeated at least three times for one specimen to provide a representative number of test data. 
     The basis weight of a test specimen can be tested by determining sufficiently accurately the weight of a test specimen of known area. Conveniently, a test specimen of 10 cm by 10 cm is weighted, e.g., on a scale having an accuracy of 0.001 g. From basis weight as weight per unit area expressed in g/m 2  and caliper expressed in mm at 2100 Pa pressure the density expressed in g/cm 3  can be readily calculated. 
     While barrier cuffs provide additional protection against leakage of floating exudates, it has been found that they may promote diaper sag, particularly in the front waist. Applicants have identified a contradiction between leakage protection and sustained fit in the prior art barrier cuffs. More specifically, and focusing on the front waist region, for improved leakage protection it is desirable that the front bond region  80  have a shorter length (such as 0 to 60 mm), while for prevention of waist sag it is desirable that the front bond region  80  be longer (such as 80 to 110 mm). In identifying this trade-off, applicants have noted that the contractible forces from typical elasticized barrier cuffs are typically approximately 0.3 to 1.0 N, while the forces from a loaded absorbent core may be approximately 1.5 to 3 N. Due to the points at which these forces are applied, however, applicants have found that the smaller forces applied by the unloaded elasticized cuff are a cause of diaper sag. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that front waist diaper sag will not occur if the following “no sag” criterium is met: 
     
       
         
           
             
               f 
               pull 
             
             ≤ 
             
               
                 
                   f 
                   ⁡ 
                   
                     ( 
                     c 
                     ) 
                   
                 
                 · 
                 w 
                 · 
                 T 
                 · 
                 
                   ( 
                   
                     
                       
                         
                           c 
                           fr 
                         
                         · 
                         cos 
                       
                       ⁢ 
                       
                           
                       
                       ⁢ 
                       
                         α 
                         ′ 
                       
                     
                     + 
                     
                       sin 
                       ⁢ 
                       
                           
                       
                       ⁢ 
                       
                         α 
                         ′ 
                       
                     
                   
                   ) 
                 
               
               r 
             
           
         
       
     
