Abstract: A feminine hygiene article and method of making same so that back-attached wings have adhesive areas for attachment to an undergarment, that are substantially offset from the adhesive areas of the main body portion, also used to attach the undergarment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sanitary napkin that is thin (less than 5 mm in thickness), highly absorbent and has a lateral flexibility allowing for controlled deformation when in use, namely the assumption of a “W” pattern (good for absorption performance) or a “M” pattern (which enhances comfort). This controlled deformation provides a good comfort potential and simultaneously reduces the likelihood of bunching due to compression forces exerted laterally against the napkin by the thighs of the wearer. In a specific example, the sanitary napkin is characterized by a lateral stiffness of not less than about 400 g and comprises a cover layer, a barrier layer and an second absorbent layer having at least one preferential bending zone which allows the napkin to adopt a certain three-dimensional deformation profile in response to lateral compression.

Abstract: An absorbent article is provided for use in the perineal area of the body. Compliant sealing gaskets are pre-formed to extend outward from the central portion of the article. The gaskets may be formed by looping a strip of material so as to form a compliant cuff which bears against the user's body in a comfortable manner. An elastic member placed in tension so as to impart an arcuate shape to the article may be placed inside a cavity formed by the cuff. The gaskets may be applied to an article having wings attached to the central portion so as to form pockets for retaining the elasticized portions of the panty crotch. The proximal ends of the gaskets are disposed outward of the pockets and the distance between the pockets is less than the width of the panty crotch so that the body facing said of the article is placed in tension.

Abstract: A sanitary absorbent article is provided which has a generally rectangular main body and two tabs extending from the main body for use in securing the article to the undergarment of the user. A layered structure having a permeable cover, an absorbent system and a barrier layer is provided. The barrier layer is folded around the longitudinal edges of the product and bonded to the cover layer so that liquid collection pockets are formed along the interface between the main body of the product and the tabs when the tabs are pulled into place.

Abstract: A feminine hygiene article and method of making same so that back-attached wings have adhesive areas for attachment to an undergarment, that are substantially offset from the adhesive areas of the main body portion, also used to attach the undergarment.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for intermittently applying particulate material to a substrate. A continuous supply of particulate material is provided from a supply source to a valve having a powder application phase and a recycle phase. The valve is disposed to the powder application phase to allow particulate material to pass therethrough and to fall freely onto at least a portion of the substrate. The valve is disposed in the recycle phase to prevent dispensing of the particulate material onto the substrate and to retain the particulate material within the valve to be conveyed back to the supply source.

Abstract: A multi-denier non-woven fabric suitable for use as a body side liner in disposable absorbent products such as diapers, sanitary napkins, underpads, surgical dressings, tampons, and the like. The multi-denier non-woven fabric is made from an interconnected network thermoplastic polymer fiber elements comprising a homogeneous blend of high denier and low denier fibers having a denier in a range of from 2 to 15 denier, wherein the high denier fiber elements and the low denier fiber elements differ by at least one denier.

Abstract: An absorbent article for collecting non-aqueous liquids such as oil-based products, comprising a low density, structurally integral board of peat moss material manifesting an affinity for non-aqueous liquids while being hydrophobic in order to block undesirable water penetration in the absorbent medium. The invention also extends to a method for manufacturing the absorbent article.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a pressure sensitive positioning adhesive for absorbent articles which can be used without release paper. The positioning adhesive has non-tacky irregularly shaped particles on its surface thereby rendering the adhesive non-tacky. Upon the application of pressure during use, i.e., when attaching the napkin to the undergarment, the particles are rearranged, exposing adhesive to the undergarment, thereby facilitating attachment of the napkin to the undergarment.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a nonwoven fabric which is formed from a network of interconnected multi-length, multi-denier thermoplastic fibers. The nonwoven fabrics of the present invention provide enhanced comfort and performance not found in conventional nonwoven fabrics and have been found to be particularly useful as cover materials in disposable sanitary absorbent articles.

Abstract: Absorbent products and components for use in absorbent products are disclosed. These absorbent products comprise pressure-sensitive adhesive microfibers and thermoplastic polymer microfibers, that when incorporated into absorbent products provide good liquid transport properties, resiliency, and attachment systems; and further mask odors associated with bodily fluids.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin with laterally projecting positioning tabs. The adhesive securement system of the sanitary napkin includes three adhesive zones in a spaced apart relationship, namely one zone on the main body of the sanitary napkin and one zone on the undergarment facing surface of each positioning tab. A quick-remove peelable protective layer covers the adhesive zones when the sanitary napkin is not in use. The protective layer includes a primary release strip extending longitudinally on the sanitary napkin to cover the adhesive zone on the main body and a transverse secondary release strip overlaying the adhesive zones on the positioning tabs. This arrangement allows removal of entire protective layer in a single peel-off stroke. The invention also relates to a method and apparatus for folding a positioning tab of the sanitary napkin over its main body during a packaging operation that inserts the sanitary napkin in a disposable pouch.

