Abstract: A distinctive method and apparatus provide a technique for forming a fastener system. Generally stated, the apparatus includes a supply mechanism for providing along a machine-direction a first web of material having a medial portion thereof. A first assembly mechanism attaches a second web of material to the medial region of the first web along the machine direction to provide a web laminate, and a first parting mechanism separates the web laminate into at least a first laminate section and a second laminate section. Each laminate section includes a portion of the first web and a portion of the second web, and each laminate section has an edge region thereof. A directing mechanism spaces apart the first and second laminate sections, and a delivery mechanism locates a securement web of fastening material between the first and second laminate sections. The securement web has a first side region and a second side region thereof.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprises a first, liquid-permeable carrier layer and at least a second carrier layer. A carrier attaching mechanism secures together the carrier layers to provide substantially attached zones and a multiplicity of substantially unattached zones thereof. The substantially unattached zones provide a plurality of pocket regions, and high-absorbency material is located within the pocket regions to provide an absorbent laminate having a laminate length and a laminate width. A selected plurality of the pocket regions can, for example, be configured with an elongate shape having a major axis length and a relatively shorter minor axis width. The selected plurality of elongate pocket regions is included within a dispersed pocket array having a non-contiguous, labyrinth configuration of pockets.

Abstract: The present invention provides a distinctive article which includes at least one absorbent, fibrous web layer which is substantially non-hydroentangled. The fibrous web layer can have a basis weight of at least about 60 gsm, and a density of not more than about 0.25 gm/cc. The fibrous web layer can further have a peak geometric mean tensile strength of at least about 250 grams-force per centimeter of width, and can have a fiber content in which at least about 90 wt % of the fibers are composed of fibers having a fiber length of not more than about 0.4 inch (about 1 cm). In particular configurations, the article includes a backsheet layer, and a liquid permeable topsheet layer which is disposed in facing relation with the backsheet layer. An absorbent structure is interposed between the backsheet layer and the topsheet layer, and the absorbent structure has an overall absorbent capacity of at least about 300 grams of saline.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for forming a composite web having selected discrete pocket regions which are distributed on a carrier layer and contain high-absorbency material. The invention includes a pattern chamber having opposed side walls, an entrance end wall and an exit end wall. A particulate supplying mechanism provides particles of high-absorbency material into the pattern chamber, and a web supplying mechanism provides a gas permeable carrier layer. A foraminous forming mechanism moves the carrier layer through the pattern chamber, and the forming mechanism includes a pattern of openings which are formed therethrough and are arranged to provide for a selected pattern of the discrete pocket regions. A vacuum supplying mechanism provides a selected level of relatively low gas pressure at an underside region of the forming mechanism to produce a selected gas-flow through the carrier layer and the foraminous forming mechanism to form the pocket regions.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprises a first, liquid-permeable carrier layer and at least a second carrier layer. A water sensitive attaching mechanism secures together the carrier layers to provide substantially attached zones and substantially unattached zones thereof. The substantially unattached zones provide a plurality of pocket regions, and a high absorbency material is located within the pocket regions to provide an absorbent laminate. A secondary attaching mechanism secures together the carrier layers along selected secondary attachment regions and provides a substantially water-insensitive connection therebetween. The secondary attachment regions are substantially restricted to locations spaced from the pocket regions.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprises a first, liquid-permeable carrier layer and at least a second carrier layer. A carrier attaching mechanism, such as a water-sensitive adhesive, secures together the carrier layers to provide substantially attached zones and a multiplicity of substantially unattached zones thereof. The substantially unattached zones provide a plurality of pocket regions, and a high-absorbency material is located within the pocket regions to provide an absorbent laminate. Matrix fibers are dispersed within the high-absorbency material in the pocket regions, and the matrix fibers are present in a selected amount which, in particular aspects of the invention, can be within the range of about 0.1-10 weight percent, as determined with respect to the total weight of the absorbent material contained in the pockets.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprises a first, liquid-permeable carrier layer and at least a second carrier layer. A water sensitive attaching mechanism secures together the carrier layers to provide substantially attached zones and substantially unattached zones thereof. The substantially unattached zones provide a plurality of pocket regions, and a high absorbency material is located within the pocket regions to provide an absorbent laminate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a garment article which includes a body of gatherable material, and a heat sensitive, thermally-elasticizable ribbon material which is secured to the gatherable material with a hot melt adhesive. The hot melt adhesive is disposed on a surface of the thermally-elasticizable ribbon to provide a heat recoverable, elastomeric tape. The tape is adhesively secured to the garment by the hot melt adhesive, and is activated by an application of heat to shrink and shir the gatherable material.

Abstract: The present invention provides an article which includes a body of material, and a heat sensitive material which is secured to the body of material with a hot melt adhesive. The hot melt adhesive is disposed on a surface of the thermally-elasticizable material to provide a heat recoverable, elastomeric tape. The tape can be adhesively secured to a selected body with the hot melt adhesive, and can then be activated by an application of heat to shrink and render the tape elastic.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for heating selected portions of an article include transport means for moving the article into a heating compartment. Shroud means, which are disposed within the heating compartment and located adjacent to limited portion of the article, direct a stream of heated gas toward a marginal portion of this article. Supply means deliver a volume rate flow of heated gas to the shroud means, and discharge means remove a volume rate of exhaust gas flow from the heating compartment. The discharge means is constructed and arranged to provide a volume rate of exhaust gas flow from the heating compartment which is greater than the volume rate of heated gas flow supplied into the shroud means.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for applying a hot melt adhesive to a web of heat sensitive material in which the adhesive is heated and extruded in a continuous flat bead having a substantially rectangular cross-section onto a rotating chill roll, cooled, contacted by a web of heat sensitive material and thereafter pressed together so that the adhesive conforms to the web material and bonds thereto, and the bonded adhesive and web stripped from the chill roll.