Abstract: A liner adapted for insertion into a crotch portion of thong underwear for absorbing bodily fluids and protecting the garment from such fluids. The liner includes a left liner edge and a right liner edge converging downward toward an apex of the liner. The liner is sized and configured such that upon insertion of the liner into the crotch portion, the liner apex contacts the crotch portion at a location adjacent a lower end of the crotch portion, the left liner edge does not extend laterally out beyond a left garment edge, the right liner edge does not extend laterally out beyond a right garment edge, and the liner apex is not overlapping with the web of the thong underwear that extends between the buttocks of the wearer. These fit characteristics ensure that the liner does not extend beyond the edges of the thong underwear or onto the web, thereby minimizing irritation of the wearer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a disposable absorbent product, comprising: a package having at least one window and an outer surface; and a plurality of disposable absorbent articles contained in the package. The plurality of disposable absorbent articles include at least two different types of absorbent articles wherein each type of absorbent articles is identified by an indication means disposed on the respective absorbent articles. The indication means of the at least two types of absorbent articles can be seen through the at least one window. As a result, the plurality of types of disposable absorbent articles can be used or consumed more equally.

Abstract: An array of disposable absorbent article configurations is provided comprising a sequence of designs corresponding to a wearer's stages of development. A merchandising system facilitates consumers' selection of an absorbent article configuration by appropriately matching an absorbent article configuration with a particular wearer's stage of development. The system includes indicia exhibiting pictorial representations of the absorbent article configurations fitted to wearer's at corresponding stages of development enabling a consumer to choose the appropriate absorbent article configuration for a particular wearer.

Abstract: An absorbent product for men, having an absorption body (5) which tapers from a front section (11) of the product towards a crotch section (12) of the product and which is enclosed in a sheath including a liquid-tight layer (4) and a liquid-permeable layer (3), both of which layers extend beyond the absorption body round about this and are mutually joined there. The absorption body (5) is arranged to extend, during product usage, from the front section of the product in the direction of the crotch section and is adapted to extend with its narrower end section to slightly below the penis of the user. On the liquid-permeable layer (3), at the narrower end section of the absorption body, a liquid barrier (17) is applied, which is arranged to prevent urine emitted by the user from leaking from the surface of the absorption body towards the crotch region.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a disposable hygienic absorbent article having a shape that has a compulsory loss of material reduced to zero associated with conventional manufacturing processes.

Abstract: The present disclosure refers to a diaper comprising an absorbent core disposed within the diaper and provided with a continuous and ring shaped element in the groin region of the diaper and cooperating with a distal end of the diaper so as to close the diaper around the user's body.

Abstract: The present invention provides an absorbent structure to be used in an absorbent article such as a diaper, a training pant, an adult incontinence absorbent article, a bed mat, or the like, and the respective absorbent article. The absorbent structure of the present invention is able to rapidly acquire urine even against gravity as is quantified by the liquid drip off test defined herein.

Abstract: Provided is a water-decomposable absorbent article including a water-decomposable back layer, a water-decomposable and liquid-pervious surface layer, and a water-decomposable absorbent layer sandwiched between the back layer and the surface layer. The absorbent layer is formed of at least one composite sheet of a water-soluble or water-swellable polymer layer and a water-decomposable fibrous layer, of which the uppermost layer adjacent to the surface layer is the water-decomposable fibrous layer.

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin, having flaps with a combination of first and second stress relief means for relieving the stresses that develop in the flaps when the flaps are folded down along the edges of the wearer's panties in the crotch. The flaps extend laterally outward from the main body portion of the article. The flaps are associated with the main body portion at a juncture along the longitudinal edges of the main body portion. The flaps have a first stress relief means located remote from the juncture. The first stress relief means can be either a slit or a notch. The flaps have at least one second stress relief means contiguous with the first stress relief means. The second stress relief means is a zone of differential extensibility. The zone of differential extensibility is capable of greater extension in a generally longitudinal direction than other portions of the absorbent article.