Abstract: A highly absorbent, flexible and resilient sheet comprising a non-defiberized cellulosic pulp board containing effective amounts of debonding agent and cross-linked cellulosic fibers, well-suited for use as an absorbent component of a disposable, absorbent product such as a sanitary napkin, a diaper, an incontinence pad, an adult brief, a wound dressing and the like. The invention also extends to a method for manufacturing the fluid-absorbent sheet, to a disposable absorbent product utilizing the fluid-absorbent sheet and to a method for enhancing the resilience, fluid-absorbency and flexibility of a non-defiberized cellulosic pulp board.

Abstract: An absorbent product having fluid repellent leakage barriers is provided to reduce or prevent side leakage. The leakage barriers comprise folded structures which are attached longitudinally on the body-facing side of the absorbent product adjacent each lateral edge of the absorbent product and the distal ends of each leakage barrier are anchored to the absorbent product. When the absorbent product is flexed concavely along its longitudinal axis with respect to the body-facing side the leakage barriers at least partially open to form upstanding walls.

Abstract: A liquid-absorbent article having a high absorption capacity and a short fluid penetration time. The liquid-absorbent article comprises sphagnum moss material containing an effective amount of cross-linked cellulosic fibers. The liquid-absorbent article is well-suited for use as an absorbent component of a disposable absorbent product, such as a sanitary napkin, a diaper, an incontinence pad, an adult brief, a wound dressing, a nursing pad, a tampon pledger, or as desiccant for packaging materials to keep goods dry during shipping or storage. The invention also extends to a novel method for manufacturing the liquid-absorbent article.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent product such as a sanitary napkin, a diaper, an adult disposable brief or an urinary pad, among others, including a liquid-permeable cover layer, and absorbent core and a liquid-impervious layer for preventing body exudate entrapped in the absorbent core from contacting the wearer's undergarment or skin. A secondary liquid containment structure for intercepting body exudate leaking past the side edges of the absorbent product is mounted underneath the liquid-impervious layer. The containment structure includes a transversely extending strip of absorbent material such as non-woven fabric, having longitudinal end portions forming liquid-acquisition zones. The central portion of the absorbent strip constitutes a reservoir layer for collecting the body exudate discharged on the liquid-acquisition zones.

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin, is provided with first and second flexible bending axes separating front and rear portions of the article from a central portion. Each of the bending axes is created by a notch formed in the longitudinally extending sides of the article. A fluid pervious cover layer forms the body facing surface of the article. A transversely extending slit is formed in the portion of the cover within each of the notches. A fluid impervious barrier layer forms the garment facing surface of the article. A pleat is formed in the portion of the barrier extending between the edges of each of the slits. The notches, slits and pleats allow the front and rear portions of the article to freely bend upward into contact with the use's body and prevent lateral compression in the central portion of the article from being transmitted to the front and rear portions so as to undesirably increase the stiffness of the article in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A transfer layer of cellulosic air-laid material characterized by a non-uniform binder distribution profile that allows a faster liquid acquisition. In a specific example, the transfer layer has a higher concentration of binder on its liquid-acquisition surface than on the liquid-release surface. Typically, the liquid-release surface of the transfer layer forms part of the interface transfer layer/absorbent core in the structure for absorbing body exudate.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a three-dimensional fabric of the type which may be used in absorbent garments, dressings or the like involves the use of an apertured collector element which has a predetermined three-dimensional shape. The method involves positioning material adjacent to one side of the apertured collector element and developing a pressure differential between the one side of the apertured collector element and a second, opposite side to force the fabric material against the apertured collector element. The material, which has conformed to the shape of the collector element, is then solidified into its intended three-dimensional shape.

Abstract: A highly absorbent, flexible and resilient sheet comprising a non-defiberized cellulosic pulp board containing effective amounts of debonding agent and cross-linked cellulosic fibers, well-suited for use as an absorbent component of a disposable, absorbent product such as a sanitary napkin, a diaper, an incontinence pad, an adult brief, a wound dressing and the like. The invention also extends to a method for manufacturing the fluid-absorbent sheet, to a disposable absorbent product utilizing the fluid-absorbent sheet and to a method for enhancing the resilience, fluid-absorbency and flexibility of a non-defiberized cellulosic pulp board.