Disposable diaper

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION With continued reference to the accompanying drawing wherein like reference numerals designate similar parts throughout the views reference numeral 10 is used to generally designate a disposable diaper constructed in accordance with the invention.
The diaper is divided into four longitudinal section 12, 14, 24 and 26 by three substantially parallel longitudinal folds 28, 30 and 32.
The combined width of longitudinal sections 12 and 14, referred to herein as panels, is approximately from 1/4 to 1/2 the total width W of the diaper.
Panels 12 and 14 are approximately equal in width as are flap members 24 and 26.
Panels 12 and 14 are provided with adhesive spots 16 and 18 occupying a portion of the width of the panels.
However, the adhesive spots 16 and 18 can be sufficiently large to occupy substantially the entire width of panels 12 and 14 to permit a wider degree of diaper adjustment when applied to the infant.
The adhesive spots are preferably located substantially centrally longitudinally to provide a better fit.
However, minor variation in this regard is permitted to accomplish specific purposes.
Longitudinal sections 24 and 26, hereinafter referred to as flap portions, are adjacent each of panels 12 and 14 and in abutting contact therewith.
The combined width of the flap portions is about one-half to three-fourths the total width "w" of the diaper.
Adhesive tabs 20 and 22 can be suitably attached to the back sheet of diaper 10 in known manner to extend beyond the longitudinal edges of the diaper to provide fastener means for closing the diaper about the infant when applied.
FIG.
2 illustrates the folded configuration of a diaper constructed in accordance with the invention.
Prior to application to the infant, the longitudinal edges of the diaper are folded back upon the top or face sheet and secured thereto by the adhesive spots 16 and 18.
The diaper thus has an "Hour glass" or "M" type configuration.
In this configuration, the corners of the diaper lie substantially flat