Abstract: A male, post-void, urinary drip napkin designed to be longitudinally aligned and placed over the penis so that the penis may be shaken with one hand without the fingers directly touching the penis or urine. The napkin is made of lightweight, absorbent material capable of being discarded into a toilet or urinal after being used. The napkin includes an open end and an opposite closed end with only a longitudinally aligned, central tab formed on the closed end. The napkin is designed so it can be either folded into a flat, conical configuration that can be slidingly dispensed from a dispenser or stored in its expanded conical shape in the dispenser. During use, the napkin is expanded into a cylindrical configuration and placed over the penis. The top edge of the open end is concave so that the penis may be viewed when the penis is inserted into the napkin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent articles, typically for feminine protection, comprising a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent element positioned between the tospheet and the backsheet, said absorbent element comprising a fluid storage layer which comprises a liquid absorbent thermoplastic composition comprising a polymeric base material having particles of water-insoluble water-swellable absorbent material dispersed therein, the liquid absorbent thermoplastic composition being configured in a plurality of unattached spaced apart zones.

Abstract: A formulation effective in reducing the pH in a menstruating vagina or in a tampon inserted therein to below pH 5.5, comprising (a) 3-80% by weight of a solid organic acid polymer; (b) 92-15% by weight of a solid organic acid, and (c) 5-30% of a wetting agent. Also disclosed is a delivery system for releasing an active agent comprising: (a) a deposition comprising the active agent; and (b) a polymeric support on which the deposition is deposited. The delivery system is especially useful in a catamenial tampon for insertion in a human vagina which comprises (a) an inner core comprising an absorbent material; (b) an outer layer comprising a liquid permeable material; and (c) the delivery system.

Abstract: A feminine hygiene device offers full protection from heavy menstrual flow by securely covering the inner thigh, buttocks and pelvic area against menstrual leakage. The hygiene device is in the nature of a pair of shorts having vertical elastic seams on each side to hold the device snug on the wearer's pelvic region and legs. Elastic elements on the bottom of each leg of the short secure against downward leakage. The short is made of a liquid impervious cloth having an absorbent cotton blend layer and an outer plastic layer. Additional absorbent padding is incorporated in the short to provide normal coverage in the vaginal region. An elastic waist element aides in supporting the device on the wearer. The cloth may be vapor permeable and the side vertical seams air permeable for cooling effects. A diaper may be readily fashioned of the device.

Abstract: Flexible open-celled microcellular foams based on thermoplastic polymers are useful for fluid-absorbent hygiene articles.

Abstract: A system and method for adjusting the targeting of superabsorbent material in absorbent cores based on the timing of a cutting device are disclosed herein. After targeting superabsorbent material into a segment of absorbent core material, a first sensor is used to determine a change in concentration of superabsorbent material over the length of the segment, or alternatively, a rate-of-change in the concentration is determined. The change in concentration, or rate-of-change, can be interpreted as the timing of the superabsorbent material targeting. A second sensor is used to determine the timing of a cutting device used to separate the segment from the remaining absorbent core material. The timing of the targeting of the superabsorbent material can then be synchronized with the timing of the cutting device for targeting of superabsorbent material in subsequent segments of the absorbent core material.

Abstract: A topsheet for a disposable absorbent article including a first plastic film layer, a second plastic film layer and a fibrous assembly layer disposed between these two layers. The first plastic film layer includes a plurality of first plane regions spaced one from another and extending in parallel one to another in one direction and the second plastic film layer includes a plurality of second plane regions spaced one from another and extending in parallel one to another in the one direction. Of the first and second plane regions, at least the first plane regions are formed with bridge-like regions and first rising regions.

Abstract: A disposable menstrual undergarment configured to be worn as a panty for absorption of menstrual fluids. The panty includes an exterior layer of breathable non-porous material, a middle layer of absorbent materials, and a removable interior layer of absorbent materials positioned on the middle layer and within the front portion, rear portion, and the crotch portion of the undergarment. At least one strip of absorbent materials is positioned along each interior portion of each leg opening. The disposable menstrual undergarment provides for absorption of fluids for young females and/or for adults needing special assistance, with an interior layer that is removable after becoming soiled, while providing additional layers of absorbent materials within the undergarment for absorption of fluids for an extended time until a replacement undergarment is obtained.

