Abstract: An absorbent article, such as, for example, a diaper, that is toxin-free and made from plant-based, biobased, all natural, clean ingredients. In one embodiment, the absorbent article is a diaper made from plant-based resin, comprising: (i) a first layer, wherein the first layer is a cotton top sheet with a wax-based coating deposited on an exterior surface of the first layer (adjacent to the wearer's skin, or “user-facing”); and (ii) a second layer, wherein the second layer is an acquisition/distribution layer (ADL), and wherein the ADL is comprised of two sub-layers of different materials, a first sublayer comprising an apertured film acquisition sub-layer disposed on top of, and laminated to, a second sub-layer comprising a non-woven acquisition layer.

Abstract: A foldable planar door mat has formed integrally therewith at least one hinge 4, 8, 9, 14, 16, 17 extending across one dimension of the covering to enable at least a section 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 of the covering to be folded over to lie on top of and flush with the surface of an adjacent section of the covering. It is possible to have a further hinge 15 located at 90° to the said at least one hinge.

Abstract: An embossing assembly for forming an embossment pattern on a tube blank having a first roll and a second roll. The first roll includes a first shaft having a first axis of rotation and an embossing element joined to the first shaft. The second roll is configured to engage a tube blank when the tube blank at partially surrounds the first roll. The second roll includes a second shaft and a hub joined to the second shaft. The hub includes an engagement region configured to apply pressure to a tube blank adjacent to the embossing element thereby causing part of the tube blank to at least partially conform to the shape of the embossing element. The engagement region includes a compliant material which is more compliant than the second shaft thereby allowing the engagement region to compensate for variations in a wall thickness of a tube blank.

Abstract: An embossing assembly for forming an embossment pattern on a tube blank having a first roll and a second roll. The first roll includes a first shaft having a first axis of rotation and an embossing element joined to the first shaft. The second roll is configured to engage a tube blank when the tube blank at partially surrounds the first roll. The second roll includes a second shaft and a hub joined to the second shaft. The hub includes an engagement region configured to apply pressure to a tube blank adjacent to the embossing element thereby causing part of the tube blank to at least partially conform to the shape of the embossing element. The engagement region includes a compliant material which is more compliant than the second shaft thereby allowing the engagement region to compensate for variations in a wall thickness of a tube blank.

Abstract: A tampon showing improved leakage protection through improved expansion characteristics is disclosed. The tampons disclosed demonstrate these improved expansion characteristics particularly in the width dimension without introducing new drawbacks. Preferred tampons are described which are compressed to an initial size comparable to current tampons, but which expand to a width exceeding that achieved by current tampons. Such increased expansion is preferably accomplished without an increase in the total absorbency of the tampon. Tampons of various absorbencies are disclosed having increased total expansion in the width direction compared to current tampons. Additionally, tampons of various absorbencies which expand to a greater degree in the width direction under pressure are also disclosed. Tampons of various absorbencies which expand at a rate exceeding that achieved previously are also disclosed.

Abstract: A tampon showing improved leakage protection through improved expansion characteristics is disclosed. The tampons disclosed demonstrate these improved expansion characteristics particularly in the width dimension without introducing new drawbacks. Preferred tampons are described which are compressed to an initial size comparable to current tampons, but which expand to a width exceeding that achieved by current tampons. Such increased expansion is preferably accomplished without an increase in the total absorbency of the tampon. Tampons of various absorbencies are disclosed having increased total expansion in the width direction compared to current tampons. Additionally, tampons of various absorbencies which expand to a greater degree in the width direction under pressure are also disclosed. Tampons of various absorbencies which expand at a rate exceeding that achieved previously are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing side panels for use with disposable articles including the following steps: providing a web of material in a machine direction, the web having activation zones and designated final cut regions; activating the activation zones; making a series of intermediate cuts in the web, each of the intermediate cuts extending across at least a portion of one of the activation zones; making a folded web by folding the web along an axis that is generally parallel to said machine direction; and cutting the folded web in the designated final cut regions to provide individual extensible side panels.