Abstract: A dispersible absorbent product comprises a mechanically weakened fibrous web. The dispersible absorbent product can absorb a sufficient amount of fluid without becoming overloaded and suffering from leakage, and is dispersible using a standard toilet. The mechanically weakened regions of the web enhance the dispersibility of the product. Additionally, the dispersible absorbent products may be pre-moistened with a composition. The pre-moistened products are stable in storage, easily dispersible down a toilet, and deliver cleaning, conditioning, and like benefits. Methods of making such dispersible absorbent products are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are highly dispersible absorbent products, comprising an absorbent structure and preferably a water soluble barrier layer, wherein the absorbent products have a high rate of dispersibility, can exhibit low residual by-product in urinals upon flushing, resist strikethrough of absorbed fluid onto the hand of the user, and can absorb a sufficient amount of fluid without becoming overloaded or leaking. In one embodiment, provided is a ring rolled cellulosic sheet having a water soluble polymeric film laminated thereto. Also provided is a method of making such dispersible absorbent products comprising mechanically weakening an absorbent structure. Also provided are packaged products comprising a package and a plurality of dispersible absorbent products or articles.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprises an open-cell foam, which provides the absorbent structure thereof. The absorbent structure has a means for enhancing transport of the fluids from the upper surface into the core region, the means being selected from: a) localized expanded regions of the foam, b) apertures in the foam; c) integration to a topsheet and d) combinations of (a), (b), and (c). Also disclosed are processes of treating thin-after-drying foam absorbent materials to provide selective expansion, aperturing, and topsheet integration.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid absorbent fibrous substrate having a plurality of discontinuous cells in which a second material is disposed. This second material is selected from a broad variety of organic or inorganic solids which may provide a reinforcing effect such that a sharp instrument is prevented from passing through the new composite structure. The reinforcing materials are disposed in a discontinuous array, in a cellular form in the fibrous substrate thus providing a path for liquids to be absorbed into said fibrous substrate, while said reinforcing materials provide resistance to penetration by sharp edged instruments. When disposed in this manner, flexibility is maintained since the reinforcing materials are not disposed in a continuous pattern. Preferably, the pattern disposed is free of linear regions that provide a continuous line of penetration for sharp edges.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid absorbent fibrous substrate having a plurality of discontinuous cells in which a second material is disposed. This second material is selected from a broad variety of organic or inorganic solids which may provide a reinforcing effect such that a sharp instrument is prevented from passing through the new composite structure. The reinforcing materials are disposed in a discontinuous array, in a cellular form in the fibrous substrate thus providing a path for liquids to be absorbed into said fibrous substrate, while said reinforcing materials provide resistance to penetration by sharp edged instruments. When disposed in this manner, flexibility is maintained since the reinforcing materials are not disposed in a continuous pattern. Preferably, the pattern disposed is free of linear regions that provide a continuous line of penetration for sharp edges.

Abstract: A dispersible absorbent product comprises a mechanically weakened fibrous web. The dispersible absorbent product can absorb a sufficient amount of fluid without becoming overloaded and suffering from leakage, and is dispersible using a standard toilet. The mechanically weakened regions of the web enhance the dispersibility of the product. Additionally, the dispersible absorbent products may be pre-moistened with a composition. The pre-moistened products are stable in storage, easily dispersible down a toilet, and deliver cleaning, conditioning, and like benefits. Methods of making such dispersible absorbent products are also disclosed.

Abstract: Absorbent devices, and more particularly absorbent devices that are worn interlabially by female wearers for catamenial purposes, incontinence protection, or both, are disclosed. The interlabial absorbent device of the present invention comprises a main absorbent portion and a pair of flexible extensions joined to the main absorbent portion. The main absorbent portion has a distal surface and comprises an acquisition member and at least one storage member, in fluid communication with the acquisition member, that is disposed laterally outboard of the acquisition member. In use, the distal surface of the main absorbent portion is positioned furthest inward into the space between the wearer's labia majora. The pair of flexible extensions extends downwardly and laterally outward from the distal surface, and preferably is capable of maintaining contact with the inside surfaces of the wearer's labia majora when the wearer's body goes through a range of motions, including squatting.