Abstract: A liquid-impervious backsheet for body fluids disposal article having upper and lower surfaces made of thermoplastic synthetic resin, the sheet includes a plurality of independent concave zones depressed downward from the lower surface and a smooth zone extending around these concave zones, each of the concave zones being formed in its region except its peripheral edge with at least one micropore.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a pigmented cover; a pigmented apertured transfer layer; an absorbent core; and a pigmented backsheet that provides masking of synthetic menstrual fluid and discretion.

Abstract: An absorbing article has a hydrophobic, liquid impermeable back side layer and a liquid permeable top layer together with an interposed hydrophilic core layer. The article is made so that at least the back side layer comprises hydrophobic vegetable fibers, preferably kapok fibers, and that the top lay can comprise wool fibers.

Abstract: Highly efficient absorbent articles for wearing by a human female such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, and adult incontinence pads. In use, the absorbent articles preferably maintain contact with and cover at least a portion of the inside surfaces of the wearer's labia, the exterior surfaces of the wearer's labia, and the supporting garment. The absorbent articles are highly flexible, having flexure resistance of less than or equal to about 100 grams. The absorbent articles may be flat or cup-shaped.

Abstract: Disclosed is a nonwoven fabric that is formed of polyethylene glycol modified copolyester staple fibers. The copolyester staple fibers include polyethylene terephthalate in an amount sufficient for the copolyester staple fibers to possess dimensional stability properties substantially similar to those of conventional, unmodified polyethylene terephthalate fibers, polyethylene glycol in an amount sufficient for the copolyester staple fibers to possess wicking characteristics that are superior to those of conventional, unmodified polyethylene terephthalate fibers, and chain branching agent in an amount less than about 0.0014 mole-equivalent branches per mole of standardized polymer. Also disclosed are methods for making such nonwoven fabrics.

Abstract: An absorbent pad for receiving therein urine and feces. The absorbent pad comprises an elongated body having a bottom panel with a peripheral wall projecting from a periphery of the bottom panel to define a concavity, and a layer of absorbent material in the concavity. The bottom panel and the peripheral wall have impermeable outer surfaces such that liquid received in the concavity is retained therein and is absorbed by the layer of absorbent material. The absorbent pad is adapted for being positioned between legs of a person such that the concavity faces a crotch of the person for receiving at least one of urine and feces in the concavity. The peripheral wall is elevated so as to prevent the absorbent layer in the concavity of the absorbent pad from coming into contact with skin of the person.

Abstract: A shred-resistant and cut-resistant absorbent sheet material including an absorbent substrate and cut-resistant particles discontinuously distributed through the substrate. The absorbent substrate can comprise cellulosic material and the particles comprise polymeric materials having an average size of at least about 100 nanometers, and most preferably between 100 nanometers and 1000 nanometers. In one embodiment, the particles are provided in an amount of between about 10 percent to about 50 percent by weight of the sheet. The sheet material can be made using typical paper making processes. Heat and/or pressure are applied to the sheet material to cause the particles to at least partially flow, so as to bond to the absorbent substrate. The sheets can be provided as a layered structure with a slip-resistant base for home use in the preparation of foodstuffs.

Abstract: An absorbent composition comprising an uncrosslinked, high molecular weight polymer, wherein the uncrosslinked, high molecular weight polymer is treated by a means to effectively insolubilize the uncrosslinked, relatively high molecular weight polymer such that the absorbent composition exhibits desirable absorbent properties. In particular, the absorbent composition has the ability to absorb a large quantity of liquid. The absorbent composition is useful in disposable absorbent products, such as those disposable absorbent products that are used to absorb bodily liquids. Suitable polymers include polyethylene oxide, poly(acrylic acid), poly(vinyl alcohol), and poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) wherein the polymer has a weight average molecular weight that is greater than about 1,000,000.

Abstract: The present invention relates to dark colored absorbent articles, such as pantiliners or sanitary napkins. More specifically, dark colored absorbent articles are disclosed comprising an apertured topsheet, an underlying layer visible through the apertures of the topsheet and a backsheet, wherein both the topsheet and underlying layer have a L Hunter value of less than 60. Preferably the topsheet, the backsheet and the underlying layer have the same color (e.g., black).

