Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent articles which provide improved protection against skin overhydration. A particularly preferred embodiment of an absorbent article of the present invention comprises a body contacting surface having a skin care composition thereon that, when at least a portion of the composition is transferred to a wearer's skin by normal body motion or body heat, the material is effective in providing a skin condition benefit and a liquid impermeable, breathable backsheet having a mass vapor transmission rate value (MVTR) of at least about 1300 g/m.sup.2 /24 hr and an absorbent core having a post acquisition collagen rewet method value (PACORM) with a PACORM:MVTR ratio is less than 0.05 mg/(g/m.sup.2 /24 hr).

Abstract: A liquid-permeable topsheet used in a disposable body fluids absorbent garment has planar portions substantially extending in a horizontal plane, a plurality of ribs rising from the planar portions and extending parallel one to another, each presenting a cross-section in an inverted v-shape, and liquid-passages extending downward from the planar portions and thereby eliminate any appreciation that eruption and/or stuffiness might be caused by contact of the topsheet with the skin of a wearer.

Abstract: An absorbent article adapted to receive feces having a first waist region, a second waist region opposed to the first waist region and the second waist region. The absorbent article includes a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet joined to at least a portion of the topsheet, an absorbent core disposed between at least a portion of the topsheet and the backsheet and an effective amount of a calcium-bases feces modifying agent disposed in the article such that the feces modifying agent is available to contact at least a portion of the feces.

Abstract: An absorbent material with substantially improved liquid permeability such that it is not subject to gel blocking while maintaining a preferred absorbent capacity is disclosed. The absorbent material is in particulate form and is the reaction product of a water-insoluble, absorbent, hydrogel-forming polymer and a polycationic polymer, the reaction forming a covalent bond between the polymers. After the reaction, the absorbent material has a Saline Flow Conductivity greater than (500-11.5.multidot.GV)(10.sup.-7) cm.sup.3 sec/g where GV is the gel volume of the absorbent material.

Abstract: An infant's diaper has an exterior surface to which a plurality of packets are adhesively secured each having a discrete hygienic item therein such as a pre-moistened towelette, ointments, powders and the like. The diaper is sealed within a water impermeable cover member having perforated side walls and a perforated top portion which may be separated allowing the cover to be spread and used as a diaper changing surface. The diapers may be prepackaged or transported in an accompanying carrying case.

Abstract: An absorbent article adapted to receive feces having a first waist region, a second waist region opposed to the first waist region, a crotch region disposed between the first waist region and the second waist region. The absorbent article includes a liquid pervious topsheet a liquid impervious backsheet joined to at least a portion of the topsheet, an absorbent core disposed between at least a portion of the topsheet and the backsheet and an effective amount of an ionic complexing feces modifying agent disposed in the article such that the ionic complexing feces modifying agent is available to contact at least a portion of the feces deposited in the article.

Abstract: A process for producing an absorbent article is provided. The process comprises placing an absorbent layer between a body-side, cover layer and a fluid-impermeable, garment-side backing layer wherein the cover layer and the absorbent layer are each comprised of thermoplastic fibers. The cover layer, absorbent layer, and backing layer are subjected to pressure and heat sufficient to melt only one of the thermoplastic fibers in each of the cover and absorbent layers.

Abstract: A drainage receptacle support system for use by a post operative patient. The support device includes an adjustable belt and a plurality of pockets for individually receiving a drainage receptacle. A loop is provided on the back of the pockets for slidably receiving the belt, so that the pockets may be positioned directly underneath an insertion point for the drainage tubes. The loop is positioned so that the pockets are held in a generally upright position. Preferably the support device is lightweight and washable, and the pockets and the loop include padding to distribute the weight of the receptacle.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprising a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid pervious backsheet joined to at least a portion of the topsheet, an absorbent core disposed between at least a portion of the topsheet and the backsheet, and a waste management element disposed in at least a portion of the crotch region. The waste management element preferably includes a macro-particulate structure comprising a multiplicity of particulate having a nominal size of between about 1 mm and about 25.4 mm. The waste management element preferably has an Acceptance Under Pressure value of greater than about 0.50 grams of a viscous fluid bodily waste per square inch of the waste management element per milliJoule of energy input. The waste management element preferably also has a Storage Under Pressure value of at least about 0.70 grams of the viscous fluid bodily waste per square inch of the waste management element.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a macroscopically three-dimensional formed substrate including a first boundary zone having a first surface pathlength and a second boundary zone having a second surface pathlength. The first and the second surface pathlengths are preferably measured when the formed substrate is in a relaxed condition. The substrate also includes an elongated zone located at least partially between the first boundary zone and the second boundary zone. The elongated zone comprises incrementally stretched regions which result in the elongated zone being elongated in a first direction of elongation and having a third surface pathlength measured when the formed substrate is in the relaxed condition. The third surface pathlength is greater than either the first pathlength or the second pathlength such that the substrate takes on a macroscopic three-dimensional configuration when the backsheet is in a relaxed condition.

