Abstract: The present invention provides a nonwoven web prepared from multicomponent fibers which are partially split. The partially split multicomponent fibers have at least one component of the multicomponent fiber separated from the remaining components of the multicomponent fiber along a first section of the longitudinal length of the multicomponent fibers. Along a second section of the longitudinal length of the multicomponent fibers the components of the multicomponent fibers remain together as a unitary fiber structure. In addition, part of the second section of the multicomponent fibers is bonded to part of a second section of an adjacent multicomponent fiber.

Abstract: A disposable air filter sub-assembly that includes: (a) air filtration media; (b) a substantially planar air filter frame providing three-dimensional support for the air filtration media; and (c) an air filter frame-connecting means integrated into the air filter frame. The integrated air filter frame-connecting means are adapted to connect a plurality of identical air filter sub-assemblies into an air filter assembly with sufficient structural strength in at least one direction such that the air filter sub-assemblies resists separation when the air filter assembly is extracted from the filter track of a filter bank.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nonwoven web prepared from an aliphatic polyester polymer which has sufficient tear strength and is biodegradable. Biodegradable nonwoven webs of the present are prepared from a polymer blend having from about 65% by weight to about 99% by weight of a biodegradable aliphatic polyester polymer and from about 1% by weight to about 35% by weight of a second polymer selected from the group consisting of a polymer having a lower melting point than the biodegradable aliphatic polyester polymer, a polymer having a lower molecular weight than the biodegradable aliphatic polyester polymer and mixtures thereof. Surprisingly, the nonwoven webs of the present invention have a tear strength greater than the tear strength of a nonwoven web prepared from the biodegradable aliphatic polyester polymer alone.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sanitary or no-touch dispenser which dispenses sheets of a web material, such as a paper towel. The disclosed dispenser provides the web material to a user by using both manual and electronic means to dispense the sheet. This is accomplished by having a motor engagably connected to an actuator roller. The motor is activated by a motor activation means, such as a switch. The motion of the actuator roller, which is started by the user grabbing and pulling a tail of the web material extending from the dispenser, causes the motor activation means to activate the motor which in turn drives the actuator roller to continue it its rotation motion to dispense the sheet from the dispenser.

Abstract: The present invention provides a body adhering absorbent article which is capable of absorbing bodily fluids. In this particular embodiment of the present invention, provided is an absorbent article which is specifically designed for attachment to a wearer's skin in the vulva region of the wearer's torso.

Abstract: A disposable intralabial urinary incontinence article having a resilient and liquid impermeable exostructure captures bodily exudates. The exostructure has a top surface and an internal space adapted to receive fluids. At least a portion of the exostructure is a flange that rests at least partially outside the labia. The exostructure also has a neck extending from the top surface that at least partially occupies the vestibular region and rests proximate the vestibule floor. The neck has a fluid receiving opening which is in communication with the internal space. The neck is configured so the fluid receiving opening is positioned generally adjacent the urethral meatus to direct urine into the internal space. The internal space may include an absorbent and the article may include a clitoral guide to aid positioning of the article within the vestibule.

Abstract: The present invention provides a substrate treated with an linked enzyme. It has been discovered that a substrate treated with a linked enzyme can be effective in improving the ability of the substrate to absorb viscoelastic materials, such as menses, by cleaving a protein structure present in some viscoelastic materials. In addition, the linked enzyme is less likely to migrate from the treated material onto the user, as compare to an enzyme being placed directly on the substrate, thereby reducing the risk of sensitization to the user of the absorbent product. Also provided by the present invention are absorbent articles which contain at least one surface or layer containing the linked enzyme.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are disposable fibrous nonwoven wipers which include one or more creped fibrous nonwoven webs which have been electret treated. The fibrous nonwoven wipers provide desirable properties including improved capacity and efficiency for picking up debris such as dirt, dust and particulate matter and enhanced particle attraction and containment properties. Also disclosed herein is a method for making the fibrous nonwoven wipers.

Abstract: An apparatus adapted for use with a dispenser to render the dispenser water resistant is provided. The dispenser for which it is provided has a housing including a compartment formed therein, an exit port, and a back housing portion including at least one aperture therein. The apparatus comprises a mounting plate configured to be mounted to a vertical surface. The mounting plate includes at least one rotational key extending therefrom. When at least a portion of the back housing portion of the dispenser is positioned against the mounting plate, the key is positioned to extend through the aperture in the back housing portion. The dispenser is releasably coupled against the mounting plate when the key is rotated such that it is not aligned with the aperture through which it extends, thereby holding the housing against the mounting plate. A kit may be provided which includes the mounting plate. A system including the mounting plate and a dispenser may be provided.