Abstract: Hygiene products such as diapers, tampons, pantyliners and the like are produced using zinc oxide in the form of nanoparticles having surfaces that have been chemically and/or physically modified. The surface modification may be carried out using organic compounds such as carboxylic acids, carboxylic acid derivatives, amino acids, hydroxycarboxylic acids, sugar acids, polyglycolic acids, ether carboxylic acids, alkyl halides, or silanes.

Abstract: Absorbent articles including an absorbent core having multiple absorbent layers. The absorbent layers interact in a manner which desirably locates absorbed liquid in an appointed, high saturation wicking layer. The localization of the liquid within this wicking layer increases the potential of this layer to move liquid through capillary action due to the higher saturation level and increased amount of liquid available. The intake capability of the absorbent system is maintained or improved over current systems by keeping a second layer of the absorbent system at low saturation levels through as many insults of the absorbent article as possible, while providing enhanced intake performance through appropriate control of the composite properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to disposable absorbent articles comprising skin health and odor control additives for the treatment and prevention of skin irritation. The skin health treatment additive comprises an oil soluble wax that forms a tight lattice to protect the skin, and vitamins, lipids and triglycerides to protect and replenish the skin. Such disposable absorbent articles of the present invention are especially advantageous for the treatment of skin breakdown leading to partial full thickness wounds or pressure ulcers.

Abstract: An array of disposable diaper configurations is provided comprising a sequence of designs corresponding to a toddler's stages of development. A merchandising system facilitates consumers' selection of an absorbent article configuration by appropriately matching an absorbent article configuration with a particular toddler's stage of development. The system includes indicia exhibiting pictorial representations of the absorbent article configurations fitted to toddler's at corresponding stages of development enabling a consumer to choose the appropriate absorbent article configuration for a particular toddler.

Abstract: A method for producing an elongate sheet of material that includes barrier flaps which extend along the side-edges of said sheet in spaced relationship with respective side-edges, and which project up from the plane of the sheet, including placing along each edge-part of a first elongate web a narrower second elongate web, so the outer side-edges of respective second webs will lie edge-to-edge with the side-edges of the first web; placing along each edge-part of the first elongate web and on top of respective second webs a third elongate sheet narrower than the first sheet, so the outer side-edges of respective third webs will lie edge-to-edge with the side-edges of the first and second webs; joining the first, second and third webs together with a join extending along the outer side-edges of the webs; and swinging the third webs laterally outwards through 180° around the join lines.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an absorbent article that includes a top sheet, a back sheet and an absorbent core disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet. The absorbent article has enhanced thermal transmittance by evincing a lower thermal resistance (clo) of less than about 1.7 watts/m2, as measured in a Thermolabo apparatus. The absorbent article of the invention preferably has a low density, low basis weight core, and it provides improved comfort.

Abstract: An in-vitro method is provided for determining an optimal combination of materials with respect to a particular menstrual flow condition for use in a feminine care absorbent article. The method involves using a simulated menstrual fluid at a controlled subject flow rate that corresponds to an actual menstrual flow condition, and observing the performance of different material combinations in the in-vitro test as an indication of their respective performance in actual use.

Abstract: A protective inguinal perineal element for male and female patients includes a cushion that, when necessary, can have a topical substance applied to it which can be released to the patient.

Abstract: Polyolefin fibers, filaments and fabrics made therefrom which comprise a melt blend which comprises (A) a polyolefin; and (B) at least one polyetheresteramide which contains aromatic diol-derived sections, exhibit excellent durable dyeability. The fabrics are useful in woven garments, carpeting, furniture and automobile upholstery, woven industrial fabrics, non-woven absorbents used in disposable diapers, non-woven garments including disposable medical garments, filter media, synthetic paper and the like.

Abstract: An array of disposable absorbent article configurations is provided comprising a sequence of designs corresponding to a wearer's stages of development. A merchandising system facilitates consumers' selection of an absorbent article configuration by appropriately matching an absorbent article configuration with a particular wearer's stage of development. The system includes indicia exhibiting pictorial representations of the absorbent article configurations fitted to wearer's at corresponding stages of development enabling a consumer to choose the appropriate absorbent article configuration for a particular wearer.