Abstract: Two flat segments of flexible plastic are sealed along the edges and at the bottom, to present an upwardly opening bag. A rectangular sheet of filter material is folded to form a filter pouch and positioned within the collapsed collection bag, with the upper edges of the folded filter material halves fused to opposing sides of the bag above a perforation or line of weakened material. When the bag is disposed within a collection mug, the upper portions of the bag extend as a shroud around the exterior of the mug, and the filter material is stretched out across the opening to the bag. A boar's penis is directed to ejaculate into the mug, and the ejaculate gel plug is retained on the filter material, while the semen passes through the filter material into the collection bag. When collection is complete, the shroud and the attached filter material are separated from the collection bag and disposed of.

Abstract: An orifice coupling, e.g. an ostomy coupling, includes a first coupling part (10) securable to a second coupling part (20) by a springy split locking ring (30). The locking ring (30) is held captive on the first coupling member (10) by lugs (13) extending radially from outside the locking ring and which enable the locking ring (30) to engage the second coupling member (20) substantially continuously around the periphery of the second coupling member. The coupling can be released when the ends (26,27) of the locking ring (30) are manipulated to expand the ring. The locking ring (30) may be integrally moulded with the first coupling member, and folded into an operative position on the first coupling member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a diaper, incontinence device or training pant having one or more touch-sensitive fragrance members positioned thereon. Generally, the touch-sensitive fragrance member includes a breathable member fixedly attached to a backing member, such as the outer surface or the backsheet. Release agents are positioned between the breathable member and backing member such that when the breathable member is touched, fragrance is released from the release agents through the breathable member.

Abstract: An absorptive article containing a surface material comprising a combined non-woven fabric comprising at least two layers of a long fiber non-woven fabric and a short fiber non-woven fabric joined together and an absorbing body for retaining a body fluid is disclosed in which the short fiber non-woven fabric is composed of hot-melt-adhesive composite short fibers having at least two kinds of thermoplastic resin components of a high melting point component and low melting point component, and the hot-melt-adhesive composite short fibers are hot-melt-adhered together, the crossing angle of the short fibers at least preferably at least 45%, preferably at least 50% of the total contact points in the short fiber non-woven fabric are occupied by an angle of 60.degree. to 90.degree. in the analysis of the distribution of the crossing angle at the contact points of the fibers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to thin, elastomeric films made from low crystallinity propylene copolymers having a crystallinity of less than about 30%. The elastomeric films of the present invention have improved strength in the cross machine direction. The films may be incorporated into laminate materials used in the outer coverings of diapers, training pants, incontinence products and the like.

Abstract: A two-piece ostomy appliance is disclosed, one component being a collection pouch and the other an adhesive faceplate for peristomal attachment to a patient. The two components are provided with coupling rings for mechanically and detachably joining them together. One of the rings has a bead-providing collar and a rocking wedge body as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,185,008. The other ring is of channel-shaped cross section having spaced concentric inner and outer side walls each provided with ribs positioned in direct opposition and extending into the channel along a single plane normal to the axis of that ring. In a preferred embodiment, the rib of the outer wall is interrupted to provide at least one wide notch or recess and an integral pull tab projects radially outwardly from the outer wall at the location of the notch for initiating either partial or complete separation of the rings during use of the appliance.

Abstract: Soft tissue implants can be constructed by forming an outer membrane into a closed pouch and filling material in that pouch. A composition for use as a filler material in such a soft tissue implant may include elastin and collagen. The filling material has collagen as a component thereof, and this collagen can be cross-linked or not cross-linked. Methods of making such implants are described.

Abstract: A disposable protective undergarment for sufferers of incontinence including an absorbent pad constructed of three layers including and liquid penetrable inner layer, an absorbent core and a liquid impervious outer layer. The pad further includes a pair of oppositely placed front panels attached to a back panel and further includes a waistband to secure the pad to the human body. The undergarment is open vertically along the front between the panels creating a pair of confronting edges. A further embodiment of the present invention may include a longitudinally extending slit approximately half-way up from the bottom edge of the back panel.

Abstract: For a diaper for a baby, a toddler, an old man, or the like, a device for informing a mother of the baby or the toddler or a person who looks after the user of the diaper that the diaper is wet and a sensor for use in the device are provided. A wet annunciator is comprised of: a wet sensor that forms electrostatic capacity between a pair of electrodes 3 and 4 adhesively formed so as to be slightly spaced apart from each other, such that the electrostatic capacity in the vicinity of the electrodes varies when the diaper gets wet; an oscillating device 11 for applying an alternating signal to the electrodes 3 and 4 of the wet sensor; a detector 13 for picking up a change of the electrostatic capacity between the pair of electrodes 3 and 4; and an alerting device such as a vibrator 15, a buzzer or the like, operative according to an output signal of the detector 13.

Abstract: A surgical site chemical dispensing system for dispensing a liquid chemical agent, such as an antibiotic, anesthetic, growth factor, hormone, anti-neoplastic agent, or the like, directly onto a site of a surgical procedure. The system includes at least one bladder formed from a pair of thin sections of a flexible material to have an internal cavity that connects to an open tube wherethrough the liquid chemical agent is passed, under pressure, into the bladder. The liquid chemical agent passes, as a low volume flow, through at least one hole formed through a bladder section of material and onto the surgical procedure site. The invention includes a fixation device that includes at least one hollow pin for passing a volume of the liquid chemical agent therethrough directly into or onto a bone proximate to a fracture therein.