Abstract: This invention relates to catamenial tampons, and more particularly to an improved tampon which has a compressed core portion and at least one flexible panel for improved coverage of the interior of the vaginal cavity and for directing fluid toward the tampon core. The tampon of the present invention combines the advantages of an absorbent material compressed to a self-sustaining form with an absorbent portion which is uncompressed and relatively flexible. This tampon has a central absorbent core having a first (insertion) end, a second (withdrawal) end disposed opposite the first end, and a side surface which extends between the first end and the second end. The central absorbent core is constructed from an absorbent material which has been compressed to a self-sustaining form. The tampon also includes at least one flexible panel which is joined to the central absorbent core along at least a portion of the side surface of the core.

Abstract: A laminated loop fastening material for a refastenable mechanical fastening system, the loop fastening material being capable of engaging a complementary hook fastening material.

Abstract: An apparatus for making airlaid articles such as discrete absorbent cores for catamenial napkins and disposable diapers and the like. Apparatus embodying the invention preferably comprises a laydown drum having a plurality of formation cavities having foraminous bottom walls, which cavities are circumferentially spaced around the perimeter of the drum. The apparatus also preferably includes means for directing a high velocity stream of air-entrained matter such as, for example, fibers or particulate matter, substantially radially towards a relatively short circumferential span of the perimeter of the drum; and a hood having sufficient circumferential span of the drum to enable excess entrainment air to be drawn by vacuum through the foraminous bottom walls of substantially empty cavities, and to enable recirculation of the excess scarfed fibers.

Abstract: A layered paper and method of making it, which paper is characterized by having a soft, relatively untextured smooth velutinous surface defined by a multiplicity of relatively flaccid papermaking fibers having unbonded free end portions of substantial length, and which surface is subjectively discernible by humans as being extremely soft and smooth. Exemplary embodiments include tissue paper, and tissue paper products comprising one or more plies of such paper. The method includes wet laying a layered web which has a relatively low bond surface layer comprising at least about 60% relatively short papermaking fibers, drying the web without imparting substantial texture thereto, breaking sufficient papermaking bonds in the surface layer to generate a velutinous surface having an FFE-Index of at least about 60 and preferably at least about 90, and calendering the dried web as required to provide said surface layer with an HTR-Texture of about 1.0 or less, and more preferably about 0.

Abstract: A method for forming a disposable absorbent article having portions which are elastically extensible in at least the cross-machine direction.