Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying discrete strips of material to both longitudinally opposite segments of a longitudinally extending web, comprising: longitudinally moving the web along a travel path including a helically looped portion having a center axis and passing opposite longitudinal edges of the web in lapping proximity to one another in a lapping zone of the looped portion; applying at least one continuous strip of material to the web by transversely oscillating the strip across the opposite longitudinal edges in the lapping zone of the travel path; and severing the applied strip between the edges in the lapping zone. The method and apparatus of the present invention have utility in forming elastic gathers on fibrous web materials, such as may subsequently be processed for end-use applications such as disposable diapers, panty-type garments and the like.

Abstract: An assembly for providing support to a component, such as an ultrasonic component, including converters, boosters and horns which are subjected to continuous and repeated impacts and stresses. Such devices generally have integral nodal flanges for support purposes. In this assembly, shock-absorbing means are placed on each side of the nodal flange. A grip ring assembly is then bolted or otherwise removably fastened, together over the shock-absorbing means and nodal flange, compressing the shock-absorbing means. The component is prevented from rotating with respect to the grip ring assembly by pegs which are driven through holes provided in the grip ring assembly and into slots formed lengthwise in the nodal flange. Hence the flange itself, via the shock-absorbing means, absorbs all of the lengthwise force applied to the component by the grip ring assembly, and the pegs are required to absorb none of it.

Abstract: A disposable underpant (10, 10') comprising a front panel (11) and rear panel (12) joined together along side seams (13) to provide a three-dimensional garment having a pair of elasticized leg openings (14) and an elasticized waist opening (15), and including a bodyside liner (16), outer cover (17) and absorbent batt (18) therebetween, in which the outer cover (17) has an inner layer (30) of plastic material and an outer layer (31) of nonwoven fibrous material.

Abstract: A disposable garment (10) having at least one opening (13) elasticized with two or three spaced elastic elements (30) having a cross-sectional shape with an aspect ratio of 0.25 to 1, its shortest axis about 0.8 to 3.2 mm long and a cross-sectional area of about 0.5 to 8 mm.sup.2. In particular, a disposable garment (10) having leg openings (13) elasticized with two or three such spaced elastic elements (30) and a waist opening (12) elasticized with a flat elastic ribbon (70).

Abstract: A disposable underpant (10, 10') comprising a front panel (11) and rear panel (12) joined together along side seams (13) to provide a three-dimensional garment having a pair of elasticized leg openings (14) and an elasticized waist opening (15), and including a bodyside liner (16), outer cover (17) and absorbent batt (18) therebetween, in which the outer cover (17) has an inner layer (30) of plastic material and an outer layer (31) of nonwoven fibrous material.

Abstract: Disposable garments (10) having an elasticized opening including an elastic element (25, 60, 70) joined to a marginal portion of an exterior panel (21, 40, 61, 71) of the garment about the opening along a plurality of spaced bond points (50), and also joined to a marginal portion of an interior panel (20, 62, 72) or folded-over portion of the exterior panel (40a) along the opening, with the outer edges of the elastic element and panel portions joined thereto being substantially coincident. The elastic element is joined to the panel portions in an elongated condition and thereafter allowed to retract to produce micro-buckling (51) of the exterior panel between the bond points.

Abstract: A labial pad (30) having an anatomically conformable configuration with a generally ovate geometry defined by a principal longitudinal axis (L), a minor transverse axis (T) and a generally orthogonal lateral or height axis (H), is comprised of a laterally upwardly directed projection (52) lying generally along the longitudinal axis within the posterior region (54) of the pad and having a prominence (64) proximate the distal end (60) thereof tapering toward the proximal end (58) along the longitudinal axis and to the opposed sides (62) along the transverse axis, wherein the projection is configured for disposition within the vestibule (32) of a wearer over a region bounded generally by the posterior labial commissure (36) and the labia terminating at or about the latter and extending forwardly therefrom over the vulva, to occlude the vestibule against flow of menses or the like while protecting the urogenitals from chafing contact.

Abstract: A garment, such as an incontinence control garment, having an opening to accommodate a part of the wearer's body, such as a leg opening, includes one or more gusset folds at the opening and having at least a portion of the faces of the gusset fold, e.g., the lateral edges thereof, manually disengagably bonded to one another, whereby the opening may be increased in size by manual disengagement of the bonded outer lateral edges. For example, a disposable panty-type garment having leg openings which are manually adjustable in size is provided, each featuring the disengagably bonded gusset fold structure described above. Also disclosed is a method for making garments such as panty-type garments, by the steps which may include cutting articles from a web of material, longitudinally folding the sheet to form a garment having closed leg openings, and folding the material at the opening to form gusset folds thereat which may be selectively opened to provide larger sized openings.