     where, 
     f pull  is the force pulling a portion of the diaper defined as the “tension band” down (measured in cN), 
     f(c) is a dimensionless function of c, monotonic increasing, it is small for c=0, 
     c is an anchoring point parameter that indicates where pulling force is applied, 
     T is the tension in the diaper “tension band” (measured in cN), 
     w is the width of the diaper “tension band” (measured in cm), 
     r is the radius of curvature along the band plane (measured in cm), 
     c fr  is the diaper material coefficient of friction, and 
     {acute over (α)} is the cone angle (measured in degrees). 
       FIGS. 10-12  illustrate the variables included in the no sag criterium. More specifically,  FIG. 10  is a front view of a diaper on a wearer in which the tension band of the diaper is bounded by an upper edge  110  and a lower edge  112 , which generally defines the area of the diaper placed in tension to maintain the diaper on the wearer. The width w of the tension band is also illustrated in  FIGS. 10 and 11 . The anchoring parameter variable c is related to the ratio of dimension Z measured from the upper edge  110  to the point at which the pulling force is applied to the width w of the tension band at the pulling force location (i.e., c=Z/w). The cone angle {acute over (α)} is illustrated in  FIG. 11  and is measured as the angle of the diaper with respect to a reference line  114  extending normal to the plane of a centerline  116  of the tension band and a line tangential to babies surface. The radius of curvature r is the curvature of the tension band at the anchoring point, as illustrated in  FIG. 12 . 
     The relationships identified in the no sag criterium suggest several alternatives for reducing sagging. As used herein, the terms “waist sag” and “waist sagging” refer to the relative movement of the lateral edge  32  of the front waist region  22  versus an anatomic reference, such as a wearer&#39;s navel, between the time of initial application of the absorbent article on the wearer and some later time. For example, sagging is less likely if the anchoring parameter c is large, which may be accomplished by locating the anchoring point at the lower edge or below the tension band. Sagging is also less likely if the radius of curvature r is small, which is accomplished by locating the anchoring point where the radius of curvature is small, such as at the hips. The criterium further suggests that a large cone angle {acute over (α)} will make sagging less likely, and may be accomplished by locating the anchoring point where the cone angle is large, such as at the hips. Maximizing the tension band width w may be accomplished with greater longitudinal dimension tapes. The relationship of the variables may also suggest reducing sagging by locating the upper edge of the tension band higher relative to the tackdown point (i.e., the inner bond edge  83 ) of the barrier cuff  62 . Also, locating the ears of the diaper high on the product (even above the waist) creates a higher landing zone which may increase the likelihood of satisfying the no sag criterium. 
     In addition, lowering the tackdown point of the barrier leg cuff  62  may aid in reducing waist sag in embodiments where relatively flexible absorbent cores  44  and/or profiled absorbent cores  44  are utilized to form the absorbent article. Typically, absorbent cores  44  having relatively high concentrations of superabsorbent polymer material have relatively low dry calipers. In many instances, as caliper decreases, the bending and buckling stiffness of the absorbent core  44  (and the absorbent article) decreases. In many embodiments, air felt free absorbent cores have low bending or buckling stiffness. It is believed that diapers  20  having low stiffness absorbent cores  44  and a resulting low flexure resistance (e.g., about 750 g or less, such as about 500 g or less, such as 250 g or less) have a lower f(c) at a constant c and by lengthening the front bond region  80 , waist sag can be reduced for such diapers. Flexure resistance is determined in accordance with the Modified Circular Bend Procedure set forth below. Additionally, absorbent cores  44  having a profiled distribution of superabsorbent material often have a greater concentration of superabsorbent material in the crotch region  26  of the diaper  20 . Thus, when loaded, such profiled cores tend to contain more liquid in the crotch region, which may lead to increased diaper sag. It is believed that by lengthening the front bond region  80 , waist sag can be reduced for such diapers. 