Abstract: The present invention relates a material having fluid handling characteristics and generally includes a substrate having at least a first surface, and one or more chemistries, being applied to the first surface of the substrate in discrete droplets, wherein one or more droplets form discrete domains on the substrate. The chemistries applied to the substrate may penetrate the substrate to varying degrees wherein the varying degrees of chemistry penetration produce materials having various topographies. The topography or topographies may create fluid barriers, skin separation, or otherwise result in skin health benefits. A second embodiment of the present invention is directed to an absorbent article having one or more phase-change materials applied thereto. A third embodiment is directed to a composite including a substrate and one or more chemistries, wherein the chemistries are applied to the substrate so as to produce a substrate having discretely placed and registered bond points.

Abstract: A toilet training article in the form of a toilet training pad containing an effervescent agent is disclosed. The toilet training pad, which may be an insertable pad or integrated directly into an undergarment, contains an effervescent agent which releases gas upon being contacted by urine. The effervescent agent may be in the form of a compound containing a substantially inert gas, or may be a combination of compounds that, upon being contacted by urine, produce a gas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an absorbent article having a stable skin care composition disposed on its skin-contacting surface. The skin care composition is readily transferable to the skin via normal contact, wearer motion, and/or body heat. Importantly, the skin care composition contains at least one skin care ingredient imparting visible skin benefits to the skin upon transfer to the skin and at least one rheological agent for stabilizing the composition such that agglomeration, stratification and/or settling of the composition are minimized. The present invention also relates to a process for making the absorbent articles having a stable skin care composition disposed thereon.

Abstract: A catamenial device for blood leakage prevention composed of an inflatable member and an absorbent intravaginal member such as a tampon. The inflatable 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 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 the ouside environment into the inflatable member via the opening in the inflatable member. Inflation of the inflatable member can be activated manually by the user or via an intravaginal applicator which has the dual function of inserting and delivering the device into the vagina and that of actuating the inflation of the inflatable member.

Abstract: An absorbent dressing comprising a hydrophilic gel absorbent layer having a patterned surface on at least one major surface thereof is provided. The patterned surface allows greater surface area for absorption of wound exudate when oriented toward the wound surface, while reducing the absorbent surface area in direct or indirect contact with the wound.

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent structure having wet integrity higher than about 4.0 kN/gsm, softness higher than 8.0/J, pliability higher than about 70/N, and providing a substantially dry liquid-accepting surface after receiving a quantity of liquid. The structure includes an upper ply having an upper fluid receiving surface and a lower surface and including (i) a top stratum including synthetic matrix fibers bonded with a binder, the matrix fibers having length from about 2 to about 15 mm; (ii) a middle stratum in fluid communication with the top stratum, the middle stratum including natural fibers, superabsorbent particles and a binder; and (iii) a bottom stratum in fluid communication with the middle stratum, the bottom stratum including natural fibers and a binder.

Abstract: A paper diaper using an water-absorbing polymer is superior in absorbency/water-retaining performance to a cloth diaper, but it has the drawback that it generates garbage and is expensive. An water-absorbing pad is formed by allowing an water-absorbing polymer which is dispersed, dissolved or melted or the crosslinks of which are broken in an electrolytic aqueous solution to be retained by a water soluble material. An water-absorbing product is produced by interposing the water-absorbing pad thus formed between sheets of cloth or other materials. The water-absorbing pad secured within the product is dissolved when washed with an electrolytic aqueous solution, and the product itself is reusable.

Abstract: An intravaginal inflatable member impermeable to fluids capable when inflated of providing sealable closure of the vaginal canal for the prevention of exit of menstrual blood from the vaginal orifice. The inflatable member can be connected to an absorbent member or can be a stand alone device. Inflation of the inflatable member can be activated manually by the user or via an intravaginal applicator which has the dual function of inserting and delivering the device into the vagina and that of actuating the source of inflation to inflate the inflatable member.