Abstract: Tissue comprising a matrix of nonwoven fibers having a basis weight generally in the range of about 25 to 50 gsm. The matrix is a meltblown web having incorporated therein staple fibers. The combination provides highly-improved tissue properties as well as strength and absorbency required for many tissue applications. The tissues may be formed by a conventional meltblowing process involving extrusion of a thermoplastic polymer as a filament in air streams which draw and attenuate the filaments to fine fibers, having an average diameter of up to about 10 microns. The staple fibers may be added to the air stream, and the turbulence produced where the air streams meet results in a uniform integration of the staple fibers into the meltblown web. The matrix may contain from about 30 to about 80 weight percent polymer and have a subjective softness rating of at least about 10.

Abstract: This invention relates to a coated paper outer tube for a tube tampon providing low friction inner and outer surfaces after the tube has been formed by convolutely winding.

Abstract: A cellulosic particle, especially useful as a cat litter, is manufactured by agglomerating a fibrous cellulosic feed material in the presence of water, compacting the surface of the agglomerated particles, and drying the particles.

Abstract: Discrete absorbant particles, useful for example as an animal litter, are produced by joining together layers of formed paper pulp, the layers being compressed together in such a way as to remain together under normal use conditions, prior to immersion in water, but so as to wholly or partially separate upon immersion in water, so that the particles are easily flushed down a toilet after use. The product also has uses other than for animal litter, such as in floor sweeping, as a mulch, packing, or otherwise.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin is provided which contains an absorbent core layer which is overlayed on its top and bottom surface with a secondary layer of reduced absorbency. The secondary layer has abutting faces adjacent each other on the bottom sides of the napkin. Adhesive is applied to a strip of nonwoven material which is positioned above the parallel faces of the bottom layer to maintain the napkin configuration.

Abstract: The invention is generally accomplished by providing a disposable undergarment having a multi-layer web and sealed with small, neat, exterior seams. The exterior seams are sealed along a plurality of narrow lines such that the total seam is less than about 3/16" wide with the bonding area forming about 50% of said total seal area. The seam is preferably formed by means of an ultrasonic anvil.

Abstract: A means for attaching a perineal pad to a support garment so as to restrict the range of possible displacement of the pad while not transferring dynamic loads from the garment to the pad and being characterized by a tab secured to the garment side of the pad near one end of the longitudinal midline of the pad. The tab has adhesive on the pad side of its free end so that, in use, after the tab has been passed through a loop provided on the support garment the free end of the tab may be adhered to the garment side of the pad and thereby create a loop coupling between the pad and the garment.

Abstract: An absorbent web is provided with spaced apertures which have been formed by slitting, tensioning, and setting fusible material which forms a part of the web. The web preferably includes absorbent material which is capable of increased absorbency when compared to conventional cellulosic fibers.

Abstract: A bulked web composite comprises a differentially tensioned reticulated web of elastic material bonded to at least one gatherable web whereby, upon release of the tensioning forces, the gatherable web or webs are gathered by the reticulated web with different degrees of bulking in different areas due to the different tension levels of the reticulated web. Also disclosed is a method of making a bulked web composite by the steps of: forming a reticulated web of elastic material and elongating at least portions of the web by differentially tensioning it, and bonding the differentially tensioned web to at least one gatherable web to form a composite. The composite is then relaxed whereby portions of the gatherable web are gathered by the contracted reticulated web with different degrees of bulking in different areas. Bulked web composites of such type may be employed to form disposable swim wear, towels, wash cloths, and the like.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin is provided with a positioning strap in slideable contact with a low friction baffle which is attached to the bottom of the napkin. The contact between the positioning strap and the baffle is maintained by a retention strap attached to the napkin which encircles the positioning strap. Attachment means are provided at each end of the positioning strap on the surface opposite that in slidable contact with the baffle.

Abstract: A method for detecting small leaks in a tank storing a liquid by measuring changes in the location of a float suspended in the liquid. The method includes the steps of sealing the float to prevent the condensation of vapors within the float, modulating an emitted signal by an amount which varies with the changes in the location of the float, and detecting the modulated signal. Changes in the signal are indicative of small changes in the location of the float and small leaks in the tank.

Abstract: The invention generally provides for formation of meltblown material containing wood fiber on to a continuous foraminous belt. During formation a polymer and wood fiber first layer is applied to a moving belt from at least one bank of meltblown forming apparatus. This first layer does not contain superabsorbent. The belt carrying the first layer passes beneath at least one further source of meltblown fiber into which superabsorbent is added along with the wood fibers. This provides at least one additional layer integrally connected to the first-formed layer and having superabsorbent properties. The first layer acts to aid in trapping of any superabsorbent which is not immediately entangled in the meltblown and wood fibers and prevents it passing through the forming belt.