     Applicants have found that a longer front bond region  80  such as through use of intermediate bond  120  in conjunction with bond  78  (or a continuous bond such as those illustrated by  FIGS. 1A and 1B ) applied to each barrier cuff  62  may reduce front waist sagging while allowing the barrier cuff  62  to effectively retain floating exudates. In some embodiments, a length L 1  of front bond region  80  may be about ¼ of the longitudinal length of waist region  22  or more, such as ⅓ of the longitudinal length of waist region  22  or more, such as ½ of the longitudinal length of waist region  22  or more, such as about the same length as the longitudinal length of the waist region  22  or more, such as between about ¼ and about the same length as the longitudinal length of front waist region  22 . In some embodiments, front bond region  80  may have an L 1  of 60 mm or greater, such as 70 mm or greater. In some embodiments, L 1  may be between about 80 mm and 110 mm. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the intermediate bond  120  joins the barrier cuff inboard surface  68  to an interior surface, such as the topsheet top surface  40 . The intermediate bond  120  is preferably laterally offset from the bond region  78  so that it is located laterally between the proximal and distal edges  64 ,  66  of the barrier cuff  62 . In the illustrated embodiment, the intermediate bond  120  is located approximately midway between the proximal and distal edges  64 ,  66 . The intermediate bond  120  is further preferably longitudinally offset from the bond  78  so that it is located longitudinally between bond  78  and the lateral axis  34  of the diaper  20 . Preferably, the intermediate bond  120  is located within the front waist region  22 , however, the intermediate bond  120  may be located in the back waist region  24 . 
     In addition to the considerations identified by the no sag criterium, applicants have identified further considerations for minimizing diaper sag. For example, is believed that lengths of the bond regions, particularly front bond region  80  and panel joint region  155  and locations of their respective inner end bond edge  83  and inner joint edge  149  may affect sagging. In particular, it may be preferable to locate the inner bond edge  81  of the front bond region  80  nearer to or even inner of (i.e., nearer the lateral axis  34 ) the inner panel joint edge  149 . This is described in greater detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/251,421, entitled “Absorbent Article Including Barrier Leg Cuff Structure and an Elastically Stretchable Side Panel,” filed on the same day as the instant application. 
     Anchoring the barrier cuff to a diaper element having greater stiffness, such as the absorbent core, or the landing zone may also reduce sag. Referring to  FIG. 13 , a diaper  130  is illustrated having a topsheet  132 , acquisition layer  134 , absorbent core  136 , and backsheet (not shown). Two barrier cuffs  138  are joined to the topsheet  132  and include a proximal edge  140  and a distal edge  142 . Each proximal edge  140  is attached to the topsheet  132  at an edge bond  144  running along substantially the entire length of the barrier cuff. The distal edges  142  are attached to the topsheet  132  at end bonds regions  145  including end bonds  146  located at opposed ends of the distal edges  142  and intermediate bonds  148  located at points laterally and longitudinally offset from the end bonds  146  yet at locations which allow attachment to either or both of the acquisition layer  134  and the absorbent core  136 . The end bonds  146  and intermediate bonds  148  define inner and outer edges of end bond regions  145 . By anchoring the barrier cuffs  138  to the stiffer diaper elements, diaper sag in the front waist region is reduced. 
     While the previous embodiments illustrate barrier cuffs having a distal edge located nearer the longitudinal centerline, an intermediate bond is also effective for diapers having back-folded barrier cuffs where the distal edge is located farther from the longitudinal centerline. Referring to  FIGS. 14 and 15 , a diaper  150  includes barrier cuffs  152  having proximal edges  154  and distal edges  156 . The distal edges  156  are anchored at end bond regions  157  defined by end bonds  160  and intermediate bonds  162 . Intermediate bonds  162  are located laterally and longitudinally offset from the end bonds  160  and along with the end bonds  160  form inner and outer edges of end bond regions  157 . In the illustrated embodiment, the intermediate bonds  162  are aligned with the proximal edges  154  of the barrier cuffs  152  to minimize sagging in the front waist region. 
       FIG. 16  illustrates a sectional view of an alternative barrier cuff  662  formed by pleating the entire diaper structure (i.e., the backsheet  42 , the absorbent core  44 , and the topsheet  38 ). After pleating the structure, the proximal edges  64  of the barrier cuff  662  are secured together by adhesive  98 . The barrier cuff  662  may have spacing means such as spacing elastic members  77  secured within the barrier cuff  662  so elasticize the distal edges  66  so as to space the distal edges  66  away from the top surface  40  of the topsheet  38 . 
       FIG. 17  illustrates a further barrier cuff arrangement. A unitary barrier cuff  762  is formed by U-folding or pleating the topsheet of the diaper  20 . The topsheet is folded upon itself to form a distal edge  66 ; spacing elastic members  77  are secured within the tunnel formed in the distal edge  66 . The proximal edge  64  is secured by adhesive attachment means  99  such as a glue bead made of hot melt adhesive. 
       FIG. 19  illustrates a barrier cuff  62  in which the end bond region  80 ,  82  is comprised of a series of discrete patterned bonds such as pressure bonds  179 . The intermediate bond  120  in such an embodiment are discrete from and not part of the general pattern formed by the bonds  181  in the end bond region  80 ,  82 . 