Abstract: A pants-type diaper, is provided which is equipped with leg-hole elastics which effectively encircle the leg-holes without traversing the crotch region. Also provided are methods for producing such diapers. Typical products of this type are provided with an outer laminate, formed of an inner liner material and an outer backsheet material between which the leg-hole elastics are disposed. The invention provides for the removal of a strip of inner liner material carrying undesirable crotch-region elastic strands prior to lamination or combining of the remaining inner liner with a complementary outer layer backsheet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a film-forming barrier composition useful for protecting the skin from body fluids, such as urine, feces, menses. The composition comprises a skin conditioning agent, a viscosity enhancing agent and an oleophilic film-forming agent. Optionally, the lotion may comprise skin care ingredients for treating or maintaining skin health. The composition may be applied to the skin by suitable delivery vehicles, such as absorbent articles or components thereof, sheet materials, pads, bandages, sponges, foam pads, pumps, sprays, depending on the viscosity of the composition.

Abstract: An absorbent article that provides leakage protection and/or skin protection, as well as methods for using and preparing the absorbent article and novel compositions and composites for use in the absorbent article, is disclosed. The absorbent article comprises a permeable topsheet; a substantially impermeable backsheet; an absorbent core positioned between said permeable topsheet and said substantially impermeable backsheet; and a hydrophobic composition selectively disposed on the absorbent article to contain leakage. The hydrophobic composition is disposed at one or more leak protection zones.

Abstract: The present invention relates to shape deformable materials, which are capable of (1) being deformed, (2) storing an amount of shape deformation, and (3) recovering at least a portion of the shape deformation when exposed to a humid environment. The shape deformable materials can advantageously be in the form of films, fibers, filaments, strands, nonwovens, and pre-molded elements. The shape deformable materials of the present invention may be used to form products, which are both disposable and reusable. More specifically, the shape deformable materials of the present invention may be used to produce products such as disposable diapers, training pants, incontinence products, and feminine care products.

Abstract: Provided is a water-decomposable absorbent article including an absorbent body that has a water-decomposable top sheet, a water-decomposable back sheet, a water-decomposable adsorbent core sandwiched between the top sheet and the back sheet, and an adhesive layer provided on the back sheet to fit the absorbent article to an external support; and a water-decomposable release sheet for protecting the adhesive layer before use with covering the adhesive layer. The release sheet includes a release layer that faces the adhesive layer, a water-decomposable fibrous layer, and a water-soluble polymer layer sandwiched between the release layer and the fibrous layer. A basis weight of the release layer is at least 0.05 g/m2 but smaller than 0.3 g/m2, and an equilibrium contact angle between a surface of the release layer and a water drop thereon is at least 100 degrees.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a refastenable absorbent garment comprises moving a base web in a first machine direction, moving at least two strips of fastener material in a second machine direction, cutting the at least two strips of fastener material to define at least a first and second stream of a plurality of fastener members, successively rotating each of the fastener members in each of the first and second streams, and applying each of the rotated fastener members in each of the first and second streams to the base web, wherein the fastener members in the first stream are sequentially located relative to the fastener members in the second stream on the base web in an alternating relationship along the first machine direction. An apparatus for fabricating a refastenable absorbent garment is also provided and includes a rotator and a construction drum rotating about an axis and positioned adjacent the rotator.

Abstract: A superior skin barrier enhancing body facing material, such as a body side liner on an absorbent article, can be made by applying, on the outer surface of the body facing material, a lipid-enriched hydrophobic composition comprising a natural fat or oil, a sterol or sterol derivative, an emulsifying surfactant, a humectant, an emollient, a wax, and a viscosity enhancer, and thereafter resolidifying the composition to form a distribution of solid composition on the outer surface of the body facing material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an incontinence care system and the use thereof which is suitable for the collection of urine and/or faeces and/or menses. Claimed and described is an incontinence care system comprising at least two components selected from the group of human waste collection bag, absorbent pad, partial diaper (350), orificed diaper (450) and orificed incontinence garment for adult or infant incontinence.