Abstract: A feminine urinary device is disclosed. It comprises a thin, water resistant sheet having a front and a portion. The size and shape of these are such as to allow a user to place the rear portion between her legs while grasping the edges of the front portion so as to turn these edges upward so as to form a trough for directing the direction of discharge of her urine. A tissue and water impermeable envelope for storing the device are also provided. The device allows a female to comfortably urinate while standing, thereby eliminating the problems associated unsanitary or unavailable restroom facilities.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of and an apparatus for creating a pulsed stream of particles in a carrier means, such as air. A pre-metered stream of particles is accumulated in a pulsing chamber of a pulsing means by interrupting the stream of particles by a separator means, which interrupts the flow for a certain portion of the pulse period. The accumulated particles are then removed from the pulsing means by suction, such as by using an ejector.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a low gauge, multilayer film which may be laminated to other materials such as, for example, fibrous nonwoven webs. The multilayer film may include one or more skin layers which in certain configurations comprise no more than about 15 percent of the overall thickness and in other configurations no more than about 10 percent of the overall thickness of the multilayer film. Such films and laminates have a wide variety of uses including, but not limited to, personal care absorbent products, articles of clothing and health care related items such as surgical drapes and gowns.

Abstract: A method and device for collection of a stool specimen. Formation of the device occurs in situ by providing a liquid absorbent polymer to water contained in a toilet bowl. The hydrated polymer forms a matrix that is capable of supported a stool specimen deposited thereon. The method and device provides a simple, economical, and less distasteful means for collecting, sampling and evaluating a stool specimen for diagnosis and/or therapy.

Abstract: An array of disposable absorbent article configurations is provided comprising a sequence of designs corresponding to a wearer's stages of development. A merchandising system facilitates consumers'selection of an absorbent article configuration by appropriately matching an absorbent article configuration with a particular wearer's stage of development.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming tow-based absorbent structures having a single casing sheet are disclosed. The apparatus has a tow supply mechanism for providing tow material, a particulate matter supply mechanism for providing particulate matter, and a casing sheet supply mechanism for providing casing sheet material. The apparatus also has a vacuum draw roll having a foraminous center surface that has a width defined by a first edge and a second edge and is rotatable about a first axis. The vacuum draw roll is positioned to receive the tow material, the particulate matter and the casing sheet material to form a open core composite supply. The apparatus also has one or more angled surfaces positioned to create one or more obtuse angles in the open core composite supply, and one or more folders to further fold the one or more obtuse angles in the open core composite supply to form a folded core composite supply.

Abstract: An absorbent composite suitable for use in a disposable absorbent garment includes material for containing a superabsorbent material and a supersbsorbent material contained by said containment material. The superabsorbent material has a Pressure Absorbency Index of at least 100 and a 16-hour extractable level of less than about 13 weight percent; a Pressure Absorbency Index of at least 100 and a Vortex Time of less than about 45 seconds; or a Pressure Absorbency Index of at least about 110. The superabsorbent material is present in the containment means in an amount of from about 30 to about 100 weight percent based on total weight of the containment material and the superabsorbent material. A disposable absorbent garment includes an outer cover, a body-side liner, and an absorbent composite such as that described above.

Abstract: A self-forming seal absorbent article is provided and includes a biaxially extensible outer cover, a biaxially extensible bodyside liner forming a wearer adjacent surface, a biaxially extensible absorbent core assembly interposed between the outer cover and the bodyside liner, and a pair of laterally-spaced apart and longitudinally-extending containment flap members disposed along the wearer adjacent surface of the bodyside liner.

Abstract: Disposable surgical drapes and gowns exhibiting desirable softness, foldability, absorbency and breathability characteristics incorporate cluster bonded nonwoven laminates. Film layers and nonwoven web layers are secured together by spaced apart unbounded adhesive clusters. Each adhesive cluster includes a perimeterless grouping of discrete spaced apart adhesive droplets. A method and modified apparatus for making the cluster bonded laminates is also described.

