Disposable absorbent article with containment structure

Abstract

A disposable absorbent article partially defined by a pair of longitudinally extending side edges and a pair of end edges extending between the side edges, includes a topsheet layer, a backsheet layer, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The disposable absorbent article also has a pair of side wall structures each having a pair of oppositely positioned end portions. A first side wall structure extends generally longitudinally between the core and one of the side edges and the other side wall structure extends generally longitudinally between the core and the other side edge. Further, an end strip constructed from an elastic material is positioned substantially adjacent each one of the end edges, and extends laterally between the side edges. Each of the end strips includes a fixed elastic end section disposed adjacent the end edge and secured to the topsheet, a fixed intermediate section positioned longitudinally inward of the fixed end section, and a movable, elastic inward section positioned longitudinally inward of the intermediate section. The fixed elastic section forms a waistband portion each of the front and back waist regions of the article. The intermediate section has a plurality of voids or apertures which are employed to substantially de-elasticize the intermediate section. The inward section includes a central portion spaced from the topsheet and the absorbent core, and a pair of side portions. These side portions are secured to the end portions of the side wall structures, thereby applying a contractile force between the side wall structures such the side wall structures (as well as the side edges of the article) are biased upwardly. The side wall structures and the inward sections are, therefore, secured to one another and disposed to define the sidewalls of a relatively deep containment pocket located in the crotch region.