Abstract: A topsheet for absorbent articles is disclosed. The topsheet is used on the side of an absorbent article to be brought into contact with a wearer's body. The topsheet has an air permeability of 10 ml/cm2·sec or more in the horizontal direction under a pressure of 10 cN/cm2. The topsheet also has an air permeability of 10 to 500 ml/cm2·sec in the horizontal direction under a pressure of 50 cN/cm2.

Abstract: A method for producing a stretch-thinned elastic article having dimensional stability over time and at elevated temperatures in which a thermoplastic block copolymer is melt-processed into a stretchable article such as a film or fiber. The article is then conditioned at an elevated temperature greater than or equal to a glass transition temperature (Tg) of a hard phase of the thermoplastic block copolymer. The article is stretch-thinned at the elevated temperature to a desired percentage stretch, forming a stretch-thinned article, after which it is cooled to a temperature below the glass transition temperature of the hard phase of the thermoplastic block copolymer. Films produced by this method are suitable for use in durable and disposable articles including personal care articles such as diapers, incontinence wear, training pants, and feminine care articles, as well as wound dressings, wipes, towels, napkins, and protective apparel.

Abstract: A pliable contact bandage for placement over a wound site located on any skin surface, is provided. The apparatus includes a re-openable, flexible enclosure adapted to receive a source of heat or cold, and an adhesive for mounting the pliable contact bandage on a skin surface. The source of heat or cold is temporarily placed within the flexible enclosure and the pliable contact bandage is placed over the wound site in a heat conducting relationship. Typically, a hypo-allergenic adhesive is located along at least a portion of the periphery of the flexible enclosure. The periphery of the flexible enclosure surrounds the wound site.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to crimped and resilient polymeric fibers and to fabrics and laminates made from the fibers. In general, the fibers are produced by crimping a polymeric fiber and then cross-linking a polymer and/or monomer contained within the fiber. Cross-linking the polymer makes the crimp contained with the fiber more permanent and more resilient. When formed into a nonwoven web, the fibers produce high loft fabrics which are resilient to compressive forces. Nonwoven webs made in accordance with the present invention are particularly well suited for use in filter products and liquid absorbent products.

Abstract: A cloth member for use in surgical operations includes a fluid absorbing device attached on a base member for absorbing the fluid or the water or the blood or the other fluid substances generated during the surgical operations that may contain various kinds of germs. The fluid absorbing device includes a water-proof layer attached to the base member, and a cover layer and one or more intermediate layers attached to the water-proof layer for absorbing the fluid. The cover layer includes a number of hairy members formed for spoiling a surface tension of the fluid.

Abstract: A modified cellulosic fiber having superabsorbent properties is described. The modified fiber of the invention has a fibrous structure substantially identical to the cellulosic fiber from which it is derived. The modified fiber is a water-swellable. water-insoluble fiber that substantially retains its fibrous structure in its expanded, water-swelled state. The modified fiber is a sulfated and crosslinked cellulosic fiber having a liquid absorption capacity of at least about 4 g/g. In one embodiment, the modified fiber is an individual, crosslinked, sulfated cellulosic fiber. In another aspects, the invention provides a rollgood that includes the modified fiber, absorbent composites and articles that include the modified fiber, and methods for making the modified cellulosic fiber.

Abstract: A modified cellulosic fiber having superabsorbent properties is described. The modified fiber of the invention has a fibrous structure substantially identical to the cellulosic fiber from which it is derived. The modified fiber is a water-swellable, water-insoluble fiber that substantially retains its fibrous structure in its expanded, water-swelled state. The modified fiber is a sulfated and crosslinked cellulosic fiber having a liquid absorption capacity of at least about 4 g/g. In one embodiment, the modified fiber is an individual, crosslinked, sulfated cellulosic fiber. In another aspects, the invention provides a rollgood that includes the modified fiber, absorbent composites and articles that include the modified fiber, and methods for making the modified cellulosic fiber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to disposable absorbent articles such as diapers, adult incontinence products, sanitary napkins and the like comprising a reusable fastening device. The reusable fastening device comprises a first end a second end member, and a suspension member. Both end members are releasably engageable with the suspension member and releasably engageable with the disposable absorbent article.