Abstract: A catamenial device for blood leakage prevention composed of an inflatable-expandable member and an absorbent intravaginal member such as a tampon. The inflatable-expandable member houses a resiliently expandable inflation member generally made of open cell foam.[, and has an opening for airflow communication between the interior of the inflatable member and the outside environment. During]. Prior insertion into a vaginal canal, the inflation member is [inserted] in a contracted state. Upon placement to proper vaginal location, the inflation member expands by resiliency drawing air from a space inside the balloon or a reservoir of the balloon where the air has been displaced and housed when the air has been squeezed out from the open cell foam when the inflation member has been compressed prior to insertion. [outside environment into the inflatable member via the opening in the inflatable member within the balloon].

Abstract: An intimate napkin for use with an undergarment, having: a substantially planar and elongated frame (3, 3′) comprising a first face having a liquid pervious material layer, and a second face, opposite to the first face, having a liquid impervious material layer; an absorbing core (2) inserted in the frame (3,3′) between the liquid pervious material layer and the liquid impervious material layer, the liquid impervious material layer having a first inner surface faced to the core (2), and a second outer surface, opposite to the first surface, faced outwardly, which constitutes the outer face of the napkin (1,1′); and an adhesive layer applied to the second outer surface, the napkin (1,1′), wherein the adhesive layer is comprised of at least five lines of adhesive (4) substantially spaced apart, the adhesive ratio ranges from 8 to 25 g/m2, and the adhesive has a shear value of at least 2.0 Kgf is disclosed.

Abstract: A lotion alternative, namely a nonwoven fabric treated with an aqueous-based petrolatum-surfactant mixture, simultaneously imparts fluid handling and skin health benefits during product use. The petrolatum-surfactant mixture can be applied to the nonwoven fabric by a foaming process. The foaming process is compatible with existing commercial nonwoven production equipment and in-line high production rates.

Abstract: A process for splicing a first section of absorbent material to a second section of absorbent material to form a longer, continuous length (20) of absorbent material suitable for a substantially uninterrupted sequential in-feed to a processing machine. The process includes a placing of a trailing end (26) of a first portion (22) of absorbent material in a position that substantially overlaps a leading end (28) of a second portion (24) of absorbent material to provide an overlapped splicing region (42). The trailing end (26) of the first portion (22) is attached to the leading end (28) of the second portion (24) along at least a part of the overlapped splicing region (42) with a thermal bond that provides a splice between the first portion (22) of absorbent material and the second portion (24) of absorbent material, and in a particular aspect, the absorbent material can be configured to provide an airlaid, nonwoven absorbent material.

Abstract: A semi-rigid waist, posterior, and thigh enclosing garment used as a diaper is worn by an individual unable to control their bodily functions. The seat portion of the garment is compartmentalized to allow for the collection of feces and urine. The garment is preferably elastic around the thighs and waist to allow for a sufficient seal for the containment of waste, waste flushing water, and spray cleaning water. The garment is also preferably primarily made of silicone. The upper portion of the garment has an elongated oval opening leading to a lower, waste-collecting chamber. The waste-collecting chamber holds the waste away from the individual's body. A raised, pliable ring is positioned to both surround the elongated oval opening and ring the rectum and urethra of the wearer. The garment is preferably connected to a portable cleaning unit or is removed from the wearer for cleaning in a separate device.

Abstract: Disclosed in an absorbent article including a main body and leakage preventing walls. The leakage preventing walls extend longitudinally and lie opposite one another transversely. Each wall is formed of a nonwoven fabric having corrugations, the crests and valleys of which alternate with each other in the longitudinal direction. The nonwoven fabric is provided with an elastic member extending in the longitudinal direction for exhibiting longitudinal shrinking force. The elastic member is adhered to the valleys of the corrugations of the nonwoven fabric with an adhesive. The adhesive is applied to the surface of the elastic member in a band or linear shape continuous in the axial direction of the elastic member and appears regularly or at random at an interval on an arbitrary line which is set on the surface of the elastic member to extend parallel to the axial direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a stable material having enhanced extensibility and a method for making the same. A tensioning force is applied to a neckable material to neck the material. The necked material is then subjected to mechanical stabilization to provide a stabilized extensible necked material. The stabilized extensible necked material is easily extended in a direction parallel to the direction necking.

Abstract: A method and apparatus which determine the location of one component on an article relative to a datum position on the article at a first location in the manufacturing process and then subsequently locating the datum position on the article at a second location in the manufacturing process and determining if the distance from another component to the datum position. The location of two components relative to one another can be determined by comparing their positions relative to the datum position. In a manufacturing process for producing articles such as children's training pants, cameras and a radiation source can be utilized to determine the positions of fastening components on the training pants when they are hidden within the pants.