     In addition to single cuff barrier cuffs, the elongated end bond region such as any of those described above may further be applied to dual cuff barrier cuffs.  FIG. 18  illustrates one embodiment of a dual cuff barrier cuff  230  in fragmentary sectional view taken in a crotch region of a diaper  220  as it is shaped before being applied to the wearer (i.e., the diaper is subjected to elastic contraction). Dual cuff  230  has a proximate end at cuff bond  270 , distal ends  239  and  235  and regions therebetween identified as first cuff  240  and second cuff  250 . Dual cuff  230  may be constructed from a continuous cuff material  233  that substantially envelopes the elastics of first cuff  240  and second cuff  250 . More specifically, first cuff  240  has at least one elastic (although two elastics  242 ,  244  are shown) and second cuff  250  also has at least one elastic (although two elastics  252 ,  254  are shown) that are enveloped within cuff material  233 . In this way, only a continuous cuff material  233  is used and manipulated during the construction of dual cuff  230 , thus making easier the manufacturing of said dual cuff. Moreover, cuff material  233  need only be enclosed/bonded at a single location, as exampled by cuff bond  270 , in order to substantially envelope elastics  242 ,  244 ,  252 ,  254 , thus providing improved barrier properties by minimizing the number of potential leakable locations (e.g., bonding locations). Herein, “continuous cuff material” means a cuff material that is continuous along a path beginning from the cuff end bond, along said cuff material, and ending at the same cuff end bond such that the dual cuff  230  is substantially constructed of two layers of the materials, whether it is the same or different materials. For example, the continuous cuff material  233  may be constructed of a lesser-water-permeable material (e.g., spunbound material which is inexpensive) with a more-water-permeable material (e.g., meltblown material which is more expensive) placed inside said lesser-water-permeable material. In another example, cuff material  233  may be constructed of a spunbound-meltblown laminate. In yet another example, cuff material  233  may be constructed of a series of various materials so long as they are continuous. In yet another example, cuff material  233  may be treated to increase its hydrophobicity. Such hydrophobic treatments include, but are not limited to, the application of hydrophobic surface coating (as exampled in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 60/543,785, entitled “Hydrophobic Surface Coated Absorbent Articles And Associated Methods”, filed on Feb. 11, 2004) and flouro-treatment (as exampled in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 2004/0092902, entitled “Disposable Absorbent Articles With Masking Topsheet”, Published on May 13, 2004). In yet another example, it may be desirable that dual cuff  230  be connected to diaper  220  by way of a single bond (e.g., adhesive, ultrasonic; e.g., cuff bond  270  to topsheet  224 ). 
     Cuff bond  270  may extend substantially the entire longitudinal length of diaper  220 . Cuff bond  270  may be adhesive, ultrasonic bonding, compression bonding, thermal bonding, combinations thereof, and any other suitable bonding means known in the art which is appropriate for the specific materials employed. Cuff bond  270  may also join dual cuff  230  to topsheet  224 . Lastly, an adhesive  276  having liquid impermeability properties may be applied between the topsheet  224  and backsheet  226  (or more specifically shown herein, backsheet inner layer  227 ) to provide improved barrier properties. Adhesive  276  may be located juxtaposed to intermediate bond  270 ; however, so long as adhesive  276  helps to provide a containment of exudates, then its actual location may be variable. Further, it may be desirable for the cuff material to only be bonded to itself by the cuff bond (i.e., no other bond similar to cuff bond  270  is used). Lastly, it may be desirable for both first cuff  240  and second cuff  250  to be barrier cuffs. 
     Elastics  242 ,  244 ,  252 ,  254  may be operatively associated with their respective cuff by securing it within said cuff with an elastic attachment element  246 . The elastic attachment element  246  should be flexible and of sufficient adhesiveness to hold elastics  242 ,  244 ,  252 ,  254  in their stretched condition. Elastics  242 ,  244 ,  252 ,  254 , having a first and second end, may be secured to their respective cuff only near their ends or along their entire length. Elastic attachment element  246  may be glue beads made of hot melt adhesive such as marketed by Findley Adhesives Incorporated, Elmgrove, Wis., as Findley Adhesives  581 . Alternatively, elastic attachment element  246  may take the form of an ultrasonic bond or heat/pressure seal. A more detailed description of the manner in which the elastic attachment element  246  may be positioned and secured to their respective cuff can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,081,301, issued to Buell on Mar. 28, 1978, and in U.S. Pat. No. 4,253,461, issued to Strickland and Visscher on Mar. 3, 1981, both of which are incorporated herein by reference. While elastics  242 ,  244  in first cuff  240  and elastics  252 ,  254  in second cuff  250  were shown, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that one or more elastics may be used in each cuff without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 
