Abstract: The present invention provides a resilient, three-dimensional, macroscopically expanded, fluid-pervious, plastic web suitable for use as a topsheet on absorbent articles, especially catamenial articles. The web includes a first layer of polymeric material and a second layer of fibrous material secured to the inner surface of the first layer of polymeric material. The fibrous material of the intermediate layer extends below the second surface of the web, preferably into the absorbent core. In-use, fluid deposited on the topsheet drains or empties more readily as the fibrous material of the second layer breaks up the fluid meniscuses which form along the second surface of the web, thereby providing improved dryness and cleanliness for the user.

Abstract: The present invention provides a resilient, fluid-pervious, laminate, plastic web suitable for use as a topsheet on absorbent articles, especially catamenial articles. The web includes a first layer of polymeric material, a second layer of polymeric material and an intermediate layer of fibrous material. The fibrous material of the intermediate layer extends below the second surface of the web, preferably into the absorbent core. In-use, fluid deposited on the topsheet drains or empties more readily as the fibrous material of the intermediate layer breaks up the fluid meniscuses which form along the second surface of the web, thereby providing improved dryness and cleanliness for the user.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fluid accepting, transporting and retaining structure, useful in disposable absorbent articles. In-use fluid deposited on a disposable absorbent article employing such a structure is moved via interfiber and intrafiber transport to a fluid retention area remote from the point of fluid insult. By moving fluid away from the point of insult a more effective use of the absorbent core is achieved providing a clean and dry surface for the wearer.

Abstract: Absorbent articles, especially sanitary napkins, contain fibers with intra-fiber capillary channels. In-use, the capillary channel fibers direct menses to a storage layer, thereby minimizing product failure and staining of undergarments. The capillary channel fibers can protrude into, or through, a topsheet to provide very aggressive transport of vaginal discharges.

Abstract: Tissue papers, in particular pattern densified tissue papers, having an enhanced tactile sense of softness when treated with certain polyhydroxy fatty acid amide softener systems that are biodegradable are disclosed. The polyhydroxy fatty acid amides have the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is H, C.sub.1 -C hydrocarbyl, 2-hydroxyethyl, 2-hydroxypropyl, methoxyethyl, methoxypropyl or a mixture thereof; R.sup.2 is a C.sub.5 -C.sub.31 hydrocarbyl group; and Z is a polyhydroxyhydrocarbyl moiety having a linear hydrocarbyl chain with at least 3 hydroxyls directly connected to the chain.

Abstract: The present invention provides an absorbent article having multiple topsheets. The absorbent article includes a first, apertured, macroscopically expanded, three-dimensional, polymeric topsheet and a second, apertured, macroscopically expanded, three-dimensional polymeric topsheet underlying the first topsheet. The multiple topsheets provide improved masking of bodily fluids absorbed and retained by the absorbent core.

Abstract: Pump-type dispenser package with disposable recharge, comprising a rigid outer container equipped with a dispenser head and a flexible disposable recharge, the main walls of which are provided with score lines/folds or embossings acting as product flow channels which ensure that product can be completely emptied, as well as with a connecting piece, which allows easy coupling of the recharge with the dispenser head attached to the rigid outer container in an airtight way.

Abstract: A flexible package preferably comprised of paper and having an opening system that controls and reduces the initial removal forces required to withdraw the compressed flexible articles from the package after the opening device portion of the system has been activated. A reinforcement sheet located at the lowermost end of the opening system protects the flexible articles contained within the package prior to activation of the opening device, and provides additional support for the package prior to opening. A substantially vertically oriented line of weakness located in the reinforcement sheet ruptures automatically when the opening device is activated permitting the flexible articles to fan out further from the package. This automatic rupturing of the reinforcement sheet reduces the compressive forces acting upon the compressed flexible articles. This in turn permits easier removal of the first few flexible articles from the package either one at a time or in multiples.

Abstract: A package made of a single rectangular sheet of flexible material which has both a main product compartment and an ancillary compartment. The main compartment is filled with product stacked in columns separated by a grid of cardboard or similar material and thereafter sealed. The main compartment also has a tear strip for providing a dispensing opening in the side of the compartment for removing the product units one at a time from the columns. The ancillary compartment being made of flexible material can be folded down and secured in a collapsed position so that the package can be shipped without adding additional shipping volume. The ancillary compartment is also open at its axial end to allow the insertion and removal of ancillary materials in route to the end user. Means, such as a drawstring, are provided to repeatedly open and close the ancillary compartment without damaging the package.

Abstract: A microturbulence generator for a papermachine headbox flow channel complying with newly developed parametric criteria for optimizing its effectiveness and methods of adjusting the position of said microturbulence generator while said papermachine is in-use to accommodate changes in operating conditions and/or machine speed are disclosed. A microturbulence generator complying with the optimization criteria of the present invention serves to generate a sufficient degree of microturbulence near the headbox throat to effectively disperse pulp floc in a macroturbulent stream of papermaking fibers to improve formation characteristics, randomize fiber orientation and reduce tensile ratio in the resulting paper web. The disclosed criteria are generally applicable to headbox flow channels having an angle of convergence between about 4.degree. and about 20.degree. and are particularly effective at papermachine speeds in excess of about 800 feet per minute.