Abstract: A composite sheet comprises a hydrophobic first plastic film layer forming an upper surface of the sheet, a second plastic film layer forming a lower surface of the sheet and a hydrophobic intermediate fibrous assembly layer disposed between these two layers. The first plastic film layer includes a plurality of first plane regions spaced one from another and extending parallel one to another in one direction and sawtooth-shaped first rising regions formed along edges of the first plane regions and the second plastic film layer includes a plurality of second plane regions. Such composite sheet is breathable but liquid-resistant and suitable for use for disposable garments.

Abstract: A personal care absorbent article having a fluid intake/distribution layer, a fluid transfer delay layer disposed beneath said fluid intake/distribution layer, said fluid transfer delay layer enabling the transfer of fluid from the fluid intake/distribution layer(s) to a pad layer disposed beneath the fluid transfer delay layer while still allowing fluid distribution by the fluid intake/distribution layer along the machine direction of the article resulting in saturation levels of less than or equal to about 0.86 g/g/in of fluid in the intake/distribution layer(s) and/or essentially equal to or greater than 0.06 g/g/in. of fluid in the pad layer.

Abstract: A fluid absorbent article for surgical applications includes a top layer including an apertured film having a plurality of apertures formed therein. Each aperture includes a base and an apex with the aperture base oriented in an upper surface of the top layer and the apex positioned a depth below the base and upper surface. An absorbent layer includes an absorbent media positioned to underlie the top layer generally coextensive with the top layer and receive fluids passing through the top layer. The absorbent media is operable for dispersing and containing the fluid within the article. Bases of the apertures have a plurality of generally straight sides and are positioned with respect to the upper surface to present a plurality of different angles to fluid flowing on the upper surface to hinder and divert the fluid so that it more readily passes through the apertures to the absorbent layer.

Abstract: An absorbent article and a method for manufacturing an absorbent article are disclosed. The absorbent article is made from an inner core absorbent material, which is surrounded by an apertured film. The absorbent material is selected from rayon, cotton, wood pulp, polyester, polyamide, polyolefin, copolymers thereof, and combinations thereof. The absorbent article has a bottom layer, which is made of an apertured film oriented such that protuberances face the inside of the absorbent article. The absorbent article also has a top layer, which is made of an apertured film oriented such that the protuberances face the outside of the absorbent article. The absorbent article may be useful in various applications including sanitary protection and bandages.

Abstract: The invention discloses a composition for the prevention and treatment of diaper dermatitis which includes an effective amount of an anti-lipase agent and/or an anti-protease agent in a suitable vehicle. The composition is designed to maintain an effective amount of the lipase and/or protease inhibitors and to be applied to tissues susceptible to fecal enzyme insult. The invention also discloses a composition for the prevention and treatment of diaper dermatitis which includes an effective amount of a sacrificial lipase substrate and/or a sacrificial protease substrate in a suitable vehicle. The composition is designed to maintain an effective amount of the substrates and to be applied to tissues susceptible to fecal enzyme insult. The present invention also discloses a combination or mixtures of an effective amount of an anti-lipase agent and/or an anti-protease agent in a suitable vehicle and an effective amount of a sacrificial lipase substrate and/or a sacrificial protease substrate in a suitable vehicle.

Abstract: In FIG. 1 a somewhat obese torso of a male is shown with the absorbent article 10 of the present invention applied to the groin area of the body. The Article includes a pad 12 and an elasticized adjustable belt 14 releasably attached to the ends 16 and 18 of the pad by alligator-type clips 20, or other suitable clips. The pad as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 may have a narrowed central portion 22 approximately 1 inch wide, that is particularly convenient and comfortable when the article is used to absorb moisture such as perspiration in the groin area and inner thighs as illustrated in FIG. 1. In FIGS. 4 and 4A another embodiment of absorbent article is shown that may be of the same configuration and made of any of the materials suggested for the pad of FIGS. 2 and 3, but preferably is of uniform width, that is, without the reduced mid-section 22. In FIGS.