     Elastics  242 ,  244 ,  252 ,  254  which have been found suitable are elastic strands having a cross section of 0.18 mm by 1.5 mm and made from natural rubber as available from Easthampton Rubber Company of Stewart, Va., under the trademark L-1900 Rubber Compound. Other suitable elastics can be made from natural rubber, such as elastic tape sold under the trademark Fulflex 9411 by Fulflex Company of Middletown, R. I. Elastic strands sold as Fullflex may have a cross section of about 0.18 mm by 0.52 mm and be suitable. Elastics  242 ,  244 ,  252 ,  254  may also comprise any heat shrinkable elastic material as is well known in the art. Other suitable elastic materials may comprise a wide variety of materials as are well known in the art include elastomeric films, polyurethane films, elastomeric foams, formed elastic scrim and synthetic elastomers (e.g., LYCRA). In addition, elastics  242 ,  244 ,  252 ,  254  may take a multitude of configurations. For example, the width may be varied; a single strand or several parallel or non-parallel strands of elastic material may be used; or a variety of shaped may be used including rectilinear and curvilinear. 
     The dual cuff barrier cuff embodiments may also include pockets for receiving and containing waste, spacers which provide voids for waste, barriers for limiting the movement of waste in the article, compartments or voids which accept and contain waste materials deposited in the diaper  220 , and the like, or any combinations thereof. Examples of pockets and spacers for use in absorbent products are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,514,121 issued to Roe et al. on May 7, 1996, entitled “Diaper Having Expulsive Spacer”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,171,236 issued to Dreier et al. on Dec. 15, 1992 entitled “Disposable Absorbent Article Having Core Spacers”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,397,318 issued to Dreier on Mar. 14, 1995 entitled “Absorbent Article Having A Pocket Cuff”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,540,671 issued to Dreier on Jul. 30, 1996 entitled “Absorbent Article Having A Pocket Cuff With An Apex”; PCT Application WO 93/25172 published Dec. 3, 1993 entitled “Spacers For Use In Hygienic Absorbent Articles And Disposable Absorbent Articles Having Such Spacer”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,306,266 entitled “Flexible Spacers For Use In Disposable Absorbent Articles” issued to Freeland on Apr. 26, 1994; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,997,520 entitled “Disposable Absorbent Article With Selectively Expandable or Inflatable Component” issued to Ahr et al. on Dec. 7, 1999. Examples of compartments or voids are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,968,312 entitled “Disposable Fecal Compartmenting Diaper” issued to Khan on Nov. 6, 1990; U.S. Pat. No. 4,990,147 entitled “Absorbent Article With Elastic Liner For Waste Material Isolation” issued to Freeland on Feb. 5, 1991; U.S. Pat. No. 5,062,840, entitled “Disposable Diapers” issued to Holt et al on Nov. 5, 1991; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,269,755 entitled “Trisection Topsheets For Disposable Absorbent Articles And Disposable Absorbent Articles Having Such Trisection Topsheets” issued to Freeland et al on Dec. 14, 1993. Examples of suitable transverse barriers are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,554,142 entitled “Absorbent Article Having Multiple Effective Height Transverse Partition” issued Sep. 10, 1996 in the name of Dreier et al.; PCT Patent WO 94/14395 entitled “Absorbent Article Having An Upstanding Transverse Partition” published Jul. 7, 1994 in the name of Freeland, et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,653,703 Absorbent Article Having Angular Upstanding Transverse Partition issued Aug. 5, 1997 to Roe, et al. Examples of other structures especially suitable for management of low viscosity feces are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,941,864 issued to Roe et al. on Aug. 24, 1999; U.S. Pat. No. 5,977,430 issued to Roe et al. on Nov. 2, 1999 and 6,013,063 issued to Roe et al. on Jan. 11, 2000. 
     In addition, the present invention may be suitable for other diaper embodiments including those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,010,491 titled “Viscous Fluid Bodily Waste Management Article” issued Jan. 4, 2000; U.S. Pat. No. 5,873,870 titled “Fit And Sustained Fit Of A Diaper Via Chassis And Core Modifications” issued Feb. 23, 1999; U.S. Pat. No. 5,897,545 titled “Elastomeric Side Panel for Use with Convertible Absorbent Articles” issued Apr. 27, 1999; U.S. Pat. No. 5,904,673 titled “Absorbent Article With Structural Elastic-Like Film Web Waist Belt” issued May 18, 1999; U.S. Pat. No. 5,931,827 titled “Disposable Pull On Pant” issued Aug. 3, 1999; U.S. Pat. No. 5,977,430 titled “Absorbent Article With Macro-Particulate Storage Structure” issued Nov. 2, 1999 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,004,306 titled “Absorbent Article With Multi-Directional Extensible Side Panels” issued Dec. 21, 1999. 