Abstract: A dispensing assembly adapted for dispensing gloves, which includes a dispenser. The dispenser has a housing which forms an inner surface and an internal compartment configured to hold a stack of gloves, and at least one dispensing opening. A stack of gloves disposed in the dispenser on a glove positioner and the glove positioner biases the stack of gloves toward the dispensing opening and a portion of the housing such that the glove positioner controls the stack of gloves and space in the internal compartment of the dispenser to prevent gloves from moving out of the stack and into the space to permit easy and reliable withdrawal of each glove therefrom.

Abstract: An absorbent article (20) includes a first pad section (26), and a smaller second pad section (28) which is operatively joined to the first pad section. The first pad section (26) includes a first body-side cover (30), a first backsheet (32), a first absorbent body (34) located between the first cover and the first backsheet, and a first garment-attachment mechanism (36) located on a garment-side surface of the first backsheet (32). The second pad section (28) includes a second body-side cover (38), a second backsheet (40), a second absorbent body (42) located between the second cover and the second backsheet, and a second garment-attachment mechanism (44) located on the garment-side surface of the second backsheet (40). In a desired arrangement, the first pad section (26) can overlap at least a portion of the second pad section (28), and at least a portion of the first garment-attachment mechanism (36) can operatively attach the first pad section (26) to the second pad section (28).

Abstract: An applicator for introducing a therapeutic substance into a body cavity of a subject in need of the therapeutic substance is provided. The applicator has the look and feel of a conventional tampon applicator but delivers a therapeutic substance. Generally, the applicator has a first outer member having a shape suitable for insertion into a body cavity of a mammal and has a dispensing end and a second end distal to the dispensing end. A second inner member is coaxially and slidably housed within the first member such that one end of the second inner member is within the first member. The applicator of the present invention also has at least one aperture located in a side wall of the outer member. The aperture is located on the side wall of the outer member between the dispensing end and the second end of the outer member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a discrete package for absorbent personal care articles. Provided by the present invention is a personal care product having a container component and an absorbent personal care product component. The container component has a top panel, a bottom panel, at least one side. Generally there are four side walls, a front side wall, a back side wall, a first side wall and a second side wall. These walls are connected in a manner such that the top panel is connected to the bottom panel by the front side wall, the back side wall, the first side wall and the second side wall; and the front side wall is connected to the back side wall by the first side wall and the second side wall. Each wall of the container has an inside surface and an exterior surface. The inside surface of each of the bottom panel, the front side wall, the back side wall, the first side wall and the second side wall define a chamber for holding at least one absorbent personal care article.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nonwoven web or laminate having at least one surface with abrasion resistance and a low degree of free fibers on the surface. Also provided is a lofty nonwoven web laminate from multicomponent fibers having at least one surface with improved abrasion resistance and reduced fuzziness over other multicomponent fiber nonwoven webs. This nonwoven webs and laminate can be used where nonwoven webs and laminates are currently used, but are particularly suitable as a filter media. Also described is a method for producing a nonwoven web having at least one abrasion resistant surface. The process includes using a liner material between the forming surface and the forming nonwoven web, wherein the liner is removed after the nonwoven web is bonded. Removing the liner exposes the abrasion resistant surface of the nonwoven web or laminate.

Abstract: An easy open package for personal care products which has sensory cues as to the location of the opening of a wrapper component. In addition, the present invention provides a wrapper component which has a gradient seal which allows the user to effectively open the wrapper without unnecessarily tearing the wrapper.

Abstract: A void volume indicator, a packaging system, and a method of consumer product selection are disclosed. The void volume indicator can have either a primary wetness indicator, a secondary wetness indicator, or both that corresponds to a portion of a package having either a primary capacity indicator, a secondary capacity indicator, or both. After using the void volume indicator, feedback from the indicator can be used to select an absorbent article having an appropriate absorbent capacity for the person's needs.

Abstract: A pantiliner has a periphery and at least one fold line. The fold line allows the pantiliner to be adjusted in size by folding the pantiliner along the fold line(s). The product is thus convertible and may be used with conventional “hourglass” shaped panties or folded along the fold lines to fit thong panties.

Abstract: The present invention provides a meltblown die which has a considerable smaller width in the machine direction of the meltblowing process compared to conventional and commercially used meltblown dies. The meltblown die of the present invention has a. a die body; b. a die tip mounted to the die body; c. a first air plate mounted to the die body; and d. a second air plate mounted to the die body. In addition, the small size of the meltblown die of the present invention provides advantages over conventional meltblown die, including improved air entrainment.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an absorbent composite containing superabsorbent material. The superabsorbent material is in the form of superabsorbent particles having a bimodal particle size distribution. Use of superabsorbent material having a bimodal particle size distribution in the absorbent structure results in enhanced fluid distribution and fluid intake of the absorbent composite. The absorbent composite of the present invention is useful in disposable personal care products.