Abstract: A spunbond nonwoven fabric useful as a topsheet is produced from polypropylene filaments including a high level of reclaimed polypropylene, while maintaining a product quality, including superior formation, comparable to that obtained when using 100 percent virgin polymer. The spunbond nonwoven fabric is made with multicomponent filaments having at least two different polymer components occupying different areas within the filament cross section, and wherein one of the polymer components comprises reclaimed polypropylene recovered from previously spun polypropylene fiber or webs comprised of previously spun polypropylene fiber. In a specific embodiment, the filaments are sheath-core bicomponent filaments and the reclaimed polypropylene is present in the core component. The core of the bicomponent filament can be comprised of up to 100% reclaimed polypropylene.

Abstract: A topsheet for a disposable absorbent article that includes 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 apart from one another that extend parallel to one another in one direction and the second plastic film layer includes a plurality of second plane regions spaced apart from one another that extend parallel to one 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: The present invention provides an absorbent article having a silhouette that includes a first portion and a second portion, wherein the second portion is in opposite relation to the first portion, and a pair of opposed longitudinally extending sides connecting the first portion to the second portion. The absorbent article also contains a layered portion with a substantially transparent cover layer that absorbs fluid, a substantially transparent backsheet layer, and an optional absorbent core, which may be substantially transparent. At least one flap may optionally extend laterally from a longitudinally extending side.

Abstract: A modified cellulosic fiber having superabsorbent properties is described The modified fiber of the invention has a fibrous structure substantially identical to the cellulosic fiber from which it is derived. The modified fiber is a water-swellable, water-insoluble fiber that substantially retains its fibrous structure in its expanded, water-swelled state. The modified fiber is a sulfated and crosslinked cellulosic fiber having a liquid absorption capacity of at least about 4 g/g. In one embodiment, the modified fiber is an individual, crosslinked, sulfated cellulosic fiber. In another aspects, the invention provides a rollgood that includes the modified fiber, absorbent composites and articles that include the modified fiber, and methods for making the modified cellulosic fiber.

Abstract: A film which is water-flushable and biodegradable that is particularly useful as a backsheet for disposable absorbent articles, and in particular flushable interlabial catamenial products. The film comprises: (1) a relatively thin water-impervious biodegradable layer to maintain the integrity of the film during use and to minimize or prevent aqueous liquids from penetrating through the film; (2) a relatively thick substantially water-soluble layer adjacent the water-impervious layer to cause the film to lose integrity after the film is flushed; and (3) a relatively thin substantially water-permeable layer adjacent the water-soluble layer to control the rate at which water and other aqueous liquids contact, dissolve and disintegrate the water-soluble layer.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a bodyside liner includes a hydrophilic lotion formulation on the outer bodyfacing surface thereof. The hydrophilic lotion formulation comprises from about 10 to about 90 weight percent of a hydrophilic solvent, from about 5 to about 90 weight percent of a high molecular weight polyethylene glycol, and from about 0 to about 60 weight percent of a fatty alcohol. The hydrophilic lotion formulation has a reduced adverse effect on the absorbent and liquid uptake properties of the liner and the absorbent body when compared to conventional lipophilic or hydrophobic lotion formulations. The hydrophilic lotion formulation acts as a lubricant to reduce the abrasion of the skin caused by the liner and also transfers to the skin to provide improved skin health.

Abstract: A neonatal safety net system for preventing injury to a baby during childbirth. The neonatal safety net system includes a support member, an extended member extending from the support member, a plurality of end straps attached to the support member, and a plurality of middle straps attached to the support member. The extended member is frictionally positioned between the mother and the delivery table. The support member acts as a safety net when the end straps are connected to an obstetrician. The middle straps are secured around the woman's thighs to further prevent movement of the support member during childbirth.