     Determining Flexibility of An Absorbent Core 
     Flexure-resistance of a disposable absorbent article is measured by peak bending stiffness. Peak bending stiffness is determined by a test modeled after the ASTM D 4032-82 Circular Bend Procedure, the procedure considerably modified and performed as follows. The Modified Circular Bend Procedure (hereinafter “the Procedure”) is a simultaneous multi-directional deformation of a material in which one face of a specimen becomes concave and another face becomes convex. The Procedure gives a force value related to flexure-resistance, simultaneously averaging stiffness in all directions. 
     The apparatus necessary for the Procedure is a modified Circular Bend Stiffness Tester having the following components: 
     1. A smooth-polished steel plate platform which is 102.0×102.0×6.35 millimeters having an 18.75 millimeter diameter orifice. The lap edge of the orifice should be at a 45 degree angle to a depth of 4.75 millimeters. 
     2. A plunger having an overall length of 72.2 millimeters, a diameter of 6.25 millimeters, a ball nose having a radius of 2.97 millimeters and a needle-point extending 0.88 millimeter therefrom having a 0.33 millimeter base diameter and a point having a radius of less than 0.5 millimeter, the plunger being mounted concentric with the orifice and having equal clearance on all sides. Note that the needle-point is merely to prevent lateral movement of the test specimen during testing. Therefore, if the needle-point significantly adversely affects the test specimen (for example, punctures an inflatable structure), than the needle-point should not be used. The bottom of the plunger should be set well above the top of the orifice plate. From this position, the downward stroke of the ball nose is to the exact bottom of the plate orifice. 
     3. A force-measurement gauge and more specifically an Instron inverted compression load cell. The load cell has a load range of from about 0.0 to about 2000.0 grams. 
     4. An actuator, and more specifically the Instron Model No. 1122 having an inverted compression load cell. The Instron 1122 is made by the Instron Engineering Corporation, Canton, Mass. 
     In order to perform the Procedure, five representative disposable absorbent articles are necessary. From one of the five articles to be tested, some number “Y” of 37.5×37.5 millimeter test specimens are cut. Specimens having portions in which a topsheet is joined directly to a barrier sheet or which are a laminate of a topsheet, two or less tissue sheets and a barrier sheet, should not be tested. Samples should be from the part of the absorbent article that contains the absorbent core. If any of these significant absorbent portions of the disposable absorbent article meet the parameters of this test, then the diaposable absorbent article satisfies the test. Therefore, a number of different specimens should be tested from each diaposable absorbent article. Certainly, the structurally most flexible portion of the diaposable absorbent article should be tested, excluding those portions excluded above. The test specimens should not be folded or bent by the test person, and the handling of specimens must be kept to a minimum and to the edges to avoid affecting flexural-resistance properties. From the four remaining diaposable absorbent article, an equal number “Y” of 37.5×37.5 millimeter specimens, identical to the specimens cut from the first napkin, are cut. Thus, the test person should have “Y” number of sets of five identical specimens. 
     The specimens are conditioned by leaving them in a room which is 21±1° C. and 50±2% relative humidity for a period of two hours. The test plate is leveled. The plunger speed is set at 50.0 centimeters per minute per full stroke length. A specimen is centered on the orifice platform below the plunger such that the body surface of the specimen is facing the plunger and the garment-facing surface of the specimen is facing the platform. The indicator zero is checked and adjusted, if necessary. The plunger is actuated. Touching the specimen during the testing should be avoided. The maximum force reading to the nearest gram is recorded. The above steps are repeated until all five of the identical specimens have been tested. 
     The peak bending stiffness for each specimen is the maximum force reading for that specimen. Remember that “Y” number of sets of five identical specimens were cut. Each set of five identical specimens is tested and the five values received for that set are averaged. Thus, the test person now has an average value for each of the “Y” sets tested. Remember, if any of the significantly absorbent portions of the diaposable absorbent article have the requisite flexure-resistance, then the article satisfies the parameters of this test. Therefore, the flexure-resistance for a particularly designed diaposable absorbent article is the greatest of these average peak bending stiffnesses. 
     While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.