Disposable diaper with wide elastic gathering means for improved comfort

摘要

A disposable diaper having a gathering means adjacent at least one edge of the absorbent panel is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the gathering means is defined by an elastic member having a width dimension of at least 3/8'' and a width-to-thickness ratio of at least 100, which provides improved body conformity without undue application of pressure upon the skin of the wearer. The inventive concept in its broadest sense relates to the distribution of the force of gathering means over larger areas to minimize skin irritation. In certain embodiments of the present invention, our improved diaper may have a pleasing ruffled effect at the diaper edge.