Abstract: Method of producing a fibrous material layer mainly intended to be incorporated in an absorbent article such as a diaper, pant diaper, incontinence guard, sanitary napkin or the like. At least one bundle of continuous filaments, so called tow (12), is opened and the filaments are separated and evened to a layer having the desired fiber distribution, after which the layer is bonded in points, spots or lines in a bonding pattern, but where the filaments otherwise are substantially unbonded to each other.

Abstract: A multi-layer absorbent product in a preferred embodiment includes a fibrous nonwoven top sheet, a fibrous nonwoven absorbent core layer, and a fibrous nonwoven substantially water-impervious back sheet. Each component layer or sheet is manufactured at a fiberizing station (i.e., melt spinning) and laminated together at a combining station. The preferred melt spinning apparatus is spunbond for the top sheet, meltblowing for the core layer, and a combination of spunbond and meltblowing for the bottom sheet.

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent structure having wet integrity higher than about 4.0 kN/gsm, softness higher than 8.0/J, pliability higher than about 70/N, and providing a substantially dry liquid-accepting surface after receiving a quantity of liquid. The structure includes an upper ply having an upper fluid receiving surface and a lower surface and including (i) a top stratum including synthetic matrix fibers bonded with a binder, the matrix fibers having length from about 2 to about 15 mm; (ii) a middle stratum in fluid communication with the top stratum, the middle stratum including natural fibers, superabsorbent particles and a binder; and (iii) a bottom stratum in fluid communication with the middle stratum, the bottom stratum including natural fibers and a binder.

Abstract: This is what is new in the invention, REUSABLE DIAPER WITH LINER; the nylon mesh liner; the structure of material around the waist of the diaper; the structure and attachment of the flannel fabric; the structure of the outer nylon shell; and the structure of the fastening flaps.

Abstract: A topsheet for a disposable absorbent article that includes a first hydrophobic plastic film layer, a second hydrophobic plastic film layer and hydrophobic thermoplastic synthetic fibrous layer disposed between the two layers. The first hydrophobic plastic film layer includes a plurality of first plane regions spaced apart from one another that extend parallel to one another in one direction and the second hydrophobic plastic first layer includes a plurality of second plane regions spaced apart from one another that extend parallel to one another in the one direction. Of the first and second plane regions, at least the first plane regions are formed with bridge regions and first rising regions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and absorbent articles including compositions for protecting and enhancing the barrier function of the skin. The compositions can be applied to the bodyfacing surfaces of absorbent articles so that the compositions come into contact with the skin. The compositions of the invention have improved stability on the bodyfacing surfaces after processing. The compositions of the invention provide several benefits including prevention and alleviation of skin irritations associated with the use of absorbent articles. The compositions can include natural fats, natural oils, sterols or sterol derivatives, emollients, solidifying agents and viscosity enhancers.

Abstract: A retainer to retain the viscera displaced from an internal body area to be accessed for surgery comprises an outer envelope of pliable material with an evacuation port. At least two sheets of material are arranged in face to face relation in the envelope. The sheets have a forming configuration in which they are relatively free to slide over one another in conforming the envelope to a desired shape and a form retained configuration in which the sheets are restrained from sliding relative to one another on evacuation of the envelope. In one case there are sheets of an inelastic material and sheets of an elastic material. Alternatively the sheets may be of the same inelastic material.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a women's disposable sanitary napkin for external use. More specifically, a women's disposable sanitary napkin is provided with corrugations conformable in its whole structure, which makes it possible to adapt the sanitary napkin to the wearer's undergarment.

Abstract: A body fluid absorbent garment includes a topsheet, a backsheet and a core disposed therebetween, the core is formed with a pair of protruding barriers spaced from each other and extending parallel to the side edges and has a density lower in the protruding barriers than in its zone free from formation of the protruding barriers.

Abstract: An absorbent article is provided comprising flocked fibers adhered to one or more internal surfaces of an absorbent article comprising a cover, an absorbent core, and a backsheet, such as the internal surface of the cover, either surface of the absorbent core, or the internal surface of the backsheet.